News from the Homefront

I know I often blog about how amazing my family is, but I just can't help it! :o)

Patrick is doing an amazing job taking care Josh, Beth, Brenna, Silas, and Callie.  Amazing!  We are all missing each other horribly, but they are enjoying their summer.  They've been helpful keeping the homefront running smoothly, but they're also having a good time together.  

 I just love this picture!  I love that my children love to read.  I love Callie's cute feet (doesn't she have long toes!) all snuggled together.  And her jammies!  I have to tell you about that.  The other night I was skyping with my family.  Callie had her jammies on. I said, "Callie are you all ready for bed?  You have your jammies on."  Patrick sort of looked funny and realized Callie hadn't gotten dressed at all that day.  Well, that's one way to make sure the kiddos are ready for bed! :o)

 My girls are just like me.  They love their tea parties! (notice Callie is in another set of jammies)

 Our ugly chicken (I'm not being mean, she truly is ugly) named Pox (Josh named her that because she's so ugly, she looks like she has the chicken pox) has decided to start living on top of the coop..  So, my Josh (isn't he so handsome!) decided to build her a little nesting box.  He made the bottom with slats so that rain would run off.  That's pretty cool!

    Patrick told me on the phone today how proud he is of our older 3.  It may not be an ideal summer.  They've had to do the work of a Momma (with some of Daddy's help).   But, they've had such good attitudes.  They pitch right in and cook, clean, hang laundry.  They are wonderful!

Silas is showing so much interest in the piano.  I gave Brenna a new job.  Piano lessons for Silas!

Actually, Patrick has started playing his guitar again, and Josh has picked up his mandolin.  They've had fun pickin' and grinnin' :o)  I asked Silas what does he want to play when he grows up.  He thought for a bit and said, "Army guys!"  What a kid!

 Silas says it's time for Callie to get a haircut because it's growing sideways.  notice that jammies again :o)

I have loved being able to skype with my family.  I've been able to tuck in the little ones, chat with the older ones, and give some winks and smiles at my husband.  Oh I miss that man! 

Josh taught Silas and Callie how to play dominoes.   We figured that I could play with them!  It works out perfect!

Patrick's meals have been fabulous.  I think you could put this one in a magazine!  It is Teriyaki Pork Meatballs.  I can't wait to try it!

 I love the look on Silas's face.  He thinks it's crazy they're using sticks to eat! I think Josh is already using a fork!

Callie thinks it's going to be an adventure!

(Brenna's chopstick form is perfect!)

And mealtime with her usually is!

 Patrick and the kiddos have been keeping up with our distribution ministry.  It's exciting to see the map fill up with black marks to all the places we've been.  We're covering our island and it's so exciting.

On a more serious note....here's the picture Patrick sent me today:

My sweet man has been having hip troubles lately.  He has been in a lot of pain, and at times unable to move.  He finally went to the doctor and he has 2 compressed discs in his spine.  The doctor gave him a strong anti-inflammatory/pain killer.  If that doesn't work, in 5 days they will try something stronger.  If that doesn't work the doctor wants to try IV treatment at the hospital.  Please pray for my Patrick. I wish I were there to take care of him.  He's got a lot on his shoulders right now.  He's such an encouragement to me in the midst of all of our happenings.  I love how we can share things together.  It seems the Lord is always working on our hearts about the same things and we can encourage one another.  I miss you Patrick!