There was a baby

who was so cute...ok, ok I'm totally bias but we do often get told we make gorgeous babies and how like Gerber babies they are etc and so forth ;)



Our baby will turn one towards the end of next month.`Yes people, they do grow so fast!


A new trick he learned on vacation. Standing!


Since we got back home he's been practicing walking. Taking a few steps here and there when you are least likely to guess.

Today we have a 4 year old!

June & July and September are big birthday months around here. Today we celebrate #4's Birthday and he turns 4! He is away with grandparents today, was asking me if I could come for cake later. Didn't quite understand why I couldn't get on the plane and be there for cake! Ok, tear my heart a little! But I know he'll have a fun day regardless of my being there.

Fishing



Just swinging


Snake skin (can you tell he LOVES this shirt?)


Happy Birthday my sweet, bug loving boy!

Our six year old

He turned six on June 6th. A fun day spent with most of the family.

Riding his cousins bike.


Checking out a train.


Fun at the creek.

We've been busy as a bee this week! We finished up school last week and I thought we'd have a little calm before we head to vacation but alas, that was not the case. Oh well I guess we got through it and are looking forward to the long, fun-filled weekend! Started off with a work picnic today. I think the kids managed to jump(bounce house) the whole time we were there! James played some ball and joined me in the stitches department; I'm sure he wouldn't recommend catching the ball with your knee ;) He started playing softball again a few weeks ago and the kids talk about it all-the-time. So I talked to my parents and they've made arrangements for the older 3 to play ball this summer. The older 4 are going to spend much of the summer in grandparent land-they are so looking forward to it!!

Yesterday we came home to the trees being trimmed around the house. I couldn't have planned it any better. They had finished trimming the tree limbs close to the house, so the kids were able sit on the back deck and watch the action. It kept them entertained for quite awhile. I mean climbing trees and cutting limbs, moving buckets on trucks...what more could a boy ask for?

I leave you with 2 blog links today.

Raw milk. What do you know about it? I've never had it but read alot about it. Find it crazy that it's illegal to sell in some states. Here's a recent thing going on in court about raw milk. This line should get you going: "Plaintiffs do not have a fundamental right to obtain any food they wish" Really, the government is going there.

25 Marriage tips ;)

Pictures of our crew

It has taken me all day to gather these pictures together. Want to get them up before I lose them. Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Freedom to Parent

Yesterday was the National Day of Prayer, which is of itself a topic as it's there are people trying to say that it is unconstitutional. My point in bringing it up is that it is a time for Americans to come together and pray for our country. Something we should be doing everyday(Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17) What to pray about? Just look at our world, there are so many things! Our government is one of them, something that effects our daily lives. Pray about/for our elected officials and became involved, voice your opinion! In alot of ways we, as a country seem to be leaving our roots. This is not a good thing. We need to look at other countries and see what is happening to them. Is this really where we want to go as well?
Take a look at this case in Sweden for example. Police 'nab' a 7 year old homeschooler
What? You don't home school? That's not the point. What gives the government the right to decide how you parent? I am not talking about abusive situations here, that is a whole other ball game. I am talking about loving parents who are doing what they believe is best for their child. Are we raising our children or is the government? Who has the best interest of the child in mind? One of the articles I read today talked about creating a "cookie cutter child". 'Robots' are easier to control then free spirited thinkers. Do we want to live in a country where we have no free will to think and dream? Think it couldn't happen here? Oh, but if I only had time to link cases that have happened here, on our own soil! Open your eyes and make sure your voice is heard(& do everything with/in prayer!). Don't assume that everyone has your best interest at heart. Other articles about this family: This one has a video at the end with more more information to help them. Again, more info on when the case will be heard and more info to help the family.

Parental Rights

If this is a topic that you don't agree with, feel free to skip this post. Though I pray you will change your mind.

I received an email from Parental Rights Org today and imagine my surprise when I opened up the video and saw someone I know! Well, I know his parents a bit better then this young man as he as been off to college most of the time I have known his family. I thought it was quite funny how you never know who you'll run into! ;)

I hope you'll watch this video and think about what he says.