Traffic, Shmaffick

Dothan is not really that big. Spread out, but not a metropolis by any stretch of the imagination. However, it amazes me how the Christmas shopping traffic has really picked up. Sometimes I get disgruntled with it, and then I remember what it was like to live in Dallas and contend with everyday traffic (much worse) for 5 years. Then I become grateful again!

Everyone knows who Steven Curtis Chapman is, and we are all aware of the terrible tragedy their family has suffered this year. I check on their 'blogging' from time to time and came across a Christmas letter from MaryBeth Chapman today. Needless to say, it's a must-read for every mother. Actually, a must-read for everyone. A beautiful reflection on Christ's birth, and a firm reminder to "love more & love well". Grab some kleenex and go read it at www.chapmanchannel.typepad.com/marybeth

So thank You Lord, for my 3 undeserved blessings - Allison Joy, Nicholas David & Grant Christian. I don't want to take one day for granted! Oh how I cherish their precious little faces and giggling and hugs and bedtime prayers.

We're Back!

Okay ... so ... it's December and we haven't been on this thing since March!!! Sorry for the delay, but we've been a little busy & because we changed email accounts (and I forgot our password!) it basically became impossible to log on and update this blog.

My how time flies - and 2008 has been no exception. I think it has definitely been the shortest year yet! There are so many stories I could tell to catch you up from March, but to spare you all the details, I will give the highlights of our spring, summer & fall!

April - we celebrated our 12th anniversary of marital bliss ... and got to go to Hawaii for a week! Long story short, Chris emailed a pastor there about how one of his teachings blessed us & in return he gave us a scholarship to attend their Leadership Practicum held in Honolulu!! Needless to say, we missed the kids like CRAZY but it was a much needed time together - we had the best time over there! Check out their amazing ministry at www.enewhope.org

June - Legacy Team Members began moving their families to Dothan. By the end of the month, we had all helped each other move in and out of storage and into new homes. Not one of us wants to move again for a while!

July - Allison Joy turned 8 years old! / God miraculously provided a rental home for us to live in. It is so much more than we could have imagined, but we are amazed with God's blessing on our lives.

Aug - Grant Christian turned 2 years old! / Allison & Nicholas began their school year at Crossroads Baptist Academy ... another miraculous provision by God for our family. Allison is in 2nd grade - Nicholas started Kindergarten!! (sniff, sniff)

Sept - Chris was the guest speaker to the student body at Christ for the Nations Institute for their 1st week of classes. / Mimi (Lisa's Mom) came to visit from Iowa for a week. It was so much fun!

Nov - Christopher Nelson turned a whopping 37! He went to an Atlanta Falcon game on his birthday! / Chris finished his 'tour of duty' at the Museum of Art as their Facility Manager.

Dec - Legacy Church began meeting every Saturday night for service at Northside Methodist Academy in their Fine Arts Building. We are gearing up for our public launch on January 10th! Check us out at www.legacydothan.com

And now we are all decorated for Christmas and counting down the days. We are super excited to have my Mom & StepDad and my sister Andrea, Matthew & Rachel traveling to Dothan for Christmas! What a reunion that will be!!

Well, now that we are back on the blog, we will be more diligent to update regularly & get some recent pictures of our growing children!