How's It Going?

That's the question I get quite often these days. I know that's a silly title for a post, but I don't have a specific event to write about, but thought I'd share what's been going on lately at the Hartke house. We've been here in New York for about 3 months and I've been asked "how is life in NY? how do you like the snow?" a lot these days. So here's an update.

Life is good here in New York. A transition to a new place is always longer than the few weeks it takes to get moved and unpacked. Transitions involve new relationships, new jobs, schools, doctors, and learning the ropes of a new town. So we are still in transition and have a while until this feels like home, but it gets more and more like that every day.

A brief update:

Nate: Very busy with the newness of St. John's. He's been learning the ropes of the congregation, getting to know people, and feeling overwhelmed at times. A good overwhelmed though. This church is large and there's more than enough work for one pastor. Not to mention that the members have huge hearts of service and are constantly wanting to do new things and serve the community. Not a bad problem to have!

Laura: I spent most of the first two months feeling sick and miserable from the morning sickness, but that is subsiding. I was thankful to not be working and to be able to hang out at home while I was feeling yucky. But now that I am feeling better, I have been enjoying life a littel bit more:) I joined a Bible study at another church that has been such a great gift in my life. They love Beth Moore, like I do, and we even are going to see her in March in Toronto! They are fun, smart, open, and Godly women. I look forward to Tuesdays every week! I also will be teaching online for Orange Lutheran starting in March. Very excited to start teaching again, even if it's from my house:) A new adventure. Oh, and we find out the sex of the baby next week. Stay tuned!

Jenna: She is thriving in Kindergarten! She's reading and writing up a storm--which is so fun to see! She has transitioned quite well to New York and has made lots of friends. I am a little worried, however, about this little boy, Mickey, who apparently wants her to be his girlfriend. This morning she told me that he likes the color black and that he likes when she wears black shirts. Hmmm . . . . a little worrisome. Jenna also asked me if I would go to the movies with Mickey and his mom on a date. I had to say no to that one. No dating in Kindergarten! Nate threatened to break his legs:) Just kidding.

Abby: She's in preschool two days a week, so we've had lots of Mommy/Abby time at home, which has been good! She's easy to have at home. We have been struggling with her asthma lately. She had several flareups recently and it's obvious that the course of treatment she's on isn't working. Her doctor thinks she has allergies that are related to the asthma, so we have to go through the dreaded allergy prick test again. That will be an awful day. But if we can get her some relief for the asthma, I'll be happy.

So there you have it. Just a glimpse of our transition. And yes, we like the snow. It's the bitter cold and wind I could do without. We're looking forward to Spring!