A somewhat quiet day today. We finished school early and the children wanted to play outside. I have to admit it is nice that they can all get themselves mostly dressed for snow play. My days of taking an hour to get each one dressed are about gone. You know for me it was "ok now lets get them in snow pants, jackets, gloves, scarves, hats".... and then just as the last one is dressed the first one would come in and say they lost a hat, mitten, glove, then I would get that taken care of sit down with a cup of tea then... someone is at the door again "mom I have to pee" ok back off with the pants, jacket, scarf, hat, gloves (whoever though it was a good idea to make gloves for little hands should be spanked! You know they want to wear them and it takes FOREVER to get their little hands in the correct holes.) :) you get the drift here. I would often get hysterical with laughter bacause all these moms would tell me how nice it was to get this break when theier children would go outside to play. I really dont' know what that is...something you eat?

I did have some time to tackle my mountain of paperwork for homeschool. The lists for what books I need to buy for next year are close to being finished, new insureance cards are ready to be put into the vehicles and Noah made me lunch. Does it really get any better than this?

At hump day and for some reason I have been tried more spiritually these last two weeks than I have been in quiet some time. Finally received Garretts address so now I can send him some encouragement! I can't even imagine what he is going through right now.

I posted a picture of a jewelry box he made for his girlfriend. Tom helped him some but he had in mind what he wanted and worked to make it happen. Also is a picture of my dear grandpumpkin. I just love being a grammy!

Here's to hoping the rest of the week holds some blessings and lots less stress not just for me but for all who read life in the big house!

Busy life stuff

The past several weeks have been a blur of activity. Garrett was getting ready to leave for the army and I was preparing myself mentally and physically for the change in our family. I already miss the stupid stuff he would do to make me laugh, his puddles left around the house and all that was a part of making our house more full of joy and love. He left last Tuesday and we all felt a part of us go with him.

We have been in full swing homeschooling and the children are all doing very well. Joshua and his many facets are the focus of bible studies and American history from the Revolution on is our focus for history. We learned how to cast lots, we are getting ready to make history lapbooks and have been doing lots of map making with colonies, indian tribes and states joining the union. We took half a day for snow today and might take the whole day tommorrow for snow and baking. I let them loose with the playdough today and they started out making cupcakes and goodies but it soon turned south as they were making cut off fingers, tougunes and eyeballs! Gotta love that sense of creativity. I also posted some pictures of our art projects. I am really liking our art days and look forward to seeing how each child embraces there talent.

Theater class is cancelled for the week so that will give us more time to look over the newest script of Knights of the Round Table. I was asked to audition for the February play of Love Letters but I just dont' know if I can fit it in.


College is going better than expected. I am at full time status this semester with 5 classes and so far it is working out. I could never do it with out my dear spouse pushing me along and the children always helping or spoiling me with tea.

Tom finished Hannah's hope chest and it came out beautiful. That is one gift that he gives our daughters on their 13th birthday that I could never give. He puts his heart and soul into each one of these and each one is different and unique. I included a picture of Hannah's.

We have about 8-10 inches of snow outside so the rest of the week is going to be project and homework time. I traced some blue jean patches for a new quilt and I am itching to start making some more. The oldest two girls have one but I stopped there and have helped make many for gifts but no more for my family so my goal is to start working on some for the rest of the children. I will post pic next time so you can see how they look. I also want to start on some new dress patterns for myself and the girls as we could also use some new dresses in the closet.

The last couple of weeks have been challanging spirtually to say the least but I am determined not to let the enemy win this battle!