life

It's been a long time since I've blogged.  Life has been a little crazy.  A couple weeks after my last post God asked something of our family that was unexpected.  He asked us to take in a single mom and her three kids, care for them, and help prepare them for the next step in their life.

What a ride!  Although they are still with us, that chapter in our life will soon be coming to a close.  And as a family, we have been left with some major life lessons that will stay with us for years to come.

But life never stopped.  It kept going at a high rate of speed,  causing us to intentionally make time for the things that brought us together as a family.  And making room for some very hard but beneficial conversations.

One of my very favorite escape/retreat/therapy/one-on-one time with a child/school house places to be?  Becky's Barn:

It's funny to think that a "chance" meeting between Andrew, Leah, and Micah of a lady walking her horse past our house could lead to the special friendship our family has with Becky.  I can't imagine my life without her and her horses- especially my very favorite horse, Spirit.  I've gone to the barn at night many times when things were stressful and just spent time with her in her stall brushing her, sneaking her carrots, and talking to her until my heart rate slowed and my brain stopped spinning.  What a blessing!  And funny thing is, a quiet horse stall is the BEST place to pray!

The mountain and flat trails around here have been a great source of family time together and great exercise as well.  Nothing like nature, fresh air, beautiful views, and the sound of leaves crunching under your feet to rejuvenate you!

This year we started our first annual Christmas Cookie Swap.  It was held at Brianna's house and it was an amazing time.  Every single person had to make their own cookies.  My favorite?  Matt's power pancake cookies, frosted with a maple syrup frosting!  Actually- that was only one of my favorites.  Alissa's announcement cookies really took the cake....er, cookie.  Another grandbaby on the way!!!  We couldn't be happier!

Alissa's

Matt's

Micah's

Leah's

Brianna's

Erik's

Megan's

Cameron's

Andrew's

 Dont' know how I missed pics of Jeb's, Caleb's, or mine!  But they were good!

We also started a girls day tradition of going to Yankee Candle Village.  It was so much fun!

Jeb's two favorite things in one picture!

Matt and I enjoyed our tradition: Old Sturbridge Village Christmas by Candlelight

We loved that this schoolhouse was moved to Sturbridge from Candia, NH!

Meanwhile life just went on....

We have enjoyed late afternoon football games, times spent with Elijah, lots of moments at the Hope for Kids Den, family adventures at Costco, movies, and so much more.  Theses last few months have been hard, but I am grateful for the family unity and ALL that we have to be thankful for.