Blueberry day!

Today we went to a farm in Pelham where you can pick your own blueberries. We went early in the morning because it is so hot. I wasn't sure how the kids would like it, but everyone had fun, even Jason and me. The farm also had a little pond where the kids fed the fish & turtles. Then across the street was a beekeeper who sold honey, so we got some fresh honey, too.

This afternoon the girls took a late nap at the same time, so Patrick and I got to do one of our favorite activities together: cooking! We made blueberry cobbler with the blueberries we picked. We haven't tried it yet, but it looks beautiful. We are waiting on Jason to bring us some vanilla ice cream on his way home from an extra job in a few minutes. It is so hard to wait!

What a great day.

Patrick turns 6

Today Patrick turned 6. I can't believe it. He is such a blessing to me. I can't imagine my life without him. I hear people say all the time that they are happy that they had a girl first to help with their other little ones. Honestly, Patrick is the best big brother in the world. He is such a help to me. He is so thoughtful and caring, especially with his sisters. His patience sets an example for me sometimes. God has such a calling on Patrick's life. I look forward to seeing his life unfold and watching him live out his purpose here. I am just thankful that I get to be here and part of a life that is so beautiful.

We had his party at Jump Zone in Pelham & invited mostly his friends from school and some relatives. Then we went to Zapata's mexican restaurant for dinner. Today is my Dad's birthday, too. I think it is cool that they share birthdays. I know my Dad thinks it is awesome. So Happy Birthday, Dad!

Here is a link to some more pictures from the party:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=32956&l=b0eb5&id=605729855

Abby doing chores

Abby thinks that she can do anything that the kids can do. Today Patrick and Sarah were doing one of their favorite chores: swiffer dusting. So when Sarah had lost interest, Abby picked up Sarah's swiffer and started dusting! It was so cute I had to take pictures. This is the baby that last night was sick with a fever in the ER. I thank God for her resilency and wonderful spirit. She is just amazing!

House for Sale

Yes. I am officially insane. Just for kicks, because we don't have enough to do, we are putting the house on the market. Let me just start out by saying that I am humbly following Jason's lead on this one. He feels strongly that we should put the house on the market now. After much prayer I know that I should support him on this and we will just see what happens. I know that the Lord will provide for us and obviously He is whispering something in Jason's ear, so I am going to trust that! There are several other houses for sale on our street, so I think he is hoping that the traffic will be good for us. Our house has more square footage & perks than the other houses, so that is to our benefit. We are hoping to move so we can be closer to Jason's job in Pelham. But we are not in a situation where we have to move, so I am trying not to be stressed about it...

Here is the link in case anyone is looking:
http://bham.craigslist.org/rfs/759875588.html (real estate for sale)

We will see... I will keep you updated!

Double Date

The stars aligned last night & we had the opportunity to go out on a double date with our best friends- with NO children! We each have 3 children, so this was quite the feat and felt rather strange to be together and out without them. We went to dinner & then to Alabama Adventures. We were able to talk to each other & finish entire thoughts and conversations without little people to interrupt us. And more than once, especially at Alabama Adventures, I found myself reaching for little hands that weren't there...

It was a blast, as is obvious from the pictures. Yes, we just had to buy the overpriced picture they take on the log ride- the look on my face is priceless!

Gearing up for school with the Olympics!

I am getting so excited for school I can hardly wait. I think Patrick is the same way. I found a free lapbook online about the summer olympics, so I decided that we could start getting into the routine of school with a study of the olympics. We just started today and it was so fun. Patrick is the most eager learner and full of enthusiasm. I will be sure to post pictures of the lapbook when we are through in a few weeks. You can see the beginnings of it there on the table in front of Patrick.

Happy Fourth of July!

We went to our church's Fourth of July celebration Wednesday night. Our church really does it right- worship service, hot dogs, icees, ice cream, cokes, popcorn, balloons, and a fireworks show that would rival any other in the state. I mean, I was in awe too, not just the kids! It was great to be around our church family and see friends that we haven't been getting to see since Abby has been sick. So, this picture is from that.

Happy Fourth of July!