I think that I was a pretty good sport about the cold this winter. I tried not to complain too much, I embraced the winter clothes, and I even think I managed a few, "it wasn't too bad" comments. So when "spring" arrived a few weeks ago I was incredibly proud of myself. I kept thinking, "Wow, I did it. I made it through winter." And I really believed that, as much as I dislike winter, that "it wasn't that bad."
So, can you please tell me, oh dear blog readers, WHERE DID MY SPRING GO? Where did the warm (and even hot) days disappear to. The warm breezes came, the trees began to bud, and birds arrived. I even went shopping for some spring clothes for the family because we didn't have any. And then what?
COLD, COLD, COLD. And not just a day or two. We are going on almost two solid weeks of cold with most days not getting too much above freezing. There have been snow flurries. The poor birds have been crazed, flying all over the place and back again, probably wondering "Did we screw this up? Did we come back too early?"
So, you know what? I quit. I quit winter and I quit cold. And I am moving here:
You think I am kidding, do you? Well, I'm not. As of July 1, Orlando will be mailing address.
And actually, to be honest, we have known since November. I just didn't want to jinx it by saying anything.
It's a long story, but I will *try* to keep it short :)
Back in November we flew down to Florida for two reasons: to see my 98 year old grandmother and to visit some friends of ours that we worked with in Malaysia. They are working at a children's home in Orlando and we wanted to see them and the place where they worked. At that time, it was obvious to us that if certain things stayed the same, there was no way we could choose to stay on at the school her in Nebraska. Those things didn't change, and we learned they wouldn't, and not only did we realized that we wouldn't be continuing next year, it became apparent that for the good of our family (and my stress level) that I would step out of the dorm and have a semester of "just" being mom.
At the time we flew to Florida we knew that we were interested in this Children's Home (referred to most as just "The Ranch"). We feel called to residential ministry (living with those we work with) and just because this particular situation in Nebraska wasn't healthy for us, we didn't feel at liberty to walk away from our call. We didn't even WANT to walk away with it. Working with kids in a situation where you are with the 24/7 is a totally different kind of ministry than seeing them one or two days a week. You become family. And you get to have the impact that family does.
When we went to the Ranch in November we knew right away that it was a place that we would like to be. The weather is obviously appealing (though I may say otherwise in the heat of August!), but that really didn't have anything to do with it. The place just seems to gel so well with our philosophy of ministry and with our family status. They not only allow, but also EMBRACE families with small children. Many people think that houseparenting cannot be done with small children. And in some places, that is true. But the set up of the program at the Ranch makes it a fantastic place to raise a family. The supervisors (who we stayed with while we were there) came to the Ranch 25 years ago as a childless couple. They told people the job could be done with little kids...and they were right. All four of their children have been raised very happily there. Other houseparent families have raised children there. It is a child-friendly community and a child-friendly program. And, due to the nature of the program, the bedtime for the Ranch kids is 8:30 so once we have put our own kids to bed, and our Ranch boys to bed, we actually will have time to spend as a couple. Now THAT will be a new thing for us!
When we were there in November the supervisors asked us if we would like to come. We knew that we did. By early December a final offer had been made and we have been dreaming of warmer weather and of our new "kids" -- our 8-10 12 and 13 year old Ranch Boys.
A few things have come up since that time, which caused us to question deeply if this is where God would have us be. Thoughts of going back to Asia were hard to get rid of but in the end, the path always led back to the Ranch. And finally, the time seems close. We are already talking moving vans and ridding ourselves of winter coats.
And I can't wait.
We are excited to be back together as a family. Just like in Malaysia, we will have our days off (M-F) and work in the morning and in the later afternoon/evening. As the parents of preschoolers, I can't tell you what a blessing it is for BOTH of us to be with our kids during the day. A week or two ago, when Levi took his first steps, I remember being surprised because it was the first real milestone that one of our kids hit that Jason wasn't here for. And it made me sad. I know that working together is not for all couples. Some couples would admit that they would probably kill each other. But we just aren't like that. From the time we started dating we have always worked together. We do best as a team. Where he is strong, I am weak. Where he is weak, I am strong. We fit together. Alone, neither of us are all that amazing (I definitely found this out while working last semester basically without him). But together...we are great. We don't always act on our greatness and I can recount many things I wish I had done differently (especially in Malaysia) but I know without a doubt that we are a team. Our dream and our visions take shape together.
One of the things we are most excited for is to homeschool Alaina next year. It is something we have talked a lot about. Our choices are to send her to the public schools (which I hear are some of the best right in our area), to send her to a private school, or to homeschool. Each option has its advantages but in the end we always come back to keeping her home. I am just not ready to give the bulk of my daughter's day to someone else. And for those who know me, this isn't a mommy-obsession issue here. I readily (and quite willingly!) leave my kids with babysitters. It's just that I cannot think of letting other adults (and wayward children) be what fills my daughters day (and mind). I see how easily kids are influenced and when I read things like THIS I just know that I want to be the one in charge of my children. I want to be the one she learns from. I don't want to miss any of it...her learning to add numbers or write in cursive. I am just not ready to give that to someone else. So, next year (she is still in preschool) we will begin and get a feeling of it this is something that fits well with our family. I suspect it will, especially since we are both off during the day. I don't know how well I would do homeschooling if Jason were gone and I was trying to care for the other kids too. But with both of us there and both of teaching, I think it will go well. So, starting this summer, I will start researching and planning for the fall. I'm excited.
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No new LO's today. I didn't scrap any yesterday. We had Caleb's home visit (which really was just a visit...apparently they just talk to the mom the first time and then decide if they want to evaluate. So in two weeks the whole "team" will come and do the official evaluation). Jason got done with work early so we went out and had some nice family time. I was lamenting to Jason on the way home that I haven't felt inspired lately when it comes to my templates. Every time I sit down to make new ones I blank out and have no creativity. So, I haven't pushed it. But last night I got an idea and ran with it. And I am excited about it...hope you will be too. We'll see how it goes...if it goes will I might put it out this weekend.
But here is a LO I did two nights ago and forgot to post yesterday. Jen Wilson black paper, SP pink paper and notebook paper, Zoe Pearn stitching, Heather Ann month stickers, and Traci Murphy alpha. This was taken on April 3rd of last year :) There is a typo on it, I see, but I will have to fix that later. Right now I need to give some love to my two little boys who are fighting over a train :)
Have a great day!
Congratulations Janet - your news is awesome! So happy for you and your family. Sounds like it is all coming together!
Can't wait to see the new templates:)
Posted by: leslie | April 12, 2007 at 09:12 PM
CONGRATULATIONS! You will soo enjoy that warm weather!
Posted by: Shabby Miss Jenn | April 12, 2007 at 10:35 PM
Yes, it is supposed to be hot here today. Yippeee! We're so excited to have you guys come, can't wait to help you unpack that van!
Posted by: Erika | April 12, 2007 at 10:42 PM
OH Janet - how exciting! I can sense your excitement about this move - which is great!!! OK - so did I miss the date of when you move - I need to know when exactly you will be much too busy to update this bloggy for a few days - LOL! No just kidding - this is GREAT - I am jealous of the warm weather bit b/c the same can be said of MI here - we got like 4 inches of snow yesterday - COME ON!
What a beautiful picture of you pregnant last year - stunning LO!
Posted by: MandaKay | April 12, 2007 at 10:50 PM
Orlando?!?!? How FUN and The Ranch seems like such a wonderful fit for you and Jason. THere seems to be a sense of peace in your post today. I'm happy for you and your family!
Posted by: Rona | April 12, 2007 at 11:18 PM
Janet how AWESOME! Only two and a half months--that is sooooooooon!!! Woohoo!!!! And just so you know--we WILL be visiting-LOL! Don't know when but brace yourself cuz we'll be there--even it it isn't for at least a year (or more!)--hehe:) And It is cold here too--ugh! Well today is shaping up to be warm but cold weather abounds. At least I was right in my instincts that this would be a cold winter and bought some extra clothes for it (for all of us!). I just thought for sure we'd be into spring/summer by now. I even set out my plants last week (normally I do this in FEBRUARY!!!) and now they are dead--cuz of cold weather:(
And I'm excited to hear you have chosen to school at home. I am hoping and praying it will work out for us to do it that way--I'm soooooooo disorganized-LOL
Love the LO--just slapped that pink paper on a LO of mine--gotta love SP!!! Have a great day!
--Hollie
Posted by: PaulineLucille | April 13, 2007 at 01:04 AM
Wow Janet!! I am so excited for you and your family...and that you are listening to God's direction in doing what's best for your family and his kingdom as a whole! :) I must say...I'm a little jealous of your Orlando weather!!
Any sneak peeks on the new templates? I'm glad you found your inspiration again!!
Posted by: KellieP | April 13, 2007 at 01:47 AM
Congratulations, Janet! That is wonderful news - Orlando! We love to vacation there - hoping to get back there next January. I'm thrilled that God has presented you with this opportunity. And now you will certainly be closer to a Target! :)
Posted by: HaleyW | April 13, 2007 at 05:34 AM
HOW COOL! I'm really excited for you guys...not just the warm weather, either, though I can TOTALLY relate to that! We had two criteria in choosing a place to live, and warm weather was one of them. Boy, we sure got it, too! We were up in the Cameron Highlands last week, and I was C-O-L-D, but my hair looked GREAT! LOL! It sounds like this situation will be great for you guys, and Orlando is such a fun and happening place.
Posted by: Kellie (joelsgirl) | April 13, 2007 at 06:15 AM
what a gorgeous blog!
thanks for your e-mail pointing me to it, so many good news :)
I love your layout and wish you all the best with all the wonderful changes coming into your life!
cheers
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle Filo | April 13, 2007 at 11:30 AM
I am so happy and excited for you and your family Janet! It's neat to see how God indeed gives us the desires of our heart and you will have some warm weather and a place where you and your family's gifts can be used mightily. Love your pregant LO-you look so pretty :)
Posted by: Margie | April 14, 2007 at 12:43 PM