A few 'firsts'

I hoped to have this posted on the 1st of October - as this is the day I was refelcting on many of the 'firsts' we were experiencing this week. But, I'm a few days late - I"ll share anyway:)

Speaking of October 1st - this day is always really fresh in my mind. Whenever I hear the date mentioned I immediately go back several years to an 'October 1st' in 1989 - when I started 'dating' the man of my dreams:) (uuhhhhh, yeah - that IS Torrey - in case you are not 100% sure). This was the time when girls liked to have steady boyfriends - I was awed and amazed at the opportunity to 'go out' with such a great guy. That day started a whole new world of firsts for me. How grateful I am for the courtship we've shared for the last 19 years - wow! And though we have many more dates to remember now that we are married, I'll always remember fondly October 1st. I love you, honey, and cling to the memories we share and am thrilled with the thoughts of the sweet memories we'll make in the many many years to come. xoxoxoxo

I think this photo was taken when we were in college:)

It seems our lives have been filled with many firsts in the last couple of years - it's a given when you move 3500 miles away from everything you have ever known and land yourself into vocational changes and demographics you've never been a part of , etc, etc. But here are a few firsts that are sticking out in my mind right now.

I experienced my first women's retreat last weekend (not necessarily my 'thing', I thought). It was filled with many firsts - my first time to this part of Alaska, my first time letting fellow church go-ers see me without make-up :-0), my first time walking outdoors in the dark in Alaska (crazy, but it's true) and my first time ever kayaking on open water (sorry, no photo). I was intimidated at first, worrying I would fall in - but then I thought -that is only the worst thing that might happen and I knew I would survive even that. Fortunately, I stayed completely dry and had a great time talking with a new friend and soaking up the beauty of the place God had given me that weekend. The rest of the weekend was fabulously worshipful and challenged me in so many ways and as a result caused me to feel like I was leaving there changed - a better person than I was when I arrived.

On Friday, I said good bye to my sweet heart who is leaving the kids and I alone in this log cabin (still, with occasional shrews - they are still mice to me , I don't care how tiny they are- who are looking for a warm sticky trap to land on) to go to California for the first time to his first pastors' conference. I'm praying that God would work mightily in the days ahead to fill him with refreshment, perspective and encouragement he is needing while he is there and that he will return home feeling blessedly equipped to do all that God wants him to do in the weeks and months to come.

Gracie decided she wanted a haircut. I took her to a place at the mall thinking they could manage a shoulder-length bob. Apparently not - it was truly the first time any of my kids ever received a really BAD haircut. I couldn't take a picture (it was THAT bad), but two haircuts later (in attempt to 'fix' the first one) - this is what we have. She's so cute and especially spunky with her new 'do'.

Ana decided she wanted a haircut too - just in time for school pictures. We're getting alot of 'firsts' with her lately - mostly in the area of attitude. Ouch...please don't let this be a glimpse of the years to come.

This is her 'posed' growly "MOOOOMMMMMMMM!!" We're praying for wisdom here (though NOT for the first time) - it all seems a bit soon. And, thankfully, it doesn't usually take too long before the great amount of sweetness that is part of her very being comes shining through to remind us that it is all going to be okay:)

Eric is cracking us up with his new, first time interest in talking. Talking hasn't come especially easy for him, but lately, he will repeat just about anything we ask him to. I almost fell over earlier in the day when I asked him to come to me and he said loud and clear - " NO! " - okay, wasn't ready for that. But, the cutest this week is his first "hel-wo" (hello). He loves talking on the phone! Here he is talking to Daddy.

And now, here is the most outrageous first of my recent moments. It happened today, on October 5th.........

that's right...snow! - notice how lovely it lays, gently covering my unraked, fallen, golden leaves. I'm biting my tongue here....it's only October 5th! I know, I know it won't stay on the ground very long - but it's too early to shovel - and I had to shovel.....oooy!

God, you give us these 'firsts' and You are with us when they come our way. So whether they are good or bad, expected or unexpected - I know You are here with me - You have orchestrated them perfectly to prepare me for greater things (big or small). Change me, Lord, help me to take these things as they come and to respond with grace and thanksgiving......may I never stop giving YOU the glory for all you send my way. Amen.