One Last Look at 2008

Can you believe another has come and gone? This past year has brought to each of us our share of joys, sorrows, successes, and challenges. As I sit and ponder on the happenings of 2008, I find myself in awe of the Father's mercy. I am thankful for His constant Truth, for his Word and most of all for the promise of His Holy Spirit. I look forward to Him baptising me with His Holy Spirit and Fire and freeing me once and for-all from the bondage of sin, giving me understanding, and using me to share His Truth with others. I am excited to see what 2009 will bring us.

For your enjoyment, I picked a few pictures to summarize our year together. Love to all of you!

Cleaning up after Dec. '07 ice storm.

February '08

Buddies taking a much-needed nap together.

Eating is hard work!

A VERY proud big sister!

Ethan-7, Brianna-4, Alana-2, Justin- 6 months

Brianna learning to drive the mower all by herself.

Ethan taking a spin.

Daddy & Alana on the scooter.

Fun in the sun

Mommy giving Alana a piggy back ride.

The day our baby chicks arrived.

Our end-of-the-summer trip to Sawyer's Creek.

Memories

A couple weeks ago, it snowed a few inches. The kids have been waiting for snow since it turned cold. Each time we would get a little it would melt off the next day. I told them I would find a sled for them to use. My mom saved me and my brother's sleds from when we were kids so I went by and picked them. Ethan & Brianna were sooo excited. We were having temps in the teens that day so they had to have several layers of clothing, of course. This was Brianna's first time sledding and Ethan hadn't been since he was around 2. I showed them the ropes and they loved it. Ethan's first response once he reached the bottom of the hill was, "Wow, that was fun!" I went a couple of times with and that brought back memories. I'm like my dad, I like to talk about those fun times way back when. I remember us living at Edwin Kamp's house. Mom and Dad bundled up right along with us. We had a long sled and a saucer. They both took turns with me and David. We had so much fun. Who knew that 20 years later I would be doing the same thing with my kids. I had more fun with my kids that day than I have had in a long time.

Alana, Brianna, & Ethan on the long sled.

One right after the other.

Such a sweet smile!

Two peas in a pod.

The camera loves her! :)

Mommy and Alana on the saucer.

Pictures

I have been needing to get a picture taken of all four of the kids together since Justin was born. He is now almost 14 months old. Shame on me, I know. I though I would get them all together tonight and snap a good one. Needless to say, it didn't quite go as planned. Here's what I had to choose from.

Take One.

Take Two.

Take Three.

BIG Helpers

I recently took on the project of shampooing our living room carpet. We've lived here just over 3 years and the heavy traffic area had plenty of stains. This was an exciting thing for all the kids and they all took their turn at it.

Helper #1.

Helper #4 is too tired to care.

Helper #2.

Helper #3.

Smile-Makers

Just a few pictures to make you smile!

Cousins sharing with each other.


What a sweet face!

Ethan really does enjoy school.

A new use for the toy box.

Brianna is trying on her homemade house slippers.