There is much to be thankful for

Today is the first day of summer break! I do enjoy having them home!
Last night was their school graduation. Each year they take time to give awards to the rest of the children in the school. Oh my aching arm from carrying all the awards home!! Ha
No seriously, we are so proud of our kiddos. They worked very hard this year and have all had a desire to excel in everything they do. Jonathan, Justin, Jacob and Jeffrey all achieved High Honors. This means they had straight A's all 4 quarters. All that Thursday night quizzing (that I so often dreaded) paid off! Jonathan also recieved a plaque for "Outstanding runner of the year" from his Cross Country team. Last year we were introduced to an award called the "Eagle" award. This award is the highest award given. Jacob earned this award last year and we were so proud to have our very own Eagle living in our home. This year we were proud of Jonathan to receive this high honor. Way to go guys!

Celebrating 18 Years!

It is hard to believe John and I have been married for 18 years. We have weathered a few storms, covered a lot of ground, at times exceeded our expectations, other times turned disappointment into opportunity. And through it all...we have mostly laughed and moved onward towards God's next great challenge. It has been the greatest ride I could ever want. John has been a constant support and friend. He truly is my best friend. He is a fabulous father to his boys. I can't thank him enough for making the last 18 years so amazing. Thank you for spoiling me!! Lets get going on the next 18 and see what the Lord brings us!
My day started with these lovely flowers on the front porch.

Then we headed about an hour away to Ruth's Chris Steak House. I know I looked scared in this picture but i really wasn't, i think I am concentrating on keeping the camera steady.

Here we are enjoying our time together...of peace and quiet. We both are glad we did Ruth's Chris once, but think we will do better next time!

Our Jacob is 12!

Jacob celebrated his 12th birthday on January 30th. We had a great time with 9 of his friends and 6 brothers! Jake has been a wonderful boy and great example to his younger brothers. We couldn't be more proud of him!

The Cotton Head Game...what fun!

This video you will watch what happens to the birthday child every year! It is called the Greasy Barrel and is the highlight of every birthday...well maybe not the birthday boy! Jake's was VERY long this year!

Christmas Morning

This was a cute scene on Christmas morning. Joel sat on the couch with his eyes fixed on the tree and all the goodies that lay beneath. He patiently waited for the moment to come

Dad reading the Christmas story and celebrating the Saviors Birth.

Joel was so excited! "I can be Santa this year because I can read now!"

Grandpa Santa has arrived!

Joel got his train!

Hit the Road, Jon

It's official...Jon can drive! Not alone yet, but he is one happy guy!
Way to go Jon, you did it! Now if it stops snowing maybe you can actually get behind the wheel!

Why Can't He Just Like Bentley??

John and Bentley have had this love/hate relationship since day one! I am just so confused as to why he doesn't like my sweet puppy!! Please someone...tell me why??

I just don't get it? He is so cute!

Now see, was it really all that bad?? Pray for my husband that he really learns how to forgive and forget....sheeeesh!

Thank you God for a fun family

Here we are being our crazy selves. We had so much fun at Sears taking our family pictures. This would have been used in our Christmas Card this year, but John opposed the idea because my lovely face was covered by Jake's head. I think it would have been adorable. We'll try again next year.


After we took our photos we surprised the boys by taking them to see "A Christmas Carol" in Providence. The tickets were only $10 so we jumped on it. Of course we sat on benches so we have sore back ends...but it was worth it! Somewhere between Scrooge's ghost of Christmas past and Tiny Tim's "God Bless us, every one" the creeping crud got a hold of me. My head stuffed up, my throat tickled. I was hoping it was from being out late and in a crowd...wishful thinking!

Looking over the foyer balcony and the theater