Long time, no blogging. Seems with each spring comes a new sense of optimism...certainly true for Sarah and I. We continue to sit back in amazement of how God's blessings continue season after season. For us, this spring brings anticipation and change.

Change #1...We bought another home. This time around, we found a newer house that not only meets our needs, but hopefully, will appreciate over the coming years. We moved in last week and are busy painting away. Next, I plan on trying my hand at tearing down and replacing a fireplace, and then it's on to the basement (what Sarah refers to as my "man space"). With half an acre to roam and run, Lucy has settled in just fine. Apparently she isn't planning on mowing the lawn for us. We have plenty of room for guests, so please consider visiting.

Change #2...In the ongoing saga of my career path, I have once again made a career move. I resigned from my youth ministry position this week (after a very short tenure) and will once again be roaming the world of personal finance. After much prayer and consideration, I reached the conclusion that given my personality, strengths, and many weaknesses, I have a greater potential to impact the world for Christ outside the Church. To some extent, I prefer walking in circles where faith is less common and more necessary. Sarah and I are very excited about the opportunities this move affords...flexibility for travel (seeing family and friends more often), daily variety and challenges, the ability to help clients protect their family and future, and down the road, the opportunity for Sarah to stay home with our children is she so chooses. So, by April first, I'll be back up and running. Anyone need any financial advice?

Sarah's career continues to challenge and reward...and the rewards far outweigh the challenges. She loves her kids, loves her school, and cannot imagine doing anything else. We are very grateful that despite my inconsistency, her job remains secure and fulfilling. She is considering heading back to school this summer to begin work on her Master's. I, however, keep encouraging her to work as a beer cart girl at a local golf course. (I hear husbands get to golf for free.) I thought about it myself, but was informed I don't look very appealing in short shorts. Go figure.

That's us in a nutshell. Again, we love visitors, so stop by sometime.

Christmas Joy and New Year Wishes!

This year instead of the traditional Christmas letter, Ryan and I thought that we would share with you one lesson learned this year and one reminder this year. We hope that you are all doing wonderful! Remember the baby who came to this earth to save you and me!

Ryan

Lesson learned this year:

*Money and wealth are empty pursuits; significance is worth striving for.

Reminders this year:

*God is always good, and He works out all things for the good of those that love him.

Romans 8:28


Sarah

Lesson learned this year:

*I love teaching! I knew that I enjoyed it, but this year I realized that I can't imagine not doing it. Third grade is a great age!


Reminders this year:

*I have to agree with Ryan...God is always good. It is amazing how things work out according to his purpose.

Greetings from a hunting widow! Ryan is out in the woods this week deer hunting. I must say that things are pretty quiet around here except for Lucy whining at the door waiting for him to come home. :) I have not heard from him yet, but I am hoping that he comes home with a deer.

Things are pretty busy around here. (They always are!) I am looking forward to a short break from school. We only have 2 1/2 days this week. The kids have been super crazy the last few weeks...can we say snow and the holidays? I am already starting to hear my kiddos sing Christmas songs! Finally, I told them they cannot sing Christmas songs until after Thanksgiving...I know...I am such a mean teacher...but they were driving me crazy! :)

I have some great news to share with you all! Beginning Dec. 1, you can call Ryan, Pastor Ryan. He was called at the last voters meeting to be the youth pastor at New Hope! YEAH! He will be working with 7th grade-college students. He is very excited to begin this exciting new adventure. He also will be preaching a few times each month...the intent is that he will become an ordained pastor over the next few years. How amazing God is! We could have next imagined this happening! God is Good!

I wanted to take a few moments to say thank you to all of you who have given us your prayers and support over the last few months (and even years!). We are truly blessed by God to have such loving friends and family. We love you all! May God continue to bless you this holiday season!

Hi Everyone!

Man, I have just been so busy that I haven't been very good at updating this blog! Another month has flown by! Ryan and I have been so busy over the last month with family, our jobs, and traveling. School is going very well. I am still enjoying the third graders. I never thought that I would enjoy them as much as I do...they rock! I do miss the little ones, but then I think about how tired I was at the end of the day and really appreciate where I am. Ryan has been busy too. More hunting than working! :) He has been duck, goose, and grouse hunting most of the fall. I have experienced eating all the above now except goose. I am a little nervous every time he goes, because you never know what he will come back with. I am enjoy the wonderful world of wild game. He is heading back out on Thursday, and deer hunting is just around the corner!
We do have some news that might shock you...well then again, maybe not. Ryan has recieved a call to be the youth pastor at New Hope (where I teach). He has prayerfully considered this and has agreed to be called. The voter's meeting is Nov. 18th, so please keep us in your prayers. It was a very difficult decision (he likes both ministry and Thrivent). It is not official yet, so any and all prayers would be appreciated! One more request, our house. We still own and house in Rapids. Please keep that in your prayers as well.
We are in good health and good spirits. We miss you all and hope to see some of you soon!

Wow! You can tell that things have been busy around here. It's been a whole month! I have been super busy at school. I am really enjoying the third grade, but it is definately keeping me busy this year! A new curriculum and new concepts to plan...gotta love it. :) Ryan has been busy at work as well. He is still enjoying working for Thrivent. We have been able to see family a lot this month. My mom is moving to a condo in Stevens Point, so we have been helping her move. My sister and husband came up for a weekend. My sister and I went shopping while the boys went golfing. We also checked out Oktober Fest here in Appleton (tons of fun) and the local martini bar.

The hunting season is upon us. Ryan has been hunting quite a bit. This weekend we are going up north for duck hunting. It should be fun! That's all...hopefully next time I'll have some new pictures!

The cup of morning java

A man and his dog












A man and his dog

Good Morning Uncle Ryan and Gracie!

Lucy

One Last Camping Trip

This past weekend we went on our last camping trip of the summer (so sad)! We went to the Nicolet National Forest in northern Wisconsin. We met up with the Jones' for a weekend of fun, fellowship, and rain. When Ryan and I arrived on Friday afternoon, Derek and his family had braved the storms the night before. We managed to stay dry until Friday night and then the rain came! It rained all night and most of Saturday morning. We made the best of it and just hung out...the little girls watched a movie in their tent. We hiked the Catherdral of the Pines, which is beautiful. Ryan took some pictures, but they are kind of artsy...We also went to the beach and watched a guy surf (yes, surf) off the back of a jet ski. It was an interesting sight. Another interesting sight...bear hunters and their dogs. Yes, bears. I did not like that sight, but Derek swore up and down that the bears would not come close. I found out yesterday, that a hunter and his dogs had treed two bears close to our site. I am SOOO glad that I didn't have that information when we were there!

When we returned home we found out that Ryan's cousin Theresa's husband had passed away. It came as a great shock and our hearts are broken. We spent Thursday in Madison with the family and for the funeral. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to Theresa, her boys age 3 and 6...also the rest who mourn the loss of Don. We love you...remember Jesus loves you too!

I continue to get ready for school. We start Wednesday! YIKES! I am excited, but not really ready. Ryan is busy with work, but is enjoying himself. Lucy is Lucy...she's one year old now, but still wild! Until next time! We love you all!

What a great weekend! Our friends, Dan and Trina, came down from the Twin Cities. It was such a great time! Being the awesome friends that they are...they towed their boat 6 hours so we could spend time on the water! Thank you! It was a beautiful, hot summer day. We spent most of the day braving the waves on Lake Winnebago (They were huge!) and tubing. We met up with Ryan's brother, his wife, and their girls and took them on an afternoon cruise around the lake. We then docked at Fratello's in Oshkosh for dinner and some yummy peach beer. I know it may not sound good, but it was awesome! Then the four of us headed to St. James Martini bar for an after dinner drink.

On Sunday, we headed to Green Bay. The boys wanted to check out Packer training camp. It was so hot! We did manage to get some seats and get a first look at the players. Football is in the air! The boys were so excited...they looked like little boys on Christmas morning! We checked out the stadium and the Packer experience. We had a great time! Dan and Trina, it is always a blast to have you! See you soon!

Ryan getting ready to go!

The newest Packer additions

Ryan, Sarah, Trina, and Dan at Lambeau Stadium

Hi Everyone!

We thought we would set up this blog to share our ever changing life with you! We are now living in Neenah, Wisconsin (yes, we moved again!). Ryan is working for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and I will be teaching 3rd grade at New Hope Christian School in the fall. We are so excited about our move! Look for more coming soon!

Love you!