How can I live like this?

No TV, no internet, no washer and dryer, sitting amongst box after box. Yes, this has become my life. I'm actually sitting in the bathroom where I pick up a low signal that we got the password to of someone else's internet. Our TV is sold, and man what a difference. So I've been enjoying reading, and staring at the boxes I have to finish packing. Only a few more days until we leave for a few days, then head back, and then leave for good. It's seemed to creep up so fast. We feel like we've been in transition forever and are anxious to get going to get settled in. I've realized how important a home is to me, when mine is in disarray, I feel like everything is chaotic!

Here are a few snapshots into our lives lately, mostly of the Halle bug- saying new words and sounds each day. Today she said, "back" and "cricket"- all while reading her favorite books. The last one is all of the girls from our couple's small group who have helped make life here wonderful and I will miss them all!













While being excited to move on, we've been reflecting lately on how great life has been here. It's crazy to think Halle will never know how loved she was in this place, or how her whole life started here. How she learned to walk in our teeny tiny house, as I like to call it. Our years here have been important years in our lives. Tear. I could not have imagined

Home sweet home...at least for now

We are finally back in IN after a few weeks away. We had an amazing time and enjoyed some much needed rest. Brian and I took our fist vacation away from Halle. It was great to relax, but we missed her like crazy. We went on a cruise, which was a lot of fun for us both. We went to 3 islands in the Bahamas, and loved every minute. Here are a few pics...









For now we are packing up the house and getting ready for the big move. We officially take off on June 30. Brian is busy getting a lot of studying done before we leave. Hallle seems like she is getting bigger each day. Yesterday she said the word, "book" and now says it all day long. She'd rather read than do anything else. She carries books around and will bring them to you. We put her big girl carseat in the car and we can't believe how grown up she is. We love every minute.

Halle is one!!

Halle turned one yesterday! We've had a great time in Chicago celebrating her birthday. Here's a look at our time in Chicago with both families...







And the big party...







And Memorial Day...

















Yes, she totally ate corn on the cob! And the last few, my friend took- she's a photographer, the last one is my fav!
Brian and I head out on vacation on Sunday and then we'll head back to IN. It's been so nice to get away and do see our families and friends. I can't believe that my little girl is already one years old!

In Transition...

Well, Sunday was our last day at the church. They gave us a great farewell. We're kind of in a weird in-between state right now. We're leaving today for a few weeks for vacation and celebrating Halle's 1st Birthday!! All 3 of us are on antibiotics for sinus infections- fun, fun! When we come back we'll packing up- well Brian will be studying, I'll be packing and saying our final goodbyes. We will pull out for KY on June 30! So we'll be seeing ya'll real soon! Off to Chicago!

Brother Bear!

This weekend, my brother, Quinn came for a visit. We're really excited because he will be moving to KY too! He got a job at Asbury College which is right across the street from the seminary. We can't wait to spend this next year with him. It will be great to have family so close. And, he is the best uncle in the world. He loves Halle so much and is so great with her.

Here's a shirt Quinn brought that he wore when he was a baby!






And a picnic at the park...

Cookie monster

This is Halle enjoying a cookie last week from my great friend who wanted to buy her a cookie. Thanks Aunt Kris! As you can see, she thoroughly enjoyed it.

This Weekend's Festivities...

Brian is turned the big 3-0 this weekend! Yes, I had to share my first Mother's Day with him, or he had to share his 30th with me! We really spent the whole weekend celebrating. I took him out for his birthday dinner on Friday night, Saturday we had a big birthday cookout for him, and Sunday we spent the day with some family and relaxing. It's a pretty big milestone for him and it was fun celebrating his life together!






Here's what Halle did all night...





Mostly ate rocks- silly girl!



On another note, we pretty much sold our house. So many prayers have been answered to get us to that point. It didn't play out exactly how we would have hoped financially, but we are thankful to have sold it and hopefully we'll close in the next week or so. Here's me removing the sign from our yard!



And a little entertainment...