Rain is in the Forecast....

Do you ever wish you could forecast your future like the weathermen can forecast the weather? We usually like to know ahead of time when we are going to have rain, sunshine, snow, or wind. Wouldn't it be nice if we could know when the kids would be sick, when the car would break down, or when the computer would get a virus? What would that look like though? Would we react the same way if we knew those trials in our lives were coming? We'd hopefully be prepared, wouldn't we? Even if we are knew exactly what would come, I think it would still be difficult to get through those trials. As I walked through a local park this week I pushed my double stroller through all kinds of branches which fell down from the rainstorm. Storms can cause road blocks and devasations in our lives. How can we get past these trials or road blocks that might stand in our way? Would we rely on God? When we have trials in our life and we have no one to turn God is really the only person we can count on. He's always there. He will always listen and he can give us peace. It is amazing to me how after a storm has come and the storm clouds clear what a beautiful blue, clear sky glistens down on us. We can't forecast the rain, can we. But we can look forward to how much we will change and grow from the storms in our lives.

Here are some very dark clouds that are about to bring rain.



A large branch fell down after the rainstorm at a local park.



A beautiful sky after the rain.

Fun in the Sun

We went to Arizona this past week to visit Allan's sister & family. We had a lot of fun visiting the Arizona Science Center, surviving a spring training baseball game with four whiny kids, raiding their food pantry and just hanging out. I think the kids had the most fun in their swimming pool. It was pretty hot outside (80-90 degrees), but the pool was on the cool side. Here are some pictures to show the fun they had. 

Nicholas getting some air!




Allan and Nicholas jumping into the cold pool.



Victoria finally jumped in after much anxiety.

It's really cold in here!

Lizzie splashing and having a blast!

Benjamin singing to the tootsie roll ball., "You're so Yummy". 

Perks of Homeschooling

There are some perks to homeschooling that I didn't realize when I started. As you can see by Nicholas choice of clothing, you can wear almost anything to school. Most days Nicholas prefers pajamas. Honestly, we're out most mornings for speech, MOMS, or piano lessons but as soon as we hit the door Nicholas is changing into something new.

Nicholas sporting his tunic after reading about the greeks.



Another perk that I realized this week is that I can take the kids to get a haircut on a Monday morning as soon as the shop opens. I don't have to go afterschool or on a weekend. This was the first time getting all four of the kids haircut at the same time. Lizzie whined the entire time until we placed that lollipop in her hands. The kids did great and we were the first ones there.

Benjamin getting his haircut.
He always has the best smile.

Elizabeth had her first haircut.

Nicholas staying still so he doesn't
get nicked with the razor.

Victoria going out on a limb and getting layers.

Lost and Found

As I was giving Victoria her spelling test today, I peered out our front window to see a dog running around in our neighbor's yard. I knew it wasn't her dog, but I didn't know who it belonged to. I ended up taking a bowl of water over to it. I checked out the dog's tags, but it only had a license with a phone number in Corona. I called the Humane Society which never ended up showing up. I knocked on several neighbors doors to see who it may belong to. Another neighbor was able to get it in their back yard to keep it safe. We finally figured out that my neighbor, who's yard the dog was in, was dog sitting this dog. So the neighbor ended up coming home and taking care of it. The funny part is the kids wanted to stay outside to watch the dog the entire time. I ended up giving Victoria her spelling test outside. The kids begged me, "Mom, Can we please get a dog?" "We'll walk it, feed it, and even clean up it's poop." they said. Allan and I both love dogs, but with four kids we're not sure we can handle another kid/pet to take care of. We're thinking maybe in a few years when Elizabeth is four or five we might start considering a dog. What's your opinion on having a pet, specifically a dog? Any dogs that are good around kids? Well, it sure was fun watching the kids beg and plea!  

The cute dog, probably a husky, 
I saw roaming our neighborhood today.



The kids pleading for us to get a dog.

Winter Wonderland Retreat

This past weekend I had the opportunity to go on a retreat with some of the women who run/oversee our MOMS group. Laura had planned everything out (location, food, quiet time with God, & fun with friends). The only thing unplanned was staying an extra night due to the snow. We warned our husbands before we left due to the weather forecast of snow. We drove up in fog, but with no snow or ice on the roads. The cabin shook because of the high winds speeds, but we felt safe inside the warm, cozy cabin. We took turns shoveling snow off the front porch, driveway and around the car. We all worked together to put on the snow chains. I took lots of pictures to document it for our husbands that we actually put on chains. We did need some help adjusting them and we were not afraid to ask for it. We enjoyed a couple of walks in the snow, throwing snowballs, eating snow and making snow angels. Beckie and I looked for sleds and sadly black trash bags do not do the trick in fresh soft snow. Laura planned our food menu and she even brought us enough to carry us through for 2 extra unplanned meals. We had lots of time to read our bibles, pray and enjoy the beauty of the mountains that God created. It was a fun & eventful weekend to remember!  

Here I am on the deck before the snow



Here I am on the deck after the snow storm

The view from our cabin was breathtaking.

Another beautiful view. Look at the snow on the trees & roofs.

Beckie & all of us ladies putting on chains for the FIRST time.

Nilda enjoyed the snow and making snow angels.

Laura taking a break from shoveling snow.
We all got a good workout shoveling.