We Shall Mount Up With Wings

Christmas 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 22:54:00 +0000

Merry Christmas 2025.

It has been a year.   A very stressful year.

I’ll hit the big highlights …. At the beginning of October, we were promoted to Grampy and Nana. Grandparents to the darling AnneU.   I went down to spend a couple of weeks. The birth was hard on Kendra. So, I ended up staying a full 6 weeks and then some, a bit of extra time to do the baby dedication at their church. Congratulations to David and Kendra.   Tim has dubbed her Golden Girl because her initials are “AU” – look at the periodic table if you don’t get it.

Now Vannan …. Well, she turned 28. Still living here and crafting.

Joel turned 20 this year.   He’s taken on a few of the overflow students (mostly younger siblings of established students) .. and he’s doing a pretty good job of it.   The kids like him.   We are “saying” that he needs to get his driver’s license, but no go so far.
On the other hand, he recently became the owner of an electric guitar. It joins a variety of instruments in his room.

LaRue turned 16 just after the baby was born.   She’s discovered that she kind of maybe likes books.   Still drawing any chance she gets.   People are looking more real by the day.   She’s still doing cotorsion, but not as much.   She wants to learn taekwondo, or something like that.

Tim is still Door Dashing and reffing … but he needs a cataract removed from one eye. He was able to take Joel and Rue for a “vacation” to see Aunt Vivian at the end of July.

I’m still teaching … I was up to 45 students and nearly 60 hours a week (combined teaching and feedback, and preparation) of teaching. I’ve lost a lot of students this year.   One boy didn’t like to learn English, and his mom gave his classes to his little brother. He enjoyed the classes, but liked to disappear.   Mom got him an “in-person” tutor.   Three of my kids went up to high school (boarding schools pretty much required), and they dropped to just one class each.   Three students added sports – and dropped classes.   Two very young kids started, then stopped their classes. …. And I’ve added quite a few students as well.   On the low side right now, but hopefully, January will bring new students.

Tim’s folks are now both 85. And my parents are still resting peacefully.

A lot else happened. But those are the more positive points.
Maybe 2026 will improve.

Tim and Rachel
Merry Christmas. And a happy new year.

Christmas Letter 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 06:31:00 +0000

Ummm ... really ... I should post these things when I write them ... shouldn't I? I think I was ironing out dates, then discovered I had posted a Christmas update a few years ago .... so if you keep up with us, this is just a 7 year update all in a very short letter.

Most of this is a rehash of why I haven't sent a Christmas card since 2008 - seriously - 8 years? So if you've kept up with me and the kids, you will already know all of it. Also, I've written this in the middle of two nights while more asleep than awake, so I hope it sounds alright.

Dear Friends and Family,

Christmas Letter 2016.

The last real letter and Christmas cards that I can remember mailing out to family and friends was way back in 2008. I’m not even sure I remember that far back. The kids were 13, 11, and 3. Although, it appears I at least posted an update after the hearing in 2013? during the Christmas season

The same day that Kendra turned 14, we found out that were were once again pregnant. On Mother’s Day, we lost my mother. It was very sudden. She just passed out, and by the next day, she was gone. LaRue Kirstin was born October 14, 2009. And the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, after her 6 week check up, we were hit by an 18 wheeler from behind while turning onto our little oil road going home. We spent Thanksgiving in the hospital with Rue under sedation for seizures from a bad head injury. We would later take them to court, and we won, but the settlement was a pitiful amount.

But you can see why I missed that year. Tim was out of work most of that time, reffing and insurance work brought in enough to keep us fed and the electricity running. I don’t remember 2010 much, although I got an “extra” niece and nephew in March - not twins. But both of my best friends had their babies a weekish apart. My nephew was born with Downs Syndrome. Christmas came and went, and March 2011 came along, and Tim had a massive heart attack. The weeks that followed, we watched his health sliding farther and farther down, he was very sick. We nearly lost him in August when he caught a stomach bug, and dehydrated, the medicine they had him on shut down his kidneys. It was scary. But after the doctors removed him from a few of the meds, suddenly he started improving, enough to ref the volleyball and basket ball seasons that year. Finally, in March 2012, Tim went back to work at McDonald’s, and he’s been there ever since.

Sometime around then, my Dad started dating a nice “young” lady who was a widow. They are actually close in age. Eventually they married and my Dad moved in with her, that had to of been the summer of 2011, because my BFF and her family moved into my Dad’s house just before Christmas while their trailer was moved, and stayed until May, when we started to prepare for my Aunt to move in that October 2012, just in time for LaRue’s third birthday. My how time flies.

In 2010, Kendra joined NaNoWriMo and punched out her first novel. She began ignoring schoolwork, and churning out a massive quantity of writing on a daily basis. She published her first book on Amazon.com under the name “Kendra E. Ardnek” and titled “Sew, It’s a Quest.” A quirky little fairy tale novel aimed at middle school ages, but it was well loved by her cousins as well, no matter the ages. She also was writing plays for Church and family get togethers. She only had 2 years of High school to finish in 2011, but she didn’t pay much attention to it.

But all of these changes and emergencies, and I’m only giving the really “exciting ones”, made it difficult to get out a letter. Of course there was the Christmas we ended up at trial for the wreck … it was not a fun Christmas in 2013. I don’t think we even managed a tree that year.

March of 2015, I realized my Best friend was struggling to keep up with her two special needs kids as well as her two similar aged of Joel and Rue. She had been the one driving the day of the wreck, and had been knocked out on impact. It was a small thing to offer to “catch her kids up” for the year. And so I pulled out all of their lessons, and realized they were more than “a bit behind” and I would need more than a “few weeks” to get it done. And so I kept them for school for Sun night - Wed night or Thurs night until June. Joel and LaRue started Awana about the same time. When I started school back up in early August 2015, I had 6 full time students, and thankfully my Aunt’s part time help. The school year ended June of 2016, and both Kendra and Vannan graduated from High School. When Kendra realized that Vannan was going to graduate before she did, she crammed her last 8 classes into 12 weeks and finished with a flourish. So this year, we are running 5 sessions of school, each one 7 weeks long. The kids spend 3 weeks with me for 4 days a week, go home for a week (and a 3 day weekend) and then back with me for 3 weeks. Then we have a 1-2 week break before running the next 7 weeks. We just finished our 2^nd session before Thanksgiving, and are having a 6 week winter Christmas vacation.

Kendra turned 21 in Feb. And is the proud publisher of 8 novels. She has a pretty good sized fan following, and her books are getting pretty good ratings. Most of the negative has to do with her “too real” characters, magic in a Christian novel, or that it is a Christian novel. Some of her earliest have editing issues. But overall, she really is a good author. She is toying with a degree in Marketing or English. But is in no real hurry. She works at McDonald’s, though she quits for the winter or summer. She has author pages on Amazon and Goodreads. Her blog is https://knittedbygodsplan.blogspot.com

Vannan turned 19 in July. She actually graduated right on time, due to the fact that she is dyslexic, and it took 5 years to get her all the way through 3^rd/4th/5th. And suddenly she took off and never looked back. She also volunteered at Windridge, where she learned how to work with special needs kids using horses. She loves it. But one day she fainted over backwards, striking her head on the cement below. She’s struggled since then with sensory issues. She dabbles in writing, painting, drawing, piano, violin, writing songs, poetry, photography, and blogging. She LOVES animals, in spite of her asthma. She’s a go getter. She has two blogs, which she sometimes writes on … singingmiownsong.blogspot.com and http://makingmeaservant.blogspot.com/ What her big sister has in IQ, she has in gumption and tenacity. She’s ideas in motion. She’s not sure what direction she wants to go in, so is exploring various avenues before dedicating herself to one direction.

Joel turned 11 in June. He’s a mild mannered and thoughtful boy, more interested in computers, math, and science than he is in sports. He loves taking care of his sisters and cousins, and in general is a cuddly guy always ready to give out hugs and help. He’s working his way through 6^th grade, although he’s doing 8th grade math online. Tim got him a Vivofit 2 for his birthday, because people were telling us he was too sedentary. Imagine our surprise when he consistently topped 10,000 steps every day. Tim took us running/walking during the summer, and he was able to handle 3K runs. But when school started in August, he was sick off and on during the first week of school - I mean, don’t get out of bed or eat type of sick, and didn’t do well on that race. He lost a lot of his momentum. Hopefully, come Spring, we can start going to the track to run/walk and start building up our numbers again.

LaRue just turned 7 in October. And in spite of her rocky start, she’s tackled school with a fiery determination. She is a lot like me, full of deep thoughts and dry, odd humor. She is as shy and withdrawn as Joel is enthusiastically expressive. At church, she has no problem bouncing around hugging and shaking hands. And oddly enough, she’s always felt at home at the public library too. But otherwise, she is usually straight faced and withdrawn. Joel is her best and biggest rock, and without him, she kind of wilts. As she has aged, she has added new “rocks” to her collection. But still, if you met her, she would stare at you without any expression on her face, as she clung to me or one of her “rocks”. Unless you find one of her magic buttons, like LaLaLoopsy or Barbie princesses or school, and then she will animate and suddenly be your best friend and talk your head off. We find her delightful.

That’s about it. So, Merry Christmas 2016, and maybe I’ll get more cards out next year, and maybe even on time!

Tim and Rachel, Kendra, Vannan, Joel, and LaRue

Grief

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 22 Apr 2017 03:05:00 +0000

I posted this to FB last night - feeling rather overwhelmed. And I had so many people comment and tell me it meant something to them ... so I decided to post it over here as well.

http://www.welchfuneral.com/notices/Velma-Vickery

Grief has a way of sneaking up on you. Much of the time I keep my feelings hidden. It's not something I talk about, and not something I express well. And not even something I know how to express as sympathy to others.

My mom died 8 years ago - on Mother's Day - does anyone remember? I was almost halfway through my pregnancy with LaRue. Mother's Day ... it's coming up fast. I try to ignore it, maybe the feelings will go away. I'm not overly fond of mother's day. But I try to be strong for the rest of the family.

April 8 was her birthday. She would have been 69. This year, about the same time. Tim Roden's SIL lost her mother. My heart broke. I was fighting all of these feelings. And her mom was a pretty awesome lady that I had met and talked to many times. I tried hard, but didn't make it the funeral.

Wednesday night, as we were getting the kids to bed quite late after Awana, my uncle called. My mother's mother - my grandmother - Mamaw, had just died. We weren't surprised, as she's been slowly slipping away from us for a decade. But this time there will be no miracle that will bring her back. She's gone. I meant to take the family to see her after Easter, but Tim has off this Sunday as well, so since we were already well out of town, we promised ...next week.

It's all too much.

Family are arriving. The viewing is Friday night. The funeral Saturday afternoon after an already planned and eventful morning. I'll see faces again that I haven't seen in years. Hugs and "I love you's" and promises that we'll all do better at keeping in touch. But after a few weeks, we'll all start to forget again. Life gets busy again. Papaw and those closest to her, it will be hard. Wanting to check on her and remember she's actually totally ok ... just not with us.

How thankful I've been for FB, finding so many relatives and friends. Staying in touch, even if all I do is Like or Love the picture of a baby, a trophy, a new hair cut, colored hair, running, and so much more. I remember you. I pray for you. I remember that I love you and that you are important to me and hope you feel the same way about my posts and pictures.

How many times I picked up the phone to call and ask my mom a question, or went to her house expecting to see her, or wanting to have information that is now totally lost, because nobody wrote it down.

So they'll all come in town. We'll kiss and hug and cry. Then go home and nearly forget, for grief to hit at strange moments like a wave on a beach. Until it is someone close to you and suddenly it's like being hit by a wall of water and you don't know if you will ever find your feet. But you do. And even so the waves hit less hard as time passes .... until someone else close to you dies. And you remember how much you miss them all.

But there is the promise of Salvation and Eternal Life in heaven. I don't know how people survive without God's promises in the Bible. We will be reunited, but only with others that believed.

Grief. You never know when it's going to hit, turn you over, and befuddle you. But God is still there to catch you and keep you from drowning.

Please keep our family in your prayers at this time.

Updates

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 05:40:00 +0000

Tim turned out fine ... though the tests were mostly only on his heart.

They did blood tests, but many other possibilities for the severe pain were ignored because they did not involve his heart.

The hot water tank was fixed thanks to Jay and Steve.

We brought Vannan home after talking to the sheriff. She's been gone so long that her body revolted with the cats around and her asthma. We bought her an air purifier ... and she is doing much better now. She almost never leaves the house still.

We had a major leak under the bathroom sink.

Steve helped fix that as well ... along with the leak in the toilet flapper.

We went to the Windridge Open house ... where Tim did the silent auction and managed to win a night in a hotel for two. And a steam cleaner.

Overall, things are pretty good.

Keep us in your prayers.

Vannan is seeking an online college that does not cost an arm and a leg. She wants to go into some field with special needs children, perhaps the program at Windridge. She is volunteering again - but has to start at the very bottom and work her way up again. Unfortunately, she is not as strong as she was before.

She would LOVE to work at a ranch over the summer - especially if she could go north. She has visions of grandure, and she would like to know if her body could handle it if she pursued a career with horses involved.

Meanwhile, Kendra is searching for an online degree in Marketing, which again doesn't cost her future. She has started her own business helping young Indie authors meet up with people who can help them, and offering services to build up a joint readership among the group. http://kendrasgiraffecrafts.blogspot.com/

Tim Heart Problems ... Six Year Repeat

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 05:03:00 +0000

For those who don't know what is going on ... and there isn't much to tell right now.

About this time 3 years ago, Tim was actually pretty healthy, since he wasn't working - there wasn't much variety in our diet and yet we ate a lot of rice and beans and whatever we were given. We had to be careful with our food. Tim was doing good at staying away from Mt. Dew and Dr. Pepper and junk food, and he wasn't bringing them home.

He started working at McDonald's again. We were out of retirement money, and none of his job leads had done much more than nibble. For a while, he stayed pretty good at eating right - even though he was slipping away from his diet.

Then he went to Hamburger University October 2015. You have to sign a contract to go since they pay for it, but now things were more stressful at work. At the same time he was trying to do reffing seasons, with limited success. And he had that contract. He started wandering off his diet more often, and even though we got Fitbit's and Garmins to try to improve my health, and he began doing limited running and miles of walking, he was also eating a lot of sugars, junk foods, and sodas. And gained a lot of weight, especially in his stomach. He's still under contract, but is still paid hourly.

Their were a lot of things going on that were stressful.

And then FB started putting up memories of Tim's heart attack - exactly 6 years ago. It was weird to see them again. We were thankful things were better now.

Monday morning (the 5th), he woke with chest pains, and finally woke me and my Aunt drove him down to the hospital. They admitted him, but don't think he had a heart attack. And he's had a bunch of tests. But they haven't sent him home. Tomorrow morning at some time, they'll run him through a heart cath ... he doesn't now how extensive, it will depend on what they find. Afterwards he has to be really still for hours.

Prayers are appreciated.

You are Invited to Kendra and Vannan's Graduation

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 22:01:00 +0000

Just Realized this failed to publish .... so while the event has already happened ....
I thought you might like to see what we did and a bit about their graduation.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our church will be having a Potluck dinner after morning church on May
22 to celebrate all of the kids graduating in our church this year.

Two of those will be Kendra and Vannan.

Since they are the only 2 home schooled, the church has generously
offered to let them have a little graduation ceremony to receive their
diplomas after the meal.

You are invited to attend, both the meal and the graduation. May 22
after the morning service. The meal will probably start around 12:30
(no - you don't have to bring anything as you are not a church member),
and I don't know what time we get get to the awards part, but it will
most likely be after the 1:00 hour.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kendra is graduating with 39 credits and a 3.3 GPA. She has 7
published books with quite a dedicated fan club and many glowing reviews
on Amazon and Goodreads. She hosts a fairly popular blog, and at least
2 other blogs, along with editing books for other indi-authors. She
works part time at McDonalds. She has a DoTerra business. She also has
her own registered business called "Giraffe Crafts". She is considering
a degree in English, but will be taking some online courses this year in
History, Literature, Accounting, and Bible. She hopes somebody will
teach her (and Vannan) how to drive - to give her more freedom for
school and work. (She is fully insured).

Vannan is graduating with 34 credits and a 3.4 GPA. She volunteers at
Windridge (horse therapy for special needs kids). She plans to do their
education courses there to learn to be a therapy provider. She is
considering Christian Therapy and Counseling specializing in special
needs children as she pursues her future. She is currently planning to
take a variety of courses via the internet to help solidify areas she
feels she needs to pursue before putting out money for courses. She
also spends time practicing violin, piano, and singing. She has
discovered a talent for art, and participates on a website for young
artists. She also hosts 2 blogs and dabbles in writing songs and
stories. She is currently researching the topic of "Secular and
Christian Strong Women".

PS. I am aware that many of you live too far away, or have very busy
schedules and will not be able to attend. We thought you would like to
know of this milestone in the girls lives. Hugs to you all!

PSS. Pictures ... someday!

Joel's Newton Shirt

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 16:06:00 +0000

Vannan designed it ...

And Aunt Cindy made it for Joel ...

It's a play on Newton's Laws of Motion.

And if it is clean ... he's got it on!

Flowers for Ruezy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 16:05:00 +0000

Little girls still braid flowers through their hair.

This was taken the Sunday before she broke her arm.

After Christmas 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 27 Dec 2015 14:30:00 +0000

We try to document gifts received ... these were our gifts from our best friends.

Reuzy's Gifts

Joel's Gifts

Kendra's Gifts

VK's gifts

Tim's Gifts

Rachel's gifts.

Forgotten for picture or family gifts

Goodness she looks like a little me at that age.

How LONG her hair is again.

Lunch in her new Lunch Kit.

Watching a movie.

Magic Tree House

Vannan is turning into quite an artist ... and even selling some of her work.

Dec. 27, 2014 Christmas with Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 26 Dec 2015 15:00:00 +0000

Vannan is really getting into art. She drew this and painted it herself. Wish I could afford classes for her. This was a gift for an Uncle later that week.

I gave out a LOT of coffee mugs filled with drink packets last year.

Favorite Author -- she has a lot of these books.

B LOVES cows.

Paul was really loving the Rudolf BUMBLE last year.

The face says it all.

Every boy needs hammer and nails!

Group Hug!!! Don't you just love this picture!!!!

Day After Christmas 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 25 Dec 2015 14:30:00 +0000

I was trying out my new camera ... the kids were trying out their new toys.

She still loves putting together her puzzle.

His Kindle is still a big favorite. I don't know how many times I've removed it from his bed after he fell asleep and turned down his night light lantern.

My sister MADE her kids robes. Aren't they awesome! Each kid got material that was unique and reflected things they loved.

38 Christmas Day 2014 Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 24 Dec 2015 14:30:00 +0000

Tim bought himself a movie camera for his birthday ... VK saved a bunch of money and Kendra matched it and got her a movie camera. So Christmas was well documented.

Christmas Hugs.

The kids were so excited to see so many gifts.

Warm slippers for very cold feet.

Horses!

More warm stuff for feet.

Science plants to grow - though so far no success with any of them. :/

Painting

A bird to balance on his finger.

Robot and Electricity. He loved it ... but the plastic parts broke far too easily.

Snowflake soap ... the whole house was singing Frozen songs for months.

Love the soap.

More paint

PJ bottoms

Tim got me a new camera - he had planned a different one, but then they were out and this one had been marked down to almost the same price ... so I got my own camera! I'm still learning how to use it.

We had planned to get the movie "UP" for him ... and couldn't find it. Then a co-worker gave him a gift and we were delighted to see it was UP!

Socks

Another Science Robot

Telling Daddy about the movie.

Movies from Kendra.

Crayons for drawing

Decorations for her green Christmas tree

Focus ...

K'Nex

She saved up over half the price of the Innotab ... so we were able to get it when it went on sale. It's used daily and loved.

Comparing gifts

Gifts from Mom and Dad and Siblings

Gifts from Mom and Dad and siblings

Mom's Gifts ....

Joel's Gifts

He loved his new robe. So warm and cozy!

Rue's Gifts ...

Tim's gifts

Rockin Round the Christmas Eve Tree 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 14:00:00 +0000

LaRue playing with some of her early presents.

The lawyers called us about the settlement on our court case from 2013 ... we were able to buy a few things we had been really wanting and saving up for. We also caught some amazing last minute deals out shopping - a few bigger items were more than 50% off. After 6 years with almost nothing we purchased ourselves to give to our kids - it felt so awesome to have gifts under the tree.

We had been hugely blessed over the years by those we knew and didn't know - when things were looking so very bleak. We still feel so very blessed for all the food and clothes and little gifts that people sent our way through God's directions.

Our first time to put up the tree in years - LaRue had never seen it (well, she was only 1 the last time it had gone up anywhere).

The angel was not looking so good - her wings fell off. Kendra tied them on and she is back on top of the tree this year.

My dream is to have a golden white angel with a star behind her and lights on the star and her dress, pretty twinkly white lights. Someday. I really love nativity and tree decorations.

I don't know what she was drawing ... but you got to love her thoughtful face. LOL

Joel takes his plant watering job VERY seriously while Aunt Viv is away.

Dancing to Christmas music.

I once prayed for a girl child with long thick hair that was just curly enough. I find it amusing that I have exactly one child with hair like this. I love her hair. I suspect Tim and Joel would have hair like this as well if they ever let it grow out.

There will be 38 pictures on the Christmas Day post. So if you have a slower connection - you'll know to expect extra download time or to not let it come through.

Though I do still need to write up a Christmas Letter for those who want a few details of our past year.

Dec 13 - Early Christmas with Family

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 14:00:00 +0000

Joel's gifts ... He loved them!!!

Best Favorite ... His own Kindle ... which gets read all the time!

Even if he has to climb under the bed with a night light.

Thanks Uncle T and Aunt H.

Rue's gifts

A favorite!

Joel LOVES his Hex Bugs.

Vannan's gifts - THANK YOU!!!

Favorites

Kendra's gifts ...

Her favorites!

So what nearly 20 year old doesn't like having green paper?

Tim's gifts

Rachel's gifts

Remember those matching wiggly tooths?

Well cousin J lost his in the early part of the day ....

AND Rue last hers at bedtime!

Precious!

Then they had to take pictures so they could each check out the others missing tooth spot.

Gotta love 5 year olds!!!

This picture turned out very yellow ... Yes, she did need to brush her teeth, we had just eaten, but they don't look this yellow in person.

And her eyes are much bluer.

She sure looks like her Momma at this age.

December 12 Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 14:00:00 +0000

Cousins playing basketball ... all 7 of them on Daddy's side of the family.

We did Christmas early due to his brother flying in from the upper north east corner of the USA for a very short visit.

Can you believe Kendra's hair?

These two are a mere 6 months apart in age .. and both had matching wiggly tooths.

Grandpa and Daddy keeping tabs on bouncy balls and bouncy kids.

Time to open presents! LOVE that chair.

The boys ... ranging from 5 - 11 ... they get along awesome.

Rue loves Grandpa.

These two are 18 months apart. Aren't they cuties!

Two Big girls .. 3 boys ... Two little girls. 7 Grandkids all together for Christmas last year.

Vannan was sitting just out of reach of the camera, so no pictures of her opening gifts. I'm sure she had fun.

Mandatory Goofy, Fun, Serious, Funny pictures

Enjoy their silliness! (Of course, I was directing their silly faces)

4 girls with long hair and bows

3 boys with baseball hats

Christmas doesn't get any better than hanging out with Grandparents and cousins and Aunts and Uncles.

Christmas Preparation 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 29 Nov 2015 14:00:00 +0000

In spite of the fact that most of us were in various stages of recovering from a really nasty chest cold ... preparations began for making gifts for those we loved.

Goal - make 10 - 12 pieces of "stationary" for each Aunt (gift from Joel)

Reality - ended up with maybe a dozen papers worth giving away.

Goal - LaRue decorated Christmas ornaments made from pine cones.

Reality - About a dozen were made before she lost interest.

Watching Christmas specials.

Decorating Personal Christmas Trees.

Reindeer Rue

Thanksgiving 2014 - 36 Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 14:00:00 +0000

Goofing Off trying to take Family Pictures LAST YEAR.

I don't think anyone got around to taking pictures this year.

Gotta love that look!

October and November 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 21 Nov 2015 14:00:00 +0000

Vannan's New Boots

Rue's new glasses

Yet another science experiment

Using the Boogie Board to play with the puzzle. No shortage of ideas for this kid.

This one isn't often board either ... Reading is his other passion.

Joel still LOVES reading to his little sister.

Enjoying the Fall sunshine ... notice the bare feet. I am constantly reminding him to put his shoes back on ... though Kendra still runs around barefoot as much as she can.

Rue stole Mommy's hat that Kendra made.

Watching her Innotab while eating supper. She loves movies.

More Android time.

It must have been cold. I don't remember what he was writing. He can't write fast enough to keep up with his brain, so his spelling and handwriting are ... not so perfect.

Random found art work ... Rue's I think.

Jamberry Nails from a birthday party. So cute.

Yes, we wear hats inside ... it's COLD in our house.

Joel's school books

Rue's school books

New Clay!!! Awesome!!!

Kendra with her new tray. She might like purple a little bit.

Don't ask ... I don't know. Wearing his favorite robot shirt.

Early October 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 14:00:00 +0000

I hear a ton of complaints from adults about how kids fall into their devices and don't socialize. Joel uses it as a tool to do a lot of socializing. Here, they are all contributing to building a castle.

LaRue doing her Math with her Boogie Board ... I'm pulling a blank for who to thank for this favorite device/tool.

Colored pegs and a peg board ... tons of fun.

Kendra made supper one night. Joel had this reaction!

And this was Rue's reaction. I have 3 kids who will eat anything that they are not allergic too .... and then I have 1 picky eater.

Oh the horror.

Oh the tragedy.

And all over acorn squash. Sorry Kendra ... the baby didn't like it.

Panda grown up a few weeks from the last picture.

Rue's birthday gifts all piled up.

Thank you cousin.

Thank You Family.

Oh my, she looks like my 1st grade pictures above.

Thank You Aunt V. (And getting to make cookies together was great fun!)

Thank You AL.

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa

Thank you Aunt K and Uncle S. (They so totally spoil her.) She did share the snacks ... a little.

Making her own doll house.

Playing with her Birthday toy.

LaRue's 5th Birthday 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 14:00:00 +0000

LaRue asked for a Number Jacks cake ... this is a preschool program put out by the BBC and most episodes are available on Youtube. She doesn't watch as much now, but a year ago, it was her absolute favorite show.

Right up there with Winnie the Pooh, Barbie, Strawberry Shortcake, and several other shows.

E wanted a pony party ... so we made Merry Go Rounds ... they didn't turn out perfect because we had the wrong kind of plates ... but they were cool.

Thank You Grandma and Grandpa

Thank You Allison L.

Thank You family!

Thank You Aunt Viv!

Thank You Uncle S.

Thank You Aunt K

We celebrated a bunch of other birthday and anniversaries. I enjoy including others.

September 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 14:00:00 +0000

Joel was SUPER excited to be doing lots and lots of experiments last year, rather than a formal Science course. He loved reading all the library books and working on the kits assigned.

Rue loves puzzles ... she pulls the pieces out ... and plays with them, and hides them. Then somebody has to find the pieces and put them away.

An experiment from the electricity kit. This one wasn't officially in the kit, but Joel was curious.

He frequently invites his sister to sit with him while doing anything. This was no exception.

After half an hour of fiddling around and trying something new ... Success!

Just like with the puzzles .... the counting cats (bears, lizards, turtles, dogs) play in the houses, around the room and sometimes, they even learn to count!

Joel got this puzzle from his Aunt and Uncle up in the North East USA several Christmas's ago. It is much loved, still has all it's pieces, and has even played "Towers of Hanoi" several times.

Jr. Church - We made FISH.

Joel experimenting with magnets. Well, what do you know, they will attract each other right through an ear!

Kendra bought her Daddy his Father's Day, Birthday, Anniversary, Christmas Present.

Vannan examined a strange fruit she found on a tree down the street. It's a Buckeye!

This puppy wandered into our yard and she's still here. The kids call her Panda.

And this is Toffee - she's had just turned 10. But she's now 11. She was given to us as a puppy only 6 weeks old ... on the exact same day we found out we were expecting Joel. It just happened to be Halloween night, so she got a candy name. (My vote was for Licorice.)

Grandpa bought this shirt for Joel ... and Now Rue loves it.

One night, getting gas, we noticed a car show beginning to form in the parking lot. What fun to watch the cars arrive and check them all out.

The "Dear Santa" Yearly Post

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 14:00:00 +0000

I had really good intentions for this year ... but after being sick for most of the Christmas vacation, I kind of splatted.

Then in March, I offered a best friend to take 2 of her kids to homeshool, so she could clean and organize her house. We figured it would take 4 - 8 weeks, since she's a "go getter". But here we are in December, and I'm still homeschooling the 2 kids. She has the 2 special needs kids, and they are a full time endeavor, so there just wasn't enough of my friend to go around. It's working out really well, although Vannan and I are so ready for a break - and we're getting 7 weeks off here for Thanksgiving through New Year! Yeah!!!

But while the kids (7 and 9 when they started, and they have all had birthday's now), are great helpers, they are kids and it's a big job. Which left little time for any of the fun things in life - like books and blogs. But kids are much more important, right?

And here I find myself a year later, and once again facing the holidays.

I'm going to keep it simple this year ... you can click links if you want, and ignore all of the rest if you are not interested. Perhaps Monday, I'll have time to write up a yearly letter, and even post a few pictures. I haven't even posted Rue's 5th birthday - and she's already turned 6!!

LaRue .... http://amzn.to/1Lj6A8w

She is currently in size 7/8 clothes. She is wearing size 2 shoes. Favorite Colors: Teal, Pink, Purple, Glitter, Sparkle, Turquoise Blue, Coral Orange, and Lime Green. She loves Sea Creatures, horses - especially brightly colored, fairy tale type - princess and castles. She loves dancing skirts (tutu style) and bright scarves to dress up with. She Needs 2-4 pair of leggings and camis to wear under clothes or dresses for warmth.

She has started collecting LaLaLoopsy TINIES. The bead sized ones.

Biggest Wishes.

1. A My First Sewing Kit (So Vannan will sew with her)

2.More Mega Block Barbie Fairy and Mermaid sets - she had two small kits on her birthday cake

3. LaLaLoopsy Tinies (LOVES these)

4. Castle (BIG - for all her princess and Little People to have parties)

5. Snacks (Allergic to Peanuts)

6. Kindle Reader

7. Breyer Wind Dancer and Other Mini Ponies (Fairy Tale type)

8. Teal Water Bottle (Insulated)

9. Alphabet Stampers

10. Princess Dress and Jewelry

11. Lap Desk

12. My Little Pony horses - twilght sparkle, Princess Celestia.

JOEL ..... http://amzn.to/1Lj6P3r

He is wearing size 12 clothing and NEEDS some sweat shirts or other heavy type shirts (NOT sweaters), shoe size 7 (I think). Favorite Colors are FIRE colors - orange, yellow, red. He loves all things Science and loves reading non-fiction books.

Top Wishes ...

1. Kindle Fire Accessories (because he's getting one)

2. Anatomy and Science Kits

3. Key Rings for my Collection (just started collecting - wants games, states, history, science, and gadgets)

4. Rope (all boys need rope)

5. Rubiks Cubes (all shapes)

6. Mini Vacuum

7. Books (He's picked out quite a few)

8. Water Bottle Accessories

9. Microwave Heatable Stuffie

10. Games (Loves trivia, war logic, history and math games)

11. Warm Clothing

12. Fidget Clays

VANNAN ..... http://amzn.to/20YbPpV

Wearing size 4 in Womens in clothing, size 9AA shoes (hard to fit her). Fav. colors are pastels in pinks and blues, etc. Looks good in SUMMER colors. She also likes patriotic red and blue. Favorite animal is a horse, but loves learning about all animals. Likes dressing up elegantly. Has discovered she has a talent for drawing and is really into art.

Christmas Wishes : :

1. Digital Art Tablet (She has a specific one picked out and is saving money toward it)

2. Insulated Water Bottle and Coffee Mug (Coffee actually helps her asthma)

3. Accessories for outfits

4. Jewelry making supplies

5. Dresses

6. Cherry Outfit

7. Jewelry

8. Hand Vac

9. Music/DVD/Books

10. Small wooden diffuser

11. Survival Gear

12. Lapdesk

Bonus: Horse clothing

KENDRA .......... http://amzn.to/20Yc9VH

Kendra is racing toward 21.

She wants somebody to teach her how to drive.

She wants people to buy and promote her books and give them for gifts to friends, family, and libraries.

http://amzn.to/20YclUK

She still drums and dances to her own beat ... so she's put a few things to the top of her wish list, but hasn't taken time to organize it. Maybe after NaNoWriMo is over?

Purple is still her favorite color. She still collects Ladybugs, Giraffes, and Nutcrackers. The first 2 or 3 pages of her wish list should give anyone a good idea of her likes and needs.

July and August 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 01:07:00 +0000

Hugs between Sibs

Jr. Church ... Posing as Statue of Liberty

Skirt Vannan made for Rue

B and Rue playing on their Innotabs together.

Cousins hugging

Ring Pops and Tablets ... between cousins

Slinky

Water Works ... Joel and Rue's rules

Sister Time

Playing with the games all by herself.

He just finished all of these kits during his science studies for school.
But at this point, he was getting really excited about all of the experiments.
AND hoping for more for Christmas.

LaRue plays with this puzzle all the time ... if she can get her sister's to get it down. But the pieces talk, have adventures, and hide all over the school room.

June 6 - June 20 Fun Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 03:29:00 +0000

June passed in the blink of an eye.

I turned 46 - I don't feel that old mentally, but about twice that physically some days. LOL

Joel turned 9.

Vannan got glasses.

The weather was mild.

We finished up our school year.

Kendra continued to work at McDonald's and so did Tim.

Vannan tweaked this much loved vest into a dress for Rue.

Watching movies with Big Sister.

Growing up.

Sleeping in ....

She is always so disoriented when she wakes up ... and grouchy. It's best to let her come up slowly.

Pretending to wear glasses like Vannan and Kendra. So she isn't the ONLY girl without glasses.

A new hat.

June 8 - Volley Ball Uniform

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 15:00:00 +0000

Tim had to take a picture for some reason in his volleyball uniform.

I thought they turned out pretty good - and since Tim doesn't get posted much ...