Hi everyone. Well, spring break is upon us! Although we only have one more left at home (and the granddaughter every other week)we are always looking to see what we can do. Every year, dh has taken off and we have gone away for the week. This year, we decided to do something different. Because of the loss of jobs, alot of 2 parent families are struggling this year to make ends meet. So, I figured if I have one 10 year old girl at home, why not a couple more?? I called around and found 2 girls whose parents I KNOW are having a hard time, and invited the girls to stay with us for 4 days. Then, I heard of another family with 2 boys who were scrambling for a sitter, and I took them in, they are 6 and 9. Then, there are a set of foster boys, 10, 12, 14, whose foster parents needed a break and they came, then the single child down the road needed some play mates and he comes for the afternoon, and then there are the twin boys (6 yr),and their 10 yr old brother, who are staying here because grandpa is really ill and parents needed to go. and another girl who just needed some playmate also. They came on sunday, went to church with us; and they will leave on wednesday, and I am having a blast! They built this huge, wonderful fort today in the back under the pines; they did all my animal chores; e all went down the road and helped a disable man clean up his horse pastures and build a lean to; we have blown out turkey eggs and they are decorating them; they are fixing some dyed eggs for the foster home; the older kids cook; and they all help clean and vacuum. They have been an absolute blessing for me! We have tons of games left over from the three oldest children of mine, and there is always a game of monopoly or kerplunk going. The girls are learning to crochet; while the boys are hauling rock away from the future barn area. we have played tag with squirt guns (only 50 cents at the dollar store) and have learned to play jaxs. we also have this 6 foot long, 3 feet wide plastic sewer pipe (new/clean) that they have had a swell time rolling each other in! I love kids. This has been a great time! What are you guys up to? In His Grace, Sissy

-- Sissy Barth (iblong2Him@ilovejesus.net), March 12, 2002

Answers

Can I come over and play too:~} What a great thing to do.

-- Cindy (SE. IN) (atilrthehony@hotmail.com), March 12, 2002.

Wow! What fun....I wanna come too :(. I am working, and working, and working. I took time off to be with my does for kidding and now I am paying for that, but it's okay. I LOVED Kerplunk! You have fun, it sounds great!

-- Doreen (bisquit@here.com), March 12, 2002.

Not as much fun here but rather a test of idealism vs the world. We are going to open court to have the values of Homesteading challenged. Armies of witness on both sides--experts,fools and patriots ! It will be decided if families values are a matter of freedom or Government control.

It is a civil court case brought by my wife's ex-husband concerning his childrens welfare. The issues are A. Not buying food because we produce all our own = This is probably unhealthy for the children. B. We heat with wood and this is a fire hazard. Even though I have 3 other methods of heating our home. C. We homeschool the children (for a time ) and this will lead them to anti-social behavior. My wife's children are some of the most polite children I have ever encountered. D. We are reclusive. Yes I am ! But we all leave the house daily ---work,shop, and interact with others. E. We refuse to allow one grandparent to take the children for visits. True --my wife's mother is Satan reincarnate and we won't have her influence the children. She is free to visit them here but she may not take them anywhere. F. I own many fully automatic weapons. I have strong ties to Militia orginations ( insinuating I am Timothy McVie ) the papers actually compare me with him. In the end the whole dog and pony show is a mute point because my wife's daughter is old enough to choose where she resides(she hates Iowa) and former agreements do not allow the children to be split up. Our spring break is March 26 thru May 1st. We are going to Hell( Iowa) and spend 14,000.00 just for the chance to defend our way of life ! GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGreat Fuuuuuuuuuuun

-- Joel Rosen (JoelnBecky@webtv.net), March 12, 2002.

Go win one for the homesteaders Joel! God-speed!!!!

-- Melissa in SE Ohio (me@home.net), March 12, 2002.

Joel, what a mess. :-( I hope you win. I'm staying home like usual, tending the goats, starting the garden once the ground thaws out.

-- Rebekah (daniel1@itss.net), March 12, 2002.

WOW Joel,

and I thought I was having a rough time of it! I wish you only the best of luck that everything will work out in your favor.

Sincerely,

Ernest

-- http://communities.msn.com/livingoffthelandintheozarks (espresso42@hotmail.com), March 12, 2002.

Sissy's Break sounds a lot better than Joel's. Wow. Great idea Sissy.

Joel, sorry about your troubles. Good luck and may God protect you and yours in this case. I'll be thinking of you.

-- John in S. IN (jdoofus@hotmail.com), March 12, 2002.

Best wishes Joel

-- Sonda in Ks. (sgbruce@birch.net), March 12, 2002.