Summer Pool Fun

It is so much fun when Sean joins us at the pool! The kids had an absolute blast! They swam for 4 hours until the sun went down and then Sean joined them and they played another hour! We have been going to Denise and Panos' house to use their pool.  Only problem is that it's an hour away. So, we've only been there twice since it's been warm enough.  Last night we found out the school that is 5 minutes form our house, has a pool that they JUST opened! We are stoked!  I never thought in the middle of the desert a little town school would have an indoor pool!  And yay.... NO sun screen needed!  

kids and beans....

To my surprise, Carley was EXCITED to help me in the kitchen tonight. She sat and cut green beans for me for quite some time.  Panos and Denise went to the farmer's "market on the move" and brought us probably 20-30 pounds of green beans among other things, fresh melon, tomatoes, peppers and squash.  We only got two gallons done tonight but LOOK at that huge box! We will do more tomorrow.  

I have been gone so much lately I haven't even got to planting a garden yet. So today's visit was a nice surprise and made me not feel so bad for not getting a garden in.  It's nice we live in a good farming community and hopefully fresh veggies will available all summer! I may even start canning!

Spring Planning

Today was just a relaxing Saturday! It was really nice after a busy Friday and knowing tomorrow is going to be busy as well. I think my children played outside all day! I absolutely love family days when everyone is home. I booked a flight and made lots of phone calls this morning but after lunch when everyone was outside I got caught up on some cleaning. When I finished I went outside to enjoy some fresh air and watch Sean target practice with his bow. Afterwords we enjoyed a little walk around the property planning out where to plant our garden. We decided on the the front left corner of the property next to the stallion pen that we are about to start building. It's the perfect spot because I will be able to see my boy and the garden out my large bedroom window. We also planned the fencing and decided where to put the round pen and hitching posts. We made a goal of April 1st to have those projects done. I am hoping to start training horses again for some extra income around that time. We also decided where to put up a swing set and a chicken coop. But those two probably wont happen right away. At least we have the space to finally do the things we like. Thanking Jesus for everything!

Here is a picture of my little farm kids helping unload hay for the horses.

Carley's 5th Birthday Party

(click pictures to enlarge)

 Chase and Payton came over with Panos and Denise for Carley's party.  Even though it was only two extra kids the kids had a lot of fun playing outside, riding horse and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows.

 

Valentines Homeschool Party

We are so blessed and thankful to have found such a nice group of people to hang out with.  Every Tuesday we have a park day.  Each week it rotates with either just a park fun day, group birthday party for each month, show and tell and demonstration day.    But we squeezed in a Valentines party for the month of February!

Not Sure Colton has played this before... lol

We had a great time decorating the boxes and prepping all the Valentines to hand out.  There were categories for the boxes and ours all fell under "Most Patriotic" Colton was the winner in that group with his army box made from old army pants, patches and some patriotic stuff we just hot glued onto it. It also had a cool pocket on the front.

Carley Kae King is FIVE!

Five years ago today, I became the mother of a beautiful daughter! Everything about that day was absolutely a joy!  She was by far my easiest natural home birth!  It was also the day Sean became a father to a daughter and Colton become a big brother!  I remember it as if it was yesterday!

First glance..... 

she was such a good sleeper

two weeks old

Five Years Old!

Carley Kae King, is just a beautiful person inside and out! God has blessed us more than words can describe!  I wont make this long but wanted to share some baby pictures of our little angel! We are planning a small birthday party here at our home next Sunday where her and her friends will ride Horse together!

just a good Monday...

Today was a pleasant day. I kind of wish more days were like this one.  But usually "LIFE" happens and I get many more interruptions and bad attitudes that get in the way! I started the day out by getting up to make my hubby his lunch and send him off to work with the normal goodbye kiss. 

I really wanted to go back to sleep since all my kids were still sleeping. (hence the late Super Bowl party last night) I really LOVE my bed. No that's not me but that's totally how I feel. Comfy and in heaven!

But as I laid back down on my bed I heard my oldest (Colton) crawling in around my bed to say good morning to our dog. Who sleeps next to my bed. 

It was about that time that I got a text from my "work out buddy" to see if I was working out yet. I sent her a text back to let her know I was just getting up and I'd be ready in an hour. Boy was I glad I didn't let a few extra minutes of sleep come back over me. I jumped up and immediately started homeschool with my 6 year old. We flew through three subjects and then it was time to work out.You See, my friend Micah and I are pretty much the worlds best work out buddies. We check in on each other almost daily! Holding each other accountable when it comes to healthy food, working out, scheduling... even parenting! Lately we even tell each other when the other one needs to spank a child or just back off, be patient or take a break! Never offending one another.  Today was one of the days that it actually worked out where we got to work out at the same time.  Texting each other between breaks and rooting each other on!  It's amazing how a little competition and encouragement via texting can actually boost your efforts! Best part is... we encourage each other in the Lord!


She made this the other day! I Love it! It really is perfect because we always feel like that after Insanity. Completely exhausted and sweaty from head to toe! But inside we really feel like we just climbed Mount Everest and could practically conquer any task set before us!

Now I just want to say, If you don't have a work out buddy. Try hard and find one. Either way, I encourage you to put your relationship with God number one. He will give you the strength and courage to do more than you ever imagined. Too many days go by that I get so caught up in "getting stuff done" that I let my devotion time go. When I make that a priority, everything else falls in line. Also, some days. We just need to relax, breath and enjoy our family! I remind myself constantly to live for TODAY! We do not know when our last day will be. Enjoy your family, enjoy your children, Give God the glory and take care of your temple!  These are things I have to remember daily! We can not do it all alone! 

Anyway...I finished the work out strong and headed straight to the shower.  IT FELT SO AMAZING to get done early!  I hadn't eaten yet so I made a nice big fruit, flax, yogurt and Almond milk shake! And back to homeschooling I went. Colton got a little break and then started back up strong. WE finished everything (even some catch up reading) by 10:30 am! Only bragging because this DOES NOT happen very often.  I really don't want to give anyone a false look on my life thinking that every day runs this smooth! Because NO, it's rare but I enjoy it when it happens!  I thought I'd get some crafting done today since we got done by that time but I decided to do some laundry and clean up the house quick since it wasn't too bad.  I had cleaned really good the day before getting ready for the Super bowl. Some days I feel like all I do is clean, cook and fold clothes! But today! I folded one load of laundry,cleaned up breakfast and drank some tea.  I even got a nap!  Yes. I let my kids play video games while I dozed behind them on the couch. As soon as they started getting loud.. I got up, made them pick up all the toys and sent them outside to play! 
 

Today was almost 70 degrees in the desert. Literally a perfect day in February! The boys came in and my daughter and I decided to go play with the horses.  On the way out I heard a bird chirping. To my surprise the humming birds were back and singing!  I didn't know they sang! I had only ever heard their loud wings! So, I ran to get my camera but it never came back. Maybe I'll catch them tomorrow. 

I have been dreaming  of the day I would be a Mom. Looked forward to teaching them to ride horse, sew, cook, read, ride a bike. Today was one of those moments that just brought pure joy to my heart. To watch my daughter enjoy horses, enjoy nature and enjoy spending time with her Mama. She helps me lead them out, feed them and brush them.
 Even if it's something she can't do yet.. like put the saddle on her horse she watches me, she sits Indian style on the shop floor, telling me how much she loves her horse.  How perfect, peaceful and calm her horse is. She reads their body language already.  Amber the mare I was going to ride was pinning her ears while I cinched her up and Carley says "Mom, I think she's just mad because she wants the other hay that my horse is eating" Good idea honey.. but no, I had to explain she was mad at me for tightening the saddle. We finished getting them ready and decided to go for a short ride. 

She insisted on riding alone when we got back. Just to be safe on the ride I kept a lead connected to her.  She also said "Mom, I don't want you to teach me to ride, I want to teach myself!"  Wasn't sure what to say to that other than just continue helping her when the need arose.  I think she learned quickly that she may need a little guidance :) I pray that her independent spirit pushes her to do what she sets her mind to do. I am reminded how sometimes we as human adults do not always want to be told what to do. But that sometimes it's wise to take council from people that my know more than we do when it comes to many different things in life.  God is teaching me these little lessons daily through my children that He blessed me with :) 

I love this verse that I read today form the Proverbs 31 Ministries devotion. 


"For I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:11-13 (HCSB)

Rag-Quilt for Humility Faith