Easy Peasy Japaneasy

We tried out Kip's potty for the first time a couple weeks ago.  She was SO excited!  Within 5 minutes, she had peed, but had no intention of getting up.  I suppose the novelty was too great!

I walked out for a few minutes to grab some refreshment to fortify myself for what I imagined was a long ordeal ahead.  And, I kid you not, when I walked back in, she said, "I'm all done."  She had pooped, too!

Needless to say, everyone was excited!  Yahoo for kid #2.

So proud!

Now in all honesty, since that day she has decided to be a true 2 year old and flatly refuses to go anywhere near the potty.  But I figure she's bound to change her mind soon, right? 

Here's hoping the second attempt will be just as successful!!

Snowmen

Well, since we've had zero snow this year in Chattanooga with which to make real snowmen, we decided to make our own during the 2 or so really cold days of winter we had last week.  Thanks to my mom for teaching me how to do this on snow days long ago!

  

Yum.

Homeward Bound

A lot of you already know this, but I figured it was time to formally announce that

we have decided to move back to Annapolis, MD: land of boats, crabs and high summer humidity... 

and Amy's side of the family:)

We began to feel the Lord leading us in this direction sometime in late August and have continued to follow His guidance over the past 6 months or so.  It has been amazing and exciting to watch the Lord move powerfully to work out the details.  But it has also been extremely hard at the same time.  We have such a strong and supportive group of friends here in Chattanooga, a unique and welcoming church family and a wonderful home.  It has been beyond painful to imagine leaving all of that behind to step out into the unknown future.

So far God has allowed us to sell our rental property in record time.  It was on the market just a hair over 24 hours before we had a contract on it for asking price.  Then just after Christmas we received an offer on our house (as is) before we had even officially put it on the market.  Although we had planned to finish fixing the house up first, then find a job for Scott and THEN list it, the offer was too good to refuse so we are set to close in March.  Thankfully we can rent our home back from the new buyer for up to six weeks after closing which will give us a little more breathing room.

Here's some before, during and after pictures of the new paint job on our house, by the way....

So now we are prayerfully asking for direction on Scott's job search in Annapolis.  It sometimes seems as though we have done some of this out of order, but we believe that God knows what's best for each member of our family and His timing is always best, as well. 

“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:9

As we walk through the uncertainty and excitement, we ask for your prayers for peace, faith and a positive outlook even when doors don't seem to be opening in Annapolis.

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?"
Luke 12:25

We also would covet your prayers for a job for Scott in which his gifts and talents would be used for the Kingdom, in which he would find enjoyment and fulfillment and through which our family would be provided for.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Matthew 6:33

If you know of anyone who is hiring or that Scott should talk with, please let us know.  Here's a little mini resume to get you started:

Scott has an interdisciplinary degree in business, missions and sociology from Covenant College.  He has experience as a small business manager, president of a small non-profit neighborhood association, Chair of our local Historic Zoning Commission and as an executive assistant at a large non-profit.  He is passionate about neighborhood revitalization, the environment and helping others with whom he has developed relationships.  He is interested in sports, photography and eating out:)

We'll keep you posted as our adventure continues!