oh so long

So I actually got a piece of fan mail this week from my one loyal blog-follower who expressed

disappointment in my lack of updated material.

Sorry, Dad. ;)

So here's a quick update:

Jaedon: I've decided third grade is a really fun, sweet, and slightly oboxious age. Jaedon is SO excited about school, (he LOVES his teacher!!) and is still young enough to be an open book about his emotions. On the other hand, he's a MALE and he's going on 9 which means there are some times the things that tickle his funny bone simple DO NOT tickle mine.

Oh boys! =)

Anyway, he decided to do a science project on the Orion constellation. This was extremely sweet to me simply because it's his Daddy's hobby and influence in his life. Brad has not only taught him the constellations but put those glow-in-the-dark stars on their ceiling in constellation forms, and has taken him on numerous star-gazing outings. Jaedon is such a blend of Brad and

I but oh how he loves his Daddy's approval! They are also in "running club" at school that just started this week. Turns out some people actually ENJOY running (weirdos! ;). Brad signed up to run a 10K in May and Jaedon's club will race a 5K in May too. I will gladly cheer them on from the sidelines. =)

Seth: is turing 6 this week (hey! Motivation to blog right?). I've SO enjoyed him in his fifth year that I'm actually sad to have him turn 6. I'm sure 6 will be equally fun with him. He is my tenderhearted gentleman-in-training. He has a bent towards people that is simply because God made him that way. It's very motivating to me to see that we carefully nurture that trait and see how God can use him. He loves school too and is reading quite well these days!

Owen: Is my SHY guy! Who would've thought! Apparently, my "Mr. Chattypants" at home and in the van is as quiet as a mouse in sunday school or our wednesday bible study classtime. Cracks me up. In his adorable 3-year-oldness he has decided that this super ugly YELLOW dress up belt has to be worn ALL THE TIME. As in, with sleep, to church, to the bathroom, to storytime. He DOES, thankfully, take it off for bathtime but other than that- he's been sporting his new fashion statement for at least a month straight. Maybe I ought to let him wear it in the bath! ;-)

Lately, we've pulled out the Hide 'Em In Your Heart CD's (which is scripture set to music). He will just belt out "In my fathers house are ...many mansions..." etc... while coloring or "Keep your tongue from evil keep your tongue..." while riding in the van. I love this

not just because a little boys 3YO's singing voice is AdoRaBLe but b/c I've had all these scriptures running through my mind all day long! God's word is powerful, true and kinda catchy with the right music ;-)

Little Lady: almost 13 months already and on the 21st we'll have had her for 4 months! She is walking, gabbing, squealing and LOVING being outside. She also is showing a bit of a strong will so this could be fun! =) We have our first court date at the end of this month. It's just a review hearing in which the judge looks over the "to dos" for Mom and Dad and checks up on how they are doing in meeting those.

We just began "round 2" of the Young Marrieds class in church. We had a 2 year class time in which is discussed Communication, conflict, Love&Respect, Finances, Boundaries, and Song of Solomon along with a few other topics. It was a great 2 years and now those couples are becoming the veterans! We had a time of transition with the "older" young marrieds but we're thankful that many of them have formed their own small groups and have become good friends with each other. We hope the class offered them some tools to build a Christ-centered marriage with.

We are starting this round 2 with the first workbook with couples that have been married 6 months, 9 months, 18 months... just starting out in other words which is awesome! I once heard it said that if you do anything for God that YOU can do...it's not of God. (or something like that) I feel that is just so true with this class. There is no way we could be leading this class except it's God doing it through us. Our marriage is challenged and strengthened along the way and I have a hunch I need this class just as much as anyone else ;-) What a privilege!