THE THURSDAY AFTERNOON POST

Okay, now you have to forgive the way my blog looks...I am still trying to get a hang of this blogging thing!!!!!!

Today the girls and I went to the library and then the park. We also made a quick trip to the grocery store. We are having Stroganhoff tonight...with green beans almondine...and a loaf of italian bread made it's way into our house. It is going to be soooooo good. While I was shopping I just happened to notice that Jello has a special edition Margarita flavor...wouldnt you know that seemed to jump right in as well...along with the strawberry daquiri and the pina colada...mmmmmmmm! I am more interested in the margarita though...I LOVE Margaritas!

Isaac starts t-ball next week. Cory has been practicing with him after his own practice (?) Anyways...he is looking forward to it...

Hope all is going well...this is short because I have too much to do....Oh yeah, I hung some towels on the line...and it was all clear today...Cory and I might have to get our paintball guns out and do some target practice anyways...hehehe! Later!!!!!!

PRESCHOOL FIELD TRIP TO THE FARM.......

This is Esthers school field trip to a farm. It turned out to be a really chilly day...thank goodness I had Isaacs extra coat in the van :)














This is a photo of Gayle trying to feed the calf its bedding.



















The trip was rounded out with a venture to the neighborhood McDonalds...where two girls enjoyed happy meals :)














Gayle loved to pet the calves...she was so excited!















Gayle is not holding crap in this picture...(trust me, I know my crap)...it is feed for the cows :)

A TISKET A TASKET, AN EGG IN MY BASKET...

Gaylie Judith and her newfound treasure!


Esther Joy and the treasure that lies inside!

EASTER EGG HUNT 2006

How did I post 2 photos of the same thing? I have no idea.. The Easter pictures are a little delayed...but better late than never :) The egg hunt was on Saturday at Poppy and Grandmas house. Uncle Cliffy hid the eggs. Aunt Chris usually does as well, but she was ill that day : ( The kids had a lot of fun hunting...and even Gaylie got right into it...I cant believe the amount of Chocolate...I had to hide it because Gayle had a piece everytime I turned around. She would push chairs up to the counter to get them. I even found little pieces of foil in the girls closet where they had secretly gone to consume. And lastly, I had to confiscate a whole chocolate bunny that Esther had put under her bed for a time when she needed it !!!! We have loads left...but they have sort of forgot about it...:)

"PAINTED LADY"

I was wondering why it was so quiet around the house. I discovered the bathroom door was open, Gayle was "Caught In The Act!" Gaylie loves to watch me put on my make-up, and often begs for me to put it on her as well. Here she is trying out her newly found skill...Looking good Gayle! I think this shade brings the blue out in her eyes :)

TUESDAY AFTERNOON POST................

Well, today is Tuesday, and usually the girls and I stay home and try to clean up from the weekend and Monday...Instead, we went to Wal*Mart....I hate grocery shopping. While we were there...I got 4 rolls of film developed...2 were from Christmas...go figure...I didn't even notice. I will be posting some shots...but I can't seem to make the scanner work...perhaps Cory knows!
I was just outside hanging clothes out on the line. There was a bumblebee that kept coming dangerously close to me...I zigged I zagged...I got crapped on by a bird!....I was soooooo irritated...I know that bird must have known what it was doing...anyways....I guess I have even MORE wash to do!
On a happier note...the other day Cory arranged for his parents to watch the kids so that I could come to his ballgame and we could go out for supper afterwards. It was so nice...I actually did my hair...oh yeah...I do have a brush...I used hairspray and lots of it...oh yeah...then I put my make-up on...I dressed up...sort of . jeans and a sweater...its a base ball game, come on! Anyway, I felt like I did Pre-kiddos! Unfortunately Cory lost his game. We went to the Texas Roadhouse for supper. This is a place that we like the food, but we hardly ever go there because it is on the expensive side, and also you cant carry on a conversation because the music is too loud! So once in a blue moon we go and then say...oh yeah, that is why we never come here :) Afterwards, I thought we were headed to the store and Cory turned into a hotel...Im like what are we doing here? He said you didnt think you were just going out to dinner did you? I said ...ah...yeah, I guess I did...that was the plan. It was very sweet. Cory had reserved a room with a spa tub, and we spent the night there just the two of us with no distractions! Cory doesn't often do things like this, but since we barely get to see each other during the bb season, he made the arrangements. This was so thoughtful...and we had a FABULOUS time. (wink wink)
Just a short story. Apparently the librarian had to tell Corys mom a story about Isaac because she was so amused by him. He checked out his book, and wrote his name on the card...apparently backwards. enitnelav caasI The librarian said...um...Isaac, do you see something wrong with this...he looked and said no. She said you wrote your name backwards...he said "wow!" "I didn't know I could writed backwards!!!" He was very pleased with himself. I guess she did not expect this reaction from him.
Hope everyone is having a great week...will try to post my pictures soon :)

CONGRATULATIONS TO LYDIA...WOOHOO!!!!!!

Congratulations to my long lost college roommate, Lydia! Lydia and I have been reunited via email...and I have found out that she is expecting her 1st child! I am so happy for you and Ethan, and I hope you have a really pleasant pregnancy!

Now, about this picture...it is really kind of an inside joke that some would not understand even if I explained so it is best just to leave it like it looks...2 college students acting strange..and most likely up to no good :)

A little background on Lydia: Lydia is a prankster...plain and simple. In college...I never made my bed...one evening I found it "made"...I should have known something was up...I said "who made my bed?" "I did" "Oh thanks...you didnt have to do that!" So I turned out the lights and tried to get in my bed...what the ...hey I cant get in my bed...what's up with my sheets...? then hysterical laughter...I short sheeted your bed...hhaaaaahaaaaaaa. That was an enjoyable prank....What did I do?....Nothing drastic...I just threw a glass of icy cold water on her while she was in the shower...I snickered...I thought I was funny...hehehe. I am sure that there were other things that happened, but the one that sticks out in my mind...is far worse than my sisters toilet water prank. I was part of the choir at college called the Genevans...We were getting ready to go on tour and my parents had dropped off a lot of luggage and stuff for me to go through...as usual it was all over the place. I came in excited to go through it all when I noticed something on my pillow. I t was not something that I recognized , so I kept staring at it...finally I said ...I wonder what is in that bag?...Lydia said very gleefully...it's a present for you! I should have known something was up....so I joyfully went over to receive my "Present"...I was so excited...what could it be?...I wanted to relish the moment and guess what was inside...so I squeezed it ...and poked it...and all the while Lydia was laughing and laughing...I thought she was laughing at me...so I thought that I would "ham it up" so I was just about to bite it...to pretend like I was gnawing on it...when I brought it up to my face...this RANCID...DEAD ROTTING MEAT SMELL entered my nostrils and I screamed ....I through the package...and every time I tried to speak...a scream with unintelligible words came out...I have never been so freaked out in all my life. Apparently the scream must have been pretty loud as half of the floor came running to our room...some annoyed...some probably in on the joke...it appears that my delightful roommate found a dead rotting rat under a bench outside the dorm...wrapped it up in a grocery bag and put it on my pillow for me to gleefully squish between my hands and ALMOST take a bite....And Lydia goes down in History...but like I have already told her...Every time I see road kill I think of her! Why did she do it? Besause she knew that I had a fear of rodents, and reptiles...and because she is a PRANKSTER...plain and simple!

FOR LYDIA'S BENEFIT :)

This is a photo for Lydia. Our freshman year at Geneva . TAG TEAM ROOMMATE PUDDING WRESTLING....I suppose there is really nothing more to say...this picture says it all. (this is the only picture that came out, as it was taken at night, the group photo would not show up on the computer...you can barely see anyone in the picture just looking at it face to face.

You know, I was looking at the yearbook for some good shots...and I just have to giggle every time I see someone that I want to share a story about...but that probably would'nt be right, would it...to make fun of people you dont really know all that well, just for amusements sake...right? Still all the same...there was this one girl (just one okay?)...anyways, I saw her picture and it made me laugh. I wont use her name...she sat next to me in one of the classes I took...which one ? I dont know...anyways, she was writing a letter during class, and I asked her what she was writing...she told me that she was writing to Amy Grant to ask her if she could be a nanny for her kids...because she would probably pay alot of money...I immediately laughed, and waited for her to tell me it was a joke...she was totally serious. So anyways...that is what I thought of when I saw her picture...HA What a riot....I have a ton of things that I would like to say...but like I said before I probably shouldnt do that ....right? I have to end this before I can't help myself!!!!!!!!!1

THE THURSDAY MORNING POST

What a Fabulous day it is turning out to be...especially since when I got up today...all the clean laundry was folded and in its designated baskets...Thanks Cor...you are the absolute BEST!!!!

Today the agenda is quite simple forthe girls and myself. Clean up as fast as I can so that we can go out and enjoy the day...then off to the Library. I am just dying for a book to read...and I am tired of reading the same ones over and over again. I used to take Isaac to the library every Wednesday...I am hoping I can put the girls on some sory of schedule too. The other thing we have going on to day is the Art Show at the school. Apparently the kids have their projects lining walls and halls...we shall go. (note to self: defrost chicken for supper)

Cory had his game for tonight cancelled. Sorry for him...Lucky for me. I know that he is happy to have a night home with us. He will meet us at the Art Show after BB practice.

If your yard looks like mine...you will notice the overabundance of dandilions....it is time to mow. The kids have been bringing them in by the armloads for me...and I have been putting them in vases. It is times like these that I want to say "NO MORE" But , I know there will come a time when they will bring them no more...how sad a day that will be. And so instead of saying "NO MORE"...I say...I have enough for the house...perhaps you could decorate the picnic table for me :)

The other day the school sent home a slip saying that a photo shoot would take place at school, and to dress your kids nicely. That day came and went...then Isaac brought the proofs home with him. They looked great...Even better than his school picture...Which was taken not long ago...and now this...they teased us with these fancy photos, and now since we are big saps when it comes to our kids...we bought! Expect a post when they come in!

Hope Everyone is having a great day/week...enjoy the great weather...I am afraid we got a little too much sun yesterday...even poor little gayle seems a bit rosy...time to dig out the waterbabies!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GOOD FRIEND!!!

Congratulations to our very good friend, partner in crime, college roommate, and all around great gal...Sarah Zwinger!!! Sarah works at Waynesburgh College...and was recently promoted to (I hope I get this right...) Director of Admissions!!!!! Way to Go Sarah! We are so proud of you.

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON POST

Well, Today seemed to be a long day for us so far. Isaac and Cory headed off to school, and the girls and I got ready for Esther's school field trip...to a dairy farm. I find it so amusing that a farm is the field trip destination...because I grew up on a farm, and had farms around me all my life. I do know that my own children do not get that experience, so I suppose for them it is an educational experience...it just seems funny to me :) The one thing that I wish we had seen and didnt, was a birth....DRAT! we just missed it! That would have been very cool to me! We never did get to see the milkhouse...apparently all the milking is done at the milkers level...in other words the cows are raised up...this I have never seen either...I would have enjoyed that too. The girls loved seeing the calves...and petting them. Some of them were born just yesterday...the girls had a fabulous time. Esther was hand feeding some of the regular cows and one bit her...not hard , and apparently not enough to make her stop since she kept on going. They also got to see pigs...I told her not to feed them because I am not sure what kind of chompers they have...all I know about pigs is that they have the foulest smelling manure...these ones however did not seem to smell bad...go figure!

After we visited the cows, we went and ate some at McDonalds...another treat that the girls love...I didnt even see Esthers burger...and it was gone! Gayle ate nuggets and french fries...wow did she eat fries...I dont know if she even chewed them!

Later, we headed towards home, but had to pick Isaac up from school. So we stopped at the park and played for an hour and a half to two hours...sheer delight! It is so beautiful out, and it made me feel so good! I love to swing on the swings with the girls...a kid at heart I guess!

We picked I-man up from school and then headed to the house. The kids went out to play and Gayle is taking a nap. I hate coming home to "all that I have to do" The laundry is calling ...and I dont want to listen...the dishes are sitting on the counter staring at me...and I just don't want to look at them...it certainly is putting a damper on my playful day. At any rate...I will go and put a few loads out on the line, and perhaps wash some dishes...yes..I will accomplish something constructive today!

Cory has a game tonight...2 hours away. I wont see him till well after bedtime...this is a busy week! He has games all this week and they are all "away" games! Oh well, I can't complain...it helps pay the bills! (and cory loves it!)

Enough for now...Have a Fabulous Day!

A Past Devotional.....

Do some of you write things in your Bible? I don't much anymore...but I like to go back through some of my thoughts from long ago. I really enjoy the book of Philippians. In college I took a course called Personal Spiritual Growth. This class ended with a retreat and a speaker name Kenny Crosswhite...this guy is an EXCELLENT speaker...It is because of him that I took this class EVERY semester that I could. Back to my "BIBLE writing"...anyways, Rev. Crosswhite did a couple of chapters of Philippians...and I love to reread some of the things I wrote down about it as reflection. If you are interested in this you will want to read the 1st Chapter of Philippians, and then answer these questions for yourself.

IF CHRIST IS YOUR LIFE....EXPECT....
(CHAPTER 1)
1.) Your prisons will become pulpits.
2.) Purify your motives. (vs 17)
3.) When Jesus us all that I have, I find that Jesus is all that I need.
4.) You should expect a life that pursues the spiritual benefits of others. (1John 1:7)


(CHAPTER 2)
YIELDED HEARTS............DO I HAVE THIS???????
1.) The attitude of Christ. A genuine unselfish concern for the spiritual welfare of others.
2.) A willingness to take a lower position in order to serve others.
3.) Totally dependable when needed.
4.) Work at not drawing attention to ourselves


(Chapter 3) I didnt write much down for chapter 3...
Process Possessions and Pedigrees...Christ is my goal

(dont worry ...I have to decipher thatone myself!)

(Chapter 4)
Christ is my Completion



Do I enjoy God?
Mark 4:38 1.) Do you care? 1Peter 5:7 Does God Care?
2.) Why are you so Timid? What are you afraid of ? What do you do with them?
3.) Where is your faith?
4.) Who is Jesus to you? Who do you project Jesus to be to others?



Of course these are just notes in my Bible, and I plan to use them for some personal devotional time of my own. Perhaps if you can decipher them they could be useful to you as well ...Who knows?

THE TUESDAY MORNING POST.........

I decided that I haven't posted in a while, that perhaps I should do so. Today is Tuesday. Esther does not have school today:) So far this morning, I have managed to feed the kids, get them and myself dressed, and tidy the living room. I have also ejoyed my cup of constant comment tea...yum! It will turn out to be a pretty uneventful day ~ The only "running around" that I have to do is to go to the Produce store and pick up our Chicken. Guess how much it is...? Go ahead and guess! It is $1.08...this is for boneless skinless breast....if you are not aware...this is a FABULOUS price! It is usually not less than $1.99 in the store...which is a big rip off! By the way...I am aware that some folks do not know how to "cut up" a chicken....this is extremely easy and I am willing to show anyone who would like to know. Throughout Highschool I worked at the Farmers Market in Pittsburgh...this is what I did most of the time. This will also save you a lot of money as well, as you can even use the back for soup. I also know how to "debone" breasts...this is also cheaper...These are both really good skills for someone to know!

The next item on my agenda is to pick I-man up from school...then Cory will be home for supper...which will be Pork chops...Mashed potatoes....homemade applesauce...corn....delicious! Then it will be off to a booster club meeting for the baseball team!!! All in all the day will go by fairly quickly, and I will still be behind in all I wanted to accomplish.

Yesterday, I was over at Corys parents house and noticed their yard. The town is having a "brush pickup day"...We worked hard gathering up brush and putting it at the end of the road...I saw that the neighbor had quite a pile as well...I cannot believe what these people did.....it is absolutely HORRIFYING...Along the property line are 7-8 FULLGROWN LILAC BUSHES...of ALL COLORS....Completely Chopped down! They were absolutely beautiful and now they are sitting out at the end of the road to be made into wood chips....One good thing is that Dad brought me over some root so that I could plant some here. I guess he can have whatever he wants...I hope he takes it all! What a shame.

Next month is the I-mans birthday. Mark your calendars for May 19th...that will be his Birthday Party...it will be at Corys Dads church. The reptile company is going to do a 60 minute presentation...it should be very educational...We are hoping to invite his class from school, and friends from church, and of course all relatives are invited !!! We are very excited and hope for a good turnout...! So everyone reading this mark off your calendar...and plan to come!

Swim lessons are going well for the kiddos...Both Esther and Isaac jumped off the diving board last Saturday...Of course Esther had on arm floaties...They had a ball! We hope to sign them up for a summer session. Isaac will be starting t-ball next month as well...he is very excited about it.

I hope everyones week is going well...Cory had a game yesterday and lost by 2 points...:( No game tonight, but I think 2 or 3 more for this week....

Have a good rest of the week all...

The 100th Day of School !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is a picture of Isaac and his school project. The idea was to bring something in using 100 pieces of something. This was to celebrate the 100th day of school...which is now long gone, but still fun to post! Isaac and Cory worked hard counting out 100 M&M's . Then Isaac stuck them onto the dough. This was the only edible project...what is up with the other parents? HMMMMMMMMMM. Good Job Isaac! This really made him feel special, especially when he got to pass out his cookie :)

MEET MY NEWEST BROTHER-IN-LAW

This is a picture of my sister Amanda and her soon-t-be husband, John. Amanda and John will be getting married by the JP on May 5th. Why no fancy wedding? Because Amanda and John are very practical...they are going to take over my parents home, and would rather spend the money on remodeling. They will be adding a small apartment area for my Mom and Dad. Cory and I like John very much. Anyone who likes to fish as much as we do is AOK in our book! They will actually be honeymooning at Corys parents cottage. Congratulations to the soon-to-be newlyweds...and John...Welcome to the family!

WHO'S THIS CAT?

In the spirit of Prom Season, I thought that I would add this to the mix...Obviously this is Cory TRYING to look cool for his prom date....HA!

I myself did not go to my prom. I asked one of my good friends to go with me, just in case I would regret not going, but sadly he told me he had already asked someone...then someone did ask me, a kid that I did not know so well, and while I thought about it...he said..."C'MON YOURE LIKE THE 8TH PERSON IVE ASKED...PLEASE...AND WEAR A BLACK DRESS TO MATCH MY SPORTSCAR!!" Needless to say, I didn't need to think about it much longer. I don't know what I did that night, but I don't regret not going, and for that I am thankful! Then there is my brother who went to like 3 or 4 proms, one on crutches....!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNT JANIE..................

Happy Birthday to my Aunt Janie. Born April 20th 19XX ! I hope you have a really blessed Birthday!

TAKING TIME TO SMELL THE ROSES (PEONIES)

After reading one of Aunt Janes posts, I felt compelled to add one of the same kind. I cannot think of Spring and not think of my Grandma. I have always wanted to "recreate" this picture with one of my own children, but always seem to forget...perhaps it is not too late with Gayle :) I find that I am missing Grandma so much around this time of year! I can hardly wait to see her again, and indtroduce her to her namesake. At least she knew she was to have one :) Still, all the same I sit here with tears streaming down my cheeks and remember her words of wisdom regarding her passing on before us...Psalm 30...."For sorrow like a pilgrim may tarry all the night, but then a shout of joy comes when dawns the morning light..." I will try my best to look ahead to the day when we meet again....being thankful for the time we shared together, and always taking time to smell the peonies :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!

Happy Birthday to my Mom. April 19th, 19XX :) Please use caution when lighting the candles for your cake MA. Hope you have a great day...

THE LAST DAY OF EASTER BREAK.........

Yes, it is the last day of Easter Break. Cory and Isaac go back to school tomorrow...it was fun while it lasted, and I am sure it was a preview to what summer holds for us. Before I talk about the Happenings of our day, I thought it would be worthy to note that my Mother was busy today as well. It turns out she lit the woods behind our house on fire....see her blog for details and pictures....(the link is to the side...hers is Jemit). It's okay Mom, we still think you are top match...oops, I mean notch!

Well, Corys day started out great. He and his buddy went trout fishing at about 6 a.m. this morning. They brought back their limit, and we shall have fish for supper....this is all kind of new for me, since seafood was not served to me as a child...but I am willing to try because I know that it is good for you (me). Anyways, they caught about 30 that day...I guess they were getting some dirty looks :) Needless to say I am jealous.

While he was playing, I was able to get the kids fed and dressed and outside to play. I hung 2 loads of laundry, and then decided to enjoy the sunshine while pushing Gayle on the swing. Later I took the kids down to the river to throw some rocks...Isaac is getting better at skipping rocks. Cory came back and cleaned the fish, and we are soaking them in milk...that is supposed to take away the "fishy" taste, smell. While we were trying to find out what to have for lunch...I got so tired that I had to lay down. Cory took the kids outside and played with them so that I could relax. Thanks Cory --Youre the best!!! I got up, and the kids were begging Cory to take them fishing~~He's a real softie...so off we went. Both kids wore their mudboots...but that didn't seem to help. Isaac stepped in over top of his boots, and Esther tripped on a rock and fell in the water soaking her pants...(that is why she is known as "Ess the Mess") Gayle was happy to sit with her supply of rocks and tossed them in one by one. Isaac caught 2 fish...Way to go Isaac! Esther lost interest fairly quick, especially when she saw that Gayle was having a lot of fun. Next trip....the grocery store...our kids looked like ragamuffins....you know like the kids that you see with dirt smudges, and you think that the parents dont take very good care of their needs...filthy. That is how I can describe them...FILTHY. We had the best time on this break. This summer should be so enjoyable. Cory needs to get his bike fixed and then we will be set. I have a seat on the back of my bike for Gayle. I have taken her out a few times in it and she has enjoyed it. I have my eye on this pair of shoes in the Bass Pro Shop Magazine. It is actually a tennis shoe?water shoe. It empties the water as fast as it comes in, and the shoe itself will dry within minutes. It is great for water or terrain. I think that will abe a must this summer...We shall see. Well that is enough for now. Our ragamuffins are now just "muffins" they are scrubbed in their jammies and sleeping soundly. It is time for me to follow suit...Goodnight....!