I decided to sit for a bit.

I sit on an exercise ball whenever at my desk, and many other times during the day as well.

SO, so good for my low back, and my core, and my hips – at least that is what my trainer tells me!

I tend to always think she is right – because I usually see results from all the things she has me do at home!

Since I am sitting for a bit, I downloaded and edited a bunch of photos to get in my little scrapbook here!

Chad and I headed to town two weeks ago for a big orthodontic appointment for him.

Not a fun appointment this time, but we still were able to do some other errands while we were out.

I usually take something to work on while waiting, but I totally FORGOT!

It was coffee, a magazine, HGTV and me – at least they have a lovely waiting room!

We also had some dentist appointments this last week.

I do not like the dentist.

Well, that’s not what I really meant – I like our dentist – I just don’t like going to him!

Chad and I both had work done and we both were pleasantly surprised how easy it was!

I went first, and then I took a pile of kiddos to the van.

We opened the windows and I read three chapters of a chapter book to them while Chad had his turn!

Then they did their illustrations and narrations too!

The weather is sure something to talk about!

It has been summer-like and then winter-like.

And then winter-like.

And then winter-like.

UGH.

We have had a couple of storms roll through too.

One storm came through on a Sunday afternoon which kept everyone at the window watching!

I watched a storm roll in very early one morning, and by the time it was time to wake the kiddos, it had knocked our power out!

We did not get it back for almost two hours!

Can you see the boys in that photo there?

On the cold days, we do cold day things!

Books, books, books!!

Library shopping, and then read aloud with illustrations and narrations!

We also spend a bit of time on chores and in school – which is much easier on the cold days!

I started cursive with Tate and Eliza.

Eliza hugged me and said thank you three times!!

I love her SO much!

I also love how much she loves her Daddy.

He had to work hard to win this girl’s heart!!

On the warm days, I dare ya to catch us inside AT ALL!

We just can’t get enough!

Books go outside in the sunshine too!

The bike trail was a blast one warm afternoon!

And please take a moment to notice Tate in that second picture.

Unbelievably strong!!!

SOB.

Praise Jesus with us about that boy, will you?!

On warm days all of our people return home from work with all kinds of good things!!

Blake stopped one day during work to grab something, and we got to see one of the trucks he designed for a road crew!

It was very neat.

Chad has become our official grill master now.

He does a great job!!!

That is a pile of turkey veggie burgers!

Cook once eat twice is my RULE.

We were getting tired one evening, but did not want to go inside so we had a last minute camp fire.

Our first of the season!

I had to pull over on the way to town one day to take this photo!

SO gorgeous!

The big three kiddos got grocery for us one night last week, which left Blake and I with these guys.

We played outside until it was dark, scrubbed them all up, and then climbed in bed to watch a movie!

This cutie turned one recently!!

Her new sleeping spot is under the table.

SO cute.

I have a page in my journal with a list of all my goals for summer.

They don’t feel like a job that has to be done, but I am terrible at thinking on my feet – so the list is a way for me to remember how I would like to use my time wisely!

One of my goals is to read.

I have lost my desire and focus to read, and I have been praying for God to bring it back!

He is answering!

Here is my stack so far of the books I have collected.

Right now I am reading this one – Shepherding A Child’s Heart – and OH MY GOODNESS – get yourselves this book!

Poor Blake – I read it to him too! It’s that good!!

I have read this book many times before, but it is still so fresh to me!

I have been walking up and down our road quite a bit lately (another goal!).

Sunset walks are the BEST.

Makes me think of all the times we would take a sunset walk back at Adoni Acres.

It’s just such a beautiful time of the day!

I was following Blake home from date night last Friday night and while on the highway I heard a big CLUNK.

Oh boy.

I wasn’t around anything or anyone, so I wondered what it could have been.

When we got home we checked and this piece of my van was missing!

Fifty-five dollars, folks.

For a piece of plastic that glues on right there.

This world is crazy, I tell ya.

Date night this week was all about goals!

Goals for these kiddos and this place we call Twin Oaks!

My hubby bought us this, and I might have squealed and made a scene in the middle of Farm and Fleet!

Blake was dying laughing!!

They had these cuties at Farm and Fleet too – and I wanted them ALL.

But those are ducks.

Ducks are MESSY.

So we bought these girls instead!!

These kiddos built the coop this afternoon and those hens will be here very soon!

I might cry when I fetch our first egg out of that cute coop!!

Today started out at 32 degrees, but it has gotten a little bit nice out there now.

At least the sun is trying to shine!

I hope we can keep our new hens warm enough!

Stay tuned for a photo of our first eggs!

I CAN’T WAIT!!