New Members in the Family :)

NO -- it is NOT what you think!!!!!

Although,

I did swear I would NEVER have animals IN the house

If any of you know me -- well, I am a bit picky!!!

I do NOT like smells or messes!!!

Animals do BOTH!!

BUT

I decided to surprise the kids and do this!!!

I had a FB friend that was looking for a new home for some lizards.  She actually stated:   I have two leopard geckos that I want to give away including their habitat & everything they need. They are not really "pets" that you would handle but they are fun to watch, especially when they stalk insects. Easy care. They eat wax worms, but they prefer crickets.

AND I thought.....

'The boys would LOVE this.....and it is the perfect price!'

BUT 

I did not KNOW what they REALLY were!!!

Her husband came to deliver them at school -- yes, they were even delivered to me -- he said, "Why don't I bring them down to the farm.  It is a bit heavy."  I'm thinking --- 'Really??? What is so heavy about a little plastic aquariaum and 2 little lizards?'  

BUT 

I said, "Sure, that would be nice.  I'll call Matt to let him know you are coming."

Well, I'm a bit uneducated with these things BUT I did score BIG points!!!!

The boys could NOT believe I actually did this!!! 

They LOVE them!!!

About a month later another friend posted that her daughter had outgrown her guinea pig and was looking to find a new home -- everything included.

Yes, once again I thought .....

My Darling is ASKING and BEGGING for this.  She has even written a persuasive essay about getting a guinea pig for a pet.  It is top on her list for Christmas AND her birthday -- hmmm..... this is the perfect price to try it out!

SO, 

The animal was delivered to me at school! WOW -- even delivered!!!

I brought him home ---

SURPRISE!!!!

 Yes, I surprised her and made her close her eyes!!!

AS

 I carried him into the house.

She is a tad bit surprised!

Junie has now entered out home!

He is very LOVED!!!

The smell is not always great -- and you have to get used to the squeaks -- but all in all not too bad -- as long as I don't have to take care of them!!!

Cleaning the cage -- the least favorite thing to do!!!

Welcome to the family -- critters!

Yes, they even try to dress him.  He wiggles out after a bit ;)

Thank-you FB friends for providing our family with pets I NEVER would of done without you!

Surprise -- Wedding

My baby brother gets MARRIED!!!

Really -- he's NOT a baby ;)  

BUT

We are all so excited for him!!!

He's older -- yet found a wonderful, godly and beautiful woman -- 

SO -- he snatched her up!!!

He asked her to marry him on Friday and married her one week later!

WOW!!!!

She wanted to get married out by the lighthouse --- yes, it is NOVEMBER!  

My bother with his buddies! 

Both friends since childhood, who have prayed for him and supported him through many of lives turmoils!

I love that both could make it work to be here --- one is the pastor and the other the best man!

My parents with my brother BEFORE the wedding!

They are checking out where to have the ceremony.

It was snowing and misty until the exact time the wedding was to start! 

Thank-you, Lord for answering our prayers!

Monica with her dad.

Josh waiting to get his brides hand.

The vows!

The newly married couple.

Beautiful!

I am THRILLED God has blessed my brother in this new chapter of his life.  I have prayed and prayed for him.  His life is completely changed.  Yes, he is still my fun, crazy, creative and passionate brother BUT completely sober!!!!  God is amazing -- HE does change lives!!! 

Yes, we have a middle sister BUT on short notice she was not able to fly in! 

This summer when we have a reception she will join us :)

Josh and Monica, 

I pray this season of life continues to draw you closer to each other and to HIM.  I am excited to see each of you try new things -- Josh I can't wait to see you swing dance -- Monica I pray you love sking like Josh, well -- at least a bit like Josh!!!  I pray that you find many common interests -- and grow together as a couple.  I pray for the continued 'balance' I see between you -- Monica's calm and joyful spirit with Josh's passionate yet, sometimes loud and spicy ;) spirit! I pray God's richest blessings in your marriage!  

I LOVE you both!

Congratulations!!!