Settling In

Two weeks ago Alex and I were on our way home from Ukraine. It already feels like a lifetime ago. Isn't this how it's always been?  We are settling into a nice groove.  Of course there are and will continue to be struggles, but we are all committed to making this work.  As Alex learns more English and gains more confidence, the family dynamic will continue to change. We will have our ups and downs I'm sure but we will weather it together.

I haven't updated much on Eli or Isaac lately but we have some big news: they are both going to be baptized this weekend!  They have been asking about it for months, and Curt and I finally feel they have a fairly good grasp on what it means. We are very excited for them and the decision that both boys have made.

In other good news, Eli gets his braces off today. He's been a careful steward and has been waiting for this day for a long, long time.

Isaac's good news is that he has taken to swimming like, well, a fish takes to water. He has qualified for the state championship swim meet in March. School is going very well for both boys. They have made SO MUCH progress and really do enjoy school.

From my perspective, having five kids isn't really all that different from four. It's a lot of food, a lot of homework, a lot of laundry, and a lot of running around.  I periodically take mental inventory, reminding myself where all of my children are so that I don't forget to feed someone or pick someone up.  This craziness will not last long...before I can blink my house will be quiet again. I am enjoying this house full of amazing, unique, special young people while I can.