I stole this from one of my friends blogs today.  It hit home with me - what am I doing?

If I were an orphan I would want someone to adopt me.

I were ill I would want someone to care for me.

If I were elderly and alone I would want someone to visit me.

If I were oppressed I would want someone to fight for me.

If I were wealthy I would want someone to teach me how to invest for eternity.

If I were addicted I would want someone to love me unconditionally.

If I were to win I would want someone to celebrate with me.

If I were on a journey I would want someone to walk beside me.

If I were weeping I would want someone to hold me.

This is the essence . . .

Well, We bought a new car today!  It will be for Jeremy to drive.  He is so excited.  He has not had a new car like this ever.  He said I think I have always drove cars with over 90,000 miles on them.  So, with this only have 29,000 he is thrilled.  It is a very smooth ride and we both enjoy it!  If you see us in Champaign or Spfld - make sure you give us a wave. 

I think Dave Ramsey would be proud but disappointed!  We brought in almost all cash to pay for this car thinking we could get a better deal - but they said it actually worked against us - getting a loan these days gives them more money then giving them cash.  We went ahead and paid our cash though - it felt good to us even if it isn't the norm!  I will follow Dave over car salesman any day!

Jeremy and I decided to sell our honda and buy a newer car.  We were just going to trade it and Jeremy said - let's put it on facebook for 1 day and see if we can sell it - so we did and in 13 minutes after the status update we had 3 people who wanted to look at it.  AMAZING! 

So, we go tomorrow to Springfield to look at this Mercury Mariner again.  We really like it and the price is right!  We didn't have to pay in a lot for our taxes this year so Jeremy and I talked about what we wanted to do with the business money.  We found a really great deal and can pay cash for almost all of it - so we are going to do it.  If they don't give us the price we want, we are okay with walking away - we have my car, a scooter, and JF's truck (that is on it's last leg) - so we would be fine.  When Jeremy goes to shoot a wedding he needs a vehicle with extra room for all his cameras and lights and all that fun stuff.  And when we travel - we are excited to have a little extra room. 

So - the next time you see us - we may be in a new ride (well, new to us)!

Is it really 2009? 

I think 2008 really flew by.  It was our first full year in Champaign and we have grown to love this town so much.  At first I thought I may have made a really BIG mistake and maybe we really didn't hear God calling us but as we have settled in and we are no longer the "new" people we really love it.  I am praying that we make the "new" people feel like they really fit in here! 

Here are a few pictures that show our Thanksgiving and Christmas and the first week of 2009.  I don't know that I have ever really made goals for the new year but I did this year.  I made 11 I think.  Some are personal and some professional, spiritual and mental.  I tried to be realistic yet push myself out of my comfort zone.  So far I think I am on track.  I will keep you posted as the year goes on.

Jeremy took a trip to see his great friend Matt in South Carolina

We had a great Thanksgiving with family!

Went to and hosted some fun Christmas parties!

Had a great time with friends that came to visit us from Springfield. 

Watched my little Nephew dance around after getting his train set.

Celebrated our anniversary and had a couple of friends over to help.

Celebrated Priscilla's Birthday at our house.  This is JF's momma!