'tis the season

Oh my.  Where have the last few months gone?

Well first of all, I got a job. I am working at Trinity Western University at the Bellingham campus and I also taught 1 course (2 sections) at the campus in Canada.  It's been a whirlwind. Teaching was a hard, good, overwhelming experience.  I taught Introduction to Learning to adults returning to school to finish their BA.  I feel grateful for this opportunity, but I was so relieved once I finished grading and turned in all of my grades. Phew. What a load off.

Making gingerbread houses

And I finished up the class just in time....for Thanksgiving, Montana's birthday, Aaron's birthday, Amos' birthday, Christmas decorating and moving (again!). We are moving all the way across co-housing to a bigger unit as well as a permanent rental.  I really hope to not move around the holidays for a very long time!

But one of the most exciting things in the midst of this was Montana's 5th Birthday!!  She was very ready to turn 5.  We had a "tea" party with a few friends.  She was only supposed to invite a couple of friends, but when you live in community, small parties turn into larger ones! She asked for dessert for dinner. We indulged her with ice cream.  I tried to get her to eat soup for "dessert", but that didn't really work. I think she had a fun day.


Montana is so delightful.  She is articulate and smart and loves all things beautiful and sparkly. She has a tendency toward the dramatics, but can easily be distracted. She continues to love dress-up and begs to wear makeup (which she was allowed to do on her birthday).  She is constantly coming up with new scenarios for us to play.  "Pretend we're kitties." "I am a teenager, but a rockstar." She invites us into those games and her dad is so good at going there.  Her latest thing is praying for "everything in the universe, even the aliens." She and her little brother have been playing together more, which is such a delight to see.  They also fight more, which is not so delightful.  Amos pulls her hair, crawls on top of her, hugs her around her waist and doesn't let go, and on and on.  Sometimes I just stand back and laugh because it is so funny watching this little guy harass his big sister.

Montana goes to preschool twice a week.  This year she complains a bit more about going, but likes it when she goes.  Her teacher believes that she is very artistic and musical.  Montana is just a joy.  I can't believe 5 years ago, we were 2 new scared parents driving her home from the hospital. She teaches us so much, and stretches me and makes me face "my stuff". I love her for it.

Montana Faith: Happy 5th Birthday.  You are loved beyond words and Mom and Dad are so proud of you.