So So Blessed

We moved!  Yeah, I know.  We do it all of the time.  Really and truly though, we hope that this is the last time in a very long time.  And if it isn't, oh well.  We're pros at this whole packing, moving and unpacking thing.  It builds character.  This was a short move- just 10 minutes up the road from the church parsonage to a home in Taneytown that we now own (well, the bank let's us say we own it).  There are lots of reasons why we decided to move.  It really just ended up being the best decision for our family for this season of our lives.

The new house is beautiful.  It is much  more than what I had envisioned when we first started house shopping-two stories, almost finished basement, garage, on a dead end street- it is really and truly perfect for us.  But the very best part has nothing to do with bricks, rooms and grass.  The very best thing about the new house is the neighbors.  I will post pictures of all of the kids playing together when I get to my camera.

Gene (no idea if that's how you spell his name) and Amanda have 3 children- 2 girls and a boy.  Their daughter Erin is Elijah's age (2 months younger), Elizabeth is Micah's age and Austin is 4 years old.  They play together at every opportunity.  Even better is the fact that Elijah and Micah are getting along with them so well.  They always struggle with change a bit, but this time around, they have felt welcomed and included immediately.  It has been the biggest blessing of this whole move.  Thank you Lord for providing friends.

Birthday Reflections

It is now February, the season of birthdays in our house.  I posted all of pictures on facebook this year, and I don't have them handy.  More than anything, what stands out this year is maturity.  These boys are becoming young men.

Micah can be thoughtful and contemplative, but sometimes clowny and silly. He spent his birthday money on a desk, and love to be studious.  He made thank you cards for his friends on the computer tonight.
Elijah is increasingly interested in things like: what he'll be when he grows up, what you learn in college, TV shows that he hears his friends talking about, and the rituals and prayers he is learning at school.
Isaiah (even though his birthday is in 2 months) listens, watches, soaks everything in and makes sense of it all.  Fiercely stubborn and smart, he lives life at his own pace and is a friendly face to everyone he meets.

Bottom line- I love these sons God has given us, and I'm thankful for every grace and mercy he offers us.

Graduation

Yup, it's over.  Relief. Excitement. It's all there.  The official degree: Master of Science in Instructional Technology: Design and Development.  Most of all, I'm thankful for my dear husband who supported me at every step and three kiddo who were patient and understanding on many occasions.

Christmas in Canada

 Home sweet Rosedale.  The view from my mom's living room at 5am.

 Micah sporting his NB hat

 My cousin Levi- first time I've met him.

 Playing our annual game of Monopoly City at Grammie's

Watching a movie with Grammie 

AND

We found out that Garth and Jodi are going to have a baby.  We know now that it will be a girl.  The best Christmas gift- the hope of new life.