Time to Move On

It seems that we thrive on adventure! It has become neccessary to embark on a new one and in so doing we need to get our house sold.
We have had such a good time in this home and  it has become nearly perfect as we have worked on remodeling it the last two years!

Pass the word along to anyone you know who may be interested in 10 acres in rural Missouri with several barns, and a 3900 sq ft.6 bed/3+ bath house.
Rooms include: Amazing kitchen 16x19, Dining room 12x20, Sun room 12x 15, Pantry 5x7, Living room 14x20, laundry room with sink 10x10, 14x14 bedroom, 10x12 bedroom, 10x12 bedroom, basement has  Family room and second kitchen, full bath with washer/dryer hookups, and 12x14 bedroom with walk in closet. Attached to the house below the basement is a large dry cellar for storage.

Master suite on second level is partially remodeled. 17x 35 with 1/2 bath, walk in closet, 9x12 office/sitting room.
The house has a gas furnace and a woodburning furnace. Both heat the house sufficiently alone but can be run simultaneously.
We have a beautiful view of the surrounding hills, lots of room for animals and equipment, and the best neighbors anyone could ask for.

I can't find more pics at the moment but will take new ones soon as so much has changed just in the last several months.
Stay tuned for details of the forthcoming Grove family adventure!

Aria Eliana Grove has arrived!

Aria Eliana Grove

February 9, 2010

5:46 AM

9lbs. 10oz.

21 inches

    Aria's birth was amazing. I am so glad we chose to have her at home. It was everything I had been praying for. Labor was short and bearable, my most favorite people were attending; Bryan, my mom, and my best friend and midwife-to-be, Dee. Aria's first cries woke Joseph, our early riser, so the kids came to see her almost as soon as she came into the world. It was lovely.

     Aria is so fat I haven't been able to get many pics of her with her eyes open(expends too much of her energy I guess). She as long dark brown almost black hair. I can't wait to put bows in it.

     Aria did not get the memo that she is the eighth child and seems to have an aversion to being left alone for longer than 3 minutes. But she is so adorable and soft and cuddly that I think the rest of us won't have a problem giving in to her whims. Hopefully, she won't become completely spoiled but I can't offer any garauntees.

Gideon reports that he knew it was a girl all along and he is very glad to be a big brother. Everyone is vying for the coveted position of chief baby holder. Gid, Emi and Sarah have been working hard on their reading so that they can read Aria stories.

It looks like we are really entering a new phase of life. I am excited about what the future will bring, especially when the Lord has such wonderful blessings waiting in the wings just for the asking.

Kansas City Missouri Temple

Architectural Rendering of the new Temple from

http://kcldstemple.blogspot.com/

Isn't it beautiful!!

We're having a girl!

Today an ultrasound confirmed our intuition!  We are having a girl!

Here is our little one's profile. She has her hand covering her eyes and forhead as if to say,"Are we done yet?" All is well with her growth and my health and we look forward to this new little one entering the world around the 12th of February!

Happy Christmas

Christmas at our house was especially joyous this year. We had the sure knowledge of the love of friends and family and a wonderful Christmas snow storm to boot! Flannel jammies for all the kids came in handy Christmas Eve night as the snow fell!

The next morning as the presents were opened we had lots of happy children who recieved just what they hoped for!

What could be better for a couple of little girls than the chance to make their very own cupcakes!

A Pogo Stick! The record so far? 284 consecutive jumps!

Anything that requires assembling is much appreciated by this future engineer.

No one needs an interpretation to see that this little boy is thrilled with his gift.

Survival gear was the rule of the day for this Outdoorsman! A new canteen was what he needed to complement his new paracord, knife, and flint.

A Dollhouse made by Daddy. All ready for the artisan of the family to paint, decorate, and furnish!

and the Grand Finale! Bryan got his long awaited Barbeque!!

But where is the Mom! Behind the new digital camera!!! Yay!

Goals

I thought I would update you all on me.
This past month I attended a four week self-employment seminar through LDS Employment. It has been great. We were taught how to create and follow through with a business plan. (Thank you, Elder Carlson!)

I have discovered that I love the research involved in creating a plan. Hopefully I will get better at the implementation of the plan!

I began going to the class so that I could be more help to Bryan as he searches out options for his future, but I was immediately reminded of my own "dreams".

On a very back burner in my overstuffed homeschool mom brain is the dream of creating a private school which teaches the Leadership Education Model. For those of you unfamiliar with this philosophy check out George Wythe University or The Center for Social Leadership.

I feel strongly that in order for our nation to remain free and strong we must educate ourselves and our children to become statesmen. There is a real need to raise up the rising generation prepared to accomplish great things.

My heart goes out to families who do not have the opportunity or the confidence to homeschool, especially in areas like ours with very poorly performing public schools. So, I have put myself on a five year plan to prepare myself in my own education and in gathering others with the same vision who can help me in this important endeavor. (ok, I admit, I wouldn't mind having a break from my own kids!)

The first step of my plan is to finish the 5 pillars of Statesmanship training offered by George Wythe University. It is a program of reading the classics and receiving mentoring by others who have trod the path themselves. I have two more books to read for the first level. My goal is to finish the second level by this time next year.

I am currently debating with myself whether or not to pursue a Bachelors in Statesmanship from GWU also. I would love to do that and receive a minor in Political Science.
So now you know one of my "dreams" that I am trying to turn into a goal!

What are your goals? One year? Five years? Ten years?

My New Etsy Shop!

Hey Everybody!
I have followed in the footsteps of my little sister, Selissa, owner of Forever and a Day, and opened my own Etsy shop! Happenchance!
Etsy is an awesome place to find unique handmade gifts for all ages and interests.
So far I have for sale, aprons, pillows, cell phone snugglies, and scrabble tile jewelry.
I will have a lot more jewelry soon!
Have fun on Etsy and tell all your friends!!