Utah, here we come... Get the hand sanitizer ready.

Well, I'm heading out (just me and the kids) at 5:30am tomorrow for the airport. We've been so excited for this trip to Utah...

Too bad that today all 3 of my kids were put on antibiotics for strep throat... this should be fun.

Wish me luck!

Happy Father's Day Dad

We've had a crazy Father's Day with sick kids and chaos as I'm trying to get ready for our trip to Utah but I have to take a minute and just thank my dad for being so great. I feel so blessed to have him in my life and so grateful that my kids get to enjoy my dad as their loving "grandpa".

We love you dad and can't wait to spend some time with you in a few days!

Kentucky... seriously?

March 15th 2007- I'll be honest, tears were shed that "match day". Louisville, Kentucky was not my first choice in a residency. "Do people really live in Kentucky?" I wondered.

I wasn't thrilled about living in a huge city full of strangers while my husband worked at a crazy ER downtown with metal detectors and gang violence (talk about education). Honestly, I was terrified but I put on a happy face and stepped forward because I felt the Spirit assure me that the Lord's hand was in it all.

This week marks a year since we moved to Louisville and as I write this post my eyes are clouding with tears... I wouldn't trade this year for anything.

Leaving the comforts of home, family, and friends was (and still is) often so hard to bear. Feeling alone and vulnerable... it has caused some painful but much needed growth.

The experiences we have had here as a family are invaluable. Who knew that residency would be so tough?! I am in awe at my husband's strength, even in the darkest hours.

We've had to lean on each other more and that has united us as a family.

The opportunities we've had to share our testimonies have been so sweet and caused me to look at the Gospel differently. It really is "Good News" and we are so blessed to have it.

The friendships I have gained here... honestly, this is where I see the Lord's hand in my life the most right now. It's like he knew I needed these women in my life and that's why he brought me all the way out to Kentucky. I'm so very grateful.

And so, I've learned in this last year that people DO live in Kentucky... some of the best people I know, and my life will be forever changed because we have this time here.

Moving in -June 2007. Our kids have grown and changed so much in 1 year (and I think Trev might have a few more gray hairs thanks to residency). ;)

Room with a view

When Trevor sets his mind on something- he gets it done.
This particular day he decided he wanted to put in the window for the new room (after working a graveyard and then sleeping about 4 hours... I was nervous) so after measuring and taping then going back to Lowes and buying a different window, measuring and taping and measuring again (this time using string!) Trevor got his saw out and started cutting (at 8:00pm!). Minutes later our neighbor came out to tell us that there was a big storm coming with a tornado warning. Perfect.
Luckily our neighbor volunteered to help us get the window in. Just imagine Trevor climbing a ladder about 15 ft up balancing a huge (it's bigger than it looks, 3ftx5ft) window with one hand and his forehead. It was sooooo scary. I was in the room ready to catch the window and praying my head off.
Long story short, at 2AM the window was done and look how great it looks! We are going to add black shutters to match the rest of the house and a black planter box underneath.
The best part... look at the view we have of the neighbors . Now we can really keep up with all of their comings and goings. heehee

trip to Tennessee

Last week we got to go on a leisurely vacation at Fairfield Glade Resort in Tennessee. We got a great price on a condo through the military vacation club (thanks dad!) and spent a whole week just playing with the kids!

Pony rides, days on the beach, paddle boating, swimming in the pool, bike rides, and hunting for turtles and frogs in the pond were a few of the favorite activities.

My favorite part... Trevor did all the cooking and cleaning up so I could actually have a vacation too!

Good times.