1 year annaversery - of a crazy time...

It was a year ago yesterday that I posted this (click here)

At this minute last year we were, all of a sudden and unplanned, in the hospital with Diana in pre-term labor at 26.5 weeks (over 3 months early) wondering what was going to happen with our 2 little babies that we had never met. We didnt know if she was gonna have our children that second, in an hour, or in a week. It's so hard to believe it has been that long ago since that time in our life.

As most of you know we saw some amazing miracles over the next 24 hours, 48 hours, 10 days, 3 months, and really the entire year. On this day I just wanted to say thanks to all of you who offered us your prayers and support during that time in our life. I can still remember the strange sense of peace I felt in spite of the intensity of that situation. I also would like to say thanks to all of the medical staff at Rex and Wake Med here in Raleigh. So amazing. I also want to give all the glory to God for caring for our family the way that He did. I can't make sense of it but I am thankful.

Tomorrow we will celebrate the birthday of Aidan and Addison (yes I know their birthday isn't until next week ;) with some of our family and friends here in Raleigh and next week we will celebrate in Hendersonville with the rest of the family. If I could say one word that explains the way I feel about getting to celebrate their one year birthday it is this; humbled. I am humbled they are so amazingly healthy, so smart, and so strong. I am humbled because I now have friends who have lost hard fought battles to save their children. I am humbled because I have friends who are currently struggling with health issues day after day with their children. I dont understand how we got to where we are but I can say I am tremendously humbled to be here. I am humbled because I deserve little (if any) of the blessing I experience with my family and especially in celebrating the 1st birthday of our children.

It's hard to believe it's been 1 year since this whole whirl-wind started. I feel like I blinked and now it's gone. It seemed much less brief a year ago while we were in the hospital. Then the nights were long and it was hard for me to close my eyes and sleep but now it's as though a breath has passed and now we're here.

A year ago tonight. We were right down the street in the hospital with no idea what the next few hours held much less the next year. What a journey. It's almost hard to breathe while remembering. Thank you for journeying with us through that time. You helped us make it through. We are so blessed.

If you're interested in the whole story or just want to read the rantings of a desperate man click here and scroll down to the bottom. You will be able track along.

I hope you have a wonderful evening. Would you do this before bed tonight... Would you kiss your family before you go to bed? Say a prayer for those who have lost their family. Say a prayer for those who are going through questions without any answers. Offer hope and love where you can. Thank you for sharing it with us.

-Jason, Diana, Aidan (Buckeroo), and Addison (Addy Bear)

Crawling!?!?

So a week ago Aidan started crawling. By crawling I mean pulling himself across the floor in a way that is truly hilarious. He has now graduated into a a full fledged scoot in only a week. Here is his progression just after first couple of days. There is also entrainment in Addison's beautiful smile all throughout both videos and a guest appearance by Tanner our German Shepherd (who is also Aidan's best friend right now.) As always with videos of me and my children, please disregard the ridiculously absurd way I laugh and talk to them.

Aidan first day of truly crawling (moving across the floor in a dancing motion)



A few days later...


He is now all over the place. I have purchased a baby gate and i have suspicions this will only work for a small while as he is using this now as a means to stand. I believe before long he will have Tanner pulling him over the wall soon enough. We may in trouble soon. Send help.

-Love Jason and Diana

Set List / Reflection from 7.12.09

Beautiful the Blood
- Steve Fee

Welcome / Reflection - Corinthians 14 / Corinthians 12 - "at the foot of the cross we're all the same"


At The Cross - Daniel Renstrom

Jesus Messiah - Chris Tomlin

Jesus Paid it All - (arrangement Alex Nifong/Kristian Stanfill)


Jeff gave a great sermon on Corinthians 12. He brought to light all of our tendencies to compare ourselves to each other which, if left unchecked, leads to either pride or inadequate. It was a great challenge for us, the church as a whole, and really any community in general. Jeff, thanks for your hard work serving us in the way you do each week.

In the days prior to and since Sunday, my reflecting has lead me here: When the gospel hits us in the midst of this tendency we realize that we all stand at the foot of the cross looking on our savior. In that moment we have no right to feel "better than" anyone else or "less than" anyone else. Something happens when you realize that the creator of all things had to and did die for you. It was meant to "right things" that have gone terribly wrong and to, among other things, put us back together again.

May you humbly realize the love God has for each one of us. May you realize the depths he has gone to to show each of us that love. May you receive it. May you find the joy in giving it. Amen.

Love and Peace,

-Jason

I Twitter

I do Twitter. I do think it's an interesting social phenomenon. Actually, I don't think that. Most people in the world know we like ourselves and think what we do is really important so "why wouldn't everyone want to know." That isnt a phenomenon. It's social media thriving on our "normal tendencies." I also like twitter for some other reason but either way this video is hilarious... more thoughts on twitter later. But for now.. enjoy. It will make you. Laugh out loud. Smiley Face.



(this is a real band. they are good. listen to them.)

winkey face,

-Jason

A baby video for your enjoyment

Our kids are hilarious. They laugh a lot. Here is some evidence.

Please disregard the annoying sound I was making as the babies seemed to really enjoy it (it's similar to the sound from dumb and dumber that is claimed as the "most annoying sound in the world."

Also realize this... I have found children seem to empower you to do really... uhmm... dumb things.

Enjoy!



Love,

Jason and Diana

Corporate Worship Sunday - 6.28.09

I had gotten away from this for a while but have been getting some emails about names of songs we are singing as of late within Visio Dei. So without further ado...

Week of 6.28.09

Not to Us - Chris Tomlin
All Because of Jesus I'm Alive - Steve Fee
Cannons - Phil Wickham
Doxology - Thomas Ken (arrangement varies)
From the Inside Out - Hillsong United


Now, I was not leading/present Sunday but I have heard great things regarding the band and their time of leadership. Band was Jon Hathaway, Jon Pritchett, Ben Davis, Zack Van Hoy, Larry Dempsey, and Julie Watkins. We have such a gifted church community. I pray God is glorified through the gifts He has given us.

I have also heard Shannon did an incredible job teaching. More on this later today.

I hope you're having a great week!

-Jason

Session Notes

This past Friday and Saturday I had the privilege to lead a breakout session at a Conference here in town. I (purposefully) didn’t have notes for the session and told the folks there I would post the notes to my blog (in a shameless attempt to build my blog traffic. ;)

The topic I was asked to speak to was “Worship Leading in a Church Plant." I am by no means an expert but merely a guy offering things from my journey in serving in this capacity and learning from others who have doe the same. I would also like to add that this in no ways a "Theology of Worship" as that is not what I was asked to do.

If you are a worship leader, pastor, or starting a new ministry I pray this finds you as beneficial. If you are not, we ll then you just might not be all that interested in this post. Consider yourself warned ;)


Begin Notes
I broke this into 2 Parts and the notes are below. If you have any questions, feel free to email me.

Worship Leading in a Church Plant:

2 PARTS
Part 1 – Vision – why do you do what you do?
Part 2 – Practical – Tensions, Obstacles, Opportunities

PART 1
I) Vision – It all starts with vision.
As simple as it sounds – What is worship leading?

• Whether you are in a church plant or leading in a church 100 yrs old -→ you have to be clear on what your vision is
• You have to start with biblically faithful direction in what you are trying to do / called to do
• So we start with what is worship?
• Why? → You’re gonna be sooo busy in this whole thing you will forget what’s really important
• A common temptation to start is – "if we want to reach these people or worship with these people then we have to sound like… or lead like…"
• We cant start with – how do we get to sound like:
• Chris Tomlin, or Hillsong United, Derek Webb, or Shelly Moore Band
• Those can be preferences
• preferences come out of Values.. and Values come out of vision…
• A certain sound can be a preference, but it has to come through vision first
• This is not just important for you but for your team…

• What are we doing when we worship corporately – in your own words and can be different semantically – should somehow be able to point to this - “reflecting, remembering, and responding to who God is, what He has done, what He is doing, and what He is going to do”
• Not – playing good, tight, and/or loud music for God
  

II) From there (Vision) move to - Strategy – “How are you going to get there?”

• What is it that you are trying to do? -→ That is Vision
• Lead people through a worship encounter/experience, to responding to “said vision”
• How do you do what you do? --> That is Strategy
• What do you value? As a church and as a “corporate worship team”
  

• Authenticity?
• Interdependence?
• Excellence?

• Things to consider when looking for strategy/values/preferences
• Who are you going to be leading?
• Who is your church called / positioned to reach?
• We all would agree we are to lift up Christ, the Trinity, and the gospel so the church could respond – but in what language, in what style
• Pauls says – to jew I became Jew, to the gentile I became a gentile…
• What are you becoming as a church
• How has God gifted you (dont fake something)
  

This has to be at the heart of your church and It should impact how you do what you do.

Again --> Start with vision (what you do) and from there move to the how


PART 2 - Practical Tensions

1) When do I do what?

So, you want to have the passion Rock band – when do you do it?

When do I add drums? When do I add electric guitar?
• Don’t add drums for 10 people, etc
• Story about hungry band

Point – Don’t do something before you are ready --> There is a tension…. Stretch people but not before they are ready.

necessary -->Prayer and discernment.


2) Recruiting Volunteers

I talk to worship leaders at young churches… and even at big churches, especially when they are starting something new… and a big question is… “ How do I get musicians?”

no definite answer… I can tell you what I know other people have done…

• Daniel Renstrom – Hang out at Crusade (College Ministries - away from home and no local church)
• Jason – hang out in bars…
• Mike Passaro – Wait for Jason to find them and then steal guys form Visio Dei
• Stories – Drum Kit on stage and leave it…
• Pray!!!!
• Pray!!!!
• Pray!!!
• I can remember "telling" God – if he would bring talented and gifted people I would give my all to serving them and teaching them in a way that pointed them towards God honoring corporate worship

Point – No exact way – experiment, be creative, PRAY


3) High Ability low Character / High Character low Ability

This is so difficult… you have guys who you know are dynamite musicians but aren’t just all there…

• Lack of commitment
• Lack of character
• Low view of the gospel
• Untimely or disrespectful of others
• Christ follower yet unrepentant

OR – you have a musician/an artist who is the walking picture of Jesus… but is as far from ready to fit into your “strategy”

• Doesn’t play well
• Doesn’t understand how to play in a band
• Style doesn’t fit

This requires a few things:
1) a vision (why are you doing what you’re doing)
2) discernment
3) pastoring / overseeing

Point – There is a tension between not using someone before they are ready AND stretching someone and giving them space to lead. The answer is in realizing there is a tension and not going to one extreme or the other.

necessary --> Pray, run through vision, pastor/shepherd those you lead


4) How do work through expanding your team/vision without burning out your volunteers?

The answer is in shepherding. Reason --> It’s impossible to know how and where to grow your team if you’re not in the life of those on your team.

Things you can do with your team:

• Eat dinner
• Have coffee
• Vision meeting
• Share time during rehearsals

Then you know what is going on… you can pull people back, pull others in, evaluate where things are.

DO NOT CHEW PEOPLE UP AND SPIT THEM OUT – the church has done this all too much…

Point – Shepherd those God has entrusted you to lead.

As your church grows this will become increasingly difficult yet it is critical in this stage.


5) Develop leaders

another way to expand your team and vision (number 4) is by developing other leaders…

this gets to what your vision is but any leader should be thinking about how to replace themselves….

Our vision at Visio Dei: our vision requires us to develop other teachers / worship leaders (explain)

Much is at stake when we aren't deveolping leaders. One worship leader is not healthy for a number of reasons:

• We all need a break
• Refuel
• Others lead in different ways but equally valuable to your community
• Only person leaves more room for pride
• Developing other leaders increases kingdom reach

Point – we all only have so much capacity. Multiplying leaders multiplies your ministry as well as Kingdom span.


6) How do you work through the balance of time involved in starting something new (and having a small team) vs. time at home/family?

Start with your family first and don’t waiver.

Andy Stanly – I will give the church40/50 hours and God will have to do the rest

Driscoll – Do what has to be done… You don’t punch a time card.

There is a balance – No right answer all the time however always --> Start with family.

Point – Balance - Run hard… run long… You have great responsibility. You also have to be sustainable. Serve your family first. Love them, serve them, ask them questions. They will know where the line is. We don’t need any more kids growing hating the church because they lost their dads or moms to the church.


7) Your own personal worship – not of yourself ;)

None of this matters if worship isn’t a part of your life. Truly – we aren’t worship leaders… that is reserved for Jesus and really the holy spirit. We are more accurately serving as “lead worshippers.” (in a corporate setting to be exact)

Here are some good questions to ask yourself regularly:

• Are you a lead worshipper outside of a corporate gathering?
• Do you understand the gospel?
• Are you repentant?
• Do you confess your sins?
• Are you worshipping God in the day to day
• Do worship and Justice connect for you – (explain)

• Matt Redman – “Most likely you can only lead to a place you have gone and are willing to go yourself”

Point - Your church will not follow you on Sunday if they know they wouldn’t follow you Monday through Saturday.


8) Take care of Yourself

Planting a church, starting new ministries, breaking new ground is hard. You will work harder and more passionately than you ever have before. People will question you, doubt you, and maybe even laugh at you. ----> You have to take care of yourself

• eat
• sleep
• workout
• learn your craft (dont forget to learn and practice)
  

Point - Planting a church is hard work. Take care of yourself.


Love and Peace,

-Jason

FIrst Trip to the beach

***For clarification this was the first trip to the beach for Aidan and Addison. Diana and I have been more times than we could count. Just to clarify.***

Our friends, the Gould's, were nice enough to invite us to the beach with them for Memorial Day. By nice enough I mean - even though we have 2 infants who could be difficult to manage on a long day trip, they still invited us. We had a great time and got some great pics / video.

Thanks to the Gould's for inviting us and to the Schlieman's for allowing us to use your crib (while Jon worked ;)

Here are some pics / video from the day:


In our new bathing suits...


Addison and mommy...


Addison's first time in the Atlantic...


Aidan loving it...


Sir in the back, please stay out of my family photos... and stop staring at my wife.


Addison after a long morning...


Aidan resting up...




A video of Aidan's first time in the Ocean. Note 2 things... One - Addison is crying and ready to go take a nap. Two - Aidan is totally loving it until the second wave (not a wave), which has a bit more force than the first, makes contact.


And now you can see - Aidan fully recovered from this traumatic experience that we put him through.

We have great kids. We are extremely thankful.

-Jason

Happy Birthday Tanner!!!

Most of you probably know our family pup, Tanner. Today the mighty Tan Man turns 2 years old. Tanner, simply put is an awesome dog. He brings a lot of hapiness and a lot of joy to our family. He's got tons of energy and drive and all he wants to do is have fun, love his family, work/play, and keep the "bad people" away. I felt it necessary to throw up some picks form the last 2 years in honor of the boy. So here we go:




The boy at about 8-9 weeks.




1st time on the couch...




An early on tiring day at the lake.




before the ears were standing up....




first driving lesson...




will me ears ever stand up?




Yes!!!! Ears up!




Loving his mom...



Playing with Harley (my mom's little chi wha wha)




Please come out....




this is not as it seems, I promise...




Tanner loves the dog park... he also loves it when his friends comes with...




Seasons changing...




Merry Christmas!!!!




Tanner loves the new additions to our family...




gentle giant with the babies...




always close by protecting...




still lounging when he can...




looking good...




2nd Christmas with Tanner... 1st with the babies!!!




always focused...




always nearby.


Tanner, we love you bud. Thanks for a great 2 years and we look foward to many more.

Cheers Mate!

Mothers Day - A note from the fam

The woman in this picture is my babies momma. You all know her as Diana. She is also the woman who agreed to marry me. She is incredible. Below you will find notes to her from each of our family members in honor of her on this Mother's Day.



Diana, I love you. You're my everything. When you said you would marry me my whole life changed. You are a picture of grace in my life that I get to see everyday. You are smart, funny, forgiving, loving, hardworking, strong, and you bring a stability to our family that I have never known. Really, there aren't enough words.









Mommy, the doctors said without you being on bed rest for 10 days before I was born I might not even be alive. That is hard for me to believe because I always feel so alive when I am near you. You take such good care of me. You feed me, give me hugs and kisses, take me a walks, and even snuggle me when I am sad. Dad says you're the best mom in the world and I believe him!










Hi Mommy!!! I am your little boy. I love it when we play!!! We have a had long journey since we first met and I am so thankful for how much you have taken care of me. I couldn't imagine being a happier little boy and I think it's because you love me sooo much. I get the feeling we are gonna have soooo much fun together.



Hi mom. I know sometimes I am a lot to handle but you seem to love me anyways. I love to play with you, protect you, and love, love, love it when you let me sleep in the bed. I also love it when you let me play with the little babies. We have such a great family and we all know it's because of you. Do you want to play?!?!?!?!



We love you babe! Thanks for taking such good care of us and loving us so hard. We have such a wonderful family and are so blessed. I (we) couldn't imagine life without you. Happy Mother's Day!

Love,

Jason, Addison, Aidan, and Tanner

ps - props to Rebecca for taking most of these photos. You can track here down here. She is available for all of your memory capturing moments ;)

Daddy Daycare on Mondays!!!

Man,

Mondays are hard work ;)




I think it's supposed to be naptime... maybe we can stay up a little longer...

Benefit Show Tomorrow Night

A lot of you know I went to Kenya in August of 2007. We went there to begin what we hoped would be a long-term partnership with my friend Joseph Wamutitu and his work all over Africa (namely Kenya) and most specifically The Africa Hope Center. The Africa Hope Center is a childrens home just outside of Kenya for children who have lost both of their parents due to HIV/AIDS.

Since going over for the first time we have worked to raise money and awareness for what's going on, sent folks over to aide in leadership development, sponsored children, helped them with their building, and we are about to send some friends (Kyle and Anna) over for 1 month to hang out with the children at the Africa Hope Center. (on a side note Kyle and Anna just got married a month ago and they are spending their next month in Africa - HAH - awesome.)

That leads me to whats going on now (better said - Thursday night.) We are hosting a benefit show at our church building to raise the rest of the money for their trip. Here are the details.

What: Benefit Show for Africa Hope Center - http://www.africahopecenter.org/
When: Thursday April 9th from 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Where: Visio Dei Building - 524 E. Whitaker Mill Rd. Raleigh NC - www.visiodei.org
Why: Good Music, Good Cause, Keith Urban might be there (he also might not be)
Who is playing: Dakota Darling - http://www.myspace.com/dakotadarlingmusic - AND - A Clerestory - http://www.myspace.com/aclerestory

These are both great bands and we really do have a great venue with a rad sound system. The show is $5 and the bands have agreed to have all proceeds from the door and from merch sales will go directly towards The Africa Hope Center. Please help us get the word out. Email / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube. All forms of social media are acceptable and appreciated ;)

Feel free to just send folks here for details or you can use this Facebook Link - http://www.facebook.com/editevent.php?guests&eid=68574192977#/event.php?eid=68574192977

...or both... but most certainly... one or the other.

Hope to see you Thursday.

CHEERS!

-Jason

Need some prayer and support...

Not for me this time. We have some good friends Jeramie and Joye who just had a little baby boy. His name is Ethan and he is a stud (I got to see him today.) He was born with a few complications one of which will require open heart surgery on just his 3rd day of life out of the womb. That is tomorrow (or today, Wednesday, depending on when you read this.) He goes into surgery about 8:30 and it could go for 4 hours or so.

I know a lot of you who follow our blog care about little babies because of all the support you showed us when Aidan and Addison were fighting through some scary times. As you can imagine this hits close to home for Diana and I and we would love you to offer them some prayer and support as well.

You can pick-up on what's going on on their blog here. It doesn't matter if you know her/them or not - I assure you it helps just to know others are praying, hoping, caring, and entering into your fears and hopes. Please just take a minute and offer them a thought, a prayer, or some love.

Praying for baby Ethan tonight,

-Jason and Diana

Long Overdue

Hello family and friends,

I appreciate all of the emails, phone calls, and text messages reminding me I haven't given the masses their updates on our children. There are two primary reasons for this:

1)We haven't put any pics up lately due to our camera malfunctioning again. We are waiting for our friends at BestBuy to send it back to us. We have a memory card with over 100 pics from Christmas time through now.

2) The second reason is that we now have 2 children and finding time to sit in front of this machine and type has become more difficult to come by.

As amends to my slackness, I would like to offer you this video I created of our children smiling. It is not long however you will see that our babies are infact growing bigger and stronger and more beautiful as each day passes.

Enjoy!!!!

-Jason (and Diana)

ps - thanks for caring about our family... we love you.

Interview with Silver

Some friends of mine have a new record about to be dropped (like it's hot) and I am working with them to get the word out for their CD release shows coming up. I say "shows" because they have one in Raleigh as well as one in Charlotte. Below is an interview with the band talking about their new record, cd release dates, and Pat's favorite color (guess which one I made up?)

I would love to ask you 3 favors as you watch this video:

1) Plan on coming to the show. They have worked really hard to put some great songs together. Their record is awesome. Support local music. Don't do drugs. Prevent forest fires.

2) Think of someone you can specifically introduce to Silver Music. Invite them to come with you to the show.

3) If you have a blog, friends in you email contact list who like music, a website, or a grandmother who is really into "edgy" pop... please do what you can to get this video to them. I ask you to embed it in your site, send them here to this site, or just email them the youtube link. By the middle of the week we'll have another video/acoustic recording for you to push out for us as well ;) ---> Online community is very helpful in this sort of thing ;)

Thanks for your help!

Raleigh folk, put it on your calendar now.... Next Saturday Night ---> The Pour House.

Here is The Official Silver Music Site. Check that out right after you enjoy the interview:



Cheers!

-Jason

30 Years Young

So, this past Tuesday... on February 3rd I turned 30 years old. No, I don' feel old. My body doesn't hurt or ache, my knees feel better than they did last year (running long distances was from the devil), and I am no more forgetful than I was 10 years ago (no jokes here.) In fact, I feel great. Nonetheless, this is something close to a milestone. I dont think I ever thought about "30" when I was younger. Not sure if that means I simply "live for the moment" (if you know me well, you're probably agreeing right now) or if I didn't think I would make it this long as crazy as I have been from time to time.

In looking back on 30 years I have had an amazing go at things so far. I have loved every second with my family (that is ever increasing in many ways.) My parents and grand parents have shown more support than I could ever ask for. I have had, lost, and still have some of the best friends anyone could ever want. I have had incredible teachers, coaches, bosses, and role models. I have even had and still have great pets. I have tried many, many things. I have failed in things. I have succeeded in things. I have loved and lost (and wouldn't change it.) I have loved and won. I am certain I have hurt some people and I have felt remorse. I have gotten to see places all around the world and had the priveledge of serving people there. I recieved double the blessing in return from those same people I was looking to serve. I have tried some things I probably shouldn't have tried (no need to list things here ;)I have grown to learn wrestling, sushi, music, reading, coffee, beer, poetry, movies of all kinds, the guitar, musicals, jui-jitsu, marketing, red wine, avocados, guacamole, french toast, animals, people, the world around me, and God our Creator and Father. I have also been given who I am convinced is the worlds greatest wife (for me specifically - I dont want to down play other folks wives) who loves me more than I deserve. Together we have been given two miracles in our children Aidan and Addison (maybe more someday ;)

Though the previous paragraph wouldn't communicate it (after all those post is about me turning 30...) I have also realized to a small degree, this world isnt a small story with me as the main character but instead a much larger story with me as a small character. I am coming to know this more and more and it is continually changing my life for the better. Everything up above has served in some way to reveal that to me. I pray I continue to learn this and helps me become who I was created to be.

Looking back - other than pain I could have caused others; I wouldn't change a thing. I sincerly mean that. Laughs, tears, celebrations, and pain. All have brought me to where I am and I love it. Thanks for walking alongside me in this big world. It's been a blast and I can't wait to see the next 30.

Love and Peace,

-Jason

ps - I feel the next 30 should be more productive as I already have some of the basics down already (walking, running, talking, etc)

pss - it's gonna be a lot of fun with Diana watching our children grow-up...

pss - thanks for all who made it to the crazy surprise party Diana threw for me. that should be a blog post all to itself. thanks for all the calls, voicemails, cards, and facebook messages. you are all incredible friends. we are truly blessed.

Mery Christmas

Merry Christmas! I pray that the beauty and mystery of the God sending His son Jesus to be born in a manger as the savior of the world would be a bit more real to you this year. I pray that out of that the realization of new possibilities and limitless hope comes to you and your family.

Here are a few recent blessings and encounters with hope from my life right now:

Mommy, Daddy, Aidan, Addison, and Tanner

We might have been under the mistletoe... lucky for me.

First Christmas...

I saw the stockings hanging on the mantle while we were taking pictures and... well, I couldn't resist.

They acted like they liked it... ;)

As far as presents go... we're good on stuffed animals for a while... ;) The two tan bears on the bottom (one with a tank top and one without) were mine and Diana's growing up.

Daddy dressing his girl for some Christmas pics!!!

Aidan just being a stud...

I think we might have our hands full for a while.

I do a lot of things wrong in life. I find hope when I look at things like this. I find hope when I remind myself of stories like Christmas. I realize there really is a Hope for all of us. Friends, Family, folks I dont really know... Merry Christmas.

Love and Peace to you.

-The Gore Fam

*Thanks to Rebecca for taking the pics. Love you!