"EVERYTHING!"

was Sam's response when I asked her what her favorite part of her first day of Kindergarten was. Couldn't have prayed for a better response!

Yesterday was an amazingly nice day! I'm convinced it's because Matt was able to stay at home in the morning to take Sam to school w/ us! (thanks babe!) We were all up and showered (that's right, all four of us got showers in the morning!). The kids ate breakfast and then off we went! We arrived at school on time too!

Oh, and did I mention she has to be at school about 45 mins earlier than the public school kids and an hr earlier than preschool last year!? Yeah, I didn't think it would happen at all!

She entered the school with the typical caution of entering any new situation. Thankfully, a few adults who know her greeted her by name. That helped a lot!! It was relaxing for us too because Mr Kamp the assist. headmaster/music teacher (also Matt's elementary music teacher) was out to greet everyone so he told Matt to get to class! It was cute! Mr Kamp has been a great part of our transition here for Sammie. See, his wife was Sam's preschool teacher last year so that gave her a way to connect the two schools and know that she'll still get to see her beloved Mrs. Kamp from time to time! sniff, sniff

Here's a small glimpse into kindergarten! (Don't call it school or you'll be corrected by the student herself..."you mean kindergarten!")

Still here...

Well, it's been quite some time since our last blog. How are ya?? We're doing well. I cannot say that there is anything major to share but I just felt the need to write on here since we have been slacking on this page!

I will leave you with a picture or two of the kiddos!!

Daniel reading his favorite book


Sam's first trip to Fenway!

In Loving Memory

It is always hard when you lose a friend, but to lose someone who is completely healthy in a car accident reminds you of how short our time here on earth is. On Monday, one of our close friends from Messiah College died in a head-on collision in Dayton Ohio. Below is the news video about her accident. She was an only child, and we are praying for her parents as they have gone to Ohio to coordinate services and bury their baby.

Teri Lee Carl
Born: February 28th, 1979
Died: December 1st, 2008

We miss you Teri Lee... See you in heaven.

The Ring's Visit

We are sooooo happy that the Ring's are visiting us!! They arrived here yesterday, and we've been able to spend some awesome time together. Today we went to Monkey Joe's, an indoor moon-bounce/gymnasium, where the kids went crazy and had a blast. We came home and watched Veggie Tales Jonah, and let the kids rest a bit. It's always great to see close friends, and we hope that all our friends from VA come and see us soon!! We miss living in VA, and we miss Calvary Baptist Church.

Our Texas Family

Just wanted to write a note to all our "family" in Tx. We are praying for you all! If anyone else is reading this, please pray for the Adames, the Stoners, the Dittmars, and the Tardys. These families are all living within the general path of IKE. Love you all and pray for God's safety over you!

Happy 30th!!

Happy 30th to my wonderful Hubby!! Today he has entered his 31st year and fourth decade of life! (I'm only sharing this tidbit of info because I heard this for a week before my 30th birthday!)

My love
Adores the LORD
Trustworthy
Tolerates my moods
Hottie
Energetic
Witty

Honey, I hope you have a great Birthday! We love you!

Nothing like a older home!!

After two weeks of being in our new home, we are well overwhelmed with the tasks set before us! We have been blessed to be able to accomplish one so far...the electricity. We were without electricity for two days (only for eight hrs. each day) so we could be "upgraded" and improved. We have also come to assume our home has three ages. First as a small first floor ranch, then as a cape with two dormers added to the front of the roof and one larger roof area added to make two bedrooms and a bath upstairs, and finally, an addition with two smaller bedrooms upstairs and a family room (we're making it a dining room) off of the back of the home. Along with the three stages, also come three different kind of walls (plaster, drywall, and hardboard) and three ages of windows. The oldest windows remind me of the home I grew up in (which was built in 1861 and torn down in 1992).

Don't get me wrong...the charm and character totally outweighs the tasks but knowing that we somehow have to find the time and the means to accomplish them is very overwhelming for my Type A personality. I know it can be done...many of our friends (military/with kids) from VA can testify to that!

We have some photos of the new place and the kids...I will do my best to get them up as soon as I can...but I cannot promise anything! I'll probably do it during one of my "I need to rest" moments!

Hope you have a great weekend! Please let us know how you're doing!