Weekend with the grandparents

Daughter9, son5, and niece5
Son3 with big sister hiding behind

As you can see from the above pics, tree climbing is a favorite activity at my parent's home. My oldest two would live in trees if I would allow it. The youngest hadn't shown much interest till just now. You can see that he still had quite a firm grip on that branch!

We headed to my parents right after leaving camp. The camp is half-way between our home and my folks, so it seemed like a good time for our visit. It had been six weeks since the last time we'd seen them. Way too long according to both my kids and my parents!

My parents had a very full house as my brother's two children were also staying for a few days. Grandparents and cousins to play with - life was pretty good. We went swimming, four-wheeling, rock climbing, blueberry picking, toad catching and played hide-n-seek in the dark. The joys of country living!

Bible Camp

Yikes, it's been quite a while since my last post! We've been quite busy the last two weeks. First off was daughter's stay at Bible camp. Even though this was her second summer going, I was still a nervous mama. She, however, had no qualms about it at all. In fact, shortly after getting her all set up, she gave me a quick hug and said "Bye, mom". What?! No tears? Hmmm, wonder if that was because she got the top bunk in her cabin or because she could already smell the camp dinner cooking? Either way, the only child who showed any tears was the 5 year old. He was upset because I wouldn't leave him at camp too. Goodness, my kids are ready to fly the coop already.

The boys did enjoy having mom to themselves for a few days though. We went and explored some new playgrounds and rode bikes every evening. So glad the weather was cooler.

Above is a picture of our camper when we went to pick her up at the end of camp. She was so bright-eyed, full of stories, and eager to recite some new verses she'd memorized. She's already talking about next summer's camp!

Birthday time

Finally got around to downloading pics from the 5 year old's birthday.

I was still running the daycare at the time, so we had built in guests galore. Combine water toys, sprinklers, cake, and toys to make for a satisfying birthday. Mr. 5 year old also got his first new bike - no training wheels!

Siblings getting along

Today was proof that siblings can spend a day together with each other and not bicker once! We spent our morning picking strawberries at the strawberry patch. Oh, what a wonderful smell! Not to mention all the pink fingers, shirts, shoes, etc. The kids worked together to fill their baskets. There was no competition, but instead I witnessed a great deal of teamwork. My daughter would pick the berries and dump them into the boys little baskets. The boys in turn would wait until each had a full basket before running to the large bucket to empty their sweet treats. No pushing, whining, or complaining. Best of all, the kids came up with the idea for their assembly line on their own.
After cleaning ourselves up, we headed to the nearby lake for a chance to cool off. Once again, I witnessed sibling cooperation. The oldest tried to teach her little brothers how to swim. She was encouraging and patient. The boys just followed her lead in everything. It was a good reminder for her that she is an example to her brothers. So glad that she was a good example. Just wished I had remembered my camera to capture the moment.
As a wonderful ending to our delightful day, we had fresh strawberry pancakes for dinner. Thanks, hubby, for making them.

These are the type of days that remind me why I put so much energy into parenting.

How does your garden grow?

I am pleased to say that our first attempt at vegetable gardening is successful! We have radishes, lettuce, and green beans all producing in great quantities. There is also promise yet for a crop of corn, carrots, cucumbers, and onions. What amazes me is that a month ago, everything lookes so straggly that I was sure our garden would never survive. Yet it not only survived, but thrived.
This is such a reminder of how our own children grow. There are times when it seems that they will never "grow and prosper"; but if we give them enough patience, time, and love, they will prosper in ways we could never have imagined but God had planned all along. My 2nd child is a perfect example of this. From a child who didn't speak anything but gibberish for three years, to now a very eloquent and bright 5 year old. All those moments of worry, appointments with specialists, and fears that he was "delayed" were wiped away when out of the blue, child #2 begins reading outloud and asking what every word says.
Our crops produced when they were designed to, and my son talked at the time when God planned. Now if I can continue to remember to let my children develop in God's time and not mine.

Welcome To Our World

Greetings to all! I've started this blog for a variety of reasons.

1. As a way to keep a record of what is going on in my family's life.

2. An additional way to keep the grandparents in touch with their "little darlings".

3. Hoping to share any insight we may have on being an old-fashioned family - one that teaches Godly values; homeschools; and holds high-expectations for our kids.

4. And just to show dear hubby that I am not completely computer illiterate.



So who are we? A full-time working for the railroad dad, a homeschooling mom, a "flair for the dramatics" nine year old daughter, a five year old son who no longer needs training wheels to speed down the driveway, a three year old son who loves cuddling and reading "Green Eggs and Ham", and one crazy feline.