The Blog

Our V-day mailboxes

2012-02-10T14:13:00.000-08:00

Thanks to our inspiring blogger Jen, we did some Valentines Day mailboxes! We are going to have a family valentines day this year, so we need places to put our gifts(notes) to each other. The kids LOVE their boxes!!! I had so much fun with them today putting this all together. It was rainy today(or so it was supposed to be), so we stayed in and did this in place of our "park" day Friday.

Our Aussie / Russian friends

2012-02-09T10:15:00.000-08:00

Last week, we drove down to Duncanville to see some friends that we met in Russia. They are from Australia, but do mission work in St. Pete. The girls went to school with their daughter and son during our second year there. It was great to see them! We met up at the main training center for translating the BIble---Wycliffe--SIL. They had a museum and this teepee was outside. They were showing living stations for different parts of the world. They had a PNG living quarters...usually they would have a fire in the middle of the house! Nice! It was great to see you Nicolle's!!

Our latest additions...

2012-01-24T11:48:00.000-08:00

These pieces of furniture are from John's Aunt. He grew up eating on this table during Thanksgiving dinners. It's long, at 7ft, and that's what we would eventually like to have---a very large table to have people over and eat at. I had found a table that I wanted...big and farm like table...but I like traditions and family and I loved the hutch that went with it and the "dry" sink that we are using right now under our Wii tv. The hutch and dry sink will eventually go in our kitchen, when we build a house--if all goes that way.

Sometimes dreams (like my farm table) become a thing of the past when other options are better! We use the table in our home school room right now, b/c we have my table(that I grew up eating around) in our kitchen. My kitchen table will eventually go in our "missionary" part of the house that we plan on building. When we came back from Russia, it seemed that we didn't have many things of our own anymore...but we have now filled our house with lots of blessings!

It will be fun to see if our plan to build actually happens. We are praying that we do His plan not our plan in all of these steps!

Bull's Eye!!

2012-01-10T14:42:00.000-08:00

Katie and Melissa's friend scored a perfect dart!! Woohoo!!! Way to go Rebekah!!! (yes, Melissa broke her arm---if you didn't catch the green cast!!)

Christmas 2011--

2012-01-02T10:20:00.000-08:00

their piles...

Melissa went first...can't remember what she was opening though.

Katie's crown from Matthew:)

Matthew's sword from Mark--he didn't want to see what it was til it was opened!!

we had friends that carved this knife--and a gun---my first gun that I bought for Mark.

a dart board---to go in our "sun room/game room"

notice the boards behind Melissa...we made these for the girl cousins and my girls...it's a chalkboard/coat rack. We had fun diying it!!

a small remote control robot--for Mark!!!

Aunt Cristina and Uncle Stephen's Frank Lloyd Wright puzzle for the kids.

Another tradition--open one present at a time! It just seems like no one gets to enjoy other people opening when mayhem happens! So, started by an idea from my brother's friend's family...we do the one at a time thing. This year, I took the kids to the dollar store, where they chose to buy each other presents with their money that they have earned over the year. Ok, I am still stuck in the before inflation times(back when $1 was alot!!), so they don't earn much...but they don't need much, right? It's not like I make them buy their clothes or food!! My kids loved watching each other open their specific present...it was fun to see their excitement in giving! Merry Christmas 2011!!
We also got a treat---my parents came to visit Christmas night and stayed for 2 nights! So fun to share Christmas with both parent sets!

Christmas Eve 2011

2012-01-01T13:31:00.000-08:00

Matthew got a marble tower

Melissa got an art set

Katie got a snuggi

Mark got a metal detector!!

Our Christmas Eve traditions: eat chili and the kids open one gift...a new one was added this year---attend Christmas Eve Communion at our church when we are home for Christmas!

Visit with the Naumov's

2011-12-30T18:58:00.000-08:00

Recently, we went into Dallas to collect a few last things that we have stored at people's houses while we were in Russia and this last year. We were able to stay the night with some of our friends from church---they are a Russian family that began in Moscow, but moved over to Dallas when their firstborn came along. We have learned some Russian from them, but most of all, we have developed a friendship and bond with our Russian ties. They have two boys--and they are super fun to visit...it's something that I treasure---no one is nervous around each other. I know as our girls grow up , they may feel weird interacting with boys that they see from time to time, but not with the Naumovs. I love that! The boys are amazing on the piano...boy of them take lessons and I could listen to them all day! This is our scrumptious breakfast Sunday morning!!

Family Pics

2011-12-30T18:50:00.000-08:00

John's sister took our family pictures this year! She is so talented with the camera! It catches us in rare but true form! John is always trying to make me laugh--in pictures...he usually succeeds!! Thanks Julie for all that you do!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-20T12:32:00.000-08:00

MC---being a sweetie pie as usual!

Melissa had received a pedicure set from Aunt Laura and all the girls had a blast in Mimer's bathroom painting toes!!

What does a boy do when the girls are painting toes?!!!

The kids table---this wasn't Thanksgiving dinner in the picture but this just shows how my mom sets up every Thanksgiving we are home. I love the pictures of our Thanksgiving times while I was growing up...so I am just staging their pictures!!

I guess they were playing Mr. Claus???

This is the kids playing restaurant!! Good times!! I love it when they are creative with their cousins!!

The only thing that would have made this better would have been having my younger brother and his wife here also with us for Thanksgiving. It's amazing that we all work out to see each other as much as we do...everyone having 2 sides of families to visit! This Thanksgiving we went to Houston and saw my parents and my older bro and his family. He has two very sweet girls whom my kids love dearly!

Old News...but cute pics! Happy B-day Mark

2011-12-20T12:19:00.000-08:00

Mark had his 8th b-day back in October and got a skateboard---that he is super happy to have! Thanks Mimer!! He has been skateboarding with his cousin Luke and I love that they have a healthy play idea!
I am hoping to get caught up on real life by setting aside Facebook for awhile...so, I will blogging from the past! Somehow life without facebook feels healthier already!

Chemistry Lives!!

2011-12-09T14:04:00.000-08:00

I once thought about teaching Chemistry---they were some of favorite classes in high school and college, but I didn't ever do it! Since I am home schooling, I get to do science experiments. This particular one was determining certain acids and bases. Acids turned red, bases turned green and neutral stayed the color of the cabbage water. Cabbage water was our "indicator."

School Day and Math Lesson!

2011-12-07T19:12:00.000-08:00

This was our first day doing school...and then a math lesson on another day. We are home schooling this year and I am really enjoying my kiddos.

The toothless, but love filled boy

2011-12-07T05:35:00.000-08:00

Matthew and his ways crack me up and make me smile all together. He has lost now 4 teeth in the period of 10 days...so, he has put his tooth and, one time, teeth under his pillow. The kids all know about who the tooth fairy is...and so does Matthew. The day he lost two teeth, he left me a note---Do you lice legos? (spelling---needs work). This time, he left me 50 cents in the bag with his tooth! So sweet, and so fun to get notes to me and gifts to me! I think Matthew is showing gifts and words as two of his love languages...like mother, like son!! The picture of Matthew is after his first tooth. By the way, I've pulled all but one, by his request. Brave boy...they are all but falling out when I do it!!

My new Wall Map!!!

2011-11-20T14:29:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my friend over on another blog---I wrote a company about a Wallzilla Map. This map has adhesive on the back and can be placed on a wall without damaging the wall...picture to follow later.
Check out my review for my FREE map! Can't get much better than that!!! I love reviewing products. I wish I had the ability to make photos that I could stick on the wall like this. It's amazingly easy with zero bubbles!!!

Maps.com�s World Deluxe Political Wall Map contains vibrant colors combined with an abundance of information making it suitable for use in business, education, or reference. This World wall map...

Your Review:

Easiest to Display!!!

By Bullwifey from Longview, TX on 11/20/2011

Pros:

Compact, Durable, Easy to move, Perfect for homeschooling, Easy to mount, Easy to read

Cons:

It's big--it's a 2 p job

Best Uses:

Home schooling

Describe Yourself:

Casual/ Recreational

Was this a gift?:

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I received this free to review from Wallzilla. I am a home school mom of four and I need a large map that I can refer to. We also are in limbo as far as where we live. We will be moving in the next year, so I need a map like this one that I can remove and stick up in another location! I was so impressed at how it didn't bubble at all. My husband did help with this hanging because this was a very large map. I am so excited to have this in our home schooling area...and be able to take it with us when we move and not damage this rent house we are in!! Thank you!!

The yellow mat progresses....

2011-11-17T20:55:00.000-08:00

here it is...in the next stage of painting...see post below, if you have no idea what I am talking about.

Projects...Purchases.

2011-11-08T15:14:00.000-08:00

This first picture is done by my friend, Kim,--sometimes others have a vision for things that I don't. Kim used an old door and the hangers and created my entry piece!

This is my project that I just started...we shall see if it works out well. I am painting a rug/mat...this is the primer coat...I'll journal my way through it. If it flubs, you may never see the end product---depends on how brave I am! My camera is on the blink--it's my Russian small camera...and it's not working right now...bummer, so I had to use my daughter's ipod touch. Yes, she is more techy than I am--by my choice. I do NOT need anything else to distract me! So, do they always take such a grainy picture...I'm not impressed. My daughter bought her own ipt, so no big deal...she loves it!
UPDATE: camera is still broken, but mat is now yellow...still working SLOWLY!

Boys Dresser

2011-11-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

After my oldest son saw the girls dresser, he felt that he and Matthew were being "cheated" by just getting a black dresser(even though it had to be redone to be black). So, he picked out the color on each drawer of the above dresser! I counted incorrectly on the drawer handles...so I need to return one kind and get an extra of the other kind. I'm very pleased with his choice of colors! Fun!! He does not feel cheated any longer because he has a "crazy" dresser too! We bought both pieces at a second hand store for under $200 and dressed them up for less than 50 extra bucks! Nice!

Aggieland

2011-10-26T12:53:00.000-07:00

parking garage that John and I were both patrons of.

good ole' Kyle Field--football stadium

I think this was the vet school.

where John and I ate every Sunday night...memories!

John and I, my brothers, and one of my sister in laws all went to Texas A&M for our undergrad. John and I met my first full day on campus through a Christian group called Intervarsity Christian Fellowship(aka--IV, IVCF or Intervegetablecreamcorn fellowship!--yes, we call things by lots of names!). We didn't start dating til Spring of the following year. We married 3 weeks after we both graduated...so our lives began together at the lovely College Station. Our kids have just recently been asking a lot of questions of how we met and about A&M. They have all but Matthew(our youngest) said they want to go to A&M! Whoop! We shall see---I at that age wanted to attend a Christian college in Pensecola then Stephen F Austin--both of which dropped off my list by my senior year.

All this said, I am not a reunion type of gal. As one person said from my high school class--those who love reunions...say a lot, " Back in the good ole days..." I say----I like my life now. I love my family, my kids, my hubby, my life--NOW, not how it used to be back in high school. So, when high school reunions come around, unless I am dragged or persuaded, I will probably not be seen there at my own. We did go to John's and had a great time though.

College reunions, well, that's another story! My group of friends from IV are still by far some of the greatest friends John and I have met. So, when IV had a reunion, we went! A&M had to be visited when we went there. John is a history buff and could inform all our kids what things meant, when they were built and all the good info that goes into Aggie tradition! Melissa has started watching Aggie football games with dad too. She is leaning the most toward Aggieland. Katie took these pics above and can't wait to go to vet school at A&M!

Modge Podge Dresser

2011-10-22T16:04:00.000-07:00

We needed a dresser for the girls, so I went to a resale shop here in town. The owner is an amazing talented young lady and I just picked her brain!! She had this dresser(it was a plain off white wood dresser.) and told me about her idea for modge podging scrapbook papers on the drawers, so I looked it up and tried my hand at it. I love how it turned out. Yes, I know my own mistakes on the dresser and I am hoping it holds up over time(the design, not the dresser!) My oldest helped me pick out the papers that I used for each drawer! Unfortunately, I don't have a before picture---bummer!

What I learned: Do not use modge podge as the final coat---it's a bit sticky. The drawers stuck and I had to repaint a coat where it took off paint!! YIKES--what a project! I'm not a perfectionist, so I decided today, just to be done with it...and enjoy it. I sprayed it with a clear type of sealant in the end. The picture that is above the dresser was painted by my sister in law, Jackie, a few years ago, and it goes wonderfully! Thanks Jackie-- again! I love my paintings through out our house that are painted by my mother in law and my sister in law! It's fun to have artists in the family. Our artists: two sisters in laws, my cousin, my paternal grandmother, my aunt, my uncle (my aunt was my uncle's art student in college!) my mother in law, and my own kiddos.

Treasure Hunt

2011-10-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, like the other night, my hubby amazes me at his genius way of playing with the kids. They evidently had built a fort and then had a treasure hunt with these clues! I will type out what they say, so you can enjoy them also. (my notes are in ( ))
Clue 1: Go South to a place of Sparks!(Mark--our son, goes by this nickname at times) You will find Clue #2 under the place where your bottom moves the fastest!(the boys have a slide on their bunkbed)
Clue 2: Going on a trip? You will find Clue #3 if you are packing(there are suitcases from our unpacking in the living room)
Clue 3: Go East where the Sun rises(our sunroom) Be careful for the 4th clue may be under your bottom...(it was in the couch)
Clue 4: I-I-I would tell you where the Clue #5 is but he is so cold, I don't want to visit(in our freezer).
Clue 5: Your last Clue. If you follow your heart, it will lead you back to the start. (to the fort).
Enjoy, Love Dad.

I went to a ladies meeting this night and the kids told me about it in the morning. This is my husband! Genius! No tv--just fun with Dad. Thank you Lord for a great hubby!

Trying this tonight!!

2011-09-06T15:09:00.000-07:00

Marinade for Chicken

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Ready In: 10 Minutes
Servings: 32(This is funny....I just saw this...no wonder it was a lot of marinade!!)
"This simple marinade is made from ingredients many people have on hand (vegetable oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, wine vinegar, lemon juice, and seasonings), and can be prepared in minutes."
I am using Chicken Thighs--if you haven't used this part of the chicken---start NOW. Always yummy!! Maybe because thighs tend to be full of fat-haha!!
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
3/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/3 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons dry mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons finely minced fresh
parsley
Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, wine vinegar, and lemon juice. Stir in mustard powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Use to marinate chicken before cooking as desired. The longer you marinate, the more flavor it will have. This is from AllRecipes.com

This was super flavorful...will cut the recipe down next time...haha!

Make your own Chalkboard Paint!

2011-09-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

Recipe of Chalkboard Paint:

3 teaspoons acrylic paint (color of choice), PLAIN OLD ACRYLIC CRAFT PAINT WORKS FINE
1 1/2 teaspoons glazing medium (water based)
1/2 teaspoon powder UNSANDED tile grout

USING A SPONGE BRUSH, apply 3 OR MORE coats on your painting surface. Sand with 400 (or more) grit sandpaper between coats, however, if you're careful and use a sponge brush, sanding might not be necessary.

When you're done painting, condition your chalkboard finish by placing a piece of chalk on its side and rubbing down the entire surface. Wipe it clean with a felt cloth and then wipe it again with a slightly damp cloth.

Thanks for the idea!!

A Different kind of Giveaway---4 Amish Novels by Beth Wiseman

2011-08-22T14:57:00.000-07:00

Watch this trailer to learn about the first book in the series...turn off the music on my side bar first!

MY WINNERS!!!: The 4 books: Sherri! The first book: Nicole C!
These books are not new, they have been read and passed on, so I am passing them on to you...(the winner). You can do the same if you want and host a giveaway when you are done reading them.
Beth Wiseman is one of my favorite authors of Amish fiction. If you don't know much about the Amish, you will learn some things very quickly...I've even learned some German. My father in law knows German(some) and sometimes asks some questions in German. One day, I actually knew what he said!! HA! I use some German in my vocabulary just for fun! My hubby and I get a kick out of using "wonderbaar" for great/wonderful.

So, this giveaway is for the first 4 out of 5 books in a series...one of the best I've read of my Amish books!
So, for your entries: Leave a comment about what you know of or have heard of the Amish or that you have "no idea about the Amish."
Post on your blog/facebook/twitter/communities for extra entries...but leave me a comment for each one that you have done. In all of your entries leave your email--encrypted ---such as: jaime at gmail dot com. I will draw the winner by the infamous random number generator Friday evening after 5pm.

Oh, and for the second runner up, I will be giving away the first book in this series(another used copy, but still good!)

I can only ship to a stateside address, so if you are a missionary, then send a stateside address...if you win.

The reason I don't have the fifth book---I read it from my local library! So, maybe you can do the same!!

If your entry is left anonymous and there is no email with it, I will delete it in the end from the entries. Also, any extra comments that are not entries, I will also take out from the drawings. Please leave that email or a way to get in touch if you win:).

FYI--I had to delete a few comments...b/c I couldn't find an email:
Here are a few that I deleted that had names, but no links...please enter again!!
Tricia, Loretta, Kim, Wearyrn,Dorene, Sherry, Sue Hess, Janet. I did delete anon's, if there was no info. Hope you all get a chance...drawing in 30 minutes!

Our 4th of July Craft Day

2011-08-15T10:55:00.000-07:00

I have used our "craft" money for different things over the summer---only fun stuff for the kids---but one of the things we did was a craft day on July 4th that ended in a yummy family picnic at the house! I love our family! We had our nephew Grant over for part of it, so he was helping to decorate some cookies!

School Shopping Done!!

2011-08-12T11:08:00.000-07:00

Matthew's Math

Matthew's Grammar and Reading

Katie--ACE Math

This is the bulk of everyone's school--Bible, History, Science, Reading.English--Latin based method

Katie and Melissa's Grammar

Mark's Grammar

So, I have done it...the only things that are not pictured are the kids' writing program--- a prompt style method of writing and each of the kids' extra reading books that they will be reading through out the year--a lot of BJ Booklinks and more!!
My sister in law gave me the kindergarten---so we are truly blessed in that area!!

I really am amazed at the deals that I got---very helpful right now!

Matthew's Birthday---6/23 --he turned SIX!

2011-08-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

I experimented with cake pops---loved how it turned out...they were very yummy!!

has a hard time sitting still...

This is a typical Matthew post...his energy, happiness and serious cake pop eating!!!

Another Dream...and update

2011-08-02T15:48:00.000-07:00

Here's the bedding that I have picked out for another one of my "dream a little dream"--we will see if it happens. I've been told--aka suggested--that I should not buy any of it now...hmmm...go figure, some people think that jobs bring in money--so, I will wait til my birthday or til the job comes. I wish I could do a product review on this...hehe!!! and get this bedding free!!

On the job front, we have looked at many places in Houston, a couple in Dallas and a couple have just recently popped up in Longview that we are looking at. Please pray for us to stay calm in this "trusting" time of job searches! You could pray for an open door for the right job/place too!!

What is something that you are "saving up" or waiting to buy?

Bonding Over Beauty GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-07-18T12:58:00.000-07:00

And the WINNER is: Laura ! Congrats!!!!!!!

Greenleaf Publishing sent me another copy of this book to giveaway to one of my readers! I couldn't be more thrilled! I loved reading this book and I believe that you will too! Read over the blog post below for a short review of this book. For 3 possible entries: leave me a comment, be a follower(current or new)--leave a separate comment that you are one or became one, or post this blog entry on your facebook/blog/twitter---and again leave me a separate comment for this too. I will do the "random number generator" thing and choose my winner by Thursday, July 21st, at 5pm CST. Please include your email in your comment(s)...you can encrypt it by leaving spaces and spelling @ and . , for example: jane doe at gmail dot com . Can't wait to see who wins!!!

Bonding Over Beauty ---loved this book!

2011-07-11T08:36:00.000-07:00

I have been reading this book for the last two weeks and I must say I have read such great ideas to implement with me and my girls! This book is by Erika Katz, a former model and actress, and she has used what she has learned over time to help with her own daughter and her growing up into a young lady. She presents all of this material is such a way that we, moms, can teach our daughters in a "bonding" and fun way.

Ever since my Katie has approached age 11, I've been gathering info on things like hygiene, inside and outside beautification, puberty and beyond years, and so much more! This book has been such a fun and practical way of learning(for myself and for teaching my girls!). It has really helped with the "why" of the things us women do. I don't know if you are anything like me, but once I know the "why," things just stick with me more! Or at least I start to do them more! I will definitely keep this book as my reference---I have so many pages dog-eared!

This book has given me some great ideas for facial scrubs, ways to prevent the need for botox --haha!!!--most moms would love to pass this one on and to apply it too, the "perfect" ponytail, great recommendations for certain affordable brands for make-up, removal, and more! It even teaches about nutrition--one of my favorite topics! I'd have to say the one word that wraps this book up is practical! I did receive this book for free by the Greenleaf Book Group Press to review. I had no idea what a great asset this would be to my "library." Thanks Greenleaf and Ms. Katz!
Their website is a great resource too!!

The publishing company is sending me an extra copy to give away--be on the look out next week for a great giveaway!!!

Locks of Love --Melissa's story of giving in her own way!

2011-07-06T19:47:00.000-07:00

The wet look of all that hair!!

Waiting for Dedra--our beautician friend at JC Penney's

Dedra sectioned off Melissa's hair

The first "lock"

All the locks! Each lock had to be 10 inches to donate...curly hair is pulled straight to achieve the length.

Sister Melissa!

Dedra and Melissa at the end...Dedra did an awesome job and she straightened Melissa's hair. Melissa has wanted to donate to locks of love for making wigs for the children that lose their hair because of chemo. Her heart goes out to those kids that have cancer. She prayed over her hair before we went into the salon and for the girl that would get to use her hair--that she would be all well. What an amazing idea---Locks of Love!

Matthew's Swim Lessons

2011-06-17T16:45:00.000-07:00

Matthew took swim lessons with his best friend/cousin Briggs, Carah, and a boy named Harrison. This was Matthew's first full swim session. We had tried lessons 3 years ago, but he didn't do them past the first lesson. Ms. Bonnie was his swim teacher. They were taught to kick, breathe, use their arms, float and jump. Matthew loved going. Did he learn to swim? Well, not fully, but we have some more skills that will definitely help him this summer. Ms. Bonnie said he needs to work on relaxing while swimming...so that's one of our goals this summer when we swim at Mimer's next week!

Dream a little dream...

2011-06-12T16:39:00.000-07:00


I saw these in Longmoo and decided that's ME!!! http://windsco.com/Windmills.html

This is a Jen idea...she painted a wall like this in her eating room, I believe...I found this random internet picture of the same thing done.
http://www.curbly.com/booizzy/posts/145-chalkboard-wall

I took John to Pier One, which I LOVE---because of the festive colors they have, and he and I both liked this water or beverage holder.
www.pier1.com

This was one of the first things I saw in Pier One that just makes me smile. I love beautiful glasses...or mugs!

My friend Kristen found this table for us...we loved her table and she had done some research after she bought it and found this one! Love it! Thanks Kristen!

I found this type of rocker at a gas station near Longmoo...and I loved them...found them less expensive at this place and I think these are much nicer looking...love the star!

Our brother in law has an oil rig print in his law office that his daughter picked out and it jumped out at me! So, I went on a search and found many more prints that I loved. I must admit that one of my favorite things about east Texas is the oil rigs that are everywhere...we have 3 on our street and 2 on our "future property."


My blogger friend-Jen-gave me this idea...this is not hers or mine to show off, but I picked a random one that I liked off the internet to show the book sling idea!

I love to dream...there have been seasons in my life where John and I have lost our "dreaming" ability...it was so hard to walk without the fun of those dreams. Now, we are in a season where we do dream and think about what we like and enjoy. These are a few things that I have "picked out" for our future home...if we are able to get them, these are some of the things that I would pick:). We like some ranch, some festive and some simple things that cross over. If you click on the words below the pictures, most have links to a store that carries them, so I can find them later, if I end up able to decorate like this.

Lately, what has been my prayer and desire is this...Seek first His Kingdom and all these things will be added to you.---I know that with my mind on Christ and what He wants, whatever I end up with will be fine! I really believe that His plan is better than my dream.

Summer Plans!!!

2011-06-08T14:50:00.000-07:00

First of all, as a home school mom, summer is a break for me too!!! I also have kids that love the Wii and love watching t.v., so I have to have a limit! Here is my plan for my summer.
First I purchased a folder from the top Studio C collection above...it looks like the file above with flowers.
Next, I have collected ideas in my beautiful folder from Family Fun Magazine that my sil Julie has let me go through. Thanks, Julie!!! That magazine, except for their October issue, is by far my favorite kid idea magazine--I have two subscriptions to Food/Living type mags right now, but I want to use some of my "work" money for Family Fun next!
Then, I have to admit, I do not have "crafts" budgeted in our summer money...so, I am selling some stuff that I can live without, aka--need to get rid off! I sell my stuff on ebay...and then I told the kids that the profit is going toward summer craft things! I have a limited amount of space right now, so clearing out is a good thing! It ends today/tomorrow, so I can't wait to go shopping. The Bird Bath above has a link to the directional page, if you like it!

2011-06-08T14:20:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, my in laws' church had a mission's auction to help raise money for the "cause" of missions...and these are their winnings! They brought this yummy lemon-raspberry cake home and a party that we are using for Matthew and his cousin Briggs for a joint birthday party this summer! Thanks Papaw and Mimi!! We are really not eating a whole lot of sweets around here, most of the time, so we ended up giving some away and freezing some...it's still in the freezer.

3 out of 4 of my kids are "not eating sweets" (except on holidays or b-days) for a year---they earn a previously determined amount of money this way. We got the idea from a Finnish family we met in Russia three years ago. Mark(my 7 year old) is done on August 30th with his year, Katie, my oldest, will be done in November, and Melissa just started a week ago this Friday. Matthew started, lasted 3 days, and gave in for a popsicle! I am so amazed at the kids' dedication to this!

Happy 15th Anniversary!!

2011-06-06T09:40:00.000-07:00

We went out to Johnny Carino's for dinner, went to Kohl's for our "watch" crystal gifts to each other, and went to a park for a dessert picnic with our wedding cake: italian cream from an italian restaurant here in Longmoo:). I am so grateful for John---he is my best friend and soul mate and hubby--what more could I ask for!?

Lego Creations

2011-05-29T20:05:00.000-07:00

Mark's creation...he wanted a record of this

Melissa's Lego Bed

The boys especially love legos. Some day we won't be vacuuming up legos, but that is a long way away! I think Matthew wants to do something with Legos when he is "grown up!"

End of the year Soccer Party!

2011-05-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

Katie's soccer team got together one last time and the coach presented each girl with a memory medal. He spent about 5 minutes encouraging each player individually....He told Katie that he wished all the players put as much focus into practice and the games as she did. One of the moms even echoed that...it made me smile and made my day. Katie didn't give up this season...she got to kick the ball several times during the games and that was exciting for her. This was her first season to play and she really enjoyed being part of the Phoenix team.

Japanese Food Night and Blackberry Bliss

2011-05-25T19:22:00.000-07:00

We decided about 2 months ago to pick a country to cook their kind of food and pray for them at dinner...our first pick was Japan, because of the recent Tsunami. So, we made sushi balls...stuffed with grilled fish. They were super yummy!

The recipe that I had said to use seaweed, which Katie and Melissa used, but I thought I could use spinach...didn't work...but it was a yummy salad for me on the side.

No seaweed and no spinach--happy Matthew!

The girls were making their rice balls.

We found some blackberry bushes on John's parents' land--thanks to our neighbor, Renea. So, we all went pickin' and I made us some cobbler---so yummy! We went again a few weeks later, and I made jam with that batch---talk about goodness!!

Mark---his first baseball season

2011-05-23T20:43:00.000-07:00

We had practices 2 times a week, then the games (2 x's a week) started with a practice maybe once a week at that point. John took Mark to most of the practices with an occasional step in from our sister in law Jackie or brother, Brent. Then, the family would all make it out for the games! Mark's cousin and good buddy, Grant, was the catcher and did great! Mark played in the outfield. It was an adventure.

Found Dog, Turtle, Cat,Tadpoles, and Frog...

2011-05-21T19:12:00.000-07:00

These are the friendly critters that my kid's have adopted over time. The tadpoles are not pictured, but they are growing right along in the garage! Enrique, the neighborhood cat, is not pictured either, but I will soon add him. He's not ours, but many of us neighbors, especially our street pet-lover, Mr. Jason, takes good care of this very sweet cat.

Shelly is the turtle, and today the frog, Stickers,was let go--we told them that if we move, the frog and tadpoles stay here...so that helped the decision. The dog will either go to his owner--if they are ever found---or the pound on Monday.

Matthew's knee slam!!

2011-05-21T13:29:00.000-07:00

We have been working with Matthew on his coordination, balance, jumping and more. Matthew has been in gymnastics too this spring and one of the things he was never able to do was a "knee slam", as his cousin calls it. We were so excited that he has been improving in his jumping!!

Camping--A Tie that Binds and a Recipe!

2011-05-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

Apple Cake---Recipe to follow!! YUM!! Thanks Sheri B!!

The boys found the antler in the "woods"

I grew up going camping with my family and some friends and their families! It was quite memorable! I 've been in a thunderstorm in a tin shack, I've been hit on the head by a tent pole as I lay in my sleeping bag, and I've had french toast for breakfast--all while camping! That was part of my history...but now, I am married to a man that believes that camping builds character, family bonds, and much more!
We decided to camp out on the "bottom" land---that we have named ours...simply because it was the only family land not claimed---aka---no one wanted the swamp land. Here again, I am married to a dreamer, one who is an engineer and can see past those type of issues! So, it's not really ours "officially," but we call it that. Just like I call my brother in law's smoker(the one that he doesn't know where it is) MINE! hehe! It's not, but, boy, did it ever make the best turkey I've ever had---and if he ever finds it, maybe he would let me cook a turkey in it!!

So, here are the pictures from our "camping " trip about 1 mile away from "home." I made a yummy Apple cake and John and the kids did all the real work! Thankfully, we didn't know about the mountain lion on our property because this MAMA BEAR would have kept all the cubs and Papa home!!

Nana's Apple Cake

1. Beat until foamy: 2 Eggs
1/2 Cup oil
2 tsp. vanilla

2. Sift together: 2 Cups White Sugar--I used more like 1.5 c...and natural brown sugar.
2 Cups Flour
1 tsp. Cinnamon
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1/4 tsp. Salt
1 Cup. broken pecan pieces

3. Add 4 lg. cooking apples (chopped) into flour mixture.

4. Pour liquids into dry ingredients and mix well by hand.

5. Smooth w/hands in 14 x 10 1/2 pan.

6. Bake at 350 degree for 45 minutes.

Cream Cheese Icing ~ Beat until smooth:

Two 8oz. cream cheese, softened
4 Tb. softened margarine
4 Tb. Vanilla
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

A Few Random Things...

2011-05-20T12:45:00.000-07:00

My mom sent some flowers home for the kids to take care of. Melissa is our "waterer."

Do you remember the Decent Food Store I wrote about before...here is the renovation...still no name though! The original store is below.

Hemp Milk???? Found in our local Drug Emporium!! Gotta love the Natural Folks!

We found these two dogs on one the front lots of the subdivision...so we got to take care of the fellows for a few hours. The kids loved it, but the owner came and claimed them! We at least made some new doggie friends!

Matthew Time

2011-05-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

Matthew is my only non-computer home schooler this year...so I wanted a record of his time. All the kids have weekly chores and one or two times I have given Kitchen sweeping to Matthew...can't say the kitchen gets all done, but it's something! Mainly, his chore has been putting up the utensils from the dishwasher and cleaning the table from time to time. This year, I've been working with Matthew on kindergarten level things, but we intend to put him in kindergarten this fall for reasons of fine motor and gross motor development reasons. Matthew doesn't like to sit very still while doing school...so it has been adventure!!

A funny Matthewism:

Me: What does a K say?
Matthew: It's hard to explain.
always laughing at his logical answers!

What a wig can do...

2011-04-29T19:30:00.000-07:00

Visit to Ms. Lee's Garden with Aunt Julie and Kiddos

2011-04-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

The hills were alive with the sound of daffodils!!

The boys brought their light sabors....to duel it out.

If you ever think you have small living quarters...think again....one room house!!

I love this....it's so quaint, but I can't say I'd like one room for everything!!!

the girls!

My girls!

the boys...hangin' on the bridge!

lookin through the slats!

Love this face!!!

aww...

these boys really love each other.

Briggsy!!!

Mark---posing!

showing his tying skills

warring skills....

This place was so beautiful....it was acres and acres...I kept joking with my sil Julie that we (all the Bull side) could live on this acreage and never even see each other ever!! It was huge!! We all live on one street, with other people too, and still because of our busy lives, sometimes do not see each other now. I do enjoy this season where we can walk to each others houses and the kids can play together. John and I do not know how long this season is in Longmoo, but we will enjoy it while we are here!

Random Photo Post

2011-04-14T07:13:00.000-07:00

Remember the octopus and mac and cheese idea? Well, here's the attempt!! Katie further decorated and we added pasta sauce to hers since she can't do cheese.

Katie's 11th Year "Trip with Mom"!

2011-03-31T13:39:00.000-07:00

We've been telling Katie for a few years that when she turned 11, mom (me) would take her away to a hotel and we would have a special trip together. Well, we had a great time in Tyler. This trip took much thinking for me and John, because during this trip, I went over some things with Katie about "growing up" and making right choices as a Christian young lady---we used James Dobson's Preparation for Adolescence cd's---the ones that were age appropriate so far.

This was the park where we read over a book by American Girl---The Care and Keeping of You...teaches girls to take care of themselves and the uniqueness of them being them and being a young lady!

Of course, we went shopping! Katie is definitely part "Kolstad"...meaning she is like my mom and likes to shop!! She found these letters and quickly put it to form her brother's name!

Katie is also my avid science girl, so we found a science museum and she was in heaven

burying the dinosaur bones for other kids to dig them up!

The iguana!!

Madame Curry info!

This was Katie's b-day outfit she picked out...tops and necklace!

Look, we even found a street named Karen!!

Katie's Birthday Fun!

2011-03-29T14:24:00.000-07:00

Muffins for Breakfast--per her request!

I made cupcakes for her class at church--since we just celebrated with the Bull family for her b-day and didn't have a "party." I've started to warn the other kids that as they get older like Katie, we won't be doing parties every birthday. Since we live by half of our family, it's easy to round up a small party! hehe!

Katie has requested a pottery wheel since way before Christmas...so I bought it back then for her birthday! This is her first creation from the kit.

Katie actually did this...she loves to decorate for birthdays or occasions...so why not her own! She beat me to it this year, so I just let her do the decor!

This was her cake with the nerd rope being 11!! Yummy!!

Katie opening one of her presents from the Bulls that couldn't make the party.

More presents and cards from her cousins!!

"Decent Food Stop"---it's all in a name!!

2011-03-27T13:18:00.000-07:00

I have a theory...this store was named by a foreigner...to the English language! So, do you see the sign of this store??? Decent Food Stop. Well, any American or native English speaker...might laugh at this name, but when I saw the sign, it made me think of all the times we might have spoken something in Russian, thinking that we knew what we were saying, but a Russian might have said..."Well, you sort of said something else, but we understood you anyway." Can't you imagine someone learning the word " decent " to mean good, but I know decent has a negative connotation of "not the greatest-but ok"...but that owner of the store just thought...I want to be a good food stop!!! HA, so let's name it decent food stop!! Ok, so, maybe it didn't happen like that, but it's fun to think you understand where it might have come from. This store is down the street from where we live...we will always smile when we pass it on the way to church.

I must say that we are glad to have taken the picture a month or so ago, because, it has been repainted and redone...no longer bearing the name, but we have evidence of the original Decent Food Stop!

Katie's Soccer team---PHOENIX

2011-03-22T14:47:00.000-07:00

This is Katie's first time to play soccer and I believe this game that is pictured was her first game. She practices 2 times each week, 2 hours a practice! I can't believe the intensity that Longmoo plays/practices kids' sports! I must admit this---I have really enjoyed taking her to practice---it allows me some adult conversation that is from someone not related to me. At this point...you need to remember that we live with John's parents and that his sister and brother and their families live on the same street. No, we are not the only families on the street, but I do have a small world right now. I do enjoy my world, but I do enjoy getting out to soccer practice. Katie has improved in her soccer skills, but does not want to make this a professional job--hehe! She has some really nice gals on her team of 16...team name: Phoenix.

Boys and their tendencies...

2011-03-13T13:03:00.000-07:00

First, I must admit, I haven't bought any type of gun, but a water gun, for my boys. I didn't grow up around guns; the only memories I have of guns are--- a tragic death in our youth group and the antique rifle that sat on the base of our shelves in our living room while growing up ---a discussion piece, for sure, while my dad talked with any guy that I might have the potential of dating. So, this year at the beginning of the school year, Mark, my 7 year old, made this...a gun from a pencil and a glue stick. Boys will be boys for sure!!

Pizza Pockets

2011-03-01T13:48:00.000-08:00

How is it that it never looks like the cookbook? I must say, I used silicone cups for 6, not pictured, and they worked great!!

Memory Lane

2011-02-24T20:17:00.000-08:00

I found this on facebook and walked down memory land...this is our Pastor while we were in St. Pete and our Mark. Pastor John and Renee' really took care of their flock...for which we are truly grateful! Our kids are doing great here in Texas, but to our surprise, our youngest asks from time to time to go back to visit everyone in Russia. He tears up thinking of them. He probably had the hardest time there, so, who'd a thunk it?! We are grateful that they all look on our time there with good memories!

The place where we live...

2011-02-19T19:56:00.000-08:00

John dug out this pond and the one pictured above this summer and he built head walls in front of the drain holes...you can see one on the right of this bottom picture. This raises the water level in each pond. There are four ponds in our subdivision, 3 of which John dug. Someone might see our ponds and say...that's not a pond, it's more of a puddle...in comparison to lakes--they are quite small. John is working on designing an extension to this subdivision that would add another 18 lots where people can build their own house. .

My son and his twin cousin!

2011-02-17T17:50:00.000-08:00

They were playing outside and I just had to capture the moments!

He finally realizes that I have the camera right after this.

My son and my hubby's brother's son love to hang out and play very nicely together...this is nice, since we are next door neighbors! My son is Anakin and his cousin is Spiderman!

Free Replacements!!! Good companies!

2011-02-15T15:08:00.000-08:00

My mother in law has had a few items break in the last few months. One of them being a Keurig system, that was a gift a little over a year ago, and the other being a Bona mop. Both of them she loves to use. So, I called both companies and was met with a great response..."We'll just send you a replacement system." No questions asked, no problems. Point of this post---if something breaks, don't throw it out before you call the producing company and ask if there are any trouble shooting things you can do. I was so please with the response The Keurig company sent us a brand new machine with some samples and the Bona company sent us a new mop within two days of the call!!

Happy Valentines!

2011-02-14T20:17:00.000-08:00

John and I went on a date last night for our Valentines' Day!! Red Lobster--yum!

Snow Day

2011-02-14T18:29:00.000-08:00

retaining wall that John's parents had built for one of the lots.

These little birds only come down when it snows or it's freezing!

See the beautiful red bird...hard to focus...the birds would fly away if they saw me at the window.

Russian boots!

Texas fun on four wheelers...donuts!

Uncle Marty and some of the kids on their four wheeler.

My Job!

2011-02-11T06:49:00.000-08:00

So, I have two part time jobs...one is part time secretary for my in laws' business...about 3 hours a week on a busy week-told you it was part time! The other is helping John out with Bull Consulting-even more part time than the first job! My latest project for him was--- I got to color this drawing for him. It's his layout for a community that he is designing. I'm not a big stay in the lines kind of gal, but I tried really hard to do it for this layout. No, this is not a paying job yet. BUT, I did tell John that if he lands this project than I will get paid---hehe!! I love my little job for his mom because I have some fun spending money!! I've found a favorite store here that is nicely priced called Dressin' Gaudy...what a name...but I loved it...went to it for the first time yesterday.

Cute Kids Meals

2011-02-10T12:14:00.000-08:00

I have really good eaters for the most part, but I have really struggled with Matthew lately with so many meals!! We had a good success with something last night that he doesn't care for, but when having to eat it for lunch today(we do believe in left overs!) he took 35 minutes to eat what took the rest of us about 10!! I only cook one meal...I don't cook per child...but finding things that the kids like to eat is fun!! Love this octopus hot dog...you can use turkey dogs too to be a bit healthier.

My Blog Book...for all you bloggers out there that are curious!

2011-02-10T05:31:00.000-08:00

I am a former scrapbooker! I have even scrapped for a store with a friend and they paid us. It was fun, but for me, it got old fast. I like new and changes...for the most part, I don't like to do the same ole' thing I've always done. I didn't like to teach the same curriculum when I taught in public school or when I've taught my own kids--all my kids have done different kindergartens, 1st, 2nd--through 5th grade. I have been blogging for a few years now and even before I knew about turning my blog into a real coffee table book, I copied it in a word file...it was too big. So, when I found out I could actually print it with Cutest Blog on the Block doing all the real work for me, my hubby and I decided it was well worth it. I now have two blog books...each one holding my blog that I've written for about a year or so. Before you watch it, you can pause the music on the sidebar.

I had a couple of missionary blogging friends that I've told about this recently, so I thought I'd share a video so you could see my book!!

Dream a Dream...or Help a Dream!

2011-02-02T08:35:00.000-08:00

My friend is going to India as a missionary photographer...See how you can help! I would like to help with a her trip. Would you consider giving a denomination of $5 to help her raise some money to go? Even $5 from a lot of people adds up!! If you want to give more, go for it! Click on the link above and you can donate through paypal or for a tax receipt--you can use snail mail.
Some of you might say, well, I just don't have anything set aside that I can give--- When money is tight, we call that life giving us lemons...so, LET's make some good ole' fashioned LEMONADE!!! Here are some ideas:
A hot chocolate or lemonade stand in your neighborhood
Sell some things you aren't using on craigslist or ebay
Make some valentine's crafts to sell
Eat beans and rice for a couple of meals & save a few bucks of grocery money to send.

Here's my plan: I'm going to see if I can sell a few things on ebay to raise some money to send-I'll keep you posted.
Let's see what we can all do to help!!

Another Giveaway!!!

2011-02-01T10:20:00.000-08:00

Giveaway by Jen Lovely Notecard carrier!

I have a blogger friend that is here in the states but she hasn't always been here. She and her family have lived in Africa for years doing missions there. They are on a sabbatical here until the Lord shows them their next step. She is doing a giveaway over at her blog. Jen is very talented with sewing, crafts, photos...etc! I love the web that has allowed us to connect as friends online! Click on the link above the picture to go to the giveaway!

Sunday Afternoon Legos

2011-01-30T14:25:00.000-08:00

Since moving home from Russia, we have had the privilege of being near family. Actually, my husband's family all live on one street for now. Because of this, my kids get to see this side of the family's cousins on a daily basis. So, when it's raining outside, like it was today, the boys chose legos as their past time. As I type, I hear them all talking...no yelling, no whinning, just a quiet hum of voices while they play with their legos. No, it's not always this quiet while they play, but it is today and I wanted to capture this on my blog.

February Giveaway!!

2011-01-30T13:38:00.000-08:00

Ok, here's another giveaway for you...and I will end it this Friday....so I can have it shipped to you hopefully by Valentine's Day.

I wanted my giveaways to feature a few of my favorite things and I want to tell you about a newly discovered favorite! I discovered this pianist on a blog that I visited a couple of years ago. I think I was in Russia at the time. I really enjoy all of David Nevue's music. I am not a musical person; I've taken piano for a few years, but I've also taken gymnastics and ballet and well, you know...I'm not twinkle toes!!! I tend to like music with words, but I must say this music stands alone to me...no words needed! Whoever the winner is will be able to choose one of Mr. Nevue's CD's...and I will have it shipped to you. So, you may want to go to the link above and go shopping for the one you would like if you are the WINNER! If you enjoy the music as much as I do, feel free to make your own purchase.

Entries:

Leave a comment,
Blog about this giveaway- and comment about your blog post.
leave a comment about what your favorite thing that you might giveaway, if you could.

I will choose a winner with a random number generator and let the winner know by email or facebook, if you are a part of FB. If you are uncomfortable leaving your email, you can email me on my profile page. You can find my profile page by going to the About Me section on the blog. I am so excited about my GIVEAWAYS!!!!! Winner will be chosen on February 4th---Friday in the later part of the evening!!
If you are a missionary reading this blog...and win...just send me your stateside address...and you will look forward to it when on furlough:)!

The David Nevue CD of her choice goes to Susan Smoaks!!!! She chose Piano Hymns--Adoration! It should be on its way this coming week!

Visit with Aunt Mary and Uncle Vaughn and Joel!

2011-01-27T08:50:00.000-08:00

Here they are playing with MY Grandmother's toys--I think they must have been my dad's or Aunt Mary's as kids!!

We had so much fun with Joel and his memories of my dad--don't say the P-word(the p-word was PIZZA)...my dad said this to Joel several years ago, and he still remembers it!!

Joel was so sweet with the girls...encouraging them in their drawing!

Our group shot #1!!

Group shot #2!

Aunt Mary is my dad's sister and she and Uncle Vaughn have always been such a sweet example of marriage and working together to me! I love hanging with them! They love old movies just like us! I think of my Grandmother Hulda a lot and they often have some fun stories to share as my parents do too!

We drove by their house on our way home from Florida and they made us feel so special and loved!

Our Day at Disney!!!

2011-01-26T11:21:00.000-08:00

We picked up our FREE tickets from my cousin Erin at Epcot-she works at a Japanese Restaurant there. She was awesome---she even took us over to get a free stroller!! So, we are riding the monorail over to DISNEY-Magic Kingdom!!

This was tinkerbell in the parade at night...you really can't see it well in this picture but it was beautiful!

Melissa didn't want to ride any scary rides, so she and I hung together!

This was an airship ride....circles and me---we don't mesh...but Melissa loved it!

We ended up going to Disney with our friends from St. Pete, Russia...the Erharts!!!

Waiting in line wasn't too bad when we had fast passes!

It's a small world---why do they write Goodbye in English in all the different languages...I think it's funny....why don't they write in the different languages instead of English phonics!

It is always John's goal to get in pictures!

We did go to Disney on MLK weekend...so there were many many many people...I'm always amazed that I am not a crowd kind of person....I kept thinking while I was there....THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE!!!!!! It's a great people watching place though, but I don't think it was this crowded when I went as a kid!!!

Florida Miscellaneous!

2011-01-25T16:24:00.000-08:00

Our place that we stayed at in Florida. We used points to cover the cost of the place---we have so many because of our Russia travels!!!

I had the boys put together their lego kits...so we could attempt to keep it together...let me say---it's only worked with the Lego white house!!! But, that's because it's out of reach!!

This is my Uncle Preston...and the Kitchen Sink! Another recommended from good ole Kristen!! It says it feed 4 but we had all our family(minus Katie) plus John's parents and my aunt and uncle and we still didn't finish it!!! It was heaven for my father in law Lonnie---Ice cream with no end!!

We visited the beach---haha--it was freezing and Matthew forgot his jacket, hence the only blanket we had in the van got used!!!

We were thinking of our friend Steve when we passed the Daytona Race Track!!

More Fun!

2011-01-24T13:55:00.000-08:00

Build your own Mr or Mrs. Potato Head play table. They even had tinker bell wings for Ms. Potato Head!

This was one of the large stores in Downtown Disney; they had a bit of everything! Mark loves Star Wars, although we haven't let him watch the movies, we let him play Lego Star Wars a lot and have some of the figures. Mark spent some of his money on a build your own double light sabor--that even lights up and makes sounds!! The lady that helped with the light sabor table quickly put together one for each of us for a photo! She took the photo...she was so nice, she knew we were only buying one and still did all of that for us!

Lego Land!!!

2011-01-24T13:37:00.000-08:00

Thinking of you Papa Jack! (He works out by NASA)

The kids made their own lego people---Matthew made three, the others made one each! Mimer had given the kids a bit of money to spend while in Florida. Matthew's was gone when we left LEGO LAND!! Surprise Surprise!

Dragon made of legos!!

Behind the girls...all LEGOS!

When Matthew saw the LEGO store at Downtown Disney!!!!

2011-01-23T16:45:00.000-08:00

We were all walking out of the Dino place when John said to Matthew...where do you want to go? We had seen the Legoland--the reason we wanted to come to D.D., but we wanted to see Matthew's reaction...this is what it was.....RUN!!! I think it was one of our favorite memories of Florida!

Downtown Disney

2011-01-21T10:46:00.000-08:00

They were looking up at the moving and noisy dinosaur!

Katie loves science the most of all my kiddos, so this place was really nice for her!

Matthew was a bit taken back by the moving dinos...

This was another recommended stop in our trip to Orlando...because it's FREE and awesome!!! We loved Downtown Disney...would visit again if we go back.

The Largest McDonald's in the WORLD!!

2011-01-21T10:32:00.000-08:00

My cousin and her family were awesome at telling us some things to do in Orlando! This was our first stop!! It was huge!! It had a second floor of video games and climb area!!! It actually reminded me of the McD's in Russia...they were two stories too...but not quite this large!!!

Cousin Kristen's

2011-01-21T10:09:00.000-08:00

On the way to Florida, we also made a stop in Gulf Shores, Alabama to see my cousin Kristen, her hubby Gene, and her two BIG dogs and one little chihuahua!!! Kristen's dogs were the nicest dogs ever! The big ones seemed to think they were the size of the little one!! When you would sit down, they would try to sit in your lap!! Katie was in dog heaven!!! Gene made us shrimp tacos---what a treat! He's a gourmet chef and we missed Kristen's sister's wedding this fall, which he catered, so he gave us a sample of what he could do! Yummy!! My family is from Louisiana and we never tire of seafood!

Houses that I grew up around!

2011-01-20T07:58:00.000-08:00

While driving from Texas to Florida last week, we made a pit stop to my ole' hometown! This is the house I spent 7 years in -in Slidell, Louisiana---from 1.5-8.5....back then it was HUGE! I'm taller now and everything seems so much smaller! Funny how things happen!

This was the house of our family friends--The Thompson's. I spent a few All Saints Day (night) here dunking for apples and eating donuts off a string, while dressed up as a Bible character! This family was so special to my family, so I had to take a picture...this place was also a place where my whole family baptized each other in their pool-- that had an awesome slide, and where I chipped my front tooth. Mr. Ted also made our family an egg ornament that hangs on our family Christmas Tree each year. All the kids are grown up now and none of us live in Louisiana anymore! Ahhhh...the memories!

Dreaming again....

2011-01-20T06:21:00.000-08:00

This is a house that we drive by on our way from the Bulls to the Coxes. Isn't it cute!?!?! It's what I would consider our dream house...a house with a porch and detached garage with a separate apartment. It's always been in our conversations over the years to have a place where missionaries could stay when on furlough. Now that we have experienced this first hand for a couple of years, it's still in our hearts. This house is what I would love to be able to build, if we are ever able. I just thought I show you a tidbit of one of our "dreams." John and I like to dream, and I feel like I am dreaming again....

Christmas Day in Houston!

2011-01-19T16:05:00.000-08:00

All the grandkids on the Cox side

Uncle Stephen and Aunt Cristina gave my kids a lego version of the White House! So perfect for my kids! This is them putting it all together.

Christmas Dinner-Yummy!!

Notice the completed White House!!! We have it displayed in the kids room with a picture of Aunt Cristina and Uncle Stephen in front of the real deal!!!

Christmas Eve in Longview!

2011-01-19T09:11:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve Eve celebration!

2011-01-18T11:02:00.000-08:00

We had the Bull side over for early Christmas...since we were in Houston for the actual Christmas Day.
I cooked chili and Julie brought a Happy Birthday Jesus cookie cake!! Yummy!!!

My first Winner!!! Shooting Stars Mag!!! Congrats!!

2011-01-05T19:12:00.001-08:00

Our Gingerbread House for 2010

2011-01-03T13:07:00.000-08:00

My Aunt Linda does a phenomenal job on gingerbread houses...so I asked for her recipe for the icing...and any tips she might have...I love the icing recipe that she gave me...I learned that it needs to stay a bit before decorating into it, but in the end, it was so much better than the store bought icing. I let the kids decorate so, each of them had a part to do. Katie did the sleigh, Melissa did a lot of the house, Mark did the pathway of M&M's and the back of the house, and Matthew did the reindeer. I did the roof::)! In case you were wondering...the can and the maple syrup was to keep the walls from falling.

The pictures below are just a sample of what my aunt has done! She is an amazing woman! She's a nurse and has always worked very hard and sometimes late hours...I've grown up with stories of her gingerbread houses that she worked on in the wee hours of the morning! I guess nursing can prepare you to work that late! She reminds me of Proverbs 31, but especially this one part...
"and her lamp does not go out at night."

Marshmallow fun!

2010-12-31T16:50:00.000-08:00

We dipped marshmallows in chocolate and lots of different things...and handed them out to the neighbors with hot chocolate.

Christmas Decor at the Bull House

2010-12-31T16:01:00.000-08:00

11 grandkids and Mimi and Papaw stockings

The most expensive Hallmark ornament we've bought, because Matthew broke the little skater off this summer!!!

Outside decor

Icicles to remind us we are not in Russia anymore!

Solar powered snowmen...line the walkway...Mimi decorates just so nicely!

My First Giveaway!!! Instant Manicure--Winner--Shooting Stars Mag!!

2010-12-31T09:55:00.000-08:00

Here it goes...My First Giveaway ever--inspired by my blog friend Jen! Happy New Year!!! I plan to give away a few of my favorite things in my giveaways...so here's one of them and it smells yummy!!

Chocolate Indulgence White Chocolate Peppermint Instant Manicure

Soften and moisturize hands and cuticles with natural oils and amino acids. The fragrance of sweet white chocolate and peppermint will help you relax. Net weight 8 oz...full size jar.

To be entered, leave a comment, your New Year's hope, resolution, goal or a scripture for your 2011.

You can leave up to three comments.

If you post this giveaway on your blog, let me know and I will give you two entries for that!

...I will choose a winner with a random number generator and let the winner know by email or facebook, if you are a part of FB. If you are uncomfortable leaving your email, you can email me on my profile page. You can find my profile page by going to the About Me section on the blog. I am so excited about My NEW YEAR GIVEAWAY!!!!! Winner will be chosen on January 5th---Wednesday in the later part of the day!! I am unavailable from the 10th-18th, so I am hoping to mail this right away. If I cannot contact you til after the 18th, I'll just mail it then.
If you are a missionary reading this blog...and win...just send me your stateside address...and you will look forward to it when on furlough:)!

Pathway's Christmas Party

2010-12-30T10:53:00.000-08:00

Julie invited us to her church's Christmas party, so John and I and his parents went and had a great Christmassy time!

A Christmas Park adventure!

2010-12-30T10:18:00.000-08:00

a train ride for the kiddos

My parent's subdivision did a Christmas in the Park event...and we were down that weekend because John was hanging their lights. Mark was too busy playing for Santa though...but my girls wanted to wait in line just to sit with Santa...yep, they all "know", but they think it's fun.

Time with Mary Claire

2010-12-30T09:42:00.000-08:00

My parents came to Longview for Melissa's Birthday and they brought my brother's youngest --Mary Claire, with them. We had a great time enjoying her spunkiness!

Thanksgiving at Aunt Mary's

2010-12-30T09:25:00.000-08:00

With all the family coming to Arkansas from all around, Aunt Mary(John's side) sets up the garage for the eating area and food area in addition to the inside of her house. The kids and the big kids(that's us) sit out here!

Julie and I did the turkey's with the kids and I did a Russian cookie too!

Holiday Tables in November

2010-12-30T09:23:00.000-08:00

Brenda's(my mother in law) church does an event called Holiday Tables--where ladies group together and decorate and cook for their table then the church chows down! Our table was behind Melissa and Matthew...but for some reason I must not have an individual photo of it. All the ladies at our table dressed in black and white and wore top hats...for a Ritzy table effect!

Melissa's 9th Birthday! November 19th

2010-12-30T09:22:00.000-08:00

I had fun decorating for her Tinker Bell Tea Party!

Chocolate covered strawberries...with coconut, toffee, chocolate chips and plain just chocolate!

Lady bug cookies!

Bella's Dog House

2010-12-30T09:06:00.000-08:00

The Kids wanted to build Bella, their Aunt Julie's dog, a dog house for Christmas. Here is a beginning stage..

Two Experiments in Foods for the Bull Fam--

2010-12-29T13:45:00.000-08:00

When in Russia, the girls went to school with many kids from different cultures--that had some scrumptious foods that the moms made from time to time. If I had one regret that I can mention from Russia-it was not spending enough time with the different moms around me. I have always said that I would try my hand at a "Kim-bob"--spelling???? . So, here it is. The girls and I love them, the boys can pass. I want to do this again sometime.

The second thing that I experimented with was my barbecue tacos, like On the Border's Brisquet tacos. The only difference was I used turkey instead of meat. I fried up some skinny onions --with my own batter!! They were yummy!!! Everyone who ate them agreed...even Matthew!

Mark's Birthday--October 8th

2010-12-29T09:21:00.000-08:00

Deep conversation!

Mark and his cousin Grant---they are 6 months apart and play a lot together!!

Thanks John!! I have the ideas, buy the stuff, but John does the party!!

Who wants ice cream???

Uncle Brent loved the first time he saw Matthew "inhale" cotton candy, so he brought some just for Matthew to the party!! Thanks! Matthew loved it!

Mimi and her kiddos!

Mark got a crossbow from Grant's family.

Mark loves Star Wars, so I gave in and went all out with the theme! We made light sabors ...blue ones, had a pinata and just plain had a blast!!

Fun Info about the Readers of my blog!

2010-12-29T08:53:00.001-08:00

Countries in order of how many readers read my blog!
How fun to see where people are reading from...

United States	534
Russian Federation	125
United Kingdom	8
Honduras	4
Belarus	3
Bahrain	3
Germany	3
Japan	3
Serbia	2
France	2
Portugal	2
Netherlands	2
Finland	2
Israel	1

Our life in Longview

2010-12-28T17:46:00.000-08:00

This is our tradition photo...in our new room

Katie at her desk

Mark and Matthew in deep discussion at the kitchen window

Matthew at his starfall post!

Mark is stationed in Mimi's living room for school

Melissa is in the study for her school.

This is the start up screen for school at BJU

Katie was caught looking upset, but really is just pensive.

John took us on a hike to where he worked this summer.

This is where he cleared some brush

more clearing

this is a possible house place in the area he cleared for his parent's land.

Fall Hayride!

2010-12-23T07:09:00.000-08:00

Aunt Mary's

2010-12-22T09:45:00.000-08:00

We had a get together at John's Aunt Mary's and were able to visit with a lot of family after being gone for a year. We made homemade ice cream and even the older ones took turns churning! Aunt Cathy brought her new puppy and my kids loved holding it!

Horses

2010-12-22T08:33:00.000-08:00

This summer we started horseback riding lessons at the Turnbow Ranch in East Texas. Horses are very therapeutic and since we are in warm country, this is what we are doing for our physical activity for the kids. Mimi wanted to help with this and we are so very grateful. We have all four of the kids riding for now and their cousin Davis does lessons too, on a different day though. They have to curry and brush the horses before riding them and after. Sometimes, they have washed them down too. They also get to scoop up the presents that their horse leave them in the barn! Ms. Martha, Ms. Cindy, and Mr. Monty help with the training.

July 4th Celebrations in Cypress

2010-12-20T07:59:00.000-08:00

We bought some firecrackers from my ole' college roommate's fire cracker stand, and John helped the kids light them safely! They loved the sparkling lights, but not necessarily the loud kabooms!!