Prochnow Blessings

Christmas Pictures

2009-12-07T00:02:00.005-06:00

Finally took my kiddos Christmas pictures today...here are some of my favorites!

And...our Christmas card picture for 2009! Merry Christmas everyone!!! Praying you stop long enough during this busy time to remember the REASON for this (and every) season!

My kids...my blessings.

2009-11-29T17:19:00.006-06:00

During this time of Thanksgiving and Advent, I think a lot about my family, my blessings, my gifts. I want to take this time to give you a bit of an update about my children, my biggest blessings.

Abbigail My Abbigail is amazing. She surprises me. She is growing by leaps and bounds. Yes, she is growing a bit taller, but not nearly as tall as she would like. The jeans that I hemmed at the beginning of the school year are starting to look a bit short on her. So, yes, she is growing. However, the growth I am talking about is more intellectual. My little girl has always been "smart." She has always seemed inquisitive, curious, and knowledgeable about so many things! She was reading at a 3rd grade level at the end of kindergarden. She is now in the fourth grade and reading at over a 7th grade level. She has read so many books in her school library that they are now bringing books from the middle school for her to read. She loves reading so much! She is always asking questions that I haven't even thought to ask. One of her Christmas gifts (DON'T TELL HER IF YOU SEE HER!!!) is a set of books called "100 things you should know about..." there are many books in the series such as "the Earth" "the Human body" "weather" etc...). We recently met with her teachers, the school principal, and a school resourse specialest to come up with strategies to help her be more challenged in her classroom. She does work rather slowly, but she gets it right! Abbigail is always singing a song or reading a book...and sometimes both. She is in a special after-school choir. She loves to go to dance class and art class. She is a busy girl!

AndrewMy little man. Oh how I love him! Andrew has recently turned 8 years old. I can't believe he is THAT old! I love him so much, but he can infuriate me like no other! He can be so sweet and kind. He can be be selfish and demanding...how can he be both in the same minute? I don't quite know! He is also growing like a weed!!! He put on some pants this morning for church that fit perfectly fine less than a month ago, this morning they are WAY short on him! These pants now look like they are almost capris! Seriously, a month ago they fit fine, and now they are about 2-3 inches short! No wonder this kid is ALWAYS hungry! He is also a very smart cookie! He scored THE highest of all second graders on some standardised testing. WOW! We are wondering where these kids got their brains and Hubby and I have deduced that we didn't use ours, so we just gave them strait to our kids! Andrew has started taking gymnastics this year. Somethign that surprised his dad and me! He loves it! It is an all-boy class. He enjoys his boy scouts, and wrestling will start this week. He's a busy kid as well!

Bethany

My "Little Bit." What a sweet heart she has. She is still my baby and loves to snuggle as much as possible. She would sleep in my bed every night if I let her! She is still my baby, but she is growing up so quickly as well. She says she is too old for princesses and "baby stuff." But she goes over to play with the neighbor girl who is 2...she says she HAS to play princesses with "H" because that's what she likes to play! I think it is just an excuse to play with the "little" stuff since she still likes it, too! She takes after her brother a bit in the "temper" department. She is so sweet and loving, but if you ask her to do something she doesn't want to do, watch out!! She is doing well in school, just like her siblings. She is scoring as if she was at the end of Kindergarden instead of the beginning! She decided to take gymnastics this year instead of dance classes. She has fun running and tumbling. She is now a "Daisy" scout and enjoys making the crafts and having fun. She is a little social butterfly. Love my Little Bit!
My husband is one of my biggest blessings. He is so wonderful to us. He likes spending time with us and makes sure we are never in need. He works so hard for God and our congregation. He is always there when people need him. He is such a wonderful pastor, father, friend, and husband. I love him SO!
God is good. He is so kind and generous to have blessed me so richly!

Picture Post

2009-11-02T08:33:00.004-06:00

Here are a bunch of pictures I have neglected posting. They are in random order because I don't have the time or energy to fix them. So...here you go!

Abbigail waiting for more make-up...my kiddos are all baby bunnies in the high school musical this week. This was last night's rehearsal where they all got to wear their costumes and try on the make-up. Tonight is the REAL dress rehearsal.

Bethany is full bunny make-up...she just needs her hair in piggies...

Andrew loving the attention while he gets his make-up!

Abbigail's bat costume. I was worried about trick-or-treating in all black, so I stitched some of the glow-in-the-dark bracelets to the back as her "bones" in her wings.
My kiddos...Jedi, Charpei, and a bat!

Abbie is so proud of her cat!

Andrew did this skeleton all by himself!

Bethany picked up my camera and wanted a pic of us!

Andrew finally cleaning out his "stinky" pumpkin.

Abbigail cleaning out her pumpkin.

Bethany cleaning out her pumpkin.

Andrew at the homecoming parade.

Abbigail at the homecoming parade.

Bethany at the homecoming parade.

Boys will be boys!

2009-08-07T19:56:00.002-05:00

I am sitting here on the couch watching my husband and our neighbor (our friend!) play football on the XBOX. FUNNY! They are so funny. I am so glad that my husband is just hanging out with a friend. Being a pastor (and a pastor's wife) is a wonderful blessing that comes with many challenges. It is hard for pastors and their families to make good friends. We have lots of friends, but not necessarily GOOD friends. It is hard to find people who don't expect you to be perfect or judge you for every single thing you do. It's hard to have a "bad" day. People tend to put pastors on a pedestal and forget that they are simply human. They make mistakes just like everyone else. But they also like to have fun.
I have been so blessed in the past year...first because of my job I have gotten to know a bunch of wonderful women. One happens to be our neighbor. They moved in about a year ago. Our other neighbor down the street has also become a dear friend. We like to get together and just talk. I forgot how nice it is to have people you can just be with...no expectations, no judgements, just friendship, support, love. THANK YOU GOD!!!! One thing that helps with these relationships is that neither of these women attend our church. They are both wonderful Christian women, but they attend different churches here in our town. I have had friends in the church, but it is different. I can't complain or tell them anything negative about my husband because he is their pastor (not that I do that often, but sometimes EVERYONE needs to vent!!)
We have gotten together with our entire families, including husbands and children...and even our husbands get along really well. The other husbands thought at first that it was quite "odd" to drink a beer with a 'preacher'. Now they just see him as "Warren." He is their friend, their buddy. They are playing video games. They stand out by the back fence and talk. They have a beer. They talk about sports, technology stuff, grilling, etc. They are just guys and I am so thankful that my husband has these friends. It has been so long since we have had true friends that we didn't have to put on our "pastor and pastor's wife" hats around...I am just so thankful to have these wonderful friends!! We are so blessed!

Holy Cow...August already??

2009-08-06T23:34:00.005-05:00

Where did July go? Where did summer go for that matter? Oh, yea...ball games took most of June. July was filled with VBS prep and fun, as well as fair time prep and judging for Abbigail's 4-H projects.
It seems like summer is just getting started, but it is really almost over. School shopping has happened (3 kids in school...EXPENSIVE!) and I am working daily in my classroom. We have open houses next week for my preschool and school starts on the 18th and 19th.
I am excited and sad about this school year. This is the only year that all 3 of my children will attend the same school. Bethany will be in Kindergarten, Andrew in 2nd grade, and Abbigail in 4th grade. Next year Abbigail will be in (BRACE YOURSELF!!) middle school. Yes, my baby is already checking out all the things she can have in her locker!! She also is under the impression that when you get to middle school you get to pick whatever classes you want! Wouldn't that be nice!??!

This month we had a new window put in our living room. It is wonderful! The old window was original to the house, so it was about as old as me! It didn't open, and the sun coming through the window in the afternoon/evening was HOT! We honestly couldn't use this room very much in the summer because it just got so hot. Since we had our new window installed, I have painted the living room and rearranged the furniture about a million times. We also went out and got a new TV and entertainment center this week since our old TV died. That made me rearrange yet again, and I'm still not happy. Maybe tomorrow I'll get it right! Maybe we'll get our curtains hung back up again, soon!! ;o)
I ran/walked my first 5K on July 4th. It was a fund raiser for the park we are trying to have built here in our town. A wonderful, beautiful park...a very expensive park! I finished the 5K (that was actually more like 7...long story!) While I was walking/jogging the 5K, my wedding ring scratched my other hand. I looked down to see what had happened and realized that the diamond from my wedding ring was GONE!!! I was SO sad. There is no telling when I lost it or where. The 5K was held at the state park close to our town...did I loose it somewhere on the trail? At home? In the grass? No idea. It was a small diamond, but it is the one Hubby gave to me when he asked me to be his wife. On my birthday, we took the ring to a jeweler to see about getting a new diamond put in the ring. The jeweler said that my ring was wearing thin and would need some major repair, and that a new diamond simply would not fit (remember, VERY small diamond originally). So, Hubby bought me a new ring for my birthday (and our anniversary, Mother's Day, Christmas, and anything else for about the next 5 years!!). Isn't it pretty?I feel like a looser since I've been neglecting my poor blog. I am going to try very hard to be more faithful about posting...I started this to keep my family updated on the kids, and also to "journal" about our lives since I don't take time to scrapbook often enough. While I love facebook for connecting with friends both new and old, it is not a journal. It is not a place to write down stories about what my children are doing and learning. It is not where I take time to list my challenges, my blessings, and my victories. This is that place, and I miss it. Blogging world...I'm back (and I hope not to get lost again!!!)

One more thing...

2009-06-28T16:36:00.002-05:00

This is mainly for my family... There is going to be a couple of races (5K, 10K, and kids' fun run) out at the state park next Saturday (July 4) to help raise money for the new park that will be built here in town in the fall. It costs $30 to run...or the kids can get pledges and run for free...so...who wants to sponsor my kids?? :o) Leave me a comment or send me an email...they'd love to be able to say that their family back in Wichita is sponsoring them!!!

My kids are FISH!

2009-06-28T13:05:00.004-05:00

We are spending a lot of time at the pool already this summer!! These pics were taken the same day as the park pictures. After the park, we all went home for lunch, and then I took my kids and my friend's two oldest to the pool.
They are anxiously awaiting "break time" to be over!When are they going to blow that whistle???
'P' and Bethany relaxing in the sun during break time.Bethany swimming UNDER water! She has always loved the water, just like her brother and sister! This year she has taught herself to put her face in the water and swim! She also taught herself to do the backstroke and float on her back! She hasn't even had swim lessons yet! She has gotten so good at swimming that she can now go down all 4 slides at the pool, by herself! She doesn't need me to catch her, just swims to the side (the water is way over her head, too!) I am super proud of all my little fish!

Neighborhood fun!

2009-06-28T11:38:00.006-05:00

Another thing that has kept us busy this summer are our neighbors! We are very blessed with our neighbors. There are three families on our block with kids basically the same age. Abbie is the only 9 year old. Andrew has 2 friends who are 7-8, Bethany has two friends who are 5, and the other two families have smaller children. The kids usually split into three groups...the big kids (Abbie, Andrew, & the other two their ages), the little kids (Bethany and the other 2 5-yr olds) and then there are the "babies" (one of them is 2, and the twins will be 2 in August). We go for bike rides, we go to the parks, we play at each other's homes and yards, we carpool to ball games and library story time, we go to the pool together...and after we put the kids to bed, sometimes the mommas (and sometimes the dads join us) meet outside for some grown-up time! What did I ever do before I had such great friends?? Here are some pictures of a day a few weeks ago when I rode bikes with most of the older kids to the park, and one momma rode her bike with her bike trailer, and the other momma walked with her twins in her stroller. We had a great time at the park for a few hours. The kids swang, rode bikes, ran, got dizzy on the marry-go-round, pretended they were monkeys, and saved the town from fire (see the fire engine pics)! So much fun with good friends!Bethany running down the hill..."Baby R"...one of the twins, trying to get her to give me one of her million dollar smiles!Two of the "babies" going to save the town from fire!Getting DizzyThe "little kids" swinging (Bethany is on the left)Abbigail taking a breakMonkey boy E...you can see Abbigail's knees hanging from part of the fire-truck. She loves to do this! Getting ready to go home...one family had to leave early to go to a birthday party...and my friend left early with her twins...I had these 5 crazy kids to ride home with...and yes, I rode my bike, too! So much fun!

We are so blessed with our neighborhood and friends!

Ball Games...

2009-06-28T07:55:00.004-05:00

I'm going to try to post a bunch of pics today...try to catch you up just a bit on what we've been doing this summer to keep so stikin' busy!
Ball games have been our Tuesdays and Thursdays through the month of June. Bethany played t-ball in the morning while Abbigail and Andrew played their games in the evening. Abbigail really got into softball this year. She even decided that she wanted to go to the pitching clinic and open practice...which added 3 more practices a week!A lot of Bethany's friends were on her team...and she's had a great time!
Andrew had a good year in baseball...and he made the CUTEST catcher...for 2 innings. He was jumping out of the way of the ball as it came in and Warren told him he was wearing all that padding/gear for a reason, the ball wouldn't hurt. Well, Warren was wrong. Andrew quit jumping out of the way and got hit in the thigh...but he tried to suck it up and not cry. The very next pitch hit him in the arm...he cried, he howled, he REFUSED to be catcher any more! A week later during warm-up he tried to catch a pop-fly, onlly he missed...he caught the ball in his nose. BLOOD everywhere. I don't think his white baseball pants will ever be the same! We got the blood to stop, his teeth were fine (I was afraid about him loosing his teeth!) He said he quits baseball and he wasn't ever going to play again! But a lot of boys were gone that night, so his coach said "We REALLY need you Andrew!" And he hopped up, grabbed his mit and ran out to right field! What a sport!
My Mom and Dad were even able to come out for a quick trip to see all the kids play a game! It was so special to have them here to watch and cheer on my kiddos!! So thankful they were able to be here!!!

Busy week ahead!!

2009-06-15T11:34:00.002-05:00

I thought things would slow down once school was out. I wasn't thinking about all the BUSY things that go on during summer...June especially!! T-Ball, Softball, Baseball, practice for all of the ball teams, Library story-time (X2 age groups!) are just a few of the things that keep me busy. Since I know we will be BUSY, I thought I should plan some meals so that I can make sure I have the stuff on hand for some quick meals! So...here goes!

Monday: Italian chicken packets on the grill, Italian bread and salads (Mom & Dad are coming to visit!! Yippee!)

Tuesday: Panini's for lunch. Supper will be BLT's (maybe) or Pizza Hut buffet (then ball games)

Wednesday: Warren will be at LYF so the kids and I are on our own...probably sandwiches.

Thursday: more ball games, so quick hamburgers and fruit

Friday: Spaghetti and salads (spaghetti squash so that my husband can eat with us!!)

America...

2009-05-25T12:27:00.003-05:00

I don't think very often about all the blessings we have living in America. I don't think too often about the sacrifices that are made daily so that I can live in this country, wear what I want, say what I want, believe what I want, be what I want. I am so thankful to all the people, past, present, and future who have served our country. I am thankful for their sacrifices. I am thankful for the sacrifices of their families. I had never thought too much about it until my brother-in-law decided to join the army. I am so proud of Nick. He has given 4 years of his life to serve our country. To make sure that my children, and his, have a safe home to live in. Have the opportunities to follow their dreams, their God, and have their own opinions. Nick will come home for good in June. How thankful our entire family is that he survived his tours in Iraq. How thankful we are that he is coming home. I pray we are there to support him and his wife as they transition back to family life. (These are the shirts I made yesterday )

Guess what else I've been doing?

2009-05-24T20:51:00.003-05:00

I've been doing this since April 1...but didn't really want to put it on my blog in case I quit...but I haven't! I've been getting up early 3 mornings a week to meet a bunch of ladies for aerobics (that's why in my last post I said sleep in SOME days of the week! But in the summer we don't get together at 5:20, we push it back to 5:45...SLEEP IN???? Not in my book!). Actually we've been doing a program called P90X (or something like that). There are infomercials all over the place for this program...the infomercial makes it seem like some miracle. It's been great, but not miraculous! :o) I have actually gained some weight, but my body is changing! My clothes are a BIT looser and my muscles are really beginning to show signs of being toned! I'm so excited. My friend told me that others who have joined them have gained weight in the beginning due to muscle formation, but then the weight starts dropping off..I can't wait for that part!!!

SCHOOL'S OUT FOR THE SUMMER!!!!

2009-05-24T20:36:00.003-05:00

Can you sing a little hard rock with me?? Oh, yea! School is OUT! I'm just a bit happy about this! Yes, I love teaching, but I also love spending time with my kids. I like being able to be a "little" less hurried. I like being able to sleep in a few days a week. I like spending time with my kids at the pool. I like spending time at the lake with my family, watching them fish and avoiding anything that could POSSIBLY be poison ivy (aka, anything green!). I like watching my kids play baseball, t-ball, softball...I love bringing children and adults together during VBS to connect more hearts to Jesus. I LOVE SUMMER! (Don't much like sweltering HOT days, but nothing is perfect!)
I have been enjoying my first few days of summer break. I've been trying to get my house back into some sort of order. This working full-time (or nearly full-time) thing has kicked my tail, especially the last few weeks! I've even had time to be a little crafty! I discovered that my sewing machine still works! I made a dress for Bethany and a shirt for Abbigail. Both girls wore their outfit on their last day of school. This afternoon I made 4 shirts (same style, but patriotic colors) for my girls and their little cousins, Ella & Ava. I made a cool "sculpture" out of pots for flowers in my front walk-way. (I will try to get a picture and post it soon).
I even got to go out on a date with my husband! Our 13th anniversary is Tuesday, May 26. Since that is in the middle of the week, we went out last night. We went to dinner at a YUMMY Italian restaurant. We did a little shopping and even took in the new Star Tr*k movie. (It was pretty good by the way).
Abbie & Andrew's school has an awards assembly on the last day of school. Abbigail made the All-A honor roll!!! She read more words this year than almost all the third-graders (got the 3rd place award)! Andrew didn't receive any awards, but that's because they only did one award for 1st graders...but he did wonderful in school this year, too. Andrew has had the same 1st grade teacher this year that Abbigail had when she was in 1st. I asked Mrs. G if she wanted to have Miss Bethany in 2 years and she said "YES!" That she would love to have all the Prochnow kids! :o)
From busy school year to almost as busy summer...but it is great for a change of pace!!

Happy Birthday Bethany!!!

2009-05-14T08:46:00.003-05:00

Can you believe my BABY is turning 5 today?? I can't! I wanted to show you pictures of her as a baby, but those are on the other computer...here is a picture of her a year ago today... And here she was in April at her dance recital... and at Easter.... I can't believe how quickly time is flying! She is growing up right before my eyes. Each day she gets bigger and more independent, and at other times she just wants to crawl in my lap and snuggle...and I cherish those times!!
Bethany, my third miracle, I love you! You are my youngest, my princess. How I thank God for sending you to me. How I longed to hold another, nurse another,mother another, love another child...and God granted me the desire of my heart. You have such a girly personality, such a tender heart. You are strong willed at times, but no one will be able to push you around! My little lady...I love you!

Doing laundry on Mother's Day...

2009-05-10T15:55:00.002-05:00

Yup, that's what I'm doing. Not a very "Mother's Day" activity?? Well, I don't have a choice! :o) Here's why I'm doing laundry (I'm really behind, but that's besides the point!!)

I woke up this morning to Hubby grabbing my shoulder and commanding "DON'T MOVE!" I tried to sit up, and he wouldn't let me...remember his arm was on my shoulder. I couldn't even roll over! He yelled for Abbie and Andrew...that's when I felt something on my feet. Apparently the little dears were trying to surprise us with breakfast in bed. Toasted bagels (with peanut butter!) and a cup of milk were on their little lap trays...which were ever so gently placed over our feet while we were still sleeping! Hubby heard something and rolled over, spilling his tray all over the bed, that's when he grabbed me! So...I'm doing laundry on Mother's day! They meant well...they really did. Abbigail even cried, she said she just wanted it to be PERFECT for me! How sweet is that!
Bethany made me a card and a gift at school, Andrew made me a book, and his class had all the moms join them for a Mother's Day luncheon on Friday. Abbigail's teacher didn't do anything for Mother's day, so she wanted to do something herself...so sweet! Hubby told me earlier this week that he was going to take me to Alco on Sunday to "look at all the MD cards"...so I wasn't expecting much!! But he did come through! He got me a beautiful bouquet of roses and a sweet card!
I remember those years we struggled with infertility, Mother's Day was so very hard. I wanted to crawl in my bed Saturday and not get out until Monday. So hard to celebrate everything you WISH you had, but don't. I pray today for all those women (and men) who struggle with the pain, loss, emptiness of infertility or infant/child loss. These are some of the most painful things I have ever experienced...and even though I have been blessed with my three wonderful children, I will never forget those struggling now.

Oh, and HAPPY MOTHER'S Day, Mom!! You're the BEST!

Prayers for my dad...

2009-05-03T21:53:00.002-05:00

I know I posted this in my LONG post the other day, but I just want to ask once again that you keep my dad in your prayers tomorrow as he goes in for a knee replacement. Thanks!
Bethany took this picture of him the morning after we came back from San Antonio...I didn't even know she had my camera, and she took about 30 pictures, little turkey!

Pictures of San Antonio

2009-05-03T21:11:00.004-05:00

I wanted to add some pictures of our recent trip to San Antonio. While it was a lot of meetings and learning, we also had an evening or two of "free time." One evening we went to the Riverwalk. As we sat on our bus, we saw the rest of our collegial group going down the steps to the Riverwalk...but we couldn't get off our bus yet. By the time we got off our bus and crossed the street, we could not find them! Hubby and I walked and walked and saw the beautiful Riverwalk...waterfalls, shops, restaurants, etc...finally we decided that we weren't going to find our group, so we picked a restaurant. The host said to go upstairs, that there were more tables up there (it was a patio overlooking the Riverwalk, PRETTY!). As we sat down and opened our menus, one of our group pretended to be a waiter! They were there all along! They were just getting their food, but we joined them and ordered our margaritas and food...we had such a good time getting to know our group in a less formal atmosphere! The guys all had to compare their phones... :o)!LOVE the hat Dek!

After dinner, our group followed us back around the Riverwalk to a store I had spotted...and I got a geautiful purse! Any of you who know me know that I'm just a bit of a "purseaholic"!!! I don't have any pics of my purse, but take my word for it...LOVE IT!!!Our group...Can't wait to see these awesome people again!

Forgot something...

2009-05-02T21:36:00.002-05:00

I forgot something in my L-O-N-G post! I started Christmas shopping today! One of our local stores had their jewelry 70% off! I had seen a pretty little cross that I had been thinking about getting for Abbigail...REAL jewelry, not kiddie stuff! No, I wouldn't spend a lot of money on it, but at 70% off, it was reasonable to buy for a nearly 9 year old. I decided to go ahead and get one for Bethany, too (one is silver, one is gold...now, which girl gets which necklace?). While I was there, I spotted letter necklaces (A for Abbigail, B for Bethany, duh!) with TINY little diamond chips...and at 70% off...how could I resist? I mean TINY! The final price was less than $10....so, each girl will get a necklace for their birthday, and one for Christmas...which necklace do they get for which holiday...I don't know!!
I can't believe my baby will be turning 5 years old in just 12 days!!!!

We did survie!

2009-05-02T20:39:00.002-05:00

I know...rumors of my demise were greatly exaggerated! We did make it home from San Antonio...better late than never! Let me tell you...air travel STINKS! Or, maybe it is just the airline we chose. Or maybe it's trying to fly out of a very small airport....whatever the cause, it was no fun!
After canceling our original flight, we had to fly out a day early. On Monday, we were running around like chickens with our heads cut off trying to get things ready to go, showing my parents around town, etc...and we got a phone call that our 5:00 flight was canceled and that we needed to be at the airport in less than 2 hours to catch an earlier flight...and we live an hour away! Talk about STRESS!!! We made it to the first of 4 flights that day. No direct connection here. Not even the one transfer we had booked...yes, we went UP and DOWN 4 times!! Three separate planes! We left 2 hours earlier than planned, and arrived in San Antonio 2 hours later! It was midnight when we arrived and then caught the shuttle to our hotel. We were blessed that we didn't have much on Tuesday until evening, we slept a lot!
The conference itself was AWESOME! At pastor's conferences, the wives sometimes feel like tag-alongs...not terribly important, just added on as a second thought. This was different. The wives (called partners) are an integral part of the program. I felt very important and cared for. I was greated with a hug from one of the leaders of the program...and while hugs make some people uncomfortable, I'm a hugger! Getting together with other wives of pastors is always a wonderful experience. There is just an instant bond...an instant connection. We hae a unique roll, experience unique challenges and blessings. We were put together with what is called a "collegial" group...a small group that we will be with for the next 4 years. The men get together 3 times a year (I think) and the women come with the guys for the yearly conference, and have a partners retreat on our own once a year. We get along so well with our entire group! What wonderful people! We have two couples from California, one couple from Texas, one couple from Arizona, and a man from Illinois (I think that's where he was...his wife chose not to come because she was worried about people trying to put her into the pastor's wife cookie cutter...not happening here, so we are trying to get her to come next time!!!) and us!
We learned so much...mainly looking at our gifts, passions, abilities, and where God is already using us. I felt so affirmed in my role not only as a wife and mother...but also as a teacher/director. My ministry is so important and such a gift. We learned a lot about ourselves and our partners. We were able to spend time together just studying and praying. We were to try coming up with a family mission statement, and we did! We took the kids to the lake earlier this week and chatted about it with them. Here it is:

"A joyful family of integrity that shows the love of God through service."

So...what do you think? "Joy" was a word that kept coming up in my week. Joy...the ability to be joyful doesn't mean you are always happy....joy is being able to remember what is important (Christ's love) even when things aren't going your way.
After a wonderful week of study, learning, pondering, and time with my husband, it was time to go home. We missed our children SO much, and were ready to see them! We arrived at the airport in SA to find out that our flight was already 2 hours delayed! Luckily we had already planned on a 2 1/2 hour layover in Denver, so we would still make our connection...many of the PLI couples on our flight were not so lucky. They had to make other arrangements and some ended up staying in Denver over night and not getting home until a day later. By the time we got to Denver, we were hungry...and we had an hour, but wanted to check into our next flight befcre we ate...good thing! We had forgotten to figure in the time change. We were to board our next flight 5 minutes after we checked in! EEK! McDonald's drive-through at 11:30 pm never tasted so good!
I heard my mom getting ready the next morning..she was even getting the kids up and ready so that we could sleep a bit more. She didn't remind them that we were home. I sat up on the couch just as Abbie was coming down the hall. She stopped dead in her tracks for a moment, then she RAN full force and wrapped her arms around my neck and didn't let go! SO WONDERFUL to hold my babies again! Soon, Andrew heard us and came running down the hall. I think he became airborn about 6 feet from me and landed in my arms. He wrapped his legs around my waist and his arms around my neck and squeezed so hard I couldn't breath! Dad was coming down the hall with his walker, and Bethany was right behind him. He kept going from side to side so she couldn't get around him...such a tease! As soon as she could get around him, she came running, too. She then became my leech, and didn't let go for a long time. It was nice to be able to give each of them their own time, not having to love on them all at once. Oh, how I missed my babies!
I cannot thank my parents enough for taking a week out of their lives to take care of our children. I didn't worry about them at all...I worried more about my parents than my children! Speaking about my parents...my dad is having a knee replaced on Monday. Please keep him and my mom in your prayers...His LONG hospitalization from a year ago still weighs heavy on our hearts and we just want him home!! Pray that the surgery is a success...and that he gets the mobility and strength that he needs...and that he recovers QUICKLY! :o) I LOVE you guys!
Besides all the "normal" (is there such a thing?) stuff going on this week...my preschool had enrollment. Right now, we currently have 59 students enrolled for the current year. After only two days of enrollment, we arlready have 65 children enrolled for next year! Our preschool board will meet this week and finalize how many children we are going to have in each class...I think we already have a waiting list!
So, yes...busy week...great conference...wonderful time with my husband...and wonderful to be runited with my children! God is good!!!

I'm leaving....

2009-04-19T13:54:00.002-05:00

No, I'm not leaving for good. No, I'm not leaving my husband...he's coming with me! We're leaving our children! :o( We are going to Texas for the week. We are going for the Pastoral Leadership thing that Hubby was nominated for. We knew this trip was coming. We've known since December or even before. But, it's here, NOW! My parents will arrive within a few hours. Tomorrow I will take my babies to school, get on an airplane and leave. I know my children will be in good hands. I know my parents can handle it. But I am FREAKING OUT!!! My BABIES! I have never left them for more than one night. My parents love my kids, I know that. My parents will do only what is best for them, I know that as well. The sad truth is that my parents live 4 hours away and know my kids through visits, not long term contact. My parents have come to visit us here in our town, but they don't know where everything is. They don't know our friends and neighbors. They don't know the kids' routine. I wouldn't trust anyone else to keep my babies, but it is so hard!
Please keep all of us in your prayers this week. Prayer for safe travel (my parents and Hubby & I). Prayer for my parents as they are with my kiddos. Prayers for my kiddos...that their hearts will not hurt. That they will be on their best behavior. Prayers for my heart...that it doesn't break leaving my kids. I am looking forward to this time alone with my husband, but I will miss my babies!!!

PS....Andrew took his Pinewood Derby car to the district competition yesterday. He won FIRST in his age group!! SO COOL!!!!

Easter Pics

2009-04-13T10:33:00.004-05:00

Andrewism....

2009-04-13T09:57:00.002-05:00

Happy Easter! He is RISEN!!!

We had a wonderful Easter, but one thing leaps out in my mind. I made a yummy Easter dinner...ham, cheesy (au grautton...no idea how to spell it!) potatoes, green beans, rolls...the whole package! It was all yummy! Andrew particularly enjoyed the potatoes. He asked if he could have some more ROTTEN potatoes!!! What a guy!

We started the day with Easter sunrise service and then breakfast at church. Sunday school Easter egg hunt and then worship. Home for the yummy lunch. After a bit of time to unwind, we went with Hubby to his vacancy church. A family who have been there for a while was moving, and they were having a dinner after church to celebrate Easter and say goodbye to this family. It was a nice day. It was nice to be able to spend the entire day with Hubby!
My big family (mom, dad, brother, cousins, etc) all got together yesterday at my parent's home. I wished that I could have been there...but I am really trying to make our own traditions with our little family. This is the place that God has placed us to do His work. I am trying to accept that we just aren't able to be with our bigger families for these traditional family days and make them special for our smaller family...for my kids and my husband. I am so thankful for my husband, my children, and for my church family.
I will try to post pics of our Easter finery soon!

Boy Scouts

2009-04-05T20:17:00.004-05:00

Last Sunday, Andrew's Boy Scout group had their "Blue and Gold Banquet" and Pinewood Derby. It was fun, and the icing on the cake is that Andrew's car won FIRST place in the derby! Here are some pics of the day! Before they could race, they each received their own driver's license! And here is the WINNER!

One of Andrew's friends recently became a big brother. Here is Abbigail holding little Abigail! Bethany didn't want to be left out!

Dance Recital!

2009-04-05T19:43:00.003-05:00

Here are some pictures of my girls and their buddies at their dance recital today...aren't they just ADORABLE??? Abbie's group danced to "Girls just wanna have fun" and "Sneakernight" (or something like that). Bethany's group did "Lollipop," "Me and my Teddybear," and "God bless the USA." They had fun and did a really good job.

Time flies!!

2009-04-04T18:05:00.004-05:00

Has it truly been an entire month without blogging? I am so sorry!!! If anyone ever bothers to read here again (and I don't blame you for not coming back...not much to keep you returning!), thank you! I keep thinking that soon life will settle down, and then it doesn't. I thought it would settle down once wrestling was over...well, it is over and life is still crazy. One by one we are finishing school-year activities. Dance will be over after tomorrow's recital. Like I said, wrestling is already over. Boy scouts is over (by the way...Andrew's car won FIRST place in the Pinewood Derby!!!). After-school choir for Abbie and after-school art will go until the end of the school year as far as I know. Girl scouts will probably be over here in the next few weeks. 4-H runs all year long. Of course, my school year will be over in 6 weeks, however the summer looks busy as well! In June we will have t-ball for Bethany, softball for Abbigail, and baseball for Andrew. Then there is the ever popular activity of swimming!! During the summer I will need to get everything in place for next school year and there is always VBS to plan!! EEEKKK!! I really need to learn how to say "NO!" and mean it!! On the plus side...I've started working out again. I have started joining some other ladies three mornings a week for aerobics. The first morning I thought my legs were going to fall off...well, I HOPED they were going to fall off. MAN they hurt!!! The next morning we focused on our arms, backs and abs. MUCH more doable! I have survived....I can't wait to see what we do tomorrow....and I am curious to see how badly my legs hurt after the next "leg day"... Hubby turned 35 this week. So I have approximately 3 1/2 months to tease him about how OLD he is! :o) Then, magically, on July 21, 35 won't be so old after all! ;o) Well...we're off! A pancake supper in support of a new park that the community wants to build here in town...Dance recital tomorrow...I'll try to post pics! I know everyone always wants to see pictures of the kids, but this is a picture that we took recently of Hubby and I...do you like my new haircut/color??

CRAZY weekend!

2009-02-22T13:53:00.004-06:00

Abbigail is better...for the most part. I don't believe she had the tummy flu or anything, I think she just got worked up playing at McDonal*s play pl*ce and started coughing. She was pretty congested and I think she gagged on her mucus...sorry, TMI!! She was feeling better on Saturday, so we had tons of work to do!
The preschool where I teach has a scholarship program. We want to be able to let all children in our community have a preschool education, no matter of their financial status. We do fund raisers throughout the year to help fund our scholarship program. This year nearly 1/3 of our children are attending with the benefit of a scholarship! We are so blessed by our community support to assist in this program...one of the fund raisers we do is selling pizza pockets. Not the frozen kind....fresh baked, homemade, YUMMY! So, yesterday, the preschool board, teachers, and a bunch of the moms got togther and made 200 dozen pizza pockets! Yes, 200 DOZEN!! Some of us measured out the dry ingredients on Friday morning...and then the lady at the donut shop allowed us to mix the bread dough in her BIG mixers! Starting at 6:00 Saturday morning, we worked nonstop until 6:00 pm...LONG day, but fun! I didn't actually get there until around 8:30 because I wasn't sure how Abbie was going to be...but she was fine. Unfortuantly all of my babysitters were busy, so I knew my kids would have to come with me and send the day there! We took games, movies, and then of course, all the toys at preschool to keep them busy. Considering how long we were there, they were excillent! Bethany came in and said "Andrew is being mean!" a few times, but they didn't fight all day, complain about being bored, and they didn't run amock around the methodist church! I was/am proud of them. Today, my feet are sore from standing all day, my shoulders and back are sore from rolling out the dough all day...but I did claim one of the "easy" jobs...I was the "scooper." My job was to scoop the filling onto the big pieces of dough and then someone would come along and cut the dough and fold it into a pocket. Quite an assembly line we had going! We had wonderful women working all day...which was the only thing that made such a long day bearable!!!
Last night when we got home, I just collapsed! SO TIRED!
Bethany is going to a birthday party this afternoon...a "Fancy Nancy" birthday party...she gets to be all gussied up in a FANCY dress. She is SO excied! I will try to take pictures of the fancy girls and post them soon!
Did I mention earlier that my brother-in-law, Nick, got to leave Iraq this week? His tour of service is over!!! He is currently in Hawaii for debriefing or something like that. I actally chatted with his wife this morning, and she is in Hawaii with him right now. What a blessing that he is safe, and they get to spend some time together again!!!
See...three posts in a week! A bit better!!! BTW, Mom and Dad...you wanted me to blog, where are the comments??? ;o)

ICK!

2009-02-20T23:21:00.002-06:00

Cranky, sad, lonely...yup, that's me.

Sickenss continues. Bethany got better after staying home two days. But the night she was feeling better, Andrew began throwing up (that was Wednesday night). So, he stayed home from school on Thursday...thankfully, Hubby was able to stay home with him so that I could go to school. He was better on Thursday, so I decided to send him to school on Friday. After school and after school ativities, I took the kids to Little Big City for some shopping and time OUT of town. (Found a GREAT winter coat for Bethany for next year 75% off!!!) We went to Appleb**s for dinner to use a gift certificate we received for Christmas. Momma even got a margarita! (small one since I was driving!) The kids behaved relatively well, so I treated them to a McD's ice cream and time in the play-place. When we left McD's and realized the wind had really kicked up! Decided since the wind was SOOO strong I should probably get some gas. In normal weather, I could have easily made it home, but with the wind blowing completely at me that my mileage would be WAY down...and it was! About 10 minutes out of Little Big City, I heard Abbie yelling, but couldn't make out what she was saying because the wind was SO loud...turns out she was saying "Pull over, I'm gonna puke!" Yea, got that after the fact. So...I opened the back windows and kept driving...what else are you gonna do in the middle of nowhere, by myself with three kids...night time, with 50 mph winds?? Keep going!! I did pass a cup back to her and told her if she was going to puke again to try to get it in the cup. She feels horrible, poor kid.
After we got home, sent the other two to bed, Abbie to the shower, and myself back to the garage to shampoo out the van.
Now, I'm finally getting to sit down, and I think the cat just peed on the floor...more shampooing!

Man...what a day. Is it over yet?

Oh, and Hubby is out of town...he'll be home tomorrow.

Cranky, sad, lonely...yup, that's me. But, thankfully tomorrow is a new day.

Family, Sickies, and Wrestling (OH MY!)

2009-02-17T13:10:00.003-06:00

BLOGGING! BLOGGING! BLOGGING!! I am BLOGGING!!
Thank you...Thank you, Thank you!

Sorry mom and dad...I'll try to do better!

What have I been busy with lately? Sick kids, wrestling, more sick kids, more kids' activities, more sick kids...and MORE SICK KIDS!

It seems like this entire town has it bad! There are so many different illnesses going around that once you finally kick one, another comes to take it's place! I started with a sinus/cough thing about a month ago, Hubby soon caught it and his quickly turned into his pneumonia that he was still recovering from. Since then, all three of my kids have had it. Bethany started coughing about the same time I did, but never seemed really sick. However, she has been running a temp on/off since Friday (I know...I'm sorry I exposed you all to it on Saturday...please forgive me! I thought she was over it!) Today it is right around 101, even with tylenol. So many in our town have had this, and it has even hospitalized 3-4 kids that I know of! The kids act fine, except the cough and fever. Not feeling icky, just coughing. So we (parents) let it go, treat the cough and the fever, but don't get worried...and it has turned into pneumonia in those kids and they end up in the hospital. There is also a stomach virus going around which we have NOT caught at our house, YET! I know it is coming, it's just not here yet. Our neighbors have all had it, and the kids were all together yesterday, and another one of their kids came down with it today...so I know it is coming. :o(
Hubby was able to stay home with Bethany this afternoon while I went to teach at preschool. While we were there, one of my co-teachers started feeling sick to her stomach. Another teacher's daughter called from school, sick..."Mom, come get me." I had to come home this afternoon to be with Beth...that left us with one, ONE, teacher. God does provide! One of our normal subs is actually helping out in the church office this week while our secretary is on vacation, but another lady generously offered to come cover the office so our sub could come to school...and one of our parents agreed to stay and help cover both classes. We ALL got our stuff organized and ready for tomorrow...Only God knows what tomorrow will bring! Prayers for health and healing are very much appreciated!!!
On the subject of healing...I have a problem with one of my feet. I have been experiencing a lot of pain in the mornings, and some days all day. So, I took myself to see the doc last week. I have planters fascietus (No idea how to spell that!!) Which just means that the lining covering the tendon that goes from the calf to the toes is inflamed. She gave me stretches and exercises to do to help the pain, and told me to take ibuprofen to help with the inflammation. I can get insoles for my shoes that might help. Most days, after I get up and stretch it out, walk around for a while, it feels better...but yesterday and today it has been just a nagging pain. Guess I'd better go look for those insoles! Prayers for healing for my silly foot are also appreciated!

Andrew wrestled in another tournament this weekend and my parents, brother and his family were able to come and cheer him on. Wrestling is such an intensive sport! It is so tense and stressful for the 3-5 minutes your child is wrestling, then you wait 2 hours or so until it is his turn again...hurry up, wait, stress, boredom, AHHH, YAWN! Andrew ended up taking 4th in his weight class, which was pretty great considering he was smaller than the other kids and should have wrestled in the next class down...long story. Anyway, he did great. The last kid he wrestled was bigger, stronger, and way faster! I think he had been wrestling a few more years! He kept picking Andrew up and slamming him into the mat! I almost couldn't watch! I kept saying "Don't hurt my BABY!" but of course I was WAY up in the bleachers and there is no way anyone could hear what I said...but I had to say it, even under my breath. But, even while being manhandled, Andrew didn't give up. He fought with the heart of a lion. He did his best and I'm more proud of how he fought that last match than many of the matches that he has won...Way to go Doober!! (sorry...his nickname, someday he's gonna hate it!)

Menu plan....TUESDAY

2009-02-17T13:06:00.002-06:00

NEED TO GET BACK TO COOKING!!
NEED TO GET BACK TO BLOGGING!!

Shall I get two birds with one stone, so-to-speak?

OK, so here is the plan for this week. Hubby is going back to low-carb after being sick for a while, so here's the plan...

Monday (no low-carb): Spaghetti and garlic bread
Tuesday: Meatloaf, asparagus, and mac-n-cheese (Hubby can't eat the mac, but that's ok)
Wed: (Hubby is out with the youth group) Chicken pot pie
Thursday: Roast, salad, and maybe potatoes for the kids
Friday: (Hubby out of town...maybe the kids and I will go out!)

That's the plan...now to stick to it!

ANDREW IS THE MAN!!!

2009-01-31T15:23:00.003-06:00

We just got home from Andrew's first wrestling tournament this year. He had to wrestle 3 other boys, and he won against ALL of them!! He pinned his first opponent, and won by points with the other two!!! OH, YEA, THAT's MY BOY!! He worked so hard! I told him I am so proud of him for working SO hard!!

Sorry I haven't been around much...I'm a bit under the weather. There is so much "yuck" going around, and I think a preschooler or two(hundred) coughed on me this week...and gave me a yucky cough, sinus headache, etc. Feeling icky, but keeping on keeping on. Too much to do to slow down for long!

And, now we are off! Gotta pick both girls up from birthday parties and then we need to run to "little big city" to do a little shopping and go to a concert. One of our church college kids and her college choir have traveled all the way to Kansas from South Dakota...so we are going to go listen to the beautiful music!

um....here I am!

2009-01-23T07:07:00.004-06:00

Sorry to all my faithful blog readers...I will try very hard to get back to updating my blog at least a few times a week. Getting back into "real" life after Disney has been hard to do. The term "Disney Hangover" really applies. This week was very crazy, on top of normal vacation make-up work...my husband was out of town. My co-teacher has had the stomach flu. I've been able to get a sub to help me out in the mornings, but the afternoon classes I've been on my own. After school, I've been on my own with my kids. It has been crazy...I think I cornered one of the dads at preschool drop-off just to talk to another adult!! But, Hubby is now home...my co-teacher came back to school yesterday afternoon. I am not the only grown-up anymore!!
I have a mountain of laundry, and a kitchen full of dirty dishes to catch up on. We don't use our dish washer very often because it just doesn't do a very good job. But yesterday, I decided I was going to use it to help with all the dishes...I opened it up and GROSS!! There was MOLD in the dish washer!! ICK! I put some detergent and bleach in the dishwasher to run it empty and see if it could clean it out. Well...the dishwasher ran for a bout 10 minutes and quit. Water sitting in the tub, won't start...nothing. We've been talking about getting a new dishwasher, but I guess this makes it a bit more urgent...no, I don't use the dishwasher very often, but I don't want a completely broken appliance sitting in my kitchen taking up room!

With the new year (after vacation!) come new resolves. I want to get back to the treadmill...back to eating better...back to cooking! Along with those resolves, I have walked over 4 miles on my treadmill this week. I'm back to doing the slim-fast more often. I think I've lost around 5 pounds since we've been back from WDW...so that's a little step in the right direction.

Hubby and I are getting ready for this Pastoral Leadership Institute. We have both written our letters of recommendation for each-other and are only waiting for one more letter from a colleague. We are planning for a trip in April to Texas. But, Andrew is not very excited about this prospect. He has started having dreams that I (his mom) is flying in an airplane, and jump out...but I forget my parachute! I have tried to assure him that I will not be leaving ANY airplanes until they have come to a full and complete stop, ON THE GROUND!!!! But he has dreamed it 3 times and wakes me up and he is just SHAKING like a leaf. He dreamed that the "yeti" was getting me one night. One thing that makes him happy about the trip is that my parents will be coming here to stay with the kiddos during the week we are away. He has 3 months to get used to the idea of us being gone for a week....which means I have 3 months as well. I've never been away from my kids except the once-yearly pastor's wives retreat I try to go to. But I didn't even get to go to that last year because the kids were sick. My brother and his wife go on trips (usually business related) quite often and our parents and my sis-in-law's mom play grandparent tag team to take care of the girls. Sometimes (ok, quite often) I envy that they have baby-sitters at the ready. They can go out to dinner, shopping, or just have some time alone nearly any time they want/need to. I am SO thankful that my parents are able and willing to come spend the week at our home with our kids so our children don't have to miss any more school...

Ok....Marilyn, you asked me to come back...I'm back, but I don't think I am making any sense! My mind is kind-of all over the place today. I guess I just emptied a bunch of my mind here...enjoy! :o)

And, since I can't go without remembering WDW...here are a few pictures!
These were some beautiful little flowers growing on a bush right outside our resort room.

Trying to pull the sword from the stone (or anvil) to become the new rulers of England!

And, our day at Animal Kingdom...

Funny story...there is a ride called "Test Track" where you are in an 'experimental' vehicle and they are taking you through road tests (breaking, cornering, bumps, acceleration, etc.). This was one of our FAVORITE rides. We rode it many times! Now, I can't accelerate in my MINIVAN without the kids yelling "TEST TRACK!!!" It is so funny! Sure to bring a smile to my face!

Disney Pics...

2009-01-16T19:41:00.002-06:00

I have added a TON of Disney pictures to my Facebook account. If you would like to see them, JOIN FACEBOOK!!! :o) Let me know and I will add you as a friend so you can see them. It's EASY, really!!! Mom & Dad...Aaron is on FB, so he can help you out if you need it!

I'm sorry I haven't been as faithful with this blog as I used to be...but I have become rather addicted to FB!! I have reunited with old friends from high school that I haven't talked to since graduation!! Seminary friends, and current day friends. SO fun!

We're home!!

2009-01-13T18:13:00.002-06:00

What a WONDERFUL, MAGICAL week!! We had a wonderful time with eachother, and having fun at Disney World. We are now home, and back to "real" life. Laundry is waiting, refirgerator is empty, school is calling...Hubby is even back to work already! I will write more and post more pictures when I can keep my eyes open!! Love to you all!
A

We are at DISNEY!!!

2009-01-07T21:03:00.005-06:00

(Our Internet connection is through our cell phones, and very slow...so I will wait to post most of the pics when we get home, sorry).

We are having TONS of fun at WDW!!! We arrived Monday before noon. Spent the afternoon resting and getting ourselves settled. Then we ate dinner at Chef Mickey's, and spent the evening at Hollywood Studios. Tuesday morning we were up early for breakfast with the Princesses at EPCOT. We had planned on returning to the resort by noon for a swim, bite of lunch, and a rest. But we kept finding things to do at EPCOT...and there were nearly NO lines, so we didn't want to stop!! We had a 15 minute wait for Test Track, and most of that was just walking through the cue. We walked onto Space Ship Earth. We walked onto Living Seas with Nemo and Friends. Sat in the front row for Turtle Talk with Crush, where Andrew became the "MiniMan" of the hour...talking with Crush and asking/answering questions! Such fun! Finally around 3, we did get back to the resort for a quick swim. When we got into our room we found a fun surprise!! Our "Mousekeeper" (housekeeping in Disney) had made us a fun scene on one of the beds using the kids' stuffed animals and towls. One crocodile towel was trying to eat one of Andrew's frogs, and Abbie's cat and panda were taking a ride in a canoe! Fun!

After a rest we went back to EPCOT, where we used our only Fast Pass to ride Soarin'. We enjoyed it, but my fear of heights kept me from really getting into it. When Abbie leaned forward to see what was below her, I nearly came unglued!!! No fear in that one!! We were able to catch the firework show "Illumi-Nations" but didn't have a very good viewing place, so we are going to try again on Friday so we can SEE and hear all that is involved in that firework show!

Today was a fun day at Animal Kingdom (I'm not even going to try any more pics tonight...they take FOREVER, and I want to go to bed!). We saw the Lion Kin Festival and Nemo the Musical...both were AWESOME! Expedition Everest was a fun ride! We also got to go on a safari and see all sorts of animals. It only rained for a bit, while we were waiting for the safari, and that was covered, lucky us!

Tomorrow we are off to see the Magic Kingdom and have breakfast with Pooh and his buddies.

Hope all is well with all of you!

Today we slept in a bit and got to the Animal Kingdom around 10:30. We got a Fast Past for Expedition Everest, and headed out across the park toward the Safari ride. We were able to "walk-on" the Safari. When I was putting the stroller into "stroller parking" it started raining, so I put the rain-flap on it, as well as a poncho cover the rest. Unfortunately Warren's jacket was hanging out one side and I didn't realize, it got a BIT dampish. Sorry babe! When we were about to board the ride, something went wrong and they kept sending the vehicles to the other stop, don't know what was going on there, but we ended up waiting about 15-20 minutes...I know, NOTHING compared to what MOST people wait, but it was frustrating to be so close, and not be able to get on. Turned out ok, because by the time we got on and rode, the rain had nearly stopped. Just the occasional drizzle for the rest of the day. We went back across the park, grabbed some lunch and headed to Expedition Everest to use our fast passes. Bethany was too little, so Warren took Andrew and I waited with the girls. When they came out, I took Abbie and Warren waited with Andrew and Bethany. It was a lot of fun! After EE, we were able to catch Nemo, and then hit the perfect time for a trip across to another part of the park to see Festival of the Lion King. I have to say that the two musicals were my favorite part of the trip so far!!

After the Animal Kingdom, we went to Whispering Canyon which was fun. The servers are just plain silly. It is in the beautiful Wilderness Lodge, which I have wanted to see FOREVER! Unfortunately, I had a bit of a tummy ache and didn't take any pictures...something I already regret. Now we are resting in our hotel, kids are bathed, and ready for bed! Night all!!

Tomorrow...MAGIC KINGDOM! We are having brunch with Winnie the Pooh and all his friends at the Crystal Palace.

Merry Christmas!! Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-01T21:55:00.002-06:00

Christmas eve was here, and is gone. Christmas day was here, and is gone. New year's eve was here, and is gone. It is now New Year's Day and I'm finally making myself blog!! I'm sorry I have been away from the blog for so long. Busy with church, family, and getting ready for our BIG trip!!
We went to Wichita to be with my BIG family from Christmas day to Saturday. We had nearly 50 people crammed into my brother and sis-in-law's home to celebrate with all my cousins (spouses and kids), aunts/uncles, Grandma and Grandpa. It was so wonderful to see everyone!!! I promise to get pictures on here someday. Right now they are still on my camera.
Since we've been home I've been working hard on getting all the supplies and things for my sub and co-teacher to handle things at preschool for the next week and a half while me and the fam go to meet Mickey (and the princesses!). When I'm not getting things ready for preschool, I've been packing! I've never packed for a trip like this before. We've always driven to our destinations, which have always been to visit family. We don't have to take bedding, but EVERYTHING else, and the kitchen sink...at least that's how it seems! I'm up to three large suitcases and two small carry-on type suitcases. Plus each of the kids will have a back-pack of "stuff" to keep them busy on the plane. How to pack for Florida in January...your entire wardrobe would be about right. It can be as warm as mid-to-upper 80's for highs, and as low as 20's for lows...so yea, pretty much everything! I'm planning t-shirts, jeans, & sweatshirts for mornings, loose the sweatshirts as it warms up, and possibly change to shorts if it gets that warm. We'll have to see. I did weigh my big suitcases this evening and was very excited to find out that they only weigh 30-35 pounds each!! I do have a FEW things to add, but I have a 15-20 pound cushion right now! I could cram more into them and loose one of the small suit-cases, but this way I will have room to bring home a souvenir or two. :o)
For now, I'm off to bed. Merry Christmas all!!!

Please Pray for my Hubby...

2008-12-24T11:47:00.002-06:00

Have I mentioned that my Hubby ALWAYS get sick at Christmas. Yea, a time or two (hundred). Well, this year is no different. Every morning he wakes up and says "I think I'm better...I feel great!" But by afternoon, he's coughing very hard and feeling miserable. I took advantage of a weak moment yesterday when he said "Yea, maybe I should go to the doctor." and called and got him an appointment for this morning. This morning, same ol, same ol...I'm fine. I am NOT going to the doctor He did finally relent and agree to go. I'm so thankful he did! He was diagnosed with walking pneumonia. If he isn't much better by Friday she said she would hospitalize him!!! She threatened to put him in now, except that he is upright and not running a fever. He is now on 4 meds! Please join me in praying that he recovers QUICKLY!!!!

Bethany's new do....OOPS!

2008-12-23T20:56:00.003-06:00

I wanted to give Bethany a little trim to even up her hair. A LITTLE trim. Um, oops. Girly wouldn't stand still. She kept tilting her head this way, then that way. Shrugging her shoulders. WIGGLING! I want to cry! There is a HUGE pile of hair. The cut looks cute, but it is NOT what I intended to do!

Turkey STILL won't be still! I was hoping to give Abbie a little trim, too...I DON'T think I'll be doing anymore trimming at home!

Still here...

2008-12-20T19:06:00.003-06:00

Yes, I am still alive, but barely! I have survived two children's Christmas programs and have yet one more tomorrow. The kids and I are out of school until we get back from our vacation to Florida. They have a bunch of homework to work on before we leave. I have a TON of housework to catch up on. This house is falling apart! At least the neatness factor is falling apart. I've just been so busy and over-extended that I have let things here S-L-I-D-E!!! So, this week, while the kids are working on their homework, I will be working on my HOME work! I also need to spend time getting ready for a state inspection at school, and preparing things for my substitute...so I guess I'm not "out of school" quite yet!!!
Hopefully I will have time, soon, to post pictures of all three of my Christmas programs. They have been so much fun! The three-year-old program was all of 10 minutes, and then Santa came for a visit. The 4 year old program was a bit longer. They acted out a book as I read it. It was along the same lines as the "12 days of Christmas" except we put together a "live nativity" as we read the story. For example, the first day of Christmas was "Baby Jesus, sleeping peacefully." The second day was "Two parent's smiling" (Mary & Joseph). Day three was "Three wise men giving." etc. etc. etc. (Thanks to my sis-in-law, Jill, who gave this book to MY kiddos a few years ago for Christmas! It was so much fun!) We finished the 4 year old program around 2:30, and then I ran over to the elementary school so I could be there for my older children's Christmas parties. By the time I got home, I had two messages from mom's of my 4 year old classes about how much they loved the program, so that was a great boost!!

Well, on to prepare for Sunday school and see if there is anything I have forgotten about tomorrow's program...I'm SURE there is!!

PS...Hubby has his "yearly" Christmas cold. Sinus pain, cough, etc...Abbie also has it. Prayers are greatly appreciated!!

BRRRR!! and Skating!

2008-12-15T09:40:00.003-06:00

Oh My GOODNESS it is so COLD here!! It was -2 when I took the kids t school this morning, and now it has warmed up to a balmy -1!!! BRRRR!! Thank You, God for our new furnace!!!

Yesterday it was a tasty 6 degrees and I drove the 40 miles to "Little Big City" to go roller skating with our county 4-H group. It was fun, but oh, so FUNNY!! First, Bethany said she did NOT want to skate. Fine by me, that means I don't have to!! So we got Andrew and Abbigail all laced up. Abbie promply fell flat on her tush. Poor girl. They kept falling and kept falling. Holding onto the wall only worked a little bit! Abbigail said she was "terrified of these things!" Then, Bethany decided that she DID want to skate, so back we went to pay for her and I, get our skates, get them on....They had little kids' skates that just went on over the shoe, the kind that do not roll freely. She took off! She was much faster than her brother and sister because her skates gave her some control! They decided that maybe they should have that kind of skates, too. So we unlaced, got the exchange, and put them on Abbigail. While they wear the same size shoe, Andrew's shoe soles are much bigger than Abbie's, and his shoe wouldn't fit inside the skate. :o( So he had to put the regular ones back on. Abbie took off in the new skates. She had a blast in the new skates. Andrew started getting the hang of the skating thing and we had fun! Brought me back to my Jr. High days when that was the "THING" to do! I spent many Friday nights at the roller rink! Here are a few pics of our fun!

Abbie just getting going, Andrew carrying his big skates!

Andrew and his favorite wall!

Abbie and one of her best friends, Hallie.

My little skate pro!

What Bethany and her friend spent most of the time doing...playing on the benches!

Christmas Card pic...

2008-12-15T09:11:00.001-06:00

So, I took about 35 pics and I think this is my favorite...Merry Christmas everyone!

Abbigail funny!

2008-12-08T22:14:00.002-06:00

Tonight was Abbigail's Christmas program. She did wonderfully!! She was chosen to do a special quartet with 3 othe little girls. She did GREAT!! And she was so cute if I do say so myself!
After the program, we went to Wendy's for supper. Couldn't eat at home because we didn't have water! Hubby has been working on installing a water softner, my Jack-of-all-trades! He lined everything up, hooked up the new pipes...and then shut off our water to splice the new pipes into place. Only problem is that it didn't go together quite as quickly as he thought it would, so he just had to leave it in place so we could go to the program. After we went to eat, he finished the project...and we have water again!!!
Ok, now to the Abbie funny!!! While we were sitting at Wendy's, Andrew told us that he was learning about Kwanza at school...we wanted to find out what he knew, but he didn't know much. He said it was a holiday to celebrate principles. He wasn't sure what that meant. Abbigail perked up and said "I bet Mrs. R would love that holiday!!" Huh?? OH!!!HAHAHAH!!! Mrs. R is her princiPAL!!!! Principle, principal...what's the difference??? :o)

What a week!

2008-12-08T16:17:00.002-06:00

I'm going to say this...and hope I do not regret it! Everyone is healthy! After Bethany was sick on Tuesday, she went back to school on Wednesday...all good. Thursday morning, Andrew woke up and no longer sounded like a dog barking. He had turned into a seal overnight. Plus his throat hurt. No school for him. He missed his school Christmas program Thursday night, which upset him so much! This little boy loves to sing!! Friday he was feeling better, but was not allowed to go back to school since he had a temperature on Thursday night. Saturday everyone was fine! Yippee!! Now it is Monday and everyone still seems fine!!! I had a little cough last night and was worried...but I'm fine today. Thank You, God, for restoring our health!!!
So, I have been busy with sick kids, planning and organizing 3 children's Christmas programs, working on our Christmas letter, laundry, making Christmas goodies, and even starting to get things together for our trip to Florida. Busy, Busy, Busy...but I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I weren't busy!
I'm going to a fun party soon...a Christmas goody exchange. The idea is that we each make 6 dozen of some sort of Christmas goody (cookies, candy, etc) and then we all exchange. I purchased some containers at Wal-Mart this weekend, so I'm going to fill 'em up for gifts! What a great idea these two friends of mine had!!! It should be fun! Then I'll rush home and get Abbie changed for her concert.
Really, I am savoring the season. I listen t wonderful Christmas music about 10 hours a day (thanks Honey for hooking me up!)...I read wonderful Christmas stories with my preschoolers, and with my kids. We watch Christmas specials on TV...we are doing a lot to savor the reason for the season! We are SO blessed!!

um...not so much on the treadmil

2008-12-02T20:29:00.002-06:00

I decided at about 3:30 this morning that I was NOT going to be getting up at 5:15 to go walking. After being up with Bethany until midnight, and again from about 2-3:30...I decided that sleeping until 6 was a better idea.

Yup, she's got the icky crud that Andrew had last week. Breathing treatments, cough meds, no sleep, and now she has even pulled her little tummy muscles coughing so hard. One interesting thing is that the nebulizer treatments make Andrew just a bit talkative, they send Bethany into orbit! She gets so hyper! She's exhausted because she didn't sleep last night, but she just can't stop. She plays, talks, wiggles...I'm sure she'd be running marathons if she could breath well enough.

Hubby was able to take B to work with him this morning so I could teach my lovely 3 year olds (I love those guys!) and I took the afternoon off so that I could be with her to "take a nap." How did that go down? Well, it looked a little like Mommy watching the Grinch Who Stole Christmas with her eyes shut while Bethany played and made a mess in every room of the house. When I sat down she was snuggled up next to me, when the show was over, she was gone and I woke up...um, who stayed up all night? Oh, right...both of us! Maybe I should breath more of the neb meds...they would probably put me out completely! Hopefully tonight will be better and tomorrow everyone can be back to normal. Hubby has a funeral tomorrow morning, so if B isn't well enough for school, I will need to find a sub. Prayers are appreciated!

LONG time, NO see...

2008-12-01T22:28:00.002-06:00

Guess what...I made a little trip downstairs this morning and tried to get to know my treadmill again! I only walked 1 1/2 mile because I needed to get the kiddos up and ready for school. Now, do I have it in me for 2 days in a row?? Guess I'd better get to bed so I have a chance of getting up early again!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-26T22:46:00.003-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Or, Happy Turkey Day!

I roasted my first turkey SOLO today...well, I only called one friend for advice, searched on the Internet for another question, and IM'd another friend when I could not find the answer. I even deboned MOST of Tom myself! All of the white meat was pristine and yummy...the dark meat was still in legs, bones, wings, etc...I left that job for the wonderful women at church to help me out! All in all, I was very proud of myself! I have come a long way, baby...when I was a new bride I was grossed out by raw meat. I COULD not debone anything! The only meat we ate was hamburger (even touching this made me gag!) and boneless, skinless chicken breasts. After getting as much meat as I could stomach off ol' Tom's bones, I took the entire thing (carcass and all) to church thinking these veteran turkey cookers would be able to get a lot more meat than I, a first timer. However, (they might have just being nice here!) they said I did a good job! I did get a bit of ribbing for tossing out the broth, however. I wasn't thinking about broth, just thinking that all this juice was in my way, so I poured it down the sink....um, OOPS! Lesson learned, SAVE THE BROTH! ;o)

I am so thankful this year...so many, many blessings to be thankful for! I will list just a few...and then I will go to bed (my comfy bed is a blessing to be sure!)

My husband...I am so thankful for my partner in life....we were made for each other and I love him SO much!
My children...all three of them are such wonderful blessings. They are growing so quickly...I hope to remember just what a great blessing they are to me this year! Andrew has been sick again, his asthma is no fun. But I am thankful that he was more himself today. Wanting to play games and even eat a little. Thank You, God for healing my little guy...continued healing is my prayer. Thusfar, the girls are healthy and I pray they remain so!
My parents....they are here to celebrate Thanksgiving with us this year! My dad is doing wonderful! He used his walker and walked up the 2 steps into my home! A TRUE miracle! He says he is getting rid of his wheel chair this year! YEA! My mom is such a wonderful support, mentor, and mother. I truly would not be the person I am today without her (both of them!). I love you both, very much!
My church...we have such a wonderful church family who loves us and supports us. We are blessed that God brought us here to serve with these people.
My job...I have longed to teach, even while staying home and teaching my own children. I longed to teach in a classroom. I love it. This is one of my passions in life. The directing part, I am still trying to figure out and embrace...but I am thankful that God has provided this opportunity for me to stretch and grow. I just keep reminding myself that growing isn't always easy, or comfortable...but necessary.
My God. Where would I be without Him? He is the one who has blessed me so richly, so dearly. And, the most amazing blessing that He has bestowed on me is the gift of forgiveness, faith, and eternal life...THANK YOU, GOD!!! I am so unworthy, and yet He chose to do this for me... I am humbled.
My bed...I'm exhausted...I'm sleepy...I'm going to bed. A BIG day tomorrow...did I mention it is Thanksgiving? Our church hosts a HUGE Thanksgiving feast here in our town. Last year we served over 300 people! We take meals to shut-ins, to the county jail, and many people come and get carry-outs to feed their families. We do not charge for this meal. It is a love offering to the people in our community. We do sit out a basket to receive what people would like to give. However, our church does not keep these gifts, they are handed directly over to our community food bank to bless more people. God has so richly blessed our congregation with servant hearts. Thank You, God!
Now...off to bed. Nighty night and happy Thanksgiving!

Funny

2008-11-22T21:13:00.002-06:00

I don't watch commercials very often. Most of my TV viewing is from the DVR...you know, record shows while I'm busy with life, watch after the kids are in bed while I should be doing dishes, sweeping, moping, laundry...you know...
Anyway, I did see a commercial the other day that made me laugh out loud! Made me laugh so hard I replayed it after I ran to the other room to get Hubby. Made him watch it. I was laughing so hard I could hardly speak. Oh My Goodness...this just tickles my funny bone!
A few days later I saw this one, it is pretty funny, too!

Thanks for letting me share! :o) So...anyone wanna come help me with my 19 1/2 pounder this week????

Thenderhearted Abbigail...or Rockey strikes again!

2008-11-21T13:44:00.003-06:00

Hmmm...what to title this post? Couldn't decide, so I gave it two names. Can you guess what it is about? Abbigail knocked out a little girl's tooth tonight. Nope it wasn't even loose. Yes, THANK YOU GOD, it was a baby tooth. Now this little girl can sing "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth!"

So...here is what happened. When I went to pick up my daughters and a friend from dance class (they had a combined class...long story). Well, I was waiting for Pokey Pants (aka, Bethany) to get her shoes on. Our neighbor, P, was standing beside me waiting patiently like a very well mannered child (she is!). Abbigail was in the lobby chatting with some friends and being silly. She was teasing one of the girls and turned to run away from her, and ran strait into another little girl. Knocked her top tooth clean out. This other little girl, C, lost her first top tooth on Monday, and the second on Thursday....however, the tooth lost on Monday was loose and ready to go. Thursday's tooth, not so much. I heard all the screaming and crying and knew instantly that Abbigail was involved, recognized that howl! C was holding "something" in her hand and the blood was starting to flow. Luckily C's mom and I were both there. I ran to the bathroom and grabbed a bunch of paper towels. We finally deduced exactly what had happened, cleaned her up, and she was ok...but Abbigail was still howling. She felt SO BAD! Oh my goodness I have never met someone with such a tender heart. C was hugging Abbie telling her that it's ok.

Abbie cried off and on all evening. She believes that she is forgiven but still feels terrible and has made promises to be much more careful in the future. It was purely an accident, I keep telling her that no one blames her and none is angry at her. Anyway, besides her heartache, she does have a small cut and bump on her for head where she contacted that little tooth.

If you have a few moments and want to say a prayer for my little girl's heart, I would appreciate it. Such a big heart. It loves so dearly, and is so broken when she causes pain to anything, or even hears about suffering. Even going out to eat can be heart-wrenching for her. Pizza Hut had these table tent things talking about world hunger and how they were collecting $1, putting your name on this certificate thing...you know how it works. She read about how some children don't have food to eat and then she had trouble eating her supper. She felt so bad that she has abundant food while children are starving...my girl is going to change the world someday!

Menu Plan Monday

2008-11-17T09:07:00.002-06:00

I WILL COOK THIS WEEK! Come on, say it with me now...I WILL cook this week!!! Too many trips to Wendy's, Pizza Hut, and too many corn dogs in our lives the past few weeks!! I WILL cook this week!!! Here are my plans:

Monday: Tamale Slow Cooker Casserole

Tuesday: 10 Minute Fettucini

Wed: Hubby is having pizza with the youth group, so I'll do Pizza Pockets with the kids

Thurs: hmm...haven't decided, possibly pork chops and baked potatoes

Friday: Hubby won't be home, so the kids and I are on our own...possibly their all-time favorite, Mac-N-Cheese

Nothing fancy...just home-cooked. Cheaper and healthier than fast food. All meals will also offer some sort of veggie and/or fruit.

Presenting...

2008-11-16T15:38:00.003-06:00

Allison Kaia

Isn't she BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Prayers Please...

2008-11-14T08:21:00.005-06:00

My cousin Loni is in the hospital...hopefully giving birth to her newest beautiful miracle. Baby Allison should make her long awaited appearance sometime today. Loni was supposed to be at the hospital this morning at 7...that's about 1 1/2 hours ago as I type. Please pray for a relatively painfree, wonderful birth. Pray for a healthy baby, and Mom!! As soon as she posts pics on her blog, I plan on stealing one and posting it here! :o) I did try to talk Loni into waiting til tomorrow so Baby Allison would have the same birthday as Andrew...but she wasn't waiting one more moment!! Gee, I just don't understand!! ;o)

UPDATE!!! Allison is here!! 7 pounds, 6 oz!! No pictures yet, but I can't wait to see her!!!

Flashback Friday

2008-11-13T21:39:00.004-06:00

I have been reading this blog for a while, and the woman has started a new tradition. She is the mother of 10! She is waiting for her newest son to come home from Africa. Anyway...her new tradition is called "Flashback Friday" She posts pictures from the past each Friday. For me, it is to remind me how quickly my children grow up...and how fitting that I participate for the first time on November 14!! This picture is one of the pictures taken of my "tiny" baby boy, Andrew at just a day old (born Nov. 15, 2001). I say "tiny" because he was anything, but tiny!! He was born a day early at 9 pounds 2 oz!!! OUCH! I love my little man! He started out big, but now he's just a normal boy...even wearing a SLIM jean! Go figure. I praise God for my little man. He is such a joy. He makes me smile, laugh, and love. He is rather frustrating sometimes, but he is MY little man and I love him! And, just to compare...here is a picture taken just weeks ago at a wedding, dancin' it up with his sisters!

Funny Abbigail

2008-11-11T20:24:00.001-06:00

Here's a funny story from today. Since Abbigail came home from school, she has been wearing her light jacket instead of her winter coat, even though it is cold. She asked me if I knew why she wasn't wearing her winter coat...um no, I don't know...why? She fell in a puddle (it rained A LOT yesterday). How did she FALL in a puddle? She was swinging over the BIG puddles under the swings, and fell off the swing into the LAKE underneath! So, when we got home, I looked, and sure enough, her new winter coat is caked in mud, and practically dripping wet! So, is it a GOOD idea to swing over lots of water? I asked her...no, but if it's only damp, she thinks it is just fine!! What a girl! Oh, and by the way, she didn't get hurt from falling...just WET!!

Here's hoping it comes clean, it's in the washer now!

YIPPEEE!!!

2008-11-06T18:56:00.002-06:00

Have I told you we're planning a trip to Disney?? Um, yea, I think I might have mentioned it a time or two...hundred! I am SO excited! Disney came out with a special promo to get more people to the parks during the "off" season. Anyway, they could apply this promo to OUR trip, and with the special deal, I am getting $550 put back on my credit card...and we will get a $200 gift card when we check-in!!!! YIPPEE!!

Mickey, here we come!!

Halloween Pics...FINALLY!

2008-11-04T21:10:00.007-06:00

I promised pictures...you got pictures!! There are many pictures here, so get comfy!

First of all, a pic of my three kiddos. One of our neighbors always sets up a whole "photo shoot" area in her livingroom and invites all the neighborhood kids to come in for pictures and special treats. This is actually the only shot I have of all of my kids together...they were just too busy!

Next are some pictures of all our neighborhood kiddos out trick-or-treating together. Now THAT was a crew! We just went around our block, and then split up into our own small family groups to go visit special friends/family...so much fun!
This is my FAVORITE shot of the night. We told the kids they had to "partner up" and hold a hand with a friend. Here Bethany is with her little friend "Mickey"...aren't they just TOO cute??!!!!

Here they were, after the "block"...ready for more CANDY!

Yes, the weather was BEAUTIFUL!! No jackets were even needed, until the sun went down.

And, lastly...here are individual pictures of my two princesses and my Buzz Lightyear....the most beautiful princesses, and the most handsome buzz, ever! (By the way...Buzz in talking into his communicator, not checking to see if he put his elbow in the jelly! :o))

Great News!!!

2008-11-03T21:06:00.002-06:00

Ok, first....I'm sorry, no Halloween pictures just yet. Long weekend. Not feeling so great, not absolutely sure where the camera is...somewhere in the dining room or living room...anyway, they are still coming.

Great news!
1. Our congregation has approved sending Hubby and I to Pastoral Leadership Institute. This will mean classes, study, reading, papers, trips, small group with other pastors and their wives, trips, oh, and did I mention TRIPS!! We will be making at least one or two trips ALONE for the next 4 years!!! We get to go to retreats with out small group. We go to "large group" things for a week once a year. And, in the 4th year we get to go on a 2-3 week international mission trip! I am just so excited (and a tiny bit nervous...ok, a bit more than tiny...nervous). I am so excited and proud of Hubby for being nominated for this. It is a huge honor. He is a wonderful pastor and I am just so proud!

2. Did I mention that we get to go on trips...together?? :o)

3. Hubby told me some exciting news this weekend...a new restaurant is going to be built in our "Little Big City" soon. The city is growing...Sam's just opened last week, and that is SO AWESOME! Now, they are building an A&W hot dog place...not the exciting news. OLIVE G*RDEN is coming!!! YIPPEE!! This is one of my FAVORITE places!! Can you see my smile???

Enough good news, like I said earlier, I'm not feeling so great. My throat feels like I'm trying to swallow glass. Guess I'm going to try to get back into the doctor. No fever, no coughing, no sinus pain this time...just a sore throat. By evening I almost have no voice...not that that is a bad thing ;o) (according to hubby!)

Don't forget to VOTE tomorrow!!

Cinderella dresses!

2008-10-28T22:39:00.004-05:00

THEY ARE FINISHED!!!! Do you like my ceiling fan? It makes great hangers for these dresses!

Two princesses are ready to get dressed...and two princess dresses are FINALLY ready!

If you remember...I ordered both dresses off of EB*Y. Abbigail's dress was new with tags. I have heard that Disney costumes run really small. So, being the seamstress that I am (do you hear the sarcasm in my voice??) I figured that I could make a gown smaller, but not bigger. I ordered her a size 10...OOOPS! It is HUGE! It is supposed to be a t-length gown. I took it in at the shoulders. I hemmed about 6 inches off the bottom (my worst hemming job EVER)...and it is now approximately ankle length. None of these issues were from false advertising on the part of the ebay seller...it was exactly as I expected it to be (ok, a little bigger, but that's my fault).

Bethany's dress is not a Disney costume, just a Cinderella look alike. It was listed as being in excellent condition. It was not. The bodice part had completely ripped apart and someone had resewn it with huge whip stitches that were completely across the front of the gown...it didn't look like they were trying to hide the stitching. It was completely ugly (the gown is pretty, but the stitching was ugly). So distracting. I took the entire thing apart and had to resew the entire thing by hand. It looks much better now, if I do say so myself. The dress was also way too long, but had a beautiful silver edging that I didn't want to hide. I figured out a way to hem the gown while preserving the edging. Not a great job, but it will do! Anyway...the dresses are DONE!

Thankfully, Andrew's Buzz costume fits him perfectly and needs NO alteration! We are going to a party at the church where my preschool is located tomorrow, so they will get to wear their costumes tomorrow...I will try to take pictures!

Ok, 3 posts in one night...I'm exhausted! Nighty Night!!!

Neighborhood FUN!

2008-10-28T20:44:00.003-05:00

Have I mentioned how much I love my neighborhood? While we miss our old neighboors, it is just a new experience with all the kids on our block right now! We moms (ok, mainly my friend Stephanie), decided to get together and have fun with the kiddos! We decorated pumpkins, decorated pumpkin cookies, made masks...and had lots of fun! Here are just a FEW of the pictures I took!

Cool "Mummy" pumpkins!

Decoratging cookies!

Steph sneeking "T" some frosting...Mom (Nancy) didn't know about the sweet stuff! ;o)

And, finally...a group shot!

Loni...

2008-10-28T20:12:00.003-05:00

Hey...this post is for my cousin Loni. She is expecting her third little one VERY soon!

Anyway, Loni...here is the fabric I got to make your sling. Please be honest, if you don't like it that's fine. I can get another fabric and use this for something else. If you like it, but think it will be too busy, I could make the body of the sling out of black and use this fabric for the trim and the pocket. Whatever you would like!
Here is the fabric the shopping cart cover is made out of. The back is a solid pink. I made one of these covers for Becki when Cambree was little. You can use it in shopping carts (OBVIOUSLY!), in those wooden public high chairs that aren't always clean, or even in those bucket park swings...though I've never really been worried about those. It has a strap that you can weave through the shopping cart and buckle the little one it. This is more for the older ones, or when the new one can sit up in the shopping cart...but Nessa could use it now. Great for keeping those icky shopping carts away from your babies! :o) Here is a picture of the crib tent box...if you want it, it's yours. Just let me know what you think about all of these! Love ya!

Politics...

2008-10-27T22:26:00.003-05:00

I am not good at confrontation. I will do just about anything to keep from hurting anyone else, or confronting someone about anything. However...sometimes I just CAN'T keep quiet. I am not particularly into politics. I know who I am going to vote for. I could give you all advice if you'd like! ;o) But I know politics is not why you all come to read my blog. But I am going to share something with you now that is very important to me. Babies....Babies are such a gift from God. They are such blessings...no matter what circumstances under which they are conceived. Babies are meant to be brought into families, Mommy and Daddy and Baby. Sometimes this is not the way it happens, but this is NOT the baby's fault. Why should the baby pay for a choice the mother and father made. I am pro-choice...until conception. Once the baby has been conceived, we have NO right to take that life away.
While reading other blogs tonight, I ran across this video that really spoke to me. Please take the time to watch it.

Children are a gift from God...from conception until natural death. My grandparents are both have some pretty major medical issues. My grandfather has had Parkinson's Disease for as long as I can remember. He cannot care for himself. Most meals he cannot even feed himself. Grandma is physically pretty good. She does her best to help the nursing home staff care for him...but her mind is not the same as it was years ago. She can't remember things, important things. She does still remember all of us kids and grand kids...and she knows that I am the ONLY one who doesn't live close. But what about when she can't remember? Do we have a right to ease our burden? Grandpa can't care for himself? Do we just let him be and let nature take it's course? NO! We take care of them! We provide what they need to live to their fullest potential.
If this post makes you uncomfortable...I'm sorry...sort of. I am not sorry for making you think about an issue that is very important. I am not sorry for sharing my values and my beliefs. I am not sorry for sharing what I believe to be the truth. However...if you have been touched and hurt by the tragedy of abortion, I am sorry for bringing up a painful subject that you have tried to put behind you. I am sorry for opening a wound that will take a lifetime to heal. But, if you are hurting...if you have been affected by this terrible act, know that there is forgiveness. God (and I) still love you. He will NEVER withhold His love and forgiveness from one of His children. He wants to heal you. He wants to hold you close and tell you that it will be ok. He wants to wipe your tears away and give you reason to smile, to live, to laugh, and to love.

Please, remember this issue when you go to vote. Shall we leave babies to die, or love them and care for them? You can probably guess how I will vote.

Weekend over...

2008-10-26T22:52:00.002-05:00

Friday, Pumpkin patch...probably 10-15 families came. Lots of pumpkins, muffins, and MUD! Lots of giggles and muddy shoe smiles.

Saturday, Garage sale...LOTS of BIG stuff is gone! YIPPEE! Car seats, toddler slides, tricycles, and small bikes...not to mention bags and bags of clothes. However...still have TONS of clothes left. I'm thinking Goodwill is going to get a BIG load soon!

Sunday, Church and preschool dinner...went well! Well over 1/2 of our preschoolers were there to sing, so that was a great turn out! I spent the afternoon hemming Abbigail's Cinderella costume for Halloween. I bought it WAY too big and have had to take it up in the shoulders and hem a lot off of it...doesn't look very good, but she's not wearing it to prom! Andrew's costume is ready. Bethany's needs just a bit of work, maybe 1/2 hour and it will be ready! Now I'm trying to figure out a costume for myself...any great ideas?

So I have decided I should have gotten stitches in that finger of mine. I cut it on Wednesday, and every now and then it still starts bleeding. And, every time I even gently tap it on something, PAIN! OUCH!! Oh, boy does it hurt! But it's too late for stitches now, so I just keep bandaging it up until the band aid falls off, leave it off for a while, and then put a new one on. One friend keeps saying I need to superglue it...any thoughts?? Have any of you ever actually super glued a cut? I used this stuff called "New Skin" on Andrew's chin a few years ago...would that work here?
Anyway...I'm going to get somethings done so I can go to bed!

Surprise...

2008-10-22T20:35:00.004-05:00

Well, I said I wouldn't be around this week, but I've blogged more this week than in many previous weeks...go figure!

Parent/Teacher conferences are tomorrow, so no teaching for me. I have to meet with the parents, but I usually talk to them every day, so I don't think it will be TOO big of a deal. No real concerns with my kiddos..they are just so much fun!

In the evening I have to meet with Andrew and Abbigail's teachers for their p/t conf. I hope they are doing well in school. Everything I see says they are doing fine, but I guess you never know unless you are their teacher! I've worked very hard with Abbigail making sure she brings EVERYTHING home and gets it all in on time. So hopefully that issue has been corrected since the progress report.

Garage sale stuff is mostly in boxes, priced, sorted, and in the garage. The garage still needs a bit of work, but Hubby said he would take care of it. Friday morning is the pumpkin patch with the preschoolers and their families. After we finish at the pumpkin patch, I will probably spend the rest of the day setting up for the garage sale. Saturday morning is the garage sale...hopefully I will get rid of A LOT of stuff!!! (And if I make a little $$ in the process that would be GREAT!)

Sometime between now and Saturday morning, I need to make a pumpkin cake for our preschool dinner on Sunday, and also a salad for the meal. I need to finish reworking Abbigail and Bethany's costumes to make them fit properly. Bethany's is almost done, but I still need to hem Abbie's.

Ok...off of my "to do" list!

Here is something I am thankful for: Not needing stitches! It was so cold and windy here today that I just CRAVED soup all day long. So when I got home I grabbed some stew meat out of the freezer and began making a big yummy pot of veggie beef soup. I always think the big chunks of stew meat are too big, so I cut them into bite sized pieces (much easier for the kids!). Well, apparently the knife slipped...my finger has never bled so much...ICK! I started yelling (ok, screaming and crying!) and thankfully Hubby was home. He came and made sure I wasn't passing out and that my finger was still attached. (thank goodness I just took the first aid course! ;o))...I applied pressure with a paper towel for a long time, but each time I tried to switch to a band aid it just bled so badly! I was really thinking I was going to need stitches! Hubby wrapped gauze around my finger and then a REALLY tight layer of that stretchy tape stuff. I did make him loosen it when I realized that the end of my finger was PURPLE and COLD! About an hour later, I took that off and it was still oozing, but not RUNNING out. I have gone through 3 band aids, but I think it has stopped enough that it will heal on it's own. OOff Da...what a night. But boy was that soup good! Even have enough left to put a big tub in the freezer for later, and some in the fridge for left-overs. :o)

Bethany has been very tired lately. She's still trying to cope with not napping in the afternoons. More than a few days she has fallen asleep when we get home. Just laying in the middle of the floor, on a chair, the couch, car seat, anywhere! Every time I see her snoozing somewhere "odd" I just think "AWW, How cute!" and then snap a picture. So...wanna see some cute snoozing Beth? Here you go!

She fell asleep on the living room floor...as the sun started to set, it put a sunbeam right across her little eyes. Didn't bother her, though, she just kept on snoozing! (I did adjust the curtains so she wouldn't be BLINDED! But being the good blogging momma that I am, I took a pic first!)

She went out to ride bikes one day after school, then came in to see what Daddy was up to. Sat down to watch him play a video game, and lost it...with her bike helmet STILL on!

On Sunday I had her try on her costume "one more time" so I could check the hem. She begged to wear it for just a little while...so I let her. 5 minutes later, Cinderella turned into Sleeping Beauty.

Tonight I was sitting in the recliner checking my email. She crawled up next to me and leaned on me. Pretty soon the phone rang and I went to answer it. When I came back, this is what I found. Poor sleepy girl! She is sleeping at night, but apparently not enough. Abbigail did nap every day until she went to 1st grade when she was 6, and Bethany is only 4 1/2...my babies are growing up!

AHHHH!!! What's next? UPDATE!

2008-10-20T20:02:00.004-05:00

I took all three of my kids today to get their flu shots. I can't get mine because I'm on antibiotics. Boy does my hubby owe me a BIG margarita for doing that one on my own! I was holding Bethany and trying to DRAG Andrew out of the van with the other hand! Boy is that kid strong! It took me and another nurse to hold him down while the other one gave it to him. He even agreed that he would not go on our trip to Disney if he didn't have to get that shot! What a DRAMA KING! Anyway, three kids, three shots...and the only bruising will probably be on Andrew from fighting so hard!
When I got home from that fiasco, the phone was ringing that Bethany's child care provider's little girl is sick, so Bethany can't come over there tomorrow. Normally that wouldn't be a big deal, she could just go to work with Daddy, or he could work from home, but he is out of town tomorrow. Hmmm...I am so blessed to have a wonderful neighbor who is willing to keep her in the morning while I teach. Ok, that's taken care of....but this evening one of my teachers called to let me know that her daughter has strep throat. Ok, that sort of thing happens....I have called 5 subs so far. Two have sick kids of their own, twp have other obligations, and I'm waiting to hear back from the last one! Of all the days for Hubby to be out of town! I'd recruit him to help out in a second!

Please pray for me!!! Thanks!

Update: I found someone to come in and help...but I also just talked to Hubby and he is sick, too. He thinks he'll still make it to his meeting tomorrow, but not certain. Nyquil is now taking it's effect on him and he'll sleep good, for a few hours at least!

TTFN...

2008-10-19T17:10:00.003-05:00

Ta Ta For Now!
No, I'm not shutting down my blog. I know I haven't been around much lately, I'm sorry....but I won't be around much this week either. This week is going to be pretty busy. We are having parent/teacher conferences on Thursday for my school (need to get ready to meet with 17 sets of parents) and my kiddos' school....need to go chat with their teachers. No school on Friday, but I'm going to be meeting with as many of my preschool families (all 65 families) who want to go at the pumpkin farm. We wanted to take a field trip, but couldn't find transportation for as many kiddos as we have. So...all the families are responsible for their own transportation, and instead of just having the kids, it will be a family outing. Fun, but that's another thing I need to plan! We are having a preschool dinner on Sunday to help raise money for our scholarship program. Also, do you remember last spring when a friend and I had a garage sale? Remember how I said we have a bunch of "fall/winter" stuff left....well, we just decided that it's time to get rid of it. We're going to have a garage sale here at MY house this weekend. So, this week, I need to go through a bunch more stuff, price it, sort it, etc....and clean out the garage. Somewhere in there I hope to get a little extra rest to help myself continue to get better, and not relapse with my infections.
Now, if you know anyone in the market for kids clothes from newborn - size 7-8 (girls and boys), car seats, strollers, adult clothing, Halloween costumes, movies, etc...and you live anywhere near the "Middle of Nowhere" Kansas...send them my way! :o)
So, if you miss reading all the silly things we do around here....come back later, I'll try to update once in a while, but I'm not promising anything! Just wanted to let you know in advance what's going on so you won't worry about me.... Thanks for visiting! :o)

So guess who is sick??

2008-10-18T21:00:00.002-05:00

No, THANK GOD, Abbigail is healthy as a horse. I guess the walk in the cold rain just made her wet and cold, but she stayed healthy. Nope, it's me. Actually I'm starting to feel human again after feeling pretty lousy for over a week. Last Thursday, my sinuses started feeling like a concrete truck had left it's load in my face. Friday when I woke up my throat, eyes, ears, and teeth felt like they were all going to explode. Each day I thought I would surely be better, and some days I did feel a bit better...but not much. Finally by THIS Friday (Yes, a WEEK later) I decided I had had enough, and broke down and went to the doctor. I have a double ear infection and a sinus infection...guess I was not just being whiny...I really was/am sick. But now I am on antibiotics and steroids, so I should be feeling fine soon...already am feeling some better. The concrete truck has come back for some of it's load, and my ears only pop every other time I open my mouth now. Feeling better, but a long ways to go.
Andrew and Hubby spent the day at a boy scout outing. Andrew got to shoot a bow & arrow, BB gun, throw a hatchet, and all sort of other manly activities. The girls got to spend the morning with a baby sitter...which in their book is pretty awesome...while I went and retook my CPR and first aid training. I have taken this course every-other year for at least 12 years...probably longer. It's amazing how things have changed over the years, but it is actually easier now. Instead of having to remember X number of compressions to Y number of breaths for each of the different age categories (infant, child, adult)...now it is just 30 compressions to 2 breaths. Period...for everyone! The only difference between infants, children, and adults is that for adults you call 911 before starting any of the CPR stuff, while with infants and children you do 5 cycles and then call 911 (if alone, if others are there...have them call 911 right away). Anyway...that was my morning, CPR and First Aid.
The weather was so beautiful after I got home that I thought a girls trip to the zoo would be a perfect way to spend the afternoon. I thought we could meet the "boys" for dinner when they were done with their manly activities. The girls and I loaded up and we drove to the zoo (40 miles away mind you). Only to find that our FREE zoo was closed for "Boo at the Zoo" and you were only allowed in if you had prepaid for tickets. So what was I going to do with these two girls for the next 3 hours until dinner? Well, we went to a park to play but unfortunately it didn't last too long because SOMEBODY had to go to the bathroom. So, shopping is what we decided to do to use our time. We got a tierra for Abbigail's Halloween costume, some tights, socks...oh, and the girl's Christmas dresses. Or at least what I'm thinking about using for their Christmas dresses. JC Penney has their "holiday" dresses on sale for 50% off, so the girls both picked one out. Abbigail fell in love with one that is pink and brown. It is really pretty, and she says she feels all grown up in it (BE STILL MY HEART!) and all she needs is lipstick :o)!! Bethany feel in love with a pink and black one. Also cute, but they don't match. My family Christmas cards won't look quite as good if their dresses don't at least coordinate. So, I went ahead and got the dresses...with the agreement that we will think about them. If I can find one that will coordinate with the other, we'll be in business!
Well all...I'm going to get to work on the house and other things that haven't really been touched in the last week since I've been feeling a bit under the weather. Nighty night!

BRRRR...and GRRRR!

2008-10-14T19:44:00.002-05:00

When we went pumpkin picking a week and a half ago, I thought something was seriously wrong with picking pumpkins when it was 91 degrees outside. Well, apparently we've decided to skip fall and go STRAIT for winter. Today's high was 44, and rain. COLD! BRRR!! I've had a chill in my bones all day! Turned the heat on at school, and here at home.
Now for the GRRR! Hubby was out of town at a meeting today, so I went to pick Abbigail and Andrew up from school. When Abbigail came out, I noticed that her hair was wet. HMMM....well, I didn't think TOO much of it. We went home, did some homework, and then I took her to girl scouts. I picked her up a little early from girl scouts because the phone guy was supposed to be coming to fix our phone and Internet that apparently don't like the rain. (BTW, that's one reason I haven't been online a lot lately...it's been down off and on for a week now!)
So anyway, we get home and she's freezing, but so was I so I didn't think much of it till she took off her shoes and socks. Her feet were little blue prunes! They were SOAKING WET and COLD! Apparently there was a special visitor at the high school today, someone who played violin, etc. Cool...the students WALKED to the high school which is 3 blocks away. Do you remember that I said there was a HIGH today of 44 and it rained ALL DAY LONG! They made the kids WALK 3 blocks in the rain!! How smart is that???? No umbrellas. Nothing! Yes, she had her brand new winter coat on, which kept her mostly dry, but her feet were soaked, and so was her head! Abbigail didn't complain, she loves music...she would do just about anything to see someone play music...but come on...don't you think the adults should use some common sense??? I'm planning on going to the school during my 15 minute lunch break tomorrow and talking to the principal. Who is going to pay all the doctor bills from the kids who are going to get sick from this? No, I didn't send Abbigail with rubber boots because I didn't think anyone in their right mind would send kids out in 44 degree RAINING weather to play, let alone walk 3 blocks! Yes, I know it is only 3 blocks, so bring in 1 bus and shuttle them...keep them DRY!
As a teacher, I try to take my kiddos outside if at all possible. Even when it is COLD, as long as it is dry I try to take them out for just a few minutes of fresh air. But in the rain??? GRRRR!!!
Thanks for letting me rant...I'll let you know how it goes.

Life...is complicated

2008-10-06T19:20:00.002-05:00

Yes, there is more going on here in my little life than Halloween costumes. However...it's not exactly "bloggable." (How is that for making up my own word??) Being a pastor's wife, much of my life is wrapped up right where it should be, with my husband and his/our ministry. The nature of ministry means that much of it is confidential or at least not of the nature that it should be made PUBLIC...so, there is much going on in my life right now that I can't write about. So, I'm sorry for the fluff posts about costumes and such (look for a pumpkin post soon!)...but that is all I've got right now. Sorry. Hopefully one day I can share what is going on with us...
If you are a praying person, and wish to pray for us, I would be very grateful. Prayers for peace, patience, understanding, guidance, and that God's Will would be seen and followed. Thank you to all!

Got Bethany's dress!

2008-10-05T19:54:00.003-05:00

I finally won an auction for a dress for Bethany! This one comes with all the accessories...purse, crown, wand, etc. It's a beautiful dress and I can't wait to get it! Well, here it is! And now, I am DONE with EB*y!! No more for me...for a long while!!!!

But...Andrew still needs the goggles that go with his costume...;o)

Halloween Costumes...I am the Eb*y QUEEN...or not!

2008-10-05T16:33:00.005-05:00

Ok, so I've been looking at Halloween costumes for my kids. Usually we go really low key and "cheap" for the costumes. Last year Abbigail wore her previous year's dance costume (with a turtleneck). Andrew usually wears a sweat suit and then some addition to make it a costume. Last year I made a overlay (not sure what to call it) that made him be a ninja. Bethany wore Abbigail's old costume last year. It consisted of a turtle neck under a dance leotard (one from dance class) and a little skirt/tutu I made from ribbons. Usually we just rework what we have or add a small piece to make a cute cstume. Not this year! Since we are planning for our trip in January, the girls want to dress like the princesses when we go to Disney. So why not get the costumes now so they can wear them for Halloween and for our trip. We talked about having the girls wear their dance costumes from last year, but they would FREEZE if they went trick-or-treating in those things! What's the point of dressing up if you have to wear a coat over your costume!??!

I've looked in the stores and online. We can't find princess costumes in Abbigail's size in the stores because I guess more girls her size want to be sleazy witches and pirates...NOT my girl! Anyway...I have been trolling the Disney store website (I CAN get Abbigail's size here!) trying to get a good deal. Even with a coupon code, I couldn't get the total below $96!!! :-O And that was with FREE shipping!! CRAZY! Though we are planning on spending a bit more than usual, this is WAY more than we were planning! Last night when I was getting frustrated and a bit angry at the costs, Hubby said "Have you checked Eb*y?" So, I checked it out! Before I went to bed, I had "won" a Cinderella costume for Abbigail. With shipping hers will be $23. It is exactly what I was looking at on the Disney website for $39.99. Brand new still in the package and with the tags. It doesn't come with the crown, but that's ok...we can get one of those cheap enough at the dollar store! Around 3:00 I got Andrew his beloved Buzz Lightyear costume, again, much cheaper than Disney. His costume was used for dress up, but is in excellent condition. Now we're trying for Bethany's. I had one for her earlier, but got "sniped" just at the end. With less than 15 seconds left, someone came in and gave a little higher bid and I couldn't get a new bid in fast enough! I was so mad! But I guess that's how it works. So...I'm watching a few more Cinderella costumes for her.

Oh, the excitement! I can't believe how quickly my heart was beating! I could seriously get addicted to this....better not make a habit of this!

I AM alive!

2008-10-03T22:02:00.002-05:00

Yes, the reports of my demise are highly exaggerated. I am alive, I am kicking, and I am smiling. I am smiling because a cute picture of my kiddos just popped up on my puter...how can you not smile when you see these cuties! So...what have I been up to, since it has obviously not been blogging! LIFE...it sure gets in the way sometimes! :o) ;o)
Busy as usual, so I won't bore you with those details! Besides school, preschool, and all the other daily activities, Abbigail had her 4-H record book due this week. Boy oh boy was that a project! I don't think it would have been near the issue that it was if I had known about it from the beginning. Our 4-H club is great. They are all so friendly and helpful, when asked. However, they have all been doing 4-H since, well, forever...and they just do these things automatically and just assume everyone else knows what to do. I was supposed to have been keeping track of all the meetings we went to. All the extra get-togethers we participated in. All the meetings for projects. All the projects she missed out on. All the "talks" she gave. Also, all the "extra" things she does in school, church, and the community. Not to mention the pictures. Can you remember everything you've done since last November? How about what meetings your child went to and which ones she missed...NOT ME! So, don't tell the 4-H board, but this record book is NOT completely accurate! It is as best as I can remember and I'm sure I'm missing TONS! Well, lesson learned. I'll keep track this year!
We need to go to town to do some MAJOR shopping...and can't. We can't find the time! Looking at our schedules, we have something EVERY SINGLE DAY or EVENING until Thanksgiving! Two weddings two weeks in a row. Then I'm hoping to have another garage sale. After that, Hubby is out of town nearly every weekend until Thanksgiving! ARGH! We are seriously going to run out of TP before then! So, I guess I'll be heading to town on Sunday (with the kiddos) while Hubby goes to do the vacancy preaching thing. It's not that I don't like going alone, but we enjoy going to town as a family. We enjoy spending that time together and doing fun things together. I could get nearly all of my supplies here in our little town, but I would probably pay at least 1/3 more for our supplies...and what I will save by going to the bigger city will more than cover the cost of the gas to get there!
One fun thing about being a pastor's family...wedding rehearsal dinners! We are usually invited to join in the meal. Now, normally, the rehearsal happens around 6 or 6:30, and dinner follows. Tonight's rehearsal was different. It started with the meal at 6:00...and most people didn't show up until at least 6:15. It was at a very nice restaurant here in town, one that I've never even been to! We've lived here for 4 years, and I've never been through the doors. Well, tonight I got the chance! It was nice, but very slow. With all the people for the rehearsal, and the normal Friday night crowd, we didn't finish eating until almost 9:00...and Hubby is still at the rehearsal and it is 10:15!! Anyway, the fancy restaurant....the kids and I were so excited about going there! We all got dressed up and were looking pretty spiffy! (oh, kinda off topic, but I wore my black pants which I haven't worn since the spring...and they are loose!!! YIPPEE!!) I just gently reminded them that this is a nice place, no running or talking loudly. Also, since my kids are just a tad on the picky side (understatement of the YEAR!) I reminded them that if they didn't care for the food, they should take a "thank you bite" and sit quietly. No nasty faces or "I DON'T LIKE THIS!" comments. By the time the food finally started coming out (salads about 7:15!) the kids were starving. However, Abbie and Drew declined the salad and each ate a roll. Bethany ate most of her adult sized salad...she was so cute sitting there wolfing down her lettuce! Andrew was the ultimate gentleman. He opened the doors for me and the girls. He even tried pulling out our chairs. However, poor guy, he was trying to pull out my chair for me, but I thought he was trying to sit where I was going to sit. I kept pointing to where he should sit and telling him to go over there...he just kept pulling on my chair. Momma didn't get it! Sorry, little man! He even pulled out the chair for his daddy! What a little gentleman! Considering they had to wait nearly two hours for their food, they did wonderfully! I was so proud of them!
It is now 10:30 and Hubby still isn't home. I hope the rehearsal is going ok! The groom is Philippino, and the family wanted a Philippino wedding tradition in the service, so Hubby did some research and is putting it in...I'm sure it is a bit more than he is used to doing in a wedding service...I can't wait to see it.
I love going to weddings. I sit there, staring at my Hubby uniting two people in marriage, and while he says the vows to them, I am repeating them in my heart. Every wedding is another chance to vow my love to MY LOVE! I love you, honey! I just heard the garage door go up, Honey is home! Nighty Night all!

More about my fav. TV shows...

2008-09-23T21:28:00.002-05:00

Ok, so noone killed Horatio...sorry if I spoiled this for anyone! Now to another show that I really like!

EUREKA!!! Have you seen this one? It's on the SciFi channel. It is so funny!!! The storyline is that they've brought the smartest people in the world and moved them to this little town where they invent and make awesome stuff. It is hilarious. Each week one of their inventions make some sort of trouble...and another invention helps to save the day. Not so much violence, not the "beautiful people" factor (though they aren't ugly), they aren't perfect, but the morality seems MUCH better. Just a good funny show in my opinion. If you haven't seen this one, and get SciFi...you gotta check it out! :o)

It's BACK!!

2008-09-22T21:08:00.003-05:00

CSI is back!! YIPPEE!!! Oh, have I missed it! I LOVE the new episodes, heck, I even like watching reruns. CSI...ANYWHERE! LasVegas, Miami, New York, etc. I know the morals are sometimes questionable. I know sometimes it glamorizes violence. I know it glamorizes the "pretty people." But the good guys win! I NEVER watch it when the kiddos are around. I DVR it and watch when they are in bed...or even save for days on end.

Sorry, I gotta go, gotta find out who killed Horatio.

My Hubby is AMAZING!

2008-09-19T16:40:00.004-05:00

I am so proud of my husband. He is considered a "young" pastor, but he has been nominated for a very prestigious program. It's called "Pastoral Leadership Institute" or PLI. You have to be nominated by your peers and approved by our district president. Not very many pastors each year are nominated and accepted into this program...just to be nominated is a very exciting thing!
PLI is a 4 year program that involves a lot of study, travel, service, etc, etc. But one exciting thing about it is that the wives are a big part of it! Wives go on a lot of the trips with the pastor and are a very important part of the whole process.
He just found out today that he was nominated, so please keep the whole process in your prayers. First of all, we will need to pray about it and decide if this is something we want to persue as a couple and family. It does take a lot of time and trips...and with already serving a vacant congregation, time is something that seems to be in short supply. If we decide this is something we do want to pursue, we also need to have the support of our congregation. This program is not free, and the congregation is expected to pay the majority of the costs. As you all know, money does not grow on trees, but God will provide if this is what He wants Hubby to do!
Thank you for letting me brag on my man for a while!!! He really is pretty awesome!
Did I mention that he stayed home and worked from his laptop this week when Bethany was sick! He's such a MAN! Love you, MY MAN!

A week alrady???

2008-09-16T17:03:00.003-05:00

Can it really have been a week already since I posted? Time seems to be FLYING by lately! We've been busy, as usual. Meetings, school, preschool, church, boy scouts, girl scouts, choir, 4-H, etc, etc, etc. And now, Bethany is sick again. She's got that terrible cough, AGAIN! Thankfully, hubby was able to stay home with her today. A slight fever, coughing so hard she throws up, poor baby. She ended up crawling in bed with me around 11:00 last night, hubby wasn't in bed yet so she chose his pillow. He said he just didn't have the heart to disturb her since she was FINALLY sleeping, so he slept on the living room floor. I guess the floor was better than the couch...but I don't know how! :o)
In other news, I ordered a stroller off of ebay on Monday. I'm so excited. Hubby keeps saying "I thought we were done with strollers!" but I have my reasons! With our trip to Disney coming closer and closer I knew I would want a different stroller. We have your basic umbrella type of stroller, and that is fine for what we use a stroller for now-days. Bethany is 4 and can walk pretty much anywhere we go...however, I know she won't last at Disney. So, what's wrong with the umbrella stroller you ask? (So did hubby!) It's just a bit weak, I don't know if it would last the entire trip! Plus, Andrew and Abbigail would not be able to take a break in it if they wanted, or it would collapse! The stroller I ordered can hold 55 pounds, so if Abbigail and Andrew are exhausted, they can take turns in the new stroller. The one I found that I wanted was a Maclaren, which are very expensive! But I've read enough reviews and talked to enough moms to know that they are worth their cost! So, being the cheapie that I am (oh, I mean FRUGAL) I checked on Ebay. Yup, they have them there! However, the used ones go for almost as much as the new ones! (Can you say RESALE!) The one I got is a 2007 model, so it's not the current model, but it was an overstock, so it's still new in the box. It even PINK, so Bethany is excited. I got it for $65 (and that includes shipping) and new in the store they are over $100. I ordered it on Monday morning, and 2 hours later UPS already had shipping info. Boy was that quick!!! It should arrive here on Thursday. This is my first ebay purchase, so I was a bit nervous...I'll let you know how it turns out!
We had a COLD spell last week. Highs in the 60's are NOT normal for September. However, right now it is 83, so that's more like it...but I think I like the FALL weather!
My parents had 11 inches of rain this weekend....now they have waterfront property! ;o) Hopefully the rain will stay away and their lawn will emerge from the water, not to mention their basement, the road, etc...I hope the rest of my Wichita family survived relatively unscathed. By the way....I'm coming to see you guys this weekend...a very quick trip! Probably won't even get to see you all, unfortunately, but I'll be there for a few hours.
I think I'm finally getting this new routine down. I've cooked a few times, and I think I am getting my school/teaching thing down again. It's a lot of fun. Hopefully Bethany will be better and get to come back to school tomorrow, I missed seeing her smiling face and getting a hug!
Well, hope that catches you up on our lives, I need to go pick up my 'Brownie' from scouts. Blessings to you all!
Andie

Bullets....

2008-09-09T21:24:00.003-05:00

No time for a LONG post, I promised myself I would get to bed early, and it's not going to happen if I do a long post. However, thought I'd try to do a quick post. So, here goes:

Bethany had her first night-time accident last night. I think she was just so tired that she didn't wake up, so I put her to bed EARLY tonight (7:40!). Hopefully this will help her tomorrow.
Andrew had cub scouts for the first time yesterday, sounds like fun!
Andrew also had speech yesterday for the first time...also SOUNDS like fun! He already has made improvements on his sounds. I really don't think he'll be in it long enough to even get an IEP....he's doing great!
Abbigail lost a workbook, she never even brought it home! I KNEW it was at school somewhere. I went in early with her on Monday and we looked and looked with no success. I was thinking we would just have to buy her a new one. However, when she got to school today, SOMEONE had found it and put it in her cubby. THANK you, whoever found it!
Preschool is fun, busy but fun! Hubby had meetings all day today, but is home safe now. I missed him! I'm really thankful that he is picking up the older kids from school so that I don't have to rush out to get them and bring them back to preschool so I can finish up. I did this today, it is ok, but not ideal. The kids like that little extra time with dad, too!
Abbigail started after-school choir yesterday, she had so much fun. She really has an amazing voice for a youngster, and she is always singing! I'm hoping she has a great time and learns even more!
Hubby has been doing his low carb thing again, and he's doing great. I don't know how much weight he has lost, but his jeans and belts are all getting way big on him. This morning he was showing me how loose his pants were and Abbigail said "Good job Daddy, now you can give them to Mommy to wear!" WHAT???? I sure hope her perception is just off...Gotta get walking again!!!
Mom and Dad called on Sunday night...Dad WALKED himself out of the pool at his physical therapy on Friday. He WALKED UP 8 steps!!!! Dad, I am SO PROUD of you!
Ok, now, I'm off to bed!!! Keeping that promise to myself...maybe I'll promise myself to get up and walk in the morning...now that would be a promise worth keeping!

I'm not upset!!!

2008-09-08T22:16:00.003-05:00

Ok, I guess that last post caught people off gaurd. I'm not upset, just sarcastic. I get that way sometimes. Please, don't think I'm mad or depressed or feeling blue...really! I'm fine. Busy myself, so I haven't been writing as much as I would like. Sorry...I know everyone's lives are busy...I understand! I WAS JUST KIDDING! Please forgive my sick sense of humor!
Please come back....
Andie

Apparently no one missed me. :o(

2008-09-04T20:45:00.003-05:00

I was gone for 8 days...no one emailed. Then I do post, and no one responds. I guess no one missed me....Oh, Woe is me... (As my dad used to tease...)
Nobody likes me.
Everybody hates me.
Guess I'll go eat worms!

ICK! Whoever thought that up was just out to hurt himself!

Really, I'm not upset, just wondering if I chased all my readers (all two of you) off with my downer post. I hope not, I'll miss you!

Another good day at school today. I felt a little more on my game, and Bethany went to Miss Terri's willingly. I'm really enjoying getting to know the other ladies I'm teaching with. I wasn't sure that we would all get along...not sure our personalities would mesh. But, we are getting along. We are having fun. We are becoming good friends. Thank You, God. I need more friends!

Preschool and going to Miss Terri's seems to be completely exhausting to Bethany. She fell asleep on my lap last night at 5:30, I woke her up to eat at 6:30, and she was down for the night before 8:00. Tonight she fell asleep at 4:45, and woke around 6:00 to eat. She went to bed at 8:00...and is exhausted still! Maybe I'm going to have to move her bedtime up to 7:30...7:00? Abbigail napped every day until she went to 1st grade at 6 years old. Bethany just being 4 could still use a nap, so I guess she's just taking a late nap in the early evening. That's fine, as long as she still sleeps at night, but then she is sad because she misses out on the playtime with the neighborhood kiddos. Maybe she will adjust to this new schedule and not need the extra sleep, but if she does, we will just have to up her bedtime.

Abbigail is trying to adjust to 3rd grade. I am completely surprised at the difference between 2nd & 3rd grade. Her amount of homework has increased, but more than that, is the amount of responsibility she is being given. She has a homeroom teacher who teaches the majority of her classes. She does go to other classrooms/teachers so she can get a few of the subjects (reading and math I think) at more of her own level. All the 3rd graders are mixed for these classes so the ones who need extra help can get it, and those who need extra challenges can get it...I believe Abbigail is in the "needs extra challenges" groups. The 3rd graders have a "agenda book" that they are to keep track of their assignments, and parents are to sign them each night. This is great, but Abbigail doesn't always write quickly, and sometimes doesn't get the assignments written down (I know this is something she needs to work on). We are also working on making sure we bring home ALL our homework (and our lunchbox!! Yogurt left in lunchbox, at school, over Labor day weekend...EWWWW!). I'm also trying to help her take responsibility for her actions. When she doesn't do something, she always has someone to blame (someone was talking to her, the teacher didn't give her time, I didn't study her spelling words with her {I didn't even know they had started spelling last week!!}). I'm trying to help her understand that these are her responsibilities, yes, I will help when I can, but I can't help her with something I don't even know about! She's having a lot of fun with her teacher, a MAN! He has so many fun ideas. Last week they studies about cells in science. Each child made a cell at home with their families. On Friday they had a "Cell-abration" and showed off their cells and each of them recieved an award...Abbigail's was "Clearest Cell" because it was made out of baggies, M&M's, a piece of bubble gum (UNchewed), a piece of cotton. Just one of his fun ideas!
Andrew has the same teacher that Abbigail had in 1st grade. She's really nice, and already doing a bunch of fun things with them. One cool thing is that each child has a binder that they bring back and forth each day. There are folders and pockets in the binder for everything from homework, library books, reading lists, notes for the parents, lunch menu, and checked homework. There is even a section of plain notebook paper for us to write notes back and forth to each other. I use a folder with my preschool parents that has paper inside as our "parent communication folders"...so I think this is great!
Well, I need to finish a few things before I can go to bed...so "That's All Folks!"

Where have I been???

2008-09-03T18:30:00.002-05:00

Has it really been over a week since I last posted? And what a post to leave you all with...such a downer. Sorry about that. Life really hasn't been THAT bad! It really hasn't. School is going well, and I've only chased off a few families. (Wink, but really, I have...long story...maybe I'll share some time, you know I'm just really a terrible person who won't work with ANYONE!) Bethany is enjoying school(when we meet at recess now, she comes and gives me big hugs and then runs off to play, YIPPEE!), Abbigail and Andrew are as well. For September, there are WAY too many viruses going around already. I kept Andrew home from school on Friday for a terrible cough, and he's still coughing, but not as bad. Bethany got it on Sunday and she's doing much better. Abbigail started coughing yesterday and is already mostly over it. I tell you what...those asthmatic lungs just take a while to get over stuff like this. I'm going to give my doctor a call tomorrow if I remember and ask him if there is anything Andrew and Bethany can take as a preventative type thing for the winter. They were just SO sick last winter with all that crud, I don't want a repeat!
We had a wonderful weekend!!! My mom and dad arrived Friday evening and stayed till Monday. My brother and his wife and their little girls even came on Saturday-Sunday. Mom and Dad haven't been here since Thanksgiving of '06...Dad got sick in Jan. of '07 and has been recovering ever since. Aaron and Jill haven't been here since Bethany's baptism in May of '04...before their girls were even born! The kids had so much fun playing together that there were MANY tears when they had to leave on Sunday. We didn't do anything "BIG" while my family was here, just spent time together, played a lot of games, Guess Who, Monopoly Jr, Uno, and Rock Band. Ask my mom and dad how "Rock Band" is!! That was HILARIOUS!! Love you guys!
Life is good...tiring, but good. I don't remember being THIS tired when I taught full time 9 years ago, but then again, I am older....and now I have my 3 blessings to add to the mix. I will get used to it, and hopefully have some energy again soon! My hubby decided to do something special this weekend. He started thinking about how many meetings and times he gets called away in the evening for church (his work) stuff, so he is now taking a couple of hours off in the afternoon to be with our kids. I was racing from preschool to pick up our other two at the elementary school (they dismiss 10 minutes later than us) and then bringing them back to preschool to get ready for the next day. Well, now he picks the older two up from school and brings them home, gets them started on homework, etc. He stays with them till I get home, and then if he doesn't have a late meeting he goes back to church until supper time...if he does have an evening meeting, he just stays home until supper, then goes back. The kids are getting time with their dad, and that is so wonderful...plus it really helps me out so now I don't have to race over to get them and then have all 3 at preschool while I'm trying to get stuff done, and this was all his idea!!! Thanks Honey, you are such a wonderful husband and father!!!
I have gotten some complements about some of the things I have changed at the school, so that is always nice!! :o)
There...is that better? Not such a downer??? I'm sorry, I didn't even take any pictures this weekend with my family here, just two of my parents playing rockband...I'll post those as soon as I have time!
Thank you all for your prayers and support, it really does mean a lot to me!

a FULL day of preschool...

2008-08-26T22:46:00.002-05:00

18 three-year-olds in one room, 2 teachers...pure chaos...ok, not complete chaos, but at times I thought it was close. It was a lot of fun, and I'm sure tomorrow will be much more relaxed. Out of 18 we only had one crier...and he was fine after his mom was only gone for about 2 minutes. My mind went blank and I could remember only two of my transition activities and NO "goodbye" songs. I couldn't even remember the prayer the rest of the preschool says before snack. All I could remember was the prayer we say at home (God is Great, God is good...) So, that's what we said. Hopefully tomorrow I will remember the prayer, the transition activities/songs, and everything else!
My co-teacher seemed much more prepared today, and I was very impressed with all her skills! She's a very good teacher (which I always knew!) and I'm so thankful God has given me the opportunity to work with her. After a morning with 18 3yos who have never been in school before, to an afternoon with 12 4yos who have a year and a day of school under their belt....the afternoon felt like a vacation! :o) We had so much fun with them! And I know the 3's will get it soon...it's all so new for them. Sitting and listening, doing what you are told instead of whatever you want. Putting things away when you are done with them instead of just going somewhere else....they will get it!
One tough thing was Bethany. My 4 yo class was out on the playground when her class came to join us. We do plan it that way so that all the kids can play together for a while, then my class goes inside so the other class can have the playground to themselves for a while. Well, Bethany latched onto me, and didn't want to let go. She just wanted ME! BROKE MY HEART!! I had to leave her with her teacher (two women I trust completely, they are both great teachers whom Bethany knows and loves), as I walked my class back to the building I could hear her crying "I want MOMMY!" I'm crying now just thinking about it...ok, so I'm tired, but it really did break my heart! We only had about 15 minutes left of school, so we weren't apart for long, but still. She came running to my room as soon as the classes were dismissed and wrapped her arms and legs around me and wouldn't let go. We had to go pick up Abbie and Andrew from their school and she wanted me to carry her. She burried her head in my shoulder and pretended to be asleep so she wouldn't have to talk to anyone. She's really having a tough time sharing me with all the other kids. And now, the poor baby isn't feeling well. I think she might have a UTI (she's going to kill me someday for sharing this on my blog!). She says her bottom hurts and when she was going potty, she stopped herself because it hurt so bad. She's been doing so great with the night potty training, so well that she can now wear panties to bed...could she have made herself sick by trying to hold her urine? I don't know but Hubby is picking up some cranberry juice on his way home from a meeting tonight. Hopefully she'll be better in the morning. I even had her wear a pull-up to bed tonight just so she wouldn't have to worry about anything, and she didn't argue at all about it. Please pray for my Baby...she's got it so rough right now.
I'm really questioning right now if I've made a mistake going back to work. What have I done to her?

First Day is DONE!

2008-08-25T17:53:00.002-05:00

First of all...THANK YOU for saying a prayer for me! I really appreciate the support!

The first day with the 4 year olds is done. We had fun. We played a game about the rules. We colored. We practiced writing our names. We played outside. We read stories. We sang songs. We had fun...oh, I think I said that already.
It was a bit awkward for me. I'm used to being in charge of a classroom. That is how it was in the past, I was in charge and had a teacher aide. But this year I am co-teaching with another lady. We have not taught together before. So...since we don't know each other's teaching style, she is teaching the 4's and I'm teaching the 3's for the first month or so, and then we will re-evaluate how we want to co-teach. Well, being the aide, I wasn't always sure what I was supposed to do, where my boundaries were, etc. The kids need to see me not as an aide, but also as their teacher. It was nice because I got to sit back and watch the kids instead of teaching...got to watch them in action. I also got to see the way my partner does things. We are very different, but not in a bad way. She's more of the grandma-type....loving, yet strict, rigid, yet soft (does that make any sense?) I do a lot more 'transition' activities than she did. I ask a lot more questions than she did. It will be interesting to see how this year develops. My co-teacher has been teaching for 20 years and is very good at what she does, though she does not have any formal training except for the professional development required by the state. I have a college degree in early childhood education, but only 4 years of teaching experience. Like I said, it should be an interesting year. We will ALL learn a lot!!
Tomorrow the 3's come in for the first day. It should be a whole new ballgame! These little ones will probably have a hard time. For many of them this is the first time they will be away from mom. It will be scary. Please say a prayer for not only me, but also for all these precious little ones.
Well, it's 6:02, and I think I need to figure out what is for supper...I'm thinking sloppy-joes, cantaloupe and cucumbers (the custodians at preschool have a wonderful garden, and they share their bounty!! What a blessing!) . Maybe a little ice cream for dessert!!!
Night all-

BUTTERFLIES!!!

2008-08-25T11:25:00.001-05:00

I am SO NERVOUS!!! Preschool starts in about 30 minutes. I AM NERVOUS!!! Have I told you I'm nervous? I have the major butterflies going. I think I may loose the granola bar I just ate for lunch. WHY am I so nervous???? I HAVE NO IDEA!!!! I love teaching! I love telling kiddos about Jesus and what He has done for us. I love singing songs with them. But yet, I'm nervous.
Please say a prayer for me today!

ARRRGGHHH!!

2008-08-21T21:52:00.002-05:00

Can you say FRUSTRATED???? I am FRUSTRATED! We alwys buy backpacks for our kids when they go on clearance, for the next year. You know, after school starts they sell all the ones they have left for more than 50% off??? Well, that is when we buy them. We put them away for the NEXT school year. We actually found Abbie's pink one over 1 1/2 years ago on clearance for only $5. It is SO cute! I love it....I almost stole it and used it for myself. Now I'm glad I didn't. Second day of school...and the zipper is broken. One of the zipper pieces is completely broken off, and the other one catches ALOT and won't do it's job wihtout a lot of coaxing. I guess my only consolation is that it wasn't a lot of money, but STILL! I guess we're going back pack shopping again this weekend!

First Day of School

2008-08-21T10:35:00.003-05:00

OK...QUICK post! I've got about 10 minutes before my next OPEN house for preschool (nope, someone showed up, it's all over now...just getting ready for the first day, better hit "Post" before I forget!!!)...I wanted to share the pictures of my BABIES on their first day of school! Aren't they just ADORABLE!!??? And not the least bit ornery!

Ooff Da, Oy Ve, Good Grief What a Week!

2008-08-16T16:05:00.002-05:00

I seem to have used "What a week" a few times, so I thought I'd add a few extra words to help describe my week.
It all started on Monday...I met the other teachers at preschool and we spent the next NINE hours arranging, rearranging, and arranging again our rooms. We then spent the rest of the week changing things again, and getting a TON of other things ready. We laminated about a million things (by hand with clear contact paper...but the BIG things we paid the elementary school to laminate with their machine), which means we also cut out about a MILLION things. We went through our supplies, made many items to help organize our classes. Wow, seems like we were there FOREVER this week.
Hubby stayed home with the kids on Monday so I could focus on my work, but the rest of the week the kiddos were with me. They did really well. One of the other teachers brought her girls, and our 5 kids played well together and occupied each other.
We all agreed that we would take Monday off to be with our older kiddos who start school on Tuesday. But then while they are at school on Tuesday we are having a power-planning session. We are going to try to map out the year. Basic themes (letter of the week, Bible story or book of the week) and do more detailed planning for the first 6 weeks. After this major planning party, we should be able to do the rest of the detailed planning pretty easily. After we have the basic planning done, then I can get to work on the journal that the kiddos will be working on daily to help them learn to love to write, color, and basically learn to express themselves and be creative. We have our planning session on Tuesday and open houses on Wed & Thurs. School starts next Monday.
For those of you in the education field, we are using two curriculum this year: Handwriting Without Tears and ZooPhonics. Both have a lot of good aspects about them. I'm excited to learn more about them...and they always say you learn best by teaching to others!
Our current student count is 34 three-year-olds and 28 fours. The 3's classes are going to be challenging, but we will survive...no, we will THRIVE! We are going to have so much fun!

This has been a very fun week, and I am totally exhausted. Besides just being so busy, I've also had difficulty sleeping. I guess I'm having another bout of insomnia...I guess this school thing is stressing me out more than I thought. So, I went out this afternoon and bought some sleeping pills. I battle insomnia every once in a while. When I was pregnant with Bethany I had it really bad. My midwife told me it was safe to take unisom while pregnant and it totally worked. So, this is what I got today, I am praying it works its magic again! I go to sleep fine, but wake up between 2 & 3 and am awake until usually 5 or 5:30! Next week when the kids are back in school I will have to get up at 5:15 to get my walk in...so I NEED that sleep between 2 & 5!
So...here's to a GOOD night's sleep!

Sorry it took me so long!

2008-08-10T22:04:00.005-05:00

And I don't even have the pictures I wanted to share! I've got a few pictures, but not an "after" picture...just some "in progress pictures." So....without further adu....

Before:

During (Abbie)

After (under my chair)

Yes, we got our HAIR cut! Mine is short (just below my shoulders) and layered. Abbie's is a chin-length bob. Andrew also got his hair cut, pretty short! And, Bethany felt a little left out, and needed a bang trim anyway, so I trimmed her up...and then took 2 inches off her back! Her hair is almost to her shoulders, too! We got A LOT lighter (from hair!) in this house yesterday. Abbie and I got about 8 inches cut off, each. We're going to save a TON on conditioner! So far, I LOVE my cut!! Sorry this is such a bad picture, but I just took it myself...hopefully you can see a bit of the hair...I'll try to get a better picture tomorrow! :o)

Guess what I did today!!!

2008-08-09T21:56:00.002-05:00

Go ahead. GUESS!!! You'll never guess!!! But, I'm too tired to download a picture, and I forgot to take another picture, so you'll have to come back tomorrow to find out WHAT I DID TODAY!!!! (Hint....Bethany, Andrew, and Abbigail also did this....and Hubby did it last week). (Hint #2...I LOVE IT!!!)
See you tomorrow...I'll spill the beans then!
Nighty Night all!

Ice cream for dinner!

2008-08-08T22:05:00.002-05:00

How could I forget...we had ice cream for dinner tonight! Well, that was the idea anyway. We were all tired, and played outside with the other kids until 7:30. The kids said they were hungry, but not TOO hungry. I wasn't too hungry either...but figured I should feed the kids before sending them to bed. I've heard of other moms surprising their kids by serving ice cream for dinner, so I thought I'd try it! I asked Abbie what she thought about ice cream for dinner. She didn't like the idea, she said it wasn't healthy. Well, no, but for once it's ok. Nope, nothing doing. She said she needed something healthy first, like a hot dog....(SNORT! Her idea of healthy is a hot dog, what have I done to this poor kid!???) Finally we decided that if we made it a banana split, it would pass for "healthy" ice cream dinner. Bethany didn't worry about the health factor and asked for extra whipped topping on hers! Andrew, who was in the shower while I was getting the girls their 'dinner' agreed with Abbie that ice cream was not a proper dinner, so he had a pb&j. I steamed an ear of corn or two, and then had my ice cream!!!
Refusing ice cream for dinner??? What is wrong with these kids??? :o)

WHAT A WEEK!!!

2008-08-08T21:28:00.003-05:00

Has it really been a week since I've posted? Are you sure? I can't remember that many days! I've been a very busy little worker bee this week. Does my house look wonderful? No, a bit better, but not much! I've been VERY busy at preschool. I have nearly all of my paperwork done (well, lots left, but SO much done)...I have furniture moved around. I've called parents. I mailed 70(ish) letters to students. I've organized our enrollment papers...again and again!
I've also spent a lot of time outside this week with the kids. BOTH of my older kids learned how to ride their bikes without training wheels this week. If you will remember, during spring break I ran behind their bikes ALL week, with a little improvement, but not a lot. We have new neighbors (I've mentioned this before)...but they have completely changed the dynamics of our street! We love and miss Terry & Glenda (our old neighbors), but this is fun. We now have three families with kids the same age (we all have a 6 year old and a 4 year old, one family has twins 11 months, one has a 1 year old, and we have Abbie, 8 yrs). NONE of us can go outside without having ALL the kids rush out! The kids and I were sitting down to dinner one evening (Hubby was working late) and we heard the bikes start. I went to see who was playing, and told my kids who was out there. Then the questions "Are they using training wheels?" No...they are ALL (except the 4 yr olds) on 2 wheels. "Mom, don't tell them I can't ride!" After supper the other kids were inside so we went out and were going to try it again. We didn't even make it to the church parking lot (across the street from us, where we ride bikes) before we had 2 other families joining us! Andrew took off right away, never looked back! Abbigail tried a few times, but then it started raining, so we all went to one house so the kids could play and the moms could talk (boy, I love having these moms next door!). The next day Abbie wanted to try again and she took off!
The next day I took the kids swimming and Bethany decided she was going to try something new, she now can go down the slides by herself, but I still catch her! All my babies are growing up so quick!
We enrolled in elementary school. Andrew has the same teacher as Abbigail had in first grade. She is a nice lady, and it's a lot of fun. Abbigail has a man for a teacher. She's a little nervous, but everyone says he's a lot of fun. (BTW, Abbigail's teacher and his wife had a baby today...or at least that was the plan, can't wait to hear about it!). While we were there enrolling the kids, I spotted Mrs. Wonderful (Abbie's teacher from last year who HAD cancer, she's now in remission). I pointed to her and said "Look who's here." to Abbie. She looked and looked, it took her a little bit before she recognized her (she has REALLY short hair, just growing back from the chemo)...and then took off running to give her a BIG hug. Boy it was good to see her! She's doing wonderfully! Also while we were there, Bethany decided that she has been at preschool enough, and is ready for Kindergarten. Poor girl has been in the preschool a lot lately, so I'm REALLY trying to cut down!
Also, I spent the afternoon (at least a portion of one) on the phone making our Walt Disney World reservations! We are all set to go...plane tickets, check! Room reservations, CHECK! Park tickets, CHECK! Meal reservations, CHECK! Meal plan paid for, CHECK! YIPPEE!!! IT's really happening! Come on January!!!
Well...that's been our week. Oh, wait...Andrew has also been attending wrestling camp the past two days....as if we didn't have enough going on!

Hope you are all having a great week...try to take a breath, and I will too! Next week I'll try to get the camera out once or twice and have some pics!

Mom and Dad's Anniversary Party

2008-08-01T23:08:00.004-05:00

Despite the sadness I still feel, we had a great time this evening celebrating 40 years of marriage for my parents. They rented a building (Thank GOODNESS for air conditioning! It was over 100 degrees!!) and we had lots of good food and fun with so many people! Nearly all of my Wichita family was there. There were only two cousins who were missing, and my two aunts (Marilyn, I hope your elbow is healing and not tooo painful. Patty, you should have skipped your camping trip, it's too hot out there anyway! ;o)) and their husbands. One cousin had a good excuse, she had a baby this morning! (Congratulations Kym and Jesse, I can't wait to see pictures of Layne!) The other one, I'm not sure where he was...but anyway, it was wonderful to see everyone else. Lots of Mom and Dad's friends came to show their love and support. I tried to get a good picture of Mom and Dad, but he couldn't stop talking long enough to smile!

One of my cousins who I haven't seen in probably at least 3 years was there, but it felt like we had just seen each other last week. She has a blog, and it's been so wonderful to keep up on each other's lives even though we don't see each other or even talk on the phone...it was SOOO good to see you Loni! Let's not let another 3 years go by!! I want to see that little girl in your tummy when she's still a baby! :o)

As we were chatting with my cousins, we realized that all of us girl cousins were there (except Kym, but we figured we would let it slide) so we wanted a picture. As we got all together, Loni and I started looking around. So, why are 4 of them so tall and blond, and then there are Loni and I, not so tall and absolutely NOT blond? Well...looking at the picture, some of the blonds are more blond than others! :o) Go figure...Oh, well...we'll love them anyway, won't we??!! :o) The tall blond with short hair directly behind me just found out that she is expecting her second child in the spring, Loni is expecting her 3rd little girl in November, and Kym had a baby today...The family just keeps growing and growing! My grandparents have 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grands (with two more coming soon!).

There was this fun heart/love confetti on the tables, and the kids (ok, Dad {MY DAD} started it) would lick the confetti and stick it to their faces. They kept telling us that they were their tattoos! How funny!

Here is Bethany with her two youngest cousins...they just LOVE being together! They have SO much fun! (Oh, look, now Dad is smiling!)

I just wanted to put a few of these pictures up so everyone can see my awesome family.

Prayers Please

2008-08-01T10:02:00.003-05:00

A terrible tragedy has occurred. I'm still in shock a day later. One of my students (he was in Bethany's preschool class last year) and his family were in a car accident on Wednesday evening. Another car hit a deer and that deer flew through their windshield and killed the dad. The deer went entirely though their truck, in the windshield and out the back window. Lisa (the mom) was able to grab the steering wheel and bring the truck to a stop. The family was on their way home from a baby shower. The mom and Jaren were admitted to the hospital for observation (all three, Mom, Jaren, and the unborn baby are all doing fine physically) overnight, but have been released. I cannot even imagine loosing my husband. Just the thought of being left alone, and alone to raise two children...I can't breath.
One thing that freaks me out is that I went on a trip with the girl scouts on Wednesday. Most of the girls were in a small bus, but another leader and I followed in her van so our little ones could be in their car seats. We went on that exact stretch of road less than 30 minutes before the accident occurred. And yes, we saw lots of deer. Oh, My, Goodness...I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about what could have happened, and what did happen. It was a freak accident. Nothing could have been done to prevent it, but WHY? I'm not angry at God, I'm just so sad. I can't imagine what Lisa and Jaren are going through right now.
The funeral has been scheduled for Saturday morning, and I can't even be there. We are in Wichita to celebrate my parent's 40th anniversary, the party is tonight. We could leave after the party and drive at night, getting home early Sat. morning, but I just don't see the need. Lisa is going to need support for a long time, not just tomorrow. I am praying for her nearly constantly...

Anyway, just asking for prayers for this dear woman and child. Such a wonderful family. Pray for strength, comfort, peace...
Go hug your babies, and your husband. Make sure they know you love them. Don't let them doubt it for a moment.

My life is pretty great... :o)

2008-07-28T20:27:00.002-05:00

First of all, thank you all for the prayers and encouraging words. I really do appreciate it. One of my blogging buddies (yes, you, J!) helped me to remember that it's not my life that has problems, but mainly my attitude. When I'm stressed and tired, I don't react well to much of anything. Especially when I'm tired (what can I say, I am my mother's daughter! :o)) (LOVE YOU, MOM!)

The state inspection of my preschool was today and it went really well. I was even complimented. The lady thought I had done a wonderful job of gathering the documentation I needed as well as making charts from scratch that I should have been able to fill in from her charts that she forgot to give me. Anyway, it is over and it went well. We can start preschool!
I've gotten a lot done in the way of stuff to get ready for school, too. I had to refill my printer twice on Saturday because I was printing so much stuff out. My co-teacher and I have decided that at least for the first month, she will teach the 4 year old class and I will teach the 3 year old class. This way we can learn each other's style of teaching, see if either of us is "better" at one aspect of teaching than the others, etc. I offered to teach the 4's since they are a 5 days/week program and the 3's are only 3 days/week...I didn't want her to have the heavier load, but she said she LOVES teaching 4's and would prefer that, FINE BY ME! So, at least for now we have a game plan. We still need to gather all 4 teachers for a planning session, that will come...
I think I'm going to take tomorrow almost entirely off from school to get this house worked on. It has completely fallen apart with me being so consumed by school stuff and that is one thing that stresses me out! I'm no neat freak (by ANY stretch of the imagination), but when the house is THIS chaotic I can't think strait. I can't cook, I don't even know where to start in the cleaning. So, tonight I got the kids back on their chores from the school year. Abbie vacuumed (and then I 'helped' finish it up) and I shampooed the dining room carpets. Whoever thought it would be a good idea to put carpet in a dining room needs to be SLAPPED! Tomorrow I'm going to shampoo the living room. Plus, I plan on finding my kitchen counters, and that floor could use a GOOD scrubbing!

If you are the praying kind (and I know almost all of my blog readers are!) please keep my aunt Marilyn in your prayers. She fell this past weekend and broke her elbow. OUCH! It's a clean break, but she's in a cast from fingers to shoulder. I can only imagine how painful and INCONVENIENT that must be. Her typing skills have certainly taken a turn for the worse (;o)) Love ya M!

We will be seeing family this weekend because my parents are celebrating 40 years of wedded bliss! I'm so blessed to have such wonderful examples of what a marriage is and can be. Are they perfect? No. Do they fight? Well, yea. But do they love each other more than anything. YES! And that is what a marriage is made of. Love, Patience, Forgiveness...Thank you Mom and Dad for being that kind of example to me. I love you guys!!

Well, my favorite Hubby just walked in the door with a DQ Blizz*rd for me! YUMMY! I'd better go eat it before it melts.
Thanks again for all your love and encouragement. Today is a new day, and tomorrow is yet another one!

Blogging Break

2008-07-26T11:18:00.002-05:00

I know I haven't been blogging much, and I'm sorry. I'm in a stressed, tired, frustrated place right now and I just can't put the extra energy into writing something "happy" for my blog. I'm going to try to get myself out of this 'funk' and when I do, I'll be back.
Love to you all...Andie

Happy Birthday to ME!

2008-07-21T12:51:00.003-05:00

It's my birthday....no big deal. I'm getting older by the minute, hubby keeps reminding me! :) Andrew surprised me this morning by bringing me breakfast...in the bathroom! I was showered and dressed, but not finished getting ready. I opened the bathroom door and there was Andrew with a pop-tart (I normally don't buy these!) and a glass of milk. He even toasted the pop-tart, poured the milk (and didn't spill!). How sweet is that?!!?!
Abbie and I spent the morning at 4-H judging for our county fair. This is her first year in 4-H. She entered two ceramic pieces and some pictures in photography. She received a purple (best) and a blue (next to best) in ceramics. On her photography she received two purple, a few blue, a bunch of reds and one white (lowest ribbon). Overall, for being her first year, she did awesome!
While we were at the 4-H judging, I found out that an important piece of paperwork was FINALLY finished for preschool. We've been waiting on this paper for months. We can't get our state certification until we have this paper, an inspection, and then get the paperwork back from the state. I'm afraid we'll not be ready to start when we would like to, but I'm trying! It's been out of my hands (board and church trustees have been working on it) for so long, just waiting and waiting (I'm not good at that!).
VBS is over for another year. It was a great time, LOTS of kids for our small church. We normally have around 10 kids on a Sunday for Sunday school...and we had 52 children for VBS!!!! AMAZING! We are thrilled with the turn out! Most of the children are from other churches, but there are some who are unchurched, so we are planning some follow-up for those families. God is good!
We had our annual church pool party last night. It's always a good time. Lots of good food and fun with God's people! I actually was having so much fun that I forgot to take any pictures.
We've had some late nights with our busy week...I think I'm going to curl up on the couch with my little one and take a birthday nap! I will try to post pictures later...ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ...

We love Glenda

2008-07-16T11:38:00.007-05:00

Many of you might remember that my neighbors are moving. The days are dwindling, and we are trying to love on Glenda while we can. Anytime we see her outside, we head over for hugs. Last night when we arrived home from VBS she was outside trying to take a picture of a spider, silly thing wouldn't cooperate! Glenda is a very talented photographer. Her sprinklers were running, and I told my kids to go ahead and have fun so I could chat with Glenda. They were all hot and sweaty and I was planning to shower them when we got home anyway! They ran and had fun, Glenda and I chatted a bit, and she snapped away. Before I even got myself to bed, she emailed me the pictures. Like I said, she's a very talented photographer...when she moves I guess I'll have to get my camera out more often!

Glenda called them over and whispered something in their ears, and soon they all came running, DRIPPING over to me and gave me WET hugs...what fun!

Glenda has a BIG frog/toad (HOPPY THING...ICK!) living in her srinkler box, she wanted to show the kids, so I took the camera and snapped a few, I'm so thankful they couldn't find that nasty hopping thing! (Have I ever told you how much I HATE frogs?)

We will live next to this wonderful woman for only about one more week, then she will move to Ohio to join her husband who began a new job there 2 months ago. We already miss Terry, and now we know we will miss Glenda, too. The family who will be moving in is going to be fun to have around, though. They have 3 kids, a daughter Andrew's age, a son Bethany's age, and a 1 year old daughter. We know this family and like them a lot, it will be good to have more kids on the block...and it will be fun to get to know them better. But, they will never fill Terry and Glenda's shoes!

VBS night 2!

2008-07-14T22:12:00.003-05:00

Last night we had about 40 kids, tonight....51! Yes, 51!! We usually have around 10 children in Sunday school each week, so this is totally awesome! I was so glad I had a second craft prepared for the little ones, just in case (I only had 48 of the original craft available)! We did, however run out of t-shirts. A wonderful company here in our town makes t-shirts for all the VBS programs for FREE! We just get some clip-art to them and tell them how many you want, they give them to us. What a wonderful ministry! I'm going to call them in the morning to see if I can possibly get 12 more shirts! I told each of the parents that we ran out and would try to get more, they were all really understanding, most told us not to worry about it because their kids "don't need ANOTHER t-shirt!" which I can totally relate to! But, the kids all want one like their friends, so I'm going to see if she can make us some more. We have so many people just showing up and asking "What can I do?" Which is totally awesome! Thank You, God, for providing all we need! Please bless all the children, parents, and volunteers....THANK YOU, GOD!
I am taking lots of pictures, we usually make a CD with all the pics for parents to purchase at the closing (to help defray some of the costs!), so I'll try to post more of them later in the week! Thanks for your prayers.

ND Pictures

2008-07-13T20:21:00.006-05:00

Here are the long awaited pictures from our trip to North Dakota...at least a few of them.

The cutie with the curly hair is my niece, Addison...isn't she just about the cutest thing you've ever seen??? And just ask her any question and she shakes her head "NO!"...it's so adorable! The only question she doesn't answer "NO" to is "Do you want a raspberry?" She'll come running from the other end of the house to answer this question with a mouth open wide! Again, I say...ADORABLE!

Here the kids are waiting for the 4th of July parade to begin...and the raining of candy, which of course is the best part of ANY parade! The boy in the chair behind the kids on the curb is my oldest nephew, Hunter (he's too old for chasing after candy...yea right!)...and his younger brother, Braden, is sitting next to Andrew (Braden is 8 months older than Andrew...they are the best of friends!). Addison is their baby sister.Here Bethany is a bit saddened because she didn't get one of the candies thrown out from a float, the other kids are much quicker than she...but they all shared in the end! (WAY too much candy anyway!) What would the 4th of July be without sparklers and fireworks? My new camera has a cool "fireworks" setting! Very neat. Got some cool shots of the kids with their sparklers and the fireworks. We had 8 children, and 4 "grown" men who shot of literally hundreds of dollars in fireworks...WHEW! Can you say NERVOUS! I am always so worried that someone will get hurt. Then when one of the guys lit a roman candle, and put it in the pipe (stuck in the ground to hold such an item!) UPSIDE DOWN! (it was an accident, he thought that was the right way!) It flew out on the first round and then shot it's fireballs right where all the children were...THANK GOD no one got hit! We all were pretty freaked out, but all went well from then on. Bethany did back into Abbigail's sparkler, but only got a tiny red mark on her shoulder, but I think it scared her more than anything.

While we were in ND, the church where hubby grew up celebrated their 125th anniversary! We had picnics, horse carriage rides, games, a balloon release, and lots of other fun stuff. Here are a few pictures from that! It's literally a little country church, dirt roads and all! This is what the church looks like from the back of the horse carriage.

Here is a very rare picture of my mother-in-law. I think this may be only the third or fourth picture of her that I have, not including wedding pics. She doesn't know I took it! ;o) She did a lot of the work for the anniversary festivities.

These other cuties are my other niece and nephew (Bailey & Maddox). Their dad is in Iraq serving in the army...actually he should be HOME right now for his 2 weeks of R&R. Originally we thought he would be home over the 4th, so we would be able to see him, but the army postponed his leave for a few weeks, so it didn't work out. Prayers for his continued safety are very much appreciated!

OKOKOK...so there are more than a few, but hey, it's MY blog! Besides, they are cute kiddos, what are ya gonna do? :o)

First night of VBS...whew!

2008-07-13T20:15:00.002-05:00

Oh boy Oh boy...it's VBS week. I'm exhausted and it's only the first night! We had almost 40 children tonight, which is just about what we had last year, and we have a bunch more who registered and just couldn't make it tonight...we'll have more tomorrow. One wrench that was thrown to me was a new baby! NOT MINE! :o) One of the ladies who was leading one of the centers had her baby on Saturday (a full 4 weeks early!...both mother and daughter are doing wonderful!) and I had to BEG in church for replacements! Two women came forward able to cover the week, He always provides!
If you wouldn't mind...please pray for all those involved in our VBS, the children and the volunteers. That we would all grow to know Jesus as our "Forever Friend" Thanks!

We're in the south (ok, center) again!

2008-07-08T15:40:00.003-05:00

We made it home last night around 11:00 pm. We're EXHAUSTED! We had lots of fun, took lots of pictures, and had lots of fun (did I say that twice?? :o))

To answer one question from the comments in the last post, yes, there is Internet UP there in the NORTH country, and my brother-in-law actually has high-speed now, last year it was dial-up (I DO NOT have the patience for dial-up!)...but we were too busy chasing the 6 kiddos, shopping with my sis-in-law (LOTS of good clearance deals!) and just hanging out and having a good time to sit on my computer all day. I'll try to get the pictures off the camera and post them soon. I'm going to be a bit busy this week getting ready for VBS which starts on Sunday, but hopefully I'll have time to do the pictures this evening!

The trip home was much less eventful in the area of wild life (are bulls wild??), but it got interesting toward the end when my dear hubby started feeling sick. My niece had a bit of a tummy bug for a few days during our trip, but we all thought she was eating too much fruit (little fruit monster!) and teething...but apparently not. I ended up driving the ENTIRE way from North Dakota to Kansas! I have bragging rights now! Hubby hasn't ventured much out of the bedroom today, so back from a trip and he's already taking sick days! Poor guy!

Hello from the NORTH country.

2008-06-30T23:54:00.003-05:00

We drove (meaning I drove) through the night to arrive at my brother-in-law and sis-in-law's home early this afternoon. I'd have to say the most interesting part of the drive involved a very steep gravel road, a bull, and a me driving...yes, we got a bit lost. We were heading up our normal route, when we saw signs that told us that a bridge was closed and we should take an alternate route. Ok, no problem...go east for a bit, and then head back north. Except that the road we had to take east didn't go east, it went SOUTHeast and we started loosing miles. We decided to take a not so major road north figuring it would intersect with a more major road quickly....wrong. It went from a not so major road to a gravel road, to a field road very quickly. We knew we were in for it when we crossed a cattle guard, but the road was too narrow to turn around, too steep and curvy to back down (not to mention the steep drop off on one side, yes, I was driving and I was getting very worried). When I came around a curve and saw a bull standing in the middle of our "PATH" I just stopped and looked at hubby...."Now what?" I was DONE driving! Hubby refused to get out and trade me places with a bull standing about 20 feet away staring us down. So, I put the van in reverse and backed up a ways so that we were on the other side of the curve and the bull could no longer see us. We quickly did a driver swap and Hubby backed to where there was a "Y" in the road and he could turn around. We ended up loosing probably close to an hour from the time of the detour until we were back to where we were supposed to be, but it was beautiful country...as long as I was not driving! :o) I drove from about 10:45 last night until the bull incident at around 6:00 this morning. About 5 minutes after Hubby started driving and was back on a major road, I was ASLEEP not to waken for nearly 2 hours. We stopped for breakfast and then got back in the car for the last leg of the trip and I again fell asleep quickly.

We are here. We are safe, and no bull horns impaled the van! The kids had a fabulous time playing with their cousins all afternoon/evening. Plans are being made for some fun times this week. I am about ready to fall over here while I'm trying to type, so good night all from the North Country!

Something that makes me giggle like a little girl!

2008-06-26T19:21:00.002-05:00

Ok, I'm weird. I know this fact, and I fully admit it! As all of my faithful blog readers know (yes, Mom & Dad, I mean you! :o)) we are planning a trip to Florida. We purchased our airline tickets a month ago. Since purchasing them, the price has gone from $97 to $160 (each way!)!! By planning ahead, we have already saved $630! YEA! This makes me giggle! I'm so excited!

It has been a BUSY week this week trying to get VBS plans finalized. Our VBS doesn't begin until July 13, but we are leaving to visit family on Sunday and won't be home until just before VBS starts...so I need to get it all put together before we go. Besides VBS planning, we've had 6 ballgames, 3 story-times, 2 haircuts, and one doctor's appointment, and one 4-H photography class. I'm EXHAUSTED! I instituted MANDI TORY nap time today. Abbigail's softball game last night lasted until 10:30, by the time we got home, settled, and to bed it was almost 11:30, and she had to be at her photography class at 7:30! We were tired, so I MADE everyone lay down for a nap...including me! I should have been cleaning, but I just couldn't function, I slept for nearly 2 hours off and on...and the kids slept longer than me. This is a good thing since Abbigail has her last softball game tonight, the late one again!
This morning Andrew had his last t-ball game. That little boy amazes me! He hit a HOME RUN! The ball sailed over all the children's heads and landed out in the grass...the outfield! He was all the way around the bases before the ball was even back into the infield. WOW! But of course the camera was safe inside my backpack...ARGH!

If I'm absent for the next few days, please excuse me...I'll be back when I can! :o)

Until then...keep truckin along, and remember:

God made you special and He loves you VERY much! By By!

GUESS WHAT???

2008-06-23T12:20:00.000-05:00

23 POUNDS!!
Oh yea, BABY...I've lost 23 pounds!!