An Autumn Update

Well, I think I mentioned something in my last post about the strong possibility of September or October rolling around before I found myself writing again. I wasn't wrong.

Life, as usual, continues to be busy in the Vanderwall household. We've each got our own things going on, but are enjoying the company of each other in the midst of it all.

Sam - School has been outrageously busy this semester! He is 1 class shy of being a full time student, but the class load he is taking, along with the enormous amounts of homework, have made it feel like he is going full time. He's worked away many a week end in the past couple months and hasn't been able to find a lot of time for relaxation or fun. Thankfully, on most of his busiest homework week ends, the kids and I have been out of town so he's had a nice quiet house to get stuff done. A nice, quiet, lonely house..... :/

His job changed a bit in August due to the retirement of a coworker. He's been given more responsibility, but he's okay with that because he isn't afraid of the work and, along with more responsibility comes the opportunity for better earnings.

Kasi - Sam's job change largely affected my life. Along with the news of Sam's increased responsibilities at Help Systems, came the requirement that he no longer watch the kids while I was at work in the mornings. Of course, his company chose the best time ever to deliver this news - the first day of school. So, on the second day of school, I had to go tell my boss I could teach for 1 more month and then I was done. Thankfully, my boss was incredibly gracious and understanding. As of September 9, I am now a stay-at-home mom. This came with mixed feelings as I love teaching, loved my school, was having a great year, and really didn't want to quit. However, the flip side of that coin is that I am excited to stay with the kids, get to attend more of Noah's school activities, am looking forward to having the baby without having to consider the constraints of maternity leave, and most of all, I find it important that Sam and I are the ones to raise our kids. I have also had the opportunity to start tutoring 2 students and am loving that!

Fireman Noah!

Noah's class at the Fire Station

Noah & Chloe ready for their FD visit

Noah - Noah started school as a Pre-4 student last month. He could not have possibly been more excited! He nearly wished the summer away waiting for school to start. He is loving Pre-4 as much as he loved Pre-3. In September, his class went to the Fire Station for a field trip and, next week, they're off to the Pumpkin Patch. He's learned about several Bible stories - Noah, Abraham, Joseph - just to name a few, he's doing lots of great handwriting practice (not his favorite, but the practice is certainly needed :)), and of course, he's working on letter names and sounds. He comes home with a great craft almost every day. He's made several friends and seeing them is the highlight of his week!

First day of school 2016

First day of school 2016

Chloe - Chloe girl officially turned 2 on September 22! Her birthday celebrations were very extended this year, for multiple reasons, and she received gifts on several occasions. We had a little birthday party for her this past week end. Doc McStuffins, her favorite tv show, was the theme. We played a couple games, ate yummy food, and had a blast watching her open her presents. It is amazing the understanding of gifts that starts occuring somewhere between years 1 and 2 of life. She was clueless last year and this year she was nearly beside herself with excitement! We're currently working on potty training and are hoping it comes much easier for her than it did for her brother. Time will tell...

Birthday cupcake!

"Messy bace!"

Delicious!

Time for presents!

Melanie - Yesterday marked the start of my 3rd trimester with Melanie! So far, all doctor's appointments and ultrasounds have turned up only great results and we pray that this continues up through labor and delivery. Melanie is very active and strong! I often wonder if she's trying to make her appearance early. She is due Jan. 3 , and we're all curious to see how close to the holidays her birthday will actually fall.