Life these days

I enjoyed taking the pictures I recently posted, though as I'm sure you've guessed, I don't take near as many pictures as I used to.

Life is busy around here. Rodney's been traveling a couple days here and there, which I am finding to be quite the sanctifying force in my life right now. I was talking to him last night on the phone, after a very long day with my sweet girls. We were talking about how I want to be joyful and thankful (both themes that have been sermon themes the last two weeks), and he asked me: "If the girls were perfectly behaved, would you be happy?" Good question, and if the answer is, "yes," which sometimes it is (confession), then I'm not finding my ultimate joy and satisfaction in the Lord. Obedient children and sleep have become the current "idol" in my life.

So that's where I'm at, fighting for JOY and GRATITUDE. And I'm currently in the very thick of the fighting.

I am really enjoying the "Classical Conversations" home school program that I'm doing with Abigail. She enjoys meeting with her classmates and tutor every week. And the whole family is enjoying learning the songs (with the motions) particularly with her weekly History Sentence and new Latin conjugations. The accountability of meeting every week and having a simple curriculum motivates me to spend time during the week working on History, Geography, Writing, Reading, and a couple of other subjects too:) She is writing all of her numbers, which is a big improvement for her. And we're currently working on writing her lower case letters. I haven't formally started a reading program with her yet but I hope to soon!

Rodney is leading a study in Hosea this year in our home. I am blessed by his love for God's Word and encouraged by his enthusiasm and the many hours he pours into preparation.

Our gardening has fallen by the wayside lately, as we've grown quite busy. We did spend the last several weekends canning applesauce, spaghetti sauce and raspberry jam. I actually froze a batch of raspberries just this morning. And I made my first baby food for Tabitha -- pears -- though I won't introduce solids until she's 6 months.

The Lord has provided a friend for Abigail who lives three houses down. We actually discovered we were neighbors in Classical Conversations! Amazing!

Tabitha continues to be the easiest of my children right now. Training my children to have the right heart attitude, constantly pointing them to the Savior, takes much prayerfulness. I keep praying that they will recognize their need for a Savior's love and forgiveness. Consistency. Consistency. Prayer!!!

I have lots more on my heart. But that's about all I have time for right now:)

Will post more pictures soon:) 

more of my baby blessing at 4 months

And yes, she is as sweet as she looks! 

My Girls

My birthday weekend

My birthday weekend was quiet, which was a good for turning 31. My mom spent the day with me on Friday. Us ladies and girls spent a good part of the day outside in the sunshine.

Later in the day, we enjoyed a quiet adults only dinner:)

And Saturday we went out on the boat and finished the day with ice cream at the Dream Hut.

I am so thankful for my husband who loves me so unconditionally, 3 healthy girls and 2 wonderful parents who love me and each other. I am so blessed and looking forward to the days ahead.

Four months

I love this girl!

She loves her hand and sucking her thumb. I am so thankful she is a self soother. She has slept through the night a couple of times but several colds keep interrupting her sleep. She is talkative, quick to smile and a big time Momma's girl.

Out on Grandpa's boat

For Grandma Angie's birthday, we took the boat on the Illinois River. All 3 girls enjoyed the adventure, a first for my younger two. The last time the boat was running and water worthy was when Abigail was 3.5 months old (Tabitha's age!). We were all grateful that Daddy and Grandpa are so handy with tools (and bleach!! it needed cleaning...) to get the boat ready for a new season of adventures.

 

Rodney and his Mom

 

Angie's namesake barge "Angela K" floating by...

 

very happy girls with their daddy. Having a boat is so much fun!

 

Hannah swinging in, just in time for the picture. 

 

Where is Tabitha?

 

There she is!

 

Loving the swing after our picnic lunch.

 

Grandpa's Turn!

 



 

Being "in" the water is even more fun!

 

And helping drive the boat is even more fun than helping drive the tractor at home.

Ice cream!