Snow Day!!

Our very first SNOW DAY!!!




Due to my lack of preparation, she has on 7 different articles of mismatched clothing, a size 7 boot (3 sizes too big), and can barely walk.....but boy was it fun!!

Books of 2012

One of my goals for 2012 is to complete a minimum of 12 books this year. An average of one a month. Doable, right!? I have struggled to find the time, energy, even desire to read the past 18 months. I have great intentions in the morning, but by the end of the day I am drained. I cannot focus, comprehend, or even stay awake.... and this is by 7:30! In all honesty, it baffles me! With that, I am hopeful that my reading list isn't to ambitious....but please, feel free to ask how or what I am reading.... I am lacking accountability, and would love some.


Almost finished with: Don't Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Plowman-companion to Shepherding a Child's Heart.

A Praying Life, Paul Miller (Beyond excited about this)
Radical by David Platt
Grace Based Parenting by Ted Kimmel
Parenting with Scripture by Kara Durbin
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
Knowing God by J.I. Packer
Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa Terkeurst (for a Bible Study)
So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore (currently reading for a Bible Study)
Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas
The Resolution for Women by Priscilla Shirer (devotional companion)

This is the list I have compiled, in no particular order. This brings me to 12. Some I am using as devotional companions/Bible Study/Book Study. With that being said, I am hoping to add to this list throughout the year. Recommendations anyone??

Goals of 2012

Each year, as the seemingly majority of America, I reevaluate, restart, and redo my list of goals. This year, rather than making a list of well intentioned goals, set myself up for failure, and throw in the towel January 2nd, I have committed myself to a manageable plan. A plan that allows me to make lists (something I cannot function without), and alter as necessary.

I have organized a list of things I hope to accomplish in the year 2012. The following is not inclusive, but a general overview:


Spiritual Goals:
Bible in a Year (Have been doing this in 6 months, but want to stretch it out)
Memorize 100 Verses this year (2 a week)
Find a church (have been searching for 4 months)
Complete our Personal and Family Mission Statements
Continue our prayerful search for mentors
Pray for ministry opportunities outside of home (ideally through our new church)

Relational:
Date night twice a month
Family/Friend visits once a month minimum

Motherhood/Parenting Goals:
Consistency in Discipline
Continue to add scripture to Bailey's heart training
Patience
Eliminate pacifier
Independent Play
Potty Training----maybe.

Homemaking:
Reevaluate our Menu Plan/Meal Budget
De-clutter: 30 items in 30 days at least twice this year
Evaluate and update Household and Emergency Binder
Compile a 3-5 day survival kit

Personal Growth:
Exercise 4 times a week
Read a minimum of 1 book a month



While the list is very manageable, I cannot succeed by taking it all on January 1st. So each week/month, I will be evaluating the list and chipping away bit by bit. With that said, the objective for January is the following:

8 Verses Memorized
Genesis and Job read (utilizing a chronological reading plan)
2 Date nights
1 Play date
Complete 1 Book
Exercise for 20 minutes 5x's week
Reevaluate food Budget

I'm Back......

Hello??? Anybody there?? It is my guess I am writing to my husband, and maybe 2 other people who haven't given up on me..... Thanks Mom and Rachel!

Given that my last post before my abrupt absence was a picture update, I thought a picture greeting would be an appropriate reopening post. Admittedly, she is growing more adorable each day!








These are just a few snapshots that reflect the joy, fun and adventure that Bailey has brought to our lives!

Our Darling

I am still amazed at the blessing God entrusted us with just over a year ago. We have seen his grace and mercy through the eyes of our beautiful daughter. With her laughter and joy, God's love has been so evident! We are so grateful for the joy parenthood has brought into our lives.


**Many thanks to Adam for capturing in photos the love and joy of our daughter!

Happy 1st Birthday, Miss Bailey

Well, This is it. Little Miss is turning 1. It is bittersweet, tearful, and exciting all the same. She has grown into an adorable toddler seemingly overnight. She laughs, dances, talks, signs, crawls, and brings a smile to our faces each day. Yesterday, We had the pleasure of celebrating with a gathering of our closest friends and family. It was a bittersweet, yet joyous occasion. I have been brimming with tears close to all weekend. Where has the time gone? Can I order a redo?



Little Miss thoroughly enjoyed her first Birthday Cake.....can you say YUMMY!!!Saying thank you to all the guests!
Seriously, tell me this isn't the most adorable and cleaver thing EVER!!! ("Happy 1st Birthday Bailey Michelle Towne, Love Erin and Andy")Family Pictures: Thank You so much to everyone for loving, supporting and influencing our Daughter. We are blessed beyond words to have each of you in her life. Thank You!

Full of Fun!

What an amazing and relaxing Sunday. For Michael's Father's Day celebration we ventured out to Ouabache (Wabash) State Park for an afternoon of exploring. We hiked (little difficult to do with a large stroller btw), played tennis, watched those swimming, and took the best paddle boat ride EVER!! Little Miss had the time of her life!!

Bailey - anxiously awaiting her ride 'round Kunkle Lake!


Little gal in a big coat (Sing it, Tommy Boy!)..... check out her little hand waving hello to you all!
Love You, Daddy!!!

Beautiful and Serene!


Thank you, Michael! You are such an amazing friend, husband, and father to our baby girl! Thank you for allowing us to celebrate with you!

Father's Day

To my dear Husband,

• 11 years ago: Our introduction was made, a friendship ensued, and your girlfriend I became.

• 8 years ago: You graduated from a boy into a young man; To college you went.

• 6 years ago: A bridge we crossed, a ring on my finger.

• 4 years ago: Two united as one.

• 2 years ago: Through loss we cried, we mourned, we questioned and together we grew.

• 22 months ago: New life was preparing to enter the world.

• 1 year ago: I watched as you were vulnerable and full of love, adoration, and wonderment. A FATHER you became.

I love that I have spent these last 11 years watching your transformation. I love the way I can hear you smooch our daughter 3 rooms away. I love the way you play peek-a-boo. I love your "Daddy-Daughter" time. I love the way you read aloud. I love the annoying wind chimes. I love being the mother of your child. I love your passion to grow. I love that you are striving to become a Godly Father to our daughter. Never have I loved you more. Thank you!

Happy 1st Father's Day!!

The "Uncle Andy"

The Front View:



The Side View:

While home for Easter, Uncle Andy taught little June Bug a new trick. When you have your mouth just so, and your tongue just so, and you flick your face just right....noises come out. So, in a valiant attempt to make this work, Bailey has been hitting herself in the face for the past two days. Who ever thought... The "Uncle Andy" ......... ADORABLE!

Thanks, Dear Brother!

"The Townhouse Trio"

Coming soon to a living room near you..............Presenting the "Townehouse Trio!!"

Michael and I love music, all kinds of music!! While I don't have a voice to be proud of, I still sing like there is no tomorrow! Seriously, singing in the rain, the shower, the kitchen, the bathroom, the inside, the outside.....Singing is everywhere. We make a song out of everything, and change songs that do exist. The other day, while driving in the car (and singing), Little June Bug began to "sing/babble." It was so funny....... She would hold out her "words" and just go. She would get loud, and then soft, then loud again. I was laughing so hard tears were coming out of my eyes. I sincerely hope she has been blessed with a passion for music. But for now, we will enjoy the "Song of Babble."

If Jesus were a house-guest??

Years ago, I remember my Mother asking me, "What if Jesus were a house-guest?" Several years later, I still find it to be a simplistically profound concept for a 9 year old. The challenge was to rid my life of things that I wouldn't include if Jesus were physically with us. (At the time, I remember it being in regard to a stack of old"Teen Beat" magazines that my friend had given me. ) This reflection has challenged me to re-evaluate my life, hobbies, entertainment, food, and daily activities. If Jesus were to walk in my front door right now, what would I feel shameful of? What would I eliminate, hide, or purge if he were to call ahead with a warning? How would my daily routine evolve?

Would Jesus and I sit down for an entertaining episode of "Grey's Anatomy?" What about the CD collection I have accumulated from College.... Britney Spears? The Dave Matthew's Band? What in there is glorifying to him? What would I feed him? Would I serve my Savior the frozen Pizza that I have in the freezer??

I have found in my own life, I have become accepting and desensitized to worldly influences. How has this happened?? By filling my life with the impure. Little by little, my mind has been tarnished. I am striving to eliminate those things that are filled with sinful values and morals. Some things will be harder than others. With few exceptions, my music collection is not secular (My Britney Spears CD was free.....and I never listen to it, so please don't poke fun). However, this does mean an end to my much loved Grey's Anatomy. :( What of the relationships, conversations, and food I have filled my life with? How are they exemplifying Christ?

This endless battle will need frequent examination. However, the exchange of a pure mind, home and heart will be well worth the sacrifices made. I am desiring to be different, to be a light for Christ. In order to do that, it must start in my home.

9 Months of Joy

Our family of 3....growing bigger each day! (And a pic of my hair for those who requested).



Our little innocent one......Time has flown by the past 9 months. Our "June Bug" has made our life so joyful and full of life and love!




Here she is in all her adorableness....... looking as sweet as sugar.

Adam Boxell Photography

Cherished Moments

I thought I would share a few of our cherished moments from our most blessed Christmas season!


Bailey's second "Babies First Christmas" ornament.


Aunt Stefanie was in from Arizona! :)


My growing family!


Bailey after opening her present from Santa. Gotta Love Baby Einstein!


Preparing for our trip to Minnesota......Isn't she adorable!