Giddy'ap!

They ARE smiling... on the inside.

Ezra would make a great lil' jockey, wouldn't he?

Mila is happy despite the devastating news that Chance is in fact a boy.

Brave little people.

Busy busy week! I was sick for most of it but I rallied through just in time to take Mila on her scheduled trail ride at the Diamond D Ranch in Jacksonville. Fun was had by all ... except for Chance the lazy old horse Mila was riding. Right now, I am preparing Mila's cake for her birthday tomorrow, 5 already! Really? Anyway, check back soon for more photos of the big day's events.

All is Calm on the Homefront

This is such a cute shot... Richard likes it best because it hides his man boobs.

He is a slugger indeed! 9 months. really??

Ezra and Papa went to Gold Head State Park for some Boy Time. This is them having their picnic on a decaying trunk.

Mila in her uniform at 'school'. Happy lil' thing isn't she?

Hello Y'All!

Well, all the kids are presently asleep.... so here is my chance to update the blog ( just another excuse to avoid folding my mound of laundry).

Here it is:

I have started homeschooling Mila. We are 3 weeks into it and it's going really well for both of us. The routine is good for all of us. I don't get much trouble from Ezra or Simon, so that makes it a lot easier. We do the basics like Reading, Writing, French, Math, Religion and Salvation History :)

Ezra is talking a lot more these days, actually a little too much... this morning he said the 'potty' word "Shut up" and got soap in his mouth because of it, courtesy of his daddy.

Simon is so darn cute he's my hefty and glad baby. He's very eager to walk and absolutely loves music or being sung to.

Richard's work is in full swing and keeps him very busy, but he enjoys his work. He's happy and I am happy for him... now if only he'd finish his dissertation!

All in all, everyone is settling in nicely and Richard and I could get very used to living here in Middleburg...go figure.

Two brothers

Hello all. Here are a couple of shots of Simon and Ezra both at 8 months old. It is hard to believe they come from the same parents!!! Ezra was 17 pounds sopping wet, at this age and Simon is tipping the scales at 23 pounds! Both are so darn cute though! Check out the video of Simon army crawling, it is too funny! Simon hasn't been able to lift his big belly off the floor so he is forced to drag it along everywhere he pleases while Ezra was practically flying through the house at this age.
Miss y'all!

Into the thick of things...

This was not supposed to be the first picture you see, but since I can't figure out how to rearrange the pictures, it is. This is the Master bedroom, that is, Master Simon sleeps here. It does have its own bathroom, which I love!!! Along with the beautiful tile flooring ( I am practically singing!)

What a beautiful shot of Richard fishing with the little ones. No bites but a sweet moment in life.

Another nice shot of Mila and Ezra not drowning.

Great swing in the back yard (needs a lot of love though).

Mila and Ezra were extra affectionate on this day, so sweet!

I know, I know. It's been forever since we posted a new blog entry. A lot has been going on. Richard has accepted a job as Director of Religious Education here in Middleburg, FL and officially begins this Monday. I've asked Richard to please post a new blog entry and since he hasn't I am taking matters into my own hands to post details and accompanying pictures at the behest of Colette Meloche and Lisa Stalnaker. We are now entering, if you can believe it, week 3 of our new home in Middleburg. I am happy to say that half of the boxes are unpacked and discarded while the other half haunts me in the garage. The house is comfy and cozy and very country (I love the country-style window treatments and the doors themselves). The house is a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom 2 car garage ( with no room for the actual cars themselves) situated on a 1+ acre quasi-fenced in lot. It has a large pond in the back and mammoth live oaks that shade the front yard. It is a very quiet road we live on that was just recently paved. The name of the road ? Sunrise Farm Road - doesn't that just say it all? The kids are settling in just fine and I am becoming a familiar face at the local Walmart. I am loving my very first dishwasher I barely know what to do with the extra time. We've met a great and kind family who lives down the road, they have helped us out in so many ways, not least of which is by renting this house out to us in the first place. They have 9 children and one on the way. Mila has made fast friends with her girls. Although we miss our dear friends in Lehigh something fierce. On a happier note Simon only woke up twice last night! Praise be to Jesus! (I still woke up 5-6 times out of sheer habit...darn it). He will be 8 months on the 11th and is army crawling all over the house. He is a very strong boy! Stay tuned for more pictures and videos. I promise to better keep you all up to speed on the happenings here in the 'burg... until then miss you all and thinking of you often.

Home sweet home

Extra large kitchen, thank you very much!

Extra large yard with Oaks , Yay for us and the kids...Boo for Richard and his push lawnmower.

Tell me you don't absolutely love those doors!

Enter friends and family.

Why yes that is a flat screen above the fireplace (not ours) but we like it just the same...

Ezra's 3rd Birthday

Baptism

Here are some pics of Simon's Incorporation into the Mystical Body of Christ. His godmother made his Baptismal vestment, perhaps it is foreshadowing of his future vocation?