Cold, but beautiful!

Tess, loving every minute playing in the snow.

These last two pictures were taken yesterday in the later afternoon just before it really started to snow

Milk, cookies, and snow

Since moving to W. Washington I don't anticipate getting snow like when living in Wenachee. So, when snow is in the forecast, I tend to get REALLY excited. After growing up in winters where we'd have 3 feet of snow on the ground at one time, I miss not having it over here in the Seattle area. However, this morning we woke up to snow, and it has been snowing throughout the day. Without measuring to know for sure, I'd say that there's about 3-4inches of snow on the ground...with more on the way. This, of course, makes me very happy.

What's a better way to spend the morning and afternoon in our pj's eating cookies, drinking milk, baking, and watching all of the snow fall outside. Below is a picture of one of Tessa's toys. As you can see, she wanted to save her cookies for later.

Tess, enjoying her cookies and milk.

Let is snow....more snow pics to come

Generosity...

Blessed is he who considers the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. -Psalm 41:1


As we approach the holiday season, I always hear more talk about helping those in need. Naturally, it's the season of giving. There are so many places in the bible where God talks about giving to others. This year, our small group from church, adopted a single mother family for Christmas. We are so excited to shop for her and her three kids. We are especially excited this year to teach Tess what is means to give to others and just how important it is. What a joy it will be to see the smiles on their faces when we give them their gifts. This year their are so many people in need. I encourage and even dare anyone reading this blog to do something nice for someone in need this holiday season.

Someone got spoiled over at Grandma's

Tess came home with new toys and a whole new wardrobe she helped pick out. Thank you again mom!!

Baby Chloe

On Saturday, Tim and I drove back down to Wenatchee to pick up Tess and head over to my brother and sis-in-laws. We went to visit our new little niece/cousin. It was the first time we had seen her in person. She is BEAUTIFUL!!

My brother, Jeremy, and his new little girl. There's something so special about seeing my brother become a dad.

Tim feeding Chloe, such a pro! :-)

Tessa holding her new little cousin. She didn't want to let her go....Tessa are ready for a brother or sister??

I love that new baby smell. Chloe is just perfect!

Celebrating our 4th!

Our 4th wedding anniversary was back on September 30th. Tim was taking a class at the time, so we decided to wait until after his class/test to celebrate. Every year we try to get away for a few days. This year we just went overnight, but it was still wonderful. We took Tess to grandma Morris's on Friday night, and Tim and I went up to Leavenworth for the night. We ate at one of our favorite restaurants, The Baren Haus, and stayed at the Enzian. We had a great time and can't wait for our 5th!

Trust

When I am afraid, I will trust in you. -Psalm 56:3

It's hard not to worry with the world we live in. It's hard to be content 100% of the time. Whether it's finances, relationships, war, an illness, a friend, a family member, a job, God hears our cry. He hears our prayers, and He knows every single worry that we have. This verse is a wonderful reminder for me that no matter what I might be facing, God is right there, and I don't have to worry. Instead, I can cast my worries to Him and trust that He will take care of everything.

Thank you Lord that when I am afraid, there You are!

Strength

It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. - 2 Samuel 22:33

A prayer:

You are like an army, Lord, surrounding me with Your strength and power...an army that cannot be defeated. I don't have to depend on my limited might or abilities. You will watch over me.

In these days of wars and fighting, even my child notices the uncertainty around us. When she becomes fearful, I can tell her how You are mightier than any army. You care for us and will be there when we need You.

In the times when I doubt, Lord, remind me of this verse. Bring it to my memory when I am afraid. Teach me to draw on Your strength and fly above the storm so I can teach the same to my children. Thank you, Jesus!

-Prayers and Promises for Mothers Pg.153

Being an example

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity...
-Titus 2:7


I want to be a good example to those around me....that doesn't always happen though. For example, the other day we were driving down our street. We saw this guy standing by his garage. He, for no reason, gave us a dirty look as we were getting ready to turn. I looked at Tim and said, "what a jerk". I have a habit of calling people idiots or jerks when I don't like how they are acting. Well, in short, I need to watch my mouth. I'm being an example to my 19 month old daughter, and I don't want her calling people idiots or jerks. This verse is a good reminder for me to watch what I say no matter who I'm around.