SNOW!

Snow is fun. Snow is more fun if there is more than an 1/8th of an inch! This, however, has not hindered the children one bit. They have made snowcones. They have had snowball fights. There are at least two snowballs in the freezer "for later, Mama!" There is at least an inch of water on the kitchen floor. Most of the kitchen utensils (ladles, butter knives, spatulas) are buried somewhere in the front yard.....just enough snow for them to "disappear"! Don't get me wrong...I really do love snow. I LIVE for the winter. DH tells me that snow is bad when it is there all winter - rusted out cars, dirty snow, etc. But, if I lived in Lillehammer, I wouldn't have to worry about cars and dirty snow....I would just put cross-country skis on all the children and send them to the store for me! :)

Now, the only thing that would make this snow better REALLY would be a nice blazing fire, a cup of coffee, a Diana Gabaldon novel and QUIET. I haven't found the quiet yet, so ...off to piano with 4 Baker children and two Stout children. Life around here is never dull.

Daniel and Ren

Our ladies Bible study group is studying Daniel this year. We completed the first half of the book last fall. Last night, we started the second half. I am so excited about Daniel. I love having a study to do each day in my book. I only wish there was more information so that I really could have 1o or so days worth of work. We have spread out the lessons and videos so that instead of being a 12 week course, it is taking us 9 months. I really feel like I get to know the information so much better that way. We have a great group of ladies who come and worship together. We pray for one another and enjoy visiting with one another before and after our study. I am so thankful that God has given us His Bible. What a treat! I love how I have read something many times, and yet something new always pops out when I read.
We are deciding to send Ren to Veritas starting next week. This is a HUGE step for me. I have always had him at home and it is a little daunting to think that I am sending him out to be under someone else. Not that I think that someone else can't teach him, just he can be such a difficult student. I haven't ever wanted to subject anyone else to that. I will be praying that he will listen and learn and really love being with other kids and really love the learning. He is SO smart and has SO much ability. I want to see it put to good use.

Catching Up!

It is so fun to be finding friends in lots of places on Facebook. I am finding people that I haven't talked to in YEARS! There are also those that I would love to find, but can't. It is amazing to me how important it becomes (as I get older) to find those who are able to "remember" with me. I know it seems silly, but getting older brings with it a wanting to be around those who spent time with you when you were younger. It seems when you are young, you spend your time wanting to "get away"- to prove that you don't necessarily need anyone. You want to establish yourself and become independent. Then, you grow up, get married, have kids and watch the kids grow. Then, you discover that you crave finding your old friends. You want to connect with those who shared your "back then" life. I am so thankful that God has placed so many wonderful friends in my life. I am so glad that He is bringing so many of those friends back into my path. Thank you, Lord.

2009!

I am starting the new year with a praise to my heavenly Father. Without Him, I am nothing. Without Him, all would be naught. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him all above ye heavenly hosts! Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Amen!