Just a quick post - don't know if I mentioned it, but Eli started to crawl hands and knees a week ago or so - so that makes it crawling in his 7th month. I'd have to go back to see when the girls started crawling. He likes to nurse to sleep and that's something that's different with him. The girls I would put down and they'd go to sleep fairly well (after some adjustment with McKenna). With each child, I've evolved more towards the natural attachment parenting style. I like it. Eli's in his crib next to my bed with the rail down so when he wakes at night he just crawls right over to me and starts nursing. Then when he's done I roll him back over into the crib and back to sleep he goes. Pretty nice!

So, Noel took a Concealed Carry class and got his permit this morning at the DMV - I'll be taking a class, too. Although I really can't see myself toting a gun around in my purse! It would feel strange. I do want to learn to shoot better though. We went out to the gun range and I shot his 9 millimeter and the .38 pistol his dad sent up and I feel that I did pretty well. I scored a bullseye with the 9 mm. We also shot a compound bow that he bought off of Craigslist. That will take some getting used to and is definitely easier to shoot in Oblivion (computer game) than in real life!

We're headed to AZ in the next couple of days to see his Dad and we'll head to Phoenix one of those days to spend a night with my parents. Dad's going in for more surgery tomorrow, but it'll be minor compared to what he just went through on his heart! Noel wants to drive through the night so we make good time. I can understand that with 3 kids. Eli likes to sleep on his tummy though, so we'll see how he does long-term in the car.

I just sent in an application to the city for an Agricultural pet permit for chickens. Having talked to my neighbors and having reviewed our association covenants, I know that it should be granted. Our lot is large enough for the required distance between coop and property lines/neighbors houses. I guess the only reason it might be turned down is if a neighbor changes their mind. It sounds like it'll take a month or so to find out. Then I'm planning to get chicks early June, which gives Noel until mid-July to get the coop built. I'm very excited, but not having the permit yet means I can't jump for joy yet. ;)

Other than that, nothing too new. Kids drive me nuts sometimes, but little breaks away from them now and then always transform me into a better mom. I guess that's true for most people. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and all that jazz! Sometimes it's just a hot bath while Noel watches them, or a quick trip to the library by myself.

Speaking of the library, I'm reading Anne McCaffreys Pern series. I read one of the books as a kid and was hooked. I'm planning to go through all of them and will probably pick up the next installment at the library tomorrow.

Enough for now - love to everyone!

So, what's new in our life? Hmm... just sold our sofa set. I wanted something easier to clean and more durable, so we found a leather sofa on Craigslist for cheap. It's in nice shape, too!

Noel's getting his hunting license and is taking tests and will take another field test in a few weeks. I expect him to come home with an elk or moose his first time out! LOL I'm hoping whoever he teams up with will have some good experience and can help him get something. He just needs a hunting outfit and some other accessories.

We're looking into getting Lasik eye surgery for me. We're hoping for something under $4000. as we have plans for the rest of our tax return. We want to spruce up our backyard. Get the side yard graveled and expand the garden area. I want to have raised beds so I can put in blueberries and move my raspberries to a better bed. I've already started seeds indoors. Broccoli, tomatoes and swiss chard. Also have some marigolds coming up. That should be fun as I've never started annuals before.

We're also looking into getting concealed carry permits for our weapons. Here in Idaho we have "open carry" which means we can wear a gun in a holster on our hip right out there for everyone to see, but honestly peoples reactions would be a bit of a bother so getting the concealed permit would work out better, I believe.

McKenna's doing great with her school. She's doing better with reading everyday and her printing and copy work is improving. We're looking at doing piano lessons and we'll be getting together with a couple other homeschooling families and doing a trip to the Birds of Prey Center in Boise. They have a tour and show and tell with a peregrine falcon and a scavenger hunt, too. It sounds like it'll be a blast for them.

Noel and I are also stocking up on food, water, water purifiers, seeds and other necessities in case our dear dollar dies. Dear ole "Dad" at the federal reserve doesn't have a clue. I won't get started. Needless to say, we're investing in silver, commodities and oil for starters.

Eli calls, so that's it for now.