Our Story

The Shop is Open!

2012-02-14T20:56:00.002-05:00

www.etsy.com/shop/pattygrotberg

This link should get you there!

Exciting! :0

Etsy Shop ("Getting Out the Umbrella While Praying for Rain")

2012-02-13T12:38:00.002-05:00

I am in the process of opening an Etsy Shop as a fund raiser for our next adoption. Exciting!

No, we are not knee-deep in paper work just yet, but we are hoping, praying, longing! Even the boys like the idea of more kiddos. Nathan said he would sleep on the floor if a little brother or sister needed his bed! So sweet! (Not that we would put him on the floor!)

Anyhow, since we are prayerfully pursuing another adoption I thought I would get going with the financial side of things. I'm not worried about it, just being pro-active. Why not bring out your umbrella if you're praying for rain, eh? If we do not end up being able to adopt this time, I will donate the $ to another adoption. (But I am SOOOOOOO hoping we will be able to use it! We just are not "done" with this family yet.)

So, I'll update as soon as my shop is up & running. I'm getting close... :)

This is REALLY good!

2012-02-11T09:55:00.000-05:00

This article is so very, very good that I could not, not post the link. Don't worry about the first paragraph - just skip down to the advice about how to encourage & support adoptive families.

It is more harsh than what I would have written but it is spot on. I hope it won't discourage but will give insight into the mind & heart of the adoptive parent. (And, yes, it is true that we all do hope you will do it too! Ha!)

http://jenhatmaker.com/blog/2011/11/02/how-to-be-the-village"

Super Boys

2012-02-03T11:14:00.000-05:00

Love

2012-02-01T17:09:00.000-05:00

I love how my boys love each other. Just saying... :)

More Felties

2012-01-29T15:07:00.001-05:00

Pet monster (friendly, of course!)

Purple Cat

Girl Bear

Scottish Terrier

(design by Jenny B.)

Science Museum

2012-01-27T18:24:00.000-05:00

Nathan caught a fish!

Luke's favorite animal - the cheetah

Cute brothers

Me, with my three fave little boys in the whole world!

Feltie Bear

2012-01-24T20:02:00.000-05:00

My new felt creation - love him!

He is a lot of work to make but so cute!

I also got my first order for "Felties" today!

Very exciting!

Thanks Stephanie! You are my honored first customer! :)

Romeo

2012-01-20T11:04:00.003-05:00

This pic was taken a few months ago when Romeo was maybe only 3 months old. Now he is five months & 73 lb!

He really is a nice puppy, quite calm overall, with a sweet, attentive nature. However, he has one problem - he is so afraid of other dogs! Tiny dogs, large, fuzzy, whatever....any dogs besides our own. He does a nervous bark when he sees them and because he is so large, he appears to be agressive to some people. Ugh! I can usually get him to stop barking & calm down in five mins or so, but it's those first mins we are struggling with. Anyhow, I am starting classes with a pro-dog trainer next week, so am very hopeful she can help guide us through this issue so Romeo can enjoy life & work with me in some capacity. I'm still hoping he may make it as a TDI dog...we'll see...

Who Said Dogs & Cats Can't Be Friends?

2012-01-18T16:27:00.000-05:00

Jake & Tirian share the bed

Science Time

2012-01-17T13:37:00.000-05:00

Does ice melt faster if you put salt on it?

Do magnetic opposites attract or repel?

"Felties"

2012-01-12T13:21:00.000-05:00

OK, so I am hoping we will adopt again. And, I figure, why hope & pray for something & not prepare? So, I have been creating felt ornaments/gift tags/toys lately that I hope to sell at this year's craft fair (or sooner if possible- you never know). Adoption is expensive & these little felties are a small thing I can do to maybe help pay for it all (just in case, you know! :)

So, here are a few...

This one is a tooth fairy pillow with a little pocket on the back.

For Valentines

I really like these little dinosaurs & am working on several other felt toys styles now.

I love birds.

What do you think?

They are all hand stitched with emboidery floss & felt & are made with love.

Country Kids

2012-01-10T20:20:00.001-05:00

It was raining but the boys really wanted to go outside to play & I wondered how long they would last. I had to laugh & take a picture when I looked out to check on them & saw their creative solution. They were all settled into a chicken coop we aren't currently using, with their lawn chairs & snacks! Man, I sure do love those little guys!

New Year

2012-01-09T10:59:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted recently because we had a rough start to the new year with John suffering severe sciatica pain & me dealing with yet another infection. After 2 Drs, 3 Chiropractor visits, x-rays & steroids, John is on the mend (& I am too) & we are feeling encouraged. Phew!

Here are a few random shots of the last weeks at our house...

Luke, with a completed gift from Nana & Papa.

He looks so grown up to me in this pic!

Nathan's portrait of Mommy. I love it, of course!

Since John & I were very sick/in pain, the boys rose to the occasion & helped out a lot. John walked Mark through the process of waffle making & Mark was so proud to provide breakfast for everyone! Sweetness! I love it!

Truth/Hope

2011-12-30T19:56:00.000-05:00

Christmas in LOTS of pictures

2011-12-25T18:27:00.001-05:00

Our non-relaxing, but fun, Christmas walk, where the boys have a Nerf Gun fight & we realize Romeo has become a HUGE knuckle-head on the leash. Lots of training to follow...

Nathan decorated a cardboard box & said it was a bed for baby Jesus. Sweetness!

A gift from Nana & Papa in Canada

Mark's gift from Nana & Papa

Luke, opening his gift from Nana & Papa.

Early in the morning - excited Nathan wearing his new head lamp & sleepy Mom

You've just got to love that set of chops!

Luke strikes a super pose.

Nathan, with another gift from Nana & Papa.

Lego is the gift of choice for all of our boys.

My three fave boys in the world under the tree at the park. I'm so thankful God blessed me with those three little ~~monkeys~~ boys! :)

Merry Christmas all!

We're off to light the candles on our "Happy Birthday Jesus Cake". :)

Luke is 8!

2011-12-22T09:07:00.001-05:00

Our precious Luke Emmanuel is eight years old today! He was so excited yesterday that he told me he wanted to go to bed early so the day would "come sooner".

Luke is a kind, helpful guy with an amazing athletic gifting. He is good at every sport he tries, especially soccer. He plays year round now & loves it. The best part about it, is that he is a team player and is not at all arrogant about his talent.

At home, Luke is a hard worker, getting up before everyone else to do his independent school work. He wants to learn & "get smarter" so he just goes for it.

Luke, we are so thankful for you & are proud of the kind & fun boy you are.

Happy Birthday & lots of love ALWAYS & ALWAYS!

Family Photo 2011

2011-12-22T08:51:00.001-05:00

Our family photos this year included two parents, three cute little boys, three dogs of all shapes and sizes, and a tripod, all in the front yard for the world to see. We may have provided a few passerby a reason to smile...or snicker! We got through it though, with an acceptable shot & still all speaking to each other. Ha! :)

Here are a few of our attempts:

Romeo has decided he doesn't want to be in this one. That is my hand in between his sharp

puppy teeth.

Every time John got the camera timer set, he would race back to us to get in the picture. Romeo and Jake are trying to figure out what is

going on back there!

It's funny how sometimes the "fails" in life provide the best, funniest memories. That's something I need to remember this Christmas.

How 'bout you?

Urgent!

2011-12-16T13:29:00.000-05:00

This gorgeous boy needs a family very urgently. Johnathan lives in an orphanage & is 15 & will turn 16 at the end of Dec. In his country, when children turn 16 they are turned out of the orphanages to the streets with $30 to their name. They are at great risk to be trafficked. For more info about this precious boy, contact Amy at

waitingchildren@gmail.com

Please pray for Johnathan & the many other children like him that need families!

December Fun

2011-12-13T13:00:00.000-05:00

Nathan with sweet girls.

Nathan with more sweet girls. How he LOVES girls!

I may home school him until he is 25 or so- ha! :)

This is Nathan's new joke. I think he put the Santa toy in the fridge accidentally the first time, but now it is just interesting to see exactly who will be in the fridge.

Cute brothers

Random Doggie Stuff...

2011-12-11T22:41:00.000-05:00

Jake & Mark

This is how Romeo likes to eat. He kind of holds his dish up on top of his paws. Serious business this eating - he is 50 lb at four months! No wonder he eats so much! He was at the vet last week for a shot & decided to be scared of people. This really alarmed me. His age is a typical period when puppies can go through a "fear stage" & it's really important to help them through it with lots of positive social experiences. I still am hoping he'll make it as a therapy dog! So, we headed straight out to a store parking lot & looked for friendly people for him to meet. It went well. We just need to keep at it. John also took him to the airport for awhile recently so he's been getting used to large, noisy machines, strange sliding doors etc. All good stuff for a puppy.

Happy

2011-12-08T15:05:00.000-05:00

The house was oddly quiet so I went in search of the boys & found them all nestled in together on Luke's top bunk. My Mama's heart LOVES that they are happy to be together, enjoying the simple pleasure of being brothers and friends. This is one of the many, many reasons I love being a Mom & would love to adopt again.

Jake

2011-12-04T15:25:00.000-05:00

Jake says "Hi!". His mug cracks me up!

We all love this old guy.

Old dogs are so much fun & so easy to have around.

A Craft!

2011-12-03T11:38:00.000-05:00

I was rather delighted this week to find a craft the boys loved! My Mom used to give my sister & me styrofoam balls, pins & sequins to make into tree ornaments when we were little, so I thought I'd try it & they loved it! Yes! I'll be picking up more supplies this week so they can pin away to make some art for family as well as friends.

Radar Ears

2011-11-29T14:06:00.000-05:00

14 weeks

Our Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T17:14:00.023-05:00

I know Thansgiving happened last month in Canada, but it was just yesterday down here. I decided to take pictures of our day, which was a low key, fun day at home with just the five of us.

Nathan helped me make pumpkin pies.

Luke took lots of pictures with his new camera - a cool Goodwill find.
(I LOVE that store!)

Juneau got a belly rub.

Nathan put the kitchen stool on his head.

Jake napped.

The pumpkin pies looked yummy.

I went for a walk in the back yard & found a violet.

Then I spied our neighbors' goat peeking over our fence,

...and I found this cute little giraffe on our deck.

The girls in the hen house were relieved we weren't eating chicken for our special dinner.

...and the boys played monopoly with their Daddy. It was a really good day & we are SO thankful!

Community Service

2011-11-23T12:10:00.000-05:00

The boys & I like to do service projects but often they aren't deemed "old enough". They were excited to help with a bulk mailing recently at a local pregnancy center. They were great little workers - Mama was proud. :)

Posing with Puppies

2011-11-23T12:06:00.000-05:00

...lots of action...not a lot of great shots :)

This is at 14 wiggly weeks.

Our Day In Court

2011-11-16T18:30:00.001-05:00

It may seem a little anti-climactic, since we have been home from Ghana for two years already, but today we went to court to get our official state re-adoption papers. Yes!!! Next come US birth certificates - a BIG deal! This pic is the boys with Miss Beth, who was so sweet to them & processed our paper work.

Hiking

2011-11-15T11:27:00.000-05:00

I got some great pictures on our hike last weekend. We made loads of noise so we saw zero wildlife but we had fun & got lots of exercise. Romeo worked on his "going out in public" skills.

Romeo 13 weeks, Juneau 3 years

Crafts

2011-11-09T13:47:00.000-05:00

We made ~~messes~~ crafts again...sometimes I wonder if it's worth it. The boys don't really love it & I just keep encouraging them along in it to help them to be well rounded, try new things etc. Is there such a thing as a book of crafts just for boys? The only craft I've tried that they ADORE is decorating Christmas cookies with candy, so we always do that at least once each December. Any other good ideas for Christmas crafts?

Growing

2011-11-06T15:58:00.000-05:00

My Mom asked me how big Romeo is now...

He is 30 lb at 12 weeks!

"Candy Day"

2011-11-06T15:31:00.000-05:00

...as my boys sometimes call it (you can tell what the focus is for them!!) was a lot of fun this year.

First they did a "cute" shot for me.

The ever popular "be silly" shot was last.

They even shared their treats with me. Heh heh! :)

Reminder to Self...

2011-11-04T15:27:00.003-04:00

All Soccer-ed Out

2011-10-30T13:58:00.000-04:00

It was soccer finals this weekend & we had a soccer coach meeting Friday night. Then we ended up playing in four games on Sat. that were then followed by a soccer party. Phew! Both Nathan's U-7 team & Luke & Mark's U-10 teams won their first games, which was awesome. Even though they all fought hard in their second games, they lost - but, all in all, had a great season. They learned a lot of good skills & had FUN! We're OK to take a break for awhile now.

Luke is #19 & John & Mark are in background...during half time.

Romeo practices his therapy dog skills gameside.

Today we are watching football & RELAXING! Yeah!

Happy Friday Thoughts

2011-10-28T13:16:00.000-04:00

Cowboy on the Front Porch

2011-10-24T08:50:00.001-04:00

I asked Nathan if he was trying out his costume for "candy day" and he informed me that , no, he just felt like being a cowboy.

He sure is a cute one.

Ears

2011-10-24T08:45:00.000-04:00

At 10 weeks - those radar ears are starting to stand up.

He is very cute & a big handful!

Nathan #8

2011-10-23T09:29:00.001-04:00

The throw in

This was Nathan's first season of soccer & he had such a good time. Nathan made it extra FUN, as he does with pretty much everything in his life. :) He played every position at some point & his team experienced some great wins & improved a lot over the season. The final championships are this weekend. We'll be cheering for our cute little #8.

Oh, My Heart!

2011-10-17T14:57:00.001-04:00

These pics are so dear to my heart that they are almost hard to share. But...I know they will bring a smile to your face. These were taken in the very first few minutes that Mark & Luke & Nathan & I all met each other. Precious, precious moments & memories... (I just received them today from a lady who just happened to be there at the right time with her camera. So thankful!)

The four best days of my life:

* the day I accepted Jesus Christ into my life

* the day I married John

*the day Mark was born

*the day we got to bring Luke & Nathan home

Today...

2011-10-14T17:09:00.002-04:00

It is five pm. and so far today I have:

*served my three children two meals and two healthy snacks
*taught them reading, math, science, geography, Bible and various lang. arts skills
*done a sugar crystal-making experiment with them
*let two of them help me make a fruit salad
*did several loads of laundry as well as two loads of dishes
*cleaned & tidied up as I went along
*walked the new puppy at least six times and watched carefully to make sure he didn't eat anything too wierd (he's at that stage)
*watched same puppy like a hawk all day since I am house training him
*supervised chicken chores
*collected eggs
*read my children a story
*made a "thank you phone call"
*told my littlest son stories while he sat on my lap on the back steps while I watched said puppy
*gave medicine to my sweet old Boxer
*swept up some dust bunnies
*answered innumerable questions
*helped read directions to "Risk"
*supervised a tubby bath, added the tub food coloring
*thanked God as I went along through the day
*had a bit of fun on Pinterest (I confess)
*began defrosting chicken
*fed three dogs
*dusted furniture
*completely re-organized all our current home school supplies because they were so awful I couldn't find things
*got the mail
*added to the grocery list
*took a few pictures

...and guess what........... my house is a WRECK!!!

It doesn't look like I have done a thing all day!

...and you know what............................I've decided that it's OK. :)

Dogs...

2011-10-14T14:24:00.001-04:00

Romeo is 17.3 lb at 9 weeks & his ears are starting to stand up just a bit.

He has also discovered the joy of digging & getting nice & dirty.

Juneau is exhausted from chasing after the little guy!

Friends

2011-10-13T08:18:00.000-04:00

We recently had a super (but sadly short) visit with some of our dearly loved friends in Ohio. As many of you know them, here are the pics....

Nice tongue Nathan!

Our boys did such a cute pose with Ian & Isaac ...

...that ended up looking like this!

Pretty Laura & her cute boys - the only problem with visiting them is that now we miss them more!

Forever Family Day

2011-10-10T10:58:00.000-04:00

We just celebrated our Forever Family Day #2! It seems in so many ways that we have almost always been together but it was actually just two years ago that we had a special ceremony at Beacon House in Ghana. All the kids sat in a big circle around the five of us & prayed for us we officially became a bigger & better family. There were many tears shed (both happy & sad) & it was so very hard for me to leave many of the precious children behind, but we were all very excited to finally be setting out all together.

The last two years have not been easy but John & I are both so thankful for all three of our beautiful children. We're crazy about them (except for when they are making us crazy! Ha!)

More Puppy Love

2011-10-05T18:02:00.001-04:00

Here's the new guy..."Romeo". He's 8 weeks old, 13.6 lbs. and is a black & silver German Shepherd Dog (otherwise known as a super soft & cute biting-machine!)

Here he is in our car with his brother, "Schultz", that we also brought back from Iowa (for another family).

Romeo on bottom of the pile

Here they are with Mark, so you can see how big they are - Romeo on right.

We're Home!

2011-10-04T09:50:00.000-04:00

After more than 30 hours in the van, two puppies, two hotel rooms & a great visit with friends...we're happy to be home again. Both the boys and the puppies travelled very well and we took plenty of stops for snacks and then got to stay overnight with some dear friends in Ohio on the way home.

Puppy cuteness pics coming soon...

Illness & Puppies...

2011-09-28T08:47:00.001-04:00

Prepare for TMI...skip the next paragraph if you aren't in the mood.

I have been sick...so sick. I have a bladder/kidney infection that actually made me vomit. A lot. Ugh. That's never happened before. I'm on day three of antibiotics & anti-nausea meds and am a bit better but still not great at all. I called the Drs office back to see what they think.

A much happier topic - puppies! Our little German Shepherd pup is 7 weeks old now and we will be able to drive out to Iowa to pick him up. We've decided to name him Romeo and are hoping he will make a fantastic therapy dog. His training will begin immediately with bonding with the family through play and gentle handling, house training, and socialization. I like my puppies to meet 100 people in their first year so he will go with us everywhere possible, especially after he's completed his puppy shots. It's a lot of work but it is really FUN for me and I know that laying that good foundation can make for a fabulous dog & therapy work partner.

So...can't wait to go meet my new little guy! (I just have to get better.)

Care For a Bite of Africa or South America?

2011-09-23T21:01:00.000-04:00

The boys & I have been learning all about the world, the continents, oceans...lots of great stuff. So, I thought it would be fun if they could make their own continents...to eat!

Each boy frosted a round cake with the ocean & then the continent of his choice.

After the art work was completed, it was time for dessert. Yum!

Just Us...

2011-09-22T17:13:00.000-04:00

Sorry if it sounds corny, but those four guys in that pic. are all dear answers to my prayers. I sure am thankful for them.

" Why yes, I am that Mother who dresses her kids all alike!"

(It makes it so much easier to keep track of them running off in all directions. And guess what? They actually love it. So cute!)

Cutie-boy-Mark showing off how his adult teeth are growing in.

Lately...

2011-09-19T12:30:00.001-04:00

Lately things have been going well, no crisis, school running smoothly etc. :) It's nice! John did make a very quick trip up to ND and back (picture above) recently to help move disaster relief supplies for Samaritan's Purse. They were in ND to assist with the recent flooding & are now relocating to help out in the NE USA.

The boys have also been playing lots of soccer. Last Sat. they had three games between them and the weather was wet and cold. I was proud to hear no complaining at all (Wow!) but I did catch this pic. of them alll huddled under an umbrella at a break. Cute!

Jake loves to come watch the games so we bundled him up for the day. He has been having more arthritis pain lately so I have put him back on his pain meds and he is feeling much better on them. We sure love that quirky old guy.

A Surprise

2011-09-14T17:23:00.000-04:00

OK. I am excited! John gave me such a great surprise today! He got me a puppy! Not just any puppy either - a male German Shepherd from our favorite German Shepherd breeder EVER! Royalair GSD's (in Iowa) are amazing dogs & John reserved me a pup from a recent litter that I am really excited about. They have great potential as future therapy dogs, which is my very favorite thing to do with my dogs.

These are the parents, with the female being the first, lighter colored one. Both have super temperments & the Mom is OFA Good & the Dad is OFA Excellent. This is a BIG deal in German Sheps. Our first GSD, Emma, was from this same family of dogs & was a wonderful dog, so we are really expecting good things from this new little guy.

As far as buying from a breeder vs. rescue, we are big proponents of rescue & our other 2 dogs & cat are all rescues. However, this time we are adopting from a responsible, excellent breeder & I feel good about that too.

More on my new puppy love soon - he's only 5 weeks now so we don't get to pick him up for awhile yet...can't wait to kiss a nice fat, pink, puppy tummy!

First Day of School

2011-09-08T09:13:00.000-04:00

So far school is going well for us. We are liking our curriculum a lot & attitudes are pretty good.

Luke & Nathan were taking a break while I gave Mark some 1:1 instruction. When I went to see what they were up to, I found two little "wrestlers" with protective padding (ie: teddy bears & clothes shoved under clothing)! So funny & cute!

Mark really wants to learn how to cook this year, so here is "Home-Ec 101", otherwise known as "chopping veggies for dinner".

Mother Theresa Quote

2011-09-03T13:50:00.000-04:00

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this!!!

Funny Jake, Funnier Nathan

2011-09-03T10:30:00.000-04:00

We all think our Boxer, Jake, is pretty funny the way he sits on our deck waiting to be let in, wearing his very best "sad dog" expression.

I laughed even more the other morning when I noticed Nathan had joined him out there & was trying to copy his sad, hanging lips look!

Grandfather Mountain

2011-09-03T10:16:00.025-04:00

We had a great afternoon "playing" recently & I got some great pics.

Why yes, these are quite the handsome guys aren't they? I love them SO much & am very thankful for them. (Except for when I'm not -ha! ha! - gotta keep things real here! We are a normal family that occasionaly do drive each other crazy! But usually - we are nuts about each other & I love that about us.)

Mark, Luke & Mildred, the bear

Nathan just loved this huge stuffed bear! So cute!

Photographic proof that I was there too! I am usually the one taking the pics.

Flexible Nathan

Science Museum

2011-08-29T16:06:00.002-04:00

We have a lot of fun at our local Kids' Museum & the boys really learn. Like today, Luke & I pulled a rope out 20 feet to see just how long a persons' intestines would be if you laid it out straight. (Ugh! I doubt I will ever forget learning that either!)

Luke & Mark display "acts of strength" - very important in a family full of boys

I love it when the boys have that much fun learning! :)

First Soccer Games...

2011-08-29T15:52:00.000-04:00

of the season...

The Fair, Soccer, Big Mess...(and Arm Farts!)

2011-08-26T12:47:00.000-04:00

...yup, that's pretty much what's going on around here. We have gotten ourselves out of "holiday recovery mode" & are now functioning normally - for us! :)

The boys are at the beginning of their soccer season with their first games tomorrow. It's Nathan's first game ever so very exciting! I hope he at least stays upright on the field. He's been having a lot of fun at practice faking injuries & lying flat on his back in the middle of it all. If you know Nathan you will understand completely! He's a born performer.

We are also working on the boy's Fair entries. None of them are very crafty so I use the Fair competition as motivation. They love the idea of winning ribbons & cash! So far we've been doing model airplanes & Luke & I did a practice run on making sponge toffee.

The sponge toffee didn't turn out too well. It was very hard to get out of the pan & tasted like sweet baking soda - yuck! We'll try a different recipe next.

Here they are trying to pry it out. Their expressions are interesting!

Real Life : Can I Put It Off A Little Longer?

2011-08-25T09:26:00.000-04:00

That's the only problem with going on vacation (besides the overeating, that is!) ... it's a bit hard to get back to "real life" again, once you return home. At least it is for me.

I'm trying to bravely face the gym (weight loss, please!!!), John being back at work (sigh), and the whole back-to-school thing. In my case, as a home school Mom, that does not involve waving goodbye to my boys in the mornings & wishing them a wonderful day (although I've fantasized about it, believe me!)

Anyone else have trouble getting motivated after holidays?

And More From Canada...

2011-08-22T22:23:00.000-04:00

Luke, Nana, & the portrait he painted of her - super cute!

Luke, Tirzah (their dearly loved cousin), Nathan & Mark

Mark & Tirzah

The boys loved having two older cousins (my sister's kids) to play with.

Nathan loved pestering his cousin, Josiah! Thanks for being patient with him J!

More from Ontario...

2011-08-21T18:38:00.001-04:00

We just arrived home from Canada a few hours ago. It was so very good to be there & is also so sweet to be home again - I love that about holidays - the satisfaction on both ends... Now we are turning our minds to unpacking & getting ready to begin school.

Lake Ontario on A Beautiful Sunny Day

2011-08-18T18:11:00.002-04:00

Me & my beloved

Sandy Luke

Very Serious Luke

This picture could have been so darn cute! The boys had picked me flowers. I asked Luke why he made the face & he said he had not wanted Nathan in the picture with us. Ugh! Oh well, they're so cute, I love it anyway!

Hanging Out With People We Love...

2011-08-16T08:35:00.000-04:00

Papa & Mark

Nana & Papa

Silly Cousins :) They are having a blast! The olders are being so sweet to the littles!

John & Papa in front of the T-33 (Papa used to fly it.)

I'll post more later - my uploader is not cooperating any more.

Family Camp

2011-08-07T22:45:00.002-04:00

We had the BEST time camping with friends this weekend! It was HOT & humid & it rained hard on the tent but we still had A LOT of fun & just some really sweet family time.

Luke & Coach Sam jumping as high as they can while Nathan jams on his kleenex box guitar!

Mark & Luke loved fishing & were rewarded with lots of fish.

Nathan somehow "accidentally" fell off the pier (doesn't he look a bit sheepish to you?) but he was just fine.

Here he is explaining how exactly it all happened. :)

The coolest part of the weekend was that John got baptized! (by our dear friend, Sam). Then John got to baptize Mark & Luke! The boys had been thinking about getting baptized for a long time & it was super cool that they were able to do it all together. Wow!

They all wanted to get baptized as a public symbol of their personal faith in Jesus Christ. Nathan wanted to do it too but we don't think he really "gets it" yet so we asked him to wait another year at least. He was miffed & I think that may be the reason for his "accidental" fall into the lake! :) Tee Hee!

Buddies

2011-08-04T17:50:00.000-04:00

At some point last night, Nathan decided to move to the floor to join Jake.

Death & Spa Treatments

2011-08-03T15:13:00.002-04:00

Yes, death & spa treatments somehow made it into the same day & therefore, the same post. Of course, I'm talking about our chickens - so obvious, I know. I mean, who else around here might get a spa treatment! :)

So, it all started in the morning when the boys discovered that my two favorite hens had been murdered. So awful! They were both Cochins (love them!) & one was 5 years old. That's a long time to have a chicken & those two were sweet girls. So...there they were dead, not eaten really either, just slaughtered. :( I think a mink or a weasel got them. They fit the profile according to Google. So, I had to really "put my big girl panties on" & clean up the horrible mess. I'll spare you the sad, icky details.

So, on to the spa treatments

...that same afternoon we discovered that a few of our laying hens had developed strange balls of dirt on the tips of their toes. Rock hard balls that were impeding their ability to walk. Umm...so weird. The same day too. (I'm rolling my eyes here. Yes I am.)

So, what to do...what to do...

Well, let the girls soak in a wash tub of warm soapy water of course! My first spa recipient handled it all surprisingly well. She sat in the tub in the laundry room for three happy hours! Every time I'd go check on her and change her water out, she'd happy cluck as if enjoying it all immensely & occasionally spray me down with some lovely chicken poop. It was so ridiculous that I almost felt the humor of it all. Almost.

I still have two girls to go...I'll take pictures this time. Promise.

More Dogs...

2011-07-31T16:54:00.000-04:00

Drool happens, OK!

Tickly ear-kisses

Handsome Westin

Standard Poodle kisses from Rugby

Dogs...

2011-07-30T22:14:00.002-04:00

They may be humble creatures, but they are my very favorite... honest to the core, forgiving, willing, responsive, joyful, great listeners & companions...

I have trained a licensed therapy dog (TDI) before & will definitely do it again. I find them so therapeutic in my own life that I have a real passion for using them to bless others, like by visiting seniors' homes, hospitals, and even prisons. Plus, the training that is involved is FUN for both me & the right dog (one that is suited to that kind of work)!

I've been very busy taking care of a lot of sweet dogs this Summer & have captured a few pictures.

First, my own two ...my sweet old Jake, a kind & "understated" old guy. He may look asleep at the wheel but he loves to meet people & watch a good soccer game.

...always watchful, tries so hard to be a "good girl" while still dealing with her own fears (past trauma from before we got her),

faithful to me to a fault, sweet Juneau

April Pug is one of Mark's favorite dogs that we take care of. He is hoping to get a Pug of his own one day. She is a snuffly sweet heart.

This is April again, with one of my favorite doggie-clients, "Geppetto". He looks pretty intimidating but is a kissing/snuggle machine.

This pretty German Shepherd Dog is Greta. She is a typical GSD - fabulous! They are our overall favorite breed. How about you?

Luke, with teeny, tiny Leo - he almost looks like a toy but he is a feisty little guy.

There are many more dogs that stay with us, each one special. I'll add more pics soon...

Random Fun Stuff of Everyday Life

2011-07-23T11:32:00.002-04:00

The guys took me out for Chinese for my b.day (my fave!) & Nathan discovered chop sticks.

They make great ninja weapons!

Luke realizes he can do this crazy move! Wow!

Juneau guards "her family" with diligence.

Mark wants to wear footed jammies even though it is July & hot! He looks so cute in them that I let him.

Mark finally gets his b.day cake (only three months late - it's a long story). It's supposed to be a mad scientists' flask, but it was so hot the frosting "fell" a bit. Tasted great though!

His brother making fart noises with his arm pits in the background is an added bonus to this shot. :)

...trying to be more intentional about enjoying everyday life.

Imperfection

2011-07-20T09:43:00.001-04:00

I'm not perfect. Neither are you. It's OK though. It's normal! :)

Just in case you are feeling discouraged, let me tell you about my imperfect life:

*My house is a MESS - every inch of it, dust bunnies are becoming elephants etc. I love the look of homes pictured in "Country Living" but seriously, who has that kind of time? money? creativity? It's OK to work on it but it's also OK to not achieve it!

*I take medication every day to stay normal.Very humbling.

*I suffer from migraines, vertigo, allergies & colitis.

*I need to lose weight.

*I let my dogs kiss my face with their smelly breath!

*I talk to much & listen too little. (I've been working on that at least 15 years! UGH!)

Anyway...I'm not superwoman (darn!) & I bet you aren't either.

I can actually have peace & joy in the imperfectness of my life though, knowing that I am created by God for a plan & a purpose. He loves me (you too). He likes me (you too). He's still working with me (yup - you too!) :)

Thank goodness!

My State of Mind

2011-07-18T10:53:00.001-04:00

I am feeling thankful today...just because. I think "thankfulness" is my favorite state of mind so I've decided to create a random list . I'll try to refer to it the next time I'm feeling un-thankful! I dare you to create your own list!

Things I'm Thankful For:

kids - I waited nearly 7 years for Mark & then another 7 for Luke & Nathan so even when they are driving me crazy(!!!) I'm still thankful for them
John - the best man I know. period.
dogs - if you're not a dog-person you won't get this, but my dogs just make me happy!
Summer - my favorite Season (flip flops, the pool, shorts & T's, lots of time to play)
a new book & 2 new CD's I got for my b.day (Thanks LL!)
peanut butter - my favorite staple (& yes, I know you don't like it Holly! :)
Jesus - the BEST thing/relationship that's ever happened to me
nail polish on my toes - I said this list would be random!
AC - in the South, it's essential!
adoption - :)
friends - how I appreciate you, how I need you!

Mark's list:
Juneau (our Rottie) - just because I love her
my Mom & Dad - "cause they take care of us
the chickens - 'cause they're nice

Nathan's list:
Juneau - because she guards us
Jake (our Boxer) - because he sleeps a lot & he's cute
Juneau's bone - because she can chew on it
chickens - because I like them
my toy horse - because I can sit on it

Luke's list:
My Mom & Dad - because they take care of me
my cat - because he's so cute!
the computer - because we can type stuff on it & do school on it
our car - because it takes us places
money - we have lots of money to buy food
my bedroom - because it's safe
the couch - we can sit down & rest
the lights - so we can see
Jesus - because He paid a debt for us

OK, I'd love to hear your lists!

Community: Serve

2011-07-15T20:13:00.001-04:00

This past week has been busy, tiring & FUN! The boys & I teamed up with several other parents & kids to do service projects that the kids could really be a part of. We made cookies for police men & fire men, delivered them to their work places & prayed for them, we made crafts for seniors & visited the senior's home (photo above), we bagged up 300lb of beans & 400 toothbrushes for a food pantry & toured the place, we walked around a neighborhood & prayed for the residents of each home, leaving little crafts behind on the doorsteps. It was great to see our kids excited about serving others.

Here's Nathan praying for the people who live in this home.

So sweet!

The kids made lots of cards & crafts throughout the week. I loved Mark's "Noah's Ark".

Puppies & Foals

2011-07-10T21:10:00.000-04:00

We've just about been OD'ing on "cuteness" lately with a 10 week old Maltese/Poodle puppy staying with us. I especially like the first picture where you can see Juneau giving the little guy a sniff. Her nose is about the size of his whole head!

(pardon the underlining - my computer will not stop...except for now...argh!)

Then, the boys got to meet this adorable foal.

He's one of the very friendly wild ponies up on the mountain range we love to hike.

Have You Ever...

2011-07-08T12:54:00.000-04:00

Have you ever been approached by a well meaning person who just wanted to make sure you were a Christian? They might ask, "Do you know Jesus?" or "Have you been saved?" I have. I usually feel slightly verbally assaulted, like they are checking to see if I am good enough. Has that ever happened to anyone else or am I just too sensitive? (Definitely possible!:)

Anyway, the funny thing is that I am a Christian & I can answer "yes" to those questions, but I still feel like I am being checked over somehow anyway, Why? I think it's because I get the feeling that if I answered "No" to them, that I would be thought of as less than, or small or like something was wrong with me & maybe I should apologize or correct my wrongness or ...?

I'm not trying to pick on people who care about whether others know God or not, because I care too. A lot. A whole lot. But, I don't think the concern is coming across quite right.

I mean, the reason I care about this issue is because Jesus Christ has changed my life. He is the absolute best thing that has ever happened to me...freedom from trying to be good enough, peace, joy, hope, a personal relationship with the Creator of the Universe - it's amazing stuff. Of course I want those I love to know Him too!

And, yeah, there is something wrong with my friends who don't know God yet, but there's something wrong with me too! That's the point. We ALL need a Savior. We are all a complete mess without Him, at least that's what I've observed in my life so far.

So, I'm thinking about how we, as Christians, are coming across to others we care about. We've got to think of a way to better communicate our love, the amazing God we've met, without acting (or thinking!) that we are in any way "better".

One of the biggest reason I love Jesus is because He makes me good enough. He loved me first. He likes me. No, He doesn't like the crud in my life (otherwise known as sin) but He knows how to work with me & in me to help me turn my back on it, bit by bit. To get free from the crud!

Maybe I'm rambling a bit here, but this is so heavy on my mind...just thought I'd put it out there. Is this resonating with anyone else? What do you think?

Little Boy Funnies

2011-07-05T11:41:00.000-04:00

One of the kids hurt his ankle this morning & told me, "I think I sprayed my uncle!"

*******************************************************

The boys were thinking up nicknames for me yesterday & these were the suggestions:

Mark: "Battle of the Iron Cage Gladiator Mom"

Luke: "Sweet Princess"

Nathan: "The Rock"

Swim Meet Time

2011-06-24T17:06:00.000-04:00

The boys all love the swim team but Mark kinda glows!

I kept looking at Nathan's shoes with the thought that something wasn't quite right but I was so busy...finally I took a closer look...he had two right foot flip flops on! Oops!

Happy Boy!

(Somehow I didn't get any good shots of Luke but he was there & did great in his events.)

Mark gets last minute advice from a coach before his part of the 100m. freestyle relay (below)

A Father's Day Hike

2011-06-19T19:00:00.000-04:00

It would be impossible to count the many times I've felt thankful for what an excellent father John is! The boys are very blessed to have him as their loving & conscientious & fun Dad.

First Swim Meet

2011-06-18T10:44:00.000-04:00

We had our first swim meet! Luke was a little nervous but did well in such a large crowd (maybe 100 people all crammed into an indoor pool) & Mark seemed to love it all & had some good races. I learned how to be a "timer".

This is our "home" pool where the boys practice 8 -10 hours a week. So far they are just loving it all.

I still have lots to work on...

2011-06-16T08:40:00.001-04:00

I read this quote lately & it has stuck with me.

"No one can safely appear in public who does not enjoy seclusion. No one safely talks but he who gladly keeps silent. No one safely rules but he who is glad to be subordinate. No one safely commands but he who has learned well to obey."

I think the ones re. talking & seclusion are the toughest challenges for me. Something to be thinking about....

Swim Team - I'm Singing It's Praises!

2011-06-10T20:18:00.000-04:00

I've been concerned with how we were going to get through this Summer. The boys are ACTIVE & really don't do too well with a lot of free time on their hands. They are good boys. They just need structure. Lots of it. I was very literally asking God for some good ideas...

Anyway, we heard about a small local swim team & it has turned out to be WONDERFUL! My two older boys practice 2 hours every day M-F with coaches that swim at the University level. So, they are very knowledgeable swim instructors & are also really sweet with the kids. They come well prepared to teach & the kids have so much fun. They love all that practicing! (I'm kind of amazed at that because they haven't been fans of swim lessons in the past.) Even my little guy loves it because he gets to come & play in the shallow end with some other younger siblings. I am very thankful for such a quality program and, did I mention, it's affordable too!

Thank you God for the Stingrays swim team! :)

Pics to follow...first swim meet is next week...

Summer Continues

2011-06-05T18:52:00.001-04:00

Maybe we are finding our "summer rhythm" because the last few days were better. Whatever the reason, I am thankful! We recently took part in a field day a bunch of us home school Moms organized & had a lot of fun!

I am pet sitting more with the travel season so we have all kinds of furry cuties in our home. This is "Ceci" the 12 week old Mini Schnauzer

...and of course, my sweet boy, Jake!

Maybe I'm going to survive this summer after all?

Summer Scheduling... Help!

2011-06-02T11:14:00.000-04:00

I guess I was subconsciously dreaming of a relaxing & fun summer. Yesterday was our first official day of summer holidays though & "my bubble was busted" quickly. The boys were NUTS!

I can see that we are all going to need more structure so I am trying to be creative...any great ideas?

This is what I have so far:

pool membership
more chores (I'm a mean Mom, right!? ;)
art type program at the library (only bi-weekly though)

I am also looking at getting at least Mark enrolled in a local swim team that is supposed to be really good. Nathan will take a few weeks of swimming lessons. They have a week of VBS as well, but I still need some inspiration to keep them meaningfully challenged & active.

It's hard because that's what I've been doing the whole school year, as a home school Mom, & now I'm tired!

Thanks for any & all ideas! :)

Real Life

2011-05-31T16:26:00.000-04:00

This is how my kitchen looks. It's messy...and it's OK!

I keep reminding myself that a lovely home is not what I will look back at & remember fondly one day. There is just so much else that is more precious right now.

Construction/Creating

2011-05-27T11:05:00.000-04:00

John is building the shop.

He's progressing quickly & it's looking great!

I've been transforming a formerly scuffed, dark brown stained coffee table. First, a coat of off-white paint, then distress, fleur-de-lis stencil applied in pencil, pattern covered with Sharpie paint pens...

I'll try to post an "all done" shot. I am going to finish it with a coat of poly acrylic. I've never used it before but it's supposed to be a washable protective coat that won't yellow. It's been fun to try something new & I'm pleased with the results. At first the boys thought it was "too girly" but now they think it's OK.

Nathan made a sweet little paper bird.

He is definitely my fellow animal lover in this family.

Mark & Luke made weapons - Luke has a bow & arrow that Dad helped him make & Mark created a bungee cord gun all on his own.

More Fun at the Beach

2011-05-21T09:16:00.001-04:00

The boys love riding their bikes all around the beach town, where the speed limit is 20mph. John & I drive the golf cart & they follow behind. Very cute & a great way to tire them out - at least in theory. We can always hope! Generally they are tireless.

My four favorite guys in the world.

The boys watched Disney's Tarzan, so they were pretending to be gorillas here.They also watched the Disney movie about the spotted puppies & Luke later reported to me about the cool movie "101 Damnations"! (We still have a lot of mispronunciations at our house, but that one is my new favorite!)

Beach Holiday

2011-05-20T12:38:00.000-04:00

We got away to the SC coast for a few wonderful days.

Mud

2011-05-15T09:58:00.000-04:00

Our lives are muddy these days but it washes off...most things!

I'll take the mud if it means having happy, healthy little boys.

But I won't complain when we have grass growing in the

yard again either!

The Shop

2011-05-14T11:58:00.000-04:00

John is moving right along on the shop building project.

Some of the back yard spectators

Science...

2011-05-14T11:54:00.000-04:00

with Daddy!

The boys & I were delighted when John was able to join us on a field trip to one of our favorite science museums.

We introduced him to Mollie, the Otter,

Cool puppets,

Hands-on dentistry,

and how to rock out to the science-of-sound!

Little Boys Still...

2011-05-10T08:50:00.000-04:00

The boys seem to want to grow up so quickly these days, so I loved it when they all decided to bring their favorite stuffed toys to the Library. Mark brought "Bubba" the bear, Nathan brought "Jaguar" the dog & Luke took "Luke Ema" the monkey. I savored the moment.

The Shop

2011-05-05T14:01:00.000-04:00

The new "thing" around here is that John is building a shop

in our back yard.

Jake takes his supervisory role very seriously!

The boys LOVE playing in all the mud!

Nathan was interested in the post hole digger. Don't worry - it's not running in this picture!

Unknown Path

2011-05-04T12:40:00.000-04:00

I think change is in the wind for us. I am feeling very stressed out about it but also peaceful at the same time (weird combo, I know!). More on all that as time goes by...

Hiking for Five

2011-05-01T22:18:00.000-04:00

My four favorite "bums".

I love this cute shot of Mark & Nathan. I think they started out wrestling but it ended up as a hug.

We have a lot going on in our lives right now & are feeling very stressed out. A family hike is always good medicine for us, so off we went to Pilot Mountain. It was so good to just be all together in the beautiful woods, with the boys running around, climbing everything & making lots of noise. At the end of our hiking, Mark & Nathan pretended they were tired. Ha! It takes a lot more than an afternoon of hiking to tire out those guys!

Mark's Room

2011-04-30T08:06:00.000-04:00

I am OK knowing that I am not interior design blog material. But I do like to try to pretty up our home & I love to do it cheaply! Mark needed a new bed recently & I found this old twin at Good Will. It had a shiny pine finish (not my favorite!) that I sanded & painted the same color as his dresser. Ta da! A "matched set"! Then I cut out bunting & his name in scrap booking paper & it's looking better. I still want to do more with his walls...any ideas?

Our Nathan

2011-04-28T22:19:00.000-04:00

This little guy has a BIG personality!

Little Boys

2011-04-26T18:58:00.001-04:00

...forget & wear muddy rubber boots all over the house...imagine they are the Three Musketeers & "sword fight" in the back yard...drop towels on the floor after they dry their hands (if they wash them at all)...have very earthy humor...make forts out of freshly washed blankets, making them laundry-ready once again...talk way too loud...spill hair lotion on the floor (accident) & then slide all around in it (inspiration)...make their Mom crazy &...

... are 100% precious & dearly loved anyway!

I remind myself often that they won't be little for long. Gotta go now though - lots of messes to clean up! :)

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T14:04:00.003-04:00

We're taking a semi non-traditional approach to Easter this year, with the five of us going out for Chinese food after church. Yum!

We sang some awesome songs at church though & I've got to share some of the lyrics, so simple & so true. This is from Casting Crowns' song, "Glorious Day".

"Living, He loved me

Dying, He saved me

Buried, He carried my sins far away

Rising He justified freely forever...."

From Matt Maher:

"Let no one caught in sin remain

Inside the lie of inward shame

But fix our eyes upon the cross

And run to Him who showed great love..."

I love the "run" part of that last song. That's what I need to be doing every day, running to my Creator, the one who loves me most.

Here's the link to that second song. So beautiful! I can't get it to load on here the way I want it to, but if you paste it into your browser it'll take you right there. Easter hugs from all of us! :)

http://youtu.be/E2KNvuscKRA

Just life....

2011-04-22T10:46:00.002-04:00

...but it's ours & I'm thankful for all of it, messes, pet hair, clutter & all.

Puppet Shows

2011-04-19T11:49:00.000-04:00

The boys got creative & decided to build theaters & put on their own puppet shows. It was very messy & fun. Mark & Luke put on the shows & Nathan provided the spotlight with a flashlight.

Home School Fun

2011-04-18T08:26:00.000-04:00

The boys & I recently took the day to explore the kids' science museum/park. They all love science, especially the hands-on kind.