A Brief Update

WOW! It has been a really long time since I have had the chance to put anything on my blog. I have had a lot of things going on especially these past two weeks.

This week will be yet another busy week for me; lots of stuff going on. Our church has a family trip to Pigeon Forge this time every year. We have never been and this year someone in the church paid for our entire trip. Some friends of mine are going to keep our four youngest children and we are taking Haili and Malachi with us. They are really looking forward to going to Dollywood and the other kids are looking forward to spending time with their friends this weekend too. I believe we are going to leave Thursday afternoon and ride with Janet, Pam, Kelly, and their families on the van. I am really excited; it will definately be a nice break. I will be sure to take some pictures while I am there and hopefully be able to get them posted soon.

GOD IS SO GOOD

Today at Super Church I had the opportunity of leading our four year old daughter, Alanna, to the Lord. When we were all finished she came in and told Mrs. Amanda that Jesus took her sins away. It was so sweet.

Last night we had a little welcome home party for Brother Joel at El Titanic. I had my camera, but since my mouth was busy (either eating or talking) all night I didn't get any pictures. I can tell you, however, that his family (especially Pam) was tickled that he was finally back home. We all enjoyed the good food and fellowship.


Joseph and Isaac being silly at Pam's earlier this week.




BUSTED!!










One of Ethan's new favorite things to do is getting into my cabinets. He figured out that if he pulls everything out first there is enough room in there for him to climb in and play. Kids are GREAT!!!!

A Picnic With Daddy

Daniel was off this past Wednesday, so we got to enjoy his presence. First, we all got up and ate breakfast together. Then, Daniel took Joseph and Isaac to the dump and then to wash the truck while the rest of us cleaned up the house. When they got back I packed a lunch for everyone and we headed off to the park for a picnic.


A quick picture of all of the kids getting ready to unpack their lunches. Notice Joseph and Isaac didn't stop unpacking their lunches for a picture.

These two are so funny!

Ethan loves to be outside.

Isaac showing me his snack.

Joseph thought he was slick taking Malachi's snack when he got up. Not to worry, Joseph gave it back.

Poor Joseph squished his snack, but he still ate it. It was so funny!

Ethan hanging out in the stroller.

Isaac and Alanna took their rightful place on the swings.

Joseph and Daniel headed up the slide.

Daniel made it safely down the slide.

Then, he went down on his belly.

Joseph came down right after Daniel and then the chain reaction started.

Alanna even jumped off her swing and ran over to join in the fun.

We had so much fun playing at the park together. You know what they say..... the family that plays together stays together.

Happy Birthday Daniel

Ten years ago I got the opportunity to celebrate the fifteenth birthday of the cutest boy in my youth group - my sweetheart, Daniel. Since that time I have spent every single birthday with him and this past Tuesday we celebrated my his twenty-fifth birthday. Not only is he the most wonderful husband and father, but he is also my best friend.


Daniel blowing out the candles on his giant cookie cake. He also kept blowing the candles out while I was trying to light them. He is always trying to make me laugh which is one of the many reasons that I love him so much.


Here is the inside of the birthday card that we made for Daniel.


In the middle of the card is a list with 25 reasons why I love Daniel. I also asked each of the kids to give me one reason why they love their Daddy. All of the kids that could talk said, "Because he loves me." Although that was a really good reason I was looking for an individual answer for each child. So, they each came up with their own unique reason why they love their Daddy.


Haili loves her Daddy because he reads the Bible to her.


Isaac loves his Daddy because he snuggles with him.


Ethan loves his Daddy because he holds him.


Alanna loves her Daddy because he buys her presents.


Malachi loves his Daddy because he let him play T-ball.


Joseph loves his Daddy because he plays with him.


We all had a great time celebrating the birthday of the man we all love so much.

Flu Shots

This morning my kids had to be at the doctor's office for their flu shots. Since Daniel is working today I asked a friend of mine to accompany me to the appointment. Can you imagine me taking all six of my kids to get a shot by myself? Not a very good idea! Anyway - Pam, Nicole, and Caleb came with us.


Here are the kids lined up on the table waiting for the nurse to take their temps.


Okay - who wants to have their temperature taken first? Me, me, me!!!


Alanna was a little ticklish.


Joseph actually wanted to have his temp taken today. Usually he doesn't cooperate very well.


Next was Isaac's turn.


I thought this picture was so funny. They were all hoovering around to see what Isaac's temperature was.

After everyone was given a good look over it was time for them to get their shots. I walked all of the kids to the little playroom to stay with Pam, Nicole, and Caleb. Then, I asked if anyone wanted to volunteer to get their shot first. Surprisingly Haili and Malachi raised their hand. Haili and Isaac didn't cry at all. Malachi, Alanna, and Joseph whimpered a little bit, but they were fine by the time the bandaid was on. Ethan did cry, but he also was finished by the time I buttoned his outfit back up (less than 20 seconds). The nurses all bragged on how good they were and gave them all the usually lollipop and sticker. They really were very good - a lot better than I expected them to be after having a shot.

My Nieces and Nephew

My mother and father in law were just up visiting from Florida this past weekend. My niece Jeannie and my brother in law Josh also came with them. We don't usually get to see each other very often and we had a wonderful time just fellowshipping with each other. While they were here Josh gave me a bunch of pictures of Beth and the kids off his laptop. Here are some recent pictures of my nieces and nephews in Pennysylvania.

Jocelyn Nicole, Jasmine Marie, Jaquelyn Faith, and Joshua David

Joshua and Jackie

Joshua (a.k.a. Bubba) He has really grown up a lot since the last time I got to see him.

Beth and Jocelyn

Jaquelyn, Jocelyn, Jasmine, and Joshua

Beth, Joshua, and Jaquelyn

Joshua, Jaquelyn, Jasmine, and Joshua

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I miss them all so much! I think about them all the time and pray for them several times everyday. I know one day this will all be over and we will get to see them again. I just pray that day will come soon.

P & P

Today I took the kids to the park for a picnic and some playing. They really enjoyed packing their lunches and taking it to the park to eat.


We planned on eating our lunch under the pavilion, but it was really cool in the shade. So, we decided to go and sit on the track in the nice, warm sun.


Joseph wastes no time when it comes to eating.


Isaac ate his piece of candy first!


Then he dug in his lunchbox for his lunch.


How do you eat


YOUR Reeses Peanut Butter Cup?


Haili is such a sweet big sister (most of the time).


Haili hanging upside down like a monkey.


Ethan really enjoyed riding down the slide on his big sister's lap.


Haili with her two of her favorite little men.

Aren't they sweet?

Haili and Nicole

Alanna's favorite thing to do at the park is swinging.

Joseph really loves swinging too.

The kids had a great time playing at the park. After we were done at the park we went over to Pam's house to pick some leaves so the kids could press them. They all helped pick the leaves and when we came home I put them in the dictionary. Then, we all loaded up and went to Wal-Mart, Cook Out, Nicole's soccer practice, and finally back home to do some scrapbooking. I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to stay at home and watch my children grow up.