Changes

Let me see if I can explain how much my life has changed since moving two months ago. I can think of times in the past to see how seasons of my life gradually changed, but this one was pretty much instant, leaving one city and going north about 40 minutes.

First of all and the best thing in my opinion (though they are all pretty wonderful), we have found a local body of believers to fellowship with! Driving to church on Sunday morning no longer takes us 40 minutes, but rather five. All the people that go to this church (about 40 I'm guessing) live in the same town as we do.

The best thing about these people is their apparent and exuberant love for Jesus, for one another and for the lost. I cannot think of a better three qualities to look for when looking for a new church. I am SO THANKFUL that God has brought us here and brought us so quickly to this church. Another great thing is that the home church meets about 6 minutes from our house...amazing!

Another huge change in my life kind of goes with the first, but that of no longer being so isolated. Since moving we have had so many guests over for dinner, gone to others homes for dinner, had play dates at our home with moms and children during the day and generally just spending more time with people! Maybe it is because compared to our old city, all of our friends lived at least a half hour away without traffic, and being in a busy neighborhood, people did not spend much time together. Here we are meeting or already knew people that live in the same city and it is not much of a hassle for people to come out to play or eat with us. I am so loving opening my home to people!

We also spend a lot of time with our neighbor's...particularly one's that moved in a few months before us who have been a huge blessing to us. It is really fun to have a 'couple' friend that we can spend time with...taking turns making dinner for one another and enjoying hanging out. Just tonight we had a big bonfire over at their house wishing we had the ingredients for smore's after we all enjoyed Mark's delicious dinner of smoked brisket, wings and ribs with my garlic rosemary mashed potatoes.

After typing all this I'm beginning to see a pattern...I'm thinking it has to do with community and how much that was lacking in our previous life. I always desired and actually prayed for it for a long, long time. I'm seeing now how God has answered that prayer in such an awsome and unexpected way. I am so thankful...He is so good to us.

Daybook

Outside my window...we had snow two days ago and the children all jumped out of bed and began to make a snowman immediately. Unfortunately, I did not get a pic of the snowman, but it was surprisingly pretty big. They had a great time playing with their neighbors as there are two other homeschool families on our street whose children joined in the fun that morning.
I am thinking...of what color to paint our house, still. Not enjoying this process at all!

I am thankful for...a warm house and wonderful fireplace while it is so chilly outside.

I am wearing...jeans (just got back from my nightly walk with my mother, too cold for a skirt) and my sweet hubby's thermal long sleeve shirt that I bought for him eight years ago or so, which no longer fits him.

I am remembering...to be content with everything.

I am going...out on a little date with Mark in a bit...a local taco shop...fun times :)

I am reading...The Divine Romance, by Gene Edwards...really making me think about how much I love God and how to pass that on to my children. Great book.

I am hoping...to make a decision on the paint colors this weekend, so I can quit thinking about it!

On my mind...lots, that I cannot get into right now...mainly Jesus stuff.

Noticing that...my children are growing up so fast! They love each other so well and truly enjoy each others company, I am so thankful for that.

From the kitchen...homemade chili, new recipe that was delicious. Thinking of trying a new one out weekly during the winter till we find our favorite one.

I am hearing…silence! The children are playing outside with daddy...

Around the house…laundry needs to be put up, plants watered, floors swept (and mopped), all to be done in the morning, or at least Sunday!

A few plans for the rest of the week...going to my mother's work Christmas dinner with her tomorrow night after spending the day with family and friends...church Sunday at our new (AMAZING) church in our new town (so so excited!!)...grandmother coming to stay with us Sunday through Tuesday, praying she will not be too upset about it and will enjoy her time with us...then a pretty busy week after.

One of my favorite things...date nights with hubby

From my picture journal...We had our 5th annual family day a few weeks ago and visited this local park with a bunch of neat animals that you could get very close too (as you see with the camel in our face). The pic below that is of the children petting a baby kangaroo...it was so sweet and soft!