Last Post 2009?

Seeing how I have been such a frequent blogger the last month. NOT! This will probably be my last post of 2009. As I look back on the year, I think of all the changes that have happened in our life.

Episode 1: Wrapping up things in Germany...That took the first part of the year. I never thought we'd miss it like we do, but we do!!! I think mostly it's the people we hold dear to our hearts. We are forever grateful for each of the people God placed in our path during our 4 year German adventure! I know for a fact we do NOT miss stairwell apartment living. Nor does Travis miss the drive along the B-50 every day. However, we'd still like to try to go back for one more tour in Europe...one day before Travis is done serving in the military. I guess we'll have to see what God has in store for us!

Episode 2: Transition to Texas! That took up the 2nd part of the year! ha! I still can't believe we're 1st time home buyers! We just love our little house in our cozy little cul-de-sac. There are some improvements we'd like to make over the next few years. But, all in all, we are so happy here. God has richly provided yet again! I am finding it hard to believe we just celebrated a White Christmas in Texas! I don't think we have had a white Christmas in quite a few years! I was hoping Texas would be warmer in the winter than it is this year...Ask me again in July when it's 110 outside! lol

Episode 3: Transition Home-school! (or as I like to call it: LIFE UPSIDE DOWN!) I am braving something I NEVER thought I'd do. I'm still not so sure it's going to be a 'forever' deal for me. But, we are learning and growing...A LOT! I think I am having more learning experiences than the kids...lol! There are so many of you who have prayed and encouraged me along the way and I am so grateful for each of you. Thank you! It makes all the difference to our family.

I guess that last note of thanks goes out to each of you who reads this blog. We are so thankful you take the time to keep up with us. If you have a blog yourself, we are thankful to be included in the little glimpses of life you give us! I love reading each of your stories. It helps me to feel not so far away, not so lonely on some of the days where I sometimes forget I am never alone. My God, my creator is always with me. However, He has given me an angel in each of you to keep me company as an Earthly reminder of His love. Thank you so much for being a part of our life. Our friends, our family, our Brothers and Sisters in Christ. We love you!

Here's to a Happy and Healthy 2010! Be blessed my friends!

White Christmas

Looks like it will be a White Christmas in Texas!!! I can't believe all this snow! There are more/better pics, I'll post later...

Christmas Memories

It was the perfect night to go caroling. A bit of a frosty feeling in the air here in TX. We were off in the Minivan Mafia Attack Line to go spread Christmas Cheer at a few of the local nursing homes and some of the widows homes from our church. We got to the first Nursing Home. Sang our first set, and went on to the next room for set 2....We put Ashlynn in the front row although she was reluctant: A bit shy, a little tired from her nap still, she stayed put right where we set her. And we begin...."Hark the Herold....." silence....Someone from the front says, "umm Mary Beth, Ashlynn threw up!" Let me just say she was fine. She said, "I had a nervous belly for the people." A 3 y/o with stage fright....hmmmm...Anyhow she's fine and kicking this morning! I felt so bad we left such a present for the people in the nursing home. One of the gentlemen that lived there said, "I think someone left something behind." It was so funny! This is definitely one memory for all of Ferguson Christmas history!

ABC's of Thankfulness

On the suggestion of a friend, I was invited to do the ABC’s of Thankfulness on Facebook. Here is my compiled list of items I'd like to share with you….

A: Ashlynn, my sweet baby girl. What a blessing it has been to mother her for these last 3 years!
B: Bible Study friends! I am so thankful for all the wonderful ladies God has brought into my life through the many bible studies I have attended since I became a believer!
C: Children, not just my own. It is so fun to watch them create, discover and dream. They just make the world a better place!
D: Donkeys, I am thankful for all the donkeys in my life. (You thought I was joking didn't you Brian?)
E: Ethan, my sweet baby boy. So perfect, so kind and loving, it is truly a joy to mother him, even on the days he throws a curve ball...That's why he is so great. He's so not afraid to stand on his own! I am also thankful for Elizabeth, God sent me such a wonderful friend and mentor in you!
F: Family, Friendships, Freedom, Faith, it's hard to pick one today...Football, Fellowship, Fairway Baptist Church...the list could go on! Be blessed today everyone, don't forget to pray for those at Ft Hood and also the rest of our military serving far from home as we approach the holiday season.
G: God- I love him, it's an unconditional sort of thing...Grandparents, especially my Grannie & Grandma- They are both such amazing women, a constant solid rock in my life. So strong, they have both faced such adversity, yet they keep on loving everyone else first. Germany- all the wonderful experiences and relationships we have taken from there.
H: Home, thankful I have a home to call my own, somewhere we can be warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Somewhere my family can laugh and cry and grow and change together. I am also thankful for my Husband, God has given us an amazing life together!
I: Inspiration to be/do better, Imagination, Intimate moments with the ones I love, Intelligence, all these are beautiful gifts from God, I thank Him daily for each one. But, I also can't forget to be thankful for Ice Cream-Ben and Jerry's 1/2 Baked will always be my favorite!
J: Jesus, need I say more?
K: Kalib, my sweet oldest son. He is truly a delight and joy to raise. I can't imagine my life without him.
L: Love! Without love the world would be a dark and dreary place. Let someone know you love them today. Show it in a practical way!
M: My Momma, Music, Military Friends(Family), Mentors, and Mothers.
N: Newness...I am thankful for the new start to each day, the new grace God gives every moment in life, the feeling of a new start on a new day, new babies, and new friendships!
O: God's Omnipotent Power, and life's Ordinary moments. I think too often we are looking for something fantastic or special and we live for those moments. Too often we let the ordinary slip by without being noticed....
P: the Power of Prayer-I've seen it do great things in many lives; Parents-without mine I wouldn't be...I am also thankful to be a parent myself; People-it takes all kinds to make the world go round and I try to embrace them all...SOME people make it a very difficult task!
Q: Quiet time with God, alone, or with those I love. Quality of life; God has richly blessed my family. I'm so not worthy of His gifts...
R: Raking leaves with my family, Reading to my children, and my wedding Ring.
S: Sisters!!! Related by blood or not, I love each of you!!!
T: Travis, the love of my life, my best friend! Telephones, they help me stay so connected while I am so far from those I love and miss!
U: Unlimited resources...I mean really for any need I have, God has made it possible for me to have everything within my reach. Some "wants" may have to go un-had, but my needs are met, God is good!
V: V: Vanilla...vanilla flavored anything YUM!
W: Worship, wisdom, water!
X: X-ray Technology...Yes, it's a reach! lol
Y: YOU, today I am thankful for the unique way each of you is a part of my life!
Z: Zoos, we have spent many fun afternoons looking at animals and sharing our time together there learning and playing!

Be blessed and have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!!!

Christmas Pictures

Well, it's that time of year again where I make everyone dress up alike and go take Christmas photos...This year I tried to relax, we went out and played and enjoyed the day...here are the results of what will be our Christmas Card!

8 years and counting!

I have been lucky enough to have a marriage that works for the last 8 years. OK, who am I kidding, luck has nothing to do with it, it's all on God! Without him there's no way we could have survived! He has brought us through so much together. We are stronger and better because of it! I pray God gives us the rest of forever on this earth to share together!

Trick or Treat!

We're not much of Halloween people, but we did take the kids trick or treating and carved a pumpkin. The boys had fun play fighting in their costumes and Ashlynn danced and sang all night. We also enjoyed a ver fun time with our friends. Thanks Schmaljohann family!

Sleeping Beauty, IronMan and Duke (GI Joe)