It's Already Christmas??!

Wow! For a year that seemed to drag on, I can't believe it's Christmas time!

Last Saturday, we decided to go cut down our own Christmas tree. It was an experience, let me tell you! After driving completely the WRONG way, we found a tree. It's a pretty great tree, but very poky. After we cut down said tree, we followed the map. Which led us to the BACKSIDE of all things main road. We traveled a dirt, pot-hole filled road for what seemed like EVER. And after we finally hit pavement again....our tree decided to kamikaze half way off our car! It was an adventure, for sure.

After that start to our Christmas season, I thought I'd write this blog. Ha!

We set out to make this the "Experience" year. Little did we know what kind of things were coming!

I'll give a quick re-cap:

Harley: Going to a small alternative school. She really likes it. Her artistic talent is growing and we are constantly amazed by what she can do. She continues to tell others about God, even when it makes them uncomfortable. This is her first time in a main stream high school. It can be nerve wracking. She went on the mission trip to Washington this year; lives are changed through those! We are excited to see how God continues to write her story. She's a blessing and a joy!

Savannah: What can I say about this girl??! She chose to spend her 17th birthday volunteering at a concert. The band booth she volunteered at sang "Happy Birthday" to her. That was fun! She's doing well in her online schooling and is taking college courses. She went on the mission trip to Washington and, as always, enjoyed it. Right now, she wants to travel with the christian bands after she graduates in 2018. We're praying that happens. She still wants to run a christian camp; she's making connections and showing so much growth! It's an honor to be her parents!!

Kaily: Here while T isn't. They moved to Italy in the beginning of this year. She misses Germany. Her and T came to visit this summer. It was a fun time! (shadowed by Matt's back issues; more on that later) We got to know T better and that was good. She is happy to be here, but would rather be with him! Of course, she'd love to have all her people in one space. Someday, I'm sure that will happen! I'm happy she's here....it's nice to have all 6 girls around for Christmas!

Chellsei: She had a BABY! He's a sweet little one! Cody is working at a great job with benefits. They're now trying to figure out married life AND parenthood. Can not wait to see the adventures God is writing for this little family!

Emily: Working at the hospital. She works nights and weekends...lots of differential there. She moved into her place and promptly received my parents cats. Homer is a bit of a rascal and Waffles likes to be tucked into bed. Emily is still figuring out single, adult life. I wonder if any of us "adults" really have it figured out??!

Hillary: Raising those 2 girls! Reyasunshine just turned 5! and Sweet Piper just turned 3. Jeremy has a job in the healthcare industry and seems to really enjoy it. They are pet-less. Except for a fish Savannah bought R on an Aunt Ti-Ti date. Yes, Hillary LOVED that....HA!

I've recently started volunteering at Proverbs 31 ministries and I LOVE it. It's been amazing how God has used the studies that I lead to speak to my heart. I've met some amazing women and can't wait to continue in this exciting venture!

Matt is doing amazingly better. I still watch him carefully, but we both feel he is well on his way to complete recovery. Our marriage has been strengthened and we are more committed to each other than ever!

We've gone to multiple concerts, explored different back roads (not on purpose), went to the fair and just enjoyed each other. We've cried, we've laughed, we've yelled and just lived. We've learned, given more of ourselves than we thought possible and just mindlessly moved through our days. We've leaned on one another, pushed away from each other and truly, just loved.

God is so good all the time. I know nothing has unfolded without His hand holding us.

As we go into this final season of 2017, I encourage you to enjoy the adventure God has written for you. Regardless what may come your way, He loves you and is holding you. You are His great adventure; He delights in you.

Merry Christmas, friends....much love.