And now for the rest of the story...

A few months ago Chris and I found a house that was amazing. Truly beautiful. We laughed when we saw it, it was that nice. We gave them our best offer and waited. We ended up in a bidding war and lost. A month later that deal fell apart and the house went back up for sale. So we re-submitted our orginal offer and the bank agreed to our lower than they we're asking purchase price AND they would give us 15,000 dollars to go towards closing costs and buying down our interest rate. We locked in a day before the interest rates went up putting us 5% with a 30 yr fixed. It was unbelievable. Could we really get into a 3100 sqft house like this at 5% for 30 years and actually afford the payments? It was a dream come true. The house was upgraded till the hilt but that wasn't what I was most excited about. We have long dreamed of having a house big enough to open it up to one of the singles in our group. In this case the single was all ready to move in and just waiting for the word. Also I have always dreamed of having a house big enough to host large groups, hospitality brings me so much joy. Chris and I both dreamed of having a sunday night at the Daukas' for any singles in our group wanting to come. This house allowed for these sorts of things.

We had arranged for some friends who were coming out here for an internship at our church to rent our current home. In God's perfect timing, the week we were scheduled to close, serious conversations began about Chris planting a church. We had talked about it for 4 years and thought it was a distant possibility, but God had other plans. It was decided the time was right and we would be sent out to plant a church!

We were faced with a decision - to buy or not to buy. At the end of the day, it didn't make finacial sense to invest in a home we wouldn't be able to stay in long term. What about the couple all set to rent? Well our dear friends the Hansenshad a house they needed to rent to go to the PC. There went our renters.

I cannot tell you how much grace there was for that week. I had already moved a few things into the house, had the place sprayed for bugs and yet there was no looking back once the decision to plant a church was made. I still do not know why the Lord even allowed this house to come into our lives- but maybe it was just so that I could experience God's grace in letting it go for the sake of the gospel.

So since May I've been processing with the select few who've known, all my excitement and sadness. As my husband said last night at our church's Family Meeting where the announcement was made, we have no desire in our hearts to leave the church and people we love but we do have a desire to go and see the Gospel mission of Christ continue in the planting of churches. We are humbled to be apart of the mission.

Peoria, AZ here we come :-) More to come.

Joy

I've gone back this week and read some more of Octavius Winslow's Precious Things of Christ. It is so good and I can usually only take in a page at a time it is so rich. I was ministered to this week on the joy of the redeemed and where my Joy should come from.

Oh, how much more joyful would the saints of God be did they deal less with themselves, and more with Jesus! They look at their sins, pore over their unfitness, pine at their leanness, and succumb to their failures and infirmities, their poverty and emptiness, and so all sweet, sacred joy droops and dies within their souls. But, "the joy of the Lord is your strength." "The meek shall increase their joy in the Lord." And seeing that the Lord has "clothed them with the garments of salvation, and has covered them with the robe of righteousness," it is the privilege of their soul "greatly to rejoice in the Lord and to be joyful in their God" (Isa. 61:10). But beloved, remember that Christ's joy can only remain in you, and you joy be full, as in childlike faith you look directly, and only and CONSTANTLY to Christ.

Oh for a higher tone of holy joy among the Lord's redeemed! Who in this vast universe have such reason to make the valley resound and the mountain echo with the glad notes of praise, as you who are freed from servitude, who are delivered from hell, and who are on you way to heaven, to spend your eternity- "forever with the Lord?" Beloved reader, if you are saved- if, in the exercise of the lowliest faith, you can cherish the hope of acceptance, as a poor sinner, with God through Christ- you may rejoice in tribulation, and glory in infirmity and count the suffering of this present time not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in you. "rejoice in the Lord, and again I say, Rejoice"

How I pray and desire to make the Lord my constant and only joy. How easy it is to look to the world, the failing economy, trials, my own failures as a mom and wife this week and allow those circumstances to rob me of my joy. But the joy of the Lord is my strength and what greater truth to mediate on and gladden my soul, than God has saved me, an unworthy sinner, unto an inheritance that is imperishable.

Trevor is not so P.C.

I've been taking the kids to a nursing home/assisted living place for a couple of months now. We help with their ice cream social on Saturday's. Usually it's Taylor and I taking order and scooping up ice cream but Trevor was in a rather unusual mood this afternoon and couldn't wait to "serve others" as I try to prepare them ahead of time. So he goes over to this table of about four elderly people and politely asks what kind of flavor this gentleman would like. I see the man respond and Trevor turns back around and yells, "Mom the OLD MAN wants chocolate!" Thankfully those who were able to hear him thought it was pretty funny and weren't offended. I've since prepped him on the politically correct response :-)

A good laugh

I realize I've turned into a weekend blogger. The weeks are so busy trying to do school with the kids, keep up on house and just in general things have been super crazy around here for us. I can hardly believe September is almost over!!

Well apparently I'm not busy enough. Somehow I found time to do this tonight:




Wow, I have not laughed that hard in a long time! If you need a good laugh definitely check out their website.

Happy Birthday Baby Owen!

Owen Parker
8lbs 5oz

Today my first nephew on the Jones' side was born! It was so exciting seeing my little brother, who I grew up trying to mother and protect, become a dad and hold his son. Danae was amazing and looked radiant! We are so excited for you guys!

Here's some pictures from our day at the hospital! Gotta love the epidural providing ample time for pictures!







We love baby Owen and can't wait to get to know you!

Trevor Walking/Falling Down the Aisle

Yesterday we had the privilege of watching our friend and wonderful babysitter of our children get married. Chris officiated the wedding and Trevor was the ring bearer. Anna thank you for the giving us the opportunity to take part in your special day and well hopefully after watching this video you won't regret it.

I learned yesterday that Trevor doesn't like the spotlight. I'm not sure who's child he is but after practicing numerous times with success there was one factor we forgot to add. Lots of people. Trevor turned the corner and well... you can watch for yourself. (Video compliments of Jeff McFadden)



Some thought he tripped, poor thing they said, but make no mistake this was on purpose. He told me later he was trying to hide.

At least he looked adorable!


Trevor and the groom


Like father like son... sort of, Chris didn't try to hide


Anna looking stunning!


Anna and the kids the night before... Trevor was oh so happy that I stopped his game to get a picture


Anna is moving to Texas with her husband after their honeymoon. Anna we are so excited for you new life but know you will be missed greatly!

An American Girl

Yesterday while in line at the pharmacy, I turn around to check on Rylee in the grocery cart. An older gentleman who had been admiring Rylee says to me, "You've got the perfect American girl there. Pretty blonde hair, big blue eyes, she's beautiful!" Then in the most perfect timing Rylee looks at him and sticks her finger up her nose. I said, "Thanks, she's still got a ways to go before she wins any pageants."

She's Real?

This week Taylor learned about Captain John Smith and Pocahontas. While reading the history book to her she stopped me and exclaimed, "She's real?! Wow I like thought she was just a princess or something."

Ah the joys of learning new things :-)

Field Trip Fun

This week I was invited by my friend to visit the new Phoenix Children's Museum. I was quite impressed by all the different textures, creative art and contraptions in their three story building. It's rare to find something that appeals to all three of my kids ages. In almost each room there was an activity that Taylor could do at her level, and then something different in the that same room for Trevor & Rylee. If you live in AZ I highly recommend you take a day to visit.

In one room they had a large house that the kids could walk around and paint freely. I love the idea of creating a painting mess in someone else's house :-) In that same room they had homemade playdough and tables with helpers where the kids could make crafts.



Create art with paper clips and buttons.



The Grand Ballroom, taken from their website " Balls, balls and more balls – rolling, dropping, triggering, bumping – flashes of movement and a myriad of sounds fill this action packed room. The science of chain reactions comes to life on a grand scale as ramps encircle the room with stations to set up along the balls’ path. Smaller ball runs and exhibits exploring cause and effect combine to make this room a favorite with ball players young and old."
Here the boys are watching from a tree house a ball they dropped roll across the room as it hits various chimes and other contraptions.

Taylor made her own version of a chain reaction



A different way to make music



The grocery store


Ah what a fun filled morning- It sufficiently wore them out!