Making the Days Count

So...today we didn't do any "school"...but, we had a lot of fun! :)   

I used to take Ethan and Luke hiking almost once a week...even if it was a really short hike..we were up in the mountains.   Since March I've been in a fog of exhaustion.  Going from 2 to 4 was easier than I expected in some ways...and harder in others.  I've had a hard time doing any of the extra stuff we used to do.   I finally got the gumption to take the kiddos to the mountains before winter.  Christy has been begging, so we headed up there today.   They had fun running around and being wild.  It was a beautiful day.  I love my kids.  I'm so thankful that I get to be with them everyday.  Watching them melts my heart.   What precious gifts from God!   That's not to say it's always perfect...I don't want to be phony.  I really struggle sometimes...I've got a temper and a mouth that I wish I could lock and throw away the key to.   My kids argue and bicker better than most.  Hopefully, by God's grace ALONE...they will love Jesus with their whole hearts and serve Him alone.   

Punkim Patch

Yesterday marked 7 months that our kids have been home!  Time is flying!

We went out to pick apples yesterday but there were none left, so we just did a little hay ride out to a pumpkin patch.  The kids also got to feed some sheep and goats.  We also got to hang out with Mamaw, Aunt Jess and the cousins. 

I've always loved the way my kids have said "pumpkin".  It's just one of those words.

Moses loves Karley!

I think she gets prettier every day. 

T-R-O-U-B-L-E

He doesn't like to get his hands dirty except for when he's slinging mud at his brothers.  So, whenever he falls on his front his hands immediately go up and he just waits for someone to get him up! :)

We headed to a park after the farm and the kids played in the creek.  I told them they couldn't, but, it just happened gradually.  Someone stuck their hand in the water, then a toe, and before I knew it they were completely submerged!

Making Memories

I have kind of felt like I'm in a bit of a rut lately and can't seem to climb my way out.   I read a blog by another mom that challenged me to not let time slip by...to enjoy this season with my kids...to make the days count.   So, we went outside and raked up a huge pile of leaves.  The kids played in the leaves for over an hour!   

Christy just had the hugest smile on her face and just kept yelling, "This is so fun!".   This is the first time she's seen fall. In GHana, the only seasons are rainy and dry season.  So, we're going to try to make fall count...make some sweet memories...to not let days slip by without enjoying what God has given me. 

My garden is struggling.  If the chickens didn't eat it, I forgot to water it. :)  I've replanted some stuff and tried to rig up something to keep the chickens out.  So, we'll see.  HOpefully we'll get to eat some stuff out of our garden this fall/winter!

Luke is tying his own shoes...probably a little late...but, still, he's proud :)

Then we played with fire!   My kids are pyromaniacs!  They get it from Chad.   They could just sit in front of a fire for so long. 

Acting like little monkeys!

Taking everything in.

Whispering secrets.