~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:)
Click on pic below for more

2007_07_15

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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2007_07_05

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.

2007_07_04

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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2007_06_16

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!

2007_06_06

Click on the pic to view album

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!
Click on pic for more:)

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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2007_05_28

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.

2007_05_19

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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!!

2007_05_12

Hope all you Mom bloggers had a very Happy MOTHERS day click on pic for more I had a very wonderful Mother's day! We went to church and Honered our new "Mother of the Year" I had my family over for Dinner and my husband and nieces cleaned up! That was the best part. Thank you guys! You don't realize how important your Mother is until you become one your self! I am so blessed to have a MOM that has always loved and taken care of me!! I know the big job it is to raise kids and she did a wonderful job & survived!! Thanks mom, I love you! We honored Diana Beatty as our "Mother of the Year" at church. I grew up with Diana and her family, she I know so deserves being honered. She has shown Jesus to me in her life and I know His grace is sufficient just by wathching her live! I also have a Great MoM~in~law, she raised my husband very well and we love her very much! She is always there for us, Thank you Gloria for being a loving Mother to Brian! I love you!

2007_05_13

What a beautiful day!!We have been working really hard around here. We moved into our house the summer of 2006. With everything that needed done at one time we just decided to let the outside wait. Finally we have
turned into work horses and got some things done. I can't wait to see the results.

lansdcaping

Most of you know that we went to Salamanca, Mexico a few weeks ago. We had a wonderful time being with our very good friends! We had alot of catching up to do! It was very awesome to be there. I just wanted to share a few of my pics with you. You may have already viewed these, but you know I'm just getting started:)

2007_04_27

OK......I GIVE
I can't take the pressure anymore!! I'm giving in. I just love looking at blogs, but me blogging myself, NO WAY!!!! Then it hit me a couple days ago, I HAVE TO DO IT!!! So... here we are I'll give it a go:) If I can keep up and make things interesting I'll see success. Our life is very interesting to us, but to you??? Time will tell. Just 3 pics. This took awhile, I've got a lot to learn. Enjoy!!!

Me and My Honey

The reason I'm called MOM:) I'm so lucky!!