Friday, July 8, 2011

Big Changes

(Fireworks display on July 3, 2011)

First off, HELLO WORLD! It's been a long spell since I've been online, and to my blog, at that.

Where to start?

Ah! Summer break!

We've endured a sticky hot Summer...relaxing many afternoons at the beach in Callaway, or on a lake. We've spent indulgent afternoons at a couple of local (well air conditioned) libraries for activities, crafts, and reading. A half of a week in North Carolina where we visited our family (Wendy, Tom, and Grayson)...and visited one really cool science museum in Raleigh (the fact that it was free admission still boggles my mind, because it was FABULOUS! Wish Atlanta rocked out free museums like that one!), as well as one really fun day on Lake Jordan where the waves were a'plenty! Unfortunately, while away, our town suffered a severe storm that knocked out our modem and DSL. I thought that shutting these things down would suffice. I was mistaken. Never leave your home, on vacation, without unplugging your computer devices!!! While I am confident that we will be able to have our pictures/videos retrieved, knowing that I can't power up a modem that contains over 13,000 precious family photos and videos, myself, is shattering. Back your stuff up, folks! It's going to cost us a chunk of change to have these treasures retrieved. What was I thinking?

Ugh!

Lesson learned.

We've got some big changes coming round the ole bend. Exactly one month, from today, the babes start school again. Lindsey will be going into the seventh grade, and Gabriel, the fifth. As we have collectively made the decision to sign Ella up for preschool, she will be starting the program at the beginning of September. Jacob will be here a month later. We have also begun looking for a larger home to accommodate our growing family. As I am mentally and financially attempting to prepare three children for school, as well as preparing our home for a new baby (we have chosen not to have a baby shower, but thanks, nonetheless, to those of you whom have offered), my overwhelmed mind is on overload with the prospect of this new home finding/buying "adventure". However, what a blessing to be given the opportunity to begin looking for a larger home! This combined family certainly will be blessed with a move into a larger home. While it's certainly to our advantage, I've been scanning the net for listings, and am saddened to see the very large amount of foreclosures listed in our county. New homes listed well below their original cost....vacant reminders that many families have lost their homes recently. I can't help but to pray for each family.

Onto baby news...

I am 25 weeks into this pregnancy. Almost 26. Typing that out makes it all the more real, and...I Stand Amazed! I am inching my way closer to meeting my fourth child, and I am elated! No health concerns to report. All is well with baby and mommy. He's an active little guy, and seems so much larger (in length) than I was expecting him to be this early. He kicks, bumps, and hits high and low....I'm beginning to wonder if he'll have anymore room to grow. ha,ha. :0)


My step brother, Ryan, got married over the weekend. I have known him since he was born, as our families were members of the same church. My mom reconnected with and married his dad several years later. He instantly became my little brother, and I adored him truly. While I've grown up, too, it's hard to believe that my little brother has graduated from UGA, and married his college girlfriend. He was eleven yesterday, it seems! While I wasn't able to attend their out-of-state nuptials, my heart was with my little brother as he became a husband to his beautiful bride.

Congratulations Ryan and Britni! Praying the Lord blesses you both with many precious memories, laughter, and endless happiness! Ryan, I love you, and am so happy for you!


Relishing in His goodness...