stowaway

Yesterday I went to Walmart. I go once every 3 months, only when I really really have to. This time I needed some groceries, some onsies, and some orange ribbon. Only Walmart carries all three.

Well, the trip was as expected, what was unexpected was the unpacking when we returned home. The orange ribbon is no where to be found! The main thing i needed! ARG! What we did have in our bag, however (and don't ask me how they made it home, just remember this is chaotic crowded walmart with four kids unloading my cart!) was 2 cases of TRIX yogurt! The crazy colored "cotton candy" flavored should-not-really-be-called-yogurt yogurt. I pulled out one case and showed the kids.

Me: HOW did we get this?!?!

Sam and Ella Rose: I don't know.

Josiah (very proud of himself): I got those yogurts! I did it!

Big kids: THANKS, JOE!!!

Josiah: You're welcome. And I got two, so we can have the other ones tomorrow.

Si will have to stay in the cart from now on.

Boojiboo Flirty Apron GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

I'm busy thinking about decorating the new house, with its 10 foot high white walls. Thinking of making a big blackboard for the dining room. And I think the kitchen needs one of these adorable aprons, so I'm trying to win one here :

Boojiboo Flirty Apron GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

We have an address!

I've always thought the army was an exciting place to be! Our week has been no exception, as we literally RACED to secure our Fort Leavenworth housing. Here's how it all went down:

Months ago, we were told which four neighborhoods we "qualified" for, based on family size and student status. We ranked those neighborhoods by preference, and were assigned our second choice, Infantry Barracks. I have already mentioned that we were anxious about these beautiful old apartments and how our children and dog would adjust to no backyard. My discouragement turned to hope, however, when I discovered that some friends, the Snells, were there! If you know the Snells (either from Wheaton or Fort Riley) you know what a blessing it would be to live nearby! (Ok, I might not want to live under them, or any family with six kids, for that matter, but next door, YES!)

About the same time, we also realized that waiting until we arrive on the 10th to sign our lease was risky. Students were pouring into Leavenworth all summer and, although we had a neighborhood assignment, there was a big difference in the individual homes. For example, we could have a first floor apartment or a second floor one. A busy street or a quiet one. An outer apartment with a chance for a fenced yard or an inner one with only a shared courtyard. Jess buttered up the housing office staff and gathered as much information as he could about what would be available and then. . .

Meredith Snell to the rescue! She and her six kids, armed with our power of attorney, trucked over to the housing office bright and early Monday morning to find a place for us! We had in mind an apartment in her building, but that was not yet available, and, not being a gambler, I didn't want to wait for it and pass up something else. She toured a couple of places and picked out one that I think will be great!!! It is on the first floor, on the quiet street, across from the playground and a few buildings away from the Snells. It is in the middle, BUT it had a fenced in courtyard). The floor plan seems great for our family--lots of storage, she says!

We have always been comforted knowing that God, in his sovereignty, has determined where we should live--it has been so evident each time we move in that this is exactly where we should be. So we are ready and excited for the next adventure and thankful that we have an address!

PS I will email that address out soon.

PSS Please continue to pray that we find a renter for our Georgia house!!!

Hymn Sing Sunday

Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven
1. Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;
To His feet thy tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Who like me His praise should sing?
Praise Him, praise Him, praise Him, praise Him,
Praise the everlasting King.

2. Praise Him for His grace and favor
To our fathers in distress.
Praise Him still the same forever,
Slow to chide, and swift to bless.
Praise Him, praise Him, praise Him, praise Him,
Glorious in His faithfulness.

3. Frail as summer’s flower we flourish
Blows the wind and it is gone
But while mortals rise and perish
God endures unchanging on
Praise Him, praise Him, praise Him, praise Him,
Praise the high eternal One

4. Fatherlike He tends and spares us;
Well our feeble frame He Knows.
In His hands He gently bears us,
Rescues us from all our foes.
Praise Him, praise Him, praise Him, praise Him,
Widely as His mercy goes.

5. Angels help us to adore Him;
Ye behold Him face to face;
Sun and moon, bow down before Him,
Dwellers all in time and space.
Praise Him, praise Him,praise Him, praise Him,
Praise with us the God of grace.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to three amazing men--Papa, Grandpa, and Grandpa Louis! We love you!!!

Papa loves the babies

I couldn't find many pictures of Grandpa, but I bet he'd rather show you pictures of his grandkids enjoying his garden anyway.

it's an amazing garden.

I can't wait to live closer.

Speaking of farmers, here's another man who knows how to grow em'.

And while we're at it, I do have a husband who is an incredible father:

I should probably write an eloquent post for father's day. I'm very tired. But you can see for yourself. . .

So until they can write it themselves, I can guarantee you, my kids love their daddy!

Swimming

We've been trying to get in as much time at the pool as we can, as we assume the post pool in Kansas will be quite a bit more crowded and less convienent than our neighborhood pool. The kids are swimming like fish! Well, most of the kids. Adeline LOVE the water. She'll float for a while in her little star float, and then want to get out and swim with mom or dad, and finally enjoy playing on the steps (which includes diving under water and being caught by mama.)

Josiah, having had a scare in the pool at the beginning of last summer, thinks hes' being extremely brave by letting his feet float while sitting on the second step. Hey, he's making progress.

Sam insists on holding his nose, but in the last week, is FINALLY not fearful of the deep end and can swim around just fine.

And Ella Rose, well, Jess and I just can't believe it, although she has always been good in the water. It has taken just 3 times at the pool and she is swimming like a fish. She LOVES jumping in, turning flips underwater, and swimming around.

Coming soon!

My sister is going to have a baby. Very very soon. It's a girl! And I'm so excited. Thought I'd give you the sneak peek into a box I sent her today (since I will have to wait a PAINFUL 10 or 11 days after the baby is born before I can see her). I guess I shouldn't complain about things being PAINFUL when I'm talking about my sisters impending labor and delivery. Here is a onsie with the sweetest little chiuaua.

My sis has 2 real live chiwauwas and her 2 year old has the matching boy shirt, a hand-me-down from Si.

And these shirts are making me giddy! Rach came up with the idea of Big and Little animals. I have 2 more ideas sketched out. If I just had the time, these could be an etsy hit!

PS. Rach, I mailed the BIG but not the Little. I'm going to work on "girly-ing" it up a bit. Maybe some bum-ruffles.