I’ve been trying to figure out how to get back to blogging the past few months, and I’ve decided to just do it! To just start writing. And the first day of the new year seems fitting to both look back and look forward.
Looking back…
It’s been a little over 4 months since I’ve updated my blog. Luke has gone from a crying, scared little boy on the first day, to a wonderful, school loving, December student of the month. He really likes school, is learning so much and takes it so seriously!

Daniel is loving school as well and in true Daniel style has made tons of new friends. His grades are awesome and he’s loving running in the Running Club at his school. He ran his first 5K back in November.
Dan is loving the new church. He’s enjoying the work and the sweet people.
I just knew when we moved that I would get a job and all of our pieces would fall nicely into place. I had a couple of interviews this summer, but still nothing. I was told at one interview that I was 1 of 517 applicants. So, to say that getting a teaching job here is difficult is an understatement. To be perfectly honest, I’ve been very down in the dumps about not having my own classroom. It’s been hard to send both of my children off to school and be left with an empty house during the day. The lack of paycheck is difficult as well. I’ve subbed a little and fortunately I got a part job working in a 4th grade classroom 2 1/2 days a week. I’m hoping between the two things, it will help me get my foot in the door and in my own classroom soon.

December has helped my mood tremendously. I just love it. It is our craziest month times 10, but I love the holiday season! December was full of carols, elf antics, birthdays, family, and of course Christmas!

The boys were in the children’s Christmas pageant at church and they did such an awesome job! Daniel was the angel Gabriel, sang in the choir, a trio and played the piano on two songs. I was really impressed. He still hasn’t had piano lessons, but has taught himself numerous Christmas songs. Luke has learned a lot of Christmas songs on the piano as well, but he is constantly singing a carol. My favorite might be “O Well” aka “Noel”.

Jeremy, Santa’s elf returned and the kids were thrilled. Luke got up early every morning to find him and cried when he left. Jeremy even made a one day return for Luke’s birthday on the 27th.

Daniel turned ten on the 17th, which seems impossible. I’ve been at this parenting thing for a decade now! Daniel invited a few boys over for a bonfire the weekend before his birthday. It was fun! The boys roasted marshmallows and made s’mores. They also ran around and played flashlight tag in the dark. It was declared an awesome birthday party, so that’s good!

Luke chose to make his own birthday cake and have family pizza and movie night. I thought it was so sweet that he wanted us to all be together to celebrate his special day. Both boys requested scavenger hunts to find their birthday presents. Their awesome Daddy came up with clues that lead them around to their gifts. Fun!

We’ve had lots of family time lately which has been great! We started at Thanksgiving with Dan’s parents (oh, and we snuck in one day at Disney when we were visiting), visited both of my grandparents, my parents were here for Christmas and Dan’s brother and family came for New Years! Lots of fun!

Christmas was great as well. The boys loved their gifts and were very appreciative. We had a low, key relaxing day and it was just perfect!

Looking ahead…
2013 is going to be great, I’m declaring it so! Ha! I really don’t know what it will bring, but I’m praying for positive things for our little fam. I’m going to continue to try and focus on my blessings over my trials (ugh, why isn’t that easier?), keep things simple, and have peace become stronger than stress! Tall orders!
Happy 2013! May it be a good one!