Wrapping up 2008

Wow.
It's very hard for me to believe that this year is over. It's gone by in a flash. My family has had a lot of milestones this year. Here are some highlights.

*Built a "Man-Shop" outback.

*Redid the kitchen.

*Spent the summer in Alabama, swimming, beach fun and family togetherness.



*Bought a puppy in Jan. and sold him in Aug. (so long Thunder)

*My nephew C got through another year of treatments. 2 more to go.


*Got serious about adoption and finally began the process.

*Completed the adoption homestudy and got on the waiting list.

*Big Sis started 2nd grade.

*Little Sis started Kindergarten. (Jamie started wondering what to do with herself)

*Took our little princesses to Disney for an awesome vacation.


*Started getting involved in extracurricular activities. (Upward Cheer leading)

*Josh got a huge promotion at work and also became a Major.

**Realized that all of these blessings are from God and we give Him all the glory.

Lord, Thank you for blessing us. Thank you for each and everyday in 2008 and the lesson that each one had to teach us. Do amazing things in our family in 2009. We love you. In Jesus name, Amen

Cherished Christmas Memories

Growing up my family had one steadfast Christmas tradition. On Christmas morning, before any gifts were opened we would listen to a tape of my Great Grandfather Arthur Alvin Septer,reading the Christmas story from the book of Luke.

I have to admit that as a child this sort of annoyed me. I was ready to tear into the presents and see what Santa brought me each year. As I grew up and also grew in my relationship with Christ the tradition took on more meaning.

Now, when my sisters, our husbands and our 5 going on 8 kids all meet at my parents house, we still listen to Grandpa Septer read the story. Still a cassette tape. His voice brings back memories. He passed away when I was in my early twenties. He was always telling stories and he loved Jesus. I am proud now to still have this tradition and to continue his legacy on to his growing number of great-great grandchildren.

Now when I listen to those words it brings tears to my eyes and my heart fills with the knowledge that God sent His Son as a little baby, to live a sinless life and die for all our sins.

Do you have any Christmas traditions from childhood that you still continue today?

Stocking Swap

Hey readers. I am excited to be part of a stocking swap. I learned of it by reading Kara's blog at Moddy's Thoughts, Prayers and Adventures. I am not so good at posting links, but the orginal idea comes from The Well-Rounded Woman. So, if any of you are reading this today, go sign up and join in the fun.

Blessed beyond measure.

Two weeks ago Friday Josh and the girls went to the Father/Daughter dance. I wasn't invited, but I did get some cute pictures of them before they left.

The one picture that seems out of place (for some reason I'm not able to arrange the pics in the order I want them) is of Josh and his boss. I was privileged enough to be able to go to his work today and participate in his promotion. My beloved is no longer a Captain, now he is a Major and I am so proud of him.

Thank You,Lord for your many blessings. I love my sweet family.

HSTK!!!

No, I didn't just sneeze. I don't need a tissue.

For those of you who aren't up on the Korean adoption lingo. That stands for: Home Study To Korea. It is an important step in the process. Our home study is complete, approved and we are officially on the wait list. No longer "waiting to wait" just "waiting". We got the letter in the mail when we got home from our Thanksgiving travels. What an awesome reason to give thanks to God.

So by this time next year we should (hopefully) have our baby home or at least a referral. A referral is the picture, name and info for the baby chosen for us. Once you get the referral its just a couple of months until the baby comes home.

I am so thankful that my God is in control and not me. He knows all and sees all and He sees my baby boy right now, what more could I ask for?