A Life Less Ordinary

Cherries!

2009-07-24T22:13:00.000-07:00

We have been eating Rainier Cherries like crazy this week! A pastor at our church has a family cherry farm in Hood River and we were blessed to get some. They are absolutely HUGE cherries....the biggest I've ever seen. Not just one or two, here or there....all of them are simply ginormous and sweet and juicy and just plain yummy. I have about eaten my weight in fresh ones, to which my tummy is beginning to rebel....so I decided to make a cobbler with some of them. I really wanted to make a pie, but I like the dark red tart ones for that, and as my family are not pie eaters, I thought I might have a fighting chance with a cobbler. So far, no good. I few bites. Oh well, I like it! It's a bowl full of warm comforting yumminess. Even better with a big gob of vanilla bean ice cream. Did I mention that my family and I LOVE summer fruits and berries. Oh yes, we also had our first farm fresh sweet corn on the cob with dinner tonight. It's now officially summer! Next on my list is blackberry picking for jam and pie. Cant wait!

THE BEST Fresh Blueberry Muffins!

2009-07-23T16:54:00.000-07:00

My long search is finally over! These are absolutely the best blueberry muffins!!! My neighbor stopped by and gave us a bowl full of berries he had just picked and I straightway went into the kitchen to whip up a batch of these yummy treats.

4th of July 2009

2009-07-07T13:41:00.000-07:00

In keeping with our now ten year tradition....we headed over to Bend for the 4th of July. We are not camping anymore (hope we will get back to that soon) but we stay in the same hotel every year. It has an outdoor pool that the kids are in from the moment we get there, until we have to drag them out to go home. It has a great view of the fireworks. We actually watched the firework from the pool this year! It is a very abbreviated trip, but very worth it. We stop for a picnic lunch at Lost Prarie on the way over the mountains. We time our trip over to stop for lunch and give the kiddos a chance to get out of the car and run around in the woods. Love this tradition and the memories my kids will have!

Picnic in the Park

2009-07-07T12:54:00.000-07:00

We took a quick pit stop from a long day of running errands to stop at the kiddos favorite park for a picnic lunch. It was a gorgeous day and it was nice to get some time out of the car.

Dazed and Confused!

2009-06-24T14:11:00.001-07:00

My poor littlest one suffering the after effects from sedation! She kept telling me I was freeking her out and that I looked weird. She was seeing at least double and blue floaters. Trying to stand up much to soon....falling and hitter her head on the hardwood floor just trying to sit up. Stubbornly trying to get moving before she was ready. So difficult to see her that way. The light was not in her sweet brown eyes. She did so well for the dentist though and the work itself went really very quickly and easily.

She has for the most part recovered to her sweet self now that it is afternoon and is once again dancing to the music of her movie. Clarity and sparkle back in her eyes!

Chloe's Recipe

2009-06-17T19:07:00.001-07:00

This is my daughters idea of pizza heaven! Macaroni and cheese on pizza. Crazy creative girl!

Pool Pals

2009-06-17T19:01:00.000-07:00

These two are having SO SO much fun together in our pool! They have spent countless hours in there already and summers only just begun. Notice the green tint to the water? We had so many kids in the pool for a few days and then the rain came....the pool sat for about a week and the algae took over. That did not stop these two however. Once I got them out...I had to do a major shock treatment to get it back to normal swimming water!

Strawberry Freezer Jam Mmmmmmm

2009-06-09T15:43:00.000-07:00

These gorgeous berries now fill my freezer as the yummiest strawberry jam!!! I'm working on getting the sticky kitchen back into order but it is well worth the messy effort. We all love this jam so so much. I had to make a PB & J already and have the request in for upside down day for dinner so we can have toast with jam. One of the glories of summer !

My Own Little Patch of Heaven

2009-06-08T16:51:00.000-07:00

Not much..... but I can almost taste the BLT's. Tomatoes, peppers, basil, lettuce, carrots and raddish's. Yummy!!!

Last Day of School

2009-06-08T16:45:00.000-07:00

I cant believe how much they have grown and changed this school year.

Awards Day 2009

2009-06-08T16:35:00.000-07:00

Trin worked so hard to do her pull-ups to earn this!!! So proud of my fit little ones.

Caleb earned National Physical Fitness and Trinity was one of five to earn the Presidential Physical fitness award!!!

Zoo Trip 2009

2009-06-08T14:44:00.000-07:00

We just had too much fun!!! Sun and fun tired them out!

Daniel Boone Biography Book Report

2009-05-23T11:38:00.001-07:00

He got an A+......100%!!!!! Way to go sweet boy!!!

Cub Scout Rocket Launch

2009-05-22T17:20:00.000-07:00

Soccer

2009-05-22T17:09:00.001-07:00

Track Meet 2009

2009-05-22T16:34:00.000-07:00

5 Things That Make Me Happy

2009-04-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

*Sleeping in!!!!
*Hearing my kids playing together.....laughing
*The sunshine of early morning or late evening
*Something truely romantic
*My house clean

Run Forrest Run!!!

2009-04-01T19:55:00.000-07:00

I just keep running and running! I actually have a neighbor that finds humor in counting the laps I run around the neighborhood. As I pass his house he holds up fingers for the number of the lap I'm on. Trying to be good about what I snack on and when....I know that my bikini is very quickly going to be a wardrobe staple and I refuse to hide in a sarong all summer! It is killing me not to have the candy. Does that get any easier? I sure hope so. It has been two weeks since I broke down and had some black licorice on concert night. No candy in my purse... WHAT? It is so much easier to stop smoking or drinking. This sucks! In any situation in my life can I please have the gain without the pain!

Special Day

2009-04-01T19:54:00.001-07:00

It seems like every year I get this vivid reminder of just how special you are to me. This little angel that we celebrate is my annual reminder. You were the one who dropped everthing and came to my side, you sat up with me all night, you are the one who prayed with me when I was afraid and crying and you were one of the first lucky ones to see this tiny little girl. I will never forget that in a time of fear and need you were at my side. You have been there through so much. I have never once doubted that you were a divine placement in my life. On this day I have the special reminder of just how precious that really is to me. I do think of it on other days throughout the year, but this day is a special reminder in so many ways. I love you!

Birthday Girl!

2009-03-31T18:12:00.000-07:00

Asian Chicken Noodle Salad

2009-03-19T21:04:00.000-07:00

Inexpensive, easy to make and so so yummy!

Early Birthday Girl

2009-03-18T20:18:00.001-07:00

Barefoot Contessa Coconut Cupcakes and Punch! YUMMY!

Oh, Look What I Found!

2009-02-15T20:40:00.001-08:00

Caleb and Matthew at 5
Miss Chloe's First steps
Trinity and Josie Dancing Beauties
Disneyland

Napoleon Dynamite Moment

2009-02-14T19:09:00.000-08:00

My sweet son had a Napoleon Dynamite moment at school Friday. One of my dear girlfriends called me and said she saw him in the lunchroom putting his bacon in his pocket to save for late. I love that kiddo!!!!

"Randy: Napoleon, give me some of your tots.
Napoleon Dynamite: No, go find your own.
Randy: Come on, give me some of your tots.
Napoleon Dynamite: No, I’m freakin’ starving! I didn’t get to eat anything today.
(Randy kicks the tots which are in Napoleon’s pocket)
Napoleon Dynamite: Ugh! Gross! Freakin’ idiot!"

Happy Valentines Day!

2009-02-14T16:21:00.001-08:00

Here is a small sampling of our Valentine masterpieces!

Valentines Day Prep Work

2009-02-11T17:11:00.000-08:00

Not that I'm really in a place that Valentines day means anything to me. I still have three little sweeties that are super excited about any holiday that comes our way. We even did a special craft and celebrated Punxsutawney Phil on Groundhogs Day. I'm in charge of a craft in Trin's class this year. Because I'm SOOOO crafty. The mother in charge of the party took pity on me and gave the me the template and ideas for the craft, so I'm ok. I think. Had to run some errands today to get it all ready for Friday. Do you think I need to do an example? I don't want to frighten the children. I did some work on the project this afternnon at the school but I do have some more cutting to do and I'm responsible for a veggie tray with dip as well. I'm going to do a fun pink punch for Chloe's class. Paradise punch, raspberry sherbet and soda. YUMMY!

I love these fun vintage Valentines!

Malachi 3:3

2009-02-10T19:52:00.000-08:00

Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this
statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get
back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch
him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest
beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of
silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining
silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where
the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot
spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a
refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was
true that he had to sit there

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there
holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire
time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the
flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the
silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"

He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in
it."

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye
on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

Sunday Evening Routines

2009-02-08T18:16:00.000-08:00

Starting a new week for me is a pretty set routine. Getting the clothes ready for the week, making cookies for lunches, some yummy for breakfast grab and go (this week it's simple sweet scones), checking the schedule for the weeks events and getting everyone bathed and in bed on time. We have a few things on our list so far. Caleb gets to go see the play "Charlotte's Web" at LBCC. The kiddos all have Valentine parties on Friday, which means this momma has punch duty in one class, veggies and dip in another, a bookmark craft to get together and a yet to be known job in another class. We had a great service at church today. I was not really in a frame of mind to be too receptive to it(morning drama), but it was really good. We just had a week long fast as a church and it was very powerful. Came home and rested and prayed a bit. We got Valentines filled out for two classes and scones made. I'm off to clean up that mess and get to the cookies. Not sure what to make this week, I'm uninspired. We had applesauce cookies last week. Anyhow. I better get back to it.

Thanks for the loving words. All that and more right back to you!

Just a little hint to a Valentine! I LOVE these Moonstruck chocolates. The Chile Verde Bar is also pretty intoxicating! I really am more of a gummy/chewy kind of girl but I LOVE me some good chocolate too.

LOVE Fridays

2009-02-06T16:25:00.000-08:00

I love fridays! It is the finish line to a week of hard work and the oasis in my week to get some rest. This friday has been particularly special. I was trying to find a way to erase the horrible work day I had on Tuesday, trying to find a way to get up to Salem for my much needed and anticipated movie/dinner/girls night. When I showed up to work at 730 this morning, I walked in and was greeted by a big smile from one of my dear friends from high school! I was working with her today (and every Friday). Erasing had begun. It was a great day at the school today. Spent the day gabbing with two of my dearest girlfriends, and got paid to do so!!! Doesn't get much better than that. Still wasn't sure how the night was going to work out. I checked my mailbox at the school only to find that I didn't need to figure it out. God had already taken care of it. In my box I found a gift certificate that I can use for the movie tonight. Doesn't get much better than that! What a timely blessing! I'm off to get my kiddos fed and ready for a night without mom. Doesn't happen very often so it traumatizes them a little. Good for both of us I think. I get to see that I'm cherished even though I'm the one fighting the daily battles and I get to get away to be with my kindred spirit for the night! What a terrific day!

Long Time No Post!

2009-02-02T19:31:00.000-08:00

What a whirlwind my month has been. Getting back into the swing of things with schedules has taken me longer to get used to than I thought it would. It could have something to do with the fact that I have so many variables mixed in with the regular daily grind that I have a constantly evolving schedule. We have had so many things this month..... Birthday parties galore (Caleb's included, I will expound on that in a minute), swimming lessons times three, many many work days at the school, play dates, a very belated Christmas Program, end of quarter, make up snow days and work.....I have to admit that the month has gone by super quickly and I have found myself away from home more than in it. It has become a drop zone of sorts that gets an overhaul about every ten days or so. I have been utilizing my crock pot so much that the lid literally split in half. I have been really blessed with some unexpected quality times though and I think we have settled in a little bit.

The kiddos just started a new quarter at school so there is no frenzy of work to get done right now. We have some major projects looming in the near future(skeleton book report and the first research report on a selection of body parts or organs for their choosing), we have Valentine parties in all three classes and lots more fun. I have two full work days at the school now, Tuesday and Friday. Those are long, busy days but truly a blessing. That is a considerable increase in tuition money. I pray I get those same opportunities next year and maybe more. We weathered the storm of family crisis with our broken family and know that it is only in Gods great design that we go through these things. That in the great plan He has it all has a purpose and NOTHING is by mistake. We have had ear infections, uti's with ultrasounds, dr's visits and lots of sniffles and coughs too. We are going to start the year with all our maintenance check-ups, eyes, teeth..... gotta get better about staying on top of those things, so we are starting the year with them.

Caleb's birthday party was the highlight of the month. There was so much time and anticipation built up that I was worried it would not meet up to the expectations, but it far exceeded! It was so much fun and such a blessed time. Gun wars in the yard, gator rides through the property, we bbq'd burgers and hot dogs, the boys got to make their own pizza's, smores, more gun fights and stand offs (we went through all the caps we had and we had cleaned out the stores), cowboys breakfast with bacon, eggs and biscuits, mom had the house and table decorated so great with all her cowboy gatherings (see mom it does pay off to hold on to everything!) One funny thing. She had these mason jar handled glasses that the boys called the "cool" cup and that's all they would drink out of. Movie watching was supposed to calm them down but they had a VERY late night anyway. It was such a wonderful time. All the boys got to take home a hat, bandanna, and cap gun. We got some great pics too! Caleb will always remember this, his first sleepover. (I did have several people ask me if i was sane or if I was feeling ok to have seven nine years olds for the night!)

Love you and can't wait for Friday!!!!!!

Christmas Eve!

2008-12-24T11:43:00.000-08:00

Just cleaning up to set off over the river and through the woods. Dirty dishes, piles of dirty laundry and messy rooms are not the welcome committee I want when we come home after our Christmas break at mom and dad's. Getting things tidied up for all the new fun things that will come home with us. Already cleared out the too small clothing and donated two big bags of toys. Since I was a kid I have LOVED the calm after the storm of presents. Looking at all the fun things in the calm of the evening. It's different now as an adult. I find myself looking at and putting away mostly presents for the kiddos, but it is still one of my favorite times. We are all packed up and ready to get going. Stocking have been taken down and are ready to be hung up at Grandma and Grandpa's so Santa can find them there and fill them with wonderful little goodies. Our presents are bagged up and ready to be delivered Christmas morning. I'm filled with anticipation to get up to mom and dad's. The warm crackling fire, the smell of the amazing food cooking, being with those I love most, the pile of presents and the look on the kids face when they see the stack and try to figure out which one belongs to who. Their excitement is contagious, not that I need any encouraging! I'm still excited about presents too! But knowing that no matter what the difficult circumstances are in my life right now, there is JOY! Isn't that what the holiday's are really about.

I wish you the warmest of holiday's. Merry Christmas. I love you!

Can I Borrow $25.00?

2008-12-20T15:36:00.000-08:00

A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son waiting for him at the door.

SON: 'Daddy, may I ask you a question?'

DAD: 'Yeah sure, what it is?' replied the man.

SON: 'Daddy, how much do you make an hour?'

DAD: 'That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?' the man said angrily.

SON: 'I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?'

DAD: 'If you must know, I make $50 an hour.'

SON: 'Oh,' the little boy replied, with his head down.

SON: 'Daddy, may I please borrow $25?'

The father was furious, 'If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I don't work hard everyday for such childish frivolities. '

The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door.

The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's question. How dare he asks such questions only to get some money?

After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down , and started to think:

Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $25.00 and he really didn't ask for money very often The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.

'Are you asleep, son?' He asked.

'No daddy, I'm awake,' replied the boy.

'I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier' said the man. 'It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the $25 you asked for.'

The little boy sat straight up, smiling. 'Oh, thank you daddy!' he yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills.

The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again.

The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father.

'Why do you want more money if you already have some?' the father grumbled.

'Because I didn't have enough, but now I do,' the little boy replied.

'Daddy, I have $50 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you.'

The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged for his forgiveness.

It's just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts. Do remember to share that $50 worth of your time with someone you love.

Snow Pics

2008-12-20T14:22:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics from our snow days. The snow angels are from mom and dads house. Isn't it just like a big brother to be at the ready with a huge snow bomb. The others are from our shut in days with inches of snow. Coco even had fun in the snow!

Cabin Fever!

2008-12-17T19:48:00.000-08:00

We are on day three of our weather induced shut in. The kiddos had moments of serious stir craziness without their buddies today. All the neighborhood kiddos had school as usual today and we were still snowed out. I got some much needed deep cleaning done. You know those spots you look at so often, just let out a sigh of resignation and walk away, back to the daily tasks at hand. Those are some of the spots that I tackled today. It does feel really good to address them and not feel like I'm supposed to be doing something else or not wanting to get it started knowing I'd be in a time crunch to get it finished before I had to be somewhere else. Don't get me wrong, I did not move any mountains today. Just a couple of annoying mole hills!

We gave away some of our goodies today too! It felt so good to package them up and send them off with my little ones who were so excited to be the courier of the yummies. We had another program cancel, this one at the church. Some disappointment from the kiddos for missing the festivities this week but it looks like they will be back to school in time for their classroom parties Friday which is great consolation for them.

Beef stroganoff for dinner tonight. Another warm comfort meal for the freezing cold weather. Perfect and yummy. Warm cozy evening! I have to mention this one little funny from reading tonight. We try to sit down and read in our nightly routine. I don't always get to sit down and read with them, they often end up just reading silently. Tonight however, we read a ginormous Berenstain Bears book. It started off just Chloe and I sitting on my bed reading each story in the collection book. We had read two or three when Trin joined in after finishing her own reading. We got to a fun story called, "The Messy Room". Right off I was excited to read this one to them. They share a room that is not quite big enough for the two of them and all their stuff. They are girls after all. (Can't wait to get bunkbeds!) But, I knew this story would be applicable to them and on a level that they might relate to. I began reading the story and did not get very far before I realized that I was the one who was relating. If you have never read this story and have ever had a frustration moment with your own kiddos and the mess in their room, you need to find this book. Anyway, I was reading along and came to the part of the story where momma bear gets out a big box and starts indiscriminately throwing the toys left on the floor into the box that's headed for the trash. All the while the cubs are screaming objections and crying. I instantly saw a mirror in the book and was looking at myself! I started laughing and laughed so hard that I was crying! I couldn't stop! First Chloe tried to get me to stop, then Trin. No use. I was spent. I was a mess of laughter. All this time, every time I've had one of those moments with my kids in their rooms. I would later reflect and think I was the only one that ever acted this way. I was such a terrible mom. What was I doing to the psyche of those poor children. Tonight I realized that it's not just me. After all, this author had never been in my home. Had never spoken to any of my kids and still managed to write the script for this scenario, without me. I conclude that I am not the only mom to go crazy and lose my temper over the mess! I also got a really good ab workout from the laughter.

Thanks God! I need those little moments!

Be warm, be safe and breath!
Love you!

Snowed In!

2008-12-15T13:02:00.000-08:00

We are home bound today! Made it to church last night and the blizzard came while I were there. The drive home was very blustery, slippery and snowy. We made it home and cozied in for the night. No school today and the kiddos are LOVING it. They woke up first thing and wanted to go outside and play in the snow. We have about four inches on the ground and it is really chilly out there. the sun has broken through so it is just beautiful. They have been in and out all day. Playing with their pals, coming in to warm up, have cocoa and toss the cold damp clothes in the dryer for a bit. I have just been enjoying my down time. Haven't even made it out of my jammies yet. Just putting around doing the usual picking up with a bit of extra cleaning mixed in. Loving my warm house, hot coffee and faint Christmas music in the background. Not sure what the weather will allow for school and program tomorrow. It will be so sad if the kiddos program gets called off. Well, I'm off to bag some goodies and make some yummy Zuppa Toscana with Pioneer woman rolls for dinner! The perfect snow day dinner.

Hope you have a blessed day! Love you!

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

2008-12-14T13:58:00.000-08:00

Oh what fun it is.......! The kiddos and I ventured up to mom and dads for our annual pre-Christmas baking and crafting. We usually gain inspiration to make some fun little ornament that we have seen on a tree at one of our favorite Christmas shopping spots. This year we were a bit saddened to not have the same opportunities to see those pretties as our very favorite inspiration spot is now closed, joining many of the others that had fallen previously. We decided that we would each make a sock monkey as a holiday keepsake for this year. A friend of my mom's, that died much too young, made one for her years ago. My kiddos have loved it nearly to pieces. It seemed logical to let them make their own and maybe now leave mom's alone. We had a few goodies in mind to make as well. I think we were much too ambitious though. There seems to be a strange paradox at mom and dad's, as though time moves much faster yet moves much more slowly. Our time there is so fun and relaxed but we never seem to get much done. We made a few of the goodies and got our gingerbread house done but did not get our monkey or any of our other crafts made. We watched "Horton Hears a Who", snuggled up by the fire and just took a breath. We awoke to a blanket of white outside and the kiddos headed straight out to play in it. They are beginning to think it snows every year and if it's snowing it must be Christmas. It was wonderful, as it always is.

Came home for company to come over. We NEVER have company over. Complicated circumstances don't really allow for such social times. This however was a couple that we have spent much time with in the past and are around quite a bit with work and church. They are completely in the loop of all the crud and were still willing to come over. They brought over their little boy that is about 10 months old and my kiddos couldn't get enough of him. We let them play and hang out while kiddos took turns with showers and getting ready for bed. We got all the kiddos down for bed and put in "The Dark Knight". Yikes! What a dark movie. I'm not a huge Batman or superhero movie fan but I really wanted to see this one. It was a blockbuster at the box office, has tons of award buzz and with all the hype about Heath's Joker. He really took it to another level. It was really long though. I was ready to fall off to bed by the time it was finished.

Today again we woke up to a dusting of snow. We headed off to church and we have a few little tings to get together for the week's parties and programs. Today is mostly about church and rest. I'm planning to head back to church this evening, as I was teaching in Sunday school this morning. Hope the weather allows it!

May your day be Merry and Bright!

Love you!

A Very Close Second

2008-12-11T14:15:00.000-08:00

I love these cookies! They are so cute with their pink icing dripping down the sides. I love the sweet surprise of the cherry inside. These are a family cookie as well. They are a very close second to the filled cookies. Interesting that they are both filled! I have so many holiday cookies and candies that I love though.

My house smells so yummy today. This little elf has been busy today! I started the day getting some chicken taco soup going in my crock pot. It smells SO good. A little shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream and some corn chips and I will be set! I have made lots of little Christmas goodies and today it went into full swing. I went to the grocery store yesterday and got all my supplies. I started off with these Cherry Bon Bon's, made some caramel corn, and some plain fudge. This is in addition to the peanut butter balls that I am required to make every year, meringue cookies with pecans, soft peanut butter brittle, holly cookies from a recipe that Trin made in class (so we had to make more at home) and the filled cookies. Wow! I still have a few more sweets to make and a couple savories, but I love every minute. I have had Christmas music in the background and today I put in my ALL TIME favorite Christmas movie, Irving Berlin's White Christmas! I actually got to watch a bunch of it while I rolled, frosted and stirred. It was wonderful just hearing the music in the background though. I have seen this movie so many times I can quote the entire thing. Pathetic, I know, but I love it! Hope your day is bright and you are enjoying the season as much as I am.

The Search is Finally Over!

2008-12-08T20:27:00.000-08:00

All these years and I finally found the answer! Not quite sure how this is going to fix all the problems or fulfill all the needs but apparently.....This is all I need!

Christmas Cookies

2008-12-08T17:01:00.000-08:00

These are some of my very favorites. They scream Christmas to me. They wont win any easy bake titles or any glamour or beauty contest, but they make up for it in yumminess. Our house growing up was always filled with so many wonderful, beautiful cookies and treats that I adore, but these are the ones that just mean it's Christmas. They were my Grandpa's favorite and his mom would make them for him every year for his birthday instead of cake. They have been around in our family forever.

Filled Cookies:

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 egg, well beaten
1/2 cup milk
3 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder

Cream together butter and sugar. Add remaining and stir together. Roll very thin, cut and put a tsp. of filling on bottom half. Top with second thin cookie and press edges together.

filling
3/4 cup sugar
1 Tbs flour
1 cup hot water
1 1/2 cups ground raisins
Cook and let cool. (This is what the recipe reads. Cracks me up. No fussing with the details.)

I usually cook it about 30 mionutes on medium heat in a large stock pot. A 2 lb bag of raisins yeilds about the right amount of ground raisins with the hot water. My Cuisinart works perfect for this process.

Bake @ 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

2008-12-08T14:13:00.000-08:00

Oh how I love this time of year. It is just my favorite time of the year. The crisp cold mornings that have just been so beautiful. We get to see the sun come up every morning on the way to school. The Christmas carols playing, the coziness of the warm house that's filled with beautiful bits and pieces from Christmas' past, the memories and making of new ones, the baking of once a year yummies, the precious time with those I love, the finding and giving of gifts, the wrapping, the aroma of the tree when I walk through the front door, the twinkle of lights......I could go on and on! I've decided not to get caught up in being so busy that I miss what I love so much. Just watching the joy and excitement in the kids as I unwrapped each ornament to hang. Seeing them sit in the twinkling lights looking at the village under the tree. I just love it!

So blessed! I am so blessed. When you wonder what you are going to do. When you aren't exactly sure how something is going to get done. God steps in and uses someone to bless you! Today was one of those days. I am so blessed!

The Early Day

2008-12-02T16:56:00.000-08:00

Today is our early day. Up and at 'em in the dark and off to the school at 7am. Ugh! We do get to cuddle in the cold morning air though. I LOVE being out at the school with my kiddos. It's so nice to be able to pop into classrooms or spy on them in their classes and talk with teachers...... just to be involved and know the every day goings on. Wouldn't trade it. Even though it requires me getting up at an awful hour. I was awakened this morning by my sweet littlest one who was bright eyed and happy at 5am. She was ready to go and thus, I was ready to go. I am so ready to come home by the end of the day. Tired and needing to unwind. We are having an ironic dinner, upside down day today, so breakfast for dinner! YUMMY!!! Up too early to fix breakfast, so we get it for dinner. Homework for my big kids, baths for all and falling into bed early. Tomorrow is a running morning, hopefully get some groceries, Trin has an evening playdate, a friends Cookie Lee party (hoping to find a stocking stuffer or two), then church. Busy, Busy.

We have to get together again soon. Australia? Not sure when you'll see this, but tell your sweet girl Happy B-Day and give her a big squeeze from us!

Love you!

Gorgeous Morning!

2008-12-01T13:29:00.000-08:00

What a beauty it was this morning. Even for a Monday! I have not seen a prettier blue. The sun was breaking through the fog. Beautiful!!! We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving. What a great time to share with the kiddos all the things we are thankful for. Mom and dads was warm and cozy, amazing food and a warm fire. So great to spend the time with grandma and my brother. We had a sleepover and came home just in time to see a long lost friend. One of our dearest friends from Texas came up for The War and spent the evening with us. It was just as if no time had passed. I love friendships like that. You can have so much history and love and not see someone for ages and it is just like you saw them the week before. The kiddos were so happy to see Uncle Roddy! Got up on Saturday morning and drove up to pick up my brother to go to the War. Healing! Got to see Ann, Chad and Jay at the game too. Talked to my softball coach from OSU (not that I'm thankful for him, but I'm thankful for the time I was allowed to have there). How appropriate that during Thanksgiving week I was able to spend time with so many of the people I love. I think in this week I have seen the nearest and dearest to my heart, those I'm really thankful for. What a blessing! I wish the game would have turned out better, but the time spent with my brother is priceless and long overdue. We have years to make up for! I wont mention any more than it was a hard day yesterday, but here I am. Looking up at the new beautiful morning. God's mercy is new every morning, but it's easier to feel on mornings like this! Had to do some hard business today and took back a dress that I had gotten for Christmas and an upcoming wedding. I had to drive all the way to Portland and wrestled with myself all the way. Throwing my toddler fit inside all the way. I just can't justify being told yes to a dress knowing where we are financially. I refuse to consciously make that poor of a decision. It was a tough drive though!

Hope your holiday weekend was wonderful!

LOVE YOU!

Days Off

2008-11-26T15:13:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous crisp sunny fall day

Kiddos off from school and at play

My house filled is with the aroma of home made cranberry sauce

Christmas music playing

Anticipation of time spent with friends and family

LOVE these days off!

Rainy Day Parade

2008-11-21T20:43:00.000-08:00

Here is the pic of Chloe and I at the Parade. I'll post it for you now that you've seen the cut in person! Can't wait for tomorrow. These are SO yummy! (When you don't scald the yeast) Love the Pioneer Woman No Knead Rolls!!!!

Love You!

Feasting

2008-11-21T20:04:00.000-08:00

I just love to see the joy in these kiddos. I had an absolutely crazy day yesterday trying to prepare for these little shindigs. You know when you have it planned out just so. You have it measured out so you can get everything done and still get some sleep. That just didn't quite work out for me yesterday. I was supposed to be making goodies for the two class feasts in the midst of my regular taxi, maid and chef duties. I got some roll dough mixed up just in time to leave and go pick up Chloe. I thought it would work out just perfectly. About an hour round trip picking her up and I could get home to roll out the rolls and get the second rise going before I had to get the other kiddos picked up. I'd get home with them, make dinner and head out to Trins basketball game. WELL....... I got home and there was no movement on the rolls. NONE. Just when I need it the least. I scalded the yeast and it hadn't risen, at all! Here is the enigma of the situation. I had to get dinner made, kids fed and dressed to get out the door. I was counting on the rolls being out of the way as I still had corn muffins and apple pie to make. Needless to say....it was a late night for this mamma. Here are the joyous results though. Aren't they just so cute eyes closed praying together! This is Chloe's bff, Jackson. Caleb's class was much more informal, but just as much fun!

Just Another Day

2008-11-13T11:03:00.001-08:00

Nine Years
Just Another Day
Just Another Disappointment
Just Another Reminder of Tears and Pain
Another Year

The Cure

2008-11-11T15:19:00.000-08:00

No, not the band, which I still love by the way. It's the cure for the drizzly, chilly day outside. A pretty cup, full of hot chocolate, topped off with yummy homemade marshmallows. Let it rain!

Rainy Salute

2008-11-11T14:16:00.001-08:00

Isn't that the best looking little scout you've ever seen? I LOVE that smile. Caleb's Cub Scout Pack rode in the Veterans Day Parade this morning. He had a blast seeing all the soldiers, army equipment, hearing the bands and he even got to hold a machine gun with a soldier. Does it get any better than that? It did rain on us the entire parade but we sat bravely under our enormous black and white golf umbrella and watched and waved at the soldiers. We even got our picture taken for the paper. It will be such a fun memory for Chloe if it makes it into the paper. She had so much fun waving, smiling and saying hello to all that passed. She loved the bands, hated the exhaust and wanted to know who everyone was. It was so much fun despite the chilly wind and rain. I did get a fellow watcher to take a cute pic of us but until you get to see me in person, no dice sister. I love these old Private Ryan uniforms. Trin is up for her turn at mom and dad's, so we are back at home for the rest of the day to warm up and dry off. Some down time is so needed and great. Gonna keep plugging away at the stuff that needs done around here.

Hope you get to feeling better really quickly! Love you!

No School Zone

2008-11-10T19:09:00.000-08:00

Monday morning and no school. We have the entire week off. Veterans day then school conferences, which I'm actually not dreading this year. I feel so accomplished today. My kiddos played the entire day with their neighborhood buddies and the rain held off so they could be outside. Bikes, blades, costumes.....! It was great. I never even made it out of my jammies today (embarrassing moment to follow! Trust me it's a good laugh). That said, I got more done today than most. I didn't have to go anywhere and didn't! I carried my coffee with me throughout the day and I just putted around my house, cleaning as I went along. In doing so, the house looks remarkably better. I didn't move any mountains but I did get some hard work done.

So we were just finishing up dinner. Veggie soup and grilled cheese, YUM! There is a knock at the door. As this happens at least twenty-five times a day I did not hesitate to stop the kids from running over to the door and answer it. Remember, I am in my jammies, no shower, no makeup. I am still sitting at the table and they turn to look at me as if to let me know it's not for them as it usually is. At this point I'm trapped. The door is open and I can see that the person standing there in the darkness of my porch can see me. I'm doomed to answer it. I make my way over to the door and standing there is a VERY good looking man that I have seen through the years in different places but have never met and do not really know. He's noticeable though! He immediately recognizes me, not sure how, and asks how we know each other. I'm standing there in my droopy jammies, dirty from cleaning, no makeup, messy short hair, thinking how badly I just want him to go away so I can crawl away in my embarrassment. All the while my kids decide to perform the normal, mom's distracted so we'll be craziness. Of course a major crash ensues and the howling begins. Can I possibly be any more mortified? Please go away. Please let me close the door. He was still trying to figure out how we know each other and telling me why he was standing at my door. Please go away. Please let me crawl under my bed and die! I did manage to get him away and console my little injured racer. Looked in the mirror by the door and just had to laugh and think how sorry I was that that poor, innocent, good looking man had to be witness to such a mess!

Tomorrow morning we are going to watch our bear scout march in the Veteran's Day Parade. Rain or shine I've got to get a pic of that little man in his uniform marching in the parade. From there we start the trading off of spending the night with grandma and grandpa. They have been SO excited for this break and for this their favorite treat. We still have to juggle a few basketball time slots, a birthday party, grocery shopping and church. We get so much more relaxing time though. LOVE IT!

Thanks for sharing today! I want details though. I love you!

Time and $$$$$$$$$$$$$$

2008-11-03T18:29:00.000-08:00

So it turns out you actually have to PAY the bills to have service. I've been without and have been longing to post and keep you up to date on what's happening in our lives. So much time has gone by that I'd have to write pages and pages to update you. I'll try to give you the abbreviated version of the last week or so. Trust me there has been a lot of the same old same old routine....school, groceries, laundry, practices.... you know.

Sat - Sun last week we had basketball game and then chores up at mom and dad's. (They were in ND for my uncles memorial service) Church then a long afternoon with my son getting his book report finished. We had one almost finished and had to start over with a new book. (Long story!)

Monday Running, school, practice. Didn't get much done at home. I did make some fun finger cookies for the kiddos lunch this week.

Tuesday Worked at the school all day! Made a great slow cooker brisket that the butcher told me about. SO easy and SOOOO delish. LOVE my slow cooker when I work at the school all day. Carved some fun pumpkins with the kiddos. They actually participated this year. No gagging involved at all. I did a really great spider web with clear marbles and big spiders that I saw in TOH and copied.

Wednesday Running, school, practice, church

Thursday Caleb and Chloe get haircuts. We made YUMMY toasted coconut marshmallows for the teachers Halloween treats.

Friday Finally got to wear the costumes! I did not get a single picture but it was just too crazy. I had such a full day and was not home at all. Harvest Carnival was really fun and I made my weight in balloon animals. I was sweating! We got home just in time to meet up with Caleb's BFF and trick or treat in the neighborhood.

Sat-Sun this weekend. My little hoopster played her heart out. She's doing SO well. That's her shooting a basket, and making it. Birthday part for Coco. We made her a doggie cake and celebrated! Took the kiddos up to spend the night at mom and dad's. Went to the OSU vs ASU game and got rained on but LOVE the game atmosphere and it turned out on the right side after an exciting game. Church yesterday and then back to work the nursery for evening service. Oh, Trinity got sick at mom and dad's, so she had to stay home and try to sleep it off.

Well, now that I have service again, you will certainly be hearing much more from me. Not sure what's up with the mixed up pics but, you get the idea.

LOVE YOU!

Chop Chop

2008-11-03T18:27:00.000-08:00

So today I chopped off my locks. Shortest its ever been and I LOVE IT! I was unsure if I could pull off short hair, but I'm very happy with it. We'll see how it goes when I have to fix it myself. For today, I'm lovin' it!!! It's short, choppy and a bit edgy fabulous. Back to my natural dark brown too. Please do not expect me to take a pic of myself to show you. It's incentive to get together;-)

Treat Day!

2008-10-24T16:18:00.000-07:00

We LOVE Friday's at my house. It is treat day. The TV can go back on (it's off all week), the x-box and wii can be used, movies can be watched and the kiddos get to pick either a treat or what we have for dinner. It was an absolutely splendid treat day today. Started off a little foggy and cold and developed into a gorgeous afternoon.

We made a fun trip with the preschool to the pumpkin patch which included a nice long hay ride to the picking patch, a hay bale maze for the little kids, a huge corn maze, corn cannon and rubber ducky races. All these after a first ever bus ride. I think maybe she was more excited about the bus ride than the field trip itself, until we got there. We almost forgot to go to gymnastics today but my little monkey made it. We grabbed a quick and I mean really quick bite at the Dream, printed off pictures from the field trip for the moms that couldn't make it then headed back to the school to pick up the bigger kiddos. For treats today, Hasty Freeze was enthusiastically chosen. Slushes and french fries and onion rings, Oh My! What a wonderful treat.

Now it's off to playing with their buddies for them and High Ho, High Ho, it's off to work I go. You know the drill. Dishes that didn't get washed last night because I was too exhausted from hauling beef around all day and cleaning out my freezer (NOT that I'm complaining, what a blessing to have my freezer full!), but I was wiped out! I can imaging the piles of laundry that have accumulated in the last few days. Not to mention that it seems like this week my house has just been a pit stop. Drop off a pile and head back out the door to come home with another pile that just gets dropped off. UGH! What exactly is the pay for this job? Heehee

Have a blessed weekend!

LOVE YOU!!!

Lovely day!

2008-10-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

What a gorgeous day! The sun is shining, the air is cold and crisp. LOVE IT! So far it has just been a blessed day. I have been worshiping with Phil Wickham's Cannons and rocking with In the Name of Love (all Christian artist doing U2! greats) today.
My 4 miles flew by. The friend I run with and I usually talk for about the first mile or so then crank up the tunes and just jam for the rest. Today however, we talked the entire 4 miles. It usually starts to hit me about the 3 mile mark that I'm tired, but today I felt like we could run forever, talking no less. LOVE those easy days. They are few and far between. I'm usually dragging myself out the door to start and groaning to stop at 3 miles. We tricked our bodies today! In the midst of our talking about Halloween, costumes and the Harvest Carnival, she told me she had just gotten her girls some brown leggings at Kohls. Perfect! I needed some for Trin's costume. It's a bit on the skimpy side and she would freeze her buns off without leggings and a long sleeve tee.
We finished our run and I had just enough time to go get some for Trin. I got the last pair her size!!!!! YIPEE!!!!!
Picked up my peewee and stopped at the consignment store on the way home. I scored a few things to sell, I hope. The best part was that I had store credit that I was not aware of and got it all for .35 cents! I haven't been in there for ages and ages but we had some extra time and was it ever worth the stop!
I need to get the few things I have up and going to have some mad money to, I don't know, go to a movie or dinner with my BFF! Sounds pretty overdue to me. I have some dishes to do, shower to take, kids to pick up, dinner to make, basketball practice and on and on it goes.
Church this evening. Can't wait. I need that mid week refill so I don't become Lion mom. You know how lion cubs will chew on their mom's until she just can't take it anymore and she gives them a good snarl, maybe a bite and then swats them away. That's me without the two weekly doses of fellowship, worship and teaching.

Day's like today are a gift from God to help ease the pain of the messy life I have.

Get Bloggin' Girl!

LOVE YOU!

Colors of Fall

2008-10-20T14:24:00.001-07:00

You'll have to excuse the raindrops on my lens, but this was the day I remembered to pick up my camera and of course it was raining. I had to capture some fall colors before they are gone completely.

Ever feel like you have so much to do and you just don't know where to begin. I'm there. I try to keep up with the daily things and it seems like I can never get to the projects. Today however, I did manage to get a few extras done. Got my DMV trip out of the way, only to find out the Salem court had already cleared the problem up so I really didn't need to go sit there for half an hour. I went and got the Velcro to finish Chloe's hood on her bunny costume. The fluffy white tail is in the mail, so I will get that on when it arrives. Otherwise, my day has been filled with much of the same as always. I did some dishes, picked up and put away some misplaced items around the house, made two trips to the school, went to Target with Chloe to see if they have any white footless tights for gymnastics. They don't. Now I'm off for another trip to the school, homework, dinner, soccer practice, basketball practice, bath and bed. Dodging raindrops all the way. Love you!

My Little Soccer Poser!

2008-10-18T18:16:00.001-07:00

Printer Problems

2008-10-18T17:35:00.000-07:00

Ugh! Couldn't post because my printer was wiggin' out. I asked at least ten times for someone to take a look and fix it. Finally after a grueling two minutes and much annoyance at my persistence, it was fixed. So here are the pixs from Thursday, Twin Day and Friday was Grandparents Day.

We had a big program for the grandparents and only half day! YIPEE! After what were the cutest performances ever, we headed to Izzy's for a quick lunch and then straight off to gymnastics. I just shake my head. She is such a character. I'm so in trouble. No one can say "no" to that sweet little one of mine. She totally ran the class and inevitably got her way on what they were going to be doing. And listening, what's that. Oh my!

Today was a total soccer day. We spent the night at mom and dad's, so we had to get up pretty early to get to the first game, but it worth it. REALLY needed it! We had lots of fun and RELAXED! What's that? OH, Bonus!!!!! I got an early Christmas gift from mom and dad!!!! PERFECT!!!!!! Caleb got to be Captain today with his little friend Davis. I actually got an action shot of him today. Trust me, they are rare! Trin at Caleb's Game, hers was early. Think she's bored?

Thanks for the encouragement! Love you!

There Will be a Day

2008-10-16T08:31:00.000-07:00

I try to hold on to this world with everything I have
But I feel the weight of what it brings, and the hurt that trys to grab
The many trials that seem to never end,
His word declares this truth, that we will enter in this rest with wonders anew
But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings

That there will be a place with no more suffering
There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face But until that day, we’ll hold on to you always I know the journey seems so long

You feel your walking on your own
But there has never been a step
Where you’ve walked out all alone
Troubled soul don’t lose your heart
Cause joy and peace he brings
And the beauty that’s in store
Outweighs the hurt of life’s sting
I can’t wait until that day where the very one I’ve lived for always will wipe away the sorrow that I’ve faced
To touch the scars that rescued me from a life of shame and misery this is why this is why I sing….

There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face There will be a day,
He’ll wipe away the stains, He’ll wipe away the tears, He’ll wipe away the tears…..there will be a day.

I'm Trying

2008-10-15T18:49:00.000-07:00

It is so difficult to stay afloat. I feel like the spirit is being taken right out of me. Today I had to give up yet another piece of myself, again. I had a long awaited hair appointment today. I was SO SO excited to get a fresh cut. A cut and color always makes me feel like a new woman. I was so looking forward to it. It has been so long. I'm shaggy and without a style and I HATE it. I have this horrible, sun faded, orange tinted, literally striped (from being up in a pony all summer) not to mention thinning hair. I haven't had it cut in months, let alone colored. I cant go shopping for any new clothes or shoes, a cute scaft or hat. This is who I am, how I express myself! Not that I want it all. I don't. But I can't even get my haircut! I have nothing in my wallet. ZERO. I cant even get a coffee. It is just dragging on this way. I know, I know I'm so spoiled to live where I do, I have so much. Again, I just crawled back into bed and slept the morning away. Better to not think about it. Nothing like getting humbled, right? Sorry for the sob story whining, I love you!

Hat Day!

2008-10-15T08:45:00.001-07:00

Get Along Little Doggies

2008-10-14T19:57:00.000-07:00

Western Day! YeeeHaw!

We have a winner!

2008-10-13T17:51:00.000-07:00

Trin won the first place dress up prize for the First Grade!!!! Did I mention that I LOVE that they have fun dressing up. It paid off for her today. YIPEE!

Crazy Sock and Shoe Day!

2008-10-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

It's spirit week at school this week so we get to have fun dressing up! Today is Crazy Sock and Shoe Day. Looking a little tired, but in the spirit of things, they are ready to go. I LOVE that my kiddos are into participating in the fun activities at school. I love that they have the confidence to have fun, be silly and not take things too seriously. More great pics to come!

My sweet Star of the Week too!

Today was Fall!

2008-10-11T20:42:00.000-07:00

To me there is just nothing like a gorgeous fall day. The chill in the air. The beautiful blue sky. It was just the perfect fall day today. I love to bundle up in a hat and scarf. I love a scarf anytime, but I really love it when I actually NEED it.

We had soccer today and it was great. It was our teams turn to travel over to Lebanon to play, so I had to miss Trin's game, which is a bummer. We have had lots of time conflicts this season. Trying to be in two places at once. Trying desperately to watch both kids at different fields. I've had to just take turns and watch some of both. Caleb's game was fun today. They played a team that didn't have enough players, so we rotated two of our boys on the other team and the boys on our team got to play positions they very rarely get to play. He was placed on a really talented team this year and has learned and improved SO much. He still doesn't like it, but he has gotten so much better. His coach is very intense and hard on the boys. He is not mean or angry about it and they really respond well to him. I'm not thinking Caleb will continue on in the Spring season though. We missed basketball sign ups for him, which I was really frustrated about. They didn't even send home any notifications that it was that time. Oh well. He is happier to be back in the pool next week. Two weeks of overlap with swimming and soccer for him. Trin starts basketball practice on Wednesday and Thursday this week. She will have two weeks of overlap too. SO SO busy. I wasn't sure how it was going to go with sports this year after the tough year we had last year with schoolwork. UGH! This year, so far, is as far removed from that as we could be though. Caleb has all A's in his classes so far and we are having little struggle, if any with time spent on work, homework or reading. What a change! Trin is doing awesome too. It is so funny to have her with the same teacher Caleb had for first grade and to see the difference between the two kids. It all comes much more easily to her. I remember with Caleb thinking, "How am I going to get him to read four books and take four AR tests for the quarter?". We are halfway through the quarter and Trin's already read maybe ten or twelve books. They are so different and so precious in their own ways. Chloe is the STAR of the week in her class next week. I have been rounding up pictures and and answering questions for her "About Me" poster and getting together fun favorite things for her to share with her class next week. She's really loving it. Most of the time. Every once in a while she pulls my heart out and gives me the, "I want to stay with you Momma, Please!". So hard to say "no" to that little one. I have managed to this point not to give in to her sweet begging, but I give no guarantees for the future. Her teacher is such a gem, love her, and she has nothing but praise for Chloe everyday.

I'm off to make sure my sweet littlest one is in bed. Caleb spent the night at grandma and grandpa's (after much thought) He was supposed to be making a "movie" with his best buddy today, but he decided on grandma's instead. Trin is at a friend's house and Chris is playing poker. (Don't ask!)

Can't wait to get a refill in the morning!

LOVE YOU!

Good Day!

2008-10-10T16:34:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day!

I haven't really had too many lately. I haven't posted in eons either and that in itself is a sign I'm in a bad way. Having no change, no money, no treats, being discouraged and despondent, not wanting to get out of bed in the morning........! I know all the right things to think and to say. I know what the Word says and what God expects of me, but it has been a bit of a down time. I can't say that all my time has been filled with such, but it has been the down time and the saying "no" to so many things. That is the struggle. You know when you are in one of these times, inevitably a temptation of some sort sneaks out at you. Major or minor. It will sneak out and try to see which way you are going to go. I am very pleased to say that I actually responded correctly this time. Even in the midst of a major funk. I still responded correctly. I guess God really is making some headway in me. Here is a lyric from a song I LOVE, it fits so perfectly, "Even when I feel nothing at all,... I will believe!" Not always about how we FEEL.

Today though was a joy! We had a field trip with Trin's class to EZ Orchard in Salem. It was a beautiful and chilly fall morning. I had Trin and her BFF Josie and two very sweet (and obedient) little boys in my group. We took a hay ride, went on an orchard tour and got to pick an apple, went over to the pumpkin patch and picked out the best pumpkins, wound our way through a wonderful (and informative) corn maze and last but certainly not least, we enjoyed a warm apple cider donut and a glass of fresh apple cider. We had so much fun and took tons of great pics. Just a bit more about the maze. It was so great! It was a map of Oregon. It uses cities, towns, major highways and landmarks as directions in the maze. The signs throughout give a short bit of info on the town or landmark, all the while directing you through the maze. SO fun. After the maze it was a whirlwind of petting zoo and snarfing down some lunch so we could get back on the bus to head back to school.

Chloe had gymnastics today too. I picked her up at the school right when we get back from the orchard. We headed straight over to the gym at OSU for class. She LOVES it and has so much fun. I LOVE seeing the joy in her.

Proud moment! The pink bunny costume is finished!!!!!! Can you believe it? I did it. I wasn't sure given the afore mentioned funk, if it would get done or not. The pattern got layed out and cut out relatively quickly. Then it just sat there for a good week or so. i finally hit a manic enough stage that I, with much motherly guidance, got it busted out in a couple days. It is just too cute on her. And I did it. WOW! (In the nicest possible loving way, hush up miss crafty. I can hear you saying, I told you so all the way from here!)

I hope I'm far enough removed from the funk that you will hear from me on a much more regular basis again. (S- I love you and miss you! I've tried to call)

Sniffing, Sneezing, Coughing, Aching....

2008-09-26T11:07:00.000-07:00

So we have had our first family bout with the nasty elementary spread cold. We have managed to pass it around to the entire family. A weeks worth of sniffing, sneezing, coughing, aching, stuffy head, I must rest! We had wagers on when the first round would hit. How far into the school year we could go. We knew it was only a matter of time. No matter how much hand sanitizer and anti-bac soap we supplied the school with, we still managed to bring home this unwelcome guest. Well, it has worn out it's welcome and it headed out. Beware, it's out there looking for a new home. Get your Kleenex ready.

Odds and Ends

2008-09-21T19:11:00.000-07:00

Just had a few minutes while kiddos are in bathing and wanted to show you a few little odds and ends. This dessert is too yummy! Why? You ask, after days of cupcakes and birthday cakes did I make dessert? I had some delish peaches sitting in a paper bag on my counter all week ripening up and they were to that point. You know the one. Do I leave them another day or so and end up tossing them or do I take the bull by the horns and do something yummy with them. I did not have enough for pie which was my intention but did have enough for this delicious Summer Fruit Cobbler (a la Starbucks). Every year I wait for Starbucks to get this in the store. One of my very faves! Bonus my kiddos LOVE the fresh fruit in it. Blueberries, Blackberries, Peaches......YUM! And it's not birthday cake. Next on the list is my part Pele part Indiana Jones. Even to his soccer game (which he is actually enjoying, if it weren't for the practicing he'd admit he likes it), he has to bring along some part of Indy. Last is my sweetest little one. This is actually her idea of guarding goal. You can see from the smile, she's having fun though.

Best Birthday Ever

2008-09-21T15:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the sweetest of days for my sweet girl. She has had the anticipation building for so long I was almost afraid of a let down. But the day did not disappoint! We were insanely busy. We had three soccer games and two other birthday parties besides Trin's. We managed to make it to and through all of the above and had a super time. Trin's team won their game 4-0 and Trin and Olivia both scored a goal! Perfect. She had a terrific game otherwise too! That full size soccer field kicks their little butts though. They drag off the field at end of quarter, full of smiles, but ready to drop. At Hanna's party she even got a really pretty half face paint. You know those really expensive ones that you wait in line for at amusement parks, not to mention pay a fortune for. One of the guests mom is a very talented painter! It was so fun for the girls. We ended the day, in what my kids say is "best for last". We had a fun dinner with my mom and dad, had cake and she finally got to tear into a pile of presents. She LOVED them all! It was the best birthday ever!

I'll have to post some pics another time. I was busy snapping away with mom's amazing camera, so the pics went home with her. But they were great!

Bestest Buddies!

2008-09-19T09:27:00.002-07:00

Cupcakes Anyone?

2008-09-19T09:27:00.001-07:00

So today is cupcake day for me. I am baking and frosting three full batches of cupcakes. Two are yummy German chocolate and the other dozen are cinnamon spice. I am up to my ears in beaters, bowls and spatulas. My little kitchen has turned into a makeshift bakery. We have Harvest Carnival tonight at school. The German chocolate cupcakes are for the Cake Walk but before that we have Trin's classroom Birthday party and spice cupcakes. This is the most excited I have ever seen her for her Birthday. It has been at least two weeks of anticipation and planning. Invites have been passed out for next weeks party and her class party today starts a weeks worth of fun and celebration. Well, I hear another buzzer beckoning me, so I'm off to fetch another batch out of the oven, get a quick shower and start frosting! YUUUUUMMMY!

Too Much Fun!

2008-09-17T16:20:00.000-07:00

She's so stinkin' cute! This is what I'm finally heading off to. Much needed shower taken, kiddos in bed asleep, invites done! I'm off to fall into my bed!

Survival of the Fittest

2008-09-17T11:00:00.000-07:00

Okay. So, I had this grand idea that I was going to have so much spare time on my hands now that all of the kiddos were in school. Well, at least half of the day. All to myself. I was going to get so much done that I was not going to know what to do. HA! What exactly was I thinking? I have not had a moment to get anything done. It is really astounding to me. What happened? I have had an overly full calendar and have been running around and running too, but have not gotten one single thing done. My house is a disaster of confusion. Are we coming or going? Are you ready to be worn out? Here it goes. Since school started, I have worked four full days at the school, two part days. Taken all three of the kids to the doctor, twice. Myself to the doctor, twice. Tomorrow makes three times, in two weeks. We have had six soccer practices, three soccer games. I have run nine miles, walked six miles. Packed up and shipped numerous Ebay packages. Pampered chef party. Sold over three hundred dollars in magazine sales (and remembered to turn them in, barely). Done probably 100 hours of homework with the kiddos. Washed, folded and put away 10-15 loads of laundry. Packed ten sack lunches. Cooked and did dishes for countless meals. Bought family groceries and $50.00 in snacks for Chloes class. The list could go on and on....... Up next. Soccer, homework, dinner tonight. Doctors appointment tomorrow for me. Somewhere in here I have to buy and wrap birthday presents and fill out and pass out invites. Two dozen cupcakes plus brownies and chocolate milk to school on Friday for the Harvest Carnival Cake Walk and Trins B-day. Friday work at the school, Friday night volunteer two hours at the Cake Walk booth, then have some fun with the kiddos at the carnival. Saturday we again have three soccer games, two birthday parties to attend plus it's Trin's birthday, so we will be having dinner out!!! YIPEE! in the evening to celebrate as a family with her girly friend party next Saturday.....and it just goes on and on. Hopefully I will settle down and say no when asked to work at the school. After all, I have a sweet pink bunny costume to make! Not to mention the house. Oh, did I mention the house! EEK! Anyhow. I had to take a few minutes and update and show you some fun pics but now I'm off to get my peewee, get some groceries.....hopefully a shower in there somewhere!!! Love you!

Pressing Apples

2008-09-17T10:30:00.001-07:00

Creating traditions with my kids is so much fun, (when I remember to do it). Making memories and having fun. For two years now we have been pressing apples for cider. It started off as a simple phone call to mom and as always, she had the answer. I said, "Wouldn't it be fun to make apple cider with the kids!" Her reply is the essence of my mom. "Don't you remember I have an apple press". She has everything! Somewhere, somehow, she has done it, tried it, thought of doing it, or bought the supplies for it. She is a wealth of knowledge and supplies. Remember the bunny costume story? Anyhow.... We got a bit of a late start last year. My mom and the older gentleman that had the orchard ended up picking boxes of apples in a rainy, muddy atmosphere and one chilly fall evening, we pressed the apple cider. This year she remembered our newly started tradition earlier in the year and got some already picked apples. I took the kiddos up after school and we had a blast. It was a gorgeous fall afternoon and we laughed and drank cider as dad turned and turned and turned the press. The kids each gave a valiant effort at turning but decided they liked the fruit of the labor better and also liked making the turning harder for grandpa by tossing in as many apples as possible as fast as they could. We had so much fun! (and some great cider too) Super memories!

Lime Green Walls

2008-09-08T16:50:00.000-07:00

The big question to be answered is "So, how was the retreat?". Here are the responses, in no particular order, as I'm still trying to recover and get my thoughts into a coherent pattern. It was nerve racking. So much so, that I do not even remember what we had for dinner the first night. It was beautiful. The awesomeness of God's creation on display for us. The food was incredible. I think I gained at least five pounds. They were always feeding us and giving us snacks and candy! We kept joking about the amount of working out we were in store for once we rolled home. It was filled with tears and tons of laughter. I realized that God can move and apply the message to me even if I'm guarded, quick to judge and sceptical. Our speaker was a gorgeous, barbie-esq young lady with what I feel is a very limited perspective and experience in life. It was hard, to say the least, for myself and some others to swallow her words and digest the message when they trials seemed to be a bit shallow. She did admit to us that this was how we might feel, and we did. But, God still used her words for His good work. It took some soul searching, prayer and hard determined work to not just throw up my hands and say, "Are you kidding me?". She told us this story about moving into a house that had lime green walls in the master bedroom and it was a major trauma to her. "Are you kidding me?" But again, God used her words for His bigger purpose. We laughed SO SO much. I adored the ladies in my car and cabin. The six of us had some really great in depth conversations, prayer and lots of laughter. At times we sounded like school girls with the incurable giggles, which was awesome. It was a super time of rest. They allowed us chunks of time to simply enjoy the surroundings and rest! What is that? Right! Oh yeah, and we went to a wedding on Sunday. More about that another time. I am already planning to go again next year. I'm thankful for the persistence of my friend to get me there and for the covering of prayer from all of you. My kiddos survived the weekend and so did my house. I have a VERY hectic week this week, so the rest was timely. I'll get back to you soon about the week. Right now I'm off to switch out some laundry, stir dinner and turn it to a simmer for later, get my kiddos in the car for soccer, back to school night, homework, dinner, showers, more laundry and fall into bed for the 5 am alarm clock.

Love you!

First Day of School

2008-09-05T08:51:00.001-07:00

Aren't they the cutest ever!

Everyone is off to school! So much excitement to get back into the groove of things and to see friends. We LOVE the teachers that the kiddos have been given this year. We are finally done with the chaos (and expense) of shopping for school supplies and the mountain that was in my living room is now gone! YIPEE.

So hard for me to say goodbye to my peewee today, but she is going to have so much fun and learn so much! I still get her all to myself for the afternoons:-)

I'm off to get my things together for the women's retreat. It's odd packing for only one person. Don't do that very often. Pray that it will be a time of blessing and and rest and that my kiddos will survive the weekend! Hee hee, just kidding. (I think)

Chocolate Sheetcake Brownie Goodness

2008-08-27T19:45:00.000-07:00

As you can see, I didn't even get a picture of these before they were devoured. Who can resist a warm chocolate sheet cake brownie though? This was our treat for the day! Lots of laundry and housework done. Soccer practice over. We were due a treat. Now I'm off to deal with the aftermath of creating these yummies. You want one? I know you do! Hee Hee

2008-08-24T15:58:00.000-07:00

WOW! What a blessing it was to be one of the few that were able to worship with Evan last night. The room was just saturated in the Spirit. So much talent and they give all the glory to God. It was a struggle to get there, but SO worth it.

Love this!

WE ARE NOT HUMAN BEINGS GOING THROUGH A TEMPORARY SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE.

WE ARE SPIRITUAL BEINGS GOING THROUGH A TEMPORARY HUMAN EXPERIENCE.

How much better would our daily lives and choices be, our passion and urgency to share Christs love with the world if we would only remember this! This is not my home. Why are the things that are not mine so entangling? So important? I have to daily change the perspective.

My life mission is to know Him and make Him known! I tell the kids often and we pray everyday that we would make fewer mistakes everyday, to make fewer poor choices everyday.

Really know Him and be urgent to make Him known!!!

XOXO

2008-08-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

These felt clips are SOSOSOSO cute! I was talking on the phone to one of the ladies at Moxie Kids in NC and she asked me if I had ever been to this store on Mississippi Ave. in Portland. She was telling me about following them around at the buying conventions like they were rock stars. Take a peek and see what you think. http://www.blackwagon.com/ They have some really cute and funky stuff! Great little boys stuff. Kate should check it out for Liam and Joe! We were also chatting about how the great boys stuff stops at size 8. She said she gets customers complaining about it all the time. For those of us that don't really want to be in the mainstream. Maybe we should take the hint and jump on that!!! Hee hee. Dreamin' I know!

XOXO

Beautiful!

2008-08-23T10:18:00.000-07:00

Beautiful morning and I LOVE to listen to the kids excitement! Getting some work done at home and I can't wait for tonight! Check them out! http://www.abovethegoldenstate.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/evanwickham

2008-08-22T16:54:00.000-07:00

I hope I can do this justice! SO SO Cute! We went to the fabric store and this is what we came up with. Super soft petal pink anti pilling fleece and this adorable darker pink dot cotton. Can't wait to see her in it!

My poor little hand is just about numb from filling out forms at registration today. Wow. You would think that if the kids are all in one famliy and in the same house you wouldn't have to fill out the same form three seperate times. Come on! Ask me what our Dr.'s address and phone number are??? Just ask, Come on! or maybe the digits of our three emergency contacts????

Anyhow! We are chillin' out at home for a bit before we head over to the church's family swim night. The kiddos are so excited. We are gonna come straight home and hit the hay 'cause we are going to get up at the crack of dawn for our annual hot air balloon viewing. Doughnuts and hot coffee are a must at 6am! Such a fun tradition! My only wish is that it was a little later in the day. I'm such a jolly morning person. Hee hee. ( Not quite as bad as you though sweets) I do have to admit it is really fun and beautiful though.

Trying not to think about the fact that Kutless is going to play in two hours and I will not be there, AGAIN! UGH! As much as I love them, I'm just not meant to see a full concert I guess.

I'm off now to shred some Hawaiian Chicken for dinner. YUM!

XOXO

Toothless Wonder!

2008-08-21T19:42:00.000-07:00

Summer Goodness!

2008-08-21T16:07:00.000-07:00

Isn't this just a gorgeous sunset. Took this up at mom and dad's when we were camping. Almost missed it. Lovely field of Cosmos that I finally got a picture of and my very favorite summer breakfast. Fresh sliced peaches and blueberries with splash of cream. YUMMY!

So not much new around here. Posting some listing....Making some money! Yipee. I've been sorting. Sort of a spring cleaning in the late summer. Getting ready for school. I have a small mountain of school supplies in my living room. Registration is tomorrow, so we will be all set for Sept. 4 & 5, first days of school. I have to admit the closer it gets, the weepier I get about my peewee heading off to preschool. I will so miss our alone time. My neighbors are home from Cali now so the kiddos have playmate to keep them busy for the last days of freedom.

I got a new car! Nothing too fancy (the kids think it is the greatest thing since sliced bread) but it is going to serve a purpose. 36 mpg! Not like the beautiful black beast's 14 mpg.

I'm going to be sewing Chloe's Halloween costume this year. At her request, a pink bunny. My mom is such a funny packrat. I mentioned the undertaking to her and she immediately said, "I think I still have the pattern". Here's where we get to the serious flashback for me. I was 4 when my mom sewed a pink bunny costume for me. I wore that little gem everywhere, all the time. Now I'm the mom making the pink bunny costume for my 4 year old with the same pattern my mom used. CRAZY. Today she came to drop off Caleb and in her hand was beat up Simplicity pattern for the pink bunny. Never doubt the packrat!

I better get going and get these hungry, tired monsters some dinner.

Starting Out

2008-08-21T15:56:00.000-07:00

I can't seem to keep up with you so I thought if I tried this you might check it out!