Graduation is just five days away. Five days. When we moved here for Brian to attend RTS almost three years ago, it truly seemed like it would be forever. Three years felt like eternity. I had no idea how hard it would be to move from Virginia down to Charlotte. We had lived there for over 13 years. Dear friends. A wonderful church family. The valley.

It was a lonely time in many ways. I cried for the first year and through much of the second. By the third year, Charlotte felt more comfortable. We knew our way around. We had joined a church. Moved out of our townhouse and into a house on a cul-de-sac that was (and is) perfect for the kids.

And now, it's almost time to move again(back to Virginia, thank you Lord). Oddly enough, I find myself at a strange place. Sad to leave. Who would have thought I'd be sad to move from Charlotte? But I am. I try to push the sadness down because I just don't want to feel it but it's as if there is a dam that is trying really hard to break and will any day now. The tears have trickled out occasionally but pretty soon, I think they will flow.

To me, that is a testimony to the goodness of God. He has given me such wonderful gifts here that I have reason to be sad. Reason to miss this place that I once dreaded so much. He is so faithful to care for his sheep. To give them what is best for them even when it involves pain. As we get ready to move again, I have many of the same fears and hesitations I had when we moved here but I have experienced in a new way His provision and care, and I am hopeful. I can fully rest in His promises. I know His faithfulness will be proved again.

I have mopped myself into a corner. At least the corner puts me at the computer so I can write a little. Nothing monumental to speak of really. But, I have to say, I love getting into a good work of fiction. I'm in one right now. I Capture the Castle. Do you know when you are really enjoying a book but you just don't have a lot of time to read it? That drives me crazy. I can't wait until the house quiets and I can grab the book and pick up where I left off. It's like there's this whole world going on and I'm afraid I'll miss something. Although of course I won't-it's a book! So when the floor dries and the laundry is folded, I'll make my way back to the couch and the story until my eyes just will not stay open a minute longer!

Samuel seems less like a baby and more like a little boy everyday. He has recently decided that reading a book or two in bed before he goes to sleep is a good idea. I usually know when he's done with them. I hear a "thud" as he throws them between the wall and his crib! Tonight he wasn't alseep yet when Jack went to bed. Every once in a while I could hear a giggle from Samuel. I looked in. Jack's reading in bed. Samuel's laying on his side watching him. I wish I could package that up and never forget it.

Earlier Today...

Jack: "Ohhh pleeaassee."

Lily to Samuel, "Can you believe we are still sitting in these strollers?"

Two Peas in a Pod

I took this picture recently and realized, somewhat nostalgically, how many times I have photographed these two side-by-side in four and a half years. Sometimes they can get at each other and make each other so mad but they really are good buds. I look forward to many more pictures like these.

Here's Samuel, our budding scientist, among other things!

This morning Jack asked me, "Mom, what superpowers do you have?" Hmmm...Not sure so I directed the question back to him.
He said, "Being smart. And flying."
"Really, you fly?"
"Yes, but not so anyone can see me."

I asked Kayla what superpowers she has.
"Taking care of Samuel. Doing art."
Jack: "Yes, Kayla's the best artist."
She smiled the biggest smile and looked at me with her eyes wide open. "Mommy, Jack said I'm the best artist." Before bed tonight she said good-night to Jack and as she hugged him she said, "Jack, thanks for saying I'm the best artist."

"I have rightfully no other business each day but to do God's work as a servant, constantly regarding His pleasure. May I have grace to live above every human motive, simply with God and to God." Henry Martyn, early missionary to India

Conquering Fears

Jack used to be absolutely terrified of dogs. I could cite so many examples. Our neighbor in the townhouse we used to live in ("G house" as Kayla calls it) had an indoor dog. There were times when Jack would not go outside to get in the van until I checked to see if their door was closed so the dog couldn't even look out! The past couple of months have been ones of tremendous growth for him. The Lord is beginning to put those dog fears to rest. This picture speaks volumes to me. Thank you Lord and Go Jack!!