Zoo

Michael, Julie and Emily at the zoo!
Here is a question, are zebras white with black stripes, or black with white stripes? Emily says their butts are white, so they must be white with black stripes. Comment what you think...
Look at baby Mickey enjoing the water on a warm day. He was putting on quite a show swimming around in their little pool of water.

On Thursday we went to the zoo for a while. We were there about 2 hours. It was very crowded, so we only did about 1/2 of the zoo - but we did have some fun. Enjoying the beautiful spring break weather was a great thing!!!

edited video clip of Emily on TV

Emily on TV

Emily was on a local morning show this morning talking about the soap box derby. They promo her in the first few moments of the show, and then she is on about 1/2 way through the show. Doug is bringing home a video clip that hopefully I will be able to post - but this is the whole show.

How exicitng! The promo talked about this cute little red headed girl named Emily. I always thought she was a cute little red head, but never thought I would hear that description on TV.

No this is not April fools!!!

productive morning

This morning I got up so I could get to work in the yard around 8:30. The kids and I started with the bushes. I trimmed and the kids picked up the branches. Then I cleaned out the gutters. Yuck!! Talk about a smelly, slimy, gross job! It needed to be done, but is not a job that I want to do often. It really was a "Dirty Job".

Then I took the kids and dropped Michael off at our friend's house while Sue, Emily and I went out to lunch. Then the kids and I headed over to school to sort stuff for the EAster egg hunt and paint horses for Derby Day at school.

I just got home and am going to get dinner started. I am going to make pork teryiki (don't know how to spell it exactly). Haven't had it in a while - maybe I can get the kids to like it this time. They have been more into eating casseroles lately. :)

stepping stones

productive day

Today was a productive day. This morning we relaxed and then went to Toys R Us to shop for Micah's birthday present as well as Noah's birthday present. We got some good sales - as well as presents that were easy to mail :) Then we went to the orthodontist, at lunch, and got a package ready to mail to Greg, Jamie, Micah & Naomi.

Then the kids and I hit the back yard and started raking up the beautiful pink petals that fell all over the back yard. We then raked a few bags of leaves also, that were along the fence line. In all I think we raked about 12 bags - 1/2 of which I took the the curb and 1/2 of which were too heavy for me to lift. We also repositioned many rocks and put them along the fence line or behind the shed to get them out of the way. We have too many landscaping rocks for the yard we have. A

After that i took the kids to the new Burlington Coat factory to let them each pick out something for $10. I had a coupon that was $10 off a purchase of $10 or more - so I got both outfits for $10. I anticipated each getting a piece of clothing, but they had great deals on some sets, so each got a cute outfit. michael got a blue althletic outfit while Emily got a babydoll shirt with white shorts.

We then went to two banks looking for 2009 pennies. Emily needs some for a school project - harder to find than we thought. Will have to go looking again tomorrow.

Finally I came home and cooked dinner. WE ate outside and then I cleaned the top of the stove. It was pretty bad -a nd I cleaned under the stove top also.

After cleaning the stove we ran for mulch - I will have to get 2 more bags tomorrow, but feel good about what I got down tonight.

Finally the kids and both Doug and I painted stepping stones. WE had done this a few years ago, and Emily requested we do it again.

We just watched the last few minutes of the Louisville women's game - they won and are going to the final 4 in St. LOuis. The boys did not make it, so now maybe we will hear about the women's successful season on the news.

Wow! Hard to believe I got all that done and did not even get up until 9:00 this morning :) I love spring break!!!

sunday fun

On sunday we went to a state park in Indiana. It was very cold, so we did not do as much as we would have hoped. The park was named Clifty Falls - after its many water falls. We were able to see the falls - they were beautiful. The nature center had a good window to watch the birds. There were 2 pair of cardinals as well as many others flying around. We also walked down a short trail to a lookout tower. Michael was very fearful as we walked there - as he does not like heights. When we got there, he was pleasantly surprised, as it was a short observation tower (as it was already on a high hill). He went up with a little hesitation, but learned he loved it when he could watch his spit fly through the air. :) He is all boy now - and likes all those bodily function things. I have decided I will embrace his sense of humor, as it is not going to change.

More spring pictures

Arby's Fundraiser

I'm thinkin' Arbys

On Saturday the kids and I sat at Arby's for the soap box derby fundraiser. They were given 20% of the sales between 2 and 6. Not a very busy time of the day, so we were kind of bored for part of the time. The soap box derby made $300 or so to help pay for the races. Their new swirl shakes are very good. They had a coupon for one along with the flyer we handed out. Their fruit teas were ok - I would not recommend them (also had a coupon for them on the flyer).

Pinewood Derby

Here are two pictures from the pinewood derby on Saturday. Michael really concentrated while he was getting his car lined up just right.

law & gospel

We have two trees out front. One is in full bloom while the other is not showing any signs of life. It really reminded me of Christ and how he brings us to life. He also makes us white as snow. He changes us from beings full of sin and darkness, into life filled beings. The two trees as different just as we are without Christ's love and forgiveness. One is dark, lifeless, and brittle. The other in contrast is green, white, and fragrant.

weekend review

Yesterday Michael raced his pinewood derby car. He enjoyed racing the car, but came in last every race. His car was less aerodynamic than other others - and that probably was the reason. It was a cool car and very appropriate for Louisivlle. The best part is it was his idea. So, even though he did not do well, he can have pride in what he did do.

Emily had fun sharing her soap box car off at the fundraiser at Arby's. Michale enjoyed picking on and annoying the two older boys who were there. He was taking notes on how they were messing around and having fun. The race director said that Michael needed a big brother :)

Bowling was fun today. The kids enjoyed bowling in a kids only lane. Michael lost the 1st game by 1 point and then won the second one by quite a bit. Emily did not bowl as her allergies were acting up and she was tired.

We came home and everyone took a nap. It was beautiful outside, but we did not take advantage of it.

Tomorrow we begin achievement tests. Of course since the kids took a much needed nap, they are still up and having trouble falling asleep. Hopefully they will be able to get up in the morning.

Multiple Blessings

I just finished the book last night about the Gosselin family from John and Kate + 8. It was a good book and her ability to manage things and not stress about them was amazing. If I found out I was having 6 babies after having 2 already I would have flipped out.

One thing I found as odd was that they did not mention going to church or having a pastor visit them. There were some friends from church, and they talked about very generous people, but never mentioned belonging to a church or attending Church. That is the one thing that I would cling to if I was blessed with a family of 8 kids. The Church body being the hand of God is what would be my support and the place that I would comfortably go for support, in addition to my family. They talked about their faith, and the Lord's hand in things, so they have faith in God and really did put their life in the LOrd's hands when the sextuplets were born. They had to rely on God at that point.

Since I know many of you have also read the book, did anyone else find this odd?

busy weekend

This weekend will be a busy, but fun weekend. Emily is a friend's house for a sleepover tonight. Michael has a friend over here for a sleep over. Then in the morning Michael has his pinewood derby district race. After that we will eat lunch and head over to Arby's for a soap box derby fundraiser. We are taking Emily's car and will be there to hand out coupons. Everyone who uses a coupon will make 20% of their bill for the soap box derby. Then, we hopefully will go see Music Man done by a local theatre. One of my 1st grade boys is in the musical, along with his mom and grandmother. Then tomorrow we will go to church, Emily plays handbells and sings as well as Doug playing saxaphone. After church we are going to lunch with our Christ care group and then bowling. Then, in the evening I will work on lesson plans and get ready for achievement tests.

So - this weekend does not have too many dull moments, but it is all fun.

spring pictures 2009

weekend in Indy

The kids and I headed to Indy for the weekend. We arrived Friday and ate at CiCi's with mom and dad. We then went to the mall and to the christian book store. I got Michael a bible at 25% off. He enjoyed reading the Bible at story time. He read the account of Jesus walking on the water as well as the flood. He then spent 20 minutes or so looking through his Bible and reading on his own before going to sleep. What excitement to read God's word.

On Saturday we celebrated Holly's birthday (and mine also) with two yummy meals that mom made. Thanks mom for the delicious meals! We went to the park for a while, but Michael had a little accident - got flipped off one of the playground equipment - so we came home earlier than we first thought we might. Emily then got a mysterious rash, so we had to run to Walgreens to get some hydrocortizone cream. Of course the kids have weird things happen when Doug is not around.

We left this morning about 8:15 so we could get back for church as I played flute at 11:00 service, and the Sunday School kids sang. The 5th grade girls sang the verses of El Shadi, while the rest of the Sunday School kids sang the chorus. They did a great job!

beautiful weather

I love weather like today! It was 66 on our way home from school. Michael played basketball outside while I got dinner ready, then after dinner after all homework was completed, it was back outside for more basketball and some catch. I took Boo for a walk - but both kids wanted to stay home :( at least Michael was exercizing outside - so I did not complain. Emily was sitting outside drawing and coloring. Hopefully this warm weather will stay for a while - I love it and miss it.

It was also beautiful weather on Saturday, so our trees are beginning to bud, dafodills are starting to bloom in neighbor's yards, and green things are showing up all over the place. We will need to get some grass seed going in the backyard so we will have more green in the back.

I love spring weather - and can't wait for it to be here to stay!

cool picture

I took an awesome picture of Michael's pinewood derby car getting ready to cross the finish line. It is neck and neck with another car. Wow! Talk about winning by a nose. I got it edited tonight so you could see the cars close up.

auction pictures

auction

Tonight is our school's auction. The theme is the 1970's so almost everyone is dressing up in 70's style clothes. Here are pictures of the "costumes" Doug and I are wearing. We will get pictures of us actually in our clothes at the auction. Then I will post pictures of us - instead of just our clothes. It will look more dramatic actually on us - than just being draped on our couch. I just love thrift stores. I got my dress for $4 and then altered it a bunch with my sewing machine. I got my boots for $3 although they are too big. Emily had large gold hoop earings and I had a pink beaded necklace from a long time ago. So my costume cost a wopping $7. Doug's shirt was $1.50. The fabric inserts for his jeans was $1.50 per yard. He had an old pair of jeans and some old sandals. So his costume cost him a whole $3.00. Yeah! I just have to return the $20 sandals I found at first, but will never wear again.

Our whole Christ Care group is dressing up, so we should have some fun pictures of us adults now together. We have taken fun pictures of all our kids together, but not of us adults.

Pray for a successful auction. In the past we have earned between $60,000 and $70,000. With the situation of our economy, we did not get all the larger donations we usually get. I think we have just as many items, so hopefully people will have the money to bid on the items. Whatever money comes in is a blessing indeed! I thank the Lord for this opportunity to further the ministries we have at OSL. This will be a night of fun.

coffee cake

Emily and made coffee cake for her state project. Thanks Aunt Dawn for the bag of coffee cake mix - yes it has been used :) She has the state of Missouri and she wanted to take in coffee cake and brats. So, since her project is on Wednesday, this weekend we tackled the coffee cake. After two calls home to mom and dad and one call to Aunt Bonnie, burning up my mixer, and making a mess all over the kitchen I finally got the coffee cake done. Not as good as Grandma's, or as pretty - but it feels good to know I made it. I did learn a lot for when I make it again - it will be a lot closer to grandma's next time. It is pretty thick - I put it too thick in the pan, should have been about 1/2 as thick. Oh, well. I will get some more mix this summer when we are in Frohna and have it on hand to make sometime for something special.

I left out some coffee cake for us to eat, put a 9 X 13 pan of peanut butter in the refrig for Wednesday, and froze two 9 X 13 pans (1 peanut butter, 1 cherry) for Easter. Yummy!

Mix Match Day

As part of NLSW we had a different dress down opportunity each day. Emily really got into today's day - and I just had to document it. Michael also had fun - but was not quite so bizzare with his choices. The mix matched day was to celebrat the fact that we are all unique. God did make each one of us special and unique. I thank the Lord for this specialness.

chapel

On Wednesday Emily's class had chapel. She and I played "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" on our flutes. It was a pretty duet with some good harmony. Then she sang "El Shadi" with a group of girls. Finally she was the main part in a skit - an old lady who had been a puppet minister, who was getting ready to die. She did awesome.

Michael also did the traditional 2nd grade - I Am a C song. They flipped letters as we sang the song.

I was so proud to be Emily's mom. She did awesome. What a great way to show her talents as she lead the school in worship. Not that I am not always proud of all her accomplishments, but she really did shine on Wednesday. Acting is a new talent she has discovered this year. She has been in two chapel skits (both where she was the main character) and had a part in the Boar's Head Festival. What great opportunities for her! I thank the Lord that she has had these opportunites to feel success.

Mother Daughter Tea

Emily and Michael
Emily and Michael

Michael escourting the two princesses. He was bribed with a trip to the baseball card shop in order to escourt the girls. He was ready to take them on each arm - but the sisters would not touch him. Oh well - he still got a trip to the card shop.

Emily, Sarah & Hannah

On Saturday our American Heritage Girl troup at church had a Mother Daughter Tea fund raiser. Our Christ Care group helped set up the tea. Emily and I attended the tea, while Michael and Doug served at the tea. Michael also got to escort two girls as part of their fashion show. Here are some pictures from the fun morning.