Well, Hello There

 Hi my name is Cheryl, I am a blog avoider and neglector. I hang my head in shame.

To say my life is busy at the moment would be a HUGE understatement, but with the new school year upon us I have dusted off and revived our homeschool blog.  I thought it only fair to pay some attention to this blog as well.

So what has been happening in the Landes family lately? Well.....

After 15+ years working in the school system in one way or another (teaching to administrative technology) Gabe has now left to join the team at DDI, Digital Defense Inc. He has been working there since May and really likes his job. He has had a lot to get used to, but nothing he can't handle. This job really found us rather than the other way around. It was obvious that God lined this up for him perfectly. We feel abundantly blessed that he is employed doing something he enjoys.

My oldest, Isaac, is really changing lately. Every time I look at him I can't help but think that he looks older and is acting (for a 9 year old) more maturely. Bittersweet. He is such a gentleman... holding doors open for people, offering his help, looking out for his siblings. I couldn't ask for a better kid to call my first born. He is an avid reader, a budding writer, still loves to garden, can build amazingly imaginative LEGO creations, and he loves to go fishing, cycling, camping... basically anything outside. He is going to be in 4th grade this year.

Sweet Little Miss Julia is now 7 years old and headed into the 2nd grade. Julia has such a tender heart and it is obvious that her love language is quality time. She just loves to "be" with others.Some of my favorite days is when she and I can get out together, just the girls. I thoroughly enjoy spending time with my girl.  Living with boys has given Julia a bit of "rough" around the edges. She can hang with the boys and do everything they do except maybe kill the roach who comes at her in the garage. For that she went squealing to her big brother for help. Ha! She too is an avid reader. (love love love that my kids enjoying reading so much) She loves anything to do with horses and art. She thrives when she is drawing or painting or creating. I delight in seeing her creative side come out.

Caleb, my ever loving, lively, and funny little boy. He is a few weeks shy of turning 4. Caleb has such an exuberance for life in which he lives to the fullest. The kid can not just walk he must dance, bounce, and jump. To help you understand a little bit more about my precious son I would describe him as 80% Curious George and 20% Calvin (from Calvin and Hobbes) Lots of curiosity mixed in with a bit of mischievousness. Caleb is still at that sweet stage where he loves to cuddle and gives kisses and hugs. He is precious to me and my heart melts a little bit more every time I am near him.

Little Benjamin is not so little anymore. He is now 8 months old. He learned to crawl about a month ago and he has been on the GO since then. He immediately learned to stand and cruise which means he is into everything!! He has a dimpled smile that will make your day. He is learning to wave and give kisses. And I am pretty sure I have heard him say Mamamama a few times. Not sure if he knows that is me, but we're close. He is still very much a "Mama's Boy" right now. My favorite moments are holding him as he nurses and falls asleep. In the quiet of the evening before I lay him in his bed, I just look at him... memorizing his sweet baby face.

And me. Not a lot has changed with me. I say that with a smile on my face. I am a creature of routine and predictability. I thrive on that. Can be a challenge when changes come my way, but I am completely content and overjoyed with the life God has allowed me to have. I have been married to the most wonderful man for 12 years and I delight in my children. I have the privilege to be home everyday with my loves to teach them and take care of them. I stumble along the way that's for sure,however His grace is sufficient and abundant. God has grown me spiritually so much through this season of my life. .

This blog post would not be complete without introducing you the newest "member" of our family. Meet the BEAST.

Shortly after Benjamin was born (who we felt was our last baby) God clearly put it on both Gabe's and my heart that He was not finished growing our family just yet. I started to pray a very specific prayer in which God would provide a bigger vehicle for us (our mini van was maxed out) and a larger home (again maxed out) Within months, we were approached by a family in our church who was selling everything to move to Italy to become missionaries. They have five children and have driven a 12 passenger van for years. Gabe was already in the works to buy their truck from them so when they offered the van and truck together at a ridiculously low price we considered it. I will admit that I fought against the van at first. I didn't want to drive a 12 passenger van. I just didn't want to. It seemed so BIG and old and ....  As I wrestled with this decision, God made something very clear to me. I prayed for His specific provision in this area and He provided. To grumble about His provision is just like the Israelites grumbling about the manna. We bought the van and guess what? I absolutely LOVE driving it. It may not be pretty on the outside but it is like my little special secret with God. He loves me and knows what is best for me.  He will always take care of me no matter what. I can rest in that knowledge. So it was a significant spiritual growth moment for me all because of a 12 passenger van we lovingly call the BEAST! Now we have room for more if God chooses to bless our family with more children. What a blessing!

So there you have it. A nutshell of an update. School starts in a few weeks and with that the usual busy fall schedule. I have enjoyed our summer break but a part of me is ready to get back into the swing of things. Until next time...