Sleepy Girls

It was a good day today. We took Rebecca's puppy into her class for a visit. The kids were all so excited! Here they are sleeping together in the evening. So cute!

Rebecca's Birthday

Today was Rebecca's 9th birthday. She has been asking for a puppy. This morning I found a red labradoodle in Springfield. I took it to the school to surprise her. She was so excited! We spent her lunch and recess time shopping for a leash, collar, dog food, etc. It was a really nice day. Everyone at the hotel was excited about her, as well. Rebecca named her Daisy. At the evening social, Flora and the other hostess brought out a cake and sang for Rebecca. Then we went swimming and played with the puppy. It was such a nice day!

First Step

Jacob took his first step today! What a cutie!

Lunch with LaMonte

Sarah, Jake, and I met up with LaMonte for lunch at a local Diner today. It's really strange having only 2 kids during the day. We really enjoyed talking and dreaming together about the possibilities for our property. I have to say, I loved the diner. The only menu choices were hamburgers, cheeseburgers, bacon cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and grilled chicken sandwiches. It seemed everyone knew each other. A cricket snacked on our crumbs under our feet. The waitress tried to grab him, but he jumped away...clever fellow. After school we went swimming. The kids had a contest going where they would do crazy or silly jumps off the edge then one of them would give them ratings. It was a really nice day.

First Day of School

Today was the first day of school. I told the kids I wanted to take their picture in front of their new school. I heard a little grumbling. To ensure I would get my picture, I let them know that if anyone tried to run ahead to avoid the picture, I would make sure to call them back loudly using the affectionate terms of "sweetie poo" and "honeybuns." We got a very nice picture! When I got back to the hotel with Sarah and Jacob, we brought one of Jacob's toys into the room. Sarah said, "I get to use it first, then Jacob." We had a discussion about whether or not this was fair since it is Jacob's toy. Sarah was still determined to get the first turn. Finally I asked, "Sarah, what do you think Jesus would do? Would he want to have the first turn or would he let Jacob?" She thought for awhile, cocked her head to the side, and finally replied, "Jesus...(dramatic pause)...is not here!" Then..."Now, I get the first turn."

New School

Tomorrow the kids start school at Thomas Jefferson in Joplin. We went to registration/meet the teacher last week. I was very worried about the impression we would make on the school. We spent quite awhile getting ready and talking about the importance of good behavior. Everyone did great...until Ben became overwhelmed with the excitement, the fatigue, and the boredom of going from classroom to classroom. He would dart off down the hall, hang on the banisters, poke at or kick David, etc. Finally, he ran in the Kindergarten room. Desperately wanting to make a good impression on his kindergarten teachers, I coaxed him lovingly into coming out of the room. He wanted nothing to do with leaving. He was determined to find a second Alaska on the rug of the United States instead. Finally, I said, "OK Ben, I will just hold your hand because we really need to keep going." I took his hand and walked determinedly towards the door. Ben was struggling to get free. Just as we passed in front of the teachers he yelled, "LET GO OF MY BUTTOCKS!" I couldn't help but laugh and hope these teachers will deal kindly with my sweet little Ben.

Moving Day

It's hard to believe, but today we are moving to Joplin, MO. It seems the hand of God has truly been over our family. We will first be moving into the Residence Inn so the kids can start school. They will be going to Thomas Jefferson Independant Day School, a local private school that has given us an amazing deal to enroll all of our children. Labor Day weekend we will move to our farm. Honestly, it is my dream come true! I wish I could adequately describe all of the blessings that have occurred to make this possible. Truly the hand of God has been over us. I will mention only a few of the many blessings we have seen over the past few months.

The time we have had in St. Louis has been a great source of strength for all of us. My family has been so supportive of us! We have enjoyed their love and good examples. We have also really enjoyed the ward, swim team, diving lessons, as well as the many activities the area has to offer including evening plays at the Muny, bike rides, walks/runs, the zoo, etc. As a result, our kids have all grown in confidence, spiritual and physical strength, and new abilites. As a family, we have grown much closer together. We have learned to trust more fully in the Lord.

We have had details work out in amazing ways enabling us to find a home that will give our children greater freedom and opportunities to work and build character. We have been led to people who have helped us in remarkable ways. My sister, Amy, helped us find a great deal for vinyl fencing. The lady who owns it has also offered to give us 2 ponies when she moves.

We have been led through handling of difficult legal matters relating to housing contracts. These matters have created invaluable opportunities for us to teach our children the importance of honesty.

In addition, we have all been healthy. We have felt great joy in the time we have had together. We have had opportunities to serve others. How grateful I am for the blessings of the Lord that have been poured out over our family.