Homeschooling is going well. Better than ever, actually. I credit much of that to Classical Conversations. I'm a tutor at our campus and I love it. The kids and I are learning and growing together. We get to encourage each other when we stumble and rejoice in our successes. Here is Naomi's first time drawing "guys". We love homeschooling.
Attending Bethel Church has been amazing for our family. We are all growing spiritually. It's amazing to see our kids growing in the Lord. Never underestimate children's ability to know the Lord. There's a reason Jesus used them as examples so often. They are so confident that God has a plan for them. They know God speaks and moves and loves.
Redding itself is nice. I like the slower pace. It's small, but not too small. There's no good shopping, but I don't need to be tempted by great shopping. There is no rushed feeling. No one is trying to "out-cool" the next person. People seem comfortable to actually be themselves. I like that feeling. I'm content. The weather is perfect. Hot in summer. Warm in the Fall. Cold and slightly wet and snowy in the winter. Warm in the Spring. Every day is a nice day. The recreation is amazing; lakes, mountains, trails for hiking or dirtbiking. Winter snow adventures and Summer fun. It's all here. Literally, it's all about a half hour from our house. We love it. Oh, and we ride horses.
Nell and I are getting along! She's been having a lot of spiritual, emotional and physical growing pains. But I get glimmers and peeks of the finished product and it is beautiful. She a lovely work of art. She is so creative. She never stops creating. She writes songs, can play piano by ear, is an amazing artist and an excellent writer. And she is so funny. She is a perfectionist and if very hard on herself. She's too emotional. She's an artist. My complicated, brilliant, artist. She challenges me. I love her. 
Jett is becoming a dude. He helps me around the house with the man things, like taking out the garbage, raking leaves and even fixing things. He is very wise and passionate. He wants to be a missionary. He loves to serve, just like his dad. He's transitioning from a mama's boy to his dad's right hand man. I'm so proud of him. I love him.Naomi is a star. We call her our rodeo princess. She is all pink and sparkly, but always dirty from playing hard. Naomi is in charge. She's full of adventure. Always. She's never afraid. Never. She's confident, but obedient. She's strong, but gentle. She loves to dance, perform and steal the show. She's got her dad wrapped around her finger. She delights us all. I love her.
And then there's baby number four. I'm not pregnant, but #4 is on their way. We are starting the adoption process......finally. It's been on our hearts for years, but we just now feel like it's time to start. I am so excited for this story to unfold. I don't know this baby yet, but I love them, too.
Chris is awesome. Really. He loves me. He's my best friend. We laugh a lot together. We steal as many kisses as we can throughout the day. I think he is so talented. He is such a hard worker. He's faithful and diligent. He has so much integrity. He's really becoming a master of his trade. I am so proud of him. I love him the most of all. 
I feel like I have a purpose here. I feel very connected and inspired. I am a tutor at Classical Conversations. I am part of the Raising Tomorrow's Leaders group (a mom's group). I am part of the Bethel Music community, which is starting to feel like family to me. I am simply blessed. I really feel like I'm part of something amazing ~ The Body of Christ. Wow.
So far, life in Redding is good.
Merry Christmas.
