April

We've had some days where we feel inside out and backwards,

but we've still been able to amuse ourselves. (this one's new preference is throwing a variety of balls at a variety of surfaces. Two nights ago he was attempting to play basketball and the basket was the crock pot of chili. Thankfully there was no score.)

Van and I went attended Jesse's class presentation of 'Possum Came a Knockin'.  It was actually pretty funny. The girl behind Jess was a cat and very in tune w/ her character.  Jesse played an orff instrument. (i think!)

Van was too distracted w/ all the kids to be looking at the camera.

With the hope of being more intentional about our holidays we celebrated a Messianic Seder meal on Good Friday.  (For those of you that are experts, do not look too close at the details!) I learned some new things in prepping for this and the kids really  enjoyed it. Everyone participated and even Dennis agrees that this should be a new tradition.

Eggs. I tried something different this year. I hollowed out my eggs first. I didn't blow them, just cracked a small hole when I was using eggs and then rinsed them and let them dry. Then the kids painted and modge podged fabric to them. The fabric was way messier then I expected. But we were able to display our eggs longer.

Resurrection Sunday began with a brunch  at church and then an early dinner at Dennis' parents. Here the wind started to blow and petals from the trees blooms were flying through the air and they thought it was hilarious. Also, this really is the best shot.

 Mom Mom hid some eggs for the little ones and loved it.

We've had unseasonably warm weather and I am not complaining! It's been beautiful and all the kids are loving the outdoors.

This is my daughter's #1 love language. She leaves notes for me. I'll take it.

I noticed that Jesse was sitting still having breakfast so I grabbed my camera. This guy is growing up fast. He can be so helpful. Often he gets Vanden's breakfast and this is a big deal for me!

We have a new clown in the house. And yes, this was before I put my food in the pot. Yes I did rinse it first.

Last night Jesse and Den went to the farm so they could get up early to go turkey hunting. So after Beck went to bed we had mini cones on the stoop at sunset. This was after they both gave me a "show" as they call it. Which is basically unorganized silliness. Then we went inside and watched Pollyanna. It was a lovely way to end the day.

some details...

cedar impressions siding on gable end of garage

siding w/ trim around dining room french door. these doors were free! yay for that but I wouldn't have chosen the grid in the glass or white. Den says we can paint them :)

basement has concrete! now the kids can ride their bikes down there.

more siding on the house (garage)

Front of the house w/ windows, some siding and temporary front doors (don't want to nic up the nice ones)

Days...

He wanders.

"I'll come back, but I don't have to like it!"

"Mommy I have sticks, and I want to put them in water."

sure.

The Bread

These boys are the bread on my kid sandwich.

I love capturing these moments where they are on the floor looking at books, being peaceful. Because if I don't I'm sure that I'll forget because the living room is usually a wrestling ring, or a bull pen before bed time.  That is too loud to forget.

They hang out.

I'll be heading down tomorrow to see what they've done, but this is from last weekend. There is some siding on the south side.

Den started some stone around the basement to see if he could do it himself. He's feeling good about it.

Storage above the basement steps. Eden was in a "don't take my picture" mood.

Dennis has been installing recessed lighting.

My tub, that I got a FABULOUS deal on.

Front of the house.

And this is a live and learn kind of thing.  I wanted a sky light over Eden's bathroom but I did not know there would be a bubble sticking out of our roof. I don't know if I would have done it still.  But Dennis says there will be other things sticking out of our roof too. I don't like that. But whatcha gonna do?

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?