Merry Christmas!

This year has been a whirlwind, and the challenge I’ve been pondering all morning is how to give a concise update.

Some highlights:

 In January, we moved out of an apartment into a friend’s basement. We stayed there until deciding the tax credit and low interest rates made it a pretty ideal time for us to buy a house. So, we bought a house in Salt Lake City and moved again in May. It’s been a lot of work, but we LOVE it! Most of the work we’ve done has been cosmetic (aside from a few plumbing issues that required professionals), and it has made a huge difference in the feel of the house. We have painted everything, refinished hardwood floors throughout, new baseboard, new light fixtures, etc. I can’t wait to work on a patio, clothes line and garden this spring.

A few of Andrew’s favorite things: 

The canoe we brought home from WI this summer, reading, MLS, playing in the snow, keeping Melinda sane, wrestling with Ezra on our bed. Work is going well for him--he usually comes home tired and hungry, so I guess it does what it is supposed to do! It also provides a steady income and insurance, and for that we are truly grateful! Andrew loves being a dad and loves playing with Ez when he gets home from work.  Lately, when Andrew gets in the shower after work, Ezra sits outside the bathroom door crying.  So cute!

A few of Melinda’s favorite things:

Watching Ezra in wonder (that one hasn’t changed since we brought him home with us), hearing Ezra giggle, taking walks with Andrew, coffee dates with Andrew, knitting all sorts of goodies, hiking/snowshoeing. One of God’s greatest gifts to me right now is the ability to stay home. I know old ladies in the grocery store are right when they see Ezra and say, “it goes so fast.” Although there are days I would rather go to work somewhere else, I really try not to have regrets about the time I have at home with the little man.

A few of Ezra’s favorite things:

Walking (finally figured that one out two weeks ago!); dancing; climbing into cupboards in search of cereal (he will then carry the box to the nearest adult in hopes they will open it for him); going outside; skyping with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins; reading books with Mom while she tries to write a Christmas letter; being thrown onto the bed by Dad and landing in a heap of laughter. Ezra is almost 17 months and is doing very well! He is at such a fun age where he is discovering many new things and is so expressive. The world, to him, is divided into 3 categories: ball, dog and maaa. All round things are balls, all animals are dogs, and all people he likes are maaa. Definitely a handful, but so FUN!

Things we are looking forward to in 2011:

If you haven’t heard yet, we are having a baby! Estimated date of arrival: June 20th. And we will hopefully find out next month if we have a bean or beanette. Andrew’s parents, sister and nephew will also visit next month. Spending time with them is always such a treat! We are so excited about God’s adventurous plans for us, and we are trying to live each day in the joy of His grace, trusting His abundant provision. He is alive, indeed!