Just for the record

Pictures from our hiatus:

We've been swimming a lot. Weekly swims with Aunt Heather and Rhylee, birthday parties, and vacation with Jaja and grandma.

Isobel's (3) anuall cherry blossom picture

Add a big brother for good measure (Everett 7)

We released the frogs (Hermi and Henrietta). It went a little like this:

and a little like that:

It was a little hard to let them go. We all had grown fond of them. But this was the best for them.

The kids and I went to Vancouver, BC for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Just to say "we were there". Aunt Stef was very brave to join us on this adventure. It was very cold. There were a LOT of people (go figure). But we were able to see the Olympic Flames and eat at the most Canadian restaurant we could think of . . . Tim Horton's

Short answer

I had a friend recently email to ask where we have been. The blog has been silent, co schooling has not resumed, and she is not much of a phone talker. Thus a fair question. It has taken this long to replace our computer. Though with mainly only one, it has been difficult to wiggle my turn in there.
So what has happened lately?
Isobel learned to ride a bike without training wheels
Everett flew a kite at Seaside Oregon
Ian had two requests for table information
Gus failed puppy school
I've been desperately trying to keep a clean house and provide good meals.

Where are the pictures? Provided that they were taken, probably on the main computer and hopefully to come . . . .
But aren't you happy there is something different to read here :-)

Ugh!! and Grrrrr

My computer is dying. It lasted a whole 4 years. I will see what it will take to fix it but, To Mac or Not To Mac? What do you think?

Vineyard

This was the last step in making a scout rank for Everett (attending a sporting event). In our school work he has earned other achievements, however, until he completed his tiger rank, he could not receive them. Ugh! I get it and understand. But right now we are in the process of slowing things down for the goal of being less busy, for the purpose of a united family. Kind of like pruning a bush for stronger roots and thus a better fruit. So I have canceled the two of four nights that we were scheduled to be out of the house during or after dinner.

Deuteronomy 22:9 (niv) Do not plant two kinds of seed in your vineyard; if you do, not only the crops you plant but also the fruit of the vineyard will be defiled

Psalm 107:37 (nkj) And sow fields and plant vineyards,That they may yield a fruitful harvest.

I will be tending our vineyard . . . .

My Co-op Villiage

Definition: An association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned enterprise.

Life application: Someone who is invested in you and your families total well-being. They may talk you of that ledge during a math lesson with your son, encourage him over the phone, and suggest he call your son once he has completed it. One you can count on for dinners when you are sick. The prayer, correction, wisdom and encouragement you know is in stock. The revolving system of clothes, home and educational materials.

I love my Co-op. I'm an investor!

Enough is Enough

I started this post this morning. Such is the reason. Remember that a quiet blog is a busy family? We has been to busy for our own good. Since my last post we have let our frogs go (story), purchased four more chickens (story), poisoned myself with pepto bismol after a migraine (story), did lots of Scouts stuff (pictures), made valentines with our church and handed them out in nursing homes, celebrated the Chinese New Year with friends (pictures), took a hike with new friends to a beach (pictures), went to the 2010 Olympics with a good friend (pictures), and a few other things. The Above Rubies Retreat is this weekend and I am more than ready. Yes the break will be nice, but I am more excited for what God has in store. We have been to busy. God has been working in my heart, and my brain has been listening, to his re alignment of my priorities. If I feel this excited and motivated before I go, I can not wait to get back . . . .

Click

Reading seemed to "click" yesterday for Everett! My friends said it would. It would just take time. His time. In an unplanned reading lesson, Everett read book #4 . . . then #5 . . . then #6 . . . then #7. Not all perfect. Not without help. But with desire and pride! There has been no stopping him. He gets upset when I say we need to take a break so I can do other wife and mommy things. Way to go Everett! We are so proud of you. Good work!!