Almost Christmas!

Well sorry it has been so long since I last posted on the blog. As I am sure you all can expect my life has been pretty crazy and busy lately. I moved to Spokane and began my new job at St. Mark's. Also I do not have internet at my house yet so my access to the internet is very limited. Anyway for those of you who were not at the celebration of Ben's life out west it was extremely nice. I think there were over 50 people who attended and my brother in law and other family did a wonderful job with the music. After the service we headed back to my parent's house and had a typical Spurgeon party. It felt good to be having the party Ben wanted but you could definately feel the hole left by Ben not being there. It was also Ben's birthday which was hard for me because birthdays were the only holiday that Ben and I got each other gifts. I missed trying to pick out the perfect gift and seeing his face light up when I gave it to him. On Sunday, December 7th the family all went up to Lake Chelan to my Grandpa's house and spread Ben's ashes. It was an amazingly perfect day. After we all had spread some ashes the guys randomly started to skip rocks. We all stood around cheering them on and getting excited about skipping rocks. It was amazing how well the rocks were skipping and we all decided that Ben was helping us out. Then we all went out for brunch and just had a great time being together as a big family. I am now in Spokane and loving it. I love the church that I have been blessed to work at and I love the people I work with. They have been so supportive this whole entire time and are truly taking care of me everyday. Yesterday I was reminded about the little things in life we take for granted. I had to get snow tires put on my car but I had no one to pick me up and take me back when the car was finished. People at church ended up helping me out which was so wonderful but I hated having to ask for help. I am going to have to start getting used to it though because I no longer have Ben here to help me out. Also it snowed the other day and I realized that not only do I not have Ben to shovel the snow I didn't even have a shovel. But once again the church has been amazing and I received a shovel. The first snow was not only difficult because of shoveling but also it was just a reminder that Ben is not here. A year ago he was here and we were awaiting the birth of our son and having a crazy winter getting covered in snow. This year he is just gone. Christmas is quickly approaching and I actually am not dreading it. I am excited to welcome the baby Jesus and be reminded of the amazing gift he has given us all through his death on the cross. Christmas is bringing me hope and reminding me that Ben has fully received that gift of salvation. Raider and I got a Christmas tree and decorated it and we put up all of our Christmas decorations. Christmas is one thing right now that is bringing me joy in this dark time. I guess it is true that Jesus lights up the dark, because Christmas is sure brightening up my darkness. I hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas and remember that just a little baby born in a barn can give you new life. It is amazing what comes when we least expect it.