Fun Stuff!

I know I've been MIA, but I'm here now. First, we've been sick this week with 3 different things around here...yuck! Savannah and Levi had a stomach flu thing, Indy had a fever going, and Ashton had a bad cold. Nicky and I have had a little of the stomach flu, but not enough to really consider ourselves "sick", just feeling yucky. Thank goodness. I always say I can handle when the kids are sick and I can handle when I'm sick, but when the kids and I are both sick, it really stinks. That's the hardest thing for me. But, thankfully, this time, I avoided really being sick.

And, besides all that, I've been diligently working on cleaning out my back room. It's slow-going, but it's going.

Last week the boys went to VBS and had a ball. I'm glad they got to go. Did I tell you that last time? I don't remember, but I forgot to check what I wrote before. Oh well.

So, here's what's going on here the last two days....

Yesterday, Indy was in the house playing and I knew it, Levi was out back and Savannah had taken the dogs for a walk. When she came in, she said, "Levi's out back screaming." I said, "He is?" About that time, Indy started giggling. I looked at him and asked if he'd put Levi in the dog kennel. He said, "No," and kept giggling. We headed out back to find him and this is what we found. Apparently, Indy had gotten into my newly cleaned (thankfully!) garbage can to dig out a toy I had put in there and when he got out, Levi climbed in, but couldn't get out. He called for Indy to help, but Indy went inside and started playing. The little bugger!! We laughed so hard and I ran to get the camera, of course! I'm such a bad mom...lol. He just stood there, watching while I took photos. He's so tolerant of his mother and her camera! lol Anyway, he finally said, "Stop taking pictures and get me out!" We cracked up and finally, Savannah helped him climb out. Poor guy.

And, the big news today is.......(drumroll, please....)

Savannah got her restricted driver's license today! She is sooo proud and excited and wants to go driving...anywhere!!

Right after she got it, we headed over the zoo for a few minutes since we've been stuck at home all stinkin' week. But, when we got home, she wanted to drive around the neighborhood to practice. We practiced for an hour. lol I'm gonna have to practice with her a lot in the next few weeks so she can help with the driving to NC when we go next month. Yay!

Well, that's about it for today. I'll try to do better with the blog next week. Have a great weekend! :-)

VBS

Sorry, no menu this week. We have one, but I'm too lazy to put it up. Next week.

The boys are in a nearby church's Vacation Bible School this week and they're having a great time! It seems that in the last few years, all our local churches, including mine, have gone to this nighttime VBS, which I, personally, don't care for. I know in one sense it's great because people who work during the daytime can participate, but for those of us who are home during the daytime, I'm not too keen on it. As a matter of fact, the first year our church went to the nighttime thing, which was 2 years ago, I did participate, in an effort to not judge before I actually tried it. I hated it. I was out at church every single night that week, while Nicky was home alone. I didn't like that, and they kept telling me to just have him come with me. Yeah, right. The man gets up at 4am to go to work and doesn't get home until 5:30 and you want him to come to VBS? I don't' think so. I had to make dinner super early so we could eat before we went, which was very early so I could get my classroom ready. Plus, by the time it was time to head out to VBS, we had already had a full day and I, not to mention the little ones, were already pooped. And, we didn't ever get home until nearly 9pm, which is really late for little guys whose bedtime is normally around 7-7:30. It didn't work well for us. So last year, when our church did nighttime VBS, I didn't participate and neither did my little ones. I think Ashton actually volunteered and got a ride with one of the teachers who lives near us. Then, this year, they decided to have an 11-week all-day summer camp, which will really meet the need for working parents, plus it has a VBS style in the morning and sports and other stuff in the afternoon, so they're still getting the VBS thing. That led to them not being able to do VBS and camp both during the summer, so we had our "VBS" during spring break, at night, but it was only 4 nights and it began on Sunday night and ended on Wednesday night. I could handle that. Remember my Jerusalem Marketplace? It was a blast and I didn't leave Nicky home alone too many nights. (Though he probably would have liked the peace and quiet! lol)

That leads to no VBS during the summer time, hence, our attending another church's VBS this week. Actually, I think it's really the ONLY church left around here that's still doing the daytime thing. I am sooo happy! Since I really can't afford summer camp, and frankly, am too cheap to pay for it while I'm sitting home, this works out great for the boys to go to "camp" this week....and it's FREE!! Whoo hoo for "FREE"!! lol They're having a ball and they can say they went to "camp" this summer. Plus, it gives me a few days, well half-days anyway, to do some stuff around here without them underfoot. Today I'm working on the back room. Please, PLEASE pray for me on this. This is a job I have severely needed to undertake and am looking forward to doing, but also dread at the same time. I MUST get this room cleared out and organized a little better before I start yet another school year, so I covet your prayers. Pray that I will actually do it and not just look at it and long to do it. Pray that I will not have my "sentimental ire" up and not throw anything out. Pray that I will have wisdom as to what I really need to keep so I can use for the boys down the road, and not just keep a bunch of useless stuff I'll never use. Pray for discernment for me. And, that I'll have the time to do it. It's a really big job and not only does it need to be cleaned out and organized, but I want to put some new shelves and rearrange the ones I have, so I'll need to know or "see" what works best. Pray for that "eye" for me, since I don't naturally have it.

Back to the VBS thing. Awww.... Each morning, I have to check them in at the front desk, and then they are walked to their group, in the sanctuary. Today there was a mass of people, as there always is, and I told Indy to stand in the loooong line that was for his group, while I stood with Levi and checked him in. His line was much shorter, so I was able to get through it rather quickly. I passed him to the "walker" who took him to his group, briefly watched to make sure he got to his group, then headed back to Indy. He was at the desk already, telling them his name, and was handed his name tag, which he promptly put on himself and walked away, heading into the sanctuary. I met him there and gave him a kiss, as he said goodbye and walked alone up to his group. It was sooo sad to me. Well, not sad really, but definitely melancholy. He checked himself in and walked to his group, all alone, without me. Awwww.... he's getting so big. I know it's great, but it's sad, too, ya know?

Well, since I'm writing this while they're at VBS, and seemingly avoiding starting on my back room, I guess I'll have to go now and actually face that room. Please pray for me. I'm heading in............

Happenings

The other night, the girls and I went out, late at night, to Denny's, just to hang out. It was a lot of fun. We sat around and laughed and gossiped about who likes who and had a little bit of seriousness, too. It was so nice because both girls actually got along with no fighting and no arguing and me not having to referee. Ahhh.... maybe this will be what it's like when they get older and we can go out for a girls night out. It was a fun time.

The other night, our power flickered 3 times within 10 minutes then went out for about 15 minutes. Luckily, it was not quite completely dark yet, so we had a little bit of light, but not much. Ashton has taken it upon herself to get out our candles every time the power goes out (since there is NEVER a working flashlight to be found in this house!) and set them up, which she faithfully did this night. Unfortunately, she also left them out and the next morning, there they sat on the dining table. And, of course, Levi found them. He sat there moving them about, and for some unknown reason, decided to tap them together, I guess to see what would happen, and of course, one broke right in two. It was one of a set of 3 stemmed candle holders I have (one of which broke several years ago). It didn't even make a sound when it broke. I was sitting across the table from him, next to Savannah, looking at something with her, when I noticed his face. He was just sitting there, looking at me, with his bottom lip quivering. I couldn't figure out what was wrong, and I even asked him, to no avail, and then I noticed the broken candle holder. Poor thing. It was so cute, that little lip just quivering away. He was getting ready to burst out crying any second. I got up and walked over to him and hugged him and told him that I loved him more than the candle and that it was ok. I hugged him and told him that next time he had to be more careful. He said ok, and he never did break out into tears, but that little lip just kept quivering for about 5 or 6 minutes. It was sooo cute. Finally, he was ok, and I put him down and put the rest of the candles away. The funny thing is that I probably would have been angry about it had he not been so upset about it. Thankfully, God gave me the grace to show Levi mercy and love and not anger. Wow.

Today Indy goes for his last "fix it" dental appointment. They will be working on his two front teeth. He has a little cavity between them. And, even though he will probably lose them within the next year, my kids do tend to lose teeth late, thus allowing more time for the small cavity to become a big one and infect the two big teeth behind the babies. So, we're fixing them. Those two teeth aren't even loose yet! His next appointment will be next month when he will have a good cleaning, then he won't have to come back until January for a six month check up. Whew! Indy will be done, but Levi's just getting started. Argh. Levi goes next week for "fix it" #2. I'll sure be glad to get all this done!!

Savannah signed up for this modeling thing at the mall a few weeks ago and they called last week for an interview/try out. I didn't even know she'd signed up, but I figured why not let her go. It'll be fun. So, we went last Saturday and sat for 2 hours, so she could interview, say a memorized line, and walk the catwalk. It was fun. Well, surprise, surprise she got picked to move onto the next round. So, this past Tuesday, she took some professional photos for a "portfolio". (Yes, they cost a lot, but to show me she was sincere, she paid a third of it.) It was funny that day, because the "judge" (read: talent scout) told her not to go first, because she wanted to put some make-up on Savannah. So we waited...again. Finally, she did some make-up on her and then, even though Savannah was dressed in bright colors as directed, the judge went to her car and brought in a dress for Savannah to wear. And, we waited....again.... Finally, after literally 3 1/2 hours....no, I'm not exaggerating, she was photographed....the last one of the day. (And, we were the first ones to arrive when they opened!!) The photographer did say that one of the shots of Savannah was the best one he'd seen all day. Finally, after 4 hours (!) we walked out of the mall. Argh. But, looking back, we all agree that the judge must have seen "something" in Savannah because she took no interest in any of the other people, like she did in Savannah. Now, on June 13, she goes back for her talent portion (she's doing a monologue) and catwalk strut (fashion show). They gave her a t-shirt with the company logo on it, which she is supposed to customize and show her creativity, and this is what she'll wear for the fashion show. She has to watch "America's top next model" or whatever that show is called, so she can see what she's supposed to do on the catwalk. On the 13th, they will video tape her, and the other contestants, and send the tapes to NY, where they will all be judged. The top 10% will win a 1-year contract with this company, which lines up auditions for its people for tv, movies, print ads, tv ads, etc. Plus...they take 20% of her profits. They say that's standard, but who cares. If she gets any jobs at all, then it's more money than she had and if not, then it was a fun experience. And, if she suddenly becomes high demand for some reason, we can find another agent and maybe get a better contract. Personally, I'm not concerned about that right now. I just want to get her through the 13th and can't wait to get her photos today. I bet they're great. She's pretty photogenic....and believe it or not, she actually smiled for the photographer!! :-)

I got a treadmill yesterday. It's a used one from a neighbor, so Ashton and I are starting to do some exercising. Man, can she run! She had that thing set on like 5 miles an hour and ran for I don't know how long! Ugh. I'm exhausted just thinking about it!! lol

Today Juan leaves with his family for a 3 week trip to Colombia. Poor Savannah...not! lol Just kidding. Seriously, she's got lots of plans for while he's gone to keep her busy. She's taking a required drug/alcohol class tomorrow so she can get her restricted driver's license. She's planning to do that while he's gone, too. Plus, she'll be working on her online biology class and try to finish it. And, the other day we handed out several resumes to local vet clinics and pet shops, hoping someone will hire herfor the summer. If she doesn't get called within 2 weeks, we'll sign her up to volunteer somewhere, so she's not just hanging out here doing nothing all summer. Oh, and she has to clean up her room!! That's a summer-long job in itself! lol

Ashton has big plans, too. She'll be working 3 weeks this summer at our church's children's summer camp, plus going to youth camp for one week and NC for two weeks. I'm not sure she'll be home much at all this summer. Before I know it, she'll be starting school. I'll be sad when she leaves home to go to school. I know I'll miss her. sniff sniff

And, the boys will keep me busy. Next week they will be going to a nearby church's Vacation Bible School, and while they're there, I'll be cleaning out and organizing my back room. That's my big project for the summer. One of those projects that hangs over your head, but you just dread starting, all the while knowing that once you're done, you'll be happy as pie. So, pray for me next week. We'll also be hitting the free movies some this summer and maybe the zoo once or twice. And, I'm sure the kids will drag me to the beach at least once. Ugh.

Ok, well, I guess that's it for now. Man, I hope I didn't talk your ear off, but I really wanted to get this down for posterity. That way, someday when the kids say I didn't do stuff with them, it'll be right here. Ha! I did do stuff with you!! And, I even took you to the beach....once or twice. :-)

Convention

A couple weeks ago, I went to our state homeschool convention in Orlando. It's HUGE! And, I am sooo not kidding! There are thousands of people there! It's easy to get overwhelmed, but you can really get a good idea of curriculums and what might or might not work for your kids. Plus, the best thing is that you can see stuff and look through it before actually purchasing it. And, another plus is that there is no shipping costs, if you purchase at the convention and many times there's deals just for that weekend. They also have bunches of lectures on many different topics. Some are from the vendors and some are from "experts" and some are from moms with years of experience. They are very informative and I always have trouble deciding which talks to go to and which ones to buy on cd. Luckily, this year our support group purchased the whole entire convention (meaning all the talks) on one cd thing that you can download to your computer and then onto your ipod. So, I didn't have to buy any cds this time!! Whoo hoo! More money to spend on books!! (Yeah, just what I need....more books! lol)

Well, it ended up that I took Indy with me for multiple reasons, but it worked out ok. He was pretty bored, but luckily, some of his friends went, too, so he was able to hang out with them some, too. I found some great curriculums and even bought a bunch of stuff for the boys.

Here's Indy and me in the vendor hall.

One night, a whole group of us went to a dinner show there in Orlando. They had a booth in our vendor hall and we got an awesome deal from them. The show normally costs about $40, but with the convention deal, it cost us $10 for the adults and $15 per kid. Weird, I know, but what can you say? I sure didn't complain about the cost because even with Indy it only cost me $25, which would have normally cost me $40. Anyway, it was nice and the food was ok and the service was good and Indy especially really liked the show. He was mesmerized watching it and I had to keep reminding him to eat. It was funny. I think the best part was at the end when they let all the horses out into the arena with no tack on them at all. They were just running around and rolling on the ground and playing with each other. It was awesome and I could have watched that all night. It was really cool.

This was at the end when they let the horses run free. Just beautiful!
It was a good trip and it was nice spending some time alone with Indy. But, I must say, it was an exhausting trip, too. I'm glad to be home. :-)

Church Picnic

A couple weeks ago, our church held it's annual church picnic at a local beach. It's pretty cool since we also have beach baptisms there. Personally, I wouldn't want to be baptized there, but many people like the idea. This year, we actually had 18 people get baptized at the beach. Wow! I think that was the largest group ever and we needed 3 of the pastors to do the honors. We had our senior pastor, youth pastor, and education minister taking turns baptizing people.

We ate lunch before we went, but took a bunch of snacks and drinks, then ate dinner when we got home. It was a nice time at the beach, but boy, was it packed!! It was fun trying to keep track of Levi and Indy both! Yikes! The boys had a bunch of their friends go, so they had plenty of people to play with.

Here's Indy pretending to be a shark and Levi pretending to swim.

Here's Indy and a friend working diligently on a sand castle. I think all the boys together had about 4 or 5 castles all in a row. It was cute because they all worked on each other's castles as needed.

Here's Levi playing with a friend who's in his Sunday School class...a girl, of course! lol Isn't she cute?? Man, I miss dressing little girls! I hope my kids have some little girls. I think I'll be buying so many cute little clothes!! lol

Levi tries out a wave board. He had fun with that!

I only got a couple shots of the girls because they made their way to other parts of the beach, but here's one of Ashton. I think it is a really cute picture of her!

And, here's Savannah and Juan just after the baptisms. This is a nice picture, too, but it's one of only a couple I got! Argh! I guess I should be happy I got any of Savannah, right? Especially with her smiling!! lol

It was a nice day at the beach, but I'm glad we weren't there too long! lol

June First

Today is the infamous June First. Why is it infamous? Well, if you've read my blog for more than a year, you know that June 1st is the beginning of Hurricane Season. Ugh. I don't think I really need to say anymore about that. If you want to know more about that, you can look at my archives for June 1 of last year....and the year before....and the year before, etc. The End.

I think I'm a little funny. Each month I change all my calendars, as everyone does, but I also update all my "monthly" decorations around the house, including tablecloths. I just love the change of "seasons" around here. Actually, I really do like to do the changing seasons thing, even though our "seasons" are a little different here than around the rest of the country. I have this preschool decoration, which is a big tree with 4 different looks, one for each season. I just LOVE changing it! As a matter of fact, I even keep it posted up on the door in my laundry room so I can look at it often. I have no idea why. I just like it. Anyway, on the first of June, September, December, and March, I change it for the ensuing season. Today I put up the summer one. I'll show you the others when they come, if I remember, but in the meantime, here's this one....

Isn't it cute??

Also, the beginning of June marks the beginning of the rainy season around here. We've needed rain so badly, and in the last week or so we've begun to get our daily afternoon thunderstorms. In a way it's really nice, but the best thing is this....

These are my lilies in my front yard. I really like them because since I have such a "black" thumb and seem to kill every plant I touch, these somehow survive me. lol I think it's because they're from bulbs that are protected under the ground. When the weeds get too much and I haven't taken proper care of them, Nicky will just mow over the whole thing, lilies and all, and yet, they come back again in just a few weeks. I just love that!! lol

These big, bright pink ones are from the house I grew up in.

These littler, pinkish/purplish ones are from the house Nicky grew up in. Pretty cool, huh??

And, the final thing about June 1, is that today is the day Nicky buys his hunting license for this coming fall. He's always happy on June 1! :-)

See? June first is a very "special" day around here. Plus, we always say it's the beginning of summer, even though the first official day is June 21. So, we're off and running into summer! Have a great one!! :-)

Menu Plan Monday

Once again, it's Monday and time for this week's menu.

Sunday- Steak and Spinach Pinwheels

Monday- Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan

Tuesday- BBQ Beef

Wednesday- Hamburger & Noodles

Thursday- Baked Chicken

Friday- Noodle Dish

Saturday- Tacos

Steak & Spinach Pinwheels

1 lb. very thinly sliced round steak

1 pkg. frozen spinach

8 oz. shredded parmesan cheese (should not be from can)

salt & pepper to taste

Thaw and drain well the spinach. I like to squeeze it in order to make sure that all the moisture is out of it. Take one slice of beef and spread a thin layer of spinach over it. Top with cheese and sprinkle with salt & pepper. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Roll up beef slices and secure rolls with toothpicks. Cut through rolls into slices, forming pinwheel shapes. Each roll should yield about three pinwheels. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes, or until beef cooks through. Serve.

* I find that parmesan cheese adds a really nice tang to the beef and spinach. I've also used mozzarella when I'm short on Parmesan and had good results.

(Thanks to my friend Lori, for this recipe.)

** The notes above are from Lori, but these are my notes: I only made these once, but I used mozzarella and it worked fine. We don't like "real" parmesan...only the can stuff. lol LMK if you try this and how you like it.

Have a yummy week!!