New Signs

Although she's still not saying much, Gwyneth is learning how to communicate by way of sign language. Here's a video showing some of her most recent sweet skills.

Nate

Taking after Her Mother

Gwyneth had a nasty chest cold for a few weeks. She became reacquainted with her nebulizer...but, this time, there's no screaming and crying. She'll sit without any problem as long as she's got a book to read or a video to watch...she even pulls the mask back over her nose if it slips down.


What a good and CUTE patient!

Nate

Gngle Bells

Nate

Winter Is Coming!

Gwyneth is ready! Are you?

Nate

Oh Lolli Lollipop!

Gwyneth has recently discovered the joy of lollipops.
They make her happy.

She'll even share if you ask real nice...

But not for long...

Lolliness.

Nate

New Family Photos

With my entire family together this week for the first time in many months, Tricia feeling back to normal, and a perfectly beautiful day to boot, it was the perfect opportunity to do some family photos on the beach. Check out my Photo Blog for more!


Nate

Pseudomonas

Just a quick update to let you know that Tricia's recent lung issues are due to a pseudomonas infection, a common bacteria that tends to plague many CF patients. She was in the hospital for just a few days, home in plenty of time for Thanksgiving, and feeling back to normal now, on home IV's for another week.


Thanks for your prayers! BTW, The Blind Side is an outstanding movie...go see it!

Nate

Advent Conspiracy

Christmas is just about my favorite time of the year, for so many reasons. And, considering we haven't been able to truly celebrate the season the way we would like to the past few years, this Christmas is already turning out to be more special than usual.

Last night, with the help of some hot chocolate and apple pie, Tricia and I decorated our own tree for the first time since 2006! Some of my most treasured possessions are the ornaments that I've been collecting my entire life...not because they carry some great material value, but because every one has a story to tell and memories that will never be forgotten. It will be fun sharing our stories of Christmases past with Gwyneth this year (and keeping her from destroying the bottom of the tree).

This year, Tricia and I are participating in Advent Conspiracy, a global challenge to return Christmas to it's original purpose. We're committed to worship fully, spend less, give more and love all this Christmas season in the hopes that we can help change the world by focusing less on the stuff of Christmas and more on the spirit of Christmas. We'll still celebrate in many of the same ways we always do, but we've also chosen, this month, to be more purposeful about using the blessings God has given us to make a practical and eternal difference in the lives of others. We'll be making personal "sacrifices" so that we can give to those who need and don't just want.

Check out the video below...

Christmas for CF!

We're having such an excellent Thanksgiving week that I don't have any time to post much except to say...

From now until Christmas Day, purchase select Christmas Movies from CVS to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Learn more Here! I will totally be getting a copy of The Grinch ASAP!!!

Nate

A Life Of Thanksgiving

I'm stealing this idea from a friend because it's something I need in my life right now.

The Thanksgiving holiday is one of my favorites...food, football, family, friends and lots of fun. But, originally, it was meant to be a day to pause and give authentic thanks to God. Unfortunately, for many, including myself, thanksgiving is more of a one-day holiday that a way of life. I don't know about you, but I've been blessed beyond comprehension, and even in the unwelcome moments of life, I have so much to be thankful for.

What would it look like if I ONLY spoke words of gratitude the entire week of Thanksgiving? If I went so far as to look at a pile of laundered clothes that awaits my folding and putting up, a task I normally hate, and instead think and speak out loud, “God, thank you for these clothes, for providing covering.” When my daughter voicing her grumpiness, “God, thank you that she has a voice that works and you are shaping her own unique personality.” If every time next week I see a person, I tell them why I am thankful to God they are in my life.

So, starting this Monday morning and going through this Sunday evening, I'm challenging myself to live an entire week full of thanksgiving.

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
(Ephesians 5:4 ESV)

Anytime I'm tempted to think/say/do something negative (filthy, foolish, crude or otherwise unthankfull), I will instead choose, in that very moment, to give thanks to God for His blessing in my life.

If you'd like to join me, please leave a comment saying so AND repost this (in our own words, if you'd like...no need to link me) on your blog, twitter, facebook, etc. and challenge your friends to do the same. Even if you're not reading this until after Monday morning, it's never too late to take up a good challenge. And, keep in mind that nobody who takes this challenge is going to make it an entire week without missing the mark...so, when that happens to you, just pick yourself back up and start again!

Thanks!

Nate