A new tradition!

Over the summer Mom, Dad, Nick, Christy, Luke, Layla, Michael, & I went to Spring Mill State park. Spring Mill is where my parents went on their honeymoon and has been a part of our family outings for as long as I can remember. Here are a few pictures of our trip:

So, you're asking what is the new tradition I speak of? We got to thinking while we were there about how cool the Inn at Spring Mill was.

We had been talking about how big the Hammond family has gotten and how difficult it is to accomodate everyone at a family house for Christmas dinner. We also have so many other places to go that it has gotten hectic. Especially when you factor in Christmas being on a Sunday this year!

Nick and I got together and found out infoabout Clifty Inn in Madison. We put together a brochure (I'm such a nerd) and presented it to the entire Hammond family as an option for Christmas dinner. We also mentioned that we'd want to do it before Christmas so that we will get to spend lots of time there.

Everyone LOVED the idea, and we will be spending a stress free evening at Clifty Inn in December. Our dinner will be buffets from the hotel restaraunt! There is a pool, hot tub, game room, fire pit (outside), and all sorts of gorgeous scenery. Some have opted to stay the night while others won't. I am more excited about Christmas dinner with the Hammonds than I have been in years!

LifeGroups

Michael and I decided to go to the Family Matters Lifegroup Valentine's Day party. We had a great time and decided to give getting up early on Sunday a chance. We are so glad we did! We love our LG class! It has become such a part of our lives since then that we feel like we have missed out on something big if we happen to miss a Sunday!

We feel like this class has really helped both of us to grow in the Lord. Also, for me it has been a nice experience to attend this class with my brother. It has been such a positive impact on our brother/sister relationship.

Adam & Jess do a great job both teaching, as well as coordinating events outside of the class.

I know that a year ago I would have said "Lifegroups? I don't want to get up that early!" Now it doesn't feel like a chore, but a priviledge! I strongly encourage anyone who is in their 20's & 30's newly married or with kids to check out this group!

To my faithful readers...

I apologize for my lack of blogging. I'm going to attempt to make a go of it...again.

Let's start with some of the important things to know.

This past Spring Michael's mom, Debbie was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her spring and summer were all about chemo. She had an MRI taken yesterday and actually got some pretty good news. The tumor is gone. She will still require surgery and radiation therapy, but no tumor=good tumor.

Michael has a full time salaried position in Louisville witht the company that he interned with before we were married. We will not be going anywhere anytime soon.

We had started to look at houses when we suffered a significant setback, which we cannot discuss. It is still ongoing and we would love any prayers! As a result of this setback we are now looking into moving into an apartment in January.

My parents have been wonderful hosts but we REALLY need to move out! Please pray that all members of the household will maintain their sanity until we are able to move out, when I am sure that we will be sad and lonely b/c my parents won't be there.

I started back to school at IUS. I am currently 46 credit hours away from my Bachelor's in communication!!!!

In May Layla came into our lives! What a joy that little girl is!!!

Specific posts to follow!