What can happen in a year

I was having a hard time finding some good pictures of me and my mom, and I ventured onto a Disney World trip about a year and a half ago. My what has happened in a year...

I know they say the first year is the worst after losing someone. All the little holidays, all the moments that happen, or things that change, and yet we made it through one year. I can say that I think of her everyday, and wonder what she would think about our move, our home, and how the kids are growing, but I also know that she wanted us to continue enjoying and growing. But it still hurts.

It's been a year,

we are still here,

and where did our other one go?

In heaven above

looking down in love

it's still tough for me though

The time went quick

the trials were thick

but they days still went by

In the good times and bad

My sister, brother, and dad,

were there as I wanted to cry

And now time to pick up and move

where the Lord will chose

and give Him daily my life

for it is not totally my own,

we can't do this alone

My strength is only in His might

Looking forward to summer

I am excited for summer not just because of the warmer weather, but my sis-in-law is engaged and will be getting married in VA in Aug! So here's to a reason to get the winter weight off, celebration with family, and a chance to get back to VT and see some old friends. In other news things just keep moving along, most of the boxes are unpacked, we got our cars switched over, getting all the details ironed out, and I am excited that I will have a MA visitor next week. In the mean time, here are some moments with the kids and their cousin. We love having Michael around.

I found a ginger bread house for sale, and the kids enjoyed putting it together.

New Pet

We are starting to settle in to this new home, the boxes are slowly going away, and space is opening up. Last weekend we enjoyed some time at a little train show, and it was fun to watch the kids enjoy it.

Here are the cousins playing.

It starts off cold in the mornings, especially when the fire goes out with the wood stove, but the kids are champs at getting cuddly and making the best of it. Here is a shot out of the window in the stair well.
And here is Leena, our new pet. She did come with the house, but she has been a very good first pet for us. Very low maintenance and good temperament. The kids love her, and she helps keep your lap warm.
There is still the laundry list to do, and I am still getting used to the country lifestyle, but it is a joy to watch the kids grow and settle in. Daniel is expressing himself a lot more, and is doing well in the big brother role. He can spend hours outside. Rachel and Noah are also talking more and more, and it is interesting to watch them all interact. Time to go now and empty out another box!