Happy New Year

White after Christmas

It has been a beautiful day to enjoy the snow. The kids are really getting the hang of snow man building and snow ball fighting!Although you can't tell, Emma is leaning against the "body" of a snowman they kids and their daddy built!

joy

My family (except for Nathan and myself) have been singing this song for at least a week straight. I'm glad that it finally made it's debut so hopefully we can put it to rest! Sometimes, I wonder where do my kids get their creativity from and why do they often burst out in some made up song. This seems to be the reason! Enjoy....
I estimate we'll continue to hear this song sung around our house for atleast 8 more weeks then it should die out.

snow!

I was nestled in on the couch reading my book for Sunday school when I noticed the snow out the back window. Needless to say, our afternoon plans were altered. The winter coats were officially dusted off and outside the kids went.Emma told me that she prayed that God would make the snow stick so they would have something to play in. She got what she prayed for!
Thanks to a Peebles 60% off sale and my 20% off coupon, Nathan was able to break in his 2 day old new winter coat! I got this sucker for $15.00!
Can you tell what Peter is attempting here? That would be older brother teaching little brother to throw snow balls at me!!!

puppies

Not a day goes by without at least one of our children asking for a dog. Their desire for a dog is just about to do me in. They would like to have a do so bad that it's not unusual to see one (if not more) of them crawling on their hands and knees with some type of leash around them and the other pretending to be their owner.
I really don't know where this desire has come from. Unfortunately, for them this is as close to a puppy as they are going to get in any foreseeable future!
Perhaps when they are all old enough to earn their own keep....we might be open for discussion.

Thanksgiving!

We had a great time celebrating Thanksgiving at my parents house. My sister and her family came in from West Virginia. The weather cooperated beautifully and we hardly had to kick the children outside. They were eager to enjoy the sunshine and the wide open spaces on their own.Nathan is still playing peek a boo from the previous "funny face" photo opportunity! The kids stair step their way from 4th grade to PreK and then Nathan. My sister is pregnant so next Thanksgiving their will be another baby in the mix.

a moment to remember

I can't really remember now exactly how it happened. Somehow under my feet, Emma and Peter and then eventually Ryan decided that they wanted to use their allowance to buy food for the Christian Help Center's food pantry. They had overheard me talking about how the food pantry's shelves were bare. Somewhere in their minds, they decided that they should give. They looked through the grocery store coupons on Thursday and realized that they had enough money to buy food.
It was set; Friday we had a date to go grocery shopping and I would match whatever they bought.
Ryan spent $0.65 on a can of tomato soup. Then another $0.25 on bubble gum for himself!
Emma told me, "I would rather spend my money of food for those who don't have any than buy myself a toy. ". She spent $4.50.
Peter spent $2.00.
My heart was full. My children got it. It didn't come from a lecture and it didn't really even come from an example. They internalized the need that they overheard. They determined that they had the means to help. They didn't even dismiss the idea because they only had a few dollars and what could a few dollars to help. They gave and gave generously; they gave til it hurt.

Leaves

I have been neglecting my "blog" these days. My memory card has lots of pictures that haven't found their way here yet. I'm not sure what's happened. It might have something to do with the time away from home that Philip has had recently.So I grabbed my camera as we ventured outside yesterday and was determined to post what I captured. Nathan- the little cuttie that he is- was also determined to rake like his older brothers even if it meant finding a canoe paddle when all the rakes were taken.
My heart is full with the blessings that God has bestowed upon me. How could I not be when I have the privilege of seeing this precious smile from sun up to sun down.

The thinker

We are day 4.5 into our 8 long days with Philip being away. Last night, I was eavesdropping on Peter's conversation with Philip (on the phone).
Peter: "Daddy why can't you use the computer in Jamaica?" (He meant specifically why can't you check your email. Peter and I had this conversation a few days ago. I did a horrible job explaining why Philip doesn't have wireless internet access in Jamaica. )
I couldn't hear Philip's response but Peter repeated his question a few times as I'm guessing Philip was trying to figure out what he was really asking.
Peter responds: " I guess it's because you're just too close to that imaginary line that divides the world in half."

Outtakes

We have a great time last Saturday in Duke Gardens! We met some great friends for a family photo swap morning. They took our pictures; we took theirs. It's much easier to find the outtakes than to find my favorites.
I can't believe how many pictures Nathan's belly is showing!
I admit even I was getting a bit tired of all this picture taking.
I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day and more cooperative children! We finished the photo shoot with a great picnic in the gardens. I have even more respect for photographers after this experience!

Down under

Our history studies brought us to the land "Down under" this week. Oh wait, it's just Tuesday. Typically we study history on Monday and Tuesday; so we're done for the week.
We made "Moth mix" for our lunch today. It was basically homemade cracker jacks! I enjoyed reading and learning about the early days of Australia and New Zealand. They are definitely places that I just don't think about very often.Of course, we had to finish the day with a boomerang- none of which actually returned.

Pumpkins

and Mums...I am not sure how time slipped away so quickly. It did and we are 6 days from Halloween and just now getting our pumpkins! We head to Durham Friday morning to meet a friend of ours who graciously agreed to snap family pictures for us. After this brief episode of picture taking, I hope our friend can shoot quickly! I'm doubtful that this will be Nathan's most cooperative year for family photos!Good thing we're aiming for casual photos!

The fair

We made our traditional treck to the State fair last Friday. This year we were able to recruit even more grown-ups to join us so the adults outnumbered the kids!
Nathan's favorite part of the fair was all the animals! As you can see, he spotted the cows.
I'm not positive but I think one of Philip's favorites of the fair are the corn dogs! So they indulged in one for breakfast.Somehow, the ferris wheel was the big event for the kids. For weeks leading up to the fair, that was the topic of conversation! They were very excited to finally get way up in the sky.Nathan definitely gets the best trooper award. Thursday morning, I had a slight suspicion that he might have an ear infection. So I made an appt with the Dr. Low and behold, not only did he have an ear infection in both ears but also the early stages of pneumonia. The Pediatrician agreed that he was well enough (and not contagious) to go to the fair! We were glad that we spent only the morning because it gets pretty tricky to navigate the double stroller once the crowds arrive.

Revived

We're in the midst of Revival at our church. I must say it's tough to say if I'm feeling Revived or exhausted! Our kids have been troopers and thanks to some good refreshments after wards and at least one other family from the church.
Unrelated but will bid some time for me until I can post something current, here are the rest of the camping videos!!

Again, unrelated, most folks think the boys look just like their Dad. Well, this is their Uncle Pete. I think they (especially Ryan) have a strong resemblance to their Uncle. This man was the glue that tied the trip together. With a Marine and Army back ground, he was the reason I wasn't terribly nervous for the 5 days they were gone and I didn't hear a peep from them!

Camping videos

Well, the stories are continuing to trickle out. Peter spent all day Tuesday in his pjs and on the couch. He was just plain wore out. Interestingly, Emma spent most of all day today in her pjs and on the couch. So I'm guessing there bodies had some catching up to do. Here though are some videos that I discovered on the camera!


There's more where this came from so get ready.

Ryan Sayings...

I've been inspired my friend Michelle to get better at recording some of the too cute things that the kids say!
Background: Two weeks ago a dear saint of the church passed away, Mr. Joe. The funeral was at our church at 2pm. When the time came, I decided it just wasn't going to work out for the kids and I to attend. Somehow though, Emma, Ryan and I ended up on the front porch shortly before two. We respectfully observed the family receive visitors as they entered for the funeral.

Ryan said: Mommy, when I get old like Daddy's age, and he dies don't worry because I will marry you.
I reply: Ryan, you would make a great husband- when you get old like Daddy- but I will still be your mommy and you can't marry anyone in your family.
Ryan: Well, then I will just have to marry Ms. Earnestine because she needs a new husband since Mr. Joe died.

After.....

Check out Philip's blog for his after thoughts!

resemblance??

People often comment that Nathan is looking just like Ryan....Nathan and Ryan at 16 months.

Before

Twas the night before the 2 Chryst men, 1 Philips (brother- in- law) and 4 children under the age of 8 ventured out into the Great Smokey Mnts for 4 nights and 19 miles. This trip has been talked about - dreamed about - planned for and long anticipated! The count down chain has been completed. Now all that's left is for the little campers to be aroused from their slumber at 5am so the adventure of their lives can play itself out. I hope the men will remember to take pictures and maybe even a movie or two. In case they don't, I had to at least snap a few before pictures!Ryan's expression tells it all. His first camping experience and he already knows it all. He has told many this week that his Uncle Pete is going to fight off all the bears except for the one he will be bringing home for a pet.
Peter's backpack is filled to the absolute brim. He must rise to the occasion and pray for strong shoulders! He is truly anxious for nothing.
A ray of sunshine in the midst of 3 boys and 3 men. I wouldn't want to be in her place for an instant. I can't even begin to imagine what this little girl will be like when she grows into a young lady. Being able to handle herself with poise and dignity, yet endure with all this testosterone. She's a brave little girl!
They are truly stronger than I! I can't wait for them to be back home under my wings.

The fellas

I had some time this morning with just me and the boys. We did our best to get our school work done when Nathan was napping. Then like clock work; he wakes up and we head outside. It's been a while since I've taken my camera with us outside so here's some shots of us just chillin'
Philip joined us briefly before he headed to a funeral of a dear man who past from our congregation this week.
I was told by this handsome 4 year old that, "When I grow up to be Daddy's age and he dies, I will marry you.". This isn't the first time Ryan has told me that he wants to marry me so I think he really loves me!Ryan has really turned into a bike riding machine! He loves being on two wheels.

PBS kids

Last winter, Peter and Emma submitted a book to the PBS Kids Young Illustrator and Writers contest. The awards ceremony was held at the Great Wolfe Lodge in Concord. After the 2 hour ceremony, our family was able to use the facilities as part of the awards day. This was quite an offer. Normally, it would cost $45 per person to have a day pass to the Great Wolfe Lodge. Needless, we all had a blast!

Reed's Gold Mine

I've been hearing about "Reed's Gold Mine" for quite some time so I was looking forward to the trip. The mine was about 30 minutes from where Philip's parents live. We had a great tour guide. I learned a lot! Did you know that the first piece of gold discovered in USA was found at the Reed's farm? It was discovered by one of John Reed's sons. He brought it home from one of his fishing excursions in the creek. They didn't know it was gold; only that it was a pretty rock. It remained a door stop for 3 years until Mr. Reed brought it to Fayeteville. He sold it to a jeweler for $3.60 - a week's pay. The jeweler in turn sold it for $3,500 and there starts the gold rush.After touring the mine and watching the Stamp press, we were able to pan for gold! It was quite a success for our family.Ryan found a flake in his pan. Please don't ask him about it because I have no idea where his vile is!