Fun Shots

Traveling Ella-style (only a mom can take a picture of her snoring child behind her driving down the interstate at 70 mph)

Ella pushing Grandpa on the swing- as you can see, he isn't going very high.

A typical morning at Grandpa's- all the kids pile up in the bed with G-pa.

Cousins sharing secrets- there is no telling what Grace is saying!

Run Jonathon! Isaac is going to get you!!

Cookies with Nana

My dad's parents live next door, they have my whole life, and one thing you could always count on was Nana having something sweet. As you can tell, the kids have already figured that out.

4 for Isaac
2 for Ella (that is how many she asked for)
4 for Grace
4 for Jonathon
Cookies = happy children

At the park with Grandma Bessie

Tuesday morning me and the kids picked up Les's mom and spent some time together. We went to see the new family life center at her church (very cool!), grabbed some lunch, went to the park, and went to see Aunt Elizabeth and Aunt Alisha at their jobs. It was really nice.

Group shot at the park

Big Jon cruising on the scooter

Heading up the ladder for the big slide

The girls loved climbing

Another group shot

Dinner and fun with the great-grands

Monday night we went to eat dinner with my grandparents. I jokingly say they live on a farm. They do have horses, dogs, and other animals, but it really isn't a farm. We had a wonderful meal, rode the ATV, played on the swing set, and played softball in the front yard. It was lots of fun.

The kids checking out the horses. Jonathon is so sweet, he helped Ella up on the fence.

Swinging with Grandpa.

Ella told whoever pushed her in this swing, "Go higher!"

Mom, are you taking my picture again?

Jonathon riding one of the bikes that stays there.

Exploring

The first couple of days of this week, the kids and I went to visit family. It was so nice just to hang out and not have the craziness of the holidays. Tuesday, my brother, Jason, his wife Katie, and their son Isaac came over and we went exploring out the driveway.

Three fearless explorers heading out into the unknown.

Look! We found a tree!

And they are off!!!

Peek a boo!

Look! Its the lamp post from Narnia! Not really, just the redneck way to mark your property line. :) Neighbors!!

Golfn'

This is what it looks like when the men of our church go on a golf trip- they take over!! Les had a really good time, but I was so glad to see him come home!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for:
1. silly girls at the top of the stairs
2. Abby learned to fetch
3. wonderful coaches at Victory flag football-Jonathon needed the praise!
4. a husband who understands (when I mess up or just need time to myself)
5. all the extra kids have gone home for the day (6 extra today)
6. spring break is next week
7. Ella looks so cute in her new nightgown- she wore it all day!
8. tomorrow is supposed to be 76*!!
9. ways to earn extra money for the family
10. remembering God is in control of EVERY situation!

Rollin' along

The other day, Ella tried to skate. Needless to say it was funny!

"Look Mom! I am going to skate!"

"I'm doing it! I'm doing it!"

"Oh well. That was fun."

Just because

Bless you!

Last night, I was sitting in the playroom and Ella and Jonathon were watching TV on my bed and I sneezed. Ella leaned over so she could see me through the doorway and said, "Bless you, Mommy." Too sweet!

Another new look

Sooooo, what do you think? I think this may just be the one. Maybe. I think.

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for:

- chocolate candy YUM!

- all the chocolate candy is gone (the scale is very happy)

- warm weather

- family prayer time

- a golf trip for my hubby via a kind buddy

- flowers in the yard

- wonderful neighbors

- volleyball starts tomorrow

- my wonderful kids

- my fabulous husband

The Spud Bud

Grace had a school project (she is in Kindergarten) called the Spud Bud. It was a little person made out of a potato that lived with our family for a few days and then she had to journal about it's adventures. As you can see Elaina, the spud bud (Grace named HER!) had a great time in the back yard on the slide. I am sad to say that Elaina is no longer with us, potato's have a short life span. And no, I did not eat her!!
I love the hair blowing in the breeze!

YEAH God!!

As a result of attending the Thirst conference at our church, we have started having prayer time each night before the kids go to bed. The one thing God really spoke to me about during those 4 days was making my family my ministry. You would think that would be obvious, but sometimes all they get are the leftovers of everything I give to every body else (teaching at MMO, teaching SS, coaching). I am really trying hard to put them first. But back to prayer time. We all sit in a circle in the play room and hold hands. We each take turns praying and when you are finished you squeeze the hand of the person beside you. We have done very well and only skipped it one night. Each night after we finish, Ella cheers. She claps and screams YEAH! Last night, we prayed in a different order (normally one of the kids start, and I finish) and I prayed in the middle of the group. Ella stops us and yells, "I didn't get to pray!" I guess she thought since I was praying, we were done. Once she realized she would still get a turn, she was fine and did her usual cheer when we were all done. YEAH God!!!

Egg Huntin'

After dyeing eggs in the kitchen, we hunted them in the front yard. So fun! Cowgirl Grace found the first one!
Racing to check in the mailbox
I found one!
Dad helping find the "super hard" egg
All done! Notice the egg hunting attire- Jonathon still in his Easter finest, Ella in her pajamas (clothing of choice these days) and Grace sporting a pink cowgirl hat. Gotta love their style!

Egg Dyein' Fun

We may look innocent, but we know how to make a mess.

Mr. Egg, are you finished?

Easter Pictures

Happy Easter!! The kids got all dressed and even though we were late for church (which is actually the norm), I took a few minutes to snap a couple of shots (before they got dirty :)

Look, I'm a princess!
Tough guys wear pink
Grace loved her dress!
When we got home, I tried to set up a photo shoot in the front yard, but Ella would not cooperate. Tired and hungry do not produce great pictures.