Usually we are in a hurry as we drive through Portland, IN, but since we were on the way home from convention, we stopped to eat at Ponderosa. Daniel and Angie and the boys were able to meet us for awhile, and we were so glad they came! Can't wait to meet their little girl in a few months! Won't that be a change! :)

Exhausted and ready to be home...great job PCS!

Spring is in Sight!

Our family has had an eventful couple of months, although due to the lapse in blogging, you would never know it! It's been difficult to find time to reflect on our doings, let alone blog them. We have enjoyed the winter immensely. Our neck of the woods has seen more snow this year than in the last few, so that has made for some snow days (which are very beneficial to us...lol) and lots of outdoor fun. We are sharing a common feeling these days, though, because we are ready for SPRING! When the house starts getting a little "tight" and the nerves a little "frayed", we are looking toward warm, sunny days to give us the space we all need to survive and be mentally refreshed. In other words, cooped up kids make for stressed out parents!
Toward the end of January, Greg and I were able to enjoy one of the Christmas presents from my parents, which was an overnight package in Holmes County with lots of goodies. Babysitter included. :) Although temps were chilly, we had a great time and were able to relax and visit quite a few new places. I took some pics, but since most of them involved food, I decided not to post them...wouldn't want you to think all we do is eat. Ha! We did visit the Amish Door 2x, and Grandma's Kitchen 1x, and of course there are always the varieties of cheeses, pies, breads, etc. from all the other places...mmmm! We renewed our contracts with Verizon just before leaving, so we were able to figure out our new "toys" without 4 kids asking a bazillion (yes, that's a word) questions. Thank God for the small things! :)
Our Valentine's Day outing was to Outback with our friends, Josh and Crissie. We had fun shopping and, of course, eating. So thankful for a babysitter who was willing to watch 6 rowdy kids for 7 hours! My only pic is of Crissie striking a pose in front of Outback...I might post that one, if she doesn't kill me first!
The rest of February was busy with the typical routine plus all the busyness of preparing for Student Convention. Thanks to my mom and dad for going along to help shuttle students back and forth to events, and watch our kids for us. It was a great week, full of growth in many ways. Greg was just off a pneumonia diagnosis, and we weren't sure how that would affect everything. As Athletic Director, we knew his new responsibilities would require longer hours, and more energy, and we were right, but God gave him strength and our group of students was so helpful and responsible, making things much easier on me.
We are looking forward to the happenings of the weeks ahead, which at this point include readying our house for UBC choir members this Friday night!
Hope everyone is having a great week...I am always checking blogs, so even if I don't comment, know that we are keeping up with you!

Finished Product

Greg and I weren't born with a great deal of artistic flair. I won't elaborate, but facts are facts! Ha! As you can imagine, kids get ideas for Valentine boxes that are usually beyond our ability to create, but we do our best.

Kaitlynn's "Luv Castle"

Evan's Navy Base (way too much electrical tape, I know....)

Ryan's Construction site

Why does February have to roll around so fast?

Love Is In the Air!

Valentine's Day is always a fun holiday for our family to celebrate. We try not to go overboard, considering Christmas is only six weeks before, but something small is appropriate for us. This year the I-love-you's were in abundance, and the kids showered each other and us with lots of affection! :)
Greg and I gave each of them a new pair of house slippers (silly to some, but they love cozy pj's and slippers, especially since we have hardwood floors), and the girls each received a rose from daddy...

January 2010...In Pictures...

Words not necessary.