The McDonald Family

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

A Look Back

While in the process of updating our blog, I realized that I never continued the story of how the Lord provided while in the trailer at the Kings house. After finding out that we were not leaving for Belize just yet, we found ourselves scrambling for a home as well as for a job for Grady. He provided even more than what we could have imagined or asked for! Within 2 days of living in the trailer, Grady was offered a job out of the blue.. one which more than made up for the full time position he was looking to replace. That was truly a miracle considering our area is currently very much feeling the squeeze of the poor economy. There simply just are not jobs around here! And yet the Lord provided one for Grady. In addition, we received a call from a friend who was going on the mission field. They were looking for someone to care for their home while they are gone for a very, very low monthly rental price. They were praying that they would not have to find a property management company but rather a Christian family would move in. We connected with them and were moved in within a few weeks. Thank you Lord that you care for us in such marvelous ways.. we are truly humbled to be called your children~ Mat 6:25-26 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

The house our Good Lord Has Provided ♥

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Parham Get-Together

Kelly's Dad and Barb Mom came over for a gift exchange. It was a wonderful time although Kelly's sister Katie and her family were unable to make it due to an illness.. John was able to come with Grandma and Grandpa however. That *almost* made up for it! :)

Grandma Barb

The boys with cousin John

Stephie and Laura

Grandpa ♥

Holiday Happenings With Nana and Papa ♥

Nana insisted on 'Doing Christmas' here although we tried telling her.. the children don't need anything.. etc. I guess next year we need to be more concrete about our newly founded convictions regarding Christmas but for now, we did enjoy time with Nana and Papa. They spoiled the children as usual!

Fall Photos

Gracie with her black eye!

Snuggle Time

Ashley with her sissies

Grant's 9th Birthday~

Grant's birthday was on Nov 29th. Nana and Ben came up and shared the evening with our family. Amanda made a birthday cake (with much help! :) ) and Grant enjoyed opening the various gifts from everyone. It was a wonderful time together!

We are so blessed to have our "Little Man" in our family! He blesses us every day. ♥

Ashley and Gracie

Daddy ♥

"Granby" and "Rye-bo"

Grant's cake!

Nana holding Laurie ♥

Thanksgiving 2010

Grady worked at the Boys Home on Thanksgiving and so missed the big family dinner up in Portland. So the day after Thanksgiving we planned a dinner with wonderful friends. We enjoyed a delicious turkey dinner, prepared by the ladies potluck style. The girls made lovely placecards for each member of the families. Also we placed a bowl containing bible verses pertaining to Thanksgiving on each table. Throughout dinner Grady encouraged each person to stand as they were led to read a verse and share a testimony of what the LORD had done for them. It made the day so beautiful. The Lord so blessed our time together.. It was our favorite Thanksgiving yet!

Grace age 2~ Laura age 4 months

Hannah with Laura

Sister J with her girls

The Dons and the Dans

The Boys Table

Mandy with Laura

McDonald Family~ November 2010

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Trailer Time!

After leaving the Bird's house, we returned to our friends' trailer for 2 weeks. It is a very nice trailer, 30 feet long , with a pop out. But really, when you get down to it, it is still 8 people in a travel trailer! :) Everyday things such as dishes, laundry, meals and schoolwork require much more preparation, patience and TIME. On sunny days it is much more do-able. Rainy days get a bit scary~ LOL. As I write this we have about 3 more days, Lord willing, in the trailer. Really all in all it has been good for us. We have a greater appreciation for everyday conveniences. I think we have all become closer in our relationships because of this experience. It will be nice to move into our house but also bittersweet. We will no longer have such close company with our friends once we leave. Our two families have enjoyed studying together, and sharing everyday news and happenings. In addition, our older girls have enjoyed helping with their little children as they just welcomed a new baby into their family. It has been fun for them to play 'nanny'. Also, once we leave I think our family will miss the cozy quarters which has provided an atmosphere of closeness within our family..