Simple Joys

Since moving to Pittsburgh, I am reminded daily of the simple joys in life I have taken for granted. Waking up every morning, looking outside the window towards a familiar street, seeing a friend at the grocery, and just driving down the road to see family and old friends...the list could go on and on. I miss familiar faces, Harris Teeter, a good ol' dirty mexican restaurant, and just plain comfort. This journey has started to weigh on me and has challenged me to reflect on who I am, who I want to be, and what is important to me. There is an internal struggle of being thankful yet allowing myself to grieve change and our new surroundings. I am coming to understand that Pittsburgh is a long term commitment and most likely where my babies will start elementary school (whew, only 3 years away for my sweet HUGgie). While there is nothing that I can honestly say I dislike about Pittsburgh (it truly is a great city), I still find myself calling North Carolina "home".

With that said, I titled this excerpt "simple joys" because I tend to overlook these small blessings everyday. So, it was nice to take the kids to Kennywood for an afternoon of fun, face paint and food. I think that it brought out the inner child in both David and myself watching Holland's face illuminate with excitement as she rode rides and soaked up the amusements.

Jackson enjoyed himself too. He is following in the footsteps of his mama and sister as a people watcher. He is a little more laid back though like his Daddy.

What We Do

Change is never easy for me. It usually involves a lot of tears, resistance and sometimes a little stomping of the feet. Over the past three weeks, there have been tears and lots of hugs given in the Uzzell house. We are slowly transitioning into our life here and with a few things hung, it is beginning to feel more like home. His goodness has been shown to my sweet family, time and again since we have been here in Pittsburgh. It is hard to deny that this is where we are supposed to be! Our neighbors are incredible and have given us a gracious welcome. I'm sure that having a sweet 2 year old girl running up the street in a tutu and wings helps too!

We have joined a rec club up the street for the kids and I to go to during the days and for David and Holland to have some special one on one time. The love between those two is just incredible. Holland likes pretending to be Ariel and having David act as her Flounder. It is quite heartwarming to watch and somewhat amusing to see how smitten they are with one another.

We have been praying for a friend for Holland long before we got to Pittsburgh. She has befriended another two year old, Ava who lives close by. Holland enjoys spending time with her(and playing in her sandbox) and it is nice to have another mom to talk to! Holland is really into the Dinsey Princesses. Ariel and Cinderella are her favorite. She has nicknamed Jackson, "Gus Gus", the chubby mouse in Cinderella. She loves pretending to be a princess.

Jackson enjoys being doted upon and passing out his crooked little smile (it melts my heart every time!) He is my sweet baby boy. He loves being cuddled and in the arms of his mama. He smiles every time he sees Holland (even though it sometimes involves a whomp on the head!) He is cooing more, grabbing for things and laughing quite a bit. Like his big sister, he is a great nighttime sleeper and loves his naps. Such a huge blessing!

During Jackson's morning naps, Holland and I enjoy our time together. It usually involves making a treat for David or whipping up some Jell-O in the kitchen! It is so fun to spend one on one time with her.

David is loving his job at Heinz. Thus far it seems like a great fit and it is nice to have him around in the evenings without school work hanging over his head! He is an Associate Brand Manager specifically overseeing Frozen Soups that are distributed to various companies. We are enjoying all of the benefits of David working in the food/consumer industry:) The soups are delish and are a nice addition to our freezer!

Home Sweet Home

Our official new residence is Pittsburgh! We are so thankful for our sweet friends, the McCarthys who graciously let us stay with them for a few days before making our move to PA. Fran and Gail both have true servant hearts and it blessed us (and our children) to see such a loving couple. They are a true inspiration and encouragement. It was simply wonderful to spend our last days in Winston Salem with them.

David's graduated from Wake Forest Schools of Business on May 16. I could not be more proud of his hard work and dedication to his family and our dreams. Both sets of David's parents came in to town for the graduation hooding ceremony. It was extremely helpful to have them their for the ceremony as these kinds of events are typically not conducive for young children.

Our move to Pittsburgh with 2 small children and an SUV full of goodies was uneventful! Our house has been full the past week with visits from grandparents. I am blessed beyond words to have such a wonderful mother in law. David's mom came to stay with us for our first few days in Pittsburgh. She is one of the most giving people I know and I am thankful for her sweet heart. She was an incredible help with both Holland and Jackson, allowing us to unpack (and for me to avoid unpacking certain rooms!). She taught me a few things about gardening and even planted some beautiful flowers for us!

My parents came to help out too, which was really special. Dad helped David do "manly" things around the house like put things in the attic and replace outlets, etc (things I know nothing about). I am thankful for a family full of handy men! Mom is always a great caretaker and played with H and J while I finished unpacking. Holland and Jackson are extremely blessed to have such wonderful grandparents.

I'll post more pics of the new digs once we hang a few things and life is a little more orderly.

It's the beginning of the end...

Our 2 year journey here in Winston Salem has come to an end. It many ways it feels as though we just walked through the door of 2665 Grosvenor Place. In other ways, it feels like it has been a much longer road. Here in Winston Salem, our sweet Holland Grace took her first steps, said her first words and discovered Cinderella; David studied immensely, went to China, interned in San Francisco and was offered an incredible job at HJ Heinz in Pittsburgh. As for me, I started back to work, became pregnant and delivered an 8lb 10 oz boy named Jackson Hughes, and took on the beloved title of stay at home mom, indefinitely. Whew!

Our time in Winston Salem has been eventful to say the least, but it is our life and we have savored every moment. It has been incredible to see how faithful the Lord is and how we are under his sovereign reign, now and always. I am so thankful for our church and the good friends we have made here and for this time in our lives.

In a few short days, we will make our new home in Pittsburgh. It brings up many different emotions, but mostly thankfulness. The Uzzell Father and Sons crew (Sam, David and Hank) have worked hard this past week to paint our new house in Pittsburgh and to get it "just right" for our homecoming. I am so thankful for each one of them!

We are learning to trust in Him more, surrender our comforts and to love the path that He has called us to be on. Pittsburgh, here we come!