Thursday, January 9, 2014

I’m 7 days late, I leave in 7 weeks & I need 700 dollars…



***Just to clarify…I am 7 days late in my mind in posting this blog.  In no other terms am I late.***  

You see, our internet at home has been malfunctioning.  In order to post this, I’ve had to type out my thoughts and prayers into a word document on the way to work and upload it while sitting in the car in front of Don's office because the computer auto connected to his work internet.  This message will self-destruct.  Wait, no it won’t.  It’s the internet!

Anywho – HAPPY NEW YEAR!  I still can’t believe that it’s 2014.  Like…whoa.  I feel like this past year has flown by in an array of love, laughter and life.  So, for the New Year update on the family:
 
  • Don is great.  His job is awesome and he has stepped up within our church to lead the weekly men’s group.  He has had no resurfacing of his skin cancer and will be following up for his yearly scan in the coming months.
  • EJ IS POTTY TRAINED!  OMG – I can’t even.  This boy amazes me.  ERRBODY said that he would do it when he was ready and at almost 4 ½ years of age (ripe, I know…) he did!  Other than that, he is hilarious.  He has a comedic bone in his body that I hope he is able to hone and refine over the years, because honestly…you just can’t help but laugh at some of the stuff he comes up with.
  • Evie is 2.  2 ½ to be exact.  She ACTS like a pre-teen with the angst of the world on her shoulders.  While most of the time she is sweet, funny and a blessing to be around…she has such the dramatic dark side.  We’re working on loving discipline tactics with her.  Any and all suggestions are welcome and appreciated.

As for me, well, most of you know that I just celebrated my 6 month surgiversary (anniversary of my gastric bypass surgery) on December 26.  As of this past Monday, I weighed in at 268.2 – a cool 122 pounds down from my starting weight of 390.2.  I’ll take it and run with it!  Here’s a before and after shot of what that looks like:

Every New Year brings a sense of peace and hope about it for me.  I hope that this year brings greater things for His kingdom than last.  As you may or may not know, I went to Nicaragua last year on a mission’s trip.  Here’s the blog announcing that I was going and here’s the team’s trip blog if you’d like to get some back story.  The minute I set foot back on American soil last year, I committed to returning to Nicaragua this year.  The trip is March 1 – 8 with the same team as last year and I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am.  Don and I have been saving for the past year, but I need some help again closing the gap.  The t-shirts last year were SO popular, so this year we’re doing it again!  Here’s this year’s design:


All credit for the catchy verbiage goes to Gary Recher!

So that the net is a little more, we’ve decided to charge a little more.  Brace yourselves:  We’ve raised the price from $25 each to $30 each.  We’ll be taking pre-orders throughout the next month so that we can place 1 big bulk order and then deliver them all before I leave on my trip in the hopes that while I’m gone, you’ll maybe wear your shirt one of those days and lift up the team in prayer when you do.

What do you say?  Want to buy a t-shirt?!  Please?!   Please make checks payable to Hub City Vineyard if you would like a portion of your donation to be tax deductible.

Again, I’d prefer your prayers over your money, but sure would appreciate your help again in reaching my goal.

Praying that this finds you well and full of hope for this year!

Love always,
Chan