19 Years and Counting!!

Happy Anniversary!!

Nineteen years is a long time in so many aspects. For Billy and I, this is how long we have now been married!! We have hit that mark in our marriage where we have been married more than half of my life, and now half if his!! That is so crazy to think about!! We have grown up together in so many ways! I have more memories with him than without him! To say that he is my best friend would be an understatement!! These years have been a journey that's for sure! The exciting part is, that the journey is not over! We have more to explore, more laughs to be shared, and even more tears. Through both laughter and tears though, I believe we grow closer. We learn more about each other. We learn more about ourselves. It is never dull or boring! I doubt the future will be either! I look forward to another year and more of the journey that we are walking together!

"I found the one my heart loves."

A Sad Goodbye

This type of day is one that you wish didn't have to exist. It is a day that you know is coming, and in some aspects have been planning since their birth. This is the day that you send your child off. Ugh!! Except now, it is different. This is reality! Not only are we sending her off, but we are sending her off to another continent. I mean this isn't a few states away, this is thousands of miles (10,500 give or take), and at least a two day trip! I get we are not the first to do this, but this was our first! You question everything you've done as a parent. The harsh reality, however, is that the time is here whether we like it or not.

It is time. The last minute has gone by. The tears are streaming. Ellie gives each of us a hug and a card that she has written. She gets to Major, and he will not let her go. I tell him that he has to let go and his response was, "I can't!" I give her a book that I had made for her and we say bye and hug one more time. We stay until she is completely out of sight! Major doesn't say another word for a couple more hours.

Turning to HIM in the midst of the tears and heart ache, there is peace. I was reminded that her Maker loves her more than I do! HE has her in the cleft of HIS wing. HE is with her always! She is ready. How do I know? HE is her guide. I am sure mistakes will be made, but in HIS loving kindness, HE will be there to pick her up. After all, HE loves her even more than her mother and father do!!

Ellie, keep your eyes focused on HIM. HE will never leave you. HE is your Helper, your Guide, your Strength, your Comfort. HE is all you need. You will never go wrong when you follow HIM, despite what others may say. Look to HIM. Yield to HIM. HE loves you so much! You are the apple of HIS eye!!

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year!!!

As we sat, along with three other families, on the lawn in front of the bungalows waiting for the new year, I couldn't help but wonder what this year will hold?! I guess there could be so much excitement as well as some fear in that answer depending on if you are an optimist or a pessimist!! I guess it is safe to say that whatever it is, it will not be boring! Life never is! With all of the new in our lives right now, I can't help but to think what other firsts we will have. Some seem overwhelming, others I think we can take in stride. One thing is for sure...Whatever does take place this year will not come as a surprise to HIM! That is so comforting! HE has seen every second of everyday! HE knows the comings and the goings. HE knows the laughter that will shared and the tears that will be shed. HE knows the victories that will be had, and the trials that will be faced. HE knows! HE has gone before us as a family and each of us individually. This might be a new year, but HE is not new! HE is the same, never changing, always faithful, and always good. What more could bring comfort?!!

Happy New Year! May this be a year that rests in the ONE who has given it to us!

Billy in the entryway of our bungalow.

The boys riding the waves!!

Merry Christmas!!

CHRISTMAS- This one word can evoke so many different things, both positive and negative. It could mean family, gifts, shopping, parties, holiday traffic, decorations, stress, debt, gift wrapping, food,music and carols, or a Special Birthday. Even with this list, there are so many more things that could have been said. We are so used to what Christmas is in our American culture, but when you move out it, it is different. There is no Christmas music being played at every store starting at Thanksgiving. Nor is every store decorated in red and green. There are not the parties and gatherings that usually take place, or the gift exchanges. There is definitely not the late night shopping, or last minute runs to get those few stocking stuffers you forgot! Which in turns takes a lot of the stress out! Instead of Christmas being a part of a culture it becomes a day. One day. This was a little hard for me, as I like the shopping and the madness of the holiday! I like store hopping just to make sure that we are stretching our dollar to the fullest! I love having my tree all decorated with the ornaments that the kids have made or that we have given them over the years. I love seeing their wrapped gifts under the tree waiting in anticipation for them to open them! I look forward to the teas and parties! I love the candlelight service on Christmas Eve! I love our Outback Steakhouse dinner that we have made tradition with the family! I love that we always watch a movie, then send the kids to bed, then put out whatever gifts are left, fill stockings, and then talk about what gifts we think they will like best! This is my favorite time of year!

This year was different. It changes the holiday when you have a different view of the day. What happens when a culture doesn't acknowledge this day? What happens when you turn on your tree lights on and a neighbor comments about it? What happens when there are not the gifts to buy or decorations to put up? What happens when almost all of your traditions surrounding the holiday have to be forfeited? Well, you acknowledge the day in the privacy of your house! You realize it might just be better to not have the lights on the tree! You enjoy the gifts that are bought, given, and received! You treasure the memories of past traditions, and you look forward to making new traditions! You change your perspective ultimately! None of these things are what really define Christmas after all! You change your focus from the world's definition of the holiday, to the True meaning. You look at the things that you can not have or do, but you rejoice in Who you have! This year was different! It was a good different!

Just in case you wondered...We celebrated Christmas Eve with a candlelight service with two other sweet families! We were even surprised by carolers as our night was coming to a finish! We had Christmas dinner with about 35 other people! HE knows what we like, and HE cares, even if it is the little things!

Carolers on Christmas Eve that came to our friend's house.

Dinner Christmas night at another friend's house, a total of 40 people!