Celebrations

JON TURNED 30!!! With much fanfare Jon turned 30 years old on May 9th. Jen threw a surprise party on Saturday evening, May 8th which she spent months planning and took great lengths to ensure stayed a surprise! While Jon went hunting with a friend Jen was running to Wal-mart, picking up cakes, getting balloons, buying hamburgers, and decorating the yard for a BBQ and Bonfire bash. We couldn't have hoped for a better day--the weather was perfect, sunshine and warm for May. All the party attendees hid their vehicles back by the shop. Jon was so surprised when he pulled in the driveway it took him several minutes to really figure out what was going on. He was pretty much in awe for the first 10 minutes. The party kicked off with great food and plenty of fun for the kids, plus a bonfire with smores and plenty of ice cream cake for everyone! Jon's candles all blew out with the breeze before he had a chance to show off his amazing 30-year-old lungs. He went to bed that night feeling pretty appreciated, and told me it was his first surprise party. Good, I said, because its your last--that was way too much planning and work!!

May 9th happened to be Mother's Day so we had double the reason to celebrate! Our family drove to Homer after church, of course bringing Nana with us! Again the weather was sunny and we had beautiful views of Kachemak Bay. We took the kids to the beach and they played in the sand and Daddy flew a kite. Lyla didn't know what to make of the waves, she kept saying "water, water, water..." We got coffees and went to the park and drove out on the spit. We wrapped up the evening with dinner at the Anchor Inn. Such a blessing to be a Mother! I am so thankful for my family.

Way to go Mom!

Happy Birthday Mom! She is 55 today. We celebrated with a small party including German chocolate cake that Dad made. Mom had plenty of help for her big day: Levi opened all the gifts and Lyla ate the wrapping paper! It was a beautiful day with a snowstorm in the morning and sunshine in the afternoon. I'm confident its going to be an awesome year for my mom--she finally has an officially retirement date: April 30th! After working as a school nurse for the KPSD for 20 years she's ready to be done! Mom and Dad also found a house in Soldotna they've already made an offer on...we're hoping they are able to move in as soon as May. We praise the Lord for our parents and the blessing they are in our lives.

Its time for Financial Peace

Jon and I have decided to get serious about our finances. How long have we been saying that? Since we've been married! But we're serious this time! Central Peninsula Hospital (where I work) is offering a free class called Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey, a Christian speaker and author. In 13 weeks were going to establish a budget, set up an emergency fund, snowball our debt, build a savings for the future, learn how to pay off our house, save for retirement, have money to give, and know financial peace. For Jon and I the true attraction is tackling all these issues TOGETHER and working towards the same goals. Instead of, "you know babe, we really should sit down tonight and look at the finances..." we ARE looking at the finances! Ever since I received the invite in the mail about a month ago for the class Jon and I have been excited about it. The Lord has been laying on our hearts that we need to honor him with our finances and the way we handle our money. I'm reminded of the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25--we want to be like the good and faithful servant who was faithful with a few things and put in charge of many things. We want to use our talents wisely that the Lord may increase them so that our lives may glorify Him. The motto of the class is "If you live like no one else, then later you can LIVE like no one else!" meaning we can know a financial security that eludes the majority of America. I'm ready to be like no one else, are you?

CEF Board Retreat

The State CEF Board Retreat was held February 5th and 6th in Soldotna. We've enjoyed hanging out with our "CEF family" for the weekend and hearing how the Lord's been working throughout Alaska. One of the highlights of the retreat was attending a workshop on how to establish a blog. So here we are testing it out! Tell us what you think!