ONE OF THE GREATEST BLESSINGS FOR MY 48th year of life was the addition of the first grandson to the family. Andrew - your first few months of life were precarious. But through your trial and our pain we were drawn closer as a family and drawn closer to God. There were literally hundreds of people all over the world praying for you little guy and you came through and now you're thriving! What a special gift you are precious boy! This Nonna loved the opportunity to spend extra time with all of her grand babies. Spending time with Hannah-bear and Abby-tabby and Beth and Brandon were moments I will treasure forever. I wish we lived closer and had more time to be with them - but cherish every chance we have to be together.
Another major transition that came into our lives were these added family members...
The #puppychronicle stars! Ridley the smart and talented border collie (Jon & Kenzi's baby) and her faithful side-kick Sadie (mine and Daryl's) the uniquely gorgeous husky eyed, german shepherd sized, blue heeler coated, retriever mix (aka mutt). The two are inseparable growing up together - we spent many cold afternoons together in the kitchen - them napping while I worked. They have incredible personalities and character and they are both so lovable. I struggled with dogs and suddenly there were two in our lives. It was definitely a graced-filled learning curve for me. BUT well worth every moment, every nip, scratch and kiss. They have come into their own a little more and could probably use a bit of intensive training - but they are the sweetest pair I know. And though they challenge us by occasionally running off - we are still crazy enough to think we need to add one more sibling to the mix so we are taking in Sadie's brother from a later litter - enter Ryder...
This chunk o' love will be joining the family in September! Cannot wait!!!!
In addition to all these moments here is a list of interesting moments - because the blessings are so numerous for this year - I just HAVE to share!!!
1. Having Josh Duhamel photo bomb our family photo shoot. YES INDEED! lol
2. Celebrating 25 amazing years of marriage to my best friend, the most amazing father, the hardest working man I know and the love of my life.
3. Having the privilege of being present when my 2nd oldest daughter got engaged to a very sweet guy!
4. Watching my baby girl grow up as she branched off on her own to go through an aesthetician program - that she aced and is now licensed in.
5. Having Bailey-girl move back and choose ND over AZ. Not gonna lie - I love it!!
6. Spending Christmas with family in different places. It was so weird - yet we survived.
7. Praising God for his protection over Bailey when she was traveling back to ND.
8. Discovering Underarmor long under garment hunting gear. TOASTY!!!
9. Seeing God's hand in my job situation and how He had been working out the transition before I even knew I was supposed to change jobs.
10. Managing to get through my first full semester of college with passing grades.
11. FaceTime with the grandchildren.
12. How God provided the house we were renting for Jon and Kenzi's future home.
13. Beginning the process of buying a house to move out on the farm and having God protect our funds when the initial builder went bankrupt.
14. Finding an incredible health and wellness program that has turned Daryl's life around - helping him lose 45 pounds and gain back balance, energy and good sleep.
15. Making new friends through the new job and the new health and wellness opportunity.
16. Finding the game Cashflow. Life changing you should try it!
17. Having Sara move home for the interim. So good having her here!
18. Leading praise team occasionally since our other leader had a precious baby girl of her own!
19. Having a health crash that scared the dickens out of me but led me to a local chiropractor who's done an amazing job with getting things worked out.
20. Planning a wedding...watching wine bottle labels skillfully removed and glitter paint applied. (there's way more to the wedding than that but you can join us in September and see all the work that's gone into this event.)
21. Planning and pulling off a purity conference in another state with the help of my boss - Katie Vert and my dear friend from back in the Wray, CO days - Sheila DiPippo!
22. Building some deep and beautiful friendships with some of the ladies from my church family. Something I've longed for since moving to ND and now God's fulfilling that need.
23. Receiving a ministry opportunity with my church home that is literally the desire of my heart. I am so excited and equally terrified by this leadership position.
24. Hoping I am gracefully going gray. Deciding to quit dying my hair may seem trivial to some - but it's a pivotal moment in a woman's life. Seriously folks - this takes a lot of deep contemplation - until you realize the financial savings - then it's a no-brainer.
25. WE ARE MOVING TO THE FARM - well the RANCH.
This October 2015 we will officially be living at Buffalo Hills Ranch. WOOT WOOT!
Chickens, cows, buffalo and more to come next spring.
In essence - I live a very incredibly charmed life. Through the trials and the storms - I have so much to be thankful for they far outweigh the discomforts of life. I can honestly say - I'm looking live out my final year in my forties with great gusto...tons of enthusiasm...and a stronger more intentional focus on my Savior. I long to deepen that relationship and have His grace, mercy and love flow freely through me into the lives of everyone I come in contact with!
If you think of me - send up a prayer for my 49th year on this earth.
May it be filled with rejoicing and praise!
Thank you dear friends!
GOD BLESS!
Happy Birthday my dear sweet friend! I miss you - thanks for sharing!
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