Saturday with a blank calendar!

Oh what a joy to have nothing on the calendar! Life still needs to happen, but when it's at our own pace, and all together, it's just nice.

So, Tim was able to go to his new favorite store, the 'new' HyVee, which is conveniently down the street from us, and procure his ingredients for ribs on the grill. The 3 older kids went with him to help in the shopping process, and they managed to stay to the list! The rest if Tim's day was spent prepping ribs and his sermon for tomorrow. Very fun for him.

The big boys were in and out, round and about the neighborhood, playing with friends and having a great time. Samantha and the twins are all healthy now, after their 6 day quarantine for flu symptoms, so they were out and about the house, playing and just being loud!

I had time to rearrange the boys room,moving out the queen bed and replacing it with 1/2 of the bunk beds we have to put up there. Hopefully God will bring us just the right little boy to add to that big boy room, and now we have the space to do so. Until then, the big boys are loving the new arrangement and extra elbow room to do some serious Lego building! Josiah got another new set for uncle Steve and auntie Stephanie today! (It's already built)

It was such a a nice weather day, I had to put on shorts and a T-shirt. It was cloudy, rainy and a bit muggy. I was even able to get a tad bit of fresh air into the house!! I loved that.

Josiah turns 6 years old

What a boy! Excited, lover of friends, spunky, smart, athletic, lovable, huggable, cuddly, just to name a few of his greatest traits.

Josiah got to have a snow day for his birthday. So, playing in the snow was part of his day, plus plenty of time playing Madden Football and watching his favorite shows. He was in heaven!

The birthday fairy worked her magic while the birthday boy slept & the big surprise was breakfast in his room & the privilege to watch shows on mom's IPad!

Josiah really wanted to play party games on his birthday. So, we played bat the balloon & had a snowman making contest together. Sweet boy invited Laurey & Zeke over for dinner & cake. We all watched a movie of Josiah's choice, Ice Age! So cute to listen to him giggle at the movieI

What a weekend!

I survived a weekend with 6 children (Caleb - 8, Josiah - 5, Noah - 4, Samantha - 21 months, Ke'Ron & Ke'Mari - 15 months) and no husband. You might say, well, you've done that before with 7 kids, & you're right, but those were 7 kids that were raised in loving, supportive homes that did their best to teach them right and wrong. 3 of my kids this weekend have had less than desirable beginnings in life.  So, they come with many behaviors that make me so very grateful for my 3 children that do their best to do the right things. Our weekend went quite well, we had no major incidents, everyone had a good time and I am alive to tell about it. This morning was bitter sweet as I got to drop the 3 of the kids off at their daycare, although one of the daycares was pretty sketch. :(. It's a no school day so, I am loving the time to be with my other 3, alone, doing things we use to get to do often. Simple things like, going to the club with all 3 of my kiddos, shopping at Costco...having a friend over to help out his parents on this no school day! It'll be great. Daddy comes home tonight too, which will be the icing on the cake. Hurray for long weekends.

Caleb, 8, playing blocks with Noah, 4

Noah really liked doing the shapes.

Samantha, Noah and Josiah were able to play outside a bit.

Josiah wanted his bobcat tattoo on his neck!

The Little People gang, watching out for Dad to come home from work.

My Big Boys, waiting for the bus

Samantha and Ke'Mari reading books together

Early mornings

I like quiet, and these days that happens when all are sleeping. When my body feels rested and I can get up in the morning before everyone else (Tim not included, he usually beats all of us out of bed!) I have a nice time to read and get ready for my day to be focused on the correct focal point.

Today is one of those days. So, here's to a great day, praying for God's supernatural strength and joy as I love those who cross my path.

Blessings

We are a busy little family, not because our kids are in 8,000 activities yet, but because we have 5 kids & 3 that are 20 months and under. Life here is full & just busy meeting everyone's needs.
Life is good, God is good and I am living in the peace of God's grace which is new every morning...I claim that as new every minute in my world.
Thank you Jesus for this grand opportunity to live and love and share!! Tim told me the other day that I just give give give...and never stop. I pray that is always true!