It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

in the Brenneman household....


though I have YET to get my cards out

(I will!, I will!)....

Here are a few memories we created for the year 2008....


I like this one because it has Sam with Kayla in the background! kinda neat..


Sammy and his ornament for 2008 (thanks Nana)


Kayla and her ornament for 2008...


Me hanging the top ones...


My 2 cuties in front of the tree....


My new favorite picture! Aren't they cute?!?...


Sam took this one.....Brad and I...


Here is a video of us all decorating together....


Our fireplace...


This is a video of our dock (and the lit trees) out back....and I was AMAZED at the work of art in the sky.....


__________________________________________

In some not so good news....Brad was laid off.

We are struggling with the shock of it, but we remind ourselves that we are NOT alone. There are SO many going through this right now...and worse...losing their homes.

Though it is rough right now...we are fortunate to be blessed with a wonderful, supportive family, and so many supportive friends. THANK YOU! Please keep us and others in your prayers this season.

I end with one of my ALL time FAVORITE songs...the lyrics get me EVERY time! (please let it take the time to download..it takes like 30 seconds) Love to all!



Happy Holidays!!!!!

TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS
part I

This has certainly been a non-stop... trying.... mentally and physically exhausting... what day is it?...kind of couple of weeks.

But it certainly makes you thankful for your good days!

God is still good.

Even though

* I spent most of yesterday in the Emergency Room with Bug (who had to get 2 IV's, an ultrasound, and a catscan)
* Drama Mama was so sick for so long (with her rectal and throat strep and tummy virus)
* Brad is now sick with the virus and bed-ridden
* Brad has just been laid off very unexpectedly (after already having to take last week off due to his boss having to attend a funeral)
* I have a beach vacation coming up that I know I can't afford to go to
* Our savings is 100% depleted
* I haven't slept in 2 weeks (other than an hour here or there...seriously)
* Gas is now $4 a gallon

He is still good.

After all....

* I didn't get sick, and was able to take care of my family. :) Thank GOD!
* Brad was able to be home with Drama Mama while I was in the E.R. with Bug..Thank God!~!!
* Bug DIDN'T have appendicitis *whew*
* We are so blessed that we are surrounded by such wonderful family members who know JUST the right thing to say and care SO much about us. THANK YOU!
* We have health insurance on the kids so the E.R visit won't cost us an arm and a leg..AMEN!
* Maybe the door that we have been waiting for to open (so to speak) since we have moved here will finally OPEN (can I get an amen!?)
and lastly:
* check out who came hopping up to my door to visit....JUST when I needed it!..a baby "Hannah" frog/toad! She must have known! Thanks Hannah!


See how tiny he is?





****There is NOTHING like a good o'l Southern Thunderstorm (though I HATE thunder) to clean the slate!*****


Well folks, that about does it for me.

Stick a fork in me ya'all

cause I'm DONE!