DO NOT read on if you don't like blood or think killing chickens is wrong. When I arrived at the Thames home the chickens looked like this.
They actually get so fat the can no longer walk at the end of their short life. When I left the Thames house they looked like this. A man, who I will not name, misspelled this pack. Hehehehe!
Much more my style. The entire process I will say was well..... It was for sure a learning experience and while Samantha decided it was yucky the little kids were very into it. They even had a brief lesson in anatomy.
The big boys of the crowd were taught the killing,
cleaning,
and butchering process.
It was great to see the men teaching the boys.
Melia had come prepared for the day. She had worn a shirt that she decided was perfect for blood splatter. I think she actually was disappointed with the lack of blood. If anyone out there wants photos of their chicken slaughter just give me a call. I would love to see it done with the scalder:) In the end I believe that the kids were the stars of the day. I mean they kept the dog from eating chickens.
They filled buckets with water.
They even pulled heads off chickens.
And if that wasn't enough they looked darn cute!
I have to say that chicken killing day was a good day!!
We are here, 3 months! What has this month brought? Many smiles. 
The ability to track people as the walk about. 
The occasional giggle. Noise!! Isaiah has learned to make raspberries, coo, and most of all squeal. 
Which Jeff has told me to get use to because he doesn't think its going away any time soon. Isaiah has also become a solid thumb sucker. It started out as his pointer finger, but is now his thumb or fist. 
He also is noticing his hands. He will give them long stare downs and is making the connection that controls them. In case you are wondering this month has not brought any weight lose. He is still rolly polly and perfectly sweet!
Then I was struck by how true those two things are for my guys!! They have gotten much more sophisticated in they way they do those two things, but they both are still so true. Caleb will now get out a chair or a stool to help him climb. 
But being up on things is what he does best.
Joshua now can speak an entire sentence and be understood.
But talking is was he does best. 
To thine own self be true. Oh, by the way looking through these photos I really had a hard time telling who was who. Good thing Caleb had a booboo on his head.
Remember boots because even if its raining boys like to be IN water.
Be sure to take advantage of breaks in the weather to go on family hikes.
A playground near by is always a nice way to spend part of the day.
Having enough food is always important, but if you have run out or 
Watch out for the creatures, I mean kids, in the woods.
Remember to have fun,
play,
and discover
because these are the times that bring us together as a family.
Oh yeah, also relax and smile!
Her and Melia than sang me Happy Birthday. It was very sweet. When we left there we met up with Jeff and headed down to an orthodontist appointment. Samantha being the sweet heart she is got blue and orange bands in honor of me!! Once we got home we left most the kidos with Jeff's mom and went to dinner. Isaiah tagged along for that. Jeff got me two very thoughtful gifts. A container to hold my coupons
and a new Bible.
I have been using his more than mine so he got me one like his. After dinner we enjoyed a quick coffee by the water. We headed home dropped Isaiah off grabbed the motorcycle and hit the movies. We went and saw Soul Surfer. We were the only two people in the entire theatre. We both enjoyed the movie very much. To top the night off I came home to this.
So sweet. And the weird thing. Last night I pulled Isaiah into bed with me. Around 330 I had a very vivid dream of bright white light and a cross. When I woke up Isaiah was on my mind like never before. I touched his head and it was so cold. I felt his chest and didn't feel him breathing. I sat straight up and gave him an aggressive rub down. I didn't stop till I knew he was moving and breathing. I then wrapped him up and thanked God for him. I also reminded myself that really he is only in my care, but truly belongs to the Lord. This morning I am not sure that he really wasn't breathing. I may have been so surprised by how cold he was I didn't real give checking his breathing much time. When I began to tell Jeff he immediately thought of the movie we watched which for sure could have played a major rule in the event. Meaning influenced the dream and how concerned for Isaiah I was. I don't know what really happened last night, but I know that this morning I have a new view of how my children are truly a blessing and not fully mine. Thank you Lord for all your mercy.
To get him away from the table and outside actually involved carrying a screamer out side who then would rush back inside. Joshua on the other hand was loving being outside with his stick.
My girls are different too. Melia is such a spotlight kinda gal. 
While Kellina is a girl who may vanish only to appear later playing quietly in a corner. 
No, they aren't twins. It is just another way God shows me how he is in control and has made us all unique. 
Melia got swim lessons and by the end of the day could doggie paddle around the pool on her own(with life vest).
Kellina was a little more hesitant of the pool. 
I can't blame her it was ice water, but she did end up hopping in to give swimming a try.
I sat in a lawn chair. Okay, I did parent my children slightly, but really sitting out in the sun was the best!!
They did other stuff as well, but nervous me was focused on the fact my sweet 5 year old was riding off on a bike. Her favorite part was being able to ride on the freeway!!! What!! I thought they wouldn't go there. Well, at least she came home to me safe and sound.
Samantha has one place she loves to be more than any other. She has one thing she loves more than all else. Speaking of earthly things that is.
When you put the two together you get one happy twelve year old.
