Christmas is just around the corner!!

Jake's preschool class had their Christmas party this past Friday! Jake had Livi, mommy, Daddy, and Grandma there!

Jake, with the biggest kid in class:

He took care of Olivia the whole morning.

The reindeer Polka:

Boy oh boy is Livi ready to go next year! She was right in her element the whole morning! The girls in the class would color her pictures and play with her like she was "one of them"! The little jabber box won't stop talking about it!

Last weekend we had our Christmas piano recital. Here are 9 out of 11 of my students!

My FAVORITE ornament this year. An angel Jake! You can sure tell our family has a preschooler in it- just look at the tree!!! I am so proud of these ornaments! I treasure them above any bought one. just another Joy of being a mommy I guess!!

here is a bonus photo. I caught Olivia doing a little "sit and fit" video one day after her kid's program was over!

One Year ago...

Today is December 11. Wow. One year ago our world was rocked upside down. One year ago Dan came home half way through the day to let me know he had just been layed off. We were devastated. It was worse than a break up! He was so blessed and so happy at his job. It wasn't a job- it was an occupation. We really didn't know how wonderful it was until it was taken away from us.
For 6 hard months we searched, applied, and prayed for a job. It was hopeless! We were desperate for any form of income. I taught, did photography, and picked up several child care jobs to help out. Funny how we never lost our home and we never went hungry that entire time! It wasn't easy. It was probabley some of the hardest 6 months of my life. But the Lord was there each step. Faithful as always. Never failing to reward us with new mercies every morning! We learned peace, patience, and humility. We were surprised with anonymous cash, gift cards, bags of groceries! Over and over again! yes, God provided for our EVERY need!
And then, Dan got his job back! 6 months to the date of losing it!
I never thought I would be thankful for that period of our lives. I was stretched so far and inturn grew so much. Even now, when I start to panic "How will we pay this bill?" I know that the Lord is here. HE is God. He provides for all of our needs.
God is good, all the time!! (Can I hear an amen???!)

Little Livi

Here is a cute one of Livi posing as I set up my "studio" for a photo job
yesterday. I never grow tired of her sweet little face!