Don't Let Go

There are some things that God did in me while we lived in Latin America that I don't want to let go of. Mostly, He freed me from things I didn't even know had a hold on me. Comparing myself to others, being wrapped up in appearances and what others think of me, striving to make my life comfortable and easy, filling my days with thoughts of the trivial instead of drinking deeply from the source of everything good. These are just a few, and I am praying fervently that God will not allow me to slip back into who I used to be or how I used to live my life. I know that He didn't have to move me to another country to change these things in me, but I am glad He did. Thank you, Lord, that you are the same, all the time, everywhere.
John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Strollin' In Style

Yesterday morning we woke up and there was a new, beautiful stroller in our driveway! It is so fun to see how the Lord provides, above and beyond even what we need! Annabelle and I were talking about it yesterday...this is her take on it...

Me: Sis, who do you think gave it to us?

Annabelle: I know who did it. It was God. He is the only one who doesn't sleep at night like people do because He doesn't need to.

We all went for a walk yesterday-THANK YOU, God, and the person who bought it!!!!

Panama Friends

Us and Dodd at the Causeway
Sarai (Sunnys' daughter) and Simon
Sunnys
Max's friend Mattie
Annabelle with Leiter, Sunnys' son

Max and Diego-we spent the day with the Ploche Family on Easter-what a fun day!Darren and Conrad
Jean Paul coloring with Annabelle
All of us eating lunch!

Max and Abby eating dim sum!
The kids with Nicole and Joann
Darren and his friend Rogelio

These are just some of the friends from Panama that we are missing!

Spring Fun!

In celebration of the beautiful weather, and since we had to sell ours in Panama before we left, we got new bikes! By we, I mean Max and Annabelle. Max definitely upgraded, and Annabelle went from a "Hotwheel" to her first real bike. They have ridden all day for three days now, and lovin' every minute!

We Are Alive, Sort Of!

OK, so we are still sick after 2 and a half weeks, but no complaints this time, as it is just a cold running rampant through our house this time. I prefer blowing my nose 10 jillion times a day to throwing up, anyday!
Be glad I haven't posted pictures of our new house-it is a disaster and FAR from unpacked and organized. This must be what it is like to have 3 kids...you never really get around to doing anything! Simon has started yelling at himself, mostly when he can't get his hands to do what he wants them to do. He just starts shrieking, which cracks Max and Annabelle up! I don't think that he thinks it is funny. Other than Darren, Simon is our comic relief these days!

It's Fun to Look, Maybe More Fun to Buy!

So, I hate to shop, but I like to look when I have time. I am trying to save my money to buy some jewelry (which I don't forsee actually happening), and this is my favorite site for browsing...
http://www.etsy.com/ They have tons of fun stuff! Oh, that I were creative enough to make things like purses or jewelry!
http://www.tracybible.etsy.com/ I grew up with her and my Mom recently bought a necklace from her, which is beautiful!
http://www.thevintagepearl.etsy.com/ I love her necklaces and rings!

Cute

Our friend in Panama, Tito, took these right before we left! He did a great job with 2 grumpy pumpkins and 1 silly boy!

Just the Facts

A quick update, for those of you who care!
We did make it back to the good ole' USA!
We are settled (kind of) into our new house-WE LOVE IT.
Darren will be here in 3 days-Woohoo!
Simon and Max have had a stomach virus, Annabelle is battling a cold and cough, while I am praying like a mad woman.
We have had such a warm welcome back to Texas, and it is a bit surreal to be here!
More soon with pics!!!