My apologies

Well, it sees that since a little before Christmas I have been shirking my responsibilities as a blogger. My apologies to all of my readers! With taking the kids to preschool 3 days a week and running MOPS, I just don't have as much time to come up with blog posts! I will try to do better!

House for Sale by Owner!

We have also been getting our house ready to sell. We found out around Christmas that we will be moving in April. The farm had the opportunity to buy a farm that already rent, but it came with a house. They wouldn't negotiate that. So, I told Joel we should take a look at it. It is about 5 miles closer to town and I thought it would be great for the kids to live on a farm- since Joel is a farmer. Hmmm. So anyway- we loved the house. It is bigger than ours and we will be saving money. The downside, an older house needs more upkeep. I am up to it. I am also going to try raising some chickens. The property has several barns and a chicken coop. An exciting venture for me. Now I just have to talk Joel into getting a horse! :) We are all excited about the upcoming move!

Our new house!

How time flies

A few weeks ago we were able to go the Columbus Zoo for the Zoolights opening. It was a very cold night and the snow was blowing hard. Once we made it into the zoo, I had to buy a hat. I was suprised at how much it really helped to keep me warm. All these years I thought my hair would keep me warm. The snow stopped blowing as hard and we had an enjoyable time. They had a light show set to music around the lake every 30 mintues. They also had free cookies and hot chocolate for the members. Claire didn't get to have any- but she handled it pretty well. We hope to make it out again before the season is over. Maybe we will try ice-skating!

Notice the kids scarves- I made them. I am so proud. I discovered a way to make them without crocheting or knitting! I simply tied knots. Thanks Martha Stewart!!

October Fun

Last Thursday we headed down to Delaware with our playgroup to a pumpkin patch. The kids had a nice time. They were able to pet and feed the goats and shop for some fantastic pumpkins. Chloe filled up a wagon with about 15 mini pumpkins. We only kept 3 and put the rest back. I ended up getting some mums and several different types of pumpkins to decorate our house. Collin, of course, loves the white pumpkins.

Saturday was the last day for Soccer. I am so glad! We still have 2 awards ceremonies this week, but I am glad to have the busyness over. Collin did well this year. He attended his practices and games and seemed to enjoy them. He didn't talk to anyone and actually a girl at the playground was trying to talk to him yesterday and he just stared at her. I felt bad for him and for her!

Claire has improved her game a lot this year. She played on a bigger field and a larger team. At her last game I noticed she was running very fast. She got in there and kicked the ball a few times. Her team consisted of 1st-3rd graders, so she was one of the smaller ones on the team. She has spent all weekend running very fast. She says it is because she has been eating mango for breakfast. Hmmm... I wish it worked for me!

This was the best year for soccer so far! We really liked both of our coaches. Collin really got the best coach for him. God must have had something to do with that. :) Claire's coach was a woman and she was great too. She really seemed to know a lot about soccer. We'll see if we do this again next year. It is hard to have practices on 2 different nights. Chloe will probably want to play next year too. I am getting tired just thinking about it!

Hiking Day

Yesterday we went hiking at a Nature Preserve near our house. It was pretty nice. There is a trail that is a little over a mile long. We came along this tree that had apparently been knocked down by the wind storm last week. Joel couldn't believe how big the root system was. The kids called it a wall.

Collin had so much fun. He was the leader of our hike. He would often run off ahead of the rest of us. Chloe and I hung toward the back because she kept saying she was scared. I don't know why- she kept saying the woods were scary and every time we heard a woodpecker or something, she would cling to me. Silliness.

I was able to get a lot of cute shots of Chloe though since we were at the back of the pack. Collin also filled his pockets with acorns. It doesn't take much to make him happy. (at least while we were there) I don't think it was what the kids expected when I said we were going to take them to a park. There wasn't a playground- just nature. They enjoyed themselves. It is fun to be able to go on outings and not worry about a stroller anymore! Next stop- DisneyWorld~ I wish! :)

Getting Ready For MOPS

I have spent the last few weeks gearing up for the upcoming MOPS year. Our group hosted a table at Saturday in the Park, a family festival at a local park, we walked in the Marion Popcorn Parade, and tomorrow we will be holding a Drive Thru registration for new moms. Saturday we will be having a training for our discussion group leaders. I will be glad to just get into a normal routine. We officially start next Friday, the 19th.

It was very hot at Saturday in the Park, but we made a few contacts. We decorated our strollers and wagons and walked in the parade. I don't know what happened, but we were inbetween to trucks full of high schoolers. I seriously was walking as fast as I could and couldn't keep up. Eventually someone on a golf cart came and told us to step aside. How embarassing. Anyway- we finished the parade walking as fast as we could. I have gotten a few calls from people who saw us in the parade, but next year- we will be riding in a float. No more of this walking stuff. What were we thinking!!

Collin will be starting pre-school at the YMCA on Monday. We will be going over tomorrow to take a tour and maybe swim so he can feel comfortable there. Sunday we will go to meet his teacher one on one and we will arrive early on Monday morning so he is the first one there. I think it will all go well. He is excited for it. I will keep you updated on his progress. My hope is that he makes some friends that he will just be himself with.

Back to School

Claire started school last Thursday. I can't believe it. She seems to like her teacher and is making some new friends in her class this year. From what I can tell, she still plays with a lot of the same girls from last year at recess. She is growing up so fast. Unfortunately the hot weather last week hasn't helped Claire's asthma. She has needed breathing treatments everyday and we are trying to stay on top of it so she doesn't miss as much school as last year. Thank the Lord this week the weather will be cooler.

Claire and Collin both had their first soccer games on Saturday. Joel and I both like their coaches this year. Claire is on a team with all girls, which is good, but they are from 1st-3rd grade. So, some of the girls are a lot better than the others. They are learning the positions now and playing on a bigger field.

Collin's team is called the Cowboys although there are more girls than boys on his team. He hasn't complained and has seemed to enjoy going to practice and his first game. He really likes the stars they hand out and the bible verse card at practice. I think it makes him feel special.

Meet Ivan

I am sorry it has been so long between posts. The LCD screen on my camera suddenly stopped working, but I recently discovered it can still take pictures. I can't see what I am taking a picture of, but it still works. The other day I left my camera at my father in laws house. When I went the next day to get it, I discovered I didn't just leave it there, I left it outside on a chair at the pool. Real smart. Anyway, I picked it up and turned it on and the LCD screen was working again. It seems so come and go right now. There must be something loose.

I wanted to introduce Ivan. The newest member of our family. He is a cute little kitten we have had for about a month now. We kept him in the screened in porch for a couple of weeks, but now he is outside. He still stays very close to the house and can't wait to play with the kids. He is a great little kitty. The kids love him very much. He's growing on me. :)