Good Bye, 2013!

As 2013 comes to a close, we've spent some time reflecting on this last year. It was a year full of ups and downs and tons of changes. When we welcomed 2013, we had no idea we'd be where we are and we are genuinely thankful and humbled by the changes, blessing and love we've felt this year.

Here's a short recap:

In March, Cole accepted a transfer with the company he was employed by for a little over two years. Once back in the lower 48, he realized he was ready for a career instead of a job and took matters into his own hands. While waiting for answers to prayers, he spent a quarter of the year living in a separate state waiting anxiously for changes. Being so far from his family was hard and lead to him missing the birth of Dade. We were able to see him often throughout the summer though, which was in and of it's self a huge blessing! Our prayers were answered when Cole received a job offer from Century Link (we owe tons of thanks to Cole's Dad, Bruce, for continuously putting in a good word for him!). Rather than relocating to Yakima, Washington, we ended up in Jerome, Idaho! He loves his new job and all that it entails. Once again he was given the task of finding a home for us in our new town and did a great job! He definitely settled in the fastest, but has been a great support to Amber during all of the changes.

Amber started the year 3 months pregnant hoping for some pink to add to the family. We soon found out that our new bundle of joy wouldn’t be dressed in pink, nope, we were adding a third boy to our family. We were surprised but definitely thankful to be trusted with another Child of God. Moving 3,000 miles at 29 weeks pregnant was no easy feat....she packed, sold and got rid of all of our belongings. Thanks to some great friends, we managed to clean and avoid preterm labor before leaving Alaska. Once in Oregon, Amber sought out care with her previous obstetrician and was glad she had a familiar face taking care of her and the baby. There were a couple of minor complications in-utero, but once born, Baby Dade was thriving even though he arrived three weeks early! Amber enjoyed spending the summer with family even though she missed Cole while he continued working in Washington. She was a nervous wreck when they loaded the horse trailer with all of their belonging and moved to Idaho. Now, four months later, she's made a home for her family and couldn't imagine being anywhere else.

Cameron is thriving! He's such a smart, good-natured boy. He is reading, loves spelling and is a math whiz. His claim of fame at 7 years old is being a “video game genius”. He's made several great friends a school and is the BEST big brother his little brothers could ask for. He's such a goofball and has his dad's sense of humor.

Joshua is a typical 3 year old. Some days we have to remind ourselves that “he's only 3!”. He's constantly thinking and always has some of the funniest things to say. He has grown into the middle child spot in our family...he doesn't let you forget about him though! He is just as smart as Cameron but definitely has his own personality. His brother is his hero and he is our very favorite, strong-minded, loving three year old!

Dade is 6 months old. He is our best baby by far, sleeping through the night like a champ. He's in love with his big brothers, seems to think his mom is the best and loves morning and evening snuggles with his daddy. He is always smiling, rarely cries and loves the attention from his brothers. We are anxiously waiting for him to become mobile so that he can chase his brothers and join in on the crazy fun.

We are definitely looking forward to 2014 and all that it has in store for us.

We are so grateful for the love and support of our family and for our Father in Heaven. We pray that this next year will bring joy and happiness to all those we love and cherish. May the Lord fill your hearts with peace and comfort in this coming year.

With Love,

Cole, Amber, Cameron, Joshua and Dade