tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62886718847463036492024-02-19T02:56:46.125-06:00Five to EightOur lives and adventures on Abbe Creek Farm.From Five to Eighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948055007763105612noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6288671884746303649.post-87251671946448724522009-10-20T08:33:00.002-05:002009-10-20T08:44:57.088-05:00Fall Daze....Today is a good day to sort through winter clothes I think. I'm in limbo with fall jackets on the floor and winter coats/gloves out. How to get more organized?! Still haven't figured that out yet.<div><br /></div><div>Josie was excited this morning for her trip to the pumpkin patch with her class. Hope it doesn't rain!</div><div><br /></div><div>Working on getting schoolwork, music lessons and reading done at night. Still feels like we're transitioning. Maybe it will always seem this busy. Mornings seem to be going better though.</div><div><br /></div><div>Getting my bottom braces on tomorrow. Not looking forward to that. Braces haven't been terrible...just annoying. Having a harder time sleeping with them for some reason.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our chickens are gone now. Went to a friend's house. (they winter up North :) Miss seeing them walking around the yard. Nothing is there to eat the "slop" now. Guess we'll call it compost and put it in the garden.</div><div><br /></div><div>Marie is getting a new hair style Saturday. (cornrows and ponytail extension) We've had this extension bought for MONTHS and she's been dying to get her hair done again. I told her Saturday was the day and what we're having done. She said she doesn't want that now.</div><div>GRRRR. She'll like it once it's done though. Will probably be a 2 hr+ morning of sitting in a salon. </div><div><br /></div><div>Still have three SWEET kittens I'm trying to find a home for. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh the stress of country living! :)</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div> </div>From Five to Eighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948055007763105612noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6288671884746303649.post-45779641267647233252009-09-29T10:42:00.001-05:002009-09-29T10:50:51.368-05:00Pix at Palisades<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSBVqj5o4GMe4JPj5E0aKEcdLAEJieqHxWYOsfy3fl_RZ5I3MtUr1YU_v_2y1DdWnTvjW73_4JCd7pH9cLACVH0rLxPVhCmsYYVonMQzTc0jrzAFXNU7I-n_t6xmnPq7-AHbR0ESaQs0Z/s1600-h/IMG_0418.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSBVqj5o4GMe4JPj5E0aKEcdLAEJieqHxWYOsfy3fl_RZ5I3MtUr1YU_v_2y1DdWnTvjW73_4JCd7pH9cLACVH0rLxPVhCmsYYVonMQzTc0jrzAFXNU7I-n_t6xmnPq7-AHbR0ESaQs0Z/s320/IMG_0418.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386916912483353282" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGltb1P1jJybOsW_EnE5aczMAb2qiwcvnG0L9HZiVfx8ox6nKqBWHZK026TI-6I1uyBvqSvn0Lso1dFwyRzkWHc5wNTLOzmYaL-N8ibQEnN2E-Mz6svoAZwyYoiPpn1-ZXrj-u-xIMjZ2k/s1600-h/IMG_0386.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGltb1P1jJybOsW_EnE5aczMAb2qiwcvnG0L9HZiVfx8ox6nKqBWHZK026TI-6I1uyBvqSvn0Lso1dFwyRzkWHc5wNTLOzmYaL-N8ibQEnN2E-Mz6svoAZwyYoiPpn1-ZXrj-u-xIMjZ2k/s320/IMG_0386.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386916910427075954" /></a>Ron and Cynthia came up on Sunday. We had a beautiful hike at Palisades State Park. It's only a couple miles from our house and yet we only go there a few times a year. <div>This is picture is for my mom who isn't on FaceBook :)</div>From Five to Eighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948055007763105612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6288671884746303649.post-85802670608133838362009-09-25T19:56:00.004-05:002009-09-25T20:01:46.859-05:00Pink, Silver and BLACK...Ellie has her new pink cast one (as of Thursday) It's much more comfortable with this one on.<br /><br />I now am sporting bracing (on the top so far) So far it's been a painless although, slightly strange and uncomfortable feeling. Guess I'll be getting the bottom ones on in a few months. That's just the way this guy does it. I feel slightly teenager-ish :0 <br />I figured if I didn't do it by the time I was 40 (which is in January) I'd never do it!<br /><br />My hair is black. It should have been "cola" (or very dark brown as the box said) Well I had it on my hair...went to check e-mail...then Face Book. You get the picture. I left it on a LITTLE bit longer than I should have (like 10 minutes!)<br />It was a little shocking at first. Reminded me of Elvira! I'm actually getting use to it and am liking it. It will lighten up and it's kind of fun having a different look all the way around. :)<br /><br />Mom...don't freak out when you see me. :) You've been warned. Sorry no pictures yet.From Five to Eighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948055007763105612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6288671884746303649.post-47520803856434787192009-09-19T08:10:00.003-05:002009-09-19T08:14:09.094-05:00She's Thinking Pink...I think someone is planning on getting a hot pink cast in a week. Her badge of courage.<br />Her first big fall off a horse. It will be remembered and a tale to tell. Her siblings were all very concerned for her and made her cards and prayed for her. <br />She came home, ate a Sub sandwich and watched a movie. I think she's doing fine.<br />Hang in there Ellie--it's only 4 weeks. (you'll still need to do your chores tho :)From Five to Eighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948055007763105612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6288671884746303649.post-7047679188947343072009-09-17T20:25:00.002-05:002009-09-17T20:29:42.704-05:00Improvements...Wonder why when one starts a project it always turns into a bigger project than one anticipated? <br /><br />We are putting new windows in the "old part" of our house...which turned into replacing trim, tearing off more wood, insulating, staining, buying more siding, putting on house wrap, ect. It was something that needed to be done though. Now parts will look REALLY nice and newly painted and the rest of the house will look like CRUD. Next year I think we're going to stain the whole house. We'll have new windows for the upstairs and the whole process will start again :)<br /><br />That's the joy of living in an 1880's home!From Five to Eighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948055007763105612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6288671884746303649.post-54145077515044708282009-09-09T12:56:00.001-05:002009-09-09T12:58:06.779-05:00Something New....Stayed tuned. In exactly 2 weeks I'll be looking about 10 years younger...maybe 5 but I'll take it. No plastic surgery involved :)<br />It will involved pain which I'm not a big fan of. I did have 5 kids without drugs so I'm guessing I can pull through this too.From Five to Eighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948055007763105612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6288671884746303649.post-40006638711024000712009-09-07T11:46:00.002-05:002009-09-07T11:51:45.476-05:00Labor Day...Today seems like a Saturday as we continuing laboring with all the farm projects we have around the place. Dave's been working hard with grandpa trying to get hay baled and in the barn. Grandma and Olivia have been busy staining woodwork for the outside of the house. Seems like there's a million things that need to get done today. Hopefully we can finish at least one project :)<br />Doesn't seem like I've gotten much accomplished except feeding people and keeping the house/laundry from going to pot.<br /><br />Grandpa's off fishing with the boys. Chloe needs tennis shoes for school. Grandma went on a walk with a few of the girls. I took out Josie's hair/beads, washed, greased and hopefully we'll be putting in extensions later this afternoon. <br /><br />Grandpa and grandma will be leaving later today. We're SO thankful for their help and time playing with the kids! We could have you here year round!<br />Thank you!!!!! Some things I fear would never get done...like fixing the bathroom door :)From Five to Eighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948055007763105612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6288671884746303649.post-3596580366663312452009-09-01T08:31:00.002-05:002009-09-01T08:38:07.839-05:00The Morning Routine....I absolutely, positively HAVE to get up earlier. Kind of hard when one kid comes in wet...another coughing and needs a cough drop. Interrupted sleep kills me.<br />We always have at least one kid having a hard morning-today it was Caleb.<br /><br />The kids all make their sandwiches in the morning for school. I think they would get gross if made the night before but we might try that. I pack the other stuff.<br />I noticed quite a bit of lunch meat and 2 slices of cheese on a few sandwiches. (I'm a food natzi) Anyway...since I JUST went to the store last night to replenish lunch food I had to give out the warning that when the meat/cheese are gone it's PBJ the rest of the week (today is Tuesday) It won't kill them. I just spent $9 on lunch meat last night. I'm thinking it would be better to buy 1/2 ham, shave and freeze it. (why am I writing all this down on my blog???)<br /><br />Today is beautiful! The girls are having a friend over and they are going riding. I have no plans except picking up the kids from school and then the girls start their first play practice tonight. I think Bitty and I will go on a long walk today...maybe down to see the cows.From Five to Eighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948055007763105612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6288671884746303649.post-79196785125838409092009-08-31T08:04:00.003-05:002009-08-31T08:31:41.347-05:00Week #2The kids have lunches and backpacks packed and are ready for Dave to bring them to school. So far everyone is still excited to go :) <br /><br />Everyone has a little bit of the grumpies this morning. Not sure if it's because it's Monday or if they are a little nervous today. This will be their first full week of school. They all have GREAT teachers which I'm so thankful for. Josie's First grade teacher even came up to me Sunday with tears in her eyes because she felt bad about moving Josie to Kindergarten. We're totally fine with it. We need to start her out with a good foundation. <br /><br />This week should be beautiful! I'm thinking of canning the rest of my tomatoes today and freezing green pepper. First time canning by myself. We'll see if I'm brave enough to attempt it. <br /><br />The girls are going horseback riding this morning. We brought home another trail horse named Honey from the stables. She's old and safe for the kids. I love seeing them ride together. Vertigo has been doing really well trail riding.<br /><br />Olivia babysits this afternoon. The girls start play practice Tuesday night for the Wizard of OZ. I think they'll have a great time. <br /><br />Dave got an old barn board with hooks put up on on the back porch. That really helps with coats and backpacks. Love the look. Still need to keep organizing. I got another laundry basket of Good Will things to drop off. (although kids keep pulling things out of it!) <br /><br />Dave's been working on the swingset/fort. It will be great when it gets done. Seems like weekend fly by and not much gets accomplished though.From Five to Eighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948055007763105612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6288671884746303649.post-20352092547685418462009-08-24T09:17:00.002-05:002009-08-24T09:20:53.076-05:00Tomorrow is the BIG Day...Tomorrow will be the very first day of school-school for my 5 of our kids. It's exciting and a little bitter sweet. (mostly a relief right now!) Things will change and we'll see where God leads. One day at a time. A lot to do today to get ready...backpacks to check, school supplies to write names on, need to get organized, do Josie's hair, get groceries...<br /><br />I finally got on Face Book. It's kind of strange for me. I think I'm getting it. It's hard for me to change sometimes.<br /><br />We had a fun, busy weekend with friends over every night, hay rack rides and campfires. It's almost fall!From Five to Eighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948055007763105612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6288671884746303649.post-81506783539271891162009-08-11T21:11:00.002-05:002009-08-11T21:14:05.658-05:00The BIG One (for Beth)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6casR33sbkraEjjxDyobBHMnlI7fEywy2wVMMI5VVGp7s9Xh-vFaWrL-iTGUMRcX0I8Ut7QQTvwNqt3HWWODyk6IkhTckvZj7ZRC6kkNeoEgj0oB2MkJMpPytQs3iWoAzP4flt4Nhrvdy/s1600-h/IMG_9380.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6casR33sbkraEjjxDyobBHMnlI7fEywy2wVMMI5VVGp7s9Xh-vFaWrL-iTGUMRcX0I8Ut7QQTvwNqt3HWWODyk6IkhTckvZj7ZRC6kkNeoEgj0oB2MkJMpPytQs3iWoAzP4flt4Nhrvdy/s320/IMG_9380.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368894785218456034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKRWZU76rHKluxZkE74GY0XpOJnlB0X6GAptVQ7yGluyFrvyXZv1GsEMZU1oqnZ_jNnunAxkogdkgHIn4u-lSqoHikvxplN84HAK7mP7Uag_7uKCjUQ5JqtH4-p3yXlg6sadQRAyT6ozf/s1600-h/IMG_9378.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKRWZU76rHKluxZkE74GY0XpOJnlB0X6GAptVQ7yGluyFrvyXZv1GsEMZU1oqnZ_jNnunAxkogdkgHIn4u-lSqoHikvxplN84HAK7mP7Uag_7uKCjUQ5JqtH4-p3yXlg6sadQRAyT6ozf/s320/IMG_9378.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368894780667875330" /></a><br />This is Beth. She's a very funny, honest, tell-it-like-it-is person and we love her.<br />She HAD to catch a fish (even though she won't touch them)<br />Thanks for the fun time!!!From Five to Eighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948055007763105612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6288671884746303649.post-78877756111261755012009-08-11T21:01:00.002-05:002009-08-11T21:11:05.369-05:00Pictures from "The Dock"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlOGP45O9WRNqod4z6LwnGhn91geZqdbXoU0auF4VwBCXshKqkl-D3q3a6Q1GL2Tc2mVZ7llvgCSr99JVNaCA5OtI8sQ6kUP5nVuUjZ-jr4GiReLIeQa5uYAuFWeOBKQQP0sBIks9os42/s1600-h/IMG_9298.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlOGP45O9WRNqod4z6LwnGhn91geZqdbXoU0auF4VwBCXshKqkl-D3q3a6Q1GL2Tc2mVZ7llvgCSr99JVNaCA5OtI8sQ6kUP5nVuUjZ-jr4GiReLIeQa5uYAuFWeOBKQQP0sBIks9os42/s320/IMG_9298.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368893024429786786" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0J3tA50DdbA-3CDzLGGW7ZjjXdgGkr71nkkTxpeLaDr5a5F2h0MLRhOzXwIR59TlgnhLMtQt7GgI7my99lnlQLUqAcDxo7eWF5O0RbXI_1hfPr6JdPvw0eKU9hDCtg9EH31Ko0Xmla35w/s1600-h/IMG_9363.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0J3tA50DdbA-3CDzLGGW7ZjjXdgGkr71nkkTxpeLaDr5a5F2h0MLRhOzXwIR59TlgnhLMtQt7GgI7my99lnlQLUqAcDxo7eWF5O0RbXI_1hfPr6JdPvw0eKU9hDCtg9EH31Ko0Xmla35w/s320/IMG_9363.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368893014140230002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1-VCdknF891WG5BgpSHsNrwPRBTHPmHLE8GTWyos6N7HF2IFDdRQgQxbMqMBdXM1o29m_HpprNrk_6xK-u-GqoQE8nQXQ58NhEcO5OjhhbymcUa3j0Ah8OJgQrn4VcjZMo8jlN2u3J76/s1600-h/IMG_9325.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1-VCdknF891WG5BgpSHsNrwPRBTHPmHLE8GTWyos6N7HF2IFDdRQgQxbMqMBdXM1o29m_HpprNrk_6xK-u-GqoQE8nQXQ58NhEcO5OjhhbymcUa3j0Ah8OJgQrn4VcjZMo8jlN2u3J76/s320/IMG_9325.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368893009805071122" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVELzWLx8gjNR8_xnHb51pfYtfCMr_fiyWxDXi3IsCHx8Ggz2T2aGoUkR_Xe2tomuk8zGPNsWmf2x40elhk3XAAYJjlah48mkMGBjT4qoS4KWfhRU7JXWIbnNUbAnezrZYJKNrqCsrMb1/s1600-h/IMG_9305.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVELzWLx8gjNR8_xnHb51pfYtfCMr_fiyWxDXi3IsCHx8Ggz2T2aGoUkR_Xe2tomuk8zGPNsWmf2x40elhk3XAAYJjlah48mkMGBjT4qoS4KWfhRU7JXWIbnNUbAnezrZYJKNrqCsrMb1/s320/IMG_9305.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368893004348326242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihelA4PNoMKM8VEnMfp6xKDMCJr9jOH7HgJ41uvDe3htrBDUOCIyxJTkGU4GDPnmo85SUSdOYB2TbX8D8_EqdUlx_DLYWhVjLDI72yQqgv2l3RYvYtk21zoXlPv2UXkljHLuwQ5jjEGVc/s1600-h/IMG_9289.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihelA4PNoMKM8VEnMfp6xKDMCJr9jOH7HgJ41uvDe3htrBDUOCIyxJTkGU4GDPnmo85SUSdOYB2TbX8D8_EqdUlx_DLYWhVjLDI72yQqgv2l3RYvYtk21zoXlPv2UXkljHLuwQ5jjEGVc/s320/IMG_9289.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368892994206464914" /></a><br />We all loved the Ozarks. It's been our annual vacation for several years now. Especially fun this year with some other friends down there.From Five to Eighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948055007763105612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6288671884746303649.post-13422286927273114802009-08-10T08:56:00.002-05:002009-08-10T09:06:41.439-05:00After Vacation Breakfast...We are down to almost nothing in our refrigerator after our trip. I dread the grocery store right now. We have no oatmeal (the kids were happy about that one!) No eggs, bread, bananas, very little milk. It's not pretty. I was pretty certain I was out of coffee. The Lord blessed me and I found a bag that Chad had brought me from Brazil. It will be a GOOD morning :)<br /><br />Breakfast today: <br />One bowl of Malt-O-Meal (I squeezed 3 Tbl. out of the box)<br />1 packet instant oatmeal (not sure how old it is)<br />A few lucky ones got milk with their cereal<br /><br />I thought about thawing out some hamburger buns if we're desperate.<br /><br />Josie and Carsen were out in the garden picking raspberries this morning. Smart kiddos.<br /><br />I'll be heading to the store soon armed with a long list....or at least heading to the store. My head isn't ready to make lists yet.<br /><br />Lord, I do just thank you that we have food. Even if we didn't we could jump in the car and go buy some. So many, many others have nothing this morning...or the morning after...or after that. God bless those that have nothing this morning. Fill them up and move us to help them. To know we have much...and others nothing...and not do anything about it is sin. Move us from complacency to helping and loving others with our wealth.From Five to Eighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948055007763105612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6288671884746303649.post-73998007645636830972009-08-06T21:17:00.002-05:002009-08-06T21:30:11.664-05:00Vacation and Headaches...We've been enjoying our week in the Ozarks. It's almost over which is sad. The kids have had a great time tubing, boating, knee-boarding and hanging with some other families we know that are down here vacationing too. Tomorrow is adult out-to-dinner night :) I think there will be about 45 kids and young adults left back at the vacation house. Seriously. <br /><br />I've read 2 books and had a relaxing time. I had to read House at Sugar Beach again--it was still as good as the first time I read it. Really makes me look at our Liberian kids and am so thankful they didn't go through most of that. It's a book I'd like to pass on to them when they're older. It has alot of good history about Liberia. <br /><br />My mom is out of the hospital which is great news! There were alot of people praying for her. Still don't have any reason why it happened but ruled out alot of other things which is good. Hopefully it was just a passing migraine thing and won't happen again. Our thoughts and prayers were certainly with them this week too.From Five to Eighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948055007763105612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6288671884746303649.post-92226775389196524272009-07-29T08:35:00.002-05:002009-07-29T08:44:41.499-05:00School Supply Insanity!I made my first of many trips to find the right items on the kids' school supply list.<br />I think there are about 492 items I need to buy :0 <br />We also need to bring 8 boxes Kleenex and enough hand sanitizers to keep the whole school germ free.<br /> <br />This is the first year we'll have five kids in school...a 1st grader, 2nd grader, 3rd..4th..and 5th grader. It will be a major adjustment all the way around but I'm hoping it will be better than last year's alternative. (me)From Five to Eighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948055007763105612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6288671884746303649.post-38453315886003546532009-07-25T20:44:00.002-05:002009-07-25T20:49:51.163-05:00My Second Job...I'm on the night shift now. I walk around the farm yard briefly looking for things askew...or strange sounds. Tonight on patrol near the barn I heard a frantic meow from one of our little kitties. I was thinking maybe it was trapped underneath the barn so I brought some food over hoping to lure it out somehow. Then I heard scratching and more meowing. I finally figured out it was coming from underneath the lid of a charcoal grill we have sitting in our barn. Poor little thing came scrambling out pretty hungry. I do think he must have been in just today. I'll never know because "no one" did it. Didn't think anyone would fess up when I asked....although I do have my suspicions. And he's 5. We do love animals. Yes we do. Some of them just don't show it in the nicest ways.From Five to Eighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948055007763105612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6288671884746303649.post-41843596614934648582009-07-24T17:41:00.002-05:002009-07-24T17:45:25.337-05:00With the Girls Gone...There isn't anything left out on the counter or the bathroom windowsill...<br /><br />There isn't a fog of hairspray in the bathroom (but I am cleaning off the sticky goo!)...<br /><br />There isn't a mess on the girls' bedroom floor...<br /><br />There is a little less laundry to do...<br /><br />There isn't quite as much food to make for meals...<br /><br />There's a little less food consumed in the nighttime hours...<br /><br />There aren't as many movies watched...<br /><br />There's a little black/white dog and 8 other people who miss them terribly! :)From Five to Eighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948055007763105612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6288671884746303649.post-1848070264648049842009-07-21T08:28:00.002-05:002009-07-21T08:34:04.186-05:00So Proud!I am so proud of my two oldest girls (14 and 12) They traveled solo from here to NC to visit good friends for 10 days. They navigated O'Hare like pros. (never having been on a commercial flight before) Now they are making memories, playing on the beach and just having girlfriend fun. The most amazing part is that they packed all their clothes and hair stuff in two carry-ons :)<br />Have fun girls! Love you! I hope to see some amazing pictures.From Five to Eighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948055007763105612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6288671884746303649.post-11381409130015215862009-07-06T10:21:00.003-05:002009-07-06T10:32:30.763-05:00We survived!We made it home from camp and had a great time! I think camp is actually more of a vacation than our "vacations" because I don't have to think about meals for 2 WHOLE days!! The speaker was an 84 yr. old gentleman with a very funny sense of humor. I left with a stomachache after each meeting and convicting thoughts on seeking God. <br />He reminded me of one of the actors in the movie Grumpy Old Men. What a heart for serving the Lord!<br /><br />We have piles of laundry taller than me. I think I'll be running the machine the next 2-3 days! Every set of sheets, blankets, swim and bath towel was brought along. I don't think we came home with anything clean. But that's camp.<br /><br />We really enjoyed having a few CR families join us this year. Felt almost like our adoptive mom's retreat :)<br /><br />Love talking to old friends and seeing the babies/children of the babies I use to hold. Nothing makes me feel older than that!<br /><br />I had to laugh when I heard a friend told one of my daughter's how "cool" I was in school growing up and she thought she was a nerd. I had just been talking to someone else about Michael Jackson and admitting that I actually wore a glove on one hand...for a few short weeks. Really cool, huh? :0<br /><br />Today is beautiful and I know my garden must be full of weeds. Off to work outside. My daughter might be posting some pictures on her blog of the weekend. Check on www.jumpinferjoy.blogspot.com <br />I didn't take any pictures!From Five to Eighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948055007763105612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6288671884746303649.post-69800327047119617642009-07-02T07:59:00.003-05:002009-07-02T08:07:29.923-05:00This is SUMMER in IOWA???Today is July 2nd. We were having a heat wave last week but this morning's temp is a cool 57. Haven't been to the pool all week. The kids are going through withdrawal...so am I!!! We even had chili last night for dinner and it actually hit the spot.<br />I'm looking forward to a warm up soon. Love that hot, humid Iowa weather. <br />We're off to family camp today. The kids think it's as good as Disney Land (well...they've never actually been there but I tell them it is) But it IS pretty exciting and we have a bunch of good friends going. I think the Liberians are going to overtake the camp someday :) There will be 18 Liberian kids there this year. Exciting. <br />Packing is a chore. So much bedding, towels and clothes!!! I'm not a big camping fan, but this is not REALLY camping. The food is excellent, teaching is always good, friendships are wonderful and activities galore. It's a little slice of heaven (wrapped up in Iowa weather!)From Five to Eighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948055007763105612noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6288671884746303649.post-13679768963047263532009-06-17T08:22:00.002-05:002009-06-17T08:34:20.821-05:00Best Thing Since Sliced Bread!!!I just found out about some cool little things called D-skins. They are plastic little disks that snap onto all cds...games...movies...ect. They protect them from scratches. It ends "disk death". This is revolutionary. Life changing. Amazing! (why didn't I think of that?!)<br />I ordered 50 for about $25 off of ebay or amazon. Totally, totally worth it. Easy to use. Saves us alot of $$ and irriatation! :)From Five to Eighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948055007763105612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6288671884746303649.post-70500614033910132922009-06-09T20:13:00.002-05:002009-06-09T20:28:34.552-05:00What Have We Been Doing???It seems like summer isn't here yet. School is done but the days haven't been that warm lately..so no pool yet. <br /><br />We've been working in the flower beds, garden and finished (finally!) weeding the raspberry patch. I can't wait for those...they're doing great. I love seeing the kids run out in the morning in their pjs eating them right off the bushes. <br />I've been selling alot of plants (mostly hostas) on craigslist which I think is just crazy. Can't believe people want to drive out here and buy it. It's been good though...goes in our vacation jar :) <br /> <br /><br />We've registered some kids for school. We have 5 kids that will be starting this fall at a small Christian school where we also go to church (# 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ) Bitty and the two older girls will be home. They will be taking an intense grammar/writing class at the school 4 days a week as well as classes at the home school assistance program. They are both signed up for the high school play which starts in Aug. (Wizard of OZ) so it will be a busy fall full of adjustments! <br /><br />I'm excited about doing something with the bigger girls' room. They moved downstairs into a spare room and it hasn't looked like "theirs" yet. We won't have the basement or attic finished for a long time...so it's time. We found a great wardrobe on craigslist for the girls. Now their room looks more organized and there aren't any excuses :0<br />We're looking forward to ideas from Aunt Chelle when they come in July! <br /><br />We just bunked a bed in the boys' room so that make it look huge. They love the change. <br /><br />The middle girls got rid of a daybed and we put in one of the extra bunks in their room. So everyone looks like they have a little change going on.<br /><br />The big girls will have some exciting news coming up but I'll have to let them share that.<br /><br />We're anxiously awaiting pool days...popcorn and the warm sun. Until then I"ll be wearing a sweatshirt!From Five to Eighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948055007763105612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6288671884746303649.post-3500534099484783992009-05-30T18:24:00.003-05:002009-05-30T18:32:08.920-05:00Our First "Gig"....I think we've been officially adopted by an adult care center in CR. We were there watching Olivia's Irish Step Dance troupe perform and really, really enjoyed visiting with the people there. Some places you walk in and think "ick"...this place was homey, friendly and we saw at least 4 African Americans there. I was thinking "I can't wait to meet them!". They LOVED Carsen and wanted everyone up front to get introduced. The kids all enjoyed talking and giving hugs. We met Grandma Florence from TN...Jackie from Chicago...Jake, an older gentleman that came up and introduced himself and started telling us about his former bull riding days. (he stayed on 9 seconds...the next day the bull was sent to the slaughter house)<br /><br />This is something I've wanted to do for years but it seemed overwhelming with so many kids. This felt like God was saying "OK...here's the place and now's the time".<br /><br />We're excited to visit again and hear many more stories. Who knows...we may be calling out Bingo numbers :)From Five to Eighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948055007763105612noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6288671884746303649.post-58565318673727075482009-05-29T08:08:00.001-05:002009-05-29T08:09:39.992-05:00Finding Your Life...(I read this on someone else's blog and it moved me) <br /><br /> <br /><br />“May you find your life in losing it. May you live your life<br /><br />by dying daily. May you give it all and keep nothing for<br /><br />yourself. May your treasure chest be filled to overflowing <br />with the priceless crowns of sacrificial devotion. <br />May you give yourself away in a joyful and risky abandon.<br /><br />May you follow the Lamb even if He takes you up a hill and<br /><br />onto a brutal cross. Especially if He takes you there.<br /><br />May you turn your back on safety and comfort and predictable<br /><br />and soft - and pour yourself out like a drink offering of love on<br /><br />the least of these, on the most of these, for the death and the life<br /><br />of these. May you spend what you cannot keep to gain what<br /><br />you can never lose. May you awake to live His dream, not<br /><br />yours, or your country’s , nor your family’s. And may you rejoice<br /><br />to hear the applause which is a weight of eternal glory too heavy<br /><br />to bear.” (~Timothy StonerFrom Five to Eighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948055007763105612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6288671884746303649.post-974676956614012832009-05-26T22:51:00.002-05:002009-05-26T22:55:30.890-05:00Farmer's Wife...I feel most like a farmer's wife when I go out in the garden to pick our salad for dinner. The lettuce is up...the spinach is up...the radishes are up...and green onions are up (the green beans are doing poorly) This is no small miracle folks. And I can't take any credit for our garden. Dave and the kids did most of the planting (I'm a weeder and waterer) I did toss a few potatoes in some holes...we'll see if we remember where they are.<br />So...like I said...I feel most like a farmer's wife picking our dinner salad out of the garden before a rain. And we didn't even eat it for dinner tonight. At least it's all washed, tossed and ready for tomorrow!<br />And I don't even have to water the garden tonight :)From Five to Eighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06948055007763105612noreply@blogger.com0