Last Night in the States

Well, it's our last night on American soil for a while, and I thought I'd put down a few thoughts since everyone wants to know "where we are" right now -  as in physically, spiritually, emotionally, mentally...Unfortunately, I really only have two words: "We're tired".  That's the physical part. 

The past three months seem like a juxtaposition of warp speed and time standing still. We have done more and worked harder since February 18th, when we made our decision to take the offer in Brisbane, than I can ever remember working before.  I can truly say this has been the hardest thing I have ever had to do.  We have had more late nights than I had in college, and forget about r-&-r, the tasks have been one on top of each other.  

But don't think that I'm complaining.  I'm not.  Spiritually, we are at the top of our game.  Eyes and ears wide open for what the Lord has in store for us.  This adventure ahead is not one for the faint of heart...even though there are days when I think I fit that description.  We have seen God's hand in so much of this process and have felt the prayers that our praying friends have lifted up on our behalf. 

But, even with the prayers and presence we have felt, it doesn't take away the bittersweet pain of having to say goodbye to a chapter of our life.  It's been difficult to close the door to the only house we've ever owned, and hug our first adult pastor goodbye.  I've cried as we left the kids preschool for the last time and finished the Bible Study where I've grown as a mom and woman. It has seemed unreal to hug some of the best girlfriends I've ever had knowing the distance between our next hug.  Every day I fight the urge to cancel it all and just sit tight in our blessed little life.  But I know that's not what this is about.  It's time to stretch, and that means saying farewell.  

Which brings me to the mental part.  Here's where I can say we're excited.  It's new.  It's fresh.  And Brisbane looks like a great place to be.  I've heard Australia is filled with wonderful, friendly people (a lot like Texas).  And the activities, oh the activities.  We can't wait to try them ALL out.  I will leave you with a shot of our new hometown.  At least for the next four years...

2009 In Review - Part II

Spring was a great time...I'll always remember it fondly. We were getting our routine down and getting to know #5. The weather was great and we had a lot of fun times as a family. We had a lot on our calendar (as usual) and enjoyed getting out of the house for a change! Here are a few snapshots of April, the busiest month of all.

1st Birthday Parties...

Texas Bluebonnets...definitely not our best family photo...

Babies Born...Here's Katie's #3, sweet Lissie...

Hallie trying solids for the first time...

We did something really fun last year, called "Touch a Truck". It's put on by the Mom's Club of Spring at the Klein United Methodist Church. For any of you moms with boys in the NW or North Houston area, this is a must!

Caden loved it. He got to see what all the firemen that he loves so much do when they fight fires. He even got to try on a hat :)

They had all kinds of cars and trucks at the event...18 wheelers,school busses, police cars, and even the Freebirds hippie VW van. Caden was feeling the tie dye moment and threw up a peace sign. Make a mama proud!

2009 In Review - Part I

Since I fully intended on starting my blog in 2009, and as promised, did not fully realize that goal, I thought a good series of posts would be the year in review. So, with that said here is the first quarter in all its craziness. Remember, this was me just starting out as a stay-at-homer and us just starting out as a family of 5!

January

we spent a lot of time at home...hence the cozy dinosaur pj's.

hallie spent a lot of time smiling, here she is at 2 mos.

we drank hot chocolate.

and visited our cousins.

February

we had friends come over and play...

...and play.

we learned to play dress up.

we went to the park with friends.

and said goodbye to a good friend.

March

we ate snacks.

and played at the park.

we learned to say cheese (giggle, giggle).

and showed off our best grins.

then we got some help for spring break, whew!

we had picnic lunches.

and went to the zoo on St. Patrick's Day.

Biting the Bullet...

I don't have will power. Really. I'm a now kind of girl, so when I originally said that I wanted to start a blog, but resisted because I "didn't want the pressure" I was exercising a higher power. But alas, here I am...and I'm pumped! I will admit that I have been thinking in "blog-ese" for months now, writing in my head as events were taking place and thinking to myself "that would make a great post!" There are no promises either expressed or implied that this blog will be kept current at all times. As a mom of three ages four and under, who is still getting her wits about her after quitting her job to stay home last year, I think that would be a bit presumptuous. But I do hope to be a frequent and sometimes interesting contributor to the world of cyberspace. So, stay tuned. There's a lot in this brain of mine just dying to get out.