Our Little Snuggler

So I Don't Forget

Right now the windows are open so the autumn-like cool breeze can fill our house with the nostalgia of fall. I have been getting ready, tidying up the house for an afternoon guest, and swaying with my sweet Abigail in my arms who seems to have a love for cuddling. My hot chai tea is waiting on me to begin my Bible study. My precious Elisabeth is filling the neighborhood air with sweet songs. I know that all who can hear her right now can't help but smile. I cannot seem to think of a better word for it, for hardworking is an understatement...but my hardworking husband has the weekend off, and I am joyful in knowing he can have some much needed rest. My heart is so full. And I don't want to forget this.

For a Love of Reading

I LOVE to read. And I LOVE to decorate, design, and redesign. I am also very indecisive which typically leads me to constantly rearrange and redo things. And working with what I have can be a little challenging sometimes. But I enjoy it immensely. So, what started as a "dance studio" has become a place that I hope will continue to fuel Elisabeth's love of reading...She's already named it "The Reading Spot."

Family

One of the hardest things about moving to Oregon has been missing all of the people we love. Thankfully we have so many ways to talk to you and "see" you every day! We just wanted you to know that we love you all and miss you tremendously!!

Tiny Dancer

When we first saw this house, it only took me about a millisecond to figure out what to do with the odd space that is our second living room. As soon as I saw it I knew it would be a great place for a playroom. As we surveyed the random recessed rock wall at the end of the room with a recessed light overhead, I thought of Elisabeth and her vivacious and dramatic personality and knew exactly what to do with it...A STAGE!! I even have red curtains to drape on the sides! We set it up on Friday as a little dance "studio" complete with mirrors so she can check her form...oh, wait, she's not that serious! She just likes to watch herself dance! We had some 50's music going and she was loving it!!

She even gave a private lesson!

Abigail joined us after her nap.

I don't think it will be too long before I find them in the playroom together dancing up a storm!

Sisterly Love

Roll

Ready,

Set,

Roll

Over!!!

(Insert thunderous applause!)

Abigail is accomplishing major things here in Oregon. She's rolling over as of late, and she's also quite a fan of solid foods! So far she's just had oatmeal, but she loves it so much that I usually have to make a second serving for her. She has such a joyful disposition and loves to smile. She is quite entertained by Elisabeth, which is perfect...Elisabeth loves an audience! Their excitement to be around each other usually involves lots of smiling and high pitched laughter. Now that Abigail has realized there's more to life than just laying/sitting in one spot, it won't be long before the two of them will be on the run together!

Ocean

Lately, I've been thinking about You
And lately, I've been dreaming of You
And lately, I can't get You out of my head
Get You out of my head


Something about the ocean
Makes me rise up and praise
Something about the heavens
Makes me stand in awe again
Something about the sunrise
Reminds me of Your faithfulness
Something about the ocean
And I'm lost in love again


I'll sing until I sense a smile
Upon Your great and lovely face
And till I know Your glory's in this place
Your glory's in this place


Something about the ocean
Makes me rise up and praise
Something about the heavens
Makes me stand in awe again
Something about the sunrise
Reminds me of Your faithfulness
Something about the ocean
And I'm lost in love again

Mullet

Business in the front,

party in the back!

Not too sad to say that the mullet is no more...Abigail has already had her first haircut!

Sleep

I think Abigail might need one of these,


because she most certainly MUST have her eyes covered in order to go to sleep!!


And what about Elisabeth?


Nope!! She's way to busy to think about sleeping!!

Put On a Happy Face

These days Abigail is always smiling, just like her big sister! We are so blessed to be surrounded by such joy!!

Proud

Brian,

We are so unbelievably proud of you for how hard you have worked the last four years. Thank you for all you have gone through for our family. Thank you for following the Lord each step of the way and allowing Him to use you through the field of medicine. And thank you for allowing us to be a part of this journey; we cannot wait to begin the next phase with you. You are going to be an amazing doctor who touches the lives of so many people. You are now officially Dr. Hodges, and words cannot express how proud we are of you! We love you!!

Love, Autumn, Elisabeth, and Abigail

I'm so proud to be this man's wife!

Proud daughter, often referred to as Dr. Elisabeth!! She wants to be just like her daddy! When we ask her why she wants to be a doctor, she says that she wants to help people just like Daddy does!

Proud Mom!

And brother!

Proud parents!

Superman!! Aka, Dr. Hodges!!

And to our families: Thank you does not come close to saying how grateful we are to each of you for your love and support during this time. We could not have done this without you. We are beyond grateful for each one of you and thank the Lord for allowing us to be a part of your lives. We feel so safe and encouraged in knowing that you are still right there with us prepared to cheer us on through the next part of this journey. Our hearts are so heavy because we are moving so far from you all, but we are so excited to see what the Lord has in store for all of us. We will have many great memories to make with all of you in Oregon! We love you all beyond words!! The Lord has truly blessed us with each one of you!

A New Perspective

Juxtaposition

Chaotic



Peaceful