Easter

Well, I'd love to show all the great shots from Easter, but there really aren't any. Jake was sick for almost a full week. He had a high fever for several days, Easter being one of those days. I think the nurses at our pediatricians office know me by name now. He had roseola which is several days with a high fever followed by one or two days of a rash. We've seen the doctor three times in a month (regular visit, sinus infection, and then roseola.) Not fun. Poor little guy. The good news is that Jake's feeling much better now. It is so nice to have the wild man back to normal again.

Update

I'm so sorry it has been so long since I've updated this blog. Everyone in the Peddle house is doing well. Erik and I just got back from our anniversary trip to Breckenridge. Jake had a great time staying with Erik's parents for a few days.

Jake: taking several steps at once, favorite word: YEAH!, favorite activities: anything that involves singing - especially patty cake, reading books, clapping, "playing" with Sophie, favorite food: cheese

Erik: working full time in remodeling, dreaming about our future and where that might take us, loving our new church

Liz: loving being a mom, working part time for Camp Highland, trying to figure out how people take care of their kids and work and try to keep their house in some sort of order. Seriously, how do people do this?

Sophie: still trying to adjust to not being the center of attention, can't wait for Jake to figure out how to throw a ball and how not to grab eyeballs

Coupons

I am obsessed with coupons and deals. I have learned so much from this blog, http://www.southernsavers.com/
I hit an all time high 2 weeks ago when I bought $185 of groceries and paid only $100 at Publix. It was for 10 meals - plus leftovers for lunches, food for Jake, and paper products. Seriously, this is becoming an addiction, but I love it.

Mornings

Some mornings are better than others. Sigh.... This was my fancy breakfast at home. Since I can't go out to breakfast much I spoil myself every once in a while. It was wonderful, but it was followed by 3 dirty diapers in two hours, diaper rash, separation anxiety (aka Jake thinks he has to be within reach of me at all times), and Jake's fall down the two stairs (with a chair) onto our slate floors. Special.

I have come to appreciate more and more my time with God in the mornings before Jake wakes up. Jake woke up at 6:45 this morning which is an hour before his usual. I was so distraught because that meant that I would not have time alone to read and pray. I called Erik upset not understanding why God wouldn't let him sleep longer so I could spend time with Him before the day began. I gave in and went upstairs hoping that he'd calm down and go back to sleep. I held him and told him everything was okay and gave him his beloved security blanket. He slept for another 30 minutes and I was able to spend time with God. Now I realize He did the same for me. I was upset and He held me and told me everything was okay and then I was able to start my day. I can't say that there have been a lot of days when I clearly hear God speaking to me through my quiet time. I am realizing that He is speaking to me throughout the day. This blog is really helping me understand that. I think I've been looking for a revelation through my time with Him. I was looking for a better understanding of His word. He knew that I just needed Him to tell me before the events of the morning began that it was all okay and that He loves me.

Life is good and I very much appreciate the diapers and the woes of motherhood because it is a gift, even on mornings like this one. Thank you Father for ignoring what I want and giving me exactly what I need

Jake - 1 year

So, Jake does this face. It is so funny. He crinkles his nose and breathes really hard through his nose. Its hard to describe actually. Just had to share. He gave me his first kiss tonight. So sweet.

From baby to toddler, watch out world!

Last night Erik and I were sitting on the floor playing with Jake. Erik mentioned that Jake was too big to crawl and it was time for him to walk. So, I stood Jake up and then he looked at Erik and as I eased away from his tight finger grip.... he took his first step! Our baby is official a toddler. And let me just say, Jake ADORES Erik. He can be having a rough day, but when Erik walks through the door everything (and everyone else) disappears and he gets the biggest grin for his daddy. So cute! I love my boys!

Just some cute pics

I admit it. I love Jake way too much. He's just so cute. I can't help myself!

Pumpkin Patch

We went to the pumpkin patch near our house. It was really small. I loved their version of a hay ride! Jake was really tired, but he was a trooper. (Erik was on a climbing trip.)

North GA State Fair

We've had a fun couple of weeks. We went to the North GA State Fair and Jake enjoyed the petting zoo. I think having kids is just an excuse for parents to act like kids again. I was way too excited to go to the fair. :)

Jake - 7-8 months

Well, the summer is officially over. We had such a blast working with all of the college students. We felt so blessed to have the opportunity to pour into their lives. I remember in college feeling like I had to have everything figured out before I graduated. It's a very difficult season of life. We hope that they felt encouraged and supported as they returned to their lives at college. We just pray that they will continue in their search for God's will. We love you all!

Jake is doing really well. He is sleeping 12-13 hours every night! Quite a difference from the 2-3 hours he was sleeping as a newborn. He is so close to crawling. He can crawl in circles, but hasn't quite figured out how to crawl forward. He loves standing and trying to walk, while I hold his weight. He seems to think he can just skip the crawling and move straight to walking :) He's so fun. He is so much like Erik. It's really funny to see all the similarities already. They have the same intense look. Haven't caught that on the camera yet, but hopefully soon.

Jake goes swimming

Erik and I took Jake to the inland lake at camp a few weeks ago. He seemed to like it for the most part. He definitely preferred the warm towel to the cool water, but he was a trooper. :)

2009 Summer Staff

I thought you might like to see the incredible staff that we've been working with this summer. They are an amazing group. We are so thankful to have the opportunity to serve with each one of them.

Jake - 6 months

Jake is doing great. He is 6 months now. He has rolled over a few times. He has two teeth that are fighting their way through. It seems to be pretty painful at bedtime. I would welcome any teething advice. Jake is a wonderful baby. He is happy and healthy and so fun to watch. We love the noises he makes. Erik calls him a little monkey and his little noises sometimes sound like monkey noises. 

Summer in Ellijay

We are off to a great start this summer at Camp Highland. Our staff this summer is amazing. We are having such a blast investing in the lives of each of the 20 college students. It is truly a blessing to be serving with such incredible people. This is a fun season, but it is also very challenging. Please pray that we can keep our energy high in knowing that all we do is for God's glory.  

Mother's Day

Does it get any better than this?

New Stats

Here is a picture of our little man from Easter. We went to the doctor today and here are the stats...

Weight: 14.4 (50%)

Head Circumference: (50%)

Height: 90%! ( I love this because my Dad was really tall.)

It's the little things

It's the little things. This was what made my day yesterday. Just a smile and a long laugh from Jake. The t-shirt didn't hurt anything either :)

I miss my Dad. Here is my favorite picture of us. He was an amazing man and I miss him every day, but for some unknown reason especially today.

It finally happened...

This has been a challenging week in the Peddle house. Erik was sick for a couple days and now I have it. It never seems fair that Erik can recover so quickly and I seem to take at least a week no matter what. Well, needless to say my energy level has plummited. 

Last night we were watching our new favorite show NCIS. Jake was sitting on my lap and we were just watching him. I was feeling particularly exhausted. And then it happened... He smiled. Our little guy looked up at us, opened his mouth and smiled. It didn't last very long, but it didn't matter. It was so special that both Erik and I were there to see it. This may not seem like a big deal to many of you, but to us it meant the world. 

After some very long days and nights we needed a little something to raise our spirits. I just have to wonder if God sent this little angel to us to give us a real picture of how He loves and sustains us. At the very moment when we're tired and not feeling like we can go on, maybe He whispered to little Jake that now was the time to give us this precious gift. 

 My first "mom moment" was when Jake came into the world and I heard his first cry. I couldn't see anything because I had a C-section, but just knowing that he was breathing was enough for me. I teared up a bit. It was such a relief that he was alive and healthy. This was my second "mom moment." I know that there are so many more to come. The only way I can describe it is gut wrenching joy. All of a sudden the earth stands still and you think that you must be the luckiest person on earth to have had a moment like that. 

Jake - 6 weeks

Here is our little man at 6 weeks. What an incredible ride it has been. I (we) have never experienced such a range of emotions in such a short period of time. We are loving being Jake's parents. I will admit that it is a lot more fun in the daytime. (Just being honest.) He's been a great baby. He's sleeping 4 hours at a time at night and Erik is a huge help taking the 4am feeding. It's official, I have the best husband ever.

Jacob's feet

My sons feet are beautiful.

open my eyes

Freedom is not in options or unlimited resources, true freedom is born out of an eternal perspective which holds the power to cast light on every situation.  The endless pursuit of self fades as the overpowering shine of wisdom and love opens the eyes of your soul to see as God sees, to rest as God rests, to love as God loves.

I hear the knock at my door, the call to come and die, and in the hope of an awakening I see that the frustration of my son crying all night, the endless weight of providing, the colossal pursuit of self is meant to be something else.  All the things of life, all the difficult and easy is meant to open my eyes.  What God sees is offered to us in His Son.  

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."  Galatians 5:1

Proud mother- this was her favorite moment so far
We came a couple and left a family
I took my son camping
hiding from the nurses

our wonderful midwife Diane Tandy



Jacob is amazingly beautiful!

He arrived into our crazy world Tuesday December 9th at 6:49 pm.

After 30 hours of non-progressive labor, our wonderful midwife Diane ordered us to the OR where Liz had a C-section and 30 minutes later, our son was born!

He weighed 6 lbs 12 oz at birth, 21.5 inches long and healthy.  

We are still in the hospital, enjoying the time off to get to know this blessing.  Nursing (every 2-3 hours) is going well and we are getting some sleep, we have no complaints, only praise for a God who creates such amazing miracles and allows us to be apart of His life.

We will be at Northside Women's center for another day or two (room 688).  We would love to take visitors, please just give us a call ahead of time.  

Thank you all for you prayers!

Jacob

 Liz is feeling very tired.  

She is being induced with an IV.

She is contracting every 3-4 min.

The nurse thinks she will deliver tonight.

I am really excited about this whole baby idea.

Thank you.

Where the Peddle's are:

• We expect a baby really soon, a son, named Jake and Jacob, He will be beautiful.
  
• We are living in Marietta, and will not be moving to camp, but will temporarily move there during the coming summer.
• We are well blessed by you all, having 68 partners who have joined us and supported us faithfully.  Thank You!
• We are nearing our personal support goal- currently at 70%.  Thank You!!
• We are praying for you all and have been blessed by your prayers.
• During the winter, we work on marketing, recruiting, building projects, summer preparations, and a myriad of other tasks.  
• We work full time, year round with camp, and programs will start again in February.

__________________________________________________________________

In an effort to be transparent, free from the burden of social propriety and share with you all what the abundant life is like for the Peddle family, there is here below a recent blessing bestowed on us through the prayers of you all.  



As it has been for the past few weeks, that God confirms what he told me a day or two before in the books I am reading the following day. A way of reminding me to be humble and believe He cares deeply for my whole being.

Abba's Child- (brennan manning)

That contemplative prayer at its best is done with an empty chair next to you, at a coffee shop or for me in my office with Jesus in my chair and me on the couch. And a child's faith and joy that I get to speak with God in such a simple, non-religious form, in a completely unorthodox manner. Just talking to Him, half looking down, in temporary fear that I might be crazy, then coming to realize in my deepest self that this is good.

Much different than the contrast of almost every previous attempt to have a simple and pure talk with God.

For as long as I can remember I have looked at empty chairs, in the dark corners of homes, of a room, of my house, and seen death, seen demons, seen my greatest fears talking with me, reminding me to be afraid and angry with God. I have been haunted by this for years, never understanding what God is teaching me by allowing me to see horror on such a consistent basis.

But this morning I went out, in the early dark of sunrise and watching Sophie I looked over at a pair of empty lawn chairs in my yard, remembering the fear that gripped me even last night when the the demons were talking again of my demise, then suddenly, I saw Jesus in that chair, and every chair from my past, and all was free, I remembered His power, I saw Him cast out the lies that I clung to for a false security.

I prayed a simple prayer this morning, that I would see Him, I prayed for you all, that the eyes of your hearts would be open, half doubting that prayer has an effect at all.

But half doubting prayers are heard by God, and demons flee in His presence, I am so glad I see things differently. Please know your prayers are not in vain, that God hears us clearly and without judgment and thank you.

-erik
Matt. 7:7-8

From Thanksgiving to mid January we will be working on building projects at camp and finding more partners to support us financially.  We want to find 120 more people to support us with  $10 a month.   Or 60 people to give $20/month.  Etc.

We are in need of more partners.  Please send us contact info for anyone you believe would be interested in partnering with us.

erik@camphighland.com

elizabeth@camphighland.com 

We are 1 month away from Caden's arrival.  Please pray for us and him.

We are having our partner party Nov. 11th from 6-9 pm, please come by for desert and coffee.

We have one event left this year at camp.  Father-Son Retreat Nov. 7-9.

Here are some encouraging remarks from our summer campers and their parents.

I think the fact that our son did not want to leave is a testament to the great job that all of you are doing.

Claire came home with so many stories. Everyday was her favorite day, but I believe her MOST favorite day was the one she rock climbed. She didn't realize how tiring real rock climbing is. She also loved the new slide. I will tell you this, when I asked her what her favorite part of each day was, she told me it was the cabin time, devotional time. What else could a parent wish for?

Parker grew so much, not only in his maturity but he truly feels that he is closer to God and is beginning to understand how vast that love is. I am truly grateful for this experience, Parker's first away from home. The counselors were absolutely wonderful and he has not stopped talking about his time this summer. Thank you.

Megan enjoyed the fellowship and support of her peers and counselors. She came home feeling adventurous and proud of tackling many of the outdoor challenges.

Patrick absolutely loves this camp. He wants to be a counselor when he is older so that he can spend the whole summer with you.

Lily and her group got lost in the caves. She later told me that she learned that 'even if you're lost, God still knows where you are.' What a deep lesson, and a vital one.

Cole's best friend Oliver accepted Jesus while at camp - Cole will always remember that. Also, all they talked about was the awesome tubing on the lake!!

I thought the fact that he stayed up until 2:00 a.m. talking about Christ was awesome. More awesome still was that the counselor (Bunker) stayed up too.

Jordan had such an incredible time that she asked me if she could go a second week. That was amazing considering she did NOT want to go to camp this year. This was her first year at Camp Highland and she says she will go every summer. You guys did an outstanding job!!!

We're Pregnant!!

Its a boy!!

We are having a man.   Sweet Jesus.

So what are we doing now since summer camp is over?

We are preparing for the rest of the year and are mentoring Camp's 2 year round interns, Chris and Heather.

We just finished another wonderful Father-Daughter Retreat.  

Check out our schedule of events for the rest of the year.  Please, let us know if there are any events you would like to attend, volunteer for, or just come and check out camp.  We would be overjoyed to show you around and serve you alongside our wonderful staff!

August:

• 25th-28th:  Atlanta Youth Academy. 89 kids, 15 adults. 
  
• 28th-29th:  Christian Heritage.  45 kids, 15 adults.

September:

• 2nd-4th:  Bridgeway School.  44 kids, ?? adults.
• 4th-5th:  East Side.  40 kids, 4 adults.
• 8th-9th:  Whitfield Academy
• 17th- 19th:  Intown School
• 27th-29th:  Hebron School

October:

• 3rd-5th:  Briarlake Church
• 3rd-5th:  Grace Comminuty
• 10th:  Camp Highland Golf Classic (fundraiser)
• 17th-19th:  Nicolson Baptist
• 24th-26th:  Father/Daughter 

November

• 7th-9th:  Father/Son 3

Please pray for:

• Our continuing need for more partners to provide financial support.  (We are at 60% of our goal).
  
• God to use us as we mentor our year round interns, Chris and Heather.
  
• For God to mold us into the best parents He has every created.
• All of the upcoming events and the people involved.
  

Thank you for all your prayers and support!

 

Summer is over

Summer camp is over and fall events are under way.  It was a adventures summer, full and overflowing with hard work, good food, spiritual growth, and lots of laughs.  It is good to be home and able to sit down for a few minutes.  Fall events have already begun.  We just had our Father son weekend with 25 pairs.  On Sunday all of the dads, one by one gave their sons a blessing in front of the whole group.  It was awesome to see 25 dads express their joy and pride for their sons.  I can not wait to be a dad!  Our next father daughter weekend is coming up in 2 weeks.  

We took the staff to a Braves game last week.  And I spoke during the evening sessions during the last week of camp.  I loved it and some people said they were blessed by what God taught us. 

Rachael Day has served at camp for over a year now as our cook, friend, mentor, and go to girl for everything.  We really appreciate all she has done for us and camp and will miss her dearly as she heads off to WI for college and other adventures.  Please pray for her as she makes this transition.

Chris will be joining us this year as one of our 2 interns.  He is a great guy with a servants heart and teeth like a gorilla.  Please pray for him this year, for his growth in Christ and the transition he is making to raising support.