a day in the life of a blessed woman

Fun from Garage Sales!

2009-05-15T09:32:00.003-04:00

Garage sale season has started, and though still somewhat slow, we have had so much fun already. Proof? You say show me proof? Well, here you go, out of the free box at one sale...

Fishing season has also started and some are posting pictures to back their fish stories. Well, I have to post mine because no one will believe how big the fish is that got away, so you can see the one that didn't.

The Amazing Race

2009-04-30T16:40:00.003-04:00

The high school students went on the Amazing Race. I had a fabulous team to drive around. Guess where they placed??

Number ONE! Oh yeah baby!!

We went to the city of sisterly love!!

Mildred

2009-04-18T21:06:00.002-04:00

Our sweet Mildred passed on to be with Jesus this afternoon. She had been mentioned in my blog before.

Start them young!!

2009-04-17T14:30:00.002-04:00

Kyle has a special bond with little kids being the oldest of 6 he has learned to talk their language and how to keep them happy. He believes video games are an essential part of the training in every child. He believes it should start before they can sit on their own. Secretly it allows him to play and keep kids quiet!!
Did you catch that? Gavin isn't just watching. He is playing!! Josh and Elisa, you better start saving now for Gavin's Wii!! Just in case you missed it...and the adoring fans...

What a weekend!!

2009-04-14T19:44:00.010-04:00

Here it is Tuesday and I am just getting around to posting our Easter weekend. What a busy but wonderful weekend. Friday Evening we went to Good Friday Service at church. Then we
made our "Easter Cookies". By making the cookies you go through the story of Easter. Sorry no pictures for that. After the cookies there was some "wii"ing going on. Saturday morning we went to our church Easter Egg hunt. Some of my kids were more excited than the others.
We saw a lot of our friends there. There were just a lot of people there.
There was face painting. And Egg hunting. After the Easter Egg hunt, the Jr. High youth went on a mission project to help build a fence for an elderly couple who lost their fence in the wind storm. I was SO proud of this group of young men and women. They worked their tails off. There was some destruction before the construction.

There was even some cementing of friendships through serving others.

We even had a cheerleader!!
Everyone had a job and stayed busy.

Then we colored our own eggs.

Cookie Monster!

2009-04-10T12:37:00.002-04:00

Little Levi loves his double stuffed fudge oreo cookies!!

How about a kiss??

I took the monkeys to the zoo

2009-04-03T07:51:00.006-04:00

I went to the zoo today with ten absolutely wonderful kids. We had a great time!I love the flowering trees of spring.

I started the day feeling a little (Just a little mind you) of all of the practical jokes I played on the first. But on the forest trail I gazed upon the vulture and realized that my creator has a sense of humor! Ha! Those creatures are UGLY!

Now here... He got it right!!

Lions and

Tigers and

Bears... oh MY!

Wait a minute... those two remind me of Kyle and Kristen

Of all the wonderful animals to see at the zoo, we were most facinated by the birds in the encounters barn building their nest one piece of straw at a time.

There was a nice photo op on these rocks, just as the pose was ready zoo personel made them get off. Oh well, here they are off of the rock... better than off their rockers... right??

We stopped for food.

Health food at its best. Bologna, yahoos, goldfish... at least they had bananas...

I stand corrected... whales, not goldfish

Bologna? Poor mans steak???

It was absolutely perfect weather... and the first rain drop fell as the van pulled back in the driveway! I did realize that sometime I must go to the zoo by myself. I noticed there are a lot of signs that I have never read because I am usually too busy doing head counts, keeping two year olds from climbing the fence to the lions den, making sure the three year old doesn't fall over the cliff to the polar bear lake, and the 4 year old doesn't decide to swim with the sharks instead of pet them. That is not even mentioning keeping the teens from arguing about who gets to sit in the front seat on the ride home! Good times!!

Tongue thing going on

2009-03-30T18:27:00.002-04:00

He has this tongue thing going on and it was cracking me up all day. I thought I would share my smiles with you. I am expecting a tooth to pop through soon!

And a bed head shot

Sunday school social

2009-03-23T20:57:00.001-04:00

Last Friday our Sunday school class had a fellowship. Alot was going on. Kristen was happy just texting

Pastor Jim, of course, just loved talking

Not sure what is happening here, and I have learned to not ask.

Some had fun outside practicing hoop skills

Paul practiced his wii skills... until he saw me snapping shots,
Then he wanted to pose for the pix...and here are his adoring fans...

And of course the ladies were "sharing" at the table...

VBS Training

2009-03-16T15:22:00.005-04:00

WARNING: Please restrain yourself. Two posts in one day, considering the lack of posts over the last several months. I have come out of hibernation. MUah ha ha!!

On Saturday our VBS team went to Northside Baptist to learn the new curriculum for VBS this year.

Carla really got into the music training

Our pastors were feeling the beat too.

Hope Community was well represented.

But for me the best part of the day was watching Hope Community Kids Choir perform the new VBS songs. Their performance put tears in my eyes to see these precious little ones sing of their Lord. The WHOLE reason we do VBS (a week long, completely exhausting, pull your hair out craziness, wild and out of control kids of all ages that stink from game time) was right there before us. Precious!! I couldn't be prouder than to see three of my own up there singing their hearts out!

Party time

2009-03-16T13:15:00.008-04:00

We had a party last Friday night. Can you guess what the theme was?? Go ahead take a guess...

We had some FOOD... (sorry PEC, I know I have been ignoring you in my blogs lately so here are a few food shots)

FUN

FUN WITH FOOD

FRIENDS

Funny Friends

Happy Birthday Katelyn

2009-03-10T10:16:00.003-04:00

Katelyns birthday is Wednesday, but we celebrated early.

I love you baby girl!! You are an awesome young lady and I am so glad God chose me to be your mom! Happy 11th birthday. You are an official "tween"!!!!

Here comes the Judge

2009-03-02T12:25:00.002-05:00

A young man found guilty of a serious crime stands waiting to hear a judge announce his punishment. The judge glars at the young man. "Do you admit that your actions were wrong?"

"Yes, Your Honor, " the defendant says softly, his head bowed in shame

"And do you realize that the penalty for your wrongdoing is required by the law- and it must be fulfilled before you can be set free?"

"Yes, Sir."

The judge looks at the young man. "On the basis of the evidence and your admission of guilt, this court sentences you to a fine of $10,000 or one year in jail."

"But, Your Honor," the young man says, choking back tears, I don't have $10,000."

"Young man," the judge syas firmly, "the law requires that you pay the fine of spend a year in jail." Then he raps the gavel once signaling that court is dismissed.

As the crowd leaves the courtroom, the judge steps down from his bench and approaches the young man. "Come with me," he says

The defendant follows the robed judge to the cashier where people comvicted of crimes pay their fines. As the young man watches, the judge reaches under his robe and pulls out his personal checkbook. He carefully writes a check for $10,000, the full amount of the fine. He signs it and hands it to the court official. Then he turns to the young man with a smile and says, "You are free to go, Son."

Tears feel the young man's eyes. "I don't deserve this, but thank you, Dad." The two embrace.

That is a picture of how Jesus loves you! You can't fully obey God's law. Your sin has earned a heavy punishment you can't pay. And God, who is the perfect judge can't forgive your sin until the fine is paid. But God- who is also your loving Father steps down from the bench and pays the fine himself.

All you have to do to receive God's great forgiveness is to accept his generous gift. How? By trusting Jesus Christ to take away your sins. Then all is forgiven and you can enjoy the fact that you are a much loved son or daughter of your totally just, totally loving God.

This was the devotion that the kids and I shared this morning. I wept at the goodness of my God. I pray it touches you as much as it did us. Have a blessed day!

Need I say more

2009-03-01T22:05:00.000-05:00

Before and After

2009-02-25T17:08:00.003-05:00

Kristen and I decided we both needed a new "do" Here is before. My roots were scary to Kristen. Her hair was blah.Now Chasity has a sign in the shop that says she is a beautician, not a magician. But we both were pleased with the results. My baby is turning into a beautiful young woman!! I need a shotgun!

Fun and Friends!

2009-02-22T13:36:00.007-05:00

When I see the kids having a good time and I pull out the camera to capture the "kodak" moment, the goofiness tends to spill out. Case in point...

and the girls not be be out done by the boys...

After some pleading for a "sweet" picture, this is what I get. The boys were trying but the tongue was rebelling.

What will it take to control the tongue?? Bite the lip.
Girls can be serious too. As long as it doesn't take too long.

The "awe" pictures of the day

And they called it puppy love!

and some blackmail material.

Happy Birthday Kristen

2009-02-19T19:39:00.003-05:00

Sunday was Kristen's birthday. I didn't get a chance for cake and ice cream until today. She has been gone every night or had something to do since. My baby girl is 13! Hard to believe that I have two teens in the house now! Pray for me! Seriously, I have the best teenagers in the world!

Kristen loves her computer time to search through flairs on facebook and chat with her friends.

Happy Birthday Kristen. I love you!

Lap puppy

2009-02-18T14:48:00.004-05:00

Benji is a total lap puppy. He thinks he must always be on a lap. Well this morning, my coffee-dippin cute got here the same time as another family, so I set the baby down to get the others settled on the couches to go back to sleep. Benji is not quite big enough to jump on the couches where they were resting or to go up the stairs were the kids were sleeping still. So he found the closest lap he could...After laughing hysterically and Gavin's shocked look, the poor child survived well later in the day. I think he is getting a little sick of the little silver box always flashing a bright light at him though.

One word

2009-02-11T12:54:00.002-05:00

One word... CUTE!

Children's Museum

2009-02-06T20:43:00.009-05:00

Friday we went to the children's museum to hang out.

We found some T-Rex running around

We took the boom-a-rang express to Egypt

We helped a mummifier with his current Mummy

Then we went digging for dinosaur bones

Then we headed to the land of castles,

Nice little Dragons and Princesses

Knights...

And boy kingsAs in every kingdom there were red fire breathing dragons

What!!??!! Did she say Dragons??
Oh no! A man (or teen boy) eating dragon!!

Hum...our tummies are rumbling so we strollTo the lunch room

We mounted our horses and...

Headed off to once upon a time land. With Thomas the Train...

Play houses...

and trees Imaginations were at work
Play is hard work!!

Well, we left with everyone we came with... that is a successful day.

Wedding Bells

2009-01-27T20:28:00.005-05:00

Ok, close your mouths from shock. No, not me.

Mitzi found a suitable mate after much searching. Mitzi and Benji will be married as soon as Benji becomes of age. Meet the newest Archer on the Ark.

Do you think Kevin likes him?

The BIG question... will Mitzi like him? I hope so, I got braces money banking on it!

He is soooooo cute!

Being cute is hard work!

Kids! Gotta love em!

2009-01-23T09:26:00.002-05:00

Kevin and Dorian are playing hide and seek. Well everyone who knows little Kevin knows about his sweet little voice. He did not inherit his daddy's baritone voice. So, when he screams or squeals, it goes right through you like fingernails on a chalkboard. It is in a range that is just not compatible with comfortable human hearing.

Dorian found Kevin and he let loose one of those ear drum piercing painful screams. After I peeled myself off of the ceiling, I told him in a very calm voice (even though I wasn't feeling the calm), "Kevin, sit in time out." He walks to the chair and sits.

I said, "Kevin, do you know why you are sitting in time out?"

Kevin: "yes"

Me: "Tell me why"

Kevin: "Cause you told me too."

Me: "And, why is that."

Kevin: "You are the mom, and that is why God made moms"

Me: "Why did God make moms?"

Kevin: "So kids would have someone to put them in time out when they scream"

I walk off smiling. I am blessed.

You all know how I feel about waiting

2009-01-21T07:15:00.004-05:00

Anyone who has read more than three of my blogs knows I do NOT have the patience of Job. I love kids and am patient with them. The patience I am talking about is the patience of waiting. I got in the short line when patience was passed out because the line was too long to wait for it.

I was suppose to have my gall bladder test today, but since yesterday was a holiday and no one planned ahead for it, my "pre-authorization" could not be done. So my appointment was rescheduled for next week. Ok... I get to wait!

The nursing home calls to remind me that Mildred has her follow-up endoscopy Tuesday. I told them it wasn't a reminder call because this was the first I heard of it. I told them I would be there. 9 in the morning sharp. See, it was a good thing my test was cancelled because I could not have been at both hospitals at the same time!

Little Miss Mildred and I get to the hospital a little early and get her settled. Her appointment was for 9. The procedure takes about 10 minutes and recovery is about a half an hour. Kristen has a rash from the weekend and I need to take her to the doctors office, so I call the Dr. office to try to get her in. They can see her at 11:45. Mildred's appointment is at 9. Plenty of time in between so I grab the spot. 9:15... they still haven't called her back, 9:30... not yet. 9:45... how much longer? 10:00... I begin to pace harder. GRRRRRR. 10:45 they finally call her back. I kiss her and tell her I will see her back at the nursing home, but I won't be there for recovery because I have to get Kristen to the doctor. I give the nurse my cell phone to call me with an update.

I get to the doctors office 5 minutes early. We wait. 11:45 we are ready to go back. 12:00- we are waiting. The kids are getting hungry. Actually starving was the word used and I told them they knew nothing about starving and I see a few eyes rolling. They brace themselves for the starving children in Africa speech. "yes, mom we know. You showed us the movie about the children around the world who have no food, no we are not that hungry, but it is lunch time and our appetite is overwhelming!" I tell them what every good mother in frustrations says, "ok when we are done here, I will stop and get you Mc Donalds." Yippee. Katie says, I am tired of waiting.

12:15... Still waiting. 12:30... Oh my! Patience is GONE. 12:45... I go to the receptionist desk and ask her if I can give any of their patients shots to use up a little of my frustration. (not really, but the thought did cross my mind.)

I notice the kids are starting to get a little antsy too.

1:00... you guessed it. Finally at 1:15 we get called back. Kristen has a creeping crud from the hot tub at Great Wolf Lodge and we are given antibiotics and a cream. We are sent on our way. The kids got their health food from McDonalds and we go on our way to the pharmacy.

Did I mention I hate waiting?

Well, I guess all is well that ends with happy kids.

The Great Wolf Lodge

2009-01-19T09:58:00.006-05:00

Six sponsors took 22 wild and crazy 6-8th graders to Ohio. We went to The Great Wolf Lodge.

I was a little worried, because this is how we had to start the trip and how we started Saturday morning. I also realized that it is funny that my family vehicle can carry more than the church bus!

We finally arrived at the much anticipated "Great Wolf Lodge"

This was my crazy small group. Seriously, I was priviledged to be a part of their group. They are a GREAT group of girls. I love them to death!

Here is a shot of part of the indoor waterpark

Here are three of the sponsors that went

and SBD Eric... you gotta love him!

And...my peanut...peanut butter... and Jelly! buddy. Love you Jen! Thanks for coming! And adding a little estrogen to the leadership! BTW... nice tonsils!

Everyone had a great time!

Well, almost everyone

Here are the endless steps to the slides

There was a hot tub to soak the sore calf muscles from the steps. I did not get in the hot tub because I feared I would melt and never be able to get out.Our fearless leader addressing the masses. We are so blessed as a church to have such an awesome youth pastor. Shelby loves God and these wacky kids... it shows in all he does!

The masses he lovingly addresses and do you see how intently they hang on his every word??
He said we had to "WHAT!!!!!"The church van was very quiet on the way home, but the GHV... well, I had most of the girls... Good times!

Crazy

2009-01-16T08:51:00.002-05:00

Round Two of this crazy artic blast. Only I am NOT having a blast with it. Brrrrrrrrr
Note the tempurature is still falling!!!!!!!!!

Who turned on the global air conditioner?

Global Warming?? NOT HERE!!!!!!

OH BRRRRRRRRRRR

2009-01-15T09:44:00.003-05:00

When I came downstairs this morning, I had to take a double take at the thermostat. Outside temp is on the right lower corner. The inside one is on the left. It is off because of a space heater.

Less than an hour later...

a couple more hours...

This is getting ridiculous!

Ok, something to warm your heart...

Coffee dippin cute

2009-01-09T13:23:00.003-05:00

Awww picture of the day

This little guy just lights up my day. Isn't he just cute enough to dip in your coffee??

Goofy girls

2009-01-08T14:05:00.001-05:00

Gotta love them!

I don't know... and some times ignorance is bliss.

21st century

2009-01-04T13:32:00.002-05:00

After persistant nagging of some of my friends, I finally entered the 21st century with texting on my phone and a profile on facebook. Feeling very proud of myself, my pastor spoke of the ills of texting, blogging and profiles. (Now... he has texting and a facebook account.) SO... Naw, I won't go there. Just kidding PJ!

During the sermon my children started elbowing me and leaning over to give me "the eye" that they have seen me give to them a few times. Yes, I am guilty. I have been known to text people in the same room with me, just ask the Mahler girls, Katie or Kim. I admit it is fun.

I am enjoying the 21st century... almost a decade behind schedule!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!

2009-01-01T10:25:00.009-05:00

Happy New Year!

I started this post yesterday, but time got away and here it is the second before I get it posted. Sorry PEC.

New Years eve was a lot of fun. We had a good time of visiting...

With great friends...

Great animals... (you know a flood is coming Jeremy!)

Good Food...
Fun games...

At times... utter chaos...
Even a surprise visit from Iron mand and the Hulk...

Only one injury... (Sorry Sam, will you forgive me?)

There was a little silliness...

WHAT! Who was that!?!?!?
OK, I admit... there was a LOT of silliness...

After sugar crashes, some were having a hard time making it until midnight...But, alas... midnight came and only one didn't make it... Sweet dreams Claudia... maybe next year.

2009 is here!!!!!!!!

GOOD TIMES

GREAT FRIENDS
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!

There were some leftovers after the party. Some people left and forgot their children.

Boy... that was hard work!

Last Post for 2008

2008-12-31T14:17:00.002-05:00

This is my last post for 2008! Wow, I can't believe this year is almost over. It has been a year to remember, for so many reasons. What will 2009 hold?

I spent the day cleaning Christmas leftovers and getting ready for a small get together here later tonight. Bringing in the year with good friends!

My most momentous accomplishment? Well... I finally got texting turned on my phone last week and have been learning to text with the help of all of my Shield Buddies. No, that really isn't my most momentous but we will leave it at that!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Calling Blex... again

2008-12-29T20:09:00.003-05:00

Blex,

Trying to save you the trouble I tried to change my template on my blog. Personally I am proud of the small steps I made, but...

1. I really hate that orange pyzam bar.
2. My heading now clashes with the rest.
3. My template is bleeding through my postings.
4. My sitemeter is gone again.

I lost a few of my blog links, those friends that were on there, give me your address again.
Do I get any credit for trying? How about that class called, "Blogging for dummies"?

Umm... How about free admission to my NYE party for fixing my blog?

What happens?

2008-12-28T13:57:00.002-05:00

What happens when your three oldest bring home friends for lunch?

Your house is invaded by a bunch of hungry teens/preteens.

Here are friends sharing the moment.

Merry CHRISTmas

2008-12-25T13:21:00.004-05:00

God has been so good to us this year. I truly am in awe of His goodness and grace. As we celebrated our Savior's birth I realize yet once again how I am blessed.

Everyone was pretty tired to start off.

But the excitement built...

And continues...

Can't you see it on Kate's face.

And Kara's hair...Even the dogs enjoyed a good bone...
Christmas can be hard work...

Boredom

2008-12-19T16:30:00.001-05:00

Do you want to see what girls who should be cleaning their rooms have done?

High Society Dogs

2008-12-19T16:13:00.003-05:00

By the end of this post you will realize this was a boring day for the blog. Wanting to keep my numbers up and not wanting to stoop to PEC levels and Bump a post, this is what I came up with. I always laughed at people who bought coats for their dogs. Poor little Mitzi comes in after a back yard break shivering. Sympathy took over and I broke down and bought her a little coat. Mitzi has NO fat on her to keep her warm. Roxy on the other hand... would do fine in Alaska. The kids however thought it was a terrible injustice and threatened to call the SPCA on me if we didn't get Roxy a little coat. I am ashamed to admit it, but I caved. Here are the chic Archer k-9's

They remind me of super dog.

Fun with Dentists

2008-12-17T06:50:00.003-05:00

We endured the semi-annual trek to the dentist, for cleaning of over 120 teeth. I have to devote several hours to this joyous occasion. Ugh.

Of six kids only one had a cavity. Yes the goal is no one, but reality is Princess Kara had a cavity. They said she brushed pretty good for a six year old, but some people have weaker teeth than others. ( I am hoping Jen isn't getting shivers from the thought of yellow teeth. Ry told us how she feels about that!) Kara has always had teeth issues. She has a twinned tooth (two fused together) and an extra incisor on the other side. Here they are working on her teeth.
Poor Kara... this shot gives me shivers.

As everyone filtered in and out of the back, the others had to wait in the waiting room. By the size of the waiting room, it is obvious they are not used to families that are as large as mine.

Sitting got BORRRRRRIIINNNNGGGGGGG. Kelsey and Katelyn found things to occupy their time.

Don't they look like they are having fun?

HBJ

2008-12-15T09:40:00.006-05:00

This weekend was our "Happy Birthday Jesus" Party. The kids acted out the Christmas story.

There were crafts to be made. Kara and Lauren were making princess crowns.

The Lusks busy with their craft.

The Brough Princesses working on their crowns. (Yes, Gary included)

Kevin finished his prince crown.

There was this phenomena that occured. As I walked around with my camera, men began putting yellow dots on their noses. I didn't understand it. It must be something they learned in men's fraternity. So... I am not even going to ask!!

Even the little dudes knew to do it.

My sweet niece Princess Emma...

And sweet Princess Jen and sweet Princess Heather...There was some good conversation. (I think someone must have said something that shocked Pastor Jim!)

After clean up (Check out Blex's timelapse of cleanup), we came home. Kara needed some one on one time with mom. We captured that moment. My sweet baby girl.

Then we just got silly.

Elves at work

2008-12-13T13:35:00.007-05:00

The HCC youth and sponsors adopted families this year for Christmas. Today we wrapped and delivered those blessings to the families. Here are some pix of the elves at work.

Shelby taking orders from the 'big guy'.
Rachel
Ruth, Dawn and Kristen

Joel, Eric and Lissa trying to figure out how to wrap a present.

Brad thought this was for him.

Mike and Mark 'ribboning'.

Elves union break

GNO (Girls night out)

2008-12-12T10:55:00.004-05:00

The ladies of HCC went downtown for dinner at the Old Spagetti Factory. There were about 25 of us. We had a great time of fellowship.

Did you notice Sassy Suzy's warm sensible walking shoes?

Heidi (aka Blex) and I took turns torturing the ladies with our cameras.

We saw the beautiful down town Christmas scenery.

We had a great time with our friends
Some people made new friends...

Jen really scared Suzy. She thought that bears should not be down town picking up women.
There was good food to enjoy also.

And of course, even though some people don't acknowledge our friend PEC on their blog, I didn't even forget a picture for him.

Does this strike you as funny?

2008-12-11T15:09:00.002-05:00

The kids had a dentist appointment today. While driving there, I look up and see this. I started laughing. The kids thought I had lost my mind. Well after thinking awhile, I think they just might be right. BUT I do have to ask, does anyone think that this welcome sign outside of the cemetary is funny? Or are my kids right?

Christmas lights

2008-12-08T10:33:00.006-05:00

Friday Dawn, Emma, Luke, Kyle, Kristen, Katelyn, Kelsey, Kara, Kevin, Abbey, Emma, Angelica, Josiah, and I loaded in the GHV and drove to Fishers to see the Reynolds Farm Equipment display. It is 7 acres of Christmas lights. It was nice, but I don't know that I would drive that far if gas prices go any higher. Since I was driving, I didn't get to take pictures. I handed the camera to my sister and Kyle. Now, everyone knows I am not a great photographer (esp. PEC) but I found someone worse. I love you Dawn. I love you Kyle. Here are some of the better ones I found on my camera.

Abbey told us about houses in the Fox Chase subdivision that had lights that went off with

the radio station. We didn't go Friday night, but we had our youth progressive dinner last night and one of the houses was in that neighborhood. It was so cool I want to take the kids back there tonight!

Calling Blex

2008-12-07T13:16:00.003-05:00

Hey! BLEX... (Blogger extraordinaire) I hate to spell your name... I don't want to misspell it like your BROTHER!! Anyway... What happened to the site meter? Are you going to start charging me a consultation fee???

OHH LA LA

2008-12-05T23:18:00.003-05:00

My blog got a much needed face lift... What do you think??? Thanks blogger extraordinaire! (aka Heidi). And you all thought I was just trying to butter her up. Not true. She can do wonders with my password!!

Technically Challenged

2008-12-05T14:36:00.002-05:00

Ok, I am jealous. Most of my cool blogging buddies have a new and improved self updating friend blog list. I asked PEC how to do it and he told me. I investigated and well... I failed. I need help from the blogger extraordinaire or someone to have sympathy on me. Heidi, there is a reason you have my password!!!! I also am jealous of these seasonal backgrounds that everyone has. I think a blogging workshop would be cool. Do they have blogging classes at the local technical college? Is blogging in the computer class curriculum of the second grader of our public schools? Sniff sniff. Diane walks off pouting.

Serious need

2008-12-04T13:04:00.002-05:00

Someone in this house is in a serious need of a hair cut.

Much better!

Off to the endocrinologist

guinea pig

2008-12-04T01:34:00.002-05:00

NO! I am not getting more guinea pigs Sarah. But I do feel like one. I am not crazy about doctors... I don't even pretend to like them (except Dr. Harris). The worst is the dentist. I get creepy shivers thinking about it.

I have been stuck, probed, drawn, ultrasounded and looked at under the microscope. I will soon be squished. Anyway, all my test results came back good and I don't have to endure the office of dread for ... like another ten years maybe?? Ok, one test came back off. It seems I have the same thing that Dacia had surgery on. I don't know what all is involved, but I will in the next few days. BTW... Dacia? How are you doing. Thoughts and prayers out to you today. Love you girl!

Ho Ho Ho!

2008-12-01T10:44:00.004-05:00

Here are my Christmas angels...

And here is reality...

The three grinches...

My four "Strong in Spirit"If you don't have anyone who will dance with you...

My little "part-time" angels Ok... here is reality...

The "cute enough to dip in your coffee" pix of the day:

Nativity Set

2008-11-30T20:03:00.003-05:00

We decorated for Christmas. I enjoy getting all the holiday things out and decorating for the holidays. I especially love nativity sets. This is my new one this year. I think it is my favorite!!

The picture doesn't do it justice. You will have to come over and see it.

Black Friday Crazy!

2008-11-28T10:32:00.002-05:00

I always swore I would never go out shopping on the day after Thanksgiving. Only crazy people would do something like that. I am not a leisure shopper. I get what I want and get out. Black Friday sounded like a painful torture method to me. However the part of me that loves a great deal finally over took the other part of me that does not like holiday shopping. So a few years ago, I went. Now... I am addicted. I involved my sister in my addiction. Here she is price matching.

Pictures of the mobs
The one in green is SO excited to be there.

Craziness

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-28T10:10:00.004-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Several of us gathered for our Thanksgiving Feast. Good food, good times, good friends and family!

Avalyn, a girl after my own heart, ENJOYS her chocolate!

Dawn says "This is the way I see you"

Some people were camera shy.

Happy Birthday Kyle

2008-11-28T10:03:00.003-05:00

I can not believe my "baby" turned 15 Thursday!! We celebrated on Wednesday since his birthday fell on Thanksgiving.

$1.55 a gallon

2008-11-25T10:54:00.001-05:00

I filled the GHV for $1.55 a gallon today. That is less than half of what it was just months ago!!! I just think of that song my daughter likes... "How low can you go?" (Drama Queen by Family Force Five). I was almost burning fumes, and yes I know that isn't good. I got it from the E line to the F line for FORTY DOLLARS!!!!!! I thought those days were long long gone.

Advent Wreath making

2008-11-24T13:54:00.006-05:00

We made wreaths to start the Advent season. Here are a few of MY pictures. Side note... thanks to little Madi, some of my pictures have a "glow" to them. Oreo slobber on a lens is not good for clear pictures.

Families got together to decorate their wreaths.

However, Jearomy said, "Iwill NOT color those pictures!" Aimee is.

Finally they get busy decorating the wreaths. No, Jearomy, the wreaths...

There you go... good job Carltons!!

Christina hard at work with the hot glue gun.
"That is the only power tool I allow her to use." Gary says

Finished products.

Good times, good friends

Here is my cookie slobber on the lens culprit...

Here is the "glowing" result.

The kids got the camera

2008-11-24T13:24:00.004-05:00

The kids got the camera during the advent event at church. I don't hold any hope of a future Anne Geddes.

A CLOSE up of Aunt Dawn.

Dueling cameras...

Kara in a trance...

Crayon moustache Emma Cooper...

Madison left Oreo crumbs with this one!

A pickle flavored sucker??

Don't ask...

Super model??? The rockinest Sunday School teacher...

Just a normal shot of Garrison...

Someones tonsils...

What is the facination with open mouths?

Shoe Boxes

2008-11-24T13:13:00.002-05:00

The official start of Christmas... Shoe box shopping. One of our favorite Christmas traditions is making shoe boxes for Samaritans Purse "Operation Shoe Box". The kids get a shoe box and fill it with goodies for the a boy or girl their own age who are the "orphans who have no toys". One year I explained to them about the kids in third world countries who have nothing. Since then they always look forward to building their shoe boxes for their friends around the world who have so little. I hope through this they can see just how blessed they are. This year things are tight for us, and I asked them if they still wanted to use Christmas money to buy the shoe boxes for the children, and they enthusiastically and unanimously said they did. I was very proud of them for that. See, I am blessed!!

Aunt Mildred's endoscopy

2008-11-20T15:06:00.002-05:00

Aunt Mildred has her endoscopy on Tuesday. Like her new "do"? She got her hair cut short last week, for the summer. Yes you read it right and no there isn't a typo.

Dr. Daniel was very helpful. Her bleeding ulcer is doing much better.

Aren't those residents in training just too cute??

Dr. Daniel cut his finger on the scope.

Kevin checked it out and decided he needs workman's comp.

Kyle's sleep study

2008-11-20T14:51:00.002-05:00

Kyle had his sleep study two weeks ago. I don't know how they expect someone to sleep normally with all of the wires.
But sleep he did.

Results? He has mild sleep apnea. The pediatrician is consulting with the pulmonologist... I better not get a consultation fee for that. He is married to her.

Coming soon!

2008-11-20T14:35:00.003-05:00

Thanks to a certain PEC I now can upload visuals for my blog. It came today!! I have a card reader. I have been busy and have pictures to go along with it. Coming soon...

Excitement abounds

2008-11-12T13:04:00.003-05:00

Wow! I can tell by the overload of new posts from all the blogs I follow, there is excitment overflowing in everyone's life. It is sad when Kim and Nancy have the two most current blogs. My favorite post this week was JJ's head wrapping.

Well, as I ponder what I can blog without the visual, (I ordered a card reader. Thanks for the tip, PEC) Katelyn tells me to blog her injury. She shows me her thumb. There is a 1 and 3/4 millimeter cut on it. She wants me to take a picture of it and post it on the blog. I grab her and throw her over my shoulder screaming for Kyle to call 911 before she bleeds to death. I tell him to tell them to bring the transfusion kit. I hear Katelyn giggling and at the same time moaning, "mooooooooommm". I asked her how it happened and she said she cut it with her finger nail. I showed her where the clippers were and told her to keep them trimmed and she would be just fine. Little girls who dig for worms do not need long fingernails to impress the boys!

I told her to get triple antibiotic and a bandaid. She rolled her eyes and walked away.

My car... Well my dad and grandpa got it started. They sprayed WD40 all over the plug wires and did some crazy ritual with the something something do ma giggy. I am beginning to wonder if this car has this personality like herbie, but it REALLY doesn't like me. They are going to drive it around, stop it, start it, stop it, start it, drive it, stop it, start it (get the picture?) until they deem it safe for me to drive at night in down town East St. Louis. Of course that is what was suppose to have been the case before and it did run great... for three starts and then...

If I can blog about such things SURELY someone has something more exciting going on to blog about. I am counting on you!

Update

2008-11-11T06:40:00.002-05:00

Well, sorry PEC... no pictures. I have to find a new way to get pictures on my blog because both the main camera I used and the computer I used for posting no longer are accessable. I still have my 'knock around camera' and I even have blogging material on it, but I can't find the cord to get the pictures from the camera to the remaining computer.

So here are the updates... without pix.

Kyle had a sleep study on Friday night. I had great pictures of him very annoyed with me of taking pictures of him with 589 probes coming out his head and body. No results yet

I got my bed and ended my relationship with the air mattress last night. WOO HOO

I got a new bike... Thanks to my dad!! Thanks!

I got my car back last night. Thanks again Dad! Kyle got some new guns he HAD to show Gary, so we stopped by the Brough's to show them off. When we left... the car wouldn't start. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. At least I still have the new bike. And the GHV with a defective bumper. I can get around. The saga with the Alero continues.

Totally excited!

2008-11-06T21:37:00.002-05:00

I am so excited. The gas tank on the GHV was at the quarter tank mark. So I pulled in the the gas station and FILLED it all the way up. Gas was only $1.82!! I FILLED it for $40!!!!! Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!

Car update

2008-11-06T15:03:00.003-05:00

For those of you following my car dilemma...

The Alero had issues a year ago (around Thanksgiving). We were told it was the fuel pump. We had the fuel pump replaced. It did fine for awhile, but around March of this year it started doing the same thing as before. We drove it, hit or miss until May. Then it parked until recently. I took it to my dad's and he took it to my step brother. Everyone said, "Yep, it is the fuel pump. Replaced fuel pumps have a high failure rate" So, we did what any other person would do and put another fuel pump in it. Well, it ran fine... for a day! Back to square one. Then the thought was the computer was messing up.

My step brother got on line and did some research on psychotic cars and discovered a seal or hose that goes bad and causes the same issues as a bad fuel pump. The part cost $25.
We are hoping that is what is wrong.

Another positive outlook on this... if this fuel pump goes out... I have a spare one that is probably FINE!!

Disappointment

2008-11-05T13:01:00.002-05:00

I am disappointed with the results of this election. But in our devotion time today it came to me that this man needs a Savior like all of us. We need to pray for him and his relationship with Jesus. All other things will fall into place if he puts Him first.

Screech, Crash... BANG!

2008-11-04T13:09:00.003-05:00

After voting, I had to run to the hospital for lab work for Kyle. On the way I am stopped at a light. I hear behind me a long SSSCRRREEEECH... then a CRASH... Of course you look around, and no sooner I feel a BANG!!

Our big old van gets moved up a few feet. Kyle and I look at each other and I get out of the GHV, and run back to the car behind me. The car that was behind me is now UNDER my van! I run over to the car. It was an elderly couple. The woman was crying. The man was shaken up. The lady in the car behind them comes over. We call 911. An hour later this is still the scene.

The man and woman in the middle car had to be taken to the hospital. Pray for Howard and his wife.

We will need a new bumper on the GHV, but other than a sore neck, I am ok. Kyle is fine also. Here is the end result for the GHV.

I was very grateful to be driving a tank today. Thank God no one was more seriously hurt. ENOUGH excitement for today...

Voting

2008-11-04T13:03:00.003-05:00

Trying to do my part to make sure that we don't become an "Obama-nation"... I had some moral support.

Awana costume night- a lot late

2008-11-04T12:33:00.008-05:00

It was costume night at AWANA last Wednesday. I am on a blogging streak to catch up, and I have to go back almost a week!

Batman was there. Check out that wingspan...

We had princesses

Some Kittys

Father/Son pirates

And funny face fairys And Trains
the Bobsey Twins...
Wasculy Wabbits

Cleopatra even showed up...

Some were hidden in their costume!

And then Ruth just dressed up as a prayer warrior.

Flu Shots

2008-10-31T12:24:00.002-04:00

Wednesday the kids had to have their flu shots. They were all jumping for joy, especially Kevin!!Daniel was happy not to be one of my kids today!! There was some pacing in the waiting room. Not sure what is going on here...

Woo Hoo!

2008-10-31T12:15:00.002-04:00

Have you noticed gas?? I never thought I would get excited about gas prices. This is what they were on Wednesday when I went to fill up! I did a happy dance.

This is what I saw on the GHV dash. Happy days! Gee... I wonder if this has anything to do with the election next week???

15% off

2008-10-24T08:04:00.002-04:00

My Brother in Law (see SuperCoopers link) gave me some 15% off Kohls coupons. It is for this weekend (Thurs- Sun). Let me know if you want one!!

Appointment

2008-10-21T19:40:00.001-04:00

We got back from Kyle's appointment. The doctor ordered a bunch of tests and depending on the results we will go from there. We will know more next week.

Nephrologist today... prayers please.

2008-10-21T08:22:00.003-04:00

I don't know why we have to have special names like that for doctors and specialist. A nephrologist is a doctor that specializes in kidneys. Kyle has an appointment with a pediatric nephrologist today. That is a doctor that specializes in kidneys of children. Back in July when he had blood in his urine he had all these tests run and brought to our attention the tumor in his adrenal gland, we also discovered a high calcium level in his urine. Though potientially serious, it was minor in comparison to the tumor. We put it on the back burner until we could deal with the tumor. Well, now that is taken care of they want to follow up to find out why he has a high calcium level. (I wonder if it has to do with the milk jug that we did the 24 hour collection in.) Anyway, we have an appointment at Riley today at 2:15. Please keep this in prayer. I will let you know what we find out.

Camp out

2008-10-21T08:06:00.002-04:00

The same day that we went to the zoo, the Shield (Jr. High group at church) had their camp out/ Bonfire. We all gathered around the fire on this brisk night.

For a short time we had a few extra guests. Kristen and Loralei had some bonding time.
S-B-D Eric was in charge of the event and did a great job!
Now with a forcast of 38 degree weather over night, some students protested about staying outside to brave the weather. They wanted to go inside. I made the sacrifice and volunteered to be the adult to pull my self out of the frigid frost covered soil and force myself inside on the warm, softer floor of the youth room. I let the three leaders stay with the other insane, but brave kids. I know it was a sacrifice for me, but the kids are worth it!! After all, someone had to do it. Here is Nick in the frigid weather. Doesn't he look cold??? Brrrrrrr. After this shot I forced myself to go inside. After getting up at 5 and a LONG day at the zoo, about midnight I was a little less patient than I wanted to be with the caffiene and sugar pumped insanely charged people that wanted to sleep inside. I reminded them that this was a SLEEP OVER and we needed to SLEEP!! I gave them ten minutes to collect themselves and then I wanted SILENCE!!

I was out I think before the 10 minutes, but I did wake up a half hour later and everyone was in their bed asleep. I was out for the count
The next morning, we fed them breakfast and sent them home!!

A day with the... I mean ...at the zoo

2008-10-19T19:12:00.008-04:00

I know my blog has been lacking attention lately. I apologize to my four loyal readers. I am hopefully going to get my life together and start blogging it again. I took the kids to the zoo on Friday. Here we are before we headed to the gate.

Now, my youngest daughter you can see in the previous picture takes great pride in needing little help from me in getting her up and dressed in the morning. I match up her outfits and put them in her drawer, because she has struggles with coordination. Bless her heart, she tries... unsuccessfully. Well, in trying to get out the door this morning she already had her sweatshirt on. Well, I trusted that she put on an outfit that I had matched up in her drawer. After the day warmed up, off came her sweatshirt. To my horror this is what I realized she was wearing... in PUBLIC! I obviously am failing. Can anyone please mentor my daughter in fashion????

Most of you are aware that I homeschool my children. Believe it or not, I do teach reading. You wouldn't know it from the next two pictures though...

Fence? What fence???

Here are Avie and Daniel in the forest

Kyle and Garrison hamming it up with their "cool dude" (or gangster as Gary said) pose

Christina and I were in a battle to see who could get the most pictures. I know that is hard for most of you who know me to imagine, but it is true!
So, faced with the challenge...it was take weird pictures of the Broughs day... Garrison was easy!

What are you doing?? Christina asks
This is the best one I could get of camera shy Gary!!And anyone who knows Avalyn, this picture truly captures her true personality. They decided it was time to get a nice family picture. I started feeling sorry for Heidi as I snapped these pictures. Ok, here we go. Everyone look up here. Christina... Look up here, Avie.. sit on Daddy's lap.Um... Christina...look up here... Avie, sit still....
Ok, Avie... get back up there... Everyone... look up here.

Quick... take it, Christina says!!Boy, that was hard work. None of them had the energy to carry Avalyn's backpack so they made her carry it. Poor baby girl! The backpack weighed more than she does!

Amy and Loralei came with us. They are so brave!

We found a King Cobra for the kids to play with!

Winkin, Blinkin and Nod
Kevin enjoyed riding the merry go round.

Daniel enjoyed it even more!You must be thinking that "they are at the zoo... where are the animals??" Ok here is my proof that God still has a sense of humor. This is with out a doubt one of the ugliest part of God's creation!!

Here a walrus taking to Garrison

Everyone waiting for a polar bear lap.

A walrus laughing at Kara's outfit!
Sometimes my kids think I am from outer space. Now I have proof they are!After a completely enjoyable and exhausting day, we do a final head count. All eleven children accounted for and we are ready for home.

Photographer extraordinaire

2008-10-08T06:36:00.006-04:00

Blogger extraordinaire (Heidi) is a multi-talent woman. Some people ooze with talent, and Heidi is one of them. In about 3 minutes, she snapped pictures of my brood. Now, I can go to other photographers to get pictures done and six hours later, all the kids and I are in tears. Heidi is proof that capturing pictures does not have to be painful. Here are some samples. I am ordering some printed copies for everyone. Kyle... can you believe he will be 15 next month??

Not sure why the pictures are so little, I need to consult with my blogger mentor. My beautiful Kelsey:

Then my baby boy, who is FOUR! (Heidi had to work him. He was less than cooperative.)

My awesome boys:

My precious girls:

And all together now!

Now, Heidi did not take this one, but I just found this and LOVE it. I wanted to share! At least I got a post in this week!

BRAEBURNS!

2008-10-01T13:02:00.004-04:00

When I went to the orchard a few weeks ago, my favorite apples weren't ready yet. Bummer. I love to dry apples for the winter. Braeburns are the best to dry. I went back to the orchard yesterday since they were suppose to be ready by the end of September. They were ready, but not picked. So... we grabbed the bags and picked our own. I brought my bounty home and started my work. I got the 'apple-corer-slicer-peeler' from pampered chef. I didn't peel, just sliced and cored.
I laid the apple rings out on the dehydrator, and sprinkled cinnamon and sugar on them.

Then I stacked the trays and started the drying. The wonderful aroma of cinnamon and apples fill my house. The windows are open with the cool crisp fall air. I LOVE this time of year!!

Anyone who wants to borrow my dehydrator, so they can have the joy of dried apples in your home, let me know. But give me a few days. I have some major drying ahead.
YUMMY!!

Random Thought

2008-09-29T10:43:00.002-04:00

Share a joke with your friends.

Two thoughts for today

2008-09-28T18:13:00.003-04:00

Busy day thinking. Here are my thoughts for today.

Remain calm... even when everything seems hopeless.

AND...

Laugh often!

Thought for the day

2008-09-26T13:16:00.001-04:00

Be brave...but it's ok to be afraid sometimes

A visit from PEC

2008-09-22T09:44:00.001-04:00

Why, Mommy, Why

2008-09-22T05:50:00.005-04:00

Kevin is at the age that his goal in life is to make me lose my sanity. Here are just a fraction of some of the questions I have answered in the last 24 hours.
"Mom, why is a frog green?"
"Mom, when is tomorrow?"
"Mom, why do we have a white van?"
"Mom, when will I be 5?"
"Mom, why does a tree have leaves?"
"Mom, can I have a brownie for dinner?"
"Mom, what are these?"
"Mom, what time is it?"
"Why is it 2 o'clock"
"What are we eating for breakfast?"
"Why are we eating?"
"Mom, why do we have spit?"
"Mom, what is milk made from?"
"Mom, what is chocolate milk made from?"
"Mom, why do we have 5 toes?"
"Mom, when is it yesterday?"
"Mom, why do we have hair on our head?"

"What happened to Dad's?"
"Mom, why do we fart?"
"What is today?"
"Do we go to church today?"
"Do we have school today?"
"Do we eat frogs?"
"Why is 4 after 3?"
"Why can't we eat food from the floor?"
"What is pee made of?"
"Why do we need to eat?"
"Why did God make us?"
"Why don't we have carpet downstairs?"
"Why do we have it upstairs?"
"Why do you laugh?"
"Mom, why are you sleeping?"
My question, "Lord, is it bed time yet?"

Youth Sponsor Retreat

2008-09-20T19:40:00.004-04:00

This weekend was our annual youth sponsor retreat. This is a time for all of the youth sponsors to get together for some planning, learning, and team building. We all had a great time with each other. Here is some of highlights. First, I completely forgot PEC. No food pictures. Sorry!
After some training time today, we stopped at the Avon park for a picnic lunch donated by our favorite Chick-fil-A owner, Lew. THANKS LEW! You are great!!

At the park we threw the frisbee around some

Others just hung around.

After the food arrived, everyone dug in.

After lunch, we went to Plainfield for some go-carting and putt putt. Here is our precious Ruth in a go cart with Lissa. Here you go Brandon... the proof you wanted on Grandma!!

Eric (remember old silent but deadly) is really excited about his go cart! He was such a blessing to all of us this weekend.
We even ventured out for some slick track go carting, except Dawn who just went for a Sunday drive.
Then off to the putt-putt. Here is our fearless leader...Here Brandon is more proof of your really cool Grandma, and we love her so much!

Here is Sarah's "hole in one victory dance".

Now, a word on scores. If putt putt was won by the highest score... I would have won big time!!

What did my kids do while I was gone. Again, a picture says a thousand words...

Super hero day

2008-09-17T10:44:00.003-04:00

Once a time there were two super heros. There was batman and batspiderman. They knew they were out to save the world and all the little girls in need. They made a pact with each other.
Though they didn't always agree on how to save the little girls in need, or even what the need was.
"I will save her, I will save her!" Batspider said.
A few fast moves, and spins to knock out the bad guys...

The super heros are buddies and the little girl is safe. And they lived happily ever after.
All is well that ends well...

Eyes

2008-09-16T10:59:00.003-04:00

Four months ago Kevin's eye doctor took his bifocals away. He said he wanted to try four months with out the glasses to see if his eyes would cross again or the vision issues would worsen. Today was his follow up. He has no crossing and his vision is still stable. He will not need to go back into glasses. Yippee! Now he is still a high risk for needing them later, as his eyes change with age and growth, but he doesn't need to go back to the surgeon/specialist again and is back to the regular eye doctor and yearly check ups!

Praise God.

Update from Texas

2008-09-15T11:03:00.004-04:00

Here is an update from my sister in Texas. Thanks for the prayers. Obviously she still needs them, but so do so many others in Texas. I saw how crazy it was HERE yesterday with the Ike-leftovers. I am glad they left the island before Ike hit. Not everyone was so smart.

This is the update from Dorene:

I'm in Austin for a hearing that starts tomorrow. Austin was unaffected by the storms, so things are actually NORMAL here.

Dave was able to get back on the island and get into our house lastnight by sweet-talking one of the guys whose job it was to keep people out. It seems that our damage is relatively minor, compared to many otherson the island. It appears that there had been water in the house to about two inches in the lower level. Many others on the island that water several FEETdeep. Our house was behind the Seawall and also one of the mostelevated homes, so we were in a good position compared to many. Although the lower level flooring is mostly tile, there were a couple of carpeted bedrooms downstairs. Dave is ripping those out, airing outthe house and trying to dry out area rugs. Hey, I didn't like that carpet anyway and wanted to put in tile in thebedrooms. Now's my chance! He said there is a six-foot deep sink hole in the back yard and some shingle damage. The landscaping is trashed, he said. One section of a wall that faces the courtyard looks like it has somewater damage, he said, because it looks like its buckling. There may be some damage to electrical things that got wet, but wewon't be able to assess that till power is restored and we get achance to ops check things.

There may be other damage, but that's what he saw in his initial assessment yesterday. I know it sounds awful and messy, but we have so little damage compared to so many people on the island whose homes will have to bebulldozed. Whole neighborhoods are going to disappear. It's hard to watch these news reports with debris piled up severalfeet deep on the Seawall, which last week we rode bicycles and took long walks on just about every day. Although our home sustained relatively little damage, we will beunable to live there for upcoming weeks because there will likely notbe power for awhile, along with gas/water service outages.

Luckily because I am used to being a "road warrior" and being gone for4-5 days at a stretch when I go to my hearings, I'm a "mobile" lawoffice and have 99 percent of my client files elecronically stored and able to be carried with me wherever I go. This shouldn't affect my practice much after the first couple ofweeks. Right now, all the schools in Southeast Texas are closed as they are without power, and many have such messes to clean up. Dave may have a lost semester at Galveston College, which we imagine will be closed for the next few weeks at least. We're grateful to still have each other and our birds and our cat.

We may be coming back to Indiana for a few weeks, till power andInternet service are restored. Thanks for the prayers already given. Continued prayers for resolution to the island's problems are definitely appreciated.Love to you all.-- -- Dorene J. Philpot

Kevin is FOUR!

2008-09-14T20:26:00.002-04:00

Today my baby boy is FOUR! That can't be possible... can it? He is so precious! Here he is with his cake:

Though he still plays with Bob the Builder and Thomas the Train, he has discovered the thrill of superheros and right now, Batman is the Man! (I think he has been influenced by that pastor's son!) Anyway, all he wanted for his birthday was BATMAN.

Lock in

2008-09-14T19:07:00.007-04:00

Friday night we had our lock in for the Jr. High kids at church. We had a great time. Here are the highlights.

Lesson #1: Jr. High students are excitable.So are student pastors!

With that lesson learned we were off for some fun times... after instructions.Game time

Snack time...

Some extreme games that involved snacks...Some wrinkle removing...

Some bonding with the two best Sunday School teachers in the world!!...After the sugar, excitement, and friends by 3 or 4 in the morning when they had their sugar crash, the students finally started to mellow. We got a movie going and this is how they lookedThis is how the leaders faired...

Now, some of us leaders stayed awake (the minority). Even our fearless leader fell asleep. When he did, we got him with some lipstick. Thanks for the help Brad! Take note of the blood shot eyes.

We had a great time and are ready to do it next weekend... NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ike Update

2008-09-12T18:01:00.003-04:00

Dave, my brother in law decided to hightail it to safer ground!! He is currently safely out of Galveston

Ike

2008-09-12T07:57:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone. I have a prayer request for you.

My sister, Dorene and her husband Dave live in Galveston. Unless you live under a rock, you are aware of what is going on with hurricane Ike. It is headed right for Galveston. CNN this morning is saying "Warning: Ike may bring certain Death". Now that title alone has some issues how can may and certain go together here. That aside, my sister decided to evacuate to Austin. My brother in law decided to stay and guard the home front. Please pray for his safety and all of the other lunatics who decided to stay.

The Shield

2008-09-11T06:39:00.005-04:00

It has been a long time coming. We have been planning this for a months... actually I think it may be a year or more. We split our Junior High and Senior High groups. The Refuge is the High School group and the Shield is the Jr. High group. We spent the summer, working on the rooms in preparation for this night. We had the Blow-out last week to kick off the ministry, but tonight was the first night of regular group. What fun!! Jr. High kids are great. I love this group. We have a great mix of great guys and gals. As Sarah mentioned about the stinky factor... we really need to pray that all of these kids understand that their bodies are changing and they NEED to wear deodorant. Whewy. Here are some visual highlights for you. Oh, by the way... Hi Duke. And no, they won't have to take your man card.

I was not the only one excited about tonight... Good old Silent But Deadly was too.

We got in a little bit of kick ball...

I think it is interesting that the only girl who played was Cheyenne, but it was pretty much divided. Guys played kickball and the girls, well, they sat and watched the guys

or stood around and watched the guys...or in Lacey's case, she was trying to lean out of the picture. Didn't she do a good job?

Then we came in for a great lesson brought to us by Sarah.
And though it wasn't necessarily a good thing this time, and thanks to a certain mother of our group... Some were Blinded by the Light!!

Apple Orchard

2008-09-09T13:53:00.005-04:00

I know, two posts in one day may be more excitement than you can handle, but just try to contain yourselves.

Well, in effort to keep up with the Jones... and the Schmidts, Bohrers, Painters, Smiths, Hackneys and all the other families, I took the kids to the orchard. I actually go every year, but hey, I was feeling a lot of pressure this week! First we stopped at the red raspberry patch.
Kara says, "Hey here is one. Look mom!"

How does it taste???

Kara thinks they are wonderful. Kevin takes a bite of a green one.

No, Kevin. Eat the red ones. Fill up your buckets.

Kevin ate more than he managed to get in his bucket. Now, off to the apples... Don't pick the apples with bruises or black spots.Ok, I am happily picking along and I turn around. I guess I should have fed my children before taking them to the orchard.FINALLY, I get the bag filled. Thanks for all the help kids!We talked about the different types of apples, red and golden delicious, gala, macintosh, the list goes on. Unfortunately my favorite, Braeburns weren't ready yet. A few more weeks... We talked about how some apples are red, some yellow, some green, some tart, some sweet, some softer, meatier, some juicier... What was their unanimous favorite?

And a close up...
Kara had some minor difficulty with her teeth, but managed.

I love toothless grins

2008-09-09T10:37:00.004-04:00

Ok, I apologize. It has been a while since I posted. I WILL do better. Needless to say, things have been very crazy around here. I decided bombing the house, although the easier solution, would be a little cost prohibitive. I have been trying (sometimes unsuccessfully) to get things back in order around here. The natives went wild while Kyle and I were away.

Kara lost her second top tooth yesterday, and her two bottom haven't come in yet. She looks so cute with her four tooth gap right in front. I have a weakness for toothless grins in children under 12. Not so much for adults though.

Is that just cute enough to "dip in your coffee"? She can drink through a straw with her jaw closed! Her "s" and "t" sound a little lispy too!! She begged me to post her "crazy blog" picture. My kids get into my blog. I am glad someone does. I know Emma does too. Love you Emma Cooper! I hear I even have a new male reader too. Dusty has joined Paul and Greg in being a regular 'adayinthelifeofablessedwoman' blog reader. What a good deacon he is! Hi Dusty!Kevin had his asthma/birthday check at the pediatrician's today. He got a shot. Here he is showing Kara his shot, that hurt.Did you see the profuse bleeding that was left on the bandaid? Serious. I think he might need that transfusion.

Kara's comment was, "Bad for you Buddy! I am glad I don't have to get any shots." I then told her next month everyone had to get a flu shot. With Kevin's asthma, winter things are his biggest trigger. He has yet to make it through the winter with out at least one severe attack. All of the kids are to get flu shots as their sacrifice to their brother. What does Kara think about that?

Thursday night GNO

2008-09-04T22:04:00.005-04:00

Ahhh, the beginning of Thursday night Bible study. Great times. We share God's word, and then get crazy over some food afterwards. No kids, no husbands, just good friends, good times and a lot of laughing.

You really had to be there for a lot of it but I will tell you ... oh that is right I can't.

So I will show you SOME of the pictures. Lets just get this one out of the way first. For PEC.

Amy wanted PEC to see what she was eating too.

We had a great waiter who showed the ladies how to make that green stuff you dip your chips in.

Suzy after too much chocolate

Heidi bit into her lime.

Jen was attacked... by green sauce.

I would love to know what Heather is thinking here. On second thought, maybe I don't want to know.I think I know what Heidi is thinking here!

Heidi... you know I love you!

Good Times, Good Friends

Thank you Jesus for special people in my life.

Blow out

2008-09-04T15:41:00.007-04:00

We had our kick off event for our Student ministries last night. All of the student sponsors got to wear our 'prison orange' t-shirts! You are so funny Ryan!

We saw a lot of new faces, old faces and funny faces.

Sweet faces...

"Please put your camera away" faces...

The blow out was a time for friends... (Nick say, "I think she likes me!")

There was some behind the scene work...

There was some jousting...Some obstacle coursing...Listening to some really awesome bands...

Great door prizes were passed out...

After the bands played, they were pretty hungry.

For those of you who asked, we got home from the hospital. I am still trying to decide if I need to nuke the house and start over or if it is still salvagable. What happened while I was gone?? Well that is the million dollar question. They aren't talking, but I found some disturbing evidence on one of my cameras...

Going Home

2008-09-04T11:28:00.002-04:00

We are heading home as soon as paper work is done. Post more later

OFFICIAL biopsy

2008-09-04T07:58:00.004-04:00

The official biopsy report by the doctor came in this morning. His tumor was a ganglionueroma. It is completely benign (not cancer) and it is just a bump in the road and a part of his story now. He is "out of the woods" and will have no limitations or effects from this tumor or surgery. Praise God!! THANK YOU JESUS!

Day one hundred three

2008-09-03T10:25:00.003-04:00

Kyle had a very rough night and so did I. The doctors were in early this morning and pulled his NG tube. They also discontinued his IV pain medicines. He has had a little jello and a spoon of broth. Right now he is pretty nauseated.

As of this morning there is no pathology report on the biopsy.

They said there is a possibility that he will get to go home tomorrow, but probably Friday is more realistic.

I am looking forward to the Blow Out tonight http://www.visithope.org/ . I will have pictures posted tonight. I know, I know, you are just hitting refresh now in anticipation!! Just remember... Patience is a virtue. I really think that is something God is trying to teach me. And you all know how I feel about that.

Sponge Bob Square Pants

2008-09-02T17:30:00.001-04:00

Random thought for this hour: Sponge Bob Square Pants marathons should be illegal under some kind of treaty as cruel and unusual punishment. AAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH. Ok, rant over. Calm again!

Day eighty four

2008-09-02T12:22:00.003-04:00

I don't even know what day it is, so I will just say it feels like day 84. The fever stayed down in acceptable range today, so that is a praise. We also lost our room mate, Blake. That is another praise. Not because he was a bad roommate, he was a great kid. He got to go home today. He is 16 and was on a 4-wheeler and had an accident. The handle bar left a bruise on his side, so he thought it was no big deal. After blood in his urine, they life flighted him to Riley from southern part of the state. He severed four arteries, including the main one to his kidney. He was bleeding internally and had to have a major surgery. He lost his kidney, but is young and has bounced back incredibly well. He got to go home today. His mother and I got along really well, and celebrated with a "potty dance" and a "poopy dance" when Blake reached those mile stones. It brought back memories of potty training!! I know TMI! Hey little things are victories on the surgery floor of Riley! They could study the parents here and learn alot about human behavior I think.

I am so grateful to have my computer. I am sure I would have been bouncing off of the walls had I not had that contact with the outside world.

Since Blake left and he had the window seat, we just moved our stuff over to his side. (We had nurse permission.)

It will be a much nicer stay on this side. More privacy, windows, cooler and more space.

Kyle was hoping to loose his NG tube today, but he has a little bit of a set back. He has some bloating, which indicates to the doctors that his system is not waking up when it should, so he needs at least another day with the tube. He is NOT happy about it. I would take pictures today, but I am still trying to keep a 'G' rating on here. The state of mind he is in right now, it might not make a good picture. Maybe later today!

For Sarah and Heidi

2008-09-01T18:26:00.003-04:00

Ok, I am not sure why, but Sarah asked for a picture of my shoes. Here you go Sarah...
And as much as I LOVE (not) TV, I am stuck here with two! It is a little too much for two TV's to be going at the same time. Insanity is not far off... I guess the positve side is Kyle can get his cable fix, before he goes home to our "peasant connection" (aka 'rabbit ears') A picture of mother/son bonding. Can you see the joy and love in Kyle's eyes????
And for Heidi... Mom on Drugs...