The Dump

We went on a field trip to the Dump!

 

In the warehouse watching the trash trucks come in. 

The kids really enjoyed learning the inside scoop about trash! :)

Henry especially loved all the big trucks and talk about recycling!

He said, "Maybe one day you'll see me in your alley picking up your trash!"

Ha Ha  How do you teach kids that every job is needed, but to aim as high as you can?! 





Lately

The snow started melting and it was a blazing 50 degrees!  

The kids got out their bikes right away!!

Pete's gallery displayed some local home school students art work.

Henry's pencil drawings.

 

 All 3 boys participated.  It was fun for them to be in the same gallery as their Dad!

 

Ben's clay creations.

 Peter's Watercolor painting.  (the glare is really bad.)

Peter turned 12!

I LOVED his birthday! So simple. So fun.

And Henry told his sister that when they are teenagers he will take her out on a date, to McDonald's, to get Happy Meals.  Wow!  He knows how to treat the ladies!!! ;)

12

The blessing Pete shared with Lilly for the new year was perfect. 

Equally, the blessing Pete shared with his oldest son brings me to tears every time I read it
(and I've read it like 20x!) :)

 Today he is 12.

Peter - Our oldest son!  You've been a blessing to us since before you were even born.  When mom was pregnant with you, you represented the fulfillment of our hope for a family that sought to glorify our Savior.  We love each of you with your different gifts equally; but Peter  you remind me of the newness of marriage and the dreams that were to be fulfilled in the future.  And you have exceeded our expectations!   You've gladly taken on the role of an older brother - leading your siblings, speaking for them, helping them with tasks.  You have a natural ability to teach and you put that to use with your brothers and sister with a great deal of patience.   

This year I challenge you to remember that God has built you for his His service.  Work diligently and with great humility to develop your gift, understanding that a teacher bears a lot of responsibility.  He needs to understand the students he's teaching.  He needs to help them learn, but he doesn't have to have all the answers.  So pursue the Lord in His word, praying for faith and understanding.  Run to Him for salvation, for comfort, for help with sin.  Continue to read a lot - not just for your own personal knowledge that can puff up with pride; but for the benefit of others.

Titus 2:7 -8; Proverbs 10: 17; Colossians 2:1 -10

My dear firstborn son,  I will forever love you with a new mother's love. 

You are a gift.

HAPPY 12TH BIRTHDAY!!!

6

My beauty is 6 today. 

Pete's words to his daughter capture the blessing she is to us.

Lilly - 6 years ago the Lord placed you in our family and you've been a beautiful addition to the group of boys that were already in our home.  We all changed when you were born.  I think you turned these rough, wrestling boys into boys that are a little more kind and caring (although you can fight and wrestle like a boy, too).  You've made us appreciate things like Barbies, dresses, princesses, and horses.  Mommy and I have been so blessed by you throughout your life (who knew God would use one little girl to bring so much happiness)!  I love to watch you and listen to you interact with people with your dancing, big smile and many words!  That smile makes those around you happy, too.  This year, my hope for you is that you'd be yourself, and that you'll grow in your love and care for others; that you'd begin to model yourself after Queen Esther who understood how to humbly speak for those who were weak. 

Esther 4:13 - 7:5

My dear amazing, beautiful, joyful daughter, 

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY!!

I love you!!!

Frozen Birthday

 The weather outside lately seemed the perfect backdrop for Lilly's 6th birthday party. 

She requested a FROZEN birthday from the new Disney movie.

My amazing friend made the cake!

 

 

Lilly had 6 of her friends over to celebrate.

One of Lilly's favorite presents. . . 

A homemade Anna dress from the movie FROZEN by her Aunt Joy!

Week in review

Despite the very cold temperatures and heavy snow falls we are just as busy as ever!

 

Lilly had a friend over to play.

There was a quick break in the snow and I immediately got out my spray paint! :)

I finished painting the doors upstairs.

BEFORE:

 

 AFTER:

(we removed the other hallway door)

We visited one of the colleges in town.

They invited homeschooling families to come and talk to the international students.

What a great opportunity it was for us to practice our conversational skills and learn about other cultures!  They had never heard of homeschooling before we came!!

Lilly decided to make her face match her dress!

Just a regular day.

We went roller skating with our homeschool co op. 

(So nice to go in the middle of the day when everyone else is in school!)

Ben's fan club sat on the sidelines for another basketball game.

There he is! #2



 

We celebrated a birthday with a friend!

We had friends over for dinner and Lilly was thankful to have someone who was willing to play "getting married" with her! 

The things I love.

Henry losing another tooth and then really losing the tooth somewhere in the basement!! 

Yikes, for whoever finds it!!!  

 

Every night, after I put Lilly to bed, she colors and cuts and slips little drawings under my door. 

Ben just jumped right in to help make dinner.
(He is making donuts for Lilly's family night.)

Ben is playing basketball at our local YMCA.

He had a great first game and is enjoying playing on a team with his good friend.
Sweaty!!

Celebrating  Pete's birthday.

Big hugs for those homemade gifts!!