This and That

1. Over the last few months, God has done a work in my heart and has began to prepare me for life after kids... I know I still have a while yet but Danielle will be leaving soon, probably this year. When I wrote my last post, I was still very much grieving this loss (in advance), but God has brought me so far and I have peace about it. I know there will still be tears... but life will go on. There is still much life to be lived and joy to be had! I am excited for Danielle. I can't wait to see how God is going to use her life for His glory!

2. Alyssa is about to turn 10 on Sunday! My baby is growing up! She is becoming such a beautiful, sweet, loving and fun girl! It seems like most of her life she has been very very quiet, mostly observing us. But in the last year, her personality has blossomed and the last few weeks she has been making up for lost time in the "talking" department! I thoroughly enjoy her every day of my life.

3. Danny is praying and seeking a new job. He needs to get into his business of being a chef... But MOSTLY he wants a restaurant. God's timing is not our timing for sure! But I know it is perfect.

4. We have been going through some major trials... but God has shown himself strong in the midst of it. He has taught us so much.

5. My Uncle Ron died. This was a shock to our whole family. It was so unexpected... It still doesn't seem real to me. Sometimes I feel very frustrated and angry about it because he was too young to die, he wasn't supposed to die. But, I believe that he is in Heaven and that one day we will all be reunited.

6. On a happier note, we are still really enjoying our dog Molly. She is so sweet and smart. She LOVES to go for rides and begs to go. She knows when I am going somewhere when I get my purse and my keys! She runs to the door and anxiously awaits my word. I will either say, "Ok, come on Molly!" or "No, Molly, stay here!" If I say Ok, she FLIES to the car. She is so annoying in the car though. She is never content. She is constantly whining and begging to get out. So usually my answer to her is "NO!" I love saying yes, she gets so excited!
But I have realized it is just not worth it!

7. I have written two children's books that I am looking for a way to get published. It is a very difficult process to say the least. I am just praying and letting God direct me. I am also writing a Christian fiction novel. My goal is to become more self-disciplined... and make myself write a little on it each day. I feel like I just desperately need some time to myself. I am actually praying for an "all by myself vacation". I think it would be HEAVEN! I want to just pray, and read my Bible and write my book. My dream is to be in a beautiful place, preferably with water, like a lake or ocean, or even a woodsy area and have a cabin all to myself!

8. I am also, praying for God to make a way to have a family vacation. I really, really, really want to go to the Creation Museum!!! And I want to go back to Disney World. But I would settle for Branson. I would love to have two weeks to just relax and play with my family. I am praying that it will be in time for Danielle to come with us.

9. And I am praying for a third honeymoon!!!! I would love a vacation with just me and Danny! We sure do need it!