In memory of...

...My dear friend Sarah Beth Napier (April 23, 1979 - March 29, 2010) who fully submitted to the Lord’s will her entire life - even when breast cancer and brain tumors were among the many trials that would be handed to her. She was (and still is) such an inspiration. She suffered so faithfully. And now, she experiences no more tears or pain. She is safely and comfortably with her Creator. While she was only 30 years old, she lived a life that glorified Christ far more than most people do who live to be 100.

She reminds me once again why it is I believe what I do. As mentioned at her service by one of the pastors, the death rate among humans in 100%. We will all die. Some, earlier than others. And an unbridled faith in Jesus Christ is what determines our path for eternity. Death is something people don’t enjoy talking about, but when looking at it through the eyes of a genuine Christian, it should be something celebrated. Our hope should be built on nothing less than Jesus Christ. Her best friend Julie Hutchison spoke and gave her matron-of-honor speech that she had been waiting to give when Sarah got married. While she never married here on earth, Julie reminded us all that she is now with a groom who far exceeds any man we could have ever hoped she would find. The bible refers to Christ’s relationship with the church of that of a groom. And we can be certain that Sarah had the wedding of her dreams.

Sarah, you will be forever missed here on earth. But, we rejoice in the fact that you are suffering no more. You were and continue to be an unbelievable witness to the gospel and for that, we are forever grateful. May you enjoy eternity with your one, true groom – Jesus.

You can read about her life on her blog: loveyourguts.com.

This picture was taken last August at my birthday party - she had driven with her brother all the way from West Virginia to come to it.

Naples

Here are some pictures from our Naples part of the trip. We had so much fun with my parents (Papa and Kiki) and Whitman was able to meet both Nana Pancero and Nana Tullis. We tried to take Whit to the beach, but it was just so cold...and really, what does a baby do at the beach? Poor guy just didn't get it. By Christmas time when we come down I am sure he will love playing in the sand, but this trip it was mainly about mommy wanting to get a cute picture of him at the beach. Sorry buddy, you were a trooper!

Josh and I had a lot of time during our Florida trip to go out on dates and hang out together. While we missed our little side kick, it was a treat having some good old fashion dates!

meeting Nana P.

and Nana T. (is it just me, or does he look huge next to Nana?)

Family Shot - Take 1

Family Shot - Take 2

learning how to golf from Papa

Fun times in Florida!

Visiting Essee and Bid Daddy in Florida - PART 1

Here are some of our favorite pictures from our Sarasota portion of the Florida trip. We had a great time. I don't think I changed more than 4 diapers the entire trip with all the help from the grandmas! Whit loved the pool and loved going on walks. After the winter we had, he was ready for some outdoor time (or at least mommy sure was). It was so nice being able to walk outside without being all bundled up. And one of the first nights we were in Sarasota we tried to see what would happen if we didn't wake him up for his 10 pm bottle, and sure enough...he just slept right through the night and woke up around 8:30 am. So, now we go from 8-8. I love our good little sleeper! Naples pictures will be up next.

First time swimming

Swimming with Essee

This picture pretty much sums up the trip! Lots of nap times - for baby and mommy!

Meeting the Bargers...can't wait for Ella to be born soon!

First time out to dinner...slept through most of it.

I love bath time!

Essee reading to me.

Snuggling with Big Daddy.

Beach bum...

We just got back from our 2.5 weeks in Florida and it was so nice. Here is one of my favorite pictures from the trip. I will post some more this week.

Welcome to the world Whit!

http://gallery.mac.com/alideckard#100138

Surviving the storm!! And it is still coming down...

11-7...

I love my little sleeper! Thanks to my friend Vanessa who shared with me how she gets her babies to sleep through the night at 5 weeks of age, Whitman has gone 7 nights now from 11 pm to 7 am! I have even had to wake him up at 7:15 a few times. Life is so different with a few extra hours of sleep.