Hmmm...

Banana tagged me with an interesting thought... "What are 5 things I'd like to do before I die?"

Many who know me well know traveling is at the top of my list. Traveling with my family? Even better. With the exception of the first one, maybe, I'd like to do each one with Jake and the kids at my side.

1) Hike the AT. Probably just part, but I'd love to do it. My brother-in-law did it start to finish, but mom and wife doesn't equal bachelor. I will also never attain his physical fitness level. I'd be satisfied with portions of it. :) (By the time my mothering responsibilities lighten my body will... well, not have lightened.)

2) Visit South America. Machu Picchu and a rainforest.

3) Go on a safari in Africa.

4) Travel through New England in fall... Slowly.

5) See each of my kids into adulthood- Serving the Lord and joyful.

OK, I'm back

After a rocky week of circumstances and illness (the kids), I'm back.

God is so good. He gives strength, peace and hope.

My "theme" for this year (and beyond) is...

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth
Will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His
Glory and grace.

Until further notice...

... "Doodles" will be on hold. No plans for when I will resume at this point. Just know I need to be done for awhile.

For the love of my kids...

I haven't posted a photo of the kidlets for a bit- here's one with my little (6'5") brother when we got to see him at Christmas.

My parents will be here in a couple hours to help us celebrate Noodle's big 0-9! Nine years ago tonight Jaker and I went out to eat at a nice, quiet, Italian restaurant for what would be our last night not being parents. For the rest of our living, breathing days on this earth we will be parents- What a priviledge. A job that is scary and sweet, crazy and rewarding... and all those emotions can land in ten minutes of time!

I have been attached this week to this song off of MWS's most recent CD. Parents, if you HAVEN'T heard it, grab a box of tissues. The piano music is just a beautiful as the words. GET THIS SONG!!!

How to Say Goodbye

tell me when
the time we had slipped away
tomorrow turned to yesterday
and i don't know how

tell me what
can stop this river of tears
it's been building up for years
for this moment now

here i stand
arms open wide
i've held you close, kept you safe
till you could fly
tell me where
the road ahead is gonna bend
and how to harness up the wind
and how to say goodbye

tell me why
why does following your dreams
take you far away from me
and i knew that it would

tell me how
to fill the space you left behind
how to laugh instead of cry
and how to say goodbye

 

Weekend update

Well, Doodle laid low for about an hour Wednesday (just enough time for me to decide we weren't doing school) and then was back to his normal self. So, I don't think he had a stomach virus. We did school Thursday and Friday, and he did well. It takes both of us a bit to get back in the swing of things.

Friday night we went to the Bulldog game, then came home and watched 24 (surprise, surprise!). Jake and the boys got a last minute invite to go fishing in the morning, so our plans of a family day to EC were foiled. Doodle lives to fish (we hope it morphs into a strong desire to fish for men!) and Jake just couldn't pass up this chance to get him out on the ice. Bella and I continued with our plans to shop- so we ate breakfast, loaded up and headed down- only for a stop after a bought of carsickness (her, not me) A package of wipes and a cute new outfit later and we were back in business. I spent my gift card to Eddie Bauer on a cute new pair of pants and a purple shirt (thanks mom!) and Bella found a magnetic Cinderella paper doll set that she bought. We had lunch together and headed home.

We had (they brought in!) friends for supper and then sent our hubbies out for a movie and appetizers. Often the dad around this house doesn't get any guy-time to speak of and it was SO fun to enable it!

Today I got some great mommy-time as my adventurous friend and I hit the trail to the south and did a 4 1/2 mile hike. It. Was. Great. and I could be persuaded to do it again at the drop of a hat. What a gorgeous world our Lord has made!

So, here I sit. All is well with the Dahls. Just Doodling away in our corner of the world. Running the earth- Watching the sky.

Ha ha ha...

I should have known as soon as I typed,"I mean it this time," that I was setting myself up! We are in fact NOT doing school today, either.

My sweet student just threw up.

A new addiction

So we were going to start back with school today, but then I looked around at my house, which looked as though it had thrown up, more than likely due to the obscene amount of sleeping in yours truly has enjoyed over the past week. Ahh. So... we're starting back with school tomorrow. I mean it this time.

And yes, Jaker and I are new addicts to a highly acclaimed series... you guessed it-


Yes, I know we are 5 seasons behind and living under a rock and all that for not having gotten hooked earlier, but enjoying it none-the-less. Thanks, Lottie! :)

Happy New Year!

We had a good, but whirlwind-like holiday season with visits to both sides of the family and friends up-north as well. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to everyone for having us and for all the amazing gifts! We have all enjoyed a couple days at home now- and man, can we sleep in!
If you have an infant, please skip the next line, as I don't want to hurt feelings-

We have slept until 8:45, 9:00 and 9:40 the past three days. All of us. Ahhh!!!

We got a new game- Whoonu- a Cranium game. It is so much fun! The gist of it is each person has a turn to rank their favorite things. The other day Dawson was ranking 6 things and put "breakfast in bed" as his most favorite. The funny part is, he has never HAD breakfast in bed- just thought it sounded "totally awesome." So, this morning, we put an end to his wonder and served up eggs, toast, oranges and yes, grape juice (his fave) in bed. He was thrilled. I wish I had taken a photo of his face. :)

We brought in the new year in style with friends and games... It was a lot of fun! :) Thanks to all who were here!!!

Tomorrow is back to reality. School. Ahhh. I have some prepping to do. :)

Right now we're still in pj's and spent the morning straightening up and doing each other's hair (just Ellie and I!). The girls are off to watch a new Strawberry Shortcake movie while the boys finish cheering my Badgers to victory over those Razorbacks.

Happy New Year!