TUCKAHOE DRIVE..... thank you for some great memories!
(first month at Tuckahoe, trying to fix the yard)
As I finally have time to update our blog, it has started to sink in that a new chapter is approaching for the Smith family on Tuckahoe Drive. We have been blessed to live on Tuckahoe Drive since August 2005. Five years later, we are moving! We have loved this home and I know that it will be bitter sweet leaving. This home carries so many great memories!
(the night Josh asked me to marry him!)
First- Josh and I were newlyweds in this home. Josh moved in August 2005 and began his study's at Christopher Newport University. I joined him in October of the same year after we were married. The first couple years of our marriage took place in this home, jobs at Lowes, CNU and the adventures of experiencing living on our own for the first time. Those couple of years will always be so precious.
(eight months pregnant, relaxing with Max (left) and Toby (right))
Secondly- Payton was yes, conceived in this home. (laughing as I type this) I found out I was pregnant one evening in March 2008 that we would be expecting our first bundle of joy that winter. The shock of the reality of things to come was faced in this home. Josh had just started working at Northrop Grumman and I had finally reached a position at CNU that I loved in the Career Development department. Life was going to change in a big way... all while living in this home.
Thirdly- Payton was brought home to this house in December 2008 (though born on November 30th). My mother had a sign (homemade) in the front yard as we returned from the hospital. Our doggies sat in the window anticipating Payton's arrival as well as mine. I will always tear up thinking about the first year of Payton's life in this home. Her first time sitting up, smiling, crawling, walking... her first BIRTHDAY party, first Christmas and so much more. Knowing that Payton will more than likely never remember those moments in this house will be sad for me but I know a part of life. I will miss being reminded of those moments as I walk through this home for just a month or so longer.
from daddy's garden
birthday celebration
Lastly- I will miss our Tuckahoe Homegroup meetings on Wednesday evenings. For a couple years now we have hosted bible study in this home. We have made amazing friends (which are not going away) and have created a strong community. I will miss having these folks over weekly and growing together through our Lord and Savior. Though I know some of the people that attend on Wednesday evenings will join us at our new home, things will not be the same. Adjustment for us will be needed--- still doesn't change the wonderful memories or girls nights, ROCK BAND night, game nights, Murder Mystery Dinner parties and so much more. Our love for our Tuckahoe family will go on, but change is inevitable.
So some of you may be wondering, WHERE ARE YOU MOVING? If all goes well, we are scheduled to close on our new home April 23, 2010. Only a couple weeks away and I have yet to pack ANYTHING. HA! I think I am in denial but at the same time I am very excited. We will be moving across town to a home closer to church on Wedgewood Drive! (close to Big Bethel Reservoir) More info on our new home to come soon once we close! However, the idea of our FIRST home that we will own is exciting and scary all at the same time. We continue to pray to the ONE in control as we approach closing. From the beginning we have felt His peace over this home. We are so thankful that so far everything has run smoothly. We'll see what the future holds but we are thankful we know WHO holds the future.
As for our Tuckahoe good byes.... We will miss our wonderful neighbors that have been such a big part of our lives. The Wilsons (now in Italy), the Lassons, Joe and Kathy, and Fran, Ben and Katarina-- sweet neighbors we will always hold dear in our hearts. We plan to keep in touch with them and only pray that our new neighbors will be just as amazing! Time will only tell...
Until our next post, please be praying for us as we prepare for our BIG MOVE. Tuckahoe Sundays is coming to an end.... but Wedgewood Wednesdays will bring new adventures! (cheesy I know.. :) )
We would also like to extend a HUGE thank you to my parents who have blessed us beyond what any parent should, by allowing us to stay in the Tuckahoe home for five years. We love you guys! May God bless you two with continued blessings for your loving kindness.
----------------------- Prayer Needs and upcoming events ------------------------
-My brother-n-law, David is home safely for two weeks of R&R from Afghanistan. Please keep Priscilla (my sister) and their children, lil'D, Izzy and Solomon in your prayers as they spend such a short period of time together before he heads back for six more months.
-Pray for my sister Kimberly and her husband Tony as they began the adoption process for a boy/their hopeful new son, Joshua from Ethiopia. Joshua will be joining three sisters and one brother my sister and brother-in-law adopted from the Ukraine this time last year. God is so good and I can not wait for another nephew!
-Keep my sister Jessica and her husband, Rick in your prayers as they FINALLY will be together in May. Jessica will be leaving Hawaii and will be joining Rick at Ft. Drum, NY. They are scheduled to leave for Afghanistan in September this year for a 12 month tour. Great honeymoon, right? Please lift them up!
-Josh's sister and brother-in-law are moving to a new home this weekend. Please keep them in your prayers as they move to a new home with their five children (sixth one is on the way in August!). May this move be as stress free as possible!
Thank you for your prayers!
