Family Update/Christmas Picture

Josh is doing well. He’s hit month 18 away from his family but knows he has 6 months or less (depending on when the job is done) before he’ll be home for good. He’s staying busy running, doing yoga and competing in competitions at the gym (5K, sit ups, pull ups, etc.). He says it’s the only way to control the boredom in between missions. He’s looking forward to his next position in AFRICOM in Stuttgart, Germany. Rachel and the kids are glad they get to go too!

Rachel is keeping busy with the kids. She is homeschooling Andrew and enjoys it. She’s been having some health issues but will have surgery December 14th so she looks forward to feeling like her old self. When she was at the doctor’s office she was asked “Now are you sure you are done having children?” Rachel’s reply was “Uh, if not I’ll adopt more!” to which the doctor replied “Oh, yeah!” She’s been told to expect six weeks to recover and right now she has help for five. She’s thankful she has a sister across the street and a niece home from college for Christmas break during that time. She’s hoping to find a teaching job on base in Germany next year since the girls will be in preschool.

She’s been writing out the experience of adopting the girls and has found it to be kind of therapeutic to revisit some of the more stressful and tense times knowing that it all ended well. She’s currently at over 20,000 words and isn’t even halfway through the process we endured. She says it’s a good reminder of who all played an instrumental part with phone calls, translating, advice, prayers and support. We have great friends and family and for that we are thankful.

Andrew just turned 8 this month. He’s the same spunky kid he’s always been. He enjoys homeschooling and is currently training for his senior green belt in Tae Kwon Do. He’s also enjoying his piano lessons and just recently attended a composer festival with Robert Vandall. Andrew played one of Mr. Vandall’s pieces, made a poster of his interpretation of the piece and got Mr. Vandall’s autograph on his music. He’s excited about the move to Germany as well.

Leah and Leila are doing a very good job playing the role of two year olds. We get temper tantrums, hitting, crying, etc. This is mostly from Leah and she knows the naughty mat all too well. Leila tries these things but after one time of being punished seems to give up. Rachel wishes Leah would give up as easily. They attend preschool three times a week and really enjoy it. They also started speech therapy and are progressing well. They are having some hopefully minor health issues and are scheduled for ultrasounds this week. Rachel will update the blog when we have results. On a good note, Leila saw her cardiologist earlier this month and he said that it looks like her problems will not require any action in the next few years! YAY! We’ll continue with our yearly EKGs to make sure but that is a relief to hear.

Because of Rachel’s surgery and Josh being away, we will not be sending “snail mail” Christmas cards this year. Enjoy the enclosed picture of the kids. It was quite the adventure for all three to sit still and look at the camera. Rachel gave up on the smiles. Leila is on the left and Leah is on the right.

Stay in touch with us on our blog and we’ll update on the girls’ health, Rachel’s health and the exact date of our move. We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season, a Merry Christmas and joyful year ahead! Love and thanks from all of us!

Love,

Joshua, Rachel, Andrew, Leah and Leila