The Big 40!!!!

Well- It has happened, I have actually left my 30's.  So many say that this is supposed to be a great milestone but it is a hard one for me.  I really liked my 20's, but I loved my 30's....and I don't want to be middle aged.  But..... I can't seem to stop time no matter how hard I try, so another birthday has come and gone and Joseph keeps reminding me..."Mom, do you realize you are 4 decades old!!!"  As far as birthdays go- it was a pretty good one. I got lots of well wishes from friends and royal treatment from my family.  I only had to drive a couple of places as a taxi cab, we got big hot dogs at the ball park during Sammy's game, and milkshakes and a movie!  As we continue on this journey and each year we get older- I have to officially say how thankful I am for my life!  The blessings and tribulations in 40 years are a true testimony that there is a God and He is very gracious and magnificent!

After my walk I was greeted by such a celebration!



I love the sign! I want to keep it forever.



Celebratory milkshakes...even dairy free for MacKenzie and sugar free for me!

Planting the Garden and....trying to keep going with school!!!



Well- it is that time of the year when we desperately struggle to keep school on the top of the list!  We literally feel like inside the house feels like being in sludge, and outside the house feels absolutely GLORIOUS!  I can't keep them in!  Not only that- it is torture for me- BUT- we are hanging on and I am continuing school, for at least one more week.  In the midst of school we have lessons outside, time in the garden, and lots of friends visiting.  I wish all year could be like this- it is so much fun!



so much fun in dirt





All hands on deck



Just can't seem to keep focused!

Or just can't seem to even get to the table

Or just mad to be doing anything besides running around the yard with my shirt off!



Lessons and lunch outside...a must!



Wondering Where We've Been???

Well- spring has been busier than I expected and I am not sure which end is up at this point!!!  Here is just a glimpse of what we've been up to:

 1. Building a garden.....well Rob has built the garden, isn't it beautiful?  I borrowed a truck, picked up, and unloaded 2 loads of compost (all by myself) only to find out you can't fill a garden with compost!!!  Well- we have alot of compost now :) So- we had to go back for a third load...but of dirt.  We'll see how well our inexperience does with gardening!

 2. Regular chores.....obviously the word mundane comes to mind, (did I tell you he is already 15)!

 3. Baseball, baseball, more baseball, and more baseball!!!! Two kids in baseball means 4 nights a week at the field for games! Yesterday it finally was nice weather but my usual garb entails- long underwear, hats, blankets, and lots of layers!  Joseph is enjoying pitching this year.

 4. And more baseball....

 5. Sliding in to home is very important (more baseball)

 6. Bubblegum, sunflower seeds, and did I mention...more baseball

 7. Joseph: "I love baseball because your supposed to get dirty and you can get as dirty as you want" (more baseball)

8. Piano recitals, adjudications, and competitions

So if your wondering where MacKenzie is....I really don't know????? She is still living in our house I believe!  She has just finished up her soccer season and I even borrowed an awesome camera lens to take pics at her final game...but I got a stomach virus and neither I nor the lens made it to the game!  She also has been working very hard on the upcoming piano competition in Spokane on Friday.  Life should slow down soon- I hope. I will get back to posting...and taking picture of ALL the children!