VALENTINE HAPPENINGS...

THE FRUITS OF HIS LABOR..

2012-01-29T13:16:00.000-08:00

No, he is not finished with his doctorate yet...but he has earned at least 1/2 of it. Cory was able to earn the Educational Specialist Degree...which means he just had some additional training...most of the classes in this degree are part of the doctoral classes he had to take anyhow..so he decided to take the extra 2 classes and have something to show for it! Smart move!

Now...back to work! I am so thankful for this guy!

STINKY FRENCHMEN....

2012-01-29T13:14:00.000-08:00

Definitely stinky.

INCOGNITO....

2012-01-29T13:09:00.000-08:00

I don't know...I still think they look related.

JANUARY...ALMOST GONE?...

2012-01-19T08:18:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe January is almost over! I haven't had enough time to organize all of my holiday decor to put away...and still have a tree in the kitchen...it IS undecorated though! My goal is to have it all put away by the end of January!

It was so nice to have a break with Cory! It was sad to think to ourselves that we had sort of forgot what is was like to just be all together as a family and really just spend time playing together. Cory is really diligent to be a good husband and father despite all of the work he is doing...it was just so heavenly to be together like that...and it makes me really miss him! Say a prayer for us...it is not that it is hard...it is just the constant busy-ness that can burn you out! He will be going strong from now until the end of July. I am excited about that! I will hopefully get the chance to fly down (that part I am not excited about...that part is scary!) and spend the last day with him, and drive back with him! It will be a celebration of the end of his classes and the start of his dissertation! I am so proud of this man!

I am a grandma...to an egg! Isaac Jr. was brought home yesterday in a very cozy boyscout popcorn bucket...Isaac was very excited about this project and went to work right away hand sewing a little blanket and pillow...complete with the stuffing! He is doing this project for school.

The girls are coming right along with their piano...I feel so envious (in a good way) of Esther when I hear her play. She is also doing really well on the trombone.

I made some really nice picture books for three of the kiddos for Christmas from Shutterfly. They were really nice quality. I got them because when I ordered the kids school pics they came with a $20 credit to be used at Shutterfly. Well, just the other day...I recieved an email from Shutterfly saying that they were happy to do business with me over the holidays and sent me ANOTHER $20 credit! So I am publicly thanking Shutterfly for being such a wonderful and reputable company! I made Eli a picture book, and cannot wait to see it in print !

Hoping everyone is staying warm! I think it may be time for another cup of tea!

HAPPY NEW YEAR...A FEW HOURS EARLY!

2011-12-31T16:19:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year friends and family! I hope that this New Year brings you much love, warmth, and closer to Him! I look back on this past year and am thankful for all of the many blessings that our family has been granted! I pray that God will bless our family and use us in a mighty way this 2012!

Most of all...I am thankful for my husband and all of his hard work! He sacrifices so much for us, and it is my personal prayer that God blesses whatever he puts his hand to. The Lord has been gracious to us! Looking forward to His plan for 2012!

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2011....

2011-12-31T16:10:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas 2011 to you! It is my hope to put together a little movie of our family christmas...So for now...my Christmas pictures will have to wait until the New Year!

CHRISTMAS CRAFTING....

2011-12-31T16:05:00.000-08:00

This was a fun thing for the kids to do...They were so excited to go to Grandma and Poppys house for a Christmas Party just for them...and this is what they came back with. They girls did the cottage above...and the boys the one below.

Mom had the very cool idea of the kids making luminaries out of pop bottles! She put salt in the bottom of them because salt wont burn...and that held them down quite well...and the sides didnt burn like other luminaries tend to...they were really quite pretty! They decorated them with a wintery looking glaze...

HOMEMADE GIFTS...

2011-12-31T15:58:00.000-08:00

This was a gift I made for my Mother in law...It is supposed to be a table runner of some sort :-) I am really not a seamstress, but I am happy with how this turned out too..I love the vintage looking flowers. It has a lot of the colors of her dining room, so I think it will go nicely. I had one other gift that I did not manage to get done in time...perhaps I can still get it done if I work hard!

HOMEMADE GIFTS...

2011-12-31T15:54:00.000-08:00

These were really fun to do...Freezer paper stencil silouettes. These ones are of my niece Ella. The one on the left is when she was a good deal younger...but the one with pig tails looks so much like her...I keep thinking of that little blonde haired girl on the golden books...she looks just like that profile to me :-) I was pleased with how they came out.

THANKSGIVING 2011...

2011-12-31T15:27:00.000-08:00

Okay...as usual I am behind in posting my shots...but I am more concerned about just making sure that the kids can see that I have documented them...even if it is after Christmas...and New Years Eve!

This was kind of different...it is not often I get my photo taken with the kiddos..and I seemed to have quite a bit taken on this day. I hope that someday when they look back and see the small amount of me and them, that they will be able to understand that it is me behind every picture...usually :-)

THANKSGIVING 2011 CONT'D

2011-12-31T15:24:00.000-08:00

We were invited to have Thanksgiving with Cliff, Chris, and Ella this year. I always put my shots in out of order...but the kids and some of the adults who are still kids .... had a football game after all of the festivities!

Huddle...Huddle...

GOOD EATS!....

2011-12-31T15:22:00.000-08:00

Cliff planned the menu for Thanksgiving...he scoured magazines and he came up with some really delicious treats! Above were orange-gingered sugar snap peas...these were my personal favorite! I never seem to use ginger all that much...but it really has a clean fresh flavor..I have been using it more since :-)

This was a tasty pepper corn casserole...Two thumbs up!

I made the asparagus and tomatoes...I overcooked it...and it looked like strings...:-(

DELICIOUS TREATS ...

2011-12-31T15:20:00.000-08:00

One of my personal favorite holiday treats is the pumpkin roll. Normally I am not big on sweet breads other than banana or zuccini bread....but this is amazing with its cream cheese filling...paired with a cup of coffee with extra cream and I am in la la land!

Moms rolls... and a dip that cliff made...I think it goes with the kielbassa...there was so much food, I really didn't get to try that dip.

MORE FOOD....

2011-12-31T15:18:00.000-08:00

How could I ever eat cranberry sauce from a can again? This was simply amazing...and it looked like jewels!

How cool is this? Cliffy made these truffle looking cheeseballs...it had such a cool looking presentation! I was impressed!

We had Turkey too! Everything was absolutely delicious!

THANKSGIVING 2011 CONT'D

2011-12-31T15:16:00.000-08:00

Valentine Elves.

The Valentine Men...Preparing a feast!

More Elves.

THE END OF THANKSGIVING 2011...

2011-12-31T15:14:00.000-08:00

They look like they could be related!

It was a really nice time spent with the people we love the best :-)

SCHOOL PROJECTS...

2011-12-31T15:03:00.000-08:00

I am forever always behind in the posting of my pictures...though I think I do quite well at capturing the moments.... The first picture is a project Isaac had to do for science. It is a cell project. It was quite involved, and he got a great grade on it!

You may remember Isaac doing his longhouse project in 4th grade. Well, it is Esther's turn. She decided upon doing a wigwam. She worked very hard on this, and it turned out really cool! The outside fire actually has a flameless tealight candle in it...so it really looked like a real fire amidst all of the tissue paper. If you look close enough the Algonquin Indians are actually Esther and Isaac!

They had animal skins on their beds so she used an animal printed material to represent that. I wish we would have had time to go out and get real bark for the wigwam...but this material seemed to represent it quite well. She got a great grade as well, and I am so proud of my kids when they are working so diligently!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2011...

2011-11-01T06:39:00.000-07:00

This was an exciting year...I did not have to buy ANY costumes...or make any! I was able to recycle what we had from previous years...and thanks to my sister Amanda for buying the after Halloween sale stuff! We were very happy! Esther decided to be a Jailbird. She was just really not feeling well this year..and I thought that she was not going to be able to go Trick or Treating....but she decided that she was not going to miss out.

This was the before picture....I should have kept her home...but I am glad that she got to go since she was looking so forward to it.

HALLOWEEN 2011 CONT'D....

2011-11-01T06:36:00.000-07:00

Optimus Prime....This is Eli...and he is very proud to be a Transformer! He was excited to have a Halloween Party at his school as well...He has far too much candy!

Gayle used the witch costume...she wanted a green face.....she still looks like a pretty witch.

Okay...I did break down and buy her a pair of purple and black striped tights...but I justified it with saying that she could wear it all year long...so it really doesnt count :-)

HALLOWEEN MONSTERS 2011...

2011-11-01T06:34:00.000-07:00

Asher was difficult to get a shot of..he did not like the hood on....as you can see it was a little large..so he trick or treated with it off..

He was not sure what to think when people met him at the door.....and then held out a basket of candy to him..he took one..then looked back at the candy....for about 2 houses...then he got it. He was SO excited to go and get the candy and then he would say "thank you for the canny" in his baby voice....he was very cute... the other kids had run on ahead of us...so Cory and I got to really enjoy his antics, and take our time with him.....it was very enjoyable.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2011 PARTNER...

2011-11-01T06:32:00.000-07:00

Handsome Isaac.

Goofy Isaac...I wonder how long it will last. How many more years will I have with him dressing up? This is an Aunt Manda special....we sure had fun this year!

POSTS....FROM A LONG TIME AGO....

2011-10-29T16:54:00.000-07:00

I realize I have not posted in ages...I have a ton of photos...but not a ton of time. Still.....I like to keep a little photo journal of our adventures. The following is a whole slew of pics from the most recent...(breadmaking..to the first day of school...) It may be outdated...but still noteworthy:) The top photo is our trip out to Homecoming at Geneva. Isaac brought his friend with him...they plan to be roommates. We gave them the full college experience....from dining in the dining hall...to seeing the dorm rooms...they were surprised how messy they were :-)
.

At one of the rest stops along the way...

they look related.

Hmmm.....I wanted to make sure I got a shot of them in the Library... You never know what their study habits will be...I hope to see them in there quite often :-)

ELI...HIS FIRST DAY OF PRESCHOOL...

2011-10-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

Eli....what can I say...I think he is as cute as can be...and really excited for school...he just loves it!

PRESCHOOL ACTIVITIES...

2011-10-29T16:46:00.000-07:00

Of course...there is always playdough!

....and friends to play on the computer!

Snacktime is a favorite!

MORE PRESCHOOL STUFF...

2011-10-29T16:44:00.001-07:00

Eli is pretty good a puzzles..

This table is always filled with something different every week! It is fun to see what could be in the table :-)

I had to put this in...because it is SO Elijah....ruining lots of photographic moments!

Eli really doesn't do all that many art projects..apparently he is too busy playing!

MORE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL PICS!

2011-10-29T16:40:00.000-07:00

Gayle... Looking like such a little girl! So excited for 2nd grade!

Both girls together ..... if only they could look that way more often!!!

I stuck this photo in because it was humorous to me. We had been watching a dance show....and one of the teams was a girls dance group that dressed up as zombies, and then did strange dancing. The girls thought it was really interesting...so they made themselves up and choreographed a dance for us. Such a change from the above shot!

...MORE FIRST DAY PICTURES...ALMOST DONE...

2011-10-29T16:36:00.000-07:00

Middle School!!!! I was worried....but needlessly! He loves it, and he has really flourished!

Both Isaac and Esther are just growing up way too fast! *sniff*

Okay....this might be a little too grown up for me!

KING ARTHUR....WHAT A NICE GUY!!!!

2011-10-29T16:33:00.000-07:00

Isaac and Esther were able to take part in the King Arthur Flour Baking program. If you are on facebook you can see a link to the news that I shared...Isaac was interviewed, and had the opportunity to make bread in front of the whole 6th grade! They were sent home with kits to make bread, and also a bag to put a loaf of bread in to take back to school and donate to CHOW.

I think those bags of flour are SO cute!

BAKING BREAD...KING ARTHUR STYLE...

2011-10-29T16:30:00.000-07:00

Since Isaac was chosen to make the bread in front of the school..they gave him this really cool apron which I told him that I wanted for myself. He agreed that we could share it...but that it was his!

They worked very hard on their loaves for CHOW!

THE FRUIT OF THEIR LABOR....

2011-10-29T16:26:00.000-07:00

Both Isaac and Esther made braided loaves...someone is going to have a real treat!

We had extra flour so we made pizza for supper....Isaac was excited to show us how to "toss" it..apparently they showed him at school. Pretty cool!

........and delicious!

LAST...BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST...

2011-10-29T16:22:00.000-07:00

Gayle was not part of the program....but couldn't be left out...she made delicious cinnamon rolls....really ....really yummy!

I had forgotten to get a shot of her mixing her dough....here the rolls have rised...

This was the before of her dough...the first rise. I was really impressed with the King Arthur Program and thought it was really worthwhile! They had each of these recipes in their booklet, and it is made with their simple bread recipe. The house sure smelled good today! Well done to the kiddos...and now...I am really --really -- tired. The End.

REJECTS...............

2011-09-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

A TRIBUTE TO THE SUMMER OF 2011

2011-09-29T07:55:00.000-07:00

GOODBYE SUMMER....

2011-09-28T10:49:00.000-07:00

I have tons and tons of photos of this summer. I have no energy to post them. I made them into a "tribute to summer" video in which I will post it sometime. I have to do it now...because I said I would. Summer was spent at home...enjoying each others company. We frequented the cottage a lot...and near the end....wished we had even more! Lots of fish were caught..and let go..except for one which Isaac is going to put on the wall! Many marshmallows were toasted and/or lost to the fire.. We frequented the zoo and the discovery center...went swimming...it went too fast, far too fast! I really mourn summer....but I know that seasons are necessary.

This guy is working so hard. I wish that I could give him a well deserved break! He has 4.0 and was officially accepted into the doctoral program....woo hoo! He has been taking doctoral courses all along, but it was under another name...I think it is called the Educational Specialist. So....now he must *really* know what he is doing! hehehe. He is looking for topics for his dissertation...one he is throwing around is dealing with motivation of students...that would be really beneficial to the schooling community as they deal with parents and kids who don't seem to care. Feel free to give him suggestions for topics...he would love that!

Isn't this the tiniest little turtle you've ever seen? Isaac found it while he was on the boat. He deposited it somewhere safe...very cool!

Wow...he is a handsome guy! Isaac is in middle school now....and flourishing. I was really worried about him starting, but he loves it, and he spends a lot of time with Cory...that must have something to do with it....let's face it...boys need their dads! Hoping you all are looking forward to fall, and the coming holidays. I've already started a Christmas gift...(Hey this is early for me!) Looking forward to a trip to the Alma Mater this Saturday....can't wait to sing "Fight Geneva Fight Geneva Fight Geneva Fight!"

WHY...HOW?...

2011-08-07T19:02:00.000-07:00

I had to share this shot, because it is a strange thing to me. I told the kids to smile...and Gayle quickly "posed" for this shot...It is times like these that I have to wonder "what in the world"....and I have to be honest...I *think* that this was a reaction that she had and not something she was *trying* to do...she is just so unaware...and yet...look...ACK!

ENJOYMENT...

2011-08-07T18:47:00.000-07:00

We were fortunate enough to be able to take some time to spend as a family....some of us...(Asher) spent it snoozing.

I love to take pictures at the zoo...they have so many picturesque places to pose by.

They had free face painting that day...

FAMILY TIME...

2011-08-07T18:44:00.000-07:00

We actually started out the day before with a picnic....and some fun at a park.

We barely got anywhere....for the locals..we were just where they have the swans...and it started to pour....buckets. I can't remember the last time I ever got caught in rain like that...and I loved it...and was thoroughly soaked!

Look how bright it is in the above picture...not 2 min after this....the downpour. Below is day #2 at the Zoo.

36 YEARS YOUNG...

2011-08-07T18:37:00.000-07:00

Happy 36th Birthday to my best friend in the entire world!

Blessed Indeed!

BEAUTY SHOP...

2011-08-07T18:27:00.000-07:00

It was rather rainy today...so the girls and I amused ourselves by playing what Gayle likes to call Beauty Shop. I will not lie...I enjoy this game. I love make-up...sparkles, and anything girly. I usually let them apply make-up on me, but not this time.

Sometimes I get nervous....I can see what is to come, and feel like it is too close. I have always wished I had brown eyes like Esthers....

....Of course....Gayle has beautiful eyes as well..both of them....gorgeous and stunning without paint! Of course I am partial to my beauties :-)

DR of THINKOLOGY...

2011-08-07T18:18:00.000-07:00

This guy is taking it day by day...he is realizing his next "break" (if you could call it that)..is right before Christmas. He has a full plate, and it would be great if you would say a few prayers on his behalf...I am really proud of him and his dedication--it is a labor of love for sure!

GOOD BYE PUMPKINS!....

2011-08-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

I feel sad....We had a beautiful pumpkin patch...at least 5 or 6 Pumpkins...of which were to be jack-o-lanterns for Fall....one day I noticed that the leaves on one stalk began wilting...then I noticed some leaves turning yellow...so I thought...maybe we should cut some of the dead leaves...stalks off so that growth would go straight to the pumpkins. I noticed the roots were brown and rotting...so I did a little research and found out that we were vistited by the Squash Vine Borer. So Cory and I went out to perform surgery. We carefully scraped off the "yuck" and then made an incision inside the stalk and killed any "borer" that we found...which incidently look like little maggots...ack!" Then we washed it out, and wrapped up the wound in nylons, and covered it with dirt. The next day...we pulled it all out! I was thinking about trying to start another patch, but it is most likely too late. pumpkins are expensive and they grow so easily...this was troublesome. At any rate...next year...I am going to plant them later in the year before they lay their eggs...which...incidently look like a smashed raspberry on your leaves.... I have also been told to coat my seeds in sulfur, and to add it to the soil during the season. I will try again next year. Everything else seems to be going fine...tomatoes seem late in ripening...but lots of green ones! The burgandy beans are growing SO fast...and the watermelon are getting bigger...hooray! Today I have to go out and pick off the yellowed leaves of my Rose of sharon...it seems that I have been watering it too much and now it has mold spores on the leaves...it will spread to the other plants if I dont take care of it now...on another note...I have a nasty chipmunk who dug up one of my bulbs....the nerve!

A NIGHT OUT!..

2011-07-24T20:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Cory and I got to go out for the evening...without kids! We had been invited to a wedding and enjoyed ourselves immensely! He had just gotten back from the University the night before...so it was such a delight to be together for such an extended period of time. The reception did not start right after the wedding, so we had a couple of hours to kill, and it was just so very nice...Thanks to my inlaws for taking care of 5 littles for us while we enjoy ourselves!

GONE...

2011-07-20T04:40:00.000-07:00

I am missing my husband...who has left me for the week. He is fulfilling his obligations at Liberty University. Every year he has to take what is called an "intensive class" . Normally classes are about 8 weeks long...but during the intensive it is an 8 week class shoved into one week...classes are 8-4:30 every day...with lots of work to do after class for the next day. He is feeling tired despite having no "little distractions" to deal with this week. I am proud of him and thankful that he is willing to pour himself out so selflessly.

Meanwhile....I am feeling tired, but am thankful that Thurs I will get a little break compliments of Corys Mom and Dad! I am also thankful that Isaac has really stepped up and started doing tasks that Cory would normally take care of...and without being asked! Just noticing that the trash needed taking out...and doing it! We talk a lot about showing initiative, and it feels like it is paying off! I was telling Cory just this morning how much I missed him, his company...my best friend. I also was telling him that I didnt enjoy being a single parent much, that life is so much easier when you are working alongside the person God designed you to be with...

Despite him being gone...we will continue to have a good time and work together to accomplish lifes daily tasks...And if anyone is interested in joining us..we are free on Friday...Come play with us!

GROWING UP.... QUICKLY.

2011-07-08T13:26:00.000-07:00

This is Gayles new look. Her hair was really quite long, and now it is really quite short. I like it. So does she.

Esther got a perm. She needed a look that could be sporty and dressy depending on what was going on. She likes it a lot...and so do I!

Our little garden....growing quickly...lettuces, royal burgandy beans, watermelon, pumpkins, tomatoes, basil..we used to have sugar snap peas...Esther weeded the garden and now we dont...hehe. My peppers did horrible...Mom said to use Epsom salt...I never did, because the pumpkins grew over top of them......My tomatoes are not large plants, but plenty of flowers are appearing...that is what matters :-)

A NEW LOOK...

2011-07-06T08:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took the girls to get their hair done at the salon. This was a huge treat for them and me! I love girly stuff, and love my girls...so this was a delight! Scroll below to see the before pics of the girls....and soon I will post the after shots...I think they look so cute :-)

Also...I was behind on some posting....so Ive included some other things including our 4th of July/Happy Birthday to Mom celebration pics. I hope your 4th was as nice as ours. We slept in a tent for the 1st time as a family....it was not quite like I envisioned it. I was not prepared for the middle of the night soon to be 2 yr old standing up and singing Elmos World to all who would listen...over and over again. Not a whole lot of sleeping...but it *was* good practice for preparing them for camping...and me too :-( (Didnt I just say I was a girly girl?... perhaps I could at least get a small air mattress...?)

BEFORE.....

2011-07-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

Gayle...Wow...her hair is really long. Prepare for the new do!

Esther....her hair is getting quite long too...no more cutting her own hair...she learned her lesson I think. Prepare for her new do!

4TH OF JULY HOOPLAH....

2011-07-06T08:19:00.000-07:00

Asher...growing so big....so fast!

Gayle....just having fun!

FAMILY SHOTS....

2011-07-06T08:04:00.000-07:00

BOATING FUN!.....

2011-07-06T08:02:00.000-07:00

Off for a canoe ride....

....or a paddle boat ride perhaps?

THE LAST OF THE FUN....

2011-07-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Pre fireworks for kiddos....compliments of Uncle Cliff!

A sleepy Asher...and Mama.

Beautiful Esther!

5th GRADE GRADUATION....

2011-07-06T07:17:00.000-07:00

Well...I would have had these up sooner had some child not blessed my keyboard with some of their beverage :-( Anyhow... this was Isaacs big day...5th grade graduation.

We are very proud of our boy...Well done Isaac!

ESTHER PLAYING ONE OF HER RECITAL SONGS...

2011-06-02T21:25:00.000-07:00

Is it wrong to be jealous of an 8 year old? I think if I had the chance to "do anything" that I wanted...it would be take piano lessons. I have always wanted them...and maybe someday will have them. Esther said she is willing to teach me... For now...I am happy that Esther is able to learn this art. I am very proud of her for working so diligently. Again...I asked her on the way to the recital if she was nervous...she looked at me strange and replied "no"...as if I might have been crazy or something. She was totally at ease...and took it all in stride. She has to get that part from her Dad...I would have been shaking and my fingers would have locked up...it would have been a disaster! I look forward to when she plays harder pieces. Do you ever read books where sometimes after the characters eat supper they retire to the music room and listen to someone play the piano? Why don't we do that anymore? I love to just sit and listen to her play. I told her my goal is that someday she will have to play me the Canon in D....I simply love that piece! I think that is fair...I pay for lessons...she plays me the songs I like....hehehe. Isaac does not take lessons anymore. He did not practice as much as we would like...therefore...we don't want to waste our money on something that is not valued. He must value it some though...sometimes he gets his music out and plays it...which makes me happy. Gayle is next on the schedule. She starts lessons in the Fall. 2nd grade is when our teacher likes to start the kids, so that they have a good handle on reading. I honestly don't have any idea how Gayle will do...she likes music, and spends time on things that are important to her...we shall see how it goes.

PIANO RECITAL....ESTHER

2011-06-02T18:56:00.000-07:00

I am amazed at how far she has come in 2 years. She is doing such a good job, and I am so proud of her!

The best is that she truly loves playing...that makes a big difference I think.

Mrs. Fabrizi....and Esther. Teacher and Student....both proud.

Well done Esther!

CARNIVAL DAY....AT PRESCHOOL!

2011-06-02T18:53:00.000-07:00

No carnival is complete without cotton candy!

...or perhaps a big pool filled with foam...

....or a water gun to shoot balloons...

CARNIVAL DAY CONT'D....

2011-06-02T18:50:00.000-07:00

these had to be his favorite.....GOATS!

Asher plays Plinko....

....Slushees are a good treat...

This is a bass on his face...

STILL CARNIVAL DAY...

2011-06-02T18:48:00.000-07:00

Fun in a giant bounce house....

Laughing with a little brother....

Toss the bean bag game..........I love this shot of Asher throwing it in...They sure had fun!

HAPPY 11TH BIRTHDAY TO MY TENDER-HEARTED ISAAC!

2011-05-22T18:33:00.000-07:00

AN 11 YEAR MILESTONE...

2011-05-22T17:24:00.000-07:00

Isaac and his lego cake.......I cant believe how tall he is getting! Ready to pass me up...and gaining on Cory!

This was not as hard as I thought it would be to make. I admit I was really scared about the word "fondant" and its taste...but it ended up being surprisingly good! Hooray for a good experience!

My handsome son!

HAPPENINGS....

2011-05-22T17:22:00.000-07:00

This guy is getting so big...I think I must have turned my back for a moment...and he grew up!

I like how Gayle snuck into this photo...yes...I am aware snuck is not a word...but I like how it sounds...sneaked, snacked, snucked...right...hehehe. Clearly I dont follow rules...look...I dont even use apostrophes!

Just being silly........................and underneath............girly.

MORE LITTLES...

2011-05-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

Gayle...as pretty as a lilac.

What? He can't hear you!

Precious.

Looking much older than 6...

ESSIE...

2011-05-19T15:36:00.000-07:00

Check out those freckles...love em!

Even when she is silly she is beautiful!

MORE MISC....

2011-05-19T15:34:00.000-07:00

Dirty Hands

Still Dirty...

SHOTS OF SOME LITTLES...

2011-05-18T06:39:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't like a little covered bridge! This was an area of interest during Isaacs baseball game.

Asher of course needed a little boost to see what was so exciting...

It was a lot of fun to throw dandylions and grass into the water and watch it travel away.

DONT ASK...

2011-05-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

This is the product of what happens when I should *really* be going to bed...good night all! Sorry Asher.

MISC....

2011-05-04T18:22:00.000-07:00

The above were some Christmas gifts I had made for family members. Both were a lot of fun and incredibly easy! I love homemade gifts on the cheap side!

Here are 2 photos of Eli at preschool. The first one is the "Mrs. Gigglebelly is coming to tea day" I am Mrs. Gigglebelly. We had a good day. He sure loves his class!

BACK IN THE DAY!

2011-05-04T18:15:00.000-07:00

I miss this. *sniff*

UNIBROW

2011-05-04T18:13:00.000-07:00

I agree...it's an interesting look...I think the uni brow is making a big statement...the little goatee is fashionable...but I am not convinced about the mustache...it looks like he hasn't really committed to it. I am not a fan of the green snot marks...I think that is too bold. I would have to give him credit for the effort...it isnt easy to pull off a look like this..but he seems to really be working it...look at him set the styles!

CHORES...

2011-05-04T18:07:00.000-07:00

I just had to get some shots of the boys doing their laundry chore. (Nevermind the piles of clothes on the chair to be folded...I have 5 kids...give me a break!)

Their job is to bring their hamper in together and then to dump the clothes out onto the floor. Later I will work on sorting colors with them.

It's always polite to show affection for a job well done!

LOOK...NEW PHOTOS!

2011-05-04T17:54:00.000-07:00

So...Once again, I am scolded for my lack of "keeping up to date" photos...never mind the fact that the last ones I posted were like a million of them...:-) At any rate...I scrounged up a few that I had. The first one is Asher with his first real injury. This actually does not look bad...it was an actual hole in his head. If you want to know what happened...well...you might want to ask Esther...it was compliments of her.

Isaac had his cross-over ceremony and was so surprised to see his Uncle Cliff come and make an appearance. This was the highlight of his night for sure!

Cory was proud to hand over his cub master patch to someone else. Below...Isaac is looking at his new Boy Scout handbook...I was glad to catch this shot...it looks like he is pondering all that the future of Scouts holds for him...We were very proud...and he was too. He was awarded many pins and awards that night. Job well done Isaac!

SPRING!!!!!!!

2011-04-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

Nothing says Spring to me like the sight of daffodils. I love all flowers, but these might have to be my favorite. The following is some pictures that I took of our Egg Hunt with our niece Ella. I know it is a week early...but this is when we could get together with them. I chased Ella around all day with the camera, and only got a handful of shots...none of them great...that girl is BUSY! It was interesting to me to think about the egg hunt...I never participated in an egg hunt as a kid...I wonder if it has the same feeling as seeing Christmas gifts under the tree...at any rate...they had a fabulous time, and it was good to see Ella!

LET THE HUNT BEGIN!....

2011-04-18T07:12:00.000-07:00

What a crew! I took a number of shots, and this is one of the only ones that turned out ok. Oh well...A memory was made...and nobody is perfect, so I guess it is accurate.

Eli knew just what to do...his eggs were orange, but he enjoyed finding Ellas pink ones and getting them for her...what a gentleman!

ELLA....

2011-04-18T07:07:00.000-07:00

Like I said...Ella never stopped moving...I tried my best to get some good shots. I love this top one...her hair is so beautiful. She had a fun time with her cousins, and enjoyed running around outside. She has such a friendly personality with all the kids...what a precious girl!

MUG SHOTS....LOTS OF THEM...!

2011-04-18T07:03:00.000-07:00

MORE FRIENDLY MUGS....

2011-04-18T06:58:00.000-07:00

I TOLD YOU THERE WAS A LOT!...

2011-04-18T06:55:00.000-07:00

HELLO HANDSOME!

THE END OF THE MUG SHOTS...I PROMISE!

2011-04-18T06:52:00.000-07:00

SCOTTISH SHORTBREAD...

2011-04-18T06:43:00.000-07:00

Esther had a presentation to present regarding family history. She was required to bring things in to share during this presentation. One of the things that she brought was Scottish Shortbread. This is actually Cherry Chip Scones. They are really easy to make, and quite yummy. These would be served when the English take afternoon tea. The typical practice is to top with clotted cream and then jam. These would be way to rich to do that...Her class liked them, and she was very pleased with herself :-) Good Job Esther!

ESSIE MCGUESSIE...

2011-04-12T12:29:00.000-07:00

Some of you may know that Cory has some health issues dealing with digestion, and other stuff. We have been seeing a health specialist who has been amazing! Esther has been bugging me about going to see him since we found out that she has quite a bit of gray hair. I took her to the family Doc. whom we love, and he did not think that it was something to be terribly concerned about. Still...I was concerned. Also...Esther was very self-conscious about her weight. A while back we had her doing 20 min. on the stairmaster a night. Nothing. Our goal was not exactly to lose, but just not to put any more on. She has endured teasing, and having to shop for clothes in an adult section. Yesterday we finally had her appt. They tested her urine, saliva, examined her nails, face, ears, irises, tongue, and had a body response test done. Her results show an extremely low functioning thyroid, and pituitary. She has other deficiencys that are giving her trouble as well. He told her that she would not be able to lose weight if she tried, and that there is a reason that she keeps gaining. We have ordered her the items needed to put her in the right direction, and have a list of food sensitivities that we need to follow. One being gluten...dairy...cane sugar...so what does that leave? Cardboard or something? Hmmm....it is going to be a process and an adventure for sure. I dont think that the food issues will always be that way...she does not have celiac...but they will put her in the right direction. It really pains me to know that she has been dealing with these things for so long...I am glad we have finally gotten some of these things figured out for her...now...onto recovery:-) Pray for us to figure out how to do this diet...we will make mistakes and have to learn along the way...it seems totally overwhelming, but I have already had a number of responses from folks willing to give me their insight and tips...a support really! If you have any information that you would like to give us re: gluten free sites, recipes, etc... we wont turn anything down, and will be grateful for whatever we can glean from you! In the meantime, I am smiling because my 8 year old may not feel different from everyone else for ever....and that will make it worth it!

ITS THAT TIME....

2011-04-07T10:09:00.000-07:00

Well...first of all...apparently it is time to change my picture on my blog, because some folks think it is not being proactive towards the warmer Spring weather...hehehe (Elizabeth !) hehe! However...it really *IS* that time...time for casting a line, feeling that tug, and pulling out the prize! Gotta love it! This photo says it all...no cares...absolute relaxation...lose yourself in the water...I love it. Enjoy...and bring on Spring~!

A PRETEND PATENT...

2011-03-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

That's right...I hold the patent (pretend) of course...for this fancy...do it yourself..."keep your gloves on so that they don't fall off...or get snow inside of your coat genius idea". All of you who are skeptical...clearly you don't understand! All you need is clear packaging tape...(because lets face it...fashion matters..) and just begin by wrapping. There is no real art to it...that is the true genius of it...and it WORKS! Don't be envious or jealous...just keep working hard and you will find your genius idea too!

Happy Birthday to My Elijah...I Love You!

2011-03-16T08:11:00.000-07:00

EXCITEMENT...

2011-03-01T09:14:00.000-08:00

Excitement for Spring! For seeing new growth! I love this time of year! It happens every year...but it seems brand new every time I see it!

Just a quick note...I am eating fajita chicken with rice and beans soup...it is REALLY good! I love homemade soup, but today it is not...this is Campbells...most of the time I think their soup tastes strange...but this tastes like real soup!

I just finished reading Bringing Up Boys by Dr. Dobson...and have started on Instructing a Childs Heart by Tedd Tripp....the sequel to Shepherding a Childs Heart....Both share the same premise...the difficulty of living in a culture intent upon corrupting your child...its not easy that is for sure! I have been working on different things at home with the kids and just LOVE these books. I am looking forward to the next one on my list. Yesterday while we were having Family Worship, Isaac made the comment that we shouldnt just be enjoying ourselves here...which made me kind of raise my eyebrows...he went on to say that we shouldn't just be content with being who we are and enjoying ourselves, but that we should be working more towards telling others about our faith and when we get to Heaven, then we can sit and enjoy ourselves...He said it in a rather humorous way...but he definitely had the idea...it made me really proud to hear him say that...and to understand that their is a bigger picture to think about. I imagine every parent that has these moments just wants to rejoice...

This month Elijah turns 4! That went so quickly! As usual I become a sap. It doesn't matter...he decides to grow up anyhow! I am sure I will take many photos to mark the celebration :-)

Thanks for praying for my friends...they are doing much better. The fingers in the snowblower are a bit shorter...but not as painful...and the growth is not a growth at all...but something that still needs attention...not life threatening. Still pray for this family as they seem to constantly be under attack...Cory brought this verse to mind...Luke 22:31-32 "Simon, Simon, Satan has aked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.." This is an appropriate prayer for strengthening of the faith!

PRAYERS.....

2011-02-23T08:33:00.000-08:00

Your prayers would be appreciated...they are needed badly! First off...we have had sickness in our house one person at a time...it is as if it lies in wait and then pounces...and knocks you down....HARD. It starts with a cough...a sore throat...sinus pressure...headache...you *think* you can use meds and treat it...but then it knocks you over and you literally use an entire box of tissues in one day. First Gayle, then Eli, then Asher, then Esther, then me...it may be starting with Isaac, but I *think* he is ok...Cory has been pounding oranges and seems to have escaped it...Please pray that he doesnt get it...that THEY dont get it.

Other requests are that a friend of ours caught his hand in a snow blower and quite possibly might have lost 2-3 fingers. He is in so much pain, and this family is going through quite a trial....which brings me to the next concern....their son has a growth in his brain in an inoperable spot and the situation is very scary! They prayed over him at church this past Sunday~ I am convinced that this family is under attack in a big way. So if you think about it...add them to your prayer list...and pray for their strength and support, and for encouragement, and healing, and for blessings in abundance!

Please pray for Cory if you think of it...he has much to accomplish in the next couple of days...he has been very tired...I was no help to him over the weekend due to being so sick! He has a workload ahead of him and needs to find some extra portion of strength...so that is what I am praying for! I am proud of him for working so hard, and it is at these times that I cant help him because they arent something I can do...like his school work and grading essays...etc...I feel helpless. ....but I will pray...and that *is* something...very powerful.

Just a quick note to say thank-you to all of you who love us and pray for us...challenge us...help us...follow up with us...you know who you are...and it means a great deal to us! I feel like such a sap today...but it really is true...the effort you make is evident of your love to us--thanks!

MOMMY AND ASHER...MISC

2011-02-12T20:23:00.000-08:00

He is growing so fast...I know I say it all the time...but it is true! I am trying frantically to get some shots before it all passes by...I am not one to take shots of myself...but he is soooooo lovey and snuggly that I just want to remember it!

THE PINEWOOD DERBY 2011

2011-02-12T20:21:00.000-08:00

He worked hard cutting and sanding...and painting...he was so proud!

It is always a time to look forward to...this was his last year...becuase it is on to boy scouts for this guy!

THE HIGHLIGHTS...OF THE SPORTSMAN SHOW

2011-02-12T20:20:00.000-08:00

Trout fishing...indoors!

EASTERN SPORTSMAN SHOW...

2011-02-12T20:18:00.000-08:00

This is Esther with a couple from the hunting tv show The Crush. Cory thought it would be fun to get her a hat with their autographs...

There are so many fun things to see and learn about...They come back with a bag filled with memorabilia, and different brochures.

This was Gayles first year. She loved it!

THE ANNUAL SCHOOL VALENTINE DANCE...

2011-02-12T20:16:00.000-08:00

Every year I have the same date...the first year...he was a little embarrassed to be seen holding my hand...didn't want to be seen dancing with his ...Mother!

Last year he invited me...and then decided it might be more fun to go to a birthday party he was invited to...

This year was different...he didn't care what anyone thought...he just wanted to make me happy...I think he had a good time too :-)

BECAUSE...WHEN I TAKE PICTURES...I TAKE A MILLION.

2011-02-12T20:14:00.000-08:00

Valentines...excited for the Valentine dance...hehe.

One snuck in. (I know that is not a word...I like it.)

This year, Isaac was very intent on making this a special day for me since it is his last Valentines Dance, due to him going to middle school next year. He made a very sentimental card and bought me a "love bug" to ask me formally to the dance. He wanted to hold my hand everywhere we went, and was really such a gentleman. He presented me with a pink carnation when we arrived, and made sure that he danced with me. He is a tender heart for sure...paying such close attention to detail...I wonder about the lucky woman who will steal his heart :-)

DRESSED UP FOR THE DANCE...

2011-02-12T20:12:00.000-08:00

Oh man...is he getting tall! Yowzer! (And handsome too!)

Being silly....I like Gayles face in the bottom one...she looks so serious :-)

THE GIRLS IN THEIR FINERY...

2011-02-12T20:11:00.000-08:00

Gayle suprised me this year. She tried on a number of dresses ....very princessy dresses...and then chose this one...not my first choice...but then when she wore it, it was really very much her personality...she looked beautiful!

Esther looked beautiful in her dress...it was difficult finding one for her. She is not the size of an average 8 year old...so none of those dresses fit her. We had to sort through adult themed dresses to find something that wouldnt look too ....well....adult! This one was a good pick for her since it had a rather straight bust line...One of the boys came up to her at the dance and asked if she would dance with him...and later gave her a flower...I am thinking next year she can wear a potato sack. hehe.

MISC SHOTS....

2011-02-12T20:09:00.000-08:00

Anytime Cory and I dress up, we try to take a picture...which isn't very often...but a good time to make a memory:-)

This is a quirky picture...but it is just how Eli is...very spontaneous...I love him so much!

RE-EVALUATING...

2011-02-03T10:40:00.000-08:00

Isaac has been coming home telling me about things he has learned in school...and quite frankly...I dont ever remember learning! I don't know if I was not a particularly good student...if it was my school...or what...but I do feel like I have lacked a good education in a lot of subjects. So...Cory scored me an a textbook called America...History of our Nation. It is absolutely GIANT! It is nice because it is a Teachers book so it has more food for thought...So instead of reading the nice new trilogy that Cory bought me the other day...I am going to be learning about civilizations...wars...and ...eras.... I hope to be a better student this time around. While I want my kids to be smarter than me...I dont want that to happen in 5th grade! Sheesh!

Speaking of learning...we watched an old 7th Heaven video the other day with the kids. Cory was doing a book with his students called Number the Stars, so he decided to show this particular episode that dealt with the holocaust. It was a very good lesson for the kids to learn...and at the same time very scary. It can be very easy to skip over lessons like these because they are too painful...but I think that is one reason that it should not be skipped...so that it will never be forgotten.

Hope everyone is warm and toasty....I am finally thawing out after having to pick up tons of newspaper flyers that blew all over our yard...driveway...neighbors driveway...what a mess!

A GOOD QUOTE...

2011-02-03T10:33:00.000-08:00

"Live like no one else now....so you can live like no one else later." This is a great quote for when I get to feeling like things move too slowly in this fast paced world. Keep the focus...and stay on course...in time you will reap a rich harvest. I love when God speaks to my heart through things like this.

WISHING

2011-01-31T10:37:00.000-08:00

Wishing....for summer that is! I like snow...but only when there is lots and lots of it. I'm talking about so much that the kids have trouble walking in it! After that...I am ready for Spring...and I can't wait! I am excited for this new year ...

On a "couponing note"....I spent hours...( yes hours!) clipping coupons and sorting and organizing them yesterday. It was a neccessary evil. Yesterdays paper had lots of inserts...so it was a good deal to get more than one paper. Now...I have to come up with my shopping game plan. We have been tweaking and retweaking our budget to make a good fit. I really have no idea what a good amount is to spend on groceries/toiletries/supplies....I am almost embarrassed to admit this since I have NO CLUE if this is good or bad....just know it is good for us at this time...We have a budget of $300.00 a Paycheck. $200 of that is for food. $100 is for Diapers/toiletries/supplies like garbage bags, ziplocs..laundry/dish detergent etc... I am trying to lower it as much as I can...but there IS 7 of us. What is your budget for food? Is that a lot? Anyone have any ideas?

DEALS...

2011-01-24T09:38:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Cory and I snipped our coupons and browsed our circulars to find the best deals for our groceries. I mapped out some of the things I wanted to get at Rite Aid and Walgreens...and then Cory will make a game plan to make it happen for "not much out of our pocket". I am pleased to report that we hardly ever go to wal*mart anymore except for things like diapers, and other must haves that I can't get a good deal on. I think tonight I will map out our food groceries for Price Chopper and Shursave...If you are into the coupons too and shop at Price chopper make sure you stop at their website and print off their coupons too! Target has lots and lots of coupons you can print too and if you do...you can use a manufacturers coupon with it! I definitely am not getting as much stuff at Rite Aid and Walgreens like I did in previous weeks...but just some stuff to put in the pantry.

Some other good ways to save money or be frugal...is to plan your meals around whatever meat is on sale. I usually buy multiples and then freeze them. My sister likes to cook her ground meat and then freeze it in bags...I have tried this, and it works like a charm! I will probably do more of that in the spring. Does anyone else have any good ideas for saving or being frugal? I love trying new things!

OPPORTUNITY...

2011-01-24T09:26:00.000-08:00

I must admit...I am trying to live out some of my childhood desires through my kids. I would have loved to take piano lessons....and still might. My children have offered to teach me. I may try this. I have taught myself to play in a manner of speaking...but I would like to "really" play. Esther started first...this will be her 2nd full year of lessons coming up. She has been working so hard at her recital piece. The teacher said it was actually a very hard piece to play, and that just made me so proud of her! I love the fact that she and Isaac will sit down and just play...it actually makes Cory sit down and play more too! As far as Cory goes...he will be more prone to play when he is stressed out, or when he has tons on his plate...it seems to relax him. I know he wishes he could play more. Isaac is coming up on his first full year of lessons too. He is around the same place as Esther in her book due to the fact that he takes drums too. Esther is farther ahead though in terms of timing I think. Practice makes perfect! I will have to catch them playing sometime and post it...even though I am not doing it myself, I am thankful to give them the opportunity to let it happen for them. Speaking of opportunity...Gayle is going to start this coming school year too! (She seems too little...but Esther started the same age...hmmm) Oh well.

....#6 UNDERWAY...

2011-01-24T09:13:00.000-08:00

If you think about it this week...say a prayer for my husband. Cory has started his 6th class. This one is Statistics. So far he is doing really well--A's in everything!!! I am so proud of him! He is working very hard. During this class he will also be teaching as usual, and doing all of the many things he does here. He is also running a baseball camp, so he is filling his time up quickly. Speaking of baseball...That starts in March I believe...he is already working on baseball things now...early morning workouts for the kids....clothing...etc.... it will be very tight when this starts. While I don't look forward to seeing him less...I do look forward to the sign of Spring! Many of you have been so good to keep him in your prayers and for that I am so thankful. Please keep me in mind too as I try to pick up some of the slack...or perhaps lessen some of his.

GROWTH SPURT ANYONE?

2011-01-18T14:45:00.000-08:00

I still remember holding him in my arms...I still do..but its a little different! What a fine young man he is turning out to be!

ELIJAH...THE SWEET!

2011-01-18T14:41:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that such a sweet little guy could be so photogenic...and such a family picture destroyer at the same time...Look below at his silly video for the proof.