Update...

It has been interesting here on the farm. Dolan has been enjoying a nice three day weekend. Saturday was a nice break form all the wind, rain, and hail. The garden stood up well to the weather. We are very greatful that the little bit of hail we did receive was just that. LITTLE. We only lost two tomato plants. Everything else is standing and enjoyed the rain very much. We didn't have a garden last year do to lack of time (and Hannah), so this year we are making up for it. Dolan even put a bird bath with a fountain in the veggie garden. It was supposed to go in my yard. I've only owned it for 3 years now waiting for the lawn to be done. I guess this is Dolan's way of saying it might be another year yet. Oh well. With the garden done we were finally able to move on to other things. The pickup was needing an oil change desperately and so that was done. Dolan also serviced the riding mower. Now there is no excuse for the farm not getting mowed. The house is cleaned and sprayed to deter bugs(I really dislike bugs).

Jas has been wanting to set up the swimming pool for quite some time now, so yesterday we got busy on that. Jasmyn did the inside work (played) in the pool while it was filling. Her and Hannah had a blast playing in it while it filled. During all this we pulled the old camper out of the Quonset. The camper has been parked in the same place since 1964. When I say old I'm not embellishing. It is a 1930's model Comet. Funny looking thing!!! We opened all the windows and started cleaning it out. It really is in great condition for how long it has been parked. I took some pine-sol out and wiped down the counters after everything had been removed and the inside is quite nice. We do have to get a few items for it. A new mattress and cushions/bed for the dinning benches/bed. Dolan removed the stove from the camper. It wasn't safe to have in there. While camping we will cook outside. In case of bad weather we can always make sandwiches. It took about 2 hours to empty everything out.

Jasmyn is starting to enjoy summer break. She has been sleeping in, hanging up more Jonas Brothers posters in her room, and working at the cafe. She is also excited for the swimming pool to open.

Hannah enjoys the great outdoors. When the weather cooperates she would rather be outside. Her favorite thing are rocks, sticks, dirt, and the animals. She has now resorted to everything being "cow" and "Mmm". She tries to moo but instead it is just "Mmm." All animals are now cows. No more "doggies." No more "Kitty." And no more "hooseys(horsey)!"

She is quite the little character.

That is about it for now. Sorry no pictures this time.

Introducing the latest Junior High student...

The only way I could get Jasmyn to take a picture for me is if she stood in front of

"The Walls Of Jonas."

So this is my now not elementary student and now Junior high student.

I'm very proud of you!!!

By the way, Jas keeps saying, "People will think I don't like Kevin! You didn't get any pictures of Kevin! But tell them that Joe is my favorite! And I have 30 posters hung up and 12 more to be hung up!!!" (giggling in the background)

Jasmyn's certificate...

Jasmyn received this certificate along with a medal (not pictured) for her piano lessons and practicing. Jasmyn really liked the medal.

Jasmyn says,"It's squishy!"

Jasmyn...From secret admirer...

We ate supper at Missy and Jared's house almost two weeks ago. I guess Luke really took to Jasmyn because he drew this for her.

The picture is now hanging up (off to the side of the jonas walls).

How sweet!!!

Field day ribbon...

Jasmyn's team (the Cowboys) took first place in their Field day events.

Here is the last ribbon she will receive in elementary.

Good job Jasmyn.

Jasmyn...

Yesterday Jasmyn had her piano recital. She did a really great job. She received a certificate and a medal. Jasmyn really liked the medal.

Jasmyn for a while has been stating that she doesn't want to take piano lessons any more. I was assuming that it was due to her being nervous about the piano recital. Even though the recital went wonderfully for Jas, she still does not want to continue. She claims she doesn't like the practicing, and frankly, I'm tired of her attitude towards it! She whines, complains, and tries to get by with "good enough" and I am frustrated with her whole outlook on it. Jasmyn is very gifted on the piano. She has done an outstanding job for just starting piano 7 months ago. She has also done it without any help from me or her father. Neither of us play, so it has been strictly her and her 30 minutes a week with Mrs. B. She has taken to the piano like a fish in the water, but when it comes to practicing her attitude is that of a fish washed ashore struggling for breath. I am to the point that I just want to give in and let her give up the piano, yet I don't want to let her go without an extra activity. She needs to be involved in something. If anyone has suggestions please feel free to leave a comment. Oh, and yes, piano was her idea. I thought that if I let her pick it, she would want to do it. Not the case.

Duets...

These little videos were taken while Jasmyn was practicing for the program Tuesday night.
Hannah thought it was fun to sing along.

This last video is funny! Jasmyn is trying to play a song from last year and Hannah wont leave the music alone. One of these times I'll get piano practice recorded. What a hoot!

We're only half-way through...

What a week!!! Yet it is only half done. We have been super busy this week.

Sunday - Church, Graduation, 3 receptions

Monday - afternoon program at school, piano lessons

Tuesday - Shopping, Dr's Appointment, Evening program at Wauneta School

Wednesday - AWANA awards night, house cleaning day

Thursday - Field day, bible study, baby shower

Friday - rest

Saturday - yard work

This schedule probably doesn't look too hectic for most of you out there, but it really is for us. For people who try to keep a very simple, uncomplicated lifestyle, this week just isn't helping. I can say, however, that it has been good.

We'll start with Monday (Sunday seems very self explanatory). Jasmyn had a program at school at 2:45 pm. This was a really great program that I got to see a few minutes of when Hannah wasn't running here or there. Come to find out, most of the kids had to learn multiple characters for the Tuesday night program. There is a lot of talent!

In the evening we had our weekly piano lessons. I still think Jasmyn plays better at home. I believe she is nervous and too worried about messing up.

Tuesday Hannah had her 18 month check up. She now weighs 20lbs even, and 31" tall. She is still so small yet so big. Before the Dr. appt. we did a little shopping and had lunch with Dolan. I had a really great conversation with the Dr. We were discussing Hannah being sneaky. When the Dr. came in I was changing a poopy diaper and when finished went over to wash my hands at the sink. Dr. observed Hannah watching me turn my back to her to do this then went to the bed and started playing with the buttons. As soon as I turned around, she stopped. Dr. asked if I had told her anything concerning the bed and was confused. When he explained what she had done I understood. I had told her "NO" about playing with the bed. He then asked if she tells me "no," and when I said yes is when the conversation started. I think this is very fitting for all parents of young children.

Children come into this world bad. They are self serving, self centered. All they care about is making themselves happy (how true!)

As parents we are given the job of authority over the children by God. When the child defies us, not only is the child defying us but ultimately defying God.

It is our responsibility to raise our children to respect not only our authority, but the authority of God, if not, the child will rebel all of life, drinking, drugs, sex out of wedlock, etc.

Discipline is the main key. Disciple is the root of discipline.

All this from a Dr. WOW!!!

I am so sad that he is moving on and this was the last time we would see him.

The evening came and we were off to Wauneta to the program. I got to see more of it this time. Every year the kids get better and better. It is amazing to watch these children and see how much they grow and improve. Talents become more apparent. They all have their certain areas where they shine. This years show was awesome! To see the show twice and have children play different roles each night was outstanding!!!

You can tell that an amazing amount of work has went into this performance!

Today I am staying in and resting. This evening we have the awana awards ceremony.

Tomorrow is going to be hectic!!!! I will post more on that later. Here are some pictures from our week so far.

Hannah now shows her tongue when asked. She used to do this but now she just thinks it is funny!

Hannah showing off her battle wounds. I think the asphalt won the war. Don't worry, it was a quick battle and not too much bloodshed occurred.
Playing ball

Here are a few pictures of Jasmyn during the Monday show. Yes she is wearing ruffles and a skirt!!! Mrs. S said it was very difficult to get her into the outfit!

"Cool Chick"What happens when your eyelashes are too long? You have an incapability to wear shades. They tend to keep your eyes forced closed when the shades are on. All I can say is, "Doesn't seem like too much of a problem." I would love to have eyelashes that long!!!

Jasmyn playing her trombone Tuesday evening.

A couple pictures from the program Tuesday night.

May showers bring June flowers???

I always thought it went more like,

"April showers bring May flowers."

That doesn't seem to be the case today. With a high of only 42 and snow showers all day it feels more like February. Dolan was off work by 10am this morning due to the weather. Hannah was really glad to have her Daddy home early!

We have stew on for supper, hot coffee for drinking, and plenty of work to be done inside. A typical February day. Too bad it's May!

Here are a few pictures just to show how gloomy grey it is outside with the snow.