settling in

Well, it is starting to sink in that we really are in Virginia. We are trying to get things taken care of that need to be so that we can start adjusting. Matt and I applied for our Virginia licenses, we are set up now with phone and internet, we are receiving mail here, I even got a couple of grocery reward cards (at grocery stores that are not familiar to me at all-I miss Market Basket!), a library card and even a family membership at the local YMCA. We are working at whittling down the stacks of banana boxes in the garage and making this place feel like home.

We enjoyed the church we tried on Sunday night and will be going back next Sunday morning.

I know what's missing....a schedule! I promised Alissa last night that starting Monday we would have a schedule. I've said before though that NOT having a schedule makes us appreciate HAVING one even more.

I won't include any school on the schedule for the summer except for reading (and maybe Math but don't tell them yet). I will include time for piano practice (we are looking into a web cam and Skype so mom can give the kids piano lessons- we'll see), alone time, time with each other (Bri w/Drew, Alissa w/ Cam, etc), time with me (I've missed my half hour with each one), time for them to e-mail or blog, reading time, chore time and I'm not sure what else. It helps us all to have a smoother and more productive day! So, come Monday.... :)

With all the changes, I am more thankful than ever for a God that is the same. One of the verses I memorized recently was Isaiah 46:4. The first part says, "Even to your old age I will be the same.." I love that! Even though I have to adjust to new grocery stores, new bugs (look up "house centipedes" if you have the nerve), new snakes, new roads, new churches, new people and new places, everything I have learned about and know about my God is the exact same. He still hears me, sees me and understands me, He still provides for me, strengthens and helps me, His mercies are still new every morning, He still watches over me and my family even while we are sleeping and His love is still everlasting.

Knowing all that, I and my family will be just fine!