Holiday "Wrap-Up"

Well, the Holiday Season is over. We have made it through our first Christmas away from family and all the familiar things. We had a good month overall, the Lord blessed us in many ways and as usual we have much to be thankful for.

We have made some fun memories over the last few weeks and thought we would share a few with you. One advantage of living in this area is the availability and price of a Christmas tree. We found ours about 12 feet off the road and Abigail and Joel climbed the fence, cut it down and tossed it in the truck, all in all the entire venture took about 15 minutes from the time we put on our winter gear to the time we took in off again. We had to get a little creative with the placement of our tree due to the size of our house, so it went outside of our window on our screened in porch. In the weeks before Christmas we enjoyed going to a Christmas Carol Sing at the Horsman’s and doing a progressive dinner with our neighbors (Joel was also able to go to a ranch 2 hours from here and help butcher a cow, so we thank God for giving us meat). Both couples that live near us were extra kind to our family, and added a festive spirit to our season. We all had lights on our cabins and over the gate cap, which made my day every time I got to enjoy them. Christmas day we enjoyed breakfast together as a family, and then opened some presents. In the afternoon we had a wonderful dinner with Don and Kim (Steve and Jill are back in Illinois due to a family situation) and enjoyed fellowshipping with them. One of Abigail’s gifts was a sled (that our neighbor made for her) and we have enjoyed pulling her around on it and getting fresh air.
We have had a break from our regular schedule due many activities being put on hold during the last two weeks. God had continued to provide opportunities to build relationships and teach us new things. Next week will find us back on track with the routine.

Since it’s that time of year I had to go back and read our entries from this time last year, I was reminded once again how so much was unknown at this point a year ago. I’m reminded how God’s plan is perfect, and He lays the path before us. This is something we must cling to more than ever, especially on day’s Satan tries to tell us we are wasting time and not “accomplishing” anything. I only hope this year will bring us closer to our Creator and more aware of His plan and purpose in our lives.

Thanks for loving us. Those of you who sent cards and letter, we loved hearing from you, it’s so great to get updates and new pictures of loved ones far away.

Amanda (for Abigail, Ruth, & Joel)

(We realize this may be more for grandparents, but we thought we'd post a little "video" of our Ruth, she's getting big)