Changes...A new season begins

Well, I recently said goodbye to my teaching job and to my classroom and my co-workers of the past 4 years. It was a bittersweet moment for me taking this picture. I am sad to be leaving such a GREAT team and will miss seeing them everyday once school starts back up in the Fall. Yet, I am excited as I begin this new chapter in my life staying home with my kids. I know it's what the Lord has as the next step for me in my life and I look forward to seeing His Hand work. Below is from Monday, June 8th...my last day of work. That now empty classroom in the back has been mine for the past 4 years and holds lots of memories for me. I'm going to miss it. More so though, I am going to miss the people pictured with me and the ones not pictured. I can say without hesitation that I loved the people I worked with. They aren't just my coworkers, but they're my dear friends as well. I will miss you guys and look forward to coming to visit you next year! It's one thing to have a job, but it goes even further when the people you work with reach to your heart and leave lasting impressions. Love you guys!

This picture was taken on June 15th. I am 38 weeks and 5 days preggo here and literally about ready to pop. Jay and I were about to head to the hospital to get for my induction the next day. This is the last pregnancy picture taken of me (at least with makeup and not in labor) before my son was born. I have to be honest and say it was definetely a rough pregnancy for me there at the end (and for my husband as well who had to shoulder the family load alone while I was on bedrest! But he never once complained! I truly am blessed with a wonderful husband!!) I was glad to be taking this picture knowing this pregnancy would soon be over and the road to recovery would soon begin! The Lord is faithful and His strength is my strength. Even when I didn't think I could go a moment longer in this pain and discomfort of the pregnancy, He carried me through. Thank you, Lord.

And the Lord has blessed me with another gift....
My son, Eli James Sappington, is here! He was born June 16th at 10:30 p.m. after a looooong day of waiting for him to come! (Thank you to all you troopers who came to the hospital to wait out his arrival! I love you!) He is doing very well and is (so far...thank you, Lord....may it continue!) a content baby and sleeping well.
8 lbs 3.5 ozs
19.69 inches long
Happy Birthday, my son. The Lord has great plans for your life. I am priveleged to be your mommy!

Proud big sister, Jadyn got to hold her baby brother for the first time on June 17th. This is her facial expression every time she sees him. She is enraptured with him and loves to look at him and give him kisses. When she came in to meet him for the first time the night he was born, her face was one of complete amazement, and then it was followed with, "Uh-Oh!" Haha! I wonder what she meant by that! :) I am happy she is liking her baby brother. This is an adjustment phase for her as she's no longer the only child, but at least she likes the new addition to the family! :) For that, I am thankful and praise the Lord for answered prayer.

We are doing well around here. God has blessed us tremendously with great family and friends! Thank you to everyone who's taken care of Jadyn, sent us words of encouragments, visited us, prayed (and continue to pray) for us. God is so good and it's you guys who continue to show us that His Love Never Fails.

Love,
Shannon