Buying and Selling some Real Estate

Our friend Mara came over to hang out yesterday afternoon and eat supper with us. Visitors to our home need to be warned that they will likely be coerced into playing a game of Monopoly. Carter is big into the very same game I remember playing for hours with my cousin Amber when I was around his age. It's great for the math skills too. He has counting money and giving the correct change all figured out.
The great thing about Mara is that I can make corn dogs and slice a mango (that I only bought because Lewis took a bite out of it at the store) for supper. I don't have to try to impress her with my cooking skills, which would be hard, because I seriously lack in that department.

Yogurt as Hair Gel

I guess when I tell him to use his spoon, I need to specify how he should use it.

Heavy

It is with a heavy heart that I sit here tonight. It's funny how a heart can literally feel heavy. I'm sure it is the same size and weight it's always been, and it's pumping the same amount of blood it always does, but I can feel it inside me. Do you know the feeling? It's like you just go about your day, and now and then your heavy heart makes you stop what you are doing - it's like a reminder right there inside your chest that something is not quite right.

For two decades, I have not felt the heaviness quite like this. I remember watching my Uncle Lorry struggle through a serious illness. At age 13, I didn't understand the enormity of it all, but I did have a heavy heart.

That heaviness has returned. I don't know who reads this blog; I assume it's mostly family and some friends, but I ask that you would pray for our friends whose daughter was just diagnosed with bone cancer.

I firmly believe that the God of the universe is in control and that he who created the mountains and oceans and granted us life cares more about our hurts than we can imagine. I believe He can heal if He chooses too. I believe that His plan is the best plan. And I believe He loves to hear His children lay their requests at His feet. And I believe this heaviness is His way of constantly nudging me to pray. So, I think maybe I'll go do that.

8 Boys + 1 Cold Winter Day + 1 Basement =

Yes, that's right - 8 boys. Ages 9, 7, 6, 5, 5, 4, 2 and 1

Special Day

Today is a very special day. It seems to me that February 14 is some sort of national holiday, but more importantly, it is the day that Corey becomes the same age as me. No more old jokes for 10 more months. Wooh-hoo!!

The Budding Artist

As Owen was working on one of his many art projects the other night he said, "I'm learning to be an artist in my brain. When I dream, I learn." He's such an interesting little fella.

Cut Out Cookies

I wonder if it's a calmer and less messy experience making Valentine's cookies with little girls.

.

My Little Buddy with Buddy the dog

Lewis loves "woof woofs" and I think this picture is super cute.

Boogie Boarding

Corey catching a wave.

Kalalau Hike

This is a small glimpse of our big hike. The couple you see in it are Patrice and Sophie. They are from France, and we met them on the trail.

A New Nephew

Add one more nephew to the tally board! This one is extra special (not that my 5 other nephews aren't special) because he is the first baby of my only brother. He is adorable and reminds me of Carter and Lewis when they were babies. Lucas and Lewis will probably be buddies someday, but at this point, Lewis is much more interested in Keith and Tomi's dog than their baby!