The Ducklings are growing!

Evonne and Lily

David and Miley

Stephanie is off to camp

Friday, Alex and I made the long trip to take Stephanie to her job as camp counselor for the summer. Her time home was too short, and we'll miss having her here. This is her second summer as counselor at this camp, and she is very attached to it. I wish she was attached to one a little closer, but she's doing what she loves, and we're very proud of her!

Pulling Weeds/Boiling Water

In case you hadn't noticed, there is a whole lot of pain, suffering, unfairness, and evilness in this world. It's always been there, but we all have times when it attacks in a more personal way. I know that God is still in control and is working on His Plan in His perfect timing. He is not causing the bad things, but He can, and does, use them.
Being human, though, I like to have control of things. I also know that there are a lot of things that are not in my control, and that is VERY frustrating to me! What is my answer to this problem? Weeds! Yes, weeds! To me weeds represent all the pain, suffering, unfairness, and evilness in our broken world. I can get rid of weeds! Yes, they come back, but I can get rid of them again, and again.
When babies were born at home, they would put the expectant father to work boiling water. There was no need for the boiled water, but it gave the father something to keep him busy while the baby was delivered. So I'm keeping busy pulling weeds and trying to stay out of God's way so He can deliver His Plan. I'll also be waiting for Him to let me know when He needs my help. But, until then, IT IS NOT SAFE TO BE A WEED AT OUR HOUSE!

He's OK

I finally heard from Scott's case worker and his CASA. They say Scott and his birth mom are doing OK. The therapist may be calling us in a few weeks to set up another visit.

Evonne's piano recital

Evonne had her piano recital tonight, and, much to Evonne's dismay and the boys' relief, that is the last of the concerts/recitals for the year!

Tyler and David's violin recital

They sounded much better in person, but here is a video of "March"

Still no word

It has been three weeks, today, that Scott had to leave us. There has been no word from his CASA worker, social worker, or therapist since our visit on the 27th. They all talked like having more visits would be good for Scott, and said they would keep in touch. I have sent two e-mails that have gone unanswered. This is just not a good sign, and I have a feeling that something is very wrong! Please keep Scott in your prayers.

We Have Ducks!

Our chickens moved in with our goat (that's another story), so for the past few weeks we (mostly Doug) have been working on redoing the chicken pen into a duck pen. We (I) thought that it would be fun for David and Evonne to raise some ducklings as pets (it's not easy to find some thing they aren't allergic to). David and Evonne liked the idea, so yesterday we brought home four ducklings (three girls and one mystery). Three of the ducks are Cayuga Ducks. According to Mandy's research, they will eventually have a greenish sheen to their feathers. The females will eventually turn white as they get older (I can relate to that). The other duck is a Khaki who, as it's name implies is a khaki color. The first thing we learned about ducks is that they are too smelly to keep in the house. They will live in the garage until they get their feathers and can live in their newly remodeled duck pad.

David's duck, Miley

Evonne's duck, Lily

Mandy's duck, Daphne

Dad got a duck, too (he did build their home)

The first swim




Drying off after the swim (I hope they learn to do this themselves)




All dry and fluffy again.

I can't wait until they turn green!

Evonne's last concert of the year

Pool Season is Here!

After a week of sunshine, the pool and the kids are ready to go!