Updates!

Well I figure 2 months is long enough for you all to wait for an update... so, here goes.

Since last posting, the farm is ours. We have begun MAJOR renovations in the house- it will, more than likely- be completely gutted by the end of this week. It's a lot more than we were originally planning on doing, but we're so glad to be doing it now, rather than in a few years when we're living there and having to deal with the mess then. This also gives us the opportunity to insulate the house. It has no insulation at all right now, and we're also doing all the windows. I have already picked out colors for the main floor, now on the the upstairs... :) It's really fun picking out stuff.

As for the family,

Matthew is now almost 13 months old and talking more daily. He's still following in his siblings' footsteps and not walking. He did take his first step a few days ago, but nothing before or since then. I'm not too worried. He is still waking once a night- but easily falls asleep for naps and naps longer now than he used to. He LOVES to play cars, even making appropriate noises- way too cute. He's also still very much momma's boy, but does well with daddy now too (and even for sitters, so yay!). He knows how to follow simple instructions too, which is so cute because he'll look at you after you tell him to do something, either staring or blinking, then do the task.

Kimberly is no longer scared of the toilet. She does not use the potty at all anymore, and we now have it downstairs, tucked in a corner to wait for Matthew's turn. She's pretty big stuff! She completely dresses by herself in the morning- including taking her diaper off, putting it in the pail and picking out her clothes. Her selections vary from going good together, to whoa! It's so fun to see her sense of style come out. She love to play outside with her brothers and has been really cuddly lately too- something my older boys were not at that age.

Lucas is still dealing with some ear issues, but his adjustments are helping them drain properly before the pain starts. He is growing up so fast and can't wait to be 5 on his next birthday. He dotes on Kimberly and Matthew and loves being a big brother. He is also getting to be a big help too. His speech is slowing getting better- he's had a big of a backwards week with it this week, due to all the fluid in his ears, but overall is getting better and enunciating.

Daniel is living his life like he always does. He *usually* is pretty easy, and love to help in the house with clearing the table, wiping the table, and he even wiped down all the chairs tonight! He has such a sweet personality under his tough facade. He too has a weakness for his baby brother and sister. The best is when I allow Kimberly to play outside with them- he's great with her. He also is always the first one out to help people who come for wood. (It's his job you see.. )

Caleb is really growing up. His critical thinking skills are really taking off, and some of the things he has been coming up with are downright hilarious. He's still antsy to get moving done, and he loves to help Peter at the new house. His maturity is really taking flight. Although he still has his not-so-good moments, they're under control a lot quicker and not as often in coming around. Sitting with the dog seems to keep him a lot more calm and calms him down when things get going. We are so thankful for the changes we see!

I have been trying to get ready to move. I have a bunch of non-essential items packed away already, but still so much to do! the painting has begun in the old house- kitchen, dining room, bathroom, living room, and hallway are all getting done- hopefully yet this week.

Peter has been busy like crazy at the new house doing the demolition work. Once that's done, he'll free up a lot of time to either be home, or work on the barns and other out buildings. We are thankful his work has not been too busy yet so he has the time to do most of that himself- although he's getting tired of all the demo work. Just a little more to do then he's done his part for a while. :)

Well, that's about all for now... gotta get Matthew settled down for the night then pick up my paint brush again. Thanks for reading!