Even though we didn't escape the snow, we still had a wonderful visit with Kelli's brother, Mark in Kansas.
We spent an afternoon and evening with Kelli's aunt and uncle and their three kids. Everyone played their instruments, including Ian on the drums.
Finally....some fun in the snow! Ian hasn't been a fan of playing in the snow, but he sure had a great time with Uncle Mark and Mommy building a snowman and throwing snowballs.
2 birthday tries for Mark - the first cake had no candles so we used a fork. The next day we got real candles - isn't his smile brighter?!
After all of that fun, you have to have some down time. Ian and Uncle Mark are cuddling on the couch one morning.
Kelli celebrated her 30th birthday with a surprise dinner put together by her wonderful husband! Delicious food and loving company made Kelli's day special.
We had a wonderful Christmas this year celebrating our Lord's birth. We were together with Kelli's family Christmas morning and Matthew's family in the afternoon. What a blessing it is to be close to family!
Our family on Christmas Eve before church
Hannah and Ian after Hannah's Christmas program - they could pass as siblings!
Ian's showing off his cool new toys - thanks to generous grandparents, aunts, and uncles
Every year, we make it a goal to attend a Christmas concert. We have seen such artists as Amy Grant, Point of Grace, Michael W Smith, The Katinas, and Vince Gill. This year we enjoyed a concert by Jim Brickman. We had a lovely dinner beforehand and just delighted in our night out together. We hope the tradition continues for many years.
As a family centered in Christ, we will be steadfast in carrying out our mission to bear the fruit of the Spirit.
Loving one another as a brother and sister in Christ
Encouraging and lifting others up
Improving ourselves in mind, body, and spirit
Graciously showing kindness and compassion
Humbly forgiving those who have done wrong
Taking time together with family
Yearning to be like Christ in all we say, think, and do
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.