God's faithfulness to the Knowlton's in 2008

As this year of 2008 draws to a close I want to reflect on the faithfulness of God to our family. As many of you know, Jeremy had a back injury in 2006. This started a string of events that led us to further put our trust in God for all things in our lives. We did not anticipate the ups and downs this circumstance would bring, but through it God brought us closer together and closer to Him.

As 2008 began, Jeremy was finishing his last semester of retraining at Clover Park Technical College in Environmental Science. This was paid for by the state labor department. We were also getting worker's compensation through the state due to Jeremy's previous back injury. When school would end, our compensation would stop as well. During this time Jeremy vigorously applied for jobs and we kept praying for the right one for him. It was discouraging at times, but he still persevered and always had a positive attitude.

At Easter we found out we were expecting and our baby would be born in November. We were thrilled, yet scared. I was still teaching Kindergarten, but it was always on hearts that when we had children that I would stay at home. At this point in time everything was opposite- I had a job with great health benefits, but we kept praying for Jeremy to get a job and that his health benefits would take the place of mine and I could stay home. Many tears were shed in the coming months, yet we knew God had a plan.

Jeremy finished school on June 13. He also had an interview at McFarland Cascade Lumber on June 11. On June 25, Jeremy was offered the job at McFarland and we also received our last check from the state that same day! His income would afford me to stay at home AND his health benefits kicked in the day after he started work and included my pregnancy! What an answer to prayer! We had prayed and hoped that this was God's will.

It's been six months and Jeremy loves his job. Our precious son, Shrade, was born on Thanksgiving and I am at home with him and loving it. We thank the Lord for His provision and always look to Him for everything. We pray that 2009 will continue to show God's faithfulness to us as we experience the ups and downs of life.

Shrade's 1st professional pictures by Auntie Janine

This is my favorite



The many faces of Shrade:

I love mommy and daddy

Merry Christmas from the Knowlton's

Shrade's first week at home

Coming home from the hospital- Saturday, Nov. 29

Baby bunting

Shrade's 1st smile at 6 days old

Satisfied after eating and oh, I love mommy!

Playing with Auntie Koren

I match with Grandma Nettie

with Grandpa Jeff

Handsome- good looks run in my family

Shrade's first week at home

I would love to put pictures on here, but our computer is not working well right now. If you are on Facebook I will be publishing pictures on there until further notice.

Thanksgiving Day 2008- Baby Blessing arrives!

Our new son, Shrade Joseph Knowlton
Born November 27, 2008 @ 12:39 am
9 lbs. 13 oz., 21 inches long

Mama and Shrade

Daddy and Shrade

Getting ready for baby!

8 months and counting...

9 months: Can't wait to hold you Baby Blessing!



The nursery

Jeremy made a nest!

I sewed a diaper bag with Jungle Babies on it.

Here is the quilt I made. Diaper bag matches it!

My pregnancy

Easter Weekend 2008- 2 lines! Yes, I'm pregnant. I'm scared and excited. Jeremy is very happy.

Month 1

Month 2- still flat!

Month 3- just showing a bit.

Month 4- our 4th anniversary, I felt the baby on this day for the first time!

Month 5- really starting to show as a pregnant mama!

Month 6- with my newly married friend Laura to Steve Lesche

That's it for now. I'll have more pregnant pics when I learn how to download them to the computer!

Our trip to Mexico- Spring 2005

We stayed at the Mayan Palace in Puerto Vallarta.

Relaxing on the beach

Look at me kayaking!

Beautiful colors

Our snorkeling adventure

The swimming pool at the Mayan Palace

We also stayed at a cute villa in town.

Our room

A funny sign: we were sorry too, the atmosphere was terrible.

Classic

Our first house

We saw this house and fell in love. It's a 1905 Victorian.



Jeremy is carrying me over the threshold.

















Don't you love these colors? We had to change them!

Let the work begin!!

Dismantling the dining room















We lived in the kitchen during this time.

I love you, too!!

Linda, is it a little dusty?

The living room- original front door

After 5 months, this project is finished. Or is it? Anyway, Jeremy did most of the work- doesn't he look satisfied? Now, on to the next project! Never a dull moment in the Knowlton Nest.