Bloggin' with the Blades: Until We Meet Again

Brody watching CARS while we're packing

As you may have heard, Stuart accepted a firefighter/paramedic job in IL. On March 7th he received a call letting him know of a "conditional offer" for the job. That day he purchased his ticket to Chicago. He took his psych evaluation on his 31st birthday and he relates he could think of a million other ways he would have rather spent his birthday. The next day he had his physical from 7am to 3pm. By Saturday, he was back in Florida with the grandparents to help us pack. We had one week to pack up our house and move to the glorious Land of Lincoln. We were packing in faith at this point because we still had not received a call for the official offer. It wasn't until we had the moving van packed that Stuart received confirmation that he passed the psychological and physical exams, which was hours before we pulled out of the driveway with the moving van. Our faith in God is what got us through the strain of applying and testing for different departments, packing a house, saying our goodbyes, and moving two young children over 1,000 miles. We cannot thank those enough that helped us along the way!! Living in IL was our prayer. It seemed so far in the distance at times, but we knew God was a loving and faithful God. That he had a plan for our family that was FAR better than our expectations could imagine. As written in Luke 11:13, "So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him." We praise God each and every day for answered prayers that our children have the privilege to be close to their grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins!

Brody when you're older, ask your father the moving truck story debacle.

Florida will always have a very special place in our hearts. We have experienced many exciting new adventures here in the Sunshine State. It is where I heard those four magical words "Will you marry me," exchanged our vows, our family grew to three, Brody took his first steps, Olivia made her surprise debut two weeks early, made incredible friendships, ate countless family dinners at the fire station, taught and learned from some amazing kiddos and teachers, dedicated Brody and Olivia at Faith Fellowship (our amazing church family), and made so many other unforgettable memories. I will never forget the 5 years we spent in Brevard County, especially the beautiful WARM weather!! It is not only the place where our family grew in size, but stronger through all the ups and downs a year may bring. Here's a glimpse of some of the AMAZING friends and places we'll always cherish in the place we called "home" for the past 5 years (12 for Stuart!).