Great Wolf Lodge

In March we had the opportunity to celebrate my parents' 40th Wedding Anniversary by joining them and my sister's family on a trip to the Great Wolf Lodge in the Wisconsin Dells. Their 40th was last year, but it took awhile to schedule a weekend away.

Here is a picture of the grand kids.


We stayed in a suite that slept 15. There was plenty of room for all of us. It had a complete kitchen, two full and one 3/4 baths, and enough beds to accommodate all of us. The dining area wasn't ideal, but manageable.

The kids had a great time at the water park.

Hudson coming down the water slide


Katie coming down the water slide

Shannon and the littles.

Jack and Alex going across the ropes/lily pads


Cousin Mason


Uncle Jeff


Bryce


Jackson


Colton


Chase


My sister Kim


Our hosts for the weekend

There were plenty of activities to keep all of the different age groups busy. Hudson, our little daredevil, was unstoppable. At on point, he took off from Shannon and ran directly over to a 3 foot deep pool, looked back at Shannon, smiled, and jumped in. Papa Ken was able to jump in and grab him just seconds after he went in. It scared him for a few minutes, but not long. Unfortunately, Hudson wasn't feeling good and was sick with a fever on Saturday, so he missed out on some of the fun.

We decided we would like to go again someday. Anyone else want to come along?

"He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he." Proverbs 16:20

The Roman's Road

A couple weeks ago I was able to be a part of Hannah's salvation. She asked me after youth group was over to speak with her in private, so we made our way to an empty Sunday school room.

Hannah explained to me that she knew she needed to be saved, but she just didn't know how to go about doing it. This is the part where I ALWAYS get goose bumps. I just LOVE it when a teen finally "get's it".

I'll be the first to admit that I get tired of being a youth leader, which is really selfish, because Shannon is the one who does all of the work, I'm just along for the ride. He plans the lessons. I'm just his support staff. He's much more dedicated than I am. Sometimes I get sick of the noise, the disrespect, the apparent lack of growth, and just want to throw my hands up and quit because it doesn't seem as if we are making a difference. Why do we even try?

Then a Hannah comes along and I'm smacked in the face with the REASON we do this. Not because Shannon or I can take the credit. That's all for the Holy Spirit. I'm just glad that we have the opportunity to be a tool in His workings.

Back to the goose bumps. I always get them when I feel the Holy Spirit at work. Anyone else experience this?

Hannah and I sat down and she told me that she knew she needed to get saved. I grabbed my bible and started to explain HOW and WHY we ALL need to be saved. This is the easy part, because about six years ago in our adult Sunday school class in Nevada, Mr. Buhrow, our teacher, shared a tip on how to remember the Roman's Road. He had us write the scripture references in the margin of our bibles, so when given the opportunity, we would always remember the steps in order. Cool. Simple idea. It takes the pressure off. Here's my first page:

I knew exactly where to start, and which scripture to turn to after that.

We talked about sin. What is sin? Who sins?

What can we do about it? How do we get rid of it?

How did sin come into the world? Is anyone exempt?


What is the consequence of sin? DEATH.

We deserve death, but what is the GIFT God has offered us? What do we have to do to EARN this gift? NOTHING!!!


Jesus Christ, in His death, paid our debt. No amount of work or good deeds will get us to heaven. It is not dependent upon how much we tithe. It doesn't matter if we are beautiful or ugly, rich or poor, thin or fat. He paid the price. For me. For you.

All you have to do is ask. Tell Him you are sorry for your sins. Ask Him to wash them away. He will. He promised.

I explained to Hannah that salvation was more than being able to recite the bible verses and have a head knowledge of what they mean. It has to go from her HEAD into her HEART. Is she sorry for the sins she has committed? Is she willing to work hard to STOP doing those same sins? Will there be a CHANGE in her life? Will her friends notice that there is something different about her?

Hannah prayed that prayer, and asked God to wash away her sins. She asked Him to change her life. She thanked Him for saving her from eternal death. The angels in heaven were doing the happy dance! Hannah will be with them someday.

I get goose bumps just thinking about it.

"When He prepared the heavens, I was there..." Proverbs 8:27

Thankful Thursday

I missed last week. I didn't mean to. I haven't spent much time on the computer the past few weeks. It has actually been kind of nice, but I miss all of my bloggy friends. I have several blogs I check daily (sometimes more than once!). I finally realized that there are days I can boot up the laptop to check my blogs, and the next thing you know, two hours have passed. I resolved to spend less time on the computer, more time schooling/cleaning.

I have so many things I need to blog about, or I'm afraid the memories will be gone forever. One day soon, I will get them posted.

For now...

*I'm thankful I have a husband that humors me when I come up with crazy whims.

*I'm thankful for Alex. He is growing and maturing nicely.

*I'm thankful for Hudson. He makes me smile.

*I'm thankful for health. If you don't count runny, stuffy noses and some slight coughs, we are all healthy today.

*I'm thankful for Shannon's motorcycle. He is so happy when he gets to ride it. He even got a new motorcycle jacket. Very cool.

*I'm thankful that I have my last load of laundry in the washer right now.

*I'm thankful for my new draperies. They are hung and pressed and look very pretty.

"The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it." Proverbs 10:22

Thankful Thursday

...on Saturday. I've been thinking all week about what I would post, I just haven't gotten around to doing it.

1. I'm thankful that the Holy Spirit pricked Hannah's heart this week, and used me as a tool to lead her to the Lord. She accepted Christ as her Savior after youth group on Wednesday.

2. I'm thankful that Shannon is feeling better. He still has an awful cough, but he is functioning again.

3. I'm thankful that my boys are healthy and able to participate in spring sports. They're thankful for Tylenol to help ease their aching muscles.

4. I'm thankful for my basement. It provides tons of storage and allows me to hide a bunch of things from the rest of the world.

5. I'm thankful for Shannon's job. He's a wonderful provider for our family, and he enjoys what he does. He's very good at it, too.

6. I'm thankful for computer curriculum. It takes the brunt of some of the boys' subjects off of me.

7. I'm thankful for laws that allow me to teach my children at home. Although it gets difficult at this point of the school year to keep going, it's much better than the alternative of having to abide by someone else's schedule and worldview.

8. I'm thankful for Chase's sense of humor. He's really a funny guy.

9. I'm thankful that Hudson is talking more this week. He's so serious about the things that he babbles to me, but oftentimes I have no clue what he is saying. He's become much more understandable in the past few days.

10. I'm thankful for little girls who like their fingernails and toenails painted, lip gloss, and pretties in their hair.

"The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good." Proverbs 15:3

Thankful Thursday

Wow. It's Thursday again already, and it hasn't even occurred to me to post this week until now.

1. I'm thankful that my girls are back, even though it is really noisy in our house again. I missed them.

2. I'm thankful for March Madness. More on this later.

3. I'm thankful for disposable diapers. I can't imagine the alternative at this point in my life. I used cloth diapers for Alex, way back in 1992/1993. I don't miss them.

4. I'm thankful that Shannon is feeling a teensy, weensy bit better. Or maybe it's just a different kind of bad.

5. I'm thankful for a safe trip to Des Moines and back today. It was only the second time in my whole life that I have driven there alone. The first time was twenty years ago.

6. I'm thankful for big boys who are willing to babysit while I'm off running around the countryside.

7. I'm thankful that I was able to open the windows this week and get some fresh country air in our home.

8. I'm thankful for the new curtains Shannon let me buy for the living room and dining room.

9. I'm thankful for big boys who can change tires all by themselves. We got new gravel on our road, and now we have a flat tire. Happens every Spring. At least once. Last year we had three flats in one week.

10. I'm thankful for bedtime.

"The rich and poor have this in common, the Lord is the maker of them all." Proverbs 22:7

Thankful Thursday

I just about forgot to do this post today. How many times do you have to do something before it becomes a habit? I'm pretty sure it's more than two. Isn't it something like 20 times? In time...

1. I 'm thankful for Colton. He is sitting on my lap at the kitchen table while I type this. He is growing up tremendously fast. I'm glad he's not too big to sit on my lap still.

2. I'm thankful for my vacuum cleaner. Shannon bought me a Dyson for Christmas a few years ago. It amazes me how much gunk it sucks up each day, and I do vacuum almost every day (sometime more). Sometimes I wonder if it is sucking up the backing of the carpet?

3. I'm thankful for the camera I received for Christmas. I took some really good pictures of the kids this week. I'll post them soon.

4. I'm thankful that Alex can drive. He was able to drive to the grocery store at 9:15 tonight so I could finish preparing the food to take this weekend.

5. I'm thankful that all but one of my boys is finished with his school work for the week. The remaining boy, who shall remain nameless, promises to finish up first thing in the morning.

6. I'm thankful for my husband. He helped get everyone packed while I prepared food this evening, even after working hard for us all day. He's super-duper fabulous.

7. I'm thankful for Bryce and Colton. They cleaned out the van this afternoon.

8. I'm thankful for diet Coke. It keeps me moving throughout the day.

9. I'm thankful for my friends, including those that I only get together with on the internet. We get to visit some real live ones this weekend, and more are coming to visit on Tuesday, too.

10. I'm thankful for Tylenol. We have some little ones who aren't feeling very good. Please pray for them as we travel to the Wisconsin Dells on Friday, back to Iowa Saturday night, then to Clear Lake after church on Sunday.

Have a great weekend!

"For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety." Proverbs 24:6

The Weekend

Saturday we made a trip over to Cedar Falls to return pop cans to raise money for the boys' mission trip. We came back with just under $50. We added that to the $21 from those we returned earlier in the week, to bring the total collected from our church so far to right around $650. We appreciate the generosity of our church family in donating their cans to the teens.

We then went to Troy and Theresa's house to play for the afternoon. The boys played basketball, and Theresa and I went to Hobby Lobby. We had lots of yummy, fattening food. We stayed later than we should have.

We always dread losing an hour of sleep for Daylight Savings time. I did not sleep well, and woke up achy and sick. I stayed home from church with Naomi, who also wasn't feeling well. We spent a very lazy day in bed. I'm still stuffed up, but up and moving today. Naomi seems to be fine. We have a couple others with runny noses, but nothing major.

We're still plugging away at school and it is 5:39P.M. Ugh. The boys haven't been doing a spectacular job at their chores lately, so Shannon assigned Alex, Jackson and Chase the job of each writing a two page report on the job and responsibilities of a squire in the 13th century. Bryce had to write "I will do my chores in a timely fashion" 100 times. All of this has made Bryce and Colton behind (even more) on their school work. I don't know how many times I've said today, "Colton, hush and just do your math!".

I have gotten the rest of the tests and study guides printed for the remainder or the school year today. I'm starting to get the itch to start planning for next year. That's the fun part. It's the daily grind that I'm ready to be done with!

We had beef enchiladas for lunch today. Easy peasy. That's the kind of meal I do when I look at the clock and realize it's 11:13A.M. and I haven't started lunch yet. First I browned some ground beef and rinsed it. Then I poured enough enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9X13 pan to cover it, then pulled out all of the open cheese bags from the fridge. I mixed the beef, cheese, and about 2/3 of the can of sauce in a bowl. I microwaved the tortillas a minute to soften them up, then put the filling in and rolled them up. After lining them up in the pan, I poured the rest of the sauce on top, then some more cheese and stuck it all in the oven for about 20 minutes. I had enough time to do the dishes while they were baking, and set the table. We like the "El Pato" mild enchilada sauce from Fareway. We can't always find it in Waterloo, but they have it in Marshalltown, which has a higher Hispanic population. One 28 oz. can is all I use.

Anyone know what "El Pato" means?

"A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, but to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet." Proverbs 27:7

Thankful Thursday

I have been reading a blog for the past couple months that Mary led me to. The author of the blog has such enthusiasm and is so encouraging, even through some very tough times recently. She has challenged other bloggers to join her in Thankful Thursdays. You can find out how she started this event here.

I often fall into the habit of complaining. Nothing seems to go the way I plan, and I spend too much time dwelling on the bad things. I'd like to take this first step to turning my attitude around, and will begin by posting my very first Thankful Thursday installment.

1. I'm thankful for my husband. He's an amazing man.

2. I'm thankful for my eight beautiful children, and the two that aren't here in my arms. I have learned so much from all of them.

3. I'm thankful for Jesus Christ, who died so I could live.

4. I'm thankful for my super capacity front loader washing machine and the matching dryer.

5. I'm thankful that the sun is shining and it is 66 degrees outside. In Iowa. In March.

6. I'm thankful that my sister is turning 40 today and not me. :)

7. I'm thankful that Alex can drive.

8. I'm thankful for the privilege of being able to teach my children at home.

9. I'm thankful for food in my cupboards and fridge.

10. I'm thankful for my bloggy friends.

Let's all remember to be thankful for the big and small things in life.

"A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24

Body Art

Today while Shannon was home for lunch, we decided to make another pyramid since it had been quite a while since the last one, and Chase was missing from the previous one.

It evolved into spelling out our name with the kids' bodies. It actually went pretty well. It took me a lot longer to figure out how to put it all together than it did to take the pictures.

Here are the pyramid pictures.


No hands


The beginning of the end





And they all came tumbling down.

It all adds up to some cheap entertainment.

"For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity." Proverbs 24:16

Alex's Fashion Show

A couple of Alex's friends decided that he needed to go shopping and get some new clothes. Apparently I don't buy him the right kind. This is the outfit he came home with. He got some pretty good bargains.

He even bought a belt.

Even though he got some good deals, I still think that the shirt pictured below is just as nice, and I only paid $3.00 for it.
The girls are modeling more shirts that have been upstairs in the hall closet for quite awhile, just waiting for someone to wear them. The jury's still out on whether or not they'll pass his inspection or not.

I did go back to Aeropostale and get another pair of jeans for Alex and a pair for Jackson. They were only $13.50 each.

I think he's growing up to be quite a handsome guy, but I'm just his mom. I've been telling him that for years.

And just for the record, I arm wrestled him today, and I still beat him. Even though he got a note from his football coach telling him what a great job he's been doing and the big improvements he's made over the winter. Maybe I should go out for football?

"...for all her household is clothed with scarlet." Proverbs 31:21

Naomi's 4th Birthday

On February 18th Naomi turned 4 years old. She was SO excited.

Naomi's favorite colors are purple and pink. She loves the Princesses, and likes to dress up in her princess outfits. She walks around in my high heals often, and has fun pretending to be a big girl.

Although Naomi has a stubborn streak, she can be a real sweetheart, too. She can definitely hold her own with her big brothers and sister.

She has beautiful sparkly blue eyes, and a sweet smile. She likes to snuggle, and would prefer to run around the house in a pair of panties than be fully clothed. I have so many cute pictures of her, but can't share them on the blog becuase she rarely has all of her clothes on. She's definitely hot blooded!

Her hair is curly in back, and she HATES it when I brush it. She has only let me change her earrings two times, and is content to wear the same pair for great lengths of time.

She loves playing with her Polly Pockets. It's awesome having a big sister so close in age to play with all of the time.

Her daddy has trained her to say, when asked what her name is, "Naomi, don'tcha know me?"

She's the best little 4 year old I know.

Love you, Nomi!

"Now therefore, listen to me, my children, for blessed are those who keep my ways." Proverbs 8:32

Big Brothers

This is what happens when you get on your big brother's nerves. Jackson stuck little Miss Naomi up on top of the fridge, and there wasn't anything she could do about it except yell for help.

She was too afraid to jump down (which is a good thing). She was too far away from the bags of chips that we hide way up high to get a snack. She just had to wait until someone had mercy on her. I had to snap a picture before letting her down.

Jackson tried doing this with Hudson. Hudson is not afraid to jump down. Good thing Jack was standing nearby.

"...let no one help him." Proverbs 28:17b

Saul to Paul

Today Bryce stood in front of me and told me he wrote a song last night. It just came to him before he went to bed.

This isn't the first time he has written a song, and he usually writes them on little scraps of paper he finds in his bedroom. I'm not sure if he is keeping all of them, but I wanted to make sure I wrote this one down to remember it.

Saul to Paul
by Bryce Clark

Goin' down the road
Tripped, then I was
Blinded by the Lord.

I knew it was like Saul
so I went home
And I saw a man.

He knew what to do.
He said, "Worship the Lord"
Then I knew what to do.

I went to church,
Every event.
And now I'm saved.

Now I'm Paul
Was Saul
Now I'm Paul.

He doesn't have any music for it, because he doesn't know how to do that. Maybe someday. With or without music, I'm proud of him. Bryce is a good kid that sometimes gets lost in between the big boys and the little kids. He's got a huge heart, and he loves the Lord. He and I are the only lefties in the house. We've got to stick together. I love him tremendously.

"Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart," Proverbs 3:3

My Badittude

Today I have been crabby with the kids. We didn't do school on Monday because the big boys went to a friend's house for an Xbox tournament. I got sick Monday night, and spent most of the day in bed yesterday. Today I haven't felt great, but I am up and moving.

The boys had a hard time getting out of bed and going. Chores aren't getting done the way they should (or the way I think they should). My kitchen floor is sticky. It took over an hour and a half to get everyone caught up on Spelling this morning. The little kids were underfoot, and the big kids were bickering with each other. Then it was time for Shannon to be home, and I hadn't started making lunch.

The more they griped, the more I griped. Alex finally said to me, "Why can't you just be happy?". "About what?" was my sarcastic reply. He retorted, "Because God gave you life. Because He gave you a family". Oh. Yeah. Then the tears came.

Some days I just find it so hard to count my blessings. I get so selfish, and things don't go my way, so I act like the little kid and whine and pout and yell and scream. And then I expect them NOT to act that way.

I guess school isn't all about books and worksheets, and I'm not always the one qualified to be the teacher. I've still got an awful lot to learn.

"The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools." Proverbs 4:35

Food

We're still planning menus from the fridge and cupboards this week.

Yesterday Jackson made BBQ Smoked Sausage with egg noodles. Basically, you just slice the sausage, throw in the electric fry pan (mine is a Farberware and is really big), dump BBQ sauce on them, and cook the egg noodles. He mixed everything in the pot that he cooked the noodles in when they were done. Easy and fast. The kids like it.

Today I'm making Round Steak Parmesan. Instead of the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, I just used a jar of spaghetti sauce. It's still in the oven, so no reports on if it is good or not, but it's starting to smell good! We'll microwave some vegetables to go on the side. I think I'll do some garlic bread, too.

I haven't cooked any breakfast since Monday. Maybe tomorrow, maybe not. We've had a lot of fruit and carrots for snacks. Chase did mix up some chocolate chip cookie dough yesterday and baked it into bars. They're long gone. We're stocking up some leftovers for evenings in the fridge.

Shannon is taking me out for dinner tomorrow night, so I'm not sure what I'll cook tomorrow. I still have that chicken in the fridge, so I'll need to use it soon.

Last week Target had whole frozen turkeys on sale for $.49/lb. I bought a couple of them and have them waiting in the freezer. I'll be cooking one within the next few weeks, probably.

"The lazy man says, 'There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!' " Proverbs 26:13

Food

I haven't been planning menus this week. We just went to the store and bought a bunch of food, and I'm coming up with ideas on the fly.

Saturday we made breaded pork chops and vegetables. I dipped the chops in milk, then rolled in seasoned bread crumbs. I fried them in the electric skillet. I tried using applesauce to fry them in instead of oil, but it just burned on the pan. I didn't want to add fat by using the oil. They turned out fine, although in retrospect I will probably just bake them next time, because I could only fit 4 in the fry pan at once, and had to cook them in three batches. I ended up turning on the oven to keep the first batches warm while I finished up the last ones. It would have been easier just to bake them.

Sunday Shannon made pork loin. He seared the outside in the fry pan, then rolled it in breadcrumbs and baked while we were at church. It smelled yummy when we got home! We had vegetables with this, too.

Yesterday we had beef stew and cheddar biscuits. They were both good. I made the double chocolate banana muffins that were scheduled for last week, and they were a big hit, too. The kids weren't as wild about the banana chip muffins from earlier last week.

Today Shannon made Sloppy Joes, and we're eating out tonight. I'm not sure what's coming for tomorrow, but I think I have boneless, skinless chicken breast in the fridge, so I'll probably use that.

"The heart of her husband safely trusts her, so he will have no lack of gain." Proverbs 31:11

My Birthday

Today is my 39th Birthday.

Back when I was nineteen, I'm pretty sure that sounded a lot older than I perceive it to be today. Perspective...

At exactly 12:00am I received a text message on my cell phone wishing me a Happy Birthday. I had no clue who it was from, so I texted back to find out who it was. It was John Bower. It was very sweet of him to think of me, and extend birthday wishes at the earliest possible moment. I'm just really relieved that I was awake at the time. I might not have been as pleased if I had been asleep. We didn't get home from the basketball game until about 12:30. We stopped at Walmart after the game and then had to drop the boys off in Reinbeck so they could be in town to work this morning.

Bryce was up promptly at 8:00 to wish me Happy Birthday. Katie, Colton and Hudson showed up around 9:00. Naomi followed shortly after that. I have spent a very lazy day on the couch playing around on the computer. I've received many happy birthday greetings on Facebook, and completed my list of 25 Random Things.

My mom stopped out early this afternoon and we had cake and ice cream that Shannon and the girls prepared for me. Although the cake has '29' on it, it's not because I'm in denial. We just don't seem to have a number '3' anymore.


We're planning to meet Papa Joe at the Meskwaki Casino tonight to eat at their buffet. Papa Joe is a regular there, and he's always getting free coupons. Makes for a cheap date, and the kids like the all-you-can-eat aspect of it.

I don't have any profound thoughts or goals for this last year of my 30's. I'm not dreading the 40's. Life just keeps getting better and better, so bring it on!

"The wise in heart will be called prudent, and sweetness of the lips increases learning." Proverbs 16:21

Chuck E. Cheese's

Last week Katie decided she would like to go to Chuck E. Cheese's for her birthday party. We picked up Alex and Jack after work on Tuesday, and headed for Cedar Falls.

Back when I was in about 4th or 5th grade, we used to think it was a really big deal to go there, but at the time it was called Show Biz Pizza. They had a lot of video games like Pac Man, Asteroids, and Centipede.

We loaded up on pizza, soda and tokens, and even got to dance to some 80's music and be projected up onto the big screens. What fun! Colton just reminded me there was a disco ball, too.

There was just one other family there, so we pretty much let the kids have the run of the place.

She would really like a real pony. It's not gonna happen.

Smiley Naomi

The Birthday Girl


Colton playing Skee Ball


Bryce playing Skee Ball


Jackson racing one handed, and Hudson helping


Static from the slide


Smiley Naomi


Chase playing Street Hoops

Alex and Chase racing

Hudson loving/strangling Chuck

Hudson doing the piggy nose thing in the overhead tunnels. How many other kids do you think have done this before him? Ew.

Of course the kids collected the fun little tickets that spew out of the games as they played. We were able to redeem them for several bags of cotton candy and some twisty straws. We had a fun time.

"My fruit is bet than gold, yes, than fine gold, and my revenue than choice silver." Proverbs 8:19

Katie's 5th Birthday

Last week we celebrated Katie's 5th Birthday. I'm ashamed it has taken me a whole week to get these photos posted, but not much seems to go according to plan these days.

We spent the evening before her birthday looking at hundreds of cakes online, trying to determine which she would like for her birthday. After much deliberation, we decided on the Princess cake. No problem. By the time I went to bed the cake was baked and the frosting was made and in the fridge.

Wednesday morning we spent decorating the cake. Naomi and Colton were my quality control specialists. They tried desperately to keep Katie out of the kitchen until it was finished, but that proved more than a little 5 year old girl could handle. She just couldn't contain her curiosity.



We baked a lasagna and garlic bread, and had Grandma Shirley and Papa Ken along with Papa Joe over for lunch. In the hubbub of getting lunch cleared from the table and cake and ice cream served, it was just about an afterthought to get pictures of the cake before it was cut. It was a beautiful sunny day, and way too much light was shining in through the dining room window. The Princess cake was much more pink than the photo indicates. She loved it, and it tasted good, too!


We gave Katie a big girl bike for her birthday. She really liked it. She also received money from Papa Joe and Aunt Kimmy, and shoes and some Polly Pockets from Grandma Shirley and Papa Ken.

Five year old GIRLS are a whole new ballgame around here after having so many boys! She is SOOOO dramatic. She can't get enough of writing letters and names and coloring pictures. She is continually asking me how to spell things.

She'll sit in front of the mirror and brush her hair for great lengths of time. She loves lip gloss and fingernail polish, and all things pink and girly. She loves being a little mommy to Hudson, and can still hold her own against the big brothers.

She is doing a great job in Cubbies learning her verses, and can't wait for Sundays so she can go to Sunday School and Church. She's the best cheerleader at her brothers' basketball games, and feels no shame in running up to the boys after a game and giving them a big hug and kiss.

Katie knows just how to twist her daddy around her little finger, and uses the skill to her advantage. She can be overcome with giggles at one moment, and very matter of fact the next.

She loves to help me cook and fold laundry, but is not so good at keeping her bedroom clean.

We are so thankful that God blessed us with little girls, especially our little Kathryn Isabella Clark, who has grown up into a sweet little girl.

"She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her." Proverbs 3:15

Menu for Feb. 1-7

One of my resolutions this year was to be more organized with meal planning. It's taken me a month to get started...but what else is new?

Today we spent just under $160.00 on groceries for the week. Our cupboards were pretty bare, so I had to get a lot of staples, too. We bought 20 lbs. of ground beef to stock up the freezer, and to take to church for fellowship Super Bowl party tomorrow.

Today (Saturday)
Chicken Enchiladas (the good ones---recipe below)
Spanish Rice
Refried beans

Sunday
Breakfast: Cereal
Lunch: Sandwiches
Dinner: Eat at church--beef burgers

Monday
Breakfast: Banana Chip Muffins
Lunch: Chicken Packets
Veg
Dinner: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Tuesday
Breakfast: Cereal
Lunch: Ham Balls
Green Beans
Mashed Potatoes
Dinner: Leftovers/whatever you can find

Wednesday
Breakfast: Waffles with Carmel Banana Topping
Lunch: Cowboy Chili (with elk meat from Papa Ken)
Breadsticks (recipe below)
Dinner: Leftovers/whatever you can find

Thursday
Breakfast: Cereal
Lunch: Spaghetti and Meatballs
Dinner: Leftovers/whatever you can find

Friday
Breakfast: Double Chocolate Banana Muffins
Lunch: Chicken Enchiladas
Dinner: Crockpot Potato Soup

Saturday
Breakfast: Cereal
Lunch: Huddy's Favorite Casserole (I've never made this--don't know if it will be a favorite. Shannon made sure I changed it from 'hubby' to 'Huddy')
Dinner: Leftovers/whatever you can find

Chicken Enchiladas--I got this recipe from Stacey Ryal (used to be from Nevada, now Mason City)
4 T. Butter
1 c. Onion, minced
2 tsp. Garlic Powder
2 tsp. Cumin
2 tsp. Salt and Pepper, each
1/2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper or Chili Powder
16 oz. Sour Cream
6 T. Flour
4 c. Chicken Broth
8 oz. Diced Green Chilies, opt.
4 c. Pepper Jack Cheese, shredded and divided
6 c. Chicken, shredded and cooled
16-24 Tortillas

SAUCE: Cook onion, garlic, cumin, pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper in butter until onion is tender. Stir flour into sour cream and add to onion mixture. Whisk in chicken broth and green chilies all at once. Cook and stir until thick and bubbly. Remove from heat and add 2 x. of the \shredded pepper jack cheese. Stir.

FILLING: Mix chicken and 2 c. pepper jack cheese. Add 1-2 c. of sauce and mix. Divide the filling between tortilla shells. Wrap and place in a greased 9x13 baking dish (or two). Pour sauce over. Bake at 350, covered, until heated through, about 25-30 minutes. Bake uncovered an additional 5 minutes. Sprinkle with toppings such as olives, cherry tomatoes, green onions, and shredded cheese if desired.



I use this recipe for pizza dough and the variation for breadsticks.

3 cups hot tap water (not hot enough to burn)
2 Tbsp.honey
6-8 cups whole wheat or unbleached white flour (approx. amount)
1 Tbsp. Saf yeast
1 Tbsp. Real Salt
1 Tbsp. Dough Enhancer

Put water, honey and 3 cups of flour in Bosch bowl. Mix until paste consistency. Add yeast and salt. Add additional flour quickly, 1 cup at a time only until mixture pulls away from sides of bowl. You may not need to add entire amount of flour or you may need to add a bit more.

If using all white flour, knead 5 minutes. If half white half wheat flour, knead 8 minutes. If all wheat flour, knead 10 minutes.

Add dough enhancer last two minutes of kneading.

Place pizza stone on oven and preheat to 500.

Roll crusts to desired shapes and sizes. Add toppings and bake on stone for 7 minutes.

Pizza crusts can be baked for three minutes and then frozen for later use. They will store up to two months. Thaw 1 hour before adding toppings and baking.

Spread with favorite pizza sauce. Add toppings of choice and sprinkle with cheese. Bake on preheated pizza stone at 500 for 7 minutes.

Variation: Add to water/honey mixture:
2-3 cloves garlic
2 tsp. basil
2 tsp. oregano

Variation: For bread sticks - use 1/3 Pizza Dough Recipe
1 cube butter (room temperature)
4 cloves garlic
grated Parmesan cheese

Pinch off dough and roll into rectangle 12"x 8 " (1/4" thick). Cut into 3/4" wide strips. Place on greased or parchment paper covered bun pan. Allow to rise until double in size. Bake on pizza stone 500 for 7 minutes until lightly browned. Press garlic into butter and brush on tops of cooked bread sticks. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

You can also use pizza dough to make calzones. Roll balls of dough into 6"-8" circles. Add fillings, pizza sauce and cheese. Fold edges over, (makes half moon shape). Pinch and eal with water. Run fork tines around edges. Bake at 400 for 15 minutes (until lightly browned and filling is melted).

"Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase;" Proverbs 3:9

Computer trouble

On November 2, 2007 Alex and I bought laptops, and purchased the extended warranty. My AC adapter broke about a month ago, but I was able to borrow Alex's as needed and never got around to calling and filing a claim.

On Sunday the 11th, Alex's AC adapter stopped working. The next morning I pulled our warranty information out of the file cabinet and made the call. I was on the phone for over a half hour relaying all of the necessary information. I got both claims filed and was assured that my power cords would be delivered by either UPS or FedEx within 3-5 business days.

I do all of my homeschooling record keeping, lesson plans, scheduling, etc. on my laptop. I track and pay bills. I receive over a hundred emails a day. I have several blogs that I faithfully check daily . I get my Bible in Year readings daily on my computer. I really hate not having the laptop running all day. Alex does his Geometry, Biology and Spanish on his computer.

I made it all the way to Friday without the computer. I filled in at the office with Shannon last Friday, and Papa Ken was kind enough to leave me his AC adapter while I "worked". I was able to get my battery charged up "in case of emergency" over the weekend, with the assumption that my new cord would be arriving on Monday--the 5th business day.

Monday (the 19th) came and I called the computer help desk to see if I could get a tracking number to verify a delivery date. After a bunch of run-around, I was told that the order for the cord wasn't processed until Saturday the 17th. I'm pretty sure there was smoke coming out of my ears. The customer service rep couldn't really explain why it had taken five days to process the claim and place an order with their supplier. It would be another 3-5 business days before delivery. There was no tracking number listed, but I could call back the next day to see if it had been entered.

I called back on Tuesday (the 20th) and spoke with a different customer service rep. He read through the notes on my account regarding the claims, and told me that I had been given some wrong information initially. Some parts are shipped within 3-5 days, but AC adapters are allowed 14 days for delivery. You should have seen the smoke coming out my ears!

On Wednesday (the 21st) I called back AGAIN and told them that since I had been given several different versions of the details of my claim, that I just wanted to see what the story might be on that day. I'm suspecting that by this point they had notes attached to my claim about a unreasonable, sarcastic customer, because they transferred me to a different department. I was able to speak with a woman who told me the AC adapters were BACK ORDERED and she didn't know when they would be available. I'm surprised the smoke detector didn't go off. Why couldn't they have told me that on Monday, or better yet, the week before? We were on Day 9 of my claim timetable, and I was still without a laptop.

She explained that we could do a "Buy Back". If I went out and purchased the AC adapters, I could fax a copy of my receipt and model/serial numbers and they would reimburse me up to $90 apiece within 10-15 business days. FINE. I loaded up in the car, headed 40 miles to Waterloo. I went to Best Buy, Staples, and 2 WalMarts before I found the adapters for $89.99.

I paid for them, brought them home, and we were back up and running. I faxed all of the required information to the product care plan on Wednesday afternoon. Twice. If they don't reimburse me, I'm out $192.34.

Thursday morning I called to verify that they received my fax. I was told that it was way too soon to expect them to have entered a reimbursement request. I said I'd call back the next day.

This morning (Friday the 23rd) I called to see if they had received my reimbursement request. Yep, they have it. I will be receiving two checks for $96.14 apiece. In 10-15 business days from today. Good. I filed the paperwork in my basket in the cupboard. It's no longer sitting on my kitchen counter.

Today Shannon got stuck in the snow up the road about 3/4 mile. We spent 2 hours working, shoveling, pushing, shoving in the COLD and WINDY weather. The UPS truck pulled up while we were working, trying to determine if she could get her truck through the hip high drifts that Shannon was stuck in. She turned around and went back the other way. The neighbor man finally came out and helped pull the car out of the snow. Shannon went back to work. The boys and I went home.

Sitting on my freezer in the garage were two boxes. Each contained an AC adaptor. The UPS lady had dropped them off while we were scooping.

Now what am I supposed to do?

"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so." Proverbs 3:27

Sunday School

Today during Sunday School the subject of tithing and its relevance in today's day and age was raised. We had a really nice discussion about the topic, and were able to use the scriptures to determine God's take on the subject.

The discussion reminded me of another blog I read last week. The author shared her thoughts on tithing and giving here. I have been reading her blog for a few weeks, thanks to a referral from Mary. I find her thoughts and posts encouraging.

Shannon and I discussed this some more while cooking lunch, and observed that it is often said when discussing tithing and offerings that "Whenever you give, God will give you more in return". This is true, but not necessarily monetarily. He may choose to bless us with friends, spiritual growth, or simply contentment with our circumstances. It's also important to remember that the bible also says to first give yourself to the Lord--for service (II Cor. 8:5).

"He who gives to the poor will not lack..." Proverbs 28:27

Two Years Old

Today is Hudson's 2nd Birthday.

Wow. It doesn't seem that long...yet seems much longer. I can't remember what life was like before him.

This morning Alex made Hudson chocolate chip cookie dough for breakfast. Then he let him lick the beaters. That was his gift to him.



Colton, Katie and Naomi each wrapped up a stuffed animal for him. Grandma Shirley and Papa Ken stopped by this afternoon and brought along some dump trucks. Hudson thought they were great.

Hudson is a typical two year old Clark boy. He doesn't sit still for long, except when he is getting tired. When he is getting sleepy, he will snuggle up on my lap. He sucks his left thumb, and likes to have a blanket or something in between the index and middle fingers of his left hand. So cute.

Hudson doesn't say a whole lot, but he makes known what he wants. His vocabulary includes: mine, no, yep, daddy, momma, tank you, and each of his siblings' names. Once in a blue moon he will look at me and say "I yuv ooo".

Hudson is a little monkey. He's not afraid of anything, and tries desperately to keep up with his older brothers. His biggest downfall is his tendency to run forward while looking backwards to see who may be following him. He's gotten several bumps and bruises this way.

He's quite adept at getting the fridge door open, grabbing a gallon of milk, getting his sippy cup off of the counter, and bringing everything to me to get him a drink. He has also been known to help himself to hot dogs.

Hudson has a sweet disposition. He is generally smiling, and rarely has a grumpy day. He likes to watch Sesame Street, and I think Elmo is his favorite.

Although he loves to throw the football, he needs to work on his aim. If one of his brothers says "down!", he will assume a three-point stance, wait for the command of "set, HIKE!", and he will take off for the tackle.

He insists on having a turn at praying before meals. He'll fold his hands, bow his head, and say some unintelligible words. He'll triumphantly finish his prayer with a hearty " 'men! ".

He's a joy to have around (for a little monster!).

"Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding." Proverbs 4:1

LOL Funny

These have been around the internet for years, but I still laugh out loud every time I read them. I decided to post them here so they could brighten your day, too.

They're Back! Those Wonderful Church Bulletins! Thank God for church ladies with typewriters. These sentences appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services (Summer, 2007 Release).

• The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
• The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'
• Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8 PM in the recreation hall. Come out and watch us kill Christ the King.
• Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
• The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.
• Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.
• Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
• Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I Will Not Pass This Way Again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
• For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
• Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
• The Rector will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing: 'Break Forth Into Joy.'
• Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24th in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
• At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.
• Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
• Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
• Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
• The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
• Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - Prayer and medication to follow.
• The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
• This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
• Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B.S. is done.
• The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.
• Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.
• The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
• Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use the large double doors at the side entrance.
• The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign slogan last Sunday : 'I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours'

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Proverbs 25:11

Comb-over Contest

So. It's been a loooongg Christmas break, and the natives around here are getting a bit restless.

We're iced in again today, and I've had all of the Xbox and Wii I can take. Shannon is gone at a deacon's meeting, and I needed to do something to get the boys up and moving. I got my inspiration from Hudson as he toddled up to me after his bath with Chase. He was all squeaky clean straight from the tub, and as I combed his hair, I gave him a lovely little comb-over.

Then I twisted everyone else's arms to get them to participate. Some were more willing than others, but they love me, so they complied.

Here are the contestants, in no particular order.

Alex

Bryce

Jackson

Hudson

Colton

Chase

Leave us a comment and let us know which is your favorite comb-over.

Maybe we'll award the contestant with the most votes a grand prize or something. Since there are only about 3 or 4 people who read my blog, I don't anticipate a ton of votes. Surprise me!

"Blessings are on the head the righteous..." Proverbs 10:6

I Dared Him

I just dared Shannon, the man who can do anything, to go bake Texas Roadhouse Rolls. As of my typing this, he is refusing to accept the dare. I'll update if the situation changes.

"He shall die for lack of instruction, and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray." Proverbs 5:23