Love the summer...

I miss my camera..I havn't blogged much thanks to Kenneth who accidentally dropped my less than a year old camera. So sad. We have been so busy with school, animals, friends, family, and sports that it has been a challenge to keep up with the blogging. I enjoy the fact though that blogging is a diary for me while facebook is more or less a passing thought.
Wanted to share some of Lily's fish that make me smile and think of summer. Lily is still obsessed with her paint program on our computer as she is now occupied with pirates, dragons, vicious fish, and an occasional elephant family. I adore her love of life right now and hope this joyful season lasts in her life. This nearly 15 year old girl sure brings lots of character to our family. Just last night while Josh was watching the Celtics beat the Lakers she decided to give him a good kick in the back. Joshua handles her love of fighting maturely as he starts to get up and block her continual punches. She giggles and kicks, giggles and punches, and then walks away when she has had enough. She loves Joshua for this very reason and will occasionally say, "Oh, I miss Josh"
they love to trash talk each other also..What a brother! ha ha. She needs this in her life. she has also benefited from the love and prayers of all of our friends and family out there..thanks!
I am full of love and thankfulness to the Lord for so many many many things..the love I feel from His people..the love of the man I have shared these past 19 years with...the love of God shown through his Spirit in me and also through all that He has made....the simple joy of collecting the flowers and vegetables from the garden...the summer rain and summer vacation! It is good to focus on the great things ...grieve for the pain of others...yet come back to focusing on "whatsoever is right". I am blessed with the knowledge of Him and with experiencing His loving power to forgive and be thankful! It is the greatest daily gift I know of right now!

Hawaii

Years ago Kenny would tell me that he would like to go to Hawaii someday...and He would then proceed to say "We will go"....and okay..disbelief ran through my mind..with a ton of kids, who can go to Hawaii?...But it happened...I am so grateful

Day one: Arrived and picked up our red convertible which was a surprise for the guys. found our resort on the ocean and unpacked..left right after watching a beautiful sunset over the water for authentic hawaiian food as suggested by a native we met on the plane..

Day 2: Kenny and I woke at 4 in the morning (9:00 our time) and went for a walk..came back and made Kona coffee. Left with Lisa and Ford around 5:00 for the Volcanic National Park an hour and a half away on the southeast end of the island. Stopped at a fruit stand along the way and enjoyed meeting an eccentric local. Before touring the park we went on an a half hour tour of a Rain forest at the local nature center. Went back to view a smoking volcano in the distance while looking at a massive crater. Walked on a short hike through a lava tunnel and enjoyed the sounds of a beautiful native red bird that feasted on the flowers of the towering trees overhead.
Headed to Acaca falls with the top down and what a shock to see the overgrown gigantic species of ferns, banyan, and multitudes of other species of trees, plants, and flowers. took a short scenic route overlooking a beautiful bay area near by a famous smoothie joint which grows their own fruit on the premises... Sat under banana trees while eating fresh guacamole and smoothies.
Arrived at the falls..beautiful..weather was fabulous.
Drove around to the north and then east and came upon incredible panoramic views of the Pacific and were especially surprised to approach desert like (quite like the Australian outback) tundra with unusual hills here and there..We experience what we have heard and that is there are 11 out of the 13 world climate zones right there on the Big Island.

Day 3: Woke early once again and ended up downtown to check out some of the shops while sucking down more incredible Kona coffee. Ate breakfast (lunch for Us) at a windowless restaurant on the beach.(even the airport was an open-air structure)
Headed South to tour a coffee farm and purchase fresh beans.
The most exciting part of this day was taking a boat tour along the rocky coast to a place rated #14 in the world to Snorkel. This colorful coral reef held more than a dozen brilliant tropical fish. As Kenny and I held hands as we swam it was definitely an experience we will never forget. As we landed on shore we noticed a beautiful green sea turtle just resting on the sand. Heading to the car we saw a mongoose run for cover but ended up quite close to see this odd mammal.
Went to get take-out and brought it back to our room as we enjoyed a delicious meal and wine on our front balcony for another soothing sunset.

Day 4:Headed out at about 4:30 a.m. and drove directly north to a well-known overlook where we watched the sunrise...and what a view! One of the grandest I have ever beheld. On top of the view we saw a whale's massive bulge as it moved through the water in the distance. Decided to hike down to the black sand beach below and it was well worth it when we noticed a marshy fresh water inlet surrounded by mountains and filled with beautiful white cranes and ducks. After many pictures we headed to another coffee shop and waited for the most recommended restaurant to open.
The food at this place was well worth the wait and held up to the marks it had been known to receive. Amazing coconut based sauces!
Spent the warm afternoon at Hapuna beach (top 10 in world) and the sand and water were immaculate. Besides Ford's shoulder being injured, the wave riding experience was the most fun and powerful experience I have had.

Day 5:Time to prepare to check out by 11:00...but still had the day to roam until our plane left at 9PM. Decided to shop for the kids and all the relatives and friends who helped out taking care of them. Kona has some great shops. Had lunch and headed up to the tallest peak on the island which has occasional snow and a Observatory (place to view the stars) which is supposed to be one of the world's best....too cold and barren..(another climate zone) Drove back to the beach for an evening walk where we ventured out on the rocky shore. Ford went a little to far out as a wave drenched his traveling outfit...poor guy. the evening came to a close as we headed over to the Sheraton's veranda to watch the feeding of the Manta Rays (never got a good look at them)...to the airport where a huge slow moving line caught many passengers in surprise as they and we missed our flight.(up to 40 people) We caught the flight at midnight and had a loooonnng ride home..BUT SO WORTH IT!!

Having a School room

The business has moved out..and their new building is spectacular. Their new design is much better and now I am enjoying our space once again. The only difference is I have decided to use this room for a playroom/schoolroom since the older boys will be moving into the addition soon. I love remodeling and it looks like the new tool set/cordless drill that was given to me at Christmas will not remain untouched under my bed. These pictures are not really accurate any longer since we have now given this room to the older boys til their new room is finished (the loft was a little chilly) but it will be back to this cheerful open room soon along with a few maps, a time line, and a larger table with chairs.

Joseph's 3rd birthday

I'm way overdue on this update so I thought I would start where I left off.(If I can remember that far back) Joseph turned three on the 11th of December. He is an absolute doll and keeps us laughing. I enjoy still having a little one fit in my lap to snuggle and he is a definite cuddler as he wraps his face up in my hair. He had a fun party as he constantly pulled the trigger on his new noisy machine gun. Thanks to all the grandparents for your gifts in the mail. I decided to make sure I don't slack making his birthday special just because it is so close to Christmas but it was a definite temptation.
Joseph's newest funny answer to the question..."Do you have to go potty" was "No, it's not coming out".
And yesterday morning I climbed in his bed with him and fell back asleep, Sarah found me and fell asleep also. When Joe woke up he whispered.."Hey Mommy, Sarah is sleeping in my bed" "I know", I said then he proceeded, "Can I pet her?"
He does love his sister and I am soo grateful for their relationship.

Sad News

Our tiny baby is no more...and I was not prepared for the loss. Just like I was so surprised when Lily was born with a disability I was shocked when I started to miscarry. It's not that I don't expect to deal with hardships in my life but having seven healthy pregnancies keeps me in the mode of expecting my 8th to be just fine. Even when Lisa asked me several times if I had felt sick yet and I answered "no", I just kept believing I would be sick any day now. (they say nausea is a good sign of a good implantation) There are many causes: a hormone imbalance and older age can be just a few of the factors. The baby boy soon to be three that is sitting on my lap right now is one of the reminders that God is good...even in sorrow..even in loss...I am my Maker's and I surrender to him. Anger is not a temptation for me..but sometimes a little pity arises though I know many many women who have experienced many miscarriages and some have no children...I will count my blessings. Yet grief is good...It can be good..it is humbling...it can also open a door in our hearts ..a door for receiving the guests of love and comfort. So I am okay...I am amazed at the body of Christ where true friendships exist..

Kezzi's Wedding

Keziah and Aaron Haag- November 20th- we had a small wedding and potluck to celebrate Kezzi and Aaron's union. The food was plentiful and there was almost no stress in planning. We all had a good time and I think everything turned out well. Congratulations..Kezzi and Aaron!!
Hope played the keyboard..
Kezzi and Lisa before the wedding
Kenny and me at the wedding

Grandpa Lenz performed the ceremony at Double Springs Baptist
the growing Ector family..with two son-in-laws added Sarah decided her pet bunny would enjoy a fast adventure bus ride.
There is a favorite local second hand store that is only open one day a week..I call it the "Tuesday store" and anyone who knows me has to listen to my "find of the week". It has been so much fun for me to be able to save so much money while still finding quality brand name items for my large family. I have found mostly clothing but many household items including this four post bed frame ($75.00) and new comforter and pillow bedding group for $15.00 (new in Belk's packaging for $225.00)...and yes I am unashamedly the type of person who likes to brag about her deals...(I have lost all desire for social standing in this world..ha ha) I have purchased like- new shoes for the entire family, furniture, home-decor, wet-suits for fishing and surfing, baby furniture, kitchen items, toys, and many other odd items. I hate to shop at malls or any other trendy store when I can go to one place and have a blast..there is always something new every week since they continually have items dropped off. The prices are better than garage sales and the brands are more durable than Wal-Marts...so if any of you mom's want to stay home and still be able to supply your family with unique and stylish items ..give me a call for directions.

Pregnancy, Remodeling, and Upcoming Events

for some reason these two activities don't belong being done at the same time


Joe made us laugh by bringing Kenny "pickles" to sniff and eat.



Hope and Danika working in the office with the beautiful Japanese Maple at it's peak


The four boys in our Write Shop class. Don't they look motivated.

Sarah..my nature girl....after her mother's heart.

the view from the barn and garden.
Our puppy Lacy is part of the family now
Lily's new haircut in the brown kitchen


Life has been full of excitement lately and I don't think it's going to let up any in the next few months. I am very thankful for all the blessings in my life. There are so many.

I found out a few weeks ago that I am expecting my 8th baby. We were shocked and I cried a bit. I am pleased now...I just needed a little encouragement and boy did I receive it. Thank you everyone for all the wonderful things said. (my love language is definitely words -as long as they are genuine) I am due July 3rd which is a great time for a homeschooling mom. The kids have all had wonderful attitudes..comments like.."It's great"..."I wouldn't mind another baby"...have been soothing balm to my emotions.
Kezzi's wedding is this coming Friday. She will have a short ceremony and dinner at my mom's church. I will make sure we post a lot of pictures.
The office and shop will be moving out of my house in the days following. I have already been preparing by decluttering and painting. The office will be recarpeted and painted and made into a school room/play room. I will have my little den back and then we will begin on the mud room followed by the huge job of building walls out in the "shop" for the boys bedroom and rec room.
A few weeks into December we are planning a trip to Hawaii with Lisa and Ford. A layover in Phoenix will enable us to visit with many members of Kenny's family. I am so excited even though leaving Joe and Sarah that long may break my heart.
These are the events I am anticipating but in the middle of this I have been deeply saddened and concerned about the socialism that is permeating our country...by the indifference and lack of passion for Jesus in our people....by the reactions of my own emotions when I feel pressed....and I know there is a work to be done in me, in the church, in this country, and in this world... And it will be done...".I AM" IS AT WORK.....I am always excited about knowing that we have eternal purpose and hope...I want to be sharing this hope with others so that peace can enter their hearts.