The Ireland Family

Anticipating a day of sorrow and joy

2012-02-09T16:38:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, February 10th, 2012 will be the day our twin sons, Eli and Caleb are delivered. It won't be a "typical" delivery, because our sweet Caleb passed away at 25 weeks (over two months ago). We are so thankful that Eli has done well, and he is ready to make his appearance at 36.6 weeks. I realize some may have not known about our situation, and I thought I should give an update so that no one is taken off guard, when we have pictures of only one baby. I've gone back and forth about how much I should share, whether it was appropriate, whether I was ready--I pray that I haven't squandered an opportunity to show the goodness of God even in our tragedy. Maybe I can somehow redeem that--

How do you prepare for a day like tomorrow? I'm not quite sure. My heart has been preparing for the last two months, carrying around life and death in my womb, moving between grief and happiness, uneasiness and peace. The Lord has been gracious in lending His strength, and I'm thankful to belong to a compassionate Father who weeps with those who mourn. His son, Jesus Christ, knew what it was like to live in world of heartache and sin. Not only can he relate to our hurt in this life, he also ushered in the kingdom of God, where I find my hope as I live in between two kingdoms.

There are many aspects of this journey that I'd like to share (and maybe will at some point) but I'm mainly writing to ask for prayers from our brothers and sisters in Christ, that we will honor Him in our sorrow and joy, and pray for a safe delivery for Eli and myself tomorrow. We are so thankful for the generosity and love already shown by our friends and family, their prayers, visits, etc. etc. Just another evidence of God pouring out His love on us. He is good, and even in our sufferings, I've found it to be even more true.

Three is the new twenty

2010-06-28T18:37:00.000-07:00

Reading parent magazines, I always like to look at the section that record the funny things that kids say. Collin is at the stage where he has questions about everything, and his perspective on the world is so unique. I thought I would just share two little stories and hopefully bring a smile to your face.

We were eating at a restaurant, where they call out your number and you go up to the counter to pick up your meal. Our number was called over the loud speaker, and Collin had a quizzical look on his face, "Is that God?"

Collin likes to have his Bible read before nap and bedtime. One of the Bible stories, tells of creation, and reads like a catchecism. Who made the trees? God did. Who made the animals? God did, etc. One day we were trying to get Collin to pick up his toys. And he said, Mommy, you do it. I asked him, "who made the mess?" He said, "God did??"

Update please?

2010-03-28T10:49:00.001-07:00

Our blog has been asking me to be updated, so I thought I would grant its wish and stop neglecting it. We have survived the winter months (we've had snow three times!) and we are rejoicing it is spring. After a challenging winter, personally, I keep coming back to the verse in Isaiah 43: 19, "See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up, do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." There are seasons of life, much resembling the seasons of weather. In the winter season of life, we shouldn't despair for it is only too a season, and it shall pass... God will bring up something new if we let Him!

I promise this the last picture with snow** I hope!**

Too cute not to include Collin with his "sno-bro"

Ainsley and Collin taking a ride on the Thomas Express

Thanks Mimi & PP Ireland

Daddy with his girl. See any resemblance?

I tried putting her hair back, only lasted for a couple minutes.

This is our little "valley girl" with her purse, she loves purses and talking on the phone.

Oh yeah, and she is walking now! We are in trouble.

Collin just celebrated his third birthday. To celebrate, we took him to Chuck E. Cheese

Mimi and PP Ireland came to visit, so we had a very happy birthday!

Ainsley enjoyed the carousel

We still have a few more pictures of Collin's birthday to post, stay tune!

Happy "Day-day" Collin!

2010-03-28T10:38:00.000-07:00

It seems like just yesterday I turned two: wild hair, still in diapers, learning new words, loving the Thomas the Train....

Now I'm three.....

And one thing has stayed the same...I still wanted my mama to make me a Thomas cake.

Growing up every day: jumping, playing, inquiring, smiling, laughing, learning about the world God created (and about God Himself!), loving my family. Its not always easy being three, but I'll enjoy it until I'm four!

Our little old man/baby girl

2010-01-29T11:42:00.000-08:00

For a couple weeks, Ainsley kept making these old man faces so I thought it would be funny to do a little comparison. Any resemblance???

Winter Wonderland in Georgia

2010-01-29T11:26:00.000-08:00

SNOW IN GEORGIA?? Yes, its true. It didn't last very long, and it wasn't the best for snowmen or snow angels..but we were able to make snowballs. Collin loved it, of course!

Collin wasn't digging the snowsuit at first.

Ainsley was only outside long enough for a picture. She kept falling over, wearing her fluffy snowsuit, and it was a little too cold for her liking!

A nice, quiet Christmas

2010-01-10T11:55:00.000-08:00

We at the Ireland household enjoyed a low-key Christmas. Not too busy, not too loud, not too much money spent, the way it should be right?? :-) It can be sad to be away from our families at the holidays, but it also gives us the opportunities to establish our own family traditions and spend some quality time together. And another bonus: I didn't even have to clean my house or cook! Here are a few snapshots from our Christmas:

Ainsley and Santa at the MOMS Club Christmas party. We don't really push the whole Santa thing in our house, but this Santa is top notch..and how precious is this picture??

Not quite sure about this guy.

Our Christmas Card picture

More Buzz Lightyear Pajamas!

Ainsley liked unwrapping her gifts, and most of the wrapping paper ended up in her mouth.

Collin and his janitor set. Taking over Pipi's business.

Ainsley's first tea set

Daddy and Collin having a tea party.

Whatcha got in the bag?

Precious moment of the day: We have been working with Collin on his manners, saying, "Please", "Thank you" etc. After opening all his toys, he was very happy, and I asked him, "What do you say to Mama & Dada?" He said in a very sweet voice, "Thank you Mama, Dada" and gave me the best hug. While I had asked him to say thanks, the hug communicated it from his heart. One of those moments that makes my heart smile!

More fall fun

2009-11-04T19:59:00.000-08:00

October was a busy, but fun month! Can't believe it is already over. A little recap of our adventures:

Chad and I had a little overnight to Blue Ridge, GA. It was very beautiful, but VERY cold. We were able to take a scenic train ride. We were very thankful for sometime together (and for those who offered to watch our kids!!)

Our church held our first Trunk or Treat. Those who aren't familiar with the idea, our church members parked their cars in the church lot and opened the trunks, and creatively decorated them. Also, kids dressed up in their costumes and were able to "Trunk or Treat". Everyone was so creative with their decorations and ideas. I'm so proud of our church family! Collin's "costume" was Superman and Ainsley was a flower.

Funny story about Collin's costume: one of his nursery buddies dressed up as supergirl. Once they saw each other they started going at it, as if they were archenemies, not superhero allies (all in fun of course). I couldn't stop laughing seeing these two together. Really cute!

Our beautiful flower

Pastor Barry & Denise's trunk. They won first place. Very fitting for our pastor and pastor's wife, who is a operation room nurse!

Pastor Mark & his family had a great trunk too! Based on one of Collin's favorite movies: CARS!

We took Collin & Ainsley to Atlanta's children museum: IMAGINEIT. There were a lot of things there for all kids...even Ainsley!

Cheesy smile

Cheesy smile #2 with Curious George aka Back Roll. We had no idea where he comes up with his names for things.

Painting (That lasted for a whole two minutes)

Gone fishing

Ainsley on the baby "waterbed" She had a lot of fun with this.

Fall= Apple orchard time

2009-10-03T10:03:00.000-07:00

Being the Michigan gal that I am, fall and apple orchards are a tradition. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Georgia has apple orchards (you can call me ignorant, its okay!). For my 29th birthday yesterday, we had a family day and traveled to Ellijay, GA to spend time at Hillcrest Orchard.

Family pic before the pig races (yes, pig races). The pigs had funny names like Hamgelina Jowly, Hammy Faye Bacon, and Donald Rump.

Collin and daddy looking at the baby chicks.

Collin not to excited about petting the baby calf.

A little braver

Why is Ainsley so happy??......

The animals came to her!

(They thought her stroller was pretty tasty.)

Collin's favorite activity: THE BIG SLIDE!!

Weird "swing"amajig

Adventures in Eating

2009-10-03T09:25:00.001-07:00

"Mama, I am ready...FEED ME!"

After my first rice cereal "meal"

Round Two: Still like it !

Sweet Potatoes were a hit.

Ainsley is a really messy eater! She never fails to intercept the spoon before it gets to her mouth, thus getting food all over her hands...then wipes her hands over her face. I don't even wipe her off until the end, because she just keeps swiping the spoon from my hands!

Here is the result:

More funtimes with cousins...Wood family

2009-08-28T16:13:00.000-07:00

My sister Carrie and her husband Luke came down to visit at the end of July, and we were able to finally meet their son Brayden. Brayden was born in January, so needless to say, it was a long six months. And its hard when everyone else knows him..but you!! He is a cute little boy, very happy. Collin can't say Brayden yet, so he referred to him as "one more baby."Ainsley was probably happy that she caught a break from all of Collin's kisses and hugs, because Collin couldn't stay away from Brayden. The little boys had fun with each other.

Brayden says "Give me a chunk of that crazy hair of yours"

Cousins by day, superheroes by night

When we were out around the town, people thought Ainsley & Brayden were twins. Probably didn't help that we have the same baby carriers.

Will you give me your hand please??

Ireland Family Reunion-Pigeon Forge TN

2009-08-23T13:21:00.000-07:00

The Ireland side of the family (all 17 of us..18 with Ainsley) have not been all together since Chad's seminary graduation in 2007, so at the beginning of 2009 we got serious about planning a family reunion/vacation. We all traveled to Pigeon Forge, TN and stayed in this wonderful cabin "Big Bear Lodge." Each family had their own room & bathroom..couldn't ask for anything more! Well everyone asked for a pool..and we got that too!

Ainsley "enjoying" her first vacation.

Collin riding his first carnival ride.

Almost all the cousins....Ainsley was sleeping in her stroller.

Annalyse & Collin swimming in the pool.

Collin & Daddy riding a train.

One BIG happy family! We had a great time together. After a week of living with each other, we still love one another (haha) and look forward to doing it again!

The Many Faces of Ainsley

2009-07-06T12:16:00.000-07:00

Ainsley is now ten weeks old! And we are starting to see more of her personality each day. She loves to smile and watch people, especially her brother. He is a crazy guy...can't blame her! Here are some snapshots taken over the last week or two.

Not happy about getting out of the bath!

Chubby wubby

Cute little girl

Here is our attempt at a remote control picture. My brother took one of Collin at 8 weeks old, and Collin had a huge smile on his face. The same thing happened when Carrie took one of her son Brayden. Ainsley wasn't as enthusiastic until I gave her the "mini" remote control. I guess we girls don't care so much about having the remote :-)

Happy Girl on the Fourth of July.

What's big brother up to?

2009-06-13T09:46:00.001-07:00

While the baby has received the most attention lately, Collin has not been just sitting on the sidelines. He has been growing up quickly as well over the last month! One of my friends mentioned how her son's vocab expanded rapidly after her baby was born, and Collin has done the same thing! I think everyday he comes up with a new word, and sometimes we have to try to guess what he is referring to. He likes saying his colors, and talking about trucks, and cars (or bye-byes), and trains. While it can be irritating to hear him repeat the same word over and over and over (and over!) again, it is only for a season. The little toddler voice will only last for so long, and I can find joy in it....I smile everytime I hear him say "yellow bus". Precious!

A shirt for Poppa. Collin & Poppa became best buds over the six weeks of his visit. Going on walks and playing golf (finding turtles in the yard), playing cars & trains.

The kids with Poppa & Mimi

Silly boy- loves to wear his stickers!

Action shot

"I'm flying"

Playing golf or "volf" as he calls it

Growing up before our eyes

One Month!

2009-05-23T14:33:00.000-07:00

Our sweet baby is one month today! It has gone by fast, and we have survived many ups and downs over the last four weeks, including daddy going back to work, Mimi leaving for Michigan, Poppa working hard on our house, Mother's day, getting the flu, Collin cutting his two-year molars...phew!! A lot of changes, and many blessings.

Ainsley at one month

Mother's day picture (Ainsley at two weeks)

Yes, we went back to church after only two weeks (and yes..I had to try to find an outfit in my closet that would fit) BUT...it was a special Parent/Child Dedication service (and it was Mother's day!) Fortunately, my recovery from the c-section has been a lot easier this time around so I actually felt like getting out and attending church to worship!

Funny moment with Pastor Barry. Ainsley's "automatic baby feeding bottle"..either that or she has really strong jaw muscles :-)

Pic at three weeks. Even though I haven't been a parent long, I have ascribed to the "each child is different" school of parenting, and Ainsley has so far proven to be pretty different than her brother. She nurses pretty well, doesn't cry a whole lot, makes girly squeaks and funny noises. Oh yeah, she spits up quite a bit more! She can fall asleep without being swaddled (which is probably a good thing in this Georgia heat!) Ainsley has dark hair and the teeniest little girly feet. She doesn't mind her brother's kisses and tickles, but I'm not sure how long that will last!

Chilling in my bouncy seat.

Happy Birthday, Ainsley Elisabeth!

2009-05-09T15:35:00.000-07:00

April 27th, 8:05 am, Ainsley Elisabeth made her debut into the world, at 7 lbs 8 oz, and 19 inches. The c-section went very well, and both mommy and baby were healthy and happy.
Here are some pictures of our sweet little girl during her first few days:

Ainsley & Puppa

Grandma (who Collin has just named "Mimi") & her first granddaughter

Cute little pink socks!

Collin loves to kiss his sister

Proud daddy & baby (who is licking her hand like a paw)

Collin entertaining himself at the hospital

Happy family, on their way out of the hospital!

Ainsley at one week old!

Making room for baby!

2009-04-03T06:16:00.000-07:00

Ainsley Elisabeth's debut is fast approaching! I have a c-section scheduled for April 27th, just in case, she decides not to come on her own. Needless to say, we have been busy getting ready for our newest addition! Our wonderful moms of CBC youth hosted a lovely baby shower for Ainsley & I! The wide range of women church members came in support and showered us with lovely gifts. It was such a blessing! Chad's mom was also able to be there, and you will see her gift to us a little further down the line of pics. Here are a few shots from the baby shower.

No one needs to tell the pregnant lady where the food is....

Yummy cake

What a cute dress!

Cradle from Poppy & Grammy Ireland

Grammy made the bedding!

One view of Ainsley's nursery

Momma at 35 weeks!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Collin!

2009-03-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

A priceless shot of our Birthday Boy! Two Years Old...

One year ago....

Our little boy just had his second birthday this week. It is hard to believe! He has grown up so much over the last year. A lot more hair, teeth, personality, motor skills and a little more vocab. And we can't wait to see what another year will bring, hopefully some potty training skills :-) . Here is a look at his "party" table. Can you see a theme? Yes, this year brought a slew of Thomas the Tank Engine gifts!

Here is my loose interpretation of Thomas on the railroad. Yeah, it doesn't look anything like railroad tracks! But at least the cake tasted good!

Poppy and Collin blowing out their candles on the cake.

He loves his Diesel train from Aunt April, Uncle Roy & boys. It lights up and makes train sounds. Diesel is a character that Collin really likes, and I'm not quite sure why, because Diesel is pretty grouchy if you ask me!

Studying the back of his new Thomas Dvd. He is looking very intently!

On Collin's actual birthday, we had cupcakes with our playgroup. Collin is eating his cupcake (or the frosting, I should say) in a very peculiar fashion.

Collin and his jammies from Aunt Carrie & Uncle Luke, and cousin Brayden.

Perfect pick!

Opening his train set from Mommy & Daddy (which just happened to be a Black Friday deal!)

Big boy with his Thomas laptop (another great deal..only $6.54 at Target, caught it on clearance!)

Valentines Day

2009-02-15T18:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day from the Ireland family! Our day was very low-key after a busy week of traveling, work, un-packing, and Parents Night Out at CBC. As a family, we went to Target and had dinner at Zaxby's (I know Chris, my brother, would be jealous!). Afterward, we came home and had yummy red velvet cupcakes. Here are some pictures of Collin enjoying the delectable goodies. (Oh yeah, he has crazy nap hair in these pictures, just to warn you)

Daddy & Collin

Collin savoring the last precious months of being "the baby" of the family

29 weeks and counting.......

And her name is going to be........

2009-01-30T12:45:00.001-08:00

What do you know? I found our daughter's ultrasound pictures, right where grandpa left them over a month ago. What kind of mother am I?? I'm just thankful they weren't accidently thrown away. These are the pictures of baby at 20 weeks, when I had my ultrasound. She sure is cute, and small :-)

We have decided on a name, AINSLEY ELISABETH IRELAND. I have discovered I am partial to either Scottish or Irish names. Ainsley means, "my own meadow" and Elisabeth means, "consecrated to God." Elisabeth (or Elizabeth) is one that I think is not only a pretty name but it is also my prayer & hope for this little girl. I pray that she will grow into a young woman who loves the Lord and desires to serve Him wherever he leads her. It is exciting to think that God already knows our names, before they are "chosen" by our parents, and has a plan for each of our lives before we make our entrance into the world. Psalm 139 is a wonderful reminder of that.

Catching up..

2009-01-19T10:52:00.001-08:00

Now that the holidays are over, things are somewhat settling down around our house. We had a great Thanksgiving with Chad's cousin, Dave & his family in Fayetteville. Over Christmas, we had a full house, and then some, with my parents, brother Chris & his girlfriend Teresa coming down from Michigan. My grandparents came UP from Florida, and then my cousin & her family came from North Carolina. Most of our pictures this Christmas were actually videos, but here are a few "stills" we had on our camera.

Collin actually opened a few gifts on his own this year (and helped Grandpa "pass" out the gifts...which means, he was chucking them at people). His top favorites were his cool four-wheeler from great-grandpa & grandma, his basketball hoop from Uncle Chris & Teresa, a race track (& lots of matchbox cars) & the movie, Cars (which has started a new obsession).

Grandpa trying to put the Santa Claus hat on Collin.

Uncle Chris & Collin playing with his Matchbox car track.

Shooting some hoops

Eating at the big kids table with Alexis, Denielle & Hayden.

It was a blessing to be surrounded by family this holiday. Living "far" from everyone, we know that we will not always have family with us to celebrate. It was a simple year as far as gifts in the Ireland family, but Chad & I had so much joy watching Collin enjoy what we had picked out for him. And he was certainly spoiled by the rest of family! Next year, with another little one, who knows what adventures we will be in for!

Speaking of, for those who have not heard, we are having a GIRL!! I think I misplaced our ultrasound pics, but they are around the house somewhere. She is a healthy girl, who is pretty active. This pregnancy is going very well, I'm out of that super tired phase, and a little more appetite (not out of control, which is helpful). I've had weird dreams this time around, almost every night, which is an interesting experience. I'm looking forward to getting the nursery started, and decorating "girly." Hopefully, soon, we will share the name we have picked..its a big commitment, and we want to be 100%. I'll keep looking for those ultrasound pics, but in the meantime, here is my belly progress at 24 weeks. YIKES!

My First Haircut

2009-01-18T18:38:00.000-08:00

It took Collin over a year to grow any substantial amount of hair, and before we knew it, he had a "full" head of hair. The back grew much more quickly than the front, so it was looking alot like a mullet! Mama gathered all her nerve, and decided to give it a trim. Dada distracted Collin, as Mama cut her baby's precious locks. Collin did a great job, and never really knew what was going on. Here is a look at the before & after.

Crazy Hair

Handsome boy

Fall Fun continued..

2008-11-10T10:50:00.001-08:00

We took Collin to his first fair, here in our own hometown of Cumming, GA. He was a little too small yet for rides, but we did take him to the petting zoo.

Here are daddy and Collin on the carousel.

One of Collin's favorite games at our church's fall festival- anything that involves throwing, of course!

Collin, Collin, pumpkin eater. Momma carved a pumpkin for Collin, and he tried to eat the insides. Yuck!

Collin's halloween costume. Too small for candy and trick or treating, but he had fun wearing his moo cow outfit!

Fall Fun

2008-11-10T10:28:00.000-08:00

Finally an update, sort of, more like a flashback to the end of September and October. I had good intentions of keeping up to date with our blog, but of course, things came up! Good news for those who have not yet heard, we are expecting baby #2! I am due May 4th, and hopefully in December we will find out whether the baby is a boy or a girl. I will definitely update the blog then! :-) Here are some pictures of what has been going on during our autumn.

A Trip to Michigan (Sorry the pics are so small- they were transferred from Facebook!)

Collin and I (Momma) went to Michigan for a little visit. I had my High School reunion (ten years!), so I thought it would be a good chance for us to spend time with friends and family.

Collin at Great Grandpa's farm

A sweet picture of Collin & Grandpa

Friends

Friends for even longer- since elementary school!

Visiting with the Halls

First Family Vacation

2008-09-29T19:09:00.000-07:00

These cute little sandy feet say it all - we had a wonderful first family vacation in Florida!
We were blessed with the opportunity to 'getaway' and spend time in Panama City Beach and then take a trip to visit my grandparents (Jenny) in Clearwater Beach. It was a lot of driving, but it was overall a relaxing time together. Here are some highlights from the week:

Collin is ready to hit the beach for the first time. (This is probably the longest amount of time he wore a hat on his head!)

Look at Me!

Collin found throwing sand to be very entertaining. He was scared of the waves, which were pretty strong that first day at the beach. He stayed on the shore most of the time.

Check out my sweet ride. He looks so grown-up in this picture!

A picture of us with the 20,000 lb bull at Angelo's Steak Pit. Good food!

Collin likes to "strike a pose." Overall, he was a good traveler. He looked at his books, ate some snacks, and napped. But we experienced first hand that active little boys don't like to stay put too long!

Flying high over the Gulf. Notice he is pointing at something as he is being tossed in the air. Silly guy!

Waving at the camera. Funny story from our trip, earlier we were out in the water with Collin and told him to look at the waves. And he started waving!

At the Clearwater Beach playground.

I like to swing...but it is hot out here!

Here's another cow picture at Sam Seltzers.

Collin didn't want to hold still for a picture with his Great Grandpa.

We were able to go to some place new - Panama City Beach and visit a place more familiar- Clearwater Beach. Spend some time as a little family, and also see extended family..my grandparents were able to see Collin in action. Go to the beach and to the pool..Collin loved the pool at PCB..very family friendly! Eat in & eat out...yum yum. Not so much sleeping in..but that the life with a toddler, right? We tried to keep it as simple as possible, not just for the wallet's sake but realizing that Collin probably will not remember his first vacation. However, Chad & I will...and we will be (and are) thankful that it went off without a hitch!

Bubba

2008-08-31T15:44:00.000-07:00

Yes, one of our nicknames for Collin is Bubba. The nickname did originate before we moved to the South! The nickname takes different forms such as bubby, chubba bubba, chubs, bubs, etc. Anyway, I have received a few requests for updated pictures of our growing boy. I will try to upload some more videos soon. Enjoy!

Collin's first high school football game. He wasn't quite sure about it at first. But he soon had fun trying to spot the ball, and cheering with everyone else.

Getting into the game

"I'm getting tired..its waay past my bedtime"

I like to "play" the Wii

A "Wii" Obsession

Helping Puppa with the dining room

Spider-Baby

2008-07-31T18:01:00.000-07:00

Here is our crazy guy showing his newly discovered wall-crawling skills...its amazing how much you don't have to teach your kids and what they come up with on their own!

Our funny little guy

2008-07-21T17:01:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures we have taken, over the last couple months of the cute things thatCollin has been doing. He will be sixteen months next week, and he is becoming more like a little man everyday.

Collecting sticks is fun

Big boy on a little tractor! His great grandpa would like this picture.

He really enjoyed his first taste of watermelon. He ate the whole piece!

Collin loves to throw balls...baseball, basketball, footballs. He even tries to throw a frisbee sometimes. Lately, he has been playing "catch" with dad. And he makes sure whoever he is playing "catch" with, has to have the mitt to play. Obviously, he is still has no concept of being too close to someone to throw, we are still working on that. This is a pretty humorous video. Talk about perfect timing of having the video on.

Vacation Bible School

2008-07-17T16:47:00.000-07:00

At the end of June, Chad, Collin, and I participated in our first VBS at Cumming Baptist. As you can see, our theme was Outrigger Island. It was a great week, and many area children were reached with the Gospel....and it was a lot of fun!We had a great turnout!

Heather, Brooke, and I hanging out in the snack room.

I helped Heather (left), as she taught the kindergarten.

Chad and Bud leading the song, "I can do what the Bible Says"

The kids loved Bud's mohawk. Three boys showed up with the same hairstyle on family night!

This was Collin's first VBS, and he had a great time. He was able to enjoy some of the big kid activities, snacks (as you can see!), music (his favorite), and recreation.

Big Colin and Little Collin :-)

This is a video of me & Jennifer (our VBS director) throwing chocolate creme pies in Chad's face. Chad had the honor of receiving the pie because the girls raised the most money in the missions coin drive. I was touched by a little girl in my class who brought in her vacation spending money to send to a missionary in American Samoa. It brought tears to my eyes, as I thought about myself, and how selfish I can be sometimes. But this young girl brought all she had been saving, and gave it all for God's kingdom. God showed me through this little girl, that my faith needs to be more like one of a child's. Overall, the total given by both the boys & girls was over $1000!

These pictures & video are courtesy of Nancy Carter, our VBS photographer for the week. She did a great job!

Student Life Camp

2008-07-17T09:11:00.000-07:00

Phew! The summer is flying by fast, but it has been an enjoyable one for us. A few weeks ago, we went to Student Life Camp at Lee University. As you can see, we had a great group of students and leaders! We heard bible teaching from Jeremy Kingsley, who challenged us to walk on the narrow path. We were led in worship by the group,Echoing Angels. We also had an opportunity to host a backyard Bible club at a housing project. The students and leaders were impacted greatly by the camp, and it was a wonderful time for us to bond together.

Collin's faux hawk

Collin came with us, and he was a real trooper. He had fun wandering around campus, collecting sticks (his new favorite activity), and playing with the kids at the Bible club (even with the summer heat!)

We have more pictures and adventures of our summer to come....stay tuned!

Home Sweet Home

2008-06-03T10:33:00.000-07:00

Today will mark one month in our new home in Cumming, GA. About time I posted a photo, right? We feel blessed beyond words, and we are loving it in our house! There is a lot more room than our last place (as well as more cleaning!). Nevertheless, we want to use it for God's purposes, after all, it is a gift from Him. For those who are looking for a peaceful retreat, we have plenty of room for visitors :-)

Collin has enjoyed his first trip to the neighborhood pool. He loves splashing around and visiting with the neighborhood kids.

This is his supermodel pose:

Floating around in the pool

Both Chad's parents, and my family have made the trek to Georgia to visit and help us with setting up our home.

Cousin Denielle carting Collin around the yard

Not only are we cousins, we're friends too!
Alexis & Collin

Collin.....WALKING!!!!!!

2008-05-02T16:31:00.000-07:00

Our little guy, Collin, had not shown any real interest in walking until this week. He certainly wasn't persuaded by our gentle nudges to help him. He was going to start walking when he good and ready. Little did we know, his desire changed overnight! Now he loves to practice perfecting his new skill. He will take a few steps, fall on his botttom, and try again. Sometimes he tries to walk much faster than his little legs can take him. And if he learns to walk as fast as he crawls (as some of you have witnessed), the Ireland household will never be the same! Hope you all enjoy this video :-)

Firsts

2008-04-11T11:36:00.000-07:00

One month has quickly passed for us here in Cumming, GA. The past month has included a lot of firsts for the Ireland family. Our first move with Collin, Chad's first position in ministry, Collin's first birthday, my first stab at being a stay-at-home mom. Not too mention, the first "normal" family schedule Chad and I have had as a married couple. Phew! The transition from Louisville, KY to Cumming, GA could not have been any smoother, and I attribute that fully to God.

Leaving Louisville was bittersweet for us. We said good-bye to wonderful friends, a wonderful church, and jobs (while sometimes, they were not-so-wonderful, they were a great blessing), and our first home. The last day of work, as I walked out of the office, and shut the door behind me, it struck me, that we, as a family, were closing a chapter of our family history. While it was sad, I was very hopeful and excited about the new chapter. God had a plan for our lives, and He was leading us to Georgia (who would have thought it!) It has been a long year for us, with many ups and downs, but we can look back and see how God had been preparing us, and the church for our arrival!

We are so thankful for all our wonderful friends and family, and our new friends and church family here in Georgia for all their help and generosity toward us. This is a time that we will remember as a family when God provided so abundantly for us, as we followed where He called us. We know there are many more firsts ahead of us, and we hope that you will come back to our blog once and awhile, to see what is going on in the Ireland household.