Friday Family Night

THIS totally inspired me...

Normally on Friday nights, we watch a movie and eat pizza together.

This week we kicked it up a notch! We added rainbow-colored silly string, rainbow-marshmallow treats, rainbow-plates, homemade ice cream with rainbow M&M's (are you noticing a theme yet?) and "Dorothy" made a surprise visit!

nice tube socks Dorothy!

Have a great weekend!  Find something to celebrate :)

Go Sharks!!!

Guess who's playing football?

We almost forgot...

In Austria when kids start 1st grade, they get a Schultuete.  The day before Levi started school here, he asked if he was still going to get one.  We couldn't believe he remembered...but we were thankful that he reminded us!  When we picked him up we presented him with a homemade one filled with lots of goodies!

We are so proud of our little first grader!

Benefits of 2 Worlds...

     Yesterday we sent out an e-mail describing our decision to stay in Florida until January, and the challenges that come with that decision.  We received so many encouraging e-mails and messages letting us know that you are thinking about us and praying for us.  Thank you.  It does mean a lot.

One friend who had lived overseas for a long time, wrote about some of the benefits that she has seen in her sons as a result of experiencing life in 2 worlds...

Here is some of what she wrote:
*They have friends from all over the world and know how to make new ones.
* They know the Rock who provides what they need even though everything else around them changes.
* They have a strong family support because we have had to grow closer through these changes.
* They have become prayer warriors because God is the only One who knows what will happen next.

Lately, I have been so consumed by the challenges of living between 2 worlds that I have neglected to think about the potential benefits.  It was a good reminder to me!

First day of school...

After much prayer and counsel, we have decided that it is best for our family to remain in the States until January.  As a result of that decision, we enrolled our kiddos back in the school that they attended before we left for Austria.  Last week was actually their first day.  Everybody is adjusting to the "American" way of doing things, but not without a bit of frustration and tears.  We understand that this is a big transition once again, and we are trying to be patient and provide all the stability and encouragement that we can.  We know that this is where we need to be right now, but please pray for us, as we still are struggling on many levels..

"When I was a kid"...

The kiddos have loved hearing stories at night about when Memoo (my mom) was a kid... and tonight she brought a childhood memory to life::
blowing bubbles with old empty spools

Here Memoo updates her bubble-blowing experience by bringing out a pool "noodle"

Oh the fun you can have when you are staying with your Grandma! :)

One good thing about a herniated disk...

is that your Dr. will write you an order for one of these fancy carts at Disney, and you don't have to wait in line for the rides...

Before and After...

Curves and bumps ahead...

Since returning back to the States just a few short weeks ago, I would have anticipated some curves and bumps in the journey...
what I was not expecting were the sharp and sudden turns, that often make us feel as though we are completely lost.

I am speaking figuratively from an emotional standpoint, and literally from a physical standpoint when it comes to Neena's health.  I am sure anyone who has watched someone suffer with cancer can understand. 

This afternoon she was admitted once again to the hospital for the potential placement of a drain, which will hopefully remove some of the infection from her abdomen.  Her spirits are good, and we anticipate just a short stay~ but anytime spent in the hospital is never fun.

Overall, our family is holding up quite well and we have appreciated all of the prayers, e-mails, meals and babysitting.  We feel very loved, but I will admit that Brad and I often lay awake at night with thoughts of what tomorrow holds,  swimming around in our heads.  It seems like every decision we have to make right now is a BIG decision with consequences not only affecting us.

So if you think of us, please pray for the new bumps that are bound to come on this journey and that God would grant us wisdom to navigate the curves ahead...

Random Fun things to do in America...

Here are some random things we have been up to in America...

:: Luke attended a week of fishing camp with his cousin, Mikey and he won the award of catching the most unique fish!

:: We ate Dairy Bell ice cream for dinner last night

::  the kiddos started a space-themed VBS today... can you believe how cool this robot is?

:: and tonight Memoo put the kiddos to work rolling pennies for her!  Who knew rolling pennies could be so much fun? 

:: and a few of us in this family might just be watching the season finale of the Bachelorette
(I warned you that this was random) :)