Skiing Fun Take 2!

Soooo, we had so much fun skiing with the youth over New Year's weekend that several of us decided we'd love to go back for a little more time and practice on the slopes! We ended up heading out with the Cooks and the Mathis' on a Friday morning after dropping our kids off at school and then on to Cincinnatti. We arrived at our hotel around 3, unloaded the car, changed into our ski clothes and then headed to Perfect North. We got to the slopes around 4 and did a couple runs on the beginner slopes before taking the crew to the Far Side...Corey and I were the only ones who had skied before the youth trip, so this was a great chance for them to learn a little more. Everyone did so well, just with a few crashes. We had such a great time and are so blessed to have such wonderful friends! It was also a fun way for Corey and me to celebrate our anniversary, since we went skiing on our honeymoon!

11 Years!?!

Is that even possible? Eleven years ago today, Corey and I walked down the aisle surrounded by our family and friends to say," I do." I don't think either of us could've imagined what all was in store for us and that at this point in our lives we'd have two precious boys, be in the process of adopting our daughter, and be serving together in an absolutely amazing church! We are both so grateful for all the blessings He has given us, and for the gift of each other! Happy 11th Anniversary!

Happy Sweet 16, Deanna!

One of the blessings of ministry is the opportunity to see those in whom you invest your life grow personally and in their relationship with the Lord. For us, one such example is this beautiful young lady, who was just a young girl when we came to Maplewood 5 years ago, and to whom Caleb was very attached! Maybe only second to her parents and possibly grandparents does she bring joy and pride to my heart...I am so proud of the beautiful young woman she has become and cannot wait to see all that God has in store for her life! Soooo, you can imagine my excitement when I got to help with her surprise sweet 16 party! Her parents did a wonderful job planning something special to celebrate her special day! Happy Sweet 16, Deanna...we love you!

One Body Worship

I love these guys so much! These women are so dear to me, and an encouragement as we serve together in ministry to the people of Henry County. These three pastors bless me with their love for the Lord and desire to see people draw closer to Christ and to eliminate the division we so often see within the Body of Christ! They have partnered together to see our church bodies worship together and recognize that we should all be working together in order to accomplish the mission God has called us to. This was the second series of One Body worship services we've enjoyed. What a blessing they have been! We look forward to continuing to work together to see the Body of Christ grow!

Ski Trip 2011

What a fun way to ring in the New Year! We traveled with a group of around 40 youth and chaperons to Cincinnati for a fun weekend of worship and skiing! Our friends, Jarred and Jennifer Morgan came to lead the weekend. He challenged us to "Go Further" in our walk with Christ and our youth ministry as a whole. I absolutely love this group of youth...they are amazing and have so much potential...can't wait to see all that God has in store for each of their lives!

Merry Christmas!

This year, with Christmas falling on a Saturday, our travels had to be fast and furious! We still had a wonderful time celebrating with family even though it was a little quicker than usual. We are so blessed to be able to celebrate together as the Lord has continued to bless our growing family!

Thank you, God for the precious gift of your Son, Jesus...He is our hope, our salvation, and our life!Caleb wrapped this present for me all by himself! He was so proud, and I thought it was very creative! I love it!

Candlelight Service

One of our other favorite ways to celebrate Jesus at Christmas time is through worshiping the Lord! We have a candlelight service each year where we focus on scripture celebrating the light He brings into the world and how we should reflect that to the world around us. We also sing praises to Him and celebrate the coming of our Savior! It is always such a sweet, worshipful time!

Christmas Ornament Tradition

We began a new Christmas tradition last year...we take the boys to Jack Jones' Studio J Pottery to make ornaments. They have such a fun time, and I love having wonderful keepsakes that they have made to grace our Christmas tree for years to come!

Over the River and Through the Woods....To Grandmother's House We Go! AND an Early Present

Corey's grandma moved to Paducah several months ago, and we haven't been able to see her yet. So we decided to load up and head there for a visit. We had also found out that there was ice skating there, so we met up with some friends for ice skating and dinner afterward. It was such a fun night!
When we got home, guess what was waiting for us in the mail?! Our USCIS approval (US government approval required for adoption!!!) Thank you, Lord for a wonderful, early Christmas present!

Youth Christmas Skit

Oh my goodness...this was so cute! Our youth performed a drama about gifts, what's inside, and how the greatest gift of all was Jesus. They did such a great job, and I must say I was proud/amazed/amused that our guys were man enough to wear bows!And Caleb thought they were so cool....he had to try on the costume!