The Concert!

A group of us went to the Pillar CD Release party and had a really good time. It's been too long since Cole got to go to a concert so the worship leader from the church we go to took the boys and the girls loaded into our van and away we went. This was Will and Ally's first concert. Will enjoyed it but Ally really enjoyed it and is now allowing her Wavorly poster to be up on the wall next to Hannah Montana. I kept telling myself that I'm too old to enjoy it, but it really was a great time and my neck is only a little sore from the head-banging. ;) Kenosis Effect '08 here we come!

Fruit Pizza

It's wonderful to have another baker in the house! Ally has been wanting to make fruit pizza for the longest time. She did a really great job...even with the help of her big brother!

Happy Valentine's Day!

There's my favorite Valentine, heading to the tractor to pick up bales for the hungry heifers.


Picking up bales is a lot easier than it was in my Dad's day. But then the bales are a lot bigger too.


Stacking them has changed a bit too.


All done with this load and heading my way!


Sure do love that guy...

YAY, God!

Just in case you noticed in Will's photo below that he's wearing a basketball jersey it's because God totally answered the boys' prayers! Cole LOVES sports (Will just enjoys them). They had a huge desire to play basketball but it didn't seem to be happening. Then one day a friend called and said she mentioned Cole and Will's names for a team that was being put together for a tournament in March. It is so great to see God answering their prayers. Not only are they playing in the tournament but have a couple of games scheduled as well! I truly believe it's all about God!!!

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.. Ps. 37:4

Sickness!

I'm not sure we've ever had a year with more illness at our house but this mom is ready for everyone to be healthy. I'm sure Cole and Ally will be happy to see I put their 'sicky' photos up. I had to include the one of Will, he's the one who started the whole thing at our house...doesn't look too sick tho!

Happy Birthday, Dirk!

Dirk turned 43 last Thursday! YAY, Dirk!!! Dirk's mom spent the weekend before visiting so we kind of had the big thing then but I did go all out and make a homemade Apple Crisp for his birthday. Aric, Tiffany, their girls, and Chad came over for our weekly Bible study and we had hot apple crisp with ice cream! The boys bought him an air soft gun and he enjoyed taking aim and getting in a couple of great shots.

Happy Birthday, Honey!

Sometimes A Person Just Needs A Moment To...

let loose! We really were doing school but then one of my children decided I was having a really nice hair day and that we needed to photograph the occasion (so that makes it kind of obvious how many good hair days I have). Being the photo lover that the child is, we had to include the child in some of the photos but then I didn't want to leave any of the other children out so we decided to let them in on the 'fun' we were having. Turns out the other two didn't really think that 'photo time' was a 'fun' time so they aren't really smiling too much in their photos. But at least some of us had a good time, and the boys did come around a little bit by the time we were done. It was a fun moment...but now, back to algebraic equations...

Basketball Season Opener...

Mmmm...Being on the road at 6:45 a.m. for a day full of ball games. Gone are the days of city living where there were plenty of teams to play all in the same town. This week we only had to drive for an hour to get to the game location. Next week, I think it's closer to two hours. Regardless of how long it took to get there or how 'soft' the benches were by the end of the day, it was wonderful to be a part of Ally's day.

Finally, the kids opened presents from each other and us. I was amazed at how giving they are to others. They still enjoy a good argument amongst themselves every once in awhile but I'm glad they like each other too.

Christmas

Christmas at our house! It came upon us a little too quickly this year but we were able to find time for the silly photos that I always beg the kids to sit through. Ally thinks we should just be able to remember everyone's face, eliminating the need for photos. Being the much older and wiser (and sentimental) of the group, I push for the photos that I know they'll appreciate someday. Maybe.