Nate

The first time Nate was awake without crying!

Blessed sleep

B attempting to finish his book that he already renewed 4 times.

So sleepy

Not sure if he is more alarmed by the condition of dads favorite hat or that Dad had the nerve to put it on his head.

Bonding with Daddy

Saluting the "Marines" :)

Our three sons!

Peter's Testimony to God's Faithfulness - Aug 12, 2011

A month ago, Peter, a friend from church, went to be with our Lord after a fierce battle with Cancer. A couple weeks before he was diagnosed with cancer Peter heard God tell him that he was going to go through something difficult that would be for God's glory and Peter's good. Over the course of his illness Peter displayed a faith like I have never seen. He never stopped praising God. He showed everyone around him that it is not the amount of faith that you have, but the power of the one who you put your faith in that matters. Peter lived more fully in his death then most people do in a lifetime. I am honored to have known him and to have witnessed a man who truly loved the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind and strength. Please pray for his wife Amanda, and children Ethan and Claire.

This video is of Peter Crawford just one week and two days before he passed away. He had been unable to lift his arms at all, unable to move his right arm and had completely lost his voice and was in unbearable pain as the result of Stage IV undefined cancer. Friends around the country spent the day, Friday, August 12, 2011, in prayer and fasting for Peter. That night he was completely pain free, able to raise, move and wave his arms around and he spent time recording this message in the midst of his joy in the Lord while he was literally walking in the shadow of the valley of death. We know now that his chemo was having no effect and there is no medical explanation for his amazing, though temporary, recovery that night.

He has arrived!

Nathaniel Stephen Hiester is here! He came into the world on Tuesday, August 30th at 4:25 pm. He weighed in at a whopping 5 lbs 14oz and 19 inches long.

We are smitten

Proud Papa!

Meeting big brothers

Our three sons!

Bonding

Mothers Day 2011

What I woke up to on mother's day... So blessed

Fresh roses from our yard and a super cute boy

Handsome smiley face and a pedicure gift card!

Mother's day hike.

Spring Break Vacation

I am attempting to play catch up on my blogging before the little man arrives. As some of you know, this pregnancy has been less than ideal for me, but baby is healthy and doing well, so we are thankful. Only 6 weeks to go! Here are some pictures of our first real family vacation in Santa Cruz. The boys surprised us with their enthusiasm and joy the whole way. We can't wait to do it again!

On the road

Checking out the jelly belly factory

at the ocean

Caleb parting the red sea

Enjoying the beautiful day. (Z was terrified of the waves and the seaweed and screamed unless we were carrying him. Silly boy.

running from the waves

Marianne's ice cream shop! (sharing a blast from my past with the boys)

first time riding the carousel.

Easter

Coloring the Easter eggs and playing pirate!

The classic "B" look.

Finished decorating!

Our traditional Easter egg coffee cake.
We also had Resurrection rolls that were a big hit with the kids!
Thanks mom!

Our attempt at a family photo. (we needed you Carissa) :)

Hmm... what could be in this egg?

So excited with how many eggs he found!
Thanks Dad for hiding the eggs for the boys and us "big kids"

Every year my dad does a hunt for B and I. This year will go down in history as the first time I have ever beat B! Poor guy is not used to losing. :)

It's a boy!

As most of you know, we are expecting our 3rd child at the beginning of September. Today we had an ultrasound which revealed that we will soon be 2 little men short of a basketball team. I think I am officially outnumbered, but very excited!

Little man's first picture

Christmas and Catching up...

Here are several pictures from Christmas and some other random pictures that I haven't had a chance to post. Enjoy!

Yea, Christmas!

Patiently waiting to open their loot.

Jake was able to join of for Christmas this year.

Aren't they handsome?

We woke up to "snow" on new years day.

Happy Birthday Brandon!

Playing "I can do that" for family game night

Having fun!

Kitchen Cabinets

We did something brave, bold and daring. Yes, we painted our kitchen cabinets. I read that white cabinets made small spaces seem bigger and I have always liked the look, so... we did a little research, were assured that we couldn't mess it up and we did it! It is not perfect, but we really like it and are thrilled with our first diy project! I am thankful to have such a handy man that isn't afraid to take risks. We still want to paint the wall a darker color to offset the white. I will post more pictures when it is complete.

Sanded and Primed

Our painting studio :)

The man of the hour hard at work.

Before

Finished product (terrible lighting)

Before

The room seems bigger and so much brighter!