jens cottage jems

A. W. O. L.

2008-10-30T09:19:00.002-04:00

I think I have totally abandoned my blog! It is too much updating the other one and keeping house, schooling the kids and having a busy schedule...so, for those of you who only use this as a launching pad to other blogs I will keep it up but don't expect to ever see this page change again! Unless of course I get so much free time on my hands that I am at a loss as to what to do.

YEAH, like that will ever happen!!

Lindsay Groen

2008-05-03T10:19:00.004-04:00

Here is a prayer request for those of you who have not received this. Lindsay and her family are in need of prayer. I will not write any more about her I will let you read it on her own blog that her Grandfather writes many times a day. Keep checking it. Write on their wall to encourage them. God is in the business of miracles, let's see one here.

good cookin'

2008-04-10T08:27:00.003-04:00

did that title catch ya? OK, so I am not a huge poster anymore! sorry...too much going on I guess. Life is extremely busy. I will get to that in just a minute but right now you are wondering why that title, right?? well I have been in such a slump and not knowing what to cook for dinner anymore I am tired of the same old same old. I think my family is too! I headed to the library and picked up a few new cookbooks to see what I could find out there. Good food, fast food, and stuff that EVERYONE would like (we have a few picky eaters!!) Well, here is what I found
I must say that it is inexpensive as well. We have a big family and finding yummy meals that don't cost an arm and a leg is a good thing!

What is it I like best about these 30 minute meals?? I can hand the cookbook to one of the kids tell them to choose a recipe that appeals to them, we figure out what we need from the grocery store and it is their meal to make for dinner one night. I thin that counts for home schooling right? ;) Megan, Betsy and Abby have all had their hand in the pot and are enjoying cooking as much as I have. Phil is enjoying these new dinners that I would have never tried if I didn't check this book out from the library. Oh and by the way, I was singing the praises of this cookbook to a friend of mine (who has the book and I did not know!) well, she picked one up for me and now I have my very own copy of it!!

Well, that is it about cookbooks! Why did I share this you may be asking well, I will say it is because many people I know are looking for new and exciting recipes. So many of us are in a "rut". Now I think I may have gotten you out of it!! :) enjoy!!

As to what is going on here and why are we so busy. If you don't read our other blog. Wilson's to Guatemala on the sidebar. We are under contract with the house, we will close in the end of May, and we will be out shortly after that. God is so good! I can't wait to see what he has planned for us!

now, go check out this book and try some new meals!! :)

ahhh....New Hampsha

2008-03-17T08:24:00.002-04:00

The impression of the Atlanta-born commedian about NH.
Jeff Foxworthy on New Hampshire

If you consider it a sport to gather your food by drilling through 36 inches of ice and sitting there all day hoping that the food will swim by, you might live in New Hampshire .

If you're proud that your region makes the national news 96 nights a year because Mt. Washington is the coldest spot in the nation, and Plymouth gets more snow than any other major city in the US, you might live in New Hampshire.

If your local Dairy Queen is closed from October through May, you might live in New Hampshire .

If you get 131 inches of snow in a week and you comment that 'winter's finally here', you might live near Laconia in New Hampshire .

If you instinctively walk like a penguin for six months out of the year, you might live, bundled up, in New Hampshire .

If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance, and they don't work there, you might live in New Hampshire .

If your dad's suntan stops at a line curving around the middle of his forehead, you might live in New Hampshire .

If you have worn shorts and a parka on the same day, you might live in New Hampshire .

If you have had a lengthy phone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you might live in New Hampshire .

YOU KNOW YOU ARE A TRUE NEW HAMPSHIRER WHEN:

"Vacation" means going South past Manchester for the weekend.

You measure distance in hours.

You know several people who have hit a deer more than once.

You often switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day and back again.

You can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard, without flinching.

You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked.

You carry jumper cables in your car and your girlfriend/wife knows how to use them.

You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit.

Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow.

You know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction.

You can identify a southern or northern accent.

Down South to you means Concord .

Your neighbor throws a party to celebrate his new shed.

You go out for a fish fry every Friday.

Your 4th of July picnic was moved indoors due to frost.

You have more miles on your snow blower than your car.

You find 10 degrees "a little chilly." and 55 is shorts weather.

You actually understand these jokes, and you forward them to all your New Hampshire friends and to those who used to live here and left. -- (chickens).

more snow!

2008-01-14T10:49:00.000-05:00

I think I have lost count at how many snow days Anna has had. Yesterday when we were driving around after church we were talking about the snow that we have had this year. More that 2 feet when we were all said and done. I think that was all before Christams too. Yesterday was almost bare ground thanks to the rain and 60* weather that we have had as of late! Well...more snow today! It is so beautiful to look at and for the kids to enjoy making snowmen and sledding down the great hill we have! I just need to hav ehtem understand that when they get their snow gear on they need to stay outside for more that 5 minutes!!! any hints on that one? :-) So, as I type this they are eating their pancakes (a snowday special) and then they are going to get outside and PLAY!!! maybe we will call it school. Enjoy the snow and if you are in a warm climate well...enjoy it! :-)

Poor Megan...

2007-11-28T14:02:00.000-05:00

She started with a tooth ache on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day!! I great Mom as I am thought that she had a loose tooth…so, I told her to “wiggle it out” She worked on it and didn’t say much of anything else about it until the next day. She woke up and told me again that her tooth hurt I looked in the mouth and saw nothing and it really wasn’t loose (she admitted to me) so I sent her up to floss it again and see if there was something stuck in it. Nope…nothing! We gave her some Motrin and Tylenol and it helped I assumed that she bruised her gum from wiggling it all day. She laid low with a hot pack off and on for the day on Friday, in the evening it was a little puffy…I thought because of the hot pack…do we see the failure of a Mom yet? Phil and I talked about it and looked at her and really were in agreement with where the pain was coming from and she didn’t really seem to be complaining about it. (which by the way she doesn’t complain about things EVER!!) bad mom…we figured we would see how she was in the morning…no problem right! So Saturday morning she woke up and she looked like someone had shoved a tennis ball up in her cheek. We called the dentist and he said abscessed tooth. Called in amoxicillin and told us to call in a few days after the swelling went down. Sounds good to me…he did say that if her eye got swollen or she had a hard time breathing get into the ER. She didn’t do much but sit on the couch all day. Rachel was over and we kept watching her to see if she was getting better trying to convince ourselves that she was looking better (I think) finally Phil came in around 6:00 and we talked about it and ate dinner…and we were getting ready to bring her into the ER when Rachel said “Call Nardos” (ok, so she said it a few times during the day) So, I did and got a call from Jack shortly after I made the call. He told me to come over and he was going to look at it and see what was going on in there. Well…he extracted the nasty tooth! Poor Meg, I think she was levitating on the chair as he pulled it. The tears wouldn’t stop but we watched the swelling come down quite a bit. We watched her for awhile then off to bed we all went…with every intention of calling the dentist on Monday morning. She woke up Sunday and we couldn’t see the eye it was so swollen now this is a very bad thing when it gets up that high. We called Jack and also our dentist. Phil had her there at the office at 9:30 to be looked at…more crying and more pain for Meg. He put her on another type of antibiotic (and no pain med still) bought an ice pack and she was on the couch all day. Not getting much better she went to church with me for choir I think it was more to show off her battle wound than anything else really…we left right after choir and spent some time at my parents house Phil watched her eye get more swollen once again and brought her home to settle her in for the night and hopefully get some of the swelling down again. It continued to get worse…at 10:10ish Sunday night we agreed that the best place for her would be in the ER so…we made a few calls to make sure that the rest of the kids would be taken care of (Thanks for being on call Mom and Dad!!) Got to the ER at 10:35 pm…right as the change of shift was happening…good timing or bad timing I am still not sure of that I think it was good because we were able to have the same nurse taking care of her and not be having to change 20 minutes after we arrived. At 11:10 (right after the Patriots won the game) we were ushered into a room and checked in. The nurse left us for a minute and came right back with all the goods to start an IV. The ER doc saw us walk by and told her to start it right away (he didn’t even see her other than through the glass that is how bad she was!!!) so we took blood and lots of it, hooked her up to the IV chatted with us and then told us the only reason that she was still down in the ER and not up in a room was because there were no nurses in the Pedi until at that point that needed to call one in. I felt sort of bad she lived 45 minutes away…right around the corner from where we lived in Epping (how many years ago was that? ) and speaking of that when we registered her they asked if we moved and we said not recently we have been in our home for almost 8 years. She told us what address she had we laughed…the last time Meg was in the hospital was almost exactly 11 years ago to the day. When she was 8 weeks old! Does anyone remember that week?? UGH!!!! So, we finally got up to the room and she was treated like a princess (I guess they know her!) Royal treatment all the way!! The doctor came in and checked her out, told me she was going to call the ENT and see what he wanted to do…(yes I know that this is getting v-e-r-y long!!) We finally settled in around 3ish. Around 4is Meg woke with a start and she said “am I in Texas?” then mumbled something I could not understand then looked at me and laughed and we chatted for a few minutes then we went back to sleep. We woke up around 7ish to the rounds the Doctor said that she need to have x-rays just to see what was brewing up in there so around 8 off we went. We came back to the room and Meg was pricked again! More blood work! All Monday was just resting and getting pumped up with antibiotics and around noon the ENT prescribed a different one for her (#4) That was the one that seemed to work! After about 2 hours we could almost watch the swelling go down!! HIP HIP HORRAY!! She has been improving every minute since, she looks the best about 2 hours after the IV has been given to her. It is an every 6 hour IV. Well, after our 2nd night in the hospital…and not knowing when we are able to go home she got the word this morning!! She will be heading home sometime after 12:30 I am assuming it will be around 1 or 2 when we actually get out of here. Then we will have a visiting nurse come in and show me how to do her IV and I will administer her last 3 IV antibiotics I always wanted to be a nurse!! ;-) then she is done!! OK, so after all the plans were set the visiting nurse called me to say that we would have to pay out of pocket for them to come because we have not yet met our deductible…OR…???...stay in the hospital for another night and insurance will cover it…I don’t understand that one!! So, we opted for the stay for 1 more night, yeah…good times here in the hospital with a cute little girl who just wants to be home!! So…Lord willing we will be there tomorrow around 1 or 2! (OK...so we walked through the door at 12:05 pm...yes we are home!!!)

I know I know if you made it through this whole thing I am proud of you! If I told you in person it would be a LOT longer you know that right??
Thanks for praying for her and keep it up please. Most of you know just how much Megan doesn’t like to be away from home, so this has been pretty tough on her. She has been a brave little girl and realized last night when we were chatting that yes indeed this is the best place for her to be! I was glad that she realized that all on her own! But sleep tonight will be wonderful for her tonight in her own little bed! Thanks again for praying!

ELEPHANTS!!!!!!!

2007-09-16T13:48:00.000-04:00

That was the theme of Claire's third birthday! We celebrated the important day yesterday. I really can't believe that she is already 3 it seems that just yesterday she was born. How quickly time goes by!

Why an elephant you ask...well, she LOVES them. I am not really sure how or when it happened but she loves them. She picked a stuffed animal off the shelf when she wasn't even 1 and fell in love with it and has been hanging on to them ever since. I have lost count of how many are in the house here! big, little, stuffed, plastic you name it we have it!

I started thinking about a cake and trying to figure out what sort of elephant cake I would make for her and I couldn't find a "pattern" for one so...I just figured it out and viola! we have a purple elephant and glasses to boot!

Well, Claire is 3 I can't believe it, I will quickly tell you of how yesterday started...she often climbs into bed with us in the morning (as most children do) and she was up rather early yesterday so I was trying to pretend that I was asleep so that she would go back to sleep...smothering me with kisses and hugs (which is usually how we wake one another up in the house) she finally realized that it was not waking me up and in a very sweet and quiet voice she said "isn't it my birthday today mommy?" and with that we were all awake! at 6:30 on a Saturday morning. After we had a round of birthday hugs and kisses (again) she jumped out of our bed to go and proclaim HER day!

Go ahead and ask her about her cake, her day! she loves talking about it!!!

WHY are we always amazed??

2007-08-29T21:34:00.000-04:00

So, if you have read this blog lately and seen the top 10 of the summer you would have read that we are homeschooling the kids this year.

Money has been a little tight for us lately (as many of you know). Well, I made up the list of what we needed for home schooling and also a list of a few books that I would like for the kids. I prayed over this list for quite awhile during the process of writing the list. I didn't want to seem greedy but needed to be the best teacher that I could be.

I have many friends that home school and well...I have learned (both last year with Meg, and now this year with the rest of the kids) DON'T ask too many people for their opinions, first off if they give it to you and you don't take it you offend them! and second you get a whole lot more information than you ever needed!!!

Well, I chatted with a friend of mine about what we were using and why...she quickly said to me "I have all those grades, I will bring them to you tomorrow..." This is a friend that I have only gotten to "know" in the past few months, but have known her for a few years (well, more like 10 years) so...we chatted today, she brought the books to soccer practice and we went through all the books she brought more than the 4 grades that I am teaching and as we looked at them and I was a little overwhelmed by the amount of books she brought me. She told me that she and her husband wanted to GIVE us the books. Knowing that we are working toward the mission field and that money is tight they felt that is what they needed to do. Not only did she give me the grades for this year but also for any year we are home schooling!! 3 FULL boxes of books...imagine when I added up what we needed it was over $1000. I don't even want to know how much the books are all worth that she gave to me!

With TEARS in my eyes, I reminded her of the time that she spoke at our moms group at church and told us to be specific when we pray. Her example was when they were adopting a few kids and needed bed for the children so they all started praying for beds. Faithfully they were praying for beds...and a few weeks later they had beds given to them...beds, not mattresses!! So...her point was to be specific, beds and mattresses...We were praying for curriculum. And looking for it specifically praying that God would provide it for us, either the money of the books...and He did! amazed I just stood in the parking lot and thanked God for once again providing above and beyond what we need and want!

Just thought I would share a little blessing that came our way today!

ok, ok...

2007-08-13T20:13:00.000-04:00

So, I hear that people come here and just use this blog as a launching pad to get to all the other blogs! Glad that I could help you in doing that! want a quick update? well, lots of things are happening here:

1. our house is on the market and the people that looked at it last week are interested...we are waiting to hear from them. (YEA!!)
2. We have decided with much prayer that we will be home schooling the children this year. Pray for us when you think of it please!
3. We have been enjoying hanging out with our friends this summer...beach, pools...you know summer stuff!
4. We have been enjoying each day that God gives us and learning to totally depend on Him for everything. The rug was kind of pulled out from beneath us early in the year and we have been seeing His mighty hand at work on such incredible ways. I could write a book about it but I think that I will keep it for our family to often reflect on!!
5. Anna turned 5 last week! She is such a complete joy and bundle of energy! She will be the only one attending school this year and is very excited about that. I think we need to prepare her teacher. And a calf was born on her birthday she named it in honor of the day it is Team Impact Daniel. I think that the papers will just be Daniel. (not really sure where she came up with that name for it!!)
6. We had fun babysitting the kids friends this summer, yes I know insane but it was fun and I would do it again in a heartbeat! It was so much fun having them hang out with their best friends for a few days each week!
7. Varsity soccer started this morning which means that Abby no longer gets to sleep in...yes you read that correctly she is playing soccer at her old school they allow home schoolers to play on the team.
8...this is so random isn't it?
9. I just did 8 for the fun of it and am actually thinking that NO ONE is reading this so I am just typing for the fun of it
10. I just needed one more number to write before I closed this post!

So, little bits of nothing and big things this summer and I thought I would share them with you all!

Have a great rest of the summer!!

I know I have been a slacker

2007-05-22T08:34:00.000-04:00

Well, what can I say? I was gently reminded while we were in Guate that my blog had not been updated in over a month, I guess people really do come to my page. Unfortunately they don't leave comments so I really don't know who is reading this and really if I should keep it up. Oh well!

so...Hi Bob! :)

We had a great time down in Guatemala. You can check out the Wilson's to Guatemala on the side bar to read all about it. Highlights of the week? Well, we started off the week going to LA before heading down to Guate. Yes, you read that correctly! We had the choice of going to Miami and waiting until the following day for us to maybe getting a flight at 5:00 but the likelihood of that was pretty slim. The next option would be to wait until 7:00 the chances of that flight were a little better...this would have been by midnight on the 15 Guatemala time that we would have landed. No thanks! we would have missed a whole day. I really have no desire to spend a day or 2 in Miami. She kept on typing and finally looked up at us and said that we could go to LA at 5:00 PM and land around 8 catch the 11:00 flight to Guatemala and land there around 4:30. Simple right? well...we felt as if we were sailing and tacking the boat to get from point a to point b. I thought that coming home maybe we could go the opposite way! England maybe? :) Really though that wasn't the highlight of the week, just a tiring thing that happened! I guess we can laugh about it so that is a good thing.

The kids had a little bit of a time with us gone again, it was hard on them. I didn't think it would be, but I think that Tennessee was still fresh in their minds when we went down. They all tried to be so brave as they said goodbye to us. 2 out of 6 did great. They kept up with their busy schedules while we were gone which I think the people that were taking care of them were probably thankful when we were finally home too. Just so that they could get some rest!

I know that I have said this to everyone already but THANK YOU everyone who helped make this past week possible, between praying for us, watching our kids and carting them around for us! You are in this just as much as we are even though you don't think you are! Your support is such a blessing!

I thought it was April...

2007-04-05T21:00:00.000-04:00

This is what we woke up to this morning ...it is a beautiful, and extremely heavy snow. I am sure glad that I didn't have to shovel it. The kids had the day off. Not because of the roads this morning but because of the major power outages in the area. We lost it during the night and never even knew. Good thing they didn't have school because they would have been late. The sun shining through the snow was amazing. Once again we are reminded of God's handiwork all around us.

YES!! I am still around...

2007-03-15T09:13:00.000-04:00

But, I have been very busy! I looked today at the last time I posted and well, it has almost been a month! I have been trying to think of something great to write about but...I come up short every time I did go and see Smuckers Stars on Ice. I was even going to post about it and well...I didn't. It was great fun, great seats, I went with my sister (who invited me) my mom and 3 other friends. We did have a great time. However, I didn't feel that I should post exclusivly on that especially since the pictures I have are awful!

The following week I went to see The Celtic Women. Kind of a late birthday present! They are incredible. If you ever have the chance to see them I highly recommend it. Phil really enjoyed it too! They were great! It was last Thursday when it was BITTER cold outside and we had to walk a few blocks to get to the car. I thought that I was getting frost bite while we were walking, It was sooo bitter cold! I was very thankful for the car (and the remote starter) when we were in it and out of the cold and wind.

This past weekend Phil took Cabot hunting...I guess he is trying to counter all the dress up that the girls have done with Cabot. :-) No really, Phil did take him hunting, they were supposed to go with a great friend of ours however, God had other plans and our friend suffered a heart attack the Wednesday before they were to go. He is doing well, you would never even know that he had a heart attack we were in just a couple hours later and he was talking to Phil about the trip and talking like he was going to go with them. But, the doctor (and the wives)said no!! We were thankful that they were not away when it happened because they were out of pretty much all civilazation. So, Sunday Phil packed up with Cabot and off the two of them went! I recieved a call Tuesday afternoon from Cabot remember that he is only 7 He was very excited to report that he had harvested a Eurpean Red Stagg. An 11 point buck! whoa...can you hear the excitement in his voice when he called me? And, do you think that I have any picutres? NO!! I will get some pictures up and let him retell his story! it is a great one!

And finally...ever hear of Team Impact? If ever have the chance to see and hear them they are incredible. The kids school is hosting the this week, and we took the family last night to go and watch them. They are there until Sunday night so...I recommend that you take the time and go. Their testimonies are incredible and straight from the heart, they had a little "teaser" during chapel yesterday and a bunch of kids responded to the message. And again last night during their presentation the gym was packed and they expect more tonight and the following few nights...Their might and strength is incredible. The kids were amazed that one of the men could lift a telephone pole over his head! (I was amazed too!) so...if you are in the area for the next few days go and check them out!

And finally I thought that spring was here yesterday it was 73* outside!! Bring it on that is all I have to say!!! (today is well...rainy!)

who let the cows out...

2007-02-21T08:23:00.000-05:00

Dad sent thisto me earlier today. We don't stay up and watch the news at night. That is just a little too late for me! Lost is a little too late for me too these days why did they change the time? Anyhow check it out. It seems that these cows no matter who the owner is like to get out when the owner is away. I thought it was just our cows! I guess it is the breed in general! See Dad! ;) They are a pretty cow. So, I guess that can make up for it right?

I figure if T-bone can post about Hollywood commercials than the cow is acceptable for me!

Something else...if you have not check out our new blog it is on the sidebar. Take a look. I will try to update it as things progress. Sorry I don't have a pie chart for things as they are completed. Maybe I could talk Mark into that for me! :)

Next week is school vacation...maybe we will have some good posts from that!

randomness...

2007-02-09T08:37:00.000-05:00

I am definitely having a lack of creativity. I am at a loss for witty things to say. Or even profound things to say! I am trying maybe a little too hard so! I will just tell you what has been going on here!

Basketball is OVER! what a season they had an impressing year with 0 wins out of 18 games. (Yes, you did read that correctly!) But it was a great year for the girls and it was fun having 2 girls on the middle school team. Most of the games started at 3:30 a few started at 5:00 but what we found out at the last game is that they start 10 minutes after the boys finish. (If the girls play the 3:30 game the boys start at 4:40ish and if the boys start at 3:30 the girls start at 4:50ish. We couldn't figure out why they kept telling us that the game was at 5:00 and we always missed the first quarter of the game. Well all that to say that Betsy started on Tuesdays game and had the first basket and only basket until the 3rd quarter. It was an outside shot that everyone was amazed she made. (not that she can't shoot but the team we played was a tough team) SO...getting to the game at 4:50 we learned that the game started at 4:40 UGH!!! we missed it!!! It was a great end to their season! The team lost their 2 "best" players early on for various reasons. Health and for one and other reasons for the other. However, with the two of them no longer on the team the rest of the girls really learned how to play a great game together! This was the coaches first year with them, and she did a great job! She wasn't all over them if they had an off game, she just worked harder with them and let them know that it was OK! God really knew that the girls needed a coach like her this year and it really showed in all of their attitudes!

What else? hmmm....home schooling, still trying to get the hang of it! We have great days and we have um, not so great days. I am just trying to get more done in the great days, then when we have a not so great day it is OK!

Potty training Claire. It has never been this difficult before~ that is all I am going to say. (the rest were trained by the time they were almost 2 or just after their birthday...UGH!)

Guatemala...no updates and you can check out that blog look on the sidebar.

Soccer on Saturdays for Meg is great. She lives to play soccer! It is so fun to watch her out their on the field. She can out run almost everyone, her very best friend Hannah is playing with her and she has never played before, Meg has given her lots of tips and so has her older brother so she is great to watch as well!

OH I almost forgot! I have a new coffee pot. Phil headed into Derry last night for a spark plug for his wood spliter and when he came home he had a package on teh counter! For those of you who have heard my coffe dilima for the past few weeks! I am back in the game! :) YIPEE

Um...I am not sure what else to write on so! Have fun catching up on us and hopefully next one will be a little more exciting and even a picture or two!

:)

I think he was in it just for the money!

2007-01-25T09:27:00.000-05:00

OK, so maybe not! Just look at how cute he is with that tooth missing. Wonder when the next one will be wiggled out.

I must say that in comparison to the girls he is a wimp about pulling teeth! He worked on that one for days and wouldn't let me touch it and if I did whoa!

I will say that everytime he has a new first or does something a little pang goes off in me knowing that there are only 2 more following him with their firsts. Kind of wierd how that works!

Enjoy the toothless grin! :)

I think that I found Narnia...

2007-01-17T15:27:00.000-05:00

Take a look at the yard. I wanted to post this yesterday however, the computer was acting a little slow I think due to all the ice and cold that we are having, finally!

I was going to take a few pictures today it looks like everything is glass. It is absolutly gourgous! However, everytime and ambulance goes by yesterday and today I am fearing that someone has been hurt due to the storm and the cold weather that we are now having!

OK...really not a huge post but just look at the picutres. The sun is trying to peek through can you see that?

Happy Birthday!

2007-01-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

Cabot is 7 today!! What a great guy! I think his highlight of his day is that he can order his lunch at school today, unfortunatly Friday doesn't have much to offer Chicken parm sandwitch, chop suey, pb&j, chicken noodle soup or a green salad. What would you choose? He wanted a salad. Yesterday was pizza day too bad it wasn't yesterday.

What is he getting? not too sure...guess I need to head out today! Maybe God will provide some snow for him! I know I am making him a Pumkin Pie (that is what he has been asking me for since Christmas when his cousin ate HIS piece! oops)

ok...that is all, just didn't want to be told that I am not posting! :)

well...what can I say?

2007-01-03T08:32:00.000-05:00

I have been a little busy lately. Sorry! here is a quick update:

The craft fair called "The Guest House" is finished I think that we worked a few weeks more than we needed to. However, we did have a blast doing it and meeting new people who will hopefully be back next year for it. We did learn a few things that we will carry into it next year. Eric was the only one to sell everything that he made! Way to go Eric! He actually ran out of pens and had to make a few more the last day we were open. I think it was worth his time! :)

Guatemala went well. They all came home without incident! My family was the only one not to get sick while they were down there. I guess there was a nasty flu that came on extremely fast and took over your body for several hours. Then slowly allowed you to return back to health. They had a blast "life changing" as Abby said when we talked about it. I know that Betsy is feeling the same way, just not actually verbalizing it that way. I read her journal entries WOW!! how encouraging to read that and see how an eleven year old views life in a different culture! she can't wait to go back, and Phil can't either. He is in the process of making plans for us to go down again in just a few weeks. We will be there for a visit and also a work trip. I hope that we are able to do it! Pray for us will you?

What else? Oh yeah, I am now home schooling Megan Yes! you read that correctly I am the person who has always said that I would NEVER do that. Well, what is it that people say about never say never because that is what God will have you do.
Actually I don't think I ever said "I will never" I think that what I said was I don't think that it would be a good idea. God knows me and He knows better than allow me to do it. Well...I guess that is about the same as saying never right? We had our first day yesterday. It went well. I am very excited about it and the rest of the kids want to know why they can't be home schooled...let's just say that right now is not the time for it! CCS is a great place for them to be! :)

So, that is it in a nut shell. Hope it was enlightening for all of you that read this. I am really not sure who actually reads this but for those of you that do...I hope it keeps you happy until the next one. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

what do YOU eat?

2006-12-09T21:14:00.000-05:00

So, yesterday my Dad went out to feed the cows. I thought I would show you what we feed them. That way anyone who enjoys our cows can see what we actually feed them. My question has always been herbivores or carnivores...I guess I now know! :)

Think that we could send this in to the company that makes Boca burgers and have them use it for ads? :)

Enjoy the many pictures here...Dad has Broadband and that is where I am this week!!
Yes, call me a chicken I am staying here while my family is abroad!

I can't believe it is almost time

2006-12-07T08:01:00.000-05:00

Well, tomorrow my husband and 2 older children will be boarding a plane and head down to Guatemala. You may remember I wrote about this trip back in the spring. I am a having a little twang of jealousy right now. I really wanted to go however, this time of the year is not a time to farm the rest of the kids out. Next year I am going and I can't wait to get back down there!

So, today is going to consist on getting loads of laundry done and packed for them. We are trying to remind the girls that it is a very poor country and they don't need to have so much stuff to bring with them. However, Dad needs to remember that he is bringing 2 of my offspring so lightly packing is going to be hard! :) (no tension here!) They were looking forward to the warm weather down there, and I was informed that they are having a cold snap. So not too many shorts are heading down with them!

Pray for the kids and the adults as they are distributing these packages. What a joy it will be for them to help give these necessities to these children and family's. (Maybe tour kids will see just how spoiled they really are) Pray for safety health and that they will see God honored through this whole process. I am so excited for them.

A lot of people have asked me if I am scared...My answer to that? Why would I be scared? God is in control, what better place to be then in the center of God's will? The place I wouldn't want to be is outside of that will. That would make me scared.
We know where they are going I have been there, Phil has been there and will be with them. I just wish it was me instead (or also)!!

Something else to pray for while they are gone. Me...Here with the 4 little kids. Meg would hate to hear me say that but...! I am looking forward not to have all the "extra" runs to school to pick kids up for sports or running to the basketball games. (yes, the season has started!) I guess I will sort of be on a vacation as well! :)

Well, I need to do some laundry thanks in advance for praying for this trip, and also thanks to those of you who have been praying all along on our journey!

Guess What!

2006-12-03T21:00:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone who reads this. Check out Nikkis blog. She is back YEA!! So, would you like an update on the craft fair? Well, the first weekend was a great success considering we really didn't promote it. We all had sales except for Dad, however he made up for it yesterday. He had the sales! Way to go Dad! And that leads me to the rest of us crafters, we all had a sale (yes you read that right A sale) not sales but, next weekend will be different! I hope. We are advertising in 5 local papers and putting more signs up to promote it. So, once again if you are in the area come on by. And don't forget to check out Nikki's blog while you are here!

For those who read this and are in the area...

2006-11-21T08:40:00.000-05:00

I am having a fabulous craft fair here on Saturday Nov. 25 from 10am-4pm and then every Saturday until Christmas we will be having at least 7 people putting their things in. If you came last year you need to come back, it is going to be so much bigger (not the actual building!) and better! Stop by do some shopping, have a little cup of coffee a bite to eat. Enjoy the fire...

Who will be the crafters you ask? Well, Robin Williams (sure come by and see for yourself!) My Dad will be making some of his wonderful wood creations...Mom is making decorations for your tree and house, Misty will be making goodies such as felted wool bags, table runners, napkin holders...And so much more. Eric will be making his fantastic pens and Lorree will be making ornaments as well. Oh yeah, I too will be there with my jems :)

So stop by if you are in the area on any of those days. We look forward to seeing you! (and remember there is only 34 days until Christmas at this point!)

Post Secret...

2006-11-20T08:16:00.000-05:00

Ok, not a huge profound post just something that I have seen and heard alot about lately. Post Secret. Have you seen or heard about it? I saw a clip on the news a few weeks ago. I stumbled across it a few months ago when I was flipping through blogs. Now there is a book.

The jist of it is for people to make a postcard of a secret that no one knows. One that you just want to share and get it off your mind. (hmmm....) The guy that started it did it just to see what people would send in, he said that he never imagined that it would be as big as it is now. Amazing what 100 postcards that he left in random places with a little description of what to do started...

It is heartbreaking to see it. Some of them are so sad, you really wish that you could find out who wrote it and let them know that there is someone out there for them. Someone who knows their hurts and wants to help them. As I was reading this I was very emotional and finding that I was praying for these poor people who feel that there is no hope for them. Some are fun...but most of them are so sad and depressed. Oh not to have any Hope how sad is that? Makes me want to make a postcard that says "Jesus loves you all the time, even when you feel that no one does!"

See, nothing profound!!

ok ok....I get the point!!

2006-11-13T19:21:00.000-05:00

So, yeah it has been awhile!! Why do I get in trouble if I don't post and others don't post for a while and it is ok?? hmmm....just wondering? So, here is a picture of a little cutie for you all to admire...

So, until I can put a little more time and effort into this you will all have to look at Claire aka "Chicken Little" Enjoy!

Friday the 13th

2006-10-13T22:40:00.000-04:00

What a busy day! First I had a field trip to the Stone Zoo. What a blast. I wish I was in first grade again! What a great time 10 kids, 7 adults. Lots of wild animals! (pictures to come tomorrow.) We had fun walking around looking at the cougars and the jaguars, spotted mountain lion, Himalaya mountain goats Canadian wolves...Reindeer(did you know they really can't fly?) llamas, boas...and a whole lot more. It was a great time, tiring time too. I think we walked 10 miles!

We came home to find out the girls soccer game was cancelled (secretly I was very happy!)

Megan is 10 today, and in our house birthdays are pretty special when you turn 10 double digits and all...so we went to the mall with Hannah, her very best friend in the whole world! and they had their pictures taken together in their matching outfits. (all the way to the flip flops.) Great pictures the photographer was having a blast with them, it was so much fun for them! We had a great dinner...then (drum roll please....) she went to get her ears peirced! oh what fun. A friend of the family Miss Crosbie came with us for the evening and she decided to get another set of holes done while we were there, so...Meg had company geting her ears done! what fun. (pictures of that will be up tomorrow too)

now it is almost 11:00 and they are still giggling and being little girls but I am very tired and going to go to bed! It has been a very long day~

Pictures will be up sometime tomorrow!! really once I can get it going!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEGAN HOPE :-)

Leaf Peepers...

2006-10-10T10:04:00.002-04:00

Well, we were off yesterday for our annual family adventure up to the White Mountains. Once again we are amazed at how many travelers come all the way to beautiful NE to check out the foliage. I was able to meet a couple from Valencia CA. That is just about where I was when I went to CA this summer! How cool is that? The lady took some pictures for us, Phil asked a random person to snap a shot of the family and she just happened to be a professional photographer. (ok, but when you are not in a studio that really doesn't help much!) Gotta work with what you have. :)

It seemed that when we were on the Kangamugas highway that the leaves were mostly gone. And unfortunatly that is where most of the pictures were taken :(

We ate at a great restaraunt Banners it was wonderful! Outside they had some beautiful gardens and the mums were vibrant. The butterflies liked them too...look! They were covered with Monarchs and honey bees!

And this last pictures is a local picture. this is about what the color is like here at home, we are almost at peek! Beautiful!

I will get some more on later. Gotta go and read for first grade! :)

Deerfield Fair 2006 version...

2006-09-30T18:27:00.000-04:00

Well, we went to the Deerfield Fair yesterday. I think that in all my life since living up here I have been every year with the exception of last year. (BUT the rest of my family went and I think that made up for my absence!) And let's just say that I have lived here for 28 years. (is that really right Dad?)

We take the kids out of school, I did ask one of the "in charge" people at school what I should write on the absent slip...He said "The Deerfield Flu of course" hmmmm...Sounds pretty good to me!

So, what so we do at the fair you may ask...Well Uncle Mike bought the kids arm bands for the rides yesterday. That gave them access to all the rides for about 5 hours. It was fun but I don't think we will do that again, we spent too much time on the midway and not enough time looking at all the great things. OH well live and learn right? The kids did have a blast on the rides!

We went to the pig scramble. Now that is fun to watch especially when your child is drawn for the lottery! :) YEP!! They called Betsy IN THE POURING RAIN...Well not really. It started to rain just when we got to the swine barn. We kept under cover and waited a bit, they called her and Phil and I went out to watch...She did great. That piglet didn't stand a chance! Well, the 3 minutes was up and there were still 2 piglets left so we waited. A big storm came through so we stayed in the smelly barn for a bit (10 or 15 minutes.) We had to wait for the next 2 names to be called, Betsy brought a friend with her he hadn't been to the fair since he was 4 of so. Well, you guesses it HIS NAME WAS CALLED TOO! So out he went in the wet arena for his chance at a piglet! And he bagged it right off! WAY TO GO!

We did the fair looked at fun things bumped into a lot of people! You know the ones you see only when you are at the fair! I even bumped into an old classmate. It was fun catching up with him while our kids were on the rides!

We ate GREAT fair food! You know the kind that you can only handle once a year! :) No one left hungry or lacking any of the fair experience.

When it was time to leave at 10:00 PM (with 8 kids!) We needed to get the piglets. hmmm...Imagine 2 bagged piglets in the back of the excursion! kinda smelly! Phil cleaned it out today! Thanks Honey!

and don't count how many kids and piglets were in the car. I think we must have looked like the circus!

All in all it was another great year at the Deerfield Fair! I will get some pictures up asap. My camera didn't get any of the scramble. So I will have to wait for Phils.

CAN YOU WAIT FOR IT?? :)

Bye for now!

ahhh...how cute

2006-09-23T16:36:00.000-04:00

Nap time...I am not too sure who was asleep first Phil or Anna...my guess is Phil.

I think that there will be some stiff necks tomorrow! Just thought it was a cute Sleepy Saturday Nap time picture! Enjoy it...and let Phil know you saw him taking a nap at 3:30 on a Sat. afternoon! :)

Cammie and Larry

2006-09-22T13:13:00.000-04:00

So, we have some new kittens. I know that some people think they are not the best kinds of pets to have but we have 5 girls. How can we not have kittens...we love them. I went out today and came home about an hour later and this is what I found!

YES!! that is a Longaberger basket that they are sitting in! hmmm...good taste!

If you have not figured out what there names stand for, just say it fast together and hopefully you will get it! and one more thing. Larry is Phils kitten. He was an anniversary present! That is how much he loves kittens! :)

Is Anyone Out There?

2006-09-21T08:10:00.000-04:00

So, you see...I have been pestered of great lately to update the blog. And when I do it no one leaves me a comment. I am a little confused. Are people really reading this?? If you are just for my sake, let me know that you are reading it and I will continue! Beacause I do enjoy this!

Life is getting very busy again and I will be having more exciting things up on here. So, just let me know if you are really reading it...THANKS!

more jewelry coming soon! Parties, Parties, Parties! I am "teaching" beading at a girls night out AND doing a birthday party for an 8 year old! How fun will that be? And another one in progress but no details yet! Remember that is why I started this thing! :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

2006-09-15T07:54:00.000-04:00

Well, the day is here. Claire is 2 today! What an adventure she has been. I can't believe it. From a tiny little peanut to well...a cashew! Glasses and all.

We have had an exciting past few weeks, and once again I did try to blog and put pictures up but I couldn't do it??? why!!!!!

But alas, they are on now!!

Happy Birthday Claire Mercy!

AND... IT'S A BOY!!

2006-09-08T07:58:00.000-04:00

I can't be so jealous of Beth for having a little baby, I think that I may take this baby thing to heart too much! We seem to be overrun with females in this house...and well even ouranimal population seems to be more of the X instead of the Y. Go figure! Well, we had a little (big) bull born last night. These animals amaze me, one minute we are out there and nothing is happening and then you can walk outside an hour or two later and there is an animal nursing on his mom. I would love to actually see one born, but...that is the beauty of this type of cow that they can labor and deliver all by themselves. (I guess that is a good thing and we are not out there at 2 am delivering a calf right?) No weight measurements yet, name we can do, it is going to be Echo of Old Homestead Farm. Or the proper way is Old Homestead Echo. Is that right Phil? He is the cutest calf yet, ok so I think I am partial to the little black ones! We had one born in July and it is a bottle baby still, she is adorable and much more of a pet than a farm animal. I will get some pictures of her on here too. but for now I will put up pictures of Mocha the Mom, Lily the BIG sister and Baby Echo. (anyone who is anyone will know why Phil choose the name Echo.)







Click on the images to see them better if you would like and oh, Lily was born last year 2005 the week before Easter (that is why the name Lily) Notice the size of her? And look at the size of Echo not too shabby! (I didn't say shaggy)

ENJOY!

Update...

2006-08-11T10:24:00.000-04:00

Well, I guess the exciting part of my summer was my trip out to CA. And I will just tell you that I am so glad it was a month ago and not this month...Have you seen the pictures of people standing in lines at the airports due to the new security? No thanks!!

So, my travels are bringing me to CT this weekend for the Women of Faith conference again. I hadn't even planned on going this year! I knew with all the other things that we have done this summer it was out of the question not to mention it is the middle of August this year instead of Oct. But, I had a ticket offered to me and the hotel everything is already paid for! All I need is money for my food and to help pay for the gas. I really did want to go but didn't even consider it. Isn't God so good in supplying us with all of our needs and our wants sometimes?

So, that is my short little post and I will hopefully be posting more next week about the conference!

And with that...Have a great weekend!

And Beth, don't have that baby while I am away please! :)

In N Out...

2006-07-14T08:33:00.000-04:00

This will be my last California post, I needed to space them out. You know I didn't want to be needing bloggers anonomous. :-)

Nikki brought me to the best hamburger place in the west. (ok, so a little corny there but it was really good) I had been told that if she didn't bring me there then she would be in trouble. I guess that when someone was out of the country for a missions trip a few years back, when he was back in the states it was the first stop he made. Is that right Tim?

Well...we went to In n Out. It isn't really as fast as the name makes it sound. Actually I think they have to go out and heard the cows and then bring them to the slaughter house let the meat hang for a bit and then ground the burger cook it up, then they call your number. OK...not that bad, but certainly not "in and out" like the sign claims.

So here are a couple pictures of the place. and you can visit their online store at www.in-n-out.com hmmm...must be a good place to eat if they have a web site. I must say it was a great burger! and they made the potato fries fresh I even watched them slice them up! (french fries)

Boy! I sure look tired in that picture!

Well, that is all the pictures of the trip that I am going to be posting! So, I hope that you enjoyed the trip, I know I did. Now next time, I am definitly going to see Tim and Leah! I promise (it may be 10 years or so BUT I promise!)

Hollywood...

2006-07-12T08:40:00.000-04:00

After a wonderful trip to the west coast, I am home safe and sound. We landed and they opened the door in the back of the plane to unload the food and other things, I remembered what humidity was! (it hit hard) amazing how comfortable 95 degrees is when it is a dry heat! I have heard other people say that before and thought 95 is 95...Well actually NO it really isn't. If it isn't humid you can sit in the shade and get a break from it, or jump in the pool and actually feel a little cooler. BUT not when it is humid! I had lovely curls by the time I was off the plane! :)

Well Monday was a day of adventure! We headed to Hollywood. OK...So we went, walked around did a few touristy things and headed home. It reminded me of some bad parts of Boston. I don't think I would want to bring my kids there. (call me crazy) I did see parents there with little kids. (most of them lived in the area and were shopping, there is a great mall there) The tourists' for the most part were without kids. I think I would have a breakdown in mine were there...The traffic is FAST!

We ate at a great place for lunch called the California Kitchen (I think) Nikki will correct me if I am wrong. Right out side of the restaurant is a scenic view...No signs like we have here in NH, you just see it. Take a look!

We walked the "Famous" walk of the stars...

AND...

We also walked on the "hand prints" and "foot prints" of famous actors and actress' I only was able to get a picture of Mel Gibson's prints...There were too many people milling around and you really couldn't see them clearly (OK...There were some of older people who I didn't know so, why take a picture of them? ;) BUT...This is what I took.

This is also where all the premiers are and the Oscars...The famous "RED CARPET". It looks a little different without the carpeting. Sorry I didn't get a picutre of the whole front of the building. and oh, I forgot to mention...;) there was a premiere that night. They were starting to get ready for it when we were leaving the mall. We came out of the exit and looked to the right and saw....

YES!! It's the red carpet~too cool!!

So, Hollywood was a fun place to go and see so that I can check it off on the "list of things to do" but...The best part of the day was eating the Gelato!!!!!!

GREETINGS my fellow blogger from Sunny So Cal...

2006-07-09T17:22:00.000-04:00

so...here I am in the great Golden State, WOW is it HOT!!! but...no it isn't humid (yeah)

We went to the wedding of Mr and Mrs Andrew (Happy) Gilmore yesterday! what a joy to see them and see the love that they share for each other and for God! I truly think that God was honored at the wedding! Here is a picture of the "Happy Couple"

It was a beautiful day...Hey Phil they even had OUR song! ahh...

After the wedding we decided to do something that you can only do in California...we went down to Sunset Blvd. I saw the PACIFIC ocean...and even got wet. A little more than I wanted to also!

Look...

wanna see some more?? OK...

I am not sure what the name of this road is but...YES I really am standing there with the PACIFIC ocean behind me! haha...don't I look like a movie star? ;)

This is Nikki running from the waves...

here is a picture of the two of us just being cute! :)

AND finally, here I am standing IN the Pacific ocean... YES, those really are my BIG toes!!

OK...now I feel like Mark with all the pictures, at least I haven't done it every day since I have been here...just today and maybe tomorrow after we go to Hollywood and see all the stars in the walk and the handprints...NO I am not a tourist! ;)

Hope you are all doing well! Good Bye for now!

Heading to the west coast...

2006-07-06T12:58:00.000-04:00

For those of you that take the time to read this. (I really don't know if anyone does any more except for Kaptain.) I am heading to So California!! YIPEE... I am going there to see Nikki and find out what keeps her so busy that she can't update her blog! And also to see the "Happy Couple" unite in marriage! I am going in 30 minutes. So, I thought I would take a minute to let you know that when I get home I may put some wedding pictures of Amy and Andrew up for everyone, unless they beat me to it! :) and maybe a picture or 2 of Nikki being so "busy".

Have a great few days, I know I will!!

UPDATE!!

2006-06-30T12:49:00.000-04:00

OK...So on my side bar is the link to the Hodges. These are the missionaries that we stayed with while we were in Guatemala (when we were not it the village) It is a new blog, and I am very excited about it and wanted to share it with you so...Check it out.
Update on the home front: summer is here and we hit the ground running when the kids got out of school. Their last day was June 9. We had a great pool party at a friends house to celebrate the end of the school year ice cream sundaes and all (it rained too) but that didn't bother the kids!
We gathered up our things and headed to VA for a few days that was fun! We went before all the rain started. We left Abby there for a couple weeks. She is coming home in a little over a week, boy do I miss her! When we got home it was go go go...Kids over kids going to other houses. Wow, isn't that what it is all about when you are a kid? No worries just mom taxing you all around for the fun of it!
I took Meg strawberry picking today! I can't wait to make the jam!! :) But, unfortunately the strawberries were a little tired of the rain too, so the picking wasn't the best. But we had fun still...
OK... I know but for the handful of you that read this I figured that I would just give a little of what we have been doing and just wanted to let you know that I didn't fall off the face of the earth as I think some other bloggers have!!
Off to the big Wal-mart!

Good Day!!

My devotions brought me to this today!

2006-06-06T10:32:00.000-04:00

Col 3:1 If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.
2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth.
3 For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested, then shall ye also with him be manifested in glory.
5 Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry;
6 for which things' sake cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience:
7 wherein ye also once walked, when ye lived in these things;
8 but now do ye also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, railing, shameful speaking out of your mouth:
9 lie not one to another; seeing that ye have put off the old man with his doings,
10 and have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him:
11 where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering;
13 forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye:
14 and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God.
17 And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 18 Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord.
21 Fathers, provoke not your children, that they be not discouraged.
22 Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord:
23 whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men;
24 knowing that from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance: ye serve the Lord Christ.
25 For he that doeth wrong shall receive again for the wrong that he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

I just love this chapter (and book) I think thas vs. 17 should be one that ALL Moms memorize~so that while we are doing the mundane things of the day we should remember ALL THINGS!! even if it is the 13th load of laundry!

Do you smell carrots?

2006-05-25T07:59:00.000-04:00

Anyone who is anyone knows what that is from!! OK...Really when we were in Guatemala in March that was the "joke of the week" And it was one of those jokes that the more you said it the funnier it was! So, when it was said last night we laughed out loud!! Good stuff...I am not going to turn this into the lost forum though so...If you are reading this BMT, get on it! :)

here are a couple new Clairisms...I thought they were cute and I would share them

Candles translation flowers
puppies translation puddles

I know short and lame! But hey at least I updated it...Oh, we still have a huge puddle in the back yard. Only about a foot deep now, maybe by the weekend it will be gone!

A little rain...

2006-05-17T13:33:00.000-04:00

Well, unless you have been under a rock somewhere you have heard of the rain and flooding in NE. Nothing compared to other parts of the states in the past year, but it is unusual for us to get so much rain! We have had more rain in the past week than we usually get in a 4 month period, over 5 inches by Sunday night. I am not sure what the total was when it finally finished.

Craziness in the house, we were all going a little stir crazy, the walls were a little too close, and there were not enough rooms for the kids to be in! So, last night I had it and sent them out in their rain gear (some of them) to run off a little energy! It was sprinkling a little when they went out and about 20 minutes later it was SUNNY!!! Whoa... We all stopped and stared at the sun!

Phil put his row boat into the "pond" that we have in the back yard now, we are thinking of selling our house, it is water front property now, it should sell for a lot! :)

Check out some of the pictures, and just remember that we are pretty high up where we are, there was a lot of devastation in other parts of our little town and state. We didn't have any damage to any of our property!

Where do YOUR convictions lie?

2006-05-08T09:45:00.000-04:00

Recent discussion on other blogs really made me think...

How do you feel about different areas in your life? Soap Boxes we all have them. We feel very strongly about an issue, give all of our points why everyone else should believe what WE believe. Don't get me wrong some soap boxes are good! Some however can just be too silly to even fathom!

So, here is the question I am sending out there. Where do your convictions lie? Are you holding the Bible to it's truth. Not taking verses out of context just to fit into your situation? Are you studying The Word to get the answers that you need to find out what God is saying to you. How is He speaking to your heart? Do you feel strongly about something and yet turn the page of the Bible and not think that God really meant to say what was written on that page too? Are we to pick and choose our convictions?

I know people out there believe that women should only wear skirts or dresses. I don't see it in the Bible. I know there are people out there who believe that we should not watch TV. I don't find that in my Bible either. I know there are people out there that don't believe in medicine. I don't see that in my Bible either. I know that the Curse and the Fall of Man are a BIG topic. We need to hold our convictions to what we feel the Bible states, and not just take it to what we feel it should say just for us. Yes, God is speaking to us and we need to listen to Him, we need to be sensitive to what our convictions are and what other people have for convictions as well. And respect one another for our different convictions. NOT try to make the other people feel that they don't know what they are talking about.

Don't get me wrong. Sin is SIN there is not getting around that one. BUT, just because I don't choose to homeschool my children and my neighbor feels that it is the ONLY way, God's way. Their convictions are different from mine. Am I going to try my hardest to convince them that a Christian School (or a public school) is where their kids should be (just because that is our conviction) NO...Just the same I don't want them to tell me that I must homeschool because it is THEIR conviction.

Using my neighbor just as an example my neighbor does not tell me I am wrong by not homeschooling! I don't think she would ever do that. Why? Because we both have different convictions.

Now, if my other neighbor was having trouble with a sin in her life. Let say she is shoplifting (just as an example) I know that she is doing this I have seen her. Do I leave her alone because she has a conviction about it and thinks that it is right for her? NO WAY...She is openly stealing breaking one of the 10 commandments. I would have to talk to her about it. Lovingly, and Biblically! Because it is what the Bible says to do.

So, where do your convictions lie? Are you only on a soap box for your own good or are you on a soap box or Gods Good?

What to post...

2006-05-03T11:48:00.000-04:00

Yes, I have been trying to think of what to write about. There are a lot of things I could be on a soap box about BUT I will save you all from that right now! I am trying to think of some cute things that the kids have done, or some wonderful thing we did over vacation. Alas, I am at a loss...I have been cooped up in the house for nearly 2 weeks with sick kids...My mind is getting a little foggy! So, just for the few people who read this, I really don't want you to think that I have abandoned my blog. I have been trying to think of something...Maybe it will happen soon!

Bundles of Love...

2006-04-07T21:50:00.000-04:00

Bundles of Love is an extraordinary opportunity to get to minister to the people of Guatemala. You can read more about it here. We are praying that Lord willing Phil (or myself) will take 2 of the girls down in December. Please pray with us, so we can clearly see the Lords direction in this.

As you can figure it out, it is going to be quite a bit of $$ We are trying to think of ways for the girls to earn the money for the trip. We choose as a family not to send out support letters for the money. God always provides and we know that He will! But, we need to help the girls along the way...Any ideas? I would love to have them do some sort of a "work project" to earn the money. Mothers helpers over the summer. Helping someone clean up the yard, house, walk a dog. Get the picture...Any other ideas would be a great help.

I am really looking forward to the girls being able to head down and see how much of the world lives, and witness the power of God firsthand! I think that they will be truly blessed on this trip. And anyone else who goes as well.

The one most important thing that I ask as you read this is to keep us in your prayers while we are planning this trip!

Thirteen!

2006-03-30T08:55:00.000-05:00

So, today is the day! Am I old enough? Abby is 13!! Where has the time gone? Too fast. She is forming her own opinions about things, keeping a diary! she has secrets I don't know about anymore! I used to be the one she told her secrets to...how does that happen? She is turning into quite a lady! And a God honoring one at that! What a joy to see!!
I really don't believe that she is 13! too fast, too fast! I think that her turning 13 is harder than it was for me to turn 30 (just a few short years ago!) But, my kids still think I am 29 :)
OK...off to get balloons to place on her locker, I think she will love it! :)

Guatemala!

2006-03-29T07:58:00.000-05:00

Well, we are back! What a wonderful time we had in Guatemala. No one got really sick (slightly but not bad) No one was hurt! And we all had a chance to work as a team with a group from Grand Rapids...What a treat that was! The 5 mile ride up the mountain everyday took us about 45 min. Sometimes longer sometimes not quite as long! It all depended on the traffic that day! It was a 1 lane road so, when you met another car you needed to pull over! Very interesting as you approach the BIG drop off.

So, what did we do? We built a school :) The school that the kids are in right now is on both sides of the road and the main building was on a mans land (with permission) they had been there for 30 years (or so) The man died and his son wants AMG to move the school. So, they are. We arrived on Monday at the site there was 1 exterior wall and 2 end walls that were standing. And a small room had been started. We needed to at least do all the brick work before we left on Thursday afternoon. Yeah, Right! funny how we can think that way not excepting God to truly be in control of ALL things. We quickly set to work on Monday there were a bunch of natives already there working. Some were there all day and others floated in as they were able. They are such grateful people and can't do enough for us what a true blessing they were to work with and get to know a little bit! By the end of the day Monday we had 2 rooms completed. Good progress I thought! (one of the men from Grand Rapids is a mason by trade) that helps!! :) I worked with him for the day on Monday and most of the day Tuesday.

Tuesday we started the other rooms. And completed them! Wow...I thought it wouldn't happen oh me of little faith! We visited with the children as they floated in and out of the school area! They are so excited for their new school to be able to use! They came everyday with little gifts of pictures, candy and even a little teacup for me! The little girl went home to see what she had that was precious to her that she wanted to give to me! How sweet. And if you don't take these things you offend them! hmm...my kids could learn a lot. (we all could learn a lot!)By the end of the second day we were exhausted!

Wednesday we back filled holes that had been dug for the footings. I used a pick axe! Ha...What fun! And I still have all my limbs and so does everyone who worked around me! We threw dirt back into the rooms to level the floors for when the concrete is to be poured. It looked pretty good. I didn't help with the bricks because they were working on a wall that would not be seen. It took a good part of the day for that wall to go up too. There were a lot of little cuts that needed to be put into it, as well as the electrical box and other things. At 2:00 we had a program to attend at the old school WOW!! They really put their hearts into it. it was great, No we could not understand what they were singing or saying but, how encouraging it was it really got is fired up to work harder for them as we were working the rest of the day. We had nice surprises during the days of fresh fruit! Oh...Pineapple will never be the same again! We were exhausted but it was worth every minute of it on Wednesday.

Thursday we only worked half a day. We needed to be out of there by noon. (yeah right) tell that to the Gualemalains who really don't have a time schedule. They were coming in all morning at a steady stream, watching the progress and helping where they could. We started cleaning up and packing up the kids were getting sad. And so were we! Hugs and more hugs...They couldn't seem to get enough of them and we couldn't either! We were told that the kitchen ladies were coming up the mountain with a cake for us, so we needed to wait for them to get there. It was worth the wait! It was amazing to me to sit and eat a cake with about 50 kids watching you, and they didn't even ask for 1 bite! Do that in the US and the kids would be having a little temper tantrum! The cake was amazing. We had more picture and a few more pictures and a couple more hugs, we really had to run into the van to leave. It was great!

God is so good! There is no way that the school could have had as much done on it if it weren't for Him. I know what we did for the people in Guatemala, but what they did for us was so much more! Watching them work, sing, help where ever they could...It will leave a lasting mark forever! Such giving people. Getting up at 5:45 everyday working and doing devotions at 8:00 visiting with the other people and going to bed at 11:00 (or 1:00 if the gun shots were too loud!) and really not feeling tired and getting up excited to work and do it happily was amazing, for the morning person that I am

During our devotion time every night we sang old hymns! Oh, how beautiful they sound acapella. I had a few moments where emotion took over, I think that I controlled it pretty well. But, it was amazing to sit and listen to everyone sing. The group that we were with were all incredible singers. And you could tell by listening to them that they were not doing it for themselves but for God's glory! We sang each night for at least 30 minutes, and had great discussion on the Bible study for the day, they were about serving God in other countries, What is joy?, Who are the missionaries...It was good, the discussion would last for about 45 min. Then we would head off to sit by the pool and talk some more. (with large bats flying over head) I think it was more fun for them to watch me cower into Phil's lap each time a bat went over head than the discussion we were all having. All in all it was a wonderful time of spiritual growth, learning to depend more on God, in all areas of my life! And making wonderful friendship that I know will last forever! And beyond...

Speaking of friendships...This group of people that we met down there to work with 9 of them only 2 were in there 30's and the rest were 50 and older one was 69, on his first missions trip. Him name is Bus. What a neat guy! 69 years old and on his first missions trip, and can't wait to go back. Wow...We could all learn a lot from him, Dan is 68, Quite a worker as well! They all work hard, retired men who want to serve the Lord in a great way! All the way in Guatemala! WOW...
Karen the other girl on the trip was just a couple years older than me, and a work horse! I felt a little sick on Thursday while we were at the site. She was very concerned for me! I didn't want to complain about not feeling well, BUT she kept making sure that I was not overdoing it! Very caring!!

OK...There is so much more to write, but I will save it for later!

Pin cushion!

2006-03-10T13:44:00.000-05:00

Ouch! We are headed to Guatemala for a missions trip shortly so we need to make sure that our immunization are up to date. WELL...After today they are. My left arm is so sore. I only had to get 2 shots but man do they hurt... I forgot how much they hurt last time we went. Phil thought that he was not getting any just the malaria prescription, hahaha he was wrong. His look was a little funny when she told him he needed shots too. (I tried not to laugh) he told me in the car on the way there that he didn't need any but I would need a few. I only needed 2 and one is good forever and the other one is good for 3 years. I am not too sure if Phil got 2 or 3 shots today. BUT, we are up to date and can safely head to Guatemala!!

I think that after today when the kids get shots I will make sure to take EXTRA special care of them. It hurts to even type this. How ridicules is that? I guess that when they say that the kids can be cranky from shots, they really know what they are talking about. Adults can be cranky too!! Just look at me :)

OK...just wanted to tell you all that I am a human pin cushion.

LOOK who has some cute new glasses!

2006-03-08T08:09:00.000-05:00

Well it is official Claire has her new glasses. It is a challenge...You try keeping them on a baby!! You would think that because she can see things properly now that she would keep them on but...:)

Apparently normal vision is 0.0 that would be 20/20. Because she is unable to read (only because of her age!) they are not able to measure her that way so we needed to do a dilation of the eyes for 3 days (to make sure the medicine really penetrated the eyes) Then I had to take her in a 6:45 AM!! To have her eyes measured and see just how off they were. WELL...If you are wondering how we knew that she needed glasses her left eye started crossing very badly about a 2 months ago. So, I called to get her in. A 4 week wait! Meanwhile it was getting worse AND then in the past couple of weeks her right eye started! It was very sad seeing her look that way. So, the Dr. Measured her eyes. Whoa... Her eyes are BAD! One was 5.5 and the other is 6.0. I believe that 6.0 is legally blind. Pretty amazing that they can figure those things out! Ahh...The wonders of the medical world.

We picked up the glasses yesterday...She can see! How amazing it is to me what she couldn't see but she was able to do, all by sound and touch and her other senses. God is so good! If you didn't know her and saw her without her glasses you would wonder why her eyes were crossed. Most people were polite, but you could see the faces of people in the store when she looked at them and smiled with her severely crossed eyes!! They were probably wondering if I noticed it! The optometrist held the lenses up to my eyes so I could see how she sees. I was in such shock. I couldn't speak! Unusual for me... (just for those of you who are going to yell at me, don't!! I did see a pediatric opthomologist, my friend opened an eyeglass store so I needed to get the glasses from her!) I can see how she knew things but everything was blurry! I walked into my parents house to show them. She stopped and stared at the fireplace. Looking very intensely at it! She had only seen a big red wall before, now she can see all the little bricks. I wish she could speak to me so that I can know just what she is thinking. But on the other hand I am so glad that she is so little that after the next few weeks she will not remember that her world was such a blur for 17 months!

God is so good!

Who is invisible?

2006-02-27T19:50:00.000-05:00

Are you a mom? Do you ever feel invisible? Like no one really knows that you do exist? I mean, where do the folded clothes come from? Where does dinner come from? Who picks them up after school or practice? WHO buys the food????....Get the picture? Well, I feel that way many days, just my lot in life I often think or thought then I bought a little "coffee table" book called The Invisible Woman. In this book it speaks of the great cathedrals that were built between 1050-1350. The beautiful cathedrals that are toured by so many people. I am not familiar with all the cathedrals, I am sure that other people can fill us in on more detail on them. In the book it points out the many years it took to build the cathedrals. Many of them had people working on them whose names were never know and who were forgotten a long time ago. It talks of the architects who started them and died before they were completed. They NEVER got to see their lives work complete. The stained glass in them that took a century to make in some of them that the artist never saw them in the completed cathedrals. We marvel at these amazing works of art. Yet many of them have no history of the "invisible" architect. Do you think they ever thought that these would be so grand and so many people would travel to see them and tour them? The point of the book is the invisible mother works so hard, is not "seen" by her children, they don't realize how much work and effort that mom puts in everyday. Things just "happen"...Hmmmm...It really made me realize that I will never see the finished product of my children, that is the point of parenting. We work so hard at teaching them, training them, praying for them...And we will never see the completed work. God sees it. God is the only one who will see the completed work of our own personal "cathedrals" Invisible architects yup, that is what we are as moms. Yes, I know that the kids really do "see" me, it was just a really interesting new way to look at is and think of the parenting that I do on an everyday basis. I really wish I knew how to put one of those really cool cathedral pictures on here for you to admire but, I am not computer savvy enough to get one on! So, you need to picture a great cathedral in your own mind!

Am I approachable?

2006-02-10T08:33:00.000-05:00

A few things have happened over the past few weeks that have really opened my eyes to things of the world that kids are dealing with everyday! A lot of them really scare me to see what they have to deal with. I have been reading things that kids have no idea adults or parents know about. Being a mom of a soon to be teen I want to know what is out there. Scary things on the web! I don't allow the kids to be on internet without being right there. And knowing what they are looking up. Abby even has a kid AOL account, she can't even access Build a bear or American girl without my permission, because we blocked it! There are kids out there her age, and not much older posting things on the web that parents have no idea they are doing. Some do yes, and I am sure that they check up on it daily. KUDOS to those parents who do that, what about the ones that don't?

My kids are NOT perfect, big sinners just like me. I am not going to try to fool myself or anyone else thinking they are not! My question is...If you see my kids doing something that you know we do not approve of. Whether it is running through the downstairs at church, talking back to an adult, doing things on the web...You get the picture? Do you feel that you can approach me about it? I really do want to be approachable so that we can correct behavior before it is so out of hand that we will regret not knowing. I am in a position where I need to confront a parent but I am afraid to, why? Is it fear of losing a friend, fear of being too outspoken? (I have been accused of that before)! Fear of the unknown, I think is what it is! PLEASE approach me when you see something...I need it, we all need it at time. Loving and concerned not IN YOUR FACE sort of confronting! If we are supposed to be Christians we need to act more like Christ so that our kids can see it too!

Here is an article that I read and this is of concern. Please understand that some of these things are good. SOME are horrid! check it out!

And please if you have something to talk to me about do so! I don't want to be one of the ones who no one feels they can talk to...Hurt, offended yes, probably but not at the person who brings it to me, more at the person who did the offense and it may come out at you and if it does, I apologize before hand! Thanks for taking the time to read all of this! AND PRAY for the teens that are around today, and the ones who will soon be teens! The world is a very dark and scary place to be in unless you know the One True God!

Just some random thoughts about living in 2006!

2006-02-04T10:51:00.000-05:00

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2006 when...

1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.

2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.

3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.

4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.

5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.

6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.

7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.

8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.

10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.

11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )

12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.

13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.

14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.

15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.

AND NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself.

OK, now you can get back to your day, just wanted to share that with everyone!! Have a GREAT day!

10 Days since my last post!

2006-01-26T08:48:00.000-05:00

So, I have been a slacker! I guess I am still trying to figure out how we got from sweaters to books on the last post!
What have I been doing for the past week and a half? Well you can all thank Cheryl I have a new hobby (like I have time for another one) I made another sweater! It is beautiful. AND it actually fits Claire! I was really sick last week so...I was on the couch A LOT... That is no fun, I am paying for it this week...Still trying to find the house in all the clutter that accumulated over the few days (and having a 12 year old try her hand at laundry)! haha...
Also sitting at the basketball games I was able to knit some. I felt like an old grandmother! It was funny...OH, basketball finished last night. They didn't do well the second half of the season so, no playoffs. Rest until March then we start softball... BE WARNED!! :)

OK...Enough on all that Here is the question? If you know anything about the movie The End of the Spear please give a little input. If you have seen it, are not going to see it, on the fence about it. I have heard nothing but good reviews about it until today when I got an e-mail containing
this. Hmmm...What do you think? I would like a little feedback, I know that Phil will be a little disappointed when he reads this article. I know that I was but then again, we do have to remember that it is a Hollywood production and not one of the several commentaries that we have seen over the past year.
OK...Got to get back to cleaning!

A New Sweater!

2006-01-15T19:03:00.000-05:00

I hit the new shop here in town last week (A Knitters Garden) I am not a big knitter I went with Cheryl the week before. I saw the cutest little sweater, however I know how busy I am and I don't have much time to just sit and knit. I kept thinking of this sweater for a week. I was obsessed with it. So I went back, looked at it again and I figured it looked easy enough I would give it a try (I can knit I just don't do it very often) Very simple garter stitch one piece work from the back to the front, I thought that I would give it a try. I LOVED the yarn that she used however, she didn't have any of those colors that she had made the one I loved out of. So, I started picking up different yarns and looking to see which colors I liked together (for a baby) I settled with a muli-colored nubby sort of yarn and I picked out a deep red for the contrast. I started knitting on the way up to the basket ball game. I was thrilled at how fast it knit up, in about 45 min I had 5 inches of the back done. So, I started playing with different ways to use the colors, the sample had been done in stripes (I have NEVER done stripes) I thought I would try and see what it looked like. I liked it, this sweater has a "bib" in the front, I made this in the solid red color, the stripes are every other row for a few inches in the back and over the shoulders and then I wanted to do something a little different so, I did 4 rows of the multi yarn and 2 rows of the red. It looks really cute! I am trying to think of some nice buttons for the bib, I think that a shell button would be really pretty with the colors of the yarn, but I think that wooden ones would be nice too! I am at a loss...It is all done except for the buttons, I finished the knitting last night and finished the weaving of the sides this afternoon. HOWEVER, it is much smaller than I thought it would be (due to using the wrong yarn) It will make a great gift for someone who is having a girl. I even think I know who it will go to as well. So, my camera is missing!! OOPS!!!!! I will get a picture of it as soon as I can find that camera, I think Anna had been taking pictures of Claire! So, that is my post A NEW SWEATER!! I am a little excited about the sweater, I have already started another one! Let's see how quick I can knit the next one...Bye
So, I found the camera and here is the picture of the little sweater!

I finally figured it out!!

2006-01-06T15:33:00.000-05:00

So, praying with Cabot last night, it finally HIT me...As he prayed he asked that he would wake "fresh" in the morning after a good-night sleep, not "refreshed" and so, with that I guess his prayer was answered (this has been prayed many times)! I love my fresh 5 (almost 6) year old little boy. NOW I just need to get him to pray and ask to have a good-night sleep and wake "REFRESHED" in the morning! ahh...That may help us all.

I think that I should start a little journal of the cute little things that the kids say, I always say that and I never actually do it...Maybe with the blog I will. I will start with that one, and see what else comes out!

The Smartest Cat Ever!

2006-01-04T13:13:00.000-05:00

OK, so I walked into the kitchen to see the cat reading! I thought it was worth a picture! Isn't she the cutest and smartest thing you have ever seen? snicker snicker! That is it that is my post! have a great day

New Post!!

2005-12-30T21:18:00.000-05:00

OK, heckle me go ahead!! I have been busy today and I didn't get a chance to post so, I will do it now. It is a thought that I have had for awhile now, and one that I am going to ask input for. So, here is my idea... I am thinking of a web site for my jewelry you know the jems in the name here! I would like to get one up and started but I am not too sure what I should do, how I should set it up what format I should use. Make pieces and people buy what they see and when they are gone they are gone? Make special order pieces? Like a mothers bracelet, or a special type of stone that someone may want (lapis lazuli, leopard skin jasper)? Or set it up as I would a home show and what you see is what you get take it or leave it. Any thoughts for me? I am supposed to put my stuff into a shop a friend of mine runs. I haven't had the chance to get it to her yet, but this hobby is getting expensive and I need to generate some moola from it!! Well...There is my long...um post! Just throwing out the ideas...Help me out here would ya?

Happy Holidays?

2005-12-21T21:17:00.000-05:00

Ok, I just read a post in Nikkis blog about Christmas... Made me think and I was on a soap box, and if you haven't read it yet don't go there until you read this!! (then you can read hers)
How many times do you say Happy Holidays to someone instead of Merry Christmas? Are you concerned that you may offend them by wishing them a Merry Christmas when they actually celebrate kwanza? Chanukah? Or nothing at all? I do find myself on occasion saying happy holidays after all, I wouldn't want to hurt feelings...Makes me think whose feelings are actually being hurt? Who is the real season for? Who was born for our sins? Who died for us? Why are we afraid to upset someone else? Kind of makes me think.
Another thing that I have been bothered by for a LONG time (since I was in elementary school!) Why do people write X-mas on things instead of Christmas? Seems like they are too worried about the "other" things that the season has to offer. Well I was directed to a site about xmas I found it interesting and those of you out there are who are proficient in Greek! So I may be a little slow on this! I still am thinking that not too many people know why they are writing it xmas instead of Christmas so, I am sticking to my guns and writing the WHOLE thing out!
So...
Merry Christmas everyone

OK, now you can go and read Nikki's blog!

Wanna know what my Christmas present is?

2005-12-12T21:05:00.000-05:00

So, Phil went away this weekend with a friend (Colin) I am going to have a new hobby according to Colin. Deerfield Fair here I come... Can you guess? A "new" tractor a Minneapolis Moline or "Minnie Mo" as the tractor people call it. Apparently this is a rare tractor they only made it for a year, and only 300 of them were produced. It is a G707 110 horse power. Can't you see me now? nails done, hair done, makeup on, jewelry to match and pulling a boat! Watch out Colin, I think it may be fun. Do you want to see a picture of it?

So, what do you think? Cabot looks pretty happy sitting on top of it. He was told standing in the HUGE salvage yard that he was "in Heaven". He was impressed with that! Phil took a bunch of pictures that we are going to frame for the walls in his room. He will finally have a room to himself sometime next month! He is pretty thrilled about that one so... We are going to make it a "farm" room. He already has a John Deere blanket! If you are looking for something cool for the boy, head on over to Cracker Barrel they have a great assortment of John Deere!

OK, really I think that I had better get a good Christmas gift since Phil was able to purchase that tractor! What do you all think? A nice new diamond? (hint hint hint) or a new bedroom set? (hint hint hint) hopefully Phil is reading this!!

Merry Christmas!!!

It's a SNOW DAY!!

2005-12-09T13:10:00.000-05:00

WOW!! A snow day! Does everyone know that you aren't supposed to have a snow day BEFORE Christmas? Do you all know how much stuff needs so get done? Decorating, baking, wrapping, wrapping, and more wrapping... The kids are out of school today!
I must say it is absolutely beautiful outside, the snow is so light and fluffy. Not snowman snow, just pretty play in the snow kind of snow! Fire crackling in the fireplace. Sipping hot chocolate, making cookies, I really do love a snow day, we kind of have a ritual that we do on snow days, however...Today is different. Some of the kids walked to my moms house and a few of them went over to my sister in laws house. So, I am sipping the hot chocolate all by myself, and I will be making the cookies and eating them all by myself! hmm... Why bother?
So, what do you all do on a snow day? As Phil says... Adults don't get snow days, I disagree! When you are a stay at home mom you do have a snow day. Just a little different than you would expect!!
Enjoy the snow!!

Yeah, I have been busy

2005-11-25T16:31:00.000-05:00

So, I just finished my Christmas shopping!! Now, I can focus on making the cookies and the treats that I need to make for all my friends. OH happy day when you can say, yeah I finished my shopping!! OK I ordered a lot of stuff today, so I don't actually have it in my house yet! BUT it is on it's way. All I need is a couple of little stocking stuffer things!!
THAT IS ALL, I just wanted to brag!! BYE...
Craft fair is next Sat. Dec. 3 from 9-4 if anyone is interested in coming out to it!!

Craft Fair!

2005-11-10T09:14:00.000-05:00

So, after a bit of consideration... A friend of mine and I decided to have a craft fair HERE at my house, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We have a "guest house" here so we decided that it would be perfect for the "fair" if that is really what we should call it? I think that we are going to decorate it so that it look like Christmas or winter! Fun,fun,fun... I am a little excited about this venture! It is only for a few hours on that day, but I can't wait to see what we do. My friend makes beautiful wreaths. (I did a couple fairs with her last year, they are gorgeous!) if you drive by my house you see her handiwork over my door! I of course am making jewelry. We need a few more people to put things in. Anyone interested? Knitters... Oh, Cheryl is still away. Quilters... snowmen makers? ANYONE let me know and we can set you up! Even some photography would be great! I am giving hints to people who read this... So, if you are up to it let me know! It should be a lot of fun and I am really looking forward to it.

Where is ERIC?

2005-11-04T18:00:00.000-05:00

Yes, I am still around...

2005-11-03T20:18:00.000-05:00

Well for the 2 of you that read my blog, I have been around and very busy. As I know that you are too. I have been here there and everywhere. Doing what? I am not sure! But with the gas prices going down, I don't fret when I need to drive somewhere now! I saw it for $2.29 today... yipee!!! I didn't ever think it would be that low again! So, what have I been busy doing you ask? Well, I really don't know I guess I have been just busy being a Mom. Oh, that makes me think of an e-mail that I received from a friend a couple weeks ago. I will share it with you...

Just a Mom ? ? ?

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. "What I mean is," explained the recorder, "do you have a job or are you just A...?"
"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman. "I'm a Mom."
"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, "housewife covers it," said the recorder emphatically.
I forgot all about her story until one day..I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient and possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar." "What is your occupation?" she probed.
What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out. *"I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."*The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.
"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"
Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't) in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (the whole darned family) and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."
There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up and personally ushered me to the door.
As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mom."
Motherhood! . What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door. Does this make grandmothers "Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations" and great grandmothers Executive Senior Research Associates"? I think so!!! I also think it makes Aunts "Associate Research Assistants. Please send this to another Mom, Grandmother, Aunt, and other friends you know. May your troubles be less, your blessings be more and nothing but! Happiness come through your door!

OK, I hope that you all enjoyed that and had a good laugh! BYE...

A Watchlet

2005-10-22T21:25:00.000-04:00

Have you ever heard of a "watchlet"? Well, my friend actually made the name up. I make jewelry... have you seen it? Look back a few posts, you may come across some things. I needed a watch so, I decided that I would make one and see if I really liked it. It was silver and gold (bali) I liked it, I actually sold one at my home show jsut from wearing it, I guess that really is a great form of advertising. Well, I took the thought and went a little further with it and made a bunch of "fun" watchlets, these watchlets look a lot like the braclets that I make. Whe I was away a few weeks ago, I was playing with the beads and made a stretchy 2 strand watch. I LOVE IT! Well, since then I have been asked to make more of these "watchlets". They really do look just like a braclet with a face on them. I am going to try to modify them and see if I can make the bands "removable" sot hea tyou can make your band match your outfit (or your mood). Does that sound great? Any thoughts on this idea? I am always open for suggestions. Really, I am... Well, I am goign to try to figure out the changeable band thing! Have a great day...

Click on the images to enlarge.

MOOSE!!

2005-10-20T16:46:00.000-04:00

Well, he did it! Phil had a lovely moose in the truck last night when he came home. HUGE... 7oo pounds. It had a 51 inch rack. WOW that is impressive! The hunt for moose is a special treat here in our lovely state. Phil was telling me yesterday that only 550 permits are given out each year, there are 15000 people who put there names in to be drawn each year.(you have to put your name in for a lottery). You can put your name in each year but, if you are drawn you are not allowed to put in again for 3 years moose or no moose. That is the chance that you take. So, Phil has put his name in and has been drawn 2 times in the last 5 years. And even fortunate enough to harvest a moose both times. Something that doesn't always happen. Another thing that they do is tell you where you are going to hunt. Makes it a little harder! So, we may have moose in our backyard but... If he didn't get drawn for this area too bad someone else probably will be out there getting that one.
So, there are about 300 moose checked in at the end of the 1 week hunting season. What does that mean? They really are not that easy to A. find B. harvest I am just glad that he was able to get his 5 days into the hunt, it was a long week without the Dad being around. Bedtime (which he has the privilege of doing every night) was up to me. They look forward to that special time with their dad, they talk about the things of the day, they talk about what is going to be going on the following day. He gets them silly and then can calm them down... I really don't get that part. So, back to the normal routine of life again. Moose meat in the freezer. Mount to be on the wall. Where am I going to put THAT head? Next to the caribou? I guess I have a little time to figure that one out.

Click on the image to enlarge

Enjoy!

What is the cost of winning?

2005-10-16T16:53:00.000-04:00

OK... I have a soap box that I am going to get on here for a moment. Please feel free to comment and really let me know how you feel about this. I have been struggling with this for a few weeks.

I have a daughter who is into sports (as you know if you have read this before) Not a big girl, OK she is very slight. Doesn't appear to be an athlete when you look at her but given the chance she is a great player. And she is still learning how to play the game. Whatever it may be. She played basketball last year and when she made the team the coach very quickly told me that she didn't bring much to the team. WOW... I thought that was BOLD! I know she isn't a "strong" player but she gives it her all... Not all the girls do that. She ended the season with a letter and a pin. She also was awarded most improved player. She did great at she learned what she needed to do and did it!

On to softball. She made the team they played in a U16 league! Remember that one? 12 and 13 year old girls. They did great! No championships but they did great. She even caught a few "flyballs" go girl.

Now we are at soccer. Once again she has never played this sport... She is doing what the coach tells her to do and doing a great job during the games keeping the bench warm. OK she goes to a SMALL school. I have been a little concerned about this position that she plays (as a bench warmer!) she is a sub, but they only put her in when they are way ahead or way behind. No time to give her a chance to play and learn to play with the team. Most of the parents on the team feel that the girls need the game time to learn how to play as a team and feel the girls will work together and be a better team next year if they work together as a team. Well... The coach feels that they are there to WIN and that is it. Middle school soccer NOT varsity please remember that! I am having a hard time learning this lesson because I do not like seeing my daughter sit on the bench most every game. And to hear the coach say things that are very discouraging to the team.

Winning is great I will agree with that no one like to lose... As the saying goes show me a good loser and I will show you a loser. However, at what expense do you allow the kids to sit on a bench and not be really part of a team. How are they supposed to learn the game if they aren't given the chance to play. Practice? They don't really play a game in practice, they are not really giving it their all at practice. She is discouraged that girls 2 years younger than her are starting the game and really are not much better than her. As a parent it is very hard to sit back and watch all this go on without saying a word to the coach. OK... I did say something to the coach. We totally disagree! And most of the people that I speak with either parents on the team. The Athletic Director or other staff from school feel that Middle school is a time for them to learn the sport and learn how to play as a team. Seeing how she did in her past 2 sports, basketball (a different coach) and softball (where they all had to be on the field and play) She proved that she was able to play the game and do it well. Is it wrong of me to be upset that the coach will not give her the chance to play and feel like part of the team? She played last week. And played GREAT there were 5 girls that were missing (almost all of the starters!) She did a wonderful job. They played a team that has played together since kindergarten! So, there was not a chance that they would win. I think that she did prove herself to the coach that if given the chance to play in the game she will do a great job.

So, really what are your thoughts on this one? I need a little input on this! I can be very passionate about things and can be too emotional to look rationally at things so please, help me look closer at this one and let me know your thoughts! Thanks...

Fall Foliage and RAIN

2005-10-11T12:33:00.000-04:00

We went for our annual drive up the Kangamagus yesterday. We decided last year that we would spend Columbus Day driving up north to view our beautiful state. Well, it rained. Hmm... I know it is a surprise! The trees are not as colorful this year as they usually are this time of year. WHY? My forester husband had something to say about it! The dry summer we had? The unusually warm fall we are having? Among some other things. Any of these things can make the foliage not so great. Oh well, we spent some quality time in the car with the kids. I remember last year they complained the whole drive up there and pretty much the whole way home... We did explain to them to look at the license plates how many were from NH and how many were from other states. They come here to look at OUR trees. They did get excited about that. We didn't need to remind them of that this year! Thankfully they see that people appreciate the beauty that God has placed around us!

Well, the highway has changed a bit! Has anyone been up there lately? It doesn't look the same. They are making it more "touristy" scenic views, bigger pull off areas, grassy land right up to the highway... And why do that? To attract wild life of course! I am sure that the deer and moose will walk right up to that plush green clover and devour it! They have done some wood cuts along some area on the road. Phil was explaining to me that it is for the moose habitat. They like the areas where the trees are cut down and the little sapling are all that is left. So, I am sure that the people who drive all the way up here from Maryland, North Carolina, hey even Texas to view our foliage will have the special treat of seeing a moose along the road one of these days!

I said to Phil, watch in a couple of years they are going to put a toll at both ends of the highway they are going to have to pay for all these "improvements" some way! It is all at the North Conway end of the highway. But I do think that the work will head all the way to Lincoln eventually. Maybe not! We will see!

We went on a little 4X4 trip yesterday in search for moose as well. (we didn't see any) We went about 4 miles in on an old logging road in search for moose. Phil is headed up that way for his own moose shortly. So we did a little scouting! I think that he pulled some strings to get another moose tag. How many people put in for their tags and never get one? You need to wait 6 years to put in for a tag after you have gotten one already. And well, why his first year after putting in (again) did he get drawn? Rigged I tell yah' rigged! Another vacation. Yeah, he will tell you it is hard work, BUT, I know differently :)

Random thoughts yeah, I know... I am rambling! Oh well what can I say that is just me!

It takes FAITH!

2005-10-04T19:09:00.000-04:00

So I had the privilege to attend the Women of Faith conference in Hartford CT have you ever heard of it? Well, I really enjoyed myself. I was able to attend with a few of my very good friends, we really enjoyed our time of learning and also the fellowship that we had with one another on the breaks and in the evening! I don't think that I have laughed as hard as I did while we were there in such a long time. I laugh yeah, but we are talking tears running down my cheeks laugh! It was great fun.
The conference was great the theme was FAITH. All the speakers spoke from their hearts of different things that they have been through to make their faith stronger. If you wan to hear some of their stories you can go right to their sites. The one that I know really pricked my heart the most was Tammy Trent if you have a chance and you are not familiar with her please read her story. What a testimony she has.
If you really want to laugh hard, check out Patsy Clairmont She is packed full of energy, I am not sure how old she is, I am sure that I could find out easy enough. But I certainly hope that when I am her age I am able to do half the things that she can do! What a hoot she is!!
Sheila Walsh this is another speaker that I really enjoyed, these women have all had real trials in their lives and really want to have people learn from their experiences and teach them, such hearts and devotion they have. I used to listen to Sheila Walsh back in the 80's when she was a "cool" hip happenin' singer! Yeah... She didn't last too long on the Christian artist list. She figured that she would do better as a speaker I guess, and well... I agree! Some of the other speakers that were there were... Lucy Swindoll, Nicole Johnson, Kathy Tricolli (another 80's singer!) and Marilyn Meberg.
It was a great time. I am so thankful that Phil was able to take a couple of days off and take care of the kids for me, he even took them to the fair and I hear that it was a sight to see! Phil and all 6 of them! haha... He strapped Claires carseat to a wagon! I wish I had a picture of that one!
Well, I guess that is about all in a nutshell. There was really too much for me to write about but, I hope that you can see from this that we had a great time and God was truly glorified over the time that we were there!
Oh yeah, have you ever heard of Chonda Pierce? Now she is funny!

Did you know?

2005-09-24T18:31:00.000-04:00

DID YOU KNOW?
As you walk up the steps to the building which houses the U.S. Supreme Court you can see near the top of the building a row of the world's law givers and each one is facing one in the middle who is facing forward with a full frontal view ... it is Moses and he is holding the Ten Commandments!

DID YOU KNOW?

As you enter the Supreme Court courtroom, the two huge oak doors have the Ten Commandments engraved on each lower portion of each door.

DID YOU KNOW?

As you sit inside the courtroom, you can see the wall,
right above where the Supreme Court judges sit,
a display of the Ten Commandments!

DID YOU KNOW?

There are Bible verses etched in stone all over the Federal Buildings and Monuments in Washington, D.C.

DID YOU KNOW?

James Madison, the fourth president, known as "The Father of Our Constitution" made the following statement:

"We have staked the whole of all our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God."

DID YOU KNOW?

Patrick Henry, that patriot and Founding Father of our country said:

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religions but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ".

DID YOU KNOW?

Every session of Congress begins with a prayer by a paid preacher, whose salary has been paid by the taxpayer since 1777.

DID YOU KNOW?

Fifty-two of the 55 founders of the Constitution were members of the established orthodox churches in the colonies.

DID YOU KNOW?

Thomas Jefferson worried that the Courts would overstep their authority and instead of interpreting the law would begin making law . an oligarchy

the rule of few over many.

DID YOU KNOW?

The very first Supreme Court Justice, John Jay, said:

"Americans should select and prefer Christians as their rulers."

How, then, have we gotten to the point that everything we have done for 220 years in this country is now suddenly wrong and unconstitutional?

Lets put it around the world and let the world see and remember what this great country was built on.

Chamber, US House of Representatives

It is said that 86% of Americans believe in God. Therefore, it is very hard to understand why there is such a mess about having the Ten Commandments on display or "In God We Trust" on our money and having God in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Big Picture

2005-09-17T21:30:00.000-04:00

Have you ever heard something and you know that God has a great plan. Why things happen and we don't understand. Sometimes things happen and a few minutes later you realize oh, yeah... That is why I... Or sometimes it takes a long time to see Gods plan then other times we just will never understand why God does things and we need to trust Him, and know that He is right and good in all that He does.

Phil received a phone call last night. Just around 7:00 a phone call that you don't want to ever get. His cousin's husband was on his way home from work and was hit head on by the car coming his way. His father was going the other direction and saw the accident just after it happened. Not knowing it was his son he went to help and see what was needed for help. His dad was able to ride in the ambulance with him and they had Chris' precious last minutes on earth together. His father was able to hand him off to his Father.

I can't even begin to imagine what they all must be going through. Chris had been married to Phil's cousin Allison for 4 yrs. They have a 5 month old beautiful baby boy! He looks just like his dad. We will all enjoy watching him grow up and see what Gods plans are for this family.

We were able to see them a few weeks ago. We all headed up to Maine for a couple of days and we were able to make some great memories with him and the rest of the family.

I am writing all of this trying to think these things through... Asking you to pray for the family to guide them through this, God has a great plan and I can't wait to see what He has in store for all of them and us.

After you read this go and give your kids an extra hug, thank God for them. Give your wife/husband an extra kiss. Let them know how precious they are to you, spend an extra moment with them. Life is too short and we need to be prepared.

Are you ready?

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust.
Psalm 18:2

Trust the Lord your God with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you: He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
Psalm 55:22

Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

The Pledge of Allegiance

2005-09-14T17:50:00.000-04:00

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under GOD indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

I find it quiet ironic that I am pushing for a fund raiser at school that is a car magnet that states One Nation Under God!
The paper that I received with the package of material was great these are direct quotes from the paper and I hope that I don't go on too much, but I fear for what this country is turning into and I am saddened to see how quickly people forget the true roots of our country!

We live in a time when even the name of God is being erased from our heritage. God has been asked to leave our schools, out government and even some churches. It is time that we Christians unite to redeem the past, hold firm to our Christian virtues and the foundation on which our nation was established. We are STILL One Nation Under God. We must stand for this truth and not let it slip away or be stolen by those who claim "political correctness"

Mercy Ships

2005-09-07T10:31:00.000-04:00

So have you ever heard of Mercy Ships? here is the site if you are interested. I have heard a little about them, some from a friend who would love to teach on one and some from a friend whose church supports their ministry. It was the friend who supports the ministry that I heard this story from and thought it quite interesting!
The Mercy Ship was docked in the Gulf, they don't usually have one docked there, I am not sure why it was there. Well, the ship was in the direct line of the hurricane last week. When the workers went to check on the boat and saw that everything around the ship was destroyed they were assuming that their ship would have sustained significant damage. As they approached it they were amazed little damage to the boat! They were able to get the boat ready for patients and refugees quickly and they were helping those in need that very day! Was it chance that they had the boat docked in the Gulf? I think not! Hind site is always 20/20! Take a look at their article!

Mercy Ships is working to bring practical assistance to alleviate some of the suffering caused by catastrophic Hurricane Katrina. Our response will be twofold; to help in the actual hurricane disaster area along the Gulf Coast and to assist hurricane survivors who are pouring in to East Texas with little more than the clothes on their back.

This coming week we are dispatching teams to Chickasaw, Alabama to begin relief efforts in damaged areas. Chickasaw Mayor Jim Trout has formerly invited Mercy Ships to work in his community and has a task list waiting for us. Jobs include debris removal, clearing community roads, and to assist where needed covering damaged homes with tarps so they are not exposed to elements.

We have a great asset in the Caribbean Mercy that appears to have safely survived the hurricane at a berth in Chickasaw. The ship did not sustain significant damage according to initial reports from city officials. We intend to use the vessel as a platform to launch relief teams into the surrounding communities. We can house relief team members and provide them with safe lodging, potable water, hot meals, and ample power – all without drawing on scarce local resources. Crewmembers are anxious to “get boots on the ground” in support of communities like Gulfport, Mobile and Chickasaw that have been so generous to Mercy Ships over the years.

On the hometown front, Mercy Ships is working alongside the local ministerial association, government agencies and community groups, to help meet needs of evacuees who arrived in East Texas. Neighboring Tyler has received several thousand evacuees. Some of these displaced families may be forced to remain in East Texas for months.

So, should I be done?

2005-09-06T09:35:00.000-04:00

I am starting to feel weird about this blog thing... I write I put pictures up and I can see that people come to the site but no one leaves a comment. hmm... I know that you are all visiting my site as well you have all posted on Eric's blog! How did you get there? Through me? Or do you all have it on your favorites list now! Am I wasting my time posting for all to read when no one really cares? So the question still remains... Should I be done?

A New Realm of Parenthood!

2005-09-02T08:42:00.000-04:00

We have officially started with braces, this has been a long time coming. And if you knew me or Phil in our teen years you knew that our kids would not be able to go without these wonders! 16 years between the two of us. I may add that our orthodontist was not the most highly motivated among the ortho world! (8 years for each of us!) a bit much if you ask me!!

Well, Abby had hers put on Tuesday morning, pain yeah I would say that she was in pain! But she was a trooper and went to school so that she could go to soccer practice. Now that is devotion! What a girl! Well, she is doing great and has spent may hours in the mirror practicing her smile! (or making sure there is nothing in her teeth)! So, I dropped her off at 9 o'clock and picked her up at 10:15 and they changed my little girl into a teen, Yeah... She looks so different with them!

Betsy will go in a few months for her next appt. They think that she will be in them by spring. $$$$$$$ yeah! So, What do we get out of the deal? (other than nice teeth that bite where they are supposed to!) A mug, yeah a little travel mug! hmm, I wonder if I will get one for each of the kids? I will say that they are nice mugs, will I end up with 6 of them? A nice set!

So, here is a picture of the sweet smile just a few minutes after she had them put on! What do you think?

So, if I do my math right 2X6=12 right? I think that if all the kids have braces for 2 years Phil and I will still have them beat with 16 years between us! hmmm... Ok lets try it this way 3X6=18 OK I would feel better with that one unfortunately I don't think the kids will be in for more than 2 years! I could be wrong!!!

Do you pray for your kids?

2005-08-31T09:00:00.000-04:00

So, I came across this song and I have been thinking about putting it on the blog! I love Chris Rice, if you know me you should know that! I think that his songs are great the word to his song can really get you thinking about what is going on inside your head, why we are here and what is in store for us! So, this song really sparked an interest for me. I pray for my kids, on a daily basis. I tell my kids that I pray for them, they seen me pray for them, and with them. Do they get it? I am not sure. My parents prayed for me, they let me know and I know that it is the power of prayer on their behalf the has me where I am today! I know that without at doubt Mom and Dad were praying for me and I know that they still are. I want my kids to know that I pray for them I daily that they will become Christ like, I pray that as they mature in their walk with God that others will see it in their lives. I pray that when they grow up that they will marry Godly people, and will want to serve Him together! My kids know that I pray for them but do they really know that I pray for them? I think that is one of the things that we see hind sight as we get older. I think that we take it for granted that Mom and Dad pray for us. Those are such powerful words and do they really get it? I know still to this day that my parents pray for me. They have been such an example of prayer over the years! I thank God for them every day as well! So, here is a challenge out there (for those of you who have kids, want kids, or someday will have them because you aren't married yet!) Pray for them. Start now! Let them know that you are praying for them. Show them that you are praying for them. So, with that challenge, here is the song.

MAMA PRAYS

My memories of my brothers and me
Make me marvel at the way the years went by
Here we are, how'd we ever get this far?
I wonder how, and I wonder why
Then I recall what these boys often saw
When we would stop to look in Mom and Daddy's door
They'd bow their heads while they knelt beside their bed
And we could hear them lift our names before the Lord

(Chorus)
Mama prayed and Jesus stood beside us
daddy prayed and the devil had to run
God looked down, and His angels guarded through the harder days
'Cause Mama prayed and Daddy prayed

Now the boys are grown raising boys of their own
In a world a little darker than before
But the prayers go on every night and every dawn
'Cause they still bow and lift our names before the Lord

Mama prays and Jesus stands beside us
Daddy prays and the devil has to run
God looks down and His angels guard us through the harder days
'Cause Mama prays and Daddy prays

Mama prays and Jesus stands beside me
Daddy prays and the devil has to run
God looks down and His angels guard me through the harder days
'Cause Mama prays and Daddy prays

And Jesus stands beside me
Mama prays and the devil has to run
God looks down and His angels guard me through the harder days
'Cause Mama prays and Daddy prays
Mama prays
And Daddy prays
Mama prays

MISSING!

2005-08-25T17:01:00.000-04:00

Wow, have you ever gotten that pit in your stomach because suddenly you realize that one of the kids is not where you thought they were? I mean you think that they are outside riding a bike and when you check to see them they aren't there! (no, this does not happen all the time) but it does occasionally happen.

We went to the hospital today to see my mom. She has been in since Monday night with pancreatitis. Not fun for her so, to break up the day for her a little we have been going in everyday after school for the kids to see her and to visit for a little while. A hard thing to do with 6 kids. She doesn't have a private room so, I am on top of the kids to keep them quiet and out of the way. So the kids were cranky and a little tired today so we left. We came home, I gave the kids their jobs and they went their way. Well, Cabot usually just hops right on the bike and is off up and down Nana and Papa's driveway. NOT TODAY! I came in and did a couple of things. And went out to check on the homework situation and Cabot only to find him NOT outside. HIGH ALERT! Where is he? Everyone is looking for him, not in the playroom, not in his bedroom, not in the guest house (aka the homework station!) I know he didn't go into my parents house, they aren't there. Panic... Hmmm... Where is he asleep in the couch in the kitchen (which you can not see unless you walk around the corner) no wonder he didn't answer me when I called him. He looks so precious! I had to take a picture of him! Yeah, that is the laundry I didn't fold today that he is laying on! Good thing I guess he needed a pillow!

I am glad that he is safe and sound asleep in the kitchen!

As always click on the picture to enlarge it!

Moxie!

2005-08-22T15:15:00.000-04:00

So, have you ever tried this stuff? UGH! I think that it is pretty gross! I have a daughter who loves it! I think she got that from my Dad. He really likes it too. I think that he used to buy it when we were young because he knew that we wouldn't drink it! And now he likes it. I could be wrong on that one, I do think that I heard that story along the line somewhere though! (maybe it was Grandpa!)
Well, we went to Clarks Trading Post and Trained Bears on Saturday check it out here Well, we had fun. It rained while we were there, but it was a great time! We had to do something fun before the kids head back to school!!
Well, apparently MOXIE was quite desirable? I don't get it! But there are some great collectibles out there (or at Clarks). Even a license plate on an old car from the 40's I think.

Look at this stuff.......
Dishes, who knew!

Then there was this cool delivery vehicle. If that is what you call it! I am not sure if this is actually how they delivered the MOXIE but, it was cool still the same!

And well, these are just some cool signs that they had there.

There were a lot more Moxie souvenirs BUT well, I can take a picture of everything can I?
Well, Clarks Trading Post was a great time, I would highly recommend it to anyone!
Sorry, I didn't get any pictures of the bears, I will check and see if Phil did, and if he did I will post some of them!

As always click on the image to enlarge

The summer is almost done

2005-08-19T10:42:00.000-04:00

The chill is in the air at night, the leaves are slowly turning color, and the school shopping is DONE!!

Where has the summer gone? Orientation is on Monday and the first full day of school is Wednesday! Here we go again! What did we do this summer? I can't really think of much, the girls didn't complain other than they didn't have someone over EVERY day! What can I say? That would be a bit much!! On the following Monday soccer starts! Hip hip hooray! Can you hear the excitement! Oh, I just love to "live" in my car for the kids!!! And with the gas prices the way they are we just may be living in the car! Give me another 2 weeks and everything will be in full swing! Yeah...
So, what great adventures did we have this summer well, I guess we will live off of Phils great travels. We don't get sick that way!
I am planning a summer vacation for all of us next summer! I can be selfish that way right?
Well, summer is almost done! Good times Good times!

up up and away!!!!!

2005-08-09T11:05:00.000-04:00

We went to the Pittsfield Balloon Festive on Saturday. A great time! There were lots of fun things for the kids to do, a mini carnival ride area, walk around the craft fair booths, sit in the HOT sun for hours, it was great fun. We arrived around 3:30ish and set up our space. Mom and Dad were there too, as well as Moms sister and her husband (Tracey and Phil). We don't get to see them that much so it was nice visiting for a little while! When we arrived it didn't look like much of a thing to be at, BUT the people started showing up with their balloons, and setting them up. We had fun walking around and watching them blow up and take off. Here are some pictures of the balloons. I didn't know that I had the camera for quite awhile so I didn't get many pictures, but I did manage to take a few! Most of the pictures were during the "glow" the balloons came back after their rides and set up again and it was dusk so the Balloon Master (yes that is really what he is called) Told the when they should all "glow", it was beautiful. Pictures would never do it justice, but here they are... Click on the images to enlarge if you would like!

I hope that you enjoyed the pictures!
We enjoyed the day!

Fun beach days!

2005-08-01T10:02:00.000-04:00

So, we have hit the beach a bunch in the past couple of days! We just love going there! One of the few things that we all enjoy doing together as a family! No one complains when we say, lets go to the beach, but when we may suggest the park, well... Someone has to say that they don't want to go there. Or to the movies, there is always someone in the bunch who doesn't want to go there. Get the picture? The beach is a real winner!
Pictures, yeah I've got them. I am not sure who was camera shy so. Everyone may not be in the pictures. (like me!!) I am no dummy, I am taking all the pictures for a reason!

And finally

As always click on the image to enlarge it!

I have a bunch more, but well... It takes too long to upload the pictures onto the computer!!!
So, these are some fun beach days that we have had! And we are looking forward to a bunch more!
That is all for now!

I am still around!

2005-07-26T22:52:00.000-04:00

Yeah, it has been awhile since the last post, as many of you know Phil was away for the past week and a half. If you want to know where you can check here here this is the itinerary of the week while he was gone. Needless to say! I was busy with all the kids and not much blogging was done. Now it is time to update!
I had my first home show! It went much better than I expected! And I have a few other people interested in having a show! I can't wait!
Now on to bigger and better things, BEACH!!!
We went one day last week it was beautiful I would say it was a 10! And we ventured out again today! Another 10... A few more play dates this week and next. The kids are so excited about it! And well, so am I! It is just so much fun!
I have taken some great "sandy" picture! I will get them posted soon! I can't believe that it is almost the end of July, where has the summer gone? WE are trying to enjoy everyday to it's fullest!
Well, that is just a quick update! I promise as the days are less busy I will put more down but for now that is all that I have time for!

Here it is!

2005-07-13T23:08:00.000-04:00

Well, here is the display for the jewelry. It isn't what I had originally been looking for, I wanted a "cottagy" feel (like that word?) to go with the name... I think that it does. I went into Home Depot looking for a miniature picket fence, BUT when you are looking for something specific you can never find it! So, I talked Phil into bringing me to Home Goods to find something to carry the necklaces in so that they didn't get all tangled together. SO, while I was in there... I thought about a table cloth to cover a surface, then I thought a cool napkin will add a splash of color! I found the napkins in the same colors as my business cards. It doesn't get much better... Or so I thought! I turned and stumbled upon these cool placemat that are made out of sticks. YEAH... Walking out of that aisle into the main aisle I looked at the dishes (like I always do, I have a thing for them.) I found these great relish trays(?) to display some of the extra beads that I will bring to my show with me! Within a matter of 5 minutes I had my whole display picked out! After spending quality time in Home Depot with the kids (all of them) Why didn't we go there first?
I have made a bunch of great new pieces! I can't wait to show them! Next week will be so much fun!! I still can't believe that I am going to have a party to show my jewelry. I never thought that I would have a little "cottage" business!
Leave a comment! Tell me what you think!

Brown and Pink, What do you think?

2005-07-08T00:31:00.000-04:00

OK, so I was told that brown and pink were "hot" right now which I already knew but, didn't make anything in those colors until today... And why is that I am not sure at all! I did a bracelet and earrings set. So, give me your input! I am going to a new bead shop tomorrow! I can't wait! I will see what they have for brown and pink well. I am also going to make a brown and turquoise set like this one. I think that it will look pretty cool, I hope other people do too. This is a very time consuming set!

And... This is MY mothers bracelet, I have been told that I need to put it on here for people to see and get the idea of a mothers bracelet out there. I have made a bunch of these and most of them have been a single strand, I have only made 3 that are a triple strand. (check out the post on June 25, you will see a single strand one. And it is in gold, I have only made 3 of them in gold. Check out the heart shaped clasp that I used. I thought that the heart was a great way to show that it was for family.

Let me know what you think of this one, and for those of you that may read this and don't know me (if there are any), yes there are 6 stones for 6 kids! Enjoy!!!
How is that for a post on the jewelry? Haven't done much of these lately! Thanks for looking!

Home show coming up soon!!!

2005-07-02T11:03:00.000-04:00

OK, guys who read this! don't laugh!! Everyone else!! I need your input!!! I am having a home show on July 22, I was talked into it! I am not so sure, I need some ideas!!!! Colors what sorts of colors are "hot" what are you looking for when you go out? Matching sets earrings bracelet and necklace or just one piece. I need input!!! Let me know! Also, let me know what you think of the pieces that are on the blog so that I can know what people are looking for!!! Thanks for the input in advance, I have not had any comments lately!! Let me know!

Stawberries...

2005-06-28T22:58:00.000-04:00

YUM! I just love strawberries and picking them, we went to the farm and picked strawberries on Monday! What an adventure! I think we picked 15lbs in total. We picked them in buckets lined with plastic bags, NOT very good for the berries, when we go again I am bringing my own basket and putting the berries in there. They were ready for the jam when I got home. They were all smushed from the bags and being banged around! What were they thinking at the farm? I wonder how many people are not too happy with the way they are having you pick them at the farm down the road... they don't have any flat boxes like they usually do. Oh well, they still tasted great! here are a few pictures!

We enjoyed strawberry shortcakes... fresh strawberries... and of course, I made jam today yum yum yum!!!
I was only able to make one batch of jam so... we will be going again soon, probably early next week! We do love those strawberries!!
Well, off to be a mother... we are having a sleep over tonight, and the girls need to get to bed!!!

Jewelry oh yeah!

2005-06-23T17:23:00.000-04:00

Yes, I have been making jewelry... I just haven't been taking pictures of it!
So, I made a "mother's bracelet" for a friend today, my camera isn't taking great pictures these days, so... I will explain it.
I made it with gold filled beads, 4 mm in size and the stones are square 6mm emerald crystal and light amethyst crystal 2 emerald on either side of the amethyst. I think it came out nice, if I do say so myself! I don't usually make them in gold, it is a lot more expensive. I do them only when I am asked to make them in gold.
I am going to be doing a few "home shows" this summer! I am a little nervous but, I am very excited about it! So, Let me know what you think of the bracelet and whatever other jewelry that you have seen on here! Thanks have a GREAT day!!

you can click on the image to enlarge it!

I'm bored!!...

2005-06-23T11:37:00.000-04:00

Summer vacation! Ahh, remember sipping lemonade under a big shady tree, riding your bikes all day long, playing in the sprinkler... Where did the "good old days" of summer go? Oh,to be carefree, not worry about the stranger walking down the road, you could be gone until dinner. And there was no search party for you. Why are the kids afraid to play outside today? Where do they ride there bikes? up and down the driveway, and oh, if they don't have a helmet on you are a bad parent. I think that we made it just fine with out the helmet. twitch twitch
Are we really in such an electronic age that the computers and TV's need to tell the kids what to do, and we don't even have a playstaion or xbox or whatever else those things are called. Not even television, nope not in our house. Well, we do BUT it is only for family movies, at night! That is all it is for, so... Why do the kids come in and tell me they are bored, what is there to do these days? any ideas I hear on a regular basis that we are the only ones around who don't have a pool, doesn't the kiddie pool count?
OK, so we are off to soccer... yeah, the weekly scheduled things... I think we need one every day for all the kids, and maybe just maybe I won't hear "I'm bored!"

Wise Words from a Wise Friend

2005-06-14T21:28:00.001-04:00

The older I get the more that I realize that the information that you receive from people to help you grow and mature "mentor" as you will...Does not necessarily have to be older than you! I have been reading through blog posts... Checking out web sites, talking to people... ect ect ect. The words "reformed" "dispensation" "Calvinist" "covenantal"... And so on well... This is what I found and truly believe is what we are all trying to get to in one way or another and it really doesn't matter what the title is that we have on us does it? If we believe the same thing and are working to serve the same God and one day we will bow down and worship HIM! ahhh... The day!
This is what I found and yes, this is how I feel... I think the semantics of "Reformed", "Covenantal", "Dispensationalist", "Calvinist" purpose is only to let people vaguely know where you are coming from without having to explain everything every time. If you don't know where you are- definitely don't start labeling yourself. I notice that very few theologians like putting themselves in a category. I thought I was reformed last year- but then I realized all it entails (not just a Calvinistic view of the gospel- but lots of other stuff too). Now I'm realizing I'm not. It is important to be a Berean- when you hear teaching or teaching- go look it up in the Bible on your own. There is definitely false teaching and heresies being taught out there, and we are responsible as believers to recognize it. We are told to do so repeatedly in the Bible.
Wise words from a wise and yes younger friend!
That is my soap box and I am getting down now!!

It's a BOY!

2005-06-13T21:44:00.000-04:00

I know, they are hard to come by around here!
I have no weight stats... BUT he is keeper, we aren't sure on the name yet, we need a little help. The mom's name is Shemariah, we need a good strong masculine name to follow. He will be a registered bull so, it will need to "look good" on the papers...
The name on the certificate will look like this: Old Homestead Name
So, Old Homestead Scotty was our first bull. You get the picture? We need your help!!
Here are a few pictures of the addition. Beth aren't they cute!! ;)

AND

Click on image to enlarge

So, is anyone up for the challenge? We need a good name, give us your thoughts, and ideas!
Thanks!! I told you there would be cows!

VACATION!!

2005-06-09T22:13:00.000-04:00

Well, it is here...... SUMMER VACATION. Tomorrow is the LAST day of school, then as I have been reminded of for the past several days,I will have a daughter in JUNIOR HIGH!!!! No, not me, I am truely not old enough for that. Lots of BIG plans this summer, but I think that the most important ones are... memorizing...
I figure, if they can memorize chapters of the Bible at school. (BIG ones at that) I figure, that we can work on a few this summer, the first one will be an easy one, to see just how they all do, and to remind me why we pay the big bucks to send them to school, and don't give into the peer pressure of (ahem) the home school scene. ;-)

Our first verses will be...
Proverbs 15 1-5
1.A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tounge of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. 3.The eyes of the Lord are in every place keeping watch on the evil and the good. 4.A wholesome tounge is a tree if life but perseverence in it breaks the spirit. 5.A fool despises his fathers instruction, but he who received correction is prudent.

We will work on these few verses, and see where it gets us. Our family devotions are in Proverbs right now, so I thought it would be a great idea to memorize them while we are studing them!

Well, beach days are ahead! and lots of family time, I can't wait!!

Hopefully there will be no trips to the ER. I would like to be done with them!! Oh, the stitches came out today, her toe looks great!! hip hip hooray!!
Well, that is all for tonite, big day at the field day tomorrow!!

The Eagles have landed...

2005-06-06T22:04:00.000-04:00

The Eagles have landed and not where we thought they would. The game was called tonight due to the thunderstorms that rolled in... I am not sure what the score was, but does that really matter? I mean what does a score tell you anyway? you lost? Well, I think that the girls did a great job, they sure have come along way since their first game, and a bunch of people who have seen them play along the way, have commented on the progress of the girls.
They did a GREAT job, if I do say so myself, I mean they played against 15-16 year old girls, most of those girls have played together since t-ball... Our team has been together for 3 months. GOOD JOB EAGLES! I must say, I am looking forward to next year! I can't wait to see what they do! I don't have any pictures to put in the blog, but I will try to get a picture of Abby in her uniform and put it on here for you to see! I guess there is a "pick up" game on Thursday, I am not sure who we are playing against, but I know the girls will do a great job!
So, that is the end of the story of softball for the 2005 season.
Who knows what the next blog will bring!!!
Phil is putting his traps in tomorrow, maybe a picture of a lobster or two! HAHA

the BIG field trip!

2005-06-03T09:02:00.000-04:00

So, we went to Boston yesterday. The BIG field trip. Boston is a great city, but when you go and are responsible for other peoples children walking around, it gets a little hmm.... unsettling! We did have a great day, I would do it again! Well, I guess as all the kids get into that class, I will do it! :)
We went to see the USS CONSTITUTION. What a ship. We were unable to have a tour of the ship, time constraints you know! And the "hands on" Museum was closed for renovations. So, the hour that we had planned there was more like 20 minutes! Oh well, it was a beautiful sunny warm day to walk around Boston, and get a sunburn! oops!!!

We really went down for the kids to walk through the Holocaust Monument which is at the end of the Freedom Trail in Boston, we were unable to do the whole Freedom Trail. That would take far too long by ourselves, let alone having to keep track of 30 kids! The monument was sobering to say the least. If you ever have a chance to go and see it I would highly recommend it. And, you may need to bring some tissues, I forgot them and was sorry. They did an incredible job with the monument. There were 6 Plexiglas columns, I am not sure how tall they were, but in the glass of each column they have the numbers of each person who was in the camps, etched into the glass. Each column represents a concentration camp. There are quotes of people on the ground and on the doors of each column. It was a very sobering thing to see.
There were other schools there as well. It was amazing seeing how each person was affected as they walked out of there. I would like to go back down and be able to really spend the time reading all the quotes and sayings they have etched in the path along the way. I am going to try to get some of our pictures on here for you to see, I didn't have my camera, has anyone seen it? It is gone! so, we used Phil's, and it is at work with him, which means that I am unable to put them on here for you to see. SORRY!! you can check it out on the side bar to the left.

Well, I guess that sums up the field trip! What is up next? WHO KNOWS!!

KIDS KIDS KIDS....

2005-05-31T22:10:00.000-04:00

Well, no matter what you say I have a bunch of kids and they keep me on my toes... and KNEES!!

So, yesterday we spent the day in the ER with our 2 year old Anna. 5 stitches! 4 hours. hmmmm.... every get the feeling that you are being watched? I was getting ready for a wedding, I told the kids I needed them to keep an eye on her... I needed a shower. Well, if you know Anna you know that you need to keep 2 eyes on her! She was trying to get her gummy bears... or gushy bears as she calls them ( they are her favorite) Well, I keep them out of reach so that they don't just eat the "gushy" bears) If you are following this. You can see what is about to happen right? Anna climbed up on the counter... (Who was watching her? they both forgot! ugh...) she opened the cabinet, well, I guess I have a few things up there that are there for "safe" keeping? Like my good crystal vase and a few other special things that I don't want broken. Can you see it? Well... mom in the shower, dad was outside working on a couple things, catching up because of all the rain! and well, wham... the vase fell she got scared! (I think)
Stepped on a piece of glass, and sliced her toe! It was pretty ugly!
We got into the car, went to the ER and they s-l-o-w-l-y waited on us. OK she is 2 how long do you think that a little kid is going to handle being at the hospital? All she wanted was a bandaid and a balloon! Well, first the nurse... what did she do? Well, she had her soak her foot for 45 min. then came in and told us the doctor would be in shortly... we waited.... and waited.... and waited.... he came in and looked at it 20 seconds maybe... said I need x-rays to make sure there is no glass, sounds good to me, that would hurt if there was glass in there still!
So, the x-ray tech came right in, took us down, snapped a few pictures, developed them, carried them to the doctor and handed them to him... simple right? it took maybe 20 minutes for all that to happen! YEAH we are moving along........ I thought....... we waited and waited and waited..... Anna started singing a doctor song. Please come in here... Doctor where are you... It worked... I thought, he came in and said " we just need to wait for a nurse to be free to help." Do you know how many nurses I saw walking around! I almost went out and stopped the next one to walk by the room and then call the doctor into the room, well, she started singing the nurse song!
They came in and stitched her up, 5 stitches in her BIG toe. ouch!! It took him 20 minutes to do it! Why the long wait... were we being watched, am I paranoid maybe but wouldn't you be? We left the hospital at 3:30 4 hours later! Hmmm... I think that I may say something!
A long day! I made it to the wedding, (remember the one I was starting to get ready for ...) Well, I made it to the reception! there were still a few people there! Oh Well, God had me where I needed to be! PRAYING for my children!

Oh What A Beautiful Day!!

2005-05-28T16:20:00.000-04:00

SO, A week of rain! And it is finally over!
I never knew how much the dark and drab weather really affected me. I was SO HAPPY this morning when I woke up and the sun was shining! It didn't rain yesterday, well, it did last night for a little bit!
The girls had a walk-a-thon yesterday at school. It was perfect weather for it, no rain, but the clouds were thick so, it kept the sun at bay. But today! WOW it is in the mid 70's. I actually got a few more plants into the gardens. I have been waiting to do it! They look so nice, I transplanted a few things last week before all the rain started, and I wasn't too sure how they would do, I think that the rain helped them because today as I was walking around checking all the plants, they look great like they have been there forever. Everything is about to POP open! I can't wait for the burst of color!

click on image to enlarge

Can you see all the buds that are on this clematis? I am so happy, It is going to be beautiful in just a couple of days!! The rain helped it grow tons last week probably double what it before was last week! So, I am very thankful for the rain! It does make everything so much more beautiful! Just no-so-much while it is raining!

The dandylions grew out of control this week as well, look for yourself!

Of course my kids think they are the most beautiful flowers in the gardens! HAHA!!

Well, the sun is shining and I am so very happy about that! Lets see what the rest of Memorial Day weekend brings! sun and fun? I hope!!

LAPIS LAZULI

2005-05-26T08:20:00.000-04:00

Well, I was asked if I could find Lapis Lazuli! Don't you know when I am asked to find something I am on an all out search to find it ? Well, actually it wasn't too hard to find! I love Lapis, and I knew right where to go!!! I do visit it in the store quite often,and now I had an excuse to purchase it! AHH I loved playing with it! Playing with beads make me very happy, I can relax and think of other things while I am working on my things. Well, I was really watching TV last night while I was working on things! Season Finales don't you just love them? Well, here are a couple pictures of the necklace, let me know what you think and leave you comment for me, I tried to get an up close of the beads so that you could see the color a little better, I think that I may need to invest in a better camera or just take Phils!

please click on image to enlarge

I started reading a book last night, I will give you details of the book as I read it through, if you would like to know what it is about please feel free to check out either Beth or Tims blog, it is very much in detail on their blogs, A hot topic these days among a bunch of people, I know where I stand but, I need to brush up on things before I give my opinion on the blog.
Well, thanks for looking! have a great day and don't forget to leave a comment for me! (only a nice comment please!)

Strawberry Banke

2005-05-25T11:58:00.000-04:00

Well, my daughter was going to have a field trip today to Strawberry Banke, unfortunatly this beautiful weather that we are experiencing has made it impossible to go. I was hoping to get some pictures on the blog about the field trip oh well!
So, you are going to have to see some more of the jewlery! I figured since I haven't put anything on the blog in a few days todya would be a great day to do it since I can't be outside!
This first one is a "red hat" bracelet and earring set. Just a little joke! My mom asked me to create something for her friend last year for her birthday so I made a set of earrings and a bracelet, I still had some beads left over so I made another one! this is a swarovski crystal and gold beads. I don't have the french wire in the earrings yet, I need to get to the store to pick those up! But I figured that I would still show you! what do you think?

This next necklace is a blue lace agate and sterling silver necklace. I choose a "scroll" type chain for these beads, I really like the was that it worked up! I made each bead an individual link a lot of work but I think that the chain needs that type of a bead on it! I haven't made up any earrings or a bracelet yet, I am trying to figure those out. I don't want everything to look the same! As always tell me what you think I need feedback I would like to sell the jewlery eventually so I need to know what people like! OK so I can't get this picture to be right side up! I have tried!! So, you just need to look at the computer upside down, or turn your moniter upside down! That will work right? ;-) Still I think that you have a good idea of what it looks like!

Click on the images to enlarge them if you would like!

Some more of the creations!!

2005-05-20T20:32:00.000-04:00

So, here are a few more pictures of jewlery. I don't have a lot of picutres right now, but I will try to take more now that I know how to do this! Watch out, you never know what may show up!!
This first set is a Jade and Bali and sterling silver set, one of ny favorites...
I love the color green of this jade, it is slightly varigated. It just looks so elegant but still casual. You know what I mean? Let me know what you think. I need feedback on these things... To know what people like!!

This next picture is of African yellow opal that I purchased, I just love the rich, creamy yellow color. It is a very warm stone, I can't wait to get started on this one I am not sure what I am going to make with it! there are 2 strands one is a brick shape and the other is a rounded square. I love the square the most I think! I am afraid to take the string apart for fear that I will not make something beautiful! We will see... maybe tomorrow!!

Jewlery

2005-05-20T17:16:00.000-04:00

So, as promised... here is a picture of a piece of jewlery that I have made.
I am only putting on one right now to see if this actually works, this is a pink chalcedony and bali silver set. The bracelet isn't in the picture, but it is the same, as the neckalace. If this really does work, I will get some more on the blog tonite!!!
Thanks so much Cheryl!!!!!

What did you do last night?

2005-05-19T09:42:00.000-04:00

SO, what did you do last night? I went to a movie, maybe you have heard of it, I am not sure... Not much publicity on this one! Star Wars III ever hear of it? Yeah, MIDNIGHT!! Fun fun fun.... When was the last time that I was up until 3:oo am. I have been up at that time recently (ah, babies!) but I haven't stayed up until that time in who know how long. So, we went with a group of our friends, there were 10 of us in total, (unfortunatly we didn't all get to sit together.) What a blast... I think that we all stayed awake, I am not sure? It was like high school again! Dinner, movie, friends & fun!! BUT no curfew!! HA Standing in line watching people was fun! a little weird but, fun! The workers at the cinema, well... that is another story... I don't know if I would want to relive that whole scene again! Lets just say that I am going to contact the manager of the theater. OK so, I already did contact the manager of the theater! Overall we had fun, Well I know that I did! I am a little tired today, kinda dragging a bit! 3 hrs sleep just isn't enough! OH well! Memories are better than sleep right? Goodtimes! OK, so about all the pictures that I have on the blog, HA I am going to hire my nephew to help me do it!! he is smart, he can figure it out right? well, We will see!!!

What happened?

2005-05-11T21:51:00.000-04:00

So, Have you ever had one of those days when you feel like you have walked around in a fog?
I did today, couldn't tell you much of what happened! I feel like I was hit over the head and left to figure out my day! I know that I did stuff, like bring someone to the doctors, went to Wal-mart, went to the dentist, yuck!! I did visit with my sister-in-law, that was very nice! and relaxing thanks Ellen! Went to get the girls from school, waited for softball to be over, Brought a friend home from school, did homework with the kids, went to the grocery store, unloaded the groceries, did more homework... cleaned a little bit! I guess not much today! Maybe that is why I am in a fog? who knows! Love those days! :/ Maybe tomorrow will be a better day, not just a blur of the day!
So, I still haven't figured out how to get the pictures onto the blog, I was up until 12:00 last night trying to figure it out, hmmm maybe that could explain my day! Still looking for someone to help!
I have made some beautiful pieces over the weekend and beginning of the week... I would love to get them onto the computer! HELP?? OH well, maybe this blog will be all about the kids and me! Well, enough for today, I need some sleep! to make up for last night!