Family Update

I was looking over my blog and see that the last family update I did was in March of 2014; needless to say a lot has changed since then so I thought I'd do a quick post of what's happening with us in 2020. 

This year is certainly looking very different than we had thought.  With the pandemic spreading around the globe the kids have been schooling here at home with remote learning since the middle of March.  Matt has also been home since around the same time.  We are very blessed that Matt's job allows him to work from home and while he wasn't working from home full-time before, he did occasionally so his work hasn't really changed.  The kids; while they really are missing their friends, have adjusted well to the remote learning. Their teachers have been phenomenal and the communication from the schools has been great. 

There have been three very big changes for our family since 2014.  The first, and best, change is that in 2017 we added another baby girl to our family.  Maisie Rayne was born on her Mimi & Papa's anniversary.  She is a ball of energy, very busy and a little too independent sometimes.  She certainly keeps us on our toes but she brings such joy to our family and the kids adore her.  The second big change is that we also moved in 2017; when Maisie was just 6 weeks old!  That was a very busy, crazy time but we are thankful for God's working in every detail of the move.  We are still in the same town just on the other side of town with a much bigger yard and a bit more space in the house since we had outgrown our previous house.  The third big change is that the kids transferred from the small private school they were attending to the local public schools.  Ethan and Hailey transferred out in 2018 and the other three kids transferred to the Grammar school this past fall (2019).  It was a big transition and a lot of prayer went into the decision.  The kids have adjusted well and we are thankful for the schools. 

Ethan is finishing up his sophomore year; he recently chose his classes for his junior year!  Yikes!  How fast time goes by. He joined the strategy games club at school and (when school is in session) looks forward to that each week.  He also is active in our churches youth group.

Hailey is finishing up her freshman year; she also recently chose her classes for next year...sophomore year here she comes.  She did indoor track this past year and really enjoyed it; despite having an injury.  She also is involved with the youth group, sings on the worship team at church and helps with nursery. 

Keira is finishing up sixth grade.  She adjusted well to her new school and enjoyed participating in their ski club this past winter.  She finished up the AWANA program at church and is excited to be joining the youth group in the fall.

Titus is finishing up fourth grade.  He also adjusted well to his new school and has made several new friends; he enjoys connecting with them on the XBox to play games with them.  He's looking forward to participating in ski club next year since that starts in fifth grade. 

Amy is finishing up first grade.  She missed her friends from kindergarten but has also made many friends at her new school.  She was very excited to find out at the beginning of the year that one of her new friends is also a Christian.

Maisie is two..that says it all. :)  As I said before, she is a ball of energy and definitely keeps us on our toes.  While she loves all her siblings; she adores Ethan.  They have had a very special bond ever since she was born and it's so sweet to see them together.  She has loved having everyone home these past few months.

Matt is doing well and working from home full-time; at least for awhile longer. 

I'm doing well; I miss seeing everyone and being involved in various things but I'm also finding the blessings in slowing down. 

We were planning a big family vacation this summer but due to the pandemic that had to be rescheduled.  We are still hoping and praying to go in the fall.  Right now our plans are week to week as we see what is able to open up.  We are so thankful for our God Who is still in control, Who loves us, Who hears us and Who sees us. 

"The heart of man plans his way,
    but the Lord establishes his steps." ~ Proverbs 16:9