What a week! and it is only Wednesday... Dh left for his out of town job on Sunday, Monday was busy like usual, Tuesday started with a talk with Dot covering stuff we needed to talk about, (between her life and mine, we almost need to schedule a time to talk), then haircuts for Dessert and Duke, then we started the ping pong game with CAP and Drum & Dime as CAP figured out when and where they were going to help with sandbagging. Trying to do school with the phone ringing and discussing options every hour was crazy! They finally finished for the day. Just after we decided they wouldn't be called out last night, we ran to Wal-Mart. Sure enough, as we were loading up for the ride home, the boys got called. We flew home, threw their stuff in the car, and scooted to the meeting place. They were so excited! They helped out last year, and enjoyed the work. One of them asked on the way, about their school work, the other told him, we are just not thinking about it until we get back. Sounded good to me! :-)
I picked up another cadet on the way home, and helped him with his two tests, so that he could be available to go on the next team. I've got to figure out, if as a senior member, I need to take those tests. By this time, I could ace them.
I don't mind busy, but I hate it when I have to make a ton of major decisions in the midst of it all, each time in less than 5 minutes. I felt exhausted last night, so I slept in. I better get moving, as my e-mail needs adjusting so I can send and receive e-mail (high on the important scale), I need to jog, I need to pay a few bills (I hope I'm not late on - Panic, panic), I need to do a book report on here, I got to figure out getting Dessert's present for his birthday on Thursday (I wish he wanted pizza for his birthday meal, and not sweet-and-sour chicken, which is good, but a ton of work.), and figure out who is going to the jazz concert on Thursday night, which we were all signed up for, but now the older boys are gone, Dh won't be home that night until late, etc...
On another note - I have so many blessings! I love this part of spring!!! The kids are loving playing outside. I put away the snow pants (so my coat closet isn't so bursting). Today looks gorgeous, and I could spend every minute out doors. Our driveway is drying out, and around the house is dry enough, that mud is no longer brought in by every kid stepping out. My husband has a job, so maybe finances will start going uphill, yeah! I'm caught up on laundry, and with 3 big guys gone, I don't have so much to do. I'm looking forward to taking Dessert shopping for his present - He's due to be spoiled. He's usually faithful with his schoolwork, and doesn't complain about it. Plus, he's been generally patient with Darling - who has been such a project lately. He's fun to spoil. His big eyes light up.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Monday, March 08, 2010
What a Weekend!
We made it through the weekend! Saturday morning the guys left at 11:15. That would include Dh, Drum, Dime, Duke, and 3 friends. They dropped Duke off at a friend's and picked up another guy. Then they headed to the CAP volleyball tournament. It was nice to get all those excited guys out of the house. :-)
I visited with a friend who had dropped off her son, and then cleaned up and headed to town. Deer and I went to the grocery store and then picked up her friend. As soon as we got home, Dot took Dessert and Darling to Papa and Grandma's house to visit their cousins. She picked up her teenage cousin and came home. Her friend arrived, and then my nephew and I loaded up all the sloppy joe mix we had been given for the Lock-In, plus a ton of other stuff, and headed to town the other direction.
We got there, and I grabbed a very, very heavy pan of sloppy joes. I carried it in a huge circle inside the college. I couldn't remember how to get to the right place!! Dh showed up and said we driving it around the back. PTL!!
We helped set up the food tables, and then I helped with registration, then helped with food serving (we had a great crew this year, and the leader was awesome at organizing us and the food), then we made sure all our registration numbers were correct. I headed out about 9:45 to pick up Dessert and Darling. They weren't exactly on the way home, so it took a bit. We got home about 11:15. I tucked them in, saw that the girl's and their friends were doing fine, and read for awhile in the peace and quiet.
The guys got in about 6 am. They all hit the hay exhausted. The past years, they have all wanted to go to church despite how much sleep they received. But this year, I couldn't get any up to go. They must have not had any naps during movies. So, the girls and I went. Dot sold jam after church and helped raise some money for her mission trip to Haiti. After lunch, the boys and their cousin headed outside. The snowboarding hill is melting, but they still got a few runs.
Dh got up in time to get ready to take the older ones to see the Skit Guys. Dh was driving and they had to be to church by 4:15. Drum, Dime, and Deer went. Dot stayed home, which was nice. We got a chance to visit a bit. My brother picked up my nephew and hung out a bit. Nice to catch up a little.
I played a lot of Farkle with Dessert, he soaked up the Mommy time. Darling played nice beside us. I made tapioca pudding for Darling (she loves it!) and then Papa and Gramma stopped down to get some and we taught Papa how to play. Darling and Gramma hung out with books and coloring crayons. Dh and the kids got home about 10:30 or so. It was nice to hit the hay!! I think it'll take a few days for everyone to catch up on their sleep. Just another weekend. :-)
I visited with a friend who had dropped off her son, and then cleaned up and headed to town. Deer and I went to the grocery store and then picked up her friend. As soon as we got home, Dot took Dessert and Darling to Papa and Grandma's house to visit their cousins. She picked up her teenage cousin and came home. Her friend arrived, and then my nephew and I loaded up all the sloppy joe mix we had been given for the Lock-In, plus a ton of other stuff, and headed to town the other direction.
We got there, and I grabbed a very, very heavy pan of sloppy joes. I carried it in a huge circle inside the college. I couldn't remember how to get to the right place!! Dh showed up and said we driving it around the back. PTL!!
We helped set up the food tables, and then I helped with registration, then helped with food serving (we had a great crew this year, and the leader was awesome at organizing us and the food), then we made sure all our registration numbers were correct. I headed out about 9:45 to pick up Dessert and Darling. They weren't exactly on the way home, so it took a bit. We got home about 11:15. I tucked them in, saw that the girl's and their friends were doing fine, and read for awhile in the peace and quiet.
The guys got in about 6 am. They all hit the hay exhausted. The past years, they have all wanted to go to church despite how much sleep they received. But this year, I couldn't get any up to go. They must have not had any naps during movies. So, the girls and I went. Dot sold jam after church and helped raise some money for her mission trip to Haiti. After lunch, the boys and their cousin headed outside. The snowboarding hill is melting, but they still got a few runs.
Dh got up in time to get ready to take the older ones to see the Skit Guys. Dh was driving and they had to be to church by 4:15. Drum, Dime, and Deer went. Dot stayed home, which was nice. We got a chance to visit a bit. My brother picked up my nephew and hung out a bit. Nice to catch up a little.
I played a lot of Farkle with Dessert, he soaked up the Mommy time. Darling played nice beside us. I made tapioca pudding for Darling (she loves it!) and then Papa and Gramma stopped down to get some and we taught Papa how to play. Darling and Gramma hung out with books and coloring crayons. Dh and the kids got home about 10:30 or so. It was nice to hit the hay!! I think it'll take a few days for everyone to catch up on their sleep. Just another weekend. :-)
Sunday, March 07, 2010
She Holds Her Own
Darling is a very independent sweetie, who knows exactly what she wants, and when.
Not that she always gets what she wants, when she wants it. But, one of my parenting mantras is, "If you can say "yes", say it, you have to say "no" often enough anyway."
But, anyways, I digress.
The other day, Dime rubbed Darling's head in passing, while she sat at the table.
She turned around, gave him the look (that she has already perfected at 3), and fumed, "How DARE you touch my hair!"
We just looked at each other over her head and grinned (as soon as she couldn't see us). This is typical Darling.
She is very much a woman, she can change her mind from one minute to the next and with determined fervor. She speaks clearly and distinctly except for the "s" in her words, and she also tends to speak LOUDLY.
One day I was sitting next to her in the car, and I thought I was going to go deaf, before we arrived at our destination. She was happy and busy sharing her views, but my ears were suffering. I've tried to mention talking quieter, but it's hard explaining an "inside voice" to a 3 yr. old, especially when she's really not interested.
Papa W. has commented a few times, how clearly she speaks.
I wonder if it is the volume that makes him mention it. He's deaf in one ear.
Not that she always gets what she wants, when she wants it. But, one of my parenting mantras is, "If you can say "yes", say it, you have to say "no" often enough anyway."
But, anyways, I digress.
The other day, Dime rubbed Darling's head in passing, while she sat at the table.
She turned around, gave him the look (that she has already perfected at 3), and fumed, "How DARE you touch my hair!"
We just looked at each other over her head and grinned (as soon as she couldn't see us). This is typical Darling.
She is very much a woman, she can change her mind from one minute to the next and with determined fervor. She speaks clearly and distinctly except for the "s" in her words, and she also tends to speak LOUDLY.
One day I was sitting next to her in the car, and I thought I was going to go deaf, before we arrived at our destination. She was happy and busy sharing her views, but my ears were suffering. I've tried to mention talking quieter, but it's hard explaining an "inside voice" to a 3 yr. old, especially when she's really not interested.
Papa W. has commented a few times, how clearly she speaks.
I wonder if it is the volume that makes him mention it. He's deaf in one ear.
Friday, March 05, 2010
Tickets update
Well, after two hard days of work, we've sold 23 out of 50 movie ticket coupons. Hmmm... I'm not planning on ordering 100 more. I got burned out last week, so this week I'm just doing what I need to. We'll get back on the band wagon next week, and work to sell the rest of them. Whew!
The CAP Lock-In is coming up this weekend, and boy will it be busy!! I'm excited about what we were able to fund-raise. Next year, I plan to start a month earlier, but notice at least I'm saying next year. It wasn't so bad as to not want to do it ever again. :-) Well, working with friends makes it a lot more fun. :-) We have a busy Saturday through Sunday morning, and then we'll wrap up that project for the year. It'll probably be pretty quiet at our place on Sunday. :-)
I've been running later in the day lately. It is just so gorgeous outside!! I love it. I've been stomping around at the snow in front of the house, so that it goes away faster. Helping spring along. :-) I can just smell that fresh grass a comin'. Lawnmower - here I come!!
We are starting to wrap up a couple books in school for the year. Although this is the time of year, I worry about what I didn't get covered this year, but don't really care, as I'm too tired to do more than worry about it. Always a "next year" coming.
I'm planning on testing the beginning of April, which is different for me. I've always done the beginning of May, but this year, that will come after a week and half in TX, plus the ballet/tap recital is that week, so I realized we needed to do it earlier. I'll be glad to get that done with for the year.
I'm a little eager to see if the vision therapy we did in Aug through Nov. helped, as well as the reading program we are trying out. I would just be so encouraged by some good reading testing scores for my two older boys. The younger two are doing so much better. I'm so glad they won't have to struggle the same way the older two did. I think the vision therapy really helped them, and will make such a difference in the upcoming school years to have done this now.
The CAP Lock-In is coming up this weekend, and boy will it be busy!! I'm excited about what we were able to fund-raise. Next year, I plan to start a month earlier, but notice at least I'm saying next year. It wasn't so bad as to not want to do it ever again. :-) Well, working with friends makes it a lot more fun. :-) We have a busy Saturday through Sunday morning, and then we'll wrap up that project for the year. It'll probably be pretty quiet at our place on Sunday. :-)
I've been running later in the day lately. It is just so gorgeous outside!! I love it. I've been stomping around at the snow in front of the house, so that it goes away faster. Helping spring along. :-) I can just smell that fresh grass a comin'. Lawnmower - here I come!!
We are starting to wrap up a couple books in school for the year. Although this is the time of year, I worry about what I didn't get covered this year, but don't really care, as I'm too tired to do more than worry about it. Always a "next year" coming.
I'm planning on testing the beginning of April, which is different for me. I've always done the beginning of May, but this year, that will come after a week and half in TX, plus the ballet/tap recital is that week, so I realized we needed to do it earlier. I'll be glad to get that done with for the year.
I'm a little eager to see if the vision therapy we did in Aug through Nov. helped, as well as the reading program we are trying out. I would just be so encouraged by some good reading testing scores for my two older boys. The younger two are doing so much better. I'm so glad they won't have to struggle the same way the older two did. I think the vision therapy really helped them, and will make such a difference in the upcoming school years to have done this now.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Dog's Alive!
Yesterday, Rosie joined the land of the healthy. Her tail was busy wagging and she was running all over with the company who came over. Unbelieveable!!! If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed my kids telling me. Wednesday she only occasionally lifted her head up, hardly wagged her tail, didn't eat much. Thursday she was like herself again. Wow!! I asked a few of the kids, "Who prayed for the dog?!" Drum said he did. (That's good. It's his dog.) (I was kinda like, Lord, if you want him, you can have him. But can you take our other dog as well? And, I wouldn't have minded if you took the other dog first. Drum's kinda attached to this one.) I am remembering that the Awana group in the family feed him a few pretzels Wed. night as we looked at him pitifully. Maybe he needed the salt.
Last night we watched the last of the women's ice-skating. So beautiful!! I think it was the best year ever of ladies skating. Each one did so well, and so many did their personal best. Deer and I felt so bad that there was only one first place. It was historic to watch Korea briefly hug Japan, as she walked up to her spot on the podium.
Last night we watched the last of the women's ice-skating. So beautiful!! I think it was the best year ever of ladies skating. Each one did so well, and so many did their personal best. Deer and I felt so bad that there was only one first place. It was historic to watch Korea briefly hug Japan, as she walked up to her spot on the podium.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Dot's Home!
Dot made it home from her conference! She had a blast, learned a ton, and found out she is right on track, for what she should be doing with her writing goals. We are all looking forward to reading her story of the trip - 'cause that's what a writer does - Writes about it!! Some friends and I are hoping to get together at a restaurant and hear about her trip. Because at home, life is just so busy that sometimes "it's hard to hear properly" (as Pooh says).
We watched some of the Olympic ice-skating up the hill (G&G's house). So fun!! (Why does it have to be on at 10 at night? - just kidding - I know.) I plan to be up there again, tonight.
I've been doing a lot of fund-raising lately. A couple kids have trips planned - Dot to Haiti, Drum to Leadership Quest. Their youth group has a fundraiser selling movie ticket coupons. Problem is - they are for a movie theatre located 45 minutes away from us. So, we've been traveling to that town and selling them door-to-door. I thought they were a great idea, so I ordered 50 (cringe) of them. We've spent 4 hours last Saturday, and 4 hours last Tuesday selling them. Which doesn't include the drive time. We've still got 27 left. I'm taking a break, and we'll work on it again next week. We've got a busy weekend ahead.
We've also been raising supplies for the CAP Lock-In that our Squadron is hosting. A friend and I took our four boys around town with homemade flyers, asking for assistance with the Lock-In. The boys did great representing the squadron, and we've raised enough supplies to be worth the work. Another day, Dime, his friend, and I also did another town. It too, raised enough to be worth it. I've still a number of follow-up phone calls to do. A day after we went, I called the businesses which wanted time to think about it. Then, some want more time, and want me to call back. So...I've got a number still to do.
I better get my rear in gear. We've got ballet at our house today, as a make-up for Dot missing Monday. Plus, I've got to order contacts today, or Dot and Dh may make me sleep in the dog-house, and "Baby, it's cold outside!" Plus, I got to make some cinnamon honey butter for Saturday, and e-mail a potential donator that wants an e-mail, and of course, school, laundry, and food! :-)
PS. Did I tell you? Our neighbor shot our dog. Granted the dog was barking by his fence. Granted he occasionally does that (as in once a week), and we call him home. But, his dogs bark too. And we were calling the dog home. This neighbor does have issues. As in he hates it when I jog on the road in front of his house - I'm irritating his dogs, he says. They are not bothering me with too much barking. Both our homes have long driveways, it's not like the dogs are barking by his front door. He has a fence by the road, so the dogs come up to the road and bark. Anyways....Rosie is still alive, but very quiet. He shot her in the hind quarters. We can't afford to take her to the vet, so we're watching her close and she's still eating some food and water occasionally. So weird to not have her thumping her tail anytime someone looks at her. We'll see what happens.
We watched some of the Olympic ice-skating up the hill (G&G's house). So fun!! (Why does it have to be on at 10 at night? - just kidding - I know.) I plan to be up there again, tonight.
I've been doing a lot of fund-raising lately. A couple kids have trips planned - Dot to Haiti, Drum to Leadership Quest. Their youth group has a fundraiser selling movie ticket coupons. Problem is - they are for a movie theatre located 45 minutes away from us. So, we've been traveling to that town and selling them door-to-door. I thought they were a great idea, so I ordered 50 (cringe) of them. We've spent 4 hours last Saturday, and 4 hours last Tuesday selling them. Which doesn't include the drive time. We've still got 27 left. I'm taking a break, and we'll work on it again next week. We've got a busy weekend ahead.
We've also been raising supplies for the CAP Lock-In that our Squadron is hosting. A friend and I took our four boys around town with homemade flyers, asking for assistance with the Lock-In. The boys did great representing the squadron, and we've raised enough supplies to be worth the work. Another day, Dime, his friend, and I also did another town. It too, raised enough to be worth it. I've still a number of follow-up phone calls to do. A day after we went, I called the businesses which wanted time to think about it. Then, some want more time, and want me to call back. So...I've got a number still to do.
I better get my rear in gear. We've got ballet at our house today, as a make-up for Dot missing Monday. Plus, I've got to order contacts today, or Dot and Dh may make me sleep in the dog-house, and "Baby, it's cold outside!" Plus, I got to make some cinnamon honey butter for Saturday, and e-mail a potential donator that wants an e-mail, and of course, school, laundry, and food! :-)
PS. Did I tell you? Our neighbor shot our dog. Granted the dog was barking by his fence. Granted he occasionally does that (as in once a week), and we call him home. But, his dogs bark too. And we were calling the dog home. This neighbor does have issues. As in he hates it when I jog on the road in front of his house - I'm irritating his dogs, he says. They are not bothering me with too much barking. Both our homes have long driveways, it's not like the dogs are barking by his front door. He has a fence by the road, so the dogs come up to the road and bark. Anyways....Rosie is still alive, but very quiet. He shot her in the hind quarters. We can't afford to take her to the vet, so we're watching her close and she's still eating some food and water occasionally. So weird to not have her thumping her tail anytime someone looks at her. We'll see what happens.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Guess What!!!
I've got a few:
1. Dot gets to go to the Writing for the Soul Conference!!!! The Lord opened some doors for her, and we are so excited for her to get to go. She'll have a room-mate whose 22 and also spend some time afterwords meeting with old family friends, and seeing another friend there. She leaves Thursday morning, and will be back next Tuesday. We'll be praying for her and will spending time on the phone, when she gets a chance to call. Yeah!!!
2. My camera is broke! Again!!!! I am so frustrated and disappointed that I don't want to think about it. This one was for my birthday from my brother. I loved the color, and it worked well. One of the kids used it without putting on the strap. It dropped and he caught it with his knee, but the lens was kinked. Next time I have a camera NO ONE will get to use it but me. This is ridiculous. Finally, Dh, Dot, and Deer have their own camera, so they quit borrowing mine. And I no longer have to answer questions like, "Can I borrow your camera? Well, do you NEED it? What if I get it back by then? I'll be really careful." They have no clue that life sometimes doesn't let you know that you NEED a camera. I just want it available for when those moments happen. I've missed some great shots, because someone had my camera. I don't want to seem selfish, so I occasionally let the kids use it at home, but I guess I can't do that, it's just not worth the risk, when they can't afford to replace it, and neither can I. Anyways, Bummer!
3. Just when I was thinking how in the world we were going to help Drum get to Leadership Quest, Dot to Haiti, and Dime want to go on Adventure Quest with Youth Group, we got a ray of hope!! They are doing a movie ticket fundraiser with their youth group. It's a great deal for the recipient, and a big fundraiser for us. It is for a town 40 minutes away from us, but I don't care! We are going this Saturday, door-to-door, to sell those tickets. Lord willing, we'll sell a million! Well, I guess we don't need to sell that many, but I really hope we sell all we spoke for. If it goes well, we'll do it again, until we raise all the needed money. I'm just so grateful. Dime is a born salesman, so all the kids are hoping he puts his mouth where the money is. :-)
4. Nope, I'm not pregnant. Why can't you ladies think of something else, when a girl says "Guess What!" Even my own kids thought that last fall, when we told them we had some big news and gathered them together outside. We told them their grandparents were going to take the whole family to FL for vacation. They were thrilled, but they all immediately said that they thought they were going to get another sibling. Funny!! After announcing seven pregnancies, it seems like there is no news big enough to top the news of a new baby. I guess that's good! :-)
1. Dot gets to go to the Writing for the Soul Conference!!!! The Lord opened some doors for her, and we are so excited for her to get to go. She'll have a room-mate whose 22 and also spend some time afterwords meeting with old family friends, and seeing another friend there. She leaves Thursday morning, and will be back next Tuesday. We'll be praying for her and will spending time on the phone, when she gets a chance to call. Yeah!!!
2. My camera is broke! Again!!!! I am so frustrated and disappointed that I don't want to think about it. This one was for my birthday from my brother. I loved the color, and it worked well. One of the kids used it without putting on the strap. It dropped and he caught it with his knee, but the lens was kinked. Next time I have a camera NO ONE will get to use it but me. This is ridiculous. Finally, Dh, Dot, and Deer have their own camera, so they quit borrowing mine. And I no longer have to answer questions like, "Can I borrow your camera? Well, do you NEED it? What if I get it back by then? I'll be really careful." They have no clue that life sometimes doesn't let you know that you NEED a camera. I just want it available for when those moments happen. I've missed some great shots, because someone had my camera. I don't want to seem selfish, so I occasionally let the kids use it at home, but I guess I can't do that, it's just not worth the risk, when they can't afford to replace it, and neither can I. Anyways, Bummer!
3. Just when I was thinking how in the world we were going to help Drum get to Leadership Quest, Dot to Haiti, and Dime want to go on Adventure Quest with Youth Group, we got a ray of hope!! They are doing a movie ticket fundraiser with their youth group. It's a great deal for the recipient, and a big fundraiser for us. It is for a town 40 minutes away from us, but I don't care! We are going this Saturday, door-to-door, to sell those tickets. Lord willing, we'll sell a million! Well, I guess we don't need to sell that many, but I really hope we sell all we spoke for. If it goes well, we'll do it again, until we raise all the needed money. I'm just so grateful. Dime is a born salesman, so all the kids are hoping he puts his mouth where the money is. :-)
4. Nope, I'm not pregnant. Why can't you ladies think of something else, when a girl says "Guess What!" Even my own kids thought that last fall, when we told them we had some big news and gathered them together outside. We told them their grandparents were going to take the whole family to FL for vacation. They were thrilled, but they all immediately said that they thought they were going to get another sibling. Funny!! After announcing seven pregnancies, it seems like there is no news big enough to top the news of a new baby. I guess that's good! :-)
Monday Nights
Mondays are always busy. Catch up on laundry from the weekend. Do school. Get ready for ballet, tap, and instrument lessons happening at our place. It has been a blessing to have friends hang out here, while their kids are taking lessons in the studio. Darling is making friends and learning to share toys, and play with the other kids. It helps her shy self. The kids love spending time with their friends inbetween the activities.
After supper (which a few of us take turns at), I take 5 boys to CAP. I became a senior member a few weeks ago, and my evenings have gotten busier at CAP the last few months. We are working to catch up on record keeping, and build a system to keep track of the kids progress in areas besides testing.
We've begun a parent group to support the squadron. We meet once a month, an hour before regular meeting time. It's been so good, and we are seeing great progress. I'm so grateful for the leader of the parent group. She does a great job!
I'm looking forward to getting caught up soon in the paperwork department, so that I'm just doing the recent updating in their files on Monday nights. I want to be able to spend more time with the cadets, and be able to encourage and help the new cadets. It's a great program. Also, maybe we can leave there earlier. I used to be home like clockwork between 9:30-9:45 on Monday nights. Now it has been 10 and 10:15. Whew! Hopefully one more month will make the difference. Lord willing. :-)
After supper (which a few of us take turns at), I take 5 boys to CAP. I became a senior member a few weeks ago, and my evenings have gotten busier at CAP the last few months. We are working to catch up on record keeping, and build a system to keep track of the kids progress in areas besides testing.
We've begun a parent group to support the squadron. We meet once a month, an hour before regular meeting time. It's been so good, and we are seeing great progress. I'm so grateful for the leader of the parent group. She does a great job!
I'm looking forward to getting caught up soon in the paperwork department, so that I'm just doing the recent updating in their files on Monday nights. I want to be able to spend more time with the cadets, and be able to encourage and help the new cadets. It's a great program. Also, maybe we can leave there earlier. I used to be home like clockwork between 9:30-9:45 on Monday nights. Now it has been 10 and 10:15. Whew! Hopefully one more month will make the difference. Lord willing. :-)
Valentine's Day
We had a fantastic Valentine's Day this year, and I don't have one picture. I can't believe it. Oh, well.
We had church in the morning - always good. Then we were able to stay for the spaghetti dinner afterwords. They had Italian sodas for purchase. Mmmmm! So fun. Darling loved the whip cream on top. It was delicious food, live music, and a special time.
When we got home, Dessert dipped pretzels in almond bark for awhile, I mixed up candy kiss cookies (that we top with rolos), and Deer designed a Valentine poster for the studio. Dot came down later and helped with the taco dip. We finished just in time to have the guys haul it all out to the studio, with the chairs, etc. for our Valentine's Day Barn Dance! It was a blast!!
We had some trouble with the cd that almost made it come crashing, but PTL Drum had his ipod with the music on it. He got it working and we were good to go. We started with the Chicken Dance to get everyone involved, and from there did a variety of music. I wish I had taken a picture of the food table. Mmmmm. :-) Dh and his friend, Steve, did some live entertainment, which went over well. Dot & Deer shared their Star Wars Rap. We did a couple slow songs with romantic lighting for the couples. Fun! :-)
We had church in the morning - always good. Then we were able to stay for the spaghetti dinner afterwords. They had Italian sodas for purchase. Mmmmm! So fun. Darling loved the whip cream on top. It was delicious food, live music, and a special time.
When we got home, Dessert dipped pretzels in almond bark for awhile, I mixed up candy kiss cookies (that we top with rolos), and Deer designed a Valentine poster for the studio. Dot came down later and helped with the taco dip. We finished just in time to have the guys haul it all out to the studio, with the chairs, etc. for our Valentine's Day Barn Dance! It was a blast!!
We had some trouble with the cd that almost made it come crashing, but PTL Drum had his ipod with the music on it. He got it working and we were good to go. We started with the Chicken Dance to get everyone involved, and from there did a variety of music. I wish I had taken a picture of the food table. Mmmmm. :-) Dh and his friend, Steve, did some live entertainment, which went over well. Dot & Deer shared their Star Wars Rap. We did a couple slow songs with romantic lighting for the couples. Fun! :-)
Friday, February 12, 2010
CAP Promotion!
The Monday after we got back from our trip was promotions at CAP. Congratulations, Dime!!
Speech Tournament 2010
Last weekend, the four oldest took part in a Speech Tournament in our area. It was Deer's first year, and she did a great job! The rest did well, and enjoyed catching up with friends and meeting new friends. 
After the tournament, we headed to Culver's for treat on the way home. This was the guy's table.
The girls' table: Showing off their acting skills.
I'll pass on a picture of the Mom's table. I don't look so great after a full day on my feet. I worked in the tab room of the tournament. Dh was a judge, Duke helped with timing, and Dessert mostly enjoyed watching speeches. He did time one round for his first time. He was pretty proud of himself. :-) (He was really wanting one of the timer gifts.) Darling hung out with Papa and Gramma W. and had a good day.
Great job, Kiddos!!
After the tournament, we headed to Culver's for treat on the way home. This was the guy's table.
The girls' table: Showing off their acting skills.
I'll pass on a picture of the Mom's table. I don't look so great after a full day on my feet. I worked in the tab room of the tournament. Dh was a judge, Duke helped with timing, and Dessert mostly enjoyed watching speeches. He did time one round for his first time. He was pretty proud of himself. :-) (He was really wanting one of the timer gifts.) Darling hung out with Papa and Gramma W. and had a good day.
Great job, Kiddos!!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Howdy!
Wow! I can't believe it has been so long since I updated. I remember that I was using the excuse of waiting for a picture from my Mom before I updated from our trip, but really I've just been busy. We had a blast! The weather was great, no one got sick or hurt, we ate tons of good food and ice cream, and we had fun being together.
Darling said a funny at the pool one day that week. She asked, "Will I still be Emmy when I get bigger?"
I smiled and said, "Yes."
She thought for a minute and asked, "Will I still get noo-nee?"
Smile, "No." :-)
I've got to do a full post on the trip soon. Now I got to go back to being too busy to write. Dessert just told me I'm not paying attention to him. I'm looking forward to Ladies' Night Out.
Darling said a funny at the pool one day that week. She asked, "Will I still be Emmy when I get bigger?"
I smiled and said, "Yes."
She thought for a minute and asked, "Will I still get noo-nee?"
Smile, "No." :-)
I've got to do a full post on the trip soon. Now I got to go back to being too busy to write. Dessert just told me I'm not paying attention to him. I'm looking forward to Ladies' Night Out.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Dug Down Deep - A Book Review
"Dug Down Deep" by Joshua Harris is a great book! I'm really enjoying it. He has an analogy a little after the beginning, that is just fantastic. Everyone should read it.
We're headed to some summer sunshine, so I didn't get a chance to finish it, but I'm taking it on the trip. Dot's eager to be second-in-line for the book. :-)
Here's the book's summary:
What will you build your life on?
With startling transparency, Joshua Harris shares how we can rediscover the relevance and power of Christian truth. This is book shows a young man who rose quickly to success in the Christian evangelical world before he realized his spirituality lacked a foundation—it rested more on tradition and morality than on an informed knowledge of God.
For the indifferent or spiritually numb, Harris's humorous and engaging reflections on Christian beliefs show that orthodoxy isn't just for scholars—it is for anyone who longs to know the living Jesus Christ. As Harris writes, "I've come to learn that theology matters. It matters not because we want to impress people, but because what we know about God shapes the way we think and live. Theology matters because if we get it wrong then our whole life will be wrong."
Whether you are just exploring Christianity or you are a veteran believer finding yourself overly familiar and cold-hearted, Dug Down Deep will help you rediscover the timeless truths of Scripture. As Harris challenges you to root your faith and feelings about God in the person, work, and words of Jesus, he answers questions such as:
What is God like and how does he speak to me?What difference does it make that Jesus was both human and divine?How does Jesus's death on the cross pay for my sins?Who is the Holy Spirit and how does he work in my life?
With grace and wisdom, Harris will inspire you to revel in the truth that has captured his own mind and heart. He will ask you to dig deep into a faith so solid you can build your life on it. He will point you to something to believe in again.
Author Bio:
Joshua Harris is senior pastor of Covenant Life in
To purchase the book online, check out:
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601421517
This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.
I'll have to post more, when we come back, and I finish the book. :-)
Friday, January 15, 2010
They're Home!
My brother and sister-in-law are back home in the states.
They are so thankful for the prayers.
We are looking forward to hearing their story and experiences.
They are so thankful for the prayers.
We are looking forward to hearing their story and experiences.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Please Pray!
My brother and sister-in-law landed in Haiti an hour before the earthquake hit. They are bringing supplies to an orphanage with others from their church. They are safe and ok at this point, waiting for morning when they can assess how they can help.
Please pray for them and for the many people in Haiti tonight.
Please pray for them and for the many people in Haiti tonight.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Pretty Water!
When we went to the Hotel on Saturday, next to the check-in counter was this:
It was prettier when the water was full to the top. There were fresh raspberries and strawberries suspended among the ice. The water had a gentle berry flavor. So delicious!! What a neat idea!
It was prettier when the water was full to the top. There were fresh raspberries and strawberries suspended among the ice. The water had a gentle berry flavor. So delicious!! What a neat idea!
Sometimes it always seems like there has to be something with my health. It's frustrating. Friday morning I woke up in the very early morning with my diaphragm area just aching. It still hurt in the morning when I got up. I jogged hoping to work it out. Nope. By evening it was definitely worse.
Saturday morning was better with the pain more localized in the lower left quadrant of my lung. It wasn't my rib, but deeper. Saturday night it was really hurting and I couldn't take a full breath, so we decided to go in. I was thinking I might have a partially collapsed lung. They did chest x-rays, nope. Maybe heart issues or blood clot. Blood tests for both. Heart, no, blood clot a possibility. So needed to do CT scan with dye. Hook up IV, take test (boy that felt weird, but didn't last long). Wait, nope, not a clot, but my aveoli are collapsed in that area.
Dr. says take plenty of pain meds so can breathe deep in that area and refill the aveoli. I did that, that night, and was definitely better on Sunday. Was hurting more last night, but we'd had such a busy day, that I didn't keep up with the pain meds. I'm planning to do better today. Dr. said to be careful as it would be easy to get pneumonia in that area.
Isn't that just weird!! It's called atelectasis. I'm hoping that maybe when I jog this morning, it will help open that area up the rest of the way, so the rest of the pain will leave. Weird. I'm glad it wasn't a collapsed lung or a blood clot, but it sure felt like a waste of an ER trip, although it is nice to feel better and not worried about what it is.
Anyways....life goes on.... :-)
Saturday morning was better with the pain more localized in the lower left quadrant of my lung. It wasn't my rib, but deeper. Saturday night it was really hurting and I couldn't take a full breath, so we decided to go in. I was thinking I might have a partially collapsed lung. They did chest x-rays, nope. Maybe heart issues or blood clot. Blood tests for both. Heart, no, blood clot a possibility. So needed to do CT scan with dye. Hook up IV, take test (boy that felt weird, but didn't last long). Wait, nope, not a clot, but my aveoli are collapsed in that area.
Dr. says take plenty of pain meds so can breathe deep in that area and refill the aveoli. I did that, that night, and was definitely better on Sunday. Was hurting more last night, but we'd had such a busy day, that I didn't keep up with the pain meds. I'm planning to do better today. Dr. said to be careful as it would be easy to get pneumonia in that area.
Isn't that just weird!! It's called atelectasis. I'm hoping that maybe when I jog this morning, it will help open that area up the rest of the way, so the rest of the pain will leave. Weird. I'm glad it wasn't a collapsed lung or a blood clot, but it sure felt like a waste of an ER trip, although it is nice to feel better and not worried about what it is.
Anyways....life goes on.... :-)
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Snowball Ballroom Dancing
Yesterday I spent the day watching Ballroom Dancing. I went with friends to watch a friend of ours compete. He took first in all his categories! Yeah!! It was his first year. We watched the cha-cha dances in the morning, and then after the lunch break, watched the waltzes, etc. I LOVED the Viennese waltz! The gowns were GORGEOUS!! So fun to watch them float around the room. We met the lady in the blue "curly" gown. She was so nice and friendly. Home-town sweet.
Here is our friend, Caleb, dancing with one of his partners. She looked so elegant in her gown with gold gloves and shoes. She had a classic look.
In the next picture down, the couple on the right were so dreamy! I loved her gown, and she had such a beautiful smile!
I spent a lot of time watching just them dance. Mmmmm.....Like they had been plucked from a castle ballroom in a movie.
The middle couple were in the over 35 group and seemed like such a fun couple. They were beautiful together and fantastic dancers. They looked like they were having a blast. Her pink gown was incredible!
The center couple shows Caleb again with his other partner. She had a beautiful blue gown.
We were so proud of him!!
What a fun day!!!!
Here is our friend, Caleb, dancing with one of his partners. She looked so elegant in her gown with gold gloves and shoes. She had a classic look. 
In the next picture down, the couple on the right were so dreamy! I loved her gown, and she had such a beautiful smile!I spent a lot of time watching just them dance. Mmmmm.....Like they had been plucked from a castle ballroom in a movie.
The middle couple were in the over 35 group and seemed like such a fun couple. They were beautiful together and fantastic dancers. They looked like they were having a blast. Her pink gown was incredible!
The center couple shows Caleb again with his other partner. She had a beautiful blue gown.
We were so proud of him!!
What a fun day!!!!
Big Brothers are Awesome!!
Darling was so excited when her big brother, Drum, joined her at her "tea party" with his brownie and ice cream. Sometimes it is just the little things that can make a child's day!
Christmas Holidays
We had a fun Christmas Eve with Gramma and Papa W. The next morning, Christmas Day, we celebrated with our family, then later had our friends over to spend some time together. We played catch phrase, and other games, and just enjoyed the fellowship. This was followed by a restful weekend! On Sunday, Dot had Bible Study with her girls, while Jerry worked. The boys were at Papa's, and I enjoyed rare time with a friend, while Darling slept.
I wish I had more pictures, but I mostly just enjoyed the times.
On the Monday after Christmas, we enjoyed hosting a Holiday Hop with friends of ours. Our friends came over in the afternoon and helped get the studio in our pole barn ready for the dance. Kim and Dot put up Christmas lights. So cool!! Later we introduced a waltz, and then turned off the main lights for some beautiful mood lighting. Steve & my dear husband did the introduction and a couple small comedy routines. They did a great job, and we look forward to their return. :-) We did a variety of music and dances. I thought it was a resounding success for our first Holiday Hop. :-)
On Tuesday morning, I had a Dr.'s appt. to take out my nose stitches, all seven of them. The ones underneath dissolved on their own. The Dr. and nurse both thought it looked great. Nice to get that over. Then I joined my Mom on her birthday for a trip to the Mall. We had a blast looking and shopping. We ate out and got our nails done. A fun ladies day! We joined the rest of the family for a pizza party at supper time. My Mom looked young and happy. :-)
Wednesday morning we slept in! :-) Then headed to join several families at the Theatre for the new Chipmunk movie. It was fantastic! Better than the 1st, I thought. The boys went home with one family to practice for the New Year's Eve party the next day, and to go to youth group with them. We had one of their boys, which made for a relaxing evening as he entertained Duke & Dessert. We switched kids late that evening. A fun day!!
Thursday, everyone (kids that is) slept late in anticipation of a late evening! Duke and Dessert went to a another friend's house to spend the night and were packed by 11:00 am in their excitement. They didn't go over until about 6 pm. :-)
Dot took Drum and Dime for rehearsal at 5:
and the rest of us joined them at 7. Julie and her boys had prepared a fantastic evening of games and activities. There were several other couples there to help with the chaperoning, so it was fun to visit and help Julie with the games. Before midnight, after a devotional time, they had us all go out by the bonfire. After some snowfights, they shared around the bonfire and had the kids share. It was a special time. Then she passed out noisemakers! I could hear them from the house (where I had gone with Darling when she couldn't handle the cold any longer). Then they came in the house for song time. It was neat to see the kids worshiping together. Dh and I left with Darling, while the four oldest spent the night. What a fun way to spend New Year's Eve!!
On New Year's Day we slept in and eventually got our kids home and other kids back to their respective homes.
Deer and I went shopping on Saturday. She had a coupon to use and a few items yet to get for her party the next day.
We got back and all of us left for a MOVIE time with Papa and Gramma K, Uncle Pat & Aunt Dawn, and their kids, and my Great Aunt and Uncle. We saw "Blindside", and it was well worth the time! Very, very good!! Aunt Dawn and Gramma took the little ones to "Princess and the Frog", but they didn't think it was great for the little ones. They did ok though, and loved the popcorn!!
Then we all went for pizza. It was fun to relax together and talk and visit. The kids were wonderful. Well, Uncle Patrick's quarters really helped for some of them. :-)
Later that evening, Deer and I had to finish her party favors. I thought they turned out soooo cute!! We photocopied the pattern, then Deer stamped them. I cut them out and taped them together, while Dot helped tie the ribbons on. Then Deer filled them with candy.
After church on Sunday, Deer had her 13th Birthday Party!!
Here they are enjoying a game. There were 13 friends, plus her sister, and herself!
A few boys were at another friend's birthday, and Dime and Darling went to Grandpa K's, so Deer mostly had the house to herself and her friends. In between helping the girls, I got caught up with all my ironing!! and did a bunch of laundry. I was thrilled to start out the new week back to school, caught up with that anyway. :-)
We made it through the first week back-to-school. There are still several things to add to the schedule, but we are focusing on getting ready for the first speech meet of the season. It is next Saturday - Yikes!! We've usually been much more ready, but this year has just flown by.
I'm looking forward to the New Year - 2010. I am so grateful for God's abundant blessings for myself and our family. We have much to be thankful for. One of my goals in the new year is to put together alot of my blog posts from last year into a printed book. It would be a way to have it as a more permanent record of our family's times. I'll have to post when I get that finished....
Happy New Year, and Happy Blogging!! :-)
God is good, All the time!!
I wish I had more pictures, but I mostly just enjoyed the times.
On the Monday after Christmas, we enjoyed hosting a Holiday Hop with friends of ours. Our friends came over in the afternoon and helped get the studio in our pole barn ready for the dance. Kim and Dot put up Christmas lights. So cool!! Later we introduced a waltz, and then turned off the main lights for some beautiful mood lighting. Steve & my dear husband did the introduction and a couple small comedy routines. They did a great job, and we look forward to their return. :-) We did a variety of music and dances. I thought it was a resounding success for our first Holiday Hop. :-)
On Tuesday morning, I had a Dr.'s appt. to take out my nose stitches, all seven of them. The ones underneath dissolved on their own. The Dr. and nurse both thought it looked great. Nice to get that over. Then I joined my Mom on her birthday for a trip to the Mall. We had a blast looking and shopping. We ate out and got our nails done. A fun ladies day! We joined the rest of the family for a pizza party at supper time. My Mom looked young and happy. :-)
Wednesday morning we slept in! :-) Then headed to join several families at the Theatre for the new Chipmunk movie. It was fantastic! Better than the 1st, I thought. The boys went home with one family to practice for the New Year's Eve party the next day, and to go to youth group with them. We had one of their boys, which made for a relaxing evening as he entertained Duke & Dessert. We switched kids late that evening. A fun day!!
Thursday, everyone (kids that is) slept late in anticipation of a late evening! Duke and Dessert went to a another friend's house to spend the night and were packed by 11:00 am in their excitement. They didn't go over until about 6 pm. :-)
Dot took Drum and Dime for rehearsal at 5:
and the rest of us joined them at 7. Julie and her boys had prepared a fantastic evening of games and activities. There were several other couples there to help with the chaperoning, so it was fun to visit and help Julie with the games. Before midnight, after a devotional time, they had us all go out by the bonfire. After some snowfights, they shared around the bonfire and had the kids share. It was a special time. Then she passed out noisemakers! I could hear them from the house (where I had gone with Darling when she couldn't handle the cold any longer). Then they came in the house for song time. It was neat to see the kids worshiping together. Dh and I left with Darling, while the four oldest spent the night. What a fun way to spend New Year's Eve!!On New Year's Day we slept in and eventually got our kids home and other kids back to their respective homes.
Deer and I went shopping on Saturday. She had a coupon to use and a few items yet to get for her party the next day.
We got back and all of us left for a MOVIE time with Papa and Gramma K, Uncle Pat & Aunt Dawn, and their kids, and my Great Aunt and Uncle. We saw "Blindside", and it was well worth the time! Very, very good!! Aunt Dawn and Gramma took the little ones to "Princess and the Frog", but they didn't think it was great for the little ones. They did ok though, and loved the popcorn!!
Then we all went for pizza. It was fun to relax together and talk and visit. The kids were wonderful. Well, Uncle Patrick's quarters really helped for some of them. :-)
Later that evening, Deer and I had to finish her party favors. I thought they turned out soooo cute!! We photocopied the pattern, then Deer stamped them. I cut them out and taped them together, while Dot helped tie the ribbons on. Then Deer filled them with candy.
After church on Sunday, Deer had her 13th Birthday Party!!
Here they are enjoying a game. There were 13 friends, plus her sister, and herself!
A few boys were at another friend's birthday, and Dime and Darling went to Grandpa K's, so Deer mostly had the house to herself and her friends. In between helping the girls, I got caught up with all my ironing!! and did a bunch of laundry. I was thrilled to start out the new week back to school, caught up with that anyway. :-)
We made it through the first week back-to-school. There are still several things to add to the schedule, but we are focusing on getting ready for the first speech meet of the season. It is next Saturday - Yikes!! We've usually been much more ready, but this year has just flown by.
I'm looking forward to the New Year - 2010. I am so grateful for God's abundant blessings for myself and our family. We have much to be thankful for. One of my goals in the new year is to put together alot of my blog posts from last year into a printed book. It would be a way to have it as a more permanent record of our family's times. I'll have to post when I get that finished....
Happy New Year, and Happy Blogging!! :-)
God is good, All the time!!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
A New Teenager!!
Yesterday our precious Christmas baby, Deer, turned 13!! She had a different day with Mom gone for surgery. She spent the morning practicing ballet with Dot and a dear friend who's home from college. We had Papa Murphy's pizza for supper with fudgy chocolate cake with ice cream for dessert. We are planning a birthday party with her friends in a week or so. She is so patient with the necessary scheduling that happens with a birthday at this time of year. I'll have to post pictures later, as they are still on the camera.
Deer plays the flute, takes ballet lessons (she just got her first pair of pointe shoes a few months ago), takes tap lessons, reads and reads, keeps a scap book, enjoys learning about flowers, started a wooded flower garden at her grandparents this summer, enjoys Bible study, leads song time for the Sparks Awana group, helps in the nursery when her time comes up, babysits for others occasionally and for mom more frequently, helps Mom and Dot get out the door for things, remembers details on To Do lists, works hard on her schoolwork, is doing a speech duo with her brother, is a fast typer on the computer and loves to e-mail, hates to miss church and Sunday school, keeps a blog, journals, is learning how to sew and making a number of sewn Christmas presents, and spends time with friends. She is a delight to all who know her (well, except for occasional sibling spats, but they keep life interesting :-). She's busy and a blessing.
We are so grateful God blessed us with Deer!!
Happy Birthday, Deer!! We sure do love you!!
Deer plays the flute, takes ballet lessons (she just got her first pair of pointe shoes a few months ago), takes tap lessons, reads and reads, keeps a scap book, enjoys learning about flowers, started a wooded flower garden at her grandparents this summer, enjoys Bible study, leads song time for the Sparks Awana group, helps in the nursery when her time comes up, babysits for others occasionally and for mom more frequently, helps Mom and Dot get out the door for things, remembers details on To Do lists, works hard on her schoolwork, is doing a speech duo with her brother, is a fast typer on the computer and loves to e-mail, hates to miss church and Sunday school, keeps a blog, journals, is learning how to sew and making a number of sewn Christmas presents, and spends time with friends. She is a delight to all who know her (well, except for occasional sibling spats, but they keep life interesting :-). She's busy and a blessing.
We are so grateful God blessed us with Deer!!
Happy Birthday, Deer!! We sure do love you!!
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