Back... and forth

I'm taking Hannah to art yesterday, and she tells me how much she likes it here and especially her friends. She doesn't think she wants to go back! So we have David and Hannah who like it here, and me and the boys who want to go home. We're pretty sure we have to stay another year, and I'm not sure I can take it. I thought that I would like it here, but I miss home so much.

I REALLY struggle with church here, and so do the kids. I never used to hear "I don't want to go!" when we lived back home. I don't like it, either, so I hate forcing us all to go, but I know in my heart I have to go. Why did I have to get the most difficult kids to teach? They flat kill my spirit.
Chase has been miserable since we got here, and he never wanted to stay. I see how happy Hannah is, and I see how sad Chase is, and I don't know the right answer. I see how much David has changed, and I can't see what to do! I know it's not entirely up to me, but sometimes I feel like everything is on my shoulders.

March means St. Patrick's Day and lots of green!

My favorite color is green. So I love to decorate for St. Patrick's Day. Here's my mantle. Are you sick of seeing it yet? Yeah, there's Chase glued to the computer. He would play for hours if I let him.

We are right in the middle of tornado season. So far we have had 2 days of warnings this week. But we are close to the Smokies, so our chances are just a leetle slimmer, but not much. Keep your fingers crossed!

Valentines Mantle and things...

(No, I was not drunk while taking this pic. Not sure what happened.) Pinterest has rocked my mantle. The print and the blocks idea came from there. I had the rest.

Hannah had a sleepover with a friend from school. We really like her. The funny thing is she lives in a low area, and today it rained so much their road got flooded and we couldn't get her home. So she is going to church with us tomorrow. Coincidence?

I think that we'll bring my parents out for spring break in April. They have missed us terribly, and they need a break. Think they'll want to stay? They aren't happy with the thought that we are probably staying another year, so we want them to see us and see how cool it is here. But don't get me wrong, I still want to go back. I am just enjoying my time here. Because we are here, I am going to be able to do something life changing for myself. The date is coming up fast, and I am excited.

Longer?

Maybe another year... Stay posted.

Happy New Year!

After a rough Christmas, we are starting a new year, and I am excited. My Dad came down with pneumonia and was put in the hospital Christmas day. It was pretty serious, and I couldn't be there. But he pulled through, and now we can move forward with a fresh start. What will I accomplish this year? Well, I have something planned that will make a huge difference in my life. This is a battle I've fought FOREVER!

Have I mentioned that I love my mantle in this house? Here is my New Year's decorations. I usually don't decorate for New Years. I just move from Christmas right into Valentine's Day. But I got this cute subway art from eighteen25.blogspot.com, and I shopped the after-Christmas sales to match the colors. Then I cut the numbers from cardboard and painted them gold. Too fun. Wait until you see Valentines!

Believe...

As Josh Groban says, "You'll have everything you need, if you just believe." Well, I believe there is a reason we moved here, and even thought I like it so far, I still haven't figured out what it is yet. Things are different here. I really struggle with Church. It is SO DIFFERENT!!!! We are also going through some big changes with our family right now that I blame on being here. It's not easy for me to understand why things have to change, and so I have to find that strength to trust in Heavenly Father. He planned this out for us, but why?

Anywho, here we are at Dollywood on the Polar Express ride. I love this pic! So going along with my heading for this post, I believe....

1. It's better for us to be together instead of when David was always gone.

2. Hannah is SO much better off here. She is more confident and sure of who she is.

3. Because the kids don't have friends right out the front door, they have learned to play with each other. And get along. Shocking, I know!

4. I have learned to look people in the eye and say hi. I have learned that people here are humble, and that I needed to be humbled.

5. I have found out what it truly means to cleave unto your own family. Being further away from my parents has helped me see my own family clearer, and I realize that they didn't get enough from me. There is nothing wrong with being a good daughter, but when you have your own family, they should come first.

So, when I find out if there was a special reason we were needed here, I'll let you know. But for now, just knowing how happy David is, is reason enough for me!

Laurel Falls

We went into the Smoky Mountains National Park this weekend and hiked into Laurel Falls. Very cool, but very steep! They had these signs along the trail, so of course I made the kids pose by one!

We try to do something new every weekend while we are here, so we don't get so homesick. Works so far...