Christmas went wonderfully in Amarillo.
Created with flickr slideshow.
I turned in my dissertation a few weeks ago, and as you would guess a huge burden was lifted. Sleep comes much easier now. I also started a new job as Pastor of Small Groups and Media at Greenwood Baptist Church in Weatherford. I am really enjoying it so far. I think it will be wonderful, and I'm excited about the fact that I may still be able to teach as an adjunct professor at SWBTS.
Rachel is plugging along with a strenuous school year schedule. She is doing an amazing job of being a mother who also holds down a job. I cannot thank her enough for that!! When at home she enjoys her time with the kids, and especially enjoys the snuggles from the little guy.
Jacob is getting more teeth. I think 4 are coming in right now. He chews on everything - even me. He chases the dog, chases Jenna, gets into anything he can open, and does the normal little boy stuff!! He is starting to try and say "bye-bye" when he waves bye-bye to people or places as we leave. He still has that infectious baby giggle that we love too. Of course he's growing - we had to buy him a new car seat because the doctor said he was too tall for the infant seats. The girls didn't get this big until they were over a year old.
Megan has teeth coming out of her as fast as Jacob has them coming in. She is getting really good at reading, and we have found a series of books at the library that we read together. They are called "we both read" and she likes to read them with me while Jenna listens (sometimes participating). She is asking a lot of questions about church and God. She also loves to be right about everything - kind of like me. She is also getting ready for soccer season to start soon.
Jenna goes to school twice a week and always tells me about things that she learns. She also tells me about her friends every day. Jenna loves friendships and people in general. If I had to pick one word to describe Jenna, it would be "fun." This girl is going to have fun wherever she is, and no matter what is going on around her. I love to get her special affection from her sensitive heart. I also enjoy seeing her display her strong will (in certain situations), like while digging.
I'll end this post with a picture from our New Years' Eve party. Two of my three senior year roommates were in town and came over to the house. We took a picture of our kids all together on the couch before everyone went home at 8pm...
We ask for your prayers in a few areas:
1. Justin to pass his dissertation defense and graduate in May
2. Justin to have the opportunity to teach more classes at SWBTS.
3. Rachel's continued success in teaching.
4. The kids to continue to grow and develop, and make friends.
