Processing...

In a mere three weeks from now, we will drive away from this place that we love...this place where we have lived for the past 7 years. People keep asking how I feel about things and honestly, everything feels so surreal. I know that we are moving, I know that I will say goodbye to my friends and my house, I know that we will actually live for the first time since we were married in close proximity to family...I know these things are happening soon, but my heart is just not quite catching up to all my mind has to process. Maybe writing these thoughts out will help with this... We drove up here to Appleton, Wisconsin the day after we got married. This place is all we know as a married couple, as a family. I do believe that throughout our lifetimes we go through a couple different "coming of age" places, and I really feel like Phil and I became adults here. I think back to that newly married couple, at the ripe ages of 22 and 23, driving that Budget truck packed full of wedding gifts, and I realize that although we were legally adults, and by all means thought we were, we were on the very cusp of this thing we call adulthood. We have experienced so very many things here together. To name just a few... -First real "grown up" jobs -"Parenting" a dog named Traveler -Buying cars -Buying a house -Renovating said house -Comitting to a church -Making all new friends -International travel -having 2 beautiful girls -buying and running businesses -selling a business -selling a house And these are just a few of the big things. Part of the beauty of it was that we were so far away from family...because of that we really had to figure out this grown up thing together. We really experienced the "leave and cleave" in a tangible way. So, how do I feel? I feel so very thankful. Thankful for this wonderful place, and these wonderful experiences we've had here. Thankful for faithful friends, and a strong community. Thankful that God has given us a desire and ability to move and be closer to family. I imagine I will be feeling a myriad of emotions over the next few months regarding this move, but my prayer is that I will be thankful. Thankful most of all for a God who knows better than I, whose timeline has purpose and whose purpose is worth it.

Recent Blessings

I've lived here in Wisconsin for six and a half years now. Six and a half cold, cold years. Winters here are not my favorite. Summers are typically lovely, but winters are long, snowy and crazy cold. I tend to get a little down during wintertime, especially come March when this Kansas girl is used to Spring starting to appear. This winter however, has been different so far. Up until a couple weeks ago, we were still able to get out for a walk here and there with the girls. I went on a run on Christmas day, what?! I think this milder winter (so far) is one of the little ways God has been demonstrating His love for me in this season of life. I sense that He has been giving me just enough fun surprises to keep me out of my typical winter doldrums. A trip "up north"* with some dear friends, a surprise visit from one of my favorite people in the world, a pending women's retreat and a new "job" opportunity for me (post coming soon). Many things about life for my family right now are uncertain, but I am so thankful for the love from an unchanging God who cares enough to give me these blessings. *For you non Wisconsin folks, "up north" is the term people here use for anywhere North of Green Bay, we think it's hilarious. Many around here have accents, so when they say it, it sounds like "up nort."

Amen Sister...

I stumbled across Heather's family blog several months ago and have been following their experience in Haiti.  They are now home in Texas and figuring out what comes next.  Bless this woman for articulating some of the things I feel on a daily basis.

Change is coming.

As I sit, ripe with a child about to bring new change to our family, I cannot help but wonder about all of the change I am about to experience in the next few months...

Leaving a place where I have contact with 150+ high school students each day, entering a place where 2 sweet little girls will be my "students."

Leaving behind a secure income and insurance, entering a place of full trust for God to provide and grow a business.

Leaving behind a job, entering into a new job.

Sometimes fear,

sometimes uncertainty,

sometimes joy,

always excitement,

as I look towards what is to come.

Lord, help me to embrace this new season close upon me, prepare me to find joy and purpose as we leave behind what has been as a family, and what is about to become.

Sigh...

I've already managed not to keep up with this thing, I'll try harder, I promise. I think I'll try to write a few "retroactive" posts about experiences these past couple of months (Mia's birth, working, new business and family visits to name a few).

It's chilly here, in the 50's and 60's. Mia and I bundled up and walked to Walgreens to pick up some pictures and to the bookstore. It has been quite challenging to work out these past couple months, so I try to walk as many places I can with Mia in the stroller or carrier. Thankfully, we live where there are several places we frequent within walking distance.

As I type this Mia is eating. How do you type while feeding a child? Let's just say I'm slowly learning how to do many things with one hand.

Here are a couple pictures of what Mia looks like lately.

Give it a try...

Since becoming a mother a mere 40 days ago, millions of thoughts have been swirling around in my head. What to do with all these thoughts? I mentioned to my husband that I'd thought about starting a blog. He said I should, and that he would read it. So I decided I would. We'll see how often I can maintain this, but I'm wondering if this might be a great outlet for all these millions of thoughts. Thanks to those of you who have been blogging, you have inspired me. I've found in the past 40 days that hearing what other new mothers are experiencing has encouraged me. I've also appreciated hearing and reading honest and authentic words about this crazy thing we call parenting. My attempt will be to contribute to this conversation honestly and authentically. So here's a little slice of this world from my view...