Workin' on the Chicken Coop

These pictures were taken several weeks ago - but I have not been able to get good enough internet service to upload them until now. So, NOTE - these were taken BEFORE Jake's injury.

When we arrived home from our weekend get-away, Brianna said, "whew, I am glad we are home - I couldn't take much more of that!" :) The kids were pretty exhausted from our time in the sun and having so much fun! They were ready to crash! :) We did have a LOT of fun! We played lots of "Monkey in the Middle" and Marco - Polo, racing across the pool and jumpin' in.

The kids are so excited about going on our annual missionary retreat. We are staying close to home.....the beach and then a hotel in town. Alanna is ready to leave RIGHT NOW! We have an hour and a half until our convoy leaves. :) Our bags are packed and we are ready to go.

I know that the kids will enjoy their sessions with the child care and with the other kids. Please pray we will also be able to have some great time together as a family! We are in need of some good, quality time together!

We have our beach toys and pool toys packed and the kids are choppin' at the bit to go! :)

We took the kids to"D Korner" this weekend. It is the closest thing that we have to resemble "fast food" like in the States. The restaurant has tables and chairs that look like fast food chains in the States, they have a menu board on the wall behind the counter that resembles those in the States, with pictures of chicken nuggets, ice cream cones, hamburgers and fries. We walked in, walked up the the counter and after about 15 minutes, it was our turn to order. The only thing available to order was a ham and cheese sandwich or a spicy baked macaroni dish. This was the only thing available the only other time we came too.

When we sat down with our food, I asked the kids why they were so excited about coming to D Corner. Jake said, "Its because of all the food!" I had to laugh! All the food? Two choices?! The kids were so thrilled with the appearance of having lots of food choices that they were not even disappointed by the fact that they couldn't have any of it.

Brianna made and painted sugar cookies cut-outs ALL by herself! Alanna washed up her dishes, and therefore was "allowed" to help Brianna paint some of the cookies. Brianna found this cookie recipe in a cookbook that Mary Lou Wunker used when she was a little girl! For the "paint" you mix egg yolks with a little water, you paint the cookies using a clean, new paint brush, then you bake the cookies.

They haven't come out of the oven yet - but I am sure they are yummy! :)

I have been trying to post pictures of the beautiful cookies - but the internet is not letting me download them. They really are beautiful!

We have enjoyed a lovely afternoon at home. We grilled out hamburgers for lunch then enjoyed playing a bit of baseball. We don't play baseball very often - usually soccer. Now, Brett and the kids are putting up the swings that have been sitting in our closet for several months.

This afternoon, I bought a painting from one of the youth in our neighborhood. His parents care for 10 children, plus have taken in a widow and her 2 young children from Port-au-Prince. He is a very capable young man who is trying to help support his household. This week, Brianna will begin taking Art lessons with him. (well supervised, don't worry!) I am so pleased to know that this will not only benefit Brianna, but also him & his family! I thank the Lord for His provision.