Ethan turns 1!

Hey Everyone!  It's been awhile since our last post, a lot has happened in the past year.  Obviously, Ethan was born, and that has brought so much joy to our lives, along with a little chaos. :)  We celebrated his first birthday over the weekend, so I wanted to share some pictures and give a little update on our lives.

Luke has his first year and a half at his middle school in Independence under his belt, and he's really enjoying it.  He coached football and wrestling this year, which meant he was rarely home from August through mid-December, and needless to say we won't be doing that again.  It was tough on the kids, and hard on us too!  He does enjoy coaching, and his students love him, so it was a good experience for him.  I don't know what this year will bring, but I'm really hoping it will just involve coaching one sport instead of two. :)

I started a food blog this year, called The Crowded Table, and I love it!  It has been really fun learning to take food photos and share some of my favorite recipes online (and learn all about creating and designing a blog).  It has been a huge learning curve, but I love getting to use my love of cooking (and eating) in a different way.

Another big journey we have begun is Luke and I just started classes to become foster parents.  We have been praying about it and talking to other families who have fostered/adopted, and we feel God is calling us to foster.  We are hoping to adopt eventually, if we have a placement who cannot return to their biological family and is a good fit with our kiddos.  We will see how it all goes, but we could use lots of prayers for us throughout this process.  

Noah and Hannah are growing so fast, and I love seeing their personalities as they grow and change.  Noah is all boy, and loves trucks, superheroes, and building things.  He started gymnastics classes this fall and loves jumping on the trampoline, swinging from the bars, and climbing the rock wall.  Hannah is all girl, and thinks she's a princess.  She tells me when she grows up she's going to live in  a castle and marry a prince. :)  She loves dressing up and playing with dolls.  She started dance this fall, and had her first recital in December.  She shows everyone who will watch her routine, and she's such a little performer.  Not a shy bone in her body!

That was our attempt at a picture of all 3 kids.  I'm not sure we'll get a picture with all 3 of them smiling ever again, which perfectly describes life with 3 small children.  :) We hope all of you are doing well, and hopefully we will get to see you soon!