January 2015

January is a month that starts with the promise of an exciting New Year followed by the disappointment of Daddy going back to school. We are so blessed that Daddy's job allows him long holidays at home as well as a couple of months off in the summer. We enjoy the time he is home so much that we are really sad when he has to go back to work.

We decided to start a new family tradition this year. Jeff purchased the game of Monopoly and we taught it the to boys on New Years. Thad seems to have all the luck when it comes to games and often, against great odds, wins. Little did we know that we would be playing Monopoly almost every night for the next two weeks! Leigh Ann finally went out and bought another game to add to the rotation: Life.

This month the boys enjoyed a special field trip to the local hobby shop where they have a race car track for remote cars and trucks. They had so much fun watching all the different remote control cars and trucks race around the track. You can probably guess what they are both asking for for their next birthdays!

Leigh Ann was given a special treat this year. Jeff made a way so Leigh Ann could enjoy a Girls Getaway with several of her best friends. It was a three day weekend and Jeff not only took care of all four kids, he made meals for the following week as well. Talk about Super Dad! Leigh Ann headed to a lake house at a town several hours away. The house in Greer's Ferry is luxurious, relaxing, and the views of the lake are breath-taking. She enjoyed reading, doing puzzles, lots of talking, laughter, tears, games, hikes along the beach, and more talking. She went to bed late a few nights and slept in a few mornings. It was truly a time of refreshment.

In other news, Ava underwent a procedure to open plugged tear ducts. She did great and we pray for a quick and full recovery. She finally moved up in the world and now sleeps in a crib. She also started drinking from a sippy cup. Where did the baby go? Marie started physical therapy this month and is literally giving the therapist a run for her money. The other day, Marie was running through the house laughing as the therapist chased her. The poor therapist still doesn't know what to make of Marie. Thad got his first pair of skates this month and is trying to keep up with Eli. Eli continues to do well with school and has been a big help around the house lately, even more so then usual.

The weather has kept us on our toes. Some days are cold and rainy, others  sunny and warm enough to wear shorts (at least the boys think so). So far our winter has been pretty mild and for that we are grateful. We hope that you have enjoyed the start of 2015 and already seeing ways God is bringing new adventure into your life. Until February...

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December 2014

Immanuel: God with us. Thank the Lord for the reason we celebrate Christmas - the birth of Jesus Christ! December was a month to celebrate. We are so thankful for the gift of Jesus and the salvation he brings!

Ava turned 9 months old and started crawling and pulling up this month. She is still so short that it is comical to see such a little person standing up. She wants to walk so she can keep up with her sister. Marie is now 15 months and is always on the go.

We had our "normal" activities for the first part of the month and prepared the house for the upcoming celebration. We also served others by making cookies for the homeless, purchasing hats and mittens for elementary students who had none, raking our neighbors lawns, sending shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, and buying gifts for a local family in need, The decorating and baking, early gift giving, and singing helped keep our minds busy but the boys still anxiously awaited the coming visitors.

Finally, after over a month of counting down, Nana and Papa arrived from Michigan. Let the festivities begin! Board games, stories, rocket launches, parks, donuts, hugs, gifts, cap guns, puzzles, and legos were just a few of the things that filled our time together. It was such a sweet time. The girls fell in love instantly and Marie couldn't help but entertain our company. It was with tears streaming down our faces that we said good-bye at the end of our time together knowing it would be a while before we saw them again.

As a New Year begins, we can't help but wonder what God has in store for us. One thing is certain, God is with us. Amen and Hallelujah!

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