After intentionally spending the entire summer at home, a few weeks ago we ventured off to oldest daughter's house. Ivy adores her oldest sister and her family so she couldn't wait. One hour in to the 4 1/2 hour drive she exclaimed, "Mommy, this is LONG!" But she did great. It was a peaceful drive listening to Andrew Peterson's music, and comforting to be on the familiar drive again. I was reminded of the many roads we have traveled. The last road trip we took with Ivy was when we left her hometown city in China and watched out the window as the life she knew passed her by. And now I turn around see her sitting there on our first American road trip. Many roads, many hopes, many fears, many glimpses of Gods hand directing our path.
My sweet Grand babies let me kiss them more than usual so that was the highlight of the weekend. I was called "Grammie" for the first time which was music to my ears. And by the way, I'm thrilled to announce that Grand baby # 3 is on the way! More blessings.
The remaining days of our fall season have been extra busy. We sold our house and moved a few miles away, a very emotional move for our family. When so much of life is lived in one place it's hard to walk away. The empty walls were screaming at us to stay. A week full of tears and goodbyes. The new house feels void of memories. No babies have learned to walk here. No daughters have been married here. No welcome home parties. Nobody has broken their ankle jumping the pool fence. No termites in the couch. The dog hasn't ruined the new floors or jumped through the windows. It's sterile. But not for long.
So, this Thanksgiving season even though I am exhausted and emotional, I am grateful beyond words for Gods grace on my life. There is no better place to be than following Him. We begin another new journey by faith, day by day.
And oh...Ivy's Thanksgiving question: "Can we go back to Grandma's tomorrow and have Thanksgiving again?" I wish, Ivy.
“If
I discover within myself a desire which no experience in this world can
satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another
world” C.S. Lewis
Taken with my Nikon D5000
Beautiful pictures and so sweet!! Ivy has just blossomed in your family...she is a different child than when she came home.
ReplyDeleteLove you all!!
Lisa
P.S. That Lewis quote is one of my all time favorites!!
Such a beautiful photo of your family. Been thinking and praying for all of you. I pray that your heart will be filled this Christmas with new adventures and memories in your new home. So excited for all of you about the new grandbaby!
ReplyDeleteMuch Love to All,
Mari