Jesus Christ is Born!!!

Merry Christmas!!

We sure enjoyed our Christmas week!

Tuesday, we celebrated our dear daughter's birthday!

She enjoyed her ice-skates cake, and had fun with both sets of Grandparents.

Grandma and Grandpa K

Grandma and Grandpa W

The girls in the family.
We took pictures of all the kids together. We either had too happy, everyone looking everywhere, or blurry from rushing the camera because everyone was looking just right. I decided to post a "looking everywhere" shot. Deer's cake whited out with the flash.

Wednesday, we celebrated Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa W, and Uncle B & Aunt S. We opened presents first, and then ate. We found the younger kids much more relaxed for supper, as there was no hurry to eat quick for opening presents. Then we visited away the evening. The older kids learned magic tricks from Uncle B, the rest played, visited, and ate cookies. We ended with a family photo of all of us!! We thought it turned out pretty good for setting the camera on a bunch of books, and my dh running back to get in the picture.

Christmas morning we enjoyed at home. The kids did their stockings, and then opened gifts from us and each other. Dh read the Christmas story from Luke, and then we had sausage and crepes for breakfast. We played around and relaxed for awhile, then got cleaned up for friends who came over about 3:00pm. The kids went sledding, while the men did a project (we were having trouble with ice on the roof), and the women watched Darling and visited. We ended the evening playing a loud game of Catch Phrase. :-)

Friday we headed over to my folks for Christmas celebrations with my brothers and their families. We had a great time!! My brother brought his snowmobiles, and the kids had a grand day, in the 32+ degree weather, riding and playing outside. It was fun to visit with family. We couldn't believe, with all the cameras there, that we forgot to take a family picture with everyone. The kids were just so happy playing outside, we forgot to herd them in and line them up. Dad got pictures as we were sitting down to eat. The big kids table gave a rounding toast after prayer. The little kids table was so cute!! We had a type of tenderloin steaks, homemade scalloped spuds, and cooked sweetened carrots, etc. Soooo good! My brothers marinated and barbequed the meat. They could start a restaurant for the precision in cooking and the flavor in the results. Dot gave out her poem books she made. They were a hit, with friends and relatives commenting on how well she did, and how professional they look. She did them through Shutterfly online. I hope to share some of the poems every so often.

Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, we have been recouping. I came down with a bad chest cold and voice box cold. I needed ib's until today. I haven't wanted to do a thing, but rest and survive (which means doing some of the laundry and dishes). Several of the kids have had it, but not as bad as Mom. Figures. Darling has a smaller case of it as well. She's been tired. I still have a bad cough, but I'm on the mend. If I head out today, it will be to get kleenex.

We are looking forward to New Year's Eve with friends and then resting up for the start of school. It feels like I rest up to take a big breath, and then try to let it out slowly, so I can make it all the way to the end of school. :-) Actually, the more we take a break of it, the more we are ready to hit it in January.

On Bethlehem's Nightsong

The music of the nighttime,

Does come surround me now;

Picks me up and carries me,

As I wonder.

I now see the manger,

It's coming into view!

And now I see dear Mary,

And there is Joseph too!

They're sitting on a dirt floor,

They don't look very nice.

The stable's also dirty,

I'm sure there must be mice.

But it doesn't seem to matter

As the two stare at the crib.

The realization of who this is -

God will wear a bib!

And I am whisked away again,

On twinkly, cheering sound.

I see a great angel,

And shepherds on the ground.

They look on in terror,

I look on and smile.

They will see their Savior,

In just a little while.

And then I see a palace,

Adorned in gold and white.

And inside sleeps King Herod,

Unsuspecting of the night.

And then, of course, I see rich men,

Staring at the sky.

Wide eyes behold a brilliant star,

I hear a joyful sigh.

Indeed this was the night, I think,

The greatest night of all.

How many knew in this child's hand

The nations rise and fall?

This miracle sometimes does seem,

A worn-out, common thing.

But we need to see again,

To ride the music's strings.

To venture into Bethlehem,

And even lands afar,

To see this not-so-common thing,

A baby in a barn.

That night few knew the weight of the

Significance of it.

But truly there is more to see,

On the nightsong I will see it.

By my eldest daughter

Christmas Sunday

Sunday morning dawned crisp and cold! 30 below windshield, so I heard. We started the car early, and made it to church. During the offeratory, Dot played with her girlfriend "Silent Night." They did a beautiful job. :-) (If my girlfriend from Texas reads this, no, even this Sunday, I did not wear a hat or gloves to church. :-) But they were in my coatpockets.)

After church, Dot and Darling got ahold of the Pastor's baby at church. I think this was one of Darling's highlights of the year! A baby!! In her arms!! Oh, the joy! and Oh, the misery! when we left. She cried alot of the way home about leaving the baby. Only the promises, that we might see the baby later at the Christmas play, stemmed the tide of mournful entreaties to go back to "Baby!"

Of course, we had to take a few other pictures with the girls. :-)

Deer was Elizabeth in the Christmas Play this year.

Deer is under the left wreath, slightly behind the shepherd in green.

She was playing charades with Zachariah to find out what happened in the temple. They did a great job. Don't you love Zachariah's full beard! :-)

Duke and Dessert weren't in the play this year. They just don't like doing it, and I guess my dh and I are getting old enough that we don't want to fight with them to participate. They really enjoyed watching it!

I can hardly believe it is Christmas week already. I'm feeling alot more ready for Christmas. I just have alot of baking to do. Dh and I did our annual mini shopping trip. I usually do most of the shopping, but we do one supper out and shopping trip to do some together. I love it!!

Too busy?

I've been having "too busy moments" lately. You know, those stress things that come out - like an eye twitch, headache, milk fever, or can't find the right word because the mind's too full, etc.

Well, the other day I was talking to Dot's orthodontist receptionist. We were changing a date and time, so she restated the info at the end of the conversation.
I replied, "Yep, sounds awful!" in a cheerful voice. Then, "ah.., I mean.., Great!"
We both hung up laughing.

Thank You for Mercy!!

The Lord is so faithful! The last couple of mornings, the Lord has awaken me just in the right time. This morning, Dot had a big test in town. I'm not sure if she forgot to set her alarm, or what, but I woke up in time to start the car, make her breakfast, get her directions, and get her out the door in 8 minutes! She had awaken just minutes before I did. PTL - despite our human failings, He shows mercy. It helps remind me to show mercy to my kids when they forget something or act as "kids."

Please pray she does ok on the test. She was NOT happy about going today. Her weeks lately have been very busy. She's had a number of big projects due, and been occasionally a pill to live with because of her stress level. :-) She finished another of her big projects last night, so there is hope for both of us. lol. Now to get through the her next couple of busy days.

I find it so funny that on Thursday I'm busy and she's not. She is not happy about Thursdays schedule?!! Why?!! Because she doesn't like it when everyone's gone. Even though she's just in her room working on stuff, she likes it and thinks best when everyone's home and around downstairs. lol!! I couldn't believe what she is saying! :-) That's what home schooling does for you, makes you bonded! :-)

Goofing Around with the Camera

Tonight I've been bugging my family with my new camera. It is so fun! :-)

Dessert's recent addiction. He usually only gets to play when I'm gone. So all day today (when we've been home) he's been begging for me to go somewhere. He complained that everytime I was gone, he was gone too. We went today to a church family reunion, from the church I grew up with. We were all gone all afternoon. So I finally gave him 20 minutes. I caved, but he loves me. :-)

The promised picture of my birthday drum set. (from September)

Here are the kids goofing around and trying new flavors of Jelly Belly's.

Our Christmas stockings hung from the archway with care.

My dh wasn't immune from my camera attack.

Even Kip couldn't escape the camera.

Or Darling. lol. :-)

Why does Dime want to save all these bottles? I just don't get it. I keep trying to make him throw them away. They are up to 3 months old.

Darling told me she is petting the candy.


From Uncle P. - A HUGE spud, and a Jelly Belly

That's all, folks!

Belated Birthday Present!!!

I'm so excited!!!!!!!
Can you guess!!!!!
I got a camera for my birthday!!!!
From my brother!!!!!
Yesterday, my sweet brother took me out for lunch and shopping. We visited over an authentic Mexican meal, and then had fun touring several shops. The camera is cobalt blue!!!! My favorite color!!!! and is a great, simple point-and-shoot, just like I wanted. He also sent a bunch of treats and goodies home for the kids. They were spazzed, like it was already Christmas Eve. :-)

I've been really busy helping Dot with her project for Christmas. I am so, so excited about it. I can't say anything, because family occasionally read my blog. (Hi Dad, I have a secret! You don't know! I won't tell you!) It is going to be my favorite Christmas present.

Christmas Party at Speech

Last night was a blast!!
We usually have a casual Christmas party for speech, but this year, the speech teachers decided to have a formal event with the older kids giving dinner speeches. I really questioned the whole "formal" thing, but it was awesome!!

When we arrived, they had decorated the tables with simple decorations and candles. The dinner speakers had a head table with a podium. We all brought fancy snacks, which went on a candle-lit, decorated food table. We all made it dressed up, despite last minute panics when Dime & Duke's dress pants didn't fit - oops.

I had arranged for Drum's - I knew he grew! Dime wore Drum's old ones- which fit perfect. For Duke, I finally found a pair someone had given me. They were perfect, and I had a top to match! PTL - He was aware of those details, which could have been a disaster. Jeans were definitely not an option for tonight.

Dot and her friend were up first. Each of the 5 speakers, had a junior speaker introduce them. Each speaker was a different person from "history" in character. Dot's friend was Little Red Riding Hood, so Dot was Grandma. She did fantastic!!! She borrowed my sweater (boy, did that make me feel weird - my sweater as a granny sweater!) and a cane, and pulled it off so well. They ended with a short rap, from the Hood, complete with sunglasses. It was a hoot!

We were visited by Red Riding Hood, Queen Esther, Paul Bunyan, Ann Coulter, and Professor Harold Hill from the Music Man. Each student had written his own speech, and they were just AWESOME!! I wish I could share them all. I was also impressed that each one spoke and/or closed with point to take home. It totally fit with their character and was so good!

Paul Bunyan did an anti-environmentalist speech about trees. Just so funny! He closed with washing his hands on the group, and drying them with a paper towel. "If God made planks in trees, than it is right that we should take them out and build houses with them." (maybe not exact quote) He had so many good lines; I wished I had a copy of his speech.

We left Dessert and Darling with Dunk's folks. I felt bad they couldn't come, but it meant I got to hear my daughter's intro without worrying I'd be in the hallway with Darling. Both kids had a great evening with Papa and Grandma, and we really enjoyed our event. I'm hoping to get a copy of the video to share with them. My Mom was able to come, and she enjoyed it as well. It was fun to visit. :-)

They had the other speech club students provide the special music for the event. Very nice! Dime and his best friend (he has the same name - two peas in a pod) did a song. His friend played the electric guitar, while Dime sang - Our God is an Awesome God. He did very well! They had a little blond headed boy come up and watch them - about 7 inches from their knees! :-) So cute! Their first groupie. lol. I was so proud of my kids, and thankful for such an awesome speech club!

Drum was supposed to play a piece on the piano for the event, but had to bow out with his broken humerus. Yesterday, we went to the orthopedic Dr. We found out Drum's humerus is already starting to heal and the Dr. says he can take off his sling for Christmas or anytime after that he is comfortable with it. Wow!! Drum was very happy about that!

I was NOT happy with finding out that I have shin splints on both shins. My right is the worst. The Dr. said no jogging for 4-6 weeks. Bummer!!!! How am I supposed to get in shape if my body won't keep up with me!!!! I asked if I could just wrap them and keep jogging. Nope, won't help and eventually they will fully fracture and I will be off of them for 6-8 months not 4-6 weeks. ..Oh, ..ok. I guess that is why, when debating whether to jog the other morning (because they had hurt so bad on Monday that I quit before finishing), I flipped a coin and it came out tails - no jog. God knew I needed to keep off. I sure wish He could just heal the shins, but I guess He's got different plans.

Christmas Party at CAP

Last night we had our annual Christmas party at CAP. The boys were picked up early to go do bell ringing at Cub. Then we joined them later for a potluck. I made a hotdish, but on my way out the door, the handle on my crock pot broke off. The whole, huge pot went down in slow motion and spilled all over the front porch. We were able to save a 1/4 of it in the pot, plus about 1/4 off the top that was ok.

Because of the bad roads last night, we ended leaving Duke, Dessert, and Darling home with Dot. This meant only Deer, and the two older boys were there. My dh and I had a great night!! :-) No little ones to run after and keep track of. No small boys to ask a million questions, like when are we going, and can I have another pop. We actually had conversations with other adults - more than one in fact!! I could get into Christmas parties like this. :-) (Don't get me wrong - I love my kiddos, but wow it is nice to talk with adults without moving like on a tilt-o-wheel.)

One more Christmas party this week on Thursday. I'm really considering leaving more kids behind. :-) Problem is, this time Dot is one of the speakers at the party, so no great babysitter at home. Last night she played with them, wrestled, and made cookies with them. Picture making cookies with Darling on the counter, and two boys wanting to get this or that and put it in the mixer. It's a busy job! She then read to the boys, after we got home and took Darling up to bed. She is such a great babysitter!

Here she is the other night, putting together taco dip with "help" from Darling. It was so sweet, so I made them stay there while I got Dot's camera to take a picture even though they were all done.

I found this picture on Dot's camera. She must have been reading to Darling on her bed. Don't you wish you had a great big sister like this?!

Sometimes, when I'm sure that tomorrow I'm going to send my kids to public school, (well, some of them anyway. :-), I think about these moments and more, that probably wouldn't happen, or would be much fewer and farther between. I should have some pictures with the other kids with Darling. Dime loves to take her outside, and Drum reads to her. Just so precious. I think of the relationships they are building with each other, and the good prep for fatherhood and motherhood, when they spend time with Darling.

When the Soul Mends - Book Review

This is book three in the "Sisters of the Quilt" series, but stands alone as a good book! The details of the other books, that are needed in this book, are introduced so well, that you don't feel like you are reading the synopsis of other books.


Hannah Lapp left her Amish roots on tenuous grounds two and a half years earlier. Going to live with her Aunt Zabeth in Ohio, who helps her through the complexities of joining an English world, gives her needed understanding and love. Only 17 at the time, she starts a new life for herself. She got some counseling, is going to school for nursing, met a wonderful man, Martin Palmer, and is helping him with his niece and nephew (whom he acquired from his sister).

One day she is contacted by her sister back in Owl's Perch, Pennsylvania. Her brother has had a serious accident in a fire - will she come home? She leaves her base in Ohio, and heads out to return to her childhood home. Her brother's friend has died in the fire, and he is heartbroken, struggling to decide how to move on. She realizes her sister, Sarah, is in desperate need of counseling and help for her mental condition. And how did Sarah know how to contact her? What will her former fiance, Paul, say when she sees him? How will she cope with the complexities and hidden truths that now face her back in Owl's Perch?


Will she choose the Englischer world and the man who restored her hope, or will she heed the call to return to the Plain Life—and perhaps to her first love?



Author Bio: Cindy Woodsmall is a best-selling author, who has garnered strong praise for the first two novels in the Sisters of the Quilt series. When the Heart Cries was a finalist for the ECPA Novel of the Year in 2007 and received the Reviewer’s Choice Award from the Road to Romance website. When the Morning Comes was named among the Best Books of 2007 for Crossings Book Club. Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband of thirty years.


Having spent some time among the Amish while studying midwifery, I thoroughly enjoy reading books about the plain life. It brings back memories. They have hopes and dreams, ups and downs, and they enjoy life and each other. I watched a friend as she and her husband became Christians and were ostracized from their community. It brought new meaning to leaving family for the Lord.


If you would like to enjoy reading this great book, leave a comment by December 17th, and I'll get it to the winner in time for Christmas break. :-)

Never Boring Over Here

Well, it's never really quiet over here. The week has been flying by. Usually most days during the week, all I have time for is to get each child through their school assignments for the day, do laundry, work on meals, and sometimes I take time to breathe slowly in and out - in a bathroom, with the door locked, sometimes even in the dark - maybe I should try earplugs in there, hmm....

But some days, I guess that's not enough work for me. Yesterday I thought I was going to have a few extra minutes in my day. School had started early because we leave for special classes at 7:30, which gets everyone up and going strong. In the afternoon, I got a phone call that reminded me that they wanted my dh to speak on etiquette for men (boys) at speech club.

So, since I had a few extra minutes, I helped him out by researching and writing a speech for him. As I was putting the finishing details on it, Duke came and told me Drum was really hurt.

Yep, he was. I got him off the ice and in the house. My Dad was due over in 30 minutes, PTL for timing. He ended up getting called for a case at the hospital, so Drum and I went with him, while Dunk, Dot, and Dime headed to speech. My dear in-laws came to watch the others.

End result was: Drum broke his proximal humerus. (humerus=upper arm bone, -proximal meaning closest to the body. The antonym of that being distal - farthest away from the body. Medical speak) We spent almost 3 hours at the ER to get a bunch of x-rays, an arm support thingy (not medical speak), and the news to see the orthopedic Dr. in the morning.

So, I was exhausted last night, looking so forward to a good night's sleep, before a busy day tomorrow. Dear, sweet Darling woke up at 4:30!!!!!!! She flipped and flopped! Wanted water, a book, milk, nursing, etc. She watched Daddy get up for work. I finally got up and made her oatmeal. I think with all that went on last night, she didn't get enough supper to take her the whole night. She ate the whole bowl clean. Then we read books til she was sleepy enough to go back to sleep. (about 7:15) Then I can't get back to sleep, so I'm letting y'all know my happenings. I really better get out the door for exercise, then cleaned up to take Drum in. I think I'm going to buy a coke today - because, like my son Dime said, that's what they invented pop for!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday! It was restful and interesting and fun. :-) I certainly have a ton to be thankful for, which I passed on to God while I was jogging one morning. Maybe I'll do a post on that another time.

Wednesday we went grocery shopping, then Dot and her friend made pie crusts, while we all helped fill them. We made pumpkin, 3 pecan, blueberry, lemon meringue, and custard. We ate some that night with Dunk's folks. We brought the rest to my folks on Thanksgiving Day to join the pies my Mom had made.

Thursday it sure was fun to have time with family and eat my Mom's delicious food! :-) We were all appropriately stuffed. In the afternoon we took a hike on the property. The weather was gorgeous. Sunny and not too cold. The kids rode the tractor around, played soccer, hiked all over, and had a blast. After supper, my Mom gave the youngest two a bath, and then we loaded up for the ride home. BUT, my 4 boys stayed with their grandparents! :-) They were so excited to not have to go home and get to drag out the fun. We took the girls home and watched a movie in peace and quiet. Darling quickly fell asleep, so I got to really enjoy the movie and my dh's popcorn.

Friday Darling had a Dr. checkup. Her lungs are tons better. We'll have to keep working on her iron levels. Last night I put some molasses in milk with chocolate flavoring to hide it. She drank it right up. I will try that again! The boys came home in the afternoon, and we put up the Christmas tree!! We had a nice supper together. (Well, if one forgets that everyone was starting to get a 'little' crabby from all the fun. :-) We are a 'real' family after all.)

Saturday we had a quiet day at home. Dunk had a service call, so we hung out and putzed on 'stuff'. I had an incredible amount of laundry. Still do!! In the afternoon, Dh and I spent an hour and a half looking for our missing items. We found Duke's unicycle, the missing craft tub, but NO SKATES. We are so bummed, but trying not to mourn about just skates, and start the process of getting some new ones. Hopefully someone will have brought some to Goodwill.
In the evening we decided to run to Wal-mart. Poor Drum reminded me he does not plan to wear his black shoes, no matter what, on Monday, because they are so small. They've been too small for so long, but we keep forgetting. He remembered!! on Saturday not Monday!! lol :-) So we went shoe shopping. We found some he was thrilled with, and some other clothes for the growing kid.
On the way home, our dd Dot called. She and Dime had hit a deer!!! They were on the way home from a birthday party and friend's house and were surprised by a deer. After meeting with the policeman, we decided to take the deer (no one got one hunting this year). So, the boys had the job of getting it home, gutting it, and hanging it up. Poor Darling, she was so excited to see the deer, and then could hardly grasp what they were doing to it!! The next day she kept pointing at the deer out the window sadly saying, "Deer hanging." I had to distract her. :-)

After church Sunday, my folks brought the turkey leftovers!! We had lunch, then my Mom and I decided to do some shopping, while Dunk and the boys skinned and cut up the deer. Dime ended up doing 90% of the project, because he was loving it! (Boys) I found new black slacks for Christmas, a pair of jeans (so I now have 2 pair!!), and a couple tops. My most exciting find was a one-piece snowsuit for Darling!!! We decided to check "Once Upon a Child", and there was just one there, and it was her size - 3T! PTL. It fits her to a T.

Monday - we are all sad for the end to a great long weekend. The laundry is piled so high!! and no one wants to start school, but here we go.... :-)

Missing!!

Last year we could not find our family's skates. As a family of 9, with some extra for changing sizes, or figure vs. hockey, that is alot of skates! It wasn't a great year for skating last year, so we managed to avoid ice-skating, thinking they just had to turn up in the summer. Well, we have looked and looked. We've offered rewards. We don't know where to look anymore, and NO SKATES!!

We also realized the craft tub is missing. It held odds and ends of craft projects. Great for a rainy day fun creating. We kept it out in the studio (when we weren't using it). We cleaned up the studio this summer, and now it's GONE!

The kids wanted to go to unicycle club the other week, so they went to dig out their unicycles. We can't find Duke's!! The kids have turned the place upside down looking for it. LOST!!

The skates and unicycle are not items easily replaced. PLEASE, pray we find them.
Thanks!!

A Poem by Dot about Darling

Toddler Territory
I've got baby books scattered across my floor,
And somehow she always wants more.
My brother carries her to her room,
And suddenly I hear a boom!
Something crashes, but what can I say?
It's toddler territory - she's on her way!
If you're busy - better run!
But if you're not, then have some fun!
Here on the floor - come play with her!
Oft reading books she would prefer.
But sometimes you can dance and sing!
And when you're done she'll yell 'gain!
''Keep Going" she once told me.
I love her kisses - oh so sweet!
She's cubby, soft, and full of spice,
To season all our grown-up lives.
Hug a toddler, make them laugh!
-You'll find your 'stressures' cut in half!

Big Sisters are so special!!
PS. I took some meds starting yesterday, so now am much better. Hoping to keep improving over the next few days. :-)

What a weekend

What a weekend. I am so tired and tired of feeling achey! Darling is getting so much better, just a cough left. Now I'm the one with the Milk Fever. I'd think Darling would be too old for me to get this kinda thing, but... Everytime I get serious with my jogging, this is what happens. I get a chest cold, or the Milk Fever (aka breast infection). Not much else new here. I hope to be back up and running for the week. I'm looking so forward to a two day school week!
We plan (Lord willing) to put our tree on Friday, and I hope to maybe start some cookie baking. One year I had the baking done before the 10th of December. As a family, we so enjoyed having a tray of cookies every evening with candles. Really stretched out the holidays. Would love to do that again, but doubt I can do it. We did it a year when we started homeschooling in August and took the whole month of December off. Very nice.
Darling was so sad and funny. She had a couple medicines to take for a few days. Eventually when I set the medicines out again - she said, "Hide! Wun Away!!" She's been talking so much more. She also jumped with two feet. I was amazed. Probably from jumping on the trampoline during the summer. Her hair is starting to grow in. Yeah!!

My Mother's Wish - Book Review

"It's the 1960's Midwest, and Ellee Crumb McKutcheon wants to change the world, starting with her mother, but she's having trouble even getting her teachers to know her real name. So Elle sits at the Comeback Cafe, her broken heart lying there on the table, when a three-armed waitress and a quirky stranger show up and hand her back the pieces."

My Mother's Wish is about a teenager and her girlhood wish to be called Ellee not Eleanor. It is about her desire to be recognized for the person she is, not who her mother wishes she was. On Christmas Eve, the miracle happens and begins a new life for Ellee.

Author Bio:
Jerry Camery-Hoggatt, Ph.D., is professor of New Testament at Vanguard University, in Costa Mesa, California. A professional storyteller, he is the author of the highly-acclaimed Christmas stories When Mother Was Eleven-Foot-Four (in trade adult and children’s picture book editions) and Givers of Gifts; plus Irony in Mark’s Gospel and Grapevine: A Spirituality of Gossip. His passion is theology and storytelling, which he believes are meant to go together. Jerry and his wife, Shaleen, are the parents of three children.

To purchase the book online, check out:
- http://www.amazon.com/
- http://www.christianbook.com/
- http://www.familychristian.com/

Or feel free to leave a comment before Nov. 24th for your own copy of this book.

Saturday Ramblings

The boys have been hunting all week to no avail. :-( Please pray they are blessed with a deer, so that they would get to have that experience, and we would have meat in the freezer. I'm delaying my walk/jog so that I don't disturb the deer.

Darling sure enjoys our cat, Kip. Kip is generally very patient with her "loving." :-)

I still spend time nursing Darling. She likes to catch a snack and exercise at the same time. :-) Silly Girl!!

Our faucet was having trouble and then gave up on us. My dh rigged it until it could be fixed properly. How gorgeous was this? My dear father-in-law put in the new faucet. Yeah!!

I've been working on a new set of stockings for Darling for Christmas. They are so easy and cute!! :-) I almost have ten done.

I wish it was as cheap and easy to make a gift for the teenagers in our family. Dessert says he wouldn't mind a pair, but I told him only girls wear lace on their socks. He was kinda bummed, but too boy and grown-up at 6 to admit he'd take a pair anyway.

The boys are in, out I go...

What I have to look forward to..

Last week my Dad had a crown break off. He went to the dentist to get it fixed. When they did the x-ray, they discovered he had an abcess in the tooth next to it. They couldn't believe he didn't feel any serious pain yet. Was just a little sore. So he made an appointment for another root canal. Bummer! He was on call the day of the procedure, but everything was quiet. He gets there, they give him the shot (in the roof of the mouth, the worst place, if you don't know), and he waits for it to totally numb up.

The Dr. comes back and Dad's beeper goes off. They all of a sudden need a third guy at the hospital! He has to head out with his mouth numb, and no fixed tooth. Real Bummer!! Now he has to go through it all again....

I have teeth like my Dad's. I've had my second root canal this fall, and need a bridge (but can't afford it right now). I'm not looking forward to my dental days ahead, but compared to getting called after being numb - it could be worse!!!

Election 2008

After the election, I've been having a hard time thinking what to post.
I would have to say "Congratulations!" to the blacks in our country. As McCain said, "This is an historic election, and I recognize the special significance it has for African-Americans and the special pride that must be theirs tonight.”
As G. Bauer said in his End of the Day Report, "For any Americans who may have felt disillusioned or cynical about politics, last night’s election was truly historic, and we should take some pride in that. America has taken a major step in atoning for the national sin of slavery.
So, perhaps now radical leftwing “educators” will stop denigrating our nation and obsessing about its failures. I hope we will finally move beyond the issue of race and focus instead on the issues that matter most. I pray in the years ahead liberal politicians will stop hiding behind race and start answering for their policies. And I hope that America-haters and black supremacists, such as Jeremiah Wright, the former pastor of Barack Obama’s church, will be disavowed by the black community. "

That said, I have some personal thoughts on the election.
I am so sad for our country.
I hurt for what we are going to see happen in the first 100 days of Mr. O's presidency.
I weep for the unborn who will be murdered cruelly because he doesn't care.
I groan over the cluelessness of Christians and people who can vote for O. because of his skin color and charisma, and are so ignorant of the values he stands for.
To me, this is the ultimate of racism, to vote for someone just because of his skin color. I don't care what color he is, I just am sickened over the consequences there will be for our country.
I'm praying the Democrats are so ridiculous in how liberal they try to push our country, that in four years we will have a chance to pull back the tide. But I'm hoping that they don't get so strong, that even the liberals themselves won't be able to help change what is put in place, when they realize the liberties they've lost. I'm grateful that the Lord does still hold the whole world in His hand and that He has a home for us in a "country" where the leaders will not change, and where righteousness will prevail forever. I will enjoy the peace that comes with that knowledge.

I am encouraged by the fact that it took so much for O. to win - 700 million dollars, the media totally on his side, a recession, voter fraud, an economic crisis, and help from the radical left. All that, and it was still a relatively close election. As Gary Bauer stated, " America still remains a fundamentally conservative nation. According to the exit polls, 44% of voters identified themselves as “moderates” and 34% identified as “conservatives.” Just 22% called themselves “liberal.” We’ve clearly got a lot of work to do, but that’s a pretty good foundation for us to build upon!"

So, in lieu of wanting to just curl into a hole and worry about what will happen, I choose to join those who are going to continue to work, pray, and support those who really want to serve our country. I will work to encourage those elected officials on the local, state, and federal levels who are standing strong like pillars in a tide of liberalism. May their moorings be grounded in rock. I will work to continue to educate our children in the standings of the constitution and our conservative values, so that they will not be swayed by the jargon of the liberal agenda.

I don't know what our future holds, but I do know the One who is there in the future!

Saturday turned out a little different than planned. When the kids got home from soccer, they found out that raking started at 10 not 12. The rakers had such a great group show up, they were already done! So we had our crew home for the afternoon. Yippee!

We fed them, and then hustled them out the door to help with wood. We usually heat with corn, but with the price of corn, we want to concentrate on wood heat this year.

We did still clean up and head into church for the games and movie. The movie was "Secondhand Lions". One of our family's favorites. I found that it is not any easier at church to play games or watch a movie with Darling. I finally gave up on the movie and hung out with her in the nursery. She is so into babies!! She gathered five dolls in the nursery, and would lay on them, hugging them (when the little boy came close) saying "My babies!!"

I made it out jogging (well - walk/jogging, it'll take while to get back up to speed) and even took the time for a quick post. I had to write an e-mail, and of course since I was already on the computer.... I better get moving or I'm going to get in trouble. :-)

Saturday Morning Ramblings

The kids are off and running for a busy day. Dunk took them to their last soccer this morning. They'll get home about 11:30, and then the four oldest will be off to "Rake-the-Town" with the youth group. They'll get home from that about 5-5:30. They we are all headed to our church for a fun evening of games, snacks, and a free family movie! It'll be fun to hang out with other families at church.

Last night we took the four youngest to the "God is Greater" party at a local church. Darling had a blast at the petting zoo. I think she could have hung out there for hours. So cute!! I wish I had a camera. The kids had fun with the games, and then we came home to join the rest of the family and some friends who came over. The grownups ate and chatted while the kids ate and played. I did get to go for a walk. It is so fun to walk and talk!

Dunk did get my camera to the camera fix it store. They told him it would cost $100 to fix it. Bummer!! I bought it for only a little over that much. I guess I'll be shopping for a camera after Christmas (if I get any money - Lord willing :-)

Wednesday I finally got to talk with the Dr's nurse and get an antibiotic for Darling and I!!! I was so excited for hope in getting better. She and I are finally showing improvement. PTL. Lord willing - I get to go to church on Sunday!!

I've been on a sabbatical from jogging for at least two weeks now with my cold. I think my chest can get enough air in it again to start on Monday. I hate to have to go through the getting started process again. It is so hard to get started in a good habit.

Tuesday I went to play percussion at a community band with a friend. I had a blast and got to play the crashing cymbols. I was hoping I was playing them at the right time, as they are soooo loud! :-) I hope to join until Christmas. We'll see. It is hard to give up an evening, but it would really help with learning to play the drums and getting comfortable reading the percussion music. My friend just rattles off the rolls on the snare drum. So cool!!

My Dad gave us some buttercup squash Thursday, so yesterday I made our first fall pan of squash bars with cream cheese frosting. Yummy!!! I think I'm going to go get some for breakfast. Catch ya later....

Red Door

Our dear friends are doing well in China. They have a website up and running at http://www.reddoor.us/ Feel free to check it out and find out what God is up to through the Heddens in China.

They have an adorable picture of a Chinese baby girl in their Keyhole Monthly Newsletter. Check it out to find out a special story about her. :-)

I Love this Bumper Sticker!!

Going around on e-mail:

Bumper Sticker recently seen in Texas:

"I'll keep my freedom, my guns, and my money,
and you can keep THE CHANGE".
Vote for McCain/Palin


Don't forget to vote November 4th!!! :-)

Random Pictures

Dot took her camera up the hill and got some good shots of the boys at play.

Deer took this one.

Dime and his friend after a fishing trip.

The fall leaves have been beautiful around our place.

This tree is out our bedroom window.

Happy Fall!!

Dot's Birthday

I realized I had pictures on the computer from Dot's camera. These are a month old, but still worth posting about. Dot passed her driving test and celebrated her birthday on the same day. She and her girlfriends made pies and then had a blast hanging out.

I thought this picture was a cool idea.

Chest colds and update

I haven't been on the computer much lately. Darling and I have been sick with chest colds. After her bad chest cold as a baby, I think this is going to be what she and I deal with every winter - chest colds. I usually get chest colds in Dec and then can't get rid of them until the end of March or April. (Except for years when I've jogged the whole winter.) This year I started jogging regularly the end of Sept. - I don't want a chest cold. Darling got it first, and after getting worn down I got it too. Bummer - it's only October!!

Last year I tried the antibiotic route - and loved it!! Three sessions of antibiotics - but each time it completely cured the chest cold. I love not having a tight chest. I'm not a big cougher. I took Darling and I in on Wed to see if we could get help - Nope, haven't had it long enough - come back in 3-4 days. Well, at this point we are going back in on Monday.
Darling's cough is looser, but still about the same. She's not a big cougher, just like me, but at night if she wakes up, she coughs and coughs with the tickle. I know exactly what she feels like. After she finally gets back to sleep, my tickle sets in. Usually graham crackers settle it (I know, weird, but it works, I've tried alot of different things), but I'm out. I tried sleepy-time tea, and that has helped! I should go back to bed, but I wanted to check out friend's blogs, and then realized I really needed to update!

The Dr. at the clinic mentioned I should try this inhaler product (which one does every day all winter) and that might help preventing getting the cold in the first place. Interesting thought, but I doubt my regular Dr. would consider it. I usually don't come in, I just live with it, so there is no documentation for regular chest colds. I'm not a big fan of antibiotics. Although maybe now I am! Anyways....

Dunk still needs to drop off my camera to see if we can get it fixed. Always seems like somethings going on after work, so not a good day to take the extra time to drop it off. Hopefully next week, and hopefully it'll work and I'll get my camera back.

I haven't been playing my drums lately - mostly hanging with Darling and trying to keep up with school and life.

I made apple strudel on Wednesday. My Grandma's K's recipe. Mmmmmm soooo good! I miss her even after all these years. She would have loved Darling's chubby sweetness and soft tootsies. I miss Grandma's smell, fluffy hugs, and sweet strudel.

Drum's been playing the drums alot. He really has a knack for them, just a little too loud for us. :-) His clavicle is getting better. He had 4 baby teeth pulled on Friday. One was giving him trouble, so he was up during the night with me.

Dime and his friend spent the night in his fort. Brrrrrrr. So cold! Boys. He finally passed his test at CAP and is looking so forward to promoting in a couple weeks. He's been fishing at the bridge a couple miles from our place, and caught a number of nice northern!!

Duke's reading has really picked up!! I'm so excited for him. He still acts like it's a major chore to read - why do I need to do this, etc - but it's coming. I'm soooo grateful for our NILD instructor - Mrs. L. She's been so awesome.

Well, I think I can go back to sleep now and sleep through everyone else getting up for soccer. Only today and next week and then it is done for the year. The kids are getting so cold, but they are really bummed it will soon be over. I wish there was a place indoors, although Dunk will probably be glad he gets to sleep in on a Saturday.

Bon Appetit - A Book Review

Sandra Byrd's second book in the French Twist Series- Bon Appetit - is a fun read!!
Twenty-some year old Lexi Stuart starts her adventure in France working at a well-known, family-owned bakery in the village of Presque le Chateau. This is in exchange for attending the famous "L'Ecole du Patisserie" to become a pastry chef.
It takes awhile for Lexi to break into the culture of the French and feel at home. She meets her boss' son Philippe and his sweet-hearted, adorable child, Celine. They help her in her adjustments into life in France. Finding an English-speaking church helps her to maintain her bearings and reminds her so that she can remind others that Jesus is the Bread of Life.
I really enjoyed the quotes at the beginning of the chapters and the introduction into French culture.
"Lexi discovers that as she leans more on God the choices become a little clearer - and making them, well, c'est la vie!"
I'm already looking foward to the third book in this series, as I'm sure it will be a perfect recipe for a tasteful ending.

"Fast, fun, and packed with French culture, foodie appeal, and unique recipes readers will love accompanying Lexi on her journey in Bon Appetit as she tries to choose between two countries, two men and the faith to lean on God while savoring the surprises life brings!"

Author Bio: Best-selling author Sandra Byrd enjoys a successful career writing adult, teen, and children’s books, including the Friends for a Season, Secret Sisters series and the French Twist series, including the first Lexi Stuart novel, Let them Eat Cake. She is also a regular contributor to newspapers and magazines. Sandra lives in Washington state with her husband and two children.
This is a delicious book with an enriching message!!
Want your own copy of Bon Appetit? Leave your comment below on what are some of your favorite items to cook. I have two copies to give away!! :-) I'll randomly choose winners on October 25, 2008.

The Shape of Mercy - Book Review

As soon as I received the book, "The Shape of Mercy" by Susan Meissner, I delved into it with interest. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. This was one of those rare stories that I literally could not put down.

Main character, Lauren Durough, is a rich college girl who wants to find out what it is like to live in the working world. She pursues an education and then also chooses to take a part-time job from interesting 83 yr old Abigail Boyles. Abigail chooses Lauren just as much as Lauren chooses this job - transcribing a diary by Mercy Haworth, a victim of the Massachusetts witch trials. It was gripping to hear about the history of witch trials and how they began.

What starts out as an interesting diary to transcribe, turns into a strong interest in the girl, her life, her story, her hopes and dreams. Somehow Mercy Haworth's diary is a part in the life of Abigail Boyles, and will eventually help Lauren to "take a startling new look at her own life, including her relationships with Abigail, her college roommate, and a young man named Raul. ... Can she break free from her own perceptions and see who she really is?"

The realization Lauren had gripped me as I looked at the issue of evaluating others in a whole new way. Very powerful.

"Meissner's prose is exquisite...she is a stunning storyteller." Publishers Weekly

"Author Bio: From early school-day projects to becoming editor of a local newspaper in Minnesota, Susan Meissner’s love for writing has been apparent her entire life. The Shape of Mercy is her latest novel in a string of books that delve into the deeper issues of life. She is the author of nine novels and lives with her family in San Diego. Find out more about her at http://www.susanmeissner.com/. "

I'm so sorry to report that I forgot to rsvp that I wanted give away copies for this book. I certainly would have loved to pass this book on. I will loan it out to anyone in my area, but I really want it back to keep. :-) A great book to own or give as a gift.

Drum Surgery Update, etc. :-)

Drum had surgery Friday morning to put in two plates over his left clavicle. The surgery took about an hour and a half. Papa K was in residence. He put in Drum's IV and kept an eye on him in surgery. He's the only family member to have seen the plates in place. :-) When we got home about 5 pm, the pain wasn't too bad, but the nausea was terrible. He finally quit throwing up on Sun about noon. His stomach was still hurting on Monday, but he kept food down in small amounts. By Monday night he was eating frequently and in larger amounts. Yeah! He's sounding more and more like his chipper self. We are so thankful that he won't have to worry about breaking it again. An interesting note was that he has broken it 4 times, and I believe they were all in the month of October - three years in a row, skip a year, and then this year. It will be awhile before he's back doing push-ups, but it'll be much sooner than if there were no plates.
Dot told me she's already sick of driving for everyone, and it's only been two weeks! :-) She was just frustrated to have to go to the dentist because Drum was in no condition to go, so she had to take his place. I just smiled.
The leaves are beautiful around our place. Around the trees in the yard are carpets of fall leaves. I'm looking forward to raking when it quits raining, and I get time.
Dot and Deer get hair cuts today. Basically a good trim.
Dot had a great trip birthday shopping with her Grandma. She got new black shoes (so cute!), two skirts, a sweater, a black belt, a pretty pink necklace and earrings. They hit some great deals, and had alot of fun. Papa joined them here afterwards to check on Drum, and brought pizza!! Hurray for Grandparents! :-)
This morning it is raining so no jog for me. But now I have time for this post! :-) Thanks for the prompting fellow blogger. :-)
Update on the camera situation: I need to call the camera shop to get the number again for the place to have Dunk take it to. I never remember in the day, just late at night or early am. Someday...

Catch-Up

I thought I'd give everyone a quick update from the W Household.

• My oldest dear daughter, Dot, turned 16! Where did the time go? We celebrated her birthday as a family on Tuesday. Her brother got her "Eldest" and "Brisinger". She was ecstatic!
• After a super busy week she passed her driving test! Everyone was so booked when I went to schedule her test, we had to travel 1 1/2 hours north to be able to take the test in Sept. I was way more nervous than her. I guess I had more riding on it. :-)
• We got back and Dot had a huge party! 10 girls over for pie-baking and girly fun. We ate leftover pie all weekend.
• My camera is still on the blink.
• I bought a mp3 player with my birthday money. I'm still working on getting the music on it that I want. Plus, I found out that I am not like my kids. I can't listen and think at the same time anymore. just weird :-) I want to get music on it, so that I can listen and practice on my birthday drums!
• In my spare time, think middle of the night usually, I recently read "Ergon" and "Eldest." Sooo fun! I can't wait to read "Dresingr." I also read "The Shape of Mercy." I think I need to do a review on that. Ooops.
• Last evening Drum broke his clavicle again!!! Same side. Poor kid! We want to get it plated for him, so this doesn't keep on happening. This is the 4th time!! Something's wrong with his healing in that spot. We had it x-rayed, and they said it was all healed, but... He has been handling the pain well. I went and dug out his sling. It sure fits better than it used to. :-) We talk with the Dr. today. Speaking of which, I gotta run...

An Update!!

I'm so bummed! My camera accidentally got dropped and now I'm out for the count for picture taking. I was just wanting to take a picture of my new drum set I received for my birthday!! It is a beautiful used set, that I have so enjoyed playing on. My brothers and their families surprised me and came for the birthday party. We had a great time. I feel spoiled. :-)

I used some of my birthday money for new tennis shoes! and new chair cushions for our dining room table!! Our old ones were getting so tacky and beyond any more repair. Hooray for Kohl's 30% off coupons!! :-)

Yesterday was a big day, as we started up ballet lessons at our home again. One of my former students, who has continued her ballet education, is returning to teach in our small studio. She is so sweet and did a fantastic job on her first day! Deer is so excited about lessons, and our boys are thrilled with the sibling friends they get to play with during ballet time.

Yesterday I got to see a God-incidence. Wednesday I had an unbelievable schedule. Dot needed to be at Behind-the Wheel classes 30 min. north of our home. Dime needed to be at guitar lessons 20 min. south of our home. At approximately the same time. I was looking at possibly going to take Dot north, drive Dime south, go north to pick up Dot, take her south to join Dime for Bible Study. Way too much time in the vehicle, much less gas, four younger kids at home, etc. I couldn't change the driving lesson. Didn't think there was any way I could change the guitar lesson. Then yesterday the guitar teacher called, and he was having scheduling conflicts for Wednesday, could we change to Tuesday! PTL!!

This morning we had much the same sheduling conflict, but with no possible way of doing both, so Dot's orthodontic appt. got cancelled. Hopefully it'll work out fine. I am so thankful for the Lord seeing the big picture.

My dear husband got a job!!! in our home state!!!!!!! I feel so blessed to have him have a job and be around home. His side job is picking up a bit in the fall season, so sometimes he's home late, but at least he's HOME! Monday nights go so much smoother. Darling loves being home with Daddy, so I can take the big boys to CAP, without the stress of taking the younger ones with me, or leaving them home which gets long even with big sister Dot.

Dot is checking out a new babysitting job today. She is excited about the possibilites of regular employment at a time that works with her schedule. We are really praying about some sort of job for Drum and Dime as well. They need the money just to go to CAP events. :-) They are not super expensive, but it adds up! or should I say their wallets are getting slim to empty. :-)

Well, I should either hit the hay for an hour, or get busy with some paperwork. Darling has been up and down since 3:30 am. After Dunk got up for work, I was too awake and hungry to go back to sleep, so decided to join the computer with some left over popcorn. This is going to hit me this afternoon, but it was fun to have time for a post.

A Walk Around Our Yard

Things I noticed on my walk this morning:

• pearly dew on the grass
• perky wildflowers already up and ready for the day
• yellow sunflowers that Papa missed when he mowed
• tracks from a deer who visited our yard last night
• crocs from a child who enjoyed the tramp last night
• socks from a kid who could climb trees better in bare feet
• one of the last glimpses of the season of green, green trees and a blue, blue sky
• a woodpecker going after his breakfast
• several Canadian geese visiting while they traveled together
• busy songbirds
• a quiet house and yard looking forward to the promises of a new day :-)