Bovee/Brothers Trip 2013- Washington DC, Georgia, and Tennessee

If you joined us on our trip 2 years ago, you'll know that we have a really good time when we take a vacation together.  This one was no different.  We did do things a little different by not having one location and seeing sights near and around that location.  Instead, we traveled from one place to the next and saw lots of sights in different parts of the country and didn't have a set plan of anything.  It was fun, but a lot more work with so many in and outs of the van and loading and unloading of luggage.  Amazingly, we all fit in the van with all of our stuff despite adding 2 more children to the mix.  What an adventure!

We also wanted to make sure that we were finding ways to do random acts of kindness.  We had some ideas prepared ahead of time and other things we did just as we were lead into the situation.  I'll try to mention what we did when we did them, so you can get some ideas of ways to show kindness to others.  Some of the moments proved to be very good teaching tools to the children....and to the adults as well.

So, our trip started out with a rainy morning, but with Phil along, gray clouds don't keep us down.  We had a big breakfast, the men got the van loaded, we said our good byes to Aunt Mandy, we got the kitchen cleaned up, bathroom breaks, and all children loaded, then Phil gave the talk to start the trip.  Obviously it was geared to the children.  "We're not just going on a trip.  We're going on a trip and getting along.  We're not just going to the park.  We're going to the park and getting along.  We're not just watching a movie.  We're watching a movie and getting along.  We're not just going swimming.  We're going swimming and getting along."  Okay, you get the idea.  The children got the idea too by the end of the trip.  Doesn't mean that they always got along, but they did do a good job trying.  With a van this full of children, you can't expect everything to go perfectly and everyone to get along at all times.  It was nice when we traveled with sleeping children though.  : ) 

We love to take a first picture of everybody loaded and ready to go.

We were watching the discussion on the Midwifery bill that is trying to get passed.  We watched the debate online and watched the numbers of those voting for and against it.  It was exciting to watch and the children even joined in towards the end.  After we got the final votes of "Yes", we celebrated one more step closer to this bill taking affect/

On our way to Washington DC, we decided to swing by Gettysburg, PA to see some war memorabilia.  \By the time we got there most places were closed, so we drove around to see things from the road, then went and got ice cream cones.  Believe it or not, this was our only ice cream stop for the whole vacation.  We talked about more, but it just didn't happen.

While we had ice cream the men talked about the Civil War and the happenings that took place during that time.  We also talked about what states we drove through.  We were hoping to talk about states a lot this trip to make the children more aware of the states and where they are located. 

Yes, we enjoyed our ice cream!

We arrived late to our hotel outside of Washington DC.  We had big rooms that adjoined, so it was nice to have a kid room and an adult room in the evenings.  This hotel didn't have a pool.  The children were bummed, but it did have a complimentary laundry room, so we made sure to do our laundry while we were there.  After a good sleep we had breakfast at the hotel (which was delicious) and then headed out on our Washington DC journey.  Now people told both of us families that the traffic is horrible.  We had suggestions to take the Metro, but of course since the guys planned most of this trip, we didn't have any plans to do anything really.  So, we drove into the city.  The traffic was horrible!!!!!  By the time we finally found a parking place for our big van, it was lunch time.  We still fit plenty into our day.  Not as much as we would have liked to do, but we still saw some fun things.    

The cherry blossoms were in full bloom and beautiful!

Our first act of kindness happened when we pulled into a parking garage to see where we could park.  A man came out of his booth and talked us through where we should go.  He was so kind and really helped us a lot.  Casie had prepared some papers to tape to Almond Joy candy bars with a verse about "joy".  So, we gave that man one of the candy bars and the smile that came to his face was priceless. 

After he gave us directions where to park, another big van pulled in beside us to also find out where to go.  This van was filled with 2 ladies and lots of children.  It caused us to be so thankful that our men were with us.  Once we got to the parking lot that we could park in, we noticed the other van trying to get parked.  Jonathon jumped out and ran over to help the ladies out.  They don't make parking spots in big cities very suitable for big vans.

Our first stop was to be at the Holocaust Museum, but we were all so hungry, we knew we needed to get a bite to eat before we went in.  Beef hot dogs and pretzels filled us up and we were ready to go.  Did I mention that it was an absolutely gorgeous day?  It really was!  We truly enjoyed the warmth from the sun and the vitamin D we were all able to soak up.

There was much to see in the Holocaust Museum, but we only went through the areas that we thought would be good for the children to see.  We studied ahead of time about the events that took place, but still some of it would have been too much for them to take in.  We learned a lot, did a random act of kindness, and hopefully conveyed to the children how setting people apart and treating them so horribly is a wicked, wicked thing.   

Pretty areas to walk and things to read about.

Look at all those children!

The children with the Capital building in the background.

As we were heading to the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, this lady stopped us.  She was trying to get money for the soup kitchen that she helped with.  So, we gave her a little money and she gave the children stickers that talked about smiling.  They wore them around the rest of the day.  It was nice to visit with her.  I'm not sure how many people actually stopped to talk with her, let alone give her money to help her cause.  Hopefully, we gave her a smile too by our kind act. 

Inside the Mammal section at the Natural History Museum. 

What amazing exhibits they have here!

These are the cutest exhibits we found though.  : )

Voted the best part of the museum by our children was the Gem and Mineral section.

That finished out our time in Washington DC.  Seeing just 2 of the museums filled our day enough.  We were ready to get off our feet and out of the heat.  Elli had her sticker on her back.  It said, "I love your smile!"  Hopefully, we left our smiles around the city in different ways.  And hopefully people looked at our big families and thought to themselves that there really is something beautiful about the family unit with many children tagging along behind...or in our case, in between each couple (don't want anybody out of sight).

We headed back to the hotel and had our first geography class.  The Social Commons was a great place for them to put their United States floor puzzle together.  They all worked together at it and it took them a very long time.  Probably didn't help that the toddlers were in the middle of it all.  : )

Puzzle together, now time to label their own United States maps. 

After they were all labeled, I had them call 2 family members.  They asked that person which states they have been to.  The children then put a dot on each state that that person has been in.  They used a different marker for each person and labeled on the back who went with each color.  They took turns calling family different nights and had a good time seeing which states grandparents had been to. 

Some laundry done, some school done, some relaxation for the adults, and some beddy by for everyone ended our Washington DC day.  We were wanting to go back to the city and spend half a day seeing other things like the monuments, but we knew that wouldn't happen with traffic so bad, so we decided to make the next day a lazy day and take our time at getting to our next destination, Littleton, NC.  At our hotel that night they served a complimentary evening social meal.  They had a baked potato and salad bar.  It was so yummy!  I think this was when Phil talked with another hotel guest and found out that there was an Air and Space museum that the hotel shuttle would take us to about 5 minutes from the hotel.  Or maybe he learned of this information the next morning at breakfast.  I don't remember.  So, after learning that information, we decided take advantage of the shuttle system and check out the FREE museum.  Did I mention the other museums in Washington DC were also FREE.  Okay, this is where I admit that I like love live for FREE stuff that my family can enjoy and not break the bank doing.  So, this idea of going to the Air and Space Museum was perfect.  Check out the blog post from Days 3 and 4 of our trip to see all about that.  

Days 1 and 2 of this journey- check.  Was a success.  We found adequate lodging for the first 2 nights, had plenty of food (some which was free at the hotel including a free supper), and our head count of children stayed complete.  That's always the best accomplishment of the day.  : )

Winter update 2013

How many of us, when fall approaches, are glad for life to slow down a bit?  That's how it was for us this past fall.  We had a very busy summer with having baby number 5, remodeling Jonathon's family's farmhouse, and then moving into it.  That's a job!  We were so blessed with friends and family who helped us with all of these things to make it easier though!  But of course then winter arrives, and well, life hasn't slowed down much.  We all had that respiratory cough sickness that has been going around but have since been very healthy, and we are thankful for that!  Still praying that we stay free and clear from any puking sicknesses.  This will be our 5th year in a row that nobody has gotten that kind of flu.  Every year I bless the Lord greatly for that!!!!!

We've had many celebrations to plan and host and be a part of.  We enjoy celebrating life with others!  We've also been busy getting things cleaned up around the house and all of our belongings moved into place.  And with being in a bigger house, we've also enjoyed having family and friends over more than we could at the other house. 

One of the most recent parties we participated in was a Purim party at First Fruits Fellowship.  I believe we all enjoyed reading and learning about Queen Esther during the week leading up to the day.  So many little details in the story that can often times be missed.  My favorite aspect of the story is how she so bravely went to the king with what Yahweh directed her in doing.  She told the king that she was a jew, something he had no idea about.  And because of her doing that, she saved her people from death.  It caused me to think about whether I am brave enough to share with others the faith that I live or if I just keep it quiet and live it in my home.  It challenged me to live my faith more out loud no matter where I'm at.  One day it could cause someone's soul to be saved by the testimony that I live.  Have the bravery to face those in higher positions or even a neighbor or family member and share the truth with them.  It could vey well save a soul from everlasting death. 

So, here are a few of the pictures taken at the photo booth that we set up as part of the fun.

 Alegra and her good friend, Elli.

Benaiah and his crazy self.



Jonathon and I.  I think he needed the glasses to help his eyes. : )

 Diella enjoying a sugar cookie.

Time continues to move along and I found myself remembering that Saphira was going to be 6 months old!  She is such a joy!  I know I always say that, but it's true.  She brings joy and smiles to so many people.  I am blessed that other ladies who are beyond child bearing age can hold her, and she just smiles at them and quietly snuggles in to fall asleep.  It's a small thing, but I know it touches their hearts as they aren't able to have any more children.  She is still quite content just being still.  No rolling over or sitting up by herself.  She gets mighty close to rolling over, but just doesn't go all the way.  She loves playing with her feet, spitting all over herself, smiling, listening to all of us sing and play music, and she has her first tooth! 

Saphira, 6 months old.  Diella made her scarf by finger knitting.  We decided she needed it for this months picture.  It is rather cute on her.  : )

Someone gave us a Time Capsule for a wedding gift that was supposed to be opened after we'd been married for 10 years.  Well, obviously time got away, and we just now got to opening it, almost 16 years later.  After realizing that I spend a lot of time blessing others with celebrations, I decided that it was time that I honored one of the most important things in my life- my marriage.  So, I put together this little date night in for Jonathon and I.  I titled it "Time Flies" where we opened our Time Capsule, discussed and wrote out goals for our family, and then chose something fun for "Time flies when you're having fun".  It proved to be a great way to spend our evening with each other and showed that our marriage is priority in our family.  So many times couples end up putting the children first by running them to this activity or that activity or focusing all of life around the baby, and it eventually pulls the base of the family apart- the parents.  We've always said that we were a family before we even had children.  They were added blessings, but not something that the family would then be geared around.  So, when we need time, we take it and either find a baby sitter or tell them to watch a movie or read, so that we can have adult conversation uninterrupted.  It isn't always uninterrupted because we're still dealing with children, but if we don't make an effort to do things for just the two of us, then we'll never keep the fires going. 



 We asked our families to write letters with information about their lives, or about something going on the year we were married or just their encouragement for us in marriage.  It was a blessing to read through those.  Especially from those who have passed away since we were married.  Those are treasures worth more than most material things.  I think we are going to have our children write some letters and put them in it to be reopened in another 10 years.  And I think it's a great idea for us to put together one for others as a gift. 

We've had some changes around her lately.  But so many blessings have come along with the change.  We sit and marvel at what the Father is doing in our family.  The vision that He has given to me and Jonathon and the excitement that stirs in our house regarding where we feel Yahweh is leading us is a blessing in itself.  Since last summer we have felt so blessed and can only give God the glory for everything we have. 
Blessings-
~ A beautifully perfect homebirth.  Everything I desired.
~ A beautiful baby girl.
~ A bigger home to give us more space for our growing family.
~ More space for Jonathon's business materials.
~ His business staying busy.
Recent Blessings since obeying His leading in our family-
~ Three songs that Yahweh has given us after prayer for songs.
~ Clarity in His Word.
~ Sweet moments with Him in devotion and meditation on His Word.
~ Growth in our marriage as we seek His Word together.
~ Hearing testimonies of our family being a light to those who don't know Him.  That's exciting!!!
~ A buyer for our Michigan house- Yes, it's sold!!
~ A vision for our family and how we can serve God together.
~ Answered prayers in Jonathon getting more sales jobs through Hughes Net, which boosts his income and allows him to be home more.  The last week has blown us away at the phone calls for sales from people we don't even know.  The Father knows them though and is sending them our way. 

Sometimes seasons in life are filled with trials and other times they are filled with abundant blessings.  Sometimes it takes hard choices and much seeking the Father in His will and direction for us to choose righteousness, which brings blessing.  His Word says in Deuteronomy that obedience brings blessing and disobedience brings cursing.  We have always reminded our children of this to hopefully spare them from harm that were a result of disobedience.  But when we see the results of obedience, it really encourages us all to continue being obedient no matter the cost. 

So, that's a catch up in what the Lord is doing in our family and what we've been up to this winter. 

The joys of Saphira at 5 months old

There is no doubt that my children love their papa.  And it seems that they get younger and younger at realizing that he's the best in the house.  Honestly, they love me most when they come out, but give them a chance to get to know him, and the mom is history.  He's sooooo much fun, just ask any of them.  I'm glad he's my children's dad. 

 Not everybody gets the hand on the face when giving a kiss.  Mostly just the papa.

 Even at just 5 months old, Saphira lights up when her papa gets home.  She does love him!

Beautiful girls!  Should have gotten Diella into the picture too.  After my grandpa's funeral we were all so tired, but everybody looked so nice that I had to get a couple pictures....well, mostly of the baby.  She's the cutest of us all.  It has been such a blessing having her in our family.  The joy that she has brought and brings into our family daily is what makes having a baby so wonderful. 

A Remembrance

It seems we've been busy around here and I haven't posted much of anything.  The boys went to the Colts game and had a grand time.  They also went to the rodeo and again, had a wonderful time.  Last week we hit our halfway through school day, so we took the day off and went to Ft. Wayne to the Farm Show.  It was a lot of fun for most of us.  I could have lived without it, but you know, sometimes you have to sacrifice for the team.  :)  

 Lots of fun machines to climb on and be amazed by. 

Our most recent change is that my Grandpa Murphy passed away last week.  This picture below is one that dad took on grandpa's last Model T tour.  I was so glad that dad took time off work to spend this time with Grandpa.  It obviously was time well spent when it's something that won't happen again.  So, yes, Grandpa was a big fan of old cars.  He's always had one as long as I can remember.  Slow rides around the country side were always enjoyed when the old car pulled out of the trailer.  The putt putt sound of the car turned an ordinary car ride into a step back in time and the feeling of life being nothing more than one to live at a slow pace.  So many memories spent in Florida, in Michigan, in the camper, in the T.  The last of my grandparents and a generation of great, old stories.  I was able to care for him a bit during his last days.  I enjoy giving people massages that I know are bringing relief to their achey bodies.  But a massage given to my grandpa who needed his toe nails and finger nails trimmed and showed his overall satisfaction in the foot massage I gave him, was pure delight for me.  Having him talk to Saphira and grin from ear to ear at her smiles at him was a pure joy.  He had a great smile!  And knowing that his last smile was to my littlest girlie while he was in the hospital in such pain, brought me such happiness.  So thankful that he's not suffering anymore.  Will miss him and watching him show Jonathon something or other on his car.  Will miss the look in his eyes when I tell him he shouldn't be under his car working on his engine with nobody around to help him if something goes wrong.  Will miss hearing his voice shake as he says the prayer before the meal because he's so thankful to be alive after all of his health problems.  And will miss that smile as he watches my children play....especially that one who runs all over the place.    

So, hug your loved ones a little harder.  Remember that you just don't know when your last breath will take place.  Appreciate those who work hard, care for others and are a part of your life.  \We are all just one breath away from eternity.  Make sure you know where your eternity will lie.  You have the choice to make now who you will live for, the world or the Creator of this world.  Do it now, before you don't have the chance to choose.  Live each day serving others.  Live each day serving your Creator.  Live each day as if it's your last.   

Colts, Rodeo, Butchering, Games and Hot "Cocoa"

We had quite the full day yesterday!  It was one of those days, when it's over, you know you used your time wisely and worked as hard as you could til it was time to sleep.  On Sunday a few men came over to help Jonathon with the slaughtering of our dear steer, Oreo.  After many escapes out of his pen and getting too rough for the children to "play" with, it was time for him to continue serving our family in meat.  After hanging in the barn for a couple days, we needed to bring him in to warm a little before cutting him up.  Diella and I helped Jonathon get him down out of the barn and onto tables in the garage.  

My parents arrived first thing in the morning to lend their hands in the butchering, and we were so thankful for their help!  While I finished up fixing breakfast, the men got more tables set up, knives sharpened and then the special surprise for the boys.

A couple years ago my parents took just our girls to Branson, Missouri to enjoy a fun filled weekend watching horse shows and seeing other neat sights.  They still talk about their vacation with them.  Well, lately Josiah keeps asking when it's the boys' turn to go on a vacation with them.  So, my parents have been trying to figure out what they can do with the boys that they will really enjoy.  A weekend to remember was introduced in the morning when Josiah was presented with his very own Colts shirt.  

He looks pretty happy about it, huh?

All the men with their shirts on.....

Then Grandma presented Josiah with tickets for the men and him to go see the Colts play next Sunday. 

He's checking them out with a very happy sister looking too as the girls know how much he will love this.

Then the grand finale for the weekend that will include Benaiah too.  Grandpa got them tickets to go to the rodeo in Howe on Monday.  Jonathon even found his dad's real cowboy hat that's been in a box to see if it would fit him.  Sure enough, a perfect fit.  He just might wear it for the occasion.  The boys are super excited for their weekend, and I'm looking forward to some girl time with my girls and my mom. 

We finished up breakfast then got started out in our meat market.  :)  Shortly after the men went out to start, Benaiah came in the house, and we see him taking a sharp knife from the drawer out to the garage.  STOP!  He was just wanting to help them, so I went up and got a play knife.  He was quite happy to saw at his chunk of meat.  I missed all that action as he soon got tired of it.  The girls were great helper in cutting up chunks of meat for the canner.  We ended up canning 14 quarts of meat, which isn't a lot, but after splitting the animal with some friends, getting steaks, 3 roasts, and meat for burger, I am quite happy with what we'll have to put up for the year.  

The process took us to about 4:00, and we were all cleaned up, disinfected and finishing up the second batch in the pressure cooker.  After a later lunch, we just kind of snacked and weren't really hungry for supper.  It's always nice to just do snacks in the evening instead of make a big meal after you've had a full day already.  We sat around and visited for awhile, then got the games and hot chocolate out.  I bought whipped cream in the spray can thingy just for a special treat when all the work was done.  I should have taken a picture of the cup of hot chocolate I had that my dad topped with whipped cream.  Wowwee!  It was delicious! 

We played 3 games of Catch Phrase of which the girls were the final champions, then more drinks for everyone and a round of Apple to Apples.

 Do you like our centerpiece?

And my dad's cup of "hot cocoa".  For some reason he didn't take seriously the bag in the hot chocolate basket that read, "cocoa".  He ended up adding all sorts of stuff to it to make it drinkable.  It was good for some laughs anyways. 

Much work, much laughter, games and good conversation filled our day.  What a blessing!

Dad and Mom left and Jonathon sat down to get his paperwork ready for the next day's work and I set out to cleaning bathrooms.  I should have done it before we had company, but sometimes the day just doesn't permit.  So, I got all 3 bathrooms cleaned in the house and will finish up tubs and showers today.  Phew, what a day!  I fed the baby, then went to bed.  Saphira slept 9 1/2 hours straight (this momma needed that) and now wer're all starting our day with rested bodies.  

The weather sounds like snow is coming our way, so we're getting outside chores done and getting ready to hunker down.  Stay warm today.  And if you fix yourself a cup of hot cocoa, make sure it's with hot chocolate mix and not plain cocoa.  : )