Mom to the 3rd Power

Family Fun on the Water

2011-08-27T23:36:00.023-05:00

The weekend was spent just being who we are. The Summers. Hanging out. There were fun times, good food, laughter, doting over the babies, laughing and "awww-ing" over the big kids, story-telling (for example "what was the maddest Dad has ever been at you?"), some sentimental moments, communion and prayer time, and other than that... hours and hours on the lake! Here are a few of my favorite pics on the water this weekend.

Tasha~~ she's a natural

James~~ he rocked it!

Matt~~ He rocked it too. Okay, no he didn't. haha

Daniel... smooth

Me~~ still got it goin' on!

Tubing on Grand Lake

2011-08-27T00:59:00.001-05:00

The sweet, gracious family that let use their lake house for our family retreat also gave us access to their boats, tubes, wake boards, and wave runners. Here are a few pics of the TUBING. And let me just say " I ROCKED IT! Aw yeah... Aw yeah... I still got it goin' on!"

Yep... that's me up there ^^^

And here are a few of everyone else! The kids had a blast! Especially the boys, trying to see who could stay on the longest. Nathan held the record for awile... Drew always complaining Nate was kicking him off. We were like "Yeah... whatever Drew!!" Then Bryce dualed with him, and we noticed Nathan WAS in fact putting his legs all the way to the other guys side... and nudging him off the edge!! At one point Nathans legs were on TOP of Bryson's legs! It was hilarious to watch. That particular ride Nate fell off and Bryce was the champ. And of course we gave Nathan a VERY hard time, and told him that we now know his trick! The kids loved it!

And... a few more of me because I feel like bragging a lil' more. Aw yeah... Aw yeah...

Classroom, Pupils, and Me

2011-08-22T16:02:00.012-05:00

Here's a few pics of our new school room. And here are a few pics of my kids being goofy. We learn alot in here... and we laugh alot.

Me and my cushy teacher job. This is job satisfaction. For today, anyway. Er... for the moment, anyway.

School of Fish

2011-08-22T15:42:00.009-05:00

What a lucky day... we happened to be learning about FISH in our science book. The kids were just a little bit excited. You know... along down the way on the chain we are studying.... from Vertibrates to Cold-blooded to FISH.
We read our pages and talked extensively about the characteristics of fish. They knew most of it just from the hours and hours and hours they have fished in our pond over the summer so far, but connecting the dots and getting more details from the book was great info.
Charis had the grand idea that once we finished studying and learning about it, they could all go out and fish together. They hoped to catch some fish and check the fish for scales, for the clear slimy substance on the fish, (to see that catfish don't have scales, but the bass and perch maybe do), and maybe even to see if there were any parasites on the fish. So they went out to the pond, and just a few minutes later Bryce had caught a catfish. How fun... THIS is one of the many reasons why I LOVE learning at home!!

ps. Well... they didn't catch a fish with scales. Hmmmm... maybe I will send them back outside to fish a little longer. You know... for research purposes

pss. the catfish was not out of the water long... we made sure he swam away.

psss. we are having salmon for dinner tonight.

E-mail from Dad and Janice... 1st weekend at MD Anderson

2011-08-22T00:19:00.006-05:00

(Janice typing)
For years, I have looked for an old friend that I met in Bible School. Could not find her. She was a Haitian Missionary and nurse. Last week, I got a lead as to her new last name. I Googled her and found her in South Dakota. She was connected to a Hospice Center, which I now know, she owns. I called the hospice at 5:30 yesterday and her answering service put me through to her. It was wonderful to renew our friendship!!!! I told her what Tom is going through and then I started taking notes. She told me exactly how to help him. He has suffered for 2.5 weeks with a terrible headache that was increasing which causes nausea and he does not want to get off the sofa. She said narcotics will not help this pain, he needs Dex (anti-inflammatory). She told me the dosage. I called the ER and got the doc to call it in... he was willing to help. He had his first dose at 8pm last night. He has not had any narcotics since. Praise God! Now that was around the elbow to get to the thumb, BUT GOD!!! Yahoo!
Now that was me, now Tom wants to talk...
(Dad typing)
Janice had told me a year or two ago (one of few times we were talking about motorcycles) about this motorcycle club that came to Florida every year to their church and stayed at their house each time. She described them a very big, burly, tattooed, biker dudes..... one always, upon arrival, walked to the back yard and got a drink out of the swimming pool !! Keeps down the parasites you know. I have many times noticed their members around wherever I go--- it’s an international motorcycle club called the "Tribe of Judea"--- they are reformed bad boy and girl bikers. I've even thought that I might someday want to join one of their chapters.
Yesterday, Janice told me that she knew the overall head of the club and his wife from their visits to Florida and she thought their headquarters and church was here around Houston. I asked her to find out, as I thought I would like to attend their church today.
We attended with Daniel and Tasha this morning..... the attached photos are from the service.
The pastor (and head of the international club), during his sermon, stopped, walked down straight to me, asked my name and said he knew I suffering from a major health problem and needed prayer, which he did right then..... later at the end of the service, he and his wife and two other men (one with a cancer diagnosis from February and now is cancer free) prayed for me again.
Told them I intend to come back "on MY ride" sometime but they might not appreciate as I suspected they are all Harley guy/gals)..... they said that me and my Beamer would be quite welcome anytime.
Been walking and sitting with my head up all day without any narcotics..... new meds from Janice’s old friend and complements of her ER doc friend.
Hopefully, tomorrow, we will get appointment with pain management people and schedule for chemo.
Good to let you know positive things.
Love you guys, Dad

First Day Of School, 2011-2012

2011-08-18T23:23:00.009-05:00

I was still dreaming, I think, when Charis crawled into bed and whispered excitedly "Mommy!! This is our first day of school!!" I rolled over and hugged her and said "I know! Are you ready?" She was, and so was I. She wanted to help me make breakfast so we made oatmeal and set out frozen fruit cups. Selah and Bryce woke up shortly after... no wait... Bryce was already out fishing at the pond... but Selah woke up and Bryce happened to come in just in time for breakfast. For a split second I thought he might complain when I said "Hey Buddy! Time to come on in and start school." But he said "Okay!" So while I dished up breakfast, the kids got their bibles and our Devotional book (that we will read from each morning to start our day). We had a wonderful breakfast together reading and talking about God answering our prayers.

Afterwards we moved to the couch and did some science, learning about invertebrates, vertebrates, cold-blood animals, and what it means to "classify" something scientifically. We had fun classifying a handful of pens and pencils. Then they did math for a bit. Both kids are doing 3rd grade math this year. Together we started memorizing/learning vo-cab words (Wordly Wise) and they had some chapter book reading time.

After a morning of good learning time, I took them to Panera for a sweet treat to celebrate our first day. Over some bagels and cinnamon rolls, we all filled out a little questionaire I made up quick before we left. Questions like:

"Every day my favorite thing to do is_______"
Bryce and Charis said "FISH"
Selah said "homescool and spend time with friends and family and soccer."

"God is awesome when______"
Charis said "he gives me food!"
Selah said "When he answers prayrs."
Bryce said "He helps us get through things"

"If I could have 1 wish it would be______"
Bryce said "That we could go back to the day were Grandma Vicki wase alive."
Charis said "That my brother and sister are nice!"
Selah said "that nothing would go on bad with cancer."

"What I love about my family______"
Bryce said "when we fish together"
Selah said "is when they are so fun and my family rocks and a lot of more stuf"
Charis said "our hom and tha bi me toyz"

"When I grow up I want to______"
Selah said "be a cook or a soccer player"
Bryce said "be a snake handler"
Charis said "be a sientist"

And maybe my favorite question of all...
"Today is our 1st day of school. I like to home school because______"
Charis said "my Mommy techez me"
Bryce said "my Mom teaches me. Sometims I get a little bored."
Selah said "of my teacher because she is so nice. And my brother and sister. We have so much fun all year."

Well... no pressure at all... but sounds like they love that I'm their teacher. And if we can enjoy being together, and keep it exciting, and have fun all year... then I think we will have succeeded. Here we go...

Grandma Rada's Garden and Summer Stand

2011-08-09T01:05:00.011-05:00

The kids and I visited my Grandma Rada today. She is my Grandma ~ my Mom's Mom. I love being around her... it's so much like being around my Mom and it brings back floods of memories while we are visiting her.
After giving her the update on everyone in the family, and after she popped Charis' toes, and after she played Chinese Checkers on the floor with the kids, we went on a tour of her gardens. This 100+ heat for days and days now has been hard on her and the gardens, but the kids did get to harvest some tomatoes, cucs, and an okra. She grows veggies to sell to lake neighbors and guests. Mostly though she cans jellies, jams, veggies and fruits (and some in ways I've never even heard of). She bakes pies and desserts and breads and has them frozen, ready for people to buy. Every summer she sets up a stand in her front yard. People just stop in and buy them from her right off of her little stand. She said she canned and sold over 48 jars of pickled okra alone so far this summer, $4 a pint.

Grandma Rada's gardens

And this is a picture of her creepy looking scare-crow. Or Scare-deer. I don't know what it is... but it's freaky looking. She says it scares the birds and deer away. I don't even want to know what the neighbors have to say about this as they drive by, ha ha! Oh well... God love her! And I don't think I should ever tell Tasha that she said "I named her TASHA after Daniel's wife!"

Finishing His Life Out with a Passion for God

2011-08-08T23:58:00.011-05:00

I don't even know how to begin this post. I have sat here and typed several attempts at an introduction for this blog post. I stare at it, and then hold down the delete key. I'm not sure if it's because it hurts too bad to put it out there... I'm not sure if I'm worried that it appears I may not have enough faith... I'm not sure if I feel like I've had my share of telling and explaining and venting and rationalizing and grieving about my Mom and her cancer, and now here I go all over again, but about my Dad this time... In any case, I find me and my brothers here in this same spot again. Deja vu. And only 3.5 years later. This time preparing ourselves to say Goodbye to our Dad.

A few months ago Dad was diagnosed with tonsil/throat cancer. Due to the rarity and nature of that particular cancer, the treatment options are limited, and the chances of getting rid of it are slim. After some chemo and cyber-knife radiation, sadly the cancer has spread all over his body. It has moved in aggressively and the Doctors told Dad there is really nothing they can do for him at this point, at least no options here in Tulsa. They are giving him a "few months" to live. He does have an appointment scheduled at MD Anderson in Houston in a couple weeks, and Lord willing, hopefully they will have a treatment fitting for Dad that will give him more time with us.

This weekend my brothers and their families all came to town to see Dad and to have the opportunity to be together as a family (deja vu). A sweet family in our church blessed us with their hospitality and offered us their lake home for the weekend. Together we had an amazing, sad, wonderful, fun, surreal, story-telling, prayerful, emotional, sentimental, painful, beautiful, memorable time together.
Dad wanted us to have communion together as a family. We listened to some of his favorite hymns from the group Selah, then we all dipped our crackers in the juice, partaking of the Lord's supper together as a family. Dad prayed the communion prayer. Hearing him pray like that immediately brought back memories of him praying the communion prayers at church long ago when he was an elder and leader in the church. He thanked God for his grace. For loving us and desiring us, even when we don't deserve it. He thanked the Lord for the sacrifice that he made on the cross so that we get to have life in heaven when life on earth is done.

Dad told us that what he is living for now is to have a Passion for God like he's never had before. He wants to finish his life out with that passion. We laid hands on him, and my brothers and I prayed for him. Janice prayed for him. We prayed for his healing and the treatments and medicines to give him more time. We prayed for his strength. But mostly, my brothers and I thanked God for giving us the kind of Dad that we got. We thanked God for the love our Dad has for each of us. We thanked Him for the times he was hard on us. We thanked God for our Dad's wisdom and understanding and example of what a Father's unconditional love feels like, and how that it has made it easy to understand God's love for us.

In the midst of the storms, we find the ability to be thankful at our core. I can't explain it logically. Maybe because it's ingrained in us... the understanding of it runs through us... its called FAITH. Faith that no matter what happens, God is taking care of us. No matter how painful, or how concrete, or how out-of-our-hands the situation is, God is here. I can find rest beyond belief just in knowing that. And while for the time being, "passion" isn't one of the feelings I can find with-in myself, I will watch in wonder and awe as my Dad is finishing his life with it. And as always... his example to us will no doubt leave a lasting impression.

Daniel and I talking and laughing with Dad

Dad, Janice, and the grandkids...

Dad and Ella

Dad and Brynlee

Turkey Mountain Tatur Run

2011-03-23T22:34:00.004-05:00

Alan and Selah did a run last Saturday. Through wilderness trails. On Turkey Mountain in Tulsa. They ran the 4.1 mile loop on the terrain. And they loved it! It was a fun time for just the two of them. I think they ran another 1 mile loop before I came to get Selah to take her to her indoor soccer game. Alan stayed behind and waited to get her medal for her, and he ran another 4 miles while waiting, so 9 for him altogether. Wow.

My Kids Rock ~ Just Sayin'

2011-03-23T22:27:00.000-05:00

Isn't She A Beauty

2011-03-23T22:23:00.003-05:00

My Handywork... My Walls

2011-03-23T22:16:00.005-05:00

And my ceiling, I should say. Here's me up on the scaffolding, hand troweling the kitchen ceiling.

I did the walls in the living room, entry way, the master bedroom, and the master entry room. In the kitchen I did the walls and the vaulted ceiling. Phew! It's now all troweled, sanded, and painted with primer. Once the painters come in and paint and stain the entire house, I will go back and glaze everything I textured. However, I think I will wait until the last few days before we close on the house. Touch up on glazed walls in VERY difficult. And I've already seen quite a few dents and dings on what I've done. So, that will be the very last thing before we move in.
And, I must say, it does look AMAZING!! Woot! Woot!

Brick And Stone

2011-03-23T22:07:00.009-05:00

Watching from a nearby dirt pile

Before~During~After

2011-03-23T21:35:00.007-05:00

~~~~~~BEFORE~~~~~~

~~~~~~DURING~~~~~~~

Selah was very nervous. So we wrote out one of the scriptures we love to hold on to during times like this, "Be stong and brave, for God is with you" Joshua 1:9. In honor of Valentines Day, she wrote it on a red heart she cut out, and she kept it tight in her hand while she got her braces put on. This girl is so steady in her faith and trust in God. It truly is inspiring.

~~~~~~AFTER~~~~~~~

Our neighbor and friend, Dr. Karla Boyd. The kids know and trust her, so that was a big help and comfort for Selah too. Doesn't she look so cute!

In just a few days, her front teeth were already together, and the next 2 teeth were pulled up and lining up. She has had them tightened once already. So braces for up to a year, maybe. Then they will come off, and then back on in a few years or so. It's a blessing to be able to help the kids' dental structure in this way. And an even bigger blessing to have our friend doing the work for them. Dr. Karla Boyd is fantastic with the kids, and does a great job!

Facebook Lone Ranger

2011-03-11T07:38:00.006-06:00

I did it. Wow. I can't believe it. I actually did it. I DEACTIVATED my Facebook account. It still makes me a tiny bit panicky, even though its been 10 days now. I've been contemplating it now for a little over a year. I even took a little hiatus a time (or maybe even two) last year. But it had to be cold turkey for me. Of course I worry that I will be left out of the loop on things. Most of my invites to parties, get-togethers, and play dates are all done via Facebook now. And all the drama? Well, I won't miss that part. I also do business quite frequently through Facebook. People find out my name from a friend who has a platter, and they look me up and message me. Giving it up is risky, I tell ya. Am I gonna be the Lone Ranger? Facebook seems to be the way people connect and communicate in this day and age, and I've just cut myself off.

There are several reasons for taking my face off that book. Here's a little bit about my "why"

1. It sucked way too much time out of my day. I wasn't good at controlling or limiting my time on Facebook. And with having 519 of my closest friends staring at me all day long, with something to say, it took awhile to scroll through my home page and read all of their exciting (or not so much) news.
For the first time I realize I'm truly addicted to something. Actually it's the second time. I use to be addicted to The Young and the Restless. Ha! Now that just makes me laugh, but that's another blog for another day. I realized I was addicted when I thought maybe I was spending an hour or so a day (thinking that was too much), but then when I stopped and really added up the time in the morning (while drinking my hot tea and waking up... every tired Momma needs wake-up time, right?!?!). And throughout the morning in between breakfast, dishes, and teaching school I might have jumped on for a little bit. Of course in the afternoon while the kids are playing outside or while waiting on them at dance, soccer, etc., I would find a quite minute to scroll. In the evening while cooking dinner, if I had even just a few minutes while waiting for water to boil or bread to finish baking, I might be found sitting on the floor next to the oven seeing what my friends had to say. Ugh... pathetic. In the evenings when Alan and I would sit down to relax and watch TV I would be sitting on one end of the couch, Facebooking, and Alan would be on the other end, laptop in hand, doing his thing (usually playing poker). Good relationship building time, huh? Not really. And, last but not least... before bed I would go plug my Ipad into the charger, and often have just a little more quick responding, posting, or scrolling to do while Alan is waiting for me to turn off the lights. Addicted? I think so.
Add it up, and I bet it totals between 2-3 hours. A day. Yet... I can't find time to get projects done, can't find time to spend praying or reading the Bible, can't find time to exercise or do the laundry. Hmmmm.
Many friends suggested I trim my list to a few favorite friends and/or family. Some suggested only having a business page, or only logging on at morning and night. But I know myself. That wouldn't really work. It's all or nothing, baby. At least for awhile.

2. Another major reason I don't like Facebook... I don't like what it is doing for relationships. I don't like that people rarely TALK anymore, and rather just assume they know what is going on or how you might be doing. I believe Facebook causes people to "feel" connected, but in reality, the relationships that should be more substantial are probably much less "connected" or real. Now I will be the first to quickly admit I have a hard time with change. I've blogged about that before, more than once. So I will admit that it's possible that I am just having a hard time adjusting to this monumental change is society and in communication. That being said, no matter what is going on in the world, I believe in following my heart and listening to my gut. Facebook is one of those "gut feelings" I've been sorting through and trying to figure out, and this is my conclusion, I guess you could say.
In my own experience over the past year or so, I can definitely say that some of the important relationships in my life and in the life of my family have changed because of lack of talking. In my opinion it's all to easy to read posts or upload pictures, and get the feel of "Oh! Yay for her!" or maybe it might be "bummer... I need to be praying for them" or whatever the case might be. I do think facebook is great for keeping up with the casual relationships in town or across the miles. But for family relationships and close friends, I think those warrant real talking. And real listening. And with facebook, I bet there has been 90% less real talking on the phone or in person. And that.... I truly believe, cheapens those all too important relationships.
Perhaps If it weren't for my "addiction" issues I'm overcoming, maybe I would work harder to enjoy the best of both worlds? I could make an effort to make phone calls AND enjoy posts and pictures and updates. But I don't know... It's still all too easy to get the fix and fill by simply scrolling.
I kind-of fear for the future of society a little bit. What will happen after years of communicating this way? Is this what people said long ago when phones were invented? Or the internet? Hmmmm. I don't know. But for now... for me... It hasn't felt right in my heart and mind. So I've made the monumental leap to give it up. It's gonna require more time to call my brothers, sisters-in-law, cousins, and friends to stay connected. But for me, I think those relationships will be so much better and more real, like the days of the near past. And technically I should have a little more time in my day now, right?

I have to say that 10 days in, I have LOVED my break. Emotionally, spiritually, relationally, and even time-wise! It has been great. And while I still have little moments of "what am I missing out on???" I can honestly say that it feels like a brick has been lifted off my shoulders. Weird. Yeah, I sometimes I am weird. I admit.
Also, it feels good to have broken an addiction.

((deep sigh of relief))

I LOVE Our Lil Family

2011-02-28T10:56:00.002-06:00

I love this picture of us! It was taken while waiting in line at Universal Studios, at the Toy Story Ride. We all voted that it was our favorite ride of the whole trip. Fun, bright colors, loud laughter, spinning and shooting guns, it was so fun it was almost dreamy!

Waking up to LOVE from my Sweet Baby Girl.

2011-02-14T13:11:00.001-06:00

This morning I woke up to a little bit of sweet LOVE in the air... From my Baby Girl.
Last night she wasn't falling asleep. She kept yelling down the stairs, asking what time it was, or when we would be going to bed, etc. Finally, as we were about to go to bed she came down and told us what was up... HER!!! She confessed that she was waiting for us to go to bed, and she asked if we would shut our bedroom door because she had some " things she wanted to do for us for Valentines Day, and there wouldn't be time to get it done in the morning before we got up." So, we let her! She tucked us in bed, and we closed our door, and I laid there thinking "wahhhh, she is growing up! Will she turn the lights out before she goes to bed? What if she pours us cereal for breakfast and has it waiting all night long for us until we wake up? Have I ever explained about food and milk needing to keep cold? What if she gets scared? How late will she stay up? Hopefully she won't turn the TV on this late at night." After a few minutes of worrying and wondering, I felt at peace, knowing that she is quite the responsible 8 year old. Instead, I laid there for a few more minutes listening to a little bit of clanking and moving around, shutting of doors and shuffling feet across the floor. I think I had actually just barely fallen asleep when she came in to tell me she was going to bed. Really, that was so neat of her to do that. And it felt good to trust her and look forward to the morning surprise!
Happy Valetines Day! I woke up to my fuzzy house slippers laying beside me, and a note that said...

And in each room was another note. So sweet! I had to take pics of the notes.

So while we were sleeping, our little blonde-headed, blue-eyed cupid was spreading love notes around the house for us to wake up to. I loved it! So sweet!

Sackin' Up Some Lunch

2011-02-04T21:50:00.000-06:00

Well being snowed in for over a week makes a bunch of antsy kids. And antsy Mommas. But at the same time, being snowed in makes us realize how lucky we are to be warm. And protected. And full. And happy. Then you start to think about the people out there in this cold and snow who aren't so lucky or blessed. Those who have fallen on hard times, and even those who have made their own bad choices that have landed them there: homeless. And hungry.
So a few of us got together with our kids and made up sack lunches to give to John 3:16 Mission in Tulsa. We filled 200 brown paper sacks with a pbj, an orange, a swiss roll, a granola bar, and a bottle of water. Traci's kitchen table was full of kids making the sandwiches, and at the counter others of us were packing the sacks. Bryce was taking the sacks to the garage as we filled them.
Traci's husband said the people at the shelter were forever grateful on that cold day that he delivered a truck full of lunches. It was a great day of service. And a great day of lessons in thankfulness, blessings, and serving others.
ps. and I'll never tell whether or not I saw some of the kids licking their fingers. :)

SNOWMAGEDDON - 2011

2011-02-01T23:52:00.000-06:00

Owasso Oklahoma got 21 inches of snowfall today, with reports of snow drifts over 6 feet tall! A for-really-and-truly- all out- reminds me of South Dakota- BLIZZARD. Wow!
Oklahoma's state Governor, Mary Fallin, is calling our town, "Snowasso, the End of the [snow] trail". Isn't that funny!?!?!
Us Okies aren't use to this kind of snow. Most restaurants and stores are closed. The roads and parking lots are completely covered and packed full of snow. The Owasso 6th Grade Center was on National News, showing the there was snow nearly up to the top of the building. It's crazy.
The kids were out the door before I even got out of bed this morning. Well, they had just gone outside as I walked out of the bedroom. Alan stayed home today so he bundled everyone up tight. It amazes me how kids can tough it out and play in that cold stuff! The girls lasted about 10 minutes, but Bryson wanted to stay out longer. A few minutes later he poked his head in and said "Dad! There's a fire truck stuck in the ditch!" Sure enough, it had slid off the road and was stuck. Alan bundled up and went out to help. He was out there for 30 minutes or so, trying to help them. They had an SUV that was trying to pull, while the guys got behind and pushed. But to no avail. They had to go get a bigger truck, so Alan came in to warm up. Eventually they got it out.

An hour or so later, the kids were all back outside again. This time Alan went with them. They ran around, played tackle, and then played a game of broom ball using a soccer ball and a few kid-sized brooms. It was hilarious. Needless to say, they were about FROZEN when they came in. Seriously. I had them strip down and get in a warm shower. They had a blast though!

I spent the morning in the kitchen. Cleaning, cooking, you know, doing what I love to do. I made soft chicken tacos and queso for lunch. We spent the afternoon playing games, doing some school work, and watching some "shows" the girls performed for us.

Now, off to make pot-stickers and Chinese food for dinner. Thank goodness we are staying warm and full. however, I can't hardly wait to be in our house, and to get a fireplace back! Soon.. very soon...

Wow Baby! It's COLD outside!!!!!

Charis didn't stay out too long... she came right back in a got her cute self dressed back up. Of course!

Jimmy-Time with, Jimmayyyyyyy!

2011-02-01T22:35:00.001-06:00

Well, 4 days locked in the house during "Snowmageddon" will force a kid to get creative with playtime. Selah came up with her own show, called "Jimmy-Time With, Jimmayyyyyyy!" It was hilarious. Her and Charis, I mean, Johnny, would work on their show skits, and then perform for Mommy and Daddy. They made us laugh, and the choreography to their skits was purty darn good! They kept us entertained, fo sho!

Meet Johnny too...

And a one-time special guest star, Jilly...

And the remaining cast members, the stufties...

Miss Cheerful!

2011-01-28T10:19:00.001-06:00

Charis wants to cheer! Her and her friend Jalyn did their first cheer clinic together a few days ago, and they both LOVED it! I think cheerleading would be so right up Charis' alley, and fitting for her personality. This summer she is going to try out some cheer and tumbling classes and see what she thinks, but for now, her and Jalyn had fun and looked adorable out there on the court!

Even though this photo is blurry, I love it because it shows how excited and bouncy they were!

House Blessing

2011-01-15T19:09:00.012-06:00

"By wisdom a house is built. By understanding it is established. Through knowledge, it's rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures." Proverbs 24:3-4
This is the verse that Jim and Gwen Schnorrenberg (the Family Ministers from our church) wrote on the header piece of wood above our fireplace. It is a blessing for our family.
One of my good friends, Jen, had this really neat idea to " bless" our new home. Before the walls go on, before the flooring gets laid, when it's just the foundation and the bones of the house, the idea is to go in with sharpies and write all over the place, "blessing" the house and our family with scriptures, prayers, and personal blessings. I loved the idea. So we invited a few faithful friends and family, and we all got together this morning to bless our new home.

Alan, the kids, and I, arrived a little earlier than everyone else. We wanted just a little bit of time to let the kids do some " blessing" so we could savor the moments. Knowing when everyone else arrived, we might miss out on the kids. And I'm soooo glad we did! It was really neat. Right off the bat the girls went upstairs to their rooms.

Selah wrote on her floor some of the lyrics to one of her favorite songs:
"Come, and go with me, to my Father's house. Come, and go with me, to my Father's house. It's a big big house, with lots and lots of rooms. It's a big big table, with lots and lots of food. There's a big big yard, where we can play football. It's a big big house... It's my Father's house."

I liked that lot. She has her heart set already on the end goal in life. Being in heaven with God. Pleasure in worshipping and fellowshipping in heaven. And she wants those who are friends and family to go with her. It's evangelistic. I think its neat that those words and that song came to her heart and mind when thinking of blessing her room. Of blessing herself, and her friends and family that will spend time in her room with her during her years growing up. Awesome.

I walked downstairs and had to step around Bryson to make it all the way down. He was sitting at the bottom of the steps, writing on the third step going up.

As I looked over his shoulders, he was busy writing these words, also lyrics to one of his favorite songs:
"When I get down, He lifts me up"
That made my heart skip a beat. How profound are those words! And that he picked just those 8 words out from a song he really likes. It's a fun song with really fun actions that they sing in kids church. But that he understands tthe impact those few words can have on his life. And ours. Amazing.
I told him that I will forever remember that he wrote those words on that step. I wish I didn't have to cover them up. But they are there, and they are in my mind and heart. And for as long as we live in this house, when I go through times of feeling "down" or when we go through times of "defeat" or "hardships," I will remind myself and my family of those words that 7 year old Bryson blessed our home with. That God lifts us up.

I walked back upstairs and found Charis and Alan on the floor of her room. Charis was writing a note to God. It said:
"Keep everyone safe" with a big heart drawn underneath her note to God. Yes! That is one of the prayers I also pray frequently. I pray for safety, protection, and for His hand to be on these people that I so dearly love and care for. That was a good prayer and request to God. That He keeps us safe. Thank you Charis, for praying that prayer for us!

Soon after, everyone else arrived. We all spread out to whatever room we wanted and wrote various scriptures on the walls. The kids enjoyed writing on the walls alongside their good friends, the Lyness'. Jodie wrote a scripture the week before when she was here visiting, and Alan's mom sent 2 poems God laid on her heart to bless our home with.

After we were done writing our scriptures and words of blessings, we split up into various rooms and prayed over the house and our family. James and Lydia wanted to go upstairs to pray for the kids (awesome).

Jennifer and Kevin and their kids wanted to pray in the school room, for our years of education and learning (perfect).

Jim and Gwen went to the master bedroom to pray for Alan and I and our marriage. They said we should expect lots of good "blessings" now after their prayers (Ha! Ha! Ha!). The Lyness family prayed in the dining room (awwww).

And I wanted the kitchen . That's my spot. My heart. They say the kitchen is the heart of the house. Feeding my family is the heart of my life. Not only the joy of cooking for them, and from sitting and dining together as a family, but also feeding them the Word of the Lord. Feeding them knowledge and wisdom for life. I love being in the kitchen.

Alan, Bryson, and I prayed earnestly for our family. For the love that comes from being together. We prayed for connectedness and communication and our relationships. We prayed that God would use this kitchen to not only bless us, but for the opportunity to use this kitchen to bless others and be a witness to others in the same way.

NOT So Much the Apple of My Eye

2011-01-13T10:21:00.005-06:00

Well, my eyes are changing. First I have some grey hairs, then I find wrinkles and laugh lines, and now, I know I need glasses!?!? Aaaaahhhh!
So I didn't realize it until this last week. I got Alan and Apple TV 2nd Generation for Christmas. That allows us to link up the computer, the iPad (an iPhone if we had one) to our TV. It is really cool! Through the Apple TV we can streamline movies and things from the Internet. The kids an play Webkinz or other Internet games. I can facebook, e-mail, and blog. Alan can surf or do business stuff, using a wireless keyboard, or the iPad. It's nice not to have to have your face in a laptop or iPad so much now.
However, I can't see the words on the TV screen! From my couch that is 8 feet away!!! I had no idea!!! The first night I decided to blog using the TV as my computer screen, I asked Alan why it was all blurry. He said it wasn't. I said it was! He went and got me a pair of glasses from the bedroom and I put them on and then all at once, not blurry.
((deep sigh))
And now, it seems I all of a sudden can tell even in other everyday activities. My eyes need help.
I'm going to go make an appointment now. Glasses or contacts?
Not really happy about this.

Conversation Between Sisters

2011-01-13T09:55:00.004-06:00

In the van, Selah says to Charis "what do you want to do when you grow up?"

Charis- "ummmm, I want to do hair and make-up for people"

Selah- " I want to be a baker at Sprinkes On Top, which will be the name of my own bakery."

Charis- " actually, I want to be a stay-home Mom, and make lunch and stuff!"

Selah- "what about you, Bryce?"

Bryce- silence. (Head buried in his DS game)

Selah- "well, I want Mommy and Daddy to build me a shed with an apartment in it for when I grow up. I'm never getting married or moving away from Mommy. And Daddy is gonna help me make do-nuts in the middle of the night, and Mommy can help me bake during the day."

Charis- "I am getting married. And I'm gonna buy a house just a little bit down from Mommy and Daddy so I can be close, but at my own house with my husband."

Mommy- "that ALL sounds great to me!" (then under my breath... "if only.")

Schooling and Learning at Home.

2011-01-13T08:27:00.004-06:00

Well, it's been a year since we started homeschooling Selah again. Bryce has been home for his 1st grade year, and Charis does school right along with us. We have had a wonderful journey so far, and haven't looked back. As a whole, we all love it.
Dont get me wrong.... There are days I hear myself griping and yelling way more than I wish, there are too many times that I say "go get the phone!!! I'm calling the school and you're going back if you don't straighten UP!". (is it bad to threaten my kids with 'school'? Ha! ha! Oh well. I never claimed to be a perfect Mom!) But most days are spent learning, playing, creating, cooking, building, cleaning and sharing home responsibilities. Also participating in sports, dance, art classes, Co-op activities with Heritage, and going on various field trips. And, also playing Wii. Selah has just started blogging on her own blogspot, so that is a fun for her, and great incentive to get schoolwork done so she can write and blog. In fact, just this morning by the time I woke up at 7:55, she had already written in her journal, and finished her math and English workbook pages, and was anxious to write a new post.

Selah likes history most of all. We are studying early American Hstory. The early settlers, the Patriots vs. Loyalists, breaking away from the King, and the early life for the colonists. Much of this has been done through our Amerian Girl reading and studies. We have also learned the various freedoms the people in the US have rights to. We have studied the symbols that represent our country, coins and money, and much more.
She also really likes science and English. She finds science very interesting, and she enjoys English and is good at it. Any time I say "it's time for science!" Or "English!" Or "History!" she yells "Yayyyy!!!"
Math, however, does not evoke the same response. At all. The first half of the year she spent "hating math" (to use her exact words). It would take her an hour to do a page or two in her workbook. Last year in school she aced math and had no problems at all. Those were the days of patterns, story problems, etc. She does great at that. But this year, there has been lots of math facts - addition and subtraction. That has come harder to her. So much so that she doesn't even want to do it. I've tried a few different approaches to help her in learning the math facts, and it seems to be getting better. Since Thanksgiving it hasn't been as much of a struggle, and her confidence and ability has improved, so it has been going much better. Other than that, learning is good. She proclaims to LOVE learning at home.

Bryce is soaring through his studies too. He does the 2nd grade English, Science, History, and Reading curriculum right along with her, and doesn't miss a beat. In math, I started him with a 1st grade book. Last year at the end of kindergarten he tested at almost a 4th grade math level, but I still chose to give him a first grade curriculum since math builds on itself so much. I don't want him to miss out on fundamentals and then be lost somewhere down the road. He is almost finished with 1st grade, and I will be buying 2nd grade for him in a few weeks. Math and spelling are his thing. He's good at it and loves it. He wants to play math and spelling games in his spare time - ha!
He is also really likes science and history, just like Selah does. We do all this learning together as a family. Charis learns right along with them. Hs least favorite is English. While he does it and does fine at it, he does not enjoy it. Its the one he groans about when I say "time for some English."

Charis is my "unschooling" experiment for the time being. She has never been to school, so her experience of learning is what we do here at home. However, she is very driven to learn. Well, she is driven in anything and everything she does - it's part of who she is. Part of what she inherited from me, my mom, and my Grandmas. She wants to learn to read, and she will often bring me books and want to work on it. The other two kids were reading very well at 5 years old, but Charis is still working on it. She can spell any 3 or 4 letter word I ask her to, and she can sound out words and read 3 and 4 letter words, but she still has to sound them all out. She will get it, but I'm kind-of letting it be on her terms. While she can read and sound out words, the reading doesn't 'flow' just yet. However, next year she is kindergarten age, so I think she's doing pretty good! As for the science, history, even English, she sits and learns and answers questions and participates as much as she wants. Which is usually the whole time. She learns right along with them, and she GETS it. While the other two sometimes get antsy and wanna be done, she sits and enjoys whatever learning is going on. I'm glad she loves to learn, and loves to be with us at the table or on the couch or at the library or in the kitchen. She's So fun!

As for me, I really really do love getting to be home with the kids and getting to guide them along in their education. Of course, I spend many hours wondering if I'm doing the right thing.... Wondering if Bryce is challenged as much as he should be.... Wondering if he would end up better off down the road if he were being stretched to his level of IQ and beyond. I wonder if Selah having misspelled words is totally normal for her age and am I expecting too much... I wonder if I should let them play computer less or if its fine... Just let them enjoy it. Its like, when you're a mom, you sometimes 2nd guess and hope you've made the right decision in the ways you parent. Likewise, I also have those same thoughts and doubts with schooling. But then, after prayer, much analyzation and hours laying awake at night, I find a spot to "land" and we do life. And so far, it has been good. Very good. I'm proud of the kids and who they are turning out to be. I'm proud of their abilities, their heart, their service, and their participation in activities and in the lives of people. And I'm proud that they like being kids and having fun.

I often say that having kids this close together wasn't my plan - but there are benefits that go along with it. One benefit relating to school is that they learn together. And maybe most important - they are not bored. They love each other, they are best buddies, and they have a great time each and every day. Lucky me - I get to be a part of it and watch it all take place.

Celebrating 7 Years with Bryce

2011-01-10T21:32:00.004-06:00

Our little buddy is 7!!!!!! Wow. I can't believe it! Yesterday was his birthday and we had a fun day of celebrating him! He woke up happy, came down the stairs, and right into my arms! I gave him a birthday hug and kiss, and we began our day. After church, we had donuts, and Grandpa Gene and Grandma Lou Lou were with us. Then it was off to party at Incredible Pizza for lunch, cake, and arcade time!!
Bryce chose to have his party there, and it really was a good time!. A little bit of craziness.... keeping up with all the kids would have been impossible had the parents not all been there, but it was fun to watch them smile as they played arcade games, mini-golf, bumped in bumper cars, raced in go-carts, bowled, played ice hockey, ski ball, and lots more. He had a BLAST and said it was his best birthday ever. We stayed all afternoon- started the party with lunch, and ended it with dinner. Then headed home. He got some cool gifts from his friends, and has been playing with them ever since. Lots of legos, Nerf stuff, books, games, $36 in cash. Oh, and he's been chewing lots of gum today from his gum ball machine Grandma and Grandpa got him. Last year they got him a plastic one, this year upgraded to a metal one. Next year maybe a life-sized big one on a stand???!!!!???? Ha! That would be cool!

This morning he woke up and said "Mommy, I don't think I'm really 7." I asked him why he was thinking that. He said "because it doesn't feel any different than when I was 6!"
Ahhhhhh. This is the reason I blog. So I won't forget those sweet little things they think and say.

He is such a fun little guy.
FUN- he has a great sense of humor. He's witty and sarcstic and we love it. He is laid back and gets along with everyone. If they know him, they like him. He is active and playful, and the epitome of a little boy having fun in life. I love most of all the way his whole face lights up when he smiles.
LITTLE- yes. He is. At least a head shorter and a whole lot lighter than the boys his age. He weighs in at I think 43 lbs maybe. But he is incredibly strong... I haven't seen him wrestle yet with a friend that he can't beat. He can run longer and faster than any other 6 year old we could find on record for 5ks (since 1998). And he is all about playing, running, exploring, climbing, etc outdoors. He is little, but he's a machine. We've been trying to feed that boy some carbs! :-)
GUY- the only one we got, which makes him extra special to us in that way. He's Daddy's little buddy, and he's Momma's baby boy! His sweet heart and warm hugs light up my life.

Happy Birthday Sugar-booger! I love to have another year with you!

"To Live As Christ" 2011

2011-01-01T16:29:00.002-06:00

Christmas day lunch was quite memorable and touching this year. We always spend Christmas lunches at my Uncle Duane and Aunt Linda's house. With grandparents, cousins, everyone. This year after lunch we sat around the kitchen and living room and reminisced about the 2 women we are now missing, my mom, and my Great Grandma Punkin. Duane told several stories about the 2 of them and their lives, and the hertitage they have now left to us. My how they were so much alike. My how the stories made me look at my youngest daughter and see their spark and strength and joy-of-life shining now through her. Like my Charis, my mom and my Grandma Punkin could do, and did, anything they set their minds to. They were hard workers, super in love with their family, and concerned about carrying and sharing the values of family togetherness. Both had an incredible faith in God. Neither one wrapped up in "society" or concern for what other people might think of them, but rather just of doing what Jesus would've wanted them to do. Mom was born on the 4th of July, Grandma Punkin died on the 4th of July. Both of them, when their time on this earth was about up, were completely and genuinely ready to go.
Uncle Joe Bill, one of her sons, told about the day before Grandma died. She was in a nursing home the last couple months of her life, and every day she would ask why she was still here... Why she hadn't just gone on to be with Jesus. On the evening of July 3rd, my cousin Chas had gone to visit her. He was then maybe 20 years old. Joe Bill said when he walked in Grandmas room, Chas was beside Grandmas bed, on his knees, praying to God that He would take her home. Grandma asked him to pray that prayer, and he got down on his knees and granted her request and prayed that prayer for her. And the next day, God answered that prayer. Likewise, the night my Mom died, my Dad and youngest brother prayed that same prayer for my Mom. Again, He answered.
At first thought, it seems strange, unnatural, and even almost unthinkable to pray a prayer like that. But not for these women. Not for this family of such strong faith. They knew this life on earth was temporal, and both women had always, always longed for that day to be looking at the face of their Lord.
Duane told about the conversation he had with my mom once we found out the cancer was back, and with avengeance. He said what I heard her say too, that the part she was most upset about was not getting to see her grandkids grow up. But that she was 4-for-4 completely happy and proud of who her kids had turned out to be. And she found peace knowing the grandkids would grow up with us as parents. Then Duane told us the words of comfort she gave to him right then on the phone.... She said, "for ME to live is Christ. And to die is gain. I'm just gaining."
Wow. All they way to the end. And she meant it.

That is my inspiration for the rest of my life here on earth. Starting now with this new 2011 year. I want to "live as Christ." And I want to have such a love for Him, and such a deep, real, relationship with Him, that when my time comes, I will only see it as "gaining."
So in lieu if New Years Resolutions, I think as long as I'm striving for that, and as long as me and God are "like this".... then whatever comes along this year, good or bad, it'll all just kind-of....be....alright.

Christmas And New Years

2011-01-01T15:36:00.001-06:00

Here we are all snug in our duplex, enjoying the Christmas season. We had a nice time in Springfield with the Aberles. Dedo and Tasha came to town for a couple days and it was fun hanging out with them. the Christmas Eve service has become one of my favorite things at Christmastime. I love singing the carols, being reminded of the birth and life of my Lord, and I treasure it as such a special time with my family. I always miss my Mom so much during the service, but I'm thankful I have memories of many Christmas Eve services with her.

New Years Eve and Day weekend was quiet and relaxing. We just stayed home and chilled out -- Best weekend we've had in a long time! Much needed! James, Lydia, and Brynlee came over New Years night and we grilled burgers, fried potatoes, and enjoyed a yummy baked banana dessert that Selah made for us. New Years Day I had a breakfast date with my Dad. Then the rest of the day, again, hanging out at home, just us. We watched football, and got our butts kicked by Bryson in the Just Dance Wii game. Does that kid have to be so good at EVERYTHING?!?!?!? Lol!! Actually, as embarrassing as it might be, Bryson and Alan smoke all us girls in the dance-offs. ((deep sigh)). Oh well! We also played Wii bowling (practicing for our upcoming tourney against the Lyness family - "GO ABERLES!!") and made a big pot of ham and beans. Does that count for good luck? I explained to Selah about superstitions and such, and she just looked at me and said, "well that's just weird and doesn't even make sense.". Yeah... I love my logical, don't-give-me-that-crap kind of kids. :-)

As for this last day of holiday breaks, we are watching football and once again, relaxing. Nice.

All In One Day

2010-10-07T01:47:00.004-05:00

Wow. The last 24 hours have been a whirlwind.
My friend Cara called to tell me she had a friend who is wanting to buy a house in our neighborhood, and close quickly on it, and that she really wants her to see our house if it's still for sale. Yes, we had a for sale sign in the yard for about a month, but no lookers. So we pulled it down, deciding to finish some projects and maybe wait on the market to come back a little. I told Cara I would send pictures via e-mail to her friend. About 2 hours later I got a call from their Realtor saying they wanted to see the house at 5:30 today, and that they were ready to "move on this quick.".
People tell me all the time, and I love my home enough to believe it too, but everyone has said it will sell quick. And we were a little prepared for that, provided we could get someone in the door. Our first home sold in 2 days. Also listed "by owner.".
We cleaned and tidied it up, and even today Selah was an awesome helper, going above and beyond anything I asked her to do. She is so thoughtful.
Their Realtor stopped by this afternoon to see it first, and from that conversation seemed quite sure they would want the house. We showed the house at 5:30, and less than 2 hours later had a full priced offer, less some fees. As it works out, we will close in 23 days if everything goes through.

Now, for that part I really want to blog about. I don't deal well with change. Never have. Not as a kid, not as a college student, and not really as an adult either.. I hang onto what I have... What is comfortable and routine and known. It will take Alan and I years to decide to buy a different car. Not that I can't part from the old one, but because we like not having car payments, or things like that.
We love this house, but this is not the house I want to retire in. And I don't want to move away from the house we raise the kids in. Ha! Just imagine what what that would be like for me compared to this!!

So we got the offer, and I got a little sad right off the bat about someone else getting to live in my beautiful home. And I got sad about the kids having to move away from their good friends. And what if we can't find this dream home I keep, well, dreaming about? So we risk loosing this awesome house for who knows what yet?

We held a family prayer time with the kids, specifically about the house deal. Selah prayed first, and in her prayer she said "help Mommy and Daddy to decide on the right things for us...." That statement alone gave me peace. I prayed. Alan prayed, and after he said "amen" Bryson said "Dad, Soloman prayed for wisdom." Yes he did. Bryson said "you just prayed for wisdom too."
Charis cried when I tucked her in, saying she didn't want to move. Selah is very excited, and when I tucked her in she asked me how I was feeling. I told her that I was a little nervous, a little sad, and little excited and happy too. But that if this is all working for us, and if we keep praying that God will help lead us to the right place next, then we are gonna love it and see how it all worked together for good.

Day #4 and 5, Epcot

2010-09-21T13:51:00.004-05:00

Epcot was our family's favorite park. All I can say about it is "wow!" Literally I don't even know where to start. The first day we spent the entire time in the front half of the park. We rode the Nemo ride, spent a couple hours exploring the aquarium, and we had lunch at the Coral Reef, enjoying our view of the marine life, the glass view being one entire wall. It was neat. The kids had fun chasing the water snakes at te fountain, rode Fast Track, played some educational interactive games, rode the AWESOME ride inside the huge geosphere, and ended the night with the fireworks show.
As we were watching the fireworks, I noticed across and around the back side if the lake there were lots if big buildings.... And it was then that we figured out that was all the "COUNTRIES" that Epcot is famous for. WOW! We hadn't even made it to that part of the park! We spent the entire day just in the front riding rides and playing games.
So Day 5 we headed straight for the countries. We explored Mexico, China, Germany, I think? I mean, there were still lots of countries we never even made it to. Amazing. We loved it!
Even the second half of day 6 we squeezed in a few more hours at Epcot, and still only made it half way around the lake. I think we could spend an entire week just at Epcot. Maybe in the future we will!
It was our family's favorite!

The Castle Princesses @ Disney World

2010-09-16T19:35:00.000-05:00

Princess Snow White

Princess Aurora, Sleeping Beauty

Princess Ariel

Princess Belle

Princess Charis

Princess Selah

My Beautiful Castle Princesses

Day # 3 Animal Kingdom

2010-09-13T09:04:00.004-05:00

Wow! This was a FULL day of fun! Today was Animal Kingdom day. For my little 'zoo' lovers, this park was right up their alley. We started the day out with Mickey shaped waffles and an African omelet breakfast at the Tuscar House Cafe. We got to meet Daisy, finally! And Mickey and Goofy were there too.
As soon as breakfast was over, it was first things first... A pin trade or two, and then the safari ride!! We saw giraffes, hippos, elephants, and many other birds and creatures of the savanna.

Next we set off on a trail walk through the jungle. Our favorite part of Animal Kingdom was the Bugs Life show that took place in the roots of the Tree of Life. I laughed and laughed just watching the kids. I'm pretty sure I heard Bryson scream a time or two - Ha! Ha! It was a 3D show with added splashes of water, bursts of wind, and some creepy crawly feels of bugs and worms underneath us. Bryson and Selah both reached for bugs, ducked to avoid danger, and Bryce is sure he punched the head off of one of the bad bugs. It was so fun!! They LOVED this show! Hilarious!!

After an really neat parade, we headed back to the resort at about 4pm. We decided to head to the pool to cool off and play. I even got in the water and - got my hair wet! - which is rare! After a couple hours of fun and relaxation at the pool we deicided to be wild-and-crazy-die-hards and head to Magic Kingdom for the 9pm-midnight exclusive park admission for resort guests only. We hurried and changed clothes, and made it the park in time for the fireworks show above the castle. Instead, as soon as we arrived and found a spot, the kids and I went to get Mickey ice cream cones and when we came out of the parlor, a crazy wild storm came upon us out of no where! They advised everyone to take cover. The kids and I Ran back into the the ice cream parlor, and Alan was left to find cover for him and the stroller. About 30 minutes went by and the storm passed. It was a creepy hurricane type storm. Lots of wind, thunder, and lightening. It was kinda cool though. Poor Alan was soaked.

I fell in love with my sweet wet man a little more tonight. The kids still wanted to see the parade and Alan was totally willing to stick it out. I don't think I would have been so nice. but he was. He never even complained or acted frustrated about it. The show finally started about 10:15pm. Charis fell asleep on my lap during the fireworks, so after the show, he offered to take her back to our resort. Selah and Bryce were excited though about getting to stay at the park during the late hours, so I stayed with them until midnight. It was a fun special time for the three of us!

Needless to say, it was a long day. The plan is to sleep in and start Day 4 in the late morning and go as long as we can. We are having fun, but we gotta keep up with our rest. If we can.

Day #2 Magic Kingdom

2010-09-11T21:15:00.003-05:00

After a long day of travels and a late night, we all slept in a bit this morning. We hit the park at about 10am. It was already hot and sunny. Only 90 degrees today I think, but it seemed really really hot. I mean, My kids hardly sweat when they run races or play soccer at home, but here we all had beads of sweat on our faces. So our tactic was alternating a ride or parade in the sun, and then a ride or show in a building. This worked pretty good, and it made it so Alan and I didn't get cranky, ha!

Selah and Alan rode Space Mountain. Her first big roller coaster ride. She was scared a little when on the ride, but as soon as it was over she told Alan she would like to ride it again if she gets the chance. Bryson, Charis, and I went on the Buzz Light Year ride. The kids had fun shooting lazier guns at the Evil Emperor Zurg's Z's, and I was mesmerized by the ride so much, that we wanted to take Alan and Selah on it.

We laughed along at the Monster's Inc Interactive show, enjoyed a live character performance show outside the castle, and rode our "doom buggies" through the haunted mansion.

We had a wonderful lunch outside on the verandah of Tony's Town Square, just as the parade went marching by. That was a great tip suggested by the WDW reservation employee that helped me book my dining spots. It was neat to watch the parade from there... We were the only people that requested the verandah, I guess, since we were the only ones eating out there, so it was like we had our own private viewing area for the parade. And it was in the shade under a fan. Perfect!

Another exciting thing going on for the kids is the pin trading. We bought them each a laniard and a handful of Disney pins. Each WDW employee has a laniard of pins that he/she will freely trade with you. The kids have had a blast trading pins. The WDW employees will trade any pin you want for any pin you want to give up. Your choice. In a couple cases the kids have even traded with other kids. That can get a little trickier since you have to make a more fair and desirable trade. I love watching them trading pins around. In fact, tonight the "Disney Fairy is leaving them each a new pin under their pillows!

Charis is getting tons of attention while wearing her big "it's my birthday" pin! A special dessert and Mickey confetti at each meal, lots of birthday wishes from people everywhere, and even the bus driver today gave her a Disney bus pin. The other kids finally tonight said "I wanna come here for my birthday!!". I was waiting for that.

And speaking of attention, we are all getting plenty of it because of the adorable festive outfits the kids are wearing each day. Even several of the ladies that work here have said they are some of the cutest they've seen. Wow! Cool! The kids get compliments all the time about how cute they are or whatever, but it's kinda fun cause for the first time, when people ask me if I made their outfits, I can say "yes!!!"
And the bag Heather made me is awesome!

Disney World 2010

2010-09-10T23:22:00.002-05:00

We are here! We are here! We are here!
After two months of waiting, hours of planning, days of sewing and creating, and a few hours of traveling, we are finally here!

We arrived at the airport and they whisked us away to our resort to check in, and then we headed straight to Magic Kingdom! We didn't even have to wait and pick up our luggage. It "magically" appeared in our room while we were at the park.

Our first day here at Disney World has been great. We enjoyed a tour of the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, which was especially exciting for the kids because we recently read the book and watched the movie.

Bryson LOVED the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, and literally has not stopped playing with his souvineer sword since then. He is really into Pirates right now, and this ride was so cool. We all really liked it, and it made him even more excited about his special 2 hour pirate excursion coming up on Tuesday.

We ended the night having dinner at Chef Mickey's. This is one of the most popular character meal dinners, and it took me several times of trying, but we managed to land a 9:05pm reservation (and that was booked 2 months ago). The timing worked good though with it being our first night and being full of excitement. We were able to see Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald Duck, and Pluto. The kids got their autographs and I got pictures of the kids with each of them.

The sweetest thing happened tonight. A moment that made this Mommy and Daddy proud. I had come prepared with small pieces of colored
card stock and Sharpies for the kids to use to get autographs from the Characters. The last to visit our table was Mickey. He took a little extra time with the kids and even wrote their names and signed it "Your Pal, Mickey." Then he was off to another nearby table. Bryson asked me for a paper and Sharpie. I handed it to him and he wrote the words "thank you" and drew a heart. He waited for Mickey to finish at the table next to us, and then Bryson handed Mickey his note. Mickey stopped, read the note, clutched it to his heart, and then drew a heart in the air with his hands. He gave Bryson a big hug, and then came back to our table and motioned for Bryson and the girls to sign the thank you card Bryson made him. Isn't that so sweet? Mickey wanted their autographs! I love that boy. My rough tough sword fighting pirate sweetheart of a kid. Who also wasn't afraid to pause quick to pee in the bushes on our walk back to the resort. Ugh. Really? At least it was dark. I looked back and saw him and said "Bryce! What are you doing?!?!?" to which he replied "That's what boys do, Mom."

So yes... we are feeling the MAGIC!

Route 66 Pops

2010-08-28T23:59:00.000-05:00

If you ask Alan and I to list our top 5 favorite things to do... on the list would be our enjoyment of finding really cool, fun, and/or quaint places to eat. On vacation, I think most of our memories are even connected to the places we find to dine. We like outdoor dining best, and often choose our restaurant when we see there are tables outside on the deck or sidewalk of the cafe. And we usually like the little pizza parlors or swanky sandwich shops or thatched-roof Mexican places best. Occasionally we do "fancy" I guess, but we much prefer "fun." And really, a big juicy burger and fries served in a plastic basket tops our list.

Most recently the lil' place we found is not so much known for it's food, but more for it's pop. Or I should say pops, hence the name.
It's located right outside of the Oklahoma City/Edmond area, in a town named Arcadia.

You may have seen the giant soda bottle beside the road when traveling on Route 66 east of Edmond. Towering an appropriate 66 feet above the historic road near Arcadia, it is the calling card of POPS, a roadside gas station, cafe, convenience store and soda fountain.

Selah had a soccer tournament in OKC this past weekend, and as soon as Charis heard we were headed there, she yelled "CAN WE GO to POPS!!!!?????!!!" And how could we turn down her sweet shy little request? I mean? For the love! "Of course we can go there sweet baby!"

This time I made sure to take my camera and get a few pics. We were seated outside in the "back yard." We devoured our burgers and fries, drank our specially chosen bottles of pop, and enjoyed once again the historic hills and curves of Route 66 as we headed home with full bellies. And with a few cases of clanking bottles in tow.

"CHEERS!"

My Favorite Spot

2010-08-27T21:21:00.001-05:00

Since I'm on the topic of outdoor dining, I have to post a blog about my favorite spot to dine outdoors in T-town... Queenies. At Utica Square.

It makes me happy. Can cheer me up if I'm feelin' down. It can be either fun, or romantic, or both! They have the #2 best grilled cheeses in town (next to my Grandma's) and they definitely have the #1 best egg salad sandwiches in town.

And if you ask my kids... they have the best climbing trees around.

***JOY JOY***

I love having lunch at Queenies. And I always splurge for dessert.

MAKES ME HAPPY!!

American Girl History - Felicity, Week 2

2010-08-26T10:55:00.015-05:00

We are in our 2nd week of our American Girl curriculum. The year is divided into studying 7 of the different American Girls and their culture; what the world was like during their particular era.

The first American Girl in our study is Felicity; a little girl living in the colony of Williamsburg in 1774. For each of the 6 'Felicity' weeks we read one of her chapter books each week, we read and study additional books, such as a biography on George Washington and Betsy Ross. We do various crafts and projects, such as write an invitation to tea and make our own "store front" sign as if we owned and operated a business in the colony.

In addition to the curriculum and chapter books, I ordered the the book Felicity's World, and Felicity's Cookbook (I ordered the cookbooks and 'world' books of the other girls too). Often times this week I've walked into a room and found Selah reading and admiring the 'world' books of the American Girls. She's even taken them with us to read in the car. Alan said the other night Selah had 3 or 4 of the various 'world' books open and laid out on the ottoman, and she was comparing the times of the girls against one another. My point is, she is l-o-v-i-n-g what she is learning.

This morning Selah made breakfast from Felicity's cookbook. This afternoon we had our first 'American Girl Club' with 6 other friends also doing the same curriculum this year. The girls had a 'Felicity Tea Party' and got to practice their proper tea etiquette. Sort-of. Ha!

Sports Momma Meals - #1 FAN of Fast Fix Meals

2010-08-24T10:11:00.016-05:00

One of my favorite things in life is getting to cheer my kids on from the side-lines or from the audience or from the finish line! My kids are busy developing their skills, self-confidence, healthy bodies and lifestyle, their relationships with others, their respect for authority, and most of all, they are having fun!
Soccer is in full swing, dance is about to begin, and we are waiting for the call to join the tackle football team. Wednesday night church activities start this week too, so that makes 4 nights a week of sports and activities. Many people scoff at how "busy" families are in this day and age. And I get that, I do. But with 3 kids, with making a priority for church mid-week, with allowing my kids to choose more than one activity (because soccer and dance are both healthy and beautiful and challenging, but in very different ways), it just fills the evenings up. Which is why we educate at home rather than at school all day, but that's another blog for another day.

Even more vital than a healthy, active, physical and social life, I believe the kids need to be filled with as much nutrition as possible. Especially with all the unhealthy options available today, and especially with the need for quick-and-convenient foods. After all, in the end, if they don't have their health, the rest of all of this "sporting" that we do doesn't really matter.

So! Time for another Taste-N-Tell style party! Last year I hosted WhAT A CRocK! and it went over so well, I decided to have another one. This time, the theme is "Sports Momma Meals #1 Fan of Fast Fix Meals"
Everyone brought their favorite fast fix homemade meal for the family. Some were crock meals, some were make ahead and chill until ready to bake. Others were 4 or 5 ingredients thrown in a dish and bake or cook. And even a couple were 2 part meals ~ day 1 eat the BBQ pork roast, day 2 use left overs to make bake potato casserole topped with the left over meat. All the meals were delish! I had a very hard time choosing my favorite recipe! In fact, originally I was going to have everyone vote for their 1 favorite dish, but at the last minute decided to award 2 winners, one for flavor, the other for fast-fix convenience.

Sarah and Brandi were the winners! Sarah for "delicious flavor", and Brandi for "fast-fix on-the-run". Here are the copies of the recipes they brought:

Sarah brought her Day 2 Meal, but rather than bringing the loaded baked potatoes, she scooped out the potatos and pressed the pulp into the bottom of a baking dish. Then topped the smashed potatoes with the remaining ingredients, adding the left-over shredded pork to the top. Then bake in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10-12 minutes. Her meal was my husbands favorite!

And my other favorite for it's fun and creativity for the kids was Jen's recipe for Ship Wrecked. Here's a copy of her recipe, and a picture of us to go along with it since we're so cute!

And the last recipe I want to post was the one I voted for... brought by my friend Stephanie. I had a hard time choosing between this meal and Sarah's loaded baker, but this was my favorite ~ since I had to choose. This Taco Stuffed Shells meal was a little more work than some of the others, but the flavor was so so so so good!!!

Of course we ended the night by assembling ourselves a little cookbook of all the recipes from the party. Such fun!

All in all, it's a great opportunity to taste the different meals, take home new recipes, and best of all, is a good excuse for a Girl's Night Out!

A Very Tiny (Almost Not) Sneak Peek

2010-08-22T01:55:00.005-05:00

Here's a peek of the skirt I made for Selah to wear on Animal Kingom day.

Charis is excited to see me sewing, and (no surprise to me) wanted to try it herself! I am making 4 or 5 outfits for the kids to wear while we are in Disney World, and while at the fabric store we found a bolt of Minnie Mouse fabric already gathered at the bodice. So we pinned it to her size, and she got to sew it straight up the back, thus *making* her first dress! It came off the bolt already hemmed, but I added a pretty pink ribbon ruffle at the bottom to make it even more fun! When she sews with me, she sits in my lap, I press the peddle and help her guide the fabric under the presser foot.
Charis was very excited and pleased with her new dress, and I think wore it for 2 or 3 days straight! It's super cute, purple, perfect for a hot Disney day, and "Made By Charis, With Love." Oh, and it's also strapless. Ha!

In My Nest...

2010-08-22T01:48:00.002-05:00

I get to grow them. Birth them. Clean them. Feed them. Sometimes ruffle their feathers. Keep them warm. Squeeze and snuggle together. Kick out the poo. Show them the sky. Shield them. Nudge them. Teach them to fly. And when they fall, I'll swoop down and help them get soaring again.

Wild-N-Crazy in the Rain

2010-08-22T01:37:00.008-05:00

Hey... you leave me by myself and in charge of 7 wild-n-crazy kids... this is what *might* happen if they want to play tag. In the dark. In the rain.

*MIGHT*

Fun Friday's - How I Love You!

2010-08-16T00:31:00.000-05:00

This summer has been a BLAST! Our favorite day of the summertime weeks have been Friday! Make that FUN FRIDAY!

All the Momma's bring our cute selves, loads of sunscreen, coozied drinks, our fashionable hats and/or sunglasses, and junk food. Oh, and the kids. Of course.

We have a blast! The kids play. We play. We chat. We encourage. We uplift. We need a lift. Oh. We gab. We laugh. Maybe gripe just a little. And we try to keep our eyes on the kiddo's.

The kids love Fun Fridays just as much as us Mommas do.

Fun Friday's - how I love you, and I'm sad the summer is coming to an end. And thanks for the awesome tan this year!

Love, Cari

ps. thanks J's!

Count It All Joy Wednesday

2010-08-04T09:27:00.003-05:00

I count it all joy that I am married to a man who is honest, faithful, and unwaivering, and that his Mom and Dad raised him in such a way that it is part of who he is ~ to the core.

I count it all joy that I was raised by solid Godly, loving parents who had expectations of me from the beginning.

I count it all joy that today I slept in 'til 9am cause my kids can finally wake up, turn on the TV, and not have to be eating breakfast at 6:30am anymore.

I count it all joy that I have 3 beautiful, healthy, smart, energetic kids who love me and who love their life.

I count it all joy that I was able to grow up in the same town as my Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins.

I count it all joy that I am able to stay at home with my kids.

I count it all joy that Selah loves the Lord, has given her life to him, and is already looking and working on ways to serve Him through the talents and interests she has.

I count it all joy that my kids love to learn.

I count it all joy that I have been blessed with the best friend in the world, and that after 12 years of friendship, we still talk on the phone for hours a day, and have never had even 1 fight.

I count it all joy that Alan and I are going out on a date Friday night!

I count it all joy that I am covered with God's grace thanks to Jesus and what he did on the cross for me.

I count it all joy that my husband loves me through and through, and when I'm down, he tries to pick me up. And he usually knows just what I need.

I count it all joy that I am blessed with a comfortable home that I can make my "nest" and have my place to be domestic ~ which is who I am.

I count it all joy that we are blessed with family friends and I have my core "people" with whom we are raising our kids and doin' life together.

I count it all joy that I get to be with my kids all day long and help guide their learning.

I count it all joy that my kids get to grow up in a church that has an amazing youth group, and even more that their uncle is their youth minister. That means so much to me.

I count it all joy that today is gonna be a great day!

She's Got Style...

2010-07-29T00:11:00.004-05:00

Today Charis decided she wanted her top to be partially "strapless." And being the resourceful kid she is... she found the scissors and cut off one of the straps. Then she showed me. My first response was "Charis!!! Why did you do that??" But quickly thought of how creative, smart, strong, confident, and as said before, resourceful she is. And how much she loves her clothing, and even designing/putting outfits together, so I didn't end up getting on to her, really.
I often times am reminded of various famous (and not so famous) artists that maybe would have also done things such as this when they were little... and I don't want to squish that spirit of hers. We did talk about her not cutting her clothing any more without talking to me first. We also talked about letting her start to learn to sew. If I can get this girl in front of a sewing machine someday, I'm thinkin' it'll be pretty cool to see what she can do!

Dallas American Girl Store

2010-07-28T16:19:00.000-05:00

American Girls are a pretty big deal at our house. Selah loves the books, really likes the dolls, and enjoys collecting accessories that go along with them. Charis likes them too, but has to wait awhile longer for her first doll. And, I might as well just admit it... I'm just as into the American Girl stuff as they are.
The history behind the girls is so powerful and so relevant to my own little 'American Girls' as they are growing up in the 2000's. I love reading the books to them. I've laughed. I've cried more than once while reading various books to them. We all learn so much. Many times Selah's mouth is hanging wide open as I'm reading about the lives of the different Girls. Their adventures, or the struggles, or the vast differences in the culture then vs. now. It really is amazing. Wholesome. Good. And very educational.

So. I won't admit how many plates I have painted thus far to pay for all the American Girl shopping we have done. But it's A-LOT! And I justify it. Yes. I do.

So made another summertime trip to Dallas with our faithful and forever American Girl friends.

This bitty baby needed a visit to the hair salon!

* Happy Firecracker Day * 2010 *

2010-07-04T00:58:00.000-05:00

Grandma Rada's Homemade Jam

2010-06-29T00:10:00.000-05:00

I was just looking for a good excuse to spend some time with my Grandma Rada, so I called her and asked if she could help me make and can my first batch of jam. She was happy to have us. For as long as I can remember she has canned foods, so I wanted her to be the one to teach me how.
The kids and I picked about 5 gallons of blackberries at the Owasso Tree and Berry Farm with Dad and Janice one morning. I bought blueberries as well, and away we went to Grand Lake to spend the day making jam.
I used about 3 gallons of blackberries, and we had picked the other 2 for her to use in her pie baking. First we made the blueberry jam, then the blackberry. We just followed the recipe on the back of the Pectin package. They both turned out delish! And I think the blueberry is my favorite jam ever! The blackberry is really good too, but I love the blueberry.
The kids helped fill the jars, and Grandma and I had so much fun in the kitchen together that afternoon. It was so surreal at times... I can remember my mom and my grandma standing in the kitchen cooking, canning, talking, and spending time together. There were a few moments that I had that "oh this is like de ja vue... cept it's Grandma and ME... who is reminding me of my MOM!" Weird, but cool, but sad. Anyway. We did have a great time. I liked her little canning tools. Antiques, I'm sure. But practical and neat! My Grandma Rada is so fun. Neat. Funny. Smart. Good and what she does. Does what she loves. Loves what is good. Like JAM! Yum!

Summer Slumber Party

2010-06-20T00:41:00.000-05:00

YAAAA HOOO!!!

Pool Time and Play Time

Homemade mini pizzas!

Surprise, surprise! The American Girls came along for the party too!

And of course something special and yummy and well planned out for breakfast!

Camping @ Skiatook Lake

2010-06-19T23:50:00.000-05:00

Skiatook Lake, 2010. Camping trip with great friends! What a blast! 2 nights... 2 meals on the open fire... 2 boats... a cool bunch of kiddos with lots of laughter, silliness, soccer, fishing, and good times. Good friends make the world a much better place.

Boating and Fishing @ Skiatook Lake

2010-06-19T23:30:00.000-05:00

Ha! Ha! I love this picture of the kids looking over the side of the boat to see if we caught any catfish! My Dad let us use his catfish jugs and I got to teach everyone all about baiting, setting the jugs, and then checking the next morning to see if we had any luck. It was so fun! And now the guys all think I'm cool ~ hee! hee! Anyway, it was fun and I was happy to get to show everyone how to do it. Of course, the kids loved it. The next morning we did have several decent sized catfish on our lines. We ended up giving the fish to some people that were camping near us, and they were quite excited to clean and eat the fish.

Then the rest of the day was spent skiing, tubing, and [attempting] to wakeboard. For some reason I got up the first time, but was knocked down pretty quick by waves. And I could NOT get back up!?!? I tried and tried and for whatever crazy reason couldn't get back up. So I knee boarded instead. Alan wakeboarded for awhile but hit a big wave h-a-r-d and was done for the day after a bad fall.

We bought a pair of kid-size skiis for the kids. I was skiing at their age, so we talked to them about it and they were excited to try it out. Bryson and Selah were both able to ski a little ways. It was cool! But they were kind-a timid so didn't stay up more than a minute maybe. Hopefully we can get back on the water so they can try again soon! Charis wanted to try, but we didn't think she was quite big enough yet. She wasn't happy about it, but a ride in the tube made it all better! I was enjoying the moment so much watching them get up on their skis that I didn't snap a picture ~ bummer! Next time!
I love being on the lake! We had a great weekend camping and playing on the water.

Happy Birthday, Flag-Day Babies!

2010-06-14T15:34:00.000-05:00

We love celebrating Papa, Selah, and their red-white-n-blue birthdays! Our favorite way to celebrate is with the family, at our home. And being the festive people we are... I'm lovin all the red-white-n-blue everywhere! We are pretty blessed that our family is close enough to celebrate with us.

Cousins playing together.

Time to eat!

Selah is ready to open her gifts!

Gigi knows Selah loves to cook, so her and Lynette made Selah a little cookbook of some of Gigi's favorite recipes. How cute and how special is this!

Cousin Kalea giving her another year subscription to the American Girl Magazine!

Bryce got her a "flag day birthday" soccer ball!

The kids giving my Dad his cards they made him, and probably helping him open his gifts too.

Charis giving her card to her Papa... I wish I could remember what he said that made her laugh! I love this picture!

Last year Selah's Grandma Lou Lou made her cake with coolwhip and berries, and Selah loved it so much, she wanted another one this year! AND, she wanted to make it herself, so she did! Very pretty and very, very delish!

Happy Birthday!!

Me and My Babe

2010-06-04T01:02:00.000-05:00

Can't I ever get a good picture with him anymore? If it's not the kids messing it up, it's him!!! Just kidding. Er, uh, maybe it was the alligator we just tried for the first time ever. It was weird. So I guess I'm not mad at him for screwing up this would-be cute pic of us! lol!! Yeah, I love him! And he's cute anyway. Him and his big orange shirt. He's all mine!

Here he is laughing at his first pic he just took. I give up! :-)

First Harvest ~ a Jalapeno

2010-06-03T13:08:00.001-05:00

We are enjoying our garden! First harvest is here... a shiny green jalapeno. The kids have been watching it daily since it's little body first popped into being, and tonight was the night to pick it. Our tomatoes are growing great, the cucumber finally took off, and the potatoes and peppers are doing good too. Yummmmm.

2010-06-01T13:26:00.000-05:00

Lately this lil' nature-girl can be found in the back yard looking at the garden... or looking for birds. She likes to watch, listen, and observe birds. Here she is with an Oklahoma bird book, reading up on the morning doves that have hatched in the nest on our back yard pergola.

Family 5k

2010-05-30T17:33:00.000-05:00

Team Aberle!!! We ran the Maple Ridge 2010 5k together as a family ~ if you include Charis, Grandpa Gene and Grandma Lou Lou serving as our cheerleaders ~ it was a family race! Ha!

Bryson and Selah did AWESOME, both winning medals in their age group. Selah came in first in her age (6-9 year old girls) and Bryson coming in 2nd in his (6-9 boys). Selah and Alan started ahead of us in the pack... assuming since it was Bryson's first run, he might need to hang with me at a little slower pace. Ha! Were we wrong! He ran the first lap (ie. half) with me, but then ran ahead of me... passed Alan and Selah... and finished first in front of all of us. He ran the 5k in 30 minutes. Selah and Alan finished in 31, and me in at 32 minutes. It was fun. Hilly. But fun!

Will Rogers Memorial

2010-05-25T16:58:00.000-05:00

Our home educating friends took a field trip to the Will Rogers Museum in Claremore. This was a very interesting trip for the kids, as well as for the adults (as usual). Will Rogers was born in Oologah, my home town.

When we arrived a cowboy gave us the run down on Will Rogers. His life, his career, and his fame, and his family. The cowboy told us about how Will wanted to "see the world" so he up and went to Africa as a young man. In the middle his wandering across Africa, someone found out Will could lasso and work tricks with a rope. Will was in need of a way to earn money, so they hired Will to do shows nightly for people to come and watch. Will was quiet during his first few shows, but soon began to say things that would get a good laugh out of his audience, so he decided to adlib along to his tricks. He figured out that he could make people laugh, and decided he liked the "spot light" quite a lot.

Here the kids are sitting in a little movie theater watching a few of the movie flicks Will Rogers starred in.

Will Rogers and his family are buried in this tomb, under the museum. This is the entrance to the tomb.

Have I ever mentioned how much I love educating my kids! This is a pretty cool world full of so many neat people and places, and I love watching my kids take it in!

And For The Rest of His Life...

2010-05-23T13:15:00.000-05:00

He's BIG enough.

He's SMART enough.

He's STRONG enough.

And so, for the rest of his life... he now has the responsibility... of taking out the trash.

THE END.

Sweet Sweets... Alabama!

2010-05-17T15:40:00.000-05:00

We spent a few days with our Alabama family just before the summer season hit! It was nice to hang out and relax with them, and the kids had tons of fun playing with their "big boy" cousins.
We went to the Huntsville Botanical Gardens and explored the "tree house" exhibits. It was so cool! The other highlight of the trip was making HOMEMADE do-nuts with Theresa's do-nut press! I think it was Theresa's Grandma's do-nut recipe that her Mom and Grandma made with her when she was a little girl. We even used the do-nut dough dispenser from the old-days! And Yumm-O!! The cinnamon and sugar was my fav! Other than that, Theresa and I watched chicka-flickas and worked on Christmas felt-n-sequin crafts! LUV my Alabama Sister!

Dream House Tree House!

2010-05-16T15:06:00.000-05:00

Here are a few of pics of the neat tree houses on display, 2010 summer season, at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens, Alabama. It was pretty dreamy, if I do say so myself!

Charis Dancing at her Recital

2010-05-02T15:11:00.000-05:00

Isn't she beautiful? She dances so well... she focuses... she loves most of all the make-up, dance outfits, and the up-do! She likes to sparkle and shine!

Ahhhh... end of the day. I think we're a lil' loopy! And yet we'll do it all again next year.

Selah is the Shining Star ~ 2010

2010-05-02T15:09:00.000-05:00

Okay... so... first of all... recital day is maybe my FAVORITE day of the year! My little Mommy-heart just can't hardly stand the joy, pride, love, and emotion as I watch my baby girls up on stage. They are both really good dancers, and I love to watch them on stage. But their beauty and grace just radiates straight through me and I cry every time! The recital is totally my "pay-off" for all the time I spend sitting at the studio. I absolutely adore watching them dance on stage.

And this year... as if that alone wasn't enough... we were so proud to find out that Selah was the one student out of the whole dance company that was awarded the "Shining Star" award!
At the end of the dances, all the students receive a certificate and/or a medal for the number of years they have been dancing. And then Ms. Kari awards one dancer the "Shining Star" award. We were not aware ahead of time that she chose Selah, so this was a fun surprise for us as well as for Selah.
Ms. Kari said something pretty close to this ~ "I chose this years Shining Star student not only because she is a great dancer, but also because she is sweet... she always has a great attitude! She never complains, she is always happy and helpful, and she sets a great example to the other girls in her class. And this years Shining Star award goes to... Selah Aberle!!!!" (and the crowds went wild!! Ahh ahhh ahhh!!!) (okay... enough with the proud Mommy moment... I know. No... wait... let me relish in it a little longer... ahhh ahhh ahhh!!!)

Anyway, we are super proud of Selah. She is "that" kind of kid. In every way. And she really is a great dancer. And beautiful. Okay. I think I'll stop. For now.

Tap Dance to Footloose

Jenny's Garden Party

2010-04-19T19:02:00.003-05:00

My Cousin Jenny is such a "Cool Chick"! She is an unschoolin', nature lovin', peace promotin' Momma of 4 kids... I dunno how many animals... and a city yard full of GREEN! She has gardens covering almost her entire front and back yard. From vegetables to flowers to fruit trees to herbs to medicinal plants to chickens and quail. She cooks, cans, dehydrates, produces, and gives from her heart. It's so cool to see someone find their passion, and grow it!

She recently started her own business, Ellaberry Gardens. Check it out at ellaberrygardens.com for a look-see. She is hosting monthly classes right in her own yard, and she is offering guidance on garden planning, plotting, installation, and even some maintenance. She is a wealth of information and her passion for keeping it green shines through. I can relate to the "domestic" feeling that comes from harvesting, preparing, and feeding your favorite people freshness and goodness ~ especially when it's straight from your own back yard.

She came up with this cool idea to have a "Garden Swap Party" this spring. Everyone brought extra seedlings, plants, starts from their own gardens and beds, and even used books, pots, garden tools, etc. We laid it all out and swapped with each other! It was so cool! I came home with some vegetables, herbs, a thornless blackberry shoot, and a broken clay pot (I'm hoping a frog will make it "home" in my flower beds). It was a blast!

My 2 favorite parts about the party? 1.) The elderberry tea made from a homemade syrup Jenny harvests from her elderberry bush (add honey and tea). and 2.) the tour of her gardens while listening to all the other ladies asking questions and offering each other experiential advice and ideas.

This Thursday is her first official class and I can't wait! I love to learn this way... and I'm so excited for Jenny and her new business venture!

Okay ~ favorite thing 3.) Jenny's spinach dip! Here's the recipe:

1 fresh bunch, 1 fresh bag or 1 bag of frozen spinach 8-10oz
1 cup sour cream
2/3 cup mayonnaise
½ tsp lemon juice
½ small onion, shredded
2 tsp finely chopped fresh parsley or 1 of dried parsley
1 tsp chopped chives, or garlic chives
¼ tsp salt, pepper
½ tsp onion powder and paprika

***For extra texture, color or crunch try adding a handful of chopped or sliced water chestnuts, and or a handful of thinly shredded carrot.

Remove any large steams on leaves, chop spinach thoroughly and boil for 2 ½ - 3 minutes. Strain and rinse with cool water; let sit in strainer for 5-10 minutes, and then blot with paper towel to dry. Add sour cream and mayonnaise, mix well. Add remainder of ingredients, then chill, serve warm or cold with crusty bread, crackers or use a vegetable dip.

If using frozen spinach, let thaw then gently squeeze out water, or strain. Pat to dry and mix as directed above.

Thanks Jenny for a great garden party!

Garden Goes In

2010-04-13T11:34:00.009-05:00

We built the raised bed, added the garden compost, and plunked our little plants in the ground. Also we planted a bunch of seedlings for Charis to have lots of flowers to pick and arrange this summer ~ one her favorite pass-times.
We are going to add a few plants that are more mature, but it was fun to grow some from seeds.

Tiny Piece of Enjoyment

2010-04-13T11:15:00.009-05:00

At the Homeschoolin' Mom's Retreat, I received a "Favorite Things" gift from my new friend Toni. She gave one of her favorite worship CD's, which I totally love! It reminds me a tiny bit of Silver Dollar City, and has a fun "country" kick to it. I'm really enjoying it. Great background worship music. Also... you know the big thick blue rubber bands that come on the bunch of broccoli from the store? Well... she put 2 of those rubber bands in her give-away, and said they are an awesome kitchen tool for opening jars! Place one rubber band on the lid, and one on the jar, and twist! Viola! Haven't tried it yet, but she said it works wonders.
And perhaps my favorite part... she gave a bag of Ghirdardelli chocolates. She said her special secret with the chocolate is that when she needs a little "pick-me-up" throughout the day (or even just for the Mommy-heck-of-it) she pulls out a couple little pieces of the chocolate, and enjoys them a few pieces at a time. Sounds great, huh!?!? 'Cept, I don't really like chocolate by itself, so I improvised. I made teeny-tiny little oatmeal, pecan, chocolate chip cookies, that I will freeze and hide and use for the Mommy-heck-of-it when I need it or want it. Love it! Needless to say, I've already had one today. Thanks Toni!

Our Town, America

2010-04-12T11:23:00.005-05:00

Selah has been interested in how America was first established, so we've done some reading this morning and last week too about the early explorers and settlers of the United States. We've read some fiction from the American Girl Kirsten books, we've read in a heritage book learning about the early colonies, the Separatists (ie. Pilgrims), what the first settlements looked like, how they interacted and learned from the Indians, etc.

So today we were talking about how you can tell what your towns people like and are interested in by the things you see in your town. Duh. But I've never sat back and thought about it. Selah said, "Owasso has lots of restaurants, houses, churches, and banks." So yep. We pretty much value our families, like to eat, lots of Jesus fans, and places to keep our money. Ha! Then I started thinking about it. This is a "bedroom" community of Tulsa. There are many more houses than businesses or places to work. This town is highly centered around the kids, especially when it comes to sports and extra curricular activities (hence the need for all the place to eat ~ we are an "on-the-go" community with all the activities the kids enjoy after school). We do live in a highly churched community. Even within the public school system, Jesus is not a foreign word, and many many of the teachers and administration are Christians, allowing some of that to creep into the kids' lives, even while at school (hence, a town that is filled with mostly honest, good, people-loving, Godly men and women, and this results in not a lot of crime or danger).

It's really neat to sit back and think about the make-up of our country. Think about the towns that are more urban... lots of parks and gardens, running tracks, museums, culture, etc. Or the towns that are extremely business and higher education oriented, such as Chicago or Boston ~ you may not see as many kids, cars, soccer fields, etc. And what about the people down south? There is a lot of value in nature, people, agriculture, sweet tea and front porch sittin'. So you won't see as much "fashion" perhaps as you would in New York. Start paying attention to various towns. All over America there are "different people" in a sense, with very different interests and abilities. You can tell a lot about the people by merely observing the things that the town has in it. Kind-a cool, huh. I love 1st grade! I'm learning so much! lol!!! Yep, Owasso is good enough for me. As long as I can get away for some "enlightening" at least a couple times a year.

A Weekend of Tri's

2010-04-11T11:53:00.001-05:00

This weekend was a BLAST!!! As every weekend seems to be when the kids are busy and active with sports. Last night I had my Mom's Retreat, so I only got a few hours of sleep (tri).
All the kids played soccer games at 9:30am(tri)
Bryson scored 3 goals (tri)
Selah had a tournament and played 3 games (tri)
Alan ran his first Triathlon (tri)
And.... we ate out 3 times in a row (gotta get another tri in here...).
Yeah. Okay. Whatever.

Saturday was filled with soccer. I love this picture I snapped of Alan and Selah going over some soccer plays while eating lunch.

Alan ran his first sprint-triathlon early Sunday morning. Selah had a game early in the morning too, so the kids and I went to her game, then over to see him cross the finish-line. Luckily, as we were driving up to the Rec Center, the kids thought they saw him running along the sidewalk. So we quick pulled into a car wash parking lot and watched him jog by. I snapped this picture of him.

Then we waited at the finish line, and cheered for him as he finished!! Yay! He did so good! His goal was 1hr-30min, and he really wanted to finish in 1hr-15min. His final time was 1hr-17min. I'm proud of him. 400 meters of swimming, 12 miles biking, and 2 miles of running to finish up.

2010 Homeschoolin' Mom's Retreat

2010-04-10T12:36:00.016-05:00

Last night we had our annual Mom's Retreat with Heritage Homeschool Group. 2 years ago when Selah was educated at home, we were a part of this newly formed group, and she and I both really liked it. This January when we pulled her out of school, and brought her home to learn again, she asked right away if we could join the group again. It has been so fun. We've met some new people and caught up with old friends from when we were in the group before. We've had a lot of fun on our Friday Fun Days, and we've been on some pretty cool field trips.

I jumped right in to help plan the annual Mom's Retreat. It was a night to remember!
We stayed in all night/over night at Tulsa's Indoor Urban Campout. The 3rd floor of a building downtown has been turned into an indoor camp site, complete with artificial campfires, turf grass, and tents. It was very cool, with a panoramic view of downtown. We voted to have a relaxing "night in" so we all brought appetizers and wore our comfy clothes. We even poured ourselves a little "somethin'-somethin'" and climbed the fire escape to the rooftop at night. The lit up downtown buildings in the open air was so refreshing and fun! We all brought in food and we had lots of "group time" to get to know each other better. There are some really cool Mom's in our group! One who use to do show business... one who has published a book... one who has played Belle and "kissed the beast" on stage... one who once walked into the kitchen **naked** trying to be all sexy for her husband, but instead it was her Father-in-law who was standing there (eye-yi-yi!)... a few who are entrepreneurs, several who have adopted their children... several who are trying hard to figure out their new walk with the Lord, and ALL who love their kids and are devoting their lives to giving them the best possible life experiences.
A really fun part of the evening is the "favorite things" gift exchange. Everyone brings a little basket full of a few of your favorite things to give away. We all take turns showing-and-telling about our favorite things, and then we give our basket away to another Mom.
And to end the night, we did a fun craft. We took our boring ol' brooms, and mod-podged them. Now we all have blingy brooms!
I'm a lil' tired today, but it was worth it. We had a really good time.

A Day Of Learning & Play

2010-04-07T23:41:00.010-05:00

Here are a couple pics of how we learn and play at our house. We live... we play... we explore... we build... we read... we cook... we eat... and we are happy! Actually... we are happier than ever.

Today the kids did lots of building, playing, reading, and cooking. Selah asked if she could help make dinner today. Plus a dessert. She chose chicken tacos, and homemade salsa. I had been wanting to make the Pioneer Woman's Creamy Lemon Crumb Squares, so I showed her the recipe and pics on the PW's blog, and we spent a couple hours in the kitchen whipping it all up.
Last week she planned and helped me cook several of the meals. She's quite the little "foodie" so she really does get into the cooking part too. The past couple days she has been telling me she wants cookbooks for Christmas. And several times I will see her looking through the cookbooks she got from her Aunt Lydia or that I have bought for her.
So we made dinner ~ and it was "de-lish" as we like to say.

Something we learned a few weeks ago... did you know the tastebuds that detect "sour" are on the sides of your tongue? So we tested it out again just for fun ~ ewwwie!

Also... did you know that when you zest a fruit, you are suppose to hold the fruit in one hand, and with the zester in the other hand, rub the zester up and down over the fruit? Not the other way around. I've always held the zester still, and ran the lemon back and forth over it, but instead, the PW says you are suppose to hold the lemon still, and run the zester over it. I'm not sure if it worked better doing it her way ~ I couldn't really tell.

We don't do "school" in the conventional way. Kids are naturally curious. My kids are smart and they love to learn, and when they are interested, they soak it up and remember it! While we were at the store today, I picked up some "solar" lighting for the back patio landscaping, and it brought on a conversation on solar power. What does "solar" mean? How does the heat and rays from the sun actually give power? When they asked me these questions today, I didn't know the answers to all their questions. So I asked them if they wanted to learn about the sun and solar power and light, and they excitedly said "YES!!" So... we're about to learn all about it. I'll start gathering the facts, and we'll be on our way to learning something new. Hey, wait a minute, my kids are going to be as smart as me soon...

My Grandma Rada

2010-04-05T22:26:00.004-05:00

My Grandma Rada. This is my Mom's Mom. She is 80 years old. And she is a hoot. I mean... so much so... that as a kid I didn't know WhaT to think of her. Ya know? She is so funny, matter of fact, and not shy at all. She makes the best waffles (served with peanut butter and syrup). She is very very silly, says dingy things, loves to sing, pops our toes, doesn't have the highest IQ so you have to explain some things to her several times... yet she is so keen on other things that she can put you in your place. She loves people and just wants to be in on whatever is going on. And more than anything she LOVES the Lord.

She ~ like all in this line of women that I come from ~ is incredibly strong. Since I was a little girl, I have only known her to cook, clean, garden, can (foods she grows), bake, take a short nap every single day, and then do it all over again. When she needs to take a break, she can be found sitting on the couch crocheting or reading.

During all the years I was growing up, they owned a 2000 acre ranch. Their house was on the top of a hill that overlooked it all. We called it "the ranch" and we always gathered there for holidays, and especially for 4th of July, my Mom's birthday. There was a pool just below their house on the hill, and there was a big balcony on the house that over looked the pool. The balcony had a porch swing on the end, several twin beds that lined the walls, and of course lots of chairs to sit in. The kids would all swim, and the adults would hang out on the balcony, overlooking the pool, as well as overlooking the ranch land for as far as the eye could see. Literally. They had cows, horses, cowboys, 4 wheelers, and horned toads (me and my brother and cousins liked to look for those little lizard/toad things along the gravel roads). And a unicorn, which we searched for several times, but never found. During the winter months when the pool was closed, all the kids would play ping-pong or pool in the game room downstairs. And at any time, we could be found playing Boggle with Grandma. That is a memory I'll always connect to her. She loved to play Boggle with us.

My Mom would take us kids to see her almost weekly, and for the first 8 years of my life, we would all go up on Friday night and spend the night. My Mom and Grandma would make fried chicken or catfish, potatoes and gravy, corn, green beans, bread, and of course some sort of cake or pie. We would always sit and snap the beans together ahead of time, and I would usually help. Everything was from her garden. If I remember right, her garden was 100x200 feet in size. And she canned everything. Of course they had their own beef, and there were ponds for fishing. She had a store room in the basement that had shelves lined with jars of her food she had canned.

For the past 15 years they have lived in a small house with a regular sized yard on Grand Lake. While the yard is much smaller than the ranch, she has filled it with gardens. She still cans foods, and she bakes pies and breads all the time. She is 80 years old, yet she has a little table set up in the front of her yard, and 9 months out of the year is open for business. All the people that live at the lake stop daily for pies, breads, and canned goods. This is the beginning of April, and she told me she has already had her garden in since February. She said Grandpa is doing most of the gardening now, and she is still in the kitchen all day canning and baking. Wow. That amazes me. Makes me love her and makes me miss my Momma at the same time.

A woman who loves the Lord. A woman who respects her husband. A woman to takes care of her home, her body, her family. A woman who runs a business. All of this for her whole life, and all of this still, at 80 years old. Talk about the Proverbs 31 woman. Wow.

I haven't been to her house since my Mom died. Mom and I use to take the kids and go to visit Grandma together. But for the past couple years, I've only seen my Grandma Rada at holiday family gatherings, and we talk on the phone. I'm not sure I can remember how to find her house on the lake, but I decided that the kids and I are going to start making regular trips out there. Mostly because I want to be able to help her if she wants help gardening, cutting/slicing, canning, cleaning, or whatever. Also, I want to be able to learn from her. She is a wealth of information along the lines of the things I knew and know... and now want for my kids and our family. She can teach me the trades of gardening and canning and such.

It breaks my heart, but my kids don't have the kind of history with a Grandma that I had with my Grandma's. I saw both sets of Grandparents at least a few times a month. We spent lots of time at the Ranch, and my other Grandparents spent many many days out at our farm growing up. Selah and Bryson have a few years of memories with my Mom that I hope they can hang on to, and Charis says she remembers her, but I'm not sure how much. The kids love their other Grandma very much, but she lives a few hours away and with a busy life and schedule, so they don't get to spend much time together. I'm hoping that with what time we have left, my kids can watch and be a part of the relationship I have with my Grandma's. The kids already know and love and enjoy their Great-Grandma GiGi. After all, I'm a big believer in investing and planting seeds in their hearts while they are young. I want them to know the importance of family, and of their heritage. There's a window of time in which that can be made real, not just mere words.
Now that the kids are a little bigger and we can travel an hour to the lake and back, I want them to get to know my Grandma Rada better. I want them to learn about her life. How she gardens and cans and bakes and sells. I want them to have memories for how ever much longer she is around, of a silly lady who likes to hear about our lives and who will tell ya what she thinks about it. And I have been waiting for the right time... for Bryson, Selah, and Charis... to get to play their first game of Boggle.

Spring is here, and the time is near.

Great Grandma Rada's Secret to Long Life

2010-04-05T10:18:00.002-05:00

Occasionally my kids and I will be talking about healthy lifestyles, making right choices for foods, exercise, or other things of that nature, and often times mention of my Grandparents will come up.

Both sets of my Grandparents are still alive, and into their 80's. It wasn't until I was a teenager and into young adulthood that my Great-Grandparents started passing away. I figured out early on that that was a bit rare. Good genes (and wrinkles, unfortunately) run in the family.

So my kids have began to realize this as well, and often will say things like "that's why PaPa Jim and GiGi are so healthy still! Because they always exercise every day, and because they eat lots of veggies."

At our family Easter dinner the kids and I were sitting on the couch chatting with my Grandma Rada, and I said, "Grandma, the kids and I often talk about how you and Grandpa are 80 years old, and are still so healthy! The kids will ask me to tell them about how you've managed to stay so healthy and active."

And her response was something very close to this:

"Well... (batting her eyes and smacking her lips) Charlie and I have always eaten very healthy. Lots of vegetables from my garden, and other healthy foods that are always made from scratch ~ not much junk food at all. We also exercise and go for walks. We work really hard in the yard and around the house. And I take a nap every day! Every single day I lay down for a short nap. And most importantly I talk to the Lord throughout the day. There is a verse in the bible that I quote out loud.... Philippians 4:6-7, which says "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Selah sat on my lap and listened so intently. Bryson and Charis were standing by and soaking it all in. They of course smiled at her because of the dramatization that she adds to her "story telling." At this point, Selah had a smile on her face as Grandma continued on:

"And even now-a-days when I'm trying to can food, or work in the garden, and my knee starts to bother me or slow me down, I stop and rest for a few minutes and say to the Lord "those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength... they shall mount up on wings, like eagles! They shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint (Selah giggled at that part), help me Lord, help me Lord, to wait."
And then! I have another burst of energy and strength that comes from the Lord, and I get up and keep working and keeping myself as healthy as I can. That's how I do it!"

And then she did what every good Grandma would do, and she pulled out chocolate Cadbury Cream Eggs from her purse for the kids. Except this Grandma made them stand back, and she threw them at them and told them to try to catch it. She's one-of-a-kind, that's for sure!

Happy Easter ~ He Is Risen!

2010-04-04T22:54:00.000-05:00

(This egg was the hardest one for the kids to find!)

This morning the "Bush-y tailed Easter Bunny" had left eggs all over the front yard for the kids! So before church, they had a fun little egg hunt, finding eggs full of candy and money ~yeah! Thanks Kathy and Jessica. That was so sweet!

Worship was awesome today. As it is every Sunday. But Easter is a special occasion to remember and celebrate Jesus, our Risen Lord. Wow. Really great time of celebration. I'm so thankful we have a risen Savior who's in the world today. I love to see my children learning to love Him and celebrate Him too.

Then we spent the afternoon at Dad's. We had a picnic, hid eggs for yet another egg hunt (I think the 4th one this weekend), and went on a little hayride around the farm.

PBS Young Writers Contest

2010-04-03T23:59:00.000-05:00

Selah has been learning about writing stories. Often times when I say "what do you wanna do or learn about today? She'll say "let's do some English stuff! She has been learning all about the parts of a sentence, nouns, verbs, the different kinds of sentences, and now about writing a story. Perfect timing for the PBS Young Writers Contest.

She wrote this story this week, which is a true account of her life with her brother and sister. She spent 4 days, about 5 hours a day or more, working on the story. And 90% of that time was spent on the illustrations. Needless to say, we also learned all about "rough drafts" ~ ha. I helped her with a few fragment sentences and we worked on a few spelling issues, but overall these are her words, and it is her story.

She was driven by the fact that she was going to be able to enter her story in a contest, and by the fact that the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes are really good prizes! Most of the time during the week I would remind her to work on her story, but she would quickly and happily get to work on it. Often times I would find her sitting at the kitchen table working away.

She did a great job. I scanned a copy of her story, but the color is much more vibrant in real life. Our scanner doesn't do it justice, but I wanted to post it on my blog. I'm really proud of her! She worked hard on it. She is hoping that she wins that laptop computer, but she understands that in the end, she wrote and illustrated a really neat story about her being a big sister, and that that alone is really cool.

Bryson's Young Writers Story

2010-04-03T23:43:00.000-05:00

Well, Bryson couldn't miss out on the action! Selah was writing her story for the PBS Young Writers Contest, and Charis was coloring and "writing" along with her. Upon hearing how cool the prizes were, Bryson decided he wanted to write a story too. I figured he was just sort-of coloring and playing along like Charis was. He would bring me a piece of paper and say "Here Mom... write this down...." and I proceeded to write the words he spoke.
Well, he ended up making illustrations for all of those pages, and we sent in his story as well. He is pretty proud of his soccer story! My favorite page is the one of the team standing eating snacks. Their hair is awesome!
Enjoy!

BFF Birthday Blunder (not)

2010-03-30T09:04:00.007-05:00

Okay... only a BFF can pull this off. And still gain points! Ya know? I mean... she walks in with a big cute birthday bag, and I'm thinking "Awww! I love Jodie-gifts! They're always so special and "made with love!" So I reach in, and pull out a CHEESE GRATER! Whuuuhh? Then we both started laughing hysterically! I've had the same broken cheese grater for at least a couple years now, and every time she comes to my house, we end up making something with a little (or a lotta) cheese, and she always teases me about my broken cheese grater. A couple weeks ago her and the kids came down for spring break, and we made quesadillas, and she said "I am SOOOO getting you a new cheese grater for your birthday!!!" So. I get to throw the old one away. Finally.

We had a fun night out together. We had dinner, did a little shopping, spent time browsing magazines at the bookstore, and then came back and relaxed on the couch. She stayed until 1:30am, then we talked on the phone during her drive back to Joplin (so she could stay awake). I painted a platter while she was driving home ~ so I could stay awake too. It's now 9:25am the next day, and I bet she's still sleeping! Lucky. Hee! Hee! I'm totally fine! We've done this... oh... at least a hundred times or more. I'm glad she gets to sleep in! And I love my cheese grater! And that she made a trip to Oklahoma last night and treated me to dinner for my 35th!

It was a FUN evening!

Happy Birthday Dear Cariiiiiii (doo-doo-do-do-doo-do!)

2010-03-27T22:03:00.000-05:00

Yes. I'm officially middle-age. Can't believe it. Doesn't feel like it. But it's here. And like usual... my birthday celebrations last for several days. I like it that way! lol!

This year my birthday falls on a Saturday, which is fun! We had a GREAT day today! Started with Charis playing soccer, which was a blast! She scored like 10 goals, I think. She's so cute out there on the soccer fields with her little piggie tails!

Then we met some friends at Chick-Fil-A for lunch. And maybe the best part of the day was Bryson's soccer game! They are playing up a level, and they played against the #1 team that WAS undefeated. Until today. Bryson's team beat them 3-1. It was almost a shut-out, but the other team did end up scoring 1 goal in the 4th quarter. Bryson scored 2 of our 3 goals. It was an AWESOME, adrenaline-rushing game! So cool!

After the game, Alan had the idea to take the kids to see "How To Train A Dragon." We stopped at the gas station quick for some candy, and made it to the movie just in time! It was in 3D, which was soooo cool! The kids loved it! And so did we! And we all loaded up on popcorn, coke, and candy. We liked the movie so much that we might even take the kids to see it again.

It was a super fun celebration with just us ~ my 4 favorite people in the whole wide world! It was a Happy one!

Celebrating With Family

2010-03-26T09:41:00.001-05:00

Friday night I wanted to hang out with family for my birthday. James & Lydia, Lynette & Rick, Grandpa & Grandma, and Dad & Janice all met us at Compadre's for mexican food. Then we all came back to our house for cake! Alan and the kids had made me the pineapple upside-down cake, and since Rick's birthday was coming up too, I made him a blueberry buckle cake.

It was a good time had by all! The past few years I have spent my birthday with those same people that I SO love and care about! And it means a lot to me. Lynette made me a beautiful apron that I will wear for the first time tonight as I make dinner... can't wait!

Me and Rick ~ Birthday Kids

Grandpa and Grammy

My beautiful new apron!

Pineapple Upside Down Cake ~ Made With LOVE

2010-03-25T13:47:00.002-05:00

Every year Alan and the kids make me a pineapple upside cake for my birthday. Alan has been making me one since the first year we got married. I was enjoying sitting in my comfy leather chair, curled up with my new favorite blanket, watching him and the kids in the kitchen, lovingly and excitedly making my cake. I thought to myself "please try to freeze this moment in my mind ~ forever!" Then I realized, I better get up, grab the camera, and take some pictures. And then put it on my blog. Now that I'm 35 you know... the Mommy brain just ain't what it used to be. lol!

As I was watching them bake my cake, I remembered back to when we lived in our apartment in Joplin. Our nephews were staying with us for a week. I have a memory of them helping Alan make me a pineapple upside down cake. He took them shopping, and they bought me a stuffed yellow bunny (I think Alex picked it out) and some candy. At that time, Austin and Alex were the same ages that Selah and Bryson are now. Wow. Now our nephews are high school and college age. It sure goes by fast.

I'm thankful for another year of life with my husband and my kids. It does go by fast. And I'm trying to remember to savor every moment. Just like the one tonight of the kids being so excited to bake me a cake.

Charis is "Kickin' It" too!

2010-03-23T09:04:00.011-05:00

This little girl has been waiting for her turn to play soccer! She was ON FIRE! It was quite cute, actually. After several years of watching big sis and bro, she pretty much new what to expect. And after many hours spent playing in the yard with them, she knew what she was doing. She pretty much took the ball and ran with it every time. Some of the other 4 years olds have probably barely even touched a soccer ball, so you can imagine the difference. And unfortunately, the coach put ALL the kids out there together, so Charis and one other girl pretty much had the ball the whole time. But she loved it! She was so proud of herself! And we ~ her biggest fans ~ were cheering her on!

I have to put in this last picture at the bottom of this blog. It was a lesson learned for Daddy and Mommy. We began to feel bad for the kids who didn't even have a chance to get the soccer ball since Charis would take it (sometimes from her own teammates) and go score. So we began talk to her from the side lines about "passing the ball" and "letting the other kids have a turn." She got really upset and came off the field, crying and mad, saying she wasn't gonna pay soccer anymore. Of course, she is over that part now, but that's how the game ended. Her upset and mad that we were "on her" ~in a sense~ for how good she was doing.

After much thought, and after talking to some other friends (who coach, and who are into sports and competition), we decided we won't do that again. Not only did we ask her to hold back on what she might be capable of, but it confused her and made her mad. If she is "on fire" and if she is capable of getting the ball and taking it and scoring ~ why would be hold her back? Why would we ask her to "tone down" on her skill and ability? Isn't that part of why I teach my kids at home? Because they can take they got, and run with it ~ literally and figuratively. We talk to her about good sportsmanship, and about working as a team. But no longer will we ask her to "let the other kids have an equal chance." We'll hope part of that will come with playing as a team. And eventually, good coaching will work that out too. So... lesson learned for us. And what a great time of watching her play her first little game of soccer! Can't wait for this Saturday. And we'll let her do it "her way" this time.

Lil' Seedlings

2010-03-22T20:33:00.007-05:00

I know we're a few weeks late, but hey. Story of my life, seems like.

My lil' seedlings have been learning about seeds, trees, plants, and flowers. The parts of each, how they grow, how they are nourished, root systems, and different types of produce. We've talked about juicy fruits, dried fruits, seeds that we eat vs. seeds that we don't. We've watched videos on U-Tube of seeds that have sprouted.

And tonight Alan and the kids started our veggie garden and Charis' flower garden ~ from seeds. We let them do the most of the planting, so we'll see how many sprouts we get ~ ha! I'm sure we'll get at least a few tomatoes to transplant, from the 3 or 4 ROWS of tomato seeds they planted!

As they were finishing up the planting, I heard Charis say "but I don't see them growing yet!?!?!?" Yes. We still have a lot to learn. :-P

Should be fun!

Dancer of the Month!

2010-03-22T19:51:00.006-05:00

Selah is honored as the "Dancer of the Month" for her Dance Company. She has been dancing at Center Stage Dance Studio for 2 1/2 years now. We have really enjoyed Ms. Kari and her dance company. Selah and Charis both do a great job dancing, and they enjoy the time with friends, and the time spent learning new moves and routines. Our FAVORITE time of year is almost here ~ RECITAL! Yay!

I am so proud of Selah for receiving this honor as Dancer of the Month, for March 2010. She is so sweet, such a hard worker, and a good student. Here is a picture of the board on the wall of the lobby area. I have also posted a copy of her "report card." I like the emphasis on her level of enthusiam ~ ha! I can see that Ms. Kari circled the 5 several times.

Selah had decided she wanted to take both ballet and tap this year again. But lately she is realizing the she really enjoys tap the most. That must shine through in class, since Ms. Kari mentioned that she is a "great tapper!"

We are counting down the weeks until the recital! As the Momma, I cannot wait (!!squeal!!)

Food Coloring Fun

2010-03-20T17:22:00.001-05:00

Today Bryson came into the kitchen and asked to play and experiment with some food coloring and water. So I gave him the pack of food coloring and filled a glass with water. He and Charis sat at the bar and mixed colors and had fun. Charis opened the pantry door, having decided she wanted to add flour to her mix. But upon seeing the bag of brown sugar, decided to add that in instead. Then they wanted to add lemon juice too. So she and Bryson added brown sugar and lemon juice to their brownish-black concoctions. Bryson decided to take a swig.... and he said.... "Mom! Food coloring tastes GOOOOOOD!"

Daddy For Pres!

2010-03-16T19:50:00.006-05:00

Selah~ "I wish Daddy was the President."

Me~ "why?"

Selah~ "So we could get a puppy."

Me~ no comment

Selah~ "And so we could eat whatever we wanted!"

Me~ "Yeah. That part would be nice!"

Spring Break 2010

2010-03-16T19:42:00.008-05:00

Click Here For Images &
Spring Break Pictures

Today we spent the afternoon at Borders Bookstore. All three of the kids sat for almost 2 hours drinking their vanilla steamers and reading/pouring over books. We met Alan for lunch first at a little whole-in-the-wall burger joint on Harvard, called Ty's. It was very old fashioned and yummy! Even the kids have figured out by now that those places are often the best places to eat!
We are having a blast on this "spring break." However, when you school at home anyway, and when your curriculum/schedule is as laid back as ours is, this week isn't too much different than usual. But hey... NO MATH! So Selah is happy! And every day is something fun.

Monday ~ Jodie, Luke, and Lilly came to hang out and we had lunch at The Pecan Porch
Tuesday ~ lunch with Daddy at Ty's and the afternoon at the bookstore
Wednesday ~ okay... maybe this day we will stay home and relax. I'm thinking about just playing games and reading to the kids all day! Selah also has a late-night play date and possible sleep-over with a friend (if she can make it all night)
Thursday ~ play date with friends
Friday ~ zoo (just us) and then to Grandma and Grandpa's house in MO to visit family

Yeah!! Full of fun times! Now if we could just get a little more spring-ly weather!

1 Corinthians 13 for THIS Homeschoolin' Momma

2010-03-10T13:11:00.002-06:00

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and teach my children Latin conjugations, Chinese and Portuguese, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal, and no matter what I say, they will not hear me.

If I have the gift of prophecy, and know my children’s bents and God’s plan for their lives, and know all mysteries and all knowledge, and am the keeper of the teacher’s editions and solutions manuals, and if I have all faith, so as to move mountains, and even keep up with my giant piles of laundry and dishes, but do not have love, I am nothing, even if all the people at church think I’m Supermom.

And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and my formal dining room gets turned into a schoolroom and our family vacations look more like educational fieldtrips, and if I surrender my body to be burned, never having time to get my nails done, put makeup on or even take a bath, but do not have love, it profits me nothing, because all my family cares about is the expression on my face, anyway.

Love is patient with the child who still can’t get double-digit subtraction with borrowing, and kind to the one who hasn’t turned in his research paper. It is not jealous of moms with more, fewer, neater, more self-directed, better-behaved or smarter children. Love does not brag about homemade bread, book lists, or scholarships and is not arrogant about her lifestyle or curriculum choices. It does not act unbecomingly or correct the children in front of their friends. It does not seek its own, trying to squeeze in alone time when someone still needs help; it is not provoked when interrupted for the nineteenth time by a child, the phone, the doorbell or the dog; does not take into account a wrong suffered, even when no one compliments the dinner that took hours to make or the house that took so long to clean.
Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness or pointing out everyone else’s flaws, but rejoices with the truth and with every small step her children take in becoming more like Jesus, knowing it’s only by the grace of God when that occurs.
Love bears all things even while running on no sleep; believes all things, especially God’s promise to indwell and empower her, hopes all things, such as that she’ll actually complete the English curriculum this year and the kids will eventually graduate, endures all things, even questioning from strangers, worried relatives, and most of all, herself.
Love never fails. And neither will she. As long as she never, never, never gives up.
Misty Krasawski, December 8, 2008

Old School, New School & the Aberle Version

2010-03-08T18:08:00.000-06:00

Earlier this week we learned about the "early" schools in America. When the immigrants first settled in the New England colonies, the kids learned and were "schooled" much differently than most kids today. They had what they called "kitchen schools." The kids would sit around their kitchen tables, and Mom would teach them the alphabet and how to read and write. Often times 2 or 3 families would have "kitchen school" together, and the Moms would take turns teaching. The Bible was the "text book" from which they would read and write. The sole purpose of reading, several hundred years ago, was so that everyone would be able to read the Bible. The rest of the education was 'life' stuff. Sewing. Gardening. Cooking. Mechanics. Building. Making dyes. Weaving. Preserving. Live stock. Farming.
The Boston colony soon made a law that once a town had 100 families, they would be required to build a one-room school. One teacher would teach all the town kids in that one classroom. All the families would chip in and pay that teacher a salary.

I LOVE it! "Kitchen school"! What a hoot! I often say I was born in the "wrong era". I like the idea of teaching some academics, but equally, teaching them "real life" stuff. If only I had a few close neighbors I could take turns teaching with! Now that would make it even more fun!

We also talked a lot about how the townspeople elect officials, make decisions for the population, etc. Which then prompted this fun little idea for Selah to make some "rules" for our own version of "kitchen school." It will soon be framed and on the wall of our school room.

She wrote this on a 12x12, so I had to scan in 2 parts. Enjoy!

1. science at 9:00
2. math at 0:00 = no-o'clock
3. recess at 4:15
4. field trips every week
5. devo's to start the school
6. go to co-op on Friday
7. snacks ~ pistachios and fruit
8. get to argue ~ NOT!
9. love Mommy
10. be nice!

And MY rule. hug your teacher 10 times a day!!!

The Gift of an Ordinary Day

2010-03-04T15:05:00.001-06:00

Good Try, Dude

2010-03-03T13:18:00.005-06:00

Bryson: Mom, will you give me a dollar if I give you a quarter?

Me: No! I'll give you a dollar if you give me 4 quarters. 4 quarters equals a dollar. 4 quarters is worth the same as one dollar.

Bryson: Okay. I'll give you 4 quarters. (pause...) But after you give me a dollar, can you give me 3 of my quarters back?

Me: No deal.