Naomi's Birthday

It is birthday season at our home. Hudson starts it off on Jan. 9, Katie's day is Jan. 28, my birthday is Feb. 10, and Naomi finished off the string of birthdays on Feb. 18th.

This year she turned 5. FIVE!



I can say many of the same things about Naomi as I did of Katie. She is cute, funny, entertaining, and precocious. She's a budding artist. She loves to be read to, and loves to draw pictures and write notes. She plays dress up, but can hold her own wrestling with her brothers, too. She likes sparkly earrings. She has a favorite bear she likes to sleep with.

She decorated her own cake this year.

Naomi loves to snuggle, and more often than not she is in bed with us before morning. I'm sure I will miss this about her some day. She says long and very insightful prayers before meals. She loves the color purple (just like me).

I really enjoyed Naomi as a four year old. I'm guessing five is going to be even better.

WE LOVE YOU NAOMI CAMILLE!

"Let your father and your mother be glad, and let her who bore you rejoice." Proverbs 23:25

Jodi's Birthday...

...has come and gone.

Shannon was able to spend the morning with us because he was snowed in. Colton made me breakfast (cereal) in bed. He's cool like that.



Colton also baked me a birthday cake. He frosted it, too. My parents stopped by in the afternoon to have some cake with us. They tried giving me a hard time about being 40. I simply pointed out that their youngest child was now 40, so they must be REALLY old.

Turning the big 4-0 really wasn't too traumatic. I am exceedingly blessed. My mom and I were just talking a couple days ago about whether or not we would go back and time (if we could) and do things differently. I decided that there really isn't much of anything that I would change about my life. I suppose there were specific events that did not seem like blessings at the time, but all of life's experiences have come together to make me who I am, and make my life what it is. Life is good.

"Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things;" Proverbs 8:6

Katie's 6th Birthday

I really can't believe Katie is six years old. It amazes me.

She is such sweetheart. She cracks me up with the funny things she says. She's a wonderful helper with the little kids, and loves caring for them. She adores all things girly, and enjoys playing dress up. She can sit in front of a mirror and brush her hair for long periods of time. She likes to have her fingernails painted. Her new favorite thing is french braids.

My life would be so different if I had had girls before boys. Katie loves to help me sweep and clean the kitchen. She wants to help me cook all of the time.

She likes to play with Polly Pockets. She will play baby dolls occasionally, and likes to build with blocks. She colors a lot, and loves to write me love notes.

We celebrated Katie's birthday with Papa Joe, and Grandma Shirley and Papa Ken. Weather prevented other family members from coming.

Katie requested a rainbow cake.

She's growing up way too fast. She can just stop at six. Forever.

WE LOVE YOU KATIE BELLE!

"Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her." Proverbs 4:8

Thankful Thursday

My dad pointed out to me this morning that it has been quite a while since I've blogged, so here is my attempt to liven things up here.

* I'm thankful my dad retired so he has more time to come do projects at my house. We (he) are (is) currently working on the entryway, and will make our (his) way into the kitchen for some sprucing up there. I'll post some before and after photos soon.

* I'm thankful that it's the end of February. Spring is getting closer!

* I'm thankful that basketball is over, although I really miss it, too. We have enjoyed spending more evenings home with the little ones this week.

* I'm thankful for Shannon. I love him.

* I'm thankful I finally finished the project I started back in early January for the little kids. My sewing machine is finally out of the dining room. I'll post pictures soon.

"The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deceit." Proverbs 14:8

Thankful Thursday

~~I'm thankful that I have so many things to be thankful for.

~~I'm thankful that the body of Christ is so large and overlaps so much that I can receive prayer requests from several seemingly unrelated sources for the same request. Our God is so good.

~~I'm thankful that my children have been given opportunities to serve.

~~I'm thankful that today is the last day of middle school basketball. I will certainly miss going to games, but will also enjoy the added time at home.

~~I'm thankful for Shannon.

~~I'm thankful that my dad is willing to come over and finish the trim in the dining room and living room.

"The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who keeps his way preserves his soul." Proverbs 16:17

My Trough

Where no oxen are, the trough is clean;
But much increase comes by the strength of an ox.
Proverbs 14:4

This morning I am faced with baking a rainbow cake for Katie's birthday party tomorrow, finishing sewing Katie's (and Hudson's) birthday present, and cleaning my house--all before 1:00 P.M. I'm feeling overwhelmed, so I got on the computer. Actually, I got on the computer to look up the rainbow cake instructions, but got sidetracked.

I've been lamenting the fact that lately my house never seems to be clean. We've spent a huge amount of time at basketball games lately, and it seems like I do school and clean all day, but when we leave in the evenings, the little kids mess it all up again. It's a never ending cycle. Imagine how many more times our toilets get flushed each day compared to the average household of two working parents, with two public schooled kids.

My point is, I've got a lot of oxen.

That's the way we planned it, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I feel comforted to know that it's scriptural that my house isn't spotless. It most likely won't ever be, because by the time all of my children are grown and gone, I'll have a houseful of grandchildren running around.

I'm going to go get the strength of my oxen moving, and we'll have this place ship-shape in no time.

Thankful Thursday

~Today is Katie's 6th birthday. She is such a joy. Girls are so different from boys, and I'm enjoying each and every moment of her transformation from little girl to big girl. I'm so thankful for her. I'll post more about Katie later.



~Today our friend Julie lost her fight with cancer and is now safe in the arms of Jesus. It breaks my heart that her husband and children will not have the privilege of growing old with her. God is in control. Always. Like it or not. I'm thankful I had the opportunity to know her and be her friend.

"A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9

Winter Formal 2010

Alex and Jackson decided that they wanted to attend the annual Winter Formal at the school this year.

Alex invited Jordin.

Jackson went with Abbie.

"Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings." Proverbs 31:3

Hudson's 3rd Birthday

Back on January 9th Hudson turned three. We celebrated by having family over and eating cake and ice cream. I think perhaps this was the last sunny day we've had all month.

When I asked Hudson to smile for me, this is what I got.

We have a rule around our house. You can't have your third birthday until you're potty-trained. Well, Hudson made a valiant effort, and did quite well for several weeks. Once his birthday was over and he had collected his loot, he regressed and has not been very successful lately. Why, after training seven other children, is this one so difficult?

Aside from the potty issues, Hudson is a joy to have around. He is generally a happy little guy, and is talking up a storm. He definitely knows how to make his wishes known. He recently discovered the TV show 'Yo Gabba Gabba', and would be content to sit mindlessly in front of the TV all day watching it. From my perspective, a little of that goes a loooooong way. He's also a big Diego fan. He enjoys building with blocks and playing Mario Kart on the Wii.

We love you Hudson!

"When I was my father's son, tender and the only one in the sight of my mother," Proverbs 4:3

New Year's Eve

We hosted our annual NYE party again this year. Our kids are growing, and the number of people who come keeps growing, but we love it!

We rented the gym at the middle school so we could play all evening. I tried counting bodies at one time, and came up with 49. I can't say for sure that that is accurate, since everyone was moving at the time. We had bbq pork sandwiches, chips, lots of snacks, cake, and juice.

Colton and Ashleigh

Jocee, Naomi and Katie

Big boys playing basketball

Sam, Jackson, Jordin and Chelsea

Noah and Jeff

More big boys playing basketball

Jeff helping Julie do the rip-stick

I wanted so badly to get a picture of all of the kids. Reagan graduates from high school this year, and I'm afraid we won't all be together for many more years. But I forgot. I'm still kicking myself.

As usual, we ate too much, slept too little, and had a GREAT time. On New Year's Day we moved the party to Troy and Theresa's house, and ate even more. We really enjoy this tradition, and hope to continue it in the future.

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

Christmas 2009

Better late than never, huh?

Here are a few pictures from our celebrations. We went to my parents on Christmas Eve, opened gifts at home Christmas morning, then met Shannon's family on Christmas afternoon.











The family finally convinced me to put up a tree again this year. I'm a bit of a Scrooge, and hate the mess and clutter of getting Christmas decorations out. But alas, I complied. Shannon and the kids did the decorating. I didn't get any pictures of the tree, though. After decorating the tree, we turned out all of the lights to admire our work. I was in the living room reading a book, and suddenly heard Colton, Katie, Naomi and Hudson singing 'Away in the Manger'. I glanced into the dining room, and they were standing arm in arm, swaying back and forth as they sang in front of the tree.

I guess that's why we should decorate a tree each year.

This year, because we were running out of time and the weather was less than desirable, we bought a once live tree at Home Depot rather than picking one and chopping our own down. It wasn't ideal, but it worked. I even managed to have all of the gifts wrapped a couple days before Christmas.

We hope you all had a blessed holiday season.

"The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him." Proverbs 20:7

What 40 looks like

Shannon turned 40 on December 21st. We celebrated by going out for dinner the day before, and we surprised him with cake at the office. He just keeps getting better and better!

"For the LORD will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught." Proverbs 3:26

Hudson's New Look

It seems lately that any time I get the camera out and aim it at Hudson, this is his reaction.



How long can I expect this to last?

"A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin." Proverbs 26:28

Thankful Thursday

I'm way behind on blogging. It seems that dealing with children, school, keeping up the house, cooking, various projects, and multiple basketball games each week have taken up all of my time. Maybe I'll catch up and post some holiday pictures, maybe not. Time will tell.

*I'm thankful for my Homeschool Tracker program on my laptop. It keeps all of my student's lesson plans organized, and let's them know what needs to be done each day.

*I'm thankful for my sewing machine. I'm working on a project for the little kids, and it would be a monstrous undertaking if I had to sew by hand.

*I'm thankful for our dog, Checkers. He loves us.

*I'm thankful Jackson didn't need stitches when he got bonked in the head while playing basketball. Although it bled a lot, it was just a little scratch.

*I'm thankful for Shannon.

*I'm thankful for my warm house.

*I'm thankful we were able to get a replacement disc for Chase's broken science disc at a fraction of the original cost.

*I'm thankful that I only have one more load of laundry to do today.

"The integrity of the upright will guide them..." Proverbs 11:3a

Thankful Thursday

~I am thankful for snow. Shannon is staying home with us this afternoon, and bringing pizza with him!

~I am thankful for pull-ups. Hudson is having his ups and downs with the whole potty-training thing.

~I am thankful for slippers. My feet are chilly.

~I am thankful for God's protection. Alex went in the ditch last night, but was not injured.

~I am thankful for my girls. They make me smile.

~I am thankful for my boys. They keep me on my toes.

~I am thankful for the holiday break we got from school. I needed it. Too bad we can't take a semester break...

~I am thankful for my friends. They recharge my batteries.

~I'm thankful for my nail gun. It helps me finish lots of projects, and it's fun to use.

~I'm thankful for Shannon. Just because.

~I'm thankful for our corn stove. It makes it nice and toasty warm in our house.

"Hear, my son, and be wise; And guide your heart in the way." Proverbs 23:7

Thankful Thursday

* I am thankful for the family time we got to spend together this week. Nearly a foot of snow and 40+ MPH winds will do that to a family.

* I am thankful that we are no longer snowed in. The plow came by about 11:30 this morning, so Shannon was able to work this afternoon.

* I am thankful for groceries. We made a trip into town tonight to stock up. My fridge is full, my pantry is full, and my belly is full.

* I am thankful for the tractor and blade to move all of the snow. Actually, Shannon is more thankful, because he has been the one out in the cold taking care of it. They boys helped, too.

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

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for Hudson. He will be three next month. He's all boy. He's loud. He's snuggly. He's messy. He climbs. He jumps. He helps himself to anything he wants. He's talking up a storm. He's just as happy wrestling with the big boys, as playing by himself. He loves blocks and cars.

Yesterday, this is what I found him doing.

Over, and over, and over. Giggling the whole time.

He makes me happy.

"In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death." Proverbs 12:28

Thanksgiving 2009

We hosted Thanksgiving dinner at our home again this year. We only had 17 at the table, so in comparison, it was a smaller group than usual. Grandma Shirley and Papa Ken came, Papa Joe came, as well as Shannon's sister Carrie, her husband Jason, and their two boys, Will and Ben. We also invited Homer, a gentleman from our church, to spend the day with us. Bryce spent the weekend with my sister's family. It just didn't feel right not having him with us.

I started cooking and baking on Wednesday. The kitchen smelled yummy all day. I think we finished about 11:00P.M. I didn't take many pictures, because, well, I was busy cooking. Here are a few shots I did get.

Upside Down Pear Cranberry Cake before...

...and after.

Blueberry Pie

We had two kinds of turkey, ham, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, applesauce jello, rolls, corn muffins, pumpkin pie, apple pie, blueberry pie, pumpkin cheesecake, upside down pear cranberry cake, cinnamon ice cream, crackers & cheese, and I can't think of anything else. It sure seemed like a lot of food.

Mom and I figured we had over 18 hours of cooking time involved. We were done eating in about 45 minutes.

Papa Ken always helps with the dishes.

Grandma Shirley played Yahtzee with the kids.

The guys all went outside to play football after dinner. They were outside just long enough to work up an appetite for dessert.

All of our guests left by about 4:00P.M. We spent the rest of the day lounging around and planning our strategy for Black Friday shopping.

We're thankful for each one that was with us on Thanksgiving. Hope you all had a great holiday!

"If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;" Proverbs 25:22

Thankful Thursday

What more appropriate day is there to post a 'Thankful Thursday' post than today?

* I'm thankful for my God, the One True God. He alone is worthy.

* I'm thankful for Shannon. He is an amazing man. I love him thoroughly.

* I'm thankful for Alex. He's growing up too fast. It seems he's gone more these days than he is home. I miss him when he isn't here.

* I'm thankful for Jackson. He makes me smile. He's got freakishly long arms. I love him anyway.

* I'm thankful for Chase. He's a smartypants. He's snarky, and has a great sense of humor. He still tells me he loves me.

* I'm thankful for Bryce. He's spending Thanksgiving with my sister's family. I miss him like crazy. He should be here with us.

* I'm thankful for Colton. He's crafty. He's flighty. He's always thinking about something. He still sits on my lap.

* I'm thankful for Katie. She helped me cook all day yesterday. She chatters nonstop. She walks through the house on her tippy-toes. She likes to dance. She's growing up too fast.

* I'm thankful for Naomi. She really, truly believes that she is a princess. She wears a purple tiara. I'm not about to tell her any differently.

* I'm thankful for Hudson. I love the way he says "Yeah," when I ask him questions. I love it when he pats me on the back with his little hand. He's silly.

I have so incredibly much to be thankful for.

I have been blessed.

What an awesome God I serve!

"The rich and the poor have this in common, The LORD is the maker of them all." Proverbs 22:2

Pancake School

Yesterday morning we made pancakes for breakfast. I got the creative idea from Becky's blog. I'm not one to get up early to make breakfast most mornings, but this time I felt inspired. We simply added food coloring to the pancake batter. Easy!

As all the children gathered around to help, we had the opportunity to learn a lot of things. In fact, I was almost convinced that after breakfast, we wouldn't even have to do any more school for the rest of the day.






Math: We multiplied the recipe by four, then measured all of the ingredients.

Science: We talked about diffusion of the color throughout the pancake batter. When you stir and speed up the molecules, the color spreads faster.

Art: We mixed colors and made patterns in the pancakes.

Home Ec: cooking

Reading: We read the recipe from the cookbook.

Writing: If I had boys who liked to write, I would have had them write about the experience. That's girly. We don't do that.

We did end up doing all of our school work for the day. It was the right thing to do.

"Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety." Proverbs 11:14