First Day

Today was Asher's first day of Kindergarten.

He was so cute and excited as he went into his classroom and settled into his desk. His teacher, Mrs. Corey, is a wonderful woman with a loving heart...we will love sharing this school year with her!

What was your favorite thing about school today?
Snack time.

Who do you think will make a good friend in your class?
Emmy.

What was your favorite subject?
Learning shapes and sizes in Math.

What did you think about your teacher?
She was good.

Lake Michigan

For a perfect vacation...


You'll need water to swim in,




Sand dunes to jump from,





And lots of sand to play in.







Be sure to leave your watch at home.


Play until you're worn out.


But most of all, just enjoy being together.

Providence

Sometimes I just have to laugh at the way things work out.

As many of you know, Nick's job was filled by a tenured teacher, and in spite of putting in applications and going to several interviews over the summer, the competition for the few available jobs was so stiff that he was still unemployed five days ago.

To put things into perspective, school begins tomorrow.

So, we were resigned to the fact that Nick would somehow be able to find enough remodeling/carpentry work to pay the bills this school year, and he would try to find a teaching job again next fall.

On Tuesday, Nick received a call from the principal at his former school. The principal informed him that the woman who had filled Nick's job had decided to go back to her previous job in administration, which left Nick's job open for his return! The principal is a wonderful man who has been so supportive of Nick, always holding out hope that he could somehow find a place for Nick to teach at his school. He said, "I give you permission for this phone call to make your day!" Did it EVER!

So, Nick begins the school year tomorrow. Look out kids, Mr. Hausam is baaaaaaack!!!

New Addition

As many of you already know, we are expecting a little "surprise" on January 23rd. I was absolutely shocked when we found this out, and had to struggle with strong feelings of disappointment for several weeks.

Disappointment that the wonderful women I know that pray with tears for a baby still have empty arms, while I will be adding to the three I already have.

Disappointment that I have to go through nine months of being pregnant, then labor and delivery. Enough said!

Disappointment that I will have to somehow figure out how to juggle all my responsibilities while being a good mom to EACH of my children...finding that time seems overwhelming.

Disappointment with myself for my horrible attitude.

In all honesty, I was angry that I am not in control of my life. Which means, I was angry at God. It was a difficult two weeks, but also a wonderfully heart-altering two weeks. I scrawled "GOD DOESN'T MAKE MISTAKES!" across the dry-erase board in my kitchen. I meditated on scriptures that spoke of God's wisdom and providence. I thought and prayed and listened to advice.

I now realize that this child will be an amazing part of our family. That we won't be able to imagine our lives without them...

I can't wait to meet our new baby!


PS. Here are the current name suggestions from Asher and Colin:

Boy: Indiana Jones Hausam or John Fighter Hausam

Girl: Miss Rose Hausam, Miss Prettyface Hausam or Paprika Hausam

Trip

I can't believe we've already been home for a week! We had such a wonderful time white water rafting, hiking, kayaking, exploring new towns, and just being together. I think my favorite part was simply the time we had to relax without kids, interruptions or any place to be...time to remember what it's like just being us.

Home Again

We had a wonderful trip...returned sunburned, tired and happy.
More details soon...

Goodbye

Nick and I are off to enjoy the great outdoors, good food and each other.
See you later!