It has been a while since I have posted anything here.  Mainly because our life is full and I just haven't taken the time to sit down and blog for a while.

It has been a little over a year now that I have been married to the most amazing guy in the world :)  In one year we have made beautiful strides in our life together.  The kids have gelled so well.  It feels like we have been a part of each others life for a very long time.  I barely remember the days when it was just me and Hannah and Hudson.  It seems like a lifetime ago.

This year has been fun, challenging, crazy, beautiful, and busy!!  Raising six kids in a broken world can be challenging.  Our kids know first hand what brokenness feels like.  They also know what it looks like for God to take the broken pieces and make them into a beautiful new creation.  Living in two worlds can be difficult for them (and for us) but it gives us opportunities to teach them how to make good choices no matter where they are and to "put on" love in all circumstances.  They are discovering that a home isn't made up of walls and decorations but it's made up of people that love them.  We know it's not always easy for the kids to go back and forth and to have to adjust to different environments.  To be honest, it isn't easy for us either.  There are plenty of times that I have dropped them off and they have begged to stay (not because they don't love their other homes) but because the transition is hard at times.  I keep it together until we pull away and then I lose it :(   Saying goodbye to your kids every week can tug at your heart strings.

With that said, God has done amazing things through the power of LOVE this year.  Our relationships with our ex-spouses have been positive and encouraging.  I can still be selfish at times and even insecure.  Sometimes I want my way or I get tempted to dwell on the past.  Praise God that these feelings have diminished because of love.  God has put on my heart (and Brians) to show love in all circumstances and to put aside our selfish nature in order to fight this battle not with anger, bitterness, and hatred but with love, grace, and compassion.  I can honestly say that I love our exes and look forward to building on what God has already accomplished this year in our hearts and theirs. 

Here is a picture of what God has done through love this year.  Jessica has welcomed Hannah and Hudson into her heart.  She has invited them to go swimming, to play at her house with the boys, and to show them affection when we are together.  Kenneth and Angela have invited Jessica and the boys to go bowling and other activities this year.  Yes, it's true!!  Our ex-spouses are building relationship as well which is showing our kids so much love.  It's no longer two separate worlds but our worlds are starting to collide in a wonderful way.  Last week after Hannah's basketball game we stayed late and Brian, Kenneth, Tristan (Angela's son), Hannah and Hudson played basketball together while Angela and I sat and had girl talk.  I can see myself having a wonderful friendship with both Angela and Jessica in the future.  God is so good!!!

Of course, I have also learned a great deal about LOVE through the most loving man I know.  Brian has such a loving heart.  He seriously makes me feel so loved and cherished everyday.  He has shown me that love is a choice.  He is always positive.  He takes care of me.  He makes me feel like everything will be ok (no matter what) and he knows just how to cheer me up when I am feeling out of sorts.  I can be cranky, selfish, and even rude at times when I am having a bad day.  Instead of avoiding me and telling me I am being selfish he puts on love instead.  He will put everything aside just to make my day better.  I don't deserve him.  I truly don't!!  I thank God daily for bringing him into my life and for giving me someone that makes me feel cherished and loved every day.  If the saying is true "You become like those you spend the most time with" I am one blessed girl!!

Can I tell you another beautiful thing?  I am so proud of all six of my children.  I seriously love telling people that I have six kids.  They can drive me crazy at times and the noise level can be outright insane but I am so incredibly blessed.  They are so different and unique.  They keep me on my toes both physically and spiritually.  We have a big job :)  Raising six kids to love others more than themselves, teaching our boys how to stand up for what is right and to be boys of God rather than of the world.  Teaching our girl about purity and what God's design for love looks like.  How to dismiss the unkind words girls can say to you when you are only in third grade and how to find your self worth in God and Him alone.  I know raising our kids is the most important job God has entrusted us with.  They are the future :)

Oh there is so much I could tell you about this past year.  About our businesses, our new house, our church etc... God has done so much and I want to tell you about all of it!!!  I guess I will have to blog more often :)

Love you,

Loree