Sledding In The City

Last Wednesday Desi took Hope and Owen sledding in the afternoon. We had just had a bunch more snowfall and it had warmed up...so sledding was an obvious exploration day activity. They went to Ruby Hill, just south of downtown. From the look of some of these pics, you'd think they were in Antartica or something. What a beautiful day it was. Micah joined in the fun and took the following pictures.






'Tis a privilege to live in Colorado. Thanks for the pics Micah!
~Rose

Why I Love Sundays

I just love Sundays. I haven't always been able to say that. Desi and I were talking on the drive home today about how much we love our gatherings. We have quite a dynamic group filled with people of different ages and different social and economical backgrounds. I love to hear my "family" pray and talk about what God is doing in their lives. Sundays used to be so stressful for me...doing the setup, kids ministry and tear down. I just hated the time and energy spent in doing "traditional" church out here. Now, don't get me wrong, there is a place for traditional churches and the people who go there...but for our family...house church it is. I love the intimacy, simplicity and peacefulness of the way we meet. We gather Sunday mornings to praise, pray, learn and discuss. We enjoy lunch together afterwards and more fellowship. I am encouraged as I listen and learn from others. We are able to lift up needs in prayer and then activly fill those needs. We usually have a few of the singles over Sunday afternoons for football and dinner, which we really enjoy. When you think about it, Jesus said where 2 or 3 are gathered in His name, He's there...so we really "do church" all day.

I feel that my (and our kids) world view is so much larger living here in the city and interacting with so many different types of people. I am just so thankful that God has me in the place I am supposed to be and that I am enjoying it. I believe He has given me this joy. There are days that are hard certaintly...but everyone can say that. I am growing through these experiences and thank God for His longsuffering towards me. Thank you to all who support us prayerfully and financially...we are blessed.

Hope's memory verse last week was:
"Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the Lord and He will deliver you."
This is a hard one for me...biting my tongue when I'd rather let it go free! Keeping myself patient and calm in the midst of turmoil! My new mantra: "I will stay calm, I will stay calm, I will stay calm" ;)

Any thoughts?
~Rose

She's So Beautiful!

~Rose

Potty Training Again!

Well, once again I find myself buying a large tub of Jelly Beans. Emma has started potty training and gets jelly beans for trying. She's so cute and doing really well. She has been sitting on her potty for the past few weeks with nothing coming out and finally this week she went pee pee! Needless to say we are totally excited. Could it be that we could be down to one in diapers by this summer?

Hope is really sweet in helping Emma. Here she is reading to Emma to help pass the time.

Sitting on the potty is a good time for a snack...

Hope drew Emma a picture of the family and Emma's potty...good reading material while waiting.

It's amazing what small things excite me!
~Rose

Random Pics

Here are a few favorite pics from the past few weeks. I am really enjoying experimenting with the new camera!
Hope reading to Owen out of her 1st grade Bible reader.

Telling secrets...a very fun table game.

Close up of my paper whites

Levi and his girls

Levi loves Bedhead too

Close up of Bedhead...the best cat ever!

~Rose

Happy Wedding Day to Jeff & Denise!

Congrats to Jeff and Denise...Getting married Friday, January 19th!
Wish we could be there...may your day be blessed.
Love, Desi & Rose

Friends From Christmas

To our friends...it was so good to see you while we were out. Here's some more pics from the trip...sorry -I missed taking pics of a few of you. We love and miss you all and count ourselves so blessed to have you as friends. We know that if for some reason we moved back, we'd have a wonderful group of supportive people to welcome us back. Don't get any ideas anyone...we here for good (I think!)
Love ya all!
~Rose

Favorite Family Shots From Christmas

Here are a few of my favorite shots from Christmas. I know I have a problem and post a lot of pictures, but I just cannot decide between all of 'em! Looks like Levi wins for most pics taken. We love our family in CA and miss you already! Thanks for the fun times!
~Rose