Just an average family......

 Sometimes people see our family and think- WOW!  That explanation in an of itself actually makes me panic.  It's like there are set expectations already there.  Either I have to be a super mom and Jason a super man, or just that we are so very different than anyone no one can relate. 

 The whole no one can relate is hard for us.  It puts a barrier between us and most families.  A lot of people are afraid to even come to a meal, invite us over, or get to know us.  It's not always true, but for the most part we are outside the box. 

 So here are some facts about our family.  Maybe we aren't so different than you after all? 

 We love our theme park trips!  We have some of us who are total thrill seekers and will ride anything we are tall enough for!  Some hang out around the stroller and just like the less intense rides and special snacks we get on our days out.  We typically go to a theme park once a week.  Wait- what? 

Yes we have what we call family day during the week when everyone else is at school. For us we want to take a day out from everything else and spend it doing fun things together.  Sometimes we go to a local park for the day.  Sometimes we stay at home for the day playing games.  Soon we will start trying out camping in a tent too!  So we don't always go to a theme park, but it is a family favorite! 

Of course it helps that we live on the East side of Tampa- an hour from Orlando theme parks and 20 minutes from Busch Gardens here in Tampa.  Plus as a Florida resident we get better pricing on year round passes ;).  We use our Christmas money from family to help pay for those memories- money well spent! 

 This guy right here has to be fed and given meds daily.  However, we are working on self feeding!  In this pic he is putting a chip to his mouth and licking it!!!  YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  He loves to play with toys that make music and bang on things.  He loves to swing, read books, snuggle, and laugh.  Although he needs a lot of extra care we just think of him as the cute little guy that we all adore! 

 Ahhhhhh....... this is our yard!  Can I just say this is the reason we moved here!  Our own piece of space and trees and chill.  3 acres to run crazy or relax in a hammock. 

 We love playing board games- Clue, Monopoly, Ticket To Ride, Candyland, and all the other classics.  We also love cards games like Uno, Phase 10, Skippo, and others.

 Now this is Christmas, but this is what we do daily three times a day.  Sit at the table and eat together.  I won't lie- it is loud!  Sometimes too loud, but then again there are several of us.  All of us with opinions and thoughts. 

 We like to be creative and have fun.  We have a "clean room & bathroom" competition between the boys and girls.  Whoever wins the most nights during the week- they get to stay up late and watch a movie, or sometimes we offer other prizes instead. 

Sometimes the kids leave me crazy fun notes with scripture or just something fun for me to read.  I love it! 

 When Jason redid the kids' rooms we did chalk boards on the inside of their rooms on the closet doors and the entry door.  It makes for great entertainment. 

 We have 3 pets- no pics on my phone this moment sorry.  We have a small 8lb black dog named Crumpet who lives inside.  We have an orange cat missing part of his tail that likes to roam inside and outside named Rascal.  Sometimes when Rascal is inside he and the dog are much louder than the kids!  We also have a larger 50lb outdoor black dog named Sampson. 

 Sometimes we eat the turkey off the bone on Christmas Day or Thanksgiving Day. 

 But I mean this face!!!!  You still can't resist! 

 Overall we are a totally normal family! 

 For real!!!!

 OK so I am not sure I convinced anyone that we are normal.  Sometimes we aren't because when we go anywhere we pile into a 15 passenger van.  We are definitely loud!  Sometimes we are passionate with our opinions and having 4 teens and a couple preteens can add to that. 

We love the Lord and gladly share about our faith whether at the theme park, at Walmart, or at church. 

 Our homeschool days start around 8 or so.  We end around 3:30 with plenty of outdoor play time, indoor play time, laughter, and fun too.  We usually get up around 6:30ish.  Our new routine is that Jason and I get the kids up and then we head out on a short walk to just have time to talk without interruption for about 20-30 minutes!  It is amazing how much that helps! 

Overall if you came to our home you would see toys and books scattered, kids and me especially still in pj's some days.  You would have kids being mean or being nice.  You would find that we have many family issues and we have lots of love to give. 

After all we are just an average family.......