What will your year be?

I was struck at church today by the pastor's message. I felt it was worth sharing and if nothing else something to think about as you plan your 2008 goals!

My Sunday began with the Tri Fusion Master's Swim Class at Oz Fitness at 8am. We swam 12, 150's for a total of 1800 yards today. And yes I did have to nap later. We followed the swim by a social at Starbucks with several other Tri Fusion members. Trish and I then went to church at Life Center. It is somewhat a miracle in itself that I managed to get to church--I have been frustrated with God's plan for me but luckily I come around. Because you know God doesn't give up on you even if you close the door on him.

Now back to the sermon! Today Pastor Joe was gone, which I immediately was thinking, "Oh great, I invite Trish, and our normal pastor is gone!" But to my surprise Trish and both loved it and we both commented how we listened the whole time! (my mind has been known to wander just a little during a sermon!) Today's message was all about what will your year be... "A Good Year or a God Year?" Let me explain... a God Year would be when you trust in the Lord and walk with him through good times and bad. The Good Year referred to the year where you inform God your "instruction book" for how you'd like things done. My experience with the two is that when I think I can plan everything I am likely to be disappointed because my plan and God's time are not always in sync. Pastor Williams used the story from Genesis about Joseph. Time and time again in his life he faces disappointment yet never strays from God's love and will.

So, as you make your 2008 goals, I encourage you to reflect on your relationship with the Lord. What could you change? How can your life mirror that of a life living and trusting in the Lord? The further I am from God almost always correlates with my life feeling out of control and unfocused. Time and time again I am drawn back to the light of my savior and am once again comforted by his love, even when things don't go just my way. I am constantly reminded that of how Great our God is!

Happy New Year!

Adventures in Elko

Well this family made the trek to Elko, Nevada for Christmas this year. We boarded the Keith Jayco Motorhome and embarked on a 14 hour trip. On the way down we had some treacherous roads and lots of storms. We camped at an RV resort both on the way down and the way home. We can say we have camped in Caldwell and McCall Idaho!

Once arriving we loved our stay. My cousins did a wonderful job hosting 25 people! We relaxed, read, cross country skied, went sledding, played family trivia games, foosball, xbox, guns, and enjoyed the company of my relatives. I haven't seen my cousin Dave in over 2 years as he has been out at sea. My brother and his wife also drove up from California and of course Ashlyn too! It is however always nice to get back home.

We hope you had a blessed holiday with your families! Cousin Annie and Joey during the kids' gift exchange!

Christmas fun for you to see!

Preschool Christmas Party!

Joey's Preschool Class!

Today was Joey's Preschool Christmas celebration. Mrs. Pritchard, Joey's teacher, read a special story about Jesus' Birthday. Gifts were given to the moms, that were made by the children, a gift book exchange with the kids and of course a gift from their teacher. Our favorite part of course were the songs. The kids all became quite shy with the crowd of parents! Grandpa and Grandma were there too. The event ended with a few cookies, Joey's favorite! We sure love preschool, it is Joey's top choice of the week!

We love our Grandpa! These are the new books Joey received at the party.

Fun in the Snow!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

The holiday festivities are in full swing at our house. The tree is up and the house is decorated. Not sure if the outside lights will make it but we are feeling the spirit over here. Joey found the reindeer antlers and immediately put them on Tucker. I then grabbed the camera, of course! I used my photoshop skills to do a little crop and cameo.

Yet another example of my tech job skills spilling over to the family. I am still enjoying my job as the tech chick, it allows me to have a little more time for my family and I love the new challenges of learning the tech stuff! I am still dabbling with my triathlon training and just fired up my swimming - finally! I hope to do another triathlon in August.

Tom still continues to fish in Alaska each summer. He is finally excited about the prospects this summer of having crew he has had before. Such a treat. We continue to enjoy fresh salmon from the freezer and try to share it with friends when possible! He also is still active with real estate, although it's a bit dry at the moment, let us know if you need to sell your house! :-) Tom's hunting seems to be expanding to more days and weekends each year, if you're a hunter's wife this is no surprise to you, but he absolutely loves it and our dog, Tucker, is amazing at it too.

Joey is 3 and a half. He is the light of our lives, full of energy, energy, energy! This year he has been going to preschool two mornings a week and has absolutely loved it. His teacher is Mrs. Pritchard and what she says is the law, at home or school! He then attends daycare with Grandma Nancy and Papa Glen 3 days, which has been a blessing for our family as well. He loves to be outside golfing, kicking the soccer ball, casting his fishing pole, riding his bike, and spending time with grandparents! "Joey, Joe, Peanut, Love bug, Buggy", also known as Joseph, is a complete love and we can't imagine our lives without him.

Our exciting news is that we think we actually get to start building our house (3 years in the making) on top of Five Mile Prairie this spring. Keep your fingers crossed for us. We (okay, mostly Tom) have been fighting the city/county on trying to get hooked up to sewer and water for quite sometime. Our property lies right on the border of the two which has been quite a challenge and somewhat frustrating for sure. Kudos to Tom for keeping after it! We can't wait to start building our lil' rancher!

Our year was filled with many blessings and a few sad moments too. We are looking forward to a new beginning with a refreshed 2008 and hoping it leads to adding to our family one of these days too. We are so blessed by the support of our family and friends and appreciate each and everyone of you.

We hope this finds you and your family enjoying the season, making new memories and passing the cheer!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Happy Birthday Jill!

We Love You JILL!

One of my dearest friends turned another year older, or at least is about to! Jill will celebrate on Dec. 9th however, a brunch was held in her honor this past Saturday at the Blue Onion Bistro in Seattle. I just adored the company and it was fun to see Jill feeling a little better too. A huge thank you to Vanessa for coordinating the event! What a treat to see all my Seattle ladies as well. Happy Holidays you all!

Kauai Photos!

Here are the a few photos from our fabulous trip. We are so grateful to my parents for such a wonderful way to spend time with family...in Kauai!