Photo 366 (Since this was a leap year)

We took the whole family to the Onething conference in Kansas City, MO over the new year.
We had a wonderful time as a  family and enjoyed being surrounded by so many others who want to go deep in the things of the Lord.

Three of our kids were old enough for the Children's Tracks but the little two had to sit with us.  They were incredibly bored but we managed with coloring books and naps.  I think we're going to try and attend again next year.



The back of the convention center.  This was the beginning of a session so many weren't back from lunch yet.  This place was packed with over 20,000 people!



Our friends got us great seats the last day!  We could actually see the people on the stage. :)

Photo 361 - 365

Bringing in the new year with family time in Kansas City, MO

writing assignments

A few months ago, Bobby and I were talking through how I could improve my writing because I want to advance my communication skills.  One suggestion was to give myself writing assignments on whatever topic I chose.  Another was to copy literature out of a book, which is how many learned in older days.  Either way, I hope to increase my writing this year!

(using our KIND coffee mug from Estes Park, CO)

New Years Resolutions

We had a great night last night! Bobby challenged the group to contend for the deeper things of the Lord this year and to increase our prayer lives. One way to do this is to read and pray the Psalms every day. Since today is January 1 we would read Psalm 1 and pray it back to the Lord. We are trying to get away from petition only prayers and focus more on communion style prayers. People claim that "Jesus is their best friend", but how can you have a best friend if you don't talk to them and have a close relationship? We have such a personal God who loves us so much and is waiting for us to draw near to Him (James 4:8). When we stop our busy lives to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord, we delight our heavenly Father's heart (Song of Solomon 4:9). I challenge you to dive deep into the Word this new year for in it is life!!

Some of the group eating dessert.

We are updating pictures for the wall in the CCG room at church so each of us took a pic in the Happy New Year hat.

The Wii was fun and entertaining. Kody and Kassidy were boxing each other.
They really got into it!

While the wii games were going on I taught Uwakima (pronounced Y-ma) how to play speed. She had never played cards before, since she grew up in Nigeria, and so the pace was slow.
She beat me once and DANCED! She's funny!

Happy New Year!

I've been trying to get to the computer all day it seems. We've been busy shopping for things for our DOG! Yep, we are taking on the challenge of being a family of seven with a dog! I'm so excited, as are the kids! I was pretty impartial to having a pet until I saw the dog my brother was "fostering". Her name is Kimchi (we may call her Kimmie) and she's a beauty! She's a black lab/boxer mix and six months old. We get her tomorrow!! My grandpa and brother are driving her down from Dallas! :)

I wanted to write out a summary of our year but I don't have time now. We are having the College and Career group from our church over to our house tonight to bring in the new year with prayer and games! What better way to bring in the new year than contending for the things of the Lord with friends. Bobby and I have been helping with this group on and off for two years and are now officially the leaders! Feels funny to be "leaders" again since we had such a long break without "doing" ministry. Ok..I really have to finish up dinner and tiding up. Have a great night!

Year end wrap up

'
2009 has been a long year. Here's a wrap of our year in Texas.

Jan- The boys turned 1 and 3. Fundraising was way down.

Feb- Since Fundraising was SO low Bobby had to get a part time job limiting prayer time, music recording and ending volunteering 2 days a week at New Hope.

Mar- K turned 5. We planted a vegetable garden.

April- Took a day trip to San Antonio with Stacy's family.

May- Visited family in Dallas. Celebrated a full year living in TX.

June- Spent lots of time in the water!

July- We went on a family vacation to back to Estes Park, CO with some good friends. It was a very enjoyable time of relaxation and fellowship. Trin celebrated her 7th birthday!

August-The summer was VERY dry and hot. We were in extreme drought. Stacy started another year of home school.

Sept- Our vegetables started growing again after the temperatures cooled down a bit. The tomatoes were excellent! Our year mark of helping lead the college ministry at New Hope.

Oct- We enjoyed the cooler weather and spent lots of time outside playing and pulling weeds.

Nov- Our van died and we were blessed with a new one! Jordan decided he was too big for a crib and climbed out. We haven't had a full night of sleep since...

Dec- Stacy's wedding ring which had been missing for a year and a half appeared on the doormat of our current house!

You can watch the IHOP-KC conference tonight for free up until midnight. http://www.ihop.org/

May the Lord bless you and keep you and cause His face to shine on you and give you peace. May 2010 be a year of the Lord's peace. He LOVES you more than you can imagine!