Our Christmas Angel, Jaiden

It's a Beautiful Life--Christmas 2006

Merry Christmas, 2006

We had a wonderful Christmas and I pray you all did as well.
Staying at home this year was both relaxing and a blessing. We were able to wake up Christmas morning and see Jaiden's eyes light up as she noticed there was something different about our living room. After the exclamation "toys!!!" she went about her business of picking up a new toy and moving on to the next. It was short-lived however.
I think the unwrapping of gifts was more burdensome than exciting and moving from one new toy to the next was not something she was a fan of. She wanted to examine each toy before proceeding and she rather us open them for her. Maybe next year!!!
Jaiden was showered with gifts from all of her relatives; books, puzzles, sidewalk chalk, apparel, a rocking horse, personalized pillow, a new bike...just to name a few! Thank you for all of her wonderful new goodies!
We were able to spend a nice, quiet dinner with my parents and Aden's parents yesterday afternoon. I filled the table with brisket, loaded mashed potatoes, plain mashed potatoes to be smothered in gravy, biscuits, croissants, stuffing, buttered corn, cherry and apple pie, etc. We were all pretty full. I was fine until I had to try BOTH pies.
All in all, it was a pleasant Christmas and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. I miss all who were missing and pray that it was just as enjoyable from where you were... I am constantly reminded of God's greatness and grace each time we have these family moments. I see the innocence in Jaiden as she plays carelessly in our presence, I see the kindness in Aden's eyes as he looks admirably on to his father, I see the love in my father's eyes as he comes into the room shouting, "Ho! Ho! Ho!" with his Green Bay Packer santa hat just a little crooked on top of his head. I am blessed.
Thank you Jesus, for your miraculous birth, innocent and flawless life, sacrificial death, and your endless blessings you shower upon my family.

Christmas, 2006---By Jodie

Special Reminders

Greetings Friends, Family, and Strangers...

Today I have realized something: Over the past few days, I have been so busy and surrounded with the earthly doings of the Christmas season. I have been shopping for those last minute gifts and stocking stuffers, I have been putting together a menu for our Christmas meal, and I have been desperately trying to keep our ornaments on our tree that our toddler would rather have in our garbage can (with that ever-so-cool flip-flop cover). Pretty common, right?

Well, I realized that I have completely dismissed and neglected the fact that although all of these things are 'normal' and almost ritual, they certainly are not what Christmas is all about, nor should they be what I fill my time with to the extent to which I have.


Yesterday while I was having fun playing with my daughter, I was taking pictures of her as I usually do. I'm actually pretty excited about the picture I get to share with all of you (above). But as I was uploading the picture to this blog, it hit me. WOW, am I blessed. And WOW, have I been missing it all along. I was all of a sudden overcome with an intense combination of emotions. As I attempted to swallow with the lump in my throat, I was reminded of a time not too long ago.

It was Christmas 2001 and I was grief-stricken with the (then) recent loss of my daughter, Savannah. Then my attention turned to the families that I have recently come to know (via family blogs): Matt, Ginny, and Eliot (http://mattandginny.blogspot.com/) and the Cox family (http://www.clairecox.blogspot.com/). They are going to experience that intense feeling of emptiness that I felt years ago.

And then my attention turned to families who haven't lost a child, but are missing their sons, daughters, husbands, and wives overseas because they are fighting for the very freedoms we are given through them because they are the brave men and women of our armed forces.

I was again reminded of these great individuals while visiting a dear friends blog site and was given this link to Mark Schultz' video "Letters From War" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYXaSAAMm0s). Please, take a moment to watch this video... you won't regret it and it may just put a little reminder in the back of your head (or front of your heart) what some may be experiencing this Christmas.

I hadn't intended for this blog posting to seem dismal, but I thought it would be very important to remind everyone as well as myself, that although I am happy, content, and incredibly blessed... some are not as fortunate this Christmas.
I am grateful that I live in a country that is free and I have both friends and strangers that are doing that dirty work through their service in the armed forces for me every day. I am happy because I have a wonderful husband. I am fortunate because I have a healthy baby girl. I am blessed because God's grace covers my family.

I pray for this family and yours... that we all can stop and remember while we are rushing off to Macy's to buy those last minute gifts and honking our car horns at the vehicle in front of us that may have hesitated at the green light... that the man or woman next to us may be missing the child that recently went to be with Jesus, or that individual in front of us in line just may be wishing their loved one wasn't in Iraq, but safe at home with them this Christmas.

May we ALL remember what is important this Christmas.... I am blessed by you!

The TRUE meaning of Christmas, taken from Matt and Ginny's blog, but more importantly, from the book of Luke:

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. -Luke 2

In His Glorious Name,
Jods

Look Who Has Grown...

Miss Jaiden is 19-Months Old!

Peek-A-Boo!Hmmm...I wasn't aware of that fact. Reading is quite insightful...
Well yes, go ahead and take my picture if you must... However, I do have an appointment to get to...

Well, our little girl is growing up and almost all too quickly! We have passed her first year and one half and she is getting smarter and taller by the minute! It's amazing how quickly the time passes. It seems like it was just yesterday when she was barely crawling and just beginning to say "mama" and "dada." Now, we are chasing after our little girl who is running here and darting there seemingly at every second that passes! She is now communicating with us verbally and through sign, her needs and thoughts. It's simply amazing to see the transformation that has taken place in the past 19 months.

I thought it would be neat to list some of the milestones and favorites here on our blog to share with our friends and family. So below I've begun to compile a little list for Jaiden... feel free to add/share any ideas or comments that I may have overlooked!

Jaiden's "people" Words: Mommy, Daddy, PawPaw, Grandma, Granny, Grandpa, Chloe, Ewwa (used for both Emma and Ella), Kstin (used for Aunt Kristin and neighbor boy, Christian), Jessy, Wandon (used for Landon), Lisa, Riann, Sommy (for Sammy), Ooper (for our neighbor Cooper), Elsie (for neighbor Kelsey), Jake

Jaiden's Animal Words: Puppy, Dog, Cat, Kitty, Kitten, Cow, Duck, Raf (used for giraffe), shish (used for all marine animals, trying to say "fish"), Eera (used for zebra), snake,

Jaiden's sentences/phrases: Yes please! More please! There she is! We're home! Almost home! Light on! Light off! Oh Boy! Come here! Outside please! Sorry! Oopsies! Mama eat, please? Very hot!

Jaiden's sign language signs: more, please, eat, hat, yummy, daddy, mama, grandpa, car, train, tree, play, thank you, swing, baby, chair, giraffe, ball, cracker, milk, socks, blocks, elephant, sorry, thank you, my turn, your turn, and probably more but I cannot recall off hand!

Jaiden's favorite things to do: Read books, CLIMB!!!!, play outside, swing, draw/color/write, DANCE DANCE DANCE, and starting to "sing" along with songs

Jaiden's favorite shows: Blues Clues, Dora, The Wiggles

Jaiden's favorite books: anything with the alphabet in it, rhymes, and Baby Einstein collections

We have been so blessed to have such a happy and healthy baby girl. She has been on a pretty tight schedule since she was about 2 months old and we could not have asked for a better child. The Lord has truly blessed us through Jaiden and we are excited to see how the next few months and years will go.

She is getting into that communication part of her development whereby she knows more of what she would like to express than she is capable of doing, so there are episodes here and there of "tantrums," but we are dealing with them like most parents do.... Either laugh or pull your (graying) hair out!!! :) So wish us luck in the months to come!

Like I said, we've been blessed by a beautiful baby girl. I find myself some nights just thinking about how far we've come with her and the joy and struggles that await us. I'm both excited and fearful. She is such a piece of God's work just covered in innocence. When I hear of the things of this world, the scary things, I am just swelling with worry and fear. How am I going to protect her? How can I keep her from experiencing those pains? Well, I have to constantly put those worries in prayer and give them up to the Lord. It's so amazing. She isn't even two yet and I am laden with fears of her future already.

I was fortunate to go see the movie, "Flicka" a few weeks ago and there is a theme song from that movie that I'd like to share the lyrics. When I heard them, I immediately thought of our little Jaiden... with her spirit, personality, and innocence. Perhaps they will remind you of your little girl(s)...

Beautiful Baby Girl, By Tim McGraw

Gotta hold on easy as I let you go. Gonna tell you how much I love you, though you think you already know. I remember I thought you looked like an angel wrapped in pink so soft and warm. You've had me wrapped around your finger since the day you were born.

Beautiful baby from the outside in. Chase your dreams but always know the road that'll lead you home again. Go on, take on this whole world. But to me you know you'll always be, my little girl.

When you were in trouble that crooked little smile could melt my heart of stone. Now look at you, I've turned around and you've almost grown. Sometimes you're asleep I whisper "I Love You!" in the moonlight at your door. As I walk away, I hear you say, "Daddy Love You More!".

Beautiful baby from the outside in. Chase your dreams but always know the road that'll lead you home again. Go on, take on this whole world. But to me you know you'll always be, my little girl.

Someday, some boy will come and ask me for your hand. But I won't say "yes" to him unless I know, he's the half that makes you whole, he has a poet's soul, and the heart of a man's man. I know he'll say that he's in love. But between you and me. He won't be good enough!

Beautiful baby from the outside in. Chase your dreams but always know the road that'll lead you home again. Go on, take on this whole world. But to me you know you'll always be, my little girl.

Rings true, doesn't it? Well, like I said, we are only 19 months into Jaiden's journey. We would like to ask that all of you join us in perpetual prayer for our little angel. We pray that we would continue to keep our family grounded in Christ, equip our hearts with God's Word, and lean on Him in raising our baby girl. She's such a gift, such a miracle, and such a blessing.

We will keep you posted on her continued growth and development... but until then, we will put our helmets on and get back in the ring...after all, we now do have a toddler!!!

Take Care and God Bless,

Jods

We Give Thanks...

Thanksgiving 2006

This year, we made our way to New Iberia, Louisiana to spend Thanksgiving with Aden's family. We all stayed at his parents' house and it was a full house! Scott, Kristin, Chloe, Emma, and baby-in-the-belly were there and slept out in their camper. Lisa and Buddy made it as well! Sonia and Sarah (the Keeter's neighbors and friends) made it for our Thanksgiving meal as well.

As I suspected, the menu was plentiful and the conversation was great. We all ate so much, yet the serving platters seemed to be as full as they were when we started after the meal had come to an end! Nonetheless, we had such a wonderful lunch.

The girls all went shopping on Friday and came home with bags-o-plenty from the Lafayette mall, while the boys played with Jaiden and watched TV (Chloe and Emma spent time with Kristin's aunt during this time). It was an enjoyable day, even with all of the traffic and packed stores!

We had planned on coming home Saturday morning, but decided to stay an extra day and it was so wonderful. The time spent with Mr. and Mrs. Keeter was so enjoyable. We were even able to get in an entertaining game of Dominoes in on Saturday night after Jaiden went off to dream. We were all laughing so hard; I'm not sure if it was the lack of sleep, the wine, or a combination of both, but there were several times we were all nearly in tears. Oh, and if you are looking to play a game that you can almost certainly succeed in beating Mr. Keeter (Aden Sr.), play dominoes. He he he... sorry Mr. Keeter.

The drive home was uneventful and safe (thank you, Lord!). Jaiden did remarkably well and we owe our thanks to Pops for lending us his laptop computer so Jaiden could watch some of her movies during the trip.

We were also able to spend some time with my parents upon our return from Louisiana. We all spent some time outside while Aden grilled out chicken. Pops and Leslie played with Jaiden in a pile of leaves and she had such a good time. We did get out the video camera and will get that video attachment to our blog in due time. The meal was great... Jaiden enjoyed her food, but couldn't wait to get down and play. Of course, it didn't take but a few minutes for her grandparents to give in to that!

Well, we are home now and things are back in order. Jessy, Landon, and Christian will be coming to visit us this Thursday-Sunday and we are greatly looking forward to that! We have a Christmas parade on Friday, a 5K race scheduled for Saturday morning, and much relaxation planned for the rest of their stay!

We will also begin our preparations around here for the Christmas season! We have to pull out the Christmas tree, decorations, The Christmas Story and get started! I am looking forward to it, Aden I am sure is dreading it, and Jaiden has no idea what is yet to come!!!

I hope and pray that you all will be able to enjoy the upcoming month without losing sight of the true meaning of this season. It is so easy and worldly acceptable for us to all go crazy, keeping ourselves busy, our wallets empty, our debt and credit card balances full, and our minds on everything but what is important. I pray that we can all stay focused and keep each other both in prayer and held accountable.

In closing, I am so glad to be part of this family. This Thanksgiving was so wonderful and I am so thankful for the wonderful family to which I belong.

Winter is coming! November 2, 2006

Jaiden Claire Keeter enjoys her new slide!











The temperatures are dropping in Texas and we are beginning to enjoy (well, some of us) the cooler weather that the South has to offer.

We've been experiencing 40-75 degree days here in Coppell, TX and it seems to only be getting cooler. Praise God!!! (Are we all not rejoicing here?!)...

I love the feeling of waking in the morning and you actually hesitate to emerge from underneath the covers because as you start to lift the blankets,
a chilly breeze seems to find its way right to your warm body! I love it! (Until I realize that I actually do have to get up)!

There has been so much happening in the Keeter and Kent families. First, the Keeter side: Mr. Aden Sr. and Carol have purchased their Montana, mountain property for retirement! I was fortunate to be able to join them on their last trip out West and I got to experience firsthand what they will be doing for the rest of their lives. It was breath-taking. Oh, and a sidenote, they DO have an apartment attached to their garage...they do not know I am disclosing this information, but if you find that they do not return your calls while they are living amidst God's glory, well, just fly out there. I'll find out where the key will be hidden and keep you posted (he he he)...

Scott, Kristin, Chloe, and Emma are all anticipating the arrival of their baby sister/brother in April. Kristin is looking beautiful as ever and is finally getting a little relief from the troublesome morning sickness! She is continuing to try to keep her business up and running (www.cocoandems.com) during the pregnancy and is keeping incredibly busy with the girls (could we expect anything else from this incredible woman?!) Let's all keep that family in our prayers~

Miss Lisa is continuing her career in real estate business and seems to be doing quite well. She also joined us on our recent trip out west. She did officially name the mountain that Mr. and Mrs. Keeter own as "Mt. Lisa." However, I don't know if that city girl is going to be able to handle the mountain weather, so I'm sure she won't be stealing that aforementioned apartment. That's one less fist in the fight!

Now the Kent side: My sister Jenny has relocated to the Minneapolis, Minnesota area with her two girls. Please keep them in your prayers as they begin a new adventure in a new city. The girls will be cared for by a nanny which is a blessing for Jenny as she will no longer have to have them in a daycare setting. Jennah (the older daughter) is actually attending a prep school a couple of days a week and really seems to be enjoying it! While her younger sister Abigail is thoroughly enjoying spending time with her baby dolls. And as for Jenny... she's in love with one of my best friends, John Vande Castle. (Sure, she's going to immediately call me and reprimand me for saying so publicly!). She can call, but she can't complain; I'm the matchmaker after all! She is also in the start-up phase of her own little marketing company...stay tuned for details!

My twin sister Jessy has rapidly moved up in her company (Express Personnel). She is also becoming active in her church and has joined the choir (we can all make a joyful noise, right?!). Landon is doing well in Sunday school, too. He earned his first patch for memorizing Acts 10:38! His first Bible verse memorized with pride! He attends a class on Wednesday nights (called "Rainbows"). When he's 6, he will graduate to Religious Rangers. How sweet! Jessy and Landon will be coming down for a visit shortly after the Thanksgiving holiday. We are excited to spend time with her son Landon as well. Grandpa Kent seemingly has a calendar of events already scheduled for the visit!!! 5K races, parades, picnics...what else would you plan when it's going to be in the mid50's? (Insert sarcasm emoticon here please)...

My parents have been enjoying some of the benefits Leslie's job has to offer and have traveled a little together. Leslie works incredibly hard and is such an asset to her company, but is starting to finally be able to enjoy the flexibility of working from home. She's going to be in better physical shape than all of her kids...but more power to her, I say! Pops is continuing his Forrest-Gump-like lifestyle and seems to be running every time we turn around. He has another half-marathon this weekend. So lets cheer him on (and be glad it's HIM running this race and not us)! I guess he's got the right mindset, though, as God's word tells us in 1 Corinthians 9:24 "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." Trust me folks, he usually takes home a prize, too! Even if it is a miniature 1st place trophy made out of plastic, that has a runner on top that resembles anything but a runner! Keep up the hard work, Pops!

We are continuing to search for our mountain property and are beginning to narrow it down to a few locations. It's a difficult decision to make; the entire state is gorgeous, I presume, and we are going to be retreating there for quite some time! We will be prayerful in our decision and God will more than likely reveal himself to us and His plan before we know it!

Well, as for now, those are the family updates. We are so truly blessed, aren't we?! 2 Thess-alonians 1:3 comes to mind when I think of my blessing that I have through each of you: "We ought always to thank God for you, brothers (and sisters), and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing."

I hope that through all of the new adventures and trials that may (and will!) come our way in the days/weeks/months to come, we all continue to keep our faith grounded in Christ. The holidays always seem to be a prime time for Satan to creep into our lives, families, and marriages. We are easily distracted by the ways of the world and dwell on the 'earthly matters' and hustle and bustle that occur during this busy time of year....and I believe this family has the strength to come together during the holiday seasons and keep the focus on what matters most.

I would like to challenge us all to personally take a step back and a deep look at ourselves, to see what we could do for the others that surround us. There is something special about this Keeter-Kent clan and I believe that God is up to something big and has a pretty impacting Kingdom Assignment in store for us!

Speaking of Thanksgiving, we will be going to meet with Aden's side of the family for Thanksgiving 2006. We have not been able to spend an actual holiday with his family the past two years. Scott and Kristin and the girls will be joining us for a meal as well. I feel truly blessed to share such a wonderful family. And I feel even more blessed that I have been able to keep perspective on what it means to be given this family as well. This year has been full of miniature acts of kindness that have been impossible to forget. I have seemingly grown closer to each of you and it has been such a joy and honor each step of the way.

Please, this Thanksgiving, enjoy your holiday time off, enjoy your friends and family. I pray that we all remember what we are thankful for and as we indulge in delicious and bountiful meals together, remember that 2 Corinthians 4:15 reminds us "All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God." Let us all be an example, wherever we may travel, whomever comes on to our path. We are truly blessed!

I will continue to pray that we all will be a Godly family as described in Acts 10:2: "He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly." and Galations 6:10: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." He has given us such a promise and I cannot wait to accept his command: "For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?" 1 Peter 4:17.

May God continue to use this family and bless it as well. The weather is getting colder, but I am excited to be a part of this warm and endearing family.

Warm wishes to you all~
Jods

Halloween 2006

Jaiden's 2nd Halloween

October 31, 2006

Our Little Dancer...

With the recent daylight savings time change, "Halloween" didn't come at a convenient time for this little angel! I tried to get her in her outfit ~5:30 p.m. (thinking we could just visit with the cul-de-sac children) and she was already asking so sweetly, "Mama? Night night?"

So, needless to say, we spent ~5 minutes in the front yard, snapping as many pictures as I could! She did spend a few minutes talking to our scare crow that is propped in front of our tree, but that's about it!

I was hoping she would help me hand out candy to all the little trick-or-treaters, but she was fast asleep before the knocking began...

Well, there's always next year.....

Jaiden's First Apple Pictures... (Fall 10/06/2006 posting)

Hey, this is kind of neat...

A new texture, but I think I like it...
Slippery little sucker...

Ok, back to eating the apple...

Fall Is Just Around The Corner...

Well, dear family and friends, I believe that Fall is just around the corner for us in Texas. We have been having some relief from the hotter days and have been teased sporadically with mid-70 degree weather!

These days made me think back to when we were kids and my Pops used to take us to multiple apple orchards. We would take a hayride to the back of the orchard and use a nice bushel bucket and pick our own apples. Of course, we would eat a couple of them before we got back to the orchard store. It was always such a treat.

With that in mind, I thought it would be a wonderful time to introduce Jaiden to the natural state of one of her favorite treats! And the pictures speak for themselves... she was interested, intrigued, and enjoyed every bite!

Jaiden actually had been invited to the Flower Mound, Texas Pumpkin Patch by her friend Jake. That was supposed to take place this morning, but unfortunately Jaiden was under the weather and we had our first hospital visit last night (she's doing much better today!), so we were unable to join the Mahdak family. I am planning on trying to take advantage of the Pumpkin Patch next week. Keep your eyes peeled for pictures!

With the weather changing, we are reminded of God's greatness. His word tells us that "He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy."(Acts 14:16-18). It was in Genesis 1 that he first mentioned the seasons ("And God said, 'Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years')". I know that just with seasons, our lives have so many changes through out the year. I pray that God will continue to show you all His will (and not ours) for our lives, our families, our children and grandchildren, our spouses, and our communities. I feel so incredibly blessed to have such an amazing family and group of close-knit friends. I'm blessed by you all.

Well friends and family, may the Fall bring you happiness and many changes that color your lives as the leaves enrich the beauty that He has given our earth. I pray for each of you to continuously Keep the Son in Your Eyes and learn from God all that you can. And I pray that He will continue to use me (and our family) as a Godly foodbank for the hungry souls He puts in our path.

I'm proud of all of you and again, I'm blessed by you.

In His Holy and wondrous Name,
Jods
p.s. I will post pictures of the Pumpkin Patch experience as soon as we go! I can't wait!

Our First Family Vacation

Pictures:
Jaiden playing oceanside, Daddy and Jaiden walking from condo to beach, & Mama and Jaiden taking a stroll around the Destin "theme" park:



Well, we have returned from our very first family vacation in Destin, Florida.

The weather was perfect, the beaches were beautiful, and the views were breath-taking.

We had a few little "bumps" in our actual condo, but all was taken care of in a professional and timely manner, so we were able to enjoy our vacation nonetheless!

Aden really enjoyed the ocean. Mama and Jaiden were really excited when we saw it, got our bathing suits on immediately, but weren't AS excited as daddy once our feet were already wet. I guess we're chickens. We'll work on that ;)

Aden swam for exercise in the ocean along side the coast almost daily, while mama just used chasing her little toddler around the beach, pool, and condo as her form of exercise. Oh wait! I DID go shopping once with Aden for 90 minutes at a strip mall, does that count?!

Aden's folks joined us for the first weekend of the trip and it was a wonderful visit. We couldn't pass up Ms. Carol's cooking and we also were able to enjoy several restaurants in Destin as well.

After Aden's folks left, we experienced a scattered-showers-filled day and thought, "hey, what a great day to bring Jaiden to the aquarium!" Well, it WAS, but not as we had intended: We paid $38 just to get into the aquarium and when we got to the shark exhibit, she was ecstatic to see the bleachers...and spent the entire time on those; when we went to the dolphin show, she was intrigued by the round stage and just ran laps around it during the entire show (oh, and tried to steal the frisbie that was a prop for the show); and when we moved on to the sea lion performance, she was into the gravel and Black birds. Oh well! he he he... We knew the aquarium would be fun, but who would have though it would be that much fun without taking in anything the actual aquarium is known for?!

Over all, it was a wonderful vacation and we are looking forward to our next trip. Needless to say, Aden had a difficult time going back to work today!

I will post more pictures as soon as I get them from Ms. Carol; I believe she has all the "good ones!"

Thanks for visiting our blog and stay tuned....

Love to All~
Jods

Happy Birthday To Aden!

Aden's 35 Today!

We just wanted to share a picture of the Birthday Boy!

Hello to All! We had a nice weekend with Aden's folks. They came in from Louisiana (I believe they are up for "Travelers of the Year"...we'll keep you updated)!

It was Aden's Birthday weekend, so we did a few meals out (Chili's..... Steve Fields.... and Mimi's Cafe) and just spent time with the family. Aden is looking and feeling great at 35!

Just a few updates: My sister Jenny just graduated from her bachelor's program at the University of Wisconsin....congrats! She is being considered for employment in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area and may be making a move here shortly...My sister Jessy just finished up at the United States Masters World Championships and did a great job! Aden's brother Scott, has just announced that Kristin is pregnant again!...The due date is set for April 5, 2007! She is experiencing some morning sickness, but otherwise is doing great. Please keep everyone in your prayers!

Well, this week we head on our very first family vacation!!! I am very excited, as is Aden. I will be sure to update everyone and share the vacation photos with everyone as soon as I can! Please keep our travels in your prayers as well, with all of the latest terror threats, etc.

Thanks for visiting and be sure to return often!

God Bless,

Jods

15-Months and Counting...and Singing...and Running...

We have been keeping ourselves quite busy with our little munchkin. Jaiden has hit the 15-month point and is doing very well.

We had our Dr.'s check-up today and Jaiden is in the 95th percentile for height (not many girls reside here!) and still in the 50th percentile for weight. She measured 32 inches long and is 23.6 pounds.

She is a little ahead in regard to language...she has about 15 words to her vocabulary...3-5 is normal for this age (yeah for Jaiden!).... and is right at normal for her motor skills. Yes, she IS a climber!!! Because of this acquired skill, she now has a nice tent over her crib to keep her from escaping in the night!

We are so blessed to have such a healthy baby girl. The picture above is from the doctor's office today. She was carrying around a stethoscope and was saying something that resembled "doctor" which was so cute. I asked her if she was going to be a doctor and she said, "Cooool!" We'll keep you posted on that ;)

We have our first family vacation just around the corner, next week. We will be venturing to Destin, Florida for about a week and it is much needed! We will be staying in a nice condo right on the beach and we are excited to see how Jaiden reacts to the ocean. I may take a few pictures! he he he...

Other than the aforementioned, all is still! Thank you for checking out our blog site and feel free to come back shortly to enjoy the vacation pictures and update!

God Bless~
Keeter Family

Over The River and Through the Woods...

We made a quick trip to Granny and Pappy's House in Louisiana and had a wonderful visit. Jaiden was able to see her uncle Scott and aunt Kristin, as well as her cousins Chloe and Emma. They had a nice time playing with each other and although it was hot (surprised?), we were all able to spend quite a bit of time outdoors with Riann and Sammy! Enjoy the pics! ~Jods

July 13, 2006

Well Hello Family and Friends!

I wanted to give you all a little update...

This Keeter clan is doing well! We are enjoying our summer so far. We have been spending a lot of time in our backyard on the weekends which has been nice and relaxing. Many bbq's and pool time for Miss Jaiden.

Aden had been recently promoted at work, so the relaxation is a much-needed luxury for him. I have also been promoted. Jaiden is now one, so I went from Infant Mommy to Toddler Mommy. He he he...

We have just booked our first Keeter family vacation. We will be going to Destin, Florida mid-August for about a week! Yahoo! Aden and I are trying to work on our tans, but there is just something about these 103 degree days that make me want to stay indoors!

Mr. Aden Sr. and Ms Carol are still checking out Colorado properties! I still think they should get enough that we all can take an acre or two and we can all live like Little House On The Prairie! he he he... we'll keep our fingers crossed! We are still researching as well, but haven't quite put our plans in stone yet! We'll keep you posted.

Well, we hope and pray that you all are having a a great summer. God has been so good to us and His provision is beyond what we could imagine. We are blessed with such a wonderful healthy baby girl and we will continue to pray that He will use us to bring her up in His ways. She is heading towards two, though, so please also pray for us :)

God's Blessings To You All~
Jods

Trip to the Midwest! June 2006

Well, Jaiden's first airplane ride was successful and she did wonderfully! She LOVED the airport. Pops and I took turns running around the airport, chasing our little energizer bunny! There was a three-story escalator that we also had to take turns riding on with her. She just loved it!

We stayed with my twin sister Jessy (picture above!) at her new house. It's a beautiful place and wonderful (and safe!) neighborhood. Jaiden had a blast running around, chasing her cousin Landon. Landon turned 4 while we were there, so we were able to celebrate his special day with him!

We also got the opportunity to go to Mondovi, Wisconsin to visit with my grandmother. I had not seen her in a few years, so that was wonderful as well! Jaiden really warmed up to her and enjoyed sitting on her lap and even wanted her to hold her while she had her bottle! It was a beautiful sight to see. My uncle Stan and aunt Carmen where also at my grandma's, which was another much-needed visit!

From Mondovi, we headed up to Eau Claire for a short visit with my cousin Stacy,who was in the hospital. Please pray for this sweet girl. She's really been struggling with some health problems and she's having a difficult time getting well!

It was a short visit, but after running around for three days, we were all worn out (as you can see by the picture of Jaiden and Landon above! Note: Pops put them in the carseats; notice that they might be in the wrong ones? he he he). It was nice to get home safely and get back into our routine (of running around here!)

Enjoy the above pictures! Until the next update.... God Bless!

Memorial Day 2006

Well, we just had our Memorial Day weekend. Mr. and Mrs. Keeter decided to drive over at the last minute (yahoo!) so we were able to spend some time with them. We had a nice bbq with my parents as well. Miss Jaiden played in her little pool a lot, while the adults tried to keep her on the patio (without success!)... We wish the rest of the family could have joined us!

The weather is getting quite warm around here! High 90's on most days, sometimes tipping the triple digits! That is WAY TOO WARM for the Wisconsin Mama in this family!!! Jaiden doesn't seem to mind it at all!

Aden's folks recently took a trip to Colorado to look at land out there for their retirement. They seem to have their eyes on a few properties! We'll all be packing our bags, ready to move in with them! Let's pray they find a 12-bedroom ranch floor plan then, eh?! he he he...

Due to the latest travels of the Keeter's, Aden now is itching to get our Colorado plans in the making! We'll keep you updated...

Jaiden is getting SO big! This morning she decided that she would like to assist with the chores around here, hence her putting her shoes in the dishwasher, as I tried to get it loaded! She's such a great helper!!!

Pops, Jaiden, and I will be heading up to Minnesota and Wisconsin tomorrow for a family get-together. I am pretty excited! I have not met some of the kiddo's that will be there, so I'm looking forward to seeing Jaiden playing with them! It will be a short trip/quick turn-around, so please pray for us and our save travels between relatives' homes, etc.!

Well, I'm off to get packing for the trip! Enjoy the picture; I just had to share Jaiden's accomplishments you know!

Much Love To All~ Jods

Grandparents Always Make You Feel Better

Well, Miss Jaiden was feeling under the weather for the past few days; A fever and just seemingly "worn out." We decided to go hang out with Grandpa and Grandma Kent up in Mc Kinney. Well, they had a popsicle ready for her...and thought it would be a good idea to 'cool down' in Jaiden's kiddie pool. Of course, Jaiden appreciated both gestures!

Praying for Baby Ella Mitchell

Right now, not much is happening in the Keeter Family, however, our dear friends Joe and Andrea Mitchell just had their baby girl, Elizabeth "Ella" Hope Mitchell. Baby Ella has been diagnosed with Meningitis and is in the NICU. We are in constant prayer for this sweet girl and her family. Please pray for them! .....

Welcome to our Blog!

This family came together so quickly.... Aden and Jodie met on Match.com (yes, you read that correctly!), quickly wed (twice!...Click to see link to our slideshow for our second, surprise wedding), and had Miss Jaiden Claire only 10 months from our honeymoon (hmmm... no mystery there!).... We've been together and worshiping our Lord and Savior ever since!

So, welcome to our blog spot family and friends! We have decided to post this website to keep everyone updated on all family events and news! Although Jaiden is still very much in the spotlight, we'd like everyone to keep up to date with other things as well! So, welcome aboard and enjoy!

Love, The Keeter Family