BABY T - the movie star

HELLO BABY T

here is the baby! I tell you what... GOD IS AMAZING! Jerry and I sat in the ultrasound room laughing. It was so amazing to see OUR baby moving around, kicking it's legs and punching my insides (ha). The ultrasound tech, Claire, kept saying how wonderfully developed the baby is and how great it's brain is growing. The arms and legs are developing wonderfully and the bones are growing. The heartbeat is 166 and my due date is JUNE 20. While driving home, it struck us, we believed we were having a baby but now we know and we have seen it. The idea became reality. So, now introducing Baby T...

This is hard work...

Ok so, I know I am out of the loop and keeping all of you out of it too. I have not been writting on our blog... I suppose Jerry could write in it some... We have been so busy! I got pregnant, I got kidney stones, my parents came to visit twice, we had a youth retreat, we went home for Thanksgiving for 9 days. That's pretty much the whole month of November. It is amazing how fast life goes by! I really am pretty pumped about it though - so my pregnancy goes by faster! This week, on Wednesday, we have our first ultrasound. I will let you all know how that goes! It will be great to know a more exact due date! This baby thing is hard work! Nausea, exaustion, cramping, exaustion, dizziness, did I mention exaustion?

We pray you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We sure did! We were blessed to go home to Illinois and see all of our family and friends and of course, all the new babies there! And, our niece Arden-Grace. She is 9 months old and I must say...she looks like Jerry...I know his sister doesn't want to hear that :) (That's his sister in the background) Hey, maybe our child will favor her. :) So here are the only pictures from our trip home and how appropriate - Arden-Grace riding Buc. Or should I say Jerry making Buc take her for a ride...

Here come the Handsakers...

Well, this weekend was alot of fun! My parents came in on Thursday and stayed until Saturday morning, we had a lock-in on Thursday night, the Brown County football team won their first sectional game (we are 1-8...funny huh?) and Dave and Jen came to see us on Friday and stayed until Monday. We really enjoyed spending time with my parents. It was great because it was the first time we saw them since finding out we are having a baby. We also had a blast with our friends Dave and Jen. We went shopping, went to the football game, ate and ate and ate, got pedicures, went to the state park, played games and then to top it all off...

Jerry and Dave took a motorcycle ride to get the pizza for our last meal together...

real men ride bikes........... together

Saying farewell to our friends from Iowa is tough but we will see them again.... we love you Handsakers.

God is such a showoff...

On Friday, September 28,2008 - Jerry and I got the most horrible news of our life. Most of you know that we have been trying to have a baby for a year in November. Jerry had some testing done and he was told that he has no "men". We cancelled everything. We just wanted to be together. So, we prayed and we decided that God is in control and everything would be ok. No matter if we would have to go to an infertility doctor or adopt we would have the family God has dreamed of for us. Throughout the next two weeks we were angry with God, we were undertsanding of Him, we questioned Him, and we learned to trust Him. I proceeded to get Jerry an appointment with the top infertility doctor in Indiana and one of the top in the US. We felt like God was directing every step we got appointments when others said we wouldn't and things seemed to be going our way. On Monday, October 13, 2008 at 1:50pm Jerry and I drove up to Greenwood, IN to meet Dr. Samuel Thompson. He was wonderful. He had all the right answers and we had the beginning of a plan in place and made a follow-up appointment for Monday the 20th. Then, things changed...

On Tuesday, October 14, 2008, I came home from school and felt very tired and unsettled. I began to pray and the idea of taking a pregnancy test came to mind. So, I did. Instantly it went positive. Now you have to understand, we have been trying for a year to have a baby so I have been disappointed many times with tests. I screamed. And, I drank a bit of water and took another. I screamed again. At this time Jerry came home and I told him the news. He just looked at me in shock. And then told me to make a doctor's appointment to make sure it was true. So the next morning, I quickly took another test and again positive. I made an appointment to see a doctor for that afternoon. We went in at noon and again the test was positive and then I took a blood test for more proof and a date. It took two days to get the results back - so I took my fourth home test. Again, positive. The nurse at the doctor's office told me to quit wasting my money. She said in a sweet voice, "honey, a positive is a positive. We are just looking for a due date." I took her advice and stopped wasting my money. On Friday, we got the blood test back and the due date of MAY 29.

God is so good. At times when we don't understand we still have to believe He is in control. While watching one of those TV ministers the man looked at the screen and said, "someone has had a great gift and God wants you to know that HE gets the final word." And isn't that so true - my friend Jen said to me right when she found out - God is just showing off. All we can do is laugh.

Please pray with us for a healthy baby who will love Jesus and live a life for God.

The picture is alittle blurry - but here it is the first 3 pos. tests.

Happy Birthday to Me....

Well on October 11 was my 27th birthday... Abby and Matt Stout came to see us!!! We had so much fun. We went to pick up a coffee table (not worth $50 - but that's ok Jerry) and strapped it to the top of the Nissan - ok so picture a big wooden coffee table strapped to the top of a car flying down the highway at 80 miles an hour... fun times with the Tiptons! We went to the football game. We went geo caching - gps treasure hunting (I went to the bathroom for the first time in the woods - I know, TMI but more fun times with the Tiptons). Then we went to church and more church. Then we went to TGI Fridays!! YUM!! So we had so much fun and we already miss Abby and Matt...

Oh yeah - I cried on my birthday. Turning 27 sucks! (But I will get over it)

our LITTLE buc

Well, I was thinking the other day and I realized that I have never put our sweet little Buc on here. So, here's to you Bucster...
For those of you who haven't met Buc yet - believe me - you are missing out. He is one of a kind. My mom says that if he was a human, he would be a comedian. He is loving and happy. He is sometimes annoying - but it is just because he loves us so much. Here he is in all of his 100 lbs. of glory. He will be 3 November 4.

it is FINISHED...

For those of you who do not know, Jerry & I are moving into the church house which is across the parking lot from the main sanctuary. It used to be a house, then it was a youth room, then it was a house, then it was the office, then it was a youth room and now it is OUR house. Therefore, it needed a little help. We worked ALL of the last two weeks on it. And after many hours of painting and decorating and not sleeping...here it is. These are before and after pictures. We did have our friends Rusty and Bonnie help us out with the painting one day.

September 8 & 9 - The Viking Extravaganza

In early September, Jerry & I drove to Effingham, IL to meet my parents and then drove 8 hours to Greenbay, Wisconsin. My dad and mom did the chapel for the Minnesota Vikings. My dad is friends with Carl Dunbar a Defense Coach for the Vikings. Jerry & I went to the chapel with them and then Jerry got to go on the sidelines with dad before the game. At the third quarter, we left the stadium, drove past Chicago and got a hotel at midnight. Then, got up and went the rest of the way home. That is the Santos/Tipton way - get there, have fun, leave as soon as possible and beat ourselves to death to get back where we started from. Here are some pictures from our fun time!

St. Louis in July

Well, I am posting these pictures from our trip to St. Louis in July. We had so much fun! We taught my mom how to cache. This is where you use a GPS and get coordinates from www.geocaching.com and then you go treasure hunting. So, we took my parents to downtown St. Louis for this and what an adventure it was! Here are a few pictures by the arch and the new Busch Stadium.

the river wild...

Well, during Labor Day weekend, our friends Andy and Sarah (and their two boys, Zack & Maddox), took Jerry and I canoeing...

I will say, for any of you who have heard about our last canoeing trip with Buc (didn't tip but I held on so tight that I had bruises from my knees to my calves), then you know that I am not the outdoorsy type. HOWEVER, this was a blast! First off the day was beautiful and the water was clear, clean and refreshing. Also, we didn't have Buc (as much as I love him). And, I had done it once before so I knew what to expect. We did 6 miles and started at 5pm on Sunday, Aug. 31st and ended at 9:30pm or so. We only tipped once, but that was because the people in front of us weren't paying attention, the guy fell out and just floated in the water (we think he was drunk) and our canoe almost crushed him between us and a tree - that guy pretty much owes Jerry his life.

Anyhow - it was fun! Anytime you come when it is nice - we just might go canoeing. Jerry and I deceided that it is great FREE fun!

HILLSONG UNTIED... can you believe this??

OK so, I am a little more interested in this than baseball....

On Tuesday, the 26th, we and some new friends of ours, Andy and Sarah (pictured above), went to see Hillsong United. Our absolutely most favorite worship band ever.

It was amazing!!! And here is the deal I am putting some videos on here just because I can :). It probably stinks for audio but hey I have to it's Hillsong (wait till you hear the crowd sing and the loud voice is Andy). And, they are actually in America!

So there it is... Please be praying for us to find a place to live... :)

take me out to the ball game...

Well for those of you who know me (Jaime), baseball isn't my favorite thing BUT I love my husband. And....he loves baseball! So, the Cincinnatti Reds played the St. Louis Cards on the 17th of this month. It was an event called FaithDay. MercyMe put on a concert following the game. So here are some pictures for you to look at and that is all I have to say about that.

Have a great day!

American Idol...reality realized

Well... first off we forgot our cameras so I apologize for the blurry pictures...they are from our phones. :)

On Thursday, my mom and I went to Kansas City for me to audition for American Idol... what a day what a day what a day!

We showed up to register on Thursday at 10:30am and there was no one at Kemer Arena...it was weird. We got our tickets and we were section 110 row I seats 7 & 8. We thought, "wow, there must not be alot of people auditioning." So we went to the hotel and the pool, went shopping and then to PF Chang's. We went to bed early because we had to return at 5 am on Friday morning. YUCK!! We waited outside until 8:15. (Here are some pictures of the crowd and a video from my phone of us waiting. - you will be able to hear my mom, Pam, saying "lets go, lets go". And, when we scream it is because the camera is coming by to tape us for tv)

Anyway, we waited and waited and then, we went in. We went straight to our seats. First, we practiced "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" for the city song. We did this for about an hour. Then they told us what they were going to do. Then they showed us what they were going to do. Then they did it - the auditions began...except they began with section 111 - remember - we were 110. Therefore, we were laaaaaaaaaaaaaasssssssssssstttttttttttt. So we waited until 7:03pm Friday night for me to audition. The great thing was the girl sitting next to me is a pastor's daughter and a children's choir director. The other two guys by us were also great. One had tried out in Cali. and the other one's dad brought him from Arkansas. Oh yeah - Ryan Seacrest came. I guess he doesn't go to all of the venues anymore...he was cool. That was the highlight. They stopped judging for an hour or more to film him doing all of his promo stuff. Here is a video of him coming...lots of yelling and then him talking (you can't really see him) -look at the crowd taking pictures and how many people were there and the picture is from one of his promo shots were he says "this is American Idol"...

Well...we waited and waited some more.... I went up to sing. All of four us were in a group together and when we were walking to our spots the girl I had been sitting next to leaned over and whispered "this isn't us, we weren't made for this, we are worshippers". She hugged me and we prayed together - right there, in line, on the floor of the Kemper Arena, trying out for American Idol. God was there. It came our turn to sing - she sang beautifully, a gospel song. Then I sang His Eye Is On The Sparrow. The room became quiet (12 singers were singing at once). For those of you who know me, I generally don't talk about how great I am - but - Friday night at 7:03pm I sang in perfect pitch and tone, perfect dynamics. God was there so deeply. I sang right to those two women judges...the emptyness that was in their eyes was consuming. I believe I was there at that moment - I had waited 12 hours - to sing that to them. Usually when the auditioners would walk away they (the judges) would say something - they said nothing to us. All they said was thank you. And we left. And - of course - I was a bit disappointed - I mean really who wouldn't be after sitting and watching for 12 hours and then leaving in 5 minutes with nothing...but God is in control. Here is a video from right before (like 45 minutes) I auditioned...look how empty Kemper is...

So there it is, there is the American Idol story. You know, at the beginning of the auditions the producer told everyone that we were auditioning for a part on a reality tv show... I don't fit that mold. I don't do "parts". I don't make myself anything other than who God wants me to be. So, overall, if I did make it to the famous Randy, Simon, and Paula - I don't believe I would have gone any further - I just don't fit their part. I know some of you are thinking "she is just saying that because she didn't make it." You know - not really. When I auditioned at 7:03 my mom and dad and Jerry began to pray for me. My dad didn't know what time I was going on but at 7:03 he began to pray and he said the exact same words we all did - "God let Your will be done and You get all the glory." And HE did. And always will. People from American Idol may never see this but I believe on 8-8-08 God put Jaime Tipton in a booth with two hurting women who needed to hear the sweet, sweet words of:

I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free

His eye is on the sparrow and I know He's watching me

More House Info...

As I was looking through our past blogs, I cannot believe I haven't given you guys any more info on our house...

Well, about a month ago, someone called out of the blue and asked if they could do a lease to purchase on our house. Of course, we were pumped but still al little weary about what all that would entail. The deal is, they were previous owners of our home and actually his grandfather built our home. They are moving back to the Winterset area and wanted to get back into their old house. The cool thing is, God is completely in control! There is a piece of glass in the front door with an H on it. We never knew what it was for but left it. Amazingly enough, it was a gift from her husband to her for their first anniversary. They signed all the paperwork and have a year to get a loan and purchase it - everyone wins! The funny thing is, she really didn't even care about looking through the house before going through with this. But when she did, she said that we have made all of the changes (taking up the carpet, remodeling the bathroom & kitchen, putting up a fence) that they had wanted to make before. God knows. He is into the details. Over and over and over again God has revealed himself through out all of this.

They now live in the house. Please be praying for them that they can get financing and be able to purchase the home within the year. We pray that all of you are blessed and have a fantastic rest of the summer!

Layla Faye

Hey...just wanted to show everyone these sweet pictures of us and Layla from Ohio....

Please be praying for us...we are having some growing times.

jaime

July 20, 2008 - A Word From God

Yesterday, here at New Life we had a gentleman come to minister named Sandy Kulkin. He ministers in prophesy. At a leadership meeting with him last night, he began to prophesy to Jerry and I. Coming from a carasmatic background, I am used to this kind of thing. However, I have always been a skeptic in a way. So, all through the services yesterday morning I asked God that if Sandy had something to say to us that he would mention something we are dealing with, like finances, so I would believe. Well, posted here as a video is the prophesy for you all to hear. It is an audio recording. Please listen and be praying for us. Email us with any thoughts you may have. God bless!

#3: July 7 & 8 SANDUSKY OHIO

Ok so...Ohia (as Layla says it) was a blast! Jerry and I drove up there on Monday the 7th. We left the house at the same time Cody and Katie did. It was a rainy beginning, but relaxing. Man when we showed up at the Kalahari resort we were blown away! Huge water slides coming out of the sides of this HUGE building. And of course, for those of you who know me, we said hello and then all went straight to the pool. So much fun! After swimming, we came back and showered and changed. Dave and Jen had a dinner with Agrigold so Jerry and I took Layla on a date...

Let me tell you what...at almost 3 she knows how to make us melt! As soon Dave and Jen walked out of the door, she looked at me and my purse and said, "Ok Jaime. I need some lipstick and some gum." Of course, being as smart as I am, I quickly told her gum is for when we are 3 and that isn't until August and here is my lipgloss. Soon we were out the door, in the car and on our way to eating and shopping. While at the resturaunt, the first question was, "Jaime since mommy is not here can I have some of this pink stuff (sweet-n-low)?" Of course the answer was yes. We are suckers. After eating the noddles and butter and getting all over our clothes, we headed to look at shoes. After trying on about 6 pairs of shoes, we headed to Wal-Mart. And that, is where the fun began!

The whole trip she kept asking when it was her turn to look. We did our shopping and then went to the toy isle. Layla went home with a new baby named Cooper, a pretend camera, and some silly gooey stuff Jerry showed her that makes tooting noises. And of course, as we were walking past the DVDs we saw a Nick Jr. one so we had to get that too.

When we returned to the hotel, we all got our jammies on and went to sleep. It was only 8:30. (Of course when Dave and Jen got back we had to get a hand of Rummy in - and as USUAL the girls wooped up on the boys)

On Tuesday, we swam and had lunch. Then were on our way home.Driving home was another adventure - 60 mile/hour winds and tornadoes...lets just say I was happy to be in bed when we got there.

The whole trip - all two days of it - were a blast!

#2: July 3-6 CODY & KATIE VISIT

Ok so here is the second post in one day! This is a record - and for all of you who have said I don't keep up with this blog thing!

Well July fourth was a blast! Cody and Katie came to visit us in good 'ole Brown County. We BBQed alot, took a 3 mile hike in the State Park, dragged the boys swimming multiple times, went shopping, saw Hancock (good movie), and oh so much more! We kept them busy! Of course, that is the Tipton way - staying busy. I tell you what...the fireworks took the cake though! I wish I had a picture to show you when Jerry set himself on fire or when they shot a bottle rocket on the roof and Cody had to get out the hose to put it out or when Cody had to climb on the roof to get it off and almost broke his leg or when Katie and I squeeled like two little girls when the bottle rockets flew our way and I could seri0usly go on and on.

I tell you what, we had so much fun! If you are looking for some comedy or just a fun time you should come out and visit in Brown County Indiana!

#1: June 23-27 YOUTH CAMP

Hey people! Well here is the first blog of three to catch up...

So, after only meeting the youth here two times we took them for a week of intense camp at Lake Erie Resort in Ohio. It was eye opening to say the least. It allowed Jerry and I to realize that we needed to be in Iowa for a season to prepare us for here. We learned so much at First Baptist that it has allowed us to tackle things headon here. The students here struggle so much with day to day life and the hardship of being a teenager. Things that Jerry and I never struggled with as youth.

God has opened so many doors to minister in the last month! We feel so completely blessed! We are pumped about the year to come! Keep praying for us that God would reveal all the areas we need to grow in and we would have devine encounters with God, adults, students and leadership here at New Life Community Church.

LOTS OF NEWS

OK so we are here in Sandusky with Dave and Jen...before this we were at youth camp and then with Cody and Katie...crazy summer! So here is the deal I have SO much news to tell you all that I will just start with this...our house (kind-of) sold (lease to purchase)!!!!!!!!!!!! Can you believe it? I can! God is so good! It was only on the market for 4 weeks with a for sale by owner sign! We had about 5 lookers and more calls even after we sold it! And the thing is - sorry realtors - we made SO much more money! God knows how things need to work out!

So there it is - a teaser - we will blog this week though with pictures to keep you up to date on all that is going on...

Love you all!

Hey be praying I get a job...

We are MORE than CONQUERORS

Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose.

Well...through all of this rain, the buyers of our house backed out. 3 inches of water in a basement will do it every time. At first the feeling is disappointment and discouragement...but God works ALL things together for the good! Jesus knows. We trusted and believed for Supernatural attraction to our house. And we believe that God will bring that! We currently have taken it off the market with the agent and are selling for sale by owner. We know God will bless us and all that will hear this story.
When Jerry told me yesterday that this was happening, my first response was tears...lots of big wet tears, but then we stopped and we prayed and then I felt peace. My heart felt pressed to open the Bible and when I did, this is what I opened to:

Psalm 34:17-19
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.

God knows. He cares. There is NOTHING too big for Him. This is all part of the BIG picture.

We now have a well trusted renter for the house. It is on Craigslist and in the paper.
Please be praying with us...because it is still true... EVERYTHING GOD TOUCHES TURNS TO SOLD...

Good Lord willing and "The Creek Don't Rise"...

Well, well what to say about our first full weekend in Indiana. As many of you I'm sure have experienced the enormous amounts of rain here in the midwest, we were no different. This sure brings new meaning to the phrase "If the good Lord's willing and the creek don't rise". The creek definitely rose here in Brown Co. Indiana. In fact I'm pretty sure many creeks rose. At one point 2 of the 3 roads leading to our carriage house were flooded, and many families lost their homes or apartments. We are making plans as we speak to help those in need around us. That is just the beginning of an epic first weekend...This saga will continue but as for right now I must run. God bless, continue praying.

Jerry and Jaime

Well...here we are...

After 18 looooooooooooooong hours of moving...I won't give you the details. Jen Handsaker told the story very well in her blog (http://www.handsakerhouse.blogspot.com/). All I have to say is Uhaul broke down we waited for hours. Jen and I went ahead and left and got stuck in tornadoes. Arrived in Nashville at 2 am. Enough said.

Anyhow...the closing date on the house is tentively June 27. They buyers want to move it up sooner...hopefully they can. Today is the day of the assessment. I know it will go well. It did when we bought it and the house is is better condition now than it was then.

And we are living in a carriage house in Nashville. Jerry and Jen told me I cannot call it an apartment. It is about 800 Sq. Feet. It is pretty much like a studio apartment. We also have a huge storage unit for all fo our other junk that is not in the carriage hosue or Jerry's office. I tell you what, we thought we sold most of our stuff in the yard sale - Boy where we wrong! We completely filled a 26 foot Uhaul. We will more than likely live there until August and then move to Bloomington - about 15 minutes from Nashville - and rent an apartment. And for those of you who know me well I am PUMPED about getting a dishwasher!! :)

And for those of you wondering, Buc is doing great!! Considering he got to go to Nanni & the Rev's house for a few days and aggrivate Casey. They only live 3 1/2 hours away now. So we will definately see them more than once every 6 months. In fact, Nanni is coming to see Buc tomorrow!!

Well, here are a few pictures that might interest you. And have a fabulous thursday!! (One more thing, we are changing our cell numbers today so we will text and email you all with the new ones.)

EVERYTHING GOD TOUCHES - TURNS TO SOLD!

Holy Moly People! Well I blogged about our house needing to sell...about 1 hour later we received a call from our realtor...here is ths story:

1. The people came to our open house and loved it and put an offer down.
2. The only catch was they had to sell their house. They put a closing date of Aug 29th to give them time to sell their house.
3. They had someone look at their at 5pm Sunday night - the people bought their house!!!
4. Therefore...OUR HOUSE IS SOLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They are moving in as renters until the closing day which will be within a month or so.... FABULOUS!

For those of you who know me well...I am a worrier. I feel like I have lost 100 lbs. When Jerry told me the house had sold...I started weeping.

You know, sometimes it is easy to doubt God. Especially when what we are asking for doesn't come exactly when we ask for it. But here is the deal...we prayed that our house wouldn't sell until the perfect time. We are moving on Friday and this is the perfect time. Anyhow - I did say the next post would be in Indiana - not true. I had to let you all know the great news!!!

ADIOS AMIGOS!

Goodbye Winterset, Iowa - Hello Nashville, Indiana

Well, our time here in Winterset is coming to an end...but we know God has great things in store for our future. Today we had an open house and got an offer...if they sell their house. So EVERYONE pray that something happens soon. Again, God knows. This has been a true test of faith and trust the last month. I am a worrier by nature and this has pushed me to the limit but we have both grown and learned to depend all on God.

Today we took a few pictures with some of the youth and friends. It is hard to leave but refreshing to know friendships last and since we live in a techy world - we ALL have cell phones. So, saying that, we will text you all our new numbers and want you to call us! Any time - Any day. (Just keep in mind we are an hour ahead of you...)

So, hopefully I will keep up with this blog to let you all know what we are doing and show off some pictures...the next post we will be in Indiana. Those of you who have trips planned to see us...don't cancel! :)

Love all of you and thank you for your prayers. Keep praying that our house sells and the move is smooth.