Merry CHRISTmas!!!

Hi guys! Just thought I'd drop ya a line and see how your Christmas is going...!? Ours has been busy already. Last night the kids stayed at my parent's house and Matt and I got to spend our first night together in our new home all alone. We unpacked a little more stuff and then enjoyed a quiet, relaxing evening in our OWN bed!! Wow--it's amazing how big a king-size bed feels after sleeping in a smaller one. This morning we woke up and got ready at our leisure and then came over to mom and dad's to open presents with the kids. And by the way...guess what I got??? A new digital camera!!!!!! Hooray! I was just thanking God (in advance) this morning for one....and already...He answered my prayers! As soon as I get a chance to read the manual, I will upload lots of new pictures for you all to see--from Christmas and of our new house! Well, I hope that in the midst of all the excitement and chaos of presents and food, you will all take a moment to thank God for the greatest Christmas gift ever...His son! Love you! (ps. 2006 is just 7 days away!!!)

We're Moving!!!....Does anyone want to donate a digital camera?

The day has finally arrived! We will be closing on our house tomorrow morning and then we'll start moving in! HOORAY! This has been a long time coming...and it's finally here. I am so anxious that I've already started getting stuff packed up and ready by the front door of my parents house to load into the car first thing in the morning! ha ha I actually have stayed away from the new house for the past few days because I wanted to be surprised when I see it again at how much has changed now that all the final touches are finished. By the way...here's a piece of BAD NEWS: My digital camera is dead and gone. We actually took it in today to be looked at and they told us that there is no hope for it. My only option is to buy a new one or go back to old timey film (No Thank You!!!) Of course...this would have to happen just days before Christmas...right as my house is finished....3 weeks before Brooklyn's birthday! All times when I REALLY need a camera. So...I am going to believe God for a new camera. Nothing is impossible for Him, right?
Well, I hope you are all celebrating Jesus and standing firm to keep Christ in Christ-mas! I will probably be gone for a while during the move but as soon as we get on the internet at our new house, I will post an update! Love you all! Jen

Celebrate Good Times...Come On!

Happy Saturday to you all! It is Christmas Eve at my house! Yes, I know, it's only December 17th, but this is the only day my family could get together so we are pretending. Christmas Eve at our house means LOTS of games and food! We started out the day with a big biscuits-n-gravy breakfast. Now, we are taking turns getting showered and cleaned up. In a little while we will go to The Incredible Pizza Company to celebrate Rachael's, birthday and Chantel's boyfriend, Nick's, birthday. Then we'll come home, the guys will probably gather around the TV and watch National Treasure (thanks to Kendra's dad for letting us borrow it) and the girls will probably gather around the table to play games. We'll all still be stuffed from the pizza but we'll sit around and eat carmel popcorn (that I made all myself!), chips and queso, cookies, chocolate covered pretzels...and so on and so on. Sound like fun? Anyway, I hope you are all having a fun Saturday as well and I hope none of you are at the mall on probably one of the craziest shopping days of the year trying to finish up your Christmas shopping! No gift is worth that stress! (unless it's for me...ha ha) Well, love and miss you all! -Jen

It won't be long now!

Okay...so here it is the 14th....2 days before we are supposed to do our final walk through on our house...and there are still at least 20 or more things that haven't been done yet! They are still saying that it should be ready...but that is hard to believe. We are definintely getting exited and anxious. It is starting to look like a real home. They put in our light fixtures the other day but that is about all that has been done recently. I can't wait to go out there today and see what has been done. I am most excited to see our quartz countertops and our custom black sink. I wish I could take pictures...but at this point, pictures just don't do it justice. Still, if there is anything exciting done, I will try to get a picture.
I am really looking forward to this weekend too. My brother and his family are coming to celebrate Christmas. We always have so much fun with them. Lots of game playing and eating and laughter! I am already feeling the need to double my exercise routine to keep up with my holiday eating habits! Ugh! So much for losing weight this month! Anyway, I had a few extra minutes and thought I'd spend it writing to you all! Luv and miss ya!

What's a Savior?

Wow! Only 13 days till Christmas! How time flies! Before we know it, we'll be celebrating the new year 2006. My heart is a little heavy as I write this tonight...because of all the unhappiness that I see around me. It is more common these days to hear people complain about Christmas than it is to hear them give thanks or be excited. Now, I'll admit, celebrating and excitement come natural to me. I can get excited about just about anything....but this is one of those times (Christmas) that every living soul should be EXCITED and full of cheer. I realize we all have our "situations and circumstances" whatever they may be...too little money, the loss of a loved one, too little time, and on and on. But, what is all of that compared to the birth of our Savior? Savior is a term used so common-placely...but do you know what it really means that Jesus is our Savior? Well, here is Webster's definition of Savior: "One who saves from destruction and danger. Specifically: Jesus!" Wow! This tiny child was born into this earth with one mission---to die for us...To be our Savior from all the destruction and danger that this world holds. I hope that you will recognize that this is your reason to celebrate this "Christ"mas! It's the only reason you need to have a smile on your face this season! I love you all and hope that this made you stop for a second and remember what this is really all about!

Baby...I'm the lucky one! 

We took Brooklyn on a date tonight. We had lots of fun and ate Yummy food! 

Me-n-my hubby goofin' around. (Don't I look cute wearing Brooklyn's hairbow? ha ha) 

This is what it looks like right now...but it won't be long until they sod and the garage door is painted. Then they will put on our beautiful front door and we'll be moving in! YEAH! 

They stained our hardwood floor and put in our light fixtures!  

Thoughts from the Dog

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout..run right back and make friends.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
Love, Sam

Christmas Word Scramble

Put these words in order to form a winter/Christmas word. If you can't figure one out, leave me a comment and I'll give you the answer!
1. zeingerf
2. deguf
3. skeocoi
4. nesskaflow
5. yolhiad
6. reewtha
7. zraildbz
8. ogotnbag
9. ynarcbda
10. clieci
11. areonctoids
12. gepnniu
13. selovnigh
14. ersweat
15.leacchoot
16. oilgo
17. rapak
18. bonslawl
19. orfyst
20. ehvirs
21. bentsalk
22. neladcs
23. dregigce nrat
24. stefa
25. prempeptin
26. stinmet

19 Days till Christmas!!!

Hey...thought I'd share a few cute quotes with ya'll! Hope you had a good Tuesday!

"Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

"Keep smiling, it makes people wonder what you're up to."

"Procrastinate now, don't put it off."

"Drive carefully, 90% of people are accidents."

"Those who think they know everything, annoy those of us that do."

Brooklyn went to her first school-skate night. She had a lot of fun despite her facial expression in this picture! 

It's a website makeover!!!

Hi guys! I decided it was time for a new look. You know me...can't keep things the same for too long...don't wanna get bored!

They finally got our house painted! It looks so much better now. Well, if things stay on schedule...it should be completely finished in 10 days!!! Woo-hoo!!! 

The side of the house...you can really see the upstairs and the color of the paint from this one. 

You da' man...hunny! 

Is this shirt "Me" or what? ha ha...thanks Kendra! 

Look what the crazy wind in this state did to my garage door!!!