tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73737826949849597762024-03-14T04:03:11.820-04:00The WeinhardtsMarthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18272619172307382646noreply@blogger.comBlogger424125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373782694984959776.post-35752175295747498002013-11-17T22:17:00.000-05:002013-11-17T22:17:08.577-05:00The Power of a Father's VoiceI experienced something so incredible today that I just have to share it with you! My friends, Dan and Corina, have been fostering a tiny little, beautiful newborn girl since the end of September. This precious little girl is just now starting to be more alert and active when she's awake and is just captivating to look at!<br />
<br />
Well, this morning Corina was working with the Junior Choir in the Sunday School department, and Dan, being a minister, was helping with the morning worship services and I, yes I, got to take care of Baby A!! (Have I mentioned how cute this little one is?!)<br />
<br />
Anyway, since Baby A has always been quite content and quiet, I decided to take her into the sanctuary and we sat a few rows up from the back. She started to get fussy, so I took her out of her car seat and was holding her, trying to get her to settle and get back into her contented position. That wasn't happening. She was squirming and squeaking and was NOT a happy camper at all .... <br />
<br />
Until Dan started to pray.<br />
<br />
Oh, how I wish I could have captured that moment so that I could show it to Dan now! Within a few words of his prayer, little Baby A stopped her squirming and squeaking and began to relax, just looking up at the bright lights and not moving a muscle! I'm so very convinced that she recognized his voice and his voice brought peace to her little mind and body!<br />
<br />
When I shared this with Dan and Corina after the services, I found out that Dan is usually the one who does the night feedings and that he often talks to her during this time. How precious! Baby A heard her "father's" voice and it immediately brought peace and security to her! <br />
<br />
How many times am I squirming and squeaking and trying to find a comfortable position in my life, but can't find it ... until I hear my Father's voice ... and He soothes me and gives me security and provides peace again. Knowing that He is near, even when I can't see Him or feel Him, but just hear His voice, I am able to calm down and relax and trust that He is near enough to protect me...and then I can fall asleep in peace and assurance.<br />
<br />
I feel so honored to have been part of this display of trust between Baby A and her "father" this morning. This is one of those life lessons that won't be forgotten for me!Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18272619172307382646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373782694984959776.post-82206921103718907332013-09-08T21:42:00.000-04:002013-09-08T21:47:21.987-04:00The Look Was Priceless!The boys have been begging for a pet. Our answer has been NO! If they can't even take care of their Webkinz pets, how could they ever take care of a LIVE animal?! So, no. No pets.<br />
<br />
Until now.<br />
<br />
It started out as a simple trip into Big Al's Aquarium. WRONG MOVE, MOM!! We were just going to LOOK. Yeah, right. How can you just "look" in an aquarium store when there are tons of beautiful fish swimming in tank after tank after tank?! After seeing the price tag on some of the fish that were on wish lists, the boys decided that maybe they didn't want to spend their hard earned money on a fish after all, at least not those beautiful clown fish. <br />
<br />
But hey! "Mommy, look! These goldfish are only .39 each if you buy ten or more! It's a better deal to buy ten than to buy one for each of us!" So, Mommy caved. Ten gold fish (that were really orange, white, black, grey and reddish orange) came home in a plastic bag.<br />
<br />
We put the three favorites in a bowl on the kitchen table and the other seven went into a larger bowl on display on the island. All was well...until we got home from church tonight and found two floaties. Uh oh. The emotions of pet-loss were beginning to emerge. Question after question arose about why they died, how they died, what did we do wrong, what will happen if the rest die, etc. We've been talking fish non-stop ever since.<br />
<br />
When the boys were getting ready for bed, I was on their bed and we were talking about fish, again, and I realized that I had made another HUGE mistake in this whole fish business. I served fish for supper tonight! Oops. The look on Christopher's face when he realized that the fish we ate for supper was a REAL fish, like one that used to swim, like one that used to be alive, like one that was bigger than the goldfish down on the kitchen table in the clear fishbowl, was absolutely priceless! Shock, horror, disbelief and repulsiveness all at the same time!<br />
<br />
I tried so hard not to laugh at the expression on my son's face when he realized that the fish he had just eaten used to be a live, swimming fish. It was so very hard to keep from laughing out loud, but sweet Stephen gently explained to him that the fish we had for supper was NOT a goldfish, but a bigger fish that swam in the ocean and had to be caught with nets and not even a fishing pole because it was so big (perch?!), and that Christopher didn't have to worry because it wasn't really the same thing at all, and it certainly was never anyone's pet! Whew! He did a great job of calming his little brother down, I have to say, but the look on his face is one I will remember for a long time. The shock that he had just eaten a real fish! Oh my.<br />
<br />
So, we had ten fish. We now have seven (another one has been discovered lying on the bottom of the bowl, unmoving). It's anyone's guess how many we will have when we wake up in the morning.<br />
<br />
And guess what I had already packed in their lunches for tomorrow? Yep. Goldfish. Yet another MomFail.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t9AcOC4Sg1U/Ui0nOFigghI/AAAAAAAABF0/z66l6fJ-hZo/s1600/imagesCAGWU9DU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t9AcOC4Sg1U/Ui0nOFigghI/AAAAAAAABF0/z66l6fJ-hZo/s1600/imagesCAGWU9DU.jpg" /></a></div>
Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18272619172307382646noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373782694984959776.post-14136842419032772182013-04-30T23:15:00.000-04:002013-04-30T23:15:21.834-04:00Yikes # 2 - Another September 15, 2012 Birthday<br />
<br />
Since Timothy and Christopher share a birthday, we usually combine activities to make it easier on Mommy. We also have a tradition in our family that on your 8th birthday, you get to have a "real" party. The birthday boy picks the theme, invites his friends and we do a birthday here at home. This year it was Timothy's 8th birthday, so he got to have his "real" party...but what about Christopher? Well, we didn't want to just ignore his special day, so we invited Grace, Rachel and Josh to share Christopher's day with an Eric Carle themed birthday. (Aunt Darlene was very pregnant with the twins at this point, so it was really a day of giving her a break and letting Christopher have some friends share his birthday.) Fun, fun, FUN!! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3kIBryac1QQ/UYCGFIihF3I/AAAAAAAABEQ/MWX-h__6L2I/s1600/156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3kIBryac1QQ/UYCGFIihF3I/AAAAAAAABEQ/MWX-h__6L2I/s320/156.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ummm...my first attempt at chocolate brownie cupcakes for Christopher's cake. BOMB! These looked PATHETIC, but have no fear! Martha is NOT going to waste all this work! I figured out a way to still use these reject cupcakes to make a cute little cake for the party.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zbmYhLfAbgQ/UYCGJ2Kk82I/AAAAAAAABEY/qHc0wikw6Qk/s1600/157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zbmYhLfAbgQ/UYCGJ2Kk82I/AAAAAAAABEY/qHc0wikw6Qk/s320/157.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We played Pin the Tail on the Elephant...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sxlbn7p1hZE/UYCGQoZ3TaI/AAAAAAAABEg/2E33q9ZnFWI/s1600/160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sxlbn7p1hZE/UYCGQoZ3TaI/AAAAAAAABEg/2E33q9ZnFWI/s320/160.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... got excited over gifts ...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sM1D52i7YiE/UYCGTGcNaII/AAAAAAAABEo/u51fXurvUM4/s1600/163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sM1D52i7YiE/UYCGTGcNaII/AAAAAAAABEo/u51fXurvUM4/s320/163.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">loved opening gifts ...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DnuUQeJuVbg/UYCGcPfYcpI/AAAAAAAABE4/yRlIeOYe7ZY/s1600/165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DnuUQeJuVbg/UYCGcPfYcpI/AAAAAAAABE4/yRlIeOYe7ZY/s320/165.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... and had the cutest Very Hungry Caterpillar cake ever!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QTZEvmUeCP8/UYCGiPmgZlI/AAAAAAAABFA/Mh3buf82EfM/s1600/175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QTZEvmUeCP8/UYCGiPmgZlI/AAAAAAAABFA/Mh3buf82EfM/s320/175.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a happy little 6 year old we have now!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7wu94KPFYwU/UYCHCXhi_kI/AAAAAAAABFI/1gY5VI-0puM/s1600/164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7wu94KPFYwU/UYCHCXhi_kI/AAAAAAAABFI/1gY5VI-0puM/s320/164.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday, Christopher! We love you!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18272619172307382646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373782694984959776.post-58685203774566275382013-04-30T22:55:00.001-04:002013-04-30T22:55:59.240-04:00YIKES! September 15, 2012<br />
<br />
<br />
Well, with Stephen's birthday coming up so quickly here, I realized that I never did share Timothy's 8th birthday party on here - from September 15, 2012! Blogging just hasn't been a priority these days, but in the back of my mind I think about this birthday post often because his party was * so * much * fun * !!!!! Timothy is one creative dude and he pretty much planned his entire party, including his cake.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vJXAqI8x9R0/UYB_z3v7juI/AAAAAAAABB8/xPLHAINQtE4/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vJXAqI8x9R0/UYB_z3v7juI/AAAAAAAABB8/xPLHAINQtE4/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guess what the theme of the party was?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u0KlqdENUfQ/UYB_3EuUU0I/AAAAAAAABCE/u6pZwTA5gA0/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u0KlqdENUfQ/UYB_3EuUU0I/AAAAAAAABCE/u6pZwTA5gA0/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Several days before the party we worked on making the pinata - a pig!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QoZZBx-hFC8/UYCAAlE52wI/AAAAAAAABCQ/UFl_FqIjFnY/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QoZZBx-hFC8/UYCAAlE52wI/AAAAAAAABCQ/UFl_FqIjFnY/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For our snacks we had broken eggs...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fgdmb624KA8/UYCADqics2I/AAAAAAAABCY/5s_eTYwVRDk/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fgdmb624KA8/UYCADqics2I/AAAAAAAABCY/5s_eTYwVRDk/s320/020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... sticks for nests ...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nmlTnqDKpUM/UYCAGWywdGI/AAAAAAAABCg/jMgB6H7quWM/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nmlTnqDKpUM/UYCAGWywdGI/AAAAAAAABCg/jMgB6H7quWM/s320/018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... pigs in a blanket ...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--nvjZwUw3rM/UYCCBwEt4gI/AAAAAAAABD8/xkCf2zhQAyY/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--nvjZwUw3rM/UYCCBwEt4gI/AAAAAAAABD8/xkCf2zhQAyY/s320/021.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
... berries for birds ...</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ATk0q4Za86A/UYCANKJsmTI/AAAAAAAABCw/9bGZ-Z3j4BE/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ATk0q4Za86A/UYCANKJsmTI/AAAAAAAABCw/9bGZ-Z3j4BE/s320/024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Timothy is thrilled with his new Angry Bird stuffies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R0N4EdngRb4/UYCAR-CSRPI/AAAAAAAABC4/bwkkCBu5pf4/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R0N4EdngRb4/UYCAR-CSRPI/AAAAAAAABC4/bwkkCBu5pf4/s320/030.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a new shirt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ozhOKVIsmk/UYCAVpHk2lI/AAAAAAAABDA/GQAbUU9LesQ/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ozhOKVIsmk/UYCAVpHk2lI/AAAAAAAABDA/GQAbUU9LesQ/s320/032.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Timothy's masterpiece cake. It was totally workable, too! He used a simple fondant type of candy to make his birds and pigs and created his towers out of chocolate wafer cookies. The pretzel rod sling shot with black licorice was carefully crafted so that it could actually throw the birds at the pigs!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aiovOkUbLeo/UYCAX-DzlKI/AAAAAAAABDI/Vczk_9iz2DM/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aiovOkUbLeo/UYCAX-DzlKI/AAAAAAAABDI/Vczk_9iz2DM/s320/034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a cool cake!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hEQM3TC8bvc/UYCAcAtok-I/AAAAAAAABDQ/Pqxv5xi92b0/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hEQM3TC8bvc/UYCAcAtok-I/AAAAAAAABDQ/Pqxv5xi92b0/s320/031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9L0n3H1XZko/UYCAgpH1dVI/AAAAAAAABDY/VAWE-bQlOPo/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9L0n3H1XZko/UYCAgpH1dVI/AAAAAAAABDY/VAWE-bQlOPo/s320/035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See all the blue fluffy birds and a few red ones made out of yarn? We made Angry Bird pompoms for a craft and the kids got to use them for games out in the yard and then took them home as part of their party favors.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y19j0_24ZdA/UYCAn9ofkbI/AAAAAAAABDo/PlUB2YUEBgw/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y19j0_24ZdA/UYCAn9ofkbI/AAAAAAAABDo/PlUB2YUEBgw/s320/038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Yt6YW1MRyM/UYCAjBUbkjI/AAAAAAAABDg/sK9B8RRgHzU/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Yt6YW1MRyM/UYCAjBUbkjI/AAAAAAAABDg/sK9B8RRgHzU/s320/039.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pinata was a hit! (har har har)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MAXXMyYt7xI/UYCAyObrpQI/AAAAAAAABDw/Ctp48isA2Aw/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MAXXMyYt7xI/UYCAyObrpQI/AAAAAAAABDw/Ctp48isA2Aw/s320/054.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a special 8th birthday this was for Timothy! So thankful that the day was beautiful enough that they could create all their Angry Bird towers and games outside. He definitely had a memorable bithday!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18272619172307382646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373782694984959776.post-25327941960813644222013-01-24T13:59:00.000-05:002013-01-24T13:59:28.993-05:00Valentine's Day Soup<span style="font-size: large;">I know it's a little early for Valentine's Day, but I had to show you our latest favorite soup BEFORE February 14 so that you can try this at home, too!</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First, boil a few carrots in your chicken broth until almost tender. They will be easier to work with if they are still a bit firm, and if you cut them into two halves before you put them into the pot (which I didn't do this time, so do as I say and not as I did).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--3x-Jb2n_TI/UQF_e7WZ9aI/AAAAAAAABAU/q5GLT13bCWI/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--3x-Jb2n_TI/UQF_e7WZ9aI/AAAAAAAABAU/q5GLT13bCWI/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remove them from the broth and allow to cool. (I was in a hurry so I ran cold water over these until they were comfortable to touch.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ze7TB5SF1cc/UQF_xe7Uk_I/AAAAAAAABAc/hzzdDOgHxAs/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ze7TB5SF1cc/UQF_xe7Uk_I/AAAAAAAABAc/hzzdDOgHxAs/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cut a small "v" shape down the entire length of the carrot and give that long strip to the kid standing closest to you who is dying to taste the carrot!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7IemoX9NzHM/UQF_yflh8LI/AAAAAAAABAk/An-lQZPlhfA/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7IemoX9NzHM/UQF_yflh8LI/AAAAAAAABAk/An-lQZPlhfA/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Carefully slice the sides of the carrot on an angle to shape the bottom half of your heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYqZqx0QNww/UQF_5okZJ7I/AAAAAAAABAs/sdePh45uYUs/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYqZqx0QNww/UQF_5okZJ7I/AAAAAAAABAs/sdePh45uYUs/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Slice into pieces thick enough that they won't fall apart when you put them back into the soup.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wl_ULnA-WsI/UQGAKcMKkGI/AAAAAAAABA8/-jqd02NgyKA/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wl_ULnA-WsI/UQGAKcMKkGI/AAAAAAAABA8/-jqd02NgyKA/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L7aaJG6_VMk/UQGAKM4jzSI/AAAAAAAABA0/-wXNrLsaYaI/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L7aaJG6_VMk/UQGAKM4jzSI/AAAAAAAABA0/-wXNrLsaYaI/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Try not to break any hearts!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p8a2SbkeRYw/UQGAT_BnCvI/AAAAAAAABBE/WFX9CrH4ZWk/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p8a2SbkeRYw/UQGAT_BnCvI/AAAAAAAABBE/WFX9CrH4ZWk/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Add your remaining soup noodles or other vegetables and serve!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s8VTfAelPn4/UQGAtQHeg9I/AAAAAAAABBU/sVtARrnqmfg/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s8VTfAelPn4/UQGAtQHeg9I/AAAAAAAABBU/sVtARrnqmfg/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dish out the Valentine's Day Soup! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We always add frozen peas to cool off the hot soup (and --- shhhhhh!--- to add extra veggies).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzAny8TG_1Y/UQGAmCOyzzI/AAAAAAAABBM/4HmU0FVfd1I/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzAny8TG_1Y/UQGAmCOyzzI/AAAAAAAABBM/4HmU0FVfd1I/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Make sure you hunt out the biggest Valentine carrot ....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZ9-C2_WEnU/UQGAxU41XuI/AAAAAAAABBc/v7C2cKfEaOw/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZ9-C2_WEnU/UQGAxU41XuI/AAAAAAAABBc/v7C2cKfEaOw/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and save it for last! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_mWQplLUUtw/UQGA3zOoHkI/AAAAAAAABBk/jlGmw6OVorM/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_mWQplLUUtw/UQGA3zOoHkI/AAAAAAAABBk/jlGmw6OVorM/s320/016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mmmmm-mmmmm-GOOD!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enjoy!!</div>
Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18272619172307382646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373782694984959776.post-76318652795067988042013-01-01T22:06:00.001-05:002013-01-01T22:06:03.057-05:00New Year's EvesOn Monday, Stephen and I were making a double batch of Chex Mix for our New Year's Eve party that night. As we were measuring out our ingredients (and he was snitching), it reminded me so much of my New Year's Eves growing up in East Akron. We had the BEST New Year's parties ever! We'd all go to the Aunts', Aunt Irene and Aunt Mary Kozy, who really weren't our aunts at all, but because of our close relationship in church with everyone, they were our "aunts" and that's that. So anyway, we'd go to the Aunts' and there would be food and games and laughing and teasing and little kids and teenagers and adults and parents and senior citizens and everyone else, too! We'd play Dutch Blitz and Uno and eat Chex Mix and sing and pray in the new year and eat some more and play some more and then finally in the wee hours of the morning, we'd all pack up and head to Country Kitchen for breakfast before we headed home around 7:00am to crash. I can't believe my parents did this for us because if it were ME right now at this stage in my life, I'd tell my kids "No way, buckaroos! You want to go to Country Kitchen for breakfast? Then you find your own ride!" But my parents didn't do that. They stuck it out with us and THAT was New Year's Eve. <br />
<br />
Things are different these days. Our family belongs to a church ten times the size of East Akron and there is no such thing as a church wide New Year's Eve party. It's kind of sad because I loved sitting with Olga and Aunt Helen and Aunt Mary and Aunt Irene and Uncle Paul and Marcie (why did I never call her Aunt Marcie?), and Ruth and Arthur, Paul and Esther all the way down to Mark and Shirley! We were ALL there, and we all ate and played and made memories together.<br />
<br />
This year we had some friends over for the evening. It was definitely a BOYS' party this year! Only two girls in the mix, along with us moms, that is. After we got the boys going on their snacks and games, the women disappeared to the basement so that we could have a little peace and quiet and some "girl time" together. We were having a great time telling stories and laughing so hard when sweet Priscila came downstairs and so gently interrupted us to say, "Uh, I think there might be something burning in the oven." Whooooaaaa! I ran upstairs to find, sure enough, something burning in the oven! We had forgotten Terri's baked brie was in there, and while the pastry was the perfect crispy tinge, the oil from the brie had leaked out and spilled out of the cookie sheet onto the bottom of the oven, taking some of the pastry with it. It was a mess, but also very clean-up-able, so I wiped it down and promised myself that I would self-clean the oven in the morning. It was high time for that maintenance anyway! <br />
<br />
It was soon close to midnight so we all gathered in the living room to have a prayer to welcome in the new year. Glow sticks were passed out to the kids first and I went back into the kitchen to quickly deal with something when all of a sudden Timothy started whimpering and then screaming! His glow stick had somehow exploded IN HIS FACE! It had sprayed into his eyes and was burning. I was finally able to convince him to have me lead him to the bathroom to try to flush out his eyes. By that point, he was screaming that his face was on fire - his eyes, his forehead, his cheeks, his lips! It was quite scary, to be honest, but I'll also admit that I was very tempted to turn off the light and force him to open his eyes so that I could see if they were glowing purple! I know, I know. Bad mommy. But I WAS curious! Anyway, in the meantime, in the other room, everyone was shouting Happy New Year already and then Timothy felt bad that he missed it. The tears started all over again, but I think it helped to flush the stuff out of his eyes because Daddy came in and asked if Timothy wanted to come out so we could "do New Year's" all over again and he readily agreed. Daddy was the hero!<br />
<br />
Fast forward to this morning. Timothy is now fine and has no issues whatsoever with his accident the night before. Thank God!! It could have been much worse! I finished cleaning up the kitchen, including setting the oven to the self-cleaning cycle and went on to deal with the mounds of laundry. I had just finished up an e-mail to Terri, which ironically included a post script saying that the oven was cleaning and the smoke alarm just went off. Ha ha ha, blah, blah, blah, hit SEND and turn around to see smoke billowing out of the stove part and flames engulfing the interior of the oven! I shouted for Fred to come help, to turn off the gas line or something! Smoke, BLACK smoke, LOTS of BLACK smoke pouring into the kitchen!! Smoke alarm screeching at me. Kids running in to see what's going on. Fred frantically scrambling to turn off the oven and the gas line. I'm waving my new 2013 calendar at the smoke alarm to try to get it to stop screeching at me! Oh my! So thankful that none of you witnessed this flurry of activity in here this morning because you'd never let me live it down! <br />
<br />
Once the oven was turned off, the fire subsided, while the smoke continued to billow a while longer. The stove had turned a lovely smokey grey color instead of its usual glistening white. (Yeah, right. When's the last time my stove was 'glistening' white?!) The exhaust fan couldn't keep up with the amount of smoke, so most of it was just wafting through the kitchen and on into the rest of the house. I haven't checked yet to see what the snow looks like on the outside of the house where the exhaust fan blows. Not sure I want to do that, really. After a few hours, the oven was cooled enough that the auto-lock was released and we opened the door. What * A * Mess!!!! It took me the rest of the morning (and we were up early, thanks to the boys' internal alarm clocks) to clean up the mess and feel confident enough to re-engage the self-cleaning feature. <br />
<br />
I am happy to report that my oven and stove are now cleaned and back to their original hues - for the most part. The lustrous white cabinets are another story, but whatever. I had to think today as I observed the fine-ash coated cabinets and the dingy ceiling, discolored by previous cooking episodes, that this is a kitchen of use! All of it's dings and discolorations and broken apparatus are all proof that this kitchen is used and lived in and enjoyed. If I had a pristine kitchen, would I still feel welcomed and comfortable in it? Probably not. I would be afraid to use it for fear of doing damage to it's beauty. I'm so grateful for my REAL kitchen, smoke damage and scent and all! You are all welcome to come enjoy my real kitchen at any time and I won't fault you at all if you break my special glasses, spill honey into the cracks between the floor boards, break the knobs off the drawers or smoke up my kitchen with your baked brie! Spending time in my kitchen is rarely a dull experience, so come enjoy! I can provide you with a good laugh or two, I'm sure!<br />
<br />
And that is our Happy New Year's Eve for 2013! Always a thrill to start off the year with a bang, isn't it? And how was YOUR New Year's Eve this year? Happy New Year to you all!Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18272619172307382646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373782694984959776.post-31013117581342976742012-12-22T22:12:00.002-05:002012-12-22T22:12:22.374-05:00Family ReunionsWhen I was a kid, we used to go to the Steiner Center in Wadsworth for a Pavkov family reunion every year in December. Grandpa and Grandma Pavkov's kids and grandkids would all be there and we would have an unforgettable day swimming with our cousins, then getting out of the pool to play with the foosball tables, pool tables, maybe even sometimes play a little ball in the gym. There were always games, a pinata and, of course, FOOD! <br />
<br />
It's funny how you can remember specific things from your childhood as if it were yesterday. My memories of Steiner Center Christmases are at least 30 years old, and yet they are so very clear in my mind, right down to the sting of the chlorine in the pool to the smell of coffee brewing in our big gathering room to the taste of Aunt Janet's Saurkraut Balls!<br />
<br />
When my cousin, Traci, e-mailed all of us to see if we would be interested in a family reunion, we all jumped on that idea! What fun to introduce OUR kids to the fun we had at our reunions! <br />
<br />
So, today was that day. We met in Mansfield at the Comfort Inn where we rented a conference room and had the use of their <a href="http://www.splashharbor.com/">Splash Harbor</a> mini-water park for six hours. Oh my! What fun we had! The cousins enjoyed playing together in the water while the parents and grandparents enjoyed being splashed as the kids came down the slide. The parents also enjoyed the adult-only hot tub, too! We had games and gifts and FOOD! Hot food, yummy food, and way too much food, but that's what Christmas family reunions are all about. Aunt Janet's cheese balls and crackers and her saurkraut balls showed up, too! We told stories about Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Janet. We talked about all the cousins who weren't there. We caught up on each other's lives and promised that we would do this again soon. <br />
<br />
The day was far too short, with our measly six hours together, but we're taking advantage of the time we had together and are showing our love like we never have before. Unfortunately this week, a young man, known to many of us (and mostly my young adult nephews and niece) was tragically killed and the brevity of life has been staring us in the face. We took time today to hug, to voice words of appreciation, to look each other in the eyes and to love each other as if it was our last day together. The range of emotions today went from the lows of mourning a dear friend to the heights of enjoying family time. <br />
<br />
It was a beautiful day here and I'm so thankful that our family knows and acts upon the love of Jesus. My memories of today will be cut deeply and I will cherish them. <br />
<br />
Family reunions. There's nothing like them!Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18272619172307382646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373782694984959776.post-57939586998712367192012-12-12T21:47:00.001-05:002012-12-12T21:47:01.734-05:00Christmas HelpersI love when the boys help me with fun jobs like vacuuming and watering the garden and helping to stuff Christmas envelopes. Really, I do enjoy it. There are other jobs I DON'T really want help with like decorating the cookies or counting the cash after a Watkins open house and Cookie Kitchen sale or actually addressing Christmas envelopes. Really, I don't enjoy that. But tonight we had fun.<br />
<br />
Timothy, my little computer guru was helping me to get the Christmas letter just right this year. He fixed the margins, adjusted font styles and sizing, printed the letters on the Christmas paper and then helped me tremendously by folding each letter with the Christmas card and then stuffed them into the envelopes. We were having such a good time sitting at the kitchen table together, laughing, talking, commenting on the people on our list, etc. The other boys were watching <em>The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe</em> in the other room, so I thought they really had no interest in this activity in the kitchen. <br />
<br />
Then Stephen came in for a popcorn snack and saw us working. <em>The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe</em> went off and he plopped himself down at the table and started putting address labels on the stuffed envelopes. We were all working so cheerfully and peacefully and then "The Question" came up: "Mommy, are you going to pay us for this work?" WHAT?! This is FUN stuff, not work! Haha! I had a good laugh at that one as I got up from my chair, walked to each boy, gave them a hug and a kiss and said, "Yep. You just got paid. Thanks for helping me!" <br />
<br />
Believe it or not, they smiled back, returned my hugs and went right back to work. End of discussion. (Whew!)<br />
<br />
Unfortunately we didn't get to finish before bedtime, but I was promised help that would continue as soon as they get up tomorrow morning. If you get a card from us this year, remember that they were all assembled with a lot of love and laughter and dialogue tonight. I love my Christmas helpers!Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18272619172307382646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373782694984959776.post-16705176966921405182012-12-06T21:44:00.000-05:002012-12-06T21:44:55.525-05:00I'm Here! Really, I AmWhen I first started blogging, I was so excited! I had so many ideas of things to write about, so many activities that I wanted to share, so many pictures I wanted to post! I had to hold myself back from posting too many times in a day because I thought that I really should just keep to one per day (some unwritten rule in my head, I guess). Now, here I am several years later and days, weeks, and yes, even months go by without a post anymore. I'm so sorry to all of you faithful blog-checkers. Don't take it personally.<br />
<br />
I guess I kind of lost my steam. I do love to write, and I love to tell stories and I do miss blogging, but it just seems like this whole change-of-life stuff that goes on when you're in your mid-40's (or beyond) has just sucked brain cells from my head. Half the time I can't even finish a sentence that I'm speaking to my kids so to sit down and try to remember what I thought was so pertinent to share on a blog just doesn't happen anymore. I could write things down so that I don't forget, but if I go to all the trouble of doing that, I may as well sit right down and type it onto the blog because otherwise I'd probably forget where I put the paper that I had written down my thoughts...so that I wouldn't forget. Those of you who are right here with me in life, you get what I mean. <br />
<br />
Shel Silverstein wrote the most hilarious poem that the boys ask me to read on a regular basis. They think it's funny. I think it's reality. It goes like this:<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="theloser"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">The
Loser</span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br />from the book "Where the Sidewalk
Ends" (1974)<br /><br />Mama said I'd lose my head<br />if it wasn't fastened
on.<br />Today I guess it wasn't<br />'cause while playing with my cousin<br />it fell
off and rolled away<br />and now it's gone.<br /><br />And I can't look for
it<br />'cause my eyes are in it,<br />and I can't call to it<br />'cause my mouth is
on it<br />(couldn't hear me anyway<br />'cause my ears are on it),<br />can't even
think about it<br />'cause my brain is in it.<br />So I guess I'll sit down<br />on
this rock<br />and rest for just a minute...</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And of course, he sits down on a "rock" which is really his head. The boys crack up at this every single time I read it, yet this is how I feel many days. I hear that once women pass this stage of life, they DO regain some of their brain function back. I'm looking forward to that day!</span></div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
So my dear, faithful blog-followers, don't give up hope! I'll be here! I'll try to be more consistent and faithful in posting anything because I know you do care. Do me a favor, though. If I post and you read it, feel free to comment so that I know I'm not just writing to cyberspace alone. It's always nice to know that someone is on the other end reading what I've taken the time to write.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
Until the next inspiration hits.....go with God, and be thankful for your day! I'll be back soon.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18272619172307382646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373782694984959776.post-66059501745616930282012-11-10T09:36:00.003-05:002012-11-10T09:36:57.569-05:00He Cracks Me Up!This morning I told the littlest boy that he had to change into his clothes before he was allowed to use his computer time. He looked up at me with a giggling face and he said, "I have a surprise for you!" and he proceeded to pull down his pajama pants right there in the kitchen. Underneath were his jeans from yesterday, complete with a new hole in the knee from crawling on the stiff carpet at church and powdered sugar smears from the mini-donuts he had at Lotsi Unkle's funeral. His eyes never left mine as he jumped up and down with pure joy, giggling uncontrollably as he shared his "secret" with me!<br />
<br />
What's a mom to do with a six-year-old who thinks he just came up with the most brilliant idea in the whole world?! Well, I guess just what I did! I threw my head back and laughed and laughed and gave him a huge hug and a tickle and a pat on the bum ... and then made a mental note that I'd better stay on top of things a little more when he's getting his pajamas on in the evening!<br />
<br />
That kid just cracks me up! What a joy he is to this family!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rd5y_LM12nw/UJ5lod8oEUI/AAAAAAAAA_8/TJ6KYb8RBbo/s1600/175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rd5y_LM12nw/UJ5lod8oEUI/AAAAAAAAA_8/TJ6KYb8RBbo/s320/175.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18272619172307382646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373782694984959776.post-15113064489263640862012-10-06T23:04:00.000-04:002013-01-24T14:06:31.750-05:00What I Did On My Summer Vacation 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Ok, I have NO idea what is going on with these pictures on here!! As you'll see, some are completely out of place and some are WAY too big and some are repeated. I have no idea how they got on there and I have no idea how to remove them so please ignore them and pretend that I know what I'm doing. Some day if I figure out how to fix them, I'll do so, but in the meantime, oh well.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had a busy, busy summer this year! Nothing new in that, but it just seemed like we never had a dull moment in this family! This post is mostly just to capture some of the highlights with photos for the benefit of the boys who like to go through my blog and look at pictures and remember the good times!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's to our summer 2012, boys!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GgEFzhLBdqk/UHDmfKMBYoI/AAAAAAAAA9o/XhSUM4W7kNI/s1600/110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" mea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GgEFzhLBdqk/UHDmfKMBYoI/AAAAAAAAA9o/XhSUM4W7kNI/s320/110.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Corn-Husker, right here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border: currentColor; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X1MCXZsPj-k/UHDmqUR-hyI/AAAAAAAAA9w/F_318TBuh1s/s1600/111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" mea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X1MCXZsPj-k/UHDmqUR-hyI/AAAAAAAAA9w/F_318TBuh1s/s320/111.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working on 5 dozen ears of corn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border: currentColor; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RV1H4SCppmQ/UHDnNX6wRlI/AAAAAAAAA-E/Qi24ud-HQAQ/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RV1H4SCppmQ/UHDnNX6wRlI/AAAAAAAAA-E/Qi24ud-HQAQ/s320/019.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our way to Virginia, we were stuck on the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie, ON. To our joy, we had to stop RIGHT beside the International Boundary Line where we always joke that we are in the middle of nowhere. Just HAD to take a picture of it (since we had about 10 minutes to stare at it anyway.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Fglg_aKuf4/UHDnsVh3i1I/AAAAAAAAA-M/gTGnFWtrTlg/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Fglg_aKuf4/UHDnsVh3i1I/AAAAAAAAA-M/gTGnFWtrTlg/s320/020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the middle of Pennsylvania, we pulled off an exit to get gas and saw this church across the road that was holding an outreach carnival that day. We were invited to participate and the boys got to play a bunch of carnival games and then trade in their tickets for FREE STUFFED ANIMALS!!! As if we needed <em>one more animal</em> in this house! They were so excited to pick out a 'new' animal to take along with them. We also each got a free hot dog, drink, popcorn and snowcone, so everyone was happy with this little diversion in the middle of Pennsylvania.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6pOBxHjhPKw/UHDn5HycEsI/AAAAAAAAA-U/D65NmERhmdI/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6pOBxHjhPKw/UHDn5HycEsI/AAAAAAAAA-U/D65NmERhmdI/s320/035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp wouldn't be Camp without time spent in the Game Room. This year Daddy got to challenge the boys to ping pong quite often! Fun, fun, FUN!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nu2-CuJi8zc/UHDoPcdwZII/AAAAAAAAA-c/efRFOMchGPY/s1600/065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nu2-CuJi8zc/UHDoPcdwZII/AAAAAAAAA-c/efRFOMchGPY/s320/065.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And then there were the weddings...Erik and Rosilda on August 4 in Kitchener and ...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-smwlDUVrJf4/UHDocBkyA7I/AAAAAAAAA-o/lH-ZUDeKcJA/s1600/089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-smwlDUVrJf4/UHDocBkyA7I/AAAAAAAAA-o/lH-ZUDeKcJA/s320/089.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric and Emily on August 12 in Cleveland, Ohio. (And look at my beautiful nieces, Stephanie and Melissa!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ho1dgKAXKM/UHDonJSDw_I/AAAAAAAAA-w/vFcI52tgmxE/s1600/139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ho1dgKAXKM/UHDonJSDw_I/AAAAAAAAA-w/vFcI52tgmxE/s320/139.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer ALWAYS includes some time at the cottage and this year Uncle Henry took the boys fishing for the first time! Timothy was very patient waiting for that big bite!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border: currentColor; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5KWkLjaflv8/UHDoxvN7CCI/AAAAAAAAA-4/vdC2WGM7Tm0/s1600/140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" mea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5KWkLjaflv8/UHDoxvN7CCI/AAAAAAAAA-4/vdC2WGM7Tm0/s320/140.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border: currentColor; text-align: center;">Stephen concentrated hard on his fishing skills.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border: currentColor; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HnEMwKZ_6QQ/UHDuXB4haOI/AAAAAAAAA_o/TqBt_Czkn3o/s1600/142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HnEMwKZ_6QQ/UHDuXB4haOI/AAAAAAAAA_o/TqBt_Czkn3o/s320/142.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...And he was the first one to catch a fish!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3izUUypgci8/UHDpFHjokJI/AAAAAAAAA_I/5MPzz3Y3J7k/s1600/137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3izUUypgci8/UHDpFHjokJI/AAAAAAAAA_I/5MPzz3Y3J7k/s320/137.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border: currentColor; text-align: center;">Kayaking was a highlight at the cottage as well. There were many choppy days where the kids couldn't go out on the water with the kayak, but you can be sure that on the calm days, they were begging to go! So glad no one captured the moment when Auntie Jo and Mommy came back from a kayak trip and Mommy fell out of hers while she was trying to climb out of it! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="border: currentColor;">
So these are just a few highlights of our summer. Now that the weather is turning colder, I thought I'd better post some HOT summer pictures to warm me up a bit. Good by, Summer of 2012. We really enjoyed you this year!</div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18272619172307382646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373782694984959776.post-58486972470148065152012-09-18T23:39:00.001-04:002012-09-18T23:47:09.045-04:00And What Did YOU Do Today?So, what did YOU do today? Same old, same old, or something out of the ordinary? Well, I did something today that I've never done before and may never do again, but it was totally worth it!<br />
<br />
This year, the International Plowing Match is held in Roseville, Ontario. That's pretty much right down the country street from us! I've been seeing signs for it for months now: Official Site of the International Plowing Match, September 2012. Hmmm. Whatever. Who wants to go watch fields being plowed? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UOZ0-i4KCJU/UFk15FHT9qI/AAAAAAAAA9U/29AxajIv3iM/s1600/IPM+2012.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="73" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UOZ0-i4KCJU/UFk15FHT9qI/AAAAAAAAA9U/29AxajIv3iM/s320/IPM+2012.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
But then I started checking into it because curiosity got the best of me. It started to sound like a lot of fun, kind of like a typical Ohio fair, but maybe even better!<br />
<br />
I showed Fred the website and thought that <em>maybe</em> he would be interested, but no. He kind of dismissed it completely when he heard that it would be $17.00 per adult and $5.00 per kid. "Not worth it," he said. Oh, I was terribly disappointed, but I knew that if it didn't hold any interest to him, we would certainly not be going. Sigh. A once in a lifetime opportunity to go to an International Plowing Match down the drain.<br />
<br />
Over the weekend, we got to talking about it again after our prayer meeting and Corina mentioned that she and her girls were going to be volunteering at the IPM so they would be going every day! They live in Roseville, so it's quite convenient for them to be there. Then Rick mentioned that maybe he could get a free ticket for me, if I would be interested. If I would be interested?! You bet! WooHoo! <br />
<br />
He shared the free ticket with me and guess what?! I went this morning! And oh, what a morning it was! First of all, there had been thunderstorms overnight, steady rain early morning, and now it was time for me to go (by myself - no husband, no kids! Best way to do it, in my opinion, so that I could see what I wanted and at my own pace), and it was still raining. I drove down New Dundee Road to the official parking area and was directed up a very muddy hill in a field across the road from the Tent City, as they call it. I parked, jacket pulled up close and umbrella already in full use. The other attendees and I clambored aboard the trailer of a tractor that drove us down a very muddy hill, onto the road, and then down into another very muddy, very hilly, very scary field. Unbelievable MUD everywhere and so very thick and sticky. There were no seats on this trailer, so we stood, holding the rails and holding our umbrellas as we drove the 30 minute path to Tent City. <br />
<br />
Sparing you details, let me just say that I have never seen so much mud in my life! Little boys in rubber boots were having a hay day (there can be no pun intended because there was NO hay - only mud at this point). Fashionable women were having coniptions because their beautiful shoes were getting sucked into the muck, and the dear elderly attendees were trying so hard to walk without slipping and sliding in the ooze.<br />
<br />
I had limited time, so I zipped through as many tents and displays as I could, considering I was slipping and sliding through the ankle deep mire as much as everyone else. It was not an easy trek and it was actually more of a workout than a leisurely stroll, I'll tell you that much! Soon, my time came to an end and I headed back to the gate to catch an out-going tractor that would take me back to the van. I was (un)fortunate enough to be a solo rider on a trailer with a young driver who I think wanted to show off his tractor driving skills. He warned me to hold on as the ride would be bumpy and then he took off! Oh.My.Goodness! It's been a long time since I've been so terrified for my life as I was today! This guy was trying to go fast so that he could gain momentum on the deep-muddy hills and he was just flying...as was I! My shoulders were killing me from holding on so tightly and my thighs were burning, just trying to keep my balance and my feet from slipping. Many times my feet even left the floor of the trailer as he plowed right through the muddy ruts! A few times he glanced back to see if I was still there, I guess. I couldn't even respond to him because I was just holding on for dear life and not able to even breathe at times! All I could think about was all those elderly people who would have to ride these wagons back to their cars in this horrible, horrible situation. <br />
<br />
We finally pulled up to my stop and I let the driver have it, politely of course! I told him that if he wasn't careful when he brought the elderly people back, he'd be dealing with some serious injuries or even worse! He apologized and said that he hoped they would have a better plan in place by the end of the day. Sheesh! My legs are still hurting me from the torture I had to endure on that wild ride back to the van!<br />
<br />
If that weren't bad enough, it was still raining at this point, so the parking field was now a parking mud pond. I tried to back out of my parking space and got totally stuck in the mud. I tried and tried on my own, but to no avail, so I set out in search of someone to help push me. I asked the volunteers standing there if they could help push my van out of the mud and was told, "I'm sorry. We're only volunteers. We're not allowed to help you." Oh. Then who can? "Maybe one of the security people." And they would be where at this point?!?! Plan B: I flagged down one of the tractor drivers who kind of looked at me bewildered because I wanted to talk to him. I asked if he could give me a good push to get me out of the rut and he said, "Sorry, ma'am. We were told we can't help anyone, but I'll let them know at the gate that you need some help." Oh yeah, right. As if I would be willing to wait around to see if that would actually happen. <br />
<br />
I was left to move on to Plan C. I jerked the van into reverse, shoved one foot out the door and as ladylike as I could, I pushed with all my might into the now calf-deep mud and revved my engine with the other foot, all while the volunteers and the tractor driver stood by watching. I'm proud to say that I got myself out of the mess and couldn't get out of that place fast enough! <br />
<br />
Despite the rain and the tractor ride of fear and my volunteer audience watching me dislodge the van from the mud, I thoroughly enjoyed my day at the International Plowing Match! It was totally my type of event and I loved it! I wished many times that Mom and Dad and Grandpa could have been there, too, but on a much nicer day, of course. I also wished that I didn't have to leave early due to another appointment, and that I could have had a pass for a few days so that I could see it all! It was so worth the free ticket and the mud and the experience. I guess I'm just a country hick at heart.<br />
<br />
And that was my day.Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18272619172307382646noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373782694984959776.post-36230177003727156342012-07-12T23:27:00.003-04:002012-07-12T23:27:51.099-04:00The BEST Bean SaladI love bean salads! My grandma made the most amazing bean salad ever and she knew that I loved it so she would make it especially for me sometimes. That always made me feel loved by her, because she knew how much I loved her bean salad. It was very simple, but so delicious.<br />
<br />
<strong>Grandma's Bean Salad</strong><br />
1 can green beans<br />
1 can yellow beans<br />
1 can kidney beans <br />
(or any type of beans can replace these 3)<br />
1 medium onion, diced<br />
1 medium green pepper, chopped<br />
<br />
<strong>Dressing:</strong><br />
1/3 c. oil<br />
2/3 c. vinegar<br />
1/2 c. sugar (In my handwriting on this recipe card I have "TOO MUCH! Even 1/3 is too much!)<br />
1 tsp. salt.<br />
<br />
Mix dressing ingredients with onion and pepper until sugar is dissolved. Add rinsed beans. Stir and refrigerate overnight. <br />
<br />
So, that WAS my favorite bean salad, and don't get me wrong, I still love, love, LOVE it! But I was introduced to another bean salad two weeks ago and since then, I think I've made it about four times already! It is my newest BEST bean salad!<br />
<br />
This is from Connie's dad who, I'm told, kind of just made it up on the spot. <br />
<br />
<strong>Connie and Robert's Bean Salad</strong><br />
(This is mostly the recipe that I received from Connie)<br />
<br />
1 cup dry white navy beans soaked in 3 cups of water in the fridge for 24 hours (the longer they soak the less gassy for you). <br />Simmer the beans in clean water for 60-90 minutes until tender. Rinse in cold water.<br />
In a bowl add:<br />
3 ears of corn, cut off cob<br />
approximately 2 cups of cooked navy beans (or all of it for a larger salad, in that case you will need 4 ears of corn)<br />
about 1/2 medium onion finely diced<br />
about 1" ginger finely diced + or - depending on your taste<br />
<strong>dressing:</strong><br />
several splashes of apple cider vinegar<br />
a splash or two of olive oil<br />
several shakes of herbamare<br />
sprinkle of cayenne pepper + or - as you like<br />
a few shakes each: ground coriander seed, dried basil & parsley (although fresh basil / parsley would be better) (cilantro might be nice also)<br />
Mix into the beans and corn and let sit to marry altogether for at least 1/2 hour. <br />
<br />
I personally did use fresh cilantro and no coriander seed, fresh basil and fresh parsley. I also tried something different with my ginger. I had purchased extra because I knew I'd be making this salad often and I put the extra ginger in the freezer. When I needed it, I scraped the skin off with a sharp knife and then used a hand grater with small holes and grated the ginger into the beans. This was so easy to do!<br />
<br />
Try this! I'm sure you will no doubt fall in love with this just like I have! It's my newest source of protein staple that I keep in my refrigerator all the time! I love it!<br />
<br />Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18272619172307382646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373782694984959776.post-33229256812681773602012-07-04T22:34:00.001-04:002012-07-04T22:36:45.808-04:00Introspection and EmpathizingThere's a lot of introspection going on inside of me lately. I find myself examining my thoughts, my motives, my actions, my reactions. I question whether or not I've made the right choices, said the right things, performed the best actions. I immediately regret the wasted time, thoughtless words, and unnecessary frustrations.<br />
<br />
There has also been a lot of empathizing going on inside of me lately, too. I'm putting myself in others' shoes and wondering how I would be handling their situations, wondering how I would be reacting, dealing with life, both present and future.<br />
<br />
Because I don't know who all reads my blog these days (probably no one anymore since it's been ages since I've written), I am going to be very vague in my details, so as not to disclose information that may not want to be divulged, but I want to tell you what has caused me to be quite reflective these days.<br />
<br />
There is a woman in my sphere of influence who is my age and in a similar family situation as I am. She has children my childrens' ages and is going through the same life stages that I am. For the sake of giving her a name as I write, I am going to call her Lisa. <br />
<br />
As I said, Lisa and I are very similar in our circumstances, or I should say, WERE very similar in our circumstances until this past spring when she found blood in her urine. Hoping that it was just a typical UTI, but feeling that it was probably not, Lisa sought medical attention. Her greatest fear became fact. She was diagnosed with a rare form of bladder cancer ... and the cancer had already spread to her lymph nodes and her lungs - Stage 4. Obviously this news was shocking to her, her family and those of us in her circle of influence, and thus began the wave of appointments, tests, consultations and treatments. <br />
<br />
Lisa's friends have set up an account for her at Lotsahelpinghands.com which is a website designed to create calendars, schedules, contact information and well wishes for people who find themselves in situations where help is needed. I am on Lisa's list as a support person as are many, many others. As I've participated in providing my helping hands to Lisa and her family, it has caused me to think about my life and my family as well as pulled me into empathizing with her and wondering how I would be handling life if I were in her shoes.<br />
<br />
* Is my relationship with the Lord as close as it could be?<br />
* Is He really my rock and my refuge?<br />
* How strong is my relationship with my husband? <br />
* Would he be ok if I were to die?<br />
* Have I said everything I want to say to my boys? <br />
* Did I teach them everything I could so far?<br />
* Does that pile of wadded up socks under the bed in their room really warrant barking from me?<br />
* When is the last time that I told my dearest friends how much they have impacted my life?<br />
* Have I chronicled enough memories of the boys when they were younger?<br />
* Have I helped build up my husband so that he is strong enough to handle the future alone, should that happen?<br />
* Did I tell him where I hid the combination to the lock where I store the boys' toys when they "lose" them?<br />
* Do I have ANY accounts unsettled in my life?<br />
* Am I ready to meet my God?<br />
<br />
And I wonder:<br />
* How is Lisa's marriage?<br />
* Is she feeling overloaded with information about her own situation that taking care of her family might be overwhelming?<br />
* Is she scared?<br />
* Does she cry when no one is around?<br />
* Does she feel pressure to do 'everything' before she can't do anything?<br />
* Does she pray?<br />
* Is she saved?<br />
* How deep will she let me go with spiritual topics?<br />
* Does she wonder how much more time she has?<br />
* Is it awkward for her to talk about her situation?<br />
* Does she hear and see 'death' everywhere?<br />
* How will she tell her children the truth of her sickness?<br />
<br />
Lisa is on my heart and mind constantly. Today her children spent the entire day in our home and I struggled in keeping back my tears when I saw them playing as innocent children. They do not understand the scope of the situation as it is too broad for their young minds. They were enjoying life here, not realizing that their mom was at yet another treatment session for this ugly cancer that is stealing her life away from her. I prayed today that her children would feel safety, stability, security and love in our home. We don't know what the future holds, but I know that I want them to know that this home is a place of refuge for them, no matter what may happen.<br />
<br />
There's more going on in my mind, but I don't think that I've even been able to put it all into words for myself. I am affected by the events in Lisa's life and I am drawing closer to the Lord as I realize that it very easily could be me and not her. These things are hard. They are not pleasant to go through, but they do refine and strengthen, don't they? <br />
<br />
Please pray for Lisa, her family and her support group as we all walk this road together with her.Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18272619172307382646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373782694984959776.post-11045821202528950042012-05-26T22:42:00.000-04:002012-05-26T22:42:10.253-04:00Candy Sushi Making<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fR90iEre2Us/T8GP_ItuKrI/AAAAAAAAA9I/4kB8Vs6t3rc/s1600/Sushi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fR90iEre2Us/T8GP_ItuKrI/AAAAAAAAA9I/4kB8Vs6t3rc/s320/Sushi.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen, Timothy, David, Jonathan hard at work making their candy sushi.<br />
Picture courtesy of Andrea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Uncle Bob was the hero tonight! After our family barbeque, he pulled out the trimmings for candy sushi! He had all the kids working, making their own custom made sushi and wow, was it a hit! Uncle Bob's friend found it on Pinterest and forwarded it on to him, knowing that he is a real sushi lover, and Uncle Bob just couldn't resist sharing the joy with all the nephews and nieces!<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
Green colored Fruit Roll Ups<br />
Batch of Rice Krispie treats<br />
Gummy worms or licorice sticks<br />
Gummy fish<br />
<br />
Flatten the batch of Rice Krispie treats into a rectangle, or if you are in a hurry like the kids tonight, no need to bother with this step.<br />
<br />
Place a gummy worm or licorice stick on one end of the rectangle and roll it up. <br />
<br />
Cover the log with the green Fruit Roll Up and add gummy fish if desired.<br />
<br />
Slice the log into little sushi bites and gobble them up!<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, we didn't get any good pictures of the final products as they were snarfed down almost immediately, but here is a blog from <a href="http://www.mommyknows.com/birthday-party-candy-sushi/">Mommyknows.com</a> that has a great tutorial and pictures of what they should have looked like.<br />
<br />
Lots of sticky fingers and green tongues after this project, that's for sure! I skipped the gummy stuff and the Fruit Roll Ups and just enjoyed the Rice Krispies. Try this with your kids! They'll love it.Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18272619172307382646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373782694984959776.post-89790117106610357752012-05-25T23:36:00.002-04:002012-05-25T23:36:45.459-04:00Florida Part II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Well, since so many of you have been asking about my Florida Part II post, I thought I'd better deal with it already! Today was a hot and sunny day here and it put me in a Florida mood so I figured, why not! Here are a few highlights of the second half of our Florida trip back in March.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVSryciaAtQ/T8BJqZzI7QI/AAAAAAAAA8M/7CC8u26Fa7U/s1600/670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVSryciaAtQ/T8BJqZzI7QI/AAAAAAAAA8M/7CC8u26Fa7U/s320/670.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Timothy LOVED building his sand castles! He had a slew of them on the go at any given time. The only problem is that despite my attempts to constantly slather him in sunscreen, my poor son STILL got charred from all of his time on the beach!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nt6A1YeAUYc/T8BJ13LLeZI/AAAAAAAAA8U/p4U3WUf2J00/s1600/662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nt6A1YeAUYc/T8BJ13LLeZI/AAAAAAAAA8U/p4U3WUf2J00/s320/662.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys diligently worked on their sand castles. The sand on Sanibel Island was perfect for building!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7J9OUnfvnqE/T8BKuPmUaUI/AAAAAAAAA8s/GkZ2iRUENGQ/s1600/629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7J9OUnfvnqE/T8BKuPmUaUI/AAAAAAAAA8s/GkZ2iRUENGQ/s320/629.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where's Christopher? Oh. There he is...at least part of him!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yTFB21HEMIw/T8BK5XF5Z9I/AAAAAAAAA80/IJC6F-BeOR8/s1600/618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yTFB21HEMIw/T8BK5XF5Z9I/AAAAAAAAA80/IJC6F-BeOR8/s320/618.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were blessed to spend some time with Uncle Russ and Aunt Adena in Ft. Meyers and the boys just had to recreate Magic Kingdom and Epcot with ALL of their Dominoes, Uno cards, playing cards and whatever other game pieces they could find. They had quite the amusement park created there!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uaK7iEzjVXE/T8BLDEdbpgI/AAAAAAAAA88/yhgFAaKx7h0/s1600/626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uaK7iEzjVXE/T8BLDEdbpgI/AAAAAAAAA88/yhgFAaKx7h0/s320/626.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this picture of Stephen finding his first shell! We came home with so many shells because they had to keep collecting "just one more."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_2042565931"></span><span id="goog_2042565932"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sf0xoGoi5Xo/T8BKD5OURCI/AAAAAAAAA8c/wHXmfdoZNI8/s1600/645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sf0xoGoi5Xo/T8BKD5OURCI/AAAAAAAAA8c/wHXmfdoZNI8/s320/645.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a treat to be able to spend a few days with Liz and Laurel, too! We got to watch the sunset at Vanderbuilt Beach. How absolutely gorgeous! We tried watching for the green ring, too, but I missed it. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBaTrOkjzJ8/T8BKSiF0o5I/AAAAAAAAA8k/zqvOv44IuSs/s1600/649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBaTrOkjzJ8/T8BKSiF0o5I/AAAAAAAAA8k/zqvOv44IuSs/s320/649.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After a long trip, we still managed to squeeze all three kids into one queen bed in the hotel. We won't be able to do that too much longer! This peaceful scene was at the end of a struggle for blankets and pillows and foot room claims. I wonder what they'll remember about this trip?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So there is the quick version of our trip to Florida! Thanks to Dad's love for snapping pictures, we have hundreds more to remind us of our memorable time together. I would do it again in a heartbeat with all the same people, and more ... and if I had the time and money to do it as well. We still talk about our Florida trip on a regular basis and I'm pretty sure we will for a long time to come!<br />
<br />
Mom? Dad? Where do you want to go next year?!Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18272619172307382646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373782694984959776.post-44550891688556619622012-04-27T21:31:00.001-04:002012-04-27T21:31:21.182-04:00Memories of Florida Part I<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;">At the end of March, Mom and Dad came with us on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation in Florida. We hopped on a plane in Buffalo and flew to Cleveland to pick up Mom and Dad. From there we flew to Orlando and started our wonderful vacation together! One day at the Magic Kingdom, a day at our hotel, and then a day at Epcot and another morning in the hotel pool ... great way to begin that memorable time together!<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dT2MQ4zH7Zs/T5tEv2vUQfI/AAAAAAAAA60/uYCF1F546Wg/s1600/544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dT2MQ4zH7Zs/T5tEv2vUQfI/AAAAAAAAA60/uYCF1F546Wg/s320/544.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let the Memories Begin ... and they did!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cktJLVapiR8/T5tBmvA7z1I/AAAAAAAAA58/SYNLrmEqz8g/s1600/454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cktJLVapiR8/T5tBmvA7z1I/AAAAAAAAA58/SYNLrmEqz8g/s320/454.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First sight of Cinderella's Castle was amazing! The boys were in awe, as were the rest of us!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pI6wX_PXy3k/T5tBwr3Tv7I/AAAAAAAAA6E/gJ9_X4hBxWg/s1600/455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pI6wX_PXy3k/T5tBwr3Tv7I/AAAAAAAAA6E/gJ9_X4hBxWg/s320/455.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma and Christopher were partners in the Buzz Lightyear adventure.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l83YK9Kd8jE/T5tB_uaNesI/AAAAAAAAA6M/5VhFoXou08M/s1600/462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l83YK9Kd8jE/T5tB_uaNesI/AAAAAAAAA6M/5VhFoXou08M/s320/462.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Splash Mountain!<br />
What can I say? We LOVED it - at least most of us did. Stephen wanted me to sit in the front seat with him because that was the one that would get drenched! We sure did, and it was worth every moment of going on my son's first roller coaster ride sitting next to him!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-25024whTZWg/T5tCXuYcn0I/AAAAAAAAA6U/Of0NLqdRTkA/s1600/549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-25024whTZWg/T5tCXuYcn0I/AAAAAAAAA6U/Of0NLqdRTkA/s320/549.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hotel pool was fantastically warm! We loved spending time in there, and if were up to the kids, we wouldn't have gotten out - except to go to Epcot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AZDMbLw-CMs/T5tChs8fyeI/AAAAAAAAA6c/T3DlZbYq3zU/s1600/565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AZDMbLw-CMs/T5tChs8fyeI/AAAAAAAAA6c/T3DlZbYq3zU/s320/565.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And go to Epcot, we did! There was a beautiful flower and garden exhibit going on while we were there with some amazing floral creations. The boys wanted their picture taken with Donald Duck.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CdarKNLm4b0/T5tC8m1Sn2I/AAAAAAAAA6k/sBqsRaaZEvE/s1600/617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CdarKNLm4b0/T5tC8m1Sn2I/AAAAAAAAA6k/sBqsRaaZEvE/s320/617.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This ball always amazes me. Fred got such a good shot of this on our way out. We had a fun and very tiring day at Epcot, but it was way too short! If we ever go again, we'll skip Magic Kingdom and spend more time in Epcot!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sLYJg73Vtxg/T5tDHoV3eyI/AAAAAAAAA6s/EvDJD4ursr8/s1600/596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sLYJg73Vtxg/T5tDHoV3eyI/AAAAAAAAA6s/EvDJD4ursr8/s320/596.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's another one of those fabulous floral creations. Christopher wanted to be next to Mater and Lightning McQueen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18272619172307382646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373782694984959776.post-86543593435634690992012-04-09T23:13:00.000-04:002012-04-09T23:13:01.843-04:0080-Something<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E8jIfAoryLU/T4Ok_-9rJXI/AAAAAAAAA50/JVW8JEQlKhE/s1600/5514296985_cdd35fa987_t%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E8jIfAoryLU/T4Ok_-9rJXI/AAAAAAAAA50/JVW8JEQlKhE/s320/5514296985_cdd35fa987_t%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>My friend, her husband and her 80-something-year-old mother-in-law were travelling together across the country via the friendly skies. My friend and her husband were sharing a brownie, when the thought occurred to her that maybe her mother-in-law would appreciate some, too, so she broke off the last piece and handed it over to this little old lady. <br />
<br />
A few minutes later, my friend glanced across the aisle at her mother-in-law and about burst into fits of laughter ... and embarrassment! Dear MIL had eaten the brownie and then had popped her teeth out and was licking the rest of the brownie off of her teeth because she had enjoyed it so much! Not sure just how to respond, my friend stifled her laughter and tried to block the view of her mother-in-law licking her teeth from the rest of the plane. Once they were licked clean, they were popped back into her mouth and no one was the wiser! <br />
<br />
Ahhh...what will I be like when I'm 80-something and travelling with my children? I hope they have a sense a humor and patience just like my friend has!Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18272619172307382646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373782694984959776.post-78606888284393172462012-03-16T10:48:00.000-04:002012-03-16T10:48:29.190-04:00Canadians and Their Holidays<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Disclaimer: this post is written by an American who has lived in Canada for 13 years and has established official Landed Immigrant status in this country. All perspectives portrayed are due to the fact that the author has divided loyalties between Canada and the United States and, due to the country of origin and the influence gained from those first thirty-two years of life, the comments made cannot help but have the slant that they do.)</span><br />
<br />
Canadians love their holidays! There's pretty much one holiday per month, preferably on a Monday, and if there isn't really an offical one like Christmas or Thanksgiving or Canada Day, why then, there is one that's created just for the fun of it, it seems. August has no official reason to celebrate, but we have August 1st as "Civic Holiday". What's that mean? It just means that we need a day off in August. <br />
<br />
February doesn't really have a holiday either because you can't count on Valentine's Day to have a day off of work or school. No problem. Several years ago, Family Day was created and now we have yet another Monday off. <br />
<br />
Family Day is supposed to be a day where families spend time together doing family things. For some people, that means cleaning out their basements together or sleeping in and maybe vacuuming out the family van. To others, it means going on a weekend skiing trip or attending a local museum's free Family Day activities. <br />
<br />
This year, Family Day for us meant spending the day participating in a free Family Day skate at an ice rink with some friends and then going to their house for a wonderful visit the remainder of the day. What fun! While the dads worked on computers and the kids played outside in the snow fort and Monopoly Jr. inside , the moms sat and laughed together and cooked together and visited like only two moms with little kids can do - interrupted, disrupted, and non-stop!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CIQ-NEhPcfA/T2NL5Cn6HrI/AAAAAAAAA5k/RABk2NVsVpg/s1600/Picture+325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CIQ-NEhPcfA/T2NL5Cn6HrI/AAAAAAAAA5k/RABk2NVsVpg/s320/Picture+325.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fred and Levi sharing some fun playtime together.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qSIHbR7eGto/T2NLOPx_vUI/AAAAAAAAA48/6hTYwD5OI4g/s1600/Picture+309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qSIHbR7eGto/T2NLOPx_vUI/AAAAAAAAA48/6hTYwD5OI4g/s320/Picture+309.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HU1tDB0_iK0/T2NLhRSWWBI/AAAAAAAAA5M/e1oQvoEKOlc/s1600/Picture+313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HU1tDB0_iK0/T2NLhRSWWBI/AAAAAAAAA5M/e1oQvoEKOlc/s400/Picture+313.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of happy, noisy and goofy children!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WP0xyHPPXBo/T2NLY2C7u3I/AAAAAAAAA5E/TY0b77kWRl4/s1600/Picture+310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WP0xyHPPXBo/T2NLY2C7u3I/AAAAAAAAA5E/TY0b77kWRl4/s400/Picture+310.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
We let the kids eat first so that we could enjoy a quiet meal together with just the grown ups. They loved the "privacy" of eating without parental supervision, as you can tell.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JLJotid3kmw/T2NLt1aL7vI/AAAAAAAAA5U/iP1gX7E4mvo/s1600/Picture+318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JLJotid3kmw/T2NLt1aL7vI/AAAAAAAAA5U/iP1gX7E4mvo/s400/Picture+318.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching Roadrunner videos</td></tr>
</tbody></table> When they were done, the kids all gathered around the laptop in the other room to watch Roadrunner videos while we had our quiet dinner in the dining room, next door.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gfoiU3eXR0w/T2NLyzD8uqI/AAAAAAAAA5c/cPGufLi9n5o/s1600/Picture+319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gfoiU3eXR0w/T2NLyzD8uqI/AAAAAAAAA5c/cPGufLi9n5o/s320/Picture+319.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> We weren't so quiet, I guess, because all of a sudden, some little munchkin came over and shut the door to the dining room because we were being too loud and they couldn't hear their show! That, of course, made us parents laugh even louder and harder! <br />
<br />
While I still think it's funny that there had to be a day designated for families so that we could have another holiday with a day off, I sure am thankful for it! We had a lot of fun with the Boronka family and the laughs we shared were welcomed and binding for our families. The day was over far too soon and we left with wonderful memories. What a great Family Day, February 2012 (or June 2003 - depending on what calendar you use, right Irina?)Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18272619172307382646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373782694984959776.post-59945494304754234752012-03-10T08:38:00.000-05:002012-03-10T08:38:17.085-05:00Code YellowDo you know what Code Yellow at Zellers means? I didn't either, until last night. Code Yellow at Zellers means "missing child." Yep. When your child seems to have disappeared into thin air, you tell the first store employee that you see, they pick up a phone on a pole in the middle of the store and blast "CODE YELLOW" over the speaker system after describing to their superiors that a five year old boy in a black coat went missing in the toy section.<br />
<br />
And how do I know this and why am I telling you this? Why, because it happened to a particular little five year old boy that we know quite well last night, of course! We were at Dad Weinhardt's last night and after supper, Fred took Timothy and Christopher to the mall to pick up some things while Stephen and I stayed at Dad's. They decided to stop and check out the toys in Zellers (whose idea was that, do you think?) on their way out. Timothy and Fred were looking at some basketballs when Fred turned around and realized that Christopher wasn't there any more. He quickly looked through the toy section calling his name, but ... no response. He said his footsteps got a bit quicker and his voice a bit louder, but soon realized that Christopher was no longer in the toy section. He found an employee who called in the missing child report and then announced Code Yellow to the entire store.<br />
<br />
Fred said that he checked out the toy section again, but then retraced his steps and went back to the mall entrance of the department store. There was Christopher, standing at the gaping wide opening of Zellers, about ready to walk and disappear into that huge mall! When he saw Fred, he ran to him and burst into tears! He told Daddy that he looked for him and tried, but couldn't find him. By that point, employees had swarmed from all points in the store (I would have liked to have seen that since I can NEVER find any employees in that store on any given day!). All was well when Daddy and son were reunited and they left.<br />
<br />
I'm telling you, parenthood can really stress you out at times! Between the Code Yellow experience last night and Stephen's accident at school on Tuesday (that's another story) and all the every day things in between, I'm ready for a quiet week. But that's IMPOSSIBLE! It's the beginning of March Break!Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18272619172307382646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373782694984959776.post-14031710066919311882012-02-19T23:17:00.001-05:002012-02-20T09:10:05.305-05:00Emergency Rooms and Memory Triggers<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Yesterday afternoon Christopher was downstairs playing by himself when he started crying. It didn't sound like he had gotten hurt, but just an overtired, whiny kind of cry, so I ignored it as long as I could. Finally I couldn't take it anymore, so I went to check on him and he was at the bottom of the stairs holding a mast from a Playmobile pirate ship in his hand. He told me that he hurt his eye. I looked at it, didn't see much damage, so I carried him upstairs and told him that I would put some drops in it just in case, and that he should come up and lie in bed to rest while the drops healed his eye. He ended up falling asleep (a blessing for sure!) and two hours later was back up and running around like before!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kU5NRtjXVzI/T0HIcu_6R-I/AAAAAAAAA4s/2jEeTv1edJU/s1600/Christopher's+eye+%231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kU5NRtjXVzI/T0HIcu_6R-I/AAAAAAAAA4s/2jEeTv1edJU/s320/Christopher's+eye+%231.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e4Hvtks5Hw4/T0HIhd6WEXI/AAAAAAAAA40/vX38dLL6Epw/s1600/Christopher's+eye+%232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e4Hvtks5Hw4/T0HIhd6WEXI/AAAAAAAAA40/vX38dLL6Epw/s320/Christopher's+eye+%232.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a>At supper, I glanced over at him and about threw up! His eye had started to bleed and the white cornea was now bright red! Oh - my - goodness!!! It was not a pleasant sight, let me tell you! Trying not to panic, Fred and I made plans for me to take him to emergency while he stayed here and got the other boys bathed and in bed. I'm so thankful that Christopher had that two hour nap in the afternoon, because you never know how many hours you're going to be sitting in an emergency waiting room, right?!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We decided to go to Cambridge hospital instead of Kitchener, hoping for a shorter wait time. After I parked and we walked toward the emergency entrance, I was hit with a flood of unexpected memories. The last time I had been in that emergency room was ten and a half years ago. I was two days shy of being twelve weeks pregnant with my first baby, and I was hemorrhaging profusely. While I was hoping that being in the emergency room would help me, I also knew that I was most likely miscarrying and would lose the baby. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">These were bad memories that were flooding back. I don't think one thing has been updated in that ER since that time as even the glass on the triage nurses' window made my stomach lurch. That had been where I stood, blood pouring from my body, tears pouring from my eyes, begging for help. Last night when they called Christopher's name and we walked through the frosted, electric doors back into the emergency department, once again I almost burst into tears. We passed the bathroom where I had sobbed as more bleeding occured, so many years ago. Then we entered the very room where I had spent six hours lying on a table waiting until an operating room was available so that surgery could be performed to scrape the remains in my uterus. There was no longer a baby, but just remnants of a placenta that needed to be removed.</div><br />
That was the last I remember of that emergency room as I was wheeled off to who knows where after that and only remember waking up in the recovery room. When Christopher and I left the hospital after he was done, I walked outside into the darkness and a sadness fell on me that once again caught me off-guard. When I had gone to that hospital ten and a half years ago, my mother-in-law was with me and stayed with me as long as she could. For some reason, when I walked out and saw the side of the building, I just felt so lonesome for her again. I missed her terribly.<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I tried hard to be upbeat and happy with Christopher because he was done (in just a little over an hour, too!), and there was no serious damage to his eye, but at the same time, I was overwhelmed with haunting memories of the past. You'd think that over time, things like this would just go back into the deep recesses of your mind and you won't be affected by them ever again, but that was not the case. Even now, my throat is tight and my eyes are blurred as I remember that sad, sad day that I lost my baby. I try to explain it on here now, but even my words are not portraying the emptiness that my heart feels, an emptiness that I thought had been filled and healed. Maybe, even though God does heal our hurts and binds our wounds, maybe those memories never truly die. I'm sure there is a reason for that, and I won't bemoan the fact that my unborn baby died, but maybe God wants to remind me that even in those saddest of days, He was there. He took me through those, and He will take me through future events as well. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>We left the hospital last night and came home to tell Fred the good news that all was well with Christopher's eye. My sadness turned to happiness and thankfulness, but there is still this little pocket of my heart that is filled with surprise at the response of those memories. I will give them over to the Lord again and ask Him again to comfort my heart and bring back the peace. He will. I know that, because He did it for me back then, too. He is a faithful God and He can still my soul and fill it with praise...and with MANY more beautiful memories!Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18272619172307382646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373782694984959776.post-71465722822054731632012-02-17T09:17:00.000-05:002012-02-17T09:17:42.797-05:00Christopher's HandsThis morning Christopher wanted me to help him get dressed. At five years old, I know that he is more than capable of doing this himself, but for some reason it must have seemed overwhelming to him today. I said to him, "You do it yourself. You've got hands!" He replied with a smile, "I've got hands, but I don't want to use them for this."<br />
<br />
(I have a book of quotes and comments that I've kept for Stephen and Timothy since they were little and for some reason - third child syndrome I'm thinking - I didn't do that for Christopher. The other day we were looking back at old blog posts of when the kids were very little and we were laughing at the things that they said. I told Christopher that I would start writing down some of his sayings on here so that we have them for the future. Stay tuned for some of his funny lines!)Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18272619172307382646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373782694984959776.post-89632234265008930782012-02-15T23:12:00.000-05:002012-02-15T23:12:10.185-05:00Timothy and ZachThe two older boys are participating in the Sunday School's Hidden Treasures Bible verse memorization contest at church. They have a list of verses that they need to learn in order and word for word. They have the opportunity to win a trip to our church camp as well as a cash prize, depending on how many verses they learn by the middle of May.<br />
<br />
I found out that the youth group had some members that wanted to partner up with some of the Sunday School kids to help them learn their verses this year, so I jumped at the chance to talk to the coordinator to see if Timothy could have a mentor to help him. I was thrilled when I found out that Zach wanted to work with Timothy (because he thought it would be cool to take Timothy to Tim Horton's to study!) because Timothy needs someone (other than Mommy) to help him learn these verses. <br />
<br />
Tonight was Zach and Timothy's first official night to practice their verses together. At supper, Timothy was making up songs for his verses so that he could remember them. I kind of forgot about that, until Zach approached me afterward to fill me in on their evening. I guess when they first sat down to start reciting, Timothy told Zach that they should sing their verses so that they could remember them. Zach told Timothy that he wasn't the best singer, but he'd try. And then Timothy said, "Ok, go!" Poor Zach didn't know what to do! It seemed that Timothy wanted him to make up a song for them to learn and Zach just sat there dumbfounded! I was laughing hysterically as Zach was telling me about this because Timothy was so very sincere about his desire for Zach to start singing and Zach was just totally thrown off guard. I guess Timothy eventually sang his song for Zach since Zach didn't seem to be able to make up a song off the top of his head like Timothy could and Timothy was satisfied with that.<br />
<br />
I know that the two of them will have a great time learning their verses together and who knows, maybe while Zach is teaching Timothy his Bible verses, Timothy will be teaching Zach how to ad lib songs! In the meantime, those verses will be hidden deep in their hearts and a friendship bond will be formed. Mentoring is a good thing!Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18272619172307382646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373782694984959776.post-76848801864418314572012-02-01T22:49:00.000-05:002012-02-01T22:49:56.095-05:00Committment QuandaryI'm sure I'm not alone in this, but lately I've really had to search my heart and mind about my commitment quandary. I'm a doer, a worker, a people pleaser as well, to be honest. I enjoy serving and being busy (my name IS Martha, after all). If someone needs something done, they know that they can ask me because, chances are, I will say yes.<br />
<br />
Well, lately I've been convicted that I'm pouring my service into the wrong ministries. There is so much that I enjoy doing: teaching Sunday School, going to Gleaners, participating in the Counselling Committee at church, babysitting before and after school, etc, etc. There are so many <em>more</em> ministries that I <em>want</em> to be involved with, too! I would love to go deeper into the women's prison ministry, be a more active participant in the school council, participate in another small group at church, the list goes on. <br />
<br />
It seems like over the past few months, though, every time another opportunity comes up to be involved in yet another activity, barriers also pop up and unrest settles in my heart until I break down and say "no". This is not easy for me. I WANT to be involved! I WANT to serve! I WANT to be active in many ways, but I believe even more that God is telling me that it's time to stop. I thought at first that maybe it was just the momma bear in me wanting to be with my little cubs, and then the self-doubting started and I thought that maybe I just couldn't be as effective any more anyway, and then I was just plain<em> tired</em> (this perimenopause stuff can really throw you for a loop!).<br />
<br />
I've been hearing more clearly lately, through miscellaneous comments from friends, family, even the radio announcer today and Chuck Swindoll's program this week that it's time to start saying NO. No, I can't organize that get together. No, I'm sorry, I can't be on that committee. No, it is not possible for me to attend that meeting next week. No, I will not commit to going there every single Monday for the next six months. No! I am not available!<br />
<br />
Here's what I've been convicted of: my ministry right now is my family. God has placed one husband and three boys in my life and I am the only wife and mother for these people! If I'm not here for them, no one else can take my place! Someone else can pick up my knife and chop vegetables at Gleaners, but no one else can console my eight year old boy whose very important Lego piece has fallen down the heating duct, never to be seen again, like I can. Someone else can drive the women's prison van to take the inmates to their appointments, but no one else can faithfully sit here and read <u>Katy the Caboose</u> to my five year old over and over and over again like I can. Someone else can chair the committee to decide on Teacher Appreciation Day activities, but no one can cheer on my husband when he's landed a new client like I can. <br />
<br />
My family is my ministry and if I'm so busy taking care of everything and everyone else, how can I minister to my family? Is it fair of me to be upset with my kids when they are whining and crying during that arsenic hour between 4:30 and 5:30 every night? They're hungry, but we can't eat yet because I've just run home at the last minute after a day full of ME ME ME activities and didn't have supper prepared! It's not their fault, it's mine! I want to be available to take my kids to their swimming lessons, cheer them on and then surprise them with an extra 30 minutes of play time at the YMCA. I want to be here when they practice their piano lessons and then join them on the bench and sing along with them as they play. I want to be prepared and organized enough in my day that when they ask me to play a game with them (even the long and boring ones like Monopoly, Life or Clue), I can spare the time to sit and play with them. I want to be here in the evenings so that when Fred doesn't have to do any after hours tapping in on clients' computers, we can sit on the couch and watch a Walton's episode together.<br />
<br />
I think you get my point.<br />
<br />
I'm still working hard at saying no. I'm not very good at it yet, but I am working on it. Someday my children will not need me any more and I'll have more time with my husband, but for now, I want to fill my life with the ministry of wife and mother first! Then in my free time, I can participate in other activities IF they don't interfere with my other, most important jobs! I am thankful that God is still allowing me to participate in some of the activities that I greatly enjoy, and I know that if there is something that I really should be doing, He'll shuffle things around so that I can add it to my responsibilities, but I certainly don't need to heap on the guilt and be active in every last thing that is thrown my way. <br />
<br />
For now, Proverbs 14:1 is what I'm meditating on and trying to consider with every new opportunity presented to me. <em>The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her hands.</em> (NKJV) I want to be building my home by making this my number one ministry!Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18272619172307382646noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373782694984959776.post-44252390501854081242012-01-28T21:06:00.001-05:002012-01-28T21:07:43.627-05:00The Stalling TacticThe boys love to use whatever excuse they can to delay bedtime, but tonight I heard the most outrageous stalling tactic ever!<br />
<br />
I was up in the bathroom with Stephen. He had just brushed his teeth and I was trimming his nails when we heard a CRASH and a whimpered, "Oh brother!" from down in the kitchen. Since the other boys were already in bed, I knew that had to be Fred. Stephen was ready to bound down the stairs to see what had happened, but I made him sit still while I continued to work on his nails.<br />
<br />
I cautiously called down to see if everything was ok and Daddy replied that he was fine, but when he was putting the apple juice bottle back in the refrigerator, it fell and spilled all over the floor.<br />
<br />
(Side note here: at the supper table just tonight we had a little conversation about the importance of always putting the lid back on the apple juice bottle because at our house, the potential of knocking it over and spilling it was quite high. I received a look that I interpreted to mean, 'I know what I'm doing; you don't need to tell me what to do.' so I dropped the subject.)<br />
<br />
Meanwhile back upstairs, Stephen is having conniptions because he wants so badly to go downstairs and see the mess. I am trying to convince him that he doesn't need to worry, Daddy is taking care of things and he still needs to get his nails finished before he goes to bed. <br />
<br />
Stephen responds, "Fine! I'll finish my nails, but then I'm going down to see that mess! I can't believe you won't let me go now! This might be the only time in my life that I will ever see a jar of apple juice spilled all over the floor and you don't want me to miss it, do you?!"<br />
<br />
Ha ha ha! Can you believe that one?! Well we didn't fall for that excuse! Are you kidding me? In our house those chances of seeing another jar of apple juice spill are so high that that excuse is quite lame! My response to Stephen was just a loud and hearty laugh and a little putz on the bum as I guided him into his bedroom, promising that the next time apple juice spilled, I would let him see it -- AND wipe it up himself!<br />
<br />
These kids crack me up!Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18272619172307382646noreply@blogger.com3