Growing Kids

Here's a photo that documents the changes our kids are making. Ruby is digging and filling up buckets with dirt while Enzo has stood himself up without pulling up on anything and is saying "woof woof" while pointing at the neighbors dog. He also has dirt on his face from when he licked his dirty finger. Thankfully he only does it once for every visit outside but I'm also hoping he grows out of that soon because when the weather is nice we spend go outside at least once a day and the dirt will add up.

Ruby is really working on figuring out the world and favorite phrases lately are "what's the problem?" and "I'm just doing something." She also enjoys talking about everything we're doing and talking to Enzo. She tells him "you're so big!" as well as "no! That's not for you!" we're still working on the "love your brother more than your toys" thing.

Busy season with lots of changes

I'm learning about rest and patience lately. The first quarter of the year has already been full of changes and we foresee that trend continuing.
Here are a few of them:

We can no longer give Ruby "special" gluten free foods or deny her parts of meals so the whole family is going gluten free.

I've determined that Enzo has a reaction to dairy so he's (as of two days ago) dairy free. The rest of us are limiting our dairy but not eliminating it completely right now.

We're still working on getting our house remodeled to sell/rent it by this summer. The details are not worked out yet but we know that we want to serve God and out city more/better and for our family that means living closer to the center of town (probably in a smaller place like an apartment).

Along with gluten we're limiting grains, corn (which is technically a grain from what I've begun to research), sugar and soy in our diet (and no chicken for Chuck) because of allergies/sensitivities.

We are doing a lot of thinking, praying and re-evaluating this year because we want to be good stewards of our resources (that includes our bodies and our time).

Another big change that is occurring is the developing of the kids. They literally grow overnight! Ruby is learning so much and is sweet and Enzo is getting so big he's hardly a baby anymore.

Take Heart

We've been very busy lately but I hope to update everyone this weekend.

This morning, however, It's clear I'm avoiding writing an art history paper.

I repotted the cactus and made a mason jar soap dispenser. Granted they only took a few minutes a piece, it's telling that I did them now instead of weeks (months) ago.

Also, I'm battling my urge to control my life so I'm trying to be productive in little things while surrendering our location, vocation and time-line to God.

I am grateful that Jesus already conquered the world but somedays the angst to be free from it stings more than others.

Helping Papa Don

Enzo helped Papa Don take apart our bookcase.

Papa Don's Visit

My Dad generously volunteered to help us remodel the house to get it ready to rent. We're still asking God to give us wisdom and show us the best way (His will) to do things.
Chuck and Papa Don have already pulled the paneling out of the living room, re-insulated it, sheet-rocked it, changed wiring, added switches, knocked out a wall, built two walls, did more sheet-rocking and insulating and wiring.

It was such a blessing to have some nice weather so we could leave the doors open to haul things out and in and help with the dust.

It's also been a blessing that we've had two snow days (today is #2) so Chuck worked from home and had more time to work on the house too.

I'll post a bunch of photos today. Here's what's going on right now. Havin' a snack with Papa Don.