Harper's First Steps

Last night before bed, Harper was playing with her farm animals from a train set and took 4 steps towards Rob and I!  We're so proud!  Yay Harper!  This is a video from this morning.

Harper 11 months 016.MP4

We just had our four year anniversary on August 4th!  Rob had to work, but we were able to get out for the evening, thanks to our friend, Dan for babysitting.  There was a beautiful scenic drive out to the restaurant named Maxine's Fine Dining.  Because it was a Wednesday night around 8pm, we were the only ones there after one couple left at the beginning.  It was great!  And then, a severe storm hit the area during dessert and we both thought we were going to get hit by lightning while getting to the car.  Of course I wore my highest black heels and tried my best to walk without falling in the rain....so ROMANTIC!  Dinner was such a treat and we can't wait to go back.  Especially during the Fall on the deck while the trees are changing colors. 

Yay for Monday

Harper and I went to Michigan for about a week and traveled back with my mom.  She was here for the last week and just left yesterday.  I'm trying to get over a cold from being worn down and get back to a routine after about a month.  When things started to settle down and I had a moment to pause, I felt like the Lord started to flood my thoughts with all the things I had been missing, not listening to, and too busy to recognize. 

Pheeewwww!  Now all I have to do is get over this sore throat and refocus and re-prioritize.  Do you have those wake up calls?  Especially when I get sick and everything has to stop.  When I have no chose but to be sick.  I'm reminded that I can't do anything if I'm not taking care of my health. 

Raborn B & B

When Rob and I moved to Kentucky and then to Virginia, it was important for us to find a place with a second bedroom and then third when Harper was born, for any guests that would stop by.   We definitely love having people visit us and getting to love on them by cookin' up some good food and showing them hospitality the best way we know how!  A little banana pancakes, bacon, and french-pressed coffee....

So, this summer is starting out very similar to last summer in Wilmore.  My brother (Paul) and sister-in-law (Annette) are visiting this weekend and then my sister (Margie) will be staying with us for the first week in July....followed by Rob's Ema and brother (Trevor) for a couple of days and our friends the Boyds for a night, then my mom is visiting the 3rd week of July for her birthday.  Phewww....then, we will have Rob's mom come in August.  Love, love, love the fam and friends...keep it coming! 

Holliday Lake State Park

We've been making day trips to the state parks near Farmville and today we ventured out to Holliday Lake that was pretty amazing!  They had a beach area, lots of picnic areas, and paddle boats.

Professional Mover!

Today we said goodbye to our friends, The Boyds, that left this morning for Winston Salem.  We met them about 5 months ago, shortly after we moved to Farmville.  They were our welcoming crew...you know those people that are just really good at making people feel like they made the right decision to move and a provide a big sigh of relief that the Lord has yet again provided people that you connect with!! He is so good and keeps providing those relationships for Rob and I.  And let me tell you, we don't take that for granted and really feel so blessed that the Lord cares about those small things He knows will make us so happy.

So to the Boyds, Strebecks, and Mostroms...we are praying for you and your transitions.  That the Lord will provide those people again to your family to be life-giving, encouraging, and community that helps you continue serving the Lord.