Art Camp 2006

Here's the crew all dressed up for Art Camp. We had a great week!! Duke & Dessert enjoyed their mini camp and made placemats, decorated cups, etc. plus had fun in the treehouse and riding bikes down a great driveway. The rest were involved in photography, wood-working, mosaics, scrap-booking, jewelry design, etc. It was a busy week. The camp was very well run and we are all hoping to participate again next year. PS. The dance section went well and it was amazing to see how much the girls remembered in one week. Fun to get my feet involved in dancing again. :-)

July Tidbits

Summer sure is flying by. I can't believe how fast 1 month can go. I've been ordering school curriculum and getting ready for a new school year. We are trying to get a head start as I know the month after the baby comes will be light in formal subjects.

I feel like we've been so "official" this summer about camps. We just "happened" (thanks, Lord)to hear about an art camp and then a drama camp and so the next two weeks will be busy. Art camp is this next week. I'll be teaching dance in the morning at the camp to a class of about 12 girls. It is a new experience for me and I'm praying it goes well for all concerned. The handouts for each day are almost finished and with Dot, Deer, and their two friends, we finished choreographing the song today. I'm excited about it but I think I will also sleep better when it is over. :-) The kids are excited about their classes. It will be interesting to see how it goes.

Tomorrow is my first prenatal checkup. Makes it seems more real. :-) I'm almost 15 weeks - over 1/3 of the way! I'm looking forward to feeling the baby kick.

Dunk is doing well at work. He's been working north of our place for a couple weeks which has been especially a blessing on Fridays as then he is traveling the right direction - opposite of the major traffic. He's enjoyed having a regular job and regular pay! The rest of the time has been spent putzing about the place on different projects.

Drum and Dime make edible trucks this morning for Science Class. They put two 1/4 of graham crackers together and then frosting glued on 4 life-saver wheels and a gumdrop cab. They turned out adorable and I am so bummed I forgot to take a picture. They were a big hit at class. A fun memory.

The kids put a new swing in the yard. Drum climbed a tree to hang it up - I tried not to watch. They put the tramp by it and have enjoyed swinging off the tramp and pulling each other up high by the extra cord. I'll have to post a picture someday as I'm proud of their ingenuity. :-)

Deer's new "thing" has been dreaming about opening a "bird business". She has big dreams and plans about raising birds and then selling them to suppliers or pet stores. I'm not sure I'm crazy about the idea but I'm crazy about the reading it has encouraged her to do and work researching the subject on-line and in books. We'll see what happens......

Duke's latest love has been heading out into the woods to chop down weeds with his machete. (Along with Drum & Dime, but not in the same place at the same time.) Drives his Grandma nuts while she worries about him. He's been good obeying the rules so he's enjoying the privileges to this point. We had a missionary family stay with us for the night and they enjoyed seeing him with his machete as it brought back memories of their boys in the jungle. I've seen pictures of their boys in the jungle with a giant anaconda and it doesn't make me feel good about comparing their boys to ours. :-) (Theirs boys were teenagers at the time. :-)

Dime got his pogo stick fixed up by Papa W. and has been having a blast bouncing around. He loves to invent new "tricks". I watch him bounce in the heat and wonder how he can do it. Whew...

So much for my ramblings.... this makes a fun journal memory for me..... I better hit the hay...

Happy Birthday Dime!

Dime celebrated his actual birthday at the cabin. He was awakened in the morning with Papa K singing "Happy Birthday" and his presents. Later his friend came up for an overnight. We celebrated as a family at home that weekend with a home-made ice-cream cake (notice the cake puddles).

Happy Birthday Gma W.

Deer decorated the cake for Gma W's recent birthday. We won't spread her age on so public a blog. :-) Happy Birthday!!

Critters Galore

We have definitely enjoyed some critters around here lately. The monarchs hatched. The baby birds hatched. Mom almost grabbed this little green fella on the hose at the car wash! Dessert was thrilled to make his acquaintance before we let him go in a more natural setting.

Drum's Shin

Drum had a minor motorcycle accident and learned an important lesson about riding in weeds he hasn't checked first. He ended up with 3 stitches in his shin after hitting a well pump. The motorcycle forks were bent and are still in the process of getting straightened. PTL it wasn't more major and all the kids have learned something from his lesson.

My Four Sons

Daisy had a date-day with her four boys. We had a great time looking at "stuff" together and hunting for swim shirts. We finished with Burger King swirl ice-cream cones. A fun memory!

July 4th Wknd at the Cabin

Papa, Uncle J., Drum, & Dime went fishing and were successful! Uncle J & Dessert also went fishing off the dock, making Dessert feel like a million bucks. Monday was a bit breezy but the kids enjoyed working with the waves. Wow, can a weekend fly by.

Dunk started sheet metal work on Wed. He will know in a week how long this job might last. We are excited to have him back to work. We all need to adapt to the new schedule of early to bed. :-)

July 4th was a wierd day as Dot & Drum spent the day helping out with a parades, I had a bad headache, and the rest spent a very quiet day here. Finally in the evening, Dunk got out the firecrackers and they had fun lighting them off until they got ready to go to the big fireworks in town. Dot decided to keep me company and Gma W. joined the fireworks crew. They had a great time! Dessert told me the next morning that they were "Awesome!"

On Wed, Dunk worked, and I spent the day trying different things to get rid of my headache. I finished off with a trip to the chiropractor and Feverfew tincture (Wow, does that taste bad!). This morning I woke early with the excitement of NO headache! What a relief. PTL.
Today Deer is helping out with a younger friend's birthday party and the boys are going with Mom to get swim shirts from Old Navy Outlet - Lord willing. Dot wants to just R&R it - she's been busy.

I got the results back from my blood work yesterday and basically everything came back negative, my joint pain has resolved itself, and it is just one of those things we will probably never know why. I'm just so glad it was not permanent. (I had a week of joint pain. My knees were the worst.) Anyway...

The Bluebirds Have Grown

The kids have also discovered another nest.

Baby Bluebirds

The kids have been watching the growth of some baby bluebirds. Drum took these pictures.

Dot's Drama Camp

Dot enjoyed a week at Drama Camp. They had their first performance last night and their last one is this morning. They are performing for a mission center today. She thoroughly enjoyed the days and loved the new songs. She got to help out with the white in the color song and enjoyed her parts. She participated with two of her friends. She is to the right of the speaker under the "of" on stage. We all enjoyed their performance. Great Job, Dot!!!

Dessert's New Smile

Dessert had dental work done last Monday. He is the proud owner of 8 "silver teeth" and is sporting a missing front tooth that had been gray. His other teeth look so much better and we are so glad to have this job behind us. We had to be at the sugical center by 5:15 am so it was an early morning for Dunk, Daisy, and Dessert. Papa K. joined us and went in with Dessert. It was relaxing to know Papa was keeping an eye on him. His mouth is recoving nicely although he enjoyed being told to eat a popsicle. :-)

Duke Rides Again!!

Duke has had a blast riding the mini-bike. His waking thoughts are on getting his reading done so he can ride.

Mini-bike Excitement

Dunk got the little mini-bike working!!!! The kids faces when he came driving out from the pole-barn were worth any effort to get that thing going. Duke was so excited I think he was jumping 10 ft for every step he took to the house to get his shoes so he could ride. They have spent every minute they can riding it. It has been great motivation to get their reading and chores done in the morning so they can ride. I love it. I forgot to download the pictures from the camera so I will have to post a picture later.

Dunk is working getting the last leak fixed in the mud-room. Hopefully that means he can get the insulation done and inspected next week while he is still home and then the next step will be sheetrock. Someday..... :-)

I had a bad day on Tues or Wed - can't remember and don't want to figure it out - with morning sickness. I sure am glad I'm not bad most days!! My poor family has been struggling with a Mom with Baby Brain. Today I rushed Dunk, Drum, and Deer to an appointment only to have them get there and discover it is next week Thurs. I went to get eggs and milk the other day and forgot to get the eggs (despite Dunk calling while I was there and reminding me about milk & eggs)!! This week I also rented a couple movies while in town and then left them behind. I didn't realize it until the clerk called to let me know the movies were still there. I am praying for grace for my family.

Dot is gearing up for a busy few weeks and she and I are looking forward to some shopping this weekend. She has a busy Fri and Sat and then next week she is off to Drama camp. We spend the following weekend at the cabin and then we are home two days before she leaves with Papa and Gramma for a week. She's a little nervous but excited as well.

I can't believe how fast the summer is flying by!!! I wish someone could grab my heels and slow me down. On the other hand I am looking forward to the end of summer as it will probably be the end of morning sickness as well. A Cool Thought!! One that is tempered with the thought of the approaching school year - O brother... :-)

Dunk's Super Suit!

Honey?
Where's My Super Suit?!
What?
Where IS my SUPER SUIT?!
Why do you need to know?
I need it!
Oh, no you don't....!
But, we're talkin' about the greater good!
I am your wife!! I am the greatest good you are ever
gonna get!!!! ~Frozone from 'The Incredibles' ~










Dunk did get a super suit given to him while at Dirt Bike School from a fellow student. We all enjoyed teasing him about it but he did look better in it when sitting on a dirt bike. :-)
We are so glad to have him home!!

Tidbits

Dessert has really enjoyed Sign Language Lessons this year because that is the day his friend comes over to play for the afternoon. They are very busy and her mom says sometimes by the time she gets home she will ask for oatmeal for supper and then to please go to bed. :-) She brought her trike over this summer and they took turns riding it and giving rides. Fun memories....

Dunk is doing well at Dirt Bike School. He has met some interesting people and is enjoying the learning process. He said they are really working to make them into good teachers - not just someone who can tell or show the basics but someone who is good at being a teacher - been very interesting.

We enjoyed our local parade last night. I would post a picture of the kids handing out Gma's pushcards and saying, "Please vote for my Grandma!" but Dunk has the camera. :-) Gma W did take some pictures for us. :-) Dot ended up helping our churches VBS float and passing out fliers. From what we heard, her Grandma trained her in well on working a parade. :-) The kids enjoyed the bands from a new perspective after having played instruments the past year. I'm finding out where Dunk gets his ability to make on the spot connections with people. I couldn't believe how many times Papa W had just the right comment to make to a parade participant to earn him a smile, wave, laugh, or comment. We even got some candy thrown at us old folks. :-) Another Fun Memory!!

Baptism, Book Reading, Endorsement

BAPTISM
Today Drum was baptized at church. He did very well. You could tell he thought the water was cold. :-) He is really maturing. Congratulations, Drum, we are so proud of you.

BOOK READING
I've been reading: The Discovery of Genesis: How the Truths of Genesis Were Found Hidden in the Chinese Language. It has been an interesting book about the Chinese language. "China boasts of 4, 500 years of unbroken civilization and the ancient Chinese were monotheist, serving a Supreme Heavenly Ruler, called Shang-Ti." Their beginnings date back to a time after the historical timing of the dispertion at Babel. It is a look at the Chinese language and how the story of Genesis is written in the ideograms of their original language. For example: the Chinese character for "to create" is a combination of the figures for - dust, mouth, movement of life, and able to walk. "Genesis 2:7 states: "Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground and breathed (with His mouth) into his nostrils the breath of life: and man became a living being (not a baby, but an adult, able to walk)." A very facinating book to say the least.

Now I am reading another book: Genesis and the Mystery Confucius Couldn't Solve. His mystery he couldn't solve was stated in "The Doctrine of Mean, xix,6" by Confucius, "He who understands the ceremonies of the sacrifices to Heaven and Earth....would find the government of a kingdom as easy as to look into his palm!" At the time of Confucius they had lost the meaning behind the sacrifices they originally did which were begun when Adam and Eve were sent out of the garden of Eden. I am looking forward to learning more... :-)

MISC.
Dunk heads to Dirt Bike School this week and will be gone for 6 days. We are hoping to get caught up on house cleaning, and gardening. "Morning" Sickness has set in and my energy levels have definitely dropped. I've found a very frequent eating schedule definitely helps - as usual. The girls have been re-arranging their room - as usual - and I'm about to put my foot down about any more re-arranging projects. :-)

ENDORSEMENT
Yesterday we went to the Convention Center and helped Mom with her endorsement. :-) Well, we sang and cheered and looked good in red, white, and blue. Dot signed "The Grand Old Flag". Wow, I can't believe how grown-up she's gotten over the past year. Uncle J gave a great speech and then Mom followed with hers. They did a power point with pictures behind her as she spoke. It went so well! The kids loved the end of the ceremonies for the day when they dropped the red and white balloons over the audience and they got to go and pop or collect all they could carry. Dessert had 5!! two in each hand and one carried in the middle. It was so funny. It was so fun to see everyone. What a fun memory!!

More Memorable Pictures

Memorial Day at the Cabin

We celebrated a wonderful HOT Memorial Day at the Cabin. The kids spent most of their time in the water. The tramp in the water was a huge success. Dime and Cousin L checked out the bucket of minnows. They all made clay creations. Dessert and Cousin L enjoyed each other's company and kept an eye on each other.

Dot's 2006 Ballet Recital

The girls enjoyed their end of the year recital. It felt a little mild compared to previous recitals as they only had 1 dance to perform. Their hair turned out beautiful. They had an elaborate backdrop. Eventually even the guys got in on the act. :-)

Dot's Bible Study Group

Dot has been participating in a Girls Bible Study this year. It has gone very well and she has enjoyed getting to know the girls better. They have been studying 1 Corinthians.

Dot gets Contacts

Dot got contacts this month before her ballet recital. It was a challenge getting them in the first time but now she manuvers just fine around her eyes. :-) The technician was very helpful. She has enjoyed getting to wear sunglasses! We finished the day at a band recital for friends. Congrats, Dot!!

Happy Birthday Duke!!

Duke celebrated his birthday with his family, grandparents, and his friend, D. They share the same age, far-sightedness, a love for catching frogs, and the same interest in toys. Duke was Thrilled with his gift from D - a star wars transformer. Duke had a home-made ice-cream cake this year. It turned out to be a hit so we may be making it again. With eight in the family, we sure enjoy alot of birthday cakes! We are thrilled that Duke is a part of our family! He is a blessing. He loves to be with his Dad & he looks for him immediately upon waking up in the morning. Wherever Dad goes, he desires to go. Whatever Dad has, he desires to have. Whatever Dad does, he desires to do. :-) Happy Birthday Duke!!

Spring Recital 2006

Drum, Dime, and Deer did very well at their Spring Recital. We were so pleased with their efforts. Congratulations, Kiddos!!

Guess What?!

We are expecting a new baby!! Jan, 22. The other kids are thrilled and so excited. Dessert was wanting to feel the baby kick last night as he has fond memories of his Aunt D. letting him feel her tummy with the baby inside. We let him know he'd need to wait awhile. :-)

Spring Show

T

Last night we had our homeschool Spring Show. I was an exhausted, proud mom by the time the evening was over. I thought the kids did very well! I thought my camera was out of batteries so didn't get it out til later, and then only to turn it on and snap a quick picture of the whole group. (The group that was there, not all in the homeschool group participated.) It ended up that it did have enough battery for a number of pictures so I'll share a few. I don't have any digital photos of each individual event they did, but G & G took a few regular photos. :-) Someday I'll have to learn how to use the scanner that I think is in our printer. I can't believe I'm old enough to have kids doing all this stuff.

Dunk Got a Job!!! and Miscellaneous News

It is only for 7 days and is with the boiler maker's union but we are thrilled. It will be 10 hr. days, working on Saturday as well. We will miss seeing him most of the day for a week but we will all be thrilled with the paycheck. There is always the hope that it will lead into other jobs. Only part I don't like about his working is that he commutes. At least this is in the N. metro and his drive is only an hour one way.

Other news: Duke offically swam - well, for one day at least. He did absolutely fantastic at his first swim lesson and from there on it was down hill. Technically he can swim! He just doesn't believe in letting go of the edge of the pool. He freaks out about not being able to touch. He must have forgot to freak out at his first lesson and then thinking about it during the week decided it was crazy to be so daring. Watching Dessert doesn't seem to help a bit. I have to keep reminding myself that it is ok if he doesn't swim as fast as the others.

Dessert is doing wonderful and loving the water and swiming. He loves to get dive toys and kick with the kick board. He hasn't mastered how to get himself to the bottom of the pool so when he wants to get dive toys, I have to stand next to him and give him a shove to the bottom after he takes a breath. He showed Gma W how he does it and I don't think she breathed either until he came up. Then she was breathing way too deep!

The others are doing well working on their skills. They have been working on their diving like their cousin, Baba. (see www.cartoonliving.typepad.com) They haven't been brave enough to try out all his skills - although that might be to their advantage. :-) Hopefully he will heal up quickly! I plan to make sure Dime hears his story to help curb his appetite for glory. Guts before beauty, I guess. :-) (The boys go for guts before beauty - just had to explain my comment)

We mowed our lawn for the first time last week. I can't believe it is already lawn mowing time. The kids are thrilled to get to use the power equipment! Dime is begging to be able to use the riding mower this year. We will see.... :-) Hope he doesn't keep his fingers crossed. The frogs and turtles have been out in full swing and keeping up a nightly chorus except for the nights that have been closer to freezing.

John Deere (Duke's bunny) had her babies but we are sad to report that none of the made it. I think she got her mommy skills messed up with her first litter that we didn't know about. Charlie's babies are doing fantastic and soooo adorable. I'm tempted to let her have another litter..... We will see....

We got to take a field trip to Subway the other day! The kids really enjoyed getting to see the back of the counter and getting to see the inner working of a Subway. Dot realized that working at Subway meant more than just making sandwiches. They also enjoyed getting to see where their adult friend works. Thanks, Friend!

Dunk, Dot, and Drum have been attending Firearm Safety classes the last two weeks. Tonight is their test and if you think of them, you could send a prayer their direction. :-) Saturday is their field day. Hopefully Gpa W will be taking them as Dunk will be working and miss it and I would rather not take the little ones there.

Today is another field trip. We are going to see the play done by a local Christian school, Helen Keller. The kids know a number of the kids in the play and we are so excited about this opportunity!!

Friday night is the annual homeschool Spring Show. This is our first year being in it as we just joined this group this past year. (We have been to others to see friends performing.) Dot is doing a ballet dance with a friend, Drum is playing the piano, Dime is playing the trumpet, Deer is playing the flute, Duke is doing a Chatechism recitation, Dessert is singing a short song with sign language, and the five older ones are reciting Psalm 27 with sign language. Despite working on the verse for over two months we got a little late in learning the sign to go with it so if you think of us, please pray that goes well on Friday. Also, pray Duke, who knows his stuff so well, doesn't go blank in front of everyone. I would love for him to have a positive experience at his age. He wiggles and giggles when I get him to practice at home with a play ladder for a microphone.

Better run... Gotta get those kids rollin'