So, should I be done?

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!

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?

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!

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!

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

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!!!!!

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!

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!

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!

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?

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!!!

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...

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!

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!!...

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

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!

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!!

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...

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!

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!!