The Snow Is Following Us!

As most of you know, when our family moved to Buffalo, a snowstorm shortly followed with record damage for that part of the country. For Thanksgiving, we went to Kansas. On the way back to NY, we are spending a week with my parents in Kansas City. Saturday, we fly back to the Great White North.

The only catch is that on Thursday morning, we woke up to a layer of ice on everything living and breathing (and everything not) in the region. As Thursday progressed, we watched the snow heap upon us. We have probably 6-8 inches of snow on the ground and it is still coming! We shoveled the drive and walks, and it kept a' comin'!

I am beginning to wonder who out there is praying that the Lord will send us snow everywhere we go!







OK...enough of the snow story, on to today's post! These are some photos of the little one wandering around her great-grandparents yard as we played backyard football the other day in Wichita.

Trying to stay warm and dry,

ST

Thanksgiving with Family

Crazy Uncle Jay playing peek-a-boo


For Thanksgiving, my family and I went out to Wichita, KS to be with the rest of the family. We had a blast! My parents and all four of my sisters were there as well as Liz's husband, Jay. The weather was a balmy 72˚ with sunny skies. We must remember that God has given us family to enjoy and that treasure is not something to be lightly taken.

Grandma Troell getting a kiss from a giggling Abbie


Grandma Troell gives kisses too!


Auntie Chris teaching Abbie the finer points of fashion


Abbie is catching on!


What fun we had and what sweet memories we made together! I love you all!

ST

My Beautiful Sister

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year when family and friends gather to commemorate a time set aside specifically to remind us to be grateful for the goodness of our God. The Lord gave me four wonderful sisters. We do not get the opportunity to see one another often and what a time we had together!

I took my youngest sister, Jo to downtown Wichita, KS for a few photos. As you can see, she is beautiful and the light was perfect!










By the way, she is single, so if you have any suggestions or would like to submit your resumé, you may do so by contacting me!

ST

Our Cruise Slideshow

Finally! I have gotten myself into gear to get the slideshow finished. Many are disappointed when they find out I did not take a bazillion photos while we were in the exotic Caribbean (Bahamas, St. Thomas, St. Maarten).

First, I must say that I am sorry to have disappointed so many people by not shooting a ton of photos on my VACATION! Don't forget, I went for relaxation and not to work! Just kidding. Secondly, remember that the most scenic shots were on the day that Jocelyn and I went snorkeling in St. John, USVI. To snap the photos I would have wanted, I would have had to swim through salty ocean with my very expensive equipment in my backpack balanced on my head. Needless to say, that would not have been a good idea. If you really want some awesome tropical shots, you can Google some travel photos and get a pretty good idea of what the Virgin Islands look like. It is the most wonderful place you can imagine! I think St. John is the most beautiful spot on God's earth.

Thanks for tuning in!

ST

Photo for Today

Here is today's photo from our recent trip. On our cruise, we stopped in the Bahamas for a few hours. We took a side trip to the recreation of the lost city of Atlantis. What a place!

This is Jocelyn's arm with the visitor armband for the tour of Atlantis.


I am hoping to get a slideshow finished before too long. Thanks for being patient with me!

ST

Back to Reality

Jocelyn and I arrived safely home on Sunday afternoon from our long-anticipated vacation to the Caribbean. We had a blast! This week, we will be posting images from our time away.

Jocelyn and me in the Bahamas


Until we get settled,

--Stephen

Vacation...Day 1

For the next week, Jocelyn and I will be away without phone, email, or any other communication. So, consider this the last post for a little bit. When we return, we will be sure to post some of the shots we take.

Meanwhile, here are some flics from Friday's jaunt to Epcot Center in Orlando. We had a blast!

Here we are outside our hotel. Yes, that is our 2006 Mustang rental car in the background! Let me tell you, this is a fun vehicle to drive (vrooooom, vrooooom!).



Jocelyn enjoying a very expensive ice cream bar.

Some really nice looking pillars in World Showcase's Italy

The Spirit of 1776

Until we return from the enjoyable dreamland of "vacation".

-- Stephen

Video...Abbie Amuses Herself

By the time most of you read this, Jocelyn and I will be enroute to our vacation. We are taking a few days to rest and relax. Unfortunately during this time, we will not have consistent email and internet access. We will return to our faithful posting when we get back. We might be able to sneak a couple of photos while we are away.

Click the photo to watch the video. Those of you who have the misfortune of owning a PC, you need to make sure you have the most recent version of Quicktime. This will help you to view the movie.

You may also click here to view the video. The best way to view the Quicktime video is with high-speed internet.

-- Stephen

Around Town

Since moving to Buffalo, I have been amazed by the incredible architecture around town. There are many old Victorian-style homes and buildings. This beautiful lighthouse is a privately-owned residence.



I am reminded of the verse that tells us, "Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:20-21). Let us remember to follow the Lord with our whole hearts.

-- Stephen

Abbie and the Leaves

The Lord has been so good to us as a family! We have spent quite a while looking for a suitable place to make our home. We have finally found the place that God has for us. After much prayer and searching, God led us to a converted upstairs apartment of an old home. It has been renovated to be a beautiful apartment suitable for the Troell family and an office where I can work. We will be moving into this new place in the beginning of December. We are so excited. This is a direct answer to prayer. There really is a God Who hears and answers prayer! We will post more photos as they are available.

I am challenged each time I think of the verse found in Hebrews 11:6, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." We must seek the Lord, for He desires to answer our prayer as we draw nigh to Him. He longs to prove Himself in our lives





Thank you to the many of you who have prayed for us and who encourage us with your emails and such! We look forward to hearing from you.

Until next post,

-- Stephen

Abbie Loves Hockey

This week we went to a hockey game where Abbie's second cousins play junior league hockey. Let me tell you, she loves hockey. I wish everyone could see her as she waves her hands and gets so excited! It is so cute! Thank you for all the emails and phone calls. It means so much to know that people care about us and are praying for us.

The Lord has provided for us in so many ways. There is not enough time to tell of the little things that God has done for us. Truly, we serve a mighty God! He is good to us.



Is she having fun, or what? (Yes, I know it is a little too soft!)





Thanks for tuning in!
-- Stephen