A Great Trip!

We're fresh off of a whirlwind trip. 72 hours of literally running from appointment to appointment, hoping to knock out as many pre-move details as we could before we started missing the kids so much that we could no longer stay away.

We were blessed to be able to meet and spend time with some of our "cyber-friends," the Thompsons and the Rays. They're all even more delightful in person than they are in cyberspace. We visited a church, Jonah's school, Joel's preschool, I had two job interviews, we opened a bank account, and learned a lot about the campus and seminary life. We feel like we now have a good grasp on this journey that's about to commence.

Grandma and Grandpa survived their stay with the kids, although they admitted they were ready to give them back to us. The kids were really happy to see us, and we were glad to be home. Although, we do realize that "home" is somewhat of a relative term right now.

Now our prayer is that our house will sell soon, and that things will come together with my job search. We have faith, and a sense of peace, that everything will work out just fine. God is good, all the time.

Blessings to you and yours!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Here it is, February 15th. Another Valentine's Day come and gone. And, that's actually just fine with me. Traditionally, I have hated Valentine's Day. Way too many expectations, way too many opportunities for hurt feelings, and way too much sugar. I'm sure everyone could rattle off at least a handful of bad Valentine's Day memories. I could too, but for today, I am going to bask in my newfound appreciation, if not love, for this holiday.

I now take joy in making Valentine's Day all about the kids. Yesterday we made heart shaped pancakes with strawberry sauce and whipped cream for breakfast while the kids opened their trinkets. (Etch-a-sketches all around!) The kids drew pictures for each other, Jonah made little love notes for his mom and dad, and we had lots of hugs and kisses. Jonah thinks the most special thing in the world is to do "cheers" with sparkling grape juice in clear plastic glasses, so we made a nice dinner and had a toast. We ended the evening by putting the kids to bed and watching the Fireproof DVD that I bought Micah for the occasion.

So, as it turned out, we had virtually no expectations, no hurt feelings, and just a little sugar. I loved every minute of it. I hope you had similar success on this holiday. Blessings, and love, to you and yours!`

What does the groundhog know anyway?

Happy Groundhog Day! I should really research the historical significance of this day, because if you ask me, spring has already sprung in sunny Lincoln, NE! After two straight days of being outside without a coat on, and forecasts calling for the 50's again later this week, I'm thinking it's about time to bring out the baby pool!

To make spring's arrival official, I have started my spring cleaning. I have cleaned out nearly all of our closets, I have packed up and given away lots of things we don't need, and I'm feeling a little lighter in mind and spirit. Several months ago I spoke with a wise seminary wife who said, "if you don't love it, don't move it." So, I'm trying to take that advice to heart as we prepare for our move which is now only four short months away.

I'm sure as soon as my spring cleaning is done, I'll be smacked back to reality by the inevitable blizzard, and I'll realize that winter still does have Lincoln in its sights for a while yet. Until then, I'll enjoy the January/February thaw. I hope you are too! Blessings to you and yours!

Happy Birthday, Buddy!

Our "baby boy" turned a whopping six years old this week. He's an amazing kid, and we're so thankful. I can't believe he's such a big boy already, although I can barely remember life without him. The night before he was born, I was sitting on our living room floor when we should have been driving to the hospital, crying in disbelief that I was really going to be a mom in a few hours. I had no idea what I was doing. Still don't, really. I just love them with all that I've got, do all that I can to keep them safe physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and try to have fun along the way. Of course there have been some bumps in the road, but by the grace of God, we're weathering the storms.

Our prayer is that we will be able to savor every moment with our kids, because time really does go by so fast. We're so excited about the years to come, and look forward to many new adventures in the future.

Here we are, send us...

Welcome to our very first blog. (Thanks for the encouragement, Kim!) We intend for this to be a snapshot into our lives as we prepare for the journey that will lead our family into the ministry.

As you probably know, we are planning to move in June so Micah can study for his Masters of Divinity degree. Coming to this decision has been a long spiritual and emotional journey for us. But, in the end, we are willing to step out in faith and say "here we are Lord. Send us."

The thought of leaving family, friends, jobs, and a church we love can be overwhelming at times. But, God is faithful, and He keeps opening doors for us to walk through. And, He provides encouragement in the most unexpected of places. Even this morning, as we attended the funeral of a wonderful woman with an amazing heart for the Lord, we felt humbled that we will have the opportunity to serve those who have lost loved ones in the future. It would be a blessing for Micah to lead a service that praised and glorified the Lord in the way that the service did this morning. Again and again, we are reminded that God is good, all the time.

As we go through this journey, both as we prepare for our move, and then adjust to seminary life, we would cherish your prayers. And, we would love to know how we can be praying for you as well.

Thank you for reading, and thank you for being a part of our family's life. God bless!

Darci and Micah