The National Missionary Convention

We had the opportunity to attend the National Missionary Convention as a family. I was a little nervous about how this would go, but overall it was a great experience. On Thursday night we drove to Washington to stay with Jamie & Kara (my family) and their two girls. They were amazing hosts and the girls loved playing with Lilly. At the convention we saw lots of people we knew. One of my favorite things was eating lunch with the Davenports. Nathan & Lindsay are such dear friends, and we don't get to see them very often. We talked about eating in the hotel restaurant, but after checking out the long line we opted for eating our packed lunches together instead. It was such a joy to watch Grace & Addy play together. It was a reminder of what a blessing the bonds we share in Christ are. Even though we were eating simple food it was great to visit in person!

We also attended a PBT dinner with the Downings & Gorschs. It was a little crazy with all the kiddos, but I enjoyed the pieces of the inspirational message from PBT's president I heard (Grace had a melt down from being overtired). I am really sad we didn't get a picture of all the girls together. I feel so blessed that I get to be a part of the extended PBT family by helping with the Davenport's monthly newsletter. Only an awesome God can take a stay at home mom in the midwest and use her gifts to somehow bless bibleless people across the world.

One of the girls' favorite things was the big floor puzzle of the world that was at the Team Expansion booth. They did it more than once. We stopped by there a lot trying to connect with our friends Matt & Elsa (missionaries in Venezuela). But, Matt wasn't feeling the best and we weren't able to spend time with them.

While we were able to only attend one main session the conference was a good balance of family time, reconnecting with friends, and catching up with different ministries we have been involved with over the years.

A Challenge

I love reading Lysa Terkeurst's blog. She is such a down to earth honest gal. She recently issued a challenge called, " 37 Days of Kindness." Basically the challenge was to do something kind to extend Jesus' love each day up until Christmas. These 37 kind acts would be your gift for Jesus. Well, this idea really struck a chord with me. I LOVE giving gifts, especially those of the homemade variety. So, I really loved the idea of spending time each day thinking of what kind act I could do in Jesus' name.

Not only did this challenge sound like a fun idea, but something I totally NEED right now. There is nothing that can make this girl selfish like being pregnant!! Being totally uncomfortable and tired out can keep me focused on myself instead of others. And I know I have been a bit of a grouchy mama lately (okay maybe a lot of bit grouchy) I am hoping this challenge will be just what I need to snap out of it. I am struggling with the reality of not having a baby to snuggle and love on as we anticipate Christmas. Don't get me wrong our household is VERY excited to welcome our newest family member around Valentine's Day. Its just that when I day dreamed about this holiday season I saw us as a family of five, with a new little baby to join in the celebration.

So now is the perfect time to extend kindness to others. So get ready Jesus because I LOVE to give gifts and I try and make them as personal and special as possible. I am hoping to record some of these simple acs of kindness to share later after Christmas.

Grace & Daddy's Big Adventure

This week Jeremy and Grace had a big adventure. Thursday was Nana's birthday so they surprised her by taking her to lunch. I thought it would be fun for Grace to hear about the day from her dad's perspective so he agreed to write this post:

Sorry, to all you dedicated readers of this blog but for some reason Jennifer asked me to write this blog for our girls to read later in life. Looking back on life I have so many moments where I wish I would have done this or said that. Those moments when you realize you had the money, time, or words to make someone’s life richer and missed the opportunity. Oddly, this is one moment where I did the exactly the right thing at the exact right time at the “worst time ever.”

Right now I am looking for work and have spent the last two weeks looking for work and working on our house. Jennifer and I have truly felt God’s hand in our decision to leave my job. However, it has not made us immune to the pain of change, worry, and confusion of what to do next.

But on Monday Jennifer and I realized it was my mother’s b-day this coming Thursday. I asked what we were going to mail her. (she lives about 1 hr 45 min away depending on who is driving) She suggested I go and visit her instead. At first, I just laughed at the mere suggestion. Our house projects have not gone well and driving all that way seemed a waste. But, after some thinking I thought, “Why not go?” So Grace and I went because Jennifer had to work and she thought I could not watch both girls on this trip. (Editor’s note: I know he COULD watch both girls, it just wouldn’t have been a fun trip)

So on Thursday morning we woke up Grace. She was so excited she hardly ate breakfast. I loaded up snacks, drink, sun glasses, and God’s best gift to family travel (the portable DVD player). We still didn’t have a present for Nana (my mom) so we stopped at a Dollar General to allow Grace to pick out anything she wanted to give to Nana. Although Grace found several toys she felt “Nana” would love very much. We paced the store several times until we found a rose. On the way to the door Grace saw a My Little Pony coloring book she said she wanted to get for sister. I said, “Well, Dad’s a sucker. Thats so sweet. I will get it for sister.” So one rose + one coloring book at Dollar General=$5? I don’t know why do they call it a dollar store if every things not a dollar. Upon entering the van Grace asked for her sucker. I said, “What sucker?” Grace replied, “Dad, the one you said in the store.” I realized when I called myself a sucker she thought she was getting one to eat.

Arrival at my mom’s work was great. She was stunned. (In a moment of full disclosure, while I remembered mom’s birthday I forgot it was her 50th b-day.) So that made this moment even a little sweeter. Mom, Grace, and I went out to eat and had a wonderful time. Mom seemed to be really touched.

The thing that strikes me about this day is that if I was working I would never have gone. Its not that I love my mom any more or less, but I seized a moment I am not sure I would have otherwise. It was a special treat for Grace and I to have this time together.

Girls-Your Nana is a special person. Being an only child there is not any siblings to pick up slack when you forget holidays. This trip was a great moment. Nana has sacrificed so much for me. Very few times have I truly appreciated the sacrifices that she has made. I hope and pray you girls realize how much she poured herself into me.

Thanks mom -your son.

So, I've said it before- I have the best husband! And I am thankful all the time to my mother-in-law for helping shape him into the man I love today. I'm glad he wrote about this day because it was way better than me summarizing it. On their way home from lunch with Nana Jeremy & Grace stopped in Roseville at the park Jeremy grew up going to. Grace loved going to "daddy's park" and has already requested a return visit.

The last few days have been a struggle as God has closed doors we hoped he was opening. We really have no idea where our journey is headed at this point. One of our goals for this season has been to truly enjoy the blessings of Jeremy being home. The girls are a great reminder as they are LOVING all the extra daddy time. But to be honest the unknown makes it REALLY difficult. This is one day we saw a true glimpse of God's blessing on this season and we were able to share that blessing with someone we love.