Our Journey

Monday Morning

2012-01-30T14:49:00.001-07:00

The day had started. Those old enough for school were sitting down, books were pulled out, lessons examined. Music playing softly in the background.

A new day, a new week... all starting fresh.

And then a sweet little two year old starts dancing to the music playing. She grabs our attention and we encourage her quiet movements. She smiles and laughs.

She runs over to her brother and grabs him. He stands up, following as she gently pulls. Together they dance and laugh.

The moment quickly passes and everyone is back to school lessons... such a fun way to start a Monday morning.

These are moments to remember.

a weekend in the mountains

2012-01-24T17:01:00.001-07:00

This last weekend we spent two days in the mountains...

We enjoyed the time with family, we played games, ate good food and went snowshoeing.

an afternoon spent exploring

2012-01-17T15:28:00.001-07:00

Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord...

Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile...

Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace and pursue it...

I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth...

O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.

Psalm 34: 11, 13, 14, 1, 3

A Warm Winter Day

2012-01-10T14:28:00.001-07:00

The sun shines warmly and the windows sit open.

We are called outside...

We breath deep, letting the fresh air flood our body

The world seems silent and still as we walk and jump and explore.

Little hands rub their way through the dirt.

Today the thermometer reads 55 degrees, tomorrow a white world will greet us.

The last day of vacation...

2012-01-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day of Christmas vacation and as Daddy left, taking the three older kiddos out to go Ice Skating, I sat down with my sweet Olivia and asked her what she would like to do for the afternoon...

"Let's have a tea party!" was her quick reply. My girl loves playing house and princess, she loves cooking and having special tea parties... having a tea party was a grand idea.

She sat with her sister and laughed and played while I folded laundry. She asked if we could use the special tea cups...

And once the planning and laundry were done, this sweet girl was content just to stand and watch the cow...

Once Alaina's nap time came, Olivia ran down stairs to grab the special tea cups and she went to work on preparing our tea party. We had tea and chocolate pudding and played a new game together.

a perfect afternoon.

2011-12-12T15:33:00.000-07:00

Today we sit and ponder all that we are thankful for...

...Lego's to create and build with... john

...the smell of a fresh Christmas tree...

...a brother to play with... john

...the coming of Christmas... faith

...my sisters and brothers... faith

... a beautiful day, blue skies, melting snow... benjamin

...a day full of rest after a busy weekend....

... beautiful ornaments on our Christmas tree to look at ... olivia

... warm chili sitting on the stove ...

a finished project...

2011-11-01T13:06:00.000-06:00

Today

2011-10-26T22:14:00.000-06:00

Today we forgot that it was October and remembered that we live in Colorado...

Today we gained new friends...

Today we found beauty and color...

Today we ran and played...

Today a smile was found on our lips because, "we couldn't wait for the first snowfall"...

Today our cheeks turned rosy...

Today we remembered that winter is coming...

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 188:24

2011-10-21T15:01:00.000-06:00

"It is ingrained in us that we have to do exceptional things for God—but we do not. We have to be exceptional in the ordinary things of life, and holy on the ordinary streets, among ordinary people—and this is not learned in five minutes." -Oswald Chambers

Such Cuteness...

2011-10-17T15:19:00.000-06:00

...Our Sweets...

A Sunday Drive

2011-10-17T15:17:00.000-06:00

We've been itching to take a drive to the mountains for the last month or so. We wanted to see the colors and watch the elk. We wanted to spend a day exploring. But, up until now our weekends had not allowed for such an excursion...

Our weekend was approaching and we knew we needed to do a lot of work in the yard but we also knew that the kids soccer was canceled and there would be no Church. So, we all worked hard on Saturday...

And Sunday morning found us gathering jackets and the camera,

jumping in the car and making the drive up to the mountains. The peak of golds had already quietly passed but still we sat and watched a large heard of elk, played with chipmunks and blue jays, and saw peaks of gold and lingered in the breeze.

It was a simply beautiful day.

A little closer...

2011-09-29T14:16:00.000-06:00

Welcoming Autumn

2011-09-23T16:58:00.000-06:00

We awoke this morning with plans for our Fall Harvest Party today. We needed to clean and prepare... but before we started on our way, a little man went running to the window.

"Look, they're harvesting the corn today! It's perfect for our Harvest Party!"

Our friends came and we built scarecrows, had taco soup, apple cider and cookies, went on a scavenger hunt, climbed the hay stack and ran around. It was such an enjoyable way to welcome the Autumn days.

Yet, as the temperature slowly kept climbing, reaching almost 90 degrees, we found ourselves laughing... is this really the first day of Fall?

Traveling Days...

2011-09-21T14:47:00.000-06:00

We spent the rest of our vacation in Branson, Missouri.

We were able to see Noah's Ark at the Sights and Sounds theatre and we went to the Dixie Stampede... and then we spent time swimming and playing games, exploring and relaxing...

Traveling Days...

2011-09-17T13:59:00.000-06:00

After spending a night in St. Louis, our travels took us to Rocky Ridge Farm, the home of Laura Ingalls Wilder, in Mansfield, Missouri. Oh, what joy! We saw Pa's fiddle, admired dresses that Laura sewed by hand, viewed pictures and toured both the home that Almanzo built and the home their daughter had built for them. Sadly, no photos were allowed to be taken inside the homes or museum.

Traveling Days...

2011-09-13T14:18:00.000-06:00

Our vacation started off with a one night visit to St. Louis...

A little man trying to make friends...

2011-09-12T15:55:00.001-06:00

Missy Steamboat came into our lives this last weekend (she wasn't supposed to get a

real name but it happened). She'll be here for the next year and the boys are thrilled.

:::chicken salad:::

2011-08-08T14:37:00.001-06:00

whole rotisserie chicken
2/3 cup mayonnaise
2 medium stalks celery, diced
1/4 cup green onion, minced
1 cup grapes
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons parsley
1-2 tablespoons honey

Mix together and enjoy!

sisters...

2011-08-03T13:24:00.001-06:00

The joy of a swing...

2011-08-02T12:25:00.000-06:00

We've been busy working in the yard and I had a five year old girly helping me. She had been working hard...

"Mom" the question began, "I'm just getting so tired. Can I go swing so that I can get some more energy?"

The Swing

by Robert Louis Stevenson

How do you like to go up in a swing,

Up in the air so blue?

Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing

Ever a child can do!

Up in the air and over the wall,

Till I can see so wide,

River and trees and cattle and all

Over the countryside--

Till I look down on the garden green,

Down on the roof so brown--

Up in the air I go flying again,

Up in the air and down!

An afternoon wedding...

2011-08-01T14:25:00.000-06:00

a fresh haircut...

2011-07-28T15:13:00.002-06:00

Haiku

2011-07-27T14:45:00.000-06:00

Flowers

By Faith

Age 5

Pink, Purple and White

The flowers are beautiful

Flowers grow in sun

...a fun summer project...

the storm is coming...

2011-07-26T14:22:00.000-06:00

Twelve Years...

2011-07-25T14:13:00.000-06:00

It's been amazing

a morning spent painting..

2011-07-22T10:55:00.000-06:00

From our garden...

2011-07-21T15:30:00.000-06:00

((and a tiger swallowtail needing to be rescued))

Surrounded By Wildflowers...

2011-07-19T16:49:00.001-06:00

Fireweed

Blanketflower

Broadleaf Arnica

Pineywoods Geranium

...from our camping trip to Estes Park...

Summer Days

2011-06-28T15:29:00.000-06:00

a sweet little girl ...

...decided to give herself a mud bath

and take a nap outside.

A perfect summer day.

The Butterfly Pavilion

2011-06-10T19:02:00.001-06:00

Enjoying God's Creation...

2011-06-06T14:25:00.000-06:00

::: Our Sunday was spent enjoying an "Old Fashion Farm Day" with our Church :::

Our quiet Saturday...

2011-06-04T14:04:00.000-06:00

The boys left early this morning to spend some time at our community farm. We've missed the presence of our men and yet and our day has been full of quiet (and yet talkative) girl time. We went on a walk first thing and admired all of the wild flowers, we stopped by a garage sale, we worked out in the garden and then picked flowers, we played in the water and painted toe nails, I knitted and they sat right there just talking away, I've cleaned and they sat coloring. I love spending time with my girlies...

creative moments

2011-05-31T15:40:00.000-06:00

...I used the old bed skirt from the crib to make Faith a skirt...

For the record...

2011-05-24T13:24:00.002-06:00

I don't like snakes. Especially snakes that are huge. They cause me to scream while others chase after them. You can tell me how beneficial they are all day long but I still don't like them. And I'll still scream. End of story.

:::

Completely separate from the last picture, but again, it is for the record...

Brent joined the men and helped at our "community farm" during the castration of a couple of pigs. Yep! And we don't even have pigs! But, we were there to be a part of it. Should we be proud?

A photo log continued...

2011-05-24T13:12:00.002-06:00

Nest Eggs
By: Robert Louis Stevenson

Birds all the summer day: Flutter and quarrel
Here in the arbour-like: Tent of the laurel.
Here in the fork: The brown nest is seated;
For little blue eggs: The mother keeps heated.
While we stand watching her: Staring like gabies,
Safe in each egg are the: Bird's little babies.
Soon the frail eggs they shall: Chip, and upspringing
Make all the April woods: Merry with singing.
Younger than we are,: O children, and frailer,
Soon in the blue air they'll be,: Singer and sailor.
We, so much older,: Taller and stronger,
We shall look down on the: Birdies no longer.
They shall go flying: With musical speeches
High overhead in the: Tops of the beeches.
In spite of our wisdom: And sensible talking,
We on our feet must go: Plodding and walking.

Baby Robins Day Nine

Baby Robins Day Ten

Baby Robins Day Eleven

Baby Robins Day 12

2011-05-23T11:31:00.000-06:00

I tried to make this blog private a week ago or so but that is when blogger had all of their problems... so, I am trying again.
:)

A photo log...

2011-05-20T10:48:00.001-06:00

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Baby Robins Day Four

Baby Robins Day Five

Baby Robins Day Six

Baby Robins Day Seven

Baby Robins Day Eight

The baby robins are growing!

2011-05-16T06:43:00.001-06:00

Modern civilization is so complex as to make the devotional life all but impossible. It wears us out by multiplying distractions and beats us down by destroying our solitude, where otherwise we might drink and renew our strength before going out to face the world again.

A.W. Tozer

Baby Robins

2011-05-13T12:19:00.000-06:00

Part One
Part Two

Day 23 - Day 26 (May 4th - 7th) As Mr. and Mrs. Robin are taking care of their nest, we've been slowly searching the Internet for anything we can read on our robins. We noticed that it looks like the eggs get moved around and here is what we found:

She also must turn or rotate the eggs several times daily. She hops on the rim of the nest and gently rolls the eggs with her bill. Turning the eggs helps keep them all at the same temperature and prevents the babies from sticking to the insides of the eggshells. Males only occasionally sit on the eggs, but they hang out in the territory throughout the daylight hours and respond immediately if the female gives a call of alarm. A male may even bring food to feed his mate, but usually she leaves the nest to feed herself. found here.

Day 27 (May 8th) It has been thirteen days since Mrs. Robin laid her first egg and ten days since she laid her forth egg and still the eggs sit quietly still. According to everything we've read, the babies should hatch any day now.

Day 28 / Baby Robins Day 1 (May 9th) It's funny how we've started watching Mrs. Robin in a new way. We are questioning her every move and wondering what is going on beneath her. She has barely left her nest at all today but I notice she is gone right after dinner. I run out and quickly find a little surprise. Her first baby has hatched!!! I call for everyone to come out and get the camera! We are quick, we don't want Mama bird to come back and find us sneaking a peak. :)

Day 29 / Baby Robins Day 2 (May 10th) We see Mr. and Mrs. Robin getting food for the baby and feeding it... how fun to watch! It's after lunch before I can sneak a peek.

We find that two more baby birds have hatched.

Day 30 (May 11) It's raining here today and Mrs. Robin is not leaving her nest. The kiddos have loved standing at the window all morning watching as Mr. Robin brings in all of the food and boy is he one busy Dad. I guess there will be no peaking in the nest today.

Mr. and Mrs. Robin

2011-05-04T12:18:00.001-06:00

(part one here)

The Robin and the Sparrow

Said the robin to the sparrow,

“I should really like to know,

Why these anxious human beings
Rush about and worry so.”

Said the sparrow to the robin,

“Friend I think that it must be,

That they have no Heavenly Father,
Such as cares for you and me.”

Unknown Author

Day 16 (April 27th) We are starting to wonder if Mrs. Robin is only laying her eggs in the morning. We've discovered the first two eggs right around lunch time (when she seems to be away from her nest) and wonder if the same thing will happen today.

We just finished lunch and she is out getting hers, so we run out to check. Yep. Three eggs now sit in her nest.

Day 17 (April 28th) Will there be another egg today? We've read that she will lay 3-4 eggs... again, we run out and take a little peak. There are now four eggs! The days have been cool and windy and we see Mrs. Robin sitting on her nest more and more.

Day 18 (April 29th) It's so windy today and cold. As much as we want to run out and check we don't want to bother Mrs. Robin who seems to just be staying on her nest today. But the question is still there... did she lay another egg?

Day 19 and 20 (April 30th and May 1st) Our weekend is so busy we really have not had much time to think about Mrs. Robin and her eggs. The girls and I are home for a little bit by ourselves and I notice that Mrs. Robin is not at her nest so we quickly run out. The four eggs sit quietly.

Day 21 (May 2nd) Mrs. Robin seems to be getting more use to us as we've found that she no longer minds us opening and closing the back door and walking out onto the back deck.

Day 22 (May 3rd) We have learned that "both parents share the monotonous business of incubating" (from The Handbook of Nature Study). So, I guess we are seeing both Mr. and Mrs. Robin. Now becomes the challenge to see if we can tell them apart. :)

((Mr. and Mrs. Robin seem to move their eggs around))

the boys have a new chore this summer...

2011-05-03T15:47:00.000-06:00

...and they are thrilled.

2011-04-27T22:17:00.000-06:00

Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail—his love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in his Word. There is no other hope in this world.

- David Wilkerson, April 27 2011

Mrs. Robin

2011-04-27T11:53:00.000-06:00

Day One (April 13th) - We noticed that we had two birds trying to build nests right next to the house. A little sparrow was starting to build a nest in the curve of our rain drain. They were starting to bring in twigs from the field and I loved the thought of watching them make a nest and then seeing them have their babies there. They were out of the way and yet we would still be able to watch them.

And then there was our Robin. She decided that a perfect spot to build her nest was right on our back deck light. We were not thrilled about the spot she was choosing and tried to discourage her.

Day Two (April 14th) Both birds are still slowly working on their nest. Although, the Sparrow's nest just seems to keep falling down.

Day Three (April 15th) We sadly knock down Mrs. Robin's nest. She just has not chosen the best spot. We are constantly going in and out the back door that is only about 3 feet from her. We also love to eat dinner out on the back deck... so down it must go.

Day Six (April 17th) She really liked the idea of her nest on the light and has kept building. Down the nest goes again. We are no longer seeing the sparrows. I think they have given up trying to build a nest there.

Day Seven (April 18th) 6am - down it goes again. Within hours she rebuilds.

Day Eight (April 19th) After a nice rain storm she builds the "real" nest inside of the loose dry pieces of straw, weeds and grass. We decide that the nest can no longer be knocked down. The kids are thrilled at the idea of having Mrs. Robin lay her eggs right outside our back door.

We start looking for information on Robin nests and discover that she will lay between 3-4 eggs, one egg a day. The eggs will then take approximately 12 days to hatch. She will then feed her babies for about 10 days. And then we read this:

As for the American robin, it is capable of producing three broods in one year. Only about 40 percent of nests, though, are successful in producing young robins. Meanwhile, only 25 percent of the fledged young make it to November and about half of the birds that survive in any year will usually make it to the following year. Found here.

Yikes! It will be an interesting journey to say the least!

Day 12 and 13 (April 23rd and 24th) We have not seen Mrs. Robin at all and wonder if she has finally decided to build her nest somewhere else.

Day 14 (April 25th) Mrs. Robin is back but just in the morning for a little bit. When she is not there, I run out to check her nest. One egg.

Day 15 (April 26th) Mrs. Robin has been at her nest more today. We decide that we should just use the garage door as much as possible as we'd hate to have Mrs. Robin abandon her nest at this point. After lunch we notice that Mrs. Robin is away from her nest and so I run out to look. She now has two eggs.

before the girls came...

2011-04-26T15:41:00.002-06:00

This last week I found myself thinking back to the days of life with just two little boys... I was thinking back to life before three little girls... I was remembering what our days were like six years ago.

I thought the boys were active and I thought our days were full. And, yet our days were sweet and precious; they were simple and quiet.

The boys would awake somewhere around 7 and we would have breakfast and they would usually watch a movie as I got ready for the day and had my quiet time. They would then play and laugh as I started cleaning. Some mornings would include bath time and then we would play outside, go to the library, visit with friends, or go grocery shopping.

Lunch time would soon be upon us and we'd all be excited that it was time to take Daddy lunch. Daddy worked about five minutes from home and each day we'd take him a shake for lunch. He'd come out to the car or we'd take it into him and I'd find myself visiting with my sister or the other gals at work; we'd then sit and visit with Daddy for five minutes. We all loved this time so much...

We'd make the drive home and then we would take a walk to our neighborhood park. We'd swing and sing, go down the slide and run.

Nap time would follow. Sweet nap time. The boys would sleep and I would enjoy some quiet time myself... I would usually work on a Bible Study, or make sure the house was nice and clean, or read, or do a little work for Brent, or sit outside, or take a nap myself... those quiet hours filled my tank, they gave me energy, they quieted my soul...

They'd awaken and we'd go back outside, we'd start to get dinner ready, and prepare for Daddy's arrival home.

Oh, the days of just two little boys.

Laundry would only need to be done once a week and on two mornings we would go to Daddy's work so I could get some work done. We'd go to an upstairs room and they'd play and color while I did the paperwork.

I loved how the boys would be so content to just play together. I loved watching them fully embrace life. I loved hearing them make noises with their toys, get dirty while playing outside... I loved watching them play hard and then just crash fully exhausted. Actually, I still love all of these things...

he turned ten...

2011-04-19T15:49:00.000-06:00

We love this little man. He works hard, he serves those around him, and boy is he our thinker.

I whisper prayers for this boy that God has placed into our family...

that God would be at work in their young lives... That they would fully surrender their lives and let Him take full control... That even now they would be as grown up plants, having the heart of David and the character of Daniel.

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
Numbers 6:23-25

He is our gift from God and we are so blessed that he is in our family.

a sunny afternoon

2011-04-13T14:30:00.002-06:00

The day was warm and sunny and while they grabbed their journals, I grabbed the camera. We sat outside for a while, drawing and listening to the birds sing and play around us.

(he has his shirt inside out on purpose... they like to play Narnia)

(I love that I was able to capture these pictures.

He is my thinker and I often find him sitting just like this. )

(and my sweet freckle-faced girl)

an afternoon project

2011-04-12T15:30:00.001-06:00

It was two years ago (or maybe it was three years ago) that during one week I sat down and made library bags for the three oldest kiddos. We had gone to the fabric store and they all choose the material they wanted. We have butterflies and space and cars... the book bags have been well used and loved. As Olivia has gotten older she would take a small bag or put some of her books in her sisters butterfly bag, and then a couple months ago she quietly started asking for her own book bag. This last week, on our way to the grocery store, we finally stopped and picked out some special fabric for her. The next afternoon we cut the fabric out and a couple of days later we pulled out the sewing machine, sat down, and sewed her bag together. She is just thrilled and can not wait for our next library trip.

2011-04-08T14:42:00.000-06:00

I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name forevermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. Psalm 86: 12, 13

2011-04-08T13:35:00.000-06:00

Every little man needs a younger sister...

Oh John, can you please push me? You're so strong!

a clean room

2011-04-03T14:11:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I sat talking with our sweet three year old girl about life when she is a mommy.

My girl: When I'm a mommy, I'm going to tell my girls to clean their room.

Me: Will you also tell them how very much you love them?

My girl: Oh yes. And they'll tell me how much they love me.

My girl: I want to have 7 kids and I always want to have a baby. When I'm a mommy I won't be riding in a car seat anymore.

Me: (smile) no, you won't be in a car seat anymore.

My girl: When I'm a mommy, I'm going to tell my girls to clean their room!

Me: (a laugh escapes from my lips) Does Mommy have to ask you to clean your room a lot?

My girl: yes.

2011-04-03T13:56:00.000-06:00

Yesterday found us enjoying the day outside. We worked in the yard and enjoyed the sunshine; we had a bbq and listened to the birds.

Today finds us enjoying hot chocolate and books as we sit cuddled under blankets. Yesterday it reached 81 degrees and today a little snow has arrived...

We've tasted Spring though, and we're so glad she's here.

~~~~~~~~~

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings.

Phippians 2:13,14

Imprisonments, persecutions, late planes, an attack of the flu, an uninvited guest, or an unpleasant confrontation--never mind. Be obedient as always! Such a simple directive. So hard to carry out--unless we also remember that we are not by any means alone in our effort. God also is at work in us, always accomplishing what we could not accomplish if left to ourselves: his own chosen purpose.

Elisabeth Elliot

I found myself reading this today and it echos the cry of my heart... God at work in me... it's just what I need and want. Lord Jesus, come.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2011-04-01T15:15:00.000-06:00

A fun adventure...

2011-03-28T16:10:00.001-06:00

It was in the last couple of days that I realized that I have been writing here for three years. I'm not sure why it crossed my mind, but it did, and so I sat down and started going through some old posts that I never hit the publish button on. I found this one, it was written in the first week or two... ((My oldest has now just turned ten. Yikes!! )) I think there would be a lot that I would add to it if I was to write it now, but I found that it spoke to me today. And so, three years later, I am now hitting "publish post".

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven Ecclesiastes 3:1

There is so much that can pull at us on a daily basis. So many things that I want to do. Yet, I often have to ask myself, "What is the Lord calling me to do in this season? This month? This week or today?" I've already come to the realization that time passes quickly... My first baby just turned seven. I want to embrace today, squeeze all that I can out of it. I want to spend my time fully investing in all that the Lord has called me to do.

What has He called me to invest in today?

My Walk with the Lord
My dear beloved husband
My precious children
My home

Those are my main priorities. Yes, my friends are very important and so is everything going on at church, I have those projects I want to work on and those books that I want to read and... and... Those things that pull at me are all "good" things but is it God's best for me during this season? Is it God's best today? Am I staying focused on what I need to today?

Then I also have to remember that we are at a different place then some of those that are around us.

I want to daily be seeking Him for His best, I want to know His heart for my family. Father, I pray that you would give me open eyes to see where we should be spending our time, what we should be investing in. Fill us with wisdom Lord God so that You might be glorified in and through us.

(image from Artposters)

2011-03-25T14:31:00.000-06:00

The challenge has been how we will fit three girls into one room... three beds; three sets of girls clothes into one closet; a special place for their treasured toys and books...

Thanks to my sister, we were able to find this dresser on Craigslist. We brought it home and painted it. We still need to add some knobs but already it is serving the girlies.

2011-03-23T13:09:00.000-06:00

I noticed that he was concentrating hard on something. First there was a gathering of Lego men and then some more Lego supplies. This was nothing new though. Lego's have been a part of his life for years. It will sometimes start first thing in the morning, the Lego's get spread out in their play room and the building process starts, sometimes lasting for hours and days.

I could tell he had other plans. It was more then just building.

The Lego men started gathering by the back door. Soon he was asking if he could borrow the camera.

"Big guy, what are you wanting to do?" I quickly asked.

"Oh, I just want to take pictures of my lego men in battle. Then we can print them off and I'll make a comic strip." he replied.

He was soon gone with the camera hanging around his neck. The afternoon was spent as he created scenes outside in the dirt, took the pictures, printed them out, glued them into his notebook and added the captions.

He was thrilled with the final outcome of his time spent.

And today? The army men are being set up and the video camera is ready. A movie is being made in our home.

I love watching these creative moments....

Welcome Spring

2011-03-21T16:03:00.001-06:00

A Prayer in Spring

(Author Unknown)

We take joy in the green leaves and the blossoming flowers.

Soon the plants will grow and harvest time is coming.

We take joy in the buds and verdant green,
Soon the warmth will clothe the land.

We take pleasure in the return of the swallows,
the skies filled with birds of the air.

This earth once again produces it's miracle,
life born out of death, the miracle of Springtime.

These boys...

2011-03-18T13:33:00.000-06:00

just crack me up.

This guy, the one who wants to make everyone laugh, decided that life would be so much better if his face was covered in chocolate.

And his brother, the one who everyone calls a young engineer, decided that when we was drawing a picture for school, we needed to know how tall the tree was.

2011-03-04T15:45:00.002-07:00

Sunday we went to the outdoor ice rink and the kiddos had so much fun.

They are now continually asking if we can go again...

Our week also found us enjoying some time with family. We walked along a local trail and just marveled at the beauty of the day.

Last night I found some flowers on clearance at the grocery store. I was with the girlies and we decided that we should just snatch them up. We love the simple beauty and have had fun using the camera today while playing with them.

our week in pictures...

2011-02-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

warm days calling us outside to play

:::

"flowers" and a card brought to mama

:::

A late Valentine's Day Party

:::

And now the snow is back... an afternoon full of hot chocolate and books

2011-02-24T15:59:00.001-07:00

I'm great at coming up with projects. I think it must have started when he worked out in the garage for months and months after work. I saw his hands work hard. I saw the beautiful work that came forth. Closet organizers... hope chests... an overhang...

After we moved into our first house and John-John had his own room, it only seemed natural to ask Dad to build him a bookshelf. He was still working and the project slowly came together in the afternoons. And then a couple of years later I saw this dollhouse bookcase in a magazine that I loved and thought would be perfect for Faith's room. I would hint and then I would beg and plead... he finally (and maybe a bit reluctantly) began working on it. It was amazing.

Then I saw a doll bed in this same catalog that I thought Dad could make with the boys... it turned into a Christmas present. A present to treasure.

A couple of months ago, I found a grand idea for storage under the boys bunk bed. Hey Dad. Another email was sent with the picture attached. He grabbed the boys and they went shopping for the supplies. A couple of afternoons later and it was done.

I already have more plans.

But, I wonder, if he dreads my emails. :)

2011-02-21T15:28:00.000-07:00

Questions, answers, conversations while walking, natural discussions about great varieties of things, an atmosphere of reality; an atmosphere of honesty. The family - a place where truth is to be discussed, taught, lived, and passed down.

Edith Schaeffer

2011-02-16T15:07:00.000-07:00

He's two years younger then his brother and already he is inches away from being the same height and if you have them step on the scale you see that already he weighs more. We've always told his older brother that he needs to be careful, his brother will all too soon pass him up.
He gets dirty, puts holes in his pants too fast, he can challenge his brother in a wrestling match, needs to be reminded to change his socks, loves to climb trees, and he can throw a mean pillow in a pillow fight.

Yet, he loves nothing more then hold your hand as we walk or to sit next to you with his arm around you, he rubs his daddy's back and cries when he finds out that his Daddy is not going to be home all day on Valentine's Day.

He loves with every fiber of his being.

Today as he sat reading to me, he slowly made his way into my lap. He kept reading but my mind started wandering... Here is my son, seven years old and about the size of his brother, climbing into my lap and it's not the first time it's happened in the last few weeks or months. I put my arms around his stomach and thank the Lord for this moment. I rest my chin on his head, and I pray that the Lord would bless him, I pray that the he would love the Lord with every fiber of his being because that's how he loves.

He plays hard and he loves hard.

((I'm treasuring these days))

Oh, my son. We love you.

a week in pictures...

2011-02-11T15:32:00.000-07:00

...We worked on some fun projects. It was perfect for the coming of Valentine's Day...

...The snow came at the beginning of the week while we were still getting over the sickness, making us just want to snuggle up inside. We snuck outside for some play on Wednesday and Thursday and now with the warm days, the snow is almost gone...

...and time spent making valentine's for those we love...

2011-02-08T15:41:00.001-07:00

It's a cold and snowy day. School is done and I find myself with some quiet time, so I grab my book and some hot chocolate. But, I want to stop first and record the beauty that surrounds us. Even with long nights and sick little ones, we have much to be thankful for.

**little ones who are starting to feel better, starting to show signs of life again**

**time spent laughing together, playing games in the early evening**

**warm drinks**

**quilts made by Nana**

**fun valentine's day projects being worked on**

**chicken soup**

**nap time**

**humidifiers**

**extra snuggle time**

**special notes from Daddy**

**books to read and to fall in love with**

Our week in pictures...

2011-02-04T14:05:00.002-07:00

Why is this sweet little girl so happy?

She was found sitting in her brothers room...

Enjoying her sister's potty training jar of M&Ms!

Life is so hard when Mommy decides I am done eating chocolate.

A bunch of sick little ones.

Covered in quilts, books read, special movies watched on the laptop....

And time spent sleeping in Daddy's arms.

a simple book list...

2011-02-02T13:55:00.002-07:00

The function of a good book is to stand like a signpost guiding the reader to the truth and the life.

A.W. Tozer

The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis
The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer
~~What Is A Family by Edith Schaeffer~~
George Mueller of Bristol by Arthur Pierson
The Attributes of God by AW Tozer
~~Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor~~
~~Family Driven Faith by Voddie Baucham~~
~~Twelve Extraordinary Women by John MacArthur~~
~~The Pursuit of God by AW Tozer~~
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Little Men by Louisa May Alcott
~~Pocketfull of Pinecones by Karen Andreola~~
Lessons at Blackberry Inn by Karen Andreola
Mission Minded Family by Ann Dunagen
Laying Down The Rails by Sonya Shafer
Reflections of the Psalms By CS Lewis
~~One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp~~
Six Days Of War: Jun 1967 by Michael B. Oren
~~Don't Make Me Count To Three by Ginger Plowman~~
~~God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew~~
Shepherding A Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp
~~When Children Love To Learn by Elaine Cooper~~

There is the starting of my book list for 2011. I'd still like to add to it... maybe some books on American History or ....

What are you reading right now? What books do you love?

my sweet girl

2011-01-30T15:20:00.000-07:00

2010-12-20T06:52:00.001-07:00

Christmas carols are being sung and again I find prayers escaping my lips.

From the archives:

Two weeks after Christmas still finds one of my little men continually singing Joy To The World. And I mean continually.... this morning as he sat there singing while he was building with his legos, I found myself thinking... pondering... praying...

Joy To The World

Yes, Joy to the world, my son.

The Lord Has Come

Our Lord has come. Our Savior. My son, grab the words...

He came for me, He came for you. He has come...

Let Earth Receive Her King

Yes, let us receive him. O Father, help us, help me, help us to receive You in Your fullness.

Let every heart prepare Him room

O Lord, let our hearts be fully open... Come, Come Lord Jesus. We want You. All of You.

And Heaven and Nature Sing. And Heaven and Nature Sing

Yes, Lord. May singing, may joy flow from the depths of our being. May our lives sing. Thank you Lord from coming... Thank you for the singing we see in nature, the singing that is all around us. All heaven and nature sings...

And Heaven and Nature Sing... And Heaven and Nature Sing...

Our Week In Pictures...

2010-12-19T13:40:00.003-07:00

...A week full of creating...

...a week full of special times with family and friends...

...and time spent outside...

2010-12-15T22:03:00.004-07:00

The house sits quiet as the Christmas tree lights shine and the fireplace brings forth warmth. The little ones are asleep and my husband is working away. This is such a beautiful time of year and we find ourselves so full of anticipation... so full of gratefulness... so, so full.

This week has found us outside running and jumping, breathing deep, working hard...

our hearts and hands preparing for Christmas...

We slow down and look around, wanting to see Him...

And we find Him in a million different ways. We gather and we share, everyone joining in. There is so much to be thankful for...

A fresh Christmas tree, lights, Christmas Eve, Christmas songs, warm days and snow, Dad, Alaina, smiles and laughter, the stars, the Christmas party with our friends, making peppermint bark and decorating cookies, a break from school...

:::

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.

Luke 1:46,47,49

2010-12-09T21:54:00.002-07:00

Hands at work...

Making the season beautiful.

2010-12-03T16:02:00.003-07:00

Little hands decorating the gingerbread house.

I discovered that I have a son whose favorite day is Christmas Eve. Oh, the anticipation of all that is to come.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

2010-11-30T14:52:00.004-07:00

When home is ruled according to God's word, angels might be asked to stay with us, and they would not find themselves out of their element.

Charles Spurgeon

Oh Lord, let this be a home of peace and love. Help us, Father, to make this a home of quietness and trust and yet a home full of laughter and joy.... a haven for all who enter.

To think... almost a year

2010-11-18T15:23:00.014-07:00

It was a year ago that I was 38 weeks pregnant with our fifth little one. The Christmas tree was already up, the lights on the house were up and everything was ready for the coming Christmas season. I was seeking His grace as we entered a new season...

It's almost been a year since we welcomed this precious girl into our lives, almost a year since we became a family of seven, almost a year... And oh, how good God has been.

A precious baby girl joined our lives on Thanksgiving day. It's funny because as Thanksgiving day drew near and I just had this feeling that it would be the day she arrived, I grumbled. Yet, after her birth and as the days passed, it became so clear to me that it was the most perfect day for her to be born.

Our precious Alaina, Oh, how we are so thankful for you... for your life. You are busy now, exploring the world around you as you are learning to walk and talk and yet, your favorite thing to do is just to cuddle in with Mommy... or Daddy. We treasure these days with you... and we praise God for the gift of you.

White Days

2010-11-15T20:37:00.001-07:00

We've had to say goodbye to our warm fall days. Last week we saw our first snow of the season. The kiddos have been thrilled and are happy to just walk around outside... and run around... and to lay on the ground making snow angles... and to throw snow balls...

It's Monday, a new day and a new week. Thanksgiving is quietly coming up and all that we have to be thankful for seems to be jumping up in front of us just begging to be noticed. There are so many gifts.

The warmth and light from the fireplace on these cold days.

The beauty of waking up to a white world.

The flu behind us.

A husband who so wonderfully helped me and the kiddos while we were sick.

Family. A dad and mom who brought us chicken soup and a sister who sent along her treasured tummy tune-up.

A little girl laughing in the morning after being up during the night getting sick.

Plans being made for Thanksgiving. A menu, shopping lists and fun activities.

Little children stopping to make their own "tree of thanks".

Dad, snow, Grandma coming to visit, Jesus... are just some the things listed on these leaves

Quiet Sunday afternoons full of games, reading and creating.

A little girl making her first necklace and bracelet.

A new week.

In thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Psalm 16:11

2010-11-10T16:35:00.003-07:00

It was Friday night and we were getting ready for prayer at a friends. Dinner was finished, dishes being loaded and everyone was busy grabbing their books.

The chatter started just as quickly as we got in the car. Livie sits in-between the boys and just as we were pulling down our street, she yells, "The boys smell like women!"

The car irrupts in laughter.

The boys smell like women?

Where did she get that? Why does she think they smell?

Just as quickly as she blurted that out, the older of the two boys, one of the two boys that was being accused of smelling like a woman, blurts out, "No, Liva stinks!"

The younger of these two boys quickly corrects, "No. Dad, Liva does not smell very good."

The laughter is dying down just a little bit and questions are starting to be asked.

Slowly the truth begins to unravel...

A little girl getting ready for prayer. She ran into Daddy and Mommy's bathroom and found Mommy's body spray. She quickly sprayed some on herself... wanting to be just like mommy.

She just put a little too much on and it was discovered in the car. She just thought it was the boys who smelled.

Oh. my. goodness. How I love these little ones. They bring so much laughter into our lives.

Our week in pictures...

2010-11-05T14:39:00.007-06:00

This week has been absolutely beautiful. Right now the temp outside is 68 degrees and tomorrow has promises of being in the 70's. So often this week I have found myself questioning if the calendar really reads November. How can it only be a couple of weeks until Thanksgiving?

I know that we need to vacuum downstairs and some laundry is waiting to be folded. I've promised a sweet little girl that we will make some cookies today. Yet, we slowly find ourselves creeping outside. I think I want to be outside just as much as them. I quickly grab the little one and some knitting and go to join the others out under the sun. I know that soon our days will be colder, snow will sit on the ground and we won't be as anxious to open the door and walk out. So today I let the other things sit. It's good to just sit and watch, letting my heart store up these moments, letting myself breath deep, and to laugh and play.

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

It's been a while since I've done "a week in pictures". I grabbed the camera today as I sat outside and enjoyed the beauty.

::: this chair calls my name so often :) :::

::: trampoline fun :::

::: the breathtaking view :::

::: a little one ready to go explore :::

And now it's time to go make those cookies and fold that laundry. Have a wonderful weekend, friends.

2010-11-04T12:57:00.002-06:00

God's voice speaking peace is the sweetest music an ear can hear.

C.H. Spurgeon

Oh Lord, may my ears be open to hear.

2010-10-29T06:49:00.001-06:00

What greater thing is there for two human souls

than to feel that they are joined together to strengthen

each other in all labor, to minister to each other in all sorrow

to share with each other in all gladness,

to be one with each other in all the silent

unspoken memories?

George Eliot

How thankful I am for this man.

Happy Birthday Love.

2010-10-28T15:35:00.000-06:00

It was time to think about getting our family pictures taken. Now that we have another little blessing in the family; now that Christmas is coming and a picture is needed for our Christmas card... but I wasn't sure it would happen. I had resolved that this year we might just end up setting up the tripod in our backyard or maybe we could steal my dad away for a couple of quick shots. It wouldn't be that bad.

But, I quickly mentioned something to a gal in our Church who takes beautiful pictures. A couple of phone calls later and it came together. I told her that I just wanted to do something quick and simple... a couple of different spots and we'd call it good.

She loves taking pictures of kiddos and grabbed a couple of fun ones. I'm so thankful that we were able to spend an hour with her one evening.

2010-10-27T15:57:00.000-06:00

The fruit of the Spirit is... joy

Galatians 5:22

Joy.

It's been on my mind continually.

I want to be full of joy. Joy that bubbles up from the depth of my being.

When I look for joy, I find it everywhere and see God's hand in my life in very intimate ways.

Sally Clarkson

When I look for joy.

Stopping to look changes everything.

No longer do I see things just as they are.

a mess that needs to be cleaned up or stopping to see...

the joy of sisters playing together quietly during school.

I choose the latter. I smile, they play and when school is over we work on cleaning it up together.

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
There is no reason to get irritated instead I seek to find joy. Joy even in the little things.

John 15:9-13

Continue in His love... that joy might remain in me...

And yet another mess. Did you notice that this girl knows how to make a mess?

I want to choose joy... to let love fall down.

A sweet little girl playing... finding joy in being a mommy.

I sit down and we play together. She tells me her babies name and where they are going.

A smile crosses my lips. Joy flows and my heart whispers praises to God. We have to much to be thankful for.... so much to be joyful over.

Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.

Mother Teresa

It happens in a million different ways each and every day. A choice. Irritation, frustration, even anger... or choosing to find joy... choosing to let a smile cross our lips.

Lord, help me to always see with your eyes. To let love fall down. To choose joy.

Our day...

2010-10-25T07:40:00.000-06:00

It's been a while since I sat down to record my day but I quietly wanted to join in today...

FOR TODAY... October 25th

Outside my window... the skies are gray, the wind is blowing and we are suppose to get rain.

I am thinking... or wondering... how long it will take me to finish this. :)

I am thankful for... a little one who is snuggling with me right now, a husband who works hard and a quiet morning.

From the learning room... Yesterday one of my little men found a large garden spider on her web. The boys "fed" her a grasshopper and everyone is excited to go out and check on her today. The beauty of learning...

From the kitchen... baked oatmeal is in the oven.

I am creating... I'm starting to work on some Christmas presents but truthfully, the most important thing we are creating right now is future adults.... we are in the midst of training, teaching, and encouraging little ones. What is more important?

I am going... to enjoy this day.

I am reading... The Indwelling Life Of Christ by Major W. Ian Thomas

I am hoping... and praying (!!!) that we have a home of peace and joy.

I am hearing... the babbles of my little one and the sound of wind outside our windows.

Around the house... today is our laundry day. School and laundry will fill our day.

One of my favorite things... a warm cup of green tea

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Go here to see other Daybooks

This boy of mine...

2010-10-20T15:32:00.001-06:00

I love this picture sequence that we captured while we were outside yesterday. It captures his relationship with Alaina perfectly... whenever she starts crying, he'll go to her rescue. He'll lift her up, hold her tight and start talking with her. A brother's love...

He makes my heart smile...

2010-10-19T14:45:00.001-06:00

A fun fall project.

A little girl decorating the front door with it. ...smile...

some of our morning favorites...

2010-10-18T17:13:00.004-06:00

Baked Oatmeal

1/2 cup oil

1/2 cup Agave nectar

2 eggs, beaten

3 cups of oats

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. sea salt

1 cup milk

1 cup berries

Mix all ingredients together and let soak overnight. Bake in a greased 9" pie plate uncovered for 40 minutes at 350. Side note: We use rice milk as we have a little man allergic to milk.

I think our favorite berry to add would be fresh strawberries but we also love blueberries in it and we've done apples and cinnamon with great appreciation. :) Recipe found here.

***

Bran Muffins

2 cups wheat bran

1 c. boiling water

1/2 cup oil

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup brown sugar

3 T. molasses

1 1/2 cup flour

1 T. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

Combine bran with boiling water. Add remaining wet ingredients. Combine dry ingredients and add to bran mixture. Bake at 400 for 20 to 25 minutes. We will also add raisins sometimes.

***

Where are my eyes?

2010-10-14T16:33:00.003-06:00

Title: Several Ways to Make Yourself Miserable

Author: Elisabeth Elliot

Count your troubles, name them one by one--at the breakfast table, if anybody will listen, or as soon as possible thereafter.
Worry every day about something. Don't let yourself get out of practice. It won't add a cubit to your stature but it might burn a few calories.
Pity yourself. If you do enough of this, nobody else will have to do it for you.
Devise clever but decent ways to serve God and mammon. After all, a man's gotta live.
Make it your business to find out what the Joneses are buying this year and where they're going. Try to do them at least one better even if you have to take out another loan to do it.
Stay away from absolutes. It's what's right for you that matters. Be your own person and don't allow yourself to get hung up on what others expect of you.
Make sure you get your rights. Never mind other people's. You have your life to live, they have theirs.
Don't fall into any compassion traps--the sort of situation where people can walk all over you. If you get too involved in other people's troubles, you may neglect your own.
Don't let Bible reading and prayer get in the way of what's really relevant--things like TV and newspapers. Invisible things are eternal. You want to stick with the visible ones--they're where it's at now.

Truth spoken.

Lord, help me to keep my eyes on You and only You. I don't want to get lost in this world. I don't want to loose sight of You, to loose sight of Your greatest gift, or to loose sight of answered prayers. Because really? You have blessed us with so much. May thankfulness and joy flow from our hearts continually.

10 days, 3000 miles

2010-10-12T14:40:00.005-06:00

The journey started early on a Saturday morning. With the cars being packed the night before, we were ready to go. We met my parents and my sister and her family at a Safeway parking lot, the walkie-talkies were turned on, gas tanks were filled and off we went.

We would be gone for ten days.

3000 miles lay ahead of us.

Our first stop found us enjoying a day at Legoland and a day at the ocean. Then we drove north, enjoying some special moments with Brent's mom. But, the reason for this trip? My Uncle's 70th birthday. We told them that we would not miss the celebration for anything. My sister quickly added in, "we would have gone to China if that's where you wanted to celebrate it".

Lake Tahoe was our final destination, the place where we would spend the weekend celebrating. We enjoyed the beautiful surroundings, swam each night, took an adventure on the Tahoe Queen and enjoyed the birthday dinner on Saturday night.

Memories were made. Sweet memories.

There was love and laughter and smiles.

Each moment was enjoyed to the fullest.

And now we are home.

We now find ourselves getting back into school and back into routines... Enjoying the cooler autumn days... Making plans for school and plans for the holidays.

Home is a beautiful place to be.

Mama

2010-09-23T14:40:00.000-06:00

She stops, pausing for a minute and then looks at me.

My favorite name is Mama.

Quickly she starts playing again.

My heart ponders her words.

I just want to soak in what she said.

Some days are long and hard.

Some days are full of joy and laughter.

But there is nothing else I would rather be doing.

Again, she stops. She's been thinking of names for a baby and she looks at me.

Mama.

Yes.

My favorite name is Mama.

Her words are a balm

They are sweetness.

I pause again. To soak in.

To remember this moment.

It's a moment to treasure.

A moment to store away.

***

And then I stop.

How our Father must love it when our favorite name to call on is His.

haiku

2010-09-20T16:37:00.004-06:00

Colors Abounding

Trees Stand In All Their Glory

Autumn Days Are Here

a little girl and fashion

2010-09-19T14:35:00.005-06:00

Yesterday we found ourselves with our very first cold morning and this sweet little girl just did not know how to get herself dressed. She naturally grabbed her shorts and short sleeve shirt, yet she was cold so she quickly found a long sleeve shirt to go over her first shirt and added some socks. And then to go outside? A scarf, mittens and snow boots was the answer.

The funny thing is that her older sister was not dressed much different.

They make us smile.

ramblings...

2010-09-17T15:57:00.006-06:00

I'm sitting outside right now. Enjoying the afternoon and it's warmth, enjoying the gentle breeze... The first day of fall comes next week but it's here already. I can feel fall in my bones. I can smell it and taste it and oh, how it makes me smile.

A couple of weeks ago, I found myself wanting to hold onto summer. I didn't want to let the warm days go, I wasn't ready for a daily schedule to return, or for our evenings outside to end earlier. But, here we are. School has returned and how good it feels to fall back into a routine. Evening walks find us walking under the moon and stars and then all of a sudden I start to remember. I remember how much I love fall. The cooler mornings and the warm afternoons. It will soon be time for soups and candles.

So, maybe we can just hold onto fall a little longer this year and maybe the holidays won't be here so quick? :)

:::

We spent our morning outside doing school. Reading our books on a blanket, painting pictures and exploring. We found ourselves simply enjoying all that surrounds us. Enjoying His creation.

This afternoon we enjoyed a bike ride and piano lessons. We climbed up and picked fresh peaches from our tree, quickly eating one and then two, laughing as the juice ran down our arms.

Fridays are beautiful.

:::

And this? A must read for any family.

doing the next thing

2010-09-14T16:49:00.003-06:00

Last week just seemed to be one of those weeks. Looking back, I can see that there were several things making it one of those weeks. The days were long. The kids were tired. My attitude was bad.

It was in those moments that I would remember just do the next thing.

I would whisper a prayer for help. I'd stop and seek out the beauty that always surrounds me yet I fail to see sometimes. And then, I'd work on doing the next thing.

And I'd be changed in the process. Thank goodness!

It's funny because I don't remember the story around do the next thing. I just remember the words, do the next thing. So I stopped and looked it up.

The poem says, "Do it immediately, do it with prayer, do it reliantly, casting all care. Do it with reverence, tracing His hand who placed it before thee with earnest command. Stayed on omnipotence, safe 'neath His wing, leave all resultings, do the next thing." That is a wonderfully saving truth. Just do the next thing.

From Elisabeth Elliot

Yes, that's just what I needed.

And today? We're thankful for a new week.

A princess in the making

2010-09-09T16:22:00.003-06:00

How precious this little girl is. She makes us smile.

2010-09-07T14:37:00.000-06:00

While we were on vacation, it was my goal to get a good picture of each kiddo. :) We were limited with my ability. Yet for some, we have several pictures to choose from and for some, taking pictures is a painful process.

John -- 9 years old

Benjamin -- 7 years old

Faith -- almost 5 years old

Olivia -- 2 1/2 years old

Alaina -- 9 months old

:::::

2010-09-06T14:41:00.009-06:00

This last week found us enjoying a simply wonderful vacation. It was full of family, full of warmth and sunshine and full of relaxing moments. We breathed in the tropical air, walked in the sand enjoying the sound of the ocean, we jumped in the pool and played in the hammock.

The vacation itself came together about five weeks ago much to our surprise. We had been talking about it... dreaming about it... for a couple of years. We had planned to do it for our tenth anniversary last year but it was not able to come together.

Then all of the sudden we came across an airline sale that also had milage seats available... talked to this guy that needed to get rid of his week at a resort... made a few phone calls... and quickly bit by bit it all came together. It was the hand of God and nothing less.

This week we find ourselves thankful for

:::Safe Travel:::

:::Memories Made:::

:::Quiet Moments:::

:::His hand providing:::

:::Family:::

2010-08-31T01:01:00.001-06:00

to dream, to work, to thank.

2010-08-24T15:43:00.003-06:00

Thankful for all that is around us...

Thankful for lessons learned...

Thankful for seeing the fruit of work...

fresh corn

((there is so much to learn on this journey))

fresh strawberries.

((working hard. working together as a family))

little hands at work

((making. creating))

fresh jam.

((fruit of labor. to enjoy in days to come))

Sunflowers

((surrounded by beauty. plans and dreams growing))

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink,
or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31

Today

2010-08-16T15:40:00.008-06:00

:::Today marks the start of a new year:::

Standing on His Word.

(I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me)

What better way to start?

Being Prepared

2010-08-10T13:52:00.005-06:00

I recently was able to reconnect with an old friend. It's been fun to hear from her and to hear about her family. To share about what we are doing. She is homeschooling her little ones and was quick to ask about how we homeschool with five kiddos. I spent several days... weeks really... thinking about how I should reply. I finally wrote her back last night and my answer was simple.

Homeschooling is so wonderful, isn't it!?! It's a beautiful journey... to see God's hand at work, to see His grace, His provision. How do we do it? God. Finding a simple rhythm - A routine. Protecting my days. Making sure I am prepared (having activities for the girls... things used only during school time).

We start school next Monday and this year will find me with three little girls in the home. One little girl will be taking a nap in the mornings and two little girls will join us. They'll want to participate in as much as they can.... They'll be able to sit with us as we read stories. They'll be able to draw with us and observe nature. They can join us in much and that is one of the beautiful things about homeschooling.

I still need to be prepared for those times when they need to sit quietly... those times when I need to sit with the boys and guide them.

I want the girls to know what they can do. I want them to understand the importance of sitting and working quietly. And so, we have been working on getting their activities ready.

They will be able to draw and color... Work in their school books... Count and sort their teddy bear counters and work with their alphabet cards.

Books, puzzles, stickers, stamps, and lauri products will surround them.

Yes, my answer to my friend's question was simple. I don't want it to be a complicated or a stressful journey. I want to find God there. For peace and joy to be in the midst.

God. A Rhythm. Being Prepared.

:::

Maybe it is the time of year, maybe it is the fact that we do in fact have five little ones right now, maybe it is just that season of life... I don't know, but all of the sudden the questions seem to be coming. Questions on homeschooling and how we do it with five children.

The questions have been good.

It's caused me to slow down and share our journey. To stop and ponder. To reflect on His goodness.

I want to bring those thoughts here... I want to record what we are doing and what works for us in this season...

Part One

Part Two

2010-08-03T15:29:00.002-06:00

My little girl received a princess tea party book for Christmas last year and it quickly became a favorite book. She has spent hours looking at the pages and dreaming... dreaming of a tea party and what we would make... dreaming of pretty dresses and fun girly projects...

I'm not sure why it took us so long to plan a tea party but we finally made it happen. We found a fun project... making butterfly wands... planned the food and invited those we love.

We started getting ready yesterday. The butterflies were cut out and we made meringue cookies ((and oh, how my boys love them. They say they are the best they have had and they are usually quite honest. ))

We cleaned... and set the table... we put on pretty dresses...

and picked sunflowers... we made tea sandwiches... and got the fruit ready...

Today was the day. We were so excited!

Oh, what a fun morning it was.

I think we might just have to have another one soon.

Our Journey

Monday Morning

a weekend in the mountains

an afternoon spent exploring

A Warm Winter Day

The last day of vacation...

a finished project...

Today

Such Cuteness...

A Sunday Drive

A little closer...

Welcoming Autumn

Traveling Days...

Traveling Days...

Traveling Days...

A little man trying to make friends...

:::chicken salad:::

sisters...

The joy of a swing...

We've been busy working in the yard and I had a five year old girly helping me. She had been working hard..."Mom" the question began, "I'm just getting so tired. Can I go swing so that I can get some more energy?"

We've been busy working in the yard and I had a five year old girly helping me. She had been working hard..."Mom" the question began, "I'm just getting so tired. Can I go swing so that I can get some more energy?"

The Swing

by Robert Louis Stevenson

An afternoon wedding...

a fresh haircut...

Haiku

the storm is coming...

Twelve Years...

a morning spent painting..

From our garden...

Surrounded By Wildflowers...

Summer Days

The Butterfly Pavilion

Our quiet Saturday...

creative moments

For the record...

A photo log continued...

A photo log...

Baby Robins

Mr. and Mrs. Robin

the boys have a new chore this summer...

Mrs. Robin

before the girls came...

he turned ten...

a sunny afternoon

an afternoon project

a clean room

Welcome Spring

These boys...

our week in pictures...

a week in pictures...

Our week in pictures...

a simple book list...

my sweet girl

Our Week In Pictures...

To think... almost a year

White Days

Our week in pictures...

Our day...

This boy of mine...

some of our morning favorites...

Where are my eyes?

10 days, 3000 miles

Mama

haiku

a little girl and fashion

ramblings...

doing the next thing

A princess in the making

to dream, to work, to thank.

Today

Being Prepared

We've been busy working in the yard and I had a five year old girly helping me. She had been working hard...

"Mom" the question began, "I'm just getting so tired. Can I go swing so that I can get some more energy?"

We've been busy working in the yard and I had a five year old girly helping me. She had been working hard...

"Mom" the question began, "I'm just getting so tired. Can I go swing so that I can get some more energy?"