Walla Walla

A few weeks back, we were able to go to Walla Walla. It is always fun to spend time with my sister and her family. J.R. stayed with Grandma Sally and Papa and we missed him dearly. Every time we passed a "mot-e-cycle" or a "tracto" we thought of him.

The boys always love to stay in a motel. :) The first night is rough on mom and dad because the boys are so wound up they will not go to sleep! Usually by night two, they are pooped. :)

It was a quick trip, but we got some good hang out time with the Freemans. Jud is bigger, but Paisley has more hair. :)

We got to meet the chickens.

Gracie's birthday was the previous week, so we delivered her gift in person.

Aren't they cute? This picture reminds me of the time (a few kiddos ago) that we traveled to Modesto together. Amy and I went somewhere with my mom so Isaac, BJ, and the children went on a walk. BJ was a little embarrassed to be seen with Isaac wearing Esther in the front pack...and no mommy in the group. :)

Every time we get together we have a wedding! Notice Justin's boutonniere....they came up with that on their own.

These two are a real joy to watch together.

Esther presented me with a beautiful bouquet. My sister made my day when she told me that Esther had asked if her hair was as long as Aunt Elaine's.

This is the farmhouse they will be renting soon. It was a cute house with a lot of character. We expect to see Isaac wearing his romeos more often now. :)

We love you Freeman Five!

Six months

Judson is six months old today. He is a real joy to watch and hold. Justin is always doing weird things to him like the picture above. For now, Jud is a good sport! I don't know why my videos always show a black screen now, but it is a cute one of Judson's laugh...something a mommy can never get enough of. :)

Foot washing

My boys look forward to the Maundy Thursday foot washing service every year. This year we missed it because BJ was getting over the flu. We promised the boys that we would have our own service...and they held us to it.
(FYI- J.R. likes to strap himself into Jud's bouncy seat and yes he is wearing underpants.) :)

John 13:1-17

"If I then your Lord and master have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." (14-15)...."If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." (17)

Don't worry fans of my puppy chow....I made sure the bowl was washed in the dishwasher. :)

Oh the joys of little boys....

It's been awhile....Easter 2010

Just a little behind....again. We had a couple of busy weekends away from home. It is amazing how fast things on the home front get out of order. I loved being home this past weekend. For the first time in a long time, I looked at my to-do list and felt some-what caught up. I will say, the balance between messes, life, and family is a challenge for me. I want to enjoy life with my boys...read to them, play with them, invest in them, but I must constantly fight the urge to have everything cleaned and in order. My boys are growing up so fast amidst the messes. The realization that I can't be on top of it all has hit...just like a few years back when I realized that laundry needed to be a daily chore. :) So here we are. If you saw our sorta spare room upstairs (1/2 J.R.'s bed/ 1/2 stuff that needs to be gone through) I would die...after you gasped. :) I revisited this post about Proverbs 14:1. It was a good reminder. Someday it will be organized...but maybe not until the oxen have left the crib. :)

Here are a few pics from Easter.

J.R. exclaiming, "I found one!" He said that every time as he chucked each egg into his basket. We all cringed and smiled hearing them crack. :)

Move over Chris Tomlin....

For some reason, the video has a black screen at first. If you hit play, it will work. J.R. is quite a character. :)

Above Rubies

Saturday March 13th, I was able to attend the Above Rubies retreat. I have gone for the past couple of years and always leave encouraged. Nancy Campbell is a Godly woman with a heart for families and especially mommies. This year she encouraged us to get the word of God in our home....and most importantly in our children's hearts. Having our own family worship seemed so weird when BJ first started leading it...now I can't imagine our family without it. There are many evenings when we get a little discouraged because we spend more time correcting the boys to sit still, but I know this will be beneficial. BJ and I listened to a message by the math-u-see guy and he encouraged me so much. He talked about how he did not grow up with any kind of regular family devotions but knew he needed to do this with his own family. It took them 10 years to get it down, to become a regular part of their life. What a blessing to pass on this discipline to the next generation. Anyway, I would encourage you to have a family worship of your own. Sing a few songs, read a few verses, and spend time together praying daily. As the kiddos grow and mature, so will this precious time with your family.

Jared and I celebrated our birthdays on March 12. It is hard to believe that he is already nine years old. One day, as I was walking with Jared and Jesse into a store, I saw our reflection and thought, Yikes these kiddos are making me look old! We had a nice birthday, celebrating with Brady and Uncle Rick a week earlier and then on our actual day.

How could I leave these shots out? Cousins and J.R.'s smiley faces.... :)