Getting ready for Fair!!

Ok, so we are spending our week getting ready for the fair. My oldest daughter is in her second year of 4-H. Last year she raised two market hogs and was able to sell one at auction. This year we are going for easier animals (hee-hee) and raising market turkeys and a market goat. We also bought a camper so that we could stay all week and enjoy all of the shows and events!! (also having two babies it will be nice to have a place to cool off and take a nap!!) Here are some pictures of her animals!! I will let you know how she does!!

turkey funeral

Ok, so our turkey that Shelby was trying to save died today. At our house when we lose an animal (we have lost many!!) we hold a funeral. Daddy usually digs a hole, we all say nice things and we end in a prayer. Sometimes the girls make a cross to put over the grave. I think Shelby did a great job taking care of the turkey and she showed so much love and compassion!!

Turkey whisperer

So my 10 year old is involved in 4-H. Last year we raised two pigs... what a crazy time!! (will have to write a story about it later!!) This year she chose to raise a meat goat and turkeys. We have found these animals to be much easier!! We noticed right away that one of the turkeys had a bad leg... bent the wrong way. Well in nature the animals seem to sense this and began picking on her. She can hardly get around to the food and water, much less defend herself!! Shelby noticed this and was immediately in tears... she has a hard time watching an animal suffer. So we now have a "home" for this turkey in our garage in a large barrel. For almost a week now she has been checking on her, feeding her, giving her water and giving her what I call ,"turkey physical therapy." She is sure it is working and the turkey is getting stronger. I am not sure how this will turn out and if she will survive, but I am so proud of Shelby for wanting to help her and taking time to care for her. I think 4-h has been great for her... quite the lesson in responsibility!!

Workout.... OUCH!!

Ok, so I started working out... not that having 4 kids isn't workout enough!! I really could use an outlet for stress and getting in shape seemed like a great way to do it!! I started easy about a month ago with Friday night workouts designed by a trainer. They weren't so easy and after the first one I could hardly walk the next day!! Then I tried a morning sculpt and tone class. Let's just say oooowwwww!! It was rough. Then last night I got really brave and did the infamous "track" workout with a trainer and a crazy group of people. I made it almost to the end and then this wave of sickness hit. I hurled!! Well, it can only get better from here!! They say it gets easier the more you do it... I'll let you guys know when that happens!! For now I am enjoying some much needed Mommy time with great ladies and letting go of some stress!!

Introducing my family...

Thought I would take a minute to introduce you to my family...

First, my sweet husband Chuck. Without him I would lose my sanity, literally!! He keeps me grounded, reminds me to always look to God and makes life fun and interesting!!

Second, my 10 year old Shelby. The one word I would use for her is energetic!! She has always been my toughest, head strong child. I think she is a lot like me!! We tried dance with her when she was little and it was not active enough. So now she is a fearless gymnast!! She would rather be outside on her ATV or digging in the dirt anyday!! True tomboy...

Next, my 7 year old Kayleigh. Completely opposite from her sister she would rather be curled up with a good book , doing crafts or playing with dolls. She loves all things girly and especially loves all kinds of food!! She is my thinker... she does nothing without processing it first. She has always been the quiet one but has recently begun to come out of her shell.

Next, our miracle almost 2 year old Willy. He had a rough start to life and gave us quite a scare coming into this world. He taught us patience, strength and trust in the Lord. He is my angel and has the cutest dimples!! He loves all things boy; trucks, tractors and playing in the mud!! We are blessed to have him and thankful he is healthy and well.

Last, our foster baby girl who is just 3 weeks younger than her brother... Jack-Jack. What a blessing... it is amazing how God can lead you to a decision and how you can watch the blessings pour down from just trusting him. We have cared for her for a year now and loved every minute of it. She is a bundle of energy, and despite a rough start in life is doing amazingly well. She loves to be on the move... every second!! She makes us laugh with her funny faces and dances!!

And me, I am the wife and Mother of this awesome family. Sometimes I just have to pinch myself. How did I get so lucky?? I wake up everyday and love the fact that I am able to spend time teaching, caring, loving and laughing with my children and spouse. I enjoy the simple things... reading, cooking, teaching and playing. I have learned through my life to trust God... The Will of God will NEVER take you where the grace of God will not protect you.

Welcome to my Blog!!

So I am taking the lead of a dear friend of mine and trying to find the time to start my own blog!! I hope to let everyone in on the crazy world of a homeschool mom with 4 children!! I feel so blessed and priviledged to stay home everyday and teach my children... to love them and raise them according to my standards!! I am thankful for the time I have to teach them, talk to them, laugh with them and watch them. Amazing how if you blink you can miss so much!! I wouldn't trade my time with them for anything. There are days I would like a full time maid and cook so I don't feel so overwhelmed, but I seem to get through without all those things! One of our children is an almost 2 year old foster child. I pray daily for her to stay with us, if it is God's will. We have had her for 1 year now and I wish I would have started this blog when we first picked her up from social services. We have all learned so much and come so far... I will continue to update everyone on our journey. We will find out in the next few months if an adoption will happen. Right now we are just taking it one day at a time and enjoying every moment we spend with her.