There is a quote: "LIFE IS NOT ABOUT WAITING FOR THE STORMS TO PASS.... IT'S ABOUT LEARNING TO DANCE IN THE RAIN."
With 12 children and 5 adopted from Russia, we have had challenges and trials along with our joys. We have decided that we must
learn how to "dance in the rain." We must notice and acknowledge the joys and miracles in our lives.
They exist daily -- we just need to make sure we do not miss them!! This blog is to remind us of these miracles and joys!

Monday, November 25, 2013

NOVEMBER 22, 2013: NEW FAMILY MEMBER

WELCOME BRIAN
NOV. 22, 2013

We have a new member of our family -- Brian!  He is a theater star and fits right in.  He laughs at us and we laugh at him!  It is a good working relationship!  We love him all ready!  Brian has a goal to be on his mission within a few months so we are doing all we can to support him in that goal. He goes out with the missionaries a lot and Brian got a job at Steak and Shake, thanks to Bishop!  He is working hard!
We are learning a lot about hockey from Brian since it is his favorite sport!
He is a blessing in our lives and we hope we can bless his.
Ready for his first day at work.
Ready for a P-Day football game with the local elders

 

NOVEMBER 6, 2013: SCIENCE FUN!

SCIENCE FUN
NOV. 6, 2013

Science is a favorite around our homeschool!  David was doing a lab on solutes, solvents and mixtures. Rachel decided that she must join in the fun!
Life is fun!



Clawson Hallowen #1 -- October 31, 2013

CLAWSON HALLOWEEN 2013
October 31, 2013

Robert and Alison had a fun family Halloween!!!
What a cutie our little granddaughter is!

Saturday, November 2, 2013

OCTOBER 31, 2013 -- HALLOWEEN

HALLOWEEN 2013

We had a great week of Halloween!
We carved pumpkins and it was great to watch the kids do it all!
We have had pumpkin pancakes, homemade root beer and our 
first annual "Spook Stew and Witch's Brew" Halloween Party and Family Dance!
'Twas great fun!
This was our first year to move on beyond our tradition of crazy "Trick-or-Treating" and the big "Candy Count!"

Rachel and Rebecca's Creation
Requested by Joseph.  Designed and created by Rachel.
Bethany and Mason's Creation

Rebecca Photo Bombs
Bethany -- photo bomb 101 graduate

We love our fall ivy!!

 "SPOOKY STEW" AND "WITCH'S BREW"
Family Halloween Party

The Elders -- for real!
Annaliece and Diana
The teenage girls
Kiddos
David and Rachel
Rebecca and her friend
"Super Mason!"
 DOING THE EFY LINE DANCE!
Elder S. leads the dance!

OCTOBER 26, 2013: GARDEN HARVEST AND EAGLE SCOUT

GARDEN HARVEST AND EAGLE SCOUT
October 26, 2013
We are so blessed.  
 We are so proud of Joseph and his hard work to complete his Eagle Scout Requirements!! He is truly a great example to his siblings and a true Eagle Scout in every way!  We love you Joseph!
 
We went out to the garden and thought we would see if there was anything left to pick before a potential freeze.  Oh my!!!  What a surprise harvest we had!
 

OCTOBER 21, 2013: GOODBYE PANAMA

GOODBYE PANAMA
October 21, 2013

Our time has been fabulous but it is time to go back home to Arkansas.