What We Are Reading

This month we have been reading a lot about The Doll People. First we read The Meanest Doll In The World by Ann M. Martin & Laura Godwin. It is the second book in the series. It was a hit so when we finished that we read The Runaway Dolls by the same authors. Again, it was really liked so we went to the last book in the series The Doll People Set Sail. Every single book in the series was really enjoyed and so I found a short book about The Doll People and bought it. It is just a short book of maybe forty pages or so and is actually a Christmas book -- The Doll People's Christmas. I think we have every book there is about them now and they were all well liked. I am actually surprised that I enjoyed reading them to the kids. I don't always love the books I read but it is definitely a plus if I can enjoy them, too. 

Now we are reading Masterpiece by Kelly Murphy and the verdict is still out on this one as we haven't really gotten into it. But, I think it is going to be a hit with the kids if not me.

We also did a lot of reading of short nature books that I won't list. We have been talking about nature and doing more journaling and more time in the outdoors - even if it is only under a tree in our own backyard. So, we have been reading more books on animals and trees and flowers, etc.

This month our mark-my-time read 17 hours and 20 minutes - a little less than last month. 

Beautiful Saturday

Today was a beautiful and hot day -- 93 degrees. Andrew, Tess and I went and bought some barrels to use for our strawberries. We brought them home and Andrew had to repair one as it had a slight defect, but they were the only two left so I bought both anyway. 

The kids played outside almost all day long, though it was really hot. I love these days that remind me of summer. I sat on the porch and watched the kids play and just talked with them as they ran up and down to the porch to tell me things every few minutes. 

Meredith came by with her kids and we visited. Then they stayed to eat hot dogs and chips since we cooked out. The kids played till it was almost dark. Bethany found a frog and she and Reagan were busy trying to hold it and play with it. The ducks were out walking around so the kids played with them a little. All in all it was a very nice day.

Unfortunately, Joey can not start his chemo on time -- this Monday. His numbers are too low so he will have to have blood work done again and see what happens. Hopefully, he will only be delayed by a week. 

Some pictures I took today -- the kids are very dirty in most of them as they were out in the yard and dirt and climbing trees all day long. Actually, as I look, only my kids are real dirty. Meredith's kids - my grandkids - are fairly clean. 

I thought I would throw in a couple of Luke I took this week when I was keeping him - even though he wasn't here to play today.

MRI Results

Joey had his MRI today and then saw his doctor and got the results. The tumor is stable. No change. No growth. We would love to have some shrinkage, but as I always say - stable is good. I am happy. Thank you so much for all of your prayers. 

I stopped by to see him, Shannon and the kids this evening. Joey was tired but we talked a few minutes. The day seemed to wear him out. Exhaustion seems to be a real problem for him. But, other than that he said he felt ok. 

I took a few pictures of the kids right before I left. Joshua was pretty much looking down most of the time. I guess he is just a busy boy.

Madelyn found a worm . 

Then Joshua started looking for one. They were both looking as I was getting ready to leave. I love Joshua's red hair. His dad was a blond when he was little. Maybe Shannon was a red head.

Prayers For Joey

I wanted to ask for prayer for our son, Joey. He has another MRI tomorrow and this time he will actually see the doctor the same day. So we will know how it looks tomorrow afternoon. The only thing they won't have, if I understand correctly, is the radiology report. We would appreciate your prayers for good results. 

I can't believe how fast these ducks have grown. 

Piper's Cast

Today Piper had a cast put on her leg. The purpose is to give her muscle a chance to rest and relax. She will have the cast removed in a week and a new one put on and then that one will be removed in another week and another cast put on. This will continue for somewhere between three and six weeks. After the last cast is removed she will start physical therapy. 

Piper was great getting the cast on -- probably because they gave her an ipad and let her watch a movie. She never gets an ipad to play on so that was a real treat and it occupied her almost the entire time they were working on her leg. 

A Few Pictures From This Past Week

We haven't done much this past week and today it rained most of the day, but I have a few pictures to post.

This was Luke's first week here with us and the kids have loved playing with him.

Andrew doing some schoolwork on the front porch since the weather was so nice.

Bethany still plays a lot in her outdoor kitchen. She planted a garden and it is actually starting to show signs of growth. She may have some flowers this summer.

We also planted a flower garden up next to the house. We didn't do a very good job and we were rushed to get it done, but I am hoping that something grows. Right now it is just dirt and not even nice smooth broken up dirt. Maybe in a couple of months I will have pictures of some beautiful flowers -- or maybe not.

Asher and Reagan came to visit one day and I only took a couple of pictures. It is nice that the kids can go outside and run and play when they come over. Asher plays on the steps which worries me cause I always think he is going to fall -- but, he usually doesn't.

Bella continues to be a delight to all of us -- almost always happy. She will be in her second dance recital in May. 

It was a beautiful and warm week. This next week there is a lot of rain in the forecast so we won't be outside as much. So glad spring is here.

Grandson Luke

We have been watching Luke this week and will be for awhile. His mom and dad have both had to return to work so we get to spend time with him now. At this point he is like a toy to all the kids and I have to keep telling them to give him some space. I am sure that the newness of a baby in the house will wear off for the kids eventually.

His dad picking him up today. 

Nail Day

Sarah painted Caroline's nails today and then Caroline painted Sarah's. They said it was a special nail day. Sisters that are best friends - most of the time. Just how we had hoped it would be. 

Easter

I'm really too tired to post tonight. We had a nice Easter Sunday and I will just post some pictures from our day. There are a lot of pictures and I couldn't decide which ones to use so I will just post most of them.