Camera Shy

"Come on Buster, just one shot. Say cheese."
"Hold still, I want to get you in your new pajamas!"

Busted! Got this one by pretending to put the camera away. Little stinker!

Spring!

I don't think I have ever been this happy to have itchy, watery eyes. Spring is officially on its way. Yes, it's supposed to snow this week, but it will be short lived. We have had temps in the upper 60's low 70's for days now. During school the little kids are able to just play on the patio, ride their bikes, and jump on the trampoline. They are all sleeping much better at night with an outlet to burn off the energy!

This has been a very busy season for us, but hey what's new? All 4 girls are doing the musical "Charlotte's Web." Chiggie and Tea both have speaking parts and the little girls will be singing in the chorus. They have rehearsals several times a week and the performances are scheduled for late April. They also still go to youth group Wednesday nights and karate on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For the last six weeks we have also been attending a small "life group" on Friday nights. It's busy, but fun, and everyone seems to be doing very well.

We have also been spending a great deal of time on the house. With the King finally home, my ideas are taking true shape. It's really coming along. The goal would be to have the inside done by the time summer is here. I know we will be spending most of our time by then outside and I don't want to have left-over inside projects. We've also spruced up the back patio to make a nice play area for the kids and I might *wink *wink, be getting a new patio set for my birthday this year. I can't wait to be sipping ice tea at dusk while the kids run around the yard! I love summer and it's just getting closer.

Rich

At the rate that Midge is losing teeth lately, she will be rich in no time at all. She was so relieved today when her super wiggly bottom tooth finally came out. She can eat apples in peace once again!

The peak

It's no secret that the last four years have been a bit taxing on our whole family. It's been a climb of sorts. When the King changed careers all those years ago we knew it would be tough. I never could have guessed just how tough it would be. There were many times when we both wanted to just give up. Finding a local job as an electrical apprentice that pays well enough was just impossible. We chose to stick it out. Mostly because we had given up on so many other things in the past we just couldn't see that being the right thing to do.

Today made it all worthwhile. The King finally acquired enough hours to take his test. He passed and is now a Journeyman Electrician. This will open many new doors for us. Sure, we'll have to be patient, but it feels so good to get to the top of the mountain. It's been a rough climb and now I'm just hoping the plateau lasts awhile.

Windy

The last couple of nights have been incredibly windy around here. We're talking hurricane force winds. Our house is surrounded by trees which doesn't help. Last night our windows were even rattling. Thankfully we didn't lose power, but that didn't stop the girls from worrying we would. Midge was the first one to ask to get in our bed. She was so upset we let her of course. It wasn't much longer when along came Boo with the same request. The bed just isn't big enough so I compromised and got in her bed with her. It was a tight squeeze, but I was exhausted enough to make it work. Their room is very yellow, but even more so at night. They love it, but wow, pretty intense. I was shocked to wake up to snow covering the ground and coming down pretty steady. At least the wind seems to have passed!

Very Random

We are in such a good place right now. I am loving having the King home! After him being gone for so long it's so nice to have the company and the help for that matter. The only downside is the lack of routine. I'm sure we'll get it all figured out. Probably just in time for a new one! Here are some random things going on in our house right now:

• We are still a 1 car family. The second opinion we got on the truck echoed the first. A whole new engine will be the only fix. The truck is an '05 and I find this insane.
• Chiggie has a sinus infection...I think. She sees the doc tomorrow. Most of her schoolwork has been done on a clipboard while lying in bed. So nice that's an option though...
• Buster has renewed his love affair with anything that can be squeezed from a bottle. He prefers anything that stains, but lotion will work as well. He has also taken to raiding the pantry and going in his room, shutting the door, and eating his loot in private.
• The girls are trying out for a play next week. I hope it goes well.
• I was doing so well with all the painting there for awhile and then I just fizzled out. I need to start back up. Only 5 rooms and the hallway are left...ugh.
• I want to get another pool this summer. I have bookmarked it on the computer and conveniently leave it up on the screen hoping the King will see. So what that I have never successfully maintained a pool? Everyone deserves a 4th chance!
• Last month I successfully completed a junk food/fast food fast. It felt great. This month I have sought out junk food and eaten it even when I wasn't hungry. Not good.

So there you have it! We are more than halfway through February. I have survived yet another Colorado winter....almost.

Happy 6th Birthday Midge