Yep. In one short month, our whole life is changing. Four days ago, my hubby gave his 2 week notice at the place he has worked for 9 years. I know God has used him and taught him a lot while he's there, but I am very excited for him to move on and hopefully do something that he enjoys more and work somewhere where he is valued more - after all, their motto is "Expect more (from your employees), Pay (them) less." His last night there is 9 days from now. And in 2 1/2 weeks, he'll be getting on a plane to Iowa and starting his new career - yep, my hubby the trucker ;). I am so excited for this new opportunity, but I know it will probably be a very difficult year. I may only see him two days a week, if I'm lucky. But this is just the next step to get him the experience he needs. Our hope is that in a year or so, he'll have enough experience to get a local driving job.

You thought that was a big change! Just wait, I'm barely getting started! Next week, we'll be saying goodbye to our wonderful, humble home in New Hill and moving in with my parents. They have two bedrooms that only get used about 3 or 4 weeks out of a year, and we have an urgent need to save money. So there it is... I will definitely miss this home and it will be a big adjustment, but there are so many positives about being there, that I am looking forward to it (especially since once I started packing, it's hard to stop, and I'm just ready to get it all done and move on). Since both Mom and Dad work, I'm hoping I can help with dinners and cleaning. Also, since John will be gone so much, it will be nice not to spend every evening alone with just Brooke.

And finally, our second home, our second family, is closing. The church plant that we have been a part of for the last 4 years is closing its doors. The people there really are like family, and it will be very difficult to adjust to not seeing them every week. It's certainly not unexpected, and it would have been difficult for us to continue going, since we'll be an hour away. But it is still very bittersweet. Our last day will be July 31st. I plan on tearing up.

A month ago, I was stressed and confused because we had no idea what our life was going to look like. We weren't sure about John's job, or where we'd be living, or if our church would still be there. I like knowing better (I'm a planner - I can't help it). In one short month, we'll be moving, changing churches, and John will be changing jobs. I'm excited for the future, but also nervous and uncertain. But I know that God will provide for us and direct us and that He is sovereign over everything. Change is difficult, but it's also exciting, and I know God will use us and work in our lives.

I know this is a few days late, but in honor of our 3rd wedding anniversary, I thought I would just share a few of the many things that I love about my husband.

1. He loves me.
2. He cleans the kitchen without me asking.
3. He is a wonderful teacher to our daughter - he taught her how to point, slide off the couch safely, give kisses, play her little xylophone, and I don't know how many other things.
4. He watches Masterpiece Theatre with me.
5. You know you've got a keeper when he spends his time watching Farmer's Almanac and nature specials.
6. Since we're talking about farming, he might be a novice farmer, but there's nothing better than a man coming in the door covered in soil with an armful of fresh-picked veggies.
7. He enjoys listening to bluegrass with me.
8. He works hard for his family.
9. He loves the simple things in life.
10. He can enjoy silence.
    
11. He is humble (but don't tell him that - it might go to his head ;).
12. He loves God and His Word more than anything else.
13. He never wants things. He is just content with what he has.
14. He really is funny, even if no one else gets his humor.
15. Skinny dude with muscle and athleticism - need I say more?

I'm sure I could think of many, many more, but that's all I'll add for now. That and that these last 3 years have been the most wonderful, difficult years of my life, and I am so blessed to have had him beside me through it all. I am excited to see where God takes us and how He'll strengthen us as a couple and a family.

I'm about to go to bed, and there's the covers neatly arranged and turned down on one corner, welcoming me. And there on the night stand is the Valentine's Day card from yesterday. I love getting cards from my husband. He's never been much for words, but when he says it or when he writes it down, I can know confidently the truth of those words: "I do love you."

How do I know it? The covers are turned down. He gets ready for work then he makes the bed and turns the covers down before he leaves. That's my simple goodnight kiss from him. So after he's gone and the house is quiet and lonely, just me and a sleeping baby, I can crawl into a bed that says "I love you, from John."

I wish I could say "I love you" like that. I say it with words at least a dozen times every day, so much I think it loses its value. But I think I say it so much because I feel like it wells up inside me and I have to let it out and nothing I do can ever really say it well enough.

But maybe I underestimate the power of those little things. I think more can be said with simple, everyday things than with words. He makes the bed. I make dinner. He takes out the trash and I fold the laundry. He works hard all night. I budget every cent he earns. And we love each other. With every moment in our marriage, every simple, mundane act, and with more than just those three little words, we love each other.