I Can't Believe It's Over!!

Another Christmas has come and gone. This year was so different for us with 3 children!! I must say that I think Jer was a little elated at getting to shop for some boys this year. Footballs magically appeared under the tree on Christmas morning! I wonder who was in charge of that. The testosterone imbalance in our home is becoming more evident each day. Fortunately, my girlie girl still loves pink, ponies, Pet Shops, and Polly Pockets. Our Christmas picture adventure was definitely one for the books. We went with my sister and her kids to the outlet mall at 6:10 pm on the 23rd to get our picture. As we walked to the end of the line, we were directly behind a former student of mine named Kyle. His family is so precious! When we actually got in line Santa's elves told us we would be the last people in line since the computers were broken, and it would be at least an hour and a half wait. Bummer. Behind me, a commotion erupted when an insane mother began using choice words and yelling at the elves for turning her family away. (No doubt she was put on the naughty list!!) We waited for what seemed to be forever with the crazy lady behind us, very warm weather, and two boys up past their bedtime. When we finally made it into the Santa's house, (7:30) it was burning up and Gabe had passed out. Santa decided to go on a break with one family in front of us. Another bummer. The crazy lady tried to make friends with us, but it was quite hard since all of the staff were crying because of her verbal abuse. It was almost our turn when....10 seconds later, the camera broke again and caused another 10 minute delay. THEN, we were up.....and as I'm handing Tripp to Santa, he throws up all over himself!! Unbelievable. Gabe has a just-woken-from-dreamland look on his face and Tripp has no idea that he smells like regurgitated turkey dinnner. Fortunately, our precious Liv was the most amazing big sister as usual and helped pull the entire picture together.

Matching Christmas pajamas $24

Picture with Santa $13

Cost of gas to the outlet mall $0. 11

This moment with these amazing kids.......PRICELESS!

Christmas Miracles

Wow! God is so amazing! Our family had the most incredible thing happen to us this evening. It was a moment that stuns you as you realize that our God is huge and loving and worthy of more praise than we could ever hope to give Him. On the way to church tonight, Olivia began a conversation with her Dad about Christmas. First, let me say that her Christmas list consists of items totaling less than $10. We were so proud of how little she had asked for. Tonight however, she told Jerry that she no longer wanted those things. Instead, she only wanted a picture of Jason for Christmas. For those of you who might not know, Jason was our first foster child that came to our family. We had him just shy of two months. Needless to say, we fell in love with him and were devastated when he had to leave. It was pretty heartbreaking! However, our God is so incredible. During the same 20 minute period that Jerry was driving Olivia to church and having this conversation, Jason's grandmother was calling me and inviting us to his first birthday party! God is so good! Not only were we able to tell Olivia that we could definitely get a picture of Jason for Christmas, but that we are going to get to see him and hold him be with him on this special day. What a beautiful picture of how God not only provides but provides abundantly. I guess we'll be shopping for some sort of Tonka product for this precious little boy!

Start Digging in Your Couch Cushions!

Last year, our ministry group, The Cavalry, volunteered as bell ringers for the Salvation Army! We stood for 8 hours at both entrances at the Conroe Wal-Mart and rang bells. What an enormous blessing that was to us. We had such a wonderful time visiting with strangers, seeing friends, and catching up with people we hadn't seen in a long time. Our children received a blessing as well by getting to be a part of something so wonderful. We started out by taking donuts and coffee to all of the bell ringers for the Conroe / Woodlands area and then we began our stakeout! Besides having a fabulous time, we also made more money for those doors than had previously ever been made there! This year, we plan on doing the same thing. We wouldn't miss it for the world. It will be interesting to see how we manage to do this with two babies to watch! Perhaps Jer and I can each wear a Snugli with a baby in front. Surely the cute factor will get us some extra money! I also wanted to take this time to ask that if you aren't going to be able to donate to a red kettle in your area, to consider donating to our ministry online red kettle. I have provided a link so that you may donate to such a worthy cause. Our goal is a mere $125 and I know we can do it. We'll see the 13th of December in front of Wal-Mart! Bring your change to bring about change!!