...So They All Rolled Over and Mom and Dad Fell Out

Landon's Got Wheels

Here it is! Landon's first car. Dad searched and found a great deal on this nice Audi. Landon helped purchase it with money he's been saving up. The car is very nice. Now, he gets to go out and get some more hours of driving in with his permit and get used to the car that he will be driving around. I can't believe he's so close to being 16 and driving on his own!

Daddy's New Office

A new office is being built for Daddy inside of the mechanic building at work. His office right now is tiny like a closet. I'm glad someone decided he needed an upgrade. We went with Dad to run an errand, and the girls were checking out his new office. It has a sliding window that the girls were looking out of and pretending to take orders for fast food. Such fun!

 

Hallelujah Auditions

I did something a bit out of my comfort zone, I tried out for the Hallelujah Auditions. It's like American Idol, but with Christian music. I stumbled upon some info about it on Facebook, looked into it, and decided to go for it. I had to send in an audition video, and that basically earned me a spot to go try out live on stage in front of judges. It took place in Burlington, IA. I was very nervous. When it was my turn up on stage, I had to share a brief testimony, or my story of conversion to Christ and then sing my song. I don't think I have felt that nervous in a really long time. I was moving right along, singing a-capella, when I forgot the words, paused, and then finished up the song. The judges were kind and told me I sounded like a Disney princess; they complimented me for finding my place and continuing on to the end, but I was a bit embarrassed. So, that was that. I wasn't selected to move on or anything, but it was an experience I had never had before and an opportunity to grow. It was neat to be surrounded by so many good, Christian vocalists who have a desire to make the world a better place.

I don't have a recording of my audition on stage, but this was the song I tried to sing:

Below is my audition video I was required to submit beforehand.

Goal Completed!

Look what these two hard working kiddos earned as their reward for accomplishing their goals! While holding their new stuffies they earned, they sang me some cute songs. I loved it.

Click HERE to hear them sing.

Spring Concert

It was time for the spring elementary program. It was fun to sit by Grandma and Grandpa Church and watch the show!

Click HERE to watch the girls sing in their program.

Tu-Tu

I've learned that it takes a very long time to give Odie a haircut. It was an all day project. I had a little bit of fun along the way, though. The first picture, all I had finished was her head. She looked the opposite of a lion who has a big mane around it's head. Then, nearing the end of my hair cutting job, she had a tu-tu and fluffy paws. At last, her haircut is complete other than a few touch ups here and there. She's ready for summer weather now!

Like Father, Like Son

Odie is wondering why her spot was taken.

Poor Girl

Sadie had the experience of having a lady bug crawl into her ear, and there is no way she is about to ever let that happen again. Poor girl. 

Landon's Artwork

One word: 

Impressive.

Helper Fairies

There have been some little helper fairies or angels in my house recently. They have been making my bed and leaving me notes and pictures. Such kindness! It makes me so happy.

Please Rub My Belly!

 

Grayson Selfies

Somebody found the camera on Mom's phone!

Reward Chart

Oaklee is working on a goal. She is trying to see if she can stay in her own bed all night without having to climb into Mom and Dad's bed. She gets to go to the pharmacy to pick out a beanie baby stuffie when she colors in all of those stars. She has been trying hard!

 

Dramatic Pup

Odie sure does make me laugh. I think she was playing dead. She sat still like this for a long time.

Celebrating Pie Day!

I am as proud of this homemade cherry pie as I am about my decorated cakes. I am so happy I know how to make my own pie crust now. Yay!

 

Kaleidoscope Concert

After solo and ensemble was over, some of the students were selected to perform their songs at a special concert. Landon was invited to play his percussion duet with his friend Michael. It was SO good! I am so proud of him.

Click HERE to watch them play their duet.

 

Snowflakes, Snow Suits and Sleepy Rides

3 Pretty Braids on 3 Pretty Girls

My Sweet Little Boy

Life is definitely not dull with this little guy around. He loves snuggles and kisses. When he's not snuggling or melting my heart, he is getting into mischief. 

"Tea" Party

My friend, Karen, invited some friends to have a "tea" party with her in her yoga studio. We all brought finger foods to share and we got to have herbal tea, wear hats, and have fun visiting. It turned out to be a really enjoyable girl's night. I'm glad I got to go.

 

UNO!

Ethan had to do a project for school that showed different aspects of what it is like to live in a big family. One plus to having a big family is that there are lots of siblings to play games with. Here, the kids played a game of UNO together. 

 

Solo and Ensemble

It was a good day. Landon performed a solo on his snare drum and played a duet with his good friend, Michael. Both performances were amazing and received 1 ratings. I am so proud of him! I didn't get any videos of the performances because I wasn't sure if we were allowed to record, but I did video Landon practicing his snare drum solo.

Click HERE to see Landon practicing his snare drum solo.

Oaklee's Play-doh Creations