It’s a exceptionally cold day here. Sub-20 and windy. Both the wood stove and the heat-pump are working to keep the house in the 65 degree range. But it’s also delightful — Karen and I snoozed on the couch while the kids watched a movie (Cars, again). As I type, Karen and the kids are playing a game, fresh bread is rising bread, corned beef (a special treat) is simmering, and I’ve managed to squeak a few moments here on the computer for something not work related. I’m not sure if this is a traditional Sabbath, but I’ll be better rested for it.

Karen’s first semester went very well. Though some students were less than thrilled about her high standards (i.e., she required them to actually expend effort and think), there were many good reviews from students and her peers. It wasn’t all perfect of course, but for a first semester it was good.

The Spring semester is going to be rather more challenging. Karen has two course preps and, therefore, two lab preps — in some ways, especially grading, it’s like carrying four courses. There are other challenges too, but that gets into faculty issues — suffice to say, we’ll be relying heavily on the Grace of God for things to go well this round. I’m confident God will provide, even if He lets us get tired & stretched in the process.

Warren and Nicole have thrived at preschool. I can frequently see the positive change in them as they volunteer details about what they’ve learned and demonstrate new skills they’ve picked up. Most recently, they have been just on the edge of reading smaller words. They can pick out letters readily enough and can usually give me the sound each letter makes, but it hasn’t clicked that they can put those sounds together to make words yet. I suspect we’re very close.

Our friends Mark & Christie sent along a birth announcement and picture of their new son, Matthew. It was a thrill to see the picture as I know it fulfills a God-given desire of their hearts. It was strange telling the kids “when little Matthew is 4 years old like you, you’ll be 8 years old.” Just 4 years ago they were smaller than baby Matthew is now. Not less than 5 months ago we were wishing, praying, cajoling, and doing whatever else we could think of to get the kids out of diapers. Now they have a full semester of preschool behind them and have been using the potty the whole time. No doubt I’ll be warning younger parents about the speed at which time flies in another year or so….

I haven’t posted in a very long time, so I’ll get this online for you. I’ll try to add some pictures later. Thanks for checking in!