We are the Bradley's

Closing Out :)

2010-01-03T14:43:00.000-05:00

Not only have we closed out 2009, but I am closing out my blogs! :/ I have been torn, thinking I may regret it one day (esp our family blog), but it is too much for me to keep up with and when I don't post it drives me crazy! There are too many other things that I need to prioritize and the blogs just seem to get in the way for me! It is much more fun for me to read other people's blogs, both that I know and don't know, than it is for me to create my own:) I need to salvage every ounce of creativity that I DO have in me :) Thanks for reading and enjoying our pictures!

Warning: No Pictures

2009-07-11T14:53:00.002-05:00

My camera is broken. No pictures for now. But Luke has done a few really special things lately that I wanted to write about. In all honesty, pictures don't do them justice, so I am excused in that sense ;)

A few weeks ago we drove to my grandmother's house, who Luke calls BeBe. He was so excited about the trip. Almost as excited as I used to get ;) She bought a slip-n-slide for the boys to play on during the day and it was a hit! Luke had never played on one and got the hang of the "sliding" part pretty quickly. While David napped she took Luke to the library, the fire station, and to a John Deere store. She doesn't mess around! On Wednesday, we headed to Columbia to see Thomas the Train Live! We had second row seats and the "view" was incredible! His face was PRICELESS!! He sat for over 1 hour and 40 minutes enjoying every second of it. (David even sat still, stuffing his little face.) Luke got a snow cone to eat from BeBe while we watched. It was a great memory for Luke. Thank you BeBe!!

A couple of weekends after Thomas, Cindy (Mammy) took me and Luke to Tweetsie Railroad in Boone! We bought our tickets and the first big train ride was waiting on us. He loved it! They gave us a map at the entrance, and would you believe the boy would NOT put it down for anything. Never. He rode everything and played everything with the map in hand. He wanted to know where we were at all times, and he can show you everything on the map now if you asked! He picked out a prize with some money my Mom (Mimi) gave him and a prize from Mammy. A gun. A sheriff badge. And a little mouse. Another great memory! Thank you Mammy!

That same weekend, we went out on my Dad's (Pop) boat. He remembered a lot from last year, but it was much easier with him this time around! He was up and down, in and out. When we got in the car, he said "I love that boat"...:) So much fun for us and him. Thank you MiMi and Pop!

He is at a super fun age, enjoying and appreciating things as much as a boy his age can :) We have had a great time letting family enjoy him just as much as we do. We are so thankful for everyone that loves on him!

Pictures to follow...

Spring 2009 Some Favorites

2009-04-13T20:22:00.004-05:00

Easter April 2009

2009-04-13T19:31:00.004-05:00

more spring pictures to follow:)

A Few Favorites

2009-03-02T14:39:00.005-05:00

Here are some pictures of what we have been doing the past two months. In no particular order: We baked cupcakes for Valentine's day, Luke got a "grow your own plant" from my Mom (which he was very proud of), David got cuter and sweeter, Luke managed to bust his eye open (no stitches, just butterflied by Mama), and we had a beautiful week of weather in which we spent 3-4 hours a day outside!....

March Snow

2009-03-01T21:54:00.003-05:00

February...Pretty Weather...Park...Cousins

2009-02-10T15:18:00.006-05:00

Luke Got a Job

2009-01-21T14:27:00.002-05:00

I already posted this on my other blog, but for those who only read this one, I wanted to share:

Luke: Mama, I goin' to work...

Mama: OK son, be careful and I'll see you in a little bit.

Luke: I love you.

Mama: I love you, too.

Luke: I goin to miss you.

Mama: I'm going to miss you, too!! :)

Luke: I need kiss.

Mama: "kiss"...be careful driving...and don't loose your briefcase.(tool box in hand)

Luke: MAMA, I NOT goin to DRIVE, I ridin my SCOODDER (scooter) !!! :)

This brought the sweetest smile to my heart this morning. It also holds me accountable to continue to love my husband in front of my children. He sees me kiss Ross every morning, tell him I love him, and occasionally tell him that I will miss him :) He watches and absorbs everything we do here at home...I hope he will kiss his wife and love her one day like his Daddy loves me ;)

*** One extra funny thing he said last night after he refused to eat his dinner for 30 minutes after eating at my moms house. His time WAS UP and we had to leave so Ross took his plate from him, and told him nothing else for the rest of the night...

Luke: (sobbing) I need go to the doctor!

Me: Why son?

Luke: (sobbbing) Cause Daddy hurt my feelings!

I LOVED THIS!!! I have to put it in his baby book!

Luke and David

2008-12-30T13:29:00.005-05:00

My Handsome Boys

2008-09-24T08:38:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday to Luke

2008-09-02T22:00:00.008-05:00

Today we celebrated Luke's 2nd Birthday at the zoo!! We had a party at his Mammy and Paw Paw's on Monday night, the zoo today, and tomorrow another party at Mimi and Pop's!! I will post all of those pictures after Wednesday. Looking back, it was so fun to imagine what Luke would look like, what his personality would be like, the things he would like, how he would talk, etc...these are just a few things about Luke that we love:

words :
ba-boom (motorcycle)
ses-man (yes mam)
ses-sur (yes sir)
"d" (daddy)
hunnin burd (humming bird)
adoo (Scooby doo)
bidt (dip)
bay (blanket)
peena butta (peanut butter)
roni cheese (macarroni and cheese)
NO!!! (no)
mall-mart (Walmart)
coo coo (cookie)
maymen (Amen)
pay (pray)

his favortism towards Ross
his memory
his hair
his hands and feet
his excitement to see and love our family
his independence
his excitement for "prizes"
his love for motorcycles :)
these are just a few....

Here are a few pictures from the first week he was born...

Ross' Graduation

2008-08-07T06:24:00.006-05:00

This is a video I made for Ross for his graduation from Seminary. It is a bit long BUT it is from his birth, childhood, dating!, marriage, and the birth of Luke! I AM SO EXCITED to get it on here finally. I have had a hard time transferring it over the past year! I was so proud of him and wanted everyone to see this.

(I am not sure how to give copyright credit, but the music is copyrighted by Carl Cartee)

Shannon's blog

2008-08-06T13:06:00.002-05:00

I created my own blog today :) We will still keep up with this blog and pictures!! I havent posted a LOT that I want to on here because something is slowing my uploads to blogger A LOT. It would take me several hours to upload 15-20 pictures. I am going to work on some tonight after the boys are in bed if I get a chance. My blog is www.shannonbradley.blogspot.com. You can go see what it is about if you would like!

Potty Training :)

2008-06-13T14:14:00.002-05:00

Luke has been potty training for about 2 weeks now and is doing awesome!! Here are a couple of proud pictures...:)

Making Up for Lost Blogging Time= Visit from Katie and Aden, Baby Noah, BeBe comes to town, and lots of fun.....

2008-06-13T12:43:00.014-05:00

Luke LOVES to "help" me with the laundry now!! He plays in the water, with the detergent cap, until it fills up and starts spinning :)

BJ (BeBe to Luke) came this past weekend for her baby fix!! We had lots of fun with BeBe and hope to go visit sometime soon!! Here are some pictures of her visit...can you tell that she is a little proud???

Katie and Aden came two weekends ago to see Ross' little sister's new baby!! His name is Noah James and he is so handsome! We had fun at the pool, cooked out, and just enjoyed them being here...:)

You have to watch it

2008-06-11T19:21:00.002-05:00

I DO NOT LIKE FORWARDS....BUT....I got this in my email from my grandmother....copy and paste the link below into your browser. Watch 30 sec and you will watch the whole 8 minutes.
AWESOME......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ

www.updatesondylan.blogspot.com

2008-06-01T06:39:00.001-05:00

Saturday, May 31, 2008
Update 5/31 6:30pm
Today at 4:55pm Dylan went home to be with the Lord after his long battle in the hospital. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving family members. The family would like to express their deep appreciation to all of you who have joined them in prayer these past weeks and months. Your love and support have meant a great deal to them, as they will continue to in these days ahead. Although they are understandably grieving now, they also rejoice that Dylan is in the presence of the Lord Jesus at this very moment. As the Apostle Paul said, "to depart and be with Christ is far better."

Both a memorial service in North Carolina and a funeral service in Georgia are being planned, and details regarding the arrangements will be posted here on the blog as soon as they become available. Once again, the Shugart family conveys its thanks to all of you.

*Some have asked for Gary and Debbie's address for the purpose of sending cards. It is 2601-112 Garden Hill Dr. Raleigh, NC 27614.

Posted by Dear friends of Dylan, at 6:29 PM 12 comments

www.updatesondylan.blogspot.com

2008-05-23T04:52:00.000-05:00

Thursday, May 22, 2008
Update from Pastor Kyle & Caroline 7:30pm
Dear Beloved Family and Friends,

Pastor Kyle just got a phone call from Pastor Mike Rice & Sandra. The doctors have just informed Gary, Debbie and the family that the antibiotics are NOT working against the strep infection and without white blood cells it could be a matter of hours or a day or two at the most! They are keeping Dylan in a rested, pain free state. Dylan is conscious of his surroundings and family at times, but he is not aware that he is slipping away from this earth and getting ready to meet His Heavenly Father, Lord & Savior.

Please continue to pray that the God of all comfort & peace will pour out His Spirit of mercy & grace upon our Beloved Shugart Family. Thank you all for continuing to persevere in prayer at this time and in the days & weeks & months to come. God Bless. Liz

Posted by Dear friends of Dylan, at 8:21 PM 11 comments

Photo Shoot Attempt

2008-05-20T12:31:00.003-05:00

Bryce and I tried to get some pictures of the kids together one day...this is what we got... :) I LOVE the pics of Claire and David!!!

www.updatesondylan.blogspot.com

2008-05-16T13:24:00.001-05:00

Thursday, May 15, 2008
Update 5/15 10:00pm
We saw Gary and Debbie tonight, and they had just received some serious news. Today doctors discovered a strep infection in Dylan's blood that has them concerned. They have started him on some antibiotics in an effort to treat this, but Dylan certainly needs our prayers for the antibiotics to work effectively and quickly as the blood infection is a serious problem.

Let's pray for God to comfort Gary, Debbie, and Dylan during this time. Thank you!

Kyle

Posted by Dear friends of Dylan, at 10:08 PM 9 comments

www.updatesondylan.blogspot.com

2008-05-14T12:58:00.003-05:00

When I worked for Dr. Akin at Southeastern, I had the priviledge to work with a woman named Debbie Shugart. During the time that I spent there and shortly after Luke was born, her son was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia and then received a bone marrow transplant. Dylan is now experiencing many complications and needs prayer. This family loves and trusts Jesus and I know they would covet your prayers. Here is a link that gives daily updates on Dylan. www.updatesondylan.blogspot.com He has now been in the hospital over a month from complications. Please pray for this family...

New Numbers

2008-05-01T16:51:00.000-05:00

We have new numbers
Shannon: 704-884-1251
Ross: 704-685-6292

More Fun at the Museum and More Pictures of my Handsome Men

2008-04-30T12:19:00.006-05:00

The two pictures below are of Luke "playing" with David. He decided to pile all of the toys on top of him!! :)

Luke and Caroline really enjoy the museum. Or do they like running like wild Indians THROUGH the museum? I am not really sure which one it is. At any rate, they enjoy themselves! We went last week with Mom and Bryce, and this week me, Ross, Luke and David went again!

2008-04-20T10:10:00.004-05:00

This is Luke "playing a Wii" with his Daddy. He used his tools for the controller :) They are playing baseball and Luke is attempting the hit the ball!

Luke and Caroline love playing outside at Mimi's!

Colored soap at bathtime :)

Sweet David

2008-04-20T10:03:00.002-05:00

This was an outfit that Ross wore when he was a baby!!! I love it...

For Aunt Katie (Haircut Mishap)

2008-04-20T09:58:00.002-05:00

Before: if you look closely, you can see some very short bangs complimented by some very long sides (This was just the kind of day we had)....

After: Better but not the best :)

5 Weeks later :)

2008-04-14T14:31:00.008-05:00

Here are a few pictures of the boys over the past 5 weeks!! (No particular order!) I don't seem to have time to post as often as I would like to!!!

More David :)

2008-03-13T14:48:00.003-05:00

We are home and settled in. Adjusting from 1 to 2 has been a big one for us :) Each day seems to get easier and more "routine". Luke is adjusting well and loves kissing David as much as we will let him...other than that, he doesn't pay him too much attention. David is as sweet as his brother and is pretty laid back! Sleep is little and the days are FULL...I wouldn't trade it though.
I went in on Friday night, the day before my induction, with contractions and "breaking" water. I had him at 3:36 that morning and the labor was easier than cleaning the house...hahah I am not kidding. It was nothing once I had my epidural and I enjoyed every second of it. We came home on Sunday and life began as a family of four!! :)

David Jude, March 8, 2008, 6lbs. 12oz.

2008-03-11T13:06:00.004-05:00

Saturday

2008-03-07T14:13:00.002-05:00

Sorry no pictures lately! Maybe we will post some tonight if we are just hanging out...we have been busy getting ready for the baby. Actually, there hasn't been much to do, BUT I have cleaned every day. Literally. Why do I do that to myself? Some say it is nesting, I think it is obsession :)
The hospital will call us tomorrow morning between 7:30-8:00 am to let us know what time to head that way for the induction! Two weeks ago, I was 3 cm and 70% effaced so I am counting on him being here before midnight, pending we get set up by lunch time and the blood thinner is out of my system completely (last time we weren't so lucky with that)!!
We are so excited to welcome a new baby into our home...it is such a privilege...

Happy Valentines from the Gaston Gazette :)

2008-02-14T06:36:00.002-05:00

Below is an article I submitted to the local paper here in Gastonia a couple of weeks ago. The newspaper is full of "love stories" this morning for Valentine's Day, and included is my gift to Ross. I found it online this morning. He hasn't seen it yet, so I will buy the paper for him today and he will get it when he gets home :) Happy Valentines Day :)

Everyday is the happiest Valentine...
Submitted by Shannon Bradley
Cramerton,NC
2008-01-03 00:00:00
Shannon Bradley
Who would have ever thought that our tenth grade relationship would eventually develop into a marriage and a family that was more than either of us ever imagined? We became high school sweethearts in 1996 and have been married now for four years. It only gets better and better. I am able to say this with such assurance, because of one thing...my husband loves Christ. Our marriage would only have proved a mess, a disappointment, a house full of selfishness, and on and on I could go...but, his love for Christ transforms our marriage and our home. His devotion to Christ, solidifies his devotion to me. His desire for change, means I benefit daily from his unselfishness.

In December, we celebrated our anniversary. I cannot put into writing how my marriage ministers to my heart, so I will share the following "Happy Anniversary" card that I wrote my husband this year. This best sums up what marriage is for me:

Ross,
Why does each year seem to be the best? I can only conclude, it's because you get better. When I married you, I couldn't imagine having anyone more loving, more strong, more driven for Christ, more gentle, or more good looking. I was surely wrong. Ross, you become more of a man of God each year and I become more and more blessed and loved as a result. I am so undeserving of this benefit, which is a result of your pursuit for Christ. I would be fooled to think I was the luckiest woman if you were the same man year after year. God is at work in you, and for that I am so thankful. I rest in knowing He is changing you daily, because I know it can only get better. How could that even be? I will tell you next year...
All of my love,
Shannon
12-6-07

Everyday is the happiest Valentine...

New Things :)

2008-01-29T20:15:00.001-05:00

We have lots of new things to be excited about! Baby #2 will be here in about 5 weeks...he weighed in today at 5 lbs 1 oz. :), head down, and ready to go! We are so excited about this new blessing in our life.

We have also recently committed to being a part of a church plant (through Parkwood),Church of the Carolinas. Right now we meet as a church on Sunday nights for service and on Wednesday nights we have "home groups". The home groups will be like our "care group" that we had in Wake Forest. What an awesome thing that was and how much we miss it. We are excited to be a part of this church and to build new relationships. If you would like to visit the website, it is www.churchofthecarolinas.org .

Be encouraged today:
Psalm 62:5-8
My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from HIm. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour our your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.

Ross, Shannon, and Luke

Hannah Montana LIVE

2008-01-22T08:27:00.000-05:00

For those of you who know my niece Caroline, please please please go to their blog and view her latest show...also included are some more sweet pictures of Claire :) Caroline graced Kate's Skating Rink in Gastonia with her new do and skated with her GG yesterday!! :)
www.the-dyes.blogspot.com

Growing and Playtime....

2008-01-18T13:27:00.000-05:00

Christmas 2007

2008-01-17T08:58:00.000-05:00

Elizabeth Claire

2008-01-17T08:34:00.000-05:00

Claire arrived on Monday afternoon :) She was 6 lbs 13 oz and 20 inches long. Bryce, Jared, Caroline, and Claire are all back home and doing great!!! She is adorable...

Discipline

2008-01-04T07:18:00.000-05:00

The paragraph below was posted by a friend of mine and I thought it was such a sweet encouragement and reminder of what we desire for Luke and the rest of our children. How often I fail at this, but just as often as I fail I am reminded of God's awesome grace and wisdom imparted on me as a Mom. Discipline is such a hard thing, and we are learning so much about ourselves, about Luke, and about God's desire for our hearts. It is truly refining...
Shannon

This is what Tasha writes:

Thursday, January 3, 2008
New Year's Resolution
Have any of you made them? Well, I have one that I'm really going to set out to do. I went to a women's conference with Ginger Plowman a couple of months ago and she had some GREAT insight on child rearing. One thing that convicted me the most is that she said we, as parents, tend to parent only half-way. Meaning, when one of our children does something they shouldn't do, we tell them that they were wrong and give some kind of consequence. God tells us that this kind of parenting is not the complete way. The end goal should not only be to make our children act nice, have good manners and be polite. Although these are all good things, we need to train and discipline the heart and tell them WHY what they did is wrong and give them a way out by showing them and practicing with them what a better action or attitude might have been by using scripture. I'm terrible with memorization but God has commanded us to hide his Word in our hearts, that we might not sin against Him. I want my children to GET THIS and see me apply God's Word to our everyday lives. You can click on Ginger's link above and go to her products and scroll down to a neat little booklet she put together called Wise Words For Moms. What a great tool to get us started!

Posted by Tasha Via at 2:54 PM

Baby Bradley Update :)

2007-12-14T22:15:00.000-05:00

This week I had my first doctors visit since we have moved! I am going to Carolina's Medical Center for my appointments and for delivery. I loved my doctors and my visit went great. I got to have an ultrasound and hear his heartbeat again :) My belly is measuring right on target and so is his growth, so March 14 is still the due date! They gave me actual pictures instead of a CD, so I will try to take a picture of the picture sometime tomorrow and add it on here. His profile is identical to Luke's ultrasounds :) We still do not have a name, but we are working on it!! :)

Chloe's First Birthday Party

2007-12-14T22:08:00.000-05:00

Last weekend we got to go to Wake Forest for Chloe's First Birthday :) We had so much fun seeing everyone and talking of course. It was a quick trip, but well worth it!

Everyday Fun

2007-12-14T21:29:00.001-05:00

Our Four Year Anniversary: December 6

2007-12-14T21:01:00.000-05:00

For our Anniversary, Ross and I spent a Saturday night in downtown Charlotte at the Westin Hotel, ate at Outback, and went to a Carolina's Panthers football game on Sunday! (Some friends of ours "gave us the weekend" because they had to cut their vacation short). It was such a blessing and we had the best time together :) Here are just a couple of pictures from the weekend. My anniversary gift was a new camera which I didnt get until the next week!! I have taken pictures everyday with it :) On the day of our anniversary, we went to Fletcher's, a little whole in the wall, family owned restaurant with good fried food and sweet tea. This was just as good as the weekend before was. I love being with my husband. There is no other place I would rather be. He is my most favorite person.

Thanksgiving

2007-11-27T15:27:00.000-05:00

We spent Thanksgiving in Bishopville with my Dad's side of the family and we spent that evening in Gastonia with Ross' Mom's side of the family. We had a great time at BJ's and lots of good food! Mimi's, likewise :) ALL of these pictures are from my Mom's camera! My chip was full (of course I didn't check until the day of), so I just counted on Mom :) There are also 2 random cute ones that Mom had that weren't from Thanksgiving, so I added those too!

Birthday Party in Orangeburg

2007-11-27T15:21:00.000-05:00

These are a few pictures from a family birthday party for my cousins little boy, Hunter :) We spent the night with my Aunt Angie and Uncle Bud and had a great time. They live on a farm so there is lots of fun!!

We're Back :) !!!

2007-11-07T08:59:00.000-05:00

We are finally settled into life here in Cramerton...loving it lots :) We moved about a week ago, with a fairly easy transition. We are unpacked and beginning the routine of life. Luke has adjusted wonderfully and is enjoying his new spaces to explore. Ross is working a normal schedule and job searching in the process. We are in the process of joining our "old" church that we both spent our youth years. I am staying at home with Luke and enjoying that along with taking care of our beautiful little home. That is the general update on us.
Last but not least, Luke's latest most cutest thing ever: we are practicing praying with him, of course at meals and bedtime, but also throughout the day. It is good accountability for me and Ross and it is a great learning tool for Luke. When we pray, we will hold hands...Luke now will grab our hands, sometimes mumbling and sometimes quiet...then when we are done he says...MAYMEN...!!!!!!!!!!! We also have practiced this during "fits"...he is throwing himself on the floor for me during the day and because I am at a loss when he does this, I tell him I am going to pray. He alway yells MAYMEN when I am done!!! ahhahahahhah He is so much fun....
Here are a few pictures and we promise to keep up more now that we have internet again!!

The Beach and A Few Extra Cute Ones :)

2007-08-29T14:13:00.000-05:00

Tagged

2007-08-18T19:25:00.000-05:00

I've been tagged. Lindsey Broome tagged me. I am always the one who doesn't respond, so I will suprise everyone and do it :) Beach pictures will follow!!!

Four jobs I've had:
1. Secretary
2. OSSS- HAHAH "On-site service specialist"- meaning do any and everything you are asked to to, and what everyone else does NOT do hahahha
3. Nanny
4. Mother :)

Four places I've lived:
1. Bishopville, SC
2. Tampa, FL
3. Gastonia, NC
4. Wake Forest, NC

Favorite TV Shows:
1. Mama's Family
2. Everybody Loves Raymond
3. The Closer
4. I don't watch much TV!

Food:
1. Japanese food (rice and shrimp sauce!!)
2. Good Ranch dressing
3. Hot Dogs
4. ANYTHING fast food right now!!

Places I'd rather be:
1. I would rather be here at home WITH my hubby!! Work Work Work......
2. Getting a massage and pedicure
3. Out to eat with friends
I cheated and deleted number 4. I can't think of anywhere else, we have been gone all week so home feels pretty good right now :)

Favorite Movies:
1. A Christmas Story (the one with "you'll shoot your eye out"
2. The Godfather (heheh kind of odd for me to like, I know)
3. I dont really like movies, and if I do, I dont remember them the next day
4. .......

Tag Time: I guess I need to pick people that have blogs and that look on here
1. Bryce
2. Lindsey Isham
3. Leah Finn
4. Jen Booth

Psalm 127

2007-08-01T13:35:00.000-05:00

"BEHOLD, CHILDREN ARE A HERITAGE FROM THE LORD, THE FRUIT OF THE WOMB A REWARD."

Ross and I went for the first ultrasound yesterday and received the blessing of hearing our baby's hearbeat! I am approaching 8 weeks and will be due on March 14. We do not have to make as many doctors visits this time and for that I am so THANKFUL! I didn't even have to ask them for a consideration!! Because my pregnancy and delivery with Luke were healthy, then they are giving me a little more freedom :) Here are a few pictures, but they are not 3 or 4-D like Luke's were so they aren't quite as detailed. We are so blessed to have the opportunity to parent another child. We can't wait!

Family Vacation = Beach, Lake, and.....Lake again :)

2007-07-09T19:05:00.000-05:00

Here are a few pictures of our vacation time! Ross and I spent a weekend at the beach by ourselves. Then we headed to Gastonia and spent the 4th with my family, and ended the week with Ross' side of the family. We had a great time and always enjoy our family so much!! What a blessing that is :)

Lots of Friends, Lots of Family, Lots of Fun

2007-06-26T11:20:00.000-05:00

Ten Things I Love About My Wife

2007-06-07T09:22:00.000-05:00

1. Her love for me.
2. Her steadfastness.
3. Her desire to love Christ.
4. Her servant heart.
5. Her ability to mother our son.
6. Her ability to function on little sleep.
7. Her cooking!
8. Her sense of humor.
9. Her humility.
10. Her genuine desire for truth and righteousness.

Graduation Day!

2007-06-02T13:55:00.000-05:00

These are some pictures from Ross' graduation. We had the most wonderful time that weekend! We cooked out with Ross' family and some of our closest friends. I did not get any pictures of the cook out and I am a little disappointed about that. I was enjoying myself to much to even think about it!

More Pictures Just for Fun

2007-06-02T13:46:00.000-05:00

Lots of New Things :)

2007-06-02T13:40:00.000-05:00

Luke turned 9 months old today and had learned so many fun things over the past few weeks. He is officially crawling and pulling up on everything! In the pictures below, you can see that one of his new favorite things to do is stand in his crib when it is time to take a nap :) He can pull his mobile completely off the bed and has "teethed" on both side rails of his crib ahhahahah We couldn't help but to laugh :)

Happy Graduation!!!!!

2007-05-24T21:32:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow morning, Ross will graduate from seminary with a Masters of Divinity in Biblical Counseling. What an accomplishment. I admire my husband's hard work, perserverance, multi-jobbing, provisions, and wisdom. He is all of these things not only at school, but also in our home. Could I ever have imagined it any better? Sure, no school, a steady job, clear direction, etc...would be so comfortable, but I have the best already. Everything else is just "extra" :) I can not do justice in this brief paragraph as to how proud I am to celebrate tomorrow with him. My love and admiration for him goes beyond words. Congratualations, Ross :)
Shannon

Just for Fun

2007-05-21T20:20:00.001-05:00

Luke's Buddies

2007-05-21T20:06:00.001-05:00

This past weekend we had a cookout with our "care group" from church. They had a little surprise graduation cake for Ross:) This really has become a group of our best friends here in Wake Forest. The idea of the care group is to allow our church (with lots of people) to establish a core group of friends, accountability, and fellowship with a smaller group of people. We have grown to absolutely love it and treasure the relationships that we have with our friends. Last Friday we had almost everyone there, which amounted to 26 people. No, that is not a small amount, but 12 of those were kids!!!! Here are some pictures of Luke and his buddies. The two girls are Katie and Chloe. The boy is Tanner :)

Our Weekend with Mia and Pop

2007-05-21T19:47:00.001-05:00

Luke and I went to see my Mom and Dad's new home in McAdenville (Gastonia) a couple of weeks ago and had a great time! We got to spend lots of time with them and my sister and her family.

New Tooth, Crawling Attempts, and Bubba Teeth

2007-04-30T20:24:00.000-05:00

Luke now has four teeth. The newest two are at the top and you can see one in a picture below. He is getting up on all fours and takes one "step" with his knee, but the rest is scooting with his feet. One of his most favorite things to play with, is a set of Bubba Teeth that I bought Ross for Valentine's :)

Mia, Bryce, and Caroline Come to Town!!

2007-04-24T14:19:00.000-05:00

Pictures by Jessica Moody Photography

2007-04-15T19:16:00.000-05:00

Our Big Boy

2007-04-15T19:07:00.000-05:00

A Visit from Mimi and Bubs :)

2007-04-15T18:29:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter!

2007-04-09T15:40:00.000-05:00

Six Month Well Check

2007-03-21T10:43:00.000-05:00

Today was Luke's 6 month well check. His favorite part was the paper on the table! His least favorite was getting his shots, although after the last jab he stopped crying :) Here are his stats:
17 lbs 8 oz (45%)
29 1/2 inches long!! (off of the chart :)
It is so fun to see how much he grows and changes. He is our sweet blessing...

Friends and Fun

2007-03-18T19:50:00.000-05:00

Saturday Fun

2007-03-10T13:33:00.000-05:00

Growing Up

2007-03-08T12:16:00.000-05:00

Luke is now illegal in an infant seat because of his length. Today will be his first day in his "big boy" car seat. He has recently learned to sit up and the past two days he has gotten really good at it! He is such a sweet blessing :)

Pictures for POP :)

2007-03-05T20:35:00.000-05:00

Weekend With the Family :)

2007-02-25T21:54:00.000-05:00

Luke and his Great (in more ways than one) Grandmama BJ

2007-02-16T14:40:00.000-05:00

BJ came to visit a couple of weeks ago. Luke warmed up to her right away and learned lots of "new" songs like Patty Cake (that is what they are doing in the picture). What an awesome blessing for him to know my BJ. :)

Happy Valentine's Day

2007-02-14T08:34:00.000-05:00

Playtime and Fun with Mommy and Daddy :)

2007-01-27T22:27:00.000-05:00

I ROLLED OVER TODAY!!!

2007-01-18T13:39:00.000-05:00

Our First Snow

2007-01-18T13:32:00.000-05:00

Family, Friends, and Bathtime :)

2007-01-15T21:09:00.000-05:00

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Yes, we know the blankets are over his face, but you have to do what works:) He loves it, and once he is asleep we move thim away from his face:) Mia made him a silky blanket and he loves it against his cheek when he is trying to go to sleep.
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I tried his "Bumbo" seat in the tub, but it started to float! I guess that is why they tell you not to do it :) Luke loves the bath and sometimes even gets to get in twice a day if he is dirty enough :)
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This is Luke's best buddy Tanner (17 days younger than Luke). They hang out a lot together during the week and team up in the nursery at church :)

More Christmas and New Years Pictures

2007-01-05T15:19:00.000-05:00

Christmas 2006

2007-01-03T20:29:00.000-05:00

Here are a "few" pictures that we took this Christmas. I will post more sometime later this week. We spent Christmas Eve in Wake Forest, Ross had to work, and Dad painted his heart out in our new house. Dad's time and hard work truly was a piece of his heart to us for Christmas. Having so much completed before Christmas, made it home as soon as we moved our things in! We left late Christmas Eve because we were too excited to wait anymore to see Katie and Aden :) Christmas day we spent time both sides of our families and had a great time everywhere. Luke got to spend time with both of his cousins, Caroline and Aden :) I told Ross it felt complete this year to have Katie and Aden back here. It felt good. We came back a couple of days after Christmas so we could move in! I will post some pictures of the house soon!

Christmas was different with a new baby boy. It made Ross and I think about Christmas in our home and how want to celebrate this special time with Luke. We long for Luke to celebrate who Christ is and grow up to be a young and old man that loves Him more than us or anything else. What a great opportunity Christmas can be to celebrate the birth of his Savior! In desiring this for Luke, we talked about how we want this to be true in our hearts also. What an opportunity to worship Christ as a family!

It is good to be back home, but spending time with our family is always priceless!

Shannon :)

The Bradley's Christmas

2007-01-03T18:44:00.000-05:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Caroline!

2006-12-19T16:48:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, Caroline! You are my most favorite little girl, and I love you more everytime I see you. You are very special to us and we look forward to the beautiful young woman God will make you one day :) Love, Uncle Ross, Aunt Shannon, and Baby Luke

Tuesday

2006-12-12T14:12:00.000-05:00

I am sure that pictures are much more interesting to all of you (I will add some soon), but here is a little update on what we have been doing. This has been one of the busiest times of our lives together with work, school, Luke, buying a new house, etc...Ross finishes the semester tomorrow and will have one more semester before graduating! We are anticipating that with so much excitement. He has been so busy working, studying, and getting all of the house things in order. The house is here in Wake Forest and is a cozy little dream house for us. Dad is going to come and help us do some painting and moving and we can't wait. He will be a huge blessing for us :) Fast and good!! We plan to close on December 22.

Luke will be going for his 4 month check up on January 4 and he is getting so LONG:) He loves to squeal at us now and touches our faces and hands. He is both laid back and active at the same time! He still loves to stand and will hardly tolerate being cradled unless he is being fed :) His hair still stands straight up on his head like his Pop and it will only lay down when Ross spits in it or puts a baby wipe in it :) I tried reading to him about a month ago and he had zero interest, now he will sit for 15 minutes and listen to us read. I am ready for another one but Ross has asked me to put that thought on hold for a while. Imagine that :)

Ross and I just celebrated our 3 year anniversary on December 6! He and I went to Outback and Luke stayed here with a friend of ours, Kim. It is nice to be able to leave him with someone we trust, since family is not around the corner to keep him every time. They said he did great and smiled the whole time. When Ross and I got home, he wouldn't even look at us for about 15 minutes!! We had a great time together at dinner and enjoyed the time alone. We have done so many things together in the past 3 years: our first apartment, changing jobs, getting sick, getting well, seminary housing, changing jobs again :), getting pregnant, being parents, and now buying our first house. I told Ross that we have grown a lot together through God's grace and blessings, but it seems like we are just getting started...

Through all of this business we have both been neglectful of our time with and love to God. Yesterday as I was thinking about my laziness and my selfishness, I thought about how my sinfulness cannot change God's love for me. He loves me today the same as yesterday and tomorrow. Even though my love for him waivers and at times is none in all honesty, he is still passionate about my heart. It is truly humbling. Why is he so good to me? Not because of anything good I have done, but because He is good. My Mom encouraged me last night to continue pressing on. Keep going. I needed that so much. His Word says, "Be still, and know that I am God." Ross and I both covet your prayers for us and Luke. Know we are blessed as we pray for each one of you!

We can't wait to see everyone in Gastonia!

Merry Christmas :)

Shannon

Our Soon to be New House (we hope!)

2006-12-07T20:30:00.000-05:00

More Pictures for Mia and Mimi!! (yes that is chocolate in the 3rd picture)

2006-12-03T22:21:00.000-05:00

More Pictures for Mia and Mimi!!

2006-12-03T22:01:00.000-05:00

10 Weeks Old :)

2006-11-12T22:02:00.000-05:00

Words of Encouragement

2006-11-11T18:43:00.000-05:00

We do have a couple of pictures to put up and I promise I will do that soon!

Just as a word of encouragement...Psalm 27:13-14 says,"I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord, be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord. Psalm 30: 5, "For his anger is but for a moment, His favor for a lifetime; weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning." I know these verses to be true in my own life. God truly is faithful. He truly is good. He truly is in control and sovereign over our lives. Waiting on Him as this verse says has not always been easy, especially when health, or longings, or heartaches, or jobs, or insurance (the list could go on) have been heavy on my heart! BUT these things are only for a moment, in Christ, my joy is for a lifetime. It is forever. It can never go away. In Him, unchangeable Lord, I am secure, I am sure, I am safe, I am taken care of. Ross and I pray each week for this to be true in each of your hearts and that if you do not already, you too would know the joy of His salvation in your lives! :) Shannon

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATIE!

2006-11-01T19:39:00.000-05:00

My older sister is turning 27 tomorrow, November 2nd. Katie, happy birthday, we miss you and can not wait until your return. We are so excited about you, Paul, and Aden coming home. I love you!

Trunk or Treat at Open Door

2006-11-01T09:58:00.000-05:00

Last night we went to our church for Trunk or Treat. Luke hung out with Tanner (the lobster) and Roz (the football player, and yes he is a big ONE year old). The cute pregnant girl is one of my best friends Kristy. Her little girl will be here in January! Ross and I enjoyed hanging out with our friends and watching the mass amount of people that were there! We had a great time as a family :)

Our Itsy Bitsy Spider

2006-10-30T21:40:00.000-05:00

One more picture!

2006-10-30T21:34:00.000-05:00

Luke and Mommy

2006-10-27T21:43:00.000-05:00

Hanging Out With Daddy

2006-10-27T21:30:00.000-05:00

My Favorite Little Girl!

2006-10-27T14:02:00.000-05:00

Bryce may post some of these too, but for those of you who don't visit her website, here is Caroline!

The Weekend Wasn't Complete Without A Visit From BJ!!!

2006-10-26T11:18:00.000-05:00

Weekend with Mom and Bryce!

2006-10-25T08:03:00.000-05:00

Pictures!!!

2006-10-11T18:48:00.000-05:00

2006-10-11T18:43:00.000-05:00

2006-10-11T18:42:00.000-05:00

2006-10-11T18:40:00.000-05:00

2006-10-11T18:15:00.000-05:00

September and October

2006-10-09T21:50:00.000-05:00

Time seems to slip away from us each day with Ross working every day of the week, in school when he is not working, and both of us trying to figure life out with Luke. He continues to be a joy and is a sweet blessing. Just as we think we have a routine going or have learned his "ways", he hits a growth spurt and switches everything around...he is keeping my mind very sharp :) He seems to have grown every morning that I get him out of his crib. He loves to look out of the windows, standing in your lap, and smiling. We promise to post new pictures very soon. I need to learn how to do it! Ross has been busy with work and is half way through this semester. Only one more left after this one!! I am busy at home taking care of Luke and enjoying being a wife to Ross. I am doing what I have always truly wanted to do. If I could have gone to school for this I would have :) So that is what we have been busy doing! We promise some pictures soon!!!

Shannon