Written by Heidi. Knowing there is a plan for my life helps me. Knowing Jesus is alongside me comforts me. Knowing that He will come again and make things right gives me hope, joy, and peace.
Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)
Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."
Rick Warren tweeted this yesterday:
"I've read many wise and beautiful words from Plato and Cicero, but neither said, 'Come to me, you who are burdened." Augustine
I looked up this quote on www.brainyquote.com and it says:
I have read in Plato and Cicero sayings that are wise
and very beautiful; but I have never read in either of them: Come unto
me all ye that labor and are heavy laden.
Saint Augustine
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
God's Grace is Enough
This was written July 8, 2012. Written by Heidi. So, Saturday was an exciting day for our oldest son. He was in his first official golf tournament. It was a city-run local, little junior tournament. There was supposed to be six holes played, but with the heat index warnings out, they shortened it to 4 holes, each a par 4. My husband took our buddy and was his caddy for the afternoon. The big, little man did a great job with his drives and chipping, but fell short with his putting. If his putting had gone better, he would have been right up there with the leaders. But a victory and the trophy were not his to be had that day. (Some other guy, who has been playing since he was five years old and tours around from state to state won.)
We tried to prepare him before the tournament and tell him that since he had never competed before to use this as a learning experience to take with him for future tournaments. We said that what we would find out with this tournament we could use in tournaments to come. We encouraged him to go out and think just think about focusing on each shot at hand, do his best, and enjoy himself. "Please don't worry about your score and have fun!"
Well, this poor little guy has gotten from his mom and dad a double dose of the "Competitive Gene" and he came home having had fun, but in the background of all his comments and stories was the fact that he didn't win and was not even close to the competition. I felt bad for him. I did not get our guys started on sports early in life. I hated the thought of them being too busy too early in life... and wanted them to just have fun and be kids... I didn't want them traveling on any tours and having their sport feel like work when they were just reaching age ten. I want them to find lifelong interests. I want them to know that they don't have to win to enjoy things like sports. (I could go on and on about all of this... and I will have my critics -my sons might end up being the biggest ones- but this is how we are going and trying to point them to a bigger picture... ANYWAY, all this for another time.)
He started to really get agitated about having not gotten up higher on the scoreboard and upset about not having gotten a trophy. I said, "Remember that quote from the movie Cars... at the end when Lightning McQueen says something about 'This grumpy old race car I know once told me somethin'. It's just an empty cup." My son came back with, "If they (the trophies) don't mean anything, then why do they hand them out?"
Good question.
Why is competing so important? Yes, it is a challenge and challenges make us better. Competing on a team teaches us to work better with others.... I personally LOVE to compete. I hate to lose... but it does not crush me. I came to realize as I competed that the more you compete, this teaches you how to handle loss. I knew that this whole experience would be good for my guy in the long run... but I got to thinking and wondering about the nature of competition in itself and why it is seemingly so important. Now, I am not a college graduate... have not written any doctoral dissertations on psychology or any other social studies... I am just a mom and wife, daughter and sister with a blog. :-) I just am here with my experience and what went through my brain.
SO... here were some of my thoughts: How in the world did competing become so lucrative in our culture? Why is the first thing parents ask other parents when they first meet them, "What do your kids do?" (I always answer, "Well, they're kids," and that throws them off. No wonder no one talks to me very long. ;-) There are sports and the top dollars go to the elite athletes. There are singing competitions and artists that win those get the best opportunities to make big money in their field. (Competition in the arts just baffles me anyway.) "Beating" people out for position at work is a common term. I have even heard more students nowadays call doing well on tests "slaying" them, "conquering" them, or "killing" them.. all to do better than other students to get coveted scholarships and top spots at schools. Crazy.
I got up at 1 a.m. Saturday night/Sunday morning after the tournament, I couldn't sleep. I grabbed a piece of paper and pencil and I scribbled all those above thoughts onto a piece of paper. What I have typed above here on the this blog entry is the first half of that paper. I am now flipping it over to the second half. What follows now... well, like I said before, I am not any expert at anything. These are just the thoughts that went through my head and not really conclusions that I came to... there are no answers to my situation, necessarily... just where I wanted to go, I suppose. Anyway...
What about striving to lift others up? What about making others feel good enough? What about the thrill of celebrating for others --- especially when they give their life to Jesus Christ? What about giving up and not winning so that others may live? Isn't that what Jesus did for us? Isn't that what He commissioned us to do? It should be about winning souls for our Lord, yes? We should fill our days with less competition and enjoy what God has already given us. His grace is enough. The end of this "race" is our death and our hope is in Christ Jesus for the life He promises. Maybe the focus should be more on learning, understanding, empathy and love... and less on marketability and competition and pride and recognition.
Quite honestly, I have a hard time with this. I LOVE the feeling of winning... of overcoming an obstacle and celebrating accomplishment. And I am probably making one topic out of about 4, 5 or 6 topics here. Competition makes our lives interesting and helps us to try and be our best. Just felt bad for our guy and he pushed us to take a look on how NOT "black and white" this subject can be.
Big picture: God loves us. No matter our accomplishments and trophies. We shouldn't have to feel like we NEED to do anything except to accept His gift of salvation and love others as He loves us. His grace saves us. It is here for the taking. No winning score necessary.
-----
Romans 4:5 But people are counted righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.
We tried to prepare him before the tournament and tell him that since he had never competed before to use this as a learning experience to take with him for future tournaments. We said that what we would find out with this tournament we could use in tournaments to come. We encouraged him to go out and think just think about focusing on each shot at hand, do his best, and enjoy himself. "Please don't worry about your score and have fun!"
Well, this poor little guy has gotten from his mom and dad a double dose of the "Competitive Gene" and he came home having had fun, but in the background of all his comments and stories was the fact that he didn't win and was not even close to the competition. I felt bad for him. I did not get our guys started on sports early in life. I hated the thought of them being too busy too early in life... and wanted them to just have fun and be kids... I didn't want them traveling on any tours and having their sport feel like work when they were just reaching age ten. I want them to find lifelong interests. I want them to know that they don't have to win to enjoy things like sports. (I could go on and on about all of this... and I will have my critics -my sons might end up being the biggest ones- but this is how we are going and trying to point them to a bigger picture... ANYWAY, all this for another time.)
He started to really get agitated about having not gotten up higher on the scoreboard and upset about not having gotten a trophy. I said, "Remember that quote from the movie Cars... at the end when Lightning McQueen says something about 'This grumpy old race car I know once told me somethin'. It's just an empty cup." My son came back with, "If they (the trophies) don't mean anything, then why do they hand them out?"
Good question.
Why is competing so important? Yes, it is a challenge and challenges make us better. Competing on a team teaches us to work better with others.... I personally LOVE to compete. I hate to lose... but it does not crush me. I came to realize as I competed that the more you compete, this teaches you how to handle loss. I knew that this whole experience would be good for my guy in the long run... but I got to thinking and wondering about the nature of competition in itself and why it is seemingly so important. Now, I am not a college graduate... have not written any doctoral dissertations on psychology or any other social studies... I am just a mom and wife, daughter and sister with a blog. :-) I just am here with my experience and what went through my brain.
SO... here were some of my thoughts: How in the world did competing become so lucrative in our culture? Why is the first thing parents ask other parents when they first meet them, "What do your kids do?" (I always answer, "Well, they're kids," and that throws them off. No wonder no one talks to me very long. ;-) There are sports and the top dollars go to the elite athletes. There are singing competitions and artists that win those get the best opportunities to make big money in their field. (Competition in the arts just baffles me anyway.) "Beating" people out for position at work is a common term. I have even heard more students nowadays call doing well on tests "slaying" them, "conquering" them, or "killing" them.. all to do better than other students to get coveted scholarships and top spots at schools. Crazy.
I got up at 1 a.m. Saturday night/Sunday morning after the tournament, I couldn't sleep. I grabbed a piece of paper and pencil and I scribbled all those above thoughts onto a piece of paper. What I have typed above here on the this blog entry is the first half of that paper. I am now flipping it over to the second half. What follows now... well, like I said before, I am not any expert at anything. These are just the thoughts that went through my head and not really conclusions that I came to... there are no answers to my situation, necessarily... just where I wanted to go, I suppose. Anyway...
What about striving to lift others up? What about making others feel good enough? What about the thrill of celebrating for others --- especially when they give their life to Jesus Christ? What about giving up and not winning so that others may live? Isn't that what Jesus did for us? Isn't that what He commissioned us to do? It should be about winning souls for our Lord, yes? We should fill our days with less competition and enjoy what God has already given us. His grace is enough. The end of this "race" is our death and our hope is in Christ Jesus for the life He promises. Maybe the focus should be more on learning, understanding, empathy and love... and less on marketability and competition and pride and recognition.
Quite honestly, I have a hard time with this. I LOVE the feeling of winning... of overcoming an obstacle and celebrating accomplishment. And I am probably making one topic out of about 4, 5 or 6 topics here. Competition makes our lives interesting and helps us to try and be our best. Just felt bad for our guy and he pushed us to take a look on how NOT "black and white" this subject can be.
Big picture: God loves us. No matter our accomplishments and trophies. We shouldn't have to feel like we NEED to do anything except to accept His gift of salvation and love others as He loves us. His grace saves us. It is here for the taking. No winning score necessary.
-----
Romans 4:5 But people are counted righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Hi, Y'all!!!
(written by Heidi) I wrote this following post a while ago... wow, way back in early March maybe??? It was while I was missing home/Iowa. It was while I was looking forward to spring break back in Iowa. It was before I had what is called a LEEP procedure done to remove pre-cancerous cells from my cervix. It is a relatively quick out-patient procedure that I was only under a local anesthetic for. People at the doctor's office were so nice and caring, but it still seemed like a bit of a "regular" or "usual" thing for them there. One nurse, who said that she had had the procedure done 17 years ago, said this would most likely take care of things as it had for her. But I have to be rechecked every six months for two years. But the word "cancer" was looming... and could still be, I suppose. All clear for now.
So, I have two things for you:
1. Women, get a yearly pap smear. Right along with your mamogram (if you are of that "once a year" age). Maybe insurance doesn't pay for it... try to pay for it. I had gone two years between exams. What if I had waited until that third year? I dunno...
2. God will do things through us if we let Him. Let Him show his love through you. It is amazing.
Okay... three things and the third thing is the most important thing and if you only remember one thing, this is it: He loves you and His promises will come true.
Here's my post from some time ago. ---
"Y'all"... I already had the habit of saying that before we moved farther south. (I blame my high school band director who used the term often.) There will be none of the accent slipping into this voice if I can help it, though. So, it is safe to conclude that I am still very much an Iowa Girl going through growing and changing pains. It is nice here in Kentucky, but it is not Iowa. There are no HyVee's here (with their awesome doughnuts!)... no Hawkeyes vs. Cyclones just down the road... no Snookies Ice Cream shop to get a doggie cone... no Hamburg Inn... no Hickory Park... no Living History Farms... no Iowa Cubs... there are no playgrounds in every neighborhood... there are very few public pools in our area... (now my list is getting nitty-gritty).
I do have to say, though, that we overall like it here. We think we are going to be just fine here, but there are just things we wish we could go back to and people and places that we miss. (Yes, I am in reality-land... I realize this is a process and takes time. With all the times we have moved, I have concluded that it takes about two years before you feel completely settled in a new home setting. Just keep reading and going along with me for the moment. :-) It makes for a better blog post.)
We kind of feel like we are Iowans not adjusted for this place called Kentucky.
Just like we are all not made for this current earth. When Adam and Eve hit the scene (before the apple tasting incident) earth was perfect. THAT is what God had in mind. THAT is what we were made for. THAT is why when crap happens here it is so discomforting and dismaying. But we chose free will... and the earth will not be the same until God comes back to make it right. So, in the meantime we have to deal with the adversities and atrocities... all due to us choosing the knowledge of good and evil.
Dealing with adversities and atrocities... watching others deal with adversities and atrocities... it can almost be too much, can't it? Cancer, loneliness, pain, hunger, natural disasters, bankruptcy, dealing with the fallen life we have created for ourselves, telemarketing calls (sorry, just had two in the last 1/2 hour and had to include that on the list)... it can be overwhelming, crushing. Your mind can fill so quickly with questions, hopelessness, fear... How do we keep hope in our hearts and our head held high?
We can try and blame God for making things this way... but He didn't. We can try to do and be right in God's eyes, try to make things better and right... but we are just not strong enough.
There's no checklist to make it to heaven. Only Jesus can take you there. There is no way we have the strength to make the world perfect again. Only God is strong enough to make that happen. There is something bigger going on that we cannot even imagine. We have to have faith that God is bigger than ALL of that (which He is) and He will take care of it (which He will). And we have to live in this faith to keep going... to strive to live the life He wishes for us. To be the light and salt of the earth to love one another as He loves us. To share this love to make heaven a VERY crowded place!
So, I have two things for you:
1. Women, get a yearly pap smear. Right along with your mamogram (if you are of that "once a year" age). Maybe insurance doesn't pay for it... try to pay for it. I had gone two years between exams. What if I had waited until that third year? I dunno...
2. God will do things through us if we let Him. Let Him show his love through you. It is amazing.
Okay... three things and the third thing is the most important thing and if you only remember one thing, this is it: He loves you and His promises will come true.
Here's my post from some time ago. ---
"Y'all"... I already had the habit of saying that before we moved farther south. (I blame my high school band director who used the term often.) There will be none of the accent slipping into this voice if I can help it, though. So, it is safe to conclude that I am still very much an Iowa Girl going through growing and changing pains. It is nice here in Kentucky, but it is not Iowa. There are no HyVee's here (with their awesome doughnuts!)... no Hawkeyes vs. Cyclones just down the road... no Snookies Ice Cream shop to get a doggie cone... no Hamburg Inn... no Hickory Park... no Living History Farms... no Iowa Cubs... there are no playgrounds in every neighborhood... there are very few public pools in our area... (now my list is getting nitty-gritty).
I do have to say, though, that we overall like it here. We think we are going to be just fine here, but there are just things we wish we could go back to and people and places that we miss. (Yes, I am in reality-land... I realize this is a process and takes time. With all the times we have moved, I have concluded that it takes about two years before you feel completely settled in a new home setting. Just keep reading and going along with me for the moment. :-) It makes for a better blog post.)
We kind of feel like we are Iowans not adjusted for this place called Kentucky.
Just like we are all not made for this current earth. When Adam and Eve hit the scene (before the apple tasting incident) earth was perfect. THAT is what God had in mind. THAT is what we were made for. THAT is why when crap happens here it is so discomforting and dismaying. But we chose free will... and the earth will not be the same until God comes back to make it right. So, in the meantime we have to deal with the adversities and atrocities... all due to us choosing the knowledge of good and evil.
Dealing with adversities and atrocities... watching others deal with adversities and atrocities... it can almost be too much, can't it? Cancer, loneliness, pain, hunger, natural disasters, bankruptcy, dealing with the fallen life we have created for ourselves, telemarketing calls (sorry, just had two in the last 1/2 hour and had to include that on the list)... it can be overwhelming, crushing. Your mind can fill so quickly with questions, hopelessness, fear... How do we keep hope in our hearts and our head held high?
We can try and blame God for making things this way... but He didn't. We can try to do and be right in God's eyes, try to make things better and right... but we are just not strong enough.
There's no checklist to make it to heaven. Only Jesus can take you there. There is no way we have the strength to make the world perfect again. Only God is strong enough to make that happen. There is something bigger going on that we cannot even imagine. We have to have faith that God is bigger than ALL of that (which He is) and He will take care of it (which He will). And we have to live in this faith to keep going... to strive to live the life He wishes for us. To be the light and salt of the earth to love one another as He loves us. To share this love to make heaven a VERY crowded place!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Listening
(written by Heidi) This blog might be taking a new direction... but it is all still about the Nestor adventure, in a way. I just can't get the boys interested in writing for it... yet! ;-) So, you just get me for now. I intend to continue to rattle on about stuff here now and then. Okay?
So... I am an impatient golfer. I like to golf and the being-outside-in-nature aspect of it, but hate the time between shots. That is just too much time to think and overthink. I am a tennis player by nature (I used to play NON-STOP until I hit college and just ran out of time and people to play... well, then my knees started to complain when I would play... I'm not getting any younger, people!) and I love that you are required to almost instantly react as soon as you hit one shot to the next shot coming at you. Bam, bam, boom!
I often times treat life like a tennis match. Give me what you got and I will flip it right back atcha! I will control all that heads my way and do the best that I can with it. If I hit a bad one or a winner gets by me, well, then... I am just even more ready for the next point. Don't get me wrong, I am not a busy body or a super-woman who juggles activity after activity and still has a clean house and dinner on the table right at 6pm (just ask my husband!). No, I am someone who goes with the flow and is in no hurry to be too busy. What I am saying is, that I tend to react (and often react quickly) to situations, good or bad, in my life when they present themselves. I see how they are going to work or not work in my life, make a decision, and go with it. I go with my gut.
This does not make for a good listener. This does not make for a good discussion over options and choices. This does not make for a patient person (me). This does not help in my quest to really listen for God in my life. Quiet time, even though I take FULL advantage of "downtime" and relaxing, does not exist for me. It was even brought to my attention through a book by Priscilla Shirer, Discerning the Voice of God, that I could be even too busy while I had time with Him to listen to Him.
I also wondered how people survive being as busy as they are. Where do they get the energy to work, take care of kids, be on a team of some sort, take their kids to their activities and then add all sorts of other extra stuff? When do they sleep? (I think they often don't sleep!) I feel like I am becoming a hippie or something as I age because I feel like I am constantly wanting to and striving to slow down and just be. But I hadn't done that in my time with God. It seems I have no problem making the time to go to church, to be in a Bible study, to serve, to read my Bible at home... but I didn't carve out that time to be still, in His presence, and wait for Him to talk to me (however that might happen).
With my nature to "have things figured out", too, I realized that I did not enter into my time with God with an open mind. I loved this Bible passage to explain what I was NOT doing:
As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut... After all, God is in heaven, and you are on earth. So let your words be few. Ecclesiates 5:1-2 NLT
So, open mind and still, quiet time is the goal. Listening to others better will be a goal, too. As a "fixer", I always want to interject my ideas as soon as I can. I get so excited when I feel I have the right words to add... but sometimes what people need is a hug instead.
So... I am an impatient golfer. I like to golf and the being-outside-in-nature aspect of it, but hate the time between shots. That is just too much time to think and overthink. I am a tennis player by nature (I used to play NON-STOP until I hit college and just ran out of time and people to play... well, then my knees started to complain when I would play... I'm not getting any younger, people!) and I love that you are required to almost instantly react as soon as you hit one shot to the next shot coming at you. Bam, bam, boom!
I often times treat life like a tennis match. Give me what you got and I will flip it right back atcha! I will control all that heads my way and do the best that I can with it. If I hit a bad one or a winner gets by me, well, then... I am just even more ready for the next point. Don't get me wrong, I am not a busy body or a super-woman who juggles activity after activity and still has a clean house and dinner on the table right at 6pm (just ask my husband!). No, I am someone who goes with the flow and is in no hurry to be too busy. What I am saying is, that I tend to react (and often react quickly) to situations, good or bad, in my life when they present themselves. I see how they are going to work or not work in my life, make a decision, and go with it. I go with my gut.
This does not make for a good listener. This does not make for a good discussion over options and choices. This does not make for a patient person (me). This does not help in my quest to really listen for God in my life. Quiet time, even though I take FULL advantage of "downtime" and relaxing, does not exist for me. It was even brought to my attention through a book by Priscilla Shirer, Discerning the Voice of God, that I could be even too busy while I had time with Him to listen to Him.
I also wondered how people survive being as busy as they are. Where do they get the energy to work, take care of kids, be on a team of some sort, take their kids to their activities and then add all sorts of other extra stuff? When do they sleep? (I think they often don't sleep!) I feel like I am becoming a hippie or something as I age because I feel like I am constantly wanting to and striving to slow down and just be. But I hadn't done that in my time with God. It seems I have no problem making the time to go to church, to be in a Bible study, to serve, to read my Bible at home... but I didn't carve out that time to be still, in His presence, and wait for Him to talk to me (however that might happen).
With my nature to "have things figured out", too, I realized that I did not enter into my time with God with an open mind. I loved this Bible passage to explain what I was NOT doing:
As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut... After all, God is in heaven, and you are on earth. So let your words be few. Ecclesiates 5:1-2 NLT
So, open mind and still, quiet time is the goal. Listening to others better will be a goal, too. As a "fixer", I always want to interject my ideas as soon as I can. I get so excited when I feel I have the right words to add... but sometimes what people need is a hug instead.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Random Thoughts On Living in Kentucky So Far
Written by Heidi.
-People here tend to either drive like their hair is on fire or they are going so slow you pull out your own hair.
-Hardly anyone uses their turn signals!
-Just one more thing about driving here... my heart smiles when I see either one of the two vehicles I have spotted regularly with Hawkeye license plate holders!
-Red clay soil shows up well on our carpeting.
-I wonder how hard it is to get plants to grow in this type of soil.
-We keep saying we need to get around to installing a fence for the yard... but have yet to do it.
-We have only met one neighbor in the 11 weeks we have lived here.
-No one goes outside here unless it is close to 60 degrees out, I am convinced.
-I love the weather here.
-Our church is a lot like our old one... 10 years ago. Exciting times to come, I hope!
-The women I met at a church game night were very friendly!
-I can't wait to go on a scrapbooking retreat with these women! (Coming up in March!)
-We are getting used to the Louisville/Kentucky rivalry. We are claiming allegiance to Louisville.
-I am still a true Hawkeye! And I will always root for Michigan State, Illinois, Duke and Iowa State above Louisville.
-Derek likes his job a lot. I am so glad for that!
-Lots of people seem to have dogs here.
-There is a place here called "The Pie Kitchen" and it is awesome!
-I have yet to see an Asian or Mexican grocery store here. :-(
-It took us 10 weeks (and the fact that our car was being worked on and we had no place else to go) for us to discover one of the malls here... and I am not that anxious to have to go back. But that is probably just something about my personality. The mall was fine for a mall, I guess.
-Trader Joes is too far away. :-(
-Papa Johns Pizza tastes even better here!
-I am anxious for a day to go visit IKEA in Cincinnatti! It is only an hour and a half or so away!
That's about it for now. Hope you are having a great day!
-People here tend to either drive like their hair is on fire or they are going so slow you pull out your own hair.
-Hardly anyone uses their turn signals!
-Just one more thing about driving here... my heart smiles when I see either one of the two vehicles I have spotted regularly with Hawkeye license plate holders!
-Red clay soil shows up well on our carpeting.
-I wonder how hard it is to get plants to grow in this type of soil.
-We keep saying we need to get around to installing a fence for the yard... but have yet to do it.
-We have only met one neighbor in the 11 weeks we have lived here.
-No one goes outside here unless it is close to 60 degrees out, I am convinced.
-I love the weather here.
-Our church is a lot like our old one... 10 years ago. Exciting times to come, I hope!
-The women I met at a church game night were very friendly!
-I can't wait to go on a scrapbooking retreat with these women! (Coming up in March!)
-We are getting used to the Louisville/Kentucky rivalry. We are claiming allegiance to Louisville.
-I am still a true Hawkeye! And I will always root for Michigan State, Illinois, Duke and Iowa State above Louisville.
-Derek likes his job a lot. I am so glad for that!
-Lots of people seem to have dogs here.
-There is a place here called "The Pie Kitchen" and it is awesome!
-I have yet to see an Asian or Mexican grocery store here. :-(
-It took us 10 weeks (and the fact that our car was being worked on and we had no place else to go) for us to discover one of the malls here... and I am not that anxious to have to go back. But that is probably just something about my personality. The mall was fine for a mall, I guess.
-Trader Joes is too far away. :-(
-Papa Johns Pizza tastes even better here!
-I am anxious for a day to go visit IKEA in Cincinnatti! It is only an hour and a half or so away!
That's about it for now. Hope you are having a great day!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Night and Day, Baby!
Written by Heidi. Have you heard the saying, "What a difference a day can make!" Well, let me tell you, I am feeling that relief this week!
I was in a panic and reacting emotionally, that is for sure. But let me start off telling you just how much I love my boys! I love them bunches!!! God definitely answered some awfully big prayers with my first baby (the baby himself and the timing in my life of that baby's arrival) and amazed me with the second one, too. If you want to get me to cry happy tears ON THE SPOT, just ask me how much I love those little men in my life. (For that matter, the big guy - a.k.a. Hubby - means that much to me, too!)
Well, if you have been in touch with me or reading the ol' blog here, you know how we have have been happy in Kentucky... except thrown off a bit by how the schools work down here. (And can you tell that sometimes I think in a southern accent? Does that come over here on the blog page? Anyway...) Public schools had us traveling WAY too far away for school... then we had to find a good (and rea$sonable) private school. We found that and then had to deal with the culture shock of that fine establishment and it's pace for learning!
The boys and I freaked out a little bit! Lots of homework and catching up on subjects the boys have never had exposure to... well, it was rough waters for the first two weeks! I even started to think about homeschooling. (Which, if you were in on the conversation between me and God the other day about how I probably needed more patience in the mornings as my boys get ready for school, you would realize that homeschooling might not be the favored option in this household... but I was willing to do it!) It was feeling like a night I was ready to be done with.
Then, there was the "next day" (in other words, "this week"). There is a tempo we have not had since school started. (We had QUITE the relaxed tempo after Thanksgiving and the boys were off for a month!) I am all about a regular schedule and not too many bumps in the road, if I can help it. And this week has felt like normal life, as much as life feels normal. The boys have been getting done in the classroom what needs to be done (so, no extra homework). They feel in the swing of their schedule at school. And loving Every-Friday-Papa-Johns-Pizza-Lunch! They are back to being excited as they tell me about their day!
Maybe, just maybe... had I just waited and been PATIENT, I would have not gotten so bent out of shape (didn't use the words "freaked out"... pretty nice, huh?) about this new school and schedule. God led us to this school in amazing ways and I needed to trust Him and I, in effect, didn't. I tried to control the situation instead of giving it up to Him. Which, if you were in on the conversations between God and me all the time about how I need to trust Him more, you would understand that this is something I am working on. ;-)
I was in a panic and reacting emotionally, that is for sure. But let me start off telling you just how much I love my boys! I love them bunches!!! God definitely answered some awfully big prayers with my first baby (the baby himself and the timing in my life of that baby's arrival) and amazed me with the second one, too. If you want to get me to cry happy tears ON THE SPOT, just ask me how much I love those little men in my life. (For that matter, the big guy - a.k.a. Hubby - means that much to me, too!)
Well, if you have been in touch with me or reading the ol' blog here, you know how we have have been happy in Kentucky... except thrown off a bit by how the schools work down here. (And can you tell that sometimes I think in a southern accent? Does that come over here on the blog page? Anyway...) Public schools had us traveling WAY too far away for school... then we had to find a good (and rea$sonable) private school. We found that and then had to deal with the culture shock of that fine establishment and it's pace for learning!
The boys and I freaked out a little bit! Lots of homework and catching up on subjects the boys have never had exposure to... well, it was rough waters for the first two weeks! I even started to think about homeschooling. (Which, if you were in on the conversation between me and God the other day about how I probably needed more patience in the mornings as my boys get ready for school, you would realize that homeschooling might not be the favored option in this household... but I was willing to do it!) It was feeling like a night I was ready to be done with.
Then, there was the "next day" (in other words, "this week"). There is a tempo we have not had since school started. (We had QUITE the relaxed tempo after Thanksgiving and the boys were off for a month!) I am all about a regular schedule and not too many bumps in the road, if I can help it. And this week has felt like normal life, as much as life feels normal. The boys have been getting done in the classroom what needs to be done (so, no extra homework). They feel in the swing of their schedule at school. And loving Every-Friday-Papa-Johns-Pizza-Lunch! They are back to being excited as they tell me about their day!
Maybe, just maybe... had I just waited and been PATIENT, I would have not gotten so bent out of shape (didn't use the words "freaked out"... pretty nice, huh?) about this new school and schedule. God led us to this school in amazing ways and I needed to trust Him and I, in effect, didn't. I tried to control the situation instead of giving it up to Him. Which, if you were in on the conversations between God and me all the time about how I need to trust Him more, you would understand that this is something I am working on. ;-)
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
School: We Are in Week #2
Written by Heidi. So, school has started after our LONG winter break. (The boys were off for Thanksgiving, then we had our challenges with the public school system here and then the boys got started at the private school with their first day being a success on January 2.) Yes, that first day was exciting and the boys were very brave and tackled it well. Then the homework started coming home...
Don't get me wrong... when we toured the school and took a closer look at what is was all about, we loved it! They included Spanish in their curriculum, handwriting was a focus, math skills were a bit more traditional, Bible study and memorizing Bible verses are an everyday occurrence (along with spelling!) which made our hearts leap for joy! We liked their principles and how the school was set up... everyone we talked to at the school was friendly and very professional.... it was great! We were excited that the boys were going to continue the fine educational path they were started on in Iowa.
Well, as fine as it was, the path they started in Iowa was just different than the path they have here in this private school. We found out that the children here just are a bit further along in their studies (and especially in their handwriting and spelling) and we have some catching up to do. The pace at which they handle all these subjects in a day has hit full stride by this time of the year. While it was good to have moved and immediately (somewhat) got the boys going in school was good... they had to hit the ground running.
But we have declared once again that we are "Team Nestor" and we are going to tackle these challenges and take the setbacks to motivate us more! We have had struggles, but we are going to figure those out and get on track to some fun success at school! With Jesus at the heart of it all, you just know it is going to be good!
The whole "wearing a uniform" thing was foreign to us, too... but we definitely see it's advantages. The boys look so cute in their khakis and neckties for chapel day! Chapel day is every Tuesday and the boys like wearing their fancy neckties and button down shirts. They say that they look like a grown-up heading to work and they like that!
Don't get me wrong... when we toured the school and took a closer look at what is was all about, we loved it! They included Spanish in their curriculum, handwriting was a focus, math skills were a bit more traditional, Bible study and memorizing Bible verses are an everyday occurrence (along with spelling!) which made our hearts leap for joy! We liked their principles and how the school was set up... everyone we talked to at the school was friendly and very professional.... it was great! We were excited that the boys were going to continue the fine educational path they were started on in Iowa.
Well, as fine as it was, the path they started in Iowa was just different than the path they have here in this private school. We found out that the children here just are a bit further along in their studies (and especially in their handwriting and spelling) and we have some catching up to do. The pace at which they handle all these subjects in a day has hit full stride by this time of the year. While it was good to have moved and immediately (somewhat) got the boys going in school was good... they had to hit the ground running.
But we have declared once again that we are "Team Nestor" and we are going to tackle these challenges and take the setbacks to motivate us more! We have had struggles, but we are going to figure those out and get on track to some fun success at school! With Jesus at the heart of it all, you just know it is going to be good!
The whole "wearing a uniform" thing was foreign to us, too... but we definitely see it's advantages. The boys look so cute in their khakis and neckties for chapel day! Chapel day is every Tuesday and the boys like wearing their fancy neckties and button down shirts. They say that they look like a grown-up heading to work and they like that!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
And Here We Are!
Flowers still in bloom in December... A trip to get to know our new zoo... A new spot to chill out and watch some TV...
Friday, December 16, 2011
Kentucky Firsts!
Written by Heidi.
This is a list of "firsts" accomplished in our new house and elsewhere:
The first to lose a tooth: Dawson!!!
The first to barf (poor guy!): Davis!!!
The first to make a peanut butter sandwich: Heidi/Mom!!!
The first to place a tracheal stent at his work: Derek/Dad!!!
The first to poop on the floor: Duke! (Let's be clear here: Duke is a dog.)
The first to hack up a hairball: Larry (and Larry is a cat) :-)
The first animal to thoroughly inspect the food pantry: Thomas (our tuxedo cat)!!!
And I need to add here that I had help from the boys writing this post. They like the gross stuff and think it's funny. I am glad my "first" was not gross!
This is a list of "firsts" accomplished in our new house and elsewhere:
The first to lose a tooth: Dawson!!!
The first to barf (poor guy!): Davis!!!
The first to make a peanut butter sandwich: Heidi/Mom!!!
The first to place a tracheal stent at his work: Derek/Dad!!!
The first to poop on the floor: Duke! (Let's be clear here: Duke is a dog.)
The first to hack up a hairball: Larry (and Larry is a cat) :-)
The first animal to thoroughly inspect the food pantry: Thomas (our tuxedo cat)!!!
And I need to add here that I had help from the boys writing this post. They like the gross stuff and think it's funny. I am glad my "first" was not gross!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
By Davis
Written by Davis. This is what I like about Louisville, Kentucky:
They have my favorite restaurant: Kentucky Fried Chicken. I know they are other places, but here they are cool!
I am excited about going to my new school. We start January 2nd.
I really like my new house. It's very big and I like my room, too.
Merry Christmas, Everybody!
They have my favorite restaurant: Kentucky Fried Chicken. I know they are other places, but here they are cool!
I am excited about going to my new school. We start January 2nd.
I really like my new house. It's very big and I like my room, too.
Merry Christmas, Everybody!
By Dawson
Written by Dawson. This is what I think of Kentucky so far:
They have a lot of cool places to go to. For example, The Louisville Slugger Museum... because right now they have a Charlie Brown/Peanuts exhibit.
Things are very exciting. Like the The Louisville Zoo, which has tons of animals that the Blank Park Zoo did not have.
Our school and church are very cool, too. Our school also has church-like stuff. And our church has video games to browse while you are waiting for the service.
Can't wait to continue my life in Louisville!
They have a lot of cool places to go to. For example, The Louisville Slugger Museum... because right now they have a Charlie Brown/Peanuts exhibit.
Things are very exciting. Like the The Louisville Zoo, which has tons of animals that the Blank Park Zoo did not have.
Our school and church are very cool, too. Our school also has church-like stuff. And our church has video games to browse while you are waiting for the service.
Can't wait to continue my life in Louisville!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The Sea of Boxes
Here are a few photos (that you may have already seen on Facebook) that shows the boys (including one furry one) surviving amidst the boxes! The movers arrived on schedule that Thursday (December 1st) and delivered our stuff in fine fashion. Our driver was the BEST! The crew that loaded us up in Des Moines was AWESOME! The crew that unloaded us here in Kentucky was... okay. I can't complain too much. They got the stuff into the house without destroying anything, but they were a little disorganized and not so keen on following instructions on where to put the boxes or which ones had "this end up" marked CLEARLY on them. Oh well. We would totally recommend Lint/United Van Lines to anyone.
We ate off of paper plates for a few more days. We slept on matresses with blankets and no sheets a couple of nights. We survived.
Derek started work on Wednesday. Thank goodness for DS games and the forethought of my husband to pack up the small flat-screen TV and a rabbit-ear antenna. We were able to tune in some digital stations and kept quite occupied. That evening my parents arrived and we were glad to have them here to visit and share with us the beginnings to our new home.
We visited them at their hotel across the river in Indiana! We had dinner (which was interesting... we ordered and then waited an hour for our food!) and then enjoyed a swim. It was a relaxing evening.
The next morning came and things were full-throttle at that point. Derek was off to work (he came back mid morning for a bit to see how things were going) and the movers were here to leave all the boxes!!! The boys really liked time with Nana and Poppy. The internet was hooked up that afternoon. And then the unloading began.
We were THRILLED that Derek was already busy seeing cases that first day! (Wednesday was more of an orientation.. Thursday he was on clinics!) He had two cases and came home very happy! Yay!
My mom and dad were on the road back home Friday... and I worked to get things into place in the kitchen first. We had service people come to reconstruct bunk beds and hook up appliances. And I even got the boys registered for school. We had to wait the weekend to see where they got assigned.
We were optimistic that the boys might get assigned to a school near us... but also knew that there might be a chance that would not happen. We had seen the six or so school buses every morning and afternoon that took the children of the neighborhood to schools all across the city. We had heard the stories about how you might live within a mile of your "resides" school, but then get bussed to another school across town... and spend up to an hour or so on the trip... one way. We were nervous, but hoping for the best.
Well, Monday came and we hadn't heard anything by about 10am. We wanted a heads-up so that we had time to get the boys supplies and the appropriate clothes for the required uniform standards of whichever school they got. I had had to list two schools near to us and two schools in another group that happened to be downtown Louisville and rank them. I called to get the news.The boys got assigned my last choice: a school a good 30 to 40 minute drive FOR ME (a bus would be longer) away. We were not happy. We decided to look into private schools and got a tour of one that Monday afternoon.
It was a school recommended to us by Derek's boss. His son went there and he and his wife were very happy with it. It would be only a 15 minute drive for me to take the boys. And that is where we stand now... in the middle of the application process. We are waiting to hear (after completing the boys' placement testing and a family interview with the principal) when/if the boys get to attend starting after the break.
Meanwhile, we hold "Nestor Elementary" as Mom (me) tries to keep the boys school-minded and in gear to head back to school. :-)
The sea of boxes was pretty much gone from the main living areas and bedrooms a week after their arrival. Derek got done with the garage yesterday. He was amazing getting this done and my car was able to park in the garage last night. (Some old appliances wait for Habitat for Humanity to come pick them up next week and this keeps Derek from parking his car in the garage, too.) Just need to get the boys on their schedule with school and we will be well settled in. It will be nice to enjoy Christmas with everything in place.
Finally!
Written by Heidi. Finally we got into our house (see photo above of the little guys who were very patient) and finally I am writing a post to say a little more about it!
To start a bit from the beginning... We drove to Louisville on Sunday, November 27. It was a pretty easy trip. The boys are fairly good in the car on trips anymore... and on this one they were in separate cars! In one vehicle was Mom (me), Davis and Duke. In the other was Dad (Derek), Dawson and both cats (Larry and Thomas). Along with each group were piles and piles of the extra stuff we wanted to bring with us. The movers were not unloading our furniture at our new house until Thursday. We wanted to be prepared with a few things while camping out in the house. The last couple of hours were driven in the dark and in the rain. It was nasty, but we thankfully made it without incident.
We expected our walk-through to be Monday, the 28th, at 10:15am and that actually happened as planned! We got so excited walking though the house! The people before us were super nice and had cleaned everything! The cabinets were dusted out, the carpets were cleaned, and not a cobweb was to be seen! The two things I was most excited about (the separate dinette area and walk-in pantry) were ready for us to move in and enjoy!
But we were waiting on the appraisal paperwork to be forwarded to the bank for all the final paperwork to be done. We waited and waited.
Our first night (Sunday, when we first got into town) was at a lovely Drury Inn and Suites. The downfall to this evening was that the dog was not thrilled about riding the elevator to the fifth floor. He was not too keen about the stairs, either. But it was just one night, so we made due with this. The cats had traveled surprisingly well. We did not have to sedate them at all and they seemed to be pretty normal. So normal, in fact, that they woke at 3am ready to eat and play. This is their regular routine... this is why we keep them in the basement of our house at night. :-) So, out to the car they went at 3am... in the rain... in our jammies.
Monday, after checkout, was spent hanging out. Animals in the car and us at various places, but mostly at the Barnes and Noble (as referred to in a previous post). We didn't want to get tied into something like sight-seeing or taking in a movie, because we wanted to ready to go when the bank was ready to go with the closing! We wanted to get into the house!
But the paperwork never came. The bank said they were sorry, but that we had to get another hotel room for another night. The Drury Inn and Suites was booked. We found something at a Residence Inn that accepted pets... except that it was one of their premier rooms (cha-$$$-ching!). LUCKILY, the bank said that they would pay for the room... and we are still waiting for them to reimburse us!
The premier room was awesome! We wished we had made the stay for the first night there! On the main level was a kitchen, dining table and living room area (with pull-out bed in the sofa) with a bedroom off of that with it's own bathroom. Up some stairs was a loft with another bedroom and it's own bathroom! This accommodated us very well! (And you see Larry enjoying the ledge of the loft in the photo. He felt like a king, I am sure, from there!)
We waited until the very last minute to check out from that hotel. We were comfortable there! And this extra night in a hotel was a blessing in disguise. While we were upset to not be in our house, at least we had had another night on a bed instead of sleeping on the floor in the new house! But we still hadn't heard anything about a scheduled time for our closing.
So, we waited and waited. Again, we were hoping Tuesday to be the day we took the boys to see The Muppets in the theater, but did not want to get tied down to anything should the closing pop up (ha ha ha!). We eventually did look around our end of town a bit. We drove by where we thought the boys might go to school (ha ha ha!!! THIS is another story to be told later!!!) and we checked out some of the stores around that we might be shopping at. We heard NOTHING until 3pm and that is when we knew the closing would be at 5pm.
The closing went relatively fast and we were in possession of house keys and heading to our new home by 6:30pm. We were there for about 15 minutes and then went out to Red Robin for dinner. :-)
Sunday, December 11, 2011
More soon...
Written by Heidi. Just had to post a photo if a recent purchase! I have always liked these, but here I can buy (and find) these anytime! Tee hee! Am I going off the deep/southern end? :-)
Monday, November 28, 2011
Our Afternoon
Written by Heidi. Well, we had hoped to already be in our new home by now... but there is a bit of a hang-up in paperwork. So, we are spending our time at a Barnes and Noble. Derek and I enjoying some Starbucks and the boys conquering level after level on their new DS games.
Duke, the dog, and Larry and Thomas kitties are doing as well as the boys! They are hanging in there patiently until we get to FINALLY start to settle into our new home.
We did a walk-through this morning and it looks great!!! Even with the rain here in Louisville, I am still seeing the bright potential of our new digs!
Duke, the dog, and Larry and Thomas kitties are doing as well as the boys! They are hanging in there patiently until we get to FINALLY start to settle into our new home.
We did a walk-through this morning and it looks great!!! Even with the rain here in Louisville, I am still seeing the bright potential of our new digs!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Boxes, boxes, and more boxes!
Written by Heidi. I believe the only members if the household who are enjoying the stacks and stacks of boxes are the cats! They have new places to hide, climb, and perch. They peek at the contents as you are packing and lay on and chew the corners of the packing paper.
We others (dog included) are having problems maneuvering through the tight paths. We lose our balance making fine turns in and around the jungle of cardboard. It really is a sight to see!
It is becoming difficult to deal with the fact that many things we search for can be answered with, "It's packed away." The moving day fast approaches, though. Thankfully memories are easily accessible.
We others (dog included) are having problems maneuvering through the tight paths. We lose our balance making fine turns in and around the jungle of cardboard. It really is a sight to see!
It is becoming difficult to deal with the fact that many things we search for can be answered with, "It's packed away." The moving day fast approaches, though. Thankfully memories are easily accessible.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Our God is BIG!
Written by Heidi. We really value the church we go to here in West Des Moines. We receive God's word here, worship here, serve here, and, to be honest, we have fun here. (Like our pastor always says - and we agree - there is no party like a Jesus party!) We have made connections here... even connections as intimate as our small group which really makes us feel blessed... here.
Moving, then, seemed a bit daunting and intimidating. There were a couple of times in the past where we considered moving and it was a bit overwhelming and quite scary.(Derek's two jobs here in Des Moines have been doozies... but that is a whole 'notha story!) We really worried about finding the right fit for us as far as a community, activities, friends, and a church.
This time seems different. Gone is the worrying about all things surrounding the move. (We are trying to keep in check the worrying about the transition from Derek's business here... again, a doozy of a situation.) But gone is the dread of trying to learn a new place, new faces and names, finding doctors and dentists... Gone is the sadness of leaving our church... here.
Then there was yesterday's church service. Our church is in the middle of a giving campaign. It is an exciting time here with the vision of our church aiming to become a 50/50 church. (Offerings then become divided 50/50... 50 percent going toward missions and 50 percent going toward ministries.) We are really feeling God leading this church to literally spread more exponentially the everlasting love of Jesus Christ and reach those who come to this church, or any church, and then those who have not yet heard the Good News. It is a joyful purpose that will become reality and that is truly very exciting!
So, we ponder where we fit in with this. We are here only through November. It's not like we are going to ignore what is happening here... in fact, the opposite is true. We will remain very interested and thrilled to continue to pray for the incredible things that will happen through the people of God's church here. We will help the boys fill their coin banks to help them do their part to support the spread of Jesus' love.
Then, there was this passage read in the service:
Matthew 28: 16-20 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him - but some of them doubted! Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these nerw disciples to obey the commands I have given to you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
As we look at Louisville, then, we see possibilites. I can honestly say that I don't feel like I am being called to some grand mission by going there... but I do feel excited. And I feel happy that we will be challenged to find the things God has in store for us there. This will include (and center upon) God and our family. That is how we based our decision to move, too... and it seems to be good stuff! (God lets us know that it will be!) We can really carry over the ethusiasm from this giving campaign and keep it in our lives for the place to come!
Moving, then, seemed a bit daunting and intimidating. There were a couple of times in the past where we considered moving and it was a bit overwhelming and quite scary.(Derek's two jobs here in Des Moines have been doozies... but that is a whole 'notha story!) We really worried about finding the right fit for us as far as a community, activities, friends, and a church.
This time seems different. Gone is the worrying about all things surrounding the move. (We are trying to keep in check the worrying about the transition from Derek's business here... again, a doozy of a situation.) But gone is the dread of trying to learn a new place, new faces and names, finding doctors and dentists... Gone is the sadness of leaving our church... here.
Then there was yesterday's church service. Our church is in the middle of a giving campaign. It is an exciting time here with the vision of our church aiming to become a 50/50 church. (Offerings then become divided 50/50... 50 percent going toward missions and 50 percent going toward ministries.) We are really feeling God leading this church to literally spread more exponentially the everlasting love of Jesus Christ and reach those who come to this church, or any church, and then those who have not yet heard the Good News. It is a joyful purpose that will become reality and that is truly very exciting!
So, we ponder where we fit in with this. We are here only through November. It's not like we are going to ignore what is happening here... in fact, the opposite is true. We will remain very interested and thrilled to continue to pray for the incredible things that will happen through the people of God's church here. We will help the boys fill their coin banks to help them do their part to support the spread of Jesus' love.
Then, there was this passage read in the service:
Matthew 28: 16-20 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him - but some of them doubted! Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these nerw disciples to obey the commands I have given to you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
As we look at Louisville, then, we see possibilites. I can honestly say that I don't feel like I am being called to some grand mission by going there... but I do feel excited. And I feel happy that we will be challenged to find the things God has in store for us there. This will include (and center upon) God and our family. That is how we based our decision to move, too... and it seems to be good stuff! (God lets us know that it will be!) We can really carry over the ethusiasm from this giving campaign and keep it in our lives for the place to come!
This is the Big Bat outside the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. It is nice to be able to park downtown and you can spot the bat a few blocks away so you know that you are in the area and can find your way there.
Here are the guys next to the bat about ready to go in.
This is God's world. We can worship Him, serve Him, and have community with
His people wherever we are.
He will be there with us... even to the end of the age.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Looking Forward
And Derek even read in the newspaper this morning that the drive back to Des Moines is only 10 hours... visiting back here won't be impossible, either. So... no more worrying that I will miss things too much. (I will just have to get used to driving that once in a while.)
Sunday, October 2, 2011
We're Moving!
Written by Heidi. On September 23, 2011 Derek accepted a position at Louisville Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Services (http://www.lvses.com/) in Kentucky. He will also work one day a week in Lexington at Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Medicine (http://www.bluepearlvet.com/). We are looking forward to him having a place to work where he can concentrate on practicing internal medicine along with many other specialists in a positive environment! He will also have the time off on a regular basis to get back to enjoying family time!
Heidi is looking forward to a bit warmer climate and tall trees in the hills of Kentucky! She will miss her beloved Iowa and the Hawkeyes... but thankful for the Big Ten Network! She will also long for her friends... but hopes they will all visit sometime (we will have a guest room ready!) and she will get back to Iowa as much as she can. (It is driveable!)
Dawson looks forward to the beautiful golf courses and getting started on the juniors circuit down there. Davis wants to tour the Kentucky Fried Chicken museum. Both boys also want to try and go to the Kentucky Derby! We will see how expensive tickets are for that! They both have also figured out who will be driving in what car for the move down there (regarding what pets and people go where in the vehicles). We think that half of the fun might be the road trip down!
This blog is our journal of the time from now and all our experiences leading up to and during the move. We hope to continue it afterwards to report on what we learn about our new home in Kentucky and keep in touch with family and friends. Hope to see you here!
Heidi is looking forward to a bit warmer climate and tall trees in the hills of Kentucky! She will miss her beloved Iowa and the Hawkeyes... but thankful for the Big Ten Network! She will also long for her friends... but hopes they will all visit sometime (we will have a guest room ready!) and she will get back to Iowa as much as she can. (It is driveable!)
Dawson looks forward to the beautiful golf courses and getting started on the juniors circuit down there. Davis wants to tour the Kentucky Fried Chicken museum. Both boys also want to try and go to the Kentucky Derby! We will see how expensive tickets are for that! They both have also figured out who will be driving in what car for the move down there (regarding what pets and people go where in the vehicles). We think that half of the fun might be the road trip down!
This blog is our journal of the time from now and all our experiences leading up to and during the move. We hope to continue it afterwards to report on what we learn about our new home in Kentucky and keep in touch with family and friends. Hope to see you here!
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