So I will have to say that this past year has been a year for change and it's a good thing that I adapt to change well. In fact, I can get pretty bored with the mundane. This past Fall, Jerimae and I decided to put the boys in public school. I have to say that it has been a very positive experience thus far. The boys have been blessed with amazing teachers. Kaleb, who is my socialite, had no problem transitioning to school. Zarek, on the other hand, had more of a difficult time adjusting. He's not so much of a socialite and has always depended on Kaleb. So this was good for him to start being his own person and depend on God. The first week was the hardest for him and me. We both spent a lot time crying. However, it was an amazing time of growth for both of us.
First day of schoolAs a parent you constantly doubt your parenting skills and wonder if you are making the right choices and reacting the correct way. And even though we will never be perfect, you hope that your children will not remember those times of failure. I will have to say, I don't know what I would do without my Savior, Jesus Christ. I would be in constant anxiousness over my children and my choices, if I didn't have Him on my side and know that I have the perfect Father to come to for direction. It is nice to hear once and awhile that your boys are "great role models in class" and their teachers say "I wish they had a whole classroom full of your boys". We have had nothing but amazing feedback from both Kaleb and Zarek's teachers. When I hear those comments, I feel like we must be doing something right. However, I don't take the credit, it is all God. I'm so proud of them and the achievements they have been making in school. I am so blessed to be their mother.
Maeci is growing so fast in front of me. She is such a blessing. I have loved having time with just her while the boys are in school. She is definitely a very opinionated little girl and very bright. I'm amazed of how well she communicates and how much she comprehends and understands.
In September we "adopted" a graduate student into our family. She just graduated from Bethel College this past spring and lived with us from Sept. to Dec. It was wonderful having her with us. The kids love her too. It was sad to see her move.
The biggest change in our life came in October. We found out that I was pregnant. I wish I could say that my first response was excitement. However, I was quite shocked. Jerimae and I had become quite content with just 3 children. In fact, he was going to the doctor to discuss having a Vasectomy. We found out the day before his doctor appointment. It's quite comical now, but at the time, not so much. God's plans are not our plans. I will say that the shock has worn off and Jerimae and I are really excited to have another little Yoder. I'm due June 24th. Only 13 more weeks left. I can't wait!! And we found out that it is another BOY!!
We are starting from scratch with baby #4. I had gotten rid of almost all my baby stuff. So I will be going to lots of garage sales this spring and summer. I'm also doing a lot of sewing. I decided that I would make as much as I could to save money. I'm attempting to make a diaper bag, nursing cover, burp clothes, blankets, and a couple of different slings. I will post them as I get them done. I'm also making a quilt for Maeci. My goal is to get it done by her birthday in July.
We had a great Christmas and celebrated Kaleb's 8th birthday. Everyone seemed to stay pretty healthy this time around. Only a few colds to deal with. Christmas was wonderful. It's always fun to watch the kids open their presents. I thought Winter would never end. I'm not a fan of snow. In fact, I think I could live without it.
In the beginning of January, Jerimae's job as part time worship pastor ended due to lack of funds to keep him on. He is, however, still leading along with another couple of guys from church. His business has slowed down tremendously also, so it's been a tough couple of months, but God has been so faithful and is continuing to provide for us. I'm amazed at the all the blessings He's given us.
In March we celebrated Zarek's 7th birthday. I'm amazed of how fast time is going by. The boys seem to be growing up way too fast.
So far Spring has been wonderful. I'm anticipating the arrival of our little boy and I'm in full "nesting" mode. There is a lot to do around the house before he arrives. For Spring break we went down to Indy for a few days. We spent a few days at mom's house and stayed in a hotel with a swimming pool for a couple of days. The kids had a blast swimming. We also spent a day at the Children's Museum. It was nice to just get away for awhile.
Well, that's been our life over the last few months in a nutshell. The boys will be finished with school in just 5 weeks. They are looking forward to Summer break. And Asher will be here the end of June. I hope these last few weeks fly by.
