Amelia - 7 1/2 months

Amelia is on the move. The kids have so many nick names for her but the newest is "Hot Shot" cuz she thinks she is BIG stuff. Not only is she crawling but can go to a full stand from a squatting position without the support of a piece of furniture. My babies all walked before a year but I don't remember any of them standing at such an early age. Oh, do babies grow too fast or what? I am grateful God gave Amelia to us. She has been so much fun and has blessed us beyond measure.

Movin to the Country

All packed up and ready to go!!!

The lane to our new house.

For those of you who know us know we have dreamed of living and raising our children in the country. The time has come. The Lord has brought us an amazing property within 15 minutes of our church home instead of the 40 minutes we have been driving every Sunday. This is something we have put much thought and prayer into but didn't know that God would have something in store for us NOW. Back in May, a family in our church phoned us and asked if we would be interested in purchasing their home on 7 acres, backed up to their neighbor's 3,000. We had shared with them just weeks prior that one day we really wanted to be closer to the church and on a few acres in the country. So here we are...listed our home in McKinney in July, got a full price offer in August, close this Friday, move out the same day. Here's the fun part...we get to live in Ed's office for 4-6 weeks, one room, no kitchen, 4 children, two dogs, and 1 cat. I'm trying very hard to keep a smile on my face. Our new home needs lots of TLC but thankfully I have an amazingly talented and creative husband who plans to do some great things with the house. I am most excited about are new hardwood floors and a farmhouse sink in my kitchen. More pics on this later. As for the outdoors, we plan to have our own mini homestead with a large garden, berry patch, cows, chickens, laying hens and possible milking goats. Any tips or advice on any of these are more than welcome.

Front yard.

Back yard.

Fishing on our new neighbor's pond. I think we caught over 10 fish.

I keep telling the kids raw food is best. I didn't mean for Jacob to take me so literally.

A MEME

Ok Fine!!! You win Vicki. I'll do it.

1. What do you normally smell like? my homemade lavender & patchouli lotion

2. How far away do you live from your parents? 813 miles, 13 hours 32 minutes according to Google maps

3. Are you happy with your job? Wouldn't dream of trading it

4. What did you get in the mail today? Haven't a clue. Avoid checking the mail. (Sorry Vicki. I know you never got this about me.)

5.How do you like your steak cooked? medium...a little pink in the middle

6. What do you usually order at Taco Bell? Hmm, can't say I frequent Taco Bell. Maybe a crispy taco supreme.

7. Have you ever sat all the way through Gone With the Wind? Yes

8. Have you ever been to Mt Rushmore? No

9. Where is your favorite place (that you have actually been to)? Estes Park, Colorado. Can't wait to go back and take the kids.

10. What is your favorite candle scent? Patchouli

11. Have you ever smoked cigarettes? Not really.... Is that an answer???

12. Have you ever been to NYC or LA? Neither and have no desire to go to either

13. Are you currently planning a trip? Just got back from family camp. Illinois in the late fall.

14. Do you prefer to pack your own groceries? If it gets me home faster

15. What is your favorite snack? ice cream if I'm bad, apple and peanut butter if I'm good