Freshly Brewed

Zak is 6

2009-04-01T01:52:00.007-04:00

This is 12 days late, but I still wanted to post something about Zak's birthday. Happy birthday buddy, you are one of the best gifts God has given me, even though I didn't think I wanted you at first. God made you extra, extra special and He did a great job. You are doing awesome in school, and working so hard. I am so thankful you have a tender heart for God and are so gentle with your little sister and brother. I love you!

Age 2

Age 3

Age 4

Age 5

Age 6

First Snowmen

2009-01-22T12:51:00.002-05:00

I believe that these are the first snowmen the kids have ever made. Even though we took trips home for Christmas in the past 6 years, I don't remember them ever getting a chance to make a snowman. We are loving the snow here.

The Gordon Christmas

2009-01-20T20:26:00.010-05:00

We spent the first part of Christmas week with my parents and the second part with Davids. Nana helping the kids decorate sugar cookies. Our icing ended up being pink rather then red, but the cookies still tasted "Christmasy"

Nana left her small tree in the Dining room for the children to decorate. They had fun and with a little help the decorations were not too lopsided. See Dylan's red socks - he was supervising from his seat on the table.

Nana and Papa playing the Kids version of the Farming Game. We found this neat game at a Mennonite Store.

Papa passing out the gifts.

Dylan's first Teddy Bear - a gift from his Great Grandma and Grandpa Gordon.
Helping Zak and Gavin with their race cars.

And then the MEAL!!!

It was so neat to share Christmas with a few friends of our family. On the left between my mother and Grandmother is dear Sis Breckbill and on the right between David and my goofy brother is our good friend Matt. We tried something we have never made before - Stuffed Pork Loin. If you haven't ever tried it, your missing something. A little pricey, but it was wonderful!! My mom is one of the best cooks, she also made Spinach casserole and Twice baked potatoes. I made rolls and we also had cranberry salad. It was Plum Yummy!!!

Pappy with Jeffery and Dylan

I try to take pictures of my kids with their Great grandparents as often as I can of. Not too many are so blessed to have grandparents still living.

I'm really not sure why they have such sober faces....

The End of the Day.

Not sure who was rocking who to sleep. Notice Dylan is still awake.

Don't worry, I rescued him before he slid off her lap.

The Evans' Christmas (beware multiple pics)

2009-01-20T18:24:00.009-05:00

Uncle Kathir, Makla (his daughter) and Dylan.

Patiently awaiting lunch. Sidney and Kaylee B

Zakary and Cedric B

Caught in the act... Thieving the turkey.
Aunt Adena

Aunt Joy

Mammie - the chef

David's parents have a huge garage on their property. Great for playing games. An Evans' tradition is that Dad Evans creates a new game to play each Christmas. This isn't exactly a "new" game, but he set up courts to play Pickle Ball. Ever heard of it? Evidently it's the fastest growing sport in the US. A cross between tennis and ping pong.

Aunt Joy was the story teller to keep the kids out of harms way.Moments before I died.
Alfred B. trying to look grown up.
Mammie and Dylan
Zak Sledding

Zak and Sid

Our Christmas

2009-01-20T17:45:00.004-05:00

I am aware (thank you very much for the reminders) that I am way behind with blogging. So today, being a little under the weather, and sitting at home, I decided to catch up from Christmas. We celebrated our own Christmas on Dec 20th and then left for PA to celebrate with our families. These are just some random pics from before we left.
My pirate and princess.

Full of smiles

Making Christmas Cookies

Due to limited space, and our Christmas decorations all packed in storage, we decided not to buy a Christmas tree this year. However I did find this little 2 foot tree at the Goodwill. It had a motion sensor that activated Christmas carols when you walked by, and its eyes and mouth opened and closed in time with the music. The kids loved it.
<

other random picture...

2008-12-02T22:53:00.006-05:00

Love his curls...

I can escape...

I think I can escape...

The guys in the bathroom

While in PA we also visited a live Nativity...

Looking at "Baby Jesus"

When the weather outside is frightful...
Mamie's arms are soooo delightful...

Home for the Holidays

2008-12-02T20:53:00.009-05:00

We drove home to PA for Thanksgiving last Wednesday. This was the first time in 6 years that we were home for Thanksgiving, and we enjoyed every minute of it. At least most of us did.Mamie telling Adena how it really is...Best buddies. (Cedric Bennett and Zakary)There is nothing like homemade Apple Pie

It was a very busy weekend as we also went to a wedding in which two of my cousins got married. My dad's nephew married my mothers niece (sound confusing??). Zakary was a Bible barer along with his second cousin. He did a great job. After a long rehearsal on Friday, he told Mamie Saturday morning, that he didn't want to go to the wedding because he just didn't want to get married anymore.

Just chillin with his cousin Gavin who was a flower boy.

By this time Zak was too tired to be anything but goofy. It is hard to get good poised pictures with him, because he just can't be serious when he is told to be.

My "little rooster".

Cradle Cap

2008-11-14T22:42:00.008-05:00

I thought I just write a post about something that most all of us mommy's have dealt with in the past. I learned something new about cradle cap this time around with Dylan. Just FYI - Cradle cap is a rash (fungal based) that is caused by hormonal changes in the infants body. It usually appears in the first few weeks of life and disappears over the next several months as the infants immune system develops. It causes scaling and redness on the scalp. If it extends to the face and chest it is then called seborrheic dermatitis. I have seen infants with thick scab-like patches on their head. Dylan's was a fine pin-point somewhat flaky rash. For you new mommies, don't stress out, it has nothing to do with hygiene or over/under shampooing the hair and scalp. My pediatrician for Dylan told me to use either Head and Shoulder's shampoo, or Nizoral shampoo. If this doesn't improve it try Nystatin cream (which you can buy at any store) and apply directly to the rash. I couldn't believe how much it has helped Dylan's rash.
PS. the pic above is not Dylan- he has much more hair. LOL.

Just some pictures...

2008-11-08T00:50:00.004-05:00

In AZ we didn't have fall leaves. The kids are having a blast here with the abundance of leaves. I think Zak was attempting a headstand. It appeared to be a disappointing conclusion to the story.

My wonderfully brainy Husband is quite handy when it comes to putting up a tree swing. He didn't even fall out of the tree.

We Have Moved (Finally)

2008-10-31T23:03:00.001-04:00

I'm sure some of you have been wondering what we have been up to the past month, so I will fill you in. We have finally moved!!!! (Let's all break into the Hallelujah chourse) I was beginning to think the day would never come. In the past year, each time we would try to make arrangements to leave AZ, the doors would shut and we would feel that we should stay. For me, this year has been a time of learning patience in waiting for God's perfect timing. Now things have finally come together and David and I both felt clear that the time had come for us to leave beautiful (and hideously HOT) AZ. I cannot say I felt much grief. Other then sadness for leaving some very dear friends and a wonderful church, I am so excited to be moving back east to the cold weather, beautiful fall colors, snow, and so much more. In AZ you really only have two seasons, hot, and unbearable hot. One of the biggest blessings is that we will be within a day's drive of our parents. We will however, deeply miss our friends that we have made over the past 6 years. As we had no family in AZ, many dear people opened their hearts and homes and made us their kids and grand kids. We have never been so loved and warmly accepted anywhere else we've lived.

The end of September my parents came out to AZ and helped us pack and get ready to move. It was such a huge help with Dylan being only 4 weeks old.

Sidney wanted very badly to push Dylan in her doll stroller. I only let her do it this once with much supervision. He did look adorable and actually fell asleep right after I took this picture. The Sunday my parents were with us, the church had a potluck meal and baby shower for Dylan. They gave me lots of nice gifts, and everyone brought a pack of diapers. Talk about a huge blessing!!!
Sleeping with Pooh. Packing the trailer. We pulled a 20 ft trailer with a 7 ft high box built on it.

David got creative in getting our mattresses tied on.

On the way we stopped at a gas station with this unique playground toy.

Finally in Indiana! We stayed for a few days with our friends the Bryans while we looked at some houses and made some arrangements. Then the next week we went on back to PA, to introduce Dylan to his Grandma and Grandpa Evans, and hung out with our folks while we waited for the closing on our house. We have bought a bank-repo, "fixer-up", and thank the Lord we got it for cheap, cheap, cheap. And THANK THE LORD also that my dear hubby is a "jack of all trades" and can do just about any type of construction work. The house at present is not livable, so we are currently living in a tiny two bedroom rental house until David gets our house fixed up. Hopefully this will only be for a month. I will post pictures later of the house and it's progress.

David and Dylan in my parents home in PA.

These are my dear, dear grandparents, John and Ann Gordon. They are both 87, and are sweet and precious. Someday I am going to write their story of immigration from Ireland. I am blessed beyond measure to have Godly, praying grandparents. They are the only great-grandparents my children have living.

Sidney entertaining Dylan for me, so I could get unpacked. Since we are only staying in the rental house for about a month, we are again just camping out, trying not to unpack to much. I can not wait for the day I move into a house that I know we will be staying in for awhile, and can unpack and decorate.

Zak holding Dylan and keeping him quiet so mommy can work.

More Pictures...

2008-09-14T17:58:00.000-04:00

Zak and Sidney are very in love with their new brother.

Now a family of five. Everyone keeps asking us how many we want...???? David had the gall to glibly "joked" in the delivery room - "only 3 more to go"! I almost had the nurse throw him out.
His hair is going to be my thorn in the flesh. It goes every which way. The mohawk look happen on it's own.
Tiny kissable toes

Dylan Jonathan

2008-09-09T22:19:00.000-04:00

Thank the Lord our little one is finally here, and he is healthy. I started labor on Sunday night and he was born Monday @ 7:28 am. We had some company over for a snack after church and the first contraction hit 10 minutes after they walked out the door. Talk about good timing. He weighs 7lbs,14 oz, and is 20 1/5 in long. He has lots of dark hair, which I'm sure will turn blond like our other two. I was going to be induced this Thursday, but he decided not to wait and cooperate with Mommy's well laid plans. Hopefully that's not a sign of things to come. I am home already today, and am feeling pretty good. I will post more pics later. I am very grateful to the Lord for such a gift. For those who have been through a miscarriage, you understand the worry and anxiety during the next pregnancy.

"Bed rest"

2008-08-15T14:37:00.000-04:00

Since we have returned home from our travels, I have been having preterm labor, so I am now on "bedrest", until I get to 37 weeks. I just wanted to share a picture of David working - for those who have a hard time believing it. Just kidding. He really is helping out a lot with cleaning, dishes, taking care of the the kids. What a MAN!!!

Since I have nothing better to do other then sit and lie around I have started Zak with his Kindergarten. We are doing ACE paces for now, but the plan is to put him into school once we get moved and settled. This is his "first day". He likes it and is doing well.

Getting ready for the baby. Zak is checking out the car seat for defaults, Sidney is trying the pacifier.
David's dad had made us a cradle when Zak was born. It was in need of a new coat of stain and finish. It really turned out beautiful, when he was done.

For those who are still wondering, we are moving the end of September. Yeahhhhh!!!! We will try to keep everyone updated about the "details".

Our Busy Summer

2008-08-15T13:57:00.000-04:00

I have been very bad about blogging this summer, but I guess you can chalk it up to pregnancy, vacations, and just being way toooo busy. I thought I'd do a quick catch up and show you all some pictures of our summer.
Over July 4th we went camping. It was great to get out of the 115 degree heat and be in the cool mountain air. It rained alot of the time, but we still had lots of fun.

The end of July we flew home to PA and spent two weeks with our families. The first week we went to David's home. We attended the Zeigler reunion where there were 87 people in attendance. The rest of the week was spent playing at Mammie's.

"Help, I can't get down"
Very frightening indeed. David's dad is in the chair behind him.

The greatest accomplishment - Catching "Mr Pickle"

A Very "serious" Aunt Adena
Sidney and her cousin Kaylee, Mammie lounging in the chair.

"Life is getting sooooo uncomfortable."

The family
The Grandkids - 11 and one on the way

Splashing Mamie. Zak, Evan, Cedric

The second week we went to my parents, and had a wonderful relaxing time. At least I did. David helped Dad finish up the kitchen project. My mother has waited a long time for her new kitchen. It was beautiful.

Somehow I missed getting pictures of the cousins playing at my parents. I guess I was really relaxing.

After all our travels it was good to come back home and get back in the grind. But I have to say we are blessed with some of the greatest families.

San Diego

2008-05-07T16:15:00.000-04:00

David's Birthday was May 2nd and he wanted to go to San Diego for the Red Bull air races. We only live 5 hours from there, so we went out on Friday morning and returned Saturday evening after the races. The qualifying runs were on Saturday, and the actual races were on Sunday, which we didn't stay for. The route we take goes right beside the sand dunes outside of Yuma, AZ. When Zak looked out the window and saw all the sand he exclaimed with great wonder - "Mom, is this Sand-iego".

We also got some time to play at the beach. It was rather chilly, so thankfully mostly empty of sun-bathers. Sidney was at the beach when she was about 9 months old. She of course doesn't remember it, and Zak had never seen the ocean. They both loved it. I like the beauty of the ocean, however I am NOT - may I re emphasize- NOT fond of sand, in the hair, clothes, car, etc. What a mess, it sticks to everything!!! I am so glad we don't live near an ocean, because I would go crazy. When we were leaving the beach, I threw some sandy wet towels up on top of the car while I was helping the kids get in. When we got home to Phoenix, I noticed sand all over the top of the car. However the aero-dynamics work on that car, it never blew off. WERID!!! (yes I did remember to put the towels in the trunk)
Zak loved to chase the water in and out and David took him way out so he could kind of ride the surf on his float ring. Sidney got knocked down and wet right after we got there and she refused to have anything more to do with the water. She spent all of her time digging and filling up the buckets with sand. We made a pretty cool sand castle but in the picture some of it had already washed away.
The air races were held over the San Diego bay. The point of the race is to fly through the obstacle course with out taking out the inflated cones in the shortest time. As a pilot, David was much more intrigued then I. Once I saw one go through, the rest was pretty much redundant. But overall it was a fun day.

Sidney's Birthday

2008-05-07T12:04:00.001-04:00

For Sidney's 3rd Birthday, we got her a bike. We had gotten Zak a bike for his 3rd birthday, and got him the smallest one you can buy. He seemed to grow out of it so fast, so David wanted to get Sidney the next size up to start off with.

She was thrilled with her bike and figered it out in minutes. Zak is explaining to her the brake system. The brown thing laying in the grass is our neighbor's dog, not a dead pig.

I made Sidney a "princess cake". You bake the cake mix in bowls. We asked Sidney how old she was and she had to take some time to count it out on her fingers.

This pic has nothing to do with her birthday, but I thought it was cute of the kids chowing down on dill pickles, an addiction they learned from me. David won't get within 3 feet of any open pickle jar.

Old cars

2008-04-21T20:08:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago we went over to Bud and Sherry's house for supper and for a ride in his new wheels. It is a 1930 Chevy. It had "sucide doors". Bud has refurbished the whole car and it looked super!! He took all of us for a ride and we had a great time bumping around at 30 miles/ hour.

Can you imagine going to town for groceries in this. Where would you put everything, there's no trunk.

Zak's 5th birthday

2008-03-30T17:15:00.000-04:00

On the morning of Zak's birthday I hid his presents. He had fun looking for them.

If you can see on his feet he also got "roller shoes". He is not so great on them yet and has had several falls, but he keeps trying. After one particully painful "sit down" he said to me through his tears "Mom, I wish I never had to wear these again". He however had them back on the next morning.
His birthday was on a Thursday, so on Friday evening, we had friends over for a birthday party. A big thing out here is these inflatable jumpers. I have always thought they look like loads of fun, so we rented one for his party. The kids jumped till they were exhusted.

The chefs!Grandpa Maddox - the kids adopted AZ grandpa."Uncle Bud"

Spring is here...

2008-03-30T16:54:00.000-04:00

We, for the first time, colored Spring eggs this year and had egg hunts all week long . Zak told me it was his favorite game to play. We had a lot of fun and a very busy week. I want my kids to learn traditions but at the same time not confuse the Resurection with trivial commercialism.

This is Sidney's Palm Sunday outfit. It was going to be her Easter dress, but then Grandma and Grandpa Maddox bought an Easter dress for her and gave it to her as an early birthday gift.

Easter outfits. Zak also got his new suit as a Birthday gift from Grandma and Grandpa Maddox. They spoil our kids to death.

All the picture taking got to be just a little much for Sidney. She has a shy streak.

Announcment

2008-03-12T16:07:00.001-04:00

Once again the birdflu has hit our household.

(You would think they would have a cure by now)

As Sidney says, we are going to get another Zakary.

There will be on September 16th another rugrat in

our household. Some suggested names by our kids are

Onesimus (At least Sid is paying attention in Sunday School),

Thomas, (Hint - Choo, Choo), and Bob (the builder).

(posted by the expectant father)

2008-03-11T20:45:00.000-04:00

The past few weeks we decided to get some last minute sightseeing in before we leave AZ for the East. During both trips, I of course forgot the camera so we have no pictures of the memorable events.
We have always talked - at least David has about going sking in Flagstaff. He hasn't skid in approx 10 years, so it was with great trepidition and much prayer for the safety of the other skiers that I spent the day. He, of course, did fabulous. He was on the black diamond trails by his third run, and said he only "sat down" twice. I took the children and we found a snowy hill to sled on. After dumping Sidney off, she decided Mommy didn't know how to sled and refused to go down again. Zak had a blast sledding on his own, while Sidney and I built snow heaps, and ate snow. After we picked up David we went back to sledding until almost dark. Sidney did take a few trips down the hill with David. I guess he passed the test.

Last Friday we went to Benson, AZ and toured Kartchner Caverns. We had been told it was a great cave and worth the 3 hour drive. It was pretty impressive, and Zakary especially love it.

2008-01-07T00:23:00.001-05:00

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

Now for the promised pics.

2008-01-05T15:01:00.001-05:00

Ok, so I ended up having some extra time to blog today (when does that ever happen), so I decided to catch everyone up with some pictures.

Tired travelers, searching a new home in a land far away.

A bored, goofy little gal

Sitting on the roof, just to test Mammie's nerves.

Our truck decided it never wanted to take such a long trip again. Thankfully it was polite enough to wait till we were back home safe and sound. David the Novice Mechanic, a tool in one hand and google search up on the computer right inside the door. "now what did they say this piece was for?"

Usually up to no good.

Children's service at camp. The kids loved being with other children and going to children's church every morning. They cried when everyone left to go home.

Attentively listening - well sorta.

Christmas time is finally almost here. I love the smell of a new cut tree.

Putting on the lights.

Helping untangle the lights

A decoration for the tree.

Such attention to detail.
Adding the star.
The finished product. Not quiet a work of art, but it works for us.

Now can I have my presents?

We made dozens upon dozens of cookies to pass out as gifts to friends and Church family. My two helpers, sorta.

Two of the greatest "adopted grandparents" the world has known. Doug and Nora have been so great to us and the kids. They loves us like their own.

This is Christmas of 2006

This is Christmas of 2007. My how fast they grow up.

Yeahhhhh, its time to open presents.

The scoop

2008-01-05T13:07:00.000-05:00

Ok here's whats been going on in the past 3 mos. since I last played with my blog. We have come to a decision that we feel God is leading us to move back East again. While we are sad to be leaving some wonderful friends behind, we are excited about the opening doors. We are hoping to be moving within the next month or two, however some specific things need to happen first. We are putting our home up for rent, and in the mean time our church was so kind as to let us move temporarily into the empty parsonage. Since our Pastor left, David has been helping out with ground work, preaching and other such duties, so we are gratefully hanging out here awaiting some renters. The plan is to move to a "lower cost of living" area of the US (if there is such a thing) so that I can FINALLY have my dream of being a stay-at-home-mom. David after many long arduous days, now has his flight hours high enough that he is able to apply at some higher paying-better schedule- jobs. So a-packing I have been. I had a HUGE Garage sale, then we made a trip in October to check out a specific area, and then we returned for Camp, Christmas and getting our house ready to rent.

SOOO the short version is I have been busy beyond belief but am ready to get on with things. Please pray for us that everything will work out in Gods perfect timing. I will be posting some pics soon. (hopefully)

Another new "look"

2008-01-05T10:29:00.000-05:00

Please have patience with me as I work out the bugs in my new template. I am having trouble with the color. But hopefully will be fixed soon.
I will get some news and photos up soon.

New Look

2007-10-05T18:51:00.000-04:00

For those of you who were wondering, I have been surfing free blog spot templates online looking for a new look. It's amazing what you can find. I have a new one up but am not sure I like it, so it will probably change. Just ran out of time that day to keep working on it.

Due to David's insistence, I'm posting this cartoon. I apologize in advance for any misconceptions.

2007-09-29T16:19:00.000-04:00

After a month vacation from blogging, I decided to show you’ all what I have been up to.
The painting project has taken on a new meaning - which I will explain later - but for now this is what is done.

THE HALL BATH

I found this shower curtain at a garage sale for $3.00. You can't see well in the picture but it's got a bizarre variety of color hues from blue to green and gold. I had a lot of difficultly getting a paint color that matched, but after 3 tries I came up with this mixed "Cream Brule" and "Coriander seed" on the top and the same olive green in my kitchen on the bottom. The decorations are a work in progress.

THE MASTER BATH

I decided to place the Chair Rail up higher then the other bath for a different look. The top paint color is "Flure DeLis" and the bottom is "Tumbleweed". The mirrors were a Christmas gift from my sister. Thank you Dawn, I love them.

THE MASTER BEDROOM

I used the same "Tumbleweed" in the bedroom.

OTHER PROJECTS

My mother has passed on to us girls a recipe from my Grandma Brown for these wonderful cucumber pickles called "Stickle Pickles". We loved them growing up, and I am working on getting my family to like them also. David is proving to be a tough sale. =)

Please excuse the bad hair day.

I husked (along with my two helpers), cut of the cob and froze about 22 dozen of corn. This is one of our favorite veggies and we love the fresh rather then the canned kind. It's well worth the work.
I also got for free (long story - I won't bore you with) 3 boxes of tomatoes. This was very special to me as I was feeling sad just the day previous while listening to my mother and grandparents talk about the bushels of tomatoes they had canned and made into spaghetti sauce. So when I got these, I was jumping for joy. I made 12 quarts and 6 pints of sauce. It turned out rather thin, but not bad for a first time. I have tried growing tomatoes here in AZ several times in the past 5 years but have never succeeded. My green thumb has never been very productive.

2007-08-28T19:25:00.000-04:00

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Food for thought...

2007-08-26T21:13:00.000-04:00

Someone put this up at work. Not sure who the author is, but it "fits". =:)

Zak's post

2007-08-18T20:50:00.001-04:00

Zak wanted a picture of his Car's collection posted. He thought his friends Christopher, Izaak, and Nathan would maybe look at it and enjoy it. These are his favorite toys right now.

"Sunday Hair"

2007-08-18T20:37:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday I decided to try to "pin curl" Sidney's hair Saturday night after her bath when it was wet. The results in the morning only lasted about 4 hours and by the end of church, it was pretty much gone. Any ideas how to make it last longer with out using chemicals?? I guess you just aren't supposed to try to make straight hair curly.

Sewing

2007-08-18T20:09:00.000-04:00

My dear friend Heather in Colombia inspired me to attempt creativity and make some skirts. As I am soon to have another niece, I made one for Sidney as well as matching ones for each of my two nieces. These are very simple to make, just find a pair of shorts or mini skirt at Goodwill for a dollar, and some pretty material that matches. Then cut off the bottom of the shorts, add some lace and trim, gather the top of the material and sew it on to the bottom of the shorts. I am going to try some with a shorter top (cut just below the pockets) and layers of different coordinated material. I saw some similar to this at Wal Mart but to get the right size at the waist they end up being VERY short. These turned out longer at the top then I liked, but I wanted to keep the pretty designs on the jean material.

Funniest Porta Potty Prank

2007-08-13T17:47:00.001-04:00

Thought you'all might need a laugh. Talk about feeling disoriented...

Please excuse or otherwise ignore the links after the video.

Aniversary Bliss

2007-07-16T13:26:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday, David and I celebrated 7 years of marital bliss. Ok well maybe some moments along the way were slightly less blissful then others, but I have to say I have no regrets about who I married. I love him dearly and wouldn't trade him for the world.

Let's face it, raising a good husband is defiantly hard work, who would want to do it twice. (haha)

Anyway to make a 7 year story much shorter, he has "turned out" GREAT!! He is a wonderful husband and father. I am blessed beyond measure.

I won't bore you by waxing eloquent, singing all glory, laud and honor to his wonderful attributes. However, I will just say, as we all know, Love is a choice (thankfully, most days, it's also a feeling), and treating each other with respect and gentleness will go a long way.

David has taught me many valuable lessons in 7 years, one of them being - no matter what the disagreement, there is NEVER a excuse to be mean in your discussions. (OR Loud - yeah I'm still learning - but in my defense I like to see it more as "I'm just being emphatic or passionate")

I think maybe someday I'll write a book - "What I learned about Marriage from My Husband". Ok - maybe not the most catchiest of titles, but seriously good relationships are built, they don't just drop from the sky, and as a reminder, Rome wasn't built in a day. I think it took at least 7 years....??

A few things I have learned about Marriage in the past 7 years.

1. Don't say anything in an argument that is meant to hurt. (you can't take words back once they leave your lips)

2. Compliment each other.

3. Never talk more about him to someone else, then you talk to God about him

(I have found when I am frustrated and want to call someone, if I take 10 minutes to pray for him first, the desire to blab is kind of gone)

4. NEVER have a "heated disagrement" in front of your children (slightly undermines the "united front" concept)

5. Be humble and admit you're (occasionally) wrong.

6. Lighten up, don't sweat the small stuff.

Painting

2007-07-09T17:25:00.000-04:00

I have been working on a project - painting our house. I started in the kitchen and went with a olive green. My kitchen space is small, so I didn't have much wall space to paint.

Zak loves to help me with anything I am doing, but he is especially enthralled with painting. I let him help in an area least likely to be seen - behind the stove.
I have started the hall bathroom, but I am going to wait to post pictures until I have it completed. I am waiting for my dear husband to put up the chair rail. Then I will share the pictures.

PA trip in June

2007-07-05T17:14:00.000-04:00

In mid June, David needed to make a quick weekend trip to PA for the annual Mission Helps Board meeting. Like last year, we had planned that he would go alone, meaning I still had to take off work as we wouldn't have babysitting. At the last minute, his parents decided to help us with the tickets. What a wonderful treat. The children and I got to go along and we extended it to be able to enjoy a week long vacation. Our parents live about 5 miles from each other. I kept it a secret from my parents that we were coming, and got to give them the surprise of their lives. Needless to say, we had a blast. Unlike some families we know, we actually have a pretty great time when we get together. Someone I work with was shocked to find out that I actually talk to my Mother-in-law at least once a week if not more.

David solving the world's problems with his sister - Joy and bro-in-law -Fred.

In David's family debating various issues from Global warming to the future of the Italian Papist is common. I usually take to the kitchen to find dishes to wash when things heat up.

Mamie and Pappy Evans have swings in their front yard.

A source of much enjoyment.

Is this a little mixed up??

Aren't the grownups supposed to be pushing the kids??

Mamie and Pappy have a wonderful long hill which is great for sledding in the snow. David was having a second childhood re-discovering how to steer a wagon down a hill. Surprisingly he didn't tip it over once. Note the seat cushion to protect the posterior.

Taking time to smell the .... ok it's only petunia's.

Kaaviya Joy, our new niece. Mamie's 11th grandchild. This was the first we got to meet her. She belongs to Joy and Kithir (David's sister and bro-in-law)

Mamie had just gotten 4 wk old chicks when we got there. The kids loved to hold them. And going to the shop to feed them and check them was a frequent occurrence throughout the day.

Sidney and Cedric.

Cedric is 5 y/o and belongs to Fred and Adena Bennett (David's sister). While we were there we had a Birthday party for his little brother who turned 1. Cedric is holding papers which he told his mom he had spent a lot of time preparing. He told her it was a sermon to preach at the Birthday party. (His Dad is a preacher) Sadly he never got around to giving it, I think due to nerves and to many cousins to play with.

Mamie and Sidney (David's Mom)

This is the view from David's parents deck. Gorgeous huh??

I can't tell you how much it made me want to move back to the country. So what if you have to drive a half hour to Wal-mart, it's worth it to have this kind of peaceful existence.

But... as I have learned, God can give peace even with a small square of grass and 8 foot high block walls for a back yard.

My side of the family. In order from Left to Right. Jeffery Gordon, Zak, Sid, Matthew Stinebrickner, Gavin Gordon, Kaylee Stinebrickner.

Dawn and Todd came up from TN, for the board meeting as well. We had a great time together again. I have been very blessed this year as we got to see each other at IHC as well.

My dear pregnant sister, Dawn. She is expecting their 3rd in Aug.

Behind her is my father, looking at something very studiously ??

Having a banana Party on the steps. At the top is Zak, and Jeffery. Below them is Kaylee, Sidney and Matthew. Gavin was somewhere else.

Birthday Girl

2007-05-03T16:44:00.001-04:00

My little girl is growing up. She turned 2 this month and got spoiled with too many gifts from her grandparents, including her adopted AZ Grandma and Grandpa. She is the life of our party, but can also be a little drama queen. She of course has her big brother wrapped around her little finger, and can get him to do all kinds of things. Just yesterday she attempted to blame him for a unfortunate diaper incident. I asked her why her diaper was smelly and she replied with a coy dip of the head -"Zak did it". Typical female!

Cousins, Unpaking, Sweet peas and such...

2007-05-03T01:17:00.000-04:00

This is Zak pushing his little cousin Mathew Stinebrickner. He is not quite a 18 mos old and is a very advertersome little tike. My poor sister has no fence on their 5 acre property, and he, like most boys, loves to explore. We had just rescued him for the deep dark woods and since he was not to fond of the idea of returning to the safe back yard, a creative ride and push from his big cousin Zak was the ticket to convincing him.

OH the JOYs of unpacking.

I don't mind getting ready for a trip, it's coming home and then unloading all the things you thought you needed to take. I always wonder, what I was thinking... "Did I really need so many pairs of shoes..."
Sidney decided the duffel bag made a great seat for her popcycle break. Have I mentioned She LOVES popcycles. I think it may have even been one of her first words. I know, I know, the sweeper does not make a great backdrop. I never said I was a great photographer.
It's nice to be home, although I am already dying from the heat. We have been hitting the 90's already and it's ONLY MAY. YIKKESSS
Pray for me that I shall Endure. God is teaching me not to complain...I'm not always a fast learner
Our dear friends Bud and Sherry were so kind to water our flowers and plants while were were gone. David is still a country boy at heart (I am too, I just don't go to all the trouble) so this year he tried again to plant a garden in our back yard. It is doing amazingly well, and we are enjoying turnips, turnips and more turnips, (he got a little carried away with the turnips) as well as sweet peas. The carrots and lettus don't seem to be ready yet, and the corn decided it miscalculated the days, as it is so hot, so it started to tassel. The poor things are only 2 feet high.

Excuse the grass which is in need of a hair cut.

First fruits of our "hard" labors.

An IHC to remember...

2007-04-30T13:50:00.000-04:00

As some of you know we made a flying trip back to Ohio for IHC this year. This is the second time we have had to drive there from Arizona, because of Davids responsibilities in Mission Helps as their PR Director. He was responsible this year for developing and designing new displays for them. Needless to say, what hair he has left -is white. (just kidding) He was stressed beyond belief to meet all his deadlines for printing, but Thank the LORD, the last items for the displays arrived the day before we left.

IHC was a special time this year to meet old friends from Penn View and worship together with such a wonderful large group of believers. As you know, we attend a VERY SMALL church and we were joking that when the singing started we would be ducking, and running for cover, wondering what the loud noise was.

One neat thing that happened this year was that Zakary got to sing for the first time in the children's mass Choir. He is in the blue shirt in the center of the picture. The boy in the red shirt at the bottom, is my nephew, Gavin Gordon, my brother - Alan's boy. It was a touching scene to see my little boy, and his cousin up there with all those other future church leaders, preachers, and missionaries. I couldn't help the tears in my eyes as I thought of the wonderful heritage I have to pass on to my children. I am so thankful for the Holiness movement, and the privilege to raise my children to know the truth.

It was great to see some of our friends and share many great talks and laughs. Bro and Sis Bryan are dear friends and spiritual examples to us.
We also got to see many others who I didn't get a chance to take pictures of, but it was a fun time.

After leaving IHC following the last service Thursday night, we traveled all night to my sisters home in Tennessee. I have to say, I have been blessed by the most wonderful sister in the whole wide world. She is my best friend, and a great garage seller!!!!

The cousins had a great time together, along with some "friendly" cousin rivalry, but in the end they all shed tears when it was time to say goodbye. Zak and Sid had a blast being in the country, and enjoying lots of fun experiences. Sidney was delighted to get to
ride a real hoossee.

Trampoline fun!!!!

The sweetest sister in the world, who is 5 mos pregnant. We had a blast talking, shopping and cooking, and oh yeah - keeping the peace between a 4, 3, 2, and 1 year old. I bribed David with a promised back rub if he would watch the kids one afternoon, while we went shopping and had some much needed quiet time. We agreed before we left to - back rub time equal to half the total time we were gone. Alas, I now owe him and hour and 1/2 worth of a back rub. But it was well worth it.
Did I mention I have a jewel in my Husband??!!! Not many men would attempt to babysit 4 children under under 5 y/o.

My lil' slugger

2007-04-10T12:01:00.001-04:00

I loved to play softball as a kid growing up, so I hope my children will also. Zak is a great hitter, but Sidney still needs assistance. I was looking through photos saved on the computer and thought you all would like this one. As you can see I am struggling for material for this post. I was going to put up a family pic. we had taken at church Sunday for Easter. I had great ambitions and even remembered our camera for church, however when we attempted to take pictures, I discovered that camera battery was dead. So my friend took some for us on her camera. I will post one as soon as she has time to e-m them to me.
Today I have plans to start getting everything packed for our journey to the mid-west. We are setting out for IHC this weekend. It is a 32 hour trip not counting the multiple stops, I'm sure we will have to make. After last year, I emphatically stated I would NEVER drive that far again with small children. Yet here we are a year later, and I am gritting my teeth in "anticipation". A sane women would never allow herself to be talked into such an miserable ordeal.

Mothering

2007-04-06T23:24:00.000-04:00

It seems like only yesterday when they were just babies. Time does fly so fast. I am so thankful for the two little souls which Jesus has given me and David to raise. I used to worry so much about being a failure as a mother, but I am learning that everyday is a chance to mold and shape their little lives. I have learned to pray hard, ask for lots of wisdom and trust God with the outcome. I am not always perfect, but I love them to death (quite a miracle for those who know how I felt about having children in the first place) and hopefully that will make up for all the mistakes I make. The other day when I was working in the yard I was making foot prints in the dirt as I walked. I noticed Zak was coming behind me stepping where I didn't really want him walking. I started to scold him, and he protested "Mom, I'm being careful, I'm stepping in your footprints." What a huge responsibility. My actions are being mirrored each day. "Jesus help me to walk right, and not lead my children astray."

Cake Creations

2007-04-06T22:45:00.000-04:00

Zak turned 4 on March 20. Because of our schedules we did not have time to have his party until March 31. He is very enraptured with race cars of late, especially Lightening McQueen and co. I decided to make a 3-D cake for his birthday. It was a bit difficult so I made a "practice" one for his actual Birthday. By the time his party came around I didn't have the energy to try again so I went with a bit of an easier creation. He was just as impressed, as he is very attached to several other cars as well as Lightening. I used 4 cake mixes and made it in a larger pan (I think 11x15) Afterward I wished I had just gone with one layer. It would have worked as well. Zak was in the clouds to have his good buddies Nathan and Izzak here to play for his party. Also his very favorite AZ Grandma Nora and Grandpa Doug. We had a really nice time.

Now I just have to come up with a good idea for a 2 year old girl's cake. Any suggestions are appreciated.

My Munchkins

2007-04-05T19:24:00.000-04:00

These are my little munchkins, who keep me busy all day, with never a dull moment. A mother of toddlers truly has to be a jack of all trades and able to multitask with finesse. Zak just turned 4 on March 2o, and Sidney will be 2 in April. They are the loves of my life and I can't imagine why I thought I never wanted kids. This picture was taken during a trip to Grand Canyon with my Friend Denessa Walter from PA.

Getting Started

2007-04-04T16:19:00.000-04:00

Greetings fellow bloggers. I have finally broken down and joined the blogging community. Just what I needed-one more thing to do in my day. haha. As several of my friends are now blogging, I decided to see what I had been missing and attempt this. So far, it's been interesting. I enjoy seeing posts from my friends and pictures of their families and children, so I will in the future be sharing pictures and news of our family. As for now I will start with this and continuing exploring what a person can do with this wonderful blog site.