Head em up and Move em out

The day has finally come. Our military journey is nearing its end.
The first sign~ MARK HAS A JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He has taken a job with the Veteran's Administration in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He will be the FCIO (Facility Chief Information Officer) for the consolidated mail order outpatient pharmacy (CMOP). In laymen's terms he will ensure the computers that fill the prescriptions for our vets are up and running at all times. Over 70,000 prescriptions a day go through this facility. We are so proud of his hard work and thankful to God for allowing him this opportunity. We are excited about our new adventure and all that Tennessee has to offer! To our SC friends~ our doors will always be open!!

Today, our household goods were boxed and tomorrow they will be crated for shipment to the good ol' USA!!

Oh so Good!

Just had to post these pics of our crew enjoying some watermelon at beach. Boone loved it!!

So..... Do you have a job yet???

The question of the day for us lately has been- "Do you have a job yet?" The answer, as of today, is no. However, we trust that the Lord has it all worked out.

For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
Jeremiah 29: 11-12

Of course, I would be lying if I didn't say our stress is building. However, we are determined to enjoy our last weeks here in Gitmo. The kids are on their 5th week of school and working diligently so they will be able to take time off during our actual move. I am proud of their hard work thus far. Mark has had a few interviews, but hasn't heard back from any of them. He has applications in from VA, west to TN and down to FL. He recently went to the states and bought his long dreamed of truck (2006 Toyota Tundra) and a 2001 travel trailer. Our plan is to stay in the camper until we are able to move into a house, saving us a ton on hotel bills. I am sure that will be an adventure in itself!! Please lift us up in your prayers as we prepare for the the transition into civilian life. We look forward to being back within visiting distance soon!

Tucker

As part of our history this year we are journeying through the Eastern Hemisphere learning about the culturals of many different nations. We have already studied Oceania and this week wrapped up our study of Australia and New Zealand. As a final project the kids made salt dough maps of each country. Then, we had an Australia/New Zealand family night. The kids helped me make leg of lamb, roasted potatoes, beerroot (red beets) and damper bread. We completed the night with games, native desserts Pavlova and Anzac cookies, and the Crocodile Hunter movie. I love hands on learning!!

Boomerang

4 Year Anniversary

We celebrated 4 years on island this weekend. We spent time reflecting on how blessed we have been over the years. This duty station has provided us with life long friends and more memories than we can count. As our time here draws to a close in the next few months, 95 days to be exact, all we can say is that Gitmo has been good to us! These pictures were taken the week of our arrival in 2005. Boy, how the kids have grown! Oh, and we will be seeing that temporary furniture again very soon- our household goods will be packed up August 20th!

Happy Birthday America!!

We hope you all have a safe and relaxing 4th of July!! Now more than ever our nation needs our prayers. May each of us take a stand for the Christian principles this nation was founded upon. God Bless America!!

Relaxing on the Bay

Since Dad had the day off of work, we decided to head out for a nice cruise around the bay with our friends the Mowbrays. Everyone had a great time, except Andrew who asked to go home for the two hours of the trip. He finally relaxed and took a plunge off the side of the boat. He happily annouced as we were pulling into the marina, "that was a great trip!" LOL!!!!! Mark and the kids also took a jump off the old battleship pier on Hospital Cay.
I volunteered to take the pictures!

Our Birthday Girl

We celebrated our sweet Gracie's 9th birthday with all of our best friends at the pool. You might not be able to tell but her cake was supposed to be a beach ball. Due to the heat, it began to melt a bit! She loved her special day and everyone had a great time.


A special gift direct from Japan~ Thank you Monica~you are so sweet!

UMmm! UMmm! Good!

Andrew after eating his solar smores! (See post below)

Summer Fun

Due to the hot, humid and muggy weather here combined with a few sore throats, we have just been hanging out at the house this week. We made some solar smores and enjoyed playing (and eating in a few instances) with peanut butter playdough. As you can tell it was a big hit with Joy.