Ride 'em Cowgirl!

Tuesday, Catherine got the great opportunity to ride the Urban's calf. She was sure she wanted to do it, so I was fine with it. Leisel patiently helped get Buddy where he needed to go. Once Catherine got on, she wasn't too sure what to think, especially after he started to walk. I think you can see that it was a pretty cool experience. Thanks to Leisel for helping her and to Charissa for taking these great pictures.

God cares for us!

One of the things we heard this weekend is how God cares for the birds and flowers. He doesn't care any less about you.

Last week, Samuel attended football camp and had a BLAST! I do believe the boys had a bit more of a spark in their eyes after it was over. However, the cost is several hundred dollars and requires 4 nights a week to be out at practices. A bit much when you have other children in activities and want any family time together. So, we talked about how we could do it and couldn't come up with anyway time-wise. I had a thought about the Y and called them today. Good news, it's less than $100, one practice and one game each week for 8 weeks. Great thing is that it starts in September so we miss the worst heat! Isn't God so good to us?

If you hadn't guessed yet, we've had a little delay in the adoption. However, the scripture that came to mind is "I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day." Quoted from memory which may be a bit fuzzy. Bottom line, we committed to Him to be obedient in this adoption. Despite many delays, we are not released from it and will continue to believe He is caring for Hannah, protecting her from anything that would be a potential problem in such a long wait. We're going to see this through. We're closer today than ever and the calendar ticking by doesn't change anything.

That being said, we (the 3 kids and I) took off to Branson Friday am to be with our friends, the Storments, go to church, Silver Dollar City, be at a birthday party and relax. It was a great trip with fun for everyone. Amazingly, traveling with 3 on my own is not a problem. I think it helps a bunch that we stayed with a family who has children our kids' ages and that we traveled this time in the morning. Everyone was ready to go, no passing of naps and bedtimes as can happen. Buddy got to sleep in, read as much as he wanted AND got the girls' room painted Ballerina Gown pink. I wish I knew how to post videos from my camera because Catherine noticed the smell of paint right away and then was thrilled with her beautiful new wall color. After a few touch ups tomorrow, we should have everything back in place.

The boys and the girls spent the weekend very differently...

After having a very rough time on the frog ride, Caleb enjoyed having a friendly arm around him on the lady bugs.

Samuel thought Buddy's hair got really long while we were gone, Buddy thought Caleb grew, and we were all happy to be together once again.

Getting things ready to throw in the car and head out to Branson. We're going without Buddy because he is blessed with work. The plan is to surprise Catherine and have her room painted when we get back. We picked up the paint yesterday, but she thinks it for whenever Buddy can get around to it. Hee hee hee! Looking forward to that surprise. We hope to catch up with friends we haven't seen in quite a while an perhaps leave on Monday instead of Sunday night. We shall see. However it goes, it's going to be good.

Three days in a row!

We've put Caleb on the potty on a pretty frequent basis, but it's been hit and miss, mostly miss. However, 2 mornings in a row he went peepee and poopoo after breakfast, and this am went right after he woke up! So funny to see the cheering section as the kids are sitting on the counter waiting to see what happens.
Nothing much happens during the day, but that does speak to my consistencey since this has been a busy week for us. But I think we're on the way to something!

Busy day

I took a friend with me today to OKC for a Classical Conversations Practicum. She was curious about the curriculum and I wanted to go to the tutor training. We had such a nice ride there and back. A lot was confirmed while we were there. The awesome thing is that tomorrow, she and her husband will go together so he can see what it's all about, too. I now have a homeschool buddy to do fun things with this year! I'm so thankful for that.
Mom so kindly watched the kids at the very last minute so we could go. Very nice. Caleb was very excited to see Grandma today. As I was getting him for bed, he took the phone away so he could talk some more to her. I'm so glad they had a good time.

When I got home, my curriculum had arrived! I'm the type who gets something, takes out all the pieces, reads about it and puts it all together. So, my memory cards for the whole year are in order and my manual for the afternoon class is in a binder in the book shelf. I'm ready to start teaching right now!

Samuel's friend Ian is in football at the tender age of 9. This will be his second season. I remember when my brother played in jr. high how tough it was. I played in the pep band at each home game and felt really bad when he got hit or didn't get to play. They start them young here and work them hard. Ian's mom called to let me know there was a football camp 3 nights this week to give Samuel a taste. Oh, my! I'm not prepared for the time commitment, nor the pain for him. However, Buddy thought it would be great for him to try. So, this evening, in 90's weather, he was on the H.S. football field running drills. He came home exhausted, but quite pleased. There is a draft for 4th graders and he said, "mom, do you think I'll get drafted?" Hope and concern all in one. He tried a linebacker position, of all things! Isn't there something with a little less contact? Oh, my.
I'm sure they'll all sleep nicely tonight.

Awww!

I bought a few things for Hannah yesterday and was putting them away in her dresser when I found Catherine had put her too small ballet shoes in one of Hannah's drawers.