December Update

We enjoyed being a part of the Tour of Homes!  Both nights combined we had over 150 people come through the tour!  We met many, many new people, even some neighbors we didn't know.  Stephen was able to share why we have chosen to live down here and what he does on a daily basis.  He even got three new volunteers for tutoring!  Caileigh and Emma did really well considering the late nights and lots of strangers!  I was thankful we had a December wedding (2006) and still had many Christmas themed decorations from that special day!

One question I was asked several times was if I felt it was safe raising my girls down here.  My response, I do!  I truly believe this is where God has my family and I am overwhelmed how He has provided such a wonderful home, neighborhood, neighbors, church family, and friends for us!  I can see in my life where God has given me a greater passion and love for the "least of these!"  Seeing such hurting and darkness around me has made me so much more grateful that Christ came into this dark and lost world to bring salvation - to bring light!  I used to worry that it would be hard for Caileigh to daily see the homeless pushing grocery carts full of random items down our street - she does notice and we have had many opportunities to talk with her about the brokenness of this world without Christ.  I see in my girls a love and a desire to help those who are hurting.

Caileigh is constantly seeing and thinking of ways to help those around us.  From wanting to help our landlady sweep up outside to giving her Christmas parade candy to a homeless man to praying for two other homeless men to find jobs and a home to wanting to give some of her dress up shoes to one of her friends whose dress up shoes had recently broke.

Emma knows no strangers and loves to be around other people, her smile is quite contagious and attracts all sorts of people which excites her and they are often rewarded with a much larger smile and even a "Hey!"  Their example of unconditional love has constantly humbled me!  Throughout this Christmas season I really enjoyed the many displays of Christmas lights around us.  I was continually reminded of the Light Christ brought into this world.  I pray that my family would reflect His light into our circles of influence.

We loved Mrs. Deb's star!

We had a wonderful Christmas season and enjoyed many festive things as well as some great times of family and cooporate worship!

Putting our puzzle together - Christmas Eve

Some highlights:

decorating our home,
our family advent times (we added a new resource this year - Truth in the Tinsel, which was perfect for our little ones!),
special worship services at church,
seeing Christmas lights,
lots of family time,
Christmas movies,
Stephen and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary with a two day trip to Charleston, SC,

A friend took this for us.
Thank you Anna Leigh Photography!

Caileigh discovered she LOVES Egg Nog,
Emma learned that we weren't suppose to "eat" the pretty lights on the tree,
and most importantly celebrating Christ's birth!

Christmas morning 2011

We ended our year with lots of traveling to see family.  The girls did great so that made it enjoyable for all! :-)  We spent Christmas day with Stephen's parents and brother and his family.  We spent the day after Christmas with my parents and sisters and brother-in-law.  (Unfortunately, I don't have pictures from these two days!) The next day we went to Kansas and enjoyed time with my mom's side of the family!  The weather was great so we were able to enjoy lots of time outside on the farm!

The Farm at sunset

Caileigh riding Boots with Sarah

My grandpa will be 90 in July.  He has had parkinson's since at least the year I was born.  It was so good to see him - we haven't seen him since last Christmas.  He doesn't talk much any more but he enjoys the company. It isn't often you see a smile on his face,  not because he isn't happy but because it is hard for him to control the muscles in his face.  His eyes told it all   though!  When Emma would come up to him and rest her hands on his knees and smile at him - his eyes would twinkle.  He seem to get a kick out of us grandkids gathered around the floor playing games and seemed to enjoy the movies and hugs him and Caileigh shared.  I am so thankful we were able to see him this year.  People often ask what we do in Kansas?  We spend time we family, play games, soccer, football, ride horses, feed animals, enjoy catching up and lots of good food!  The farm was our home away from home.  On furloughs, my family would pretty much live with my grandparents.  It's always good to go back!

4 generations: Emma was named
for my Grandpa's mother.

Grandpa and his family!  We are missing four!

Exploring the "timber" with Grandpa and Great Grandpa

Emma was a HUGE fan of the outdoors
and especially the animals!

2011 brought many new things for our family, some wonderful memories and so many things to be grateful for!  We look forward to what God has in store for our family in 2012!  Thank you for all your many prayers for our family!