A Look Back..

Music by Josh Ritter- Empty Hearts

Happy Anniversary!

Tonight, marks 6 years for James & I in our marriage. Today we watched our wedding video bringing back so many memories of this day 6 years ago. We were not the same individuals we are today. Yes, we were young and naive but we were also so full of ourselves. Our sweet minister (and also friend) who conducted our wedding told us that our marriage would be a sort of "academy" for life. We had no idea what he meant at that time- we were just ready to get to Maui! Our lives over the last 6 years have changed dramatically. Not in the fact that we have become better people but that we have learned how miserable we truly are without Jesus and His grace. Marriage has been a tool of sanctification for us as we have chiseled away the ugliness of sin in each others lives. It has been a hard road to learn that it is not my job (or James') to use the hammer but only God can change our dark, hidden places in which sin resides within each of us. Over dinner tonight we reminisced on the best memories of the last 6 years and came up with many. But, I must tell you that those mountaintop experiences carry no weight against the everyday grind of life. In the daily grind- there is beauty. The simplicity of my life with James is what makes my life beautiful. Thank you, James, for making my life full of wonder and beauty. I look forward to many more to come...

Christmas in Dallas

Mimi & G-Daddy- Christmas Eve at the HildibrandsI love my Uncle Matt!
Going out on the town! More photos may follow...
Uncle Matt & Aunt Kim all the way from Denver...
The new adventure- the "up & down roller coaster!"

We had a great time in Dallas for Christmas this year with the whole family. Hope you enjoy the photos!

Christmas at the Chattanooga Choo-choo

I still don't like Santa Claus

That is my Aunt Kristen & Cousin Pelham looking on at me as I lose it! I just don't know what to think of this man in a bad outfit and a desperate need of a good shave.

A Merry Christmas?

MERRY Christmas! To many, Christmas is not a "merry" time of year. In fact, James & I were invited to attend a Christmas dinner at a Nashville prison with inmates involved in a ministry called "Men of Valor." Can you think of a more "merry" place than behind bars? Yet, I have never- in my life- experienced such joy of watching these men in the blue jumpsuits and orange shoes. Yet, it reminded me of the fact that Christmas usually brings to mind what we don't have- a loved one that passed away, family in another state, enough money, a job, or even freedom. Yes, we can get caught up in the merriness of Christmas but it usually comes down with a slump when all the gifts are opened and the family have gone home. What are we left with? The book of Matthew sadly tells of the first Christmas as a time where the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled through King Herod:

"A voice was heard in Ramah,
weeping and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be comforted,
because they are no more." Matt. 2:18

I tend to forget that because of the birth of Jesus- all of the male children in Bethlehem were sentenced by Herod to die. Where is the "merry" in that part of the story? If you go on reading in Jeremiah you will find the true hope of Christmas.

"Behold the days are coming (they have come!), declares the Lord ,when I will make a new covenant...I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.....for they shall ALL know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I WILL FORGIVE their iniquity, and I will remember their sin NO MORE!" Jeremiah 31:31-34

Yes, this is a season for many of suffering but there is HOPE! Without the birth of Christ, we would not be called children of God. Christ came so that ALL could come to know the Father. If you are suffering- run to Him for He knows suffering. If you are joyful- run to Him for He is Joy. If you are lonely, run to Him for He is the Father to the fatherless. He sent His only Son for YOU! Your Christmas may not be "merry" but may it be filled with hope in what Christ HAS done and what He WILL do in the future- even while wearing blue jumpsuits & orange shoes!

http://www.men-of-valor.org/

Trone Photo Shoot

Christmas Parties!

Having so much fun with friends at Christmas!

Sweetest Thing

A few minutes ago, Bella Grace was really quiet (which is very unusual) so I peeked in on her without her knowing. As I watched from afar, she was holding her baby doll close to her face. She then continued to "talk" to her baby, making sweet faces and then gave her a big kiss on the lips. It was probably one of the most sweet moments I have ever experienced as a Mom. She was mimicking the way I treat her. I realized that she is such a big girl and can now role-play which is something I loved to do as a young girl. I can remember playing with all of my dolls like it was yesterday. Now it is my turn to stand back and watch my daughter pretend she is all grown up. Pretending is such an amazing, imaginative gift. Sometimes I wish I could still pretend... Don't you?

Chicago

the calm before the storm....literally.


view of Michigan Ave from our room


Snowing....


James & I celebrated our 6th Anniversary this past weekend in Chicago a little early. We had such a great time away while Mimi & G-Daddy took care of Bella Grace. On Saturday it snowed as we walked down Michigan Ave- just perfect!