Lois

Our dear friend Lois Stauffer went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, August 7th at 2pm. Lois was an amazing woman of God, who touched the lives of many during her 51 years on this earth.

Many people have detailed stories of the beautiful ways Lois has made her mark on their own heart. Her hospitality spoke volumes to anyone who spent time in their home.

For us, Lois has been a longstanding source of encouragement to both Travis and I in our walk with God, our marriage, and in the challenging endeavor of parenthood. Lois and her husband, Gene, exemplified what God intended for marriage. The relationship that they had with one another was one of love, tenderness, and the most treasured of all of earthly friendships. Gene and Lois have been like parents to Travis during his time at Kettering University, encouraging him in his relationship with Christ, challenging both of us in our pursuit of marriage, and then have become our family away from home since we have moved to Buffalo. We have spent many holidays in their home, which has always been lovingly opened to us by the entire family.

Even to end of her life on this earth, Lois continued to humble herself and lift up others. After she was diagnosed with cancer, she offered us a place in her home for Travis to recover from kidney surgery and continued to invite us to spend time with their family. Lois lit up a room with her smile and her life was characterized by an unwavering faith in the Lord, no matter how difficult the circumstances. Even just a few days before her passing when she was in too much pain to get out of bed or even sleep in the same room as her husband, she was still praying faithfully for everyone she knew.

I find peace in the fact that we will reunite with Lois one day in heaven, but will miss our chats over tea in her front yard, making meals together as a family in her kitchen, her wise advice, her gentle sense of humor, her genuine way of living out her faith, and watching her endearing way of ministering to those around her.

In the celebration of this sweet sister in Christ's life, I am once more challenged to be a blessing to those around me and to let God use me for his eternal purpose. What a blessing that Travis and her son, Andrew, became such good friends in college! Andrew is so much like his mom in the way that he selflessly reaches out to others, his carefree spirit, and wonderful sense of humor. I praise the Lord for bringing Lois into our lives, after knowing her we are forever changed and encouraged to stand out as one of His.

Gene, Lois, Michelle, Travis, Andrew, & Jonathan

Lois and Ansel

Michelle, Lois, and Ansel

Newsboys

Newsboys rockin' the PAC at Darien Lake


We had a blast at the Newsboys show. Travis could almost touch the stage; he was so close! He followed them from the mainstage to this small stage in the center of the crowd and snapped this photo. We agree that this was by far the best concert we have ever been to and were so encouraged in our walks with God!

Our friend Steve is the producer for a local Christian radio station and got us passes to attend the whole event. Last night we ate dinner with Steve and his family in the VIP tent. It was fun to visit with the Napolis and eat with the bands and roadies.

Kingdom Bound

We had the privilege of hanging out with Newsboys and Delirious? for interviews before the shows. It is clear that they have a passion and a purpose. It was great to hear them joke around and, let's face it, these guys have some sweet accents!


Newsboys


Delirious?

Us at Darien Lake


Ansel sleeping with ear muffs during the Newsboys show

More photos from the Zoo

Buffalo Zoo Pictures

Here are more photos from our trip to the zoo.

Ansel's First Trip to the Zoo

On Sunday we took Ansel to the Buffalo Zoo. We were impressed that our local zoo had so many exciting animals to see. We loved sharing the experience with Ansel. He was entertained by the animals. Here are some of the sights Travis captured.

A Walk Through Our Village

On Friday night Ansel and Travis went on a walk together through our village. Here are some photos Travis took on their outing.

10 months old

We are a bit more settled into our house. Summer is flying by, but we are loving the gatherings with friends and watching Ansel transition from a sweet baby to a determined little boy. He is standing, cruising around objects, and loving finger-foods.

9 months old

Ansel turned 9 months old on Sunday! He has been busy making his way all over our house, crawling (modified army-style) and is now pushing himself up to a sitting position from a crawl. A few days ago, when Ansel woke up from his nap, he pulled himself up to standing. He is a big boy. We just took him to the doctor and he is already 18 pounds. Above he is pictured right after his bath.

As Father's Day Approaches...

Travis, you are an amazing father.
I watch your gentle, patient, loving spirit with our son and I see that he is blessed to have you for a dad. He resembles you physically, but I hope that he will also resemble you in his leadership ability, his readiness to serve others, and, most importantly, his desire to be a follower of Christ. You are a blessing to our family.
A better "dada" for Ansel I could not find.

Update on Travis

Travis' shoulder is no longer separated, as confirmed by x-ray results yesterday. He is no longer in a sling and feeling much better.

Travis leaving the ER

Getting ready to move...here is a sleepy morning shot of our boy.

8 months old!

Ansel is 8 months old...and he doesn't have a single tooth yet. He is actually a very good eater and at the moment he is diggin' bananas and peas. He is a very curious boy, getting into things multiple times a day. Soon enough we will have to glue everything to the ceiling. Good thing we are moving next week. We can childproof things a bit more from the start. Ansel is clapping frequently. He is thrilled when he is jumping in his jumperoo. Ansel is doing some scooting, but no crawling quite yet. He lights up when you smile at him. He loves his daddy's fun-loving, silly, playful nature. He usually is all laughs when Travis is near.

Speaking of Travis, he is away camping with college buddies this weekend and he flew off of his bike on Saturday and ended up in the ER. Apparently he "disrupted the joint between his collar bone and shoulder." We are so grateful that it wasn't more serious, but also would appreciate your prayers for a speedy recovery and safe travels home.

A visit with Aunt Alissa

Mother's Day at the Botanical Gardens

Veggies

Ansel is teething. He is drooling more and having difficulty settling down for naps. He is eating butternut squash, green beans, carrots, sweet potatoes, applesauce and cereal. To my disappointment he dislikes green beans. He made the worst face of all, though, when we gave him applesauce.

We have a wonderful friend who doesn't eat any fruit or vegetables except for corn and potatoes.

I am sure that for Ansel having a dietitian for a mom raises the stakes. I guess we will have to wait and see how his taste develops with time.