It's Over

Well technically there are two hours left but I am off to bed so I do not think I will have any spending money issues. So who wants to bet that I blow all of Matt's paycheck tomorrow in one day? Naaaaaaaa..... :-)

There is a Light

Kinda weird that there are only five days left to our 90 day spending fast. Of course I cheated to go see New Moon this last Friday (and so did my husband...hee hee). The past 85 days started out sooooo slow....it seemed like I would never be able to spend money again. Now I don't even think about it. The other day I walked into Target, picked up my prescription and walked out. It wasn't till I was back in the car that I realized how my shopping mentality has thankfully changed. I have learned what to do with two little kids that does not mean going out and spending money. I have learned that I should go pick up dinner when it has been a tired, exhausting, hard day. Not just because I am craving something different and want to get out of the house. I have missed getting out with my friends and meeting up to eat or get coffee but also found that it was easy to get around the money issue. Matt and I's date nights are about spending time together and seeing friends...not about eating out.
These last 85 days have been some of the best and hardest of my life....seriously...and it had NOTHING to do with money but God knew I was waiting on Him and listening to Him so He worked in me since He had my undivided attention. I was approached with the opportunity to open my own business!!!! Thats AMAZING and still the whole process in which it happened blows me away...Ryland was evaluated and was diagnosed with a severe speech and social delay and is now receiving services through the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). Three letters I have used in my line of work that I never wanted to hear in my own home. God held my hand and helped me cry out to safe, loving, strong people who have just listened and come along side me through this. These have been some of the best and worst 85 days. Thanks for coming on this journey with us.

My loves growing up

My kids are growing up so fast. Above is a picture of Adrienne and I dedicating London in front of our church family and the other I just took with my computer camera of my boy, Ryland, sitting pretending to read and drinking from a big boy cup. Man, time moves so fast!!! But let me just say, God is so good. We feel so blessed to parent these two. They have changed our lives. I love you both.

from your dad.

Special Needs

My heart is sad but hopeful

-and thankfully-

My God is huge, powerful, aware, and strong just for me

"But As For You, Pursue Gentleness"

1 Timothy 6:11

"but as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness."

This morning an old friend texted me and asked if I had an email in my sent files from like two and half years ago and if I could send it to him. As I pulled up my yahoo account and sent him the email, I was so caught off guard as I read some of my sent emails for years past. My heart sank and I began to tear up because of the lack of gentleness in my responses and posture with friends, family, and fellow believers.

After awhile, I stopped reading, and feeling utterly defeated, I opened my bible, started to read and I thanked God for all of the painful and broken moments over the last few years He has taken me through, in order to break me. He has birthed in me a more gentle spirit, a more Christ-centered approach to how I interact and serve others.

It was a catch 22. I hated reading a few of those old emails, but I love seeing God's faithfulness in my life over time. It's hard to see sometimes, but today I had a glimpse into my old self...

Lord, let me continue to pursue living a life of a servant and help me tomorrow to put on the new self.

grace and peace,

matt

Halloween 2009

Matt and I's first Trick-or-Treating experience as parents. We got Ryland all decked out with some stuff from one of his favorite movies right now - Cars! We went out in my parent's neighborhood. We made it to about 4 or 5 houses then Ryland decided to lay down on the sidewalk. It was obvious at this point Trick-or-Treating was over but we had a lot of fun for our first adventure. Next year we will definitely have both children in costumes :-)


Checking Out the candy at grammie and papa's house...contemplating this Halloween thing!


The full Lighting McQueen Pit Crew Outfit


Ryland at his first house wanting to take more candy!!!

P.S. We were excited that Ryland still does not know what candy is...so when my parents ran out of candy, we started handing out Rylands. Maybe he will actually get to try some next year.