New Things

Our computer is back! Some things are still missing. Like my email. I think all of my emails I saved during the past 7 years are gone. Gone! Who knows what I had in my inbox? And while we're at it, let's change Internet providers and email addresses. Wow, what a mess. But our pictures are all here. And our iTunes account was recoverable. You know, the important things. :)

So, here we are, 2 days before Thanksgiving. School is out until Monday--woohoo! Lately I've been thinking about fresh starts, new beginnings, and new ways of doing things. A Bible verse has been floating around in my head the past few days, and I think it captures what I am feeling.

Isaiah 43:19 "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

I dreaded Derek leaving his position at the high school. I dreaded night shift even more. Those changes were my own personal desert and wasteland. But I had no idea how many good, new things would come from them. It's like God was waiting in the wings whispering, "Trust Me. I am making a way for you." I was too busy mourning the life we were leaving behind to hear those whispers. I hear them now. :) While not everything is perfect, and some things are hard, our home is filled with more joy than before. More togetherness. More laughter. More peace. Only God can make a way like this.

Another new thing around here? Derek is willingly listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving! In the 19 years I've known him, that has never happened. :) My favorite new (to me) Christmas CD is by Lady Antebellum. My oldest son calls my taste in music "that country trash," but I've caught him listening to it a few times. :)

Yesterday Kaleb was given permission from his doctor to run and jump again--his knee has healed! 2 months is a long time for an active boy to sit out in PE, but he kept a positive attitude through it all. What an example he is to me. I've said that before, haven't I?

Speaking of Kaleb...he turns 12 on Saturday. 12!!! My big, chubby, 9 pound, 10 ounce baby boy is becoming a young man. We have so much to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving!


Kaleb's pyramid project. Everything is edible, even the graham cracker "sand."

Aaron's latest book. He showed it to Ginger, since she looks like the main character. :)

Braylen and Derek each got a buck this year. One shot each!

I find this picture amusing, since Kaleb is the one reading a book!

The beauty of our land is in the sky!