Totally unexpected

We are living in strange times. Many people across this great country are struggling just to get food on the table, and gas in the car to get to work. So many are out of work and just praying for mercy that I hope comes to them. Why do some struggle and others don't? It's a question that may never be answered for me. I am always so grateful to the Lord for the work I get to do. Gary and I have both always had amazing employers and as hard as it is to get up in the morning and head out the door for a long day we are grateful for work and the faithfulness of God. Today I had a ginormous surprise, something I had no idea  was coming. My manager called me in her office and gave me a raise. And a nice one at that! My review was due, I expected to get a good review but the extra was just beyond words. I know that God sees way bigger than I do. This is just another example of Him working in our life. Gary and I have really struggled this year. We had to buckle way down and cut way back. We save for everything, if we don't have cash we don't get it. And we think long and hard before any purchases. We had to save all year just to give the kids a good Christmas. And through all this we were given above and beyond everything we need. Things in our home seem to last longer, food, other daily items and gas in our cars. I know that it's God! Some that read this post will think this was not a blessing but due to hard work. This was God. I do nothing without Him. I have been working at this institution for almost 10 years. I have always had excellent reviews and deserved pay raises and promotions,however in an unstable financial market, this was nothing short of a miracle from my Heavenly Father! I am blessed and thankful beyond words!

Can all be gone in a blink!

I am so thankful for the many changes that God gave us this year. I take these pictures because I want to remember my home where my babies grew up, and dented and colored! Time is going so fast it feels like just the other day we had a crib in Lilly's room and Owen was just a thought. God has given and given to our family. Gary and I both know that nothing is ours it's all His we are just taking care of it for Him! We know that our treasure will be in His arms and in His words well done!We continue to pray that our kids understand how very small we are. The greatest gift we could ever give our kids is the knowledge of God, and to live for Him everyday!                                                                  

Peace

Ahhh the three of them playing so nicely together in the basement = peace and quite for me!!

Lunch Yuck

This is funny Gary is never home with us during the day, so he had the honor of having the kids favorite lunch! Spaghetti and Meatballs from the can. HA HA!!! He was not impressed and the kids love it!

Gungor

 I can remember when Josh came home from L.A. a little beat up, not finding what he was looking for in the music industry. And look at him now, a Grammy nominee with the band Gungor. This is what happens when we listen to God, and remember His timing. Praise God for good things and remember to have faith in Him. Josh did and see what happened! So excited and proud of you Mr. Harvey! Take a listen to Beautiful Things playing on my play list.

Gungor | Gungor Receives First Career GRAMMY Nominations | TodaysChristianMusic.com

Gungor Gungor Receives First Career GRAMMY Nominations TodaysChristianMusic.com

Lilly and Owen could ride all day!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

The Shepherd's Worship the Savior:


Out in the fields, an angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds who were tending their flocks of sheep by night. The angel announced that the Savior had been born in the town of David. Suddenly a great host of heavenly beings appeared with the angels and began singing praises to God. As the angelic beings departed, the shepherds decided to travel to Bethlehem and see the Christ-child.

There they found Mary, Joseph and the baby, in the stable. After their visit, they began to spread the word about this amazing child and everything the angel had said about him. They went on their way still praising and glorifying God. But Mary kept quiet, treasuring their words and pondering them in her heart. It must have been beyond her ability to grasp, that sleeping in her arms—the tender child she had just borne—was the Savior of the world.

Merry Christmas

Jeep Bike

Owen and his Jeep bike! My little man wanted a jeep bike and a fire truck. He got them!

It's a Pet It's a Pillow It's a Pillow Pet!

All Lilly wanted for Christmas was a Pillow Pet! She got one!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh we are finally off to sleep

What a beautiful Christmas Eve all the kids toys are under the tree waiting for them to wake in the morning. Gary and I are worn out, happy and blessed!

More Christmas Eve

After church and dinner we came home and opened all the gifts from our out of town family! We really are a very blessed family and we take nothing for granted!

Christmas Eve Dinner

My folks did a fantastic amazing dinner this year! Ham, Shrimp, and Prime Rib. Not to mention all the fixings! It was unbelievable!

My Christmas Prayer Answered

There is nothing better than being with my family in church on Christmas! Celebrating the birth of Christ as a family is a special spiritual moment I will treasure and look forward to each year! God answered my prayers and I sang this Christmas Eve, something I have not done since my early twenties. I was very humbled to sing to my Jesus on the eve of His birthday! I am so very thankful!

North Pole

Gary and I get just as excited as the kids do when it come to going to ride all the rides at the North Pole. It was a lot of fun! Gray, Lilly, Owen and I rode EVERYTHING! I must admit my tummy is not as young as it used to be I was a little queasy at the end!