Sunday Fun Day!

Well... it's the beginning of another week. This week I feel like I'm already thankful for things that are coming to an end such as: the end of summer school, finishing up with tutoring, getting some packing done, relaxing a little and preparing for all the BIG things that are coming soon.

But... as I reflected on last week, especially yesterday, I couldn't help but find a moment in my quiet, grateful heart to think about how wonderful my Sunday evening with my husband was. We had a relaxing weekend at home (Edina for a short while longer) and had enjoyed doing some of our 'normal' things during a quiet weekend. We took a few walks, went for lunch, attended our favorite church, and watched a movie together. It was nothing special, but you know that I much prefer the 'simple everything/nothing' days to all the hoopla anyways. After spending a great Saturday with many of my extended family members we spent Sunday getting caught up. We cleaned, cooked, relaxed, packed (a little) and took a short nap! Sunday afternoon Jordan suggested that we have a 'date night' since we were finally getting warmer weather back. We headed out to Centennial Lakes and took up a night of mini-golf and Cherry Berry. Not too special... but the perfect way to end one week, or start another. I really do cherish my time with Jordan. We enjoy being together and I am so thankful for THAT.

-Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone;

 I will make him a helper fit for him.”- Genesis 2:18

Chapter 2

Well... it has been months (literally) since my last blogpost. It's not that I haven't thought about blogging, I've thought of it a lot. This blog is all about being thankful. Finding the everyday things to notice in my life and thank God for. I'm still thanking God for my many blessings each day... it just seems like my blessings are much too big to be noted as 'simple, everyday blessings'.

You see, this is what I'm going to call Chapter 2 in my blogging endeavors. In the past few months Jordan and I have had more life-changing, giant surprises and blessings happen to us than most people have in their first 3-5 years of marriage combined. (Actually typing that out makes me think that all of these blessings in a small amount of time is probably more common than I think, but it still seems like we are the only ones that have ever done it!-- So naive, I know.) Anyways... with all the big changes, I've been a bit overwhelmed, to say the least. But I am so happy and trusting about God's plans for us in this time of our lives. So here it is:

1. We found out on May 1st, 2013 that we are expecting our first baby! Praise God! We are due December 31, 2013 and can't wait to see how the Lord provides for us in our growing family.
2. We found out that I was offered a 2nd-grade teaching position back home (Dawson, MN) in early June. This was a life-changing because it made our idea of heading back home to raise a family possible.
3. In late June, Jordan was offered a T-10 internship and possible associate contract with a chiropractic clinic from home. This blessing meant that not only would one of us have a job, but now we would both have a career option in our hometown.
4. We welcomed our fourth baby niece (#6 in nieces/nephews) in early July. What a beauty Miss Madelyn is.
5. And, as of late, we are in the process of buying our first home.

Whew.... Ok. So, as you can tell...these aren't exactly 'everyday blessings' but they are blessings beyond measure. We are feeling so very thankful for the changes ahead of us. The excitement of our future does not cover up the feelings of bittersweet sadness that we have as we prepare to leave our 'first home', my first school, our friends, our church and the memories that we have made at Edinborough Way. I've been telling Jordan for years now, "We've got the world by the tail..." And while I really believe that we did have it great, I know that God has far better things in store for us in our futures.

We are ready to start Chapter 2. Chapter 2 of our marriage, chapter 2 of our education/careers, chapter 2 in our ever-evolving relationship, and now, chapter 2 of this blog. I'm not sure what it will bring... probably much of what it already is: a random amount of gibberish and thankfulness and writing because it is so good for my soul. Or, it might bring a whole new world to my blogging experience as I grow as a young wife, mother, teacher, sister, and friend in this small and safe community.

God is certainly preparing the way. We are trusting Him. We are thankful to Him. Blessings unlimited!

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong, and courageous. Be not afraid, nor dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." -Joshua 1:9