Chuck got back from his trip to London last week and we got back into a manageable routine just in time for school to get in full swing and change our routine again.

Chuck and I are both taking 9 hours (3 classes) this semester. Chuck's are all online and thankfully two of mine are too so that saves us time and energy that we can focus on studying and assignments.

We're doing a lot of waiting on God but we've also made some big decisions. For the time being, we won't be selling our car but are getting our house ready to rent (and/or sell). By this summer we'll move into a smaller place probably closer to the center of town. I want to be able to walk more places (like the library, post office, etc) and Chuck wisely suggested that it would be good to live in a more urban setting since we plan to live in a large urban area in Europe. Right now our house is most definitely suburban.

We still plan to move to Europe and are thinking right now that we'll own a business or something more along those lines that being traditional missionaries. Moving is at least a year away if not several but we're not at all stressed about it. We feel at peace about the moves we are making (Ruby's in a big girl bed, the kids are sharing a room, we're planning to move into a smaller place, etc.).

Speaking of the kids making changes, Ruby is bigger than ever and very much trying to exercise her autonomy and influence on the world. Enzo is interacting with us more and more and is a lot of fun. He's not walking yet but Ruby didn't walk until 14 months and I'm really not worried about it. He crawls well and gets into plenty as it is.

We found homes for our kitten and puppy so we're down to one dog, Vinnie. I didn't realize how much stress I was feeling with so many little beings in the house. I no longer have to clean the rug daily, make sure no one snatches food they shouldn't at all times, etc. and I'm very glad about it. 

Well, I hear the sound of kids getting into something they shouldn't and am reminded that my life is not completely incident free but I am so grateful that God is revealing more of Himself to us as we continue on our journey and while He doesn't promise an incident free life He has promised to give me His strength to get through it.

Quick Update

We're all doing really well and these last few months have been busy and exciting! We're going through lots of refining and refocusing and praying.
We know that we will either go (Matthew 28:19-20) or send (provide financially for others who are going) and in order to do that we are making changes like selling our car (if you're interested in it let us know!) and selling our house (it will hopefully be on the market soon).
While we have only just recently made these big decisions they feel like they've been a long time coming.

Please pray for wisdom that we would make wise decisions and that we would find our strength and peace in Christ and seek God's kingdom over ours.

More details to come.

Moo-hoo-ha-ha

Ruby is so funny in how she connects things and remembers things. After making a juice mustache at breakfast and then a bean mustache at snack time she decided she'd like a real one so we drew her a "real" one.

She's also getting better at her mischievous laugh.

Happy Birthday!

Enzo turned one today! Chuck is in Vegas so we're staying with his mom and didn't plan a birthday party. She still bought some mini cupcakes so Enzo could have a celebratory sugar rush on his big day. He was very serious the whole time and only smiled near the end. He's pointing at the others asking for more but we'll pretend that he's telling us how old he is today. What a big sweet boy.

Ruby Loves Music

While playing at a friend's house, Ruby discovered she likes to play the harmonica.

Catching up #2

Ruby was a strawberry for Halloween. We decided to go to our neighbors instead of hoping they would come to our door this year and I'm glad we did. We met a few new neighbors and Ruby loved dressing up. This strawberry outfit was mine when I was young so I'm glad Ruby got to wear it too. Enzo didn't dress up but he wasn't going to get any candy anyway. :)

Catching Up part 1

Here we are in December!

It feels like the fall just began (not to mention it still feels like fall here - I miss MN seasons) and we've had a busy autumn!

This has been the busiest semester for us as Chuck and I have both been in school but God has gotten us through and we're closer to him and to each other for it.

We've grown a lot as a family, learning to lean on one another when we need to and learning to lean on God everyday. We've been praying more than ever and are excited to see what God will set before us.

On August 17th, Chuck and I celebrated 5 years of marriage and on the same day my brother Jon and best friend Suzanne got married! They planned their elopement to Hawaii before they knew it was our anniversary. So funny.

Then on October 23rd we had a reception for the newly weds in Denton at a local coffee shop. It was a great time and my family was able to be here for it. Here's a photo of my mom and sisters and I that night.

Stay tuned for further updates and cute kiddo pictures. :)