London, here I come!

You Belong in London

A little old fashioned, and a little modern. A little traditional, and a little bit punk rock. A unique soul like you needs a city that offers everything. No wonder you and London will get along so well.

What City Do You Belong In?

Buddy Boy

We have a really really nice dog... here he is doing school work with Zack. He even got close to the chicks today and didn't eat them. :)

Happy Mother's Day!

Heifer Project International

Yesterday our homeschool field trip was to the Heifer Project office in Ceres. They have a wonderful little farm for educating people about their program. They make it possible for people to donate animals to people in poor communities, where they can make a huge difference. The animals provide food not only for them to consume but also as an income, making it possible for children to attend school and other things we take for granted here. Their website is http://www.heifer.org/ if you're interested in checking them out.

Below are some pics of our tour. They had an assortment of animals, from rabbits to llamas to water buffalos. They also had several real examples of houses from around the world, all no larger than a bedroom in Lodi. Recycling and using animal waste is big for the Heifer Project.

Plus the kids got to make butter and tortillas!

"I don't know how to pick up chicks!"

"I don't know how to pick up chicks!" Ok, so that's what Vincent said after he asked for some help picking up our new baby chicks. It was just something else... well, these chicks came as a surprise for us from our friend down the street, Ann. We (I) have been dreaming of a chicken coop and a couple fluffy chics now and then for a while. We even went to a farm earlier today and saw a cool coop design that I took pics of. Farm details will come in a post tomorrow... Anyways, Ann's gift was like a souvenir of our day, but not from where we went. :)

Introducing...


Zacky



and

Vinny

Our Oklahoma Property

Yesterday afternoon we returned home from a trip to Oklahoma. Here are some pictures of the property we bought next to Jason's dad's last year. We put in a short driveway and gate last week.

Easter Fun!

Here are some pics of Easter dying time with Uncle Ray and Gramma.










Our trip to Columbia State Park with Gramma Cathy and Grampa Larry and more family.










Zack and Vincent on Easter Sunday.

Happy Easter!

May the Living God bless you and keep you. Thank you Jesus.

Kids and Lent

Zachary and Vincent chose to give up candy for Lent. As far as I know, they have been doing very well with their promise to God. Recently a non-Catholic aquaintance offered them candy and learned about their Lenten sacrifice. She said something like, oh they're just kids, I think God would understand. I suppose He would, especially, young children. But what is better for a young child, to personally deny a piece of candy occasionally or to give in to every opportunity presented to him? With our instant gratification society, I think we adults should practice self control a bit more and I am surely no model for that. I pray for God's grace to bestow upon me more and more self denial so that I will be a stronger person every day and when times get tough. I don't judge my aquaintance for her comment. Cute kids can be irresistable and I'm sure I would have said the same thing not too long ago; and I am a Catholic that's suppose to know about Lent and the meaning. Time and time again, tough teachings are easily forgotten.

Holy Week Begins