New Years

Leighton and Darrin hanging out at the Black and White New Years party at the Downtown Church.

First Baby Food Experience: Carrots

Leighton did not like the carrots. He cried and cried and after about 5 bites Luke rescued him. Leighton wouldn't come to me or even look at me for about 10 minutes. But after 10 minutes he was able to forgive me. I should learn from Leighton and try to be more quick to forgive people myself!

Leighton and Luke

Leighton and Luke watching the worship music.Leighton and Luke watching the water from our balcony.

Faithwalkers View

First Taste of an Apple

I let Leighton task some of an apple after I was done eating it. He loved it! This is him with the Apple and ......this is Leighton without the apple!

Faithwalkers Day 1

Leighton was so good and played in the hotel room so I could do my quiet time and reflect on some good messages. I couldn't resist taking a break for some cute pictures.





My 1st year at Faithwalkers I become a Christian and made some crucial decisions about living for the Lord.

My 2nd, 3rd and 4th year were about sitting front and center, taking a lot of notes, and building into women's lives.

This 5th year, was a little different. God was so faithful in allowing me to get into some great conversations, to learn, and to listen to messages, but this time I was in the back of the room, trying to keep Leighton from crawling everywhere and trying to keep him from making loud noises. Leighton was very good and I was so excited to have him there. I can't wait to see what the next several years at faithwalkers look like as we change venues to Omaha, NE next year, as we add a second child, as our family continues to grow, and as our church evolves with more and more women surrendering their lives to the Lord attending the conference.

Another Good Bath Time!

Before spending a few days in Osage Beach, MO for the faithwalkers conference Leighton needed a bath! I thought it would be a good idea to have some fun spiking his hair.

Leighton is a JOY

Leighton is such a joy. Can you imagine looking at this face everyday? The ways he is growing and changing, the way he dances when music comes on, the way he smiles and giggles, the way he looks at us, and the way he needs us, all give us such delight. He is such a joy to our lives.
Psalm 127:3-5

3 Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from him.

4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one's youth.

5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their enemies in the gate.

Leighton loves to go into my closet and open and close the door over and over again. Once that gets old, he takes my shoes out.

Bonding

It is so amazing for me to watch Luke and Leighton spend time together. I rarely think to get the camera, but I am glad that I get it sometimes pictures of my two boys are wonderful for my to enjoy!

Napping on Grandpa Bruce

Leighton took a nap on grandpa Bruce. A few minutes rocking in the chair seemed to do the trick.

Christmas in Des Moines

Grandma and Grandpa Ludemann came down to Des Moines to celebrate Christmas with us. Luke helped Leighton open his gifts. He loved this Yellow bible.

Tooth

Leighton's first two teeth are finally coming in! We could feel two days ago but couldn't see it coming through. Today you could see it a little and we can tell that another one is coming right beside it. There are the lower two teeth.

Family Pictures in Black & White

Family Pictures in Color

Our family friend took some great pictures of our family! Since life is changing so fast, it will be great to have these family pictures done regularly to see how much we grow and change.

Thanksgiving in Minnesota

Leighton opens his first christmas gifts ... toys from grandma and grandpa, this cute hat from uncle Amber along with a shirt and mittens!


Leighton opened more gifts when we got to great-grandma's house in Redwood Falls, MN.How Cute! Grandma bought herself some pajama's and later found a matching pair in a different city for Leighton!

Slippery Floor

Luke is spinning Leighton around the slippery wood floor. This usually gets him to giggle!

Late Fall

Leighton Walking Along the Couch

Leighton is getting more and more brave. It is amazing how much he learns each day. He is walking along the couches and coffee table and he knows how to get down on his own. It is fun to watch him learn, but hard to watch him fall and cry.

Sleeping in His Jumper

Leighton is normally very active in his jumper, and he usually stays awake for about 3 hours in the morning when he wakes up, but today, he was only awake for about a half hour, I put him in his jumperoo so that I could get in some prayer time. Soon I noticed he was rather quiet, so I walked over and found him sleeping in it.

Pumpkin Carving Bible Study

For Monday night bible study, we carved pumpkins. Leighton didn't get to help very much, but Luke did a fantastic job!