FUEL 2008...

Well, we have been back from camp now for two days. It is difficult sometimes coming back down from the mountain. Like David said at camp, Jesus looks different on the mountain. All I know is that God showed up. He exceeded my expectations, our planning, and our understanding of what camp could look like. I have been in a place where my faith is lacking...so it took me a couple of days to settle down & genuinely meet with God. He is so good to always meet us where we are. He does not forget us. He does not give up on us. And, He is always working.

The biggest part of camp for me was sharing some things with a great friend of mine, Crystal Corn. It was quite possibly the hardest conversation I have ever had. I had to confess some things that would have been much easier keeping inside. But, because Jesus covered her with grace to listen, I was able to move forward in several relationships...not to mention that I slept so much better than I had the night before. God is working in me & building a deeper community around me than I ever thought I would get to experience here on earth.

Here are a few pics from camp...so you can see what you missed.

Three Nights...

Well, Peyton has slept from 9:30pm to 6:30am three nights in a row. I am not sure how much she will get messed up by going to camp this week, but hopefully she is developing a great pattern!

I'm Two Months Old...

Now that I am two months old, I love doing so many things. I love talking to my mom and dad. I love looking around...which is much easier when people hold me up instead of cuddled in their arms like I'm a little baby. I love looking at myself in the mirror, or whoever that cute girl is that I keep seeing. One of my favorite places to sleep is my crib. My mom and dad put me in there when I was only three weeks old because I was so long. But, now I am starting to enjoy it more. I have this really cool bumper that Aunt Karen made me. It has polka-dots all over it. I think I could stare at it for hours, but usually I eventually doze off. I really love socializing which I didn't get from my mom or dad. But, when it's time to eat I want mom. When it's time to cuddle, I want dad. My dad says I am going to be just like mom because I prefer being anywhere but home. Anyway, I am getting to be quite a big girl (I way 12 pounds 8 ounces already because I like to eat) these days, and I'm learning new things all the time. Enjoy the pictures! Aren't I cute?

Catching Up...

Peyton & Nanaw at Stone Mountain


Peyton & Papaw


WAR EAGLE!

Peyton at the World of Coke

So, life has been crazy but good. Buck's parents came to town for a week. They were such a blessing. Then, Peyton & I went to Pensacola for the weekend so she could meet her great grandparents, and some aunts & uncles. We have also been getting ready for camp. She is such a trooper these days and growing up so fast. She is smiling all the time...chatting often...playing better on her own...tracking objects and especially people. Here are a few pics to try and catch you up.

Peyton with Uncle Barrett & Aunt Lillie


Peyton with Great Aunt Kay


Peyton meets her Great Grandparents


Four Generations

My First Mother's Day...

First of all, thanks for all of the texts, e-mails, and phone calls. I had a great first Mother's Day. The day started with Baby Dedication at church. My mom, Joe, and Josh came up to church. Shawn did a great job communicating with us as parents. I am even more excited about praying for Peyton to one day decide to follow Christ & give her life up! I really do feel like Mountain Lake is place that will walk beside Peyton and our family as she begins her spiritual journey. Shawn even gave each family a letter to give to their child (it is sealed and from him) on the day they accept Christ into their lives.

Next, Daniel joined us and we took off for Six Flags. The weather ended up being great, and we had a very relaxing day. Buck finally had someone to ride coasters with. Peyton and I got to hang out with my mom & Josh most of the day. And, I got to eat too much cotton candy...which I probably enjoyed too much. Peyton rode three rides: the Carousel, the Hanson Cars, and Monster Plantation.

Then we came home & Buck and I just relaxed together a bit after putting Peyton to bed. It was a great day for me.

Josh & Daniel with Peyton //////// Peyton dizzy on the carousel


Peyton chatting with my mom

I love my growth group...

Here is a letter I wrote to my group after we met tonight. I love doing life with these people...just four couples doing all we can to love each other, love others, and pursue Christ:

Hey guys...I just wanted to say how thankful I am for God placing Buck & me right where we are...at Mountain Lake...in our neighborhood...at the jobs we have (had for me), and especially in our growth group. I can honestly say that most weeks (for the first time since we have been married) I look forward to going to small group. I always leave feeling encouraged, yet challenged. I like knowing other people are struggling in the same ways or in different ways. I like being able to celebrate with you guys..the little things & the big things. I like being able to speak and not feel judged. I love watching the couples in our group grow together as a couple. I love the weeks where the conversations are deep & the weeks we don't get to the questions. I love eating pizza that fell on the floor with you guys. I love sending & receiving e-mails during the week. I love hugs from the girls:)

Thanks for being authentic community to us! We love learning & growing & playing with you guys!

Beth

I'm Growing Up...5 weeks

Sweet for other people...

Well, Peyton has already perfected the art of being so sweet for other people and then coming home and refusing to sleep, eat, whatever. I guess I would rather it be this way than her be awful for other people. She has now been to her "infants" class at church four times and I don't think she even knows it.

I am so glad that other people think she is cute and adorable like I do. And, I am so glad that she enjoys being out because I enjoy being out. There are just days when I wish she would scream for someone else & be calm and happy with me!

I know she is just growing and changing everyday, taking the world in bit by bit, so I think I'll stick by her side as we journey on. She amazes me every day as she does new things, gets bigger (mainly her tummy), and recognizes her mom and dad more.

Uncle Adam...

Well, my brother Adam came up for a surprise visit today. He called on his way and asked if he could take Peyton and me out to lunch. She stayed awake just long enough to see him for a few minutes before we headed to lunch. She loves being held, so they bonded pretty quickly. It was good to just chat & catch up on life. Also, I want Peyton to see him as much as she can now because we never know where he will be stationed. In May he heads to Washington for a month and then to San Antonio for seven months before finally making it to North Carolina for at least a year...so is the life in the military. It was a short but great visit. Thanks for coming to see us today!

More Pictures...

Exercising during tummy time


this is Peyton's serious face

Simply Existing...

Do you ever have those days? You know the ones where you get stuff done and it is a good day, but you still feel as though you are simply existing...that you have little purpose or direction. I think today is one of those days. I have had a wonderful day with my family. We slept in, had a great breakfast, and hung out together this morning. Then Buck & I took Peyton to watch the NFL Draft...I know; we are nerds. Needless to say she slept through most of it. It was a nice afternoon out though. Then we came home and had dinner. Buck is teaching tomorrow so he has worked on that a bit. We have both read a little.

Still, we have pondered the same thoughts that we have so often over the last few years. God, is this what You want from us right now? Our family has been so blessed. We have a wonderful new daughter. She has wonderful family and friends, a great system of support to grow in. We love our home. We love the community we have found here. We love the vision of our church. We are financially more stable than ever. We are giving more away than ever. God is so good. But, we still wonder. Will God provide Buck with a ministry position again? If yes, will that be soon? Will we one day move far away again to pursue our dreams or will it be provided where we are? Can I continue to stay home with Peyton in our current situation?

I wouldn't say I am worried about these things as I have been in the past, I am just wondering. I have complete faith that God will provide...He has never failed me. I am just not sure what that will look like. Days like today are simple. Days like today make me wonder what is next. I guess days like today should make me pursue Christ even more...that I should remember to daily surrender all of me to Him...the Provider, my Savior, the Leader of my life.

Peyton meets Puzzle...

We met the newest addition to our family yesterday, Puzzle the Giraffe. Puzzle was given to Baby Peyton by Dax & Cole. Dax thought it would be a good idea since her room has a puzzle theme and Puzzle the Giraffe looks like she is covered in puzzle pieces. The boys were so thoughtful & finally brought Puzzle to Peyton yesterday at the park. The boys also held her for the first time and did a wonderful job. Cole even played Peek-a-boo with her to try and make her happy.

Dax Isbell

Cole Isbell - I don't even think he cares that she is crying.


Farah Isbell


Karen Isbell