Our New House and Blessings

Well, I originally wanted to write an update as our Christmas Letter to everyone and Christmas came and went. Then I had hopes of writing quickly after the new year, no later than the end of January. That also came and went. I am sorry it has been so long in between posts. It has been a busy roller coaster these past few months. Let me fill you all in. It is a long post and taking pictures hasn't been a top priority lately, but I hope you enjoy reading what has been going on with us. (I put all the pictures at the end)
 In October we were in the process of buying a house, and we closed on Oct. 31st. After we closed I went up to the house to get the keys and went in with such excitement at finally owning a home again. Not just any home, but a beautiful (slightly outdated with one yellow and one blue toilet and sink:)) 3 bed/2 bath on 2 acres of property, high in elevation to get snow, if it ever decides to snow. Once I got the keys and let myself in (Dave was actually in Austin for work) I heard running water. It turns out a line in the kitchen had been running steadily for about 2 weeks flooding out kitchen. Ever since that day we have been dealing with cleaning up the damage, dealing with insurances refusing to pay, moving out of our rental and into our new home, and living with a makeshift kitchen in the garage thanks to Dave's uncle Paul. Needless to say it has been emotional, stressful, and not ideal, especially being fully pregnant with 5 monkeys running around. In spite of it all we are continually thankful for the blessings God has given us in this. We have had all our needs met, we are all healthy, we get to live in a beautiful setting close to family, we have a wonderful church family that has supported and loved on us through it all, and we look forward to this sweet baby boy to be born sometime end of March or beginning of April.
 Our prayer and hope has been to get the kitchen and floors in before this little boy is born. Up to January I honestly struggled a lot feeling hopeless that we could get a kitchen in, but through lots of prayer and support from friends and family we were able to buy all our base cabinets, counters, and a sink last weekend! We are having work days the rest of the Saturdays in February and it is looking really good that we will have a kitchen in before baby. Praise God! Once it is all done I will be sure to take pictures and post for you all to see.
 We are also getting excited about a father-son mission trip coming up in March. Dave and Davey are going down to Mexico with a handful of other dads and sons from our church. They are going to be bringing and putting in a play-set for the church down there. Missions have always been a huge part of Dave's and my life and we have prayed and desired to have it be a huge part of our family and kids lives as well. This trip is an answer to those prayers and Davey is supper excited about it! They will be leaving March 12th and coming back March 17th. We would really appreciate your prayer support before and during the trip.
 This time of year is also exciting for all the birthdays in our family coming up. Sweet Abigail is turning 5 this Tuesday the 17th. She is so excited to finally be 5 and get to go to school in the fall. Although I haven't fully accepted her going to kindergarten yet :). Cassia is turning 7 March 8th. She is turning into such a beautiful caring girl. Just last week she got the Student of the Month award for being a caring friend to her peers, and as she walked down the aisle to receive it she was hunched over giving every kid she could see high fives on the way down. Dave and his dad celebrate their birthday on March 17th. Even though Dave will be driving home from Mexico that day there is a good possibility that he and his dad will get to celebrate together for the first time in many years.
 And finally we look forward to the birth of this little boy. His due date is April 5th, Easter Sunday, but I think and hope he will be a little early. He is very active kicking and squirming through out the day. All the kids love putting their hands on my belly to feel him. Little Boaz gets such a kick out of it and always giggles "my baby brother just kicked me!" We haven't come up with a name yet, but I am looking forward to the day I finally get to hold him in my arms.
 We loved getting all the Christmas cards from you all and seeing the pictures of you and your families. Thank you so much for sending them. I am sorry we weren't able to send some this year, but know we miss those that are far away and love you all so much.

In October we went to our 10 year reunion at Westmont. It was lots of fun to see friends and be back on the campus. Here is Dave with his suite mates and good friends Jon and Kevin.

Boaz at the pumpkin patch looking for the biggest pumpkin.

Enjoying the pumpkin patch with the family.

For Boaz's 3rd birthday in October we celebrated by going to the zoo.

Christmas Eve with Nana and Grandma Kathy.

Kids on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately we couldn't get Elah to sit for the pictures.

Christmas morning with the Dunham clan on our deck.

Cassia decided she was ready to cut her hair and donate it in honor of her kindergarten teacher Ms. Hewitt to help make wigs for other people.

Cuties saying hi to daddy after he got off work. Yes, we had a pajama day!

Transition to CA

Last time I posted we had just found out we were going to move back to California. From that post on our lives have been crazy. School has just started for Davey and Cassia. With school starting it feels like life is finally settling down and no longer in transition. A new normal pace and routine is starting for us here that we haven't had since before packing up in Texas. There is a peace and comfort in finally feeling like this is home and we belong.
 Before I go on with our lives now I want to share what has been going on with us these past 8 months. This is a long post. If you aren't up to reading the whole thing I hope you enjoy the pictures and check out the video of the kids near the end :) January was filled with packing, living out of boxes, visiting with friends and getting as much time in before having to say goodbye. February 1st we packed up and started the move to California. Once here our lives were filled with unpacking, figuring out Dave working from home, and starting to create our lives here with church, school, and family. The transition here was a lot harder and emotional than I expected. Davey and Cassia did great starting a new school in the middle of the year, but there were struggles and sadness in making friends, learning the class routine, and finding their way around a new school.  We are going to the church Dave grew up in and where we went every time we came to visit so we aren't really new, but we are new to the church as we haven't regularly attended and lived life with this congregation. As we pushed ourselves to be active in getting our lives here going - in volunteering at school, doing a bible study as well as a small group, enjoying family dinner night and time with family, creating a regular weekly date night (which Dave and I have never been able to do) our pace of life and routine felt crazy and different. All of it was good and such a blessing to have in our lives, but took time to adjust to it. There were also changes in Dave's work situation. He now is working from home, actually in our garage. He is in a different position than he was in Texas, which requires more travel. The travel is still totally worth giving up commuting 2 hours everyday. There were adjustments to our daily routine and having him be a part of breakfast and lunch. He now gets off work and has a couple hours before dinner rather than pushing dinner later so we could eat as a family. All of these changes are answers to prayers and dreams we have had for our lives, but also required adjusting that I didn't anticipate.

Missing our Texas church family!

 Through the move and all the transitions we continue to praise God for His hand in it all. The house we decided to rent has worked out on so many levels: Dave being able to work from our garage, the bus stop for school is at our house, and the house has a great backyard for the kids and Daisy to play. Daisy hasn't even tried to escape. In church there was a small group starting up right when we were looking for one. We were praying about where to serve at church, feeling like possibly Jr. High if there was a need. The first Sunday we were asked if we might consider helping out in Jr. high. I have had many ups and downs emotionally in these past 8 months and God has been so present through it all. I was completely overwhelmed once we moved here. I was trying to make my old routine work here in our new lives. I have always struggled with feeling that I needed to do everything all the time: keep a clean house, care for a family of 7, be present and active with school, serve at church, and invest in others' lives. Then on top of all that I wanted so badly to visit our Fernley church family and see those friends we haven't seen in years. In Texas God was working on me, teaching me to let Him guide me in priorities and what our day would hold. Once we moved it became impossible to do everything I thought I needed to and wanted to do. I had many mornings of crying out to God so overwhelmed. God continues to remind me to let Him set the priorities for the day and the routine. In doing His priorities that may mean my idea of what needs to be done doesn't really need to be done and I need to let go of my expectation. Some days are busy with chores and activities, and some days my kids just need me to forget about the dishes stacking up, laundry needing to be folded or boxes that still need to be unpacked. They need me to just sit with them, read a book, play a game, or go on a hike. God reminds me that getting time to go out to visit our friends will come, but in time. Not everything is meant to happen right now. Letting go of my expectations is a hard lesson for me to get through my thick head. He was teaching me in Texas, and He continues to humble me and teach me now. I am truly thankful that God doesn't give up on me. The days that I listen and give my day and expectations to God there is so much peace, joy, and freedom. I look forward to the day that it becomes easier to do.
 Ok, enough about me and our transitions. Thank you all for your prayers and support over this year. It has been hard, but a blessing as well. God is good! We have had a very fun busy year so far. In May Dave and I celebrated our 10th anniversary and got a weekend away in Tahoe. We have been out rock crawling and motorcycle riding. We went to our annual 4th of July camping trip and got to go down to San Diego for my Gram's 80th birthday. Dave has been doing business trips down to LA frequently and the kids and I have gotten to tag along a few times and enjoy a mini vacation. Now, a quick overview of the kids.

Those crazy kids!

Taking a break on our work day at Grandpa Smith's house.

 Elah turned one July 2nd. She is not walking yet and didn't even start to crawl till after she turned 1. She now is crawling everywhere, standing up as much as possible and seems anxious to start walking. She is a sweet fun loving little girl. She loves getting the other kids to laugh at meals and is the most ticklish of all our kids. She absolutely loves Dave throwing her in the air. The higher the better! She also has a stubborn vocal side, that has to come from her daddy ;) She glares and screams at the girls if they try to unbuckle her car seat, only wants mommy to do that. She will crawl over and take food or toys right out of Boaz's hand, and he doesn't give them up easily.

Elah was dedicated on Mother's day. It was special to have her dedicated and prayed for by Pastor Scott who married us just 10 years earlier.

Look who's 1 and loving cupcakes! She cried when she didn't get a second cupcake.

Proud little girl for getting brother's gun.

Elah is a little fish that not only loves being in the water she also gets her arms and legs doing the breaststroke on her back.

Elah's first bike ride. Boaz wasn't quite as excited as Elah.

 Boaz is all boy, kindhearted and full of energy.. He loves motorcycles, 4 wheeling, monster trucks, guns, and airplanes. First thing in the morning he needs a few minutes of snuggles before he starts the day. Then he seems to be bouncing the rest of the day, literally jumping all the time. He is potty training and is so proud to be a big boy. He tells complete strangers he is wearing big boy underwear and goes on the potty. He loves seeing the school bus and can't wait till he turns 5 so he can go on the bus, and he wants to be 6 so he can ride motorcycles.

Bo's first hair cut before . . .

and after haircut. Amazing how much older he looks from just a haircut.

Boaz loved sitting on Grandpa Smith's quad.

Wheeling with the cousins!

Sweet Abigail 

My girls first thing in the morning!

Making sandcastles at the beach.

 Abigail still loves playing dress up and playing with her babies. She loves the movie Frozen and always wants her hair just like Elsa. Her hair is finally getting long enough to do a braid like Elsa! She has gotten really good at her Strider bike that doesn't have pedals and has just started going on a two wheel bike with no training wheels. She is a big help around the house with chores and is the best at folding her laundry and hanging up her dresses that she wears often.

Cassia showing me a praying mantis she found in the yard.

Cassia's first time riding a motorcycle. She's a natural!

Cassia sitting and playing with Elah. Such a great big sister.

 I am so proud of the girl Cassia is becoming. She has a kind heart and is always looking for ways to help others. She is starting 1st grade and reading beautifully. She loves doing crafts and makes bracelets for everyone she can think of. Her hair is getting long and beautiful and she wants to keep growing it until it is long enough to donate to make wigs. She is a huge help with the younger kiddos. She loves holding Elah's hands trying to teach her to walk.

Davey was excited to have a mustache like Uncle Paul's!

Davey and Dave playing motorcycle Frisbee golf. They even popped a wheelie off the starting line!

My Boys!

 Davey is growing up quickly. He starts 2nd grade this year. He loves reading chapter books and has been enjoying lots of nonfiction books. We have been working on swimming this summer and he is getting pretty good at freestyle. He loves riding his bike and his motorcycle. Over memorial day weekend he did a 46 mile ride round trip. He had a couple good crashes, but got back on and kept going. He and Cassia  have started soccer practice and are excited to be on the same team with each other as well as with some friends from church.
 The kids all have some great news to share . . .

We were excited to find out I am pregnant with baby #6! I always wonder if the kids are tired of having little brothers and sisters and want to be done, but they are so excited for another baby. Everyone we meet they love to share that mommy has a baby in her belly. Cassia said she is hoping for twin boys. I am guessing I am around 8 weeks. My first appointment with the doctor and ultrasound is next Wednesday.
 Sorry for such a long post and how long it has been since I have written. This has been something I had to let slide to figure out life here in California, but I hated not having this contact with friends and family far away. Hopefully I will be able to write more often and post pictures of our crazy family of (soon to be) 8 people!

Merry Christmas

We want to wish all our family and friends a very merry Christmas! Unfortunately in the middle of our crazy busy December I came down with a horrible sickness. The doctor never determined what it was, but I cant remember the last time I was so sick. It took me out for about a week and a half so I had to let go of doing some of our Christmas traditions this year. One of them was our Christmas cards. It is one of my favorite parts of the Christmas season to be able to keep in touch with friends and family that we don't get to see regularly. So, my hope is that this can be our "Christmas card" this year. I pray that you all have had a wonderful Christmas season and are now enjoying time with family celebrating the birth of our savior. Not sure if it is from being sick, but I have been reminded and moved to tears this season by thinking of what all Mary, Joseph, and Jesus went through in the birth of Jesus. I know when hardships come my way I throw a pity party. I am extremely thankful for Mary's response to the angel "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word."Luke 1:38 and that Jesus out of his great love for us would go through birth, life, and death here on earth to save us. Praise God and what a joyful reason to celebrate Christmas! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Dunham Family!!!

 This December has also been full of amazing blessings and answered prayers. At the beginning of the month Dave was offered a position in his company that will allow him to work remotely so we are able to move back to California close to family. We have been so blessed here in Texas, made wonderful friends, had 3 kids, and 2 kids started school with wonderful teachers. We will greatly miss our friends here and the relationships we have made, but we are extremely excited to be close to family, be apart of our nephews' and niece's lives, and live in the snow! Right now we are visiting family for Christmas and looking at houses. We will be moving February 1st! Since Dave will be able to work from home we will get to enjoy so much more time with him without the hour long commutes he has had to endure.
 As we were in the car just buckled to set out on our drive for California Dave got an email from the Board of Engineers letting him know he passed his CA Seismic test! He is now a professional licensed engineer! I am so excited for Dave and so extremely proud of him.
 2014 is looking to be quite an exciting year full of changes; new state to live in, new house, new position for Dave, new school for the kids, new church, and more time with family. God is so good, has answered so many prayers, has provided and continues to provide abundantly for our family. Praise God and Merry Christmas!

Past 2 Months

Lots has happened since I blogged last, almost 2 months ago! Sorry for the delay. I think the easiest way to touch on everything is to post pictures and explain. Hope you enjoy!

Boaz loves riding his car all over the house. For the longest time Davey or Cassia would push him around, but after Bo got his foot run over many times he learned to enjoy doing it on his own.

The weather has finally cooled off and we celebrated by having a picnic lunch enjoying the time outside.

Who knew cleaning the couches could be so fun. They took turns jumping off the lounge chair and crashing into the cushions. Even Bo took a turn jumping on the cushions.

Sweet girls getting ready for church.

At the end of August our church closed its doors. We had been praying for awhile what God's direction for the church was. We were thankful to know God's plan, but sad to see it end. After trying a handful of different churches we have found a new church home that we all enjoy. Even Elah has been doing good in the nursery.

Love that Elah wakes up with a big smile to see me!

Davey lost his first tooth!

Cassia has learned to ride her bike with no training wheels! Dave had her start on Davey's old bike since it is smaller than her purple bike. Even though she was a little scared, she did a great job and has moved up to riding her purple bike.

Near the end of October we made it out to the farm to go through the huge corn maze shaped like Texas. If you found all 12 town signs in the maze you got a free drink. After almost 2 hours of walking we had found 10 and called it quits. 

Family picture in the wild flowers

Love putting pink on Elah, makes her blue eyes stand out. Hoping  they stay blue!

Elah a bee, Boaz a monkey, Abigail a ladybug, Davey a cowboy, and Cassia a butterfly.

On Halloween Davey and Cassia got to dress up for school as long as they were a book character and brought the book to school. Davey was Woody from Toy Story and Cassia was the Hungry Caterpillar when he turns into a butterfly. Well, Abby wanted to get her costume on too. So she was a ladybug all day long. When we walked to pick Davey and Cassia up from school she flapped her arms and jumped to fly all the way to school. We opted to not go trick-or-treating and had a fun night at our friends' house carving/painting pumpkins and playing in the backyard. 

Davey carved his own pumpkin all by himself.

 After almost 4 years of living in Texas we finally made it out to our first Longhorns Game! We were up as high as you could go and had a great view of the game, which we won!

After refusing anything plastic (toys, pacifier, bottle) for the first 4 months of her life Elah is starting to really enjoy her Sofie the Giraffe and pacifiers. Next up to try is the bottle!

At 4 months old Elah has learned to roll over! Her first time was for my mom when I was volunteering at the school. It took all day before I got to see her do it and then it took a couple of weeks before I got pictures. She rolls back to tummy then gets so frustrated with being on her tummy. Looking forward to when she will be able to roll tummy to back.