Happy 13th B-day!

Happy, happy birthday to our sweet MacKenzie! I really can't believe your are entering in the "teen" years. Your smile warms our hearts. Your grateful heart is a breath of fresh air. Your determination is inspiring! Daddy and I are so, so blessed to be called your parents. "Sweet girl, as you enter a new season of childhood, I pray that you would love Jesus more than you ever have. I pray that you will be able to feel His presence and grace in everyday situations- whether big or small. I pray for boldness in your words and the way you live your life. Remember God did not give you a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline. Always, always remember love- it never fails." Kenz, we are so proud of you. We love you more than you'll ever know- ever!

No. 10

Pure White Fun!

Fun Daddy!

Hold on!

Mommies like to have fun, too.

My "Love Lump."

Now you see me......

Now you don't!

Note to self......Rosie is not a fan of snow. Maybe next year?

Tired?

When I get tired, weary, empty, or should I say....HAVE JUST HAD ENOUGH! I am so thankful that my gracious "Father" does not feel the same.

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Isaiah 40:28-31

CAN I GET AN AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"MT. WASHMORE"

1 Trip to St. Louis

2 Snow days

3 Sick peeps

4 Evening Commitments

5 Days Neglected

__________________

= "MT. WASHMORE"

Just looking for a little humor in the situation................Ughhhhhhh!

It's that time...again!

Reeaally? I thought I had just finished all of the paperwork for the adoption? I can't believe it's already time to start the "process of updating." Physicals, clearances, fingerprints, homestudy, etc. Well, on the bright side....this will keep my hands busy and my mind off of the lack of referrals these days. The clock is ticking....... Wednesday marks NINE MONTHS of waiting. I just know we're getting closer with each passing day!

New Beginnings

I love the start of a new year. It's a new beginning, a clean slate. I usually start with a "purge session" where I attempt to make order of my world. I look into each closet and drawer and evaluate the items at hand. As I begin to let go of the "stuff" that clutters and cramps my surroundings, a sense of clarity comes over me. Now, there are those closets that are not as easy to purge. You know the ones! For whatever reason, it's harder to release what's inside. But once I do release them, a burden is lifted. There is room to breathe; it's then can I begin to organize and prioritize the things that are of value. It was in my closet two days ago, that I was impressed with what God wants to accomplish with my heart. He wants to purge the things that are not of Him or from Him. You see, I am carrying unnecessary burdens . Burdens that are cluttering my life...burdens that I have the option to release. For whatever reason, I hold on to them. He wants me to release them....purge them. I have areas in my life full of insecurities, pride, control, you name it. Those things need to go, I have no need for them! Like my closets, this will be a continual process-keeping those unnecessary items out of my life. The temptation will always be there..... to fall into my old ways. I will need to dismiss those urges and cling to "the one" who knows me best. My prayer for this year is that He would continue the work He has started in my life- cleaning out those dark places. I want to grow closer to Jesus each day, with my heart attitude reflecting Him. I am so thankful that my God doesn't treat me as my sin deserves. His mercies are new each day! Cheers.... to a new beginning!