Merry CHRISTmas!

Like many of you, this past week has been so busy, too busy to even post! I've decided to use this post to catch up on the Lord's work in our life and to wish you all the very best CHRISTmas season ever! This past week, my heart has felt heights and depths that can only be found in the daily walk with our Lord! Last Sunday, we had the privilege of celebrating Benjamin River's 1st Birthday! What a joy it is to have him in our home. His smile melts our hearts and his easy going personality makes him everyone's best friend! We are so thankful for the blessing of you, our little man!

Then Monday, we were able to pick up our son Michael from the airport! It has been so fun to have him home! He has adjusted well from his life of single hood to being the oldest of a big family! All the kiddos love to crawl in his lap and we all enjoy the energy that he brings to the family, making everything fun! At our Christmas Eve service, I sang "A Baby Changes Everything" by Faith Hill. I couldn't help but think about my life, being a pregnant teen just like Mary and how that little baby did change EVERYTHING! I have hope and a beautiful son (20 years old, now) because of that Christmas baby that changed my life forever!

What fun it has been to dream about our new home. Scott gave me the best present ever in not only a new home but painting the entire interior, updating the home. We stepped out of our comfort zone this time and painted color on the walls. We were both a little nervous but really like the way it turned out! I'll be sure to post before and after pictures.

For a Christmas with a "slow start", this Christmas has been one of the most special. Our church family has gone above and beyond to bless our family this year. One morning, Scott opened his office door to find numerous presents for our family! Those presents filled our tree before we even added any of ours. Their love and support have been amazing and we are so thankful to be here! We are also so thankful for our extended family that brings a constant support and love to our family!

Sitting around the tree, making Christmas dinner for the first time completely on my own (with the help of my sweet Kaylee) and seeing the overflowing gifts for our overflowing family is almost too much to ponder in my heart. Life with a large family is very hard, I admit! It is constant work and discipline to keep the basics going. There are moments when you wonder if you're really moving forward at all. But then life slows down, like on Christmas morning, and you can see the fruit of your labor and through eyes of faith, you see the blessings for what they really are. Life is a gift and I am thankful to spend my life with those that the Lord entrusted to me. This coming August, we are excited to meet our newest blessing! Yes, we are expecting again! The family is excited, kids are overflowing with joy and Scott and I are eager to meet this new little one. We continue to walk forward in hope, faith and trust knowing that He alone is able to provide, protect and lead our family. We always appreciate your prayers and would love to hear about your family as well! We pray that you discover more of Him this CHRISTmas season!