I got flowers today....

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... from a BOY!

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Of course, I have to tell you all about the first bouquet of flowers I have ever received from a guy. I happen to see this dear boy every week. He has blonde, wavy hair, sparkling eyes and the most captivating smile.
Oh, I guess I should mention that he is 6 years old! :-D

He is one of children that I babysit. They are such well behaved and sweet kids.
When he came in from feeding their goats today, he held out three sunny dandelions and said, "Here. They're for you!". It was so adorable!

And here they are!

Connor

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We recently discovered that a certain venturesome, energetic, 17 month old LOVES the outdoors! Soooo, this morning I brought him out to the swing set. He was being such a ham. What would we ever do without little boys?

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Ok, so it isn't exactly a smile... a grin, maybe?

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I would set him down like this and, without fail....
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... he would come down like this.

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Where Am I?

You are floating in the air over 15 famous places in the USA and around the world! (Thanks to Google's free detailed world globe.)

But the question is, can you name them without help?

This will be easy for most of you, but I threw a few tough ones in there to make it interesting for you!

Before & After

(The story of a crumbling piano bench and its renewal.)

After many hours of sanding, polishing and correcting mistakes, I finally got our worn out piano bench back into a workable condition. I would play off a real piano bench rather than a straight backed chair any day!

Is this one better?

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Blossoms on our apple trees.

A view of our property

(A cloudy view...with no leaves on the trees...and everything looking gloomy.)

Ok, so I will post a better one sometime!

Enjoying the sunshine...

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Baby Update...

At the last dr. appointment for Mother and the baby, Mom & Dad decided to get an ultrasound done. We were all eagerly anticipating the news, when they arrived home that evening.
You know, if anyone SHOULD be used to this it's us, but somehow it's always exciting.... baby, after baby, after baby!
So, dear readers, I'll announce it to you the way that Daddy did to us. He said, "It looks like we're going to need 7 brides for 7 brothers!"

Yes, it's another boy! As far as names go... that will have to be a surprise. You can imagine all of the opinions we have about that. :-)

He is due around 4th of July, so we only have about 11 weeks left before we can meet the little man!

So many ways to...

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...Learn!
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Are we having fun yet, girls?
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I guess this one is a little more "realistic".
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Trying to see how many words she can make on the magnetic flip board.
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Music is an important & fun part of our education.
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Molly is working on cursive writing these days and doing an excellent job!
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Anna studies science at the computer table.
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Sometimes the quietest place in the house is one of the bedrooms!

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Luke stretches out on the couch to read, "The Story of the Constitution".
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Looking forward to all the thrills and wonders that Biology has in store for her (9 years from now)... or perhaps... just posing for the camera.

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S P R I N G...

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... is supposed to be here! *sigh* Despite the "uncheery and unlovely weather", we can still have sunshine in the house. Liz and Em made these for the kids snack time today. Aren't they adorable???

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So, happy Spring everyone! If all else fails... make cupcakes. :-D

The age old art of boxing

John winds back for the punch.

He has gotten a lot better since he has started working on his boxing skills with his dad!

Here we are talking "shop" from what we have learned from past competition and the fight we just had. Since I trained with Mr. Ferry for a few months, and also did some martial arts work for a few months with Rick, I enjoy some healthy competition once in awhile!

Here I try to get one back on Johnny, but he ducks out of the way!

Even Eli and Mark squared off for a round or two!

That one looked painful!

He is Alive!

As we celebrate the holiday of Easter, we think of the cross, the cruel soldiers, the Father's plan, the empty tomb and salvation for all.

Truly we didn't deserve Jesus' love and in the end of his ministry, his life. But if that had not happened, and the angel hadn't spoken those awe inspiring words "He is not here, for He is risen" then what a plight we would be in!

There would be no peace, joy or love in this present world. For what reason would we have to be joyful or to have a hope?

But fortunately for us, Jesus' love was for every one of us, and he died willing at the hands of wicked men to save mankind, because it was his Father's will!

Let us all rejoice and praise the Lord for his wonderful love that he has shown!

Happy Easter!

Happy Birthday to.... Emily!

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Last night we celebrated Emily's 14th birthday. Praise the Lord for such a sweet sister. She adds a lot of joy to our home!

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A smiling birthday girl!

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Aiden and Mindy jumped in for this shot.
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Her favorite gift... a new tennis racquet!

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More gift opening.
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Weeeelll, all I can is... I tried. I asked for a "real smile" and this is what I got!

(By the way, that is IBC root beer that we're drinking.)
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Emily chose "Chef Salad" for her birthday supper, with soft french bread on the side.
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Getting ready to blow out the candles on...
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... her Frozen Chocolate/Caramel Pie!
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Reading a clue, to find one of her gifts.
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Sister snapshot!
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