BACK FROM VACATION!!!!

We are finally back from our vacation in Black Lake! We had a fabulous time. I have some photos to post, but for some reason I can not get them to upload onto blogger...must be technical difficulties! We had a really great time while we were there. We were also able to worship with the Lisbon RP congregation and see some friends there. The fishing was alright. The lake was down really low. I caught mostly small mouth bass...and 1 good sized Largemouth. Isaac caught a 20 inch bowfin...that is one nasty fish! He was so proud :) I was able to read, relax, take the kids to the beach and just have a great vacation. We also went to Alexandria Bay and saw an aquamarine zoo...the kiddos loved that.
We headed back a day early because we had a wedding to attend. The reception was tons of fun! It was at the Treadway in Owego. I had the Filet Mignon.....which was sooooooo good...and Cory had the chicken. It was quite a lavish affair. We had a lot of fun at our table because we knew all of the couples with us...Cory and I left while the night was still pretty young...I imagine that party was just getting started :) Our friends kept our little ones over night, so we had a night entirely to ourselves :) We are very excited because in about 3 weeks we will be attending another couples wedding...we love weddings!
Cory left me at 6:00 this morning.....to go camping with some buddies. I will not see him until Wednesday around lunch. I guess I wont even really see him then, as he has plans to go do some clean up at our church which was flooded. I will see him for a little before I take off for my own mini vacation...
Corys birthday is coming up on August 3rd...be sure to wish that fella a happy 31st b-day! I have not decided what I will get for him...any ideas? Well, I had better get back to work...Laundry...it is never ending!

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

This week is most exciting because we a making preparations for our annual trip to Black Lake New York!! This is a week long fishing adventure...LOVE IT! We stay in a cottage right by the water, and the beach area is just down the yard a bit. The kids are so excited as well. Last year we took them into town and we went to the theatre...we plan to do so again if there is anything suitable for them to see. Sunday we will worship with the Lisbon Reformed Presbyterian Church. On the way there we came across a fruit and veggie stand ...so many fresh goodies, that we stock up for the week. Also on the road that runs by our cottage the Amish children have a stand of their baked goods and veggies...so we have some good things to choose from without going to the grocery store :) I plan to go to the bookstore and pick up 2-3 books for myself...this is just a little bit of heaven for me...and also I plan to get another guilty pleasure...flavored coffee creamer...the real stuff, not powder...creme brulee, and coconut flavored...mmmmmmm. I am not alone in this however, Corys Mom loves it too, as does Cliff. I imagine I will wake up in the morning and get myself a cup of that cream...with a little coffee too and sit on the porch and watch for the guys to come back in from fishing. Ahhh I can't wait for that! Oh, I almost forgot! Terri might be coming with us...that is if the state does not call her and ask to see her old residence...so I am hoping that we will be drinking our coffee together! Here is to a relaxing vacation...lots of book reading, coffee drinking, and fish catching...oh yeah...and pinochle playing...CHEERS!
Of course to get ready for the fishing part, we went to our favorite sporting goods store...Gander Mountain!! The kids were very excited because Uncle Cliffy gave them each money to spend there! I got a couple spinner baits, and two packs of Yamamoto Worms, Black, and Red Shad. I plan to go to Wal * Mart and get a few bobbers when I use night crawlers or minnows. Isaac got the cutest fisherman hat ever...I will have to get a picture! I am hoping to get a visor myself...oh yeah, and a pair of sunglasses!
Cory and I will actually be leaving a day early from vacation to attend a friends wedding. I am very excited, because a friend of ours will watch the kids for us, and we can go have fun at the party! The reception is at the Owego Treadway Inn...Cory is having the chicken, and I am having the fillet mignon (sp?). I hope there will be lots of dancing, and Margaritas!! What a great end to our vacation. We actually have another wedding in August that we will be attending...How Fun! I am also very fortunate that around the first week of August, I will be taking another little mini vacation! My friend Anna and I will start Friday at 10am and get a much needed massage, then we will lunch, and walk the quaint shops of Owego. We will go get a few good magazines, perhaps a book or two...then have some supper. That night we will head to the Cottage and watch a movie. The next day we will go antiquing, and perhaps go to the theatre if there is anything good playing...then back to the cottage for Rand R. Sunday our men and children will meet up with us for a BBQ, and we will celebrate Corys 31st B-day :) I am so looking forward to this. The guys will watch the kids this weekend, and have a little campout in the back yard...fun for them! Of course little Nathan will be coming with us, as he is nursing. AAHHHH summer!

THE PARTY IS OVER.....WHEW!

Here is a picture of Cory and I with our Birthday Girls! This year was a Tinkerbell theme. It is really convenient having their b-days so close together...much to my sisters dismay though...she doesn't think anyone should have to share a birthday...oh well...sorry Manda...perhaps you will have better luck with your own children ....hehehe! Although the party was on Saturday - we still have not entirely cleaned up from it all...we are so TIRED! The girls had a great time and so did their guests!

TWO GIRLS........TWO BIRTHDAYS

Happy Birthday to my two precious girls Esther Joy and Gayle Judith. Below is some pictures marking milestones/years for the girls...Enjoy.
"This is the day the Lord has made let us be glad and sing...Hosannah Lord oh give success Oh Lord salvation bring." I decided to add this verse of Psalm 118 because it will always remind me of the girls. Anytime we are in the car, I always say "What is today girls?" and they respond by singing this Psalm...

HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY ESTHER JOY !!!

A current picture of Esther...

THROUGH THE YEARS.............

Pregnant with Esther Joy..........Due Day!


Newborn Essie...July 13th, 2002....8lb. 12oz.


Esther ...... 1 year old :-)



Esther is 2 years old !


Essie McGuessie...3 Years Old

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY GAYLE!!

Due Day with Gayle.........


Newborn Gaylie....July 15, 2004 8lb. 10 oz.


Gayle Judith....1yr old


Gayle...Current photo blowing dandilions.

ANOTHER TOOTHLESS GRIN MOMENT....

Isaac had been working on his 2nd "wiggly" tooth, and I finally said...do you want me to pull it out? I was suprised he said "yes"...so I did! I took before and after photos, but I need to finish my roll of film...(I need a digital camera bad!) I know that losing your baby teeth are a common thing...but they are such milestones to me...it is just another reminder that he is getting to be such a big boy. I am such a sentimental fool...why can't I just be happy and not wallow in it all? hmmmm...enough belly aching...the tooth fairy which was a He this time gave a gift under the pillow, but puzzled Isaac as to why the bag that contained his tooth was still sitting in the same place? hmmmm good question!

ESTHERS DANCE CLASS PICTURE

This is our little Essie Joy...She had so much fun doing dance. She did half tap and half ballet. Even little Gaylie knew the routine! I really enjoyed the dance recital.

ESTHER'S DANCE RECITAL.........

Esther had her dance recital in June...I am just now getting to post the photos. We were very proud of her and enjoyed a fabulous show. Isaac even enjoyed it as well, as some of his classmates were doing their own routines. Cory surprised Esther with white pink and red carnations...he picked them out all by himself..and Esther was in love with them.
Esther with her carnations from Daddy...for a job well done. :)

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DONUT????

You know, I was thinking to myself...my favorite donut in all of the world is a Boston Creme donut...I get it every time at Dunkin Donuts...no questions...Boston Creme...and then I thought about it...I just can't understand why anyone else would choose anything other than that too...it is just that good...so please answer me this question...What is YOUR favorite donut?

THE BAT.........AND THE BROOM

While I was fast asleep yesterday night...Cory was wide awake...and he saw a bat fly through the house....AAAAAAAAHHHHHH. He woke me up, and I took the two girls into my bed and waited until he found the tresspasser...(sp?)....anyways...he was busy upstairs when I saw it fly through the living room...I yelled to Cory "I saw it"....and then he came running downstairs with the broom and a flashlight just in time to see me shut the door and say goodbye...I was out of there! Anyways...After a few walloping sounds I heard him pounding nails upstairs...Those creepy things are SO NOT WELCOME! Lucky for the bat it was just a broom...before Cory and I got married he used to sleep with "Bernie" by his side...a broken baseball bat...I certainly wouldnt want to see a guy that big coming at me with a piece of a bat...yikes! Say NO to BATS! The last time we had a bat was a couple of years ago...and Cory had a broom then too...but that bat died by the power of the maglite flashlight he was holding...Ever since being to the Newmans and seeing their bat...it was like an omen or something...I knew this guy was coming....it just gives me shivers...Yuck.

HOORAY FOR FRIDAY!

Yesterday was a fun day. Cory finished up the weed wacking around and about...and then I really put him to work. Years ago, when we moved into this home, the previous owner had planted a rose plant in a very awkward spot, and it truly wasn't thriving. Cory got rid of it...I think he threw it in the bank in front of our house. For the past two years every summer a beautiful primrose looking plant flourishes amongst the weeds....yesterday we tried to untangle that web...we did pretty well....there was much scraping and pricking...but we endured...I never knew how long they could get...by this point there were at least 3 plants or more. We went to Wal*Mart and got a fairly cheap trellis...I wanted the kind that was an arbor...but they did not have them there...oh well. Anyways...We set them up and tied the long stalks to the trellis with fishing line...I don't know if they are going to make it or not...they looked pretty wilted...I will have to be sure to give them plenty of water. If they do make it, it will look very pretty...for those of you who have been to our home...I put it along side the garage that is beside the yard...I also planted 3 rose of sharon a little farther out...and then the two trellis are set close to the garage and well...maybe I should just take a picture...until then...
Yesterday was a special day for Esther. Esther was invited to a preschool pals birthday party. This was her first "big girl party". Where? None other than the Reptile Co. I made Cory go with her. He said she was the only one who held all of the animals...she even held a tanrantula....that freaks me out! Anyways, she was so excited to give Tanner his gift...which was Jenga. She came home with all sorts of stories to tell, and an almost gone goodie bag...she had the time of her life!

FLOODS * BELATED BIRTHDAYS * BOOKS

I just finished The Preachers Daughter. I did not like it as well as the Abrams Daughters series, but this certainly held my attention. I am hoping that the library has the 2nd book, and that I wont have to go out and buy it...I am held utterly captive by good books...:)
Happy Belated Birthday to my nephew David, my niece Joyce, and my Mother-in-law Vickie. I am hoping to post pictures later. It takes so long to upload photos, and I don't seem to have much time....but I hope all had very happy birthdays!

Well, I just looked into getting flood insurance. Do you know that in your homeowners policy you are not covered for flooding? Of course we dont own this home, but we are looking for a quote on flood insurance. We have made it through the past three floods, but now that the river has rerouted itself a little closer...we want to be careful. Just for your info...apparently if you do not live in a flood plain...flood insurance can be anywhere from $200 - to - $400 per year...really a drop in the bucket if you are hit hard...but still hard to scrape together when you dont make much. I hope that it is the lower end of the spectrum.

ANOTHER POST...........!

We have come back from vacation to come home to devastation. Not our particular home thank the Lord...but to all else surrounding. The house across the street has a mud pit instead of a yard...the water was up to their porch...probably inside as well. The house right next to us is in bad shape. The river that runs right next to it, overflowed and re-routed itself through their entire yard...all that is left is a pile of river rock....massive piles of it!!! We are afraid if it happens again that we will have flooding troubles in our garage and our home... The home at the end of our road lost all but 5 of their cows...what a mess! Cory has been helping out in Conklin...a place hit horribly bad!!! Our friend Terri lost everything. She was able to salvage her table and chairs and one stand...everything else...clothes, pictures, everything gone!! She needs a lot of prayer right now. She has had several offers from people to come and live with them including us, she is finding it difficult to accept without feeling like a burden. Please keep Terri in your prayers, she is like one of the family to us! Apparently you cannot get into Conklin unless you live there...Cory went with Terri, and said people have their saturated belongings piled high beyond their house...and the stench is awful. The Red Cross brought meals to residents and workers. I have seen stands for dry ice and water...what a horrible scenario this all is. Corys Mom and Dad got a couple of inches in their basement. They are having to throw out boxes upon boxes of Dads collection of books from over the years. Their church also was hit hard...there is so much mud and grime....They said they are taking rugs out and getting to the walls to take them out as well. Our home church was hit very badly....I do not know for sure if it will be salvagable at this point. We have not seen it, but only heard hearsay, and looked at some pictures...see the pictures at my friend michelles blog at the right. cory is busy helping everyone while I feel helpless. I am going to try to have Terri come for supper and be an encourager here...it is hard though, I really want to go put on a pair of boots and help like Cory..but I can't bring the kids out in the dirty fuel-sewage water. Please
just pray for us all here, and the massive clean-up....I will post pictures in due time.

OHIO....WEST VIRGINIA....PENNSYLVANIA

Vacation has been wonderful so far! Our journey to Ohio was great! We took Breakfast and Lunch with us and ate at the rest stops...the kids did great with those stops...I am so glad that they are such good travellers. When we got to Ohio, we checked into a great Hotel with a hot tub and swimming pool...we spent as much time in it as we could...the kids were loving it...as were Cory and I! Later on was Corys Grandma and Grandpa Jacks Surprise 25th Wedding Anniversary...We set up for that, and then had a fabulous time with them...we got to meet family that Cory hasnt seen for 15 or more years, and that I hadn't met at all...a really lovely time. Grandma and Jack were very surprised...but I think very touched as well!
After the party, we journeyed down to Corys Aunt Sherrie and Uncle Harrys Place. They live on 56 beautiful wooded acres. The driveway is a long winding one and at the top sits a beautiful house overlooking a pond. It is all too beautiful for words. I was able to get some pictures of the scenery, and will post some when I get it developed. It was all such a pleasant and refreshing time spent. Uncle Harry spoiled the kids by letting them play with his "toys". Both Isaac and Esther got to drive his Kubota, and Mule...of course they were in their glory...and lets not forget Cory...a big kid at heart...Uncle Harry took him in the Mule to look around the property ...showing him where the good hunting spots were...he is planning a trip to go hunting with his buddy from school...I am trying to figure out how I can come to go visit too...but I dont really think I am invited..HA. Anyways...We of course spent time fishing in the pond...Esther even caught a catfish!!! Good Job Esther ! Aunt Sherrie showed us all of the beautiful landscaping she has done, and the projects she plans on doing...I will post pictures of those too. Inside the house was so beautiful...I wish I had taken pictures inside as well...I did get one of the sun room...I hope it comes out! We went to visit Corys cousin Shelly and Scott and their son Chase. They run a campground. Their house sits in the way way back of the campground and is just as beautiful. They have a huge pond as well!
Before we left for Aunt Sherrie and Uncle Harrys, we went to visit our friends the Somas. They have been remodeling their house, and it is looking so nice! Paul is quite a carpenter! We didnt get to stay long, but we did have lunch with their crew and got to see the Bumps and Mrs. McDonald too! I hope we get to see each other again soon...it just wasn't a long enough visit!
On the way home we cut through the corner of West Virgina. By home, I mean Butler. We pulled in the Driveway just as Dad was getting out of his car! I made spaghetti for supper and John and Amanda and I went to get salad and Garlic Bread...yummy! JJ and Keith joined us for supper too. We are staying at their house. JJ and Keith are busy remodeling their place as well. We hope to be able to help them while we are here. While we are here, we plan to go see my Dad at work, which is Raccoon State Park, and maybe go fishing, buy a load of birthday gifts, see our niece and nephews, golf, go to starbucks, and much much more!
Yesterday I walked through the Garden with my Uncle Charlie. It was huge!!!! He had such a lot planted. Also quite a lot of red raspberry bushes...they were red, but bitter....he said I was a week early...they come out around the 4th and so do the Japanese beetles. When I was a kid I got a penny for every japanese beetle that I caught in a can. I took pictures of the garden and will post some when I get the chance. The kids took some bread outside to feed the chickens...Gayle I dont think got the hang of it...she kept eating the bread...HA
Well, I had best get this day started! We have so much we want to do before we have to leave....hope you all have a good day! And Rebecca, if you are reading this...read the comments!

HOORAY....IT'S FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!

The other day I picked out this book at the library by Beverly Lewis...it is called The Preachers Daughter. I read her other series called Abrahms (sp?) Daughters and found it really hard to put down. I will most likely not get a chance to read this for a couple of weeks ...has anyone read it? Was it any good? Don't give anything away though!
Today we will be shopping for things that we need for our trip. I plan to go to the dollar store and buy a number of small items for traveling and wrap them up...it breaks up the trip for the kids, and gives them something to do different. Usually it is like a coloring book or sticker book, a small toy....NOTE to anyone who might try this....DO NOT...I repeat...DO NOT give kids dollar store silly putty , especially colored...it never....NEVER comes out, and they ruin their clothes....I tried to scrape it off with a knife...most of it is off, but it really is a lost cause! Anyways...I like to get gifts that they can "use" like little doodle boards...it should be fun!
I also will be doing shopping for the family back home who have had birthdays...It is easier to do that shopping in Pittsburgh as it leaves room for us in our car to pack, move around, etc...plus, I like to shop at the stores back home to see how they have changed! It wont be long before we will have to come back and put a birthday party together for the girls!
My day will be pretty packed. I am doing the last of the laundry...and if I can, I would like to throw the sheets and blankets in before we leave...that way they will be all fresh for when we get back...(this may not happen though :( ) I am planning on taking the kids out for lunch today...mainly because we have no food in the house...we are trying to keep it that way because of our trip...I am going to go grocery shop for lunch tommorrow...we will pack lunchmeat, and whatnot in the cooler and then stop at a rest area and let the kids run around and eat. Mom and Dad are going to bring breakfast for everyone, and we will do the same thing...this way it cuts back on cost...and it is fun too! Later on we will get our suitcases packed, and get our last minute items from Wal*Mart...yep...busy busy busy! But I am looking forward to this trip so much! I guess I had better get busy...

CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER...!

Congratulations to my Cory!!! Cory is the newest Modified Football Coach! Hooray! I just can't believe he got the job! We are so excited. As soon as I heard him say he got it...I just thought to myself...I guess the Lord really does have something in store for us :) Modified will start the first day of school and the last game will be near the end of October...the plan is that the money will be set aside in our house fund! How Awesome is that!!! Thank you to all of you who have been faithfully praying for us...and for this job opportunity! What a blessing!

THE LAST DAY ..... THE FIRST DAY......!

Today is the last day of School for I-man. After today my little big boy is officially a "big kid first grader"...he had the time of his life at school and did really well. As far as we know he will be going to the same school next year. There is a possibility that he could be moved to the school that Cory is going to go, but we prefer that he stays where he is presently. I am so proud of Isaac and all that he has accomplished! He has worked so hard at school, and at home with Cory and I...I hope his first grade year is just as Fabulous! Well done I-man!
With the last day of school, comes the first day of summer vacation! Yippeee! Actually Corys last day does not start till Friday. He will end the day by going golfing with some of the teachers. Tonight there is a party to say farewell to some of the staff who are going to other buildings (Cory) and for those who are being let go due to seniority issues...it is sure to be a good time!
I will be doing wash, and making lists, packing, and getting last minute scheduling in order today and Friday. Saturday at 4a.m. we leave for our vacation. We will end up in Ohio...drive a little Further into Ohio on Monday to see our Friends the Somas, McDonalds, and Bumps...then we will trek back to Pittsburgh later that evening and stay with my sister J.J. and her husband Keith. My family is from that area, so we will be visiting with them while we are there, and then on our way back thru...we plan to stop at the Newman Homestead in the State College area. Then it will be back home for us..........
The middle of July brings the girls B-day. Esther will be 4~ Gayle will be 2! A birthday party will be planned, and executed!
The 4th of July takes us to the cottage for Moms B-day and also for a fireworks display from Cliff...each year it gets bigger and better! Thanks Cliff!
The end of July we head to Black Lake NY for some fishing! Cory and I will cut the trip short by a day and come back for a wedding...(I love weddings....sigh) We also have a wedding in August to go to too! (yippee!)
Our summer is going to be jammed packed already...and I have even more things planned! I feel like it will be a Fabulous time and I am so glad that we can get started! Hope you all have a Great Summer!

OUR ANNIVERSARY FISHING TRIP

Yesterday was our anniversary fishing trip. Cory and I and our friend Steve headed out to beautiful Otisco Lake. Otisco is one of the Finger Lakes. The water was beautiful...it was so clear! I hooked into some large mouth bass...my luck was not great yesterday...But Cory and Steve....they were on fire! Cory pulled a 33inch Muskie into the boat...wow...what a fight! Steve and Cory were so giddy like little kids...We will post pictures as soon as I get them. For those of you that don't know ....Muskies have great big sharp teeth...Cory thinks he might have caught a tooth off of his thumb...since it was bleeding...Oh Well....He also hooked into a tiger muskie and some sizeable bass! I was using a spinner bait and since the water was so clear I could see any fish that followed it...I had a huge muskie following it, but it didn't take the bait...I am not sure I wanted it too...they are ugly creatures. Steve also hooked into a monster muskie, but we could not net it and it spit the lure out...I think they hooked into at least five muskie/tiger muskie within an hour...I think that is pretty unheard of...We had a fabulous time...Same time same place next year guys! Steve has a great boat...and it made the fishing that much more enjoyable...what a fabulous time!