#83

#78

#52

Due to Inclement Weather...

once again, His plans were not ours!

I've been so excited about hosting our Care Group's Christmas party at in our home. I've struggled a little this year with missing the familiarity of the long standing friendships and family in Orlando. I've missed the parties and dinners and baking days and shopping trips that have been associated with the people we love dearly - especially that would happen this time of year. So, planning and preparing for the party last night was exciting for me! Reagan and I went out around 3 to pick up wood for the fire and cut holly for a centerpiece for the table. Then around 5 I went outside and I couldn't believe it...there was ice on the driveway! Then I looked out the front window to see traffic at almost a stand-still! Seriously?!?! By 6, I made myself come to the reality we were going to be eating a lot of cookies by ourselves tonight. And I was disappointed. And I tried to have a good attitude. But for a few minutes I didn't. I told Steve I just didn't want to plan and look forward to anything because it seems like God just doesn't want me to do the fun things we plan. I know, I know...boo-hoo.

Steve graciously corrected me and encouraged me. (I love this guy!) And then God quickened my heart to a piece of Scripture I've held near this year..."The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16:9) Sure, I missed seeing all my friends last night and having fun and celebrating Christmas with them, but I was grateful they were all home safe, too.

And instead of pouting, God gave me the grace to change and enjoy the rest of the evening! Reagan, Sydney, Jordyn and I read about the 3 Wise Men and about Stinky Feet (their favorite story from the Jesus Storybook Bible) by the fire and then we watched cartoons before bed. Then Steve and I were getting ready to eat cookies, drink hot chocolate and play Scrabble (he really was trying to help me =)!) when he had the idea to bring some goodies out to the people who were desperately trying to get home. Now that was fun! It was fun to see the surprised look on the man's face when he got an unexpected treat. It was fun to help two ladies who had pulled over and had been sitting in their cars for hours because they were both scared to drive on the ice. It was wonderful to be able to bring them to our house so they could go to the bathroom and have a drink and something to eat. God knew those ladies would need a place to be refreshed last night. That has been my desire for our home. That people would come in and be refreshed. No matter how little or long they stay. And last night, once again, He answered that prayer - even if it was just for a few minutes! Then we played Scrabble and Steve beat me, but once again God showed me that even when His plans aren't my plans, He never changes and He is always good and worthy to be praised. So, I will keep praying and keep planning, but I'll hold those plans loosely, too. Knowing that even though I plan it is He who truly orders my days.

It's a Couple of Weeks Before Christmas...

and this is what's going on at our house...

*We are done with school 'till the New Year!

*Cristina made gingerbread men, women, girls and boys with the kiddos. We have been enjoying them and all their decorated deliciousness!

*We are enjoying our fireplace when we can actually get the logs to catch fire!

*The house is decorated with wreaths and garland, stockings, gifts and trees!

*We are enjoying reading through the Christmas story and my sis gave me the great idea of using our Little People Nativity to draw the kids in during the story. It's so fun to watch them "be" the different people and animals!

*Tonight we are joining Barry and Cherry (our sweet neighbors) at FBW for their big Christmas production. I'm dressing the girls up and after we eat our soup and hot bread, we'll be on our way!

*Fun gifts have been almost completely found for family and friends, now the baking needs to begin!

*We have barely been outside. This Florida girl has still not adjusted to this cold North Georgia weather! Although, I did go to Publix the other day when it was 30 degrees outside with just a long sleeve shirt. I can't stand layering and unlayering ever time I go to a store!

*We are hosting our Care Group Christmas Party here on Wednesday night!

*Next weekend we'll have our family Christmas and then pack up for Florida!

I Didn't Escape the Bug...

I thought I made it through all the sickness and cleaning up...that is until the wee hours of this morning. Then it hit. Over the last couple of hours I have been so blessed by my husband who has taken care of me so well. He immediately called into work and told them he needed to take care of the kiddos today, he's checked in on me and brought me refills of Sprite. We just talked about growing in compassion and it seems like after we have conversations like that good opportunities are just around the corner!

AND then Cristina offered to watch the girls so that Steve could go and work. Cristina who is helping her husband and preparing to move in a few days. Who has plenty to do on her own. But I hear them downstairs making Gingerbread cookies and laughing and having fun. I definitely wouldn't choose to get sick. Especially in December - less than two weeks before we leave for Orlando, but again I'm glad my plans aren't His plans. I'm thankful that I can rest today and get well quickly and that my girls are having fun and aren't having to sit in front of movies all day!

Today.

Today I woke up and went to the gym while it was freezing cold outside and started the day off by seeing two of my dear, sweet friends!

Today I watched 6 little girls play and listened to them giggle and be super good mommies to all their little babies!

Today I started reading The Gospel for Real Life and Shopping for Time.

Today I wrapped presents and excitedly opened packages that came in the mail today that are special gifts for special people!

Today I talked to my sister and mom on the phone to talk about Christmas!

Today we ate little gingerbread men at lunch and I watched all the little girls...and Luke =) nibble away one part at a time!

Today I was surprised by my sweet hubby when he came home from work with a Slurpee and dozen red roses in his hands for me!

Today I enjoyed eating dinner with my family and the Hartmans, realizing that this time next week they will be in the process of setting up their new home.

Right now I'm listening to 3 little girls laughing hysterically as their daddy entertains them before he prays for them and puts them to bed!

Today has been a good day!