Mcfadden ‘08 Update
2008 brought with it the greatest gift we could have asked for, our son Campbell. He arrived in late January and has been an absolute joy. We know it is cliche, but it is amazing how fast he has grown. He loves to pull himself up to standing, climb up stairs, play peek-a-boo, wrestle with daddy, and open drawers and take everything out of them. Now to teach him to put things away. His first word, officially, is “uh oh.” We have loved the addition of Campbell into our home. Truly he is a blessing.
While having Campbell was a change in our life, another big one we had this year was moving to Colorado. It has been wonderful to reconnect with friends and family in Colorado, but we definitely miss our California crew. Of course, we have been able to sneak back a few times since we moved, and that has been really nice. Especially when our first nephew was born in October. Kristen and Rob gave birth to one of the cutest little guys you’ve ever seen, James Robert Venick. We are really looking forward to seeing him over the holidays…and the rest of the family too.
Now, back to our move. A big part of the move, revolved around Mike’s company TheSociety.com. It has been great for him to be working in the office instead of remotely (as you might remember from last year’s Christmas card, we had an office/nursery.). TheSociety has a lot of exciting things going on right now and are planning on spending 2009 really focusing not just on renting luxury homes, but giving them away. They have an awesome charity arm (www.VacationHomesForCharity.org) that helped raise over $20,000 for charities last year. They hope to raise much more next year!!
As for me, I am working for HomeWord. It has been such a blessing to work for them. I help do writing and research for their website and radio program. Campbell and I seem to have found our work/play/nap schedule that allows me to meet all my deadlines!
We hope all is well with you, especially over the holidays. We wish you all a very, merry Christmas and a New Year filled with blessings.
Hugs and love, the McFaddens
Photos And Videos For 2008
We have several photo albums available on Picasa and we’ve created a YouTube channel for our videos.
Girl Perfect Book Review
Kelly’s first cousin, Jennifer Strickland (Porter), will have her first book ready for purchase this September. Kelly had the opportunity to read it before it was out. Her official review:
“This is honestly one of the best, most heartfelt, most compelling,
pure and truthful books I have read. I have no doubt that Jen’s dream
will come true of being able to reach out to young women everywhere
with the love of Christ through her life story. Hold onto your hats!
You cannot read Girl Perfect without looking deeper into your relationship with the Maker!”– Kelly Marie McFadden, writer and developer, HomeWord
For information on ordering a book, click here
What some others have said:
“Jennifer writes with a raw honesty about her journey in a world where
your value is determined by your appearance. The girl in the picture
was beautiful, but her depleted, hollow soul was the price. Deep into
her spiral, sitting at a table, she whispers the word ‘God’ and is
introduced to the One who could love her deeply and free her from
‘perfect.’ Few will ever live in the world she did, but many need to
hear her message of the tragedy of getting caught up in a pursuit of
externals and missing where true life, joy, and passion really lie.”– Nancy Ortberg, Former Teaching Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church
I wish every young woman could read Girl Perfect to
help them be very careful what they dream for. And every mature woman
who reads it will surely be encouraged to be satisfied with who they
are and how they look. You or someone you know needs to not just read
this book, but to truly take it into your heart and spirit. I pray it
will illuminate truths you have never seen before.”– Stephen Arterburn, Founder and Chairman, New Life Ministries
To read more reviews click here
Shopping For Soup
This kid was having way too much fun in the store today! Soup and Kel made it safely to California. Obviously Campbell was excited to see Birdie (aka Jean).
Campbell Says Giddy Up!
Campbell has his first cowboy hat (thank you Kel) and he’s ready for the wild wild west.
Mtv Cribs … I Meant Little Mcfadden’s Crib
The baby crib has been purchased and assembled. A little premature? Nahhh. Little McFadden is due in February and it will be nice to share with him that we’ve been expecting his arrival for quite some time. For the most up to date information on the little guy, check out the McFadden+1 blog.
Why Would I Stray From Knowledge?
It’s not like anyone would try to stray from knowledge, but it’s strange how quickly we can slip and find ourselves in a mess. I’m reminded about this often when I read the news. Each time I hear the heart-felt, yet cliche, testimony from a family member “they would never do this” or “I can’t believe it” I am reminded of the ancient proverbial couplet:
Cease to hear instruction, my son,
and you will stray from the words of knowledge.Proverbs 19:27
It’s not like anyone really tries to stray, rather it’s the consequence of failing to listen to instruction and wisdom. Unfortunately, this reminder was very personal tonight as I learned my youngest brother was arrested again. He’s been battling several years of poor choices and the consequences they involve; and just when it appeared there was some sunshine on the horizon the rains came down. We can only hope he changes this time. Meanwhile, I am awakened to the importance of seeking and listening to instruction.
Our thoughts and prayers are with my little brother tonight.
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The Society Blog
