We are just going about our daily lives. The girls are into their third week being back in school. This term we are participating in MANY more extracurricular activities. Samantha takes Ballet on Mondays at school immediately following dismissal and before Kaitlyn gets out. Kaitlyn is in French Club (for beginners--to help new students catch up) on Tuesdays, Monkeynastics on Wednesdays and Swim team on Thursdays. Then both girls are taking horseback riding lessons on Saturdays. They are having a great time between activities and play dates.
Samantha gets out at 12:30 each day except Mondays due to ballet and then we have a nice bit of time together before Kaitlyn is done with activities at 2:45. This gives us a chance to hang out or have play dates for her before we go back for Kailtyn.
Olivia is doing well but is not in any hurry to begin walking. She will walk holding one finger and gets so tickled at herself, she almost falls down, but if you let go, she will sit and crawl. She stands independently but refuses to move those feet. She is trying new "grown up" foods daily and is enjoying joining the rest of the family in our meals. Her personality is blossoming and she is quite funny (imagine that). She likes to "pretend" she is shy when Charity (our housekeeper/nanny) speaks to her and turns her head into my shoulder, hiding her face. Then she slowly turns and gives Charity a very sly look (with the dimple showing) and then quickly hides again. This can go on for 5-10 minutes if mommy stands there long enough. She also likes to "call" Charity and Emmanuel (our gardener) by yelling "AH". When they turn and say Hi, she crawls away quickly and hides. She is loved by just about everyone she meets.
I have struggled a bit with feeling disconnected, not being able to blog and read your comments, but during that, the Lord has blessed me immensely with a new bible study and friends. I have begun a women's bible study on Tuesday mornings while the big girls are at school and Olivia is with Charity. We are studying "How to Hear God's Voice". I can't think of a better skill to spend time learning to develop and am looking forward to the weeks ahead. I told Brad that when I arrived last week for the first time, it was all I could do not to sigh audibly. I felt like I had been visiting a strange planet and had finally come home. We've been attending church and occasionally a Sunday afternoon bible study, but I spend all that time chasing or watching Olivia so it's hard to enjoy any spiritual growth during that time. It is wonderful to be in community again.
Brad is staying busy at work. He is enjoying his job and taking on more responsibility. He is closer than ever with the girls, having his evenings and weekends free to spend with them for the first time in 7 years. His time of preparation has been long, and it is wonderful to see him going out and finally being able to do what he was created to do.
Well, that is all for tonight. I will try to be a bit more frequent--we'll just have to have some late night dates until our PC arrives. :) Hugs to you all. We appreciate all your prayers and support and love hearing from you--it boosts our spirits brings joy to our days. Take care and God Bless
Love The Zookeeper
2 comments:
dear zookeeper, i am happy that you have the laptop long enough to write again; i've missed YOU and your stories. it sounds as if you are happily busy; you have found new ground. all is well with the stevens clan; we are expecting frank,sarah and lauren tonight and for part of the weekend.mason has a scout activity in birmingham. with their birthdays soon approaching, they will be 13, 10, and 8. .. growing as fast as your beauties! take care of your self and your family; this is an incredible adventure. love, mary, in waverly
wow, look at the kidios
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