We have finally had closure to what has been a difficult and challenging month, that is to say I had a really long, weary and painful night last night.  To experience even just a few hours of labor pain without the coming joy is indescribable.  The verse that kept running through my mind last night that gave me hope is this: "For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."  Psalm 30:5.  While I don't think God was angry with me, the image of the sorrowful night and light coming in morning let me know that "this too shall pass..." and I do have so many reasons to be joyful- praise God for my loving and amazing husband who was willing to be up with me at 4 am to share the burden, although I know he felt helpless at times; praise God that my body was able to be restored naturally, without the need for surgery; and so much gratefulness for our two wonderful and healthy daughters- I am so thankful for every snuggle and smile and butterfly kiss that I can get!  Isaac and I even shared a laugh through the tears at the very end- thank God for humor in the midst of heartache.  Thank you to everyone for your prayers and support.  I know that we are not the only ones to experience this, and there are so many that go through so much more.  I only pray that this experience can somehow be used for God's glory.  And now, enough with the drama!  Love to you all, Amy

One of the guys at church made this video of all of the pastors here at our church and played it in service this morning. Thought you would enjoy. 

This is driving north on 2nd ave near Main st.

In Pioneer Park trying to get a good family picture...snow about 14" deep.

Gracie eating bacon...I was so proud of her. I told her she was eating heaven...

looking out at the snow.

ditto

some impressive ice

This is after the first four inches. We now have about a foot on the ground. It is snowing right now (10pm wednesday) and we are forecast to get (up to) another foot.

Esther is very happy with all of the snow.

Amy adores this picture. Gracie has her little tongue sticking out and her hand reaching to catch a flake.

I think the red looks pretty good in the snow.

Esther and Papa having some time to practice making faces in the mirror.

Wrestling on the bed

Gracie looking a little sick...she is now on the up-swing. Now passed to Esther and Mama.

Again practicing our silly faces.

Grace is holding her binky in like an old man holding a cigar. It is amazing how hard she can cough and keep that thing in her mouth... We keep throwing around the idea of taking it away for good.... someday

Esther and Grace love the nativity set...Thanks Aunt Chris!!!

Most of the time they have to take turns because they each have their own playing style- Esther likes to control each piece and have them in their rightful place, and Grace is a free for all.

For those who may or may not know, Isaac and I were expecting a new addition to the family.  Today however, we were told that we are experiencing a miscarriage.  On the ultrasound picture, there is an enlarged uterus and 2 "yolk sacs," but no babies. While there is no way that I am able to communicate the multitude of feelings we are experiencing right now, I can tell you that God's Holy Word can speak when we are not able, and it speaks power and comfort directly into our lives.  The Psalms came alive to me today, and while I am not running for my life in the wilderness nor a king, it was truly a living comfort.

We decided last night that today was the day to get our Christmas tree. Unfortunately we did not get to the forestry service in time to get the permit for the weekend. So we found a quaint little tree farm just across the border in Oregon... Amy and the girls here walking through the rows of trees.

Gracie still has a wee bit of that Gerber baby face...fat cheeks.

Esther and Mama talking about the little gravel road on the other side of the fence.

We thought about getting this tree or as we call it "Christmas bush".

Gracie plucking the heads off of weeds.

Esther in her "ew, I don't want to get my hands dirty" pose.

E did not want to turn around for the picture.

Doing the manly job of the cutting down the tree.

Gracie decided to take a seat in the mud.

Amy took these next few pic's I was really impressed with her skills. Really got some great shots!

I love this picture... Esther is looking so cute, I was going to photoshop out the fishie cracker residue on her bottom lip.

Although I look like I am saying "shut it or I am going to come back there!!!" I really am pointing out a deer track in the mud with the end of the saw.

A view of the town on our way home.

Esther not meaning to look funny...but looking funny.

Gracie not meaning to look funny...but looking funny.

Esther just looking cute...with her big blues.
Gracie just looking cute with her...big teeth... at least a big gap.

We went on a family date Friday afternoon.  The girls had a blast sharing a warm apple cider and then going to the toy store.
Gracie of course finished first!

Esther and Gracie being hip and cool chillin' in Starbucks.