Let's try this again!

Well, I haven't done a great job at keeping up with this thing over the past month, but I am going to give it another try!
As you can see, I figured out how to post a picture; I think having a "high speed" (as Mike would call it) computer, like my father's, helps!
This was taken a couple days before Mike deployed. Yes, he left last week. I am still processing the fact that my husband will be gone for a while in a not so safe place. Through the tears, Mike really made an effort to be as positive as possible about the upcoming year. I have been praying for God to provide us with great strength during this time, and He is ever so faithful. Before he left, we celebrated Ivie's birthday and Christmas, we took lots of pictures and video of play time and also of Mike reading stories. Mike picked out a special toy to give Ivie the day he left too! We know this year will not be the easiest, but we are trusting God to be with us every step of the way. This is definitely no easy task, but all we can do is pray. I do not mean that lightly, either. I have expereinced the power of prayer and I know that all things are in God's hands. We have never been succesful trying things our own way before; we know that God will not only be with us, but will also provide for us too, whatever we need: strength, wisdom, alertness, protection and great friends!
Ivie and I arrived to my parents late last night. My mom and gramma flew to CO and drove back with us; it was nice to have them along. Although I am very glad to be able to spend time in MI with my family and my in-laws, it is bittersweet.
Ivie turned 1 yesterday! We had a mini birthday party in our Iowa hotel room, one late last night after arriving in MI and we topped it all off with some cake and ice cream tonight! I think she's a bit spoiled. She has been taking this all in and seems to enjoy all the extra love and attention and playmates!
I am going to try hard at keeping this going; Mike should also be able to check it out and I'm sure he'll love the updates of what's keeping us busy!