Crafty Question: Cricut or Silhouette?

I have decided I would like to get either a Cricut or a Silhouette cutting machine (considering there is a wedding in my future I can see a lot of great uses for these nifty tools!) but I need some advice from all the wildly talented crafters out there!  So please leave me some feedback on your experiences!

 OR

and why?

Blessed and Seizure Free

New Years 2014

Yesterday marked a very special milestone.  My DS2, who many of you have prayed over and followed his story, hit the 2 year Seizure free mark.  I can't tell you how far in the future that seemed at one point.  There was so much fear that we would not see it...but yesterday was the day!

DS2 has really gone through a lot in the last two years, especially since we chose to go a somewhat non-traditional treatment route by going on the Modified Atkins Diet (version of the Ketogenic Diet.)  It is hard to be a kid on a very restrictive diet.  There are so many events that are food focused, particularly high carb food focused!  I am so proud of him and how well he has handled it all.  We have just weaned off the diet and so far, so good.

As Micheal in A Sound of Music, A Salute to the Tony Awards, The Center Players, NC

One really cool thing that came out of the last couple of years is my sweet boy discovered he had quite a talent for the stage.  It has been such a great experience for him as he has had to make adjustments in his life. He found an escape from much worry and stress through performing. I am so proud of him.

Temps & Tops, Salute to the Tony Awards, The Center Players, Elizabeth City, NC

As Sebastian in The Mermaid, Impact Children's Theatre, Florence, SC

I feel so blessed!

If you are not familiar with my DS2's story and you want to know more, catch up HERE.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.

~Psalm 136:1

Another Year Dawning...

As we are once again, in a new location (albeit one much closer to family & friends and somewhere we have lived before), we have been visiting churches and looking for a church home.  The Sunday after Christmas we visited a church we were members of 20 years ago.  I am not sure that will end up being our church home again but the sermon resonated with me as the New Year dawned.  The Pastor spoke about how sometimes things have to be shaken up and how sometimes we need a new perspective…a God view. That really caught my attention because I know that sometimes I get so locked into my perspective I can’t even imagine there is another…much less a God one.  The last few months my perspective has been shaken up and for a time I was so blinded by my pain and MY perspective I couldn’t even begin to see God…but then one day I felt a faint sense of peace.  You know the kind, a “…peace of God, which surpasses all understanding…"(Philippians 4:7)  It was the gentle hand of a loving God awakening my hearts cry for Him.  It was the comforting arm of a God that will be there to love me through the pain.  It was the awakening of a hunger that only He can satisfy. 

Another Year Dawning

Another Year is dawning, dear Father, let it be

In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.

Another year of progress, another year of praise,

Another year of proving Your presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,

Another year of gladness in the shining of Your face;

Another year of leaning upon Your faithfulness;

Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,

Another year of training for holier work above.

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be

On earth, or else in Heaven, another  year for Thee.

~Francis Havergal