LukeandEllen.com

Spring Break

Luke — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 02:55:42 +0000

Spring Break this year was quite different with a baby, but so memorable!

Luke, David, and I spent part of the week in San Juan del Sur. We had never been there together and it was the perfect little family get-away. It was actually our first vacation as a new family of three! One of my favorite things about the trip was that I did not have to share my two boys with anyone else!

We are so thankful for the gifts God gives us such as a lovely place to stay and time with our family, especially right before Youth Group “retreat season” in the months of April and May!

David loves the water!

Playing guitar with a beautiful view!

Ahh…reading

Luke’s idea of reading! Poor guy, needed some extra zzz’s.

Eating beans for the first time at Tip Top.

The only damper on our trip — a scorpion stinging Luke twice! Praise the Lord, even though the scorpion got on David for a second, it did not sting him. We are so thankful!

Easter Sunrise Service

Luke — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 02:52:39 +0000

This year, Luke and I wanted to have a sunrise service on Easter Sunday to celebrate our risen Lord! One of the things we LOVE about our house is the amazing view. So, we invited friends to join us in our back yard early on Easter Sunday, 5 am! The few and the brave came out and we enjoyed an absolutely breathtaking sunrise.

God is so creative in His design of all we see! The view was beautiful but even more special was our time of praising our Savior! Here are some great shots that Luke took of the sunrise, which although he did a great job, can only semi-capture the beauty…

Kellan Robinson and I played songs on the guitar such as: In Christ Alone, Glorious Day, Christ The Lord is Risen Today, Mighty to Save, Christ is Risen From the Dead, etc.

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer

One day the stone rolled away from the door

Then He arose, over death He had conquered

Now He’s ascended, my Lord evermore

Death could not hold Him

The grave could not keep Him from rising again

Living, He loved me, dying, He saved me

Buried, He carried my sins far away

Rising, He justified freely forever

One day He’s coming

Oh, glorious day!

This year was an extra special time of celebration for me, personally. In the Bible Study I am in on the book of Philippians, one of the most freeing and joy-filled truths has been permeating my heart: that on Christ and His perfect righteousness and work on the cross alone does my salvation rest. I’m tired of trying to be perfect, it is never going to happen. I’m tired of trying to measure up; the Bible says no one can. I’m also done with thinking that I’m perfect or that I have measured up!

And that’s why if we place our faith in Jesus Christ, it is HE who deserves ALL the praise and glory! If somehow my “righteousness” could count for anything, then I would deserve the praise. May I always glory in what Christ Jesus has done for me, what I could and can never do! Hallelujah, what a Savior! I’m thankful that we can rejoice in Christ daily, not simply on Easter.

Philippians 3:3 “For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh”

In verses 4-6 Paul describes how he, of all people, has the most reasons to put confidence in his works, his righteous adherence to the law…but guess what? None of that matters because…

Verses 7-9 “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”

New International Version, emphasis mine

ps. If you are wondering why there is not a single picture of David in this post (so strange!), it is because he was still asleep!

David Loves His Baby Pool!

Luke — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 18:54:51 +0000

What is one of the things we do in Nicaragua to beat the heat? Go to the air-conditioned grocery store and buy a baby pool!

It helps a lot that David loves the water and he doesn’t need any entertaining. Pool + swimmer diaper + water + rubber ducky = lots of fun!

Luke has really been enjoying a new camera he was able to buy at Christmas. It takes great shots, has some great features, and has been fun for him to figure out and use more. I love to see Luke having fun with photography and at the same time capturing moments with his son! Great job on these pictures, honey!

Family Beach Day

Luke — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:49:09 +0000

Even though we live about an hour away from the Pacific Ocean, we don’t actually get out there very often. It’s usually about 3 or 4 times a year. We have taken our dog Bella there several times and she loves it! David has only been to the beach when he was less than a week old.

Two weekends ago we ventured there as a family. Luke in the front seat driving, David in his car seat in the back seat, myself next to David, preventing Bella from jumping over to David from the way back. It was a little interesting this time since we each had “one kid” on our hands at all times. And somehow we managed to get some pictures!

Overall, it was fun and relaxing….just what our little family needed. So thankful for the blessings God gives us in “commitment-free weekends” sometimes!

Learning to Crawl

Luke — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:45:08 +0000

8 Months Already!

Luke — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:40:16 +0000

David turned 8 months last week! He weighed in at 17 1/2 pounds.

His current interests include:

babbling (dadada, mamama)
swinging in the hammock
sitting up in his crib
crawling for short distances
hitting or throwing anything in sight
the sound of Daddy getting his bath water ready
birds
tags
boxes
feet and toes
anything that has a screen

He has three bottom teeth and is learning better each day how to eat solid foods. David plays very well on his own; he doesn’t need me to entertain him. He just sits and is very intent on hitting his toys on the ground! He is a very “go with the flow” chill baby. He loves to be outside and to be out and about.

Does this picture need an explanation? Let’s just say that it was the final decision maker on going up a size in diapers!

David Rocking the Exersaucer

Luke — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 03:57:24 +0000

March 2012 Update – Wordle

Luke — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:27:21 +0000

All the words from our March 2012 Rosenberger Nica Update

6 Month Pictures

Luke — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:35:43 +0000

Although David is 7 1/2 months old now, I really have needed to post these 6 month pictures! He is growing and changing every day. “My little bug” is not so little anymore! Praising God for precious moments with him and these cutie pictures taken by a friend!

David Looking in his Toy Box

Luke — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:43:03 +0000