Bartlesville

In the small town of Bartlesville, there are big things happening. Dave and I moved from this  lazy, little town of 40,000 a little over 3 years ago. Moving from there was very difficult because we left family and many sweet friends to come to an overwhelmingly large place where we new only two people: Daniel and Xiaolan Stewart. (And I'm very thankful for them.)

In the 12 or so years I lived in Bartlesville, I: met and started dating Dave, graduated highschool, started college, married Dave, bought my first home with Dave, had two sweet baby girls, sold our first home, experienced the first ever blizzard in Oklahoma, and bought and sold our second home.

Since we moved from there, Bartlesville has experienced record snow falls the last 3 winters (I really love snow), has been the location for a movie starring Ben Affleck and Amy Adams, another one with George Clooney,  and has also opened a cupcake bakery. (This is definitely exciting for Bartlesville.) Many of my friends posted pics of Jennifer Garner in the wal-mart that I used to live less than a mile from. One of my favorite Bartlesville restaurants, Frank and Lola's, recently fed George Clooney on an evening when some of my other Bartlesville friends have been there.

I new when we moved from Bartlesville, that I would miss my obgyn and pediatrician. I knew I would miss our church friends and our new home. And, I did. I new there would be times I hate it that I couldn't drop by my parents house or Dave's mom and step-Dad house to say hi or leave the kiddos. And, I definitely have. I miss that little place. I always will.

But despite all of this, I have peace. Houston is where this Stewart family is suppossed to be for the time being. Hot, loud, crowded Houston is where God has called us for now. And what has happened here? Dave and I bought and sold our third home, we've had the wonderful opportunity to meet all kinds of people with different backgrounds and cultures, we've tasted new foods, I've given birth to another beautiful daughter, Dave's career definitely took off, I started a real estate career, and we have established a church home with new friends. Our family has bonded, and I've even had the opportunity to meet the infamous Beth Moore. (She's way better than any of the aforementioned stars.) God has blessed our obedience to him in moving here; even if I was dragged down here while my spirit kicked and screamed. For now, I am home.
-Amber

"Housekeeping"

Praise the Lord, it's finally raining! I am so glad. After having one hot day after the other, I am thoroughly enjoying, this dark, rainy day. Thank you Lord for the rain! Our little garden was so dehydrated.
This last weekend was crazy busy for the four of us. We spent some wonderful time with our friends who are moving to Seattle (tear), had a garage sale with them, visited the fire station near our house, went to church, and went swimming on Sunday evening. Because of all of that, I miserably failed to get our Father's day cards out for Father's day. I have the cards, and still plan to send them, but they were accidently left at a friends house, and we haven't had the opportunity to run by and pick them up yet. But, to Papa, Grandpa Dan and Papa Don, Happy Belated Father's Day!!! We all love you very much. (At least I was successful in handing Dave his card.)

To Dave: Thanks for being a great Father to our girls and a wonderful husband to me. I couldn't do this crazy thing called life without you! I love you, Happy Father's day, again.

To Mom: Happy, happy, happy, happy  Birthday!! Enjoy getting your nails done and going to Lafeyette to eat with Dad. Love you!!

To add to next month's craziness, I am feverishly planning a strawberry shortcake pool party for my youngest daughter who is turning the ripe old age of 3. She's so big! I can't wait to celebrate my little shortcake.
In other news, Julia read her first two words last week!!!! Dave practiced the word exit with her, and two days later, she read it right off of an EXIT sign. She also sounded-out the word book two days later. That girl is going to be reading to us in no time!! I can't wait to catch her reading to Lydia in a moment of sweet sisterhood. How cute. I just love my crazy kids.
Well, I guess I'm going to sign off for now. Could this post be anymore random? Please have a very safe and fantastic Fourth of July!! Independently, Amber