Apr. 3, 2007 - Girlies and Time Away
Thought I'd try my hand at posting a photo since I LOVE to see my friends' photos on their blogs and I found flickr! Here are my girlies. This photo is nearly a year old, so they are even more beautiful now. I'll have to see if I have a more recent one that isn't as dark! They aren't in age order here; the one on the far right is #2, but she is taller and more outgoing than my #1 so everyone always thinks she is the oldest.
This particular photo was taken on Ft. Myers beach last spring. My husband is a minister, and our church does an incredible thing... in their 7th year at the church, the ministers are given a six week sabbatical. No study requirements or anything... simply time away. They give a little extra money to make it possible for the families to leave town. Words cannot describe how incredible our time away last year was. To be away from responsibilites, phones, email, needs... it was so refreshing. We were able to simply pour into each other and relax. I wish every church would do something like this for their staff. It shows them they are valued and I really believe it helps them keep their ministers longer. I am thankful to be at a church that takes such good care of their ministers. Of course there are definitely the regular tough times and frustrations and hurtful moments working at a church, but we are very aware that we are greatly blessed.
We as a family are still reaping the benefits of our time away last year! It made us recognize, too, that we want to do everything we can to ensure we take a vacation of some sort AWAY from town each year. Last year was the vacation of our life, but I know that ANY time I have away with just my little family I will treasure for years. In just a few weeks, we'll be heading out to Pennsylvania- Gettysburg and Hershey, and Ocean City Maryland (never been- any advice??) and Washington DC (if I can find an affordable place to stay!!). We can't wait! Money is of course always tight here, and we are saving every penny to get away. Tomorrow I have a craft show (I am SO not crafty! I'm the fraud there among actually talented people); pray I make some mega $$ for our trip! :)
Stay tuned for better pics of my gorgeous girlies.
Comments
Apr. 3, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 2peter318
They are beautiful girls. It's such a blessing to hear what your church does for your husband and the family. That is really great. Take pictures on your next trip and be sure to share. :)
JoAnn
Apr. 3, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Honeybee
Well! We're getting ready to head out east too! We're taking a bit of a different route--also hitting Jamestown for the 400th anniversary and then Mount Vernon, but we'll also hit DC and Gettysburg. I can tell you from hard learned experience, Hershey is expensive and boring! (unless you are going to the amusement park, which didn't appear like any great thing.) We felt we had wasted our day and wished we had spent more time in Gettysburg. That's why we're going back! This was 3 1/2 years ago. There is the chocolate thing, though... :) If you like Boyd's Bears, there is a huge HUGE place by Gettysburg. You could probably google it. They often have re-enactments (Civil War) there. I'll look for it and post it. Happy planning!
Melissa
Apr. 3, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Honeybee
Here's the link!
http://www.boydsbearcountry.com/index.cfm
Apr. 3, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by debbiecorley
Hi friend,
I sent you a long (and possibly depressing) email. Hope you still like me after you read it. HA!
As for advice on vacation, I can't offer any. I grew up in MD. So, Ocean City was our beach spot. And my mom worked at the House of Representatives for 20 years...BUT... we moved away 11 years ago and I have not experienced those places (DC or OC) as an adult/mom. So, I'm clueless. Hope you all have a blast!
Apr. 3, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by SmallWorld
Great picture! I've enjoyed reading through your posts and getting to "know" you better!
Apr. 3, 2007 - Stopping by
Posted by weesma
I've been meaning to say "hi" for a while. Thanks for the post you left at my blog!
The last time I stopped by your blog to leave a post, I got distracted by the Spring Reading Fling and followed that link. Fun!
We went to Gettysburg 6 years ago on my oldest daughter's senior trip. We really enjoyed it, being big fans of the movie, "Gettysburg".
Have a great trip!
Joanna
Apr. 3, 2007 - What cuties!!
Posted by FaithfulGrace
Your daughters are beautiful.
I'm praying your weekend is fruitful!
I hope to go out east someday.
I look forward to seeing those pictures, too.
Blessings,
Linda
Apr. 3, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by nsremom
They indeed are soooo cute. You had them not in age order....but coordinated by clothes. :) A girly way of doing it.
I do think that your church seems to treasure you guys. What a wonderful gift! A vacation time, wow. And a bit of cash to go with it? Ideal! Our company gives my husband the vacation time w/ pay, but our pay is just enough, so where in the world are we going to come up with the cash?
we don't, so we end up camping a bunch in the summers. The kids are crazy about camping. And it's cheap!
Apr. 11, 2007 - hi and congrats
Posted by Jimmie
I see that you're nominated for best NEW blogger! Congrats! Four girls! Oh, you are so blessed!!! How wonderful! I love your thoughts about ministry. So glad that you love it!
Apr. 17, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by PumpkinsMomma
That is so amazing to get a 6 week vacation! I am sure that was such a wonderful time together as a family. I hope you will get to take another one soon, a good vacation is really restful and recharging!
marie
