let me try to explain...

So here we are halfway through May. Ok, let's catch up.

Early February I went to TMEA for the first time. Spent time with my mom and sister and saw around 60 (then I lost count) old music friends that weekend. It was interesting seeing so much "networking" with teachers, and there really wasn't a ton I was able to take back with me (being a voice teacher), but it was nice checking it out. NATS will probably be more up my alley. Oh, and this meant Philip was a single dad with a baby and a 4 year old for 4 days! He did SO awesome!

Also in February we looked at a house. It was a nice house, but after seeing the inside, not one we were interested in. But little did we anticipate, it started the ball rolling to where we are today. In a matter of weeks, we decided we wanted to buy a new (and bigger) house, put ours on the market, it sold (in 10 days), we moved out, found the house we wanted to purchase, and signed a contract. Right now we are living in our first home that my in-laws still own waiting for our new house to close in about a week and 1/2. Whew! We're so excited!! Among many things, it has a FANTASTIC bathroom and closet, backyard and a finished out workshop that will function as a our office/studio!

Speaking of studios, my voice studio is at 10 students and has been all semester. I'm loving teaching these kids. I feel like I've found my niche- at least until my dream comes true... :)

Mid-March, Philip and I took our yearly MFE (Marital Fulfillment Excursion) to Colorado Springs. It began by heading to Irving to drop off the kiddos and getting a massage, driving back to Abilene to be at our awesome church Sunday morning, then leaving that night. We hiked Garden of the Gods, rode horses in Pike National Forest, sang tunes and got bees thrown at us at the Golden Bee, and spent lots of time reading, praying together, worshipping together, and getting a vision for our family and our marriage. We had beautiful sunny weather in the 60s all week, and started snowing the day we left. Oh! We also got upgraded to a suite! Sweet!

March 30th Deron turned 5 years old! We had a bowling party at Primetime with many of his friends. He has grown into such a handsome, loving, silly, and intelligent kid. He loves his brother and loves to play with him! Deron is reading very well now, hardly gets caught on any words, and does math in his head easily. I love that he will randomly tell us he loves us and gives us big hugs. He's still really into Thomas, tennis, and bowling.

April was really all about moving. Packing, sorting, looking for a new house, and all that goes on with that. I also got real close to fulfilling another dream of mine, which is to play in a tennis league competitvely. I got connected with a woman and her team, but after practicing with them and realizing the time it would take, decided that right now is probably not the right time. This was a hard decision for me, since it is something I really want to do. But it just not for now. And that's ok. Hopefully next season we'll be more settled and I'll get to do it!

April 30-May 1st was the women's retreat at Miller Ranch near Lawn, TX. It was beautiful and such an anointed time of worship and teaching. We all received Devi Titus' new book The Table Experience. Get it. You need it. God's been growing more of a gift of prophecy in the last several months (I think because I've asked him for more!). It's such a privilege to co-labor with the Father in such a personal way. Words of wisdom, knowledge and visions for people have deepened my faith in His Word and I have seen such a new manifestation of His power! He really loves people. I'm starting to see His heart for us. And it only gets better! More of You, God! That's what I want!

This last week we've been visited by Pastor Lincoln Serwanga. He's originally from Uganda, but pastors a church in London, England. He has brought such impartation to our church, Philip and I as a couple, and me as a worship leader and as a person. There is a lot happening in our church right now, many many wonderful things. Growth in miracles and signs of His Spirit, breakthroughs in worship and adoration and love! I am so thankful to be a part of a church that welcomes God in all of the ways He shows up! We cherish being in His presence and love seeing Him set people free every single week! God, I can not thank you enough for what you have done for me. You have shown Yourself so mighty in countless ways. I love knowing how much you enjoy me. I love knowing how much You can't wait to be with me. Thank you for your incredible love. Thank you for your endless love. Thank you for your powerful love!

Jude is now 9 months old! Ca-razy!! He is so mobile! Pulling up and "cruising" is nothing to this little guy anymore. I do believe at the end of the month he may be walking. Deron was over a year when he started walking! Several weeks ago, Jude bit into an extension cord that was plugged in to my hairdryer (that I was using at the time!). It popped, sparked, flamed, smoked, and smelled. I threw Jude off of it and examined him. With screaming baby in hand, I frantically called Philip because my judgement was hindered. I didn't know whether to call the doctor's office, call an ambulance, do nothing, or what! He calmly said, "Take him to the ER. I'll meet you there." Turns out, I really believe by God's infinite grace he only got 2nd degree burns on his hand. Poor thing, they hooked him up to heart monitors and was entagled in cords for quite awhile. After they determined he was *mostly* fine, they wrapped his little hand to what looked like a club for a hand. He wore that for a couple of days, then his doctor said just put neosporin on it and have him wear a sock on his hand. Within a week, his hand had almost completely healed to where you couldn't see any signs of burning unless you knew what you were looking for. Praise God who is the ultimate Healer! Now his hand is completely normal. No signs whatsoever. Yay!!