Pics of Jonathan's trip to PA.

What a Week!

This last week and a half has been a whirlwind of activity.

Last Wednesday, I took J to PA to spend a week with my parents. He had such a great time. They took him to Hershey, visited the relatives, played, played and played. He is already ready to go back again.

I left from PA on Thursday and flew to Memphis. I spent a few days with the Annie Moses Band at their Fine Arts Summer Academy. I had a great time, and it was exciting to see what the kids learned in a week!

The next stop was still in Memphis, but at Bellvue Baptist Church. I spent some time there with Joy, the director of the Performing Arts Center. She was such a kindred spirit. She was so helpful and encouraging. That stop alone made the whole trip worthwhile.

I flew back to PA late Tuesday night. I spent Wednesday with my family. I just love them! Then J and I returned to VA on Thursday.

Friday was spent at the former LCA building preparing classrooms to paint and finalizing details for painting. Saturday was spent with a group of around 35 people who helped us paint several classrooms. We still have some to go, but it is progress.

Today is Sunday, and I am exhausted! We are off to church, and I am definitely taking a nap!

Sisterchicks

I am on a trip for work this week, and I needed another book to read so I went to Lifeway to get another book.

So what do I see on the shelf? Sisterchicks Go Brit. How fun is that? So I starting reading it and it made me think of my favorite "British" sisterchick. Makes me want to take another trip to London, that is for sure!

Happy Anniversary, Honey!

Tim and I are celebrating our 8th anniversary today. Well, he is working late, and I had to work early. So, maybe we will get to see each other for an hour or so today.

Hard to believe that 8 years have come and gone. Lots of changes. Lived in lots of states (FL, PA, MO, VA). Shared lots of laughs and lots of tears.

Here's to you, Honey! May we have many more happy returns.

Love you!

Skype

So, I know Skype has been around for a while...and I know there are a lot of pros and cons, but I think it is pretty cool that I can talk to my father-in-law in Taiwan for free. We even use our web cam so he can see J when he talks to him. Amazing!

I am trying to decide whether or not to ditch my long distance on my home phone and use Skype instead. Thoughts?

The Perfect Night

So this year, we have a lovely three day weekend for the fourth. Both Tim and I LOVE to travel, but with gas being $4 a gallon, we decided to stay home.

Tonight, we put up the tent in the backyard because Tim and J are going to have guys night and sleep outside. The weather is perfect...in the low 70s.

We got out the charcoal grill and cooked hot dogs and s'mores and just sat around as the coals died out. Just talking and being together and enjoying the evening.

I am glad we stayed home!

Wish I Were with You

A couple of years ago, I worked at Second Baptist in Springfield, MO in the worship office. We had the BEST team work environment ever. We knew each other's strengths and weaknesses and utilized that knowledge to make an efficient work environment. Every summer we led a Summer Arts Festival...and every year, it got better and better.

Since then, I have moved and my boss moved. And tonight is J.P.'s last night at SAF. Oh, how he will be missed! I don't think people realize how much effort and heart he puts into things. He is one who doesn't do things for recognition or glory. He quietly goes about and does his job to honor God. There will definitely be a void there... But I am confident that God is going to use him greatly in this new ministry he is going to.

So then there was one. P2, know you are not alone. God is still weaving our stories into the direction He wants them to go. I am sorry we left you...wish I could be there to help lessen your load.

It is hard when there are changes, but yet life is always changing. I don't think I will ever get used to it. But we adjust. We move on. And we grow.

So, my dear friends, I am praying for you tonight. May God surround you with His love...and healing for those growing pains.