~Puppy Love~

Didn't see this coming...  This soon anyway.

All Eric wanted for his birthday was a dog.  I love our two cockapoos but the guys all want a big dog... all the guys includes Gregg.  Eric has been looking in the newspaper just about every week for months now.  This week he found an add for golden doodles.  I had been wanting one of those... my weakness I guess☺  He caught both Gregg and I at a weak moment.

We went to meet the puppies on Saturday.  They are eight weeks old were ready to leave home.  We met the mom first and boy was she a sweet dog.  I don't want a dog that sheds or I would have wanted a golden!  Then all the puppies came frolicking out.  Be still my heart, what an adorable sight it was! Somehow, the golden and the white poodle managed to have 4 black puppies.  My guys wanted a black dog... and they are not as desirable for those on the market for a golden doodle so we got a good deal.

The puppies thought Kiersten was one of them

We thought we wanted a boy and we wanted one that looked big.  This guy was the only black male... and his feet and body are beefy (he is already 18 lbs).  He also seemed lovable♥  

We don't have a name picked out for him yet, but that is always the hard part.

We stopped at the store to get him a collar.  The rest of the family had him out playing in the snow while we shopped.  He loves to be outside!

He road well too.

Bullet and River seemed scared of him at first.  Now they are a little annoyed.  I don't think they know what to think right now.

He is doing ok with some steps... it won't be long until he bounds up them without a thought.

Bullet and River don't normally find refuge with Gregg... but he was the closest thing to safety they could find.

Our first night wasn't too bad... poor guy was lonely and I heard him a lot.  We didn't deal with that much with our other dogs because they had each other.  

He is doing very well with being house trained... well, either he is or I am. He is a smart little guy and should catch on quickly.

UPDATE:  We have a name!  Meet Griz!  (short for Grizwald or Grizzly Bear)  the boys are sure hoping he is as big as his name sounds.

~Prairie Primer ~ Little Town on the Prairie~

We missed two weeks because some kids were sick and another week because we didn't have power... so I'm not sure which week of projects we are on :-)  I am enjoying this book much more than "By the Shores of Silver Lake" that we read in December.  I did like "The Long Winter" (we read that in January) but can't find any photos at the moment ~ When I find the photos I'll share those for the book too.  I could certainly understand the issues with the winter book with our nonstop snow storm and power outage!  

We were doing experiments with air this week.

We filled a cup with water and it was held in the cup by a paper.

Which paper will fall faster?!?!

How much air do your lungs hold?  That was a fun one. We started out with a little water bottle not realize how much air our lungs do hold!  We changed containers 3 times before we found a big enough container!  Jared emptied the gallon jug!

We put cold air in a sealed soft sided plastic container and watched it collapse.  Then we put hot air in a glass jar and watched the lid lift off.  Cold air shrinks, hot air expands.

We also compared white flour/bread and whole wheat flour/bread.

We had to skip a few projects but I think we are hitting most of them... the moms are learning as much (or more) than the kids☺

~A Visitor~

I have been hearing the distinct sound of a carnal for a few days.  I finally saw my feathered friend this morning!  Isn't she lovely!

Lest you think I am well learned in the sounds and sights of birds... The cardinal and the woodpecker are the only birds I know the sound of ☺  I only know a few more by sight.  Regardless, I find myself amazed with Gods creativity.  All for us to enjoy!

For the beauty of the earth For the glory of the skies, For the love which from our birth Over and around us lies. Refrain Lord of all, to Thee we raise, This our hymn of grateful praise. For the beauty of each hour, Of the day and of the night, Hill and vale, and tree and flower, Sun and moon, and stars of light.

~Tea Time~

I found a new tea to enjoy! A mixture of Chamomile, Lavender and Lemon Balm... yum!

From the box... "Settles your nervous system and relaxes your digestive system, especially good when stressed or tense."

I may or may not be stressed or tense at the end of a chaotic day... but the smell and taste of a warm cup of this tea puts me in a happy place before bed.  I wasn't sure how I would feel about the lavender... but I really did enjoy my first cup!

~My Happy Birthday~

I am not 39... it's just not possible!  Now that we have that out of the way...

Wow, it's gonna be a great year!  I woke up to the smell of coffee!  

Aaron got up early to start a pot for me.  

He also changed the background on the computers  

and left dark chocolate in places I would find them.  

What a sweet boy. 

I got a delivery from Gregg

We went out to eat!  We went to a Chipotle in Ohio almost a year ago.  I REALLY enjoyed it.  We now have one locally but three of my guys don't care for it.  It was a true sacrifice for them to take me here!

In return, I volunteered a trip to Cabela's afterwards.  We were half way there... and they love to go.

My birthday didn't end there though.  I woke up Saturday morning to find Gregg and some boys gone.  Evidently, Eric woke Gregg up early to run an errand.  Eric wanted to buy me a cup of Hazelnut Decaf Coffee with cream and no sugar (because he knows what I like) and he wanted to treat me to a muffin.  Yumm-o.  A delightful breakfast treat from a sweet boy. (I have quite the collection of those lovable boys, don't I!!!!)

Eric also learned how to play "Happy Birthday" for Nathan and I.  Happy Birthday, indeed!

For some reason blogger won't load the video... will try later

~Teen Parent Appreciation Night~

We have it fairly easy with our current youth group.  They serve, they play, they are fun, they are serious... they are so diverse and that makes nights like this so much more fun!  The leaders told them they were having a "Parent Appreciation Night" and they split themselves up into groups... so cool to see their talents and servant hearts come out.  We had four teams: skit, cooking, decorating and hosting. Many of them could fit into more than one team, but they certainly had their comfortable spot.

I helped them set up and then I took a seat with the parents.  They did a great job!  The night was a success... the parents enjoyed the night and the fellowship with each other... the teens did a great job in their respective areas.  Everyone enjoyed the chocolate ☺

Erin fooling around with skits ahead of time

Hosting/Kitchen crew enjoying the skits

My favorite youth leaders... a true joy to work with these two ladies!

I was helping the decorating team.  Simple and chocolate... the best kind of decorations.

Every couple had a centerpiece and all of them were a little different but they all had a letter from their child at their place.

Brittany does a great job with the cupcakes

Taking my seat as a parent to enjoy the night

The first skit... never thought my quiet Jordan would be involved in this!

Each teen had to write a thank you letter to their parents.  Two of the teens were brave enough to read theirs aloud.  I had some warning of this and was able to control my myself... but it wasn't easy.  So proud of what a godly young man Jordan is becoming.  God is so good to use me in spite of me... a mama who fails daily... I am reminded of one of my favorite phrases in the Bible, "but God".

Another skit

Between music (the whole group sang) and skits we were served drinks, salad, soup, rolls and dessert.  Jared was a host and did a great job serving the parents.  He is growing up so quickly!  He did a great job looking people in the eyes and getting what they requested.  I think he actually had fun doing it too.

Thankful

Thankful to be working with the teens

Thankful to be the mom of two teens

I am blessed

~New Snow Once Again~

We continue our school work during the snow days... and we enjoy partial days of school on sunshine days:-)  Today we took the morning off (mostly).  We shoveled, played and photographed the beautiful new snow.  As long as it is cold, I think it should be white :-)

Somebody thought it was warm outside

 

Aaron enjoyed exercising the dogs

Most of the mill race was frozen on top but parts were still running beautifully.

The Horses and Mules were up to their knees in snow today.

I love this action shop.  The dogs just love walking with me.

Kiersten no longer likes the cold and snow... 

but promising her a bike ride helped get her out for some fresh air today.

I believe we have 18-20 inches on the ground now.  It should be a nice wet spring!

I don't know what this bird is but it was beautiful flying overhead.  I have been noticing a lot more birds since our "Birds of Prey" class Tuesday.  Isn't it amazing how you notice things when they are brought to your attention.

~My Nathan Boy~

He is SEVEN!!!  Nathan was thrilled to have dad home for his birthday! The office closed because of the snow storm.  We enjoyed our day together!  He was disappointed in one thing... he doesn't feel any different then when he was six ☺

 Birthday breakfast pancakes!

Opening gifts

a bow... oh, how he wanted a bow!

We took the kids sledding

It was a little dark but we basically had the place to ourselves.

His birthday cake flopped.  I tried to get it out of the pan and it crumbled everywhere!  I quickly decided to make a trifle with chocolate gnache, peanut butter drizzles and coolwhip.

One happy little man

What a joy and delight this boy is... a bit messy and a bunch sensitive, but a true joy.  

Happiest birthday wishes to my little sweetheart ♥