Sunny days of summer

This summer is simply flying by.

We have been busy day in and day out just being.  And just enjoying the lazy days of summer.  No rushing out the door, no making lunches before the sun comes up, casually working on summer workbooks, reading in the middle of the day, spontaneous plans- life is good in the summer!

I joined a bible study on Gideon by Priscilla Shirer.  Absolutely blew me away.  It’s the kind of stuff that meets you right where you are, full of conviction, truth and wisdom.  I’m so grateful that I said yes to this study this summer.  It’s like a whole other post just on the study and what it’s done in my life. 

We traveled down to Corpus Christi in June and experienced the gulf.  And lots and lots of jellyfish.  Gross.  It was a great getaway.  Not sure that we are totally “beach” people.  We kept finding ourselves at the hotel pool.  I’m pretty sure we still have sand in the car….it never goes away. 

Earlier this month we visited a friend’s ranch.  Now folks, let me tell you…there is no place that we've been here in Texas quite like this ranch.  It’s beautiful-incredible house, serene pond, rolling hills, peaceful and perhaps best of all, no cell reception.  Our little family had such a fantastic time playing, laughing, quiet time with God, fishing, swimming, swapping stories, fireworks, cooking out, rides on the tractors, pulling fish hooks out of dogs, oh wait that was just ours.  But it was just what the doctor ordered. 

We’ll be wrapping up this month with our anniversary and K’s birthday.  Crazy.

Amazing teacher..

Here's the letter to Kaylen's teacher.  I wish every one of you could experience her is some way.  She's incredible- as you will read.

Dear Ms. Tampke,

Where do I even begin to thank you for this incredible year?

Every school morning we have confidently placed Kaylen into your loving and protective hands for seven hours a day.  Not for a moment did we ever take for granted what you do for our daughter as her guardian, mentor and teacher.  You have nurtured her, challenged her, been her cheerleader, and most importantly, you have loved her and blessed us by being the passionate teacher you are day- in and day- out. 

Your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed- you are an incredible blessing.  What you may not know is that when we moved here last year, we were taking a huge leap of faith and following what we believe is God’s plan for our family and have watched Him work in only ways God could.   We had intentionally prayed that God would bless Kaylen with not only a great teacher, but a teacher who had a big heart, one who would make her feel secure and one that would provide opportunities for her to bless those around her daily.  As with many of our prayers along this journey, in God’s sovereign plan, He has provided us with a huge answer to prayer- you.  You are more than we could have hoped for in a first grade teacher in our new city!

 Thank you for all the nights and weekends you have sacrificed in preparing for class.  Thank you for comforting tears and kind words of encouragement.  Thank you for the all the extras you pay for out of your pocket.  Thank you for being a sense of security, igniting enthusiasm for learning and being honest.  Thank you for setting the bar high and for not settling of anything less than their absolute best.  Thank you for being an impactful role model.  Thank you for loving a career that is not celebrated enough or compensated adequately, yet showing up every day ready to freely give of yourself.  Thank you. 

The skills, morals and lessons you have instilled will last a lifetime.   All of Kaylen’s future teachers have big shoes to fill.  You are creative, innovative, exciting, passionate, joyful and a true blessing to many.   I hope you have a restful and pleasurable summer filled with all the things you love and deserve! 

With much gratitude,

Greg and Mary Lembcke

Never once did we ever walk alone...

So it’s been a while.  To say we've been going crazy would be an understatement.  And quite honestly, I’m not even sure where to start. 

We've managed to toast our last laptop, celebrated Greg’s birthday, laid new flooring in house, traveled to Wisconsin for great grandma’s memorial service, went strawberry picking, in the process of saying goodbye to some great neighbors that lived next door (luckily they are only moving a few minutes away!!!), thrilled to have our new community minister move in just one block over, found a replacement laptop, wrapping up another year of school and SURVIVING the month of May. 

This past May will go down the most difficult month in my life to date.  It started out on May 1^st finding out that we had lost a pregnancy.  The pain of the loss cannot be wrapped up in words.  It’s incomparable.  Greg and I sunk to a very depressed state and really struggled dealing with the loss.  We were at the end of the first trimester and were about to tell the girls and friends and family.  We had started to dream about life as a family of five.  Thinking of names.  How we would tell the girls.  Just a whole new life from what we knew.  Then the appointment. 

  I had no signs anything was wrong.  Nothing.  Then during an ultrasound the Nurse went from chatty-chatty to complete silence.  Then I heard some sighs.  My heart sunk.  I knew before she said another word exactly what she was going to say.  There was no visible cardiac activity.  To be sure, she sent me to have an additional ultrasound with a more high tech machine.  At this point, I had completely lost it.  I called Greg to come meet me as soon as he could.  He left work and sat with me as we waited about an hour and a half to get in.  The hardest part in waiting was seeing a mom I knew from my MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) group walk out after having her 20 week ultrasound- she was smiling, hugging her husband, in complete joy to find out that their baby is perfectly healthy.  I’m so elated for them that their pregnancy is going so well.  I just never thought I’d be in the position I was in.  Never thought I’d be part of THIS statistic.  Never thought I could have so much pain in my heart from the loss of a child I never met.

We walked into the next ultrasound and knew the probable outcome.  But continued to pray.  Hoping it was all a mistake in the appointment. Maybe there was interference with the machine.  Maybe the baby was positioned funny.  Maybe, just maybe.

 It was silent.  After some time I decided I would just ask “what are you able to see?”  Well, she saw everything but any cardiac activity.  It was confirmed.  The baby we loved before we even knew them, had died. 

At this point my body had not shown any signs of miscarriage, so we decided to wait to see if it would react on its own naturally. 

The next couple of weeks were difficult to say the least.  Every thought would somehow lead to the fact that I had miscarried.  Every pregnant woman would stick out of any crowd, every baby’s cry would pierce my own heart, pictures, commercials, fliers, magazines….  EVERYTHING seemed to have highlighted the new condition that I found myself in.  I never blamed myself.  Never was mad at God. I was just so, so sad that the plans for this child’s life, the dreams and the hopes we had would never come to be.  At least here on Earth.  Both Greg and I find incredible hope and encouragement in knowing that one day we will meet this child.  This baby is undoubtedly in the arms of great grandma.  She went before this child, and knowing her love for her great grandchildren, we have no doubts that she is holding our baby and rocking them peacefully.  Our friend said some the most comforting words at this time- “Find comfort in knowing that this child knew your love and the love of Christ their whole life.  Never suffered, never felt pain from this world.”  And that is what got us through the hardest of times.  That and some amazing friends who brought meals, sent cards, prayed for us and gave us a hug when we needed it most. 

In this time, Ashland had developed some sort of nastiness.  Although, we had no idea what was going on with her.  One morning she complained about her ears, but she wasn’t running a fever, so I sent her to school.  When I picked her up her teachers had said that she really declined the last 20 minutes and was feeling warm.  So I thought, ok, I have time to run her to the clinic and get an antibiotic for what I assumed was an ear infection.  Well during vitals I saw that we were obviously dealing with more than just an ear infection.  Her oxygen levels were 87 and below.  This was a beast.  They then took us back to the room.  After checking her ears and seeing that she had a double ear infection, she listened to her chest.  She didn't hear any wheezing, but wanted to do a chest x-ray because of the low O2 levels.  Ok.  Did that, came back and the doctor swings in quickly and says that her left lung is filled.  She has pneumonia.  WHAT?!?!?!?!  How the heck did I miss this?  We tried a few treatments in the office to see if it would improve her levels enough to go home.  In true Ashland style, those O2 levels didn't budge.  Crap.  At this point, I knew there was no way I was going to make it to get Kaylen from school.  Luckily, I have an amazing friend who more or less adopted Kaylen for a few days for me!  She planned to get Kaylen.  I was getting ready to take Ashland to the Children’s hospital.  Derailed.  They wouldn't let ME take her.  They insisted she had to go by ambulance.  Seriously.  A bit dramatic.  This threw Ashland into a fit that only made her condition worse.  Fantastic.  After waiting almost an HOUR for the ambulance for the ten minute ride, she had continued to get worse.  One plus side of the ambulance drama, is that we went straight into a room at the ER and had priority status.  Not that that rushes anything.  Trust me.  We waited nearly 7 hours after finalizing that they were going to have to admit her to get into a room.  From there they kept her on oxygen and meds.  We stayed a total of three days there.  The doctors and nurses were outstanding!  And the Child Life Specialists there deserve probably much more than what they earn.  She is thriving now and luckily only had a couple rough days after at home. 

At this point, my body still hadn’t shown one sign of responding to the miscarriage.  So I knew I was going to have to have THE procedure.  That by no means went smoothly and was much harder emotionally, mentally and physically than I had ever thought.  It was a long day, several complications, lots and lots of tears.  But, in a weird way there was some odd sense of closure.  Not completely, but to some degree. 

 The very next day, Kaylen was sent home with a high fever and stomach issues.  She was having stomach pains and running fevers all evening/night.  Luckily, whatever it was ran its course and stayed contained. 

 Memorial Day weekend was somber.  Lots to process.   Then Monday morning came.  And it came in with a roar.

I woke in some of the worst pain I can say I've ever experienced.  I knew something was wrong.  Greg woke the girls at 4:30 and we rushed to the ER.  In a cruel coincidence my body decided it would be a great time to try to rid of a few kidney stones.  Yes, seriously.  Pain meds were loaded into me and I slept through pretty much all of Memorial Day.  Fantastic.  Not.

So, as you can see, it was THE worst month of my life.  We are excited now though to welcome in June!  God is good.  He has brought us through this dark time and we know His promises for us are rich. 

 This is a song that we've heard a couple of times at church in May and for us, there is so much truth that we grasped onto during this trying time.  It's worth a listen.  So good. Clicking on the link below "Never Once by Matt Redman" will take you to the YOUTUBE video.  

Never Once by Matt Redman

MY Word of the Year

It’s that time of year again, well ok, it probably should have been at least a week or two ago, but I’m declaring MY word of the year.  Last year I chose “Courage”.  I wanted to have courage to obey God where ever He led us and whatever circumstance I faced.  Let me tell you… I had NO IDEA he would be moving us across the country when I chose that very word.  But boy oh boy did it come in handy in the many times of wondering what the heck I was doing.  Selling my house in the worst time EVER, uprooting from everything and everyone I knew, moving to a place I had never been, buying a home, starting new schools, etc.  Lesson learned: if you challenge yourself with God involved and pray BIG prayers, He’s going to make BIG things happen.  Hold on and enjoy the ride!  Woah! 

 

Now that I am in a new place, establishing my family in a new environment and meeting wonderful, smart people and making new friends I’ve prayed for God to show me what He wants for me.  Over and over I’ve been reading scripture about becoming and being who God wants you to be right where you are.  I remember hearing the saying “BLOOM where you are planted” at a Women of Faith Conference a couple of years ago and it’s stayed with me.  Lately, it has been at the front of my mind daily. 

 BLOOM.

I want to bloom here in Texas.  I want to be who God has called me to be here.  Allow God to use me.  Seek to be fruitful for His purpose.  God is good.  God is sovereign. 

Andddd we're baaaaccckkk!!!

Whirlwind has finally slowed down! 

We traveled up to Chicago for Christmas. 

 

 It was a great visit, although I wish we could have done more as a family but with 3 out of 4 of us getting pretty sick, we were limited.   

We got back up to our old town we moved from, but I was hoping to make it up there at least one more time, but it just didn’t work out between sickness and working around a car.   

Hopefully we’ll be up again soon.  Preferably when it’s warmer!

It was great to see family and see the girls play with their cousins and just pick up where they left off.  Some things just never change!

 

F@v0riTe ThInGS P@rtY!!!

So. Much. Fun.

Last night I hosted a Favorite Things Party with my MOPS group.  It was a success and I’ll definitely be doing another one sometime.  When you get a group of about 20 women together you just never know what’s going to go down…but it couldn’t have been more perfect!

I’m so lucky to have met Becca in our group.  She was huge part in pulling it all together and brainstorming.  She’s a breath of fresh air in chaos and someone who appreciates my humor and antics.  Gotta hold on to this gem! 

Everyone brought either an appetizer or dessert and I made a delicious punch (recipe courtesy of my friend Kelly)!  The punch was a huge hit, so here’s the recipe:

1-     2 L of Sprite

1 can of frozen OJ

1- 46oz. can of Pineapple Juice

Top it off with some orange or rainbow sherbert

Dump it all in together and enjoy!  Yep, that easy!  J

Everyone brought 3 of the same favorite thing.  Then before we started, everyone wrote their name on three slips of paper.  Those names went in a bowl, shuffled and then passed around.  Everyone grabbed three names who their favorite things would go out to AFTER they shared it in front of the group.  So, everyone came with 3 favorite things of their own and went home with 3 new favorite things.  We set a price limit of no more than $10-15 per item. 

It was great to get to know everyone a little better by hearing a little about themselves and why they selected their favorite thing.  Then we all waited in anticipation to see who got each magnificent gift after they shared. 

Everything was wonderful!  I’ll try to break down what was gifted:

*Peace of Mind Sensory Therapy- On the Spot Relief by Origins.  Origins Store

*Pack it Folder by Eagle Creek.  The Container Store

*Meal Planner/ Grocery List by Organizher. Target

*Starbucks Gift Card. Enough said

*Glitzbandz- headband that stays in place! Glitzbandz.com

*OPI nail polish and lip gloss.  Sephora, Ulta, etc.

* No lines thong by HankyPanky.  Nordstrom Rack

*Magnetic List Note Pad by Scotch. Target We all admitted we add things to our list just to have the gratification of crossing them off.  We had a good chuckle!  J

*Anit-bac soap & gel by Bath and Body Works

* Holiday Socks found everywhere!

*Incredible pair of scissors sold in a multipack at Costco.  Lots of oohs and ahhs!

* Cranberry Crave Shine Essential Lip Gloss by Maybelline.  Target

*Great clear nail polish- to use for just about everything but nails!  Target

*Alamo Drafthouse tickets and Food voucher- San Antonio locations

*Tazo Passion Iced Tea with a fabulous travel cup- HEB

* OPI Nail Polish minis.  Sephora, Ulta, etc

*Reusable, tote able, rolled up bags. EnviroSacs

* Essential Oils by doTerra.  Doterra.com

*Barnes and Noble gift card. Great place to escape, have a coffee and read a magazine!

* Tooth Whitening Pen. Walgreens

* Peony Burt’s Bees chapstick.  Walgreens

* LED snow globe ornament. Tuesday Morning

* Rock- a- holic Dry Shampoo.  HEB, Ulta, Target Essential for a MOPS mom!

So there you have it! The list of fabulous favorite things!  I feel so blessed to have landed in such a great MOPS group!  They are the real deal!  Great fellowship, experiences and joy. 

xoxoxo

Deck the Halls

We just love this time of year around here!  We typically pull out the totes upon totes of Christmas decorations out the day after Thanksgiving.  This year was a little different in that we didn't have nearly as many totes to pull out.  We went through a major de-cluttering and donation spree (64 boxes and construction garbage bags)!  I knew the workers at my local Goodwill and I think they would draw straws every time the minivan pulled up knowing it was chucked full of awesomeness. 

Kay really enjoyed setting up the nativity set this year.  I just absolutely love my nativity set.  My mom has given a little bit of it to me throughout the years and I truly cherish it.  If our house ever burnt down, I'd be grabbing this set over baby pictures.  Truth.  Don't judge me. 

I at one point expressed I liked snowmen and well I was inundated with snowmen then for the next few years.  Crazy.  I'm actually really loving polar bears out at Christmas, but they are hard to find.  Although, thinking about it, I should really look down the road at Sea World.  hmmm...
Tonight we are going to a Kim Hill Christmas Concert- super excited about that! And next week I'm hosting a "Favorite Things" Party for my MOPS group, Oprah style.  Of course, we won't be buying one for everyone, but instead bringing three of our favorite thing and sharing with the ladies.  I'll post about it with some pictures next week.  I'm still torn between a couple of different things, one would take some time the other is an easy thing to pick up.  Keep posted. 

Oh, there's another exciting thing that may be happening, but you'll have to wait and see along with us!  :) 

Tis' the Season

Howdy!

Lots of people have been asking me lately (5 in the past week!) how we “do” Christmas at our house and how/if Santa plays any role.  Tis’ the season!  It really made me reflect on our whys.  So here’s my spin on it all.  Not to say that it is all the right answer, but for my family, it is what we believe is right for us. 

So, when it comes to the big jolly guy, yes he is part of our traditions.  No, he is NOT the focus of Christmas in our house.  Santa is a figure that helps others see the true meaning of Christmas.  He is giving, he is joyful, he is full of love, he helps others, he spreads cheer and most importantly in our house, he loves and knows Jesus.  Because he loves and knows Jesus, he shows grace.

 To me it’s important to give our kids that sense of excitement, joy, boundless imagination and amusement that comes with the idea of Santa. There’s enough in this world that makes them grow up way too fast.  I love the childhood they’ve experienced and I’m determined to continue to give them one that is full of fun, jovial and imaginative experiences.

 As Jesus received three precious gifts at His birth, Santa also brings three gifts to my girls in celebration if Jesus’ birth.  Even at 6, Kay doesn’t question the number of gifts under the tree.  They understand the reason and significance.  Santa is just a part of the celebration of our Savior’s birth in delivering gifts to celebrate Jesus’ love for us.  One day they may ask and question the reality of Santa (I hope no time in the near future!!!) and that’s ok.  It’s life.  At that time, I’ll turn it on them to investigate. When they are ready have a conversation about the fictional character Santa, it will be one that includes information about where the idea of Santa came from in our history.

 I love the excitement and wonder that happens in our house this time of year.  The girls LOVE “acting like Santa” and doing good deeds for others, dropping coins in Salvation Army buckets, buying for Angel Tree children and wrapping their gifts, random acts of kindness, handing out “happy bags” to homeless people, etc.  These kinds of things are what they believe Santa does with a heart like Jesus.  I can live with that. 

We read an amazing Advent book written by Jack and Kathy Stockman.  It has a piece of the Christmas story each day and each day the girls get to open a new door.  We start from the beginning of the book each day and within a few days they start reciting the book with us as we read.  Gives me goose bumps thinking about it!  I just love it! 

And our elf, “Lizard” (name courtesy of Ashland this year) comes around and he is more of just a fun little dude that pops up in funny places.  Nothing more. It’s fun and it gives us a reason to act like kids ourselves and come up with creative ways to hide him or to set him up in a comical way.  When he makes a mess, we practice showing grace and clean up after him without anger or frustration. :)

So there’s our take. I realize not everyone is on this band wagon and that is a- okay with me.  I respect, and expect, that and I ask that you respect our views too :)  

Week full of fun

This past week we have had Greg's mom and sister in town which lead to more touristy outings!  We love going out and exploring this great state and especially the area where we live. This city is always lively and full of new experiences.  Sunday we headed downtown and went back in history at the Alamo.  So much history packed in a small building!  And the surrounding grounds are absolutely breath-taking.  I'm looking forward to some day taking the time to watch the IMAX movie that goes along with the ALAMO.  There is so much explained and detail revealed that makes walking through those very same walls so much more. After the Alamo, we strolled down to the Riverwalk to have dinner and take a ride down the river to take in all the views and history of the buildings along the Riverwalk.  

Kaylen standing at the same podium LBJ used at the "Texas White House"

Monday we headed up to the German town of Fredricksburg and had a traditional German lunch.  After we filled ourselves with great food and traditions, we cruised over to President LBJ's Ranch.  It is a National Historical Park and for very good reason!!!  It is coined as the Texas White House as he spent much of his presidential term at the ranch.  He said that he felt confident and at home there and he would bring the big wigs there, on his turf, to make things happen.  The house has been remodeled to the original decor from the years of his term in office.  Lady Bird still lived there and it was considered her permanent address up until her death in 2007.  While they did remodel EVERYTHING back to the 60's, Lady Bird had told the planners before she died that if they put shag carpeting back in the house that she promised she would haunt them.  I love the sense of humor that they appeared to have had. 

Jet used by LBJ to travel from DC to his ranch- "Air Force One-half"

Tuesday Kaylen had her first cheer performance at school.  It was absolutely adorable.  She did great!  We are finding that she is really starting to blossom with confidence! 

The girls are back in school now and Greg is back at work, but it has been a great visit and makes me anxious to see my family at Christmas time even more!!!

Four months is entirely too long!!!

Yes, we still exist.  No, we did not die in the summer heat or get bit by a big, nasty rattle snake.  Nope.  We weren't killed by Shamu or any of his friends nor plunged to our demise in the beautiful Riverwalk.  None of that.  Just living in the chaos that comes with moving to the other side of the country. 
How to best catch you up to speed?  I think I'll break it down by month.  Buckle for safety, here we go~

June:

1. On our way down here Ash contracted a nasty virus in her throat which led to multiple doctor visits before the right diagnosis and meds were prescribed.  :( 

2.  We found our new home on the second day in town!  Went through all the inspections and crazy loan process with the help of our AMAZING Realtors.  They truly were incredible to work with and so friendly and knowledgeable! 

3.  The four of us slept in one room.  Our friends graciously opened their home to us for the weeks in between arriving in town and closing on our house.  I'm sure they were as happy as us that we found the house quickly and they closed within weeks!  They also have two children (who are amazing!) so the girls transitioned pretty flawlessly. 

4.  Found that the San Antonio area is very efficient when it comes to roadways and I love it!!

5.  First friends booked a trip down to see us which was so awesome to look forward to!

July:

1.  Closed on our new home before 4th of July but had to wait until the weekend after to have the movers move us in.

2.  Enjoyed going to a small town parade and fireworks on the 4th!!! This is a tradition that Greg and I love to do and I'm so glad that we were able to continue it with the girls this year!

3.  We found that lizards coming into the house were about as common as house flies.  Crazy at first, but sadly now I'm used to it. 
4.  We went to Sea World at least a dozen times.  Never gets old.  It's only like 10 minutes down the road which is AMAZING!!! Especially, on hot days to go chill out at Aquatica Water park.  Love, Love, Love!!
5.  Our first guest came and we were able to do a bunch of touristy things like the Riverwalk boat ride, caverns, downtown, Sea World, North Star, etc.  So great to have friendly faces from home here! 
6.  Ash tried her hand at beauty school on her own head.  Not so great.  She now has bangs.  ugh.
7.  OUR TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!!  Luckily, our friends who came down saved the day and extended their trip and switched their plane tickets so Greg and I could go out for dinner and a night on the town.  Other plans fell through, so we are going to make our eleventh anniversary a "ten year re-do"! :)
8.  Kay turned SIX!!!  Hard to believe!  What a great little lady!

August:

1.  Another great friend came down for a visit for a couple of weeks and we got to do more touristy things in between some everyday chaos.
2.  Registered Kay for FIRST GRADE!  Crazy.  I was blown away that there was no registration or textbook fee.  None.  Ever.
3.  Kay got glasses.  Love them on her and she gets compliments on them all the time. 
4.  Lots of time at Sea World :) 
5.  Picked up a dresser out of a garbage pile and made it into our entertainment console.  Love it!
5.  Kay started first grade.  Loves her teacher and is making friends!  She is doing really well in all areas which exciting for her as she is a bit of an overachiever already.  

September:
1.  Greg started the month out with crazy hours at work.  One week he had put in 82 hours.  Absolutely insane.  Praise God he is salary with overtime pay as acquired. 
2.  Labor Day weekend !  Caught up with some new friends and relaxed then spent Monday at Sea World! 
3.  Kay joined the cheer team at her school.  It has been great for her coordination and memorization skills.  I think she is doing quite well as a first grader!
4.  Ash started preschool and apparently keeps her teachers laughing for three hours straight.  So that makes one overachiever and one class clown.  Awesome.
5. The girls participated in a cheer camp held at the high school.  They loved it.  They learned cheers in the morning with a short dance and then preformed on the field that night with the high school cheer team.  What a hoot!
6.  After several weeks and episodes of Kay being very sick and having severe stomach pains, she had an upper GI scope done.  Her esophagus is quite inflamed and it appears her gut function is not up to speed.  So, they took a few specimens that are being tested for a variety of things and she is on a routine of three medications as well as avoiding dairy for now.  :(  Looking forward to the answers soon!

7.  We ended the month going up to Dallas to check out the state fair.  They say it is the largest state fair in the country and I believe it!!! It was awesome and so much fun with the girls!

October:

1. Celebrated my 24th birthday, again.  Great day!  Greg took the day off and took me to a cafe he's been wanting to try out.  They had delicious coffee!!!  oh my!  Then we went up to a huge outlet shopping center in San Marcos, which we have been to a couple of times, but it was so nice to go during the week.  Then we picked up Kay from school, took her to cheer then out to dinner at the Tower of the Americas.  It has a revolving restaurant at the top with breath taking views of the city.  The girls were mind blown by it! 

2. We are enjoying the mid 80's with an incredible breeze.  So nice to be able to still wear shorts and sandals!

3.  In the mornings it has been in the 70's.  The locals are layering like it is in the 30's.  I'm going to just have to get used to this.  And I apologize to the little boy I laughed at (inside my car) who was wearing a winter hat the other morning.  But really people...that is just not needed when it is 70 degrees out. 

If you made it this far, congrats and thank you for sticking it out with me!!

You spin me right round baby....

The final days are here at good ol' 1201.  Crazy.  Packers are moving at lightning speed!  It all seems surreal.  I'm grateful that Greg's company is giving us this luxury of packers and movers. We've done it the hard way before and I'll tell you- this is the way to go!  Especially across the country!
Yesterday I woke up with lots of anxiety and stress.  To the point I had to cancel plans with a couple people because I was feeling quite ill from it all.  Not what I wanted.  Mid-afternoon one of the student's mom planned a "I'll talk to you later" party and planned lots of yummy food.  I knew I had to pull myself together to make it there.  I rested some more, did a few things around the house and just gave my stress and what-not up to God.  I knew I wasn't going to rid of it on my own.  I did come around and had a good second half to my day. 
I'm so so grateful to anyone who has ever just popped in to see how I was doing, messaged me, calls, brought me a coffee, babysat, planned "talk to you later" parties, even in these final hectic days.  Those things are what keep me going.  This has been a very lonely process and I've learned a lot about myself and the people around me.  I'm not one to ask for help and luckily there are people I'm surrounded by that know me well enough to just step in. 
My hours are counting down fast here.  Bittersweet.  While I'm so excited and gitty about being with Greg again and anxious to see what God has in store for us at our new place, I can't help but feel tore up inside about leaving the friends we've made here.  I have made some incredible lifelong friends that I cherish.  They have left a huge footprint on my heart.  From experience, I know too, that I'll meet new people and build new relationships.  It's always hard.  Every move.  And this time, we can't get in the car and make visits to old neighborhoods.  However, I do know this.  Anytime we are up visiting, we will be coming back to LZ.  This place is filled with so many memories and wonderful people! My cup, it over flows.

#tearfest2012

#tearfest2012, goodbye party, celebration, cookout, Mary's last small group...whatever you want to call it, it happened and it was everything and more than I could imagine!  I was weepy just getting ready to head over to the usual meeting place just knowing this would be the last time I'd get to spend with this group, in this setting.  You see, this group has changed and molded me for the past few years.  They are so much more than they ever give themselves to be and so much more to me than I will ever be able to express.  This group of students will undoubtedly be global changers.  They are "a generation stepping up to take their place" in an amazing way.  Like most other leaders, I wanted to jump in to help them.  I learned quickly that they were the ones helping me.  They stretch me, humble me, confide in me, make me vulnerable and make me excited to take huge leaps as they have been incredible cheerleaders along this crazy journey.  I LOVE THEM ALL.  Period. 

Watching the incredible video that was made for me!

The fellow leaders are just as amazing.  They give so much of their time and selflessly give up time with their own families because they believe in these students.  They believe that these students are strong enough and bright enough to get friends and their whole community to rise up.  Unless you've experienced a Wednesday night with these incredible leaders and see their passion, you can't possible comprehend what I've witnessed.  They have left a huge imprint on my heart.  And they have raised the bar.
So to everyone who made me feel so loved, thank you.  To everyone who had a part in the incredible video, bravo!  To everyone who has challenged me to go further and to completely surrender, I thank God EVERY day for bringing you into my life.  You have changed me forever. 

Here is a link to the video.  I believe the intro to it was "This is the part of the night where you decide not to move and to stay here"  xoxoxo  So many laughs and tears all packed into one video- you guys rock.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAnit_lsYmU&feature=share