What's up?

This is me.  A living zombie.  My health has really been struggling the last six months. This is me, in all my shinning glory- a glam shot. Honestly, this is a rare photo.  I hardly get to sleep.  I usually just drop dead of sheer exhaustion.

 

Actually it has  been quite a struggle, one of the hardest times for us, but we are trying not to let that hold our family back.  So what have we been up to?  Well, lots.   Seth has been working very diligently on his cub scout requirements.  Scouts is different here ( it is a foreign country, after all) so we actually as a family have been working together on many of the activities.  So far, I think playing with the pocket knives has been the favorite.

In April we had the Pinewood Derby.  Bryant and I are very proud of Seth.  He designed the car and did all the work himself.  Bryant only helped to cut out the rough shape.  He even came in second!

Here he is winning the first heat of the night

We also have been learning about consequences.  Some of our more artistically inclined children have been expressing themselves through the arts.  Sometimes as a parent it is hard not to just laugh...

Since I have been promoted to Queen of the Zombies there have been a few more naps...

And we have realized that Bryant is thoroughly outnumbered...

 

School has been fun.  We have been studying our body a lot this year...lots of first hand experience with some things... and this was how we finished that unit.  Who doesn't like makeup? Seth and Jeffrey are skeletons and Ethan is a disease.  And of course, that science lesson wouldn't be complete without a ninja and Iron Man.  That's only logical, right?

 

I am sure things will continue to be difficult.  Life is difficult.  Life can be painful and cold and frustrating.  It is supposed to be those things. There must be opposition in all things.  Even in the midst of our struggles, I know we are richly blessed.  I am surrounded everyday by these six angels... and one super sized guardian angel.  I am thrilled to help them grow and reach and uncover their potential.  I know that the Lord loves us and is mindful of us.  Many times when we are on our knees pleading and begging for a miracle and then we lift our eyes skyward, He lowers our eyes and tells us to see the miracles that already surround us.

 



 

Changing seasons

  Six months have passed since our little ninja princess has made her debut.  I cannot tell you what a blessing she has been for our family.  In the midst of tribulation, the Lord often sends some of the most tender blessings. This little girl has brought and shared so much joy and light.  Her name perfectly describes her!  We love you Elena!

she is the only one that has sucked her thumb...or fingers

 

 

what girl isn't thrilled to try chocolate?

 

The winter has been long and cold.  I guess that is to be expected living in Alberta, but even still....

The boys this morning found green grass sprouting in the backyard and ran in excited to show me.  Even with the tangible excitement in the house for the blossoming spring and future summer, the boys still LOVED winter.  This is was free time in our afternoons often looked like:

 



 

 

Nathaniel especially loves the snow.  Now that we are in May, after the last chinook, the melted snow did not return, and he was quite upset.  He kept trying to toboggan and even recruited a big brother for help...

They were pushing the sled down the hill with the stick

That got tiring, so Jeffrey then just pulled it

 

 

 

Eventually the snow melted and we have a tiny little veggie garden planted, of which the boys are very proud.  We also planted some flowers, but they are excited to eat the "real" vegetables.  Ethan also was determined that we grow tomatoes.  It took me a while to figure out why (he won't eat a tomato to save his life).  Every morning he goes to the little plants, looking to see if  a "Turbo" has come.  He is waiting for a mutant super speed snail to move into the garden.  Too funny!

I am grateful for the changing seasons.  It is fun to enjoy the unique treasures each season has to offer.  We can enjoy what we have, while anticipating what is yet to come.