Not losing a Man/Husband/Father/Friend but rather gaining a Missionary

So Rob leaves in the morning, and I have to say that I've only had small moments of panic. Let's face it, I need him. He's not an option to my life - he and I are one! But instead of focusing on all that I am (and Joe & Graham) losing, I'm choosing to put my energy into supporting this awesome ministry opportunity! True, I may not be able to talk to him at all, or Skype, or email, or text, etc... but I will constantly be connected to him through the power of the Holy Spirit and prayer. We serve such an awesome God who comforts us and never leaves us.
Let this be my reminder for the week, like many of you have told me already - "I can make it," but even more than that - I want Rob to come home to his greatest encouragers who never lost sight of the bigger picture, who prayed him through situations unknown, and who are ever more grateful to God for his presence in our lives.

Rob - I am so proud that you are setting out on this adventure - now go serve the LORD!

We made "Summer Jars"

I like scheduling/managing my time. If I could I would do the same things over and over. That's right. As much as I believed growing up that I was this wild child of my generation, I'm really not. I love creativity and expression, art and literature, growth and open-mindedness, but I like all of that to be in an organized nice little box. With a bow. :)
So for me and the kids, I have to adapt my schedule regularly. We have weekly and monthly plans that we try to be consistent with, like going to the library every week for preschool reading group. We rarely miss, but when we do it's difficult to replace it. Like I said, I'm creative but not spontaneous.
Then I found this gem to solve that "spontaneous" problem: The Summer Jar.
Better Way Mom's

But I'm also copying Jodi, because while I was breezing through my "home" on fb, I came across a great photo of cupcakes which read "Free Take One" which I later learned was an item in @JodiMichelle's Summer Jar!

Check it out! Make one for your family! Just be creative and then do what the jar says...

A lot more now

You should be seeing a lot more on the blog now - at least that's the plan! Thank you Rob!!!

The other side of town

Many of you may already know, but we've moved to the other side of town. We're on-campus at the Church! What a huge change it has been. We have had our share of new situations already and I'm sure we haven't seen it all yet. It's such a great oppurtunity and money saver, not to mention Rob no longer has a commute - so we are praising the Lord for blessing us yet again. He is so faithful! The kids just love our church and being right here has already stolen their hearts.
Thank you to those of you who've known we were transitioning for your prayers and support - we so appreciate your encouragement.
Our new mailing address is:
PO Box 450594
Kissimmee, FL 34745

Closure

(Prayer Cards found at the hospital, clicking on the image will enlarge it)

"Your presence is all the comfort and courage I need."

My parents were here last week for a visit and boy was it good to see them! This was the first time my dad has been back to Florida since his brain surgery. Back in July 2009, when we moved to Florida my parents helped us as we made the journey and shortly after arriving here my dad was rushed by ambulance to the Florida Hospital Celebration and was later transferred to the Orlando campus to be treated for a complex brain aneurysm (3 of them actually). He recovered remarkably well and quickly from major brain surgery - the incision went from ear to ear over his head. My brother and his wife drove down here to bring him and my mom home after just about a month in the hospital. After sending them back to Michigan, I struggled quietly with questions about my dad's health and regret for not being with him more (even though I saw him every day he was here).
So while they were here we made a trip to the place where he stayed for such an important time in all of our lives. The Florida Hospital Orlando, where we all (extended family included) grew in our faith and trust in Jehovah-rophe! Our God heals! It was emotional for all of us. The trip gave me that piece of the puzzle that had been missing for the past year - closure. There I was walking shoulder to shoulder with my daddy and he wasn't weak, wounded, or bandaged up. He is strong, powerful, wise, and healed. I'll never forget the hours spent there: praying, crying, laughing, playing Uno, reading the Bible, and just holding hands. Those memories now are sweet with the bitter removed since going back with him.
During that time it was providential that I was already reading through a book by Elizabeth Elliot titled "The Lord is My Shepherd" taken from Psalm 23. In the hospital they have a hallway (close to the surgical waiting room) of a shepherd and his sheep picturing the compassionate care the shepherd gives. It's such a beautiful place. I learned so much about trust and faith during that season and I'll forever be grateful for that time.

I love you, Dad.

And the sun still shines...

Most of you know that we've had an unusually sick year so far. I can't even begin to list everything that we've had to overcome, and sometimes that can really erode my spirit. This past month I've been preparing to clean out our rental house, get rid of unnecessary items, and just plain organize our life and I've had no lack of motivation.
Then I got the stomach flu along with Joe and then Graham and finally Rob too. It was so devastating. I just loathe how weak I feel with that particular sickness.
There is still so much to do and right when I thought I was going to be a wash for motivation because of recovering from sickness - I saw the light. Literally, I opened the blinds today, looked outside, and praised the Lord for the SUN! It truly is a physical source of energy! Thank you God, You are so good!

Still in boots

On her way to the pool, in boots... I'm loving it!