Hello All!

It's been a long time! A lot has happened around here since my last post and in all honesty I was sort of afraid of posting and it turning into a bit of a rant. I don't want to come off like I am unhappy (because in spite of everything I feel incredibly blessed) so I just refrained until I could explain it all.

First of all, we are all fine. Kids and parents are all alive and kicking and doing well on the health front. We have gone full force into our homeschooling this year and I am seeing progress. I am working continuously on our curriculum this year, adding things that are helpful, yet fun for the kids. The girls are doing our version of Princess Academy. Learning various housekeeping skills on top of crocheting, needlepoint, ettiquette, etc. So far it's been a fun experience :)

The boys are working on some guy things too, this year. proper use of tools, vehicle maintenance, etc. it gives them a chance to break away from the girls for a bit and spend some more bonding time with Chad.

We've also been working more on bible studies and speech with the boys. I am utilizing the things I learned last year from our speech therapist and they boys seem to enjoy it. Our pediatrician told me that he understands their speech more clearly this year than last year so I am just going to keep at it.

Now for the not so great news. If you have read my blog this year then you know that it has been a rough year around here with the car accident in May, and lack of hours at work. Chad was laid off in the middle of August to add to the fun. Sadly, the company he was working for closed it's doors two weeks after they let him go. He's still looking for work and we are praying that he finds something that won't take him away for us for weeks at a time. I'd appreciate any prayers you could send up on our behalf.

Amazingly, we are both pretty peacefull about the situation. As dire as it seems to not have a job in this recession. GOD has done an awesome job of seeing us through so far. I have faith that he will continue to do so. My prayer is that not only will he open a door for Chad, but that he will open THE door that brings him peace and happiness. He has been miserable at work for the last year, and it would be wonderful for him to find something that he really enjoys doing.

On the bright side, we are learning to make the most of our time with the kids. Finding low cost (or free) activities with the kids. The weather's changing so we are both venturing into the kitchen a bit more and enjoying more sit down dinners with the kids. This was hard when he was working crazy hours, the kids were sometimes heading to bed when he walked through the dor or he was heading to bed really early because he had to work a graveyard shift.

So that's the update, times are hard, money's tight, but were remain faithful that this is GOD's plan for us and we are patiently waiting to see what HE is going to do through us!

Love and Hugs,

Mary