The New Place

I've promised a few of you more info on the new house, what's changed, and what hasn't. And this morning I realized a post might be the easiest way to do that. So, here are a few photos of the house as it now stands.

A few things we love about our new place:

• We are on a quiet cul-de-sac
• Kaleb has space for his animation studio
• The house is bright and cheery
• Kevin has space downstairs to spread out
• The backyard looks like it will be beautiful in summer and we have a nice deck out back
• We are still close to our church and places we are used to shopping and the drive to those places is actually easier
• Kevin is a few minutes closer to school and one of his badminton locations
• Garry and I enjoy walks around the neighborhood

This is not to say there aren't things we miss-- the view out the kitchen window and dining room was stunning. We also knew and enjoyed several of our neighbors and Kaleb particularly had a lot of friends in the neighborhood. The first house had high ceilings, which we enjoyed. We also miss the large windows in the basement.

We are thankful for God's provision of this house for us. We are enjoying where we are and are feeling very settled for the short time we've been in this place. Thanks for being part of the journey!

Praise Alert!

We got a US Immigration Fingerprinting appointment for Kaleb! This means that his process is moving along and there isn't a snag, at least in the initial application. After all the delays and questions we've had, this is a huge answer to prayer. Thanks for praying. Please thank God with us for this step being accomplished and pray for the remaining steps to go smoothly.

This weekend Kaleb was at Winter Camp, a new experience for him. I can't wait til he gets home in a few hours and tells us all about it! He is enjoying winter thus far, gaining experience riding street BMX on ice, a day spent snowboarding, and practicing winter driving. He has spent a lot of time recently on Lego Animation, his latest project being an entry for THAC that he did with a friend of his. Check it out here.

Kevin is currently suffering a nasty bout of the flu in Manitoba. He arrived there last week and has enjoyed seeing a few people, visiting some of his favorite places, and getting some training in. He plans to be there for a couple more weeks before heading to Saskatoon for Canadian Nationals then back here for school.

Then there's Garry. This week he is teaching a few classes on how to use the new risk management software. We are super excited about this. The software is a powerful tool to share information, and sharing information is key in risk management and accident prevention. Sometimes the process feels long, and yet in retrospect we see that there have been a lot of interesting steps along the way. One thing Garry has gotten really good at is putting together presentations-- good graphics with a reasonable amount of interaction to keep listeners engaged in learning. I love seeing what he puts together these days!

For my part, I spend the majority of my time helping, it seems. I love being a mom and wife, keeping three hungry guys fed. I enjoy the office work I'm doing with Garry, helping organize the safety seminar as well as learning more about the software so I can help manage it. Touching base with friends, blogging, e-mailing. Focusing on prayer for the women at Moody-- staff, students, and wives. These are the things that keep me busy these days.

Also check out and follow our new blog, where we will be transitioning everything to in the future. Our latest post is
Reflections on 25 Years Together. 

Happy New Year 2017

Despite moving just before Christmas, we made some great memories over Christmas and New Year's. We enjoyed taking about all God has done in our lives, remembering other Christmases, eating great food, drinking hot chocolate and coffee, and getting used to our new home. We also made a quick trip to Leavenworth to meet some of Garry's family for a great time. It was an answer to so many prayers about our move to have this time to slow down between moving and heading back to work. (I blogged about some of it here.)

Now we're back into normal routines and excited about what God has in store for today, this week, this month, and this year. I've been challenged once more to be present-- to live this moment rather than waiting for that someday when things will be different or better or harder or easier. To enjoy the blessings of today instead of trying to arrange blessings for tomorrow. To spend the time I have right now enjoying God and loving those around me. To use my energy pursing the things God has led me to do. Right now. It's such a simple place when I stay here. 

The first days of the year at Moody Aviation are set aside for staff meeting, planning, and preparing for the next semester. Today Garry is presenting to all staff members on how to report using the software. We are excited about the capability of this software to grow our ability to share important information and look forward to seeing how it works as we use it more widely. 

Kevin is heading to Manitoba soon to work for a few weeks there before heading to Canadian Badminton Nationals in Saskatoon, SK the first week in February. He is looking forward to connecting with various people in Manitoba and in the Canadian badminton world.

Kaleb has been making good use of his new animation studio lately. Yesterday he released his entry for a Lego Rebrick contest,  Batman At the Movies.  This weekend he'll be working with a friend on an entry for an annual 24-hour animation contest, a sure-fire way to have some exhausting fun. 

I trust your year is starting with presence in this moment and hope for the future.