We have a New Family Member

Since before JA and I got married, I knew we would one day get a dog. I also knew we would not be getting a small dog. So, I've always been adamant that the dog would always stay outside. I have also been very sure we would never get a Blue Heeler or a Blue Heeler mix (I was severely bitten by one when I was 9).

Well, Monday night we went and picked up the kids last Christmas Present -- A 6 week old puppy. We named her Shalom for two reasons. First of all because I like the name, and second

of all because we want her to be a peaceful dog. You see, Shalom is a mix. Her mother was a Chocolate Lab/Yellow Lab mix. But her father was a Blue Heeler. I'm still shocked that I consented to get a blue heeler mix, but she is a very sweet dog and we will be watching carefully to make sure she doesn't show any signs of aggression.Andy had been hitting her, and when he fell down Shalom went over and started licking his face.

Our adorable new puppy

Lydia also enjoys Shalom

Shalom's new home -- OUTSIDE!

Mommy, Help me I'm tired of being licked (after he finished trying to rake her)

Christmas Eve Service

I know i have been really bad about blogging. In fact, the only reason I'm blogging now is because someone else wants these pictures -- Sorry :(

I have been trying to spend as little time on the computer as I can lately so that I can spend more time with my family. Which translates to I check my e-mail everyday, but other than that I have been staying away.

We had a special Christmas Eve service at church this year. It was a tremendous blessing to help JA organize it. The service focused on the events leading up to the Messiah's birth that pointed to the Messiah. So we started in Genesis, Went to Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Isaiah, and finally to the Christmas Story. It was certainly not your typical Christmas service, but it was a blessing to see how all of these events worked together to bring the Messiah into our lives. Here are the pictures.