So Caleb is officially 2 1/2! I can't believe how fast time is going! I swear he looks more and more grown up!
He has been learning so much in these past 6 months. His vocabulary has exploded, and very rarely do we not understand what he is saying. He loves to talk, and will talk your ear off! He has an opinion about everything in his world. Ha Ha! He is an avid reader, and he loves to "read" books to us. He doesn't know how to read, just yet, but he tells the stories to us on each page. There are some words that he remembers from our reading to him and knows what they say. He knows that C A L E B is his name! It's not unusual for us to spend part of our evening each day reading 10-20 books. This kiddo loves to learn, and I have been surprised quite often with the things he knows and remembers. His vocabulary has also improved in how he says each word. He's leaving some of the cute baby talk and saying many words correctly (Though, part of me is sad about that because it's so darn cute)! With the reading, he knows all of the ABCs, upper and lowercase (he sometimes mixes up lowercase p and q, but not all the time).
He LOVES to count! Any book that has more than one of anything, he will count! And if I say something is in the microwave, he will count the time. He can sometimes count up to 20 (though a few of those numbers are tough for him), but he has been improving upon them. He knows typical shapes (circle, square, triangle), and he knows shapes like octagon, rhombus, diamond, etc. I have been amazed at his ability to just remember things we have taught him after only telling him once.
We also have a singer. I have published some videos on Facebook and Instagram of his singing, but seeing him in person is even better. He loves to sing! He will even just hum. His favorite songs are "Jesus Loves Me" (two different versions) and "This Is The Day!" But with Christmastime upon us, I am sure he will love to learn other songs like Jingle Bells, etc. His affinity for music is so fun! He really loves to "make moozik" on his Daddy's keyboard too!
He can open many doors now, including the refrigerator and our bedroom doors, etc. He loves to open and close doors! He thinks the refrigerator is fun to open, and we are working with him to teach him that it isn't a toy and we can't just leave the door open. Ha Ha! He also loves to help with chores, whether that is partially helping Mommy with the vacuum, helping "carry" the trash out with Daddy, helping to wipe down stuff and clean it, helps with the laundry, etc. He even does the same at Jane's house. She is always telling me what a happy little helper he is.
He understands moods like happy, sad, crying, mad, tired, hurt, etc. Whenever I have bumped my knee or tripped or gotten hurt in some way, he has such a compassionate heart. He will come over and see Mommy's "boo-boo" and kiss it! He knows that Mommy does that for him, and so he wants to do the same for us. It's so sweet! Or if we are sad about something, or he sees a character that is sad, we have taught him that hugs are important to help when someone is sad. So he does the same. He loves to hug. He is such a great hugger! I love that about him! He really gives the best hugs and can improve any mood! He will just say "I love you" without prompting too, or he will come around my backside and put his arms around me and squeeze me tight. So much love from such a sweet boy, and it just makes me melt!
This summer and fall have been great because we have been able to go outside a lot, and he has a love for trees, leaves, pumpkins, clouds, nature, etc. He loves to watch bugs, and he helped water flowers. He loves to learn about all the different animals there are, and what sounds they make. He loved dressing up for Halloween and getting candy. He still has a decent amount of candy left from his stash. :) I think his favorite part about fall is the leaves and pumpkins. He was obsessed with those when we would visit Hobby Lobby, and then when he would see them outside or at other people's homes, he was so happy!
Hike with Mommy in the woods! We enjoyed all the fall leaves!
In family news, most know that I lost my job in September with CH2M due to a reduction in force. I was sad....very sad to leave. And it hasn't been easy, but thankfully, God has been providing for us during this time. We have been saving our pennies where possible. I have had a few phone interviews, and I am about to have an in-person interview next week (11/29), so if you would, please say a prayer for me. I actually think this could be a good company to work for, and I know they have contacted my references (my references have told me so). So this sounds promising, but I also don't want to get too excited either in case it falls through. In the end, I know God will provide the right job for me and my family.
Todd and I also recently celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary. Can't believe we have been married 8 years. Seems shorter than that at times, and sometimes longer too ;) But, we went to a cabin in Red River Gorge, Kentucky, and it was awesome. I was thankful we paid for it prior to my job loss, as it wouldn't have been feasible to go away had we not done that. The cabin was amazing, and they called it "Peaceful Palace." It was very peaceful. We had a huge area of caves and caverns in our "backyard." We were told they had waterfalls there, but we haven't had much rain, so we didn't get to see much water falling. But, if we had, then we couldn't have hiked in there and seen the caverns up close. And the fall leaves were soooo gorgeous! Sometimes we would just sit out there and just listen to the birds, and the wind, and then watch leaves falling off trees. It was sooo nice! It was so relaxing and nice to get away just the two of us. When we drove back, we took a detour and went to Mammoth Caves for Todd's birthday present. That was a lot of fun as well! We did a lot of hiking and relaxing! Perfect weekend if you ask us! :)
Our view right outside of our cabin
In our "backyard" - we saw a lot of caverns and caves. Looking up, then you see beautiful fall foliage
Looking up inside Mammoth Cave. So cool!
Stalactites inside Mammoth Cave! Loves these!
As we come upon Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to say I am thankful for my family. My husband who has been very supportive and encouraging of me during this hard time and for helping so much with our home and with Caleb. My son, Caleb, who makes each day ten times better by giving me his smile and hugs, or making us laugh! For my parents who are truly the best parents in the world and for their love, support, and prayers. And for being incredible grandparents to Caleb! And my sister, Jen and brother in love, Wes! They hosted us earlier this year at their place, and it was such a wonderful time in Virginia Beach! And we are also thankful for their love, prayers, and support! And for the friends who have stood by us through thick and thin, and have been more like family to us! We love you and are so thankful for you! And even for this job loss. I believe in the long run, this change is best for us. I can't go into the reasons why, but I think there is a good reason behind it. I miss my friends there at CH2M, but we have kept in touch, and I am thankful for their continued friendship! I am thankful for God's love and mercy. I am thankful that God is here, even in the midst of the unknown. I am thankful that I can trust my unknown future to a known God. I don't have answers, and I still have times where I am nervous and scared, but when I keep my eyes focused on God, I feel His peace. God will provide. I know it.
I am thankful for this verse, which is a reminder to trust Him.
"...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 1:6
I pray you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends and/or family! I pray that you take time to remember what you have and the good that has happened in your life. I think it is important to not to lose sight of the good! When I focus on the good, I tend to forget or at least temporarily forget the bad. It's good for the soul to keep focused on the good! I know it is for me!
Happy Thanksgiving and many blessings to all of you!
Much Love,
The Taber Family
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