Announcing.....

"I want to tell you guys why mommy has been so sick"

"Is it because of that yucky commercial?" Elly

"Yes, that commercial did make me throw up, didn't it?" 

"Is it because you smelled shrimp?" Avery

"Well kinda...Mommy has something special in her belly" 

"Is it a sick bug? Avery

"No....What made mommy sick with you, and you, and Xan?"

"............... A baby!!!????" Avery 

"Yep, a baby!"

"I thought you just had to much food in there!" Elly

And with that we announce number four. Due in March (I am about 3.5 months). This has been a very rough pregnancy for me so far. My body is certainly making sure that this is the final one! But we are thankful for the opportunity to raise one more child, and add one more personality to our family. The kids are thrilled, and are already putting bets down for a brother or sister.....

I was a little nervous to announce this pregnancy - most people know that we are about to leave our home and jobs to serve teenagers on military bases (and no our plans haven't changed!). When you are in a ministry position you feel like you are under a microscope - everyone has an opinion!  We actually found out we were pregnant right after we got back from our YFC training in July. We had decided while we were there that we were content with our three and that we wouldn't continue trying for a fourth. Well... God had other plans! So we are moving forward with the excitement of having the large family we always wanted and the joy that we are serving God in the way He has called us. 

A Nice Break

This weekend we had a chance to visit Ben's parents down near the coast. Since I normally work on the weekends it was a nice break from our "routine". The kids got to enjoy some time on a beautiful farm and B&B owned by one of my mother in laws friends. We also got to eat good food (steamed crabs - yummy), play in the water (well the kids did), and mommy got some needed rest!

Their house is situated off the Albermarle sound. It is a beautiful area and the kids always have a great time. Even though I thought the water was way to cold, it only took a few minutes for Avery to decide to jump off the pier right into the water (clothes on and everything). Xander was short to follow (I hear.... "eeaddy, set, GOOO! I caught his arm right as he jumps - ughhh that baby is a crazy one). Thankfully the water was shallow, and after that little man was assigned a life jacket or a hand on his body at all times!

All About Leaves

Homeschooling Avery has been a lot more work than I realized it would be. God has already taught me an incredible amount of patience over the past 5 years, and I'm sure he was preparing me for my biggest challenge yet - teaching!

I love it though, and it's totally worth it. Last week I took the kids to the park for lunch, and as we spread our picnic blanket out, Avery and I discussed what we had learned that day... all about leaves. Which leaves do you see that still have chlorophyll, and which leaves lying on the ground no longer have chlorophyll?  Which trees do you see that are conifers and which are deciduous? How creative is our God to create all these beautiful kinds of trees? Why do you think He gave us so many? 

As I enjoyed that precious time with my boy, I was so thankful that he was home with me, and I have the opportunity to be his educator in these early years. I am the one teaching him to read, write, calculate math problems, and learn about the world that God has created. It has proven to be an invaluable time in our lives already.

"Trees" with fall leaves. Avery cut out an impressive root system for his tree. We had just learned that roots can be as tall as the tree. So he had to be accurate!

Leaf rubbings

Xander "organizing"our leaf collection

Pox, M words, and Blessings

It's been a busy few weeks! Avery had a suspicious case of "chicken pox like" lesions last week. Even our pediatrician wasn't 100% sure. They are clearing up now, and we are holding our breath to see if Elly and Xan show up with any! Ben is busy back at school, finishing up his final year at Grace.

We are continuing to partner with supporters as we move forward in our ministry to military youth and their families. Right now we are 40% supported, a huge blessing. We plan on being on the field by this time next year. It amazes me that back in June we had no financial partners, and now 3 months latter, God is actively calling people to step forward and go with us, bringing Christ to hurting kids!


Last week in homeschool,  we learned more about the letter M... and M words. As always the science component was a big hit - the phases of the moon and magnets.

Xan artist at work... 

Magnetism scavenger hunt

  

Moon Phases and M collage