Oct. 5, 2008 - My Friend Julie |
This is my friend Julie and she is holding and loving on Olivia.
We were able to eat lunch with her family while we were in Wisconsin in September.
Julie is one of those friends who I may not talk to in a long time, but when we do get together its like we have not missed a day. She has had a major influence in my life since I was in high school and I am thankful for her continued influence and guidance to this day.
Her children are growing into wonderful young men. Our boys love going to their home and spending time with them and enjoying playing with them.
Julie is a friend among friends and we have such fun with their family.
Susan |
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Sep. 29, 2008 - Of handwritten notes and memories |
Saturday was work day at our church. After deep cleaning the nursery and the toys therein, I took the children down to Sean's office to cool off and rest. I was tired. You know how hard cleaning is for me. ::giggle::
I was sitting at Sean's desk and started decluttering it. I was working on his top drawer when I saw my Mom's handwriting. It was a card she sent to me in college. There was nothing special about the envelop or the card. But when I opened it, the flood gate of memories was released and I was transported back in time.
My Mom was so faithful at writing me notes every week while I was in college. They were not earth shattering in content, but always brought a smile to my face. This letter was no different. She shared about how school in my home town had been canceled due to a big snow storm. (Which is funny because I lived 40 miles away, so we most likely received the same snow storm.) She shared about having to walk home from choir practice because she could not find the car keys, which were in the ignition of the car. She shared her embarrassment of not finding them.
She included two newspaper clippings. One of the high school gymnastics team and one of two recipes that won a contest from the local grocery store. Of course, one of the winning recipes was her hamburger soup recipe.
Reading through the letters made me realize what a lost art writing letters has become. Letters have been replaced with phone calls, e-mails and text messages. I am not opposed to any of these things, but I do think that they have made hand written letters delivered via the mail system even more special and meaningful.
Realizing the importance of the hand written word has inspired me to try to write letters more often. We have friends who we visited while in Wisconsin do not use internet access very much, so in order to stay in touch, we usually phone. But with six children each, that is becoming increasingly difficult. So I have decided that as a family we are going to start writing them letters. They boys can write to their boys and our girls can write to their girls. And I can write to the Mom. It will be fun. I cannot wait to get going on this and surprise them with a little package from us to them.
So, my challenge to you. Take 10 minutes, pull out some pretty stationary and write a letter today. You may even want to include a newspaper clipping, just for fun. |
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Sep. 26, 2008 - Cubed Round Steak and Noodles |
When we were at my sister and brother in law's home in September, they made us Cubed Round Steak and Noodles. This was a staple growing up. I loved this as a child and still love it as an adult. I wanted to share it with you. Just in case you want something to add to your menu that will satisfy you for hours to come. Its quite simple. As a matter of fact, I could not find the recipe, so I went from memory.
Cast of Characters
1 large round steak, preferably bone in.
1 medium onion (peeled and sliced)
Olive Oil
5 - 6 beef bullion cubes
Water
To make gravy
Flour and water whisked together
1 bag of extra wide egg noodles
Green Beans (or whatever veggies you like, but we like it with green beans.)
How To
Cut the meat in 1-2 inch squares.
Heat skillet and oil over medium high heat. Add meat and onions. (I prefer real onions, but all I had was minced dried onions.)
Fry until browned thoroughly.
Add bullion cubes
Cover with water
Bring to a boil
Cover and simmer on medium low for 2ish hours.
About 15 minutes before serving
Start water for egg noodles. Bring water to a boil and cook noodles as directed.
Bring round steak and juices back to a slight boil. Whisk the flour and water together and slowly pour into pan to make gravy.
Stir thoroughly and turn down to low.
Add Salt and Pepper to taste.
To serve, plate the noodles first and then add meat and gravy on top. Enjoy.
If there are leftovers, make sure to package them in single serving sizes
and hide what you don't want anyone else to see in the back of the fridge behind the milk.
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Sep. 22, 2008 - I love my Library |
I am not sure if I wrote about my library before, but I wanted to let you know that I love my library. See we live in a city that has about 300,000 in the urban area. But we have a local branch right up the road from us. We used to walk there. And I always say we will walk again, but now that I am 31+ weeks pregnant, that thought does not interest me too much. Its not the walk there that I am concerned about, but rather the walk back.
Anyway, I love our local branch. They have story time every Tuesday morning for 3 - 6 year olds. In our family that means everyone goes. The older children really are not thrilled about it anymore, but I just tell them that too soon no one will be reading to them anymore and they should enjoy it while they can. I personally love being read to. Our librarians are so good to our family and they make sure to talk to the older ones in a more grown up way.
Our children that are younger than three also love story time. They start going as soon as we can after they are born and are taught how to sit through story time from that age on. Of course they start out sleeping through it. But once they can stay awake long enough to hear the stories, they sit on Mama's lap. I work diligently at keeping them quiet. This is actually great training ground for sitting quietly in church. By the time the child 2 they know how to sit through story time and pay attention and participate.
Our local branch also provides a craft at the end of story time for them to do. These are not just color the picture crafts, but they are full-fledged color, glue, sometimes with glitter crafts. You know the kind, the kind that Mom's hate doing in their homes because they make a mess, that kind of craft.
Tuesday mornings are always a favorite in our home.
The other thing that I love about our local branch is the size. Its small and it seems that the computers have taken over the quaintness of the library, but it is still small enough to see from one side to another. To many this may seem like a disadvantage because if its that small they must not have many books. Well, that is not true. There are books in every little corner of that library and a great and varied selection to boot. And if the book that I want is not there, I can check all the branches and find at least one copy of the book.
We can reserve books online with no fees. We can find out what is checked out on line, no fees. We can search for books online, with no fees. We can even download audio books to listen to at home. I have not done that yet, but hope to in the near future. Maybe when baby 7 Up makes his or her appearance.
So if you don't go to your library regularly, maybe you should check it out. You never know what you will find there. |
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Sep. 19, 2008 - Of Ferries and Fears |
While in Wisconsin in September, we went over the Merrimac Ferry. Did I ever tell you that I don't care for the water or being on things that travel on top of the water. Well truth be told, I don't mind being in the water as long as its my choice. I also don't care for heights, but we are talking about water today.
Anyway back to the Merrimac Ferry. On our way back from Wisconsin Dells, we went on this ferry. Its a small ferry and it crosses a small lake. It was a 5 - 10 minute trip tops, but it still brought fear to my heart. I was not driving, Praise the Lord.
We are the first car on the left side.
We see a train track along our left side.
Did I tell you it was windy and rainy that day?
Some guy took his kid out of his car to give him the full experience.
I kept our kids and my nieces firmly buckled.
Here I am nice and relaxed.
I don't care if I ever do that again. The kids loved it.
Susan |
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Sep. 15, 2008 - Isabella Mae |
She's a beauty, but she's not mine. I tried to steal her, but they caught me. Here is my new neice, Isabella Mae, born September 6, 2008.
She was welcomed into the world surrounded by her loving aunties and lots of laughter.
She is loved by her two older brothers, her older sister and her Mom and Dad.
She was cuddled by many cousins and Aunts and Uncles.
She is a joy and a gift from God. I miss her already. Remember I said I tried to steal her. Her siblings would not let me. |
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Sep. 11, 2008 - Playing Doctor |
My children can be creative no matter the situation. Here are the girls taking turns playing doctor in my Sunday School room while I was cleaning one day.
They are using the flannelgraph as the examining table. Good thing they are so light.
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Sep. 4, 2008 - Card Fun |
Its so simple. A deck of 55 cards (the regular 52 plus the 3 jokers). Who would think such a simple invention could keep children happy, content and occupied for hours on end.
Oh wait, they are Star Wars cards, maybe that is why.
Well, that's Ok. They discovered the joys of card playing and I got to enjoy an afternoon with minimal fighting.
Susan |
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Aug. 29, 2008 - A Haircut in the Wilderness |
I am too cheap a wise steward of the money that God has blessed us with and prefer to give our children their haircuts. They are still young, so I can get away with it.
We have had absolutely picture perfect days lately so we have been spending a majority of our time outside. While Bethany was swinging, I noticed her hair drags on the ground when she leans backward in the swing. I have been debating giving her a haircut because the length and weigh of her hair seems to be weighing down her beautiful curls. The hair in the dirt while swinging episode sealed the deal for me.
I assembled the necessary tools; a brush, a couple of hair pretties, a scissors and my camera.
I brushed her hair out well. The only curl left was at the very end. I am glad to cut it. She will look more her age. She does have beautiful hair.
 
I decided how much I wanted to cut of...about 4 inches and proceeded to cut.
When all was said and done, I had actually cut off about 6 inches, but it still looks so cute.
Now to see what it looks like after I wash it. I hope it curls up again. It has already "bounced up".
I think I'll be making little corrections for the next week or so. But she loves it and is glad it is much easier to brush out now. Less snarls = more fun time to play. |
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Aug. 25, 2008 - Making Tree Forts Out of Downed Limbs |
We had some terrible straight line winds a few weeks ago. Our lot is like a mini park with the 30+ trees we have on it. So whenever we have strong winds, we have branches down. But this time we had BIG branches down. So big, the children decided to make a fort from them once they had dragged them to one spot.
Hauling the branches to the designated area. Yes, the children took this branch by themselves. It was big, heavy and awkward, but they did it.
Now plotting how to turn this pile of leaves and branches into the perfect fort.
PERFECT
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Aug. 22, 2008 - Our Anniversary Celebration |
The day started out much like any other day. Active children. Lots of wash. A phone call or two. Lunch. More wash. Dishes.
Sean came home from work already changed. He gives me a kiss and then whispers something to the children. They get their shoes on and start towards the door. I ask where they are going. Sean tells me not to ask so many questions. I assume they are going somewhere for supper as Sean told me not to worry about supper for them. I tell that that I want to say goodbye. I get a hug and kiss from each of the kidlets. I ask if I can wave goodbye to them. Without saying a word, in their eyes, I knew they wanted me to stay inside. So I did.
Sean and the children were off and I was instructed to stay home and wait further instructions. So I wait. I run the dishwasher. I wait some more.
At about 3:50 Sean calls and tells me to go upstairs and put thing for overnight in a certain bag and I may want to include my swim suit. Sounds exciting to me.
So I obey and get packed for an overnight stay somewhere. I turn up the temperature on the central air (did i tell you that we got central air and I LOVE IT?) I make sure all the lights and fans are off in our home. I open up the dishwasher, because its done washing now.
Then I hurry up and wait. And wait. And wait. Do you know how long 15 minutes can seem when you are waiting for your love to come home because he has a surprise up his sleeve? Finally Sean gets home and he grabs a few more things and we head out to the van. The small van. The van that says, "This is not a Mom with six going on seven children." We are off.
We make two quick stops and then we got on the highway. We got off at an exit on the west side of town where there are lots of good restaurants and lots of hotels. I knew we were staying somewhere, but I did not know where.
So we go to a hotel. Nothing fancy. Not new. But just perfect in my eyes. I am not a girl who needs to be won with shiny and new things. Before Sean goes in to register he turns to me and says, you are not a Mom for the next 24 hours.
While I wait in the van, I get teary eyed. Why? Because when you are a Mom, no matter how special the day is, there are always things to take care of. Someone needs a hug. Someone needs a diaper change. Someone needs correction. Someone needs extra attention. Someone needs a smile. Someone is hungry. Moms never get a day off no matter how hard anyone tries to help. There are some things only a Mom can handle. For the first time in 10 years I felt free to not think about my children's needs. I could concentrate on my husband. We would not have to talk in parent code. We could enjoy just being together.
He comes back and we get our stuff together and head into the hotel. I enter the room and I see it is a suite. We enter the sitting room. My heart leaps at what the rest of the suite may contain. I walk cautionsly wanting to drink in every little bit of my surprise. I walk slowly through another door and see the crowning jewel of my surprise...an in room hot tub. Yes, you read that right. I hopped right in, clothes and all.
You see, I love hot tubs. I want one in my house. I love them. I would spend my entire life in it if I could. Because I am pregnant, it is not suggested I go into a regular hot tub because of the high temperature. But a hot tub where I can control the temperature, perfect.
I don't think anyone could have wiped that smile off my face. I think I was glowing. What a wonderful surprise and I had to do no work to make it happen. Time alone with my husband and a hot tub in the room. What could be better.
I started running the water right away. We were there, I was going to make good use of it.
After our first soak in the tub, we went to eat at Johnny's for supper. It was nice and romantic and quiet. But we decided that we are not fancy restaurant people. It was nice to be able to eat together and have adult conversation.
We each ordered a bowl of soup, expecting a bowl just larger than a cup. Sean had minestrone. And it came in a tub, not a bowl.
I tried something new, Stuffed Porkchops.
I am not a fan of pork, but I thought it would be fun to try something new. And it was. They were good, but after eating 1/2 of one, I was FULL.
After supper, we went to a local mall and bought a charm to represent when we got married for my charm bracelet. This is something that I have wanted to do for years but this is the first opportunity we have had to look alone.
It was now 8:00 and I wanted a donut, so we drove to Krispy Kreme because I wanted hot fresh KK donut. We got there and they were closed. So sad. So we went to a grocery store down the street and they were not nearly as good and I ended up throwing half of it away.
Back to the hotel and back into the Hot Tub. So relaxing and fun.
The perfect end to our special day.
The next morning after a quiet breakfast together alone at the hotel and after another soak in the tub we decided to check out and make our way home via Half Price Books and lunch out somewhere.
What fun we had exploring at Half Price Books with no children to corral. Its not that I don't love my children. Its that I love my time with my husband.
For lunch, we went to Panera. 
I stood sideways so you could all see my pregnant belly.
We got there just as the lunch rush was coming in. I could not believe how busy it was. We decided that this is the perfect restaurant for us. Sean can get what he loves. 
Sandwich and chips.
And I can get what I love.
SOUP!!!!!
It was the perfect end to our alone time together.
It was nice to be a wife for 24 hours with no responsibilities. I was glad to see the children again and they were happy to see us.
We could not have done this without the two families who watched our children and took such good care of them. So, thank you to those two families, who shall remain nameless, but you know who you are!!!
Off to go knit a washcloth for Miss Mary.
Susan
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Aug. 18, 2008 - Tomorrow |
Tomorrow, August 19th is my wedding Anniversary. Sean has something up his sleeve, but he is not sharing and I am not asking. I am so excited for what it is.
Why don't you all guess what Sean has up his sleeve and I'll send a homemade washcloth to whomever gets closest to the actual experience. Leave you idea in the comment section (along with your e-mail if I don't have it) and I won't come back and read until Wednesday or later (just because Wednesdays tend to be busy.).
See you later.
Susan |
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Aug. 17, 2008 - Wonderful Grace of Jesus |
Wonderful Grace of Jesus is a wonderful reminder of who The Song of God is and what He has done for us. I have loved this song since the fist time I heard this song.
Here is the story of the song and they lyrics. How encouraging.
Wonderful Grace of Jesus
(1) Wonderful grace of Jesus, Greater than all my sin;
How shall my tongue describe it, Where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden, Setting my spirit free,
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Chorus:
Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
Higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain,
All sufficient grace for even me;
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame;
O magnify the precious name of Jesus,
Praise His name!
(2) Wonderful grace of Jesus, Reaching to all the lost,
By it I have been pardoned, Saved to the uttermost;
Chains have been torn asunder, Giving me liberty,
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
(3) Wonderful grace of Jesus, Reaching the most defiled.
By its transforming power Making him God's dear child,
Purchasing peace nad heaven For all eternity-
And the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
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Aug. 11, 2008 - Always Eat Dessert First |
It is a wise woman who eats dessert first when she goes out to eat.
If you are going to order dessert, you should order it first. Let's be honest people, we always finish our dessert and would chose to finish our dessert and enjoy it over many main course meals. I know that I will.
My mother started the tradition of eating her dessert first when she was sick with cancer and had very little appetite. There are two reasons she would do this. First dessert tastes so much better than anything, especially if it is going to come back up. Second, she did not always have a great appetite so she preferred to eat dessert over anything else, except maybe fresh fruit.
So, my challenge to you is to eat your dessert first at least once a month. And think of my and my Mom when you do.
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Aug. 8, 2008 - Sean's Birthday weekend |
For Sean's birthday this year, we celebrated over two days. Life is so busy sometimes its nice to sit back and just enjoy our time together as a family.
We went to HuHot for lupper and had a great time.
It was surprisingly busy for a Saturday afternoon, so we waited outside for awhile...
Finally sitting down and ready to eat...
 
Yummo
Then we went to church on Sunday. Aren't the children beautiful. I cannot believe how big and smart each and everyone is getting. I love it when Nathan wears his glassed (reading) because he looks so mature.
The Birthday boy and his cake.
The Birthday boy and the children
The Birthday Boy and his presents.
What a wonderful and blessed day we had. Sean got his very own nice camera and all the accessories. He loves to take pictures, but has gotten out of the habit due to the busyness of life. Now he can get back to it. |
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About Me
Life is busy, so I am trying to "just do the next thing"
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