Approved!

We have proof! We have been approved to be Short Term "Helpers" in East Asia. So cool, it seems like we have been on this road for such a long time. Well, 2005 is quite a while ago, but we feel so blessed that we have not given up the dream yet. Trust me, I have considered it a time or two, but we know, without a doubt, that we are supposed to be serving in East Asia. We really treasure the time we have been able to spend at Hallmark. We have learned so much from so many people here. Working with this staff and especially Pastor has been priceless. We felt so honored for him to introduce us to the Fellowship. It was one of those times in my life where I wanted to take a snapshot in my mind, so I will never forget it. I felt encouraged by the Lord to keep going. He will get us there when the time is right, His time. Celebrate with us!

Playing Photographer

We have been in desperate need of updated family photos. I really wanted to have the whole cool photo session with the hip photographer, but I am just too cheap these days. I figured we could just snap some shots ourselves using a tripod and the nifty camera timer. Well, I now know why the hip photographers can charge so much. We could not get the super cute toddler to barely stand still, much less sit still. There was much bribing going on, but I guess the lure of a lollipop doesn't buy much cooperation anymore. We were able to get a few cute shots, and hopefully photoshop will help us salvage some more. Next time I might just bite the bullet and leave it to the professionals.

"Vest" Pals

Oh, I crack myself up. Chad and Pebbles were headed out the door this morning both wearing their puffy vests. I had to snap a quick pic. Daddy takes her to MDO so that I do not have to get Bam Bam out in the cold, and I pick her up in the afternoon. She loves going to "shool." Bam Bam and I are off to the doctor for his 2 month check up...even though he is 3 months old. I am really curious about his weight, he is a pretty husky boy.

Teaching 'em Young

A couple of months ago while we were at Chad's Me-Me's house, she was cleaning out some old toys. She wanted Chad to take home the Construx he used to play with at her house. Pebbles was excited from the get go. She wanted to know what was inside the cool yellow suitcase. We told her she had to wait until we got home to play, I know I know, so mean. After we got home, the cool yellow suitcase got put away and forgotten about...until yesterday. Pebbles found it in Bam Bam's room and convinced her daddy to play...yeah, that was sooo hard. She loved it. They played with the Construx in the afternoon and again in the evening. It was super cute, and I am not sure who had more fun. Even Bam Bam got in on the action. So, good job to Fisher Price, this toy stood the test of time.

Rockin' New Year's Eve

So how is the new year going for you?? Ours' seems to be going well so far. I realize there is much debate on whether to make resolutions or not. This year, I decided it was a great opportunity for me to make some changes. I felt like if I did not get a bit more organized, things in this household would just spin out of control. And that would not be pretty. Chad agreed, so we made a schedule. We scheduled everything down to the washing of bottles every evening and family time on Fridays. It sounds so boring, but it has helped out a lot already. I guess I did not realize how much would change going from one child to two children, but time just seems to fly by. I also had to make the age old "get healthier" resolution. I hate that I had to, but the baby weight from child number 2 was not exactly falling off and after hitting the big 3-0, I think my metabolism all but stopped. So it's back to pilates and walking and eating low carb. We have also started potty training Pebbles. I am of the opinion that potty training is way more labor intensive for the trainer and not the trainee. It is going ok, we are making some progress everyday. That is probably way to much info for you...sorry.

We are getting ready for a great Saturday. Bam Bam spent the night with Gigi and Papa, so Pebbles and I need to go pick him up. I also have some Christmas money burning a hole in my pocket, so I might HAVE to stop at the mall. Saving money has never been my strength. I have to show these pictures from New Year's Eve. We had an exciting evening that started out at Dairy Queen with great friends and a Blizzard, and ended at our place with some serious Guitar Hero. Ok, maybe not serious, but really fun.