Oh...Oh...Oh...!

Wow! I just looked at today's verse. Jeremiah 29:11-13 has been claimed by our family....and today is a designated prayer day for the specific location and people we'll be living among! How great is that!!!?

News and needing input...

In case you noticed some (any) thing different about my blog it's because they've been trying to get me to update FOREVER and I've been too scared and don't have time to figure out what I might lose if I say yes. Well...I said yes and did lose some things. I had help getting them on and I'm not too savvy. It's been way too long since I changed things and can't remember some of the details. :( Anyway, the new things are because the new way IS easier. If you notice something missing and know how to tell me how to put it back...bring it on.

Needing input...in honor of our upcoming move...I'm thinking of doing a totally different blog for the time I'm over there. What say you? Do those of you in the know have ideas? Email me....please. Thanks for staying tuned even when I'm "off the air". Much love.

Mom loves all her grandkids

She always says that her favorite grandchild is the one(s) she's with!! I love that about her. They're all her favorites and she adores them for who they are. Each unique and wonderful in their own right. This happens to be the newest grandchild.

Update...

Well, a few months back I told you that we were moving to be language and cultural learners. Well, we have officially been accepted by the university and need only to get visas processed. We will be leaving in October, the Lord willing. We are excited and a little nervous. We've been working on the language some (well, actually, the King has been working for months) and it is NOT easy. As a matter of fact, on a scale of 1-4, 4 being the hardest our language is a 3. We'll see how it goes and keep you posted.

Thought for the day...

"If a man knows not what harbor he seeks, any wind will do."

Wish I knew who said it, I read it somewhere and it sure makes you think.

I'll have some more of this...

Today is my 17th wedding anniversary. Wow. I know. I was only 10 when I got married. Kidding. Where does the time go? I can't believe I'm creeping up on 40. I was 20 when we said, "I do." I say I do every day.

Can I just tell you that I want at least 17 more years with this wonderful man of mine. We are in the midst of the biggest challenge of our lives and we are still in love and committed, but at the deepest level I've ever known. There are many juicy details I could share...but I won't. Just know that if you have an ounce of what I've been given-you're blessed "exceedingly, abundantly beyond what you ever ask or imagine".

Thank you, Babe, for what we have, for working to keep it a priority in our lives, for cherishing me...and our children , for following Christ "to the ends of the earth", for every thing I forget to say it for. I love you more every day. Literally.
Thanks for a wonderful "Lunch date"- just you and me. I LAAN you. (Sorry, blogger friends...that's private.)

No Picture, sorry.

Today I spent time in a "personal retreat" with God. No kids or responsibilities. Just the Lord and me with my Bible, MP3 player, journal and a pen. I've never done it like this before, but I have friends who do. Let me recommend it. The Word says to "Be still and know that I am (He is) God," but I don't do it enough. When I worked through the things in my heart to allow God to clean it out, then I could hear Him better. It was a sweet time in the midst of a very busy time. I'm grateful for it. He met me there. He'll meet you. When was the last time you spent 3 hours with God? Haven't? Maybe you should.

Friends...

More wedding pictures

Remember it was a sunset service...so not the best light, but a beautiful cake and delicious, too. Tell no one that I had two pieces!!! Next is my dad tickiling my husband. The last speaks for itself.

Wedding pictures

The bride and groom. My newest niece by marriage. My nieces.The new blended family. My oldest brother and wife dancing with Baby Girl.(She's smiling at their daughter.)

Self-portraits? Sort-of

Pandamom, help! How do you do it? You've mastered the self-portrait. We've tried. Not too bad.

Arriving at Grandma's house...

The King did most of the driving during our two weeks of travel. When we arrived at Grandma's house he laid down to rest fully clothed. I was unpacking and he threw the pink pillow across his face to block the light. This is two hours later. He's sacked out and the pillow has rolled down. He hasn't a clue! Too funny. He never knew I took his picture until he scanned the camera. He's taken a few of me like this and worse!!!

Can you guess what city this is?

One stop along the way. The Princess HAD to eat at the McDonald's that looks like a spaceship. If you didn't guess, it's Roswell, NM.

Oops...a double. Oh well. Sweet. Remember this pumpkin? My baby brother's baby? She's precious. Sleeping in my arms at the wedding. And her Auntie (wonder who?) painter her toenails the minute she realized that they weren't done already! Baby girl was fascinated with them. I think they were brighter than mom usually does, but I didn't have just plain pink with me!

We interrupt this program...

The Princess has lost another tooth! She would like the world to know she pulled it by herself while sitting at Applebee's for dinner. The napkin dotted with red was very appretizing but it didn't stop her! Also...look how sweet they can be...when the want to be. More pics to come. We've arrived at our destination and will be busy...but I'll keep working on it. I have many to share.

Another stop.

Visiting with more family. Great Uncle D and Great Aunt J loved on us. We had a good and restful visit. We almost hated to move on. But press on we must.

Which stop is this on the tour?

Watching "Tom and Jerry" with Aunt K. Uncle R1 making snow cones for us. The Princess had Cotton Candy flavor while sitting on the Hot Tub. Good times.

Last photos and then moving tearfully on.

More of the newest member

Stop five.

Welcome newest member of the family. So tiny. So perfect. Proud Aunt and Uncle and cousins...and especially big sister.

Farewell Tour stopr four

"Surrogate" Grandparents. They have loved our kids as their own since the Prince was newborn. She used to come to my house and keep him while I went to college down the street. He has made countless wooden items out of love for them. Bittersweet visit.

FT...Stop three

We stopped and visited friends who live on the lake. We've known them about 15 years. Not many pictures BECAUSE we were on the lake. I have a huge bruise from where I fell out of the hammock...laughing so hard I couldn't get up! All is well and we had a great time with dear friends.