Days To Remember

Well, I think you are pretty!

2012-01-31T10:51:00.001-08:00

What is your Vote? Yes or No?

2012-01-31T10:30:00.000-08:00

This is what occurs while I am teaching Biology at the Community College on Monday nights.

Our daughter, dressed in a wetsuit/swimsuit with life jacket sort of type thingy-ma-jig, goes on errands to the library and to the grocery store. Whose choosing of swim attire? Yes, hers.

Questions asked by on-lookers, to her father, my husband, who allowed her to go ahead and wear above outfit.

Librarian, "So did you just go swimming?"

Cashier, "Did you just have swim lessons? Did you dress yourself? Or are you just highly accident prone?" Crack me up.........I like the last statement by the cashier. Too funny!

So the question is............should I still allow my husband to take our kids out in public?

Crack me up! Please vote!

International Posters & Self Portrait in Clay

2012-01-26T15:06:00.000-08:00

The kids presented their countries today at International Day for homeschool fellowship.

At the beginning of the school year Hezekiah chose Norway, since he was studying Vikings.

Eli chose Japan, since Pokemon is made in Japan.

Pictures were printed in September.

But not til December did they glue them on poster board, and then glue them onto their display boards.

Since the boys had a country and were creating posters, someone else needed in on the action.

That individual being Maggie Beth, so she chose Mexico and so I helped her print out pictures, cut and paste them onto her poster.

We talked a lot about the letters that make up the word Mexico and how to say hello and good-bye in Spanish.

They did a fabulous job and so did the other children. They are so adorable!

Eli also created a self portrait of himself in clay today in his art class.

He did awesome, I was so impressed!

Eli said, "I love clay!"

Kringla

2012-01-25T10:35:00.000-08:00

This week with our Homeschool Fellowship we are having an International Day.

Hezekiah picked Norway. Eli picked Japan. Maggie Beth choose Mexico.

We did some research on the internet for easy, kid friendly recipes.

We found Kringla from Norway.

After much debate on what to make for Japan, Eli decided rice would work best, because everything else looked "gross!"

Crack me up.

And Maggie decided tacos and chips with salsa would be her food items. I limited it to just chips and salsa (you know to make life easier).

So today, we made Kringla. The boys helped put all the ingredients into BIG RED, my Kitchen Aide mixer (thanks to my mommy).

And then after refrigeration, they rolled out the dough and made them into a pretzel shape as displayed by the recipe.

They turned out pretty good. Not too sweet, like I like my sweets, but they are edible!

Volcanology

2012-01-22T18:26:00.000-08:00

Eli likes to play in the dirt. Remember "Mud Balling" just a few days ago?

Well, he is the one I can always find with the hose and dirt and hence mud.

Page was taking Hezekiah and Maggie to the store the other night, and Eli and I had some time together. He wanted to play in the dirt and make a little hill for his matchbox car.

I suggested he find a little cup and we could make volcanoes.

He was pumped.

So, he created his little hill of dirt with the cup inside, and I went and got baking soda and vinegar to let him play volcano eruption!

He had a blast, but definitely needed a bath afterward. He pretty much smelled of vinegar and well, was pretty muddy too!

LEGO Club, Archaeology, & Mixed Media

2012-01-19T16:49:00.000-08:00

Whew! What a day!

First LEGO Club.

Then an archaeological dig with a chocolate chip cookie. They were to excavate their chocolate chips without damaging the cookie. Eli was very methodical he found 24 chips on the top and bottom, Hezekiah ate each chocolate chip that he excavated (so we are not too sure the total of chocolate chips, he "claims" there were 84........mmmmm, hmmmm), Maggie Beth made a lot of dust AKA crumbs, therefore damage; and then she could not wait anymore and fell into temptation. But then again, she is 3. It was fun and very educational thanks to the Florida Public Archaeology Network and Central Homeschool fellowship.

Our day ended with Mixed Media for Eli at the Foosaner Art Institute.

He created a clay face, he said next week they get to paint them.

We finished our evening with a friend from Page's work coming over with his son to eat pizza and help them create their pinewood derby car.

Yep, I am happy to say..........kids are in bed.

A Typical Morning?

2012-01-18T09:40:00.000-08:00

A Typical Morning?

Not sure if there is such a thing in this house.

But this is our morning of schooling and playing.

Archery stemming from our reading of Robin Hood.

History of Nebuchanezzar going insane and eating grass.

Making of a weather vane and determining the speed of the wind.

And mud-balling.

Eli Time & Maggie Mirrors

2012-01-16T17:49:00.000-08:00

Maggie Beth has a new full length mirror in her room.

Dress up is definitely going to be more exciting.

I am sure if I was as cute as she is, I too would stand & just look at myself in the mirror.

This past weekend I also got to spend some time with Eli.

Page and I have started that each kiddo gets to go with us once a month somewhere of their choosing.

So Page had December, so I have January and I was maybe just as excited as Eli was to go spend some one on one time! He is such a button.

Guess where he choose?

Toys R Us and Cold Stone Creamery.

We had an awesome time.

It was nice to just be able to concentrate and listen to what he had to say.

Hezekiah - Scouts

2012-01-16T17:38:00.000-08:00

Hezekiah created a couple cars last week in and out of Boy Scouts.

He and his den created the red and white racing car and he also created his pinewood derby car that he gets to race at the beginning of February. He picked a design and cut it out with me and then Page helped him with the rest.

I just love the picture above of all those little boys in the swarm of blue and gold.

Oh, too cute!

Their pack does some really cute things at their meetings.

And he has an awesome time.

Guess who woke me up this morning?

2012-01-13T11:37:00.000-08:00

Two of my children are often awake before me each morning.

They merrily play in their room until I am ready to start the day.

One little one a lot of times comes and gets in bed with me in the morning and cuddles with her babies and me!

This morning Robin Hood bounced into my room, with hat and all.

Some busy hands were creating a hat this morning with a red feather.

Hezekiah, in my room says, "Look Mommy, I am Robin Hood."

I looked but since I do not wear my contacts to sleep and my glasses were missing, I said, "Oh? Really?"

Hezekiah, "Yep, see my hat?"

Me, "No.....I do not have my glasses on."

Hezekiah gets my glasses for me and low and behold it is a Robin Hood hat.
I certainly must have been smack dab in the middle of Sherwood Forest.

Hezekiah said, "Eli is Little John, but he is in the other room."

I thought it was absolutely adorable all taped to his little 8 year old head.

I love how my children pretend play. They are so cute and I love the innocence.

Oh, so sweet, play little one play and keep pretending.......that imagination is priceless!

(We had read Robin Hood before Christmas break......and finally borrowed a copy of the Disney version from the library yesterday).

LEGOLAND

2012-01-06T10:15:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of some of the mini-land of LEGOES.

Above is Times Square, which was neat to show the kids since we just finished The Cricket in Times Square.

All of the buildings and cars were made of LEGOES. It was pretty amazing!

LEGOLAND

2012-01-06T10:13:00.000-08:00

We shot at mummies in the Adventure land area.

Above is the Tech track........yep, I did think I was going to fall out of that one!

LEGOLAND

2012-01-06T10:10:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went to LEGOLAND with our homeschool fellowship group.

We only had to pay five dollars per person to go compared to their 65-75 dollar per person ticket.

So it was a fabulous deal.

We had a really cool time. It is really unbelievable how they build all these cool creations with LEGOES.

It is definitely geared for 2-12 year olds, so it fit our children's age group perfectly.

They enjoyed the flying school, traffic school, boating school, and rescue area.

They mostly enjoyed the roller coasters, especially the LEGO Tech track. Of which I thought I was going to fall out of, crack me up!

Our favorite roller coaster was the Dragon over in the area with the cool Castle and jousting.

I love his giggle!

2012-01-03T10:33:00.000-08:00

Probably the best entertainment is watching Eli giggle at Tom and Jerry!
He is just adorable! I could watch & listen to him all day giggle.
His giggles make me smile!

I Might Be Longing for Christmas Past

2012-01-02T20:52:00.000-08:00

I am thinking I want Christmas break to stay.

It has been a wonderful "break." And I like routine, but I have not missed it at all!

I think I am longing for Christmas to just keep going........if you know what I mean?

Also the generosity of Christmas........I would like for it to stay.

This kind worker at Disney today just gave Maggie Beth this huge cookie.

Just gave it to her! Just because he could!

I like, no, I love this time of year. I just want it to stay!

Yes, I hung out with this CREW! They crack me up!

2012-01-02T20:38:00.000-08:00

There are a few people I adore.

They are pretty crazy.

I hung out with this crew.......and yeah......they are really that funny!

And that adorable.

Evidence......of adorable....just see above!

So we made some memories.

A beautiful day of funny memories.

One young boy got his first driver's license!

And.......yep this crew.......Cracks me up! Especially since every picture taken today pretty much looked like the one above!

Celebrating 15 Years of Married Life!

2011-12-29T16:29:00.000-08:00

Today Page and I got to celebrate 15 wonderful years of marriage!

Thanks to some sweet friends who watched our kiddos for the day!

Thank you Mike and Cindy Mugge for making this day possible for us.

You truly are a blessing!!!

We went to Epcot and enjoyed walking hand and hand, talking about life, reminiscing about life before kids, enjoyed eating some pastries at France, riding the Maelstrom at Norway, watching the China, France, and America shows. Most of all, we enjoyed time alone with each other. It was AWESOME!

I love my husband more today than the day we got married. God has certainly blessed us and I am forever thankful and grateful for the blessings of a Godly husband and the sweet blessing of children.

Grandma & Grandpa Visit

2011-12-28T17:05:00.000-08:00

Grandma and Grandpa came to visit for Christmas!

It was such a sweet visit.

Maggie Beth enjoyed the attention she received from Grandma and Grandpa and she did the Hula many times for them.

Hezekiah and Eli enjoyed watching Grandma and Grandpa open their presents.

They helped pick out the presents, such as a Buddha for Grandma (tee hee), & a Totem pole, tea, peanut butter for Grandpa (of course), and the pictures of themselves that Maggie Beth helped wrap.

Thank you for visiting Grandma and Grandpa! We love you!

Christmas Morning

2011-12-28T16:50:00.000-08:00

Glee! Excitement! Exclamations: "I have always wanted this for my whole life!"

Squeals, high pitched yells, screams of delight.

Wrapping paper flying everywhere for approximately 5-10 minutes if that.....

A small portion of our Christmas morning was spent opening gifts.

The remainder of the morning was spent playing with toys.

Of which were Sorry Sliders, Candy Land, and my new all time favorite due to the many giggles and laughs generated is definitely Twister!

It was too funny, and the blood rushes to your head........it totally cracked me up!!!

We even got Grandma and Grandpa to play after Christmas dinner!

Birthday On Christmas Eve

2011-12-25T17:33:00.000-08:00

Celebrating your birthday on Christmas Eve?

You have some competition.....right......with all the Christmas festivities.

We like to try and make it special for our little guy.

So Christmas Eve morning was spent at Krispy Kreme with us singing to Hezekiah for his 8th birthday!

Candle in the doughnut and all!

Hollywood Studios Decorations

2011-12-24T11:33:00.000-08:00

The decorations at Hollywood Studios are too adorable.

I love the melting snowmen and the Santa climbing the building.

I could not pass up the chance of getting the kids pictures with them.

Hollywood Studios

2011-12-24T11:18:00.000-08:00

Hollywood Studios -- Christmas/Hezekiah's 8th

2011-12-24T11:17:00.000-08:00

Our whole trip, Page pretty much felt this way.......poor guy. Sore throat and all, he was a

trooper and thankfully he had a good time anyhow!

Friday we went to Hollywood Studios! Hezekiah got to choose today which
park to go to.

Page and Hezekiah rode the Rocking Roller Coaster. Eli opted out today
because he had just eaten breakfast and was not willing to lose it. (He
cracks me up!)

We went on Toy Story, played with the Toy soldier.

We watched Mickey's Christmas Carol, made Uncle Scrooge from the
Christmas Carol at the art institute, visited with snowmen, and had fun
at Star Tours.

The kids made light sabers.

Magic Kingdom Christmas

2011-12-24T11:03:00.000-08:00

Thursday we went over to the Magic Kingdom.

Hezekiah's birthday is Christmas Eve, so we got him his birthday button and rode what he wanted
to ride.
He chose Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain as his two
favorites.
Uhhh, we got soaked on Splash Mountain. I do not remember
getting as wet the last times we rode it. So then we dried off on
Thunder Mountain.

Thursday we spent sometime in the pool and hot tub at
the hotel and later in the evening we went over to Epcot for some
holiday Christmas shopping. We had to get something special for Grandma.

The Lights & Shows

2011-12-24T10:57:00.000-08:00

At the Gaylord Palms they had beautiful lights, a lighting of the
Christmas tree ceremony and shows.

Christmas Getaway -- Gaylord Palms

2011-12-24T10:54:00.000-08:00

Animal Kingdom

2011-12-24T10:48:00.000-08:00

Christmas Getaway

We had a bit of a get-away. We went to Animal Kingdom on Wednesday and
then stayed at the Gaylord Palms for a couple nights.

We had fun walking around the hotel, swimming, finding hidden polar
bears, and enjoying the Christmas festivities at Disney and at the hotel.

The lights were beautiful.

8 years old

2011-12-23T18:25:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve 2003, I was in the hospital giving birth to this little guy!

He is absolutely an amazing kid! Happy Birthday Sweetie Pie!

You are the sweetest little gift! We love you so much! May God bless you this year of 8!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

2011-12-17T12:07:00.001-08:00

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Band Practice -- The Electro Band

2011-12-16T17:08:00.001-08:00

Does your band practice look a bit like this?

I am a huge fan of this band! They were practicing early this morning for their 1:30 and 12:30 performances.

They totally rock! They are awaiting the arrival of other fans, AKA Grandma and Grandpa.

Just push the belly button!

2011-12-16T11:09:00.001-08:00

Maggie Beth was sitting on Page's lap. She gives him a bunch of kisses. She says "I'm gonna give all my kisses to Daddy." Page says "Will there be any left for Mommy?" "Yeah! When you push the belly button, more kisses come out!"

Look Who's Been Baking.....

2011-12-15T09:47:00.000-08:00

I have had some helpers in the kitchen the past couple of days.

We have been making Christmas treats!

Maggie Beth's Christmas Party

2011-12-14T10:33:00.000-08:00

Maggie Beth and her classmates celebrated Jesus' birthday today.

They had a party with cupcakes. Maggie Beth blew out the candle.

Then they had songs to sing & most of the kids sang their songs.

Another friend cried and Maggie threw a fit, Maggie sat on the floor and jingled her bells for a bit with a pouty lip.

Then on the last song she finally stood up and sang, "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

She certainly is a character and a little overly dramatic perhaps, they should have done a play!

Overall she had a great time, until her "performance."

Making Christmas Cookies with Maggie Beth & Her Class

2011-12-13T09:53:00.000-08:00

This morning I had the opportunity to spend sometime with Maggie Beth and her class decorating Christmas cookies.

She licked a lot of icing. So did her friends, and Maggie used a lot of sprinkles. Maggie Beth did a terrific job and oh my those little ones are pretty stinkin' cute!

The Cricket in Times Square -- Story Box

2011-12-13T09:45:00.000-08:00

We have been reading The Cricket in Times Square. So today we started creating a story box. The boys have added Chester the cricket, Tucker the mouse, and Harry the Cat. They have also put in a matchbox with a Kleenex and a pagoda for the cricket to sleep in. The boys also created their own Times Square, ummm, with Big Ben. (Ha ha ha!) So we will be adding more to our boxes as we progress farther in the story. I think they did a great job!

Presents & Play

2011-12-11T11:44:00.000-08:00

Hezekiah opened his presents.....his expressions were hysterical......."I've always wanted this, Awesome, Sweet!"

Crack me up!

He enjoyed all of his wonderful gifts.

Afterwards, we finally got a chance to burn off the cake & ice cream, well the kids did!

Happy 8th birthday Hezekiah!

And sweetie pie, I had my 21st birthday at McDonald's, you got yours 13 years before me........but I was kidnapped and taken there.....you sweetie got to ride in your daddy's truck!

Now we have McDonald memories to share!

We love you sweet potato!

8 -- The Cake

2011-12-11T11:35:00.000-08:00

We then sang Happy Birthday to Hezekiah and had some cake & ice cream.

I love the progression of him blowing out his candles on his Rocka 3.0 cake!

What a cutie bug!

8 - Party

2011-12-11T11:29:00.000-08:00

Hezekiah's 8th Birthday!

We originally were to be outside at Rodes Park, however we were able to make a quick change and party instead at McDonalds.

We played a little heads up 7 up!

Rocka 3.0

2011-12-09T13:21:00.000-08:00

My Christmas Eve baby will be turning 8 very soon.

We celebrated his birthday Saturday with some sweet friends. (Thank you!!!)

I cannot believe this young man is turning 8. He is a wild one, but he is precious.

The other day when Eli was sick and shivering with a fever, Hezekiah went and got him a blanket and put it over his brothers shoulders and said, "Here Eli, this will make you feel better." He has a sweet heart. I love how he cares for his brother and sister.

We love you Hezekiah, you are growing up to be such a wonderful young man, and you are my little love forever. Happy birthday sweetheart. You are the best Christmas present!

Fort Christmas

2011-12-05T18:27:00.000-08:00

Here are some other pictures of our trip to Fort Christmas.

Fort Christmas -- Florida Cracker Christmas

2011-12-05T18:00:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday we went to Fort Christmas to the Florida Cracker Christmas.

We watched a lady with these bobbins creating lace. We also got to see a lady making soap, making yarn, etc.

We went last year and really enjoyed ourselves.

This year, well, I think Page and I would have enjoyed it more.........uh by ourselves.

Why? Well, alas we discovered Eli was not feeling very well. Poor kid. So he had a good excuse.

But the other 2........not so well behaved as their day before at EPCOT.

We will leave it at that. You all don't have days like that at all. Right?

But for not being much of a history buff, I really enjoy the "real-life" experience of history, seeing the Indian dances, the historic clothing, and the way people may have lived, is pretty cool.

Germany -- The Christmas Tree

2011-12-04T13:05:00.000-08:00

In Germany we learned about the legend of the Christmas tree, and how Martin Luther saw the glistening of the ice on the trees on Christmas eve and how it reminded him of the Star in the Christmas story, so he cut down the tree and brought it in for a sermon and placed candles on the tree. We also learned that Germany also gave us the Advent Calendar (of which we have in our house) and also the Nutcracker.

We watched a man create some glass bulbs........they are so beautiful.

Maggie Beth enjoyed playing these congos, perhaps Santa should bring her some for Christmas.

Dreidel & Santa

2011-12-04T12:49:00.000-08:00

I think meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus made some children I know a bit tongue tied, they really did not want to talk and tell them what they wanted for Christmas. Eli figured he could just mail his wish list he made at Toys R Us to Santa. Since there are approximately 84 Pokemon items on it anyhow, it would be a bit much to tell Santa, and well we do not want to take the chance of getting kicked out of Disney's EPCOT. Maggie Beth managed to get out that she would like a baby doll.

Here the kids learned about the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, and played the game of Dreidel.

I had heard of Dreidel, but had never played.

Neat game and cool history that this game was a way of the Jewish people to learn the Torah which had been outlawed by the Greeks.

We also got to hear the singers here sing some Christmas carols. It was amazing!

EPCOT - Christmas Around the World

2011-12-04T12:33:00.000-08:00

Saturday we went to EPCOT, to learn about some Christmas traditions around the world, it was a lot of fun learning, I think the kids mostly enjoyed learning how to play Dreidel.

We started out riding our favorite rides though, Test Track and Soarin'!

Maggie Beth and Hezekiah also wanted to get pictures with Pooh Bear and Tigger, Santa & Mrs. Claus.

Eli's not really into the costumed "Disney" figures or getting his picture with Santa.........guess he takes after me!

Love.........

2011-11-29T17:49:00.000-08:00

Love............this child of mine. I love him. About a week ago, during quiet time I found him crying in my room.

I asked him what was wrong, and he said, "It's kind of difficult to explain." So, I said, "Well, when you are ready to tell me I want to listen."

So, a couple days past and then I found him again in my room crying. I said, "Eli, you know why God gave you a Mommy and a Daddy?"

Eli, "Why?"

Me, "So, when you are sad about something we can help you and talk to you about it."

Eli, "Well, it is kind of difficult to explain."

Me, "Well, why don't you try to tell me."

Eli, "Well, when I get older I don't want to leave and go and live by myself and get married. I just want to stay here with you and Daddy. I love you. And I don't ever want to get rid of any of my toys in garage sales."

Me, "Eli, oh honey, you know that you can stay with me and Daddy for as long as you want to, you do not have to leave, I love you so much and so does Daddy and if you want to live with us forever, you can, you are more than welcome to stay with us. And you know Eli, you do not have to get married either if you do not want to. And when you are ready to sell something at a garage sale, you can decide when the time is to sell it. How does that sound?"

Eli looked up at me and smiled and I gave him hugs and kisses. A look of relief came upon his little face.

I asked him, "So, baby is this what you were crying about the other day too?"

Eli, "Yes, Mommy."

I said, "Well, you know you need to tell Mommy these things, because you were worrying yourself about something you did not need to." (How often do we do this ourselves???)

Oh, I love that I can homeschool and have the time to listen and hold and hug and help when those overwhelming feelings come for my little ones. It is such a blessing to be here to hear them and their concerns. Even though it may come a time when Eli is a teenager and he is ready to be on his own. I will remember these little tears and this conversation will be forever imprinted upon my heart.

I also loved that today when we were talking about changing out his booster chair in the car that he got all teary eyed and wanted to keep his old one in the attic. Poor kid, just cannot part with those "things or toys" it seems. Oh, he is a sweetie pie.

Peanuts Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T16:18:00.000-08:00

From our family to yours Happy Thanksgiving!

We invited some friends over for a Peanuts Thanksgiving Party.

The friends were Pilgrims and Indians. SO ADORABLE they all were!

We made some turkeys & watched the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and then had our own Peanuts Thanksgiving in our back yard.

There was toast, jelly beans, pretzels, and popcorn. Just like the show!

Thanks for spending some time with our family and may your days be blessed!

Backyard Photos

2011-11-21T11:11:00.000-08:00

Here are some backyard photos from our practice photo shoot.

Crack me up!

Do you really want to know what was involved.............lots of wiggling bodies, giggles, bribery (by myself) while Page would set the timer to take a family photo. Bribes did not matter...........so do you see any family photos presented? Ha ha ha!!! The answer is NO! Oh, my seriously why can't little bodies sit still? But these little bodies are pretty stinking cute!

Gobble Gobble!

2011-11-20T17:42:00.001-08:00

So here is my first Pinterest project.

Ha ha ha!! Yep, I gave in to Pinterest.

But these little turkeys are just too cute!

The kids and I are going to make some more tomorrow.

All kids wear these..............right?

2011-11-17T17:03:00.001-08:00

So if you see some kids sporting head lights..........in Wal-Mart..........yeah, those are my kids!

Thanksgiving -- My Little Indian

2011-11-16T09:33:00.001-08:00

Maggie Beth had her Thanksgiving party today at preschool. We braided her hair to go along with her Indian headdress.

Oh, I love this kid!!!

Hollywood -- In the making

2011-11-15T10:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we spent some time together learning about how movies are made (Indiana Jones), special effects (Backlot tour), animation (this time we created Tinkerbell in our animation class), history of movie making, stunts in Hollywood.

We rode the Rockin' Roller Coaster; Hezekiah, Eli (who must have grown since last visit b/c he was 48 inches), Page and I. Hezekiah and I screamed our heads almost off on the Rockin' Roller Coaster. Hezekiah and Eli declared that it is the funnest ride there. Maggie took turns with Page or I snacking on a chocolate covered marshmallow with M&M's...........yeah..........she did not eat it all.........she really wanted to ride the roller coaster.

We watched Disney Junior Live.

This is what happens when the day is spent and it is time to go home.

We met Mike from Monsters Inc. and shrunk the kids. We even went into Toy Story and Eli was winning most of the time, but somehow I pulled out 10,000 more points in the end. But Page surpassed us all in the Toy Story points.

And if you think it was all fun and games it was, but the boys did do all their schoolwork prior to 9 a.m., by completeing the majority of it on the ride to Hollywood Studios.

So we were ready to rock once we got there.

I am so thankful for God's blessings, a wonderful family and time He has given us together.

Wildlife Conservation

2011-11-13T19:18:00.000-08:00

After church today Hezekiah and I spent sometime at the zoo working on his wildlife conservation belt loop for Boy Scouts.

He learned about classification of organisms, paw prints, how to make an oyster mat so that the oyster larvae will have places to grow and their populations will rebound.

He also learned how oysters are filter feeders and that they are a keystone organism.

He created an insect collage. Learned about food chains and presented his conservation homework on Cheetahs to his group. He did fabulous!

The other scouts and he also got to meet some animals up close, such as a hog nose snake, a chinchilla, and a Tanzanian bullfrog.

Just Saturday

2011-11-12T18:44:00.001-08:00

Check out our new tire swing. (It cost us nothing.......we found the tire next door and had rope already = instant fun in the front yard).

Check out our silly kids at the beach. So cute!

So sweet! I love this one of the boys hugging with Maggie Beth between them. LOVE!!!

Celebrating Harmonica

2011-11-09T18:09:00.001-08:00

This morning for homeschool we were studying about the Jewish festivals and feasts and we talked about Hannukah and why the Jewish people celebrated Hannukah, and some fun facts.

Later this afternoon on our way to the gym, Hezekiah says,"Umm, Mommy, I was wondering if we could celebrate Harmonica, because the kids get a present each day for 8 days."

I started laughing and I said, "Do you mean Hannukah?"

Hezekiah, "Yes, Mommy and we could each get a present."

I said, "Well, we aren't Jewish, but I guess we could remember what God did for the Jewish people."

For that kid it is all about the presents.

Crack Me Up!!!!

So maybe, just maybe we will be celebrating Harmonica this year!

You know what is cute about my kids and Miniwheats?

2011-11-07T18:22:00.001-08:00

My kids like frosted miniwheats.

Do you know what is cute about them and frosted miniwheats?

Well, sometimes the frosted miniwheats are attached together like a book. And they call those miniwheats that are attached Bibles.

They will count how many Bibles they have in their bowls and they are super sad if they did not get a Bible. (So I secretly try to make sure they at least each have one if I am pouring the miniwheats)!

Anyhow, they will run up to me and ask me what their Bible says. Often times I will say, "It says Jesus loves you!" Other times I come up with a random verse that over the years I have memorized. But it is just pretty stinking cute to hear them talk about their miniwheat Bibles!

Give Thanks

2011-11-06T17:31:00.001-08:00

Here is our Giving Thanks Tree.

At dinner each evening we are writing or drawing on a leaf what we are thankful for and then placing it on our tree.

Hopefully it will help our hearts and attitudes to be grateful for all that He has blessed us with.

Pony Ride

2011-11-05T12:56:00.000-07:00

Today we went to a birthday party for one of Maggie Beth's little friends from preschool.

The party was at Carousel Party Acres in Fellsmere.

I had never heard of it.

The kids went on pony rides, a hay ride, and there was a petting farm. It was so cute and Maggie Beth was so brave riding the horse. This was the first time for her. Eli has been on pony rides before when we went over to River Ranch. He too had a blast.

So, that is what I call Happy!

2011-11-04T15:30:00.001-07:00

Today was a bit liberating!

I went to Magic Kingdom without a camera.

I did have my phone, but it is not really a great camera and the memory is always full.

I went without a stroller.

I went with three kids, mine, all by myself.

And no one, PTL went missing! That is always my fear, that I will lose one of my children, like they would get lost in the crowd...........this happened to me once at Stone Mountain and it was only for a second, but that icky feeling........scared me to death. Don't like that one bit and I am trying to overcome that fear.

You may think that is crazy, but I just totally psyched myself up with scripture and well with God all things are possible.

Not only was it liberating, but it was such a beautiful day!

The weather was amazing. The above picture is of a previous visit, but I needed a picture for the post.

The company was sweet, I held little hands, kissed the tops of fuzzy heads, talked and loved on my kiddos.

My sweet little ones behaved amazingly! We laughed and giggled and just were totally blessed by an amazing time together.

I honestly did not feel anxious about anything, God is so good.

This is what happens when a 3 year old sneaks out of her room, while you are talking on the phone!

2011-11-01T10:50:00.001-07:00

Minutes before this, Maggie asked for some scissors.

I escorted her and the scissors to her room and I watched her cut paper and then I took the scissors back to the kitchen.

The phone rang, so I answered and while I was talking Maggie Beth, three years of age, apparently started cutting a stethoscope out of her hair with the same scissors I took away from her.

I was not aware she was even out of her room, since I was talking on the phone (briefly at that).........so in the matter of seconds..........this is what I found.

Since she has a ton of hair, it is not that noticeable. However on the left side of her head is a patch of shorter hairs admist the longer hairs.
Lovely!

Alternative to Halloween

2011-10-31T18:12:00.000-07:00

This evening we went to our favorite alternative for Halloween. It is where we go to Homeschool fellowship, Central Baptist.

They have the cutest little Bible Story games for the kids to play. We have been going to it for years and it is just sweet and quaint.

Very family friendly and low stress. I was kind of sad because this year I actually had to work, so I was so thankful that I was able to got with Page and the kids for a good while before I had to head off to lab. They had a great time as usual playing the games and jumping in the jump house. Thank you Central Baptist for doing a wonderful alternative to Halloween in our neighborhood.

Trunk or Treat Round 1

2011-10-31T09:43:00.000-07:00

Last night we took the kids over to a nearby church to do a little Trunk or Treating it is the First Nazarene church across from Florida Tech.

We are going to go out again this evening at our favorite Trunk or Treat at Central Baptist.

The kids chose to be a Storm Trooper, Snow White, and Bat Man.

This evening I think the boys have chose different costumes.

Maggie Beth got some rocks........uhh....like Charlie Brown.

Crack me up!

We invited some friends to join us! Thanks Mugge's!

The girls were famous princesses.........too funny.

Pokemon Pumpkin

2011-10-30T11:58:00.001-07:00

Our rainy Saturday morning was spent creating our Pokemon Pumpkin. It's name, the Pokemon character, is Haunter.

Page always has the privilege of carving the pumpkin. Hezekiah and Eli (our extreme Pokemon crazed child) choose the face of our pumpkin.

Perhaps Page enjoys the task of carving a little too much.........he looks a little crazy with that knife.......uh....scarey!

And with pumpkin guts there were bubbles!

Random Post

2011-10-28T09:47:00.001-07:00

Plans, you make them and then sometimes the plans do not work out as you predicted.

I had plans today to take my 3 kids over to Magic Kingdom. I was going to be brave and take them all by myself.

But I started having a sore throat last night and woke up and it was worse. So those plans flew out the window.

So, the Great Pumpkin won out and so did random 3-D art. I believe Maggie Beth has been studying her brother Eli's works since hers looks similar to his 3-D works.

Maggie's paper is the green paper & Eli's white. Lots of glue was consumed during the creations.

Hezekiah, must have known that I was a bit sad, because he made me a Soarin' pass. He said, "Mommy, do you think this will get us on Soarin'?"

So sweet.

Sleeping Beauty

2011-10-27T17:24:00.000-07:00

Sleeping Beauty found........swinging in our backyard.

Sleeping Beauty found............sleeping in her bed with her costume on.

Sleeping Beauty..............for a princess has not had such nice words to share lately.

Certainly not acting like a princess, but there is hope.

Tonight, after getting in trouble for not having nice words in a sobbing cry, she says, "I am sorry Mommy. I guess I just need to learn God's Words better."

There is hope for three year olds! RIGHT???

Fingerprints

2011-10-25T11:47:00.001-07:00

This morning Hezekiah's science lab was all about his skin. How it stretches and how it heals itself with the clotting of the blood. How your body cools itself with sweat. He and Eli also examined their fingerprints. They liked seeing how each of their fingers, their thumbs, and their pinkies were different from each others. They are certainly fearfully and wonderfully made! It is is such a blessing to be able to share how uniquely God created them with them. To say, "Hezekiah, Eli, God made you very special and amazing!" Oh, and the caterpillar on his arm gets smaller when he folds his arm in and bigger when he stretches.......to display his stretchy skin! And yes, the caterpillar is still there.

Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

2011-10-25T10:32:00.000-07:00

Never abandon a friend--either yours or your father's. Proverbs 27:10

Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

“Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Matthew 18:15-18

Friends, let's talk about accountability. I have been doing a Bible study with some ladies of one which I know through Home school fellowship. The others I am just beginning to get to know. But I am really excited about the whole mentoring, that God sought me out so that I could be mentored by someone who has been there. It is so nice to have that accountability as I have with some other precious friends.

Something that was in our study the other week was holding our spouses, brothers/sisters in Christ accountable. I had asked but "what if" it turns that person away from Christ. And the answer was a good one, and it was something like this, "If they are of Christ then they will not turn from Him." So true, when we are right with the Lord and we know we are wrong and sinning and when our friend says, "Ya, know that is not right," then we will turn back to God and seek His forgiveness. Even with young Christians and old, we, "if we are of Him" will not be turned away, but disciplined, instructed, and changed in our walk to make us more like HIM. Which leads me to the key verse Proverbs 27:6......Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but any enemy multiplies kisses.

A friend is one who loves at all times and will patiently help walk with you through those valleys and hard times. Even the good. So when a friend shares something, that may be hard to hear, it is because they love you. An enemy, not so much, they will lie and say not so nice things about you.

So, if you are so vain to think this post is about you, don't you, don't you? It probably is not, unless it is hitting home.

But I have been dwelling on this thought and just pondering His word in my mind and thinking about this whole accountability relationship we have with other Christians.
Why when we have asked another Christian or called them out and mind you in love, not out of us wanting to be right etc., but out of love and also looking at the log in our own eye........why is there the opposite reaction of not being sorry, or not wanting to reconcile, are they not of God or is it taking some time of healing? Or when we have asked some one to help us when we have been wronged to intervene with us as in Matthew 18, and they do not help us but let us fall by the wayside because they do not want to hold the other party accountable, then why? Why does this occur? We are to hold and help each other in our walk, so that we will grow to maturity and we should not feel awkward about it, but seek forgiveness out of love for God and one another. It is suppose to be a love/love interaction, winning others over out of love.

So when we fail to do so, hold others accountable, I asked the ladies in the Bible study that I am doing with them, "Do you think that is being sinful?"
What do you think?
I have an answer for you. But I want to hear from you.

Making Paper

2011-10-24T10:46:00.001-07:00

This weekend at Epcot the kids made paper, learned about the safety equipment you would need to pack in a hurricane, natural disaster, and what to do when there is a fire in your house. They played a couple games and learned all the steps in making paper from pulp.

Tom Sawyer's Island Quiz

2011-10-24T10:30:00.000-07:00

We had a little island time this weekend. As requested by two young men in the family. They wanted to visit Tom Sawyer's island.

Since we were waiting in line to get on the raft to cross over to Tom Sawyer's island I decided to quiz the boys on how much they had remembered.

I was impressed with their answers!

I wonder if they pretended that they were the fictional Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn?

Everyone has to talk to her?

2011-10-23T11:24:00.000-07:00

As we traveled around Disney and Epcot via monorail, bus, boat, etc.

There seemed to be an affinity yesterday of people wanting to talk to our "Princess."

I am not sure how many conversations were started by others to inquire about Maggie Beth and her doings.

At one point I think it was toward mid-day......I was beginning to wonder if Maggie Beth had posted on her shirt......."Please talk to me, ask me how old I am, ask me my name, ask me to sing the ABC's and count my numbers, ask me what my favorite ride is, ask me my whole life story of 3 years......because obviously I love to talk and tell everyone about myself."

She did enjoy that attention and got a many a laugh. Which I believed fueled the fire. Especially with her number eleventeen and well she is pretty cute, I must admit.

In line when I took her and Eli on Astro orbiter, these two just kept hugging and playing.

So sweet. I wish they were that sweet to each other everyday!

My Pumpkins

2011-10-21T17:45:00.000-07:00

This evening we visited our favorite pumpkin patch.

My pumpkins picked out some little pumpkins to decorate.

The pictures are just adorable. We are going to have to go back Sunday evening for a hayride.

And well, we are looking forward to it!

Lemonade! Cookies!

2011-10-21T10:20:00.001-07:00

Garage sale is still going! So far profit, fourty-nine dollars and some change!

We are still selling cookies & lemonade. I think the first hour is all the boys lasted then they got a bit bored with the whole "Customer thing!"

Maggie Beth happily assisted getting ice for the lemonade cups. I still have some cozy coupes, toys, and a jeep for sale! Anyone, Anyone???

Electromagnetic Cranes & Joints/Muscles

2011-10-20T12:40:00.001-07:00

What do electromagnets and joints have in common?

Nothing really, except for that is what our science studies were on this morning.

Eli created an electromagnetic crane to lift up paperclips.

Hezekiah made an elbow joint and added strings on it later to show how the muscles pull.

Solenoids

2011-10-19T10:12:00.001-07:00

Eli has been studying magnets and electromagnets.

Last week he had to design a railroad track signal that was connected to a needle that was pulled into the solenoid.

Bobcat Stripes

2011-10-17T11:09:00.001-07:00

Friday night Hezekiah got his Bobcat Stripes. He is so cute!

I love you little bug!

Art of Sand & Steak n Shake

2011-10-17T10:46:00.000-07:00

This weekend we had the chance to go to the Art of Sand exhibition and watch some of the artists at work.

It was a great experience because Hezekiah who is not a big fan of drawing or coloring, really enjoyed the sculpting.

I am always excited to broaden the kids horizons, that if they do not like one thing about Art (like drawing or coloring), they might like something else, like sand, clay, etc. Eli and Maggie Beth love coloring and drawing and they too enjoyed creating in the sand. It was pretty neat to see the different techniques the sculptors used, I especially liked watching them use the straws and blowing air out to remove the delicate pieces of sand.

There is just something about a pile of sand and then the beauty that is carved out of it.

Amazing! Reminds me of how God created humankind.

The kids enjoyed playing in the big sand box. They enjoyed making sand castles. Hezekiah told his brother and sister and the other kids that desired to play along that they would create the best sand sculpture and that they would win one thousand dollars. He had several helpers.

Cake for Aeronix -- 26th Birthday

2011-10-14T17:58:00.001-07:00

This is the cake I made this week for Aeronix.

The company where Page works.

It was their 26th birthday and they asked that I create a cake for them with minimal decor.

So I re-created their emblem with the company colors.

All that was requested were the colors and happy birthday.

This was my first paid gig!

Kentucky Fall

2011-10-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

While we were up in Kentucky, Page took these photos in the backyard of his sister's house.

They turned out beautiful!!!

A Special Treat

2011-10-13T17:53:00.000-07:00

Uncle Ray and Aunt Tama had a special treat for us. We got to spend our last day out on their house boat.

It was so beautiful on the Laurel Lake. We cruised around and the breeze was nice and cool.

The leaves and their reflection in the water was just amazing.

It was so relaxing and the kids and us absolutely loved it. It was such a special treat for them to share their time with us.

The kids and Page enjoyed the hot tub.

Page relaxed in a robe after his hot tubing. Uncle Ray allowed each of the kids to drive the boat. They loved it!

Page relaxed and watched some football and the kids watched some cartoons.

We had such an amazing time. And are so thankful for their generosity and love.

Phelps Family Reunion

2011-10-13T17:37:00.000-07:00

We had such a great time at the Phelps family reunion.

Our kids had fun meeting cousins they had never met before.

We enjoyed holding our niece's & nephew's little ones!

Maggie Beth looks a bit like her cousin Ashley....

Here is a picture of Page and his brother Tanny. Hezekiah met his cousin Bernard and they were best pals the whole time.

I believe they decided they would be pen pals.

Above are some of the pictures that were displayed. The first picture is of Page's Granny and Grandpa. Page found out that he is the youngest of the grandchildren.

Of which there are MANY!!!

The picture above, when we pointed to it and asked Maggie Beth who it was she said Eli. But this is actually a picture of one of her Grandpa's brothers.

Here are some pictures of the kids with their cousins.

20 years in the Making

2011-10-12T11:02:00.000-07:00

Three families, 11 children, roots from the hills of Kentucky.

Twenty years ago I met these two college girls, Beth and Lacey.

Beth was in Insights with me, that freshman college orientation group, and Lacey was in the room next to me in our dorm, Johnson Hall, when we all met 20 years ago.

I recall we were in English together. And then all three of us were in Old Testament class together, or Drama. You all can correct me!

Later we all roomed together in a blue and white trailer, I think we each paid $67 dollars a month for rent. Crack me up!

That is were our paths crossed in the hills of Williamsburg, Kentucky at Cumberland College.

Twenty years have passed this past August and once again our paths have crossed miles North at the Cumberland Falls were these girls were camping with their kiddos this past weekend. I guess all the stars aligned to meet up, God's blessing! It was a brief get together. But was sweet to see the kiddos all playing together. We have certainly been blessed. I wished we all lived closer so we could share in the day to day of life as we once did. So our kids could share sweet times. But the times they share will have to be short visits and I hope that they are precious to them in their little memories.

Thanks Beth, Lacey for meeting up with us! I love you guys and pray for you daily! God bless friends!

Lunch at Weavers

2011-10-12T10:46:00.001-07:00

After the Falls we met Aunt "Hannah" at Weaver's or "That girl," also known as Aunt Tama. Maggie Beth came up with several names for Aunt Tama, Maggie Beth warmed up to her very quickly and they seemed to have sweet time together. Maggie had to sit by Aunt Tama a lot!!! So adorable and precious.

Weaver's is a darling little dining establishment that has chili dogs and lots of family photos up on the walls.

There are a lot of Phelps photos on the walls and every time I have been in there I have been introduced to a Phelps family member.

Also downtown is where two of Page's cousins have their Electric supply company.

The Cumberland Falls - Kentucky

2011-10-11T18:43:00.000-07:00

The Cumberland Falls, beauty, history, autumn, Kentucky.

Last Thursday we traveled North toward some changing leaves.

Destination, London, Kentucky.

We traveled to our Phelps' family reunion.

Friday we spent some time over at the Cumberland Falls.

Since I went to Cumberland College (now known as University of the Cumberlands), there is a history there.

I use to visit these Falls with friends from college. I believe my first trip was with my freshman group (I totally forget the name of the little cell groups we were placed in), but we went there to see the moon bow. Full moon, mist from falls = moon bow! Which was awesome. So it was wonderful to be able to share the Falls with the kids. Page has been there too, as a kid when he would visit family in Kentucky and we had been there together B.K. (before kids)! We hiked all the way down to the beach area and had such a wonderful time as a family. The kids enjoyed collecting leaves, rocks, and shells......of which we came home with.

Kentucky, I love the splendor of your Fall beauty.

Coming Home to Hopscotch

2011-10-04T11:16:00.001-07:00

Last night I got out of teaching at BCC a bit earlier than usual, gotta love those lab nights!

I arrived home to see small versions of zig-zagged hopscotches drawn out on the concrete.

There were some little ones ready to play. Another adult in our house sprained his ankle, so hopscotch was out of his capabilities.

So I drew a larger version so my big feet could fit in the squares!

We played a bit of hop scotch.

It is much more fun to play than to work!

It has been busy here, I am not sure if I mentioned Page just finished an on-line course for work and he did awesome! So things have been busy. It is sometimes hard to fit in all the things I would like to in a day, but I am learning to throw schedule out the window and know that God will provide the time to get everything done that is most important.

Hop scotch, therefore, and riding bikes = more important!

Cub Scouts, Bugs, The Lion King, & Mitosis/Meiosis Cupcakes -- My Week in a nut shell

2011-09-30T10:13:00.001-07:00

This week has flown by without many pictures to display.

I have 2, since my camera has been sleepy most of the week.

No wonder why.....it has been pretty busy.

Let's go backwards, since Friday is more of a day of rest.

Today the kids and I went to see The Lion King! About 20 years ago, one summer (that is insane to say...20 years ago)...I coached the 10 & under swim team for the Sunset Swampers. I took all those kiddos to see The Lion King when it came out.

Probably one of my favorite Disney movies of all time and well, I love the soundtrack. So, when I saw that it was coming out again in the theater I decided that this MUST be something I share with my own children. Not only those 10 & unders twenty years ago!

So with popcorn in hand, drinks, and skittles my three young kiddos and I experienced The Lion King together. I would peek over at their faces while watching and loved the expressions on their faces. Eli's giggles, Hezekiah's funny faces when they talked about "love," and Maggie Beth's snuggles since she sat in my lap the whole time.

Thursday we went to Homeschool Fellowship. We learned about how bugs communicate and how God designed them to protect themselves. We made some walking stick bugs, the kids have also been collecting bugs for a bug collection (above is pictured what they have caught thus far)......we shared that with CSHF too.

Wednesday Hezekiah got his shirt for his Cub Scout uniform. This is his first year and he has been working hard on accomplishing tasks in his book. Doesn't he look so handsome!
I also created cupcakes to take to my BCC class. I had the students create Mitosis/Meiosis cupcake stages with sprinkles, they had to make the chromosomes. I was not too sure if college students would care much for creating, but they did and they were funny making their stages of meiosis or mitosis. I did not get any pictures, but they did with their phones, IPADS, or whatever crazy things they have out these days.

Somewhere in between the midst of these busy days, the kids got school work completed, breakfast, lunch, and dinner were served, there were baths taken, and I am sure there was disciplinary actions taken.

All in all, this has been our week. Sorry, it has been busy, but I was sure Grandma and Papaw would love to see Hezekiah in his uniform!

Today 38

2011-09-23T17:56:00.000-07:00

Today I turned 38.

7 1/2 years of being a mommy!

Almost 15 years of being a wife!

6 years of being a college and graduate student.

7 years of being a teacher/now add 1 more year.

8 years of being a teenager.

23 years of being a driver.

38 years of being a daughter and a sister.

38 years of really just being a kid......&

Today was my first birthday at Disney!

AND IT WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not sure if I like the button with my name on it that says, "Happy Birthday Gretchen!" Or the buttons my kids and husband got that said, "We are celebrating Mommy's birthday!" Or if I liked all the birthday wishes I got as I went around the park. I am not sure which I liked the best so I will just admit........I liked the attention!

We had a wonderful day at Magic Kingdom. It was so beautifully dressed for the first day of Fall, September 23rd, or maybe MY BIRTHDAY!

(Yeah, I know it's really for the Not so Scary Trick or Treat......but don't steal my joy!)

I loved the pumpkins and leaf garland. So pretty!

These are the faces we got from our children for photo opps......hysterical!

And yet cute!

Maggie Beth and I had some girl time riding Dumbo!

We had some cute cupcakes and ice cream to celebrate!

We even had our picture taken with Minnie and Mickey. Umm, someone fell asleep....

Asleep....

Asleep! But awwweee......there were flashes, there was commotion.........and then

Suddenly AWAKE! AWWWEE.......and ready to give all her hugs and kisses away to Minnie and Mickey apparently!

What a spectacular day, thank you my sweet little family for blessing me with probably one of the best birthdays I have ever had!

Eleventeen

2011-09-22T11:34:00.001-07:00

Today the kids were playing Hide n Go Seek.

I love listening to them play.

I love listening to Maggie Beth count.

"One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, eleventeen, seventeen, eleventeen, eighteen, eleventeen, ready or not here I come!"

I think eleventeen is my favorite number ever!

Celebrating "40" with a Great Friend!

2011-09-18T20:04:00.000-07:00

Today we traveled to Page's old stomping grounds to surprise an old friend of his for his birthday.

It was Mark's 40th!

Mark has been friends with Page for a long time. Mark was in our wedding and just an awesome friend to Page throughout the ages! Mark is a wonderful man of God and his wife Wendi is a wonderful woman of God.

We are blessed to have them as friends and are blessed that we can share these sweet times with them.

Our children rocked the bouncy slide!

Our kids had a blast meeting new friends. Maggie Beth has a new friend in Julia, since last they saw each other they were both 1 1/2 years old at Chuck E. Cheese, not too much to remember i suppose. They were so cute talking and going down the slide. Maggie Beth declared loudly to everyone, "I love this slide!"

Icing faces, muddy feet, 5 hours of driving to an old friends and back equals priceless moments!

Write it down.

2011-09-18T10:06:00.001-07:00

After Maggie Beth was born I recall Hezekiah saying, "Mommy can we be the Knights and Maggie Beth be the princess?"

She was itty bitty then, still cooing, smiling and filling up diapers! She could not even crawl. But there was a vision of her brother's of playing Knights and Princess.

Three years later this is where I stand and see the vision revealed. A beautiful sight as a little Princess runs after her brother, yelling, "Prince Charming, Prince Charming come here Prince Charming."

Not sure if he ever envisioned it that way.......but that is how it unraveled.

So write it down, may I inspire you to do so........because the play is so sweet to watch at each act.

Planting some Desert Marigold, Cactus, & Succulent plants

2011-09-17T15:08:00.000-07:00

This morning we spent sometime planting seeds.

Eli had received this planting kit from a friend for his birthday.

The Legend of Blackfoot

2011-09-14T11:32:00.001-07:00

Guess who is up to coloring himself again?

Running into the kitchen, "Mommy, tee hee, tee hee, look I colored my feet black."

Me, "Did you leave footprints?"

If you guessed Eli, you are right.

And yes, there were footprints on the tile and on the carpet.

Let's just say I am thankful for Oxy carpet cleaner and washable markers.

But the picture of the feet above are washed feet.......washable markers? Not so much. False advertising I presume.

3-D Spelling words, Lungs, Capacity, Canada in the Car, & a Little Math for the Ride

2011-09-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

I am not sure what your morning looked like, but mine looked a bit like this......lungs were made (as shown above). A diaphragm to pull air inside the lung and then to push up on it to release the air.

Then the boys blew air out of their lungs to see how much water would be replaced by air which indicated their lung capacity.

Spelling words were written in 3-D, their idea.....it makes it more fun, of course!

In the car on the way to get a deposit back from the park the boys colored in their maps of Canada and sang the geography songs they have learned, including my favorite "Stinky Finland"! (Eli thought the capital of Finland from the song was Stinky......so now we all call it Stinky Finland!)

A little math and language arts was also included on our road trip.

In a nut shell that is my morning.

How about you?

I think the randomness and surprises of each day make them glorious! What a blessing!

The Party

2011-09-10T11:36:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated with friends Eli's birthday!

He requested Sprite, orange juice, and water with his cake & ice cream.

So Sprite, orange juice and water he had!

We played a little LEGO Bingo.

We guessed how many LEGOS were in a vase, 215.

Sang a little Happy Birthday!

Ate some cake and ice cream.

And opened presents.

Thank you precious friends for helping us celebrate our boy!

We appreciate you taking part of your day to come out and party with us!

Today it's your birthday

2011-09-09T18:56:00.001-07:00

We celebrated Disney style today for Eli's 6th birthday!

Here is Eli with his cake! Yep, it is about half his body size!

Eli with his Duffy bear with stamps from around the world.

Eli's artwork during our drive.

This is a rendition of the little creatures from his reading eggs program.

Too cute.

Six, is a fun age buddy!

Enjoy!

And I am so blessed to have gotten to celebrate with you!

Eli's Birthday Around the World

2011-09-09T18:36:00.000-07:00

We got to celebrate Eli's birthday around the world at the world showcase at Epcot.

Eli wore a little Disney button that say's Happy Birthday Eli. So as he got his stamps on his Duffy the Bear, he got Happy Birthday from all the Disney workers and also random people. I often caught him trying to cover up his button, so that no one would say anything to him. Oh my little buddy!

We went to Mexico and Norway, which we had been studying this week. The Vikings.

Eli enjoyed a special carmel chocolate marshmallow, or should I say mushroom since that is what they are often called in our home.

Hezekiah found this bear in Germany.

More stamps in Italy.

Eli has chose to do some of his studies on Japan this week when we studied different peoples of the world.

So our last stop was Japan. We went in search of a coin with a hole in it. He desperately wants some Japanese money because one of their coins.

But what we found in Japan was far more appealing than any coin.

Yes, we found the mother load of Pokemon!

Yeah baby! And yes, that made his birthday........perfect!

Happy Birthday to ELI!!!!

2011-09-09T18:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday my sweet 6 year old!

Six years ago today we welcomed you a month prior to your due date! Unexpectedly!

What a joy you are to be around my sweet Eli!!!

I love you and I love how you give me and daddy all of your kisses!

I love how you have us take your kisses in our pockets when we leave for the market or work!

We celebrated you today!

Our tradition a candle doughnut for your birthday with singing!

Your choice today, since it is your day, was to spend it at EPCOT.

Ride Test Track! Drink soda from around the world!

Soaring, Spaceship Earth, etc.....

You are adorable Eli!

Happy 6th birthday my boy!

Eli's LEGO Robot Cake #6

2011-09-08T17:52:00.001-07:00

I finished the robot cake this afternoon! Woo Wee.

Happy Birthday my sweet Eli!

LEGO Cookies

2011-09-06T17:49:00.001-07:00

Friday, the 9th, will be the 6th Birthday of a pretty spectacular little buddy of mine!

A boy named Eli!

My sweet cuddle love!

He desired a LEGO party.

So, yeah.......that is what I have been working on!

Enjoy!

Just call me Sweetie Pie

2011-09-05T18:22:00.001-07:00

Maggie Beth told Page the other night that he could just call her Love Pie.

Today she told me that I could just call her sweetie pie.

Well, how could I not call her either, because she is just that......sweet, lovely, and a little pie!

And above is the little Love Pie aka Sweetie Pie that gave me smootchies at the beach!

Friends at the Pool

2011-09-04T13:02:00.001-07:00

It sure is good that they have a good time!

Spending Time Together Is This Fun

2011-09-03T10:58:00.001-07:00

To get to really know someone you need to spend time with them.

To get to know them to the core of what makes them, them.

I am sure if we allowed ourselves the time to actually get to know others we

would really probably like them.

Instead a lot of us plan, plan, plan and keep busy so we do not even have the time to even spend getting do know each other.

I enjoy spending time with my family. I enjoy spending time with friends and even people I may not really know. I love learning those details about my children's faces, their dreams, their likes/dislikes. Their quirkiness!

I smiled watching these three kiddos share a tire swing ride this morning.

Their laughs, giggles, blood-curdling screams. Spending time together was fun. Their spending an experience together was fun.

But sometimes spending time together can drive you crazy or not feel so good.

After a few spins on that 'ol tire swing Hezekiah felt a little woozy.

As a parent, some days are difficult, disciplining, disciplining, whining, screaming, you know those not so fun times - when you feel like you are spinning your wheels yourself. When you desperately call out to God for His wisdom! Those times when you do not seem quite as effective -- I am not telling you all anything new. Sometimes even though I love, love, love spending time with my kiddos I selfishly desire mommies day outs groups for mom's of homeschoolers. Just a break. Because some days are more difficult than others & sometimes you just need that break to appreciate again what you have been blessed with - that time together. Those opportunities to enjoy what God has created.

So here is my challenge for you today or question:

Who have you enjoyed getting to know lately because you have spent time together?

Has your perception of them changed?

What did you learn about them?