Steve and Jenny Valentine

That's the question of the day...or past few weeks really!  Everyone seems to be asking,  " When are you leaving for Poland? "  If I am honest, I have to admit that sometimes I wince (on the inside of course) when people ask that question because it's a reminder to me of two things... 1. We haven't yet completed raising up monthly financial partners...and it's already been such a long journey and we still have 15% more to go, oy! AND 2. We are leaving Central Florida, the place we call home, and we are very sad about that. We are sad to be moving across the world, leaving those we love dearly who will remain on this side of the world. It's almost like a jab in the side every time someone asks that question as a painful reminder of our very present reality of leaving soon...whenever that may be! But, we also celebrate when we hear this question, because that means we are close! Closer to reaching the goal that will allow us to move into our next...

We are sitting here on the couch, discussing the events of the past 24 hours and finding ourselves grateful and in awe. We do not believe in chance or coincidence, but we believe God's hand was completely in orchestrating all parts of selling our home. TIMELINE of EVENTS: Thursday-sign paperwork to list house. Friday-Realtor listing home. Saturday (late night)-house was officially listed. Tuesday evening-message about showing the house on Wednesday (Found out that they would have shown it Tuesday instead but couldn't get a hold of us, only to find out they were dialing the wrong number!) Wednesday evening-potential buyers view the house. Wednesday later evening-call from our Realtor saying that the family will be sending an offer letter. Thursday (at 6:15am)- open email to find the offer letter. Thursday morning-conversations between Realtor and those making offer to finalize on an acceptable offer.  Thursday afternoon-set closing date for September 3, appraisal ...

Olivia turned three months old a couple weeks back. As I sat and nursed her the other night I thought about how she is a quarter of a year old already.  Wow...we have survived a quarter of a year with three kiddos.  OK, it's been a joyful (and hard) three months! For our family, Steve and I have agreed that the transition to three children was a lot more challenging then the transition to two children.  And here is what I would say to anyone reading this who may have not heard me say it already in person...every family's experience IS different!  I had people tell me going to three was easier, but most said it was harder.  However, I chose to believe the few that said it was easier and was quite shocked after Olivia was born and found myself in such a struggle as to figure out how to manage this beautiful (yet full) household of little blessings! Our littlest girly, Via (as Isaac so affectionately calls her!), is learning new things... She sucks fiercely on ...

As I begin to emerge from the fog that has been our lives over the first month, I can't help but be in a continual state of thankfulness.  Thankful for the gift of life, little Olivia's specifically.  Thankful for the gift of children the Lord has entrusted us with.  Thankful for the MANY people who have served us by bringing meals (literally we only had to cook a couple of times during the first month!). Thankful for my mom who served and cared for us all. Thankful that in the midst of tiredness, we are finding much joy.  Thankful for so many thoughtful gifts given. Thankful for encouraging reminders of God's love and grace toward us. Just THANKFUL! Olivia is the typical newborn. She sleeps, eats, well you know!  She likes to be near mama, doesn't mind the VERY loud sounds her brother and sister create (in fact sleeps right through it amazingly!), beginning to hold her head up and has very strong arms and legs (which makes diaper changes a bit challeng...

(Isaac at his 18 month photo shoot) {for pics only...keep scrolling...otherwise enjoy the details} Oh this little man steals our hearts over and over again each time we look at him!  I always imagined having a son but could never have dreamed how amazing it would be!  He is a delight and adds so much joy to our family. He truly reflects the meaning of his name, "he will laugh, brings laughter".  Only the Lord could have known that as we decided on a name for him over two years ago.  18-22 months has probably been my favorite age.  I have often told people, I really don't remember it being this fun when Karis was this age (maybe for the fact that I was surviving off little sleep with a newborn and trying to figure out how to parent her at the same time!)  There is a benefit I think in having this third child two years apart rather than 18 months.  Isaac has constantly kept us on our toes with each new thing he is into.  He is our gentl...