I am SO going ~ because I SO need it

I am SO going to hear Lysa TerKeurst tonight at a nearby church! And ALL day tomorrow! I have high expectations of it being better than a day spa!

Because I SO need it.

I have been SO lonely for SO long and I'm SO selfish (I guess!? because I'm doing this for ME! the kids can wait for once!).

SO there!

I'm having one of those "life stinks" decades. Wow, that's a long time, isn't it! I'm even horrified at myself. I'm shy, so I take forever to make new friends. In fact, the only friends I have are from 25 years ago. They're the only ones that REALLY know me, that is. -- everything about me. They're like college roommates - even though I never went to college. We hung out with each other in our church's singles ministry, morning, noon & night. We went on retreats together. Played together. Laughed together. Cried together. Went out and did stuff together. Learned about life together. To quote Martha Hadley(?), I guess we were "sharing life together". Blech, I hate that line! I mean, I truly despise it. How much "sharing life" can you really do with strangers on the radio, Martha? Gimme a break. But I digress ... Of course, my little handful of friends are spread out over the entire country now. And even though I'm just a mouse click away and I sit here and wait patiently, they don't write. How's that for a good imitation of a Jewish Mother? ;-) (yes, I do write to them)

Probably doesn't help that we've been at our church for 17 years and I don't have one friend there. No, not even one. We smile, nod and say hi in the hallways, but as far as knowing each other, nope. I've even had people tell me they specifically attend church there so they don't have to get to know people. Just pop in, listen to the sermon and pop out. How sad is that? The few acquaintances I have made, all end up leaving for one reason or another. But I won't get into all the buckets of tears I've cried over that one. Yes, I have tried initiating various things, but everyone is "so busy".

Fast forward from those fun days of yesteryear (college age) to today. Today I am my kids' mom. I am not so-and-so's sister (I have no siblings, talk about lonely!), I am not somebody's aunt (obviously), I have no co-workers to go out after work with, nobody to wear matching shirts with at Women of Faith. Life is lonely. I'm not one that needs a lot of people. But zero is becoming more and more unacceptable. I have my incredibly awesome DH (thank GOD!) but the poor man can only take so much of me. And let's not forget - he IS a man, so you know his words are all used up by noon, anyway.

And while that mom gig is a great thing and I wouldn't trade it for the world, I often feel like I got lost somewhere along the way. I go to annual conventions to learn how to better educate them thar kids. I go to monthly moms meetings - again, for them. I buy books so that when they go to bed, I can use my spare time to read about them and their changing needs. Trying to keep one step ahead of them. The birds and the bees talk is coming up WAY too fast ~ can I get an AMEN??! Guess this will be the year of the Santa talk, too -- how much can one mom take!??! I chauffer them to piano lessons, the library, swimming lessons, basketball practice & games, sewing lessons and the list goes on. I feel like Jan Brady. And it's always all about "Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!"

I often think that at my eulogy, those who show up will be scratching their heads and saying "hmmm, I wonder what she was like??" Have I mentioned I take a long time to get to know? Time that few people are willing to invest.

But tonight, it's all about me! Me, me, me .... (and in case you hadn't heard - me)! And the few ladies who took pity on me and said "GUHH, ok, ok, I'll go." (just joshin!) Thanks, Joan & Karen!!!

Here's to "doing life together" and the beginning of 2 beautiful new friendships. I am SO gonna cry tonight. Might as well just warn you now. Even if this women's conference ends up NOT talking about women's friendships and concentrates more about something like, oh, I don't know, improving my relationship with God. That obviously needs some new life breathed into it, too ... well, DUH! So, either way ... I'm good.

I started out excited to be posting about finally going to a REAL women's conference after all these years ... didn't mean to go off on all those other tangents. So, thanks for saving me $100 on some therapist's couch somewhere. Blogging rules, therapy drools (a spinoff on my kids' current favorite phrase - see, it always somehow comes back to being about them) ;-P

Where IS that DH ........ doesn't he know I need to burn some rubber and peel out of here?

It Makes Cents to Read

I have a very reluctant reader, who I am desperately trying to get turned on to books. He LOVES being read to, and will listen to books on tape for 18 hours straight and then beg you not to turn the car off, on a road trip to Florida, but as far as reading to himself, he'd rather do ANYTHING else. Until now. I hope. Last night I told him he could start earning 1 cent for each page he reads. I thought he might figure it wasn't worth his time for that measley payoff. I thought wrong. He's all about earning money. He's saving for his first pick-up truck and 5th wheel camper, you know ;-) At daybreak, he burst into my bedroom with a book in hand, eager to earn his first copper coin. He made several deposits to his "coin jar" throughout the day, so thrilled to hear the plunk of pennies on the bottom. Now the quest for books that will capture his attention as he develops an appetite for reading on his own. I'm so hoping these 2 jars sitting atop the bookshelf where we keep all our library books will soon be filled to overflowing - or at least have a dusting of pennies resting inside them.
My other son drew this on the whiteboard. WOW! I'm more accustomed to seeing his drawing of a schoolhouse with a slash through it (like no parking). I almost thought I was in the wrong house today. 'Cept for the mounds of dishes & laundry and clutter everywhere else. That all looked way too familiar. Let's hope the happy heart clouds stay awhile.
Although, tomorrow is our day out of the house -- piano lessons, lunch date, sewing lessons ... a little hard to keep the momentum going when we're not home ... but maybe we'll get an early start to the day and manage to toss a few more coins in the kettle. Gotta strike while the iron's hot!

We didn't get as many history, spelling & science "lessons" done as I'd planned, but it was one of the BEST days we've had in a long, long time. It was so nice to have an extra measure of enthusiasm and cooperation. Not to mention there was absolutely no bickering with each other all day. Whenever there was a spare moment, they ran for the nearest book. All for the low, low price of 1/100th of a dollar. PRICELESS!!

DejaVu All Over Again

I PROMISE I'm not going to torture you every night with a blow-by-blow of what's for dinner, but this just made me laugh (out loud) - 'cuz it looks almost exactly like last night's menu. Don't you just love how I tilted the camera slightly at an angle to offer a little variety? Contrary to popular belief, I don't want to bore you to death, my dear readers! While I was doing some teacher planning in the schoolroom for the coming week, RV made this delicious Baked Ziti:

Don't we know how to make anything that's not RED?! Good thing there are no tomato allergies here! I think this might be some sort of 17 year record (22 years if you count the time we've known each other) ..... cooking at home, 3 nights in a row. Or as RV refers to it, this has been our "Mex-Italian Weekend to Remember".

Just to prove it's not a re-hashed photo from yesterday's enchiladas, here's a close-up - it was actually much more yummy than this looks -- lightbulb moment here - wouldn't it have looked much more photogenic and appetizing with some cheese sprinkled on top? Duh. I'll learn. I mean, it's only been presented to me with cheese on top hundreds of times at restaurants. I'm a little slow. And there was a salad on a side plate, just in case anyone is searching for something green. Because just 'cuz I don't like cooking doesn't mean I don't enjoy washing dishes. I'm just crazy like that.

Now ....... when's that next ski trip? Since I only seem to know how to report on the same things over-and-over again!

Lightning Strikes Twice

I hope I don't break my arm, patting myself on the back, but .....




3-Cheese Chicken Enchiladas







I knew blogging would be good for me. After yesterday, I was so guilt-ridden with my 5-year enchilada hiatus, I decided to bless RV with Steph's 3-Cheese Chicken Enchiladas!

RV thinks I'm crazy. He said "You know, this probably isn't all that newsworthy ... most people would probably take a picture of a special occasion like when they go out to eat ... not when they eat at home!"





Home-Made Guacamole






If any of you are interested in some EASY, family-friendly recipes, I highly recommend www.stephskitchen.com. Everything we've tried from her site has been a DEFINITE keeper!

Exhibit B

Ta da! Presenting tonight's dessert ........ drumroll, please ........

As Rachel Ray would say, "Yum-O!"

I saw it on someone else's blog a week or two ago - sorry I can't remember where, so I could give credit where credit is due.

Solomon, the labradoodle

Solomon is VERY glad to be back home with his people. He spent the night at a local kennel while we went skiing yesterday. He LOVES playing with the other puppies there (she gives them lots of playtime together in a field) but still, there's no place like home.

He's such a sweet, sweet dog! He's a small/medium doodle (we are so happy with the breed!!) just over a year old and about 30 lbs. He's a mix of labrador retriever & poodle. Non-shedding, EXCELLENT with the kids, very intelligent (hence, Pop Up decided we should name him Solomon, after the wisest man who ever lived) is a real sweetheart, and wants nothing more than to just be with us. Such a love bug.

See how I'm hiding in here while aforementioned chocolate cake is being created in the other room there? Hey, RV loves to bake - so I might as well let him. Besides, I much prefer the online search of recipes, as my contribution to tonight's dessert.

Exhibit A

Pop Up loves to help in the kitchen. Here he is wearing the apron he made in his sewing class. Standing next to the, in his opinion, more photogenic empty pot.

Just to prove all you nay-sayers wrong who think I never cook, I present "Exhibit A":

Ok, so maybe it is JUST (homemade) spaghetti sauce. And maybe Pop Up DID refuse to be photographed with it. I believe his exact quote was something like "eeewww, that looks awful!" as he ran away from the stove & camera. But in my defense, he doesn't eat ANY sauce, anywhere, on any noodles. So, at least I'm at least in as good a company as, say, Olive Garden or the like. Actually, this dish you're looking at is just about the only thing in my repetoire. Unless you count tacos. You do? Oh, bless you! That's not entirely true - I can also make chicken enchiladas (just haven't done so in about 5 years - what's wrong with me!? RV asks for them all the time! Bad wife, bad!). And I can make "Lori's famous potroast in a crockpot". Basic problem with me is I get easily frustrated when I'm lacking a vital ingredient and it's also so time consuming to shop, chop and cook. Lazy, I guess.

Oh well, at least we're eating at home tonite. (haha, my dad just emailed me and said "what?!?! you didn't feel like going out to eat!?!" ..... I told him earlier I had a headache and opted to stay home. Yep, someone must be sick around here.)

There's even talk of trying a new chocolate cake recipe for dessert .... stay tuned.

Wow, dinner AND dessert AT home on the SAME night?!? There must have been a lunar eclipse or somethin' this week!

ROFLOL - Travel Trailer just got home and Pop Up ran to the stove and said "Come look! It used to be beautiful, but now it looks like some evil witch's cooking, all bubbly and such!". Stinker. No wonder I never cook! Tough audience!

Another great day on the slopes

The boys had a super time today back on the slopes .... but this trip was 10 times better, 'cuz Dad donned his skis this time!

Last month on our ski trip, we bought discount passes to return, so that's what we did today. The weather was superb! Although when we left home, the ski resort's website said it was 13 there. It eventually warmed up to 29-30 with bright sunshine and no winds. Perfect!

Above is RV, at the top of the mountain. He hasn't been skiing in years and had a great time sharing in the fun today with the boys. If only my terrible instructor hadn't ruined me forever all those many years ago, I might actually be enjoying myself up there on top of the mountain with him!! Actually, I saw a GREAT instructor today, teaching a few women my age, as I sat on the sidelines. I almost went over and asked the instructor's name and told her if I ever decide to try it again, I'll look her up. LOL!

This is the whole gang at the top of a mountain.

Sans the bench-warmer (that's me)!

We had a great day! And another tooth incident. :-( On one of the last runs of the day, one of the boys in the other family fell down and the tip of the ski hit him in the tooth. It loosened it up, so they had to run back home for an emergency dentist appointment. The boy thinks it's one of his baby teeth, so we are hoping and praying that's so!! Please pray for him and any pain he's experiencing.

On our way to return our rental equipment at the end of the day, we ran into the boy from basketball who had his teeth broken on Saturday. Just 5 days later, he was on the slopes. PTL! Although after today's tooth ordeal, I was wondering if kids should be wearing mouth guards for any and all sports. Swimming, anyone?

Lunar eclipse - coming to a town near you

Total Lunar Eclipse

Wednesday, February 20th

Starts 8:43 PM ET
Totality Begins 10:00 PM ET
Midpoint 10:26 PM ET
Totality Ends 10:52 PM ET

Just passing along FYI. Got this from my homeschooling email loop. All you non-ET people will have to figure out on your own when this sight is coming to a town near you.

I suppose I'll have to let my munchkins stay up and watch. Educational, you know. Funny thing is they've been asking about lunar eclipses for months now. I have no idea what started their fascination. Of course, I dare not mention beforehand - my luck it'll be a totally cloud-covered, rain-pouring night. Then I'll have to listen to "why did our eclipse have to be ruined?" for months on end. Oh yeah, Thursday will be a lovely day around here - they're usually in bed by 8:30-9:00 and we all pay dearly the next day when they're not. I know! On Wednesday I could re-introduce the notion of naps. Hahaha, I'm so funny - even if my kids don't think so, I know you do ;-)

Uncle Murray?!

We stopped by Silver Diner on our way home tonight and I was singing along to the jukebox with all those famous songs from the 50's, 60's & 70's. You know - the ones I can still remember the words to, yet I can't remember anything I did on Friday. The kids kept asking "are these really, real songs?"

Sing along with me ... you know you want to!

'Cause baby,
There ain't no mountain high enough,
Ain't no valley low enough,
Ain't no river wide enough,
To keep me from getting to you, babe!

Ain't no mountain high
Ain't no valley low
Ain't no river wide enough, baby
If you need me, call me
No matter where you are
No matter how far
Just call my name
I'll be there in a hurry
You don't have to worry
You are my Uncle Murray!!

What!?! Without missing a beat, that was Pop Up's (age 9) contribution to my little serenade. Hmmph. He thought it was hysterical that he dared ruin my song with Uncle Murray. We don't even know anyone, uncle or not, with the name Murray. Now that I think of it, that was my grandfather's middle name, but Pop Up didn't know that. Little does he know that it just further solidified my desire to introduce him and his brother to all those good old songs. Come to think of it, the satellite radio in RV's truck has all those stations. They'll be sorry! Yep, I think all those cross-country camping trips we have planned in the coming years, will be the perfect opportunity to make him sing along!

A couple of sinners

We've been out all day and just walked in the door at 6:30 pm. Travel Trailer (age 11) ran to the TV to turn on the Daytona 500. I asked him how much time was left and he said "46 laps. Hopefully that will be enough time for at least 1 crash. (slight pause) Thank you for not saying I'm sinful!" LOL!

Yesterday we had lunch with friends after basketball. Travel Trailer was telling one of the girls he was looking forward to the race and that he thinks its pretty exciting when the cars crash. She exclaimed in horror "Why, Travel Trailer! You are a sinful boy!"

I suppose he gets it earnestly. I once dated a guy who took me to an ice hockey game on our 1st date. On the way there, I excitedly exclaimed "oh, I really hope we see a fight or two!" He thought that was the funniest thing ever. He didn't expect that out of me & we ended up dating for 2 years. I guess his standards weren't as high as Travel Trailer's 11 year old friend. haha!

Yep, we're a couple of sinners, my son and I!

Upward Basketball 2008

Today was picture day. The boys have enjoyed playing Upward Basketball for several years now. Just some more of the "not fun" stuff we do with our lives. LOL! That will make more sense after you read yesterday's blog entry.

** if you think about it, please pray for one of Travel Trailer's teammates -- in the final seconds of today's game the lil guy took a nasty dive face first onto the floor and broke his 2 front teeth in half. Ouch. My heart aches for him and his family!

This was not fun

Just so you know, this was technically not fun.

Oh my, the knock-down-drag-out we had prior to their departure. Just because I asked Travel Trailer to spell a few extremely easy words, verbally, before leaving the schoolroom.

He had just seen Dad's truck come in the driveway, so was EXTREMELY anxious to high-tail it out of here and join his friends on tonight's climbing adventure.

"You don't understand how hard this is for me! You just don't want me to have ANY fun! You never let me have ANY fun!"

Then I came unglued. All that 1 Corinthians 13 stuff just went right out the window. What nerve! This kid's entire life has been nothing BUT fun! I'm the most fun mom he'll ever have! I hope I don't kick the bucket early and he gets an uuber cool stepmom just to prove me wrong!

But seriously!



See how much fun that isn't? Ugh. These kids get more field trips & vacations than .... well, I don't even know, but suffice it to say I was miffed. I'll save my rant for another time and just share the good stuff now, but sheesh.

So, anyway, we are blessed to be part of a father/son co-op with about 8 other homeschooling families from our church. About once/month the dads & boys get together for an activity, devotional and time of bonding. My 3 guys have enjoyed this time of fellowship tremendously over the years.

A fantastic time was had by all! No matter the title of this blog's entry. See those beaming smiles? He can't fool me! By the time he re-entered the house, he was a different child. Blood sugar must have leveled out. I don't know what his excuse was before leaving. I know I fed him lunch today. Just in case you're wondering, those are reflective zippers on the boys shirts that are blinding you from the flash.

The devotional led by one of the dads for today's rock climbing adventure, was based on Psalm 18:2:

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.

He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Pop Up doesn't love the choices

Love thing again. I know. It's getting pretty old. Have I mentioned I'm OCD'ish? Everyone says I should watch Monk. Mmmm, maybe not everyone. A few people. Mainly my (poor) RV! Luckily, he's patient, kind, not-easily-angered and all those other 1 Corinthian 13 things. I'm afraid to watch it. Might give me some ideas. On the bright side - there's only 35 minutes left until 2/15.

On the way to our afternoon errands today, we had this conversation:

Pop Up (age 9): "Mom, who are you going to vote for in the Presidential election?"
5th Wheel: "Oh, I don't know, honey."
Pop Up: in a disgusted tone, "Yeah, there sure are a lot of bad choices this time."

I love to type

93 words

Touch Typing

It's still 2/14, so the love theme continues! Found this on another blogger's site. I'm so ashamed (tee hee)! I used to type 100+ wpm in high school. Hey, that WAS 25 years ago. Wish I was still 93% as good at other things.

I LOVE getting back on track!

I LOVE getting back on track! LOVE. Get it? It's Valentine's Day, so I'm incorporating the theme into everything today, just to amuse myself.

This morning we were up and out early. Had to pick up books on hold at the library. So I took us out to a not-so-heart-healthy breakfast at McDonalds on the way. It's been months since we've done that.

We've been running in 1,000 different directions since Thanksgiving. But on this day of all things LOVE (you're not sick of the theme already are you?) I'm determined to get us back on track of the "LOVE of learning". So I think I'll use my blog for awhile to make myself accountable.

Today we will LOVE:
1. reading books we just got at the library
2. the challenge of seeing how many subjects we can tackle and complete
3. organizing the schoolroom to make the task easier
4. the opportunity and blessing of learning at home
5. getting a handle on the overwhelming mounds of laundry (stretching this love thing a bit, ya think!) while we are here for a few more hours

Then we will LOVE:
1. grabbing a few books on CD as we dash for the car
2. getting a long overdue hair cut
4. might as well make a Starbucks run while we're out - I LOVE me some caramel latte!
4. having dinner with friends at Fuddruckers
5. Upward Basketball practice

Tomorrow the boys will LOVE getting together with their father/son co-op after school and going to an indoor rock climbing facility (I'll post pictures soon!) followed by pizza, while I will LOVE some peace & quiet. ;-) Although, I'm supposed to use my quiet time to organize more of the school room, create a long-overdue chore chart & come up with a schedule that will help us finish the year on time - just you nevermind the fact that "on time" for us will be September before the new school year starts (oh stink!) but that's ok - we take off alot of time throughout the year for various trips and such - plus, what better to do when it's 100 degrees out in the dead of summer than lounge around the a/c learning a thing or two? They'd have to climb Mt. Everest in order for them to be gone long enough for me to accomplish all my tasks tomorrow evening. Come to think of it, Mt. Everest is exactly what I'll feel like I'm tackling here at home. Overwhelmed much?

Well, the boys are finished with their handwriting, Travel Trailer has moved on to practicing the piano (he's so not feeling the LOVE there!) and I better go see what else we can check off our "to do" list.

Have a LOVEly day! Not to worry - only 12 more hours of this love nonsense ;-)

P.S. -- edited to add -- even the kids are getting in on it. Travel Trailer, after finishing his piano practice ran in with his little Whitman's Valentine's box of candies and said "which one of these LOVELY pieces of chocolate should I have?" haha! He fell for that little bribe hook-line-and-sinker. Wonder what I can bribe him with tomorrow, to get his piano done? Oh yes - Mt. Everest!

The Love Chapter

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.

It's almost Valentine's Day. This year has been a blur. Six weeks gone in an instant. Just like the last 6 years. I have precious little time for a blog. I know that full well! Many other things command my attention - though realistically, if I weren't blogging myself, I'd be reading someone else's blog ~ or surfing the web for some gadget or book to buy. I also know that full well. Who am I kidding - like I'd be spending this time doing dishes, or laundry, helping my husband in his office or (gasp!) reading a book! So I told the Lord just 2 days ago (when I started this whole venture) "oooo, I know! I can use it as a tool to grow deeper in my relationship with You!" Did you hear Him laughing at me?

Tonight I was thinking "Hmmm, it's almost Valentine's Day. I wonder what verse I can look up to put front and center on the ole blog, to wish any visitors a happy hearts day?" A few trotted through my mind. I settled on 1 Corinthians 13. Then He got me. Yep, the ole 2x4, right upside the head. Or a big ole lightning bolt. Whichever analogy you want to use is fine with me.

I'm not patient with my kids when I've told them the same thing for the bazillionth (or even "just" the tenth) time. I'm not always kind when these little blessings get on my very last nerve. I envy other stages in life. I am sometimes easily angered. I often don't persevere and I often fail. Ouch.

But thankfully, I serve a God whose mercies are new every morning. I pray that tomorrow as I wake up, I will be more patient, kind, and all those other good things with my children. Lord, help me to be more mindful of the love You've given and expect me to share with my 2 cherubs as they no doubt will bound into my room at the first glimpse of sunlight, so forgiving of my many past transgressions, hop on my bed and wish me a "Happy Valentine's Day, Mommy!" I am honored to be their mom. I truly don't deserve them. But for some reason, He saw fit to bless me with them. To say that I am grateful would be an understatement of biblical proportions.

I just realized that I somehow left my DH out of the equation. All of the above applies to him as well. Even my lack of patience and all those other nasty attributes I outlined. Although he won't be bounding into my room, he'll already be there. But my undeservedness and my gratitude .... that applies tenfold. I think it'll always be a mystery how someone like me ended up with someone like him. He's practically the epitome of 1 Corinthians 13. It's pretty disgusting. Opposites attract. Ya think!?

So that's my story of how a little blog can hopefully help to make me more Christlike! The years are passing so quickly. My kids have all 13 verses of the Love Chapter memorized. I pray that I can conform more to its image.

Today's blog would have been so much easier if I'd have just settled on another verse. Something like "For God so loved the world" sounds safe & easy.

Happy Valentine's Day!

More of us

At end of slide show, click on the "x" in the circle at the top right corner, to replay, if you want.

No tail to wag

The boys just looked outside and saw about a dozen snowflakes falling. They were jumping for joy like it was Christmas morning. DS2 said "Whoo hoo! If I had a tail, it would be wagging right now! Just like Solomon (our dog)!" Poor dear ... I didn't have the heart to tell him we probably won't even get enough to coat his tongue.

Meanwhile, my dad (in Maine) can't catch a break. He's practically shoveling night and day. His cumulative snowfall must be at least 100" so far this season.

Just another one of life's little cruelties.

Guess we'll have to head to the slopes again later this month if we want to catch a glimpse of some white fluffy stuff! Fluffy or packed ~ we'll take it! We just want snow!!!!

I hear you

Ok, can I hear you! I know the masses are shouting "that's enough already for one day"! But those of you who know me KNOW any blog of mine won't be complete without a shout-out to my love of Disney. The boys think their home-away-from-home is Lake Buena Vista, FL - and they just might not be too far off. I cry on Main Street USA when the singers are singing .... because ... well, every day should be so happy and care-free. Shouldn't it?

Feb. 2004 ~ The princesses & my 3 princes! This is one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE photos ~ and I have thousands in my possession from which to choose. I love it because it's extremely *rare* to get a pix of all the princesses together. I love it because it was taken after breakfast in Cinderella Castle. I love that it reminds me of a time when DS1 (age 6 at the time) was flat out IN LOVE with Cinderella. And I love that it reminds me of our trip to "THE WORLD" in 2004 to celebrate my awesome DH's 40th birthday. Those are just some of the reasons I felt it worthy of a spot on the ole blog. Sounds kinda like a "what I did last summer" report that we used to have to write in school, doesn't it? Although, admittedly, my summers were NEVER this much fun.

Jan. 2008 ~ trip to THE WORLD to celebrate our 17th wedding anniversary. Sadly, since our 2004 trip, DS1 has swung his affection over to good ole Pluto. From royalty straight to the dogs. Where have I gone wrong? Isn't it cute how DS2 is peeking thru the whiskers? This picture cracks me up 'cuz Pluto looks like a Pez dispenser. Look Ma ~ no legs!

Happy Valentine's Day # 2

Happy Valentine's Day 2008

(part 2)

Our noses are red,

Our toes ~ they are blue,

It's our very first ski trip,

And we're still standing, too!

p.s. Happy Valentine's Day!

Ahhh, the elusive photo with skis ~ now found! (see previous post bel0w) Blogging is SO much fun ... just like I knew it would be ... but alas, I must move on to teaching math ... and spelling ... and Bible ... and ... and ... and ... and all those other necessary subjects that will take these precious boys far in life. So little time :-(

Happy Valentine's Day 2008

Happy Valentine's Day 2008

We took the boys skiing for the first time about 2 weeks ago. They had a BLAST and were, of course, fearless, as every young boy should be on the slopes. After a 2 hour lesson, they were coming down the mountain like seasoned pros! Pssst - that's why I got them out there early - UNLIKE my first and ONLY time skiing at the ripe old age of 23. It was at a ski retreat (so much fun!) with our dear, old singles ministry .... while my instructor left a lot to be desired (ok, so the whole thing was pretty much a disaster) and alas, he was unable to turn me into the next Picabo Street, the memories of the trip are priceless. Isn't that right, Lori?

There was a 3rd photo of the boys together showing their skis, but it seems to have disappeared somewhere into cyberland. Shoot!

Speaking of Christmas

Speaking of Christmas (see post below) ... this picture was Christmas 2007 .... while the boys are finishing up lunch, thought I'd fiddle around here and try to figure out how to post images. I'll add more later ....... this is just the only one I currently have stored on the computer.

It's 10 LONG months till Christmas!

Well, since I LOVE (love, love!) writing our annual Christmas letter to keep everyone up-to-speed with our family .... and at the insistence of my real-life-turned-blogging-friend EEEEMommy (http://www.thesakeofthecall.blogspot.com/) .... I figured it was high time to enter the Wonderful World of Blogs. I realize no matter how much and how often I might want to share, not everyone wants to hear about our little family all the time, so this way, you can check in on us as you see fit.

So, thus begins my world of blogging. Not so sure my DH will thank you, though, EEEEMommy ;-) Like I need one more reason to be on the computer ....... (while the house - laundry, dishes and everything else! - caves in around me). Can anyone relate?

Ok, Joanie -- you're next! Or how about you, Jenny? When will we see a blog from you, my friends?! (see how I'm passong along EEEE's baton?)