Normal Life

Well, life's getting back to normal around here.

Yesterday, Lanie had four teeth pulled to prepare her for upcoming braces. She was a trooper, and after a little Tylenol #3 and a good long nap, was as good as new.

We're back into the swing of school, and have actually had one of the most productive weeks all year. We're all motivated to hurry up and get done before summer is here. Yes, even Abby has been cranking it out with no (OK, few) complaints. It is really helping that the weather is very springlike, making us all long for some serious outside time.

It is not 100% normal though, because both of our next door neighbors are still gone - which means 7 less kids on the block. Plus, no one that I can run to for a teaspoon of sugar or that much needed can of tomato sauce when I realize at the very last second that ooops, I don't have one. I really hope they come back soon, but they evacuated and then enrolled their kids in school in the States, so they might decide to stay until the school year lets out even though the evacuation order has now been lifted.

We also told the kids we're skipping the sports season so that we can focus on getting through school. Although we got some schoolwork done on the road, it definitely wasn't a full month's worth of school, still leaving us behind somewhat. The boys had both started track before we left, and as it turned out the whole track season was pretty much put on hold. They ended up only missing five practices. Now they're going to have a mini-season, with only something like two quick meets. So I don't feel they're missing much by sitting it out this year.

Home Sweet Home

Well, we are finally, finally back home.

Reunited as a family.

The trial of the last few weeks is OVER - once and for all.

And let me tell you, it was definitely a time of trial.

A time of worry, anxiety, and testing.

And although it was wrapped up in blessings, in the form of special time with very dear friends and family, it was certainly a huge TEST for me personally, for our marriage, and for our family.

A walk through the desert.

But I'm happy to report that we are emerging on the other side all the stronger for it, with our faith having been refreshed, renewed, and definitely strengthened.

So I am thankful for the sand and the heat of the desert, because as usual, they only serve to make us more aware of the oasis He provides daily.

Thank you to all of you who covered us in prayer, and please don't forget to continue to pray for the Japanese as they work to reconstruct their country.

Blog Vacation

I would LOVE to write a new post and update everyone on what's going on in our nomad life. But, alas, I have a three year old at my side every.minute who is away from his toys and his routine. He will NOT STOP TALKING. And when he goes to bed at night, well, I have hours of games to play with my kids and game loving sister. To catch up for all those years that we've been far,far away.

Maybe I can find a quiet minute at some point in the next week.