Raising caterpillars

For her birthday, Megan got a butterfly garden that comes with a coupon to get live caterpillars to raise into butterflies. So fun! We got the caterpillars in the mail yesterday. The kids are amazed. They love to sit at the table and just stare at them while they crawl around in their cup and eat. It's pretty slow, though. Kind of like watching grass grow. 

Our weekend in pictures

Matt's been working hard leading the constant volunteer groups that have been at the camp since January 1, so when the last group left last week he took today and tomorrow off to invest a little time in our family. We have finished a huge project and had some fun as well. Here's a few highlights. 

Supper Sunday night around the fire pit. Hot dogs and Kiolbasa followed by:

Marshmallows! It was supposed to be s'mores but someone forgot the crackers. 

The shop is painted! It's only been there unpainted for 7 years. 

Supper tonight at Bastrop State Park. 

The park looks so different since the fire 4 years ago. You can see forever from the overlook now. 

They have a great playground!

Caleb's first time in a swing!

Tomorrow's plans include (Lord willing and if it doesn't rain): fishing, blackberry picking, fun at a park, supper out, and a baseball game!

6 Month Chunky Monkey

On February 28, Caleb reached 6 months old! Time really does fly! 

My littlest baby has turned out to be my chunkiest monkey. Here's a little update:

Weight: 17 pounds 8 ounces

Length: 24 inches 

Mobility: loves to get on his knees then flop down and push himself backwards. 

Teeth: none yet but teething and drooling hard. 

Sleeping: not great; still waking me 1-3 times per night; wearing me out and making me depend on God's strength alone!

Talking: we can't understand him yet but when he's in the right mood he tells the best stories!

Favorite people: Daddy, James, and Megan! Of course he loves mommy too. 

Favorite place to hang out: his jumper that hangs between our room and the kitchen. 

He's generally a good natured baby who loves snuggles and Eskimo kisses. He always has his tongue out and if you get close enough you're sure to get some slobber kisses. His eyes are clear blue and his hair is looking mighty red. The verdict is still out on what shade it will be. I'm told red hair and blue eyes is the rarest combination. 

Thankful Project #5: daddy

Our last thankful project was to thank Matt. He works so hard to provide for his family. He adores these kids and they adore him. After a long day of work he loves to get down on the floor and wrestle, take them out for one on one time, or just let them tag along with him wherever he's going. He's a great husband and makes sure I have everything I need to be the best I can be. I could go on and on about this guy. He deserves our thanks every day for all the ways he takes care of us. 

We surprised him with cookies he loves and doesn't get very often and some love notes:

Some cute pictures of Matt and the kids:

Elephant butt!

Thankful Project #4: Servants at church

There are so many people who serve at our church. There are pastors, deacons, nursery workers, volunteers, and Sunday School teachers to name a few. In the preschool area there are so many workers, teachers, and volunteers who sacrifice their time so that my kids are safe and learning about Jesus while I am worshipping. They do such an amazing job that my kids absolutely love going to church. I posted a video on facebook of J and M jumping around and screaming because they were so excited to go to church. Last week we made gingerbread cookies and delivered them on Sunday to some of those who serve. Just a small thank you for the investment they have made into my family's spiritual growth. 

The kids love making cookies!

The finished treats:

Thankful Project #3: Thank a service member

So, this was done a while ago, but things have been going on. Also, it's #3 because I started it first and finished the other one quicker. Project #3 is thanking a service member. Matt's oldest nephew is an active military member in Georgia so we sent him a care package with treats and pictures colored by the kids. It was interesting explaining to the kids what the military is. I didn't do a very good job the first time. 

My silly kids:

James is holding a bag of homemade deer jerky if you were wondering. 

Thankful Project #2: fire fighters

Next up for thanking is the South Lee County Volunteer Fire Department. The kids colored pictures and I wrote a card and included a couple encouraging Bible verses. Just a simple, "Thank you!" Since it is such a small VFD there's usually no one there so we put our notes in an envelope and taped them to the door. 

It was bright. 😃