Rats!

During our transition to Dallas we lived at my parents' farm for a month. We parked out beside a workshop building. One day the Jeep had a funny smell and was making a weird noise. We could have never guessed the cause! Ewwww!!

Packing has Begun

We closed on our house. Renovations are happening there and I am packing here. How many days should this take? Seems to always take longer than it should (especially when I stop to blog!). 

I think we'll take this guy with us. (Have you seen the new Christmas Veggie Tales? The kids were singing the Silly Songs with Larry song called "I wrapped Myself up for Christmas" while putting Joshua in the box.) 

Aulora's 7th Birthday

On Aulora's 7th birthday I took the younger three to a children's museum in 

TheWoodlands and then to a splash pad park. Gran went with us too! For dinner we made lasagna at home and cousin Natalia joined us. Happy Birthday, Aulora! 

Puzzle Pieces

When John was little he abhorred puzzles. (So I've been told.) When he couldn't figure out where the various pieces went, he began to bang and cram them into whatever empty spots pleased him. It just made for a frustrated little kid.

And that is our life right now. We have pieces of a puzzle.

Wonderful, God-given pieces.

Blessed pieces that will one day, when we aren't smack in the middle of it all, make sense.

But right now? We can't figure out how these wondrous pieces can all co-exist. I feel like banging and cramming. I'm the frustrated little kid.

So this is me trying to trade my banging and cramming for trusting and listening.

"The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand." Psalm 37:23-24

This is me trying to remember that God is making something beautiful out of all of this....

"Lord, I know that people's lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps." Jeremiah 10:23

even though I can't see it yet.

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him." Psalm 32:8-10

 

Feeding the park animals

I took Aulora, Joshua, and cousin Natalia to the park to use up the stale bread. We fed squirrels, birds, ducks, fish, turtles, and nutrias (river rats). There were so many! I finally told the kids to throw out all their bread so we could run. The animals are not shy! One of the nutrias even nibbled at my toe when I was busy watching the kids. Ewww! We worked up an appetite so a trip to Bullritos came next. 

We've Found a Bit of Heaven

This place, not too far from our house, is wonderful. Beautiful grass, lots of shade, and so quiet. Ahhhhh....

School Time is Here Again

Julia is hard at work on her first IEW paper. She's my little perfectionist.

This is Joshua on our first day of CC for the year. He has made incredible improvements since last year. He was very attentive and participated in everything. Last year he mostly just wanted to lay on the floor or hide under the table!

This is our All About Reading and Spelling board at home. Julia had just finished writing a grammar chart.

Joshua likes math!

A closer look at the board shows a special message from Julia. Haha! Mommy agrees! :) (Click the picture if you can't see the whole sentence.)

I've yet to capture a picture of Aulora doing work, but she did take this picture of her crayons. That girl is all about the artwork! 

This is one of my favorites (again, you have to click the picture):

Another message from Julia! My sweet girl!

And if you're wondering about John David, I will have a post about what he's up to next week!

Saturday Morning Snuggles on the Couch

Aulora Steps Up

I went out for a few hours today and left the kids home with John. Julia is out of town so it was just John David, Aulora, and Joshua.

Now, John had work to do so he was on our bed reading and writing.

John David is his own man so he was doing his thing, studying and playing on the computer.

Aulora and Joshua were buddies. They built a Mario Kart track and played with dolls. (Yes, Joshua helps with the dolls. Hush.) They colored and watched Arthur on Netflix. They fed the dog and made some other random messes. And apparently they worked up an appetite.

Aulora decided they shouldn't tell Daddy they were hungry since he was working. So she made their own lunch.

For Joshua, she made a popcorn sandwich, an apple, and a nutrigrain bar.

For herself she found her leftover box of spaghetti and put it on a plate.

She was one proud little girl when she told me all about it. I guess next time I'll leave her in charge instead of Daddy. =)

I found this in my son's drawer...

It's a Rubbermaid box with holes punched in it and soil, leaves, and a water cup inside. Should I be concerned? Should I OPEN it?! 

On the Couch This Morning

Oh no! That's not good!!

"It's chocolate *satan* pie!" You're hilarious, Julia!

Joshua's Weekend at the Farm Begins

This is the first time little guy will have some alone time with my parents. I'm not sure who is the most excited. We met up at a little seafood place to make the handoff. By now he has probably helped feed all the animals and is snuggled up in his sleeping bag. Have fun, Buddy!! 

Aulora's Ballet Recital - Spring 2013