Monday, May 18, 2009

Tampa Bay

This weekend I was able to get away with my honey and just hang out in the new area we'll soon call home. I'm a straight shooter and pretty much say it like it is even if its not always incredibly flattering to me. This sucks! Yep, I said it. It does. A cross country move, last minute, so many loose ends, in a cruddy market with four kids who have built a life in AZ for the past five years uprooted STINKS! There are so many other reasons this is difficult but those shall remain off the blog to protect the innocent. ;)


I'm struggling. Yes I am. David is as well and he probably wouldn't want that on my blog but I always love going back and reading about "life" on my blog in the most raw of moments. It shows so beautifully the power of God and despite the valley we feel right now I know Gods in charge and no matter what His ways are perfect. Some of my blog buddies turned real life friends have been so supportive, calling, demanding I talk, one of them is even flying down to help me pack. I can't say enough about these friendships. Truly a gift. Girls, you know who you are. You make me smile, you encourage me and demand I call ya back. Thanks for the support, it means more then you know. Girls weekend.....SOON!


We would covet your prayers.


Pray specifically that our house here in AZ would be rented. That we find responsible caring people to care for our house like we would. Yes I believe in praying specifically. Pray that we would find a home in Tampa that is in a good neighborhood, decent in size, price, etc. We are looking to have a pool to try and keep some sense of "normal" for the kids. God knows the desires of our heart. Pray for wisdom as we have some pretty huge decisions coming up. Pray for the kids, this is rough. Pray for my strength, my joy, and that I would daily find the grace only God can give to extend that upon my children. Pray for David, he has a lot on his plate. Pray for peace in each of our hearts. God is good ALL the time and we 100% believe that.


All that heavy stuff out of the way.....how about some pictures? Tampa is beautiful. Well the beach is beautiful. Amazingly beautiful. There is lots to do and the kids will love it. We were on a house hunting mission and found nada! Nothing. Zero. Zippo. Zilch. Well I can't say nothing but nothing that would fall under suitable living conditions for our family. Sounds bratty? Maybe. However I can't stomach paying more money for a rental then I do on my mortgage and a rental with mismatched appliances and bright green counter tops doesn't make it any easier to swallow. God knows and while we found nothing this trip He knows just where we're supposed to live.




The sunsets are incredible!
Warm water at 75*

Near where David will be working. Amazing views.

And the storm rolling in.

That's a quick update on us, we're still not sure on the move timeline. Nichols softball team made playoffs, if they go all the way, championships will be the first weekend in June. GO TIDE!
I have a bunch of pictures and video I need to get up here. Nichol and her friend performed in the school talent show, they did an AMAZING job! School is wrapping up and things are pretty crazy around here. Olivia got her report card, she's 100% in all her classes but 1 (that was a 96%) we're so proud of her. Skyler completed his marble maze project which was a huge relief for all involved. He's so ready for school to be over with. Silas is well, Silas. I have some awesome video of our little self made gymnast, I'll post it soon.
I have been a terrible blog friend and want to catch up with all of you soon!

14 comments:

Christy. said...

Praying, praying, praying!!!

Can't wait to be there in two days. We will pack like crazy, laugh like crazy and have a fabulous time!!

Anonymous said...

Hang in there and lean on Him when you can't! Those pics look a lot like St. Pete or Clearwater...? I loved St. Pete and Clearwater both. Beautiful. The sunsets are beautiful. I will pray for strength for you and your fam as you are in this state of being overwhelmed!

Sarah said...

I'm praying for you like crazy! I so wish it would work for me to come down. I can't wait till your up here for a little while so we can hang out!! Miss you! I pray that things will fall together soon.

Bethany said...

:-) Love you friend, the right appropriate path for your family will be illuminated before long...hang on for dear life!

Have fun with Christy, I'm sad I'm not going :-( but will see you soooon enough!!

Loves!!

Sarah said...

Such a delight and a special gift to see and go where God is leading. In our missions life, we always move without visiting or seeing the nation beforehand. I know that as God leads, He will fill each and every step with joy.

Hugs for the adventure ahead,
Sarah Dawn

emily said...

Sweet sister- I love your authenticity and your heart. He is indeed good ALL the time and know that even this is for your good and His glory. It doesn't feel like that in the middle but hang on, I know many unknown blessing await your crew in sunny Florida!! :)

Elissa Hill said...

Wow that beach looks beautiful! And we are praying for you my friend. I know moving is soo hard, and packing well...it just sucks! : ). Here's a great Scriptures...

Isaiah 26:3 "He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in Him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord."

Missionary Hicks said...

So, I talked to Liv on Sunday. She told me she hopes you find the perfect house. No pressure. :)

Anonymous said...

oh, erica!! i cannot even imagine how hard this is on you...and the kids. i just hate it for you guys, i really do!!

i am looking forward to you be here in the southeast so that we can FINALLY meet! i know that is not much silver lining, but its all i got :)

God's Girl said...

Oh my goodness... I've been so behind in blogland too. Wow! wow! Aren't you thankful that we know that God is good? ...that He has a wonderful purpose for all that He does? It is so comforting when life gets crazy and the unknown things flood our hearts and minds.

I'm praying for you girl! Love you!

xoxoxo
Julie

Laura said...

love your stepping out in faith- even to be transparent with your feelings knowing that you WILL look back and see how God brought you through! God Bless!

Anonymous said...

Hi Erica,
My name is Kerriann and I am also from the Tampa Bay area. I am new to this blogging thing but I was hoping to be able to meet some new people along the way. There is a wonderful area called Westchase in the Tampa area, not sure where you all were looking for. Hope we can get to know each other.

Anonymous said...

Hi-
Yes Angie and I are cousins. We live in Tarpon Springs/Eastlake. Its not to far from tampa, about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. I actually work near Westchase. I pretty much know Tampa/St.Pete pretty good because I have a friend that has pretty much moved everywhere!

Mom to many said...

Prayers for you and your family --- Love the beautiful beach, though. Hope you find the perfect house and the transition goes smoothly!