What a feeling!

~I have had this post saved for a couple of weeks. I really didn't know if I wanted to share it, but have finally decided to post.

Sunday, the kiddos and I headed to church as usual. Jeremy's mommy and daddy were coming down so his dad could help him repair our fence. The gate was beginning to sag some just from the weight of the fence.

I was sitting alone on the pew, which was not a big deal at all.

Have you ever sat alone? There's a difference, you know? There's sitting alone because you don't know anyone, and then there's sitting alone feeling completely comfortable and knowing you are exactly where you are supposed to be.

I was the second one.

I was enjoying the music. I had friends around me (in front and behind) and looking forward to the sermon ahead.

And then my friend Laurie sat beside me. And I started to cry. And of course this would be about the same time as the "fellowship" hymn. You know, where you get to talk to everyone around you. Obviously, Laurie knew my heart. She knows what's going on in our lives, and she didn't care that I started to cry. I know I just started thinking about the future, and things to come. There may be a time I'm sitting alone not knowing anyone. But, I hope where ever God has me, whenever a time may come, that I don't feel alone, uncomfortable and questioning where he has brought me.

August 9, 2010 - Jeremy mentioned just last night that God could either prepare us for a church, or prepare a church for us. I had never really thought of the latter, but it is so true.

4th of July

I never got around to posting about the 4th of July. We spent time at the lake and went to a cookout at my parents church (where Jeremy and I went before we got married.) Here are some pictures from the day at the lake.

Ella Grace

I thought this was so funny! Austin and Ella Grace appear to be struggling!

Major - another funny!

This is Jeremy's brother David (Austin and Caroline's dad).

Right off the slip 'n slide!

Major looks more like he fell. Caroline is really feeling the water, not trying to catch Major.

I thought this one was really funny. Poor Hunter bumped his head shortly after this, though.

Now, it's Daddy's turn!

Look at that form!

Whee!

Major lovin' him some watermelon. We even practiced spitting seeds that day!

A Saturday morning party

Earlier this week, Ella Grace was invited to a birthday party for one of her friends. When I picked her up from school that day she said "Look! I'm going to Parker's birthday party at McDonald's on Highway xx!" (saying specifically the road McDonald's is on!). Knowing I was going to have to work this morning, I didn't say much about the party. I spoke to Parker's mommy one day and explained I would have to work, and asked if she would mind if Major came along, too. She was so sweet and said just bring him on. Jeremy took the two kids to the party and I met them there. Actually, I got there before they did (yea!). Here are a few pictures from the party. The kids had so much fun, and I think Parker did, as well!

Ella Grace & Major with their McDonald's hats.
Major coming down the slide.

Ella Grace with her school friend Lilli.

Singing Happy Birthday to Parker (striped shirt).

All the kids from the party.

Happy Birthday, Parker!

Changes

Oh, me! Have you ever known that change was coming, and there was nothing you could do to prepare for it? When you love control (not in a bad way) change can be so hard to handle. This change could be personal, professional, school, etc. For instance, at work right now we have so many vacancies within our office. I know there are going to be some hard days coming soon, but there is nothing I can do at the moment but take it one day at a time. Right?
But, we also have some other things where change is just on the horizon. I like to keep a lot of things close to heart. I've experienced telling someone something prematurely only to have a secret not kept. That doesn't feel good. So, for now, this one is staying in the family. Change is hard. I also know that change can be good, too, and I can be strengthed by it and for it. I know the good Lord is preparing us for our future in so many different respects.
Sometimes, I think change is for us. Learning how to lay things down at His feet and put our timelines and plans aside to learn to rely on His. We pray for our wants and desires to meet His.

Books of the Bible

I was teaching the kiddos this morning the the 9th - 12th books of the Bible this morning. We had sung the Books of the Bible song over and over already. I had to call my Dad 'cause Major wanted to ask Pop to take him to get a haircut. I finally talked Major into reciting the books for Pop. It was SO cute! He did awesome, even saying the new additions:
"...first Samuel, last Samuel, first King, last King..."
I did not teach it to him that way, and we never even said "last" about anything this morning! My sweet little man just amazes me everyday. I love you, Major!!

(Ella Grace refused to talk much this morning, other than the books and singing the song. She did tell me repeatedly I wasn't stopping the song in the right place.)