New Neighbors and Other Interesting Facts

For the first 11 years of our marriage, my folks, Ron & Marilyn Holland, lived within 5 miles of our house. We attended the same church and saw each other at least once a week. That relationship was and still is a great blessing in our lives. During that time, David's folks, Jerry & Ann Park, lived in Longview (about 3 hours away). We saw them for extended weekends and holidays, either at their house or ours. That relationship was, and still is, a great blessing as well.

Role reversal! Jerry & Ann, this week, after 37 years in the same house, moved to College Station. I know they had several motivations: ready for a change, wanting to be closer to their kids (Kristi lives in Austin) and wanting to be closer to their grandsons (which of those do you think was the prevailing reason). :) Whatever the reason, we are glad they're here.

So now, the Parks live within 5 miles of us and the Hollands are 3 hours away.
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Last weekend was tax-free weekend. We, like millions of others took advantage. We bought both boys new tennis shoes. Samuel (age: 6 1/2) wears a size 13. Jeremiah (age: 2 1/2) wears a size 10. Hmmmm!
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School starts next Tuesday. Samuel will be in 1st grade. He says he's not excited, but I think deep down he really is. We haven't met his teachers yet, but because he's in the Dual Language program, we know he will have Ms. Eberle and Ms. Martinez. We just don't know which homeroom he'll be in. We'll find out on Monday.
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Jeremiah doesn't start school till Sept. 5 but he's been talking about it for weeks.
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I married the most incredible man. I am seriously, very sad for all you other women out there who think your husband is the best, because I know the truth. David Jerald Park is the most generous, fun, smart, witty, loving man on the planet. And because of God's grace, and only because of His grace, I was given the honor or marrying this incredible man.

Have I mentioned how much my kids adore him? Here's an example. For years we've done chores/allowance with Samuel. It works for a couple weeks and then, he decides he doesn't want money. He's rather not do his chores. Hmmm, strange predicament. However, our last attempt took out the money option and replaced it with "Breakfast with Daddy" -- if he gets 5 days in a row or doing chores w/o whining, complaining or arguing, he gets to go to breakfast with Daddy. Has he missed a day yet? Not hardly! :)
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Here's some cute pics I haven't posted yet.

Jeremiah and his friend, Sam. They're favorite thing to do is play music. Sam on drums, Jeremiah on guitar.

The neighborhood boys on their scooters. Lucas, Samuel, Jacob, Aaron & Jeremiah.

Riding scooters!

Samuel testing out his snorkeling gear.

My very cute boys!!!