Pumpkin Patch

We went to the Pumpkin Patch! (slide show to follow)

How long til Christmas?

This is our Jakey, whenever the kids put their hats on backwards they say, look, I'm Uncle Jake!

( at a rented cabin last year, just outside of Yellowstone...<3)

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This is the question at our house these days. We are at the same time excited and sad this year. We cannot go home for Christmas because of the job change, there is no vacation time until February. So, that is our sadness, we will miss seeing my parents and my sister and her sweet fam and so many precious friends. Our sweet consolation is that a bit of home is coming to us! Our McNamara family is coming to have a MT McChristmas!

Last night, John was talking to his brother, the baby brother that we don't hear from as much, he is leading the 20-something bachelor's life, all work and more play! But when we do get him, he is the sweetest! So, he called just as I was heading to bed, John passed the phone so I could say good night, and I told him we were counting down days (Phoebe brings me the calendar every week and asks show me how long til Christmas). He said he cannot wait either. I told him we were planning where everyone would sleep (praise God we have room to house ourselves and the rest of the Macs!) and John was picking a place where Jake would be comfortable and away from the noise as much as possible because he has a rep for sleeping in! (Isn't my husband thoughtful and sweet) But, not me, I said, no way, we only have a few days together, I am waking Jake up every morning for family time, he can sleep when he gets home! When I told him this, he said, right! No sleeping, no way. He is on board!(and that is no small thing, if you knew our Jake and his nocturnal habits) He said he would sleep on the roof if he had to, just to be here! How sweet is that! (He hasn't experienced a MT winter and the frigid temps, but don't worry, we will have him safely and warmly tucked inside!)

About 53 +/- days left Jakey! We cannot wait to hug on you all! XOXOX See you soon!

What are we looking for?

In second Peter 3:14, which is where my devotional sent me, it starts with, "Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things," and I read through to verse 18 a couple of times before I realized, whoa...since I look for WHAT THINGS? (as our Boise church pastor always said, you gotta find out what is the therefore there for? )Backing up to verse 11, "Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, (see vs10, the heavens and the earth will be destroyed with intense heat) what sort of people are you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening (wow, we are to be not just looking for, but hastening?!) the coming of the day of God on account of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning and the elements will melt with intense heat! (is that the 'why'? We are to be looking for and hastening the day of God, BECAUSE everything is going to burn...that is thought provoking) But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. (aaaah, there it is, a new heaven and new earth, where righteousness dwells... now that sounds beyond wonderful, doesn't it...) (now to where we started, verse 14) Therefore, beloved, (don't you love being called, beloved? I do!) since you look for these things, (a new heaven and a new earth, and the day of God, in reverse of course:) be diligent( this is my prayer of late, Lord, make me diligent) to be found by Him in peace( Yes, Lord, may it be), spotless and blameless, (glory to You, Lord) and regard the patience of our Lord to be salvation(amen, so we are looking for it but also trusting and rejoicing in His patience because it means salvation, Hallelujah!); (and verse 17) You therefore, beloved, (there it is again, I love it!) be on your guard (sounds like diligence again, eh? got it.) lest, being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, you fall from your own steadfastness, (there is the warning, and here comes the encouragement...) but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen

Sweet Friends and Family, we love you! May we not be carried away, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ . I pray we would be looking for the day of God, diligent to be found by Him in peace, knowing in our hearts that in Him we are spotless and blameless. Let us be looking forward to the new heaven and the new earth!!
Have a great week! Love, love, love!

Our first snow!

We woke up to a white Sunday morning this weekend. We got quite a few inches.
We got some play time too!
Jacob built an awesome fort.

I am a blessed man!

I have been truly blessed with an incredible woman! Now, all of you who know Adrian know how humble she is, and she will be practically mortified that I posted this, but here goes...

It is difficult to put into words, as I type this, all that I love about Adrian. I guess the easiest way to describe it, would be to identify the common denominator. And that would be her relationship with her Lord Jesus. As many of you know, I was raised in a christain home, but my walk has been very slow (based on knowledge and not love, anyway...) But, in Adrian's case, I got to see her walk from the beginning starting in high school. Her relationship is based on love.

This love for her Savior has caused her to stretch beyond her comfort zones in faith and obedience in many areas in her life. Sometimes I think her putting up with me is part of that obedience! Ha, ha! It has also made her a phenominal mother to our 4 children. I love my kids very much, I can't imagine being able to love them more, but I know that Adrian loves them more! She helps me to see how precious they are.

I have seen her love grow for her friends, immediate family, and extended family. One very powerful way would be her becoming a prayer warrior, even to the point of leading prayer groups. If anyone were to say to her, a couple years ago, that she would be doing this, she would laugh in disbelief.

I would seriously be lost without her. I would go into more detail, but I come out sounding like some kid she's taking care of! It's okay, you can laugh... she will laugh at that too. The truth is often funnier than fiction. Ha, ha! But, I degress...

You know she started working at a local barrista recently. To no surprise she is picking up everything very quickly and becoming someone that the owners can rely upon. She mentioned one day, after work, the cold reception she got from some of the teenage girls working there. The first thing I thought of is it's too bad they have no idea what they are missing out on by not getting to know her!

I praise God for the heart He has given Adrian and the work He is doing in her. She is a great witness and inspiration to me!

I Love You Adrian!

John

P.S. I think she's hot too!

We have an announcement...

There is a local channel that just runs announcements, events, and things to country music. So here is Nate's name on for Student of the month.

Nathan McNamara

has been chosen

Student of the Month

@ Washington Junior High

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Qualifications for selection of student are;

C average, school/community activities, positive attitude in school, contributes to a good school atmosphere, has shown improvement in a way that will promote self-esteem.

Names are submitted for selection by a review committee composed of faculty members at Washington School. Nathan will be honored on the bulletin board until next month's selection.

Thankful Thursday

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good.

We have soooo much to be thankful for....
1. Praise God for His grace and mercy which surrounds us and protects more times than we know!
2. Yesterday we got to praise God for the girls' squabbling, God urged me to go over and have a close-up talk with them, which led to a Hallelujah moment that otherwise could have been a deep sorrow. (your guessing there is a story there and you are right...but it is for another time)
3. Is there a scripture for the Lord laughing or smiling? Because I am continually thankful for His gifts to us of those! There is joy in the Lord!
4. Thank you my compassionate God, for friends to sit by the pool with, to pray with, to watch Bible teaching shows with, to go to coffee and Bible study with, to email, blog, and Facebook with....etc.
5. I am sooo thankful for my fabulous family. John and my children are some of my favorite things! It gives me a glimpse of how God delights in us.

And that is my power-packed five for today!
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love is everlasting!