So, it’s been well over a year since my last post! I will try now to give a brief account of what this past year has held for our family. This past January, we purchased our first home! We are thoroughly enjoying all the extra space, huge yard, and just having a place we can call our own. A tremendous blessing came in the form of a super-low interest rate, and a great price on the house due to the housing market being what it is. Since we think we’ll be here at least a while for Ethan to continue schooling, we decided it would make more sense to invest in a home rather than rent for such an extended period. And we are all glad with that decision!
Big Driveway for Riding Bikes!
Living Room (laundry and all!)
Wonderfully Open Kitchen/Dining Area
Shortly after that, in February, we learned that Jeff’s military unit where he serves as an Army chaplain would be deploying in September for a year to the Middle East. Since Jeff had training to complete beforehand, he has been away from us since early July (with a couple quick visits before shipping out in September). He is missed immensely, especially during this holiday season when it just doesn’t feel right to be apart. But we are thankful for the many opportunities this time is providing him to minister to the soldiers’ needs, evangelize the lost, and to serve our country. Here we are saying our last goodbyes early one morning:
Not long after learning the deployment news, we received a sweet surprise of another baby on the way! We plan to welcome baby BOY #4 very soon (Leap Day is the actual due date)! The other 3 boys are very excited about this addition, and Ethan especially grows impatient for the baby to “pop out” as he calls it. They love to feel their little brother moving and have so many questions surrounding the event…it’s been fun experiencing this with them since they are now old enough to understand a little and appreciate the wonder of a new life.
Jeff finished his interim pastorate in May, and then spent June doing military work and getting ready for his many travels. During that time, we started attending a wonderful Word-focused church where the pastor and wife as well as the entire church family have shown us such support and love that is rare to find. We are so thankful for the Lord’s providence in bringing us to this church and hope that we can be half the blessing to the body as they are to us.
Ethan continues to progress in the school for the deaf with his language, speech, and auditory skills. We still have hope that he will become more intelligible in his speech since he has taken significant steps in that direction. Levi is my inquisitive little helper around the house and is so proud when he can assist Mommy in all his little ways. Judah just tries to keep up with his big brothers, which has led to many a boo-boo along the way I’m afraid. He is one tough little guy, and yet he’s still our cuddly one, constantly coming up to give kisses and hugs.
Ethan's Contagious Smile
Levi at IHOP Outing from Grandma Sue
Judah Playing in the Dirt (Thanksgiving Visit to Arkansas)
My sister, Sarah, came to stay with us for a couple of months and ministered greatly to me in caring for the boys, cleaning the house, doing laundry, and a great many other details of life. My other sister, Talitha, plans to come for a few weeks to help out when the new baby arrives. So, between their stays here and also our most recent few trips to Arkansas, it has helped to break up the time for the boys and me while Jeff is away. Also, Jeff should be able to take 2 weeks leave around the time of the birth, after which we will have to say bye for a while longer then see where the Lord’s providence takes us.
Pumpkin Patch Visit with Aunt Sarah
