We had a great Valentines Day together up at where the local river begins. We were amazed at how peaceful and quiet the 1.5 mile walk there was. It snowed the entire time, but it didn't seem cold since we were moving. The quietness is something I never imagined enjoying on this day. I was looking forward to laughing and just talking with Jonas (which we did) but the peace and quiet of the snow falling and the light breeze in the trees was so refreshing. I love the smell of the woods and it smelled great out there. It also reminded me of our time in Colorado and that add to the romance of the day! Then, J decided to take a 9 mile gravel/dirt unmaintained road "short cut" to get us home. There were times I really wanted to get out and walk as we were on the edge of sheer cliffs that drop down into ravines and rivers...ugggh...my peace of mind was shattered for sure. He enjoyed the thrill of it all and so I mostly held my tongue and let him do the man thing. Glad we drove the 4 W drive vehicle for sure!

SNOW EVENING AND MORNING...

I say snowy evening b/c we went out about 4ish and played till we couldn't stand it...the snow was falling all around us and it was gorgeous! Then, I say snowy morning b/c it melted before you could call it a complete snow day (around 1 it was gone!) We had a blast...okay, okay, this is ONE fun thing about winter. It felt like the good ole' days....all our neighbors came over, and all the grandparents and we had so much fun! Well, it felt like the good ole days except that we had the 4 wheeler out and not our mule!

Hearing the kids yell and run around in the snow was really good for my soul!

Books we love!

Books that Jeb and I love!

I love books...reading, writing, being read to, discussing books, looking at the pictures, and taking lessons from books! I thought I would compile books that we love here A. so I can remember when I have grandkids B. so they can remember when they have their own kids what books they loved C. so you can enjoy these treasures TOO!

Books parents Read:

The Best Pet of All--this kid tricks him mom into a Dog by having a pet Dragon.
Stuck in the Mud—a book about a little chick that fools everyone on the farm
The Big Red Barn-a going to bed book at the farm
Copy Cub—a little bear copies mom.
If You Give A Pig A Pancake, If You Give a Moose A Muffin, If You Give a Cat a Cupcake
Franklin Book Series—based on the TV Show
Llama Llama series by Dowdner—Llama llama is cute and opinionated
Mommy’s Best Kisses—Mommy kisses are animal babies all over
Bear books by Jane Chapman, Bear Stays Up, Bear Gets Sick, Bear’s New Friend, Bear Stays Up For Christmas, Bear get Scared, Bear’s New Friend—they are all good.
Stuck Truck—who can help—everyone
Rowdy Rooster—he wakes everyone up all the time and they finally “get” him
I Can Do It—so Can You—motions books
Mommy Mine—so sweet…grubby mommy, chubby mommy, clumsy mommy, lazy mommy, funny mommy on and on.
Where did Josie Go?—a family can’t find their little girl who is hidden on each page..
David- by David Shannon—a real troublemaker
David Gets in Trouble—David Shannon
Fergus—a book about a very funny West highland Terrier
Ain’t Gonna Paint No More—a messy kid and mom who’s sick of it..
The Water Hole—Graeme Base—a book about water and how it affects the world/animals
Princess Pig—so funny…she finds out she likes being a normal old pig! By Spinelli
The Birthday Pet---Javernick
Where’s My Teddy—for boys and girls who love their teddies—Jez Alborough
I Know An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly—we’ve got this one memorized.
Animals Should Definitely NOT Wear Clothing—great illustrations! Funny.
Only A Cow—who says that cows can’t race? By Arlene Hamilton
Chuck’s Truck—Caleb is OBSESSED with this book…he loves it and we all have it memorized and Jeb can read it to him too! BONUS!
Chickens To the Rescue---the chickens SAVE THE DAY over and over!
You Can Do It Sam! --a great snuggle-in and read winter book...
Books He Reads:
Splish! Splash! Just how many animals can fit into a tub?
Tiny series by Carl Meister, Tiny Goes to the Library, Tiny’s Bath
I Love Rocks (and he likes most all of these little first readers)
Loose Tooth
Lulu’s Shoes, Too Many Cats, and The Three Little Pigs—“We Both Read” books that are fun and EASY!
BUGS, ROCKS—by Rookie Reader.
Biscuit’s Day on the Farm or Biscuit anything…Capucilli…easy, run reads.
Mo Williems’ books are funny and great for kids to read!
I AM...fire, catepillar, etc..

Fun in February...makin' it happen...

The picture of Cay kissing J is just too much for me. I was THRILLED that I snapped this moment of total adoration before Jeb's program. Jonas took the day off and came with us. I love this man and his boys think he is a superhero.

We went to a local swim center and although the water was a bit chilly (even indoors in the heat) we had so much fun and lots of laughs. When Caleb unabashedly came down the pipe slide and bulleted into the deep end smiling all the way I was laughing so hard that I thought I might drown.

Some fun friends who love and enjoy their kids like we do came with us and so that was fun. We also brought our sweet neighbor (one of many that we have) swimming with us and Caleb had fun stalking him all over the pool. Jeb and Daddy still love playing Marco Polo and Billy got into that too.

Caleb has a black eye...he looks cute with it...kinda like a puppy with a spot over the eye...but it was sad too. I am calling him Bruiser.



We had fun today outside. It was finally 50 and sunny so we went out and after dragging Cay around for a while in the wagon Jeb had a much better idea (see pics). He pulled him all over the yard and it was funny to watch.




We had an awesome dinner with Uncle D and Aunt Jeanie...it is so refreshing to have someone cook for ya!



Jeb did a great job singing at his program called "Pastries for Parents." He did try to hide behind a friend most of the time, but at least he was not a frozen. Even though he is NOT shy by any means the kid has a serious case of stage fright.

Cay is going potty! It is so exciting...we've had about an accident a day for the past 5 days--no poopy ones though so I can hack that! We had one dry day! He amazes me. He yells BOOK when he has to go ...it is like our codeword b/c I read to him while he potties and he loves the undivided attention. I don't know what is cheaper though...diapers or Reeces Peanut Butter Cups--which he demands. I have at least gone through 2 5 dollar bags so far! Whatever works.




Cay has been walking around saying "sit" lately...maybe I should listen??? He is really starting to talk and say more complex things. Today he picked up a book and said "Opposites" plain as day...yes, it was our opposites book..so ...he is listening..I didn't think he was!!!

Old Timie Fun...oh the simple things in life...

This winter we have used up more wood than EVER in our wood burning stove. So, once a week J has to fill the wood rack that we keep on our screened in porch. The boys think it is beyond grand to get on the 4W with Dad and ride to put wood in the trailer and then bring it back to the rack and unload it. Folks used to do stuff like this all the time with their kids...sometimes it is the simple things in life that are so grand. The boys smile the whole time while they see how big a piece they can carry. They enjoy good talks with Daddy and they love the hard work...( I like the exercise they get!). Jeb enjoys driving the 4W back and forth for them and when Cay is tired he just likes sitting up there and jabbering with them. He is the kindling man. You can see the in picture that he loves his job of reaching in the kindling box and doing his part! Jeb is so proud of himself when he is really, really able to help Daddy. It still takes a little longer, but they all love it. AND--I was the only one who got injured...while shooting these pics a log rolled off on my shin...it was not small. Oh well, it is worth it to document these precious moments of family togetherness. One day soon we will ask them to load the woodrack an they will say...for how much money or I don't want to...or why...or why do I always have to do that...and I plan on showing them the JOY it used to bring! Jonas always tells the boys he is the last of a dying breed of wood burners. I hope not. There is something comforting about a wood stove in the living room on a cold night. Plus, we'll have 2 boys that'll need some punishment for something I'm sure and they can always keep the wood chopped and stacked.

What I absolutely want my children to know...

Kids if you read this one day and you don't know these things...know that I tried.

1. God loves them unconditionally and so do we...I pray that not only will we love and accept you, but that you will percieve that...feel it...and receive that gift of love from both God and us and those you love.

2. God's "rules" are for your own good...not to deprive you of anything. God's plan is the best plan for your life and if you obey him...you will live ABUNDANTLY.

3. Sin always has consequences. Obedience always results in blessings...if not on Earth (but often times yes) then in heaven.

4. There is a big world full of heartache and pain and is in need of you to give hope, help in real/tangible ways, and have compassion. If God gives you much--you are to share much. Don't be afraid of doing BIG things for God b/c he will give you all you need...and if you fail or perceive that you do God still rewards obedience and will teach you and grow you in the process.

5. God will never leave or forsake you. Sometimes he chooses to calm the storm around you, but sometimes he chooses to just calm you if you let him. If you get angry at Him ...that is okay...praise him anyway through the storms and you'll get that lovin' feelin' back...eventually. If you walk away from God (no matter how far away), in one step you can find him and turn back to Him.

6. There is no unforgivable sin. There is nothing you can do to mess up things that he can't restore. There is "nothing too hard for God." But, still, choose your friends wisely...make sure you have some who are challenging YOU to be better and some you are challenging...but choose wisely who you will spend time with.

7. Be faithful...be a person of your word--let your yes BE YES and Your NO BE NO...sometimes saying NO is the strongest/best thing to do. Don't say...I might..we might...if we can...if it works...just say no if you don't think you'll be doing whatever it is. When you say YES--do it, be there, show up on time, have a good attitude about it, do it 100%/finish it, do all of it, "keep your oath even when it hurts"--that is what the Bible says...don't just quit b/c you're busy/you're selfish/you're lazy...whatever..if you say you will --do it. If someone calls/texts/emails you and you want to say no...be a big person and still return his/her call and say no...just return any contacts because that is respectful and honorable ...don't avoid hard conversations b/c you are going to be uncomfortable.

8. Be a person of integrity--easier said than done. This one is HUGE...there is so much to being completely honest and above reproach....uggggh...you won't be perfect at all but do your best to tell the whole truth and NOTHING but the truth (not gossip or rumors--your dad is good at not doing this!), and to RUN from things and people that cause trouble (Proverbs).

9. Be Unselfish--if you can delight in making a brother/sister happy-- do it. You 'll be rewarded--the last shall be first. Still, don't be a person who is constantly worried about pleasing people-you never will. Save some time for you to truly be who you are in life. Don't be so busy doing that you can't enjoy being.

10. Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.

11. Be loving. Life is short...forgive..you don't have to forget at all...just forgive. You're only hurting yourself if you don't.

12. It is okay to get angry about things and is is okay to HATE sin and be disgusted by things on this earth...and it is, yes, it is, okay to tell others that you are saddened by things...but be sure you do it in love and still provide grace to people in your life and show them that you desire a relatinship with them...but, ...while no one is perfect -yet, it is our duty to sometimes point out things that need fixin' in those we love IF we've really prayed about it and have our heads on straight and our motives are pure.

13. Have FUN! I love having fun and laughing and traveling. I hope you take every opportunity that you can to go and do and travel and have fun! Don't rush into marriage--the right one will still be there if it is the right one! Don't rush into kids--enjoy your marriage while the two of you are free to do whatever whenever! Enjoy each other...sleep late...make memories...act silly...build YOUR relationship before you add dependents!

14. Take care of your body. Feed it good foods, exercise it, get outdoors with it, don't take stupid risks with it, and don't ruin it with dumb decisions. You only get one face--care for it. You only get one set of perma teeth...brush them you get the picture. If you have a health problem--see a doctor/even a specialist. Sometimes it is tempting to "look" just like the world on the inside and out, but we are supposed to look different as believers!!

15. Enjoy the outdoors. If you don't...maybe we over did it growing up?? Ha! Being outside is super refreshing, always an adventure, good for you, and lots of fun.

16. Don't work too much or chase after too much money in this world. It won't make you happy, it won't fulfill you, you won't ever get enough. Enjoy your family and friends and esp. your children while they are little. Time is flying. Be content. Name brands and flashy things that depreciate stink and cause stress ...and they don't make you special...just broke.

17. Be a well-balanced person. It is tough and a constant struggle to be a wife, mother, friend, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, teacher, daughter-in-law, aunt, neighbor, leader, volunteer, etc and find time for what I love......the struggle is worth it...you can't do it all well all the time but keep plates spinning. You can't have it all in life--you will have to make some sacrifices to keep your balance.

I will finish this another day and probably the rest of your life and mine if I keep a blog......I love you and want the very best for you in life.

We recently went and got all of J's toys that his mom kept for 20 something years now. He was quite the GI-Joe and Star Wars collector. The best part for me was seeing Jeb go through all the legos and figurines, tanks and airplanes, jets and hum-v's, tanks and fighting machines to see what he liked. Much like his father--he thought it was all pretty neat. Then, I had to laugh when I noticed that as a very small boy J had taken notes and pens and taped notes to himself about how to put thing together...such as things like, bow goes to front, stern goes to right side of blue sticker...this goes with Tower...it was hysterical to see that even as a child he was a meticulous fella that loved to put together things!

Caleb is all about tools right now. While I was cooking for supper this morning and had my back turned toward the counter Cay got a pudding our of the pantry...went over to the dishwasher and got himself a knife then proceeded to STAB it open with the tool he got and then ate some with a dirty spoon also from the open dishwasher before I turned around. He is resourceful like his father.