oofie goofie friend of mine

Vacation

2008-08-11T06:35:00.001-07:00

Obviously, blogging has been at the bottom of my priority list lately. I still haven't made our annual vacation photo-show, but will soon. I'll just say that we had a wonderful time in Hilton Head! We went with the Dale family as we did 2 years ago.... The kids had playmates, Adam had a guy to hang with, and I had a girl.... yet we still had time just the 5 of us. For any of you who have never been to Hilton Head, I highly recommend it. Especially during the summer time, and especially if you have children. Hilton Head has a reputation of being very expensive... but if you know the activities available, you can visit on a budget. Some of our favorite spots:

1.the beach!!!!

2.Harbourtown - You have to pay $5 per car to enter Sea Pines, but then you can take the trolley (no charge - and the kids think that riding the trolley is entertainment). We like to go to Crazy Crab Restaurant, walk around Harbourtown. Check out the huge old trees, and go to the Greg Russell Show. Both Hannah and Jack were chosen to get up and sing this year. Hannah sang "Our Song" - by Taylor Swift (I had changed the picture quality on our camera and was surprised that I was out of room on my card, so after about a minute the card would be full and I'd erase several pictures and start again, I wish I had gotten it all, although I don't particularly love the song, I was impressed by Hannah's voice and confidence!),

and Jack sang his old favorite "Sweet Home Alabama" again. The show is free.

3. Shelter Cove - We found a new favorite restaurant this year King Fisher, then walk around the shops, we go to the Shannon Tanner show- he is a kid's entertainer. He sings alot of cover songs for the parents, some kids songs, and allows children to get up and sing. On Tuesday nights, a fireworks show follows. Except for dinner, it's all free!

4. Grilling out.... we grilled out a few nights, and played on the beach as it turned dark (no sunscreen required)

5. Salty Dog. Also in Sea Pines. Another trolley ride to South Beach. There are a few great restaurants there, but we order pizza from Jake's Pizza and sit under the tent (with ceiling fans) and enjoy more cover music. The kids love it too. They also make requests. The show is of course free. There is also a clown who had helpers to paint faces and give the little girls manicures. And you could eat before you go and only spend the $5 to enter Sea Pines and have a whole night of free entertainment.

For Hannah's 10th

2008-06-16T20:04:00.000-07:00

Rather than the yearly mega-party,

We went shopping with her buddies Bailee and Hannah Montana

got manicures

Had a family-only birthday party

and took 2 of her friends to Lake Winnie.

2008-06-16T19:02:00.000-07:00

Funny how when you have the most to "say", there is no time to say it. Our life has been in fast forward again. I think that it will slow down again after this week. Maybe? So, I know that I'm leaving something out... but our summer has started with a bang! School was over for Hannah and Jack on May 21st. On the 22nd, Joey graduated from preschool. the pictures are of Joey with his class and then with his teacher, Miss Stacy (she also had Hannah and Jack) The next day we went from Report-card-pick-up (Hannah and Jack both made straight-A's) to SC for a reunion. My father-in-law's brother, and 5 sisters and their spouses visited Stimart Station. It was great to see him so happy with all of his siblings around (he's a jovial guys to begin with). This was Jack's bath before leaving SC and heading to VA to visit my sister. Her location is up-in-the-air. She is leaving for Hawaii on Friday. and not sure for how long and where she is going next. It's a long story. You can check out her blog. We arrived on Sunday night. We spent Monday at the beach. The sand up there is much darker than what we are used to. We spent most of Tuesday at the Chesapeake YMCA. It was so awesome. I got pictures to show to the new director of our Y, especially since they changing the outdoor pool. The pool was so amazing. The child area was like an indoor playland. There was even a coffee shop area. ... and the rates are the exact same as ours... ok so I am a bit envious! The plastic wrist strings signify that the kids have passed a swim test and can go down the spiral slide. We could not believe that Joseph passed the test by swimming the full length of the pool. He was so proud, and we were proud of him too! On Wednesday, we celebrated Bradley's 2nd birthday (a day early). Jack and I went on a date to see Indiana Jones that night. Hannah and I do "girl-stuff" together, and Joey spent every week day for 3 years with me, but Jack is sandwiched in the middle and doesn't often get one on one time with me. > Thursday was the "best day of (joey's) life! We went to Busch Gardens ="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212673358479728082" />> Friday and Saturday were spent in the car. We had to get home for church on Sunday and start cheerleading camp on Monday. Hannah had a blast at camp. There were about 120 girls and they chose her as one out of about 30 all-stars. She gets to cheer at a Soddy Daisy football game in the fall.

Game Over

2008-06-07T06:10:00.000-07:00

This was a year of extreme highs and lows in baseball. The high points were that Adam was able to asst. coach Joseph's team, Joseph had 2 buddies on his team from church (which also meant we had parent friends). Jack went from a mediocre batter and outfielder (last year's coaches description of him- in Jack's hearing- we were mad - but Jack didn't get too down about it) to the lead-off batter and an infielder - mainly playing the pitcher's circle. He scored a few homeruns, including a granslam. He only struck out one time all season. We really liked the coach and parents on Jack's team. There was a lot of action this year. They say that the 7/8 league is the most fun to watch. There are alot of hits, because the boys have been playing a few years and this is the last league for coach-pitch- where the pitchers goal is for the ball to be hit. In 9/10 the kids pitch and the pitcher's goal is a strike. I can't believe that I enjoyed baseball so much this year.

There was an extreme low. One of the coaches from Joseph's team committed suicide with only 2 weeks left in the season. He was the guy that all of the kids loved, who picked the kids up by their feet, and patted them on the head. This coach also had a few children at Hannah and Jack's school. Joseph would see him at school picking up his kids. He would yell "JO JO!" and pat him on the head. He made the kids feel special. It was so hard to tell Joseph that he had died... and every now and then Joseph will start crying out of the blue about it.

Both boys ended the season on a high note. For their last games, Jack got to play 1st base and Joseph was catcher.

Yikes!

2008-06-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

Rome, GA, Friday, May 23. You can imagine my concern as we embarked on a long trip beginning on Memorial Weekend. Adam and I drove separately to SC. He went home from there and the kids and I went on to Chesapeake, VA, drove to VA Beach for a day, Williamsburg for a day, back to SC and then home. Thankfully this was a fluke, and we paid under $3.899 the rest of the trip (as if that is good :)

Jack throws out the opening pitch

2008-06-05T20:05:00.000-07:00

On May 9th, My stepmother had the honor of throwing out the first pitch for the Lookouts(because she was chosen as a teacher of excellence). She and my Dad took the boys. She had tried to get them to allow Jack to throw it for her - the chance of a lifetime, but they wanted for her to do it.

Well Jack was getting a slight trim at Great Clips about a month ago. He entered a drawing and was chosen to throw out the opening pitch on June 1. He's not exactly the posterchild for hair cuts right now : )

They did all of the opening ceremony, then called the game due to rain.

2008-05-10T12:18:00.000-07:00

He walked and potty-trained relatively early. But he has no interest in learning how to tie his shoes. Maybe Joseph can tie them for him soon.

2008-05-04T13:21:00.000-07:00

The kids went with their grandparents to see The Lion King road show in Atlanta. They had a really great time! Jack earned the game ball! He has really blossomed this year in his athleticism. Joseph got into the paper plates and decorated them. I guess we will use them like this. The kids on a fire truck at May Day at the ballfield. We spent the day there, and they had a great time. Eating their free hot dogs before going to sit with their teams for the festivities.

Reflective

2008-05-04T11:06:00.000-07:00

I feel like I am entering a new stage of life. So many things have been going through my mind.... but I'm not sure how to articulate it all.

When you have a bunch of little kids, you feel like this is life, and this is how it is going to be. I have been very thankful for my kids, but I tend to struggle with that horrible victim mentallity, and I have at times felt trapped by motherhood. Then I felt guilty for feeling that way, especially since my great aspirations were not to be a doctor or lawyer, but a mother.

Now, I am really getting a taste of how quickly time is flying. I can't believe that this week, I'll be registering my little baby for Kindergarten. I don't know where the time went! It hasn't all been spent wisely.

Two summers ago, I had a very busy summer at church (music camp, Wed.nite preschool program, sub. preschool teacher). I put in more time that summer than I ever have, and 2 weeks before school started, I was sad that I had not spent more quality time with the kids. My friend Dana suggested that I prayed that the Lord would redeem my time, which He did, and those last 2 weeks were wonderful. That is my prayer now. With just over 3 months before school starts, I pray that the Lord will redeem our time, and that we will have a great summer.

Well that is about a 1/100th of whats going on in this crazy mind of mine. Maybe I can express more later : )

Funny times in 2 year old Sunday School

2008-04-06T13:06:00.000-07:00

Kathy and I teach the 2 year old Sunday School class together. They came to us with very limited vocabularies, some did not speak at all. Now most of them have turned 3 and are becoming very articulate.

Over the past weeks we have talked about the crucifixion and resurrection. We have been singing " God's not dead, NO , He is alive". So one little girl asks if we can sing the "God is not alive song"

Today, we were talking about how when Jesus was finished teaching his disciples, his feet lifted off the ground and he rose, up, up, up in the sky. One little girl said, "You need a helmet when you go into space".

Then I gave them each a paper plate "puzzle" that was cut into 3 pieces. The first one was for the crucifixion, the second for the resurrection and the 3rd for the ascension. I told them to put their puzzles together. One little girl said I don't have a puzzle, just a plate (this one is still only 2 years old), I told her that it IS a puzzle, she said "it looks like a plate to me."

She prays

2008-04-06T13:03:00.001-07:00

On Friday, Hannah had a friend spend the night. This friend has ALOT of energy like Hannah, but she is a very sweet girl. I put dinner out and as I was getting drinks, they were huddled together. I asked her if they had just blessed their dinner. She said, "yes, just like we do together at lunch everyday at school." I told her that was wonderful. Hannah said, "We even prayed together on the phone today." "About what?" I asked. "That you would say 'yes' when I asked you if she could spend the night"

pics from March

2008-03-31T06:11:00.001-07:00

This past Saturday, we went to Atlanta to meet our new nephew/cousin: Wyatt. He is 2 weeks and 2 days in these photos. He is the son of Adam's brother, Aaron and Hilary. The blonde holding him in the 2nd photo is another aunt, our sister-in-law, Kelly.

Erica and boys spent Spring break with us. It was a great visit.... and nice to spend more time with grandparents too.

I spent the first week of March in Maine training for the part-time on-call job that I will be doing (about 5 days a month). Apparently, once the snow falls in the autumn, it sticks around until the end of March. Notice the snowdrift in a parking lot. One day we were there, they had a small snow, but since they had such a brutal winter, the city was low on sand for the roads and canceled school.

This is in Freeport Maine. Each one of these cottages is a different outlet store. Amongst my favorites: Gap and Banana Republic. Of course the main stores are the LLBean headquarters. Even Starbucks is in a small free-standing cottage.

Flattered

2008-03-30T18:02:00.000-07:00

I went to elementary school at Rivermont, and then moved across the country to East Ridge : ). Over my junior high and high school years, I'd occasionally run in to an elementary school friend. Over the past 2 years, I've run into 2 people that I had not seen since 5th grade, but recognized me because of my daughter. They said that it was like looking at me.

Last week at the ballfield a girl asked "Did you have a sister in the 1994 TN Jr. Miss Pageant?" I said, "yes, Erica". She said that she had been in the pageant with my sister. I asked her how she knew that we were sisters, had she seen us together? She said "No, you look just alike". Funny, I did not think so, but thanks!

Casa Hogar Kids

2008-02-21T17:30:00.000-08:00

Just a post of pictures of the kids.

Seeing new things

2008-02-19T07:40:00.000-08:00

I am trying to be disciplined and systematically read the Bible cover-to-cover, first I read the chapter in Spanish, then I read it from my ESV in English to make sure that I am understanding correctly. I am currently still in Genesis and have been amazed at how many new things have jumped out at me!

Today, I was reading about Noah after the flood. I remember the facts, but the point to me today was different. Noah became a worker of the land, and planted a vineyard. One night, he became drunk and "lay uncovered in his tent". Ham saw him and told his brothers. Shem and Japeth did not look at their father but walked toward him backwards and covered him.

The sin that was cursed in this passage, was not the drunkeness of Noah (the only faithful man that God could find.... yet he was a sinner)... but the judgement and the lack of respect and honor that Ham displayed in exploiting his father's sin to his brothers.

I related most with Ham, and wondered if I might have done the same thing.... just as I relate to the older brother in the story of the Prodigal son. Just another reminder of how repulsive self-righteosness is to God... and that I need to repent!

Teamwork

2008-02-13T19:43:00.000-08:00

Here we are on a break from moving a truckload of sand by bucket.

Here we are on our "Tourist day" enjoying the Pacific Ocean with intern Lindsey and the girls' housemother, Loolve

Robert prayed for our safety, as most of his staff (excluding pastors) went.

We had such a wonderful week! I feel like an amnesiac, I have to work really hard to remember everything because it went by so quickly and seems as though it never happened!

Thank you, Lord for the timing

2008-02-08T19:52:00.000-08:00

Today, Joseph had a doctor's appt. scheduled for 4:00 at his pediatrition's office at Memorial. On the way, we had to pull over for a cop car who was rushing to a blockade a block before the Drs. Building. We started to circle around the campus to enter from the other side, and we were getting no where quickly with about 10 other cars inching slowly in front of us and a few cars lining up behind us. At 4:03, I called the office to apologize that we would now be late. The receptionist said, "Honey, you need to turn around and go back home, we are on lock-down, there has been a bomb-threat." We were off of the campus with-in a few minutes.

I just found a broadcast story on the incident. The "bomb" was found underneath a car in the parking lot and the bomb squad detonated it at 4:19. By that time we were a few miles away and did not hear anything. I might have run off the road, if we were still close by and heard it.

Thank you, Lord for protecting us with your timing. I had actually hoped to have a 1 or 1:30 appt. so that we would be out of there in time to pick Hannah and Jack up from school. We would have had a much greater scare if we were around when the bomb threat was discovered. Also, by getting us far enough away before 4:19.

Thank you more for protecting us and so many others who were at the hospital and surrounding Doctors offices today!!!!!

Here is a link to the story.

2008-02-06T17:40:00.001-08:00

I was struck by the beauty of Mexico. Such a majestic flag, such beautiful topograghy, of course the ocean, beautiful trees and flowers. Yet we walked past human excrement on the road, trash in the streets, graffiti, and there is the unclean water.

It's kind of like us (believers), we are image bearers of Christ, yet clouded and junked up by our sin. I'll spare you the filth images, you can use your imagination.

(the same can be said for our city, too. When Adam and I were dating, we'd often go to the riverfront to talk and watch garbage float down the river.)

Check out Donna's blog

2008-02-06T13:49:00.000-08:00

She hasn't posted in a while... but there are pictures of her precious new baby on there today. Donna

Authentic Mexican Food

2008-02-05T13:27:00.000-08:00

So my first post about Acapulco this time will be "fluff", but "fluff" you can use.
Barbara and I had the privelge of helping the cook with lunch on Tuesday and Friday. We ate most of our dinners at the orphanage "dining hall", which was a special treat because of our company. Cliseria is the cook who comes to make the team wonderful, wonderful Mexican food, which was special because of the taste (and her company). Here is how we made lunch on Tuesday:
Menu: Chicken Taquitos, blender salsa, guacamole, and sliced pineapple. Of course every thing was fresh (so fresh that she buys chicken immediately after it is slaughtered).

Guacamole (feeds 12 people very large servings)
1. finely dice half an onion
2. a little lessly fine : ) 3 or 4 roma tomatoes
3. finely dice 1 and a half serrano chiles
4. finely chop half a bunch of cilantro
5. mix all ingredients
6. 6 large avocados, cut in half scoop out and put on top of mixture and cut
7. squeeze out the juice of one small lime
8. salt to taste

Blender salsa
1. Stew 3 or 4 large tomatoes
2. blend 1 clove of garlic in the blender with about a cup of the stew water
3. add 2 seranno chiles
4. add tomatoes
5. cool in refridgerator

Taquitos
1. Cook and shred a few chicken breasts
2. put before you a stack of small flour tortillas and a bowl of water
3. dip you hand in the water, flick water onto tortilla, spread
4. put a very small amount of chicen on bottom of tortilla (about a tablespoon or 1 and a half)
5. Roll up very tightly, secure with toothpick
6. 3 taquitos should fit on each toothpick
7. fry in veg. oil until golden
8. line pot with papertowells, stack cooked taquitos upright side by side to drain.
9. Remove toothpicks
to serve, put out 3 taquitos, top with a handful of queso seco (mex. dry cheese, it is very white) and blender salsa

2008-01-25T13:58:00.000-08:00

So much for the promised post. There has been soooooo much to do this week, to do the normal wife, mother, church stuff + get ready to go out of town, + organize the VBS + prepare the house for company, + + + +.

It seems like every exciting event, rather than savoring, I look forward to getting it over with. I don't want to live that way!

I am excited to see the Casa Hogar kids tomorrow! We actually start heading that way in 9 hours! (but sad to leave my family!!!!)

Would you please pray for our team, for safety, health, success and our families?

Gotta go, but maybe I can post from the "internet cafe" down the street.

Keeping busy!

2008-01-17T10:16:00.000-08:00

I have a lot to report, but soooo little time. I will try to get to my blog tonight or tomorrow night, but wanted to at least say:

1. Happy 35th Birthday!!!!! to Adam (I know what you are thinking, 'he really robbed the cradle' : )

and

2. I will write about our missions trip to Mexico in just 9 days.... but wanted to ask if any of you have some Bath and Body lotion or hand-sanitizer that you won't use. One of the missionaries asked if we could bring some for her.... the Bath and Body hand-sanitizer does not dry out your skin, and the lotion for when they use the regular hand-sanitizer (you need to use it alot down there, and they have an 8 or 9 year old daughter who is diabetic and they sanitize and check her blood a few times a day).

Christmas Day

2007-12-31T20:39:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Day, my Mother stayed around until about 11:30. At 2 (more like 2:15 - we were late as usual) we went to my Dad's house for lunch. My favorite parts of Christmas this year were 1. The season was extra-long with the early Thanksgiving 2. Doing advent devotions, even though we only did them a couple nights a week (since we were out a lot)... esp. singing Christmas hymns together - I think that we have weirded out my poor sister, Amy every year. 3. Spending time with family.

Christmas Eve

2007-12-31T20:21:00.000-08:00

This year, my mother spent the Christmas Eve night with us. It was a lot of fun. I decided to surprise her with our Katzenmeyer traditional Christmas dinner - served on Mimi Katzenmeyer's table, both my grandfather and mother grew up eating this same Christmas meal at this same antique table.

Here we are with the Standing Rib Roast(prime rib), mashed potatoes, rutabegas and peas, yorkshire pudding (kind of pop-overs) and salad.

Christmas in South Carolina

2007-12-31T20:14:00.000-08:00

We went to SC the week before Christmas to Stimart Station for an early Christmas celebration. Hannah and I were treated to manicures and pedicures, we all went out to see lights, and the kids got to see Alvin and the Chipmunks. On the way home, we took a minor detour to go to the American Girl Store in Alpharetta (outside of Atlanta)

Cousin Christmas

2007-12-31T20:10:00.000-08:00

In our family, the 7 cousins exchange names and buy gifts for each other. We celebrated on the 17th, but missed Antarctica, Benjamin, Bradley Bear and Unc. Kevin!
This was the first present that EmmaKate ever opened!

The tree cutting

2007-12-31T15:59:00.000-08:00

We revived one our past Christmas traditions and went down to Ringgold to chose our tree. This year, we got a Leyland Cyprus and even a month later, it is still green! We can keep this one up til Epiphany!

Hannah was a bit grumpy, until she saw the animals. Joseph found a cute "Charlie Brown" tree, we ended up going with Jack's pick, because it was our favorite, too.

Jack's Birthday

2007-12-31T15:11:00.001-08:00

Hannah hi-jacked Jack's birthday. Actually, she didn't have a choice in the matter, but she was pleased, none-the-less. Her piano recital was scheduled for Dec. 7th, and Jack was not pleased.

Hannah played a duet with her Grandma - "Trepak" from the Nutcracker (dance of the Russians), and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas". The recital felt like a church event in the wrong sanctuary; several kids from our church performed.

Jack had been planning a Basketball Birthday since the end of last Basketball season (in years past, he dreamed of having his birthday at the Yeary's house, like Harrison did years ago) He wanted to rent the Bethel gym. Instead we rented the small gym at the Y (only $30 per hour). It was an experience in chaos. The party attendance was actually quite small compared to years past, but even a small group of 8-year-old boys in a small gym with NO sound absorption, could drive a mother in sane.... his grandparents sure were good sports for hanging around so long. But he had the party he wanted and had a good time. I plan to take a year off from party planning.

Oh, and for those of you that haven't had a child reach 8 yet. At least in boys, 8 is "still a baby : )"

An idea

2007-12-22T11:11:00.001-08:00

I came up with a new tradition for our family: A Family Yearbook.

You can upload pictures to Snapfish, Shutterfly, Wolf, Walgreens, etc. to make a bound book at a very reasonable price.

I never made it very far with scrapbooking, and like that this is neater and more uniform.

Now we need to turn our dining room closets into bookshelves to display our yearbooks. I think that I can go back and do as far back as 2003, and possibly make special books for big events like special vacations.

Thought I'd share - as it may be an idea that would interest you!

Living the Dream

2007-12-22T10:58:00.000-08:00

A funny Jack Story:

Our kids do not like to be constricted by clothing. Hannah has always had clothing issues. Joey hates to wear underwear. Many times as we are helping him zip his pants/shorts, we find that he does not have any on. Both boys do not like to wear pants; only shorts.

On cold days, we insist that the boys wear pants to school. They complain mercilessly about this. As soon as we get home, they break free from the tyranny of pants and change into shorts.

Last week, after school, Jack walked into the house, stripping from his pants, on his way to the bathroom. Experiencing the freedom of his boxers.

After about a half hour, a friend knocked on the door, inviting Jack out to play. He ran in red faced after a few minutes when his friend's Mom asked him why he wasn't wearing pants. - He had gone out in a sweatshirt and boxers!

The Christmas Concert

2007-11-26T12:36:00.001-08:00

after game interview

2007-11-24T14:25:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-24T13:58:00.001-08:00

The Turkey Bowl

2007-11-24T09:57:00.001-08:00

Adam, his brothers and Dad have played in the turkey bowl for years. Usually Adam and Aaron vs Ben and Ray. The year that I was pregnant with Jack (Jack was born a week and a half after Thanksgiving) I remember Adam telling everyone that Jack would be playing in the Turkey Bowl soon... and this was the first year. In fact, Hannah did not want to be left out, so she played. Joey was the center for both teams. Jack was named MVP; he was actually quite good and the bottom picture is of him catching the winning goal.

The Birthday Party

2007-11-24T09:48:00.001-08:00

Joey and Davis had a very fun time at their 5 year old birthday. We planned what we thought would be a small party, that turned out big and fun. Thank you to all of you who prayed that they would be healthy and able to attend. Hannah and Jack had been sick all week, and we were concerned that Joey or Davis might get sick, but the Lord protected them - Joey still has not gotten sick!

Meet Zack

2007-11-24T09:44:00.000-08:00

For Joseph's birthday present, he wanted to go to Build-a-Bear. He made a turtle. He also picked out a Falcons uniform, including a helmet... he also chose a "church shirt".

Birthday fun at preschool

2007-11-15T13:28:00.000-08:00

Today was Joey's best friend's 5th b-day. Joey's will be 5 on Sunday. Amy sent in cupcakes to celebrate!

Our Tornado Shelter

2007-11-15T13:14:00.000-08:00

A sweet and very well-meaning neighbor called last night to ask if I had the TV on. I told her that I didn't. She told me to turn it on, because there was a warning that a tornado was heading our way. I, unfortunately, can be easily alarmed... and I heeded her advice to clear our our closet under the stairs. Hannah and Jack had a fever relapse, so they rested on the mattress of our roll-away, that I put in there. Joey practiced reading "Dick and Jane".... he is really able to sound out words and read a few pages to us correctly.

Special Jewelry

2007-11-14T12:05:00.000-08:00

At the Women's Retreat, our speaker encouraged us to "give our children the blessing".

Well, Hannah and I have a lot of friction in our relationship. It seems like ever since she was born she has shown and told me "I don't need you". I try to show her that I care, and she pushes me away most of the time. We do have those moments of warmth and we do have some fun times together.... but they are quickly over and she doesn't remember them as she continually asks me, "Why are you always so mean?"

I can accept this though,because left to her own devices, she'd be in a world of trouble. For instance, last weekend I came home from taking Jack to a birthday party, to find her in the kitchen eating a lolly-pop and drinking sugar water, as Adam watched his football game. She has not developed enough self-control for me to not "be mean".

So, I said, "Hannah, if I could choose a daughter from all the little girls in the world, I'd choose you" She said, "what-ever"

I tried it again the next day. She did not respond, but she didn't shoot me down either. That night, she went to the mall with her friend. She had $5 from her grandparents and $2 from me (aren't I generous :) ?)

This is what she came home with, a gift for me:

Last evening, Hannah and Jack both came down with fevers. They had been outside playing since school and came in for dinner complaining of headaches. Today we stayed in. I was looking through our closet and found a bag of beads and partially made jewelry from the days of mine and Charla's jewelry business: Sentimental Strands. I decided to finish this necklace. It is the first thing I have made in 6 years!

PS- Hannah and Jack are laying around, but are feeling much better. They should be back to school tomorrow!

11 Years!

2007-11-09T12:45:00.000-08:00

If you've never seen a boot*leg, (as everyone who did that latest email survey stated) watch above. During my senior year of college, I did an unpaid internship at channel9. A few of the people that I worked with donated their time, and only charged for studio rental. They did a full wedding video and edited this 3 or so minute package as a synopsis of the day. This was in the days of VHS, and in the styles of the 90's. Adam and I were only a few pounds apart! (that is nothing to brag about)

Happy Birthday to my Dad and Step-mother!

2007-11-08T11:54:00.000-08:00

This is a week and a half of milestones! My mother's birthday was yesterday, step-mother's is TODAY, our 11 year anniversary is Friday, my dad's birthday is Monday, and Joey's 5th birthday will be on Sunday the 18th. Followed by Thanksgiving, then 2 weeks after that Jack's 8th, then Christmas (with some aunt and uncle b-days sprinkled in Gina and Ben)

Happy Birthday to my Mother!

2007-11-07T12:54:00.001-08:00

2007-11-07T12:32:00.001-08:00

The morning after Halloween, Joseph decided that he wanted to wear the cape from the Superman costume that Jack wouldn't wear. Davis came over to ride to preschool with us. He wanted a Superman cape, too. I went upstairs and found the red cape from Hannah's wonderwoman costume two years ago. He was thrilled with his "superman" cape. Don't tell him what he was really wearing : ) !!!! They were quite pleased with themselves and wanted to show all of their friends. ... so I let them both go to school as superheroes. I told their teacher that she was welcome to make them put the capes in their backpacks, but she indulged them also, and they wore them all day. Davis came over yesterday to go to school again, and asked for his cape.

We had a great Women's Retreat in Pigeon Forge this weekend! We learned about what it meant to "take His yoke upon us" - we still carry our burdens, but with the yoke of Christ, the burdens are much lighter!!! And how to give people the blessing, etc, etc, etc.

We got home just in time to attend a small group social at Scott and Wendy's house. It was fun!

2004

2007-10-31T18:21:00.001-07:00

2005

2007-10-31T18:20:00.000-07:00

2006

2007-10-31T17:53:00.000-07:00

Trick or Treat

2007-10-31T17:38:00.000-07:00

The kids grandparents offered to buy them whatever costumes they wanted. Jack did not want a costume. We actually had a misbought Superman in his size from last year and he'd still fit into his Obi Wan and Darth Vader costumes, but he insisted on going as Jack the guitarist. Joseph didn't catch anyone committing crime, but he planned on "under arresting" anyone he caught breaking the law.

Adam didn't shave today.

Hannah and Emma Kate are the only girls in the family. We will have another nephew in the Spring... giving Hannah 2 brothers and 4 boy cousins.

The man in the dress is my brother-in-law... he insists that he is dressed as a priest.

Pumpkin Carving

2007-10-31T17:27:00.001-07:00

It's good to let go

2007-10-29T06:56:00.001-07:00

Last weekend we were getting ready to babysit my niece so that Amy and Joel could go out for only the 2nd time since her birth. They needed it! but I started thinking, "we need it too". As I sat feeling sorry for ourselves, Adam's Mom called and asked if they could take the kids for the following weekend.

A year ago, I would have asked what they thought of staying with us and letting us go out on Saturday night. I would not have been real enthused about sending the children with them 3 and a half hours away for 2 days and all of the travel involved. I could have easily used the Fall Festival at church as a reason why this weekend would not have been the best.

After hearing of all of these young mothers who have died in the past months, (see Keri's post) and knowing one personally... I'm realizing how important it is to not hold our children too tightly... to encourage relationships with other family members and trusted adults... to enjoy the times we do have together.

It is so easy for moms of young children to let our role as a mother define us completely... to pour all of ourselves into our children... even to become co-dependent with our children. I have headed down that path many times.

Adam and I went to eat downtown at Taco Mac on Friday night - we would highly recommend that restaurant by the way... the prices are very low and food is very good! Then we walked around the city. On Saturday, we had a lazy day... we did our own thing from about noon - 5 and then headed over the river to meet friends for dinner and a movie.

The children and their grandparents had a great time together! They always do!

Next weekend is the women's retreat and another weekend away - I better enjoy the kids during the week and be thankful for times to build our marriage and time to build friendships... and remember during the rest of the year to prioritize my relationship with my children (although let the Lord have position one, and my husband position two), yet not allow them to be center of my universe.

Things to make me smile

2007-10-22T05:55:00.000-07:00

We have grass again!!!! We went on vacation for 10 days in August and came home to dead grass. It was very embarrassing compared to the other yards on the street. Grass is Greener tilled our yard and reseeded... for less the cost of what we would pay retail for the seed! I'm scared to see our water bill, but now our yard is in better shape than many on the street. We need rain!

Hannah and Jack both made straight-A's. I must say, I am very pleasantly surprised. We have always known that Hannah is bright, but worried about Jack because he spoke and read much later. Jack's teacher said that he leading the class in reading. We are very thankful that they like school!

.... and I found this old picture from 1982. Erica is skeletor and I am wonder woman. We trick or treated at Northgate, and not a single person knew that I was wonderwoman until I told them. I was not pleased. Erica spoke her famous line that night, that we use til this day whenever anyone talks about putting on a sweater when it's cold. She had a speech impediment and when my mother told me to put on a sweater, she said, "but Mommy, wonderwoman doesn't wear a fweater"... you had to have been there :)

Maybe this will help

2007-10-18T15:32:00.000-07:00

I read Donna's blog about her husband's findings and remembered that my sister had sent me this link. I guess I need to pay more attention to politics because I don't know if I've ever heard of the guy with which I am best aligned.

Did your results surprise you?


	Duncan Hunter Score: 41	Agree Iraq Immigration Taxes Health Care Abortion Social Security Line-Item Veto Energy Marriage	Disagree Stem-Cell Research Death Penalty
-- Take the Quiz! --

Second Grade PTA performance

2007-10-17T11:52:00.000-07:00

Poor Jack! He has a mother with too-much information swirling around in her brain!!!! I think I must be the most distracted mother around. He got up on stage last night and Adam said, "that shirt does not fit him."... and he and his buddy were front row and center. Jack and Joseph have matching shirts and I apparently put Joseph's out for Jack to wear! Also, Jack was the one to sing a sound alone.... which was one of my fears during choral performances, but he recovered well.

We are family

2007-10-17T11:49:00.000-07:00

We had a weekend of family events! Saturday was my sister, Erica's 30th birthday... we spent a few hours celebrating at my Dad and Stepmother's house.
Then we spent Sunday afternoon at my Mother's house.

How do child photographers do it?

2007-10-17T11:32:00.000-07:00

These are of our chidren and all of their cousins. After several tries, I gave up! Tomorrow we find out if the newest addition to our family is a girl or boy.... Adam's brother, Aaron and his wife, Hilary are expecting in March.

Happy Birthday!!!!

2007-10-11T13:12:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to my Mema who turned 80 last week and to my sister, Erica who will be 30 on Saturday!!!! We hope that this will be a great year for you both!

This was a big week for our church basketball team, too.... they celebrated their second win of the season on Monday!

Pictures from the past couple of weeks

2007-10-06T12:48:00.000-07:00

Hannah and Aaron winning the three-legged race

The guys at the church picnic

Hannah and April one Sunday after church

Joey (what he says he wants to be called now : ) and his buddies

Moving Day: My Dad in front of he and my step-mother's new house

Today: Hannah, Lydia and Lydia's neighbor wearing very cool hair-pieces

Today: Adam, Jack and Luke versus a couple of neighborhood teen-agers

We are also neighbors to two very cute new babies! Don't have a picture to post.

Local mall does a wonderful thing!

2007-10-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

Kimberly had booked a birthday party for Lydia at Libby!lu for Oct. 4th. When we went over to her house to check on the family last Wednesday, Lydia bounded to the door with Hannah's party invitation.

Kimberly's sister called the store to tell them that Kimberly had died, but they still wanted for Lydia to have her party... what did they need to know, or do?

The girls were to have a small make-over party, but the ladies at Libby!lu decided that they wanted to surprise Lydia and her family with a very special party. They contacted Chick Filet in the foodcourt, who donated a HUGE tray overflowing with nuggets, the Cookie Co. donated a huge cookie cake and drinks for the girls and all the adults... they decorated tables in the foodcourt with tablecloths and balloons, then Libbi!lu, instead of making them choose their take-home party gift, let the girls have one of each of the choices. They also gave all of the goodies to Lydia plus t-shirts and cd's.

The girls then went to Lydia's grandparents' house for a sleep-over. They had a great time! I'm sure that it was bittersweet... but what an encouragement to the family and others to watch the community reach out to Lydia on her special day!

The Circle of Life

2007-09-26T20:33:00.001-07:00

In my last post, I contemplated the "Circle of Life"; in the past day, I have watched it.

Hannah and Jack are very good friends with a brother and sister that live behind us. They spend several days a week together. Jack and Luke have a "band", they play baseball, basketball, football, lacrosse, and racquetball(against Luke's house - with his parents' permission.) Hannah and Lydia play American Girls, dress-up, American Idol, watch High school Musical, etc, etc.

Jack and Luke have been friends since they began Kindergarten together in the same class. We met Luke and his mom at Kindergarten pre-testing. She and I talked for awhile, and I said, "you look soooo familiar", she named her church, her high school, her activities, and then said, "I'm in commercials for my dad's store", I'd "known" her since I was a kid.

At the beginning of October 2005, a few months after we had moved into this house, Jack saw a kid playing in the culdesac behind our house. He yelled, "are you Luke?" the kid said, "Yes, can you come play?" Hannah ran with Jack over to talk to him and said, "Mom, he said we can come meet his mom and his sisters" So I walked through the yards to end up in their backyard, crashing the birthday party of his sister who we had never met. Kimberly insisted that we stay, we did and amazingly it didn't feel weird. That was the start of our family friendship.

Every now and then, I would hear a knock on my back door, to the kitchen the messiest room of the house... and it would be Kimberly, checking in on her kids. She was so motherly to mine!!! She was one of those people who would have the whole neighborhood over to her house, and be happy about it.

She did not know how to play the piano, but read books and taught her daughters and another girl in the neighborhood piano. She had never cheer leaded, but bought an instruction video and taught herself and then coached her daughter's upward cheer squad.

Jack and Luke ended up in 1st grade together. She and I planned their class Christmas party together, and were co-leaders for the class's Carnival booth.

Hannah and Lydia have had several sleep-overs. Jack and Luke have had 2 attempted sleep-overs at our house, and a successful one at theirs.

This summer, we walked together a few times. One thing I know for sure is that she was on fire for the Lord!!!! All conversations came back to Him.

Our vacation fell over school registration. She went and met our kid's teachers and got their packets. She had a long talk with Hannah's teacher and gave me a good report. When she walked down the 2nd grade hall, she found that Jack and Luke were together for a third year! She explained that Jack was coming to school this year and brought us all the information. We talked to her at least 3 times over vacation. To find out about the teachers, and for Hannah and Jack to talk to Luke and Lydia.

On Monday, she came by with a load of our kid's stuff from her house. This is a regular thing. I teased her that her house is one of our closets :). She said, I don't mind, just thought you might be looking for some of this.

Yesterday, she came over. She said, I need a favor. Luke left his homework on the bus. They had 2 pages of 100 math problems. We each hand copied a page. She drew a dog on hers, and I drew a bird on mine. The phone rang, Hannah came in and said "It's for Miss Kimberly". It was her family needing her to settle something. We laughed.

Today, the neighborhood kids knocked on our door. I answered and they matter-of-factly said, "Well, Luke's mom is dead." I argued with them for a minute, and then Marsha called to confirm.

It's just so sad!!!! We KNOW where she is!!! But she was such an amazing person, it's sad for everyone, especially her husband and 3 kids.

Usually in friendships, I feel like I am even or even sometimes on the giving side. I was on the receiving side of ours. She was so close to our kids, too!

We went over there this evening. They were all in shock, but still their loving giving selves.

We came home and read in Revelation about heaven, and prayed. Hannah and Jack finally fell asleep together in Hannah's little twin sized bed.

Here is her obituary. and this.

Reminders of loved ones gone

2007-09-24T05:50:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, I went with my Mother to the wedding of her cousin's child. We are either 2nd cousins or cousins once removed. She is one of 7 kids and an identical triplet. I used to love to tell the story about my cousin Mary, who had four boys, prayed for a girl and had triplet girls.

I fall in age between Mary's oldest two boys. The triplets were born when I was 7 and a half. When they were babies, I went with my dad to see some film at Covenant College. It was scary to me, so he let me go with some of my cousins to the nursery... we played with the baby triplets and thought they were the coolest. We also spent every Christmas afternoon together at our Aunt Collyn's house.

My sisters and I tried so hard to play with them, but they had all the friendship they needed in each other, their own language almost. Sometimes, they would play with us, most times they wouldn't.

All that to say, I have never been close to this cousin. But I couldn't help but cry before and through much her wedding. Anyone who saw me must have thought I was crazy!!!! Some of my cousins may have even wondered what I was doing there. But my emotions were not due to the wedding, but at seeing my three great-aunts.

My grandmother, Billie (Wilhelmine Franzenburg Katzenmeyer) died two summers ago. She was a little like each of her sisters. I saw her two youngest sisters, who are well into their 80's. Granny looked most like Aunt Ruthie - who is 85, but looks so healthy! Her husband, Uncle Russ (who is 90) and she each look 15 years younger than they are! Talking to her was almost like talking to my grandmother, but with less intimacy. Then I saw her oldest sister, Jean,88, grandmother to the bride... she insisted on walking down the aisle rather than riding in a wheel chair. She looked so weak and frail. She reminded me of Granny once she became sick. It all made me realize that even though on most days, memories of her don't cause sadness, I do miss her.

It also made me think of the circle of life... and wonder how much these aunts missed their grandparents, parents.... (although I know for sure that they miss spouses and siblings)... wondering to what extent having generations that are younger fills in that gap. And made me thankful that one day I will be reunited with many of my loved ones in heaven.

When I was little, My cousin Mary had a station wagon to transport those 7 kids. I used to daydream that we took their wagon and all of my parents, grandparents, siblings, Aunt Collyn and Uncle Rudy got in and drove it right off Lookout mountain, so that we could all go to heaven together.

It's Saturday Night!!!!

2007-09-08T19:27:00.000-07:00

If you know me well, you know that I am a huge fan of the old Saturday Night Live. Every few months, I check out their section of the NBC web page- They have now added lots of video clips!!!! If you are a fan, you've got to check it out!

I used to love to imitate Emily Littela, my favorite is "What is this I hear about endangered feces?"

"nevermind"

http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/#mea=2354

And.......

Sometimes, when I get nervous, I watch this.

Electricity Bill

2007-09-08T14:35:00.000-07:00

The dreaded electricity bill arrived today. With the record-high heat - several days over 100...up to 109 and maybe 1 in 30 days that the temps did not reach the 90's - I was expecting a bill well over $200, perhaps pushing $300!

Since I returned from Mexico in early June, I have kept the thermostat at 80, lowering it to about 72, when we have company. In Acapulco, the weather is always like this and those who have air conditioners only run them at night. After a few days, your body adjusts to the heat (somewhat :) )

This summer, we have left the thermostat alone, and turned on fans. It has not been uncomfortable. Our bodies have all adjusted. And our bill?..... only $165, not bad for a month of cooling 100+ degree weather for a 2800+ sqaure foot house!!!!

Now we'll see how long it takes to adjust to 60 degree temperatures inside, if we get a winter!

Adam's manly wheels

2007-09-08T13:22:00.000-07:00

Adam got to go watch Nebraska barely beat Wake Forrest in Winston Salem this weekend.

He met his brother Ben (who lives in Raleigh),and they are staying with Ben's friend.

Adam had planned to drive his 1996 Jeep. I was worried about how we would pay for a tow, car repair and hotel if it broke down. Then it occured to me- the Jeep gets horrible gas mileage, if he rented a car, we'd break even and not have to worry about emergency car expense.

So, he rented an Altima (or like :-) ). When he went to pick it up, they were out of Altimas so they gave him a purple PT Cruiser. Such a manly car to drive to a football game : ) !

She was a-runn-in

2007-09-06T18:14:00.000-07:00

Hannah ran at a county-wide cross country meet today. She came in 22nd out of what seemed to be close to a hundred fourth-graders. I am so weird, I got teary-eyed when she crossed the finish line (I always tear-up when they score a goal or a run, or win an award). She was so worried that she might come in last.... I was sad for the ones who did finish last... but someone has to be last.

Old friends and Poo

2007-09-03T19:22:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend of reunions! On Saturday, we went to the birthday party of the 4 year old son of my (in her words) "oldest friend" (she is 15 days older than me :) We have known each other since the 7th grade, but became inseparable in the first week of 9th grade Spanish 2. We were also roommates in Lockmiller dorms at UTC. Her grandfather, Band-daddy, referred to me as his "girlfriend"... at my wedding reception, he asked me what I was doing marrying another man. Stacy is one of those people that I can talk to every month or two and never miss a beat.

On Sunday, we went to Jay and Cynthia's house along with my good friend Dana and her husband, Scott. We had 8 children between us... and they had a great time together. Scott, Dana and I sat together as college freshman in Geology. The interesting thing to me about the 6 of us, is that we were not a friend group, but we each knew the other 5 long before any of us even dated each other (we did all grow up here).

After a couple of hours of catching up, Scott, Dana and family left. Then we had a couple of Dance Revolution contests (Jay's idea), and the guys returned to their Ping Pong tournament. Cynthia and I were sitting in the garage, talking and watching the match, when a spring burst forth from the ceiling. We all just watched it for a minute, and then Jay took off to find the cause. Realizing that our kids could have something to do with it, I said "Adam, follow him".

The source was an overflowing toilet, clogged by a normal amount of matter from our youngest. He just happened to be the lucky one to use the toilet at that time. Jay and Adam sopped up the floor with towels and threw the overflowed little balls back in. I always knew that there was a brotherly love between them, but when a guy will clean up your kid's, poo......:)

Then on the way home, we asked Joseph about it. He told us, very matter-of-factly, that it wasn't just his in there. Another little girl had some balls escape her pants in the playroom, and Caroline picked them up and threw them in the toilet too.

It's football time in TN

2007-09-01T17:39:00.000-07:00

Growing up in a household of girls, I don't fully get this! The guys watched lots of football today - including Nebraska's season opener. They played during half times. Adam tried to tell Joseph that there is "no crying in football". Joseph nor I agreed.

I did become nostalgic though. Remembering the first time I cheered for our high school ninth grade team (when I was in school, 9th graders were not eligible for Varsity Football or cheerleading). Our cheerleading sponsor was new and knew nothing about cheerleading. She had us cheer the entire game facing the field, instead of the crowd. None of us understood the game, so we cheered "1st and 10 do it again",when we were playing defense and "Block that Kick" for no reason in the middle of the game.

Then there was our first Varsity Football game in 10th grade. The guys in the stands started cheering for me. I was very pleased with all of the attention, until our varsity sponsor (who, by the way, knew a lot more than the 9th grade sponsor) gave me a horrible look and pointed to her chest. I looked down and 2 buttons of my vest were undone!

Here's our dance :)

2007-09-01T17:29:00.001-07:00

I have had so much fun with this program!!!! I made one of my Dad discoing with his "favorite" politician (Ha ha ha), Hillary Clinton; one of Adam and his Dad performing the hula, and my Mother doing a salsa number with Tom Cruise. I didn't post any of those, cause they'd kill me. I know that my Mother and Dad got a good laugh... and I also laughed plenty at their expense : )!

Erica, you can send this program through your VA blog ring. It's so much fun.

Thanks Lisa and Keri!

BTW, I've actually done many dances similar to that. I tapdanced and Irish Step Danced until May 2006. I plan to go back when life slows down.

"Ruth,why do you even open your mouth?"

2007-08-31T07:15:00.000-07:00

...said one of Adam's good friends (who I have known since highschool)several months ago, after I had unwittingly inserted my foot into my mouth.

Another friend reminded me the other day about how I had said something offensive to her. I asked her if she had been a softball player. My intended meaning: you are so fit and muscular- Her intreptation: you are stubby and masculine.

Then yesterday, I saw a lady at school who has brought a little girl to our church Music Camp the past three years. She looked at me as if she was trying to place me. I said, "I know you from our church's Music Camp, you are ______'s grandmother." She said "mother", so I said, "mother" I'm not sure what all I said next, but I started talking about as many things I could think about in 45 seconds, hoping she'd forget my faux pas.

At my 10 year highschool reunion I saw a girl who I had heard, months earlier, was pregnant. I said, "when are you due?" She informed me that the baby was a few months old. Not sure whether to just shut my mouth at that point or try to make it right, I went on, "You are sitting down, and I couldn't tell that you were pregnant, but wanted to ask about the baby since I had heard a while back that you were expecting." UGGHHH!!!!!!

I don't always realize when the words that have slid out of my mouth are offensive. Sometimes I become over-sensitive and make a big deal out of something that could have been taken wrong, but wasn't. It's hard to know when to call someone and apologize and when to let it go.

I will try to work harder, to "be slow to speak", and I ask for grace and forgivness from you friends, if I have ever offended you. 99.999999% of the time, it was completely unitentional!!!!!!

We skipped school....

2007-08-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

on Friday, and went to the GA aquarium, then onto Stimart Station to celebrate my Father-in-laws birthday. My sister-in-law, Hilary, scored free tickets for us.

The kids favorite part was watching a Beluga whale eliminate. There were also Whale sharks, penquins, sea otters, etc. etc. I think that it is much better than the TN Aquarium or the Gatlinburg Aquarium.

Sweet Home Alabama

2007-08-27T13:14:00.000-07:00

I figured out how to reduce the file size of the video of Jack singing again at Hilton Head, this time at Salty Dog.

As you can tell, he did not know the words to the verses, but sang loud and proud during the choruses!

Not sure how to take this

2007-08-27T12:01:00.000-07:00

Joseph just said, "Mommy, you look strong like a man"

That's up there with the time that Jack said, "Mommy, you are beautiful, your eyebrows look like worms"

Now that's some good parenting!

2007-08-20T11:44:00.000-07:00

This is Joseph drinking his morning coffee, while sitting on the kitchen counters! OK, so you are thinking, "no wonder the kid never sleeps", but it is very diluted, at least half water, and the kid loves it.

Joseph loves it when Hannah and Jack are in school and he has me all to himself. He calls it "special time". He even convinced me that it took an hour to get really clean.

Oh well, better enjoy it! I only have 51 weeks left until he is in Kindergarten. Off to play Cars.

First Days of School

2007-08-20T11:34:00.000-07:00

Well school started back just in the nick of time. I enjoy having my kids at home, but when they spend to much time together, family life becomes frustrating! The last couple of weeks, I've had to break up more fights then I'd care to count!

Don't Hannah and Jack look almost like twins working on their homework the first day of school?

Joseph has looked forward to going to Pre-K 2 mornings a week, but wanted me to stay with him. Detaching is hard in the morning, but he's fine with in a couple of minutes of me leaving.

This one is of Joseph and Davis swimming in Davis' neighborhood. We had the pool all to ourselves as the older kids were all in school.

For my somewhat bilingual friends

2007-08-18T20:20:00.000-07:00

Look what I found so close to us! It seems to be a hispanic church connected to Red Bank Baptist with services, bible studies, etc. in Spanish. And also Spanish classes.

I'd like to visit sometime!

My son - the performer

2007-08-17T06:03:00.001-07:00

If you have ever been to Hilton Head, you know that it is a great place for families. There are several performers that have been there for years. They are on their second generation of kids. At the Gregg Russell show, there must have been close to 30 adults who raised their hands when he asked, "How many of you adults, attended my show as a child?" One grown man had brought his children and admitted that Gregg had chosen him to sing on the stage when he was really small, Gregg refused to begin the show until after the man came up and reprised his number "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" He seemed to be a shy 30something, but a good sport, he got lots of smiles and applause.

Last year, all 3 of our children desperately wanted to be chosen to sing at the Shannon Tanner show. None of them were chosen. But this year.......... :) Gregg chose both Jack and Joseph to come up (Hannah was not interested this year - she thought she was too big.) And the entertainer at Salty Dog invited Jack up to sing "Sweet Home Alabama" with him.

The video of "Sweet Home" was too big to upload, but if you are a Jack fan, I'll show you sometime. He owned the stage, and thought that the people were there to see him (I don't want to encourage always being the center of attention, but it was cool to see his confidence level in being in front of others)

So here are Jack and Joseph talking to Gregg Russell in front of a couple of hundred people. Jack is going to work on some material for next year and hope to finally be chosen by Shannon Tanner. All of this kid entertainment is free at Hilton Head - so it makes for and unexpectedly reasonably priced vacation!

BTW the Pepsi reference is because Jack wants to be just like his Uncle Aaron who works for Pepsi!

We're back!

2007-08-12T15:09:00.000-07:00

we just got back from vacation just in time for the
kids to go to school. Click here to watch our vacation photoshow.

Any locals interested in studying Spanish?

2007-07-30T07:00:00.001-07:00

Charla told me several months ago that the Hoffmans are teaching Spanish classes. They have been on staff at our church a couple of times over the years, they teach Spanish at CCS and were missionairies for several years in Mexico (I think that Lorraine is from Mexico).

I finally called Dave this morning to find out about the Fall class. He told me that so far he had one other person signed up at my level, and it's Keri :) He needs at least one more intermediate student, preferably 2. The session will last for 8 weeks, with an hour-long weekly class.

He has a conversational method, my training thus far has been all literature based. Reciting Spanish poetry did not come in handy in Mexico :) (I won first place in the county for reciting "Las Golondrinas" por Becquer in 12th grade).

If there are 3 in our class, the cost is $150 per person. If there are 4, the cost is $125. Classes start in Sept, let me know if you are interested.

More July pictures

2007-07-30T06:41:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, we went to Movies in the Park again, this time with Mr. Jay and Miss Terry. We planned to go again this Saturday with my good friend from Highschool and college, Stacy and her family, but the rain scared us away so we went to the $2.50 movies instead.

Also in July, Adam and I went out on a date. I don't have any pictures to prove it, but My Dad and Step-mother kept the kids overnight a week ago Friday. The kids, had fun too. Thanks, guys!

My new opportunity

2007-07-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

So I have been planning ahead for the past year as to what I might do when Joseph goes to school in 2008 (it'll take at least 2 years to find the right job:) Well, I might have found it. Actually, it found me last year but I was not yet ready. The timing seems to be great, too!

I will be working at UNUM about 12 weeks a year. Not starting until 2008. I will be enrolling people into the disablity insurance plans, mainly over the phone with some local travel for one of one meetings and group presentations. Not much work if any over the summers. I would not work at Christmas vacation time. Basically 6 - 8 weeks within Sept, Oct, and November and 4-8 weeks spread out among Jan - May.

For now, I will take a 4 day licensing class in the fall, do about 40 hours of computer training at home after the kids are in bed, spread out through December, go to Portland, Maine for a week early in 2008 and work a couple of weeks spread out through the Spring. Take off for the summer and start the Fall season once all 3 children are in school.

It seems to be the best of both worlds, living as a corporate productive woman for about 12 weeks a year and as a home-maker the other 40.

What does this mean for my nursery coordinator job? I have no idea! I do know that I will not be working very much at UNUM until next Sept. so it should not conflict. I have been doing it for 6 years though. I do need to keep working for now, and I still feel called. but realize that the Lord could call someone else at any time. Lord, could you please wait until at least next fall :) ?

Given the separation anxiety that Joseph has experienced this summer 3 or 4 weeks of separation (a few days at a time) will be good practice for us in preparing him for Kindergarten.

Am I being responsible, or turning my boys into sissies?

2007-07-24T10:08:00.001-07:00

I am especially sensitive to this after Joseph's stitches last week! When I give freedom, I feel guilty. When I don't I wonder if I am crippling them. Our neighbors have trampolines (with out nets) they scare me to death. I usually say "no", but I am the only mother on our street who does. So I grit my teeth, tense up and say "yes" every now and then. Knowing that one of them could be seriously hurt. This has been a big stressor to me in neighborhood living.

Well, we have some new neighbors with 4 kids, one of which is a 10 year old boy, whom Jack idolizes. This boy has broadened our horizons with daily Lacrosse games, bead gun wars and skateboard ramps. I am not comfortable with any of these things. Jack has already been bruised in the chest by a bb, before I realized that they were playing guns.

So far, I make him come home when they get the guns out and I will not let him go down the skateboard ramp, which is about 4 feet high.... but I don't see any of the other mothers saying "no". I want to protect them, but not make them the laughing-stock of the neighborhood.

and I thought that boys were easy!!!! Do I just need to lighten up?

2007-07-20T13:04:00.000-07:00

We've had an interesting week. On Saturday, we went to Movies in the Park to watch Over the Hedge. Every Saturday in July at dark, First Things First shows a family movie. It really is a lot of fun to sit on a picnic blanket among hundreds of Chattanooga families to watch a movie. I do get a bit tense, because so many small children get separated from their families. This time, before the movie they were looking for one child, they called for 2 children during the movie and another after. I truly hope that all of the children were reunited with their families!

Last summer, we were one of those families. It was a case of everyone thought that the other was watching Joseph. Joseph loves to wander and do whatever he wants. He could have been gone for 2 or 3 minutes before anyone realized. We looked frantically for him. We involved the police. It was about to get dark. We were beside the river, there are lots of parking areas all around. During those ten minutes, I was imagining what life was going to be like with out him. Wondering how long it would be so horrible... probably much like the parents who lost their children this week.

On Wednesday, we were at church... as a person responsible for enforcing church policies regarding children, I made a STUPID mistake! I left my children unattended in a room to eat lunch while I was down the hall in a meeting. My children can not handle that much responsiblity and I know it. They had strict rules to stay in the room. No horse-playing, running, fighting. Just eat their lunch, throw it away, and play a game. Well, we ended up at the doctor, with Joseph getting 3 stitches in his head. A boy came by and was spitting on Hannah, she took off running out of the room and knocked Joseph into the doorframe, busting his head open. I know that it is my fault, but I'm so frustrated that I can not take my eyes off of them.

Thursday got better, we went to Dalton again. There was a medical missions team there for the week from Mercer University. We played with the kids and did a craft.

The van ride back reminded me of the beginning of the Veggie Tales movie:Jonah.

Kids at Church this summer

2007-07-16T13:33:00.001-07:00

Our beloved tree, we should give it a name!

This was Jack's first opportunity to hold his new cousin. This was at the Pioneer Club awards banquet in May.

This is Joseph trying to stay awake at church:

This is a video of the children singing "Thy Word"

This one is from the preschool party, they sing their "Good Morning" song, and then my favorite part is to listen to these 4-year-olds recite John 3:16, for that part, you can fast-forward about 2/3 of the way.

These pictures are of course from Music Camp. Joseph sang a few songs with the other 70-something preschoolers. Hannah was a Rumor Weed and Jack was Robo-Scarecrow.

Erica, this is for you!

2007-07-13T12:45:00.000-07:00

I was looking though some old photos, We were given some really bad haircuts!

Couldn't find any of the "Dorothy Hammel" :) !

There is a current photo of Erica on May 15 :), her hair looks great :) !

Rewind one month

2007-07-13T11:25:00.000-07:00

.... to Hannah's 9 year-old birthday. Hannah had a sleep-over with 11 of her closest friends. For some unknown reason, Adam hid in our bedroom most of the night. The kids entertained themselves by singing karaoke and acting out Highschool Musical (the highlight to Jack's night :) - he played Troy)

This is why we need to watch Hannah's sugar intake:

Summer Serve in Dalton

2007-07-13T10:09:00.000-07:00

Our church is sending a team of children down to Dalton every Thursday. The Government has a free lunch program, Monday - Friday during the summer for underprivileged children. Grace Presbyterian of Dalton sends members to the park daily to interact with the families, we are helping them on Thursdays. Watch a photoshow of the kids yesterday. I was surprised that every single child we saw was Hispanic. They are actually the majority in that area. The children speak English, but many of their parents only speak Spanish. It was a great experience and a teeny tiny eency weency glimpse of what going to Mexico is like.

Thrifty Advice?

2007-07-09T10:33:00.000-07:00

With vacation less than 4 weeks away, and a bill to fix my brother-in-laws new car (When Adam took the kids to his parents' house while I was away, as soon as Jack got out of the car, he incurred a $500 bill- he opened our door right onto the door of Adam's brother's new car!), etc, etc... it is time to revert to my old thrifty ways. Goal #1: use less than 1/2 a tank a week in the van, Goal#2: Slash the grocery bill.
Here are some of our cheap stand-bys:
1. A family size can of Campbell's chicken noodle soup, with cheese toast
2. Taco salad: a head of iceberg, lb. of GB with cumin and chili powder, 1 can of beans, cheese and little salsa
3. Spaghetti
4. Scrambled eggs
5. I buy a bunch of chicken breasts on sale, grill them, cut them up - freeze, use in casseroles, on salad, in quesadillas, etc.

Anyone else have some cheap meal ideas?

Are you smarter than an Eighth Grader?

2007-07-06T09:27:00.000-07:00

You Passed 8th Grade Math

Congratulations, you got 9/10 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Math?

Take this test to find out :)

Happy Fourth!!!!

2007-07-04T19:50:00.000-07:00

We didn't have to leave our house to see fireworks. The neighborhood behind ours put on quite a show!

Look Mom, only 2 wheels!

2007-07-04T10:07:00.001-07:00

Little Joseph learned how to ride a bike without training wheels last week!

Summertime at Stimart Station

2007-07-04T09:27:00.000-07:00

Just got back from Adam's parents'. The kids spent their days: fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing, eating, sleeping, playing. Good times!

Why go?

2007-06-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

After I got back from Mexico, I was asked "Why go?" It seems like a fair question. OK, so you go spend a week in Mexico, go to the beach with a bunch of kids, do a little construction,3 nights of VBS. Wouldn't it be much more cost-effective to send money? You are not bringing any of the kids back. Can spending a few hours a day with them even make any difference at all?

The short answer: If the Lord puts going (anywhere) on your heart, GO!!!!!!!

God created us for relationship; we NEED to be in relationship with Him, we need to be in relationship with other people. We are His hands and feet. James 1:27 - "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by this world."

It's easy to think, "I can't do that, it would be too hard on me emotionally." It often requires sacrifice to answer God's call. It may be hard. We may have to feel pain or sadness. We may have to miss our family for a week, two weeks or more.

I'm not suggesting that the Lord is calling everyone to care for orphans, but if you feel that He is calling you, I challenge you to say, "Here I am, send me".

I've also been struck by the realization that I could have been an orphan. My children could one day be orphaned...."do unto others, the way that you would have them do unto you"

We can not rescue the world. We may not even be able to take in one child. But we are to do what we can. Our team spent only 1 week at the orphanage. We all hope to return in January or February. Maybe our calling is to be like special aunts and uncles who visit, give love and attention.... then look forward to returning to visit again.

These particular children would probably be better off in their own culture. They have been raised in a culture that values relationships and people above performance and production. Although is was hard to leave them, we knew that they were getting good care, love and attention.

They had various heart-breaking backgrounds. But were not defined by what they came from. We live in a fallen world. Many of us have dysfunctional families, pasts and upbringings... but God is so gracious to His people!

One young man was found chained to a tree. He did not have a name or know how to speak. He came to Casa Hogar, was given a name, much care and teaching, and hope. Many of the children have lost one parent and the living parent either could not care for them, or chose to abandon them. A set of brothers is there because their father and other siblings died of AIDS and their mother is currently dying of AIDS.

These children have hope. They need for God's people to encourage them and show them love and compassion in Jesus' name. I challenge you to do what you can for the children that the Lord lays on your heart.

It's A Miracle!

2007-06-26T11:48:00.000-07:00

EmmaKate went in for her surgery this morning. When the doctors got in there, they found that the work was already done! The Lord had gone before them and performed the bypass! The surgeon could not find any constriction. Her blood pressure was great on both sides of the aorta. They went ahead and closed the flap (PDA - common occurance when the bypass to the mother's circulation system does not close.)

She did great! Her 5-7 day hospital stay looks like it will now be 2 days. Plus, she was able to have a specialist perform the PDA surgery, which is normally done by a non-specialist.... and she had the PDA surgery much younger than she normally would have if the bypass did not seem to be needed. So she should start to grow now!

Thanks be to the God who can do more than we could ever ask for or even imagine!

Surgery Tomorrow

2007-06-25T06:52:00.000-07:00

EmmaKate will have a bypass of her aorta, and a flap on her heart stitched closed.

Prayer requests:
1. That the Lord would guide the hands of the surgeon.
2. That the Lord would continue to supply Amy & Joel with the Peace that Passes understanding. (Amy is usally terrified of hospitals and sickness)
3. There is a concern that when they clamp the blood flow to the spinal column,she could be at risk for paralysis. Please pray that her spine will remain healthy.
4. Please pray for a speedy recovery and that she will begin to grow.

Thank you for your concern!

An Update on EmmaKate's heart

2007-06-14T14:46:00.000-07:00

Plagiarized from my sister, Erica's blog:

UPDATE: The doctor has decided to go ahead with EmmaKate's heart surgery. She has lost weight since her last visit 2 weeks ago. The surgery will be Thursday at the earliest(unless an emergent situation occurs, which she will go to Vanderbilt for). I believe the latest will be one week from Monday. Please pray for EmmaKate, Joel, Amy, and Colin. This is a scary time for all involved, but we are trusting the promise that God loves his children more than we ever can. WE LOVE YOU EMMAKATE!!! Get well soon so you can beat up on all of your cousins!

And I'd add: EmmaKate had gotten up to 8 lbs 12 1/2 oz... but in 2 weeks has lost down to 8#5 - she is 13 weeks. Also they could use prayer because they have a lot to get done before the end of the month, and want to do it in the next couple of days. They have been married for only 4 days now. Amy needs to get a new drivers licence, ss card, get paperwork signed by doctors to transfer insurance to Joel's co. policy - please pray that EmmaKate is not rejected for having a pre-existing condition. - and Joel needs to move his stuff from his apt. to storage, Amy's and the dump, as well as clean his apt... which is apparently messy from not spending much time there the past few months, while his cats have taken over. He is hoping to get a lot of that done on Sat. (they canceled their party).

If EmmaKate experiences shortness of breath, or refuses to eat, she will need to go to Vanderbilt. They really hope that she will be ok until their Chattanooga surgeon gets back on Thursday.

This is a lot of stress for brand-newly weds! Please pray that they will cast all of their cares on the Lord!

More neighborhood fun!

2007-06-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

Last night, the neighborhood kids camped out in Ms. Marsha's backyard. There was a boy tent and a girl tent. Another neighbor invited them over for late-night swimming - supervised. They had a great time. Joseph and I walked down to find them awake this morning. Not sure if they ever went to sleep.

My baby sister: the Bride!

2007-06-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

Amy is now a wife!!! to an adoring husband.

If you had told me a year ago, that with in a year Amy would be a baptized member of our church, Mommy to a new baby girl and a wife (we did not know about Joel this time last year), I never would have believed it. She has grown and changed soooo much this year.... and life for her has changed very quickly!

A few weeks ago, I had the honor of helping her choose a wedding dress. It was so sweet. My eyes were wet a lot of that shopping trip! She and Joel had a private wedding at a lake in the Smokies. Colin was to give her away. We were all sad to miss out on it, but my mother is having a party for them this Saturday.

More Acapulco

2007-06-10T12:10:00.000-07:00

A short video clip
Watch show: http://photoshow.comcast.net/watch/De5nQ2jC

Photos from Mexico

2007-06-09T18:14:00.000-07:00

To see more pictures, click here:
May 26 - June 2, 2007

esp. for Keri

2007-06-08T20:39:00.000-07:00

Starbucks is in Mexico, too!

La Iglesia en Mexico

2007-06-08T20:21:00.001-07:00

Notice the paint colors and the "pews"

It was not too much different from our Worship services, except for the 10 minutes of greeting each other during the middle of the service, and the drums in the praise band: )

I did get a lesson in the story of Jesus overturning the tables of the money-changers. I was perplexed to see book tables with merchandise for sale after the service. Elder John later explained that Jesus became angry because the men were crooks and selling animals for sacrifice at inflated prices at the temple, but these people were not looking to turn a profit, but to provide resources for the growth of the people attending church.

So, I missed my opportunity to buy a Santa Biblia (spanish Bible).... so our fellow team member, Barbara (former Missionary in Puebla) gave me hers. She is dear...but more about our team later.

Debriefing: Parte Dos

2007-06-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

I've been so concerned with shuttling my kids back and forth between Cheerleading Camp and Tennis Camp and working on Music Camp, that I haven't had much of a chance to process.

On a fun note: Jack has been begging his Uncle Aaron to take him to a Braves game. Aaron scored 2 extra seats in the Pepsi suite for a catered party at the game. Adam and Jack are on their way. Jack thinks that they are meeting Aaron & Hilary at Burger King in Atlanta to drop off some papers and eat dinner.

Missionairies in the field: I guess the biggest thing that I took away from them was that building relationships is key. (at least in Mexico - which is also characteristic of their culture) They don't worry about marketing programs, using amusements and gimicks to get the attention of people. They keep things really simple. They work hard. Live more simply, less materialistically, don't need a nice big home. They are normal people. They are humble people. We work and feel as though we earn our money. They may do similar jobs, but must ask their friends, family and churches to provide for their physical needs, trusting in the Lord that he will give these people the desire to give.

Their perspective just seems to be different. They do not seem to be as distracted by the world, but more burdened for the lost in the world. But regular, nice, fun people.

I think that we could learn a lot from them. American churches may be missing the mark, by trying to "get the attention of young people". People do not need to be entertained, amused, wowed by facilities or programs, but reached out to in love. Also, we must not only concern ourselves with the people who seem to be just like us economically or socially. That is not the example that Jesus gave!

I needed the reality check!