tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65628952361972242682024-02-19T02:43:21.838-06:00Windows of Thy GraceThoughts on obedient faith, freedom, and familylisa driverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11179147970846282450noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562895236197224268.post-12038521286232151772015-11-23T14:18:00.000-06:002015-11-23T14:18:44.104-06:00The Fight to Forgive<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4oBtVAKjL7cL2jw7E9vrBDADijrSGnLERuVfPPNZYWTO3RpDOZcL30A5HgeY_QvzwVQzGLRLldtJOhmRK1GOYzL1r_4_RzBDwih6FnYJTAVPk025ljF6E4o-a-xmnwgXiNi2YWYO6uSTW/s1600/IMG_0154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4oBtVAKjL7cL2jw7E9vrBDADijrSGnLERuVfPPNZYWTO3RpDOZcL30A5HgeY_QvzwVQzGLRLldtJOhmRK1GOYzL1r_4_RzBDwih6FnYJTAVPk025ljF6E4o-a-xmnwgXiNi2YWYO6uSTW/s320/IMG_0154.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Augustine said you cannot truly pray until you "account yourself desolate in the world." I would argue that this also applies to forgiving others. As my view of myself shifts to encounter and embrace my helplessness before an almighty God, I find that the fight to forgive is one I can engage and win more often. Each morning I pray through the Lord's Prayer and say these words, "forgive us our debts AS WE forgive our debtors." I am asking for the humility to come into the joy of forgiveness. I'm asking for confession to produce an increased confidence and joy in my life. I'm seeking radical forgiveness from God SO THAT I am able to forgive and seek the GOOD of those who have wronged me. This type of forgiveness has shaken me to my core and my pride bows down before it. This is not the natural inclination of man, so I know I'm going to have to fight for it. <br />
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I believe God calls us to wade into the pain of our lives- and forgive. I can testify that staying on the shore and pretending like the water doesn't exist leads only to more pain and suffering for yourself and those you love. Numbing, or on the other extreme- raging, passes the pain along like a log gaining momentum when flung into a river. I have read, and I agree, that unless you take your pain to the Cross, it gets passed along. And taking your pain to the Cross hurts. It involves tears and suffering and intense pain. But it is the path to God. He loves the humble of heart and He is a King of Forgiveness.<br />
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"Sometimes forgiveness involves going back and reliving histories again and again until I'm able to release all wrongs wrought by the frail humanity of others. I'm called to relive the pain, master it, forgive it all. The act of true, Christ-based forgiveness is an extension of love. It is seeing the accuser as a human, as one who acted from his own broken understanding of the world, who just did the best he knew how. True, Godward forgiveness is the extension of unmitigated grace, the adoption of the prayerful hope that our enemies might receive no suffering from their imputation of suffering; it is the hope that they find a better hope." (from the book <i>Coming Clean.</i><br />
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How ironic that the best medicine for the pain is to turn and extend the forgiveness of Christ! To release all hope for a better past and accept what was. To bend my will around the truth, around Reality. The fight to forgive is a letting go, followed by another and another. And I must learn to keep at it.<br />
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Holy Father, keep me low and humble and grant me grace to forgive and heal. Let the pain end at the Cross. Give those in my life grace to forgive me and to bear with my weaknesses. lisa driverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11179147970846282450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562895236197224268.post-27401292189337492202015-11-14T13:48:00.000-06:002015-11-14T13:51:02.078-06:00A Redeemed LifeA few weeks ago at church, one of the pastors gave a beautiful sermon about redemption in Christ. She was talking about Hebrews 9:11-15 and also drew from Leviticus 16 concerning the Day of Atonement in the Old Testament. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYU_JSY4WAkdlpcb8pDUV_illCAxI50imr5eQOuTb7pRR5Zg7GgbjahHSo9h2yJpHwcWJ_hoYlxSWftysiTFX3E7dmqOUrMQY_gdnjyxICCSilV-kRC4LN58q8ebwZLS48gXWoCyJn9is9/s1600/IMG_0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYU_JSY4WAkdlpcb8pDUV_illCAxI50imr5eQOuTb7pRR5Zg7GgbjahHSo9h2yJpHwcWJ_hoYlxSWftysiTFX3E7dmqOUrMQY_gdnjyxICCSilV-kRC4LN58q8ebwZLS48gXWoCyJn9is9/s320/IMG_0095.JPG" /></a></div><br />
So way back in the day, once a year, the high priest would cast lots over two goats- one to the Lord and one that "got away." One was sacrificed for the sins of the people- issuing them forgiveness. The other made the people clean. They would confess their sins over the goat and then lead him out of the camp and set him free. A few key points she made were that 1- forgiveness can be bestowed whether you deserve it or not, receive it or not, or have any intention of changing, and 2-in order for change to happen, you have to name and own your sin. The latter reminds me of Brennan Manning's "you cannot heal that which you deny" statement. <br />
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Full redemption involves death and life. Jesus atoned for our sin through death. But three days later he rose again. He lived to carry our sins away. Now he ever lives to take our sins into the presence of the Father, and in the Father's hands, our sin can become something new and life-giving. It can be redeemed. <br />
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Jesus lived and died to rescue us from the part of ourselves we can't take hold of. He carries it to the Father, redeems it, and makes the disordered parts of us new. He frees us to live an obedient life full of "living" works. When the work that we do lives- that is, it bears fruit-, we are worshiping.<br />
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Lord Jesus, let my work live. Thank you for guaranteeing that it can.lisa driverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11179147970846282450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562895236197224268.post-56424982673846599072011-06-17T11:12:00.003-05:002011-06-17T11:17:28.302-05:00Dear ZandyDear Zandy,<br /><br />Last night we rocked and you smelled like sticky banana and white powder. You laid head on chest, jerked back, smiled. You stuck pudgy finger up my nose. We laughed. You again laid head on chest, just for a moment. Rearing back, like you always do, you stretched your neck long, eager and waiting, and my lips kissed and tickled you. We laughed. Your head again rested on me, and we rocked. You found a lion on quilt behind me and made soft roar. We laughed. I wondered if this was too much fun before bed, but I laid you down and you smiled. Content. Your cup was filled and I left your room. Eager for tomorrow.<br /><br />Love,<br />Mommalisa driverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11179147970846282450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562895236197224268.post-14182060400729066652011-04-21T14:03:00.002-05:002011-04-21T14:08:17.203-05:00The Garden and the CrossDo you know what kills pride?<br />Do you know what melts hearts?<br />I do.<br />Do you know what can make a hard soul weep?<br />Do you know what can make the orphan sing?<br />I do.<br />Look upon the Christ who came.<br />A wee babe - humbled in the flesh of humanity.<br />Look upon the Christ who wept bitter tears,<br /> served prideful men, washed ugly feet,<br /> bled perfect blood and uttered not a single<br /> word of complaint.<br />Do you know what lifts my head and makes me feel <br /> the love of God?<br />Look upon the Christ. Yes, fix your eyes upon the<br /> garden and the cross.<br />Do you know my answer when tragedy breaks hearts <br /> and darkest clouds are overhead?<br />Look upon the Christ. Just look upon my Christ.lisa driverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11179147970846282450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562895236197224268.post-60654194253439238102011-02-04T10:07:00.000-06:002011-02-04T10:08:39.414-06:00Martin Luther on ParenthoodNow observe that when that clever harlot, our natural reason . . . , takes a look at married life, she turns up her nose and says, “Alas, must I rock the baby, wash its diapers, make its bed, smell its stench, stay up nights with it, take care of it when it cries, heal its rashes and sores. . . ?” [LW 45:39]<br /><br />What then does Christian faith say to this? It opens its eyes, looks upon all these insignificant, distasteful, and despised duties in the Spirit, and is aware that they are all adorned with divine approval as with the costliest gold and jewels. It says, O God, because I am certain that thou hast created me as a man and hast from my body begotten this child, I also know for a certainty that it meets with thy perfect pleasure. I confess to thee that I am not worthy to rock the little babe or wash its diapers, or to be entrusted with the care of the child and its mother. How is it that I, without any merit, have come to this distinction of being certain that I am serving thy creature and thy most precious will? O how gladly will I do so, though the duties should be even more insignificant and despised. Neither frost nor heat, neither drudgery nor labor, will distress or dissuade me, for I am certain that it is thus pleasing in thy sight. . . . God, with all his angels and creatures is smiling—not because the father is washing diapers, but because he is doing so in Christian faith.[LW 45:39-40]lisa driverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11179147970846282450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562895236197224268.post-5343760104557443562011-02-04T08:02:00.002-06:002011-02-04T08:57:38.375-06:00Remember to RememberMy good friend Ruth always says, "We need to remember to remember," when referring to the goodness of God or His Truth. Remembering is a holy process through which our hearts dwell on God's care of us and leads to rejoicing. The opposite would be forgetting to remember the good things God does for us daily, leading us to despair and unbelief. <br /><br />“Don’t be dejected and<br />sad, for the joy of the LORD is your<br />strength,” (Nehemiah 8:10).<br /><br />Remembering the goodness of the Lord (be it a good cup of coffee, laughing with a friend, or a deep moment with Jesus) keeps me strong as I go about my pilgrim journey towards HOME. <br /><br />"Father, help me remember to remember!"lisa driverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11179147970846282450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562895236197224268.post-74046752855090028352010-11-14T21:09:00.004-06:002010-11-14T21:30:45.274-06:00Random ThingsI have so much going on. Here's a list of some things happening with us.<br /><br />-We're changing churches! A new pca plant has started right in our hometown of Helena, and we're super excited about joining them to impact God's Kingdom.<br /><br />-I want to get a pick-up for my violin. I want my violin to be louder without the hassle of playing in a mic (feedback issues, etc.).<br /><br />-Alexander is the sweetest, cuddliest, most adorable little muffin that ever lived. ;) We're enjoying being mommy and daddy to him.<br /><br />-I am currently reading <em></em>The Nanny Returns<em></em> and <em></em>When Helping Hurts<em></em>. The latter is a very informative book on helping the poor. <br /><br />-Justin wants to get a lap steel guitar. (You know the Hawiian sounding instrument--Justin says it's "country.")<br /><br />-School is presently overwhelming me! I have a stack of papers to grade, and they are taking me FOREVER! Pray for me!<br /><br />-My friend Molly is still living down the street even though she was supposed to move months ago! This has been such a blessing to me (though I do feel for Nate and his long drive!). Molly and I are going to make scones to take to our respective Thanksgivings next week. She's the best!<br /><br />-I am doing a Beth Moore Bible Study and it is so rich. I am really learning a lot and have enjoyed the structure of a workbook. <br /><br />-I recently visited Whole Foods and I LOVE this store! I wish everyone could shop in this European-like store. I felt like I was transported to a different country! It was like all of the specialty shops in France rolled into one store. Too bad it's 35min from my house and a dozen eggs costs $6! I'm still going to try to go once or twice a month.<br /><br />-I really want to go see a movie in the movie theater. My last movie was during the summer (Twilight saga).<br /><br />-Some friends of mine are joining me in our own "Secret Church" night hopefully in December. We're planning on listening to the Holy Spirit Secret Church. We're doing this because tickets for the real Secret Church sold out in 6 minutes! So we decided to make our own. :)<br /><br />-Justin is playing along to a country song on his banjo as I'm typing this. He's standing in front of me serenading me with his twangy thumb picking style. I love it.<br /><br />Good night.lisa driverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11179147970846282450noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562895236197224268.post-13164664429078482002010-08-13T22:37:00.002-05:002010-08-13T22:59:27.164-05:00Eat, Pray, LoveTonight I watched the move <em>Eat, Pray, Love</em> starring Julia Roberts. I have never seen a movie quite like it. I think I really liked it, but I'm still processing. There were moments I thought, "When is this going to end?" and moments I thought, "This may be one of the best movies I've ever seen."<br /><br />Julia plays Liz, who is on a journey to find out who she is and what makes her happy--her "balance." She learns about pleasure vs. American "entertainment" in Italy--the slowing down and enjoying of life's good things. She learns about listening to herself, forgiving herself, and healing in India. In Mali, she learns to love without fear (or in spite of fear). In the end, she makes you want to go on your own journey of self-discovery. <br /><br />Some of my favorite quotes include:<br /><br />"This baby is demon possessed." "No, I think she's just teething." "Same thing."<br /><br />"Ruin is a gift. Ruin leads to transformation."<br /><br />"Sometimes you have to forego the balance in your life for a time to pursue love." <br /><br />"God is present in me as me." -- What do you think about that? In a sense, I guess that's true. God lives in us, He's our Creator, and the totality of who we are is from Him, for Him, and because of Him. <br /><br />Amidst the guru worship, you can find universal Truths that apply to everyone. You can learn from Liz as she mourns and grows--miserable yet grasping for hope. And she finds her hope from several small communities that she forms in each place she goes. People who love her and accept her. This is what we are made for! <br /><br />She finds joy in leaving behind a miserable life to become temporarily more miserable but stronger, braver, and truer to herself in the end. Everyone wants to be known and loved. Everyone wants to be happy. Liz finally meets people who know her well and love her as she is. <br /><br />As I viewed the beautiful sunsets and ocean views present in the film, the common grace of God astounded me. What beauty He allows us to enjoy! What joy there is to be had in the pleasures of life! It gives a glimpse of heaven. When everything will be made right, and we will all worship the right Person. I can be so judgemental and think that I have all the answers. I enjoyed learning about God, myself, and humanity tonight from a medicine man in Mali and a struggling woman who made hard choices in an effort to find peace.lisa driverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11179147970846282450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562895236197224268.post-39339697908970191592010-08-04T18:44:00.002-05:002010-08-04T19:20:31.085-05:00Put on loveI have been greatly blessed of late by reading the Message Bible. (modern translation by Eugene Peterson) I have laughed with Paul, wept with Jesus, and enjoyed God's message to me in a new way. Here are some of my favorite passages...<br /><br />from Psalm 100 <br />"<em></em><em>For God is sheer beauty, all generous in love, loyal always and forever."</em> Amen!<br /><br /><em></em>"I'm on your side. You're not alone."<em></em> Paul to the Colossians (convicted me about my attitude toward others--I want them to feel this from me)<br /><br /><em></em>"<strong></strong><strong>Everything</strong><strong></strong> finds its purpose in Jesus."<em></em><br /><br />We are "<em></em>woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God [which gives us] minds confident and <strong>at rest</strong>, focused on Christ (who contains the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge)."<em></em><br /><br />from Psalm 18<br />"<em></em>God is the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight. God made my life complete when I placed ALL the pieces before him."<em></em><br /><br />"<em></em>But because God was so gracious, so very generous, here I am."<em></em><br /><br />"<em></em>Awaken to the holiness of life."<em></em><br /><br />"<em></em>Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort."<em></em><br /><br /><em></em>"Let Christ displace worry at the center of your life."<em></em><br /><br />I was struck also while reading Mark 14 that at the very first Lord's supper, Jesus <strong>thanked God</strong> as he broke the bread and poured the wine--symbolizing the breaking of his body and the pouring out of his blood. All of our suffering is redeemed by God. If Jesus can thank God for the greatest suffering that ever took place on Earth, can I thank him for all of my suffering?lisa driverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11179147970846282450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562895236197224268.post-91405659405779740562010-06-23T16:50:00.004-05:002010-06-23T17:13:13.393-05:005 months ago<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjxKAGsMjLYzhxWZ4tGRT44gtvYIlDAPl0Gb3GukdnUkBRF2YXis0OGa9EXe5Ay9LAji3sFru-VjWgH2X5VGui-Z1ZLbP7OflypyqtLs18uGkkIWUmI9ba4iECIjBtuP4P6zd5tv64H1x/s1600/Alexander+Reid+5mo+105.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjxKAGsMjLYzhxWZ4tGRT44gtvYIlDAPl0Gb3GukdnUkBRF2YXis0OGa9EXe5Ay9LAji3sFru-VjWgH2X5VGui-Z1ZLbP7OflypyqtLs18uGkkIWUmI9ba4iECIjBtuP4P6zd5tv64H1x/s400/Alexander+Reid+5mo+105.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486090239341534258" /></a><br /><br />Five months ago I had never seen you smile. I didn't know what your hungry cry sounded like. Making you laugh wasn't my favorite past-time. My time didn't belong to you. I could eat a sandwich without taking 5 breaks. I never ran around the house to get things done. I hadn't ever given you one kiss. You didn't know how to roll over or touch your feet. Your two bottom teeth where still tucked away beneath your gums. <br /><br />Five months ago I thought I knew what being a mother was, but I had no clue what I was about to enter into. This little man demands my all--and I want to give it to him--he aks me to lay down my own desires for his, twenty-four hours a day. But when he opens his mouth to let me know that he wants to give his momma a wet, sloppy kiss, my heart melts into a thousand pieces. Sometimes we just stare at each other and smile or laugh. <br /><br />Five months ago I didn't know that God loves me in the same way that I do now. I long for him in ways I couldn't imagine five months ago. Because this all-encompassing, never-ending, joy-filled, heart-wrenching thing we call motherhood pushes me into the arms of my heavenly Father to <em>know </em> him--not asking for anthing else besides <em>Him</em>. And He's everything.lisa driverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11179147970846282450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562895236197224268.post-90156011056489323472010-05-28T15:41:00.002-05:002010-05-28T15:49:43.861-05:00My Sweetie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwumFyKyzNDxev6FFXqD_cqfAhKsNtDGE4E8QoyXdTOolcz7BZVp4SKtCNKaqyIV53pnAKwfKle0_hIUHO8AmDT_PKhyphenhyphenj7sa4bV83yBu69ECKOiQ2pn_TaRjEZQUqoK19qo9H4SDL4kIti/s1600/4+months+May+2010+037.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwumFyKyzNDxev6FFXqD_cqfAhKsNtDGE4E8QoyXdTOolcz7BZVp4SKtCNKaqyIV53pnAKwfKle0_hIUHO8AmDT_PKhyphenhyphenj7sa4bV83yBu69ECKOiQ2pn_TaRjEZQUqoK19qo9H4SDL4kIti/s400/4+months+May+2010+037.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476425912414178210" /></a>lisa driverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11179147970846282450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562895236197224268.post-18893506894070491072010-05-03T22:02:00.002-05:002010-05-03T22:03:35.949-05:00Smiles and Grammy Time<embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="288" height="192" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fmmedriver%2Falbumid%2F5467194792251002161%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed>lisa driverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11179147970846282450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562895236197224268.post-47277808989395353792010-04-26T16:42:00.000-05:002010-04-26T16:42:30.313-05:00Zandy man's Baptism<a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97lvBaWtJw0dnzND-8KffS6rLfNUq8aWxq0hCBnnQ8fWTTnu1oHNT2a0QyK-NFfbiKbCf4TZcCHaFvR4JErlCs2n20lM2rKsOtZdAhXMEYdWolVyK-0vJ4ujikNBKAyq8hIoPYI_KylIz/s1600/IMG_9422.JPG'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97lvBaWtJw0dnzND-8KffS6rLfNUq8aWxq0hCBnnQ8fWTTnu1oHNT2a0QyK-NFfbiKbCf4TZcCHaFvR4JErlCs2n20lM2rKsOtZdAhXMEYdWolVyK-0vJ4ujikNBKAyq8hIoPYI_KylIz/s400/IMG_9422.JPG' border='0' alt=''style='clear:both;float:left; margin:0px 10px 10px 0;' /></a> <br /><br /><br />We had a beautiful day yesterday. Alexander's baptism was so special. I'm so thankful for the people who traveled near and far to celebrate with us! Corey and Anne-thanks for coming even after a difficult moving weekend. Linda and Ken-thanks for waking up super early and braving Taledega weekend traffic. Kaitie-thanks for taking great pictures and figuring out a way to be here. Mom and dad-thanks for making the trip (again!) and helping with the food. Molly and Nate-thanks for representing Old Cahaba! We filled up a pew at church and had a great time barbequeing afterwards at our house. My friend Sarah made a beautiful cake for the occasion with Alexander's name and a sheep. What a wonderful day!<div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>lisa driverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11179147970846282450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562895236197224268.post-82771087232742086642010-04-15T11:08:00.001-05:002010-04-15T11:10:32.026-05:00Corey's Pinning On Ceremony<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/30e2PVubfL-X2bde5oXx9w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_E_ivvl5H4c8/S8cnmej0KaI/AAAAAAAAFEE/7skC4rqgnfs/s144/Alexander%20and%20OTS%20027.MOD.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mmedriver/20100414AlexanderAndOTS?feat=embedwebsite">2010-04-14 Alexander and OTS</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Click on image to watch video.lisa driverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11179147970846282450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562895236197224268.post-73739117652506456572010-04-14T17:17:00.001-05:002010-04-14T21:11:14.437-05:00Corey's OTS Graduation!<embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="288" height="192" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fmmedriver%2Falbumid%2F5460083392714508001%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br /><br />What a joy it was to see my brother become a 2nd Lt. in the US Air Force! I was so proud. It was Alexander's first time staying in a hotel and foregoing all crib naps! He was awesome. That 3 month mark really is golden...Here are some pictures of visits with my friend Mary and my mom-in-law plus Corey's OTS graduation.lisa driverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11179147970846282450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562895236197224268.post-58911426296542375452010-04-04T21:56:00.002-05:002010-04-04T22:01:38.199-05:00Alexander's First EasterToday was a special day. Today was Alexander's very first celebration of the resurrection of Jesus! He wore a special outfit, received various gifts and cards, and went to an Easter service at church. (He made it through roughly three songs and the benediction. ;) Side note: next week is his first try in the nursery! He also went with us to our friends' house (Molly and Nate's) for a delicious lunch. Here are some pics! I hope you all had a joy filled Easter, too!<br /><br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="288" height="192" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fmmedriver%2Falbumid%2F5456399624923388929%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed>lisa driverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11179147970846282450noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562895236197224268.post-17609368213585653372010-04-01T19:58:00.002-05:002010-04-01T20:02:55.909-05:00Justin to the RescueLast night I got violently ill--I have NEVER been this sick before. Honestly, Justin felt worse for me than when I gave birth (and I would have rather given birth again than have this bug!). So Justin stayed home today and took care of the baby and me. I felt so weak all day, but I was able to keep down some soup and ginger ale. Justin just went to the store to get some Gatorade, jello, and more ginger ale. The check-out lady said, "Oh, no! Is someone sick?" ;) So far Justin and Alexander have escaped the horrors...Thank goodness the worst appears to be over.lisa driverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11179147970846282450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562895236197224268.post-69541665740351762472010-03-25T23:02:00.003-05:002010-03-25T23:08:10.620-05:00Baptism Suit<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvI9rQUTzd6_NgKRA9tdauZC3ikbiI5_d_mnC5L7PlEbWAJP71EtzLH1qvOfiSD7z_CR-DU2M0Ys5l2eanNZDYR8C1KQZWT8T4cD8IV5tAXWqr4fQAbQ87ka3GWPazHFJMZliFCIu5iu6K/s1600/March+2010+045.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvI9rQUTzd6_NgKRA9tdauZC3ikbiI5_d_mnC5L7PlEbWAJP71EtzLH1qvOfiSD7z_CR-DU2M0Ys5l2eanNZDYR8C1KQZWT8T4cD8IV5tAXWqr4fQAbQ87ka3GWPazHFJMZliFCIu5iu6K/s400/March+2010+045.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452789090286778178" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdijTTlPtIEuRG4lBPu6wFwj_4BSckiHfbmaOfVjmkd0xj4DQtPDeuY9iY_YQ6jnHDjBurTMf_og-0Lt4091t0uYSP5S82yhwyjF7kUTDaySfgeddIapPwychD8CbPidU5XrCWpy6YV2Dc/s1600/March+2010+028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdijTTlPtIEuRG4lBPu6wFwj_4BSckiHfbmaOfVjmkd0xj4DQtPDeuY9iY_YQ6jnHDjBurTMf_og-0Lt4091t0uYSP5S82yhwyjF7kUTDaySfgeddIapPwychD8CbPidU5XrCWpy6YV2Dc/s400/March+2010+028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452789079436057570" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3cb_iYzCMFM2_v7OdpZU6ZLugpoOo5BNIHNsTMEZG2hw0dLz8DeYXu1_aBMMMScezcYy3s5GWczsWU4twmSKcIsh_NKgDJkZVQdYidNQPKNvBLjwnnC2o8HdOQ2u_nsslX-ttxSq6cee/s1600/March+2010+026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3cb_iYzCMFM2_v7OdpZU6ZLugpoOo5BNIHNsTMEZG2hw0dLz8DeYXu1_aBMMMScezcYy3s5GWczsWU4twmSKcIsh_NKgDJkZVQdYidNQPKNvBLjwnnC2o8HdOQ2u_nsslX-ttxSq6cee/s400/March+2010+026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452789070217279442" /></a><br />Here are some pictures of Alexander in the precious suit his great-grandmother Gigi made for him. What a handsome little man!<br /><br />At Alexander's 2 month check-up he was in the 90% for length and 50% for weight! He now weighs 11 pounds and 12 and 1/2 oz! He is growing so fast!lisa driverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11179147970846282450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562895236197224268.post-63898463476562589102010-03-25T22:49:00.004-05:002010-03-25T23:16:30.078-05:00Ode to Grandpas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXuxFBIcYa0QuY_FkBI8M_92xWyKFMCU3JcmRyOrPtIrEM2oThch0sq0EP13Az0Wbs4LESw4Do3uQQESkmk7ZNmdBdbntaievEB2cltqZNu6VWBUFlYUcJhoAqol_sJT7co3-dskktt5D/s1600/March+2010+012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXuxFBIcYa0QuY_FkBI8M_92xWyKFMCU3JcmRyOrPtIrEM2oThch0sq0EP13Az0Wbs4LESw4Do3uQQESkmk7ZNmdBdbntaievEB2cltqZNu6VWBUFlYUcJhoAqol_sJT7co3-dskktt5D/s400/March+2010+012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452791347827144354" /></a><br /><br />I never had a grandpa and always wanted one. When I married my husband I finally got to experience the joy of having a grandpa (Justin's Papa is a great one!). Now I get to see my son with his grandpa and it is so sweet! He LOVES his grandpa and his grandpa LOVES him. I have had a lot of helpers come since Alexander was born, but I must say that my dad has gone above and beyond the call of duty. Here are some ways he has helped me out:<br /><br />-played, cooed, sang, danced, hummed, and did whatever was needed to help calm my sweet, challenging wee babe<br />-vacuumed (not just cursory vacuuming but the kind where you move EVERY piece of furniture and item on the floor)<br />-helped me clean the bathrooms (yuck--my least fav chore)<br />-went to the grocery store and made SO many yummy dishes for us (including shrimp scampi, spagetti and meatballs, homemade cinnamon buns, homemade apple cake, fresh baked bread, roast chicken and stuffing (with gravy of course:), NY strip steaks, and chicken noodle soup)<br />-babysat<br />and (drum roll please...)<br />-got up with Alexander every night so that I could SLEEP!<br /><br />Needless to say, I'm so thankful for this special time with my dad. Dad- thanks for all of your help and for loving my son so much. We love you, too!lisa driverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11179147970846282450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562895236197224268.post-30443040978954841152010-03-16T12:04:00.004-05:002010-03-16T13:02:28.862-05:00What JOY!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdOdpfWGGJSD6duTWbGlA2ap28TqB-TVyukhAD9znmcq6F5f6uaWconm-bXMGCRNlcF44mYTnepmkK22dSXZe3pgMpcKLVCXwia17mloUqvNJahHTyhNcP95ACZt3oZYDzFCXdahIToA6/s1600-h/Alexander+first+2+months+163.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdOdpfWGGJSD6duTWbGlA2ap28TqB-TVyukhAD9znmcq6F5f6uaWconm-bXMGCRNlcF44mYTnepmkK22dSXZe3pgMpcKLVCXwia17mloUqvNJahHTyhNcP95ACZt3oZYDzFCXdahIToA6/s400/Alexander+first+2+months+163.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449292426165525490" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pcUgTDWyuYUQOA1yX5hffL2eKp8l_3_9q8VeZhP1J5qaDAs6Cp6a7GEb9wOEK6RYNhREsQUqblzdh6jk195suJo3_Xt-4AgzxMXtSV-GzN9a9_ZEMvZQhggGrmh3k4s7i8R78CTiIUgq/s1600-h/Alexander+first+2+months+165.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pcUgTDWyuYUQOA1yX5hffL2eKp8l_3_9q8VeZhP1J5qaDAs6Cp6a7GEb9wOEK6RYNhREsQUqblzdh6jk195suJo3_Xt-4AgzxMXtSV-GzN9a9_ZEMvZQhggGrmh3k4s7i8R78CTiIUgq/s400/Alexander+first+2+months+165.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449292416284702002" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEfqebItJ1xKQMjeEkjrIPrzVs4wyV7VjHUK9fsrvBZfNSxA-7Uii2zcEfh-5tv95KWfSXjDVulvsH2PmCCFgWqKi3xo8Esra-BEBLpVzhlijKA1eT1a0rFn10eUqI2sXW2Hf2sU-I_k-/s1600-h/Alexander+first+2+months+140.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEfqebItJ1xKQMjeEkjrIPrzVs4wyV7VjHUK9fsrvBZfNSxA-7Uii2zcEfh-5tv95KWfSXjDVulvsH2PmCCFgWqKi3xo8Esra-BEBLpVzhlijKA1eT1a0rFn10eUqI2sXW2Hf2sU-I_k-/s400/Alexander+first+2+months+140.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449292404920572482" /></a><br />God is good and does good. He uses all of life to recreate us and bring joy by making us more like him. Everyone told me that motherhood reveals sin like nothing else and I have seen this already in Alexander's 8 short weeks of life. My pride has been astounding-how glorious that the faithful One loves me enough to show me and change me. For some reason I thought I was going to be "super mom." Other people's struggles wouldn't be mine! I would be able to breastfeed, get up in the night without complaining, give of myself unselfishly around the clock--all while cooking dinners, keeping up the house, and loving my husband well. <br /><br />In a Sandra McCraken song she sings, "Do you think he never reproves me? What a false friend he would be! If he never, never told me of the sin which he must see!" How true! I believe that God loves me too much to let me believe I don't need him and to let me carry on in my pride. He is sovereign over all things and I'm thankful that breastfeeding was a nightmare, I couldn't make it on my own feeding him at night, and I would hand the baby to Justin when he got home and run to take a bath for some alone time. Thank God that he is a friend of sinners! How I grieved over my failures before seeing the mercy, love, grace, joy, and freedom that God gives those who humble themselves before the cross. My little baby is such a gift. I love him more and more everyday. I'm so thankful for the people around me who love him too. I'm so thankful that "love came down to earth." May I remember this Easter how desperately I need him and how little I can do on my own.<br /><br />“When Love Came Down to Earth”<br />Words & music by Stuart Townend<br /><br />When Love came down to earth and made His home with man<br />The hopeless found a hope, the sinner found a friend<br />Not to the powerful, but to the poor He came<br />And humble, hungry hearts were satisfied in Him<br /><br />What joy, what peace has come to us<br />What hope, what help, what love<br /><br />When every unclean thought and every sinful deed<br />Was scourged upon his back and hammered through his feet<br />The Innocent is cursed, the guilty are released<br />The punishment of God on God has brought me peace<br /><br />Come lay your heavy load down at the Master’s feet<br />Your shame will be removed, your joy will be complete<br />Come crucify your pride and enter as a child<br />For those who bow down low He’ll lift up to His sidelisa driverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11179147970846282450noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562895236197224268.post-80816501746143161262010-01-26T20:36:00.002-06:002010-01-26T20:46:59.356-06:00Photo shoot with Kaitie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SsSKxRyFVD-iTg-JLHQHCXKTALGKz5m3pY9t9klS8DX7Ob268_6jjuobWPqO5R2qCjVbxpy-ROlZOMDjkOk4QmgM4UNfmYYhFCoociY-j9QdSh5ywjLafCLh2x4aZKeYW-h1g04Ccg85/s1600-h/Alexander+Week+1+169.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431245469532045570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SsSKxRyFVD-iTg-JLHQHCXKTALGKz5m3pY9t9klS8DX7Ob268_6jjuobWPqO5R2qCjVbxpy-ROlZOMDjkOk4QmgM4UNfmYYhFCoociY-j9QdSh5ywjLafCLh2x4aZKeYW-h1g04Ccg85/s400/Alexander+Week+1+169.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cSZxvd-mDVwtqMFjmsmuYOD3Jljpmmm-u8N0siaD3ZU3655RKV8kF5lUH7x_gzjypwm3mUn6VbQlwilIsnG4DecNRwsHlVuGGp53842CsVQSm-Tukok6hIfjmUvFr643ucWbZWO09kBx/s1600-h/Alexander+Week+1+188.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431245465871736642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cSZxvd-mDVwtqMFjmsmuYOD3Jljpmmm-u8N0siaD3ZU3655RKV8kF5lUH7x_gzjypwm3mUn6VbQlwilIsnG4DecNRwsHlVuGGp53842CsVQSm-Tukok6hIfjmUvFr643ucWbZWO09kBx/s400/Alexander+Week+1+188.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKa-RwN5fXZKaMY1g6CJeKM2giLnXlvY-1lPsvIFFG4Rmkg_E9jxKlwRChm0PRaYbGgOqe5-sSkWbnqiDxCpib8-DyNol9DywnsFiVsspxy4HNpmV6hxY2XWzx0ziNsx8G12BcxBZG1Z89/s1600-h/Alexander+Week+1+317.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431245458408787730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKa-RwN5fXZKaMY1g6CJeKM2giLnXlvY-1lPsvIFFG4Rmkg_E9jxKlwRChm0PRaYbGgOqe5-sSkWbnqiDxCpib8-DyNol9DywnsFiVsspxy4HNpmV6hxY2XWzx0ziNsx8G12BcxBZG1Z89/s400/Alexander+Week+1+317.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaF5V4V1mlqCcwGazQWpXX-4JQdFvetkP0vLe7ExRMjBKWtJaLiriO_nSDr76iaZomaxlu39JP9dpSypwynko2TzIDD5hfB7zQuceyRxS06LHhXsAXBHuCRmYfKfO-7_cWWq0gPATM2Zxa/s1600-h/Alexander+Week+1+253.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431245446227915170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaF5V4V1mlqCcwGazQWpXX-4JQdFvetkP0vLe7ExRMjBKWtJaLiriO_nSDr76iaZomaxlu39JP9dpSypwynko2TzIDD5hfB7zQuceyRxS06LHhXsAXBHuCRmYfKfO-7_cWWq0gPATM2Zxa/s400/Alexander+Week+1+253.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Kaitie came for a quick visit yesterday and we had a photo shoot today of Alexander! He was such a good sport and Kaitie took some great pictures. We had such a fun visit! Thanks for coming, Kait!</div></div></div></div>lisa driverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11179147970846282450noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562895236197224268.post-66908031532127992042010-01-19T14:22:00.001-06:002010-01-19T14:24:27.339-06:00Hospital Photo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCP2NQM4sYaB-X0q_zEXopL7NkVIA2bkUPOFoDjoDjjG-ipulC70gBPdFxKo49Cv4WgsHFV6Fva2jEjpUo0WPmkVBrI9VKoB8fqQH9IldJuhj5SNhyphenhypheng9pS1-KUzWh5fccvU3tmd8ZunPk6/s1600-h/%7Be98dbedb-6f24-4414-a006-ce1a74859522%7D_3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428549386570785666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 286px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCP2NQM4sYaB-X0q_zEXopL7NkVIA2bkUPOFoDjoDjjG-ipulC70gBPdFxKo49Cv4WgsHFV6Fva2jEjpUo0WPmkVBrI9VKoB8fqQH9IldJuhj5SNhyphenhypheng9pS1-KUzWh5fccvU3tmd8ZunPk6/s400/%7Be98dbedb-6f24-4414-a006-ce1a74859522%7D_3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>lisa driverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11179147970846282450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562895236197224268.post-22334758133803746112010-01-18T12:31:00.003-06:002010-01-18T14:59:26.277-06:00He's here!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LrhzGRYhMYZKXyCRNdtGZy6z03v5ln4MAvliGnGItufGEPlkFwGaoHMmTBMxe_yUjLILeoq6LBnHmVGCJCGBLI0tfDuGwIrIXvRCP42BDzpLRh3qFhQUF8kZvRMVT8-mpbG1DaYqDCOp/s1600-h/Alexander's+birthday+032.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428187316097534674" style="WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LrhzGRYhMYZKXyCRNdtGZy6z03v5ln4MAvliGnGItufGEPlkFwGaoHMmTBMxe_yUjLILeoq6LBnHmVGCJCGBLI0tfDuGwIrIXvRCP42BDzpLRh3qFhQUF8kZvRMVT8-mpbG1DaYqDCOp/s400/Alexander's+birthday+032.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKteWkh9t8Jd7Bo1epy1I44d32-Qc5A40bB6TxoNK9IngpnPIHMht6f0MU4jjUafaWWN063ST3-mPdwi8RYua-Dv4hZ-rEFP6irqwW5zmVErQQNzwjCFMulziMLCE0MXgW3OpqAvPhmRzL/s1600-h/Alexander's+birthday+021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428187305595999538" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKteWkh9t8Jd7Bo1epy1I44d32-Qc5A40bB6TxoNK9IngpnPIHMht6f0MU4jjUafaWWN063ST3-mPdwi8RYua-Dv4hZ-rEFP6irqwW5zmVErQQNzwjCFMulziMLCE0MXgW3OpqAvPhmRzL/s400/Alexander's+birthday+021.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALy5SP7mEFqiLKgUFYe800jBhD3jTjU-ahS3ddWTbyVUR1OVklTrM7HzUDNPBU8_esVXXNJpKyU5bgEXNrOvbfBLfqOCP27E63uPzBH0serlbwSa75uz9QAURAo2qd7HN_S6TFeeGg64Q/s1600-h/Alexander's+birthday+015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428187301820589122" style="WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALy5SP7mEFqiLKgUFYe800jBhD3jTjU-ahS3ddWTbyVUR1OVklTrM7HzUDNPBU8_esVXXNJpKyU5bgEXNrOvbfBLfqOCP27E63uPzBH0serlbwSa75uz9QAURAo2qd7HN_S6TFeeGg64Q/s400/Alexander's+birthday+015.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Alexander came last Wednesday. My labor started around 2am. I must have cried out in pain because the first thing I remember is Justin asking, "Why are you waking me up?" I tried to go back to sleep but couldn't, so I walked around and we started timing my contractions. After two hours, we decided this was probably the real thing so I took a shower and we started getting ready to head to the hospital. We had the Cosby show on and I cooked up some chicken that I had taken out of the freezer so it wouldn't go bad. :) Justin blew up my exercise ball to use as a labor ball and I'd sit on that while having contractions. We called the doctor at 6am and she said to come on to the hospital. We arrived shortly before 7am and found out that the hospital was so full I'd have to wait for a bed! I labored for a while in the "daddy" waiting area (not fun) and finally got a room. We found out I was already 4-5cm and 100% effaced and my water broke the first time I was checked! I labored for about an hour more before receiving my epidural. The nurse estimated a 2pm delivery. However, every time they checked me I was several cm more dilated and by 10am I was ready to push! Everything happened so fast! Alexander arrived at 11:14am and is the joy of our hearts! He's so precious and couldn't be any cuter. We are cherishing this time with him. Here are some pictures of the little guy.</div></div></div>lisa driverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11179147970846282450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562895236197224268.post-58602684949164331402010-01-10T17:21:00.002-06:002010-01-10T17:26:08.476-06:00So close!Look at how close my sweet pea is to coming home (see lilypie above)! We're so excited! It's weird to remember when it used to say 245 days and now it's down to 8! I'm enjoying these last days of being pregnant, but I'm ready to hold and meet the little guy (who doesn't feel super little anymore!). Maybe my next post will be about his birthday...;)lisa driverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11179147970846282450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562895236197224268.post-3221249658961594992010-01-04T17:09:00.005-06:002010-01-11T17:08:29.606-06:00Christmas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtV_iDDT97uVH2fEx7AySPYp-O_DK75heKvJ3ff7RcDwtUCFHqhxU4H8Hl_6bt0aJUVEqrDnW0Z3n_JQh1rhJvktK1ZIUjOhQB4xyhKLtCLAFfK1dap0sMgj1_bw-L1EftJd0wZKPUT2Hv/s1600-h/christmas+eve+dinner+nate+and+molly.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425622900307795794" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtV_iDDT97uVH2fEx7AySPYp-O_DK75heKvJ3ff7RcDwtUCFHqhxU4H8Hl_6bt0aJUVEqrDnW0Z3n_JQh1rhJvktK1ZIUjOhQB4xyhKLtCLAFfK1dap0sMgj1_bw-L1EftJd0wZKPUT2Hv/s320/christmas+eve+dinner+nate+and+molly.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We had so many fun Christmas celebrations this year. Justin and I couldn't travel because I'm so close to my due date, so people came to visit us! Justin's parents came on Christmas Day, but I never got out my camera-sad! Here are some pics from other celebrations.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UIuL2nTuFtY5pzVlV-lJdx-IKgz_NCFUTeW2yatsbOzTY_IVcqj0ROlM1fmfBBrQ40HO-6hfCpkYncZ2__NY6Tj98noBYV-FZkRaNqul8q6X8Q-32X2u2TYCq7YIwzEPcL3eNbu06luW/s1600-h/Winter+2009+076.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423028345414221858" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UIuL2nTuFtY5pzVlV-lJdx-IKgz_NCFUTeW2yatsbOzTY_IVcqj0ROlM1fmfBBrQ40HO-6hfCpkYncZ2__NY6Tj98noBYV-FZkRaNqul8q6X8Q-32X2u2TYCq7YIwzEPcL3eNbu06luW/s320/Winter+2009+076.JPG" border="0" /></a> Christmas Eve<br />We went to the candelight service at our church and then had our friends Nate and Molly over for a Swedish Smörgåsbord. We had such a great time! (Molly can't ever keep her eyes open when my camera flashes;).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOz1azVjLCPXk5wHG9L4_06XEfk1WRreTZGLERJOpErHMtTLmxXKePdNodDPyK1F9QMPACGCZbRCJVaZW-yXGavjtZkevdfrfuweYoZvvF9Xa8QutEHidtX_ir20PB06-LdyVLTYq_7S4w/s1600-h/Winter+2009+074.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423028341507012290" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOz1azVjLCPXk5wHG9L4_06XEfk1WRreTZGLERJOpErHMtTLmxXKePdNodDPyK1F9QMPACGCZbRCJVaZW-yXGavjtZkevdfrfuweYoZvvF9Xa8QutEHidtX_ir20PB06-LdyVLTYq_7S4w/s320/Winter+2009+074.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQ0lW1T4Z3gaAPpgoHL1Ms0eTJsKZflR5lt1IT7Hlg1BeywH5En5D9FADLOscTK2n3y0hXkBUt6yckxJRByH-Eo8YoS36UwHY_6KwcYufJ2nKrmY7bojjKgPwmvj13RtlEZnym_xcqL0Z/s1600-h/Winter+2009+124.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423027428291028962" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQ0lW1T4Z3gaAPpgoHL1Ms0eTJsKZflR5lt1IT7Hlg1BeywH5En5D9FADLOscTK2n3y0hXkBUt6yckxJRByH-Eo8YoS36UwHY_6KwcYufJ2nKrmY7bojjKgPwmvj13RtlEZnym_xcqL0Z/s320/Winter+2009+124.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div>We celebrated Christmas with my side of the family on New Year's Eve. Here, dad is making me laugh so hard!<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaOy6AJZiHJGIA72vej444OQwFyh0YRrGZTDVaZEi0Q8Mbb0BVDuA_gPA-j6NVKlpYyP_1bf5Bk062273WiLu_xFcgmZGpptpxOUsbWUZuJfVKnZncjst2FxFtNIaZFVmLiPz7KKAWJ2F/s1600-h/Winter+2009+130.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423027421604461890" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaOy6AJZiHJGIA72vej444OQwFyh0YRrGZTDVaZEi0Q8Mbb0BVDuA_gPA-j6NVKlpYyP_1bf5Bk062273WiLu_xFcgmZGpptpxOUsbWUZuJfVKnZncjst2FxFtNIaZFVmLiPz7KKAWJ2F/s320/Winter+2009+130.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />presents for Alexander<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZFrNgUhxDaO_DZPmBeEql7VOOAdKZIyhZJ7x3RBjRqcLKs5PyAu10Z-p8e75jIURQ9jd3erZwaALeu6Zy1qlgHFytWaBttsrnba8zhO_R9giWFuUkvBjGH_ofo_RiSS1snWDfYf4gBNm/s1600-h/Winter+2009+128.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423027412654066754" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZFrNgUhxDaO_DZPmBeEql7VOOAdKZIyhZJ7x3RBjRqcLKs5PyAu10Z-p8e75jIURQ9jd3erZwaALeu6Zy1qlgHFytWaBttsrnba8zhO_R9giWFuUkvBjGH_ofo_RiSS1snWDfYf4gBNm/s320/Winter+2009+128.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />dad, Justin (with his new robe), Corey<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRItkwzCSAFPXz2AoPvh9ZkJ8K2D-bbO9m6A12sLBbRwFrT2vUrYYrTkpb6i7gqiv0jiWuN37QfmOdgZCeR1D3s47P4JywzCTfqNuD9Ji6RqCaIhTb1NN4SitlAlAB5_B9GPAa2JIN5DKR/s1600-h/Winter+2009+138.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423027411350694722" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRItkwzCSAFPXz2AoPvh9ZkJ8K2D-bbO9m6A12sLBbRwFrT2vUrYYrTkpb6i7gqiv0jiWuN37QfmOdgZCeR1D3s47P4JywzCTfqNuD9Ji6RqCaIhTb1NN4SitlAlAB5_B9GPAa2JIN5DKR/s320/Winter+2009+138.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Happy New Year Alexander!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjuaIDEUNvDSjCFiXBk9R3QkXPAd-pPXEHIi0HxTOWTLip-RkP3HT4gc-x4LxdBjPRonjV3If7lTNduQFNTKY2Bf0670NLSv7o1evGFNODEmuA3ghJawBX5diA8issszLialW_uDGMzDx/s1600-h/Winter+2009+135.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423027400578236754" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjuaIDEUNvDSjCFiXBk9R3QkXPAd-pPXEHIi0HxTOWTLip-RkP3HT4gc-x4LxdBjPRonjV3If7lTNduQFNTKY2Bf0670NLSv7o1evGFNODEmuA3ghJawBX5diA8issszLialW_uDGMzDx/s320/Winter+2009+135.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />2010!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>lisa driverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11179147970846282450noreply@blogger.com2