A year in review - January through June

{January} In January we pledged to see a little more of our great state.  We started off strong with a trip to Austin.  We visited Barton Springs, the Capitol building and ate some famous BBQ.

We also soaked up being homebodies - January is great for that, no?

{February} February started off strong with lots of work around the house.  I'm still painting, painting, painting.  Jon is working his way around the house, rewiring every outlet and light switch.

We painted the living room and fireplace!  Such a difference!

I also traveled up to Wenatchee to say goodbye to my Dad. It was a whirlwind trip that Jon made happen in just a matter of minutes.  I got a call from my sister who said, "get here now," and I was on the next flight out of Houston, within just an an hour or so.

{the view over my hometown}

I wasn't at my Mom's bedside when she died.  I was a few states away, a college sophomore.  We were all in denial, still expecting her to get better.  All of us. I remember talking to my Dad the very day she died and he said he was sure she'd pull through.  I've always regretted not being there.  Losing her still rocks me to my core (but that's another story for another day).  Jon, God bless him, didn't want me to have those same regrets with my Dad.  These several days, gathered around him, with my sisters and Judy, were truly some of the most precious in my life.  

And when I got home, there were lots of hugs waiting for me.  I'm so blessed.



{March} March was a busy one.  It was the month of face (arm) painting, Bible Drill competing, the Houston Rodeo, and flying back up to Wenatchee for my Dad's funeral. The kids and Jon were so supportive, even speaking at his service.

{April} April brought us new life with Easter, more Bible Drill competing, finishing up our homeschool co-op, Classical Conversations, and a trip to Corpus Christi.

Have I ever blogged about how Havalah got a perfect score at the Bible Drill state competition?  If not, I will soon.  She did AWESOME!

{May} May was a big month for us!  We prepared for our girl's birthday and a big two week trip to Disney World!

{June} In June we started remodeling our powder room (after pics coming soon), adopted Havalah's new parakeet, Petite, worked at VBS and prepared for Aunt Shalimar and Hazel's visit.  Oh, and threw in daily trips to the pool as well.  :)