Snow Days

Like a few other posts, I started this one and didn't realize I never published it.  So, a few weeks later, here it is:

When the world complains about another snow day and being stuck inside I am rejoicing! As a teacher it isn't the idea of being out of school, but rather the idea that I am inside with some pretty special people that causes me to rejoice! Our snow days usually include a delicious breakfast prepared by an amazing daddy, along with games, rest and snuggling on the couch.  There are movies and books to read and then when we actually get snow we get to play!  Here in Texas, snow and not ice is pretty rare so we have to enjoy it while we can! How could I complain when I get to spend hours with these amazing people? Now we are off to play! 

Cherish every moment...for it is only this moment that is promised.

December 31, 2014

Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. 

Hebrews 7:26

Two Thousand and Fourteen

2014

A year that strengthened our faith through laughter and tears

One etched in our memory for years to come

One that included abundant prayers

We experienced heartache and grief as we heard the horrible news of our son's injury and we 

rejoiced as we watched God heal his wounds. 

We shed tears at the loss of a precious friend gone too soon, and we rejoiced at the 

birth of our first grandson. 

Through the heartache and tears, the rejoicing and smiles, our confidence in THE ONE who led us through every mountaintop and every valley grew stronger and our faith deepened. 

I heard the following quote on the radio today, 

"The greater the love that dwells in a person, the greater the person in whom it dwells." 

(author unknown)

I hope I am a greater person at the end of this year than I was 12 months ago because of the love I shared with others. Thank you, to those who have loved our family 

and shown us the unconditional love of the Lord.

Our lives have been richly blessed through many of you this past year!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our growing family

Stay tuned as 2015 will add a few more beautiful faces!

December 27-Our birthday girl

Words of wisdom from our newest nine year old:                                        

Relax deeply-"you must not do anything, just breathe deeply"

Dream big- "my dream is to become a doctor, have a daughter, have a nice car."

Believe with all your heart- "what I believe: Jesus! I believe I'm going to have a nice, crazy future."

With a birthday only two days after Christmas we typically celebrate with the family earlier and then have a special day with just a few of us on her actual birthday.  So, today started with hot cocoa in mom and dad's bed, along with some interesting conversation and a few good laughs. 

Then, daddy prepared a late breakfast topped with candles and a 

Happy Birthday song that hopefully was not recorded!

After a relaxing day at home, we went to the movie to watch Annie and consume lots of buttery popcorn and soda. Followed by dinner at her favorite place, Panda Express.  

I'm not so sure her use of chopsticks would be acceptable in China, but it certainly gets the job done!

Our evening ended snuggled on the couch, in front of the fire playing games.  It is so hard to believe that our sweet girl has already spent 5 birthdays at home.  It seems like she has always been part of our family. We thank God for every birthday we celebrate as she continues on the journey(in her own words),  to her "nice, crazy future."