The Extras

Since this blog is about life in my family, I figure I should say something about the people who are around us.
We'll call them "The Extras."
I'll start with Blake.

Blake Alexander Bonts. Age:19
Blake is like a brother to all the children in the family, and a son to my parents. He and Mark met their freshman year of ROTC. -Side note, yes we've all been home schooled our whole lives but, Mark, Johnna, Alison and I have all taken at least 1 year of NJROTC.- Anyways, so they met their freshman year which was over 5 years ago, Mark got him to come to church and he's been family ever since. 
Blake now lives in Mark's house trailer about  5 feet from our house, and is transferring his major from chemical engineering to commercial music. What can I say? He's a man after my Dad's own heart! It's been so interesting watching Blake grow and change into the young man he is today. 5 years ago he was very serious, closed off and although he was nice he still hadn't warmed up to anyone but Mark. Now he is warm, caring, he always helps us keep the house clean, gives us advice, has a questionable sense of humor and he changes diapers! There are a few downsides to having an unbiological teenage excuse me college age brother, for instance I can't walk around in a sports bra. However, the upsides outweigh the down, did I mention he cleans and changes diapers?
I love my "adopted" big brother! 

Blake The Red Head 

Nicole Renee Froelich."Nikki" Age:20 (on August 9th)

Nikki is Mark's awesome girlfriend. It took a little while for some of us to get used to her, but her adorableness just seeps in and you can't help but love her. Nikki is sweet, gentle and caring. She is fantastic with the kids, but best of all she can handle Mark and let me tell you, that is a great feat! 
She moved here around a year ago and was brave enough to come to our church even though she didn't know anyone there. She and Mark started dating/courting January 26, 2014. 
Nikki works in the Publix deli, which Mark really appreciates, because he likes sandwiches.  
Overall everyone really likes Nikki! So yeah, love you!

Nikki The Girlfriend

So that's our extras for now, and I'll let you guys know if we get anymore!