nine freaks me out

In a few short days, my eldest turns nine. And I have to tell you - this freaks me out. Nine! That's halfway to 18. We can't possibly have only nine years left with her in our home. No way. At this point she claims she'll live here until she finishes college. But this mama is smart enough to know that those plans might change. But whatever time we have left, I'll enjoy each day with her, that's for sure.

In the meantime, we are celebrating!. She had her "friend" party this past weekend and it was a huge success. Loud, giggly and full of sugar.

Waiting for her guests to arrive.

A little craft time to start things off. They painted wooden treasure boxes.

Then an impromptu dance party with their American Girl dolls. Which of course ended in a huge pile of laughter.

We had tacos for dinner. Then everyone decorated their own cakes. Two layers. Frosting all over. And tons of candy and sprinkles to decorate with. Very fun!




Then everyone changed into jammies and pulled out sleeping bags. Audrey opened her gifts and they all snuggled up with popcorn to watch "A Dolphin Tale."

So very thankful for this daughter of ours and the woman she is becoming. She brings much joy to our home. Happy Birthday Audrey!

vacation cereal

Patrick has this next week off. So we're taking a break from school and enjoying some family time. They let me sleep in this morning until 8:30! And when I came downstairs I discovered that they had all made a quick trip to the grocery store for vacation cereal. Yikes - that's a lot of sugar!

valentine's day

Valentine's Day was sweet yesterday. We kept it pretty low-key, just a few special things to say "I love you."

Love notes from mom at the breakfast table.

Heart pancakes on new Valentine plates.


Sugar cookies with sprinkles to share with friends.

And my personal favorite - the annual homemade card from my hubby. He had to explain it to me - I'm a little slow sometimes. It says "I Still...Pick You." And for that I am very thankful!


Happy Valentine's Day!!

nana!

My Mom spent the past four days with us and we had a great time. She helped with the kids, gave Patrick and I a date night and took Audrey and I out to lunch. She also came with us to Awana and Co-op. And hiked in the woods with us. Which was all in addition to her usual doses of love and encouragement. (Man, she must be tired tonight!)

She had to leave this morning and this afternoon Ethan was moping around the house. I asked what was the matter. "I just miss Nana," he said. Me too, buddy. Me too.

Thanks for coming Mom. We love you!

pioneer days - week 5

This week we read Sugar Snow and Winter in the Big Woods. We made thimble paintings which we framed and then we played a few games of marbles. After classes were over today we had a Valentine's party. Cards, treats and yummy food to eat. Very fun.


Just two weeks left this quarter. It's going so fast!

saying goodbye

There were a lot of things that made me nervous about hosting people I'd never met in our home. But what I didn't realize was that saying goodbye would be the hardest part. We're missing them already!












My girlie was in heaven! She's ready for us to adopt her a sister right now! We shall see...we shall see.

they're here!

I'd like you to meet Grace, Maureen, and Josephine - our new friends from the Ugandan Children's Choir. They are staying with us for a couple of days and we are having a great time! What a privilege to get to know these girls. I know Tuesday is going to come WAY too fast.

excitement!

We have some very special guests coming to stay with us tomorrow. Lots of cleaning, scrubbing and shopping going on today. We can't wait!

pioneer days - week 4

This quarter is just flying by. We're having so much fun. Today in our pioneer class we read Summertime in the Big Woods and County Fair. Then we got busy "churning" our own butter - which we ate on homemade crackers similar to what Laura and Mary would have eaten. And then they each made a beanbag toss game and had a little friendly competition.

happy february!

special day

Dear Audrey,
Happy 'born-again' birthday, my girl. What a special day three years ago when you decided to ask Jesus into your heart. It is such a privilege for me to watch you grow in your love for Him. You are becoming a lovely young lady with a kind heart and gentle spirit. I could not be more proud. I'm so thankful that you're mine. But I'm even more thankful that you're His. Love you sweet girl.
Love, Mom