Company from Afar

I love company! The type of company that you start conversations where you left off and that you grieve when they leave! My sweet Norwegian, Trine, is just that friend. She is flexible and loves America more than anyone than I know. Her gentle attitude and adjustment to life is contagious. Did I mention that she likes to shop! I mean really shop. She can open the mall and close it down and sometimes without even eating.

I hope that I am that type of company/friend when I go visiting. I want to try new things and do hard things. I think staying up for 24 hours to see a friend is a hard thing! Did I mention that I get to visit her this summer? I get to go to her piece of the world. I am praying that I can grow in ways I see my sweet friend grow. I don't think I can shop like she does as the shopping in Norway is expensive, but oh the sights I will see and the salmon I will eat.

I am so blessed by many friends. Friends that I have know for a long time and new friends here in Texas. I thank God for the blessings of friends.

Catching Up

Can you believe that I have lived in Houston for 4 months now? Time has really traveled fast. Since I lost posted in June, I have moved into my new home. What a job! I really like it. The subdivision that we live in is out in the country, but the big city is coming, and it is quiet and peaceful. (most of the time)

I am still hanging up pictures and arranging items. I have spent so much time getting to know people. I have met some great ladies. I have been attending a newcomer's Bible study and I have so much in common with all of them. They are from all over the world. Five of us have high school children that we have moved. It is a great support to me.

Chandler is doing well. He really likes his new school and the many opportunities. He was in cross country in the fall and ended up going to state. I was really proud of how he jumped in. Church youth group has been tough. He really loved his Bartlesville group. He is going, but still doesn't seem to be connecting. I know it will take time. I am not too patient.

I am going to make it here! I am learning to trust God with my kids. I tend to be controlling, but God is continuing to teach me to trust Him with all of my heart.

Feeling More Settled; Chandler Opening Up

The last few days have been better and busy; maybe those two go hand and hand. I feel like we are making great efforts to meet people and get involved at Chan's school. I am toying with the idea of applying to sub and to volunteer as much as I can in the office. Praying about what to do as far as work. I have also looked up going to Dental Hygiene school. I don't know and I pray that God will lead! He is so trustworthy. I see all things orchestrated by His hand and it really is amazing. I know I shouldn't be surprised. Maybe the word isn't surprised, but amazed. Amazed that He loves me and sheds his grace and favor on me and my family.

We took Ray to see the Astros game on Saturday for one of his Father's Day presents. He seemed to enjoy it. On Sunday we tried a new church. It was so different than what we are used to, yet it was good. I can't see us ending up there, but you never know what God's plan is.

After church we went to the house. Half of the home is bricked and sheetrocked. The men work so hard! They don't seem to rest. I pray God's blessings on them all. We went to get our mail and Chan had a card from Nana. We thought that there was a special surprise inside, but it ended up being a sock that we had left at her house. We laughed forever. Love our sweet Nana.

My new slogan is Congress spends, but Jesus saves...saw this on a sign. Hilarious. I love to laugh and in this new time of life I need to laugh as much as possible.

A movie, supper and bit of cleaning and normal life resumes!

I like this guy! Pray for him as he adjusts to a new home!

Houstonians

I guess we are not truly Houstonians, but we are Texans. I am happy to be back in Texas! The land of amazing traditions and where my family lives. My Lauren is only an hour away when she gets back to college. Life is pretty good.

The temporary living is ok. I like my own home, but I am learning patience. The house is said to be ready mid-August. Home really is where the family is. Ray, Chandler and myself like to be together. Each night we check out neat places. Of course, I love all of the fun stores! I am finding that groceries, clothing, and makeup seems to be less expensive. Eating out is outrageous! I will be cooking at home a lot.

The hardest part is having to move Chandler. He is such an excellent young man. I really have been blessed, at this point, to have kids that love God, family and friends. Thank you Jesus! Chandler is so outgoing and to see him fearful and nervous of all of the new situations makes me want to sit down and cry. I am really having to trust God. I have seen many evidences of it just these past four days. Chandler and I ate at Chick-Fil-A and there was the owner whom I have connections with from Pine Cove. He introduced me to a gentleman that helps with the baseball team, which is Chan's sport of choice. He also mentors high school boys at the school. Today we met a friend that Chandler played with 10 years ago. He is 6'6 and a nice guy. We meet another friend from the past tomorrow. Chandler is hopeful, but still not himself.

A New Name, Unibrows and the Love Dare

   I am sad to say that the college gal wants a change in name.  I like princess, kaching, kaching, heart breaker or maybe even Lars McCoy. I am consulting with her as I write.  I am amazed at technology.  I remember the college days of using a rotary phone to call my mom when I got back to school.  We talked every day.  It was costly and I dreaded the bill especially when my man and I were dating long distance. Today we can text, e-mail or call anytime.  I really like it because I can be in control by knowing everything that's going on.  This is not too good especially for the no name girl.  We are both working on the calling thing and the controlling thing.  I just love talking to her and bossing her. She is so good-natured about it, but she could turn on a dime so I better straighten it up.   The name has been decided upon.  Little ladybug.  I love it!  I call many of my friends ladybug and little ladybug fits perfectly for my gal.  Little ladybug it is!  

  Little man amazes me.  A little brag time!  He placed 1st in humorous interpretation and 3rd in Prose this weekend at a debate tournament.  He is hilarious.  He shocked me this morning as he was ironing a shirt. Yes, ironing a shirt.   He said a few girl's really like what he wore to the speech tournament.  YES!  He took my clothing advise.  Progress does happen.  He is even concerned that he has a unibrow and is plucking.  Should I be concerned.  Please don't repeat this as I will be banned from posting.  I think he has really nice eyebrows.  I love what my mom said a few visits ago.  "I didn't think he washed his hair, but I do see the shine in it."  You see he isn't too good at combing, but he does shower daily with shampoo and body wash.  Our next goal is a good brushing.  I love these years.  Watch for my next blog following up on the "Do Hard Things" talk with Chandler.  There are a few things in the works.

  My man, little man and I watched "Fireproof."  What a great film on marriage and commitment.  Chandler thought it was poorly produced and cheesy.  I pray he got the message that marriage is hard and that it takes work.  I also pray that he sees the profound effect it had on his dad and me. (We kissed on and off throughout the movie, he thought it was gross!) You see we have a good marriage and yet it can get stale. This film challenges you to go through a book called the Love Dare.  It helps you to go deeper, put away selfishness, call in the middle of the day just because and give a little gift to let your loved one know you are thinking of them.  It takes 40 days and we are on day 7.  I asked the man is this for real.  He said, "I will start with day 1 again until I get it."  He loves me so much and I pretty much adore him to death.  Take the dare.  Go to amazon.com and order the movie and book.  You won't be sorry!