Spring is coming!!

Who all has cabin fever around here? Around here, we know spring is coming because the thunderstorms and tornado threats become more frequent! It is absolutely dreary outside, and Steve said we can expect about 4 inches of rain! We also have an unofficial contest to see who sees the first robin of spring. Tara was so excited as she counted 7 then 14 robins in our yard! Katelyn had to go grab her camera! We have had a special attraction to robins ever since our own special little Robyn went to be with Jesus. Katelyn put one of these pictures on the home screen of my computer. She said, "I'm so glad we named her Robyn,"--she will always be close to our hearts, especially in the spring!

Words for Difficult Times

This morning, I ran across a little pamphlet Sis. Pettit sent to me a couple of months ago. We had been talking about my miscarriage, and she took the initiative to send me this little booklet that so gently spoke to my loss. I'm so grateful to have friends that care deeply. I want to be that kind of friend. I did a little search on google and found a really nice blog that is designed to give guidance in words of comfort. If you are a pastor's wife, or anyone who needs to show support to a friend in need, I have listed the link on my sidebar. Just click on the smaller version of this picture of Jesus, it should take you directly to that blog. May God bless you richly as you strive to show His love. This picture was sent to me from a dear friend who did not necessarily know just how much it would mean to me. I have 2 little ones in heaven, and this is exactly how I picture them to be right now! I intend to keep my focus on Jesus and someday, soon, we will all be together again!

To Preacher's Meeting and beyond!

Last week seems like it is such a blur, but in reality, it is a very special memory. We all gathered at the beautiful Shreveport PNC. The Holy Spirit sweetly ministered to us through Bro. Hedstrom. I was so glad Sis. Hedstrom was able to come, too. I love to glean from these ladies' experiences and wisdom. On Thursday, we had a very lovely celebration banquet at Camp Bethany commemorating our 5th anniversary. Several people testified and reminisced about the past 5 years and what God has done for us during that time. We received a lovely picture for our living room, and other gifts. We felt surrounded by a very gracious group of friends who showered their love on our family. Our hearts feel warm and uplifted.

Tampa!

Isn't it common knowledge that there is an eye in the storm that is peaceful and quiet? Well, saying that our life is a storm wouldn't be quite the right description, maybe a whirlwind. whew! But while we were in Tampa, we were able to take a few moments to stop and catch our breath real quick before we had to turn around and come back home!

The girls had an awesome time in Tampa. They got to fly for the first time, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Once they got away from their nerved out mom, they relaxed and enjoyed the flight! My mom was able to meet them at the gate and escort them to the baggage claim via the shuttle. They got to meet new friends - Autumn and Summer Smalley. Then they got to spend some time at the beach, and Grandpa took off work to take them to the zoo. My mom and dad did a fantastic job just spoiling them rotten!

What are grandparents for, anyway?!

After Steve and I got there, we got to go see Grandma D at her sweet little place in Zephyrhills. Grandma is so precious, and I really wish I could spend more time with her. I think an extended visit to Sylvan Springs is in order!

We were able to celebrate my dad's 60th birthday! It has been a long time since I have been able to be with my dad on his birthday, so we really celebrated in style!

We also went to Hobe Sound for an evening at Sea Breeze Camp. The girls got to dip their feet in the Atlantic ocean for the first time! We saw a few friends, and so enjoyed spending time with Joan and Brent Hoffpauir after church. We enjoyed meeting Brent and renewing our friendship with Joan.

Steve, along with other denominational leaders, met with the Bible College students for the purpose of recruiting them into the various vacant positions that are available for ministry. Then back to Tampa, and back home on Saturday.

It was so good to be with my parents. God has truly worked miracles for them and we are so grateful.

Happy Birthday, Mr. President

It's not every day you get to greet the President, let alone wish him a happy birthday, let alone one who is 200 years old! Imagine our surprise when we walked into a Bob Evans restaurant last Thursday, and lo and behold, there stood Mr. & Mrs. Lincoln! He was so gracious to take time to talk to the girls, but he paid special attention to Tara. He told her that it was a girl about her age that convinced him to grow a beard. The girl's name was Grace Bidell, and she told Mr. Lincoln that he had a plain face. She said that if he would just grow a beard, she may be able to convince her brothers to vote for him. So he did! Another interesting fact is that he only wore his beard during his presidency. Then he invited Tara to join the group at his table while he gave a speech--the "Gettysburg Address." I'm sure Tara will long remember this fun diversion to the day.

Blessings along the way....

Happiness is also found in enjoying the blessings of friends as we go along the way. Our travels took us through Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas before we pointed Ms. Malibu toward home. Our hearts are full with good memories of time spent with good friends. I had fun getting acquainted with a certain sweet little Brooklyn Yancey, but her brothers might not be too happy that Joshua now knows how to make a rubber band gun around his hand. What can I say- I'm a teacher at heart! We'll be home this evening then off to Tampa tomorrow! The next post will have pictures, you can be sure.
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When the door opens to buy a new outfit, you should step right through.

I'm on my way to a meeting with my husband, but, oh, the shoes I was wearing were just wrong. (Did I really wear them on purpose?) Steve was so sweet to agree to stop and shop with me to get me lookin' good. Kohl's had nothing to sneeze at (if my nose was running money...), but then I went to Cato's. Don't you love that store? As I passed a mirror, I noticed my skirt didn't look all that great, either. You know how that goes! But, the Lord was shining down on me and would you believe, there was the cutest skirt and shoes to match my jacket! Happy day! The door to a new outfit opened up, and I walked right through!
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I'm NOT ready for an empty nest!

I just took my girls to the airport this morning, put them on a plane and sent them to my mom in Tampa. This is their first time to fly (Katelyn flew when she was 2--that doesn't count), and so there was quite a mixture of nerves and excitement! I cannot describe the feeling I had as I watched that plane back out, taxi down the runway and take off. I was NOT ok! It was a beautiful day, though, and we were able to watch the plane for a long time. The girls, on the other hand, relaxed, got acclimated to their surroundings and enjoyed their flight. To my great relief, Mom was able to get past security and meet them at the gate. Whew! It sure has been quiet around here. Since we homeschool, and are together 24/7, this abrupt separation has been a little disconcerting!

Our girls add so much life and laughter to our home, but their grandparents don't get to enjoy their vivaciousness near often enough. I try to share their chirpiness, but so much enjoyment comes from the "spur of the moment" humor. Mom and Dad are in for a real treat. They have a lot of fun things to do on the agenda. I think they are going to go hear the Perry's, meet new friends, go to the zoo, go swimming (hopefully!). Then when we finally arrive next Tuesday, we are going to end up at Sea Breeze Camp in Hobe Sound. And to all of this I will add--"the Lord willing!"

I believe when we fully enjoy life and the company of our loved ones, the Lord is pleased. He so graciously smiles upon us, and we know that the pleasantries of life come from His hand. We focus a lot on taking comfort that our trials are monitored by God, but I like to think that when we receive blessings like we have enjoyed lately, they are also a direct result of His watch care over us. We have enjoyed the company of our friends, good health, plenty of food, a warm, dry place to call home with many comforts, a lovely place to worship, a wealth of friends that surround us with their prayers, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. So, even though I am missing my girls, my heart is full because of the many tender mercies of my loving heavenly Father.

Double Date!

Another fun thing we were able to do this weekend was go on a double date with Troy and Jenn. After we had taken the girls shopping for a couple of days, they so sweetly consented to babysit all the kids so the 4 of us could go out. We went to our new favorite Italian restaurant - Leonardo's. They have a renowned concert pianist perform for the guests every Saturday night, and we enjoyed that so much! Good food, good atmosphere, good fellowship, but most of all, good friends. We have been blessed with many very good friends. The Truitts had to leave this morning, and throughout the day, I reflected on our time together. It's great to have the feeling that when you part company with friends, you come away wanting to be a better person. Troy and Jenn are friends just like that. Because of our time together, I feel refreshed in my spirit. I'm looking forward to being a better pastor's wife, a better parent, and a better Christian. Thanks, Truitts, for staying those few extra days. You were a tremendous blessing to us all!

Our Weekend with the Truitts

We have had such a wonderful weekend with our great friends, Troy and Jenn Truitt and their awesome family - Lauren, Luke, Tyler, Travis, Andrea and Alex. They got iced out of their house, and we were soo glad they decided to stay with us! They have so graciously entertained us a few times as we have traveled through their fair city over the past several months, so I was thrilled to be able to return the favor. The kids had a lot of fun playing together--in fact, I heard one of the boys say he would just like to stay and live here. We could use a son! The girls really need a brother! Here is Andrea in her "teenager" skirt!" I gathered some of the kids together in the basement of the church for a photo shoot. Back row - Tara, Jake, Tyler, Front row - Travis, Andrea and Reid:)

Katie and Lauren had a lot of fun, of course. We tried to get as much shopping in as possible - and last, but not least, we finally made it to WalMart--Katie's favorite store. We even have a picture of the girls with the greeter to prove it! LOL The Jasper young people came over while the Truitts were here. Elizabeth Shields, Katie and Lauren look a little like a tasty garden salad! =)