I asked God...

"I asked God for strength, that I might achieve,
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things,
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy,
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men,
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life,
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for - but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am, among all men, most richly blessed!"

-credit given to an anonymous soldier from the War of Northern Aggression

A bit behind, but for good reason....

Our oldest daughter, Honey Bunches, arrived in New Zealand yesterday!  Here she is, hiking through the gorgeous countryside....summer, warmer than here (I think it's like 3F today)....very dreamy & Hobbit-ish.  Very strange to have her gone; we last saw her Saturday when we took her to the airport, and she won't be back til April 20.  When I am up to it I'll be back here to show more pics of what we've been up to....but for now I'll let you dream your way into this picture with my girl, my friend, my daughter.  sniff :0)

If you do want more pics and daily updates, I'm on Instagram as MamaJ41 and HB is darthabbey ...somehow that has been easier!

Visiting cousins & a bit of henna

How Jam likes to watch TV (well, youtube videos - they don't have TV either, but they DO have unlimited internet!)

Playing cards

"Cousin Eddie" holding a teeny tiny dog

Ha!  Band says "I'm Dangerous to Darkness" but funny how this happened to turn out ;0) 

Dorks!

Rose Hips

Papa J & Tweeters checking out the deer stand

 This is a great time of year for collecting rose hips!  They are sweet & perfect for making a deep, rich tea :0)  We have tons of wild roses on our land, so now we collect them instead of buy them.

A bit too slippery & covered w/ ice to go all the way up

Last visit w/ Kiwis for awhile & a visit with Great-Grandma

Quite a tree...

Dinner party with old friends, so nice to see everyone again!

Papa J relaxing w/ other Papas

Four families, 20 homeschool children ages 3-20!

I am the only Mama in this group that doesn't have red hair!

And Great-Grandma JB got a new 'baby' - her name is Princess & she's the little fluff ball that Tweeters is holding - keeps her young ;0)

Enjoying our favorite pizza!

Thumbs up!

I need more pizza!

Cheater pants here is giving her sunshine burger & raw beet juice a thumbs up - she walked a couple blocks down to get it then brought it back to where the rest of us were eating!!

A big snow!

Bruce!

Huge flakes, so pretty...garden sleeping...

We went for a night walk & the snow was just perfect for snowman building - or in this case, snowlady.  The next day it was too dry to pack so I'm glad we enjoyed it while we could!  Yes, the body & head were REALLY heavy ;0)

Honey Bunches & her artsy selfie!