Transition again!

I really want to get better at this, but it usually gets bumped to the bottom of my to do list. We have been back in country for almost 2 full months now and much has happened. We moved cities, rented a new house, started a new school, and continue to work with our team. We are excited to be back and get into the swing of things, but I think transition is always going to be a part of our life. This is hard for me-I like a plan and a goal of when things will be "normal". However, He has never promised us "normal" or easy. He is faithful and we are so thankful for the journey He is taking us on. The children are doing well in school-making friends and enjoying their studies (as much as they can:) Joshua and Evie are currently studying in 3 languages-which seems quite easy for them. Lailie is really progressing in her reading so we are so thankful. Sadie is busy as usual-bossing everyone around and making friends wherever she goes. We have neighbors next door who have several girls and they LOVE Sadie. She will say "I need to go say Hi to my people"-What 2 year old has people! Nathan has been very busy with work and playing catch up and I am trying to balance home and work. We have hosted a college team from the states and are preparing for several more teams in the coming months. Evie celebrated her 11th birthday and we are definitely adjusting to an almost teenager (joshua) and a preteen in the house. (Add Lailie and a 2 year old makes for some loud and crazy times) Here are a few pictures from the last couple months.

Reflection

Life is busy-especially, it seems in America. The last 7 months we have been in the States and we haven't stopped. I don't think I can really say we have had one day where we were ALL (6 of us) home ALL day. I keep telling people how hard it is to be relational in our activity based world. However, I was really convicted of something this morning... Our 2 year old isn't feeling good-low grade fever, stuffy nose, yucky cough. This morning all she wanted was to sit in my lap. Basically, shoved the computer out of my lap so she could sit down. (she is napping now-just in case you are wondering why I am back on the computer:) As she was sitting there just wanting to be held-I realized how sad it was that she had to be sick for me just to sit on the couch, hold her and watch Sesame street with her. Usually when the TV is on-it is the time I can use the distraction to be productive and "get things done". I realized why I was sitting there-that I can direct our time as a family. Even though our culture demands us to be involved in so many GOOD activities-I can make the decision for us as a family to participate or not. I realize this is not a new revelation-but for me it was just a moment to refocus on what is important and what God wants for my family. I love to get things done and check things off my list, but sometimes we need to sit on the couch, hold our baby and watch Sesame street. (Without having our phone or ipad to the side checking email or Facebook:)

Sadie's First Photo album

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A little snow in the desert

We drove home yesterday, and enjoyed seeing a little snow on the mountains.  There was some on the road which kept us from driving home the night before, but this was all that was left.

Evie's Birthday!

Our sweet Evie had her 10th Birthday this last month and we celebrated with a birthday party at a local book store.  She invited 6 sweet friends and they had a great time painting.  Here are a few pics from her special day!

So, I left the candles at home and so we could only find a 6+4=10!

The artwork they painted.

Evie on her birthday at Chili's

Pictures, Beach, Petra

Here are some pictures from our photo shoot, the beach and Petra.

NeNe & Pop vist!

We are so thankful that both sets of grandparents have been able to come see us every year.  The kids have so much fun and it is a blessing to us.  NeNe & Pop arrived a week before Christmas and we had a great time.  They kept the kids for 2 days so that Nathan and I could get away for our 15th anniversary.  They also celebrated their 40th anniversary-here with us.
We enjoyed fun times here at home, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations, a day in Aqaba, and a day in Petra.  It was a great trip!  Here are some pics from Christmas Eve baking, our own production of the Christmas story, and Christmas morning.

Baking Christmas cookies and treats!

The bakers

Joshua is a big helper-changing out the gas tank

Pop and Daddy resting :)

Christmas eve play--Lailie was the shepherd, Joshua was the wise man

Evie was Mary

Sadie was whoever she wanted to be!

Christmas Eve music-NeNe & Evie on piano, Lailie singing

Happy Birthday Jesus

Christmas Eve goodies

Christmas PJs