Rambling Update

Here's a boring "Christmas letter"-type blog post to get everyone caught up with what life looks like for us these days (and a bonus video at the end!) I'll ramble atch'a a little from oldest to youngest...

Russell continues to thrive at PG&E. I'm so thankful he gets up every morning excited to work hard for his employer, but he's also excited to come home to his family at the end of the day. He gives himself freely to encouraging other men to love God and love their families and also helps with teaching the Word at our church and serving as a deacon. He keeps threatening to go on "Atkins" again, as his belt has gotten a little tighter. He doesn't have the flexibility in his wardrobe that I do (elastic-waist pants, oh yes.) I'm so thankful for this wonderful husband who is a true Christ-like servant-leader for our family.

My days are packed with carting the kids around to school, piano lessons, and swim lessons starting on Monday for Sarah. The younger kids will start swimming next month. Ben still takes 30 - 45 mins to eat and I usually read some on my iPad or kindle while he goes at it. Then I keep the laundry, dishes and food going, and squeeze in Ruth's school lessons. I meet with a ladies Bible study group every other week and get some park days with friends from time to time. I also help with leading singing at church and in the nursery. I enjoy exercising at our gym when I take the time to do it, but it's easy to find other ways to spend my time these days!

Phillip is a sophomore at Cornerstone. 4.0 GPA, accomplished pianist, budding guitarist and choir nerd, lousy soccer player (but he loves it), kids Sunday School volunteer and church pianist when I twist his arm :-) He's also learning to drive so I don't have to cart him around everywhere forever (although I think that's what he'd prefer).

Sarah is in 4th grade at Cornerstone also. She loves it but has had to work hard (homework was quite a shock!). She also takes piano lessons and is doing swim team instead of Little League this year (although she really can keep up with the boys in baseball.)  I miss having her home since she's so helpful with her younger siblings and chores around the house!

Ruth is in 1st grade at Highview Academy (our homeschool). She's very bright and easy to teach, although math fact tests are not her favorite. Ruth reads well and finishes all the books we get from the library within the first 24 hrs!

Paul is in preschool at Highview and loves learning whatever Ruth is learning. He has a natural golf swing and often takes his putter out to the back yard to work on his short game.

Mary, I'm happy to report, is finally potty-trained! When I got my act together and decided to lose the diapers she got with the program in no time. She talks a mile a minuet, loves baby Ben, and is quite a mischievous almost-three-year-old. Gotta watch that one...

Ben is doing just great. He's settled into a good feeding/sleeping routine and is a happy, content little dude! He's growing at a slower pace, but that's normal for Trisomy 21 babies. We haven't started any therapies with him yet, but probably will in the next few months. Meanwhile, his siblings give him lots of physical, occupational, and speech therapy every day!



Thus concludes this edition of "Random Tales from Lowerydom." If I had more interesting things to say or more time to post this blog might see more action. But I'll probably just stick to posting photos of the kids :-)