Leap Of Faith

Party Time!

2012-01-27T23:03:00.003-05:00

Happy 16th Birthday to my wonderful niece Anna Beth! How well I remember her impatience to make her debut in this world. She made her mark then & is still making it today. Love you, AB!

What a blessing to be able to celebrate special occasions with family. Anna Beth and several other members of the family have been a little under the weather lately, so it's great that everyone was well enough to party.

In fact, the party is still going on, but it moved to our house. AB's younger sis, Molly, came back to our house to have a sleepover w/ K. Make that a no-sleep-til-it's-over. Wii, Netflix, & popcorn, anyone?

Later Days!
Kelly

P.S. Congrats to Molly for overcoming her fear of cats!

New Leap of Faith

2012-01-23T19:50:00.006-05:00

Since almost all of my readers are relatives of mine, you all probably already know that we've moved Back Home!! We're settling into a new house, a new ministry, and a new routine...one which includes making up for lost time with the grandparents :). Never fear, we're still planning to go to the library on Tuesdays so the world will keep rockin' on!

Our move is a blessing in so many ways BUT there are friends that we already miss. One such special friend, who has been a little sis to me and a big sis to E., is Leanne M. She's been a godly influence and a listening ear to us so many times. We've enjoyed our coffee talks...sometimes silly & sometimes serious...always comforting, knowing that we have a true friend who "has our backs".

Here is Leanne with her adorable new friend, Biscuit!

She and her husband Wes have been through severe trials during the time we've known them, but they are terrific examples of steadfast faith. We appreciate the time we had to serve God alongside them.

We love you guys!!

Later Days,
Kelly

Pittypat

2012-01-02T17:13:00.003-05:00

Let me introduce you to a special friend of ours. Pat has been a friend and fellow-laborer (as Apostle Paul would say) during the three years we've been re-located to the Midlands. She's rejoiced with us in good times and mourned with us in difficult ones. She's near and dear to my heart for many reasons but one of the most important is that she has been a loving, patient mentor to our oldest child.

E. had the opportunity to work with "Pittypat" at the church office, worship with her, socialize with her (see, homeschoolers DO socialize), and talk about Pat's adorable grandson :). Through it all, E. had the opportunity to see that Pat's godly character is the real deal, inside the church and out.

Pat took E. to lunch today and then blessed her with a beautiful quilt that she made...one that not only is a piece of art, but also reflects E.'s personality...her love of God...and coffee.

So, though she's probably going to be embarrassed if she reads this shoutout, I just had to say WE LOVE YOU, PAT!

Later Days!
Kelly

Happy Birthday, N!

2011-12-14T21:19:00.006-05:00

This cute little guy is 15 today!!! He has brought us so much joy over the last 15 years and we are proud of the young man he has become.

N. is a history buff and much of his "wish list" for his birthday and Christmas consisted of books on various periods of history, military campaigns, and such. When you see him, ask him any history question and he will be able to answer it...or make you believe he has answered you authoritatively. History professor one day, maybe?

We love you, N!

Later Days!
Kelly

P.S. Sorry that the baby pic is so tiny...I'm not tech-savvy enough to do anything about it :).

Quick Takes 12/2/11

2011-12-02T09:34:00.002-05:00

*1*
Our VW Beetle conked out so we're now a one-car family. Silver lining: we're saving money by only insuring one car, buying gas for one car, and paying taxes on one car plus selling the VW will give us a little more money for Christmas :)

*2*
I'm loving doing most of my Christmas shopping on Amazon. It's exciting to see those packages arrive!

*3*
We're slowly getting the halls decked...getting all those empty totes put away is a different matter.

*4*
Lots of strumming going on at our place...N. and hubby are learning to play the banjo and K. is learning guitar! M. is just making noise :).

*5*
Favorite seasonal beverages: Peppermint Chocolate Chip milkshakes from Chik-fil-A, Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks, and King's Tavern Ginger Ale shipped from Colonial Williamsburg, courtesy of my sweet hubby.

*6*
Our Christmas tree is gorgeous...my favorite ornaments are the ones chosen to represent our family each year.

*7*
I am unreasonably excited about changing the background on my computer to winter/holiday scenes! "Decking" my computer is so 21st century.

Later Days,
Kelly

It's beginning to look a lot like....

2011-12-01T20:53:00.003-05:00

DECEMBER!

It's really too early to say it's beginning to look like Christmas because we still have 3 family birthdays, our 21st anniversary and my parents' anniversary before Christmas Day! Needless to say, this is a crazy busy time of year with all of those celebrations plus special church services and family memory-making.

While our lives have taken some unexpected turns this year, making this holiday season look much different from our usual, we're trying to make it a priority to focus on on the REAL reason for the season...the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Yes, we love decorating a Christmas tree and shopping for presents but we also love to set up all our nativity sets to remind of of the miracle of Emmanuel...God with us.

My youngest set up this special "utility set" and loves to move the pieces around. I love how he did this grouping of EVERYBODY (animals included) gathered around the stable, admiring Baby Jesus.

Later Days!
Kelly

Fall Festival

2011-11-04T19:25:00.004-04:00

I know that some relatives check this blog frequently and I must once again apologize for being a slacker. Can I make it up to you by posting pics of the grandkids in costume?

Did you notice that this limited-time offer included a bonus pic of yours truly and my sweetie?

Later Days!
Kelly

10/18/11 Daybook

2011-10-18T20:37:00.002-04:00

Outside My Window:
*Much-needed rain!

Inside My House:
*The yummy smell of a fall candle
*My whole family
*Pets snoring :)

Things Accomplished:
*Weekly library trip
*Homeschool
*Sodoku
*2 scrapbook pages!

On My Mind:
*2 of my husband's aunts--both are hospitalized and need everyone's prayers
*My father- and mother-in law

Looking Forward To:
*Seeing the grandparents and cousins this weekend!

Later Days!
Kelly

Attn: Grandparents

2011-10-07T22:14:00.003-04:00

Hey y'all! I've been MIA since before our beach trip, but honestly, doesn't the beach deserve its own post?

Without further ado, I bring you some photos of K. & M. from this afternoon....

Later Days!
Kelly

Saturday Update

2011-09-17T22:25:00.002-04:00

Things done:
* Homemade haircuts for both boys
* Shopping with both girls (found the elusive khaki skirt I've wanted)
* Made oatmeal craisin cookies from scratch
* Got groceries
* Enjoyed the fall-like weather
* Tried to help hubby feel better
* Watched Princess Diaries 2 with K.
* Talked about our upcoming beach trip!!!

Things left to do:
* Get a good night's sleep :)
* Wake up refreshed and ready to worship at New Hope Baptist Church
* Take care of hubby and help him get ready for surgery on Monday (kidney stone)
* Talk incessently about our upcoming beach trip!!!!

Later Days!
Kelly

Bloggy Makeover

2011-09-15T23:13:00.002-04:00

So what do you think? After my last post, I began to play around with the blogger template and "accidentally-on-purpose" changed up my blog's look to reflect my love of all things autumn. Please let me know what you think about the new look...is it hard to read, tacky, fabulous?

Later Days!
Kelly

Long Overdue Post

2011-09-15T22:16:00.002-04:00

How's that for a descriptive title? I really have no adequate excuse for my laxness in updating the blog...I have had reminders from friends, family, pets, etc. The truth is, the longer I put off posting, the easier it is to put off! Hmmm...that's just like so many positive changes I need to put in place.

Anyway, here's 7 Quick Takes to get me back in the bloggin' groove:

1) Hubby is suffering with a huge kidney stone at the moment. He's going to spend the weekend heavily medicated and has a procedure scheduled for Monday to get rid of that rock!

2) Our yearly beach vacation with family is approaching! We've been vacationing with my parents and hubby's parents for 18 years and we love it!

3) We'll be celebrating both hubby's and his father's birthdays while we're at the beach!

4) 14yo son got glasses last week. He looks very distinguished...or would, if he wasn't wearing a Kermit the Frog t-shirt :).

5) Our homeschooling year has started and the student body includes: a 12th grader, 9th grader, 5th grader, and kindergartner!! AND one perpetually frazzled mom.

6) I'm ridiculously excited about the beginning of Fall!!! I love the cooler weather, the pretty colors on the trees, the holidays...basically, everything about it. Of course, I live in South Carolina and by cooler weather I mean 70 degrees. Which MAY happen this weekend.

7) Speaking of holidays...if you are a member of my family reading this (and let's be honest, who else would be reading this?), now is the time to begin dropping hints for gift ideas :). For some of you, you'll also need to hint about birthday ideas, too!

Later Days!
Kelly

Party at the Park

2011-07-02T21:14:00.002-04:00

Today we enjoyed a picnic at a local park with some good friends to celebrate their son's 12th birthday. We had terrific food, a great time with our friends, and even survived a pinata without having an AFV moment (America's Funniest Videos).

If you ever watch AFV, you'll have noticed that pinatas and trampolines provide most of the painfully funny moments. NOT that we ever watch that show. Except we do. Frequently. It's E's favorite show--I'm afraid of what that might mean about her character! Love ya, E.!

Later Days!
Kelly

Dog Days of Summer

2011-07-02T21:06:00.003-04:00

Annie says chillax and enjoy :)!
Later Days!
Kelly

Summertime and the Living is Easy!

2011-06-25T18:38:00.002-04:00

School's out and we're enjoying lazy days!

Here's just a few things that mean Summer to us:
* watermelon
* sitting on the backyard swing
* playing Wii games...Zumba & Dancing With the Stars for me :)
* swimsuits...I HATE swimsuit shopping!
* reading, reading, reading
* 100 degree temps :P
* fresh veggies from the garden...other people's gardens, that is (That's you, Papa!)
* ice cream
* more freckles
* kiddy pool
* sunglasses

Looking forward to:
* visits with the grandparents :)

Later Days!
Kelly

Today is my birthday!

2011-05-24T19:35:00.003-04:00

That's right, let us observe a moment of silence. Not because of my age--just because silence is so hard to come by around here! Forty-two is ushering in some exciting & frightening changes. No, I'm NOT talking about my ever-expanding waistline or graying hair! It appears that a new "leap of faith" is in our future, as we anticipate a move back to my hometown. I'll keep my faithful readers updated on developments when God reveals them to me....though, since I'm related to most of my readers, I can just tell y'all when we come for dinner. LOL!

In other news, this post as written and posted from my new tablet computer! Happy birthday to me!

Later Days,
Kelly

Easter, K's birthday, and a sick boy

2011-04-25T10:05:00.006-04:00

Wow, it's been a crazy few days! I'm so glad my parents came to visit for a couple of days because it took all of us to do what needed to get done.

Thursday: Mimi and Papa arrived and we went to the mall to get K's ears pierced for her birthday. She picked some adorable earrings, M spent his birthday $$ on Build-A-Bear stuff, the ladies did a bit of shopping, and we ate in the Food Court.

Friday: M began feeling bad--fever and nausea, with periods of playing. He mostly hung out at home with the menfolk, with the exception of a quick trip to Wal-Mart (which ended badly for him). I also finally had my eye exam and ordered new glasses, which, I'm proud to say, are not YET bifocals :). Mimi prepared an Easter feast for us since we wouldn't actually get to see my parents on Easter Sunday. Delish! Sadly, M still didn't feel up to eating.

Saturday: M missed the church's egg hunt but K got to go. She was proud to show off her newly-pierced ears to her friends. We had a mini birthday celebration before Mimi and Papa had to go home.

Sunday: Easter AND K's 10th birthday! M and I missed all the special Resurrection Day festivities at church, but the rest of the family enjoyed them. K sang a solo part(beautifully--thank you, E for videoing it for me). I'll try to upload that video soon...I need some tutoring from someone more tech-savvy than me, which includes my 5yo!
When the crowd came home from church, we had K's favorite meal of tacos (except for M, who still didn't have much of an appetite) and enjoyed birthday cake, ice cream, presents,
AND Easter treats!

M got to enjoy an egg hunt at home.

Which brings us to Monday morning...I think M is feeling much better because he's bothering his siblings :). THAT'S much more like him!

Later Days!
Kelly

4/15

2011-04-15T10:54:00.001-04:00

*1*
Still unpacking boxes from our recent move. Also, discovering that some things are NOWHERE TO BE FOUND!! In other words, a typical move.

*2*
Spring Fever is rampant around here! The kids don't want to do schoolwork, I don't want to do schoolwork, the schoolbooks are hard to find....

*3*
As you've noticed, I'm also having trouble motivating myself to write blog posts...and sweep floors...and wash dishes...and unpack boxes....

*4*
On the bright side, it's almost K.'s birthday, so I have a very excited almost-10yo girl :). She wants to have her ears pierced and get DIAMOND earrings since that's her birthstone. She'll probably make do with the same kind of "diamond" earrings her mom wears :).

*5*
Incidentally, Easter falls on K.'s birthday this year so it's a double blessing.

*6*
10 is much different than it was when I was 10. I think 10 is the new 20. K. has also indicated than she'd like an Ipod and an Itunes card.

*7*
I think I was still playing with dolls at 10 (and after).

Later Days!
Kelly

7 Quick Takes 4/8/11

2011-04-08T13:16:00.003-04:00

1. Blogging from my phone while we head Back Home for a visit.
Ain't technology wonderful!?!

2. We have moved since I last posted! Same city-bigger house.

3. Eldest turned 17 a couple of days ago! It doesn't seem possible....

4. K. will be turning 10 in a few days-Easter Sunday, as a matter of fact. It doesn't seem possible....

5. Tonight we'll be having a double birthday party with the whole family Back Home!

6. Ooops! I haven't posted in so long that I better mention that youngest turned 5 back in February! It doesn't seem possible....

7. It's far too easy to lose phone blog posts if your 5yo sneezes & you have to rummage around for a tissue!

Later Days!
Kelly

Catching up....

2011-01-10T11:31:00.008-05:00

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted but most of my readers know what I've been doing because y'all are related to me :). To recap:

Let's see...Thanksgiving, Sis-in-Law's bday (love ya, Jen!), Bro-in-Law's bday (love ya, Neal!), son N.'s 14th bday (love ya, N.!), our 20th anniversary (love ya, Hubby!), my mother's bday (love ya, Mimi!), my parents' anniversary (love ya, parents!), and Christmas (love ya, Jesus!). Throw in multiple special Christmas services at church, rehearsals for special services, and Sunday School/Staff/Children's parties at church and you have a very busy couple of months!

And then, of course, there was a Christmas snow--my first white Christmas! Post-Christmas there's been a couple of funerals for church members :(, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, and...another snow (today!). The kids and I have enjoyed making snowmen, throwing snowballs, and sledding down our hill on various cardboard boxes and pizza pans :).

I will now include an assortment of photos for your enjoyment before I have to sign off and make a chicken potpie for lunch!

Later Days!
Kelly

Daybook 11/16/10

2010-11-16T09:28:00.005-05:00

I am thankful for...
*My parents' recent visit :)
*My in-law's upcoming visit :)
*Beautiful Fall leaves outside my windows

From the learning rooms...
*I've ordered some Geometry workbooks to help get the basics down while I search for the mythical "perfect" curriculum.

From the kitchen...
*Some leftover frittata for breakfast
*Lots of water--must drink more water!

I am wearing...
*old jeans, old t-shirt--NOT my official uniform of the day, I promise

I am creating...
*Clean laundry :)--listening to the dryer run now

I am going...
*To the library with the kids
*Later, hubby and I are invited over to a friend's house to talk about some church stuff.

I am reading...
*The Bible
*Hamlet's Blackberry...odd title, huh? It's about our society's addiction to "connectedness" and the blessing/curse that has become to most of us. Food for thought....

I am hoping...
*To get caught up (briefly) on laundry
*To take a run later

I am hearing...
*Laundry tumbling in the dryer
*Children chattering

A few plans for the rest of the week:
*My in-laws are coming for a visit
*Preparing for Thanksgiving

A picture for thought...

This is a pic from last Nov. of my parents, my brother's family, and my family.

Later Days!
Kelly

P.S. For more Daybooks see http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

11/10/10

2010-11-10T13:16:00.003-05:00

I am thankful for...
*Family coming to visit soon :)
*Good friends who make me laugh
*Being back in our church's sanctuary following post-fire renovations

From the learning rooms...
*Geometry is not working :P . Rather, the curriculum I bought isn't working--must rethink strategy

From the kitchen...
*The lunch mess waiting to be cleared away....

I am wearing...
*shorts, long-sleeve t-shirt, apron...a warm day after several cold ones

I am creating...
*A mess--got to get to those lunch dishes!

I am going...
*To church tonight...beginning with children's choir at 6

I am reading...
*The Bible
*Just finished Jan Karon's In the Company of Others (good)

I am hoping...
*To get caught up (briefly) on laundry

I am hearing...
*Laundry tumbling in the dryer
*Children chattering

A few plans for the rest of the week:
*My parents are coming to visit
*A birthday party for one of M's friends

Later Days!
Kelly

Back in Town....

2010-11-08T13:28:00.003-05:00

...not that I was gone for very long but it's certainly been a long time since I posted on my blog :).

Most of the time when I fail to post it's procrastination, pure and simple. Once you go a few days without posting it's easy to go a few days more without posting and then a few days more...and a few days more....

So, in summary, I'm lazy. Maybe I'll eventually get around to posting pics of my kids in their Fall Festival costumes but we'll just have to see how motivated I get before I forget them.

More recently, I took a weekend trip to Savannah, Georgia, with some of my friends from church. Eight of us stayed in Paula Deen's beach house, ate at her restaurant on Friday night (The Lady and Sons) and ate at her brother's restaurant on Saturday night (Uncle Bubba's Oyster House). Delicious southern cooking, but waaaay overpriced. Most of our crowd enjoyed Bubba's more; I, however, not being a big fan of seafood, enjoyed Paula's place more. I want it noted that I TRIED to like seafood--I tried crab cakes, fried shrimp, and some sort of seafood dip. I'm still not a big fan of seafood :). I can highly recommend the pecan pie, though!

Hubby and the kids did just fine without me--even trying hard to have the house sparking clean when I got home. Some of us left Savannah earrrrrrly Sunday morning so we'd be back for church, so I didn't get to see the house until lunchtime on Sunday. Imagine my surprise when I came in to find the kitchen floor covered in bubbles, courtesy of a dishwasher malfunction!! At least the kitchen floor was sparkling for a little while....

Later Days!
Kelly

Remember the Beach?

2010-10-14T19:34:00.002-04:00

Wish we were there....
Later Days!
Kelly

10/08/10

2010-10-08T20:58:00.003-04:00

-1-
My parents have joined us for an impromptu visit! We're always happy to have family come to see us :).

-2-

Our eldest child got her Learner's Permit this week. She doesn't really want to drive anywhere except around our neighborhood and that suits us fine.

-3-
Eldest also got a checking account! I guess that means our "little girl" is growing up....

-4-
Has anyone started Christmas shopping? I've bought one gift...but that's pretty good for me at this stage. We also bought our family Christmas ornament while we were at the beach...it's tricky finding an ornament for a family of 6--we like to get the kind that can be personalized with each person's name and the year.

-5-
I'm amazed that people still buy pinatas after watching America's Funniest Videos! That also goes for trampolines. And Treadmills. And Snowmobiles.

-6-
People are creative in finding ways to hurt themselves (see above). Some of my family (not mentioning names, E!), really enjoy some cringe-worthy videos of people falling down, getting hit in various places with diverse objects, and exposing themselves to public ridicule by capturing it all on film and having it aired on national television.

-7-

Later Days!
Kelly

Have I Mentioned The Beach?

2010-10-01T10:16:00.003-04:00

I have to give credit to my eldest for all of these pictures...in fact, most of the pictures I have from the beach were taken by her! Thanks, E.!

Later Days!
Kelly

Quick Takes 10/1/10

2010-10-01T09:55:00.002-04:00

*1*
I can't believe it's October! That's like, FALL! Finally, there's a slight nip in the air (well, at least the temp's not in the 90s at this moment), football season is in swing, and we're starting to see the leaves changing just a bit...love it!

*2*
My stove is officially dead to me. After a variety of frustrating mechanical issues--the latest being an oven door that came off yesterday--we are going stove shopping today!!

*3*
Did I mention that the oven door fell off WHILE I was baking something?!?

*4*
Just so you know, that leads to less-than-perfect results in whatever you're cooking...also, no matter how high you turn up the temp, your doorless oven will not be able to get above 250 degrees.

*5*
For reasons of public safety, you will also have to remain quite close to your rapidly-losing-heat doorless oven to prevent pets and small children from hurting themselves.

*6*
If we don't get the stove replaced today, I shall be forced to cook dinner for a family of 6 in a toaster oven! Wait, I'M actually going out to dinner with some friends so it will be hubby's challenge :).

*7*
What do you want to bet he'd have some pizza delivered?

Later Days!
Kelly

Daybook

2010-09-29T12:14:00.002-04:00

Outside my window...
*Fall! Well, Fall-ish, anyway. The temperature is in the 70s rather than the 90s :).

I am thinking...
*That it's so hard to get back to "normal" life after a week at the beach.

I am thankful for...
*Wednesdays--lunch out with the family & church tonight.

From the learning rooms...
*Trying desperately to get back into our school routine--tough after a week off.

From the kitchen...
*Indian food--I used a spice mix to make butter chicken last night and hubby picked up some pre-made naan & gulab jamen--yum!

I am wearing...
*Shorts & my Big on the Pig t-shirt...I will definitely be changing before going out to lunch. Also, my glasses...I'm finding them more and more necessary these days....

I am going...
*To eat Mexican food!

I am reading...
*The Bible
*Otherwise, I'm between books--any ideas?

I am watching...
*Phineas and Ferb

I am hearing...
*The clothes dryer
*Annie the bassett making rude noises

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Later Days!
Kelly

Catching up...or not

2010-09-29T09:29:00.003-04:00

Wow, it's been a long bloggy break, hasn't it? I find it very difficult to get back to blogging after a long break because it's daunting to feel like I have to catch up. I've found that procrastination works in most cases, which leads to more catching up....

So. I've decided to post a few pictures at a time of our recent beach vacation. That should keep the grandparents happy and will prevent me from having to actually think of something to write :). We're still trying to get back into the swing of school and home routines after our wonderful vacation so my few remaining brain cells are otherwise occupied.

9/11/10

2010-09-11T10:08:00.003-04:00

Belated Quick Takes Friday....

~1~
Annie the Basset is recovering nicely from her surgery. She's greatly enjoyed being spoiled and cosseted the last few days and has worked those sad eyes to her advantage!

~2~
We enjoyed dinner with friends last night and the kids enjoyed the pool (too cold for adults). Why is it that kids don't seem to mind how cold a pool is? Why is it that the daytime temperatures are still in the 90's and the pool was cold???

~3~
We are about to embark on my favorite season--Fall. Or Autumn. What do y'all call it? I love the nip in the air (purely theoretical at this point), the changing leaves, and bringing out the Fall clothes (Obviously, I call it Fall).

~4~
In a week's time, we'll be on our way to the beach! It's a constant point of conversation around here these days. We love our yearly trek with all four grandparents!!

~5~
Many traditions have sprung up over the 16 years we've vacationed together: Krispy Kreme doughnuts after early service on Sunday (will that change now that many of our crowd are dieting?), Shopping Day on Monday, carousel rides at Barefoot Landing, Build-a-Bear Workshop at Broadway at the Beach, shopping for a family ornament at St. Nick's Nacks, Ripley's Aquarium....

~6~
Oh, we swim and play in the sand, too! And eat...lots.

~7~
Let's stop to remember the events of 9/11/01 and pray for the families of those who lost their lives or suffered injuries. Pray also for our soldiers and their families, as they have devoted their lives to providing freedom and security for our country.

Later Days!
Kelly

P.S. A special Happy Birthday to Living Out Loud's son, C., who made September 11th a day of joy!!

Happy Labor Day!

2010-09-06T19:36:00.003-04:00

I lost the post I originally wrote so I'm gonna do Take 2 in list form:
~We celebrated Labor Day by doing NO WORK OF ANY KIND, including school :)

~The kids and I went over to a friend's house to play in the pool--we had a terrific time but we all have various degrees of sunburn, with me being the reddest :P

~I got to go shopping by myself for a little while this afternoon! Piggly Wiggly grocery store has a promotion where you can trade in your Greenbax (their customer reward program) for gift cards. I paid 12.5 Greenbax (which I get just by getting my regular groceries) for a $25 Kohl's gift card...which I promptly used for some new tops :). They're going to repeat this promotion in November so I'll be hoarding my Greenbax 'til then!

~Hubby grilled steaks for dinner...yummmmmm!

~Our dog, Annie, goes to get "fixed" tomorrow. The hard part will be to see that she doesn't eat anything after 9 p.m. tonight!!

Later Days!
Kelly

!

2010-09-03T10:43:00.002-04:00

1. My parents are here for a visit and M. is enjoying being totally spoiled! We built a huge Lincoln Log/train set complex last night and right now, he has Mimi pushing him on the swing.

2. College football has begun--woohoo! In my mind, the beginning of football=fall, however, the temperature is supposed to get up to 98 degrees today :P.

3. The repairs and renovations at our church are underway. Several weeks ago, our steeple was struck by lightning and caught fire. We'll be moving back into part of our church building soon, though the sanctuary repairs will take a few weeks longer.

4. Anybody have big plans for the Labor Day weekend? We're getting together with friends...but most exciting--no school!

5. Our dog is scheduled for surgery next week. Some of you might remember that she was pregnant when we got her (unbeknownst to us). Her puppies were adorable. Also, smelly, loud, and irritating. We DO NOT want to do that again.

6. Speaking of school (was I speaking of school?)...we've completed our first two weeks and are still trying to find our "groove". Bouncing around between the four kids and their varying subjects is keeping me hopping.

7. Time for cellphone upgrades...phones are scary complicated these days, aren't they? Gone are the days when you only used a phone to make calls! I didn't think I was a techie-type, but I love having a phone that can access the internet--how did our founding fathers survive without being able to Facebook wherever and whenever they wanted?!?

Later Days!
Kelly

2010-08-25T10:52:00.002-04:00

For school (4K), M. made a house with each family member in a window. He was so proud of himself! He got to cut, draw, glue...besides working on recognizing the names of each person. It's a little strange for me to be doing kindergarten again after several years but he loves getting some focused attention and "doing school" like his siblings.

Later Days!
Kelly

Daybook 8/24/10

2010-08-24T11:44:00.002-04:00

Outside my window...
A beautiful, warm day--only supposed to get into the low 90s today!

I am thinking...
That our school year has started off better than I expected after The Summer Of Low Expectations.

I am thankful for...
Children who love to learn...though not necessarily what I'm trying to teach them!

From the learning rooms...
Chemistry, Spanish, Literature, Geometry, US History, phonics...I'll let y'all try to figure out who's learning what :)

From the kitchen...
Chicken salad sandwiches for lunch

I am wearing...
sweaty, stinky workout clothes--just finished a good workout!

I am creating...
an atmosphere where learning doesn't just happen during "school time"!

I am going...
To take a shower as soon as I finish this post! Later, laundry, cleaning, exercise class with my friends.

I am reading...
*The Bible--midway through Isaiah
*In a Sunburned Country (travel book about Australia)

I am hoping...
That math begins to come back to me so I can explain it to my children!

I am hearing...
"Mama" constantly from children needing assistance with schoolwork

Around the house...
Work to do!

One of my favorite things...
Fall...can't wait for the season to change!

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Exercise class tonight, church tomorrow night, groceries...what an exciting life I lead! lol

Cute photo that bears no relation to anything in today's post...

Later Days!
Kelly

8/18/10 Daybook

2010-08-18T21:32:00.004-04:00

Outside My Window

It was a dark and stormy night....no, seriously, it is.

I am Listening to

Kids playing and the jingling of the dog's tag as she wanders around looking for eldest, who hasn't gotten home yet from keeping nursery for choir practice.

I am Wearing

Khaki shorts, brown t-shirt w/ Mom4 on it

I am so Grateful for

~A (relatively) restful summer

~The freedom and privilege to homeschool my children

I'm Pondering

What surprises the new school year will hold

I am Reading

The Bible...still on the Read the Bible in 90 Days plan

I am Thinking

That I can't wait to go Back Home to visit family this weekend! We'll be celebrating some birthdays and I imagine our upcoming trip to the beach will figure heavily in our conversations :)

I am Creating

Lesson plans, lists, & New School Year Resolutions

On my iPod

An eclectic mix of Contemporary Christian, show tunes, beach music, and disco-era :). I love having new tunes to listen to while I work out.

Around the House
We're very pleased with the furniture re-arrangement we did over the weekend. Our living room looks a bit tidier, our master bedroom looks bigger, and both boys seem pleased to have their beds "un-bunked".

I am Hoping and Praying
That hubby feels better soon and that our church's repairs and renovations will continue smoothly and quickly

From the Kitchen

Nothing exciting going on here...

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week

~More lesson-planning, laundry, heading Back Home

Picture thought:

Quick Takes 8/13/10

2010-08-13T22:15:00.003-04:00

*1*
Hubby and I spent the day rearranging furniture...moved the bed in the master bedroom, moved an armoire from the bedroom to the living room, moved a couple of bookcases....

*2*
Result: more space in the bedroom, new look in the living room

*3*
Unintended result: tired, aching muscles!

*4*
I've also been preparing for the upcoming school year...ordering, organizing, and scheduling, ad infinitum

*5*
We're excited that we'll be going Back Home next weekend to celebrate 2 of my nieces' birthdays...that is, the birthdays of 2 of my nieces :)

*6*
This is probably not a new concept for the rest of the world, but I stumbled on a relatively painless way to practice Spanish with the kids...I checked out the Spanish-language versions of childrens' books that we already own...can you guess what old favorite translates, "Buenas Noches, Luna"?

*7*
Tomorrow is supposed to be a little cooler...only 90 degrees!

Later Days!
Kelly

Daybook 8/11/10

2010-08-11T09:45:00.002-04:00

I am thankful for...
*Quiet summer mornings...I'll miss them.

From the learning rooms...
*Book orders are still drifting in
*Working on a schedule for school/chores/life...well, more of a routine. I don't want to completely lose the spontaneity that makes life interesting :)

From the kitchen...
*Plain yogurt w/ fiber cereal & craisins on top for breakfast. I threw on a few semi-sweet chocolate chips, too!

I am wearing...
*shorts, t-shirt

I am creating...
*Order? Really?

I am going...
*To transfer my pictures to a thumb drive because my computer is acting funny and I don't want to lose 3 years of pictures!

I am reading...
*The Bible--beginning Esther today

Around the house...
*Hung a boxing heavy bag in the backyard--eldest and I are enjoying some great cardio workouts with it and relieving some stress, too!

My favorite things...
*Hubby
*E,N,K, & M!

A few plans for the rest of the week:
*Church service tonight will still be held our local associational office BUT we're praying that the repair work on our church will get started and we'll be back in it soon!

Later Days!
Kelly

Zzzzzzzz

2010-08-07T19:20:00.003-04:00

The latest installment in our popular series, "Sleeping M.".

Quick Takes 8/6/10

2010-08-06T21:47:00.002-04:00

*1*
We're enjoying a visit from my hubby's parents, Nana and Gdad. We'll be heading Back Home for a visit before too long because 2 of my nieces are having birthdays back-to-back (Yay, C. & M.!).

*2*
We've had some more serious thunderstorms the last couple of days. In fact, we were without electricity for a while this evening. I can't complain, though, because we decided to go to Cold Stone Creamery for some ice cream so we wouldn't have to sit in a dark, quickly-getting-too-warm house.

*3*
Eldest and I tried our hand at "homemade" haircuts this week. She did a pretty good job with mine, but I missed the layers that I'm used to so I ended up getting my hair cut by a professional this evening. I had to go very short to get those layers :). It's just hair, right?

*4*
Those packages of curricula are drifting in, bit by bit. I guess I can't deny it anymore...school is just around the corner.

*5*
Watching AFV (America's Funniest Home Videos) leads me to wonder why ANYONE buys a pinata, a trampoline, or a pet!

*6*
Eldest has one of those crazy bouts of hiccups that burst out of her unexpectedly and dramatically--wish I had it on video for AFV!

*7*
Today, Youngest wanted Nana to get washcloth for him so he could wipe some marker off one of his hands. Hubby told him to go wash his hands, instead. M.'s reply? "But only one hand is dirty."

Later Days!
Kelly

Daybook 8/4/10

2010-08-04T09:26:00.002-04:00

I am thankful for...
*My in-laws, who are coming to visit for a few days!
*My parents, who wish they could (I'm assuming)

From the learning rooms...
*Almost have the workbox system set up to organize my younger kids' school work
*Waiting on some ordered curricula to come in so I can preview it and start school soon (Thanks, Mimi!)

From the kitchen...
*Dirty floor, waiting to be swept and mopped :P

I am wearing...
*shorts, t-shirt

I am creating...
*Order? Really?

I am going...
*To sweep and mop my kitchen...eventually

I am reading...
*The Bible--in 1 Chronicles now with the Read the Bible in 90 Days plan

I am hoping...
*That my in-laws car problems won't prevent them from coming today

I am hearing...
*The wheezing of my overweight cat
*The humming of my computer, which needs a new battery
*Wall-E, our Roomba vacuum working in the family room

Around the house...
*Hung a boxing heavy bag in the backyard--eldest and I are enjoying some great cardio workouts with it and relieving some stress, too!

My favorite things...
*Visits from family!
*Clean-ish house
*Getting packages in the mail :)

A few plans for the rest of the week:
*Church service tonight will still be held our local associational office BUT we're praying that the repair work on our church will get started and we'll be back in it soon!

Later Days!
Kelly

Quick Takes 7/30/10

2010-07-30T09:38:00.003-04:00

*1*
I'm experimenting a little with the blog post today by centering everything. Like it? Hate it? Indifferent?

*2*
Discovered General Foods International's Dark Mayan Chocolate Latte...oh my! That stuff is goooood--adding a squirt of whipped cream to the top is a nice touch :).

*3*
Hubby is cutting grass and it's already 86 degrees at 9:45 a.m.! Our local temperature is supposed to reach 100 degrees later :P. I'm thankful that he's getting to be home for a while today, after several long, stressful days.

*4*
Re:long, stressful days....Our church's steeple was struck by lightning and caught fire on Monday. Thankfully, the fire damage wasn't too bad. Unfortunately, the water damage was considerable, ruining the ceiling, sound equipment, organ, etc. As pastor, Hubby has spent the last several days in meetings with insurance adjusters, architects, repairmen, etc.

*5*
Praise the Lord, we have a place to meet this Sunday! A sister church in the area is letting us use their sanctuary for worship while they are having Sunday School. Arrangements for future services are pending, awaiting the results from asbestos tests. The presence of asbestos will lengthen the rebuilding/repair process.

*6*
A setback such as this will act as a "refining fire" for our fellowship (excuse the fire pun). We'll be back to basics for a while & issues that are usually overlooked may come to the surface. With God's help and an extra dose of patience and longsuffering, we can come through this trial a more unified, holier body of believers!

*7*
Our school year is just around the corner. I've been placing curriculum orders and items are slowly drifting in. I love to get packages in the mail :).

Later Days!
Kelly

7/27/10 Daybook

2010-07-27T12:35:00.003-04:00

I am thankful for...
*My church and my church family
*Our local firefighters who responded so quickly to the call that our church steeple was on fire.
*Our fellow believers from another church who made the 911 call about the fire.
*That God protected the church from much worse damage!

From the learning rooms...
*In the process of setting up workboxes for my younger kids so they will be able to visualize the work that needs done and what they've already accomplished.

From the kitchen...
*The lunch mess waiting to be cleared away....

I am wearing...
*Pink shirt, blue shorts, apron

I am creating...
*Order

I am going...
*To enjoy Quiet Time in a little while :)

I am reading...
*The Bible--just began the Read the Bible Through in 90 Days plan.
*A couple of homeschooling books from the library

I am hoping...
*That God will use the fire at the church for His glory!

I am hearing...
*The 4yo slamming doors
*N. & K. giggling about some scheme-in-progress

Around the house...
*Clean garage--I'm still in awe :)

My favorite things...
*Ben & Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk ice cream
*Fresh tomatoes

A few plans for the rest of the week:
*Church service at an alternate location tomorrow night :(

Later Days!
Kelly

Back to reality...

2010-07-26T09:51:00.003-04:00

After a completely topsy-turvy week, today we try to get back into routine. Last week, hubby was away as camp pastor at a children's music camp & all 4 kiddos were with the grandparents for a few days. That's right...I was ALONE.

By all accounts, the week was a success for all. The kids had a terrific time: water day, going to the movies (Despicable Me), seeing their cousins, going to Stumphouse Tunnel, and getting spoiled :). Hubby had a great time at camp and 28 kids made professions of faith! I got the garage cleaned, the bushes trimmed, the van cleaned, and several other projects done that I've been putting off...is procrastination a spiritual gift?

My parents brought the kids home and were able to stay a couple of days to continue the "Doting Marathon". Just to keep things interesting, let's throw in a Coupon 101 class for me, a Cafe on the Hill youth fundraiser, a youth lock-in, AND a youth carwash! Top it all off with wonderful worship services yesterday, followed by a youth pool party after evening service and you have a very tired family.

So, how do you follow-up such a frenzy of activity? With the kids asking "What are we going to do today?"

Later Days!
Kelly

7/16/10

2010-07-16T22:01:00.003-04:00

1. We traveled Back Home to visit family :). Just had a terrific evening eating and talking with grandparents, siblings, cousins.

2. Of course, we just discovered that K. forgot her suitcase, so we'll be going shopping tomorrow...do you think she planned it that way? Can you believe her dad and I LET her forget her suitcase!?!

3. Congrats to my niece Peanut on her new braces--looking good!

4. Happy early birthday to my nephew Brett! You're actually turning out ok in spite of your dad :). Hey, bro! lol

5. It is time to make some tough decisions regarding curriculum choices! It's amazing how fast the summer is flying by...we'll be starting school before too long and I better have some books for these kiddos to study.

6. It's easy to get overwhelmed looking at all the curriculum catalogs and websites that come to my attention every day! Have you seen the Rainbow Resource Center catalog????

7. Our Haiti mission team should be arriving home pretty soon. I can't wait to hear their stories about how God is working in that country. I'm pretty sure there will also be some stories of heartbreaking devastation.

Later Days!
Kelly

7/13/10 Daybook

2010-07-13T13:41:00.004-04:00

I am thankful for...
*Our local library! Our library trips on Tuesdays are a highlight of our week.
*Our local Books-A-Million--after the library today we went to B-A-M because the kids had some $$ to spend.
*Kids that love to read!!!

From the learning rooms...
*I don't even want to think about school starting back soon. Thankfully, learning never stops!
*I'm sticking flashcards with Spanish words everywhere :).

From the kitchen...
*The lunch mess waiting to be cleared away....

I am wearing...
*Jeans, tunic, apron, toe-ring :)

I am creating...
*A mess--got to get to those lunch dishes!

I am going...
*To my exercise class with friends tonight :).

I am reading...
*The Bible--just began the Read the Bible Through in 90 Days plan. I'm reading in Leviticus now and am so thankful that Jesus' sacrifice paid for my sins so that I don't have to depend on animal sacrifices!

I am hoping...
*To go Back Home this weekend to see family!

I am hearing...
*Near-silence, as my children peruse their new books.
*Occasional outbursts from youngest :)

Around the house...
*Laundry everywhere!
*Pieces of cardboard from N.'s projects
*Cat and dog hair--ugh.

My favorite things...
*Chocolate-covered coffee beans
*Books

A few plans for the rest of the week:
*Making more Spanish vocabulary cards
*Church tomorrow night--I'm leading Girls in Action this week
*Packing to go Back Home :)

A few pictures for thought...

Our latest attempt to save money involves learning to give haircuts. Our friend T. graciously gave us a lesson :). Result: Hubby, N., and M. look like new recruits, we saved big bucks on haircuts and shampoo, no more messy bedhead!

7/9/10

2010-07-09T09:55:00.003-04:00

1~We had a terrific time at our Honduran friends' house last night! They have such hearts for God and ministering to His people. They'll be leaving the States soon to hold a crusade in Honduras--please pray for the Rodriguez family.

2~A Disaster Relief team from our church is heading to Haiti today. Though other events have pushed Haiti from the headlines lately, the situation there is still devastating and will be for a long time to come. Please pray for the people of Haiti, the many mission teams and aid workers devoting their time, and the families of the teams as they, too, sacrifice by releasing their loved ones to serve.

3~I need to get serious about learning Spanish! Bits and pieces of my high school and college classes have stuck with me but not nearly enough. Eldest will be studying Spanish for high school credit this year--I guess I will be, too :).

4~Youngest is "cooking" breakfast at his play kitchen. I love the way that boy takes care of his stuffed frog!

5~Haircut time for the men of the house. N. is not really looking forward to it but a haircut DOES mean he can spend even less energy on grooming :).

6~Kermit, M.'s stuffed frog, probably doesn't need a haircut, but I bet he'll go anyway. LOL

7~Must tear myself away from the computer now and go out for my walk/jog/wog before it gets up to 100 degrees again.

Later Days!
Kelly

7/06/10

2010-07-06T09:20:00.005-04:00

I am thankful for...
*All my family and friends--we've had a variety of guests for the past few days and it's been fun.
*The USA! We had a great Independence Day.

From the learning rooms...
*Decisions, decisions, decisions...working on my "wish list" for the next school year...homeschooling 11th grade, 8th gr, 4th gr, and 4K will be expensive :).

From the kitchen...
*The smell of sausage frying and biscuits cooking...my mom is cooking breakfast.
*Homegrown tomatoes from Papa's garden--yum!

I am wearing...
*Pajamas :)

I am creating...
*The above-mentioned wish list--it's much more exciting to BUY curricula than it is to USE it :).

I am going...
*To the library--it IS Tuesday, after all!

I am reading...
*The Bible--just began the Read the Bible Through in 90 Days plan
*Mrs. Sharp's Traditions

I am hoping...
*That the cooler weather continues...but I think it's going back up to 100!

I am hearing...
*My parents and my children talking, eggs scrambling :)

Around the house...
*happy noises

My favorite things...
*My family
*Chocolate

A few plans for the rest of the week:
*Library today
*Church tomorrow night

A picture for thought...

"Tourist-y" photo in front of the Taj Mahal

Later Days!
Kelly

Quick Takes 7/2/10

2010-07-02T13:50:00.003-04:00

1. Happy Independence Day (a little early)! Amidst the cookouts and pool parties, take a few minutes to thank God for the U.S.A.! As a country, we have our faults but I still think we live in the best country in the world!

2. Can't wait to use the new grill for the first time--burgers, hotdogs & corn-on-the-cob coming up!

3. Company's coming! We have family and friends coming to visit for a few days--can't wait to see everybody :).

4. I still get a laugh out of watching our Roomba "robot" vacuum :). It's almost like watching a pet run around...plus, the way our cat and dog shed, it picks up enough hair to pass for another pet! In fact, we named it Wall-E after the robot in the movie of the same name. What? Doesn't everybody name their vacuum?

5. I have finally gotten around to hanging some pictures and decorative pieces on the walls! We've lived here almost 2 years and it looked like we'd just moved in. It's amazing how much difference it makes!

6. Congratulations to our local baseball team, the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, for winning the College World Series! I'm not normally a Gamecock fan, but if the Clemson Tigers couldn't win it, at least another SC team did!!

7. I use entirely too many exclamation marks, don' I?!?! I guess I'm just an energetic person...not. LOL

Later Days!
Kelly

Clank! Bang!

2010-07-01T18:29:00.002-04:00

Aaaah...the Sounds of Summer....

Eldest and Hubby are assembling a new gas grill. It will make its inaugural appearance when we burn some meat for July 4th!

I'm hoping the near cessation of the clanking noises coming from the other room means the grill is almost finished!

Daybook

2010-06-29T20:25:00.003-04:00

Outside my window...
*A beautiful evening, post-thunderstorm. Thank you, Lord, for the rain!

I am thinking...
*That it's exciting to have company coming soon! Looks like we'll be grilling out for July 4th.

I am thankful for...
*The week after VBS :). Vacation Bible School is incredibly worthwhile...but incredibly exhausting, too!

From the learning rooms...
*Reviewing some math concepts with my older kids, using the Life of Fred series--who knew math could be funny!?!

From the kitchen...
*Made blackened tilapia tonight--blackened with spices, not burned :). Also, finished off my homemade granola today--good stuff!

I am wearing...
*Shorts and a short-sleeved shirt, no shoes

I am creating...
*A menu plan & a house-keeping schedule (now if I could just be diligent in following these plans)

I am going...
*To paint my toenails--not wearing shoes makes me realize my feet need a little "renovation"!

I am reading...
*Managers of Their Chores (about organizing household chores)
*Harvard Yard (historic fiction)

I am watching...
*an episode of Hart to Hart on dvd as I clean the kitchen :). Love that show!

I am hoping...
*That my son N had a good time at his friend's house this evening. It is a big step for him to go over to someone's house for the first time (I know, he's 13, but it's still a big step for HIM).

I am hearing...
*Blue's Clues
*Hart to Hart

Around the house...
*Trying to dig out after VBS! Laundry and housekeeping got short shrift last week

One of my favorite things...
*My red Dell laptop computer, nicknamed "Rosie"

A few plans for the rest of the week:
*church tomorrow night
*groceries
*more laundry
*trying out some new recipes

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

This is our group arriving at the Hotel Amar in Agra, India--greeted with flowers! We look exhausted because we ARE! This was taken back in November, 2009.

This glimpse into the days of "mommy bloggers" is the idea of Simple Woman at
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ . Please visit her site if you're interested in participating!

Artist at work....

2010-06-28T12:52:00.003-04:00

M. enjoyed drawing on a whiteboard this morning and I wanted to share his efforts with his adoring public :). I'm sorry the poor photos don't do his creations justice.

This is his rendering of Mimi.

And this is me. As a robot. Playing golf.

Later Days!
Kelly

Seven Quick Takes

2010-06-25T16:37:00.003-04:00

1. Saddle Ridge Ranch is a fun place to be but I'm glad VBS is over!

2. Praise the Lord that kids got to hear about Jesus this week and 3 of them professed faith in Him!

3. I'm grateful that so many people are willing to pour themselves into children's lives to make sure that they were safe, were taught the Bible, and had fun this week!

4. I suppose I'll have to resume things like cooking, doing laundry, and cleaning ....

5. Tonight's College World Series baseball game between the Clemson Tigers and the USC Gamecocks promises to be a good one. Go Tigers!

6. Raw chocolate chip cookie dough is delicious. It's my walk on the wild side to defy all those dire warnings about eating cookie dough :).

7. If my next post is from a hospital bed, you'll know to obey all those dire warnings! I'm doing this for your education and edification.

Later Days!
Kelly

Daybook

2010-06-23T16:14:00.004-04:00

Outside my window...
*Heat, heat, heat!

I am thinking...
*That air conditioning is one of the greatest inventions ever!

I am thankful for...
*A little girl gave her heart to Jesus at Vacation Bible School this morning!

From the learning rooms...
*We're learning great stuff at VBS every day
*I'm compiling a list of resources for "Math Camp" and a list for concepts I want to review

From the kitchen...
*I'm going to need groceries before much is going on in the kitchen!

I am wearing...
*A comfy t-shirt and shorts, which will soon be traded for something appropriate for church.

I am creating...
*Memories!

I am going...
*To Bible Study tonight--keeping nursery

I am reading...
*A book about the Charlotte Mason philosophy of homeschooling

I am hoping...
*That I will continue to have energy and enthusiasm for the remaining 2 days of VBS :).

I am hearing...
*The dryer
*The dog sighing because she misses E., who isn't home yet.

Around the house...
*We are in "survival mode" until VBS is over.

One of my favorite things...
*Getting to know a classroom full of energetic, sweet 4 year-olds!

A few plans for the rest of the week:
*2 more days of VBS
*Get groceries
*Cook food
*Catch up on laundry

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

This is what was happening in our lives one year ago this week. Happy Birthday, puppies! Though they were incredibly adorable, I do NOT miss them :).
This glimpse into the days of "mommy bloggers" is the idea of Simple Woman at
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ . Please visit her site if you're interested in participating!

Saddle Ridge Ranch

2010-06-21T17:07:00.002-04:00

Vacation Bible School, Day 1

Kids...lots of them. Noise...lots of it. Fun...lots of it. Told kids about Jesus, sang songs, made crafts, played outside in 100 degree heat. Now, tired. Must rest and recover before going back tomorrow and doing it all again. Maybe tomorrow I'll be able to use personal pronouns as subjects in my sentences....

Later Days!
Kelly

2010-06-18T10:25:00.002-04:00

1. Here's a shout-out to my sweet niece, Casey, who's getting braces today! Can't wait to see your beautiful smile :).

2. Another shout-out goes to my wonderful Father-in-Law, who's having back surgery today. We're praying for a quick recovery and great results!

3. Yet another shout-out to my favorite twins, Yvonne & Yvette, who are celebrating birthdays today! The jury is still out on which is the evil twin and which is the good twin :).

4. I seem to get 97% more comments on blog posts that involve pictures of my children! Thanks, Grandparents :).

5. I never was any good at math so the previous statistic is entirely unreliable (i.e. I made it up).

6. Check out my daughter's new blog--she posts LOTS of pics! Lifesong-onering.blogspot.com

7. Our church's Vacation Bible School begins this Monday morning! Please pray for all the workers, the children that will attend, and their parents--that all will be blessed and God would be glorified!

Later Days!
Kelly

Caught Napping....

2010-06-17T20:06:00.003-04:00

It's been a while since I've posted a photo of M. sleeping in odd places. Last night, after a long, hard day, I think he chose the most uncomfortable place in the house to fall asleep. At least, it's one of my least favorite places...the bathroom scale! :P

Later Days!
Kelly

Daybook

2010-06-16T11:01:00.003-04:00

I am thankful for...
*my family Back Home that I love to visit!
*the wonderful, godly men in my life--Happy Father's Day to my Dad, my Father-in-Law, and my Hubby, who is a great dad!

From the learning rooms...
*the 2009/10 school year is OVER! However, learning never stops :).

From the kitchen...
*Not much...I've been depending on my Mom's and my Mother-in-Law's cooking for the last couple of days :)

I am wearing...
*jeans & a kurta I brought back from India

I am creating...
*plans for Vacation Bible School, which begins next week

I am going...
*to be driving home in a couple of hours :P

I am reading...
*VBS material
*the Bible
*a mystery, the name of which I can't even remember now (obviously, a gripping read)

I am hoping...
*to have an uneventful drive home, with well-behaved children and light traffic
*to get a phone call from hubby soon (he's still at the convention)

I am hearing...
*the chatter and singing of little girls (my niece slept over last night)

Around the house...
*a cat that (possibly) misses us

My favorite things...
*high-speed internet
*dark chocolate
*happy children

A few plans for the rest of the week:
*Midweek Bible Study at church
*Hubby coming home :)

Later Days!
Kelly

Breaking News...

2010-06-12T21:42:00.001-04:00

K. lost a tooth! In our family, that not only means $$ from the tooth fairy, but milkshakes for the whole family :). Mama's always happy when somebody loses a tooth!

Later Days!
Kelly

2010-06-11T20:27:00.002-04:00

1. So glad my sweet K. is back from GA Camp!! While she had a great time at camp, we missed her & she missed us.

2. To celebrate K.'s return AND the official end of the school year, we're all sitting around eating special treats...which for the girls in the family ALWAYS involves Ben & Jerry's ice cream :).

3. I'm very thankful for the dedicated and godly women and young ladies that make it possible for girls like K. to enjoy a few days at camp, learning about Jesus.

4. Eldest and I went to Wal-Mart this morning: she wanted to look in the baby section to pick out something for Baby Parker (a baby from our church that just had surgery). I, however, found myself looking at preemie clothes so I could get something for Kermit--M's stuffed frog. Is that as disturbing as I think it is?

5. N. is writing a book, using dinosaurs as characters. Be sure to buy it when it becomes available on Amazon.

6. Hubby will be heading to the Southern Baptist Convention in Orlando in a few days. Please pray for him as he travels AND pray for the issues that will be voted upon.

7. Any ideas for making math fun? I've been telling the kiddos that, though we're not officially in school now, we'll be having Math Camp :).

Later Days!
Kelly

Daybook

2010-06-09T08:53:00.004-04:00

Outside my window...
A world of possibilities! Also, high temperatures and high humidity :)

I am thinking...
About Camp La Vida--I'm driving a van full of girls to GA Camp this afternoon!

I am thankful for...
chocolate chips :)

From the learning rooms...
finishing up schoolbooks! Yay!

From the kitchen...
I'd love some homemade wheat bread, slathered with real butter--this is NOT what is in my kitchen right now.

I am wearing...
t-shirt, cargo pants, apron

I am creating...
A tentative schedule/routine that will bring order and peace to my house...or not (same as last week; it's just not happening very quickly)

I am going...
to the final frontier (aka Camp La Vida) to drop of a bunch of giggly girls, including K.!

I am reading...
Curriculum catalogs, VBS material, an Inspector Barnaby mystery

I am hoping...
That the girls from church stay safe at camp, make memories, have fun, and learn about Jesus!

Have a great time, Sweetie!

Later Days!
Kelly

7 Quick Takes

2010-06-04T09:37:00.003-04:00

1. Though our school year has five more days to go, summer fun has begun! Tonight, we have a pool party w/ kids from church :).

2. Refer to yesterday's post for my feelings about swimsuit shopping.

3. We're heading to our church in a little while to unload a shipment of food for our church's food pantry. We do this once a month and every time I remark, "Didn't we JUST do this?" It's not that I begrudge helping at the food pantry, I'm just amazed at how fast a month passes!!!

4. Our dog's overpowering "corn-chippy" smell leads me to believe that she needs a bath RIGHT AWAY.

5. I'm beginning to make my wish list of books for our next school year...I love pushing "send" on the orders but I hate the "Did I do the right thing?" feeling that follows.

6. Last night, I dreamed I was ice-skating; I was doing quite well, too!

7. 7 Quick Takes is hosted by ConversionDiary.com. Hop on over and check out everybody's contributions :). Most probably aren't as random as mine.

Later Days!
Kelly

Swimsuit Shopping....

2010-06-03T18:49:00.004-04:00

Ugh.

Is there any worse type of shopping? My 2 daughters and I all need new swimsuits this year and have been to numerous stores looking for them. And trying them on. And hating the way we look in them. And delivering speeches on the state of our society and its lack of modesty.

On the other hand, the menfolk just look at a rack of swimtrunks, pick a size and pattern they like, pay for it and exit the store, without ever trying it on OR feeling like they need plastic surgery or spray-on tan. Can you tell I'm a little bitter about the whole trying-on-swimsuit thing?

You didn't really think I'd post a photo of us trying on swimsuits, did you?

Later Days!
Kelly

P.S. We managed to find K 2 swimsuits today...which is good, since she has a pool party tomorrow night and goes to GA Camp next week.

Daybook

2010-06-02T09:12:00.002-04:00

Outside my window...
A yard and porch that need some serious attention!

I am thinking...
That it's much easier to dream about the next school year than it is to finish up the current one

I am thankful for...
Children who love to learn...though not necessarily what I'm trying to teach them!

From the learning rooms...
It's the dash to the finish line with our current school year

From the kitchen...
Must. Get. Groceries.

I am wearing...
t-shirt and shorts

I am creating...
A tentative schedule/routine that will bring order and peace to my house...or not

I am going...
To get motivated...really.

I am reading...
Curriculum catalogs...trying to make my "wish list" for next school year

I am hoping...
That school gets done quickly and without a fuss. Also, that the "f" on my keyboard will quit sticking. Also, and most importantly, I'm hoping that my big brother has a terrific birthday today!!!

I am hearing...
"Mama" constantly from my youngest child :)

Around the house...
Work to do!

One of my favorite things...
Hubby's payday! That always means groceries and usually means we get to eat lunch out with Hubby :).

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Church tonight, Kids' Pool Party on Friday night

Memorial Day

2010-05-31T09:22:00.002-04:00

The title of this blog post was originally "Happy Memorial Day"...upon reflection, the word "Happy" doesn't seem appropriate, does it? On this day, we remember those who paid the ultimate price for the freedoms that we enjoy in our country. However, the families of those soldiers don't need a special day of remembrance...they remember their fallen loved ones daily. Amidst the cookouts, ballgames, and pool parties that so many of us have planned for this day off from work, let's make sure we pause to remember the fallen AND pray for the families that are missing a son, father, or friend!

In family news, we had a great weekend! First, we traveled Back Home to celebrate some birthdays with our family. Then, a wonderful church service yesterday morning and small groups last night. Today, eldest is traveling with the youth choir to an Atlanta Braves baseball game--with some forced choir practice in the bus! LOL

Speaking of eldest, she is following in her mom's bloggy footsteps! Last night, she created her own blog and did an introductory post--check it out at www.lifesong-onering.blogspot.com! She's sure to be posting lots of her wonderful photographs & giving a slightly different perspective on life at our house :).

Later Days!
Kelly

Daybook for: Wednesday, May 26

2010-05-26T09:15:00.007-04:00

FOR TODAY
Outside my window...
Beautiful sunlight!

I am thinking...
That our school year is dragging on waaaay too long

I am thankful for...
Wonderful friends and family to celebrate good times with

From the learning rooms...
I'm ready to make my "shopping list" of next year's schoolbooks, but I don't want to finish THIS year's school!

From the kitchen...
Hubby and I are really trying to watch what we eat--more salads, less sweets

I am wearing...
Still in pjs

I am creating...
Nothing at the moment, except the scrapbook I keep in my head!

I am going...
To Bible Study tonight--keeping nursery

I am reading...
Between books, but open to suggestions

I am hoping...
That my eldest feels better today than she did yesterday

I am hearing...
Dora the Explorer, the cat snoring, the dog sighing

Around the house...
I'm in a summery mood so I'd like to rearrange things

One of my favorite things...
Watching my youngest dress, feed, and put to bed his favorite stuffed animal, Kermit. He just fixed "fork chops" in his play kitchen for Kermit's breakfast :).

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Heading Back Home this weekend to celebrate my birthday and my brother's birthday!!!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

This glimpse into the days of "mommy bloggers" is the idea of Simple Woman at
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ . Please visit her site if you're interested in participating!

The Dr. is in....

2010-05-20T18:25:00.002-04:00

This morning, Dr. M. dressed in his scrubs and "operated" on our model dissection frog.

I'm sorry to say that the frog did not pull through.

Later Days!
Kelly

P.S. Don't worry grandparents, it was only plastic, though it had "lifelike gooey guts." lol

Lewis's blog

2010-05-13T12:42:00.003-04:00

May 13, 2010
Dear diary: Today is day 3,650 of my captivity among the bipeds and things have not improved since day 1. I am still fed that strange squishy stuff out of a can for rations and I am still banned from the dining chamber which is hardly fair since my bipedal captors eat good food at a large table! On top of that the bipeds have hired a new guard to watch me. They call her "Annie" . This wolf like creature is
disgusting and...well.... annoying. How dare the creature eat my... er.... icky stuff in the bowl. She even attempts to amuse herself by playing with me as though I were nothing but a kitten! This "Annie" has gained the favor of the bipeds by following them everywhere and acting cute... Almost 2 years ago now the bipeds moved to a new high security prison no doubt to keep me under better guard. I have tried numerous escape plans and they have all failed. Before long I shall have to send an S.O.S to my allies...Well I suppose things could be worse. Maybe I should talk to my agent instead.

Later Days!
Lewis

P.S. This guest post was completely written by my 13yo & 9yo children. The views expressed in this post are not necessarily those of the creator of Leap Of Faith :).

A Boy and His...Frog?

2010-05-12T09:44:00.007-04:00

Some of you may remember little M. making a special friend at Build-a-Bear for his 4th bday in February. I guess most of you reading this have actually met Kermit the Frog (NOT a bear), since he always brings it on our trips Back Home. If you've met Kermit, you know that he's a well-dressed frog...mainly because M. has me changing Kermit's clothes several times a day!

What you may not know is that Kermit has acquired a "little brother" who happens to be a stuffed dog. This brother, for reasons passed understanding, is called Tambourine. Apparently, it isn't necessary for Tambourine to wear any clothes at all BUT he is often swaddled by being stuffed into a winter hat :).

M. takes very good care of Kermit and Tambourine by tucking them in for naps and bedtime and by preparing wonderful meals for them from his play kitchen.

Yesterday, I snapped a photo of M. and his babies having lunch in front of the fireplace.

Then, M. took closeups of his pals :).

I'll try to keep my readers posted on further adventures of Kermit and Tambourine!
Later Days!
Kelly

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T21:27:00.004-04:00

I am grateful to God for the privilege of being a mother! My four children are such a gift.

I am also grateful for my own mother, who has always been a loving, supportive, godly example to me.

On top of that, I'm thankful for my mother-in-law, who raised up my husband to be the fine Christian man that he is.

These women are now godly, loving examples to my children as the most wonderful grandmothers anyone could imagine!

Happy Mother's Day to all!
Later Days,
Kelly

Cinco de Mayo

2010-05-06T18:36:00.002-04:00

Hi I am N.! You might ask what my real name is but I'm afraid that's classified information. As you may know yesterday was the day of our church's Cinco de Mayo festival and I'll tell you right off the bat that yesterday was the most bouncing- centric day that ever was or ever will be. There was a large bouncing castle at the festival and as you know bouncing is an activity that transcends all social, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. Everybody was on the bouncing castle! I understand there was also a pinata but luckily there were no real A.F.V moments! Whew! That's a relief! The one thing missing was a performance of the dance of the cucumber which I would have done except that Spanish is not the best ever... *All in all though it was a great church event and I think God has and will do many great things through events like it! Since I've already wasted enough of your time I better be off!

Later days!
N.

*By way of explanation, I must tell you that the Dance of the Cucumber refers to a VeggieTales silly song, performed by Larry the Cucumber, translated from Spanish to English by Bob the Tomato. If you require further explanation, I suggest you take a Tylenol and a nap and forget about it.

Happy 9th Birthday, K.!

2010-05-01T21:20:00.006-04:00

I'm a bit late posting this, since her birthday was April 24th, but rest assured, we partied HARD :).

Since K.'s birthday fell on a weekend, we were able to travel Back Home to celebrate with our extended family. In addition, it was my sister-in-law Michelle's birthday, so we got to celebrate for her AS WELL AS "catching up" by celebrating E.'s birthday with the part of the family that didn't get to come see us on HER birthday! Yes, this was a three-for-one deal on birthday parties.

Not only did we get to have fun with a family party, the birthday girl also enjoyed a sleepover with the girl cousins plus some friends that we haven't seen in quite a long time!

You understand, I'm using the term "sleepover" very loosely, right? Very little sleep was had that night, but the girls enjoyed painting their nails, watching movies, giggling, and eating :). I loved being able to see them having girly fun together--it took me right back to my younger days!

No sleepover would be complete without lots of food! K.requested tacos for her bday meal--mmmmm. She also designed her own birthday cake--she drew a self-portrait that the bakery scanned and put on the cake. We had plenty of ice cream and toppings for the crowd to make sundaes.

On Saturday afternoon, Hubby and I headed home without the kids. You read that right. The kids stayed all week with the grandparents, enjoying some "spoiling time" and making memories. Meanwhile, I got to do some much-needed cleaning and de-junking at home! Plus, Hubby and I got to spend some much-needed time together. I'd call that a win-win situation.

Later Days!
Kelly

p.s. My cousin over at Living at Loud posted some pics from our time Back Home. It was great seeing her and her family! Our kids just picked right up where they had left off and so did we :).

p.p.s. More pics to come!

This is ANOTHER guest post! :D

2010-04-22T19:47:00.003-04:00

Hey, ya'll!
It's E. and Mom, along with assorted family and friends has asked me (forced me) to do a blog post about this past weekend.
While Mom and K. were visiting Camp La Vida, my team and I were not half a mile away at White Oak Conference Center for Creative Ministries Festival. First, let me explain a few things so no one's left in the dark.
1. For those who don't know, Creative Ministries Festival is a conference held each year in various places in SC. Funded and hosted by the Southern Baptist Convention, it boasts several ministry classes, such as clowning, drama, puppetry, and Interpretive Movement (my personal favorite).
2. Interp is a combination of dance, sign language, and drama, performed to music. Anyone who knows me will agree that Interp is a passion of mine. I have been doing it for 3 or 4 years now, and have shown no signs of stopping. Interp is a beautiful form of worship and in my opinion, anyone who has not seen or participated in it has truly missed out on a blessing. That's me and most of my team in the picture. Yours Truly is the one in the middle. There are currently 6-10 girls in my team and 2 leaders (though we did have two guys participate in one song, we're trying to get them to do another). At Creative Ministries we learned several songs. Two of which we will be performing in the near future: Worthy is the Lamb by Hillsong, and Shine by David Crowder Band (both wonderful songs).
I'll shut up about Interp for now (though if anyone has questions, I'll be happy to oblige), and shove on.
Creative Ministries was not all jumping from one class to the next. We also had a devotion and worship time. Very worship...ful... :D
For those few truly creative people in the world (or people like me who are fooling themselves but worship anyway) Creative Ministries is a wonderful, worshipful conference to attend, and I highly recommend going, you won't regret it!
Well it's almost time for supper, and it's pizza night, so I gotta dash.
Later Days you crazy bloggers!
EM

Camp La Vida

2010-04-20T11:36:00.004-04:00

Hi, I'm K. My Mom really wants me to do a guest post about the camp I recently visited that I'm going to go to in the Summer. Being the not-so reasonable girl that I am, I've put it off a few days. But Mom insists I do, so I'll oblige.

For the first part of the tour of Camp La Vida, me and my friend were pulled aside. A woman that worked at the camp wanted me and my friend to pose for pictures for the camp's web site.

And get this: They wanted us to pose in a canoe. As for me and my friend, we've never even been in a canoe before. They asked our Moms,and they agreed.

First, we had to take a trip in a golf cart for a while to the lake. Me and my friend rode in the back ( Wheeeeeeeeee!!! ). Once, while my friend was reaching her hand out a tree branch slapped her hand. She pretended to hide behind a slip of paper to get away from the trees. We're so goofy.

When we where riding back to Camp, before the ride started me and my friend climbed in the back. Yet, we weren't ready for the ride to start when it did. We almost when hurtling through the air, and on the gravel! ( But we didn't ). The moral of this story is when your with a nine-year old and a eleven-year old, make sure they're not riding no-hands in a golf cart.
Bye!!!!!
K P.S. In the pics I'm the red-head and my friend has the dark brown hair.

Celebrate Good Times, C'mon!

2010-04-10T21:11:00.006-04:00

I thought E.'s Fan Club might like to hear more about her 16th Birthday Extravaganza! First, and most importantly, it was great fun to have both sets of grandparents visiting us for a couple of days. That was the most special part of her birthday.

We had the traditional Opening of the Birthday Gifts as soon as everyone in the house was up. Like most teens, E. was quite happy to receive some money and gift cards, as well as a new ipod and some dvds. Also, some pencils. Don't ask.

For her celebratory lunch, E. chose our favorite pizza place, The Mellow Mushroom. A couple of E.'s favorite people in the world (outside of biologically-related people) joined us for lunch (Hi, T. and P.!). Afterward, we went back to our house for cake. E.'s birthday cake had a photo of our basset hound, Annie Armstrong, on it (E.'s choice). Someone remarked that it was so cute we probably had trouble eating it...not really :).

I put the same photo on the birthday girl's flag by copying it onto t-shirt transfer paper, ironing it on one of my old t-shirts, cutting it out, and then sewing the patch on the flag.

E.'s choice for the afternoon's entertainment was to see the movie How To Train Your Dragon. It's a rare treat for our family to go to the movie theater; do you know how much tickets and snacks cost these days?!? It was a cute movie and I'm sure we'll be buying it when it comes out on dvd.

All in all, a sweet, family-oriented celebration...just what the birthday girl wanted.

Later Days!
Kelly

Happy Birthday E!!

2010-04-06T10:14:00.002-04:00

Sixteen years ago, God blessed our family with a beautiful baby girl...after MANY hours of relentless labor. {insert gratuitous mommy guilt here} She has turned out to be a pretty great kid in spite of our mistakes and "experiments" on her. We've always said she's our parenting guinea pig because first children are burdened with teaching their parents how to parent!

She's a godly, bright, caring, fun person to know and she has blessed our lives in countless ways. She's a terrific big sister to her three siblings and a huge help to me--she already knows much more about caring for children, cooking, and cleaning than *I* did when I got married! We love her bunches & can't wait to see how God is going to use her life for His glory!

Later Days!
Kelly

2010-03-30T21:34:00.003-04:00

This past weekend, my brother and his wife celebrated their 15th anniversary by renewing their wedding vows. They had a beautiful ceremony at their church, officiated by my favorite pastor (my husband). It was so sweet to see their son and daughter act as their attendants, as well as the couple that acted as attendants at their original wedding ceremony.

After the ceremony, we enjoyed a delicious dinner together as a family. It was a wonderful time of celebration and we're thankful to God for the blessing of a close-knit family!

Oh, and my sister-in-law makes me sick because she still fits into her wedding dress!!!!! LOL

Later Days!
Kelly

P.S. Incidentally, my brother is the UB that posts silly comments!

Report on Lewis

2010-03-30T18:53:00.004-04:00

I'm pleased to report that our cat, Lewis, had outpatient surgery on his paw and is now resting comfortably at home :). He still appears to be a bit groggy but is otherwise fine.

As always, the staff at the veterinarian's office remarked on Lewis' size--currently 20.8 lbs, and his laid-back temperament. Maybe he can do a guest post someday so everyone can get to know him better.

Later Days!
Kelly

This is a guest post.

2010-03-24T11:31:00.002-04:00

Hi. This isn't really my mom hence the name of the post. This is K and pretty much this guest post is about me not having ANYTHING to write about. Although there are countless subjects. Like going to see family in the upstate for big sister E's B-day.
Perhaps this post would be less boring if I made predictions of the future like my bro N.
1. In the future we'll be old
2. In the future flying cars will still not exist ( Maybe )
3. In the future this guest post will be exiting
4. In the future I will sneeze...A..A.....ACHO!
5. In the future my predictions about the future will be better.
I guess I'm pretty much done because that's all I can think of.
K was here!

Something(s) to look forward to....

2010-03-23T17:09:00.002-04:00

My 13yo son's predictions for the future, an assignment from his writing workbook:
In the future...
1. I won't have to write predictions about the future.
2. I'll have something to write about.
3. We'll all be older.
4. I'll be taller than I am now.
5. We still won't live in space.
6. There will still be war.
7. Some things will be better...others worse.
8. Some countries will have revolutions.
9. More people will like to read.
10. Some parts of life will be easier.

I'd say he's spot-on with his predictions, wouldn't you? Do you have any predictions to share?

Update to previous post....

2010-03-09T11:30:00.003-05:00

We are now the proud owners of The Wholesome Dog Biscuit Book. Librarian didn't even blink when I told him our dog ate the cover! Am I the only one who thought it was hilarious!?!

Later Days!
Kelly

Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover

2010-03-07T21:32:00.002-05:00

Bad News: Annie (our basset hound) was found chewing the cover of a library book.

Bright Side: The book was titled The Wholesome Dog Biscuit.

Priceless.

Can't wait 'til E. returns the book to the library on Tuesday and has to explain to the librarian that the dog ate it :D.

Later Days!
Kelly

Return of the Haiku....

2010-02-24T22:28:00.003-05:00

Eldest child's contribution:

I am getting sick
Oh, the pressure of haiku
I have no talent.

Later Days!
Kelly

I Can't Stop Haiku-ing!

2010-02-23T22:08:00.002-05:00

Friends keep coming up with them...so I keep posting them!

Chemotherapy
Iatrogenic illness
I hate it so much.

*Iatrogenic illness - body's bad response to chemotherapy (i.e. nausea.)
By: Wes

And

I do hate cling wrap.
It will cling to nothing,
but sticks to itself.

By: Tina I.

New Swing (and haikus about the new swing)

2010-02-23T12:04:00.004-05:00

Mimi & Papa commissioned someone to build an A-frame swingset for the kids...mind you, they needed to be able to transport it in their minivan...along with a slide. Quite an undertaking, I think you'll agree.

This past weekend, they loaded it up (in pieces) and came to visit. Papa and Hubby assembled it and leveled it (our backyard is extremely uneven) and it's in business! In fact, I'm having a hard time keeping the little guy from heading out the back door ALL THE TIME. Thankfully, our backyard is fenced and the gate is too heavy for him to open. Our only other issue is that my 13yo and 8yo have "rediscovered" a passion for swinging and M. is having to learn hard lessons about taking turns.

Thanks to the grandparents for the new swing AND thanks to Mimi for some new haikus!

To the swings I go

In the heat, rain, sleet, or snow

Oh! Why can’t I go?

To the swings I go

Do I really need a coat?

Oh well if I must.

To the swings I go

As I bust through the back door

Someone got there first!

Later Days!
Kelly

Papa even held up the slide at their house so M. could try it out!

M.'s birthday bash

2010-02-23T08:57:00.008-05:00

February 15th was my youngest child's 4th birthday, and quite a celebration it was! His heart's desire was to have his own kitchen so we presented him with the most manly toy kitchen we could find :). After all, in adult life, men have kitchens, too, right? He's had a blast cooking for us these past few days.

Birthdays also mean a trip Back Home to visit family, so off we went to the Upstate. On the way, we stopped at Build-A-Bear and let M. make a stuffed animal. His choice: a frog he named Kermit. Very cute. Then, onward to the family!

We invaded a local steakhouse for our birthday celebration...at least it resembled an invasion & was just as noisy and crowded!

I think our little guy had a terrific birthday!

Later Days!
Kelly

Can you stand a few more?

2010-02-22T12:19:00.002-05:00

Mine is a reflection on our current obsession...

I never knew that
Haikus could be contagious
How do we stop this?

My friend, Laurie, who would NEVER do something as dangerous as text while driving, submitted...

On the road again
Will think haikus but can't text
Many more to come :)

Later Days!
Kelly

And the haikus keep coming....

2010-02-22T09:55:00.004-05:00

I LOVE that so many of my friends are thinking up haikus...AND that I'm not the only one who has to count syllables on my fingers! Be sure to look in the comments of the past few posts to see what I've received up to this point. Here's a couple I got last night:

Laurie's Mom, June, sent this one...

Sunday is God's day,
a wonderful day of rest.
Monday is nearing.

And our friend Wes sent this one...

Leukemia is
Leukocytes out of control
Splenomegaly

leukocyte = white blood cell (leuko - white; cyte - cell
splenomegaly = enlargement of the spleen (one of the major symptoms of leukemia)

Wes is a good friend who is currently undergoing treatment for leukemia and is also studying to be a nurse! We praise the Lord that Wes' body is responding well to treatment and he is on his way to being cancer-free! He and his wife, Leanne, have had the sweetest spirits during this whole saga. Please remember them in your prayers. Here are 3 contributions from Leanne...

Ready for the spring.
I am sick of cold weather.
Time to see flowers.

Disturbing neighbors,
Kelly, Yvonne, and Laurie
Were dancing outside.

Oh poor Devona,
Micah broke her little heart
He'll marry Eden.

Maybe someday I'll explain the situations behind those last two :). Thanks for outing us, Leanne!!

Later Days!
Kelly

Haiku Update...

2010-02-17T12:53:00.003-05:00

My 8 yo daughter, K., contributed this haiku about worms--obviously not her favorite form of wildlife!

Worm, worm, I am one.
I do not have legs or wings.
I'm really ugly.

She's carrying on the proud family tradition :).

Be sure to read the comment section of the previous Haiku post to read some beautiful poetry from other readers!

Haiku Challenge

2010-02-16T09:21:00.002-05:00

Publishing my son's haiku a few days ago led to a discussion among the family of my brother's talent for poetry. Following is one of his earliest (and best) works, entitled "Slime Mold":

Slime mold is blue-green.
Slime mold grows on little trees.
Slime mold is my friend.

I think you'll agree that N. is carrying on a proud family tradition.

Why don't you contribute a haiku or other type of poem in the comments? Remember, a haiku consists of 3 lines--5 syllables in the first line, 7 in the 2nd, and 5 in the 3rd.

Here's my effort:

Be honest with them,
Says my wise teenage daughter.
I cannot write poems.

Later Days!
Kelly

Happy Birthday M.!

2010-02-15T15:31:00.005-05:00

Four years ago today, my "baby" boy was born. He was a few weeks early so he had to spend some time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit...I think I aged several years during those few days! Thankfully, he is an incredibly active, intelligent, mischievous little redhead...still aging his mother.

I'll try to post some party pics soon. We're celebrating with our family!

Later Days!
Kelly

Happy Valentine's Day (and a few more snow pics)

2010-02-14T21:44:00.002-05:00

Yes, that's K. outside with her nightgown and boots--she wanted one last look before bed because, where we live, this kind of snow doesn't happen often and doesn't stay around long!

My thanks to E. (15yo) for contributing all these snow photos!

Later Days!
Kelly

Snowy Day--pics and recipe

2010-02-13T13:44:00.003-05:00

Our small part of the sunny South experienced a near-record snowfall yesterday; our local airport registered 8.6 inches!

If you're a southerner, you know that THAT kind of snow (ANY kind, really) leads to a complete halt of life as we know it. Schools and places of business close down, grocery stores are emptied of bread and milk, and everyone, no matter their age, becomes a kid again :).

Our special snow festival has included: taking a family walk to view the neighborhood, making snow angels, collecting a big bowl to make snow cream, opening all the blinds so we could watch it snow while we watched the Winter Olympics, and eating waaaaay to much "comfort food". Calories consumed while it's snowing don't count, right?

Speaking of comfort food, my mom emailed me a wonderful recipe that we enjoyed for lunch today: Cheesy Chicken Chowder.

Ingredients:
2 (14-oz.) cans chicken broth
2 cups peeled, diced potatoes
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken

1. Bring chicken broth to a boil in a large saucepan. Reduce heat. Add potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.

2. Melt butter in a medium saucepan. Add flour and mix well. Gradually stir in milk and cook over low heat until slightly thickened. Stir in cheese and cook until melted. Add cheese mixture to broth and vegetables along with chicken. Cook and stir over low heat until thoroughly heated.

Try it--you won't regret it!

Later Days!
Kelly

p.s. More snow pics will follow!

Poetry Appreciation

2010-02-12T09:24:00.002-05:00

N., my 13yo boy, is studying forms of poetry for language arts. Yesterday's assignment was to write a haiku. To refresh your memory, for those who, like me, haven't studied these things in several years, a haiku has: a)3 lines, b)the first and third lines have 5 syllables, and c)the second line has 7 syllables. I think he did pretty well...

I simply cannot
In any way, shape,or form
Write a good haiku.

That boy has potential, I tell ya! Can't wait until he writes a sonnet.....

Later Days!
Kelly

Explanation

2010-02-01T08:47:00.002-05:00

Due to overwhelming reader response (2 people asked), I realize that I need to explain the top photo of M. from my last post.

M. wanted to play "superhero"...his identity: Tool Man. His uniform: mismatched and inappropriate season clothing + belt filled with kitchen implements such as ladle, spatula, and spoons.

I had already posted the previous entry re:keeping M. busy, but when he appeared in his flashy outfit I HAD to whip out the camera and capture the moment. Result: he dubbed me his sidekick...Camera Girl. Sorry, no photos have ever captured Camera Girl in action :).

Later Days!
Kelly

Keeping M. Busy

2010-01-29T13:14:00.006-05:00

Any of you who know me in Real Life know that my youngest child is a firecracker. Perhaps it's the red-head temperament, his status as baby of the family, or just plain being spoiled, but it adds up to a child who hits the floor running every morning, ready for action(and/or mischief).

Additionally, I homeschool a 10th grader, a 7th grader, and a 3rd grader, as well as try to keep everyone clothed, fed, clean, and happy (with varying degrees of success). So...how on earth does one keep a very active and agile little boy alive?!?

The answer lies mainly in keeping M. busy (hence the title of this post). The crucial period occurs in the mornings while his siblings are concentrating on the major portion of their schoolwork. I'll admit that too often we resort to quasi-educational television shows when Mom needs time to work on math with someone. Somehow, this seems to signal to him that he needs to "perform" to get Mom's attention. The truth is, M. would love to be a "Big Boy" and do his schoolwork with Mom, too.

My solution to giving M. some one-on-one time with Mom AND an opportunity to exercise his mind and body has been a Christian curriculum called "Little Hands to Heaven," written by Carrie Austin.

We've both enjoyed the lively song CD, Bible stories, and learning activities. Plus, he's able to tell his big sisters, big brother, and Dad what HE's learning in school :). It's a win-win!

There you have it, a new post and some grandchild pics! I hope I made all (2?) of my blog readers happy :).

Later Days!
Kelly

Time With Family

2010-01-24T13:52:00.002-05:00

Friday and Saturday we drove Back Home to celebrate my niece's 14th birthday--Happy Birthday Anna Beth! It's unbelievable how quickly my nieces and nephew are growing and changing. For one thing, I think only one of them is still shorter than me (Hi Casey) but that probably won't last much longer :).

We always love a chance to go visit family and my kiddos are thrilled to see their cousins, if the noise level is any indication.

I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but every time we go Back Home we have to take our basset hound, Annie, with us. She's a good traveler and a well-behaved houseguest (which isn't always true of my children). One thing Annie loooooves about Back Home is walks with Mimi. Now the rest of us take Annie on brief "courtesy" walks when she needs to take care of her business; Mimi takes Annie on treks! I appreciate the way all the grandparents have developed relationships with their "granddog" since she is a fairly frequent houseguest :).

Later Days!
Kelly

P.S. I love this photo of Mimi walking Annie; E. ran out ahead of all of us and encouraged Annie to sprint. When she runs, her ears stream out behind her (the dog's, not Emily's). lol

Interesting weekend....

2010-01-18T13:06:00.003-05:00

First of all, I'd like to give a big shout-out to my wonderful in-laws who came to stay with us for a couple of days! It was great to have them here...and it was good timing, too.

Why, you ask? Because I had an allergic reaction to something on Friday night and had to make a trip to the ER to get checked out. It was comforting to know that, while I was swelling and itching and looking more like the Elephant Man by the minute, the grandparents were here to keep the kids calm and get them settled down for the night.

As it turns out, they take allergic reactions pretty seriously at the hospital, especially when your face is swelling. My airway remained clear (thank you, Lord), so all that was needed was several IV medications, including high-powered antihistamines and such, and observation to make sure the reaction didn't continue to worsen. I was released at about 2 a.m. with several prescriptions for steroids and antihistamines to be taken for a few days.

Anyway, I seem to be relatively normal again (debatable, to those who know me). It's still a bit of a mystery what I was allergic to, but it's possible that Annie will have to find a new dog shampoo. Before you ask, I did NOT use the shampoo on myself! In fact, I wasn't even the one who bathed the dog, though I did pet the wet dog and clean up the messy bathroom afterward.

Enough about me...what's going on in your life? I'd love to read some comments, and seriously, don't you have something better than my Elephant Man story to share?

Later Days!
Kelly

P.S. Sorry, no photos of me :).

Teeth...or the absence of....

2010-01-13T22:03:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, I had to take all four children to the dentist...ugh. The older ones needed some fillings and/or extractions and M. was along because, at 3 years old, he's just to young to stay home by himself.

The kids did well: poor N. is the one who had to have 3 teeth pulled. He had 3 baby teeth that just didn't ever fall out so the permanent ones were coming in kind of wacky. NOBODY likes to have dental work done, but anybody who knows N. knows that he REALLY wouldn't like to have dental work done. Anyway, he did exceptionally well.

Our family tradition is that those who lose teeth get $$ from the tooth fairy but the WHOLE family gets milkshakes...do we all get 3 milkshakes, I wonder?

Later Days!
Kelly

20-20

2010-01-08T20:16:00.003-05:00

This was a big day for K.(8yo)! Lately, it had become apparent that her vision wasn't all that good. Yesterday's visit to the optometrist confirmed it...in fact, her vision was a bit worse than we imagined!

Thankfully, she was quite excited to get glasses! In addition to being able to see clearly, glasses provide another fashion accessory :). The frames she chose beautifully complement her red hair. More importantly, those pretty blue/green eyes of hers are seeing the world perfectly. Praise the Lord!

Later Days!
Kelly

p.s. Notice that her new doll, Kathleen, needed glasses as well :).

Revisiting 01/04/09

2010-01-04T18:13:00.002-05:00

Just for kicks I went back through my bloggy archives to see what exciting events happened on this date last year...I'll save you the trouble of doing the same thing and go ahead and tell you that I posted about little M. being sick with a fever and cough. That right there means that January of 2010 is already waaaay better than January of 2009 :)!

Later Days!
Kelly