Change...Let It Be

Big news! Luke has accepted a new position......in Columbus.......Ohio! It has been a long process that we've been praying about and been unsure/anxious about for some time. I am not exactly sure where to start, other than to tell you I am sorry some will find out for the first time through a blog. There was some risk involved in letting word get out before anything was finalized, which is our reasoning for caution in telling people.

The line of work is similar. He will be selling copy centers rather than just copiers. I don't mean to come across sounding like a proud parent, but I can't help but be thrilled for the opportunities that this position entails for Luke. We both feel it has the potential to open so many doors that will all be a part of fulfilling our long-term dreams - and who wouldn't be excited about that? It all stems from our feeling that this is the way God is leading us, so we couldn't be happier or feel more blessed in this moment.

The other big, and somewhat bittersweet news is that we already found Luke a great apartment and moved him in this weekend. The quite dinky, but quaint place is in a town called Worthington (just North of downtown). We already think we might end up staying in this area for our stint in Columbus because of how absolutely charming it is. Again, there was obviously a discretionary factor in choosing to go about this the way we did. Since his contract was not signed until today, we didn't say anything to anyone other than family up until this point. Unfortunately we will be apart except for on the weekends until our house sells, so please pray for a quick sale. Being apart during the week will be a major adjustment for both of us, but I pray (and so am confident) that it will get easier as the days pass.

We will be putting our house on the market as soon as we get a few last rennovations done. First week in February is my goal, but we'll just let things happen as they happen. Once we sell our home I will be having a HUGE garage sale, unloading all of our "extras" and then it's 'to Columbus I go'!

My method of praying for a sign from God generally includes my asking Him to smack me upside the head when he wants me to do something. This process has felt just as that - an obnoxious headache from getting smacked! So far everything has fallen into place seamlessly (minus our not being able to immediatly express our joy about such a life altering decision). And so, we are eager to move to Columbus. It is the exact type of town we were looking for - a college town; not too far from friends and family; has everything we'll need within walking distance. We are so excited to see what God has planned for us while there. I hope you all will share in our anticipation for this big change in the coming months - and please, please, please forgive us for the pity of such short notice.

Catching up to 2009!

I decided to start a blog this year. With potential big changes occuring in the very near future (will fill you in soon...), it will be a way to keep everyone interested informed of the happenings in our lives!

First, I'll do some catching up for you into the new year. Luke won another trip through his job. This time they sent us to Miami, Florida for 3 nights at the beginning of November. The weather was mid-80's, the stay was completely free, and the seafood was fabulous! What more can I say other than "Thank you honey for being so good at your job!"?

Thanksgiving was spent with my side of the family. My grandma, whom I have not seen or had much contact with for years came to visit my parent's house for the first time. Other than an incredibly competetive game of Hand and Foot that got a little out of hand (no pun intended), it was a great time with lots of yummy food.

Mike and Chelsea came into town from Vermont for an early Christmas. Thankfully we were able to spend quite a bit of time with them. We got a taste of Chelsea's homemade caramel apple pie and played a mix of Rock Band and card games their entire stay. Below is the family picture that will be on my parents' holiday letter.

Christmas Eve was spent with Luke's mom and grandma in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Christmas Day we drove up to Traverse City, Michigan to spend the day with his aunt Sue and uncle Jon. Their house is a large Victorian on a tree-lined street (very picturesque!) right by the bay. I have never experienced a family so into decorating for Christmas! Not a corner of the house was forgotten - santas, nutcrackers and snowflakes were everywhere; I think they had about 6 Christmas trees up, all with different themes. Two feet of snow came a few days before we arrived, so it was just perfect for Christmas day! The only thing that would have made it nicer was if all the snow melted the 26th so our drive home could have been a little less slick!

New Years Eve Luke and I went to go see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It was great - I particularly liked to see Brad Pitt's influence on the movie in revolving it around Hurricane Katrina. We watched the ball drop once we got home and then crashed.

I have high hopes for 2009. I'll continue to keep you posted on our goings on!