New Year's Eve party

So, we had the church up for New Years Eve for the third year in a row. We had about 30 people at our house and had a blast! It just gets better every year. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures this year. I'm really sad about that. However, Kim's little boy Jackson took 176 pictures with my phone. He's 2. Check out his photography skills. :)

Jackson's mom, and my friend, Kim.

"Jelly" and Jackson. :)

At least we have some pictures to reminisce with. Thanks, Jackson!!

Christmas 2013

Some serious conversation was going on here. We couldn't be bothered

with taking a picture!

This face melts my heart. She was looking at her Papa.

Lila Kate got stickers for Christmas. Doesn't everyone 

wear them like this?

Jayden picked this bracelet out, all by himself, at the Santa

Shop at school. This little boy just makes my heart sing.

Aaannndddd......Lila Kate gave me a Christmas manicure. :)

Charlie says, "That was some GOOD chocolate!!"

Rededication and a Baptism!!

2013 was a rough year for me spiritually.  For about 8 months, I was so angry about events in my life and I just couldn't pray. For anything. I couldn't really even speak God's name. I don't think I was angry at Him, though. It was more about the things going on in my life that I couldn't control. However, through it all, I didn't quit going to church and didn't quit spending time with my church family. Looking back now, I see that that was God holding onto me when I couldn't hold on to Him. I am so grateful.

Anyway, my sister-in-law, Ashley, and I went to reCreate 2013, a women's conference hosted by Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, in October. Priscilla Shirer was a speaker and she was PHENOMENAL!! She spoke about God's patience and how He never gives up in steering His children the right way. She also said that He would pray for us when we couldn't do it for ourselves. That comment struck a cord in me and I realized what a mess I had made and how I had not been relying on His guidance.

I rededicated my life to Christ on October 5th and I made a public statement on October 13th in front of my Sunday night Bible study. And, one of the most precious parts of this story is that I had the privilege of being baptized by my baby brother on December 18th. I was the first person he ever baptized, which made it even more special. The video is long, but it's so precious to me (sorry I had to post the link instead of the video, but it won't let me upload it). I cry every time I watch it. A member of my church, Wayne, captured the baptism in pictures and they are below.

Please ignore the fact that I was baptized in a hot tub. It was the only option we had unless we wanted to freeze to death. I wasn't willing to wait until it warmed up. 

 2013 began horrible and remained horrible for a very long time. I am so thankful that it ended much better than it started and I am so pumped to see what happens in 2014! 14 is my lucky number, so maybe this year will be my lucky year. :)