Busy Tuesday

Since I am constantly stalking animals in LA that are not mine, I thought I would share a picture with you of my baby at home...

Brad was trying to fold clothes and Kobe wanted to crawl under the clothes.  Looks like a not-too-happy baby.  I'll bet in the end, Brad relinquished.  He always does.

It was a wonderful 66 degrees this morning when I went running and I had a companion with me...

Cole rode his ripstick and was urging me along as I ran.  Dang, I was tired when we got back to the apartment.  I'm going to have to sneak out without him in the morning.

Spencer started school today and it was a full day for him.  I love that he is always so diligent to get everything done and he jumped right in first thing this morning.  He was a little stressed this afternoon (the first day is always the worst) but he is much better tonight. 


Cole had his first audition today for a video game commercial!  I was nervous and he was excited.  I wasn't nervous about the audition...oh no, I don't get butterflies about that.  I get nervous about the traffic between here and there and where we are going to park (parking is horrendous in this town!).  Cole is constantly saying, "Mom, we're fine.  We have plenty of time.  We have plenty of quarters."  It doesn't matter how early we leave, I still fret about getting there.


We may hear something from them in the next week or so.  Here's how cute he was before we left...

After the audition, we headed to the famous Mel's Diner for dinner.

A little side note if you decide to eat there.  You have to pay $2.50 to park there, EVEN IF YOU EAT THERE AND HAVE YOUR TICKET VALIDATED!  Don't even get me started.


To top our evening off, I realized I threw away a receipt I needed so when we got home from dinner, Cole did a little dumpster diving!  Yuck.  But, he did find my receipt!  Yeah, Cole.


Now, the boys are outside with everyone playing a rousing game of Apples to Apples.  I'm too tired and just want to put my pj's on and veg on the couch in quiet solitude.


Here are some of Cole's headshots I received from the photographer today.  I thought they turned out great.

This one is my favorite, although he looks too grown up.


Hope you all found something to laugh about today.


"The Bible talks plentifully about joy, but it nowhere talks about a 'happy Christian.'  Happiness depends on what happens; joy does not.  Remember, Jesus Christ had joy, and he prayed 'that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.' "
~Oswald Chambers

Moody Monday

Today was supposed to be D-Day or S-Day....school day.

The day the boys have been dreading all summer.  Just the mention of school puts a scowl on their faces that scare small children.

They must have both prayed really hard last night for this day to be postponed because after the opening of boxes & unpacking supplies, we discovered that...

A) I brought the wrong Pre-Algebra book from home;

B) I didn't even pack the Health or Language books;

C) Spencer hasn't even received his books from ABeka.  The box that I thought contained his books was actually the quiz/test books and the Teacher Key, not the student books.

D) I have a really bad attitude when things don't go my way.

After some thoughtful contemplation while standing in the laundry room of the apartment building and talking (arguing) with myself, I realized that in the whole scheme of things, one or two more days (or a week) of sans school will not result in death or dismemberment of me or my children.  Happy to report there's a smile on my face again and we will eagerly await boxes to arrive from Little Rock with all the correct material.

Spencer had his third workout with his trainer.  Anthony said that he really pushed Spencer and even had him doing some exercises that some grown men are not able to do.  Spencer had a smile on his face but you could tell he was tired.


While I worked on school schedules tonight and had a little quiet time with just me and my I-pod, the boys played cards with Grace, Freya, Hannah & Lars.  Of course, Mr. Competitive (a/k/a Spencer) had smoke coming out his ears because he & Freya lost to Cole and Grace by ONE point.  I don't think I will ever understand boys and their competitive nature.


Really missing Brad tonight but he will be out to see us in a couple of weeks.  


"O my people, trust in Him at all times.  Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge."
~Psalm 62:8

Sunday Adventures

Notice the themes that are consistently highlighted in my blog? 

Traffic and animals, of course!

Our friends, the Shea's, moved from Little Rock to LA about three years ago so when we knew we were coming out here, I basically stalked them with every conceivable question that kept me awake at night.  Darrin and Keri are so kind and they have been a wealth of information. 

We followed the Shea's to church this morning and after five minutes on the freeway, the above picture is what we encountered.   Four lanes of traffic at a dead stop.  Unfortunately, someone's Sunday did not start off too well because their car overturned, blocking all the lanes.  We sat for about 30 minutes and finally made it to church, 30 minutes late.  Still, it was a great service and the boys and I really liked the church.  I think we will be visiting them again next week and maybe even make it on time.

Cole had an acting class from 12:00 to 2:00 and after his class, we headed over to the Shea's to hang out.  Look what they have...

Meet Kramer and Olivia!  Of course Olivia is adorable but Kramer can do tricks (I bet Olivia could do tricks for bacon, too.).

We had such a nice time just hanging out and talking.  So grateful to have friends in this town.

Off to bed early tonight to get ready for school tomorrow.  I am so ready to get into the school routine.  The boys; not so much.

Hope you all had a great day.

"But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows.  For my salvation comes from the Lord alone."

~Jonah 2:9

Friday & Saturday Update

Yesterday was a great day but by the time I walked in the door last night at 11:00, I was pooped.  We had the first half of yesterday free, which was spent visiting with friends around the pool.   They are having extreme heat in the Los Angeles area (it was 108 yesterday) so anytime outside is usually in the pool, which is soooo cold.

At 4:00, Cole and I met with a wonderful photographer, Delaney Andrews, and she took pictures for over two hours for Cole's new head shots.  I know they are going to turn out great.  Look what else she had...

Meet Dante!  Isn't he adorable?!  Of course, he and I played while Cole was working.  By the time we leave LA, I should know every dog and cat within a 10 mile radius.

After the photo shoot, we all met at the pool and sat out there & talked until 11:00.  The kids all have so much fun together, as well as the parents.  As Cappellia said, it's our own little Melrose Place but it's rated PG.

I went for a long run this morning but, unfortunately, I didn't have my backpack when I ran across this sweet baby...

I was considering a "snatch & grab" but he didn't look like he would be too happy if I tried it.  I REALLY need my own cat in LA!!!!

The rest of today was spent doing what we all wanted to do...relax.  We all did our own thing whether it was swimming, watching a movie, reading or taking a snooze by the pool.  Tonight, we all cooked on the grill and pulled tables together and had a big buffet out at the pool.  It was so much fun and we had the best food.  Then, of course, everyone ended up in our apartment and we played Apples to Apples.  If you have never played it, you are missing out on a ton of fun.

We are truly blessed to have made such good friends.  It makes being far from home not seem so lonely.


"It is possible to give freely and become more wealthy, but those who are stingy will lose everything."
~Proverbs 11:24

Beautiful Day

This was my scenery when I went running early this morning.  It's such a cute & nice neighborhood.  I am so thankful there is someplace safe to run AND someplace that has kitties I can see along the way.  I think I will take my backpack with me tomorrow and try to "rescue" one of those helpless felines (even though they all had collars on!).

The boys and I had time to enjoy the pool this morning while we were doing laundry and before our busy afternoon kicked off.  Mr. Spencer is becoming quite the swimmer (he does not like water and doesn't want to be around it, so I was very proud of him.)

Crazy boy.

I fell asleep at the pool & the boys just left me there!  Cole said there were quite a few people who looked at me when they walked by because I was snoring.  Geez, I have to get used to this time change.


Spencer had his second workout with his trainer, Anthony.  Of course, when Anthony came out to the car to talk with me after his workout, I was eating McDonald's french fries.  I told him it was ok because I ran this morning; he didn't even crack a smile.  Anthony said Spencer is doing great and he really is impressed how strong he is.  When we left the fitness center, Spencer told Cole & I his new motto is "I will either go home stronger than I've ever been or I will go home dead."  I'm hoping for the first one.


Cole had an interview this afternoon with another agent who will represent him with commercial work as well as print work.  It was an interesting drive to their offices because they are on Sunset Boulevard, right smack in the middle of town.  Can you say ZERO parking places?  We circled the block a couple of times and finally found one on the side of the building where I parked illegally!  Cole was preaching the entire time about how I should follow the rules and how Dad sure wasn't going to be happy if my car got towed.  Thankfully, it was still there and with no parking ticket when we finished the meeting.  The wild and fun games of being in LA.


Also, while on Hollywood Blvd., we saw Jesus and Megatron.  Both scared me.


The boys played football with the Italians that are living here.  The Italians don't speak English and the boys don't speak Italian but they have all become fast friends and have a blast together.


Everyone gathers around the pool at the end of the day.

Aren't they cute...an Australian, a Texan and two Razorbacks!


So, the mom's decided to order Indian food (I'm talking real, honest to goodness Indian food).  It was soooo good.  I will be spoiled for life because I am sure I will never be able to get this kind of food in AR.

FABULOUS!

Everyone chowing down.  Our Australian friends are introducing us to all kinds of wonderful new food and new words, such as....
"Does Spencer fancy footie?"
Say what?
Turns out, she just wanted to know if Spencer liked football.


Thank you Lord, for wonderful new friends and a wonderful experience.


"A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.  Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken."
~Ecclesiastes 4:12

Relaxing Day

For some reason today, it really set in that we are a thousand miles from the people we love.  I was a little teary eyed all day. 

Cole had another class with an acting coach, this time with Josh.  Josh is young, has a quick wit and is funny.  He and Cole hit it off immediately.  He said Cole is definitely ready for his audition...now if we will just get a call telling us when the audition has been rescheduled, we would be good to go.

Cole is having his headshot photos taken on Friday and the photographer listed pieces of clothing that she wanted us to bring, one of which was a blue jean jacket.  You would have thought I told Cole he had to die his hair blue & wear a tutu.  I thought I was going to have to pull out my electric cattle prod to get him into the store to look for a jacket.  It's the only time I wish I had a girl who liked to shop.

We all enjoyed a nice evening around the pool.  

Hope you all had a great day.

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!  His faithful love endures forever."

~Psalm 136:1

Busy Day

This is the way I strive to start every day...

I love it that our apartment is tucked into a corner and shaded by huge palm trees so I have privacy on our porch to sit, eat & pray.

Today was a busy but great day.  Cole had an acting lesson with Marnie Cooper, an experienced acting coach who is so nice & so good at what she does.  She has this really cool little (and I mean little) house that is filled with really eclectic furniture (like an old 1950's tv that is a fish tank and an old timey phone booth in her living room).  But the best thing she has is Topsy.

Topsy and I became fast friends and while Marnie & Cole were working, Topsy and I toured the neighborhood.  Isn't she adorable?  She was rescued from the pound because she was cast as an extra for the dog role in "The Grinch".  I smooched all over her.  I think she was glad when we left.

Spencer had his first session today with his personal trainer.  He loved it!  Anthony is very nice but he really challenged Spencer, which is just what he wanted.  While I was waiting to pick up Spencer, I was watching all the body builders going into the fitness center...while I was eating Reece's cups.  Oopsie!  Guess I will get up and run tomorrow.

Spencer has been resting this evening and has been sending information about players for Fantasy Football to a friend who wanted to know his top picks for certain positions (Thanks, Susan.  He loved it!)  I think he was tired after his workout.

It got up to 88 degrees here today and everyone was complaining.  I, on the other hand, was really enjoying the nice cool pool and the fact that our temperatures are 20 degrees cooler than Little Rock.

Hope you all had a great day.

"Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good.  It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life.  And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it.  To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life--this is indeed a gift from God."

~Ecclesiastes 5:18-19

Reality Has Definitely Set In

This is the traffic we encountered at 5:45 a.m. as we were taking Brad to the airport.  When the phrase "gunning & running" was coined, they must have been thinking of the 405 or the 101 in LA.  CRaZy!!!

Our day has not been super busy but we have gotten things accomplished.  Tomorrow, Spencer will begin working with a personal trainer twice a week.  Since our insurance will not pay for physical therapy in California, I think the trainer will be able to keep on track and keep working him toward his goals.  Spencer is praying the guy doesn't try to kill him!

Cole has an audition this week for a pilot series!  Not sure of the date & time but as soon as I know, I will pass it along.  He is meeting with his acting coach tomorrow to go over the script.  We are anxious for him to get started but not near as anxious as he is...he is stir crazy and our apartment is not big enough for his pacing!

We had a great night last night grilling out & sitting by the pool for Brad's last night in LA.

I'll never get my chicken to taste as good as his.

Isn't this cute?  This is our address plaque outside our door.

So peaceful.

We ran errands this afternoon and I got lost, which I am sure will be the first of many times.  At least the boys keep me belly laughing the entire time I'm trying to figure out where we are...I am so blessed.

"How pleasant to see a new day dawning...Young people, it's wonderful to be young!  Enjoy every minute of it.  Do everything you want to do; take it all in.  But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do."

~Ecclesiastes 11:7, 9

We're Here!

I cannot believe we have spent our first night in our apartment.  It still seems so surreal, like we are all on vacation.  I think reality will start to sink in tomorrow when I drop Brad off at LAX at 6:30 a.m.

We had fun making our way out here.  We stayed in West Texas the first night (no pictures....flat, flat & flat brown land) but made it to Albuquerque, New Mexico the second night.  Gorgeous.  Twenty years ago, Brad and I flew into Albuquerque and drove up to Taos to go skiing for our honeymoon!

Our view from our hotel room!

Tucumcari, NM.  This picture really does not do it justice.  It is absolutely gorgeous with all the beautiful mountains.

Winslow, Arizona.  I sang that old Eagles song the whole way through town ("Well I'm standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona, such a fine sight to see.").  The boys put on their headsets.

I drove through my first-ever dust storm in Seligman, Arizona.  Strangest thing ever.

We stayed our third night in Kingman, Arizona, on the infamous Route 66.  We had originally planned on staying at the Grand Canyon but when we arrived there, it was pouring rain and they had unprecedented flash flood warnings for the area.  Guess God wanted us to keep on trucking.  We'll make it a point to go there on the way home.

We rolled into Burbank at 1:00 p.m.  Our apartment is small but cute and clean (clean being the main thing!).  There are 20 apartments, all facing the courtyard, with tropical foliage everywhere.

Our sitting area right outside our door.  We are tucked into the corner and it will be the perfect place to sit in the morning with my coffee and Bible study.

You know that I am a social girl.  I love hanging with my family and friends.  One of my biggest concerns about being in California was the prospect of making new friends.  Well, I needn't have worried because after we unpacked, we headed out to sit at the pool and we met the NICEST people ever.  Our neighbors are just awesome and we even ended up ordering Indian food (woohooo for curry!!!!) and everyone sitting and eating together.  Someone even made brownies and brought them out!  Big sigh!  I KNOW that God placed us in this apartment, with these friends, at this time, for a reason.  Who am I to worry when God is the One in charge of the plan. 

Thank you for praying for us.  We love you all so very much and can't wait to share our exciting adventures with you.

"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."

~Philippians 4:13

Praying for the Smith Family

Please pray for Bobby and Amy Smith and their three-year old son, Garrett of Cabot.  Their older son, Joel, was five and had brain cancer and was at ACH the same time Spencer was last year.  Joel died yesterday.

Father, we lift this family up to you and pray for comfort, guidance and healing.  Even though we know Joel is no longer suffering, that does not ease this ache in our heart.  We know you are a Sovereign God and we pray that the day we meet You, we might have complete understanding.  We know that You do not bring us to situations without equipping us to deal with them and we just pray that the Smith family will lean on You for every need.

"I have called you by name; you are mine.  When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.  When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.  When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.  For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."

~Isaiah 43:1-3

The Piles

We must be the craziest family in the world when it comes to preparing for a trip...we makes piles.  The piles in my room are things we wouldn't ordinarily take on a trip but something we don't want to forget (in this case, noodles for the pool).  The piles in the hallway leading to the garage are done & ready to go in or on the car.  The pile on the bar is food.  The pile on the table is for the house sitter.  The pile in Spencer's room is super important and has to be packed last.  I'm ready to get all these piles in the car and get on the road.

Cole & I ran errands all day today to all those places you have to go before going on a trip...bank, grocery store, car wash, Best Buy (doesn't everyone go to Best Buy before heading out of town?), and finally the creme de la creme, a hair appointment!  No girl can go out of town for three months without visiting the Queen Bee, a/k/a her hairdresser.  It's an hour and a half of pure bliss before all you-know-what breaks loose.

Hopefully, we will get on the road fairly early and make it to Amarillo.  That's our goal but I have learned in this crazy life of mine to expect the unexpected and just be happy if we make it out of town.

Hope to post some "road" pictures soon.

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."

~Romans 12:2

Sorry Toto, we won't be in Kansas

For anyone that knows me, I mean really knows me, you know I like to have fun.  I love to laugh, I love funny movies (the original Revenge of the Pink Panther with Peter Sellers is my favorite) and I love quirky things.  So when I thought that our road trip to LA would take us by the World's Biggest Ball of Yarn, I was pumped.  Believe me, this was definitely going to be one of our scheduled stops.  Just think of how great the pictures would look in my scrapbook...

Who wouldn't want to stand in front of this for their picture?

But, alas, my heart has been broken while Googling our travel route today and I realized my big ball of twine is in Kansas.  Kansas.  Had to look at it on the map.  I have a wonderful Aunt Wanda from the great state of Kansas but I guess I must have missed that class in geography because according to Mapquest, Interstate 40 doesn't even touch Kansas.  Not even close. 

Guess I will have to save room in my scrapbook for Cadillac Ranch and the Grand Canyon but I don't think the pictures will be near as exciting.

Speaking of exciting, I think somebody knows something is up because this was "the look" I got all day.  Poor baby.

We got all the laundry done today along with some packing.   We had a wonderful visit with my mom and Gigi and friends that stopped by to wish us well.  Tomorrow will be crunch time.

"And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ."

~Philemon 1:6

A Day of Rest

By Friday of this past week, I was already looking forward to Sunday.  I just couldn't wait to get to church and soak in God's word.  To say our life has been a whirlwind lately is a complete understatement, so the thought of sitting quietly in the sanctuary and feeling God's presence has been my light at the end of the tunnel.

God did not disappoint.  Beautiful service, beautiful message, blessed me.

Cole's "audition" for the motion picture Mud today consisted of dropping of his resume & picture, along with a thousand other hopeful actors, and being told there would be callbacks for some lucky ones either Wednesday or Thursday.  By the time we got home, I was in a panic & had worked myself into a severe headache.  We're supposed to be leaving Wednesday for LA.  Are they going to call Cole?  Do we need to leave Wednesday?  Do I need to try and postpone leaving for a week?  Thankfully, I am married to the Voice of Reason who reminded me of our commitments in LA and, that, if the producers are interested in Cole he can audition in LA (where they found the other kid actors who are starring in the movie).  Between Brad and Aleve, I am feeling much better.

So, I am happy to report that I have been in my pj's since 2:45 p.m. and have gotten caught up on all my shows I recorded last week.  No packing got done today but I can't say that nothing productive occurred...I worshipped, I rested and I was reminded how blessed I am to be married to such a wonderful man.

Mr. Wonderful & Rusty

"No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

~1 Thessalonians 5:18

Thankful for the Rain

Spencer, Cole and I are one of the few people I know who LOVE the rain.  I look at rainy days as God's extra gift to sit and read a book or just watch the hummingbirds at the feeder, because if the sun is shining, I feel I need to be doing something.  The rain we have gotten these past three days was good for my soul as well as our dry mountain and even drier pond.

I cannot believe we are leaving for LA in five days.  I don't think my brain will really comprehend everything until we are tucked into our apartment and Brad has flown back home.  I'm pretty sure reality will then slap me up side my head!

Cole spent the night with his friend, Owen, last night.  I expect the next five days to be a revolving door for friends being here since the boys want to see everyone before we leave.  I'm sure there will be a big sleepover Saturday night which reminds me that I need to go to Sam's!

I had dinner with a couple of girls last night who are precious to me. I don't know what I would do without these "rocks" in my life.  I hate that Lisa couldn't make it but thank you Mindy & Kim for a great dinner and even better fellowship!

Love these girls.

I know it will be so different in LA so I took these pictures this morning to remind me what we have to look forward to when we get home...

Our beautiful, quiet mountain.

Sitting outside enjoying the beautiful weather.

I hope you all enjoy this beautiful day.

"And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for.  Keep on seeking, and you will find.  Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks, receives.  Everyone who seeks, finds.  And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."

~Luke 11:9-10

Time Flies...

Don't you all remember when you were young and your mom would tell you that the older you get, the faster time passes and you would think, "I can't wait until I'm older!"  Well, my wish has come true because I cannot believe that in only one week we will be heading to Los Angeles.  Seems I had more time only a few days ago.

We have spent the first half of this week recuperating from the SMTI show last weekend.  I picked Cole up from Damon's house Sunday afternoon at 1:00 and he slept from 1:30 p.m. on Sunday until 10:30 a.m. Monday.  You think he was tired?!

Spencer went to see Dr. Warren this morning for his well checkup.  Everything checked out PERFECTLY (I love saying that!!!).  Dr. Warren said he is in tip-top shape.  He is putting a packet together to send with us to LA just on the off-chance we need to see a doctor out there, and he also wants Spencer to see a doctor friend of his at UCLA just to have "fresh eyes" to check him out.  We have the very best doctors at ACH.

Here's your picture of the week...

This is Spencer with his friend, Remy who is a 180 pound, 6' Great Dane...the sweetest baby ever.  He and Spencer are buds and are definitely going to miss each other (Remy's mom is the President of Hearts & Hooves and the Co-chair of the Hoedown so Spencer and Remy spend time together when we have our meetings.).

Cole has an audition on Sunday for a new motion picture being filmed in Arkansas called "Mud".  It is starring Matthew McConaughey and Reece Witherspoon.  Wouldn't it be awesome if he got a role here at home?! 

I'm off to try to decide what to take to LA...how do you pack for three months?

Hope ya'll have a great week.

"Even there your hand will guide me, and Your strength will support me."

~Psalm 139:10

Hop On the CRaZy Train!

I can't even begin to explain how crazy it has been around here since Thursday but anyone that has been at my house can attest to the INSANITY!

My cousin, Jackie and her daughter Anna and son, Patrick, came in Thursday morning and stayed with us until Friday morning.  We had so much fun (we always have fun) hanging out.  Jackie, Anna and I worked on scrapbooking our trip we took to LA this summer.  These girls ROCK!  They are so creative and my book looks great.

We left the kids with Brad and went to the Wine & Iron for SMTI Thursday night.  Remember, there is no reason to iron if wine is not involved!  Jackie never meets a stranger so she knew everyone's name by the time the evening was over. 

Our 24 hours together went much too fast but we thoroughly enjoyed every second of it.  We are so blessed with a great family.

Friday afternoon, my friend Tracy, her husband and three kiddos came in to stay with us and see Cole's show.  Everyone should be blessed with a friend as good as Tracy.  She will do almost ANYTHING for me (except clean out the refrigerator...just mention it and it makes her gag!), she LOVES to laugh as much as I do, and the girl can motivate people to get many things accomplished in record time.  So, it's no wonder that I wrangled her into helping me with concession stand duty during all three of the SMTI shows.  We worked our tails off, as did every volunteer there, but we had a great time and the show was wonderful.

Speaking of the show, those SMTI kids are one talented group of young adults.  The show was phenomenal.  It is mind boggling to me how Nicole Capri can take a 10 year old child and in two weeks time, turn that child into a professional young adult.  Amazing!

Cole, Cassidy and Damon before Saturday night's show.   That kid on the far left sure is goofy.

Cuties.

I love Jenni Fuller.  She is so sweet but the look on Cole's face just cracks me up.  I think (know) he was really enjoying this.

Cole spent the night with Damon, along with eight other friends, (Pamela is a brave soul) so I wasn't surprised that they pulled an all-nighter.  I brought Cole home at 1:30p.m. today and he has been asleep ever since. 

We found an apartment in Los Angeles.  It is nice, clean, in a great part of town that is convenient to all the studios, has a pool, off-street parking and is a whopping 395 square feet!  It has a queen size bed, a twin bed, a couch, a desk, small table in the eat-in kitchen, tiny bathroom and a tv but what else could we need!  Besides, if I can live in a hospital room for five months, I can live in a small apartment for three months with two wonderful children that are healthy and all kinds of activities to keep us busy.

Our plan is to leave Wednesday, August 17th and we should arrive on Saturday.  Brad will drive out with us and fly back after we are settled.  I have reserved the apartment through October 31st.

Thank you so much for all your sweet e-mails and phone calls.  We are truly excited to see what kind of adventure God has in store for us.

"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."

~Philippians 4:13