It's begining to look alot like Chritmas!

We have a Christmas tree....we have decorations o'plenty....we have sugar cookies, cocoa, a fire in the fireplace and 4 inches if snow outside....it is definitely feeling Christmasy around here. All that seems to be lacking are presents under the tree. I have them stashed away some place safe. I just keep waiting for those silly little elves to come out and wrap them for me!
I have lots to update on so I've decided to break it up in smaller categorized posts. That way you don't feel so overwhelmed. I know, I'm a saint!
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas! I have cards that I intend to send out, but for those of you who aren't on the list....wha-la...Merry Christmas!

Home Sweet Home

In September we decided to remodel the living room. It was so ugly with its mismached paneling, and nasty old windows. So we bit the bullet and pulled down the panneling, and put up sheetrock. New windows, texture and paint, refinished the original hardwood floors, tiled the entryway, new window seat, new crown molding, and eventually new trim (it's sitting on the floor waiting to be installed)! My lving room is now the prettiest room in the house...which therefore makes the kitchen look like a pit! But hey one room at a time! Our house was built in 1910 so that makes it nearly 100 years old....it's an understatement to say that it's a project...that's right people we're living in the projects! :) One of these days I will get around to posting pics of it....but I want to wait unitl it is finished...that means trim finished, pictures hanging, and final decor in place!

Hi-Ho Hi-Ho.......

Besides the remodel, September through November are my works busiest time of year. I have been going non-stop the past three months! Between homeschool, housework, and three clients a week, I have nearly reached the breaking point. Lesson learned. I can't be all things all the time. So this next year I am cutting back on how many clients I take, and putting my focus on being Teacher Mom, and Hot Wife! If it means we struggle a bit financially...well then I'll just be forced to pimp Clint out! :)

Clint has also been busy. He has been juggling a major remodel, his own business, and is now working full-time for my dad. That's right, my man is now a home inspector, cabinet finisher, auto mechanic (as needed), home remodeler, and soon to be worship leader....again.

Family

Family life has finally settled down the past week or so. We took a trip to Seattle to see our family there. Clint's parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary and it was great to have all the kids and grandkids together to be there for it. I LOVE to see my neices and nephew. I know that when we all get together it is going to be loud and crazy, but that is half the fun. Getting to see Abby and Liv play together was priceless! They are only 2 months apart, and now that they are going on 4 they really seem to enjoy playing together. When they weren't bossing each other or fighting!
On Sunday we had the kids sing Happy Anniversary to Granny and Papa. It. Was. Adorable. We were shy one kid....Kira couldn't make it for church, but the others did good and made me proud...with the exception of my youngest...she panicked and couldn't remember the words...so stinkin cute.

As soon as I get the video off of my camera, I will post it....I promise!

Chruch

In case that last part about Clint being a worship leader again, through you off...let me fill you in on another change in our family. In September God really began to impress on Clint and I that we needed to step down from the ministry at out church (ELCC), and wait for His direction as to where to go. God had been dealing with Clint for nearly a year, but it he kept fighting it. Here's a little history on us...WE DON'T LEAVE CHURCHES! In our married life of nearly 10 years, we have left two churches...both because of a move. So when we felt lead to leave it was not a decision we took lightly. After a lot of prayer, we resigned in early October and did the church shopping game for two months...not a game I am fond of...it comes with NO party favors! :)
I could ramble on and on about all the churches we tried and the great people we met..but more recently God made it very clear (finally) where we were supposed to be. Of course it came right after WE had decided where we WANTED to go. God said, "Yeah not so much...go here". We said "Oh God NO not THERE!" To which He replied "YEP"! Funny thing when God gives you a ministry and talent, you don't get to choose where it is utilized. For those of you who have grown up with me...now would be a good time to grab your heart...here is come...we will now be attending and ministering at Valley Christian Center (formerly Hazelton Assembly Of God). I KNOW!!!!!!! Trust me when I say that God had to do some serious talking for me to realize this is where we belong. Its hard for me to return to my roots, but the Pastors there are great and their vision for the community and salvation is so refreshing and easy to couple up with. So please keep us in your prayers...the people there are wonderful, but for me it almost feels like we are being called to the mission field! I say that in love.

Awwww Memories....