A Birthday Trip

This year my mother took the day off from her job for my birthday and invited me to take the train down and spend 2 days and a night with her to celebrate. We had such a nice time.. thrift store shopping, going out for gluten free fish and chips for dinner (!) and having some very sweet and deep conversations. It was such a nice time with she and her husband Ben. They drove me home on Saturday and spent the evening here with our family.

 

 

The girls were so sweet to hold down the fort while I was gone!

I hear they did a very good job :)

 

Thanks Mama for a sweet time~

 

 

 

 

Just playin' around!

 The weather has slowly been getting warmer.. and staying light later... does that mean spring is just around the corner????

 

Gracie plays with Naomi at fellowship

Grace's friend, Becca

Nice enough to be outside!

What a sweetie!

 

Laura always sleeps so well at the Sebens! She usually takes 3 hr naps on Sunday

A Sweet friend

 

Grace, intently sounding out 'Amazing Grace'

 

My greatest earthly treasure..

Have I ever mentioned that I have the sweetest husband in the world?? Not just because he makes and brings me a steaming hot cup of coffee as I stumble out of bed every morning.. and not just because he works hard to pay our necessary living expenses.. and not just because he is commited to raising his family in the nuture and admonition of the Lord.. and not just because he is a visionary.. a vision which includes the whole world.. but also because he is my best friend who I can always share with and pray with and depend on. I pray that as the Lord continues to grow me up that I can become a better and better help meet to him! :)
This Friday is my birthday.. it used to be that Grady would go out and buy me something expensive which we could not afford and I would get mad at him.. no REALLY! (not a very thankful attitude!)Three times over the past 23 years he has purchased a watch for my birthday. The first one I accidently lost while helping a friend pack and the second one I left at the hospital after I had Gracie. The most precious one however was the year that he took my precious grandmother's golden watch which had been given to me and spend a TON of money getting it back into working order. Sadly it failed working after a few months but the sweetness of that gift was an example of how thoughtful my husband is. The Lord has changed our hearts in regard to spending.. so I was a bit horrified the other day when my sweetie presented me with a beautiful silver watch for my birthday! It is tiny like I prefer (I have a wrist the size of a 6 year old!) and stainless silver which I also like. I bit my tongue while thinking 'What is he thinking! He shouldn't have spent money on me!' The Lord has grown me a bit because although I was *thinking* that, I kept my mouth shut and just thanked him! He proceeded to tell me that he had gotten it at Goodwill for $5. :) It was already my size ( in the past he has had to take out many, many links in order for a new watch to fit me) he said that when he saw it he knew that it belonged on his bride's wrist.. I am so blessed.. ♥♥♥

Daddy saunters into the kitchen.. what is he up to? :)

He presents me with my new beautiful watch..

 

Aww- what a sweetheart! His gift came a week before my birthday..

he has never liked keeping secrets! :) I think he loves giving me things

as much as I enjoy and love receiving from him..

Isn't it pretty? :)

Saying Goodbye to the Kings ( Again!)

Why does it always seem that we are saying goodbye? Despite that sad fact, we rejoice as well because we are so excited for this new chapter in their lives! They are moving down to Halsey to serve alongside and fellowship with the precious brothers and sisters there. While sad to see them go, we are comforted to know that while we are still in the states we will at least be able to see them when we visit the body down there. And truly by their testimony it is obvious that the Lord is making a way for this move!

The boys watch brother Jeremy loading the blue van onto the dolly

Matthew waits patiently

 

A missing tooth! Somone is growing up!

Always adorable

Almost there now..

 Sweet friends

 

 The darling duo!

 

 

Just like old times..

There they go! Jeremy drove the U Haul with the van

and Stephanie drove the mothorhome with their trailer..

God be with you 'till we meet again dear friends!

 

Fellowshipping

We sure have enjoyed some lovely Christian fellowship this past month. We love to visit our friends in Halsey as well as fellow believers here in this area. In addition, we have been blessed recently to have had a third family joining us at our Sunday meeings. We will miss everyone so much when we return to Belize! :)

Our special church family in Halsey, OR is located 3 hours south of our home. We normally head out pretty early in order to get there on time for the service.. 6:15 a.m. or so! Makes for light traffic! :)

 

Ivan and Katherine invited us over after the meeting was over. We

always enjoy spending time with them!

 

Prairie showing Laura her bunny

 

Precious friends. Willow, who came to us in Belize last year has been

such an encouragement to Amanda. In Belize we called them the twins!

Before leaving their home the Page family asked if we could sing a few songs

and have some time of prayer.

Heading home..

we normally pull in around 10 pm or so

 

The next weekend we were able to host a fellowship here at our rental. Which

is also the King's house, A.K.A 'The Mission House'!

We were so greatful for clear (although cold!) weather which allowed for the children

to play outside. We also thoroughly enjoyed getting to know our new friends!

 

Autumn and Ashley

She is such a great and fun lady! Fellow pilgrim and sojourner.. lover of Jesus. We have had

lots of fun visiting and getting to know their sweet family

Mandy and the precious Seben ladies

²⁴ And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, ²⁵ not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25 NKJV