Sorry for the Hiatus...

So I admit, I am a blog stocker, but not the best blogger.... I was thinking of a few of the things we have done since my last blog and my top five were...
(well..maybe 6. i just couldn't narrow it down...in no specific order)

1. Going to ALASKA for our Commissioning as Nehemiah Church Planters
2. Going back to Kentucky to spend much needed time with my in-laws and growing nephew!
3. Having an amazing mission team come up and be an incredible encouragement from KY
4. Having Baby Julia's 1st Birthday Party!
5. The McNeals in Fargo!
6. Going on an Anniversary Get Away to Sioux Falls SD to celebrate 2 years with Jeremy

Good times indeed. Alaska is amazingly beautiful and although we went in the middle of January, it was actually warmer than Fargo :) It humbled me at the work of Creator God in the midst of absolutely breaktaking scenery. I will admit, when I first heard Alaska and January in the same sentence, I was not at all excited. Boy was I wrong. Amazing trip for sure. New friends, challenging messages (particularly for me on the power of prayer) and encouragement from the natives.

Kentucky was excellent as well. When I go to my in-laws it is true rest. We spend most of the time around the house and enjoy conversations, games nights (of course!) and now running after sweet (on the go) Sawyer. Jeremy and I got to enjoy 50-60 degree weather in February! and went on a muddy 4 wheelin ride. It was great to see my preggo sister n law and brother n law, as well as surprise "Grandaddy" with his 80th bday party. We are getting ready for the arrival of our first niece in just a few weeks!

And I will elaborate on the next three maybe in another post...but in the meantime share some BIG news !
On May 3rd, if all unfolds (and your prayers are appreciated) we will be BUYING our first home!

When the tax rebate got extended, Jeremy and I started considering a home. Our apt lease would be up in May and we were seeking out our next step. We started looking. We went to quite a few open houses, saw a red house we liked but were not satisfied with it having no full bathroom, so we went to more open houses. Then we saw the red house again. Then we went to a few more houses with the realtor. Then the realtor told us he had been doing his homework and a remodel of the bathroom would not be out of reach and that he thought we could get the price down significantly. And within two days we had an offer on the house. And then counteroffer and then an agreement! It all went quite fast and now we are somewhat patiently awaiting our close. Just trying to get all the items together for the bank in the meantime. Pics to come...we have some updating to do..so probably some fun before and afters! In the meantime...here are a couple photos of our top 5s.

Jeremy and I at one of the Trails in Eagle River..about 15 mins from Anchorage

the sunset on Seward Hwy coming back into Anchorage

scenary out the car window...

just goofing off in Toys R Us with the ONE year old :)Happy Bday Jules! ...despite what the face says, we are BFF!Surprise Party at O'Charleys...of which we do not have in FargoGrowing Nephew Sawyer--19 months now!At "Falls Park" in Sioux Fall, SDFirst sighting of grass!! And full flip flop weekend :)again at the FallsK comes to town!our next church planters for Sojourn :) ..with the flood in the background....

A Taste of Christmas...

Jeremy's Excited Face after seeing his new PS3!

Me and Jules in our matching, new Christmas coats!
I definitely came home to Jeremy in his KY sweatershirt using my Snuggie :)
Baby Jules in her new scarf and hat that Gma Ruthie made her..too cute!

We had a super fun Christmas! Jeremy started bugging me as usual about what he was getting for Christmas and even said a couple nights before, am I getting a ps3? Furious that he might have guessed his gift, I had decided he would get his present at like 11:59pm on Christmas night. So we opened up presents from our families at our house and then went to the Fishers where some of our "big" presents lied. So we got over there and watched Jules open presents and play for a while.. Then the Fishers and Robinson exchanged presents. I got my fabulous green coat!! And I got Jules one to match. We got Abs some fabulous kitchen accessories and JF Harry Potter books. We saved Jeremys for last and John had gotten him a Blu Ray movie and PS3 movie. Jeremy had a very confused face. I said, well would you like another present :) It was SUPER fun!! He was SO SO SO SO surprised. He said he was totally kidding guessing that night and it was wonderful! I got lots of fun things as well.... A new camera, camera accessories, fun house accessories, jeans, new tops, Gator snuggie, and much more! Bottom line we are spoiled rotten---- or just deeply loved!

White Christmas...

Pictures above and below are from out our front door

This is our assigned parking spot....in the very right middle you can see the reflective signs and it says "101". Definitely working on getting the snow removal crew out!

Jeremy's poor Civic... And the picture below shows our fancy Jeep Cherokee in the background compliments of my father n law! (Good Bye Ole Faithful Camry--I do miss you (maybe not in the snow)

walking through this snow in our parking lot was a bit of a challenge! But we did it and made it over to the Fishers for a Christmas Day Slumber Party!

Above and Below: Island Park in the Winter

Last but certainly not least....the most hideous yard Christmas decoration I have ever seen. it is an angel and this picture does not begin to do it justice!

While we missed family FOR SURE, we had a great time developing our own little traditions.... Christmas Eve service (well Jeremy was working but I made it off work just in time), Reading of the Christmas story as a couple, followed by a Christmas movie! (Christmas with the Kranks this year). Woke up to Christmas morning opening family presents, just the two of us, and then headed over to the Fishers before the roads got real bad, for more Christmas fun with the presents are parents sent there to hide (things like PlayStation 3 and Cameras and a whole lot more!). We made an amazing brunch of sausage balls, hashbrown casserole, fruit and I dont remember what else :) and had a blast all night long (who says you cant have slumber parties at 27!) watching Julia play and having movie marathon! Good Times.