I can't believe it's been four months since I have blogged on here . . . I guess starting another blog doesn't help! :) We have been extremely busy these months. We have made a trip to Oregon every month that we have been here, back on the West coast! April will be the first month we won't see Oregon at all. But never fear, we won't miss it by much . . . we will be headed that way on May 4th! Anyhow . . . Karl is getting used to his new job, and the kids are I are getting used to his new schedule. We've been so spoiled for the last couple of years, but we still can't complain (at least not too much.) Karl's parents, as well and his sister Ruth, and her whole family, as well as a couple of extra nieces and a nephew came up for President's Day weekend. It was a blast! There were 17 people in the house, and we didn't even nearly fill it up. From that weekend together, all 17 of us got sick! For Karl and I it was terrible. Our kids didn't fare too badly, but Karl and I were in bed sick for over a week! And all at the same time. It was miserable. Karl got an ear infection from that sickness, and is still having some issues with his ears, so please pray that that will get cleared up so we can have more answers about what the coming months will look like for our family.

A couple of weeks ago, we were blessed to have my cousins (Andy Donaldson and his wife Liz) for a quick visit, they also brought along Andy's Great Uncle Forrey. It was so fun to have some time with them to catch up and visit. I hope they will come back soon. Then the following weekend, we had a last minute visit from Karl's brother Andy. The kids didn't know he was coming, so when he walked out to the backyard, there was a little confusion, and then lots of screaming and excitement when they realized who it was! It was a special treat to have him in our home . . . next time though, he's going to have to bring his wife, or he'll be sleeping outside! ;) Just kidding, but we would love to see Darcy with him next time!

This past weekend, we had a fun Easter weekend with some of my family in town. Mom and Dad arrived around 9, then Larissa and West around 11:30 on Friday evening. So we slept in and had a late brunch, then the kids went next door to the Volunteer Fire Station to participate in their Easter Egg Hunt - it was fast, but fun! We planned our big Easter meal for Saturday evening, as most of the family would have to leave pretty quickly after church to get home at a reasonable hour. So with all the family that was there, and our friends, the Gilmore's, we loaded up on Ham, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Corn Pudding, Salad, Green Bean Casserole, Rolls and more! Then we topped it off with Homemade Cheesecake, a Strawberry-Banana-Blueberry Triffle, and Peanut Butter Pie! SO GOOD! We all rolled into bed -late, and I rolled out of bed at 3:08 am, to open the door for my little sister and her hubby.

Linnaea and Tommy arrived just after 3 am because they had to work until 10!!! Oh to be young again . . . Anyhow, they wanted to be here for Easter with everyone, not just because it was Easter, but because it was to be the day Hunter, our eldest son, was baptised. And, he was! What a blessing to watch your children grow in their relationship with Christ, at such a young age and to desire to serve Him! Hunter has such a heart for God, and for sharing God's love with others. I know that God has great things in mind for Hunter, and am thrilled to think that his heart is already softened to God's will. :) It was an extra special blessing to have so much family here for his special day. What a legacy of faithful followers of Christ we have in this family!

Well, I'll close this with a few prayer requests, I'll try not to add too many details, but bear with me. I know this post is getting longer and longer!

~ Christi Kitterman, Karl's oldest sister, was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer last week. Please pray for peace and comfort, for wisdom for the doctor's and medical staff, for minimal or no side effects, for grace and compassion for those surrounding her, for her kids as they process and live this time, for her husband Jim as he takes on more in the household, and for a great miracle from God if that is His will.

~Sophia Ruiz, daughter of Kristy and Fracisco Ruiz (I've known Kristy since I was in the 3rd grade!) They had Sophia last week, and she aspirated Meconium (first baby poo), she is finally off the ventilator and they were able to hold her for the first time today. Please pray for continued healing, as well as for Sophia to begin the nurse well. Thank God for her healing so far!

~Please pray for Hunter, that he would continue to allow the Holy Spirit to soften his heart to what God desires from him and for him.

~Pray for Karl's ear, that the docs would be able to figure out what is wrong, and what to do about it. Thanking God that Karl's hearing has returned!

~Pray for our friend Brie Gilmore (from our friend family who was with us on Easter). She has committed to go to Africa on a missions trip . . . please pray that funds would come in and that God would prepare her spiritually for the process and for the trip. I thank God for her heart for missions, her heart for orphans, her heart for healing and her willingness to step out in faith!

Okay, I'm sure there are more, but these are what comes to mind at 12:34 am . . . it's almost my favorite time . . . 12:35 am . . . anyone know why? Take a guess . . .

Oh, and if you want to see my other blog, it's www.nottheperfectchef.blogspot.com . . . see you there!