As it's been several months since I posted I thought nice "wrapping up the rest of 2013" post would be nice.
I think the biggest, and most unexpected, piece of the last months of 2013 was that TJ got a job! I ended up applying to 75+ positions, had around 5 interviews and didn't get a job. He applied, in total, to around 4 jobs, had one interview and got the job!
He is physically able to do the work and enjoys the work and the schedule. The schedule will also allow him to continue with school at night, though he'll cut back on classes next semester as he adjusts to working again.
We see this unexpected position as the Lord's leading and continue to trust Him for our provision.
In other news, Ethan turned 4 in December! He's starting to become interested in the alphabet and numbers and is willing to draw a bit too. He's great at taking things apart and loves to think about how things work. He also has learned how to hang upside down on the trampoline bar, oh my. He's a great big brother and we love him bunches!!
I started a small home business later in the year as well, The Sherwin Homestead (www.thesherwinhomestead.com). I'm making natural lip balm and vanilla extract right now with hopes to add more products later. I'm also hoping to gather all the other local home crafters into one website and be a referral network of sorts.
Here are some photos from the last months of the year...
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| Ethan rarely takes naps during rest time these days but fell asleep curled up in his chair. So sweet! |
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| Elsie decided the bathtub was the best place to read a book! She loves the bathtub and water!! |
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| One of my tubes of homemade lip balm. |
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| After TJ went back to work I rearranged the house a bit. Probably should have waited till I could round up helpers because I got this dresser stuck at the bottom of the stairs! |
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| Ethan chose his birthday cake this year. Christmas tree it was! |
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| We had a large snowfall and the kids enjoyed discovering snow. |
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| Elsie loves the swing! She says "more weeeeeee!!!!" |
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| I was able to get together with high school friends for a nice visit. |
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| My Christmas cactus bloomed this year! This means I was a) able to keep it alive and b) able to keep it alive enough to bloom! This gave me much hope. |
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| Elsie spent Christmas Eve dressed just like this...pretty dress and pink rubber boots! :) |
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| Our latest family photo. |
