One of the highlights of this year was my trip out to Oregon to surprise my dear friend Kristin Williames!!! Kristin and I became close friends in our high school youth group. Although we live far apart, God has preserved and even strengthened our friendship over the years. I had been scheming with Kristen's mom and hubby about this trip for an entire year...and August finally came around! Natalie and I traveled across the country and had the most wonderful visit with Kristin and her family. We pulled off the surprise element too which was a lot of fun! Natalie fit right in with the gaggle of girls: Kristin & Matt have Iris (3), Mae (2), and Ellie (9 mo.) plus two nieces and a nephew, it was one continuous play date! So much fun!
Are you sure this is the year we're turning 30?! Time Flies!
Natalie, Iris, and Mae
One of the blessings of the trip was spending time with Kristin's grandparents, Iris and Dale Bull, such a wonderful Godly couple. Here's Grandma Iris lovin' on her girlies. (She just took Natalie in as one of her own, so sweet.)
Did I mention that Oregon is gorgeous?! Wow!
Natalie and Iris (The two extroverts in the bunch)
Kristin and Iris
We stayed at 'Uncle Dick' and 'Auntie Becky's', another incredible couple. They were so hospitable and kind! Here's the view from their back yard!
Here's the backseat gang, stuffed in the back of Matt and Kristin's van!
There was an unexpected twist in the road while I was out there...I got a call offering me a one-semester position at Greenfield-Central Jr. High School (7th and 8th grade art). (This was my first interview that I had back in May.) It really threw me for a loop, let me tell you! I had 24 hrs. to decide which was hard considering I was in a different time zone, away from Wes, with spotty cell reception! I ended up accepting the position after much wrestling, discussion, and prayer.
Wes sent flowers to me in Oregon in celebration of the job offer.
Because of the dates of my trip, I missed the teacher work day and the new teacher orientation. My first day was to be the first day for students. This really required me to trust God big time, I am NOT a 'fly by the seat of your pants' kind of girl! Once the decision was made, I was able to enjoy the rest of my trip. I got into my classroom the weekend I got home and started school that Monday. I hit the ground running! I now I five weeks of school behind me. Wow, it has been such a whirlwind! I definitely miss Fortville Elementary, but I'm thankful for the experience and for the money! :) It is actually working out perfect that this is just a one semester position, because I can look forward to spending lots of time with Natalie in the spring. Plus, we have a big event to prepare for in April... (see picture below!)
Yea! We're due April 19th!
