It's here...

The clock has ticked passed midnight and it is officially Christmas--our first Christmas as a family of 3. Santa is on his way, we are sure (though it looks as if he has already landed). Is that the sound of reindeer on the roof?

At church tonight I was reminded once again about the real meaning of Christmas--Jesus came to Earth as a baby. He came as an innocent, little baby who grew into a busy toddler exploring the world He actually made. He grew into a little boy who loved to learn and listen to His Father. And finally, He became a man. The man who gave His life for me and for you. He died so that we could live--live life abundantly.

Our preacher, Bob, seems to be speaking directly to me in the many sermons of late, and so I feel compelled to write that while Chad and I feel so blessed and are so thankful for ALL God has given us, we know that we are not perfect and therefore, hesitate that we really deserve all of His blessings--we are not perfect people, we are not perfect partners, we are not perfect parents (by any means).

In fact, no one is perfect. Each and every one of us makes mistakes. We make mistakes, mess up, hurt feelings, and generally screw up royally--if you are like me, this happens more often than not. But what so many of us forget about (myself included) is that God loves us BECAUSE we are messed up. He chose us even though we didn't deserve it. He forgave us even though we continually screw up--royally. Did you get that? How in the world did I deserve such a sacrafice? Me? Someone who gets frustrated with random strangers in Wal-Mart on Christmas Eve. Someone who fusses at slow drivers on her way to work. Someone who harbors hurt feelings for those she knows she must face...

????

So...on this Christmas Eve (er..uh..Christmas Morning) my heart is so filled with the memories of this wonderful, crazy, fantastic, heartbreaking and blessed year and I dare to dream about what 2009 will bring us. One thing is for sure, it will bring more mess ups...and hopefully a softer heart for random strangers, slow drivers and those whose lives we drift in and out of...

There is only one perfect person in the whole entire world, and so many years ago, He came to Earth as a little baby boy, grew into a curious toddler, a smart young man and died so that I could live--so that we all could live...even in our imperfections...

Well...it is late. And this post has pushed me to droopy eyes and sugar plums dancing...

May you and your family know the

True meaning of Christmas and keep it in your hearts all year long, especially when you or someone you know has messed up royally...

S~

The Holidays are Here!!

And we are so excited! Besides fighting the stomach flu the last few days, The Hoene's are looking forward to our first Christmas as a family of 3. We can't wait to celebrate with all of our family in various places over the next few days. This slide show is of our first Christmas celebration at Aunt Barbara's house on Sat. We had a great time and Logan really cheesed it up with for the camera. Enjoy!!

More to come...
S~

So Thankful!!

There are so many pictures from our wonderful Thanksgiving's (PLURAL). We began at my Aunt Barbara's house on Sat. night, then my other aunt's (Aunt Anita and Uncle J) on Wednesday night. Finally, on the actual day the Hoene's hosted Thanksgiving for our family. We recently were able to finish our basement (thanks to my wonderful hubby, dad, and Uncle J) so our home was able to accomodate the whole crew. This year we have so much to be thankful for...of course Logan being at the top of that list. In fact, we asked some of our family to share what they were thankful for and here is what they said...I am Thankful for...
" Family, phone, health, school, pets, Holidays" ~Kaelyn H.

"God giving me a wonderful fiance, precious daughter, family and great friends. We are thankful for Ginger and Toby (the dogs), our health and our family's health." ~ Carrie Lea

"My family and friends and especially all my new little nephews and grandson. My wonderful wife for all of the caring love she gives me." ~ Corky

"Our ENTIRE family and the many blessings God has given us. Our son has completed our family in so many ways." ~Staci, Chad and Logan

Soon Logan will be turning a year old. It is so hard to believe the time has passed so quickly.

My little prince, when you one day look back on this make-shift baby book of the first year of your life, know without a doubt that each and every day, we thank God of blessing our lives with you...

~Mommy

We are WALKING!!

Yep...that's right! Logan has been taking steps for a few days now!! How did this happen? I vaguely remember him sitting up amidst his toys, perfectly happy, just sitting! Then, out of nowhere came the crawling--lightning fast, I might add. Mommy and daddy thought we were safe for a while since crawling seemed to come so naturally and he was so proficient at it. So much for mommy and daddy's thoughts on that one...

Logan will be 11 months old on Monday, December 1, and we can officially say he is walking!!!!!!!!

What a blessing!!

~Staci

Fun Fall Weekends...

I missed you Mommy and Daddy!! Look what I can do!

Learning to feed myself!

Cheap Gas!!!

Third Day concert at IU

Great Seats!!

We have been having a lot of fun around here on the weekends. Chad and I were able to get away this passed weekend just the two of us. We had a lot of fun, but missed our little guy so very much! Thanks to Mimi and Papa for babysitting. You are THE BEST!! Here are a few pictures from our weekend.

Working on Holiday Photos. Make sure to check out my webpage. I am going to post some examples on a blog as well.

The blog will be titled "Images by Staci" of course!

Keep Checking Back!

S~

Trunk or Treat 2008

The kids--Carrington, Logan, PJ and Savannah

Tigger and Minnie Mouse having a good laugh!

Minnie Mouse--So cute!!

Carrington and PJ--all grown up!

Mommy, Daddy and Tigger--a very warm Tigger!

Tigger and Cow (Ben) with the daddy's

At home, trying on our costume before church

Can you beleive it is already the end of October? I mean, really, where did it go? It seems just like yesterday that we were in Florida and here it is the end of the month and time once again for Trunk or Treat. It was the usual crew again this year with one exception--Logan!! A first-timer at TorT--he just took in all of the sights and sounds. Carrington, PJ, and Savannah showed him just how it was done. We missed Nana and Grandaddy--they were in Gatlinburg on vacation and Aunt Alicia, Uncle Jason, Madison, Jalyn, and Brady couldn't make it (we hope you feel better, Brady!). We are so blessed with such a wonderful family, friends and church. Anyone looking for a church how should give Northeast a try. It is a wonderful place for both adults and children to grow in their faith and meet other Christian families. Anyhow, enjoy the pictures of the kids and especially our little Tigger (aka. Logan).

S~

Say Cheese!!

Say Cheese!

Hangin' with the BIG girls

Family Photo, October 2008

Logan is just like a little sponge. His brain is making all kinds of little pathways for each and every new discovery. This week Logan is spending time with not only his cousin Savannah, but Carrington is off school for fall break. So, he thinks he is a BIG boy hanging out with the girls. Enjoy a few pictures of them playing in Savannah's playroom. Another "new" thing with Logan is his big, beautiful smile! He LOVES to CHEESE for the camera. I guess with a mommy who constantly has the camera snapping in his face, it is a wonder it took 10 months for him to figure it out. These are just too cute!!

S~

Remembering March 3

Last week we observed a very important day for so many families around the world. Wednesday, October 15

is

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

________________________________________

March 3, 2007

started like any other day with the ONE BIG exception that I was FINALLY pregnant, had been for 5 weeks or so--I mean it had only taken us f-o-u-r VERY LONG years, countless doctor appointments as far away as Cincinnati, Ohio, a gazillion needle sticks for both me and Chad, loads of wonderful doctors and nurses, procedures, several IUI's , and finally one IVF.

So, it was IVF #1--February 8, 2007 with a "Congratulations Staci! You are pregnant" some 14 days later.

Thank you, God.

We were still in shock. Even though we had done a bit of planning and a ton of praying, we were just trying to wait a bit...for safety's sake.

Have you ever heard of foreshadowing?

You know the kind of literary element you learn in middle school language arts? It is where the author gives the reader a "clue" about something that is going to happen in the future. Something...not foreshadowing, a feeling...I guess.

So even though March 3, 2007 began as a somewhat normal day, it didn't end that way.

No, it just ended.

Never did I really think that we would become a part of one of the largest growing statistics in the United States and the world.

Pregnancy Loss...Miscarriage.

Each year some 600,000 women miscarry.

Six-hundred-t-h-o-u-s-a-n-d

Since that day our lives have greatly changed. Those of you who read our blog regularly know how God took our pain from infertility and loss from the miscarriage, and answered our prayer in His own time and way.

Our prayer had always been to simply...Be Parents.

So, while we stop to remember the little one we will someday meet beyond the clouds, we also reflect on our blessed news of almost a year ago.

http://hoeneheaven.blogspot.com/2007/10/know-therefore-that-lord-your-god-is.html

Logan is almost 10 months old and he is the joy of my heart.

He is a daddy's boy and they are so great together. Chad is a wonderful father who takes his time with our curious little one. He speaks to him with such love and patience, even when Logan won't hold still for diaper changing or dressing. Logan is at the age now where he is ALL OVER THE PLACE. Of course we wouldn't have it any other way (except for when we are both exhausted!) Even now, when he looks as if he is about to take off on both feet, I gasp and think--NO, not yet! You are growing up WAY to FAST!

We are parents...answered prayer.

Thank you, God.

Though remembering March 3 is not as painful as it once was, I know there are so many women out there who have experienced loss and can't or won't share it.

Maybe this day, October 15, remembering,

will help others to know they are

not alone.

More fun in the sun...

More fun in Florida today. We miss ALL of our family and can't wait to get home to see everyone. Too bad the video of Logan in the pool won't post. I will keep trying!!

Daddy, me and Mr. Pirate

Me and Daddy at the beach today!

Papa showing how tall the sand cliff is at the beach.

Teeth...we are working on getting 2 more (4 total at the top and 2 at the bottom)
Mommy and Daddy and Me! Look at my new shoes!!

We will be home soon!!

More fun in Florida!

The center of attention...

Taking a Choo-Choo ride with Mimi

Ready for the pool...

Logan just love swimming in the pool. We are going to have to get him in some swim lessons at the Y. He just kicks and laughs. I have a video...hopefully it will post.

S~

We are in Florida!!

Greetings from sunny Florida! Thank goodness for breaks from school and work! Today was beautiful--sun, sand, shopping...what more could we need? Logan had so much fun today in the pool with daddy. He just kicked his feet and splashed in the water. I will try to get a video tomorrow. Talk about spoiled...Logan is getting so much attention from Mimi, Papa, Aunt Anita and Uncle J...and of course Mommy and Daddy. Enjoy the pictures...we miss you Aunt Carrie, Uncle Sean and Savannah Leigh! You must come with us next time!!

More pictures to come from our vacation...

S~

Hurricane Ike visits Kentucky!

Yes, that is right...Hurricane Ike came all the way to Kentucky last weekend and things are still NOT back to normal. Sunday afternoon hurricane force winds battered most of the Kentuckiana (Kentucky and Indiana) region--Louisville got the worst, by far. Thankfully, we never lost power only the phone and internet for a bit on Monday. Though WE never lost power, Aunt Carrie, Uncle Sean, Savannah, Mimi and Papa, DID!! So the Hoene's have had a houseful since Sunday...Savannah and Logan have been together 24/7 for going on 5 days and Mimi has clocked some over time watching the kids. All I can say is...WHEW!!

Actually, all I can say is...It could have been much worse. My family is SAFE, my house is SAFE, we have PLENTY of food and water, and what is a few hours without email anyway? It could have been MUCH worse. In fact, I work for Shelby County Public Schools and in Mrs. LaGrange's 4th grade classroom yesterday, there was an empty seat. Why? A 10-year old boy helping his family by mowing the lawn on Sunday, no longer sits there...a victim of a freak accident as a result of the high winds on Sunday.

If you never lost power, it could have been worse.
If you were without electricity for a few days and had to "rough it" or move in with family, it could have been worse.
If your freezer is empty because you had to throw out spoiled food but have a full belly because of someone's kindness, it could have been worse.
If your home is pitch black because of the tangled tree limbs outside your window but your toilet flushes and your floors are dry, it could have been worse.

Each day I begin by thanking God for all he has blessed our family with...but this week, I have been doubly blessed because amidst all of the chaos and tragedy around, my family has been right here beside me and in my heart, I know that it could have been so much worse.

As a side note, all family members including Nana, Grandaddy, Aunt Alicia and Uncle Jason are all safe and with power. Many blessings...

Until next time...
S~

The Little Prince

The Prince and his Princess

I LOVE taking a BATH!!

Look at me with my sippee cup!!

Graham Crackers--yummy!

Can't find me...

I know I can get it...

Yes, it has been a bit since I have posted...sorry! But those of you with little ones know just how busy life can be...it is hard to believe that August has come and gone. I turned 35 on August 16 and it was the best birthday ever because I have the best present EVER--a loving family and beautiful son (http://sunshinesavannahleigh.blogspot.com/2008/08/aunt-sissys-birthday.html).

Other events have also happened--family birthdays, Logan's first trip to the KY State Fair, Oldham County Day (slept through both of these outings)and many more, but now it is almost September and we are gearing up for the BIG GAME--Cats vs. Cards and some down time to rejuvenate over the long weekend!!

Since Logan has become mobile, he is REALLY busy and CURIOUS!! I love to watch him discover new places and new things. It is almost as if I can see the pathways in his brain just going to town. He is SOOOOO smart!! He had a big week with Mimi--tea party (he was the host of course, being the only male), picking Carrington up from school, discovering the kitchen, and graham crackers (mimi, not mommy!). Enjoy the photos...

~S

We are CRAWLING!!!

Yep! Can you believe it? Logan is just barely 7 months old and he is crawling!!!! Logan has been sitting up for about 2 months now, but Chad and I always had to actually sit him up. He couldn't figure out how to go from laying down to sitting up. Well, last Monday, he figured that out. Needless to say, I knew the crawling would be coming next BUT I never DREAMED it would happen so soon after.

Hopefully this video will post. It is a bit long and he doesn't actually crawl until the very end. In fact, he teases you a bit and then finally he crawls. We are so blessed and can't believe how fast he is growing and learning. We love him so very much!! Enjoy!

Yes, that is a Notre Dame onesie he is wearing. I remember when we purchased those in January right after he was born. I thought..."He will never grow into these??" Little did I know it would only take 7 months to get there...

S~

It's Official...

Well, sort of...when I started designing my website, I didn't realize when it was published to the internet it would have this funky URL. So, eventually (when the free trial runs out) that will change. But for now, you can find Images by Staci at:

http://web.me.com/stacirenee

Yes, it's wierd...sorry!! Please leave comments about the site, the prices, if you want me to take your pictures. I value your thoughts and ideas.

S~

So Blessed...

So Blessed...Part 2

Images by Staci...

Please forgive me. I know many of you check our blog regularly and I have been lagging on my posts. I have officially gone back to work (though it seems as though I never had a break to begin with) and with that comes mommy going to bed earlier. Enough excuses...

Chad, Logan and I had the pleasure of having our pictures taken earlier this month by Robin Smith (http://www.robinsmithphotography.com/) I have been waiting to post most of them because I wanted to get the actual prints to give to my family...well, they came in today!! So, family...get ready! They really are great! So, this wonderful little "video short" showcases some of the pictures Robin took of our family (So Blessed) as well as some of the pictures I took of Logan at my parent's house (this post, above).

Many of you know that I am working to build up my photography business, so this is an example of some of my shots. The website to lauch my business is close to being done and as soon as it is ready, you all will be the first to know!!

I am thinking of naming my business "Images by Staci" What do you think? Please leave a comment especially concerning the pictures, but also about the name...

Thank you again for reading our blog. I have also added some of the blogs I regularly read to the list on the side. If you have a blog, please pass on the URL so we can see how you are doing!

Until next time...

S~