Alec's Fresh Eggs

We've been learning lots about chickens and what it takes to get them to lay eggs. We've really noticed that laying hens are really particular about their food - if it's not just right they withhold the gift of an egg... They also eat a LOT!!! Alec is learning how to keep track of costs, how to sell eggs and how to be disciplined about feeding, cleaning & collecting their eggs. (A couple weeks ago AK & Dad burnt down the old playhouse/chicken coop that was an eyesore in our field...lots of fun with fire!)

Learning to eat solids

Vinny's just learning to eat Rice cereal - more like suck it off the spoon & push it out. It's tedious but he absolutely loves it!!

Fresh eggs anyone?

Here's our latest project - a chicken coop which now houses ten beautiful hens. I must say I'm very proud of the great job Henry did - this is the place we were going to at one time build a greenhouse. I really couldn't justify the expense of a greenhouse - as much fun as I would have. We're hoping this will keep Alec busy this summer & we don't mind the eggs that we're collecting. Now Alec needs to be a real salesperson & find people who want to buy them - we certainly can't eat them all ourselves. Fresh eggs anyone?

It's a gerbil... no, it's a mouse... no, it's a robo hamster!!

Here's the latest creature we share our home with (sorry, Laetisia... didn't mean to refer to you as a creature) These are Roborovski hamsters - the smallest of all hamsters. Very cute but kinda makes me think of the mice we heard scurrying in our rafters last year. They're in an aquarium because they're so little they can squeeze out of the smallest of cage slats. Alec's having a lot of fun taking care of them & learning more about them.

And the last few from Florida

Henry & I spent a day along the coast - Tarpon Springs (Sponge Capital) and Clearwater Beach just for memories' sake. We spent some time there on our honeymoon almost 22 years ago. A very enjoyable & restful vacation.

Hockey in Florida??

Just a few more photos of our trip - can hardly remember that we went away... We watched a Tampa Bay Lightning vs Phoenix Coyotes hockey game. Lots of fun - haven't been to a pro hockey game in many years! Tampa won 8-3. "All In" !!!

Alligator Alley...

Today we spent a good part of the day kayaking down Hillsborough River east of Tampa. It was an amazing day - we saw such a variety of wildlife & came face to face with so many alligators I think I just might dream about getting too close to one tonight. Again, plenty of sunshine & not too hot for a 9 mile kayak trip. I think my arms will remind me tomorrow of what we did today...

You are my sunshine!!!

We are enjoying it here in sunny Florida! Our condo is great - the resort fabulous - and I'm loving the sunshine!!! What perfect timing for a week of rest - after spending a few days in the hospital with our little one battling RSV and working part-time I was burning the candle at both ends. We're enjoying our time with Ed & Lorraine - laughing more this week than possibly the last few months. (Yes, my kids say I need to change that...) Anyways, here's a few pics to show you where we're staying and what we're doing.

How do you not become attached?

There's not much "new" to blog about - things are plugging along as usual - kids in school, Henry enjoying his work, I'm keeping busy with a part-time position at an insurance company and taking care of this little cutie. Everyone asks how we can give these kids back & it's obviously not been a huge problem or we wouldn't continue to do foster care. But this little guy is sooooo cute and such an easy going character that we all have to admit he's got us wrapped around his fingers & our heart strings are definitely being pulled to this little man. It doesn't look like he'll be leaving us any time soon which gives us some time to enjoy him and hopefully work on these attachment issues... sigh.

Holiday Photos...

Happy New Year!!

It's been a while since I posted last - life has been busy but fun! Looking back to the beginning of Dec. we've had our school Christmas Concert at which our choir participated. It was fun practicing & seeing it all come together in the end - love learning to sing better. Lorelle arrived that evening from Seattle airport & our family was again complete. The first week we hosted a games evening & just enjoyed the slower pace of life without school. The second week we went to Seattle overnight - did the Pike's Place Market & some shopping & just hanging out together. This past Thursday we went skiing at Baker - what a glorious day we had. The weather was crisp & sunny down the mountain & downright frosty at the top. It was a perfectly clear & sunny day & we all marveled at God's amazing creation as we looked down from the top of the lift. And now 2011 has already arrived. It is so comforting to know that whatever path we take is already known to our God who takes care of even the little things in our lives. Wishing you a blessed 2011!

Here's a few photos showing what's been keeping us busy as well - sorry the camera batteries died on the slopes so no gorgeous mountain shots...

Friends Retreat - DeRoche, BC

Another "Friend's Retreat" has come and gone. It was a beautiful overnight stay at DeRoche Retreat near Mission, BC. The weather was snowy & blowy so it was super cozy with the fireplace being well fed by a few gals who know how to keep a stove hot. We filled the two days with games, a walk, foot baths, bible study and just great conversation. Here's the gang once again - love these ladies!!

Happy Anniversary to us - Nov. 18, 1989

Our anniversary passed by without much fanfare - except I did get beautiful roses from hubby. Breakfast was on the table with this large card and some favorite treats from the kids. We decided that celebrating when Lorelle comes home would be a lot more fun so we'll wait a few weeks. The day was almost as white as our wedding day - and very cold and windy!!

My first 5K Run

Today I ran my first ever 5K Run - one that was put on to benefit the local Girl Scouts. I have been inspired by Jocelyn who has chosen as her Senior Project to prepare for a Marathon as well as to organize a local race to benefit the Mexico Mission Team she hopes to be part of in August 2011. I've only practiced for about 6 weeks & up until today have survived a one mile run. Well, my body is telling me I've pushed it to it's limit. My time was 34 min. 1 sec. - I know for you avid runners out there that's nothing to brag about but my goal was to finish and not be last. I definitely accomplished that as there were many people who finished behind me. I'll keep this post short as I'm really lacking in energy - I'm going to join Hannah in the hot tub to soothe my aching bones...