Looking back.....going forward

Last day of 2008, it's hard to believe that another year has gone by. As I re-read my journal and my blog it seems so much has happened in our lives and yet.....not alot has changed. I know that probably sounds confusing to some, but to me it makes perfect sense.

On Sunday Pastor Phil gave us our yearly spiritual check-up, he asks a variety of questions and we are to think through and analyze our responses to different situations. It's always a good reminder to me. A few questions I intend to look a little more closer at are.
If 2009 is the last year of my life, what legacy will I leave behind? With God's help, what new decision will I make today to invest differently? What help do I need to move forward in this this decision? If I am to be the change I want to see in the world what must change in me?

Good questions, I hope to spend some time seeking God and getting the answers.

Going forward... we have a new little addition to our family.
Everyone meet Sasha,


we just got her last night. She is a nine week old, apricot coloured cockapoo. I had been looking for a puppy for quite some time and just hadn't found the right one, until now. What a bundle of fun.

Blessings

the boys

Double Warning!!!
this blog too, is going to make me cry.
Kyle & Darcy.
Two very special men in my life, who like their sister are such a blessing to me and their dad.

Kyle at 6'3" towers over me and his dad, I call him my gentle giant. He too is willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. He has a great sense of humour, sometimes it seems to be a little warped but hey it's makes life interesting.

Darcy at 5'11" also is taller than me but he isn't as intimidating as his brother. He has a very quiet nature about him and seems a little shy to those he may not know. He's not nearly as talktative as his sister, (I don't think anyone is) he's got his own way about him.

Life with Krystle, Kyle & Darcy has been amazing so far. I look forward to many, many more years.

I'm feeling very nostalgic today as the 2008 year comes to an end and I thought it fitting to remember the three very best gifts I have ever received.

Blessings

"krys"mas angel

Warning!!!
Content of this blog is guaranteed to make me cry.

Krystle. My girl.
We gave Krystle the "angel of friendship" to add to her collection of Willow Tree Angels. We gave her this one because she has the heart of a true friend, one who, you know you can count on in times of ..... anything.

We were blessed to receive this precious gift from God, oh so many years ago, and we're still blessed. I remember being a little overwhelmed with the responsibilities that were required to raising a child and I'm sure we've made our share of mistakes. In spite of what we did or didn't do right, I must admit, I am very proud of the person Krystle has become. She's a woman of great faith, who knows her heart and mind. Who's willing to go the extra length for her friends and family.

In Jeremiah 29:11 it says "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Knowing that God has the best laid plans for her it's exciting to watch her become an independent young woman following her desire to serve the Lord.


Blessings

because it's Christmas

We had such a wonderful time we had celebrating Christmas with our family.

A few highlights.


Darcy received a ring with a diamond and his initial engraved in it.

Kyle got a digital camera.

Krystle was given diapers and some money - she's choosing to bless the children of Ethiopia in her upcoming trip to that country with her work.

We also got the game "Are you smarter than a 5th Grader?" for the family.




Blessings

Christmas present

I was given a wonderful Christmas present, a picture of "my" kids. As the un-official babysitter to all of them, of course, not all of them at the same time, I feel like I can call these kids mine as each one of them have a very special place in my heart.


Our church is been blessed with three great Pastors.
Pastor Phil & Jen are blessed to have four children, Caleb, Benjamin, Jessie & Sadie.
Pastor Tim & Monica are blessed with two little girls, Maia & Eliana.
Pastor Tom & Lynette are also blessed with four children, Lucas, Sarah, Jillian & Carrie.

The Roglerty's (a combination of the Roes' (Pastor Tom), the Wagler's (Pastor Phil) and Doherty's (Pastor Tim) gave this Christmas card to everyone in the church.


I love having these little people in my life and I take as many opportunities that I can to hang out with them.

Blessings

..and the stockings are hung

on the chimney with care. Well for us it'll have to be the shelves, the corn burner stove doesn't have an actual chimney, as it's vent is at the bottom that goes outside.

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas.... everywhere you go, and finally in my house too. I found stocking holders so that the stockings can be hung, the Christmas tree is decorated and the rest of the lights and novelties are set about the house. The baking is done and we're finishing up with the shopping today.....with 5 days left to spare. whew

Krystle is coming home on the 23rd and is able to stay for 1 1/2 weeks she heads back to start 2nd semester. I'm really looking forward to spending some quality time with our family and extended family over the holiday season.

Blessings

Christmas Centerpiece

Huron Ridge Acres offered a Fresh table centerpiece class tonight that I attended. We took several types of greenery (white pine, cedar, blue spruce and juniper), put them all together with red carnations and white mums. I also added gold Christmas balls and some ribbon I had leftover from an arrangement I was given last year and voila this is what I made.


Blessings

Tis the season

for card making and cookie baking.
My sister came up a couple of weeks ago and we got our Christmas cards made, this year I made 3 of each 6 designs.

Then today, she (my sister) came up and we got our Christmas Baking all done. After 5 hours we made Magi Turban Cookies, Papa's Peanut Butter Balls, Church Window Squares, Reece Peanut Butter Cups, Chow Mien Noodle Cookies, Butter Tarts, Hello Dolly Squares and Neapolitan Squares, whew! I still need to make Sugar Cookies, but I'll wait until Krystle is home as she enjoys baking too.

I cannot imagine trying to get all that done by myself, it makes it alot more fun to do this with someone. Becky and I not only get our baking done but this is also a great excuse to get together and catch up with each other.

Blessings

Christmas Party

Last night the women of w.h.a.t. (women's hearts always together) met together to enjoy a delicious Christmas dinner prepared and served by Mary Lou.

Virginia, Pearl Ann, Norma, sitting in front of me is Delse, Jane and behind her is Ruth, unfortunately Phyllis was not able to be there.
These are the women of w.h.a.t. who have decided this year to begin an intentional relationship with each other and together grow closer to God.

We have been meeting weekly since October to study the book "Fresh Brewed Life" by Nicole Johnson. It's a book that helps one process the daily grind of life, and that allowing one to be ground fine by God to make you able for all things. On our own we read each chapter and personally do the fresh-brewed adventures as suggested in the book. We then meet each week to discuss as much or as little as we want, praying together and supporting each other through this life.

I am so thankful for each of these ladies in my life. Their unique giftings, personalities and experiences that they share are a blessing to me.

Blessings