A Family's Journey

Daddy/Daughter Dance February 2012

2012-02-18T05:52:00.000-08:00

Father/Daugther Dance Quotes:

Eden said, "Daddy makes all my dreams come true!"

Keziah said, "This was the best night of my whole life!"

Corbyn said, "Girls, you look so pretty!"

Azaryah said, "WOW! You look like princesses!"

Glen said, "I love my girls more than words can express!"

Mommy did not say anything because she was too busy crying happy tears!

Thank You, Lord, for the blessings in our lives!!

Even Homeschoolers Get Snow Days!!

2012-02-13T10:50:00.000-08:00

Science Experiments...

2012-02-08T09:25:00.000-08:00

This morning, our science included planting Radishes and a multitude of herbs...Cilantro, Parsley, Thyme, Sweet Basil, Oregano, and Sage.

Corbyn is researching how evironmental factors affect the phenotype of an organisim.

The three younger ones are charting the growth of the seed.

Azaryah is drawing his shapes and writing their names.

Teaching My Children is One of My Greatest Joys!

2012-02-07T08:20:00.001-08:00

Our Karate Kid

2012-02-01T04:05:00.000-08:00

Last night, Azaryah received his Tae Kwon Do uniform and was one happy boy!! He has only been in TKD for 6 weeks but he is really doing well. His instructors are impressed and I am amazed at how quickly he is learning. He gets this biggest grin on his face when I tell him he is one of my heros! He loves to protect his Mama ;-)

A Picture of Perserverance

2012-01-26T06:26:00.000-08:00

This is the face of a very determined young ladybug! Eden has been a fighter from the beginning and when she entered the world at 27 weeks she was an example of a strong, determined, and brave young lady. God calls us to be strong and of good courage and to perserve even when things are difficult. I praise the Lord for Eden daily because she truly is a wonderful example and reminder that I am not to give up! I am to continue to be all that I am called to be knowing that my strength is rooted and established in Christ. I love you, Eden, with all my heart!! You are one amazing Little Ladybug!

A Maiden of Virtue

2012-01-25T05:36:00.000-08:00

What an overwhelming but amazing task to raise Maidens of Virtue. I find myself challenged daily by God's Word as I seek it and use it to shape and guide my heart as well as to train up four children. This is the face of our youngest Maiden...Keziah, I love you with all my heart and I am so blessed to journey with you as you strive to become the woman that God created you to be. You are a Ladybug full of joy, creativity, laughter, compassion, and a great love for people (and animals). You are a precious reminder to me that God's blessings flow unceasing!!

Precious Memories

2012-01-24T13:09:00.001-08:00

Azaryah does not like to wear a shirt in the house because he gets hot but he will sit by the heater without a shirt because he gets cold!! Silly Boy!!!

A Servant in Every Sense of the Word

2012-01-24T05:08:00.000-08:00

I am truly blessed to be married to this Man! In order to keep us on budget, My Man crawled underneath his truck and laid on our driveway for 4 hours in BELOW FREEZING temperatures. God has certainly blessed Glen with the ability to repair almost anything and God has more than blessed me to allow Glen to love me and to be My Hubby!!! I love you, Glen!!

The Hands of a Servant

2012-01-23T05:46:00.001-08:00

These are the hands of a young man with a servant's heart. One day, these hands will lead his family, love his wife, and serve many. I love you, Corbyn!

Sunday...My Favorite Day of the Week

2012-01-22T17:46:00.000-08:00

How Many Students Do I Have!?!

2012-01-21T19:15:00.001-08:00

One week's worth of lessons...I am so blessed to be our children's Mama and Teacher!!

Giving our Dining Room a New Look

2012-01-21T19:11:00.000-08:00

BEFORE...

Every time Mama and Daddy come to visit, Glen, Corbyn, and Daddy do a project around our home. This year, they gave our dining room a new look.

AFTER...

Painted the table black and then distressed it...Recovered our chairs and painted some black accents on them. Painted the hardware on the China cabinet black. We bought a new clock and a few other accent pieces and Daddy painted me a new picture and we had that framed and hung. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!

Happy 10th Birthday, Keziah

2012-01-21T19:00:00.000-08:00

10 years ago, on Christmas morning, I woke up in labor. Our little ladybug was not due for 4 more weeks but she decided she wanted to spend Christmas with all of us outside the womb! Every Christmas is extra special because we not only get to celebrate the Lord's birth but we also get to celebrate our Christmas Baby's birth!!

Every birthday, we serve the Birthday Person breakfast in bed...Homemade pancakes decorated in fun and crazy ways. Every year, Keziah has been able to celebrate her birthday with Nana and Pawpaw. What a blessing!

People often ask how we separate Keziah's birthday celebration and Christmas. We tell them that we do not intend to separate the two but rather spend the entire day celebrating the blessings of the Lord. Christmas morning, we open our gifts and then Christmas evening, we have Keziah's birthday dinner and family party.

Welcome to the family, Emily!!! Now we have 6 American Girls in our home...2 live ones and 4 dolls!

Skyping with Nana V

2012-01-21T18:34:00.000-08:00

Technology is WONDERFUL!! Glen was visiting with his Mama this past week and the kiddos enjoyed Skyping with them. Felt just like we were there with them!!

Christmas with Nana and Pawpaw

2012-01-21T18:15:00.000-08:00

Every year, we are blessed to have Nana and Pawpaw come to our home to celebrate Christmas. This year, they stayed with us for two weeks. Our time was filled with fun, food, laughter, and of course a LOT of love!

Our Family Tradition...Christmas Eve we prepare our hearts for Christmas by wearing halos that my sister and I made when we were little girls. We read the Christmas story and sing Christmas carols as a family. The children then open one gift...Christmas pajamas to wear to bed and then in the morning when we open our blessings!

Family Photo Shoot

2011-12-15T06:55:00.000-08:00

This year, we did something we have never done before...We had a dear friend who is a photographer come over to our home and take pictures of us. It was SOOO much fun!!! She did a great job. Here is just a little sample of her work.

Our 4 Blessings...

They are SOOO much fun!!!

Our youngest...Keziah and Azaryah

Our Oldest...Corbyn and Eden

Daddy and His Little Princesses...

Mommy and Her Knights...

My 3 Favorite Men...

Daddy and His Boys...Always Doing Something Silly

Mommy and Her Favorite Ladybugs...

I LOVE Being a Mommy!!!

Our Family...

Me and My Man...

I LOVE THIS MAN WITH ALL MY HEART!!! He is a pure gift from the Lord.

The Jones' Family 2011

The Nutcracker Ballet

2011-12-06T10:26:00.000-08:00

Homeschool Fieldtrips are so much fun!! The Nutcracker is our annual "Kick-off" to the Christmas season.

Thanksgiving with the Corprews

2011-12-06T10:10:00.000-08:00

God blessed us with a wonderful trip to Texas to celebrate Thanksgiving with them. Our trip began by checking into the hotel that Kevin manages. We had a beautiful suite with great food and a swimming pool.

While we were there, we ate at Babe's which was featured on "The Best Thing I Ever Ate." And truly it was the best fried chicken I have ever eaten!!

Me and Cahrrie...It was SOOOO good to get to visit with her and catch up!! I miss her!!!

Kevin and Glen had a great time chatting, watching football, and eating yummy Thanksgiving food!!

Kowboy was SOOOO glad to see me!! Can't you tell!?!!?

Cahrrie's mama, Eadie, is a sweetheart!!! We had such a good time cooking together...Or should I say, I had a great time eating all that Eadie and Cahrrie made!!! heehee

The men in their favorite spot!!!

Was DELICIOUS!!!

Silly Kiddos...

Swimming at the hotel...

Just for fun...

At the movies...Arthur Christmas was HILARIOUS!!!

YUM-O!!! This is that famous plate of fried chicken!!!

Well, this picture speaks for itself!!!
Thanks, Kevin, Cahrrie, Cassadie, and Kailey for a WONDERFUL visit!!! Love you

Poor Baby!!

2011-11-16T03:47:00.000-08:00

Azaryah was not feeling well last week. This is where he stayed most of the day ;-(

Priceless Moments...

2011-11-09T08:27:00.000-08:00

My view this morning...Two doing their chores and the other one coloring in the kitchen just because he wanted to be with his sissies!!!! PRICELESS!!!

Harvest Fun...

2011-11-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday, Glen and I took the kiddos to a Harvest Party at the home of one of Azaryah's Storytime Buddies. There is always lots of fun, food, and games. Azaryah enjoyed blindfolding me and leading me through a haystack maze...Very interesting journey!!

One of our favorite games is Racing on the Haybales...I race but for some reason I never win!!

Mommy doing cheerleading moves on the hay bales!!! heehee Maybe that is why I never win...I am too busy goofing off!! lol

Keziah, Eden, and Sage...Sweet Girlie Friends...

Two of my favorite men!!!

There is always an Egg Throwing Contest...This year, Azaryah and his buddy, Garrett, were partners. They did great!! Neither of them had a drop of egg on them BUT the people beside them were covered in eggs!!!! HILARIOUS!!!

Azaryah, Lucien, and Garrett...Storytime Buds...

Monday night, the Dowling Family joined us for a walk around the neighborhood...We had pioneer girls, Pippy Long-stockings, a cowboy, an Angry Bird, and Robin...TOO FUN!!!

Michelle and Mara...Love this Ladybug!!!

Glen and Brian...They are too funny together!!! Good Friends are true blessings from the Lord!!

20th Wedding Anniversary Trip...

2011-10-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

This past week, Glen and I celebrated our 20th Anniversary. Glen took me to Branson for a week!! Me and My Man had one week to ourselves...Shows, shopping, eating out, and LOTS of time for us to reconnect. Our kiddos enjoyed the week at home with a sitter who home schooled for us and kept our home running smoothly! What a BLESSING!!!

This is our Bed and Breakfast type hotel...Sweet place with a wonderful location...We were close to everything.

One morning, Glen had a conference call so he booked an hour massage for me!! WHOO HOO!!!!

One day, Glen took me to this wonderful little village that had tons of shops and fun places to eat. We had a great day walking around and enjoying one another!! He even bought me a couple of things ;-)

For our anniversary, Glen took me to lunch at my favorite place - Shogun - and then he took me to a FABULOUS seafood resturaunt and we had all the lobster we could eat!!! YUMMY!!!

We spent ALL day at Silver Dollar City enjoying all the shops, craftsman, and shows. Glen enjoyed the Lumberjacks and got his picture taken with them!! Fun Fellows...

We walked around the heritage park of Silver Dollar City and got to sit in the cabin and listen/watch the Homestead Pickers...Even ran into a family that we know that plays with the group often...Great music and LOTS of fun!!!

We rode the train through Silver Dollar City...It was a chilly day so we got to snuggle A LOT!!!

We left on Monday morning and we returned Friday night around 9:00. The children did well but two of our little ones had a couple of rough moments. It was so sweet to know they missed us but it was sad that they were so upset. Glen and I don't leave them much so it was an adjustment for all of us. We did chat with them every day in the morning and then before bed but by Wednesday Azaryah and Keziah were really homesick.

When we walked up to the door last night, these PRECIOUS signs greeted us!!!! PRICELESS!!!

I am SOOO thankful that I had My Man all to myself for a week and I am already looking forward to our time away again in a few years but coming home to our children and being together again as a family is where Glen and I both long to be!!! Family Slumber Party Night was a BLAST last night even though Glen and I both were tired from traveling...Some things in life you just don't say "No" too ;-)

Thank You Lord for blessing me beyond measure with Glen and our children!!! Nothing in this world compares to You and Your tailor-made blessings!!!

A Moment to Remember...

2011-10-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

I love my children and I truly enjoy every moment with them but at times something will happen or words will be spoken that impact me on a deeper level and I feel compelled to record those moments! I want to ponder all these things and treasure them as precious gifts from the Lord. Thursday morning was one of those times...All four children were seated in their seats in our school room and I sat at the table with them to begin our lessons. Before a word was spoken, Corbyn looked at me as said, "Mommy, when I get married and have children my family is going to live close to you and Daddy so YOU can home school my children." WOW!!!! I am still on Cloud 9!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE being a Mommy!!!

Pumpkin Patch Fieldtrip

2011-10-20T06:58:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, we had several doctor's appointments in "the city" (that's for you, Cahrrie!!! heehee) so we decided to turn our trip into an educational experience as well as a gas-saving trip. After the appointments, we did some shopping, ran some errands, and then stopped at the Pumpkin Patch for a couple hours on the way home.

We can see the Pumpkin Slide from the interstate and Little Man could not wait to climb up and slide down!!!

I love my kiddos!!! I absolutely love being a Mommy!! Each one of the children have such unique personalities and the Lord uses each of them to teach me more about Himself.

We bounced for a long time on this...My legs ached when we walked to the car!!! Guess I am VERY out of shape!!! heehee

My Babies!!!!!

History Heritage Lab Fieldtrip

2011-10-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to My Man!!

2011-10-17T07:25:00.000-07:00

Breakfast in bed, gifts, and his favorite meal...Mr. Jones had a great birthday!! I am so thankful that the Lord created Glen and introduced us. He truly is the only man for me and one of the greatest gifts and joys in my life.

Just Because...

2011-10-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

Fall is my favorite season and these are my favorite Little People!!!

Symphony Fieldtrip

2011-10-04T20:01:00.000-07:00

Friday, we enjoyed some beautiful music at the Symphony with some of our homeschool friends!

Girlie Fun

2011-10-04T19:55:00.000-07:00

Abigail, Corey Beth, Cheyenne
Keziah, Elizabeth, and Macey

Keziah enjoyed some time with her friends at the American Girl Doll store. It was Elizabeth's birthday so we joined in the celebration...Elizabeth got her ears pierced so the girls were all there for support...After that, we had a yummy dinner at the Nordstrom Cafe! Good Times!!

Apple Picking

2011-10-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

Last week, we enjoyed picking apples with some friends. We packed a picnic lunch and headed out to enjoy the beautiful weather!

It was a great day full of fun, food, and laughter...Great Memories!!

Bunnies, Bunnies, and more Bunnies

2011-10-04T19:28:00.000-07:00

Last week, Corbyn was mowing the grass and discovered a bunny nest with four baby bunnies. He was afraid that he would run over one of them while he was mowing so we gathered them up, brought them in to our home, loved on them, and then after he finished mowing, we put them back in their nest...Naturally, the next morning they were gone. The Mama Bunny moved them but at least we got to have them for a moment!!

The kiddos were so thrilled to have a pet for a few minutes!! heehee

Quick Trip to Kentucky to See Nana V

2011-09-23T05:40:00.000-07:00

This weekend, Glen decided to take us to Kentucky for a couple of days to see his Mama. We loaded the kiddos up early Saturday morning and arrived in Louisville at supper. It was so good to see Vilma and hang out with her until Tuesday morning. She is always so much fun and such a blessing to us.

Every time we travel, we pack a picnic lunch and stop at a rest area to get out and stretch our legs. Gluten-free diets and fast food do NOT mix so this is always our best option. The kiddos loved running and playing for a while before we got back in the van and started their school work again. (Since we were missing two days of school, I wrote out the lesson plans and took all their books with us...Two 8 hour days in the car allows for some great lesson accomplishments!!)

This was the veiw from our balcony. Vilma treated us to a great hotel with an indoor pool (that was perfect temperature), a hot tub, and an indoor play area for the children.

Can you tell that Azaryah was THRILLED to see his Nana V?!?!?! So sweet!!!

Sunday, we all got in the van and went to Kentucky Down Under. It was a GREAT day!! We explored some caves, got to pet the kangaroos, feed the birds, and spend lots of time with Nana!! Nana even treated us to our favorite dinner - JAPANESE!!! Yum Yum!!!

Thanks for a fabulous time, Nana V!! We love you and miss you already!!!

Happy 15th Birthday Corbyn!!

2011-09-16T07:55:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that 15 years ago, God brought our first child into our family. I remember every moment just like it was yesterday. Corbyn is a precious gift to our family. He is growing into a strong, faithful man of God. God has given Corbyn a role model in his Daddy...Glen is a priceless example for Corbyn as he grows into the man God created him to be.

Corbyn's day began with breakfast in bed made by Daddy, Mama, and decorated by Eden, Keziah, and Azaryah...Then it was off to wake him up!

Good Morning, Birthday Boy! Homemade cards from each of his siblings...

When Corbyn came downstairs, he was greeted with some gifts and cards...Cannot open them yet! You have to wait for your party.

Corbyn was blessed to have Tyler and Bryant join him for a fun-filled birthday. The boys came for lunch (I made Corbyn's favorite - homemade sloppy joes) then he opened his gifts and enjoyed some cake...There were LOTS of Legos to put together and of course games to play on his new flatscreen tv. After hours of play, the boys spent the night and camped in the backyard. Glen hooked up electricity so they could watch Batman Begins and play some GameCube.

Corbyn's party turned into a 3 day celebration. It began on Friday (2 days before his birthday), flowed into Saturday with a fishing trip with Robert, Tyler, Bryant, and Glen...Lunch at his favorite pizza place...Then Sunday (his actual birthday), we worshipped together and then headed to Fork and Screen for lunch and a movie followed by some family fun and then Corbyn's favorite supper (bbq ribs, mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts, and rootbeer floats. It was a WONDERFUL weekend full of food, fun, laughter, love, and lots of memories.

First Day of School...2011-2012

2011-09-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

Rise and Shine!!! It is the first day of school!! This year, I have the privilege of educating a high school student, a middle school student, an elementary student, and a Kindergartner. A wonderful year awaits!! Ready...Set...Go!!

Too funny!!! I went upstairs to wake everyone (of course, I am singing "School Day, School Day, Good ole golden rule day...Reading, and writing, and arithmetic taught to the tune of a hickory stick") but the older three did not jump out of bed and rush to the school room...

But my Kindergartner could not wait to get to the school room...Azaryah jumped out of bed and with his eyes still closed, he was busy making his bed!!! heehee

Every morning, we begin with morning chores...Everyone has s job to do...

The first day of school always begins with Daddy walking us through our schedule, reminding us of the rules, and praying over us. Glen is also teaching Corbyn's math and science again this year. Precious moments!!!

Class pictures...

I love those quiet moments when all four children are busy working...God has richly blessed us by allowing me to be at home so I can educate our children!! Thank You, Lord, for Your amazing blessings in my life.

Storytime Friends...

2011-09-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

Every Friday, we all meet at the library for some Storytime fun. After Storytime, we head to the bakery or to the park...So much fun!!!

Happy Birthday Beth!!

2011-08-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

God has blessed me with precious friends. Beth is one of these blessings. She and I are kindred spirits! We are very much like sisters. Beth is a godly woman who encourages me to be the woman God created me to be. Her example of devotion to her husband, children, and to the Lord inspires me and her love for the Lord Jesus Christ challenges me to seek Him daily. She holds me accountable and she speaks truth to me when I am wavering. We laugh together and cry together...I thank God for her daily. Happy Birthday, My Sweet Ladybug Friend!!! Thank you for celebrating your birthday with me. I had a blast!!!

Extreme Makeover Home Edition

2011-08-15T11:07:00.000-07:00

Extreme Makeover Home Edition was here in town two weeks ago. We had the blessing of being invited to the VIP tent (and we are SOOOO NOT VIP people so that was a real treat for our family!!). It was so fun being able to go to the worksite and watch all the action. What a huge blessing for the Military family that received the home!!

Glen and Azaryah watching the volunteers work on Wednesday...

Guess who was on the crew Wednesday night?!?! YEP!!! Mr. Jones...If you look closely, you can see him standing on the roof waving at us. Glen LOVES construction and all that goes along with that...Tools, Tools, and more TOOLS!! heehee

Mommy and Azaryah at the worksite on Thursday watching Daddy work...

My Man...This is my favorite look for Glen!!! Hard hat, work pants, and a tight t-shirt ;-)

Friday night, we all headed back over to the worksite so the kiddos could watch Daddy work...

Glenn Close was the sponser for the family and she was there on Friday and Saturday...She is in the background...Look closely...

Glenn Close...Close Up!!

Saturday, Glen was back at the worksite helping get everything ready for the reveal. Glen ended up having the opportunity to work on the volunteer crew Wednesday night 8:00pm-3:00am; Thursday night from 7:00pm-5:00am; Friday night from 8:00pm-2:00am; and Saturday from 3:00pm-6:00pm.

Of course, no Extreme Makeover Home Edition is complete without Ty Pennington!!!

TADA!!!! AMAZING what a group of volunteers can do in a week!!!!!

Swimming with the Buss Family

2011-08-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

Friends are truly Gifts from the Lord...What a fun day we had hanging out with the Buss family!!!

A Week with Azaryah

2011-08-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, all three of our older kiddos headed off to Jr. Camp with our church...Azaryah could not wait until they left because he was going to be the only child for a week ;-) This is Azaryah with his backpack ready for his first day of fun with Mommy!

Our three campers packed and ready for a week of fun fun fun!!!

Saying "Good-bye"...

First stop for Azrayah and Mommy was the Winnie the Pooh movie... The popcorn and pop was bigger than Azaryah!! heehee

Azaryah and I had such a fun week spending lots and lots of uninterrupted quality time together...I love this Little Man...He is full of personality!!!

Azaryah spent one afternoon at Daddy's work...Lots of ladies to entertain him, lots of cool machines to watch, and of course some of Daddy's candy stash!!!

One morning, Daddy, Azaryah, and I snuck away to the Donut Shop for some breakfast...No they are not gluten-free but sometimes you just have to have a hot, fresh, gluten donut!!!

Azaryah got to help Daddy change the truck tire in a parking garage at Crown Center. It was HOT HOT HOT but we had packed a picnic lunch with a gallon of lemonade so it was not too bad.

The above two pics are from our trip to Kaleidoscope...We had so much fun doing crafts together!!!!

Fun pictures that we took along the way!!!

Me and My Man at the fountains...We had so much fun getting soaked and running around after Azaryah...

Of course, the week included lots of ice cream...

Daddy even took us to Chuck E Cheese...This was Azaryah's first trip there and he had a BLAST!!!!

I am so thankful for the gifts in my life!!! My family is so much fun and they are such a blessing to me!!!

Welcome, Dalton Lee

2011-08-15T09:02:00.000-07:00

The kiddos and I had the blessing of visiting with Rob and Kimberly's new baby, Dalton Lee...Isn't he ADORABLE?!?!

Annette, Austin, and Noah's Trip to Our House

2011-08-15T08:37:00.000-07:00

This summer, my sister and her two boys got to come to our home. This was their first visit in 10 years. We had SOOO much fun!! We filled up the entire week with lots of fun activities. This is a picture of us in front of Union Station where we enjoyed Science City, Crown Center, and of course, Fritz's!!

Waiting for our food to be delivered by the train!!

One day, we headed over to the Water Park...

Sunday morning, we enjoyed worshiping with Annette and the boys!!

Glen took the kiddos to Laser Tag...Annette and I sat in the balcony and watched all the excitement.

Annette and I took the children to Deanna Rose Farmstead and enjoyed a wonderful day there...

Of course, no trip is complete without a Sister's Day Out...We headed over to a cute little town where we browsed the boutiques, ate some yummy lunch, and goofed off in the stores...

This is a picture of them leaving...SAD DAY!!!

VBS Family Night

2011-07-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Water Park with the Laymans

2011-07-27T05:45:00.000-07:00

The past two years, Beth and I have planned a picnic lunch and the water park during VBS...We always have so much fun with them ;-)

Home Again!!

2011-07-27T05:37:00.000-07:00

PRICELESS!!!!!!!

Fun with Nana V - 2011

2011-07-26T18:15:00.000-07:00

This summer, we got to hang out and visit with Nana V for a week. She had lots of fun things planned for us to do while we were there. We shopped, went to a carnival, watched fireworks, swam, and went to the Science Center.

I have the best mother-in-law!!!!!! LOVE HER!!!!

These are just a few of the pictures that I took while we were at the Louisville Science Center...We got to walk through downtown Louisville as well...They are really making that area very nice!!

After spending the day at the Science Center, we enjoyed a yummy dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory...Of course, we ate in the trolly!!

Thank you for a wonderful time, Nana V!! We love you!!!!

Visit with Aunt Nette, Austin, and Noah - 2011

2011-07-26T13:47:00.000-07:00

This summer, we also stayed with Aunt Annette, Austin, and Noah while we were in Kentucky. The above picture was taken on the 4th of July while we were all waiting for the fireworks display. Aunt San-San bought the kiddos some sparklers and they had a blast with those!!

Me and my handsome nephews!!

This is a picture taken at a carnival there in town...It was HOT HOT HOT and we were covered in sweat!! But of course we cooled off with some yummy ice cream at the local Dairy Queen ;-)

Here we were in the parking garage at the mall...Waiting to go in and find some great deals.

Obviously, we had a great time on our shopping day!! heehee

No visit with Aunt Nette is complete without a pool. The kiddos enjoyed the water fountains, the pool, and the slides...Even Annette and I went down the slides!!

Me and My Sissy!!!

Hanging Out with Aunt Deb

2011-07-25T18:16:00.000-07:00

This year, we did something a little different. Aunt Deb and Casi got a couple of hotel rooms for us the first night we were in Louisville. We had a great time hanging out, swimming, eating pizza and LOTS of junk food, and staying up late watching a Tim Hawkins dvd. Nana V, Aunt San-San, Maranda, and Tessa also joined usThe next morning, we woke to hot Krisy Kreme donuts!!! Thanks, Aunt Deb!! We had a blast!!

Mini Vacation within our Vacation - 2011

2011-07-25T15:43:00.000-07:00

We took off with Mama and Daddy for a couple of days to travel around Kentucky visiting historical sites. We set off one morning and traveled the old roads to Danville, KY...This is a picture of our picnic lunch in the middle of Constitution Square.

Some of the sites there at Constitution Square...Danville is an amazing little town known as the City of Firsts. Our next stop was the Dollhouse Museum. GREAT FIELD TRIP!! It is a social museum that uses dollhouses to reflect the development of life in this area...VERY COOL...Even Daddy and Corbyn enjoyed it.

The girls spent their spending money at the Dollhouse Museum...They each bought a family to go with the dollhouse Glen's Daddy gave to them right before he died. After a full day of site-seeing, we headed to Bardstown where we checked in to the hotel. We swam and ate pizza before getting ready for the 8:30 performance of the Stephen Foster Story.

It was a very good musical...Azaryah was very good and sat for two hours watching and enjoying until he fell asleep on Nana's lap ;-) The next morning, we headed over to the state park to tour My Old Kentucky Home.

Of course, we had to visit the Kentucky Railway Museum...The boys loved this!!!

Thanks Nana and Pawpaw for the fun trip and great memories!!! We love you!!!!

Visit with Nana and Pawpaw - 2011

2011-07-25T13:58:00.000-07:00

This summer, the children and I packed up and headed to Nana and Pawpaw's for a week and a half of fun fun fun. The first night of our travel, we enjoyed a hotel with a pool, some pizza in the room, and a House Hunters marathon.

These two pictures were taken the second morning before we pulled out of the hotel parking lot...The kiddos are all snuggled in and ready for a relaxing day of reading, watching movies, and napping.

We stopped at a rest stop somewhere between here and there for a picnic lunch...

As soon as we arrived at Nana and Pawpaw's, Mom surprised the girls with a dress she had made for their American Girl dolls. The material was from a formal dress that I wore when I was in high school. Sweet memories!

While we were visiting, the kiddos enjoyed a little puppy that would come to visit as well as a few kittens that lived down the road at my aunt's home. Here Uncle Ed is enjoying the kiddos and the kittens ;-)

Every year, Mom and Daddy save their coins so they can cash them in when we come to visit. This is the spending money they use for fun activities.

One family tradition that we have is that Daddy and Mama take us all swimming and then stop at a fun little local gas station for an ice cream. I love little things like this...

Of course, we headed over to Mama's work so we could get all the Girl Scout items the girls will need for this year...I cannot believe that Keziah will be a Junior Girl Scout and Eden will be a Cadet!!!

No visit with Nana and Pawpaw is complete without worshiping with them at their church...All dressed up and ready to go...

We always visit the week of VBS...The above pictures are some fun snapshots of their time at VBS with the friends that they see each year.

This year, we took the children to our family grave site so they could learn more about our family...

One evening, while the younger three were at VBS, we joined Uncle Rocky and Aunt Daisy, Uncle Ed, and Aunt Lou for dinner at Frisch's...Happy Birthday Uncle Ed ;-)

Happy Father's Day

2011-07-25T10:15:00.000-07:00

Glen is truly a blessing to us and we love him more than we can say!!! Happy Father's Day to a wonderful father and husband.

Indoor Camping...

2011-06-18T08:18:00.000-07:00

Ray and Jenna, Brian and Michele, Glen and Michelle, Scott and Loralee, JD and Kelly...We were all supposed to go camping this weekend together but the weather did not cooperate SO we just decided to bring our food here and enjoy an evening of laughter, food, fun, and fellowship.

Glen and I love having people in our home and we LOVE LOVE LOVE this group of people!!!!!

Summer Golf

2011-06-18T07:26:00.000-07:00

Glen and JD enjoyed a round of golf this past week...So much fun watching Glen enjoy a sport that he has loved since his Daddy introduced it to him when he was a young boy. Glen used to play all the time; however, in the past ten years he has not taken time to play. Such a blessing that the Lord has given him the opportunity to pick it back up!

One World, Many Stories

2011-06-18T07:18:00.000-07:00

The library has great programs that enhance the Summer Reading Theme "One World, Many Stories." This week, the children enjoyed several activities. We started the week off with "Chicken Joe Combs the World." This was a fun and interactive program where the children were introduced to the seven continents through song.

The children got to participate by playing different instruments...

Corbyn sat with me but Chicken Joe saw him sitting in the audience and asked him to help teach the penquin dance from Antarctica...He was a great sport ;-)

Eden played a song from China...

This week, the children also made Worry Dolls. The cultural understanding of this Worry Dolls is that you make one, tell is all your worries, place it under your pillow, and then as you sleep the doll removes all your worries. Of course, we do not place ours under our pillow to remove our worries because we know that the only One who can remove our worries and replace them with pure peace and comfort is the Lord God.

The children have some sweet friends who join them for several activities. The girls enjoy Sage while Azaryah enjoys her cousin, Garrett...

Sage and Garrett's grandmother helped the children wrap the dolls...

TADA...All finished!!

Thursday, the children attended and African Drumming Program...They had a blast and had the opporuntiy to play different instruments...

So much fun!!!!!!!

Father/Son Fishing Trip

2011-06-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Glen and Corbyn joined Dave, Grant, and Jonathon, Robert, Tyler, and Bryant, and Rob and his father-in-law, Gary for a Camping and Fishing Trip in Arkansas. They all loaded up and headed out early Friday morning and drove to Arkansas...Of course, they ate at the Redneck Cafe on the way down!!! heehee They stayed in a cabin by the lake and enjoyed games like ping pong, football, tag, and tons of other "guy" games. Saturday morning, they were up and on the lake by 6:00 am ready to catch some fish. There were two boats...Boat 1 was Glen, Corbyn, Dave, Grant, and Jonathan...Boat 2 was Robert, Tyler, Bryant, Rob, and Gary...I don't have all the pictures yet but hopefully I will get some more from the other men. There is a group picture and some fun pictures of giant ice cream cones that they ate...

Dave and his boys...

Grant was the first one on their boat to haul in a keeper...

Corbyn was the second...He's got a bite!!!!

You can do it, My Love!!!!! Pull hard!!!!

TADA!!! Now that is one big fish!!!

Jonathan was the third one to reel one in...His was the largest!!!

This is the group picture on their boat...The Guide was more interested in the fish than getting all their faces!!!

Home with the catch on Sunday afternoon ready to grill it up and try it out!!!!! (Of course, the men ate a bunch of the fish Saturday night!!!) They all had a great time and are ready to plan for next year's trip!! ;-)

Summer Reading Program

2011-06-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

The Summer Reading Program at our local library began with Storytime "Around the World". Corbyn stayed in the Teen Area while Eden, Keziah, and Azaryah joined their friends in StoryTime.

Making a walking stick to carry with us as we "travel" the continents...

Signing up and getting all our paperwork so we can begin reading...

Azaryah got his first Library card and he was sooooo excited!!!!

Swimming with the Buss Family

2011-06-13T09:34:00.001-07:00

Last week, we had the blessing of swimming with some dear friends. They have a gorgeous pool and all the kiddos has a blast. Kelly and I enjoyed our time of chatting and catching up!! Thanks Buss Family!!!

Azaryah's 5th Birthday

2011-06-06T09:05:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe my baby is already 5 years old. Azaryah's big day began with his Birthday Breakfast in Bed.

I love that little face!!!

And I love all these faces, too ;-)

Azaryah helped me fix all the Gift Bags for his friends...

This is the Golf and Fitness Club that Glen has blessed us with...Unlimited golf, fitness center, and swimming pool for a VERY low monthly rate. We LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!! This is where Azaryah wanted to spend part of his birthday.

So much fun to have a picnic at the pool...

Azaryah also had a Birthday Party at the park with his Storytime Friends...

The Mamas and Grandmamas...

The Cake...

The Birthday Boy and his many blessings...

Me and My Baby Boy!!!

The Storytime Gang...

Azaryah and all his gifts...

Azaryah chose to make homemade pizzas for his birthday supper...Yum Yum

Azaryah put together both of his Lego sets before his big day was over...What a wonderful way to spend the day!!!

Antique Tractor Parade

2011-06-06T07:28:00.000-07:00

Saturday, we had the blessing of joining Garrett's family for an antique tractor parade. Azaryah and Garrett met a few years ago in Storytime and have been big buddies ever since. Glen and I love his family and enjoy hanging out with them!!

The children and I rode on the tram pulled by one of the tractors for about 30 minutes...Mr. Jones was so sweet to follow the parade and pick us up about half way through (he had a golf game scheduled with Corbyn!! heehee).

The tractors have been beautifully restored...

Our four blessings all seated and ready to go...

Sage is Garrett's cousin and the girls LOVE her!!!

Garrett's sweet face along with four other sweet faces ;-)

The antique tractors lined up behind the tram...

Gorgous!!!!! We love our little town and enjoy all the historical aspects of it...

Good Morning!

2011-06-06T07:13:00.001-07:00

This morning, I surprised my kiddos with breakfast on our patio...I just love summer and I absolutely LOVE being a Mommy!!!

ASL Fellowship

2011-05-23T09:31:00.000-07:00

This semester, I had the blessing of helping in the ASL class. This is not the entire group but this is a picture of those who attended the ASL Fellowship. Such a fun group of friends!!!

Deaf Ladies' Bible Study

2011-05-23T09:28:00.000-07:00

I LOVE these Ladybugs!!! We just finished this semester's Bible study - Proverbs 31 Woman...It was a wonderful time of fun, fellowship,and studying of God's Word. I am aleady looking forward to our study in the Fall. Thank You, Lord, for sweet sisters in Christ!!!

Mother's Day

2011-05-09T06:32:00.000-07:00

I woke to a beautiful bouqet of roses, cards from Glen and the children, chocolate covered strawberries, and a gift card for a massage, facial, and pedicure!! WHOO HOO!!

My four precious blessings!!! Children truly are gifts from the Lord.

The Man who blesses me everyday of his life!!

2nd Gymnastic Meet of 2011

2011-05-06T10:46:00.000-07:00

The Girls' Gymastic Team...Eden and Keziah have enjoyed this year's gymnastic team. Next year, Keziah will advance to the Girl's Competive Team and Eden has decided to return to ballet. So proud of both of our Little Ladybugs.

Eden took 1st in Floor and Keziah took 2nd. Keziah also placed 2nd beam and vault and 3rd on bars. Keziah also brought home a trophy for All-Around Runner Up.

Azaryah was thrilled to tie for 1st in both floor and vault. He also brought home a trophy for All-Around Champ!!

The Big Boys' Team...Corbyn will be competing with this team in the fall. They all are so talented!! Corbyn amazes me with his multiple backhandsprings and standing backtuck!!

Corbyn came in 2nd...

All 4 of our champions!!!!

Azaryah's AWANA Awards

2011-05-06T10:34:00.000-07:00

We are so proud of our Little Man. This year, he completed his 2nd Cubbie book - learning and reciting 30 verses. Miss Rachel was so sweet. Azaryah will miss her next year when he moves up to Sparks.

Keziah's Lego Creation

2011-05-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

Keziah made this piano out of Legos this morning...Very creative!!!

Story Time at the Cabin

2011-05-04T10:39:00.000-07:00

Another fun fieldtrip...Storytime at the cabin. The Historical Society has done a great job recreating what it would have been like to be a pioneer. The cabin is full of antiques and gives the children an idea of what pioneer life would have been like.

Field Trip to Daddy's Work

2011-05-04T10:29:00.000-07:00

After the One Room School House, we headed over to Glen's work for a look at modern-day equipment and to learn how filters are made. It was a very interesting fieldtrip for me...I have been married to Glen for 20 years and I did not understand everything that he did during the day ;-)

Everyone wore safety glasses and followed all safety rules...Glen was a great guide!

The children got to look at filters under a microscope...They loved that.

To conclude our trip, Glen provided a snack for the children...Gluten-free cookies and juice with no dyes!! WHOO HOO!!!

One Room School House

2011-05-04T10:17:00.000-07:00

Our city Historical Society does a great job preserving the historical sites in this area and then opening them to the public. Last week, we had a wonderful fieldtrip to the One Room School House here in town. The day began with a little history of the area, choosing penefoils for the girls and suspenders for the boys, and getting a lunch pail to put our old fashion lunch into...

The children lined up and listened for the school bell to ring...

Miss Ream welcomed us and got everyone seated...

The children traveled back 100 years...The date was April 28, 1911...

Everyone had their own work to complete. The class started at 8:30 and we finished with a Spelling Bee at 1:00. The children were given homework to do during that time...Even Azaryah had work to do.

The boys were the first to sit with Miss Reams...The worked on reading, history, math, and spelling...

The girls also had their turn...So cute!! When their lesson was complete, Miss Ream would say, "Children, you may rise...You may be dismissed." Then they would walk quietly to their seats!!

The children wrote on slates as well as with ink and a quill...

Lunch was homemade bread, cheese, a slice of ham, apples, and water...

The Class of 1911...Such a fun day!!!!!

A Day at the Driving Range

2011-04-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

Glen and Corbyn headed out Saturday afternoon for some time on the driving range. Glen really enjoyed using his clubs and Corbyn loved spending time with his Dad. Robert, Tyler, and Bryant also joined them...Can I just say that I had a very happy hubby and son when they got home that day ;-)

Interpreter's Conference in Iowa

2011-04-18T11:15:00.000-07:00

What a blessing to be able to interpret in our church. A couple of weeks ago, our mentor and friend, Jodi, took us to the conference as a way of encouraging us in our ministry. It was a wonderful time of learning and growing in the Lord!! Of course we also laughed, giggled, ate, and enjoyed fellowship!! I got to room with Karen, Kalena, and Dani...SO MUCH FUN!!! Kalena and Dani make "Bathroom Diaries"...Just a fun girl thing ;-)

Mini-Vacation at the Layman Homestead

2011-04-07T05:54:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, we had the blessing of hanging out at the Layman's home. While Dave and Beth took their 4 oldest children on a ski trip, Glen and I watched the 5 younger kiddos. We got to experience what it is like to have 9 children! It was GREAT!!!

The children had so much fun. Of course, the girls played with their American Girl dolls for HOURS! Too cute!!!

Andrew and Azaryah...So fun to watch them play...All boy all the time!!!

Early Saturday morning, Glen took Corbyn, Jonathan, and Gabe fishing down at the Layman's pond. They had a very good time.

When the big boys finished fishing with Mr. Jones, it was the little guys time with him. Ping-Pong!! The little guys won!! Maybe next time you can score, Mr. Jones!!

Meanwhile, the girls continued doing all the fun things little ladybugs do...Mani and Pedis...

The three big boys squeezed in some computer fun...We did not stay in long...Back to the great outdoors!!

Saturday afternoon, Gabe began to feel yucky ;-( Poor Little Guy!!! He was in bed most of Sunday...

We all had a great time together!! Thanks Dave and Beth for trusting Glen and I with 5 of your most precious blessings!! We love you all VERY MUCH!!!

Our Small Group

2011-04-01T09:48:00.000-07:00

Our Small Group is a HUGE blessing to Glen and I. No matter what, this group of people are there for us. We pray together, cry together, laugh together, rejoice together, walk through the good and bad times, and hold one another accountable. PRICELESS!!

No matter how many miles may separate us, our hearts are knitted together by the Lord!! We have decided that our small group will have skype so the Corprews can join us!!! ;-)

Corbyn, Jacob, Grant, Jake, Azaryah, and Matthew...Tyler and Bryant are in this group of buddies but they run from the camera!!

Abigail, Hannah Grace, Cassadie, Kailey, Eden, and Keziah...Forever friends!!

Susan and Carol...

The Men...Shayne, Glen, Dave, Robert, Rob, and Kevin...Pastor Mike and Karen had to run after the first picture. I think they may have planned that!!! heehee

The Ladybugs...Cahrrie, Beth, Susan, Carol, Kim and Michelle. (Karen had to scoot after our group picture.)

Pajama Day at Storytime

2011-04-01T09:36:00.000-07:00

Storytime is a highlight of our week. Azaryah and I go to the Storytime room with his buddies while the older three enjoy the newly renovated library. This week was Pajama Day. Azaryah wore his shark pjs with his shark slippers. Of course, his Buddy and pillow came too ;-)

Friends are such a blessing. Azaryah gets to enjoy his buddies at Storytime and then we all head to the local bakery for a treat!

The Miracles

2011-03-10T18:18:00.000-08:00

This year, Corbyn joined a basketball team, The Miracles. He enjoyed the basketball season which ended in an all day tournament. The Miracles played three of the four games and came in 5th. They really did a great job and Glen and I really enjoyed watching him play!!! My boy got several baskets and after each one he would look over at his Daddy and I with a huge smile!!! Love it!!!

Girlie Fun

2011-03-10T18:14:00.000-08:00

Beth, Susan, Cahrrie, and I got our girlies together for a night of fun, food, and fellowship. The evening was so much fun. We all hung out in Beth's basement...The girls played games, danced, giggled (and giggled some more) and we all enjoyed some movies and then we cuddled up on the couch, sleeping bags, and mattresses to sleep. As I looked across the room at the sleeping girls and Mamas, I realized how blessed I was to have such precious friends and precious opportunities to make memories that will last a lifetime!!

The girls divided into two groups and did skits for the Mamas...Too fun!!

The audience...

The bows...

More bows...

The Mamas...Susan, Cahrrie, Michelle, and Beth

The beds...Getting ready to watch a movie marathon...Friendly Persuasion and Anne of Green of Gables.

Cassadie and Hannah Grace are on my bed!!! Move over ladybugs...Your beds are on the floor!!! heehee

Kowboy and Cupcake...They joined our slumber party!!!

The next day, the girls all joined us for Keziah's last basketball game!!! Sweet friends and great memories!!
Cassadie, Kailey, Hannah Grace, Eden, Abigail, and Keziah

Gymnastic Meet 2011

2011-03-09T05:47:00.000-08:00

Four Sick Children...Flu B

2011-03-09T04:42:00.000-08:00

For almost 2 weeks, our little and big guys and gals have been down and out with the Flu B. Temperatures in the 106.0 range, body aches, headaches, and overall feeling yucky ;-(

Eden's 11th Birthday

2011-03-08T06:21:00.000-08:00

I am behind in posting these pictures...Eden's day began with breakfast in bed.

Family is such a blessing!!

Eden's face when she learned that one of her gifts this year was a Make-Over with Miss Gena!!

The Before Shot...

Miss Gena gave Eden the "Royal Birthday Treatment"!!!

Daddy even took the entire day off so he could join us for the make-over and a special lunch out with the Birthday Girl.

Precious Memories!!!

Lunch at one of Eden's favorite places...

The Birthday Bags filled with blessings...

The cake and the gifts...

One of Eden's many new hair-dos ;-)

Birthday Bunch

2011-03-08T06:04:00.001-08:00

Rebecca, Michelle, Celia, and Anna

Happy Birthday to Me

2011-03-08T05:59:00.000-08:00

Breakfast in bed, fun gifts, family around me, and dinner out...Could not ask for a better birthday!!

Fun, Food, and Fellowship

2011-03-08T05:53:00.000-08:00

Kevin and Cahrrie came into town so we all got together to enjoy some time with them. We had a wonderful time of fun, food, and fellowship! Looking forward to having them with us again very soon!

Happy 20th Babe

2011-03-08T05:44:00.000-08:00

Glen celebrated 20 years with his company this past month. His boss and employees surprised him with a celebration! I am so thankful for this man!! He is a hard-working, loyal, ambitious, and faithfuly man of God. His obedience to the Lord's calling on his life allows me to fulfill the role God has given me as a wife and stay-at-home mother. I LOVE THIS MAN!!!!

My Happy Valentine

2011-03-08T05:38:00.000-08:00

God's blessings are so sweet!! The children and Glen gave me beautiful roses and homemade cards for Valentine's Day! The children enjoyed a package of goodies from Nana V as well as a few goodies from Mommy and Daddy. Nana V made the girls nightgowns...They are so cute!!!

Our Library is AWESOME!!

2011-02-09T09:36:00.000-08:00

Our library is AWESOME!! It has been newly renovated and it really looks great. Tuesday was the first time we have had Storytime in the regular room since before Christmas. The children loved being back in the room with fun paintings on the walls and their size tables!

Azaryah and his Storytime buddies, Shayne and Garrett...

Azaryah's Valentine Day craft...

Here is a Sneak Peek at our newly renovated library...

The Teen Cave is not quite finished...Next week, it will look like a Cafe' complete with computers, comfy seating, and a bevealed glass partition...Corbyn is looking forward to hanging out there while Azaryah has Storytime each week!!

The adult area of the library...Not quite finished either but next week should have all the items in place and ready for all of us to enjoy!!

Wizard of Oz Play

2011-02-05T05:04:00.000-08:00

Our Language Arts class normally meets on Friday but this week we decided to take the class and head to a production of Wizard of Oz. It was a great show and the kiddos loved it. Susan, Beth, Kim, and I enjoyed it as well ;-) We missed Cahrrie and her girls, though...Next field trip, we will all be together!!

Small Group Date Night

2011-02-04T05:06:00.000-08:00

Glen and I are so blessed to be in a small group with some wonderful couples. These couples walk with us through life, pray with us and for us, encourage us to be the man and woman God created us to be, and we are all open and transparent with one another! That is not something you experience very often. We normally meet twice a month to catch up, share what God is doing in our lives, ask for prayer in areas of our lives that we may be struggling in at that time...While the adults meet together our children enjoy fellowship with one another. This month, we decided to have a Small Group Date Night. We started our evening at Spin for some yummy pizza and then off to the Bocce Basement for a game of bocce.

Carol was up first for the Girls...She is quite the bocce player!

Dave took the floor next...He is very good but I stopped cheering for him when he continually knocked my ball out of bounds ;-)

Beth showing us how it is done...You Go Girl

Susan up next...She knocked a couple of the Guys' balls out of bound for us!!!

My Hubby showing us how it is done...He knocked one of my balls out of bound too but I decided to forgive him!! heehee

Rob was up next for the Guys...You know, you learn a lot about a fella when you play a game with him. Rob shows no mercy and he forgets we are FRIENDS!!!! lol

Kim is a quiet Ladybug but she sure can throw a Bocce ball!!! Give me a K (K)...Give me an I (I)...Give me a M (M)...GOOOOOOOOO KIM!!!!!!!!! (That was my cheer for her!!!)

See that green ball kissing the white ball?!??! That was the guys' score but I told them when I put it on the blog and on FB, I would say that the Ladybugs were green!!! heehee

The Men showing off their 4 pointer!!! They are actually very good bocce players!!!

The Guys' Team...Dave, Robert, Rob, Glen, and Shayne

The Ladybug Team...Beth, Kim, Michelle, Susan, and Carol

At the end, we were all friends again...Our Small Group (minus the Summers and Corprews...We miss you all!!!!!)

Poor Little Guy

2011-01-26T20:22:00.000-08:00

My baby woke up this morning vomiting. That has lasted all day long...This is where he stayed all day. Woody was not feeling good either so he stayed right by Azaryah's side!!

School Time for Molly, Josefina, and Woody

2011-01-26T20:17:00.000-08:00

Eden and Keziah designed a school room for their dolls, Molly and Josefina. They even made school books for them. Azaryah saw their creations and decided that Woody also needed a desk and some books. Too Cute!!

Language Arts

2011-01-26T20:12:00.000-08:00

We are so blessed to have a one room type school house atmosphere once a week. This past week, the little Ladybugs brought their dolls and enjoyed some girlie time after class.

The American Girl Dolls are best of friends...

Couldn't pass up the picture of Eden, Abigail, Keziah, and Emma Rose all matching!!!

The Mamas...LOVE THIS GROUP OF LADIES!!!

There are boys in the class too but they are not as eager to have their pictures taken!!!

Emma Rose, Andrew, Azaryah, and Kierra enjoy movies on the big screen and play time while the big kiddos have lessons. Great times and great memories!

Symphony

2011-01-26T20:02:00.000-08:00

Every year, we attend the Symphony as one of our homeschool fieldtrips. This year our group consisted of 80 people...It was so much fun!!

Keziah's Basketball 2011

2011-01-26T19:56:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again!! Basketball is in full swing and Glen is busy coaching Keziah's team, the Lady Bulldogs. It is so precious that Glen takes the time to coach each of the children's sports. Of course, Keziah's biggest fans are seated in the front row...Azaryah, Corbyn, Eden, Molly and Josephina (their American Girl dolls), and Mommy (taking the pictures).

The team getting some last minute instructions...

The program starts every game with prayer...

Warm ups...Glen showing Keziah a few pointers....

In action...Keziah is a pretty good little ball player!! Guess who got a basket the very first game?!?!

That's my baby!!!

Legos with Eli

2011-01-26T19:42:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago, Corbyn was blessed to have Eli come down after church and hang out. The boys played Legos for hours on the new Lego Table.

10 Years Ago Today...

2011-01-20T09:58:00.000-08:00

Ten years ago today, the Lord moved our family from Kentucky out west. I cannot believe how fast time has moved. It seems like yesterday that Glen came home and told me that he had been promoted and the company was relocating us. We sold the house, the movers came and packed and loaded all our belongings on a truck, and we bundled two little children up and headed to our new home. I did not like the idea of leaving our family and friends and moving to an area where we knew no one. It truly was a step of faith for both Glen and I.

Over the years, I have prayed that God would move us back to Kentucky. At first, I was not thrilled with our new community and thought it was a real desert in our lives. Today, as I reflect over the past ten years, I can see God's hand so clearly. God knows exactly what we need and where we need to be. This portion of our life has not always been easy and we have encountered many trails and heartaches along the way but I am so grateful for each experience because these are the events that the Lord has used to shape us and mold us into the man and woman HE desires us to be.

God's blessings have included a home that was perfect for us when our family consisted only of the four of us and then God moved us into a larger home closer to Glen's work when HE blessed us with two more children. We have been able to continue homeschooling and have met wonderful homeschooling families who have befriended us, walked alongside of us, and encouraged us over the years. We have a wonderful church home where our friends are like family as well as many opportunities that we may not have had elsewhere. God also continues to teach us more about Himself and His love amazes us daily.

"For I know the thougths that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope" Jeremiah 29:11.

First Snow 2010-2011

2011-01-11T07:08:00.001-08:00

American Girl Doll Bunk Beds

2011-01-11T07:01:00.000-08:00

The night before my parents left the girls asked Pawpaw to build bunk beds for their new dolls. Glen, Daddy, and the girls got to work...Keziah and Eden did a great job helping and they learned a lot!!

So sweet to see my Daddy and Glen working together with the girls...

The beds are made...Now to paint...

This is what the beds looked like the next morning when Mama and Daddy left...The ladder still needed to be painted...

TADA!!! The girls made pillows for their dolls and Glen's mom knitted both of the dolls a blanket!!

Grandparents' Day 2010

2011-01-01T10:08:00.000-08:00

Every year, the children host a Grandparents' Day for Nana and Pawpaw while they are here visiting. One of the blessings of homeschooling is being flexible and having our presentations on our schedule. The children displayed some of their art, seatwork, activities accomplishments, and each of them did a couple of oral presentations. Corbyn, Eden, and Keziah read one of their composition papers as well as recite James 1-2:11. Azaryah read his favorite story Brown Bear Brown What do You See? Corbyn concluded our evening with a demonstration of one of his favorite science experiments.

The Art Gallery...Corbyn's art work is in a sketch pad so we did not hang them but he was able to show Nana and Pawpaw all his work.

Eden and Corbyn's seat...This is Eden's Girl Scout vest with all her accomplishments for this year.

This is Keziah's seat...This is her Girl Scout vest with all her accomplishments for this year.

This is Azaryah's seat...This is his AWANA Cubbies' vest with displaying his hard work on Scripture memorization.

Nana and Pawpaw enjoying the evening...

Christmas Morning 2010

2011-01-01T09:55:00.000-08:00

Christmas Blessings...

The Stockings...

The kiddos waiting to come down to see what blessings they received...

Azaryah got a Toy Story 3 Set and all the characters...

Corbyn was blessed with the Lego Kingdom series set...It is going to look so cool on his Lego Table!!

Keziah received Josefina...

Eden received Molly...

Mama and Daddy's stockings...

Thanks Aunt Nette...

Corbyn's Playstation...

I finally got a new camera and a new SMALL video camera!!!! They both fit in my pocket!!!

The girls got the Loving Family Dollhouse and a bunch of furniture...

Azaryah got more Batman characters and vehicles to go with his Batman set he got last year...

Both of my parents are so talented...Mama made a cross-stitch picture for me!!! I found the PERFECT place for my picture to hang!!

Daddy painted another picture for me!!! It has also found a wonderful new home on my wall...

One of Mama's gifts was a beautiful new coat...

One of Daddy's new gifts...Very handsome sports coat...

Mama and I made blankets for each of the children and for Glen...The children made Nana and Pawpaw blankets for Christmas last year...
Glen's big gift was a set of new golf clubs!!! Guess who has a lot of golfing in his future!!!!

Our Christmas Baby's Birthday...

2010-12-31T19:13:00.000-08:00

God brought Keziah into the world on Christmas morning (4 weeks early). We celebrate her birthday Christmas night but we do her Birthday Breakfast in Bed on Christmas Eve morning. The entire family helped make her birthday pancake extra special...

Happy Birthday, My Love...

Keziah chose steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn on the cob, and rolls for her birthday dinner...We followed that up with a beautiful CUPCAKE cake...

I cannot believe my baby is 9 years old...

All the birthday blessings!!!!

Christmas Eve Tradition

2010-12-31T10:36:00.000-08:00

Every year since I was a little girl our family has celebrated Christmas Eve the same way. We begin our evening with a delicious Christmas dinner followed by reading the Christmas story, putting halos on our heads (that my sister and I made when we were 3 years old and 5 years old), singing Christmas carols ending with the entire family singing and acting out The 12 Days of Christmas...Glen and I added in our own tradition once we had children...We allow them to open one gift on Christmas Eve...MATCHING PJs!!!

I am so blessed to have a wonderful family who loves me and keeps me focused on the true meaning of Christmas...Jesus Christ and His gift to us!!! SALVATION!!!