Property

Brian and I had a blast yesterday. After our $2.00 breakfast at the Goodyear Swap Meet we went out looking at houses / property.

We looked at lots of houses (all from the outside) and spent time talking about what we want as far as size, bedrooms, etc. We are so on the same page as far as style.

It made us very sad at how some of the homes in foreclosure have been so trashed. Why do people (either the owners or others) destroy homes? And how much work would we be willing to put into a rehab home?

Lots and lots of questions so last night we started praying for wisdom in the search and in the timing. It is fun to plan for our future.

Bad into Good

It sometimes amazes me how a situation that looks so horrible can produce good results.

The past few months have been tough to say the least - but as we work through the feelings, the hurt and financial challenges - we are growing in the Lord and we are growing together.

Brian is an amazing man. I respect the fact that he made a mistake, admitted it, repented and has humbled himself and asked forgiveness of so many people. He is reaching out trying to reconcile relationships. Yes, there are consequences, and we are working through many of them, but God is blessing our socks off.

We are closer than ever, the future is full of hope and we are serving our Lord. God is SO very good!

San Francisco is for Lovers!

Wednesday Vicki went to the office while Brian played tourist. In the afternoon, Brian found a way to take the public transportation to the AT&T ball park. Since he knew my knees would bother me from all the walking, he found a route that took us from the hotel right to the front of the stadium. We purchased seats in the upper deck in the left field area and had a wonderful view of the bay and Covey Cove. Of course we ate dinner at the park and saved room for those wonderful garlic fries (thank goodness they come with a mint!). The game was between the Giants and the Rockies and we really did not care who won, we just wanted to see a game at the park. Giants lost 4-3, oh well.

Thursday evening after Vicki worked (Brian played tourist all day), we went into Fisherman's Wharf where we enjoyed a wonderful view and meal at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Vicki even ate shrimp. After dinner, we walked the wharf and enjoyed a hot fudge sundae at Ghirardelli's.

Saturday we took a winery tour in the Napa Valley. We started our tour at the Ferry Building in SF and took shuttle bus across the Golden Gate Bridge into Napa. We visited four wineries and had a wonderful picnic style lunch at a little boutique type winery - Vi Satturi. The weather was great and the scenery was gorgeous. Following the tour we took a ferry boat across the bay from Vallejo back to SF. We concluded our day (and trip) with a great pizza dinner before returning to the hotel to pack for our early morning return flight.

We had an absolutely amazing week (even though I spent the days working!). It was fun to explore, have no plans and just be together. More pictures may follow....

We are looking forward to returning to San Francisco some day. God is so good to us.

Anticipation

We are going to have a blast in San Francisco. We were there three years ago for a long weekend, this time it will be for six days.

Sometimes I think the anticipation of the trip and planning is as much fun as the actual trip. I would imagine we will spend some time planning our next adventure.

There are so many places we want to go. It is bittersweet that many of them we are doing as a couple rather than a family. I can't wait until the day when we take our children and grandchildren on trips....

Until then - we will just keep checking places out, admiring God's creation and spending time with each other.

God is good.

Growing in Christ

God is so good. Had a great time of worship on the way to work this morning - listened to the words "how great is our God, how great is our God, how great is our God...."

Even though the past few months have been a journey I would not chose, God is blessing our socks off. Brian is an amazing man - so full of the Spirit. I have so much respect for the fact he was willing not only to repent, but he has become so full of passion for our Lord.

I am watching him grow and mature. And, we are growing together in Jesus. It brings me such joy to watch as his other relationships are restored - can't wait until Saturday night when we are spending time with some incredible Christian brothers and sisters, need to take the tissues!!

It is so true that real strength is shown in gentleness. He is not only a man of God, but he is full of integrity and grace.

Next week we get to go away for six days to San Francisco. While I will be working during the days - our evenings and weekend are going to be a blast.

God IS good.

Hugs

Brian is absolutely the best hugger.

I had a busy/crappy day at work, one of my staff gave her notice. While I understand and know this is the best decision for her - I hate hiring!! But it is the opportunity to realign duties which is a good thing.

So I got an incredible hug when Brian walked in the door. Now we get to cuddle. He is pretty good with that too!!!

God has blessed us. I am so excited about our future.

Peaceful Weekend

This has been such a peaceful weekend. Just spending time together and fixing up the house.

Yesterday I made Rice Krispy Treats, cut up lots of fruit and vegetables and we grilled burgers for dinner. Today I have cinnamon rolls rising and am going to try my hand at dehydrating potatos.

By the end of the day all the pictures will be hung. It was so fun last night to sit and decide what is going where, reliving all the fun times we have had and looking forward to the times we will have in the future (San Francisco - here we come!).

God has truly blessed us.

God's Victory

Today, Brian met with his parents to discuss recent events with our separation and our plans for the future. Brian was a little nervous as the relationship in the past had been strained by various attitudes of all of us. During the separation, things have been said by all sides that cause us all hurt.

After praying for God to show up in a big way and grant Brian the strength and wisdom needed to help him get through, God got the victory..........Brian was able to maintain a relationship that had been previously restored and was able to talk with his parents about moving forward and maintaining an open relationship with his parents, sister and children.

Although this process might take a while, God is bigger than we are and will guide us through the entire process. All of us can not wait to get together to begin building a stronger relationship than before.

Go God.

Progress Note

This is great......I hacked into Vicki's blog.

Well let me start out by saying how great things are going since we have gotten back together. There are a few issues that are lingering such as several phone calls or text messages that I have chosen to go unanswered. Yes, I know I have thought about using the courts to curb this harassment from all the individuals involved but have chosen to take the higher road.

God is working in big ways. We are so excited to see where all of this will lead us as we heal our wounds. Had a great weekend last weekend camping on the rim. It was so great just to lay in each others arms and see the stars and listen to the thunder as the evening storm rolled in.

Both Jay and David are doing great and we can see that they are relaxed now that their mom and dad are together. There are still things that require attention between myself and the family but I am convinced that God will get me through this and will get the glory in the end.

Until then thank you to all who have stood by us and encouraged us during the storm.