Life is Busy

As much as I still would love to blog daily, it just isn't feasible in this season of life. I really can't figure out how others manage to "do it all," so it seems, and still live find time to blog about it. Many days, I don't even have time to turn my computer ON, much less blog.

Anyway, I just wanted to touch base and say we are doing well.  Just busy....

I will try to to give a better update next time. ;)

Blizzardmagedon 2011

That's what they're calling it around these parts.  The term "blizzard" is just not a word uttered by our local meteorologists on a regular basis, if ever.  The forecasters have been talking about this storm for a week or two.  I half paid attention.  I knew that our weather was about to take a drastic change from the nearly 80 degree temps we enjoyed over the weekend, but I didn't know we were seriously expecting a blizzard until yesterday.  Many laughed at the hype and mocked when schools closed before a drop of precipitation ever fell.  In fact, closings began before the temperature ever even dropped below freezing!  That is unheard of! 

But not anymore....

Snow it did.  And blow it did.  Snow + Blow = Blizzard

So this morning, I asked Craig, "Are we going to make the boys bottle their calves themselves or....."  Before I could finish my sentence he said, "YES!" 

And really....there was no reason not to.  They are healthy and come on!  They are 7 and 9.  What kids that age wouldn't be thrilled with the chance to go out in blowing snow?  That's awesome stuff right there.

They loved every second of it.  And I loved every second of watching from the window.  :)

Bringing the bottles from the barn, to the calves.

Can you see them? 

All done.

Hurry back to the house.

They had trouble getting the gate open.  It had snowed that much in the short time they were out!

Finally in the gate.

Whew!  That wasn't so bad.

Time to thaw out.

The Pathway

I love the writings of Roy Lessin.  In fact, I have one of his quotes framed and hanging next to my bathroom sink.  I knew I was in for a treat when I received an e-card from Craig's Grandma, and saw that Roy Lessin was the author.  I was so impressed by it, I just had to share.  I hope it speaks to you.  Enjoy!

The Pathway

One day, a follower of the Lord knelt before his Father in heaven.  With a prayer on his lips, peace in his spirit, and faith in his heart, he gazed into his Father's eyes.  He noticed that the Lord's eyes were clear and brilliant and sharply focused.  The follower turned in the direction that the Lord's eyes were focused.  Looking out, he saw a pathway.

The pathway was only visible for a few hundred yards and faded from view behind a small hill.  The follower also noticed other pathways close by.  Each of the other pathways were only visible for a short distance as they turned either to the right or left.

It was at this time that the Lord spoke to the follower.

     "If you ever wonder where the pathway is taking you, simply look down and you will notice my footsteps ahead of you and behind you.  ~ As you walk, you will notice other pathways close to yours.  Some pathways may get your attention, and draw your interest and curiosity.  They are pathways that I have chosen for others. ~ You may be attracted to these other pathways because of the flowers that border them, the trees that shade them, or the direction in which they are heading.  What you don't see is the depth of the valleys and the steepness of the mountains through which these pathways wind. ~  Those whom I have called to travel these other pathways will have My grace for the journey.  It is My perfect plan for them. ~  I do not want you to waste your time imagining what it might be like traveling down someone else's pathway.  If you did travel one of them you would not have My grace upon you, and the valleys and hills would be a burden to you and create a weariness within you. ~ The time and energy I give you will always be enough for each day's travel, and you will find My resting places along the way.  Give yourself completely to the pathway upon which My eyes are focused.  As you do, continue to look upon My face, for My smile will be upon you.  And never forget that everything is significant and is working together for the good that I have planned for you. ~  I know where the pathway is taking you.  I have already traveled it, and believe Me when I say that you could never imagine the incredible things that await you."

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.  

Psalm 16:11 

Author:  Roy Lessin

Brothers By Blood

I'm still working on that baptism video.  I really wanted to share this sweet picture I took beforehand though.  It is so great to know that not only are they brothers by blood relation, but also, they are Brothers by the Blood of Jesus.  Awesome!

Jumping in Where We Are

It is upon us.  That nasty stomach bug.  Ugh!  I detest stomach bugs.  I have to say, I think I handle them much better than my parents ever dreamed I would.  Now that I have kids, it's just different.  We are 3 and 5 now.  That is, 3 of us have (or have had) it since Friday, and 2 of us have not.  Anyone care to guess who's on which team, and who is in the trenches now?  LoL!  At least we're over the halfway mark!

Rather than worry about all the many pictures I've never shared here, or try to play catch up....I thought maybe I'd just jump in where I am.  Obviously.  Did you read the first paragraph?  I did want to mention though, that Josh and Andrew did end up getting baptized on January 2.  I was able to take a video and one of my goals is to figure out how to condense it enough to be able to upload it online.  Any tutors out there?  It's my understanding you have to have a program to convert it somehow?  I'm clueless.

We are into our second semester of school.  I am finally getting my head back in a place where I believe we can accomplish this.  I am well aware that I don't post here often, and what I do share is usually the positive.  Of course, that is always more fun, and I also believe that positive things are what we should focus on.  There is a balance though.  I wouldn't want to be guilty of giving anyone the idea that I "have it all together, all the time," and in turn make them feel like something is wrong with them.  Cause let me tell ya!  I do NOT have it all together, ever.  Yes, I have moments that are better than others.  Don't we all?

So all of that to say....  I have struggled with homeschooling lately.  I'm just going to say it.  It ain't easy.

Maintaining routines
Minimizing distractions
Being creative
Feeling behind
Wanting it to be so much fuller and richer than it is...
Figuring out how each learns
Spending extra time on the subjects that aren't as fun, and don't come as easy.
Feeling totally overwhelmed on all fronts.

I could go on, and in great detail...but you get the point.

With all of that said though, I still believe it is what I'm supposed to be doing.  Perhaps not for the reasons I once thought.  Well, maybe it is for those reasons.  But it's more than that.  

Just as much as it is for them....  It's for me.

I believe God wants to stretch me, and grow me through this season of parenthood.  In what ways?

One of the biggest ways, I think, is in trusting God.  I believe He wants to show me that He is the One in control.  He is the One who will redeem my mistakes, daily.  He is the One who will speak to the hearts of these boys, and grow them into His men. 

I am humbled to be a part of the journey.

Happy New Year

We're still alive and kicking. We had a great Thanksgiving and Christmas season and are looking forward to the potential 2011 holds. Hopefully, that will involve more blogging, but I'm not making any promises. :)

This year we made a conscience effort to teach the boys what Christmas is really all about by having an Advent devotion most evenings in the month of December.

We took turns lighting Advent candles and Craig would read some Scripture, then we'd discuss a couple of questions. At the end, and sometimes before we began, we'd ask one of the big boys to pray for us. It was astounding to listen to their prayers mature. It was evident each time, that they had truly heard what we had said. By the time Christmas came, we were sure that they knew what it was all about. JESUS, the gift GOD gave to the world. Not, what we get in the form of presents under the tree.

This truly was the best Christmas ever with our boys. Of course they enjoyed many gifts, but the best one of all came when Andrew told us he had prayed to accept Jesus into his heart and that he wanted to be baptized. Josh had accepted Jesus almost a year ago to the day as Andrew, but had not been ready to make it public, until now. They both went forward after a recent worship service at our church and will be joining by baptism possibly as soon as tomorrow night.

I have quite a few pictures I'd like to share of random events.  This short post has taken me quite a while to finish, due to interruptions, so I think I will end here for tonight and save those for another time.

Happy 2011 to all our Family and Friends!

Aahhhhh

Andrew took this picture of himself a couple of weeks ago.  I thought it was pretty cute.  I always have loved his cute little baby teeth, but they are starting to fall out now.  Bittersweet.

Happy Birthday Craig!

Happy 34th!  We LOVE you!!

Andrew's Birthday

I just pulled out a box of old pictures, most of which are prints. Remember those?!  I now feel the overwhelming desire to look through them all.

Here's a peek at one of them. Andrew on his 1st birthday!

And here is Andrew near his 7th birthday! My how he's grown.

Andrew had a fun few days of celebrating. A few days before, we took him to a local restaurant that he'd been wanting to try, Soda Steve's. It is a really fun place with yummy food, but he was too interested in gifts to enjoy the food much.

He got this Webkinz he'd asked for. I got it for him knowing that his stuffed animal playing days are so limited... They will be gone all too soon. :( So, I'm going to relish in it for the moment. :)

From Grandma and Grandpa he got his first Bible.  He's already getting it broken in, which thrills me.  He also got Toy Story 3, which has been a hit for the whole family.

The next day, Craig took Andrew for the day.  He had an errand to run, which was halfway across the state, so they got to eat out twice and take a stroll through Bass Pro Shop.  I think they both enjoyed that time together a lot.

Then on the big day, we got to go see Nana and Papa, Granny and Grandad.  We shared a yummy meal and the cake Andrew requested, Red Velvet Cheesecake!  Of course, the gifts were a big highlight again.  He got some really cool educational toys that will teach him tons, a solar system model and a microscope.  We look forward to using them in our school studies.

Overall, I'd say Andrew was celebrated quite well this year...

Andrew is still quite witty, and so smart.  He amazes me continuously with his pure common sense.  Something that will serve him well in life.  Oh how I wish I had recorded every little thing he has said!  We are so proud of him!  He is an amazing little brother and best friend to Josh, as well as a wonderful big brother to Nathan.  He would tell you, that is one thing that makes him special.  He has both a big brother and a little brother.  :)  We are thankful to have a front row seat to watch what God will do with and through our precious Andrew.

We love you Andrew!  Happy 7th Birthday!

Happy Birthday Andrew!

Today, our boy Andrew, turns 7 years old.  There is so much more I'd like to post in honor of his day, but my camera and computer are not cooperating.  Besides, I should have even more to share after today...so I guess I will just wait.  I just wanted to be sure and say HAPPY  BIRTHDAY ANDREW early in the day.  We love you so much!

More later......

Robber's Cave (part 2)

Ha!  You thought I would never finish posting these pictures didn't you?  Gee, this trip was only a month ago....  What's the hurry?

We really enjoyed exploring Robber's Cave and would love to go back again sometime.  The thing is...we didn't exactly know what to expect, and I'd say it is not a good place for young children due to the rugged terrain.  When we first went out to explore we had the camera and the baby.  The next day, I didn't take a camera because it was a little rainy, and Nathan got to stay with "Bob" and "Gram" (my uncle and aunt).  I did take a few pictures with my phone, but you know I don't have those uploaded to my computer...... :)  So, I hope you enjoy these 'few' from our first little expedition.  Believe it or not, I have a LOT more I didn't post.

Right after this picture was taken, Nathan stepped in some mud and lost his shoe.  Nice start to our adventure.... :/

These beautiful berries were everywhere.

I believe the portion of the rock to the left in this picture is called "The Devil's Slide."  Not a full picture of it.  If you look very carefully, you can see a couple of climbers near the top.  They aren't ours, by the way...

There are MANY caves and crevices to explore.

When we reached the actual Robber's Cave it was a very steep descent to get to it.  I initially said I'd stay at the top with Nathan and not let him go in, but he wanted to so bad.  Daddy to the rescue carried him down, which made me soooo nervous!  It wasn't just nervousness for Nathan's safety, but I sure don't want Craig messing up his newly repaired shoulder.  Thankfully, all went well.

Ignore the man, boy and dog in the background....we don't know them.  Do you ever wonder where your picture might be plastered because you were in the background of someone's picture?  I would have cropped them out, but who has time to edit, right?

Inside Robber's Cave.

Andrew is exploring a deep crevice found inside the cave.

Do you think maybe someone got tired?

"Bob" waiting at the top.

The view was beautiful, the pictures don't do it justice.

This little monkey ended up way across from us on a different ledge, with The Devil's Slide separating us.

They'd found their way to the rooftop of Robber's Cave.

See...

I got the pleasure of carrying the Littlest Monkey down off the mountain.  All the while, vowing we'd come back without him later.

I love this picture!  I'm thinking about making a refrigerator magnet out of it to go in our trailer.

I thought this picture of Carter, on our drive back to camp, turned out pretty cool.

I'm sad that I was not able to take my camera when we returned the next day.  We saw some really neat rock formations, and it was a lot of fun.  I recommend it for anyone looking for a little adventure.

Robber's Cave (part 1)

Last weekend we had the pleasure of going camping along with my aunt and uncle and their grandson, Carter, who is one year older than Josh.  We had plans to visit Natural Falls State Park, but when we called, they said their park was full for the days we planned to stay.  So, we headed for another nearby State Park that we've been wanting to visit, Robber's Cave.  When we arrived, we found that our only option for camping side by side was in the Equestrian Campground, and even that was iffy.  We drove around until we found the last two side by side spots, and finally got set up facing each other so we had a nice little shared outdoor area.

Our trailer is on the right and their motor home is on the left.  At one point, we had both our awnings out, but since our fire pit was directly underneath, we put one back in.  : )

There were MANY horses literally in our back door window.  Here are a couple of them.

I'm not kidding about "literally" out our back window.  This picture was taken from inside our trailer without a zoom.  We actually felt quite at home with the smell and number of flies in the air. 

Just a cute shot of Andrew tying his shoes.

The first night, we had a campfire and made s'mores.  Nathan thought that was quite fun.

Needless to say, this camping experience was not as primitive as some of our previous trips.  "Bob" & "Gram" brought the i-Pad, which was a hit with the big boys.

I have a lot more pictures to share of the actual "Robber's Cave." The leaves were beautiful and it is definitely a fun place to visit. More next time.....

It's Math-U-See

As I have mentioned before, Josh is starting a new math program.  It is called Math-U-See and is right up his visual alley, so to speak.  As the name suggests, it is math you can actually see, hold, and touch with manipulatives.  We have backed him up quite a bit further than he might have needed to go in hopes of giving him a good running start into the more difficult operations.  These pictures show how they (Andrew is using this program too) are learning place value.  The green boxes represent units (or ones), the blue bars are tens, and the red squares are hundreds.  So the first picture shows 165.

Both Josh and Andrew are very much enjoying doing math this way.  There are other blocks that we use for addition that include color coded bars for 2-9 as well.  Won't they become dependent on the visuals, you ask?  I hope not.  The designer of this program assures they will not, since we always Build, Write AND Say each problem.  We take in as many senses as possible, even making up creative stories to help the material sink in.

 Because we are doing pretty easy stuff right now, it's hard to say how effective it will be in the long run, but I have a good feeling about it.  All I know for sure, is that they LOVE when it's time for math now.  Before, with Josh, love was the furthest thing from his mind when it came time for math.  Happy kids make for a happy teacher/Mama!