Preparing for Christmas

Thanksgiving was a nice weekend in our house. We had Thanksgiving dinner with our good friends, the Angells, and just enjoyed a quiet day. Erin and I went shopping for Black Friday, starting at 11:00 on Thursday night, ending at 8:00 Friday morning. It was really fun and we got some terrific deals. I am posting a few pictures that show how we are getting ready. For your information, Grace and Faith put on a Christmas play for Ryan and I Sunday evening that is a real treat...I'll try to post some of it another day. So you are seeing pictures of Grace as Joseph and Faith as Mary. The two camels are carrying two of their Wise Men.

Every Good and Perfect Gift....Andrew Ryan Struck

You are viewing pictures of the reason the Strucks have been absent from blogging...we have been working on a new addition to the blog. We are pleased to "formally" introduce Andrew Ryan Struck. Andrew was born two weeks early on October 9th, weighing 9 lbs, 7 oz and 21 1/2 inches long. We were so glad to meet him, we forgave the fact that he came before we were completely ready for him. After he was born, we enjoyed a month with both grandmas (and Aunt Trish) and a short visit from Papa. So, we have taken lots of pictures, but time has been short in getting them posted or sent.

Here is what we know about our new addition. He likes to be held (all the time), makes a very big deal out of having to be burped (he coughs and wheezes), has eyes that are turning a light brown color, loves to take a shower or a bath, does not like to be naked outside of the shower, resents having to have his diaper changed, he growls to express his discomfort, is very patient with his sisters, has to be woken up to eat, and does not spit up as much as his sisters both did.

More importantly, we know that God has trusted us with a wonderful, perfect gift, and we have already been humbled and blessed by little Andrew.

The Birthday Celebration

Faith's birthday was a two-part celebration. We had cupcakes with our friends, the Angells, on Faith's actual birthday, then had her party last Saturday. The first couple are from her actual birthday, where she got to open her presents from her family. She got a new doll from Mama and Daddy, lots of new baby clothes from Grammie and Papa, and a new doll stroller from Grandma and Grandpa. I love the picture of her with the cupcake the best. We asked her what the best part of her birthday was and she said, "the prizes".

On Saturday, we had her party at a local place called "Lil Biggs". This is a place where there are lots of different "stations" for the kids to play in. There is a pretend hospital, jail, boutique and more. The kids can dress up and just run around. Faith and her friends had a great time. As we sat down for cake, presents and pizza, we heard Faith announce to the table that she was in charge. After correcting her and diverting her with cake and presents, everyone had a good time. For those that have heard about Cooper from school, the little boy in the picture with Faith is Cooper. Over all, Faith's birthday was a lot of fun, and she is really enjoying all of her new things.

"Baby" Faith is 4!

Fingerprints of God

Never has there been and never again

Will there be another you

Fashioned by God's hand

And perfectly planned

To be just who you are

And what He's been creating

Since the first beat of your heart

Is a living breathing priceless work of art and

I can see the fingerprints of God

When I look at you

I can see the fingerprints of God

And I know its true

You're a masterpiece

That all creation quietly applauds

And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

Just look at you

You're a wonder in the making

Oh and God's not through no

In fact He's just getting started…

- Steven Curtis Chapman

As we get ready to welcome another baby, it has been very hard to acknowledge that "Baby" Faith is 4. She tells me more and more frequently not to call her "Baby Faith", but that is what she's always been. So, when I hear her "reading" to her dolls, or counting to 75, it's a little bit shocking. She is so much fun to be around- she is so smart and affectionate. Everytime she has a treat, her face lights up as if she's never seen candy before. Her imagination when she is playing with her dolls is unending.

I am privileged to be her mother and thank God everyday for blessing us with Faith.

Staff Sergeant Ryan Struck

Ryan is officially a Staff Sgt. today. We found out on August 20th that he had received a line number from the Staff Test (essentially meaning he passed the test). His line number was low enough that he did not have to wait very long to actually put his new rank on. For those close to us, you know that this day has been about 3 years coming and has at times been frustrating, discouraging and painful.
With that behind us, his promotion ceremony was Friday afternoon. His colleagues were there, as was our good friend Brian to celebrate with him. For those who are not familiar to military promotions, you have your stripes literally "punched on". Ryan chose his supervisor and the NCOIC incharge of his department to punch his stripes on. Both of these men have been very supportive of Ryan since we have been at the Academy. I am very proud of Ryan for persevering, pushing himself and remaining committed to a strong work ethic, no matter what rank he wears.
So, Ryan is asking me to be sure to call him Sgt. from now on...I don't know if that applies to everyone else as well or not. But maybe you could be sure to call him "Sergeant Struck" at least for this week.

Pikes Peak

When Uncle Craig was here earlier this month, the Strucks made their first trip to Pikes Peak, even though we have lived here for 3 years. We had Miss Becca with us as well, whom the girls both really love, so it was very exciting. The trip up was interesting- the last few miles were really hard for Allison because of the fact that there was no guard rail- giving the feeling that you could fall off the side of the mountain at any time.

Anyway, when we made it to the top, it was a lot of fun. Ryan worried that the girls were going to jump off of a rock into the mountains below. Both Grace and Faith loved climbing all over the rocks (even if they weren't really dressed for hiking).

On the way back down the mountain, our brakes had gotten hot, so we had to stop at the rest stop for them to cool off. Faith was not interested in having her picture taken for most of the day, and this stop was no exception. I don't know why she was so upset when we had our picture taken together.

Does anyone else think the picture of Grace with her hand on her hip against the background of mountains should be used in Marketing for Pikes Peak?

Back To School

Today was the first day back to school for the girls. Faith has actually been going to the Preschool Summer Program since the beginning of August, but this was the official start for both of them. Baby Faith is thrilled to be in Pre-K this year, and has decided she will be able to read books by herself in 6 days. She is also glad to be one of the "big kids" in the preschool this year.

Grace is wearing a shirt she and Grammie picked out while we were in DC, although this shirt is more Gracie's choice than Grammie's. Still, she says that it is her favorite of her new clothes and that she is really thankful that she was with Grammie, because Mama would not have let her have this particular shirt. We can't believe she is starting 2nd grade- the time is flying by.

Anyway, we look forward to a great year for both of the girls. We are thankful that they enjoy school, and that they are able to be in a Christian school right now. If anyone ever has a lot of time, give Faith a call and ask her to tell you about Daniel in the Lion's Den. It is a very descriptive paraphrase.