The Climber

We left a step ladder out and made Jude's day. He was so proud! Yikes!

Mix a Pancake

Kate and her friend, AmyJo taught Mary this rhyme:

"Mix a pancake,

Stir a pancake,

Pop it in the pan;

Fry the pancake;

Toss the pancake,

Catch it if you can."

Today we were in the Health Food Store and Mary spotted a pancake mix. She grabbed it, held it up, and recited the poem. Once we arrived home, I HAD to video her. We made our own "Pancake Mix " box since we didn't buy the one from the store. ;-)

Jude the "Not -So-Tough"

Jude is such a little rough and tough little guy. His favorite past time seems to be running into things with his "walker" - which has become more of a weapon of mass destruction now that Mr. Speedy doesn't actually need it to walk. Ever since he first learned to scoot, he has LOVED to bat things across the floor as hard as he could, chase after them & repeat the process. Of course, throwing things is also great fun. As you might imagine, being "gentle" does not come naturally to this little toughy, but we are working on it. A lot. There is much of this kind of talk in our home: "Ouch, ouch! Gentle Jude , gentle! " as I uncurl his pinching fingers and demonstrate the right way. He loves noise. Listening to it and making it. He was my first baby to not be at all frightened by fireworks. I hope he grows up to be brave and fearless, but in the meantime,we are working on being gentle! That being said, it warmed my heart to see him take a break from
banging his toys against the tile floor (switching them out to find the one that makes the most noise , of course) to be sweet with Mary's baby doll!

Jackson Recites

We are beginning a new school coop which will involve "Public Speaking" and "Logic". For the public speaking portion, all the children had to either recite something or do a demonstration of some sort, a current event etc. This was Jack's choice. It is in two parts to make the videos easier to download.

Siblings Can Be Fun...

More Mary

Mary LOVES the kitten. The kitten is not so sure....

Mary has been obsessed with "Hush Little Baby" lately. She asks me to rock her "like a baby" and sing it before bed. I wonder how much longer I will be able to do that!

Horay for Tomato Staking!

I have been reading "Raising Godly Tomatoes" . I had read through the website years ago and was thrilled when Elizabeth compiled the great wisdom from the website into a book. Very helpful! Mary has been my "strong-willed child" but "tomato staking" is making a difference!

Little Bow-legged Boy

I'm afraid to tell me northern family and friends that we've succumbed to the southern staple of little boy clothing - "John-Johns" and rompers. Still not up for the smocked boy outfits and definitely not getting any of these outfits for Jack ( I have seen them in his size!!) but I think Jude looks pretty cute in them.

Notice the major bow-leggedness!

The Blessing of a Good Father.

I have been a slacker lately. At least as far as the blogging goes. So many things to post about, so little time. I had planned to post on Father's Day about my Dad. It is a little late, but the sentiments are the same all year round!

I am so blessed to have a wonderful Dad! In this day and age, I know that that is no small thing. I have often heard comments on how impossible it it to please your parents, to "live up to their expectations" etc. I could never relate to that. My parents were the 2 people on earth that I never had to doubt their love or acceptance. Because I have experienced that, I can believe that God can love me and accept me. I am thankful to have avoided that baggage. I pray that I can be that kind of parent.

Just a few of the things I love about my Dad:

Dad is so COMPASSIONATE.

Dad is FUNNY and FUNLOVING. No drab,boring family life for us, that's for sure. Joy and fun have been a great glue, keeping all 11 of us close to this day.

Dad is a THINKER . Always pondering something whether it be a new song, or an idea or a commentary on some current event, his mind is rarely idle.

Dad a SERVANT. Always willing to give a hand. The first in line to work ,the last in line at a potluck. ;-) Quick to put others needs first.

Dad is STABLE. No drastic changes. As long as I can remember, he has been a man who loved God, loved Mom and his kids, loved music, loved jokes and laughter, was kind to those he came in contact with. This was a great source of security. No matter what craziness was going on in this world around us, if we could hear Dad playing his guitar, singing into the night, all was well.

Well, there is much more that I could write. Suffice it to say, that I am THANKFUL to have the DAD God gave me.