The View from Baltic Drive: 2014

As we draw closer to closing the door on 2014, I am taking the time to reflect on the year. First of all, the years are flying by and my babies are growing up way too fast! Paige and Peyton turned 14 and started their freshman year...I have been making calls about drivers ed..eeek! Peyton is still very busy with playing the drums, she is active with the praise team at church. Paige plays guitar and loves her gymnastics classes. Paige also attended an area Homecoming this year and looked like a princess! Reese has taken some gymnastics, but we are thinking that a dance class is in her near future! I started back to school this fall also, it is a huge challenge and I am praying for God's direction in balancing school, kids, job, etc.. I am still working in the Emergency Room, but not very much, I took a part time job in the Recovery Room and enjoy the variety. In July I celebrated 20 years at the hospital and in August I celebrated my 40th birthday (yikes!) Reese turned 5 this past November with a terrific Princess Elsa party. James had a birthday in there also...James didn't have as many changes this year, but he has been very busy supporting us in all of ours! He is still working for the police department, which keeps him busy..but I think his house full of women keeps him busier!

In January, we all went our separate ways as Paige and Peyton went on a cruise to be in a wedding and James and I headed to Mexico. Reese stayed home with friends and family. Unfortunately the trips were planned when a blizzard hit Illinois and we almost didn't make it out of the midwest! In February, we welcomed a new family member..Boe the Bull Python! Most people are freaked out by our snake, but he is the easiest pet we have ever had! We spent the summer around the pool (when it wasn't cold and raining) and running the girls to all of their activities. Paige and Peyton attended church camp again in Schroon Lake, New York at Word of Life Island and had a fantastic time. We have managed to squeeze in a trip or two to the Wisconsin Dells this year, our usual vacation spot. In October James, Reese and I flew to Texas for a few days to visit James's dad and his wife, Steve and Connie Snyder. This was Reese's first flight, and she loved it! The trip was fantastic, we enjoyed good food, good fellowship, a wonderful church service and some sight seeing in Dallas.

Finally, we are in prayer as this year closes and another begins for baby Bentley Reese. This little guy was born November 23 13 full weeks before his due date. He is my cousin's baby and we ask that you join us in praying for him and him mom and dad and grandparents as he grows. This verse has been close to my heart since the premature birth of my now teenagers: Philippians 1:6, "He who has begun a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.." That verse has become real to me again as I trust God with my girls as they grow. It has also been a comfort as I pray for baby Bentley.

Sandy and Family