Hello everyone,

How do you write of ordinary life, an everyday existence, and make it interesting?

How many people actually want to read, in a nutshell, what we did at every hour of the day?

It is just what everyone else does. We get up in the morning and get dressed, eat and play or do school. Nothing distinguishes it from any other family's life. We can only do so many exciting things a week. But still, some of you would like to read of the mundane things that make up our life, so we will try to make them as enjoyable to you as possible.

Mom planned school lessons. It was as stressful as ever it has been.

Holden and Jacey made pancakes for lunch. The kitchen was full of rambunctious singing and laughter - Otherwise known as rowdiness. Of course they were discouraged from such things as it was a bad example if they wanted the younger children to behave.

Seth and Ian rode scooters and bikes in the 'great room' as the heavens were again pouring water upon us. It has rained for much of this day and looks as though it might rain again tonight. They do say that cloudy days make for brilliant sunsets, and it does appear to be true here. Most every evening, the sky is filled with brilliant colors and the pungent odor of rain.

Mom and Dad ordered pizza online and picked it up in town for supper. After black olive, cheese and pepperoni pizza, we all watched City of Ember. Seth wasn't quite sure if he was afraid of the movie or not, but was sure Mom would be scared of the giant mole. She wasn't worried, but assured him that she would sit next to Daddy, just in case. Mom wasn't scared, but she also wasn't impressed with the ending, she hardly ever is.

Jacey has been reading Jane Eyre and studying english today. She is preparing to take the English Composition with Essay CLEP (College Level Examination Program) test. She does not feel ready, but there is still time.

Holden has been reading, playing guitar, and being Holden, which only he does best.

Ian has been reading a version of Robin Hood to himself and is reading in his head, though he often skips the words that are unfamiliar to him and difficult to sound out.

Seth has been Seth. Is there anything else to say about him? He enjoys playing Uno with whoever might play with him and building forts with the boxes.

Everyone is in bed but Mom, Dad and Jacey and the house quiet for the night. The windows are open to let in the night breeze and, hopefully, not the rain. The crickets are calling and the frogs are sounding lost in the rising mist.

It is truly one of the most beautiful places that God has created and we feel priviledged to live here. We hope that all of you will come and visit us soon. We miss you all.

Your friends,

-The Daughtons-