hey 2012

Five years ago, I got on a plane with 16-month-old John and said goodbye to a wintery white Portland. A couple hours later and a new life had begun for me, and him, and Billy, and Havilah who was about the size of a bean. Ok, life for Havilah was new in general so she doesn't count.

It's been five years! Amazing.

It's also been a bit of time since I appeared in the blogging world, so here is a little update on our family in general. (Posts are in the works for each child individually.)

Homeschool:

John is nothing if he isn't enthusiastic about homeschooling. He even clamors for school on the weekends and when he's sick. His favorite things are practicing writing letters and numbers, coloring pictures, and our homeschool group park days every week.

Billy turned 30!! We celebrated with a night away for just the two of us and then an open house with lots of wonderful people. Thirty is suiting him well; he means so much to our family and takes excellent care of us.

Twins! Yes, a new nephew and a new niece were born during our time in Oregon. We had the fun privilege of holding them when they were just hours old (I'm holding Mary and Billy has Micah).

Here's a shot of their Mommy's belly just three days earlier. The little girls are wearing matching dresses I sewed for them. The pattern was quite involved but the work was well worth it. The cousins looked so darling all dressed up together.

Back at home, we have been working on projects around the house, getting more connected at church, and are finding a rhythm for balancing home and homeschool. It sounds boring, but it keeps me busy and content.

I'm thankful for the last five years here in the desert, but I'm especially thankful for this time of life right now. It's a blessing to feel like I'm exactly where I should be, doing what I should be doing. God is faithful!