The First of the Season

One of the benefits of living in the South is that we get the first fruits of the season. These beautiful strawberries are a lively punch of rich red on a blustery day.

Mine

Tom Becker

When I first married into S's family, I was introduced (by proxy) to a gentleman named Tom Becker. I have grown to love Tom Becker as he tends to show up at Christmas and birthdays bearing lovely gifts. He's a bit like Santa and the Tooth Fairy in that he makes his presence known by leaving the gifts for you without being seen. He's quite sneaky that way.

Well, Tom made an appearance at our house on Wednesday evening by way of Gran and Granddad. Apparently Tom found a wonderful gift for K while he was out shopping and just had to give it to her even though it wasn't her birthday or Christmas. Here's what Tom Becker brought:

See? Doesn't he bring good gifts? Now Tom didn't want to leave out L or H and he brought them cute t-shirts from a local restaurant, complete with a picture of a volleyball-playing toucan. Of course, L would have preferred the bike but Tom hasn't found one that suits her just yet.

Taking Chance

I saw this movie on Saturday and it was truly wonderful. Here's the story upon which this movie is based. I realize it's only on HBO for now so some of you may not get to see it but I know it'll be on DVD and then you must see it. Oh, and make sure you have a large box of Kleenex available. It even made S get misty.

Hair Disaster Pictures

I wish I had a picture of the room post-shearing but I don't. The hairdos will have to suffice.

L before:

L after:
H before:

H after:

Home

We got home from our little trip on Friday evening, exhausted and ready for bed even though it was only 6:30. I was so happy to see the kids in spite of the aforementioned exhaustion. Our trip was interesting and informative. I took the opportunity to drive around some neighborhoods and we looked at a few houses although I didn't see anything I just had to have.

In fact, this trip brought up a lot of emotions that have been boiling under the surface for quite awhile. There is some excitement about moving to a new city and discovering new things. I remember how thrilling it was to move to DC, to be the new girl, to meet new people and make new friends. It was invigorating and refreshing.

Now that I'm settled with a husband, three children, and a house to call my own, I don't want to move. I told S that I'd be happier about it if we were moving to a city where I really wanted to live. The move is going to be difficult no matter what but I could look forward to it if I really wanted to live in this city. But I don't. I have zero desire to live there, to raise my family there, to put down roots there.

We did get to go to a really nice Spanish restaurant that was so good I needed a wheelbarrow to carry me out at the end of the dinner. We went with S's new boss and his wife and they are truly lovely people and I think S will be happy working for him. I'm trying to find positives in this situation, knowing that God has a perfect plan for our family.

Out of Town

I'm on a very unexpected trip to the city where S got his new job. They needed him here for a few days and I, at the very last minute, decided to come with him. I'm checking out houses, schools, and taking the time to relax and read.

I have pictures of the hair fiasco and L's hair turned out really cute. Even though we were trying to grow it out, the style fits her. H's hair is, well, buzzed and he looks so different but still has all his H personality. I will post them when I get home.

Have a blessed week!