Wow, it's almost been a month!

What I've been doing...

• Painting canvas to sell for a boutique (see samples at: criswellcreations.blogspot.com)

• Doing graphic design for our new church building

• Painting murals at our new church building (I'll post pictures soon)

• Painting lettering at our new church building

• Assembling, hanging and other misc. tasks at our new building

• Christmas shopping

• Raking leaves

• Playing ball with Logan

What I've not been doing...

• House work

• Eating lunch

• Sleeping more than 7 hours

• Watching T.V.

• Cooking dinner

• Checking the mail

I'm Back!

Sorry it has been awhile. We had company a few weeks ago and just got back from Florida on Sunday. Here's a photo of us with Scott's family. I'll try to post again soon.

Empty Arms

We have had another unsuccessful attempt to get pregnant. I did not even respond to the drugs. I'm not comfortable, at this time, moving forward to the next step of treatment. The day I found out was tough, I really grieved. I thought by now I would at least have belly pictures on my blog.

Have you heard Christians say that in hard times Christ has given them an indescribable peace and comfort? I've felt this before, and though I had a day of grieving, I am in that place. I can feel the arms of the Lord around me more than ever before. Scott and a friend from church gave me comforting words. "It's OK to grieve, but don't let that grief rob you from the joy that God gives you". I am just amazed how God is working in my life. He has given me everything I need and more!

I've always had a strong desire to be a mom and like most woman had that dream of going through all the joyful steps of conceiving, carrying a baby and child birth. Maybe that is still in store for me, but Scott and I are both at the place where we are ready to become parents. We are praying that God fills our empty arms with a child, that He will open doors and bring us the baby that we so long for through our new journey of adoption. We are so excited! That place of grief is being filled by so much joy and excitement for what is to come!

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

He Just Keeps Getting Hotter!

Take note Babe, I really like your beard like this. :)

A "Weekend to Remember"

This past weekend we were in Park City attending a marriage conference. It's called "Weekend to Remember". I was not sure what Scott and I could get out of a marriage conference, but what a blessing this conference was. Scott and I had such a great time. Looking back knowing that this conference was based on the biblical teaching about marriage I should have expected how great of an impact this conference was going to have. We always have room to grow in every area of our lives. I was reminded of this this weekend. The power of God's word is amazing!

At the conference it was said that married couples are either growing together or drifting apart. I can honestly say that Scott and I are and have been growing together. As we focus more and more on becoming Christ-like that growth is becoming more and more great.

Scott, I accept you as a gift from God. You're my spiritual leader, my provider and my protector. I could not ask for more. I pray that God will help me become as I was designed to be. May I always respect and support you as your helper and your encourager. You complete me and I am forever yours. I love you Baby!

Dear Lord, I know that Scott and I will always have struggles, arguments and difficult situations to battle. I pray that we will always look to you as the center of our marriage and that we continue to grow as husband and wife as you designed us to be. God, I pray that you will continue to strengthen us as we continue to struggle with infertility. I pray for your guidance and peace knowing that you are in control. At the conference you reminded me that you have perfectly designed Scott for me. That fact gives me hope that you will also design that perfect child for Scott and I. Thank you for your word and the opportunity we had to be blessed by it this past weekend. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen

This was leaving Park City. There is lots of color up there already.

This is John and Carolyn. They are local directors of the conference and good friends of ours from church.

This is us with Jim and Ann. We attended the conference with two other couples from church, Jeremy and Amy and Jim and Clare, we tried but were unable to get a picture of all of us.

Here's me with my adorable husband just before heading back to Salt Lake.

Call Me Crazy!!!

I did it. I finally gave in. Scott has wanted this for a long time.
Meet Logan! He's an 8 week old black lab.


These are Logan's Parents. The daddy is a sweetie!



These are the pros and cons of adding this addition:

Pros:
• A big dog provides security - Scott's nervous that I am home all the time by myself (maybe this security will help Scott sleep better at night too)
• We can actually run, walk and play with Logan outside
• Abby and Knight are middle-aged. (Hopefully a younger dog will help them stay spunky)
• Our nice big backyard will no longer go to waste

Cons:
• More poop to pickup in the yard
• Abby will have to adjust

What I've Been Up To

One of my favorite things to do is work around the house. Scott may not agree, but I hope that we always own an older home. Home improvement is so much fun! Here are my latest finished projects.

Scott's parents gave us this entertainment center a few years ago. We did not have a place for it in our home in Florida. But it's now the centerpiece of our living room. All it needed was a coat of paint and new hardware. I just love it!

I painted 80% of our basement.

My newest yard sale find. This table is solid wood, but looked dated. Amazing what a little paint will do.

Installed a new chandelier in our kitchen.

Installed new lights outside on our garage. These were only $20 each.

Installed two new light fixtures in our hallways.

I finally got around to installing another faucet.