Family Picture

Yesterday morning, we tried once again to get a good picture of the whole family. The first pictures were "practice" while Stephen was getting the camera set up on the tripod.
1. The picture of Kathleen and Isabelle is so cute. (Maybe I can edit out the lamppost on Photoshop....if I ever have time to sit down and learn to use Photoshop.)
2. Cute picture of Daddy and kids... except for the light pole again... this time it's growing out of Ian's head. While everyone is not smiling and looking at the camera, this picture shows their personalities.
3. Speaking of personalities... here the kids are definitely showing their uniqueness.
4. This is the best picture that had from the morning. At least Kathleen is smiling! And I have my eyes open, unlike most of the other pictures. This was the best we could get from Ian after threats like, you won't be allowed to play your Nintendo today. (He was making all sorts of funny faces before.)
Oh, well. Maybe we can try again next week!

Spring in Montana

What are the signs of spring? You may think of robin's, green grass, and daffodils. Here in Montana spring means more snow. We've been having flurries off and on, but no more than a light layer has stuck to the ground. There are still huge piles of slowly melting snow everywhere.
When the kids go outside, they come back in with muddy feet. The other day Isabelle slipped and fell in the mud. She was covered; there was even mud in her hair. Caleb loves to go outside, but then he always ends up very muddy... of course, that's probably part of the reason that he enjoys being outside so much.
Yesterday, we had planned to drive to Lewistown. We were going to spend the night, and attend the CMA church there. We met the pastor and his wife while we were doing our application process with the CMA. They are a really great couple, and were very encouraging to us during the long process.
However, early Saturday morning it started snowing. By the time that it stopped, we had about 6 inches on the ground. The roads started as snow packed and icy, and then went to emergency travel only. So we stayed here, and will try again next weekend.
The roads were clear enough for us to go to church this morning, and we stopped and took some pictures.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Wraps

One of the things we do for lunch a couple of times a week is peanut butter and jelly wraps. Yesterday, the three youngest wanted to make their own. I gave them each 1/2 of a tortilla, a little peanut butter, then a little bit of jelly.
Kathleen was very careful to spread her peanut butter and jelly to the edges of the tortilla.
Isabelle spread her peanut butter and jelly around a little bit, and then started eating it with the plastic knife.

Caleb ate his peanut butter and jelly off the wrap with his plastic knife. I had to take his tortilla and add more peanut butter and jelly.

Wordless Wednesday- Playground

Tackle It Tuesday

After we almost moved in December, we had less stuff in our house. Some of it had gone into storage, and some we decided to sell or give away. Once we unpacked, I rearranged to make things fit better. It was nice to have more space (well, actually the same space, but less stuff to go in that space.)
My plan at the time was that we would spend at least part of one weekend a month keeping things organized and decluttered (is that a word?) That way when we do move, it will be easy to pack. (OK, maybe it will be easier to pack. Packing up an entire house, especially one with kids can never be easy.) My plan is that we'll have things somewhat organized, and have gotten rid of any extra things.
Of course, this month we started homeschooling Ian. That has taken up extra time. Any "free" time I might have on the weekend is used for catching up on laundry, cleaning, etc, or getting things ready for the next week of school.
I saw the "Tackle it Tuesday" on the 5 Minutes for Mom website. I thought I would try to do one small thing every week to keep things under control.
Today, I re-organized the linen closet. It was getting out of control, and I never seem to get to it. I also rearranged and organized the girl's craft area. I am sure that it won't stay that way for long, but at least for now everything has a place.
Now I'm off to tackle feeding 4 kids supper, and getting things ready for Bible study. The fun never ends.

Mary Jo's House

Stephen and I had a funeral to go to on Saturday. The kids went to one of their favorite places.... Mary Jo's house. They had a blast! Her house is very kid friendly, and they always have a great time there. She even let them take pictures with her camera. They aren't the best photographers, but it is always fun to see things through their eyes.
Kathleen was disappointed that she didn't get to go. (She spent that part of the day with Jason.) She told me yesterday, "I miss my Mary Jo." I reassured her that Mary Jo was coming over to eat with us, and she could sit by her then.

Happy Easter

Isabelle and Kathleen were very excited to dress up in their fancy dresses for today. They both wanted their hair curled. But Kathleen decided she didn't like it, so she went to church with only one side curled. Ian woke up sick this morning, so he and I stayed home from church. Stephen took the other three kids with him.