On The Path

Hello All,

It has been a long time since I last posted.  I have had many posts and much to talk about, but I have been mulling over dropping my blog.  I have had this blog for many years now, 4 years I believe.  So many memories have been logged on here.  I have immensely enjoyed writing and blogging about our family happenings.  Two of my babies have been birthed since I began blogging!  For one, I am disgruntled about the new system at my host, homeschoolblogger, along with the new ads that are posted on my blog.  I don’t like any advertisements (of which I have no control over) on my blog.  I don’t wish to support (or condone for that matter) any companies, curriculum, or business for which I know nothing about.  One might think that I have placed these advertisements.  So, that has been my biggest reason for not posting.  I’ve thought about making a book of my blog postings but haven’t quite figured out how to do that yet.  There is a company that offers software to convert the online postings to a tangible book, but I have not had any success using it yet.  I’ve also thought about moving my blog to my own domain name or using blogspot, which I had tried many years ago before coming to this online homeschool community.  Well, those are my thoughts.

Our family has been on the road and in the air for the past two weeks!  It has been a long journey, but one worth suffering through.  In a few short months, we will be moving to a state on the West Coast, greatly different than the one we live in currently.  We took 8 plane rides on military cargo/medivac aircraft (canvas metal frame seats).  Drove at least 1200 miles.  Spent the night on board an aircraft.  Slept the night on the floor of a terminal.  Stayed only 2 nights in a row in any given location.  And survived with four children in tow!  The children were troopers and handled the changes well.  It was good for them to see the area in which we will be moving to, so that they will not be as anxious.  They have seen the gated neighborhood we hope to live-in and the location of Daddy’s new job.  It helps that the ocean and all of its intrigue will keep their minds off the vast differences in our living styles.  We heard often from the children about how beautiful it was.  Sometimes we need to look like a child.  I pray the Lord will help me to see the wonderful positives of this move, as a child, and not dwell on the ugliness I see as an adult.    “We know all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.  As soon as I am able to upload pictures, I will.  Look for the updates!

After a week delay, our little girl celebrated her first birthday!  And what a big day it turned out to be.  After the wonderful cake and gifts, Laura decided to show-off and take her first steps!  We bought her a walking stroller and she was happily playing and pushing when she stopped, stood by a chair a few steps away from the walker and decided she wanted to go for another spin.  She let go and walked over the walker!  It was so precious and so darling, we made her do it again!  She had so much fun with everyone, it is a day we will all never forget!  Happy Birthday Sissie!

Her first taste of “ice cream” (Rice Dream).  She loved it despite her face every time she put it in her mouth!  Too cold but super yummy!

On her way to the bath tub!

A substance in the writing icing did not go will with our natural kuzu root thickened icing.  by the time I would finish writing, the icing would be sliding off and melting!  Go figure!  I’ve never had that happen before.  It still turned out cute, but not picture perfect.

One of three huge balloons Daddy splurged on.  When I admonished him, he simply said “I bought them for my little girl”.  Uh-oh.  It has begun.

The three musketeers with their “haystacks” – a vegetarian pinto-bean nacho dish.  Love it!

She loved her cake!

She had lots of fun ripping and tearing!  She got pretty good at it!

Isn’t this adorable?!  Jeff and I are totally enamored with our little pink and purple child.  Even the boys love it!

Last week Thursday was “The Day”!  I have been waiting in anticipation of the big day – my first 5K run.  Whew!  Am I glad it is over!  I made it through, Praise the Lord!, and I didn’t stop running once.  My time was 30:00.  A nice goal to remember now!  The weather was absolutely beautiful, albeit a bit cool in the morning – 50 something.  My dear husband (who has ran many 5Ks now) was my Pulitzer Prize winning photographer – the action shots will take your breath away!  Well, at least my breath was taken away while I was running… I digress.  Here they are:

The dramatic finish!  We ran hand-in-hand for the finish – hubby wanted to sprint of sorts, so I obliged but geesh!  I’m looking forward to repeating in the *distant* future.

Today is a remarkable day in our home.  Our daughter and sissy is now One Year Old.  One year ago today our beautiful blessing entered this world in peace, wrapped in her mother’s and father’s arms.  No stranger.  No loud voices.  Just us and her.  Since that time, she has grown and grown!  Our baby is nearly walking, talking constantly, smiling, standing when she shouldn’t in her high chair, eating like there isn’t another meal, and laughing with her three blessed brothers.  I still find it hard to believe that the Lord blessed me with a daughter.  I never imagined myself the mother of a little girl since I could only identify with being the mother of boys.  I think the Lord was training me!

We have been planning a nice gathering of friends and those that have seen her grow throughout the passed year for today.  But alas, it was not meant to be.  Daddy came down with an ugly stomach virus in the wee hours of the morning, so we had to postpone our time of thanksgiving.  We did not bake a cake and did not have a prayer – how could we without Daddy?!   And she did not wear the dress I have dreamed of her wearing.   The white ulster linen dress that I lovingly stitched – embroidered by hand.  My first heirloom dress creation that I have been working on for weeks – here a little, there a little.  But, before long, I know that she will wear it and look so precious, our gift from God.  Until then, enjoy the few photos I am able to share.

Here are some “dollies” the boys and I made for Laura.  I purchased the fabric with the images already printed on, Peter cut the figures out,  I sewed them together, and Jack and Peter stuffed the dollies.  They were so happy to help with a gift for their sweet sissie!