The Christmas Sweater

I just finished reading Glenn Beck's new book, The Christmas Sweater, today and it was very inspirational! So many emotions poured through me as I read it... I even cried. This story is based on certain points in Glenn Beck's life and what made him into the person he is today. It reminded me not to take the people in my life for granted. But most importantly it reminded me that I need to "wear" my faith so everyone can see it and not keep it hidden away. What Christ did for me on the cross was the best gift I have been given and I need to share that gift with others instead of hiding it. I encourage you to read it if you get a chance!

Here is a summary of the book:

If You Could Change Your Life by Reversing Your Biggest Regrets, Sorrows and Mistakes...Would You?

#1 New York Times bestselling author and renowned radio and television host Glenn Beck delivers an instant holiday classic about boyhood memories, wrenching life lessons, and the true meaning of the gifts we give to one another in love.

We weren't wealthy, we weren't poor—we just were. We never wanted for anything, except maybe more time together....

When Eddie was twelve years old, all he wanted for Christmas was a bike. Although his life had gotten harder—and money tighter—since his father died and the family bakery closed...Eddie dreamed that somehow his mother would find a way to have his dream bike gleaming beside their modest Christmas tree that magical morning.

What he got from her instead was a sweater. "A stupid, handmade, ugly sweater" that young Eddie left in a crumpled ball in the corner of his room.

Scarred deeply by the realization that kids don't always get what they want, and too young to understand that he already owned life's most valuable treasures, that Christmas morning was the beginning of Eddie's dark and painful journey on the road to manhood. It will take wrestling with himself, his faith, and his family—and the guidance of a mysterious neighbor named Russell—to help Eddie find his path through the storm clouds of life and finally see the real significance of that simple gift his mother had crafted by hand with love in her heart.

Based on a deeply personal true story, The Christmas Sweater is a warm and poignant tale of family, faith and forgiveness that offers us a glimpse of our own lives—while also making us question if we really know what's most important in them.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving! We wish we could be back home to spend it with y'all. I went over the my friends house and had Thanksgiving with them. Matt still had to work and he said he ate some turkey in the chow hall. Hopefully next year we can be together for the holidays. I'm so thankful for my friends and family that help me get through these deployments. May you all have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Prayer Request

My mom had surgery the other day on her foot to help correct the structure of it. Her foot has been giving her problems for awhile and she was finally able to get it fixed. If I understand it correctly, the doctor's had to cut her foot in half and put screws in it in order to fix the structure. Please keep her in your prayers because this may be a long recovery for her. As of right now, she has to stay in bed for two weeks and I know that is going to drive her nuts! :) Just pray that she will have a speedy recovery and that God will give her the strength she needs to get through it. Take care mom... I love you!

God Provides...

My good friend Jessica Kinney and her son Aiden came to visit me this past weekend. Her and her husband Brian used to live out here in Ga with us, but they were one of the lucky ones to get orders and now they are living in Ohio. She decided to come visit with me since her husband is deployed right now as well. We had a great time trick or treating, carving pumpkins, shopping, watching movies, and just catching up with each other. It was also a good thing that Jessica came out during this time because the doctor had scheduled me to get the D&C done on Monday and Jessica was here to drive me home and comfort me during this emotional time. The surgery went very well and my recovery so far has gone better than I expected. I just think it is so awesome how God works in our lives. He knows what we need and provides for us at just the right times.

Learning to Trust God...

I hate to bring sad news, but I need to keep you all informed. Last Thursday I went in for a check-up to hear the baby's heartbeat and they could not find one. So, they did an ultrasound and found that the baby was only measuring 6 weeks and I am supposed to be at 10 weeks. Friday they did some blood work and they did some more today to see if there was any change in the levels. If the levels kept elevating then that means that the baby is still growing, but if the levels decreased then that means the baby is gone. Well, unfortunately my levels decreased by quite a bit over the past few days. I think the hardest part about this whole thing was the fact that I did not have any symptoms of having a miscarriage. I was having all of the normal pregnancy symptoms and did not even know anything was wrong until they looked for the heartbeat. My midwife told me that what probably happened was what they call a missed miscarriage and that is where my body still thinks that I am pregnant, so I go through all the pregnancy symptoms. But reality, the baby has really stopped growing several weeks ago and my body was not aware of it. My midwife recommends for me to have a D&C done because my body still has not passed it and does not want an infection to occur.

Thank you all for showing support for us even though you could not be here. It means a lot to me and it's comforting to know that we have family and friends who care.

Ist Dr.'s Appt.

I had my first Dr.'s appt. yesterday and other than the poking and prodding, it went rather well. I could not believe how much blood they took! I felt it draining from my body. :) They said I was 6 weeks along and my due date is May 21st. I go back in 4 weeks to hear the heart beat.

We're Expecting!

Yes, it's true... I'm pregnant! Four days after Matt left for his deployment, I found out that I was pregnant. This news has been a wonderful surprise and a true blessing from God. Before I told anyone, I was waiting to hear from Matt because I wanted him to be the first one to know, but he was not allowed to call for a few days. So, I had to wait patiently before I told anyone... sorry about keeping some of you in suspense during that time, I didn't mean to. :) Anyway, I will find out more info once I visit the doctor I am being referred to. I have to wait on insurance stuff... you know how that goes. Please keep us in your prayers! I am already feeling sick to my stomach and nothing sounds good to eat. :( Hopefully this part will pass soon.