now what??

We had a great time over the past 10 or so days with Mark and my mom. Running here and there, buying this and that and eating WAY TOO MUCH.

It was really cool watching Eli open all of his gifts and helping everyone else open theirs. Christmas morning with my mom and Mark, Nathan and Manda was pretty cool. It all goes so fast and what is it really all for? I would love next year to minimize all of the chaos and really celebrate the birth of Jesus and enjoy our time with family.
We took time to reflect in our own small ways but it just seems so rushed. I am grateful for the generous people in my life and for my family that seems to get closer with each year that passes. Next year lets do no gifts or exchange games but rather just gather and share moments and good food. Now we wait for New Years, eat some more and try to do nothing for a few days.....we'll see how that goes.


And this picture, this is Christmas morning and Eli is eating a sucker. Gaga (grandma Mary) gave it to him and let him eat it for breakfast. I think he ate more sweets this day then he has in his whole life.



Blessings for The new year. May God be present in new and challenging ways in your life. I hope Him to be that in mine.

She's coming home

So my mom is on her way home. The weather is good and they are "tracking on time". This ride from Colorado to Michigan with Mark driving will be a much different experience for her then when we drove out and back this summer. Who would have thought that when we VACATIONED out there this summer that she would be making the trip from there to here at Christmas. Life is good and I am happy that she is there. I do miss her but am thankful for cell phones and Skype. And she still has to meet Wilson. I'm afraid once they meet him Mark will want to take him back with him.

Please as you read this take a minute to reflect on what you are grateful for and thank the Lord for the many blessings and comforts in your life.

An update

Adoption

We meet with Bethany today for the first of many meetings. This is just the beginning of our next journey. Lots of paper work and appointments ahead of us, but every moment is worth it.

Justin

Justin has finished his first 5 weeks at Grace Bible college. So far so good. He received 98 out of 100 points for the class. The two points were really silly mistakes on papers, like a comma in the wrong spot. Good thing my blog isn't graded!!!!

Eli

Eli is great. Need I say more? Well I will. 2 years old now and NO is his favorite word right now. Just a few weeks ago it was YA. I like ya better. For now it's just a word/sound and doesn't mean a whole lot, thank goodness.

Me

I started BSF again last night and I am REALLY glad that I did. The entire lecture was very inspiring/convicting and this is what I need right now. The notebook that I brought with me to take note in is one that I used in 2008 @ BSF. It was the fall that Eli was born. It was really cool to read through my prayers and see the answered ones. Even those that came 2 years later when my mom moved to Colorado. Her moving was NOT my prayer, but rather that she find a job and be HAPPY and I think she is happy. The last prayer for that year of BSF came in May and in that, the last thing I asked for was that my dad be free from his addiction. I got that answer too, just not the way I expected. But God is faithful and brings us through those tough times.

This CHRISTmas I am glad to be excited for the season. I am excited to celebrate the birth of my Savior, who brings peace. I have no one to worry about. As crazy as that seems, it is the way I feel this year.

SO enjoy this season. Take time to play in the snow, be happy and celebrate the good in life.

Merry CHRISTmas!!!!!