How are we?!

It seems as though the story of my life is that I want to blog, really bad, but I just can't seem to make it happen. So, here's a quick update and some pictures that I know you will all enjoy :)

We are in week 6 of homeschooling and I can honestly say that I love it! It has been a big change for all of us, but we are getting it! There are still some kinks to work out, but when I look back on the first couple of weeks, we have made HUGE progress! It's kinda like having a baby, it just takes a lot of learning, patience and love; and I am thankful to have an awesome God that is walking us through this!

So, Greg is busy coaching Jordan's Upwards football team. He is having fun and his love for football comes out when he's coaching! Jordan is enjoying it as well, he's already made a touchdown and pulled a few flags! The only decent picture I have as of now, is Jordan as he's hiking the ball...he looks so cute and makes me so proud; I love him to pieces!

Looks like a I have a little seamstress on my hands...she gets it naturally...from her Gamma! She made this pillowcase for her friend's birthday. I cut it and pinned it, she sewed it and she sewed perfectly, straight lines! Since then, she has been at the machine making pillows and blankets. All on her own! She's a natural!

Do you see the excitement on their faces? Can you somehow sense the dread that I was feeling as I took this picture? After months of begging, we got them a hamster. That's right, we paid for a rodent. I still shudder when I think about it and I still can't like her, like they do. Her name is Midnight. The kids have enjoyed holding her and playing with her. But, before you get too happy for them and her, there's an update: she has bitten us three times! Greg, Jordan and Jamison say it's very painful, and by their reactions...I believe them! So, after two weeks, we have decided she needs another home. I don't trust her and I might get really mean if she bites anyone else in my family!!!

Bye, bye Midnight! Can you see me smiling, now?!?!?!

What's in your purse?

This is what Jamison puts in his! HE will NOT be happy about this picture one day. He keeps using this purse to pack up whatever he feels is necessary for leaving the house. Yesterday he had a few balls in there...

Do you see what my sweetheart is doing?

She's reading her bible, by flashlight. She read Genesis 1-2, it was her idea. I love it! My prayer is that my children would love God's Word...

Until next time...

Chicago!!

We did it...we went to Chicago!! We had fun, ate some good food and saw the sights! Oh, and did I mention we dragged the kids down the crowded streets of people and crazy drivers? I had forgotten what being in a big city was like! We stayed on the 11th floor, in a hotel that was in the heart of the Magnificent Mile. They get so excited about being in a hotel, I'm sure the people that have rooms near us get excited, too!

Our first afternoon there, we set out to see what we could find and to eat some of the best pizza, from Giordano's. Everyone said we had to have it while there, and they were right :)

Mama, this picture is for you. It was a clothing store on Michigan Avenue, and this was their storefront...cool, huh?!?!

Looking out from Navy Pier, which looks out onto Lake Michigan.

We saw a very, cool acrobatic show, called Cirque Shanghai while down at Navy Pier. The kids DID NOT MOVE during the show, they were all totally mesmerized.

Sitting along the pier, my other child would not get in the picture!

A little shopping and chocolate from the Hershey store...always a good thing!

Isn't this so pretty? We did take a carriage ride one night, after having a little dessert at the Hershey store :)

We went up into the Sears Tower, to the 103 floor. It is the tallest building in the US, and fifth in the world. On a clear day, you can see 4 different states from the top: Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. We even went out onto the Sky Deck; it's a glassed in balcony that allows you to look straight down to the street...pretty cool and freaky!

How did we get around the big city? One of two ways, we walked or we took the red double decker bus...tourists all the way!!

Cloud Gate, one of the city's beloved architectural pieces, located in Millenium Park.

One tired, little boy!

Sailboats docked on the edge of Michigan Lake

This is Buckingham Fountain, located in Grant Park. It's one of the largest fountains in the world and very pretty!

My boys were thrilled to visit this store :)

Lego Woody and happy boys!

Jannah and I were thrilled to visit the American Girl store. I reverted back to a little girl while in the store, wanting it all, just like Jannah!

This was one of my favorite buildings, so old and full of character

Taking our last walk down Michigan Avenue, on a day windy enough to nearly blow us down!

I loved Chicago, it was beautiful and clean. I want to go back, maybe with my hubby or girls for a shopping trip :)

These are the days...

Some fun parts of a day...

We have a little night wanderer on our hands...his name is Jamison. When he goes to bed, he's in his room. When he wakes up, he's not! Not sure when he heads to his sister's bed, but for the last couple of months, this is where we find him!

Do y'all see this mess?!?!? I am posting this for all you folks that say my house is always tidy...it's NOT!!! This was the kids' fort; it's always fun to build, but it's a MONSTER to pick up!!

It's a good thing he's so darn cute. Or else, I might scream at the messes he makes in a matter of seconds or minutes! I am not sure what this concoction was!