Long time, no blog

It has been a while since I have blogged and I have lost my camera! Sorry for the tardiness.
In honor of the hiatus, here are a few random pictures from the past two months (don't get your hopes up-there aren't many).

Me and my man! We don't get too many of these (pics of the two of us) so I had to mark the occasion. Chris is almost done with his classes and we are SO enjoying having him around more now that he isn't working nights.

This is Sam. Sam is a special person to us, especially Jaden. This girl is blessed with wonderful musical talent and a love for God...good combination! We are thankful for Sam's influence in Jaden's life.

This picture is from a visit with a long time friend and her kiddos. Gavin and her oldest are 12 hours apart in age! We sure love them and are grateful for the time we had that day. (sorry, the lens was dirty-I am SUCH the photographer)

Well, I know it isn't much but there it is.

We are enjoying our transition time. We have been able to visit with friends we haven't seen in a while. Right now we are enjoying some time at GranBud and Grammie's. We spent Thanksgiving with friends and family at PawPaw and Nana's. Chris cooked and made the most wonderful food. I wish you could have been there. I will post pics and the menu later.

Tonight we are going to get our Christmas tree! I love the hunt for the tree. Watching the kiddos wander around with eyes wide, searching for the perfect tree, is one of the highlights of the season. We will crate our belongings right before Christmas so the decoration situation will have to be negotiated.

We are in the process of sorting through our earthly possessions- deciding what we will take with us and what will stay. What an undertaking! It is actually pretty liberating. "Stuff" isn't as high on the priority ladder and that feels great.

The leaves are beautiful this year and I am taking lots of mental pictures. I don't imagine there will be many seasonal changes where we are headed. ;) We are so excited and can't believe that the time is getting so close.

Zephan's new look

Before

During...not too sure about what Dad is up to.

We did it. It was a painful decision but we parted with the locks. Chris put in our CARS movie and Zephan was set. He didn't flinch. The only time he lost concentration on the movie was the above picture-what a guy. We are still getting use to the new look but he no longer has to tilt his head back to see past his bangs and doesn't get called "she".

Bella

I am not getting any kind of perk for advertising here I just wanted to share a movie with you. I wouldn't say it is an entire family movie but "Bella" is worth viewing. Chris and I enjoyed it so much I wanted to share it. The writer, actor, and producer have a united goal to make movies that are meaningful and reflect values (wholesome ones).

It is well written, well filmed, and well acted. There is such beauty in Bella. Beauty in nature, in family, in music, even in the food.

On a personal note...It may not have been their goal but what I was reminded of is Christ's love. I was struck anew with the reality that He really sees me, is deeply empathetic and compassionate, and genuinely loves me. I think we all desire that. Like I said, that wasn't the "theme" of the movie but it's where my thoughts went at the end of the credits.
So run, don't walk to your nearest rental store...ha ha.

confessions of a (whisper) blog stalker

I had never heard the phrase "blog stalker" until a few days ago. Ha! I love it. Blogs fascinate me. I sincerely love to see people confidently put their thoughts down for all to share. I enjoy knowing people and being known. I have been truly blessed by some of the blogs I visit. God has used them to sharpen me. I am careful to weigh what I read and I do try to measure how much time I give to reading blogs as I am the keeper of a home and manager of 5 little people. But I do have some favorites.

I found a great blog I thought I would share with the ladies. There is a little bit of everything. Check it out here. The blog belongs to Nancy Wilson , her daughters & daughter in law. They have precious crafts, child rearing tips, recipes, spiritual wisdom, and more. My introduction to Nancy Wilson actually came through my husband. Chris had listened to a tape series by her husband, Doug Wilson, called Foundations For Fathers. This tape series was one of the things God used to really shape Chris's vision for our family. Nancy Wilson wrote one of my very favorite books on marriage (for women) called, The Fruit of Her Hands . I am thankful for the Wilson's ministry and influence in my life and the life of my family. I trust you will be blessed as you peruse the "pages" of her blog. And you MUST check out her daughter's website Amoretti Designs ...TOO Cute! Make sure you read the "About us" page with her story.

TTFN... TaTa For Now