Long time no post

Life is finally settling down here after months of destruction/construction on our downstairs bathroom and the kitchen. There are too many pictures to post, so click here for the link. Things are almost back to normal. I feel like I can actually cook real meals in my own kitchen again! We still need to choose and install a floor in the kitchen and refinish the wood floors in the dining room and living room, but that can wait till the bills are paid. Of course there are lots of little fix-it projects to be completed as well, but nothing major.

We just completed week four of a wonderful six week Bible study at our pastor's house on Sunday nights. We are studying through Chip Ingram's R12 materials and really enjoying it. It's been great getting to know the other couples in the group and learning together. It's like a cool drink of water on a really hot day. Nathan and I were just discussing how much we are going to miss this class once it's over. We are excited about getting more involved in service at our church as the need arises.


Work is ticking along as usual for both of us. Nathan is thankful to still have a job at Allstate despite threats of layoffs coming soon. He has been taking on many additional responsibilities and is hoping for a promotion if everything works out. My job has been keeping me super busy while I am there and some while I am home also. We are still praying about how much longer I will work there before I can leave to stay home with my kiddoes.


Speaking of kiddoes, Libby is nearly finished with her first grade school work for the year. We are getting there! Only 8 more weeks (or until she finishes all her books) to go! She's excelling in her reading and most days really enjoys her math. She's learned about telling time, counting coins, basic fractions, adding and subtracting two columns and carrying numbers. Libby loves trips to the library, helping in the kitchen, bossing her siblings, sewing for her dolls, and TALKING. She also has a very loose top front tooth that will be coming out soon, I hope. :)

























Caleb-man is not quite as intersted in school most days, but that's ok since he's only four. He has focused on playing educational games on the iPod and honing his Wii skills instead. He has also learned how to ride his bike without training wheels a few weeks ago. We are so proud of him! We will be starting kindergarten materials in the fall. Hopefully we can get through the Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons this spring/summer, so he's more prepared by September. Caleb also likes trips to the library, splashing in the bathtub, chasing Sara, bugging Libby, caring for the dog, and playing pretend with his toys.


Sara-bear is a wild woman these days. Only 4 months away from being two is a great excuse for getting into trouble 100+ miles per hour. She takes full advantage of the times that mommy is distracted and then gets into as many things as quickly as possible. The worst yet was the "poo" incident where she took off her diaper and then pooped on the hall carpet and down the stairs. She frequently removes her diaper during nap time and then wakes up in a wet bed, which means more laundry for mommy. We tried duct-taping the diapers closed. It worked for a few days until she learned how to pull the diaper down like underwear. *sigh* I keep telling myself it's just a stage and we'll get through it eventually. Sara loves cuddling and will sit in just about any available lap and demand you read her a book. She is starting to talk now and says all kinds of gibberish and then expects you to understand and respond appropriately. If you don't, she'll give give you the stink eye or shriek "NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!" at top volume. We're working on that, too. . . :)


The cats are graciously more than paying for their own keep for once. Businka delivered four gorgeous little kittens Feb 27th and Millie delivered five more little fuzzies on March 4th. They are all reserved except one so far. Annie is due this week/end and hopefully Milolika will also have babies mid May. We still have a long waiting list to work through and keep getting inquiries all the time. God has really blessed with this crazy cat business idea!


Adoption is still on the back burner but remains something close to both of our hearts. We are still waiting on the timing. The main obstacle right now is my job, so we are researching all of our options while we wait and pray. It's exciting to think about the possibilities, but super frustrating to be forced to wait when there are so many children needing families.

You are the helper of the fatherless. LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, That the man of the earth may oppress no more.

Psalms 10:14,17-18