I'm slacking...but with good reason this time!

The secret is finally out! I can not tell you how difficult that was to hold in! If you are family and you are reading this, thank you so much for letting me tell you and for all of your prayers and support! Steve was announced as the Sr. Pastor candidate at our church, Ballwin Baptist Church. We are very excited about this and are in awe that God would use us in this way. It has been a journey this past year and one that I have learned many lessons from. When it all came about I thought that I knew what was best for my family and Steve. Wow, did God show me His grace on that one! Notice the emphasis on "I" here. He used many different things to show me He had a plan and that He was calling me to trust in His plan. This year has been a year of affirmation and growth and I am so blessed to have watched God use Steve again and again for His glory. Next Sunday, on Feb 8th, the church will vote and everything will be over! We are praying that the Lord is leading His people to vote for Steve, but are trusting in Him no matter the outcome. We have been away for the last week and enjoyed visiting a friend of mine and her family. We went to Knoxville and here are a few pictures that Krisa took of us while we were there.

Lots has changed with the girls this past month! Chloe is saying some of the funniest things ever! Here is her newest thing to do:

Chloe: Knock knowck

Me: Who's there?

Chloe: pickles

Me: Pickles, who?

Chloe: Pickles that tickles

(then she tickles me)

She is taking swimming lessons and loving being back in the water. She was sick this past week. Didn't act sick really, just had a horrible rash all over her face. Long story short, she had a strep infection. She gets it on the outside of her body...very strange. Here is a picture of her with the rash on her face!

She also has learned a new song that she LOVES singing...here is a video of that as well:

Emma has been learning new phrases very quickly. She is a little parrot and can say anything she wants! She is so funny these days. Below is a picture of Emma digging into the family birthday cake she had! She is such a mess! Our little cookie monster! This is our child who doesn't like to play with play-doh but has no problems getting into her food!

And last but not least, little Maci! She is growing so fast! She is really verbalizing and has a lot to say! She has learned how to use her hands and loves to grab things! Yes, hair is included! We have tried cereal two times and as you can tell from the look on her face, she did not like it. It was more of a mess then I expected! Guess we will wait a little longer to try again.