It's Been a Year!

It's been a year since I've written, but it doesn't feel like that much has happened. I am working at Emmons Elementary School in their special ed. dept. I love my job. Michael is a stay at home dad in the mornings and college professor by night. He loves teaching film and it's fun learning about the inner workings of film as he teaches. I've come to appreciate foreign films (some of them) and their beauty. Simone is in 1st grade at Stanley Clark and doing well. We love Stanley and it's impact in Simone's life. River is almost 3 1/2 and growing and growing. He takes after Michael side with his olive skin and green/brown eyes (he looks a lot like Michael's brother). I'm enjoying the children so much at this stage. I'm not much of a baby person, so young children suit me just fine. God has blessed us so much this past year in his provisions over bills, extra tutoring jobs for me and a top 100 school for Michael to adjunct at. We have much to be thankful for!! The top pic is of simone and some of her buddies at school. The lower is of River.

Living Life

How do you describe 3-4 months of life into one tiny little blog?
Michael's community corrections program closed at the end of August leaving us wondering what's next? Michael started furtively looking for work, but nothing ever panned out. I was subbing as much as I could and I have to tell you that God gave us so many subbing days. We were never late on a bill. I have now found work full time as an "Eduacational Interpreter" at Emmons School. It comes with full benefits and it's a salaried position.....God has been so great to us.
Simone is thriving in school at Stanley Clark. I've subbed there for the past 3 years and have come to love the school and the people who work there. Simone has been taking horseback riding lessons for 6 months now and is doing well. She had her first fall of the horse the other day, but got back up and continued her lesson. She's learning a lot from these lessons.
River is growing in to a wonderful little guy. We are learning more about his likes and dislikes/his personality and it's neat to see the similarities and differences in our kids.
Michael still works 2 nights a week at Lake Michigan College, teaching Film. We are thankful for this enjoyable job for Michael and the extra income.
Michael and I have been involved with a church plant here in Mishawaka. It's a missionary church plant and it's called Epic Church. What a joy it's been to see a church start from the ground up. We officially launch in March. Right now, we are meeting Sunday evenings and last week we had 80 people in attendance.
Michael wants to pursue his PHD and we had thought to do that this next year, but Michael is enjoying being a stay at home dad and so we will put off the PHD program until River is in School all day.
We have really seen how God has been FAITHFUL to us.

Simone is 6 today

My little girl at 1 1/2, 3 and almost 6 in the top pic.

Simone is a unique girl who doesn't care for dolls/clothes or hair dodas. Simone is a child with a creative mind and an artists heart. Simone is quick to learn and has a compassionate heart. Simone has her mommy's stubborn side and her daddy's negotiating skills. (a dangerous combination at times :) ) She loves people and animals. She is a good friend to others.

Simone is the APPLE of her daddy's eye and her mother's pride. We are so thankful for Simone and who she is. May she grow in Christ and through her love for him, loves others with an abundant love.

WE LOVE YOU, SIMONE

Indy Vacation

Michael Simone and I went to Indy for a 3 day vacation. Our first day took us to the children's museum. We've now been there 4 times and each time I think Simone appreciates it more and more and is able to do more. The first evening was filled with pool time.
The second day took us to the Indianapolis Art Museum, which was free, and then a long walk down by the canal. The day was even more special because Aunt Jen was able to join us. It was great to have a true artist go around the museum with us and point out interesting facts. We then took a stroll through the museum gardens and a tour through the Eli Lilly estate. This night we were able to eat at a nice restaurant on the lake. It was fun to watch the sailboats go by. Dessert included an incredible blueberry cheesecake. This night was again filled with swimming and Simone found a friend to play with in the pool so it became rather a late night.
The 3rd day led us to the Indy Zoo...it ended up raining off an on, but that kept the the crowds away. Simone got to see her favorite elephant, Tombi and she was able to participate in the dolphin show....definitely the highlight for her of the whole trip.

So Much is Happening

So much has been going on in our lives recently. 1st of all, Simone finished up her school year. She is so smart (mama has to brag). She's reading/counting/adding/subtracting/writing....being a teacher, I am pleased with where she is academically.

Simone was accepted to Stanley Clark for this next year and they gave a great amt. of financial aid....which we were thrilled with. So much prayer went into the financial aid and it was great to show Simone the fruits of prayer.

River is turning 2 this month, so we are getting a family get together organized. He's such a joy in our lives.....he loves to smile and lights up the room.

Michael's work is unsure with the economy so I've been looking for teaching work. I had an interview today, but Michael and I weren't "at peace" about it. If they offer me the job, I'll say no. Another school has asked for my resume, but no calls about an interview yet......we'll see.

Simone has been given an opportunity to take horse riding lessons (for a very reasonable amt.) and she LOVES them. She got to learn bare back riding this past week. Simone tends to be very timid, so I loved her brave spirit as she was determine to bareback ride.

EPIC CHURCH

Michael and I have been led to help with a church launch in Mishawaka. We are so "at peace" with this. We like the pastor, and the other couples on the church launch team. It's so good to know that you are where you are supposed to be.

So, we are busy busy busy.....unsure about work, sure about church......

Please pray for us with the job situation that God will show us where we need to be.

Simone's horseback riding lesson

Simone had her first horseback riding lesson today. One of my tutoring student's family take lessons and I had been curious about it for Simone. We found out that an hour's lesson is very reasonable so we signed Simone up for 2 lessons a month. We found this cute little store that is right out of an old western picture. We bought Simone some proper boots to wear for riding.
We were quite a sight pulling up to lessons this morning. Everyone wanted to see simone's first lessons so Michael and I with River in tow along with the grandparents came along. In the future, someone will stay with River as there isn't much for him to do while Simone has her lesson. Simone started her lesson by learning some basic rules about horses, not walking behind them, not spooking them...etc....and then she got to brush her horse down and pick out the horses feet before she started riding. Then she got to learn how to put on the bridle and saddle. Then she got to lead the horse into the ring and the riding began. She practiced a lot with balance today....holding her arms to the side to learn the rhythm of the horse....she practiced riding forwards, backwards and sideways.....she did that for quite awhile and then she led her horse back to the stable, brushed her down and said goodbye. Simone was sad to leave, but excited to know that she would get another lesson soon. What a great experience for her!

Girls Breakfast

Last Saturday, my mom, Simone and I had a girls morning out. We started out the morning at Ihop and then ventured off to the mall for a long awaited and highly anticipated Build a Bear visit. Simone isn't one for browsing , once we got inside, her eye spotted the zebra. She rushed right to the bin picked up the hollow zebra and started cuddling it while rushing to get in line to have it stuffed. Simone named her new zebra, "Snowplow" as it's white like snow and black like a snowplow.

It was a great morning...the first of hopefully many "Girls Breakfasts" to come.