Steve and Jenny Valentine

My thoughts about Karis and her first birthday (I'm a few weeks delayed in posting this, because I can't stand how long it takes for all the pictures to upload)! But until she wakes from her nap I will take a few moments to reflect on our daughter a bit. Our little Talker Over the past month her vocabulary has increased.  We're often surprised that she's talking...but then Steve and I smile at each other and say, "well, she does have us as parents and we both like to talk a lot (me probably more than him but he still takes credit for part of this-not to mention both Karis' grammy and grandma are quite the talkers as well-she's pretty much going to have that as part of her personality I think!) Other than the normal babbles and words she was saying before like MAMA, DADA, MORE and GO, She is saying: BABY - which really sounds like bob bob-of course making us laugh because that's her grandpa's name AGAIN - which mostly comes out sounding like ...

In the past couple weeks, there have been many "Remembering 9/11" radio broadcasts, TV shows, and articles that have caught my attention more than most in years past since 9/11/2001.  I'm not sure if it's because this is the ten year since that day where terrorists attacked the WTC buildings...none the less...catching my attention more than before.  I find myself sad and frustrated to watch and/or read about that day.  Sadness for those lost in the tragedy that day and the families they left behind.  Frustration for the evil in our world.  Although I am a very firm believer in God's sovereignty, and in his infinite wisdom, know He could have stopped it...I also know that evil is in our world and God has used the attacks on September 11th to redeem many people to call them as His own. Another reason I think I overlook the severity of the 9/11 attacks is because over the past six years I find myself often reflecting on how things became diffe...

I wonder how many people have a LIST...you know the one where you say "I'll do that someday" or "I wish I learned how to do _____".  I have a running list like this and I feel like the list gets longer than the checks off the list!  Part of me finds myself envious of people who have the time, energy, skill/ability, money, etc. to do said item on their list, but then I quickly realize...that's sinful and also that it's not that important in the grand scheme of things.  It's a dream and maybe one day when resources afford it, I will accomplish more things on my list! So my LIST (in no particular order): 1. actually make scrapbooks and utilize the stuff in my closet! 2. play in a chamber orchestra 3. throw on the wheel (pottery) on a regular basis 4. learn to sew -- and more importantly -- learn to make quilts (now to get a sewing machine) 5. re-learn piano (pick it back up instead of letting our keyboard sit under the guest bed!) 6. travel th...