Time to Reflect

In my opinion, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year besides Easter. As the Christmas season approaches, I've been thinking. What a profound thing that is, for me to be thinking!! This year has in many senses, been an amazingly difficult for our little family of four. We have wrestled with health issues, lack of work thus lack of money, stress, heartache and the loud silence of God in the direction of our future. I look back and see the absolute faithfulness of the Lord. He has always met all of our needs (needs not wants), binded up our broken spirits, and although He is still quite silent on the direction of our future, He is not silent on the past or the present. He was and is the Savior of our souls from the penalty of sin. He was and is the Rock and Refuge in whom we trust. He was and is our Strength and our Shield. He was and is our Portion. He was and is our Comforter. He was and is our Healer. He was and is our Deliverer. He was and is. So as this Christmas approaches, I am mindful...very mindful that He is all that He says He was and is and is to come.

Jonny's Buddy Owen

Jonathan wanted to have a friend spend the night for his birthday. He chose his buddy, Owen. These two crack me up! They can spend hours playing legos, star wars, or just chatting. I am always amazed at how much they look alike and sound alike. Jonny says Owen is his "brother from another mother". Too cute!

Gingerbread Houses

What do you get when you mix a bunch of homeschool kids, graham crackers, frosting, candy and sprinkles? You get cute little gingerbread houses! They worked so hard on these. They had a wonderful explanation by Mrs. Deardorff on what each thing represented. I can't remember them all, so ask me later. This is something that our homeschool group does every year before Christmas. It is alot of fun. Unfortunately, Jonathan's house only lasted 2 days. Everytime he walked by it, he took something off of it to eat. Needless to say, it was bare in no time.

Happy Birthday Jonny~December 3!

I can hardly believe that my little man is 7 years old!! Where has the time gone! Jon celebrated his birthday by having the day off of school. Yes, that is an advantage of homeschooling. Both of my kids know that when it is their birthday, they get the day off to have a little fun. He was so thrilled with the Colts uniform that he received. You would have thought that we gave him the world. My Mom & Dad bought him the Light saber. He was also tickled pink, with that. He is easy to please, very considerate of others, willing to help. I love the way at seven years old, he loves his Savior! His heart is soft to the things of Christ. It is my prayer, that as he grows and matures, that his heart will stay fixed upon Him and he will be steadfast. Happy Birthday Jonathan! God has great things for you and to do thru you! We are so blessed to have you. I love you so much!

Thanksgiving~2009

We spent Thanksgiving at our dear friends, the Logan's. They live in St. Joseph, MI. We had a great time visiting, playing pool, eating a fabulous meal, and just being together. This couple is so special to our hearts. They are such a godly encouragement, full of wisdom and grace. We kindled our friendship starting in the Dominican Republic of last year. We have grown to love them and cherish them as our brother & sister in Christ and friends. Unfortunately, our day was cut a little short as Greg was not feeling well at all. We are so thankful for the time that we did have.

A typical Sunday afternoon

On most Sunday afternoons, this is where you find Hope and her beloved companion, Abby. They love to snuggle on the couch and watch a movie together. Well, I think Abby sleeps. But Hope enjoys watching a movie while her pooch lays back, snores, and thinks she is a human. They are mostly inseparable. The best of friends, hopelessly devoted to one another. I love that about them. Hope has such a tender heart for animals but no one holds her heart like Abby Rose. I believe the feeling is mutual.

Early Christmas~November 21

Greg's Mom & her husband flew into town for Christmas this year. We had a great time together celebrating a little early. We celebrated with parents, grandparents, siblings and nieces & nephews. Our nephew, Jacob, didn't make it back from college and was greatly missed.