Rachel's Room

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-11T08:08:00.000-08:00

Well.. I guess I had better get on here and wish everyone of my friends and family a Merry Christmas... Andy and I have been married for 11 years now and Emilee is 6. Drew will soon be 10. I have a wonderful life and as you can tell between the two dates I have posted last that my life is very busy. I have finished my master degree and have started another one... Andy is in college again and the kids are very busy between church functions and school. I guess we only have one life to live and we best be doing everything we can for God. I love you all!

Still Among the Living!!

2010-07-19T02:05:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe this is the first post I have made in months!! I promise to do better..but when I look at all that has been happening in my life I wonder how I even have time to make this post let alone say I "promise" to do another one soon... so count yourself lucky if you are reading this...haha.. We have moved to a new church and have really felt God working in our lives here... We have joined the church's softball league and are getting to know everyone so well.. They are such wonderful people and I wonder how we made it without them in our lives.. we feel so complete now with them all... Andy slid into second base and broke his leg and ankle. I was first scared and concerned now I am through the exhaustion from trying to do everything that it has become routine.. I cannot wait till his leg is healed so we can get back to "normal" life! HA. Drew and Emilee are fitting in so well and are starting to make friends... They are over the shy and backwardness to now showing off and into everything. I keep telling them how you act away from home is reflection of your parents. I sometimes catch myself saying.. "I know you have been taught better then this"...this is after Drew wants to hit the girl that slapped him or called him names.. He is having some time with the girls.. I try to tell him that is what girls do at this age... but I really wonder "Did I do that stuff?" I don't remember if I did! Different times I guess! God is teaching me many new things I am trying to have my devotions more but it seems life has a way of filling up the time you set aside for those times alone... I appreciate all your prayers and hope this post finds you all happy and healthly.. until the next sleeplessness night....

Behind... But having fun!

2010-04-22T17:42:00.000-07:00

I have noticed that I have not kept up on this blog as I would have liked to .. so here goes... the things I have been up to...We are in the process of moving and so I have been going through closets and totes and trying to down size. Everyone should move at least every 5 years! HA! I look around and I see I have too much stuff.. not would be worth anything... just things that I have held onto for sentimental value and its hard to part with. I have kept Drew's hospital outfit both from birth and each heart surgery... I have kept emilee's first easter dress, valentine dress, and my favorite outfit... these things don't mean a lot to most but to me they hold precious memories... now if I can just convince Andy! I am also finished with my graduate work and will be walking down the aisle May 8th! I am so thrilled to be finished... more thrilled when I receive my first raised paycheck.. That won't happen until August. We have taken the kids fishing recently and they enjoyed it so much... it was so windy that day and Drew kept getting his line caught in trees.. Andy was thrilled...ha! I love family time and making memories...

Happy

2010-03-28T17:12:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here thinking about all the blessings I have in my life and realize how truly wonderful it is. I just came back from a women's retreat with my mom and sister. It was a good time to refresh and refuel myself. Its hard to just go away and concentrate on myself but I tried. I took Emilee with me because I felt too guilty going away so long without her. You moms will understand this and not judge me... alot would say I should be able to go away and think about myself without my kids... but I go to school all day and come home and feel I don't get to spend a lot of time with them. So the weekends are usually my quality time with them. So to go away again for myself... I felt guilty. I tried though to go and get something out of the weekend...The theme this weekend was "He leadeth me". Oh how wonderful it is to trust a saviour that loves you and leads you where you should go. I am thankful for the Lord's leading in my life. I did have distractions though with Emilee being there and had to leave the sessions early because she was bored or needed something but I tried and do feel refreshed...

Update

2010-03-20T12:57:00.000-07:00

Wow... I was just looking at the last time I have posted something on here and it says, "January". I am way behind. In my defense a lot has been going on since my last time stopping by. Andy and I have accepted another pastorate and will be moving the first of June. We will be joiing the Nazarene church and becoming the associate pastor their. We are thrilled with the door the Lord has opened up in our lives. We have felt for the past two years that God was calling us somewhere else but we didnt know where. It was hard to wait and be patient. There were many churches that called us to come and be their pastor but we did not feel the Lord said, Yes that's the one... The kids are excited too... we will not be moving much farther than where we live now... I am finishing my master classes and will be done in May as well... a lot is coming due at the same time I pray daily for the Lord's guidance as we approach each day of our life that we don't get too far ahead of ourselve... it is sometimes easy to do when you know you are moving and things are going to happen soon you just push and want them to happen now and miss all the tiny blessings in between... So I am praying to "Be still" and keep trusting God. I love you all!

Fun Times!

2010-01-08T08:30:00.000-08:00

This is a recent picture of Emilee and Drew's cousins. Abby and Austin are 9 years old. They came and spent a week with us after Christmas. It was a fun time.

Family Time

2009-12-28T09:27:00.000-08:00

I love this week after Christmas... its a time to spend relaxing and cleaning the house... ha...well Andy doesn't like the cleaning part but the relaxing part. I like to take my tree down and get the house straightened back up so when the new year starts we are ready! I listed some things that I will work on this year.. I guess you could say a resolution list...
1. Read my bible more and pray
2. Do more for the Lord... accept a position in church or start a new ministry
3. Keep eating healthier
4. Be a better mom and wife
5. Save more

I believe last year my list was longer... ha
Have a wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year!

Christmas Sunday!

2009-12-20T10:41:00.000-08:00

Today is my mom's birthday and so before I write about my family I want to wish her a happy birthday! Today was Christmas Sunday and the kids were up bright and early to open a gift for Christmas and put on their new outfits! It has become a tradition in our home, just like it was with me growing up that the 20th of December we got to open one gift each night leading up to Christmas Day. We have kept that tradition. What excitement it was. Emilee has been wanting Barbie dolls and such and so today she opened a "Ken" Barbie. She was thrilled. She told me now she can get married! HA! Drew opened bullets. He was pretty happy too!

Winter Break is here!

2009-12-19T09:51:00.000-08:00

Today was our first day of winter break! The kids had so much fun running and playing in the snow that covered the ground over night. We gathered many things to complete our snowman. He looks real cute!
Yesterday we were in Columbus getting Drew's heart checked out. He got a great report and now the doctor has moved his appointment from one year to two years apart. We are thrilled. Drew said he will miss going up once a year and spending the night in a hotel and swimming but he was happy his heart was doing so well! I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Drew's 8 point Buck!

2009-12-01T14:28:00.001-08:00

Drew woke up yesterday and it was pouring the rain...(The first day of gun season) We talked him into waiting till today to go hunting...(better weather and no rain!)he was sad but agreed... They left about 5 am this morning and headed into the woods... while I was getting ready for school Andy called and said Drew had shot the 8 point buck over 70 yards away... !! I was ecstatic.. We had prayed the night before that he would see a buck.. Andy said while they were in the tree stand they said another prayer and asked the Lord to keep them safe and for Drew to see Deer. God kept them safe and brought the deer straight to Drew. God is awesome! Andy said the shot would have been hard for him and Drew shot it like he was an adult.. I am so proud of him!

10 Years and counting...

2009-11-29T11:17:00.001-08:00

What a wonderful time we had in Tennessee. We left our kids with my sister Caren and headed south to enjoy some time alone. We stayed in a log cabin that had a "black bear" theme! We didn't even see one single wild animal... Andy was disappointed. We enjoyed revisiting shows and restaurants we had gone to 10 years ago. Many things had changed and yet even after 10 years some things still remained the same.
The kids missed us a lot but every time we talked to them we told them we were not having any fun... (we had a blast!..but don't tell them that) Hopefully we will do this again and not have to wait 10 more years.

Hunting Season is here!

2009-11-09T18:32:00.000-08:00

Drew shot a squirrel right out side our house this weekend. He was so proud of it... The funny thing is Emilee is fascinated with it too. He had me take a picture of it and so I am posting it on here so that all the family and friends can see it. The only thing I will not cook is rabbit and squirrel. I can't stand the smell and the bare skin cooking in my pot on the stove. I just can't get over the mental picture of it all...so Drew has to take his squirrel to his grandma's house and she will cook it for him....HA!

Soccer Trophy

2009-10-31T10:35:00.001-07:00

Emilee finally had her party at the local pizza shop and got her trophy ... her very first one ... She is so proud of it! We are now signing her and Drew both up to play basketball for upwards.. I was thrilled because maybe they will practice on the same night...

Trick or Treat!

2009-10-31T10:23:00.000-07:00

October has been so busy ... We decorated the kids pumpkins this year for the carving contest and displayed them at school. Emilee said it was ok if she didnt win a trophy... Maybe next year.I thought her pumpkin was too cute! She helped create it. A lot of the pumpkins that won the contest were NOT done by kids but rather their parents... not quite fair.. but that is the way the world goes round...This year Emilee's costume was a fairy princess and she had to have the blonde wig... Drew hates this time of year but likes to dress up. He doesnt like anything scary so he chose to be a Quarter back. I really dont like this holiday either... I love fall though... We'll enjoy the pictures and hope to see everyone at Thanksgiving time! Oh yeah... Andy is a full time college student again. He is now finishing his biblical studies degree. I told him once he is done I am signing him up to substitute in the school system... He didnt even object... I think it might be a good fit... Not little kids but the older ones he would do well with.. Love you all

Pumpkin Time!

2009-10-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite time of the year. Football games, sweaters, hot chocolate, sweaters....haha Most of you know that my closet is overflowing with sweaters! Andy this year made me go through them and throw out all that I had not worn in two years. It was hard to do but now I think I have more room to buy more!! HA! The kids and I carved pumpkins. Andy didn't join the fun but watched... I think he secretly wanted to...(not really) It was so fun. They were cold inside where they had been on the back porch. Emilee said hers was scarier than Drews. After carving the eyes and mouth we turned the pumpkin around and cut a "cross" in it...Emilee said now it was of Jesus not the devil... I thought she hit the nail on the head... Help us be of God not the devil!!! We saved the seeds and roasted them in the oven... they taste like sunflower seeds. Pretty good... you should try them! Emilee had a wonderful birthday this year. She turned 5. I keep saying over and over to myself... I can't believe Emilee is 5 and I am 30! Wow! Time does fly, doesn't?

I am still here!

2009-10-01T16:47:00.000-07:00

Wow... it has been a while since I have posted something on here... I feel like I have failed or something so here goes.... Emilee got stung by a yellow jacket and her leg swelled up... I did not see her leg cuz she wore pants to school the next day... I picked her up from school and noticed one thigh was bigger than the next... she had had an allergic reaction to the sting and she needed medicine... I felt awful.. So doctor visit, steriods for 3 days, topical ointment, and epi-pen later she is doing well. Drew has been playing football. He is loving it. He is the number "11". This was my number growing up and I am so happy to pass it on to him. You can see from the picture of me above that all games are not so exciting, but at least Drew likes it... his games last for hours..I will do better about keeping this site up. If you need to know more check out my facebook account... I can update it from my cellphone... love you all miss you...

Happy Grandparents Day!

2009-09-13T11:04:00.000-07:00

Today at church Andy and I got pink roses for every grandmother and a can of mixed nuts for every grandfather. It was a special service. I did not know that Grandparents day is a national holiday signed by Jimmy Carter in 1979. That's the year I was born! Today marks the 30th year anniversary. I think that this day is just as special as mother's day and father's day. I am thankful for my grandparents and for my children's grandparents! Love you mom and dad and thank you for being a wonderful role modelfor my children!

Drew

2009-08-24T19:19:00.000-07:00

Didn't want to leave Drew out from getting pictures posted on here... he is doing so good in school... this is a picture of his first day starting 3rd grade. I took this picture at breakfast... he looked so cute and handsome. God has blessed me with two beautiful children. There is nothing like them!

Soccer Time!

2009-08-22T17:32:00.000-07:00

We have started school in Ohio and Drew is now in 3rd grade.. We are so happy with his teacher this year. She is Andy's best friend Seth's sister. Drew knows her outside of school. She is a wonderful teacher and graduated from college when I did. I am so glad that this year is starting out so good. Drew will be learning to write in cursive... I am sure this will be something we will talk about later on this year as he learns... Emilee starts school in Sept. and is so excited as well. She did start soccer this year and loves it. Her number is #11. I was so thrilled about this number because if anyone knows me well in my family this was my number growing up. It was my lucky number! I told Emilee she had a great number. She looks so cute in her uniform. She is also going to be doing "Cheer Flipz", its not quite cheering yet but gymnastics and tumbling. She is looking forward to that as well.
I am almost finished with my master's degree. I have two classes left. I will graduate June 2010. I am very excited to be doing that. One last thing, Andy is building him a "goat" barn. I will take pics when he is finished. It looks really great. We priced one from the amish and it was crazy money like 3500.00 dollars..we have built this one for a lot less...well even less than a 1000.00. I told him he should have been a carpenter. He does such a great job and has done a lot of odd jobs for people in his family and in our community. Well enough for now.. talk to you all later...love you mom and dad!

Fishing

2009-08-04T19:01:00.000-07:00

This week we went fishing with the kids and their cousins. We had a great time... Emilee caught the biggest fish... a small mouth bass... Drew and Austin caught more fish but they were all blue gill. They were so jealous of her! She was using a spongebob fishing pole...we did not help her at all...she cast the pole and reeled it in....HA!

Happy Birthday Andy!

2009-08-01T06:38:00.000-07:00

We'll this past weekend was Andy's 31st birthday and we headed out of town to celebrate. We went up Thursday evening and spent the night in a hotel. Friday we went to the Newport Aquarium and had a great time looking at all the animals. For lunch we ate the most wonderful pizza shop. It was a little place called Duey's Pizza. They had great service and great food. That evening we went to a reds game. It was fun and we met up with Andy's sister and family. We ate supper at the Cheesecake Factory. Great!!

Busy Week

2009-07-28T15:30:00.000-07:00

I am finishing my classes this week. I have all my projects due.
Summer school has gone fast and I am ready to relax....Here is another picture from our weekend boating. I would post more but it seems like my pictures take forever to upload!!

God Answered our Prayers!!

2009-07-26T18:38:00.000-07:00

Well we got news acouple of weeks ago that Emilee's preschool class was having to close because there wasn't enough funds from the state to run her program... we were so sad..(especially Andy--he would have to keep her at home all day with him every day!) We started praying for funding..and today we got news that the class is going to be open next year! We are so thrilled...Emilee has prayed for this too--every night! It is exciting to see God move in your kids lives...we are teaching them that God does answer prayers...and he does!!

GreenBo Lake

2009-07-25T09:04:00.000-07:00

Friday after school we headed to the lake and rented a boat. The kids needed some time away and we did too! We had a great time relaxing on the boat. The weather was beautiful!

We let the kids each drive the boat... Emilee was a bit swirvy. Andy was the only one to catch a fish. Drew was praying he would catch one.

I'm Still Here!

2009-07-22T17:48:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy lately that I have not blogged in forever! So here is a few of the things I have been doing. We have been in youth camp and fellowship camp here at our church and it has kept us busy getting ready for the camp, cleaning and all that good stuff. Drew has been playing little league all stars and we have been doing that. He loves it! This past weekend was his last game! I was glad that he had fun but enjoyed getting a break from it! We had a terrible storm come our way last week and destroyed our garden.. I have included the pictures of the storm. The kids were first scared and we prayed for God's protection and then they wanted to play out in the rain...
we let them..it was safe...we stayed with them and had a mud fight..you should have seen the kids and the mud all over them... it was a great time! Drew said this was the best day ever! When can you really have a mud fight and it be ok? These past couple of weeks I have been in summer classes finishing my master's degree.I am almost done. Well that is all about me and my life... I will try to keep updated the site more often....love you all...

Fellowship Camp

2009-06-30T17:43:00.000-07:00

We just got through camp at our church and had wonderful services... I saw people running the aisles and shouting all over the church house. Emilee and Drew thought they were a bit silly but I was glad that got to witness that! Drew was annointed at the altar for healing for his heart problems... we said we believe one can be healed but are letting God's will be done... if he isn't healed God had something else in mind and that's ok with us... we are so exhausted and are resting this week... we are getting back into the swing of things...next week I start summer classes for my master's degree... this is the last summer for classes... I won't know what to do with myself... I joke with Andy and my family that I might want to become a principal or a superintendent!! lol...

A few is more than two!!

2009-06-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

Ok the last comment on my blog stated that a few is more than two! Well they are right...lol... so I am posting some more pics of our trip to disney.. we have been in camp all week at our church and I have been "cleaning" lady "song leader" and roll maker... all of which I like doing well, not the cleaning lady...but someone has to do it and the more we do for the Lord, the more He will bless us!

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-20T19:32:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take this time to wish my dad a wonderful Father's Day..day... My dad is someone I look up to and wouldn't know what I would do if he were not here....Just knowing that my dad is there is enough for me and his presence is enough to make me feel safe..I love him so much... love you dad.... have a wonderful day!! Sent you a card and ecard...check email from me...

A few Pictures!

2009-06-12T11:58:00.001-07:00

We took so many pictures...here is a few.....

Makeawish

2009-06-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

We have had a wonderful trip. There were a lot of "first" on this trip. I was the only person who had flown...it was new to Andy and the kids. We made sure we had gum and they upgraded us to first class seating which was great! We flew coach before and we were squeezed together and had no leg room... flying first class if definetly better. We visited all of Walt Disney's theme parks and had a ball! We were moved to the front of the line on all the rides... we had no waiting... I have gone to disney before and we had to wait sometimes hours to ride a ride...there was no wait on these rides...straight to the front...sometimes through a back door and elevator... we had the royal treatment...at the resort everything was free and we ate ice cream every night and ordered pizza in with a movie... the kids went to the "spa" every day and received royal treatment there! I cannot say how nice this vacation was... it was the best ever...I will tell you all about it later when I see you....love you

Can't win for losing...

2009-05-26T19:59:00.000-07:00

I forgot to tell everyon that I fell into the push mower motor! Yes it hurt... you didn't have to ask.... Drew bent the wheel on the brand new mower and I was trying to bend it back with my hands before Andy found out and Drew would be in trouble... you know a thing mom's do and we regret later... well, as I was pushing and straining to get the wheel back in the upright position I slipped and fell into the hot motor... My arm looks awful.. You would be surprised how many times that part of your arm gets touched! I had no idea! Well, I thought you might want to know about that...lol

Reds Game..

2009-05-26T19:26:00.000-07:00

Well, have to give everyone un update on our lives. We have been very busy lately with church and with life... The kids each have had pink eye in both eyes and have been on eye drops. We had to wash all our sheets and teach proper " alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340325828902684946" /> hand washing techniques. We preached in Indiana this past weekend and we scheduled in a reds game. We had such a good time. Even though it rained and we were in a delay of game we had perfect seats and the kids were great. We met Eric and Caren for dinner it was a good time. This weekend Make a wish is bringing us our tickets and we get to ride in a limo to the airport. We are pretty excited about the whole trip. Love you all....

2009-05-11T16:42:00.000-07:00

Emilee is in her last week of school before summer break... She had a field trip today to Highlands Museum... Andy got the priviledge of going with her... I was so jealous.. I had Andy take pictures of her trip so that I could see what I missed.. I had a training in Columbus, Ohio and could not take a day off to go with her... Mother's Day was great.. Emilee made me three cards. I thought one card was particularly funny.. She said Happy Mom's day... why do you have to be so mad.... that is what she said in her card. I was floored... alittle embarassed because she didn't say how much she loved me being her mom but that I was mad...I had to get on to her this week for taking something that did not belong to her and she had to take her money and mail it back to the person that she took it.. maybe that is why she thought I was mad... who knows.... lol

2009-04-28T18:36:00.000-07:00

Maybe there was a time in your life when you looked at what your kids were doing now and thought " there is no way I have a kid old enough to do that"... it makes you seem old or something... lol..well, today I had one of those moments... Drew mowed grass today with a push mower... no not by himself but with me watching every move... he was so proud of himself... as I was sitting there, enjoying the beautiful weather I thought...I can't believe Drew is old enough to be doing this... and then I smiled... Drew told me this chore was a $3.00 chore...I just laughed and said..don't tell Grandpa Bill that or he will be having him mow his grass for that kind of money... obviously this fascination of mowing grass will pass and the $3.00 a yard will too!! I don't ever remember getting paid for mowing grass and I sure didn't enjoy doing it...lol...love you dad! While all this was going on with Drew, Emilee was helping Andy plant beans and corn... it was a funny sight as she placed each seed in the ground... Andy all the while getting frustrated as she had not placed them just right... Ok, Let me say something here... I have planted with Granny all the time growing up and I never remember a technique to it all.. you just threw the beans down the row and covered them up... her beans were great...well it is not that way with my husband who has to have each bean planted exactly the right distance... gotta love him.... Emilee told me this job was about a 23456700.00 dollar job... they are too funny! well, gotta go... love you all.. grad classes are over for a bit so I will have more time to post happenings in our life... goodnight!

Drew's Little League

2009-04-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

Drew is starting to play Little League again! He is doing so great... We had a parade on Saturday and Emilee was so excited about getting candy thrown at her...lol.... We went to the trout derby and then putt putt golfing... we had a busy weekend...it was fun! Love you all lots! See you all this weekend...

Update

2009-04-24T17:11:00.000-07:00

Well I wanted to give everyone an update on what's been happening in our lives since Easter. Drew has started Little League and it has taken much of our evenings together... We are at the ball field until 8pm... It only last for 2 months and then it will be over.. Drew has been learning to be a catcher... and wear "all" the "equipment" that comes with that position. Don't know what I am talking about ask any guy who has ever played catcher without one of these. I don't have any clues or tips for Drew. Andy is trying to help but it makes Drew walk kinda funny. Emilee has even noticed how much bigger that area is and has made reference to it in public... I have to pull her aside and tell her that we don't talk about that and it is not something to say outloud... anyways I am looking forward to school being over and the summer time here. Love you all and wish everyone a great weekend. We are headed over to the Trout Derby at the Lake after Drew's game tomorrow!

Chicks do go to heaven!

2009-04-14T14:10:00.000-07:00

Well, we have started a little tradition at our house on Easter morning... I hide the kids baskets somewhere in the house and leave little clues that they must follow and hunt for their surprise...it is a lot of fun and I enjoy the excitement it creates for such a special time of year... (Christ dying on the cross for our sins) The kids woke up and ran to find all of the clues...after the basket was found they had one more clue that led them to Andy's office out in the garage...when they opened the door all you could hear was chirping! They were thrilled!

Emilee kept naming her chick different things like " Girl, Caren (I thought this was too funny cuz Caren is my sis!), and Yellowy. I think she changed it every day until a tragic thing happened....she had it out in the yard playing with it and "accidently" stepped on it... We took it inside and laid it in the box to "get better". Well there was no fixing the poor thing... we had to get rid of it.. Emilee came by to see it one time and ran and told me it wasn't there anymore it must have flown away... I said yes, straight to heaven... she said chicks go to heaven?" I said yes, this one does!" The things that parents keep from their kids! One day I will tell her about her chick! Andy went to the feed store and got her another one.

Happy Easter!

2009-04-11T19:14:00.001-07:00

What a wonderful weekend we have had. I love it when our family can get together and visit. Everyone came to my house to attend the local "trade days". If you have never been to one you should try to attend... only if yard saleing and flea markets are your cup of tea.... I never knew something like this existed until Andy took me to one when we first got married... now it is like a tradition or something... lol... We were all talking about being together and thinking that this will be the last time we are all together before Chesna and Rod has their baby... She is due May 19th. I let the kids color easter eggs this year and we decided to bring them with us to hide on Sunday... My kids thought it was cool that their mom did not have plastic eggs when she was growing up but always cooked them and colored them to bring to hide and hunt on Easter morn. Emilee is wearing her new apron her Memo got her (my mom) she loves it and cannot cook in the kitchen unless she is wearing it... They are both holding their favorite egg they created for the camera...Drew chose the sports egg and emilee the pink one with soccer pattern on the outside... They had a great time... I will post tomorrow their Easter Outfits... love you all..hope everyone has a great weekend...And thank you Lord for dying on the cross for me and my sins and for defeating death!

Our Song

2009-03-31T14:39:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful time at the Women's Retreat this past weekend. A lot of things have been going on in my life and I needed to go away and just breathe... have you ever been so over whelmed with "living" that sometimes if you stopped you would sink? Well that has been me.... This weekend something was said that really helped me... A brook without stones has no song... I thought about that and said ok Lord these are stones that I have to have in order to have a song.... So maybe this is for you that are reading this... What you are going through is just stones... stuff in our life to make us have a song... a sweet song... Love you all and keep encouraged!

Mindless Ramblings....

2009-03-20T15:51:00.000-07:00

Alot has happened this week... our electric was off for about a day and the kids had a two hour delay... I had to go to my mother-in-laws house to get ready... I was going to get ready at my own house but hairspray and lanterns with open fire don't mix. Andy got his deer back today from the taxidermy... (a close friend) It looks great...now I have two deer in my living room... I have no comment about that...lol....I also wanted to show you a picture of my wonderful deck...it is finished now and I love it...In the background you can see the kids new playground and swing set from the old lumber....

I have some exciting news to tell everyone too! We got our call this week that Drew has been granted a wish from "Make-a-wish- Foundation! We are so excited about it! Drew wanted a hunting trip... but they said that was not a wish they could grant because of the danger of it...lol... So he is picking Walt Disney World! We are so excited.. The date has not been set yet but volunteers should be out to our house to finalize his wish we hope to go in the summer before school starts. I think about Drew and kids that receive wishes.. Not everyone receives a wish... Only those that a Doctor deems critical enough... a threatening illness they could die from... and Drew was granted a wish... I guess I don't always see Drew as critical and about to die but it does make me take a step back and say yes, Drew with us is a blessing from God, and every day and I try to cherish our time together. So, I am thankful to God for allowing this blessing in our life at this moment. God is truly wonderful and knows what each of us need. I am thankful I serve someone who knows me so well! Andy says I am hard to figure out... and I have to admit I am... Have a good night all...and a great weekend! Love you mom and dad!

Update!

2009-03-15T16:36:00.001-07:00

Just a little update on what has been going on this week...We spent this weekend with my niece and nephew. It was their birthday. We love spending time with them. Yes, there is a lot of mopping and sweeping and wiping going on....They are not little-- just like to play outside and inside, and then outside and then inside....you get the picture... Mud was everywhere! Earlier in the week Andy decided we needed a new back porch. He finished it two days later and it looks great! I told him this is the many reasons why I married him. He is so good building stuff. I told him my dad would be proud.... My dad is cool like that too.... he can build anything...He needs to coat and seal the wood so this time it will last longer. The kids got a new tree house from the old lumber that came from the old porch. They are tickled to death. Drew has been pretending it is his "tree stand". He stands up there and shoots his bow and arrow. He looks quite cute! Emilee is having a hard time climbing up the ladder and then getting back down. I can see her from my kitchen window. I look out there and smile at her as she problem solves how to get up. I sometimes, after I have let her try, have to yell out to Drew to come and help her get down. Well, getting ready for a busy week. Love you all!

Mom was Right! (always)

2009-03-09T11:31:00.001-07:00

Well I was thinking about my little dog I had introduced to everyone a couple of weeks ago... I wanted to give everyone an update..(I know you all are dying to know) He was doing really well in the house...doing the "right" things all inside dogs are suppose to do... (potty time) But one day when we were gone the dog decided to "redecorate" my guest bathroom. Needless to say he was not given permission to do this. We came home like we always do and let him out to see us and my husband yelled, "Rachel, come look at what the dog has done" I was thinking, "Oh he must of "went" somewhere he shouldn't and wanted me to clean it up.." When I looked in the bathroom and my wallpaper had been ripped off and was everywhere in the bathroom. So, out the door went the dog and into the garage. We put a add in the newspaper and we have no more inside dog. The crazy thing about this whole situation is that I am the only one that DID NOT want the dog and gave in so that I wouldnt be the bad mom... (we all don't want to be her) (You have done the same thing, maybe in another situation) So now I am regretting letting it happen, I should have put my foot down and said no, but my son came up to me later and told me, "Mom, you were right." I said, "Thanks"! but in my mind I said, "I told you so!"

Everything Was Pink!

2009-03-08T16:27:00.000-07:00

Chesna
My Brother, Rodney
Caren&Elizabeth

Caren,Elizabeth&Me

We had a great time at the baby shower......My brother Rod and his wife took Emilee to a ball game while we decorated...Everything was pink and had tiny footprints on it...I love to decorate when you have "something" to decorate with....it was so cute. Caren picked out the decorations.... A lot of people came to the shower and brought many gifts with them ... I was touched by my brothers closing remarks once the shower was ready to end... We all had been praying for them and the baby... Every night after devotions our family prayer request has been for Rodney and Chesna to first become pregnant and then once that happened then to protect and help the baby grow... Rodney gave praise back to God for the help and strength He gave them through this difficult time... I was truly proud of him...He is going to make a great dad and Chesna a great mom... Well, It has been a long weekend and with the time change and all it has made it a tiring one... So off to see my sweetie (Andy stayed home with Drew and didn't attend the shower) who has missed me very much.

Stand

2009-03-02T11:59:00.000-08:00

So today has been a little tough... I had to open up my mouth and stand for something.. It has taken me awhile to brave it and work my courage up but I did it. For those that know me closest I will probably tell you when I see you... I can't post it on here...sorry just too many eyes...lol.... just know that I am growing up and life is sometimes hard... You know after standing up and letting myself be free from the bondage I was under I somewhat feel lighter... Yes it will be hard tomorrow facing this individual and going throughout the day trying to work past this but it will with time... Another thing happened yesterday at church, the singers did not show up... I felt so small... Like it was my fault because I scheduled them.. Everyone came (those who hadnt been to our church in a very long time) I stayed home even trying to reach someone so they could tell me what had happened.. I finally gave up and went to church.. When Andy and I got home they called and said they had forgotten to tell the singers they had a service that evening... They were very sorry and so apologetic but its over with now... I guess sometimes things happen for a reason (I know they do) Well enjoy your evening and looking forward to a baby shower this weekend.... love you all

Peeps and Things

2009-02-27T11:51:00.000-08:00

I am so glad that the weekend is here.... I came home today and noticed pink stuff all over our new dog...I asked what the stuff was and no one knew... I asked Emilee (who knows everything) what happened and she told me that her pink peep (you know the sugar coated marshmallows that come out at Easter time) fell to the floor and she could not get it in time... I said that explains it... I had to take the dog into the bathroom and clean him up... they say not to give the dog baths all the time... but what do they know.... lol... this weekend we will be busy once again... we are having a spring cleaning at the church (much needed cleaning) and special singers on Sunday from Kentucky Mountain Bible College. We are excited about them being here... have a great weekend everyone...

Our New Dog

2009-02-22T12:34:00.000-08:00

We have a new dog in our life... He is a miniature Schnauzer. His name is "Banjo"... he is a little shy now but is warming up to us... The kids were wanting something inside to play with and so Andy and I started to research the different breeds and temperaments... We decided that the schnauzer was something that would fit us... they don;t shed, they don;t smell, they are good guard dogs, very obedient and easy to train, and are very loyal...these are all reasons why we chose him... he is very cute and we love him... Now the only thing is taking him with us when we leave... not always possible.... We are starting to pad train him now... it has been successful with only a few accidents... I hope he keeps it up...

My Week...

2009-02-20T17:29:00.000-08:00

Andy and I had a great time together on Wednesday.... We dropped the kids off and went out for breakfast... It was nice to be able to talk and not have to be interrupted...you know you get all the questions and have to answer everyone or you get the question "Mom, guess what?" You say, "What". They don't hear you and you then start to talk to your husband and the kids say, "Mom, guess what?" I say, "What is it?" ok after three or four times of this my patience is wearing thin and I say, "Please don't ask, "Guess What ? just tell me... So the day away was nice... It seemed like the day flew by though and I got nothing really done... we had to be back in town to get Emilee from preschool at 2pm and so our time was cut short... Drew has signed up for baseball and we begin practicing in March... I was so excited that Emilee is old enough now to play... I loved to play as a child and figured she would be too.... I asked if she wanted to play t-ball and she told me, "No mom, that is for boys...." I was like are you sure and she said yes. So Drew will be the only one playing and I guess I have a true princess on my hands... I don't know where she gets it from...

Our Weekend

2009-02-15T11:03:00.000-08:00

We had a good time in Columbus over the weekend.
We are back at home and resting....lol....This is a picture of Emilee and Abby, one of Michelle's (Andy sis) kids. This is at her ball game.

Here is the kids at Drew's Valentine party.. I took off early from work and ran over to be with Drew. This is the last party of the school year.... They made their own ice cream sundae's and ate cupcakes.

Valentine's Day

2009-02-12T11:43:00.001-08:00

Here is a little sight into my classroom and the children that I teach. They are all great and I wouldn't change having all boys for nothing. This is lunch time and they are all sitting down eating...some are getting ready to run but for now they are sitting like angels.lol I wanted to give a big shout out (I learned that term from American Idol ) to all my friends and family and wish you a Happy Valentine's Day. If you are reading this than you have had a special part of my life...one way or another...school, immediate family, or someway... I just wanted you to have a great "love" day. Andy and I are not going to have our day until Tuesday next week...I am taking a personal day and while the kids are in school we will have the day together...I am looking forward to it and so is Andy. It is hard to find the time with me in school teaching to go out on dates without the kids... we love spending time with them on the weekend and hate to take that time for each other when they need us too.... So I get three personal days a year and this will be one of them... Have a great weekend and don't forget Valentine's Day....bye love you mom and dad....

2009-02-07T18:12:00.000-08:00

Emilee found my camera and took this pic of herself... I thought it was so funny that I had to share it with you.... She is such a beautiful little girl and sneaky too. I did not know that she had taken the camera and played photographer... there were other pictures on here too that were not appropriate to post...lol....My conference in Columbus went very well.. I left feeling encouarged and refreshed.... so it was a success.... Had some questions ask to me from some kids and wanted to know what you thought... they asked me 1. Does snow melt in the dark? 2. Do we still have a shadow in the dark? tough questions to respond too... I never give a complete answer but leave it open ended so that learning can take place and believe me it does... goodnight all...love you mom and dad!

25 Things you might not have known about me...

2009-02-06T17:52:00.000-08:00

1.FACT: I love chocolate2.Habit:I must make my bed before I leave for work every day!3.Goal: I want to beat my husband on every song on guitar hero4.Fact: I love my job 5.Habit: I brush my teeth before going to bed and as soon as I get up6.Goal: I want to make a 3000.00 dollar paycheck7.Fact: I secrety listen to country music8.Habit: I iron everything9.Goal: I want to earn my doctorate 10.Fact: Sometimes I don't like being a pastor's wife11.Habit: I never fill up my gas tank until it is empty12.Fact: I hate being the church janitor!13. Habit: I have to watch Grey's Anatomy every thursday evening...14. Fact: I prefer my pajamas to anything else I wear15. Goal: I want to be debt free16. Fact: I love the color pink 17. Goal: To always be truthful list18. Habit: Once I start something I have to finish it19. Fact: My favorite food is pizza20.Habit: I squeeze toothpaste from the bottom to opening21.Fact: I love to shop22. Goal: To be the best mom ever23. Fact: I hate to throw anything away except leftovers from the table24. Habit: I take my shoes off before entering my house25. Fact: I love trucks better than cars

Catching Up...

2009-02-06T17:22:00.000-08:00

Well you can see that my post are not so long it is because I have started my graduate classes again and I now have homework at night. So instead of being able to sit down and "play" with the computer I am having to type papers and write about my kids in my classroom.. I am so excited about a new student I have in my room.. I have previously taught him at my old job. The parents withdrew the child out of the progran when I left and said I messed up his world. I felt awful at the time but love the new job I have. Well, this week that same child has come back into my class. I love spending time with him and love that he is here again. I love all my students but this child has a special place in my heart.... Well, love you all and hope everyone has a good night sleep... I am heading tomorrow--really earlier in the morning to a conference in Columbus talk to you later...

No Heat Means No Wii!

2009-01-29T07:05:00.000-08:00

We are now without heat and electric at our house. So we loaded up clothes and the kids and headed to my mother-in-laws house. She lives about 15 minutes away and their power did not go off. The kids were playing the wii when the electric went out...they were quite upset...Mamaw's house doesn't have all their toys and electronic games.... they do have a television though....Emilee was very upset because nothing worked... it was so cute her walking around the house trying to turn lights on..thinking her daddy was playing a trick on her. I have enjoyed my week off from school.. it seemed like after Christmas the school year flies by...I can't believe it will be February this coming week... Being away from home and not really able to go back makes me realize the blessings that I have and how much I really love my home.. I still would like to "own" my own house but the parsonage is a comfortable place to be...and right now my bed and pillows are calling my name.... The electric company said that we might get our power going by Saturday....So another day away from home....:( and maybe a chiropractor appointment!

Snowed In...

2009-01-27T18:48:00.000-08:00

I haven't had the time to write on here about what's been going on lately...but today is the second day in a row that we have had a snow day! I cannot believe my luck! So here is whats been going on.... we have played in the snow...washed and dried our clothes at least three times a day...not different clothes but the same ones...the ones that we got wet from our outside playtime...here is some pictures of Drew and Emilee...she is actually trying to cover him up with snow...and eventually she succeeded and you could see nothing but snow on top of his body. We have gone to Walmart and stocked up on lamp oil and food in case we are iced in. I am a little sad too that I had to cancel my conference in Columbus... Andy will not let me travel up there tomorrow for the snow and roads are too bad he says... so I am here again tomorrow...oh yeah I have been playing this awesome brain exercising game called "word twist"...I am becoming quite good at it thanks to a friend from highschool...so I will be here tomorrow same time (when kids are in bed)

Happy Birthday, Drew!

2009-01-18T12:43:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful time with the family on the weekend before Drew's 8th birthday. (He turns 8 on Martin Luther King Day) We have been making it a family tradition to always get together for his birthday. My sister came in from Cincinnati with her husband and spent the night with us. Mom and Dad drove up from Eastern Kentucky and spent the night too. I always love it when the family can all get together. My brother Rodney usually makes the trip but he is supervisor now at his job in the coal mines and he has to work on Saturday...we sure did miss him being with us....Some of the presents Drew got were the guitar hero game for his wii and a football game... he wanted money for his birthday too and so he had some cards with cash as well...his cousins also spent the night and had a slumber party...he had a great time! Birthday's are very special to me and I try to make it the best day of the year for them. We played the guitar hero practically all night and then spread out around the living room and watched a movie until they all crashed. It was fun and the best part we were on time for church this morning too! But, I am ready for a nap...

2009-01-11T15:26:00.001-08:00

Drew's fever has broke and he is feeling much better today! I am so glad that we are through this battle. This weekend we are having Drew's birthday party and the family is coming in, I was afraid that I would have to cancel if he wasn't going to be feeling up to a party.... He is feeling much better and has played the Wii almost all day long... The Doctor said as long as his fever was no more he could return to school and not be contagious anymore..

I have to tell this one on Emilee today....her Memo is going to be upset....She wore this dress above to church this morning and tripped on her way to junior church thus ripping the dress in not one place but THREE places... When I saw the dress I was shocked at how much damage was done to it.. She wa wearing a slight heel on her shoes and it must have caught in the dress too.... We had to throw the dress away...I promise I tried to find a patch that would work...but it did not make the dress look any better..sorry mom!

On the Mend..

2009-01-10T09:31:00.000-08:00

Well the Dr. Mom hat is almost ready to go back on the shelf... We had to take Drew back to the doc yesterday and he gave him two shots...one for his vomitting and the other for the infection...his white cell count was extremely high ---this means infection is still there----the first antibiotic is not working...so today they drew more blood and saw where the shots had helped but white cell count still elevated...so more antibiotics and not allowed to go out until Monday...So this means not going anywhere all weekend...I like staying in sometimes....I know it is good to get out...but I like those days where you can crawl up on the couch with your sweats on and hair wild and just relax with a good movie...Well have to go and fix Drew something for lunch he says he wants to try to eat something...So we are on the mend....thank the Lord!

Dr. Mom

2009-01-08T14:05:00.000-08:00

Drew has been sick the last couple of days with a high temp...even with meds the temp stays over 100. f so this morning before I left to go to school --(everyone around me got a snow day--except me ahhhh!) I called the Doctor and told them the syptoms and he set Drew up with a visit. He looked in Drew's throat and said that it was swollen and swabbed it for strep....he said that he has to wait for the results but could almost quarantee that he has it...he wrote him a prescription and then sent us home... I am glad that we took him in...strep can affect persons with heart problems differently than normal persons. I have never taken any of my kids to see the doctor and it not be something...I guess that is called a mother's intuition. Last night we had no power in our house and the kids all were scared to sleep alone...I told them when they normally sleep all the lights are out...but somehow knowing that they were off put fear into them...I got my laptop out and popped in a movie and we stretched out all around the living rooms. Candles glowing and covers everywhere we settled in for the night.... needless to say it was a long night...The lights did not come on until after midnight...then the kids had no school...but I did...I am a bit exhausted but I guess that is part of it...well going to go for now...talk to you all later

Back in the routine of things...

2009-01-05T18:56:00.000-08:00

Well, It is hello school again and goodbye to staying up late and sleeping in....It was so hard getting up today for school...I dragged myself out of bed at 6:45am and pryed my eyes open and then rushed off to school...I am definetly going to bed earlier tonight....I have a total of 10 boys in my classroom. Yes they are all boys and love to romp and play hard. They are all different and keep me on my toes...I have to share the cutest thing that happened to me today... One boy, named John whispered in my ear, as soon as he got to school, "Will you marry me when I grow up"? I was so surprised...I laughed and hugged him and said, " I am already taken, you have to marry someone that is not already married." He wanted to see my husbands picture and then said, It looks like we might have to wrestle! So cute.. I couldn't help smile every time I think about his question...It definetly made my day...Well it is 10pm and my bedtime..so good night and I love you mom and dad!

2009-01-01T19:57:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe that it is 2009. When I think about the year that is in front of me I think about all the things that will be happening to my family...like Drew turning 8 and Emilee 5. I will be the big 30 this year and Andy and I will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary. It seems like this year will be a year that I will not forget... I have been also thinking about some things I want to do differently....I guess you could say my new year's resolutions...1. I want to be a better Christian 2. I want to be a better wife, mother, friend, sister, and daughter. 3. I want to reach someone this year for the Lord. 4. I want to talk less and listen more. 5. Of course I want to lose weight so I guess I better add that as a goal...6. I want to save money and spend less...(it will be difficult but I am setting the goal) and I guess the last goal is to be true to myself...Yeah it sounds deep but I am not trying to mean it that way...well it is getting late and need some sleep...These pictures of the kids are from our visit to Petland...we let the kids choose which animal they want to hold...Drew always chooses the biggest dog and Emilee chooses the smallest...

Happy New Year!

2008-12-30T19:09:00.000-08:00

This has been a wonderful year full of many answered prayers... I think about all that my family has been through and count my blessings... Some of the highlights are: 1. I moved to a new job in a different public school district. I am so glad that I am here and have fallen in love with all my new students. 2. Drew in January this year was 1 year recovery from open heart surgery...we thank the Lord for his hand apon his life. 3. Emilee was able to start the preschool program at Valley...we had been praying that it would work out and it did...4. We have also been praying that my brother and his wife would be able to have a baby...and the Lord answered our prayers and theirs too.. 5. Emilee is able to write her name for the first time... she can also swim in the pool without any floaties....this is a big deal! We are so proud of her! 6. Drew killed his 2nd deer a doe. We are also proud of him too. These are only a highlight of all the things that we have been through this year....I am so thankful for all that God has brought us through and kept us from...I am looking forward to another wonderful year full of many blessings and more answered prayers...I hope everyone has a wonderful new year....

Santa Came!

2008-12-24T08:18:00.000-08:00

Santa had to come early to our house this year... yes we did all the right stuff..you know put out the reindeer feed in the back yard, warmed the cookies in the microwave (my kids said you were suppose too), put ice cubes in the milk (to keep it cold for santa), and left a note thanking Santa for the presents he was going to leave... The kids were so excited when they got up--thankfully at 6 am last year they were up at 4am. Drew and Emilee got what they ask for...Drew wanted a Wii and Emilee wanted a princess tv and dvd. Here is pics from our event...Christmas is just beginning Drew told me and I said yes it is...

A Good Report

2008-12-19T19:18:00.000-08:00

We decided to go to Columbus Thursday night and spend the night in a hotel so we would not be rushed...We had a wonderful and relaxing time...The kids swam in the pool both at night and in the morning...We took our time and got to the heart check up...the Doctor said that everything looked good---except his blood pressure was increased a bit...he told us to watch his salt intake and snacks...he would see us in a year...we are so happy everything looked normal...watching the salt will be the hard part...we decided that next year we will do the same thing and spend the night in a hotel room...it is the best way to go...

Christmas Break Begins....

2008-12-18T12:58:00.000-08:00

I am officially on Christmas break...Yeah! Tomorrow we head to Columbus for Drew's 1 year check up with the doctor. We hope that everything is going well with his heart and all... It seems like he is sweating so much when he plays basketball and other sports compared to his friends his own age... It does worry me a bit... I am leaving it all in God's hands and I know He has a wonderful plan for Drew in life....

1st Snow Day of the Year!

2008-12-16T16:35:00.000-08:00

Today was a well deserved break from school. My kids wore their pajamas inside out and we all prayed at devotion time for a snow day, and God answered our prayers. We had a blast. The kids played outside all morning. We came in and had hot chocolate and warmed up on the couch. It was a good and relaxing day. The kids only have two more days of school and then they are off for christmas break. Oh yeah, I made all A's on my Master's degree online classes for this semester! No more homework until after the first of the year...

Ready for Christmas...

2008-12-13T19:20:00.000-08:00

My final day of shopping is here and gone... I had only two presents left and now it is finished. I say to myself every year that I will start early and be done with it---it never happens... This is the earliest though I have finished...only 12 days left till Christmas and I am done...so I guess that is saying something... I will not get to spend Christmas with the whole family..Caren has to work the day before and after Christmas and so I sent my presents to her and she is leaving mine at my mom's house. Rodney will be there at mom's and so it will still be great just not "complete". Anyways it has been a long day of shopping and breaking up fights in the aisle ways of the store between Emilee and Drew. We tried to find a sitter but all grandparents were either sick or not home so we had to take them with us. They like to shop if it is for them...we hate to drag them around looking for something we have no idea what we are looking for... lol...they are great kids just can "show" themselves sometimes in public... have a good night and will check in with you all later...

A day in the life of a mom...

2008-12-09T18:48:00.001-08:00

I am so exhausted tonight as I sit down to write this blog....I was thinking of all the "stuff" I have been doing and thought I would share with you and maybe get some sympathy...lol...I got up early this morning, put a load of laundry in the washer, and rushed into work, taught children with disabilities, lesson planned, took a phone call from parent and had to send child home with fever, mom couldn't come get child until late after school , had to wait for parent to come, got games ready for church's women's cookie exchange, posted online homework of the last 3 assignments for master's degree I am working on, rushed home, ordered pizza, went to church to decorate, made vegetable tray for dinner and no bake cookies, came home ate pizza-- cold and drank water fast and gave myself a headache, tried on 5 outfits getting ready to go to party, looked in mirror and thought how I need to lose more weight, dressed Emilee and fixed her hair, ran out in the rain and over to church, had a good time at party, had women make candy canes and a decorating contest --best gingerbread house, took down decorations from dining hall, cleaned up dining hall, did dishes at dining hall, came home took a shower, gave Emilee a bath, laid clothes out for Drew and Emilee for tomorrow's school, laid my own clothes out, packed lunches, moved laundry from washer to dryer, loaded dish washer, had family devotions, had prayer request, and now I am writing this blog.... Wow, no wonder I am so tired... It seems sometimes my life is so rushed and I am pulled in so many needed directions it is hard to find time for myself...I joke with the kids that I am praying for a snow day....but I really need a snow day...well good night and hope all have a restful night...maybe tomorrow will be slower...

Andy loves me!

2008-12-08T18:03:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of the kids with Caren and Eric at the "beach". They loved ice skating.

Here is a T-Shirt I found Andy at the bass pro shop when we were on our "weekend away"...I told him it is so true of him and me....lol....he loves me...what you can't see is the fine print it says...I love (it when) My Wife (let's me go hunting)....We laughed so hard over this shirt but it is pretty true...He is a wonderful husband, father, friend, and yes deer hunter...Today I spent my time baking cookies for our church Christmas cookie exchange. I made peanut butter no bakes. There are so good and so easy to make. The kids love them too. I guess since they have oats in them they can't be all that bad.

It was great!

2008-12-06T20:52:00.000-08:00

Our weekend away was so much fun...We left the kids with my sister and spent the night in a hotel...then we went shopping all day and met up with the kids at Caren's to see if they wanted to spend one more night with them or come home...They wanted to stay with Caren and Eric and go to their church and then come home...I could not believe it...Caren was taking them to the "beach"...they were going ice skating and to see santa...They called me later and told me they touched reindeer! I was so glad they were having a good time, it made me relax more and enjoy the rest of the time with my husband...Well talk to you all later..

My Weekend Away

2008-12-04T15:20:00.000-08:00

Well my wonderful sister, Caren called this week and surprised Andy and I with a weekend away from the kids. Our anniversary was back in November and Andy had a wedding to perform and so we could not go away to celebrate. She has paid for us a hotel room and everything! What a great sis! I will have to make it up to her later when she finally has children of her own. Being married to a minister has its ups and downs, getting away sometime is difficult. Although I feel the ministry should come first at times and at others the family. We are going to have a great time. Caren is taking the kids to the festival of lights at the zoo and I think on to watch a movie or ice skating...the kids are so excited. They love spending time with her and her husband, Eric. I will have to visit my blogger friends after the eventful weekend and tell you all about it...oh yeah Andy shot a 9 point deer tonight...I am so happy he finally got one...well, Drew is happy..lol

Emilee's Program

2008-12-03T19:09:00.000-08:00

Emilee had a wonderful time at her Christmas program. She looked so cute in her outfit...She wore a grey sweatshirt with a christmas scene on it. I asked her before her program what color was her shirt and she told me blue..so when I fixed her hair I put blue ribbons in her hair...I get to her classroom and the outfit is grey and red! I couldn't believe it...oh well I said...I guess your reindeer antlers will hide it...She looked cute and new all her songs. She is my precious angel.

Christmas Play 2008

2008-12-02T17:16:00.000-08:00

Drew looked so cute and he did a wonderful job! I was so happy to be his mom. Here is some pics from our fabulous night...Tomorrow night is Emilee's play...look for more pics of her performance tomorrow...

Toy Soldier Blues...

2008-12-01T17:16:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is Drew's first school christmas play...I have traveled over an hour one way to find his costume..I did not know it was going to be so hard to make a toy soldier costume... I could not find a red jacket so I looked online for a local costume shop and they had one for 30.oo I thought this would be better than any I could make....I think that if a music teacher wants her students to be part of a play she should help out with the costume or a suggestion for it...I was quite disappointed that nothing was said to me about that... I will be posting Drew's outfit tomorrow and a picture of him at his play...

Proud Mama

2008-11-25T20:01:00.000-08:00

Tonight was Parent Teacher Conference...I have very bright kids..I was very pleased with the progress both my children are making..Drew is reading at a 3rd grade level (he is just in 2nd) and he is well behaved in class. The teacher does think Drew could be doing so much more but he is afraid to make a mistake and so he continuously asks for help from the teacher instead of trying it for himself. He has always been that way. Emilee is just 4 and she is in preschool. I really love her teacher and have taught with her at another school district. She is great. She told me tonight that Emilee is already writing her name (which I knew that already) and leading in all role playing activities. She is my princess and loves to act and read at home. I do not dare say anything to harm her creativity. I think God has something very special for my kids. I am proud to be their mommy.
Today Andy is sick and in the bed. The kids were a bit restless and so I got out the christmas tree and put it up. I know...some think no decorations until after Thanksgiving...well, sorry about that tradition...this year I broke the trend...the kids were so excited and eager to put their own tree up. I have a tree for each of my kids bedrooms. They are allowed to decorate it however they want and I only help if they ask me. The creativity that comes from this simple activity is amazing. I am so pleased and proud to have children like I have. Well I will write after the holidays. Hope everyone has a wonderful season. We all have truly many things to be Thankful for...

2008-11-24T14:13:00.000-08:00

Today the icy rain came and filled our town with black ice everywhere...my children got a "day off" from school...my school district just had a two hour delay and I had to go in...We had a field trip to Bob Evans and then to a Petland..I guess I was glad that we did not miss the trip. The students would have been very upset....this is all I have time for tonight---talk more tomorrow

Drew's First Deer with Gun!

2008-11-22T16:08:00.000-08:00

We are so proud of Drew! This is his first deer with a shotgun... He shot a deer when he was five years old with a cross bow...but this is his first deer with a gun ....He is so proud....dad is too!

Youth Gun Season is here...

2008-11-22T13:39:00.000-08:00

Today is the first day of Youth Gun season. As I have said before my son and husband love to hunt. They go all out... The night before the "big" hunt Andy washes all the clothes in a special "scent away" laundry detergent and then puts all the clothes in a sealed bag with "dry leaf" sheets to make him smell like the woods. I always ask do you really have to go to all that trouble to shoot a deer...Andy and Drew together say, Yes Mom! I give up and let them at it...If you have a avid hunter in your life I am sure you have this same experience too...They go to all the trouble to keep the scent away and yet they take jerky with them...I still don't understand the whole hunting thing...I would think the deer can smell them and their jerky...but what do I know...I am just mom...Emilee and I stayed home and went shopping after the boys left for hunting...I slept in Emilee's bed and Drew slept with dad--"just for tonight" Drew told me....we went shopping for Christmas presents and had a fun day.....Here is a pic of Drew and Emilee with their rudolph noses...they wanted me to take their picture....They look so cute...

What I am Thankful for...

2008-11-21T16:57:00.000-08:00

I could not go through this season without listing who and what I am most thankful for...It seems the holiday season makes you stop and think about what matters to you and your life...I think about a comment Andy, my husband made in a sermon he preached the other night...He was talking about taking communion and how we needed to prepare ourselves for it ---it makes you take a look in your life and "spring" clean..he said in his sermon that the early church had communion weekly...imagine the soul searching that went on....we have communion set aside for special occasions in our church.. I don't think either way is wrong...just that we remember Christ...and so I want to take a moment and say what I am most thankful for this season...

1. For my husband and his strength and love, and yes..patience

2. For my kids and all their silly and wonderful ways, they have made me the mommy I am today...and even the teacher I am today..

3. For God and his salvation

4. For my mom and dad and believing in me and making it easier

5. For my friends for praying for me and understanding me

6. For my sister and brother for loving me and praying for me

7. For my church...for giving us a chance to minister and love them

Weekend is Finally Here...

2008-11-21T12:51:00.000-08:00

It has been a long week of lesson planning and indoor recess. I am ready for a snow day! I love my job and all my kids....but sometimes all good things need an end...lol...Here is a pic of one of my favorite students. He has autism and is only 3 years old. I teach children with special needs. It is such a wonderful job full of challenges and rewards. I would not want to be doing anything else with my life at this present moment than teaching children just like him...

Rabbit supper anyone??

2008-11-20T13:10:00.000-08:00

Ok, it is rabbit season where I live and this is a sport I do not care too much about. I live with two "boys" who think that it does matter. This is my son's first rabbit he has killed. He is so proud of it...I thought I should be proud too---so here is a pic of his first rabbit...and by the way it is still in my refrigerator....

First Blog Ever!

2008-11-19T19:51:00.000-08:00

This is my first blog ever...I am so excited about sharing my thoughts with you...my friends...and family....