Merry Christmas! We hope you are had a wonderful day celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ! Todd, Jonah, and I enjoyed Christmas Eve at my parents house- we spent the whole day over there, went out to dinner, watched movies, had a church service at home, and spent the night! This morning we woke up early, opened gifts, and then headed over to Jack and Jana's for the Conner Christmas! It was so much fun! Jonah had a blast opening gifts- he loved his Rodi and Plasma Car! I know these will toys will be zooming around the house over the next many months! Merry Christmas!

Jonah James on Christmas Eve

Ben, Todd, Jonah, Jenni, Annie on Christmas Morning

Jonah, Charlotte, and Jack at Conner Christmas

Jonah opening gifts at Aunt Nikki's House (December 23)

Santa's little helper...

Thoughts on Christmas.....

Merry Christmas from the Hufford Family! It seems like December has flown by like no other and all of a sudden here we are four days before the big day... and i've hardly used my christmas dishes! oh well. : ) Its sad how quickly this becomes the most stressful time of year, when really, it is when we should find the most peace in our souls. A Savior has come to rescue us! That fills my heart with joy... then thoughts of "to-do's" and worries begin to flood my mind. My mom sent me this email this week and I wanted to let anyone who happens to visit the Hufford House to read these insightful words. I often find myself trying to make Christmas into this unreal world of magic (especially now that I have a child). And really that is missing the point. It's about Christ who came as our Hope in a world that is filled with trials and sorrow. Thank you Jesus!


"Let us at all costs avoid the temptation to make our Christmas worship a withdrawal from the stress and sorrow of life into a realm of unreal beauty. It was into the real world that Christ came, into the city where there was no room for Him, and into a country where Herod, the murderer of innocents, was king.

"He comes to us, not to shield us from the harshness of the world but to give us the courage and strength to bear it; not to snatch us away by some miracle from the conflict of life, but to give us peace—His peace—in our hearts, by which we may be calmly steadfast while the conflict rages, and be able to bring to the torn world the healing that is peace."

When Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus to the Lord, Simeon said to them: "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed" (Luke 2:34-35).

Christmas is not a retreat from reality but an advance into it alongside the Prince of Peace.

—David C. McCasland

Little Reader

Jonah loves to read! Check out the cute video below! Enjoy!

"In the first light (Postlude)" Lyrics

by Todd Agnew from the album Do You See What I See?

In the first light of a new day no one knew he had arrived,
Things continued as they had been while a newborn softly cried,
But the heavens, wrapped in wonder, knew the meaning of his birth,
In the weakness of a baby, they knew God had come to Earth.

As his mother held him closely, it was hard to understand that her baby, not yet speaking, was the word of God to man,
He would tell them of his kingdom, but their hearts would not believe,
And they would hate him and, in anger ,they would nail him to a tree, oh.

But the sadness would be broken as the song of life arose,
And the firstborn of creation would ascend and take his throne,
He had left it to redeem us, but before his life began he knew he’d come back, not as a baby, but as the Lord of every man.

Hear the angels as they’re singing on the morning of his birth,
But how much greater will our song be when he comes again,
when he comes again,
Hear the angels as they’re singing on the morning of his birth,
But how much greater will our song be when he comes again to Earth,
when comes to rule.

Said the king to the people everywhere,
“Listen to what I say,”Pray for peace, people eveywhere, and listen to what I say.
A child, a child, sleeping in the night,He will bring us goodness and light,
He will bring us goodness and light,
A child, a child, sleeping in the night,He will bring us goodness and light,
When he comes to the Earth, (he will bring us goodness)
He will bring us goodness and light.

Happy Thanksgiving

I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! I love this time of the year when we can reflect on what really means the most to each of us. I am so thankful for my salvation and for my relationship with Jesus Christ. I want to know Him more and more everyday. I want my heart, words, thoughts, everything to be like Him! I think it takes a whole lifetime to get there! I am so thankful for Todd- his friendship, support, and unconditional love. I am so thankful for Jonah - God's living picture of the relationship He desires to have with me. So amazing! I am thankful for our little girl on the way, my parents, brother, sister, sister-in-law, Grandma, cousins, friends... we have been truly blessed. Enjoy tomorrow and be thankful! (and enjoy this little picture of Squanto-Jo. He loves wearing his little indian feather).

Five Years and Forever to go...

Happy FIFTH Anniversary, Todd! I love you!!!

Larry the Cucumber

Jonah was Larry the Cucumber for Halloween. For those of you who don't know, Larry is from the Cartoon "Veggie Tales". He was pretty darn cute if you ask me! We had to roll the bottom of the costume WAAAAY up because he keep falling over. I think it's because he just wanted to run from house to house and his cucumber-ness was keeping his legs from going full speed. Thanks Aunt Molly & Uncle Wade for this great costume!

He is with his cousin Charlotte Sukurs in the this picture and also his friend Kate Alt. The Sukurs now live in the subdivision we lived in while growing up, so we met at their house and trick or treated together. It was alot of fun watching my son run down the same sidewalks and trick or treat at the same doors I did when I was little... it brought back alot of memories. We sure had alot of fun!

It's a....

GIRL!

We found out today that baby hufford # 2 is a little girl! We are very excited, and somewhat surprised... I mean, we know for sure we make boys, so I guess that is what i expected. We are looking forward to meeting this little girl and loving her to pieces just like her big brother. Today at the ultrasound, the tech said that this little girl is SO busy and moving around so much. Hmmm, sounds a little bit like Jonah! haha!

Lake Tahoe & The JESUS Film Breifing

Last week Todd and I were able to get away for a long weekend to Lake Tahoe. It was BEAUTIFUL! the best part about the trip was that we were able to attend the Jesus Film Breifing for Asia. We got to hear AMAZING stories of what God is doing all over Asia and how many people are being exposed to and accepting Christ. It was so moving. The theme for the Weekend was "Leveraging the Legacy". That really spoke to my heart about my generation... we need to be involved with international missions! We met so many amazing people at the breifing- mostly couples in their 40's-60's. What a huge impact we can have if we (20's and 30's) get involved with these ministries NOW... just think of the impact that can be made in the next 40 or 50 years we are involved! Just a random thought. Anyway, I am really excited about all the cool things God is doing in other areas in the world!

Congrats, Josh!!!!

Congrats Josh! My cousin Josh and his girlfriend Stacie were engaged this past weekend !
We are so excited for both of them and happy to welcome Stacie to the crazy Conner Clan!!!

Pumpkin Patch '07-- oh what a difference a year makes!

Jonah picked out his pumpkin this evening at Stuckey Farms. Today was blazing hot (87 or so) a record high- so we enjoy the slightly cooler temperatures this evening (and the fact there was barely anyone there). We got some cute pictures of Jonah running around the 'patch.

So it appears Jonah has recovered from his pumpkin phobia. (note pictures below) Last year he would cry his little eyes out anytime he was near a pumpkin! As you can see he has clearly conquered his pumpkin phobia! That's my boy! It's amazing what a difference a year can make!

Crazy Shower

Our Bible Study threw a joint shower for Andrea and Brittany on Monday night. Andrea just got married and Brittany is getting ready to have a baby, so it was quite a party! Check out the cake-- we had it made into a bra- half of it was a lingerie bra, the other half was a nursing bra! It was wild! We were all laughing so hard!!! It was such a fun night celebrating these wonderful times with special friends!

First Day of School

Okay so i am catching up from my September blog absense. September 12 was Jonah's first day of School! He goes to Mother's Day Out on Wednesday mornings and he loves it! He does really well when i leave him. He cries for about 5 seconds and then he's off running and playing! It's a great opportunity for him to interact with a bunch of other kids and it's a great opportunity for me to get a few errands done :)

What will it be???

For those of you wondering......OCT 23... we find out if #2 is a girl or a boy!!! Can't wait!
Right now i am 17 weeks and feeling a ton better now that i am out of that first trimester (and then some) sickness. Wow, i forgot how tiring pregnancy can be! I am already feeling movement, so that is very exciting and makes everything sink in a little more : )

Not sure yet if Jonah understands he is going to have a sibling. We are working on it though. I ask him, "Jonah, where's the baby?"... and he sticks his finger up his nose. ah well.

10 year reunion!

Saturday September 15th was my ten year high school reunion! It was crazy and a blast! I can't believe it's been ten years- i'm old!

We had our reunion at the Conner Farm and had GT Souths cater the event. There was a great turnout from the Heritage Christian School class of 1997. Over 50 adults and tons of little kids. Lots of people flew in from all over the country. Man, it feels like high school was so long ago, but seeing old friends i grew up with all my life... it was like we all picked up where we left off! I am so thankful that God blessed me with an awesome high school class!

(Pictures: the top picture is of Jeff Williams, Bari, and Me. The second picture is of me and Charity Beck. We were best friends all through our elementary years! It was so good to see her! The last picture is of Jami, Steve, and Jeff.) I wish i would have taken more pictures- too busy running around i guess! : )

Michigan

We just returned from a week-long vacation in Bear Lake, Michigan. Todd's godparents live on Bear Lake. It was a wonderful, relaxing trip. Nikki joined us, and we had a great weekend with the whole Russell and Rahman family. Jonah really like the beach. He jumped in the water with his clothes on! It was a sandy mess, but we had alot of fun. He liked being on the boat, but got really frustrated when he had to wear a lifejacket. He didn't quite understand why he had to stay in the boat and not be with his Daddy while he was tubing.... so our ride was cut a little short. Thanks Rich and Phyllis for such a nice week at Bear Lake!!

This little piggy went to the State Fair

Yesterday(Saturday) Todd, Jonah, Gary (todd's dad), and I went to the Indiana State Fair. It was a wonderful day-- we had a break from the 90+ degree weather, and it was actually COOL in the morning (hence jonah's jacket). Perfect! We had a fabulous time visiting all the animal barns. I think the pig barn was the most entertaining. They had a show going on so pigs were coming and going from their cages. They would squeal down the aisles and run as fast as their short little legs would take them. It was hilarious! Jonah loved seeing and hearing the pigs in person... he was in heaven! We also visited the horses, llamas, and sheep. We saw 1000lb pumpkins and 1000lb pigs... can't get much better than that.

Then there was the food..... Can't forget the State Fair food. We started off with Pork BBQ, then had some potato chip sorta things. It was great!! We had so much fun-- thanks Pappy for the great pictures.

I'm A Goof

Happy Thursday everyone!

Playground with Pappy

Todd's dad is in town this week, so Jonah is having a great time playing with Pappy. We went to the park on Monday and had a ball. Pappy took a bunch of great pictures this being one of them. Pappy also brought a wonderful present for Jonah, a rocking horse/ desk. He will have tons of fun playing with that! Thanks Pappy!

"Golf Cart"

Golf Cart. Jonah's new favorite word. Although this picture is from last fall, Jonah is often seen with his grandpa on the golf cart as the two of them ride off unto the sunset. This is his favorite thing to do. How do I know? He says GOLF CART all. the. time. First thing in the morning I hear his little voice saying "golf cart" through the baby monitor. He says it when we get in the car, when he eats, and even when i am rocking him at night. (yes he is still my baby and i rock him at night:) It's so funny! He says a few other words, but by far this is his favorite, for now at least. :)

Family Picture

It's not often we are able to get a picture of all of us... but here is the most recent! Our little family of three will soon be a family of FOUR coming in March of 2008! Yes, we are expecting Numero Dos early next March. We are very excited! Sorry for the absense on the blog... lately i have been laying on the couch doing nothing (well besides running after a toddler) and trying to avoid being sick as much as possible. Hopefully in a few weeks I will be feeling a little better!

A shout out to my Girls!

These are my girls. Minus two of them, courtney and brittany... but these are the girls I spend every Monday night with. Our Bible Study has been going on for about four years now. Girls have come and gone, but all of the originals are still in the study. We are usually packed to the max every Monday night, but we always have a good old time and learn so much. Sarah and Rachel (in the front) are getting ready to move to Colorado to plant a church. I am so excited for what God will do, but sad as ever to see them go. Bible Study won't be the same without them. Love ya guys!

Surfin USA

Whoever said a midwestern boy can't surf?
I had to capture this on camera... jonah's shirt reads "Surf Team" and he was having a good ol time surfin on his diapers! Too funny. Happy Tuesday everyone!

Trust

HAPPY JULY 4th!

We hope everyone had a wonderful and safe holiday with family and friends. We had a great time enjoying a cookout and swimming with the Conner Family. For the first time Jonah jumped into his Daddy's arms from the side of the pool. (and yes we really do have swim trunks for him, but he couldn't seem to wait, and only a swimmy diaper would do!). I just love this picture of Todd and Jonah. I can see the trust Jonah has in his father, knowing that he will keep him safe. It is a great reminder to me of how I can trust my Heavenly Father to always protect me from the scary things that sometimes come along in life.

Cookie Monster

So we have a little Cookie Monster living in our house. Whenever chocolate chip cookies are made he is RIGHT there waiting for his bite. He even sticks his little tongue out and pants like a dog. How can i not resist? Then he smashes the cookie in his mouth (and all over his face). I just love watching him enjoy one of life's simple pleasures!

Splash Park

Today we went to the Splash Park/ Playground with Jonah's cousins and buddy Kate and they had a BLAST! Last week Jonah would NOT get into the water (really, they are just sprinklers). He loves the pool, but this was too foreign to him! But today, well that was a different story. He was a wild man! Running everywhere totally sopping wet. It was so cute. I took a million pictures and will have to control myself and only put up a few. Love this little guy!

All American Boy

So here is our all american boy, Jonah James. He has somewhat of a goofy look on his face, maybe it's because his mama was making him run around on a 95 degree dry day. Anyway, I just love these pictures of him. He will be 18 months on July 5th-- hard for me to believe. Life just seems to accelerate when you have children. He is a busy little boy and full of energy. He is our sweet little dude!

Our new home

Okay so I have finally done it. I've started our very own blog. After visiting my friends' blogs over the past months I thought it was finally time to take the plunge and start my own. So here is our home on the web where you will find updates on the Hufford's. Visit often and feel free to stay awhile!