A year In...

Hello, hello! Apparently I am on the annual plan for blog entries. A dear friend and clergy spouse warned me that as we embark on this journey, I should prepare for "the darks". Being the optimist I am, I smiled and went on my merry way, convinced that this adventure (a three year program to prepare Tim for ordination in the Episcopal church) would be nothing but roses. Of course, she was right. One of the best things I have done here for my soul is go to Spiritual Direction. It is just like a discipleship group--either one-on-one or in a larger group. Sometimes I just need to talk to someone, knowing the conversation will remain confidential. More often, we will contemplate a Psalm. Always, the Holy Spirit will guide as I peel off my unhealthy thoughts and rest in God's peace and proper perspective. What I have learned from the psalms is that happiness is not a state we should always expect to be in. Sometimes the psalmist is dancing for joy; sometimes he is weeping. That is life. That said, life is very good. Our family is happy and healthy here. Our oldest will be in college before we head back to Texas. These are precious moments. We are learning so much as we are all being formed for the ministry Tim is embarking on. And we have been humbled and blessed by all of our friend, family, and even strangers who have supported us on this journey.

4 Generations

Hello old friends!

I can't believe it has been over a year since my last post. I've been busy... I can't wait to share about our new adventure, but before I get to that, enjoy this shot of Emmett with his great grandpa, Emmett, dad, and Granny.

We took time out of our big move to stop by a little mountain town in NC so the two Emmetts could meet. Great Grandpa Emmett is going strong at 93.7. We had a great time relaxing, playing badminton, and catching fireflies.

Celebrating Baby Emmett

Emmett has been a visible part of our family now for not even 24 four hours, but already he has warmed his little way into our hearts in such a way that is hard to even describe. We are all on cloud 9. Big sisters have been so helpful. Daddy was moved to tears at the birth like he always is, and this time he didn't turn green. Emmett was born at home like Emily was (with the help of a midwife), but he was born in the water. As soon as I got in the tub, the pain went down by at least 50%. I was in hard labor for 2 hours at the most. The hardest part was pushing because he was a little sideways. But it was over before I knew it and oh so worth it! Vital stats: bday 2/27/09, 6lb. 14oz. 20.25 inches.

Book Character Day

Are these two cuties the spitting images of Nancy Drew and Madeline or what? We had a fun morning at school today. All the kids dressed up as a book character, and we had a parade. Hannah is in fourth grade, and Emily is in second.

Good News

Hi friends,

A lot has happened since I last wrote. We have moved. I love my new job teaching music. And...we are expecting a baby BOY in March. God is good.

Cookie Capers

The neighbors were getting annoyed. I was wondering if our decision not to give the girls an allowance had backfired. How many lemonade/Gatorade/hot chocolate/sweet tea stands should one group of sisters have in a given week? I knew I needed to step in when they started to sell their hand-woven scarves in 95 degree heat. So I laid down the law: only one stand a week, and drinks only!

Wouldn’t you know it—the first day they had their strictly sweet tea stand, Mrs. Martini said, "Oh, I was hoping you were selling cookies." I must admit, I have a weakness for cookie baking. The girls gained a bit of neighborhood fame the day we sold Christmas cookies and homemade hot chocolate on our corner. But I can’t take any credit for what happened next. The girls came up with the idea to start a cookie business. They made an order form on the computer, which their dad and I whittled down from about 30 dessert options including cheesecake to 6 cookie varieties. The plan was to make a batch to sell at the next lemonade stand, and hand out the order forms as well. While we were thinking of it, we brought some order forms to the allergist, the orthodontist, swim team, and sent some to work with Dad. We haven’t even had a Gatorade stand, and the girls are swamped. It was like: BAM! Orders flew in. I think they have had about 20 dozen cookies ordered so far.

I suggested to Christiana that she should pay for her youth group trip to the IMAX theatre. "Mom!" she said. Sometimes you need to hit them over the head with a ton of bricks—or cookies.