January Events (and a few February too!)

Has it really been a month since I've updated the blog. Goodness! Time flies when your life is upside down!

It's been a tough month. It seems that trials and tribulations have been all around us. Friends, family, friends that are family, and our church body has seemed to be under tremendous stress these last few months. Is it because we are growing in the Lord, and the devil is trying to sabotage us? I think so. I do know that lots of praying has been happening. We've started a bible study after dinner with our own family, in addition to Bill's & my morning study, in hopes to keep us strong through the week, to keep us focused, and keep our minds in the word, and not to be pulled down when the devil is on our shoulder. We keep praying for our family, as well as those around us. If you need prayer...tell us!!

NOW, back to the fun stuff. The month of January was pretty much work, eat, sleep, school, and church activities. Ryan is involved in two youth groups, plus school, and that keeps him on the go. Kristin has been busy with homeschool group, quilting with the ladies in town, and she too is involved with youth group. It seems we are always getting someone, somewhere, and are blessed when we can't that we have wonderful friends who get them there. (Thanks Dana, Troy, Dylan, Grandma Alice & Grandma Betty!)

The month started off with the kids doing a pancake breakfast as a fund raiser for youth trips that were coming up. We spent a lot of time running kids to & fro, Bill spent a lot of time in his books, as he has 18 credits this term (two math classes), and Kristin did get to head out on her youth camp over MLK weekend, which gave them three nights away.
It was quite an experience for her. She was touched by the spirit, and certainly brought home a lifelong memory.



We are all enjoying Bill's popcorn maker that he got for Christmas. I can't tell you how much better we like it rather than the greasy stuff from the bags. One tablespoon of oil, and 1/2 cup of kernels...makes for A LOT of pop corn! No butter needed...almost like the theater, without the goo on top! This is a typical sight while waiting for the popcorn to pop!!
It seems Bill has spent time at his desk after bible study and most free moments on the weekends for weeks now. He is overwhelmed with school right now...so prayer is welcomed!! On the positive side, he made the honor roll!!! Very proud of him! We had parent teacher conferences for Ryan, he is doing great...4 A's and a B--which is very close to an A.....we are very proud of him too!

In February, Shawnna will be a blip in a Healthy Matters article. Since late September I've been going to Weight Watchers, and up to Dec 20th, had officially lost 20 lbs. Being the group did not have enough to continue after the first of the year, I have still continued on with the program, but am not attending meetings. This last weekend, I hit an official 30 lbs.!! If feels good, and I've lost 6 inches from my waist, and gone down two pant sizes!! Yahoo! I will post the article when it is published...I believe it comes out this Friday.

This last weekend was packed with "stuff".

On Friday, The kids had a youth concert, featuring Benjiman and The New Divide (who we met at our seminar in September). It was a great evening, and filled with fun for the kids. The crowd was smaller, but we were all filled. If you want to see more...check out the full post by clicking HERE.

On Saturday Bill & I headed off to Eugene...dressed like we haven't been in a while!! It was a work function, dinner, dancing, etc. It was fun, but we've both become uncomfortable with that stuff...and didn't stay long. Thankfully, Nate & Katie were with us, and it made it more fun! These last few days have been low key for me, as I came home from work yesterday with a tummy bug of some kind, and have been down for two days. Feeling better tonight, and hoping to head to work tomorrow.

Will be back soon...hopefully, it won't be a month!!