What are you listening to?

Through this time of change and growth --I am putting a positive spin on things:)  I have made a new CD for my car.  These songs are so good and often bring me to tears.  I love worshiping God and having Him work in me through music.  This is what I'm listening to:

1. I Will Follow-Chris Tomlin
2. Fail Us Not--1000 Generations (my current favorite)
3. Hope Now--Addison Road
4. Our God--Chris Tomlin
5. Jesus Saves--Jeremy Camp
6. Just the Way You Are--Bruno Mars (I know this is not a KLove song but Lovey put it in here!)
7. How He Loves--David Crowder Band (I just don't get sick of this song)
8. Something Glorious--Revive
9. You Alone Can Rescue--Matt Redman
10. All Things New--Allison Tubbs
11. This is How We Know--Matt Redman
12. Beautiful--MercyMe
13. To Know You--Casting Crowns
14. Our God is Greater--Shane Barnard

So what are you listening to?

Update on us

Well I know that is has been a little while since we have given any of you a real update on us, so I thought this would be the easiest way to do so.  As many of you know, last December we found out that the UofM did not vote to give Nick tenure here.  At first there were many tears, buckets full of anger and many other things.  We felt like we were supposed to fight to stay here.  After trying to leave for so many years, we wanted to stay.  So, Nick filed his appeal and we have been waiting to see if he would be granted a hearing.  If he was granted a hearing there would be a slim chance that the vote could be overturned and tenure would be granted.  The odds were definitely stacked against us, but we felt that it was important for Nick's voice to be heard (he's been silent for 11 years).  We found out this week that he will not be granted a hearing--our time at UofM is over.  and you know what???  We are at peace.  We feel as if it is time to go. 

So now what?  We are praying and applying for jobs.  So far Nick has applied for jobs in NC, CO, KY, and we are also considering a ministry opportunity in MO.  We are excited to take this next path in our journey. 

For those of you who know me well, you know the fact that I am at peace is a miracle in and of itself.  I have dealt with anxiety issues for years.  Although I still have my moments, I am filled with a peace that passes all understanding.  So much so that ladies in my Bible study have commented on it--and Nick doesn't know what to think.  We are grateful.  A wise friend of ours said that one of the things we should pray is that we will look upon this time with a grateful heart for all that God did while we were here!  That is one of our prayers.

We ask that you pray for us in this time of change.  Pray for Nicholas and Caroline as we face a move away from all they have ever known and loved.  Nicholas is struggling but also being very brave and learning to trust God in all things.  Caroline wants our next house to have stairs and a golden retriever. Pray that God will put Nick and our family in the exact job we are supposed to be in.  Pray that we will be able to be in a state that is a compact state so that I can keep my job.  Pray for wisdom on our part to see His plan and follow Him. 

Until our next update.......Love you all.

A Hallmark moment...or is that a Landmark Occasion?

Our elementary school publishes a yearbook annually, and each year, parents of 'graduating 5th graders' have the opportunity to purchase an advertisement for their kids to be published in the yearbook.

Karen has been planning Nicholas' ad for about a year now–the centerpiece for it is a photograph with each of his teachers over the last 4 years. His 2nd grade, 3rd/4th grade, and both 5th grade teachers are shown, and we owe these four amazing individuals our unending gratitude and appreciation! Many parents tout their children's teachers as 'the best in the world'; we can actually say they are among the very best in our state (and likely in the nation)!

THANK YOU TEACHERS!!

The Best Christmas Present Ever?

 Our new church presented a children's musical "The Best Christmas Present Ever" back in early December. The kids started practicing in September, and met every Sunday until the first weekend in December...yikes!  Caroline was so excited to do it, and tried out for a solo. She got Mom's favorite...Happy Birthday Jesus! She did an awesome job; one of her directors called her "her little angel", and she certainly stole the show (except for the Guest of Honor, Jesus, of course!) HE certainly is the Best Christmas Present Ever!

Ice skating? Here?

You Bet!  For the first time ever, our local zoo offered ice skating this winter! It was rough ice, but still pretty fun...we went for to celebrate a birthday party with some good friends, and had a blast.

Happy Birthday Emma!

Caroline & Emma

pausing for a pose

We really are Ice Skating!

Catching their breath

slow going at times...

What a fun time!

Winter Wonderland (aka 'snow-pocalypse I')

Back in mid-January, we had a snow day from school. Our area received about 5 inches of snow, which immediately qualified this storm as the 'White Death 2011', or my new favorite term, 'Snow-pocalypse'. (heard that one from some friends in Atlanta that got walloped by the same storm...too good!

Well...rather than lay around and lounge into nothing-ness, we got on the phone. I think the text message went something like this..."snow-ball fight, your place, 10:00 AM".  The single response was..."bring it".  Donned we then our gay apparel, rubber boots and all (thanks to the Georgia game @ the Liberty Bowl), and off we trekked over the river and through the woods to our good friends (and now snow-pocalypse opponents).  After some frivolous fraternizing (shown here), we got down to business!

After the Snow-pocalypse, the kids made some friends, and they all made a new friend.  Nicholas had so much fun, he made his own friend when we got home.

Funny things kids say...

Right before Christmas, we are all sitting in the living room together. Caroline was quietly reading a book when she says "Mom, I have this tooth that is smooth and soft...is that my sweet tooth?" Don't you love it!