Our time here

Our time in Florida has been a very humbling experience for me. I didn't want to come here, but I knew my husband had righteous motives-to work through some family things, and he hoped for progress in that area-to be closer to his family, but we didn't understand exactly what that would mean.

When we got here, I tried to adapt, but found it very difficult, so difficult in fact, that I accidentally sabotaged my social life. Is that a contradiction? Is sabotage supposedly intentional? Anyway, it happened. It kept me from church for a few weeks, which has also been humbling and a learning experience. It also helped me get to know my neighbors, who turned out to be a family that we will always remember, and thanks to Facebook, probably never lose touch with.

Things didn't turn out exactly the way we anticipated with one side of Steven's family. Actually, it turned out to be a disappointment. But last night, a surprise phone call came and a dinner was planned for tonight with the other side of the family. We had no clear intentions of hooking up with Steven's dad's side (including a younger sister, age 10-she shares a b'day with Steven, and her mom, and wonderful woman with whom I would love to spend more time). However, GOD INTENDED US TO RECONNECT WITH THEM.

We all went to dinner tonight, and although I can't describe exactly how the whole thing felt, I can say it was very healing and fulfilling. I'm having a very hard time choosing words here. I just want to say that I have a little bit better understand of how normal families must feel toward each other. Like no matter what, you are always family, and it all comes together in the end. I feel that they are truly there for us, they care about us, respect us and love us. And it's mutual. (I have that with my dad, but no one else that I am related to by blood. I think Steven has desired it with his mom, but she has never been able to really fill that role.) What a wonderful feeling to experience after all these years of disappointment.

I think Steven would say "that's enough about feelings now!" LOL
My cup runneth over. We are truly blessed. The Lord has provided for us and will continue to do so. I know that to be true.

So, I think we have made enough expensive mistakes moving back and forth across the country. We are finally on the right track, and it feels good. I think as long as we continue to put family first, we will be okay.

Happy Birthday-4 yrs old already??!!!

I tried to document the day the best I could. Here we have the favorite breakfast: french toast with fruit. (I'm so happy that he likes cantaloupe, because I don't! lol)

A little rough-housing with Daddy!
We did whatever he wanted today, and one thing he wanted to do was play soccer in the backyard!

Here he is swimming in the neighbor's pool. This is the first time swimming all by himself-he's not scared anymore!!

Eating lunch-hot dogs, watermelon, and party mix. :)
Here is baby brother chowing down on watermelon (or trying...)

Lighting the candles:
Here we are singing, and birthday boy blowing out the candles:

First piece cut, this is the best pic of the cake-do you get the half chocolate/half vanilla thing? (light side/dark side-Yoda and Vader were the only ones that would stay up on the cake).


After cake, a little fishing (he loves fishing!) There's no hook on it, but you should see this kid's cast!!

He wanted a dragon so badly-here it is courtesy of the neighbors (they are awesome!)
Totally pooped! After I took this picture, he asked me to go get his presents and bring them in his room for the night. He's silly :)
Also, as a side note, (because this day truly was all about the birthday)- the baby crawled for the first time first thing in the morning. I tried to catch it again later, but he wouldn't do it. Here is a video of him trying-he was much more tired at this point in the day!! This was taken at the neighbors' house, with their parrot squawking in the background-it's pretty funny-he says all sorts of things!