Maybe one day...

...I'll have time to write something.
I do miss writing.
Determined to kick start.

Trying this again...

So, I haven't blogged in a LONG time.
Why?
Hmm...

a.) Too busy
b.) Lack of inspiration
c.) Emotional overload
d.) All of the above

If you answered 'd', you are correct!
But, I'm going to take a stab at this blogging thing again.
Not because I think it will benefit anyone, but because I like logging the seasons in our life.
And, if in turn, it benefits someone else, then the blessing is doubled!

(Repost) In one minute...

This is an older post I found, but wanted to repost today.

(with a few edits...)

Have you ever thought about the significance of one minute? We live such busy lives in our society these days that a minute seems to not have much importance. However, in just one minute (60 seconds), lives can change...

In one minute...

...an Olympian sets a new record

...a man and woman say "I do" and a new family is born

... a puppy jumps out of a beautifully wrapped box and licks your face

...20 babies are born in the United States

...a butterfly emerges from a chrysalis being given new life

...a starving child receives a bite of food and life is extended one more day

...a broken relationship begins the path to reconciliation

...a cure has been discovered for a disease

...the first snowflake of winter begins to fall

...the phone rings and your life is never the same

...a teenager decides to try drugs "just this once"

...the winds of a hurricane begin to blow

...an expectant mother miscarries the precious life growing inside her and her life will never be the same

...an airplane plunges into the World Trade Center

...the stock market plummets as do your earnings

...the divorce papers have been signed and you feel like a failure

...the doctor walks into the room with a new diagnosis

...10 people in the United States take their last breath

And in the most important minute of your life, you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, turning away from a life that pleases this world to a life that pleases Him. Your minutes begin to be led by Him, you begin to see things in a different light, your faith begins to grow as you trust that He is the Lord of everything, even down to the darkest minute of your life.

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life." (John 8:12) In one minute, your life can change. Have you played out the most important minute of your life? Did you once, but have turned away? It takes just one minute to turn back, to accept and to begin to follow.

I pray today is your day!

Bringing Home Winnie Bea!

Meet the newest member of our family...

WINNIE BEA

Our kids have been begging for a dog for about a year. We have been putting them off or just flat out saying "no". We are a busy family and have two cats and two guinea pigs. A few weeks ago, Jason and I started talking about the reasons why we've been telling the kids "no", and honestly, all our reasons were pretty selfish (extra responsibility, walking in the snow, one more thing, etc, etc). We came to the agreement that our kids are only kids once, they are at good ages now to bring in a puppy, and we want them to have the memories of growing up with a family dog.

So, the search began. After having a successful adoption of our two cats, we began the adoption pursuit. However, the process was very frustrating. I am NOT discouraging adoption at all, please know that! Our situation was a little different, I think. We wanted a particular breed of dog, knowing that this dog would come into a family with three children and two cats. We also wanted a medium sized dog. We became very picky in what we were looking to adopt. We also had a very specific timeframe in that we wanted to surprise our kids Easter weekend. So, to make a long story short, the adoption route didn't work out for our specific requirements.

We were fortunate enough to find a breeder of English Bulldogs and Beagles in our neck of the woods, so we committed to the pick of the litter! We drove the kids to Amish country on Friday, took them to lunch and then told them we were going to visit a farm. We pulled into the farm and Jason went in to "make sure they were open" (aka...let the lady know how we would surprise the kids).

Upon entering her house, we were greeted by two teacup Yorkie puppies. Of course, we could not pry our kids from those cute tiny furballs! The breeder brought "Winnie" into the room and the kids seriously wanted nothing to do with her because of these Yorkies! So, we had to encourage them to notice Winnie and to play with her also.

Winnie was adorable! She's so awkward and clumsy and had the biggest belly I'd ever seen! Her paws are big and her docked tail was wagging 90 mph! Jason began asking the kids questions about Winnie and asked them if they liked her. They said yes, and he said, "It's a good thing, because she's yours!". I think he had to repeat that 3 times before it sunk in! One started crying tears of Joys (E), one jumped up and down and did a dance of some sort (B) and one just stood in complete stunned silence (A). (Oh, and if you know Abby, she is NEVER silent...)

The ride home was pretty uneventful, with a little bit of whimpering every now and then. She is adjusting well to her new home. The first night was a little rough and I wish I'd had a camera to take a picture of Jason and I with our pillows over our head throughout most of the night, just trying to save our hearing!

We're off to the puppy well visit this morning. I'm sure we will have many updates and stories to tell. For now, enjoy these pics!

Obituary

I received this in my email today.

Thought it was worth sharing.

Book Review: "Two Kisses for Maddy" by Matt Logelin

I have been following Matt Logelin's blog for a little over a year. Matt's story is one of gut-wrenching heartache. In a matter of just 27 hours, Matt experienced the joyful birth of his daughter and the untimely death of his wife. The story is true and it is full of love, joy, pain, sorrow, and determination.
I couldn't put this book down and finished it in 2 days. It is very well written and it is a beautiful memoir written for his daughter. Matt's determination to provide a full life for Maddy is amazing. Just one warning: have plenty of Kleenex nearby.
I'm praying that Matt will come to know the Lord and share the love of Jesus with his beautiful daughter!

Watch the Decorah Eagles live 24/7...this is so cool!

Broadcasting Live with Ustream.TV

Enjoy!

Have you heard of this? I hadn't...until today.

Many things that happen in this life are not fair and are unexplainable. A dear friend of mine has this form of cancer and is in the fight of her life. I am crying out to The Great Physician to heal her body of this terrible disease. Please take the time to watch the video and learn about this form of breast cancer that is not one detected by mammogram or breast self-exams. If you suspect anything, do not wait! Early detection is the key!

The Heart of Texas Movie

Jason and I just watched this movie. I am having a hard time putting into words just how powerful this story is. The movie takes place in Simonton, Texas and can only be a testament of God's amazing grace at work in the lives of people just like you and me. What begins as an unusual friendship between two families continues to be intricately woven by the hand of God when a terrible tragedy occurs; a tragedy that would by anyone's standards bring division, bitterness and hatred. If anyone questions whether there is a God, I would be willing to bet that this movie would heavily tip the scales towards His favor. No man on his own could write the same story.

I encourage you to watch this movie and then share it with your friends, coworkers, family and church community. You will be touched in an amazing way. I am definitely challenged to look at myself through the filter of forgiveness and find the areas in my life where I need to let go. The good news is, I don't have to do it on my own! Where I am weak, He is strong and I can lean on Him. Thank you, Lord!

Click here to visit the website and order the DVD.

Abby's 5!

Happy birthday to you!

You're a blessing; it's true!

Happy birthday, dear Abby!

Happy birthday to you!

5 years old!

4 years old

3 years old

2 years old

First Birthday

Precious newborn Abby

Dear Sweet Abby,

It's hard to believe that today, we are celebrating your fifth birthday! It seems like yesterday we were welcoming you into this world. When Mommy and Daddy found out we were pregnant with you, we knew that God must have a special plan for your life. Daddy couldn't stop laughing at the thought of another addition to our family. He wasn't laughing because it was funny, he was laughing because his heart was full of pure joy! When we began to decide on a name for you, we wanted to find a name that had a special meaning and was a reflection of our joyful anticipation of your birth. Abigail was the perfect choice as it means "joy of the father".

You have brought nothing less than pure joy into our lives for the five fast years you've been here. You enjoy life and have taught us so much about living in the moment. You are spunky and sassy and sweet all rolled up into one! You are beautiful, inside and out. You enjoy playing with Ben and Emily, school, your teachers and your friends. You are easily entertained and love playing with Toy Story characters, princesses and coloring. You love music and books. You are very affectionate and do not hold back in doling out the hugs and kisses! Your presence is rarely missed by anyone as your voice has a natural projection like no one else I know. We tease that you must have "ants in your pants" as sitting still doesn't happen often; you are always on the move!

We are so thankful for you and the joy you bring to our lives! Emily and Ben have written some special things to you today...

I love you, Abby!

I love how you always sing when you're swinging on the swingset.

I love how you always share with me and Ben.

I love when I get to wake you up in the mornings and you snuggle with me.

I love it when you color with me.

You are so cute!

I LOVE YOU!

Love,

Emily

I love you!

I love playing with you!

I love bubleing with you!

I love drawing with you!

I love wawching TV with you!

I love you because you are sweet!

I Love You!

Ben

Happy Birthday, sweet girl!

We all love you!

Make a wish! (Just not for a dog, please...)