Ever Changing Streams

Weekly Dozen Goals

2012-02-13T07:00:00.001-05:00

This Week's Goals:
SPIRITUAL GROWTH GOALS
1. ~~Memorize Ephesians 1:16-18 and review 1:1-15~~

HEALTH and FITNESS
2. ~~Walk 6 miles this week.~~ I walked 9 miles this week!

HOME MANAGEMENT GOALS
3. ~~Create and blog weekly menu.~~
4. Finish filing recipes! (I got more recipes filed, but not all of them!)

HOMESCHOOLING
5. ~~Input Briana's lesson plans, for the remainder of the school year, into Edu-Track.~~

FAMILY GOALS
6. ~~Have kids do Valentine's Day cards~~
7. ~~Continue to pursue the possibility of piano lessons for two of the kids.~~

HOBBIES
8. ~~Crochet at least one third of baby afghan for Jathniel~~
9. ~~Blog one photo this week~~

LITERARY GOALS
10. ~~Finish reading~~ ~~Today Matters~~ ~~by John C Maxwell~~

EXTENDED FAMILY/FRIENDS
11. ~~I am blessed - A thank you note to be written this week.~~
12. ~~Mail Valentine Cards and gift.~~

This Week's Goals:
SPIRITUAL GROWTH GOALS
1. Memorize Ephesians 1:19-21 and review 1:1-18

HEALTH and FITNESS
2. Walk 8 miles this week.

HOME MANAGEMENT GOALS
3. Weekly Challenge - Coupons
4. Finish filing recipes!
5. Figure out how to use the Healthy Habits app on my iPhone.

HOMESCHOOLING
6. Input Curtis's lesson plans, for the remainder of the school year, into Edu-Track.

FAMILY GOALS
7. Friday Family Night

HOBBIES
8. Finish crocheting afghan for Jathniel
9. Blog one photo this week

LITERARY GOALS
10. Read 5 chapters from The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers.

EXTENDED FAMILY/FRIENDS
11. Purchase gift for a friend's new little one.
12. Send note to a friend this week.

Alex the Scientist

2012-02-12T14:34:00.001-05:00

Alex received a variety of science related items for Christmas and his birthday. Last evening he decided to put them to use.

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Alex getting ready to do an experiment.

Menu Plan

2012-02-11T23:44:00.002-05:00

Sunday - Golden Chicken and Noodles, Broccoli, Carrots, Peach Jello,

Sunday Evening - Oatmeal

Monday - Pizza

Tuesday - Potato Salad, Hamburgers, Baked Beans, Best-Ever Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake

Wednesday - Chicken Pot Pie and Salad (I am not sure which recipe I am going to try this time! Each highlighted word is linked to a different pot pie recipe!)

Thursday - Hearty Beef Stew & Rolls

Friday - Quick and Easy Mexican Pork Chops, Mexican Rice, Quick and Easy Black Beans (I add a can of green chilies and some garlic, chipotle chili pepper, and cayenne pepper to the pork chop recipe.)

Saturday - Chicken Tortilla Soup

Weekly Dozen Goals

2012-02-06T07:00:00.007-05:00

SPIRITUAL GROWTH GOALS
1. ~~Memorize Ephesians 1:13-15 and review 1:1-12~~

HEALTH and FITNESS
2. ~~Walk 3 miles this week.~~ I walked 7 miles this week! I did 4 miles outside and I did 3 miles inside with Leslie Sansone Walk Slim.

HOME MANAGEMENT GOALS
3. ~~Create and blog weekly menu~~. This makes the week flow so much better!
4. ~~Weekly Challenge - Recipes~~ Briana helped me file many recipes! We plan to complete the task next week
5. ~~Fix one new recipe this week.~~ - Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies

FAMILY GOALS
6. ~~Have each child finish writing their thank you notes this week.~~ All the notes are written and ready to be mailed.
7. ~~Pursue the possibility of piano lessons for two of the kids.~~ I worked on this several different days this week.

HOBBIES
8. ~~Finish crocheting soft peach baby afghan.~~ I finished the afghan on Saturday morning. This is the largest baby afghan I have ever made. It is much larger then I anticipated.

9. ~~Blog one photo this week~~

LITERARY GOALS
10. ~~Read five chapters from Today Matters by John C Maxwell~~ A great book!

EXTENDED FAMILY/FRIENDS
11. ~~Send one handwritten note/card this week~~ I got the note written and mailed!
12. ~~Purchase baby gift for my new nephew.~~ Shopping for babies is so much fun!

This Week's Goals:
SPIRITUAL GROWTH GOALS
1. Memorize Ephesians 1:16-18 and review 1:1-15

HEALTH and FITNESS
2. Walk 6 miles this week.

HOME MANAGEMENT GOALS
3. Create and blog weekly menu.
4. Finish filing recipes!

HOMESCHOOLING
5. Input Briana's lesson plans, for the remainder of the school year, into Edu-Track.

FAMILY GOALS
6. Have kids do Valentine's Day cards
7. Continue to pursue the possibility of piano lessons for two of the kids.

HOBBIES
8. Crochet at least one third of baby afghan for Jathniel
9. Blog one photo this week

LITERARY GOALS
10. Finish reading Today Matters by John C Maxwell

EXTENDED FAMILY/FRIENDS
11. I am blessed - A thank you note to be written this week.
12. Mail Valentine Cards and gift.

Menu Plan

2012-02-04T17:51:00.003-05:00

I am changing my menu plan to Sunday through Saturday. When I have planned Monday through Sunday, I end up changing my Sunday meal.

Sunday - Grilled Ribeye Steak, Baked Potatoes, Green Beans, Salad, and Quick Black Forest Torte

Sunday Evening - ~~Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup~~ Oatmeal

Monday - Mexican Chow Mein

Tuesday - Hamburger Helper & Green Beans

Wednesday - Breakfast Burritos This recipe is the basis for what I do. I scramble my eggs separately and make a few other minor changes. I will try and post my exact recipe next week.

Thursday - ~~Golden Chicken and Noodles, Broccoli, Carrots, Peach Jello~~ Macaroni & Cheese and Chili Dogs

Friday - ~~Beef Potato Dinner~~ Panda Express (Chinese)

Saturday - ~~Pizza~~ (Bob Evans)

Ruffle Scarf

2012-02-03T23:35:00.001-05:00

This is the ruffle scarf that I completed last week. I knitted this scarf using Red Heart Boutique Sashay yarn. I am in the process of making another one using Patons Pirouette. (A big Thank You to my sister, Heidi, for the Patons Pirouette yarn!) These scarves are really easy and enjoyable to do.

Weekly Dozen Goals

2012-01-30T07:00:00.002-05:00

I had a great week this past week in regards to goals. This is not all I accomplish in a week, but they are areas where I need the extra push to keep moving.

Last Week's Goals:

SPIRITUAL GROWTH GOALS
1. ~~Memorize Ephesians 1:10-12 and Review 1:1-9~~ This was a hard section of verses to memorize this week, but I made it!
2. ~~Continue with GMG's study of the book of Ephesians.~~ I am enjoying this slow study of Ephesians!

HEALTH and FITNESS
3. Walk 3 miles this week. - I walked 2 miles this week! It was a chilly walk, but it was refreshing!

HOME MANAGEMENT GOALS
4. ~~Create and blog weekly menu.~~
5. ~~Weekly Challenge - Refrigerator and Freezers~~ (I plan to try to work in the cleaning of my large pantry and the remaining cupboards as well!) I got the weekly challenge completed this week. I am thrilled especially since I was a bit under the weather the first three or four days of the week.
6. ~~Fix one new recipe this week.~~ I made a new potato soup recipe and my husband said that it was the best potato soup he had ever eaten.

FAMILY GOALS
7. ~~Have each child write one thank you note this week.~~ All 5 kids wrote one thank you note each and three of them wrote a second note.

We enjoyed watching Courageous together as a family on Friday night.

HOBBIES
8. ~~Knit a scarf using Red Heart Sashay yarn.~~ I finished the scarf and wore it!
9.~~Crochet 10 rows on baby afghan.~~ I completed 20+ rows.

LITERARY GOALS
10. ~~Finish reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan.~~ It was a thought provoking read.

EXTENDED FAMILY/FRIENDS
11. ~~File cards in card organizer and make a list of cards I need to purchase for next 5 months.~~
12. ~~Write 2 thank you notes this week.~~ The last of my thank you notes for now.

This Week's Goals:
SPIRITUAL GROWTH GOALS
1. Memorize Ephesians 1:13-15 and review 1:1-12

HEALTH and FITNESS
2. Walk 3 miles this week.

HOME MANAGEMENT GOALS
3. Create and blog weekly menu.
4. Weekly Challenge - Recipes
5. Fix one new recipe this week.

FAMILY GOALS
6. Have each child finish writing their thank you notes this week.
7. Pursue the possibility of piano lessons for two of the kids.

HOBBIES
8. Finish crocheting soft peach baby afghan.
9. Blog one photo this week

LITERARY GOALS
10. Read five chapters from Today Matters by John C Maxwell

EXTENDED FAMILY/FRIENDS
11. Send one handwritten note/card this week
12. Purchase baby gift for my new nephew.

Menu Plan

2012-01-29T22:58:00.004-05:00

Monday - Stuffed Peppers

Tuesday -~~Beef and Bean Burritos~~ Chef Salad using leftover grilled chicken from Sunday dinner

Wednesday - Potato Soup, French Bread

Thursday - Meatloaf, Scalloped Potatoes, Broccoli, Salad

Friday - Chicken Pot Pie and Cottage Cheese

Saturday - Chili and Cornbread

Sunday - ~~Turkey Breast, Mashed Potatoes, Noodles, Stuffing, Green Beans~~ Grilled Ribeye Steak, Baked Potatoes, Green Beans, and Salad

Weekly Dozen Goals

2012-01-23T07:00:00.004-05:00

Last Week's Goals:

SPIRITUAL GROWTH GOALS
1. ~~Memorize Ephesians 1:7-9 and Review 1:1-6~~
2. ~~Continue reading through my Bible utilizing a chronological reading plan.~~

HEALTH and FITNESS
3. Walk 3 miles this week. - I walked 2 miles this week.

HOME MANAGEMENT GOALS
4. ~~Create and blog weekly menu.~~
5. Weekly Challenge - ~~Kitchen Pantry~~ and Food Storage Areas (If I have time, I am going to try and do the Kitchen Cupboards that I didn't complete this past week.) I got my kitchen pantry cleaned out and two-thirds of my baking cupboard, but I did not get my large pantry cleaned out. I also got my last counter cleaned off from week one! That makes me really happy!

FAMILY GOALS
6. ~~Help Briana finish crocheting a granny square.~~
7. ~~Have a family game night~~ We played Big Boggle and I won! I think I need to play with my sister, Heidi, again and see if I can finally beat her! :) We also had Chubby Hubby Rice Krispies Treats for a snack!

FINANANCIAL
8. ~~Develop a family budget~~

HOBBIES
9. ~~Finish knitting Butterfly Wash Cloth.~~

LITERARY GOALS
10. ~~Read one-half of Crazy Love by Francis Chan.~~

EXTENDED FAMILY/FRIENDS
11. ~~Write and mail two thank you notes!~~
12.~~Prepare and mail two birthday cards!~~

This Week's Goals:

SPIRITUAL GROWTH GOALS
1. Memorize Ephesians 1:10-12 and Review 1:1-9
2. Continue with GMG's study of the book of Ephesians.

HEALTH and FITNESS
3. Walk 3 miles this week.

HOME MANAGEMENT GOALS
4. Create and blog weekly menu.
5. Weekly Challenge - Refrigerator and Freezer (I plan to try to work in the cleaning of my large pantry and the remaining cupboards as well!)
6. Fix one new recipe this week.

FAMILY GOALS
7. Have each child write one thank you note this week.

HOBBIES
8. Knit a scarf using Red Heart Sashay yarn.
9.Crochet 10 rows on afghan.

LITERARY GOALS
10. Finish reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan.

EXTENDED FAMILY/FRIENDS
11. File cards in card organizer and make a list of cards I need to purchase for next 5 months.
12. Write 2 thank you notes this week.

Menu Plan

2012-01-22T16:04:00.002-05:00

Monday - Cheesy Potatoes, Sloppy Joes, Mixed Veggies

Tuesday -Roast, Noodles, Mashed Potatoes, Honey Glazed Carrots, Cottage Cheese (Leftover from Sunday dinner)

Wednesday - Potato Soup, French Bread

Thursday -Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad

Friday -~~Scalloped Potatoes, Meatloaf, Green Beans or Broccoli, Salad~~ - Chinese

Saturday - Pizza

Sunday - ~~Baked Potatoes, Barbecue Ribs, Mixed Veggies, Cherry Fluff, Rolls~~
Grilled Chicken, Baked Potatoes Mixed Veggies, Fruit Salad

My Weekly Dozen - Goals

2012-01-15T15:04:00.004-05:00

Setting goals has been a very helpful thing for me to do. I have gotten things accomplished this week that I would have otherwise not thought to do or would have put off until a later time.

Last Week's Goals:

SPIRITUAL GROWTH GOALS
1. ~~Memorize Ephesians 1:4-6 and review 1:1-3~~
2. ~~Continue reading through my Bible utilizing a chronological reading plan.~~

HEALTH and FITNESS
3. Walk 6 miles this week (This was not the week to get back into an exercise routine. I had too many other routines, I was trying to resume. Hopefully, I can resume this one next week. I think I will set a smaller goal and build as I go. I don't really think I am ready to go from 0 to 6 in one week after being off for a good month.)

HOME MANAGEMENT GOALS
4. ~~Create and blog weekly menu~~
5. Weekly Challenge - ~~Clean out and reorganize all kitchen drawers~~ and cupboards. (I got the drawers done, but did not get my cupboards finished.)

FAMILY GOALS
6. Educational Field Trip - cancelled
7.  ~~Ice Skating Party~~
8.  ~~Family Birthday Party for Alex~~

HOBBIES
9. ~~Finish knitting Waffle Knit Dishcloth~~ (My first completed knitting project! - I taught myself to knit over the holidays. During our time together with my sisters this Christmas, at one point we were all sitting together learning to cast on and knit. It was a great time!)

LITERARY GOALS
10. ~~Finish reading Preparing for Adolescence by Dr. James Dobson and pick up Crazy Love from Library~~.

EXTENDED FAMILY/FRIENDS
11.~~Put together a supply list for the homemade gift I am making for my mother and sisters for next Christmas.~~
12. ~~Upload family pictures from Christmas to Walgreens for Mom.~~

This Week's Goals:

SPIRITUAL GROWTH GOALS
1. Memorize Ephesians 1:7-9 and Review 1:1-6
2. Continue reading through my Bible utilizing a chronological reading plan.

HEALTH and FITNESS
3. Walk 3 miles this week.

HOME MANAGEMENT GOALS5
4. Create and blog weekly menu.
5. Weekly Challenge - Kitchen Pantry and Food Storage Areas (If I have time, I am going to try and do the Kitchen Cupboards that I didn't complete this past week.)

FAMILY GOALS
6. Help Briana finish crocheting a granny square.
7. Have a family game night

FINANANCIAL
8. Develop a family budget

HOBBIES
9. Finish knitting Butterfly Wash Cloth.

LITERARY GOALS
10.  Read one-half of Crazy Love by Francis Chan.

EXTENDED FAMILY/FRIENDS
11. Write and mail two thank you notes!
12.Prepare and mail two birthday cards!

Happy Birthday, Alex

2012-01-15T14:40:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday, Alex! My baby boy turned 11 today. He was thrilled with the lab coat that he got for his birthday. We even had to take pictures of him with his cake while he was wearing it.

Menu Plan

2012-01-15T14:10:00.001-05:00

Monday - Baked Potatoes, Chicken Divan, and Fruit Salad (Leftover from Alex's birthday dinner.)

Tuesday -Rice, Chicken Baked Pork Chops, Stuffing, Peas, Applesauce (Leftover from Sunday dinner)

Wednesday - Spaghetti, Corn, Breadsticks

Thursday - Chicken Tacos (minus the cumin), Mexican Rice, Quick and Easy Black Beans

Friday - Chef Salad

Saturday - Red Robin

Sunday - Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Noodles, Carrots, Cottage Cheese, Chocolate Pie

Weekly Dozen - Goals

2012-01-10T15:44:00.003-05:00

Last year I followed 3 in 30 in making three goals each month. I only set goals for half the year, but I did find that it really helped me the months I set definite goals. I have decided that this year I am going to set more than 3 goals in a given month so will not be using 3 in 30. I have read quite a bit about setting SMART goals through Money Saving Mom's website, and I have decided to use her thoughts as a basis for my goal setting this year. I am still working on my list of yearly goals, but I have gone ahead and put together a list of goals for this week based on the rough draft of my yearly goals.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH GOALS
1. Memorize Ephesians 1:4-6 and review 1:1-3
2. Continue reading through my Bible utilizing a chronological reading plan.

HEALTH and FITNESS
3. Walk 6 miles this week

HOME MANAGEMENT GOALS
4. Create and blog weekly menu
5. Weekly Challenge - Clean out and reorganize all kitchen cupboards and drawers.

FAMILY GOALS
6. Educational Field Trip
7. Ice Skating Party
8. Family Birthday Party for Alex

HOBBIES
9. Finish knitting Waffle Knit Dishcloth

LITERARY GOALS
10. Finish reading Preparing for Adolescence by Dr. James Dobson and pick up Crazy Love from Library.

EXTENDED FAMILY/FRIENDS
11.Put together a supply list for the homemade gift I am making for my mother and sisters for next Christmas.
12. Upload family pictures from Christmas to Walgreens for Mom.

Menu Plan

2012-01-10T13:10:00.002-05:00

Monday - Eggnog French Toast, Eggs, and Bacon

Tuesday - Lasagna, Green Beans, Salad

Wednesday - Tuna Patties, Macaroni and Cheese, Lima Beans

Thursday - Taco Soup

Friday - Chinese

Saturday - (Alex's Birthday) - Baked Potatoes, Chicken Divan, Strawberry Fresca, Chocolate Bundt Cake

Sunday - Chicken Baked Pork Chops, Rice, Stuffing, Applesauce, Peas, Chocolate Cake

Time Marches On!

2012-01-08T15:53:00.001-05:00

Our current Christmas family photo along with ones dating back to 2003. I am assuming that it was 2003 when we got our first digital camera, because that is as far as our photos go back. Oh, how quickly time has moved on.

Christmas 2011

Christmas 2010

Christmas 2009

Christmas 2008

Christmas 2007

Christmas 2006

Christmas 2005

Fall 2005

Christmas 2004

Christmas 2003

The Evening Sky

2012-01-05T18:22:00.001-05:00

A beautiful sunset behind our home this evening!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-21T10:43:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

Jeff, Dixie,

Curtis, Samuel, Alex,

Briana, and Julissa

Mini Vacation in August with Grandma

2011-12-05T00:06:00.021-05:00

In August of this year, we went on a mini vacation with my mom. We went to Springfield, Illinois and visited many places that related to Abraham Lincoln and we also went to Missouri and visited the home of Mark Twain. I will post a few of the pictures from our time together.

The kids enjoyed dressing up with costumes from the time period of Lincoln.

L to R: Samuel, Briana, Julissa, and Alex

Curtis and Grandma were shopping in the bookstore!

The kids are standing in front of the Lincoln Family.

Julissa, Alex, and Briana enjoying themselves in the play area at the Lincoln Museum.

Samuel and Alex thoroughly enjoying being dressed the part.

Alex peeking over Samuel's shoulder.

The above pictures were all taken at the Lincoln Presidential Museum.

There was a miniature golf course not too far from our hotel, so we took advantage of it. We enjoyed playing miniature golf with my mom. I believe this was the first time she had ever played.

Curtis, Mom, and I

The next group of pictures were taken at Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site.

Curtis, Samuel, Alex, Briana, and Julissa

Grandma and her grandkids

Mom and I

Julissa

Briana

Alex

Samuel

Curtis

Curtis and Samuel

Now we are getting ready to tour Lincoln's home in Springfield, IL.

Lincoln's Singing Troubadours at the visitor center to Lincoln's home. This group did a wonderful job singing acapella. I believe I could have sat there and listened to them for hours.

After touring the Lincoln Home, we got to listen to Mr. Lincoln talk in his backyard. Curtis is listening intently to what he has to say.

Mr. Lincoln

Briana and Julissa with Mr. Lincoln

Julissa and Briana with Mrs. Lincoln

Lincoln's Tomb

3 in 30 Goals for June!

2011-06-01T16:04:00.003-04:00

1. HOMESCHOOL - My goal for homeschooling is really two-fold, so I will be spending June and July on this goal. I need to prepare quarterly binders for each child and input all lesson plans into Edu-Track for the 2011-2012 school year.

2. HOME -This goal may take me June and July as well. I need to reorganize and declutter all bookcases in preparation for the upcoming school year. I am running out of shelf space and I really don't have room for any more bookcases, so I must get rid of books! I have 2 double seven-foot bookcases, 3 double six-foot bookcases, 5 single six-foot bookcases, 1 really large bookcase, and 12 small bookcases. Yikes! Can you tell I am a librarian's daughter?!

3. SELF-EDUCATION - I want to finish reading the book The 5 Love Languages of Teenagers by Gary Chapman.

Review of 3 in 30 Goals for May

2011-06-01T15:38:00.002-04:00

It has been a busy month and I did not accomplish everything I set out to accomplish. But I did make progress, which is better than nothing!

1. HOMESCHOOL - My first goal for this month is to finalize all curriculum decisions and purchase all needed curriculum for my five children for the 2011-2012 school year. I will have a 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 8th grader this fall. It seems like just yesterday that I started PreK with my oldest!

I made quite a bit of progress with this goal, and I hope to have it finished by the weekend. I have placed quite a few of my orders and am waiting until convention to finalize a few things.

2. HOME - I plan to remove clutter and thoroughly clean my Master Bedroom this month. I also plan to go through all of my clothes and get rid of those that are too big! I may need to shop for some new clothes when I am done!

There is not enough time in my day! I cleaned out my dresser and got rid of clothes, but did not get everything done in my room.

3. SELF-EDUCATION - I want to finish reading the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.

I finished reading this book! Yeah! One goal complete in its entirety!

3 in 30 Goals for May

2011-05-02T16:14:00.001-04:00

After taking the month of April off from 3 in 30, I am ready to participate again in the 3 in 30 challenge during the month of May.

1. HOMESCHOOL - My first goal for this month is to finalize all curriculum decisions and purchase all needed curriculum for my five children for the 2011-2012 school year. I will have a 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 8th grader this fall. It seems like just yesterday that I started PreK with my oldest!

2. HOME - I plan to remove clutter and thoroughly clean my Master Bedroom this month. I also plan to go through all of my clothes and get rid of those that are too big! I may need to shop for some new clothes when I am done!

3. SELF-EDUCATION - I want to finish reading the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.

Easter 2011

2011-04-26T00:00:00.000-04:00

I know, I know, it is a total shock to some of you to see that I have actually posted pictures! Hopefully you recover okay!

We enjoyed spending Easter weekend with Mom, Heidi (my sister) and her husband Mike. Heidi and I bought new outfits for Easter at separate times and places, and we ended up with matching outfits!

Heidi, Mom, and I

Heidi and I

Jeff and I

My Family

Our Kids!

Menu Plan Monday

2011-04-08T18:21:00.000-04:00

Monday - Chef Salad using leftover Teriyaki Grilled Chicken from Sunday

Tuesday - Macaroni and Cheese, Chili Dogs, and Cottage Cheese

Wednesday - Greek Style Skillet Supper

Thursday - Chicken Tortilla Soup

Friday - Beef and Bean Burritos with Pico De Gallo

Saturday - Lunch - Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Tomato Soup

Supper -

Sunday - Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Green Beans, Fruit Salad, Rolls

Menu Plan Monday

2011-03-28T07:00:00.002-04:00

This week I am participating in Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Monday - Mexican Chow Mein

Tuesday - Chef Salad w/ Grilled Chicken

Wednesday - Barbecue Sandwiches, Potato Chips, Vegetables

Thursday - Chipotle

Friday - Mall Food Court

Saturday - Pizza Hut and/or Panera Bread

Sunday - Grilled Chicken, Baked Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Fruit Salad
Supper - Taco Soup

3 in 30 - March Goals - Week Four Check-In

2011-03-27T00:26:00.000-04:00

Wow! The month of March is about over. It has been a busy month, but a good month.

Earlier Bedtime

I am going to aim for an 11:00 p.m. bedtime. I am a night owl, so this is going to be a difficult goal for me. In order to accomplish this goal, I am going to have to move up my children's bedtime, so that I can still have that needed downtime before I go to bed.

I feel like I have developed a good habit this month in regards to an earlier bedtime. I have been to bed around 11 p.m. every night this past week except for last night. We had a youth activity night after our church service and didn't get home until 12:45 a.m. But I was definitely knowing it when 11 p.m. rolled around.

Square Foot Gardening

The kids and I are wanting to do some gardening this year. So I decided that planning a garden would be a great goal for this month. Because of the limited space that we have, I feel that square foot gardening is the best option for us. I plan to utilize the library and online websites to help me meet this goal.

Master Bedroom Closet

Do a purge and reorganization of closet!

I did not get any further this week with my closet or the gardening. Instead, I spent my week catching up on laundry after being without my washer for 11 days. And we also had nightly revival services this week. So with extra laundry, homeschooling, extra church services, cooking, cleaning, a day with a migraine, grocery shopping, and a funeral, I didn't have the time nor the energy to tackle more on the gardening or the closet organization. It doesn't really look too hopeful that I will tackle it this coming week either, but I definitely plan to get these finished in the coming weeks.

I have enjoyed doing 3 in 30 again this month and plan to participate again in April.

Taco Soup

2011-03-26T11:21:00.002-04:00

Taco Soup

1 to 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 pkg Taco Seasoning
2 cans Whole Kernel Corn, undrained
2 cans Ranch Style Beans, undrained
1 can Black Beans, Rinsed and Drained
2 cans Diced Tomatoes with Jalapeños, undrained

Corn Chips
Shredded Cheese
Diced Onion
Sour Cream

Brown beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the taco seasoning, corn, beans, and tomatoes. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Place corn chips in soup bowls; ladle soup over top. Top with shredded cheese, diced onion, and sour cream if desired.

Menu Plan Monday

2011-03-21T07:00:00.002-04:00

This week I am participating in Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Monday - Crunchy Garlic Chicken, Baked Potatoes/Baked Sweet Potatoes, California Blend Veggies

Tuesday - Beef Steak and Mushroom Gravy, Brown Rice, Peas, Fruit Salad

Wednesday - Breakfast Burritos

Thursday - Subway

Friday - Chili and Cinnamon Rolls

Saturday - Greek-Style Skillet Supper

Sunday - Barbecue, Baked Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Fruit Salad

3 in 30 - March Goals - Week Three Check-In

2011-03-20T21:36:00.002-04:00

Updated progress is written below each goal.

Earlier Bedtime

I am a night owl and am used to going to bed around 1:00 or 1:30 a.m. So I feel like I have come quite far when my latest bedtime this past week was 11:20 p.m. I feel like this is developing into a good habit!

Square Foot Gardening

I am still waiting on the book and DVD from the library. I think at this point I am just going to go ahead and order them from Amazon. Last Saturday we purchased two Raised Bed Garden Kits from Sam's Club. I think we are going to purchase a third kit before we are finished. I don't feel like I have made enough progress in this area, but plan to keep plugging away at it.

Master Bedroom Closet

Do a purge and reorganization of closet!

I have not done a single thing in my closet this week. I had planned to spend a good part of Saturday finishing it, but it did not happen. Hopefully next week I will get it finished.

Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded. II Chronicles 15:7

Menu Plan Monday

2011-03-12T12:46:00.013-05:00

This week I am participating in Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Monday - Orange Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry with Rice

Tuesday - Southwest Pasta Salad (Ladies of Grace Meeting)

Wednesday - Calico Beans with Corn Bread

Thursday - Corned Beef with Cabbage, Red Potatoes, and Carrots, Irish Soda Bread, Lime Ice Box Cake

Friday - Beef and Bean Burritos with Pico de Gallo

Saturday - Leftovers for Lunch
Corned Beef Hash and Scrambled Eggs for Supper

Sunday - Round Steak and Mushroom Gravy, Brown Rice, Peas, and Fruit Salad

3 in 30 - March Goals - Week Two Check-In

2011-03-12T11:14:00.001-05:00

I am pleased with the progress I have made so far this month. I have updated my progress in purple below each of my goals.

Earlier Bedtime

(I made it to bed by 11 pm four (almost five) out of the last seven nights! Two of the nights we were away and didn't get home till 11 pm or after. Then last night I decided to stay up with my husband for awhile!)

Square Foot Gardening

(I went to the library last Saturday and found that the All New Square Foot Gardening book and DVD were checked out. I placed a hold on the items and I am still waiting for them to come in. Today I plan to go and price the squares.)

Master Bedroom Closet

Do a purge and reorganization of closet!

(I have worked in my closet almost everyday this week and I have gotten quite a bit done!)

I hope things are going well for all of you that are participating in 3 in 30!

Menu Plan Monday

2011-03-07T07:00:00.005-05:00

This week I am participating in Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Monday - Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad using the leftover Mexican Fiesta Grilled Chicken from Sunday

Tuesday - Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions served with Scrambled Eggs and Hash Browns

Wednesday - Spaghetti, Corn, Toast

Thursday - Tex-Mex Pork Chops, Mexican Rice and Quick and Easy Black Beans

Friday - Loaded Baked Potato Soup, Crusty French Bread

Saturday - Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (Lunch) Leftovers and/or Cereal for Supper

Sunday - Sauerkraut, Kielbasa, Mashed Potatoes, Lima Beans, Corn, Fruit Salad

March 3 in 30 Goals With End of Week Check-In

2011-03-01T07:00:00.017-05:00

I feel that setting three goals in February was very beneficial to me, so I am choosing to participate again during the month of March.

Earlier Bedtime
I am going to aim for an 11:00 p.m. bedtime. I am a night owl, so this is going to be a difficult goal for me. In order to accomplish this goal, I am going to have to move up my children's bedtime, so that I can still have that needed downtime before I go to bed.

(I made it to bed by 11 p.m. Tuesday through Friday!)

Square Foot Gardening
The kids and I are wanting to do some gardening this year. So I decided that planning a garden would be a great goal for this month. Because of the limited space that we have, I feel that square foot gardening is the best option for us. I plan to utilize the library and online websites to help me meet this goal.

(I have started reading online and plan to go to the library today)

Master Bedroom Closet
Do a purge and reorganization of closet!

(This is a definite work in progress!)

Menu Plan Monday

2011-02-28T08:00:00.015-05:00

This week I am participating in Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Monday - Oven Baked Chicken, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Spinach or Broccoli with Cheese Sauce

Tuesday - Beef in Mushroom Gravy (This is the original recipe, but we have changed it greatly over time), Peas, Strawberry Fresca

Wednesday - Slow Cooker Chicken Burritos (Next time Jeff wants this with Quick and Easy Black Beans and a Rice dish.)

Thursday - Chipotle and/or Panera Bread

Friday - Mushroom Pepper Steak and Brown Basmati Rice (excellent)

Saturday - Spaghetti, Corn, Breadsticks

Sunday - Baked Potatoes, Grilled Chicken, Mixed Vegetables, Fruit Salad

3 in 30 - February Goals - Week Four Check-In

2011-02-26T11:47:00.000-05:00

February has certainly flown by, but I feel like I have developed some good habits this month.

Weight Loss
I am more than pleased with my weight loss this month. I have lost an additional 2.5 pounds this week which makes my total loss for the month 8 pounds. I am very happy to have exceeded my goal by 3 pounds. I feel like I have developed some good habits in regards to eating healthier and getting more exercise. :)

Recipe Organization
Undertaking the organization of my recipes has been no easy feat. I have not completed all I want to do, but I have made good progress. So far this month, I have placed all my recipe printouts in sheet protectors and in binders. I still need to file recipes from my recipe box, a small photo album, and a small tote in my closet. In order to finish this task, I need to get at least one more binder, some sheet protectors that will hold 4 x 6 recipe cards, and dividers that will extend beyond the edge of a sheet protector. I do not plan to make the completion of this task a goal for March, for I feel that I have progressed enough this month that I will complete this task March without the needed push of making it a goal for another month.

Purposeful Reading
I have read more books to my girls this month than in previous months, but I am still not where I would like to be. I think there are some other areas in our life that really need to change before this will become a habit.

Conclusion
I have thoroughly enjoyed participating in 3 in 30 in the month of February, and I am looking forward to participating again in the month of March. I will list my goals for March in another post.

Weekly Menu

2011-02-20T22:54:00.004-05:00

Monday - Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Noodles, Stuffing, Green Beans, Chocolate Bundt Cake (Julissa's Birthday Meal)

Tuesday - Leftover Barbecue

Wednesday - McDonalds

Thursday - Leftover Turkey

Friday - Pizza, Salad

Saturday - Turkey Sandwiches on Deli Flats

Sunday - Steak and Mushroom Gravy, Rice, Peas, Salad

3 in 30 - February Goals - Third Week Check-In

2011-02-19T13:02:00.000-05:00

I see that this week we are to include some bit of encouragement that has helped us this past week. I have not really had anything in the forefront during the week, but the verse that comes to mind as I am typing is "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13

It is hard to fathom that February is about over. I am quite pleased with the progress I have made with 2 of my 3 goals this month.

Weight Loss
I have exceeded my goal for the month. I am down 3 pounds this week. That makes it 5.5 pounds that I have lost so far this month. I have done this by making healthy eating choices and exercising 5 days this week.

Purposeful Reading
I have not done near as well with reading to the girls this week. This definitely has not become a habit yet. At this point, I am thinking that I will include this goal as one of my three goals again next month. This week we read Harvey's Hideout by Russell Hoban , Peppe the Lamplighter by Elisa Bartone, and Donkey, Donkey by Roger Duvosin. My oldest girl also reads a lot on her own and they both listen to stories/books on CD. So I am not worried about a lack of hearing or reading good books, but there is just something extra special about reading together. It is a great way to spend quality time together, and it is fun to share the experience of a good book with your child(ren).

Recipe Organization
I am not finished with my recipe organization yet, but I am happy with my progress. I have put many more recipes in binders this week. I currently have three large binders with recipes. I am thinking I may need a fourth binder before I am done.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Weekly Menu

2011-02-14T08:28:00.002-05:00

Monday - Pizza for kids

Tuesday - Leftover Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Noodles, Carrots, etc.

Wednesday - Breakfast Burritos

Thursday - Greek Pasta Salad

Friday - Chicken, Rice, Peas, Fruit Salad, Rolls, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip Cookies

Saturday - Each for his own.

Sunday - Barbeque, Baked Potatoes, Mixed Vegies, Jello Salad

Weekly Menu

2011-02-12T22:27:00.001-05:00

This menu is for the week just ending.

Monday - Traveling (Kids ate at McDonalds for supper)

Tuesday - Beef and Bean Burritos with Pico de Gallo

Wednesday - Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, and Bagels

Thursday - Meatloaf, Scalloped Potatoes, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans, Salad

Friday - Chicken Enchiladas with Pico de Gallo and Mexican Rice

Saturday - Mexican Fiesta Chicken Chef Salad

Sunday - Roast, Potatoes, Carrots, Cottage Cheese, Rolls

3 in 30 - February Goals - Second Week Check-In

2011-02-11T22:08:00.003-05:00

It is hard to believe that February is about half over. I have been working on three goals this month. Two of which I hope to continue in the months ahead. Below is an update on the progress I have made this week.

Weight Loss
I am so happy with my progress this week in regards to losing 5 pounds this month. We were gone this past Thursday through late Monday night visiting family and I was still able to lose 1 pound this week. This week I walked 1 mile on Tuesday, 1.5 miles on Wednesday, 1.5 miles on Thursday, and 1 mile on Friday with Leslie Sansone's Walk Off 10 Pounds DVD. I am down 2.5 pounds for the month with 2.5 pounds to go this month. :)

Purposeful Reading
This week I have read to the girls Tuesday through Friday and plan to read on Saturday. I have read The Happy Lion by Louise Fatio, Corduroy by Don Freeman (an old favorite), A Light Kindled (The True Story of Priscilla Mullins) by Tracy M Leininger - Chapter 1 on Thursday, Chapters 2, 3, and 4 on Friday, and plan to read Chapters 5, 6, and 7 on Saturday.

Organization of Recipes
I have sorted through quite a few recipes and put them into sheet protectors. This is going to take some time, but I am pleased with the progress that I have made thus far.

3 in 30 - February Goals - Week One Check-In

2011-02-06T22:16:00.001-05:00

My 3 goals for the month of February are:

Goal #1 - Lose 5 pounds
I used Leslie Sansone's Walk Off 10 Pounds DVD and walked one mile four different days this week. I was down 1.5 pounds by Thursday! Only 3.5 more to go this month!

Goal #2 - Read to my girls 5 days out of the week
On Tuesday, I read three books to the girls. We read Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst, Jamberry by Bruce Degen, and The Ugly Duckling as retold by Lillian Moore

On Thursday, I read two books -Jennie's Hat by Ezra Jack Keats and Have You Seen Louie? by Muriel A. Munro

On Friday, I read one book - The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper

On Saturday, I read one book - The Store-Bought Doll by Lois Meyer (Little Golden Book)

On Sunday, I read one book - The Shoelace Box by Elizabeth Winthrop (Little Golden Book)

Goal #3 - Organize my Recipes

Oops! I have not started working on my recipes.

3 in 30 - Goals for February

2011-01-31T23:50:00.000-05:00

In mid-January, I came across a blog post talking about making goals reality, three at a time, and I have decided that I am going to participate in the month of February.

The three goals that I have set for this month are:

Weight Loss - My first goal for the month of February is to lose 5 pounds. I will try to achieve this goal by making better food choices, eating smaller portions, and exercising.

Organization of Recipes - I have many recipe cards and printed out copies of recipes that are not organized in a way that I can quickly access what I need. So my second goal is to organize all my recipes. I plan to achieve this goal by putting all my recipes in binders.

Purposeful Reading - My final goal is to read a book to my two girls at least five days out of the week. When my three boys were younger, I read to them a lot. But with the busyness of homeschooling five children, I have not read much at all to my younger two. We will try to rectify that this month and in so doing hope that it becomes a habit that will continue for the rest of the year.

Weekly Menu

2011-01-31T14:24:00.013-05:00

An easy week, as far as cooking goes, provided the weather cooperates!

Monday - Leftover Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Noodles, Stuffing, Green Beans, and Fruit Salad.

Tuesday - Taco Soup

Wednesday -Breakfast Burritos

Thursday - McDonalds - Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad

Friday - Eat Out - Mexican (El Pueblito)

Saturday - Supper w/ Family (Thank you, Vicki and Paul)

Sunday - Baked Potatoes and/or Baked Sweet Potatoes, Ham, Green Beans, Jello Salad, Broccoli Salad, Rolls, Blackberry Cobbler, and Coconut Macaroon Pie @ my In-Laws

Mexican Chow Mein

2011-01-26T16:14:00.000-05:00

Mexican Chow Mein is a great way to use leftover Chili. Although there have been times that I make Chili for the sole purpose of having Mexican Chow Mein.

The following things are layered on one's plate in the order given:

Crushed Tortilla Chips
Cooked Rice (Brown or White)
Chili
Shredded Cheese
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Diced Onions
Sour Cream
Salsa

Chili Recipe (Optional)

1 1/2 lb Ground Beef, browned (I season mine with salt, pepper, minced onions, basil, oregano, parsley, and garlic powder when I brown it)
5 (15 oz) cans Chili Beans (Hot) - I use Kroger brand
1 can (26 oz.) Hunts Zesty and Spicy Spaghetti Sauce
2 (14.5 oz.) cans Tomatoes w/ Jalapeños

Mix everything together in a large stock pot and bring to boil over medium heat. Turn down heat, cover pan, and simmer for an hour. Stir often.

The Week's Menu!

2011-01-24T20:21:00.001-05:00

The following is my menu plan for the week (subject to change).

Monday Dinner - Mexican Chow Mein

Tuesday Dinner - Chicken Fajitas, Black Beans, Chips, Salsa

Wednesday Dinner - Leftover Ham, Hash Brown Casserole, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans, & Rolls

Thursday Dinner - Breakfast Burritos

Friday Dinner - Spaghetti, Corn, Salad, Garlic Bread Sticks

Saturday Dinner - Penne Pasta

Sunday Dinner - Turkey Breast, Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Green Beans, Squash, Salad,

Christmas Tree - 2010

2010-12-13T00:05:00.000-05:00

We put the ribbon and ornaments on our tree today!

GBS Homecoming 2010

2010-10-09T21:46:00.001-04:00

I had the privilege of attending GBS Homecoming for the first time in sixteen years! There have been many positive changes made since that time! The Homecoming Task Force did an outstanding job! The Passing the Torch service last evening was quite moving and Bro. Wolf was honored in a very meaningful way. He has touched many lives for Christ. I feel blessed to have been able to sit under the ministry of both Bro. and Sis. Wolf.

Alumni Symphonic Wind and String Ensemble setting up before the evening service. I thought they did a beautiful job playing!

Administration Building

Knapp Memorial Building with the Revivalist Memorial Building (better known as the Girls Dorm) in the background.

Music Hall

The place we called "home" for 10 years!

The front entrance to the place we called "home" for 10 years! It was here on this porch overlooking the Cincinnati Skyline that I agreed to marry Jeff in January 1995!

I love the changes that have been made to this old home. I enjoyed many visits here with the Chip Marshall family.

Homecoming Activities! Fun Times available this year for the little ones!

The Fountain!

Bro. Avery presenting Bro. Williams with the Alumnus of the Year Award. Congratulations!

Beautiful Fall Foliage found between the parking lot and our old "home".

Update

2010-08-13T00:28:00.001-04:00

We are still here. I have had problems with uploading pictures from my camera to my computer, so I haven't blogged. I think everything has been resolved in regards to uploading pictures, so now I need to try and find time in my day to blog.

We have had a busy summer. We started off June with Family Camp and then it was on to Youth Camp the end of June and first of July. Next came Kids' Camp immediately followed by two Vacation Bible Schools.

The last week of July found us with company. My sister Jodi and her five children visited with us from Monday through Wednesday and then Grandma (my Mom) came to visit on Wednesday through Friday. While Grandma was here, we visited Conner Prairie. My sister Holly and three of her five children enjoyed Conner Prairie with us. Thursday found us visiting the home of Levi Coffin, a Quaker, who helped to free 2,000 slaves via the Underground Railroad. On Friday Mom got ready to head home and we traveled with her as far as Geneva, Indiana and visited Limberlost State Historic Site, the home of Gene Stratton-Porter author of Freckles, The Girl of the Limberlost and many more. We had a terrific guide and enjoyed learning many things about Mrs. Porter and nature.

Since coming home from Limberlost, Samuel has read both Freckles and The Girl of the Limberlost. He is now wanting me to purchase Laddie: A True Blue Story. These books have been read and loved by many in my family over the years. I remember many of the original and/or older editions encased behind glass on shelves in my grandparents' dining room. They were carefully borrowed, read, and returned to their rightful place. So it thrilled my heart to see my son develop an interest in reading these books that have held a place dear to the heart in our family.

We shall have completed our second week of school come the end of the day. These two weeks have been extremely busy and we are looking forward to a field trip one day next week to a Discover Nature Program.

Until next time,

Julissa's First Day of Kindergarten

2010-08-02T10:00:00.001-04:00

This is Julissa on her first day of Kindergarten on August 2, 2010. It is hard to believe that my baby is in Kindergarten.

Limberlost

2010-07-30T23:56:00.001-04:00

Here is a post I found in the draft section of blogger from July of 2010. I am not sure why it was never published, but thought I would go ahead and share it with you all now!

We visited Limberlost, the home of Gene Stratton Porter, with my Mom at the end of July, 2010. My kids enjoyed the visit so much that we went back the next month for a special nature event for homeschoolers. After coming home from our visit to Limberlost, Samuel read The Girl of the Limberlost and Freckles both written by Gene Stratton Porter. Below are a few pictures from our time there.

Limberlost Cabin

The Conservatory from the outside

An old wagon

The bunkhouse

The Smokehouse

Curtis looking inside the well.

Julissa standing outside the entrance to a hideout beneath the porch.

The boys brave enough to enter the hideout amidst cobwebs and spiders.

Mom and five of her 17 grandkids standing beside or sitting on the well.

Gene Stratton-Porter's art case.

A painting done by Gene Stratton Porter

The pump organ at Limberlost.

Sleep Lines!

2010-06-28T00:55:00.000-04:00

Alex woke up this morning with interesting sleep lines running down his face.

Beauty!

2010-06-21T01:05:00.002-04:00

An Orange Day Lily that I snapped a shot of when I was out shooting the flooding creek behind our home.

Mom and Her Five Daughters!

2010-03-31T14:08:00.000-04:00

A few photos of us girls with Mom in the gazebo on the property of the Smoketown Motor Lodge. These photos were taken on Saturday evening, March 27, 2010.

Back Row L to R - Jodi, Mom, Heidi
2nd Row L to R - Holly, Dixie
Center Front - Lyndi

See above

Lyndi and Mom

Meeting Friends for Lunch on Saturday!

2010-03-31T12:53:00.001-04:00

On Saturday we met up with friends for lunch at Brickerville House and Restaurant. Thank you, girls, for coming to visit with us. It was great to see you all again. It had been too long. I hope that we don't have as great a time lapse between this visit and the next one as there was between this one and the last one. It is hard to believe that it had been almost 5 and 1/2 years between visits for Sharon and me and almost two years between visits for Doat and me. It was great to meet your girls, Sharon. They are absolute dolls!

Sharon and I

Holly, Doat, and Doat's niece

Doat and I.

Lodging in Lancaster

2010-03-31T10:50:00.001-04:00

We stayed at the Smoketown Motor Lodge. It was a nice place out of town on a side road. The place was pretty full on Friday night as it was quilt convention in Lancaster. Hopefully we didn't keep too many ladies up on Friday night as we spent the evening talking and laughing. The place wasn't sound proof! :)

Cracker Barrel in Lancaster, PA

2010-03-31T10:40:00.001-04:00

We met the rest of the clan in Lancaster, PA at Cracker Barrel for supper. Below are a few pictures from our time together at Cracker Barrel.

Heidi, Silas, and Mom

The guys that joined us for supper (Matt and Mike)

Jodi and Holly

I took a picture of Lyndi but I have left it off as it wasn't too flattering. I don't think she would appreciate me putting it on here.

Gettysburg

2010-03-31T10:34:00.001-04:00

On Thursday evening Holly and I headed to Ohio to Mom's house. We ran into a horrible snow storm. The roads were very treacherous. We saw at least five semis off the road as well as multiple other vehicles. I am very thankful we made it to Mom's without mishap. We spent the night with her and then got up and headed to Gettysburg, PA on our way to Lancaster, PA. We didn't have much time to spend in Gettysburg, so our first stop was Lee's Headquarters. We then went to the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor's Center where we just spent time in the bookstore. We purchased an audio tour of the battlefield and proceeded to do the first three stops. After that it was time to head to Lancaster, PA to meet the rest of the girls.

Lee's Headquarters

Mom dressed in gray!

Mom, Holly, and I with Lincoln

A barn that played an important role in the Battle of Gettysburg!

Happy 5th Birthday, Julissa!

2010-02-21T21:48:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe that my baby turned 5 today. Where has time gone?

Julissa with her cake. Most of my kids have decided that they like this bundt cake for their birthday. I really like that as it is easy and it saves me money!

Julissa with the cake after the candle was put on.

Julissa waiting to open gifts.

Julissa with some of her gifts. She loves stuffed cats and puppies.

Today's Visitor!

2010-02-16T15:11:00.000-05:00

I looked out my window this afternoon and this is what I saw below my bird feeder!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T15:15:00.000-05:00

Lunch at Red Robin with Family

2010-02-12T16:18:00.001-05:00

Today Jeff's parents and his sister and brother-in-law came to visit us for the weekend. We went out to Red Robin for a late lunch/early supper.

Snow in February

2010-02-05T19:25:00.001-05:00

A few pictures I shot this afternoon of the snow. It is still snowing.We just might get the predicted four to eight inches of snow.

Our New Year's Letter

2010-02-05T17:04:00.025-05:00

For those of you that might not have received our New Year's letter, here is a copy of it. The main difference is, as a reader here, you get a lot more pictures with the letter than those that received it by snail mail.

January 2, 2010

Dear Family and Friends,

Christmas has come and gone and we are taking advantage of the remaining vacation time to provide you a quick recap of the past year.

December 2009: Dixie's family gathered here with us for Christmas on December 26. They came from Florida, New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana and Kansas. We had twenty-seven people in our house over Christmas weekend and sixteen of those were children ranging in age from 14 years to 3 months. We saw our new nephew Silas for the first time. The next time we see Silas, he will probably be walking; and that is just kind of sad. The kids went ice skating for the first time with their Sunday School class. Sam ended up with a huge bump on his head but the other kids emerged unscathed. They enjoyed it.

The Weingard Family

Silas intrigued by the lights overhead.

Samuel after having fallen on the ice.

November: We traveled to Kansas to spend Thanksgiving with Jeff's family. All of Jeff's immediate family were there. Although our time there was relatively short, we enjoyed our visit with them as well as Jeff's grandmother and some of Jeff's extended family (cousins, aunts and uncles). Jeff made buttermilk pancakes one morning using a new recipe he learned about from a friend's blog this year. Both Jeff and Dixie ventured into new cooking territory and enjoyed extending their cooking horizons just a little.

Wade family plays volleyball!

October: Dixie developed a greater interest in photography and took a photography fundamentals class through the IUPUI Community Learning Network. She really enjoyed the class, learned quite a bit, but realized that she still has much left to learn. She plans to take more classes in the coming year. For Christmas this year, Jeff surprised her with a new Nikon D300s. We are both pleased with the initial pictures we have obtained with the camera though we know they will be even better as she gains more experience.

Christmas 2009

September: Our family vacationed in Massachusetts and Maine this year. As usual, we thoroughly enjoyed our time near the New England ocean. While we were on the east coast, we visited Portland Head Light, Nubble Light, York Beach, Boston, Plymouth and Cape Cod. Jeff especially enjoyed sitting by the beach on the eastern coast of Cape Cod. A mild storm was brewing and it was incredibly beautiful and refreshing. We were able to take Dixie's Mom with us for the first weekend and get her to the airport Monday so that she could be home in time to teach her classes on Tuesday. Dixie's sister Heidi and her husband Mike were also able to join us that first weekend and we enjoyed their company. On the 19th of this month, Dixie's youngest sister Lyndi brought a new little boy into the world - Silas LeRoy.

My Mom at Portland Headlight, ME

Heidi and Mike standing in front of the Mayflower.

Our five kids watching the waves at York Beach, ME.

Silas LeRoy

August: Our 9th year of homeschooling started this month. Dixie struggled to balance her responsibilities at times this year but obtained some outside help in an effort to keep on top of her vast undertakings. Curtis is now in sixth grade and his favorite subjects are science and history. This year he is studying ancient history and reading about World War II. A few other things he enjoys are drawing, building with Legos, throwing a football (something that he can do well), and listening to Jonathan Park. Samuel is in 5th grade and enjoys reading; but his real love is being outdoors. He was thrilled with the bow and arrow and Red Ryder BB gun that he got for Christmas. Alex is in 3rd grade and enjoys math, history and reading. We were not too many days into our Christmas break before Alex was asking when school would start again; he wanted to work on Math. He also loves to play with miniature army men, knights, Legos and Playmobil. Briana is in 1st grade and is doing a great job reading. She loves to read, write, draw and color. Julissa is still in those days before the responsibility of school and enjoys coloring; looking at books; being read to; and playing with Legos, her dollhouse, Snap 'N Style Dolls, Kelly Dolls, baby dolls, My Little Ponies, etc. She loves to play, has many pretend friends, and tells many stories to her dolls. Couper is a great little dog and is loved by all the family.

Briana and Couper

July: This year we went to a church family camp in Niangua, MO. Dixie's sister Jodi did the cooking for this camp and did a fabulous job. After coming home from this family camp, our kids attended a kid’s camp in Greenfield, Indiana which they thoroughly enjoyed. It was also the month for our annual Vacation Bible School at church. Jeff's employment as a chemist entered its 10th year. Time is on a merciless march but he is thankful for his interesting and rewarding job.

Cousins coloring together at camp.

VBS Theme

June: This was the month of our annual family camp for our home church. As it is but thirty minutes from our house, we attended the evening services nightly.

Jeff on Father's Day 2009

May: A year ago this month Jeff went to Europe on a business trip for work. He visited France, Hungary and England; and he enjoyed the business and cultural experiences. Jeff's contributions to this business trip were not significant but he gained knowledge and business contacts that may be of value to him and to his company in the future. As we did not send out a letter last year and could not think of anything interesting that occurred in this year's month of May, we decided to include this bit of belated trivia instead.

Canola fields in Europe

The Eiffel Tower - Paris, France

April: Ah, 'tis the month when Dixie attends the annual homeschool convention in Cincinnati, Ohio. This is the highlight of her school year as she looks forward to gleaning new ideas and coming away recharged and refreshed for the coming year. Jeff went to the convention with Dixie this year and was stunned by some excellent seminars led by Mark Hamby of Lamplighter Publishing fame. He feels it is a pity that we must learn to raise children while we simultaneously try to raise them properly, but he is grateful for some newfound knowledge and some literature that promises even more. We spent Easter in Salem, Ohio with Dixie's Mom and two of Dixie's four sisters.

Our three boys - Easter 2009

Our two girls - Easter 2009

March: We attended revival services at our home church and were favored by a visit from Dixie's Mom and her sister Lyndi.

Alex and Sam playing in the creek behind our house. (March 2009)

February: We visited with Jeff's family in Kansas as we were unable to get together over the previous Thanksgiving or Christmas. After leaving Independence, we traveled north to Ottawa, Kansas where we met with Dixie's sister Jodi and her family for a few hours. We got to see Joashleiah Lynn for the first time and ate at a Chinese buffet before we headed back home.

Regina, Jeff, Grandma, and Tamara

January 2009: The month was apparently so busy that we did not get out a New Year's letter after missing the Christmas letter deadline. But we don't remember anything that we wish to share herein.

Our home - January 2009

December 2008: Due to life-changing circumstances, we did not get a Christmas letter out last year. On October 2nd, 2008 Dixie's Dad was in an automobile accident. After 9 ½ weeks in the hospital, he went home to heaven on December 8th, 2008. He is missed as greatly as he was loved, but we can only hope to see him in the world that is yet to come for us. On the 27th of this month, Dixie's sister Jodi welcomed a new little girl into the world.

Dad - June 2008

Joashleiah (about a year after her birth)

Jeff redeveloped a keen interest in theological studies this past year and has learned and relearned a number of important Bible truths. While particularly impressed with the sound scriptural reasoning found in the works of Methodism's founders, John and Charles Wesley, Jeff was gratified to learn that other theologians share their view of some important theological truths. These writers are from diverse Protestant theological perspectives and include the following famous Christians: Martin Luther, John Bunyan, George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon and Oswald Chambers. He posted some quotes from his studies on his blog (http://probable-answers.blogspot.com/) and plans to continue this practice in the coming year. Please feel free to visit the blog and register your agreement or disagreement with the perspectives offered by these great Christian thinkers.

Dixie updates family items regularly on her blog (http://everchangingstreams.blogspot.com/) and includes many more pictures than we could afford to send with this letter. We highly recommend that you make it a habit to visit this site if you wish to keep up with our family. For as you know by now, a letter like this one is no yearly guarantee.

Until next time,

Jeff, Dixie, Curtis, Samuel, Alexander, Briana and Julissa

The Hairy Woodpecker (Oops - I believe it is a Downy Woodpecker!)

2010-01-29T16:38:00.001-05:00

I captured a fairly good shot of the hairy woodpecker (now determined to be a downy woodpecker) at the feeder. This picture was taken through my family room window.

P.S. After a comment from a friend, I did more research online about the differences between the downy woodpecker and the hairy woodpecker and I believe this is a downy woodpecker and not a hairy woodpecker. Click here to read more about the differences between the two birds.

Friends at the Feeder

2010-01-26T14:46:00.002-05:00

The last few days we have had quite a variety of birds visit our feeders. Below are a few pictures I took today.

American Tree Sparrow

A sparrow and the tufted titmouse twins!

The Tufted Titmouse!

The Chickadee

We have also had the following birds visit our feeder: European Starling, Hairy Woodpecker, Dark-Eyed Junco, House Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, and the White-Breasted Nuthatch.

The Princess!

2010-01-08T10:59:00.000-05:00

Julissa dressing up as a princess!

Ice Skating

2010-01-08T09:55:00.000-05:00

On Monday, December 28, 2009 our kids went ice skating for the first time with their Sunday School class. I believe they really enjoyed it despite many tumbles. Jeff took our kids and my b-i-l Tim took his kids while my Mom, two of my sisters and myself went out for lunch and went shopping. It was a great trade off! :)

Curtis

Samuel

Alex

Samuel and Alex

Briana

Julissa is wearing the blue sweater.

Julissa

Winter Wonderland!

2010-01-07T23:58:00.000-05:00

A couple pictures I took while standing in the doorway. I love the beauty of snow, but it was too cold to leave the comforts of home even for pictures! We got a good four or five inches of snow.

Us Five and No More!

2010-01-07T23:57:00.005-05:00

Since we (the five sisters) were all together, we decided to enlist the help of Dixie's husband Jeff and Holly's son Joshua to take pictures of the five sisters! We started this photo shoot around 11:35 p.m Sunday evening, December 27, 2009 and finished about 12:05 a.m. Monday morning, December 28, 2009!

In this picture, we are standing youngest to oldest (L to R).

The three oldest in the front row and the two youngest in the back row. We are in order if you start in the bottom right hand corner and move around the picture clockwise!

We got it right this time! :) L to R = oldest to youngest

ditto

The baby got tired of the previous pose and decided to climb on board! I'm glad I wasn't on the other end! :)

On the stairs we sit all mixed up. If you look closely at this picture you can tell which one of us is not a night owl! :D

Black and White for those of you who care and even for those of you who don't!

We mustn't forget sepia, too!

L to R - Dixie, Holly, Heidi, Jodi, and Lyndi

Okay, Jodi, I do believe I have covered it all in more ways than one!

It was great fun! I am glad we were all able to be together Christmas weekend at my house!

Epiphany 2010

2010-01-06T23:30:00.000-05:00

This year we celebrated Epiphany on the 6th of January

Our Christmas tree that stayed up until after Epiphany.

The boys with their gifts.

The girls with their gifts.

Reading Goals for 2010

2010-01-06T15:30:00.001-05:00

To read more about this click here to read the post on my homeschool blog.

Weingard Family

2010-01-05T23:31:00.001-05:00

We managed to get a picture of all 27 of us on December 27, 2009. Thank you Sis. Hilligoss and Melinda R. for taking pictures!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-03T15:17:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year from our house to yours!

The Five Girls and Their Families!

2009-12-26T21:23:00.001-05:00

As we all gathered to have Christmas on Saturday, December 26, 2009, we took the time to take family pictures.

Jeff, Briana, Alex, Dixie, Julissa, Curits, and Samuel

Holly, Tim, David, Joshua, Caleb, Moriah, and Melody

Mike and Heidi

Back Row - Jesherlah, Jodi, Joashleiah, James,
Front Row - Josiah, Jeralyn, and Jeshanah

Silas, Lyndi, and Matt

Mama and Her Five Girls!

2009-12-26T21:13:00.001-05:00

I am not exactly sure who decided where to take these pictures, but Lyndi's picture wasn't taken until later and she apparently thought about it and had it taken in front of the Christmas tree.

Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!

2009-12-25T21:09:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, Jeff! He got to celebrate his birthday with my Mom and three of my sisters and their families.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T21:03:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve Morning!

We had our immediate family Christmas on Christmas Eve day this year.

Comparison Post

2009-12-22T10:25:00.003-05:00

This picture was taken on December 5th, 2009 on our way to the church Christmas dinner.

Two weeks and a day later, I took this picture on our way to the church Christmas program.

Children's Christmas Program

2009-12-22T09:47:00.004-05:00

I really enjoyed the children's Christmas program. Below are a few pictures from the program.

Sisters getting ready to sing a duet.

The children's choir

The angel appearing to Mary.

(Zechariah)

Alex - a wise man

Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus

The three wise men coming to see the boy Child.

Alex and Briana preparing to say their parts.

Curtis has said his part and Samuel is saying his now.

Julissa, having finished saying her part, is now giving the microphone to the girl next to her.

Remembering Dad

2009-12-08T23:22:00.002-05:00

A year ago today my Dad went home to heaven. He is greatly missed. There have been many times throughout this year that I have had questions for Dad and missed being able to talk with him. I can't recall a time over the many years we had together, when Dad didn't have an answer for my questions. One of the last big questions I remembering asking Dad was how to frame in three large doorways in our home. Dad and I went to Menards and picked out the wood, etc needed to frame in those doorways and Dad did the work for us. Those doorways look great!

This year I have taken a photography class and have learned much. Dad was a great photographer of outdoor scenery and I thought while taking my class how Dad would have enjoyed it and I can only imagine what his pictures would have been like had he had even more knowledge about photography. I'm sharing a few of my favorite photos taken by my Dad.

Church Christmas Dinner

2009-12-05T22:56:00.002-05:00

We have arrived!

I thought this was too cute! One needed a drink so they all paused to watch her!

Julissa playing with a friend

Julissa and her friend playing with dolls.

On Our Way to Our Church Christmas Dinner

2009-12-05T22:43:00.004-05:00

Today as we traveled through the country to our church Christmas dinner, I took some photos out the window. You will find a few of them below.

Thanksgiving Meal Preparations

2009-11-29T12:39:00.005-05:00

Jeff making mashed potatoes

Tamara

Regina

Jeff's mashed potatoes

Uncle Dwayne's bean salad - it was absolutely delicious.

Kansas Trip

2009-11-29T12:32:00.007-05:00

Below are a few pictures I shot from the car window while Jeff was driving down the road.

Gateway Arch in St. Louis, MO

A bridge across the Mississippi River

The same bridge

I am not sure what these are but I thought they made a cool photo.

A large building downtown St. Louis.

The sign of a whole new up-and-coming generation that will not be able to capitalize, spell, or punctuate properly. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T07:30:00.001-05:00

We wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! We are having Thanksgiving with Jeff's family this year. I will try and post pictures later.

Sisters

2009-11-23T10:39:00.000-05:00

I do still take color photos!

2009-11-21T00:24:00.001-05:00

Here are a few random shots of the kids from our time in the park yesterday afternoon.

My teacher would not approve of this one. But do you know how hard it is to get two girls to hold their heads where they should be.

Swinging

2009-11-21T00:08:00.000-05:00

Julissa enjoying the swing at the park!

Final Photography Class Project

2009-11-20T21:31:00.005-05:00

For our final class project, we were to have a frame within a frame in black and white. Below are a few possibilities that I got from the 260 photos I shot this afternoon. We spent our afternoon at the park. I am so very thankful for a sunny day after four dreary, rainy days. I wasn't sure when I was going to be able to get out and get some photos.

Curtis

Samuel

Alexander

Samuel, Curtis and Alexander

Briana

Julissa

Briana and Julissa

Briana, Samuel, Julissa, Curtis, and Alex

Nature

2009-11-20T11:31:00.000-05:00

I love to see this tree when the sun shines through the woods. It becomes so white looking standing out amongst the dark of the other trees. My camera stick was full so I had to come in and empty it before going back out. By the time I got back outside to take a picture the sun had moved some and it didn't show up as white as it had a little earlier.

Aperture Assignment

2009-11-13T19:48:00.005-05:00

Just for you, Heidi! Thanks for the beginnings of an idea. Here are the final results. If you look closely you will see that the tablecloth in the foreground is out of focus and the fall decor in the background is also out of focus, but as the aperture number is increased those things begin to come into focus. I hope this will satisfy my teacher tomorrow.

Curtis and Alexander

2009-11-07T16:54:00.001-05:00

Curtis holding Osage Orange. (Thanks, Carol!)

Alex eating his apple.

Samuel

2009-11-07T16:40:00.001-05:00

It is a gorgeous 70 degree day outside today! Below are a few pictures I took of Samuel up in a tree!

Briana

2009-11-06T07:55:00.002-05:00

Here are a few photos of Briana that I shot using natural lighting in the woods behind our house.

The kids at Conner Prairie

2009-10-27T08:00:00.001-04:00

The kids enjoying various aspects of Conner Prairie on October 21, 2009.

The well at the Inn

Water seemed to be a great attraction.

The kids sorting beans at the Gregorys

The girls inside Whitaker's Store

The girls playing checkers at the Curtis Home

Curtis in the Curtis Home

Briana riding the "horse" in the Animal Encounters Barn.

Some of the kids outside the Wigwam in the Lenape Camp.

Samuel playing a game outside the Curtis Home.

Briana enjoying the game.

The kids trying out the stilts at the schoolhouse.

The kids walking up the stairs.

The boys watching the Tomahawk Throwing Contest.

Curtis throwing the tomahawk.

Samuel with the tomahawk just released from his hands.

Alex with the tomahawk in mid-air.

Julissa cleaning off the potter's wheel.

Curtis working the potter's wheel.

It's time to go home!

Outdoor Beauty at Conner Prairie

2009-10-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

Flowers

Beautiful flowers along the fence line.

A glimpse of fall along the fence line outside the Animal Encounters Barn.

I love the turning of leaves in the fall.

Outside the McClure's Home

The Privy

Trading Post in the Lenape Camp

A dugout canoe and the fur trader

I don't know if you would necessarily consider this outdoor beauty, but I wanted to share it with you and it seemed to fit here best. I thought this scarecrow to be quite hilarious!

A beautiful sky!

The view from the Conner Homestead!

Animals at Conner Prairie

2009-10-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

I enjoyed taking photos of the various animals at Conner Prairie.

Donkeys

Donkey

Some Pig!

Radiant!

Oxen

Goat

Goat's Milk

Sheep

Another sheep

Calf

Scottish Highland Cattle (I thought these were so pretty!)

Costumed Hosts at Conner Prairie

2009-10-24T08:00:00.001-04:00

The Innkeeper at Golden Eagle Inn

The Carpenter at McClure's Carpenter Shop

The Storekeeper at Whitaker's Store

The Potter at Barker's Pottery Shop

Dr. Campbell's Cook

The Farmer and his Oxen

The Curtis Home

Mr. Curtis

The Ins and Outs of the Buildings at Conner Prairie

2009-10-23T08:00:00.001-04:00

The barn at Golden Eagle Inn in Prairietown

A bed upstairs in the Golden Eagle Inn

Large mittens hanging on the wall in the Inn

Apples drying above the fireplace in the Inn.

In the McClure's home.

McClure's Carpenter Shop

The woodshed

A writing desk in the Gregory's home.

The chalkboard in the schoolhouse

Barrels on the porch of Whitaker's Store

Inside the Curtis Home

Barker's Pottery Shop

A fireplace in the Pottery Shop

A spinning wheel in the Loom House

The bedroom in the Conner Homestead

A cradle in the Conner Homestead

Writing on Slates at Conner Prairie

2009-10-22T13:31:00.008-04:00

Yesterday the kids and I were privileged to go to Conner Prairie with another homeschooling family. We had a great time! The kids enjoyed writing on slates with soapstone. If only they were this enthusiastic when it came to doing school work on a daily basis. Maybe I need to buy them slates and soapstone for school?! I am sure the enjoyment wouldn't last long!

Samuel, Briana, and Julissa

Samuel

Briana

Alex

Julissa

Curtis