As we prepare to send out our Christmas cards this week (yes, I know they are very late), I feel the need to write an update here, since we did not write a letter to go with our cards. So what did 2014 look like for us and where in the world are we anyway?!
We started the year living with Ben's parents who were very gracious in sharing their home with us as we made the transition back to "real life." Ben started the year working second shift at a daycare. He continued to look for a more permanent job that would provide better for us. On March 1, we welcomed Abigail Rae Weber into our family. Mae and Conor were so excited to have a baby sister! Abigail means "Father's Joy" and that is exactly what she has been for us. She is very laid back and always happy. She is always smiling, but she is not afraid to push her brother away when he loves her a little too much! She started scooting at 5 months, so she has kept mommy very busy keeping everything out of her reach.
In April, Ben started to work part time at our church as the facilities coordinator. He had been wanting to work in a church for awhile, so he was very glad to be able to serve in this way. In May we moved into a small two bedroom home. We were very grateful and excited to have our own home after almost 3 years. Right around that time, Ben changed to a construction job that offered him better pay. It was hard work physically, but Ben enjoyed the opportunity to work with his hands. He also enjoyed using some of the scrap wood from work to build desks for the kids, an advent table, a doll cradle for Mae, and blocks for all the kids. Unfortunately, the job was not very steady work, so in November he accepted a paralegal position at the Weber Law Firm that his dad started. It was an adjustment for him to go to a desk job, but he has enjoyed learning about legal matters.
Cherie has kept busy learning how to manage a house with three kids and building her business as a Mary Kay consultant. During the summer, she enjoyed letting the kids play in the backyard and taking care of the small garden we planted right after we moved in. In the fall, she began to teach the kids some preschool. It has been fun to watch them learn their letters and sounds. Mae has also started learning how to write her letters. In October, she decided to focus a little bit more on her Mary Kay business and God blessed her efforts more than we could imagine! She began bringing more money home which was very important to paying all the bills right before Ben began working at the law firm. On December 31, she finished earning her first free Mary Kay car!!! We have needed a second vehicle for awhile, so we are excited that this is the way that God has chosen to provide for us!
Mae turned 4 in April and enjoyed celebrating in PA with family. Mae loves the color pink and to wear dresses. She also loves to boss her brother around. She has enjoyed making many friends at church. She loves to do school and is always asking what different words start with.
Conor turned 2 in May. He loves balls and wrestling. He loves his two sisters and is always looking out for them. He is very family-oriented and does not like it when one of his family is missing. His favorite thing to do is sing, which makes Abigail dance.
Although there were some rough patches, 2014 has been a year of experiencing God's provision. It has been a year of adjustment and growing into a family of five. We are excited about what lies ahead for us in 2015!
