Tonight we engaged in one of our favorite traditions: caroling. We've always enjoyed it. Or maybe I should say that most of us have always enjoyed it. Last year a few people had their opinions of caroling changed, which was evidenced about a month ago.
I was sitting in the living room and Goofball came in, plopped on the sofa and inquired "We are going caroling this year, right?" This is the child who has always expressed the most distaste for caroling. But after an evening of caroling with Mr. D, he was ready to embark again this year.
So tonight we gathered with those friends again. And Mr. D did not disappoint. As a matter of fact, he kicked it up a notch this year. I won't bore you with all the videos, but here is just one:
We Three Kings video
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
Taking risks
Tradition is a dangerous thing to mess with, but I guess I'm in the risk-taking mood this year. We've already broken one tradition by loaning out the artificial, pre-lit tree and tromping through the tree farm with 6 of our kids to pick out the "perfect" tree. Well, it was the 2nd most perfect. I left the perfect one there in deference to the kids who all liked this particular tree better. Not that it really mattered in the long run. I was just happy to have real evergreen smell and the fun of spending the morning with most of our family (missed Cannon being with us). And coincidentally we were hunting for our tree on land that once was part of my grandpa's family farm . . . back in the day.
But I digress. I am breaking another tradition. It is always my job to provide Cream Cheese and Sausage Biscuits for Christmas brunch at my parents' home. My brothers and their families gather with us about 10:00ish each year. One of my only jobs is to bring said biscuits.
I'm not in the mood. And while I was skimming over my Pinterest recipe board I found where I had posted Brown Sugar Bacon Biscuits. With just the ingredients listed in the name, you have to wonder what could possibly be wrong with these. We all like bacon, right? Well, I do have one friend who admittedly doesn't like bacon, but we all have a short-coming or two.
Looking around this evening and wondering what other traditions I can mess with. Bwahahaha! Or perhaps I should call them "new traditions". :)
But I digress. I am breaking another tradition. It is always my job to provide Cream Cheese and Sausage Biscuits for Christmas brunch at my parents' home. My brothers and their families gather with us about 10:00ish each year. One of my only jobs is to bring said biscuits.
I'm not in the mood. And while I was skimming over my Pinterest recipe board I found where I had posted Brown Sugar Bacon Biscuits. With just the ingredients listed in the name, you have to wonder what could possibly be wrong with these. We all like bacon, right? Well, I do have one friend who admittedly doesn't like bacon, but we all have a short-coming or two.
Looking around this evening and wondering what other traditions I can mess with. Bwahahaha! Or perhaps I should call them "new traditions". :)
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Sweet song--and a plug
So, I mentioned that G booked special music for the Christmas party Friday night. Abe Parker is a young man that we've watched grow up. He is definitely gifted in playing his music, singing and writing. An original song of his that have really enjoyed listening to lately is "Little Sister". Hope you enjoy it, too.
That was then . . . this is now.
Wow. How did we get here? It just doesn't seem that long ago that I was looking at Goofball for the first time outside the hospital nursery and wondering who in the world he looked like. Years later (about the time he reached the age in the pic below) we finally realized how much he looks like his uncle. However, he has certainly become his own person.
And now he's becoming a man. Becoming? Shoot. He hardly has a foot left in childhood anymore, it would seem some days.
Friday was one of those.
Each year our church family has hosted a "Family Christmas" outreach/party/whatever you want to call it. This has actually been the 4th year for this event. It's probably our best attended event each year. It was decided that we should host another one this year, but none of the adults volunteered to put it together. G, still 17, really had the desire to do this. I have no idea where it came from except God.
After the pastor gave his approval, G took off and spent 3 solid weeks organizing and planning. He booked special music, delegated the decorations to his sister and her best friend (except the decorating of the signs, which was a fun idea he came up with), communicated with the church secretary (ok, this also happens to be his grandma, so easy to do), planned the food, crafts and games, set-up, clean-up, program, gospel presentation (asked someone to do it--didn't do it himself). He did it well within the given budget and Friday went off stress-free!
In the middle of the day Friday, while I was watching my 17yo stretch his wings, or rather flex his adult muscles, a friend shot me an email with a link to a blog. Now in her defense, she DID warn that it would make me cry. But it was such an appropriate read this weekend as I watched G organize this event, sing publicly for the first time ever, start a new job, spend time hanging out with his 2yo brother at the donut shop, and take time several times each day to wrap his arms around me and give me a hug--some serious and some . . . well, goofy.
Oh! The blog link! And don't say I didn't warn you--get that Kleenex ready: Mystery
As for G . . . here's a couple pics from 'then' and 'now'. The first pic he's about 5.5, becoming a big brother for the 2nd time. The more recent was taken this fall.
And now he's becoming a man. Becoming? Shoot. He hardly has a foot left in childhood anymore, it would seem some days.
Friday was one of those.
Each year our church family has hosted a "Family Christmas" outreach/party/whatever you want to call it. This has actually been the 4th year for this event. It's probably our best attended event each year. It was decided that we should host another one this year, but none of the adults volunteered to put it together. G, still 17, really had the desire to do this. I have no idea where it came from except God.
After the pastor gave his approval, G took off and spent 3 solid weeks organizing and planning. He booked special music, delegated the decorations to his sister and her best friend (except the decorating of the signs, which was a fun idea he came up with), communicated with the church secretary (ok, this also happens to be his grandma, so easy to do), planned the food, crafts and games, set-up, clean-up, program, gospel presentation (asked someone to do it--didn't do it himself). He did it well within the given budget and Friday went off stress-free!
In the middle of the day Friday, while I was watching my 17yo stretch his wings, or rather flex his adult muscles, a friend shot me an email with a link to a blog. Now in her defense, she DID warn that it would make me cry. But it was such an appropriate read this weekend as I watched G organize this event, sing publicly for the first time ever, start a new job, spend time hanging out with his 2yo brother at the donut shop, and take time several times each day to wrap his arms around me and give me a hug--some serious and some . . . well, goofy.
Oh! The blog link! And don't say I didn't warn you--get that Kleenex ready: Mystery
As for G . . . here's a couple pics from 'then' and 'now'. The first pic he's about 5.5, becoming a big brother for the 2nd time. The more recent was taken this fall.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Jehovah-Jireh
So tonight we were challenged to list 10 ways God has provided for us today. Here goes, in no particular order:
1. Health--not just for me, but for my family. I have 7 extremely healthy children. I have a healthy husband and I have healthy parents.
2. Clothing--He didn't clothe me with animal hide today (read from Gen. earlier this week) but He did provide an incredibly cute sweater. So not only did He provide clothing but He was fashionable about it, too.
3. Food--we had not 1 soup, but 2 soups for supper this evening. We will have leftovers for lunch for at least a couple of days.
4. Transportation--even with Mr. Wonderful's car down, He has made a way for him to get to work AND the part to fix his car should arrive tomorrow. :)
5. Quiet--I think He knew I needed a bit of it today. It wasn't perfectly quiet, but Charlie Brown was pretty quiet hanging out with me.
6. A dance partner--Charlie Brown and I found time to dance to Christmas music while waiting on soup to cook this evening.
7. Friends--after spending a few years longing for a friend that I knew would be there no matter what, I know that I have more than 1. Can't wait to meet a few for bfast later this week.
8. Mom--everybody has one, but not many have one like mine. Not just a mom, but a friend, confidant, partner in 'crime', prayer support, counselor, and even babysitter.
9. Marriage--not everyone gets to keep theirs. I'm thankful He provided, not just a husband, but a dedicated husband who loves me despite my imperfections and is as committed to this life together as I am.
10. Forgiveness--I needed it today. I'll need it tomorrow. \o/
It was a 2yo kind of a day
Charlie Brown was a bit attached today. I knew it was going to be one of 'those' days when he brought me the sling and then curled up in it and went to sleep. So I decided to let him tag along on my usual Tuesday afternoon adventures--taking Princess to Spanish and getting a few things done on the 'north end of town', which today meant the consignment store and Goodwill.
He was absolutely perfect at the consignment store--even enduring his mother trying on about a dozen tops before settling on one. Then followed me cheerfully around Goodwill, so I let him keep the .49 Spiderman action figure. It was worth it to hear him sing Twinkle, Twinkle to Spidey on the way home. lol
Then this evening CB was left home with me to fix dinner while the rest of the crew (sans Mr. Wonderful who just didn't get home from work in time) went caroling with a group from church. So, he did--fix dinner, that is. It's one of our favorite recipes and is easy enough for a 2yo to do it!
Creamy Potato Soup (with or without ham or bacon)
4 cups chicken or ham broth (I use water and ham soup base)
2 bricks of cream cheese
1 package cubed hash brown potatoes (not the shredded style)
ham or bacon (optional)
milk, as needed
cheese (optional)
Bring broth and cream cheese to boil. Run a whisk through the cream cheese to break it up. It will look a bit clumpy. Add the potatoes and, if you're going to use it, the meat. My meat is usually leftover ham that I've run through the food processor. Let simmer for about 20 min. I usually need to add some milk to thin it some. And on most days we garnish it with cheese, but today isn't most days--I forgot to pick up cheese on the way home. It didn't seem to bother Charlie Brown, as you can see below.
He was absolutely perfect at the consignment store--even enduring his mother trying on about a dozen tops before settling on one. Then followed me cheerfully around Goodwill, so I let him keep the .49 Spiderman action figure. It was worth it to hear him sing Twinkle, Twinkle to Spidey on the way home. lol
Then this evening CB was left home with me to fix dinner while the rest of the crew (sans Mr. Wonderful who just didn't get home from work in time) went caroling with a group from church. So, he did--fix dinner, that is. It's one of our favorite recipes and is easy enough for a 2yo to do it!
Creamy Potato Soup (with or without ham or bacon)
4 cups chicken or ham broth (I use water and ham soup base)
2 bricks of cream cheese
1 package cubed hash brown potatoes (not the shredded style)
ham or bacon (optional)
milk, as needed
cheese (optional)
Bring broth and cream cheese to boil. Run a whisk through the cream cheese to break it up. It will look a bit clumpy. Add the potatoes and, if you're going to use it, the meat. My meat is usually leftover ham that I've run through the food processor. Let simmer for about 20 min. I usually need to add some milk to thin it some. And on most days we garnish it with cheese, but today isn't most days--I forgot to pick up cheese on the way home. It didn't seem to bother Charlie Brown, as you can see below.
Monday, December 5, 2011
So it's that time of year when we're all wondering "Do we REALLY have to do school?" I even find myself asking the question this year. In many years past we had started schooling early in Aug. in order to take off from Thanksgiving to New Year's. The last few years, as the older kids have been older and had so many more school responsibilities, we have enjoyed extra summer lake time and schooled all the way through to Christmas break. We're not enjoying it so much this year, sooooooooooooo . . .
Math and reading have to get done. Or for KBug and JT, math and quizzing. They are both on Bible quiz teams, along with Princess. Then KBug and JT have been researching together a different country each day and their Christmas customs. Goofball and Princess each have plenty of work keeping them busy as they plow through high school, including getting Black Like Me read before 12/13. Yes, I know. Not the most Christmasy book out there, huh?
But we are finding time to take off and enjoy the season. This is my favorite season, not because it's Christmas so much as the intimate family time we have together--learning together, worshipping together, playing together.
Last week we began our Advent readings. We are reading Bartholomew's Passage by Arnold Ytreeide for the 3rd time. But we are also adding in a Jesse Tree devotional, compliments of Ann Voskamp over at A Holy Experience and look forward to her Easter devotional, too.
We're looking forward to at least 2 trips to carol with friends, painting a nativity scene, performing in the church's children's program and attending the church Christmas outreach that Goofball happens to be heading up.
Perhaps this year's highlight, however, will be having Cannon come home for a few days to celebrate with us.
Math and reading have to get done. Or for KBug and JT, math and quizzing. They are both on Bible quiz teams, along with Princess. Then KBug and JT have been researching together a different country each day and their Christmas customs. Goofball and Princess each have plenty of work keeping them busy as they plow through high school, including getting Black Like Me read before 12/13. Yes, I know. Not the most Christmasy book out there, huh?
But we are finding time to take off and enjoy the season. This is my favorite season, not because it's Christmas so much as the intimate family time we have together--learning together, worshipping together, playing together.
Last week we began our Advent readings. We are reading Bartholomew's Passage by Arnold Ytreeide for the 3rd time. But we are also adding in a Jesse Tree devotional, compliments of Ann Voskamp over at A Holy Experience and look forward to her Easter devotional, too.
We're looking forward to at least 2 trips to carol with friends, painting a nativity scene, performing in the church's children's program and attending the church Christmas outreach that Goofball happens to be heading up.
Perhaps this year's highlight, however, will be having Cannon come home for a few days to celebrate with us.
Starting over . . .
So, I haven't blogged in a long time and decided perhaps it's time to start from scratch. So the name is a tribute to my great grandpa. He was a pretty special man, I think. I loved sitting and listening to him talk about growing up as the youngest in a large family and all his orneriness involved. From time to time, as he was trying to recall details of past events, he would dismiss any possible errors with "but I've slept a few times since then." And as I have moved into this stage in life we like to refer to as "middle-aged" I certainly understand the sentiment now more than I did then. You can get a glimpse of him in the pic below with his daughter, granddaughter, great-granddaughter (me!) and 1st great-great grandson (my eldest).
About me . . . Unlike Grandpa, I am not the youngest, but the oldest child of a much smaller family--just 3 of us kids and I the only girl. I am the mother of 7. There's Cannon, Goofball, Princess, KBug, JT, JerBear and CharlieBrown (CB).
Cannon is my oldest and only adult child (19yo). He lives about 500 miles away. We've really missed having him around, but are so proud of what he's accomplished out on his own. He is headed into the US Marine Corp in 2012 and we are looking forward to a trip to witness his graduation in the next year.
Goofball is 17 and the one who keeps the family in stitches. He's fought through some educational challenges (un-diagnosed dyslexia) to reach graduation this coming spring. We can't wait to see what his future holds. Whatever it is will involve him creating things and never sitting at a desk. This past fall one of his many accomplishments were completing several 'bigger and better' potato cannons. He spends a lot of time with his bass guitar, a ukulele, drums and mostly recently my grandmother's mandolin. (the grandmother pictured above)
Princess is 15. I'm not sure who gave her permission to get so tall and beautiful, but she is now taller than her mother. She is often found at a sewing machine creating outfits for her collection of 18" dolls. Not that she 'plays' with dolls anymore, but they make great mannequins for displaying her fashion designs. :) She's very artistic and has dabbled in many mediums--acrylics, pen and ink, pencil, stained glass, pottery, and really anything she's given a chance to learn. She loves anything dealing with fashion and interior design.
KBug is 12 and growing up. She is also quite artistic and maybe I'll even share some of her sketches on here. She is especially fond of drawing horses. But she is also developing a talent of sculpting. KBug makes friends everywhere she goes. I am certain that there is no place in life she will ever go and not make a friend.
JT is not quite 10. He's growing up to be much like Goofball with a nice twist of Cannon. He's learning to overcome some of the same educational challenges as Goofball, too. He finds himself positioned in life between 2 very strong-willed, opinionated sisters. He wants to like sports (soccer, baseball and basketball) but I think he was truly be happy to spend his days in his room with Star Wars toys and Magnetix.
JerBear is a 5yo bundle of 'fun'! Ok, admittedly I'm not a huge fan of 5 year olds. She is cute, though, and she is mine, so I will do my best to embrace this 6th year of her life. She has been learning to play the piano and has taught herself several songs out of the book her teacher loaned her after 3 lessons. She's trying to take after her sisters' artistic bends and will spend countless hours with her hands in her play-doh.
Charlie Brown is our baby. Well, baby is relative. He's 2.5 and finally lost his curls to the scissors. There's not a whole lot to share about him at 2.5, although we have determined that he is our lone leftie, taking after his dad and grandpa. He loves to sing Twinkle, Twinkle and is his mommy's boy. He doesn't realize that he's not one of the teens and will follow Goofball and his friends as long as they will let him--and they usually let him.
I'm also the wife of 21 years to a wonderful man. I guess we'll just call him Mr. Wonderful. And I don't mean that sarcastically. Why is he wonderful? He is up early every morning to drive himself 40 min. to work all day before making the 40 min. drive home so that I can stay home with our children and home-educate them. He never complains when I ask for an evening (or morning) out with a few friends to recharge. He has never made me question our decisions to homeschool or for me to stay at home. He prays with me every morning before leaving for work--sometimes to the sound of MY snoring. Of course the last 21 years haven't been perfect. But I know he's as committed to me as I am to him and I look forward to many more years of celebrating life's adventures. Maybe we'll eventually celebrate from an RV as we go house to house visiting our children. He has a great retirement plan that includes staying at each child's house until they give us enough gas money to get to the next child's house. LOL
So, that's my family. Me?
I'm a stay-at-home mom who educates all those kids, struggles to keep the house in order, does too much and daily thinks she needs to re-prioritize. I love God with all my heart and do the best I can to raise my children to not just love God but to desire a personal relationship with Him. He is the difference in my life, and while I'm not a perfect wife or mother, I shudder to think how much less of one I'd be if was trying to do this thing called Life in my own strength.
I like artistic things, too. I learned to love stained glass last year and now just need to find time to 'do' it. I love to take pictures of my kids, but again I can't find much time for it these days. And in recent years I have discovered an enjoyment of theater--as in being ON stage.
I have no idea what this blog will be or how I'll use it. Maybe I'll share a good recipe or funny story. Maybe I'll have some great, deep insights (ok, don't hold your breath on that one!). Or maybe this will mostly be for me--I'm just inviting you to peek into my life if you'd like.
Oh, yes! And those kids? Yeah, here they are in their finest:
About me . . . Unlike Grandpa, I am not the youngest, but the oldest child of a much smaller family--just 3 of us kids and I the only girl. I am the mother of 7. There's Cannon, Goofball, Princess, KBug, JT, JerBear and CharlieBrown (CB).
Cannon is my oldest and only adult child (19yo). He lives about 500 miles away. We've really missed having him around, but are so proud of what he's accomplished out on his own. He is headed into the US Marine Corp in 2012 and we are looking forward to a trip to witness his graduation in the next year.
Goofball is 17 and the one who keeps the family in stitches. He's fought through some educational challenges (un-diagnosed dyslexia) to reach graduation this coming spring. We can't wait to see what his future holds. Whatever it is will involve him creating things and never sitting at a desk. This past fall one of his many accomplishments were completing several 'bigger and better' potato cannons. He spends a lot of time with his bass guitar, a ukulele, drums and mostly recently my grandmother's mandolin. (the grandmother pictured above)
Princess is 15. I'm not sure who gave her permission to get so tall and beautiful, but she is now taller than her mother. She is often found at a sewing machine creating outfits for her collection of 18" dolls. Not that she 'plays' with dolls anymore, but they make great mannequins for displaying her fashion designs. :) She's very artistic and has dabbled in many mediums--acrylics, pen and ink, pencil, stained glass, pottery, and really anything she's given a chance to learn. She loves anything dealing with fashion and interior design.
KBug is 12 and growing up. She is also quite artistic and maybe I'll even share some of her sketches on here. She is especially fond of drawing horses. But she is also developing a talent of sculpting. KBug makes friends everywhere she goes. I am certain that there is no place in life she will ever go and not make a friend.
JT is not quite 10. He's growing up to be much like Goofball with a nice twist of Cannon. He's learning to overcome some of the same educational challenges as Goofball, too. He finds himself positioned in life between 2 very strong-willed, opinionated sisters. He wants to like sports (soccer, baseball and basketball) but I think he was truly be happy to spend his days in his room with Star Wars toys and Magnetix.
JerBear is a 5yo bundle of 'fun'! Ok, admittedly I'm not a huge fan of 5 year olds. She is cute, though, and she is mine, so I will do my best to embrace this 6th year of her life. She has been learning to play the piano and has taught herself several songs out of the book her teacher loaned her after 3 lessons. She's trying to take after her sisters' artistic bends and will spend countless hours with her hands in her play-doh.
Charlie Brown is our baby. Well, baby is relative. He's 2.5 and finally lost his curls to the scissors. There's not a whole lot to share about him at 2.5, although we have determined that he is our lone leftie, taking after his dad and grandpa. He loves to sing Twinkle, Twinkle and is his mommy's boy. He doesn't realize that he's not one of the teens and will follow Goofball and his friends as long as they will let him--and they usually let him.
I'm also the wife of 21 years to a wonderful man. I guess we'll just call him Mr. Wonderful. And I don't mean that sarcastically. Why is he wonderful? He is up early every morning to drive himself 40 min. to work all day before making the 40 min. drive home so that I can stay home with our children and home-educate them. He never complains when I ask for an evening (or morning) out with a few friends to recharge. He has never made me question our decisions to homeschool or for me to stay at home. He prays with me every morning before leaving for work--sometimes to the sound of MY snoring. Of course the last 21 years haven't been perfect. But I know he's as committed to me as I am to him and I look forward to many more years of celebrating life's adventures. Maybe we'll eventually celebrate from an RV as we go house to house visiting our children. He has a great retirement plan that includes staying at each child's house until they give us enough gas money to get to the next child's house. LOL
So, that's my family. Me?
I'm a stay-at-home mom who educates all those kids, struggles to keep the house in order, does too much and daily thinks she needs to re-prioritize. I love God with all my heart and do the best I can to raise my children to not just love God but to desire a personal relationship with Him. He is the difference in my life, and while I'm not a perfect wife or mother, I shudder to think how much less of one I'd be if was trying to do this thing called Life in my own strength.
I like artistic things, too. I learned to love stained glass last year and now just need to find time to 'do' it. I love to take pictures of my kids, but again I can't find much time for it these days. And in recent years I have discovered an enjoyment of theater--as in being ON stage.
I have no idea what this blog will be or how I'll use it. Maybe I'll share a good recipe or funny story. Maybe I'll have some great, deep insights (ok, don't hold your breath on that one!). Or maybe this will mostly be for me--I'm just inviting you to peek into my life if you'd like.
Oh, yes! And those kids? Yeah, here they are in their finest:
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