What We've Been Up To

Well, as usually happens, it's been forever since I last posted... but I feel this has been with just cause! :) I am hoping to get back on a normal posting basis. This summer has been non-stop since it started. I can't even remember my last post.

April: We survived the devastating tornadoes that hit the South hard. My car was crushed and totaled by a tree, which was saddening... but a new car makes that all better. A new paid for car makes it even better. We are now the proud owners of a 2011 Nissan Rogue, and I looooove it!

May: Well, this actually when we bought the new car. And we celebrated our birthdays. Stephen was presented with a full-time job offer to start first of August... so begin lots of discussions and prayers and things on this offer.

June: Stephen took the youth group to Nashville WorkCamp. They got back late Friday night, and then we left Sunday morning with the youth group for a week of Church Camp, Alabama Christian Service Camp. It was the first time since I was in a youth group that I had been to church camp! It was very fun and challenging. I hated being away from the kids, but the camp kept us so busy I barely had time to notice but at night.
Just a little insight into the week: This is how the week started- "Jennifer, is this all you are going to carry?" Stephen pointed at my duffel bag with my clothes and toiletries. "Yes." With response, "Well, what are you going to sleep on or dry off with?" To which I said, "I have to bring that stuff? You mean it's not provided?!" Stephen got a good laugh out of me thinking I was going to a Hampton Inn or something. I carried my sheets from my old cheerleading days. It wasn't nearly as bad as I imagined after that conversation... but some people haven't let me live that one down yet.

July: Stephen went on his annual camping trip with the youth group to Fall Creek Falls. We also moved into the church parsonage in Decatur. That was quite the workout... man, we always accumulate more and more stuff when we move. It never ceases to amaze me. But both kids have handled the move well. The week we moved was also VBS at the church so VERY busy. Then we left and went to the beach for a week with my family. It was the best trip yet since Will was born. Will looooooved the beach and ocean and everyone being there and everything. Julie Beth enjoyed it too. She's just such a laid back, easy baby.

August: We got back from the beach and then left on Monday for an overnight trip with the youth group to Atlanta. On Tuesday we went to White Water, the park. It was a fun day. The highlight of the trip was definitely when we happened to bump into our old BFF from Nashville who had joined the Peace Corps and we hadn't seen in 3 years!! Then the next week Stephen went to Idaho with the Senior Minister for a conference and was gone all week.

So here it is, August 16, and I loved the summer and can't believe it's over, but I'm ready for some routine and normalcy in our life.

I hope to update soon on the kids, with pictures and maybe even video. Julie Beth has started walking and it's so awesome! She still prefers to crawl when something is across the room but close by she is choosing to walk. Will starts back at Miss Kim's nursery school at the first of September. That's all for now. Seeya soon!