Fun times...

(pictured top row L-R): Nichole, Paeton, Matt, Dan, Graham, Tom, Jen, Emma (in the pouch), Nancy, Sarah
(bottom row L-R): Raeghan, Hannah Reece, Colton, Taylor, Jacob, Roger, Logan


...just returned from a trip to Sea World with the WHOLE Oedy family this weekend...the kids had an absolute blast hanging out, caravaning to Orlando, and being at the hotel together. In fact, they woke up this morning fussing about how they missed the cousins and wanted to ride in Uncle Tom's bus (van) again! Dan and I did not grow up around extended family, and feel very thankful to enjoy these times where our children view their nine (age 8 and under) cousins as their closest friends and preferred playmates.

Now I'm downloading and organizing photos (check the link at the right for new albums in the photo collection), looking around at my house that is a growing disaster area since we've returned, and trying to regroup for the next trip! WHEW!

We're in quarantine this week...hoping to stay healthy so we can visit the Tuttle's this weekend on our way up to Charlotte. Looking forward to the moment when we will rejoice with the Tuttles in person for this miracle that God has worked for Heath, as he continues to make steady progress.

Dan's getting in gear to spend the week in class at Gordon Conwell. I'm looking forward to relaxing at the Lodge...with plenty of opportunities for some quality time with Graham and Hannah Reece while Dan's in class. Simple pleasures will fill our days... I look forward to preparing a meal with Dan, then sitting down as a family for dinner...bundling up outside in the rocking chairs...cuddling up for a movie after the kids hop into their bunks. Did I mention-no internet access at the Lodge? As much fun as it is to be connected....I think this could be a welcomed break.

The last month turned out to be a flurry of activity. Honestly-I long for ordinary days of laundry (did I seriously just type that???) & chores, with intermittent story-times, lego building, car races, and dress-up. I'm realizing that these days with Graham and Reece, all to myself, are QUICKLY FLEETING. They're growing up so quickly... and that flurry of activity is gonna last for much more than a month! So on Thursday, we'll drive....and I intend to make the most every single minute of the journey.

Hope for 2009...

Dan had the opportunity to preach at the New Years Eve worship service tonight... the text he discussed was John 3:22-30. My verse, my hope for this new year, echoes John's (talk about a guy who really "knew-his-role") sentiment in verse 30..."He must become greater, I must become less"...

I've decided to write down this verse, post it in our bathroom, and every day think, have I intentionally put my selfish desires aside to allow Jesus to stand out? It's hard not to be this self-serving, look-at-me, fame seeking person...because frankly, I get easily sidetrracked and lose focus on eternal matters, so caught up in the temporary here-on-earth. Oh Lord, please help me to become less...and even in this hope, I'm reminded that "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven." Can't do it for myself. Gotta rely on God alone...

Ended the year feeling so grateful to be sandwiched between two precious ladies. One dear friend, Marian, witnessed her husbands death just months ago when he was struck by a truck as they were traveling by motorcycle together...the other a precious 82 years-young woman, Carol...who is alone and losing her home because a mortgage broker mislead her to purchase an interest-only home loan....we worshipped, wept, and sang these words together...

Blessed be Your name in the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name when I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk in the wilderness
Blessed be your name

Every blessing You pour out I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in Lord, still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord, blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord, blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name when the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name on the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering blessed be Your name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will CHOOSE to say
Lord blessed be your name

Whether you're in a valley of grief, a peak of plenty, or somewhere in the middle...may the hope and encouragement we find in a living savior...who understands our weakness and loves us dearly....gently lead and guide you as you seek Him in the coming year!

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house...

Well, here we are! It's Christmas eve, and what a great time to invite you into our home for a little virtual tour (inspired by Boo Mama's Tour of Homes) If the miles must separate...at least we can imagine you're coming for a visit! Please come in, kick your shoes off and stay for a while!

Welcome to our humble abode...what did ya think of the elevator ride up? And did you hang on tight to your children as you "walked the plank" to our condo? We're only about 2 minutes from the church and 5 from the beach...oh I digress...that's a different tour for a different day! Focus, Sarah...
This is our dining/living/play room...the balloons on the cross are left over from our birthday party for Jesus, today...yeah, Hannah Reece'll grab you a cupcake, we saved one just for you!!!

Anyway...we gotta get creative with hanging the stockings here in Florida...not too many places around here with a mantle, or a fireplace for that matter. Graham's tasty lookin' gingerbread house and many crafty projects are proudly displayed here, too. The big shelf is also home to our critters Nemo the hermit crab and Strollie the Beta fish. Oh no! They look a little hungry...I think I forgot to add "feed pets" to the christmas-time to-do list! This is one of our favorite traditions "What God Wants for Christmas" nativity set... each of seven boxes contains a piece of the nativity with a story book to follow along. Day 7 is empty, just a mirror...emphasizing that what God really wants for Christmas is relationship with us, his beloved creation. On Monday, December 22, Graham and I read day 7 together...he was super quiet and then he said, "Mom, I have a new heart!" I said, "What do you mean, Graham?" "Jesus gave me a new heart and I'm gonna follow Jesus every day." Thank you, Lord.

It is a joy to share this happy news with you! Just to our right is the wall-o-loved ones...during the year I keep these boards loaded with photos of friends and family so we can think about you and pray for you all year long. Right now, it's full of Christmas cards that warm our hearts and make us smile!

Our little tree is covered in about three-times it's weight in ornaments, it's kind of hard to see in the photo, but it's got a little lean on. Many of the ornaments are from our (Dan and I) childhood, but the little beaded Candy Cane and the Green felt wreath were some additions that Graham made to the collection this year! I made the garland about five years ago when I was MUCHO PREGO with Graham (man has it been that long ago??) . So many of memories here! My mom and I were after-Christmas sale shopping about 3 years ago...she caught me admiring this nativity, so she bought it and stashed it away for my birthday the next year. It now sits atop our t.v. cabinet...which my children happen to be staring at right this very minute...not usually the case when company comes, so sorry about that! I didn't have the heart to disturb them...they look so cute all snuggled up, dontcha think?

Sweet friends and family, thank you for visiting...please come by anytime and, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Growin'

After dropping Graham off at school this morning, Hannah Reece and I were walking to the elevator of our building. She'd been mothering her baby Minnie Mouse all morning, we even packed a special diaper bag to take in the car!

"Momma, my baby Minnie is a tiny baby."

(me)"Awww, she's so little!"

*pause*

"I fink sees growin'."

*pause*

"Sees growin' just like me.... I'm growin' too!

Preschool Christmas Program

Tonight, Graham had his LAST preschool Christmas program! Last year, he was pretty reserved and not so thrilled about performing in front of the masses. Let's just say...times have changed...and I've got video to prove it!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Lately...

...our days have been full, and I'm pooped! Now that Graham's almost 5 and Hannah Reece is 2, they are a becoming more self-sufficient and able to entertain themselves for a nice little chunk of time. I've been able to work on a few extra home-made projects (sometimes at the expense of clean floors and laundry!) Trying to pack just a few too many things into one day, which also means going to bed WAY too late. My goal is to be in bed by 10:00 tonight. :)

Lack of sleep+too much on the to-do list=tired, short on patience, grumpy momma

I had so much fun making these little treats for Graham's classmates! We were out and about last night and I stopped by D*nkin D*nuts to pick up a box to contain the goods:

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The last few days have been spent playing at the playground...

....trying to stay warm at the playground by cramming ourselves into daddy's jacket......partying at Graham's buddies Madison and Kiara for a gingerbread house party...he was totally thrilled to play with all of his school buddies in their decorated yard after dark! With this huge grin, he kept saying "Don't worry, Mom, I'm not sleepy yet!"

...and cooking up yummy Christmas meals and treats!

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Last year, I was on the hunt for an age-appropriate advent devotional and found this at W*l-M*rt for $10. The kids have really enjoyed working through the book together and opening the "surprises" that contain a piece of the nativity each day. The nice part is that there are only 7 boxes, so you can do one every few days or do it several times throughout the month.As I tucked Graham into bed several nights ago he said:

"Mom, Dad told me what God wants for Christmas!"

"Really? What's that?"

"He wants ME!!!" :)

On the 14th day of Christmas...

our little buddy Heath....received a NEW HEART!!!!!!!

We received a call last night at around 8:00 that Heath's dr.'s were going to "see about" a heart. That within 2 hours the Chris and Carrie would know if it was a possible "fit". We waited...heard from Pen again...and with good news "it's a fit", and the surgical team is going rest...surgery will hopefully begin at 3 AM and last until 8 AM. I'm thinking this sounds like a precisely planned military manuver...scary and exciting...went to bed around 11 (I don't think Dan slept at all) and then received a phone call at about 8:00ish, this time from Chris (Heath's daddy)...it's almost over and Heath's got the new heart he needed!! Lots of happy, sad, relieved tears for sweet friends...thank you, Lord.

***totally a random, insignificant piece of info...I was just looking at the little pre-made book I put together for the "December Daily, 25 days of Christmas" project and could not believe how I'd decorated Day 14 (2 weeks ago)...I'm thinking this will be a "heart for Heath" page!

As our pastor said this morning...advent is a season of waiting...waiting for the arrival of Christ...waiting in hope for delivery from sin and a life of despair...I think I'm beginning to understand just a tiny bit more what it means to wait...to hope...to REJOICE...for what God has done and the saving work he is doing to redeem his beloved creation, his children, from death...so that even after this life is over, we may live on with our savior in HEAVEN!

Please keep the prayers for Heath coming, that the heart will heal properly, and that his little body will make a good home for the heart. REJOICE!