To the Petting Zoo...

The other day, Grandma and Grandpa Troell and Auntie Sarah took the nomad Troell family to the local petting zoo. What a fun time we had! I think the most enjoyable thing was watching Abigail look in amazement at the animals. Enjoy the slideshow!



Click here for larger version ---> Slideshow of Outing at the Petting Zoo

-- Stephen

She's Walking So Well ! ! ! !

About August 8, Abigail took her first step. Jocelyn and I were together with her when she made the daring move. Since then, she has learned to putter around quite well. I snapped these as she was walking around her great-grandparent's house in Wichita, KS this week.

We are back in Kansas City to be with my parents for another two days of relaxation. On Friday afternoon, we plan to get in the car headed to NY. More on that to come. Stay tuned!

-- Stephen

Aunties and Uncle...

Today, I was looking through some of the photos from when we were all together as a family. Here are some flics from the special time Abigail had with her newly-discovered relatives...

Auntie Chris teaches Abbie the special pointers to insider shopping


Fun with Auntie Liz


Uncle Jay getting Abbie ready for the rodeo


Bonding time with Auntie Sarah


Strapped in for a car ride with Grandma Troell and Auntie Jow

Fun in the Water

Well, we made it back safely from a couple of days with my grandparents in Wichita, KS. We had a wonderful time, and of course, they enjoyed spending time with their only great-grandchild -- Abbie! A day or two before we left, we went swimming and got a shot of Abbie chilling in the pool. I think she really likes the water! Thanks go to Auntie Jow for the picture.

-- Stephen

A New Addition...

We are pleased to announce that the Lord has seen fit to send an addition to our little family. On or about March 8, 2007, Jocelyn will give birth to our second child! We are grateful for God's bountiful blessings on us!

"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." Psalm 127:3

No, we do not know if it is a boy or girl, but we will be sure to post the news when we find out!

For the sweet couple who guessed: No, it is no longer a secret and the baby's name is not Maddie (that is our dog's name)!

Be sure to stay tuned for more news in the coming days!

-- Stephen

A Peculiar Sign

Yesterday, on the way to the church services we passed a town called Peculiar, MO. I thought many would enjoy seeing this sign. I really got a kick out of it. I am not making this up... this place does exist!

-- Stephen

Our Favorite Restaurant

Today, after the morning church service, we went out to eat with my parents and two remaining sisters (Sarah and Joanna). The others left early this morning. We went out to eat at the Troell Family favorite restaurant -- Chipotle. There are no Chipotles in Knoxville, so every time we go out to Kansas City, we look forward to eating there. Here is a photo of us just before diving into the goods!

Little Abbie enjoying a moment with Auntie Joanna.


The weather is rather warm in Kansas City, but the humidity is not too bad at all! We have gotten used to the humid Tennessee summers. Don't worry, we do not miss the humidity!

Until next time,

-- Stephen

Together as a Family...

Jocelyn, Abbie and I are in Kansas City spending the next few weeks with my family. We have never been together like this before. All of the siblings and all of the spouses as well as our grandparents were all together for the celebration of Mom's 60th birthday. Of course, you would never know she is 60!

Here are a couple of photos.

Picture 1: Abbie at Mom and Dad's

Picture 2: Great-Grandma Troell and Abigail

Picture 3: The entire Troell clan together (a first!)

Thanks for visiting and stay tuned for more!

-- Stephen

Abbie In Green

We want to say "Thank you" to the many people who have emailed us with kind words. Here is another beautiful photo of our little one. This time, we had our photo posted as well. Enjoy!

-- Stephen

We Have Arrived!

After 750 miles over the course of two days, we have reached New York. For the next couple of days, we will be staying with Jocleyn's parents, and then heading to Kansas City for a couple of weeks of relaxation. Of course, I had to pull out the camera and shoot a couple of flicks of Jocelyn and Abbie in the truck. We are so grateful to the Lord for His mercy and safety!

Until the next post...

-- Stephen

Abbie and Bella

Recently the Pepin family babysat Abigail for us. Here is a photo of Abbie and Bella Pepin. Thanks to Angela for the photo.

-- Stephen

My Last Day at Work

Today was my last day of employment at Crown Christian Publications under the ministry of Clarence Sexton and Temple Baptist Church. I am filled with many mixed emotions of both joy and sorrow. It is very difficult to say goodbye! I will miss the wonderful people with whom the Lord has allowed me to work for these past years.

We all went out for lunch together at a Mexican restaurant called Abuelo's. The food was good, but it was great to spend a few last moments together as fellow employees (sniff,sniff). Sorry, I am trying not to be too sappy and sentimental!

I want to say a big "thank you" to each of you with whom I have had the chance to work. I am grateful for your friendship and kindness to me and my family. I will miss you! We need to stay in touch!

-- Stephen

Abbie at McAlister's

Today, we went to McAlister's to eat lunch. Abbie is still getting over her ear infections, but she had a good day today. I decided to shoot some more photos of the little booger. She is so adorable!

We have only one week until we move to Buffalo. The Lord is working everything out beautifully for us. We are trusting Him as He leads us.

-- Stephen

More Munchkin Photos

I just have this obsession -- photographing my kid! I guess it is good that she does not even know what is going on! Daddy just keeps snapping! She has had a second round of ear infections. This time, she is getting over a double dose (infection in both ears). She has had a couple of rough nights lately, but thankfully, we are coming through that and she is healing. Praise the Lord for doctors and medicine to help when we need them!

--Stephen

House SOLD!!!

Yesterday (Monday, July 31) we closed on our house. Here we are with our realtor, Lori Barlow. She and her team (especially Tina) were very kind to us and did a great job selling our house!

Here we are outside the office where we closed. The Lord answered our prayer and everything went smoothly. There were no hitches or glitches! We are grateful for all of your prayer during this time. Jocelyn and I now understand why many people do not make it a habit of moving all over creation!

We have two weeks until the move to Buffalo. Please continue to pray that the Lord will allow the transition to go smoothly. After the move to Buffalo, we are traveling to Kansas City to be with my (Stephen) family for a few weeks.

Until the next post,

--Stephen

We Have Moved Out!

Well, it is official! We have moved everything out of the house and the house is completely empty. It puts a lump in my throat to see it so bare. Of course, we know that the Christian home is not the dwelling, but rather made up of the people who occupy the dwelling. When we walked through our empty house, our voices echoed off the hollow walls––echoing in our minds are many precious memories that the Lord has given us during the four (4) years we have lived at 8291 Oak Terrace Lane.

How swift the passing time! Looking back on the recent years, our hearts swell with gratefulness to the Lord Jesus Christ for His goodness to us! Looking back to reflect on the past helps us think about the future. We are praying that God will receive much glory as we make this move and step out by faith to serve Him in a greater way. As we cart our material possessions across the country, we carry with us cherished memories and hopes and dreams of how the Lord will use us in days to come.

Here are some photos of our last night together: Me and my two beautiful ladies, Jocelyn and Abigail! Yes, we know we look tired!

--Stephen