A little "quirk" in our plans

Well, Albuquerque has thrown a little "querq" (hahaha?) in our plans.  Two flat tires, a broken RV heater, and a falling apart car trailer have derailed our plans a bit and we are here for a while.  The dogs are loving the dog park and seem to think this is a nice adventure.  Watching them run, play, and enjoy the moment today with Jay gave me pause to think.  God knows the plans He has for us, we make them but they are foolish in his sight.  This little stopover today gave me a time to visit with a man about our age who lost his wife 9 years ago and I was able to listen to him talk and share about his love for this town and his wife.  He seemed genuinely pleased to have someone to talk to.  I got to thinking how many opportunities has God laid in my path that I rush on by without even noticing that just the simplest of things ... a kind and cheerful spirit ... can touch others and in turn, touch me in a way that only the Lord could plan.  I pray that I remember to just enjoy the moment like our doggies and to love where I am planted :)

And Now.........A Vacation!

Well, we are about to get on the road and leave my beautiful winter surroundings behind for a while.  We are loading up the motorhome and the doggies and traveling to California to see our family and friends.  We are looking forward to the adventure but already miss the family, grandkids, and church family here (and we haven't even pulled out of the driveway yet).  Praying for a safe trip and great time of Spiritual growth along the way through devotional and prayer time with Jay.  Hope somebody feeds my birds and squirrells while I am gone!

June to January?

Well, June to January ...... and finally ready to start blogging! It seems the last 6 months have flown by as we settled in to our new home, new church, and new lifestyle :) We are experiencing our first Indiana winter and loving the change of seasons and beauty God has created for all to enjoy.  I have been able to return to my love of sewing, baking, and being a nana while decorating, organizing, and establishing our new home.  The house looks a little different now than it did (Actually a LOT different). 

Well, who would have thought! I am actually retired (sort of).  After 36 years in the education field, I am now officially a full time wife, mother, Nana, and masters student! EEEEEEKKKK!  Where did the years go? I am so thrilled to be moving into this new stage of life with my amazing husband, Jay, who also retired this year after 30 years at Frito-Lay.  So..... we bought a motorhome, got 2 new boxer puppies, traded in an SUV for a convertible, and are heading for the heartland of America in 4 short weeks.  Yes, that's right - we will be official "Hautians" as we are transplanting to Terre Haute Indiana.  This is a bittersweet move for us.  Sweet in that we join Justin, Summer, Clayton, and Mattix and our new church home Maryland Community Church where Justin is the worship pastor.  But, we are leaving Jeff, Amber and Jeff, and Alex here in California.  We will be flying the friendly skies FREQUENTLY and hope our kids will be doing the same to come see us in our new home.  I am so blessed to have had such a wonderful career in Christian education over the past many years and look forward to obtaining my Marriage and Family Therapist degree this coming June.  Can't wait to see what God has in store! I do know that He has called us to this new adventure and that we are anxious to serve in any way he chooses for us.  So it is good-bye beach and palm trees and hello woodlands and snow for the Gilberts! Hope to become a more adept blogger soon :) God Bless!