Christmas, Christmas!

Though Bart wasn't able to join me for Christmas this year (he's crossing the Atlantic ocean right now!), I had a great time with my family and friends. This year has been really great as I reflect on all of the busy-ness, accomplishments and blessings. Next year will be just as busy with the upcoming shower, bachelorette party, and wedding... not to mention spring semester at Flagler and all of the planning and studying that accompanies the previously mentioned things. It's all exciting and I love the changes and fast pace that life offers right now. For now, I'll leave you all with a link to the pictures from Christmas Day. The pics can be downloaded to your computer individually by clicking on the picture and then "Download" above the pic.

Merry Christmas everyone and I hope you all have a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year!!

http://picasaweb.google.com/jenny29078/Christmas2008?feat=directlink

The Latest Happenings

I haven't posted anything since October, so I thought I'd update everyone on what's been going on. Bart's been out of town since the end of Sept. He will have traveled around the world by the time he's back home. He's on his way back across the Atlantic right now and hopefully will be home soon.

All wedding plans are right on track and I really have everything decided that's important. I can't wait for all of our family and closest friends to be with us on our exciting day!

I'm officially over the hump with my Flagler degree and have only spring (starting January 5th) and next fall before I'm finished with my degree. Wohoo! It's been difficult to do both work and college full time, but Bart's so amazing and supportive (especially sharing me with the classes and my study time).

Hopefully by now everyone has received Save the Date cards for our wedding, and ladies, be sure to keep your eye out for shower invites too... comming soon!

I hope that everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year!!

Praise report!!! (Thanks, God for answering our prayers!)

In June I posted requests for prayer for the Sharpe family. Jason and Hope's son, Jaylon, was born 3 months early. Hope sends out family updates, so I've posted the excerpt about Jaylon that she wrote below. Her update was a lot longer, but I think this convey's how God has come through for the Sharpe family. They are such an inspiration and I'm glad they are a part of my life!

"Jaylon is 7 months old, and weighs 12 pounds 13 ounces. He is supposed to be only 4 months old and he acts more like a 4 month old than a 7 month old. He is growing at a good pace, and is right on par with other 4 month olds. He’s still a little small for a 7 month old, but the doctor is pleased with his growth because he’s on a steady path up! ... Jaylon has been eating like a champ too! … Jaylon also rolls over more consistently, and kicks more like he’s trying to move on his belly. He can do a 360 on his belly just by wiggling! When I sit him up, he pulls himself forward so he sits up on his own. Sometimes he leans a little too far and ends up almost between his toes! When I lay him in my arms to feed him, he’ll try to sit up more cause he wants that bottle “right now!” He reminds me a lot of Gavin by how strong he is. My little preemies amaze me in how strong they are and how far they’ve come! God really gives the littlest ones a lot of strength and determination! ... Jaylon has been a blessing to each of us in his own special way. He completes our family and gives us joy that we never expected to receive. God has a special plan for him, and I am looking forward to watching him grow into the man God intends him to be."

In the picture are Hope and Jason and the boys, Jaylon (left), Bailey (middle) and Gavin (right).

Parker Joon Lee

October 17, 2009
3:15 PM (the same time Vickie was born!)
7 lbs, 13 oz
19.9" long

One week and three days ago, Parker Joon Lee was born and he's pure perfection!! I'm sure everyone feels this way, but he's the cutest little angel ever! In the spirit of bragging about my little nephew I've included some pictures. No, Vickie and I aren't sisters, but we should've been and as far as this little man is concerned I'll be his Aunt. :)

Engagement Photos :)

Last Saturday Vickie gave up part of her Saturday to come with me, Bart, and John (he was our helper and got the great camera) downtown to take some engagement photos. She did a great job and I can't wait to see how our album comes out for the wedding. We're going to use these photos in our guest book, so here's a sneak peek of some of the pictures.

Thanks again to the fabulous Vickie and John!!

http://picasaweb.google.com/jenny29078/EngagementPhotos

Baby Shower

Saturday was Vickie and Emory's baby shower. We had quite a crowd and everyone had a great time. We played a few games: 1) you can't say "baby" or you'll lose your duckie, 2) figure out the baby food in the jars, & 3) baby boy bingo. The pictures can be reached from this link: http://picasaweb.google.com/jenny29078/VickieEmorySBabyShower

We're engaged!!

Here's the story...

We went out for a picnic to Washington Oaks State Park today and took Tinkerbell with us. We had a great time bike riding and having lunch, but we couldn't go into the garden because they don't allow dogs in there. (He was going to ask in the garden.) After biking and lunch we came home and Bart took Tinkerbell to the back yard. I went to the back yard to let them in through the sliding glass door and Bart was sitting on our garden bench with Tinkerbell. He asked me to come out and see something and put Tink down to come up to me. She had a little note tied around her neck with a bow. When I bent down to read it read this:

(front)Mommy, The daddy wants to know...
(inside)Will you marry him?
(back) I hope you say yes! (signed with a little paw and Tink's name)

Then he got down on his knees, stood me up and asked me to marry him. I, of course, cried and said yes! And then he put the most beautiful ring on my finger.

He's such an amazing man and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with him!!!

View pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/jenny29078/WeReEngaged

Goodbye, Grandpa Savage

Sunday morning shortly after 1am my Grandpa Savage passed away. He was given 6 months to live around 2 years ago, so we have all been blessed to have him longer than expected. My mother has been married to Russell, my step-dad, since 1983. In that time I've never heard anything but positive words about my grandfather. He's had a wonderful life and family. And as my dad has said, "He was a wonderful father." I know this has been hard on my Nana, Uncle Warren, and my dad. I only hope that I can be a sorce of comfort as the days go by and they need someone to listen, someone to cheer them up, or a shoulder to cry on. Thank you to all of my friends and family for your prayers.

Johnny's Journey to Victory

This is an excerpt from Johnny's Blog. Please join us in prayer for Scarlett's father and family as they go through this painful and difficult time. The link for his blog is in my links to the right.

"Today the oncologist told us that Johnny's lung cancer has been diagnosed malignant non-small cell lung cancer in stage 4. He recommends chemo therapy (which will not cure - only relieve symptoms and reduced the tumour.....it has entered the bloodstream and spread to the adrenal glands.)He will start tomorrow afternoon and every three weeks for 3 sessions then evaluate progress after that with a pet scan. The prognosis is 6-12 months with the chemo and 2-3 months left without treatment.

This is a very difficult day for Johnny, Scarlett, and me, spent in tears of shock and unbelief. We have not called anyone yet except Mom and Dad to tell the news. We want to wait. Today we rallied together as we have weathered every other past crisis in our lives and spent alot of time hugging and praying as we strengthen our faith. We have cried our eyes out together and allowed ourselves a one day pity party. Now we are ready to face this giant and give the ole devil a boot in his pants!"

Another prayer request, please

This was in Scarlett's blog that I read today:

"Today, as a result of the biopsy, the doctor gave my dad 6 months to a year. Through the tears that keep flowing, all I can do is play this song over and over. Despite what the doctor said, my family and I are choosing to still believe in a miracle and God's goodness. Thank you for believing with us."

You can see the song she's talking about at her blog bookmarked on my page. Please keep her family in your prayers.

Prayer

I'm asking you all to remember a few people in your prayers:

Hope and her family: As some of you know Hope's son, Jaylon, was born a premie. He's been making great improvements with The Sharpe Family's continued faith and prayers. For 67 days Hope and Jaylon have been in Orlando at the Ronald McDonald House and the Florida Children's Hospital. Through the ups and downs their family has kept an amazing positive attitude through it all and their faith in God has been such an inspiration to those of us who are blessed to know them. Please pray that Jaylon's improvement continues and they are able to come home soon.


Jane (Bart's mom): she was diagnosed with breast cancer, had to have it removed and then went through chemotherapy once a month for 4 months. Through it all she has kept a wonderful outlook and been so positive. Please pray that the cancer stays out of her body and that her blood work continues to look good.

Our Cruise to the Bahamas

We took our first cruise together last week. It was my first cruise, and Bart has been on them before. I decided to start this blog because so many of our friends and relatives who aren't on MySpace miss out on our pictures. I hope you all enjoy and I'll try to update this as I have more to share. :)

This is Bart and I at Port Lucaya in Freeport, Bahamas

Formal night in the dining room.

Snorkeling in Nassau.

Click here to view the online photo album and see all of our pictures. These pictures can be downloaded to your computer also by clickin on the photo and choosing download on the right side. http://picasaweb.google.com/jenny29078/BahamasCruise