Welcome To/Bienvenidos A......

Early Morning Cuddles......

2012-01-26T20:13:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Ana for taking the pic!

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Ugg...

2012-01-24T21:36:00.001-07:00

Started something new......& it's backfiring. :(

I don 't know if I have ever been this honest on my blog before, but Ruthie is really struggling right now.

Adoption may sound all romantic & sweet. But it's not all the time.

She has SUCH anxiety right now-over everything. It all started when I took her to see a picture of her birthmother that we have stored in our safety deposit box.

Tonight, (& last night) anxiety reared it's ugly head again, when after reading a story w/ Ana at bedtime, she no longer wanted to go to her room & climb into bed.

Buckets of tears over wanting to sleep w/ Ana. And being afraid to sleep in her own room.

We got through it tonight.....after a long walk through the house, shutting windows & doors, locking the house & setting the house alarm-together. But, I still had to sit outside her room for her to fall asleep.

I used to resent this. But, in the last few months, the Lord has granted me TRUE compassion toward her in this area, & I long to give her the re-assuance she so desperately needs.

I used to "poo-poo" the idea that she might need more vocal assurance that we LOVE HER-every day. But, I have seen the power of telling her (several times a day) that we love her, & that she is & will always be-OURS!

And for now, these are small things I can do for her, that prove to her I love her.

Skiing again......

2012-01-23T22:03:00.001-07:00

And a good (exhausting) time was had by all!

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Busy Cleaning, Organizing, & Decorating.

2012-01-19T20:02:00.001-07:00

Here is a recent project: Ruthie's newly organized & re-decorated room. We also did Nat's room that day.......but forgot to take pics!

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I Said "Yes!"

2012-01-16T21:42:00.001-07:00

She wanted to sew a bag. She had no idea what she would use it for.....& w/ no real plan, it was so hard for me to say "yes," but I did.

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2012-01-16T21:41:00.001-07:00

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Ruthie-Full of Questions....some easy, some a bit more difficult.

2012-01-16T04:00:00.000-07:00

She & I went to the safety deposit box over Christmas to see her Birthmother's picture. We have not shown anyone else their birthmom's picture, because there is so little about their adoption that is theirs to control.

This way, at least to see/not see their birthmom is up to them.

And honestly, she has started to ask more simple questions about why she & Nat look different than us. Daddy & I always tell her how beautiful she is (of course), & as other questions come up, we try to answer them as honestly & openly as we can.

One blessing that has opened up recently, is that we have struck up a friendship w/ another family that has an older bio son & a daughter a week younger than Ruthie, also adopted from Guatemala. (we met at the zoo-how bizzare is that?)

Ruthie loves talking about her new friend, & she loves that they both share some of the same story.....you know?

We had them over for some playtime last weekend......& they enjoyed a few hours together. They even did a pretty good job including Nat!

Here they all are together-

beautiful, are they not?

Ana's Adventure

2012-01-13T14:25:00.001-07:00

An emergency visit to the dentist.....to get two baby teeth pulled.

An infected gum.....now feels much better.

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Calling it a Night....

2012-01-12T20:02:00.001-07:00

The time on my phone says 7:56 PM.

Every once in a while, I wake up EARLY. & can't go back to sleep. 3:30 AM is waaay too early to start my day, (& I love early mornings. But not that early.)

So, I'm in my cuddly jammies, & I'm turning in.

(Yes, those are my Minnie Mouse jammies. I know you're jealous.)

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The Dillon Bed & Breakfast is Open for Business!

2012-01-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

Complete w/ it's own bathroom-& totally on it's own floor! Room to spare for kiddlets as well!

My dream would be to fill it w/ friends-every single weekend. So, if you are one of our out-of-town friends/family, please come to visit us! Colorado Springs (& all it has to offer), & a fun time of fellowship await!

She's Been Home for 5 Years.....

2012-01-10T21:54:00.000-07:00

While I was sad to be leaving Guatemala (for what I thought was the last time, but that's another story), my face tells a story here that words are not needed to tell!

(Can I just sound like every other mom in the world & say, "How did that happen? 5 YEARS?!")

On the plane, January 9, 2007.

Breathing a Big Sigh of Relief.......

2012-01-09T21:56:00.000-07:00

I love Christmas.....really, it is one of my favorite times of the year. & I love to try & make it special for my family.

But, can I also say, I am so happy that all the decorations are put away, & the calmness of January routine is setting in.

We are also getting back to more normal "fare."

And the Celebration Continues!

2012-01-07T22:10:00.001-07:00

Due to my own negligence, a family tradition we have had for several years had to be postponed for a week or so.

We have a stocking from Guatemala that is filled each year w/ gifts from our kids' birth country.

Since we moved, I have pretty much updated all our address info-except for w/ Amazon, apparently. And, wouldn't you know......the stuff I ordered came from 3 different shippers-all to our old address.

So, tonight (almost 2 weeks late), we opened our "Guatemala Stocking."

Merry Christmas, again. :)

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So excited to find a way to post from my phone-WITH PICS!

2012-01-06T22:50:00.002-07:00

There has always been errors when I've tried to post w/ pics if I just went to the Blogger website

Novel concept-try using an app! Yeah, it works!

(pics taken at my brother's wedding last month)

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testing once again...

2012-01-06T22:25:00.001-07:00

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Testing Windows Live Writer

2012-01-06T21:52:00.001-07:00

Not sure how I will like this…..

Jumping On the "One Thousand Gifts" Bandwagon......

2012-01-06T10:15:00.000-07:00

A blessing in my heart......children playing peacefully together.

Skiing.......A Picture of Life

2012-01-05T17:28:00.000-07:00

One perk to being a Colorado resident......the 5th Grade Ski Free Pass. Ana is in 5th Grade this year, so we signed her up.

Monday, I took the girls up to Monarch Mountain, with both my sisters & all their local cousins.

Poling my way through the chute-for the first "load" on a chair lift. In this case, for the first time in FIVE years. (the last time was a week or so before I left on Ruthie's Pick-Up trip).

Yep, I was scared. The thing I hate most about skiing is the "unload" at the top of the mountain. (the only injuries I ever remember getting have to do w/ the stupid chair lift! Including the one where the snowboarder I was riding up w/ TOOK ME OUT dis-embarking. Knocked the wind out of me, & bruised my ribs for a month! But, I digress....)

I knew it was coming.....I could see the top of the lift. I rode up w/ my oldest nephew-just recently turned 13-& not afraid of anything.

"I can do this. I can do this. I can do this. I have done it before. It's like riding a bike-you never forget, right?" (the conversation I had w/ myself went something along these lines.)

Tips up.

Move to the edge of your chair.

Take a deep breath.

Skis sliding across the ground directly under my chair.

& just at the right moment.....

Stand up....& just glide.

(I screamed like a girl-but, that's ok, because I am one, ha! ha!)

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

I am naturally afraid to try new things. Ana is petrified of them. Ruth? Not one IOTA of fear.

There has to be a BIG payoff for me to risk:

1. Injury

2. Pain

3. Exhaustion

But, I have risked theses things in my life, as well as on the skislope, & I'm glad I did. There's nothing quite as exhilerating as standing at the top of the mountain, knowing I'm getting ready for the ride of my life!

Loving others is a risk.

Starting college was a risk.

Having biological children is a risk.

Adopting is a risk.

I guess that's part of why I thrill to ski. It scares me to death, but very little is so rewarding-at least not in the physical world.

Our favorite run of the day-& yes, as you have probably guessed, I am soley a "Green Run" kind of girl.

Our fearless wonder!

(in case you are wondering, Ana had so much fun-after conquering her fear,

I could never catch her for a picture by herself!

All of us at the top of our favorite run-"Rookie," highlighted in the top picture.

Blessed Beyond Mesure!!

2011-12-27T20:18:00.000-07:00

My children (& their cousins-all of them) have grandparents that LOVE spending time w/ their grandkids! Papa took them on a walk yesterday......

And Grammie read them stories......

And kept them enterained all day....w/ art projects, & games as well.

Merry Christmas-from our family to yours!

2011-12-26T20:10:00.000-07:00

Please tell me that *at least one* of your pics turned out as goofy as this one of the cousins eating Christmas Dinner together!

The first fancy dinner in our new home-last night!

Well, here I am-apologizing yet again.

2011-12-23T21:38:00.000-07:00

I can't believe, w/ how much I love to blog-how terrible I have been about keeping up w/ it lately! Anyone else feel as swamped as I do?

Our two ballerinas......

A chef in the making.....

⁴ But when the set time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

⁵ to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

~Galatians 4:4 & 5

I am so thankful for God....ordering all time (including these busy days leading up to the celebration of the birth of His Son!)

Spent some time w/ a friend that lost her baby......

2011-12-14T04:00:00.001-07:00

& it was ok.
You know, sometimes it's nice the Lord allows glimpses of "why."

Why did He allow such suffering in our lives?

At my friend's house on Sunday afternoon, I finally got a glimpse of what it means to "weep with those who weep." My friend & her husband lost their baby girl last month. She had horrible birth defects, & was stillborn after 3 days of labor at 7 months gestational age.

I was invited to a jewelry party at her house, & realized about 1/2 way through the party that she had pics of the baby-w/ their family & their older two girls waiting to be put up on the wall.

& I wanted to see them. "How strange", you might think. (I know I did).

But, in that moment, I knew that I could see the pics, & that she would have few people that would *want* to see them.

I have learned a few things from my pain:
1. Each life (no matter how short) is precious in the eyes of God.
2. Other peoples' pain is not something to shy away from. They need the comfort of friends who have BEEN THERE.
3. God really is able to take my pain & use it for good-in so many ways, but in this case....I saw the practical workings out of this verse:

^"He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.

When they are troubled,

we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."

2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT

Lord, may You continue to use my/our pain to be an encouragement/comfort to others.

One of my favorites so far this Christmas Season

2011-12-13T04:00:00.000-07:00

Christmas Program at Church......

2011-12-12T04:00:00.001-07:00

Yes, Nat was *supposed* to be singing "Away in a Manger."

Ruthie, waiting her turn to sing.

Ana (on right) was an angel-dancing to "Angels We Have Heard on High."

A little picture time in front of the tree this morning......

Finally Taking a Breath!!

2011-12-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

The baby of our family got married two weeks ago! Many congratulations to Matthew & his new bride-Cece! We had so much fun at the wedding.....& even enjoyed our drive there & back (25 hours each way!)

(Above-all of us, in birth order-Me, Jeremiah, Shannon, Rebekah & Matthew)

Matthew.....w/ the flower girls

All the "Harvey" clan, except Jeremiah's wife & 5 kids, who couldn't make it to the wedding.

The girls w/ their new Aunt Cece!

P.S. I plan on updating more later this week!

Bad, busy blogger lately!

2011-11-24T06:51:00.000-07:00

My baby brother is getting married on Saturday, & we are super busy getting ready for that......sorry I haven't been blogging well! (& probably won't be until next week sometime!)

Sorry....I know I've been a bad blogger this week!

2011-11-16T22:05:00.000-07:00

But, we are preparing for our OPEN HOUSE!!! Yippee! (& we are all hard at work-hense the picture of my hand.....not my attire, hair or face. Ha! Ha!)

After waiting since August, a few weeks ago, we FINALLY aquired furniture! (Many thanks to Granddad & Grandma Pat!) So, Friday night is the BIG night, & so far, we have 30 adults & 30 kids coming! Yeah!

We are having a hymn-sing, too, which brings back many fond memories for me of hymn-sings at my parents house when I was growing up! Fun times!

If you can, come join us!

"It was only a small fire, Mom."

2011-11-13T22:16:00.001-07:00

Yes, that IS what Ana said to me this afternoon when I got back from the store.

For real.

I left she & her best friend to take the last batch of cookies out of the oven. (Yes, Dave was home-thank goodness!)

Imagine my horror to get this text:
"Kitchen fire, but everyone & most everything is OK."

WHAT?! (That was my response text to Dave-& he didn't answer me!! I had to call home & find out that a hot pad had accidently fallen on the oven coil when they were removing the cookies.)

The cookies were a hit, & the girls made some memories (some better than others, lol) this afternoon!

11-11-11

2011-11-11T12:15:00.000-07:00

How cool is today's date?!? We made shirts to celebrate! What do you think?

Score!

2011-11-10T21:59:00.000-07:00

Carpet on discount because it was out of the wrapper!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-09T04:00:00.001-07:00

Let the Decorating Begin in Earnest! (Part 2.....of hopefully many more posts!)

2011-11-08T20:28:00.000-07:00

Inspired by this blog, & her famous "Window Mis-Treatments," I hung sheets in Ana's room today. I folded over the top 14 inches of each sheet & hung them w/ ring clips!

And as The Nester always says, "It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful!"

Frollicking Through Fall....

2011-11-06T23:00:00.000-07:00

I'm Out Grocery Shopping!

2011-11-04T12:35:00.000-06:00

In an attempt to frugally use the resources given us, my friend & I are tryting to be more disciplined at the grocery store. The best part is, we decided in order to accomplish this, we will trade turns watching eachother's kids. I had my turn watching hers this morning......& now it's my turn to go!

"See" you later!

P.S. Remembering my mother-in-law who left her earthly home-& saw Jesus face to face-one year ago today.

Let the Decorating Begin in Earnest!

2011-11-03T04:00:00.001-06:00

What do you think of this wall? It's on our stairs landing. I think I will add 2 more strips of pics under this one.

I like it because I can add/take off pics as I want to. They are laminated, & clipped on to the ribbon.

Snow Day!

2011-11-02T15:42:00.000-06:00

The view from where I sit.......

Busy making maple sugar candy.....

Quite Possibly the "World's Largest Pizza."

2011-11-01T04:00:00.000-06:00

.....Which our little family of 5 made the mistake of ordering a few weeks ago.

No wonder we, here in the U. S. of A have a weight problem.....

P.S. I posted Halloween pics late last night. Scroll down to see them!

Happy Halloween......(yes, we do celebrate it at our house!)

2011-10-31T22:23:00.000-06:00

When Mom is Sick.....

2011-10-28T09:55:00.000-06:00

My kitchen, the way it looks after a week of feeling "under the weather"

(& in all honesty, the rest of the house ain't much better!):

But, after several good night's sleep (& LOTS of Vitamin C!!), this morning, I finally had the energy to make a dent in this mess!

P. S. Sorry I haven't been a very good blog poster this week! I'll do better next week!

A First.....& this kids LOVES "firsts!" (is that a word?)

2011-10-25T09:00:00.002-06:00

He often informs all who will listen, "I never had/did this before." (this said about the Mac 'n Cheese we had for lunch on Sunday. Right. Never had it. A staple of this, & most American households)

When he's corrected, he usually ammends his statement to: "We never had/did this in our NEW house before."

But, this event WAS a first for him:

His first trip to the dentist, & he was THRILLED!! (everyone in the office loved him-of course!)

Sick.....all of us but Nat.

2011-10-24T06:25:00.000-06:00

Straight From Guatemala (our favorite country-aside from the good old US of A!!!)

2011-10-20T21:19:00.000-06:00

The kids have new clothes from Guatemala! I LOVE this!

If anyone has some tips for me on how to keep the clothing together & ON them (especially the girls), that would be great!

Trying to capture Ruthie's personality......& pictures simply aren't enough!

2011-10-19T22:39:00.000-06:00

Pictures do not do this child justice.....she lights up a room w/ her grin & exuberance-(& I'm not biased! Watch the video & see for yourself! )

Psalm 150:4

"Praise Him with the tambourine and dancing;"

(I think it's safe to say that Ruth is praising the Lord w/ her tap shoes, don't you think?)

Finally Furniture!!!

2011-10-19T04:00:00.002-06:00

Ok....goofy Blogger loaded this graceful balerina first-

but I'm sure you don't mind!

We FINALLY (yesterday) received a long-awaited shipment of furniture from Dave's dad.

Makes our house seem just a bit more homey.

One thing I've discovered in this wait-it's not the "stuff" that makes a house a home.....it's the people.

BUT, thankfully, now, if *you* come to our house, you will have a place to sit & visit!

Philippians 3:20

"For our citizenship is in heaven,

from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior,

the Lord Jesus Christ."

Growing Up!! Another Milestone Achieved!

2011-10-18T04:00:00.001-06:00

She is growing up.....& changing in so many ways.

I don't like it. I want her to stay little for just a while longer....

I am thankful, in the midst of change,

my Father in heaven......NEVER changes.

Psalm 102:26

"They will perish, but You will endure;
Yes, they will all grow old like a garment;
Like a cloak You will change them,
And they will be changed."

"So Teach us to Number Our Days...."

2011-10-17T04:00:00.001-06:00

Here is one thing I love about homeschooling.....the girls are both working on the same project-inspite of their big age gap.

Ruthie (in true little sister style) is coloring each person the exact same color as Ana. & Ana, bless her heart is helping Ruth pick just the right colors.

Nat is shooting "bad guys" w/ his Nerf gun in the other corner of the room.

Ah, the joys of homeschooling!

Psalm 90:12
"So teach us to number our days,

That we may gain a heart of wisdom."

Still Here.....Just a bit going on......

2011-10-13T22:35:00.001-06:00

School, still moving in, broken wrists (yeah, even that!)

In the interest of saving money (a new passion of mine-ha! ha!) we took our own "school pics" this year. Granddad took a few & I took a few. What do you think?

Psalm 113:3

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

³ From the rising of the sun to its setting
The name of the LORD is to be praised.

We're in the swing of things!!! School's off & running!

2011-09-13T20:58:00.001-06:00

More tomorrow-check back for pics!

Never a Dull Moment!

2011-08-30T21:08:00.000-06:00

Ana fell & broke her wrist yesterday morning.....here is the update I just posted to our church prayer chain:

"Just wanted to update all of you who have been praying for us the last few days.

Ana did get an appointment w/ the orthopaedic (sp?) dr. today. He is about 90% sure her scaphoid bone is broken, but he said that particular bone is hard to get a good x-ray of-especially right after the injury. So, he had a splint placed on it for two weeks, at which time, we will have another x-ray done, & probably she will be casted for 4-6 weeks at that point.
He confirmed to me that that particular bone is one of the hardest to heal, & that it does need to be casted long enough to make sure it heals correctly.

She is sleeping in her own bed tonight, & is already much more comfortable than last night, which I think is due mostly to the splint.

(heading off to the Dr's this afternoon)

Thanks so much for your prayers, each & every one of you!"

This is my baby......

2011-08-17T21:23:00.000-06:00

While on vacation this summer, we had an opportunity to spend some gift money. The two "littles" quickly chose stuffed animals......& Ana wandered around the store w/ a frustrated look on her face for over an hour.

After watching her peruse the same isles at least ten times each, I finally took the time to talk w/ her as she looked....& looked......& looked.

Finally, as she picked up yet another stuffed animal, she confessed, "Mom, I just am not sure I want to spend my $ on a stuffed animal. I mean, they are so cute here in the store, but I already have a lot, & I'm not sure if I'm getting too big to keep getting them."

I asked, "Are you sad that you think you might be out-growing stuffed animals a bit?"

She replied in the affimative, & there were tears in her eyes.....poor girl. :(

And I got rather choked up, too.

I mean, isn't it kinda sad that they have to grow up? Especially if they don't really want to yet?

She is growing up-in body, & as this little snippit of her life shows-just a bit, in spirit, as well.

But, back to our tale.

I asked her if she would rather have a souvenir that she could use every day (emphasizing that as she gets older, her ideas of what is fun to buy will start to change-& that's ok) & she decided on this beautiful mug.

(And a beautiful model's holding the mug here....)

And, I'm super thankful that quite frequently, still, her "little girl" shines bright!

But, oh, I need godly wisdom to navigate the waters ahead! There are so many more important things for her to learn than how to shop-although everything's important, I know!

P.S. Can I just say-I was so sad for her-seeing her sorrow over knowing she was too big to ever enjoy stuffed animals in the same way......uggg.

Yes, this "Homeschooling Family" just dropped one of their kids off at public school.....

2011-08-15T09:27:00.000-06:00

I guess that means we really do subscribe to the idea that each child needs to be evaluated each year to decide what's best for them......& this year, Ruthie is going to kindergarten.

I was pretty proud of myself-NO TEARS for me! I am just glad she was excited to go-& wanted several hugs & besos (kisses) before I said goodbye!

(It bothers me more the past few days that ANA is growing up so fast.....but maybe that's a story for later this week).

Busy, Busy Days!

2011-08-15T09:09:00.000-06:00

Sorry I have been such a bad blogger lately. We have just finished the busiest 2 & 1/2 months of my life!

We are moved in & begining to unwind from our 3 week trip-which we left on 10 days after taking possesion of our new house.....

From now on, I will be able to keep up on my blog a bit better-I hope! Stay tuned!

Bloggy Break!!

2011-06-27T06:10:00.000-06:00

As much as I hate to, I need to take a bloggy break. Life is super crazy around here! (imagine that-w/ moving, Dave going overseas for two weeks & a major road trip-all in the next 5 weeks of my life!)

Feel free to browse around my blog-I recommend our adoption story if you've never read it (links on sidebar).

Next time I blog consistantly, I'll be in our new home! (but, I am putting major miles on our van the middle of July-the begining of August. Who knows?! I might get really bored & decide to blog from my mobile. Aww, who am I trying to kid? I probably will. So, check back every once in a while-or better yet, subscribe to my blog!)

I'm Taking TIME.....

2011-06-23T05:30:00.000-06:00

For things like picnics.....reading books.....taking pictures & cuddling w/ my kids.

Any other good ideas for me? What would you take time for while you have so much on your plate?

Fun w/ the Babysitter!

2011-06-21T06:51:00.000-06:00

The kids have been dying to play in the boxes....so last night, we had the babysitter do this w/ them! What fun!

Something to ponder...

2011-06-20T06:45:00.000-06:00

O Christ, in Thee my soul hath found,
And found in Thee alone,
The peace, the joy I sought so long,
The bliss till now unknown.

Refrain

Now none but Christ can satisfy,
None other Name for me!
There’s love, and life, and lasting joy,
Lord Jesus, found in Thee.

I sighed for rest and happiness,
I yearned for them, not Thee;
But, while I passed my Savior by,
His love laid hold on me.

Refrain

I tried the broken cisterns, Lord,
But, ah, the waters failed;
Even as I stooped to drink they fled,
And mocked me as I wailed.

Refrain

The pleasures lost I sadly mourned,
But never wept for Thee,
Till grace the sightless eyes received,
Thy loveliness to see.

Refrain

Picture Proof......

2011-06-19T16:27:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine reminded me that I still haven't posted pics of our new house on my blog!

Bountifully Blessed.....

2011-06-13T21:17:00.001-06:00

An hour of un-inturrupted packing time today-while the kids entertained themselves w/ cornstarch & water.....that is a true blessing-straight from my Father!!!

P.S. Don't forget-I wanna hear how God has blessed YOU lately!

Bountifully Blessed....

2011-06-09T06:07:00.000-06:00

Answered Prayer.....
For years I had been praying for energy. I had been needing a nap every afternoon-no matter how much sleep I got.

But, the other day, as I was looking/praying over my prayer list-I realised-Hallelujah-energy is something I no longer struggle w/ on a daily basis!

I am so thankful to my Father that He revealed that it might be celiac dragging me down-& I'm so thankful to be off gluten!

Any blessing from our Father you care to share today?

Bountifully Blessed....

2011-06-08T05:29:00.000-06:00

Thank-You, Father, for summer. I am sooo thankful for warm weather! & thank-You for thinking of yummy things like corn-on-the-cob that grow in summer!

Bountifully Blessed....

2011-06-06T19:08:00.000-06:00

Blessing for today? A checked off "to do" list.....& the strength to do it. In spite of very little sleep last night. Thank-You, Father!

How have you been blessed?

Bountifully Blessed....

2011-06-02T06:20:00.000-06:00

Today, I am thankful that the inspection on our house is officially DONE!! Thank-You, Father, for helping me get everything ready yesterday.

What are YOU thankful for today?

Bountifully Blessed....

2011-06-01T08:23:00.000-06:00

Today-I am thankful for the blessing of God's CLEAR direction..........

What are you thankful for?

Bountifully Blessed....(again!)

2011-05-31T07:05:00.001-06:00

After all the rainy, wet & cold weather lately, I am super thankful for the blessing of the Colorado BLUE SKY! There is nothing like it on earth, I am sure!

What are you thankful for today?

P.S. Another blessing from my Father: My two little ones are playing together-kindly-for the last 10 minutes! Baby steps, baby steps.....

Bountifully Blessed....

2011-05-29T14:00:00.000-06:00

Thank-You Father,

For the blessing of having sold our house.

P.S. To all my blog readers-I have been thinking lately about how blessed I really am. & I want to give that glory to God-the giver of all good things. So, several times a week, I am going to thank Him here. If you feel so led, could you leave a comment telling me of a blessing from God in YOUR life? I would love to have a hundred comments every time-we know our God is THAT good.

"No good thing will He withhold

from them that walk uprightly"

Psalm 84:11

Looking Frantically for House!!! :)

2011-05-26T07:23:00.000-06:00

The house we really wanted went to someone else, so on to something else!!

Just to Keep You All in the Loop!

2011-05-25T07:02:00.000-06:00

We have a verbal offer out on a house that we're pretty excited about. We gave them the offer yesterday around noon, & we are waiting to hear back from the sellers....

Under Contract!!

2011-05-23T21:51:00.001-06:00

If all goes as we hope it does.....& if God wants it to happen, this house will officially belong to someone new 5 weeks from now.

I would imagine that shortly before leaving it....I'll wax eloquent on how much "life" happened here.

But, for now, woot woo-we're excited to be moving on!

Well.....I sure have some brave kiddos.....(& one who's more like her mama!)

2011-05-23T15:50:00.000-06:00

Spring has finally sprung!

2011-05-21T15:54:00.000-06:00

Yes, in fact, our house is on the market......

2011-05-19T18:45:00.000-06:00

We have had on average, about 1 showing per week. Our house has been on the market since the end of February.

A few days ago, we started to realize that if it doesn't sell soon, we may be stuck in it for another 5 years or so. :(

With that in mind, we lowered our asking price by 17K on Tuesday. Since then, we've had 6 showings, & we have 1 more scheduled tomorrow. We also have one offer on the table.

If you feel so inclined, we would covet your prayers-for God's perfect will & timing.

Thanks so much!

Chore Time!

2011-05-19T06:18:00.002-06:00

This summer, I am trying something new. Chore packs. Each child has a job(s) to do before & after each meal. Their jobs are listed on 3 x 5 cards like what you see above. Ruth & Nat have pictures of each chore. They are all laminated. We are still filling up marble jars, too. Each chore gets one marble.

Chores are so important for kids to be involved in. For one thing, I think it helps them take ownership in the family. Can you think of other reasons?

(sorry this post is all wonky w/ spa cing. Trying to post from my phone again!)

one more time!

2011-05-16T23:18:00.000-06:00

Woot Woo! Got the pics to upload from my phone, too! Now I can really blog anytime/anywhere!

This was taken on Mother's Day.

Trying something new.....

2011-05-16T23:07:00.000-06:00

Just a quick attempt to post from my phone. Hoping it works!

Wordless Wednesday......(Yes, I do know it's Thursday!)

2011-05-11T20:22:00.000-06:00

Spring......

2011-05-10T21:06:00.000-06:00

DIFFERENT Boquets

DIFFERENT Hands

DIFFERENT Vases

SAME Result: A heart overflowing in love (mine!)

Good Friends......What a blessing!

2011-05-09T20:49:00.000-06:00

I am blessed to count these women among my friends. This was taken Sunday after church. I hAave heard it said that every woman needs many friends-friends for different areas of her life.....& this picture portrays a slice of that truth in my life. My sister, a friend from at least 25 years ago, & a newer friend.....who has helped me through many a parenting woe......

Have you found this to be true?

L to R: Me, My sister Shannon, My friend Valerie & my friend Amy

Mother's Day.....

2011-05-09T11:35:00.000-06:00

While my life is far from perfect......my Mother's Day was just about!

Singing I Go, Along Life's Road......

2011-05-05T21:36:00.000-06:00

I love to sing. I don't think I've ever talked about it here on my blog, but I come from a family of musicians-one of my great grandparents graduated from Juilliard. I have a cousin getting her doctorate in violin performance. Two of my siblings are outstanding on the piano......& the rest of us, while we do not excel to that extent, all love music.

My sister (the pianist) & my friend I occasionally sing a special at church. Next Sunday, we are singing a favorite of ours:

DAY BY DAY

Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find, to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He Whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best—
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day, the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He Whose Name is Counselor and Pow’r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,”
This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then in every tribulation
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land.

I'm Here....I Promise!

2011-05-04T18:35:00.002-06:00

Blogger gave me fits for DAYS when I tried to post......but, I think I have it figured out! YEAH!!

Big Sigh......(or big opportunity)

2011-04-21T21:50:00.007-06:00

Just kindof a tough last couple of weeks.....

Still have one that's not sleeping super well, & many other stressful things going on as well.

(as if the house on the market wasn't stressful enough!)

BUT.....as I was getting ready for bed tonight, the kids all came to me w/ a stuffed animal to share, hoping the animals would make me be able to sleep better. (smile)

Now, THAT, alone, is a reason to be thankful. What a thoughtful group of kiddos I have the privilage of raising!

Almost without fail, whenever I need a "lift," the Lord will bring some song to mind that takes that "Big Sigh" & turns it into an opportunity to trust.....& these are words that came to mind tonight:

"Simply trusting every day,
Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Brightly doth His Spirit shine
Into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Singing if my way is clear,
Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger for Him call;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting Him while life shall last,
Trusting Him till earth be past;
Till within the jasper wall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Refrain

Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate’er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all."

Boy, this "House on the Market" thing is taking up all my weekends!!

2011-04-13T07:08:00.004-06:00

So, I'm just now getting around to posting about Ana's birthday!

She had her family party last week-on her real "Day."

She requested "Shepherd's Pie" & "Tres Leches" cake for her birthday meal. Yummy! (I'm just thankful she didn't pick stuffed peppers or something nasty like that! Ha!)

Last night, we partied w/ her friends at a local bowling alley. We were thrilled to find one that had $1 games & $1 shoe rental....what a bargin! We were in & out of there for under $20!!

Happy birthday from your family, Ana!

Happy Birthday from your friends!

Your friends are one of God's biggest blessings!

(Here they are goofing off between turns at bowling!)

Happy Birthday, Ana! We are so thankful for our FIRST blessing from God!

Considering Homeschooling?

2011-04-11T06:17:00.008-06:00

Just thought it might be helpful to see what our day looks like. I know I wish someone had sat down w/ me & showed me THEIR schedule. So, pretend we're sitting down for a up of tea or coffee (my beverage of choice) & looking at this:

8:00 Handwriting-ABEKA

8:30 Science or History-(both ABEKA-we alternate days)

9:00 Math (Math-U-See) 9:30 Typing (games online)

10:00 1/2 hour of “schooling” her younger sister. I did this because they both wanted to do it so bad. We just use cheap Pre-School workbooks they work through.

10:30 Spelling-ABEKA

11:00 Piano practice for 1/2 hr

All this stuff in the AM, she can pretty much do independently. I am usually doing household stuff, or helping the “littles” w/ something. They both play in their rooms for an hour every morning-so I can get a shower etc.

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

1:00-2:30 Sonlight (History, Culture & Geography, taught through great literature!) I do this w/ her.

2:00-something fun. paint, advanced coloring books or some other fun workbook. We did a map unit, & also a listening comprehension unit at this time, too. I always have these types of books on hand from the local school supply store.

2:30-1/2 hour of free reading.

Hopefully, this helps a few of you see a "real" school day! Of course, one of the beauties of homeschooling is that we have the option of throwing out the whole day & doing something different if it ends up being a beautiful day & we want to go to the zoo.....or we have an emergency-like a last minute showing on our house, which is on the market! I'll leave you to guess which is the most frequent occurance lately! (wink)

FFF....."Precipitation"

2011-04-08T06:29:00.004-06:00

No rain/snow around here!!! Unless you count the "Showers of Love" these cousins have for eachother!

Decompression......

2011-04-07T13:30:00.002-06:00

The other day, I spent a good hour or so at the table w/ the kiddos.... Little did I realize how theraputic one painting session w/ Minnie & Micky could be!

What Makes you Smile?

2011-04-06T04:00:00.000-06:00

Coming home to THIS: ......is one thing that makes me smile, & it's one nice thing about having our house on the market-a beautiful table several times a week! How about you? Care to share something simple that's made YOU smile lately?

Happy 10th Birthday, Ana!!

2011-04-05T04:00:00.001-06:00

Little did we realize how much YOU would change US-for the better!

Those sweet little eyes would draw us in.....

Those hands slipped into ours would encourage us to be better people....

You are daily our delight, Anastasia!

Much love.......Mom

(AKA )

Keepin' It Real.....

2011-04-04T04:00:00.000-06:00

Although I’m not going to tell you which child this is……

I did wonder what you all would do w/ the anxiety issues we seem to be having w/ one of our children right now.

He/She has been up at night several times & will not go to sleep when we put said child to bed. (Crying about bad dreams, & missing mommy/needing mommy in the room to go to sleep).

(Have I mentioned that I do NOT do well w/ being awaked at 3:30am!?)

FFF.....At our house, "A" is for Ana!

2011-04-01T04:00:00.002-06:00

I am sure the “A” for this week’s Favorite Foto Friday was probably for April.

But, in our house, a theme like that can only mean one thing-ANA!! & how, appropriate, since she turns 10 next week! 10!?!

(As my hubby says, “Who authorized that?!?”)

Umm...ok, that was FAR from boring......I wish it had been, though!

2011-03-30T22:30:00.002-06:00

We have our house on the market, as you may know. We can have as little as one hour notice before showings (which has happened only once, thank goodness!)

Every time I get a text, there's a moment of excitement/dread before I check it. Yes, I'm thrilled for every showing, but depending on how soon the showing is requested, or how messy the house is, there's often stress associated w/ hearing those texts notifications!

Imagine my emotions Tuesday night, when after finishing up at ballet clear across town, as we were all buckling into the van, & I heard “THE RING.” I knew the house wasn't "show ready," so I was relieved to discover that the request was for Wed. morning.

We often spend the couple of hours we need to be out of the house at my sister's home, since she lives less than 5 minutes away. She worked Wed., but I knew she wouldn't care if we spent the time there. After cleaning & staging the house, we loaded up (Ana's school work included-we homeschool, in case you forgot) & made our way over. Little did I suspect how quickly my plans would change.

All the kids tore in the house, intent on each individual agenda. Ruth & Nat love her back yard, & Ana knew school work lay in her future. I brought up the rear, w/ Ana's school books in tow.

I rounded the corner, & to my horror, there in the middle of her kitchen floor, I spotted a MOUSE! I hate mice.

Really & truly HATE mice.

I tried to scare it back into it's hiding place, but when I stomped the floor, it barely moved (but it moved enough I knew it was still among the land of the living!) Uggg.

I encouraged R & N quickly out the backdoor, but of course, they had to check out the mouse.

Meanwhile, I was beginning to feel a bit sick to my stomach.

(I have to say, I am not so averse to the critters-if they would only STAY in THEIR natural habitat-& not intrude on mine!)

After the two "littles" were safely ensconced in the backyard, Ana & I decided we HAD to do something about that THING. Shannon (my sister) had been trying for at least a month to get rid of them!

We concluded he wasn't going anywhere, since we had tried scaring him multiple times, & he'd barely moved.

After searching her house & garage, the best we could come up w/ was a flower pot w/ very tiny holes. Capturing it seemed to be the only option, since we couldn't come up w/ a way to get rid of it.

I moved in on my target, Ana cheering me on. (& holding the BIG rock we were placing on top).

In my haste to get it over him, I bumped his tail! & a tiny little “squeak” came out. Again, I say, “Uggg…”

But, the second attempt was successful, & Ana quickly plunked the rock down on top.

& I gave a HUGE sigh of relief.

BUT, I didn’t want to stay there, w/ a tiny trapped rodent that might continue to squeak.

Anyone understand my hesitation? I KNOW some of you have to agree!

So, we loaded everyone & all our stuff back in the van.

As I was backing out of the driveway (feeling really bad that my sister w/ no hubby would have to come home to this!), I sighted-SALVATION!!

In the form of a man working on the flooded house next door!

I walked up behind him & explained the dilemma…..& thankfully, he agreed to get rid of the mouse for me!!! WHAT a RELIEF!!

He & I entered the “danger zone”-otherwise known as “MY SISTER’S KITCHEN.” He, w/ gloves & a crowbar.

After he said that HIS wife would have run screaming from the house. But, no, not me!! (At least, not *this* time!)

He lifted the pot to examine the “monster” & asked me to open the back door. He scooted the whole contraption over to the door, lifted the lid & flipped the mouse out of the door w/ his crowbar.

Then, he slid the crowbar under the mouse & flung it all the way across the yard-into the neighbor’s!!

He chuckled & said, “Now, it can DIE-over there!”

As we left the house, I told him he had done all his good deeds for about a month!

& we left…..(no, I couldn’t stay in the house…..I was too distraught!)

But, the best part of the whole thing was the many times Ana said, “Mom, what’s the big deal? It’s only a MOUSE!!”
WHAT?!? How, I ask you, did THAT child come from MY body!?!

Remember This?!

2011-03-30T04:00:00.000-06:00

Just Mommy & Me.....

2011-03-29T04:00:00.000-06:00

What happened to that little girl?

One of my All-Time FAVORITE Pics!!!

2011-03-28T04:00:00.000-06:00

Taken shortly before Ruth's 1st b-day. She had been home a bit over 5 mo.

The "Just Being Glad" Game

2011-03-24T21:01:00.003-06:00

The kids & I devour CD books. We almost always have one or another playing in the van. We have listened to all the “Anne,” spelled w/ an “E” books, several Nancy Drew mysteries & ever so many more. (Yes, even Ruth & Nat listen w/ rapt attention to any story Ana or I pick!)

The other day, I picked up “Pollyanna” from the library. Growing up, we had a tattered, old copy in our home & I remembered reading it several times.

Little did I realize it might stop me short in my tracks……& help me re-evaluate life.

We listened to this section today (I know this is long, but, trust me, it is well worth the read!)

~Pollyanna explaining the Glad Game to Rev. Paul Ford. (Chapter 22)
"Yes, and I used to ask him just as I did you if he was glad he
was a minister."

The man under the tree smiled a little sadly.

"Well--what did he say?"

"Oh, he always said he was, of course, but 'most always he said,
too, that he wouldn't STAY a minister a minute if 'twasn't for
the rejoicing texts."

"The--WHAT?" The Rev. Paul Ford's eyes left the leaf and gazed
wonderingly into Pollyanna's merry little face.

"Well, that's what father used to call 'em," she laughed. "Of
course the Bible didn't name 'em that. But it's all those that
begin 'Be glad in the Lord,' or 'Rejoice greatly,' or 'Shout for
joy,' and all that, you know--such a lot of 'em. Once, when
father felt specially bad, he counted 'em. There were eight
hundred of 'em."

"Eight hundred!"

"Yes--that told you to rejoice and be glad, you know; that's why
father named 'em the 'rejoicing texts.' "

"Oh!" There was an odd look on the minister's face. His eyes had
fallen to the words on the top paper in his hands--"But woe unto
you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!" "And so your
father--liked those 'rejoicing texts,' " he murmured.

"Oh, yes," nodded Pollyanna, emphatically. "He said he felt
better right away, that first day he thought to count 'em. He
said if God took the trouble to tell us eight hundred times to be
glad and rejoice, He must want us to do it--SOME. And father felt
ashamed that he hadn't done it more. After that, they got to be
such a comfort to him, you know, when things went wrong; when the
Ladies' Aiders got to fight--I mean, when they DIDN'T AGREE about
something," corrected Pollyanna, hastily. "Why, it was those
texts, too, father said, that made HIM think of the game--he
began with ME on the crutches--but he said 'twas the rejoicing
texts that started him on it."

"And what game might that be?" asked the minister.

"About finding something in everything to be glad about, you
know. As I said, he began with me on the crutches."

I have always struggled w/ “seeing the good,” in spite of all my efforts. Ana is much like me.

Can we play the “just being glad game?” We decided to try…..
There is only one rule to this simple game:
“ The game was to just find something about everything to be glad about--no matter what 'twas,’ rejoined Pollyanna,
earnestly. ”

Can I find something to be glad about w/ fighting children?
~They sure have spirit. They know what they want.

How about a husband that travels for work waaaay more than I like?
~At least he has a job. He likes his job. We get a lot of benefits when he travels so much! (free hotel points!!! Yippee!)

From today: What can I possibly find to be glad about when the “FOR SALE” sign was STOLEN from our front yard today?
~Well, we might not have as many showings until we replace it, but they are stressful to get ready for. (Possibly less stress for the next few days!)
~Gave me a chance to spend 5 minutes OUTSIDE in the SUNSHINE-looking for our sign! Yeah, sun!
~Ok….that’s about all I can think of. Can you think of any more?

The book Pollyanna reminded me that God’s Word says we are told to rejoice-no matter our circumstances.

A timely “read.”

(Looks like N might need to work on the "Glad Game," doesn't it?)

Thursdays Before the Throne

2011-03-24T04:00:00.000-06:00

A friend posted this on FB the other day-a quote from Elizabeth Elliot.

"None of us is perfectly humble, but we can humble ourselves. We can put ourselves in a humble place, do a humble job. We can position ourselves to serve. When we do that, a wonderful thing happens. God gives us spiritual insight and understanding of things we didn't see before."

Lord, teach me to be postition myself to SERVE these precious gifts....maybe in serving them, You will give me the insight I so desperately need to parent them better....

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-23T04:00:00.000-06:00

My Home.....a HAVEN? I sure hope so!

2011-03-21T21:44:00.003-06:00

I often struggle w/ priorities. Please tell me you do, too.

One suggestion I found the other day while surfin’ the net, was to ask yourself a series of questions to find out what you value.

I found a re-occurring theme to my answers:

I want a home that’s a HAVEN: any place of shelter and safety; refuge

In today's world, this seems critical to me......

Right now, there are many areas I fall short of creating this for my family:
~A lack of predictability to our schedule, & my expectations for my kids.
~A lack of predicting/meeting my family’s needs in a timely fashion (ie. “WHAT?!? It’s 4:30 pm?! How did that happen? Now, what on EARTH can I feed this family?!?)

But, the biggest hindrance to this seems to be sibling rivalry.

So, one thing I am trying is to be way more PRO-active in TEACHING them how to get along. One way we’ve accomplished this lately, is by me actually PLAYING w/ them. We have also been attempting to JUST HAVE FUN! How about an impromptu picnic now that the weather’s a bit warmer?

(See them out in the field behind our house?)

Got any ideas that have worked in your family?

The words to this old hymn keep running through my head:

"Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.

Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed?
To do the will of Jesus--this is rest.

Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round?
On Jesus' bosom naught but calm is found.

Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away?
In Jesus' keeping we are safe, and they.

Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?
Jesus we know, and He is on the throne."

What the Lord's Been Teaching me.....

2011-03-20T22:11:00.003-06:00

It's hard to put my finger on......but, I think I could mostly sum up by saying....

He's turning my heart toward them.

I don't know.....I was getting so busy, that I have really been forgetting to JUST LOVE THEM.

Probably has a lot to do w/ Ana turning 10 in a few weeks.

But, it has been soooo rewarding just to give of myself.

Why do I always forget?

Well, I am here.....but very, very busy......

2011-03-17T20:25:00.005-06:00

I don’t think I have ever had a more busy time in my life:
~The house is on the market.
~Homeschooling continues each weekday.
~Intentionally trying to spend “FUN TIME” w/ the kiddos each day.

And, last weekend, a long anticipated “get-away” overnight w/ my oldest!

What she once thought impossible….

Is now, “Mission Accomplished!”

Ana filled up her “Chore Jar” last week!!! She’s been adding marbles since November!

We spent the night at a local hotel, & combined the retreat w/ a “tea party” & an in depth conversation about true beauty & how God views us as women!

& You know what?

*I* came away refreshed! She challenged me-not so much in things she said……but just in her desire to please God. I want to be more of the woman God created me to be-AS HER MOTHER!

If you have a pre-teen, have you done anything like this? Got any good books to recommend? (Besides what we are using now: "8 Great Dates For Moms & Daughters")

Welcome To/Bienvenidos A......

Early Morning Cuddles......

Ugg...

Skiing again......

Busy Cleaning, Organizing, & Decorating.

I Said "Yes!"

Ruthie-Full of Questions....some easy, some a bit more difficult.

Ana's Adventure

Calling it a Night....

The Dillon Bed & Breakfast is Open for Business!

She's Been Home for 5 Years.....

Breathing a Big Sigh of Relief.......

And the Celebration Continues!

So excited to find a way to post from my phone-WITH PICS!

testing once again...

Testing Windows Live Writer

Jumping On the "One Thousand Gifts" Bandwagon......

Skiing.......A Picture of Life

Blessed Beyond Mesure!!

Merry Christmas-from our family to yours!

Well, here I am-apologizing yet again.

Spent some time w/ a friend that lost her baby......

One of my favorites so far this Christmas Season

Christmas Program at Church......

Finally Taking a Breath!!

Bad, busy blogger lately!

Sorry....I know I've been a bad blogger this week!

"It was only a *small* fire, Mom."

11-11-11

Score!

Wordless Wednesday

Let the Decorating Begin in Earnest! (Part 2.....of hopefully many more posts!)

Frollicking Through Fall....

I'm Out Grocery Shopping!

Let the Decorating Begin in Earnest!

Snow Day!

Quite Possibly the "World's Largest Pizza."

Happy Halloween......(yes, we do celebrate it at our house!)

When Mom is Sick.....

A First.....& this kids LOVES "firsts!" (is that a word?)

Sick.....all of us but Nat.

Straight From Guatemala (our favorite country-aside from the good old US of A!!!)

Trying to capture Ruthie's personality......& pictures simply aren't enough!

Psalm 150:4

"Praise Him with the tambourine and dancing;"

Finally Furniture!!!

Philippians 3:20

Growing Up!! Another Milestone Achieved!

Psalm 102:26

"So Teach us to Number Our Days...."

More From Our Day Out.....

Isaiah 45:6

Still Here.....Just a *bit* going on......

Psalm 113:3

We're in the swing of things!!! School's off & running!

Never a Dull Moment!

This is my baby......

Yes, this "Homeschooling Family" just dropped one of their kids off at public school.....

Busy, Busy Days!

Bloggy Break!!

I'm Taking TIME.....

Fun w/ the Babysitter!

Something to ponder...

Picture Proof......

Bountifully Blessed.....

Bountifully Blessed....

Bountifully Blessed....

Bountifully Blessed....

Bountifully Blessed....

Bountifully Blessed....

Bountifully Blessed....(again!)

Bountifully Blessed....

Looking Frantically for House!!! :)

Just to Keep You All in the Loop!

Under Contract!!

Well.....I sure have some brave kiddos.....(& one who's more like her mama!)

Spring has *finally* sprung!

Yes, in fact, our house is on the market......

Chore Time!

one more time!

"It was only a small fire, Mom."

Still Here.....Just a bit going on......

Spring has finally sprung!

Wordless Wednesday......(Yes, I do know it's Thursday!)

Umm...ok, that was FAR from boring......I wish it had been, though!