Holy Hiatus

My dear sisters-in-law continue to gently remind me that I haven't posted anything on our blog since September. I have no great excuse for this lengthy hiatus I've taken from the blogging world. We've been busy, yes, but no more so than normal. So, I can't claim that I've been super productive in other areas of life, thus blogging has fallen to the wayside. That simply isn't the case. If I'm completely honest, I had put updating the blog so far down on my to-do list that I'd kinda forgotten I even kept a blog. Sheesh. So, Andrea and Candice, thank you for keeping me on top of these things. I do love blogging and especially love looking back at the blog, reminiscing of days past, so thanks for all the reminders. :) I'll try to do better for you aunties, I promise.

 Some of the highlights since September....

In October, my parents were able to come out for a visit. (My dad had just finished several weeks worth of testing to see if he'd qualify for a lung transplant about a day or so before they came out. He had a successful lung transplant in December, officially on the list for a mere 10 days! Crazy.)
We had fabulous weather while they were here. We were able to take the kids to the pumpkin patch where they rode ponies, played in the bounce houses, got pulled around in a cart, and had a total blast.

 I was able to borrow tools from a wonderful friend from church that week so my dad, Matt and I were able to make some new drawer fronts for the kid's closets. I'll (hopefully) post before/after pictures of that project (and a few other projects we've since completed)

 We found a great deal on a whale watching tour out of Newport. Although we didn't see any whales, we did see hundreds of dolphins and dozens of seals. It was a gorgeous day and well worth it!

Halloween took place shortly after my parents left for Chicago. I kept asking Luke what he wanted to be for halloween and like most 3 year olds, he told me a different thing each time. He went from being spiderman to a T-rex to a triceratops to a fireman. I wasn't about to spend lots of money on a costume just for him to change his mind and want to be something else. So a few days before halloween, we finally settled on Fireman Luke and created a costume for him out of an old diaper box. Cost = $0.00. Elin couldn't care less about dressing up this year. I decided she could be a ballerina, the perfect costume since it was pretty hot still when we went trick-or-treating. I found the tutu at the dollar store and paired it with a onsie and tights she already had. Cost = $1.00. I love being thrifty. :) 

                                          

November brought the Klingenmaiers out to California for Thanksgiving week. This has become a great tradition that we can, hopefully, continue for years to come. Although the entire DeBoer family got the stomach flu throughout the course of the week (not pretty) we were still able to get out and about, enjoying the terrific CA weather.

 Hiking in Forest Falls

playing with trains

San Diego Zoo

Minus the stomach flu, it was an awesome week!


December brought the DeBoer side out here for Christmas. It was sickness-free, full of fun day trips, great food, great conversation, games, good times overall!

Hiking around Joshua Tree

 (notice Matt sporting some lovely facial hair) 

Christmas Eve opening presents. The kids were beyond excited! The adults of the family all agreed to forego getting one another Christmas gifts this year and instead, have an 'adults night out'. We got a sitter for Luke and Elin and went out for a fun night of bowling followed by a delicious meal and great uninterrupted conversation. It was a gift in itself! Therefore, 99% of all of the presents under the Christmas tree were for our two children. Can we say spoiled? 

modeling his new basketball gear  

playing with/opening presents with the fan club watching

 enjoying some hot chocolate

Since December, we haven't had visitors but we have had some lovely weather. We've already been able to get use out of the blow up pool and sprinkler. 

In other news, after 8 years and lots and lots of prayer, Matt has decided not to teach at RCS next year. He  We didn't come to the decision lightly. It has been something that we feel God has been nudging Matt toward for awhile now and it was time to heed that 'nudge'. He doesn't have anything lined up for next year, at least not at the moment. We are praying for God to guide us in this new adventure and are excited to see where He is going to lead us. It is definitely a lesson in faith and trusting in God's plan and God's timing, but we have peace that it was the right decision and know that God is faithful. 

Hopefully, I'll be able to keep up with the blog better than in these past few months and share this adventure with you loyal readers! :)