So much happening...

Man, there are so many thoughts tumbling through my mind that I don't even know where to start. I'll start with what I'm most excited about - finally making some FRIENDS!! Let me tell you, those people that we can laugh, share stories, and cry with are sooooooo dear - and not having any of those particular confidantes around really starts to wear a person down. In my perfect world, I was thinking that we'd find a church quickly, and I'd immediately be surrounded by godly women who couldn't wait to get to know me (OK, so maybe I'm exaggerating just a *bit*). We're still searching. My next plan was to find some moms through our son's school. Well, that's not happening with the drop-off and pick-up schedule. (I'm still hopeful that I'll connect with a few people through PTO meetings, volunteering, etc.) And while I've had brief conversations with a few different people, there was no immediate bonding. And then of course there's the issue that I can't actually communicate with a good portion of the population here simply because I don't speak Spanish.

Anyway, my next strategy was to attend the preschool program at the library with our daughter. That started yesterday morning. And yes, I finally connected with someone!! God totally had His hand on this whole meeting, let me tell you. It turns out that she and her family just moved down here in March. She's from Philly suburbia (on the other side of the city, though) - too funny! She lives at the other end of our street - roughly a 5 minute walk (I've never had a good friend that close!). We laughed over the fact that we both talk too fast for "around here," and that we were both wearing Mary Jane Crocs. As she was talking about her frustration with making friends, it was as though she was peering into my heart. Her oldest daughter is 1 year younger than A, and the 2 of them hit it off immediately. Hooray!!

And more good news this morning when I attended MOPS. The charter church is huge so I was fully expecting a big group where it might be hard to get to know the other ladies. I was pleasantly surprised to discover the group was just over 20 women - a great size! Met several more ladies that I can envision becoming good friends, plus was invited to 2 different get-togethers next week. Considering that my only outings to this point have involved purchasing groceries, I am seriously excited.

Not all is shiny and happy, though. As I mentioned earlier, we have not yet found a church to call home. Hubby and I have been praying a lot about that situation, and are trying not to become discouraged. We're going back to 1 church for a second round on Sunday (as their main pastor was not there the 1st time we visited) and we're cautiously optimistic. This process is not only difficult for us, but for the kids, and we'd really like to be settled somewhere by the end of the month. In other news, our son is still having a rough time at school. He's not wreaking havoc in the classroom or anything, but is continually coming home with warnings for not listening and not staying in his seat. I've already spoken with his teacher twice on the phone and may be headed in next week for a face-to-face meeting. I know God is at work even in this, and I can see she truly has a heart to help D succeed. Still more prayers being offered up!

There are many more things spinning through my head, but I'm now off to cuddle with my hubby on the couch and watch America's Got Talent. I will say that I have some fabulous pictures on the camera that I'm hoping to share before the week is out... And finally, here is a great passage from the Psalms that I "happened" upon earlier today. A familiar selection, but this translation made me think about it in a new way:

If I'm sleepless at midnight, I spend the hours in grateful reflection.

Because You've always stood up for me, I'm free to run and play.

I hold on to You for dear life, and You hold me steady as a post.

Psalm 63:6-8 (The Message)

Friday Funny

I am at a loss for words.

First Grader!

Well, our son went back to school today. He was excited, but also nervous about meeting all the new people. Last night as we were making final preparation, he said, "If I like 1st grade here, can we stay for 2nd?" No problem buddy, I don't want to move again for awhile, either!

He's back home now, and he had a couple observations. His teacher is much nicer than he thought she'd be - when I asked him what he meant, he said "not so ugly." Um, OK then! He proudly announced he has 2 new best friends - but he can't remember either of their names. :) The one that really had me cracking up, though, is when he said that some of the kids weren't there - they were "accidents" (absent)

So what did I do to celebrate this momentous event? Well, A and I ran around. First, a stop at Starbucks (strictly for me), then returning items to Wal-Mart, browsing at Hobby Lobby, and haircuts (with a $5.95 coupon!) Yep, this is what settling in is like...

This week.

Hubby has been away this week. First time he's had a business trip where I haven't had my "network." I must say, these past 4 days have been more difficult than I had anticipated. I'm emotionally drained and counting down the hours until he returns. The week has been filled with challenges (gum in the boy's hair, daughter decided to "clean" the bathroom with her pink toothpaste, etc.) and I haven't handled it all very well.

On a more positive note, I was able to find a couple lamps at a yard sale yesterday (much needed due to the lack of lighting in this home - but holy schnikees, new ones are expensive!) and also was able to stock our freezer (our Super Wal-Mart here marks meat down by 30% the day before the expiration date, and I literally followed the guy with the price gun down the aisle.) Looking forward to a card-making class at the Library tomorrow (yes, I know it will be a pitch for the person's business, but it was FREE and a chance to meet other papercrafters). Checking out 1 last church this weekend and then deciding where we'll call "home."

Well, I'm outta here. Want to cross a few more items off the to-do list before heading to the airport.

The Difference between Mom and God

A great post - it definitely challenged my heart this morning. Click here.

Wassup?

Another busy week nearly complete. Spending lots of time in the pool, as each day we've been here has topped 100 degrees. The first pic is of our A watching her brother jump in - he's the reason for the big splash :) The second photo is of our major excitement inducing event of the week: a frog in the pool! The way our daughter started shrieking when she saw it I was convinced that she'd severed an arm... When I came in the house for the camera, our son grabbed the pool net so he could capture his new pet. Um, not gonna happen! Still have too many boxes, but at least this place is beginning to feel more like "home." (I might even post some indoor pictures soon!) Our son starts school in 10 days, and I know that will be another major step forward. Continuing the church search - we're planning to have that wrapped up this month, and still much prayer being devoted to that topic. Hubby will be headed back to Philly for a couple days next week, but thankfully he won't be gone over any weekends; it's weird to think about being here without any real friends or family. Trying not to freak out over that detail, and I'm praying that we'll have a very quiet week without any car or household issues that I have to deal with!

Update from Hearts at Home

One of the things I love about blogging is the exchange of ideas that takes place; after all, what mom can't use a new idea every now and then!

If you are interested in a blog that brings a group of mommy bloggers all to one place, stop by and visit the Hearts at Home blog.

Hearts at Home's contributing bloggers write about motherhood, each with a unique perspective, reflecting on the spiritual, emotional and downright funny aspects of motherhood. Their group of bloggers range from professional speakers to authors to stay-at-home moms, all who share a passion for the profession of motherhood.

The Hearts at Home blog covers a variety of topics, such as practical mom tips, recipes, book reviews, and advice for tackling tough mommy issues.

Take a peek at this great resource and connect with real moms sharing real stories today!