Can someone slow down time please?

It is hard to believe that it is officially Spring (hooray!), Malachi will be FOUR next month (eek!), and a blog update is overdue -again. (surprise, surprise)

Life has been the “normal routine” I guess, so that’s my usual excuse. Ha-ha. Winter was very tolerable this year with mild temperatures and LITTLE snow. The last time we had snow worth mentioning was Christmas Eve!

We enjoyed a good Christmas with my parents here and were glad they could stay until the beginning of January.

Mid-January we started attending a parenting class with about 4 other couples, give or take. We went over a book called “Boundaries with Kids”. There were some good insights for both, now, as well as when Malachi gets older. We always enjoy fellowship and being able to “hang out” with those we don’t see as often as we would like. Added bonus- two babysitters watching the kids during the class!  

Something we have learned the last few years, but have had a hard time actually putting into practice, is having someone else watch Malachi so that we (or just one of us) can have a break. We are working on it, because I know it is needed. I’ve told many friends that sometimes it’s just “easier” to stay home like Malachi and I normally do, rather than make an effort and reason to separate ourselves from each other- the testing preschooler and impatient mom. :) Actually, one of our pastor’s daughters is staying in the one bedroom apartment here for a few weeks and it’s been nice when Malachi’s wanted to go over to “bug her” even if it’s just 10 minutes at a time.

Now if you’re starting to think that our child is a typical preschooler who tests our patience----you’re right! But he is such fun! He has been using his imagination a lot and is learning more and more. His favorite things right now are probably “puppies” (dogs of any size, age), playing the Wii (watching us play), numbers (and wondering why he can’t add and subtract yet), going outside and noodles. ;)

Jeremy has been working on the Annuals on the planes. He just finished the mission’s Cessna 175, started working on a Cessna 150 owned by a couple in our church, is at someone’s house now working on their plane and he will also be doing the mission’s Cherokee 6 in the very near future. There is a lot more flying in the summertime, so it’s good to have the planes ready. Week by week he’s not really sure what he’s going to be doing as set plans aren’t really set plans. So, I think he’s been enjoying working on the planes, even if it keeps him busy.

Last month, I was able to go to a Women’s Retreat hosted by Arctic Barnabas Ministries located in Soldotna (AK). It was a wonderful time of fellowship and so much fun to be around ladies! J It was a full (extended) weekend with great sessions, encouragement, delicious food, free time, visiting, small groups, little sleep, laughter, and much more.

As we look to the next few months, we are gearing up for the summer that is rapidly approaching. Plans are starting to come together, but we always appreciate your prayers!

In June, we’ll be heading to the AFLC’S Annual Conference in WA and we’re really looking forward to that time to visit with many friends and family!