What a crew! I’ll tell ya, I received many God BLESS you’s (from old ladies) today when I was out and about with these children o’ mine today. My xanga pal, Alyssa, has inspired me (without knowing it) to put the boys in matching shirts. . .she says it’s easier to keep track of them when they are dressed alike. However, as true as that may be, I also found that it makes the children and me much too noticeable! Those who know me personally know I do not like standing out in any way! But I must admit, it WAS encouraging to hear “What a beautiful family!” and, “They are not only beautiful but WELL-BEHAVED, too!” Oh my! God bless little old ladies and their heart-felt encouragement! And God knows, I needed it all.
I came home tired to the bone, but it was good for us to get out for a while (and away from cleaning!) Jacob and Ethan had their teeth checked by an orthodontist. . . .who said they still have a good year or two before they need to start braces. Then, we went to the Post Office so I could finally MAIL JOANNA’s BIRTHDAY BOX (Joanna, are you back from vacation yet or what’s the story???) and return Jacob’s bow (he’s the family violinist), which needed a re-hair.
I had the greatest time at Kohl’s. Why? Because I replenished kitchen stuff! I bought more kitchen towels, dishclothes, and little gadgets (a strainer, some scrapers, tongs, etc). I also bought myself a very yummy smelling candle~”clementine”~I do enjoy citrus scented things. Now, my old kitchen towels can be used as rags, most of them already look the part. 
After Kohl’s we went to Cosco, where I picked up a photo order. We also ate lunch together and bought the basics like laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, milk, etc. David, of course, ran away whenever he saw free samples and then the lady in charge of them would sit and say, “Where’s your mother?” until I could get the cart over to approve of his snack. Caleb got to buy a Thomas DVD with his birthday money. The DVD case has buttons on it that you can push, to hear the sounds of the different trains. Yes. Seems like everything makes noise these days. That’s what I’ve been listening to ever since. Peep Peeeeeeeeeeeeep!
When we got home, we were all thrilled that our book order FINALLY arrived, after 2 weeks of waiting. I’m attaching the link to the one I ordered for myself. I’m not sure if it’s a good thing for me to read with the emotions of pregnancy coursing through my veins. I cried through a good portion of the book! (yeah, I already read most of it, while the children were “resting”.)
Jacob and Ethan just got home from walking down the road (in bare feet and still in the matching clothes) to the neighbor’s vegetable stand. They were to get cucumbers and also to give them a jar of strawberry rhubarb jam. They came home with the cucumbers AND 3 big zucchini, they told me the neighbors were very thankful for the jam and gave the zucchini to me for free! These 3 join the 2 I already have in the fridge. Guess I’ll be making LOTS more muffins?
THANKFUL~ for the convenience of shopping in a town that has all the stores I need so close together!
Okay, time to go light my candle and work in the kitchen. . . . . .
Have a WONDERFUL afternoon/evening everyone! God bless you all and I hope your dinners turn out great tonight! I think I will set the table extra pretty, just for fun . . . I’m sure my husband and children will notice, even if they don’t say anything about it. 
Good to be Home 
Sounds like you are doing well! They do look nice in the matching shirts!
Sounds like you had a great outing! Today I’m having one of those days when I feel like no one would ever say that my children are well-behaved, but I’m not giving up! Having fresh produce so close and readily available is so wonderful- don’t take it for granted! Our produce selection and prices would shock and scare you. My kids love the samples at Costco too, well, they at least love to try them. I frequently end up with something in my hand that has come out of someone’s mouth while I hurridly look for the nearest garbage can. LOL! I was just thinking that I should set the table nice and pretty tonight- great minds think alike, huh? Have fun with your new books and kitchen goodies!
I love the matching stripes!! And as usual, Grace looks so sweet and feminine surrounded by all those boys. You must feel very satisfied, having done all that cleaning, organizing, and shopping in the last few days! YAY for time to relax now!
I almost went to Costco… Too bad.. I probably would have been there around the time you were :0}we were out and about also…A- had her first Dentist appt., we went to Panera and a couple of stores…then I was in no shape to hit Costco… anyways.. sounds like you had a busy eventful day as us… although I found nothing I wanted 😦 ttfn!
Let me know if you find any other good zucchini recipes! I have 7 in my house right now from the garden and more everyday!
I’m a sucker for a new kitchen towel and candle. It’s a weakness with me. Bath & Body Works has a wonderful candle called “Fresh Lemonade” and it smells like natural lemon. Also, I use potholders (any design) as trivets on the table to keep the hot pans from hurting the table. I try to stay away from kitchen aisles, as it’s very hard to leave empty handed!This is the first year the girls haven’t been dressed identical, or AT LEAST in identical colors. I’m having a hard time finding clothes and a friend is sewing her little fingers away for us, these past few weeks, to make more dresses!We were at the dentist *yesterday* and Annamarie (8yo) was fitted for something (a hay rake) that is supposed to keep her forward tongue thrust (and lisp) to a minimum. They’re warning me NOW of the braces that will come later.I’m glad you got so much done and a pretty table sounds like a great way to end the day!
Phew! You had yourself a busy day! It’s a lovely picture I have imagining you out with your children. You all have such a wonderful relationship that I know you love spending time with them (of course it’s exhausting when you’re out and about too!).
I AM hoping my dinner turns out well. I put together a lasagna and baked an Orange Chiffon cake. I’m off to Jubilee practice now (my singing group) and will be home later to enjoy my hard work.
What handsome boys and pretty girl!
You’re such a good mama!
I have turkey and veggies in the crock pot and was just poking them to see if they will be done for dinner only the cornbread to make to go with it. I should turn some of our zucchini into a loaf or muffins too. I have had a busy at home day….because everyone came to me. 1st a board meeting for our homeschool group, lunch and tea with my mom and David, a call from our youth leader…..now I need to actually go out.
Your kids look adorable ! I am glad the older women encouraged you…what a blessing they can be. My card would not go through at the store yesterday and an older woman behind me asked if I wanted to just use hers! She didn’t even know me. I worked it out without her $, but I was so blessed that she even offered….God uplifted me in a frustrating moment. I used to dress the boys in like colors so I could see them…esp at crowded places.
God bless you! Jenny
Mmmm. . . Clementine is such a nice sounding smell but I’ve never smelt a real one before. I’m glad you had a good day out and about. I hope your dinner turns out excellent. I’m not having dinner tonight since Jeremy isn’t home to cook for–he had a fire fighter meeting. Love you! Elisha
Sweet Picture. I think they look adorable.
Yes, I thought the identical clothing thing was a neat idea, too, but didn’t think about the fact that, yes, you would probably get more comments……=/ oh well. I “only have four” but it’s funny the comments I get sometimes….”are these ALL yours??”…..”You’re to young to have that many!?”…. Guess we may as well enjoy it, tooo soon we’ll wish for those comments again, eh?
They look so nice matching and BIG! Must be feeding them well mom! Busy lady. You have inspired me to clean. Brandon and I start on his room tomorrow! I let my husband read your post on being content in the home! I knew I needed a attitude adjustment. thanks for your encouragement!
Yep ~ cute kiddos. My favorite zucchini casserole ~
CHEESY ZUCCHINI CASSEROLE
3 c. diced raw zucchini1½ c. cracker crumbs3 beaten eggs1/2 c. melted butter1/2 t. salt1 chopped onion1 c. milk1 c. chunked Velveeta
Mix all ingredients. Bake in greased 2 qt. casserole (uncovered) at 300 degrees for 1 hour. Enjoy!
I like to do zucchini like, a sauteed zucchini, it’s really good and easy. You just slice up some zucchini, and saute it in a little olive oil with some minced garlic and salt and pepper, until as soft as you like it. It’s really good 🙂 I love the picture of the kids, very cute. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
Those boys look right sharp in those matching shirts!
Speaking of comments – we sure drew them (well at least looks!) with our five and three fosters! Filled the whole bench and then some when we’d walk into church! However, till we had the foster children our oldest was in college and not home all the time.
What a good looking bunch of kids! Ethan is really beginning to look like Rich in this photo, and everybody is really growing into the next stage — Jacob into an almost teen, Grace into a young lady, and the other two into boys rather than toddlers. Sounds like you had a great day!
kids look adorable in their matching clothes. Wow, you had a busy day. Hope you had a nice dinner.
I love the matching shirts! Adorable! I am sure it helps so much to keep track of them! I do that often and I only have the 2 boys and Emma to keep track of! Isn’t it a blessing to have sweet ladies encourage you? It normally seems to come at just the right time too! :o)
I often dress mine in bright red or yellow, especially when we’re going somewhere crowded. It does work well. . . I also get those “God Bless Yous” and “Are these ALL yours??”, which I’m sure you get and will get even more of when you have six! :O Of course people are always amazed that all of my little ones are BOYS and that comment usually comes up as well. . . “Four boys. . .wow. . .so are you going to try for a girl next??” I cannot tell you how many strangers have kindly and curiously asked me that question! I answer them respectfully with, “No, Ma’am, we’re through, and we’ll look forward to daughers-in-law and granddaughters someday.”