What?!

We were talking about Emily and funny things she has said. We remembered this one:

One day we were hanging around at home, when 2 year old Emily started singing, "I don wanna wiv. I don wanna wiv!" We were shocked and wondering where she came up with that!! Then we remembered that the older kids had been singing the song, "Comatose". It goes: "I don't want to live, I don't want to breathe, 'les I feel You next to me."
It was ok at home, but when she started singing it at the grocery store, I strongly encouraged singing something else, and no more singing that song around Emily! :)

Quit Taking Pictures of Me!

But you are so cute! :) Even when you are screaming at me. :)

Ryan's Broken Arm

Ryan broke his arm awhile back. He tried to do a no handed cartwheel off the tramp. He landed it successfully a couple times, but then missed and landed with his weight on one hand. It broke clean through the bone, just above the wrist on his radius. (Yes, I did lecture him later on what came next - his neck! And don't you ever do that again! :) They actually splinted it, which was really nice, as eventually I was able to take it off so that he could shower, and then wrap it back up. The Dr. told Jerry that he could cut off the ends of the splint (by the fingers) in a week or so, so that he could use more of his fingers. It worked so nice. He now has his splint off, and is enjoying the use of his arm.

Youngest Swordsman in the House

Emily was having a blast with the boys on the tramps. She was chasing them around with her stick and pretending to sword fight with them. They let her "win" and ran around just playing with her. I caught this shot midair and thought her form was pretty good. :) Mark is down behind her, and she is attacking Ryan.

Pictures of Fall

We have had a beautiful fall season. Our yellow and red maple trees were so gorgeous this year.

My Dad found pumpkins for the grandkids.

We've been having lots of mashed spuds and potato soup with my Dad's garden potatoes.

Nummy Pumpkin Waffles

I found this recipe here. And it is just delicious!!
We made homemade whip cream for the top, with syrup. Mmmmmmmm......
I made it with buttercup squash (from a dear friend, who I'm now so indebted to for all the wonderful squash she brought:). I usually just wash the squash, put it on a plate, cover it with wax paper, then microwave for approximately 18 minutes. I cooked about 5 the other day, then let them cool, then cleaned them out. Presto, a big bowl of squash ready to use for all the fun recipes I found online.
The house smells like fall from all the seasonings in the waffle batter.

Name Change

Josiah notifies me the other day - Why does it say Josiah Axxx Wxxx on my report card online?! (I don't know - because that's your name?)
I quietly asked - Well, what does it say for Jeffrey?
He replied - Jeffrey Axxx Wxxx!
Me - Oh.
Him - Mine should say Josiah Rxxx Wxxx!
Me - Oh. Oops. I'll get that changed. (It's been busy - Ok. :))
Guess that's another detail I should take care of today. :) Maybe before I tell him about the eggs, so I can have some good news for him. :) :)
(If you don't know about the eggs, keep scrolling down a post.)

What a morning...

Joy woke up at 5:50 with a bat in her room. After getting Dad up, (I was dealing with Emily who had woken up.), they worked to get it, but couldn't find it again. She's back in Mark's bed sleeping with him. Jerry crawled back in with Emily (who went back to sleep, PTL), and I got up to get the boys out the door.
I made them some eggs, which they ate in between Josiah's hopping up and down for stuff. It's homecoming week, so today they could dress up as a decade. Josiah went with the 80's with spiked hair, jeans, white collar shirt untucked, and suit jacket. (I thought that was a today's wear, but what do I know.) :) So as they are headed out the door, Jeffrey's in the car, Josiah's in the bathroom, I scoop together the remains of both of their eggs, and then head out the door myself to give it to the dogs for a tasty tidbit. Josiah comes along just as I'm opening the door, sees the eggs, grabs the plate, and heads out to the car. I just smiled and let him. :) :) :) He would be furious if he found out he just ate some eggs off of Jeffrey's plate! So funny!! :) :) Maybe I'll tell him tonight. :) They just flew back up the driveway, as Jeffrey forgot his drum sticks (for percussion class today) on top of the clothes shelf in the mudroom. Josiah came in complaining he couldn't breathe in the car because of Jeffrey's deodorant.
Life goes on....but I'm still smiling. :)

Thin Jeans

The girls went shopping the other day. We had a 30% off coupon, and all needed some items. Joy really needed jeans - especially after she tried on a few pair. :) She went to put her old pair back on and ripped a five inch hole in them, right in the upper thigh!! at the store!! She was horrified. She was saying they were getting thin. Thank goodness she had her bigger jean bag with her, so she wore it strategically placed, so one really couldn't tell. Poor girl. They didn't have the size she needed, so we ordered them on their new kiosk they have. They will ship them free to the house, and we got the sale price plus our coupon. Doing that she got two pair for $22.38! Way cool! They should arrive this week. Meanwhile she's wearing clothes other than jeans. :)

Cute Quips from Dolly Girl

Emily has been cuter than a bugs ear, and saying funny things lately. The other day, in the car, after a shiny, bright, dark-yellow convertible with a very black top drove by us, she exclaimed in the back, "Mom! That is a freaky car!! I would never ride in that car! Mom! That car is freaky!!" So different from Josiah at around two, who saw a really flashy motorcycle from up on Jerry's shoulders at the fair and said, "I wike dat bike! I want dat bike!"

Cooking Snafues

One morning, Emily was up early with the boys, so she chatted around (loudly, as toddlers do). I fed her some breakfast then went up to put her back to sleep. After getting her down, I went to make a new recipe a friend gave me for coconut muffins. I got the oven heated and almost had them mixed up and realized I was out of eggs. I just had seven of them, but my boys ate them for breakfast! So I ran up the hill to borrow some, and they were out as well. Bummer!! Well, I eventually got those muffins made at about 9 at night. They were delicious!!!! Not everyone liked them, as quite a few don't like coconut at our house, but that just left more for me! :)

Joy turned 18 last week!! 18!! As in I have an 18 year old! I can't believe it, and her grandma is thrilled she can vote! :) Me too. She wanted to have broccoli cheese soup for supper. Sounds great! So, I checked the recipe in the morning, before she headed into town for babysitting, to make sure I had all the ingredients. My brain must have still been fuzzy, as that evening, when I got home from picking up kids from history class, then doing some shoe shopping for Anna, and birthday shopping for Joy, I got ready to make supper and the cake and realized I was out of butter! So, I sent Jeffrey to the close gas station to get butter. I get started on both (soup and cake) and realize I'm out of chicken bullion!! So, Joy went this time and picked up the bullion. We didn't end up eating supper until 7:45!! Crazy! and expensive soup!! The soup did turn out delicious! Only one bowl was left for Joy, but we made another batch on Friday, so the rest of us could have some more. She spent the rest of the evening watching "Prince of Persia". The boys joined us after finishing Spanish homework with Jerry.

School 2010

Well, we made it through our first week of school. Whew! Jeffrey and Josiah are stilling learning the ropes of homework and procedures, but have figured out where their classrooms are, and where to go when. They have an alternating A and B day schedule. I like that they won't need to turn in homework the next morning, they'll always have a day between. We have CAP on Monday nights and Youth Group on Wednesday nights, so they'll have to concentrate on homework on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I discovered that I also am committed to helping with homework on Tuesdays and Thursdays. :)

The other kids also got their first week of school under their belt. We had a few books arrive on Tuesday and Wednesday, but now are going full steam. We are hoping to use this extra week for an extra week off in December. We'll see what happens. :)

This week the kids' Great Aunt Mary arrived from TX for a 2 week visit. We are delighted to have her here! We've had 3 big supper meals in a row, with lots of laughter and visiting. I love seeing her smile and laugh at the kids' antics and the boys' stories from school. Family is so fun. We are looking forward to the weekend ahead.

Book Report - Vanishing Act

"Vanishing Act" by Liz Johnson was a fun book to read. I love a great mystery with suspense and a little romance, and her book was like a nummy truffle. Great for sticking in a backpack or purse. It is one of the Love Inspired Suspense books put out by Steeple Hill.

Danielle Keating's history includes things she'd like to forget and a father she'd like to remember, but she's doing her best to move on in her new normal. Her job at Andy's Auto Shop provides for her needs, and she's enjoyed working there over the last year or so. But still, she'd like to make closer friendships, but can she risk breaking cover. Plus, someone is getting too close. Why does she feel followed?

FBI Agent Nathan Andersen is on a case, but is getting sidetracked by a broken vehicle and a teacher with needs. He has no problem providing physical protection for those who need it, but can he risk his heart and break the pattern of his father's relationships with women.

About the Author:

Liz Johnson grew up reading Christian fiction, and always dreamed of being part of the publishing industry. After graduating from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a degree in public relations, she set out to fulfill her dream. In 2006 she got her wish when she accepted a publicity position at a major trade book publisher. While working as a publicist in the industry, she decided to pursue her other dream-becoming an author. Along the way to having her novel published, she completed the Christian Writers Guild apprentice course and wrote articles for several magazines.
Liz makes her home in Nashville, TN, where she enjoys theater, exploring the local music scene, and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her two nephews and three nieces. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. Keep up with Liz's adventures in writing at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com.

I enjoyed having the opportunity to do an interview with Liz. Joy helped me with some of the questions. :)

1. What is your daily writing routine?

I don’t have a very strict writing routine because I work full-time during the day. So the only time I have to write is at night (I could never get up early to do it!). I generally try to schedule at least 3-4 nights a week and some time on the weekends to really dig into my latest project. But really any time is fair game for brainstorming new ideas and wondering what my characters might do next.

2. Why did you become a writer?

Wow! That’s a great question. And it’s not necessarily a simple one to answer. I’ve always, always loved writing stories. I love creating characters and throwing wild obstacles at them to see how they’ll deal. And I do feel that God’s given me a passion for the written word and a talent for this. I’m not interested in wasting what He’s given me, so I set out to share His love through my stories. It’s certainly not an easy path, but it’s very rewarding to use the gifts I’ve been given in a way that glorifies God. That’s my hope and prayer with every new story I write.

3. Have you ever been to a writer's conference? Did it help?

I have been several conferences. I attended my first, Writing for the Soul, in Colorado Springs back in 2004. That was a learning experience more than anything else. I had no idea what a meeting with an editor or agent looked like, but I just wanted to be around others who were doing the same thing I was. I was encouraged to keep writing, to keep working on my skills. I attended the same conference the next year with pretty much the same results. Last year I attended my first ACFW conference in Denver, and it was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The camaraderie and fellowship there is really amazing. I love how ACFW members celebrate the good times and help each other through the rough spots. My first novel had just released, but I didn’t have an agent yet. At dinner the first night I sat next to an agent, and about 2 weeks after the conference I signed with her. I think conferences are wonderful. It’s important to have realistic expectations, but you’ll never find a community of fellow writers, who really understand, like you do at conferences.

1. You mentioned you enjoy theater. Have you been in plays?

I LOVE theater. But I have zero acting skills. Okay, that may not be entirely accurate, as they’ve been tested. I just can’t imagine enjoying practicing and putting on the same show night after night. I did audition for a local theater production of The Importance of Being Earnest when I first moved to Colorado Springs. I had an absolute blast auditioning, but I’m really glad I didn’t get a part. I’d have been rotten in it. I think I’d do better as an extra in a movie or TV show. But it doesn’t diminish my appreciation for the talent of actors in the theater.

To purchase your own copy of the book, check out Amazon or CBD, or you could always borrow my copy. :) But I want it back!

Big Week

This has been a big week for some members of the family:
Jerry - got another job after only a week laid off. Yeah! It's 4-10's. Not sure how long it will last.

Jeffrey - replaced his car light on Saturday with Jerry. One of our old vans had a light that was the same, so he learned how to take one out and put it in. His van looks a lot better. Now he just needs to fix the doors, and then he can think about putting insurance on it, so he can drive it. (We gave him one of our old vans for Christmas.) Also, last night at CAP, he passed his Mitchell test! It's a 50 question test, that needs 80% to pass. It took quite a bit of studying. He needs one more big test, and to pass PT, then he can promote to Lt.

Ryan - his computer wireless mouse for his laptop arrived in the mail yesterday. I was getting my mail faithfully delivered by him as he awaited his package. :) He's our in house computer geek, and saved and saved for his own laptop, which he bought used from a computer geek friend of ours. He discovered there are wireless mice (?) from the tech team at church, and that was it, he really wanted one. So, he saved, then showed me what he found online, and we worked together to find an inexpensive one on ebay - was only about seven dollars.

Today I spent most of the day at our local polling place as an election judge. It was great to meet more of our neighbors and get to know people in our area. As it was the primary, it was not super busy. My dear hubby brought my crochet over, and I got 3 pairs of socks completed for Emily. I think I'll save them for her for Christmas. It was great to get my feet wet without being too busy. I'm much more prepared for November.

The other night, I took Jerry to see Knight and Day at the movies. So fun! I've never seen a movie that many times - at a movie theater no less. But we just wanted to enjoy doing something together (away from the kids), and it fit the need.

It's been great to have Jerry around the last few days. It's kinda funny how clingy Emily has been with Daddy. He can't do anything without her wondering what he's doing and if he's going somewhere. He got home at 4:30 last Saturday morning, and after he lay down next to her, she rolled over, woke up, and grabbed him in a big hug before going back to sleep. So sweet!

Some Post

I know I need to write some post, so that the previous one will disappear from the top, and people will again visit my site. :) But, I'm too tired to write anything remotely creative. Soooo, this will have to do.
I did go see "Knight and Day" with Joy, Jeffrey, Ryan, and my Dad tonight. It was SO GOOD! I enjoyed it as much the 2nd time as I did the 1st. Josiah and his buddy were supposed to go along, but they didn't make it back from fishing in time. Bummer! They did catch four nice northern, and made themselves a nice meal for supper.

Warning! Gross Post

Josiah got a two-in-one!
We don't let Emily see, or she would cry.

BAC2ONE

Yeah! The kids had a blast at BAC2ONE this week!
Anna did a lot of painting - abstract art, shoe jazz, pop art painting, and tie dye. She has some fun pieces to display in her room.
Ryan did sewing (a throw pillow), applique (on a notebook), and a pinewood boat. He really enjoyed the hand sewing in the sewing class, and I thought he did a neat job.
Mark did scrapbooking (which he loved!), applique (on a notebook), and Stomp. In Stomp, they learned to follow and keep a beat with their sticks.
Josiah helped every day with MiniBAC (which is for the teacher's kids, ages 3-6). He was well loved by all the little girls, especially one that just hung on him all week. He called her, Pinkie. :)
Joy taught Brain Power (a class on Logic), and led a small group. Her class went really well, and they wrote a play starring Sherlock Holmes and Watson using their Logic skills. It went really well!!
Jeffrey was busy working for Grandpa W. this week. He's saving towards flying lessons, and fixing his car, so that someday he can put insurance on it and have his own car.
Emily and I kept up the home front. :) We drove forgotten pictures into class, washed laundry, dishes, got a flat tire fixed twice, and did miscellaneous paperwork. I finished my paperwork for the two older boys who are attending a charter school this year. It seems like I really should have done more, but the days sure were busy.
We all watched a movie last night with homemade blizzards to wind down, then slept in this morning. Yeah, for relaxing weekends!!

Motorcycle Training Invention!

Jerry's newest invention is a motorcycle trainer that allows the student to ride in circles in a controlled environment while learning to shift gears, use the clutch, and the brakes. He can walk alongside giving direction, or randomly yell stop and start, while adding in safety instructions. After having worked with students who have struggled to master the shifting gears concept and worried for their safety, he came up with this idea. It's an excellent tool to also give older people or handicapped kids a chance to get to experience riding a motorcycle all by themselves. He plans to add a removable side seat, so he can sit by the driver and give directions without having to run around the circle with them. We're excited about marketing it. :)

Happy Birthday Josiah!

A couple of weeks ago, Josiah turned 15! We celebrated by going for pizza after church, and then coming home for ice cream cake and presents. Later that evening, after Jerry left for work, the kids and I headed up North to spend Josiah's actual birthday at the cabin. His buddy, also Josiah, came up to hang out with him. The girls and their friend prepared an awesome activity hunt with clues, biking, an obstacle course, etc. Each team of two had to name an egg and keep him unbroken throughout the event. I wish I had pictures of Smudge, Saphira, Flare, etc. The girls teams beat for finishing first, but the boys team won the obstacle course. The kids had fun swimming, tubing, jumping off the pontoon in the middle of the lake, and eating and eating. :)
Josiah enjoys hanging out with friends, hunting, fishing, working for his Grandpas, playing cribbage, watching movies, participating with CAP, and playing guitar. He's had some once-in-a-lifetime (but hopefully not for him) fishing catches this summer. He's great at meeting new people, and could have a great conversation with a tree stump. You'd probably want to come listen, it would be so interesting. He's great at entertaining Emily in the car with his on-the-spot stories. He had a blast this summer playing the part of Aladdin in a play. He's an entertaining kid with a great heart, but typical teenage issues. As I said in a family newsletter when he was little, that Josiah loves reactions whether with hugs or slugs. He's a great son, and we are so glad God made you - Josiah!!