The pond that Jake built

This is the pond that Jake built.

These are the stones, put there by Jeremy and Jake, that lay around the pond, that Jake built.

This is the birdhouse, that sits by the stones, that are around the pond that Jake built.

To be continued with the koi Jake kas grown in his tank, and a filter fountain he is designing with Jeremy.

(pictures by Jeremy)

Labor of love

This has been a wonderful *spring break* with all the family here because of school vacation. We have been busy as bees. It's hard not to be in the beautiful weather we've had! I've worked on several closets, kept able bodied teen aged hands busy with their responsibilities and paid projects, and thinking about/working on my own personal daily schedule.

Jake has built a beautiful koi pond, Cotter has been selling things, and Hannah is quickly becoming the laundry line queen. Again, I find getting up early to be a help to my pace and what I am able to get or not get done. I know there are seasons to expect and not expect certain things around here. We have talked and talked about what we should expect, and what we can't expect. Finding that balance as husband and wife has been important in this family's DNA. I find the grace of God to give me the desire and creative thinking I need to truly have the eyes and heart to do what I do. So I'm discovering and finding it a joy to me...not a burden.

If I get feeling *burdened*, it's back to the drawing board or *board-room* talk. This is canned phrase I use to describe the sessions Jeremy, the big kids and I have in a big circle where we talk about how things are going with all of us, plus some plans of action Jeremy and I have cooked up.

I hope to put up pictures soon of the pond Jake dug out by hand for his fish, the daffodils Jeremy, the big kids and I put in, and maybe a newly painted house? We'll see ;)

Sunny Side

Loving the beautiful weather. Still getting my feet wet with my business around here. Lots of crazy ;) like chasing Bella down the driveway or behind the duck house with the babe in arms. I find myself getting teary eyed at the moments we share around here though. I can't believe Hannah is as old as she is. It's hard for me not to wish too hard to slow down these days. *sigh* I know I'm not supposed to hold on too hard...but....

Watching Jeremy taking time and loving the kids.

Lots of bouncing on the trampoline with the big guys and little ones laughing in the sun, wrestling, playing games and make believe, catching bugs and amphibians.

Breaking up some fighting, knowing we are working on character.

Seeing big brother and little brother hand in hand going to play basketball

Sharing the crucifixion and resurrection stories with the children, and watching it make an impression on them. That is really something. Really special to me. Not hearing a sound after we have seen the movie, and they listen to Uncle's cd with him boldly singing, "I see what love looks like when I see Jesus," then knowing and understanding their silence.

(pictures by Jeremy and Hannah)