Where's the Kleenex?

Well, it was a tearjerker, as i thought it would be. I tried to hold it together, but when Pastor Phil asked all the young people who had been impacted by us to stand, I looked into each of their eyes and began to tear up. It still hasn't hit me that we won't be coming back next Sunday. Today is our last day here, and I'm finishing the packing, doing final loads of laundry and trying many ways to use up the last of our milk in the fridge (pudding anyone?). I feel so blessed to be part of this church family; various people from the church have been so helpful in many ways, watching my children, bringing boxes, and helping to pack. Such a wonderful reason to heed the words of Hebrews 10:25. We have created a massive extended family that has touched our lives in so many ways. Thank you friends!

well, the big birthday bash is over....
and Jenna is already planning the next one!

We had 5 princesses get their hair and nails done by our own "personal stylists" (thank you amanda, korey, and lynsey!!) Then they had a photo shoot with yours truly. I got to try out my new camera which I completely love. So nice not to have film to deal with anymore. And as i suspected, I went camera happy. But the girls got into the posing, so it was fun all the way around.

We did this party a little soon (Jenna won't be 5 till April), but we will be in a great state of transition at that time with moving up to camp. Our house is almost completely packed, so much so that Derreck had to borrow a baking sheet from the church for our birthday dinner (oops on my part).

We are hoping to be permanently moved during the first week of April. We're painting next week, and the carpet layers are coming soon after. Derreck spoke a good case for buying a new flat screen HDTV, so that will be waiting for us at the new house. What was I thinking, letting him talk me into THAT one!! ;P

Please pray for us as we transition, that it will go smoothly for the girls, and that we'll be focused on the larger goal...to do God's will, no matter where we are.

The Next Move

well, we returned from the camp on Saturday night and the plans are still moving forward for us to join their staff in April. We are excited to move there and help out in any way God chooses, but it is still sad to leave our church and especially our youth group. Packing and moving is already proving to be stressful but I lean on the verse from Philippians 4 verse 6:

"Do not be anxious about ANYTHING,

but in EVERYTHING,

by prayer and petition,

with THANKSGIVING,

present your requests to God."

And in verse 7 the promise follows:

"And the PEACE of GOD,

which transcends all our understanding,

will guard your HEARTS and your MINDS

in Christ Jesus."