The Girls

Carrie, me, Brandi, and Nicola

I'm not completely sure how we got together, but the four of us have been "the four of us" for the last year. We get together on a regular basis to pray, study, and more often than not, talk. We talk about things women talk about- our children, our husbands, our insecurities. Sometimes it's deep, sometimes not so much.

I feel like I can be myself completely with these girls. They know my (many) shortcomings and somehow love me anyways. I could go on and on about how each of these girls has blessed my life.

Last night was one of the last nights the four of us will get together because the four of us will become the three of us. Carrie is moving back to the states in February. This girl has blessed my family and me in so many ways. I am not the only one, though, who will miss her- she has blessed a LOT of people!

So, girls, please know that I cherish our time together. I am humbled and honored that you would put up with me. I am thankful for what I learn from all three of you each time we are together.

Carrie- I think you already know how much you'll be missed. But, we'll work on that webcam thingie, alright?

A few of my favs.......

Our very talented friend, Chelsey, took our family pictures last November. Here are a few of my favorites:

Also, stay tuned for some fun family news and what the Lord has called our family to do to help with the Haiti relief efforts.

Middle class white people

Who am I that I would be spared from natural disasters such as the earthquake that has claimed thousands upon thousands of innocent lives in Haiti? Who are my children that they would not have to witness bodies lining a sidewalk and the stench as those bodies decompose? Who is my husband that he would have the privilege of a white collar job in a comfortable heated office?

Who are we that we would be born in to this middle class world where we never go hungry and are never without water? Who are we that even if we were to experience a natural disaster, we would have resources and aide immediately?

I am not shielding my children from the images I can't seem to take my eyes away from on the computer. I want their hearts to be stirred. I want them to feel compassion and be moved to action. We're not sure, yet, what we're going to do. But, I will not- WILL NOT- do nothing.

I may be a middle class stay at home soccer mom who drives a minivan, but I'll be damned if I continue on my merry way as if the devastated Haiti never existed.

Yellowstone

My cousin, Teri, snapped this picture while we were in Yellowstone last October. She gave it to us for Christmas and I love it. Isn't Jeff cute in his cowboy hat?