Closing out 2015: The year of change

    The end of 2015 marks the end of our first year in Santa Barbara. We left the town where we had spent 9 years of our marriage.  The town where all 5 of our children were born.  We faced great heart aches and some of our biggest Joys.  We packed everything up and pulled away with tears streaming down our face to the place where we believed the LORD was calling us.Just like all change it was hard and yet it was good.
   
     One change that happened when we moved was that we stopped homeschooling and enrolled the girls in public school.  This was a huge change that we were so unsure if we were makeing the right decision but after lots of prayer we felt like it was the right call.  And the LORD is faithful as the girls have been stretched and grown in a big public school full of amazing teachers and administrators.  I also learned not to put the LORD into a box he calls us all to do different things at different times.  School had become a religous idol and I needed to let it go.  Infact I learned to let go of a lot of things this year.  Freedom is a beautiful thing!

Here are some mini updates on what everyone has been up to this last year.

     Ellie is now in 4th grade and learning so much, including violin at school! She is also doing chourus, musical theatere, art, and sailing.  So many of her activities take place at school either during school hours or directly after school which is such a blessing.  She is growing into a strong sweet girl who is always wanting to learn more about the LORD and caring for others.  Her sweet sensitive heart blesses me always.

     Madyson is in 1st grade and she absolutley loves school.  Madyson is doing art, piano, and ballet.  She is loving ballet especially and just moved up a level.  Madyson has vibrant spirit and loves to learn how and why things work.  She also is always wanting to learn more about the LORD and was blessed with a bible of her own this summer that she loves to take to church with her.  Her adventerous spirit that sees no limits to what can be done reminds me to never stop dreaming.

    Our sweet Trevor is 4 and really is a big boy now.  He attends preschool 3 days a week and though he still talks about his friends and teachers in Santa Cruz he really loves his new school.  Its hard to believe that in 9 short months he will be at school with the girls in transitional kindergarten!  He is full of energy and a cuddle bug all at the same time and I wouldn't have it any other way!

 
       Our little Luke is 2 years old and growing up so fast. Luke has enjoyed having a preschool routine this year and enjoys his friends and teachers there.  He has the sweetest most gentle spirit and I love to watch him blossom and grow.

   
       Ava bean as she is affectionatly called is also 2.  She has a personality that wins over the masses.  Her Sunday school teachers comment on the fact that she makes jokes and she knows she is funny.  Ava is also enjoying preschool and has taken up ballet with her big sister.  She is a sweet and sensitive spitfire who will likely take over the world when she grows up.

   

Dustin's job changed of course as well as mine.  And though there are always challenges to new jobs we have both settled in well and are enjoying the ways our jobs are stretching and growing us. As hard as our move has been with adjustments and finding our way here God is faithful and He has been with us every step of the way. He has quietly whispered I have you right where I want you, just put one foot in front of the other.

I have grown in so many ways over the last year.  The LORD has brought healing to wounds I didn't even know I had.  I feel so much more confident in my faith and grounded in His love.  I am looking forward to 2016 and all the ways we will see the LORD move and how our children will grow.