So, this is my theme for 2008! I am excited to see what God's plans are for our little family this year. January is almost done. I am glad for that. I love P-land, but you know, I can only take so much gray. It's like being pregnant. You forget the pain and agony you went through at labor, and say, "Let's do it again!" Well, living here is like that. For about 4-5 months we have great, dare to say nearly perfect weather. I almost forget the dreary, cold, dark days of winter. Then, about mid-February it hits me...I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE! ;) Just kidding. I do pray for a sunny day though. We didn't even get enough snow to play in. Just to keep the kids home for a day.

I guess that's it for my exciting January. Nothing really new or special to report. Although I am excited and in prayer about a retreat that I am going to be doing in April. If you haven't received an invite...please email me. I think it's going to be a really great time to relax and connect and enjoy what the Lord is doing in some pretty amazing women. I send blessings out to all my friends and fam. Thanks for all y'all did for us over Christmas. You'll never know how it touched our lives. Peace out!

Christmas Snow!

 

Yaaa! Snow on Christmas Day! We had so much fun running around in the snow, throwing snowballs, taking snow off neighbor's cars (sorry!), and making a 12" snowman. We enjoyed the company of my mother-in-law Kathleen, my Aunt Linda and Uncle Flo, and Taylor's sis Laurel. It was a really fun day full of presents, family, food, and remembering that Christ was the center of it all.

It was such a busy Christmas! And, if you did not get our Christmas card, it was because just before I went to send them all out, I lost my address book. What a bummer! I was able to get family addresses, but my friends unfortunately did not get out. We did lots of fun things from Christmas Eve at the Blount's, to New Years with some friends from Moriah's school. I so enjoyed the warmth of those who cared so much for us over Christmas. It truly made Christmas so much fun and helped take the stress of extra expenses away.

We are ready for this New Year. I know the Lord has big plans for us this year. My Dad is moving in with us in just a few days. He will be looking for a job, and then his own place. So, if any of you know of full time work pass the info my way! It will be a challenge, in our 1400 square foot home. But, I know the Lord calls us to do things for others that may stretch us and try us...and in the end He will bless us for our obedience. I will be praying for all of our friends and family out there, that the Lord be the center of your lives this year. We just don't know how long our time is here on this Earth; let's make it each day, a day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it!

www.bigoo.ws

To all the "Village":

Well, I was surprised yesterday by a friend...you know who you are. ;) She handed me an envelope full of money. I was so dumbfounded! She told me that many of you had given out of your hearts, and pocketbooks to our little family. I almost went into the ugly cry, but I held it together.

I just wanted all of you to know how special that was to both Taylor and me. I couldn't believe the thoughtfulness, and the generosity of the body of Christ. Most of you who gave, I was told, did not even know it was for us. So, if you did...now you know. And, know that the Lord has truly, truly blessed us beyond measure. I knew when we took this step of faith that it would be rough for awhile. I also knew God would provide. But, I did not know to what degree I would see His hand working in my life. Let me tell you, if God is calling you to take a step of faith...whatever it may be, do it! I can't tell you what this has done for my walk with Christ. He has shown Himself so much, at times I feel like Moses coming down from the mountain; not necessarily a glow stick, per say, just wanting to burst with His goodness.

So, all that to say, I want to wish all of you the most wonderful Christmas. Remember that the Lord is good! I am so blessed by all that was done for us, and cannot express how much that touched our hearts.

Novemer 2007

Ok, well I am starting a blog. It's almost the end of the month, we had a really nice Thanksgiving with lots of family. My mom wasn't there, so I really missed her; she was down with my Grandpa and bro and sis. There was so much family, that I really didn't get the chance to overeat turkey and my fave sweet potatoes. So, I am making a full on Turkey/Honeybaked Ham dinner for Christmas. I didn't get enough. Plus, I am going to try a new recipe I got for pumpkin cheesecake http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Pumpkin-Layer-Cheesecake/Detail.aspx. Taylor's mom (Gram) is coming for Christmas, and my Aunt and Uncle from Merlin are coming up on Christmas day...so it will be warm at my house for Christmas day.

The kids are doing great. Moriah is doing really well at school. It still amazes me that she can sit down and read a book! Jadon is still in preschool, he loves it. We are still praying and seeking the Lord as to what to do with him next year. I am open to keeping him back if that's what is best for him, but I see him maturing and excelling more every day. I have a feeling he'll be ready. Carmel is a firecracker! She runs around the house, and is a typical 2-year old. She is really bothersome to the older two...but isn't that what the 3rd child is for??? ;) She is so beautiful though, and I love to see her learning new things, and making up words for yogurt; that sound like she is speaking Hebrew!

Taylor's job is going well. We are still leaning hard on the Lord. You know how some people say that God is just a crutch...well right now He's our wheelchair! We are trusting in Him to add piece by piece to the bridge that we in faith stepped out upon. He has, and we have yet to crash to the bottom of the canyon. His faithfulness is so evident to me right now, I can't help but be overwhelmed sometimes at how good He is to me. I so don't deserve it!

I am just plugging along. I have resigned myself to those 5 pounds that magically appeared during the start of the holidays. I am hoping Santa will take it away when he comes Christmas Eve. :) It's ok, it keeps me warm, and I can't resist the holiday food. It's like a good friend that only comes to visit once a year...you can't say no. I am just trying to be happy in all things right now, and enjoy the life God has given me. I am thankful for my friends and I hope you all are doing really well. I pray for you all often!