Happy Valentine's Day

Matt & I were able to attend the marriage retreat at our church this weekend. It was a wonderful time to get away together. There were several "breakout sessions" where we were able to ask each other questions to see how well we know each other and spend time discussing life issues. This afternoon, I found the following questionnaire on a friend's facebook page, so we decided to post our answers to it keeping to the theme of our retreat weekend! Hopefully, you will enjoy getting to know us better as you read.



Here is how Amy answered the questions about Matt:

1. He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the tv screen? Discover Channel; Ultimate Fighter or Food Network Any of these



2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? Caesar Caesar3. What's one food he doesn't like? Brussel Sprouts right again



4. You go out to eat and have a drink. What does he order? Water or Sprite, Sprite or Water

5. Where did he go to high school? LD Bell, Bell, Bell, LD Bell, Bell, Bell Whoop!



6. What size shoe does he wear? 10 ½ - 11 ½, correct



7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? Knives, nope pens



8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? Meatball, Meatball poboy, yum!



9. What would this person eat every day if he could? Hamburgers, I love burgers



10. What is his favorite cereal? Captain Crunch (but I won’t let him eat that kind of junk anymore – poor guy!), Uh no! Apple Jacks…not that it matters…I don’t get to eat this either!



11. What would he never wear? A dress shirt without a white undershirt, true!



12. What is his favorite sports team? Dallas Cowboys, I have silver and blue blood



13. Who did he vote for? I know but I’m not telling, The same as her.


14. Who is his best friend? ME!; Eric, Jeff & James, all true.



15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? I’m critical of his driving, but I’m working on it!, I have lived here for 20+ years.



16. What is his heritage? Scottish/Irish, That means I like to fight but have no idea how to.



17. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake? Coconut; or Chocolate (He really just wants the vanilla ice cream!), for true ice cream lovers there’s only one flavor…VAANNIILLLLLLLAAAA

8. Did he play sports in high school? No – He was a sweet choir boy!, they didn’t give PE credit for show choir. I’d would have loved to see those big tough football players do a 2 hour non-stop show choir theatre



19. What could he spend hours doing? Pottery; computer games; reading, not as many as I could spend talking to her.



20. What is one unique talent he has? Excellent singer; pottery novice; and can score freaky genius on any written intelligence exam – okay that was more than one, but I think he is super unique; the love of my life; the best husband & father ever! Happy Valentine’s!, I am definitely unique…but I don’t think that this is as good a thing as she makes it out to be.


Here is how Matt answered the questions about Amy:
1. She's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the tv screen? Food channel; yes, but also HGTV or TLC



2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does she get on her salad? Ranch; yes



3. What's one food she doesn't like? Apple Jacks; too true – and most other processed foods



4. You go out to eat and have a drink. What does she order? Unsweet iced tea; yes

5. Where did she go to high school? Northeast Lauderdale High School; correct – I thought he would have just said Northeast…impressive!



6. What size shoe does she wear? 5; or a 3-4 in kids (much cheaper!)



7. If she was to collect anything, what would it be? Crystal or dishes; yes



8. What is her favorite type of sandwich? Club; yes



9. What would this person eat every day if she could? Chick-Fil-A; yummmmm



10. What is her favorite cereal? Cocoa Puffs, Frosted flakes and Fruit Loops though I don’t know that she has had any of them in the Last 10 years; I wonder if I would still like these. The memory is good!



11. What would she never wear? 2 patterns together; that is just as bad as people wearing hose of a different color than their shoes



12. What is her favorite sports team? Texas Rangers; I like the Mavs also; and the Clean Sweep Team on TLC – now that’s a sport!



13. Who did she vote for? ME (as her favorite husband); You are always my #1 vote, Love!


14. Who is her best friend? Matt Travis; true again!



15. What is something you do that she wishes you wouldn't do? not put my seatbelt on until I'm driving down the road; yes!



16. What is her heritage? English; that is the Roberts side; Scottish on the Melrose side



17. You bake her a cake for her birthday; what kind of cake? Cheesecake or chocolate sheet cake; my MIL’s strawberry cake is pretty high up there too



18. Did she play sports in high school? No!; HAHAHAHAHA



19. What could she spend hours doing? Talking to her husband; and hours and hours and hours and hours…love him!



20. What is one unique talent she has? Flag twirling; yes and I can “twirl” a baton and mase as well



Well, I guess after almost 12 years we are getting to know each other. I can't wait to see what we might say after the next 12. Hope everyone told someone how much you love them today.



Praise the Lord for His unconditional love!

MT & AT



PS: Visit http://www.themarriageportrait.com/ to take a FREE Marriage Checkup. ($30 value)

Daddy Daughter Dance

Last night, Matt took Grace to the annual Daddy Daughter Dance at our church. You can see her surprised face at receiving a corsage in the pictures above. It was priceless! They had a wonderful time. You can view more pics of Grace and her friends "getting down" by clicking here.

AT : )

Tagged!

Well, as I was reading through blogs, I discovered that I had been “photo tagged” by my friend Dee Dee. I am to go to my 6th picture folder and pull out my 6th picture; post it on the blog and tell about it. Unfortunately, it is one that is already on our blog and does not have a “fascinating” story. It is; however, a nice portrait. This is one from Grace’s 5th birthday. It goes in a series that says “I”, “am”, “5”. You can see the rest by clicking on "Grace's Birthday Portraits" in the side column.

Now, I am to tag 6 people....Alethea; Christie; Kari; Lisa; ; Mrs. Jeffery; Susan Have fun ladies!

Smile Today, AT : )

Update on Our Family

Hello Everyone! So Sorry it has been several weeks since our last blog. Truthfully, we are madly trying to tackle our to-do list. As of today, we have 8 weeks until appointment/hiring. We promise to try to keep things posted, but we will likely not be online much over the next few weeks. We would covet your prayers as we walk though this time. There are many areas that we are waiting for God to work out the details in, but we have faith that He will in His time. We are simply walking in obedience each day.

Prayer Requests:
1) Finalization and Defense of Matt's dissertation. The company that we secured to collect data from has backed out of the original agreement. Please pray that all of the details will come together as we seek to modify the original plan and resubmit our proposal. Pray that we will find favor in the eyes of Matt's committee and school so that we can defend and complete in the next 2 months.

2) We continue to make progress and stay on track with finishing William & Grace's homeschool curriculum before we move to VA

3) Emotional adjustments for everyone - Grandparents/parents having peace and saying goodbye; William & Grace leaving the security of their church, Bible school, homeschool co-op, friends, etc., Amy continuing to donate and/or sell the rest of our personal belongings

4) Smooth transition from our current ministry involvements, jobs, etc.

Thank you again for your prayers. We are intentionally praying and fasting this month for many of you. We can see and feel God doing amazing things! Praise His Name!
MT & AT

Here are a few fun pictures of the kids ice skating inside....too cold outside to play when you have a cough & runny nose, so we have to do something. : ) Click Here

We have been taking Travis & Roberts extended family pictures so that everyone has current shots before we leave the county. Below are a few individual pictures of just our kids.

Many Blessings To Everyone!

We hope you all experienced a wonderful holiday season. Our family was once again reminded of how privileged and blessed we are. God is doing amazing things around us, and we are honored to be a part of it all. As most people do, we have meditated quite a bit on traditions during the holidays. We feel like our eyes have been opened for the first time (perhaps simply because of the transition He has us undergoing) to the need of establishing family “tradition” or ties...special things that make us – Us. However, we recognize the need to also be careful not to get so wrapped in tradition that we miss or can't participate in the opportunities around us. We hope to be able to share more of what the Father is teaching us in the year to come...perhaps we will blog this topic next year! This we know...where God gives revelations, He requires our response....so, I am sure that He will sew it in our hearts and give us more to share.

Blessings to Everyone...Happy New Year! MT & AT

Pictures: Caroling - click here; Christmas Morning - click here ; Decorating the Tree - click here; Roberts Christmas - click here; Travis Christmas - click here

25 Christmas “Getting to Know You” Questions

1.Wrapping paper or gift bags? Matt - I come from a family of wrappers with perfectionistic tendencies. Amy - I mostly try to wrap; I am still working on making bows as pretty as Amy Toon. (I think I need another lesson!)

2.Real tree or artificial? Matt - I love a real tree...but love the ease of a fake tree including the fact that the needles stay attached. Amy - I prefer a real tree, but the past 2 years we have had an artificial...not sure what our tree will be like in Central Asia!

3.When do you put up the tree? Matt - As soon as possible after Turkey day Amy - usually, the weekend after Thanksgiving

4.When do you take the tree down? Matt - The day after Christmas or Christmas day if possible...especially if it is real! Amy - depends on if we are having a New Year's party at our house...

6.Favorite gift received as a child? Matt - a sack of ropes...I was in tie-'em-up heaven! Amy - a tape recorder with a message from Santa

7.Hardest person to buy for? Matt - My mom who won't ever seem to say what she wants
Amy - Matt must get it from his mom because every year he says he wants undershirts and socks!

8.Easiest person to buy for? Matt - My wife who serves it up on a platter for me. Amy - very funny...just trying to be helpful! I would say my kids.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Matt - Yes! Two in fact...doesn't everyone? Amy - we actually have more than 2; the others are in my grandmother's attic until who knows when....

10.Mail or email Christmas cards? Matt - We (read Amy) mail cards out. I had never sent a Christmas card until our first year married. Amy - my family (& ours for the last 12 years) has always sent newsletters and Christmas cards....I want to know more about your year other than just the fact that you are still alive!

11.Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Matt - One year I got a shirt from someone with sleeves fit me like 3/4 sleeves. Amy - The first Christmas we were married, I was collecting hummingbird things to decorate my dinning room. Someone I worked with gave me a plastic strange looking bird.

12.Favorite Christmas movie? Matt - The Grinch Amy - A Christmas Carol


13.When do you start shopping for Christmas? Matt - Day after Turkey day or first week of December Amy - We have a ton of b-days in the Fall & the month of December; so usually, I begin trying to make a list and think things through in September....I'm "done" with actual Christmas around the first of December.

14.Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Matt - Only white elephant gifts Amy - I don't think so...

15.Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Matt - Pie...I'm very fond of pie! Amy - caramel popcorn for snacking and my aunt's dressing during "the meal".

16.Lights on the tree? Matt - I like to have a tree to hold up all of the lights. Amy - yes, yes, lots of lights - colored....come on people, what is the fun in white lights...that almost borders on politically incorrect!

17.Favorite Christmas song? Matt - Blue Christmas...Elvis style! Amy - I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas

18.Travel at Christmas or stay home? Matt - Either way Amy - I like every year to be different. I guess that is the military kid in me. I like some traditions, but where is the adventure in that? Let's ask the question, "What are we going to do this year?!" Keep things alive!

19.Can you name all Santa's reindeer? Matt - Anyone that knows Rudolph (and I do) can do this with a rather catchy tune! Amy - because of my wonderful husband I know the reindeer, months of the year, days of the week and all 50 states to wonderful "catchy" tunes...


20.Angel on the tree top or Star? Matt - I grew up with an angel but like a bow. Amy - I grew up with a St. Nicholas (not an American "give me something I've been good" Santa) It was to remind us to love others and give to the needy.

21.Open presents Christmas Eve or morning? Matt - Grew up opening on Christmas eve. Now we do it on Christmas morning. Amy - everything in the morning; I like to set aside a special time that the celebration is not about gifts, but about THE GIFT.

22.Most annoying thing about this time of year? Matt - All the weight I gain from the great food (Note the pie comment above). Amy - people that just sign their name on a card...note my comment above. :)


24.Favorite Christmas dinner? Matt - Ham...and pie! Amy - Amen!

25.What do you want for Christmas this year? Matt - A doctoral dissertation wrapped up with a nice bow. If anyone reading this has one or knows of anyone with one for sale...I am willing to pay top dollar at this point. Amy - I'll trash my request and put my share in for one of those, too...not to have personally...just for Matt...so our family can move forward!

We were not too busy to notice that this list did not have a #5 or #23....were you?
MT & AT

The hope we have in Jesus is a gift to be shared with others.

For our homeschool History studies this year, we are continuing our readings of the HeroTales book series by Dave & Neta Jackson. Each week we are introduced to a Christian hero. As we read about the individual, we also focus on the difference one person can make for the gospel, explore geography, and compare cultures and time periods.

The kids have been most impacted by our study of the Rev. Billy Graham. The week that we were “introduced to him” it just so happened that there was a special on television about his wife, Ruth, and the Billy Graham Ministry. The kids loved it! They decided to write letters for Rev. Graham’s 90th birthday celebration in November. They received a letter from the ministry right away... which was a thrill; and then this week, they received a “personal” thank you card and picture from Rev. Graham....very exciting!

The next hero that has made an impact on the kids is Charles Albert Tindley. Tindley was born to a slave couple in 1856. He taught himself to read from scraps of newspapers and the only book he had...the Bible. I can’t write enough to do his life justice or even begin to list his many accomplishment in this short blog, but my simply assessment is that he was a mighty man of god and well worth studying. I personally have learned a great deal.

One of Rev. Tindley’s most famous sermons is “Jesus is Heaven’s Christmas Tree; No One Needs to go away Empty-Handed!” Here are a few gifts that we are all offered and highlights from the sermon:

Hope for the Hopeless. This gift is on the lowest branches of the Tree of Life, within easy reach for everyone. It shines with all of God’s promises to sinners and all those who feel discouraged by life’s conflicts.

Forgiveness for the Guilty. This gift is the most costly gift, stained with the blood of Calvary. Every single person needs this gift, and there’s enough for everyone.

Help for the Weak. Human nature cannot fight against the evils of this world – the temptations of the flesh, pride, and selfishness. But Jesus Christ is stronger than all the temptations of our worldly nature; He is our strength in the fight against evil.

Friendship for the Friendless. A person may be rich in the world’s material goods but is poor without a friend. The human soul needs friends, but people often let us down. Jesus is a Friend who will always be there for us.

Peace for the Troubled Soul. God doesn’t promise us a trouble-free life. What He does promise is a “peace that passes understanding” in spite of the troubles of life.

Home for the Homeless. Jesus has gone to heaven to prepare an eternal home for every single person who accepts Him as Savior. Regardless of our circumstances on earth, we have a home waiting for us, full of joy and glory.

Rev. Tindley preached this sermon year after year at Christmastime and many people came to hear him, but more importantly many people’s lives were changed as they accepted the only true and perfect gift – Jesus Christ.

My Christmas prayer for our family and each of you is that: Our lives be like the Christian heroes in the Jackson’s book series: Serving how God has gifted us; making sacrifices to choose right; following a specific calling; and passionately sharing the gospel!

“Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have.” 1 Peter 3:15
AT