Settling in

Long time no writing! Last time I blogged, we were in the process of moving. We have been so busy, all the way around, with life in general. I finally have time to stop and smell the peonies! Within the first week of moving, we were mostly unpacked, other than some odds and ends. We didn't have enough furniture to fill the place, which was fine. We were just happy for all the extra space. Since moving, we have painted and decorated Drews' room, in kind of a vintage car theme, and Alli Carolines' room, (yellow, of course), and hers is also a little vintage as well, with bird décor, and my antique dresser, and some really sweet lanterns hanging around her bed. We painted our living room and it's almost finished as far as décor, and we painted and decorated the playroom, which turned out sweet and whimsical, just as I was hoping it would be. We are still working on the kitchen, but so far we have had the cabinets painted by Jasons' dad, and he did a beautiful job. I have spent hours peeling the 1972 wallpaper, my dad and Jason pulled out some cabinets to give it more of an open concept feel, and we just hung two red pendant lights over the little island/counter area. It is coming along! The rest of the rooms still need painted, but they are totally livable until we get to it. I am enjoying only having to go to work three days a week, and Jason just got a new and wonderful job, after many years at the same place. It was hard for him to adjust at first, but they seem to hold him in high regard, and have really shown him how much they appreciate them. He is now an IMI assistant manager, and he loves his job, and it has been a huge step up income-wise, so I am thankful for that too! Drew and I just got done planting our veggie garden about a week and a half ago, and we already have 7 to 8 veggies that are popping up and well on their way! I enjoy digging and planting so much, probably more than any other hobby, so it has been quite gratifying, as it is for most gardeners. Alli C is now 13 months old, and she has been running since about 11 months...yes, running. She is afraid of almost nothing, and is into everything. She is a snuggle bug, and loves to eat. There isn't much she won't eat, hence the sweet chunky thighs! She babbles all day, and she loves her Bubby Drew. Drew is 4 now, and will start pre-school this Fall;( It's hard to believe he is ready for school, but I am so proud of him. He is charming, and quite a comedian. He has a beautiful voice, and loves to go around the house singing. He is also rather quirky, and likes things a certain way. (Too young to diagnose, but I'd say OCD, for certain). All the parents are doing well. Justins' boys are growing like weeds, and they are the sweetest. Jordan just attended his first prom, and he is driving now (what????????!!!). Amanda is getting married in July! She has a great, Christian, loving man, who also happens to be super cute. (Good for her). I am so happy for her, and I think she has met her match. They are very much alike, both super intellectual, and have common interests. God had something in mind for her all along, and all we had to do is trust Him. He is SO good. He is unbelievably good. He is good in storms and in sunshine. He never leaves us and He is always waiting when we wander. I can't imagine life without having a personal relationship with Him. Every single thing we have, every earthly blessing can be removed from us. People die, move away, betray, and material things break. Jobs can be lost, health will decline. He is the only thing that remains. For all of the blessings he has given us, we are eternally grateful. For his Son, we are even more grateful. I am so glad I have friends to remind me of these truths during the hard times, because there will ALWAYS be hard times. And there will ALWAYS  be Jesus. #feelingthankfulandblessedbeyondmeasure