MERRY CHRISTMAS!! (LORI)

It's here!! Christmas is here and we hope you have an awesome one!!

Just to get you caught up on what's been going on since Sunday......

We took Landon ice skating for his birthday. Although he has been twice before, he somehow thought that he is a professional skater and after falling 11 times, gave up and didn't want to do it any longer! I had the chance to finish up all the Christmas shopping. The rink in Durango was sooooooo cold compared to the one in Decatur at Point Mallard.

It is a fun experience so if you live near one, take your kids! Sunday night we went to a Christmas party outside, around a fire at my work out partner Sandi's home. It was cold but very beautiful and the chili and hot coco hit the spot! We sang Christmas carols and fellowshipped with some people in the Valley that did not go to our church. By the way, I didn't realize how many Christmas carols were out there......have you ever tried to sing them all!!????

Monday was Landon's birthday and he got a karaoke machine and electronic drums so all morning was spent very musically! We then had an outreach to the parents in the Valley on Monday by keeping their children while their parents shopped or wrapped presents or whatever. We had 7 children to come (not counting mine) so we felt it was successful. They played games, watched movies, and ate, and ate, and ate!

We are having a Christmas Eve service tonight at 6:00 but because there is a winter storm coming, the church body has urged us to go on to Albequrque, New Mexico today instead of after the service like we planned. It was a very hard decision because Mike really wanted to be present for the service because they say the church will be full of people that only come on Christmas and Easter, so it would have been an awesome opportunity to introduce Christ to them. Our flight leaves at 10:00 on Christmas Day. Fortunately, Bill and Joys Brooks are also flying out on Christmas Day so they are going to travel along with us which makes us feel much safer. I can't wait to see all of you!!!
Our plans for the week starts out on Thursday night with the Owen family Christmas. They so graciously put off their traditional Christmas Eve gathering to wait on us and for that, I am truly grateful! Landon was so afraid that everyone else would have opened their gifts and we would have missed it all. On Friday, the Richardson family will gather at Nuna's and have their Christmas gathering. My brother Robby and his family will spend the night on Friday and we will spend some extra time with them on Saturday. My kids absolutely love being with their cousins on both sides! I hope that love and friendship will last a lifetime for them.......
On Sunday, we plan to visit with our Grace family, have the boys a birthday party at the church, and then join our ex-small group on Sunday night. We are planning to spend the night in Cullman and work a little at our house on Monday. The rest of the week will be spent with family and on New's Year's Eve, we will get to spend time with Mike's aunts and uncles from Georgia. Gail and Scott.....get ready for "Big Booty"! HA!
We fly out on New Year's Day around 11:00 and I wish I could load everyone up and bring you back in my carry on! Anyway, the computer is staying here so this will be the last post until 2009!
Before leaving, I need to wish a few people a HAPPY BIRTHDAY.......

Jonathan Smith has a birthday on Dec. 26th and

Diane Hadley has a New Year's Eve birthday on Jan 31st! These are two of my co-workers at the Health Dept......Happy Birthday guys and I hope you don't have to work on those days!!

I don't have a picture of this next one but I want to wish a special Happy Birthday to an Owen Family friend ....LIZ JUNKIN!! Happy Birthday Ms. Liz on the 26th also!!

Please pray for us because the weather is pretty bad. It is snowing, and snowing, and snowing so pray for our safety on the roads and on the runways...

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

Happy Birthday Pop and Nuna!!

Mike's Dad, Hershel (POP), and Lori's Mom, Pat(Nuna) share the same birthday! Pop turns the big 70 today and Nuna...well, let's just say she is younger!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NUNA!! WE LOVE YOU AND CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY POP!! WE LOVE YOU AND CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU!!

Happy 8th Birthday Landon!!

Does anyone remember this little 9lb 9in Christmas present we got in Dec 2000?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LANDON!!

Landon, you have been such a fun child to raise! You are so smart, FUNNY, compassionate, and add so much joy to our lives. This last year will always be special to us because you accepted Jesus in your heart as your Savior. We hope this next year will be full of blessings and fun, exciting times! WE LOVE YOU!!

Mom and Dad

Open House....(Lori)

I survived!! Open House turned out great! We had a good turn out and lots of fun fellowship. Here is a picture of all the goodies we made...... I know it doesn't look like that much but we had about 7 different things and tons of left overs....would you like to come over for lunch? Come on over..........

The kiddos helped to make sugar cookies on Friday night. They each had a batch of dough and cookie cutters. It was so fun! Some they iced and put sprinkles on and others had sprinkles cooked right in the dough.....

Haven got a little too excited with the cookie cutters and would use two or three by the time I could get over there to help.....then she played with the dough like it was play dough! She loves to help in the kitchen and brings over the little "time out" bench to stand on when you are making things.........

Landon really got into making all the different shapes....however, when we cooked them, they kind of grew together (nothing a little icing and sprinkles couldn't fix!).

The snow stopped on Friday and the sun finally peaked through. It is so beautiful when the sun is out on the snow. We went to basketball games again yesterday morning and we saw a 6 point buck and two doe(s?) in a snow white field pretty close to us which was a beautiful scene. Of course I did not have my camera out so on the way home, I got ready to shoot that perfect picture but we did not see any, of course! I did take some shots of the lake on the way home.....



On Friday we went to the school for Christmas parties. By the way, Mason made Honorable Mention on his Science Project!!! This means that out of 105 5th graders, he was in the top 8!!! You don't know how proud I was for him because he tried Science Fair in Kindergarten, First, Second, and Third and never placed so he said he was never going to try again. I helped him with all of those and his dad helped him with this one so I guess we know now what his problem was all those years!!

Anyway, I thought I would show you a shot of the playground they go out on 3 times a day! It is sooooo different for us because at Parkside, they barely go out in the winter (they stay in the gym).

That's Mason on the basketball court.

Tether ball is popular at recess and Landon just doesn't enjoy it so he ends up playing with the girls most of the time.....

We are celebrating Landon's birthday today by going ice skating at the local rink. He gets to open a present today and one tomorrow on his birthday and is driving me crazy right now wanting to open it. Here we go.........

By the way, it was not me that hurt my ribs....it was Mike....(many of you thought it was me!) so we'll start putting our name in the title so you'll know first who wrote it!

(Psst....only 4 days until we are back in Alabama.....YEA!!!!)

Lori

Christmas in the Rockies....

One more week!!! I am so excited!! One more week until we fly back to Alabama soil!! I need you to pray though that all the roads to Albuquerque, NM, will be open and that our flight will go as scheduled. I know you are probably tired of hearing about the snow...but man...it is like a blizzard out there today. I had to drive the kids to school this morning and it took me 1 hour and 20 miuntes round trip. They do not ride the bus in the mornings because they have to be on it at 6:30 which is way too early for us night owls. The bus arrives at school at 7:30 (because of the breakfast program) and the doors do not open until 7:50 unless you are eating breakfast. Therefore, they stay out on the playground until then. Only until it gets below 10 degrees that they let them come on in early.....isn't that crazy!! Needless to say, our boys arrive at 7:55!! Yesterday was the first day they rode the bus home....they thought it was awesome!! What was bad is that Mike, Haven, and I took Landon's cupcakes to his class to celebrate his birthday and then went grocery shopping in Durango. Because of the weather we were not back when the boys got home. I told Mike on the way back that our boys went from being over-protected children to latchkey kids in one day!! They were fine and we arrived about 15 minutes after they did.
Landon's birthday is Monday so because of the Christmas party on Friday and other birthdays, he made cupcakes and shared them with the class yesterday..... Landon has struggled to make a good friend here which is surprising being that he has such a great personality. Pray for God to send him a best friend with similar interests. We plan to celebrate his birthday here on Sunday by going ice skating because Monday we have the Mom's Shopping Day from 1 to 8 at the church. He wants to have a party with his "real" friends in Alabama so we plan to do that at Grace on the 28th....can't wait....


So I only slid twice today out on the roads.....it is crazy! Very beautiful but also very dangerous. Here is a shot from outside the window over my kitchen sink. In the first picture that is Haven's tricycle buried in the snow and the second picture is the snow hanging off of the roof. Has anyone seen the sun lately?? I sure do miss it!!

Mike shot a video of it because the winds were blowing so hard but it just doesn't do it justice...we are under a winter storm warming until 5:00. Mason has Science Fair tonight and then basketball practice. This was our first "big" science fair project and he did his on which fizzes more when cold, warm, and shaken: Coke or Diet Coke. He did a great job and we survived it all!

Mom asked me to take a picture of my Christmas tree and post it because she always comes up to Cullman to see our decorations every December. Below is my model in front of the tree in one of her Christmas dresses....if you'll notice there is no tree topper, no tree skirt, (you actually can't see either of them) no snowmen faces....etc., because apparently a Christmas bin was left in my basement in Cullman! Not happy about that one!

We are getting ready today and tomorrow for an Open House for the church members here on Saturday. Since they are paying for us to fly home, I felt I needed to do something to show our appreciation. I have nothing to show off as far as decorations is concerned but I can cook some Christmas goodies for them to enjoy. Just about done with all the Christmas shopping....I have taken advantage of "free online shipping" this year which is very convienent when you live out in snowville!

Lori

Quick Update

The first big snow of the season really was a learning experience for us. For instance it takes several hours with a good snow blower to dig your way out. Also, we live down a hill from the road so we were stuck here all day until the guy with the snow plow came and plowed our yard, about 5:30 pm yesterday. So we couldn't go anywhere until then. Also without a four wheel drive or all wheel drive vehicle you are stuck. We had a lady in our church who left for the winter and gave us her 4 wheel drive Jeep or we would be in trouble. There are places where the snow plow pushed the snow back that is close to 5 feet deep in snow. Everywhere the snow is about 2 feet. It is soft and powder like so it is really nice. Should get up to about 28 degrees here today, but it is snowing again. Today and tonight there is a possibility of 4-8 more inches of snow. The snow plow is back even as I write. He is pushing the snow out of our yard and the church parking lot. You would not believe the piles of snow he is making. Anyway we are staying in and staying warm. Come play in the snow with us when you can.

Today is my brother Jeff's birthday. We send a happy birthday out to him from the Rockies. See you next week "fly".

Mike

Happy Birthday to the Junkins!

I want to wish a very special birthday to Angie (Stripling) and John Junkin who have birthdays just two days apart. Angie has been special to me since she was two or three as my Mom babysat her in Daycare. I'll take the credit for setting her up with John who has been a friend since first grade when we would nap together under the table in Mrs. Cowart's class! They have two beautiful children, Clint and Maggie. Hope your birthdays were very special this year! -Lori

First Big Snow!

Good morning to all you guys our there. This morning my family and I woke up to our first big snow event of the year, and of our lives. For those of you who are not in the valley this morning there is more than a foot and a half of snow on the ground, and it is still falling fast. In some places the snow is up to three feet. The kids of course are overjoyed because of the snow, and the fact that school is cancelled today. We are looking forward to enjoying the time and the snow together.
As I look out over the beauty of the mountains and the snow I am reminded of the promise from God that says "Come now let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow..."
As I look out over the snow I realize how completely they cover everything around. There is no seeing the dirt or imperfections underneath it. Where there was dirt and junk, it has now been completely hidden. How incredible, how wonderful to know that through Christ our sins are not only covered but taken away. The dirt and sin underneath the surface of my life has been swept away, done away with by the wonderful blood of Jesus that has made us white as snow. (Insert your own Hallelujah here.) What a message of hope we have to tell the world! What a message of joy we have to celebrate this time of year! It was all made possible because Jesus was willing to accept the will of the Father, he humbled himself and came to our world to save us. I wish your family the best Christmas you have ever had this year. I am thankful to be able to share it with you. I pray that your hearts would be filled with joy and the truth would ring out in your life this morning, YOUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN!

God bless you all dear ones. I love you.

Pastor Mike

(The snow is up to my knees here)

Polar Express....

Hi Everyone! Friday night, we went to ride the Polar Express in Durango, the Durango-Silverton train that is a huge tourist attraction. Before train time, we walked up and down the streets of Durango which is similar to Gatlingburg. We shared a goumet apple from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory....... and I had to take a picture of the chocolate Santa that they are giving away. The boys registered to win it so we'll see....

The Polar Express was very magical and the kids loved it! If you are not familiar with the story, the train takes kids to the North Pole to see Santa. Each box car had their own chef that served cookies and hot chocolate and was the guide for the evening. They played the story of "Polar Express" while our guide, Chris, walked the isles with the book turning the pages. As the story came to an end, we approached the magical "North Pole" which was full of bright Christmas lights and Santa and his elves. Santa got on the train and handed every child there a silver bell (as in the story). It was very exciting as Haven really thought we were at the North Pole! We then proceeded back to Durango backwards singing Christmas Carols all the way back. The kids thought it was the greatest....Mom wasn't sure it worth the price!(you know me!!)

Saturday was packed full as we started the day in Ignacio, watching Landon play basketball. His team won again (yea!) and he scored two points again. We then went to the Blue Spruce Kids Christmas Party here in Vallecito. It was free, given by one of the RV park owners for the children in the Valley. They had games, sleigh rides and many prizes. Santa came and gave everyone a stocking full of candy and little toys. It was very nice and it gave us a chance to invite kids to our "Mom's Night Out" we are having on the 22nd to give mothers a shopping day without their kids. We ended the day at Dan and Shelia Newman's for supper. They are the ones that own the Great Divide Outfitters business. Dan said that from May 1st on, hunting season is over and they could take us (and our family or friends here visiting) up the mountains on horseback to their camp to spend the night however many nights we want. Get ready Robby and Patti....I thought about ya'll coming in May....wouldn't that be awesome!! Think we can get mom on a horse?

Below is a picture of a tree made out of cupcakes....I thought it was awesome! These are pictures from the Blue Spruce Christmas party....

What have you done that was fun this Christmas? Leave me a comment and let us know!

Lori

More BIrthday's

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RENEE!! Today is Renee's birthday, our sister-in-law in Fayette, Al. Renee is married to my brother Kerry and is mother to my nieces Hannah, Haidee, and Hallie. We hope you have an awesome day!!

(I won't mention your age!!)

ALSO, Happy Birthday to Edith Parker, a wonderful social worker that I had the priviledge of working with for almost 4 years.....I wish I was there to wrap your office in tin foil today Edith!! (yea, they got me good this year!)

Life In Colorado

Hey everyone I just want to give you a quick update on things here in Colorado. I am still very bruised and sore with my ribs and other places I didn't know about at the time, but I am doing good. It should heal by spring.

Yesterday Lori had a group of 6 young mothers and about 11 kids at the church for a new outreach ministry she has started. The church here hasn't had that many kids there in years. Good job Lori. Please pray God would bless that ministry and that many of those families, none of whom go to our church and many of them are unchurched, would find Jesus. We are doing a Christmas Eve service that the church folks say brings in people from all over the valley. I am excited about getting those people into church. What is sad is that the church usually just sings some songs and reads the Christmas story and then they have communion and go home. Of course those of you who know me will guess that this year they are going to hear a sermon about Jesus. I will try to keep it short but you know...I can't imagine getting all those unchurched people to church and not preaching Jesus. The sad thing is that many of them have no idea what Christmas is all about. I spoke to a lady today who works next door to the church, who said she was reading a book about Christmas to her daughter over the weekend and her daughter said, "So Christmas is Jesus' birthday, I didn't know that." Her daughter is 7 years old. They are lost and unchurched and don't have a clue about Jesus and His love for them. Multiply that by hundreds of people and you understand the work that has to be done here, the work that God wants done here. I am saddened to know that there are people who literally live and work in the shadow of this church and they don't even know the basic truths about Jesus. I am beginning to understand better why God sent us here. Not that we are the answer, but we know the answer. Pray for us that God will grant us opportunities and boldness to share the truth of Jesus to this world. Pray that God would bless the ministry of this church. Pray for our family. The devil wants us to be depressed and discouraged. Your prayers are the key. We need them. I love you all and hope to see you in a few weeks "back home."

Mike

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO CALEB OWEN!! Caleb is 5 today and he is the son of Mike's brother Mark and wife Karla. I wish we could have been there Saturday to celebrate it with you Caleb. Mama Kaye has your present from us....we love you!

Mike forgot to mention Landon's little Christmas choir show we had on Friday night. It was cute and he played the xylophone during Rudolph. I couldn't get a close up picture of him because of my sorry camera. Anyway here he is with his little antlers on. That is Mason's teacher Mr. Foster on the right side of the picture. I tried to get a picture of Landon's teacher but it was too dark.

By the way, when you read this, pray for us to have wisdom regarding an offer we have received on our house. Thanks!

Lori