March

Since we don't have anything extra going on this month, no big holidays, visitors or traveling, we're attempting to hit the books hard. Having a baby each year (or close to it) means that we take about a month off, so I figure that we need to take advantage of the times when things are running fairly smooth. :O) So, if I'm scarce around the internet, it's because I'm working hard with my kiddos. Hopefully this will mean we can finish with the bulk of work and just keep going with basic math/reading during the summer to keep things fresh.

Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day tomorrow!

I don't like coming up with titles.

Some weeks life seems rather 'normal' and I have a hard time deciding upon anything to write. This past week is NOT one of those. We've been busy. A good friend of ours (who is getting married this spring) came to spend a week with us and introduce us to his fiancée. It was a lot of fun to have them around!

On the last day that they were here we took a trip up to Chicago and toured the Science & Industry Museum (LOVE that place!). Then stopped at Lou Malnati's Pizza for a delicious dinner.

We spent the next few days working on my store. Want to see the progress?



Well, first I'll show you the 'music room' I talked about. The door in the back there leads into the store...


Lots-o-books!




There you have it from several different angles. Behind the curtain is our guest bed, Ian made it into a murphy bed so that we can hide it away when it's not in use (isn't he clever?).

Musical Family?

Neither my husband or I are 'musical people'. I played the clarinet throughout junior high and that's the extend of the musical abilities in this house. However, the kids expressed interest in taking lessons. So now we have four of them learning instruments. Amanda & Jessica are learning the piano. Kenny is drumming and Stephen is learning to play the guitar. We even have a music room.

When the kids talked to us about lessons, we told them that it's not cheap and it would require a big time commitment. Our first step was to pray about it. Pray that we'd find a way to acquire the instruments and find teachers...basically pray about all the details.

You know what? Shortly thereafter, I received an email about a new teacher in our area willing to teach pretty much ANY instrument and he's willing to come to the students home for lessons.

It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord cares about things we may think are small requests.

Not only did we get lessons, but ALL the kids have the same teacher...and he comes to our house. No driving all around.

Amazing! We serve a very awesome, loving God! :)

Happy Valentine's Day!