Happy 2009!!!!

So Matt's comment over the past few days about another year ending and a new one beginning has been that this year would not be a year of "I don't knows." As most of you know and have been praying for us, this past year has been very challenging in a variety of ways and levels. There have definitely been a list of uncertainties in the past twelve months: from jobs to houses to life/death, etc. We are so thankful for all the obstacles because we can see how the Lord has shown us more of Himself and increased our desire and desparation for His word. We truly know that HE IS ALL WE NEED!! With it being the most difficult year that we think we've faced there is so much to be thankful for. In the valley we see Him bigger and better!!! Love you guys and Happy New Year!!!!

Youth Group Gingerbread Structure Competition

Last Sunday our Senior High students had a competition on best/most creative and well-done gingerbread (or graham cracker) structure. This is what they came up with...from the top: Oklahoma Bombing (5th place), Abe Lincoln's Cabin (4th place), Church (3rd place), Jedi Temple (2nd place), and winning 1st place was the Lemonade Stand!!!

KY/MS Christmas!!

We had two great Christmases last week. Good thing our boys don't really understand dates and calendar skills yet b/c we told them that we would and Santa would be visiting us on Tuesday AND Thursday...once in KY and once in MS!!! Noah thought that was the coolest thing!!! Anyway, we had a great week...kinda fun to spread it out over a few days. As always, Matt and I are very giddy about what we're giving the boys (probably more excited than they are). Noah was so overwhelmed when he came up stairs and saw what was laid out. It took him a few seconds to say anything. Tucker came up and ran straight for his Elmo restaurant!! So here are a few pics that semi-capture the excitement and surprise...

A little update...

Sorry for the lack of posting from the Gurney's. With 3 jobs between us life just doesn't allow much more than texting and facebook. We are starting to sound like the students we serve. Anyway, life continues to move at a frightening pace. Not the typical kind of scary but the unusual awe inspiring kind. Christmas is upon us or at least beside us. Jen has continued to have growing interest in her as a piano teacher. She is now up to 10 and will probably have a few more this spring. That along with teaching has made for some pretty long days. Noah and Tucker are full of energy and testosterone (in seed form). They love all things rough and tumble and love to be up early on sleep in days while hating to get up when they have to. We had a great time in MS over Thanksgiving with Jen's family. We ate, slept and played. Just what we needed. Somewhere right before Thanksgiving, someone stole my guitar and case out of the church. So I am now in the process of trying to purchase a guitar. We will be heading back down to MS next Tuesday to spend 4 days there with my family. Jen's mom and dad will be here in KY from tomorrow night until Friday. So we are trying to take it easy while still being very busy. We do know that the difficulty that we were placed in by God has refined us and continues to draw us to deeper dependence and passion on and for Jesus. So, again we would never have asked for what we have but we have such a good and wise Father who knows what we need even before we ask for it. Sadly we will not be attending Elevate your Refuge as we have stuff sandwiched all around those dates. So here's to all of you: may the joy of knowing Christ and God's precious gift of Himself consume your hearts and minds this Christmas that you may truly cherish the good news of great joy that brought us all into His family. Merry Christmas from the Gurney's.

Hi!!

So our life has continued to be crazy and we feel like maniacs running around most of the time. But we're striving to stay focused on the Lord and the joy that He gives us in abundance and look for ALL the things we have to be thankful for.
Update:
During Fall Break we went to the Cincinnati Zoo and had a blast. I think we could have done anything together and had a blast, because we were all four together...a rare occurence these days. Noah was very fond of the gorilla and got a stuffed one and named him Kickess!!! Tucker picked a polar bear and named him Roar!!! haha
We had a great Fall Retreat with our youth last weekend. Noah and Tucker went (a college girl went with us to keep them) and they loved being at CAMP!!!
We can't believe how big our boys are getting. Noah is getting taller and taller and actually thinning out (those of you that saw him at birth..almost 11 pounds...probably have a hard time imagining him as thin)!!! He's still doing well in school. He's learning so much about letters and numbers...how exciting!! Our new bible verse this week has been Col. 3:9 "Do not lie!!" So you can guess what our temptations has been lately.
Tucker is saying new words and sentences everyday. He loves the MooMoos and Neighs on the way to his friend's house everyday with dad. He's started singing along with Crowder and Shane and Shane in the car. He is now the one doing most of the tackling to his older brother (which really shocks Noah)!!! When this happens, Noah's expression is priceless!!
Matt and I are constantly fighting for time with each other amongst the busyness, but God is so gracious to give us the time we need.
All for now.....

Bathtime

We want everyone to enjoy the craziness that occurs at the Gurney house!!

Call me "Slow Poke"

So I did complete the 5k and no walking!!! That was my goal. I beat my time from summer of '06 by 5 seconds!!! Any improvement is good, I guess. I ran it in 32 minutes 25 seconds. I can't wait to train now for a better time. I think there's another race in Frankfort the end of October. Hope everyone had a great Monday...ponder God's grace and goodness today and enjoy His presence in your life!!!