Kentucky

When we moved to Kentucky, I didn't know what to expect. I had heard it would be green and lush and humid in summer...but I still wasn't prepared for the beauty of it. I changed my blog background to show all of you what Kentucky looks like right now. During the three weeks Grace and I were away, the entire state blossomed into a green wonderland. I know Texas will have green areas as well, but I will really miss looking out my front windows and seeing nothing but my favorite color carpeting the earth. It makes me happy to see the wonders God has created here.

I decided to start reading the books and authors I have always wanted to. C.S. Lewis is first on the list. I borrowed some books from my friend Tami to get started and Mere Christianity is what I picked first. He was such a wise and persuasive man. I know of a sureity with every fiber in my being that there is a God and that his hand guides all things...but in case I had any doubt all I needed to do was read this book. He approaches the existence of deity from a logical perspective and it just seems to reaffirm my testimony. So, thank you to C.S. Lewis for strengthening my resolve to make it to the end.

Our family has been tried lately. Both individually and as a whole. We are in no way weaker than before, in fact, we are stronger. We have bound our little family to our Savior and the gospel in order to overcome our "road humps" (as they call them in Kentucky). Matt is trying his hardest to be the best Tank Commander he can be and he has now reached the point of being tested on his capability. He is stressed and tired. He has 2 weeks of almost pure testing in the field and classroom in order to determine if he graduates or if he needs a bit more practice. I will keep you all posted as to our progress.

P.S. Grace pulls herself up to absolutely everything...may be walking soon.
Matt and I have been trying to get in touch more with our spiritual selves.
Matt is working very hard to meet the requirements for BOLC III.
We are still in the homebuying process...

Success!

The seller counteroffered and we accepted. We close on June 19th and we will be the proud owners of our first home. We can't wait to make it our own. We can paint walls, decorate a nursery for Grace and plant whatever we want in our garden! If only we weren't moving there in the hottest month of the year!

Househunting

Grace and I have been in Texas for the past week. We looked at nearly 30 houses and were getting a bit tired and discouraged. Then we found two viable options and starting the bidding on Saturday. We were so excited to start the paperwork when we met with our realtor...but sadly the house we had decided on was under contract since that morning. Turns out they were negotiating the whole time we had been looking at it. Talk about ridiculous! Luckily we had a backup house in mind and we put an offer on it instead. Now we are playing the waiting game, which I have to admit is absolute torture! I leave on Tuesday morning, and I desperately want to have this all figured out before I go home to Kentucky. The house is cute, but could definitely use some Matt Merrill inspired curb appeal. It has 3 bedrooms and a simple backyard. The best part of the house is actually the neighborhood that it's in. It's called Morse Valley and houses typically sell for quite a bit more there (they are typically much bigger and lavish than the one we have bid on). The house is also located within a mile of the LDS church, which is the only one for miles around.

I wish I could read minds and know what the seller is thinking....