February 2012

 I feel like a lot has happened in the past month but I am pretty sure it is about the same as any other month.

Dave has been at the school later then normal more often this month. As the work load increases so does his studying but God has been so gracious and has given us both a supernatural amount of energy, patience and strength. The boys admire and look up to their Dad and are excited to spend precious moments with him. The older ones are out on a date with Daddy as I type this moment.

 Benn has taken to Lego and K'NEX building! He gets excited to build new master pieces. Some from instructions and some from scratch. So when we started our study about atoms and molecules in science, Legos were one of the best tools to explain how it all works. We also just went through an Ancient Egypt study and Benn built a Pyramid with his Legos to bury his mummy in. We are loving home school and enjoy making learning fun!

Josiah is very full of energy! He loves to run around outside playing karate or kicking around a ball. He enjoys running with Sammy, our dog, and also loves to draw, paint or play with play dough. We are using Zoo Phonics for Josiah and he is quickly learning to recognize his letters and their sounds. He loves to play with both of his brothers but really looks up to Benn. It is a sweet thing to watch!

Caleb is growing up fast, this month he started walking and his first molar came in. He is very good at sign language and picks it up quickly. He loves his brothers and loves to seek them out in the house. He is a happy and quiet as long as he is in the same room as Benn and JJ. As soon as they leave, he does too. He is a very curious little boy and enjoys taking apart our home school shelves. He is also very excited when he gets markers and papers. I have never seen a 1 year old like to draw before. 

 Bennjamin has a Curious George friend and he has had him since he was a little guy. Benn approached me this month told me is was George's 4th birthday. So Benn and JJ worked together and made cupcakes for our celebration.

Before

 I think they just wanted a reason to eat cake!

after

 Caleb truly enjoyed his chocolate cup cake!

 For Valentines day I broke out the china and I had a wonderful Valentine dinner with all of my sweet hearts.

 Dave and I had steak with a local Merlot while the boys enjoyed our tradition, a heart shaped pizza from Papa Murphy's.

 At the end of the night we dug into a rich piece of dark double chocolate cheese cake.

 Caleb decided to bath in it.

 The end of February baby Caleb got sick. I could not get him to eat or drink and all he did was sleep; all of this on top of a 104 temp, so this resulted into a trip to the ER. Poor little guy. He feels much better now but he is still on the mend.

 We are all doing well and enjoying the warmer weather here in Yakima. As we enter into March I am excited to see what is in store for us. Each month gets us closer and closer to finals and closer to getting back to ALASKA!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Kaydence!

 My beautiful sister-in-law Kai and my sweet niece Kaydence came to Washington to visit Kai's mom! This meant I got to join them for Kady Bugs 2nd birthday!!! I was a happy Auntie! Kady Bug is such a sweet heart, always saying "I love you" to me. She is just about potty trained now and just all around super cute! I love you little Kady Bug!

 She did a really good job trying to blow out her two candles!

She had just taken a bit of a strawberry! I wish I could have got the first picture on camera!

 My boys love Birthday parties! You can imagine why can you??

I love you Kady and Kai. I can not wait to see you again soon!!

Above Rubies

Above Rubies is a ministry that encourages women in their calling to be the wife and mother God desires them to be.

In February, Dave's close friend Michael, sent Tara, Michael's wife, and me to the Above Rubies retreat in Olympia, Wa. The retreat was held at Black Lake Bible Camp. It was refreshing to be around other women who are in the same boat; with babies on our hips, toddlers at our toes and home school at the kitchen table. But I would say,  I enjoyed deep conversation with my sweet friend Tara most of all. We had a cabin all to ourselves and spent most nights talking and sharing until we could hardly keep our eyes open.

With the Warrens this summer in Lancaster, PA

But I will never forget about the awesome adventure we had before even getting to the camp!!! 

We flew into Seattle on Thursday, late afternoon, and hit the town running! look out two mommas without kids out on the town.

 First we picked up our mustang. YES! MUSTANG!!

After we picked up the car we headed to Thai Fusion for dinner. It was wonderful Thai and I look forward to going back soon! For the atmosphere and food it was reasonable priced. We ate and talked and ate and talked some more!

 After a night of uninterrupted sleep in a comfortable bed and not one child "alarm clock" we got up and hit the town tourist style. With Starbucks in hand we walked down to Pike's Place.

 At one point we walked right past it and right down to the sea side/board walk. Once we found the lovely green sign above we found our way.

the famous "Gum wall" in Seattle

 THIS WALL IS DISGUSTING! It smelled minty fresh but I felt very germy getting anywhere near it. Needless to say I did NOT add a piece of gum!!! It was just GROSS!

 We walked through the market and enjoyed looking at the local art work and while there wasn't any famous BIG fish throwing, we got to see the famous fish fillet throwing. It works.

 After Pikes place we headed to the space needle.

Where is my coffee??

 We made a quick trip to Ikea before heading down to Olympia for our retreat. Our time in Seattle was fun, enjoyable but entirely way to short.

Second day of our retreat

 Cute right? Rustic and woody.

I had a wonderful time and it was refreshing to be with my friend and rest. Tara is a sweet friend who challenges my thinking and encourages me in my stage of life.

Thank you Michael and Tara for blessing me with this trip. Your family is a blessing to ours and we love you all!