The New Year 2013

I am having trouble getting to sleep because of the excitement I feel about this new season in our lives.  Everything feels fresh and more real...My relationship with Jesus and Patrick and the boys.  Something has clicked in me about living life.  Accepting the person that I am.  Realizing the opportunities that God is bringing our way. 

I have had some very vivid realizations in the last few days.

Probably the biggest is how Jesus brings peace and rest to our souls.  I have struggled with an anxiety that has kept me from really being present in the life of our family.  With whatever I would be doing, I would be thinking about what else needed to be done.  And if I felt like I may not be able to do it all, I would become moody or even panicky.  This translated to bringing a gray mood on to our family.  And poor Patrick...I may get mad at him just because of it. 

Praise God!  He is helping me to conquer this. 

Jesus said to his disciples and He still says to us today, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  (John 14:27, NIV).

I am deciding to be more than a conqueror through Him who loved us (me).  (Romans 8:37, NIV).

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Peyton's Adventures in Walking in the Heard Museum Courtyard

Peyton is loving getting around so fast!  He rarely scoots now :(

"Yea for me!"

Of course, he falls often, but he always gets back up!

He gets lots of help from his big brothers.

He has really perfected getting up without help too.

Look at him go!

What is going on in the Troup household?

This is my first time blogging...  I thought it would be a nice way to let my family in Michigan and Patrick's family in Indiana know what is up in our lives.

Lately our lives seem to revolve around education.  Patrick is an admissions counselor at the University of Phoenix, as well as a student there.  The counselor job has been the biggest blessing for our family and is fitting Patrick's gifts perfectly.  Being a student is really stretching him, he works hard to keep up with his classes.  He is currently majoring in business. 

I am teaching Kindergarten, part-time at a charter school.  I am totally loving my class and the part-time aspect.  I am not nearly as stressed as I used to be when I taught 4th grade, full-time.  I pick the boys up from school 4 days a week and get Peyton by 1:30p.m.  It is great!  We have been going to the library every week and just really enjoying our mom and boys time.

Mason and Johvan are busy in 6th and 3rd grade.  Mason got to march in the homecoming parade last Friday.  He was the most energetic student counsel rep. in the parade.  I had visions of watching him as a high school student.  A little scary for me...  Johvan is our creative artistic genius.  He can draw pictures that you can't believe are possible for an eight year old.  I know one day I will see his work in a book, cartoon, comic, or movie.

Little Peyton spends the time while I am teaching at La Petite; his little school.  He has won the hearts of the teachers.  Praise God for his favor!  The teachers take great care of him and he enjoys it while he is there.

When we are home together we spend time reading, playing games, and watching movies.  We also spend a lot of time keeping up with Peyton.  It takes all four of us!

We are attending a church that we really like~ Vineyard North Phoenix.  Patrick and I are really challenged by the teachings and we are looking for ways to begin serving there.  Patrick is getting plugged in with a men's group.

This my fall update:)