Christmas Letter 2017

If there was one word to sum up our year, it would be trust.  For our little family, this year brought forth new beginnings in so many ways.  With these beginnings, we have had to learn to trust God and allow his plan to prevail (and in many cases, be ready to change what we thought our plan was). Though this has been difficult in some ways, it has also been so neat to see where God has taken us.

As Ashlynn grows bigger each day, we are seeing more and more of her own unique personality shine through.  She has quite the funny laugh, and her love of animals continues to shine through. Currently, Ashlynn spends her days at Nana's house while Wes and I are at work. She loves playing and reading books.  She is talking so much, and though sometimes the 'sisterly love' doesn't look present, she adores Peyton and will often talk about and copy her big sister.

Peyton had a very big year for many reasons.  In the spring, Peyton accepted Christ into her life! She also started Junior Kindergarten this year at Central Baptist Academy. She is loving learning new things each day, and it has been amazing to see her grow in her faith. She loves reading and writing. At the beginning of the year, Peyton took ukulele and is hoping to return to it in the New Year. Both Peyton and myself went up to Joy Bible camp over the summer for a week to volunteer at Senior Youth, and it was so neat to see her back at the place that has made such a difference in the lives of both Wes and I.  She has truly grown so much over the year, and sometimes I have to remind myself that she is only four as she is wise beyond her years.

This year has also brought changes for both Wes and I.  We started off 2017 by spending a weekend at JBC kid-free, which was such a great refresher (and yes, Wes even got me to move from my traditional skis to actually getting up on a snowboard). Wes continues to work as a masonry for my Dad, but as he continues to work with this crew he is learning more each day. I took on a Grade 7 position at Central Baptist Academy, and will move over to teach French to the school in January. I have learned so much even in my few months working at CBA, and hope to continue to do so in the New Year. Sadly, I have had to step away from my position at The Art of Music Academy, and although saying goodbye to my students was tough- I know God has big things in store for us, but often busyness can overtake so many other important things in our life.

We are so grateful for each and every person who has supported us over this year. We have come to know so many new friends over the year both through the school and church. I cannot wait to see how God will move in our lives in 2018, and use people as messed up and sinful as we are to further His kingdom.  I hope each one of you has a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love,
The Marshalls

The girls at Senior Youth

Marriage Retreat at Joy Bible Camp

Walking down the beach

Peyton played on the Central Baptist Soccer league for the first time this year

So neat to see these two playing together

My silly little girl

Peyton and I shared our "first day of school" together

First Day of JK!

Loves school and soaks up everything like a sponge

Ashlynn often will tell jokes now and laugh hysterically

A Letter to My Daughters- Love Each Other

To My Two Beautiful Girls.

I want you to know that your Mommy and Daddy will always love you.  No matter what choices you make, what paths you decide to follow, we will be there rooting you on.  Life can be tough and unfair, but know that we always have your back no matter what happens.  

I pray that you two will also always be there for each other.  Right now, you tell me how you are each other's best friend.  How much you love each other.  Don't let that change.  Confide in each other and grow in your relationship as sisters.  I love seeing how even with the differences in personalities between you two, you guys still make each other laugh.  Don't lose that.  Peyton, you have such a caring attitude for your sister and always try to make sure she is okay and if she isn't you are the first to give her a big bear hug.  Be there for Ashlynn on those days when life just gets tough and she just needs a big bear hug to get her through.  Ashlynn, you daily remind Peyton that you love her (or "I OF YOU").  Don't let others get in the way of reminding her that on the days she needs that reminder.  

I'm sure there will be days when you want to scream at the other person, and sibling battles will become a real thing.  Please let that only be temporary.  You guys have to have each other's back in the real world.  

We love you both and continually pray for you, 

Mommy and Daddy

Life Happens

I'm baaaaack

Yet again.  You know life... It just seems to happen.  I used to love writing updates on our little family, but our life has become so hectic.  

Lately I've been focusing on really trying to simplify our lives, whether it be decluttering our house (I didn't even know it was possible to have so much stuff we don't use taking up spaces in our lives), or getting more firm with our finances (budgeting... who knew how helpful it actually is), and one of the hardest ones for me is freeing up my time and becoming more intentional with the time I have and how I use it.

Ecclesiates 4:6 

"Better to have one handful with quietness than two handfuls with hard work and chasing the wind."

Our lives are busy.  Looking back at any point in my life, I have always had a busy life.  I enjoy getting out of the house.  But busy isn't always better, and this past year I have truly come to see that.  I have had to back out of some commitments that I made in order to find that peace of just having that time with family.  I have had to learn how to say "No" (if you are like me, this is no easy task).  And little by little I am reaping the rewards as I have more time with my family and more time to care for the house (though we still have a long way to go in that respect as well).  

Wes and I both work fulltime hours (if not more...), but I am coming to realize we are working hard for money to buy... well... stuff.  Stuff that won't follow us when God decides to call us home.  In the last two weeks, we have gotten rid of a truckload of stuff we were holding onto just to the dump alone, along with bags full of stuff we are ready to donate to a family that will actually use the stuff.  And it's been nice.  Cleaning hasn't been so hard (which for me is a huge plus), We have made a little extra money which has been able to put towards debt which is a wonderful feeling.  We still have a long way to go through.  

Friends, if I can ask you to please pray for us as we continue to declutter the unnecessary things in our lives to make room for the more meaningful things.