Finally...an Update

Ok, so we finally found a home and our stuff is "moved in", not that it's organized as organizing with 3 toddlers and in the last month of pregnancy is not recommended. Dad and Mom came out for a week to help with the move which was a HUGE help! We fell in love with this house due to neighborhood (close to home school cottage program, walk to restaurants and parks), friends of ours live a few doors down, the views of the mountains and the backyard is a forest...literally. At first we were not sure about it because the city said we cannot cut down any trees in our backyard, but the kids love "going on a nature walk" in the back yard.

I have to admit, it's been a rough road, though God has paved his way through it all. He has provided much grace when I am so exhausted and Paul has been an amazing husband and father. In 2 weeks, we get to meet our sweet baby boy (via planned c-section) and though this pregnancy is pretty rough, I hope baby waits the 2 weeks until we meet because of all the projects and time I want to spend with the kids. We are loving the weather and the community of Colorado Springs, though we miss our dear friends/family in Texas as well as wish we had family closer by. Elli misses her grandparents and cousins. Our next post will probably include a sweet little guy...

Family PIcs

The other day we went to the park with Rafa and he took some fun pics. And yes, here is one of my ever growing belly! Have I mentioned lately how HARD it is to get 3 toddlers to cooperate with pics?

Proud of our Colonel and Thanks!

Well, Sunday was Paul's last day as an active duty Air Force officer...I made him get dressed up in his uniform one last time...sniff sniff sniff. He has been in the Military his whole adult life and God has protected him as well as blessed him tremendously. I am so proud of him in his integrity and hard work. He now is in a new season of life and has been one incredible husband and dad as we have walked out the busiest and most chaotic time in our lives. As we look back and remember how we didn't know if Paul should retire this year or not (not having any idea that we would gain three more children in our lives) we felt like this was time though it didn't make sense. Now we understand why we felt led that this was the right timing last year when we decided and how God's perfect timing was happening in our lives though this doesn't always feel ideal:)


As I wrote before, we were in Kansas for almost 2 months. During that time Dad and Mom were amazing Grandparents! They served the kids and when I was sick they took over. I don't know how we could have walked all of this out without them. In July we decided to make the move to Colorado and start figuring out where we are to live, etc. Again, Dad and Mom came out and helped us babysit while we looked for homes and because the kids were so attached to them, it made for a smoother transition. We are renting a house and using what fit into our van/car as the military only moves us once. We put a contract on a house in Colorado Springs and move end of August. Whoohooo! We may have a home before baby boy is born!

I could go on and on about how we so appreciated the love and support from family and friends during this time. Oh how we need each other to lift one another up in prayer and be there for each other! It's been so evident these months! We have seen prayers answered day in and day out and know it's only because of others lifting us up. Thank you!!

I wish I had more pics of Grandpa and Grandma with the kids as these last months have been so pivotal in our kids' lives. I will have write more (when kids allow) details of life, fun in the mountains with family and our new home/community!

Father's Day...Without Daddy

We celebrated Father's Day in Kansas without Daddy, but with MY Dad and Brother. The kids had a blast. We ate amazing food under the tree by the flower garden then borrowed Uncle Loren's water slide...needless to say, Elli did not see a need for a nap today! Oh and on the last blog, Karis is sporting her latest head accessory (too much crib time in China has given us this opportunity for reshaping). She is doing great with it, surprisingly. We missed Paul so much today, but look forward to seeing him later this week!

Happy Father's Day!

We miss you, Paul, and wish we could share Father's Day with you! This is the best pic of the day...it's hard to get a good pic of 3 toddlers! You are an amazing father and Elli tells us daily of how she, Karis, Dawson and Mommy miss Daddy! See you soon!

Thank You Jesus!

When Paul skypes with us (he is in TX while we are in KS), him and Elli do the Thank You Jesus dance together for many reasons:

1. The ultrasound says we are having a HEALTHY BABY BOY!!
2. Our San Antonio home is under contract (though that's sad, too)
3. I am starting to feel a little better after the nastiest 2 week sinus infection of my life!
4. Grandpa and Grandma are an amazing help with this crazy bunch!
5. We will probably have birth certificates for Dawson and Karis by the end of the week

I have to admit that it's been a rough 2 weeks! All of the adults and kids in this house have been sick and it never ends! Karis had a fever for 4 days...but the kids are definitely feeling better. The adults are somewhat on the mend. We have been taken back in how outgoing and quick to learn Dawson has been. His new world is so different than before and it's been difficult helping to learn to not throw or hit everything and sleep through the night, especially when all of us are sick. But he he is so sharp and so motivated to learn everything about his new world and family and picks up on everything!! Tonight he learned the sign for "more" after 3 tries and smiled so big and proud of himself. He has a contagious laughter and loves to be rough housed and tickled. Today we started putting water into a kid pool and he jumped right in with clothes on and laughed and splashed. Having 3 toddlers has made me depend on God moment by moment like never before! I know He has provision for every circumstance and amazed at how He shows me new parts of His character even when I feel crazy busy! OH and yes, I cut 9 inches off of my hair last week:)

Happy Birthday Karis!

We celebrated Karis' birthday with her cousins (wish Landon was here)! Chocolate was a hit by both Karis and Dawson:)

Karis, I love how delicate and sweet your personality is (except when you are hungry). I love the special bond you and I share and you could sit on my hip all day long with a smile. You have amazed us with your progress and we look forward to fun days ahead with you! Happy First Birthday