Where has the time gone?

 It’s amazing to realize how long it’s been since I’ve posted here.  I’ll need to try to get this blog started up again as my kids have been asking about it.

Happy Father's Day

Despite my lack of blogging this year, I know after this week there is no way I can not post about two of the most wonderful MEN in my life.

 I will start with my fabulous husband.  Those of you who are friends with me on facebook may or may not know that a few weeks ago we announced our newest little blessing - A child who's due date was January 12, 2013.  We were as excited about this child as we have been for all of our children.  Knowing that God has blessed us.  Wednesday I began showing signs of an impending miscarriage, and Friday morning we said goodbye to our youngest child, Mercy.  I can honestly say I have the most wonderful husband - simply perfect for me.  As I rested all day Wednesday and Thursday praying that the Lord would not take our child, JA took care of our other children and kept them busy so I could rest.  Even after we knew Mercy was gone, he has gone out of his way to make sure that I had everything I needed, and that I was doing okay emotionally.  I love my wonderful husband! 

Next, I have a fantastic dad.  He's crazy and bizarre at times, but despite all his teasing and jest, I've always known he loves me.  Dad, thank you for raising me to fear God and to trust God in all things.  Through the example you and mom have given me, I have learned to know that God is GOOD in all things, and that God has only the best planned for our lives, even if that means only knowing Mercy for a few short weeks.  Thank you for your support and prayers this week.  I love you, and I'm sorry I didn't get you a Father's Day card this year (well, I probably have neglected more years than I have remembered).  You deserve so much more than a simple blog post.Thank you Daddy!

Giveaway: Grandpa Jake's Campfire Cooker

We are excited about all of the beautiful warm weather.  The kids are excitedly looking forward to many nights of camping at the lake.  Head out to Life in a Shoe and checkout this awesome giveaway.  I can just think of all the cool things we could cook while camping with this cooker!

Giveaway: Grandpa Jake's Campfire Cooker

What a Year It's Been - Andy

Andy - Joseph and a shepherd

 A Little About Me:
Name: Andy
Age: 5
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Food: Peanuts
Favorite Activity: Scootering
Favorite Book: Joke Books

Andy loves all things about farming - especially the big machinery

 Highlights from 2011

Greatest Lesson Learned: Exercising
Hardest thing of the Year: Writing
Favorite Memory: Playing in the snow with cousin Brynne
What I loved most about 2011: Watching Robin Hood

Excited to do everything his sisters do.

 Looking Forward to 2012

Want to Learn: To build a spaceship
Want to get better at: Riding Scooter
Biggest Goal: Learn how to Read

My Mr. Fix it - or at least he tries to be.

What a year It's Been -- Lydia

Lydia as Mary in the Christmas Program

A Little About Me:

Name: Lydia
Age: 6
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite food: candy
Favorite activity: barbie
Favorite book: Magic Tree House

An unusual deer at the Home on the Range Cabin

Highlights from 2011

Greatest Lesson Learned: How to ride a scooter
Hardest thing of the year: Sitting Still
Favorite Memory: Old Faithful
What I loved most about 2011: Vacation (we went to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons)

Baptismal in front of the church

Looking forward to 2012

Want to Learn: How to write a story
Want to get better at: Scootering

On the Phone at Pioneer Village

Biggest Goal: Read the Bible (she's reading the Day by Day Kids Bible)

Adding to the Great Ball of Twine

What A Year It's Been - Kara

Happy New Year!  Okay, I know it's January 2 - but hey at least I'm not a whole month behind.  I thought it would be fun to share something from my kids their favorites from 2011 and their hopes for 2012. 

Kara - a shepherd and the Inn Keeper

Today I'll start with my eldest child - Kara Beth

A Little About me:
Name: Kara
Age: 7
Favorite Color: Rainbow
Favorite Food: Candy
Favorite Activity: Playing with my new Penguin (Thank you Aunt Sharon!)
Favorite Book: The Boxcar Children

An unused blackberry turned Mp3/Kindle/Camera/Video camera

Highlights from 2011
Greatest Lesson Learned: Math
Hardest thing of the year: Obeying (I'm so glad she was honest here)
Favorite Memory: Vacation
What I loved most about 2011: Getting a scooter

Contemplation - Kara loves losing herself in the beauty of God's Creation

Looking forward to 2012
Want to Learn: How to do cartwheels
Want to get better at: Handstands
Biggest Goal: To read all of the book Little Women

A wonderful servant (when it's her own idea)

Thanksgiving Blessings

I have been very delinquent in blogging since September, but this has been a year of spiritual growth, and business with my family.  I don't apologize for stepping away from the computer - It was very needed.  Anyways, here are some pictures from the Thanksgiving visit of our family -- This was the first time since JA's brother Phillip graduated from college that his mom and brothers were all together.  I loved being able to meet my two nieces for the first time.

Click here and here to view the pictures.