The Donahue Bunch!

Family of Four

2009-05-24T13:41:00.000-07:00

This weekend we enjoyed spending some time at MeeMaw and Pop's house. Sofia had a blast playing at the City Park! As you will see our sweet little Naomi is growing and as cute as ever! We are so very blessed! Thank you God!

Family photos...

This Springy Whale is funnn!

Let's Go Swing, Daddy!

Go Sofie, Go!

That was worth the climb!

She's 3 1/2 weeks old!!!

WELCOME NAOMI MARIE!

2009-05-11T09:58:00.000-07:00

Family and Friends, We'd love to introduce you to our new baby girl! She was born April 29th and she is as precious as they come! She has dark brown hair and lovely dark eyes. And you'll see there is absolutely no denying that she is Joe's daughter! We love her and wanted to show off her pics! Check in often, because we'll be posting more regularly...

Love y'all!

Some pics at the hospital...

First days at home...

More pics coming soon...

Here's one of my latest favorites from Sweet Sofia!

16 Months and Sweet As Can Be!

2009-03-22T16:01:00.000-07:00

This has been an exciting time for us...expecting a new little one and going into unchartered territory with a toddler! Sofie is so much fun..she loves to make us laugh...she definitely is a ham! We have finally baby-proofed, for the most part, the downstairs floor. However, she still seems to know what to get into that we've not quite figured out how to "Sofie-proof". We turned our very unused dining room into a playroom...probablly the best thing we have done yet in our home. Sofia loves it. I came home Friday, and Joe had bought his little princess an inflatable jumpy filled with colorful balls. She is loving it! Some other things she is really loving rightnow...ELMO!, babydolls, her car, climbing, and books!

Our new little one will be here in a matter of weeks. The estimated due date is April 23rd, so we'll just have to see. We tour the hospital next weekend, and we'll be packing our overnight bags soon too. We'll be sure to post pictures to let everyone see our new little one!

Enjoy the pictures of Sofia!

Love y'all!
Kristy

We've been getting the nursery ready for our new little one. Sofie loves to sit in the bouncer seats! I found her chillin' in this one right after bath time! I didn't have the heart to make her get out...she is too precious!

Sofie knows how to make us smile...She decided to make this face for me right as I was snapping the picture!! ha ha!

I never thought I'd see the day, when Joe would watch a complete Barney DVD...I think it was painful for him!

The Dining Room transformed into a Playroom! Sofie loves being in here!

I love this picture! Sofie gave her MeeMaw lots of kisses and hugs as she was saying goodbye, after a shopping trip at IKEA. She loves her MeeMaw!

More pictures to come soon...

I love my sweet hubby!

2009-02-02T17:22:00.000-08:00

I recently found this photo that Joe had scanned into our computer awhile back. We were just barely married...and very young! Wow, I love my guy!

Kristy

20 Weeks Preganant and Counting!

2008-12-01T04:29:00.000-08:00

Kristy and I aree excited to let our friends know that we are having another baby due April 23! For the most part, this is old news now - since we have been announcing it on facebook - but just in case we missed anybody!

Sofie is walking like crazy now - they will be roughly 17-18 months apart in age...and we will not find out if it is a boy or a girl until the baby is born. We aren't sureyet if we will be able to bring a camera into the delivery room yet either...

Things are going to be be crazy. Crazy. We are so undeservedly blessed. Thank you God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for this unexpected blessing!

Sorry For Not Posting!

2008-11-12T17:58:00.000-08:00

Hey Friends and Family! Thank you for continuing to check in on our blog to see how we are doing. We are so very blessed! God shows us His faithfulness everyday! Our precious baby girl is now 1yr old! I went ahead and posted pics of her from a family vacation we took in September, from Halloween, from a Mac-N-Cheese moment, and of course from her birthday party. There are so many photos I would love to post, but I tried to limit them, so that I would actually do it!

Love y'all!
Kristy

Joe and Sofie playing in the water in Santa Rosa Beach, FL

This is Joe and Kristy's signature beach shot! :) We have lot's of pictures that look like this...ha ha!

Sofie was playing on the big comfy bed at the condo!

Sofie loves her daddy!

Halloween Night at my parent's house

Sofie loves dogs...so we knew she had to be a puppy for Halloween!

I love to watch Sofie eat her Mac-N-Cheeze! She loves it!

Sofia wore her b-day shirt to school...but didn't want to wear her hat!

This is the party zone!

Joe made an organic carrot cake for Sofia's Puppy Party!

Blue Belle was invited to Sofie's party of course!

Sofie loved her cake...after she got used to the taste!

Sofie had a bath right after her party :)

Sofie Walking and Playing

2008-10-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

Sorry we haven't updated in a while! Here is a cute little video of Sofia starting to walk and playing with her pops. (Pops is grandpa, not daddy.)

A First Time For Everything!

2008-08-04T18:17:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all! Our precious baby girl is 9 months old! It seems like now she is doing something new everyday. Sofie is babbling lots, crawling amazingly fast, and curious about everything. She loves to make us laugh and is just a really happy baby! Does that mean that our next one is going to be grumpy??? That's what lots of folks have told us..so we'll see. Sofie got to see the beach for the first time last week. Here are some pictures from her adventures. We love y'all!

God Bless!

Her first reaction to the ocean! Ha! Wake up baby girl!

Look at those eyelashes!

Happy Beach Bum!

Sofie, Wait!

This sand is messy!

We took some pretty shots on the beach, before it got too hot for our little cutie-pie! She seemed to pose for the camera...so much like her daddy!

Drool Queen!

On the beach at sunset...looks like her daddy, dontcha think?

Spending time with Mommie

Last day at the beach

Sorry there are so many pictures! It was too hard to choose which ones to share! Hope you enjoyed them!

HAPPY 4th of JULY!

2008-07-04T07:44:00.000-07:00

This morning tons of the kids in our neighborhood decorated their bikes, motorized cars, and skateboards and paraded down the street in celebration of the 4th of July! It was so cute! As you will see, we kinda got in the spirit too! Aren't we so blessed to live in the USA!?!

MADE IN THE USA

Summer 2008

2008-07-03T03:43:00.000-07:00

Sofia is having fun this summer and we are having too much fun with little miss Sofia. Her precious personality shows itself more and more each day! She is a hoot! At times she seems cautious and bashful, at others she'll chat continuously and demand the stage! We are loving it, y'all! Hope you enjoy the pics!

After a long day and finally a bath!

Yummy! Sweet potatoes, avocado and chicken for Lunch! Sofia likes to smear her food on the highchair tray and squeeze it between her fingers...gotta love it!

Chillin' out at Youth Camp under a shade tree and holding a Vera Bradley wallet...she has good taste, what can I say?

Sofie's just one of the girls!

She has the Sweetest Smile!

Sofia and her Hero! She lights up when she sees her Daddy!

More pics coming soon! Sofia is nearly 8 months old and she just got some cute outfits from Sweden from her Uncle Berry & Aunt Vikwi...can't wait to show you all!

Baby Dedication Sunday

2008-06-06T08:15:00.000-07:00

It is an awesome blessing to finally be able to participate in a baby dedication service. Two years ago, it was all I (Joe) could do to keep my emotions in check as I preached a mother's day message on the same day as baby dedication at Bethany Baptist Church.

On Mother's Day, Sofia was dedicated to the Lord in a service at First Redeemer. My only regret is that my immediate family and church family from Bethany could not be there with us. We have been so blessed to alway have been involved with a church family that loves us, and Bethany Baptist prayed with us through our infertile years, our miscarriage, and our pregnancy.

Church family from Bethany, you are still part of our family, and I praised God during the dedication service for you because of your prayers for us during our struggling years of infertility. Also, Big Rock Baptist Church (my brother Pat's church) prayed weekly and daily for us as well...and though I do not know you well, I thank the Lord for your prayers as well.

Please pray for Sofie as you watch this video, and you are invited to make a commitment to pray for her as well. If anyone would like to join us in committing her to the Lord, please leave your name and a prayer here on this blog.

Can somebody from Bethany Baptist please make sure that Judy Smith and Susan Henson see this post?

Waffle House and a Swimming Pool

2008-05-28T05:46:00.000-07:00

Sofie's first dip in the pool...

Sofie's first trip to Waffle House (For her Uncle Berry).

Enjoy the Video Barry!

Happy 6mos Birthday Sofia!

2008-05-07T12:07:00.001-07:00

Our little baby is half a year old! We are so thankful for her. She is doing lots of baby tricks nowadays:

1. Sit up with her hands on the floor for support.
2. Rolling from tummy to back and from back to her tummy.
3. DROOLING!!!!!!!!!!!
4. Screams, Growls, Coos, Yells.
5. Blows spit bubbles.
6. Stands up while leaning on something.
7. Eats a whole jar of baby food in record time! (sweet potatoes her favorite!)
8. Picks up her binky and puts it in her mouth.
9. Sucks on her toes!
10. Pulls peoples hair, glasses and earrings!

She is a TRIP!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET-PEA!

Tennessee Family & Friends

2008-04-13T19:19:00.000-07:00

Last week we took a road trip to our home state, Tennessee. We kissed the dogs goodbye, packed a million, gazillion baby things and hit the road. It was Sofia's first out-of-state trip and our first as parents! We enjoyed our time with family and friends, catching up and remembering when. To those back in Tennessee...we love y'all! Looking forward to our next visit!

3 Cutie-Pies

Sofie's Cousins

Hangin' with Grandma

Sofie with her cool Uncle

Sofie loves her Grandma!

Happy 5mos Birthday!

2008-04-06T13:19:00.000-07:00

We cherish every moment with our little munchkin! Sofia rocks!

Who knew they made peasant tops and boot-cut jeans for babies???

Cuddling with Curious George

Daddy's Girl!

Lookin' so purty!

Any ideas out there for a 1/2 year birthday celebration???

Bring on the Sunshine!

2008-03-29T15:10:00.000-07:00

Lately the weather has allowed us to take some nature walks with Sofia. We've also taken some rides in her cool stroller. Until recently Sofia has protested when we would put a hat on her, however, she really seems to like her new brimmed hat and sunglasses. Can't wait for bathing suit time! Two-piece or one piece????? (for the baby of course!)

By the way, Silas, Corbin and Nathan: Sofie is off limits until she reaches the age of 30! But, if you are real nice and send money every month to help pay for her college, we will consider allowing you to date her at 29. (This part is from Daddy.)

Bluebell, Sofia, and a Swedish Delivery

2008-03-15T10:22:00.000-07:00

The Revelation Song

2008-03-11T11:20:00.000-07:00

Some friends of ours led worship for the students this past Sunday morning. They introduced me to a song by Kari Jobe. I think this song is an echo of what our praises will be in Heaven. It's my new favorite!

EN Svensk Leveransen

2008-03-08T14:01:00.000-08:00

Tack själv för min bekväm ny klä! JAG älska du , Farbror Berry Tant Vikwi! JAG missa du! Omfamna och Kysste

Älska , Sofia

Happy 4 month Birthday Sofia!

2008-03-05T06:29:00.001-08:00

We can't believe our little sweet pea is 4 mos. old! She amazes us everyday! We've enjoyed the big toothless smiles and giggles this month. She is so alert during the day, she loves to have conversations and to give us her opinion on things. Sofia seems to already love books like both of her parents too. Last night, we were delighted to hear her chuckle for the first time. Joe was handing her to Kristy and he began to clap and smile at her. She just thought this was the funniest thing! She was shaking, she was laughing so hard! We laughed just as hard with her! Wow! Those little moments will not soon be forgotten! Sofia got an activity center for her 4 mos. birthday. She also likes to sit in her Bumbo seat. These are some pics that we wanted to share with our family and friends! We love y'all!

--Joe & Kristy

Wild Animals

2008-02-26T07:29:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago, I read this excerpt from MERE CHRISTIANITY by C.S. Lewis. The following words are etched in my head. Particularly the simile about wild animals and the creative metaphor about paint vs. a dye or stain. I hope his thoughtful words encourage and challenge you too.

--Kristy

...That is why the real problem of the Christian life comes where people do not usually look for it. It comes the very moment you wake up each morning. All your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the fist job each morning consists simply in shoving them all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in. And so on, all day. Standing back from all your natural fussings and frettings; coming in out of the wind.

...We can only do it for moments at first. But from those moments the new sort of life will be spreading through our system: because now we are letting Him work at the right part of us. It is the difference between paint, with is merely laid on the surface, and a dye or stain which soaks right through...

Chubby & Lovely

2008-02-22T13:16:00.001-08:00

I've Been Tagged...

2008-02-19T17:25:00.000-08:00

Well, my good friend, Erin, has decided to play a game of tag with me. I have never done this before either!

--Kristy

1. How do you take your coffee? With cream and sugar. I’m not sure how much of either ingredient, I just have the perfect color in my head. I know when it’s right!

2. What is your restaurant genre of choice? Italian, hands down!

3. If you had to eat the entire cake, what kind would it have to be? Hot fudge, ice cream cake….Erin if you’re reading this I can only guess that you’ll be craving this soon! Ha!

4. What kind of cook do you consider yourself to be (i.e. gourmet)? This question doesn’t apply to me. Seriously, my hubby is our cook…I just reheat things.

5. Eggs for breakfast? Absolutely! Scrambled with cheese and a side of toast.

6. Are you an adventurous eater? Nope. I watch my husband eat strange foods though.

7. Would you consider yourself a food snob? More like a coffee snob. Our favorite coffee roasters are San Francisco Coffee Company, Batdorf & Bronson, Chatz, & Counter Culture.

Okay, now it's time for me to tag someone else.......Tag you're it: Glenna & Jess

Polka Dots, Bloomers & Bows

2008-02-10T14:13:00.000-08:00

Is there anything more precious than a baby girl? Sofia is 14 weeks old and a chunky 14lbs. I must admit that I spend moments throughout my day just looking at her and holding her for just "one more minute" before I put her down to run a vacuum or fold some laundry. I expected that being a mommie would change me, but I had no idea how. My heart is softer. I cry more...the joyful kind. I pray more...lots of thanks. I notice the little things more...the things that count. I cherish "family time"...try to savor every second. I never pictured myself showering Sofie in bows and frilly bloomers, but that has changed too! This Sunday we got to take some quick pictures of Sofie before she slipped back into her comfy onsie. Isn't she precious? Thank you God for our little Sofie!

Happy 3 mos. Birthday Sofie!

2008-02-05T08:59:00.000-08:00

The Booger Scream

2008-01-30T05:09:00.001-08:00

Here is a cute little video of Sofia screaming, and a big white booger.

Our New Home (Edited with Pictures...)

2008-01-18T17:02:00.001-08:00

We closed on our new home in Cumming, GA on January 17th. We plan on moving in completely on the 25th. We are overjoyed, emotionally exhausted, and still feel as though we were riding one of these:

Not sure which one I am right now...the screaming chunk about to fall off, or the laughing woman...

For family and those of you who are interested, here are a few pictures of our new home. The two things I am digging the most: The unfinished basement, and the hot-tub!

In ministry, we never get the joy of seeing the finished "project". The basement is going to help me find satisfaction in finishing a job...can't wait to get started onit, and take time doing it right! (The hot tub will be to rest in after working on the basement...yeehaw!)

Everything Matters, but some Matters Matter More

2008-01-05T19:42:00.000-08:00

We have been so busy lately...scurrying around here and there. I was reminded of what matters most. Thank you Lord.

We are moving!

2008-01-03T06:43:00.001-08:00

God continues to surprise us and bless us! This year has been filled with a ton of surprises and blessings. Over the past year God has been doing some pretty neat "God Stuff" in our lives. I am overwhelmed as I think about it, and perhaps you have your own story to reflect on as you look back over the past year. Here is mine, in good old fashioned bullet points:

January: Invited to host a booth for my speaking ministry at the Youth Pastor's Summit in Orlando, Fl.
February: Received an invitation to lead a seminar at the National Youth Workers Convention in November 2007.
March: Discovered Kristy was pregnant! (After one miscarriage and almost six years of trying to conceive!)
April: High School mission trip to Juarez Mexico to build a home for a family.
June: Camp Pastor for Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Florida...many dedications and roughly 15 students accepted Christ!)
August: Our Back to School Bash featured Christian Hip-Hop/Rap artists Grits and drew in over 1200 students and adults. Roughly 15 students accepted Christ, and several rededications.
September: Shared my testimony and the gospel at a youth rally at First Baptist Hanceville, AL. 15 students were saved, and nine more made rededications.
November: My little girl Sofia Lynn Donahue was born: 7lbs 20 inches.
November: Led the seminar, "Broken Homes, Broken Families, Broken Hearts: Mending Hurting Teenagers in a Broken World" at the National Youth Workers Convention in Atlanta, GA.
December: First Redeemer in the greater Atlanta area sensed that the Lord was leading them to invite me to be the head Student Pastor on their staff. First Redeemer is an 11 year old church and has been growing by new conversions and baptisms every year. I have accepted God's call, and I will begin a new ministry at Redeemer on January 20th.

What a crazy year it has been for us! We continue to trust in God's sovereignty and in His plan and purpose for our lives. WE TRUST GOD. Not ourselves. I prayed to God that He would close the door of opportunity at Redeemer if He did not want us to walk through it, but instead, he removed the door from the hinges and flung it aside!

This means I have to leave the amazing church of Bethany Baptist that I have loved for the past 4+ years. God has done some amazing things at Bethany: We have seen roughly 250 teenagers accept Christ as Savior, our high school students participated in their first ever foreign mission trip to Juarez Mexico; Disciple Now's; Back to School Bashes; World Changers Mission Trips and summer camp at Jonathan Creek...not to mention the countless laughs, prayers, tears, and unbelievable smells (usually associated with Daniel and Trey...) Kristy is joined in heart with so many of our girls...

Yet we can't wait to see what God has in store for us at First Redeemer. We look forward to many years of student ministry at Redeemer with joy, fear and trembling. Who am I that God would call me? Not merely to Redeemer, but to any of the other church that I have served at?

From 1994-1996 I ran from 'surrendering to full time ministry.' I ran from from the area of evangelism (after I surrendered to it) until the summer of 2006. It seems I have spent more time running from the Lord and his will rather than embracing it...Yet, it appears that God still desires to use me. I want to be like David; a man after God's own heart, yet often times I feel more like Jonah; a man who ran from the Lord's will (yet the Lord used him anyway).

So who am I that God would choose to use me? I am more than a nobody, (Christ didn't suffer the cross for a nobody) but I certainly am not a somebody. I am simply loved by God. I am a sheep. A follower of Christ. One who wanders and stray from time to time, but is always brought back to the arms of the Shepherd.

Well, enough reflection! We are extremely excited about what God has been doing at Redeemer, and look forward to seeing students and parents saved, baptized, and walk with Jesus for years to come!

Merry Christmas from The Donahue Bunch!

2007-12-24T09:40:00.000-08:00

May the love and mercy of Jesus Christ surround your family and bless you during the Christmas season!

Bath Time With Sofia

2007-12-19T06:24:00.001-08:00

You would be amazed at how sweet our little girl is! When it is time for a bath, she is so quiet and good. She doesn't fuss or cry...she loves her bath!

Sofie Sings: I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

2007-12-11T10:17:00.000-08:00

Enjoy this Christmas wish as Sofie sings:

sweet smile sofie!

2007-12-06T07:29:00.000-08:00

Great Pictures of Sofie

2007-11-28T04:21:00.001-08:00

Christmas is close enough!

Poll: Which One is the Best?

2007-11-27T14:26:00.000-08:00

Which picture do you like the best? Vote on the sidebar!

Picture #1
Picture # 2
Picture # 3

Going Home!

2007-11-19T06:37:00.001-08:00

This is the last blog about our hospital venture. The following four videos are of our drive home, seeing the house decorated, bringing Sofia into her home and placing her into her crib for the first time.

National Youth Workers Convention

2007-11-15T20:49:00.000-08:00

Big day tomorrow! For those of you who check in on my blog from time to time, you may know that I will be leading a seminar at the National Youth Workers Convention in Atlanta on November 16th. I ask for your prayers. I have finished with all of my material, and we leave it to rest in the Lord's mighty and Sovereign hands. I will be leading the seminar between 10:00am and 11:30am, so for those of you who are prayer warriors, please lift me up during that time. You can read a little bit more about it at my other blog.

Blessings,

Joe

Pops and Grandma Lumpkin's First Look

2007-11-12T06:54:00.000-08:00

While Kristy and I were in the surgery room for the c-section, her mom and dad called on my cell phone. Obviously I did not answer it...but I inadvertently did. They were able to hear the whole procedure and hear it when I announced, "It's a girl!"

This is there first look at Sofia through the nursery window.

What's Up Now, Anne Geddes?

2007-11-09T18:42:00.000-08:00

Babies Best Friend? Part Two

2007-11-09T11:13:00.000-08:00

Bluebell likes to sleep by the pack-n-play in the living room. Brutus, on the other hand, prefers to perch on the arm of the couch to watch her sleep. I can't tell if he is there to protect her, or eat her...

Sofia's First Breaths!

2007-11-08T07:40:00.000-08:00

As it happened:

It's a girl!!!

First Video From Home...

2007-11-07T14:32:00.000-08:00

One of the methods the hospital employs to remain in business is by selling little buttons to dads and pops. Well, call me a sucker. The photographer came around peddling her wares, took a few pictures of Sofia, and I had to get this one. We were unable to get the photo digitally, so you will have to see this picture with all the glare from the camera: Can you believe she stuck her tongue out at me?

Here is the no longer sad, empty and lonely car seat. Sofia's ride home from the hospital...Kristy and I almost panicked when the nurse put one of her feet on the car seat for leverage and tightened the strap until Sofie's eyes popped out... Grrrr.

You can hear in our voices that we are getting a little tired...some of words and speech have evolved into grunts and nods. We are just at the beginning phase of the long nights, but hopefully now that we are home and no longer at the hospital, we will at least be a bit more comfortable.

We have quite a bit of great video footage and as soon as I get a video cable for the camera, I will begin editing it and placing bits and pieces online. This video was made with our "picture taking camera"...

I think she said, "Eeeeawwl" in the opening second.

She is Here!

2007-11-06T22:10:00.000-08:00

I am at the hospital right now with Kristy. This is our second night, and it looks like we will be able to go home tomorrow. At 1:30 on Monday morning, Kristy went into labor. When we arrived at the hospital, the nurses and doctors determined that the baby was breech and we needed to do a c-section. At 4:06, Sofia Lynn was born. I understand that many daddy's will beg to differ, but she really is the most beautiful baby on the planet. Sofia has a full head of long strawberry blonde hair. It looks like she has highlights in it! We can't decide who she looks like the most. Kristy thinks she looks like me, I think she looks like her. She has her nose, her chin, and her cheeks.
Sofia weighed 7 lbs even, and was 20 inches long.

Proud grandparents!

I will post more tommorrow after we get home. I am so in love with this little girl. In fact, I love her so much I have promised to:

1) Love the Lord my God with all my heart.
2) Love Kristy sacrificially.
3) Love Sofia unconditionally.

These are now my top three priorities, in proper order. The very best gift I can give to Sofia is to spend quality time with the Lord every day. The next best gift I can give to her, is to love her mom sacrificially so that we can raise her in a stable, loving home. And finally the third best gift, and my third priority in life is to love her unconditionally.

Some well meaning folks have said that Sofia is now my number one priority. Politely, and with humility, I think the above three are in the correct order, and will be the absolute best for my little girl.

Carrie Underwood is my Sister-in-Law!

2007-10-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

Thumb on the pickle, chop, chop, chop.

2007-10-24T06:39:00.000-07:00

24 days left...This boy and I feel the same way.

I wonder if this will work for us?

I think I am going to try it, and let you know how it turns out!

Prayer Request: Dying Daddy

2007-10-19T08:21:00.000-07:00

Occasionally in ministry, some prayer concerns hit the heart and mind a bit more heavily than others at times. This is a prayer request that came through my email at church, so I will edit it to ensure privacy for the family, but I ask you to call out to our Heavenly Father for this family:

I have an urgent prayer request for a young couple, Stanley and Tiffany. They are at the hospital as I type this awaiting the birth of their first and only child. Stanley is 25 years old and dying of terminal cancer. Tiffany is only 36 weeks pregnant, but due to Stanley's deteriorating condition the doctors have agreed to induce labor, so he can see his child before he dies. An amniocentesis was done today, and the baby's lungs are developed enough that the doctors thought it would be possible. Stanley is so weak that he has to be brought in via ambulance to be at his wife's side to witness the birth of his child. The Hospital has been amazing in their support of this couples efforts to be together during this time. Please pray that Stanley has the strength to live long enough to hold his child, and please pray for Tiffany and also Stanley's family as they witness this miracle of birth and the tragedy of death so close together. The baby is a boy and will carry his father's name.

God is always bigger.

Cabbage Patch Feet

2007-10-15T15:34:00.000-07:00

For the record, i would just like to say that Kristy and I have talked about this...And since I will not say anything, I thought I would simply upload a couple of pictures...

Draw your own conclusions!

We have been given so many great gifts! Today we lumped some of our gift cards together and purchased an infant car seat and the outfit that the baby will wear home. We have received quite a few outfits, but we wanted to pick out the first one ourselves. It reads, "I love my Daddy" on the front. I tried to persuade Kristy to choose a different one. But she was pretty adamant about it.

I am loved by the most precious woman in the world.

Here is the outfit...

I can't wait to stick his/her little bottom in that seat! We have it all ready to go in case the baby comes early. Keep on praying for us!

Swollen Feet, Honesty, and the Fire Department

2007-10-06T07:29:00.002-07:00

Kristy is experiencing all of the joys of pregnancy. I mean, ALL of the joys. The last few weeks, in spite of drinking almost a gallon and a half of water every day, her joints, hands, feet, and face are beginning to get rather...puffy.

"Joey," (she calls me Joey from time to time) "do you think I look fat?"

"Nope, I think you look pregnant. You are going to get big. You are supposed. You're pregnant," I say.

"Can you tell my feet are getting bigger?"

"Nope. They look normal to me."

"My hands?"

"Nope. You look like you always have. It's just your belly that's bigger."

I don't make a habit of lying to my wife, but when she asks something like this, well...it puts me in an awkward position. I don't want to lie to her, but at the end of the day - I lie without blinking an eye.

Well- my sin found me out! This past weekend, Kristy's sister and mom and dad were at the house. Kristy's dad, Pete said to me, "You can't tell Kristy's feet are bigger?"

"Nope. She looks normal to me." Now I am lying to the man who helped bring my wife into the world and changed her soiled diapers, who by the way, was my first Pastor and the man who baptized me.

"Haven't you seen her picture? There is no getting around the picture!" he said.

"What picture?"

"The picture of Kristy and Kim's feet side-by-side."

"Oh crap." I think to myself. "I don't need to see any picture." I said. "Her feet look normal to me." I look quickly at my wife who is smiling a sad little smile, with her puffy little lip sticking out just a bit. "Baby," I say. "You look completely fine to me."

I manage to squeeze out of that conversation and completely avoid the topic of her feet until the next day. This picture is thrust in front of me:

A day or so later, we sat on the floor of the kitchen with dish washing liquid and water and tried to get her rings off.

No way. No how.

The next day, we drive to a jewelry store to ask if they can cut off Kristy's toe rings and ring on her finger. They sent us to the McDonough Fire Department. Kristy rode in the vehicle with the seat reclined, her feet on the dashboard, and her legs kind of looking as though she was in the birthing position. This was the only way to keep her feet up. When we pulled into the fire station, the Police Chief saw a pregnant woman with her feet on the dashboard looking as though she was about to give birth.

He breathed a sigh of relief when I told him we just needed to get her rings cut off.

"I've delivered babies before," he said, "but I sure don't want to do it today."

We made small talk with the very nice fire chief until a truck rolls into the station. Three firemen proceed for the next 10 minutes, to make little jokes and cut off all of her rings. Each ring left a solid red circle, and the skin was indented as though the rings were still there.

Now, when Kristy asks me now if if she looks big and puffy. I look her square in the eye and tell her:

"I have to go to the bathroom."

Baby Names and Baby Shower!

2007-10-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

We are running a little bit behind in updating our blog. Over the next couple of days expect at least two (maybe three) new entries.

This past Sunday afternoon, our church held a baby shower for us. We are so blessed to be at such a generous church. We had a lot of fun and received lots of goodies! I couldn't wait to get home and begin assembling weird shaped things together - before I even changed out of my duds, I completed the high chair without one bad thought or pinched finger...

Kristy is in her 35th week of pregnancy (typical pregnancies go till around the 40th week), so we are about a month away from meeting our little guy or girl for the first time.

What a great picture of my wife, who is still smoldering hot.

As far as names go, we had picked out names in February of 2006. If we have a boy, the babies name will be Silas Joseph or Joseph Silas...but we will call him Silas either way. If we have a girl, her name will be Sofia Anna or Anna Sofia...but we will call her Sofie.

Silas is a great name from the Bible. He was a missionary along with Paul who carried the Gospel of Jesus Christ far and wide. He co-authored First and Second Thessalonians, and assisted Peter in writing 1 Peter. Silas' journey with Paul and relationship with Christ leaps out from the pages of the Book of Acts. He is, in my opinion, a man I would be proud to name my child after.

I know what you are thinking...I seem pretty excited about having a boy. If that be my lot - so be it!

However, I have had more than one dream about holding a little baby girl in my arms, and hearing her attempts to say, "Daddy." There are many great women of God mentioned in the bible, but we have chosen to name our little girl Sofia. Sofia is derived from the Greek word, "Sophos" mentioned 44 times in the bible. The term is used in the New Testament to describe the men who came to worship the baby Jesus. Sofia means, "wise" or "sagacious." We sincerely hope that our little girl will one day be wise enough to humble herself and seek to worship our Lord Jesus.

More updates are a-coming this weekend!

I Apologize for My Part in This

2007-09-24T04:11:00.001-07:00

I apologize for revealing this information over the internet. Brother Al, you surely must have known that I could no longer keep this a secret. I have always sought to be transparent and vulnerable to our church family, but I just can't take the pressure any more of hiding this from our church.

I am sorry to say, that our ministerial staff have been involved in rather illicit activity on the weekends for quite some time. I am so sorry for my part that I played in this…but I can not keep this a secret any longer. All of the staff were involved. Every one of us. I know that people would have thought that this is a struggle that maybe Barry would be susceptible to, or Stan. But the truth is, we have been struggling with this for quite some time and gave in to our filthy dreams. Each will try to deny it, but I have secret videos of everything.

Please forgive me everybody. These two videos will reveal everything you need to know. I apologize to my wife Kristy, to my students, and to the families this information will affect. I am so sorry.

Please forward this blog address to all of our church family so that they may know how deep the rabbit hole really goes.

Honestly, I never thought that this would happen to me.

Baby Birthing Class

2007-09-16T20:21:00.001-07:00

Suffice it to say, "I seen things no man should see." Kristy told me that she had signed us up for child birthing classes. I was thinking it would be more along the lines of breathing exercises, stretching, etc. Kristy told me later on about the "disclaimer" that was on the brochure...

Seriously, it was beneficial for both of us to attend the class. We learned a lot about what to expect, and what to do in certain scenarios. (I probably could have gone without the breastfeeding video though!)

Babies Best Friend?

2007-09-16T20:19:00.000-07:00

I don't think Brutus and the baby are going to have any problems.

Do you?

On second thought, maybe Brutus needs a tranquilizer prescription.

Brutus, Bluebell and The Branch

2007-09-08T14:39:00.001-07:00

This is what happens when a branch falls out of a tree and into our yard. Be glad you are not a branch. (No offense Jordan.)

The reason why our couches are falling apart.

1/2 Rack O' Ribs

2007-09-04T16:18:00.000-07:00

It has been interesting and sometimes comical to see Kristy's appetite far surpass my own. Now I am the kind of guy that can put away all kinds of food (hence the Golds Gym membership), but Kristy has never even been able to keep up.

The other day we were eating with her parents in the Highlands in Atlanta, and Kristy ordered a 1/2 rack of ribs!
When she asked for a to-go box, I got excited! The thought of eating those mouth watering ribs later on watching COPS late at night was fun anticipation! After Kristy went to bed, I turned on the TV for COPS, checked the fridge, and to my dismay, she had already eaten every last bite. Blast!

By the way, my dinner wasn't exactly a small dinner that day... That is the biggest hot-dog I have ever seen (and eaten :))

Nursery Update Part Two

2007-09-02T20:16:00.000-07:00

Kristy's mom (Kathy) and sister (Kim) came over today to apply some of the finishing touches on the nursery for us. Kim is an artist in Nashville, and specializes in murals. We are so grateful that she wanted to do some work fo' free! You can check out some of Kim's work right here.

I know some may think that there are many pictures of the nursery - wait till the baby gets here!

It has been busy with church life and getting ready for the baby, but it has been great fun. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. Unless something BIG changes in the nursery, consider this the last post on the nursery...let's see, I guess I need to get a picture of Kristy up here!

Nursery Update...

2007-09-01T19:09:00.000-07:00

A half day at Ikea, a thumb blister later, and presto!

6 Months Picture and Registering Some Weird Thing

2007-08-31T07:10:00.000-07:00

Isn't she so pretty? Even though Kristy is now seven months pregnant, this is a picture at 6 months.

The other day I felt the most amazing thing in the world as I felt the babies head moving in Kristy's little belly. I know it was the head, because the baby is still breach, he/she hasn't headed down south yet. It was such a humbling and joy filled experience.

Registering for gifts...I feel so awkward doing this. I remember struggling with the idea of registering for wedding gifts when we were engaged...Maybe it's related to how I was raised; we may have received one gift for our birthdays...Or maybe it's a pride issue...either way, we are registered at Babies-R-Us and Target for those who would like to be a blessing to us and our baby. :)

Looks Like Kristy to Me!

2007-08-30T06:07:00.001-07:00

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans that I have for you declares the LORD, plans to prosper you not to harm you, to give you a hope and a future."

I thank the Lord for HIS great and precious promises regarding mine and Kristy's life. Who would have known that after 5 1/2 years of trying to get pregnant and a miscarriage, we would be blessed with this little life continuing to grow in Kristy's womb.

God did. His plans - while we couldn't understand them - were still good and perfect and right. We can't wait to meet this "kicking like crazy" bundle in November! Please join me in praying that I would be a daddy that demonstrates completely what it means to walk in the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.

3D Baby Ultrasound!

2007-08-28T05:00:00.001-07:00

This video is about twenty five minutes long: Kristy thinks the baby looks like me! Wait till you see the last minute of the video!!!

Jan Donahue and Peter and Kathy Lumpkins are the proud grand parents...When I created the video, it was only goingto be used to send to Pete and Kathy...so I left out the "Jan Donahue" name...

I'm sorry mom! I love you!

Our First Baby Pics!

2007-08-27T19:38:00.001-07:00

Today after much consideration, Kristy and I decided to go ahead and visit 3-D Baby and get some photos of the new little bundle coming in November. Everything went well with the visit, except our little baby snuggled against the placenta the whole time and we couldn't get a real clear picture!

Our Blog

2007-08-21T05:34:00.001-07:00

We designed this page to laugh at ourselves, and to give our family and friends a place to catch up on the "goings on" in our lives. We are expecting our firstborn on November 16th! What an amazing blessing from the Lord!