Josiah's Turn

Last night Josiah asked me if he could do a blog post.  Yes, those were his exact words.  I have trained him well.  So here is what Josiah wanted to post:

"I am thankful for everything that God created."

...and I am thankful for Josiah!

Play Time!

Mikayla has been having a lot of fun with the nativity set!

Mikayla's First Hunt

Mikayla had a good time hanging around as we searched for the perfect tree!

Faith found a cute one just her size!!!

The Littlest Angel!!!

Faith was the littlest angel in the Christmas Program this year!  She was adorable!!!  Josiah was a cute shepherd.  The kids did a great job recreating the Christmas Story!

Thankful!

Every year we reflect on what we are thankful for.  Today is Josiah's turn to post to the blog.  So, here is what he has to say:

I am thankful for my shoes, because they keep my feet warm, and my clothes that keep my body warm.  My backpack so I can carry heavy stuff.  I'm thankful for my friends. God, because he is right next to me.  My house because it is a place for us to live.  My family because they keep me company.  The Earth because that's where we live.  Aunts, cousins, grandparents, uncles, cameras, so we can take pictures of our family.  Animals, school, the Bible, whistles, tracks, food, light, and sound.

- Josiah

Caramel Apples

Caramel apple time!  We have a lot of fun each year making caramel apples.  One thing I love about the Pacific Northwest is the apples and strawberries!  This was Faith's first time really being able to make one.

Yum!!!

Snuggle Buddies!

These girls are best buddies!  At least for now!

Having Fun!

This is typical Mikayla.  Playing and smiling!  She is one happy little girl.

My New Cup

I'm an really enjoying my new cup.  A friend got it for me as a thank you gift.  It's my new favorite!!!

Where's the Baby?

 

Mikayla loves to crawl EVERYWHERE!!!  It is a full-time job to keep up with her!

Cleaning the Pantry

The other day, I realized my pantry was being overtaken by robot body parts.  I was running out of room for my large appliances, so I pulled out the robot pieces, and recycled them, and now I have a well organized pantry, but no robot body parts for the next birthday party.  Oh well!

Mom's New Ride

To make a very long story, short, I got a new van!  It is in great condition and drives really nice.  Parking is easier, too.

True Sisters!

For two Sundays in a row, Faith has wanted to wear her purple dress and match with Mikayla.  She is so sweet to her little sister.  They are growing closer every day!

Timothy's Explosive Science Experiment

Timothy had a science experiment in his science book he was really looking forward to.   He apparently hadn't heard what happens when Diet Coke and Mentos meet.

The kids thought it was really cool and Timothy learned a little bit about science!!!

One Cool Ride!

Mikayla loves her new backpack.  It is super comfy and she is always close by me, which she loves.  We went on a little hike (about 2 miles) to the local wildlife refuge!  We all had a great time!

Helping!!!

Josiah was a great helper after dinner.  He asked me if he could do the dishes.  I love it when my children ask me if they can help!  He had a lot of fun because of the new faucet.  It has a great sprayer on it.  I'm pretty sure he wanted to help just so he could spray water all over the place, but it's a start!!!

Play Time!

Faith was having fun playing the Wii with Joshua.  He is pretty patient with her.  Not every one has that much patience!!!

Grand Opening!!!

This is me and Mikayla at the VIP Grand Opening of the new Cabelas.  It was so much fun.  I  ran into two of my friends from church while I was there.  It was really cool to be there before they were even open to the public.  Mikayla was quite the little shopper and I bought a cool Tshirt for me!!!

Feeding Time

The kids love feeding the fish at Grandma and Papa's house.  I'm sure the fish are just as thrilled!

Look Who's Crawling!

Mikayla is having a great time crawling around!!!  Once she understood that it meant she could reach anything she wanted, she literally just took off.  Nothing is safe anymore, not even Shadow.  It is so funny to watch her try to chase the cat...as fast as Mikayla is, Shadow is still faster!

Favorite Toy

Mikayla loves her exersaucer!!!  She has fun with all the toys on it and being able to stand up.

One Big Worm!

I bought the largest gummy worm I could find. It was yummy!!!

Checking One Off The List!

 

 

 

This is us at the top of Multnomah Falls.  Apparently the kids had never been to the top before.  Now they have.  They may not all remember it, but I have the photographic proof.  This was a trip inspired by Matthew, and it really was a fun way to end his summer with us before he leaves!

Big Trip!

Enjoyed sunny southern California to visit Hannah and Thommy!  It was a great time!  Faith and Mikayla did amazing on their first flight!!!  Faith had so much fun with Thommy, she misses him a lot.

Vacation

We had a great time enjoying the beautiful Oregon Coast...the beach is probably their favorite vacation spot!

 

Jam Time!

Finally, after a couple of years off, we were able to make some strawberry jam!  The boys really enjoy helping mash the berries!  The jam turned out fantastic.  There is something so special about homeade jam!
Yum!  Yum!

Find the Baby

Can you spot the baby?  Mikayla loves to play with her animals!

Picking Raspberries!

While Grandma and Grandpa were out of town the kids picked their raspberry bush clean!!!  They were so yummy!!!  Sorry Grandpa!

Fun with Faith

Faith has decided that only the pink and purple legos are important.  We took  her to the Lego Store so she could pick out only pink and purple legos.  She plays with them all day long, sorting them, and packing them in her purse, and then moving them into her backpack.  Fun!  Fun!  Fun!

Family Time!!!

Hannah and Thommy came for a visit during Spring Break!  It has been great to have them here!!!  I  am going to miss them so much when they leave!

Made time for some Lazer Tag...

 

And a major Nerf Gun War!!!

 

Cousins

Had so much fun getting most of the cousins together!

Faith really enjoyed spending time with Ella and Lily!  She is really going to miss them!!!

Si and Kayla

Josiah absolutely loves his new little sister!

My Weird Cat

I think I have the weirdest cat ever.  She will sleep anywhere.  Come to think of it so can my son!!!

The Balanced Life

Enjoying some quiet time with the kids.  I don't think the author of the article in my magazine has 10 kids, though!

Welcome to the Family!!!

 Mikayla is our newest addition to the family!  Everything went amazingly well!  We are truly blessed with our new little addition!

Faith adores her.  She is so happy that she gets to stay at our house all the time.  She became quite attached to the baby Danielle babysits, and would cry when she had to go home.