May is on the WAY...out that is!

For a woman that planned to be a weekly blogger, it seems like twice a month is all I ever get done.

May has been busy finishing up school for the year, doing all the end of year things we love to participate in, and being VERY sick!

The girls participated in the final Keeper's of the Faith Meeting back on the 5th of May. We had an awards night with a potluck dinner at our friends the E's home. My Beloved and Miss A  had to stay home as she was running a high fever. She and I stayed home from most everything for 2 1/2 weeks while we coughed until we choked. I'm so glad that the cough is 99% gone now.

Miss Musical had a 6th birthday party here with our family. We were just too sick to invite anyone else. Thankfully with Miss Musical's sunny personality she didn't mind and kept telling us this was her best birthday yet! I let her make and decorate her own cake. She really enjoyed that!!

Miss Creativity sewed the doll a dress and I sewed a matching bonnet all in the material that we used for Miss Musical's prairie outfit. She was very excited to have matching clothes.

J man and I took a safe driving course through our insurance company. This class gives us a yearly discount of $60 for the next 4 years. With every dollar counting, this was something I sure didn't mind taking and it gives us better driving skills.

I went to the Dr. and he assured me all is well with our little one. My weight is staying the same...which really blesses me as long as she is growing correctly! I'm to go back at 34 weeks.

On Sat. 21, our dear friends the E's and C's held their girls graduation party. Miss A and I were sad to have to miss due to being sick. The rest of the family attended and were blessed to have the fellowship opportunity. Congrats Lil and Brit...we are proud of you!

This week was filled with tornados once again in OK. We are praising God for his mercy and protection.

Have a great Memorial Day Weekend! Be safe...

SKILLS USA Competition ~ STATE and a Mini Vacation

We took a fun 3 day trip to Tulsa for Josh to attend the State level Skills USA competition. We left on a very rainy Sunday morning...even viewed a rollover accident due to the slick and cold weather. We checked into the hotel with plans to meet my Kim for dinner that evening. Unfortunately, we couldn't reach her and so after Josh took his written test, we got the opportunity to stay at the hotel instead. We took full advantage of this to do a little swimming in the heated pool and hot tub. It felt so wonderful to this aching back!!

On Monday, Josh left bright and early to present his skills to the judges at the convention center. The girls and I spent a lazy morning at the hotel and then headed out to lunch with the Latham family. Jinger and I braved taking 8(!) little girls 10 and under to Taco Bueno for lunch. With everyone looking as we entered and even a joke about 'taking a field trip' from the cashier, we got everyone settled. While the littles visited, we mommas had opportunity to catch up and share life with one another .

While we were eating and unaware we were still being watched(!) a gentleman came to our table and said "Excuse me, I'd like to congratulate you that your children are so well behaved. God tells us to train our children and yours are doing a great job". He then proceeded to give us both gift cards to the restaurant. What a blessing! I've heard it happens, but to see it up close and personal...I was amazed!

All the girls in age order except R 10. L 9, R2, Miss K 8, S 7, E 6, Miss M 5,
 (S man 4 not pictured), Miss A 3

After a full 6 hour visit with our friends, we hugged goodbye and headed back to the hotel to wait on My beloved and Jojo to arrive. When they got to Tulsa, we picked up my blessing, her Hubby B, and Leelee and headed off to Chili's for a fun, yet expensive (with 10 of us!) dinner. Later they returned to our hotel and we all went swimming together. It was a nice relaxing visit with our whole family together. (After having Jojo gone to ATI camp with the E family for a whole week...his first time away from us...we were glad to all be back together again!)

Finally after not much sleep, we got up early Tuesday morning and headed to the Tulsa Convention Center in downtown Tulsa. There we got to witness J man being awarded the 'SILVER' metal for HVAC in the State of OK. He placed second in the whole state of OK! That's great for a first year student. He received a nice box of tools to start his HVAC career as a reward for his placement.

My beloved, J man, and his instructor, Mr. P

Way to go son...we're proud of your hard work!

May is taking off with a bang...all the while I'm slowing down daily. Only 11 1/2 weeks to go to meet our precious little girl!

Homeschool Fieldtrip - Harn Homestead, a step back in time.

This last week we were blessed to get to take a fun day with friends and head to OKC for a field trip. We attended the 'Land Run' day at the Harn Homestead. Most of the children dressed in period clothing (and a few of the brave parents too), then we headed back in time to see how things were done in the olden days.

Josh, Elijah, Melissa and Matt 

R , Miss K, H, Miss A, Miss M, and Josh

We played games, staked tents, chose what we would take on our wagon trip, made rope, and then enjoyed a nice picnic lunch AFTER we staked our claim in the Land Run reenactment.

Josh and Miss A wait for the gun shot...then it's off to lay claim to a property

Before the day ended, we headed down the road to the OK State Capital for an official tour of the state house.




One of my favorite parts of homeschooling is sharing living history with the children. We had a great time!