It’s amazing how quickly time flies. It seems like just yesterday that December began, and now it’s almost over. It’s been a busy but good month for us so far! Here are a few highlights.
The first weekend in December also marked the first snow of the season. Apparently it is incredibly unusual for it to be this cold so early on, but winter has defiantly arrived in Madison, North Carolina and with it has come snow and ice.
The first snow came on Saturday, December 4th. It started snowing around noon and continued into the evening accumulating into a whopping inch and a half of snow. It’s amazing how a blanket of freshly fallen snow can change the world from looking dry and dead to fresh and beautiful.
We also had an ice storm just a week and half later which resulted in the schools being closed for two days. The roads weren’t all that bad, but at the same time they were not safe for busses. As a result we were able to share the 16th and 17th together at home; what a sweet and unexpected blessing!
Living in a small town is quite different from living in a city. Life here is a little slower and seems to focus around the town itself. We had the privilege of experiencing a little of this on the 11th when we went to the Madison Christmas Parade. The parade lasted for almost an hour and was full of church groups, sports teams and other various organizations from the community. It was quite the town event! Certainly something to look forward to as our children grow up.
Speaking of children growing, our little one sure is! Jon and I have started measuring my tummy every week just for the amusement of seeing how much it has grown ( along with checking my weight each week, which is also quite fun). The current report:
Pregnancy Week: 26
Tummy Growth: about 12 inches since pre-pregnancy… my belly is currently 34 inches around
Weight Gain: About 17 pounds, putting me at a whopping total of 113
I have been told to expect much more growth over the next few months… Guess we will just have to wait and see what the end results are.
Many of you have asked for a “tummy” picture… well, until recently there really wasn’t much to see, honestly. In the past few weeks however this has changed, and so, to satisfy your curiosity….
This past weekend, December 17th and 18th, Jon’s Dad came up for a visit. We greatly enjoyed getting to share the weekend with him; he even helped us make Christmas cookies! And we must admit that he makes some pretty awesome peanut butter kiss cookies!
Though this is a wonderful time of year, it is also a difficult time for our family as it was this time last year that Jon’s mom went home to be with our Lord. It’s hard to believe than an entire year has passed without her. Yet in the midst of grief we are able to find joy, for we do not mourn as those who have no hope. We have learned that though suffering is so bitter, it is also sweet, for somehow though suffering we come to know our Lord a little better and understand Him a little more. This has certainly been a difficult year and we miss Mom greatly but we also look forward to seeing her again someday. As you think about us, please keep Jon’s entire family in your prayers; it is greatly appreciated.
Well, today was the last day of school before Christmas break, just one of the many perks of being a teacher! We are excited about having from now until January 2 to enjoy one another’s company, fellowship with friends and reflect on our Savior. May you all have a wonderful Christmas and rejoice in the joy of our Lord during this season. May we continually abide in Him, for it is only in this that we can truly live.
Love and a Merry Christmas to you all!
