Would you like to save a life?

You can join for free right now to become a potential bone marrow donor to save a life. This normally costs $50 to $100 to join the registry but with this code you can join for
free. Add this promo code to register for free PIF070109 PLEASE tell everyone you know, and spread the word.
http://www.marrow.org/index.html
Now, I just need to wait 7 to 10 days to get my kit in the mail. It appears that all I do is swab the inside of my cheek with five q-tips and send them back. I think it would be so wonderful if I was a match to someone in need. Please, if you are not on the registry take the 10 minutes to go to the website, answer a few questions (similar to the ones asked when giving blood) and possibly save a life! Thanks Sarah, for sharing this with me!

Scrapbooks and Stamps

Here are my latest scrapbook pages that I've completed in the past few weeks. I have been working on getting my Disney Book up to date, and had to add the pictures from our trip in July..
Also, this past Saturday, I went to a Stampin Up! lunch and I made these cards. I think they turned out really cute. My Sister Kelly went too, and she made some really cute Thank You cards. Check them out HERE.

The next few weeks, I'm going to work on making some more cards to have in my "stock" and also work on Valentine's cards to send out to my family and friends.

Weekend with the Girls

This past weekend, my friends and I were able to get together for a mini girls weekend. Jessica cooked a wonderful meal for us on Friday night.We also got to open our Christmas gifts from Jessica. She made us all matching aprons. How cute are these. Dessert was Apple dumplings, and they were so good. Saturday we had a great brunch at Cracker Barrel, and then did a little shopping at Target. Jessica and Julie are both pregnant, so we mostly looked around the baby area. We also stopped by a children's furniture store, and Jessica may have found a crib for her new baby girl. She is due March 30th, and Julie is Due June 30th.

Was it hard for me to be around my pregnant friends? Yes. Did I wish it was me picking out baby items? Of course. Am I bitter? A little. Does God have a plan? Absolutely. That is the only way I get through tough days, remembering that God has a plan for me. I love my friends dearly, and I am so excited for them. It's just hard to be around all of the excitement and not hurt, just a little.

Haiti Relief

Go to my sister's blog and see what she is doing to help out with the Haiti Relief efforts. Make sure you leave a comment.
http://hawklady-sarahsblog.blogspot.com/

Bible Study Starts Tonight!!

I am starting a new Bible Study tonight and I am so excited. I have missed it so much since we took a break for the Holidays in November and December. We are starting "Lord, I want to Know You" By Kay Arthur. "This is a devotional Study on the Names of God - To know God is to know His character, and that character is revealed in His names. Each name is an aspect of His sovereignty over your life. If you want a deeper, abiding faith, this study will help you see and understand how powerfully He works." (taken from her website)

I have never done a Kay Arthur study before, but my Mom has, and she has great things to say about her. I am really looking forward to starting this study, and to see what God is going to teach me over the next 17 weeks.

If anyone in the area is interested in doing this Bible Study, we would love to have you. It starts at 6:20 pm and usually lasts about an hour and a half. E-mail me if you are interested Katiebug810@hotmail.com

Finding my Joy in Jesus

The past two weeks at church have been all about finding your joy in Jesus. At first, I didn't think anything of this, just a new series for the new year. But after the first sermon, I knew that God had used this series to speak directly to me. The last year has been really hard for Andrew and I. The things I thought would give us joy, just weren't happening. Instead of moving forward with his job, things seemed to be moving backward for Andrew. Instead of getting pregnant, and finally having the child we so desired, we have had month after month of disappointment, including a miscarriage in September. But what I have learned from the series at church, is that my Joy should be found in Jesus, and nothing else. The fact that he so graciously gave me salvation, is all I need to be happy.

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. " Matthew 13:44

This year, I am going to focus on finding my joy in Jesus, instead of my circumstances. I know that God has a plan for my life. And His plan for me right now is to focus on Him.

"6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. " 1 Peter 1:6-9

At the end of the church service two weeks ago, we sang this song. I have sung this song so many times, but never really read the lyrics, or believed the lyrics. Take a minute to read them, and think about them. They are very powerful.

Trading My Sorrows
By Darrell Evans
I'm trading my sorrow
I'm trading my shame
I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord

I'm trading my sickness
I'm trading my pain
I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord

Chorus:
And we say yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord
Yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord
Yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord Amen

I'm pressed but not crushed persecuted not abandoned
Struck down but not destroyed
I'm blessed beyond the curse for his promise will endure
And his joy's gonna be my strength

Though the sorrow may last for the night
His joy comes with the morning

Out with the Old, In with the New

Happy New Year!!

Here are a few of the highlights from 2009.

March

~ I went to Germany and London to visit my Friend Jennifer. That was a trip of a lifetime, and I am so glad that I was able to go.

May

~Celebrated 5 years of Marriage to a wonderful Man!

~ Andrew and I spent a very Rainy week in Vero Beach, FL for our 5th Anniversary.

July

~ Andrew and I spent a very HOT week in Orlando, FL at Disney World with his family.

August

~ Spent a weekend in Atlanta with the Girls!

~ Turned 27! I can't believe I'm that old.

November

~Spent Thanksgiving with Andrew's family in Florida.

December

~ My sister gives birth to her 4th child - Elise Kelly

~Andrew turned 29!

This past year, I was able to do a lot of traveling, and spent a lot of time with family and friends. Among all of the good times, there were also some hard times; Job troubles, a loss like I've never known, and a failing economy. I'm hoping that 2010 will be filled with new adventures and life changing moments. God Bless you all in the New Year!

Christmas 2009

Here is just a look back at this past Christmas Weekend.

Christmas Eve:

Andrew had to work all day on Christmas Eve, so I tried to keep myself busy.

Clara, Lindy and I went on our annual out to eat lunch for Christmas Eve.

(Here we are before we went to go eat. Charlie wanted to go too.)

This year, they picked McDonald's.

(Playing at McDonald's)

In the afternoon, I drove to Greenville to spend the evening with Andrew's family. We went to the Christmas Eve Service at church, then went to eat dinner at Long Horn. After dinner we went to look at Christmas lights. Andrew called at 8:30 pm to let me know he was on his way home from work, so I left Greenville, so we would get home at about the same time. Andrew wanted to eat at Waffle House, so off we went to get some hash browns and waffles. Since I had already eaten dinner, I just got dessert. Andrew on the other hand, had a full Waffle House meal, scattered, smothered, covered, chunked, diced, peppered, capped, topped and countried. And believe it or not, he slept just fine that night.

Christmas Day:

The morning started out with Breakfast Casserole and opening presents. This year, we decided to save some money for a new computer, so we decided to only spent $20 on each other. Well, Andrew broke the rules and got me the Creative Memories Digital Storybook Creator. I am super excited to use it. I followed the rules, and just got him a bunch of fun things. Molly and Toby got new toys and a big bone.

That afternoon we went to my parents house to celebrate with my family. In total, there were 17 of us there, with 7 of those being under the age of 6. It's always a fun time when the whole family is together. We had lots of food, and lots of laughs. Clara helped read the Christmas Story this year. My Dad was so proud of her. All of the kids had a fun time opening their gifts, and it was pretty crazy there for a little bit. We also do a white elephant gift exchange with all of the adults, and that is always fun to see what everyone found around the house to bring. Some are good gifts, and others are not so good. But it's always a fun game to play.

Here are Andrew and I holding Baby Elise. Hopefully next Christmas we will be holding a baby of our own. Christmas with the Wolff's:
We didn't get to celebrate Christmas with Andrew's family until Sunday. We had a nice lasagna lunch with his Granny, Uncle, Aunt, and cousin. Then that evening we had some appetizers and opened presents. While we were eating dinner, Santa came for a visit! Maggie was scared to death. She wanted nothing to do with the jolly fellow. Here is the hat I made for Maggie for Christmas! Everyone loved it! As you can see, Maggie was very tired, but I think she liked it too.

What a wonderful Christmas we had! We have such wonderful Family, and it is a blessing to be able to spend time with all of them during the Holiday. I hope you all had a great Christmas too!Looking forward to a wonderful 2010!