Laughy Bath Time

Disclaimer

It is now tuesday and no Baptism pics have been added (as I said would be posted on tuesday), my apologies. I did not download Melodee's pics bc we didn't have the right cord to transfer, but keep checking in because I will put them up eventually.

Big fun weekend

Aunt Melodee, Gramps and Grams Dirks finally made it to Charlotte for an exciting baptismal weekend. They arrived friday, and after some heavy duty Maggie time the weary travelers got rested up for a fun filled saturday excursion to the Panthers stadium for fan day. And, who did we run into, why the Kulps (Bennett was chosen to represent the fam in the photo section because of her amazing cuteness in particular on that day...not to say that Mary, Dave and Celia are not adorable in and of themselves). With that being said let's move on to the rest of the weekend's activities. Saturday afternoon was spent once again in heavy duty Maggie time, which consists of staring at Maggie and cheering her on when she almost rolls over, which might I add, she did today from back to tummy a first for the Mags...last week tummy to back....this week back to tummy... all very exciting things in our home. Then also on saturday the Hunts and Nashes dropped by for a brief stint, and for the first time in all of Sam and Maggie's existence they were both awake at the same time (yet another important photo op). So, onto sunday, the baptism. I have no pictures on my digital camera, but Melodee does so I will post those pics tomorrow (hopefully). It was a wonderful day, Maggie's schedule was WAY off, but yet no tears during the big moment, only much needed thumbsucking...oh so soothing. Mommy and Daddy were a big blubbering mess, like on our wedding day, only Tyler didn't cry that day now that I think about it, it was only me. Anywas, that's neither here nor there. Maggie had a big following come out for the big day, aunts, great aunts, great great aunts, grandmas, a great grandma, a great uncle, a grandpa (the other was under the weather) second cousins once removed (i think that's how it goes), and one mommy and daddy, and a whole slew of covenant family! I hope slew means a lot. We had a nice big party back at our place with lots of fun presents for the Mags. It was a wonderful weekend, and this is just about the longest blog entry I have ever written. Thanks for reading all this....more tomorrow.
what's a day at the stadium without some snacks
the four Dirk's ladies
the token Kulp pic...so cute
hanging out with Grandpa
Sam and Maggie awake at the same time
Grandma fun

He's joining the ranks

(no... I don't know this man...just needed a snappy picture)

That's right...after much studying and after several difficult ordination exams our Tyler has passed! And, September 9th (you're all invited) Tyler Dirks will be installed as Reverend Tyler Dirks by our regions presbytery at the Great Aunt Stella Center. And, I will officially be a pastor's wife. This means that soon I will be the best cook, mom and wife in all of Charlotte (JK)! But, seriously we are thrilled. Tyler has worked very hard to accomplish this feat and we are extremely pleased with him. We thank the Lord for His many many blessings on our home, and we rest in Him now more than ever as we enter this new chapter in life. Thank you to all of you that have been praying for us, please continue to keep us in your prayers as we know that the evil one will certainly try and attack our family and especially Tyler as he enters this new role.

and to Atlanta we go...

"Let me just see if I can stuff this whole thing in here"


Tomorrow we head to Atlanta for a week of RUF training (well actually two, but Maggie and I are only staying for one). We'll be back next saturday in time for Tyler to go before the Presbytery for his final (hopefully) ordination exam. He will then drive back to Atlanta for the remainder of RUF training. If you think about us please pray for our week in Atlanta and also for Tyler as he continues to study for this final exam. Here are some farwell shots of Maggie to hold you over until I can blog again. These are some pictures taken by Daniel McNamee, who is an awesome photographer (and babysitter along with his wife Virginia)!

Here we are!

For all our blog dedicated readers, I apologize for the lack of blogging these past few weeks. It has been very very busy in Dirksville. We moved last friday and that pretty much sums up the insanity. I thought it would be a simple move, I mean it always has been in the past. I figured we'd pack, move on friday and pretty much be settled by saturday (I neglected to factor in painting the new place, and cleaning the old house and the new house and packing and moving and continuing to be a mother in the process). Thankfully the Lord has blessed us with some amazing friends who have made this ordeal so much easier and doable. We've had help painting, cleaning, moving, babysitting, cooking and doing all kinds of odds and ends. I thought I couldn't feel anymore loved after all the kindness shown to us following Maggie's birth, but I was wrong. Thank you everyone who helped and prayed for us during this transition, I didn't realize how badly we needed it!
PS Maggie has been crossing some major infant milestones this week. She's rolled over several times from stomach to back and ate her first meal of rice cereal last night. However, at her four month check up yesterday she was stuck with some awful vaccinations that have made her sickly today. She is recovering like a champ though! And Grandparents, her four month stats were 12 pounds 7 oz and 23 1/2 inches long.
I thought this was a funny picture of our petite little girl. I put together her bouncer saucer thingy and her feet didn't even reach the bottom shelf on its highest wrung. The box said 4 months plus, but alas I fear we will have to grow a little more before we can fully enjoy this contraption. Note the Settlers of Catan box under Maggie's feet.

Hilton Head

Well, we just got back from yet another trip to the beach. It turns out you get to go twice when you have a cute little baby aka ticket to Grandma and Poppa's hearts. Here are a few pics of our fun.
Who doesn't like bathing in a sink next to a watermelon and a frozen turkey?
One of Maggie's newest tricks...standing without our help (lots of spotting however)
Maggie and Grandma at the baby pool.
Maggie cooling off in her robe after a couple of laps in the pool.Maggie in her new bathing suit and shades.
Tyler and Dad at DauFauskie(?) Island playing golf.
When we returned from the beach on friday we were welcomed by a huge storm and one of our neighbors houses was struck by lightning and caught on fire!
Maggie was very concerned.