HANGIN' OUT IN JAX

We had to leave our Harley in Springfield since our tow dolly does not have a bike ramp.  So Steven took a Military hop up to MA to retrieve it.  He flew into Norfolk NAS, spent the night with Mama & Daddy...then on to Andrews AFB and spend the night with Brandon, April & girls...then hopped on a bus for the rest of the way.  He was able to see a few church members at the C-2 worship service at CIA and also spent the night with our great friends Gerry & Barbara before starting his journey back in reverse order.  He is (at this very moment) about 2 hrs out of Jax!!!  I am so thankful to God for keeping him safe all those many, many miles!

While he was on his adventure, I spent some time with Clayton, Erica, Braddock & Beckham.  Which is always delightful!

Jax Zoo!

Bubba reading our map

Cuteness!

Bear leading us to the Tigers!

Amazing Exhibit!

Hungry pacing lion awaiting feeding time

He keeps me laughing!

Growling & Pacing

Granny's back is better than the stroller!

Magnificent Cats!

B&B enjoying an Icee

Rope Bridge!

Tiger on Overhead Walkway

ALL the boys had fun!  :-)

Brothers

Date Night...10 Yr Anniversary!

Craft Time!

Super Hero Time!

Love these action shots!

Singing Scripture songs   :-)

JOYFUL!!!

Heading to Sunday School!

UPDATE TIME...

Our journey from Springfield, MA back to Jax was long but uneventful.  And for that we are thankful.  Many, many prayers were being offered up on our behalf.  The Monaco ran like a champ the whole way and Steven has become very proficient at wheeling our 53 foot (coach and car in tow) rolling home down the road!

We stopped in Jax to unload some of the "extra" decor I had collected while living in the parsonage.  It seems a cannot allow a wall to remain blank; I am compelled to hang something on it.  So, a lot of my "stuff" has to be stored (thanks Erica) at the house since it won't fit in the RV.  :-)  We were able to have lunch with my sweet sister, who met us at Zaxby's, then on to the house to reunite with Clayton, Erica, Braddock, Beckham & April (who was in town for Riley's baby shower!).  Taylor was enjoying Disney with Ed & Angie, but we got to see her the next AM before she & April made the long trek back to DC.  So great to get hugs!!

We then headed out to our property at Ft McCoy for a couple of days before putting the coach in the shop to repair some cold weather damage from being stored up North for 18 months, plus our topper was damaged by a mechanic when it was in the shop in CT...so there were several things that needed attention.  Clayton & Erica allowed us to bunk in with them until we got the coach back.  So blessed that we all live together so well!!   We finally got it back and in working order...then Steven headed back to MA to retrieve our Harley (which we had to leave behind).  He will be riding it back to FL, so pray for his safety on that long adventure!  The great part of the adventure is that he will get to see all of our friends at CIA again and also spend a few nights with Mama & Daddy and Brandon & April, Taylor, Addyson & Kynley (& Riley) as he makes his way there & back!

I will be flying to Atlanta on Tues to spend some more precious time with Adam, Jill, Liz, Cael, Gabe & Debo Grace.  Looking forward to catching-up on their sweet family and being a part of their everyday happenings.

We have sent out some resumes' and will see where God leads next.  Thankful that He has a plan for our lives!  Jeremiah 29:11.  Excited to see it lived-out for our good and His glory!

PREPARING TO LEAVE...

As we begin to prepare to leave Springfield, MA and return to our home in Jax, FL. there are many emotions surfacing.  It has been so great to meet new brothers & sisters in Christ, that will remain forever friends and to serve our Savior side by side with them.  But, being so far away from our family and home has had been a challenge. I saw this picture not too long ago and it sorta' sums up what the past 18 months have meant to me.  Thankful God gave us the opportunity to serve Him...in a missionary capacity.

FEBRUARY & MARCH IN MARIETTA!

Just a few random shots from my 2 month with Adam, Jill & family.  Jill has done a fabulous job posting many on her blog...so scroll back to see her blog address, if you missed it.  A great time of just being part of their family!  Blessed to do so!

Brothers For Life!

Future Cheerleader!

Best Friends!

Sweet Girl!

Enjoying new treats!

Sweet Sisters!

Kitchen Help!   :-)

Getting ready for game time

Friends from day one!

Gaming with Mom

Adam organized a neighborhood game

Girls, girls, girls!

Lunch with an old friend!  Thanks, Dee!

The pantry has a new look!

Granny Time

1st Chair (Cello) Concert

Breakfast conversation

Balloon Fun

Pretty in pink!

Gabe helping Dad in dugout

"Frozen" & Popcorn

Papa sharing tricks

School Lunch with the boys

iPad Exploring

Trampoline Antics

Squinting because of sun...but lovin' these kids!

Love Him!

Million Dollar Smile!

Fun Granddaughters!

What happens when Liz takes my phone  :-)

41 YEARS & COUNTING...

March 2nd was our 41st wedding anniversary!   And although we were not together physically; our hearts, minds thoughts and prayers were connecting us.  It is a wonderful feeling to share so many legacies (both raised in solid homes with parents who loved us), so many past memories (known each other since 5th grade), so many experiences (life in general), so many wonderful blessings (three incredible sons, three phenomenal daughters-in-love, and ten precious grandchildren...and counting!) so many inspiring friends (full time Christian service for over 32 years), so many countless God-moments (as we pastored and mentored our flocks), so many adventures (newly wed, married with children, parents of teens, proud parents of three young men who continue to be a blessing, empty-nesters, RV'ers, retirees, and most importantly the commitment we share in loving, honoring, worshipping and serving our Christ King)!   I am eternally grateful that God placed within us both a deep desire to be His disciple.  I cannot imagine a more satisfying life than one that looks to Him daily and yearns for His guidance and sustenance.  He alone is the key and the core to a marriage that has made it 41 years and counting!  I am very blessed!  Thank You, Jesus!

AMEN & AMEN!

Enough said!

BRADDOCK & BECKHAM

Erica and the boys remain in Kentucky taking care of Grandpa.  Clayton will join them next week for a few days to attend Darlin's final burial.  These two little sweethearts could be models!   Love 'em!

Church is part of their week, makes Papa & Granny so happy!