Finally some fun

After a week of Mom being down and out. We got down to some serious business... Painting pumpkins for Halloween. Daven decided he wanted to carve his, and I think we'll be doing that tonight. Ruthie and Paul wanted to paint theirs, and Lillie just wanted to be painted. And yes, that is snow that you can through the back window. We got 3 inches last week, and it hasn't completely melted yet. It will be quite a different Halloween this year, instead of the sweating hot Texas version.

Ruthie got a kick out of painting her sister instead.













Lillie thought that it was hilarious.

Humility

Last week I got some kind of stomach bug and had a miserable Thursday night. It was the first time that I had passed out because of being ill, and I got some fantastic bruises from it. Friday I decided to call a friend to see if she could help me with the kids so that I could get some rest as I had not slept all night. She obliged and came to my rescue. So... then last night I hurt my back - worse than I ever have before, and so I was back of the phone again asking for help. She has been fantastic today, as well. She came and helped with the kids this morning, took me to the doctor, watched the kids while I was there and then came to pick me up. She brought me home, watched the kids until Jeff came home from work, and now as Jeff has to go teach a class tonight in Rapid City, she has the kids again for me until bedtime. At which point she will come and help me get them to bed. I had to ask for help so often in Texas I was hoping that I could not be that person constantly in need of something. But, here I am again, being so grateful to a brand new friend whom I hardly know. I am forever in the debt of those around me who help me at a moments notice. So to all those who have ever been there for me in a pinch - Thank you again and again! I will do my best to pay it forward, and be there for anyone who might need ... anything... I think the cyclobenzaprine is starting to kick in... I'm getting sleepy. Thank you Melissa for letting me get some rest.

All of us

I look at these pictures and I'm so glad that we have another year before we have to do it again! :)

The Daven Do

Is he just a heartbreaker or what? 

Daddy's Princess

Some where in that smile you can see her mischievous plan...

The Big Brother

What a handsome guy!

The Lillie Bug

We got these pictures taken two days before we left Texas. Thought I'd share. :)

Gratitude

My life has been full. I am amazed at the blessings that have been given to me in my life. My oldest son was baptized this weekend, and it has made me reflect on the blessings that the gospel has brought me. my knowledge of our eternal existence has helped me have courage to develop talents and pursue seemingly impossible goals. Truly, the Lord has done more with my life than I ever thought possible. I have been blessed with the understanding of the eternal nature of families, and have been able to build my relationships with my husband, children, parents, and siblings based on this. Not that all my relationships are perfect, but I understand that my family will be with me forever, and that I should be quicker to forgive and more anxious to find ways to serve them. I have been blessed with the comfort and guidance of the Holy Ghost, which has told me when I have strayed and comforted me when I have thought there was no way back. I have been able to discern solutions within problems. I have been blessed by my membership in the church as well. The programs developed by the church have given me the opportunity to learn through seminary and Young Women's, they have given me the opportunity to develop life long friends through Visiting Teaching, and Home Teaching, and they have given me the opportunity learn how to repent and return to what I have always known to be true. I am so grateful for these blessings. I am so grateful that my son will have the opportunity to receive blessings like these in his own life. I am ... grateful.

8 Years Old

Today Paul turns eight. It's amazing to think that he is that old already. He's lost seven teeth, and I really should know how tall he is. I know he weighs about 48 pounds. He's sweet and sensitive, he is a great big brother and loves to take care of his little sisters. He is a wiz at math and sciences. He has an amazing way to think through problems logically to find solutions. He loves computer games, gymnastics, running, and learning about the Gospel. I am so proud of this kid... can you tell? :) He is an amazing example to his siblings, and I am so grateful that Heavenly Father sent him to our home.

P.S. If anyone is interested we are going to Pennsylvania this weekend, and Paul will be baptized on Saturday the 29th at 3pm in the Doylestown Chapel.  If you happen to be in that neck of the woods - the more the merrier.

Homeschooling and Garage Sales

So, we are homeschooling. (Please refer back to the title of my blog - crazy) But this week went better than last, and I have hope that it will just keep getting better. I was originally only going to homeschool Paul, but Kindergarten is only half day here and I felt like it would really complicate my life even more having to shuttle Daven to and from school everyday. So, we are homeschooling both boys. On Monday we went to the park and learned about standardized measuring units (inches, centimeters) and we measured stuff. All sorts of stuff - each other, benches, platforms, seats, monkey bars. We made estimates as to how big things were, and Paul learned how to measure to the nearest eighth of an inch. Probably my most successfully fun lesson of the week.

We've also been furniture shopping at our local neighbor's houses. So... we don't get things quite as cheaply as we did dumpster diving at UT, but Garage Sales have proven to be pretty fruitful. :)  Last weeks' great find was a bench press and weights, but this week we scored this beautiful coffee table! I was pretty psyched! 

I guess there isn't a whole lot of excitement happening up here in Spearfish... So I guess I'll just post some really cute pics of my kiddos. :) Until next time - smile everyday! 

Spearfish, South Dakota

We have finally arrived and unpacked and started making our place a home in Spearfish, South Dakota. I had never been to South Dakota in my life until this June. Never had I imagined living here! But so far we are enjoying the little town of Spearfish. We've been impressed with the parks and the recreation trail that goes through the town. There are some great hiking trails just minutes from our house, and the weather always seems to be perfect. Actually, it's pretty idyllic. 

Jeff is enjoying teaching at Black Hills State University. The culture of the university is a great fit for him. I'm keeping myself sufficiently busy homeschooling the boys, gearing up to start teaching voice lessons, and unpacking. I am enjoying the stay-at-home life with the kids and I think we are going to really like it here. Spearfish, South Dakota. Who knew?