Killer Bee

I trapped this bee between the screen and the window as I left my apartment. The thing was about 2 inches long with a big, scary looking stinger. Ha! Look who's laughin' now, Bee. You're stuck and can't go anywhere!

Goodbye Harrisonburg

Well, today's the day that I leave Harrisonburg and begin my trek across the country to California. Packing has taken a little longer than I was hoping for, therefore I am leaving a little later than I was planning. I think it will end up being noon or early afternoon when I end up leaving. I am getting nervous as I am about to leave, knowing that every mile I drive away is a mile further away from shore, and I am simply trusting that by God's grace I will reach the opposite shore safely. Please pray for safety as I drive across, that I won't get in any accident and that our car makes it safely. We have not had any problems with it, but when you start a 2600 mile trip it becomes more of a concern.

Wow...so this is goodbye. I have lived in Harrisonburg 3 years, 7 months, and 2 days. When I first arrived I was a single guy with all my life's belongings packed in my Mercury Tracer. Now as I leave, I am married to the most wonderful woman in the world and have the most precious daughter in the world. I am leaving Harrisonburg a richly blessed man. I could not ask for more. Harrisonburg has become home to me, and so as I move away I am leaving part of my heart - for in Harrisonburg I began my first "real" job out of college; I proposed to Sarah here; Sarah and I were married here; Phoebe was born here; and here I have met and made friends so dear to me that they are like family.

Well, Harrisonburg, it has been more than a pleasure, and I hope to continue that pleasure again in the future. As Douglas MacArthur said, "I came through and I shall return." I am joyful over what lies ahead, but my heart is heavy over leaving so many loved ones. So long, and farewell. Keep in touch.

"For I know the plans that I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."
Jeremiah 29:11

Our wonderful apartment

As I pack up our apartment, I can't help but think about how blessed we have been to live in such a beautiful location for three years. We have a gorgeous view and lots of trees and flowers all around us. It's so wonderful to be able to bask in the beauty of the Lord's creation right from our apartment.

Longboard Island Lager

Fonzy and JT Oates came over and helped me load some of the bigger items of furniture into the trailer earlier today. After the tiresome ordeal, we refreshed ourselves with one of Hawaii's finest brews, Longboard Island Lager. This beer holds a special place in my heart, as the last time I drank it was on my honeymoon with Sarah in Hawaii. :)

Packing...

My job this weekend is to get our entire house packed into the ABF U-Pack Trailer. I spent this afternoon loading boxes onto the trailer, but I still have a lot more to do. Thank goodness I still have this evening and all day tomorrow. The trailer you see will be picked up by ABF on Monday. I'm already a big fan of this company.

Gone are my girls...

Last night I dropped off Sarah and Phoebe at Sarah's parents' house so that they can go on vacation to Canada for a week and a half. Sarah has been working exceptionally hard at packing, so she deserves a vacation. I'm gonna miss those two...

Date Nights

Every Thursday, the Chases, Lookabills and us rotate babysitting for eachother so that the other two couples can go on a date. It has been wonderful, both going on the date and babysitting the little rug rats. Two Thursdays ago it was our turn to babysit, and it was one of best nights we had with the kids. They were all in terrific moods and had so much fun with eachother. I think it is such a wonderful blessing that we all can be so involved in the hearts and lives of eachother's children and to be able to see them grow into the unique individuals that God created them to be. We love these kids so much, and they are so precious to us.

Phoebe & Liam's Birthday Pics

Phoebe & Liam's 1 Year Birthday Party!

Saturday we celebrated Phoebe and Liam's 1 year birthday party. A lot of
people came and we all had a great time....except Phoebe. She was a
little tired and overwhelmed a good part of the time, but she caught her
second wind towards the end and started to be in a better mood. I'll try
to post a couple pictures soon, but in the mean time, follow this link
to my facebook album of their party.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2047905&l=5f69a&id=68602521

Phoebe and her stuffed dolls

Sarah and I have been seeing how much of a loving, caring girl Phoebe is. She has three favorite stuffed dolls, Lucy, Piglet, and Snoopy (pictured below). She loves playing with these three....actually, she doesn't really play with them, she just really enjoys holding them and hugging them. It is really sweet. She gets a huge kick out of seeing them, and then when you hand them to her, she laughs and then holds them and hugs them really close and loves on them, saying, "awwwww...." I think Phoebe is going to take after Sarah - a very tender, loving woman. :)

Tristan & Katy's Wedding

Last weekend we went to Tristan and Katy's wedding. Sadly, I didn't get any pictures of them actually getting married (sigh).

Early mornings, eating, and teeth

Everyday I am reminded of how blessed I am to be entrusted with such a precious child, and a bright, happy, joyful one at that! God has been so faithful in keeping Phoebe safe and well. She recently grew her first set of teeth. If you look closely, you might see two tiny bottom teeth.