Well, life has been simply and abundantly full. I don't feel like we have actually done that much in the past weeks since I have written, but our lives lived simply have yielded abundance. Tirzah and I have been enjoying slow days here at home, playing new games together and spending some delightful moments outside, as the Washington rains feel imminent. Daniel has been quite busy with work as he is the new Scout Platoon Leader. Same position as the PL, just a different platoon, the platoon known as the "Battalion Commander's right hand platoon". If he needs something done, Daniel and his men will get it done. This platoon is known as the best of the best within the Battalion, and so of course Daniel is known as the best of the best as well (although we did already know that!) Daniel has enjoyed the first few days, although they have been long days. But he has already made quite a statement as 4 men have already passed out during Daniel-led physical training!! If they were not the best of the best before Daniel, they sure will be after him.

In our quiet days here at home, I have LOVED living several moments:

Seeing her joy at riding her bike, with neighbor boys and by ourselves on the path behind our house.

Laying that red blanket out on the yard every day for a week during nap time and just soaking in the moments reading.

Harvesting the plenty of onions remaining and harvesting the first of our winter squash. Seeing the harvest sit and cure beneath the sunshine.

Taking public transportation to the Children's museum, twice (first time, not so good as I got off at the wrong stop!!)

Playing Doctor with all of her animals.

Delighting in her complete joy of Daddy's arrival home. There is nothing quite like it and I can't help but wonder if it is so vibrant now because she went 9 months without welcoming him home each evening?


These moments have been gifts and I treasure them all the more as change is in the air. Changes for the farm: the pigs are been slaughtered this Friday and Saturday and so the smells around here will be much improved, and a new freezer has been purchased. Don't worry, I don't think I will write of their slaughter... Not even sure I will be there to witness it!

And some other large changes: we have committed to full time nanny the 3 yr old son of our pastor. His name is Ryder and he will be with us every day of the week beginning next Tuesday. How flattered and humbled I was when she asked me! And how excited we are to serve. I am hopeful too that I might even begin some homeschooling with the two of them, but will hold that loosely to see how much energy I have.
Another opportunity arose, which I am hopeful will work out, but the door might close: I was asked to be on BSF leadership team this year and was once again so humbled... The only thing is Ryder would not be able to attend our training which occurs every Monday morning, so unless we can find someone to watch him, my commitment to their family will come first and we will be so happy to just attend Wednesday morning BSF class.

All in all, it will be large changes for our family, especially for Tirzah and I as it has just been us two and the animals around here. But I welcome the change and I am hopeful it will even help her adjust to having the new baby in five months... I do find myself entering into these last days of our old schedule with such thanksgiving... As I am off to rest for a touch even now.