Oceans

I love Hillsong. They have a new album we listened to on our trip.
The following song is one both Jared and I really like. Everyone goes through struggles and there are very few, if any, moments in life when nothing is challenging for us.
This song encourages us to keep our faith strong and keep our eyes on Him, as he grows us in our faith.

I encourage you to follow this link and listen to it


http://youtu.be/dy9nwe9_xzw


"Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" (copyright Hillsong)

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
[x6]

I will call upon Your Name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine

CEO Trip

Congrats to Jared for winning the CEO trip at his work in 2012! They take the top 4% of people. (something like 218 out of over 3000 - well, that doesn't add up - but it's something like that :)). In Jared's category there were only 4 spots. He was number one in December but then we were gone all December and we knew people would catch him during that time so we weren't sure we'd get to go - but we did! They gave us the ROYAL treatment. Oh my goodness! We drove the kids up to Raleigh to stay with Geep and Gran then the company flew us to Miami where we stayed at the Fontainebleau. It was beautiful!!!! Our room was a small apartment really on the 21st floor with a view of the beach and the city. When we arrived they had a driver take us (and some others) to the hotel and we checked into the event. They gave us a little gift bag with supplies for hanging out in the sun (hats, bags, sunscreen, etc), they gave us a very generous cash allowance to use while we were there, and then had us go outside and pick out Oakley sunglasses and took our picture. That night they had a come and go as you please dinner. Set up as a very nice party on the lawn by the pool with live band and buffet of delicious food. They served a beautiful breakfast every morning on the terrace and on Monday they paid for an excursion. This was a dilemma for us because I get sick on small boats so we didn't want to risk those and Jared didn't want to go to the spa :) So we ended up on the food tour which actually worked out to be really good. Monday evening they had shuttles for dinner and we got off at Lincoln road. But it was rainy and most seating was outdoors or in the hot inside and nothing looked appealing. We walked ALOT. ALOT!!!!!! Then we just took the shuttle back and walked another 5 blocks to Carrabas - but it was delicious! Tuesday after breakfast was a very long awards gathering. The CEOs all spoke and tried to make it go by quickly but in the end they read off all 200 and some winners names, say something about them, shake their hand, and get their picture. We relaxed that afternoon and took the shuttle for food and then that night they had a cocktail party on the terrace, immediately followed by a plated dinner (SO good. I usually don't like those but it was the most delicious filet and lobster!) followed by a surprise casino night until midnight. They basically gave us chips and you could play all kinds of games. The chips weren't worth anything but you periodically turned in a slip with your current amount of chips and the winners picked a prize. We won an ipad keyboard case. They had a live band and open bar (which they had since the beginning of the evening so everyone was crazy). Wednesday was relaxing and they had a private pool party in the middle of the day which was nice. We ate an early dinner and then watched a movie in our room. Thursday we packed up after breakfast, I went and got a pedicure, and then we sat by the pool until it was time to be shuttled back to the airport! They gave us turn down service every night, usually had something waiting for us in our room when we got back in the evening which was all so funny to me - but nice. They gave us a photo album that had kind of a yearbook in the front of all the winners and then blank pages in the back. There were professional photographers everywhere and at everything who immediately uploaded their pictures to an account. We can download the pictures but they also had kiosks where you could print whatever ones you wanted and put them in your book. On the last day they gave all the winners iPad Minis - so fun! When we got back things didn't go so well ;) We picked up the kids and within 10 minutes Jackson was throwing up. We had a 3 hour drive ahead of us late at night and he got sick about 5 times and we made many stops. The next day he seemed fine and Jared had the day off which was nice. We had a lot of grocery shopping and TONS of laundry to do, plus I had LOTS of work hours to put in but we kept on top of it. Jackson is still sick apparently and we are just hoping no one else gets it. I'm glad we got to relax before the craziness hit :) Here are a bunch of pictures of the trip.... you will know which I took with my phone and which were the professionals :) First here is a video of Jared receiving his award. The guy talking is funny - all the others were leisurly and reading something their boss wrote about them. This guy makes a big deal about being quick and not wasting time. He was obviously skimming on what he said about people and talking so fast (he had a lot of people to announce) so he's hard to understand here.....

Birthday Time

I cannot believe the boys are SIX! CRAZY. We had a small family party for them the day before their birthday and had a great time. That night it snowed (the kids were SOOOOOOO excited!!!!!) and Geep and Gran were stranded here. The snow took a while to melt the next day so after Geep and Gran left we went to Red Robin for lunch. We came home and opened presents, had cupcakes, and just hung out. I learned some interesting things this year. While in the past they boys may have a slightly different opinion on what they want to do for their birthday it has always been very easy to get them on the same page and they are very happy about it. This year as well but I could see the beginnings of that not being the case in the future. They like going different places and doing different things. Jackson probably doesn't want a big party but Jaden would love it. Jackson was horrified when they sang happy birthday to him at Red Robin but Jaden was in his glory. There were several other things I noticed as well. I have a plan formulating in my mind for how to give them each their special day next year. Birthday party.... Playing in the snow..... Red Robin.... At home... notice Jackson is even a little shy about this. You will also briefly notice Kylie copying him......

Washington

Wow. I haven't blogged in a LONG LONG time. I never even finished writing about our trip to Washington! We had a WONDERFUL time. It was great seeing as many people as we were able, going back to some of our favorite places and hanging out with Jared's family. The kids did GREAT on the plane and stayed up nearly the whole night due to travelling that first night! There was plenty of room to spread out at Jared's parents and the kids made themselves right at home. Jaden especially was terrified of their dog at first but finally warmed up by the last day :) The first morning he didn't want to get out of bed because he thought the dog would get him. We got to see our cat Joey but he couldn't make the return trip with us this time. We drank lots of coffee :) There was a lot of craziness. Oh! and there was a wedding! Evan's wife, Meg, is great, and we were so happy to meet her. The wedding was great too! I had hoped to get on here earlier so I could remember more detail, but alas, I haven't had a chance and time is short now. (In fact, the only reason I'm catching up at all is because I'm up with a sick child!) Here are some pictures...(they have apparently changed how I can easily do pictures - so... this will be different)