Saturday, August 18, 2012

How Do They Do It?

I am spoiled rotten.

Rotten.

I have forgotten what real parenting of young children is like.

When people find out how many kids I have, and then on top of that they find out I homeschool, I usually get the same question, along with the bewildered look:

"HOW DO YOU DO IT?"

Well, I learned a little something about myself this past week.

Both of my big boys (the only two children at my home old enough to babysit, at least according to Air Force standards) were gone to running camp. 

The girls are able to stay home on their own, but they are not "of age" yet to babysit their sibling.

Which left me 3 1/2 days where I had to take the 4 year old with me.  Everywhere I went.  EVERYWHERE!!!!

And then I thought "How do they do it?"  How do moms of little kids with no older siblings to help do it.  When they have to take them everywhere all day long.

Obviously I did this before - in some former life apparently. 

Luckily, I never will have to do it again.  I now have enough children in my home that there will always be one or two babysitters available.  As of February, I will have THREE of them at the house.

Hey, you have to do what you can when you live oceans away from grandmas and aunties.

You gotta count on those teenagers!!!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

DTC

                                    DTC
                              (DOSSIER TO CHINA)

                                                         August 10, 2012

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Perfect Roomie

I'm sorry, but I thought it was TOTALLY cool when I talked to my oldest boy tonight and found out that his roommate this week is none other than:

I think that's pretty darn cool!!

**** You'll have to turn off my background music on the sidebar if you want to hear this video***

Monday, August 6, 2012

Milestones

So, I'm doing a lousy job at taking pictures this week, but still had to share.....

On Saturday, I saw my oldest boy off on his eight day trip with Show Hope, to spend that time serving at Maria's Big House of Hope with their Student Global Training Program.  He had to fly out by himself and that was really the scariest part of it all for me.  I am so, so proud of him (and admittedly, pretty jealous too).  That at 15 almost 16 years old he is CHOOSING to spend his time in service is pretty awesome! I just wish I was at Maria's Big House loving on those babies right now.  I wouldn't even mind the painting and yard work that's involved too.

Then today, Abby and Lanie both tried out for Missoula Theatre's production of Betty Lou and the Beast.  They both got parts and are SOOOOOOO excited.  Lanie is a young daughter and Abby is part of the "country folks".  Most of the kids in the neighborhood are going to be in the play so it should be a very fun week for all of them getting ready together.  It was Abby's first time trying out and she did so well!! 

And now, Jacob, Lanie, and Abby all went to the track where Jacob is trying to train the girls in running.  Jacob and Lanie will both be running for the middle school's cross country team this year, and Abby is kind of wanting to get into running too.

Tonight I get to go to dinner with my hubby to a "secret location" to celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary.

To top it all off, we are one document away from completing our dossier!!

Thursday, August 2, 2012

A few China pics



Did I mention that the family trip to China was an amazing, once in a lifetime experience?  We prayed SO hard and everything fell into place beautifully.  Not one thing went wrong!  We had a couple of flight delays but the guides were always waiting when we arrived and it was no big deal.  Josiah caught a stomach bug but it didn't show up until we were back in Tokyo and even then it was very mild.  Praise God!!  We made some great memories, and a lot of unique experiences that I hope to share more about in the coming weeks.  Abby got to get a little taste of her homeland, and we all got to see some things we will remember for a lifetime!

Josiah talked everyone's ears off the whole time, and is right now reading over my shoulder with a very weird expression on his face trying to figure out what in the world that means.  Our travel group was very, very patient with him and answered the same questions over, and over, and over!!  By the way, he can read faster than I can type and if someone has some hints on homeschooling gifted children please do let me know!

Anyhow, here's a little peek into our trip....



Temple of Heaven


Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an



Terracotta Warriors

Summer Palace

Split pants!  I had to take a picture!


YuYuan Gardens

Great Wall
Great Wall