I love these guys!

13 years ago God brought a very special, young new Christian family in to the lives of my family. At the time I was 16 years old and caught up in my high school drama and new drivers license, but at the request of my parents, I (along with Carrie and Leann) started babysitting every Thursday night so that they could have a Bible study with my parents and the Garrisons. They had 4 small kids, between the ages of 5 and just a few monthes old. No problem, I just had to learn how to change a cloth diaper with out poking a wiggly little boy with the pin. It started out as a favor, but it grew into a wonderful routine, something that we looked forward to every week. We did this for about 2 years. The kids became more dear to our hearts every week, my parents had found kindred spirits and fertile hearts for Christ in this new couple, and we were ALL blossoming in a new found friendship. I don't think any of us realized at the time how these relationships would change our lives.

Leonard and Trina are a wonderful example of what the Gospels talk about as Fertile Soil. The seed fell on their hearts and it took root and grew strong! And as a result they have 4 beautiful, respectful Christian children who will also live their lives and raise their families for God. I consider it a priveledge to have watched them become the wonderful Christ centered family they are today. We got to see them a couple of weekends ago, and it did such wonders for all of our spirits and souls to see them, and listen to Leonard preach. I don't think I could ever fully express what a blessing they have been to my life, and though we may have started out as an example for them, they are a living breathing example of what God can do for a you, if you give Him control of your life.

This is an old picture, I had to take it from Trina's Facebook, but I didn't have any pics of the whole family.

Here is the fam (minus Nicole) on their visit. From Left Caitlyn, Leonard, Colin, Trina, Ashley.

Here are some beautiful girls.

And some handsome guys.

Violet has found a very good friend and wrestle companion in Colin. She was talking about his arrival 2 weeks before he even got here. She remembered seeing him in Branson this past summer. She's got the memory of an 2 year old elephant!

Trina recently joined the land of bloggers and started one for our reading enjoyment. You can check it out and catch up with them HERE!