happy new year

2005 has come and gone and with it a lot of memories and good times. J and I were reminiscing the other night and going over the year. It's amazing what God can do in one year to change us and build our faith.
This time last year I was at my end. I didn't know what was going to happen, and I wasn't sure I wanted to. I knew that God was working, but working at what, was my question. My family was with me, and I didn't want them to leave. Leaving meant that yet again I would have to say goodbye. I told J that he had to promise that I would never have to say goodbye to them again....of course he couldn't do that....which made me sob even more.
2006 brings a year full of promise and tests. Aion Construction is going full swing and we are encouraged by the contacts J has made and the favor that God haa had on him. I love being with my family and living in Phoenix! It is so great to be able to call my mom and know she is just around the corner if I need help. My kids love being with Niall and Charys. Wil is in love with his uncle Matt. It is really the fulfillment of a dream!
But, I have to say that something has happened that is shaking me to the core, and is putting me right back to where I was at the end of last year. I am late....six days to be exact....and I am really starting to panic. We took extreme measures (J's words - Ha!) to make sure this wouldn't happen again and now it seems like it might be. What's done is done, and if I am pregnant we'll have to deal with it. However, I am struggling with feelings of panic, anger, and selfishness. I really don't want to be pregnant....I don't enjoy it....I get sick...and my body doesn't deal well with it either. You all know how I feel, just put yourself in my place. This is difficult for me. I have never been in the position where I am not excited to not have my period! ARGH! Lots of frustration right now....sorry if this is rambling....we're going to get a test today to see what's going on. Please be praying for us. J is having to deal with a looney wife right now.....and he himself is very conflicted about his feelings. Maybe it's just holiday stress....but I just don't know. I'll post with the results tomorrow....
Happy New Year to me????????????
Happy New Year to you all! May God truly bless and enrich your lives with His love for you in the coming year. We all have surprises in store for us, I'm sure!
Love You All,
Jen

Christmas

I hope that everyone's holiday plans are going well. We leave for ABQ on the 23rd and return home on the 27th. Christmas cards are on their way, half the Christmas goodies are made, gifts are all bought (except for J's dad, for whom I never know what to get), and all the decorations/tree are up. It's hard to feel Christmasy when the leaves are just now changing on the trees, but I have to say I'm loving the 65-70 degree weather! I miss you all so much. I'm having quite a bout of homesickness right now. But, I do NOT miss the snow! We went to a boat light parade this weekend and they had snow there for the kids to play in. Needless to say, we pretty much avoided that area! HA! I love being with my family; but after having made all of you my family for eight years, I can say that I really miss you all too!
I hope that you all have a great Christmas. Enjoy your families, play in the snow and remember that Jesus loves you all so much.

P.S. - If you have not read the book "Christ the Lord - Out of Egypt" by Anne Rice, you have to get it! One of the best books I've ever read. If you didn't know, Anne Rice is a born again Christian - doesn't regret the Vampire stuff - but is writing in a new direction now. Jason, I would really be interested on your take on this book. Fascinating!

fun

How long has it been since you've had some good old-fashioned fun with your spouse? To be honest, before yesterday it had been awhile for me. We decided to have our Aion Christmas party...HA HA HA....yesterday. SO, my parents took the kids and we went to go have some fun.
And we did! We went to see "Walk The Line" (which I have to say is one of the top 5 best movies I've ever seen...if Joaquin Phoenix doesn't at least get nominated for the Oscar it will be a shame.)and got a large popcorn and coke (which I never get, because it's too many calories). We held hands and cuddled during the movie. We had such fun! We then went to Chili's for dinner and had soup and steaks (which I never get because it's too much $$). We talked and laughed and ate and laughed some more. It was so much.....fun! We did things that we never get to do because of kids, money or dieting. It was just one day...but it was much needed. We've been so occupied with the business and kids that we have been neglecting our marriage.
I think that sometimes we get so busy with everything else that J and Jen get lost in the shuffle.
And speaking of fun, we went to the Gilbert Vineyard this morning. We were really nervous, because we didn't know a soul. But, everyone was really friendly. It reminded me a lot of Jason and Jenell's church. There are three services on Sunday morning. The pastor was someone that preached at the Tempe Vineyard this summer, so we were familiar with him. This Sunday was "Table Church." They do this about 4 times a year. They set up round tables and everyone sits together and does like a small group. There were discussion questions and an actual ministry time! This is much more like the Vineyard's that J and I are familiar with. They have their own facility and it is really nice. So, needless to say, I was impressed. They do have a dance team - HALLELUJAH! It was enough to make us want to check it out again next Sunday. I think that my parents and Matt and Chris would enjoy it as well. SO, we'll see! But, it was hopeful!
Anywhoo...it was a nice weekend. Lots of FUN!