While We're On Our Way

Happy Sunday & Happy Birthday to Aunt Di!

2012-01-08T18:54:00.001-05:00

A Happy Sunday to you!

It was a roast, potatoes and carrots in the crockpot sort of Sunday. Yum!
We had some friends over for dinner-a potluck of sorts- good times.

This morning we sang the song "His Way with Thee" by Cyrus S. Nusbaum. I like all the words, but the third verse made me think.

"Would you in His kingdom find a place of constant rest?

Would you prove Him true in providential test?

Would you in His service labor always at your best?

Let Him have His way with thee."

My thoughts: what is "rest" and how do I find this thing you speak of. Ok, I'm being a little silly,

but sometimes "resting" on Jesus isn't something that comes easily for me. Also, is my working for Jesus always my best, or do I sometimes get tired and try to slide by with my lest than best?

Thought provoking words for me this morning.

And now a Happy Birthday SHOUT out to our beloved Aunt Di! Of course we must

have some fun pictures of the special lady.

She's brushing up on her standard driving skills in the great state of Idaho.

Our great Adventure! We had lots of fun!

Excuse me ma'am, how many carry-on's are you permitted to have?

Happy Birthday Aunt Di- my sister, my hero, my friend.

We love you and we are so proud of you!

Daybook: Tuesday, January 03, 2012

2012-01-03T22:47:00.000-05:00

Today I am:

Thankful for- Sunshine.

Listening to- “Into His Courts” by Lucas Shrout & Richard Williams; and“Experiencing God”.

Thinking about- Dennis Kinlaw’s devotional thought for today: The guarantee of God’s presence in our life is not to be assumed. It is conditional, as seen throughout the Old Testament.

Reading- “I heart Mormons” written by David L. Rowe, Ph.D.

Fixing for supper- Chili and homemade cornbread.

Practicing- counting my blessings and seeing beauty.

Excited about- visiting with family.

Photographing -

Kenzie: playing the saxophone

A new form of leg-strengthening
exercises.

Playing hard!

Welcome 2012!

2012-01-01T19:32:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year ~ Happy Sunday

Life with these two is so much fun!

A New Year's Prayer

May God make your year a happy one!
Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain,
But by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes;
Not by making your path easy,
But by making you sturdy to travel any path;
Not by taking hardships from you,
But by taking fear from your heart;
Not by granting you unbroken sunshine,
But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows;
Not by making your life always pleasant,
But by showing you when people and their causes need you most,
and by making you anxious to be there to help.
God's love, peace, hope and joy to you for the year ahead.

Anonymous

Christmas memories 2011

2011-12-31T20:11:00.001-05:00

We’re just about to wrap up this year and send it on its way, but here’s a few more memories we need file away.

They got to open one
present each~ new jams!

The tree and presents~ all
ready for Christmas Day

Carson wanted to leave a surprise (a cookie and milk) for Mrs. Clause; he was also very concerned that I finish my job of putting out stockings after he was in bed. This is what he
found the next morning.

Excitement over stockings... poor kenny looks a little confused.

Dressed and ready for church~ Looking sharp!

Opening and operating gifts from
Mamaw and Papaw~ while on skype.

The little man with his warriors~
thanks Aunt Sonja!

Kenzie opening presents.

Wow, whose house is this...what a mess!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas~December 2011

2011-12-23T20:28:00.000-05:00

It has been a good December. The tree is up, the ornaments placed in just the right spots, the stockings are hung on the wall with care. The outside lights are up and looking festive.

The cards have been sent... finally. We've acomplished the programs and caroling and shopping and

the gingerbread house making. Its been a good December so far, with more fun to come!

(somebody better get some gifts wrapped or there might be trouble)

Aunt Di, this is the kiddies watching your "stories".

Making gingerbread houses with friends. Sticky times and much
candy was eaten by all.

Please enjoy the following series of pictures, this is just a sampling of photos: Just imagine the great fun we were having trying to get a family christmas picture using the timer on my camera.

you've got to be kidding me... how bout turning on the timer,

And there was in their midst an angel or something, causing quite a blur.

Ok, watch the blinking light and smile...please!

Finally, I think it is a keeper... never mind the lack of modesty
from the little lady.

My sweet kiddies- I think they are keepers!!

The stuff memories are made of

2011-12-23T18:25:00.001-05:00

Fun times at the train table!

Pops does "Eye winker, eye blinker" for Kenzie.

Kenzie does "Eye winter" for Pops

Singing "Happy Birthday" to Pops. As he prepares to

gobble up a large piece of his birthday "farm journal" cake.

And of course there were many readings of "Doctor Goat"!

So many readings, in fact, that Carson has parts of

the story memorized.

Thunder Mountain Line~ North Pole Express

2011-12-23T18:02:00.000-05:00

Checking out the train before we board.

"All Aboard" Sitting at our table, ready for the fun to begin!

Love the expressions on the kiddies faces!
(see next picture for the reason)

Fun times!

There is some serious coloring happening here!

Enjoying the outside car- nice but a little chilly.

The train ride goes from Horseshoe Bend to Banks. Some of the most
beautiful scenery ever!

Hanging out with Santa and Mrs. Clause at the NORTH POLE
aka Banks, Idaho. Although Carson does believe he has now been
to the "North Pole".

Back on the train and ready to head back. Round trip 3.5 hours.
Great fun! Wonderful memories! Thanks Pops!!

~November Adventures with Pops~

2011-12-23T17:37:00.000-05:00

The Old Basque Inn in Jordan Valley, Oregon. We sampled
some new and interesting food.

Time for a little off-road adventure.
How is this for a serious giant mud puddle!?!?
(Yes, we did drive right through it, no we did not get stuck!)

In our attempt to reach and explore the remains of Silver City with Pops, we did run across the abandoned remains, and the not so abandoned remains of the mining ghost town of DeLamar, Idaho.

The higher the mountain we climbed, the deeper the snow and
more treacherous the road became... until we were forced to turn
around, in a not so large spot.

Classic photo of Pops saving the Yukon from sliding over the
snowy cliff and plunging into the raging torrent.
(ok, so there was a snowing bank, but the creek was hardly raging;
more like a mostly frozen trickle.)

Ahh, my sweet kiddies.

Ahhh, my very cool family....literally

A not so abandoned residence in DeLamar. Every had that eeiry
feeling you are being watched, and uneasily waiting for the warning
shot to be fired? This place did put me on edge, but there
was no smoke coming from the chimney- so guess they
wern't home.

So long DeLamar, Idaho.

~Thanksgiving~

2011-12-06T23:02:00.000-05:00

Leaving behind the past and giving thanks for the present... at least for a few posts.

Pops, or as Kenzie calls him "Pots", was able to come and spend
time with us over Thanksgiving. Great fun was had by all!

Peeking at the rolls rising.

The ham-not just any ham but a
picnic shoulder ham. Tradition!

Yum Yum!

A new sweet potato casserole recipe-its a keeper.

My little helper.

Ready to eat!

It was a good day of family, food and fun. Our menu included: Ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoe casserole, two types of stovetop stuffing (one with oysters for Pops, and one without for the rest of us), green bean casserole, cream corn, cranberry dressing (from the can), rolls and apple pie. What a feast! We were all thankful for the amazingness of skype and connecting with Aunt Di!

July~Vacation~Ohio

2011-11-26T00:27:00.001-05:00

Ohio means: Mamaw & Papaw, a visit to the country, swinging, baseball...

Ohio means a visit to Big Boy...

Ohio means: visiting with family feeling the love....

Ohio means: you get so tired you fall asleep anywhere...

Ohio means: hanging out at
       Nana's, laughter, hugs,
               silliness......

Soaking up love from Aunt Di

Ohio means: family pictures, happy toes....

Ohio means: Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt, trillions of toppings for your yogurt...

Ohio means: sporting your new

jams custom made by Nana, conversation, competition,

laughter, and lots of giggles.

Ohio is a special place!

July~ Family Vacation~ Lewis Farm & Dune rides (part 2)

2011-11-24T23:53:00.001-05:00

Lewis Farm~ fun for everyone!

Yee Ha ride 'em cowboys!

The great duck races! Intense competition

Mac Woods Dune Rides

Fun stuff!

July~ Family vacation in Montague, Mi (part 1)

2011-11-24T23:02:00.000-05:00

July 4th~the start of our vacation!

Lighthouse on Lake Michigan

Our welcome sign!

*Sparkler fun! It's all fun and games until someone burns a finger.

Touring Montague and the

World's Largest Weathervane

Fun in the sun and sand!

Lake Michigan beach

The Joy's of June (part 2)

2011-11-24T20:44:00.001-05:00

Julia Davis Rose Garden Boise, Idaho

The fun butterfly exhibit at Zoo Boise:

Simple joy of riding down the slide with her daddy!

Our first family camping trip! We packed everything but the kitchen sink.

Setting up the tent and starting a fire. Important stuff!

Enjoying the outdoors.

I guess she doesn't do mornings! Well, maybe it had to do with the
fact that it took her HOURS to fall asleep and then she woke up at
the first signs of dawn.

The Joy's of June (part 1)

2011-11-24T20:05:00.000-05:00

Most of my Z~Girls graduated this year. So as their graduation present, I made each of them

a bag. This was quite the undertaking! Since I hadn't used my

sewing machine in several years, I had to become reaquainted with it. Then the crazy thing gave up the ghost in the middle of the project. PANIC- (I did not want to finish sewing by hand) I was able to borrow a machine from a friend and finish.

The Cherry Festival Parade

I love small town parades! You just never know what you will see. We had several representatives walking and carrying signs for our church and youth group. And then there is every fire truck, ambulance, police and sherriff car in the whole county. Each with flashing lights, blaring sirens and blasting horns. Talk about sensory overload!

Carson and I decided to run in the Emmett Cherry Festival Louie Gorrono Kiwannis Fun Run/Walk.
2 miles of fun with my son. It wasn't about our time, but all about being strong to the finish line!

My newest project: Making laundry soap.

May 31st The Little Man's Birthday

2011-09-27T22:28:00.000-05:00

Excitedly opening his present from
Madeline & Ms. Stephanie!

Let's get this party started!

Working with his new golf set
from Mamaw & Papaw.

Ball and glove from Aunt Sonja

From Pops- to add to his
Thomas collection

Ready to tackle any project- from Nana

Happy Times!

His request: "A cake with strawberries on top"

The birthday boy, blowing out the candle.

The birthday boy and his best friend-
Monkey.

May Adventures with Davie & Jenny

2011-08-07T18:04:00.001-05:00

Taking care of business

On our way to Stanley, Idaho and the Sawtooth Mtns.

Sawtooth Mountains

Walking down to Redfish Lake

C-O-L-D!!

Painfully C-O-L-D!!

This has become one of my most favorite places. I can breath,
my cares are gone for the moment, its peaceful, magical,
close to God.

Love my family!!

Peaceful ~ Waiting

Stanley, Idaho

Idaho City has become a mandatory
visit for all who come from the East.

Love the 4-legged means of transportation
Main street of Idaho city.

Charlotte, doing time.

If only this place could talk....bet it could tell some stories!

Ending this adventure with a look at Lucky Peak Reservoir & Dam

May: Family, birds, & sandunes.

2011-08-07T17:24:00.000-05:00

Davie meeting Bear

Sharing

Eating

Reading

Bruneau Dunes State Park
(south of Mountain Home, Idaho)
http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/bruneaudunesstatepark.aspx

Hugging

Playing

On the edge of the world!
Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area
Kuna, Idaho

At the bottom of the canyon,
on the Snake River.

Part way down in the canyon

Zoo Boise ~ May

2011-08-07T16:53:00.000-05:00

Excited to visit the zoo!

1st stop: Lunch

The guys who wanted to steal our lunch!

Mama goose-very serious about
her job.

The great hat swap

The petting zoo.

He bravely climbed right up on this camel.

This picture reminds me so much of pictures taken of
three little girls and a little boy lined up by
a fence at the Cincinnati Zoo. Good times!

Ready? Let's go!

Good times!

~Mothers Day in the month of May~

2011-08-07T16:28:00.000-05:00

Carson made this in Jr. Church
and reluctantly gave it to me,
after I agreed to share the cookies.

The little lady and I.

Life is never boring!

The "purple" flowers-a gift from my
little man.

Wearing Mama's shoes

The girl loves shoes!

Playing a quick game of "ashes" aka "Ring around the Rosie"
a favorite of Kenzie's.

Aprils Adventuring with Pops #2

2011-08-06T00:53:00.002-05:00

Lizard Butte, Marsing, Idaho

Farm land, dusted with snow.

The beautiful Owyhee Mountains

The following pictures are from
a very cool museum that we visited. Its located near Grand View, Idaho. http://www.emuzum.com/

mine shaft

Giddy-up

rolling pins

This was Pop's favorite place

Tough qualifications!

" Just like we had when I was a little boy"

Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, Idaho

Hangin out with Pops

Checking it out

Aprils Adventuring with Pops #1

2011-08-05T23:59:00.002-05:00

We enjoy going on "adventures"! And we really love it went we have visitors from the East and we can take them on "adventures".

Lucky Peak Reservoir and Dam.

Unbelievable amount of water, noisy

Idaho City An old gold mining town.

So much fun to walk around
and explore!

My happy jail-bird

Walking the boardwalk

Wells Fargo Express

Idaho Territorial Penitentiary

"Horse parking"

A quick tour of Placerville, another old mining town.

Interesting place for an outhouse.
Placerville graveyard.

A fine time for the windshiled wiper to
give up and fall apart.
Middle of nowhere, Idaho

Elk in Garden Valley, Idaho

How would you like these guys in your front yard?

Now performing: The Elk Trio

And the travelers ended their adventures for the day by dining here
at the Longhorn. Crouch, Idaho

Easter Celebration and Pops comes for a visit!

2011-08-05T23:16:00.000-05:00

"Read me a story Pops!"

Tea Party!

A very chilly Sunrise service!

Dressed in warm clothes, wrapped in
blankets.

Playing with their friend-warming up.

A special presentation by the children.

Pops and Kenny

My little man-sorry he's sideways.

Happy Easter!

Making Resurrection Rolls

Yummy!

Pictures of Palm Sunday: April 2011

2011-08-05T22:42:00.000-05:00

My sweet kiddies!

Rejoicing with their palms

"It's all fun and games till someone gets
an eye poked out!"

This picture is wrong on so many levels! The ears are
a special present from Mamaw & Papaw.

Aprils Activities

2011-08-05T22:32:00.000-05:00

Life4ce game night

"I see that hand is there another?"

Planting some seeds from Nana.

Tenting in the great indoors. (They both
got so hot during the middle of the night
that they got up and got into their own beds.)

"Here Mommy, I have a present for you"

'the destroyer'

Over the fence, behind our house.

Spring has Sprung!

March 2011 Adventures with Grandma, Nana, and Aunt Di

2011-08-05T16:05:00.000-05:00

Enjoying the beautiful scenery!

Pancake House in McCall

Excited for our food!

Cinnamon Roll...now you know why we were smiling in anticipation!

Pancakes the size of dinner plates! Yum Yum!

No trip to McCall is complete without
crossing the street and waving our flags!

Coffee stop in Crouch, Idaho

The Elk in Garden Valley, Id

Grandma and Carson posing with the Elk.

Random shoe sighting in Horseshoe Bend, Idaho. Not sure why
there would ever be a need for heels so high!

All visitors from the East must visit
the Oregon trail museum. This is
an incredible museum...I think we have
been there 7 or 8 times in the past
almost 2years.

Grandma and Carson carefully loading
their wagon.

The museum's friendly bison.

Grandma is a great reader! She's been
doing it for years-only it used to be to
my siblings and I.

Four generations

Chillin with Aunt Di!

My silly kiddies! Dressed and ready
for church.

March Madness! Life4ce Fund Raiser

2011-08-05T15:31:00.000-05:00

Our youth group did a fund raiser and we titled it March Madness. It really had nothing to do with the month of March, or the actually March madness basketball; but was more about madness/crazyness. The tables were all randomly decorated, each one representing something different and unique.Each table also had apetizers/snacks appropriate for the table decor. It was great fun to plan and decorate for. The entertainment was also very cool. We have several teens that are really good and stand-up comedian stuff. They kept us humorously entertained. The menu was the only thing we were serious about! Salad, Bread sticks, Million Dollar Spaghetti, green beans, carrots, and for dessert Cheesecake! Lots of decorating, cooking, serving, cleaning-up, and fun! (sorry some of my pictures are sideways...)

Spring Table

Easter

Baby shower

Happy Birthday!

Basketball (March madness)

Just Married!

Mexican

Our great volunteers/servers/entertainers.

More great staff/helpers/volunteers.

March 2011: New dog house, Big Birthday Bash, & Growing kids!

2011-08-05T14:45:00.000-05:00

Well, March is long gone! But, better late than never. Now, on with the highlights....if I can remember them.

The kiddies ready for church.

Looking sharp!

Bear and his new house.

The birthday girl!

Yay for Birthdays! My delicious birthday meal and cake made by the lovely Stephanie P.

The beatifully set table!

I am blessed!

Family Day 2/24/11 Dodson Pass/ Middle of Nowhere

2011-02-25T23:51:00.048-05:00

Today, the five of us (bear adventured with us) climbed into the jeep and headed north/east/south. Today for our lunch I grabbed an unopened box of kix cereal, goldfish crackers and water. Let me just tell you, there ain't no McDonalds on every corner out here. We first headed out to Willow Creek than on to Big Flat Road, up over Dodson Pass, down to 3^rd Fork road, through the town of Ola, through the town of Sweet and then Home again home again. Sounds simple huh? This little trip took around 4 hours (I think). Bear needed to stop a couple of times for a potty break and to stretch his legs. J This was his first adventure and he did very well!
And now for the pictures!

Ready to go... Carson, Kenzie and Bear.

Willow Creek

A cool barn- somewhere in the middle of nowhere.

A potty break/exercise time for Bear

A fancy pantsy home on Big Flat Ranch-also in the
middle of nowhere.

Going over Dodson Pass.

Obvious

Never know when you might need a good fire truck... middle
of nowhere... Third Fork Road.

Family Day 2/17/11 Owyhee Mtns, Murphy, Melba, Silver City-attempt.

2011-02-24T22:42:00.006-05:00

Today we headed south, to the Owyhee Mountains. We explored the towns of Melba, Murphy, and Dan's Ferry. We attempted to reach Silver City- but alas we must wait until the snow melts and the roads are re-opened. We also briefly explored Givens Springs- a hot springs with history. They have turned it into a swimming pool, so there wasn't really much to see besides the historical sign.

We got lunch at Dan's Ferry, a glorified gas station… lunch consisted of fig newton's, peach rings (sugar-coated candy) and m&m's. Nutritious!

Murphy was our next town 2 visit. According to Wikipedia "Murphy is an unincorporated community in Owyhee County, Idaho, United States. The county seat of Owyhee County, it is one of the smallest county seats nationwide." Estimated zip code population of the Murphy area in 2009 was 623 (according to http://www.city-data.com/zips/83650.html) Murphy does have a very nice, paved landing strip. So next time you are flying over you could just land there and check it out for yourself.
With great excitement we headed up toward Silver City, I had previously read online that the road was usually closed during the winter due to poor roads and lots of snow and whatever other reasons they might have in closing the road. We passed and videoed a mule deer family reunion… very cool!! I think we got about 12 miles on our 20 mile journey, passed a "road closed ahead" sign, and then we were faced by a sign that said: "If you travel beyond this point you will be responsible for cost of search and rescue." We turned around, with a promise to return in warmer weather.

We drove through Melba on our return home. Population 439 in the 2000 census (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melba,_Idaho) Interesting sight in this fine town was the residents parking jobs….just leave your car sticking out into the street… no big deal! Funny stuff!! We backed up just so I could get a picture of this spectacle.

Welcoming sign

The beautiful Owyhee Mountains

The Owyhee mountains from a little distance.

If it sounds to good to be true...

A back roads best friend!

Alrighty then... we turned around!

Evidently parking isn't a high priority to the fine folks
of Melba, Idaho.

Bear- newest member of the family

2011-02-24T19:20:00.004-05:00

Monday, February 7, 2011, our lives changed forever…. sounds dramatic huh…. actually we got a puppy. A free, pure-blood, black lab puppy- almost 8 weeks of age, joined our family. At first the kids were very apprehensive, but now they run and play with him. Carson named him Bear, a rather fitting name I think.
Our first few nights with him took me back to the newborn stage, awake every few hours, crying. Thankfully by night 3 he was sleeping through the night. (if only it were that quick with the baby humans) Now we are in the middle of potty training… Andy is working hard to get him to do his business in a specific part of the yard.
We were given a ginormous dog crate for him- Andy is a regular customer at The Coffee Shop and asked the owner if she knew of anyone wanting to sell a dog crate… she just happened to have one and give it to us. I guess all those $ 1.25 trips to The Coffee shop has paid off. J Actually, I think of it as our doggy miracle!
Bear received his first set of shots on the 16^thand did just fine. Andy held him still in the kitchen sink while I administered the medication. There is quite a difference between human skin and dog skin… the thickness was a little shocking.
Now for pictures of our cute little guy.

Getting his shot. This quite possibly was harder on me than him.

Tucanos Brazilian Grill

2011-02-24T18:50:00.002-05:00

Yum-O! Not a place to visit every weekend, but definitely nice for a special occasion!
Andy and I went the weekend before Valentine's Day. We had called ahead for reservations which was wise! It seemed like everyone else in the Boise area was also there for supper.

Tucanos had a V-day special so for a few extra dollars we chose to upgrade…. which basically meant: white table cloth, a couple of extra meats, chocolate covered strawberries, and you received a rose as you left. Nice!

You start with the Festival Salad Bar it is "all you care to eat" and has 60+ cold and hot items. Everything you could possibly imagine to put on your salad… even some things such as quail eggs, which I cannot imagine putting on my salad! Then when you're ready to be bombarded with cooked veggies, grilled pineapple, and multiple types of meat cooked in various fashions, you flip your little cue to green and the fun begins. When you need a break to catch your breath, you flip your cue to red. We were served 8-10 different types of meat: grilled shrimp, whitefish, filet mignon, chicken hearts (could not eat) and I just can't remember the others.

We also ordered Brazilian Lemonades… I had mango and Andy had guava. Delicious! I failed to get a picture of our chocolate covered strawberries, but they were also very tasty! And it was very cool to walk away with a yellow rose. J

Brazilian lemonaid

The "Cue"- red = we were DONE!

Carson's Photography- we did get a better picture- I just thought
this was funny :)

Valentine Video

2011-02-14T14:11:00.000-05:00

Well, after several attempts to upload a video to my blog, I have failed. Probably due to the length of this epic film. So, if you care to follow this link, you will find a video rivaled by none other.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqbfVqySvPQ

Disclaimer: This video was taken before lunch and after leaving the house at 7:45 am, sitting through first service, fellowship/connection time, sunday school, and then second service.
Despite what I say on the video, I do know all the names of our N.C. family.
This is raw footage, unrehearsed, and undiscussed, although there was a scribbled script for the narrator.
Enjoy!

Winter Retreat and Good friends!

2011-02-06T18:29:00.003-05:00

January 28^th -30^th was our teen winter retreat. This year the camp was held in Donnelly, Idaho. We were also joined by youth groups from Boise and Lewiston. Fun and interesting! For this blog, we will stick to the fun. Steve and Mandy Buckland came to do the speaking and music. It was awesome to pick them up at the airport Thursday and spend some quality time with them. After their arrival we hit the ground running… well, actually driving. Touring downtown Boise, driving around the 'blue turf' of BSU, eating lunch at the Boise Fry Company (super yummy), visiting Mr. Trouten in Kuna, Idaho, Birds of Prey Scenic Overlook (a ginormous canyon with the snake river running through), the old mine in Pearl, Idaho and last but certainly not least our wonderful town. Yep, that was all of Thursday. Friday, we loaded the church van, bus, rented u- haul trailer and our Yukon with lots of people and all their treasures and headed for the mountains… destination Donnelly, Idaho- for winter retreat. The facilities were very nice. The weather was cold with a couple, few feet of snow on the ground. Steve did a great job preaching, his sermons fit right in to where our teens are living. Jesus was there in our services and that was so awesome! Sunday afternoon we packed up camp and headed back to our valley. Our teens did well, not major drama, no broken bones, no out-of-control pranks, good times!

The musicians on the bus.

The girls on the bus.

Andy, Carson & Kenny in the snow.

Jessie and his duck tape helmet.

Steve and Mandy were scheduled to fly out early Monday morning, they had checked into changing their tickets to a Tuesday departure, and were first told that yes for a small fee they could change their flight date, and then when they called back to change the date to Tuesday they were told that it would be $500.00 or $600.00 to extend their visit. Well, when Steve checked their flight status late Sunday night, there was a message that he could, for no extra charge, change their flight to a later date due to bad weather. So he re-booked for Tuesday morning. Long story short, they stayed with us until early Friday morning due to crazy weather back East. We loved having them get to stay longer- a gift from God! So, since God extended their visit we kept up our whirlwind touring of our fair state and also branched out into the state of Oregon.

Monday: Oregon Trail Museum in Bakers City, Oregon. (This place is totally awesome, we have been there at least 7 times, and someday I will post a blog on this museum.) We drove on to visit the small town of Sumpter, Oregon. Home to the Sumpter Valley Dredge. (This place is also very cool and I have enough pictures from previous visits to do a blog post.)
Tuesday: We drove up the Butte as far as we could until we got into the snow line. Andy and Steve decided they would do some hiking from there. So, Mandy and I and the kiddies drove home and then after z-girls bible study was over, we went back and picked them up from their great hike.

Wednesday: Andy and Steve went calling with some of the men from church. Mandy did some school work. Then we all went to Life4ce in the evening and Steve spoke to the teens.

Thursday: Our biggest "adventure" day! We left around 9:30ish and drove to McCall, Idaho-for breakfast at the Pancake House. The trip to McCall takes around 2 hours, and you might be thinking that it sounds a little crazy to drive 2 hours for breakfast…. Well, just listen to this, their pancakes are the size of dinner plates and their cinnamon rolls, are so humongous and delicious! Someday I will do a blog post on the Pancake house! It is well worth the drive! The ice festival was also going on in McCall so we walked around to get a close up view of some of the sculptures. Very cool! After saying good bye to McCall we cruised on to the town of Crouch, Idaho (population 154) and then Garden Valley, Idaho. This part of our adventure was totally about the native animals. I have never seen so many mule deer and elk in all my life. They owned the area!

Friday: Mandy and Steve flew back to their concrete jungle. We had so much fun spending time together, laughing, talking, remembering "when", eating ice cream, drinking coffee, and solving the world's problems. Good times!!

Steve reading to the kiddies.

McCall Festival snow sculpture

The sculpture sponsered by the hospital.

When in McCall- you can use the flag
when crossing the street.
We are serious about our flag waving!

Steve getting in on the flag waving.

Elk!

Elk!!!

Mule deer and Elk

Yes, its an outhouse sculpture!

Ok, I have worked forever to organize the pictures in order, but alas I am defeated, I shall give up this battle. I'm sure that you can read the caption and figure it all out.

"Adventure Time"

2011-01-25T23:38:00.001-05:00

It has been forever since we have gone on an “adventure”. So on Thursday, Jan 20^th, we packed snacks, warm clothes, boots, emergency kit, water and a couple of music cds for the kiddies (never know what you might need) and climbed in the clean Yukon. I was, to say the least, very excited!! My only request “could we please get out of the city for a while and head toward the “wilderness”. Well this evidently wasn’t enough instruction so then a great discussion had to follow. “Do you want to go East, West, North or South to the wilderness? How far do you want to go? What kind of “wilderness” do you want, mountainous or desert?” My response “I don’t care I just want to go”. Eventually a destination was decided upon and off we went happily ever after. Jordan Valley, Oregon- heart of the owyhees (mountains) and home of the big loop rodeo. There didn’t really seem to be much going on in Jordan Valley so after using the restroom at a gas station (the only one in town) and taking a picture of the local sheriff’s pickup truck (which was so dirty/dusty/muddy that you could hardly see the sheriff sign on the side) we turned around and headed back out of town. Promising ourselves that maybe we would return for the ‘big loop rodeo’ especially if Pops happened to be visiting us. We retraced our travels until we came to a road sign advertising Leslie Gulch 25miles. Let’s go! In our travels, we did cruise through the very large metropolis of Rockville. In doing some very brief research on the city of Rockville, I discovered that there are approximately 92 fine individuals living there and the Rockville Elementary School is providing a quality education for 7 students. http://www.publicschoolreview.com/school_ov/school_id/67553 Ok, enough chatter, and on with the pictures!!

25 miles of this......

and this....

Happy Cows- owyhee mountains in the background

Below: Leslie Gulch

Rockville Elementary School

Mailboxes for the fine people of Rockville.

very dirty Yukon!!

We will return, to do more exploring when we have more time, and
when the road is in better condition. Beautiful place!!!

December in Review (part 3)

2011-01-01T02:15:00.000-05:00

21^st …..Z-girls delivered 3 cookie trays and had lunch at McDonalds. Each of the girls made something to add to the trays. First delivery: the hospital staff. Second delivery: Sheriff, deputies and staff at the jail. Third delivery: a terminally ill lady and her husband who used to make these deliveries, but passed the torch to the z-girls.

…..The grand and glorious board dinner which I assisted Stephanie with. This was an appetizer & dessert event with mocha punch, cucumber water, and coffee. Good times, but no pictures. My camera sat in my purse all evening.

22^nd…..Life4ce caroling. This was such fun! We never got a good count but I think there were between 40 and 50 of us. Some of the teens had battery operated candles and that looked cool. I forgot my camera so no pictures of this either.

23^rd…..Second annual gingerbread house decorating. Hosted by my friend Debbie with 7 little people in attendance.

.....The 4 of us took a ride through the booming metropolis of E and looked at Christmas lights. I love family time!

24^th…..Christmas Eve Communion.

……C & K open 2 presents. The traditional new p.j.s and their gift from Aunt Sonja - which just happened to be “Neckless the Audrey Amaka Story” written and illustrated by Brent Vernon. Awesome book!!

25^th…..Christmas Day. Quiet, subdued. Tylenol flowing freely. C & K both have colds and C running a temp. Jambalaya for Christmas dinner….weird I know, but its now a tradition.

Discovering the contents of
their stockings

26^th…..The kiddies and I didn’t go to church. Sick, sick, sick!

27^th-30^th Recovery

31^st …..Ending an old year, starting a new year. Kids are sleeping. Andy is at the Life4ce lock-in and I am blogging.

December in Review (part 2)

2011-01-01T01:50:00.000-05:00

12^th…..After church we had some people over to eat up the appetizer leftovers.

13^th…..Life4ce Staff Party (these are the volunteers that help faithfully and willingly with the youth group) There was a total of 17 in my little house. Potato soup, white chicken chili, and Chili were the main dishes. We also had salad, bread and different desserts. Good Times!

14^th…..z-girls Bible Study

18^th…..and the day finally came, the day I had been training for, waiting for, excited for. The YMCA Christmas Run. 2.5 miles. I ran with Stephanie and about half the state of Idaho. She is an old pro at running races, this was my first one. I could probably write a whole post on this subject as well.

…..Dress Rehearsal for the Children’s Program- Carson is “Joseph”

…..Church Christmas Dinner

19^th…..Children’s Christmas Program (see my facebook for videos of this great occasion)

…..Lunch with pastor Jonathon, Stephanie, M &G.

…..Candlelight Christmas Service.

December in Review (part1)

2011-01-01T01:14:00.001-05:00

What a crazy, exciting, busy, and reflective month. Here I am on the last day of the month, the last few moments of this year being driven by some unseen force to blog. Hmmm they have places for people like me. Ok, focus…

Interestingly enough this Christmas season was the most peaceful and enjoyable one I have had in many years. I think there are several factors involved in this but I don’t feel like taking the time to spell them all out. I am very thankful and blessed!

I think one of the factors had to do with my “mindset”. Spending time thinking about Advent, the important stuff, and trying to teach my kiddies what’s important, really helps prevent worry, stress, and panic from taking over.

Another of these factors came in the form of a saying that I read on my friend Tara’s facebook. “Hospitality is about connection not perfection.” This gave me much food for thought. And without further ado… Ladies and Gentlemen I present to you December.

1^st ……Rehearsal for the Community Christmas Choir’s Program

3^rd-5^th..The Program. There were two songs that we sang that were really thought provoking for me. “God is with us” and “Is there room today”.

My new friend Kassi-modeling our
choir outfits.

7th……Stephanie and I provide the musical entertainment for Coffee Buddeez’s Christmas party. We were rockin the house! (Coffee Buddeez is a group that gets together every Tuesday and drinks coffee J )

….. z- girls Bible Study.

Just tootin our horns for Jesus.

8^th …..Dora the Explorer Birthday Party. The little lady across town turned 4.

9^th …..Baby Shower for one of my “z-girls”. I could do a whole post on this one…but not today.

Dakota and the diaper cake I made her.

10^th….. Outreach Party. This was huge for me…this is one of the times this month that God helped me set aside the desire to be “perfect” and it became all about hospitality and showing/living Jesus-does that make sense? This type of get together had been on my heart for a couple of weeks. We invited 4 other couples for food, fun and fellowship: pizza, chips, brownie, ice cream and games. These were not your typical been in church their whole life couples. I could do another whole post on this too. This evening was so much fun and we will be doing it again! God used this time with these couples to teach me a lesson or two.

11^th…..Connections (Women of Worth) Progressive Dinner. Another big evening for me in concentrating on the hospitality side of things. I hosted the appetizers course. Fun stuff! 2 of the z-girls came and helped me get ready, and Stephanie and 2 other z-girls brought appetizers. I believe there were around 35 ladies in attendance… my house was so full, but I loved it! I fixed: Bacon wrapped smokies, cocktail meatballs, creamy taco dip, cheese ball, festive pepper jelly spread, and Pineapple cranberry punch. Brought by others: Spinach dip, artichoke dip, cheese quesadillas, and garlic and cheese bread.

Montana and Dakota helping me get

ready.

…..The z-girls surprised me and stopped by so I could see their outfits and masks. They had been at a birthday/masquerade party.

Discovering Advent

2010-12-31T22:21:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my adoring fans… ok, ok, who am I kidding? So, I have had so much bloggable, fun stuff rolling around in my brain during this happy, crazy, busy month of December. But, as you can see, blogging has not been on the top of my to-do list… now its catch-up time.

Let’s start with the important things first… Jesus, coming to earth is the reason we celebrate.

Discovering Advent

I have never really thought much or known much about Advent. So this year seemed the perfect year to start my Advent education. I felt a little overwhelmed by the topic, and didn’t really know where to start, or what to do. Thanks to my friend Brandy who explained the candy calendar she makes for/with her kids and provided the link to a “how to make an advent calendar” she helped me get started off in the right direction.

Continuing my search… I wandered across a website that provided a calendar of activities for each day of Advent. (It happened to be a calendar from 2007, so the dates/days didn’t match up…but it worked) For each day there was a scripture, activity, ideas and a song to sing. Each day you were to light the appropriate number of candles for the advent week. Very cool!! Due to the happenings of life we didn’t followed the schedule every day but it was so much fun to learn and teach the kiddies.

I am excited for next year. As you can see from the pictures, my candles are not the traditional purple, pink and white. I just used the candles I had on hand.

During Advent, I also re-learned some lessons. One lesson in particular- on the “Peace” Sunday I arrived at church thinking about peace, my heart filled with His peace, feeling peaceful and having a peaceful morning (get the theme) and then in the beginning of the second service (yes, I was attending both services that morning) something VERY, VERY UN-PEACEFUL happened. This incident was bigger than a potty accident or misbehaving child, this was earth- shaking. My “peace” could have disappeared in an instant, but His peace stayed with me, bringing me peace in the middle of turmoil.

How about a few pictures.

Gathering supplies for our candy calendar.

First step: glue cardboard to posterboard.

Write numbers, add 2pieces of candy,
stuff with tissue paper.
I used smarties.

Tie a bow around it.

Getting their "surprise"

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T20:41:00.004-05:00

Thanksgiving Menu:
Cranberry Fruit Conserve (new recipe- delish)
Picnic shoulder ham (delicious tradition)
Mashed potatoes (wallpaper paste)
Scrumptious sweet potato casserole (new recipe-yum-e)
Stovetop stuffing (always a fav)
Gravy (only saving factor for the wallpaper paste)
Crescent rolls (thankyou Pillsbury)
Apricot jelly (homemade by me)
Swedish Apple Pie ( a tried and true tradition)
Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake (new recipe-wonderful)

I pulled out the special dishes, placemats, cloth napkins and the minnie mouse plate.
Kinda fancy, but fun! My dad has been spending this week with us-good times!

Activities of the day:
Devotions. Drove to the gym is sub-zero temperatures. Actually, I think the temp was 14 degrees at 7:30am. Ran 2miles on the treadmill-average speed 13.02.
Fixed a big breakfast of bacon, fried eggs, toast and coffee with pepermint mocha creamer for the men of the household. Skyped with my family in Moldova and Ohio-at the same time. Technology is awesome.
More preparation on our great thanksgiving feast.
Did some volunteer time serving at our church for the community thanksgiving dinner.
Christmas came from Pops.

The men started the assembly process on a giant train table-all 126 pieces.
Completed preparation for our great thanksgiving feast.

The men undid some of their progress and re-did it in a manner more aligning with the directions.

Consumed much of the great thanksgiving feast

The men completed there train table project- much to the joy of the little man.
The little lady didn't understand why she couldn't play with the amazing train table.
Clean-up the remains from the great thanksgiving feast.
Naps for the little boy and girl.
The men play with the awesome train table.
More skype time with the very far-away sister.
The boy plays with his trains.
The girl plays with her house and piano.

I hope you have all noticed the humble state of my christmas tree.
We started it late yesterday evening and managed to fluff the branches, put the tree together, carefully apply the lights and ribbon and then throw the strands of beads on. More tender loving care to my minimalist tree is coming soon. Until then, the lights are shinning brightly and the christmas music is playing softly.

Happening soon:
Work up the energy for some dessert eating.

My journey of thankfulness begins.

2010-11-25T20:09:00.002-05:00

I have recently been thinking about my need to be more thankful/grateful. Three specific things have moved me in this direction: 1. I occasionally follow a blog and this writer has over 2,100 entries of thankfulness- I think that is pretty cool! 2. The month of November ends in a celebration of Thanksgiving – Thanksgiving Day. 3. This month Z-girls( a high-school girls bible study that takes place in my home) has taken time each week to verbalize something they are thankful for.
Various verses from my devotions this month have also had to do with thankfulness/gratefulness.
So, my faithful readers here is my thankful list, not necessarily in order of importance; and my newly discovered verses.
I am thankful for:
1. the call and response of roosters early in the morning.
2. my health.
3. Andy- my best friend.
4. The smell of baking apple pie.
5. “sweet moments” – hugs and kisses and cuddles from my kiddies.
6. that I live where I can see the stars at night.
7. that I have the privilege to openly worship on Sunday.
8. for two good legs.
9. my z-girls that come every Tuesday.
10. for the “for granted’s” washer, dryer, dishwasher.
11. talking and laughing with good friends.
12. the support and encouragement to start a project that appeared impossible.
13. the feeling of finishing the project-reaching a goal.
14. the gift of music/singing. Having the privilege to be in a community Christmas choir.
15. for ice cream-chocolate ice cream.
16. for the opportunity to reach out and tell others about the life-changing gift of Jesus.
17. for the Bible and that I can openly read, study and discuss without fear.
18. instrumental music-both playing and listening.
19. the comforting smell of wood smoke.
20. quiet moments; alone moments.
21. my family. I have the greatest parents and siblings-including Jenny and Wesley!
22. dependable and safe vehicles’.
23. the fact that we live in color- fall is such a beautiful season.
24. a thankful celebration day
25. the patience of my God-teacher.
26. plenty of food, warm house.
27. the technology that allows me to Skype and hang out with my so-far-away family.
28. the opportunity to pray to God and have those prayers answered.
29. being involved in a church family that loves God and loves my family and I.
30. that I am loved by God!

Colossians 2:7 “…and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Philippians 4:6 “… by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Colossians 4:2 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
I Thessalonians 5:18 “give thanks in all circumstances…”
One thing I noticed during my thankful journey this month has been that I need to work on being conscious of my blessings. I am so blessed, yet to verbalize and concentrate on my blessings has been difficult for me. As you can see, my devotions have uncovered some cool verses. I’m trying to keep Colossians 2:7 on my mind-“overflowing with thankfulness”My goal is to continue this journey of thankfulness

Thursdays/ Fun-days/Family-days

2010-11-09T21:58:00.005-05:00

Thursday is Andy’s day off during the week. Sometimes we go on an ‘adventure’, sometimes shopping, sometimes nothing more than just being together and hanging out.
I like Thursdays! Here are some pictures from a past fun day.

We went to Stanley, Idaho at the base of the majestic Sawtooth Mountains.

We spent the night at Redfish Lodge. We went on a very cool hike and saw some of my favorite trees. Aspen Trees are super cool they almost deserve a post all there own; maybe someday.

The leaves of these aspen trees had started to change colors- beautiful! Ate our supper of pizza by the lake. Saw some of the local wildlife. Had a nice time! Good Memories.

One Year Ago Today:

2010-09-11T17:21:00.002-05:00

One year ago today: Mom, Jenny, Baby Char, Carson, Baby Kenny and myself headed off on a big adventure. We arrived at the Cincinnati airport very early. I have no pictures of this trip; I had other stuff on my mind. But, imagine with me the sight we must have been. 3 adults, 1 toddler, 1 four month old and 1 six week old; 2 car seats, 2 breast pumps, 2 diaper bags, 1 saxophone (no I could not put my saxophone in the moving truck!) 1 small backpack of toys, and 1 large backpack full of who knows what. You got this picture in your mind? If I remember correctly, our flight was good to Salt Lake City. Here we discovered that our continuing flight to Boise had been canceled. How can you just cancel a flight? Well Nana, taking the situation in hand, marched bravely to the counter and went to work, and soon we were running and dragging our belongings to catch a flight. Actually, we got a cart to transport us and our treasures since in our current conditions we weren’t really into running.
We arrived safely in Boise, Idaho; we were picked up by my dear, sweet Andy. He along with his parents had arrived ahead of us on the 10th with the humongo moving truck. The church people had met Andy at our house and unloaded the truck and unpacked some of our “can’t live without” boxes. So when we, the weary travelers, arrived. The pantry was stocked, the fridge had goodies in it, beds were set-up and made. I was very touched by these acts of kindness!
This year we have been very blessed. It hasn’t all been a walk in the park; in fact, it has probably been one of the toughest years for me. But knowing beyond a shadow of doubt that we are where God wants us and doing what he wants, holds me steady. God is good!
In some ways it feels longer than a year and in other ways, I can’t believe how fast the time has gone. I have learned much about myself, and yet at times I feel as if I am wondering in the dark. There are things I miss, mostly family and friends, but now I’m working to adjust to a new normal. Making friends has never been easy, but I am blessed by the kind people here. I loved my job of teaching music, and being involved with things at GBS, but I knew that my time there was done and that God was calling my heart home. I love being home with my kiddies! I also enjoy being a part of the church music, the Youth group (Life4ce), and being a part of Community Bible Church. I love this small town, I love the beautiful scenery, and I love Idaho. God is good! I am blessed!
I also love being a part of Z-girls. This is a ministry started by Stephanie and I, we both felt God talking to us, unbeknownst to the other. This is a group of high-school girls, usually numbering between 7-10, that come to my house every Tuesday; it’s a time of mentoring, connecting, studying the Bible, talking and eating. Maybe I should have listed eating first, because this group can put away the food. Side note: this past Tuesday, we had 7 girls and a puppy and they devoured 1 ½ bags of tortilla chips and almost 2 jars of salsa and ½ a pan of brownies. We can eat! Check out my Facebook and you will see pictures and a video of a recent boating trip that z-girls took.
Ok, enough rambling…. The church picnic supper is in an hour, my children aren’t clothed appropriately, the oven is beeping that the Swedish peach pie that I am taking is ready to come out of the oven, my house is a disaster, Kenny is dragging the swiffer around the floor, and tomorrow is Sunday; I better get to work.

Happy Sunday

2010-09-06T11:52:00.004-05:00

Yes, I realize that today is Monday, just running behind a little....

Classic looks

Recently "kenny" has started putting things on her head and running around. This just cracks me up and usually Carson joins in the fun. Pardon my little lady's state of undress.

On my way to church, 8:15 am, I had just turned on Washington street, the major street through town, and there standing on the corner was a pre-teen/teen girl holding a huge poster. I glanced at the poster, thinking car wash, bake sale; why so early on a Sunday morning, and there was only one car parked there behind her ... Then I read the sign "I will not LIE to parents again" I looked away quickly, my hands were shaking, my stomach was sick, my mind was reeling, embarrassed for the child; wondering/questioning. This has been heavy on my mind, why was this necessary? what is the story? why was this the form of punishment used? will this actually work, or just cause anger and bitterness. I don't know and I will never know; but my heart aches, my hands shake, and my stomach is knotted.

Ok, that wasn't very happy, but the rest of the day was good!

Hope you had a worshipful Sunday as well!

Family Pictures

2010-08-27T21:26:00.009-05:00

The older I get, the more I realize just how important family is. Each time we are together I cherish those times; try take lots of pictures and hold tightly to the memories.

Sure we have our issues, but I am so blessed to be a part of this family, my family!

Donna and Wesley

Davie, Jenny and Charlotte

Diana

Silly boys

I sure do miss this little watermelon eater!

And now folks, I do believe I have lived up to my promise to return soon and post more pictures.

ps. Special thanks to S. Vernon photography. She done a right fine job.

2010-08-24T21:56:00.004-05:00

Well as you can see it has been quite awhile since I graced this blog with my presence. And as you can imagine, much has happened since … December.
But I hear these words echoing in my conscience- “Start with the present, Parriman, start with the present. So instead of recounting all of the cool things that have happened since I last blogged, and pushing aside my perfectionism, I will start with more current occurrences and maybe, just maybe, one day I will work my way backwards, because there is much to tell.
And now without further ado:
“Downing Family Vacation”
Friday, August 6th found the 4 of us winging our way to Cincinnati where we were greeted by my cool brother and transported to my dear mother’s house. Saturday morning we left the city bright and early and headed south. First stop was my childhood home in the booming metropolis of Pt. Pleasant. Here Pops joined our convoy and we continued on our merry way. Staunton, Virginia became our evening resting place.
Sunday morning we again began our journey early, very excited to be on our way! As we neared our check-in point for the house we had rented, “Kenny” began to whine and whimper, and cry and this being unlike her, I wondered what was wrong but just figured she was tired of being in her car seat, and after 10+ hours in the past 2days, who wouldn’t be ready to run. She drifted off sleep only to be awakened by a violent session of vomiting. Our journey was immediately halted so that clean-up could begin.
Groddy-bdoddy!
Soon we were back on our way, Kenny, not appearing any worse for the traumatic event she had just endured. Little did the rest of us unsuspecting victims know what now lay in store for us. All 12 of our happy vacationing group would be visited upon by this violent illness. We finally arrived in the lovely town of Corolla, N.C and excitedly explored our home for the week. Pool, hot tub, 500 feet from the ocean, happy togetherness. Donna and Wesley rolled in the wee small hours of the morning. There were greeted by Davie, who directed them into the drive way using his flashlight, and myself, who seeing the flashing of the flashlight thought it was lightning and went around checking windows/doors making sure all of our treasures were inside-until I realized that the last of the weary travelers had arrived. Where upon we sat around chatting, eating vacation food, and waiting on the other sleeping members of the family to join us.
The following days were interspersed with great family fun, happy times together, great food, punctuated with the violent illness the spread through our ranks. One by one, it snuck through our midst, striking where least expected, attacking out of the blue. One minute you were fine, the next minute you were almost late to the bathroom. I was the next after “Kenny” to succumb to the nastiness. I went to bed, not caring what anyone else did, or who would care for my 2 wild children. I couldn’t read or watch TV. I did pep talk myself that this kind of thing never killed anyone and sooner or later I would be better. During my illness, Carson and Aunt Di also fell victim. Good times. Thankfully this house had plenty of bathrooms. I did make a relatively strong recovery after 24-36 hours. The rest of our time spent there together was spent repeating the same questions to everyone in our group. “How are you feeling” “How many times did you throw up” “Can I bring you a sprite or ginger ale?” “Do you want some crackers?” “What color was it?” In my weakened condition I was unable to keep track of who fell next and the order of those struck down.
Donna, Jenny, Diana, and I were able to indulge in a Pedicure. And then we went to a coffee shop and had fun chatting and enjoying each other; until poor jenny was struck down and we had to rush back to the house. I’m telling you folks; the bug was nasty and came without warning.
All in all, it was a wonderful time being together; being beach bums, floating in the pool, game playing. The older I get, the more I realize that it is so nice to have a close family. I count myself very blessed to have spent this week with my best friends in the world.
Sunday the 15th, at 4am we packed up and headed toward the great city of Cincinnati.
Monday 16th was more family time, birthday parties, family pictures, visiting with Aunt Sonja, and recovering from vacation. Tuesday 17th more family time and we spent time with Andy’s grandparents. I also got to see my great friend April and her husband Joel. I hadn’t seen them in ages- very cool!
We flew out Tuesday evening. We just won’t talk about those flights-I might have a seizure. We were met at the Boise airport by Andy’s parents- they were coming to spend the next week with us and arrived about 12 hours earlier than us….. but that is for another post, on another day. Oh, by the way: got a text from my Mom Wednesday morning-she made # 13 to be attacked by the nasty foulness that “Kenny” started. What a vacation!

Hopefully, coming soon to this very blog-family pictures.

You never know- I just might be back soon.....

Christmas from Pops

2009-12-28T18:04:00.003-05:00

This is a notice to all my wonderful readers( because I know I have so many): No I have not forgotten my responsibilty and duty to blog, but...... it just hasn't been on the top of my to-do-list. Be patient, I will post again soon, with lots of pictures. But for now, this is a special post for Pops from Carson and Kenzie.

October's Random Things

2009-10-21T15:34:00.008-05:00

*We bought a red jeep Cherokee.
*Went to the Harvest Festival (part of main street was closed off to vehicles; there was fun stuff to see and good food) I got my face painted at our youth group’s tent. Andy dared another guy from church to and they both got their face painted.
*Brent Vernon and Sam were at our church for a concert. It was very cool to see them.
*Several men from the church showed up and worked in our back yard. (Just before we moved here a couple of guys from the church came and knocked down weeds that were over 6ft high and cleaned things up.) This time they spread new topsoil around, picked up very large rocks and used a tiller. Andy has put down grass seed and new grass is starting to grow. Yeah!
*Pastor Appreciation Sunday- good fellowship, nice cards, a money tree- we are blessed!!
*Hunting accident with a lady in the church- long story short- she lost her leg. She has had a very good and positive outlook.
*Attended a Women of worth meeting, enjoyed the good food. Who knew that I would ever look forward to attending… wonders never cease.
*Went to The Berry Ranch with Stephanie, Debbie and their children. Had a picnic. Fed the chickens, looked at the sheep, cows, and pigs. Climbed up on the hay wagon. Picked a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. Bought several miniature pumpkins and gourds. (Carson said when explaining the gourds to Andy that they weren’t real gourds like in the “Belly button song” (Veggie Tales)
*Had Phillip and Heather Dickinson, missionaries to Columbia, at church for a service.
*Played outside with the sidewalk chalk from Aunt Diana.
*Kenzie will be 12wks tomorrow.
*I have single handedly eaten almost a whole bag of chocolate chips in the last 2 days. Its my new chocolate diet. :)

Harvest Festival and Face Painting

Working in the backyard.

Pumpkin Patch Fun!

.

Happy Birthday Wesley!!

2009-10-13T12:00:00.002-05:00

A Happy Birthday message from Carson. Hope you had a great day.

Life Moves On

2009-10-02T15:18:00.008-05:00

Here’s a quick catch-up on life:
January- I made the monumental decision to no longer teach music, but be a stay-at-home-momma.
March- Found out we are having a baby girl. Got glasses (which I never wear). Carson and I went on our last band tour.
April- IHC. Met Jonathon and Stephanie for supper and to talk about a new job opportunity. Elementary music recital. Baby Charlotte (niece) joined the world; safe and sound.
May- Concert on the Lawn. Camp. Baby Peyton arrived (cousin’s baby). Spent a week in Idaho-checking out the new job opportunity. Carson turned 2.
June- Vacation with Andy’s parents. Vacation with my Mom and siblings to the outer banks. My Grandpa passed away. Decided to move to Idaho. J
July- Waited not so patiently for our baby! Sold our car, bought a Yukon. She finally came in her own sweet time.
August- Had the greatest time with my Dad in WV and most of my siblings-Donna and Wesley we missed you! Went to Michigan with my Mom to see family. Andy’s birthday. Kenzie dedicated. Donna and Wesley moved to Moldova for 10-12 months. wesleyanddonna.sendthefire.org Baby Jackson and Baby Lincoln born (cousins). Yes that is 5 babies in 5 months for my family.
September- Finished packing our treasures. Moved in with my Mom for a few days. Andy and his parents left with the moving truck. Portrait Innovations with the cousins and our 11 children- all under the age of 4, 5 of them still babies. Great times!!
Boarded a plane with my Mom, Jenny, Charlotte, Carson and Kenzie to fly to Idaho. Goodbye big city, hello country! The truck was unloaded, and some of our treasures were already unpacked and in the rooms where they belonged. God bless Andy, his parents, Jonathon and Stephanie, and some wonderful, helpful, hard-working church people!!
What we are doing: Andy is the associate and youth pastor of Community Bible Church. The senior pastor is Jonathon and Stephanie Phillips. I am privileged to be a stay-at-home-momma. (I am very excited about this!)
Where we live: We are renting a great house. After my small apartment with one closet- I think I have died and gone to heaven! 3 rooms, bonus room, 2 bathrooms, 4 closets, huge pantry, 2 car garage, fenced in back yard. I will post pictures when things look a little better.
What I can see, hear and smell from my kitchen window and back yard: I can see a barn and hear and smell several horses grazing in the pasture. Hear the roosters crowing. See the hills (mountains). Life is good.

Other random and cool things: There's a Sonic in this town. A wonderful farmer's market. Rarely hear a siren. The high school buildings are shaped like igloos. The football team is called the Huskies. We have to "go over the hill" to go shopping. The hottest time of the day is 6pm.

We just bought a jeep cherokee- we are once again a 2 car family.

Charlotte & Kenzie............... Carson........................ Kenzie & Carson