Matt's Employment

As most of you know Matt is no longer the High School Director at our church. In August 2007 Matt posted his resume on a website for a possible job change, just to see what would come of it. He was contacted by a couple of churches interested in him. At that point he informed our Senior Pastor that he would be looking for new employment. And since then has actively been sending out his resume. Our pastor decided to go ahead and bring in a replacement for Matt. He is however keeping Matt on staff to help in various ministries until he graduates in May; or until he finds another job. Please keep us in your prayers as we wait on God for direction to take us to the exact right place for us.

New Year's 2008

New Year's this year was pretty low key. Nobody in our circle of friends threw a big party as in the past. Which was actually OK because there's really no available babysitters on New Year's. So, a last minute phone call to Malinda's parents landed us at their house in Apple Valley. Malinda fixed dinner and we snacked on candy and dessert all night while playing card games. By the time we realized we should have celebrated on Eastern time (because we were so tired) it was too late. So we actually all stayed up all night and then promptly went to bed. The next day was pretty relaxing with no obligations. To say the least, God has truly blessed us in 2007.

Malinda worked part-time a portion of the year and then she was able to be a stay-at- home mom to Mason. She was also able to join in a small group of women her own age for spiritual growth, fellowship and accountability. She has been blessed to see that God's provision does prevail even though it's not in her timing.

Matt had pleasure in watching Mason grow into a toddler and enjoys any time he gets to hang out and play with him. God also allowed Matt the time to be in a small group with other young men in our church. He was blessed to see God's working hand in the youth group, knowing that his ministry was not in vain.

Mason is a vibrant, energetic toddler. He has about 30 words (which only mom and dad can translate). He is healthy and independent. Praise the Lord for his health and exceptional development.

Christmas 2007

Christmas 2007 was a blast! We headed up to Apple Valley, to Malinda's parent's house, on Christmas Eve and stayed until the day after Christmas. Malinda's brothers were also there with their families. After the kids went to bed we played a lot of games, but I have to mention that the girls kicked the boys' butt (twice) in Family Fued! Christmas morning was rough. Nobody seemed to sleep well and we were all really tired. Mason woke up and stayed in a cranky mood the rest of the trip, come to find out that he was sick. :( His new toys kept him distracted for a little while. With 3 little ones on the move there was never a dull moment and plenty of laughs.


The day after Christmas we did a little bit of shopping in the morning for the great deals! Then, that evening we met up with Matt's parents. We had dinner, opened presents and went out to do a little more shopping before heading home.

This was by far Mason's favorite Christmas present. He drops the ball in and watches it spin, twist and turn down the ramps and tubes.

A Day in the Snow

Malinda's parents had a cabin at Pine Summit this past weekend and they invited all the kids and grandkids up to play and hang out. So, we met up with her parents and her brother Jason (and his family). We had a lot of fun watching Mason play in the snow (it was his first time). We gave him an icicle and he was just sucking away on it. Mason (and the adults) had so much fun going sledding. We spent about an hour sledding away before the cold caught up with Mason at which point we headed back to the cabin.

Halloween

Mason has recently learned how to say "puppy", so we thought for Halloween that he should dress up as a one, so we bought a puppy suit. We knew that he would have to warm up to wearing it so Malinda would put him in it occasionally. He wasn't fond of the hood part. He actually liked to carry it around more than he did wearing it. Anyway, we went to our church for a "Trunk-or-Treat" (with absolutely no intention of letting him eat any candy). It was kind of late and he didn't eat a lot of dinner so he was cranky. He didn't want to hold his pumpkin pail, but he would take the candy with his hand. Beside all this, he LOVED jumping the the bounce house. It was supposed to be for kids 2+ so the other kids were jumping all over and around him, but he was laughing the whole time.