What I've been up to

Over President's Day weekend, my man took his boys on an overnight "campout" at the "farm". Since the guys were well entertained, we had a treat with Hope staying the night. I came down to check on them as they watched a movie and saw this adorable sight. We have more comfortable seating but the girls were all cuddled up in this wooden glider. My kids really see Hope as a big sister and I think she thinks of them about the same.


When the guys got home the next evening, it was hysterical watching the kids reunite. All their tough guy stuff flew out the window and the kids grabbed all their stuffed animals and had a "family reunion". I am so thankful that they all get along so well (most of the time) and truly love each other. They posed for this family photo for me.

On another note, our van died about 2 weeks ago - for good. It served us well for many years but had more things that didn't work than things that did. God graciously provided a friend with an extra minivan that was lent to us while we shopped around. The same day our tax return came in, we found this van and 3 days later - it's ours!! It's beautiful and I feel spoiled.

It is a 2006 and we've never had such a new vehicle before. You can see from the kids faces how we all feel about it. The best part yet was being able to pay cash for it and remain without a monthly payment (though the savings account took a huge hit). These days especially, we can't imagine having to juggle a bunch of debt. Oh and you have to notice that despite the detailing they did, it will never look too clean living on our dirt road. :)

The captains seats are such a hit that the kids have to take turns on who gets them.

The not so great news is this. Goose broke her wrist on Friday at a home school PE class we attend. She was just devasted that she didn't get to play all the fun games. After getting her cast, we rushed out so she wouldn't miss her sewing class that afternoon (she begged to still go). It hasn't slowed her down much (except when it comes to handwriting in school).

Her sewing class had already signed it before the rest of the family really got to see it. You can tell from the smile that she wasn't in too much pain by that afternoon. Now we're praying it will be off in time for her baptism next month... we'll see.

A very sweet treat

I know I have been slack in posting much lately. No excuses but the busyness of life. Yesterday we took a fun break and went to a fellow home schooler's home for some Valentine Cookie fun. To top off the fun, after we filled the kids with sugary delights, they were able to play outside for awhile with our incredibly warm (67 I think) winter day. Joyce and I enjoyed the chance to catch up and laugh. A well needed break.

The girls were serious about their cookie designing....

The boys seemed to think the more frosting and candy on the cookie, the better.

Friday we are going to a party the Home Schoolers are having for the holiday but as there are 67 kids coming, I do not anticipate having the leisure time to take photographs. Happy "Valentimes Day" from us - give yourself a bug ol' hug.