Ok, its been a while! Here's the delinquent blogger, ready to bring y'all up to speed on the SlaughterHouse 7. We have been busy (hence the delinquency) though for the most part, mundane busy-ness. Things are good around here though as we move into spring in VA, and continue to adjust to life with 5 kids. Somehow there is a part of me that thinks I'll always be saying "trying to adjust to life with 5". Do you ever get there? Or does it just hit you when its over?
The kids are doing super, their most prominent theme right now being "When will it be WARM, Mom?". These Texans are still adjusting to the weather out here. We've had such back and forth weather, and its cool and wet again this week, but hopefully some sunshine and tank-top temps coming soon! Molly and Warren started soccer, and love it so far. They look so cute in their shin guards and cleats and I'll put up pics of them in their gear soon.
School is going fairly well, though its still haphazard depending on Liam's naps that day and how cooperative Carrie and Henry decide to be. We'll continue on through the summer at 1/2 speed to try to make up lost ground. Plus, since I've finally beaten my 2nd born nature into submission and put myself on a rigorous school-week schedule, I think I'd never be able to get back to it if I took the whole summer off :-)
My new project lately has been a throwing myself full-force into all things frugal. I'm trying new creative ways to cook cheap, dress cheap (sorry Tami, no sewing though), shop cheap, live cheap. Its been a fun challenge, which is good since it was also a necessary one! I've also begun the foray into ebay selling, which is going well so far, though my kids are nervously hiding all their belongings lately.
This past year, I have missed the fellowship of the HOPE women in SA so much, and though they can never be replaced or reproduced, God has allowed me to facilitate the beginning of a similar group out here. So far a small group of other homeschooling Moms (or prospective HSers) are meeting once a month for encouragement and idea sharing. I'm so excited about this since I know how much I need the support and fellowship! Hopefully it will be a blessing to each woman involved.
Work for Dave is still great -- Praise God! He has more work of his own on the horizon, plus plenty work for Welty Homes every week. God has been so gracious to provide, and we look forward to seeing how He shapes the business. One not-so-fun note, Dave hit a deer in his work van earlier this week and we are so grateful he wasn't hurt. Insurance is taking care of it well, and he has a rental in the meantime. His other main responsibility, as an elder in our church, is also going well and a great blessing.
Annie is having a baby!!! Woo-hoo! I'm so excited for her, Caleb and Erin! Lord-willing, her pregnancy won't be as tough as her last, but I'm glad to be here to help in any way (which I'm sure will mostly involve having Erin over so that she and Carrie can make endless messes and bother Liam). Can't wait to meet the new little one in December!
Nathan is coming to visit in a couple weeks, during which time we'll also see Dirk for a day while he's in DC with his class from school. Shortly after, Mom will come for a week, so May will be a treat for us as we get to see some family. The rest of you better plan to come in June so that Annie and I don't get too upset :-)
thy mercy my God is the theme of my song
the joy of my heart and the boast of my tongue
thy free grace alone, from the first to the last
hath won my affection and bound my soul fast
