I love this picture!
We count moving as a
blessing and a privilege --but, it
was hard! God does not give you more than
you can handle. When your plate is full and
you aren't sure how you will meet deadlines
and get it all done HE gives you strength,
endurance and help from others. It was
amazing to have friends and family help
us in the midst of their own busyness. Jesus
shows himself in a tangible way through others
and that is what carries us through.
He always has it under control!
WE COULD NOT HAVE DONE IT
WITHOUT HIS GUIDANCE AND
ALL THE HELP!!
We had planned on staying in our rental home 1
more year--but, the owners of the home wanted
to take advantage of the market and sell the
house. So, they gave us a month's notice before
it went on the market. It went on the market and
showed 13 times in 5 days before it sold.
After seeing just 5 houses we found one
that was great for us! We had a gap
of 2 weeks from the time we had to be
out and the time we could move in....so,
friends and family were SO KIND to open
up their homes and let us in!!
We said goodbye to Grayson Circle and
welcomed the adventure.
they had a sign in their garage that said
"Crim Parking Only"
...they seriously were going to park
outside and have us park in the garage!
Ritz Carlton's customer service to same...
They went over and beyond to make
us feel welcome!
Each night after dinner the kiddos
enjoyed a dance party and jumping in
the bounce house!
kept such order and organization in their home
yet had such a laid back atmosphere!
We told them not to worry about food
for us...but Katie said that Jeffery's love language
is "feeding people"...and she was right...
they made us paninis, tacos, hamburgers,
and "to go" cinnamon toast sticks!!!
Game Night
Not only did they let us stay...they helped us
move out, helped clean our house, packed
boxes, let us store things at their house and
helped us move in!
We left the Sulka's and met the Bastow's
and Kelley's at the pool for some fun.
The Bastows also let us keep a bunch of our
delicate things in their basement for 2 weeks so
they wouldn't get broken in the storage unit
or the POD...which they helped unload and load!
Heather also gave the girls rides to
Gymnastics and tennis when I was packing.
were so sweet to open their doors to us on one
of their busiest weeks of the year...the last week
of school. Derrick was the assistant principal
at a school and was moving schools to be the
Principal next year...and Adrienne was helping
put on a community outreach event that week too!
so, they had a lot going
on...but still they make time and room for us!
They both have hearts to help and give!
Faith, Milla, Elise and Annie
Group Shot!
Crims and Hersheys
we got to enjoy fun meals, strawberries from
the garden, the pool, the fire pit with smores...
we were sad that we left town before their
annual cornhole tournament.
Chattanooga!!.....look at that view!!
this is just 2 blocks from their house--
they can see for miles and miles
Cole
We ate tons of good food...
Lana is known for her awesome
breakfasts! We get use to cereal
and granola bars--so, her delicious
morning meals are always such a treat!
talked the younger 2 into pushing!!
their house...dirt bikes, tree swing,
soccer goal, fire pit, smores, truck rides,
swimming, just breathing in the fresh
air and the freedom of the land on
the mountain!
to stop in Cartersville to see my Dad and
Grandma. Milla and Faith look forward to
the traditions they have there of eating
ice cream with oreos, seeing the cats and dog
and swinging on the neighbor's playset.
My Dad also came over and helped us
move in!
The visit started off just right with a dance
party and keyboard karaoke....and when you
start off with a bang you must continue every
night!!
It was fun just to have time to play and
not be in a rush to be anywhere. We had
lots of time outside...riding bikes, pulling
wagons, playing "school" and going to the pool!
Aunt Kelli was brave enough to watch the
whole bunch while we closed on the house!
the men collecting the trash and for the
mail carrier!
Next Stop...Mimi and Papa Ray's house...
They actually let us stay twice during our
time. We got to play, watch movies,
go out to eat, looks at lots of old pictures of
Brandon growing up, and the kiddos loved
playing with Brandon and Kelli's old toys.
They let us do lots of loads or laundry and
get caught up! Such a help!
to see baby Lauren!
...one last visit to their house before their big move!
Mom and Cappie so kindly let Hank stay with
them for 2 weeks. There was so much moving
around that Hank was happy to go to their
house, the "Bluebird" to relax
He LOVED getting to run and
take lots of walks!
with our sweet
Real Estate Agent
Madonna Decker...
she took us under her wing
and found us a great house!
...but just us for the first week..
no furniture yet
to her house every time the other house
was being shown....she let us eat dinner
at her house many times the week
we weren't able to use our kitchen yet.
Here she is serving up a yummy
Chocolate Eclair dessert!
What a blessing it was to have her as a
neighbor for almost 3 years!
Rather than having Bible Study, Brandon's
small group helped load up the POD...
Chad, Gabe, Brandon, Jeffery and Greg
early on a Saturday morning to help
us move in. PIANOS are HEAVY!
They said before you tell someone you
can help them move ask them if they
have a piano!
the kiddos to Catch Air, a birthday
party and the pool while we moved in!!
WE MADE IT!!
On our new front steps! YAY!
like so far...a painting construction zone...
but it is exciting to check off each project and
see it all coming together.
Brandon knows how to do everything...and if he
doesn't he just watches a youtube video on it
and figures it out. He's incredible!
time just flew by...
I was putting Cole in the car yesterday
and I just looked at him and
HE GREW UP!!!
