Good stuff.

I'm still here. I've been managing the kids/home since Friday all by myself as Chip is in Chicago at the golf show. Five to one is good odds for some things, but can be a little tiring when you're talkin' five kids to one mom. Especially when they all think they need me for something all at the same time! Luckily I've been practicing patience, and as you can see from the kids in this picture taken just as they were heading to bed, they are all still happy, healthy and even bathed at the end of a long weekend. As you can also see, I didn't post a picture of me. I'm sure I look like I need a cat nap. Or some alone time. =)

I will tell you that I actually enjoy time with my kids. I know some people can't wait to head out the door and leave the kids to someone else's care, but I really feel fortunate that I can be home full time. Yes, I admit, it can be exhausting and I do skip my share of showers and putting on make-up, but the little sacrifices are so worth the rewards I get to experience. One of the little rewards for me today was from Bella at about 3 o'clock. She came up to me and handed me a folded up piece of paper. When I opened it up it read, "This is a secret: I love you forever and ever. Love Isabella".

How sweet is that?! It's little things like that when I feel so happy to be home and find that even though I do have to repeat myself over and over at times, or never get caught up with folding and putting away laundry, that help make my days. I sometimes go hours on end without adult conversation or days without leaving the house, but I find I don't even mind it all that much.

Another highlight of my weekend happened late Friday afternoon. The Fed-Ex man dropped off an unexpected package. Much to my surprise (and Ava's too, as you see her in the top photo) it was a box FULL of K&Company scrapbooking supplies. I am blown away by not only the amount/number of items, but their amazing quality and how fun the new product lines are! I owe a big thank you to Megan... I can't wait to create some fun things with all of this suprise "stuff". I think I may be offering some random give-aways once I make some things too. So keep and eye out for those.

You do know that I refer to myself from time to time as a "SAHM"...not "Stay At Home Mom" but rather "Stuck At Home Mom", right?! If I do have to be stuck at home (which I just mentioned how I'm okay with that too?!), I feel very lucky to have great kids and lots of craft projects to keep me busy as well. =) You can also find me at Facebook on occasion (send me a note that says blog reader or something to that effect if you want to add me...I'm Jody Ferlaak), in addition to that I am getting acquainted with Skype too. I love it! I'm wondering why everyone in the world that has a computer and web cam isn't doing this yet. It's so great! Or maybe I'm just easily entertained. Either way, I really like Skype.

Ava loves it too.

I have to mention the bike pictured in the post here- it's Wyndham's new bike that is specially fitted for her. We are all excited to see her put it to use as soon as the weather warms up here in Michigan. She always wants to do what other kids around here are doing, and so we are very grateful that she was able to get this custom bike after being approved for it by her physiatrist. I hope she has lots of confidence on it, and that it will be one more big milestone for her to be able to ride a bike- just like all the other kids. Wish her luck and you can be sure I'll post pictures of her on it, just as soon as we get our first photo op.

Finally, I want to share a quote I heard on the radio today. I think it is a good one to read and re-read and then challenge us in our daily living. It reads: "The way we live our lives is a measure of our contentment toward God."

Happy first day of March to all of you!