SCHOOL

Time is one thing I wish you could stop, well, just every once in a while. Summer vacation has ended and school is here! As a result my blogging time has greatly suffered!


Jacob home schooled last year and it went very well! This year (3rd grade) we decided to try DVDs. We started on Monday. I must say this is definitely a change of pace! I think:) when he is in the groove of things it will actually be a good thing. It is a longer day, he is not the only "student" just to name two of the changes we are dealing with. Time will tell and we are going to give it our best! I will add that you can try it for 30 days and if you are not satisfied you can get a full refund. Don't get me wrong we can give it our best shot!! Jacob has said he likes it better. My how the struggles of education can boggle our mind. HELP!!!!.........................

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We had a weekend VBS at our church (last weekend). Jesus to the Rescue! I think it was a success! Check out the great FUN!

2007_08_26

I just want to share a little bit about the most wonderful thing in my life! Bear with me:)

Jesus my dearest friend would be that most wonderful "thing" in my life! I take a lot of time sharing other things and this has been on my mind so I want to share this too!

First of all I am so far from a theologian as you will read. I just have a relationship with Jesus and He teaches me like a child. I am learning very slowly since many years ago when this relationship started out. He is so patient with me. I don't know why He loves me so much, I don't know where I would be without Him! He has been especially close lately and I am so thankful. He knows ME! I don't have to tell Him where I am, He already knows. I don't have to share my heart, He already knows. I don't have to worry if He thinks I'm weak, He already knows that He is my strength. I don't have to wait for Him to listen, He is already there! I don't have to wonder if He loves me in spite of my faults, He already showed His love to me on Calvary! I don't have to worry about the future, He holds it. In fact He knew all along how much I would need Him and He gave me His word to lean on. These are just a very,very few of the blessings I receive in this relationship! I give Him my all and receive so much more in return! I have peace in a very unpeaceful world! I am only beginning to understand the great responsibility that is mine to share this wonderful "thing" with others. Why not share?

Have a wonderful week:)

Fun, Fun, Fun

Hang on! I think this might turn out to be a very long ride! I have a lot to share!
Yesterday we set off to have a great day! Brian took the day off and it really felt like vacation to us.
We decided to spend a few hours at Newport Aquarium. I love a good deal and the Aquarium is almost finishing up its deal for the summer; buy 1 adult ticket and get up to 2 kids in free!!! So, the kids were free:) The special starts at 4:30 pm and the Aquarium closes at 7pm. We had plenty of time.
We had so much fun, I love saltwater fish and sharks. Watching them is very relaxing to me. There is one part of the Shark Fest that wasn't very relaxing to Jenna. You step into a little hallway sort of, and you look like you are in a cage. There is a huge screen! The little movie starts and you are just viewing the video.....then....the sharks start crashing into the screen, mouths wide open, lots of big, sharp teeth and the floor beneath you starts to shake! Jenna started screaming bloody murder!!!! It was a bit to realistic for my 4 yr old. I might add it made me a little jumpy:) I quickly left the room and took about 5 minutes to calm her down. She did not look forward to the shark tunnel:( By the time we left she and the rest of us had all petted some small sharks. I think she had recovered however; she has mentioned that she never wants to see that shark movie again!

Before we went to the Aquarium we walked around Newport on the Levy. The purple people bridge was fun for the kids. They love to watch the boats and imagine seeing fish in the river.

We then went to Brian and Matthew's favorite restaurant-Don Pablo's on the river. We had some very yummy food and then headed home. It just so happens that The Cone is kind of on the way home8) The Cone is in West Chester and it has yummy ice cream. I thought it was a great way to end a great DAY!
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Day at Newport

Last Thursday the kids and I went to see our friends, Betsy, Wyatt and Maggie. I started baby sitting Wyatt when he was a baby and then Maggie came along. I of course had Jacob when I started babysitting and then Jenna came along. We have gone through quite a lot with then. We really turned into family and we had so much fun spending the day with them8) The kids are great fun and there was never a dull moment!
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2007_08_16Wyatt&Maggies House

Last Monday (Aug.13) I got to spend the evening with my friends! Deanna was in the states for a wedding. We went to Abuelo's for supper and spent a few hours catching up with each others lives while having Starbucks(yummy:). You might get tired of reading this but......I love my friends, they are such an awesome blessing in my life! We were spoiled to get to see De so soon:) Love and miss ya De!
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2007_08_13

Last Sat. our church has a annual "Rolling Picnic" It is an part of our outreach program. We went to about 5 communities and had hot dogs, chips, fruit snacks, Popsicle's and water to share with the community. We take a couple trailers loaded with grills, picnic table and all the other supplies. There were about 60 of us I think, it was very organized by Kris W. and Rebecca M. We were able to make some new contacts and also reunite with other children who have not attended church for a while. We invited the children to come to our VBS this weekend.
It was a long day but so worth it! I hope this event was able to reach those that are looking for peace in their lives. I am so glad that we have the answer to those who are searching for something to satisfy. My prayer is that those children will come to VBS and learn that Jesus loves THEM! Not only did it minister to those we don't know, it was very much a blessing to reach out, Thank You Jesus for the blessing!
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rollingpicnic

We start school on Monday, I have all the material, I hope we like the DVD's. It is the A Beka Curriculum DVD program. Last year I did the teaching and it went really well, I just decided we would try this out because next year I will have two students and I don't think I'm up for that challenge, we will see. We have 30 days to try it and if it doesn't work out we will switch back to mommy being teacher:) Matthew is also doing this same program and starts on Monday too.

I think I have rattled on sufficiently! I've had a break because today is Daddy Do List(Brian took another day off)

• Daddy lets go fishing
• Daddy lets go swimming
• Daddy lets go drive Jacob's R/C Mini T
• Daddy lets go to Bass Pro Shop..................

What an awesome Dad!!!! Love you honey:)

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Playing Catch UP

Hi Friends! How is your Summer? Ours is very HOT!!! We are doing our best to enjoy it. Just about 2 weeks before school starts, I find myself dreading it as much as I did when I was a kid!

Once again my blog is suffering neglect. I'll try to catch up.
We have had a lot going on with church functions and believe it or not the camera has not been busy, too hot to take pictures!
My big accomplishment this week~shelves in the basement! I'm so excited about them! My wonderful father~in~law offered to build them for me! I of course couldn't turn down the offer. Thanks Jerry, it was a big job but, we did it! We tackled the job on Thursday about noon and were finished by 6pm or so. Because Jerry has a bad shoulder I had to do some pretty heavy lifting, oh how I wish someone had taken pictures! I'm very happy with the shelves, the kids like them too! All the kids toys fit and I still have a shelf I can fill! (top shelf baskets are empty) I love organization:)

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Do your children like to go in places they just aren't supposed to go???

2007_08_09

I'm going to blame this on Papaw Snelling! I don't know maybe its a good idea:)

We are spending Sat. evening at Brian's parents house with his family and cousin Going's. We have a lot of fun with them so I'm looking forward to it!

Have a great weekend!

Where Has Everyone Been? Oh! I'm the one missing:0(

This is going to be a very jumbled blog! Life has been way too BUSY! I'll give you a little update on my last few weeks.
Brian has been working 75 hour weeks...we are all trying to adjust to this, pray for us its kinda hard! Thankfully its not supposed to be long term.
I have also been babysitting quite a bit! So more work on every ones part has turned out to be little crazy!
These are few highlights since my last post: These are not in order.

• Jenna ran away! She wanted to see her older cousin Emily. Emily was at the pool that is at the entrance of our subdivision. I told Jenna "no, Mommy is busy and I can not take you there now." About 10 minutes later.....Jenna was "missing" my sister got in the car to find her and I started looking. I just happened to look across the many vacant lots and my eyes fell on a little girl at the pool parking lot. This little girl fit Jenna's description perfectly! Needless to say there were some much needed disciplinary actions and lectures! She could only say "I had to see Emily!" By the way she road her bike on the road, I still have the feeling of fear!
• We got a swing set/club house! Daran my nephew Sam's dad built it for him several years back. Sammy had to move to a new apartment and couldn't take it with him:( My sister Jenn really wanted us to have it! Brian with the help of his Dad and Paul, Small Paul and Randy moved it here last week! I pressure washed it and stained it, UGGG:( Then we put some new play equipment on it. We love it Thanks Aunt Jenn and Sammy!
• Jacob finally saved enough $$$$ to buy a Mini T electric car! We were very proud of his patience! He saved from Bday and his chore allowance.
• Brian and Jacob went to the Dayton Air Show, that ended early due to a tragedy. They had a very good time while they were there!
• We had a very fun play day with Lindsey my niece and her mommy Leanna! Lindsey gave all of us some good laughs:)

pics of all of it in album

2007_07_25

Well I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying your summer, it is too quickly passing!

~Come on in~

I know a lot of my friends love to decorate! It is one of my favorite things to do! I think I got it from my mom:) I always keep my eye out for little things to add to my place, its fun! Anyway, my friend Janie has encouraged me to give you a tour of my home. I think Janie needs to take a turn now:) I think its fun to look at other peoples style and ideas so, if your up to it please share! So...here it goes. My captions will let you know where you are:)

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2007_07_19House tour

Time flies when your havin FUN!!!

I can't believe it has been EIGHT DAYS since I have blogged! This summer is just flying by and I'm trying to enjoy it to its fullest and forget about minor responsibilities(cleaning, ironing and yucky things like that). We just had a fabulous weekend visiting with Marc, Melodie, Jordan, Cameron and Logan Sankey. Not technically a whole weekend but we shoved as much as we could into about one and a half days! I'm so glad they could come visit, we miss them terribly and loved the little time we had together:)
Saturday afternoon I had the boys come over so they could have some good ole fun with their buddies. Nate, Sammy, Bryson and Anna came over too so they had a great time!! I wanted Marc and Melodie to get some relaxing "adult" time with Shane and Tamra, I think everyone enjoyed their day, I know I did:) I sure don't know what I would do with eight kids all the time! I know people do it:)
We went to Shane and Tamra's Sat evening and had a blast! Thanks for having us Tamra:) You'll see in the pictures that Marc has missed his Middletown food, so he got right fixed up:) We had Donatos pizza and of course some delicious dessert from Tamra. She can make desserts like no body's business:) We had so much fun!
After church Sunday morning we had dinner at my in~laws house. I think there were 26 of us there. Once again the food was delicious! Thank you Jerry and Gloria for having us all over. Making memories with loved ones makes me happy:)
Then we had to say goodbye, that never gets any easier:( Marc and Melodie we are so glad you stopped by! We love you and of course our love and prayers go with you. I do know that God is Good and He is Using your family to bring more souls to Him. That what it is all about! Thank you so much for your example.
I hope all my fellow bloggers are doing well and I can't wait to catch up! Have a great week!
Melodie I didn't get a pic of you and me GRRR......:(
Check out Tamra and Leanna's blogs for some more good pics:)
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Friday

Yesterday we had to take Matthew back to MI. It is always very hard for us! When he is gone there is a very empty space in our home and our hearts. We had so much fun while he was here and he was here for a month so that was a very good thing. He was here for all of our major summer plans which we were very happy about. We just want him here all the time!
We went to play putt-putt golf on Thursday and took him to his favorite restaurant El Rancho Grande. Of course I have a few photos to share:) Have a great weekend!
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Cute!!!

I came home Monday night after shopping and my kids said " Mom we have a surprise for you!" It made me Smile. Here is what they had to show me.
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a New Doo

The boys had taken a lot of time doing this, they were so proud! I wish she would let me take time on her hair and smile too..Oh well brothers are just more fun.

Check out my July 4th post:)

July 4, 2007*******

Hope every ones 4th was a great one!
We had a wonderful day yesterday with family and friends!
I didn't know if the weather was going to cooperate but...it was OK. Very hot and humid but it cooled down in the late evening.
Thanks to you guys for bringing food, it was all yummy. You will have to look at the pictures, we had a very pretty and yummy flag cake, thanks to Michele. My Hubby grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for an hour and a half. Thanks sweety!
Corn hole was a success thanks to Bradley, Brian and Lisa for getting the boards and corn bags done:)
The kids had a great time riding bikes, riding the mini bike, uncle Bradley's' 4 wheeler, doing fireworks and just playing together.
There were definitely moments when I felt like a redneck, our back yard is still trying to grow so.....we were in the front yard and driveway having our fun! I love my friends and family and was so glad to make some more memories with them.
Check out the pics.

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Outdoor Wedding

Today Mark Wells and Sarah Renner were married. It was a beautiful outdoor wedding. The weather was gorgeous! They are a very sweet couple that go to our church, I'm so happy for them. Congratulations Mark and Sarah!
I had never been to an outdoor wedding and I just loved it. You'll see in the pictures how beautiful it was. It was at Marks' parents home. It was a very sweet and romantic event! I know weddings are supposed be:)
The kids really enjoyed this kind of wedding. Cows to watch places to run and a golf cart too!
Brian had to work his regular Sat. shift but he came to the wedding late, he was there for the part he enjoys anyway:)
I think I'm on a blog marathon, this probably means next week I won't blog at all.
Have a wonderful Sunday and get some rest. I think we all need it!

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Freedom's Call Tattoo 2007

Freedom's Call

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We had a very fun time last night! We went to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base for a 60 year celebration of the Air Force. There were a lot of fly overs from fighter jets,stealth bomber, to older military aircraft. It was perfect weather too. The Tops in Blue were there to perform and the Air force Band. It was all so awesome! The evening ended with an awesome display of fireworks! The music played with the fireworks was excellent. I love being with a lot of people who are Proud to be Americans, the atmosphere was filled with so many emotions and we were all very glad to be there. I love America. Try this sight if you want more info: http://www.wpafb.af.mil/tattoo/index.asp Have a GREAT WEEKEND!

Busy,Busy,Busy...

I'm Back! At long last I have a moment to sit down. What a very busy time it is. Most everyone knows that I was only home for 3 days after vacation and then headed out to Church camp. We had a very good time at camp. I can't believe that I didn't take ONE picture. It was so nice to spend time with friends and family. My favorite thing at camp is being in the tabernacle and hearing everyone sing together. I was so blessed to share in His Presence. We also had a great camp fire Sat. night. Thanks to my friends who did take pictures!

On a sadder note, (bittersweet I should say) I had to say Goodbye to one of my very best friends last night. Deanna is leaving on Friday to go to Ireland with her hubby Mark. They are taking an associate pastorate close to his home stompin grounds. We had our "Girls night out" last night, we made new memories and just enjoyed being together. We went to Newport, Kentucky which surprisingly we have never done. We at a Brio's Italian Grille and had Cold Stone Creamery for dessert. Deanna is an incredible friend who has always been their for me. I know God will use her in Ireland, her absence from us is definitely Ireland's' gain. My love and prayers go with them as they embark on this new journey. I'm so glad we do get to see her in August, that made saying our goodbye a little easier. I love ya DE!

GNO

~HOME SWEET HOME~

We are home! You know that feeling? You had so much fun, but home is definetly sweet! I can not say how much we enjoyed our vacation, it was fabulous! Just getting away from the normal ongoing pressures of life. We had a very exciting time, the boys loved fishing and finding shark teeth. Jenna loved the water. I loved the sand, sun and relaxing. I read 3 books! Brian enjoyed relaxing and of course we all love the pool and ocean! The boys caught several lizards, a toad and a frog. We kept them in an aquarium while we were there, they begged and pleaded to bring them home but, I didn't give in. I guess I'm a mean mom:) I love getting to be with my parents, sister, nieces and nephew, going to Florida is a annual thing for us. We graciously and not so graciously put up with each other for a week and make wonderful memories! Thanks guys for all the fun!

Brian turned 37 on June 15 and of course I reminded him how lucky I am that he is mine! And that I'm younger:) I love my husband he is the best!

I forgot to mention the little friend in our room in FL. I thought it was a cricket. You'll see it was not a cricket in fact,in my pix.

I took 380 pix, I'll not bore you with them all. Hope you enjoy! I have to go unpack I catch up with your blogs later, I missed blogging

Ok just 165 pics that's not too many??
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Ocean&Sun Here We Come!!

Hello Friends! Well... I'm very behind on the blogging thing and don't have time now:( We are heading out for our family vacation to Indian Rock,FL. We are so excited and can't wait to get there!!! We should leave around 8am tomorrow. We will get there on Sat. and be home June 16.

My friend Janie had her baby! He is adorable!! He and Janie are doing wonderful! I'm so glad you are here Isaac! Thank the Lord for his arrival into the world. I'll let Janie share her exciting details:)
I am attaching several pictures. Just read the captions to know what they are about!
Have a Great week!

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GNO

We call it GNO(girls night out) We love it and we can't live without it! It all started about 8 years ago. Me, Janie Eisenhart, Stephanie Phillips and Deanna Mander (Wolf). We have missed only a few of these monthly GNO in the last 8 years. All kinds of thoughts go through my mind when I think about our friendships, we know each other through and through, we can laugh, cry, pray, shop and love each other. We are all alike in some ways and very different in others. Our friendships means more to me than anyone will ever know. I can't live without you girls! Thank you so much for being my friends! You've helped me through many things that life has brought my way. I love you all and am so glad to share this very crazy thing called "life" with you!

We are trying to prepare ourselves for Deannas' move to Ireland, its not so easy. Tears or words can't show how much we'll miss you"De". Deanna is such a wonderful, giving person. She will touch lives in Ireland! I love you Deanna!

We went to one of our favorite restaurants today PF Changs Yum,Yum!!
I just thought I would share some pics from past and present. Enjoy!
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My Pictures

Made Me Think

I worked on Memorial Day in the evening. I met a couple that I can't get off my mind. The man was wearing a T-shirt with a picture of a Marine on it. Below the picture was the quote "Never let them forget"I asked him if it was his son. He said "yes, we lost him in January" he and his wife were both crying as they talked. I told them how much I appreciated the sacrifice and that I would pray for them. I was very at loss for words. How can you comfort that kind of pain. I just needed that extra reminder in my day. I can do a small part and keep our service men and women in my prayers, and their families that are at home too. His picture is an image in my mind that I hope will always remain. Lil Billy was his name, he was only 20, he gave his life to help secure me and my family. Thank You Billy may we never forget!
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MEMORIAL DAY 2007

Happy Memorial Day! Thanks to all those who serve to keep our country safe. We share freedom today because of those who made the choice to defend USA. My thoughts are with those who are missing their families who are serving/or have lost their lives for our freedom.
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We started our day with a parade. We met up with the Lopers, Brewers and Walkers. The kids really enjoyed it! Now we are at Memaw and Papaw Snellings and are just spending the day here! I have to work at 4:45pm:( We are going to eat and play games. We are going to play croquet, I haven't played that in while(sounds fun). Hope you all enjoy your holiday.

Fun was had by all!

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a great weekend!
I must say I am proud of my endeavor to be a Cub Scout Mom. We arrived at camp around 1:30 Saturday afternoon. We picked a site and put out the tent. The kids were raring to go to the lake, so off we went. I would like to mention my wardrobe of a long jean skirt and slip on tennis shoes. I thought this to be sufficient. The only spot I knew of to get down to the creek was about a 4ft bank, I kept going,... just a little mud. We had some fun skipping rocks mostly just throwing rocks, then......Jenna says "I have to go potty right now!! I can't wait" I did not pack extra clothes for her(mistake #3 or maybe #4). So we tried to take care of the situation and well, everything got wet BUT the ground. So....off with the wet clothes, socks(mine too). I was laughing thankfully.
I wanted a few cute pictures, while trying I managed to fall into the water LOL but did save the camera:) Then I had to climb back up the 4ft drop off, lets just say I'm glad no one was taking pics of that.
Jacob had a great time racing his boat. My mommy spirit and Jenna were cheering him on. He won quite a few races Yea!!! Jenna loved the monkey bars. I was hoping no one would notice the boys boxer briefs she was wearing(I did pack extra for Jacob?) We had a great time, I was very glad I took him. I did get to photo a not so fun slithering snake off a trail. Brian got there around 7:30pm. They had the special ceremony where the scouts change rank and received their awards. Jenna and I were very ready to go at about 8:30pm. We came straight home and jumped in the jacuzzi! The boys slept very well and got home around 9:45 Sunday morning in time to fly around and get ready for church.

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Jenna has a really good friend at church. His name is Bryson Craycraft and you just never know what they are up to. I thought this was one of their cute moments!!

2007_05_20

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CUB SCOUT DAY!!

Hi Everyone! Today is a very important day for Jacob, he is crossing over. That means he is no longer going to be a wolf cub but a bear cub. I have never taken him to and event but today was Brian first Saturday in his new schedule. So I'm stepping up here and taking the dare:) The van is packed for camping we are getting ready to leave. Jacob built a little boat and he will be competing in the Rain Gutter Regatta. Wish me luck and maybe a prayer!! Have a Great Saturday. And yes the camera is going so there will be pictures soon. I should add that Brian will be there around7:30 tonight. I just don't think I could be brave enough to camp by myself too.

OK..... Life has got to slow down a bit, I have no time to blog, Help!!!! So much is going on. This week Brian starts a new shift (that he did not want) at his workplace of almost 20 year. He now will be working every Thur, Fri,Sat from 6am to 6:30pm. We are definetly going to have to adjust to this. I'm not always sure how God works but, I do know that he loves our family very much and we can rest in his plans.

I have really enjoyed homeschooling Jacob this year. I am very ready for it to end too!! He has done a great job and I am very proud of him. We will be done by May 30. Yea!!!

2007_05_09

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For those of you interested ~we finished our landscaping in the front. The rock border is rocks from our back yard being tilled and I found some others on other construction sites. It was more work than I thought it would be but, I like it. The rocks were covered in clay and mud. We actually have grass growing in the back yard too:) Let me know if your think we need some steps from the back patio doors? LOL

2007_05_11

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My kids have been enjoying the nice weather. I love them to play outside. Sammy came over to join in the fun!! He is a great cousin. Notice one picture where Jenna is reading Well.. that is her Bible I guess she decided her devotions were more important. Thats my girl!!

2007_05_11

I am almost caught up! Just wanted to share a couple pictures of some very important people in my life. I have many more precious people, but that is for another blog. Have a great week!!

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