Family Update

by Megan Criniere

A year has passed since I last did a family update; this last year has been a whirlwind of activity. We've been so busy with all of the kids' activities, learning and adjusting to new household rhythms, and relearning how to do everything again without Charlie that time has gotten away from me in writing this.

So much has changed in our lives, yet the few parts that have remained the same have been instrumental in our learning to grow, adapt, and move forward as a family.

Homeschooling has remained a huge part of our daily rhythm and keeps us on track, learning new things and working hard to "keep our hearts with all diligence, knowing that from it flows the springs of life," as Proverbs 4:23 says. Homeschool has brought us the needed slow pace and consistent daily attainable goals that have helped us navigate the unknown step by step. It has been a season for prioritizing what is most important, struggling with the weakness of not being able to do everything the same as we always have, and, at the same time, learning new ways of doing the things we have always done.

Seeing how much has changed within our family's dynamic is remarkable. How one person's absence changes everyone's functions and leaves a feeling of loss in everything we do; even though we'd like to keep moving along away from grief as fast as possible, we can't help but feel it at every turn. And even through all the change, the faithfulness of Jesus has remained the same; he has been near to the brokenhearted, it says in Psalms 34:18. He has proven Himself to be our provider, protector, a source of strength for everyday needs, a friend that sticks closer than a brother, our Healer, and the one who hears us when we cry out to Him. It has been a comfort to know that we have Him with us and that we don't have to navigate all of this alone. My kids have been a source of constant motivation, a daily reminder of the vision that Charlie and I had to see a generation of young people love God with all their hearts. Kids are amazing to me; they have so much hope in their hearts, they trust so quickly, and somehow intuitively know it will all be okay. I learn so much from them about trusting God, how to become like a little child like Jesus instructed us to, and how not to worry - exactly how Jesus taught us to, and remembering that my heavenly Father knows everything I need before I ask him. 

What a journey it's been to this point; I'm hopeful for all the ways the Lord will lead us in this new season. I'm so grateful for everyone who has been a source of help and encouragement to our family, we could not have made it this far without the love and support we have received. Thank you!

Here's a snapshot of the kids and all their activities….constant activity at our house! ;)

●       Eliya is in a new season of life. She has been navigating what life looks like after graduating. She is currently working and is a part-time student. She is excited to see what the Lord has in store for her in this next season of life.

●      Mariah is officially a senior! She will graduate this May. She just finished her last gymnastics meet this past week. After graduating, she plans to train to become a gymnastics coach at her gym and start pursuing a degree in teaching.

●      Justice is still really involved in sports. He's played some flag football this spring but spends most of his free time working out and waiting for tackle football to start in the fall. He just turned 16 started a new job, and has plans to buy a car. He's so excited for this next season of life.

●      Gloriana is a great athlete who spends her free time practicing her volleyball skills and socializing with her friends. Like her dad, she is a true social butterfly! She also works as a gymnastics coach and babysits whenever she gets the chance. She is fun and adventurous, and I admire her ability to try new things, put herself in new places, and meet new people.

●      Ava is tender-hearted and always willing to help. She is an amazing big sister and truly loves her younger siblings. She actually spends her time thinking of games, snacks, and crafts she can teach them. She is a teacher in her heart, and she loves to share her creativity with us. She's recently come back around to her love for drawing. She sits around with a pen and paper and sketches what she sees, and her ability to draw is remarkable.

●      David is super excited to be playing baseball again this year. He joined a new team with an amazing coach who has taught him so much already in the first few weeks. Last week, he played his first game at shortstop and also pitched a few innings. Off the field, he loves playing with his friends and video games.

●      Hope is sweet and strong. She is very active; she's always biking, rollerblading, or playing outside. She has a few new neighbor friends that she plays with, and she often tags along with her older sisters on their many excursions. She has a great sense of humor, and they love her company.

●       Jubilee is a wild one! She is very creative and marches to the beat of her own drum. I love discovering who she is and how she sees the world; she keeps me guessing! As the baby girl of the family, she is growing in confidence and is not afraid of anyone or anything.

●      Caleb is the true baby of the family, and as far as he is concerned, he has a houseful of friends to play with. He is very smart and picks up new words and sentences daily, which is a source of entertainment for all of us; there really is nothing cuter than a mispronounced word by a 3-year-old that makes everyone in the house now use the mispronounced word, too ;)

- Megan Criniere