Sweet Friends and Disney - What a Combination!

I hope that each of you have been blessed to have a few friends that you just know the Lord has given you. You know, those friends that you feel like you've known forever. The ones that know what your thinking, and can be completely open and honest with you - about themselves and about you. Those friends that no matter how long it's been, you just always pick up like you were together yesterday - nothing changes. You are completely and totally comfortable to be yourself with. You can get on the phone and talk about nothing or something serious and before you know it 2 hours have gone by. Karesa is one of those friends to me.

When we moved to Alabama 10 years ago, I was so upset about leaving home and I begged God for a friend. God gave me Karesa. Not only did he give me Karesa - but he gave Russell her husband, Chuck. We are truly blessed to have them as friends. They are the kind of friends that you can actually go on vacation with for a full week and not be tired of each other. You are actually sad to part at the end. Now that's a God thing!!!!

We haven't seen each other in a year and a half as our schedules just have not coordinated. Karesa and her daughter, Kadie were in Orlando this week with the East Alabama Children's Choir. I could not pass up the opportunity to take the day to go and see them while they were so close. So, I packed the kids up yesterday and we headed to Disney! Besides - you know I can't say no to a day with Mickey!


The East Alabama Children's Choir consists of 6th - 9th graders. They did an awesome job singing at Downtown Disney. They sang songs in Latin, French, German and even did a Medley of Disney songs! How cool is that?

Kadie

Riding the tram from the parking lot - on our way to the Magic Kingdom!


Jarod, Anne, Kadie and Madison


Anne's first ride on Thunder Mountain! She was finally tall enough to ride and was so excited. She got off begging to go again! What a trooper!!!


Jarod and Anne on the Tea Cups - UGH!

Anne and I waiting for the Fireworks. She's eating ice cream. On the way home last night, I reached up and found that my hair was a little stiff! Yuck!


On our way back to the car, we got to ride in the front of the Monorail with the driver! The kids were so excited! Another great day at Disney! We haven't been since September - so I got my Disney fix! I was starting to get the shakes!!!!!

Russ did not get to go with us this time - he had to work. We all missed him - it wasn't quite the same. Especially since I had to be the pack mule and the driver!!!!

For Rent

It's official! **Sniff** There is a "For Rent" sign in our front yard. I have to keep telling myself that "it's okay - we are going to the beach"!!!! I just know God is going to blow us away......

Please pray for excellent renters that will take good care of our house and for God to rent it quickly. Also - that we can find something at the beach close to the school we have chosen and within our price range. Thanks!

For renting info click here. We are on the bottom of the page.

Cub Scout Year End Party

Jarod had his year end party for Cub Scouts today at Jungle Quest here in Jacksonville. It was an hour and a half of Rock Wall Climbing, Zip Line and Jungle gym action. He and Anne had a blast and I thought I would share a few pics.
Climbing the Rock Wall - He made it to the top and rang the bell! Way to go Jarod!

Zip Line - backwards and upside down! He would have stayed on this all day!!!

Jarod and Anne in the Tree House....
Weeee!

On a different note: Do you happen to know anyone needing to rent our 3 BR/2 Bath house in Clay County? We would like to be moved to the other side of town before school starts in August so the kids can start fresh. Not to mention - the 90 minute commute (round trip) is going to get old really fast - especially with both Russ and I doing it at different times each day. If you happen to know of anyone - just shoot me an email. I have a Property Manager coming to look at the place tomorrow to get an idea of the rental market.
Thanks!

How Can I Know God's Will?

Russell preached on May 3 at our current church while our pastor was on a mission trip to Panama. If you are interested in hearing his sermon on How to Know God's Will, click here.

It's official! School ends for Russ on June 5 and we are going to take off to Ridgecrest (North Carolina) for 5 days. We decided to take some time to rest, and regroup as a family. He will be preaching on June 14th at Ocean Park and begin his ministry in the office the week of the 15th. We are already scheduled to go to Youth Camp at Lake Yale with the church the week of June 28. The kids will love that! Russell will be attending a Pastor's Conference in Birmingham, the last week in July. It's time to hold on.....here we go!!!!!!!

I finally got some pictures of the church - I thought you would enjoy seeing where we will be.

Thanks again!

Ocean Park - Here We Come!!!!

Thank you all for your prayers concerning Ocean Park Baptist Church. The church voted today - almost unanimously - to bring Russell on as Pastor. We have accepted and will begin in June. Continue to pray for us as this will be an exciting, yet challenging transition. We look forward to all that God is going to do in and through us as a family. We'll keep you informed......