Chores

As our children grow and begin to get older we assign different chores at different ages. The first chores our kids learned was how to put up the silverware from the dishwasher and how to fold wash cloths. Then the next step is folding their own clothes. Joanna has just entered this stage and Timothy has about got it mastered. Here are a few pictures of Timothy's folded clothes.

He actually does a great job of folding them, it's the putting them in the drawer neatly that we haven't quite got the hang of yet. LOL! 

Training our children to become the adults that God has created them to be. One of those training areas is responsibility and how to take care of your things. Great Job Timothy!! :)

A Date With Isaac and Sarah

For Christmas Bryan and I chose to give Isaac and Sarah date night coupons. When they get older they are harder to buy for but spending time together is priceless! I gave Isaac a date night coupon and Bryan gave Sarah one. We cashed in on those coupons last night and had a great time!! We had some friends keep the three younger children. 

We took Isaac and Sarah to see the movie Risen, then to eat at Bliss (a great cafe' on the square), and then to get a dessert. Movie was good, food was delicious, and the company and fellowship was out of this world! Very thankful to spend times like this with our children. Thanking God for time together!!

Visit With Friends!

One of our favorite things to do while visiting family in Alabama is to visit friends! One family we always enjoy spending time with is the Oehrigs. We first met them when I was pregnant with Timothy. Sarah became friends with their oldest, Eliana, and the rest is history. :) At that time we were fixing to have baby #4 and they had 3 kids....fast forward a few years and we both have 5 kids a piece! Our times together are always loud and lots of fun!! Very thankful that God allowed our paths to cross and that we have kept in touch. 

Here is a picture we took while visiting them in December. We have some great memories with this family that we will treasure forever!

Here is Sarah with Hannah and Eliana. Great Friends!!

Apple Muffins

We love muffins for breakfast! It is our breakfast every Sunday morning. I try to make several batches and freeze them so all I have to do is set some out on Saturday night.

I try to make different kinds of muffins. Our favorites are banana, zuchinni chocolate chip, and apple. Wanted to share the apple recipe with you. It is delicious!! Enjoy!

Apple Muffins/Bread

1½ cup of whole wheat flour (I use freshly ground)

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

½ teaspoon salt

1 egg, lightly beaten

½ cup coconut oil (or applesauce or half of each) 

¼ cup milk

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 medium apples chopped in bite sized pieces

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Sugar in the Raw for topping

Directions:

In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl combine the egg, oil, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla; mix well. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in apples. Fill greased loaf pan or muffin tin and sprinkle on the sugar in the raw and walnuts. Bake at 350F for 60 minutes for loaf and 20-25 minutes for muffins or until done.

Ol' Faithful

We had one busy week last week. That is why I haven't been able to blog in over a week. This week should be a little more calm. 

Here is a picture of Isaac and his dog, Old Dan. All three of our dogs are very good dogs, but Dan is the most faithful dog I have ever known. Most of the time he stays right around the house and is quick to come when we call. Isaac is crazy about him and these two are "best friends". The dogs are not inside dogs but the kids will let them in for a little while to give them some "petting". 

She Is A Silly Girl

Joanna keeps us laughing...actually ALL the kids are silly. :) We have had some silly moments and lots of laughter in this family! Loving everyday of it!!

Here is a picture of Sarah doing a few exercises on the mat and little sister trying to do what big sister is doing. Joanna thinks she is as big as Sarah and can do whatever "Sissy" is doing. 

TaDa! There were a few empty containers the kids were making a project with but Joanna wanted to see if she could balance them. When she did this her words to me were "Take my picture and send it to Maw. She will laugh." 

Never Too Old for Playdough

Sarah is very creative and also great at playing with younger children. She and Joanna really enjoy playing with playdough. Here is a picture of her latest creation with playdough. Sarah made a cookie with a "J" for Joanna and a couple of decorations. 

Sarah took these pictures herself. Looks good enought to eat! 

Don't worry, she didn't eat it...but she can pretend. LOL! Sarah has a huge heart and I am very grateful that even though she is 12 she still knows how to play and enjoy being a kid. She is the best big sister a kid could have!