Welcome to Texas

These last two weeks have brought so much change for our family I can hardly begin to describe it. There have been lots of laughs and tears, hellos and goodbyes, unpacking and settling in to a new place. We started our time here in Texas with mom, dad, and Isaac visiting for a week, which was a HUGE blessing! We cherished every moment we had with them, knowing that it would soon come to an end. We went to Mexico, South Padre Island, and Moni's wedding. Each was a great experience! The whole week Micah followed his Poppa (my dad) everywhere he went, bobbing his little head from side to side with not a care in the world. He loves to be with Poppa and do everything exactly like Poppa does. When we were at the island walking along the beach, dad saw a jellyfish in the sand and began poking it with a shell. He flipped it over in order to inspect it before continuing on our walk. Mama (Kevin's Mom) thought he was crazy for getting near the thing and then she commented, "Now I understand where Micah gets his curiousness from." I will always rejoice in the fact that Micah loves his grandparents and that he has a special affection for my dad. Watching him learn and grow continues to thrill me every day as new words are added to his vocabulary like "love you" and "thank you". He is beginning to pick up some Spanish as well, which makes me even more excited to begin our studies. Though I have been enjoying the ease of being outside without having to bundle up the babies, I didn't realize just how much I would miss a white Christmas. We had a cold front the other day which caused the temperatures to drop into the 50's at night. This brought rejoicing from every bone in my body. I really do miss the cooler weather, but I know that with the warmer weather comes many blessings as well. So, I am trying my best to enjoy what the Lord has brought us to and not to let my thoughts linger on other places. I do miss my family immensely, but I know the time apart will give new and precious meaning to the times where we will be together again. Praise the Lord that because He has begun to reveal to me our purpose, I can stop focusing on what I am leaving behind and start focusing on what God is calling us to.

The Joy of Two

Wow! The past two months have flown by. My life is filled with diapers, hungry kids, crying, and waking up throughout the night. But I wouldn't trade it for the world! Alicia has added new delight to our days with her beautiful smile. Already we can sense her sweet personality. And Micah has advanced to a whole new level of boy. His sounds of guns, trains, trucks, and planes are constantly filling the room. Yet his gentle care for his sister is unmistakeable. From the day Alicia was born he has adored her, tenderly kissing her on the cheek and loving on her as often as mommy will allow. Though these first few months were tough for Alicia because of some tummy trouble, I am so grateful to the Lord for blessing us with another beautiful and healthy child. As the day for our move to Texas is quickly approaching, I am treasuring every moment we have together with my family. Micah has grown to love his grandma and grandpa very much, and it brings tears to my eyes to think of him not seeing them for so long. It will be wonderful for him and Alicia to get to know their Lita (Kevin's mom) as well. With all these major transitions come lots of emotions, but I know that "the Lord is faithful and he will strengthen and protect [me] from the evil one" (2 Thes. 3:3). I am eagerly anticipating this next phase of life, together with its joys and trials as the Lord continues to refine me through them. I will treasure each moment as I watch my little ones grow and change in this new environment. What fun it will be to experience the joys of their daddy's chidhood together as a family!