one project done...well, almost

Both Christian and Josiah are working on Eagle Scout projects. They have spent countless hours thinking, planning and now working on their individual projects. They have both decided to work at The Hiller House, which is one of the oldest standing farmhouses in Texas. Josiah had a workday on Saturday. There were about 20 people who came to help. Here's what they did:


Josiah, the "man in charge", and his trusty nail gun and side kicks, Carl and Christian.

Gabriel nailing wood to help finish out the small attic room. Gotta love those pressurized brad guns!

First they pulled off 100 year old siding, the insulation was cotton, then they resided it with historically accurate siding.


Benjamin and his cub scout group picked up trash that morning around the property. That afternoon he got to help in the large attic room.


Don't let the picture fool you, Phoebe helped with some of the work and getting lunch ready. By the afternoon she was not feeling well. Esther, well... she just kind of played and napped all day.

All in all it was a great day. They started at 9am and finshed about 6pm. They ran out of wood so there is still one half wall in the attic that needs to be finished and about 3 feet on the outside wall. They will be doing that in a few weeks.

Josiah still needs 3 or 4 merit badges but is well on his way to becoming an Eagle Scout this year!

::16::

Yep, today's the day. The day that Christian turns 16! I really can't believe it, the time has passed so quickly. I know everyone says that, but it is so true. Some days you think will never end, mostly those preschool days, but they do. And before you know it years have passed and that sweet bundle of joy you brought home from the hospital turns into a big, handsome bundle of joy that will soon be leaving your nest. (okay, that may be a little dramatic, I know I have at least 2 years, longer if I refuse to let him graduate...the hidden joy of homeschooling!)

I thought I'd give you a glimpse into Christian's world.

He loves to read. Well, maybe not Pride and Prejudice, I've never seen him take so long to finish a book. In his words, "Why is that considered a classic?".

He loves to write and is very good at it. And I'm not just saying that because I'm the mom.

He loves all things medieval. Swords, chainmail, metal working, books, history. Pretty cool stuff.

He loves to create... clay sculptures, chainmail, metal working, drawing. When he was about 4 years old, he made tons of animals out of pipe cleaners while holding down the fort while mom had the flu. And the creativity hasn't stopped.

He loves ice cream and is our official milk shake maker.

He loves his family. It's fun to see him interact with his siblings in a little bit different way lately. In fact Benjamin said the other day, "Christian is acting like he's a grown up. And he's not!"

Not yet...but he's well on his way!

So HAPPY BIRTHDAY Christian! You truly are a blessing to have as a son.

First Birthday

Dear Esther,
Today is your first birthday! I really thought the novelty of having a new baby would have worn off of your siblings by now, but they are still just smitten with you. Thank you for putting up with us this year. Thanks for not crying when people who are really not quite big enough to hold you, try to hold you. Thanks for tolerating your brothers and sister when they argue over who had you first. Thanks for letting the older ladies at church fight over who's gets to play with you. And for letting the little girls at co-op hold you and play with you. Thanks for putting up with mama when she gets so busy with things like algebra, chemistry, drama and phonics that we still haven't gotten you on a schedule. Thanks for being happy and quite silly when you get tired, it makes mama feel less guilty about the lack of naps you get. Thanks for giving daddy so many kisses, even if you don't give mama that many.

Some of your favorite things are belly buttons, noses, avacados, bananas, kiwis, balls, bathtime, the trampoline, music (you dance all through Camp Rock)and Rascal (the dog). Some of your first words are mama, dada, nana (meaning banana or any other food!) We think we've heard words like "mine" but we're going to pretend that that is not being said.

Thanks for being who you are, we love you so much!!!