Well.
Perhaps we all have realized it and I just have yet to put it to words: I am going to take a little break from the blog... Just for a short time.

To be honest? I still think in terms of blogging, like: I can't wait to write that! Or I can't wait to share that picture! Or even writing it out in my head before my fingers hit the keyboard. So I do still think that way... It is when I actually have the moments to sit and write that I falter. I would rather read and have a cup of tea, or I would rather take a nap since I can right now before the baby comes. So when the moment is right before me, I have been choosing to not write, and therefore I know I need to take a little break.

Another reason? Ever since we moved here, I have been writing from my phone and it is just not as easy or as fun to write a blog from a miniature screen.

Marlene was just here for a week visit while Daniel is away in Louisiana for a touch a time and as we discussed this break, in all her wisdom she said: "there is a season for everything." Amen. And so begins this season, a season in which I desire to pursue the Word, rest, intentional time with family, intentional time most importantly with Tirzah and with Daniel, and being present to all the wonderful people which will fill our moments of celebration.

My hope would be to, of course share pictures and the news with you of this second child on the way!:) we are looking big and feeling big but absolutely loving being pregnant. 3 months to go... February 8 this little one is due. Tirzah thinks it is a sister and desires more than anything to name her Ulga... Not this babe, sorry.

But before the "season" begins, allow me to fill you in on several aspects of our lives.

•military. We have decided to stay in and to pursue the Ranger Regiment! We feel
So united and at peace with the decision and we will see when and where The Lord will take us in this decision. Perhaps GA? Perhaps stay here at Ft. Lewis? Who knows! We are excited to see The Lord work as we feel we have made a decision and now absolutely everything is in his hands.

•Homesteading. We have loved our experiences! We would not trade them for a second. In this time we have learned we are high-production, low-maintenance type of animal people... Meaning chickens and pigs suite us quite well. And we would love to, if time and location allow us to, to pursue these again and again. The goats... Haven't really missed them, to be honest! With the cold and rain settling in and my big tummy in the way, I don't quite know how I would have managed the milking... So you probably will not see us with goats again, but chickens and pigs and maybe even a steer? You can count on it! Of course the garden is a no questions aspect that we loved from each seed started to every last pumpkin harvested.

•Tirzah. Is growing up right in front of us. You wouldn't believe how well she can speak now and the extent of her understanding and vocabulary. She is such a delight! Her favorite things now: to play restaurant, to play ballerina, and to read Highlight magazines.

•Prayer requests. Would you please join us in prayer over the next few weeks as we decide if another move would be wise? I have been sick for about 3 months now, just cold after sinus infection after cold, and both Tirzah and Ryder have awful coughs. We are assuming it is something in the house and so we are looking for another place. That being said, if nothing turns up soon, we are going to trust that The Lord will keep is healthy, especially this little one soon to join our family.
And for the obvious: just prayers as we transition into a family of 4! We are all incredibly excited... Beyond excited to have this baby. But of course there will e transitions for Tirzah, in learning to be a sister, and for Daniel and I as we enter into the no-sleep stage.

Thank you for walking with us, side by side as we journey through life together. I look forward to the next season of blogging with you: to write of new life and to write with a refreshed heart and mind.

Love you!