Farewell to the Laughing Lady

Well this blog was to scrapbook all of the fun and memorable times we would have during our year at the Pastor's College. No one could have prepared us for what a rich and grace filled year it would be. Our deep gratitude to the Sovereign Grace staff, Pastor's College Administrative Team, Pastor's College Class of 09, Mahaneys, Kauflins, Ricuccis, Purswells, Harveys, Weltons, Donovans, Rosses, Rhoda, Nora, Dawn, Sarah and Melissa for giving us a multitude of rich memories and even more a living example of the grace of God. Missing you does not communicate properly how we feel yet we will use all of emotions we feel and fuel them toward praise to God for you. Lord its all about you!

For those of you who want to keep up with our more "normal" life, Matt has a new family blog for you to check in on, I do warn you I am pictured in some not so flattering dancing moves and there is a man or two in a dress:
http://www.slackadventures.blogspot.com/
Thanks for reading about me and my family this during the past year especially my blog coach, (Mr. Harvey)
Siobhan

Campout with Christian

To thank Christian for all his hardwork serving this year Matt surprised him with an overnight trip. They spent the night at a friend's cabin in the woods. They ate lots, talked lots and laughed even more! What a great memory!

Rolf's BIG birthday/graduation gift surprise

Well it took alot of help from many friends and alot of secrets but after planning with Rolf for months how we could celebrate all of Matt's hard work we both agreed a truck would really bless him. Rolf encouraged me to pray that the stock market would do better this year and then informed me that it did and he would able to make the surprise a reality. Aaron Law and the PC guys started by playing a Jepardy game show with Matt setup to win. They blindfolded him and brought him out to see his "prize". What a look of surprise and excitement! After he recovered he took his friends and kids for a victory lap. It was so great to celebrate all of Matt's hardwork. Thanks to Rolf for his amazing gift!

Jordan's Jam

To thank Jordan for all his serving in our family this year, Matt surprised him with a gift of recording at Sovereign Grace Ministry's Recording studio. He had a song he wrote and played the drums, bass, guitar and sang (not at the same time). He loved being in that environment and learning from Dave Mckenzie. The Donovans also joined us on this special afternoon. Jordan is playing the guitar that Mark gave him.

Green Smoothies at Healthtrax

The guys at the gym have been teasing me about eating Kale so for my last day at the gym I brought in green smoothies and everyone tried some. It was a great opportunity to get to know folks in the community and spend time with Mark and Maritza.

Donovan's Farewell

The Donovan Family showed us so much care all year. We enjoyed DC together, a tea party, went shopping, a historical photoshoot and lots of delicious fellowship. To top it off we had a going away dinner where they blessed us with thoughtful gifts. The girls made our girls beaded headbands. Kerry made a collage of the the girls photoshoot. Christian was blessed with a leather journal. Matt had been wanting an old hymnal and without knowing it the Lisa gave him one. I was blessed with pretty napkins. One gift in particular was a true sacrifice. Mark blessed Jordan with his Fender Telecaster electric guitar. Wow! Jordan was speechless and amazed. They have taught our family so much this year. We hope to make others feel as cared for as they have made us. We will miss you Mark, Lisa, Kerry and Emily!!!

Death is not Dying

I was so effected by this testimony and its hope filled proclamation of the gospel.
I wanted to share it with all of you. It is copied from the girl talk blog!

"We had a post ready for today, but we’re not going to put it up. This afternoon, we received an email from a girl talk reader named Shaila, in Vancouver, Canada. Her best friend, Rachel Barkey has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Rachel is a wife, a mother of two children, and she is not expected to live to see her 38th birthday.

Several weeks ago, Rachel shared a message with a group of women entitled “Death is Not Dying: A Faith that Saves.” We were so affected as we watched this video that we wanted to share it with you right away.

Many people have asked Rachel, “Why? Why is this happening to you? To Neil? To Kate and Quinn? To your family and friends?”

“I don’t ask ‘why?’” says Rachel. “Because I know.”

Please watch or listen and learn what Rachel knows