Life with the Gates

Friday, September 17, 2010

I'm Back!!!

I am going to try and start blogging again...since it has been like 10 months since my last post!

Many of you know our story lately...but I'll share it on the blog for those who may not know. My mom was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gerhigs) on July 2 after a long several months of doctors trying to decipher what was going on. As a family unit, we are devastated with the news and are faithfully praying for God's healing hand to touch her. Juston and I began praying about what this meant for our little family, being that we were 804 miles away from Little Rock. God began to open doors for us to come home. Juston's company had a position opening in LR they let us know about...what a joy that he was going to get to stay with the same company that he has grown to love! God also protected us these past 2 years in MI from buying a home...and we tried 3 different times to purchase property and every time it fell through...to which we were getting so frustrated. Now looking back, we know it was God's protection over us. So...now we are buying a home in Little Rock, Juston started his new job role here in LR on September 1, and we are starting to get settled. We are so thankful that in the midst of this absolute nightmare of a diagnosis with mom...God has shown His faithfulness to me, Juston, and our boys and for that we PRAISE HIM!

Mom has started a blog herself to journal this journey....check it out!

www.nchandler.blogspot.com

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

The Month of November...

Thanksgiving 2009

Juston and I and our friends, Bethany and Adam, went to the Michigan vs. Ohio State game 2 weeks ago- it was our first trip to the "Big House" and we had a blast!

The first "Gates" family photo with new addition Cooper James Gates! He is precious and I am excited to have my first nephew!

Brotherly love at Thanksgiving!

Nan and Papa J bought Hamilton his first pair of drumsticks! He was excited!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Halloween

Well, the first picture is not...its of Hamilton on his "bike!" He loves that thing!

Family photo at our neighborhood parade- it was freeeezzzziiinnnngggg last night, but we still were festive and joined the parade!

Of course, the little frog had to take his drum along to the parade!

This picture explains most of the night for Hamilton. Once the night was over and I was putting him to bed, I realized he was warm- took his temp and he had a 102.4 fever, so that totally explained the little cranky pumpkin!

So cute!

Hope everyone had a great Halloween!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Fall 2009

Hamilton's new "scoot-about"!

Mommy and Hamilton at the Apple Orchard

The boys loved to pet the animals!

My sweet boys!

I love this picture! I took it this morning while they were brushing their teeth. I think it is so sweet how Hamilton wants to be right near big brother all the time! I know it may not last long as they get older, but for now it makes my heart so full!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Just a few more pics from the end of our summer...

Hamilton driving the boat- he loved to do that!

Juston getting ready to help Hudson "ski board"- which was kind of an ordeal, but he did it!

Here he is actually ski-boarding! And yes, he is crying, but he did it and was proud of himself after it was all over!

We took the boys to the circus a few Saturdays ago- they had a great time!

Hamilton was pretty amazed! If you look in the top right corner, you can see the elephants laying down during their act and Hamilton really liked them!

Hudson with one of his many guitars!

The boys and I are headed to Little Rock tomorrow to spend 10 days with friends and family! We are super excited! I'll post some pictures from our trip when we return!