Another tooth lost...

Well, we had another join the missing teeth team today! Keaton has had a wiggly little tooth for a couple weeks. Unlike his sister he does not try to constantly wiggle so it progressed very slowly but last night an attempt was made by dad...

But the little tooth prevailed...

Today the boys came running down to the basement where I was working with Siara and showed me that Keaton's tooth was gone...pulled by his big bro!

It was a tiny little tooth! No tears, no fears, I'd say big brother did a great job! I, on the other hand, almost shed some tears. The thought crossed my mind that this could be the last time we have a first lost tooth. :( I pray it's not and the Lord chooses to bless us with more but I will cherish every moment either way!



I'm surrounded!!!

I have exciting news to share which most of you reading this already know. Troy is officially a student, again!!! We have waited what seems like forever, though it's only been a year, since we moved here for him to go to school. The funny thing is he is doing it all online through a totally different school! This is good in that it gives us some flexibility if needed. He is working on figuring out a schedule for himself right now for when he can do his studying and assignments. Basically he is studying every free minute for the first couple weeks hoping to get a little ahead so there's not as much pressure. Then he should settle into a routine with everything. I am so thrilled for him! It's been a long journey to get to this point and it seems like we are making a tiny bit of forward progress.

God has been so gracious to give him this opportunity and some funding has been provided which will lessen the burden on us in that area. We were set on doing all this without incurring debt but finally decided that we need to move on with our lives instead of this constant feeling of being in limbo. We certainly appreciate your prayers as our whole family makes this adjustment. He will be able to take four classes this spring, two short sessions at a time. If he is able to continue at this rate he will be done in two years and have a good start on his master's. We'll hold onto that goal lightly since life will most certainly cause interuptions along the way but it is so good to know there is an end in sight, Lord willing.

So, why did I say I'm surrounded? Well, I am surrounded by FOUR students!! Since I am responsible for teaching three of those and the other is going to be very busy for awhile I thought I needed to be a student as well. My mom gave me a sewing maching and I am having lots of fun trying to learn what in the world to do with it! I have experimented a little and will share some pictures later of what I have made. It's nice to have a little hobby that requires me to have to take time to learn something instead of dishing out things. :) I have never been much of a crafter but then again I have not had the time for it in the past. Who knew it could be fun and relaxing...and so far a very inexpensive hobby?!

(In case you're wondering, I'm posting this now because my hair dryer died and wasn't too keen on the idea of getting out in the cold and going to church with a sopping wet head!)

Memories. . .

Today would be my grandmother's 83rd birthday so I thought I would share some of my fond memories of her. Some of my favorite times as a child were spent "in the country" at Grandma's house. I just loved going to her house! When my mom and I were there we were constantly doing something - it may have just been sitting at the kitchen table doodling on one of her many notepads and talking, looking through an Avon book, or going for a walk but the time was spent together. She had so much to tell and I loved hearing it all. She even loved to share ghost stories and was a great storyteller. I remember laying or sitting on the bed and listening to her fascinating stories. I can also remember huddling up on that same bed during thunderstorms, she could not stand them - must be where I get my fear of storms! I remember the long walks, many times digging through a house that had burned and finding things. One "treasure" was all sorts of baby bottles which I was so excited to take home and use with my baby dolls. There was almost always a trip to Walmart and Sonic in store while there. I don't think I ever remember a time that there wasn't food on the stove at Grandma's house and there was always someone who came by to eat it! I remember going to bed at her house and hearing Entertainment Tonight blasting in the living room as she slept on her "bed" - the couch. One of the best times was when I had chicken pox and Grandma stayed with us for two weeks while I had to be home and mom and dad worked. I'll never forget learning to play marbles with her and eating lettuce dipped in mayonnaise!

Grandma was such a strong, hard working woman, yet gentle and most loving grandmother. When Hayden was a baby my mom took him almost every weekend (while we worked) to her house. He loved Grandma Em and will always remember how much she (and he) loved Reese's! I am so glad he will have memories of her too. I could go on and on with stories but for now as we remember her on her birthday I just wanted to give you a glimpse of my wonderful Grandma.

In loving memory of

~Grandma~

HaPpY NeW YeaR!!!

I have gotten so far behind on here but I promise I will try to do better. I am hoping I will have exciting things to share this year! 2010 brought lots of challenges for our family, but we have a GOD who is faithful to provide all we need and that is exactly what HE did. It was a year we could not have survived without HIM (not that we ever can) and I am ever humbled by His grace and loving kindness.