MORE SHOTS...ARE YOU BORED YET?

MORE SHOTS OF OUR ROOM

I realize I am doing this all out of order...oh well technology is not my thing. More shots follow.

OUR ROOM

Our room was called Kids Cabin. It featured a little log cabin with a bunk bed and a daybed...and their own little flat screen which did not get used much. It even had a video game system attached...why you need that at a water park I don't know. Outside of the kids room was a tiny kitchen with sink, microwave and tiny fridge...Now a word about the food there. We thought we would be thrifty and bring our own food. A hot dog at this park is $6 , A burger $12, CRAZY!!!! We dined on cheese and crackers, grapes, popcorn, and I splurged and bought these tiny little microwave cakes...they were soooo good and only 150 calories! The next day for breakfast I brought microwave pancakes and juice, and also yogurt. We did not starve. We snacked again like this in the park and I think it was a good idea...we did not feel sluggish like all the others eating chicken fingers and fries. After we were done we stopped at friendlys...and then we felt sluggish. Ok back to the room...there was a fire place , a little living room with a fold out couch that Eli slept on, and a bed for Cory and I. It even had a lovely balcony. Very comfy.

A PROMISED BELLY SHOT...34 WEEKS

GREAT WOLF LODGE...

The sheer enormousness of this place was overwhelming. The outside looked like an incredible estate or something. On the other side of the building there was water slides going in and out of the structure...too cool! The picture on top was only half of the building.

This was the entry way...and it does not do it justice....again...GIGANTIC!!! When Cory went inside to check us in...he tried to warn us that it was a little overwhelming.

This was our attempt at trying to get the entire building in one shot...pretty measly. Our room was on the left side of the structure. I will post some shots of the inside, and the good fun we had tomorrow I hope...I took about 100 pictures...so I think that I should have something good in there. Until then...Goodnight...I am sleepy.

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!!!

In Case You Are Interested.....

My Mom told me that WBNG's website is playing Corys interview for Teacher of the Week...so if you would like to see this for yourself you can visit that site. Apparently they have been playing it over and over since there was a break last week...he gets lots of heckling about it...why not join in the fun!

Pre-Retirement Party

This photo was taken right before we left for Mom and Dads retirement party. It was held at the Runway Restaraunt. The food was delicious, and it was fun for the kiddos to see the planes taking off.

Some say she looks like me....HA!

My Little Gaylie Lou Who

Amusing....but also a little painful --HA!

A Prayer For Those Growing Older ~ Author Unknown

Lord, Thou knowest that I am growing older. Keep me from growing talkative and possessed with the idea that I must express myself on every subject. Release me from the craving to straighten our everyones affairs. Keep me from the recital of endless details. Give me wings to get to the point. Seal my lips when I am inclined to tell of my aches and pains. They are increasing with the years and my love to speak of them grows sweeter as time goes by. Make me thoughtful but not nosey; helpful but not bossy. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be wrong. With the vast store of wisdom and experience, it does seem a pity not to use it all. But Thou knowest, Lord, that I want a few friends in the end.

OH NO!

We are on vacation right now in Western PA. I just woke up. I have been battling a nasty sinus cold so I asked Cory if he would get up with the kids and let me sleep longer, and then I would return the favor the next day. So he did. The next thing I know there was a loud banging sound, and I thought someone had run into our car...dont worry it was just the garbage truck....whew. Then Cory had come upstairs to wake me up...only to find me up...he told the kiddos to keep an eye on Eli while he talked to me to find out the plans for the day....so were talking ...and we hear Eli...that is no big deal...he is always making noise....and then Cory says we have to watch Elijah and the stairs...Esther says he can climb up them...I said ok we will watch out. Cory goes to leave and Eli is at the TOP of the stairs and when he sees Cory he starts to stand up....Cory lets out a YELP...and grabs the chubby bundle and hands him to me...and we smother him with all kinds of kisses because we were so terrified...and he is eating it all up because he is sooooo proud of himself and well, he thinks that we are fussing all over him for his good work....QUITE a scare. We are keeping a closer eye now.

JUST A THOUGHT....

I have been trying to post this for days...lets see if it works this time...

A while back I was checking out some peoples blogs and I found something interesting. A lot of people were talking about creating routines, developing handy household skills, and general homemaking...it just must be in the air. I love this kind of information and in fact crave it. JJ you have addicted me to the "correct way to crack an egg"...after smashing it to pieces the first time, I have consistently gotten better, and can do it no other way! Also , the handy way to fold sheets....another JJ fun fact...thanks.

Isaac had to make a chore chart and follow it for one month for one of his scout requirements. So we made up a good chart and are all reaping the good benefits of that! Even little Gayle drys the dishes! On this chart the kids work for 6 days and on the 7th they just make their bed and they get a prize for all of their time and effort. Now when I say prize, I mean like a pack of gum, or a trip to the dollar store or something like that. I will admit it. Cory and I hardly ever buy the kids anything. I would say that we spend our money on letting them take swim lessons, being in t- ball, soccer...things that will keep them active and social. We buy them toys at Christmas and Birthdays. In doing this Cory and I have found that our children are more thankful for the things that they recieve. For instance...a trip to the dollar store may not seem like much...but for those that dont "get " something every time they go shopping it is a delight! Cory and I decided also long ago that we would not buy them something every time we went to the store...one because we did not have the money, and two because we did not want them to think that they were going to get something. Prizes are small and cheap at our house...but no less exciting for them. stickers were the reward for potty training...not candy. I feel bad for some parents who have set the standard so high. Isaac asked me the other day if he could have a prize for doing so well at swim lessons...I said your prize is that you get to take swim lessons. Believe it or not we had the best prize for when Isaac brought home 100s on his spelling test. Spankings. Yes you read that right. He would bring it to us with a big smile on his face, and we would act angry and say " What is this? You had better not let this happen again" and then we would chase him down and then Cory would hold him while I spanked him with the spoon....he LOVED it. Later on someone told him what they got for good grades and he told him that he got spankings...and then the reaction he got embarassed him...sooo no more spankings...HA. At any rate...I guess all I am saying is that when you dont make your child expect that he deserves something...he will be thankful for whatever he gets...even if it is just a stick of gum.

A Nice Surprise!!!

Happy Valentines Day belatedly. While I did not get anything for my husband he decided to get something for me. When I got up that morning all bleary-eyed...I noticed that there was a gift for me on the table with a nice note. There was a bottle of black currant/vanilla massage oil...(and I had to ask...is this for me or you?) and a pink heart shaped box full of yankee candle votives....thank you to my thoughtful husband...I love you so.

CONGRATULATIONS CORY !!!

Congratulations to my Cory!!!! Cory was Educator of the Week this week. He was interviewed by Channel 12, and he did a really great job!! Well Done Cor!

The Sweetheart Dance

About a month ago I told Esther that her school was going to be having a "Sweetheart Dance". I told her that she should ask Daddy if he wanted to go on a date with her...she was soooo excited and asked him right away. She then proceeded to go straight to her closet and pick out her fanciest dress...(which by the way is not really all that fancy.) She has been so excited about this day, and it has finally come! Esther is in for a big surprise though! It is official...Esther will never marry I am sure because I am convinced she wont find anyone who can live up to her Father--HA. As soon as Cory found out about the dance he went out and bought her a BEAUTIFUL dress. It is red and black with sparkly flowers on it. It also has a shiny red bow too. The bottom of it has that filmy kind of material...She is going to be beautiful. (As if she needs a dress to be beautiful says the Mother.) Anyways, Cory also bought her a wrist corsage, and each of the girls a half dozen carnations...I have been waiting for this moment too...I really think it is important that a Father make his daughte(s) feel beautiful and special...after all, isnt that how you would want your daughters husband to treat them? Esther really eats this kind of attention up, so I am really proud of Cory for picking something out so beautiful for her...and treating her like such a little lady. I will take pictures :)

Babys First Christmas

Happy Retirement Mom !!! Well Done!

Forget about the beef...wheres the Mayo?

Alright...I suppose I am feeling a little antagonistic today. You see, I noticed that my husband did not take lunch today, so being the good wifey that I try to be, I took it to him. On the way home I stopped at Wendys for a $1 menu chicken sandwich with extra mayo...I was soooo anticipating this sandwich, which would be such a treat for me...I ate it as I drove down the road...and was sadly dissappointed...Where in the world was the MAYO???? It seems so trivial doesn't it? You might think that I am getting a little too out of control regarding Mayo...perhaps. This is my situation....every time (and I do mean EVERY time ) I get something from this particular establishment...they get it wrong...so I decided to write this letter:

To the Manager of Wendys (in our particular location),
Hello. My name is Wendy and I am writing this letter as a result of the poor service that I have found at this Wendys location. It has become somewhat of a joke in our family that whenever we order from your store there is ALWAY something missing or the order is wrong. By and by it has lost its humor, thus the reason for this letter. It is a luxury or perhaps a treat for my family to eat out. I am a stay at home mother of 4 and live on once income. While it may seem like a petty reason it really makes a big deal to the kids. Imagine their surprise to find that they are going to get treated to a kids meal. They unwrap their burger with such anticipation and are let down to find that there is pickles and mustard all over it, when it was ordered to be with out. This child will not eat this sandwich...so either my husband gives his up and has nothing...or my money is wasted ....either way someone gets jipped! I realize I could take it back, but we are well on our way down the road and well it just is not convienient.. My husband bought a jr. bacon cheeseburger one time and I a regular cheeseburger. We did not know which one was which. I had to take the tops off and find that the one with the piece of bacon less than a 1/2 in long was the jr bacon cheeseburger...we decided to laugh at this...it was just our luck...or so we thought. I enjoy the crispy chicken sandwich with extra mayo...only there NEVER is extra mayo...and I have to begin to wonder if perhaps your workers are instructed to deny such requests? Tomatoes find their way onto sandwiches that have been special ordered to have been left off. Does it seem like a cooincidence to you that EVERY time we order it is ALWAYS wrong? Please know that I am not angry, but only bringing it to your attention. As the manager of the store I am sure that you would want to address the matter. I am sure we are not the only recipients of such service. Thank you for reading and good luck with your establishment. Respectfully, Wendy

Okay...be honest and I going completely over the top? I just cant stand to pay for something and have it the opposite of what I anticipate! The Mayo just pushed me over quite frankly. oh well. I have not decided if I am going to send this or not...I really think I might. Well see.

The baby is taking his nap...Gayle is laying down...(but not sleeping) and the older two are in school. I am sitting here with a cup of hot tea and blogging because #1 I like to...and #2 I have lots of stuff that I don't WANT to do (stomp foot for drama).

Did you know in order to sell live bait that you have to have an agricultural license (that is to sell legally)? Yes you do. Cory and I have decided that we are going to sell live bait...WHY? you ask. Well, not for the money if that is what you are thinking. Plain and simple we love to fish. We also live along a trout stream, and next to a number of lakes. In order to get bait...we and other fishers of fish have to go a little ways to get our bait...it is not really THAT long...but long enough for us to wish that there was something just a little closer. Soooo we will mostly likely set up our fridge shop perhaps a month earlier than the trout opening. We will sell Night Crawlers, Meal Worms, Wax Worms, and also Little Red Worms. I was also thinking that this would make a really great scout project for Isaac at some point. I can just hear you all saying THAT IS SOOOO GROSS!!!! I actually am really excited about it though...we are in a really good location...and well when you run out of bait...location is important:) SOooo the next time you go get your bait...maybe you should ask to see their license? HA!

Another matter to keep in prayer for us is that we would really like to buy our own home at some point. We have been faithfully socking away in order to have a sizeable downpayment. We have it electronically drawn out of our account so there is no temptations. Next summer we will begin our quest. Just for informations sake, we looked into see what we would be pre-approved for. I was sure they were going to say something like 30-40 but it was much higher. Be really careful when you talk to these people. They pre approved us for more than we could EVER pay back--it was nice to see that people thought we were lendworthy...but it also scared me a little because folks will go right out and mortagage the full amount and have to forclose. The whole house business scares me because well...there is no turning back...and a lot of responsibility. I know that God has a plan for our family and a home in mind...just pray that Cory and I will have wisdom in the whole process.

Isn't Dunkin Donut Coffee the best in the world? OOOpps sorry Keith. JJ I have been enjoying the coffee you sent our way...Thank you sooooooo much!

?????????

Okay...apparently I do not know how old I will be this year...my dear husband was kind enough to remind me --I shall be 33...yes...thanks alot Cor.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!!! I am so excited for 2008! So many changes to come...Eli will turn 1, Isaac 8, Esther 6, Gayle 4, and Cory and I will celebrate 10 years of marriage...not to mention turn 32 (yikes!) I love "fresh new starts"...its just like Spring to me. I do not have any "resolutions" exactly, but I always try to strive to do everything just a little bit better.

Christmas was delightful! We decorated, baked cookies, ate cookies, went to parties, ate more cookies...then Christmas Eve we went to Corys Dads Church for their Christmas Eve service. I love going to that...The last song they sing is Silent Night, and they light candles and turn out the lights...of course the kids are in awe that they can hold fire...Ha! Esther had a sore throat..and in the middle of the service she was coughing, and then made a gagging chucking sound...that was pretty embarrassing as we were in the very front. After the service we came home and made our traditional hoagies, and then we put cookies out for Santa (Yes, the kids know he is a Fake...but they and I love to pretend). Cory read the Night before Christmas, and then we stayed up until 4 am wrapping the presents I never wrapped...and making everything easier for the next day...like setting the table...making the cookies I wanted to make but didn't...somehow I got lost in the hubub of the festivities....I guess I am just a kid at heart :) We had Corys family for Christmas at our house and had a really great time. The kids shopped at the dollar store for their gift giving...they are getting better...Cory got styrafoam that you put fake flowers in (from Gayle) The first year we did this...Isaac got him paper plates with poinsettias on them , and Esther got him a glow in the dark "I (heart) love richard " keychain...you can imagine the mechanics at the garage where we get our car fixed had a field day with that one :) As for gifts for Cory and I ...well last year, I think I got some pjs...and he got little hand squeezers for his desk...we had a five dollar limit. This year our limit was a little bigger $30 ...this is big stuff for us as we dont buy "things " for ourselves . So I went to my redneck husbands favorite store...Gander Mountain. I bought him a red light that attaches to his scope for coyote hunting. It was more than thirty, but I figured that he would truly use it, rather than get him another pair of dress slacks...he was extremely pleased. My gift was a puzzle to me...he made it sound as if I was getting a jewelry box...instead it was a digital camera!!!! I said I think this is a little more than $30, and he asked if I wanted him to take it back...I said No. He had been saving up for it...thank you dear husband. Pictures will come when I get them made into a cd! I hope your Christmas was awesome!

Presently we are at Corys Mom and Dads for New Years. We had the traditional Pork and Sauerkraut, Mashed Potatoes, and Applesauce....I look forward to that :) This morning I woke up and went sled riding with the kiddos. Yes I admit it...I have never grown up, and love to sled ride!! I did not get to last year as i was Prego with Eli. I think I went down once, and Cory told me to go inside. This year we got tubes for the kiddos to use. I was riding with Esther, and some how managed to ride over Isaacs head...it was quite funny. That brings to mind a few other sled riding stories to tell.

One of my favorite memories is about JJ. We were riding on the big tractor tire intertube...the neighbors were over, and Paul had hooked it up to the gravely somehow...well he was pulling us all around the yard...and everyone was shouting and laughing, and i realized that JJ was missing...and happened to look down to find that she had fallen in the middle, and the tube had run her over, but the weight of us all would not let her head out...so she was literally snowplowing with her face...it was so funny.

Amanda and I had gone sled riding where our Dads farm used to be. We found a hill and decided to try it. The problem was the hill was steep and it had about a 3 foot drop. In our minds we would have flown through the air and kept going...of course that did not happen. We flew off of the hill and landed with a thud...knocking the wind out of both of us...I truly thought I was going to die...I even told Amanda to tell Mom and Dad that I died. When we finally could breathe we cried all the way home . Also Amanda got to stay home from school the next day because she "crushed " her toes. She wanted me to ride in the front of the sled...I said no way, I will break my leg...so she had to ride in front...she crushed her toes because I ran into her...ha.

I am really enjoying these trips down memory lane. Another time we were at a sled riding party and the family had a GIANT toboggan. I said I would ride down with Mr McBurney...they said ok get in the front, I said no way I will break my leg...so he had to ride in front...we crashed at the bottom of the hill, and he broke his leg.

Last one I promise...Ok Corys and my friends from College Lisa, Sparky, and Sarah...we all spent New Years together one year...we decided to go sled riding. Lisa took us to this "GREAT" hill. On the trek to get there...Lisa fell in a ground hog hole...HA. Anyways, the hill was positively frightening to me...it was like Straight up and down...I would not sled ride because I did not enjoy sledding accidents. So Sparky was first...let me just add that the snow had a crust of ice on the top which added to the sledders enjoyment. Okay Sparky went down...no no ...he FLEW down. He was really humming...but when he came back his face was all bloody, with lots and lots of scratches...apparently Lisas really great hill had briar bushes all over it...it was really comical. Sparky tried again to avoid the briars...and ended up going so fast that he was doing cartwheels all the way down the mountain...only he wasnt using his hands ...he was using his FACE!...once again...lots of scratches and blood. Thanks Lisa...those were the days!!

Next time I ll tell you about my skiing experience :) Happy New Year All!