Ups and Downs

Today was busy, but quite fun. We finished school as quickly as possible in order to have more time for our house cleaning. The boys asked me to move the stove because they wanted to clean behind it! I think they enjoy the finding treasure part;) They did a good job cleaning it though, so I'm not complaining. Their other favorite job is cleaning out the fridge, getting to sit inside for a bit when it's done, also being their favorite part:). As long as they get it clean, it doesn't bother me. I gave them more outside jobs today, in order to burn off some energy before the company arrived. They brought all the bikes and wagons over to the climbing wall. Picked up snow shovels and put them away for the winter. They cleaned up and organized the deck too.

The Ham and potatoes were in the oven, I'd just gotten the garlic bread in and the phone rang. I thought that it was Scott calling to let me know he was almost home. No, it was the guests calling to say they couldn't make it. What to do... One of the kids, who shall remain nameless, started crying. "Was it because of the Legos?" He thought it was because he hadn't cleaned up all his LEGO yet. I quickly explained that it wasn't his fault at all. Something just came up and they wouldn't be able to come. On to Plan B. I called another family in the church to see if they already had supper underway. I know that we eat quite a bit earlier than some and thankfully she hadn't gotten started yet. Yes, they would love to come:). The kids were VERY excited about this. Thank you Lord. It did provide a bit of up and down feeling, but after enjoying this evening quite a lot I can see that God used the cancellation for good. We were all encouraged and the kids went to bed a bit after 7. Kiersten and Addie were the only 2 to have a nap and the others were quite worn out after all the work and excitement.

I'll leave you with some funny pics of Kiersten. Earlier today she closed the door of the bathroom and told me that she was going to keep me in there. Maybe if I was good she would let me out. She cracks me up. Tonight I found her cradling this instead of her baby or stuffy.

She's such a mixture of girlie, silly, mischievous, loving and determined all rolled into one. She was carrying it around in a bag in the house, but held it like this when she went outside.

I also have this picture of the boys from yesterday(obviously during baking day and before cleaning day:) They weren't getting along and my solution was this:

I kept them tied together for an hour. This included eating lunch attached to each other:) It's amazing how much better they were today. Caleb tried to take it off after awhile, but I told him that I'd add an extra hour if he did. He kept it on...

Well, that about sums it up for us. There's lots of excitement in the air over Mother's Day Plans. I was able to send my mom something and talk to her tonight. The kids are excited about their project tomorrow and Garrison keeps saying, "I know what it is, but I'm not allowed to tell you." They're getting better at not giving away the secret. I think I'm going to be singing a special on Sunday, which I'm a bit nervous about. I get nervous when I have a pianist, but even more so without one. I pray that God uses it to be a blessing though and trust that He will help me through it:).

Thanking the Lord for another wonderful day with family and friends...