Ready, Set, Go!

My mom planned the infamous Christmas morning game again this year. It is all of our favorite parts of Christmas morning! She puts so much thought and time into each clue and gift. Thank you mom for continuing to make Christmas morning so special; even though Anthony and I are in our 30's we wake up to Christmas morning feeling like 6 year-olds! We love you for all that you do for us!

It started off with each of us having to choose a Santa hat. Under each hat was a coin. Whoever had the highest amount got to start off the game. This year it was...ME!

I had to open the box with my initials on it. Inside the box was all of my numbered clues for the game.

After we all opened our boxes I began by reading Clue #1 which led me to the Christmas tree.

A new CAMERA LENS!!

A new WATCH...I am SO in LOVE with this watch!!!

Out With the Old, and In With the New!

On our hour and a half lost path to see the Lights on the Neuse we passed a church with a sign out front that read, "God is Up to Something Good!" As I am typing right now, it's official...Mike is moving out his furniture into his new apartment, our separation is a month under way, and I see my son every 2 days... With all the change, loneliness, sadness, and fear that 2009 has brought, it is finally coming to a close...

God is up to something good...

I know that faith is not cicumstantial. I know that it's in the valleys that God refines us and shapes us into who He wants us to be. I know that He knows our hearts desires and wants to lavishly pour out His love on us, even though we don't deserve it. I daily cling to His promises that He's going to turn this heartbreak into something wonderful. He is a God who gives AND takes away...

God is up to something good...

So as we enter into 2010 I am thankful for the MANY blessings in my life and it is with great hope and faith that I step forward into ALL that God has for me and my life... As my best friend just reminded me, God is bigger than anything we can imagine...Dream BIG, Ash!

God is up to something good...

Can't you just wait to see what it is???

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Aidan was so much fun this Christmas! He was so excited to see all the presents under the tree Christmas morning. As he opened each gift, he cleaned up the wrapping paper and threw it away in the trash bag...can you guess whose child this is?!? Santa even left a ribbon trail that led into the bathroom to the biggest surprise of all...a new BICYCLE! Aidan loved riding it around the house all morning with his new, monkey helmet on. I think we'll be living outside in the cul-de-sac for a while...It was a great morning and we are so thankful that the Lord sent his Son to be born on this very special day!

The BEST gift I've ever been given!