We have started an email newsletter to provide another channel to connect with our ministry.
The goal is that we would share different parts of our ministry in different ways than our traditional
prayer letter delivered via snail mail.
Read it below or Click here to read it in its own window
Well lots…
playing with our new toys…drum set (yes full on drum set), food and dishes, chutes and ladders, puzzles, wearing our new rainboots everywhere, snowmobiling, making snowmen and snow forts, playing with cousins, getting some quality time with high school friends, eating lots of good food, making ice cream out of the abundance of snow, remembering how to drive safely in the snow, trying to be as creative as possible with all of our time spent indoors and not go crazy, watching the snow fall and fall and fall some more, making hot chocolate, taking advantage of a nearby Panera, thankful for extra hands while Brian travels to San Diego and Denver, unfortunately had the flu over New Years then a sinus infection:( thankfully it was just me, enjoyed a visit from an Ocean City friend, started a new Beth Moore bible study, a free massage from my aunt, time with my sis-in-law, celebrating family birthdays, dancing to the classic 90’s songs in the Jukebox in my parents basement, holding my sweet little niece Kenzi, taking back Christmas gifts back that we can buy again in Chico, kids are loving the cable TV, watching the kids love for Grandma & Pa grow more and more.
BUT…
soon we will be…
doing laundry for the last time here, figuring out what stays, what gets packed and what gets shipped, soaking in every last minute of time with family, giving big hugs and kisses and goodbyes. And then taking the big adventure back West. It’s been a wonderful extended visit but we are all ready to get back home to our own house, routine and life. We have preschool waiting for us, friends and neighbors to reunite with, a fish and gecko to reclaim as ours, a new semester of ministry to begin and much more to look forward to in 2010!
My favorite moments thus far…
Mason telling me this morning that his heart is happy:)
My mom helping me in the middle of the night when Kaia was throwing up. I love her.
Watching our kids with my brother, sister-in-law and nephews and niece. They LOVE them!
Looking out at the awesome view from the back windows of my parents house.
A run with my dad.
Watching the Christmas spirit come alive more and more in Mason
Watching my 84 year old Grandpa color with the girls.
A lunch date with my BF.
A night in downtown Indy with my husband. It was special.
And I’m sure many many more to come!
In the last 5 days we’ve been hearing those words a lot around here. At home accidents happen all the time but they are small and usually fixable. But I think something happened when we crossed into the state of Ohio. Or maybe it’s the different zone, an unusually high amount of sugar? Who knows but our kids have been a walking tornado, destroying everything in their path. They have broken a 50+ year old rocking chair, a family heirloom stool, a class candy dish, a glass milkshake cup, a mirror and a jar of homemade relish. Oh…My…Gosh! Our trip may be cut short because there may be nothing left of the house to stay in:) Most were genuine accidents and thankfully we have a very gracious Grandma and Pa. And these kids just have the cutest of smiles that pretty much melt anyone.
Still I’m hoping that the tornado is coming to a close….crossing my fingers:)
After some unexpected delays, long layovers, lots of snacks and little sleep 5 tired but still excited Barelas made it to Ohio.
Wow, what a good feeling to put my feet down on Ohio ground and let the kids run through the airport to open and waiting arms of grandparents! Especially when my arms are so exhausted from the previous 24 hours of holding little wiggly people, Dora and Ironman backpacks and other various items. A sigh of relief! WE MADE IT!
Since we’ve been home we have taken full advantage of life in Ohio. We have decorated our Christmas tree. My mom left one of the many trees in their home for us undecorated. We brought our favorite ornaments and made it our own.
We are attempting to adjust to the cold temperatures and play outside in our new winter coats.
We got to meet the newest member of our family, my first niece Kenzie Marie. She’s as sweet as can be and very loved by 2 big brothers.
Brian and I went on a dinner and movie date while the kids enjoyed some quality time with G&P (Grandma & Pa). We saw the movie Blind Side. Amazing!
We had a fun, Christmas carol sing a long at my parents house last night with family and friends and had a special visitor. Mason was all about it. His face lit up as soon as he heard the jingle of the bells. Theia wasn’t so sure and kept a safe distance but was still curious. Kaia screamed her little head off.
And best of all (at least for me) I’ve had some good relaxation time, just hanging out at “home” with my family and looking at this beautiful tree. I am so thankful to be home for Christmas!
Off to Ohio we go for the next 5 weeks. Any prayers and thoughts happily accepted as we travel all day long today! Ohio here we come!
Brian here…
i love the strategic part of college ministry–selecting leaders, making plans, executing plans, solving problems.
i also love what that planning produces–spiritually healthy college students who love jesus and people well.
here is a picture taken after one of our student leader meetings; i’m always amazed at how easy it is to do ministry and life with students. college ministry is very awesome.
Again, I go with the bullet list style because it’s just the easiest.
Well friends that is it for now. I’m off to make some piles to soon put in suitcases!
my husband made this slideshow to capture the experience. it’s still fun for us to watch!
Today is my 32nd birthday! Yeah for me! I absolutely love my birthday. Not in a selfish conceited way but I just love that this is my day to celebrate. I get lots of hugs and birthday wishes, extra love and some gifts. It makes me feel super special.
When I was younger I didn’t think about what it would be like when I was 32. But, I can say this I didn’t think it would be this great! I love my life and where God has me right now.
I love my life.