Family

I know it's been a while. I figure once we have kids (God willing) we will post on here a LOT more. For now, we just enjoy sharing our thoughts here and there. Like Marc said, we are doing great. I am so thrilled to start working again, but in a much more relaxed environment....although most people would think that subbing is more stressful. =) I have recently started to clean out my teaching files, and it got me really excited to see how God wants me to use my gift for teaching long term. Home-schooling? Professional Development? Church? Tutoring Company? Who knows! =) In the Fall I will be continuing my masters at Wright State and will be getting it in Reading so that I can get an endorsement on my license. I'm so excited to learn more about teaching a subject I've loved since a little girl. Also, I will be taking a leadership position at church called the T & T director. In a few weeks we start AWANA, our Sunday night ministry for kids. T & T is the club for 3rd-6th graders. It will be a lot of work to get used to a program I've never done, but so far it seems like a fun and solid program. I've already gotten excited looking at the material and envisioning a teaching theme and such. =)

So, I've titled this post "Family" for a reason. Can I just talk about how great our families are??? We are so blessed. It's been so neat to see how God has turned my heart around as far as how I get along with my own family. I think when I realized I was a sinner in need of forgiveness, I slowly began to see my imperfections as well as be more gracious with my family's imperfections. So, I want to write what I love about my family members. =)

My Family:

Mom: She is the most giving person you will ever meet. She always wants to make sure we are taken care of, and I love our talks on the phone several times a week. =)

Dad: He is a man after God's own heart. I see a strong desire in his heart to truly show is faith in how he acts. He messes up like everyone else, but he remains committed to God.

Rachel: She can make you laugh like no one else! I enjoy being goofy with her.

Ross: He makes good choices in a world full of young people making bad choices. I'm very proud of him. He's quiet, but I really enjoy talking with him, like when Marc, Ross, and I rode together to Turkey Run. You just have to find the right moment. =)

Matt: He is an awesome brother-in-law. He takes good care of Rachel and is a very hands-on dad with Aubrey.

Aubrey: She makes me smile! She didn't talk to us for a long time because she wasn't old enough to know who we were, but recently she has spent more time with us and says the cutest things! We had a blast when she came to visit while the guys golfed. I will never forget when she cuddled with me on the couch. =) She is a bundle of energy!

In-Laws

Bob: Bob is very thoughtful!! I will never forget when he surprised me with a Jimmy Buffet cd to listen to on our way to our honeymoon. He's done many things like that over the years, and he always makes me feel like a valued part of the family.

Diana: She cares a great deal for her family. She often puts aside her own well-being to make sure we are okay. I have been amazed at how much she has been there for Lindsay while she has been on bedrest. What an amazing mother-in-law!

Megan: Megan is dedicated to whatever she does! She is currently at Ball State and is getting an elementary and special education degree. She is very much a women after God's own heart, often seeking out counsel for how to deal with issues. We love spending time with her!

Jordan: Jordan has been an amazing boyfriend to Megan for several years now. He reminds me a lot of Matt. He is very selfless when it comes to taking care of Megan. I also admire how educated he is about his opinions. He's not the type to rattle off what he thinks without knowing what he's talking about. =)

Mike: Mike is a quiet guy, but he has always been respectful of me. I'm sure it wasn't easy for him to share his twin brother with me all those years before we were married, but he was never resentful to me. He always seems to be genuinely interested in what I have to say.

Lindsay: Everyone needs to meet this woman. She has a strong passion for people, and I am amazed at how she has turned being on bedrest with Burke into a very fruitful ministry to women via the internet. She is an amazing mom too!

Ruby: Ruby never has a shy phase with us. She will put a smile on your face the minute you see her. My favorite time with her was blowing bubbles out on the porch at her house. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious.

Burke: We haven't met Burke yet, but he has already changed our lives. Through his life he has shown a lot of people how faithful God is to those who love Him. His life may be short, or it may be long, but no matter what, God will be glorified!

Marc and I are very thrilled to extend our family. We are confident that each one of these people will play a part in our children's lives, and that is so exciting! Each person has something unique to offer. That's all for now. =)

Stephanie