Where to Begin?

Really? I think I have some 'splainin' to do! I don't even know where to start. Let's just start from where we are now, and work backwards gradually, shall we?

Let's see. I am sitting here in my family room in Greenville, Mississippi wondering "How did I get here?!" There have been other times I have felt that way in my life. On my mission I remember going to my room the first day in the MTC and waiting for my companion to get there. I was all alone and wondering what I had just done saying good-bye to my family and all things comfortable for the next 18 months. I remember at a really hard time in my life I moved to get a fresh start (kind of on a whim) and ended up feeling the same way. Hindsight is everything, and looking back I can clearly see where the Lord was leading me at those times in my life. I know in my heart of hearts that this is one of those times. I may not know what the purpose is now, but there is a purpose. I feel it already. Today was fast Sunday in my ward. I wondered before I moved here how these meetings would go being such a small ward and all. I figured there would be a lot of awkward silence. I was wrong. In fact, it was probably one of the best testimony meetings I have ever been a part of. I have forgotten what an awesome thing it is feel the fire of the new members' testimonies. Our ward is filled with converts. I think that's awesome!

As far as how we REALLY did get here, I guess I could fill you in. It's been a LOOONG road for us. Nine years ago now Geoff and I had a conversation. We had a new little son and Geoff was working a dead-end warehouse job working lots of overtime and still bringing home hardly any money. Thankfully, my brilliant husband has always been one to learn from others' mistakes. He had been observing the people he worked with. Many of these people were much older than Geoff, with worn out knees, bad backs and even worse attitudes. He saw himself down the road not much better off than they were. Geoff mentioned something to me at that moment when he told me he was thinking about going to school - "Emily", he said, "I know this is a big thing, and it may take a long time, but I will be 34 eight years from now and working this dumb job, or I will be 34 and done with school. Either way, I will be 34." There was no time for "would-a, should-a or could-a". The past was gone, and all we could do was move forward. I am so proud of Geoff for pushing through this and finishing it, (because it was harder than most people know). He now is working as a pharmacy manager here in Greenville, and doing a great job. You may not know this, but Geoff served his mission here in Mississippi (we named Jackson after the Mississippi, Jackson mission). He even served in Greenville for about four or five months. They only have one ward. Many of the members are still here that he knew as a missionary. So, obviously, Geoff already loves the people here, and I am quickly learning to, as well. We are in a great neighborhood and found a wonderful house for us (that I can't wait to paint and decorate) and everyone is doing just fine.

I had intentions of filling you in on everything for the passed year or more.... but I am not going to do it tonight. I'll be back soon, ya'll.... I promise!!

As you can see, we have some beautiful hard wood floors in this house.... and a lot of pink paint and wallpaper! These pictures were taken several weeks ago... it is MUCH greener and happier now... with flowers blooming everywhere.