Softball!

Avery is old enough to give softball a try this year. 

And really the cuteness is about unstoppable. 

in His time

We sold mom's house. 

Finally! and Already!?

Basically everything to do with it is bitter and sweet. 

But this one God worked out so perfectly. 

We've ALMOST sold it 4 times. 

That was tough. 

Each time it would fall through was ROUGH. 

But also, I dont think I was ready. 

This time I was ready. 

or more so. 

(see!)

We can go into the summer without that burden. 

We can close that chapter. 

Its terribly hard to say good-bye. 

But its also a great way to honor our parents and put that part to rest. 

I left this in the house for the new couple who bought it. 

(Also timed out perfectly because I signed the papers and Jordan and I split town for Chicago!)

a perfectly timed getaway

We had been trying to find a weekend this summer for Jordan and I to get away. 

Jordan sweetly was calling it my 'homeschool reward' getaway. ;)

Nothing was working. 

Then we realized we had Memorial Day weekend free. 

And by some miracle, our super busy, but even more awesome sitters, Rosanna and Isaiah were free. 

We jumped all over that. 

And spent Friday through Monday in Chicago. 

Vacation is rough.

When we go to Chicago we dont relax a ton. 

We run all over that city. 

And love every second. 

First night, deep dish pizza. 

The next morning we got our exercise around the lake. 

And took in Millenium Park 

 Ah, the city at night. 

Quite possibly one of my favorite sites. 

 The highlight of our trip was getting to be there on a Sunday night to take this in:

Robert and Jen introduced us to this hidden gem of the city and it is AMAZING. 

We got there really early to get prime seats...much to the dismay of some of the 'regulars'

Paddy Holman and Friends...traditional Irish music

He gave us a shout out during his performance. 

Maurice ___ was there on the violin that night. 

A real treat...his rendition of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' was pretty fab. 

(why do I hunch over in pictures?)

Our favorite. 

It was another amazing trip to awesome Chicago.

Time with my man is pretty great anywhere, but in that city, its unforgettable. 

FROZEN on the BIG screen!

We spent 4.5 hours on the soccer fields on Saturday. 

It was fun but LONG. 

And we hit up two graduation receptions in between. 

After that we were ready for some relaxing fun. 

We headed to Ames for ISU's movie on the field at Jack Trice. 

Could not have been more fun!

A free movie in the gorgeous weather on our favorite field???

I could not be more in love.

We were pretty early so we could get a good spot on the field. 

So while we waited of course there was wrestling. 

And some time to see Cy. 

(It was kind of the perfect night...Frozen for the girls and all things Iowa State for Sully!)

And just take some goofy pics. 

Seriously, he's all mine. 

He's kind of the greatest. 

Then the movie started! 

Tori was VERY excited! 

Of course she brought her best friends.

All my girls snuggled up. 

Tess thought it was pretty great too! 

Too cute not to include of my almost 10 year old! 

We had a great night and I'm so happy we made the trip after the long day. 

I think we'll always remember watching Frozen on the BIG screen! 

Oh the good!

There are downsides to homeschooling...

like stress(oh mama), the cost (ouch and double ouch), 

the worry that you are messing your kids up for the rest of time 

(can you say sleepless nights!), the isolation (wah!)...

But the good parts...oh the good parts are GOOD! 

Today's examples include: 

Watching Lauren become so confident in her math work that she's 

about made my role unnecessary, 

playing softball with Avery and Tori after lunch, 

and sitting on the couch at 1:30 pm helping my boy write a research report about 

a sloth. And he's sweaty from playing outside and super excited about sloths!

Eight!!!

Eight more days of school people!

Eight!!!!

We can do this!!!

(And then we will sing the song, no more homework, no more books, 

no more teachers' dirty looks!)

wait?!?!?! what?!?!?!

Mother's Day 2014

I never questioned whether or not I would be a mom. 

The idea of a small family never occurred to me. 

I am blessed that God easily have me the family of my dreams. 

That fact is not lost on me on this day.

These children are my entire world. 

And watching them, guiding them, teaching them and loving them makes me who I am.

And I am so thankful that I had a mother who modeled motherhood to me.

 I pray that I am like her in my efforts.

Thank you kids for my wonderful day...

from my favorite breakfast in bed, to your GIANT card, the homemade cards, 

the new clothes and the cupcake bouquet, the pictures and my nap...

you made me feel so special and loved!

C. S. Lewis Quotes

Because he is awesome. 

'The fact that our heart yearns for something Earth cant supply

 is proof that Heaven must be our home.'

'Since it is so likely that children will meet cruel enemies, 

let them at least have heard of Brave Knights and Heroic Courage.'

"Do I think well of myself, think myself a nice chap? 

Well, I am afraid I sometimes do (and those are, no doubt, my worst moments).'

Caught

We stopped for a quick hug...didn't know we had a photographer...but I'm glad we did. 

He's my favorite. 

Tulip Festival

This past weekend we met up with Joe's and Nick's families for some Tulip Festival fun in Pella.

After days and days of rain and cold we were blessed with a gorgeous day full of warmth and sun!

Spring has defininetly sprung...just still seems to be a bit south of us. 

Avery was the photographer all day. 

If she's not in the picture, she took it. 

Torrance taking it all in. 

Wouldn't be Tulip Festival without some wooden shoes. 

And some Dutch Letters!

And some windmills. 

And some old fashioned line dancing.

And some amazing food!

We had lots of fun playing with Josh and Hudson too. 

Parade watching.

Park playing

Lots of laughs!

We may have taken some coins from the wishing fountain...

Cute boys. 

Cant wait to see everyone again!