Downtown - Happy Anniversary and New Year!

Again we find ourselves downtown for our wedding anniversary! We are
celebrating three years of marriage and this is the fourth New Year's
Eve in a row we have spent here.

Every year things get better! And every year I get a little more
courageous as to where we go. We are having a great time together and
plan to see the new year in right here or maybe in the comfort of our
home... We will see how it goes.

I love your Rachael! Thank your for three wonderful years of
marriage... I look forward to spending many more with you.

Love,
-Brandon

Showers of Blessing

Today we finalized the deal for this 04 Ford Expedition. It was
certainly an answer to our prayers and the needs of our ministry and
our growing family.

Please be praying for the final details of selling my car and the
details for the paperwork for the new Ford And the new mini-van (pics
to come).

In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ
concerning you. In good and bad we will praise the Lord!

Car For Sale - Praise the Lord!

FOR SALE: 1992 HONDA ACCORD WITH ONLY 104k MILES! GREAT CONDITION. $3200 OBO. :)

Well, we have needed a new vehicle for a while and it seems the Lord has provided for our needs... again! What an awesome God we serve. I am starting to see that their is never a need to worry, just a need for more trusting.

Before today we had ZERO hits on a new vehicle to replace our Isuz Rodeo that hasn't been running very well recently and that our family is quickly outgrowing. I wanted a larger vehicle that will hold more people.

Today, Tim helped us find a 2004 Ford Expedition with only 57k miles on it for a very great price! It has some hail damage but he is going to take care of that before he sales it to us! In addition, Tim is going to trade in our other vehicle for a discount! I don't have to sale it!

Then Kimray called and they still have a minivian that we thought they sold a week ago. We are going to sale our 92 Honda Accord and buy that mini-van! Now we have two larger vehciles that we can use for our ministry and our family! Praise the Lord!

If you know anyone looking to buy a good little car for around $3000 that has pretty low milege (at least for a Honda) and runs great then leave a comment or if you have my contact info give me a buzz. Please be praying that it sales quickly. You can also look up the vehicle on Craig's List. It is posted at $3200. I will go down for someone I know.

Winter Time Update

Things are fantastic around our home. (By the way, Aunt Amy taught Elizabeth how to say fantastic. It is pretty cute.) We are adjusting to our new normal and as always staying very busy. Even just being at home I find myself very busy. Most days it is enjoyable though and on the days it’s not so much fun we make it through anyway. We have already celebrated our first Christmas celebration at my Papa Joe’s house. It was really fun.
Katherine is doing great. Elizabeth still loves her and gets so excited when she sees her. So far Liz hasn’t tried to pick her up but I fear we are getting closer to that event. Whenever Katherine cries Elizabeth rushes in insisting that she needs her passy. She is actually not a bad helper. Katherine is smiling at me on occasion and is even starting to find her little voice. I love to listen to her little coos. It is amazing to think how much she will learn over this next year. She is on a great schedule and is doing pleasingly well at night. Although I would love a full nights sleep I most certainly cannot complain one bit. She eats at about 9:00pm and then sleeps until 3:00am, eats and goes right back to sleep, then again at 6:00am and usually goes back to sleep with no problem, then at about 9:00am she wakes up for the day. I am VERY grateful she is doing well at night.

The weather has been somewhat cold recently. I have been trying to keep Elizabeth entertained with things other than TV. She really loves to play outside on the slide so I decided to bring the outside in. This has kept her happy for hours! We don’t leave it in all the time that way it is something new. She also really likes to color and she especially enjoys it when I have stickers. She is a lot of fun and is getting so smart! We discovered that she can quote the last word if almost every page of almost every book we read to her. We also have fun letting her fill in the words to songs that we sing. Yesterday she was standing up in her highchair, which is a known no-no and when I looked at her she quickly instructed herself “Sit down izibeth.” I remember when my niece Jasmine went through that stage.
Elizabeth is also learning how to count. She knows the numbers one through ten but can’t consistently say them together in the right order. I was reading her a book that has a scripture at the end. Since she has started saying the last words of the books I thought it would be a good idea to go ahead and read the reference so she could learn the whole scripture. The reference was Psalm 47:6. We had only read it a few times but as I was reading decided to pause at the very end to see if she knew the last word. I said “Sing praises to God sing praises. Psalm 47:…” Without hesitation Elizabeth filled in the blank with “eight.” It was pretty cute. I wasn’t sure if I should correct her or praise her for the great counting skills. Kids are so much fun!

I thought it would be fun to make Christmas cookies with Elizabeth. I decided not to worry about making perfectly decorated snowmen or candy canes. That I was certain would lead to dissapointment. So instead I made a small cookie receipe and let liz sprinkle on the sprinkles. It worked out great and I am happy to report our Christmas cookie adventure was a good old fashioned fun memory making time!

We were doing just fine until Uncle Jonny suggested that Elizabeth taste the sprinkles. It didn't take her long to discover she liked the way they tasted. Unfortunantly her hands are still a light shade of blue. I think she enjoyed her christmas cookie experience. Mommy sure did!

There was great anticipation as she awaited the big moment. :)

Elizabeth was excited that the cookies were almost done. She enjoyed her little taste of our work before bed.
I can hardly believe Christmas is less than a week away!!! WOW. It has been not quite as pleasant trying to get the Christmas shopping done so close to the big day but I believe we are going to make it! Hopefully next year will be better. Under the circumstances it hasn’t been too bad and Brandon has been a huge help! We have already received some very kind gifts. Some people are just so generous! We hope you and your family have a fabulous celebration of Jesus’ birth. I will try to post pictures quickly after Christmas. I'm sure Brandon will post from his phone during the celebrations.

Merry Christmas!

Basketball Games

I spent a lot of the weekend at the Harvest Hills Christian and
Homeschool Basketball Tournament. Liberty and theaeagles played in the
tournament.

Jon and Justin and their team took third. That is the best this team
has ever done in this tournament.

The liberty girls took third in the tournament. Whitney helps coach
this team and several young ladies that attend YOU GROW and that are
good friends play on this team. They played very well.

Morgan plays for the lady Eagles and they took first place in the
tournament. They did a great job and Morgan played point gaurs for
some of the championship game and she played very well.

This pic is of Jon and Just and the rest of their team. Go LIBERTY and
EAGLES!!!

Christmas at Home

We had a great day today. After church we went to eat with our
families. It was fun for us to all be together again.

After lunch, we came home and decorated our house for Christmas! We
hope many of you will plan to stop by and see the baby and enjoy this
season with us.

Britt, Lauren, and Jon came by this evening to fellowship and watch a
movie. It was fun!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

It's Christmas again! This has to be my favorite holiday. Everything
about it is wonderful. The family, friends, lights, gifts, food, cards
- I love Christmas!

Today we setup decorations at my parents. It is a tradition that is
fun but also a lot of work. The house is almost completely ready for
the season... Including a new HD TV with Tivo!

OU beast OSU tonight 61-41... Go Sooners! What a great way to start
the season :)

Merry Christmas to you and your family. May this season be filled with
love and joy in your heart.

Downtown for Christmas

Last night, we all went downtown with my family to see the Christmas
decorations. They look great! We had fun letting the girls break in
the new double stroller. Liz liked it a lot and Katherine stayed
toasty and warm. Thanks to everyone who contributed for this gift at
the shower... We are blessed!

We walked around, ate pizza, had ice cream, and just enjoyed the
season. It was lots of fun!

Tonight we are watching the big game with family... Go OU! See you all
at church tomorrow.

Thanksgiving Begins!

Happy Thanksgiving! I love this holiday. I love remembering what God
has done for us and setting aside a time to thanks Him.

We went to the Tuter's for thanksgiving on Sunday. It marked the first
of many thanksgiving feasts we will partake of this year.

Liz and Jaz were so cute... And a little cranky. They enjoyed sitting
at their very own table this year; they are getting so big!

Happy Thanksgiving!

God is Good!

God is so good!!! I am overwhelmed at the many blessings the Lord has given to me. Just today as I watched Elizabeth running across the yard with her big smile, blonde curls, and little legs, I was just so grateful for my little girls, my fabulous husband, my home, and all the many other blessings far too great in number to list them here. Yes, God is good; all the time!

Things are going well for us. I had so much help with Elizabeth the first week and that has really helped speed up my recovery. Yesterday we started trying to get back into a normal routine. Of course we are trying to find a new normal and making the necessary adjustments to keep life functional. I am trying to learn how to manage my time so that we won’t always be late places. Here are a few shots I have taken over the past few days.



This hat was made by a friend of ours. She made it so quickly I was was very impressed. She made Elizabeth a hat too. I am going to try to get their pictures in them together. If I am successful I will try to post them.

Sleepy Baby

Elizabeth is a great big sister. She loves the baby but has done a good job not smothering her. Believe it or not she is actually very gentle with Katherine. Elizabeth always refers to her as baby but can say her name if you ask her to. A couple days ago I had Katherine sitting in the recliner and Elizabeth went over to see her so I asked Elizabeth if she wanted to hold her. Lizzy said yes so I set her in the chair and put Katherine in her lap. I didn’t expect this moment to last long and was somewhat afraid it might get violent when Elizabeth decided she was done so I had the camera ready for a quick shot. To my surprise Elizabeth sat there perfectly still for several minutes holding Katherine just looking at her and giving her kisses. It was so precious!


At the hospital when Elizabeth came to see Katherine she was somewhat sleepy and therefore in a silly mood. When I was looking at the pictures after we got home I just had to laugh at the sequence I found. I think it looks like we have a very talented dancer on our hands. Her specialty appears to be breakdancing.

I will try to post a web album of the birth pictures another time. Finding time to blog might even be more difficult now but I will try my best! Thank you to everyone for your prayers and support. We love you all!

Brandon, Rachael, Elizabeth, and Katherine

My Girls

My two, beautiful girls. Elizabeth Grace and Katherine Faith.

Day Four

Katherine is doing very well during here first couple days at home.
Elizabeth is warming up to her. She will now even give her a kiss on
the head goodnight.

I am going to the Kimmal funeral today to run camera. Kelli is over
staying with the girls. Thanks you to so many who have helped us but
especially to our moms and my grandma for keeping Elizabeth so many
times. We love you!

Going Home

Katherine is dressed and ready to go home. We are waiting on one more
doctor and then we will leave. I plan to be at church tonight so I
will see many of you there. Rachael is going to get some rest tonight.
Thanks for your prayers.

Katherine Faith Werner

Thanks to everyone who has prayed for us and taken time to visit us.
Katherine is doing well and we should get to leave the hospital today
at 12:00. We are planning to go pick up Elizabeth and head home. I
will have to leave for church today around 3:30pm so if you want to
visit plan to come between 1:00 and 3:00 today. I should be able to be
at home allday tomorrow (thur) so come and visit anytime then if you
like. A call would be helpful. Use my phone to call (517-5686).

Thanks again for you prayers. More updates and videos to come!

Katherine Fairh is Here

At 10:00am, Katherine Fairh Werner entered the world. She weighed 6
pounds and 8.5 ounces. She is 19 inches long. More updates to come!

Mom and baby are doing well. Liz will meet here new sister very soon!

Delivery Room

We are in room 17 on the fourth floor. She is getting close. There is
a large waiting room so you are invited to come up and visit and wait
for Katherine. Please be praying for Rachael as she finished this
labor. Thank you for your prayers!

Katherine is on the Way!

We are at the hospital and Rachael has been admitted. Any time now
Katherine will enter the world. Check facebook for more pics.

This picture was taken just before we left the house. Rachael's water
broke at midnight and has been laboring since. It is now 5:20am. Keep
us in your prayers.

We are at OU medical downtown. You can stop by or call my dads cell
for an update. We are about to move to the deliverey room so I don't
have a number yet. Fourth floor. Leave a comment for Rachael!

It is finished!

The to do list is officially finished! All of you who voted I would have little Katherine before the 9th were obviously incorrect. I have officially started doing everything in my power to put myself into labor and really hope she will come by the 17th. That would mean she will be here between now and next Monday. We shall see! Some people say that knowing the gender of the baby is like opening your Christmas present before Christmas. I feel that waiting to go into labor is plenty of suspense for the occasion! Now I am so excited for her to be here. I want to kiss her cheeks and let her little hand wrap around my finger. Too bad excitement doesn’t induce labor! Each day I wonder if today is the day but I am also trying to do my best to soak in each full night’s sleep. :) After Katherine is here I know some things will change for me and Elizabeth so I am also spending time playing with her and giving her lots of love.

One thing on my to do list that wasn’t a requirement but was a want is making my new nursing veil. My aunt made me one when I had Elizabeth but I had worn it out and it had some holes in it. So, I bought some fabric and attempted to make one for myself. It turned out pretty good I think. I didn’t have a pattern to follow and around the neck it was a bit puckered. I think you have to make notches somehow to help that problem but I had no idea how to do that. This was the first time I attempted to use my sewing machine to make a button hole too. It was sooooo cool! I really like the fabric I chose and the veil is reversible. The neck hole is big enough to just slip on but I can also button it on if I don't want to mess up my hair. Fun Fun Fun!

Tomorrow I have another appointment with Ann. Maybe it will be my last before the baby. One of the fabulous five friends that was due in November had her baby yesterday. I am so excited for her. She is the only other one having a girl amongst the bunch. So now there are only three!

Blessings!

Jacob Austin

Bryce and Alli's baby boy is here! Weighing 8 pounds, 10 ounces, 21
inches long, Jacob Austin entered the world today by c-Section at
9:21am.

Mother and baby are both well. Please pray for a quick recoverey for
Alli and continued developement for Jacob.

I am still at the hospital. I love my iPhone :) this update was sent
through it.

See you all tonight at church. Enjoy this pic of the Reid's new pride
and joy!

Elections

It is good to know that God is on His throne and that nothing will
shake Him.

Last night, Obama said in his victory speech that the victory
ultimately belonged to the people. I say the victory will ultimately
belong to God.

As Christians, let's pray hard and prepare for battle. We are one step
closer to the end. It is time to choose which side we will stand on.
It is time to live what we believe.

Trust God. He is faithful.

Leave a comment with your thoughts about the election.

Soon and Very Soon!

The two week countdown has begun! Wow! Yesterday I went to see my midwife, Ann, and everything was looking good. After I left her office I was so excited. I am starting to show signs that things are getting close. How close no one can say for sure but all of the symptoms I am having are things that happened shortly before I had Elizabeth and are all common signs of new baby being right around the corner. Plus the moon is working its magic with the pull of the tides and Ann said I will be feeling the effects of that from now until around the 13th. The last few days have had increased contractions which is most likely a direct result of that.
My sweet mother helped me clean my house yesterday….nesting style. We worked very hard but got everything done! Anytime Katherine decides to come is fine with me now. Although I would still prefer she wait until at least Saturday and preferable Sunday. Anytime is manageable except Friday night between 5:00-10:00. Of course by saying that I may be jinxing myself into her birth at that very time frame. Haha! It will all work out so I’m not worried.

The girls room is put together and ready to go! Elizabeth hasn’t slept in her big girl bed yet but I might get brave and try her nap today in it. We shall see.


This is our new double stroller! What a blessing!!!! I think it is going to work out great! Elizabeth helped me test it out this morning. It is too windy and cold outside so we just went around and around the kitchen island. The infant is actually supposed to ride in the front seat but I like it better in the back. The car seat feels plenty secure to me and that way Elizabeth can see better. When Elizabeth gets older we can convert the stroller by taking off the back seat which leaves a bench seat and foot step that Elizabeth could use to sit or stand on while she rides. What an awesome design! This stroller should last us for many years.



I have a couple of prayer requests I would like for you to remember.
1.) A friend of mine was supposed to have a c-section this morning. As far as I know evrything went as planned. Please pray for quick recovery for mommy and easy adjustment for this growing family.
2.)Also, I have a very sore throat and a cough (this is one of those soon to be labor signs) Please pray it heals quickly, before Katherine is born.

Blessings!

Perfect Peace

A couple days ago I realized that if Katherine is born five days early like Elizabeth was then she will be here in 13 days! Wow, my mind has been racing with millions of thoughts and great feelings of being overwhelmed! The to do list just doesn’t seem to be shrinking and as a matter of fact I think it is only getting bigger. Brandon was so sweet to take initiative to set up some weekly babysitting days with our moms for Elizabeth. This is going to be a big help and hopefully allow me some time to get those petty little things that are bothering me done. Maybe I will even get a bit of rest. Last night I almost felt panicked about all the undone things. Crazy as this may be one of the things bothering me most was the sinks. I have really just been itching to take a toothbrush and some toothpicks to my sinks and drains. So after I put Elizabeth to bed I started scrubbing; all the while still thinking of the million other things to do. The Lord brought Isaiah 26:3 to mind and I just keep repeating it over and over to myself. “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You.” Thank you Lord!

Matthew 6:34
34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Luke 12:6-7
6Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?7But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

I love this blurb from Beth Moore's bible study Stepping it Up.
"God never dozes off, even when for a time the air is smooth and the way is clear. He doesn't jolt awake when the earth rumbles beneath your feet. He is in perfect attendance to your every step. Our God is the Lord maker of heaven and earth!" AMEN

So, rather things are done or undone, if Katherine comes today or thanksgiving day, I will simply focus on keeping my mind stayed on Him who will keep me in perfect peace, who knows the number of hairs on my head, and who orders my steps. Great is your faithfulness oh God!

"He leadeth me beside still waters, He restoreth my soul..."

Day at the Maze

We took Elizabeth to the pumkin patch / corn maze in Newcastle. It was a very beautiful day outside and we had a lot of fun! Enjoy the video!

Baby Shower Blessings!

Oh, what a blessing generous friends are to have!!!! The baby shower was great! I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the many people who gave their time to come bless us. There were so many wonderful gifts and we even received some money to be able to purchase a double stroller!!! God is so good! Here are a few pictures of the great event. Yes, we planned on being twinkies.

This little onesie from Aunt Lauren was one of my favorites. The saying on it is just so true!

There were so many cute clothes!

This was such a great gift from the Ruckels. It is matching outfits for the girls for next summer. Brandon wants for the girls to have lots of matching outfits. They will be so cute together next spring when they can wear these!

This is three of the five women friends that are due in November. So much fun!

Elizabeth stayed with Nana and Grandaddy Friday night so Brandon and I could go out and celebrate his birthday. Nana loves hot tea and is a great tea party hostess. Notice how she even puts her nice white table cloth down for the occasion. Mom, you’re the best!


It is always fun to play with Grandaddy. Looks like he has a whole new generation to wrestle with! That used to be one of my favorite things to do with daddy!



Hope you all have a great week!