Abraham's letter to his daughter

This is so incredibly beautiful and so similar to our thoughts even though the circumstance is hard.

Found at: http://mollypiper.xanga.com/622098122/abrahams-letter/

Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Abraham's letter

This is the letter that Abraham wrote to our daughter. This was in the funeral program.


For My Daughter, Felicity Margaret Piper
9/24/7

Felicity, your mama and I’ve been praying since you were just a speck that you’d be saved—that you’d love Jesus. “At an early age,” we’d sometimes pray, or sometimes we would even say, “Very soon.”

We didn’t know what we were asking for.

Last night, as we tried to fall asleep, for the first time since we found out you exist, we didn’t ask that God would save you. We thanked him that he had.

The Lord has blessed you and kept you, Felicity. The Lord has made his face to shine upon you and been gracious to you. The Lord has lifted up his countenance upon you and he has given you peace.

If you’d been given to me longer, I’d have put my hand on you and prayed that blessing for you every night. But Jesus said “Yes” before I got the chance to ask.

Yes, I’ll bless her. Yes, I’ll keep her.
Yes, I’ll shine my face upon her and be gracious to her.
Yes, I’ll lift up my countenance upon her, and, yes, I will give her my peace.
Yes, I’ll do all this for you. What’s more, I’ll do it for you now.

I can hardly breathe, Felicity. We didn’t mean our prayers to be answered quite like this. But here we are.

And there you are. Pleasures forevermore. Your name could not be truer now.

We never need to pray for you again—only about you: Dear Jesus, thank you for Felicity.

Bright One

I have a very precious nephew named Logan.  He has been such a source of encouragement to us since our Madilyne died.  He has made phone calls to us, drawn us pictures of Madilyne and Jordan being accepted by Jesus into Heaven, sent us notes, sent us Bible verses and made us gifts.

The latest is this noodle necklace wrapped in aluminum foil.  He said he made it because Lena means Bright One.

Thank you, Jesus, for the precious gift you have given me in my nephew Logan.  Thank you for his simplistic childlike faith that helps us remember not to take ourselves to serious but to remember your promises to us and to keep growing our faith in you.

Proverbs 4:18 - But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.

Not a Second I Would Change, Not a Touch That I Would Trade

By Trisha Yearwood

…If I had known the way that this would end – If I had read the last page first, If I had had the strength to walk away, If I had known how this world hurt…. I would’ve loved you anyway. I’d do it all the same. Not a second I would change, Not a touch that I would trade, Had I known my heart would break… I would love you anyway.

BRING ON THE CHANGE

Tonight I find myself unable to sleep again, but this time not so much due to insomnia as so many nights in the past. Tonight I find myself reflecting on the many blessings that God has imparted upon our whole family and the mercies that He has shown us and rejoicing in His goodness and provisions.

At moments like these I am thankful for a Savior that will take the sadness in our hearts and show us joy. Our hope is found in Him and there I will rest.

I have been thinking so much about Ruth and how she followed her mother-in-law to an unfamiliar land and was dedicated to her even though it was not required. It is interesting that the reason I have been looking to her is to draw some wisdom and encouragement for dealing with the relationships of in-laws only now to see that God had that passage there for me to be preparing my heart for some other changes that are coming.

I want to tell you all how proud that I am of my brother and my sister-in-law. My brother is a wise and intelligent man that loves his family and loves his Lord. He is embarking upon a big change in his life and the life of his family and I am sure that he does so with anticipation and excitement but also with reluctance and a heavy heart. What brings me peace is knowing that he is a man that seeks God and is doing what God has called him to do for his family and the betterment of their lives.

Now, as to my sister-in-law, she reminds me of the love that Ruth extended to Naomi. As Ruth did not have to follow Naomi, Cristina doesn't have the same option physically, but she could choose in her heart to be resistant to what God has for their family at such a time as this, but she isn't. She is being such a godly wife and mother and supporting her husband and being the helpmate that God made her to be for Kelly. She is looking to what is best for her husband and giving up some of the wants she might have so that he can be successful in his role as husband and father. There are tears, as one would expect, but her heart is beautiful. She has her priorities in place and loves her husband so much that she is willing to be uncomfortable to see what God has in store for them.

I would love to request the prayers of any of you looking onto this post, because this will be hard in so many ways. We all are trying and desiring to be supportive, but there is the selfishness that we can so easily battle in this decision. Our family is such a blessing from God in that we LOVE each other dearly. We have often been told that we have a unique family that enjoys being together and does so often, and because of what God has allowed in our family, it makes this change extra hard. Yet still I REJOICE, because in hurting much, I know that we LOVE much and at this time of year, what better way to relate to Christ and his death and resurrection. Because He LOVES much, he DIED for us so we can forever live with Him. Because of that great hope, we can rejoice in this very circumstance in our lives because God has given our family that great hope. We will NEVER be separated from Him first and foremost, but because of that, we will ALWAYS have each other.

1 Peter 3:13-22 (New International Version)

13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear[a]; do not be frightened."[b] 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 19through whom[c] also he went and preached to the spirits in prison 20who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge[d] of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

I am uncertain of all of the ways that God is going to use this change, but I know He will because we know that God works all things for the good of those that love Him, and we love Him.

Romans 8:28-30 (New International Version)
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,[a] who[b] have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

1 Peter 4:11
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

We praise you Jesus for your provisions and the opportunities that you afford us because you love us. We do not always understand your ways, but you do not call us to understand all your way. Just as you tell us in Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

You will provide us a peace and I can say that you have done that for me far before we knew the outcome. I do ask that you will comfort all of us during this time and most especially I ask that you will be with all the children as I know that our hearts are aching most for them and the relationships you have given them with each other and how their hearts are just not going to understand. I thank you already for how you will protect those relationships and for the ways you have allowed them to know each other and love each other so completely already.

I know you will continue to show your goodness and mercy to us as we will separate for a short time until we meet again. We do pray that our meeting will be here on earth year after year(even month after month would be okay for us), but we rejoice in that you have already provided a way for us to meet again if our wants to see each other frequently here on earth are not part of your plan. Help us accept your will and help us to want your will more than our wants...turn our wants to match Your will. - AMEN and We LOVE you LORD.

Rest assured all that things are fine...our family is just getting ready for a change that we don't want, but we know that it is God's leading. Change is never fun or something that is often looked for, but God does it to grow us all to look more like Him, so because of that we are crying out - "BRING ON THE CHANGE!"

I love you Kelly, Cristina, Christopher and Adrianna. I know there are so many aspects to this change that haven't all been thought through, but know that I/we are praying for you and will be here in every way that we can be to support your next endeavor in your lives. We will miss you and will hurt and notice your absence physically in so many ways, but because we love you, we want you to go. This will be a great time for your family to strengthen itself together.

Thank you Lord for technology for it will provide us the means in which to be better connected than we were able to be when the Colorado Larson clan had to leave their Home and head West. Because of that move, we are so close and appreciative of the unique experience that we find ourselves in, so we pray that you can provide that kind of support for the Georgia Larson clan that will be heading South. They will FOREVER be the Colorado Larson's, but we know that you want to use them in Georgia to show more people your love through them. Guide each of their steps and provide them an adopted family there that can bring them happiness and the support they need. I pray that someone can be a GREAT babysitter to my kids so that my brother can love his wife as she will need at this time. They will need their date nights, so provide for them in the way I know you can. - AMEN again. :)

If you all made it this far in the post and still feel that it has been cryptic, it hasn't been deliberate entirely. I want to allow my brother to share with those he will, but also know that so few read this page and I was just prompted to get up and reflect and love God through this moment and to hopefully use this as an encouragement to the family that I love so dearly.

To break the code for you, my brother has been given an opportunity to move up with his company(Technical Leader TPQCA), but it comes at the price of having to move from Colorado to Georgia. We all are excited for the opportunity and are already starting to save for our trips back and forth so we can continue the love we have and to keep our children close as well.

Please pray with us and for us.

THANK YOU

Our Valentine's Day Celebration

The day was actually a very laid back day, but it was nice. Torrey had to work in the early morning and when he came home he had some beautiful flowers for me.

I decided that I would make this evening be all about Torrey (makes sense, huh?) so I made him barbecue ribs, homemade buttermilk biscuits and corn on the cob. I also made an Angel food cake for the evening festivities.

I had some gifts for him that are items that he enjoys and then I had a night of scrabble set up for us.

If any of you know me, I HATE scrabble as well as barbecue ribs ( I crave them occasionally).

It was a very nice night together.

Mom and Dad with our 2 day old

As many of you may know, I am the photographer and not the one that likes to have her photos taken, but I have been working at that with my niece and nephews because I don't want to never have pictures with them. I am who I am and God uses me in whatever shape I have.

So now that I have a son, I definitely will be taking pictures with this cute little man because I want to be able to document my time with him at each special stage. the fun part will be getting my husband to take pictures a little closer up. He seems to like to take them so they show more of my body then I feel is necessary. :)


Here are my beautiful blue eyed boys. My heart just melts when I look at the two of them.

It is amazing how you can fall in love all over again in a very different way when you see the man you married with your child.

It is also amazing how much our relationship has gotten better since this little guy. There are still those areas where sin takes over, but just knowing that we need to have a dedication to each other because Turner needs to see that makes us strive even harder. That actually sounds really terrible to have to admit, but God will use anything to help us see the need for Him in our lives.

1 Year later

Wow, I can't believe that I never posted this. I meant to and had it started and everything.

Our first anniversary was very nice. Torrey really did a good job finding a hotel for us to stay at. His main focus was to find a nice bathtub so that I could soak.

He took me up to Longmont's Raddison and had the romantic package. We had a very nice dinner and then I gave him a massage which put him to sleep. He had been stressed and it really helped him relax as well as me.

The next day he took me to two of my favorite places to eat - Joe's Crab Shack and Carabas.

Here is the picture from Carabas.

From 2008_07_14_1stAnniversaryPicture

Fireproof

On Friday night Torrey and I went with some people from church to see Fireproof. We have enjoyed the other files that Sherwood Baptist has put out but we must say that this one is our favorite so far.

It was very interesting to watch all the men from our group. They all were crying at various points in the movie. I expected to have cried just due to my emotional state, but no tears ever came. Must be a time where I am being tough instead of soft.

For all of you out there, it is a must see. It is so incredible to see the plan of salvation presented so clearly, to have a clean film, to have marriage addressed in such a positive way, etc.

GO GO GO....

Anniversary Presents and Outings

For our anniversary I wanted to do something special for us both as well as try to stick with something traditional for the first anniversary (paper). I decided that since I have not had time to edit all our pictures so that also means that we have none ordered or hanging on the wall that I would take one of my favorites and get it oil painted and change up the picture display in our house. I ordered this done and they sent it to me within a few days as well as upgraded it to a larger size for free and I used a coupon to get 20% off as well. I was very pleased with the results and think the display will be great once I finish it up.


I decided to try to wrap it on the wall and had it all done up nice when right when Torrey pulled up from work the whole display fell off the picture. I quickly had to put it all back up and determined to listen to my sister and allow him to open it early as he would either get to do it or wake up and find it done for him. He read his card first and then unveiled it and just stared at it for a while. I think he was pleased with what he saw. He really didn't say much.

Torrey whisked me away Sunday afternoon up to Longmont to stay at the Raddison. It was a HUGE room that had a nice big jet tub. He knows how much I have wanted to just sit and soak in a tub during my pregnancy and our tub is small...it works, but this was a nice treat. With this room he also bought a romantic package that was dinner for two followed by champagne and strawberries. He was disappointed in this part as they did not have the champagne nor strawberries in the room as they were supposed to and when he went to ask for the champagne, he felt bad asking for the strawberries too. I have a very sensitive hearted man.

Our supper was nice as we were one of the only ones out on the patio and had some very tasty food. They didn't have cheesecake to finish up the meal, but we didn't need it as I had a special treat in our room for later anyway.

Before we ordered I asked to go back to the room and was able to bring Torrey his medication to help throw off what I was up to. I went back and set up the basket that I had put together filled with some of his favorite treats and then a basket full of things to give my honey a special treat from head to toe.

When I got back, we ordered and he had a nice juicy steak and I got some tuna. They both were very good but we were unable to finish them.

Torrey needed to make a phone call after we were done (which I am still uncertain what that was for), so I went back to the room to draw him a bath and to setup 7 candles (for our month/year we got married and for the perfect number).

When Torrey got back, I washed his hair and then did a massage that ended on his feet. If any of you know me, I HATE feet so much. My honey's feet had been hurting and so much stress can be released in a foot massage. My dear man was so relaxed and I felt so happy. He got my undivided attention for more than 2 hours where I just pampered him as best I could.

The other fun thing to the room was that it had a sleep number bed and FEATHER PILLOWS. I always bring mine with whenever I leave home and I didn't even need it as they had a bed full of pillows. I have not slept so well in a long time. I don't even think that I remember waking up to use the bathroom.

The next morning we slept in and enjoyed the garden area at the hotel. When we left, Torrey took me to Joe's Crab shack for lunch and then we went by Hallmark where he spent tons of time looking for things.

After we left there we came home for a bit to take a nap. I can hardly make it through a day without a little nap. When we woke up, he had one more thing planned for me. He took me to Carrabba's for supper. He knows it is one of my all time favorites. We had such a nice conversation and time together.

When we got home, he lavished me with the gifts that you see in this picture. (still not knowing what the phone call was about and still being told there is something that he hasn't done/given me yet.....my man likes to delay things and it drives me nuts as I want to know.

We enjoyed one of the Hallmark movies that he got for me and crashed for a wonderful first anniversary.

The below picture is one of the gifts he got me that is for Turner. I also gave him a gift that goes towards Turner's room as well. The basket that all his stuff was in I thought we could use in there for his laundry or just to organize his things.

Once I know what the phone call was all about or what is still to come, I will update you all.

My Candy Letter to my Bit-O-Honey

Torrey got several cards for Valentine's day and presents to go with them.

His first was from the dogs and they gave him some stuffed dogs that matched them (black & white).

His second gift was the book "Guess how much I love you." This is one of my favorite books and I give it to everyone of my nephews and niece when they come into the world. I decided that Torrey should have one too.

His third gift was a candy letter and with it he got two old fashioned candy jars. One of them holds candy to help him on evenings when his blood sugar drops and he needs something, the other is when his mood drops and he needs encouragement. Here is the note that was attached.

My Bit-O-Honey,

I Skored the day I met and married you, but I would never have guessed that the day I went through your line at Safeway. I thought you were a Nerd and boy oh boy did I Snicker after I left. But I have now come to know that the Goober I first saw was a Life Saver to so many people because you are unafraid to share the truth of Jesus.

Even though we don’t have 100 Grand in savings, I do hope that our Almond Joy will bring us a Baby Ruth and we together can be the Three Musketeers until God will bring us more and more Sugar Babies. We will teach our children to invest their Pay Day and to love and honor God.

You are such a Fun Dip and hope that we will get to take trips to the Milky Way and sit back together and see the Starbursts in the sky and be Carefree together, but for now, let’s take a “visit” to Israel and be Sweethearts together.

You are my Hubba Bubba boyfriend, and I want to get my Hugs and Kisses from you and you alone both Now & Later and forever.

Love you Mounds & Mounds,

Your Tootsie Roll


His last card was a poem from God and I fixed his Israel watch and gave him a video "Walk where Jesus Walked."

God’s Valentine Gift
By Joanna Fuchs
God’s Valentine gift of love to us
Was not a bunch of flowers;
It wasn’t candy, or a book
To while away the hours.
His gift was to become a man,
So He could freely give
His sacrificial love for us,
So you and I could live.
He gave us sweet salvation, and
Instruction, good and true--
To love our friends and enemies
And love our Savior, too.
So as we give our Valentines,
Let’s thank our Lord and King;
The reason we have love to give
Is that He gave everything.

Torrey and I went to Carabas to eat and then went to MadCap Theatre to laugh our heads off. We had a great Valentine celebration and determined that next year we would celebrate after the day as it would be cheaper and not so time consuming. Had we not called ahead for seating at Carabas, we would have waited 90 minutes. What surprises me is that people were doing it.

Great to look back

I was looking back over some old email and ran across one that I wrote to a friend on January 10, 2007. That was the day before I was to leave to visit my cousin in Wisconsin and right after I had been dating Torrey for 2 weeks.

Here is the Story

He showed up at my house last night after he got off work. He was going
to call me at about 11 so I was in bed resting until he did that as I
figured we would talk late (and actually we would have had more time to
talk had he done that, but this we better.)

He knocked on my door at about 11ish and came in and sat with me for a
bit and told me how he is really falling for me. He then asked me to go
to my bedroom. I just looked at him and he asked if I trusted him and I
said I did so he told me to just do as he asked.

At that point, he went out the door and came back in and I heard him in
the kitchen.

He finally called me out and had me sit down, close my eyes and hold out
my hands. He placed a beautiful gift bag in my hands with multiple
colors of tissue paper. He told me he made the package beautiful
because I deserved the best and I am beautiful.

He told me to pull out one color at a time until I got to the prize. I
pulled out a Thomas Kinkade book (A book of Joy) and a card. The Card
he told me I am not allowed to open until I am in Milwaukee in my room
alone and it is late at night...so that is killing me. In the book he
wrote a very lovely note and my favorite part is that he signed it:

Hoping...
With you!

Is that fabulous or what.

Then he called me when he got home, about 1, to tell me he was thinking
of me and would pray for me today as I have a big all day meeting with a
Vendor. He said he would call me later and would miss me and to sleep
well.

----

Well, we see where this story did lead as God brought us together after a very short period of dating.

God is still working in us mostly for me to die to myself and care for Torrey.

There's no place like home

My trip to San Francisco last week turned out to be a good trip despite the fact that I would have rather stayed home and been with my honey for my birthday.

I had the opportunity to talk with my "boss" about my position and what she desires my position to be. It didn't start out great, but I feel that at the end we both understood each other and better knew how to help the Automotive division move forward.

While I was in California, I got the pleasure of seeing some of my friends, so I really didn't have a lot of time to be on my own.

I went out for Sushi with my friend Kevin and we got caught up since the last time we had seen each other. We are both struggling in our careers right now so we got to spend some time sharing ideas and possibilities.

For my birthday, I had so many people call me and send me emails that I felt truly loved. There were people that I never would have thought would have known, that poured out their care on me. After my conference was over, I snuck out and caught a taxi to the Ferry station and then took it over to Larkspur where my friend Patrick picked me up. He and Ric treated me to a nice meal at a quaint little restaurant in San Rafael and then we went back to their home and Patrick had made me a cake, so they sang to me and we talked for a bit. It was nice to stay in a home and not a hotel.

The best part of the week was coming home, but I the expectations of coming home change a bit when you have someone to come home to.

I was so excited to see Torrey, but I was also incredibly tired from traveling for 8 hours. When I got home, my knight came out and got my bag. I came in to my room and on the bed was a cute little "stuffed" flower and to the side was a gorgeous display of flowers, some champagne and cake to celebrate with me. I laid down on the bed for a few minutes to try to rest so I could spend some time with my boyfriend, but as I laid down, he started to put the things away as he wanted me to rest. I just wanted him to lay with me and hold me for a bit and then I would have the energy to spend some time catching up. Like I said, the expectations of coming home are different when there is more than one living in the home.

I failed to appreciate his care as I should have and he didn't catch on to my needs. When you love someone it seems that you want them to hear the unspoken, but the unspoken is interpreted based on what you know or what you would want. It is always best to try to speak and remember to do it filled with love.

God has the best instructions for loving our spouse. I continue to learn more and more. I hope that I learn quickly before I spin my wheels too long that Torrey doesn't feel the love and care from me that he should.

My heart is growing fonder....

I am out of town without my love for pretty much the first time since getting married.

I cried my eyes out the whole way to the airport. I didn't want to be without Torrey and to be going for work since I am struggling even being there.

God is working in us and I am thankful for this time that we can be apart as it will do great things for us when we are back together. I would rather be experiencing this travel with my love, but we are making the best of it.

We are currently spending time chatting online, which is how we first started to get to know each other.

Love is an Oreo Cookie

My darling husband did the sweetest thing the other day. We are still working hard to get used to being married and doing it to glorify God. It is not always easy, but each day is a better experience and one that is continuing to grow us.

Anyway....on to the sweetest thing he did.

We both really like oreo's and my husband had a stash in his car for snacks or if he needed something quick to get his blood sugar back up. I saw them in his truck and was very sad that he hadn't brought them into the house. So, the other day after we had a struggle and talked through it, he decorated the bed with oreo cookies in the shape of a heart and them put in cards that had verses on them.

He was very kind to love on me and to share his cookies with his undeserving wife.

Time with those we love

It is such a blessing to be given the gift of time and even better when it is time with those we love.

Torrey and I had the opportunity to have Christopher and Adrianna over for the evening and it was such a joy.

Adrianna has been a little girl that is not always fond of men or dogs and now my house has them both. Today she informed me that she loved Torrey best and Christopher loved me best but she loves me too. She absolutely enjoys Torrey and is always asking for him.

Today Torrey had to go to work while they took a nap and when they woke up, Adrianna went to the potty as we are working to potty train her and Christopher got so excited because she poodled. When I came in to help, she told me that Torrey will be so proud of her.

Christopher and I also had the opportunity to reminisce about Grandma Cookie today. We looked at a picture and he was telling me about how she got really sick and died and went to heaven. We got to talk about how much we miss her and love her but how much happier she is with Jesus.

Children are such a precious gem in our lives. We are so blessed to be able to have family that will share the kids with us. Since thanksgiving, I think we have only had one weekend that we didn't have at least 2 kids at our home.

We do pray that God will bless us with some of our own someday, but for now, we just rejoice that we have children in our lives that we can spend time with.

What it's really all about

Torrey and Lynette had the great pleasure of taking Jason, Logan and Casey to "A Walk Through Bethlehem" that was put on by Faith Bible Chapel.

We were so impressed with the attention to detail, the yummy cocoa and the warmth of the tent, but what topped it off was the real experience and being able to watch my nephews interact with everything around us.

Lynette was called a sorcerer while we were there because she was taking pictures and they saw a light coming out of her face. The people were really acting the part and I am sure it was hard to do as they had to remain in character for 4 hours each night.

Logan loved it so much that we had to go through it twice and he had to visit Baby Jesus 3 times. On the last time we went through, we were able to be there when the wise men arrived and while they were kneeling down to Jesus, Logan approached with them and knelt down as well. It was a heart moving moment that shows the real reason that we celebrate.

A Child will lead them.

We wanted to take Christopher and Adrianna too, but Lynette got really sick. They were able to go and see it because Grandma and Grandpa Larson took them down.

We hope to see it again next year as it was a great depiction of the events and it brought people from near and far to experience it.

The kids enjoyed seeing the live animals as well as a camel. Logan was waiting for it to spit on him and was very fascinated with how large it was, that he had never seen one before and their large humps.

Our First Christmas

We had our first Christmas together and with our families and it was a great time.

I was a little worried as we had been told by several that the holidays will be a potential for fights because of traditions and family gatherings. Overall we did really well and enjoyed ourselves.

On the 22nd of December, we celebrated with the Larson side where we hosted the event at our house. It was an all day event which is pretty normal for us. We don't seem to do anything in a small scale. Everyone showed up around 10 and we had brunch items and then opened the presents. The present scene was CHAOS and our house was not large enough for the gifts and the paper that was flying and we all cut back this year. We let the kids go first and then we let them go play with their gifts while the adults opened theirs.

Once we were done with all the gifts, we sat and visited for a while and then the Bustamante's came over to join us for some fellowship and games while the little people rested. We then had a nice meal together in the basement. It was so exciting that we all fit together. It isn't your typical dining room, but it worked and we enjoyed being together as a family.

After supper, Torrey had all the kids gather around for the Christmas Story where they were able to be actively involved as their were presents to open in connection with the story, it was something we purchased at our Weekend t0 Remember called "What does God want for Christmas?" by FamilyLife. It was so well done and really hit home. Torrey was having a hard time finishing it as it brought him to tears. The little kids did so well with it as did the adults.

After the Story was over, we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and lit some candles that were arranged in the shape of a cross and Christopher helped us blow them out.

On Christmas Eve, Torrey and I went over to Mom and Dad's and had our oyster stew. Mom made Potato Soup with Dumplings for Torrey in case he didn't like oysters. After we ate, we finally got around to play pinochle which I was promised on March 4 (it was a trick to get me to my parents so he could propose). The game was a little confusing as I had never played and when I tired to take the trick (or whatever) my husband kept uping the bid, so mom and I did end up busting, but I had to try the card swapping to really get the hang of this. I am far from getting it, but will keep trying as my husband loves to play games.

On Christmas Day we hung out at home preparing to go over to his brother's home for Christmas. We had a very nice meal and played some games with them as well. We missed seeing his other brother and his family, but we did go visit the kids which was nice. I hadn't met his oldest niece nor had we really had time to meet or hold our Great nephew. We hope to see them again soon.

Torrey and I did our Christmas on the 27th. We had decided that we didn't want to do it on Christmas day as we want our family to celebrate Christ's birth first and foremost. Torrey woke up on the 27th and suggested we do it on that day as it is the anniversary of our first date. I thought it was very sweet and something that we can share and talk about with our kids (hopefully) someday.

We had a great season and it was so much fun to really be able to focus on Jesus as well as focus on each group separately.

Date Day

Torrey planned a very fun day for us. He has been wanting to take me somewhere (which we still haven't been able to do yet) and he was not able to do it on this day as there was something that was on the schedule that I do not recall at this moment, I think he had to work.

We went and had lunch at Famous Dave's which is one of our favorite places to eat. I am not typically a Bar-b-Que fan, but their's is GOOD. From there we stopped by Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory as Torrey was to start working there and we were checking in to see what was up and he got me some yummy chocolate that we took with us to see the movie Bella (If you haven't seen it, you must).

After that we went and painted. I have wanted to take him to Made By Me forever and just hadn't gotten there. I am thinking that I am loosing my creative juices though as everytime I have gone this year I have not liked what I have done.

Torrey really seemed to enjoy himself even though I think he started with a harder piece. When you do plates, it is hard to really mess them up too much, but when you do figurines, you have to be careful.

It was a fun time together that really opened my eyes to some things. As were were sitting there painting, we were sitting next to a couple of ladies that were having a day out. It was distressing to listen to their conversation though as they were sitting there talking about how they love their husbands yet at the same time they were disrespecting them so much that it made me sad. I told Torrey that I never wanted him to have to be concerned about how I represent him publicly. I know I am not perfect, but I would never want him to feel that I would belittle him in such a fashion. It also opened my eyes to how I have come across in the past and still continue to do so. I am a work in progress and I am thankful for the glimpses that God can give to us through other people.

We had a great day out and it was something I was able to use to help me seek God more fully in how I can care for my husband better.

Walk through Bethlehem

Tonight Torrey wanted to take me to where he attended church (and we attended together on Wednesdays when we first started dating) to "Walk Through Bethlehem."

The church is doing an big tent event where they will have visitors walk through the streets and see actors depicting what Bethlehem may have looked like at the time of Christ's birth.

We are going to be attending with Jason, Logan and Casey as we were certain Logan would be fascinated by it. This little boy has such a heart for loving people and telling them about Jesus. He is not shy about it nor rude. He actually is a lot like his new Uncle Torrey. They both are very zealous and open about Christ to anyone and everyone they meet.

I hope to take some pictures tonight and will post about the experience.

For more information you can go to Faith Bible Chapel - Concerts.

Life is Precious

It is times like these where you look at your life and your family and grow to appreciate them so much more.

We are all so blessed to have people that love us, but oh the joy of knowing those you love also love God, follow God and believe in Jesus.

Just yesterday, Jason lost his grandmother. She has been suffering for a few years and just last week she ended up in the hospital and they were told that they didn't think she had a lot of time.

We do not know the condition of her heart and that makes the loss that much greater for all. Our prayers right now are for Jason's family as they do not believe in Jesus.

There is a very influential soul winner in the family that I believe God plans to use in their life. Our little Logan has a BIG heart for God and wants people to know about Jesus. On top of his love for Jesus is his love to care for people.

Pray with us as Jason's family is hurting and they need a Savior.