Way Overdue...Your Voice Has Been Heard

Yes, it has been ages since I have put my fingers to work in updating you on our Seattle Sojourn. I want to encourage you to visit our other blog if you are looking to know what is happening with Pathways Church, but this space will primarily be used for blogging our family life. I'm recommiting myself to blogging here more often, so here's to a new beginning - spread the word.

Both the Chandler's and the Kuest's are in the process of closing on homes right now. Both of us will close around the 15th of June - so that has added to the hectic environment around here as well. We are really excited about the house that God has provided for us. It is far more expensive than our house in AZ (our mortgage doubled) but will fit our family perfectly. (I wish that I knew how to put pictures on here - I'll have to ask John how to do that.)It is in a fairly new community and is in a cul-de-sac which is perfect for the boys. We don't really have a backyard as the pictures will show, but instead have a downgrade that leads to forest/greenbelt. It is gorgeous and has a 700 sq. foot deck that is stunning. It will be great for having people over and sitting out on the deck and chatting or eating.

The church is officially incorporated with the state and IRS now. We have our banking account set up and are in the process of signing with Mill Creek Elementary school to have our worship services there. It is in a great location on a main street that is directly across the street from most of the new housing that is being built.

Our family doing great. In the midst of all of the stress, we find that God is more than enough to meet us where we are at. It has been difficult at times for Leslie and I as we have coped with stress in different ways. When you think about leaving a good job, having no income for 8 months, living with your parents/in-laws, homeschool your children, try to plant a new church, and then deal with everyday stuff that we all deal with - that is a pretty stressful recipe. Leslie has been amazing through it all as have her parents. It really could not have worked out better at their house. All the while, God refines us in the midst of all of this fire. We have had some great talks about this and are looking forward to our new home that will give us our own space and allow us to "be" in the community of Mill Creek.

We are getting information and registration ready to put the boys in public school next year. They are all excited. Kyle will be in Middle School and Josh will be in 5th grade, Andrew in 1st grade and Brett will be in Kindergarten. We will be in the Snohomish School District which has a really good reputation. We think that homeschooling was the right decision at the time that we made it and that public school is the right decision for our family right now.

The boys are doing awesome. Baseball is so much fun. Kyle's team (he's 12) finished in first place in their league and are now in the city tournament. They were upset in the first game on Saturday and so now they have to fight their way through the loser's bracket. They have a big game tonight. It will be tough so we'll see what they are made of. Kyle is probably the most well-rounded player on his team. He plays SS (even as a lefty), 1B and Pitcher. He's not the most overpowering pitcher on his team, but the most consistent and his defense is solid. He made an amazing stab at first base in their tournament game on Saturday. Plus, he hits far better than his father ever did. He's hit some shots that sailed over OF'er's heads, but none that have cleared the fence yet - he's a gapper.

Joshua's team finished their league in third place, but are far better than that. They are in the city tournament as well and won their first game on Saturday. Joshua (10) was the starting pitcher and went three solid innings. Coach says that he will start again on Wednesday for their second game. Josh is the most consistent pitcher on the team and a coach favorite. He is not fazed by stressful situations, which is why the coach likes him to start these tournament games. He is a great glove in the field and plays 2B when not pitching. He hits better than I did - but don't most little leaguers, but that is the area that needs the greatest improvement in his game. The coach uses him as a clutch bunter because he lays some beauties down and is a left-handed hitter - quick to get down the line. Can you tell I love little league?

The one thing I am grieving over is that both of their coaches approached me about them playing all-stars and we just can't commit the time needed to let them play. We are closing on our house just as the city tournament ends and moving 30 minutes away. Getting them to the practices and games would be impossible.

Andrew is still all about people. I think he is more extraverted than I am! He loves Kindergarten in the homeschool group that we are a part of and can't wait for public school next year. He did not get to play little league this year because trying to schedule all the boys going in different directions is a bit much. We are going to sign he and Brett up for soccer in the fall instead. Andrew can read better than most high school kids (that's an exaggeration, but not by much). He is a reading machine and is almost finished reading Stuart Little by himself.

Brett is still the boss of all of his brothers at age 5. He loves taking charge and wants to read like Andrew. He is well on his way. That has been one of the greatest thrills for Leslie and I about homeschooling our kids - watching them learn to read and developing a love for learning. Brett loves anything Basketball or Baseball and quickly became a Mariner fan because their second basemen has such an excellent first name - Brett. He is also unable to talk about baseball without mentioning Ichiro!

Jamie is now 11 months and jabbering like he knows what he is saying and that we should understand as well. He is quite the character. He still has not conquered crawling but that does not prevent him from getting places. He's got the military crawl down to a science and moves very quickly from place to place. He lives with four brothers an inch away from his face constantly and I am convinced he will grow up being a "close-talker" and having no concept of personal space.

We miss Arizona. Don't be shy about leaving messages here or emailing!