A new Vikings runningback

Joel visited the boys' school the other day and Ezra's teacher stopped him to share a conversation she had with Ezra. She is a Vikings fan, so she and Ezra were discussing the game. Ezra was recapping it for her, telling her that the Vikings played well in the first half, but then lost it in the second half. Then he told her that the Vikings "have one good runningback, but they really could use another one." And, "My brother Simeon is pretty fast, he would be a good runningback for them."

Thoughts from Evelyn

Evelyn went to the farm this week. I might be wrong, but I think this was the first time she had gone all by herself. When I asked her if she was ready to come home, she told me, "No, I wanted to stay the whole week." Oh, well, I certainly missed her presence around the house. I always missed the boys when they were gone, but I also enjoyed the break from the constant energy and noise. But Evelyn, I just missed her. Maybe it was because, in the best sense of the phrase, she is mine, I understand her. She wants to do what I do, be like Mommy. . .Apparently, Mama's miss their little girls in a different way!

Some of Evelyns highlights from her time on the farm:

• She got to ride the horse, Copper, with Grandpa sitting behind her. She "likes Copper."
• She told me she was going to save the sack lunch Grandma made her for the trip home, for when she went to the farm again. I did convince her that Grandma had sent it for the car ride and she could eat it.
• She was thrilled to find the kitties in the haymow. And only one ran away.
• She loved her time with her cousins, Johanna and Micaela, although she told me that they should have stayed longer
• When we got home, Evelyn got her pjs from her suitcase, and then stuffed everything else back in, "so it will be ready for when I go to the farm again next week."

I am so thankful she had such a good time and thankful for wonderful grandparents who love and sacrifice for my children. And, I'm thankful God gave me a little girl to love and miss!

Happy Birthday Ezra!

Every time I sit down to write about Ezra for his birthday, I stare at the screen and eventually give up. I think it is because I find Ezra so hard to describe. I feel like you have to experience Ezra. He is easy. Easy to have around, easy to please, easy to enjoy. He is normally happy to help and happy to obey. He spontaneously and genuinely says "thank you" and "I love you." He makes you laugh with his random thoughts and interesting expressions. He notices a new hair do or new shoes. He initiates conversation with just about anyone. When he comes home or someone else comes home, he always greets with a cheerful, "Hi _____!" He approaches life with gusto and enthusiasm.

And now he is five years old and seems to be growing up by the minute. He was so proud to turn five and be "faster and

bigger." For his birthday meal, Ezra chose salad. . . "like you and Dad have, Mom with all the stuff and that sauce with chunks in it."

So we had a cobb salad and Ezra got his blue cheese dressing, just like Dad. His brothers convinced him that he needed to have corndogs, so we had homemade corndogs as well.

Ezra, may you always enjoy life and people as you do now. I am so thankful for the joy you add to my daily living. I am excited to see you grow this year as you start school for the first time. I love you. . .Happy Birthday!

First Day of School!

I am completely behind and out of time and energy to write an update on the first day of school. I hope to write more soon. Everyone had a good day!

Don't they look so grown up?! Be still my mommy heart. . .

Some pictures

I am finally getting around to posting some pictures. . .

Click here to see pictures that include pouring the basement walls and a visit from cousin Thomas!

Click here to see pictures of the house moving onto the foundation and demolition inside the house!

We are so grateful for all the people that have helped get us to this point and excited to have the house settled in its final resting place!

First Family Grill-Out at the acreage!

We had fun grillling hotdogs and smores over a fire out at the acreage this week while our house in town was being viewed. I envision many more of these events in the coming years!

An update in pictures

Here's some of the fun we've been having the past few weeks!

Basement work and more family fun!