Spring Fever!

The weather has been exceptionally pleasant the last couple of weeks. It feels like spring and the kids have been enjoying blowing bubbles, painting and playing outside. It will be difficult to get back into the swing of "school" next week with the outdoors calling our names.

A Swimming Pool!

We are so excited to be adding a swimming pool to our backyard. Hemet weather is extremely hot in the summer and we will spend lots of time cooling off in the pool. Here some pictures of Day 1 of the process.

Fun with Auntie Ray Ray!

Woodworking with Papa

Relaxing with the Family

Jason's Wisconsin relative, Uncle Steve, Aunt Sheryl and RoseMary were in Hemet for a visit. After a full day at Sea World, the family came to our house on Saturday for lunch, a hayride, zipline rides and relaxation.

Sea World!

God's creation is amazing. We went to Sea World with Jeanne, Hyatt, Jason's Uncle Steve, Aunt Sheryl and cousin Rosemary. It was a non-crowded, beautiful, sunny day. We saw 4 shows, went on rides and enjoyed all of the exhibits. We are studying "Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day" in Science this semester. It was so exciting to see the very sea creatures that we are learning about.

Life House Theatre

We had the opportunity to go with Rosalie, Val, Madi and Macy Hixson to see the musical, "A Little Princess". We were celebrating Macy's 6th birthday. Rosalie gifted Macy by bringing all of us to the musical. We concluded our "Girls Day Out" with dinner at Macaroni Grill.

Visit to the Dentist

Dallas had to get two teeth pulled at the dentist. As expected, he wasn't very excited about the adventure. He was a trooper and was given laughing gas to relax him.

Our New Year's Day Tradition!

For the past 15 years, we have been spending New Years Eve and Day with the Hixsons. The guys didn't know what they were getting into way back in 1998 when they agreed to allow Val and me to be "Queens for the Day" on New Years. They served us all meals and snacks in bed while we slept and watched the Rose Parade and other movies all day long. We do not get out of our pjs for the day. Well, time has passed and we now have 9 children between the two families. The tradition has carried on. We always have a slumber party and then the annual Queen for a Day begins. This year we spent our time in Palm Desert at the condo owned by Jason's deceased grandparents. It was a wonderful time. We ate at the Soup Plantation for dinner and then spent New Years Eve watching movies and playing Pictionary. The next day, after working diligently to feed Val and me, the men took the kids on a long Jeep ride. It is a lovely tradition and great way to start the New Year.

A New Year!

Well, 2012 is officially here and I am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for us this year. We are blessed beyond measure and want to live our lives to please and glorify our Lord. I thought I'd post some fun facts about each of our family members.
Jason is 40 years old. He is still enjoys being the owner of Home Instead Senior Care. He is actively involved in our church and serving as an elder. He has had a couple of opportunities to teach Sunday School for 4-6 weeks on the topic of parenting and discipling family. He is also facilitating the Courageous Cohort on Monday evenings. He is truly the Godly leader of our family.
Debbie is 36 years old. She continues to homeschool her 4 children. She is very involved in the "Koinonia" coop for several homeschooling families. Singing in "Testify" is a ministry that she enjoys alongside her family.
Dallas is 10 years old and in 4th grade. He is an excellent student and very responsible. He loves to create, build and research many things. He is taking guitar lessons at Shine Performing Arts Studio and learning woodworking with his Papa Norris. His Grandpa Hyatt also assists him with his inventions.
Brayden is 8 years old and in 2nd grade. He is the comedian of the family. He loves his DSI and is very good at figuring out technological issues. His Grandma Jeanne is teaching him photography and videography. This is his first year in band and he is playing the saxophone. Many have been blessed by his giving spirit and affectionate nature.
Providence is 6 years old and in 1st grade. She is our "girly" girl. She loves to do her hair and dress up. She is taking tap, ballet and gymnastics and is part of the Shine Performing Arts Ministry Team. She is very artistic and enjoys art lessons with her cousin and siblings taught by Nana Norris.
Selah is 4 years old and our Preschool/Kindergarten student. She also is learning to read. She is affectionate like her big brother Brayden and desperately wants a "baby" sibling to take care of. She loves to rollerskate and is exceptionally good at it for her young age. She is also in dance lessons with Providence.