"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

As the year ends to a close, I wanted to update everyone on our Christmas, and some of our biggest blessings.  First and foremost, I want to say that we could not have made it thru this year without our relationship with God!  I don't mean to offend anyone with my postings, but I also want to be very clear and honest.  Our relationship with God is the biggest and best part of our lives.  There have been so many times this year where we were completely overwhelmed, stressed, scared, anxious, etc...but He was faithful to lift us up, surround us with the love of friends and family, and speak to us thru His word, and our church family.  So, as we celebrated Christmas, and now the end of the year, we also celebrated the birth of Jesus...and the beginning of a new season. 

Our babies are doing great.  Gracie is communicating better every day.  She clearly says, "no, more, hi, LaLa, Papa, Nana, and uh-oh."  She has lots of words that she just makes the sound of, so I know what she's saying/asking for...but they wouldn't be clear to many people.  LOL!  She is walking great, (although she falls a lot because she is growing and so is the difference in her legs), and is even trying to run away from us!  I can not put into words the feisty spirit this girl has.  She is so full of personality it surprises me every day.  Landry is getting ready to start at a new school and we are so excited to see that changes it will bring.  He is growing and getting smarter every minute, and just to brag...is an AMAZING big brother.  He is having his own struggles with everything coming up for Gracie, but we are navigating thru it, and making sure he knows how much we love him!

Gracie's surgery is only 71 days away.  Yes, I know, I'm counting down the days.  It started today.  I started getting forms and applications together for financial assistance thru different grants we are applying for, and just was shocked at how close it actually is to being surgery time.  It makes me want to cry, and it breaks my heart.  I absolutely hate the idea of having to put her and our family thru this, but Robert and I know, deep inside, that this is the best route for her.  I just wish we didn't have to travel down this road.  I keep praying for complete healing, (and am encouraged to keep praying that, no matter which way God chooses to heal her).  I really feel like God is going to use this for good.  I wish there wasn't anything to use, but I do feel He will bring good from it.  In fact, He already has.  We have been humbled, blessed and loved more then we could have imagined.  We have met strangers who have been beyond generous in their giving and praying, and we have developed some amazing friendships that we treasure.  There are moments that will never be forgotten, like our bike run, and a recent posting from a friend on the "See Gracie Run" facebook page that said Gracie convicts her to try harder.  Our 1 year old little baby girl is being used by God!  In those moments, I can see God moving, and it pleases me.

Please be in continued prayer for our family as this new year will bring about many challenges, changes and much growth.  We would specifically appreciate prayer for our finances/financial provision, our jobs (I want to find a way to stay home with my babies), favor on our grant/financial aid applications, and a covering over our family for health, strength and peace.  Know that you are in our prayers also, and we continue to pray for God to be generous with His blessings towards you!

We hope you had a Christmas to remember, and have a New Year to rejoice about!
~The Peterson's