Steele Apple Orchard

We were able to visit Steele Orchard, a local apple orchard, with our homeschooling group recently.  The tour we went on was called The Johnny Appleseed Tour.  The kids were split up into groups and traveled from station to station.  They learned about Johnny Appleseed who the kids remembered.  We visited his birthplace in Massachusetts, which also happens to be where my grandparents live.  The kids also learned about pollination, how the apples are collected, and basic nutrition.  It was a really fun day that ended with a nice picnic.  We were able to go on this field trip with not one, but both, of the kids' grandmas!  They were very excited to spend the day with Gramma and Nana!

September 28th, 2012

Lil' Bit's 4 month Stats

Weight:  11.1 pounds  ---  3%

Height:   23.5 inches  ---  12%

Head:   15.75 inches  ---  14%

September 17th, 2012

Cousins!

We attempted to surprise my mom on her 60th birthday with all of the family together.  Word got out that we were all coming, but this didn't lessen the enjoyment of the day.  The kids had such a great time playing together.  I can't believe how big they're all getting!

September 15th, 2012

Soccer - Fall Season 2012

Yet another awesome soccer season!  Hubby coached the boys, which kept him and us extremely busy!  How I love seeing these boys having so much fun though!

September 15th, 2012

Family Beach Trip 2012

We took our family of 6 on our FIRST beach trip ever!   Yes, we've been to the beach before with the kids but never on our own.  We usually go with family or friends.  This was quite a different experience for us as we had to plan everything ourselves.  We discovered that we're not all that great at the planning part.  Most of the meals we brought to make were missing at least one ingredient.  Despite our minor forgetfulness, the trip was wonderful!!

We found a cute little condo in Gulf Shores.  The owner was AMAZING and we were able to snag some extra days for a great price!  The only bummer was that the onsite pool had been flooded by a tropical storm that had just passed through.  So, we were limited to beach play only.

The older three kids had a blast playing on the beach with daddy.  I was able to sneak down occasionally but spent most of the time in the room while one or two of the girls were napping.  I can't say this was all that bad...I truly enjoyed the quiet reading time!

Such a great trip!  We can't wait to go again!  Sunshine asks me every day if we're going to the beach again!

The first evening there we went straight out to the beach to search for crabs...

The second evening...the kids were exhausted.  Bright Eyes and Sunshine (our two inseparable children) shared a bed.  I found them sound asleep holding hands.  My heart melted!...

The third day was full of fun on the beach.  Flying kites, feeding seagulls, riding the waves, and catching z's in the sun!...

The fourth day hubby and the older kids spent much of the day on the beach while I snuggled with Lil' Bit in our condo...

September 2nd - 5th, 2012

Sweet and spicy...

B.E. is a fascinating child!  I spend much of my days trying to figure out how his head works.  He can be very dreamy and get lost during tasks.  He is very stubborn and only does things when he's ready.  And he doesn't respond to any form of discipline.  But on the opposite side of all of that is the sweetest boy who goes out of his way to show his love.  He takes care of his sisters with the gentlest tone and touch.  He's sensitive and feels everyone else's hurts.  He is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy!

We got to witness just how sweet and spicy B.E. can be this week...

We had a less than stellar week.  The boys have been completely off a schedule due to our summer break and trying to get them situated back onto one has been a struggle.  One day in particular caused my blood pressure to rise quite a bit.  It started with morning chores, after 30 minutes I went upstairs to find Zep and B.E. had yet to complete even one of their tasks.  Then came school, as B.E. complained during almost all of his lessons.  Next was lunch chores, three hours of them goofing off while not completing anything.  B.E. knew I was angry; everyone knew I was angry.

Flash forward to yesterday.  We were getting ready to head out to a homeschool back to school party. I asked the boys to clean their room before we left for the day.  B.E. came up to me and announced that he would clean the room all by himself.  "What? Why?" I asked.  And this is where my sweet Bright Eyes emerged, "Because I was mean to you the other day, and I want to do something nice for God."

If there was ever a moment when I was so proud I could cry, this was one of them.  I scooped up that little boy and praised him and squeezed him to pieces.

I have no doubts that our spicy B.E. will return, but his sweet side balances him perfectly!

***Kawasaki update - B.E. saw his cardiologist yesterday.  He has a beautiful heart and does not have to see the doctor again for a whole year!  

August 24th, 2012

Isn't She Lovely!!

How can you not fall in love with this face?  The quickest way to cure a bout of frustration is to share a smile with her.  Thank you, God, for this beautiful gift!

August 23rd, 2012