Oh, So Good!

I don't know about you, but I love a good Thin Mint GS Cookie! I like to savor them though. I can make a whole box last a year. And, yes, I do have to hide them... in the fridge!


While at the grocery store a few weeks ago, I saw these...

YUM!!


I started thinking that they might be great to have on hand during the holidays. So I picked up a bag. (So glad I did!)

One afternoon, Nathan was having a friend over and I decided to make some cookies. I whipped up a batch of Double Chocolate Mint Cookies (or so I called them). My boys were so excited! They loved the cookie dough and the aroma filling the house was driving them crazy to eat one. When Nathan's friend walked in the door, he asked me what I had made. He said, " It smells so yummy!" Needless to say, they were a big hit with everyone who's tried them!

They remind me of Thin Mints in a way. One difference though.... they didn't last nearly as long! They were devoured!

Here is the recipe I used, if you'd like to try them!

Double Chocolate Mint Cookies

1 c. Crisco shortening
¾ c. light brown sugar
¾ c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 c. all-purpose flour
½ c. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 – 1 ½ c. Andes candies baking chips


Preheat oven to 350°. Combine shortening and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla until creamy. In another bowl stir together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt, mixing well. Add to shortening/sugar mixture. Stir in the baking chips. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls about 2” apart onto a baking sheet or stone.
Bake 10-12 mins. or until edges are firm and a little crisp. Cool 1 min. on baking sheet, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
(Makes 3-4 dozen)

Huh???

Static electricity... that's what we are dealing with in our house. The air is too dry and every time we sit on the couch we hear the zap. Forget touching anyone or anything else --- then you feel it! Ouch!

The boys and I were trying to figure out a way to get rid of it, besides the quick fix of a dryer sheet. While searching in Google for an answer this is what we found. Enjoy!
We got a huge laugh out of this comical person!

well this is kind of a difficult process but i believe in you!
1. Get a large bucket
2. Fill it with maple syrup
3. Take a dog( doesnt' have to be yours) on a walk around your couch for safety...wouldn't want any bombs hidden in there
4. Smother your couch in a mixture of maple syrup and baking soda
5. to remove the mixture place couch carefully in the dish washer...the laundry machine will work too
6. leave plenty of time to dry
7. put it back!!!!
8. if it doesn't completly dry you can just hang it from a tree... the squrlls will absorb the electric shock left
9. Enjoy your static free couch...


if you need to know how to unstatic any thing else just let me know...i'm an expert in this kind of stuff
Source(s):
Static Electricty Counsil of Indoneisa


We decided to take another route-- a humidifier will work!

Disney Day 1

We took the boys to Disney in Sept. It was their first trip. It's taken me forever to get this posted. There is more to come.

Enjoy the slide show. I have more to add from our other days. I'll get them done, I promise. If you click on one of the pictures in the slide show, it will pull it up where you can click to the left to view it full screen.

The picture of the sky with the Epcot ball to the side.... look closely to see what is written in the sky. They boys pointed it out to us!

Going for the Gold!

Nathan had his very first TaeKwonDo Tournament this weekend. He had been practicing and preparing for it and was so excited. We have been so impressed with how well he has done. He is really embracing this TKD thing and we decided we needed to get him to the tournament.


I had my wisdom teeth out on Thursday and bought a ticket to be able to see him. I was determined that if I could hold my head up and keep my eyes open, I was going! And that is just what I did. I am so glad it worked out for me to attend. It was so awesome to see him so exicted and trying his very best. My mom got to be there too! That was exciting for him to have her there to see it all. Jason took the video, while I attempted some still shots.


It was a long day, but very successful. Nathan walked away with 2 First Place (Gold) Medals! Yep, 2! He got 1st place for forms and 1st place for sparring! He wasn't nervous at all and afterwards he said , I feel like this is all a dream, except I KNOW I am not going to wake up looking at my bed!" He was quite proud of himself! He worked hard, so he should be.

Finally..... I have the video loaded!!!!

Wisdom Teeth

What is the purpose of wisdom teeth? Anyone know? Seriously, that will be one of my first questions for the Lord when I see him face to face one day. Whatever the reason, they were causing problems and had to come out. I was told at 17 that no oral surgeon would ever touch mine. Well, here I am ?? years later and Dr. J took them out this past Thursday. It was not something I was looking forward to AT ALL!


My mom, sweet mom, flew in Wed. night to help take care of me and the family. As nervous as I was, I felt calm enough to show up and sit in the chair for them to knock me out. I was a little scared to "hear" how I would react after coming out of the anesthesia. I have heard some CRAZY stories! Sorry to report, mine wasn't one of those. What did I do you ask? I cried. Yep, I cried. Partly because I woke up as they were finishing up the procedure. I couldn't talk or move my hand to even tell them. I didn't feel pain, but I felt pressure and heard all the noises! Whew! Let's just say, I'm glad I was "asleep" for most of it. So, yes, I cried. I kept hearing them ask me why I was emotional. Only problem is.... I COULDN'T RESPOND! The ride home, I was asleep and quiet mom said. I slept most of the day and the next.


To my surprise, I wasn't that swollen and had NO brusing until yesterday. It's just a small spot under my chin. I am still numb in spots .... Three-fourths of my bottom lip and most of my chin and to the right side a little. I haven't had any pain medicine today, so I am feeling better. Not 100% yet, but I'll get there.


I want to tell everyone who prayed for me, THANK YOU! I know I had a bunch of prayer warriors out there lifting me up before, during and aftery my surgery. I felt them all. My recovery is evident of all of your prayers at work. I am so blessed.


A HUGE thank you to my mom for rearranging her schedule to come up here and help us. She has been mom, nurse, GrandMommy, cook, chaufer, teacher, etc. It has been such a big help and has made recovery so much easier. I love you, Mom!

(Sorry, but pictures were strictly forbidden at this time!)

A Party for Puppy

Friday while eating lunch, Ryan informed us that it was Puppy's birthday! He thought we should throw him a party. So after we cleaned up lunch, we got the playdough back out. Ryan and I "baked" a playdough cake and deocorated it. Ryan made sure Puppy had presents and friends for the party.

Ryan with the guest of honor!

 Puppy's friends

When we got it all ready, we sang Happy Birthday to Puppy. Ryan served the guest of honor and his friends cake and helped Puppy open his presents. After opening presents we read a few new books we picked up at the library this week. Puppy thanked all of his guests and Ryan for throwing him a party. Then it was time for some Wii, Ryan decided. What a fun party Ryan planned!

Happy Birthday, Puppy!

Make a wish and blow out your candle.

Cutting the cake

  Serving the guests

 

Yummy cake!

I love to see him so creative! It thrills my heart so much!
(I am trying to post a video of Ryan opening Puppy's gifts, but I can't get it to work!  I'll keep trying!)

Farmer Andy and his baby cows

Farmer Andy visited Ryan's school Tues. with his baby cows. Nathan and I went to visit too. It was so cute to see all the kids excited. I noticed Ryan was REALLY hyper (which isn't really typical of him). I thought, "Wow, he must really be excited about these baby cows." I later was informed by the director that they had a special snack for their letter of the week, D. Any guesses? If you guessed Donuts.... you are right! I'm just wondering how MANY donuts he ate. He doesn't react to donuts like that when he eats one at home on a rare occassion! I'm just glad it wore off before pick up time!

We are so thankful that Ryan is loving his teacher's and his school. It was a BIG answer to prayer. Such a delight!

(I'm TRYING to post a video on here too, but am having great difficulty! I'll keep trying!)

Back 2 School

Ryan started "back to school" (in Sept.) at a brand new preschool in our area.  He was so excited to start at his new school.  He is going 2 days a week.  It's nice that it's only 2 mins. from the house! 

His backpack is as big as he is! 

Country Ham Festival

Every year our town has a Ham Festival.  It's always the weekend that Jason and his friends have their annual Mountain Bike/Camping trip.  This year proved no different.  The boys always look forward to a fun time of games and jump houses.  So the boys and I went with some friends/neighbors to enjoy the festivities. 

Even though we have been the past 3 years, we've somehow always missed the pig races.  Not this year!  It was something I can now check off on my list of things I've done in my life!  Aren't you jealous? 

Camo Room

Nathan was ready for a room makeover.  So back in July I began painting his room.  Nathan decided he wanted a military them and wanted camo walls.  After the dreaded priming and painting 3 of the walls, I got to start on the coolest part of the room.  Nathan helped draw the camo pattern on the wall.  He was so proud of himself.  It took a lot of work, but we are pleased with the finished result.  I had to do it in baby steps.  My shoulder and hand are STILL sore -- it's Oct.  I finished in Aug.  We still have accessories, curtains, etc. to finish it up.  I am kinda stuck on what to do now.  So it's all coming together slowly.  We did get him a new bed.  He loves it!

If you have any suggestions for the room... we'd love to hear them!

Going for Senior Green Belt

Nathan had his Green Belt Test in TKD on Saturday.  He did very well!  He was hoping he would pass.  He did!  We have the awards ceremony this week.  He'll be a Sr. Green Belt.  He is very excited. 

In the video you will see him do 3 rounds of free sparring.  They didn't practice a whole lot of free sparring during class.  He did extremely well!  I was impressed.  You will see, he is the one bouncing like a ping pong ball.  I put in red arrows to point to which one is him.  It's hard to tell with all his gear on.  He was so proud of himself!

Lesson learned

Yesterday the boys and I attended a Back to School swim party with a local home school group. It was such a fun time for us all. The boys quickly made some new friends and had a blast. The party was held at one of our local Y's. Upon entering the pools, the kids could take a swim test to see if they were eligible for the "big pool" with water slides. Nathan wanted to try the test, but then decided against it. If you didn't try or didn't pass the test, you had to wear a life vest. If you wore a life vest you couldn't ride the big water slides. So, Nathan chose to wear a swim vest. Nathan and I both had some hesitation of whether or not he could complete the test. It was about half the length of an Olympic sized pool. They had to swim freestyle or the breaststroke, couldn't stop, touch the bottom or sides of the pool until the finish.


About the time the party was to be over, Nathan approached me that he wanted to try the swim test. I think he had convinced himself he could do it. I however, wasn't really convinced. I think I was a little more nervous than he was. I didn't want to see him try and fail. I knew he would beat himself up if he didn't make it. I wanted to protect him from a possible let down. Since there weren't a ton of people in line for the swim test, I figured it wouldn't be too hard on his ego if he failed the test, so I agreed to let him try. I was praying the entire way over to the test area, but still doubtful. My prayers were more for the dealings of the aftermath when he didn't pass.


Well, to my surprise... he passed! Boy, did he work HARD!!! He was such a trooper too! His first go round, he couldn't see and bumped into the side of the pool. Once the lifeguard got him some goggles, he had no problem. He was WORN out by the time he finished, but let me tell you..... HE was ELATED. I mean ON TOP OF THE WORLD! He had to find all his buddies to share the good news and of course go ride the water slides.


On our way back to find his friends, he kept saying, "I knew I could do it, Mom. I just knew it." I turned to him and told him how very proud I was of him and how hard he worked. I also had to tell him how sorry I was for being so doubtful in his abilities. He looked at me and said, "Dubious!?" I got SO tickled. You must know that dubious was one of his spelling/vocab. words for this week! YES!!!!! I WAS dubious, but oh, so proud! I learned my lesson and obviously he did too!

Our Future Green Belt

Nathan tested for his Green belt a few weeks ago. He of course passed. He now has his sparring gear and attended his sparring clinic last Saturday. He should begin sparring this week. Of course he is sooooo excited.

He couldn't wait to put on his sparring gear the day he got it. Before we even got out of the parking lot, he was putting it on. I got so tickled and had to snap a couple shots. Ryan had to try on the helmet too! So funny!

My Birthday Surprise

Yesterday (Aug. 16) was my birthday, we won’t mention which one. I stopped counting at 30 anyway. Jason had planned a special surprise. He told me a week out not to plan anything for this weekend. Of course I wanted to know why, but I was trying hard to let him surprise me. For those that know me, you know I am a planner. Not that I can’t do anything spontaneous, cause I can…. I just like to plan things out. Anyway… I wanted to know some specifics. I didn’t ask too many questions. Jason almost told me the NIGHT before, but I wouldn’t let him! He worked so hard to make it a surprise and surprise it was! Friday afternoon, he called to tell me not to worry about dinner that he was ordering pizza to be delivered. Later he called back to tell me that when they delivered 3 pizzas, they were all for us and to not tell the pizza delivery guy he had the wrong order. So…… I figured out we were having dinner guests. Hmm…. Who, how many, etc.? Long story short…. around 7 something the doorbell rang. He told me to answer it. When I opened the door there stood my best friend and her two precious girls. They had driven up from B’ham. I was so excited to see them. I never thought they were the dinner guests , but they were. They even stayed the whole weekend.

Jason made us all breakfast Sat. morning, we all went to Nathan’s TKD sparring clinic and then he took all 4 kids home and Missy and I had the rest of the day. We went to lunch, shopped and then came back to change. Jason fixed the kids dinner and Missy and I headed out for our dinner and then to a late movie. We got home after midnight and I was exhausted, but we stayed up and talked the night away. Around 2 am, we headed to bed. Sunday morning, Jason fixed us all breakfast again and we hung out around the house until Missy and the girls had to leave.

Jason even made me a birthday cake. It’s only the 2nd or 3rd cake he’s made in his life. We had planned to go to a late lunch/early dinner, head to church and then come back for cake. We’ll we did all that except for the cake part. They boys fell asleep on the way home from church and I wanted to. We got to bed early and decided to have cake tonight. And we did! It was soooo yummy! I invited some friends over to have cake with us! What a great weekend it was!

I have the best husband! I really do! He planned this about a month out, cleaned the house, kept 4 kids (2 of them girls, which he adored), kept the kids feed and entertained, made a cake and made me one happy girl! Thanks babe!!!!!

The County Fair

We took the boys to the county fair on a school night! It was the night before public school started here. Not only were the boys excited to go, but to get to stay out late on a school night was a BIG deal! It was sooo fun! We had a great time. We stayed until after 10 pm and you know what….. we didn’t have to worry about getting up early and getting off to school. We slept in a little later than usual and started school around 9:30. It was awesome!

The fair has gotten pricey… man! We had a budget and stuck to it. Even though we didn’t get to ride a lot of rides, the boys were so appreciative. Nathan wanted to ride this one particular ride. For the life of me I can’t remember the name of it. It’s like the Himalaya, but the car swings. Anyway, he didn’t want to ride it alone, so I rode with him. He was so scared before the ride even started he was gripping the bar white knuckled. Once we got going he liked it for a FEW seconds. Then when I looked over, he was just saying, “Mommy, I want them to stop. I want to get off. Make them stop it!” I explained they couldn’t. Then as it was slowing down, he remembered it was going to go backwards next. He wasn’t real happy about that. He survived the ride and he kept his dinner! But he wasn’t a fan. Well, a little bit (he told me).

They had a cute little exhibit this year at the fair called A Day in the Life of a Farmer. They boys each got a basket and a vest when we walked in. Their first stop was to get a bag of corn kernels and soybean seeds. Then they went around to each station doing something and getting something for their basket. They got an egg from the hen house after feeding the (pretend) chicken ,picked an apple in the orchard, they feed a (pretend) cow and then milked it and got a carton of milk. They also planted corn kernels in the garden and then picked a tomato, potato and green pepper. Next they went to the farmer’s market and sorted everything in their basket into the appropriate place at the market. They got paid (a dollar) for selling their goods. Last, they went to the grocery store and bought a snack. They had several choices and they of course wanted one of each, but they both decided on an ice cream sandwich. It was a really neat educational experience. The loved it so much, they wanted to do it again! Really, they wanted another snack! Boys!!!

I loved the entire night, but I have to say, my favorite part was the concert when we first got to the fair. We got to see and worship with The Katinas. I think they are wonderful! Nathan and Ryan were so into it, I was so glad. Yes, Ryan had his ear plugs in, but once they were in, he was dancing and clapping and doing his best to sing along. What a fun family outing!

Bee Careful

We had some friends over today to play. The kids wanted to jump on the trampoline. While out there they noticed this:

Have you ever?????

The kids were a little afraid, so I decided (after taking a few pictures) that I would help the poor fellow out. Literally! So, I climbed up into the trampoline and gave it a push with my flip flop. I didn't expect it to fall into the trampoline. I thought I would push him out. I was wrong! Thankfully, he didn't sting anyone. Actually I don't think he could..... I may have "pushed" a little to hard. Ooops! Sorry, Mr. Bee. I really was trying to help.

Baking 101

Ryan mentioned during the week that he was now going to be a baker, like me. How cute! I asked him what he wanted to bake. He said he wanted to make a cake. So yesterday, the boys made their very first cake. I showed them how to read a recipe and why it was important. We discussed the cooking terms and abbreviations too. Then I guided them and snapped a bunch of photos while THEY made a chocolate chip pound cake. They were so proud and they had EVERY right to be. The result was delicious!

Week 1 of Homeschooling

Day 2 Devotion object lesson

We started off with a bang—day one! I was flying high. The rest of the week was not so high. In fact it was just the opposite. Yes, low…. very, very low in fact. It was just me feeling this. It came out of nowhere, well no, not really. I know exactly where it came from. Satan! He sure does not how to knock ya down when things are going good. I tell ya, the spiritual warfare I was under was rough! He knew exactly what to do to make me doubt what I was doing. Of course it was so timely too…. just enough time to make me want to “throw in the towel” and enroll him back in our local school. As close as I came to giving up, I kept my eyes on the Lord. Yes, many tears were shed, but here we are…. still at it!


One thing that Satan used to get me down was by delivering the news that we did not get into the home school tutorial at our church. It was full (returning students have priority)! I understood, but at the same time, I was CRUSHED! I was dreading having to share the news to Nathan. We were both SO excited about the classes he signed up for. Like I’ve said before…. He’s our social butterfly. He was ecstatic at the idea of being in class with other kids his age 1 day a week. I quickly began to pray about the news I’d gotten. I thought of a friend whose kids attend another local home school tutorial. I contacted her to get the info. I needed. Well, lo and behold…. they were full too. Bomb #2 struck me! In my head were these thoughts: "How am I going to tell Nathan that he won’t be taking classes with other kids? He’s just going to say forget this homeschooling stuff then…. send me back to school."


I cried and prayed and yes, even called Jason in tears! God is so good though. I have recently connected with an old college friend on FB. She happened to post her status something about her awesome time homeschooling this week. WHAT?? Really? So, I immediately sent her a message to find out what she was doing, how she was doing it, etc. She has 3 girls, no boys so things might be different… but I had to get some answers. I was totally honest with her about my first week. I was really feeling like a failure and was having a hard time letting others know how I was feeling. With her, I felt safe! (Thank you, God!) She was such an inspiration and encouragement to me. Thanks, J!!!!



So Friday, we had a completely different kind of day and it was just what we, or I, needed. The ONLY thing that has stayed consistent EVERY day is our time with the Lord FIRST thing in the morning! What an awesome time it has been, too! It’s my favorite part of the day with my boys!
I did manage to get a few pictures this week. Here’s a peek.



Language Arts game

Fun with the foot spa

Hey, why does the water look like that?

This feels funny, Mom.

Homeschooling: Day 1

Today was fantastic! The boys were so excited. We started off the day with our morning devotion. I had planned to do one with each of the boys, however, Ryan was so into the one I did with Nathan, that we made it for both of them. We talked about how God gives us the tools to build our life correctly. The Bible is full of God’s building plans to show us how to make good things in our heart and life. Ryan was the perfect student wanting to participate and have all the answers. He was raising his hand and waiting to be called on. It was so cute!
I told the boys that we would be memorizing scripture and that I would be learning right along with them. Our first verse was 2 Peter 1:3 “His divine power has given everything we need for life and godliness.”
I had no idea that Ryan was going to want to be right in the middle of everything, but he was. I quickly realized that I am going to have to find a way to work with them both. Not that I didn’t think pre-K didn’t count, I just wasn’t placing a big enough emphasis on it with him. He will be going to Mother’s Day Out twice a week starting next month. Until then, I have got to figure out how to teach him and Nathan. That’s really hard for me, since both boys need my instruction fully right now. Unfortunately, I think I am going to focus more on getting Nathan going and then will pick up with Ryan.
We got a lot accomplished our first day and I felt so good about it. Honestly, my favorite part was our time with God first thing in the morning. Here’s to a great year!
Crazy me, I forgot to get their picture of our 1st day….. Drat! Then again a picture in our p.j.s isn’t that glamorous!

Ready for Battle

Here we go! 4, 3, 2, 1, Blast Off!! Today is the day! I don't feel completely on top of things, which is very unsettling for me. Jason and I have really felt Satan attacking each of us this weekend. Last night as we were talking and praying about it, it really didn't catch me off guard when Jason said he was feeling attacked too. Satan will do anything to keep us from accomplishing what is right.


Friday night I started with a migraine. (Talk about blast off! I thought my head was going to blast off!) It continued to get worse throughout the weekend. I finally felt half-way normal yesterday and made it to church last night. I am so glad I did. It was just what I needed.



After we got home, I started looking at our curriculum and getting set up for our first day of homeschooling. I began to get overwhelmed and nervous. My mind was racing and I began to have doubts about doing this! Why, I thought? It was nothing other than Satan trying to knock me off my feet.


I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has called us to homes chool this year. With Him on our side and with His guidance, we can do this!


So here I sit, typing this with another bad headache, but I am determined to do this! Satan is trying again to stop me! But I am dressed for battle... spiritual battle. I have on the full armor of God.


Ephesians 6:11-17 (NLT)


Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth, the body armor of God's righteousness for shoes, and put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.


God give me the strength to get through this day. Help us to look to you and persevere.

It's the Final Countdown

5 days and counting


I have lots to do in the next 5 days, but Monday we will officially begin homeschooling. YEA!!! Our curriculum is in and I've begun looking it over. Now I need to find some time to sit down and plan out our first week (at least). I feel soooo behind, but we can do this!

I'll try my best to update on here.

Where did Summer go???

Postings

Ok, so I've typed a few posts in the past few months and then didn't even post them! Goodness!


I am really slacking at keeping my blog updated. Trust me, it isn't for lack of topics! You will find some "new" posts, but you may have to scroll back.


For instance.... Nathan's 8th birthday post is in June (but his birthday is in May). Hey, at least I posted it!

Our own little comedian

Nathan has always had a humorous side to him. As a toddler he was ALWAYS making up his own silly words. He thought they were hilarious. One of his favorite things he would do was to ask, "What's a wuzzle?" Whenever we replied, "I don't know, what is it?" He would just laugh and say "a wuzzle." So many times, his humor didn't make any sense. That was okay, he was enjoying life!

He also loved to make up his own jokes. As you can imagine, most of them didn't make sense either. A few years ago he got 2 different electronic joke tellers for Christmas (thank you Uncle Brian and Aunt Gail!) Anyway... Nathan played them NON-STOP! So much so that when the batteries ran out, we didn't replace them for a L-O-N-G time.

Now Ryan is picking up where Nathan left off as a toddler/preschooler making up his own jokes. Let's just say, Nathan is getting a taste of his own medicine. Ryan's jokes also don't make any sense. We are used to it. We give a courtesy laugh anyway. Nathan just doesn't understand and will tell Ryan so. The funny thing is... Nathan still makes up jokes that don't make sense, but HE thinks they are funny. Yes, he gets courtesy laughs too.

The boys have recently pulled out the 2 joke masters (with batteries that work). So for the past several days, that's what we have heard constantly. It's fun to see Nathan really GET them now. Thankfully it is helping him to learn jokes that DO make sense.

Stop him sometime, he might have a new one up his sleeve. If it doesn't make sense.... just give the obligatory courtesy laugh, ok?!

I'll leave you with one of Nathan's ol' time favorites. This is a joke/riddle:

A peanut sat on the railroad track, not one word did he mutter
Then a train came flying by
Toot, Toot.... Peanut butter!

He needs more training, I know. He has time though. :)

YES!

I thought I had posted this already, but obviously I haven't. Sorry! I am still so behind! Many people who knew we were contemplating the idea of homeschooling have been asking what we've decided. After much praying and researching we have decided that Nathan will be homeschooled this year. It is completely evident that this is what God is calling us to do. He has been at work preparing each one of us for this.

Nathan is very excited. That in itself is God's doing! The day after school was out, he asked if we could start that Monday. I giggled and told him we were going to enjoy our summer and allow me time to get his curriculum.

I am in the process of getting him registered, picking/buying curriculum and deciding how we are going to begin this new venture. I am so blessed to have such a huge support group. Many are old friends and some are new. It is wonderful to see how God is blessing us in so many ways. I can't wait to see what He has in store for us for this school year.

Ryan will attend MDO 2 days a week, which will allow Nathan and me lots of time together -- something we haven't had in a long time. The other days, it will be both boys and me. Ryan is also excited to be homeschooling. Not that he really understands (I don't think.)


Thanks to all of you who joined with us in prayer over this big decision in our lives. We will keep you updated on how it goes! Summer is quickly coming to an end and our school year will begin soon. Keep praying for us, will you?

My Lil' Sis

Today my lil' sis turns the big 3-0! She certainly doesn't look it! For some reason she is having a hard time with this b'day like I did with my last. We are alike in some ways, this just goes to prove it! :)

Thirty years ago today, I remember being whisked to my neighbor's house with my brother. It was a big day and I remember the anticipation as we awaited the phone call saying that my little baby sister had been born. It was an evening of trying to keep our minds preoccupied. Playing with friends, eating popcorn (made on the stove) and watching the tube with the good ole' boys on D-u-k-e-s of H-a-z-a-r-d and the Bar-bara Man-drell show! I was so excited when we got the call that Gail had been born.

I remember getting to go to the hospital to see her for the first time. She was like a little doll. I couldn't wait to get her home. Growing up with 6 years between us, we didn't play a whole lot together. We did some, but not a ton. All those years living together we had our share of good and bad times. But we are sisters, we stick together! I miss her greatly. I wish we lived closer to each other so we could spend more time with each other, just the two of us. There is something special about sisters! I am so glad to have a special sister in my life! I love you, Gail! Happy Birthday!

8th Birthday Campout Style

Nathan has a love for the outdoors like his Daddy. Notice, I did not say Mommy! Most of you know my thoughts/feelings about camping. When trying to decide what Nathan wanted to do for his birthday (in May) he really wanted a party with his friends.


So, we agreed to just a small gathering. The final decision was a Campout in the backyard. I planned it all out and made the invitations. A few weeks before his birthday we had tons of rain. Some days it was like a monsoon! I decided I needed to have a backup plan. So I had 2 planned parties, an inside “Campout” and an outside Campout.

We ended up having the party indoors and it turned out just fine. Nathan had 5 friends over to join in the festivities. The made bug Sh*rinky Di*nk magnets, soaked capsules that turned into foam bugs and punched holes in the shape of a star in a small tin tart pan.


For games, we played Snake Pit Tug of War, Balloon Bop, Glow in the dark Bug Hunt, Bug Bites and Once Upon a Time. We skipped the campfire and roasting marshmallows since we were indoors, but had cake that I had made. All the boys were tickled to see that I had made each one of them on the cake. They were in their sleeping bag around a campfire.


They watched the movie F-l-y Me Too The M-o-o-n and used their flashlights to shine stars on the ceiling (from their star tin they made). They all settled down pretty easily (Jason slept in the bonus room with them).


The next morning I got them Donuts and they played until their parents came. Nathan really enjoyed his party and was very gracious for all I had done to prepare. He was so sweet! My favorite part was when he said a few days before the party, “Hey Mom! You don’t even like camping!” With a big smile on my face I replied, “You are SO right baby, but it doesn’t matter. I am planning this for you, not for me!”


I can’t believe he is 8! We love you, Nathan!

He did it folks!

God does work miracles I think Jason would say!


Jason had been searching for a new (to him) car for quite some time. As you will recall in one of my earlier posts (here) this is what he was leaning towards. I just wasn’t liking it one bit! Anyway….. after much searching and praying Jason found THE CAR FOR HIM. He and the dealership had worked out a deal (an awesome one at that)! God was at work! Not only was God working on the deal with the car, but He was working on me too! (Little did I know at the time.)


Jason left work early to go pick up the car that he was buying (about 50 mi. from where we live). The boys and I made pictures to post on the front windows of the house to greet Jason when he arrived home with his new wheels. The boys were soooo excited! While we were eating dinner waiting to hear from Daddy, Nathan got all choked up and said that he was really sad. He said he was really going to miss Daddy’s old car. I asked him why and he replied, “Well, it’s just that I’ve had lots of fun in that car and I will miss it.” I asked him if he thought he would be able to have fun in Daddy’s new car and he said he would. I then explained that Daddy hadn’t sold or traded his Honda that he would have it too. That threw him… he couldn’t figure out how Jason was going to drive home 2 cars at once! Hahaha…. I explained that we would be going back on the weekend to pick up Daddy’s Honda. (What a precious boy!) I was really surprised by his sadness!
Then he comes out with….. “Um, Mommy. I don’t mean to be ugly or anything, but…… (here it comes) I think Daddy’s car is going to be nicer than yours!” Yep he did!! Of course, I had to agree and I told him it didn’t hurt my feelings.

Nathan's picture

Nathan's other picture

Ryan's picture

Ryan's other picture

So here I am, excited for Jason, since he had driven his current car for 16 years!!! SIXTEEN---- shesh! Then he had searched and searched for the right car for him. On the other hand, I was really dreading the fact that it was a wagon! I was so torn with my emotions over it all! I really prayed about it (I think Jason did too – he knew how I felt. It wasn’t a surprise.) But in the end…. It turned out great! I love his car. I am soooo happy for him. (I don’t think about it being a wagon…. I look past it). I love the way it drives/rides and it has lots of nice “bells and whistles.” He deserves it!


When Jason got home with his car about 9 pm, the boys and I were standing on the front porch with the lights out. Nathan was waving a flashlight and shining it on the pictures we posted on the windows. When Jason pulled into the driveway, the boys were so giddy. Ryan was squealing and saying how “Awesome Daddy’s car was.” It was the cutest thing. I only wish I had video taped it.


But he did it… Jason got his Mazda 6 wagon!