Long Time Coming

Wow! I can't believe I started this last year and haven't added anything to it! Another post is a long time coming, and overdue to say the least. My sweet Daniel departed August 11th for boot camp, which as I mentioned in my last blog was a highly anticipated date! He was so excited for his grand adventure, and we shared in his excitement for a new career and a new season in life! He is doing very well at boot camp, and though we've only spoken twice for a few minutes and received just one letter, I am confident he will graduate with flying colors! Currently he is an element leader over his flight and has the responsibility of keeping the other BMT's in line. This means a lot of yelling and a tired voice at the end of the day. He said their days are about 18 hours long and it has been fun, but exhausting. I wish I could see him in his uniform drilling and running and yelling orders :]

The children and I are doing splendidly, and enjoy our new home. We have moved up in the world since our last post, back into a house (praise God!). Not the best neighborhood, admittedly, but we have a decent yard and a new swing set that the children love to play on! Daniel and I took time before he left to make sure our little ones would not be too troubled about his going away by coming up with some creative ways for them to keep track of time and see/hear Daniel even in his absence. First off, he recorded a series of videos of himself saying hello to the children and sending his love. We also have a wall by the front door where we collect letters and photos of Daddy, as well as a "Daddy Chain." The Daddy Chain is most popular because every day a link is torn off as we draw closer to our first visit at his graduation in October. We also take time nearly every day to write letters and color pictures to mail to Daniel. This helps them feel connected and God has been faithful to comfort their hearts. I am blessed by their cheery outlooks and confidence that it won't be long until we are all together once again.

This fall we are looking forward to so many wonderful things. After our first successful run of park and rec activities this summer (ballet and baseball), we have decided on another round. Devan will enroll in golf and Adele in another session of ballet or tap (or both?). Devan will also begin 3rd grade (yahoo!). He has come such a long way from Kindergarten last summer...I am so proud of him. Adele will begin preschool and is very excited to learn basic reading and math skills. They are growing up so fast. My sweet little twinsies, Ginger and Giselle, will no doubt have a wonderful time playing together and getting into mischief :]

Onto even MORE exciting news, perhaps the most wonderful gift our family will receive this year: a new addition to the family! Our baby BOY is due on New Year's Eve. I am pleased to report this pregnancy has been a complete breeze and we are so delighted to have another little man-child in the house. Our family is quickly growing to 7 members, and God is providing our every need <3