It's Not The Water...

A Day at the ZOO

2008-11-25T12:39:00.001-06:00

Making Cookies

2008-11-25T12:01:00.001-06:00

Using Auntie B's Cut-Out Cookie recipe, the girls helped me make some cookie dough and then E, I and the girls did some serious decorating!

Yummy!

Missing Birthdays

2008-11-25T11:46:00.001-06:00

I thought I was going to be good and post a picture of each child on their birthday with their cake and all that good stuff. Good intentions will never get you anywhere! I must remember that.

"S" celebrated his birthday in June. His dad was out of town and "S" ended up spending that weekend with his uncle, where he was able to celebrate his very important day with his cousins. Here at home, he had a BIG chocolate chip cookie with frosting on it. We don't have very many pictures of him, so I am posting a recent picture of him with his little brother.

He is a sophomore this year. He lettered in Cross Country (Varsity) and made it to Regional's back in October. Basketball just began and JV games will be starting after Thanksgiving.

"A2" celebrated her 4th birthday in July, and like all 4th birthdays (maybe even mine! I should check with my parents about that one.), we spent the evening with Chuck E. Cheese. We bought a bunch of tokens, split them up and let the children have fun! All tickets won went to A2 and she picked out 10 Laffy Taffy's and a little toy. Her cake is supposed to the castle cake out of the Family Fun magazine, but it didn't quite work out, although she enjoyed it.

Doing the "Chicken Dance"

I celebrated my birthday in September. The girls really had fun with this one. For days before, they were making birthday cards and wrapping up their favorite toys for me. I believe I opened up at least 100 different cards from them! They decorated with balloons and hats, and made it a very special birthday!

My husband's birthday came about two weeks later in October and sadly, we don't have any pictures from his birthday. Of course, it didn't help that he was out of town on his day! Again, the children went all out and wrapped up their favorite toys and some other very interesting items (plain notebook, a book pulled off the bookcase, etc!) and made him lots of birthday cards. He had an Angel Food cake. Here is a picture of him with baby.

Three weeks later, our youngest son had the most special kind of a birthday! No cake for him!

One week later, "E" turned 9! Since his dad was off work for the baby, they went out together and shopped for a birthday present. After much deliberation, he finally picked a game for his DS. His sisters were excited to give him another Webkinz. His dad was going to make work for his birthday cake with relighting candles, but wouldn't you know it, they never relit themselves!

Less than 2 weeks later, we had yet another birthday! "A3" turned the big 3! We celebrated her birthday the day before due to Wednesday night church. Since she enjoyed her big brother's chocolate cake so much and ate more than the frosting, she had a yummy chocolate cake! It took awhile for her to say she was 3, she kept saying, "No, A2 three, me two". After she understood it was her birthday, she kept singing the "Happy Birthday song" to herself! Just days after her birthday, she started to sadly say, "My birthday all gone!"

Everybody in our family is now a year older and we must wait until January to celebrate another birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

A Government Lesson using French Fries

2008-11-24T13:58:00.001-06:00

Head on over to Smockity Frocks to read about a lesson in Taxation without Representation and Redistribution.

Thanksgiving Meal

2008-11-24T12:44:00.001-06:00

We normally have Thanksgiving with my husband's family, but this year they are all going out to a restaurant. I'm not against that, but the place where they picked is a cafeteria style place and when you take into consideration the amount of food my children would eat vs the cost, plus the headache of taking care of all the children's trays, etc and nursing a baby in a crowded restaurant, we opted to have our meal at home. Instead, we will have a gentleman over that works with my husband and his wife who is new to the United States from China. I am making enough food that I hope to be able to have my husband's parents and grandmother over for lunch on Saturday or Sunday for a Thanksgiving repeat.

Our Menu:

Breakfast: Upside Down Cranberry Cake

Lunch or Dinner (Still haven't decided when we are eating)

Turkey (Lemon Herb Roasted)
Ham
Gravy
Rolls (some white, some wheat)
Honey Butter
Mashed Potatoes
Sweet Potato Casserole
Green Bean Casserole (Ewwww...this is only made out of love for my hubby!)
Cheesy Potato Casserole
Orange Pineapple Jell-O
Sweet Butter Corn
Creamy Corn Casserole
Dressing/Stuffing
Broccoli Salad
Basil Carrots
Homemade Chunky Applesauce
Apple Slices
Pumpkin Pie
Layered Pumpkin Pie (cream cheese layer inside!)
Cherry Pie
Pecan Pie or Apple Pie (not sure which and I only have 4 pie pans)
Rice Krispy Treats
Wassail, Iced Tea, Hot Chocolate and Coffee to drink

That other meal (which will be finger food and eat as you like)

Cheese Slice and Crackers
Spinach Dip
Veggies and Dip (carrots, celery, tomatoes, peppers)
Apple Slices (we currently have 2 bushels of apples, thus all the apples)
Rolls
Hummus and Pitas (if I can find pitas at the grocery store, I have been unable to the last 3 times I was there)

What will we do with turkey and ham leftovers?

Shredded turkey, gravy & noodle
Turkey Pot Pie
Shredded Turkey Tacos
Turkey Tetrazinni
Ham Quiche
Ham & Beans
Red beans and Rice
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Things that make you go Hmmmmm......

2008-11-24T12:07:00.001-06:00

Gas prices are going down. More and more people are using those cloth bags instead of the paper or plastic ones provided at the store and yet food costs are not going down.

What's up with that?

Baby On Board!!

2008-10-22T12:08:00.000-05:00

Our newest addition has arrived.

Kids College

2008-07-24T13:15:00.003-05:00

This past week, we have been running, running and running. We signed "E" and "I" up for 2 classes at a community college near us for Kids College. For 4 days, they learned about Rock Climbing 101 and were able to learn more about trees and flowers. They went to a Master Gardener's garden and picked vegetables one day. The next, they went to a park and bought home a willow tree to plant, but they don't look like they will survive the heat here. Then, they went to a local nature trail and found some Paw Paw Trees (I have no idea if I am spelling them correctly) and the last day they went to a nursery and brought home pots of geraniums! They also discovered that if you rub a petal for a little while, it will release some dye and you can paint with it! We had red and purple fingerprints everywhere!

The girls and I had fun, while the boys did their thing! One day, we went to a lake with friend and her daughter and swam all morning. I went home with a horrible sun burn that day! We hung out at Mickey D's play land for two morning with the same friend and daughter. The girls loved playing there! I did too...it was air conditioned! We did some shopping one morning for a little while...my girls LOVE shopping!

Works For Me Wednesday

2008-07-16T12:58:00.002-05:00

Works For Me Wednesday!

What works for me is calling the manufacturer when there is a problem with items you have purchased.

I recently purchased some vinyl covered training pants for our potty training daughter, with the assumption that it would be like wearing both training underpants and vinyl pants at the same time...sort of an all in one. I bought them to use for when going to church and sleeping. Imagine my surprise when these leaked right through after one potty! When I put her in training pants and vinyl pants, she doesn't leak, nor if I put vinyl pants over regular, big girl panties...only in these all in ones.

I called Gerber today, and was told they get these kind of phone calls all the time...they are not meant to keep children dry, they are just training pants. I was pretty shocked by that.

Gerber, though, is making it right. They are sending me a postage paid mailing label to send them back the vinyl covered training pants and will be sending me a check for the three 2 packs we purchased at about $7 each!

I was very pleased by the outcome of my phone call and with Gerber. This is not the first time that Gerber has done this for us, with different items. For the same daughter we are potty training, she would only use a certain type of pacifier that only Gerber made and apparently discontinued selling at most stores shortly after we discovered this pacifier. They sent us a package of these pacifiers for free, which held us over until we went to visit family a few states away where I found 4 packages! That held us over until she would take different pacifiers (at about 8 months old!).

In another incident, we bought a new baby bath and the smell absolutely made me sick...they told us to keep that bottle and sent us coupons for two free bottles of baby bath. A friend, who loved the smell, was happy about this and so was I!

This morning, I also called Land's End. I had purchased "A1" a swimming suit, that has a skirt on it. On the skirt, purely for decoration is a belt. After having this swimming suit for about 1 1/2 month, the belt stopped buckling, which resulted in the belt pieces hanging there, b/c they are permanently attached. Very annoying to a 6 year old girl in swim lessons. I was just going to cut it off and be done with it, but then I got to thinking...hey, I paid a lot of money for this swim suit from what is (in my opinion) a very good company known for it's high quality clothes. So, I gave them a call. They are sending me a replacement skirt and a label to send the broken one back. Hopefully, this was just a fluke, b/c the customer service representative said this is the first time she has heard of this happening.

That is what works for me! What works for you? Tell everybody at Works For Me Wednesday/
or just head on over to see what works for everybody else!

This Week's Menu....

2008-07-14T12:48:00.004-05:00

My goal for this week is to not use the oven (well, other than the Princess Castle Cake that I need to bake 5-8 inch cakes for!), so everything will be stove top, crock pot or I will find a dish that will fit in the toast oven.

Dinners:
Monday: Cashew Chicken, Rice, mixed veggies...maybe egg drop soup
Tuesday: Chuck E. Cheese's for a birthday party!
Wednesday: Salmon Patties, carrots
Thursday: Beef & Noodles, peas...maybe rolls
Friday: Crock Pot Salsa Chicken with rice
Saturday: Pot Luck at our homeschool field trip group planning meeting: We will take watermelon, grapes, a peach or cherry cobbler in the crock pot, pb&j sandwiches and turkey and cheese sandwiches
Sunday: Tuna Casserole

The Breakfast Menu will stay the same as last week:

Monday: Cereal (which means cheerios as that is all we have!)
Tuesday: Oatmeal
Wednesday: Scrambled Eggs
Thursday: Fruit Smoothie
Friday: Oatmeal or Granola
Saturday: Pancakes or Waffles or Eggs
Sunday: Bagels with Cream Cheese

Lunch Menu:
Monday: Peanut Butter and Jelly
Tuesday: Mac and Cheese
Wednesday: Celery with PB & raisins, fruit
Thursday: Cheese Blasts
Friday: Ham or Turkey Sandwiches, fruit
Saturday: Something light as we are having a pot luck dinner tonight!
Sunday: Roast Chicken, Stuffing, mixed veggies

Need some more ideas? Go to the home of Menu Planning Monday!

24 times 15 equals...

2008-07-13T22:54:00.002-05:00

A LOT OF CRAYONS!

Like most homeschooling moms, I am starting to stock up for the year on school supplies. I purchased 15 boxes of crayons with the intention of bringing out a new box or two or three every month (because my girls are avid color-ers...I never needed to do this with my boys!).

I put them up in a room not being used right now. Or so I thought!

My husband asked me why I already dumped out all the crayons and wondered why I hadn't thrown away the boxes. Uh...I didn't!

The good news is, "A3" dumped all 15 boxes of crayons into a bigger box in the room. The bigger box had nothing else in it. She didn't color on any of the walls (at that moment!) or the hard wood floor. She didn't lose any!

"A1" and "A2" had fun helping Mommy and Daddy sort out the crayons. If you have ever seen a school supply catalog and the pictures of the bulk amount of crayons for sale, that is what our floor looked like! "A2" had fun differentiating the greens and "A1" was excited to start to fill the boxes. "E" and "I" happened upon all this towards the end, but since they can read, they were able to help sort out the oranges and reds.

This brought back memories of me sorting out my 128 count crayon box to make it look pretty! The feeling wasn't cozy enough that I want to do this again!

The crayons are put up again...HIGHER!

So Sweet...

2008-07-12T23:58:00.003-05:00

A1 has had a hard time accepting that the baby is a boy. She really, really wanted another little girl. Today, we were talking and I watched as she fully understood it.

She went running to A2 (who has been praying morning, noon and night since we told the children we were having a baby, for a baby brother), tackled her in a hug and said, "A2...God answered your prayers! The baby is a boy! Isn't God so good?"

I love it that she didn't start crying about God not answering her prayers, but instead rejoiced with others whose prayers HAD been answered the way they wanted!

Two Weeks in Africa...

2008-07-11T22:07:00.005-05:00

While driving home tonight from the store, I was listening to the song, Two Weeks in Africa by Caedmon's Call and a thought came to me that I believe to have come from God. I would like to have the opportunity to take each of our children on a missions trip before they graduate from high school. I am going to put this into God's hands for each child as to what age would be best for each. It doesn't have to be Africa, but wherever God lays on each child's heart.

I pray we can start this with our oldest son...if we do, we don't have much time. There will be the summer between sophomore and junior year and spring breaks. He plans to enter the Army with delayed entry which means he would go to Basic Training the summer between junior and senior year. Wow...where has the time gone?!?

Two Weeks in Africa

by Caedmon's Call

Johannesburg to Capetown
the plane had barely touched down
she was taking photos for the friends back home
this was always where she felt her heart belonged
and she was finally here
the sky was bright and clear two weeks....and we all can feel the calling
two weeks...to make the world a little smaller
and so a girl got on a plane
for two weeks in Africa
Johannesburg to Houston
she came home on a mountain
but school was starting, things kept moving on
before you knew it, seven years had gone
-
she found a picture of her standing, smiling
arms around the starving kids
she swore to not forget...
she swore to not forget
and if we follow our dear sun
to where the stars are not familiar…faces turn to numbers
numbers fall like manna from the sky
why, oh why? oh Father, why?
one village in Malawi now has water running pure and clean
one church alive in Kenya’s full of truth and love and medicine
We put the walls up, but Jesus keeps them standing
He doesn’t need us, but He lets us put our hands in
so we can see His love is bigger than you and me

Works For Me Wednesday!

2008-07-09T13:23:00.002-05:00

When potty training always keep a little plastic potty seat in your vehicle! Always. If you bring along gallon size zipper bags, you can put napkins in the bottom and have all your mess contained. I can not tell you how many times this potty seat has SAVED us!

Even if you are through with potty training, don't forget that nifty potty seat when traveling.

It may save you some frustrations!

Swim Lesson Photos

2008-07-08T14:41:00.001-05:00

Lego Ships

2008-07-08T14:38:00.001-05:00

War Reenactment Photos

2008-07-08T14:32:00.002-05:00

One rainy day, while I was still in the horrible stage of morning sickness, the boys watched

Gods and Generals and Gettysburg. I found these pictures on our camera shortly after!

In the above photo, if you look real close at the back,

you will see the parking lot filled with Hot Wheels!

Entomology Pictures

2008-07-08T14:21:00.003-05:00

We went on an "Insect Hunt" with another family that was kind enough to let us use

their aerial and sweep nets.

Our children did catch some of these insects, but again, the kind family that we went on the hike with shared some of theirs. They showed the children how to pin them to the styrofoam boards.

Gynger Belle...part C

2008-07-08T14:16:00.003-05:00

Gynger Belle Now!

8 Months Old!

Gynger Belle...part B

2008-07-08T14:12:00.003-05:00

Gynger Belle is growing!

In the above picture, she is 3 months old.

More than doubled in size at 6 months!
Gynger Belle sighing.

Gynger Belle...part A

2008-07-08T12:54:00.007-05:00

Last year, we decided we would like to own a calm, little, tiny lap dog...so we picked a Saint Bernard! We found a breeder not too far from us whose dog had just conceived and we put down a deposit for our little puppy.

Then, we waited...and waited...and waited until December 2nd of 2007, when the momma doggy gave birth to 12 puppies!

Two weeks later, we drove up to pick out our little girl!

Here are the "Puppy Picking Out" Pictures!

Aren't they cute?!?!

Potty Training

2008-07-08T12:47:00.003-05:00

"A3" is two and a half. I should have started potty training long ago, but quite honestly...diapers are easier! Easier for driving long drives, easier for dropping the children off somewhere, easier for going to the potty-less parks, etc!

I had thought about it though. I even went so far as to buy some pink vinyl pants and vinyl covered thick underwear for her. She would sit on the potty occasionally, but nothing consistent.

Then...it happened. We ran out of diapers. My husband was there and said, "Looks like it is time to start training her!" So, we did.

She is doing really good! She still has the occasional accident, but it hasn't been horribly bad. And, I get to enjoy 4 months without changing any diapers! Or buying them...won't that be nice on the pocket book?

Check in tomorrow for "Works for Me Wednesday" to see what works for me with potty training!

Regionals!

2008-07-07T08:37:00.003-05:00

"S" has been playing baseball for a small town team and although the team didn't do too well for the season, he was recruited by another team at his last game! So, "S" was able to go to Regionals! They did that this weekend. His first game on Saturday was a blow out, the pitchers("S" is one) had a no hit game, it was great, it was...QUICK! The other team didn't show up...rumor has it that on this 14 year old team, a majority of the boys were 15 and did not turn 15 after the league started, therefore, did not have enough players.

Sunday, "S" went for game 2. Although his team lost, he did quite a bit of pitching. Game 3 was supposed to be the winner of game 2 and the missing team from day 1. Since the team was still missing for game 3, "S"'s team played again. They did lose again, but "S" did get a lot of pitching time in and made a run for the team!

At the end of the games, the officials handed out awards to the boys and "S" received the MVP award for his team! Pretty good for only playing on that team for two games!

"S" is now ready for a break from sports until Cross Country starts this fall at school.

Another Two Weeks of Swim Lessons!

2008-07-07T08:29:00.002-05:00

Here we go again! "E" and "I" stayed in level 4 to perfect some of their moves. "A1" moved up to level 3 and "A2" moved up to level 2. This two week period should prove to be easier than the last time, as then we had levels 1,2 and 4...we live 12 minutes away, so it wouldn't do any good to go home for that 45 minute period, so they played and played in the HOT, HOT sun!

Of the children, "A1" has made the most progress from last year. Last year, she refused to jump off the diving board or go down the slide...not this year! Last session, she was the first one from her class to do both the diving board and slide! The boys have started diving this year. "A2" has never been afraid of the water, in fact, when we went to Great Wolf Lodge last year, she would go under water and come up laughing because it was so much fun! She had a blast in swim lessons...of course, she can have a blast anywhere!

The pool where the children take swim lessons also offers water aerobics twice a week for $1 each night! I did it two weeks ago and had a lot of fun...it was nice to be in the water and not worry about a little one going where they should not! Last week didn't work out, but I plan to go this week, at least once.

Menu Planning Monday!

2008-07-07T07:58:00.003-05:00

Laura at Organized Junkie wants to know what is on your menu this week! I decided to jump on this bandwagon for several reasons. It helps to save money (not running out to eat for lack of food, not eating the few convenience items I purchase b/c they are "easy"), keeps us eating healthier and I can just point to the list on the fridge if somebody wants to know what is for dinner!

Dinners:
Monday:
Salmon for Dad and Mom, Tilapia for the children (we would have the same, but I using Cindy's Porch's Rule of Shopping at Home First
Carrot and Rice Casserole
Salad

Tuesday:
Tacos
Refried Beans
Spanish Rice

Wednesday:
Turkey Sausage (mom and children), Pork Sausage (Dad just won't get into the turkey sausage!)
Baked Beans (compliments of "I", who thinks it is his duty to doctor up the beans like his dad taught him to!)
Rice or Corn Bread
Salad

Thursday:
Tamale Casserole
left over beans and rice
raw veggie

Friday:
Hamburgers on the grill
Tater Tots or Roasted Potatoes (w/ olive oil and Mrs. Dash)
raw veggie
fruit

Saturday:
Leftovers

Sunday:
Quesadillas
Fruit or Veggie

Breakfasts:
Monday: Cereal
Tuesday: Oatmeal
Wednesday: Scrambled Eggs
Thursday: Fruit Smoothie
Friday: Oatmeal or Granola
Saturday: Pancakes or Waffles or Eggs
Sunday: Bagels with Cream Cheese

Lunches:
Monday: Peanut Butter and Jelly
Tuesday: Mac and Cheese w/ leftover hot dogs
Wednesday: Celery with PB & raisins, fruit
Thursday: Cheese Blasts
Friday: Ham or Turkey Sandwiches, fruit
Saturday: Silver Dollar City Succotash
Sunday: Beef Pot Roast with Potatoes & Carrots, Rolls, raw veggie