Family Update

A lot has been going on in our household. It’s been really hard to keep up but we’ll try to bring everyone up to speed.
Josh
Josh is doing well in Iraq. We found out less than two weeks ago that he gets to come home a month early. This means he’ll be home in LESS THAN 3 WEEKS!!! So after 20 months and 1 week, we are almost through this separation! HOORAY!
He’s still running 5K races, working out, reading etc to pass the time. They have been busier than usual getting ready to return home. He misses Rachel and the kids and can’t wait to be home. He’s looking forward to his new job in Germany. We’ll be reporting in within 30 days of Josh’s return.
Rachel
Rachel describes herself as overwhelmed but excited about the next few months. She’s been busy selling items she never uses anymore on eBay. She’s surprised at how people will buy just about anything on eBay! Some used items sold for more than you could purchase them brand new! She doesn’t understand why people do that but is happy when they send their money in to pay for the used items!
She’s been busy scheduling movers, shipments, etc. Everyone had to be medically cleared to go to Germany. This meant THREE trips to a base 3 hours away for appointments, but everyone got their clearance. She’s taking the van to New Orleans on Friday to ship to Germany. We are hoping for a safe and fast trip for our van, but realize it can take up to three months. The first set of movers will be here before Josh comes home and the next two will come after Josh is home.
Rachel is also planning to go back to work in Germany. She spent over a week trying to fill out the online application for a job and was able to complete it over the weekend. Now she is gathering required documents that must be presented within 48 hours of a job offer. She’s hoping for middle school but will take anything that is available.
Andrew
Andrew is the same spunky kid he’s always been! He is VERY excited about Josh coming home and keeps saying “I can’t wait until we are on the plane to Germany!” He’s enjoying homeschooling but looks forward to getting back into the classroom in Germany.
He’s still a big help with his sisters and spends his free time creating things with Legos or playing outside. We will more than likely live in a high rise in Germany so we think he’ll miss having a trampoline and creek in the backyard. His latest request is a cell phone in Germany. He thinks he has a convincing argument for one.
Leah and Leila
Oh they are two and are in the thick of the meltdowns, the saying “NO!” and the temper tantrums. However, on their good days they love their preschool and helping out around the house with little things like putting dirty clothes in the hamper.
They have graduated to big girl beds and Rachel is attempting to potty train them. She really understands why some parents pay others to potty train their children. The girls have also developed their own sense of “style.” They are constantly changing clothes and create some interesting combinations! Today Leah wore a pull-up, black socks to the knees and a raincoat for half the day. *SIGH*

Needless to say, we are well but busy. We welcome visitors while we are in Germany for the next 3 years. We already have some scheduled for the month of July! First come, first served!
Hope this update finds you all happy and healthy!