Word for 2014 ~ GROWTH

One thing's for certain: we don't have time to get bored!

 In 2014 we experienced growth like never before, both physically and spiritually.

 In 2013 I was blessed to participate in a study of the Book of Hebrews...which would last through the end of 2014.  God so timely brought this study to me, as 2014 was filled with unexpected twists and turns for our family, but we were reminded that He never loses sight of us, is sovereign over ALL, and will give us the strength to run the race with perseverance.  We praise Him for that!

We celebrated many birthdays ~ 13, to be exact ~ starting with Daddy's in January.

In February we had snow, beautiful snow!

 And we celebrated Chinese New year!

(Kennah, Khloie, Kooper, Kasidi, Kayden, Kaeleb, Kinley, Kambry)

 There was prom - which I missed because we had a surgery.

We have so many reasons to celebrate...

We said "Yes" to bringing another treasure home!  Hello, Kohlby Zane!

 In May we celebrated Kolton's high school graduation!  He has completed his first semester of college and starts the second semester next week.  We are so proud of you, son! 

Daddy tried teaching the littles to pull their weight in the farming operation ;-) 

Praise be to God, we had our best sweet corn harvest yet!

 But before that, in June we celebrated...

 Kuyler and Caitlin's wedding!  We are so blessed to have such a darling sister and daughter in our family!

 Kolton and Allie got engaged, and in May 2015 we will add another beautiful daughter and sister to our family!

As a graduation and wedding gift, we took the family on a much-needed retreat with our amazing friends, the Smith family!

And four days later, Kasidi Joy had major surgery, which of course, she took like a rock star!

We had homecoming.

Celebratory steps in the adoption process!  Two months from now we will likely have Kohlby home!

 We've enjoyed LOTS of food!  This mama spends much time in the kitchen...and the laundry room.

 We spent time with cousins on their beautiful new place!

Kolton went on missions to Costa Rica!

One of the unexpected twists this year was when our precious friend (and like a daughter to me), Kaylee was in an accident that left her clinging to life.  The Lord drew us nearer to Himself, to one another and challenged our faith.  Kaylee's parents were an example of prayerfulness and faith.  Praise God, Kaylee has made a full recovery!

And who knew that our family would be challenged as well.  Clayton was in a serious accident that landed us in the hospital 15 days.  He is still at home recovering, but we believe he will make a full recovery as well and will be walking independently when we travel for Kohlby.  This event has left us completely dependent upon the Lord, who is always faithful, has grown our faith and changed our perspective.  Trust me when I say that God is good, all the time!

We have spent much time hunkering down as a family!

We've watched Kenzie play a ton of softball, summer, fall and spring!  She is a senior, after all!

 We are now watching a ton of basketball as well!  Trying to enjoy every second before she graduates!

Celebrating Adoption, the gift of salvation, and God's provision in bringing my friend, Stefanie's, Clementine Joy Home!

14 stockings is such a beautiful sight to me!  I love each and every treasure represented here!

S'long 2014!

As for 2015, I want read (the Bible) diligently, pray fervently, love with abandon and live fearlessly.

In the words of Jonathan Edwards, 

"Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so.

and

Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

and

Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life."