March 2024

March 2024
Over the years, we've always compared our family life to a wagon train heading west. Just as everyone had to do his part to get to Oregon years ago, so everyone in our family must do his/her part to make our journey through life successful. If somebody climbs in the wagon and lets the others do the work, we just don't make any progress. We all have to pull our weight and work together. Along the trail we find lots of pebbles that make for a smooth ride and some bigger rocks that jar us a little; we hit the occasional pothole that can slow us down. But if we purpose to search diligently, there are countless gold nuggets and precious gemstones along the way as well. This journal is an attempt to preserve some of those precious moments for our children, and our children's children, as together we travel this trail called life.

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11


Tuesday, May 15, 2012

5-15-12 In Case You Were Wondering…

The white siding is Tim/my bedroom. Underneath it is the crawlspace which we dug out in 2008. Because those blocks you see are sitting on nothing but dirt, it is important that this half-wall be poured right away. Rain would turn said dirt to mud which might prove to be a problem as it supports our east bedroom wall.

Our bedroom will be expanded twelve feet to the east (left in this picture) which will include a master bathroom. Currently we share the hallway bathroom with all four girls, Josh, and sometimes Benjamin. Occasionally there are seven of us in there . . . all at one time. . .

The living room, behind the bricks to the right of the picture, will be expanded also and will include a large closet for toys, books, instrument paraphernalia, tables, and folding chairs.

Jeff was here at 6:30 this morning and had these bracings done when I got home from Peoria a little after 9:00.

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Dirt.

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The truck is dumping dirt on a temporary pile in the pasture; later Dad will have the boys move it to various places where it’s needed.

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Still working on the step.

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Concrete arrived before lunch.

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Checking to see if the bracings were holding. I think they added a few more supports at this time.

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Almost done.

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Tired little boy.

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And back at that step!! Amazingly enough, this jackhammer made the whole house vibrate but Josh slept right through it!

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SSR (Sustained Silent Reading)(buzzword from college days and still a good one)

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Success at last!

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Hauling away the rubble. . .

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…then the ‘real’ digging started.

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After chores are done – more time to read. . .

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…or play in the water.

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Done for the day.

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:)

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ASK joined us for a delicious picnic supper.

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After supper we spent a delightful evening at the Rollins’ where Marty gave Tori & Kate a riding lesson. Since Dad was out of town overnight, it was a good way to spend an otherwise long evening.

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We’re glad that Marty is willing to share his equine experience and knowledge with us. We’re going to need it as we pursue this dream of a decade. . .

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(literally. It was in 2002 when Kate first got bit by the bug and we first started talking about the possibility of getting a horse.)

Funniest thing here- that big huge horse followed Tori around like a little puppy. Marty explained how, in a herd of wild horses, the alpha mare will chase away troublemakers until they are ready to cooperate and follow her. After running in circles for awhile, pushed by Marty if he stopped (he smacked him with a rope or something on the rump), Blaze then chose to behave, and then he followed Tori all over the pen, about that close, like a little puppy. I think Marty called it ‘hooking up’. Pretty cute.

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Littles were fascinated. Jake wanted out but had to wait his turn.

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Meanwhile, the rest of the crew went across the pasture to fish at Holmes’ pond, and after a bit Karla walked over with us to see their catch.

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Lots and lots of fish in that pond…

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Which means the kids had a blast!

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Joshua had a fun turn :)

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Sarah and Jewel both had a turn but I didn’t get any px.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch -

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Everyone but Levi & me got a turn on either Jake or Blaze…

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Needless to say, they loved it!!

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Not sure what happened to the exposure on this picture, but I love how Joshua is just talking Jesse’s ear off…and I love his dirty shirt. Precious :) (btw - Jesse has been painting. He is not making a fashion statement.)

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Josh wanted to ride so badly but he was not about to ride with Marty – although he did let Marty put him on the horse with Jesse. As far as Jesse being barefoot – well somehow those older boys ended up in the pond – imagine that  - - -

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Joshua loved it too but I missed his smile when I snapped this in the dark.

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Thanks Rollins’ for a wonderful evening!

Home again - - -

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with some pretty tired eyes during Bibletime - - -

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Precious!

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