Life is busy...but good...

We'll I just realized I haven't posted since August. It speaks pretty well of our life. =) There's just not enough time in the day to get it all done. But, things are well, just busy. In September we were in full swing of Homeschooling. All is going great there. I love having the kids home learning together. They amaze me everyday at what they know and how much they remember. All the boys go to a Monday class this year with several Homeschoolers and it's a major highlight of the week. Bradley went last year and Ryan and Tyler were SO excited that their turn was here. Hallie is at Preschool on Mondays and Wednesdays so this is the first time in 9 years that I have had any time without children. It's been a great chance for me to be able to make appointments and get things done that I don't normally get the chance to do. The day goes by SUPER fast but I'm very thankful for the opportunity. I have a couple hours in the morning to myself and then I pick up Hallie at 11 and get to spend the rest of the day with her before picking up the boys in the afternoon. We're enjoying getting some Mommy/Daughter time. It's been really special.

All the kids played soccer this fall. They really enjoyed it. The first game Hallie wasn't too sure once she got there and decided she wasn't ready yet but she talked about it all that next week and was SO ready to play after having that time to ponder it all. =) They all had a great time and it's so fun to watch them.

Bradley celebrated his birthday in October. I can't believe my baby is 9 years old. Wasn't he just born? I'm so honored to be his mommy. He's a sweet boy with such a tender heart. I'm so thankful the Lord blessed me with such an amazing boy. He's always been such a great big brother to his siblings and I'm SO thankful for that!

We took a little family vacation in November. We went to one of our favorite places...Sunriver. We went the same week last year and it was quite a change of scenery. Last year it was in the 70's...this year there was snow. I'm not fond of traveling in the snow but we made it and had a great time together. We rented the same house that we did last year. We stayed inside most of the time playing games, watching movies, and just enjoying one another. We did play in the snow most days and went into Bend on day to do some shopping at the Christian Bookstore and my favorite store, Trader Joes. A couple days before we were to leave I fell down the stairs in the middle of the night as I was carrying Ryan downstairs and landed on my ankle so I was pretty much out of commission the last couple days of the trip keeping my leg elevated and hopping around on one foot. It got nice and swollen and blue and purple. Something I hope never to experience again. =) All in all it was a great trip and I look forward to the next time we can get away.

We've been busy with some home projects these days. Tom and I painted the living room and kitchen. It's been fun to have some color back. It feels like a new house already. This weekend he and some friends will be replacing the kitchen floor with tile. I can't wait to see the finished product.

Here's a few fun things the kids have said lately:

Hallie: "Guys, when I went to get the mail with Mommy today, I found a Porcupine" Bradley: "A porcupine? Do you mean a pine cone?"
Hallie: "uh...yeah...that's what it was." =)

Hallie: "Thank you Bradley...you saved my life"
Bradley: "How did I save your life"
Hallie: "You picked something up off the floor for me".
Bradley: "Well, that's not really saving your life, but you're welcome"

Hallie: "Mommy, when Santa tries to tell me to do something naughty, I don't listen to him".
Mommy: "When did Santa talk to you?"
Hallie: "You know...he tries to get us to do naughty things."
Mommy: "Oh, you mean Satan?"
Hallie: "Yeah...him". =)