Parents on Deck

Tonight we were a few minutes early to the girls swimming lessons. So we watched the other classes before us.
We got to go on deck and watch them up close and personal. It was like a sauna in their. I think I lost at least a pound, ha.
The girls did really great this week and only have 3 more lessons to go before their session is done.
This was taken on the ride home. Jason took pictures of them in the pitch black and this is what came out with the flash.

But I Can't See God From Here!

On Sunday Emma was struggling sitting still during church service. I was trying to keep her entertained but towards the service I felt like it would be best if I went and took her towards the back of church so she would be less distracting. I sat on the floor and tried to occupy her once again. That is when she said to me, "But I can't see God from here!" I told her, "Honey, that's not God that is Pastor Morse." Her reply to me was so sweet. She said, "I know that but God is with Pastor Morse."

Another Baby Calf is Born

Just moments ago another baby calf was born. We missed the birth but saw it moments later and the kids were able to see if stand up for the first time. Melanie and Megan have been watching To Kill a Mockingbird recently thought 'Scout' would be a good name for their new calf.

The calf that is nursing is the newest baby. It is so cute to watch because it is so clumsy and vibrant.

Night Time Reading

I have never been good at nighttime routine but we have been working on that lately. We are all enjoying the evening reading. We aren't able to do it every night but the nights we do seem to help everyone fall asleep faster.

We have been reading a children's version of Pilgrim's Progress. Tonight Jason was reading about the fight between Christian and Apollyon. This chapter made Emma a bit nervous especially when Jason started doing voices for Apollyon.

Cousin Spends the Night

Sewing Day with Nana

On Friday's Melanie and Megan have been learning to sewing with Nana. These are the outtakes of the first day on the sewing machine and Emma and Buddy at play.

Hair Cuts

My girls got their hair cut today. I was thinking trims they were thinking new style. We all know what Auntie thinks, hehe.

Drum Lessons

Today I thought hey my kids need some music lessons. I called Jason in his office and asked him to bring down some drum sticks. He brought them down and we had a drum lesson. It was really fun but not so easy with a two year old. Notice you don't see him in any of the pictures. Within a couple of minutes we realized he needed to go down for a nap. Drum sticks in the hand of a two year old is a deadly weapon.

Megan Got Her Bird!!!

Megan has been wanting her very own pet longer than any of us can remember. Now she finally has it. It is an English Budgie (large parakeet). It was hand feed as a new born and is very tame. She is so proud and positively beaming with delight! Now she is working on finding the perfect name, Paulie is her favorite name so far.

Early Morning MOOOOOOO!

Early this morning (4am) I heard a very loud, "Mooooooo." The cows that live in our backyard moo often in the evening but not like this in the early morning. We had suspected that Betsy was pregnant but not being farmers weren't sure they could be fattening her up for slatter. This morning I glanced out the window and this is what we saw! The kids are thrilled. If you look closely you can even see the calf, Starbright (we are reading Farmer Boy right now, hence the name), still has it's umbilical cord.

Another Night at the Pool!

Hi Mom!

Emma's Un-Birthday Party

Emma's party went off without a hitch. She invited everyone she saw from the moment we told her she was going to have her much awaited UN-Birthday party. We played a couple of games. One of them was blowing marshmallow's with cereal straws down the length of the table. Then they all ate their games pieces, so much fun. We also had a scavenger hunt at the end of the hunt they ended up in the living room and the adults sprayed the kids with silly spray. Their treasure was their gift bags and in the bags Emma chose bling teeth, candy, and princess jewelry, lovely I know. Because this wasn't the traditional Birthday party we were only going to invite two little girls from church and have lunch with their family. But sometimes parties tend to grow and have a life of their own. She ended up having all of her cousins, all of her grandparents, and her two friends from church. It didn't turn out the way we planned it was so much better. The pressure was off of me that I normally have when I am planning a party or holiday. Because this was 'pretend' in my mind I was able to relax and go with the flow much better than I normally do.

Chocolate Mint Cake

These are the ingredients that I use to make the Chocolate Mint Cake that my kids and care group really enjoy.
This recipe is on the back of the Triple Chocolate cake mix by Betty Crocker.
This is what it looks like after you bake it, let it cool for 15 minutes, and put the white chocolate-peppermint pudding on top. (You add a 1/4 tsp of peppermint oil to the pudding as you make it.)This is my addition to the recipe. You are supposed to add a 1/4 tsp. of peppermint oil to the frosting. I found that if you also add a small container of cool whip to the frosting it is much so better and tastes like you made it from scratch.
I forgot to get the peppermint patties at the store this time to sprinkle on the top but I think it is still good without it. This recipe is one of my favorites because mint and chocolate are my two favorite sweet flavors.

note: I have looked for the white chocolate pudding mix for months and never found it until I went to super Wal-Mart. enjoy

Emma's Un-Birthday

Our little Emma has really regretted missing a birthday party this year. We were about to move and chose to go to the beach (which she wanted) to have a little get away before the storm of the big move. So ever since then she has been asking for a birthday party and wanting to know when her birthday comes again. So Jason and I decided to have an Un-Birthday for her. She is so excited. We were thinking having grandparents over. But she wanted kids. We wanted small, easy, no frills. You guessed she wants the whole shoot and shabang. We are compromising. She is having cousins and two little girls from church over for the not so un-party. I will post pictures after her party on Sunday.

Kids Club

Our kids had a blast on Saturday their first day at kids club. Mel and Meg are fish. Buddy and Emma got to play in the jungle gym and had a great time too!