Getting Settled

We have been in our new house for just over 2 weeks. Since then, Jamey has started homeschooling 2 of the 3 kids. There has been many challenges and a whole new set of routines to establish. It has definitely been a struggle and trying all of their patience's. We have also welcomed 2 roosters to our homestead and are planning on picking up a few pullets, young hens, this week. We also discovered we have TOO MUCH STUFF! It is hard to imagine that we will ever get through it all. Luckily we have space in the garage to sort through what we want to keep, sell and donate. Hopefully we can make a successful dent into the piles by Christmas. There are so many projects to start but, so little time. I am lucky if I am home at all during day light this time of year and the weekends are never long enough. I guess we will have to continue to work on little bits at a time.

Hannah at the Peristyle

Today Hannah had her Toledo Youth Symphony Orchestra (TYSO) debut. They play there concerts at the Peristyle at the Toledo Art Museum. It is amazing to hear all the young talent. She has been playing for 5 years with Perrysburg and this is her first time branching out from school. She was also asked to play with the Youth Band at church. We are so blessed to have such talented kids. We have no idea where they get it...

Happy Labor Day

This weekend we were able to get some work done around the house. We also had a nice time a my mom and dad's with Brian, Mary and all the in-laws. It was a lot of fun. We took the kids out in the evening and played 4 holes. We each chose 1 club and played until dark. This morning Hannah, Ampa, Mema and myself went to the Sandusky County Sportsman's Club which I joined this summer. We shot 22s and a few hand guns in the cool, fall like weather. It was fun and we hope to go out again soon. Finally we spent the afternoon laying around, mentally preparing ourselves for the week ahead.

Moving????

For the longest time, Jamey and I have wanted to move out of the city and purchase a home with some property in a more rural setting. We both liked the idea of having the ability to have a large garden, livestock and pool and/or pond. The ultimate goal to be able to have a more self sufficient lifestyle. We wouldn't want to be Amish, the Internet and other electronic niceties are too enticing. Anyway, we spent the last month or so looking in our area for properties that meet our expectations. Last week we had a excepted offer on one that full fills nearly all of them. Did I mention the 9 car, 2500 sqft., heated garage. It also is boardered by the Maumee State Forrest on 2 sides. Venison anyone?

We just had our inspection yesterday and it is all in God's hands now. I just have to keep reminding myself about that.

By the way, anyone need a house in Perrysburg?

New Members of the family

Well as many of you know we have been dogless for over a year and a half. We tried a rabbit and leopard gecko but, neither filled the gap in our hearts for a dog. So in July we added not one but, two Labradooles to our family. Jamey had been talking to a breeder for nearly a year and this summer, on Caleb's birthday, she had litter of two. We originally were only going to get the boy, Oliver (on left), due to having more of the Poodle traits. Our main reason was due to their hypoallergenic qualities. But, when we took one of our MANY trips out to the farm where they lives, we ended up with two in the car. We couldn't resist the playfulness of his sister Elli.

PS. Don't let the cute little puppy photos warm your hearts too much. They doubled their size from 6 to 9 weeks and now at 11 weeks, they are the largest puppies the breeder has ever had.

Catching Up with this...

Again my posts have been very limited this summer. We have been so busy with the kids and family that it has been hard to keep up. I last left you all with Emma's casting in Alice in Wonderland. It was a big commitment, taking up all of July and most of August. She did an amazing job and received a lot of praise from the directors, actors and parents. In addition to singing lessons, she took part in a camp called Broadway Bound. The highlight was working with the singer who played El Woods and Sarpay on Broadway, Bailey Hanks. All of it continued to help her out of her "shell". I know it is hard to believe she has one but, on stage can be intimidating. We were both very proud of her and it is exciting to see her talents grow.

Both studios she work at have used videos of her singing on their websites and if you follow Jamy's FB page you can see postings from time to time.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Emma who has been cast as Tweedle-Dee in the the Toledo Rep's version of Disney's Jr. Alice in Wonderland. This was Emma's 2nd audition at the Rep and her first role in a production outside of school. She is very excited to be in the show and can't wait learn more about the theater.

Show Information

Update: Emma has been to sing at a private party prior to the fireworks display. She will be singing Amazing Grace and the National Anthem to kick off the festivities. She is really excited. Break a Leg!

Happyh 4th Birthday!

We can't believe how fast our little one is growing up. Despite our efforts to keep her baby, she's starting to become a pre-schooler. He now has some of her own friends and everything that comes with that. I'm sure Jamey will want to extend this time as long as possible. I hope she doesn't mind being the only 10 year old in kindergarten.

Holy Cow!

Why didn't someone tell me it was 2011 already...
I've got sooooo much to post but, sooooooo little time to do it. Where to begin?

Well, I hope to do better during the last half of the year.