Abby's Special Day

Abby was baptized this last Sunday! She did such an amazing job of sharing the gospel message clearly, and of explaining why she wanted to be baptized. She shared one of her favorite verses, which is Titus 3:5, "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy."

Abby has always had such a deep love for her Jesus, and it was so wonderful to see her take this step. We couldn't be more proud of her!

It was our second-to-last Sunday at Emmanuel, as we launch The GraceWorks (Emmanuel's daughter church) in just two weeks. It was bittersweet to have Abby baptized there, where so many people have played such an important part in her spiritual life and growth, knowing that we will be leaving so soon. But, we look forward with great expectations to what God has in store for our family as we begin this new adventure.

Third (and final!) Retainer

Cole just got his new retainer on Thursday. He is doing such a great job with it! His speech is just a tiny bit slurred, but I know that will improve quickly with how well he is already doing.

Noah and Ethan both also had retainers, so we feel like we're kind of experts at it by now. Thankfully, Abby's bite corrected itself when her permanent teeth started coming in, so the dentist feels she doesn't need one.

Another year or so and we'll start all over again with braces! Oh, Grandpa, why can't you just move out here and be our personal orthodontist?!?! :-)

She's a Winner!

Congratulations Abby!

You worked so hard on your science fair project, and we are very proud of you!

Vote for Cole!

Click to Vote for Cole!



Thanks!

February in Washington

TCYFL Steilacoom Sentinels

Check out our new football website. We have so much to learn, but we think we have a good start thanks to the help of a very kind, patient, and helpful friend!

Go buddy, Go!

It was a big day for Cole today!


Here we go! First try with some help.


Getting better. A little less help.


A temporary set-back.


Don't give up, buddy! You can do it, I know you can!


A little encouragement from Daddy goes a long way.


Feeling more confident by the minute.


He's got it!


Who needs Mom and Dad anyway??? See ya later!

Changes

Our family hasn't experienced a ton of huge changes over the last few years. Adding homeschooling to our schedule was certainly an adjustment. And having dear friends move away has been difficult. But, we've lived in the same house for over 6 years (a record for us!), we haven't had another baby in over 6 years :-), we've gone to the same church for almost 9 years, Mark has had the same job for over 12 years, I have worked at home now for over 7 years. And now, 2010 is going to rock our world, I think...

We have decided to join The GraceWorks, a new church plant - daughter church, really, of our current church. We are so excited about this new adventure and can't wait to see how God is going to bless this church. But, it's also going to be a big change for us, and a lot of work, too!


And, as of Sunday evening, Mark is now the franchise head coach of the new TCYFL Steilacoom-DuPont Sentinels. Again, the thought of creating a brand new football/cheerleading franchise in our hometown is so exciting...and amazingly overwhelming! The lists of things to do just keep growing and growing.

I'll admit that the unknown of exactly what lies ahead for us this next year is a scary thing for me. But with all of the changes and unknowns, it is so comforting to me to know that we serve a God who does not change; who is the same yesterday, today and forever.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Anderson Island

Conversations with Abby

Abby: Mom, some of the kids at school say that the shows I like to watch, like Imagination Movers, are for little kids.

Me: That's ok, Abby, because you are, in fact, a little kid.


Why does everyone try to make our little girls grow up so quickly? Abby is 8. I want her to read little girl books, and play with dolls and stuffed animals, and sing silly songs. Abby is in the 3rd grade. I don't want her to be reading/thinking/watching things about boyfriends/girlfriends and high school years. She'll be 18 soon enough. Right now, I just want her to be 8.