15 years ago

Sometimes I wish I could have a talk with the bride and groom pictured above. In days filled with dishes, laundry, homework, work, sawdust, and schedules it is hard to remember days that were filled with planning for a single day. While they may have had a few dreams for the future I wonder if either of them could imagine today. :) Probably not.
With joy and wonder I pause today to reflect on a remarkable journey. Kris, thank you for sharing every step. I cherish our marriage more every day and am so very blessed. I love you and look forward to many more years of reflection. Happy 15Th Anniversary.
Thank you, God, for yet another wonderful gift.

An icy day

The kids had a one-hour delay today and Susan had the entire day off of school. She watched Isabel for me so I could spend the day asleep. We are having some interesting driving conditions. I hope those of you in FL are enjoying the sunshine today. :) I am off to battle the roads once more and go to work.

the good life

When Kris asked the kids what they wanted for Christmas this year, the older two asked for and Ipod. Isabel asked for a rubber ducky. Guess what she loves? :)

A Night at the Zoo

We joined most of Columbus and went to see the lights (and some animals) at the zoo. They had a rink so we tried that out as well. We went to dinner at some new friends on Sunday. It was a nice weekend and I hope you all enjoyed yours as well.

Bible reading

Last night Kristianna was reading her Bible in her little cubby closet while I was cleaning up their room. Isabel was playing with dolls and I didn't catch on right away that she was reading a little Bible to Samantha (doll). If you click on the picture you will see that it is upside down but the funniest part was to hear what she was reading. It was a twist on the Christmas story that I have never read before. I am not sure what verse recorded Mary telling Joseph to change his clothes but Isabel read it. Kristianna and I were cracking up! :)

A season's fragile start

I have put up Christmas trees with children in my house for 12 years now. We have had a few decoration-related incidents but today has to have been the most damaging. Isabel went with Kris and I to pick up a living tree. She was SO excited and had such a hard time waiting for the kids to come home from school to decorate it. She also had made ornaments at my friend Karen's home a few days ago and was waiting to hang them on the tree. She did get to help and be involved but my girl who normally is so careful ended up breaking 3 ornaments and a snow globe! I hope tomorrow is a bit better. The poor girl was the most upset. She so hates to do anything that may be seen as wrong. I hope your day was a little less exciting.

Thankful living

Today is one of those days that I love...not much of an agenda, a bit of snow, and lots of happy memories to replay in my head while I tackle the mundane. We had such a great time with the Knaus gang this past week. The week began with Susan's birthday and my cousin Melissa's visit. My in-laws came up for dinner on Tuesday and got to see the house after we moved in. My mom was here to help prepare for the arrival of everyone else on Wed. night. We were surprised with a flower delivery on Wed. The Gayers came for dinner on Wed. night. The house was filled with smells of baking and sounds of family catching up.

It seems hard now to think that our poor home has only been a "house" for 3 weeks now. It feels like part of the family now. The dishwasher and the coffee maker seemed to be the most-used appliances. While there are still projects we are working on, it is so good to be in our home and able to host a very special event.

I wanted to update all interested on my sewing machine cord. As most of you know, it has been missing since our move from Cedarville to the garage (1 year ago). We had searched through all of the boxes and did not find it. Kris happened to look inside the video camera bag and found it this week! YEAH!!! We have moved all of the sewing things into the basement and I cannot wait to begin to set it up and use my old friends. There are a few projects that were waiting for that cord. :)

I hope all of you were able to have a wonderful Thanksgiving. As we anticipate a season of giving yet ahead, I remain so thankful for the gifts with which I have been so richly blessed. You are in that list! Thank you for your friendship and for following in our journey.