The CIvil War Wax Museum

Our third grader, who delights in all things fun, had a great time being Sarah Emma Edmonds for the day! They were not allowed to speak unless you pressed their little button at which time they would deliver a prepared speech on who they were and what they did. Fun!

Field Trip -- 3 Grade Style

I cannot remember that last time I road a school bus, but pretty sure it has been a long time! Last week, however, I joined up with the third grade class to tour an 1800 farmstead and take a canal boat ride. I couldn't believe how much I learned and thoroughly enjoyed hanging with my favorite 3rd grader and her friends!

Our Own Chef

One of the things that has been fun to see as our kids have grown is their distinct personal interests. All three boys love soccer and the girls all seem to enjoy their various crafts. They all enjoy reading and we are seeing a new love for music emerging in several of them.

True to form, one of the twins -- who especially has always enjoyed food--- has become quite a cook, and really enjoys it as well.... and I love it when he takes over. Pizza is his current specialty, although he will attempt anything I ask.  Love kids in the kitchen!

BROTHERS

I LOVE this picture of our boys! There is something that just clicks with these boys and it is a joy to watch! None of them are perfect, but they enjoy hanging together. They push each other to go just a bit further than they normally might, and they laugh! Being the mom of 6 certainly wears me out, but the joy in relationships like this refreshes my heart!

I know this picture may be rather alarming, but it seriously was the only place he could find to sit in my father in-laws hospital room just a few short weeks ago; and the nurse was just a little shocked when she walked in, not realizing he was using it as a chair :-)!

So apparently the theme for this year is the preciousness of life! After my mom's serious heart attack in January, she once again found herself in a perilous situation just when she was suppose to head on vacation. Not only was she admitted to the hospital, she was careflighted to Mayo clinic where God intervened and gave her a new lease on life. We are eternally grateful!

One week later we found ourselves in a different CICU as God orchestrated events to protect my father in-law. God has been so faithful, sparing their lives, bringing just the right medical staff and support systems into our family's life. Time will hopefully bring full recovery and strength.... and we are blessed.

So often we take for granted all those little things in life.... never realizing it may be the last time for any of them. God is sovereign and we are so thankful for his hand upon our lives!

Happy Birthday to Our Oldest Son!

Happy 14th Birthday to our amazing son! We are so proud of the young man you are becoming and so enjoy watching you grow in your walk with God and your passions. You have transitioned so well into public school after all those years of homeschooling, and though it hasn't been easy, you are learning to be true to yourself and to your God!

Celebrating his birthday includes dinner out with mom and dad -- this year at BD's Mongolian grill (mm-mmm) followed by his requested double layer peanut butter chocolate chip cookie cake, presents and celebrating with siblings and Rob's parents.

Happy Easter ~~

Preparing for any holiday for our family seems to take more than just a few hours of planning and preparation--- in fact, our oldest princess made the comment (as we were busy cooking on Saturday) that Easter always just seemed so magical! She had no idea of all the time that went into creating those memories!

I did spend a day (with great help from our crew) making pies, helping the kids dye Easter eggs, filling Easter baskets and 90 eggs to hide, baking bread, and making yummy sides to complete our Easter dinner. I was tired at the end of the day, but did delight in the fun we had creating more memories together!

Christ is Risen! And for the that our family rejoices! We are blessed beyond measure by His ultimate sacrifice. And because He lives, we celebrated!