Our week in pictures

Right now we are on our way to Grass Valley to spend the next 5 days with my family!  WOOHOO!!

I'm trying to be better at taking pictures.   For the most part the last 3 years have gone almost completely undocumented.  I hope I can improve on this.  So here is our week in pictures so far.... the good, the bad, and the funky. 

Let's start with the bad first. The Buds was bit in what appears to be a cat fight gone horribly wrong.  He ended up having to have surgery to close the wound because muscle was exposed.... ick.   I'll spare you THOSE pictures, but here's the aftermath of it all.

Poor Buds.

However, because he is the absolute best cat ever, other than walking funky (I guess he feels like his head is heavy with the cone?) he is still as sweet and snuggly as ever!

Moving right along.  Phil's cookies sent us a compelling message....

Did you ever think that maybe your dough doesn't want to be baked?  

I mean, how'd you feel if someone just tossed you in the oven, hmm???

 Now, time for some Abby shots.

Abby is super silly in the morning.  For starters, she wakes you up by stepping on your face and squealing with delight as though she hasn't seen you in months, when she's been less than 10 feet from you for hours.

Then she has this ridiculous stretch that goes like this: Front legs slide out front, back legs slide back (and make a horribly loud scratching noise on hard wood that threatens to wake sleeping babies), belly flops with a thud on the floor, and then a nice roll over into the position above.  Silly girl.

And now, "Silly Faces With Abby"

This picture makes me chuckle every time I look at it!  

I love her little light pink spots on her nose and lip.  So cute!

 

  Teddy 

bear 

hats.

They 

are  

lame.

Sorry if you like them.

And lastly..... this.

Because sometimes when you're having one of those days, you just need to take a random close-up.

Everyone,  please have a Merry Christmas!  

Don't stress about gifts.... you have enough.  

Don't worry about the food.... everyone will eat it whether it's awesome or so-so.

Spend time with family and friends, wear pajamas all day, tell people you love them, and let your heart swell with Christ's love.  God with us.  There is nothing better than that.

A Christmas Quiz

1. Egg nog or hot chocolate? Hot chocolate please!  Egg nog is G-R-O-S-S.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Definitely wraps!

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? I prefer white lights.

All ready for the Kids Christmas Musical

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Not usually.  I forget about it.

5. When do you put your decorations up? I've only lived in our own home once during Christmas, and we put up our lights in early December.  I will probably do this in the future.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Basically anything with cranberry in it.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child?  The year I got my American Girl Doll.  :)

Some of my dancing kiddos  :)

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?  I don't remember.  My parents did the whole Santa thing, but didn't make it a big deal.   I don't recall being traumatized by the fact that he isn't real.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Sometimes

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?  I do all different kinds of ornaments, white lights, and a star.  :)

11. Snow! Love it or dread it?  I like to visit it, would probably not want to live in it.

12. Can you ice skate?  Not really.  I have the worst balance ever.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?  This is a tough one.  Last year my husband and I did Christmas in Vegas, so that was fun to vacation with him.

14. What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you? Spending time with family and friends.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? Gingerbread and chocolate sauce :)

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?  Don't really have one yet.

17. What tops your tree? A star

18. Which do you prefer: giving or receiving? Giving!  Someday I hope to be able to do more gifts for more people

19. Candy canes: Yummy, but in small quantities

20. Favorite Christmas show?  White Christmas, Elf and the Holiday..... in that order.

21. Saddest Christmas song?  River by Joni Mitchell.... super sad, but it's not really a Christmas song, just more of a holiday/winter song

22. What is your favorite Christmas song?  O Holy Night!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Happy Friday!

A video for your Friday.  Isn't she funny/adorable?

For some reason this week she has been extra desperate for our attention.  It's a good thing she asks for love so sweetly.  :)

Don't worry, the video starts the wrong way but changes right side up after a few seconds.

8 days.....

Just 8 more days till I get to see this beautiful bunch...

Oh man!  I can't wait!

For Christmas Brandon, my parents & I are heading up north to see my brother and his family.  

That's my brother Jon, my sister (in law) Becca, Adriana (right), Caitrin (on my brother's lap), Sebastian (the ornery one lol!) & Noemie (no-em-ee).  

Don't worry about Sebastian... he normally looks more like this:

 

Same shirt even.

They spent 5 years in Romania as missionaries pushing for physical and spiritual health of women and children, who right now suffer for poor health care, a bribe corrupted healthcare system, and abortion as a means of birth control.  

They have been back in the states for about 5 months.  I can't wait to see the kids and see how they've grown, especially Noemie, who I've only seen twice!

If I can remember, I will take approximately a million pictures, and about 90% of them will make their way onto this blog.  So excited to spend time all together as a family!

If you'd like to know more about what my brother is doing, and why they were in Romania, check out this site. 

Favorite Christmas Songs: The Series Finale!

Today I wrap up my blogs about Christmas songs with the best one yet!

"O Holy Night" is hands down my most favorite Christmas song, and has been for years!  I think I might be one of the few people that actually knows all the words and not just the first verse.  The song actually started as a poem, but once it was written, the writer decided to have his friend compose music for it.  Take a moment to read it below.

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our friend!

Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His Name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy Name!

Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

I just absolutely love these lyrics.  One thing that a lot of my favorite Christmas songs have in common is that they imagine what it would have been like to be there that night when Jesus was born.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE the chorus -- "fall on your knees, hear the angel's voices, o night divine!"  I can imagine myself as this shepherd who hasn't seen much extravagance in his life, falling on my knees as angels fill the skies, knowing in that moment that I am the richest of the rich.

This song expresses not only the joy of Jesus' birth, but the fact that we so desperately needed him.  The world was stuck in sin, pinning for it's Savior.... longing for rescue.... seeking hope.  And all of a sudden, at the moment of His birth it breaks forth like the dawn.  Like a sunrise on the darkest night.  I imagine that for those who knew of Jesus' arrival, the days after seems brighter.

I also love that this song references the thrill of hope.  Hope is exciting!  It's life changing!  In the day-to-day I often lose this thrill.  I get caught up in my life, my circumstances, and just the daily tasks on my mind.  Thank God we have a season that can help us take a step back and remember his glorious hope.

One more thing on hope:  The fact that Jesus came to die on the cross for us means we are now reconciled to him.  We were once enemies and are now called friends, brothers and sisters, even children.  That why I love when it says "the King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger, in all our trials born to be our friend."  I don't know about you but that makes me want to fall on my knees!  Not only is he our friend who is walking through it with us, but he's already been there!  He's lived the pain of every trial and every heartache.  He's made it through already. (John 16:33) He's lived and conquered it, and he willingly walks by our side as we experience it.  What a great God!

Lastly, the third verse communicates God's very nature: love, peace, freedom and joy. 

LOVE AND PEACE.  

                           It reminds we that we are to be united in him.  Offense and division are WAY  too prevalent in our Christian community today.  "Truly he taught us to love one another."  Good and bad.  Offense and kindness.  In it all, love.  Learn to love, and love better. 

FREEDOM.  

               Our God is a chain breaker! Hallelujah!

JOY.  

       There is nothing to do but fall on our knees and praise him with the angels.

This is why "O Holy Night" is my favorite Christmas song!  I hope you enjoyed reading these, and that they helped you get into the Christmas spirit!

Thank you Lord for songs and art that can help us draw closer to you!

Christmas Song #5

This is my second-to-last post on Christmas songs.  But don't you worry, I have saved the best for last!  Later this week I'll be posting my most favorite Christmas song!  I'm so excited!  I love Christmas music!

Today's song is "What Child Is This?"  Here are the words below.

One quirky thing about this song is I think the writer might have been the inspiration for Yoda in Star Wars.  Everything is written a little backwards.  Your sort of have to read a phrase and then go, "ok, its saying this".  It's funny and endearing.  :)

What child is this, who, laid to rest,

On Mary’s lap is sleeping,

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet

While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King,

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;

Haste, haste to bring Him laud,

The babe, the son of Mary!

Why lies He in such mean estate

Where ox and ass are feeding?

Good Christian, fear: for sinners here

The silent Word is pleading.

Nails, spear shall pierce him through,

The Cross be borne for me, for you;

Hail, hail the Word Made Flesh,

The babe, the son of Mary!

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh;

Come, peasant, king, to own Him!

The King of Kings salvation brings;

Let loving hearts enthrone Him!

Raise, raise the song on high!

The virgin sings her lullaby. 

Joy! joy! for Christ is born,

The babe, the son of Mary!

One of my favorite things about this song is the way it proclaims!  

                               "This is Christ the King!"                             "Hail the Word Made Flesh!"   

I'm sure you are familiar with the song, and those parts are also the biggest parts of the song.  That is no coincidence.

Which leads me to a small tangent about art.  When you hear something, see something, watch something...  Any art form whether it be dance, music, a play, film etc... everything you see and hear was planned.  It's not just (or shouldn't be anyway) an accident.  Each step, each word, each shot is carefully planned.  So when you hear a song and the music gets bigger, that's the most important part.  When you watch a film and you see a close up, pay attention! The story is moving forward.  When you look at a painting and your eye is drawn to one particular area, take note.  These are where the artist dwells - that is where the point is.

OK so on that note, this song asks a question, and the answer is the choruses.  That is the POINT.

My favorite part is in the second verse:

Good Christian, fear: for sinners here

The silent Word is pleading.

Nails, spear shall pierce him through,

The Cross be borne for me, for you;

Hail, hail the Word Made Flesh,

The babe, the son of Mary!

This makes me think of John 1.  He is the Word made flesh.   This book we read, this Bible that we so often disregard, allowing it to gather dust on the shelf or gain wear and tear from sitting somewhere in our car instead of from our times of prayer.  The Word is all about Him!  It all speaks of Him.  The Word made flesh. 

"The silent Word is pleading"...  This is sort of an interpretive passage - artysy fartsy if you will.  :) To me it is the idea that the birth of this little baby is the beginning of a desperate plea of the Lord to draw His people back to Him.  He's been calling us since the beginning, but now, at last, a physical manifestation of His plea comes in His Son.  He's what the people have been longing for all along.  Sadly, many missed Him.  They were looking for their own idea of a Messiah.  What a shame that we can "miss Him" when we try to make His plans fit our ideas or our thoughts.

Lord, help us be people who get your plan.  Help us to seek you instead of trying to make you fit our ideas or plans.  May we never miss what you're trying to do in and around us.  Help us to have open eyes and expectant hearts!

Tune in Tuesday or Wednesday for my last and most favorite song!  There are so many more but maybe I will save them for next year?

So......

Anyone have a question for me?  I see more visits to my blog than followers, and I thought I'd throw it out there.....

Anyone have a question for me?  Anything at all?  

I'll answer just about anything.

...well, within reason I suppose.  :)

The Favorites Continue: Song 4

Hark!  I mean, hi!  Happy Thursday!  

My posts of my favorite Christmas songs continues with "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing".  It is one of my favorite songs to sing.  The melody is so beautiful and joyful.  Favorite parts are italicized below, as per ush.

Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

 

I love the in the second verse when it talks about God being veiled in flesh, and that He was pleased to dwell with us so He could save us.  That is amazing!  And pretty much the entire 3rd verse is my favorite.  I love the reminder that Jesus brings us light and life.  He IS light and life.  He is good and all good things come from Him.  And again, another reminder that he laid his glory aside so he could be a sacrifice.  I don't stop and think of that enough.

 

Thank you Lord that you willingly laid aside your glory, honor and heavenly rights to become veiled in flesh.  No human being would ever do this.  We have too much pride.  But you came out of your great love for us.  Thank you Jesus!

 

If you'd like to see my other song posts so far you can find them here:

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Christmas Waltz

Little Drummer Boy

Favorite Christmas Song Part 3

Get your dancing shoes on!  I'm writing today about "The Christmas Waltz", one of my favorite Christmas songs!  You probably just went "huh??" when I said that, thinking you've never heard this song before, but you have.  Trust me.  You have probably been the victim of some bad versions though, so I suggest you check out versions by Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, or She & Him.

I love this song for multiple reasons:

1)  It's in 3/4 time.  In fact, the song is even more awesome for saying it's in 3/4 time.

Don't know what 3/4 time is?  Have a looky.

2)  I love the picture it paints of Christmas.  It makes me want to snuggle by a fire (my version of snuggle means I sit in shorts and a tank top with an ice cold water, sweating while the fireplace is on).  But still, it makes me want to.

3) It makes me want to dance wherever I am whenever I hear it.

Frosted windowpanes
Candles gleaming inside
Painted candy canes on the tree
Santa's on his way
He's filled his sleigh with things
Things for you and me

It's that time of year
When the world falls in love
Every song you hear seems to say
"Merry Christmas
May your New Year dreams come true"

And this song of mine
In three-quarter time
Wishes you and yours
The same thing too

If anyone is enjoying this, I'd love to hear what your favorite Christmas songs are!  Leave me a comment!

My slice of Christmas....

So thankful to my MIL and GIL (Grandma in law) for getting us this little tree to bring some  

Christmas spirit into our new little room.  I have been leaving the lights on throughout the  

night.  It not only spread Christmas cheer all night long, but it doubles as a nightlight!

Isn't it cute?!  I'm still coming up with a name for it.  Anyone have any ideas?

Christmas Songs: Take 2!

One thing that I love about some Christmas songs is when they sound like they were written 2,000 years ago in Israel.  If it sounds old world, I almost automatically love it.  "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" is one such song.  I also love the words too!  Two Christmas' ago I choreographed a dance to the Casting Crowns instrumental version of the song.  You can watch it here if you like!  Casting Crowns' version is FANTASTIC, and their Christmas album in general is great -- check it out!  Now let's look at the words...

O come, O come, Emmanuel

And ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-star, come and cheer

Our spirits by Thine advent here

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night

And death's dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,

And open wide our heavenly home;

Make safe the way that leads to Thee,

And close the path to misery.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come to lead us Adonai,

Who to the tribes on height of Sinai

In ancient times did'st give the Law,

In cloud, and majesty and awe.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free

Thine own from Satan's tyranny

From depths of Hell Thy people save

And give them victory o'er the grave

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

One of the things I love best about this song is all the different names for Jesus found in it.  Emmanuel, Adonai, Son of God, Day-star, Rod of Jesse and Key of David.  Each one with a different meaning that opens up an understanding of who He is.

     Emmanuel

   God with Us                                        
                            Day-star

                    The Light of the world

                                                           Son of God             

                                              Adonai

                                               LORD

                              Key of David

                      The opener and closer

                                                  

              Rod of Jesse

Sprout from Jesse's line - Isaiah 11

Maybe you want to take some time this week and look into one of these names of God.  Spend some quiet time remembering all the things God is for us.

Happy Tuesday!

Favorite Christmas Songs Kickoff!

Happy Monday Everybody!

I had an idea the other day to blog about my favorite Christmas carols.  Music is one of my favorite parts of the Christmas season, and it's not uncommon for me to sing them during every other part of the year either.  I thought writing about them would be a great way to increase Christmas spirit!  After all, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. ;)

So, here we go!  Christmas song blog numero uno.

Little Drummer Boy.  That's right.  One of my favorite Christmas songs is "Little Drummer Boy".  Yeah, yeah, go ahead and roll your eyes, gag etc.  But I hope after this post you will become a fan of the song you think is really stupid.  Or, at least appreciate it.  :)  I have removed the "pa rum pa pum pum"s for your sanity..... you're welcome.  My favorite parts are italicized.

"Come", they told me
"A newborn king to see!
Our finest gifts we bring
To lay before the king
So to honor him when we come"

Little baby
I am a poor boy, too
I have no gift to bring
That's fit to give a king
Shall I play for you
On my drum

Mary nodded,
The ox and lamb kept time
I played my drum for him
I played my best for him
Then he smiled at me
Me and my drum

I love this song because when I hear it I can see myself as the little boy.

Imagine being this poor little boy getting invited to see a king!  And not just a king, the KING of KINGS!

But you have nothing to offer - especially not compared to the officials, kings and political leaders going to see him.  What could you possibly bring that would stand up next to an offering of gold?!  All he can do is play his drum (which is the very thing the little baby gave him in the first place to use as a gift!)  When I stand in God's presence, I become very aware of the fact that I have nothing to offer.  The only things of little value that I have are things He has given me!  That is why I like this song so much.

So this little boy plays his drum, and everyone joins in (isn't that exactly what our gifts are designed to do?  Bring people in?).  He plays his very best for the Baby King.  I can imagine a little boy playing -- a little boy full of energy, yet solemnly aware of who he is playing for and concentrating so as not to make a mistake.  I imagine he'd look something like this:

Ok, just kidding, probably not exactly like that.  But I imagine a little boy with his eyes closed in concentration, following the tempo he's created as his vibrates from the drum back on to his belly, playing with all his heart.  I can relate to this -- I would dance my very best before the King of Kings.  

And of course, as Jesus always does, he smiles.  Because the Lord is always joyful when we use what we have for Him, great or small.  Because He is the giver of it all.

Wisdom for the Soul

This ain't no Chicken Soup! This is REAL truth!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body
And refreshment to your bones.

Honor the LORD from your wealth
And from the first of all your produce; So your barns will be filled with plenty
And your vats will overflow with new wine.
Proverbs 3:5-10

My Favorite Things About Today

I'm gonna admit, the last two days I've had a crankiness problem.  I have been wearing cranky pants, as it were.  Granted, Monday and Tuesday were VERY long days.  I had a 13.5 hour work day on Monday and an 11 hour work day on Tuesday.  But Jesus asks us to be joyful and thankful in all circumstances, and that was definitely NOT me.  So today, I am choosing to be joyful and thankful.

So with no further adieu, here are some things I'm thankful for today...

1. Orbit Spearmint Gum

The only minty flavor that doesn't make me sneeze.

2. Michael Buble Holiday channel on Pandora..... 'nuff said.

3.  I woke up feeling good and rested for the first time in about 2/3 weeks.

4.  I'm slowly nibbling away at this awesome Ikea dark chocolate.  Yum...

5. New dress with my birthday day money.... best part?  it was 50% off!

(ahem.... please excuse my scenic background)

                                             Here's a better photo of the dress.

6. DATE NIGHT!

So excited for a night to spend with Brandon..... what should we do?  I'm thinking soup at home to save some $ and then renting or going to a movie.... hmm...

Hope you're having a wonderful Wednesday too!

This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

psalm 118:24

11/28/11

I'm ________ because...

I'm jumping on the blog world "I'm ___ " band wagon!  It's been fun to see other bloggers do this and learn something about them that they wouldn't necessarily think to write about!  Comment with your answers too!

I'm Weird Because...

- If you touch or mess up my eyebrows, you. will. get. hurt. Please, don't mess them up. Brandon, are you listening?!

- I LOVE animals.  I probably over-personify them, but I just love them.  I could spend ALL DAY and then some at a zoo.  They are one of the ways I marvel at God's creation.  Maybe I should be a zoologist on the side.

- Being late for something I feel is important can ruin my day (although I try my best not to let it).

- I try not to cry too often.  But when I do, watch out!!! I CANNOT turn it off.  It takes me while to pull myself back together.
- I talk to myself a lot.

I'm a Bad Friend Because....

- I am too busy right now to spend the time that I desire to with my friends (this is especially bad when your own love language is quality time.... blah.)

- I am bad at remembering to call

- I think I give too much advice or state my own opinion too much.

- I have a hard time telling them how much I love and appreciate them.

I'm a Good Friend Because...

- I am to-the-death loyal.  (It's a strength and a weakness)

- I am always thinking about my friends and those I love throughout the day (now if I could just get a handle on that pesky phone call problem...)

- I am just as happy following you around running errands as I am at a girl's night out.  It doesn't matter what we do as long as I'm with you!  ;)

- I'd like to think that my friends know they can call on me anytime, anywhere, anyplace, and I will come.

- I forgive and I let it go.  Praise be to God!

- If I say I'm praying for you, I will.

I'm Sad Because...

- I don't know the next time I'll live alone with my husband

- Our debt ebbs and flows..... right now everything is maxed out.  Have mercy...

- I really love to buy/give gifts, but don't have the money to do so.

- I wish I had more time to hone my painting skills.

I'm Happy Because...

- Jesus Christ has washed me clean and I'm His daughter and I'll never be alone.

- I have a roof over my head, food in my tummy, two jobs, clean water, electricity, clothes, shoes, air in my lungs, and all these other wonderful day-to-day blessings I so often forget.

- I have the best husband in the world, no contest. Hands down. Don't even try to convince me otherwise!

- Christmas is coming and I get to see my parents, my brother and sister in law, my 3 nieces and my nephew.

- The Lord has been teaching me and helping me to walk in faith more and more everyday. 

- I can count on more than 5 wonderful ladies that are tried-and-true friends and I know will be my friends forever.  I realize that's more than a lot of other people have.
- God has given me a passion for dance and he has made a way for me to use it.

Special People and a Special App

I am so excited for Thanksgiving tomorrow!  

Thanksgiving and Christmas are my favorite holidays! 

I wanted to take a minute to share about the special couple and friends of ours 

who have graciously let us come and live with them.  We're thankful that 

Phil and Sarah opened up their home to us and are giving us a chance to try to 

take care of some debt and get back on our feet.

They are some of the funnest, personable people we know.  If you were to 

meet them, you would have immediate friends.  

 

Not to mention that we get to spend lots of time with this little cutie!  

Hannah is one of the best little girls I know!  She has the greatest smile, 

loves doggies (who doesn't?!) and enjoys dancing. See?  Like I said... Awesome.

We have slowly been moving in over the last 2 weeks, and slept there for 

the first night last night.  Clothes are all over, our bathroom stuff needs to 

be creatively stored (and let's face it, maybe we don't need some of it 

anymore), so this weekend I will be "nesting" our room and bathroom.  It's a 

big adjustment going from 1,700 square feet to about 100, but we've done 

it before and we'll do it again.  :)  Prayers are appreciated!  :)

I'll take some pictures once I get everything settled!

Lastly,  If you'd like a way to remember to be thankful to God MORE 

than around Thanksgiving, there is an app you MUST download!  

The best part?

It's FREE for a limited time!  WOOHOO!

Christian author Ann Voskamp has a book called "One Thousand Gifts" and 

she also has an app that allows you to record the things you are thankful for, 

and it numbers them and keeps them for you.  You can even add a picture 

to your blessings and share them with friends!

Here is the link to the app!  It won't be free forever so download it today!

One Thousand Gifts