Happy Birthday Man of Our Lives - yesterday

Yesterday (the 17th) was Mike's birthday! He chose the parrot hat instead of the pig hat.

We discovered that we need to plan ahead for birthdays of people over about 8. Oh well....We did find a few things for Mike.

Headphones so Mike can play the piano as loud as he likes, as late as he likes....and kids can practice whenever they want to - even if we're doing school in the same room.
We also got him a sweatshirt. It looked really big in the shop, but not so big next to Mike. I bet when we wash it it will fit Jared or I. LOL

It was a busy day....but we found time for games and birthday. A highlight of the day were emails from the kids, messages from friends, a Skype call with his parents, and a video greeting on Krista's blog. We also had PWOC in the morning and Middle School Drama in the afternoon. I fixed Manicotti instead of a roast...but we're still eating real food. LOL

Mike and Mom and Dad share the day....it's their 47th anniversary - and since the sun is now up on the 17th in America...Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Weather

"Mom, look how slow the rain is falling."

It is.

"Wait, it's slushing."

That's a good term to describe the weather.

"It's SNOWING, MOM!"

Yep, a bit earlier than expected.

Back to school and Japanese review in anticipation of a fun bit of time with Akikosensei.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

School Room

Welcome to day four of our rather extended "grand home tour". ::Snort:: Today you'll venture in to our school room.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Is this Balance?

I went to bed last night with head smoking......but got a lot done.

We did a bit of school. I RACED for the base for a Key Spouse "social". Arielle did a bit more school with the boys while I was gone.

We had piano lessons.

We headed back to the base again to do a bit of birthday shopping and realized we'll need to plan WAY far ahead for birthdays for anyone over 4. ::snort::

We dropped Jared off for Cross Training. Mike and he got home about 9 p.m. last night.

The rest of us came home and I worked on emails, wrapped presents, held a Regional Board meeting on Skype, adjusted a form for our needs, composed a "letter" for our region's page on the International website...found an old bio (updated) and photo (left it - 25 lbs lighter ::snort::) and sent those to our Admin Coordinator.

Headed to bed.....

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Girls' Room

Arielle and Stacia continue to share a room. We love to see Arielle take on a mentoring role in Stacia's life. I know it's hard work for her...and there are days when we all would like to focus on SELF rather than SERVICE....but this arrangment is turning out to ultimately bless our older children as well as our younger children.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Menu Plan

Monday - Popcorn chicken (Yes, we had this last week. Mike & Jared won't be here. The littles love it...I use shake and bake chicken and do drumsticks or strips or popcorn chicken and they never tire of it).

Tuesday - Manicotti, salad, Fannie Mae Cake (can I find the recipe? It's Mike's birthday).

Wednesday - Dirty Rice et al. (Kristine's Blog)

Thursday - Crockpot Roast or Stew - VERY busy day with MOPS, Bible Study and MOSC.

Friday - Pizza and/or Nikuman

Saturday - 3 Cheese Garlic Chicken Pasta (Heavenly Homemaker)

This upcoming week looks VERY busy...but I think we can do this. For more recipes click the Recipe link under the header.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

The Play Room

Welcome to Day Two of our home tour. Today we show you the land of "Spare Oom" or the playroom/garage.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...