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.

A package of Crackers

OK, I wanted to put the video here but don't have a clue how to do that. I believe it's worth your time to watch this video on You Tube. There are two links in case one works and one doesn't.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v7ZQUzr0yo&eurl=http://lifesong.squarespace.com/home/2009/1/30/its-more-than-just-a-package-of-crackers.html

http://lifesong.squarespace.com/home/2009/1/30/its-more-than-just-a-package-of-crackers.html

"Jedi Jaybird" turns nine

It's been nine years now since I turned into a momma and this is the culprit who started it all. Jaybird celebrated his birthday a couple days ago but we just had the party today. He was so excited that he had trouble sleeping in anticipation of today. Here he is below with his "Lego Star Wars" cake (which is possibly the easiest I've ever made). Since getting the Christmas Legos he has been planning on how to "display" them on the cake. You can't see it well here but it was a hit with all the boys that were here today.


With the kids getting older, it's easier to find games they can handle. They got some serious giggles eating dangling donuts without their hands (imagine bobbling for apples). Then they split into teams to build the tallest marshmellow tower (this one didn't stay standing for long). The last was a relay where they had to pop a balloon, chew up the gum hiding inside and blow a bubble before the next kid's turn. Do you see these kids were jacked up on sugar before we even cut the cake? It was fun.

Here is the birthday boy with "The Death Star". We are seeing that it doesn't take 9 year old boys very long to crack open a pinata. Even more sugar..... I wonder if those moms will ever forgive me?

It's always good to have a party but always better when it's over (for Mom anyway). Here is to my sweet and imaginative little man who is morphing right before my eyes.

13 Years Together

Today we celebrate the birthdate of "our" family, the day we officially began this adventure together. I found this old photo which I believe was around our first Christmas together. Our dogs were our "kids" back then - my how life has changed!!

Back on our wedding day, I never would have imagined what the next 13 years would hold. Of course, I've also learned to appreciate that fact. There is no sneak peek into the future. No promise of good times or bad. There is only God carrying us, together, to weather the storms and rejoice over God's blessings. Even though our marriage has been filled with more of the blessings than the storms, I wouldn't have wanted to know about them ahead of time as I would not have truly experienced the present, always looking to the future.

So I say to my man, I'm so thankful for you and for the life we share. I don't know what the next year or the next 13 years hold but I wouldn't trade you as my partner for the journey. You're precious and priceless to me Babe!

Photos of the Christmas fun

Somehow these photos all loaded in the wrong order but you can look at Christmas in reverse. Thanks to all the family who sent gifts - everything was a hit!


Goose has wanted a guitar all year. What a happy face. As for my man, his surprise was the best of all. His best buddy from his college days sent out the tree stand my man has been saving up for. When all gifts were opened we "found" one more for Daddy. The clue sent him upstairs where we had hidden it for the surprise. The house was filled with glee!!!

Here I am with my "Pretty, Pretty Princesses". Boo LOVES her new game though it is neither challenging or deep. :)

Spiderman has been obsessed with ninja's this fall and was thrilled to have a new costume (though it's probably not his highlight, just cute).

The boys love their Legos and their RC toys the most. Can you tell from this grin?

Christmas Eve Aunt Susie always sends them new PJ's to open. Can you see the anticipation of Christmas morning on their faces?

We also have a birthday party for baby Jesus every Christmas Eve. This year we had some extra guests.

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

Well with only 3 days to go, we want to extend our prayers for you to have a special Christmas. We know the year has been filled with uncertainty for many but we know that God is in control and will work all things together in our world for His perfect and eternal plan. May we all remember that the tiny little babe in the manger came as our gift, knowing full well the high price it would take to redeem us and adopt us into His family. We are so thankful.


Our last little glimpses of the season include our trip to see Santa. We brought Hope along so she could meet Him as well (you're never too old...)

Another day of sledding with the boys' best buddy, Josiah. Currently this snow in our yard is covered with a half inch of ice. Unfortunately the roads out here in the country are covered as well and the kids and I had an interesting walk the other day while we tried to find someone to tow us out of a predicament. Enough about that!

Our two little superstars. I had hoped to put a video clip of their Christmas Program but after realizing it would take a week to upload it on our dial-up, you'll just have to settle for this shot. Just know that they both sang great in the choir and Spiderman survived his role of "Joseph", complete with speaking parts. (Though he was TERRIFIED with his lines, he did great and now thinks he can do it again next year).

God bless!