Big Brother

For those of you who haven't yet heard - Joseph is going to be a big brother in the spring. So far Joseph is pretty excited about it. We'll see how he feels when it actually happens. I am almost through the first trimester and am looking forward to regaining some energy soon!

Our weekend

The Swearingen Family took an extended road trip for Labor Day weekend. Friday morning we hit the road early and traveled up to Indianapolis. We were so glad that we were able to be with our family at Laurie's Home-Going Celebration. The service was truly a fitting celebration and reflected not only her family's love for her, but her love of Jesus. You can read all about the celebration on Laurie's blog - Up a Paddle.

Saturday after the service and luncheon, we hit the road again for Nashville. We stopped off in Franklin, KY for a quick visit with Nanny (Christopher's grandmother). We also had a bit of a detour on 65 South through Kentucky and got to see some scenic Amish country.

Christopher spent Sunday afternoon/evening with some friends drafting for their Fantasy Football Leagues. In the past we have spent Labor Day weekend with these friends in Atlanta. However, they have moved to Nashville and we have moved to Little Rock. . . . . still only a 5 hour drive. . . just a different venue. I spent the afternoon shopping with my sister-in-law Aftin and Joseph spent the day playing with his Papa & Nana.

We hopped back in the car yesterday at noon and headed back to Little Rock. Six different states in the first two days. . . . . and Joseph was such a trooper the whole time.

settling in. . . .

we are still settling in and getting acquainted with Little Rock. Joseph & I have scoped out the local library and got our library cards. since many of Joseph's toys and books are in storage, this has been nice for a little added variety.

we'll soon be checking out the Verizon Center for Joseph's first concert experience. we have purchased tickets to Playhouse Disney Live! for his birthday weekend. I hope he likes it as much as he loved Disney World. He has been pretty enthralled by the commercials for it.

we have also checked out a few of the local restaurants. . . and are glad to have a couple of fave's (i.e. Moe's) close by. we have not found a Santi's though. *sob*

for Laurie - who flew to Jesus this morning

	Chris Rice - Untitled Hymn (Come To Jesus) Lyrics Weak and wounded sinner Lost and left to die O, raise your head, for love is passing by Come to Jesus Come to Jesus Come to Jesus and live! Now your burden's lifted And carried far away And precious blood has washed away the stain, so Sing to Jesus Sing to Jesus Sing to Jesus and live! And like a newborn baby Don't be afraid to crawl And remember when you walk Sometimes we fall...so Fall on Jesus Fall on Jesus Fall on Jesus and live! Sometimes the way is lonely And steep and filled with pain So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then Cry to Jesus Cry to Jesus Cry to Jesus and live! O, and when the love spills over And music fills the night And when you can't contain your joy inside, then Dance for Jesus Dance for Jesus Dance for Jesus and live! And with your final heartbeat Kiss the world goodbye Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and Fly to Jesus Fly to Jesus Fly to Jesus and live!

Laurie

Hello friends. . . . sorry it's been so long without an update. We are settling into Little Rock life. Christopher started his job, we've been visiting churches and we have a contract on a house. Crazy times. I will update more on all of this later.

I have mentioned my sister's mother-in-law Laurie to you all before and I ask you all to please pray for her and the Strand family as they go through these final days together.

Little Rock

So - we are living in Little Rock now. We left Charleston last Friday after watching the movers load our stuff all day. Quite honestly, it would have been much quicker for us (and sweet friends) to load up a truck and head out. But in the long run, having movers is a good thing. First of all - we didn't have to drive separately to Little Rock. We just loaded up our car and left. Secondly - the movers came by our apartment with a special load of things we'll need for the next month or so and put everything else in storage. Thirdly - the hospital was billed for everything. But I will say that moving day was one of the longest in history. Especially in light of the fact that we found out they were coming the evening before while at dinner. So Christopher & I stayed up late and rose early to get all those final things in boxes. I took Joseph for his final day of school and when I brought him home, the movers were there. This freaked him out a little bit even though we had talked quite a bit about it. By the time the movers were done (7 pm) we had decided it was too late to try to drive to Nashville that night. So we stayed in Augusta and then only had about 5 hours to drive on Saturday. We spent Saturday and Sunday in Nashville with Christopher's family and got to our corporate apartment in Little Rock on Monday afternoon. This week we've been busy getting settled, house hunting and becoming acquainted with our new town.

This move has been surreal in many ways . . . especially since it feels a bit like we're on a vacation of sorts. Christopher starts his new job on Monday and I'm sure reality will start to soak in soon.

packing break

yesterday Angela & I took our little Joes to the Splash Park for a couple of hours. it was nice to have a little break from the packing and especially nice to have another chance to hang out with Angela. the boys have fun together too.

Good-bye Party (a.k.a. amazing extravaganza at the Root's)

Our friends, David & Kim Root, hosted a wonderful good-bye party for us over the weekend. Again - we are so blessed to have a wonderful church family. Thanks to everyone for coming and spending time with us on Saturday. We love you all!!!

Joseph & Abby

The third post regarding things we'll miss about Charleston

our church.

We have loved being a part of Redeemer Presbyterian church for the last five years as Deacon, Christian Education Teachers, Wedding Director and Community Group Hosts. We will miss our church family more than we can say. They have adopted us and loved us well.

A few of my high school girls. I will miss teaching/learning from them.

The second post regarding things we'll miss about Charleston

Anna!

Anna is one of Joseph's favorite friends/babysitters. He gets very excited when he knows she's coming over (or meeting us at Santi's) and runs to door yelling "Anna! Anna! Anna!" We've especially enjoyed Anna coming to our house every Monday evening to watch The Bachelor/Bachelorette. We will all miss her!