Transitions and House Update #1

New Town/School/Church/Job

      The kids and I have been settled here for about 6 weeks now.  Mark joined us full time 2 weeks ago.  During that time Owen also started school.  It took the kids (especially Owen and Emmett)  some time to adjust to our new surroundings, routines, etc.  This wasn't surprising as Owen is a very structured kid.  He likes to know what to expect and really does best when there is some sort of routine.  Emmett, well he is just not the world's greatest sleeper.  He hasn't been from the beginning, so being in a new environment was definitely difficult for him and his sleeping schedule.  We managed and have really settled in here. 

The front porch of our rental. 

We are so grateful for this rental house.  It is in a great location, close to the school.  We walk down to pick Owen up every day.  It also has a big yard for the kids to play and a patio for them to ride their bikes.  We couldn't really ask for much more.  It is a bit cozy at 1,000 sq feet.  I am glad I made the decision to purge BEFORE we moved!  ;)  The biggest challenge has been one bathroom for the five of us.  Most of the time it is not a big deal though.

Owen is doing well at school.  His class has 26 kids in it, which is one of the biggest classes they have had in a long time.  He has made many new friends and is excited to go to a classmates' birthday party next week.  By the end of the day he is pretty tired, but has started to share more about his day. Mostly he likes PE, recess, and lunch.  No surprise there! 

Nora was very sad to see him go to school the first week.  Tears from her almost every day.  That is not the case anymore.  Just tonight she asked if Owen has school tomorrow.  When I told her that he does, she quickly replied, "YESS!!!"  She has figured out that we get to have some special time together and we have had fun baking, making play-dough, painting in the bath tub, reading stories, and just enjoying time together.  We are always ready to pick him up though!

     I was really concerned about finding a new church that would be a good fit for us here.  It took Mark and I YEARS  to find a church home in Omaha and we really loved it there. (And that was in a city with hundreds of churches.)  Finding a place that fit our beliefs, as well as opportunities for the kids was a top priority.   Once again God provided the perfect church home for us, and it didn't take long to find.  Bonus:  it is literally 600 feet from our front door. (for now)  We walk down the street to church each Sunday.   We knew the moment we first attended a service.  Like I mentioned before, it took us a LONG time to find a church home in Omaha.  During that time we went to a LOT of churches.  Big churches, small churches, different denominations.  Never have we walked into a church and been so welcomed!  Not only us, but our kids.  It was amazing and we are grateful!

       After a week off at home with us, Mark started his job last week.  There is a lot for him to learn as far as the position goes, but he is excited about and says it feels good to get back to a rural setting like he enjoyed in Missouri Valley.  Like anything new, there is a learning curve and it will take time.  But he is very happy and we are even MORE HAPPY to see him walk through the door no later than 4pm EVERY day!  It is so wonderful.  The kids are enjoying having time to play ball and read stories with Daddy every day.  I am enjoying having him around for the chaos of dinner and baths!  Ha. 

 We snuck in as much fun as we could on his week off.  Loved fishing and grilling out a Viking Lake. 

 This is the coolest park I have ever seen.  It is in Corning where Mark's job is.  I am not sure the pictures do it justice, but it is so much fun and definitely a place we will be visiting often! 

    Besides exploring all there is to see in the area, we have enjoyed watching some of the high school sports.  We have been able to go to a volleyball game and a football game.  It is fun because Owen is very interested in the rules of the game and is proud to say that this is his school. 

 HOUSE UPDATE #1!

This building a house business is stressful!  It has taken a lot for us to get through to this point.  Now, that we own the lot, have our construction loan, and are starting,  we are just excited! 

 Official "ground breaking"  (9/17/17)

 Basement is dug! (9/18/17)

    I feel like I need to pinch myself!  Is this really happening?  We are so grateful and excited.  I am sure things will come up, tough decisions will need to be made, there will be stress, and we will feel overwhelmed.  All of this is new, but we could not be more thrilled to set roots here in Stanton.  This house is such a blessing and we hope in some way we can use it to bless others.

Until next time,
Katie