THIS AND THAT....

Okay, this is one of the books I got at the Library the other day. I have read maybe one chapter so far...I just can't seem to get into it yet. The title is Its Not About Me...by Max Lucado. I love his books, so when I see one I haven't read...I grab it. I think the title is ironic though...its not about me, but yet somehow...its all about me thinking its all about me...HA! Perhaps this weekend I will be able to indulge myself.
Hooray, I was able to change my "name that gender" appt. to November 2nd!! I really wanted Cory to be able to see it...and he really wanted to be there. Corys Mom may come with us, I am not sure if she has made up her mind yet. This is an image I found looking up 4d ultrasounds...AMAZING...I guess this could be what it is like. I wish I could take everyone in with me to see this amazing event. I am also excited because the date is sooner than I anticipated...YEAH!!! Since we are on the subject of Babies...please pray for my friend Leah from church. I think that she is due tomorrow. Leah has her babies at home, so pray for safe arrivals, and healthy Mom and Baby. (And fast labor and delivery...hehehe)
One of our library finds was an Elmo video. This one is the magic cookbook. Gayle LOVES Sesame Street videos. This one plays every day...sometimes twice. Usually at naptime I make the kids a little nest on the couch, and we snuggle down to watch a video like this, or I read a book. The kids are usually out in no time...and its educational too. I like the fact that you have to return these flicks...I don't know if I could stand watching it forever!! You know kids...joy in the monotony :-)
I wanted to add this to the mix. This was my FAVORITE book when I was little. It is rather a collectors item now. I was able to snag a copy on ebay for not so cheap. I keep this locked away, and every now and then bring it out for a treat for the kids. The book is called Miss Suzy. My Grandmother used to read it to me, and when I read it to the kids, it makes me think of her...so it is very special to me in more ways than one. I think that some of my siblings feel the same way about it. Another book I can't get my hands on was a childrens cookbook called The Little Witches Cookbook...Another childhood favorite, but seemingly lost forever....:-(

COMMUNION BREAD RECIPE !

I am writing this post in response to a friends request for the Communion Bread Recipe. Since I have been making it for a while now, I realize that others share the interest...so here it is...This recipe was given to me by Heather Panichelle (Manchester RPCNA) who was given it by Madge Adams (Eastvale RPCNA) ...so for those of you who remember how communion bread "used" to taste...this is probably that very same...(simple) recipe!

3 Cups Flour
1 tsp Baking Powder
1 Cup Sugar
Pinch of Salt
1/4 Cup of Butter (softened)
1 Egg
3/4 Cup of Milk

Mix together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add butter and bend together. Make a well in center of bowl. In a different bowl, beat egg, then add milk. Pour egg and milk mixture into well, then blend everything together. Roll dough out to 1/2" thick and cut into 3"X5" rectangle pieces (about 3 pieces). With a dinner knife make lines on top of both pieces both vertical and horizontal so that it will be able to be broken apart easily. Bake at 375 degrees for about 10 min. You will have leftover dough which you can use for sugar cookies !

** Wendys Notable Notes**
I think that the milk may be a little too much because my dough gets a little sticky. You might just have to play with it like I have done mine. I also know that it is finished baking when the dough does not look wet...you can also press down on one of the squares and it should "sponge back"...dont cook them until they get browned, because then they are too dry to chew. Also if making for church...score the squares rather small...I have had to learn all of this just by playing with it...I am sure everyone else will have their own "Notes" to make :-)

Hope this is helpful...and delicious!!!

I LOVE FRIDAYS !!!!

Hello all! I don't seem to have as much time to blog anymore...at least not like I used to! Here is a tiny bit of catch up...
As usual I keep myself busy being a "driver" for my kiddos...to school...from school...soccer practice...soccer games...etc... The girls and I went to the Library the other day, and I got 3 books...2 read...and one to go...I just can never make them last! Esther tried some games on the Magic School Bus program on the computer. Cory and I don't let the kids on the computer...sometimes Isaac but only once in a blue moon...We just think there are better things to do with their time...plus they get introduced to it in school. She did alright, and enjoyed herself. Usually she does puzzles while I look for my own books.
The other day I took the girls to the zoo. It was a field trip for Esthers preschool. We had a great time...it was so much more enjoyable with the weather being cool. I did have one moment when I tried to go into the small aviary...I got to the front and went in and was hit with a blast of really warm animal-bird smelling air...and almost chucked. I had to wait outside for the kids to come thru. I have been doing pretty well with gagging thing lately...but that was just overwhelming. By the way...if you didn't know, the gag reflex is heightened during pregnancy...I had no trouble with Isaac, but with each of the girls it got worse...and this one is by far the worst...In the beginning it was difficult to even brush my teeth! We had a great time at the zoo, and ended it with a picnic...Esther had the time of her life! Gayle enjoyed herself as well!
Yesterday was a long day. I took I-man to school and then killed sometime before I picked up one of the ladies from our church. We headed to a Bible Study at one of the ladies homes...and had a great time. The lesson was such a good one...about prayer. My friend and I took a weekend trip together and did the same lessons for our quiet times...I was really excited to do it over again, but sad that so many women missed it...I hope you ladies all feel better soon! After Bible Study we all lunch together and then talk some, and then home again. Thursdays are nice because Corys Dad picks I-man up so that I don't have to rush. Anyways I dropped off my friend at her house and then headed home, packed the car with the soccer paraphranalia (sp?) and dropped the girls off at the grandparents house. I was off to my OB appt...and very tired. So far so good with the pregnancy...I've gained 2 pounds so far which is very good. Everything seems fine...I did mention that I was noticing some braxton hix but couldn't remember having them this early on with any of the other kids...he said it was most likely round ligament pain...and I said it was not...it was braxton hix...then he said that I probably have a very sensitive uterus..(what does that mean?) but that in any case he would expect that I will have a very quick labor and delivery...Im all over that like a fat kid on a cupcake...of course I just said...that was my plan! Anyhow...do any of you other ladies remember having braxton hix in your 4th month? Maybe it is due to this being # 4...hmmmm. Anyways...November 9th is the "name that gender" appointment. Cory will be hunting in Ohio...so I will take the kiddos and his Mom with me. I told him he was going to owe me big time for leaving me alone for 5 days...He said...Hey Baby...I gave you a gift that lasts 9 months...he received a mean glaring stare...he has been way too uppity lately...I feel a prank coming on. My favorite one I did, was I colored a pair of his underwear with a brown marker...after his shower he dried off and collapsed on the bed...so I said here let me help you..and helped him into them...HA....I also painted his toenails red while he slept one time...He did not laugh when he woke up (but I did.) I will have to think of something good....(snicker snicker).
Well, I hope everyone is having a fabulous week...enjoy the sunshine while it lasts!!! Tomorrow the kids have a soccer game and afterwards I will take them to Corys parents church for their Harvest Supper...of course Cory will be at a football game and miss it...but we will see him in the evening...and just perhaps...can spend time together. Oh yes, I need to make Communion Bread for Church on Sunday and pack bagged lunches...By the way...For those of you that make the communion bread...(Mom)...It freezes really well and tastes fresh. I usually always make it fresh, but if I have leftover the kids like it as a treat. Have a good weekend everyone!

A BUSY WEEKEND.....BUT FUN !

Yesterday was a really nice day for us. Of course it was Sunday...so I had Cory home with me :) It started out with Cory and I waking up before the kiddos...(I am not quite sure how that happened!) We had an enjoyable 1/2 hour at least just the two of us. Later we got dressed for church, and visited Corys Parents Methodist Church. While it was very different from our home church, the kids still seemed to feel comfortable. Afterwards we stayed for Sabbath School...even little Gaylie had her own class, and proudly showed us her papers that she glued, and colored...I was so proud of her! Our church is meeting in another church building in which the only time for our worship service is 12:30...and since we were supposed to meet Cliff and Chris to celebrate Cliffs birthday...it seemed the best idea to go to church right down our road. Plus, it is always nice for Corys parents to be able to show off their grandkids to their congregation...so every once in a blue moon...we become Methodist...HA. This is going to be a little out of order...but Saturday we had a busy day. Early in the morning I took the kids to the school Homecoming Parade. Cory had to walk in it with his team. You would not believe the amount of candy these kids got! I swiftly discarded any Reese cups they may have come upon. Alot of Corys players recognized the kids and made a point to make sure that they got candy...so perhaps they got more than they should! It was a good time. Later on that day while Cory was working at the football game, I had to take the kiddos to their Soccer game. I love watching them play, and enjoy being an enthusiastic loud parent. Poor Isaac seemed to spend most of his time on the ground with kids toppled on him...Esther had her fair share of falls...but was able to "almost" score a goal. This was especially big stuff since it was the ONLY time during the hour long game that the ball came even remotely close to the opposing team. The kids played hard...but lost...badly. HA. They still had a FABULOUS time!
Okay, back to Sunday. After church, we picked up Mom and Dad and we met Cliff and Chris at Robas Pumpkin Farm. Chris and Cliff take the kids every year, and buy them their Halloween Pumpkins...this year they were allowed to pick out a gourd too! Robas is quite an operation! The place was packed! First they have an animal area where you can feed goats, ride ponies(for a fee) , feed the bunnies and chickens, see reindeer...the list goes on. There is also a mini corn maze which we did last year...and it took us quite a while to get out! We did not opt to do it this year...it was really hot out! There is also a quite large maze that apparently Cliff is interested in going at night with a flashlight!!! Crazy Guy! Maybe when our kids are older that would be fun. After those festivities you ride a hayride up to the top lot...where there are wonderful smells wafting from the food vendors...french fries...perogies...funnel cake...etc... they have a little train for the kids to ride, and a bunch of fire pits. They also have tons of play ground equipment, and a big tunnel made out of hay. They have a pig racing contest which is very fun to watch...and you can feed these huge orange carp. The favorite of the kids, both young and old, is the Pumpkin Launching...That is the best! After this we left and went to Cliff and Chris's for pizza and wings....Yum! The kids gave Cliff the gifts they worked so hard to pick out. Gayle got him a mini duster...Esther got him those foam drawer liners, and Isaac got him a magnifying glass. The lady at the dollar store thought it was cute...I said yeah...last year for Christmas Grandma got Pepto Bismol! At any rate Cliff was a good sport, and really made the kids feel like they got him exactly what he wanted! We got Cliff a vest from Gander Mountain.
Okay...now back to Saturday! After the soccer game, we went to a Fall Fest party of some friends of Cory from Highschool. One owns a quarry and runs a stone business, the other is a Chiropractor...they both invited their clients..which Cory happens to be one of the Chiropractors, but also because he is a friend. It was a great time...They had a pig roast and Beef roast...and it was OH so delicious. They kept us warm with a huge bonfire...and then dazzled us with their fireworks display...it was so much fun, and they plan on doing it every year...we shall be there! (not square!) Well, enough catching up for now...it is lunch time and the natives are restless!

BLOG BLOG BLOG BLOG....

Greetings Bloggers! Today was a fun day for me...I had some friends over for the day...and made my friend Danas Chicken Salad....Dana...this was amazing...I will make this often! Thank you so much for the recipe! The friends have gone home, and two of my babes are asleep. Usually on Thursdays my Father in Law picks I-man up from school and keeps him until supper...it helps me out, and it is a little bonding time for them...they love it! Tonight the kiddos have soccer...(note to self and others......NEVER buy white shin guards ). Cory is scoring a Volley ball game tonight, so we wont see him until bedtime...we miss that guy!
The other day I got a real treat! I went to the salon and got my hair cut and high-lighted. I am really excited because it is a new girl and she did exactly what I wanted. I thought that my hair had become too blonde. I really like my natural color which is really a dark brown...I also like natural highlights too...she did great and made it look very natural, and deepened the color a bit...what a luxury....I love to have people wash my hair...it just feels so good. I think also I am not used to people fussing over me, and that just felt really nice...what a guilty pleasure! I will definately visit her again!
Sometime next week I am taking Esther and Gayle to the zoo for Esthers field trip at school. She is so excited, and I am too! I am really looking forward to going when the weather is not so hot! Esther is doing really well in school, and just can't wait to be in Kindergarten...I am excited for her too. It will be strange next year...2 in school all day, one in Preschool, and a tiny little babe...I wonder if I will feel like my hands are much fuller or less...we shall see.
Well, I hope that everyone is having a fabulous week...no school for us tomorrow or Monday...yippee...I hope the Library is open tomorrow. I will be 15 weeks tomorrow...another week and I may be able to feel quickening!!!! That is such an awesome feeling to me...and since I am not showing yet...It will be a wonderful reminder of the precious life that I am nurturing inside of me. Some keep asking if we are finding out the sex? When ? Yes, we are finding out, and I would imagine that it will be between 18-20 weeks. I have an appt. next week, so probably my next scheduled visit we will have the sonar. It will be so cool because it is the 4D sonar...my first one! How cool! I guess you can tell I am excited...anyways... have a good rest of the week everyone!

I LOVE THIS GUY !

This is a picture of Cory taken this summer on his "guys trip" to the Adirondacks. He and one of his buddies, and another guy made an outdoors adventure with their sleeping bags and fishing poles :) This is Cory atop of Whitehead Mountain looking over Lake Placid. Beautiful. The lake is nice too :)
Sometimes I get so wrapped up in the kids and the things that I have to get done, that it is so easy for me to overlook Cory. He is so giving and generous...a hard worker...a fabulous husband, and amazing father...just to name a few. I just feel I have to give credit where credit is due...and well...he is by far my greater/better half...and I love him so much. Later next month this loser...I mean great guy (HA) is going to take another "guy trip"...this time to Ohio for hunting...He definately deserves this time! Perhaps I will have some other photos to post of his next adventure...we shall see. Until then...be thankful for your spouse and say a prayer for them today :)

HEY HEY HEY !

Hi everyone. I have to say that my week has not started out as I would have liked it too. Yesterday, while at a friends birthday celebration...Esther chucked. I felt so bad because I was not able to take care of the mess...less I chuck myself. I have been so sensitive to that kind of stuff with this pregnancy. Thankfully our good friend took care of that for me...but not without describing all the chunder...just to make me wretch...disgusting...sorry.
Today when we all woke up, Esther said she had a headache...I had been having really bad head aches too...but I just chalked it up to being prego...I gave her some Tylenol...and she just preceeded to look miserable. Isaac is very picky about his clothes...not about "looking nice", but about comfort. Since today was library day, I chose something "churchish"...khaki shorts and a nice collared short sleeve shirt...rather baggy too..so it is comfy. The girls and I kind of just rolled out of bed, and I dressed us all in sweats and t-shirts...our agenda was the Library and doing some Laundry...no need to dress up. Isaac looked so handsome and we looked so frumpy...yet he glared at me and said..."why do you guys get to wear the good stuff?" I just had to laugh, I felt so unkempt...and yet here I was being envied....Another reason I love my son so. :)
Today at the library I got some books and videos for the kiddos and myself...and then I noticed a rack of books all 50 cents a piece...I picked up a John Grisham book for my Dad called The Summons. I hope you have not read it yet...have you Dad? I was excited about it because he really likes to read his books, and this book looked brand new!
The kiddos have soccer practice tonight. I hope Essie is okay to go...she will be so upset if she has to miss it. Cory has a scrimage at one of the highschools...he will meet up with us at soccer practice. Supper tonight is only for the gourmets....ala sloppy joes...garnished with chips and dip...this is the only meal we buy chips and dip for...so you can imagine how excited we are...oh yeah! It is hard for me to get "real meals" on soccer days...unless it is from the crockpot...so we try to make it fast and easy, and easy for Cory to make when he gets home. I bought a box meal called supper bakes...it is for Lemon chicken...you just add the chicken, I think there is rice with it too...I had a dollar off coupon..and chicken in the fridge...soooo I thought I might give it a try and see how we like it.
Hope your week is going better than mine :)

MORNIN...!

Yesterday I was on my way to go get fuel, and then pick up I-man....Dad had stopped over and noticed as I was pulling out that I had a low tire....DRAT! After I inspected it, I found the culprit...a nail in my tire! I marked the side with some chalk and then drove down to the auto garage and asked them to repair it for me. Thankfully Dad was around to save the day or I would have been stranded somewhere needing to change a tire...If I really LOOKED prego it might have attracted someone to help me, but I don't yet. I am not sure if I could change that tire anyways...or if it would have been safe for me to be wrenching around like that...hmmm. When I got my learners permit my Dad made me read the ENTIRE owners manuel before I could take the car out by myself. I also had to change the tire in front of him...I can't recall how I did...maybe Dad knows. I must admit, I haven't read this vans owners manuel Dad!
Also on the agenda yesterday, was to go pick up some friends of my kids and take them to I-mans school movie night. I picked them up, and treated everyone to Happy Meals...they loved it! Next we met Cory at the school and then the kids got settled in. Everyone usually brings a pillow and blanket, or beanbag to sit on...quite comfy for the kids...the place was packed for the first night. Afterwards we took the friends home...I just was not feeling up to a sleepover.
Today is Isaac and Esthers 1st Soccer Game....the kids are so excited. We went out and got Esther her shinguards and cleats and we got Isaac some shinguards too. Somebody gave us some cleats yesterday that fit him...I LOVE hand-me-downs!!!! They also gave us a couple bags of clothes for the kiddos too....LOVE IT! Today it is raining, and I think that soccer plays despite the rain...I don't appreciate standing in the rain...I am sure the kids will think it is fantastic! After the game today I have to run straight over to our church. Delegates from Synod are going to be there, and they would like to meet with individual families. Cory will be off scouting a football game somewhere. At the moment he is having football practice. Football will all be over next month...I will get him back for a while before Baseball season starts :)

I hope everyone is having a good week. I am feeling a little better. I am excited because yesterday started my second trimester!!! I can barely stand it...I just have to know who this baby is...I want to buy something to make it seem more real to myself. I have a feeling it is a boy...but it is not really a strong feeling. We would be happy with a girl too...I can just imagine...if it is a girl, the 4 of us could go on a spa trip together when we are older...or some girly thing like that...and if it is a boy...well, I am sure Cory will have a Yankee Ballgame Trip planned for the 3 of them...I can't imagine he would be able to leave us behind from a ballgame though..we all love them! Just thinking about it all makes me so excited!!!! Oh well, enough of that...have a good upcoming week everyone!

TRIVIA !

Taken from the Trivial Pursuit Game.

What are the only two perennial vegetables ?

HELLO AGAIN !

I always seem to be on some birds hit list. This is a Kildeer. When I was in Kindergarten, I had to walk out our long driveway to catch the bus...I met a Kildeer in the middle and that stinkin bird would not let me past!! Finally I cried and my Mom or Dad had to walk me out...it seems that they had put a nest right in the middle of the driveway and they were protecting it. They would always be flying near the tractor whenever Dad would plow the garden...perhaps another strange place for a nest? Anyways...the other day...the only nice day we had...I took Esther and Gayle on a picnic in the back yard. Up over head I could see a hawk making wide circles around us...and then it was making small circles...really freaking me out....so of course I took the girls inside...I just cant stand birds. Once when Cory and I were Pre children...we were fishing at the cottage and a robin attacked the little knob on the top of his ball cap...he had to swat it off and then it just stood on the ground squawking at him like it was yelling at him...I've never seen anything like it before...it was so funny...I am just glad that it didn't try to come near me....
Major sinus pain today. Yesterday too. Thankfully Corys Dad came and took I-man to school for me to give me a break. I have so much to do...and never enough time. Feeling lousy is not going to make things any easier either. This happens with every pregnancy I have. Usually I end up going to my Doc, then he tells me to call the OB instead...who sends me back to the Doc...I cry and say somebody help me...and then they do...and life gets a little better. Perhaps I will just cry first this time around :)
This morning was a nice start to the day. I usually drink a cup of tea to start off my morning. Today I made one for Esther in a fancy tea cup and we drank our tea together. This pattern is called Old Country Roses...that is my china pattern. It has been packed away in bubble wrap and boxes for I would say...10 years...just waiting for a china cupboard to display its beauty. Someday. The cup Esther used was different of course...you know, they actually make a kids plastic set of the Old Country Roses...Someday I will get that for my girls. Anyways, I had a good time with Esther. She practiced her memory verses with me, and was just happy to feel "grown up". It was a nice way to start my day.
Tonight I-man has soccer practice. Esther too. All I can imagine is that I am going to freeze standing out there! I know that they will both have a lot of fun. Cory has football practice after school so he will meet us there.
Tomorrow night the school is having a movie night. We have invited some friends to come and join us. Originally the plan was to have a sleep over, but I just can't manage it feeling so lousy. The kids will be excited though. I am going to take them all to McDonalds and buy them Happy Meals. They just think that is the BEST! Sometimes the girls and I might splurge there on a library day, but since Isaac has not been home because of school, he misses out on the special outings.

Hope everyone has a great day today! I have so much to do--so I had better get a move on! Talk to you all later!

STUFF AND NONSENSE.........

Okay, Well I didn't know what to write again...so I thought I would journal some of the things that remind me of my childhood. #1...Penny Loafers....I love these. I would wear mine with my rugby shirt and pegged jeans...or perhaps a white shirt with jeans and slouchy white socks....Ladies...we can bring this back..(not the pegging pants though!) Mine of course had shiny copper pennies in them...and I wore them proudly with my mile high hair....those were the days :-)
Scratch and Sniff stickers were very big...I had a sticker book that I traded with other ...sticker people. The Fried Chicken sticker was my favorite...HA. You were really something if you had the kind that were filled with oil, or were fuzzy, or had the gold embossed pegasus stickers....all of which I had little of...I guess no one was really knocking down my door for scratch and sniff fried chicken stickers...hmmm.
Jelly shoes. Mine were purple with an open toe. These must NEVER make a comeback. I am sure I made some sort of statement while wearing them with socks...you see the holes hurt your feet, and socks made that feel so much better. I think I had a pair of high heeled jelly shoes which I proudly wore with my bright yellow lace madonna socks...Oh yeah...Look out!
Mr. Yuck stickers....they were all over our house....I liked these cute stickers, and couldn't imagine anything that they were on being quite so bad. You really don't see them anymore...I think they are replaced by the skull and crossbones...a little more daunting I suppose...at any rate...I liked these :)

This is it for now...that was a fun trip down memory lane...until my next entry....

MONTAG....(I THINK THAT IS GERMAN FOR MONDAY )

Hi everyone! How was the weekend? Ours was very nice...Cory went to football practice while the kids and I attempted to sleep in...then since it was Corys first payday...we went grocery shopping :) I was pretty excited because I had a coupon for Yankee Candle for buy one get one....I was all over that like a fat kid on a cupcake :) I only really said that because the scent I got was "vanilla cupcake"...it smelled so yummy! Then, we were off to Pennys...Cory had a gift card for $30 and I had just gotten a coupon in the mail for $10 off....Oh yeah...we made out like bandits!!!! Later on that day, I visited Motherhood Maternity...I saw a Pea Coat that was so sweet looking...I tried it on, and I think I could wear it even when I am not prego...some of you know that I dont EVER wear a coat...especially when prego...my girth is just too wide :( This will do nicely...I told Cory it could be a Birthday gift or something.
I like being pregnant...I know some women don't...but I love it. I love maternity clothes too...they are so comfy. Maybe it is because I am not exactly slim, and being prego is so forgiving...anyways...whatever it is...I just like it. What I dont like is the prego hormones that go along with it. Yesterday I was driving back from the store all by myself and a song was playing on the radio...I don't know what it is called, maybe "I held her first" or "I loved her first" But, I was okay until they mentioned the freckles on the girl...and then I just lost it and bawled and bawled...Of course, I had to tell Cory about it...and I broke into tears...He always says the same thing..."oh Wenner"....Then the kids look at me funny, and I have to explaiu myself...what a mess.
I have no more books to read...I may have to make an emergency trip to the library after I take I-man to school tomorrow....I am going thru withdrawal...Rebecca, I have not forgotten about those books I was going to send you...I will...you'll see...but you know how I work...you didn't get your wedding gift for over a year :)
Oh, well...that is it for now...Mom...you asked about ultra sound? I will probably have one around 16-20 weeks...so it wont be long...and let us hope the kiddo will cooperate...I too would like to know who this little tyke is :) Still am not sure about the names....I suppose we have time however :)
Have a fabulous day everyone.....guten tag! (I think that is German for good day!) (Why the German? I dont know)

JUST NOTHING......

I decided that I really had nothing to "blog", but I can't seem to make myself stop journaling anyways....oh well. I guess I will start with my day...the usual...get everyone ready and out the door for school. Both kiddos had a great time at school today. I got home with the girls, we ate some lunch, and then I laid them down for a nap...which neither one went to sleep...very odd. Anyways, I had to pick Isaac up not long after that, and I couldn't very well have them fall asleep only to move them to the car...that's just mean. So I figured they would can out in the car...it didn't happen...very odd. So now they are very tired and in desperate need of rest...this time it shall come :)
Cory has open house tonight. I miss that guy. I am happy that next week I wont be a widow any longer :)
I got a cool book at the library...I think it is called "The One Minute Organizer"...I read it through today and thought it sounded great. Basically it is encouraging you to organize things 15 minutes at a time...or even less than that. She says if you have 5 minutes, organize a drawer in your house...do it while you watch tv...but just do it. That is the jist anyways...not to overwhelm, but to gain consistency to develop a habit. There was lots of good things to try and ideas that had merit...I enjoy trying to make my life a little smoother, and also feel like I accomplished something :)
I have been dreaming about food lately. Yes, I love to eat, and have a good appetite, but I have never just daydreamed about it. First it is the pastors wifes Strawberry Rhubarb Pie, then her chicken and rice, then her meatloaf. Then I was dreaming about the applesauce, and also my girlfriends chicken salad recipe...which she just gave me...thanks a bunch. The odd thing is, is that I have to remind myself to eat...sometimes I will start to feel sick, and then Cory will say "what have you eaten?" I am shocked to find that sometimes I just forget! I have a real craving for ice cream cones...but I am not gung ho about ice cream...Cory is very much enjoying this food craving, and offers to go get some whenever I feel like I simply must have it. I also have been craving salty red meat...like the meatloaf...I only have chicken in my fridge...aaahhhh. Anyways, it is nice to know that I am only dreaming of it and not really consuming it all...talk about fat kids on cupcakes!
The kids are in timeout in their rooms...all is quiet...I am sure they are sleeping. I always feel so bad when they fall asleep during timeout...Oh well, apparently not too badly about it.
Oh well, I wont bore you with anymore...I told you I really had nothing to say...until next time....

HI EVERYONE !

Hi everyone! Just wondering if any of you fellow alumni are planning on going back to the old Alma Mater for homecoming? Cory and I think we are going to make the trip out! Hey Sparky...are you and the Mrs. going to make the trip? Give us a call or leave us a message!
Well, today started off pretty routinely...I got the gang ready, and took I-man to school...when I came back the furnace people were here putting in our..furnace! Needless to say it works :) I did a little cleaning up, am doing some laundry, and I think that sometime after lunch the girls and I will trek to the library. After that, I will probably let them play at the park for a while, and then it will be home again...just in time to turn around and pick I-man up from school. Cory wont be home for supper again. Tonight he has a "grade parent tea". I guess the parents come in and collaborate with the teacher on celebrations, and who will do what...So pretty much Cory will sit back and let the ladies figure it out...HA! He also has football practice after school, sooo we wont see him for too long tonight. Also on the agenda...what to make for supper? Chicken or Chicken? Hmmmmm.
Now is the time for me to start getting ready for making applesauce. I really enjoy this treat! Cortland apples give it the pink color that I like, and Macs give it the smooth creamy consistency that makes it so yummy, we might have to mix them! I have two quarts left, and two pints....pickens are getting slim...so we've got to get a move on! Mom, let me know if you want me to make you some...I'd love to exchange for some of Mandas Red Raspberry Jelly...I have one jar left that I have hoarded in the pantry...but am going to give it up for a birthday gift...maybe. HA!
Tomorrow Cory has open house at his school. Tomorrow is I-mans open house...I can't wait to see his classroom, and see how he is doing! He is so excited about school, and is greatly enjoying himself. We are hoping to take him to Geneva Colleges homecoming again this year. He is old enough to be in the "Geneva Gang" which is 5-12 year olds...they do all kinds of activities, give them a t-shirt, lunch , and they ride in the parade...it's never too early to start him off thinking that Geneva is HIS college...yes, he knows where he's going! We will try to see if they will allow Esther to join in too!

IT'S ALL GOOD !

I had my second OB appointment the other day. Everything was good. All of my bloodwork came back in and was in good shape. I asked specifically about my sugar...it was fine...hip hip hooray! I haven't gained any weight since my 1st appointment...which is kind of curious...the waistline on my pants are getting quite tight, and I was thinking I would have to resort to maternity fairly soon. Odd...no weight gain...but the clothes fit tighter...hmmmm. Usually I only start to show in my 4th month, but I suppose that after birthing 3 that it has taken its toll on my body. I am not really "showing" yet, but I think it will probably be shortly before or right after my 4th month starts. No matter, I love to wear maternity clothes :) I am going to be in definate need of maternity clothes at the end of pregnancy...I am all off season wise...usually I am wearing shorts and t-shirts...but not in March I wont be...I will hit the thrift stores.
Today we are taking the kids to the fair. We didn't think that we would be able to afford it since the rides are so expensive, but Cory said that the rides were free from 1-4...Like Cory says..."Im on that like a fat kid on a cupcake!" To the Fair we shall go!
Hope everyone is having a fabulous day! The weather is great, and I hope we can be outside most of the day! Enjoy the weekend!

THURSDAY MORNING POST ...GOOD MORNING !

Good Morning Bloggers! Today is Thursday, and I am waiting to take Isaac to school. Later on in the early afternoon, I will be taking both girls to the doctors...for ....shots! Anyways, after we get home, I will clean up around the house, do some laundry...yes, it just never goes away you know. Later after that I will drop the kiddos off at Grandma and Poppys and then I will go to my OB appt. I will then go to pick the kiddos up...so happy because my kids have already eaten supper...and some is waiting there for me...Hooray for small blessings! Then, I might whisk the kids over to the volleyball game where Cory is scoring...I will play that one by ear...I bet I will be exhausted with all the running around today. So that is it for today...busy, busy.
Yesterday I was eating lunch with the girls. Esther has a nasty habit of making a choking sound while she eats...just to get a reaction. We have been through the Peter and the Wolf story. She hadn't done it in eons, and when she did I was angry, and I said...don't do that Esther...she said Why? I said cause someday you might really be choking and we will think you are fooling with us, and you will choke and die (for emphasis.) Then she said ...and go to heaven? And somehow it turned into ...that wouldnt be so terrible would it Mom? Anyways...I had to smile a little with her logic...but it did open good doors of conversation.
The kids have been practicing their memory verses from Sabbath school for the past two weeks, and have done really well. Even Gayle is doing very very well. I was sort of surprised that she could recite at such an early age, but she likes to do everything the others do, so I cant be terribly surprised.
Cory has been really enjoying his first two days of school. He told me that one of the other teachers across the hall came and closed his door because he was way too loud...I said ...why didnt she just close her own door? He said she did...and I was still too loud...and then he giggled. HA. Football practice has been going well. He really enjoys what he is doing. On Friday he is going to go scout some games. I hope that we will be able to go to a few games ourselves.
Some of you have been asking me about the flooding situation beside our home. As we speak, there is heavy equipment pushing the rocks down the stream to re-route it. I dont think that we will have anymore problem. They worked all day yesterday as well. We will of course always get water in the basement...that happens whenever we run the garden hose...HA!
Well, the kiddos are ancy to get going, so I had better end this for now...now you are up to date with the Valentines!

GOOD MORNING WEDNESDAY BLOGGERS !

The other day I was thinking about my Grandpas old farm, and whenever I think of it, I think of barns with the Mail Pouch advertisement. Now, I am pretty sure his barn didn't have an advertisement on it, but he chewed Mail Pouch just the same. I remember loving the smell of it...but hating the taste! I always love those trips down memory lane :)
Our Labor Day picnic this year was at Corys brothers house. Cliff and Chris just put in a very beautiful inground pool, and despite the chill to the air...the kids and Cory went for a dip. I sat on a lounge chair soaking up what sun there was...it was truly a delightful day. Cliff grilled some traditional picnic fare of hamburgers, hotdogs, and spiedies...yum! It was also Chris's birthday so we had ice cream cake for dessert! The kids searched long and hard for the perfect gift for Chris from the dollar store! Cory and I got her a candle that smells like Pecan Pie...I must admit...I wanted it for myself...HA!
The other day I was trying to start our furnace to take the chill out of the air...it would not work...so Dad came over and fiddled with it...it didn't work! So the furnace guy came over and said that it was rusted out...(from the flood)....so it has to be replaced...he quoted Dad $2800.00 I felt so sick about it...Cory and I are hoping to add a little extra money to help offset the cost of the furnace...it might take us awhile, but I hope we can do it!
Today was Isaacs first day of school. He was so excited, he came in and woke me up asking when he could get ready...I said just give me 15 min. It was good he woke us up though, because Cory turned the alarm off and went back to sleep. Anyways we got ready and I took him to school early and got some pictures of him with his teacher, and me, and his Grandma who works at the school. I am very proud of him, and know that he will be a good boy! It sure is quiet here today though.
What is on the agenda for today? Laundry of course. The dishes are stacked to the ceiling...but everytime I go to the sink...I am so overwhelmed...I just can't do it! Cory was going to do them last night for me, but was too busy preparing for students today. So he said he was sure I would be able to improvise...I said " you mean you want me to go out and buy plates?"...he laughed anyways. HA. Tonight he has football practice, and I look forward to seeing him around suppertime.
Hope everyone is having a great week...

SATURDAY !

Today Cory left early for football practice...in the rain. Perhaps I should make a Dr.s appointment now. He has to go back later on for the Varsity game. He is going to announce it...I asked him if he knew how to do it? He said we'll find out. HA. At any rate--he gets paid $30 to announce it. That always helps. Pretty soon he will be having practice for his own football team which is Modified. I hope we will be able to make some of the games...I don't do rain though...especially with kiddos.
Cory is on his way home right now for lunch. What to make --what to make. Hmmm. I suppose Macaroni and Cheese would be good. I really like to make hot lunches for my family. Soup, Noodles, stuff like that. I am not sure what to even make for supper...The other night we had Apricot Chicken over egg noodles....oh, it was soooo good. Cory was good to me the other day and brought the kiddos a pizza. He bought me a sub. ( I dont really care for pizza a whole lot.) That was a nice treat. It is sort of cold and rainy...it might have to be a baking day. We shall see.
I got some books at the library yesterday. Nothing spectacular...just some easy reading. I am hoping to start Esther on the computers when school starts. I dont know why, but we never let our kids on the computer...well, not never...sometimes Isaac...but very limited at that...
Cory is home, so I will end for now...hope everyone is having a great weekend!

HAPPY 6TH ANNIVERSARY KEITH AND J.J. !

A happy 6th anniversary to my sister J.J. and my brother in law Keith! We hope you have a many more. Hope you also have a great evening planned to spend together!

BOOKS & SHOES !

This is my absolute favorite Pregnancy Book. It is called Your Pregnancy Week by Week. I have numbers of others too, but this is one I look at on an almost daily basis. I was really dissappointed with What to Expect When Youre Expecting...most of the info in that book I felt was irrelevant to me. I also love my Mayo Clinic Book. I have always enjoyed books like that. When I was little I would find my Moms Nursing Books and search things out...and then come with my list of questions for her to answer...strange child I am sure. Still strange :) According to the book...at the end of this week my baby should be the size of a large lime...
While I have my most recent baby the size of a lime...My oldest child Isaac is slowly surpassing me. (or perhaps rather quickly) We all know that at some point our children will be bigger than us...you just never imagine that it could happen in Kindergarten or 1st grade. Isaac got brand new shoes for school...and they fit me. 6yrs old... I just can't believe it. He is almost as big as his 1st grade teacher too. It just wont be long before he is taller than me too...probably next year--HA! My little big boy has almost passed me up...feet wise !

THURSDAY....GOOD MORNING !

No, this is not an actual picture of our property. Some know that after the flood, the creek that used to run beside our neighbors home now runs directly through their backyard beside our garage. We had a thunderstorm that dropped two inches apparently, and their ENTIRE yard filled with water...yikes! We took everything that we could upstairs to Isaacs room and left for Mom and Dads. The storm subsided and the water went down. This weekend will be a different story however. If people have trouble with flooding in their homes, then I imagine we will be in trouble too. I think that our garage will get hit very hard...possibly the house. I dont think it will get to our first floor, but we of course have one of those old stone and dirt basements which the foundation could get pushed off...and oh what a mess that would be! So continue to think of us and pray. FEMA is coming today to talk to the neighbor on the far side, and will make their way to talk to us...the creek needs re-routing, and they perhaps will put some pressure on the folks that need to make that happen . We shall see.
Isn't this Little Red School House lovely? I really like Robert Duncan paintings, but I think I might add this to the mix...You just can't imagine how many red school house prints there are! I think they are so quaint...I also love to read books that have the one room school house too :-) But that is not why I have it posted it...it is because school starts on Tuesday for Cory, and Wednesday for I-man. I know I wont get any sympathy having had him all summer long unlike the rest of working families, but I truly will miss him. Both hims. I have one more trip to Corys classroom to make to put finishing touches on...apparently he thought it needed his Yankee Baseball flag, and Terrible Towel on the wall...he was sneaky to do it when I wasn't there! It is as if he thinks this classroom belongs to him!
Have you ever tried Constant Comment Tea? It is my favorite! I drink a cup of this tea every morning. I really enjoy coffee, but don't want to make a pot for just myself...plus, I dont want to have the habit of needing it everyday. I don't feel like I have to have my tea every day, it just makes the morning seem a little brighter and warmer :) This tea is sort of an orange spice kind of tea...really yummy. Try some today!

WHATS IN A NAME?

Well, Cory and I have been wracking our brain trying to come up with some good baby names. It has been difficult. Any that I say he comes up with the heckling nickname. For instance Martin is nice...Corys response Fartin Martin...Marty? Farty Marty. On and on it goes. Anyways here is a list of some winners....perhaps. Tell us what you think.

For a girl:
1.) Gracelynn Jane Valentine (named after my moms middle name Grace, and Corys Moms middle name Lynn. Jane is for my Aunt Jane.) We most likely would call her Gracie. This was actually supposed to be Isaacs name if he were a girl...but the middle name would have been Gayle...

2.)Miriam Jennelle Valentine (not named after anyone in particular. we are not sure how we would spell Jennelle yet...maybe just one n.)

3.)Ruth Julianna Valentine ( not named after anyone in particular. )

For a Boy:
1.) Elijah Joshua Valentine (we would probably call him Eli)
2.) Micah James Valentine (I dont really like this one...Cory does) He would want to call him Mick...(I dont think so)
3.) Mitchell James ( I really like the name Mitchell....but it would be hard to get used to Mitch)
(Oh, the James would be after Corys Dad.)

IM STILL HERE...THANKS.

There are some who have been asking when I would blog again...if ever...the answer is today...Ha! You see, I have been hard at work growing arms and legs, and ears on my baby...what have you been doing? Hmmmm. HA!
Well, I only said that to bring up a point I wanted to make, and that is that I am very proud of my Mom. My Mom is an R.N. and works at a rheumatologist office giving remicades...and IV drug for those with arthritis. Anyways...Mom saved one of the elderly patients life yesterday. She noticed that she wasn't walking very steady, and asked her about it...she said she was feeling dizzy...so Mom asked her what other symptoms she was having and immediately checked her pulse, which she had none. She was very quick to act, and listened to her heart which beat so rapidly that she couldn't count it. This poor lady was 78 years old, and had been having symptoms since Monday! Mom was on the ball, and was a credit to the staff there. I always knew she was an excellent nurse/care giver~ but I was so proud of her for being so intuitive. Mom talks about it like it is another day at the office, but really ...who can say that they saved a life yesterday? Good Job Mom, I am proud of you.
School starts back very soon and my kids are antsy. They are simply beside themselves to go join in the fun. Today we revealed Isaacs teacher and classmates to him and he was so excited! Esther is equally excited because she is the "snack girl" on the first day of school...which means I am the Snack Mom who stays and helps out in the class. Cory and I have been working in his classroom. He is teaching 3rd grade this year at a different school in the same district. He is so excited and happy about where he is. He got his list of students, and I created his bulletin board for him, and we are just putting finishing touches on the room itself. Isaac and Esther are going to start soccer pretty soon. We checked out gymnastics for them, and well we cant afford it. It was really cool however, they do the parrallel bars, pummel horse and everything, but it was way too much for both kids to join...even one. So soccer it is!
Pregnancy is going good. I really dont feel pregnant like I did with the others. Odd. My pants are getting tighter...blast! But I am not big enough for Maternity clothes just yet...drat! All in good time however. I was just reminding Cory of how when I was pregnant with Isaac I was sooo huge, and I got stuck in the tub on all fours somehow, and could not get out...I said it was like a stuck rhinoceros..he laughed, but I didn't say it to be funny...he had to lift me out of the tub, it was really embarrassing. Oh well...enough of that.
Hope everyone is having a good week. Is anyone else craving Peaches?

A HAPPY BUT VERY BELATED BIRTHDAY WISH!

This is a picture of my brother in law John. He shares a birthday with my sister JJ on August 17th. John is very new to the family and hasn't been around long enough for us to know all of his embarassing stories...Just you wait John! One thing that I do know about John is that he loves to FISH...he fits right in. Hopefully next year I can have a whole slew of juicy tidbits to list about this guy! I am sure Manda will oblige. Happy Birthday anyways John!
This is my older sister J.J. I stole these pix off of my Moms blog by the way. (Thanks Mom.)
Some Interesting Facts About J.J. ~
* JJ used to dip her finger in toilet water and hold it under my nose until I wake up..(why me?)
* JJ likes to ride in ambulances
*JJ got thrown from a horse and got knocked out...the neighbor girl that was with her was scared that she died so she left her there and went home.
* JJ broke a classmates fingers...all of them ...only one hand though.
*JJ got grounded for putting the toilet paper on "backwards".
*JJ wrecked her bike and flipped over the handle bars and lost her memory.
*JJ had a giant Teddy Bear named "Big Teddy"

I guess I will have to save some for next year. JJ always amuses me...Have a Happy Birthday anyways JJ.

THE BEST BIRTHDAY GIFT EVER !

Yesterday I got the best news! My Brother Paul and his wife Amy are expecting their 5th baby! I am told that it is to be a girl! The family is very excited! Amy is due right before Christmas. I am so happy for my own new baby to be able to have a cousin to play with when we visit! Mom and Dad will have 9 grandkids altogether...Wow! Congratulations Paul, Amy, Joyce, Paul III, Daniel, and David! We can't wait to meet this new little girl!

HAPPY 29TH BIRTHDAY AMANDA !!!!!!

Happy 29th Birthday to my little sister Amanda ! I hope your day is very special. I wish I could be there to celebrate with you! Manda has the pleasure of having consecutive birthdays with her husband and also our sister J.J. who share an August 17th birthday. Yes, I know it is early, but I wanted to be sure to be able to get my best wishes in!
Some things about Manda~
*Manda LOVES pickles...(she is also known to drink the brine.)
* Manda salts her ketchup...(do you think she likes salt?)
* Ketchup must never touch any other food on her plate!
* Manda and Wendy once enjoyed spoonfeeding each other from a large glass bottle of Dimeatapp...until Grandma caught us. We still love it...dont we?
* Manda had a doll named Tootsie...that she carried around without a head. She had a baby car seat on the back of her bike, and off she and her headless doll would go.
* Manda got her tooth knocked out with a cow pill shooter..(Pauls fault)
* Manda got her other tooth knocked out by clamping down on a towel and having it yanked out of her mouth...(Paul was on the other side of that towel.)

These are just some little "Manda Tid bits" I will have to save some for a later time.
Have a Happy Birthday Manda.!

HAPPY 62ND BIRTHDAY DADDY !!!!

August 13th is Dads Birthday. He will be 62 years old!!! While I cannot be there to celebrate, I am really hoping that one of my sibling friends could take this guy to Primanti Brothers and buy him his coveted sandwich with coleslaw on it! Every time we pass it he mentions that he would like to go there. I 'll tell you what Dad...if nobody can take you, when I am home next...we will make the trip! Have a really great day Dad...wish I could be there!

PICTURES FROM VACATION

One of the fun parts of vacation is taking the kiddos out on the boat. Despite Gayles look, she really did enjoy herself.
This is one of the smallies that I caught...and most likely had for a meal. Bait of choice this year? Hands down it was leeches...Leaches? Yes you read right, Leaches...they loved them! Cory hated putting them on for me, he used a pair of pliers and sort of fashioned them that way...I would say we had to go through at least 4 dozen of them!
I like this photo because when Cory turned around to let Cliff take his photo I gave him "bunny ears" on the other side...HA. Nice fish Cor!
I think this fish was sort of a mistake...I think Cliff was using a crayfish and somehow this fish was smaller than his bait...HA...this one of course was thrown back .

BOOKS I FINISHED ON VACATION !

I am always so excited to go on vacation because Cory always lets me pick out a couple of books to take along. It is one of my guilty pleasures. These are the ones that I picked up. The first one is The Englisher by Beverly Lewis...I really enjoyed this one...The first book in this series is called The Preachers Daughter...also very good. I would recommend this. The other Beverly Lewis books I have read were the Abrams Daughters series...which I LOVED!!!!
These next ones are Lori Wick books obviously. Anyone who knows me knows that I love her books...very easy reading. I loved all of these books. I have read a great many by Lori Wick and could recommend quite a few. While these were not my favorite...they still hit the spot. I read all of these books very quickly and found myself with no more...it was sad. That is why I love the Library. Our library is quite small, and I have read every Lori Wick book they have...I might start on the Beverly Lewis section. Anybody have any particulary good author recommendations?

SOME BOOKS I AM PRESENTLY READING

These are just some books that Corys Aunt Sherrie and Mom let me read. They are the Lights of Lowell series by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller. I am presently on the last one in the series. They have been quite good so far. I am enjoying the history interwoven into the stories. Some of the history is the Abolition Movement, and the Underground railroad. I have never read anything else by these authors, but would recommend these as good reading material.

GOOD MORNING, AFTERNOON, WHATEVER...

Today is Wednesday, and Cory is at a workshop. I am home with the kiddos and have not accomplished very much sadly--and yet here I sit blogging...HA. Cory has been going to Football Camp this week. He leaves before supper and comes back around 9:00 or after. This is just a sampling of what is to come for football season!
School is just around the corner and I am feeling bittersweet. While I dont want the kids to leave me, I do crave the routine that it brings. Somehow summertime for me doesnt allow for such routine, at least not as rigid. We are forever somewhere else besides our own home...and are working at someone elses home besides our own...We have been thinking about "scheduling " some time at home so that we can accomplish some goals that we made before summer started...I hope we can.
Yesterday, I went to check on our tomato plants to find that we had tomatoes!!!! There was one plant that I had just about given up on, it looked incredibly sickly...it had the largest one...what do you know! Esther has been helping water them since she helped plant them...she is feeling very proud of her efforts....now only if she LIKED tomatoes it would really be a treat!
I hope everyone has a great day...I am hoping to make a dent in the laundry today...no real huge goals...just the laundry today...and a little picking up. Enjoy the Sunshine.

A LOOK INSIDE THE WOMB

Today was my very first Doctor appointment. I was lucky to be scheduled for my 1st ultrasound the same day! The kids and Cory came with me to the Ultra sound appointment, where we found that the baby was 7mm long, and that I am 7 weeks. The kids were rather unimpressed...it certainly did not look like a baby to them :) Everything seems well. She mentioned that I had a cyst on one of my ovaries, but that it would go away at 14 weeks. I was a little nervous about it, but she said it was probably where the egg came from, and that it was actually a good sign...a sign of a healthy pregnancy..so then I thought ...oh good...I have a cyst. HA. Anyways, the kids got their very own picture of thier newest sibling, and were feeling very important :-)
Next was my appointment with my regular OB Doc. Everything was fine, and I have to get my bloodwork done sometime this month. He also gave me a big bag full of lots of goodies! I am very excited...and hardly feel pregnant...and yet I am almost 2 months! Please pray for me to have good health during this time. Last time my sugar was not fantastic...Doc told me he gave me a "D"...which means watch closely! I am hoping to have no bad reports at all this time round:)

HAPPY 31st BIRTHDAY CORY !!!!

Happy Birthday to my main man Cory! I tried to post photos, but for some reason it keeps telling me the page has expired...is anyone else having this same trouble? Anyways...just picture a guy sitting in a boat with a big fish...yep thats Cor. Or maybe a guy in a baseball uniform...A very happy birthday to a fabulous person, and my very best friend :)

ISAAC'S SUMMER T-BALL PICTURE

The I-man had a really great time playing T-Ball this summer. We had both kiddos signed up for swim lessons again for this summer but due to the flooding the lessons were cancelled. We have had quite a busy summer anyways, so it has been nice not having to cart the kids somewhere every day :)

THERE ARE SOME TESTS I REALLY LIKE TO TAKE!

HOORAY !!!!!