The Littlest Christmas Tree

Jarod was in his first Christmas Program last night at school. He was so proud. He's been singing the songs around the house for weeks! We took advantage of him being all dressed up and took a few photos. Thought you would enjoy them.......

Merry Christmas!

Gotta have that "cool" pose....

He's growing up so fast!



Jarod is top row - 3rd from the right - next to the really tall girl!

Christmas Cookies

Christmas has arrived at the Franklin house!

It never feels completely like Christmas until the Christmas cookies are made. When Marc and I were very little, mom began the tradition of these special, homemade sugar cookies. We would decorate them for hours and then mom would make goodie boxes up with them and all the other yummy things that she baked. Then we would take them to friends and neighbors. Once Marc and I became teenagers, the tradition evolved into having our friends over for a Cookie Decorating Party and whatever they decorated, they got to take home to their families.

We have continued the tradition and had our Cookie Party this past weekend. What fun it was to sit around the table, chat and decorate cookies!!!

The Lord Continues to Work

I wanted to take a few moments and fill you in on what has happened with me concerning the older post, "My Mouth Will Speak in Praise to the Lord." First of all, thank you for all your encouraging comments and prayers. They are appreciated. It has been a tough road, with lots of lessons, but I feel as though God has answered my prayer and is healing it in His way and His time.

Unfortunately this has meant the severing of a relationship. It was very difficult at first, but I can see God's hand. I can see His protection for my family and His healing for me. I had allowed this family member back into my life in an attempt to forgive and restore a broken relationship. Unfortunately, things had not changed and when confronting them with their behavior, instead of a willingness to work on it, they decided to walk away from our relationship for good. This has been a pattern for this person their entire life, so though very painful, it was not surprising. It is quite sad, but I do see God's protection and actually feel a load off of my shoulders. I had not realized how stressful the relationship had become and stress is not what God intended.

I can only hope and pray that the Lord will work on this person's heart and in their life to draw them to Himself. But, until then, we will continue to go our separate ways. I am truly sad for the path they have taken. It will prove to be a lonely one.

We are continuing to pray about our ministry opportunity in Orlando and will keep you updated as we know more. We ask that you pray with us for any "Red Flags" that the Lord wants us to see. We want to move forward with our eyes wide open and a willingness to turn away if this is not God's plan for us. They will not ask us for a decision until after the first of the year, so we are praying and waiting. I'm not panicky, so this is good! God has given me a peace to wait on Him and see what happens next. One step at a time. Again, I don't need the whole picture, just the next step in front of me. Right now, that is waiting. Thanks again! We love and appreciate you all!

Orlando, Santa and My Mom

Thank you all for your prayers and words of encouragement. Things went very well in Orlando. It was an exhausting weekend, especially for Russell. If I had a dollar for every question that they asked him, we could move without any stress! Hee hee!

Amazingly enough, we all felt very comfortable and can see how our family could fit very easily into this church. All of our questions were answered in a positive manner and we really enjoyed getting to know the people. There are MANY Campus Crusade Staff at this church and we felt right at home with them. The Pastor is from the Philippines and was a Missionary in Indonesia for 6 years. He has a world view and a heart for missions, which we so appreciate. The teens have a Puppet Team and many of them know Marc from going to Puppet Festivals over the years. There are about 60 teenagers in the youth group right now. We met a little over half of them this weekend.

Everything seems to fit nicely for us. The only obstacle we see is our house. We bought at the peak three years ago so we will loose money either way we go. (Selling or renting) Now, that's our view on paper - that may not be God's plan. He is bigger than all the numbers and can provide "Exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or imagine." (Eph. 3:20) What we are praying for now is clarity. We want clear direction on whether to try and sell or try and rent. Is the house our "answer"? That's the big question right now and we aren't exactly sure how to move forward. As Russ said this morning, these obstacles are man made - God is bigger. He owns it all and if He wants us in Orlando, He will make it all work. We just need direction on what to do next.

On a lighter note, while Russ was in meetings, I took the kids to Downtown Disney for a few hours. We wanted to look around and to visit Santa. We have visited the Santa at Disney for the past 4 years. Now, I have to tell you, I got from the church to Disney in 15 minutes! How awesome is that?????

Waiting to see Santa.....


Now, to change gears a little. Today marks 6 years since my mom passed away. How quickly time has flown by. I had to filter through many old photo disks to find this picture and was amazed at all that has happened in our lives since her passing. Life does go on for us, but knowing that she is with our precious Savior is so comforting. We speak of her often and miss her smile, her laughter and her sweet spirit. She touched so many lives.
There is a line in the movie "You've Got Mail" where Meg Ryan was typing an email to Tom Hanks and telling him a little about her day. She had been decorating her bookstore for Christmas and she says, "I was unwrapping all the goofy Christmas ornaments made of pop cycle sticks and missing my mother so much, I almost couldn't breath. I need her to make me a cup of hot cocoa and tell me that everything in my life is going to be okay." Of course, I was watching that movie as I was unwrapping my Christmas stuff and just as she said that line, I opened one of mom's Snowman Tea Pots. It brings tears to my eyes even now. I do know that everything is going to be okay - but there is just something so reassuring to hear those words from your mom.

Hug your family a little tighter this year and be thankful that they are still with you.....

Orlando

We leave today for a few days in Orlando. Saturday is filled with meetings and interviews for Russell. They have us scheduled from 8:00 am until 9:00 pm with Russell teaching Sunday School on Sunday morning. It's easier for everyone since we are coming from out of town, but it makes for an exhausting weekend.

We are still unsure as to what the Lord wants us to do. These meetings will answer many questions that we still have. We met with our Realtor this week and things look kind of bleak. Not impossible, but it would definitely have to be a "God thing" in order to sell our house and just break even with the market the way that it is. We are also praying about the possibility of renting it.

Please just pray that God will give us wisdom, discernment and clear direction as to the next step. We don't need to see the whole picture - just the next step. Right now, that means going to Orlando and asking more questions but after this weekend we will need to make some major decisions.

I am concerned, of course, about Jarod's schooling. He's in an excellent school here in Orange Park. One that I know God clearly showed us to put him in. Last time we did a major move, Jarod was barely 2. There are many things to consider when it comes to the kids.

God is able and He has a plan. I am looking forward to being able to share everything with you as it comes to be. He always "provides exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or imagine." (Eph. 3:20) and I know He can do it again!

Thank you for your prayers.......

Our Big Reader!

Jarod entered a contest at school sponsered by the Orange Park Fire Department. The student in each grade who read the most minutes during a weeks time, won a ride to school in a Fire Truck! Jarod logged over 450 minutes (7 1/2 hours) of reading after his homework during the week and he was the winner for his 3rd grade class. Today was the big day! He received a special backpack full of fun stuff from the Fire Dept. and a tour of the Ladder Truck.

He was so excited! He was grinning from ear to ear the entire time!

Off they go.....

Jarod arriving at School. All of his 3rd grade class mates were lined up along the fence. Jarod arrived with lights flashing and horns blowing! All his friends cheered and clapped. He was so proud - and so was I!

This will be an event he will always remember! Way to go Jarod! We are proud of you!

Our Future Rockette!

We spent the morning watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Anne was mesmerized by all the Broadway stuff in the beginning and absolutely LOVED the Rockettes! She had to get up and show us her stuff. Just thought I would share........What a cutie!!!!!