Merry Christmas 2013

With three young children now running around our home, Aimee and I have come to feel like we are living in a black hole of time--where it goes, we don't know. What movies are showing in the theater? Couldn't tell you. What's popular on TV? Wouldn't know. How old are we? We forget. Are we still buying diapers? Yes still. So 2013 was a blur.

We recall that in January Aimee and I managed a couple days away from home without the kids as I joined Aimee in visiting Northfield, Massachusetts, original campus of Northfield Mount Hermon school founded by D.L.Moody.  The campus is now in the hands of National Christian Foundation and they are seeking the next stewards of this rich, historical gem.  You can check it out here.

In February we had every little boy's dream snowstorm with plenty of the packable white stuff to build forts with tunnels.

It seems then we had several more snowfalls of varying amounts that stretched interminably into spring, but we can't remember for sure--we were busy trying to match orphaned socks. In April, Aimee and Reagan stole away from me and the boys to go down to Florida for a girls week with Nana and Aimee's sisters.

Speaking of Reagan, she continues to break the growth charts, probably God's design for her to compete with her older brothers.  Indeed, she's not afraid to get in on the wrestling matches that frequently occur. She learned to walk at about her first birthday and is now fully engaged in wrapping me around her little finger.

Liam, our three year old, is daddy's little helper. He long ago claimed Andy's work boots as his own and insists on wearing them most days.  If there's any leaf blowing, lawn mowing, light fixture fixing, pipe unclogging--you name it--he is ready with his toy goggles, ear muffs, gloves and tools.  He is our early-riser too, up at the crack most every day for special time with Mommy and Daddy.  He decided on his own to self-potty train and just like that, no more diapers for him (yay!). Except he did attempt to give up pooping so as to avoid conquering the toilet.  That didn't go well.  He and Andy argue and laugh together in equal measures. Both are a sight that warms our hearts.

And speaking of Andy, our soon-to-be six year old is enjoying kindergarten as he grows up way too fast. One of his favorite pastimes is inventing new toys out of whatever he can find.  Most recently he taped one of our spatulas to the end of a PVC pipe to make a weapon which he called a “swordula”.  Earlier this year he drew the simplest drawing of what he called a chainsaw and then did a remarkable job building the thing—all for his little brother.  He is (usually) a sweet big brother to his siblings. 


Andy also gets to join me on our twice-annual camping trips with a group of men and their sons.  During our fall trip, we fired off a model rocket built by one of the dads.  Check out this cool video taken from the rocket itself:

Also in October, Aimee and I celebrated 10 glorious years of marriage. We are so grateful for the many blessings.

May God bless you and keep you and make his face shine upon you,

Marshall, Aimee, Andy, Liam & Reagan