I am so excited... I just downloaded Picasa and I think my blogging will take a new turn! It sucked all of my pictures from my computer and has them all in one neat and tidy place. I can edit, then hit a button which takes me right to this blog. Amazing.

So now be forwarned, I will be just like the family nextdoor after a long vacation but I won't have a slide projector. Good thing is, I won't see you when you yawn!

Life...

Life just keeps chugging along. I am not in a schedule, school is happening randomly but it's all good! We are having great times as a family so it is worth it.

We have had an awesome holiday season. For Christmas we enjoyed a not so quiet morning at the cottage tearing into gifts. The kids had a great time and the boys who were with us enjoyed it as well. Then since it was a tuesday, we handed off the cottage to our counterparts and drove to Melbourne. We enjoyed a nice lunch there with Jon's family and then loaded up the car to drive to Savannah where my mom lives.

We had a wonderful time visiting with my mom for 5 days. We enjoyed the brisk Savannah weather (brrrrr!) and as a mom, I treasured the times my kids had with their Gambi. My kids are fortunate to be able to spend time and build relationships with their extended family.

We had to leave Savannah and head back home for work (dern!) but we knew that it would go by quickly as we had something to look forward to. The kids were so excited because the next Tuesday we flew to California! My kids love to travel and I really hope this carries on throughout their life. My great Aunt Isabelle turned 100 so all of the family gathered together to celebrate. I just pray that I have one drop of her blood in my veins as she was amazing. She refuses to walk with a cane and enjoys spending time with others. What a joy to be around her.

Well, that is a brief synopsis on what has been going on here. I hope that next week we can just settle into life and enjoy a quiet week at home. Ah doubt it!

My friend Hollie had a wonderful post on her blog showing some of the shots that didn't make her holiday card. I loved her idea of the behind the scenes so I am posting some of mine. Enjoy!


What loving siblings...

I asked them seperate a bit. What a time to be obedient!

Somewhat loving...

Mary and Joseph

I just ran accross these pictures today! It was from Awana when they dressed up for Halloween. The Youth Pastor's son dressed up as Joseph and Kylie was so surprised when she saw him there! They pretty much hung out together the rest of the night.

Make a free ecard!

Just checking in...

I really haven't been able to post at all as we are still working on our old house and organizing our new place. It has been quite busy! Our Thanksgiving went well - we only had one boy here so it was pretty uneventful.

We are praying that all of our boys will be able to go home for Christmas. There are a few obsticles for them to go through but we are hopefull. Seems as though some of the parents are really making a good effort to get their kids back so we shall see!

I have been reading a fellow Houseparent's blog lately that has really stirred my soul. She has a passion about her newfound calling that is very inspiring. Puts me in my place too as I have lost my zeal at times when it comes to this job. Yes, I do see it as a ministry but I get so bogged down in the day to day I forget my purpose at times. Read it here!

Have a wonderful day and hug your kids...

Random thought of a drug induced mind...

So I am a bit foggy from being sick but this thought went through my head today.

If men are leaders of the home, why do women have to ask them to do things in black and white terms?

If anyone has the answer to this question, feel free to leave a comment!

Well, it is beginning to pay off...

My parenting philosophy is to start the kids young at activities they might not master until later. Cleaning, chores and helping out around the home have been one area that I try to be consistent with. While I don't expect them to do a bang up job, at least they are making an effort.

Well, tonight my daughter did something unexpected and it warmed my heart. Now she cleans well when asked mind you, but she noticed something that needed to be done and then did it. She walked into the bathroom and noticed that all of her hair bows and such had fallen from the basket onto the floor. She began to pick them all up and then neatly reorganize the whole basket area. She then informed me that she had done this after it was completed. I was so proud of her!

Also before bedtime (I am hoping it wasn't a stalling technique!) my daughter and son reminded ME that they needed to clean up their toys before bedtime. Kids can be such accountability?

So keep on keeping on. Hopefully it will pay off in the long run.

Wise Words...

Pause the music to the side then hit play on the box below to ponder the wise words of none other than Paul Simon. Enjoy!

Outrageous Video

Outrageous lyrics - Paul Simon lyrics

Paul Simon Music Videos

Music Video Codes by VideoCure

We had an awesome day at Sommersby's Farm in Oviedo celebrating Kylie's 4th birthday party. It is hard to imagine that she is 4! Kylie's friends had a blast riding the pony and playing with the miniture horses and the resident goat. Enjoy the pictures!

Leave a comment as to which one you like!

Let me know if it is the Homeschool blogger one or this one! Thanks!