Unexpected visitor...

As I was feasting on Pizza Hut (I really need to go to the grocery store), I heard knock on the door. Admittedly, it is a little nerve racking when you're not expecting visitors and someone knocks at the door. But alas...it was one of my favorite visitors, HANNAH!! Daddy and Hannah were out on a ride a decided to stop by. Below is a picture when they were getting ready to head home. She even waved for the camera!!

Also, just a quick update a G...He is scheduled to be home tomorrow. All of his claims are completed, and after 17 days away, he will be home once again. Please pray for him as he travels back.

Note from George

Although we speak frequently on the phone, I received a short e-mail from George the other day...with an unexpected attachment. :)

He said to prove he was actually working...he took a picture of himself on a roof top he was inspecting.
Lord willing he will be home earlier than expected...at this point, assuming there is no additional rain in Arkansas, he will return on Monday, rather than Friday.

Surprise Party

Last Friday Ben celebrated his 30th Birthday. Julie had planned a fantastic Rock Band 80s surprise party for him on Saturday. Her brother, Justin, brought the game over and we all "rocked" out. Many even came dressed in 80s attire; scrunch socks, Converse shoes, tight rolled jeans, and lots of scrunchies! Thankfully, Ben never caught on to the party until we arrived. A great time was had by all.

Ben on bass.

Hannah on the drums.

Caitlin on guitar.

You can't see my "side ponytail" in this picture. I can't believe I really liked wearing my hair like that.

Daniel takes a turn on the drums.

Julie, Justin (her brother), and Julie's cousins, Cara and Lindsay

Even Abby was having a good time.

Hannah even did a few vocals too.

Happy Birthday Love!!

Look how cute you were (and STILL ARE!)

I wish you were here!!
I miss you very much and am counting
down the days until you're home!!

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!!

Change of Plans...

The past few weeks have been full of exciting things for us. Exciting, but yet very busy!! A few weeks ago we decided to start seriously looking into purchasing a home. Renting has it's benefits, but we are ready to spread out a little, and be able to put our own personal touch on our space, which renting limits. Due to the huge investment this is, we are in no rush to get into something, and have tentatively set a goal of buying by December. This week we did tour one home, which I may highlight in another post.

In addition to house hunting, I have been busy working long days at school. It is that "fun" time of year when the state test has to be administered!! My responsibility is to assist in providing accommodations to students on IEPs; which include scribing, reading portions aloud, testing students one on one, or in small groups. This makes my days very busy, because we are in a time crunch to get every student tested. The last few weeks, I have stayed after school to get paperwork and other responsibilities completed, although typically I have time during the school day to complete those things.

George has been busy with various things as well. On Wednesday he interviewed for a promotion within his company in the training department. The interview included a 15 minute presentation with PowerPoint followed by a two hour long interview with three superiors. He spent many hours preparing for this interview, and it is our hope and prayer that it would be the Lord's will that he would be accepted for the position. If it's not His will, George said, "At least it was a great way to get more interview practice." Please be in prayer as we wait to hear the outcome.

Needless to say, we have both been stressed and tense this week. Each morning we awoke saying, "How many days until Saturday?" or "What are we doing Saturday?" just to anxiously reply, "NOTHING!!" We were looking forward to a lazy day at home together to get some things done around the house and enjoy that the week was over. Of course...we should know that we may have our plans, but the Lord has His too. Friday afternoon, George got word that he was being called out to assess some of the storm damage in Arkansas. Thankfully, contrary to what they first thought, he was to leave Saturday morning, NOT Friday evening. We celebrated his birthday, did laundry, and got him packed for the weeks to come Friday evening, and he left first thing Saturday morning. So much for our lazy day together at home. At this time, they anticipate he will be gone until May 2nd, three full weeks. Please pray for him as he is gone, I am sure he would appreciate it.

March of Dimes

Last year George's employer, Farmer's Insurance, raised over 4.5 million dollars for March of Dimes. Incredible, isn't it?

To read more about March of Dimes...check out the causes they support.

On May 4th the local March of Dimes Walk takes place in downtown Kansas City. It was our desire to participate in the walk. Unfortunately, it was on a Sunday morning, so we are unable to, although we still have the desire to contribute to the cause.

If you would like to donate to March of Dimes, please follow this link, and complete the "Sponsor Me" box on the right side of the page.

We thank you in advance!!