January

I was hoping for something more exciting to blog besides sweet baby James...but he IS so exciting! This month it has hit me how fast he really is growing. I look at him every day and just see the little boy, a little mini Brian, really. He is a delight. He has the most personality I have ever seen in a baby. (Of course I have never paid so much attention to one before.) He got his first 2 teeth this month! What a big boy!

We volunteered for a Juvy retreat this month. Though we both agree that Juvy is one of our favorite places to be, we were both a bit hesitant seeing this was the first retreat we would be doing since having James. What if there was an emergency? What if he won't sleep for the babysitters? What if he pulls that stunt where he won't stop crying until I get there? I was apprehensive to commit, to say the least. But we did and James was an angel. Thank you, Lord!

Also in January, Brian and I committed to a Life Teen program at our church. We are on the core team and will be leading worship 3 Sundays out of the month. It is a place for the teens to come after church and eat, fellowship, hear the Word, pray, and worship. Please pray us all!  There is an incredible hunger for Jesus. We are so blessed to be a part of this.

here is Brian leading worship for our kick off night

As we step, or have stepped, into February, Brian and I have been discussing the things the Lord has put on our hearts for 2012. The month of January was a time of really getting comfortable with ministry outside of taking care of our new baby. As James grows, we are taking steps of faith in the direction of more ministry.  And as we do, parenting seems to fall into place. We have really been praying about how much, when, and where to give. This is really an exciting time. We have been longing for this and are so thankful!

New Year's Resolution 2012

So it's been a while. Over a year now. I could go on with reasons as to why I haven't given any thought to this blog. However, I've resolved to, instead, start here. With our baby's first Christmas. (!!)

Christmas Eve was spend at my Uncle Fred's house. We played a gift exchange game in which I happily won back our Target gift card. Also Brian, being the amazing husband he is, chose a pair of candles - my favorite - for his gift. I call that a win win, :) James and my cousin's daughter, Payton, had a little gift exchange of their own. (Pictures to follow)

Christmas morning we went to Mass at Holy Family. James was a precious angel, didn't make a peep! So we were both able to stay and worship and receive our King of Kings. We then made our way to the ever-crazy Astor home. James already adores his cousins, it is always fun to watch them interact. After opening gifts there, we headed to my parents for more gifts and dinner. It was a full day and we were counting our blessings as we spend time with our families.

James with his aunties

James and his uncles

Cracking up over his new gift from Grandma

Peanut knows a good gift when he sees one!

Grandma!

The Christmas story now comes to our hearts in full color after having a baby of our own. We still stand in awe of the miracle that James is and how he came to be on this earth. And to think our Holy Redeemer came in such a raw and tangible form is just..., guh, inconceivable! All we are left to do in the midst of our wonder is utter, "Thank you."

So, the New Year will be here in less than 2 days! We will blog every month in 2012!

Skydiving!

We jumped! Skydiving is a MUST for everyone at least once in your lifetime! It is an amazing experience of a new view, perspective, peace and sense of accomplishment - and above all it was AMAZINGLY Fun. We were not aware of the sport is has become. The day we jumped was also a major competition day. Who knew? We enjoyed watching teams practice on the ground - teams of all shapes, sizes and ages! We talked to a 69 year old man who had jumped over 3,000 times - he started when he was in his early 50's. He was the leader of his team and insisted we watched them practice their routine.

To see Tiff jump, copy and paste the link below. Bri's video has yet to be emailed to us.

http://www.lifepursuitvideo.com/asppublic/Video92570.aspx?CLIENT=92570&VF=TiffanyDuffy_092810-1631.flv

Portland!

We were beyond blessed to spend an entire weekend with one of our favorite couples during an extremely stressful month this summer. Liz and Andy are completely devoted to each other and the Lord - an inspiring couple, period. We admire everything about them; from their sense of style and love for the arts, to their love for adventure in life. They are both hilariously funny and make friends wherever they are. I have known Liz for 9 years now and am so grateful to have her in my life.

Thank you for making us feel so welcome and loved! We love you two very much!

Here are some memories from our weekend.

MULTNOMAH FALLS

brian and andy under the railroad tracks while the train passed

VOODOO DONUTS

what SOUNDED like a good idea...

SUNSET PHOTOSHOOT

DAY TRIP TO THE COAST

me and my lady

but seriously, best friends

happy family

liz disciplining polly

beautiful liz

Liz, being the considerate vegan she is,

held our ice cream for us while we ate it

devil's punch bowl

the foggy coast

THE TILLAMOOK COUNTY FAIR

polly so tired

we made it!

demolition derby

ready for tillamook ice cream!

andy-so tired of us tourists

THE BINS

our last meal together

-polly-

after we told her we would be leaving