First Camping...

I'm not exactly sure, but I'd say this is real rough'n it...a tarp or two thrown over the clothesline....

Well, Daddy decided to take the kids camping...yes indeed he did...and just this evening too! The kids have never really camped before so this should be very interesting. Jonny and I will NOT be joining them tonight as there will not be an air mattress for this pregnant woman to sleep on...and Jonny would just run away once everyone was sleeping :0)

I'll post a few pictures of the set up and getting settled...then I'll try to post tomorrow and let you know how the night really goes.

It was quite funny because once Daddy made the suggestion and said it was a real possibility...the kids went running through the house gathering everything they could think of that they'd need for the 'camping trip'....flashlights, sleeping bags, pillows, books...water and of course snacks!

As I type this I can hear Marion through the open window reading stories...the kids are so excited for this! Here are some pictures:

The one picture of Marion wearing orange was as we were setting up the tent...he moved small hay pales today so he was pretty tried! But what a Dad...still willing to go to the work of putting the tent together and staying out there with them! (PS...he wasn't really sleeping but the far end was open and he was trying to decide if he liked that or wanted it closed...he decided he wanted it closed!)

Abi Rides Strawberry Alone

We finally got a bridle for Strawberry today and after Grandpa adjusted it to fit, Abi was ready to ride. Mommy was a bit nervous to let her go on her own, but she did great. I hope you enjoy!

Baby Number Four....

It's official. We are about to hit our 13th week and today we heard a very strong and active baby's heartbeat!

(We were waiting to really say anything because we hadn't heard the heart beat and were slightly cautious considering the blighted ovum we had in January of 07.)

We are so thankful and feel so blessed to have heard the heart beat today and to know that things are going very well so far. The doctor has laid out some tough expectations for this pregnancy but if we can meet them, it will be so much better for me and baby.

We also got the great news that we should be able to deliver here in Smith Center. We had thought we might have to go to Hastings for this one, but Dr. Overmiller assures me that would only happen in an extreme case, so another answer to prayer there.

Well, the kids and Daddy are ready for a walk (one of my challenges to walk 2 miles 3-4 times a week!) . EEEEEEKKKK! Better go!

Jonathan at the State Fair....

This picture was published in the Hutchinson News on Tuesday! Our Famous Baby!

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Announcing the New Addition....

to our farm!


Meet Strawberry...a beautiful male red roane!

Abigail is absolutely in love with the horse! In the first 5 hours we had the horse she rode him at least 6 times and stood watching him for hours. She even helped Daddy feed him some oats.

Grandpa Schlatter showed her how to sit on top and hold on while someone leads him around!

And even Jonny got to sit on Strawberry for a short little ride! (Nathan was too scared to ride so we don't have any pictures of him yet...but we'll keep working with him.)

For now, we will keep him close to the barn so that we can get used to him and him used to us. But he is very gentle and well broken. He's been used to kids before which is why Marion's uncle Derek thought of us when he was ready to pass him on!

How does a whole month disappear?

That is what I'd really like to know...I just sat down to update the blog and wanted to check back as to when I last updated....A MONTH AGO...but you all already know that huh?! Sorry...I really tried!

Well, let me at least attempt a brief update on what has happened and then I'll try to go back and detail out some of the events:

Really after we got back from Kansas City, life just kinda ticked on...I don't remember too many special events until later in the month. Abi continued with Kindergarten...she is really liking it and has already finished the Kindergarten phonics course we had. We are no attempting to get her caught up in Math...we never went over money, time, or really the calendar very much so when she took the math assessment she didn't pass it.

Nathan started to get interested in school for a while but then it peetered out. We are trying to work with him to recognize his name and possibly even learn how to spell it :0) I really think he is smarter than he lets on but he likes to play dumb with Mom...we'll have to work on that.

Jonathan just keeps on growing...he absolutely LOVES water and loves to play in it usually making quite the mess in doing so. I can't tell you how many times I've caught him in the kitchen sinks (dishes or not) or the bath tub playing with the water. He also loves to be outdoors and to spend time with Daddy!

Marion's been working the farm, keeping busy with ground preparations for wheat drilling and fall harvest. We almost bought a tractor but in the end decided it was better for us to wait.

My two biggest activities have been the start of our MOM's group the first Friday of September and the EWomen's conference coming at the end. My friend Kristi and I discussed it and she is willing to head up the MOM's group this year which has taken quite a load off of me (which I appreciate) but I am still supporting and helping her as this is her first year. I also help with organizing the kids care.

We have some other big news but you'll have to wait for another post about that...(I have to keep you coming back don't I?)