Winter?

We've been taking care of the neighbors chickens, and getting to keep the eggs!

My animal girl loves this.

We have another independent reader in the house. Or perhaps just another Star Wars lover as the book has blueprints for ships from a galaxy far far away.

Our neighbors moved (thus watching their chickens until they come get them) and the kids were able to run free on the other side until the new ones came. Come they did. I'm such a baby about change. Let's just say that I'm going to love living in the country again.

This guy is my little helper. He's been asking me to play with him more and I'm doing my best to oblige. It's really not my strength as a mom. I'm better at having them do things with me, sometimes. Like these cookies for Jesse's class.

Or games, I like games :)

He made this in Sunday school.

We were excited.

So, someone (la) had asked about my new camera. It's a new to me SLR, an upgrade from my power shot which I bought with Christmas money for 1/2 price. Woo!  I'm still learning and playing with it. As you can see by these seemingly good photos of Van until you look closely and see that his forehead is the part of the pic that is most in focus. Like I said, learning.

But, his beautiful eyes distract, don't they?

Flowers in February, what? Is this PA winter?  Not according to the natives and I'm totally okay with that. We've hardly had a day that lingered below 30.  Thank you Jesus.

For the record I notice Jesse is missing again! Ironically he is the best about posing for the camera if I ask. But he's always on the move so I need to be more intentional of recording his life. Who said the oldest child always has the most pictures taken of them? 

Opening Day

It's that time of year where women all over the state become hunting widows. Actually, it's not that bad for me. It's definitely Dennis' favorite thing to do, but he doesn't go out everyday...in fact he was only out opening day so far. This year he decided to take each of the older two out to the tree stand with him. J went in the morning and E went in the evening. Surprisingly it was J who was able to be the most still and quiet for the two hours. Not our E who can play quietly on her own, or when we watch a movie actually sit and watch the movie...unlike my bouncing boy. The guys saw quite a few deer and I'm sure that helped. I wasn't there in the morning to get a picture of the boys, but I did get one of E and Den before they headed out


priceless.


I loved how her face and curls were peeking out, but she was not in the mood.


There was lots of enjoying the outdoors that day.

Visiting Thomas and Francis (they split the name between the two)

(j was there when they banded the bull and I said "oh they're castrating it today?" and J responded..."no mom, they're not killing it yet.")

Friday night was a farewell gathering for Michelle (blondie) who is moving to France. Chocolate, coffee, prayer and girly giggles = a good night.

Sunday was our annual outdoor church service and these girl ran around chasing kitties. I was a judge in the chili cook off. Food judge/critic would be my dream job.

Spent Monday with sister in law Gina and these boys spent some time getting used to each other. They actually did pretty well for a couple of 2 year old's in their prime.

V loved Misty.

Love this laugh.

Why....

bother getting a fancy camera and learning how to use it when I have a fabulous friend who takes beautiful pictures of my kids, while she is babysitting, with her own fancy camera.

He's been into holding B lately. "Hold this?" he asks.

And then .."all done" as he pushes B back to me.

Tuesday we went to Den's parents to check on the place while they are in Alaska.

Bringing in the tomatoes.

Fed the fish.

Catch a butterfly, show mama, let it go.

They spent a lot of time chasing butterflies, their were so many!

J had his last summer cello lesson, and during it we went to a nearby park to sweat, I mean...play.

Check out her hair... back in the day when I had bad perms, this is what i was going for...but not so nappy.

Closing Up July

I can't believe summer is over. Okay, maybe not exactly over. However our month of August is booked and then it's school so it kind of feels over.

Just a few shots of what we did this month.







This little kitty (tiger) would actually stay in the basket when she rode around.



His new scooter.


He thinks he's cute. He's right.


Went creek stomping, again. Took some friends that are city folk :)


Added a new addition to the family. Probably shouldn't call him family as we are going to eat him when he's big enough. But the kids have the responsibility of bottle feeding him morning and night. They mix up the formula and clean the bottle.

Guess who loves it the most. He has been named Thomas Francis.


Peeking through the back door of the calf stall.



Care group came over for dinner.


V enjoyed the weather that evening.


This was last thursday after a busy few days. We had a relaxing day at home that included mani's and pedi's. Check out my son. Is it just me or does my daughter look like a scared monkey?


We walked up to the neighbors to see their puppies. V found a toy.


Actually, I walked, she pedalled.



Found this after hearing..."mom! mom! I can't! I can't!" This being his new phrase for many things. He climbed over the back of the couch to get into it (i have it back there until B can use it) and he couldn't get himself out.



J: Mom...can I take a picture of Callie nursing her babies?