One thing that I am processing is the number of gray hairs on my head!! They have probably quadrupled over the past 8 months! But it isn't the actual hair that I am processing ... it is the reasons for it. If you would have told me last November that one year from now we would be living in Littleton, Colorado I would have laughed and said that was crazy. If you would have told me that the reason we moved there was for Bryan to attend seminary ... I would have said that YOU were crazy! This was not our "plan." But God has a great way of lovingly (and often times not so gently) redirecting us to where we need to be. The circumstances around our decision to come here were hard, but so so good for us. We loved the people we were with and that was, in our minds, reason enough to stay where we were. But God had more for us - and I am so glad that we didn't miss it! He is deepening and sharpening us in totally new ways ... preparing us. We don't know what for yet - but we are excited for the ride!
Another thing that has probably caused a few more gray hairs is a little man named Drew! I cannot express to you how much I love that kid. He is a true JOY! But he keeps me on my toes and is teaching me to go with the flow more. We had some rough/frustrating spots this year - but I feel like we have turned a corner. Although he still isn't talking much (at least not words I can understand) ... he is understanding tons - and that has made all the difference. I am learning a lot about parenting and am so amazingly thankful to be surrounded by so many incredible mothers that I get to watch in action on a daily basis. And I pray that am a better mother because of them. Thanks DenSem mommies!
Isn't he a cutie?
A few of those amazing mommies I was talking about!
I must confess that I have been missing home some lately. I have been working on our yearly album so I think some of that is due to looking at pictures. And although I am truly loving it here in Colorado ... it still doesn't feel like home yet. Maybe that is why I have found myself landing on the country radio station lately! There is something about country music that feels like home to me. For all of you friends from the north, west or Australia (haha) - NO, we don't just listen to country music all the time in Arkansas!! I love all kinds of music as many of you know. But I do love me some country - it just makes me smile.
I would be remiss to not mention stress in relation to money. I wouldn't say that we have obsessed about it - but it is continuously on our hearts. And that may just be the nature of support raising. Even now, my eyes are welling up with tears when I think about those who have already given so much to help us get here. It amazes me EVERY time anyone gives us anything. It humbles me to my very core. Knowing we have people cheering for us and believing in us gives us strength. Your prayers are powerful and effective!! "Thank you" never feels like enough ... but thank you all the same.
So yes - the gray hair has multiplied (although I am hiding it pretty well). And although a lot of it I am sure has to do genetics (love you Mom) ... it has also been a busy and stressful year. Which is why I am so thankful for this holiday season. I want to soak it all in and be fully present in it - not looking to tomorrow. I want to truly experience Immanuel - God with us! Thank you Jesus that you are here ... with me.
As always - thank you for reading!!
(here are a few more pics)
Our little Tinkerbell at Halloween!
We had two Halloweens! Jordan was what I call a "diva" this night. Drew was Spiderman. And Bryan even dressed up as a ninja (No wait - he was about to leave for work)!
I love this picture.
