Face Painting

While the older boys were at camp recently, the rest of the cousin crew spent hours having fun with face painting!  I love this kit by Klutz.  You can check it out at Amazon.com

 

The fun part for the kids is looking through the 50 pages and choosing which “face” they’d like.   The paint is water based and comes off the skin easily.  It’s a great gift idea for kids ages 6-10+.

The cousin crew left this afternoon.

We had a great visit and many memory making moments.

Not even strep throat kept this crew from having a good time!

Between all nine kids there is usually one needing medical attention during each visit . . . remembering the broken arm, ear infections, stomach flu and many a skinned knee.  (Thanks Cathy, for the extra box of band-aids!)

Now it’s back to reality and the thought of getting ready for a garage sale and organizing curriculum for the beginning of a new school year which is just around the corner.

Yikes!

Happy last day in July!

Heather

summertime fun

Our summertime activities have continued.

My sister and family have been visiting from Michigan and the kids have kept us quite busy as usual.

Altogether we had nine kids in ten years and it's been quite the adventure.

We keep reminiscing about the days of diaper changes, two naps, strict meal times and early bed times.

We are excited to announce we are diaper and "sipee-cup" free!

The past week we've been. . .

canoeing,

swimming,

kayaking,

go-carting,

fishing

::deep breath::

miniature golfing,

pontoon(ing),

tubing,

and

sleeping real well each night!

Today was miniature golfing. . .

The weather has been beautiful.

More pictures of our fun weeks together to follow.

In other news. . .

Miss Rachael made THE BEST Guacamole Dip this evening.

Here's her recipe. . .

1.  Smash your ripe avocados

2.  Add chopped onion

3.  Add chopped cilantro

4.  Add chopped tomato

5.  Add minced garlic

6.  Add a few squirts of lime juice

Stir all together and enjoy with your favorite tortilla chips!

Thanks Rachael!

Oh, and one other tidbit. . .there may be an upcoming "bun in the oven" (or two, or three) around here.

For Lucy the cat, that is. 

We'll keep you posted!

Happy Wednesday!

blueberry blast

Our vacation activities last week in Holland, Michigan included our traditional morning of blueberry picking (and eating). 

All in all. . . 72 pounds of blueberries were picked in 2 hours. . .  We’re getting more productive and efficient as the years go by!

No stroller in the blueberry patch this year. . . .Little A joined the pickin’ crew! 

I think her philosophy was pick two, eat one. . . then another.

This week we’ve eaten our fair share of blueberries as you can imagine.

We keep them on the counter and we all take handfuls throughout the day.

We’ve enjoyed blueberry pancakes and cobbler too.

The blueberry cobbler was delicious!

You can check out the recipe at AllRecipes.com

I had wanted to make a pie,  but the fresh berries disappeared too fast and I needed to freeze a few boxes to enjoy throughout the winter.

Hope you’re enjoying some summertime traditions too!

Happy Wednesday!

Heather

I Do

I do. . .love this summertime season and break from our daily home school responsibilities.

I do. . .love family vacations and the freedom from my daily mealtime duties.

I do. . .love watching my kids play in the sunshine and water.

I do. . .love fans & air conditioning (especially since these hot flashes have descended upon me!)

I do. . .love eating freshly picked blueberries! (72 pounds we picked last week!)

I do. . .love relaxing in the hammock in the backyard.

I do. . .love looking at the freshly cut flowers my neighbor graciously gave us.

I do. . .love having my sister and kids visiting this month.

I do. . .love the garden my husband has once again planted (and the 50 tomato plants!).

I do. . .(hope) I love to can jars of tomatoes!

I do. . .love traditional family time and fun at “the cottage” in Holland, Michigan.

I do. . .love a beautiful summer wedding.

On July 4th we watched my husband’s cousin, Marva, say “I do” in a lovely outdoor ceremony.  Everything from the wedding party,the reception “mansion”, to the flowers. . . was Beautiful!

Congratulations John and Marva!

We know you are having a grand time honeymooning in Thailand!

May God bless you with a long and happy life together as husband and wife.

Happy Tuesday in July,

Heather

celebrating with sushi

June 16, 1989. . .21 years ago

Canoga Park, California

We walked down the aisle and said I do. . .for better or worse, in sickness and health, till death do us part.

And here we are, 21 years later.

Oh yes, there have been many changes!

Despite the obvious ones in hair color and weight (yikes!). . . we've been blessed with our growing love for one another, six beautiful, healthy kids, and thankfully more health than sickness.

We celebrated by heading to a sushi restaurant in town.

It was a first for us, and we had such fun trying new food.

We were cautious on our first visit and opted for the cooked variety.

Deeeelicious!  We'll definitely being going back again.

  

And we ended our get-away evening with a little somethin' sweet.  Yum!

I love lovin' this guy. . .for better or worse, in sickness and health, til' death do us part.

Here's to 21+ more years for us, honey!

Always,

weekend surprise

What a fun surprise to receive a call from my dear friend Jenny on Friday!

Jenny and I have been friends since 2nd grade where we met at our school in Tarzana, California.

We keep in touch several times a year; recently more often as she's been facing some medical trials.

I knew she was in a neighboring state last week going through a battery of medical tests and I was awaiting an e-mail as to the results.  It was a double celebration as she called to report the good news on the test results and that the possible surgery on Monday had been cancelled. . . AND that she was on her way to come visit me!

I had met her three boys in 2008 on a trip with my sister to visit her.

It was wonderful to have her in our home and meet our children. 

They each loved meeting Miss Jenny and playing air hockey with her. . . one of her favorite games!

We had a great two days talking about life, love, marriage, kids, family and praying for God's sovereign hand throughout life's challenging times. 

We also watched The Blind Side with Sandra Bullock.  What a great movie!

She graciously cooperated with her picture-taking friend. 

She's a fun-loving brunette beauty.  Always has been, always will be.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love you, Jenny!

Simple Woman's Daybook

 

For today, Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Outside my window.....The skies are dark and the air is a cool 50 degrees at 10:30pm.

I am thinking....how I've missed picture taking and blogging since my busy family schedule has taken me out of the house and into the car more these days.

I am thankful.....for special times the kids are able to have with their grandparents.

I am wearing.....black shorts, aqua colored t-shirt and a black cardigan sweater.

I am hearing.....nothing but the hum of the computer since all the kids are in bed. Ahhhhh, I love the quiet.

I am creating.....lists of curriculum and school supplies for next fall.

I am going.....to miss our first born as he leaves on a road trip to the East coast with his grandparents this weekend.

I am still reading.....Johnny Tremain to the kids in the morning.

I am praying.....for healing for our brother-in-law's father.

I am remembering.....the laughter of the kids as they watched Tim Hawkins videos on YouTube.

I am hoping.....for some sunshine tomorrow.

On my mind.....sibling relationships and how God wants me to act and react to this family challenge.

Noticing that....The recent rain we've had makes the landscape so wonderfully green!

Pondering these words.....I love the Lord because he hears my prayers and answers them.  Because he bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I breathe! Psalm 116:1-2 TLB

From the kitchen.....I tried a Chicken Florentine Style recipe from Giada De Laurentiis of the Food Network Channel yesterday and it was so tasty. . . even the kids liked it!

Around the house....I've been tackling projects which have created piles of clothes for our garage sale we are hoping to have in August.

One of my favorite things.....my morning quiet time of prayer, bible reading and simply "getting inside my own head".

A few plans for the rest of the week.....packing Z-man for his trip, pot luck for our homeschool group, getting the boat put into the water, and a dentist appointment.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you....

The new Corelle plates I ordered.  Have I mentioned that I love dishes and tableware?!

Thank you for stopping and visiting my daybook. If you'd like to visit others who are participating or write a journal yourself, please stop over at Peggy's at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Happy Tuesday!

Serving

Thinking of those who served our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice, their life, for the freedoms with which we are now blessed in the United States of America.

As I was reading about the history of Memorial Day I learned this. . .

To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps."

I then glanced at the clock and it was 3:00pm.  I was glad to join others in our country for a moment of prayer.

 

Thinking of those currently serving our country so we may continue to hold the freedoms we are so blessed with in the United States of America.

Thinking of our responsibility as believers to look for ways to serve others. . . our family, our church, our community, our friends. . . so that the love of Christ may be seen through our service.

Remembering a special dinner recently where the boys were asked to be waiters and serve tables.  It was a fun evening and a bit of a leap out of their comfort zone. 

(Mom said it was a good experience for them. . . and they had a great time!)

I hope we will impress upon our kids the joy of living "outside themselves".

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV)

Happy Memorial Day Monday,

Angels in a Mustang

They stop on by with a gift in hand,

Linda's famous chicken noodle soup-

the BEST in all the land!

Ed and Linda bless many with God's love and care,

and they are prayer warriors from the heart;

Friends like this are rare.

Can you believe, these two are grandparents great?

I hope I'm this hip at 70 and sittin' next to my mate!

Thanks for blessing Mr. E. with his favorite birthday meal, Linda! 

You're our angels in a Mustang!

It's number 46 for my handsome husband today. . .

I'm thankful for him and our special family.

He's a cat lovin', deer huntin', trap line runnin', fish reelin', fun lovin', husband o' mine!

Happy Friday!

The eyes have it

The weather has been beautiful around here.

Not too hot.

Not too cold.

No bugs.

Blue skies and sunshine.

Perfect for taking a few family photos for our friends.

 

 

The kids (and Daddy :), have just a wee bit of patience for the camera.

Especially when these are awaiting. . .

Don't kids just love marshmallows?!  Every last sticky bite.

This beautiful blue eyed family of five added their latest miracle just a few months ago.

After months of bed rest and concern for baby M, God's plan was perfect and they are now blessed to smother this new healthy baby boy with love.

And every time a new little addition joins their family?

A puppy does too!  It's a family tradition.

So yes, that makes three kids and three Labs!

 

 

       

           

 

And those eyes!  A photographer's dream.

 

This verse came to mind as I was taken with such beautiful eyes. . .

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV)

Happy Wednesday,

little things

It was a little thing but a definite blessing. . .

Daddy was out of town a few weeks ago.

Out of town for 4 nights in a row.

Which leaves momma bear a bit weary.

Grandpa and Grandma's phone call to say that they'd be in town and taking us out to dinner was a welcome surprise.

No cooking or overseeing clean-up tonight.  Yipeee!

I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.
Laura Ingalls Wilder

May I always remember the sweet little things in my days and whisper a "Thank you, Lord" from my heart.

And the ice cream flavor of the day?. . . Turtle!  Very yummy!

Happy Saturday,

Pepperoni Pizza Puffs

It's lunch time once again.

Meals are sooo. . . daily.  You know? 

I recently found this recipe in a Rachael Ray magazine and thought

it would be a perfect lunchtime option.

So I tried it and. . . .

the kids loved 'em!

Thumbs up all around!

Here's the recipe which serves 4.  I doubled it.

Pepperoni Pizza Puffs

3/4 C flour

3/4 tsp baking powder

3/4 C milk

1 egg

4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese

4 oz pepperoni, cut into small cubes ( I did not double this)

1/2 C pizza sauce

2 T finely chopped fresh basil

1.  Preheat the oven to 375, Grease a 24-cup mini-muffin pan or 12 regular muffin pan.  In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder; whisk in the milk and egg.  Stir in the mozzarella and pepperoni; let stand for 10 minutes. 

2.  Stir the batter and divide among the mini-muffin cups.  Bake until puffed and golden, 20-25 minutes.

3.  Meanwhile, heat the pizza sauce, then stir in 1 T basil.  Sprinkle the puffs with the remaining 1 T of basil.  Serve the puffs with pizza sauce for dipping.

Enjoy!

Happy Wednesday,

Simple Woman's Daybook

Monday, May 10, 2010

Outside my window.....the skies are cloudy this afternoon but the weekend snow has thankfully disappeared.

I am thinking....about making dinner.  (eggs with broccoli and cheese tonight)

I am thankful.....for safe travels this past weekend.  Especially after passing a family van which had caught on fire.

I am wearing.....a white t-shirt and black sport pants from my afternoon walk.

I am hearing....Little A letting me know she'll wash her hands, "Me do it myself."

I am creating.....bridal shower invitations.

I am going......for a walk with Mr. E tonight after dinner.

I am reading.....the latest REAL SIMPLE magazine which my mom gave me for Mothers Day. Thanks, Mom!
I am praying.....for curriculum decisions which need to be made for next year.

I am remembering.....a beautiful complete rainbow we had the fun of seeing last week.

I am hoping.....to get some sort of device to listen to music as I walk which will possibly spur me on to walk faster?!

On my mind.....how to better organize and store our pictures and videos.

From the learning rooms....glad we'll be finishing up throughout the next four weeks.

Noticing that. . . the deck railings need staining this summer.

Pondering these words....."Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord; his appearing is as sure as the dawn; he will come to us like the showers, like the spring rains that water the earth."  Hosea 6:3 NRSV

From the kitchen.....I need to clean out the refrigerator this week!

Around the house....are a few bags which still need to be unpacked from our weekend travels.

One of my favorite things.....is coming home to a clean house. (not that it was my reality but it is a favorite thing of mine)

A few plans for the rest of the week.....running kids here and there, a church meeting and a wedding on Saturday.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you....

Mr. E and I were glad to wish our moms a Happy Mother's Day! in person on Sunday.

Thank you for stopping and visiting my daybook. If you'd like to visit others who are participating or write a journal yourself, please stop over at Peggy's at Simple Woman's Daybook.

Happy Monday in May,