Aug. 27, 2008 - blogger friend school

I'm getting back into the school mindset and thought I'd sign up for the blogger friend school. I figure it may actually encourage me to write something meaningful????

They have a back to school contest that you can check out by clicking the thingy to the right!

Back-to-school in 6 days!

Jul. 28, 2008 - my-not-so-wonderful-camping weekend

We are home from our weekend camping trip. It was something else.....for a lack of words to describe it. I was really looking forward to it but it didn't turned out like I had hoped. The first evening was great. We had trouble getting Emma to bed but then she finally settled and Chris and I sat at the fire for awhile. Around midnight people pulled up to the site next to us. The campground clearly state in the rules no check ins after 11. So these 3 college age guys get out of this big ol diesel truck that was shining it's lights right into our tent and begin very noisily fumbling around setting up 2 tents. I was getting nervous they would wake up Emma. I went over to them and told them the rules say 11-7 is quiet hours and could they please keep it down there are children sleeping. I gave them my lantern to help them set up and went back to sit with Chris. It took them til 1ish to set up. Then they went to a neighboring site to sit at the fire so we fell asleep. Then we woke up at 3 with Emma screaming and headlights shining in our tent. Here, another car pulled up and they were setting up another tent next door. The rules say no more than \2 tents per site. Chris took Emma into the car and slept with her there. I couldn't sleep from all of their racket and at 4, yet another car and another tent. I was soooooo irritated. In the morning, I talked with Jen, my sis, who was right across the road from them. They woke up Brady, her almost 2 yr old, and she said she came out and screamed "Be Quiet"......totally out of Jens character! She put Brady in the car to drive him and she said one of the guys jumped in front of her car with a 6-pack. So right away we went to the rangers office. They sent out the head rangers and the state police to our site. We told them what happened and they evicted the 2 sites involved and wrote them citations for disorderly conduct. 
We were exhausted!
The next night, it was nice and quiet and Emma was in bed by 9 we all sat by the fire and Chris and I went to bed at 12. We woke up at 3 to thunder, hurried outside to throw stuff in the truck and started getting rained on just as we finished up. It thundered so loud. It was a fierce storm. I was worried about leaks but everything seemed to be holding up. At 6:30 we woke up to torrential rains and booming thunder that woke up all the kids. The tent had a few small leaks from this....drips here and there mostly. Chris got up and went around the perimeter of the tent looking for leaks. It was raining so hard it was like a water bed under the tent. When he moved the boys bag, rain was coming in through a torn seam like a hose! We stopped it up with towels and Chris went outside and shoved in a trash bag. Dereks pillow and sleeping bag was drenched. We all fell back to sleep til 8:30 and the rain had passed. Everything was a damp and muddy mess.
Needless to say I was tired and ready to go home!
We packed up, went out for a hot, dry lunch and then did take a short hike to the river before heading home.
I was never so happy to get home and sleep in my soft, dry, warm bed!
I learned alot about camping for next time....yes, I'm sure there will be a next time in spite of all of this.
#1....I will never, ever, ever willingly sleep in a sleeping bag on the ground. Those tent pads are like concrete. I had the best sleep during our weekend on a beach towel at the playground. I had about a 1/2 hour nap on the soft grass! I actually dreamed about the chiropractor.
#2....Bring more blankets than you think you need.
#3....Bring a dust pan and broom.
#4....This isn't specific but I will not be a minimalist during camping...I always try to pack light for vacations, but that doesn't work so well for camping.
Well, I've got my mountain of laundry done but need to fold and I am working through the sleeping bags.

Here's my hubby finishing setting up the tent

 Sitting aroung the campfire. My parents and 3 sisters were all camping with us. There are 13 kids between us.....14 total but 1 stayed home.

Chapman and Derek (my son) walking on the beach area of Deep Creek Lake. They are less than 2 years apart!!

My kids in the playground area.....all except Jake.

Jul. 28, 2008 - kid's camp

Well, I've been back from camp for a week....seems like a month. This has been one busy summer.

We had a great time at camp. I had never been but this was oldest, Derek's 5th year. i was so impressed. Everything surpassed my expectation. I really enjoyed being with the kids. Playing with them, encouraging, comforting and praying with them. I blessed by the opportunity. Tubing down the creek was probably my fav. We spent lots of time at the pool and on the playground playing tetherball. Whew....that is a fierce game. My fore arms were so sore. The inflatibles were fun. Especially the obstacle course. The kids were always asking to race and the chaperones too! I was a mess by the time I finished it. The services were outstanding. The Daugherty's (from Texas)ministered to the children in 2 services a day. They were spectacular. The children's hearts were so moved. Watching them worship and pray for eachother...it was inspiring. I noticed 3 little girls huddled together on the floor during an alter call, one was really crying. I went over and asked them if I could pray with them. When we finished they were so emotional and one little girl said, " I think this is so awesome, seeing all these people just trusting in God."

Another time my daughter, Elizabeth, looked at me and said what are we s'pose to pray about? That evening the focus was trusting Jesus through your problems. She said,"but I don't have any problems." So, I told her she could go and pray for her friends. She came back maybe 15 minutes later sobbing. She didn't know why though. I told her it was just God touching her heart. It took her probably 45 minutes before she returned to normal. It was so sweet.

It was just a great time and when we got back, I immediatly said to sign my up for next year!

Here is picture of our group............

These are the girls that were in my room. My daughter was also with me.

Megan and Elizabeth (my daughter). They became great friends.

Derek coming out of the water slide.

Joshua and Sam (my son)  in a game of tetherball.

Jul. 14, 2008 - going to camp

Guess where I'm going today....to camp! I'm so excited. I am going to be a chaperone with our church's kids camp. My 3 oldest are going also. This will be my first time ever at camp and I am like a big kid with anticipation. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store. I'll be back in a week!

Jul. 3, 2008 - my birthday

I haven't written in quite sometime. Believe me, it's not for a lack of things to write about. It's just summer!! That wonderful time of year when routines fly out the window and life is lived on a whim! Waking up as we please, spending lots of time with friends and being outside and on the go as we please!

The kids have enjoyed bell camp and VBS, having picnics with friends, swimming, the carnival and parade, fireworks at River Valley Ranch and several cookouts so far.

But, what I want to write about today is that I celebrated my 30th birthday on Tuesday! Can I just say that I was so excited to be turning 30! I so look forward to the next decade of my life. Maybe I just wanted to join the club of thirty-somethings because all of my friends have already joined or passed that club. Whatever the reason it was a great day. That morning I woke up and checked email to find a scavenger hunt poem from my friend, Becky.....how fun and clever. It was all written in rhyme. So first I had an envelope to open and it led me to starbucks for a mint chocolately chip frap....yum! Then I had directions that led me to a spa for a pedicure. That was wonderful, I've been wanting one for awhile now. Then I was told to go to my sisters. Becky met us there and they took me to Capt. Bobs for all-you-can-eat crabs....They were wonderful! It was really a nice evening. We went to get dessert afterwards. They tried to get a pic of my on my bday but I have a really bad photo prob....I always close my eyes. It is very annoying. So after several shots we got very silly and here is a pic of my cake and me laughing so hard I could hardly breathe.

Jun. 1, 2008 - Repost.....a home birth story

I've had several people interested in my home birth story so I thought I'd repost it so you don't have to hunt for it. I give all the glory to God for giving me the experience of a lifetime and showing me that His timing is perfect and filling my heart with thanksgiving.

Mar. 5, 2007 - Jake's Birth Story

Before my memory fails me and I get busy taking care of house and kids again I want to take the time to write just how Jake made his way into this world. Well after days of waiting my due date, Feb 20th finally came...and went. It was very hard to keep seeing the days pass by and no labor yet. At 41 weeks I had an appointment with Mary, my midwife. I was 2 cm, 80% effaced and Jake was at +1. This was all good news but when would my contractions finally kick into gear? She made an appointment for me to have an ultrasound on Friday, March 2nd. I kept thinking I do not want to go to this appointment. I thought for sure I would have him before that. Well Thursday was pretty uneventful so I figured I’d be going to my ultrasound in the morning. We drove to Camp Hill for the u/s. Jake looked great. He was very active, taking breaths and his heart rate was great. My fluid levels, cord blood, placenta all looked great. So we left and went to lunch. Chris and I rarely get out alone so it was nice to share that meal. We got home and Chris left for work. Later that evening my in-laws came over for dinner. I was exhausted. It was the first day in awhile that I hadn’t found time to nap. The kids are always busy and excited to see Papaw and Grandma so the evening was pretty busy. I was having contractions but nothing I hadn’t seen already in this pregnancy. Chris got home from work around 8:30 after spending 6 hours on the road. We were both tired. We went into the bedroom to talk and no sooner than we sat down his phone rang. It was Peach Bottom and they needed him to come into work from 12 til 7. The river was dirty from all the rain and the system needed constant attention. Now he usually is on call for the weekends but has never been assigned a shift like that. He said okay and hung up. I did not want him to go. He had already had a long day and been on the road for so long. It would be another hour drive to the power plant. I didn’t think he’d be alert enough to drive. There also is no cell phone service around the plant and it would be hard for me to reach him. Not to mention the delay in getting a hold of him, him waiting for a replacement and the drive home. Not a good situation for an overdue pregnant woman. He insisted he should go so I left him to get some rest while I played a few games with the kids and then put them in bed at 10:00, later than usual. Shortly after that Chris came out and said he decided not to go in. This news wasn’t accepted well and he felt badly but I felt much better. He was told to come in at 7am. I jokingly told him I’d have the baby for him so he wouldn’t need to feel guilty and then he wouldn’t have to work the next morning either. We both sat on the sofa and I quickly fell asleep. Around 11:30 I was awakened by a pop. It was such a strong feeling that I thought I heard it. Nothing had happened and it puzzled me. Chris told me I should go to bed but I wanted to wait for him. I fell back to sleep. At midnight we both went to bed. I was awakened by a strong contraction. I couldn’t see the clock so I hit Chris and asked what time it was....12:18. I fell back to sleep. Another contraction woke me up. I bumped him again... What time is it? 12:28. I immediately dozed back off. Another contraction soon followed. This time I got up. It was 12:41 and they were feeling pretty strong. I went to the bathroom where I found a little blood. More contractions followed. I realized okay these aren’t going to go away so I decided to watch the clock a few minutes and then call my midwife. I went to lay down and Chris sat on the edge of the bed. 12:55, 1:03, 1:07. Okay give me the phone. I was ready to call. I debated on whether to call Jen or wait til after Mary got there. I decided to call. Chris and I set into motion to get ready for baby. Chris stripped our bed and put on the plastic cover, older sheets, and pads. I was laying out needed supplies for the delivery. We went into the kitchen and were putting things away. When I had a contraction I would just lean on whatever I was near and breathe through it and then keep on moving. I sorted some laundry and got a load started. I had a contraction while at the washer and put both my hands onto it and just began to thank God. I knew these contractions were finally going to bring my Jake into the world. Everytime I got a contraction after that I would say to myself thank you Jesus. I remembered that I didn’t have a picture of my gigantic stomach so I posed for a picture in between contractions. I had to lean on the wall for one while Chris remembered how to use the zoom. Then we continued straightening up. The contractions were about every 3 minutes by this point and I felt a mild desire to push and that scared me because Mary was not there yet. So I laid down in bed around 2:15. In about 5 minutes Mary arrived. She listened to the baby’s heartbeat and checked my blood pressure. She then arranged her supplies. In the meantime Jen arrived with orange juice and donuts for the morning. Then Mary checked me....I was 10 cm. I couldn’t believe it. How did that happen so quickly? My water hadn’t broke so I decided to get up and walk around and see what happened. We went into the kitchen and were talking. Jen stood at the table folding clothes. I tried to help but the contractions were coming to quickly. I had to hold onto the counter. The house was quiet and dim. The kids were fast asleep in their beds. Just how I had hoped it would happen. Chris and I went to the bathroom so that I could pee and I still felt mildly pushy but not the overwhelming strong desire that I was used to. I gave a few small pulsating pushes to see what would happen ... he was right there. I decided to lay down and give a push just to see....as soon as I did my water broke and his head was ready to come out. I pushed harder with Jake than with any other to get that head out. We would soon find out why. Then the shoulders. They were a very tight fit as was the rest of him. Jen held him as he came out and she laid him on my stomach. All of this happened in about 3 minutes...I was told. I was to busy to pay attention to time or anything else for that matter. Everything happened perfectly and I needed no stitches...praise God! I was very sore though. Everyone knew he would be a big boy but we were all in disbelief to see he was 11 pounds even and 22 ½ inches long. That’s why I felt like I was delivering a train. He was born at 3:33 am. I got up to take a shower and Jen changed to bedding. When I got out, around 4am my parents were there to see us. I got back in bed and Jake did not need any help in the breastfeeding department. He was ravenous. I felt like everything was a dream. It went so perfectly and quickly. I was just awestruck by the whole experience and how awesome it was to be home in my own bed. My in-laws arrived around 6:20 and Mary and Jen went home to get some rest themselves. Emma was the first one to wake up. About 6:30. Absolutely priceless. Her jaw dropped to the floor as she saw me and Jake in the bed. Her sleepy eyes and rooster hair and that big smile! Then Elizabeth woke up very confused at the sight of Papaw and Grandma. Then Derek. He looked into my room and said,"You mean I missed it." Next was Sam and minutes later Joey. They were all shocked. It was the coolest thing to have them wander into my room one by one and see their surprise to see their baby brother had arrived in the night. It was incredible and it was all Gods plan. I couldn’t have planned the details any better. And yes, Chris got to stay home that morning!

Jun. 1, 2008 - things I learned on vacation

Some things I learned on vacation......

1. I learned alot about Jake. I saw what an independent little boy he is. I found out he loves the water and sand. I found out he is a pretty heavy sleeper although he doesn't like sleeping in the car which makes him cranky. A thud and crying in the middle of the night taught me he can climb out of playpens. It was also confirmed to me that he is just the cutest, lovable little boy!

2. Emma....let's see. I learned that she also is a beach lover. The last time we went she was to little to play. I learned she likes being with big girls when they are around. I learned that she is getting more mature and fun to explore with. It was also confirmed that she truly is full of life...fun and joyful and a true free spirit. May that never disappear! Did I ever mention God has given her the gift of perseverence also!

3. Joey. Joey is also independent. I already knew that but I can't really think of anything else. He along with the other kids made me proud with their politeness and being a good guest in someone's home.

4. Elizabeth..oh my, let me just say she is a little boy crazy right now. She developed a crush on our friends son and has asked to call him several times on our ride home. She is 7! Oh my.

5. Sam....he showed his extrovert side.

6. Derek, showed he is growing up which I knew already. He wanted to be on the go constantly, which we couldn't do. One morning he took off to the lake and went fishing before anyone else was awake. He also taught himself several songs on the piano while we were there just from ear. I was impressed. Yup he is definately turning into a young man.

7. My hubby....I wouldn't say learned but it was pressed upon me how much I love him and how well he provides for us. His self-sacrifice, thoughtfullness, playfulness. Sure we also got on each others nerves being in the car for hours but that's okay too. (Did I mention we're in the car now)

I also felt the holy spirit revealing some things to me. He layed the community we were in on my heart. I have commited to keep them in prayer. I saw how there are places in the US that are spiritually dry. I saw how we need missionaries in our homeland, not only overseas. I felt the importance of prayer....magnified. I saw our God is still a God of healing.

The Lord touched me as I worshipped in a little Baptist church this morning. I felt the freedom that comes with obeying Gods prodding of our hearts. Freedom, sweet freedom..

I sensed the great power of our Lord and that he is working on and preparing his people. We are His creation and he is calling all of us to him. Lord, allow me to be your hands and feet...send me to the spiritually oppressed...prepare my heart oh Lord. He is awesome.

He can turn a little family beach vacation into a time of spiritual blessings!

Jun. 1, 2008 - our last day

For our last full day we headed back to Oak Island. It turned out to be our fav beach. There was a sand bar which was perfect for the little ones. When the tide came in the older ones enjoyed all the waves and splashing in the surf.

This little boy ate more sand than you can imagine. He must've liked it....yuck!

My hubby tried to teach me to use the boogie board....I never did catch a wave....

making tracks in sand........

our bucketful of treasures...............

dancing in the surf......

bye bye beach.........

Jun. 1, 2008 - Southport

We took a stroll along the Cape Fear River in Southport. It is a sweet, quaint little town. I loved the old southern houses along the river and the big old live oaks.

Jun. 1, 2008 - USS North Carolina

On Day 4 Daddy took the boys to the USS North Carolina in Wilmington and the girls stayed with a friend and baked and had great girl time.

Jun. 1, 2008 - Fort Fisher

Fort Fisher is a beautiful beach. They also have a great civil war fort and aquarium to visit.

The waves were pretty fierce this day. The kids could barely go in from the under tow but they had fun running from the waves and building forts.

Emma kept doing some sort of beach yoga. It was quite amusing.

Jun. 1, 2008 - Carolina Beach

Day 3 we took a ferry to Pleasure Island and went to Carolina beach and Fort Fisher. I was so thankful to see Gods glorious creation...beautiful!

Feeding gulls from the back of the ferry. It was like playing catch. It was amazing how they's swoop in and catch it every time.

If you ever make it to Carolina beach you absolutely must visit Britt's donuts. Oh how yummy.

Here's Derek, he can be so hard to get a pic of. He always hides. I snuck this one.

Here are the children bogged down with all of our beach gear. They were all saying...come on Mom!

Jun. 1, 2008 - Oak Island

Day 2 we headed back to Oak Island for some fun, waves, sand and sun!

Are all kids born to love the beach? Mine certainly were.

This cup kept him busy for the longest time....fill and dump and repeat

Jun. 1, 2008 - heading home

I am heading home from North Carolina as I write. It's nice having a laptop to travel with. I can do all kinds of things I can't find time for. We had a great time at the beach and visiting with friends. It so sad it's over. We are ready to go home though. Everyone is showing their tired side! You guys know what I mean, I'm sure.

I'm going to try to get some pics posted. I've got lots of favs so this may take a few posts.

We left PA at 4 am and made great time, we arrived in Boiling Springs Lake a little after noon. We unpacked and rested a little. Had dinner and then headed to Oak Island. It was a beautiful sunset.

Daddy and Jake. Jake's first impression of the beach was love at first sight. We couldn't keep him away from the water. He was thrilled by it.

May. 20, 2008 - hitting the road

Wow....I've been gone for awhile and I don't know why! I can hardly read everyone's posts. Just wanted to drop in say all is well. I am still sticking to Weight Watchers. I've lost over 14 pounds in 7 weeks and it feels great. We are preparing for a long drive to North Carolina to hit the beach. We are all excited. I love the beach. I have only been one other time in the past 10 years. I used to go more frequently when I was younger. I've got to say when I first walked out on that beach 2 years ago it was breathtaking. I was in awe of Gods creation. I had forgotten how beautiful it was! Now the sand is not my favorite thing though! Especially with alot of little ones to clean off and don't get me wrong it is not a relaxing vacation. My hubby and I have to keep on our toes to keep track of everyone but somehow it's rejuvenating.

So, I'll have lots of pics to share when we return....perhaps I'll even be back before then!

May. 20, 2008 - End of the year 20 questions

 Yay, Yay...I got tagged by Lori at www.homeschoolblogger.com/pearcefamily ...sorry, I couldn't get the link thingy to work ?!

Since we are approaching summer I thought we would start with 20 Questions regarding  Homeschooling. 

I love hearing about other families homeschooling adventures so if you don't get "tagged" consider yourself tagged by me and answer these questions on your blog and leave me a comment so I can come read them.

1) Do you take the summers off or just keep going?

      Honestly, I've been taking a break more than I've been "in session" since the first sign of Spring! I will do some things but we'll be off our schedule til atleast mid-August maybe longer if we take another trip this summer.

2) Do you use summers to make up work if you planned to have summers off?

          I usually plan to but then time gets away from me and I enjoy the free time also.

3) Do you have vactaion plans?

           Yes, we are going to the beach in North Carolina next week and then we are hoping to spend some time in the Shenendoah Valley, VA for a few days and then camp near Williamsburg for a few days in late Aug.

4) If you are taking a vacation is it for fun or for learning or both?

        Living life is learning isn't it.....I'd say more fun but learning is involved.

5) Do your children know your school year plan?

         Yes, I already have everything ready for next year and the kids have been looking at their new books already.

         How do they feel about it?   My oldest doesn't like much of anything(it's the age (sigh)...the rest are fine.

 How do they feel about changes to it?  I don't think they really see it as a change.

6) Do you do fun educational stuff as opposed to regular school work for the summer - or any other time of the year for some reason?

             Well, I try to add fun stuff in all the time....that living life thing again.

7) Since it is public school summer break do you include neighborhood kids or friends in any of the things you do with your kids?

            We don't have any neighborhood kids

8) Is your school fun- for you?  Life can be overwhelming in general. I guess it alternates between enjoyable and frustrating.

        for kids-?  Depends on the day....I hope so.

9) Or is it stressful?

     If it's stressful, what things would you like to change if possible? 

         This past year was stressful with a 2 year old and a baby...I wouldn't change that though.....how about a maid!

10) What are some things you have done or need to do to achieve a balance so everyone can enjoy the homeschool experience?

             For me I think it's been more about realizing this is the season of life I'm in. I can only do what I can do. So it's been all about letting go of unrealistic expectations and letting God guide me.

11) What is your favorite all time homeschool memory?

             Can't think of anything in particular. Just those ordinary, everyday, happy moments when I realize it's all worth it.

12)What is your ultimate homeschool fantasy- "memory yet to make" if you will?

I would love the month long RV trip!!!!

13) What is your favorite subject to teach?

                     History/Bible/Reading aloud

14)  What is your children's favorite subject?

                             Science experiments

15)  What curriculum do you use?

                              This past year we did Sonlight/Horizons math/Explode the code but next year we are switching to My Fathers World and I am very excited about it. My oldest will be doing Teaching Textbooks for math and my daughter is switching to Singapore math. She thinks differently and I just want to see if it will be a better fit. My other son does well with Horizons math. I also have a few In a Child's Hand lapbooks. I am so pumped about digging in!

16) What is your favorite curriculum current, past or future? 

                   I have always loved Sonlight and I think I am going to equally love MFW...believe me, I've been all through that teachers guide

17) Do you ever attend any homeschool conventions?

            I went to one for the first time this year...I don't know why I waited so long....5 years of homeschooling. I went to CHAP in Harrisburg, PA it was awesome and I think I'll be going every year.

       Why or why not? I love all the encouragement and seeing things in person. Mostly I like the speakers and I was so happy to meet Todd Wilson. You've got to read his books.

18) When do you start school for next year?

              Either late Aug or after Labor day...it depends on vacations. One year we went to Tennessee the mid of Sept so didn't start til we got back. I'm flexible.

                   I start planning In Feb usually. I know, it's early. That's just when I have time to sit and think/plan before the busyness of spring.

20) What is one tip or piece of advice you would give to a new homeschooling mom?

Wow.....I guess to follow your heart. Don't try to imitate school....don't be to hard on yourself. Oh yeah, If you're starting with Kindergarten just have fun, snuggle and read and play outside. Don't be so anxious to start workbooks. Just play and learn! I guess that's more than 1, huh.

May. 3, 2008 - ABC's of Homemaking

Aprons – Y/N? If Y, what does your favorite look like?

No, used to whenever baking but not so much anymore although I do think they are cute.

Baking – Favorite thing to bake

Bread.....yeast and quick

Clothesline – Y/N?

No, don't even have one. Although I would like one for bedding.

 Donuts – Have you ever made them?

Yes, if you count using an apple corer on biscuit dough, dropping them into a fry daddy and then rolling them in cinnamon and sugar....yum!

Every day – One homemaking thing you do every day.

hands down dishes wins.

Freezer – Do you have a separate deep freeze?

Yes, couldn't live without it, where else could we put all the venison?!

Garbage disposal- Y/N-

Yes but have never used it...bad for the septic.

Handbook – What is your favorite homemaking resource?

 Hmmmm, the internet.

Ironing – Love it or hate it? Or hate it but love the results?

 Confession time....I just bought an ironing board and iron this winter :O

Junk drawer – Y/N? Where is it?

 Yes, antique dresser by our front door.

Kitchen – Color and decorating scheme

 What was the color called.....can't remember but it's a beigey color with a cranberry accent wall and deep green trim and I like a rustic country look....like my pie cupboard with tin doors.

Love – What is your favorite part of homemaking?
 

Trying to have a warm, cozy place to be. 

Mop – Y/N?

Yes...if you know a way around it let me know. I didn't know this could be optional!

Nylons – Wash by hand or in the washing machine?

 washing machine....when a pair actually survives without holes!

Oven – Do you use the window or open the oven to check?

I open the door....I keep the light on for the kids to look in though.

Pizza – What do you put on yours?

Pepperoni or Italian sausage and green peppers

 Quiet – What do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment?

Lately...computer or read something curriculum related (convention is next week!)

Recipe card box – Y/N? What does it look like?

I have a few things but I took my most used, separating them by meals and desserts, then copied them onto index cards and put them on a ring to keep them together. Has worked wonderfully.

Style of house – What style is your house?

Rancher :(  

Tablecloths and napkins – Y/N?

 No Tableclothes....I like my old handmade wooden table....every nook and cranny! Only paper napkins.

Under the kitchen sink – Organized or toxic wasteland?

 Semi-organized. I clean it out once or twice a year.

Vacuum – How many times per week?

 Way to many and yet not enough! Daily or every other. You know, according to my carpet installer it should be once a week for every member of the house so I should be vacuuming 8X a week!

Wash – How many loads of laundry do you do per week?

I would say 20+. I'm talking full loads too. The big question is how many hours a week do you fold?

X’s – Do you keep a daily list of things to do that you cross off?

No, only for special occasions/holidays..

 Yard – Y/N? Who does what?

 Yes, it is mostly hubby's territory although I do like to mow. I am often out cleaning up clutter/toys more often. He has also taken control of the garden so far.

Zzz’s – What is your last homemaking task for the day before going to bed?

dishwasher/switch over laundry/laying out clothes for the next day.

Leave me a note if you fill this out....fun info!

Apr. 28, 2008 - catching critters

We went to our first cookout of the season and the kids had a blast catching critters in the creek. I think the girls liked it more than the boys. Here is some of their finds.....

a frog...

oodles of crayfish or lobsters as the little ones say.

lots of minnows

There were also salamanders. All the kids went home good and dirty...a sure sign of a great time!

Apr. 28, 2008 - bible study in the dark

Our power went out during our Friday night bible study group meeting. So I grabbed the laptop and some sleeping bags and we moved it outside. It was a great time and we had a beautiful full moon for the kids to run around under.

I don't post to many pics of me. I'm usually behind the camera. So, here I am trying to read loudly (over the little ones) while laughing.

My handsome hubby....

Apr. 28, 2008 - at the creek

Across the corn field and down a steep hill (It's a workout in itself coming back up!) there is a creek the kids love to visit. Here are some pics from our first walk down there this spring.

Heading back up the hill....

Apr. 28, 2008 - in the sunshine

During one of our first tastes of warm sprin sunshine we had a picnic at the park. Here are some random pics......

Emma, her hair looked so long in this pic. She's growing so fast!

Beautiful blue-eyed Jake

Joey and Sam enjoying big ole brownies from Mrs Becky.

Elizabeth(on the right) walking with her friend Sarah. If I was a little faster I would've caught them walking hand in hand...so cute.

Jake enjoying the see saw. He knew just what to do.

Here's Jake again enjoying climbing all over the place. This was his first time playing at the park and he wasted no time getting on everything.

Apr. 28, 2008 - fresco painting

We took a break to make fresco paintings while we are studying ancient Egypt. I thought they turned out great. Joey painted a egyptian ("wearing a diaper") in battle with arrows and blood. Sam painted hippo's and king cobras and egyptian boys. Elizabeth painted...well...hers was little more abstract! I don't have a pic of Dereks but it was a very detailed picture with heiroglyphs. He did a great job.

Apr. 28, 2008 - bbguns and windows

New door...BB gun calling to be fired....100%all american boy....not a good combination!

This is Joey. Notice the shrugging of the shoulders as we asked if he knew what happened to the window.

We did get a very tearful confession after a little prodding and some outlandish stories about birds, bears and rocks.

Apr. 28, 2008 - putting in the new garden

We decided to put in new garden beds this spring. We went the raised bed route. I don't know if it will be better or not, we'll have to see. Everyone pitched in with shoveling the topsoil into the beds......

Jake loved getting his hands dirty

Emma....my little hillbilly girl! That's Sam trying to sneak into the picture.

Apr. 26, 2008 - excited

I can hardly contain my excitement this morning. I weighed in for weight watchers and am down 3.2 lbs for the week for a total of 9.6 lbs in 4 weeks. I am so happy. I have lost a baby in weight. Of course my last baby was 11 pounds....I'll aim for that at the next weigh in.

I did not have the best eating week last week. In fact I went over my flex points by 16. To offset some bad eating in the beginning of the week I didn't eat my activity points. I didn't think it would help but it did! Yay!

This really gives me incentive for when I am on the machines at the Y burning my 500 cal's and sweating to death and just wanting to quit. I can do it, I can do it!

Apr. 25, 2008 - simple womans daybook

  I'm not doing the official Simple Woman's thing but I thought I'd post it anyway:)

Apr. 25, 2008 - nothing really

I don't like only blogging once a week and giving  huge (boring) updates on the weekend. I will try not to do that. I need to get my photos on a disc cause I have several things I want to post.

I missed a great photo op today. Elizabeth has a secret hiding place that's not so secret to her little sis, Emma. Well, Emma painted pretty much her whole body with red lipstick. We also have a light pink oil stain on the wall. Anyone know how to get the residue off? I'll have to try a magic eraser.

I have a big announcement to make...I finished our 2007 family scrapbook today....Yay! Now I can start 2008. I have a ton to do already.

I'll be back when I get some pics.

Apr. 19, 2008 - stories from our week

I haven't blogged all week and I have good reason. I'm trying not to get distracted by the computer during the week. I'm saving that for weekends!

Actually we have had an absolutely gorgeous week weather wise. Spring has finally sprung here in PA and it is wonderful!

I have lots of pics to post but I'll  have to do that later.

Our garden beds are all ready for planting! we'll do that in the next week or so. We had frost earlier in the week so we need to be sure!

We are planting alot this year and pray that the Lord will bless us with yummy fresh food. I have been greatly discouraged by food prices lately and hope our crop can help lessen that burden. Now, if you have an idea about the impact gas has on our budget let me know. I'm discouraged over that too! Especially when you drive a gas beast like we do but what else can you do with 8 people?

I had a great week of working out at the Y and sticking to my Weight Watchers. Down 2.8 pounds this week. I'd like it to shed faster but I'm happy. The little ones love going to the Y with me and playing.

The kids have been out with the BB guns and bows all week. Joey has his taken away for now though. He shot out the window on the new door we just bought in the fall. Do you guys remember the toilet story? What is the deal with having to replace things soon after we bought them.

It wasn't intentional but he knows not to aim towards the house. I think he got caught up in the moment trying to shoot a bird. Don't worry, there really isn't a chance of him hitting one!

My hubby was out shooting his 22 and 5 deer starting leaping out in the pasture behind our house. I mean they were leaping so high as they ran. That was pretty cool and we were all outside to see them. Next thing we knew they circled around to the front of the house and there were 13 of them. Sam kept yelling for Daddy to shoot them but it's not deer season.

We had a coop this week too. I read my class McElligot's pool and we made fish puppets and wrote a story about our fish. The kids did great. They turned out really cool. Sam and Elizabeths science teacher taught a lesson on eyes and brought in a cows eye for them to touch. This left quite an impression. They have been talking about it daily. Derek has a great geography course this year. The teacher makes a new food from each country. This week was Jasmin Rice from China. I couldn't get myself to try it but I thought it was cool.

After Coop we went to the park for a picnic and that was great. The kids played baseball on the tennis courts with a racket and tennis ball and just had fun on the playground.

Friday I took the kids on a nature hike along the woods and to a creek. It's just through the farmers field across the street from us. It is a lovely place. I took a book called The Brook Book by Jim Arnosky and read it to them as we ate a snack. Then we found examples of the things the book talked about. It was fun. They had fun chasing fish and salamanders. We saw lots of bird nests and ground hog holes. No deer but I know they are down around the creek. We did see their tracks. Anyway when we got home the kids drew pictures of the creek. They were cute.

We had our prayer group last night as well. It was quite interesting. We are watching a DVD called When Gods People Pray with conversation between segments. We were talking and all of our power went out. I called the electric company they didn't know what the problem was. So we decided to move it outside. There were 12 adults and 16 kids. The kids ran around the back yard (mostly), thankfully there was a full moon to give them light out here in the country and the adults sat on sleeping bags around the laptop finishing the DVD and then we passed around a flashlight to read scripture. It was a good time. I found out later a tree limb fell on the line just a few yards from our house. A friend said that devil ain't gonna stop us! I've some pics of that also.

Afterwards the boys had a friend spend the night. So they've been out all morning having fun. We are going to a cookout this evening and the kids will love it because they have a great creek to play in! I am looking forward to having a burger! I have wanted one the whole time I've been on WW and I have the points to spare! Til next time....

Apr. 14, 2008 - More Easter pics

Apr. 14, 2008 - Easter pics