Family Celebrations

John's 'brother' Aaron got married this summer and we enjoyed their shower on a beautiful day. Andrea made the cake for them.

Hannah and cousin Addi

Aaron and Addi

Aaron and Tara

Cousins

This spring and summer brought wonderful visits with Andrea's sister and her family. Hannah and Luke got to know and enjoy their cousins for a few weeks. They got along great and warmed up to each other fast. It was great to see the friendships grow.


In regards to things growing, the kids and Bob helped get our garden ready for planting. Their help meant a lot as John was laid up with a sore foot and Andrea's fibromyalgia doesn't allow her to do much hard physical labor. We were able to plant 52 tomato plants and many pepper plants also. We are looking forward to a wonderful harvest so we can make lots of spaghetti sauce. Put your orders in now and we will be happy to share!

Sibling Love

Easter

Easter this year was a beautiful day. We were able to celebrate it with a wonderful feast with Andrea's parents and John's adopted family. Of course we also had the usual Easter egg dyeing, egg hunt and hidden Easter baskets. Most of all we celebrated the most wonderful gift the world has ever know. About 2000 years ago, God sent his son to die in our place, to pay the price for our sins so that we can be made right before a perfect, loving and just God. More than that, he offered this free gift to all who believe, no matter our past. He also proved that He was ruler of death by coming back to life on Easter Sunday. Jesus is preparing a place for me in heaven, thankfully the end of this life is not death, but eternal life for all who accept God's love. I can't say I understand everything about life here and God's plan. But I am not made to understand these things, they are too great for me to know. But the one thing that is perfectly clear is that God loves me, and I love him.

It has been a joy to watch my children grow in the knowledge of God and his love for them. They often talk about what heaven will be like. They share their great anticipation to get to heaven so they can visit with relatives that have gone before. They are also looking forward to a New World that God will create, one with no death, no pain, no sorrow. They are hoping that the animals will talk there as they truly want to know what our 2 cats are thinking. I love to see the joy as they remember that this world is a temporary lay-over, our true home is heaven and they can't wait to go!

Spring Field Trip

I know this is horribly outdated but I am going to try to catch up and keep up with this blog again. Anyway, early in the spring, on and warm and sunny day, we took a little hike through the woods for a nature field trip.

The kids had a lot of fun looking for different plants and animal tracks. We found racoon and deer foot prints, and lots of bugs under logs. John helps the kids with tree and plant identification, he is very good at it.
We also stopped by an old pioneer cemetery bringing a little of the local indian and pioneer history into our day. Homeschooling is great fun!

Crazy Girl!

This morning's conversation before reading time:

"I don't want to read, I hate reading," Hannah whines.

"Hannah, everyday we go through the same thing," I say. "You get mad, then I have to get mad, and then you get in trouble and then we do school. Why can't we just do school?"

Hannah replies, "I don't like to skip to the end."

Wonderful Words

Luke says, "I'm stuck on you, mama."

Party Time

Hannah and John enjoyed the father-daughter banquet at our church a few weeks ago. The night had an Australian theme to it and they even won a prize. In this picture John has his best crocodile hunter face on. "Good Day mate!"














Hannah looks like a beautiful Sheila on a walk-about. Notice her new glasses. She loves them and loves the fact that she can see better.



















We also celebrated John's birthday a few weeks back. What a blessing this fun family of mine is!

Hannah's Show and Tell

Earlier this week, Hannah had a show and tell demo with Mommy. Listen in as she talks about her Lego creation and all of the latest features of her house.

Winter Fun

A few weeks ago Hannah and Luke had some fun playing in the snow. Although it was so cold they didn't last long, it was a good time.

Hannah attempted to build a snow fort but Luke quickly abandoned the effort to come inside. Hannah piled snow in the bucket but ts got stuck up in there. She had fun trying though.

Luke was sad to come in but it was much to cold for him. He loves the snow and wants it to come back again when it is warmer, he says.

Beautiful Faces

All Dressed Up...

Hannah says, "I really liked this dress so I put in on with this hat and shoes. I really, really liked getting dress up clothes for Christmas. We have had lots of fun with our dress up clothes."

Dressing up for a Birthday Celebration

Here we all are in your holiday finest ready for Christmas Eve service. The candle light service was beautiful and we had a good time celebrating Jesus' birthday.

Happy Birthday Hannah

I don't know exactly how it happened but Hannah turned 7 today. She certainly is a beautiful grown up girl. We had a great time celebrating with family today. We are very proud of her and the blessing she is to our family.

A Wonderful Christmas Time

The same as most people in the country, we are celebrating Christmas. Hannah and Luke had a great time helping with the tree and ornaments. They also had a lot of fun with the train.
















Of course the real meaning of Christmas does not escape the children. They are very much aware of Christ's birthday and even though the are small, they are beginning to understand why this birthday is so important. Hannah has had many questions about why Jesus came to live among us. One of the most special reasons God came down to us is to experience the same life we do. Even though he lived a perfect life, he went through the same suffering, temptations and sorrows we go through in life. Having a friend and Savior that can relate to my life brings comfort and joy.

We pray the real meaning of Christmas will take hold of your heart this Christmas.