A new year!

The snowflakes are beginning to settle here in St Louis.

We are grateful to God for helping us through a very challenging, exciting and c c cold move from Wisconsin. Our moving in is not done, but it is amazing what the Lord has enabled us to accomplish this far. I can remember there was a point before things really got rolling that I thought to myself, "This is going to be really difficult," and it was, but thanksgiving to God really makes a difference. Dave and I are really grateful to the Lord for all the opportunities to trust Him when things did not go as planned, and to work hard through this difficult move.

We have dear friends who do dairy farming, and every day, several family members are up at 3 in the morning, snow or not, to milk and feed the cows! They work hard as a way of life. This was a child training plan decided on by the parents, who work alongside. And they sing hymns doing it! The father says, "I'm not using my children to build my business, I'm using my business to build my children." There is much wisdom in that.

We are praying for a quick sale of the house in Wisconsin. We have many wonderful memories there and know it will be a great place for the right people. The kids finished up many of the last-minute projects and took a few photos, and its looking ready to move in, for the most part.

Health wise, we are faring pretty well through all the cold and exertion. Of late, Zak is having some symptoms. Probably just worn out. I was feeling pretty queasy after my last round trip to Wisconsin. When we got back to St Louis, it just hung on, that queasy feeling. Hmmm... that familiar feeling....

And so last Friday, we informed the children we are expecting number 14! Universal hoots of glee were heard from everyone, except for Joshie (16 mos) who is totally clueless, but happy anyway. Not sure of the due date, but it is probably near August, near Joshie's 2nd birthday.