Coming Home....

We have received the great news that Jay is on his way home for leave! Yipee! And as I was journaling this morning about all the great things going on in life and at my church I had an AHA moment. My church, Community Christian Church, http://www.communitychristian.org/ , is all about helping people find their way back to God, and I am so happy today that my son is coming home, I bet this is only a small portion of the happiness God feels when we go back to Him or turn to Him. Yeah, God! And thank you, for the blessings of sons, family, friends, and homecomings!

Shannon

Forgot How to Cook?!?!?

Hello All! We have received quite a few e-mails and phone calls from Jay and are so happy about that, but at times the news is bad and then we are sadden or even scared. He has posted pictures on a web page and the address is: http://photobucket.com/jayhernandez . Enjoy! On a recent call we made to Jay, Marc made a point of telling Jay I had "forgotten" how to cook, and all we were eating is grilled cheese and canned pastas! Ok, somewhat true... but with my jobs and what not, (in my own defense) there was not allot of time to cook. I recently was able to have my schedule changed at one job so I am home evenings Monday through Thursday, so back to cooking dinner I go! I really did miss that bc I love to cook and feed my family, no matter how large or small. So, back to the kitchen I go bc I think having dinner as a family is very important, don't you?

Happy cooking,

Shannon

Update

Hi all! It seemed like forever since I had been here, and really 2+ months is a long time.... anyhow, I am alive, moved, and working, ALLOT! I will post some letters from Jay here once I get them. We have received a few pictures as well... But I need refresher on posting pics, so that will be tomorrow, maybe....

I am sorry to all my friends that I have not kept up with, I miss you and life is just taking me for the ride right now.

All my best wishes to you all, and of course a big hug! Shannon

Guess what "gives"

When I get really busy- which I have been lately, the computer loses in the priority list. Here is a short note I sent to friends recently, please, forgive the copying and pasting, I promise to write something "original" later:

Hi All! I just wanted to send a quick e-mail bc two of my friends have contacted me in the last couple of weeks and said, "Girl, you need to stay in touch with us ~ we do not know what is going on with you and miss you." So, here goes and later a request.

I am fine, was very ill in December but now I just have a dry throat (weather related) and so I always sound raspy.

Jay leaves for Afghanistan a week from today and we are handling that as best as we can.... I still catch my self welling up with tears when I think about it.

Job is going well; I became the site coordinator at Brady the first week in December and we are slowly making changes to improve the program to better serve the kids. Wayside is having an awareness event in March for people to better learn about the work we do here in all the ministries; I am attaching an invite in case you would like to come, and if you do, please let me know. I most likely will not be in attendance (working on the Saturday one but maybe could attend the one on Thursday), but would like to chat with you about your visit. Or you can visit our website at www.waysidecross.org .

I am working weekends again bc of the move (see below) and will be for 2-3 months until I get enough money for new furniture for my new place.

Marc and I are moving April 1st to a home in Aurora. We are renting the lower half of an old Victorian "doll house" that is 2 apartments and I may consider buying it in the future. Marc is a bit anxious about attending a new high school but he assures me he will be ok. I am really looking forward to this as I will be 1 mile from my office and 1.6 miles from Brady, where I work! Wow, no need to rack up the miles on my new car! We have starting packing boxes and since the furniture is all staying, we only have boxes and some small pieces to move.

I have officially moved to the Montgomery campus, only a few miles from new home and I am attending small group with Kirsten Strand at her house on Monday nights.... but I miss you gals so much, so I have decided to try and come back every other Wednesday, if that is ok? I have a new car, so transport is not a problem. I am just not sure where we are meeting and what we are studying? And bc of a previous promise, I will come on 3/12, if it is ok. Let me know.

That is probably everything "in a nutshell".... Hope to chat with all of you soon.

Thanks, Shannon

Made to Slow Down...

Well, the past month has really been a whirlwind and not all good, but I have hung on to God and this past week was a real eye opener for me! I have been keeping busy to avoid dealing with things, especially my health, and my body finally decided to NOT forgive me and I got sick, very sick. I have been to the ER and am now taking my antibiotics.... and the most important thing I have learned is that I need to slooooooooooown doooooooooown. Way down! So, I guess I will only be doing one thing during the week besides Bible study on Monday nights, and some weeks that will be the only outing during the week, since I am now averaging 10 hour days every day and some longer.

In any case, I am glad the holidays have started and even though I only have Christmas off, I will love it and enjoy every minute of it doing nothing.

Happy Stitchin'

Shannon

Long time no see......

That was a favorite saying of my dad's that I remember from my childhood... and even though we don't "see" each other here, I still feel I have been absent too long. No excuse really, bc that is all those are, excuses. I just have had some life changes and am dealing with them the best I can, lots of decision without allot of choices. Please, pray for peace for me and my family. Also, for my friend and co-worker, Amanda, whose father is having quadruple by pass surgery this week, my friend, Amy, whose life is filled with sorrow for her dog and pending adoption of her future daughter in Kaz, and for your intention, please leave them here. I have recently gone to join a new small group due to work times and location challenges and we are reading/studying/praying along to Bill Hybel's book, Too Busy Not to Pray . It is very good so far and I cannot wait to meet with the group.

Well, that is it for now...

Happy Stitchin'

Shannon

Where have I been?

Busy, like always... year is just humming along and getting busier as the holidays approach. Boys are fine. Marc is as always, bringing me joy and Jay brings joy (sometimes). Jay leaves for Iraq in April (maybe March though...). That is it. What is new with you?

Happy Stitchin'

Shannon