Lawn Mowin' Boy

Abraham is 110% boy! My mom took this picture at her place last week. He loved his cousin Alex's tractor and didn't want to get off of it.
The smile is priceless!

First scraped knee of the year!

Well, warm weather hit us this weekend and with it comes shorts weather. So we pulled out Abraham's shorts and got him outside. He isn't quite used to his legs showing and he kept looking at his knees like he had never seen them before. And of course with shorts comes scraped knees - he got his first scraped knee this weekend. He was ready and willing to have me put the cream on it to make his boo boo feel better. I thought it was cute so on the blog it goes!

March of Dimes Walk America - CELEBRATING LIFE!

Aunt Kari and Abraham


Michael, Abraham and Kari

Today was the March of Dimes Walk America for our area. This is such an important cause that affects us personally. Every year, half a million babies in the U.S. are born prematurely. Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death and many life long disabilities. The funds we raise in WalkAmerica support research that saves babies' lives.

As many of you know, our boys were born on November 1, 2005 at 28 weeks premature. Abraham was 2 lbs 10 oz and Moses was 2 lbs 6 oz. This walk is a way for us to honor Moses' life and to celebrate the great health that Abraham has enjoyed.

The Father gave us yet another beautiful day to participate in the walk. Michael, Abraham, me and my sister Kari all took the time to do the walk. It sure seemed a bit longer than Kari and I remembered! I think it was probably a good 3-4 miles. We got our exercise in for the day!

I couldn't help but flash back to nearly 1 1/2 years ago when the boys were born and remember all the ups and downs of NICU life. And as I remembered the NICU, I was just overcome with thankfulness to the Father for the 2 sweet boys He gave us. I'm so thankful to the nurses for the wonderful care they gave the boys and us. Were it not for them, that 51 days we spent at GBMC would have been 100 times worse. I truly believe our boys were there for a reason and that they touched the lives of the nurses and doctors in their time there. And THAT is the testimony of their lives - Both Moses and Abraham.

We will have the opportunity to thank those nurses next week as we have a reunion with the NICU "family" at GBMC. Each year they hold these reunions and its fun to see the nurses that took care of the boys and to show off how big Abraham is. I'm sure I'll have pictures to show of that too!




Momma, Daddy and Abraham


Kari, Abraham and Me

My Daddy is the MAN!

When Daddy got home from fishing, he wanted in on the action as well. So we went to a different playground that had a sandbox. Michael had brought Abraham to this playground before and apparently he LOVED the sandbox! Yet again he was drawn to the sand and dirt! That's my little boy!! I think he decided that not only was sand fun to play in, it was also fun to eat. GREAT! We got lots of comments on his shirt - it's SO true you know!! As hard as it was to get him out of the sandbox, we managed to get him on a few slides, which he loved too.

It was a great end to a perfect day with our sweet boy. What a privilege it is to be this boy's parents. We are so thankful to the Father for him and the way that his life has changed our lives and our perspective on living.

There is no greater calling and privilege than to be a parent. We feel honored to be Abraham's parents.

Playground time with Momma

Abraham tickled pink with himself at the playground.


Walking through the tunnels is SO much fun!


Yesterday the weather was gorgeous for the first time in a long time. Michael had gone fishing and Abraham and I decided not to go to the Diaper Gang at the library and to hit the playground. One of the playgrounds in town has a section for kids that are smaller and younger so that's where we headed. He loved the playground and especially the slides. The smiles on his face as he went down them were priceless! We had a good day together, but as you can tell I really wore him out!! He had a nice looong nap when we got home!






Abraham and Momma


One worn out boy!

Spring has Sprung!

Ok, so sometimes apartment dwelling can get a bit, well boring. Small space, we are often on top of each other, with Abraham's toys underfoot. But I have to honestly say that when Spring comes, I don't mind so much living here. See we have this gorgeous view from our windows that greets me every day. I walk under it daily and breathe in the sweet smell of these beautiful flowers. It really is picture perfect, even if it is the couryard of our dinky little apartment. I hope that you can enjoy the beauty of it as well thru the pictures.

School Pictures

Every year I'm subjected to Class and Yearbook pictures. Usually I seriously dislike the pictures, until this one.

This day I had taken off because Abraham had a double ear infection and only wanted momma. But I hated for my class to have a class picture without their teacher. So Abe and I stopped in for the pictures.

Over the past 7 years I've been teaching I have gotten to know the guy in charge of the picture taking at our school. His name is Garrett Ragan, yup spelled the same way as us. We think that somewhere along the line his ancestors and Michael's are connected. Both families settled in Southern MD when they came over from Ireland. So anyhow...

Garrett offered to take a picture of me and Abraham. Since I'm usually behind the cameraI agreed. This picture is what came of that setting. I think it's cute - granted he doesn't seem happy but would YOU be?

I just thought I'd share this - he is cute sick or not. My little man!

Thankful Thursday

"You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord, my God, I will give you THANKS forever." Psalm 30:11-12

"But giving THANKS is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God." Psalm 50:23

"Let your roots grow down into Him and draw up nourishment from Him so that you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with THANKSGIVING for all that HE has done." Colossians 2:7

Giving thanks - it has actually been on my mind this week, not just today for this post!

Just when I think I have it hard and that I'm sinking, I meet someone who is lower than I am. I've been in the company of people this week who had close family members attempt suicide - or struggle with handling a child with Autism - or simply struggle under the weight of being a working mom and trying to raise 2 kids while keeping her head above water at work. Not that I think my life is a piece of cake - cause I have felt pretty low as well. But hearing these people talk, not only gives me an opportunity to share the Father - but it makes me reflect on my life and it makes me grateful for the things that I have that I often take for granted.

** I'm thankful that both my husband and I have good paying jobs and that we really don't struggle with paying bills and living expenses.

** I'm thankful I have a roof over my head and I don't have to worry about how we will pay for it.

** I'm thankful for a job that I love most days.

** I'm thankful for a car to get me to work.

** I'm thankful for a husband that is committed to me and to my son - who loves me unconditionally - who is a fantastic daddy - who is a man of integrity - who is a man of many talents and much wisdom!

** I'm thankful for a family that loves me and my husband and my son unconditionally and who would do anything humanly possible for us.

** I'm thankful for friends who care about me and my wellbeing.

** I'm thankful for the struggles that my family has experienced over the past year and a half. That isn't easy to say but necessary. We are to be thankful in everything -not necessarily thankful FOR the hardship but IN the hardship. So much good has come from those hardships that I'm not sure I'd change a thing.

I have so much to be thankful for it would take me forever to spill it all out! I'll have many more Thankful Thursdays to do that!!

Playdate with Friends!

Bethany jumping on the playground


Lunch date with Bethany


Playgrounds are my friends!

Abe and I traveled to Hanover, PA to visit a good friend of mine, Tabetha, and her daughter Bethany. This trip has been a long time coming. Tab and her family moved out to PA more than a year ago and I kept meaning to go and visit but it just never happened. So I decided that Spring Break was a great time to go. We had a nice time chatting and catching up while the kids played. Bethany is only 4 months older than Abe so they were pretty well matched. We hit McD's for lunch and let them play some more.

It was definately more of a time for "mommies" to reconnect and I had a wonderful time being with Tab, as always! She and I have been friends for forever, it seems! A good 12 years at least, probably more. She is one of the few friends from my teen years that I have kept up with. It's true what they say - the oldest friends are the dearest. I am so grateful to the Father for her and her constant friendship. She has been with me thru the ups and downs of life and has always been an encouragement to me. Thanks Tabby! Love ya!

Happy Easter 2007!!

Mom and Erinn

Abe and Daddy


HAPPY EASTER FROM THE RAGAN'S!!



Abe and Momma


Chloe and ReRe

He is Risen Indeed!

Happy Easter to you all!

Today my sis Kari and I took our yearly trip down to Beachmont Christian Camp for the Easter sunrise service. This has been a tradition for us - we seem to be the only ones in our family crazy enough to get up so early and brave the cold. And trust me today was FREEZING!





But it is always SO worth it. It was absolutely gorgeous today with the sun coming up over the hill as the songs were song remembering the sacrifice of our Lord. Every year I'm struck by some different aspect of Easter. This year it was the empty tomb. I just love the verse in Scripture that talks about the angel saying to the women "He is not here, He is RISEN!" For that tomb to be empty He fulfilled all of the prophecies that were told about Him and there was no room for question that HE was the Messiah. That should have dispelled any questions about Him and His deity.

I'm so thankful that we serve a LIVING God - that He fulfills His promises - that He is TRUTH. What are you thankful for this Easter?

In Christ Alone - Happy Easter!

In Christ Alone

In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.



I was struck today as I sang this song with a few lines from the last stanza:

"From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand"

It brought Moses to mind and his life. The line hit me about Jesus commands my destiny. Jesus knew how short of a life Moses would live, and yet He still allowed us the priviledge of spending a month with him. And what took him home was the Father, not some doctor or anything that Michael and I did. Nothing man did plucked him from his Father's hand. I don't know, but that line took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes remembering his sweet yet short life with us. And what a joy to know that because of Jesus' death and life I, no we, have hope that we shall be reunited again with him. Until that day we will put one foot in front of the other and take it one day at a time!

Update on my friend's baby

For those of you who were praying for baby Connor - Thank you! He is doing much better now. He still has a long way ahead of him but he is taking it one day at a time and is beginning to grow stronger each day. His mommy and daddy have been able to hold him and cuddle with him which will also help them to bond with Connor. Please continue to pray for this family. Thank you!

THANKFUL FOR LAUGHTER!! :)

Psalms 21:6 "For you make him most blessed forever! You make him glad with the JOY of your presence."

Proverbs 17:22 "A JOYFUL heart is good medicine..."

This evening as I was fixing dinner I heard the best sound in the whole world. In the living room, on the other side of the wall where I was, I could hear my sweet Abraham belly laughing at something Michael was doing. This went on for a good 5 minutes - Abraham's laughter filling the room. I can't say that there is anything I'd rather hear than my 2 "boys" playing and laughing together.

In my head I started singing a song by Michael Card, an old Christian music singer. I'm not sure what its called but it's about Abraham and Sarah and God telling them that she was going to give birth to Isaac even tho she was ancient and she LAUGHS! It also talks about how the name Isaac means LAUGHTER.

How cool is that? To be named LAUGHTER! I mean think about it? Doesn't laughing make you feel good inside? Have you ever heard a baby or a small child laugh? I don't know about you but laughter tends to be contagious for me. I get sucked into people's laughter even when I don't have a clue what they are laughing about! :)

I can't imagine a world without laughter - a way to express happiness and joy. I'm so glad that the Father created us with emotions and feelings and gave us LAUGHTER as a way to express those feelings. It can be a release for some.

I love that verse from Proverbs about the joyful heart. I know that the joyful heart of Abraham and his laughter is good medicine for me. He can cheer me up and make me feel good when I'm having a rough day. I love it when Michael makes me laugh. I love sharing those emotions with him too - he has an uncanny way of knowing when I need a good release! My sister is yet another person that I love sharing laughter with. Between the 2 of us, we can be quite the comedy show sometimes! She is good for my heart too!

I guess I should finish this by saying that I'm thankful for (if you couldn't figure it out by now!) LAUGHTER!!

Spring Time Fun

The weather this past week had been pretty warm for spring. We took advantage of the weather and went for a walk down on the trail near our house. Abraham loves being outside which makes the walk more enjoyable too. He is content to smile at everyone we pass and to eat his goldfish too!

Book Time with Momma

Reading Abraham's favorite peek a boo book

Momma and Abraham time

One of my favorite times of day is after Abraham's bath when we read together. He has become quite adapt at "choosing" a book to read. He has a few favorites - one is a touch and feel book that my friend Amy gave him. Another is a peek a boo book. He will climb in my lap with the book and we read together. I love it! And
I love that he likes books. I hope he grows up to be a "book lover" like his momma.

"Hair" Today, Gone Tomorrow!!

Daddy's hand is the size of my head!!


What ARE they doing to me?? Are we done YET??

Looks good Daddy, good job!


Well we didn't take pictures of Abraham's first "real" haircut in the salon, like most parents might do. I think we have decided that we can cut his hair just as well as they can and for cheaper. As long as Abraham sits still Michael is pretty good at using the clippers. This particular haircut is probably #5!! But since I had pictures I figured I'd put them on.

Spring Break Playtime!!

Abe with Aunt K on the slide


WHEEE! I love slides!



Aunt K and Chloe


This week was Spring Break for me and so I had off 4 days. I was looking forward to it SO much! One day Mom, Kari, the kids, me and Abe went to the Super WalMart and walked around for a bit. It was quite the sight the 3 of us with the 3 kids. Of course none of them wanted to be in the shopping cart and only wanted to be FREE! It was fun tho! For lunch we hit a McDonalds that had a playground. We had the playground pretty much to ourselves.. which was perfect since it was raining and all 3 kids were rammy,needing to run off energy. I had the camera and snapped a few pics while we were there. Abe LOVED playing with Aunt K and she loved it too. All of the kids play together so well. Chloe is the little mommy and Alex is the protective big brother of both the younger ones. I hope that Abraham realizes (when he can!) how blessed he is to have his cousins around to play with and share time and memories with. We are truly blessed that they get along so well. I love watching them play! I'm so glad too, that Aunt K gets to enjoy my kid as much as I've enjoyed being aunt to Alex and Chloe.