Fun Family Times

Last weekend, the boys went fishing with their grandma Brenda (Shawn's mom). It had been a VERY long time since we'd been fishing. I, myself, am not a fisher/outdoors person. They seemed to enjoy it however and that's the main thing.

Here is Malachi with Grandma Brenda:


Zachary is actually really good at casting. I was proud of his skills.


Uncle Bill and Malachi were checking out the fish he caught.

Malachi found a snail shell. It had water in it and when he picked it up he shouted, "OOOOO! It peed on me!"


Malachi thought he should let his MANY cows graze while we fished.


Logan pretended to eat a worm.

Later that evening, we had supper plans at my parents house with my sisters and their kids. Here is Malachi & Tarin:

Malachi was trying to tackle Taige: (I can see some great football players soon.)

The boys were a tad skeptical about Brienna playing with them. They had been 5 grandboys for awhile until Brienna broke that boy streak. She is all girl so they were all watching to see if she fit in with them. She did great and they were great helpers. I can see them being protective of her in the future! :)




Brienna had a lot of fun helping with the rock construction.

Malachi found the horse he used to ride on and brought it out for Brienna.


She only stopped to tell a few stories to Tarin as he listened so patiently! :) He has quite the personality and is a sweetie.

Fun Times with Brienna

Brienna has finally warmed up to me and she will play and be happy as long as mama is not in sight. We had some fun times Saturday. My cousin's wife had a baby shower that we went to and since Jarin was helping with it, I watched Brienna.

We had a few times that we had to walk outside and pick "flowers."


Later that evening, at Grandma Pams's house, the boys were a little skeptical about Brienna playing with them. It had been the 5 boys for so long (Logan wasn't out there) that having a girl play with them was a little different.

They watched for a little bit and waited for her to whine or complain but she shared graciously and was very kind.



Although she may have wanted to, she didn't even throw the rocks!!! :)

Malachi found Grandma's horsie for her to play with and she really enjoyed it!

Tarin was a very patient listener as Brienna told him about her wild rides.

She's growing up soooo darn fast and reminds me of my sister so much.

She's got the most fun expressions and is starting to have a more friendly personality.

Overall, it was a great weekend. I have some more pictures from the boys fishing with their Grandma Brenda. Also, Friday we started to make some MAJOR decisions that could affect our family life within the next few months. We were talking with several trustworthy friends and they all seemed to have the same message, "Why do you try to be superhuman?" My response was to be flabbergasted at first, but really, I don't think I try to do it all. . . . I try to do what others do. . . but I have such limitations. I am still having a very difficult time accepting that I CANNOT do the things I used to do- work full-time, be a mom full-time, cook a lot, enjoy cooking, and especially exercising/running. I am struggling with letting some of it go and trying to discern God's will for me as I walk into the future, not knowing what will be there for me. Please continue to pray for my family and myself.

Charms without the Lucky!

A few weeks ago I discovered we could buy the lucky charms marshmallows without the high price or the cereal!!!! Talk about being excited!!!! ;) however- as usual, the kids soon found them... And the rest is history.

Happy 4th Birthday Malachi!

Malachi certainly wasn't ready to turn 4 years old today. He was a grouch most of the day and maybe should have had a nap rather than a birthday party, but of course that didn't happen. We had a local cake company (Celebration Cakes) design a cake based on Malachi's specifications - cows (of course), tractor, fence, hay, grass, and water. I think she did a great job incorporating it all into the scene. I know he really liked the cake.


Malachi was so excited to see his cousins and friends. I had my friend Jen do her photography again since I wanted to be in the pictures more and also so I didn't have to worry about taking pictures and could enjoy the party more.


He's always going to be my baby.

I will miss these days.

He had his cows spread all over the table this morning. He got a new dairy barn with many cows so he neede new pasture space and fences.

He is very specific about where all the cows go and how they belong in certain spots. He also knows bulls from cows by their anatomy and knows that the babies generally need to stay with their mommies.



Here he is showing me how old he is:

4 fantastic years. . . or maybe crazy, busy, God- given- blessings, years. Malachi currently loves cows- more like being infatuated. He enjoys going to Awanas and learning about God. He is such a teachable boy. He learned to ride a real bike without training wheels this past winter. He thoroughly loves his time on the farm with Grandpa Darrell- especially doing chores and taking care of the baby calves.

Life

Today, the doctor confirmed fears I'd been having. I'm awaiting tests and anxious, yet resting in the hope the God gives. The kids are up at mom & dad's tonight. They were all too eager to get going. I've had an emotional, exhausting day and need to process things with Shawn. I need to be honest. . . blunt. . . and vulnerable. I'm not super-mom, super-wife, or super-teacher. Life is in perspective right now. Priorities and opportunities are open for discussion and I'm taking tomorrow to rest up and be ready to enjoy my LIFE with my family. For those in my "prayer circle" PLEASE and THANK YOU for your prayers and I will keep you posted after all the stuff during spring break.

Logan's 7th Birthday Party

With the way my health has been lately, I thought it would be nice to hire out the photography of Logan's birthday party. Also, I thought I'd like to be in the pictures also. My friend Jen took the pictures, and also took the picture on the top of this blog. I love the pictures.





Logan had such a great birthday party.

He was excited about the new pearl snap shirts.

Reading

Malachi was given an old reading textbook today and he was so excited. I hope my boys always love books!