The Perfect Night

This was the night I've been looking forward to for weeks. Some dear friends, Bill and Nancy Graham, invited several Singing Quaker families to their farm for an old fashioned camp fire and fun. It was cold, much colder than it was supposed to be on October 9, but that didn't stop us from having fun.

McKenna with (Mark and Kim Hoy's) Lauren and (Rachel and Brian's) Ben.

Avery and her friend, (Brad and Sally's daughter) Grace.

The kids roasting hot dogs.

Sally and her Moriah, Me and my Presley.


We had the best time with friends that time and distance will never separate.

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!

Dream come true

Ever since Avery started riding a bike, I've had a dream of going on bike rides together as a family. I was the last one in the family to get a bike, got one for my b-day. This weekend, we put a seat (thanks, Aunt Shawna!) on the back of Kevin's bike for Presley. And we found an infant helmet, that cost twice as much as all of our helmets. None the less, my dream came true last night.

Purpose Driven

Heather, over at Whittaker Woman, wrote this post yesterday. At first glance, I just read through and went on. I went back later to read her comments and realized that a lot of women struggle with what their purpose is. WARNING-I'm not here to judge anyone, this is just my story. A bunch of random thoughts on my purpose.
I majored in music in college because I thought that it was the only thing I was good at. I got a masters degree because I couldn't find a teaching job in KY with my KS certificate. And, because I wanted to be a better singer.
The minute I held Avery in my arms, I knew what my purpose was. I knew I wanted to be at home with her. I vividly remember begging Kevin to not "make" me go back to work. I couldn't bear leaving her. My heart ached at the thought of working outside the home. But, at the time, we needed the income my job provided. My purpose was to be the best teacher, wife and mom I could be.
There were many times where I would just cry to Kevin about having to work. I would tell him over and over, "I just want to be a mom." He would always tell me, "you are a mom- and no job inside or outside the home is going to change that."
About 2 years ago, I went from working full time to working one day a week. I consider myself a stay at home mom. I LOVE the season of life that I'm in right now. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is my purpose right now. I know that God has equipped me to do this job, with His help. I know that it's a hard job, at times. There's no paycheck and the list of responsibilities seems to grow each week. I have an amazing husband who supports me, who wants me to take care of the home, who appreciates me and the job I do.
I haven't taught in the public school classroom since 2004, and that was in KY. My KS teaching certificate expires next year, and I've been told (by the government) that it won't be renewed unless I have 2 years of teaching experience in the state of KS. Part of me feels like such a failure for letting this certificate "go." I'm still paying for the degree that got me the certificate, I think that's what makes me mad the most. That I'm in debt for a degree I'm not even using. I'm not about to go back into teaching full-time, though. It's not my purpose. Again, I'm not here to judge, if God called you to work outside the home, then, by all means, work hard to be the best at what you do. And don't forget to give Him the glory when you succeed.
I'm working hard to be the best wife and mom I can be. On Fridays, I work (kind of:) hard to be the best voice teacher. My purpose hasn't changed much. My location and hours just fluctuate.
God will never instill a desire in your heart that He won't allow and equip you to fulfill. It may not be on your timeline or on your terms. It may not unfold the way you envisioned, but God's Will will be done.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty if fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30

Sleeping with Wolves

Lots of dead, stuffed wolves. I don't think Ashley Judd would approve. Oh, well. We had a blast on the quickest vaca ever. We left our home at 7:30am. We left Wichita at 8-fyi...Dillons does not sell dramimine. We had to cross the street and go to Walgreens for that. 2 girls in the back of the van NOT complaining of tummy aches the whole way to KC was worth it.

We spent some time at Cabelas. The girls loved the fish.

No pix to show, but after Cabelas, we ate lunch at Cheeseburger in Paradise. A little overpriced, in my opinion, but the atmosphere was fun on a cold winter day.

We checked into our hotel around 1pm. Hit the pool soon after and swam until supper time. We ate at the hotel restaurant, which was very good. After supper the girls slipped into their PJ's and headed to the big clock tower for story time. Here is McKenna saying goodnight to Wiley the wolf.

The older girls slept great. Presley, on the other hand, not so much. She slept from 2-4:30am, just b/c Kevin put her in her car seat and swung it back and forth. At home, she has been getting into the habit of waking up around 4:30am. Not hungry, just wants to be held. Ugh....We don't know what to do about it-other than hope the other one wakes up and takes care of her. Yes, honey, I'm onto your little trick :)
The hotel had starbucks coffee and Krispy Kreme donuts, which we had for breakfast. We packed up, checked out and swam 'til around 1pm. Got showered, dressed, then headed back home. Made a couple stops, Sonic for the girls, Chipotle for us. It was a great 2 days. We're exhausted. Kevin and I decided we "needed" to stay 2 days so we could actually rest and not swim the whole, entire time. I'm glad we went during the off season, I'd hate to be there during peak times. Thanks, LVS for the great homeschool rate. Hopefully we'll make this an annual trip. Be sure to check Kevin's blog for his review and more pix. Be patient, though, he's working on his dissertation today. And, after watching KU lose, looks like he'll have more time to work on it.

High Tea and Tummy time

aka-Oreos and milk!
Presley only likes this position for about 10 seconds. Then she lets everyone know she DOESN'T like it anymore...

Friday Family Fondue night!

Baby, it's cold outside. So Kevin built a fire and we had a picnic in front of it. Abby is NOT happy. We had to put her in her kennel so she wouldn't eat all of our food.For supper, we had carrots, toasted spinach rigatoni, cheesy garlic bread and pizza fondue. It was so yummy! After supper, we played Operation and Hungry Hungry Hippos.

For dessert-chocolate fondue w/ marshmellows, cream puffs, and strawberries. Here is McKenna showing her appreciation.

Best Friday night. Ever.

Change...

I was going to post on the inauguration today, what we did in school, what channel we watched (Fox news), and how we explained this day to the girls. Then I read this post, now I'm melancholy. Yes, this is an historical day. Yes, it's a day of celebration. A new day has dawned. But is it a better day? I'm not so sure.

I sit here at the table watching Fox news-Fair and Balance, they say-McKenna is reading a story to Presley, Avery is decorating a map of North America. Thank you God for a country that allows me to teach my children. Thank you God for a President that looked to You for guidance. Thank you God, for Your protection on this nation. May it always be under You. Amen.

Last night, the girls and I were making banana bread. Avery said, "Mom, I know who our new President is...Barack Obama." Then, McKenna said, "And I know who the president of our house is...Daddy!"

In school this morning, Avery was doing some independent reading. Presley was laying down, McKenna was coloring. I went upstairs to get some coffee. I came back to find this...
How cute!!!! I love my girls-

Had to do it-

We went to the mall yesterday. I had no expectations. I did tell the girls they could ride the train after we went to see Santa. McKenna had 2 meltdowns before we even got to the mall. She didn't want to sit on Santa or stand near him. I said that's fine. No big deal. We get there, she sees Santa giving kids candy canes and she decides he's not so bad, after all. Avery was ready to talk to him. We met Marla and Reese there. Reese went first. Here are the resultsAfter Reese, all 3 of my girls hopped right up to Santa. Avery talked to him for a while. She told him she wanted a Barbie (aka peek a boo petite) and McKenna said she wanted My little Pony. Santa called Presley a boy, and so it begins. None of my kids have hair for the first 2 years of their life, so everyone thinks their boys. Whatever.

I had a moment of weakness and I paid for a picture with Santa. I wanted Kevin to see it (he was at work) and wanted proof of the memory. $14.87!!!!! for one picture. I had a stomach ache afterwards. I can't believe I spent that much money for 1 picture that will most likely go in a box. Here's what $14.87 buys-Actually, we got 2 for the price of one. When we went to pay for the pix, the computer for the camera somehow broke and we had to wait for 20 minutes while the lady called someone to fix it. The other lady said she didn't know how to work the cash register so she just stood there. Ugh. When the first lady came back to check us out, I asked if we could just have the pix since it took so long. She said no but she'd give us another one for free. Anyone want a 5x7 pix of some cute girls with Santa? I'll sell it for $35! Just kidding, kind of...
Big plans today-the girls are going to a friends house for a Christmas party. I need to do some shopping and I hope to make it to the Y. Kevin should be doing some shopping, if he knows what's good for him :) Then we'll go out and look at lights tonight.

There's no place like home

I came across a new blog today, and I loved this post. I've worked outside the home off and on since Avery was born almost 6 years ago. I didn't realize that I wanted to be a stay at home mom until I actually had a baby. I just assumed I'd stay home on maternity leave, then go back to work. No conflicting thoughts or feelings. It would just happen. Boy, I was soo wrong. My heart ached when I went back to work. I remember pleading with Kevin after coming home from the hospital after Avery was born to let me not go back to work. I was teaching at the time and knew I couldn't legally just quit. And we couldn't live on Kevin's income at the time. Having to work outside the home was very hard for me. I would get depressed. I would be jealous of other moms who stayed at home. I was bitter. I had a good work ethic, I liked work, once I got there. I just didn't want to leave my baby. My heart was home. I felt called to be in the home. Kevin got this book, which confirmed by feelings. In 2007, Kevin was offered a position that allowed me to stay home. These last 2 years have been the best. I LOVE being home. Granted, I work 1 day a week during the college semester. Even working 1 day a week is hard most weeks. This position provides a cushion and some extra money for us. There have been many times when I want to quit. In my head, I feel I've been offered a great job, and I don't want to let it go. This job gives my kids a chance to spend the day with grandparents. But is it right during this season, while I have little ones at home? I still consider myself a SAHM. I thank God for the opportunity to be a wife and mom. I don't want to take this for granted. Ok, long rambling thoughts. Scroll back up and click on the link that started this post.

Family Pix 2008

Yesterday, we had these pix taken at Portrait Innovations. I made the appt for during the day, thinking it wouldn't be as busy as an evening or weekend time slot. Boy, was I wrong. We waited for almost an hour to get one set of pictures taken, then waited another 30 minutes for the second set. There were so many people there. Everyone was dressed in black, red, and white. Presley was awake the whole time, but didn't smile at all. The older girls were great. Kevin and I decided we will do this again, but just to get the girls pix taken. We weren't very happy with the family portrait. Oh well. I should have had our family pix taken earlier this fall, so they could be outside. I've been stewing over this since Presley was born, I'm glad it's over.

My mom's b-day

Here is my mom with Reese, my niece.


My mom was born on the anniversary of the bombing of pearl harbor. She is 59 today. I love her so much. She is the best mom in the whole world. She is also the best grandma. Things I love and appreciate about my mom.

• She loves her husband and cares for him. She irons his clothes, cooks for him, cleans for him



• She loves her children. She took care of us when we were sick, stayed in the hospital with us. She made dresses for us at Christmas. She permed our hair. She did all of our laundry.



• She loves her grandkids. She is always buying something for them. She reads to them, she plays with them, she cooks their favorite meals.



• She's the best cook. period. Everything she makes is delicious. Her gumbo is out of this world.



• She has the gift of hospitality. She loves to entertain.



• She loves yellow roses.



• She doesn't like chocolate very much

Being a mom myself makes me appreciate her all the more. Now I realize how much she sacrificed for us. If you see my mom today, wish her a happy birthday. Say a prayer of blessing for her.

Happy Birthday Mom, I love you!

It's Monday...again

Go here to see the cutest kids on Halloween. We had a great time Friday night. Uncle Phil dressed as the wolf and walked around with McKenna and Aunt Marla was a witch and accompanied Dorothy, aka Avery. We have enough candy to last us a lifetime, or at least till Wednesday. lol
Presley had a great night last night. I've found out she doesn't like spinach alfredo pizza. I ate some Friday for supper and she was up 3 times in the night. Her tummy was making crazy noises. Darn! I love that stuff-OH well...
We have school today-Avery is learning

1. Math-0-6 backward and forward in order--very easy for her
2. Phonics-reading
3. Language Arts-reading the Runaway Bunny and making one of her own-bunny, that is
4. History-Arabian Peninsula (I'll be learning about that as well)
5. Art-artist Henry Tanner-creating a special moment portrait (drawing a picture of yourself doing something special-riding a bike, playing dollhouse, etc...)
6. Park-it's going to be nice out-

McKenna usually joins us for Language Arts, History, and Art-she plays by herself or watches Dora while we do Math and Phonics. Presley is learning to soothe herself to sleep without being held. I can't type well with one hand. Although I LOVE holding her, after 5 weeks, I'm realizing other things need to be done :)

Babies, babies, everywhere!

Grandpa O. made this cradle for Avery. Grandma O. washed all of the bedding and brought it to our house last night. I just walked in our bedroom and saw this-I think we can fit one more in, don't you?

This room is reserved for...

Well, here it it. Our 3rd nursery, 3rd shade of yellow, 3rd baby blanket (thanks to Grandma O.), 3rd miracle waiting to arrive. Pink3 has a new crib and wall decor. Otherwise, things are the same as Avery and McKenna's nursery. I think we're ready now...

I told the Avery and McKenna that I would post pix of their room if they cleaned it. This is what I got. I'll spare you the image of the inside of their closet-

This is a weekend of de-cluttering, organizing, cleaning and cooking. Tonight, we're going to the Friends U. football game. Should be fun. I hope you all have a great weekend!

It's beginning to look a lot like ....

Not really, but Kevin mentioned that we needed to start thinking, and purchasing Christmas gifts so we don't end up doing it all the week before Christmas, like usual. We have 21 people in both of our families. For the 11 years that we've been married, we always buy gifts for everyone for b-days and Christmas. Last year, I suggested something different for Christmas and it backfired, bad.

So, I'm curious...How do you do Christmas and the holidays with your families? Do you choose names? Only buy for kids? Buy for everyone? Buy for no one?

Leave a comment and let me know-

1. What do you do for Christmas? With your immediate family, then with the family at large


2. What do you wish you did?

Laundry troubles

No, not the detergent. The dog! Abby saw that I was taking the sheets off of our bed, she jumped up and wouldn't budge.

Happy Birthday!

To my father in law. Kevin has great pix and a wonderful post on his blog. We had big plans to get up early and take Grandpa donuts this morning for his b-day. Last night, found out he had a dr. appt at 8 am today that he needed to fast for. Man...I really wanted those donuts :) Looking forward to supper with him tonight, though-

I asked the girls what their favorite thing about Grandpa Osborn was-
McKenna-"getting to have his birthday cake"
Avery-"that we get to see him alot, and that he builds things for us, and fixes things"
Me-"that he loves his family, his kids, grandkids, and wife. And that he raised a wonderful man, my husband!"

Homeschool High/Low

I haven't posted this since week one. Mainly because we've had so many highs-

• Avery learning how phonics work, sounds work, and reading simple words
• McKenna learning about colors and shapes, practicing cutting-all with her left hand
• Avery learning about art, Australia, and her 5 senses
• going to the zoo to visit the Australian exhibit
• reading and acting out Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Tom Thumb, Thumbellina, and The Frog Prince. Making puppets and posters
• experiencing the joy of learning (and teaching)
• Having lessons together as a family

Yesterday was our first LOW day. Kevin and I have realized that we let the girls watch too much tv over the summer and we're trying to cut back. Avery is having a really hard time with this. She came unglued yesterday, when I told her we needed to start school. Then, she had another meltdown in the afternoon. So....

No Disney for a week. No Hannah Montana until further notice-hopefully never!

I know she needs downtime. We don't "do" school all day, every day. But I've noticed some patterns in her with regard to what she watches on tv that concern me. She loves to play dress up and doll house. She loves to color and make crafts. She'll be doing those things more often now...