2011

2011 was a very eventful year (is that point moot..what year isn't?). We had a death, a birth, a move, my mom's move and one off to college. Those were the hallmarks of the year but sometimes the daily happenings can get left in the dust. Some enjoyable moments of 2011 include enjoying quiet time with God, picnics with my mom and step-dad, seeing my sister in February and in July, reading with the kids, keeping in touch with friends and family, baking, going on dates with my husband, walks with my dog, visiting my Aunt and cousin in Arizona, cuddling with my new baby (sheer bliss) and spending lots of time each day with my wonderful kids. I am so very thankful for each day that I am blessed with. It is beyond my means to comprehend how much God loves me.

Ephesions 3:14This is the reason I kneel in the presence of the Father 15from whom all the family in heaven and on earth receives its name. 16I'm asking God to give you a gift from the wealth of his glory. I pray that he would give you inner strength and power through his Spirit. 17Then Christ will live in you through faith. I also pray that love may be the ground into which you sink your roots and on which you have your foundation. 18This way, with all of God's people you will be able to understand how wide, long, high, and deep his love is. 19You will know Christ's love, which goes far beyond any knowledge. I am praying this so that you may be completely filled with God.

Christmas

Merry Christmas from Iowa!!

Happy 18th Birthday

My oldest daughter turned 18 on Sunday, December 4th! Happy Birthday, Carlina!! We had a fun, albeit busy, day with a party after church and then Christmas caroling around town (with the church) that evening. I am so blessed to have Carlina as my daughter. She is a wonderful, caring person and a joy to be around. Jesse and I took her out to lunch at Huhot on Monday after Anna's dentist appointment and had a great time in SC. It was very cold and feeling like December in every way!

Above picture -all of the sisters together: Carlina (18), Julia (16), Alicia (14), Katie (10) and Anna (3).

More pics...

Our country place

We have moved...

We are so thrilled to be living in the country again!!! 2.3 acres placed in just the right spot...a bit outside of town. We moved off the farm in 2004 and have lived in neighborhoods ever since. I have to admit that I have missed the space and privacy that some land provides. We actually have 3 bathrooms now and a partially finished basement. Pictures will be forthcoming as I can't find my card reader for the computer. Moving is grueling and I wasn't looking forward to it with a small baby, but things have gone pretty smoothly. We had men from our church help with the big stuff and a big corn crib to store boxes that we aren't ready for yet. We hope to use the house for entertaining our friends and family and for anything else that God would desire. He has heaped blessings on us and we are extremely grateful.