The 2009 Ice Storm....so far

So, we still have power, and as I am typing, it is sleeting pretty hard. I am thankful for power as it has helped us keep a "normal" day in getting school done. The trees are so beautiful with the ice on them, but we know that it is not good for them to be coated in ice. It really makes me think about the world and how we often see it. There are so many things out there that appear "beautiful" and are appealing, but in fact, are terrible for us. It starts out ok, but in time, it wears on us, makes us weak, and breaks us. Just as the tree limbs are beginning to do outside. It makes me think of pride, vanity, materialism, and "keeping up appearances."

I have often struggled, as I know MANY people do, with going through junk, dealing with sin or hurts, and putting on a "pretty face" so that no one will know what I am going through. It is like the trees outside. They may look beautiful, but internally, they are aching, if you will, due to the stress of the ice and cold. It is a call for me to pray for myself and for others, that when we hurt, we need not put on a front, but share our hurts first with God, our spouses/family, and friends who will love us and pray with us through those hard times. I know that when I have done this for myself, it is a lighter burden to carry.

So, as you look at these pictures from this morning, do not only admire their beauty, but pray for the transparency in your life, and the life of fellow believers that we would all share our burdens with God and each other, and in response God, and our "family" will come along side of us all and walk with us through those times.

Ultrasound results

It's a boy. He looks great. Everything measures up well. He has the cutest profile.

We are a little shocked, and completely pleased.

Join us as we praise God for the gift of life!

Look who's walking!

Kara has been working on this for the past few weeks, but seems to finally be confident enough to go on her own. Thought you would like to see. It is amazing how fast they grow!

Mackenzie family

Yesterday, my cousin James who plays trumpet for the Washington Army Band, took part in the inauguration ceremony of our 44th president, Barak Obama. James is a WONDERFUL trumpet player, graduating from Rice University with a Master's Degree in trumpet performance. Since that time ( I was a young girl when he did that), he has played for dignitaries, officials, special ceremonies, Olympic openings, Super Bowls, and much more. I am writing this not only that you could see how proud we are of James, but even more, to pray for him and his beautiful family. In late November, his wife, Ofelia, gave birth to their second daughter Marielle who was VERY premature. She wasn't due until early February. She is getting excellent care at one of our nations best hospitals, Navy Med., in Bethesda, Maryland. Please continue to lift them up as Marielle continues to grow and strengthen. Pray for patience and perseverance for Ofelia, James, and the rest of the family as they wait patiently for Marielle to be well enough to come home.

James is the third guy from the left. The picture is better on Facebook.

James, Ofelia, "Aunt" Jennie, and Marielle

Baby, it's cold outside!

Just a quick picture... this is Kara, all bundled up to go outside when it is super cold up here. Tim thought this was too cute not to take a picture. She is such a trooper. She complained when we first started doing all this when it first got cold, but now, she seems to enjoy it.