I've missed you my e-family! :)

Poor little trotter times blog....It has gotten no love over the last several weeks!! We have had so much going on and on top of that no wireless internet, and no time to just hang at a Starbucks drinking a latte and updating our e-life!

BUT....we are hooked up and running fast and furious, and I am updating as fast as I can. So I am going to just bombard this little blog with updates. I thought about going back and updating the last two months worth of life, but that was just too much. So I am going to start from Spring Break and work my way up...I know you have all just been sitting on the edge of your seats waiting for a Trotter family update :) Just kidding, I love you all and send big hugs and kisses to you..

I've missed you my e-family :)!!!!

PS...I got the most adorable little computer, a lenovo ideapad, and it has a fun little camera to take pics and video..Ainsley and I thought we would try it out :) she was too busy looking at the computer keys to look into the camera, too cute and I loved how it captured her fuzzy hair (and mine for that matter, oh my!)!

P-31

Cari had a friend of hers that did a talk on "P-31's." The talk was on women that can be characterized by Proverbs 31. On the cusp of V-Day 2009, I am here to say that I am married to the original P-31. Now Cari does not "select wool and flax" as it were in the text, but whether literally or figuratively my wife "surpasses them all" (vs. 29).

In Jesus' name, I "out kicked my punt coverage" which in other words means I have no right being married to her and God's grace is exemplified everyday when people look at us and say,"wow, how did she end up with him....sad." If I had a dollar for all the people in my life that said I have gotten where I am because of my wife (vs. 23), I would retire. I have had 3 interviews where I have taken my wife to the interview and I got every job (vs. 11) . Because my wife is a P-31, our entire house, curtains, bedding, accessories and birthday gifts are all spectacularly created by my wife (vs. 18, 19, 22).

A couple of things I am sad about: 1.If we had servants, Im sure she would provide portions to them....but we don't. (vs. 15) 2. We have not yet achieved buying a vineyard with her earnings but that is definetely desired (vs. 16).

I know this: Cari is "clothed in strength and dignity and she laughs at the days to come", she is in complete faith steps with the Lord. "She speaks wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue", as women are challenged through her calling of encouragement. She is fully surrendered to God's anointing over her life and she is seeing Him open doors she never thought possible. She is fully obedient to the Holy Spirit and it is seen in how she mothers her children, and submits herself to our family.

On this Valentine's Day, I have this prayer for my beautiful wife Cari. "That her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, he praises her. And with her calling intact, intent on her focused steps with God as a wife, mother, and minister, I pray God "gives her the reward she has earned," which from knowing Cari is simply to be used to the fullest to Glorify her father.

Cari, I love you. YOu are my cherished. May you know how much you mean to me.

To the love of my life, Happy Belated 31st Birthday!

My sweet Toby, I hold you in the highest respect. I trust you and I believe in you. I love you more today than I did the day I met you. I still remember the first time I saw you at Greg McAlister's house playing volleyball and wearing that cute yellow t-shirt! You are still that boy to me! You are an amazing husband, incredible daddy and your Faith in the Lord is courageous. Thank you for sweeping me up and allowing me the opportunity to join in the adventures that the Lord is taking us on!!

From the one that adores and admires you most!
Cari

Happy Birthday Momma/Mimi!!

Happy Birthday Special Momma/Mimi! I love you so much and cannot tell you how special you are to me, to us. You give so much of yourself to so many and support, love, and join in everything! Thank you for all you do! I am so very thankful for you and am so glad you were born!!!!

Love,
Cari

Celebrating New Things!

Thought I would share a few photos from our most recent celebrations! Toby had some work to do with finalizing the details of his new job with Southwestern so the kids and I ran to Mimi and Boompa's house for a fun get-a-way! When we arrived Mike and LeAnna had the house decorated in SWOSU colors (blue, gray and white) and in Neosho colors, which is the Jr. College my brothers will be playing baseball at this next year. We had a great time celebrating!!! Thank you so much Mike,LeAnna and Cora, it meant so much!!!

Dear Friends and Family

As we start this New Year, Cari and I are so excited to share with you a new door that has been opened to us. I have accepted a position as Assistant Football Coach/Football Recruiting Coordinator at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (Div. II). We are honored and speechless with the opportunity and new territory God has blessed us with and are so excited to “cross this Jordan” into a new challenge.

This opportunity is nothing less than the realization of a longtime calling on our lives that started with my first coaching job 9 years ago. When we left coaching to sports representation in 2003, we laid it down as a couple knowing that through obedience, if the Lord chose to bring it back, he would do it. In early 2006, the Lord spoke through Cari to remind me of our “quiet” calling of influence. We began to pray then and the chain of events from there will forever shape our lives. Since that point, we left the agency in the fall of 2006 to step out to FCA. In January of last year, we were presented with another opportunity in college football. To our surprise, God asked us to say no to that opportunity. He mandated our work in FCA and promised us continued steps into larger territory. We have seen God reap returns in FCA in ministry and influence all the way. This fall, he again began to quietly lead our focus to be ready for an unknown step of faith. Time after time, trusted mentors and the Word spoke truth into our lives preparing us to receive this opportunity. One friend dubbed this season, “Christmas is coming.” He challenged us that God was moving and to be ready for a new blessing and challenge.

“I see what you've done. Now see what I've done. I've opened a door before you that no one can slam shut.”-Rev.3:8” God confirmed this “open door” opportunity and years of prayer at a 3-night conference we attended at Gateway Church. The second night: “And he said to me, Son of Man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God you know.”-Ez.37:3 the challenge was to raise your expectation to your calling. The third night-“I have been anointed with fresh oil…Ps. 92:10 At the end of a season, there is a refreshing new anointing for a new season. Your anointing validates the authority of your position and the presence of God, and there is no end to His anointing and wisdom. Needless to say, we were confirmed on our path and new step of faith.

As we leave, we are so thankful for the time we have had here in Texas. This has truly been our “home” and we have been blessed with strong friendships and memories. We ask that you pray for us in our transition as we sell a house, move a family, and start a new life in calling and relationships. Pray that God has gone before us in every step and detail. As you do, we pray for all of you in the steps God is leading you in and that you would know that we thank the Lord for your influence and blessing.

All our love,

Toby, Cari, Cade and Ainsley

The Diva.

Had to add this photo because this is pretty much what my bells is doing all the time. She is such a reach-er, and usually swiping things from you left and right!!! So if you are around the bells with Honey Nut Cheerios, Graham crackers, or the camera watch out because she will try to take a swipe at it. What a little Diva!