After two years of going off the radar, I’ve decided to start up the blog again. Adding a second child to the mix, which absolutely rocks the parenting world as you know it, and with the oldest dropping naps, I swore I would never see the computer again. However, I strongly desire to keep family and friends connected to our lives as much as possible, so I’m hoping to make a better effort in this area. Blogs are so wonderful! They allow you to share updates with those that are interested without constantly clogging up everyone’s social media accounts!
We are over the half-way point in our fifth season at Western Illinois University. The team is doing really well so far this year, ranking 20th in the mid-major poll. Their year will mark the most successful season in 20 years at WIU, which is exciting to see already at this point in the year. Wade broke his finger in practice early on in the season but never got it checked out. Unfortunately he broke it again in the last 10 seconds of his first YMCA basketball league game. For the past 4 weeks he’s been sporting a very irritating cast on his right hand, but hopes (and prays!) it will come off in a few more weeks, fully healed. We are praying against the need for any surgery…and more recovery time!
While Wade works hard with his team, I still get the awesome opportunity to stay at home with the kids. You always hear other moms comment about how cleaning, laundry and discipline never end with kids in the house. THEY WERE SOOOO RIGHT! If I’m not careful, that’s all I do all day! However, I’ve been trying to keep my focus more on spending quality time with the kids lately. We’ve really enjoyed MOPS and I’ve been serving as the preschool coordinator with that organization. Its been very exciting to see God working in the lives of our moms and children that attend. Our group has a wonderful, supportive church-home and has seen a tremendous increase in membership over the last two years. Its also been very rewarding gaining so many great, meaningful friendships.
Another area I’ve been trying to spend more time in is homeschooling. I know this is an area God is thrusting me toward because I never would have imagined I would homeschool my children if you asked me 5 years ago. After much prayer for guidance, I’ve made friendships with wonderful homeschooling families, received free curriculum, and keep “stumbling” upon useful and timely resources. While I respect the public and private school system, and admire all the fabulous, hard-working teachers in my life, I know that this particular direction will be the best fit for my children and the vision we have for our future. I’ve always known I’ve had the gift of teaching, but wasn’t especially suited for the classroom. I love the idea of having the flexibility to travel during the basketball season, or transition easier between jobs in this high-turnover profession. I love the idea of being able to work ahead in areas my kids excel in, or stay behind if they are being challenged. Most importantly, I am excited about teaching them from a Bible-based curriculum so they are seeing God around them in all they do, and that we are in control of the things their little eyes and ears are exposed to at this age. So, as of now, I plan to attend a homeschool conference this April and start Harper in Kindergarten next fall. She is so excited and loves the “school-time” we already have a few times a week. Its been very rewarding so far….just trusting in God to keep pumping me with confidence, resources, connections, and the ability to make this work with two other little ones!
If you missed that, we are expecting our third baby around June 6th! Its starting to feel “real” now that I can feel the baby kick. Our sonogram will be in two weeks, which is always such a precious moment to share with the hubby. Yes, we will likely find out the gender…but you might not 
!!! Hee hee hee. And by the way, is it just me or did I JUST have Jack?? What in the world! I’m definitely not ready for my baby to be a big boy yet!
Well that’s all that this nap-time allows, so we’ll try to give you more updates as they come along! Missing you all and praying for you!
