This Week In Review

I have had a really, really good week.

I have tried to do a post for days now. I actually started this post about 4 days ago and am just now getting around to finishing it. The kids have been in a bit of a funk when it comes to bedtime. Bedtime is usually when I get some "me-time" and I haven't had much all week. Thank goodness there is hope for change in that department. But more on that later! ;)

I had a wonderful opportunity last Friday to participate in The Gate Give. You can read more about this act of kindness here, a post about the first Give. Though not quite a regular attender yet, I have been desiring to get more involved at the Gate. I feel so at home and love the pastor and his wife so much. I knew it was time to start taking the steps and I really wanted to be apart of the final Gate Give (of the summer). I am so very happy that I did. It was so rewarding to give without return. I never expected that I would also be ministered to. I love how God does that! It was such a blessing to answer their questions "why?" with a simple "just because". I saw several people I knew including a guy I went to high school with. He really hesitated taking the can of Pepsi. I had to insist that there were "no strings attached". He smiled and said "thank you" as he pulled away. I can not tell you how blessed I was. It was more than an act of kindness. It was more than a can of Pepsi. It was more than a sense of belonging (for me). It was a way of being Jesus. It was a way of ministering. I can not say enough how happy I am to been a part of such a wonderful event.




Saturday was a good day though a bit hectic. I spent most of the day baking, icing, and decorating 44 cupcakes for Merci's birthday party which was going to be on Sunday. Though it was a lot of work, I loved doing it. It was a very rewarding job and I like the idea of cupcakes for kids this age. As Kimmy said, there is something fun about cupcakes. After the all day bake-a-thon, I went with Kimmy and Auntie to a progressive dinner held by some of the ladies of The Gate. We began with appetizers in Canfield, then dinner in Boardman, and ended with dessert in Columbiana. It was so much fun and I am glad that I got to know some of the wonderful ladies of the church. I also was put on the spot by Kimmy, thank you very much, to have everyone drill me with questions about myself. It began this whole conversation about each other and it was nice to leave knowing a little something about each of the ladies around that table. There was lots of laughter too, which is always a good thing.

Sunday I woke up early. I mean e.a.r.l.y. , at least for me. I got together all of the cupcakes, covered a box to transport some of them, rearranged the rest on a pan, and wrapped Merci's present. I then got the kids and myself together so we could head to church. Amazingly enough we got to church a few minutes early, where we visited with some friends and family before heading in for the service. The praise and worship was amazing as it always is and Pastor Dave's message was quite moving. I felt God speaking to my heart on some issues I've been struggling with. I was so very moved when a dear friend of mine played piano and sang during communion. It was a great service.

After church we spent some more time chatting with friends and decided we were going to head to Boardman for lunch. We settled on a little pizza place right around the corner from Chuck-E-Cheeses where we had Merci's party. I was glad when our friends decided to join us. After lunch we headed to the worst place in the world for a birthday party on a Sunday afternoon! The ONLY reason we decided this year to have Merci's party at C-E-C is because of our current living circumstances. With just our family members alone we have about 15 people. Not to mention our friends and their children. Initially we thought it was a good idea. When we arrived the "party room" was completely full. Every table was marked reserved. We had to take up a line of booths at the front of the restaurant. It was CRAZY! There were so many people it was hard not to feel overwhelmed. After getting settled and every one's arrival, it didn't seem quite so bad. I still do not plan on doing that again!

Can we say..."EXPRESSIVE"?

So, now for the big news. We've got a house! I am so overwhelmed with joy, my heart is about to explode! There are many, many details but I will not bore you with them all. Basically, I ran into an acquaintance from our former church. After chit-chatting for awhile we got on the subject of her home. She and her husband have built a brand new home by Firestone Park in Columbiana. She told me that they were going to be moving out of their current house and asked if we might be interested. One thing lead to another and we went to see it this week. This house could not suit our families needs any better! Three good sized bedroom, newly re-done bathroom, newer kitchen with all new stainless steal appliances that are going to stay, yes that's right stay along with the washer and dryer! There is a sunroom and also a new back patio with fence. We will also have a full, dry, whether/water-proofed basement that will be great for a play area for the kids as well as storage. If I had the time and was not so tired I will tell you all the wonderful details that would just speak of how God has been so good to us. It is a true testimony to what God is able to do. And the awesome thing is that the couple that we are working with are Christians and feel just as blessed. They were not sure what they were going to do and then this all worked out not only for us but for them as well. Again, if I was not so tired I'd tell ya all about it. But for now, I had to share the joy. We made the official call tonight to them to let them know it was a definite "yes" on our end. We should be finalizing all the details in the next week or so and should be moved in by the beginning to mid-November. I can't say enough how good God has been to us. I'll be sure to post some pics ASAP!

Well, as mentioned, I'm beat. Also, as mentioned, my kids have had a rough week (sleep-wise) and have not been going to bed until late. Very late...for them. They have both been experiencing repercussions from the lack of sleep and so is Mommy! So, I will have to sign off for tonight. Until next time friends...TTFN