Daniel giggling

These are fun memories...

And before you know it, life is happening

Not sure whether this is a new start with updates for this blog or just a random splash of motivation. Likely it's been too long for anyone to care! It's hard to know what to update in this age of superfluous social media. At least one blog entry for 2011 isn't overdoing it. That's one way to look at it.

Short preface to our year: Kelly and I had a sweet time of prayer on New Year's Eve with our dear friends about what 2011 might hold. We clearly presented two requests - another child and an opening to be a pastor. Perhaps our prayers were too limited? Within two weeks we found out we were pregnant, and within 8 weeks I had interviewed and been called to the church where I now work.

So, there you have the epicenter of this year... all the various excitement and fuss and energy and change surrounding having our second child and starting work as a pastor. With all the preparations, it's hard to believe that it wasn't until 9/1 that both expectations became in-the-flesh reality. Yup, in a providential twist, Daniel Richard Maurer was born September 1 - the same day I officially began at the church.

And now we're learning how to be a family of 4 (with a soon-to-be 4 year old). It's not even fair to get into all the other 2011 details, but suffice to say we're in a grateful, joyful, and encouraged place at the moment (if a bit fatigued!).

Monster Mommy

Proof of our calm, relaxing time at my Dad's house....

Christmas journeys

Taking full advantage of the long Christmas breaks afforded to educators, Kelly, Will, and I are galavanting across VA visiting family and enjoying some peaceful, feast-full, family-full days. We've also felt drawn to the Lord on many occasions, being grateful for Emmanuel, hope, and joy. We love teaching Will about Jesus' birthday and hearing him sing the carols with gusto. He's been a gem. See below for some pics...

Here's Will cuddling with Aunt Bug and studying his new "fire chief" hat

A Christmas snow?! Perfect weather to test out Will's football... the one consistent thing he asked for this year.

Kelly with her sweet sister Kirsten, and Will with his cousins...