Wrapping up 2007

Here's an update on our family the past few weeks:

The kids and I flew to Texas. Nate accomodated and slept the first twenty minutes but then woke up and threw up on me. Thankfully, the woman next to us said "Don't worry, I'm a grandma" so it was tolerable. She also is a store owner and was interested in my business so maybe this will kick start dream maker in missouri!

The day after we left it snowed 6+ inches. We were so sad to have missed that but there's sure to be more in weeks to come.

Mark drove down a few days later and we had a fabulous time with our families. Nate enjoyed his first Christmas and turned 7 months old. Lucy was sick Christmas Day but still had lots of fun with cousins.


We drove back yesterday. Lucy threw up about twenty minutes into the trip. After cleaning her up at a gas station, the next 11 hours went more smoothly but a little smelly. Here is a picture of Mark & Lucy playing his new old school video game in the car.

Tomorrow my wonderful husband turns 30. I feel so blessed to have him in my life and can't wait to celebrate this milestone birthday with him. He is the kindest husband and most attentive father. I thank God for him every single day.

We hope you have had a blessed holiday and have a happy new year!

Merry Christmas?

I finally hit the 'unsubscribe' button on the email the other day. I had been in the habit of just deleting each one but this last one frustrated me so much I had to end it.

I was receiving letters from a popular "pro-family" organization which would keep us updated on issues around the country regarding family's rights or Christian's rights. But lately, the emails were just getting ridiculous.

Why do we (Christians) expect lost people and companies to honor Christianity? The gospel, God's wisdom, is foolishness in their eyes (1 Cor 1:18) and I am thinking we are not making it appear lovely by standing up and boycotting or getting angry if they don't say what we want them to say at certain times of the year.

"All men will hate you because of Me..." Jesus said in Matthew 10:22, "but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." Stand firm. Not attack, not boycott, not protest. Stand. Firm.

Our pastor has been teaching us about this very thing in reference to the armor of God passage in Ephesians 6. When we are attacked, we are not to flee as in the case of temptation, nor attack in return. Paul tells us here to stand firm. To be equipped with the word of God, the righteousness of His Spirit and to stand firm.

So what if Kohl's or Lowe's doesn't want to say Merry Christmas? I haven't checked but I'm doubting their CEO's are born again believers. So why should they want to honor the Lord with their slogans?

I'm not the theology scholar in this family but I know the conviction of the Holy Spirit. We should be focusing on spreading the gospel not hindering it with our stubborness over miniscule rights and issues.

I'm sure there are many who disagree but just had to put my point out there. Don't worry, I'll go back to posting about our funny kids and stuff like the weather. :)

Return

We are back online. Our modem has been out for a week and a half and left us wondering, "What did we do before the internet?"

Well, I stayed busy finishing Nate's Christmas stocking. I'm a little disappointed in the outcome - it is not the same size as the rest of ours and seems a little dull in comparison.

I also did not remember Lucy's being so stressful but realized I made hers while I was pregnant, not while I had two kiddos underfoot.


In other news, we had our first snow last week. Just beautiful but not enough to last or to build a snowman, etc. Now we are experiencing Texas winter - freezing rain and icy roads. But people here know how to deal with those so life carries on as usual.

We also attended the Christmas party for Mark's office and left our kids at home with their first non-related babysitter. It worked out great though I missed them and worried about my little Natey. He did fine, of course!

Now we are looking forward to Christmas and FAMILY!!