We were lonely without our beloved Mocha.  And Ben was lonely without his playmate.  Mom's been looking for a dog that would fit in.  And we found one.  He came home Tuesday night.  He is a Chinese Crested Powder Puff.  He weighs about 8-10 lbs and is about 14 inches tall. 

He is very shy, but is overcoming it. His last owners  had about 12 other dogs and he was the smallest one.  Their name for him-- Paper Sack.  She said it was because they had so many dogs they had ran out of names.  He was pretty pitiful when we met him.  Nervous and shy.  She said we couldn't get out of the car because at least one of the dogs they had was a biter-- so she literally dumped him in my lap in the car.  He was shivering from nerves, but calmed down before too long.  He let the children pet him and Shane held him too.  Quite honestly, we probably wouldn't have taken him if we had seen him on the ground.  But I'm glad we did.    He didn't like Ben at first but is warming up.  Sometimes he still barks at him, but I think they will end up fine playmates.  Here he is with Princess.

Isn't he cute? 

We have been in the market for a large dining room table for some time.  Wanted one to seat 12, but 10 would do.  Have been looking for some time now and haven't seen one anywhere for a price we were willing to pay. 

2 weeks ago Saturday I headed into town and hit the thrift stores.  I found a table.   But wasn't sure I liked it well enough--especially with the adoption expenses.  Shane looked at it Monday night.  Then went back Wednesday morning with the van.  (The day we put Mocha to sleep).  Then went back Wednesday night and actually bought it and brought it home.  It was marked at $150, but it had been there over 30 days so it was 1/2 price. 

The chairs were covered with a yucky southwest print. 

But we were ready to get burn the couch that matched the loveseat that fell apart a while back.  (Someone had put a magnifying glass in the window a few months ago and burned the couch up-- thankfully we were home and smelled the couch burning). 

Right after Shane made the first cut in the upholstery I realized I could cover the seats on the new to us chairs with it.  Here's what it looks like now.

We absolutely love the new table.  We had friends over Thursday night.  It was so nice to all be able to sit around it together.  We have spent more time at the table than we have in a long, long time.  So much better than the oval drop leaf for schoolwork and fellowship. 

I called the Vet yesterday and they didn't charge very much to put our beloved Mocha to sleep.  We made an appointment for 1st thing this morning.  Yesterday he got double portions of food-- his favorite thing.  We said our goodbyes last night and loved on him a lot.  Tonight Mo Mo is in doggie heaven. 

It sure has been quiet around here today-- even Ben knows something is wrong.  He seems sad too.  He doesn't have a playmate anymore. 

Yesterday was Bubba's birthday.  We haven't planned his party yet because we didn't want Dad to miss it; especially since he is planning it this year.  Not sure when we'll have it.  But we did have Bubba's pick for dinner (French Toast Strada with Apple Cider Syrup) and an Oreo Bundt cake that Shane picked up at Walmart.  Then he opened the cards he had received and the gift that Gram had sent up.  We all decided that last night was very nice-- and we want to do birthdays more like this in the future.  Amazingly, Shane had decided that next year we were going to do birthdays more low key and maybe have a party 2-4 times a year and ask that our guests bring gifts for a charity of some sort.  Like a home for unwed mothers, or the orphanage in Liberia or something along those lines. 

Tomorrow morning will be a very sad and difficult day for us.  Mocha, our well loved Lab/Dauschaund mix that we've had since he was a puppy bit at Bubba and broke skin yesterday afternoon.  It was unprovoked on Bubba's part; whatever he did, was an accident.  I was sitting not more than two feet away when it happened.  He has been getting snippy in his old age (and I believe he has been going blind too).  We have been afraid this was coming but Mocha had never done more than a little warning before yesterday.  We have an appointment at the Vet to have him put to sleep first thing in the morning. 

This has been a hard year for dogs.  Actually, Mocha will be the 3rd we've  lost since we've moved to the country.  Cleo was a great Springer that just disappeared on Thanksgiving day 2 years ago; Charlie, the beagle, had to go cause he was eating chickens and now Mocha.  There is still the "threat" hanging over us for Ben, but we havent' seen anyone but the husband across the street in several weeks now. 

Princess came out this morning remembering that it was "International talk like a pirate day" She greeted me with a hearty Ahoy!

Yesterday afternoon Princess was baptized.  Yippee!!!!!!  She has been really wrestling for about 3 weeks or so.  She's talked to Shane and I seperately and together.  Thursday night we were up with her after the boys had gone to bed about 2 hours answering her questions.  After they were all answered, Shane told her that he thought she understood what she needed to understand, and that he would leave it up to her to let him know when she was ready. 

We had visited a church near the Kansas side of the city and afterwards, we were sitting at Popeye's eating lunch talking about the sermon.  We were planning on heading to Independence after lunch (see below for why).  

As we were visiting, Princess calmly said "Dad, I'm ready"  We met Shane's grandparents, our preacher,  and our friends the Colliers at the church building where they go in Independence at 4:00.  (John and Janet and Todd and Kristen were out of town).  Daddy baptized her.  Afterwards, she said she felt "clean." We sang a couple of songs, prayed, had a little communion service and then had some cookies to celebrate.  So thankful that Princess made this decision. 

We stopped by Target to pick up a disposable camera; and I missed it.  I forgot you have to wind the old fashioned film cameras so I have the before and after picture.  Oh well...

The not so good news:

Saturday evening Bubba was sitting at the dining room table when he called Dad and whispered in his ear that his glasses had broken.  There was no way for them to be fixed.  We went to Penney's and picked out some new ones. (they don't carry the old frame anymore).  The glasses lasted all of 3 months.  Fortunately, we bought the insurance, so it'll only cost about $40 to replace them.  

Since we are waiting for out baby sister to come home, we, we decided to take a Kansas City mini vacation instead of the trip to St. Louis that we had planned.  We went the week of Labor day. We started on Saturday and Daddy went back to work Thursday.   We were very sad to hear about the Crocodile Hunter, we really liked watching his show when we are somewhere with cable tv.  We stayed 2 nights in a hotel and went swimming both nights.  Went to Saint Joesph, where the Pony Epress began.   The building now houses a Museum

In a reproduction of a station cabin. 

Bubba's pumping water in a well they found a few years ago.  This was the actual well that they used in The Pony Express stables. 

We also went to the state capitol (Jefferson City) on Amtrak, walked around the capitol, had lunch at a great pizza place (the children ate an entire large Pepperoni pizza by themselves!) and came home.  Here's Bubba sleeping on the way home, Little Bit had just woken up.

And even Princess went to sleep on the ride home

We also went to the only WWI memorial in the country.  The Liberty Memorial.  Very fascinating.  A lot of scripture everywhere that they don't even try to hide.  We went to another museum in St. Joe, called The Patee House and did an scavenger hunt so we could get a souvenier.  Then we went to Jamesport, an Amish community.  Bubba and Princess got new mud boots yahoo!! Dad got some winter mud boots yahoo-- no more cold toes when doing chores.  Mom bought lots of flour, spices, oatmeal and other goodies.  We also went to see the movie "Cars" at the cheap theatre.  It was very funny. 

Sometime last week, I snapped this picture of the boys early one crisp autumn like morning.  The children absolutely love Calvin and Hobbes.  They ask for it from the library. 

I know, I know... Green Eggs and Ham.  But we don't have ham.  Okay, we do have ham in the freezer, but children cannot climb or pick ham.  You'll get it once you see the pictures.

Last spring we ordered two Auraconda hens, one of them ended up being a rooster.  So we have one.  What is special about these hens is that they lay green eggs.  We have patiently waited... and waited... and waited.  Bubba has looked every day.  If someone else checked eggs, he asked "was there a green egg?"

Last night, it was late when we got home.  When we had left little Arry  was sitting in the box.  Low and behold, we came home and found a ... green egg.  Bubba had green egg and cinnamon toast for breakfast this morning.  I must tell you that there is nothing any more special about the green shell of  this egg than any other plain old white or brown egg, but it is fun to have a green egg laying hen.

The other night Shane was mowing the yard.  The apples are ripe and already the children have picked quite a few.  Here is where I found them. 

Just in case you can't see them... (and yes, Princess is having a little snack)

Yesterday, we went to Burr Oak Woods and walked one of the trails.  The name of the trail was Bethany falls.  We had a nice time.   We saw a snail.  We also saw a snake, but I didn't take a picture of that.  Shane says I almost stepped on it Yikes! 

Here are the boys showing their muscles-- it was a BIG rock! And heavy too!

Little Bit decided to put handcuffs on his feet yesterday.  He moved a lot slower.  It was kind of nice, we knew where he was at all times. 

In case you didn't get it...

And for anyone that might think we are treating our child unkindly-- he did this of his own free will-- no encouragement from anyone in our house.  He also came out with a huge grin on his face!

Dad took a day off work for us to go to the state fair.  This is the 3rd year he's done this and we always have a great time. 

First we met the President.  Unfortunately, members of the secret service don't take pictures so that's why Shane's not with us. Someone had to take the picture.

Did we have ya fooled?  It's really a cardboard cutout in front of the Republican booth. 

After walking through several buildings, we finally made it to Bubba's favorite place-- the poultry barn.  I can't tell you how many eggs were there, but he can

Daddy found a goose that really liked him.  They had quite a conversation.  The goose would honk, then Daddy would honk back. 

Daddy also tried his strength at seeing what he could power by riding a bicycle.  He powered a blow dryer, but not for long.  He said people would use less electricity if they had to work hard for it. 

The children also completed a scavenger hunt and Daddy and the children went all the way to the sheep and the hog barn to do it-- Mommy stayed on a bench and met the rest back at the Farm Bureau building.  Princess won a hamburger at the beef house, Bubba a magic trick book, and Little Bit a soft-serve ice cream cone from the Dairy house.  He chose Bubble Gum flavor.  They were gracious to share everything with everyone else.  We also ate some wonderful Turkey Drumsticks at thePoultry restaurant-- so tender they fell off their bone.  Yum, Yum. 

One the way home, we had an adventure too.   We had a flat tire, the first since we bought the van.  I got a blanket out of the back and the children and I sat and sang songs, and played "telephone" while Dad changed the tire.  We stopped at Walmart on the way home, they said it'd take about 3 hours to put on 2 new tires-- that would have made it about 11pm.  We said thanks but no thanks.  Shane took the van the next day and we ended up with better tires than we would have bought because they were out of the ones that Shane wanted.  What a deal!

Wednesday night we had a couple of families over for a little Bible study and fellowship.  Bubba did not have a good day and had some consequences to yet face after our friends left-- it was after midnight when he finally finished.  Needless to say he was very tired today, but had a much better attitude.  And a little loopy from lack of sleep, come to think of it, I'm a little loopy from lack of sleep too and these may not be funny to anybody else...if not, please forgive me and understand that laughing is better than crying. 

Bubba and Little Bit playing together I'm fairly certain quietly arguing about something: 

I say "quit arguing"

Bubba says "we're not arguing--- are we Little Bit?"

Sitting at the dinner table ready to pass dishes. 

I say "be careful, that pot's probably hot"

Bubba says " Yes, I just experienced that"   (sounding so very grown up).  He then went on to explain how the bottom was hot, but the top wasn't too hot. 

Shane decided I needed an electronic tuner for my dulcimer, as I couldn't figure out how to get the thing tuned without it-- I played flute in my younger years, no strings to figure out.  I also finally got around to watching a video that I borrowed from the library "Mel Bay's learn to play the dulcimer with Mark Biggs". I discovered I also should have a pick to play better, and needed a new melody string since I popped the string so many times trying to get it tuned that it was beyond repair. 

Back to the story.  Last night I was tuning that 4th string and Shane thought he'd goof around and figure out what key he "sang" in.  Let me just say that he has many, many wonderful gifts, but singing is not one of them.  He never hit the green light.  Even whistling was off key. 

So tonight he says," I figured out which key I sing in"

I bite and say, "okay?"

He says, "L"

I say for, "lousy"

He says, "right"

BTW, my dulcimer sounds better than ever and I'm over my buyers remorse.  Sure wish I'd have watched that video sooner.  Shane also told me about this neat shop over on the Kansas side, that he said I needed to go check out.  He said he'd leave his wallet at home that day --hehehe, but I have mine complete with checkbook and credit card.  As long as I have checks it's okay, right?   Just kidding.

We have a mouse in the house.  Part of country life.  But I'm kind of surprised since it's summer. 

Shane sets off the trap, drops it and I yelp. 

He says "I wish you wouldn't do that"

I say "I wish you wouldn't do that"

Him "I can't help it"

Me "I can't help it either"

You know you're a homeschooler when you're trying to get dinner on the table, but can't because Dad and the children are at the island piled around the microscope looking at the compound eye of a dead Cycadia that Dad brought home. 

"Oh excuse me, am I in the way?" 

Of course I was there looking at it too.  

Maybe I shouldn't say anything.

Last Thursday the children attended their first funeral.  It was their Great Grandpa.  Shane's Dad's Dad-- did I lose you?  Shane's paternal Grandfather.  He was almost 87 years old and lived just a few days short of his 65th wedding anniversary.  He also served in WWII and was among the group that landed when Normandy was invaded.  He sacrificed years away from his new wife and missed the first years of his oldest 2 daughters so we could have freedom. 

He was given a military burial.  Very interesting to say the least.  I wonder if I can count it for school?  Grandpa was a big proponent of learning even though he only had an 8th grade education.  He learned from living and I think he would be proud that I thought of educating the children at his funeral. 

Shane's mom took pictures-- but I had my camera and was planning on it if no one else did. 

First, here is a picture that was taken several years ago of him and Grandma

As the hearse drove up the drive one of the servicemen saluted as it drove by... I thought very touching.  These men have an idea of the sacrifice Grandpa made and they honored him for it. 

After the Pastor said a few words, these men  gave him a 9 gun salute

Then the bugler played taps.  Isaac was very interested in this since he has a bugle. 

Then they removed the flag from the casket and folded it

Of course, we know everything is scripted and precise; however, this man seemed extremely sincere when making this presentation to Grandma.  A former Marine friend said that sometimes these men get sloppy and are doing their "job." He said that if we knew their names a compliment in their file would be good for their record. 

We drove 10 hours to see the new (not completed yet) Answers in Genesis "Creation Museum" and we also went to the Cincinatti zoo while we were there. 

We saw a komodo dragon and white lions.  Here's the lion. It was Bubba's favorite. It's not really white like the tigers, but much lighter than a regular lion.  He even growled at us while were were watching him.

We also saw the white tigers.  It is Princess's favorite!

Little Bit's favorite was the orangatans and gibbons.  They gave us a wonderful show.  Jumping around on the ropes and trees.  And yelling at us.  We can all now imitate the Gibbons.

Here is a picture of the front gate to the Creation Museum. 

Here we are with Daddy while he tells us about the wrecking ball at the base of the church building in an "inner city alley" in the demonstration of "catastrophe" (the 3rd "C" of history).  It symbolizes the attack on the Christian worldview and how not having the correct foundation destroys everything else. 

Princess's favorite dino is a Triceratops.  Here is a picture of her riding one.

Bubba liked the animatronic Velociraptor.  When you round the corner after coming out of the cave of sorrows he is standing there roaring as you walk by.

We also got to hear about how he was created on this really cool computer program.  Too bad we can't remember the name of the program-- it was free on the internet.  Drats! 

Little Bit says his favorite thing was the room that showed how Noah's Ark was built.  Unfortunately, it was so big that Mom couldn't get a picture of it. It will be under construction and people will be able to walk inside when the exhibit is completed. 

We ran into Buddy Davis in the lobby and he was gracious enough to let Mom take our picture with him.

There were many other soon to be open exhibits like the dig site room where you will hear about the differing worldviews (creation and evolution) from two realistic looking palentoligist.  They said that the one of the right is supposed to be a female.  The one on the left is the creationist.   Princess thinks it's interesting that they are on different sides of the dino-- maybe they did that on purpose. 

 There was also a really cool planetarium. 

There will be many other exhibits.  It was designed with evangelism in mind.  They are hopeful that the museum will be something that will teach people about Jesus and will make them want to become Christians.  At the end of the museum there will be a chapel where people can reflect on what they learned.

We are excited to go back in the spring and see it when it's finished.

All of the paperwork has been gathered and mailed to the Acres of Hope office in Wisconsin.  From what we understand, the paperwork will be hand carried by the Anglin's when they return to Liberia next week.   The paperwork will then have to go through the Liberian courts.  Once that happens, Dorcas will need her passport and visa. 

We've received preliminary approval from our country to bring Dorcas home.  And Shane has received all of his shots.  We are gathering items to take-- like misquito netting, water filter, diapers, formula, strong bug spray, nutritional snacks, etc.  We are still hoping that Shane will be going for her in the next few weeks. 

Hurry up and wait...we are in the waiting stage.

With 100 degree weather here in the midwest, I thought it was hot enough to let the children wade around in the pool that Princess got for her birthday.

Here's a picture

Thankfully the "Hinds Feet on High Places" show is over.  Both children danced beautifully and made no mistakes in their dance.  Hannah made a beautiful Rose of Sharon, and Isaac was the cutest little seahorse you've ever seen.  Imagine ear to ear smile -- he truly has a gift onstage.  Here are their pictures.

Unfortunately, this was their "last dance" as we have decided to take a break from ballet for now.  We are looking forward to doing some things that we haven't been able to do because ballet class conflicted with them.  Like going to Burr Oak Woods nature center and the library homeschool programs.  Maybe someday again we'll resume ballet classes, but for now, we'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility of not having somewhere to be on Tuesdays. 

Hannah has been dancing for 5 years and she says she will miss it greatly.  Isaac was excited to be in a show.  That's what he wanted. 

Meet Dorcas. 

 Isn't she cute? 

She is in Liberia and is very malnourished.  She weighs under 7 pounds and is 6 months old.  Dad and Mom are trying to get all the paperwork ready so Dad can go to Liberia and bring her home.  Please pray for her so she will live until Daddy can bring her home and she can get the medical care that she needs. 

We'll let you know how things happen.  Princess says "either way she's going home"  If she lives she'll come to America if she dies she'll be in her heavenly home. 

Little Bit lost his first tooth last Saturday. 

We still haven't found it.  He says he found it once, but he didn't bring it straight to us, so it's gone again. 

The story is:

Him and Bubba were in bed for nap. 

Little Bit asked Bubba to pull it because it was very loose.

 Bubba complied. 

Then Little Bit sent Bubba to tell us about. 

Here is the hole in Little Bits head.  Can you see it?  The one next to it is getting loose too, it won't be long. 

Today was a monumental day!  Shane took Bubba to have his eye exam the Friday I was traveling for the Ladies retreat almost 2 weeks ago.  Earlier this week Penney's called and said his glasses were ready. 

Bubba did not want glasses! 

He said "I don't have a face for glasses" 

Today we went.  He didn't want to walk in the optomotry department and needed some coaxing from Dad.  He'd be brave and try them on.  And behold-- once he tried them on, he realized he liked being able to see.  After getting his glasses we went to Sam's club for Pizza (it was close and where else can you feed 5 for $9?)  While we were eating Princess makes an observation: 

"Bubba, you have 4 eyes now"  This was not the derogotory comment.  It was more like Wow! How neat, 4 eyes are better than 2. 

Tonight we were sitting on the deck out front.  Bubba lowered his glasses and then put them back up.

"When I put my glasses down the trees are blurry, but when I have them on I can see every leaf on the trees.  

" 

Last weekend, while I was on my weekend getaway, Shane took the children to Whiteman Air Force Base for the airshow. 

We have seen the steath's fly over our house before, but have never seen one this close before.  Shane said they had it roped off very well, with several soldiers with sidearms guarding it. 

The precision flying team. 

Standing by what Bubba remembers to be a fighter jet.

In a mini-fighter

In a cargo/fueler plane

Isaac said the highlight of his day was sitting in the cockpit of this plane.  He asked what a button that said "hot cup" was for-- he was told it was to start the hot chocolate for the guys in the back.   Considering the work these guys do to keep our country safe, I don't mind that my tax dollars buy their hot chocolate. 

June 10th was a monumentous day at our house.  Our sweet, precious Princess turned 10 this year.  We did things a little different.  She wanted a Pinata so we finally found one that wasn't  Sponge Bob, Spiderman or Dora.  It was a nice 3 layer birthday cake-- unfortunately, you pay more for just a birthday cake, but you do what you have to do. 

Since Princess loves mysteries, Shane decided to write a mystery for her to solve.  It involved the will of a wealthy lady, searching for clues then solving the clue to find the next one.  He buried a treasure box (an old toolbox) in the field across the creek.  It was filled with sparkly necklaces, squishy, stretchy creatures, books and false teeth.  Amazing-- those were the hit.  4 for 88cents at Wally world and hours of fun for the children. 

Here are some pics

Hannah reading the letter that started the mystery.  It was from Eliza Piggybotham.  She had died and was afraid the Yankees would find her treaure so she sent Hannah and her friends to find it first. 

Here's the treasure!!!

Trying to break the Pinata.  Barron was the last one and instead of breaking it open, he broke the rope and it landed on the ground.  A couple of good wacks from Dad and candy and goodies abounded! 

Here are all the children with all the gifts that Hannah received in the pool that Barron and Haley got for her.  Again, a good time was had by all.