A Prayer For Travelers

O Almighty and merciful God, who hast commissioned Thy angels to guide and protect us, command them to be our assiduous companions from our setting out until our return; to clothe us with their invisible protection; to keep from us all danger of collision, of fire, of explosion, of fall and bruises, and finally, having preserved us from all evil, and especiallyfrom sin, to guide us to our heavenly home. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

So Thankful.

For boys.

For the freedom to homeschool, and days like this.

For a sister who thinks my thoughts...

and a friend who gets me.

For a husband who believed in me and trusted our Lord enough to take on this life and this faith. And who now teaches me everyday.

For a four-year-old who says that the turtle on the dentist's new fountain looks like it is throwing up. Leaving the dentist speechless.

For home.

For cheeks.

For life.

So thankful.

Looks like...

...

milkshakes and jello for Owen.

In case anyone was wondering...

...Oliver has not outgrown his milk allergy.

An extremely helpful big brother was setting the table tonight, and decided to help even more by putting parmesan cheese on Oliver's spaghetti for him. We were half-way through dinner when we noticed his lips swelling. Two teaspoons of benadryl later...he's sleeping it off on the couch while we keep an eye on his hives.

Every once in a while I think, "He hasn't had a reaction in a long time, I wonder if he's outgrown it..."

He hasn't.

Overheard

The boys were listening to a book on tape before bed tonight. Oliver decided to press buttons on the radio and messed up the tape. This is what I heard from the living room, out of an exasperated Peyton:
"I wish we were all the same age. I wish Oliver didn't mess with things. He's just too curious."
Peyton, sometimes you are so right.

Good News/Bad News.

Good News: The boys went outside with Daddy yesterday and worked really hard clearing all the leaves in the yard.
Bad News: It wasn't clear for long--Now it's snowing!

Good News: Last night for dinner, I made meatloaf that was actually edible for the first time ever. It was delicious, and everyone ate their portion (some of us more than others).
Bad News: The recipe came from a friend (you know who you are) who warned me at the time, "It isn't very healthy". http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Guy-Approved-Meatloaf/Detail.aspx Boy, was she right; I could almost feel my arteries clogging ;o)! So, it won't be making the weekly rotation, but certainly a once in a while treat. Hey, if I serve it with salad it's justifiable, right?

Good News: This weekend was a rare treat- no work for Daddy, no obligatory get-togethers, minimal errands to run...just lots of family time at home. It was long overdue and much appreciated!
Bad News: It's Monday morning. 'Nuf said.

Good News: We've got a busy week ahead, full of blessings, including an "Art Enrichment Day" with our homeschool group (where someone else gets to plan and organize a project for my kids).
Bad News: No bad news for this one, just lovin' life!

Breaking News!

Isaac has a tongue!

Reward! (Ok, it was a bribe)

To four little boys, there's no incentive quite like a trip to a pizza joint with games. So on Monday when I told them that hard work, completed assignments, and good attitudes could earn them a trip there on Friday afternoon...well, let's just say I've never seen them work so diligently.

Throw in one very patient baby,

and you've got a real party.

I must say though, 260 tickets just doesn't buy what it used to!

Well, here we go...

Been thinking about starting this journey for awhile, and now just seems right. But how do you begin a blog? I mean, anyone can, but how do you begin a blog? I've read about a million, I know what I like, but those are their voices, not mine. I finally decided to just do it, and tweak as I go.

So...welcome to my little pocket of the internet!