down to south texas for the new year. the kids had a wonderful time together. there were 10 cousins this year, including my brother and sister-in-laws new baby caleb, and two more of the older cousins friends. 12 kids running around at the ranch was like a dream come true for emma, abby, and sam. in the past few weeks samuel has started to get really verbal, or maybe i'll say adamant, about the things that he wants. so when we were at the ranch he decided to start waking up when it was still dark out, screaming and crying until i got him outside. he just wanted to be outside all the time. he loved getting in cole's tractor, and pappy's jeep. also the golf cart rides were a favorite.
we got to try out the bb guns russ got the girls, which they loved. although, emma really wanted to shoot a buck deer. and one afternoon russell, sam, and i even did some duck hunting together. we ate a lot of smores, did fireworks, and generally just had fun together.
sam and danna love each other. this is sam's way of giving kisses.
the older girls did abby and emma's hair and put makeup on them. oh boy.
my beautiful sister-in-law mandy and her oldest boy ryan.
my other sister-in-law kimberly and her youngest daughter danna. these two ladies have been such a model of wives and mothers who love the Lord more than anything else and live out their faith in such amazing ways. i am so thankful to be in their family...
i came outside one day to find sam heading out to see the deer. i ran back in to grab my camera. i was able to get a few good shots. when i got to the distance i really wanted he had a mouthful of mud and stopped taking pictures to eliminate the swallowing and brown drool. in hindsight, i probably should have just kept taking pictures.
sam never missed an opportunity to be in the drivers seat.
one morning, really early, i came out and saw this sunrise, and a really pretty buck walking up through the mist off the water. my zoom wasn't long enough to really capture it how i wanted, so you can't see him really, but i still think it's beautiful.
the family headed out, and in came the college kids from our church for a three day retreat. i was mostly taking care of my kids, but what time i did get with the students was wonderful. my dear friend ashley watched my kids a couple of times so i could go worship and here one of the talks. my spirit was so encouraged and my heart so joyful to sing to Jesus in that setting. it was so cold out we crowded into the main house the last two nights, so the room was just resounding with praises to Him, and it was just so good. so renewing for me. i am thankful. very thankful for that time.
finn and sam...
our two dear friends ashley and jeremiah... aaaannnddd... the Lord provided them with a house! just two blocks away from us! walking distance! praise the Lord oh my soul. rejoice in His Holy name. about four years ago the four of us sat together praying the desire of our hearts, that we would be together one day doing ministry with our families, and now, He is bringing it to fruition in His perfect timing.
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