Misc. Shots of Kiddos...

At the Cottage...Nice Perch Essie!!!

My Soon To Be Kindergartner...Sniff.

VACATION!!!!!

Hi everyone! Today is our big day. The kids are so excited to go to this water park. I am kind of excited too. Even though it wont be for any real extended amount of time, I am just happy to be spending time with just our family. I originally wanted take the girls to their spa for pedicures and manicures...but when I saw the price...OUCH! So...They each picked out a nail polish color and I got some toe separators (that sounds like it hurts.) to add to the "spa". I think I spent $2 total. Now that is my kind of manicure/pedicure! I think I have a few other spa products that I can bring along to add to the fun. Cory is going to spend $2 on baseball cards and open them with Isaac so they have some kind of bonding time. What about Eli? What about him. Ha. Just kidding. I dont think he will suffer --I am sure some extra one on one tickle time is on the agenda...I am smiling just thinking of this time! I could ramble on forever...so I will stop. I will post pictures later.

OF SPECIAL NOTE....

Some of you may or may not know, that Cory and I are going to be an Aunt and Uncle again! Corys brother and sister in law, Cliff and Chris, are due to have a baby very very soon!! We are so excited, especially since this is a first on the Valentine side for us. We dont know the name yet, and are beside ourselves with excitement. I would post a picture of Chris, but I did not ask her permission to do that, but will see if she would permit me to post pictures of the baby when she makes her debut. Chris is glowingly beautiful as always, and uncomfortable...so if you think of her and Cliff say a little prayer for safe deliveries, and short labors!!!!

HAPPY RETIREMENT!!!!!

A very Happy Retirement going out to Corys Mom and Dad!!!! I could not seem to find a picture that was just the two of them...so ....here they are surrounded by lots of loves. Yesterday was the last service for Dad and Mom. The congregation had a small ceremony for them and then a light luncheon. We of course were there to see it all, and Cory made such a heartfelt speech, that he had me near tears. We are very proud of them, and are excited for them to be able to finally enjoy their interests to a much greater extent...and of course, the kids love it too!!!!

ISAAC

Isaac is sitting beside me, interested in what I am doing. So I put a post in about him. This is him at his Scout Pinewood Derby night. He worked hard on his car with his Dad and came in 4th place...way to go Iman!!!! I have been pondering letting him put together a blog for his book reports over the summer...I have some issues with just anyone being able to comment to him, and different things like that...but on the other hand I would like to make it fun for him...and well, he enjoys technology, and could most likely teach me a thing or two. I still am not sure...I will have to see how it could work. I think there are options where you have to be "invited" to leave messages...does anyone know this? Like I said ...I am horrible at technology!

MATTERS OF THE HEART

Hi everyone. Just a quick note to ask you to think of the Valentines (us in particular). I would appreciate any prayers that you could send our way. The nature of the event isn't as important as Gods will...so if you find the time we would certainly appreciate any prayers you could offer up to Him. Thanks so much!

The New Old Trampoline...

Our next door neighbor gave us this trampoline for free. It has no protective sides...no safety netting...but the kids are wild about it. Have you ever seen Americas Funniest Home Videos? Every Sunday night our family watches this program together while we munch on sloppy joes. Every Sunday there is multiple clips of people hurting themselves on these trampolines. I know in my heart that I would not have bought one for these very reasons...but to turn up a free one????? So far so good. No casualties. It is good exercise for them. Can you see me talking myself into this?

Salt Springs...

If you are looking for a fun family activity...You might consider Salt Springs State Park. This is us last summer. There are a number of trails to choose from...and well you can't beat the price!!!! FREE!!!! I am always on the lookout for fun things to do that don't cost me money. The kids soooo enjoyed this, and there is also camping available. We did not do the camping, but just some hiking. Isaac will be camping this summer with the scouts here. So if you are looking for some adventure...or peace...this could be for you!

The Last Day of School...Hooray!!!!

I admit that the last day of school is probably more exciting for me than for the kids. So much so, that I mistakenly thought that they were finished 2 hours earlier. So I sat, and sat in the parking lot waiting for them to open the doors...odd. So I called Cory...just what is going on? Seems I messed up...drat. Oh well...soon enough! No real plans for the day...just coming home and enjoying each others company.

Yesterday I thought I would treat the kids to going to the town swimming pool. I packed all of their things and hid them in the back of the van. When I picked them up they asked if I would take them to the park...I said maybe. Well, I turned into the park and drove right past the swings and slides, and straight to the pool...they were sooo excited. We played there for about 2 hrs, then Eli started getting fussy--so we opted to head home. I faithfully put 50spf on the kiddos, and failed to put it on myself. My shoulders are a nice shade of lobster...ha.

Well, I am almost done painting the boys room. I have about 1/4 left to do, and then the trim. I bought a crib set, matching curtains, and hamper at a garage sale this summer so I cant wait to set it up. Corys mom came and got the curtains for me yesterday. They are quite large, and she is going to cut and sow for me. While I was painting the room, Cory was doing lawn work. He told me he came across a snakeskin that was about 2ft long by the tiny patio set where we sit!!!!! I wish he hadn't told me that. I woke up this morning wondering if it could get into the house somehow. I was so freaked out by it, that I woke Cory up and asked him. He said it couldn't get in...I said we had that one snake in the house before...he said...that was a tiny snake ...this one is really big....this did not set my mind at ease. Needless to say I was up worrying most of the early morning. Now I am tired.

Well, I hope that everyone has a great day today...I am happy that Cory is done tomorrow as well...only he will go fishing to celebrate it with his buddies:) Enjoy the sunshine!!!!

GOOD MORNING!

Hello everyone. I thought I would create a new look for my blog...I think it looks pretty good. I was afraid that I would forget how to do that kind of stuff. If you scroll down to the bottom I even have a cute little fish tank with 5 fish...you can feed them if you click your mouse...ha ha. My kind of pets...

I found this neat site on babycenter.com where you can watch a video of a birth. The reason I was looking was that Esther has been very interested in the whole birth process. I am not sure that I want her in the delivery room with me...I just dont know how she will do. Anyways...they have a very cool birth simulation video which I thought was really educational. I also let her watch the live birth with an epidural, that was a lot more graphic obviously, but I figured that since we had been talking about our bodies lately, that I would allow her this. I did not show her the natural birth video...I am sure I will have many opinions about this...but I believe that it was a good teaching tool none the less.

I hope that all of you are having a great day. The kids have an early dismissal today , tomorrow , and Wednesday. I can't wait until they are home for the summer...Cory is wrapping up his year as well. He hasn't had students for a week I think. He has been creating projects, and adding to existing ones for the next year. He had a really good year, and got great evaluations for both coaching and teaching...Way to go Cory!

Well, the agenda now is for us to get our entire house in order for Ashers arrival. I have a room to paint...the color is called "inchworm" (YIKES!!!)... white letters for the boys names to put up...and everything baby...I would like the house to be in good order...so we have lots to do. Laundry is the #1 culprit...I just cant seem to keep up. Oh well, As soon as Cory is done...we will be busy bees!!! I guess I had better accomplish something today besides sitting on the computer and playing:) Enjoy the day!

MORE CELEBRATIONS!!!!!

A VERY HAPPY 40TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY TO MY MOM AND DAD!!!!

HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO ALL YOU FATHERS!

Again, Happy Fathers Day! Fathers Day here was spent in the usual manner...at the cottage fishing! The kids brought home gifts that they made in school for Cory, and then we got him a few extra things at his favorite store, Gander Mountain. He enjoyed his gifts, food, and fishing :) I am very blessed to have such a wonderful husband and a man who loves his children so much. Cory, you are such a hard worker, but still have time to give to each one of your babies! I love you soooo much...Happy Fathers Day to you!

CELEBRATIONS!!!!!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US!!! IT HAS BEEN 11 YEARS TODAY. WHAT ARE THE PLANS FOR THE DAY? WELL, HE IS OUT FISHING ON ONE OF THE FINGER LAKES WITH A BUDDY...AND I WILL TAKE THE KIDS OUT SHOPPING FOR FATHERS DAY GOODIES. I KNOW THAT SOUNDS PRETTY BORING...BUT WE CELEBRATED YESTERDAY..HA HA. USUALLY WE JUST GO OUT FOR SUPPER TOGETHER AND CALL THAT OUR DATE...BUT HE SURPRISED ME YESTERDAY WITH MUCH MORE. I CAME IN FOR LUNCH YESTERDAY WITH THE KIDS, AND I GUESS I WAS JUST FEELING A LITTLE DOWN AND OUT...ANYWAYS...HE TOLD ME I COULD SIT IN A PARTICULAR CHAIR...I HAD NO IDEA THAT IT WAS HALF BROKEN ...SO I SAT DOWN AND IT TOOK OFF WITH ITS CASTERS AND I JUST ABOUT FELL OVER...SO HE TRIED TO HELP ME BY GRABBING A HOLD OF ME SO I WOULDNT FALL...BUT IN THE PROCESS HE STEPPED ON MY TOES WITH HIS SIZE 13S AND CRUSHED MY FEET...SO I JUST KIND OF CURLED UP INTO A BALL AND SAID AHHHH JUST GET AWAY FROM ME....HE PULLED OUT THE LUNCH THAT HE BOUGHT FOR US, AND I WASNT CRAZY ABOUT THE DRINK THAT HE CHOSE FOR ME...AND HE SAID I GUESS I JUST CANT DO ANYTHING RIGHT...I SAID I GUESS NOT...HA HA. HE SAID WHAT ARE WE HAVING FOR DINNER TONIGHT? THIS IMMEDIATELY STRESSED ME OUT, BECAUSE I HADN'T FIGURED IT OUT YET...SO I SAID I DONT KNOW...WHATEVER. HE SAID HOW ABOUT YOU AND I GO OUT FOR SUPPER TOGETHER...AND YOU WEAR THIS....HE PULLED OUT A JEWELRY BAG CONSISTING OF A BEAUTIFUL RUBY AND DIAMOND NECKLACE WITH MATCHING EARRINGS....GORGEOUS!!!!!!! HE APPARENTLY HAD IT ALL PLANNED OUT. NOW LET ME JUST SAY THAT THIS REALLY TOOK ME OFF GUARD BECAUSE WE DONT GET GIFTS FOR EACH OTHER EXCEPT ON BIRTHDAYS...AND WELL TO GET JEWELRY...THAT WAS ALL BEFORE KIDS...SO I PUT THEM ON THAT NIGHT AND REALLY FELT LIKE I WAS YOUNG AGAIN...IN NEWLY MARRIED TERMS I GUESS, NOT REALLY AGE-WISE...OH WELL. WE HAD A FABULOUS TIME TOGETHER, AND SINCE THE JEWELRY IS RUBIES, I GET TO PASS THEM ON TO ESTHER AND GAYLE AS HEIRLOOMS. I HAVE A EMERALD RING FOR ISAAC TO GIVE TO HIM SOMEDAY TOO. 2 MORE TO GO I GUESS. HA HA. THERE IS ACTUALLY A FUNNY STORY THAT GOES WITH THIS...ON OUR WAY OUT TO EAT, I ASKED HIM HOW HE PLANNED IT ALL. HE TOLD ME THAT HE WAS AT THE JEWELRY STORE WHEN I WAS COMING HOME FROM MY OB APPT. I SAID I CALLED HIM AND THERE WAS NO ANSWER...SO I LEFT HIM A MESSAGE THAT SAID ..."HEY DUM DUM...WHERE ARE YOU?" HE TOLD ME THAT HE REALLY WANTED TO PUT IT ON SPEAKER FOR THE WHOLE PLACE TO HEAR...AND SAY...I AM OUT BUYING THIS PERSON A GIFT...AREN'T I LUCKY? OH WELL...HE LOVES ME ANYWAYS I GUESS!!! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DUM DUM...OOPS...I MEAN CORY. HA HA. I LOVE YOU.

ON MARCH 16TH 2009 ELIJAH JOSHUA TURNED 2!!!!! HOORAY..!!!!!!

ON MAY 24TH 2009, ISAAC JOSIAH TURNED...(GULP...) 9!!!!!! HOOORAY!!!!?

Hello Again

Greetings to everyone from the Valentines. We recently were able to purchase a new computer thanks to Cliff! I am hoping that I will be able to keep everyone updated with my blog...we shall see!!!

For those of you who don't know...we are expecting baby number 5 in about a month or less. It is another son, and his name is to be Asher James Valentine. We are very excited and feel very blessed! I will try to get some belly shots and post them :)

School is almost out for our family, and I cant wait. We have a vacation planned for the end of the month to Great Wolf Lodge, an indoor waterpark in the poconos. I needed somewhere where I wouldn't have to stand or walk for long periods of time, and at a time when I would not be so gigantic. I have heard lots of good things from friends that have gone, and am very excited. We will of course makes some other day trips...one hopefully the crayola factory, and of course we will be at the parks this summer as well:)

I suppose that I should close for now, and try to get something accomplished...have a fabulous day everyone!!!