My girls

We had pictures taken a couple of weeks ago. Last time we had them done at Christmas, Avery still had her baby teeth. Now, she looks so different, so grown up. Both McKenna and Presley have changed, too.
Cousin Reese joined us for some. Enjoy!

She still believes

The older girls, Avery and McKenna and their 2 cousins are watching The Grinch right now. I just heard Avery say that she believes in Santa b/c she heard the reindeer on Christmas Eve. My heart is melting. It was a precious conversation between all 4 girls about Santa and (b/c of the movie) heart size. lol

Tonight is another family night. June 25. 1/2 way to Christmas!

• The girls decorated their little trees. We got out the Little People nativity set. I put one strand of lights over the fireplace. We have lots of library books about Christmas. I got out the Christmas coloring and activity books. I got the caroling piano books out. And Elf and Grinch DVDs. The house smells like cinnamon, thanks to leftover holiday candles.
  
• Made white pretzels. And Christmas cupcakes. I got Christmas cake mix and frosting in January for 33 cents each! That's when I got the idea for today.
  
• We usually have snack food on Christmas eve. So that's on the menu tonight-queso and chips, cheese, sausage, and crackers, shrimp dip, artichoke dip, and little smokies. I'll throw a few carrots on the table just for fun.
• Making hot chocolate after supper to have with the cupcakes. Plan to watch Elf and enjoy the rest of the evening.
• Kevin said no to making a fire and gifts. What a scrooge :) Our temp outside is reading 111 degrees, so I guess I don't blame him...
  
• The girls are playing dress up by wearing old Christmas dresses. They look so cute!

The girls explained the characters in the nativity set to Presley. Another precious moment I got to enjoy today.

I'm starting to love family night. So are the girls...

Too busy...not really

Our summer is flying. I looked at the calendar today and realized we only have 1 free weekend until school starts. Ugh...

I have to give the only computer we have in the house back to LVS this week. Avery got a computer as part of the online homeschool program. Since she's not with LVS next year, we have to give the computer back. sigh. So, I'm getting the last few hours of precious internet time in before I'm computerless. I think, rather, I'm hoping Kevin has a plan to buy a computer for the family. I'd settle for a Dell in a heartbeat, but my husband is a Mac man, so we'll have to wait and see.

I've found that I'm starting to think in blog titles and status updates. While I feel the creativity, I don't really like it.

We have some great pix from our trip to Texas last week, but I didn't want to load them on this computer. Maybe Kevin will post some more. American Girl store did not disappoint...

I'm planning for family night tomorrow night. June 25. Half-way 'til Christmas. Again, maybe I can get Kevin to post about this.

Presley is pulling up on EVERYTHING. She'll be walking before her 1st birthday. She is an amazing baby, so good. Sleeps 12+ hours at night and 2 naps during the day. She is the poster child for a babywise baby.

I'm thinking of doing this. I think we could do it, especially since paper products and toiletries aren't included. We'll see.

Tonight, Avery and Kenna are spending the night with Kevin's folks. The girls LOVE staying with their grandparents. Kevin is working on his dissertation. I'll be getting ready for tomorrow.

"new"snack and poppers

The older girls were wanting a snack yesterday, so, we made jack-grape kabobs. They loved them and it was sooooo easy.

green grapes
pepper jack cheese cubes (their favorite kind)
wooden skewers

Because of my type A personality, I made them alternate evenly. If you want to be wild and crazy, you can do more or less of either. Just don't tell me about it.

The girls each made a skewer and took them outside to enjoy.

Grilled Poppers-we had these in Liberal a few weeks ago. They're are so yummy!

jalepeno peppers-seeded and cut in half
cream cheese, softened
bacon
toothpicks

Spread some cream cheese in the pepper. Then lightly sprinkle season salt over top. I use the cajun salt. Wrap one slice of bacon around the jalepeno and secure with a toothpick. Grill over medium heat for 30-40 minutes, until bacon is crisp. This makes a great appetizer.

Kevin wants me to try this with cheddar cheese, but I haven't figured out how, yet. Ideas?

Wednesday wish wash

Man, I can't believe we're halfway done with June! This summer is already flying.

• Our one and only vacation for the season is happening in 2 days. We're going to Allen Tx to visit family. To say we're excited is an understatement. Avery even made a countdown calendar. We also have reservations to eat at the American Girl Bistro on Saturday. I'm excited about this. I don't know what to expect, but Krista, my SIL said I'd be overwhelmed. The girls have been doing "extra" chores around the house to earn money to spend there.
• Planning a couple of staycations for the rest of the summer. i e-staying in a tent in the backyard, family night, etc...
• You know it's time to buy a new exercise dvd when you have the whole routine memorized. I have Billy Blanks boot camp routine down. All 53 minutes of it. I want to buy Jillian Micheals Shred or Boost Your Metabolism dvds. Maybe want isn't the word. Need is more like it. No, it's want...I actually like to work out.
  
• I had a GREAT shopping trip to Penneys this morning. I bought 2 shirts, a skirt, a picture frame and a reusable bag. All for $15 and some change. My receipt says I saved $82.11!
  
• I received the best compliment yesterday. We all went to the dentist and after Avery and McKenna got their teeth cleaned, the hygienist came out and told me how well the girls behaved, how articulate they both were and how they talked about relevant things. She even went on to tell me how McKenna explained the colors of her necklace. (red-the blood of Christ, black-sin, yellow-heaven, white-purity, etc...) She also told me that she didn't know of many 4 year olds that can successfully floss their own teeth and that I needed to do it more...And that Avery will need braces :(
• No teeth for Presley, yet. I'm not complaining, though, since I'm still nursing:)
  
• The girls ate at their friend, Maddy's house last night, so Kevin suggested Chipotle for us. We haven't had Chipotle in 7 weeks, since the LOST season finale. It was soooo good.
• Avery has already asked when camp is next year. And she has declared that she wants to go again. I remember the "high" I used to get from camp each summer. I'm glad Avery got to experience it this year.
• It's crazy hot today. I'm ready for another storm tonight. I like summer rain.
  
• I am so blessed. I love my life. I am the luckiest wife and mom in the world.
  

Take Me Out...

Our 1st family night was a baseball theme. Avery learned about Jackie Robinson in school and so we decided to make our first family night activity centered around baseball. Avery made a pendent with Jackie Robinson's number on it. We ate horrible food-good tasting but bad for you food. Hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, ice cream sandwiches. We played ball. We got creative and used frisbees for bases. We learned and sang "Take me out to the ballgame."McKenna up at batAvery, making it to 1st base. The girls had the best time. Aunt Marla and Reese joined us in the fun. After baseball, it's bathtime...

Rough week

Monday started off as a regular day. The older girls had camp and VBS. I was looking forward to having the mornings with just Presley.
Tuesday morning, my best friend, Rachel called. Things have been different ever since.
Early Thursday morning, Rachel delivered a stillborn baby. A boy. 10 fingers. 10 toes. Joshua Brian Bollinger.

• I've learned some things this week. Life doesn't stop when crises hits. Kids still get hungry, get tired, get fussy.
  
• Who are we to think, just b/c we're Christians, that we're immune to horrible circumstances. My dad painfully reminded me and Rachel that God the Father didn't even spare his son from pain when he was sent to the cross.
• It's a humbling experience to except help. People don't like to ask for help. It's hard to let others serve you.
  
• Just because it's "over" doesn't mean it's really over. I don't think it will ever be "over," this side of heaven.

Rachel's older kids have been hanging out with us this week. Ben, Avery, Lizzy and McKenna have had sooooo much fun together. Not one fight. Not one argument. Just fun. And probably too much sugar.
When we were going to camp this morning, I asked everyone what their favorite part of the week has been. Both Ben and Avery said swimming at camp. Both Kenna and Lizzy said the music at VBS(hint, they didn't swim :) When I asked Lizzy what her favorite song was, she said "I Get Down." That's McKenna's favorite too. What a song for this week. God's promises are true.

Lavishly our lives are wasted
Humbleness is left untasted
You can't live your life to please yourself, yeah
That's a tip from my mistakes
Exactly what it doesn't take
To win you've got to come in last place
To live your life you've got to lose it
And all the losers get a crown

Chorus:
I get down and he lifts me up
I get down and he lifts me up
I get down and he lifts me up
I get down

All I need's another day
Where I cant seem to get away
From the many things that drag me down, yeah
I'm sure you've had a day like me
Where nothing seems to set you free
From the burdens you can't carry all alone
In your weakness he is stronger
In your darkness he shines through
When you're crying he's your comfort
When your all alone, he's carrying you

Chorus

This valley is so deep
I can barely see the sun
I cry out for mercy, lord
You lift me up again

McKenna has VBS at church and Avery has day camp at Eberly Farm this week and they were so excited! This was taken on Monday morning.

Good friends Ben and Lizzy have joined our clan in the afternoons this week.
Here's Avery and Ben after camp today.
We decided to make Super Power muffins this afternoon. They had so much fun.
While the muffins were baking, we watched Monsters Inc. Lizzy was out 5 minutes into the movie. McKenna soon followed. Ben inhaled 2 muffins as soon as they came out of the oven.

Avery's verse for today-

"Believe in the Lord Jesus and you shall be saved." Act 16:31

Cooking Party

My good friend, Sally, sells homemade gourmet and did a cooking party at my house last week. We had a great time, and, in 1 hour, made 8 meals to go in the freezer. McKenna "helped" me make some appetizers-BBQ dip, Tiramisu cheeseball, and raspberry tea. The party consisted of 8 people. Each person had a station and they made 10 meals (2 people wanted meals but couldn't come). After everyone was finished, each person got one bag/meal at each station, 8 meals in all. It was so easy, and the food is sooooo good. I just pulled the mexican chicken tacos out of the freezer to have later this week.

Kevin was in charge of the kids during the party, 7 girls to be exact. My freezer before...And now, I'm stocked!

Menu Plan Monday

Here's our menu for the week. Avery has day camp and McKenna has VBS this week. Kevin will be working on his dissertation. Lunches will most likely be leftovers or sandwiches.

Sunday-waffles, sausage, fruit-taco salad-date night at PF Changs
Monday-yogurt, super power muffins-BBQ chicken sandwiches, salad
Tuesday-green smoothies, granola bars-homemade pizza, fruit salad
Wednesday-raisen toast, fruit-chef salad, cheddar scones
Thursday-waffles, fruit-mexican chicken tacos, rice, guacamole
Friday-cereal-sandwiches-swim party at the Y
Saturday-scrambled eggs, fruit-leftovers-brisket, baked potatoes with broccoli and cheese

12 Years and counting...

12 years ago, I made the 2nd best decision of my life. I married my best friend. I married the love of my life. I married the one. I married Kevin.

We've had ups. We've had downs. We've had highs. We've had lows. And I love him more today than I did 12 years ago.

Tonight, we're dining at PF Changs, followed by...well...I don't know-we just talked about dinner. Hopefully a walk along the waterfront, or a game of bowling at the ally, or a movie. We're long overdue for a date night.

Thank you, Kev, for loving me. For putting up with me. For cleaning the kitchen after I mess it all up. For putting the girls to bed at night. For fixing anything and everything I break. For being the head and spiritual leader of our family. For working hard, so I can be home with the girls. For taking care of me. For being you. I love you. always.

What we're doing tomorrow!

We're celebrating National Doughnut Day! Krispy Kreme is giving away free donuts. Check your local store for more information. I'm having trouble deciding when to go... breakfast, lunch, snack in the afternoon???

She said "yellow"

Last week, McKenna said "yellow". For the last four years, she has always said "lellow." It was a bittersweeet moment. She's growing up, fast. We were watching Disney one night and a Jonas Brother commercial came on. I asked her if she thought they were cute. To which, she replied, "Mom, they're handsome."

We've got a long road ahead of us...

Summer structure

When I read Sally's post last week, I thought to myself, "I'm just ready to be done with structure, and just relax." So...we're 3 days in... and I need a plan. Here's our daily routine for the remainder of the summer. Most of this is what we normally do already. Sometimes, it's easier to stick to when you see it in print.

Avery and McKenna joined the library's summer reading program, so we'll make weekly trips to the library to get books. I also plan on using this site a lot in the next few months.

7:30-9:30-somewhere in this time frame, I wake up, wake Presley up and feed her, make sure Avery and McKenna are up. Beds are made and breakfast is served. Brush teeth and Bible time
9:30-11-I put Presley down for a nap. This will be independent play time. One can be on the computer, one can play dollhouse, color, read, etc...In a perfect world, this would be when I work out, shower, actually put make-up on...
11-12-I wake Presley up, feed her. The girls can play together, hopefully outside, while we wait for Kevin to come home for lunch.

noon-lunch

1-2-playtime-
2-Presley goes down for a nap. Independent play time, same as in the morning.
3-the girls (and me) play together, board games, group activities, or Little House on the Prairie
4-5-Presley usually wakes up sometime during this hour, I feed her, then get ready for supper. The girls usually play with Presley, or outside.
5:30-Kevin gets home. The real fun starts! Supper, family time, showers and
8:30-bedtime for Avery and McKenna
9-bedtime for Presley
9:01-I'm usually ready to collapse by this time. Now that Conan is on earlier, I'll try to stay up to watch. I like him.

MPM-Tuesday edition

It's grill week at the Osborn abode.  Only Kevin didn't know it.  We ran out of propane Sunday night at the end of cooking.  After a trip to Dillons, we're set for the week. 
Sunday-chicken on a stick, broccoli salad, hashbrown casserole
Monday-taco salad, fruit (no propane)
Tuesday-Hamburgers, salad, garlic potatoes
Wednesday-grilled pork chops, rice, sugar snap peas
Thursday-cooking party-Kevin asked if we were going to eat that night, I told him I'd figure out something...still workin' on figuring it out
Friday-whatever we had Tuesday night
Saturday-chicken, salad, rice w/ broccoli

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Thoughtfull words

This video of Ed Young really convicted me this morning.  I don't consider myself to use bad language, but there are things I've said that I wouldn't let my girls get away with saying.  This spoke to me more as a parent, since I'm not a leader in the church anymore.  I think it's relevant to all believers.  Spend the next 3 minutes watching this...

Embedded Video

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Summer's here

Man, it's been a crazy 2 weeks. Good thing we're done with school, b/c I don't know how we could fit it in at this point.

• We are in the middle of redecorating our basement. Got new TV, console, and some picture frames. We painted the basement. Desperately looking for 2 end tables with character...and a good price. Kevin and I are having the typical husband/wife miscommunication struggle about budget...nothing big, though. Always interesting, however. We're trying to do this with cash, which, in my opinion, always complicates things :)
  
• We made a quick trip to Liberal for Memorial Day.
  
• Avery went to Abilene for VBS.
  
• The rest of us went to Abilene for my Dad's birthday.
  
• Had an ultrasound on my neck this morning. One of the procedures that has become routine in my life as a cancer patient. Everything was fine, though. I'm off the hook 'til December.
  
• Last weekend, we spent 3 hours at Old navy, getting 14 pairs of flip flops for $1 each. While we were there, I found some cute dresses for the girls. I decided to wait until they were on sale, which is this week. We went there today, and they didn't have Avery's size, of course. Came back home and ordered her dress online. Because I had to pay for shipping, I didn't end up saving any money, ugh...
• I spent way too much money at the store yesterday. I went to Walmart, Dillons at NewMarket, Aldi, and Dillons at Central and Maize. Today, I realized that I only have 2 diapers left...sigh...
• This should be a slow week for us. Kevin is working hard on his dissertation. We're trying to accommodate him. I need to clean the school room and make it more into a play room. And we need to seriously baby-proof this house. Presley is crawling everywhere now and our house is full of outlets just waiting for little fingers.
  
• The whole Dr. Tiller thing has been weighing on my mind and heart today. I have some thoughts. I may post them later.
• Our neighbors, and friends sold their house after just one day on the market. They got 4 offers, 2 were above the asking price. I'm so happy for them, but very sad, too. They are wonderful neighbors and their daughter is a great friend and playmate to Avery and McKenna. We'll miss them-

Summer came with a bang. Our temp is reading 98 degrees. I see a trip to the outside pool at the Y in our near future!