Life as Newbergonians (Newbergese? Newbergites?)

We can hardly believe we've lived for a whole season in Newberg already! The past few months have flown by and I think we're settling in nicely. Geary really enjoys his job at Veritas Classical School. The staff and families there have been so open and welcoming to us. We've been attending Grace Baptist for the past six weeks and we've joined a Connect Group with several other young families. Our Connect Group is working through a video series called "Marriage on the Rock" by Jimmy Evans. We've watched two of the videos so far and I know Geary and I are already getting a lot out of them. Plus, it's so nice to be making new friends!

We love our house! Even though there have been struggles, like the water-heater breaking, the squirrels in the attic (which are still there, ack!), and those blasted ants (which sometimes make a minor appearance but nothing like the hordes that attacked us earlier). There are still a few rooms I'd like to get painted and still a few boxes of stuff in the shed that I need to figure out what to do with, but other than that we are completely moved in. We bought a chandelier for the dining room which really makes that room feel homey and warm. I'll have to take a picture for you. Or Noah can...*smile*.

We're planning on Noah starting pre-school after Christmas. We figured it would be a more natural transition for him to start after all the kids came back from a long break. I need to confirm that the school of our choice still has a spot for him and if so he will be going to school three days each week. I've been taking him to Story Time at the library every week and he's made a few friends that way. Also, some of the moms I see at Story Time go to our church, as well as the Story Time Librarian. It's very fun to live in a small town!

Only a few weeks until Christmas! We have our inside decorations up and I'm still trying to convince Geary to put up outside lights. A couple nights ago Geary came home from work and announced, "Our neighbors have busted out the Feliz Navidad." I thought he meant they were playing Spanish music loudly but last night when we left the house I saw what he was talking about. They have decorated their entire lawn with light-up reindeer, trees, snowflakes, you name it it's out there. Not quite as elaborate as the Green's neighbor, but close. I'm very thankful for all the lights and decorations around town as it's been very soggy and kind of gloomy in Oregon this month. The rains and winds have made lots of messes but that Christmas cheer is definitely still there.

Thank you, God for bringing us to Newberg, for directing us so clearly, and for providing everything we need. You have proven over and over again how intimately involved you are in our lives. May our family reflect your glory and your goodness to everyone we meet. Please keep showing us your way. Amen.