What's Been Going on in Our Neck of the Woods

Well, it's been a while, hasn't it?  I have been a total slacker when it comes to the blog.  I just stay so busy with the kids, school, housework, and all the things going on in life.  I do have lots of share and some pictures, too!  Hopefully I can carve some time out each day to blog.  Here's what's been happening...

• Henry- oh, Henry.  He finally got over his pneumonia.  Thankfully.  Then he woke up Monday with a snotty nose.  Sigh.  Here we go again is the first thought that came to mind.  That is how it ALL began before.  I hope, hope, hope it clears up this time without becoming so serious.  It's also his birthday week, so I should have known.  He is always sick for his birthday.  And/or it snows. 
• Yep, my "baby" will be 3.  He is and always will be my baby!  I was looking at his chunky face yesterday and thinking, yep, he still has a lot of baby in him!  :-)  Thank goodness!  I have to say, I love the kids more as they grow and are able to communicate better and grow into their personalities and quirks.  Babies are fun, but I am loving the ages we are at now more.  We sit down at the dinner table and talk about our days and the kids have tons to say about school, etc.  It is so fun. 
• We have been working hard on our garden spot for the year.  I am really excited about my new garden this year!  It is huge and I honestly need to take a picture because I think it's so nice.  Ha!  When we first cleared the land, we had another spot chosen but I never really liked it and it wasn't squared up or anything.  I just couldn't see how it would work and it was kind of sloped, which was always a problem before with washouts.  Now I can order my seeds and get ready to plant in the coming months and be excited about it.  I should correct myself as well- Dustin and the children and my father-in-law have worked the most on the garden spot.  I am the refreshments person-bringing them tea when they need it, or running to get things they need. 
• We are reading like crazy around here.  The kids are trying to earn a free circus ticket again this year, as well as a free baseball game ticket to our local minor league team's game.  They were so excited to come home with that information.  I don't know how the actual game will be and if it will hold their interest.  I already lined up Poppy to go with us, because Dustin doesn't like baseball.  I personally love it and was excited myself!   :-)
• We re-did the kids' rooms and I love how they turned out!  The boys are now together and Emilynn  has her own space.  I can't wait to post those pictures.  It took two full weeks and a gazillion trips to Lowe's, but my mom and I got it done!  There are a few small things I still need to do, but for the most part they are done.  Next up will be our room, which we are hiring someone to paint because of the tall ceilings-yay!  I can just do the decorating.  I have chosen a turquoise blue color and I already have a new bedding set.  Fun!  After living here for over 5 years, I am finally doing some home improvements and decorating.  We moved here when I was extremely pregnant, and I basically just let my dad, Dustin, and brother-in-law put stuff wherever they wanted.  All of my family pitched in and got the house painted and ready, and I just basically sat back and watched.  Ever since the kids were born, it's been strictly survival mode, what with two babies, then two toddlers and a new baby.  I finally feel like I can breathe a little and life is calming down in certain ways.  Other ways, it's crazy! 
• In the most exciting news of late-we have found a new church and I absolutely love it! I think it deserves a post all by itself.  It is amazing how God works!  

Well, I am off to break up a fight over my tablet, and also begin some party preparations for Henry's party on Saturday.  I have lots to do- work on his cake, make punch, clean a bit, make dip, make salsa.  I am also going to make ham rolls, chicken salad, and a few more things as it gets closer.  Henry of course doesn't like his birthday, says it's NOT his birthday, etc.  I've never met a little person that didn't like their birthday.  Henry is always surprising us.  Oh, and I have to work on the kids' school Valentines with them.  That should take a few hours since I'm sure they will want to write each and every name themselves.  There will be a lot of spelling involved on my part and patience too! 
I will just keep thinking about the girls' night out I am going on with my mom, aunt, and sister tonight.  Those breaks are so important and help me stay so refreshed!!! 

More later!!!