Updates

So, again it has been a few weeks since we gave an update. Wow, time flies! We are keeping very busy out here with work and getting to know people. Steph had parent orientation for two nights this past week and got to meet many of the preschool families. She also had training on the curriculum for three of the five days. The trainings were all in Orange City, and they all got out early :) Bryan still thinks that is a joke. It was nice to have a break from the kids. I love them, but they can be very loud and crazy!

We have also been getting together with different families from church. We have had a few bonfires in our backyard after church Sunday nights with a few care groups. It makes it a little easier to get to know people that way. We also had the Hilbelinks over for dinner and got a tour of the local elementary school where Randy works. Bryan has also been practicing up on his ping pong abilities by playing a few members from church. It seems Bryan's preaching has been very well received out here. Many people have told us how they love his sermons and we have even heard several people talking about giving him a call to First. We appreciate the this encouragement as Bryan grows as a pastor. Bryan has continued to have contact from other churches. On September 13 he will be preaching at a CRC/RCA combination church who is interested in him. We will continue to keep you updated the whole process as things progress.

As for a baby update, everything is going pretty well. Steph had a few days last week where she was sick again, but hopefully that is past. She was having some trouble swallowing her vitamins and that was making her sick. We have tried a few tricks and things seem to have gotten better. We also had to go do some maternity shopping today (Steph's day off). All of her pants are starting to get too small; the rubber band trick will only work for so much longer. We were also advised to start shopping early because long maternity pants can be hard to come by. Well, we are pleased to say we didn't have too much trouble :) Steph found two pairs of maternity jeans (one was even a LONG!) and a pair of khaki pants that fit well! Sigh of relief. I have been living in my pajama pants when at home, and even out to the grocery store :)

Finally, in other news, we were sad to say goodbye to our pet bird Montie. He was just getting over his molting stage and starting to chirp and be happy again. Yesterday he was hopping around and chirping away, but this morning he was lying at the bottom of his cage :( Steph was very sad to see him go and shed quite a few tears (man does pregnancy make you more emotional). We will miss his cheerful singing, especially this winter.