The Triumphs and Trials of the Tuecke Tribe

Science Time

2012-01-17T10:31:00.000-06:00

http://vimeopro.com/icr/thats-a-fact/video/33460641

Random Thoughts and Happenings

2012-01-07T10:42:00.000-06:00

I have really been enjoying reading through the prayers of Paul in the New Testament.
Challenging!
I am stuck on Romans 15. Asking myself where is my hope, who is my hope. what is hope.
HE, God is my hope. Scripture, God's word alive, Jesus - perseveres and encourages me.

I have had a little more time for reading blogs and have found great encouragement in these posts:
January's Joy Dare on Holy Experience
Feeling Like a Terrible Mother from Anne's Coffee Break
7 Thieves that Rob our Time

Oh I started flying with flylady again. I haven't done this since the late 90's. They, she, whatever have revamped and instead of your inbox being over inundated with huge amounts of emails you get one BIG email. I am ONLY reading the Fly Plan, when I receive the email's which is working great.

My dad's birthday would have been Thursday. I feel the pain of losing him 7 1/2 years ago. I feel that pain often. That is when I cling to God, His Word and am so thankful for His indwelling Spirit. Well, I will be cracking the whip around here in just two short days :). Since I just can't fit blog updating into the daily routine (unless something changes) my blog updates will dwindle immensely. I have really enjoyed our break but am ready to be back to the routine!

Slip, Bang!

2012-01-03T10:22:00.000-06:00

We have been so busy throwing up around here I haven't had time to get organized for school. On that premise I have made an executive decision to delay our starting up school for the New Year indefinitely :). No, but I am going to take the rest of this week to regroup. I have also been too busy to update the blog. Friday night I stayed up late cleaning the kitchen so we could start fresh on Saturday. In retrospect, this was a bad idea. In the wee hours of Saturday morning, Drew started throwing up. I got up fairly early with children and Drew went back to bed. We had a low key morning and early afternoon. After sleeping a bit in the afternoon Drew came down to sleep on the couch and I went up to sleep upstairs. Chloe came wondering down, extremely whinny, after her nap. I was still sleeping when I heard screams. Chloe was dancing and fell, slip, bang, hitting her chin on the wood floor. We looked at it and I couldn't tell how bad it was. Drew thought we should call the nurse, I thought we should go get some butterfly bandages. He was too weak to argue and I regret not having listened to him. When I got to the drug store I had the pharmacist look at the ouchy with me and she thought it was an abrasion. Truthfully it grossed me out to look at it, and that sounded good to me so I bought triple antibiotic ointment and circle band-aids, applied both to the ouchy and headed home. At 6:00 all of us, except Drew who was feeling week and having some hmmm hmmm loose stools, headed to some friends house to celebrate New Years. At this point Chloe had bled through a couple of the circle band-aids and I was getting ready to put another one on so asked the mom's present to take a look. Then Chloe looked down and I noticed the area that I thought was an abrasion disappeared as the wounds closed up. Our friends son is studying to be a paramedic so he took a look at it and I was vacillating between having him bandage it up or taking her into the ER. I ended up in the ER and she ended up with 6-8 stitches. I am still thanking the Lord for how good she was getting those stitches. Not a peep the entire time!! Thankfully they did not have to give her a shot to numb the area. Instead, the nurse applied a clear gel, with a monster band-aid. After 25 minutes the area was numb, the doctor came in and stitch, stitch. The fatty tissue disappeared as he worked.

Zipper Pin

2011-12-26T12:41:00.003-06:00

Here is what we gave Drew's Grandma for Christmas. Mary and I ran into a friend at Wal Mart wearing one of these. We both thought the pin fantastic. When we got home I found this site:

http://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/blog/2010/08/01/vintage-zipper-flower/

My pictures didn't turn out but I am posting them anyway. I should have checke the pictures before securing the box. I used a red zipper for "ribbon" on the box.

I was thankful that among my large collection of zippers there were a couple with metal teeth, and one long enough to make the pin. I scrounged up a straight pin with a cap to put on the back with a piece of fleece fabric.

Mary and I worked together on the test copy, where we didn't use glue, just held it in place. She made the final copy and did a fantastic job!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T05:44:00.001-06:00

BEHOLD

the

GLORY

of the

LORD!!

But we all, with unveiled face,

beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord,

are being transformed into the same image

from

glory to glory,

just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:18

Back in Blogland with a Snapshot Summary

2011-12-22T23:39:00.002-06:00

Can you tell we are not doing school this week :) I have been so busy with school blogging has taken a back burner. It's has been enjoyable to get some posts in while I can. Here's a snapshot summary of the year.

January

March

April

May

whoops - ran out of time and energy. June - Dec. may or may not get posted before the new year, but here is one from 2004 I ran across - too cute! Mary, Jacob and Abigail - Sept. 26, 2004

Pictures - thanks to Rex

2011-12-22T10:58:00.001-06:00

Mary, Jacob and Abi were privileged to be able to play some music at a couple nursing homes on Dec. 10th. I was bummed that I forgot my camera. :( Thankfully someone else brought there camera AND got some fantastic pictures!

Sleigh Ride

2011-12-21T08:21:00.022-06:00

On one of those rare quiet car rides Abi and I caught this version of Sleigh Ride on the radio. We enjoyed it so much we found it for everyone to listen to when we got home. Click Here, then go to 6:38 on the audio slide. Sleigh Ride goes from 6:38 to 9:34. See if you can hear the horse galloping, and the horse neighing. I had my kids raise their hand every time they heard the whip crack. Keep listening for a really enjoyable and challenging Piano Puzzler.

For more Piano Puzzlers:
Click Here or cut and paste the URL below
http://performancetoday.publicradio.org/podcast/piano_puzzler/

Hope

2011-12-20T12:22:00.003-06:00

There are situations and circumstances in life that bring me to the conclusion - it's hopeless, life is without hope, or this person is without hope. When I believe this, I am believing a lie. I have been encouraged by Paul's prayers for the Romans "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (15:4) Life holds much hope if I am finding my encouragement in the Scripture. Where do I go when I am hopeless? Too often, back to bed. I should be going to God's word. He is the God of HOPE! He can fill me with joy and peace. I am so thankful to be filled with His Spirit, to be alive with Christ! "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13) I really wanted to share something besides bloggy - life is all sunshine, roses, lollipops and rainbows. Because life isn't all the smiles we have on our faces in front of the camera, it is hard, but not without hope!

Our Thanksgiving Blessings

2011-11-30T21:52:00.001-06:00

Starting the day right - hee hee

Mary, Cob, Abi and I ran the Turkey Trot this year. I am WAY back, so far back I don't think I am in this picture. The children were ahead of me but I can't find them in the picture either :)

Jillian, Mary and Abi

The girls model this beautiful family heirloom, The Lord's prayer in fine crochet.

Our hostess, Sheryll and I

The Richard ladies, Kathryn and Marilyn

The amazing Turkey

Rich carves the bird.

Kathryn, Marilyn and Jacob enjoyed playing a game of Skipbo

We really enjoyed participating in the Hunt's Thanksgiving tradition of reading a verse and expressing something you are thankful for. they had a little basket with verses typed on slips of paper and kernels of corn in it. When the basket is passed you take one of each. Then we each in turn read our verse. When the basket was passed the second time, as you replaced your verse and kernel you shared something you were thankful for. It was an amazing blessing to share in this tradition and to be with like minded believers to celebrate this holiday!

Sharing the Word I've Heard

2011-11-20T22:30:00.002-06:00

This is sort of an experiment. I am really enjoying Chip's preaching and am wondering if I can link to his sermons so any of my friends and family can listen. Click the scripture below and let me know if you can listen. If you can, be encouraged by the preaching and teaching of God's word!!

Galatians 6:6-10

Snapshot Summary #47 E - Schoeppe Reunion in Alabama

2011-10-15T08:03:00.001-05:00

Saturday
17 - September, 2011

On the road to Alabama

Sunday
18 - September, 2011
Day two of the reunion! Two of my brother Matt's - Dawson (background) and Melvin

Henry, Uncle Tim and Baruch

Mary learns cribbage

Monday
19 - September, 2011
Day Three of the Reunion - Uncle Tim had donuts for earlier risers :) as a tide me over while he prepared a fantastically amazing breakfast with bacon, omelet, pancakes with syrup, I feel like I am forgetting something but you get the idea - yum, yum!!

Grandma Schoeppe reading to Chloe

Cob plays ping pong with (or against) Uncle Matt

Drew and Dawson

Jacob, ?Baruch or Abram or is that Dawson?, Jason, Chloe, Melvin underwater

Snapshot Summary #47 D - Camping with Uncle Bill

2011-10-09T08:04:00.000-05:00

Thursday
15 - September, 2011

On our last day in Dunedin I joined Abram and Chloe for breakfast with Mom. Drew and the others toured Uncle Matt's office. Then we headed back to Uncle Bill's to pack. Uncle Bill talked us into a camping trip to Rainbow Springs!

Uncle Bill slept in his camper

Friday
16 - September, 2011

We went to the head springs for a swim today. Then headed downstream back to the camp ground.

The girls and I in Uncle Bill's old boy scout tent

Taking off at the head springs. The water was probably 15' deep here.

Drew relaxin'

There were two really amazing little alcoves along the river. The first was upstream from here. Drew, Cob and Mary spent a long time snorkling over an amazing drop off. There was a sandy path on shore that we all followed a good ways. The second alcove had the rope swings!

Snapshot Summary #47 C - Staying with Uncle Bill ,Seeing Mom, Beach Time

2011-10-08T09:25:00.000-05:00

Tuesday
13 - September, 2011

Uncle Bill was an amazing host. We arrived Monday night with plans to celebrate Mom's birthday. Mom, however, wasn't feeling well enough to come so we had to celebrate without her. We celebrated Matt and Abi's instead, complete with some birthday speeches! When I told Uncle Bill it was Abigail's birthday he felt so bad he hadn't gotten her a present. He wanted to run to K-Mart for something but was happy to look around the house for a gift when I discouraged him from getting something new. He found a teddy bear and umbrella which is the ultimate gift to any 10 year old.

Each morning two of the children ate breakfast with Mom, then we all went to the beach for a bit. Next it was back to Uncle Bill's for naps. Tuesday night I said I would grill out chicken, but Uncle Bill insited upon doing the grilling while he and Drew discussed politics.

The kids were all into catching lizards and trying to wear them as earings like they have seen Uncle Matt and Melvin do but were a little leary when it came time for the creature to latch on. Somehow they talked Uncle Bill into going first.

Wednesday
14 - September,2011

We saw mom again in the morning. Then spent some time at the beach. After naps off we went to Tarpon Springs for gyros and souvenirs

After the beach we stopped by the motel Drew used to come to as a kid.

"O.Kay, I felt the thing bite and it wasn't that bad. I will wear a lizard earing!"

Baruch

Our last night at Uncle Bill's - One last dip in the pool.

Snapshot Summary #47 B - Rainbow Springs

2011-10-07T07:09:00.005-05:00

Sunday
11 - September, 2011

Fourteen years ago my parents took Drew and I canoeing here. Drew has desired to return ever since. The pictures don't do this paradise justice. the river is chrystal clear. We canoed upstream a ways, then floated back down.

Monday
12 - September, 2011

Snapshot Summary #47 A - On the way to Florida!!

2011-10-06T17:09:00.002-05:00

Saturday
10 - September, 2011

Sunday
11 - September, 2011
After 15 1/2 hours on the road we welcomed sleep and in the morning . . .

a dip in the pool! Then it was back on the road!

Testing Hosta and Honeysuckle

2011-09-27T11:41:00.002-05:00

Mary is trying to update her blog and can't get her post to publish so I am testing here to see if I can get a post to publish. Here is her post

Snapshot Summary #46

2011-09-10T03:56:00.001-05:00

Sunday
28 - August, 2011
We were excited to meet Laura's friend who is a boy - o.kay, let's just call him her boyfriend. . . Ben!! We served them taco's for lunch, then had some cookies that Laura made, then took a walk in a cemetary near our house. When we got back home we reviewed the sermon and had some more cookies before the two headed out to the Arboretum.

The rest of the week went zooming by with friends visiting, a dentist appointment, lunch and fellowship with more friends, Drew and Cob visiting Grandma and Pa, a date night . . . before you know it a new week began.

Sunday
4 - September, 2011
What everyone was up to in the afternoon
Mary playing piano, Cob and Chloe reading

Baruch and Abi practicing for the circus ;)

I think Abram and Drew were off doing there own thing and I, well, I was taking pictures and cleaning the kitchen ad infinitum :)

Monday
5 - September, 2011
Today Abi and I made her b-day cake in the AM, then in the afternoon we made Turkish Delight. Abi put a lot of time and thought into her 10th birthday celebration which will be held tomorrow from 2 to 4. We made the Turkish Delight to go along with the whole Narnia theme she has planned. She wanted each guest to take home enough Turkish Delight to share with her family. I had no idea what work candy making was (is)! First we mixed water, sugar and lemon juice, brought that to soft ball on the candy thermometer. When it was 15 degrees away from soft ball (which is 240) you start mixing together corn starch, cream of tartar and water, then bring that to a boil. It looked and felt like glue!

Tuesday
6 - September, 2011
Mary donates her hair. . .

the hair doings were in the AM.

Here are pictures from Abi's party in the afternoon. . .

Wednesday
7 - September, 2011

Thursday
8 - September, 2011
Cob finished the second side of the garage roof today!! What a kid. Twelve years old and doing a man's day of work. He worked steady all day today.

Friday
9 - September, 2011

Transplant Day for Bryce

2011-09-09T05:55:00.001-05:00

Please pray for my friend Tonya's son, 14 year old Bryce. It is his big day today. Here are a few words from his care page update last night. . .

"Get this, tomorrow is the big day!! Today our donor may be sporting a very slight ache in his hips while enjoying a relaxing jaunt on the couch with some Tylenol in his belly and a feeling of joy at being able to put himself out for a precious child whom just happens to match him with a rare 10/10 match!!! Thanks for praying for him everyone. I can't wait to see how prayers will have been answered if and when we get to meet in a year.
That reminds me, there is a boy up here who just had his transplant on Weds. I haven't met him yet, but I have met his parents and his sweet little 9 week old brother that mom has here with her. Guess who the donor was? A new born baby!! Yes, some parents donate their infants umbilical cord blood and over and over it is used, especially for kids with cancer or other special cases to save lives like this boy!! Even Bryce had a umb. match at one time. Please consider this if you are having a baby!
Ok, now tomorrow he will have, in addition to the other meds, a one time dose of Tylenol, Benedryl (normal for blood products) and a special extra drug because transplant cells are highly more likely to cause a reaction than just red cells or platelets.
Eeek! That's a lot of meds!!!
I know many of you will be praying each hour tomorrow. Although the transplant itself is pretty anticlimactic, we think those prayers will help super power those cells and make everything go smoothly inside where we can't see among other great things! The nurses say that Bryce is doing well for where he is at, so we are pleased as punch and praising God for it all!!
See you tomorrow, I will take pics and let you know how it goes.
Tons and tons of love and grattitude from all of us Campbells here.
OOooopsss. ALmost forgot.
LABS
WBC 1.7
HGB 9.3
PLTS 71
Mark 11:24
24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. "

To sign up for his carepage updates go to
http://www.carepages.com/carepages/brycelove/updates/3120045

The Greatness of the Master

2011-08-30T06:49:00.002-05:00

Encouragement when the daily grind gets me down

"could it be right," Amy had asked, "to turn from so much that might be of profit and become just nursemaids?" The answer was yes. It is not the business of the servant to decide which work is great, which is small, which important or unimportant - he is not greater than his master.

A Chance to Die by Amy Carmichael p. 183

Living Room Improvement Pictures

2011-08-28T19:07:00.002-05:00

Snapshot Summary #45

2011-08-27T22:10:00.010-05:00

Saturday
13 - August, 2011
The boys catch from last night. . .

Kari, Bill, Anna, John and Miriam joined us for the play this afternoon. The children had an absolute blast performing!

Since we have ate, breathed and sang Oz for weeks, Chloe calls me Auntie Em and Drew Uncle Henry. Abi is Glinda. . .you get the picture. You can imagine her thrill when she got to give Dorothy a hug!!

Sunday
14 - August, 2011
I had a little scare at the kitchen sink this AM

I'm not sure how he escaped from his deluxe habitat but it sure did make me jump when I found him :)

Monday
15 - August, 2011
The play is over, right, so where is all the extra time I was expecting to have????

Time consumer #1 - black spray paint addiction :)

Before:

After:

Tuesday
16 - August, 2011
Time consumer #2 Rag Rolling the large wall behind the couch (yes, that's our new to us couch!). I hope to get a better picture eventually.

Wednesday
17 - August, 2011
Time consumer #3 Deciding where to rehang everything. I was so so thankful to have Laura and kids here to help with this. I had a lay out on a sheet of paper but I needed another woman opinion on the whole matter and, let's face it, Laura has class, she has taste, she's got that natural decorating knack I lack!! Thanks Laura!!!

Chloe helps make cookies to serve everyone. O.k., Cob made the cookies and Chloe cleaned up a bit.

Saturday
20 - August, 2011
While Drew, Abi, Baruch and Abram explored the Little Maquoketa, Cob helped with a friends Eagle Scout project, Chloe, Mary and I made the weekly grocery run ad infinitum.

Sudnay

21 - August, 2011
The Corson Reunion in Guttenberg. Corson is Drew's Grandma Ruth's maiden name, so yes, we were officially invited :).

Myra and Bill

Christine, Pat and Kari

Chloe Ruth with her Great Grandma Ruth

Anna, Abi and Mary

Monday
22 - August, 2011
We have needed our roof re shingled for quite a while. The situation turned code red when we had some leaking in the attic. As we thought about re roofing we started thinking about how much our living space would increase with the addition of a dormer. . .

All the stuff from the attic needed to go SOMEWHERE! Why not Drew and my bed??

Titus and Ezra help Abi and Cob pass the time.

Tuesday
23 - August, 2011
This is what the new dormer looked like when we went to bed,on the futon in the office, remember what our bed looked like ;)

So when we heard thunder, we woke with a start!!

I thank the Lord we only had small amounts of water, dripping ever so slowly, and being easily caught in containers. I spoke with my friend Tonya Stevenson around noon and before we hung the phone up she prayed. Immediately the sun began to shine. I just thanked the Lord!!

And so the dormer continued. And while it continued, the paint on Time Consumer #4 dried. . . The new chalkboard wall in the bathroom :)

Wednesday
24 - August, 2011
The work crew boarded the windows over in case of rain, so this AM that was removed, windows were installed and the siding was finished!

Thursday
25 - August, 2011
Final Product!!

From a different angle.

Saturday
27 - August, 2011
Cob started a huge project this AM - shingling the garage!!

Here he is after a full, man's day of work! He got about half way up one side! Thanks Cob, you make this mama smile :)

I plan to take the finished - all done - voila living room pictures as soon as the curtains are made and I will post a finished dormer pic from the inside too. BUT, these things take time :)

Snapshot Summary #44

2011-08-18T10:46:00.000-05:00

Monday
1 - August, 2011

The finished curtains!!

Chloe showing the pattern on the fabric. I was so thrilled to find this fabric. I fell in love with it at once and since I had already painted was looking for just such a compliment for the windows.

The boys caught some baby bunnies hopping around the yard.

Friday
5 - August, 2011

After play practice (I don't think I have mentioned that Mary, Jacob and Abi are rehearsing to be in The Wizard of Oz at The Five Flags downtown Aug. 12 and 13th)Abram and the three older children went to Guttenberg to visit Great Grandma and get some work done here and there. Baruch, Chloe and I painted the living room! Yes, it is the summer of painting.

I gave Chloe one of the sample bottles to use so if/when she spilled it would be a smaller clean up. I painted three walls buttercup yellow and one Historic Blue. I am planning to do some rag rolling with a lighter shade over the Historic Blue but ran out of time, you will see why when you read tomorrow's summary. :)

Saturday
6 - August, 2011
Today Drew started sanding our dining room and living room floors. He didn't get too far before he realized that the sander we had was not going to cut it for the living room. The dining room had been refinished 10 years ago and since we didn't put a stain down it was easily sanded this go around. We had never done anything to the living room other than about 4 years ago rip out the carpet. Well, we had Steve replace some boards too. Otherwise I don't think any previous owners of our 1917 built home had done any refinishing. The stain was NOT coming off so. . . I was sent on a run for a drum sander. So when I got back we had both sanders flying! For a while anyway, until I needed to get lunch ready.

Notice the dark floor to the right. We think that was the original stain put in when the house was built.

When I started painting the living room I took down the light switch cover. It is brass and in need of some polishing. I googled brass polish and read here at Jules blog about making your own. Here are the results

I took Jules advice and decided to make enough polish to bury the switch plate. Chloe helped me stir the flour and vinegar together

And then she helped me stir in the salt.

And mixed well. Please note the black poster board in the background. It is another story altogether. You will have to check the blog tomorrow for that story :)

At this point Abram and Abi caught wind of a project and joined in. Well, as soon as I brought the switch plate over I remembered I was suppose to do this in plastic or glass but NOT metal pan! So we switched it. . .

I wish I had gotten a better before picture. Anyway here the kids are pouring the polish over the brass plate.

Cover it well.

Here are the brass screws.

I got a pretty good before picture of one of them.

These were covered as well.

I decided the brass polish should have plenty of time to work is wonders. The smell of the vinegar made my children think the reaction baking soda and vinegar have, which caused me to suggest paper mache, which turned into this. . .

Monday
8 - August, 2011
After the paint dried they fired off the volcano!

Drew decided that I should put down the poly urethane, telling me how much better I am at making very little splashes, spills etc. when applying it. So I put down the first coat and then he talked to a friend who chewed him out for not making me wear a respirator. So here I am putting down the second coat, wearing my respirator!

Drew's awesome sanding job sure looked great as I spread the urethane over it. I think I got the way more rewarding aspect of the work. The wood looks so beautiful as it is transformed from dusty looking to clear, vibrant and full of life!

Tuesday
9 - August, 2011

The wood floor got two more coats today. One early in the AM, the other after supper. Low and behold there are air bubbles in spots :( This means fine sand paper and another coat. Refinishing has improved the floor a hundred fold no matter what!!

We uncovered the brass objects. The pictures don't do justice to the improvement.

Then we went to play practice. All the children are looking forward to dress rehearsal tomorrow. The older three because they are thrilled to be in a play and the younger three because I am taking them to watch it!! After play practice we headed out to Swiss Valley to check out the damage the heavy rains had on one of our favorite parks. Incredibly extensive damage occurred 13 days ago. The devastation amazed me. The POWER of the water rushing through the park amazes me still! The pavilion we had church fellowships at - completely GONE! The cement slab remained, we found pieces of the pavilion scattered. Roof here, pillar there. The creek itself looked cleaner, wider in some spots.

cement slab

picnic table

pavilion roof and picnic table

Wednesday
10 - August, 2011

My Emerald citizen, flying monkey and munchkin had their first full dress, dress rehearsal, even though their costumes weren't 100% complete ;).

After work Drew keeps plugging away on the cellar doors.

Friday
12, - August, 2011

I dropped my performers off for their very first EVER play performance. We were even one minute early, 5:59 PM! I headed out to look at a couch I saw on Craigslist. It was gorgeous, a love seat, which is what I wanted, and the price was right, well, after some negotiations. It was 6:50 and I was almost home. Drew, Baruch and Abram were on the river canoeing. An extreme urge came over me to see my babies perform (even though I had tickets for Sat.) I headed straight to the theatre and Chloe and I loved every minute of the wonderful performance of The Rising Star Theatre Company's The Wizard of Oz!! I am so so so so SO glad I went with my gut and came to the show. It was awesome to be there.

Snapshot Summary #43

2011-08-09T06:05:00.005-05:00

Thursday
14 - July, 2001

Our neighbors came over to play today. Their dog came to play with Banjo. Everyone had a fabulous time. I loved watching the dogs interact and I will tell you Banjo slept well after Lundy went home.

Wednesday
20 - July, 2011
We floated leisurely down the Wapsipinicon River today in our tubes, stopped at just about every sand bar we came across, enjoyed an amazing lunch and plenty of nourishing snacks ;). What an enjoyable way to spend one of the hottest days of the summer!

Thursday
21 - July, 2011

Abi's Amazing Squash plant!!

Friday
22 - July, 2011

We enjoyed having Gilbert, Russel and their mommy here for a couple hours this AM. They even brought cookies!!

Gilbert and Mary

Russell

Saturday
23 - July, 2011
Drew is rebuilding our rotted out cellar doors.

Baruch still enjoys catching birds bare handed!

Chloe's in her new shades

I started painting the dining room today! It is a cornflower blue. Pale with a touch of periwinkle! (I know it's not the most flattering picture of me - but I wanted you to see the beautiful color!!

Sunday
24 - July, 2011
Yeah!! We see the new baby again!!

Drew really enjoyed getting know Russell's papa - Jonathan. It is so sweet to share fellowship with other like minded believers. Thanks for spurring us on Dylhoffs!

Mary and Russell

Monday
25 - July, 2011
If you come to the fair before 3:00 - you get in free. Free is our language so we were there!! It was HOT, it's always HOT on the fair free day. It was SO HOT it might have been unbearable if we hadn't shared the good time with friends. Hannah, Rachel and Elizabeth (and their mom) joined us.

Our friends took off around noon. They had been helping us look for the Marine both as a couple years ago the Marine recruiters were handing out water bottle to people who could do "X" number of pull ups OR if you were a girl hang with your chin above the bar for "X" number of minutes. Anyway we couldn't find it and I didn't know where else to look. Drew suggested one of the buildings and low and behold - there it was. Abigail has been thinking of that water bottle AND practicing her pull ups for the past month. She blew their socks off by setting the record for hanging - chin held high for 1 minute and 40 seconds!! WAY TO GO GIRL!!

Tuesday
26 - July, 2011
Finished paint AND started new curtains!!

Friday
29 - July, 2011
Family Time - enthusiasm lacking OR is it just bed time??

BTW - notice the three colors on the wall behind the couch. I bought little sample bottles to help me decide what to paint the living room as it is next on my project/painting list.

Sunday
31 - July, 2011
We went tubing again today with the addition of Cob's new Kayak and Pa and Grandma's canoe. The river was much higher since we had that huge rainfall last week. It was a blast for the kids who weren't worried about losing someone in the current like Drew and I were :)!!

Here is Cob in his new kayak - before he lost his glasses. No really, this was taken just moments before a tree grabbed them off his face and threw them in the water - no kidding.

And here is a photo of Mary just moments AFTER losing her glasses to the rivers amazingly strong current. Here one minute, gone the next!! Wow did this turn out to be a pricey tubing trip! Seriously, two pairs in one day, in less than four hours. Thankfully Walmart was having a lens sale and their replacement cost wasn't out of this world.

At the end of the trip

Chloe changes out of her wet swimwear into her dry clothes

Abram, embarassed to be caught changing. He got his underpants up JUST in the nick of time.

Memory Verse

2011-08-02T11:03:00.000-05:00

John 6:63

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all.

The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

John 6:63

Multitude on Mondays

2011-08-01T07:27:00.005-05:00

36. Jesus, my hiding place
37. Jesus, my rock
38. Jesus, my refuge
39. Jesus, my ever present help in my continous need
40. Jesus, my redeemer

Multitude on Mondays

2011-07-25T07:21:00.003-05:00

31.dirty dishes
32. unfolded laundry
33. toys on the living room floor
34. cobwebs in all corners
35. fingerprints on the windows

Snapshot Summary #42

2011-07-20T23:00:00.000-05:00

It's been a LONG time since I have posted one of these snapshot summaries. This one covers from June 12th to present with very sporadic dates covered. My summer has been too busy for regular updates. I know everyone can relate!

Sunday
12 - June, 2011
Wow, how many years ago was it that we saw the house across the street go up for sale and began to pray for the people that the Lord would bring into His neighborhood? Yes, His neighborhood that we are blessed to live in. The Lord brought John and Miriam and they have become good friends. Today we enjoyed a wonderful meal at their house. Thank you Lord for all the encouragement this couple brings to our lives.

Father's Day - a barge for Grandpa crafted by Abi and Baruch

Wednesday
22 - June, 2011
Jacob's Birthday

Sunday
26 - June, 2011
Biking to Church

Saturday
2 - July, 2011
Chloe, Baruch, Abram

Sunday
3 - July, 2011
Celebrating Independence Day

for more Independence Day photos you will have to check out my facebook page!

Thursday
7 - July, 2011

Friday
8 - July, 2011
Vosberg's visit and Rachel is getting SO big!

Sunday
10 - July, 2011
Bible Study buddies! I am enjoying our new Bible Study on doctrine called "The Blueprints". Our neighbors John and Miriam are coming too. Mary and Jacob have been participating and Laura's oldest two plan to join us when they can!!

Monday
11 - July, 2011

Brother fun! Well, little sister joined in too, but girls are mud are just not the same as boys and mud!!!

Memory Verse

2011-07-19T07:37:00.013-05:00

If we have a scrawny puny muscle and we want to be a weight lifter what should we do?

If we have trouble memorizing God's word but know it is by His word our minds will be renewed we need to start small and work to memorize. By taking little chunks of the verse and repeating them or writing them down, then adding a bit more and a bit more we can memorize entire passages of scripture!

Here is our family memory verse for the week. It coincides with the bible study we are working on - The Blueprints. This one goes with study 5. Happy renewing!

1 Peter 3:18
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.
1 Peter 3:18

Multitude on Mondays

2011-07-18T07:15:00.008-05:00

26. bare feet
27. chubby toes
28. happy hearts
29. tears of joy
30. soft kisses from tiny lips

Multitude on Mondays

2011-07-11T07:14:00.003-05:00

Thank you LORD for all things! Thank you for. . .
21. pool parties and like minded moms
22. praying friends
23. my four sweet sisters
24. Mary and Jacob desiring to obey God and be baptized! (they were baptized Sat.!!)
25. Newness of life in Christ and the picture of that in baptism.

Drew got to go out and baptize the children along with Pastor Chip. Drew was saying how corpse like their bodies looked as they were laid back in the water and what an awesome picture that is of our dying to self and being raised to LIFE IN CHRIST!! Thanks you Father for abundant life through Christ!

Please Pray for Bryce

2011-07-07T06:25:00.005-05:00

Please pray for my friend Tonya's son Bryce. Click Here to visit his carepage updates or copy and paste this link to learn more about Bryce.

http://www.carepages.com/carepages/brycelove/patient

Bryce is fighting NON-HODGKINS T-CELL LYMPHOBLASTIC LYMPHOMA since 2008. It is really easy to sign up for carepages.

I would also ask anyone willing to pray for my (on Drew's side) niece Andria and her 8 week premature baby Gabe. Mom and baby are both doing well, but Gabe is just so little, 3# 15 oz. at birth. At this point, I think he mainly needs prayer for lung development. Andria's husband Daniel will be out of town taking a two week class that was scheduled before Gabe arrived. Pray for clarity of thought for him as he tests for certifications that he needs for his job. Also pray for their little girl, Caroline (16 mo. old) who has been away from Mommy WAY more than she is used to.

Cob's latest Musical Inspiration

2011-07-05T12:37:00.000-05:00

Roger Bennett plays "I'm in the Gloryland"

American Parade!

2011-07-04T06:33:00.005-05:00

Remembering Last years Independence Weekends celebrations and activities!

Multitude on Mondays

2011-06-20T07:12:00.010-05:00

16."The Money Game"
17. Listening to Abigail whistle
18. The sparkle in Abram's eyes
19. Forgiveness from my children when I explode
20. Sustaining grace from my Perfect Creator and Redeemer

Snapshot Summary #41

2011-06-16T06:37:00.002-05:00

Sunday
5 - June, 2011
My pictures just don't do the week justice. My words won't either, but here goes. . .

Monday
6 - June, 2011
We had friends from Ecuador here for lunch. It was wonderful to see them. The only bad thing. . .our visit was way too short. Click here to see a picture of their family as I failed to take one.

Tuesday
7 - June, 2011
The weather was HOT and we discovered our thermostat on the air broken when we flipped the switch in the AM. We had some friends from church here to play for several hours in the afternoon. Aren't kids great! They don't mind if the AC is broken, give them a sprinkler and they are all set. It got up in the 90's in the afternoon. I even took a dip in the pool with the children. Ahhh, amazing refreshment! Thankfully a steady breeze cooled me off quick when I got out. Drew brought home a new thermostat and installed it in record time! I am so thankful he is willing to try fixing things (and for his continual success). Here is the picture he took to help with the replacement process :)

Wednesday
8 - June, 2011
I am going through an inductive bible study of Hebrews with a couple ladies from church. They came today with their children and after our study we all enjoyed lunch together. Later some old neighbors of our, well I should say former neighbors because they are actually very young, stopped by for a visit. We sure wish they would move back to the neighborhood, but it sounds like they are quite content in Ashville, NC :(. Our loss for sure. We miss you Matt and Kelly, it was great to see you again.

Thursday
9 - June, 2011
I snuck away in the morning and my friend Laura treated me to my second ever pedicure! Ah, so relaxing. I kept looking down at my feet all day and wondering whose beautiful skin I had climbed into :). We had a busy day making bread and quiche and other fixin's in preparation for my departure in the wee hours of the next morning. When Drew got home from work he, Baruch and Abram went to see Uncle Mark. I've typed out several long story shorts on Mark and just don't feel comfortable posting any of them. I am thankful I don't have to. Those led to pray, I know the Holy Spirit will intercede - so just pray.

Friday
10 - June, 2011
I was off to NICHE with Erin and Debbie at 5 something in the AM! I so enjoyed their fellowship, the speakers, curriculum and workshops at the conference. AND, it sounds like things went the best ever in the history of my being away back here on the home front. That might have something to do with the age of our youngest - I'm a thinkin'.

Saturday
11 - June, 2011
I was REALLY thankful to be home tonight. Sure missed each precious little one and my big honey man :)

Multitude on Mondays

2011-06-13T07:15:00.011-05:00

11. Sun bleached boy head
12. A girl who cares how others feel
13. Constant background noise
14. A husband who cares
15. Family jokes

Snapshot Summary #40

2011-06-07T22:45:00.001-05:00

Sunday
29 - May, 2011

Monday
30 - May, 2011
Canoeing on the Wapsipinicon River with Grandma and Pa.

We had a wonderful time! First we went up stream to an island then past our landing spot to an inlet down stream. Then back up to where the vans were parked. Everyone had a blast. It was really windy and I was completely worn out by the time we headed home though :)

Tuesday
31 - May, 2011
I had a wonderful day. Bible study with two ladies from church really encouraged me!

Wednesday
1 - June, 2011
What a gorgeous, beautiful weather day! Warm, breezy, sunny! Great for hanging out multiple loads of laundry - hee hee

Friday
3 - June, 2011
Living Waters Bible Camp. . .
We traveled to LWBC for Sarah and Robbie's wedding (tomorrow). We did some hiking, wading and swimming today.

Saturday
4 - June, 2011
Sarah Volgarino's wedding!!

Mother of the Bride

Ellen

Chloe enjoyed the punch!

To culminate the reception the couple lead praise music! He on guitar, She on piano!! It brought tears to my eyes to sing praises to God with everyone dear to each of them - extremely touching. It blessed me to be able to share their day with them.

Multitude on Mondays

2011-06-06T07:14:00.001-05:00

4. God speaking to me through His Son
5. Jesus - the radiance of God's glory
6. Jesus - the exact representation of God's nature
7. Jesus upholds all things by the word of God's power
8. Jesus made purification of my sins.
9. Jesus is seated at the right hand of God.
10. God is the Majesty on High!
Hebrews 1:1-3

Snapshot Summary #39

2011-06-02T07:14:00.003-05:00

Saturday
21 - May, 2011
Abram had been asking for a surprise party. Cob took Abram upstairs about a half hour before the guests were scheduled to arrive and kept him busy until everyone was in the living room and I called him down. He was thoroughly surprised and a little embarrassed. He had a great Fifth Birthday thanks to good friends coming over to help celebrate.

Sunday
22 - May, 2011
Celebrating Abram and Chloe's Birthdays with Grandma and Grandpa!

Monday
23 - May, 2011
We were thankful to get college loft cast offs! These were taken at 10:19PM - he is not faking sleep here. He did not last all night in the hammock but most of it.

Tuesday
24 - May, 2011
Happy Birthday Big Three Year Old!! I cannot believe my baby is 3!

Saturday
28 - May, 2011
A final Piano Recital with Sarah Volgarino. Sarah gets married in one week and we will MISS her! Thanks for the great instruction and friendship Sarah!

Mary - Page Turner when Miss Volgarino played her farewell Chopin for us.

Medieval Skit

2011-06-01T12:49:00.000-05:00

Multitude on Mondays

2011-05-23T07:14:00.007-05:00

1. Friends who speak the truth even when it's hard.
2. Crying with sisters in pain.
3. Rejoicing in the Not Yets

Snapshot Summary #38

2011-05-15T21:15:00.001-05:00

Saturday
7 - May, 2011

Sunday
8 - May, 2011

Monday
9 - May, 2011
We were scheduled to go to Pa and Grandma's today but due to bad weather we switched that trip to tomorrow. So we had piano lessons (thanks to Sarah being flexible) today instead. We also met Ashley Wilson who will, Lord willing teach Abigail piano in the fall. Our current piano teacher will enter the marriage covenant in just three weeks!
Tuesday
10 - May, 2011
Great day with Pa and Grandma!

Wednesday
11 - May, 2011
Busy, busy day today. Cob mowed the neighbor's lawn. Mary had two teeth pulled. Abi had a violin lesson. The girls were blessed to play with friends for a couple hours. We had one car (van in shop for brake pads and a new left rear spring) so I took Drew to work and picked him up. Whew - way more running than I enjoy! It was also very Hot and Humid today!

Here is my humidity barometer - Chloe

Thursday
12 - May, 2011
Our sweet friend, Carol, brought a meal over for lunch! She brought things over in installments. A 7# turkey and sweet potatoes, apples (for me to make apple salad with), rolls, and pies at 9:00 AM. Then she came back around 11:30 with a green bean casserole. She, Cob and I played scrabble together, then Drew came home, carved the turkey and oh man was everything delicious!! We had a nice walk to make room for dessert. I was working in the kitchen after our walk when I heard Mary, Jacob and Carol talking about sin nature. Carol believes people are innately good. It blessed me to hear Mary and Jacob quote scripture and give her gentle yet opposing views based on God's word.

Friday
13 - May, 2011
I so enjoy Tonya's fellowship in the Lord. Today we watched a Charlotte Mason Seminar on DVD while Mary watched the babies! Sonya Shafer puts on the seminar. To find out more about what we learned visit the website simplycharlottemason.com .

Chloe and Sophia

Up and Coming Events

2011-05-15T06:48:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Abram Glenn (Sat. May 21) and Chloe Ruth (Tues. May 24) Happy Anniversary Andrew (Friday May 27). You have filled the past 16 years with sweetness. Thank you for your constant example of walking in the Spirit, denying yourself and living for Christ. I thank the Lord for the covenant we have before Him in our marriage! I love you. You are THE MAN!

Snapshot Summary #37

2011-05-08T06:55:00.001-05:00

Sunday
1 - May, 2011

Praise God for the body of Christ! I am thankful to fellowship with like minded believers and sit under teaching that stirs up Christ in me, leaving me hungering for more of His Word.

Monday
2 - May, 2011

Tuesday
3 - May, 2011

Baruch works on twenties and place value in math

Abram keeps asking if we can get the pool out. At 60 degrees!! Not YET!!

Abigail helped Baruch pull out his second baby tooth!

Wednesday
4 - May, 2011

Tennis Time!

Abi

Cobber Bobber

Chloe watching!

Thursday
5 - May, 2011
Cleaning

We had the Peterman's here for supper and I failed to get a single picture :( It is a blessing to get to know families from our new church better!

Andrew and Michelle called yesterday in need of a place to lay their heads so they could attend Emmaus' Baccalaureate. I told them sure if they didn't mind sleeping on a futon. They were game for the floor! They showed up about 9:30 and stayed until 8:30 AM Friday. It was great having them here - sweet fellowship.
Andrew and Cob playing guitar together - well maybe Cob is using his guitar pick for a tooth pick :)

Andrew saw Abram climbing the doorway and said he was too big to do that now but used to do it as a kid. Next thing we knew Andrew was stretched out between the pillars. Here Abi is giving it a try!

Friday
6 - May, 2011

Gracie came over for some friend time and sewing too.

Mother's Day Card Idea

2011-05-07T10:18:00.004-05:00

All credit to my sister Renee who sent me this link!

Awesome Pop Out Card

http://www.instructables.com/id/Seven-flowers.-Awesome--pop-up-card-./

Thinking on these Things

2011-05-02T21:55:00.002-05:00

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is more deceitful than all else
And is desperately sick, Who can understand it?

I have really been thinking about how deceitful my own heart is. I cannot trust myself. I think my motives are pure and I am living for the Lord but it has to be Him at work in and through me. He understands my heart. He knew I needed a new one and sent His son that I could have a new heart.

Knowing my weakness, I can be strong. Thank you God for Jesus! Thank you that you are all powerful! Thank you for redemption!

2 Corinthians 2:9,10 “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Snapshot Summary #36

2011-04-30T21:41:00.009-05:00

Tuesday

26 - April, 2011

Wednesday

27 - April, 2011

Mary and Keziah worked on their purple quilts together in the AM. Then we had lunch with the Langlois family. When we headed back home Keziah got to come with and Cob got to go canoing the Ezra and Silas. I put the little ones down for naps while the girls cleaned the downstairs for our company. I threw in a batch of cookies when I got downstairs. We really enjoyed getting to know a couple of Emmaus students that were able to come for supper. One of which had helped in the nursery with Chloe during our ladies bible study on Wednesday nights.

Thursday
28 - April, 2011
Ahhhhh! I thought today would be a down day. I planned to have Jacob and Mary do some baking for the bake sale the youth group at church was having tomorrow. My lack of planning sent me leaving Mary in charge while I ran to the store. First, I needed a vehicle. With the van in the shop and Drew's car at his office this meant Drew had to run home. I took him back to work and headed to Sam's Club. From there I went back to his office to pick up Cora Borke as she was coming for the afternoon. I thought I would surprise Abigail (I hadn't told the children in case for some reason her visit fell through), so I told Cora to wait in the car and I am so glad I did. I walked into a house of chaos. Jacob was not minding Mary. I left her in charge while I ran. Poor Mary was crying. Apparently even Abigail had been mean to her. Thankfully the little boys were real good and Chloe too. So by the time Abi brought Cora in the house (and Abi was very excited to see her) things had settled down a bit :). So while Cob finished up the cookies he was baking the girls enjoyed playing dress up. Then I went up and had a short rest with the little boys and Chloe, assigning the other's to quiet time rooms and Abi and Cora to the basement. At 4:30 I took Cora and Abi with me to drop Cora off as I needed to pick up some long awaited items from an Emmaus student. I left Mary in charge again and things went WAY better this time. When I got home we made cinnamon rolls for the bake sale and the older chilren started wrapping some of the items up to sell. They were in bed early so they would be ready to roll for our 7-9 AM shift at the church garage/bake sale!

Friday
29 - April, 2011
We headed out to help with the garage and bake sale about 6:40 this AM. Mary finished wrapping up bake sale items while Cob sat outside and sold. Abi and I were inside manning the cash box with the help of Ms. Chandler. We had a great time working together and fellowshipping with different brothers and sisters who stopped by for the sale. We sold quite a bit during that first shift, but thankfully were never overwhelmed with the amount of people wanting to buy at the same time. I haven't found out how much we made, but the proceeds are for more chairs for the sanctuary. Helping at the Bake Sale

After the morning shift I headed home so Drew could go to work. Mary and Cob stayed and worked the sale. Drew picked them up for Mary and Abi's orthodontist appointment after which we all met up again for science! While Mrs. Stevenson reviewed the lesson on genetics I helped out with Sophia. Sophia and Katlyn

Sophia and Chloe

After science time there is always some time to play. Spring must be here as dandelions are in bloom! The girls enjoyed making necklaces and crowns.

Then we had lunch. Tonya is an amazing cook. I am always so blessed by whatever she serves. Today we had tacos and awesome raspberry cream pie for dessert!

Saturday
30 - April, 2011
A day at the Vosberg Farm! At 8 weeks Rachel is beautiful. I was blessed to get to hold her several times.

The Hunters Three Cob, Wesley and Baruch

They were trying to rid the farm of nuisance birds and made pretty good headway!

Aren't kitten just CUTE!

Snapshot Summary #35

2011-04-26T06:41:00.084-05:00

Sunday

10 - April, 2010

Drew took all the older children to a bike park while Chloe and I rested. I guess staying up to put the third coat on the bathroom wore me out!

Monday

11 - April, 2010

Wednesday

13 - April, 2010

We had a great time visiting with our friends the Langlois Family!

Thursday

14 - April, 2010
Mrs. Kretz came today and I was happy the children did well. Their spelling continues to improve so that is a blessing

Friday

15 - April, 2010
Stevenson's came for science today. We did an experiment to help solidify what we learned about the lymphatic system. I focused on the fact that the lymph nodes filter out the bad things from the lymph, so for our experiment we sent muddy water through a coffee filter. I think it will help them remember!

Sunday

17 - April, 2010
Chip is preaching through Ezekiel and this mornings message convicted me on several counts. The main one being the importance of continuing to search, and know scripture. According to 2 Peter 3:16 - 18 some things are hard to understand, but if I am to keep from being destroyed and distorting reality I must be growing in the grace and knowledge of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It's the word growing that really got me. My growth needs to be continual, day by day.

<< 2 Peter 3 >>
16as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. 17You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, 18but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Monday
18 - April, 2010

Mary makes an awesome lentil stew every Monday!

Tuesday

19 - April, 2010

Abigail started a club and passed out the crown to Chloe and breastplates and shields to Baruch and Abram as reward for memorizing scripture for the club. What a good sister!

Thursday

21 - April, 2010
In anticipation of a busy Friday we got errands and baking out of the way today. Click here to see a video of Chloe helping put away groceries.

Friday

22 - April, 2010

We ate breakfast

As Drew read to us about Christ's Crucifixion from John 19:1 - 30

Then Drew, Cob and Baruch headed to his office to wrap some things up while the rest of us enjoyed some sweet fellowship with sweet friends.

Gracie and Mary (above) Rachel and Abram (below) Hannah and Abi were too busy for pictures!

More wonderful fellowship in the evening! The Tuttle's, a missionary family from Peru came to visit while in Dubuque.

Drew really enjoyed talking with Micah (who I don't think even noticed Josiah on his shoulders)

We all enjoyed some homemade pizza (Cob made the crusts yesterday!)

After supper we got in some more fellowship!

Javen and Cullen were GREAT face makers!

At the end of the evening the girls were pretty zonkered. Abigail said "It seems like 3 weeks ago that Hannah and Rachel were here, was that really just this morning."

Saturday

23 - April, 2010

We took a trip to the park and then over to see the river. Several children wanted to bike. I for one was glad when Drew said we were taking the van as winds ran high - which was great for kite flying! btw, the river was very high.

Sunday
24 - April, 2010

Chloe Ruth

We celebrated a wonderful Resurrection Day surrounded by our church family at CCDubuque and Drew's parents! Our church had a wonderful fellowship meal which started with the Lord's supper. Mary and Jacob both partook of the Lord's table for the first time, creating a very memorable day!

Baruch William

Abram Glenn

Abigail Ione

Mary Elisabeth

Bathroom Update #9

2011-04-24T23:35:00.000-05:00

This is the 9th and final bathroom update!! I am so thankful the bathroom is finished!!!!

As you walk in the bathroom from the hallway there is a tiny area where Drew built a shelf. Steve capped off the shelves.

Here are the curtains I fashioned from a shower curtain.

I found these great rugs garage saling last summer and stuck them away for the day the bathroom was complete. I knew even then I wanted to put up yellow paint on the top and white wainscot on the bottom. When my sister sent the yellow towels in the mail with my birthday box I was thrilled!! Thanks Dawnie :)

Here's that shelf area just inside the door. I hung a curtain there to hide all the shampoo etc. But I really want to point out the wood to the left of the shelving (right of the shower). Steve ridded us of the unfinished spot here. He capped this end off with wood! In order to do this he removed the bathroom door and shaved just enough of the inside edge to allow the door to close without hitting the finishing wood. You can see the unfinished area best in the last bathroom update although it looked even worse just a bit lower than those pictures show. There was an area gauged out from the door latch hitting it. I am beyond thankful for the way the bathroom turned out.

Snapshot Summary #34

2011-04-11T06:26:00.004-05:00

Sunday March 27, 2011
We had a wonderful visit with Laura, Dan and Andria and little Caroline! I think our company enjoyed themselves too :) We shared food, a time around God's word, ping pong, a walk . . . you get the idea.
Monday
March 28, 2011
My sister Dawn sent this wonderfully enormous box filled to the brim with items for everyone! Here is a taste of what was inside. For a full view visit my Picasa web album - Package from Aunt Dawnie

Tuesday
March 29, 2011
Steve came today and did much work! He had some good help too :)
He started with the bathroom, but you will have to wait to see pictures of that in the next and hopefully final Bathroom Update! Here are some pictures of the sanding of the kitchen floor.

The wet looking area is where bleach was applied to try to lighten the dark water stain in front of the sink. It was this stain that we tried to hide when we painted the floor green. The bleach worked to lift the stain quite a bit but it is still really noticeable, although significantly lighter than before.

Wednesday
March 30, 2011
After some sanding on the kitchen floor the transformation of the Living Room floor began.

Out with the old revealed the termite damage from long ago (several previous owners of this house ago).

putting in new to us boards that Steve procured from his parents.

Abi hammers a new board in place.

Cob holds his own with the hammer too. I kept asking Steve - are they slowing you down. He assured me they were helping!

Oh and we did have the paper route to get done :)

Thursday
March 31, 2011

Last night Drew and I decided to have Steve sand and finish the living room and dining room floors Friday (today). So I started moving all the junk (I mean our precious treasures) to the office. Then we decided it just wasn't warm enough to ventilate properly, but since the big clean had already begun, I went with it and renamed it Spring Cleaning :)

I always say things get WAY worse before they get better :)

Finishing the work on the living room floor.

Ah, this is starting to improve.

Last board in!

Office jam cram full :)

Steve and Cob put boiled linseed oil on the kitchen floor today - Wow doesn't it look fantastic! I am so thankful to have that green chipped and pealing paint GONE!

Anna arrived this evening. Grant was in the neighborhood and dropped her off. Everyone here is thrilled to have her visiting!

Friday
April 1, 2011

Steve did finishing work on all the projects today while we were away at our science co-op. The girls and I did quite a bit of shopping tonight. We started at Hobby Lobby. Went from there to Wal Mart and then on to Jo Ann's for fabric. I was disappointed there wasn't enough grey to make Anna's cloak matching with the girls, but thankful to find enough of a beautiful shade of maroon.

Saturday
April 2, 2011

I cut out Anna's cloak this AM while everyone built figures out of crayola's wonderful air drying clay.

It was really hard to say goodbye to Anna when Grant came to pick her up :( I finished the cloak in plenty of time but forgot to take a picture so this one is courtesy Aunt Kari :)

After the sad goodbyes Drew took the children for a bike ride while I organized and did laundry! (there was enough maroon left after anna's to make a small chloe size cloak!)

Sunday
April 3, 2011

After lunch today we took a wonderful bike ride down to the Mississippi. I don't know if it shows in the first picture, but the water was REALLY high and swift moving! On the way home it really looked like rain and Abram was starting to poop out. Drew and Cob high tailed it back home while I read to the others (Our 2nd or third time through "The Princess Bride"). I felt one drop just as Drew pulled up with the trailer to pick us up!

Wednesday
April 6, 2011

We are really enjoying the teaching and fellowship at our new assembly. On Wed. nights the men and youth group are studying Grudman's Systematic Theology. The younger children are doing missionaries through "Hero Tales" and the women are going through Kay Arthur's "Names of God".

Thursday
April 7, 2011
By now the living room is looking "together" but the office still needs major help! Pictures when all is done :)

Friday
April 8, 2011
What to do with leftover linoleum . . .

Saturday

April 9, 2011
A visit with Grandpa and Grandma!

Jacob Quote

2011-04-03T14:22:00.001-05:00

"I am afraid of nothing. Nothing is in the basement, so I am afraid." He is downstairs by himself as I type, making sure the basement door is propped open - just in case.

Snapshot Summary #33

2011-03-28T08:20:00.019-05:00

Friday 18 - March, 2011 My Uncle's funeral was this morning. I seriously considered trying to juggle things so I could attend. But in the end I did not make it. His death hit me really hard, actually it hit me before he died. He is my mom's baby brother and when he got sick I longed to see my mom. Funny how emotions get all intertwined. I totally denied the fact that he wasn't going to get better. He rallied so many time in the past I counted on him rallying again. When I came to terms with the fact that he wasn't going to get better this time I had a day of serious blues. I simply went back to bed and buried my sobs under the covers. I finally concluded my hope is not in this world. Burying my head won't change a thing. My hope is in The Living God. I continue to draw strength and encouragement from Nahum 1:7 "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble and He knows those who take refuge in Him." I did not get over that blue, depressed feeling by pulling myself up by my bootstraps. I got over it by placing myself under a God who is good, though I don't understand His ways. He IS good. By calling out on the name of the Lord "Be my refuge" I had a good day. This is a birthday to remember. A day to grieve and yet rejoice. Grieve a loss, rejoice in The Truth. Baruch

Our science partners came over in the morning and we reviewed our lesson on the senses. Then we did a hands on experiment with tasting three different foods, first with the nose plugged and eyes closed (blindfolded)and then without the nose plugged, but still blindfolded. We recorded weather each participant could identify each food tasted while plugging the nose and closing the eyes, and then again without the nose plugged, but still blindfolded. Based on the fact that several of the children could not identify some of the foods with there nose plugged, but all could identify them without the nose plugged, we determined that our sense of smell enhances our ability to taste.

Emma

Mary

Mary and Sophia (having a friend named the same thing as her cousin has totally confused Chloe in the past but today she seems to differentiate between "cousint Sophia" and "friend Sophia" as she started calling them).

After science time we packed up to head to Pa and Grandma's house where we dropped Baruch, Abram and Chloe off and went to see Anna as Mrs. Berry in the play Anne of Green Gables. The play was very well done. Well cast. The children memorized an incredible amount of lines and did a fantastic job!

Saturday 19 - March, 2011

My birthday didn't stop . . . Pa and Grandma watched the children so Drew and I could have a fantastically extended date, which included breakfast, shopping, shopping and more shopping and then lunch to boot! Thanks Pa and Grandma. Chloe enjoying some Grandma love

Pa and Grandma's gift to me (they brought to our house several weeks early!)

Sunday 20 - March, 2011

Four days ago Drew announced to the children and I - we will be attending Christ Church of Dubuque! Drew feels great relief, having made a decision. Searching for a church has the potential of placing a family in a dangerous position. I am so thankful for Drew's wisdom in our search as I know the elders at Potosi knew where we stood and were ready to welcome us back into fellowship if we came up dry. Drew's forethought benefited the entire family. After participating in church this AM Drew headed into the office to plug away on some things he needed to get to. The children and I unpacked, did laundry, and had a low key day. Monday

21 - March, 2011 We had a lovely morning preparing for Aunt Terry's visit and preparing soup for ourselves and a family from church who has been sick. I made bread. Mary and I chopped carrots and potatoes, Cob made cookies. Lots of practical homeschooling going on today :-). Aunt Terry arrived just in time to watch three of the children while three went with me to drop off the meal. After super we enjoyed opening God's word together and also reading from "The God Who is There" by D.A. Carson. Tuesday 22 - March 2011 The children were very eager for Aunt Terry to wake up. We had oatmeal for breakfast. After morning chores and a huge checklist we got out the wii for some exercise. It was chilly and rainy all day and nobody went outside much so we all needed some wiggle release, even Aunt Terry :-). We worked up an appetite so got out the trail mix Aunt Terry had brought along . . . ahhhh now we are revived! After snacks we folded papers. After super Aunt Terry helped the girl's team deliver papers. Then the boys headed to table tennis club while the girls headed to Wal Mart to fabric shop. We ended up going to Jo Ann Fabrics as well. Wal Mart did not have just what Mary had in mind. Abi and Mary wanted to make princess dresses for a party they were invited to on Saturday. The party was supposed to be a dress up party and they were so excited ALL week long - even longer I think!

Wednesday 23 - March, 2011 We are going through "The Names of God" by Kay Arthur at Wednesday night bible study and I have been really convicted about living in the flesh instead of putting my flesh to death. Gal. 5:16- , especially v. 19 - outbursts of anger - oh man I need to put that to death. So after sharing some of what I have been learning with the children we headed out for a nature hike and a nature reserve south of town! It was a little wet, slightly chilly, and extremely muddy! No wonder the children's coughs worsened:(

Chloe and Aunt Terry We had a snack of apples, carrots, cheese and almonds when we got back to the nature center. The gang (Jacob, Abram, Baruch, Abigail, Chloe and Mary Evidence of the extreme mud!! (Abi's socks) The nature center had a cool song bird exhibit with a hugantic stuffed birds nest. The kids had a blast playing in it. Mary, Chloe, Baruch, Abigail and Abram Thursday 24 - March, 2011 Abi made omelette's for breakfast this morning. When I told her I wished I could take a shower this AM she offered to make breakfast so I could! I was thankful (if she looks sad it is #1 because she didn't like me taking her picture while she was wearing pajamas and #2 because she was already anticipating saying goodbye to Aunt Terry) I took a few more pictures of our morning. One of Mary working on her princess dress. It was hot on her mind when she woke up this AM. One of Mary in her dress which she finished at about 11:00 AM. One of Jacob and Aunt Terry - goodbyes to Aunt Terry. They are gone :( Can't find them anywhere. A very mysterious disappearance I must say. Later the boys dressed up like the man in black (Princess Bride). If you have not read the Princess Bride by William Goldman you really should. It makes a great family read aloud. I did have to edit out quite a bit of the introduction but the humor in the introduction is so good I couldn't just skip the whole thing. Abram and Baruch - best of friends After Aunt Terry left I started working on the dress I cut out for Abigail. She wanted to help me sew but it was a bit too technical for that. I was surprised I got it finished as quickly as I did. I was really thanking the Lord it came together without enormous amounts of ripping seams out :) Even the zipper went in rather well. Friday 25 - March, 2011 We Miss you AUNT TRERRY!! Abi and I worked on a Birthday gift for the party tomorrow. I cut. Abi sewed. Abi made some nice straight seams on Gwen's cloak. We made three cloaks in all since there was a big chunk of fabric left when I was done cutting out Gwen's. We figured the littlest two of Gwen's sisters would enjoy having cloaks as well. Jacob worked on this origami dragon for several hours. His turned out fantastic. He worked on origami so hard and long Baruch said "You've kind of dedicated your life to origami Jacob," which got a roaring laughter from all who heard him. Saturday 26 - March, 2011 What a blessing to be at a party where all the girls got along so well. Happy Birthday Gwen!! Watching Gwen open her gifts was THE biggest blessing of all. She pondered over each one with so much thankful it delighted everyone in the room! Abi enjoying the party Mary after we got home from the party. The girls had such a fantastic time. Chloe keeps asking if we can go back and play house some more.

Snapshot Summary #32

2011-03-20T22:23:00.000-05:00

Saturday
19 - February, 2011

Air soft mechanic in the making.

Gun Rebuilt!
Yes he did get it back together again, then he found a big spring that should have gone inside the gun. Oops!

Saturday
26 - February, 2011

Tea Time!

Tuesday
1 - March, 2011

Workin' Out with Mom

And then it's dress up time!

Thursday
3 - March, 2011

Waiting for prayer before diggin' into breakfast

Dress up is for every day!

Sunday
6 - March, 2011

After a hard day of hiking!

Sweet Chloe is PLUM Tuckered OUT!

Saturday
12 - March, 2011

We got to see Tim and Heidi's new sweet pea! Rachel is already 6 days old in this picture!! Holding her brought floods of emotions. There is absolutely nothing in this world that compares with the tender sweetness of a new born baby.

Big Sister takes a snooze

Sunday
13 - March, 2011

I just had to take a picture of Chloe in the dress Aunt Jo made for Mary E. so many years ago. It's a bit small on Chloe now, but so so cute, especially with the galoshes - don't ya think!

No nap means you fall asleep during family time.

Precious Asleep!

Wednesday
16 - March, 2011

Chloe

Abram and Banjo

Abigail

As you can see the weather has turned beautiful! It has gotten a bit warmer each day this week. Not quite barefoot weather (depending on who you ask) but sunny and 60 today!

Thursday
17 - March, 2011
A visit with Great Grandma Ruth

I couldn't decide which picture of Grandma and Chloe I liked best so I included all of them!

Cob and Grandma got in a good game of Upwords. Grandma amazes me. She plays for blood, with macular degeneration you think the game would be challenging for her to see but you would never know it!

While they were duking it out in the Upwords game I took the little ones to the river walk. They brought their bikes/trikes/skates/scooters and off we went. About half way through the sky spat a bit of rain on us so we turned back.

Suspended by Grace

2011-03-13T22:01:00.000-05:00

We Worked on two main things in our home over the coarse of last week. #1 put off grumbling = put on thankfulness/rejoicing in accordance with Philippians 2:14,15. and #2 put off selfishness = put on serving one another in accordance with Philippians 2:3,4.

There are many life cycles. Our family cycles through high and low times. Times when the pendulum is bouncing a steady rhythme. Drew and I setting everything in motion for better or worse by our action or reactions to LIFE.

The family hums along harmoniously ~ Drew leading ~ Me respecting him ~ US working together, clicking together, the tribe in between us being bounced along, trained ~ memorizing scripture together ~ hum, hum, melodious, harmonious, steady swinging. We rise to the peak of the cycle AND THEN. . .

I'm not sure where the discord begins. We slip, slightly at first, an unkind word unchecked. I'm just too tired or too distracted to deal with it.

Slip

Slide

Down

Worse still, I am the one speaking the unkind word, thinking a wrong thought, assuming ill motives of another.

Whoa

Slip

Slide

The pendulum

L
O
W
S

lowers slows almost to standing

How did it get to that slowest of all slows, our melody engulfed in discontentment, selfishness and complaints ~ unrecognizable discord?

I call out to God the Father in the name of His Son "I need you! Help me obey Your Word, I want to 'rejoice always', I want to be 'quick to listen and slow to speak', I want to be a servant leader."

I read that portion of scripture to the children and ask, "How can we 'rejoice in the Lord always" and why would we want to?" No one is quite sure how to rejoice but they ALL want peace. We ALL need His peace, HIS PEACE - "guarding our hearts and our minds."

I read on ~ everyone eager to discover how we can have this peace. We discover, as if for the first time the thing I have long known and am ashamed I have not been doing. WE MUST "dwell on these things". . . HIM. Our minds MUST be filled Up to Brimming . . . Abiding in . . . Meditating on . . . Be completely saturated With "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8. I pose the question, "Where is the single place we can find things that are true, honorable . . .?"

"The Bible"

"God's Word"

"Scripture"

three answers cascade on top of each other!

YES and then we look up John 1 "In the beginning was the WORD and the word became flesh"

It's ALL HIM ~ we recommit to memorize, meditate on the Word, on Him and the pendulum steadies as we come full circle.

Poetry

2011-02-28T16:02:00.006-06:00

The children have been working on poetry and I found this rhyming dictionary site that has been very helpful. I need motivators along the way - deadlines - you know, that sort of thing. . . so when a friend told me about a poetry contest it motivated me to give the children a crash course on poetry. We got "Poetry for Dummies" from the library as well as some works of poetry by famous poets and off we went. Their poems have great potential! hm hm that is a polite way of saying they do need some work but as the contest deadline was today they will have to do. I do wish I would have started them a bit earlier so we could have revised them A LOT more.

Suspended
The Hammock is light
In the breeze it sways
I feel I’m in flight
Warmed by the sun’s rays

A bird sings near by,
Perched up in a tree
High up in the sky
A white cloud I see
By Mary
False Banquet

Horses graze, gust howls, Far-off cougar growls.
Onward it lurks, the odor is meat, on it goes with no sound of its feet.
Like a mouse pursued by tabby, comes cougar petulant, crabby.
The odor draws near, he licks his lip; banquet approaches to taste, to rip.

But as he prepares, to spring, a sound, a neigh, horse does bring.
Like a flash of thunder, storming the prairie, away dash the horses, the wind does carry.
Off prowls the horror of the plane, and as for courage it remains vain.
Long legs sweeping, sweeping along, hooves sounding as a great palace gong.

The hooves ring the planes, which the cougar once reigned, now he knows; it’s no longer his domain.
The rabbits are eaten, the prairie dogs too, none remain but the horse for old cat to chew.
Woe to the glutton of old man cat, no longer shall he, be so fat.
He gets thinner and thinner each day; someday he’ll starve, he’ll waste away.
By Jacob

Tough Climb
Snowflakes are falling, mom is asleep, but as for me to the cookie jar I creep.
Up the shelves, quickly I go, silent as a cat, silent as the snow.
Slowly forward, one inch at a time, Oh my, what a very tough climb.
I near the cookie jar, creep, creep, creep, but then BANG! Down I fall in a heap.
By Jacob

The Bad Band

The band begins I plug my ears
And from the crowd come several sneers
But when the drums begin to play
Every one runs away
By Abigail

Snapshot Summary #31

2011-02-19T07:17:00.001-06:00

Sunday
13 - February, 2011

Apphia and Cilla in their matching dresses

Davey and Ezra

For the past 12 years Drew and I have been driving 23 miles to church. After a great deal of thought, we have made the sober decision to look for a local church. We hope to find a fit at an assembly in town. Our search begins tomorrow (Feb.20.). Please pray with us as we seek the Lord in this matter.

Wondering if Red Neck would be broody with the baby chicks.She showed NO interest.

Monday
14 - February, 2011

We enjoyed neighbors and friends here for taco's tonight. I hardly had to prepare any food, Laura and Miriam made the majority. The kids enjoyed playing and we enjoyed sweet fellowship and yummy food. The above picture is the product of the children's quiet play during our family time.

Tuesday
15 - February, 2011

Our chicks are already three days old!

Wednesday
16 - February, 2011

Chloe continues to enjoy reading and singing as her favorite past times!

Thursday
17 - February, 2011

Baruch's day to help clean out the chicks pen.

Friday
18 - February, 2011

Friday snack - home made cookies!! Yummy Mommy!

2011-02-14T17:52:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine’s Day! 2010 flew by in a flash! In November we made an addition to the family - BANJO. The children were thrilled that we made good on our commitment to get a dog once Chloe was potty trained. Banjo, a black and white Havanese, seems a perfect fit for us. He has plenty of energy for a long walk, but not so much that he won’t settle down and enjoy someone’s lap. Chloe, however, has taken his presence as a threat and totally regressed on. She is finally (after 3 ½ months) remastering her potty skills – thankfully. Chloe keeps the dog hopping with her commands and doesn’t hesitate to let him know “I’M IN CHARGE”. Banjo isn’t the only thing Chloe aspires to command. We all work hard to not let her get away with disobedience, no matter how cute – and she is quite cute (yes, that is coming from her parents). Abram continues to astound us. His 4 year old brain is in overdrive!! He keeps us on our knees. He asks penetrating questions, unfortunately almost always at bed time (he always has “just one more”). Baruch just turned 7, lost his first tooth, started piano lessons and is constantly modifying his toys to find out how they work and make them “better”. Abigail has a tender heart, loves to dote on Chloe, and seems to be blossoming in her self-confidence. Jacob! We still use the same single word to describe Jacob – excess! There isn’t much about him that couldn’t be summed up in that word. He likes to earn money by walking the neighbor’s dog, mowing lawns and shoveling snow. We all take pleasure in his ability to play the piano and guitar (and anything else he tries). He is always looking for competition in ping-pong, basketball and any other sport. Mary entered her teenage years in October. She is maturing into a lovely young lady with unusual spiritual insight. She continues to surprise us with her creativity in sewing and needlework and enjoys playing the piano as well. She helps mom’s sanity with her culinary ability, by reading aloud to the little ones and is the only one patient enough to train Banjo . Banjo sits, fetches, goes in the kennel on command, is learning “leave it”, and is almost rolling over! Beth continues to strive to build up our home as she walks in grace, struggling through some days and soaring through others. Drew keeps trying to direct the whole tribe in a strategic way to honor the Lord. When people ask him how life is with 6 kids, he will say “when things are good, they are really good, when they are bad… oh boy.” Our aim is to make known the fame and worth of Jesus Christ in every sphere we can.
Love from Drew and Beth
on behalf of the entire Tribe:
Mary(13), Jacob(11), Abi(9), Baruch(7), Abram(4), Chloe(2) and Banjo(6 mo.)

Bye bye my sweet sister

2011-02-13T06:15:00.002-06:00

Mingled sadness fills my heart at our parting.

Hugging.

Crying.

Rejoicing.

Thankfulness.
My sister Renee and her family leave to go back to Colombia soon. They came to say goodbye to us today. My emotions ran the gamut and I am sure will continue to for some time.

Snapshot Summary #30

2011-02-12T06:47:00.009-06:00

A Snapshot collage with pictures taken from Sunday 6 - February to Friday 11 - February, 2011

Blizzard 2011

2011-02-07T06:07:00.000-06:00

Here is a slideshow of our pictures taken during the blizzard.

Snapshot Summary #29

2011-02-06T18:45:00.003-06:00

Saturday
29 - January, 2011
About 10 days ago Baruch got a nasty sliver while sliding across the dining room floor. It plunged beyond my reach and I just could not get the stinker out. As a last ditch ever to relieve him of it we took him into the dr. who numbed the area and dug out a 1/4 inch piece of pine. Baruch complained of the area hurting and I didn't think much of it as I figured the area would be sore. Then today he asked me to look at it "Is this puss mommy?" Sure enough, puss was pouring out as he squeezed from the bottom. I thought I saw something black below the surface so I pulled back the skin to get a better look when low and behold an inch and a half long piece of our floor came literally shooting out of his leg! So the question is, should we still have to pay the $234 surgery fee? Ugh!!!

I am praising the Lord it has healed nicely and doesn't show signs of infection.

Sunday
30 - January, 2011

We had a lovely time attending Laura's piano recital this afternoon. She did an amazing job expressing herself through some awesome music! We were privileged to have her parents here afterward for supper. I can see where Laura gets her bubbly personality! Then the children played their competition pieces for them while Chloe talked incessantly!!

Monday
31 - January, 2011
Our piano teacher picked the children up for a master lesson with a more accomplished piano teacher. The rest of us played catch up on laundry etc.

Tuesday
1 - February, 2011

Sining "Happy Birthday" to Baruch after lunch!

Opening his present after supper. . .

. . .and then it started to snow!

after playing in the snow for a while. . .

Drew and the kids worked on changing my old guitar (that my friend Mary gave me way back in Florida - thanks mare) into a slide guitar. the neck on the guitar for whatever reason was way bent so our teacher recommended changing into a slide guitar. this is done by adding a nut to the ah, what would that be called? bridge, no that's not right, where's Jacob when i need him, I'm sure he would remember. anyway, you add the nut to the what's it's name, raising the strings up and use a metal slide while finger picking it. Mary has played it the most and it sound really cool. a very nice addition to our "band" if you can call it that :-)

Wednesday
2 - February, 2011
Mary and I woke up bright and early ready to deliver the daily paper (we are subing on our old route this week) to find our back yard a winter wonder-land! I didn't see any tracks from a vehicle and wondered if the papers would be in there usual spot. Well, I thought if they were there - they were buried in a drift of snow! I shoveld out the area the papers are usually dropped off and didn't find them so I just enjoyed the snow for a bit. The wipping wind drifted snow supper deep in some spots while leaving bare ground in others! Amazing! Beautiful! Spectacular.

Everyone had fun helping Drew shovel while Chloe and I baked bread and make homemade pizza.

Saturday
5 - February, 2011
Drew's parents came to watch the little ones so Drew and I could both attend the piano competition Mary, Jacob and Abigial participated in. The judges were excellent, and overall the experience was positive for the children.

Drew's parents gave Baruch a parakeet for his birthday! It was delivered today!! He has the bird on his finger already, although I would by no means call the sweet little fellow tamed!

Happy Birthday Baruch!

2011-02-01T06:12:00.006-06:00

2006(below)2007

2008

2009

2010

Chloe's Song

2011-01-31T06:51:00.001-06:00

Snapshot Summary #28

2011-01-29T14:43:00.000-06:00

Saturday
22 - January, 2011

Sunday
23 - January, 2011

Out to eat to celebrate Grandma's 93rd Birthday

Then back to her house for fun and games!

Monday
24 - January, 2011
Happenings around the house . . .

After Bible Study . . .

Tuesday
25 - January, 2011
Happenings around the house . . .

Wednesday
26 - January, 2011
The children have been reading a mystery book which inspired them to try out invisible ink. They juiced a lemon, then wrote on a piece of paper with it, using a toothpick. To read invisible message, heat up the paper, just be careful not to burn it!

Cob frosting a cake for the first time. Mary and Abi frosted cakes for the first time too, I just failed to capture that on film.

Thursday
27 - January, 2011
Abram hard at his phonics lesson.
He loves to do "school"!

Friday
28 - January, 2011

We had a great day with Tonya and kids here for science. We each built a brain out of clay, making the cerebrum, cerebellum and brain stem each out of a different color. We then built neurons out of pipe cleaners, dendrites, cell body, axon and axon terminal each of a different color. Then Tonya and I enjoyed encouraging each other in the Lord while the kids played. I have really enjoyed our science times. With each new body system we study I am amazed anew at how "fearfully and wonderfully made" we are. God is an amazing creator!

Impromptu on Friday Morning

2011-01-28T08:42:00.001-06:00

Oatmeal in the Crockpot!

2011-01-25T13:12:00.004-06:00

I finally found a crockpot oatmeal recipe that worked for me! I have tried several in the past, always striving to have a cook all night - little to no morning prep breakfast. The ones I have made in the past come out WAY too gooey, like a big sticky blob. This recipe used 6 Cups of water to 2 Cups of steal cut oats. I used a total of 13 1/2 Cups water and 4 1/2 Cups oats and added 3/4 teaspoon sea salt. Right before retiring for the night, I added the ingredients, turned the crock on low put on the lid and woke up to wonderfully creamy oatmeal. After adding 1/2 rapadura, 1 t cinnamon and 1/4 t almond extract it was ready to serve!!! I served it with cranberries on the side as not everyone enjoys them. Everyone really enjoyed breakfast. There were some leftovers so I put them in the blender at 10:00 and added some homemade yogurt and frozen berries for our snack time. Yum, yum fruity smoothy.

Crockpot Oatmeal
13 1/2 Cup Water
4 1/2 Cup Oats
3/4 teaspoon salt
Cook on low in crockpot for 8 to 10 hours.

Stir in
1/2 C rapadura
1 heaping teaspoon cinnamon
14 teaspoon almond extract

And Enjoy!!
Serve with nuts and fresh or dried fruit if desired.

Down Time

2011-01-24T15:34:00.002-06:00

Snapshot Summary #27

2011-01-22T09:02:00.000-06:00

Friday
14 - January, 2011

We had some friends join us for a wii party! Jonny and Jimmy live close by and already knew the ropes of wii playing. Cob even asked them to bring their own remotes. Shortly after they arrived the neighbors dog came up missing so off the boys ran to help find Hector! It didn't take them too long to find Hector but they came home without Jimmy! I was just starting to worry when I saw him walking toward the house!! The next game of choice was . . .

table tennis. The boys were pretty evenly matched so there were some really good volleys. Before long Pa and Grandma arrived to join in the fun!

Saturday
15 - January, 2011

Chloe and I kind of did our own thing today. We headed to a meeting, then to Aldi, back home to unload, put away and get lunch on the table. In the afternoon I baked a bread. Drew took the other children and his parents to a raptor presentation. They also had a baby cougar! I was thankful to get so much done and Drew said the children enjoyed their time with Pa and Grandma.

Sunday
16 - January 2011

The children enjoyed having friends come for what turned out to be a - longer than expected (and much enjoyed) time. Our plans are not His plans. Poor Kathy dropped Ezra and Keziah off with the plan of picking them up around 4:30 only to experience van trouble. We had a great time with the children. Mary, Abi and Keziah worked on a small quilt. They were easy to photograph, Ezra and the boys never stood still long enough!

Monday
17 - January 2011

Laura brought her children along to bible study tonight. The children were thrilled to have friends here two days in a row. They all played together so nicely. They did divide into girls/boys and rotate half way with one group in the basement and the other group upstairs. Bible study has been very encouraging! Last week we memorized Proverbs 21:5"Steady plodding brings prosperity but hasty speculation brings poverty." I have been so encouraged to just keep plodding away at what I know the Lord desires of me. Steady! Easy does it! Keep going . . . plod, plod, plod.

Flora and Chloe

Tuesday
18 - January 2011

We snuck into John and Miriam's (at Miriam's request) to help John celebrate his birthday. Surprise!?! Yes he was. We gladly stayed for the strawberry cake with chocolate frosting John made.

Chloe waiting patiently for the host to take the first bite.
Our neighbors that have become very dear to us, John and Miriam.

Wednesday
19 - January 2011

Participating in Bible study Monday night and a Birthday celebration Tuesday makes this our first Family Worship since the Lord's Day! Ahhhh our family needed this nourishing time.

Friday
21 - January 2011

We had another busy day. Aldi in the AM. Stringed instrument practice in the afternoon. Drew's parents came to watch the little three as Drew and I are now in on the lessons. Funny how good it sounds when Keith is playing with us and how pathetic when we are home playing on our "lone" (to quote Renee's kids). After lunch (which Drew's mom brought, yummy meatballs) the little ones took naps, Pa and Cob played ping pong and Mary took Mary E. and Abi to St. Vincents and Good Will and I made bread and pizza crusts. Supper was a bit late, then Drew and I had a date. I feel so spoiled we have had so many dates lately! We really needed to talk budget though and weren't organized enough to do it so, well, we'll just have to have another date again!