I'm Back

After 4 blog posts, (that were never published), we got very burnt out from writing. After much consideration, we decided we needed a break. . . a long break. Now more than 1 year later, I think I am at a point that I may be able to write again. This time hoping that it will last and I'll actually be brave enough to publish it :)

6


months


today !

It's Christmas time at the Brooks'!

Christmas is definitely our favorite time of the year. This one being our very first Christmas together as a married couple is extra exciting. We have our tree trimmed, lights up, Christmas scented candles blazing through the house, and one of our favorite wedding gifts- a nativity scene from Kenya displayed. We're looking forward to this season being a time of joy and reflection as we celebrate the season of advent. Our hope for this time of the year is that we wouldn't get caught up in the busyness of the world around us- the shopping, parties, gifts, baking, etc. but rather, be in this season with a sense of longing and joy as we celebrate Jesus' birth.

Our living room decorated.

Our first Christmas tree!

Nativity Scene made from banana peel given to us from our friends, Matt and Maggie, after a trip to Kenya.

Community Group Thanksgiving

Nothing brings us greater joy than spending time with some of our best friends during the holidays. This Thanksgiving was especially great because we had our first annual Community Group Thanksgiving dinner. It was great to reflect on how good God has been to us all over the past year. We have truly grown to love each other and have become like a family to one another.
" Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thes. 5:16-18

We had so much good food! Leigh LOVED EVERYTHING! :)

The ladies.

Honeymoon

McKenzie and I went to the Dominican Republic for our honeymoon.  It was a really great trip after we realized we were not going to die on the car ride to the resort.  But once we arrived safely, we had a great time laying on the beach, swimming in the pool, horseback riding, riding bikes, eating really good food, and just hanging out.  It was great to get away and spend some time winding down after a long first year of teaching and a long season of wedding planning.  When it was time for us to go we were both refreshed and excited to come home and see our friends and family and also get back to The Oaks.  As great as our vacation was, it is hard to spend too much time away from the community and the fellowship we have here in good old Middletown, Ohio.  

A new beginning...

McKenzie and I got married June 7th of this year.  We had a wonderful wedding celebration followed by an amazing honeymoon in the Dominican Republic.  It was a great start to our summer and our new lives together.  I am very excited for what God has planned for us in the coming years!  My wife is beautiful and God is very good :)