Random update from Neyville

I really can't believe that tomorrow is March already. These first two months of the year have just sped by. There hasn't been a lot of time to sit and type out my thoughts, but then again it seems like my mind isn't swirling with thoughts, so maybe this is good. Since I am sitting here in a quiet house, with everyone in bed I thought I would update.

Duane started a new route this week which has him getting off and being home around lunchtime. We are all getting used to this and trying to get up earlier to have things done before he comes home. No one wants school or chores lingering over their heads when Daddy comes home!  The biggest change with his route is that he is going from working four days a week to five. He has been on four tens for years and we have loved having him home every Friday. It was always kind of like a mini vacation. We will adapt and hopefully learn to love this route the same.

Sweet Blessing turned 6 months old yesterday! She is such a delight for everyone who is around her. She really is living up to her name. Who would have thought that there was such power in the names we choose for our children?

Our busy little toddlers are into everything these days. Even with two sets of parents around and many brothers, sisters, aunts, and uncles, these two can run us all in circles. Do not be deceived from the sweet way that they are sitting here that they are quiet and calm! We don’t need any other entertainment with these little guys! I think we all sleep good after a day spent together!

I found this sweet note folded up and taped tightly shut when I was cleaning in my room the other day. I guess Poppet had set it up to surprise me but it got buried on my dresser. I smiled and wanted to cry all at once. I was reminded that not only did I want my baby to live but so did my children. I am still sorting my thoughts and emotions, but healing is here. It takes time. I don’t find myself thinking about my baby daily anymore, but you never forget. I should have a belly that is full of life, but that was not the Lord’s plan. I pray that He sees fit to bless us again in His perfect timing. Until then my arms are full of life with the children I do have. I’m blessed beyond words.

Shayden, Shannen, and Shadd are gearing up for Science Olympiad this Saturday. They have diligently been working on a mousetrap car and helicopter. I am amazed at the genius inside these guys! They are getting a chance to be challenged and create some wonderful little masterpieces.

Shadd has had his braces on for several months now and the results are amazing. On his next visit he will get his expander off. He is so excited over this!

Our three little ladies are growing. Poppet daily announces how many more days until her birthday gets here! She is going to squeal with excitement tomorrow morning when the calendar is turned to March. The girls love to help in the kitchen whenever they can. Today they helped make rolls for dinner. They were the best rolls I’ve ever tasted.

It looks like Shelbie will be leaving for Zambia on April 6th. No one is ready for this. As each day passes we dread it more. Six months feels like forever.  As Shyloh once said, “We may want her here, but they need her.” I still remember that little girl waking up all excited and telling me her dreams of being with little children in Africa. She will once again be living out that dream. The mama part of me continually wrestles with God over this, but deep inside I know that she really is needed over there. Those children that she will hold and love on will actually be held and loved by the arms of God. Shelbie is just the vessel that He is using.

I think I covered all of Neyville here. Our little corner of the world may seem quiet at times in blogland, but it’s really not. It is full of life, noisy and thunderous, happy and sometimes sad. We work hard and play loud over here and I love it!