life as we've known it...

{I realized that I never posted these pictures from our Christmas card/family photo session, so here they are...6 months later.} 

There is one thing I have left out of those past catch-up posts. And it's kinda major. While this news is its own post, truly it has permeated throughout every day and activity over the last several months.

We are doing something new. While we have had a lot going on, we have also had a lot of lasts.

So, let me just begin by saying...we are moving. We will be leaving the home we have made in Sandersville and closing this chapter of our lives. Joe and I are answering God's call on our family to plant a church. A two-year process with the Methodist church (and truthfully, several year process in our hearts) has led us on an emotional roller coaster of highs and lows, stops and starts, and eventually to the outcome we were hoping for when the appointment became official in March.

In June, we will be moving south to Valdosta where we will begin building a church. From nothing. We believe God is calling us to reach the unchurched, to make disciples, and to do our part in growing His kingdom.

God's will be done.

When God invites us to be a part of what He's doing, it's not so we can bless Him. It's so He can bless us.

This is a leap of faith, obviously. There is no one waiting for us on the other end. We don't know anyone (other than our realtor). Joe will be making much less. I will have to work, too. And together we will work to start this church. As I have told some, we have many challenges and uncertainty ahead of us, but we have God. And He is all the certainty we need.

Remembering God's faithfulness in the past lets us embrace the difficulties of the present and the uncertainties of the future.

We are excited...and, yes, scared. We are sad to leave Sandersville, the home we have loved for five years, and for the special friendships we have made. We are dreading the goodbye. I have found that the tears come easily.

But we are ready to begin this new chapter.

The news of our leaving was announced to the church on April 3. The following Sunday, Joe and I spoke to the congregation. We wanted to share the story of our calling to plant a church and our journey over the last few years to answer this call. It was tough. Joe and I alternated our perspectives and stories. Really I kept it together just fine, until I looked up at one point and saw several of our friends and members of our church family crying. By the end of our message, and especially after the closing hymn, "Here I am, Lord", there weren't many dry eyes. 

The tears affirmed how much our church loves us, for which we are so grateful and encouraged. Joe and I were humbled at the outpouring of love and support. So many kind words.

It was difficult the last several months - even the last year - not being able to talk about this endeavor. The Methodist church leadership told us to wait. We waited and waited, and waited. Even our family didn't know for a long time. This calling to start a church was a well-kept secret between just a few people for almost two years.

Not being able to share with our closest friends was hard. I have a girls small group that meets once a week, where we share and discuss everything from parenting to marriage to faith. We've been doing life together for a couple of years now and I love and pray for these girls daily. It was weird not being able to talk about the biggest thing in my life. Joe had a few conference peers that he could talk to, but most of his friends and our couple friends were in the dark. That was awkward and felt almost dishonest at times.

At the same time, we didn't really want to talk about it until we knew it was going to happen. The way the church works with pastoral appointments, there were no guarantees. So everything is kept confidential until the bishop and his cabinet start making things official. Of course once the appointment is official, the news can be shared.

And the weight could fall off our shoulders.

God's process may be long, but His plan is perfect.

It was weird writing the last several posts of all we have been up to without that little (or big) detail, because in between all of the activities and trips, we've been sharing the news, getting ready to move, finding a home, and trying to live each day to the fullest.

For those that read this, I ask you to pray for us!

Pray that God will continue to lead us in what we confidently know He has called us to do...

For discernment in this process and peace in knowing He will provide...

That His purposes and plans for us will be revealed...

For the people in Valdosta He will raise up as leaders to help us start this church...

For those that will come to know Jesus through our ministry...

For our church here in a time of transition...

And for our family as we say goodbye and settle in a new home.



We know the power of prayer, and we greatly appreciate those you lift up for us.

Father, help me trust my unknown future to you, the known God.

{Words in italics are from Proverbs 31 Ministries' First 5 devotionals I have saved...These devotionals have been an amazing source of peace and encouragement for me.}

catching up: part one {easter and spring break}

It's the end of April and I know I haven't blogged in quite a while (again). It's been on the to-do list, but I just haven't had the spare time...or made the time, rather. And we've had a lot going on (more to come on that later...).

Easter was nice. Joe's family was all here, and the rain that threatened held off until the afternoon. Hannah and Joseph got up early enough to check out their baskets before Daddy had to leave. I took the kids with me to the sunrise service, dressed in their new Easter clothes. Hannah went last year but it was special having them both there this year.

We came back home to make Empty Tomb rolls, a tradition we started last year. I love the focus this activity puts on the real meaning of Easter. I really try to make Easter about Jesus, but it is not easy to do with all the parties, egg hunts and baskets of candy and toys. Of course I love putting together baskets for the kids filled with stuff they'll love, and have no plan in stopping that, but I try to keep it under control.

Once Gran Gran and Poppy, Aunt Sarah, Aunt Betsy, Liam and Marshall were all here, we went to the church for the egg hunt and worship service. I got tears in my eyes as we sang "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" as is so easy for me to do.

We came home and had lunch - or feast, actually - prepared by Gran Gran. The kids played outside, getting their nice clothes all dirty but having a great time while we watched.

Meme came in town for the night and brought Easter goodies for all four of us. It was back to school on Monday morning and one more week of school before spring break. Hannah and Joseph had their last soccer game and Joseph missed a couple days of school with strep. I don't like when my babies are sick, but I love the special time I get to spend with them alone.

That Friday we hit the road.

We enjoyed a full, but fun, spring break. Joe performed a wedding for a church member on Amelia Island and we enjoyed the little getaway. The kids had plenty of fun playing with Meme in Savannah, including celebrating Joseph's birthday early at their favorite "cook-on-the-table" Japanese place.

In other news, Hannah lost her two front teeth!!! Not kidding, one that Tuesday night and the other one the next. In between, on the one day they had at home during the break, they played Jesus in the backyard. Completely thought up on their own. I looked up from reading and Hannah was "washing the disciples feet".

There was also plenty of silliness, as there usually is with these two.

Granddaddy and Mrs. Renee went to Hawaii and sent surprises which these cuties were happy to model:

And it's time for school pick-up. Second (and way fun) part of spring break ahead. To be continued...

the week of christmas

But first, Merry Christmas from the Bucks!

We hope you and yours have had a wonderful Christmas and are still enjoying the holidays. Since my last post, we have gone to parties, spent time with family, played, celebrated, gone out of town, cuddled and watched movies, and slept in (well, I have). So here's to catching up on this last day of 2015, starting with Christmas week...

The Sunday before Christmas was packed full. We attended a party following church, our friends' the Bibb's Nip, Nibble and Nog. It's pretty much all of our friends with children - young and old - and is a really good time. The hosts, Deana and Ken, are dear friends of ours and their house is lovely (and very old). Deana is also in my small group, so we've gotten pretty close over the years.

At 3 o'clock, Hannah and I went to a mother-daughter tea. It was hosted by the cute twins pictured below, Anne Marie and Emerson, and their little cousin (and good friend Brannen's daughter), Pierce - wearing the white bow below.

Hannah and I have gone the last three years and we always have a great time, sipping tea (and lemonade) and eating super-yummy sweets. This was the first year that Hannah's age wasn't the youngest, so several of my friends who have younger girls were there. My daughter was also excited to be wearing a Christmas dress she picked out with Meme several months ago.

Hannah wanted to take a picture of the mommies, as I was trying to get a group of little ones together.

Afterwards, we swung by the house to pick up the boys and headed to see a local church's live nativity. We all enjoyed that, and the snacks and playground following. ;)

That night, Joe and I attended a big annual Christmas party here. It is hosted by a church member but the attendees are a mix of all ages. We had a nice time and enjoyed catching up with friends sans kids. It was an exciting and fun, yet exhausting day.

On Monday, we prepared and cleaned the house, ran errands, and distributed candy canes - leaving them hanging on doorknobs and running away. Hannah and Joseph love to do this sort of thing, and I love the lessons it teaches them.

We hosted my Thursday morning girls small group get-together that night. Everyone brought appetizers and an ornament to swap. We all put in money to provide the local food pantry with a bunch of peanut butter, as protein is something food banks love to receive and usually need this time of year. The peanut butter jars were stacked high in a pyramid so everyone could see what we did together.

That's six of us. There are two more, Rebecca and Meg, who weren't able to come.

Tuesday was my 35th birthday. 35...sounds like a big number, but that doesn't bother me. I received calls and texts and Facebook messages, cards and gifts. Joe took me out to my favorite restaurant in nearby Milledgeville, Aubri Lane's. Our sweet friends, Benjie and Jennifer joined us. {My Dad and brother, Will, are in competition to see who can buy the best "Merry Birthday" card.}

It was a good day and I've had a pretty great year. Looking forward to see what the next year has in store!

While Wednesday was pretty low-key at home, we did join Joe's staff for lunch and run errands. These two little elves and Santa dog are my helpers....

On Christmas Eve we delivered groceries to some of the DFACS foster families. I try to find ways to help and do for others, especially around Christmas, and I love how my babies are eager to do the same. It really puts the focus on where it should be - loving and giving the way Jesus taught us to.

Our church's candlelight service is one of my favorites. I love the music, the festive clothes on all the children, hearing the Christmas story read, and the candlelit singing of "Silent Night" at the end. Seeing both of my babies with their candles, watching the glow and mesmerized by how beautiful the church looks is priceless. I have to take a mental picture...

This year's service was the best ever. While the weather was terrible with thunderstorms threatening the peace-filled night, my heart was full to the brim listening to my husband and baby girl singing their first duet during the gathering music.

"Go Tell It On The Mountain" is one of our favorites and we sing it often when we tuck Hannah and Joseph in. Hannah knows every bit by heart, and Joseph can almost sing it by himself.

I tried to hold my phone still so I could video, all along my eyes filling up with tears. Hannah's voice was so sweet and she sounded so good, all bias aside. If you listen closely, you can hear Joseph talking about his sister...proud little brother he was!

We went to a Christmas Eve get-together after church, as we have done every year since living in Sandersville. Other than last year when someone else hosted it, we've gone to our friends' Helen and Charles' house. They have a beautiful home, and it is always a fun way to end the night, enjoying delicious food and surrounded by friends.

It was a late, and rainy, night. Our babies were excited to head home, put out cookies and milk for Santa, and go to bed. They were asleep just about as soon as their little heads hit their pillows. Joe and I were up a little while longer, making preparations for the next morning!

advent goings and doings

Good Saturday Morning to you, my few loyal readers! :) Since my last post, we have done all sorts of Christmassy things. Our Advent calendar has guided several opportunities to serve and do for others, as well as surprised the kiddos with fun plans.

Included in the goings and doings of the last few weeks... 

We have finished up our shopping, including picking out a nice dog bed and new collar for Mollie. It was really important to my babies, especially since losing Chloe, to have Christmas gifts for our sweet black dog. They had to test out the bed (on the floor in Walmart):

We have spent several afternoons popping popcorn (on the stove!) and watching movies. I have to tell you, now that I know how to do it the real way and it tastes so much better, I don't think I'll ever go back to the microwave. Love these faces:

We attended Christmas on the Square in downtown Sandersville. We've never been, as that is always the same night (first Thursday of December) as the district pastors' Christmas party. This year, Joe went solo to that, and I took Hannah and Joseph to participate in the children's parade. 

{Dinner at Waffle House afterwards...always a treat!}

We had some friends over for a last-minute get-together. Joe did custom pizzas and it was perfectly laid-back and fun.

Joseph was my big helper in tree decorating; we hung all the ornaments on the big playroom tree in no time. And only broke four or so. 

Hannah had a few Oratorical Club performances, one at a civic club and two at the school. She is doing well and enjoying that. We like that it gives her exposure to people of various ages and ups her confidence in public speaking. The students range from kindergarten to second grade and Hannah's teacher, who she adores, is one of the advisors.

We had snow. No, not snow. Sand. Lots of sand dumped and spread around our front and side yards to even them out. Ever since our new driveway was put in, we've had issues and need to backfill. There were also holes here and there from the massive trees that have been taken down in the last few years. Don't worry, you know I took a video for Joseph to see the Bobcat moving the sand all around. 

The kids liked how it looked like it snowed at our house and have had a great time playing in the sand... 

On one recent afternoon I looked out the kitchen window (while peeling a cutie for Joseph), to see something moving way up in the magnolia tree. It was my little monkey girl. It about freaked me out, but once I saw she was ok and having a grand old time, I grabbed my phone to take pictures.

{Granddaddy started her climbing on that tree when he was here for a visit earlier in the year. I knew she climbed on it when out in the backyard, but I had no idea how high she went up. That child is going to keep me on my toes...}

We squeezed in a super-short but fun trip last weekend, visiting with family and playing in Savannah. 

Going to see the Salvation Army House of Lights is a Christmas tradition in our family. We park the car and walk around a display that spans three houses.

{Unfortunately, Joseph got sick that night with what we thought was food poisoning but later realized was a stomach bug. I got it, too, and it was a hard one to shake.}

Saturday morning, after a family pancake breakfast out, we took Hannah ice skating for the very first time! Nobody fell and she loved it!

Then we picked up Joseph and headed out to Burnside Island where we played at Gran Gran and Poppy's and took full advantage of the beautiful weather by having lunch on the dock.

Between the dock and the garage door, Joseph had a ball! Neither child wanted to leave. But, we had made plans to meet Meme at the mall for mani/pedis and that was awesome! (I can't remember my last...a year ago, maybe?!)

We arrived in Savannah on Friday afternoon and left after 8 o'clock Saturday night. It was a short stay, but we packed in a lot of fun. Before leaving, Meme surprised me with a little early-birthday celebration. Hannah and Joseph were very excited about the cake and watching me unwrap some presents.

We also gave Stella her presents! 

I'm thankful Joe convinced me to go to Savannah. I really didn't want to give up a quiet weekend at home to wrap presents and be lazy, but I'm glad I did. The next morning was our Christmas Cantata at church. Both Joe and I joined the choir to sing. 

Then came this week, the last week of school. Joseph's class went on a field trip to the Milledgeville library to see Santa on Monday. I "stealed him away" and we went to run errands and have lunch with his friend, Weston and my friend, Rebecca, before heading back home. 

...Which brought even more excitement, because the demolition of Daddy's office was underway and we got to watch it!!

The construction superintendent gave them both bricks...highly treasured souvenirs from many memories spent at Joe's office for the last 4 1/2 years. 

Hannah had a Polar Express party at school, for which to attend she had to earn a "golden ticket" with good behavior. Joseph also had a Polar Express viewing and both had their class parties. While Joseph unwrapped a gift I brought for him, the big kids in kindergarten got to do a swap.

...Hannah even talked me into going on the playground with her class yesterday. (It was so cold!)

Yesterday afternoon in the Advent calendar there was a last-day-of-school surprise: a trip to Milledgeville to see the new Chipmunks movie. It was their first time going to the movies and they were thrilled! After we dropped Joe off to swim some laps, I drove the kids through one of those moving car washes. Also a first...they were excited, and hysterical:

The movie was entertaining and we all enjoyed it. Of course, we also loved the popcorn and candy.

And now it's the Saturday before Christmas! A true stay-home day. A chance for me, still in my pajamas, to write this update and do some things around the house. Tomorrow is a really busy day.