Welcome to my World

Well, there is definitely something good about homeschooling! We got into the aquarium for $3.00 a person! Actually, there are lots of great things about homeschooling, but this is a monetary one. The boys are really into sharks and alligators and such, so this was just down their alley. We saw some pretty crazy things, like a goliath grouper, mini seahorses, and a fish that looked just like seaweed! Isn't our Creator amazing? The boys were in their element! (he reason I keep saying "the boys" is because we left Joanna with Grandma Nolt) I wish we would have a family picture, but the one that the aquarium took would have cost us $16! Yikes! Anyway, enjoy some pictures of our day !

This post is dedicated to my WONDERFUL husband on his 29th birthday! I just can't say enough about how I am BLESSED beyond measure with a husband who is SO good to me and the children! My list for my dream husband included: -a godly man with a passion for things of God -a spiritual leader -good singer -athletic -someone who will stand up to my strong personality -handsome -great character -desire for excellence in all areas -tall I am blown away that God gave me a man who is above and beyond my expectations! In all areas but one: he is not tall. haha But at least he is taller than me and this was the least important thing on my list! Brendan is very gentle and patient with us. He is dedicated to discipling his family in the things of God. He is passionate about reading and memorizing scripture with our family. He helps me with practical things around the house. He helps me take care of the children by dressing, feeding, playing, etc. His greatest desire is to see his ...

Ben turned 4 on August 24! We had a cake for him on his day, but we went to a kid's museum with the whole family for his and Kaelin's birthday (Jenn posted those pics). He is so thrilled to be 4! Then we celebrated Joanna's 1st Birthday with the whole Gang on Saturday night! It was quite a wild party with all the running and shouting children! Joanna just nonchalantly ate her cake as if nothing were different! She hardly even got messy! We babysat for Kaelin and Reece on Friday while Randy's were on their cruise! The kids had a blast! My handsome hubby making music... and his handsome son learning the finer points of holding a violin (I never knew how difficult it is!) Our oldest is finally learning to ride a bike on his own! And our school room is in mommy and daddy's room for now...They are really loving school! Ben and JJ are both starting Kindergarten!

We went to the beach on Friday night. It was really windy and it rained a little (Thanks to Tropical Storm Fay), but it was perfect temperature-wise. We took some pics of the children and this is the only one that was presentable! Joanna is going to be 1 year old on September 5, so we took some photos of her. Plus, she's just so cute. Here she was munching on some sand. Yum! Brendan and JJ, enjoying a Father - son moment!

When Brendan's brother Doug and his family were down in July, we took some family photos...here are some of the best! Moriah (14 mos) & Joanna (10 mos) Lindsay (8) & Allison (5) Brendan's folks (Mel & Miriam) with the Grands The Cute Couple the Whole Gang (in back: Brendan, me, Andy, Sheri, Doug) (in front: Ben, Sam, JJ, Mel & JoJo, Miriam & Moriah, Lindsay and Ally)

After praying for over a year for a bigger house, we are now renting a house that is roomier and has more room for the children to play outside! There is a screened porch in back of the house...and a nice big back yard. We can't wait till this winter to use it more! Right now you just really want to stay inside! But don't let the country setting fool you! We are postioned right next to the interstate! This next picture is taken from the carport! So we hear lots of trafffic, all hours of the day and night. They say you get used to it...I'm still waiting.... And we have already had one person run his SUV and trailer right off the interstate and into the fence that separates our yard fom the road! All in all, this move has been a wonderful answer to prayer! Come visit any time!