tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9762755129179082822024-02-18T17:40:51.690-08:00Harrisburg Miller Newsour lives on a web pageMelodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13507819277045813564noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976275512917908282.post-37083847159553158462009-11-30T10:55:00.000-08:002009-11-30T10:55:48.651-08:00Red Rubber Boots...........This morning as I was helping everyone get ready for school I paused to watch Zeb as he put on his red rubber rain boots. I was struck with the sudden realization that it wouldn't be long before the days of his red boots would end...not because they had worn out, but because he would choose to wear them less in favor of more stylish or "cool" sneakers. It is bound to happen I suppose. I mean, how many teenage boys do you know who wear rubber boots? <br />
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How many years have rubber rain boots been standard gear in our lives? All of my little ones wore them from their toddler years until they were in about 1st grade. I have several pictures of 3 and 4 year olds clad only in a diaper and boots. That's more than 10 years of rubber boot cuteness! I'm not sure if I'm ready for it to end.<br />
<br />
Zeb is growing so much everyday. I understand why women want to baby their youngest children. It's hard to believe that he's my littlest guy and to realize that all these milestones he's reaching, like growing out of his boots, will be the last time I will get to witness it in my children's lives until they have children of their own. It's a beautiful and sad thing all at once.<br />
<br />
My kids are growing up. I remember the days when I thought diapers would NEVER end. That day seems eons ago from this one. Zeb is turning 6 this year. Six! That's almost 7 ... which is almost 10 ... which is almost............! ugh. Am I ready for this? Well, I'm sure I'll adjust to having big kids eventually, but I think I'll keep those boots tucked away in the closet when Zeb is done with them. They will wait there until there's another little toddler in my life who will love red rubber rain boots as much as I do.<br />
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</div>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13507819277045813564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976275512917908282.post-14150546143875297882009-10-17T12:11:00.000-07:002009-10-17T12:11:09.549-07:00100% HumanI have been known to have episodes of momentary breakdown. No, I'm not crazy...at least I don't think so. I am, however, 100% human and being so tends to show now and again. <br />
There have been times throughout my life when I get to the point where I can't mentally handle any more...whatever the more is...and I just want to literally run away. To escape. To remove myself from the current situation even if it's just for a little while. <br />
I've been experiencing that same old feeling again this week. This has been a particularly hard week. Everything felt like a battle from getting housework accomplished to getting kids off to school on time. I even ran out of gas this week......I don't even <strong>remember</strong> the last time I ran out of gas! I make it a point to avoid that. <br />
That day will give you a good peek into my week: <br />
<br />
I woke up an hour late, dragged a cranky Zeb out of bed and helped him get dressed then rushed downstairs where my kids were arguing over who'd had more cereal and whether or not they had permission to do so. I asked (at 8am) if anyone had made themselves a lunch yet. All answered "no" so I busied myself with supersonic lunch-making while mediating the previous 2 arguments and the other 3 that errupted before we made it out of the kitchen. Glancing at the clock, I mention that they may want to get shoes and socks on because it was 8:15 (school starts at 8:30) which was met with a chorus of moans and groans and various freakouts by said children. After I exasperatedly encouraged them quite loudly to hurry because I still had to drop all 4 of them and all of their stuff off so I could rush back home to shower before I needed to be at the church to watch the 2 year olds for MOPS (which was met with stunned looks and confused expressions at the thought that their Mother would have anywhere else to be or anything else to do other than housework and catering to their little whims), my husband...who was off to a not so fast start himself...offered to drop the kids off so I could take a shower. That was probably the only thing that went right the entire day long. I arrived a few minutes late to MOPS and got everyone settled. The time ticked away and before I noticed, it was 11:25! I normally have to leave MOPS at 11:15 or 11:20 in order to be home before the school bus drops Zeb off at the corner. No one had remembered that I needed to leave early so I had to quickly leave my 2 yr olds with the 4's and 5's teacher hoping that would be ok. The real bummer being that I didn't get paid, which usually happens before I leave. I had hoped to use that money to get some things at the store while I was in town later that afternoon. Oh well. No time to sort it out then. I barely made it back home (breaking a speed limit or two in the process) before the bus left my kiddo on the corner. Next task: make Zeb lunch and put him down for a nap so I can hopefully get some cleaning done. He throws away more than half of his lunch while I'm not looking with the hope that I wouldn't discover his deception and would give him ice cream. Not happening. To bed, Fred! I usually lay down with him and snuggle and he goes to sleep and I get up and do whatever I need to get done. Not that day. He tossed and turned and kicked and flopped for over an hour and a half. By then, I was frustrated with him and I was feeling the pressure of that invisible hourglass of opportunity running out. Irritated, I get up and decide to do laundry.......only problem is that now the phone won't stop ringing long enough for me to actually get anywhere with it! (Have you ever tried to do laundry one handed? While it CAN be done, it is certainly NOT easy) by the time I get off the phone it is time to pick up kids from school and head toward Pleasant Hill for Emily's volleyball game which starts at 4pm. (Pleasant Hill is about 20-25 min south of us on I-5) Of course, I have forgotten to bring an afterschool snack for the ravenous beasties, so now I am stuck with stopping somewhere and getting something. More money...OY! Finally arriving in Pleasant Hill after having to pull the van over and dole out discipline to the (yet again) arguing children, we file into the gym and find a seat. I am thankful I had the presence of mind (by the grace of God I am sure) to pack coloring books and markers for the little's to occupy themselves with while I attempt to watch my daughter's game and be supportive. Sadly, the team lost all 3 matches. The ref only had to turn around and tell my kids to put a volleyball away one time in the middle of the game, so I'll consider that a success for the day. Exhausted, I load everyone back into the car to head back toward home. It's 6:20p and I am due at the church to teach the 4's and 5's in 10 minutes. A physical impossibility since I haven't mastered the space/time continuum thing yet and we are still 15 minutes from Springfield where I have to stop and buy pizza to feed the once again ravenous children since we will not be going home before we go to church and church will not be over until 8:30p! Back in town again, I drive thru Little Caesars where I've purchased cheap pizzas (yuck)...but no drinks. I am pulling out of the parking lot to head to the church when the van begins to sputter..................then dies. It is at that precise moment that I am reminded of my mental note earlier in the day that I needed to get gas before I left Pleasant Hill or I would run out. The children begin to freakout in the background and I tell the older two to help me push the van out of the way. Thankfully, a truck full of men stop and lend us a hand to get the van out of the way until my husband (who carries gas cans with him for work) arrives to rescue us 20 minutes later. Thank God we have the food! It is now 7:45p and it seems ridiculous to even try to get to the church for the last 15 minutes. My husband takes the children with him and says he will fill in for me if they want him to and I head for the gas station. I drive home in tears. <br />
There have been a long succession of days like this lately and I have had enough. I am tired. Beaten down. Frustrated. <br />
<br />
Tonight was my last straw. We were expected to go to a wedding. After another long day of struggles and another instance of discipline at the side of the road, I simply wasn't up to it. I had no energy left to be happy for a wedding no matter how much I truly wanted to be. I pawned the continuously argumentative children off on my unsuspecting husband and abandoned everyone to go do something.....ANYTHING. Alone. <br />
Tears. Anger. Frustration. Sadness. Regret for harsh words. I was defeated. Beaten up. Beaten down. Wiped out. It seemed like everything was pointless. Then right there at the bottom of myself after all my Pandora's Box of humanness had exploded I came back to the only thing left. The one thing that's always been there. The rock I have pounded to a pebble more than once but have never been able to destroy. <br />
Faith. If there is nothing else I know in the whole world, I know this: there is a God who loves me. He loves me when I do the right thing and all the balls are in the air, but more importantly to me right now, He also loves me when all the balls have crashed to the floor and some have rolled under the stove. When I have the dirt of the world on my face and my hair is a wild mess. While I wash the floor with my own frustrated tears. I am His first love. The Darling of Heaven is my bridegroom. I AM the bride of Christ and He loves me whether I am arrayed in the splendid clothes of a faithful servant or the mud-stained rags of my own selfishness. He loves me. <br />
You know that place inside of you where you know that you know? Your "knower"? You can't explain how or why you know, but you do. You know things. Deep things. Well, I know in my knower that there really is a very real God who loves me. That is my faith. No matter what happens...........what shaking comes.......what battles beat me down......................I KNOW this. It is unwaiveringly staked in my spirit like a king's banner. He loves me. Nothing else matters in the end. To know and be known is all I need. <em>He</em> will pick me up again and give me hope. I am not a failure. I am human. And beautiful to a King of all kings. His treasure.<strong> That</strong> is where my faith is.Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13507819277045813564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976275512917908282.post-71674295023248924212009-09-28T09:16:00.000-07:002009-09-28T09:16:03.086-07:00Taking a Stand for Jesus...Yesterday was a wonderful day in this Miller's house. Sweetpea became a member of "God's Krew", a ministry team of kiddos in the 1st-5th grade class. She also made the choice to stand up for Jesus and get water baptized at church! Pastor Anthony is the one in the tank with her and Pastor Elton, the children's pastor at church, is the one praying for her. Afterward, she went back to her classroom and some of the Kids' Life staff prayed over all the kids who were baptized. Pastor Elton said when he saw Sweetpea he saw a 4x8 sheet of thick steel. The kind used to fabricate something strong. There was a strength in her and if she allowed God to mould her, or fabricate her, into what He wanted it would be something of great strength. She can be strong-willed at times, but that strength would be great if it was surrendered to God. He also prayed over her voice; that it would be dedicated to Him and would be a tool to draw people to God.<br />
A wonderful night! Check out some pics I managed to get of all the action:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">her ID badge for her new ministry<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pastor Brad holding the mic for Pastor Anthony while he asks Sweetpea if she accepts the Lord as her personal Savior<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a new man........or girl in this case<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pastor Elton praying for her<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Incidentally, the water is usually nice and warm in the baptismal due to our kind Pastors adding a heater. Tonight, however, it was particularly chilly as the heater's element had gone out during the day and no one noticed. It made me wonder about the temperature of the Jordan River that Jesus was baptized in. Wonder if it was cold as well....................<br />
</div>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13507819277045813564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976275512917908282.post-53470368658121084972009-09-28T08:53:00.000-07:002009-09-28T09:18:50.140-07:00Yay, Chickybabe!<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Hooray! Chicky's 2nd game was better. They actually won one of the matches against Monroe! Here are some better pictures than the first game's.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chickybabe getting ready to match up at the net against her pal, Rose, from church. Fun!<br />
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</div>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13507819277045813564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976275512917908282.post-54632796277244265392009-09-22T10:12:00.000-07:002009-09-22T10:17:27.953-07:00Go Eagles!Chickybabe has decided to try her hand at volleyball this year as Harrisburg doesn't offer her beloved soccer. (Lack of coaches or interest from the students) I've been suggesting she try volleyball for a couple years now because I had a feeling that she would really like it if she would just try it. And she does.<br />
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Practicing hard since the day before school started, she is steadily getting better and better. The coaches have been working with the girls and evaluating them to see which teams they would be on (A or B- with A being like varsity and B as JV). Chicky had to perform or try out and get scored on her skills last week and found out she barely missed making it to A team. She was disappointed in the results (because all of her fellow 8th grade buddies made it to A team), but after a good cry, a talk with the coaches who said if she showed enough improvement they would consider bumping her to A team and talk with me, she seems to have come to grips with the decision. <br />
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She had her first game of the season last night against the Cottage Grove Tigers. Though the B team didn't win, it wasn't for lack of trying. She worked very hard and did a wonderful job of giving it her all. A few great serves and really nice saves later, she says to me "I think that was the best I've ever played. I hope the coaches see that too, but I also think I could be a really great help to the B team, so I'm ok if they don't move me up." *sigh* Maturity peeking it's head.<br />
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Here's some shots I snapped of her in action:<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARpjev17r_bcurCXNzCX5RpZECHMwHMHSSQjBOKdIcRRaXVhdwQdIm9xEm_zYvac8T7s462aYSnXfm23cA7IMfr_nBglwiSHVdNy3yw-hAuWrIV2AJJPL1ZrM27ERvMmfn70H1gIKXU1h/s1600-h/P1010002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARpjev17r_bcurCXNzCX5RpZECHMwHMHSSQjBOKdIcRRaXVhdwQdIm9xEm_zYvac8T7s462aYSnXfm23cA7IMfr_nBglwiSHVdNy3yw-hAuWrIV2AJJPL1ZrM27ERvMmfn70H1gIKXU1h/s400/P1010002.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">appointed team captain for first game :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWkz9IZpnRqYpVxk6ylBVYekZ8AnhdPqHsmDSUN6_7_ht_roGxsoJny9J2hIfMfOweXVSzNvz-yBs7AggMvXfMSAgd7TuuaLtjBm3zM4whyphenhyphenXSOPt0g5WoUbQWHoKoxb1QMRX6JxIklbXg/s1600-h/P1010020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWkz9IZpnRqYpVxk6ylBVYekZ8AnhdPqHsmDSUN6_7_ht_roGxsoJny9J2hIfMfOweXVSzNvz-yBs7AggMvXfMSAgd7TuuaLtjBm3zM4whyphenhyphenXSOPt0g5WoUbQWHoKoxb1QMRX6JxIklbXg/s400/P1010020.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">the mighty Miller's serve<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"YES!" nice point, Chicky!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> a little team chat mid-game<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I apologize for the blurriness of my picture taking abilities. I will have 7 more games to figure it out :) Hopefully, the next set of pics will be much better.<br />
</div>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13507819277045813564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976275512917908282.post-55826950749045266802009-03-02T11:50:00.000-08:002009-03-02T15:20:15.212-08:00Classical Recital song birds...Ok, so I'm a little late posting these videos from the Classical Voice Recital, but here you go anyway.<br /><br />This was Princess B's very first recital because she just started her lessons at the first of the year. (I apologize for the sound quality....I'm still learning how to use the camcorder)<br />Here she is singing Longing For Spring by W.A. Mozart. She did a fantastic job and no one could even tell she was nervous.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxsWz_MLBJ9O4EbTf6H1tmGvRcnT6aSSueb1VWFcpCe6RH6VJ5Z6_iaU70Bn7m6AJFf6xLmzlzN4P0OPtpvLg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Here is Emily singing the alto part on Ave Maria by Camille Saint-Saens. The girl to her left is Chloe Frazee who was also singing alto and the other two girls in the quartet singing soprano are Amber Staats and Carrie Pearson. If you didn't know it, I bet you couldn't guess that Emily is only just recently 13 yrs. old and all the other girls are seniors in high school!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzG63A4vS3GqQe7k9p8lJuNoJ6IlQ5SYa8b11E_MqrTrcOw6EgStzHjTgyeA1WNNz9jZJUZ2WKWkSy-ipFsiw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />And here is Emily singing her Italian Arts song, Lasciar d'amarti (Love's Bond to Sever) by Francesco Gasparini in Italian. She was the hit of the recital.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz0S9HEZ2EymsWgLLzxZxSD2WGFo5pH9iI99BkHACAWE8505v9pL-GrvaoE2c0lMm9cgQ5pTHSmE61Zhwz-KQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />And as a grand finale, the whole group of voice students (minus a couple who were sick and one who was out of town) sang Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee by Ludwig Van Beethoven in both German and English. Emily is the only one singing the tenor part because the other student who was supposed to sing it with her had to be out of town. She carried it pretty well all on her own.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dytOWHvIMrcVeMCSrPSxYRDzd5f5IpnR9UeV8kjuUJ0aYmMNhc9kJB3ByF8ezXNDXtACPv_RN4yNEZ6HAo0dQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13507819277045813564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976275512917908282.post-53854570086231463172008-12-04T11:30:00.000-08:002008-12-04T11:54:55.507-08:00It's the most wonderful time of the year.....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YDbsqRlyFRGT3wtVXiekuCkjpJ2u8PSxHeqGes3OS5p7xHG9lSCwgJjBc_drHVojG8OOW1l-aVtjaUuA7luyEu65ydBCPnbFUrVWRgo7ZgryrjPNBohvoM-cPPKwUrrgEvapP7VtYToI/s1600-h/ss_dyd100130220.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YDbsqRlyFRGT3wtVXiekuCkjpJ2u8PSxHeqGes3OS5p7xHG9lSCwgJjBc_drHVojG8OOW1l-aVtjaUuA7luyEu65ydBCPnbFUrVWRgo7ZgryrjPNBohvoM-cPPKwUrrgEvapP7VtYToI/s400/ss_dyd100130220.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276019951254439074" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Well, it's finally here again. My favorite season of the year. Christmas is literally right around the corner (only 21 days away!) and I am putting up the decorations today with little Mister. Usually, I have no sooner cleared the Thanksgiving dishes from the table and waved goodbye to our guests when you can find me enticing my family to break open the bins of decor and go to it!<br /><br />I think maybe I hesitated only slightly this year because I know we aren't going to have a tree. There's no point if we are leaving on the 22nd for Colorado. I'm a little sad about it, but we can't afford the extra expense right now as everything is going toward funding the trip and I have so many other decorations that I will have no problem making this house look festive enough for a party (or two :D).<br /><br />We are all getting excited about traveling for the holidays. I am so glad my kiddos are such good travelers. No car sickness at all. I've been busy gathering various car activities to help tick away the miles. This will be the longest trip we've taken as a family. I must confess...I'm a little concerned about traveling that long with our dog. She's a pretty good traveler too, but I am wondering how many stops we will have to make in that first REALLY long leg of the trip. ugh<br /><br />Well, looks like this is going to be a short post today. Too much to do and I've already had several interruptions, so obviously now is not a good time for this. Ahhh, the life of a mom.<br /><br />Love to you all-Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13507819277045813564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976275512917908282.post-2927301841774910632008-11-21T12:33:00.000-08:002008-11-21T16:35:32.953-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!It's hard to believe it's already that time of year again!<br /><br />We have so much to be thankful for. We've been blessed with our own home, Adam's job is still going well despite this crazy economy, our children are healthy and happy, we successfully own a dog after many heartbreaking tries, we are loved, we love, and God shows us His mercy and kindness all the time. What more could we want?<br /><br />I hope this finds you all well and thankful for God's mighty hand working on your behalf. Enjoy the company of friends and family. Invite someone new over for food and games, or to just hang out. You never know what a blessing you could be to a stranger.........or they to you.<br /><br />Love to you all,<br />the Miller tribeMelodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13507819277045813564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976275512917908282.post-74140386862503078182008-11-21T12:29:00.000-08:002008-11-21T12:33:27.631-08:00Zeb-ism for the day:zeb: "Wow, Mama! Peanut is really fast at running............................she's like a speed monkey."<br /><br />mama: "(bwahahahaha) And just what is a speed monkey?"<br /><br />zeb: "It's a monkey with fire on it's butt. That makes it go really fast."<br /><br />mama: "BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Of course it does, Zeb. You're funny!"Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13507819277045813564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976275512917908282.post-7576552166555722162008-11-10T01:59:00.001-08:002008-11-10T02:23:13.402-08:00Grand Opening!Well, I've finally done it! I've gone out there and put my crafty talents to good use by starting my very own online business. It's called <a href="http://www.lemonadesun.etsy.com">lemonade sun productions</a>. It is part of a larger community of crafters on Etsy.com which I found through one of the ladies in my MOPS group recently.<br /><br />I am so excited about this new venture. I am hoping God will bless all my hard work (and that people will actually want to buy these things I make) and that this will be a very good thing.<br /><br />I am counting on your help via word of mouth. Please check out my store and pass it along to your friends if you wish to. There is a selection of my listings in the side panel of this blog that will take you directly to the online store with just a click of your mouse. I am wide open for ideas or encouragement about all things business, so if you care to share some of your wisdom with this little newbie, I would be very grateful for it.<br /><br />I have been busy studying anything I could find to read about Etsy and online businesses, so some of the categories in my store are empty, but I am working on products that will fill them with all my spare time. Hopefully before too long you will see more items listed.<br /><br />I created a blog for the business too, but I am not sure if I will be able to maintain both. For now, it is on a trial run, but here's the link for<a href="http://lemonadesunproductions.blogspot.com"> lemonade sun production's blog</a><br /><br />I'm sure some of you are thinking, "It's about time that girl did something with her talent!"<br />I know. It's been a LONG time coming, but I finally got it together.Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13507819277045813564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976275512917908282.post-75793841191926906462008-10-13T15:07:00.000-07:002008-10-13T15:13:13.353-07:00A Yummy Tradition...Every year Deterings Orchard has an autumn celebration called "Apple Daze". They make pans and pans of their famous apple pie recipe and invite the public to come share free cider and apple pie with ice cream. Every child gets a free small pumpkin, they do face painting and they set up a maze with hay bales for the kiddos to enjoy. We've gone the last couple years in a row and it's been a blast. This year we were missing Eli because he was at a friend's house, but we managed to enjoy ourselves anyway. Take a peek.....<br /><br /><table bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4e446b324e6a49794e413d3d0d0a&campaign=blog_playback_link&blogview=true" target="_blank"><img alt="Click to play Apple Daze 08" src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4e446b324e6a49794e413d3d0d0a.jpg" style="border: medium none ;" width="386" height="303" /></a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=familyfun&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img alt="Create your own scrapbook - Powered by Smilebox" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmileboxSmall.gif" style="border: medium none ;" width="386" height="46" /></a></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/scrapbooks" target="_blank">Make a Smilebox scrapbook</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13507819277045813564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976275512917908282.post-50325523984499197142008-09-29T21:22:00.000-07:002008-10-13T15:13:52.651-07:00I love creative people...A friend sent this to me and I thought it was worth passing along (YAY God!):<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CT7x3VnrqbA&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CT7x3VnrqbA&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13507819277045813564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976275512917908282.post-60570147923861500852008-09-29T14:37:00.000-07:002008-10-13T15:15:34.602-07:00A Productive Weekend...We enjoyed a little old fashioned fun this past weekend when we made our own applesauce and apple butter as a family. Emily also made her first batch of blackberry jam! (It turned out a little thicker than usual because we cooked it a little too long, but it still tasted fantastic!)<br /><br />Growing up, both Big Daddy and I had our turns helping to put up various canned items with our families and I have been wanting to can some things for us for quite a few years now and never really got around to it. (Well, about 5 or 6 years ago, I made some blackberry jam and cranberry sauce with some extra fruit Grandma Sue had given us but I don't really count that as it was only about 10 jars worth in all.) Being the old fashioned country girl that I am, I have always had dreams of a having a big pantry filled with all sorts of homemade canned goods. (I am the first one to admit that I would really enjoy a "Little House" sort of lifestyle. )<br /><br />There are so many benefits from canning your own goods. I love being able to know exactly what is in our food, being able to make what I know we use and package it in appropriately sized portions, putting away already prepared food that I can pull out when I am stumped for dinner ideas and helping to support the local farmers in our area.<br /><br />Everyone took part in the happenings. Here are a few pics for you to browse:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixxowG3Vz6gmhqHvA8BiMtUdnhIfkXd6e9tgXJSx_-wr3SN_V7EBpTRAHbfZ2oUXIHgcvcKuygLqh3izkLVHBE7635Ud3Fk1-jf66YMapZPdc8MAGBvfmr4gecNETbN55TQoYfNV8YzwYe/s1600-h/P1010001.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixxowG3Vz6gmhqHvA8BiMtUdnhIfkXd6e9tgXJSx_-wr3SN_V7EBpTRAHbfZ2oUXIHgcvcKuygLqh3izkLVHBE7635Ud3Fk1-jf66YMapZPdc8MAGBvfmr4gecNETbN55TQoYfNV8YzwYe/s400/P1010001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251567984342424642" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJBlnR-ET-XL_8fh6vcV_gPXXjvYt2hN3wCz7UmIIHSoPrh2fOh1J57cujHk_mSOiGkSIbNDnqrUvo9wmocCUOXFpVFrlCdzbwShLTsgwkVYNPLHQ0QXo7qQilu47YQQIscsh7JLlJVVP/s1600-h/P1010002.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJBlnR-ET-XL_8fh6vcV_gPXXjvYt2hN3wCz7UmIIHSoPrh2fOh1J57cujHk_mSOiGkSIbNDnqrUvo9wmocCUOXFpVFrlCdzbwShLTsgwkVYNPLHQ0QXo7qQilu47YQQIscsh7JLlJVVP/s400/P1010002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251568187530468450" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwpFPlmI_jUvUuI3PJVw6IKqGwkotZRAmvCm9XjvBB2I64Bk71Y2dFG2A0l0NEg89Bhwd2Wkh4vEdaAbs41T18OgSAFKSHTzGYJFJ5PVfOyCRhMIK641xBXZHQ0hSqsNUK4XKi3BDkEjH/s1600-h/P1010006.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwpFPlmI_jUvUuI3PJVw6IKqGwkotZRAmvCm9XjvBB2I64Bk71Y2dFG2A0l0NEg89Bhwd2Wkh4vEdaAbs41T18OgSAFKSHTzGYJFJ5PVfOyCRhMIK641xBXZHQ0hSqsNUK4XKi3BDkEjH/s400/P1010006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251568375313683922" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_0N9z9lJzG1Nu9W8HBtHIzGvyy9aLvZ8nNmo3ENFG5feCywEQorDbujoNMs1RIICMHWlVh6M85NkaMiRmF0KqSozNDJLn5HiPmY5LgVg9FcAIdYHxZbSWqAoncI9K9dU9FN49q-sn7Ug/s1600-h/P1010008.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_0N9z9lJzG1Nu9W8HBtHIzGvyy9aLvZ8nNmo3ENFG5feCywEQorDbujoNMs1RIICMHWlVh6M85NkaMiRmF0KqSozNDJLn5HiPmY5LgVg9FcAIdYHxZbSWqAoncI9K9dU9FN49q-sn7Ug/s400/P1010008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251568860257414402" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvY3kLvoO8kJZqZSGys2iFBikckcPfCpb_XykF_pPdue-p3zGNehkCcKYvH18e5vggfUGo41mAQuId2g2Rx-daKd3xhfSS4WfCUWvTmrWc8ui8ioXQYA7LCkkH_zKrKwrFUug1ZXdSnXe/s1600-h/P1010009.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvY3kLvoO8kJZqZSGys2iFBikckcPfCpb_XykF_pPdue-p3zGNehkCcKYvH18e5vggfUGo41mAQuId2g2Rx-daKd3xhfSS4WfCUWvTmrWc8ui8ioXQYA7LCkkH_zKrKwrFUug1ZXdSnXe/s400/P1010009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251569029065422130" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKd1_SqyOwCoAb42WU4zutqfS3KHPezbFEq5SX4zuw_BEFw_hVgCLU26n_5jbOcJoeFBt_ABjb14oNSfVupumg3HBgv3sRUidL-qp9OqbdHtwvGfy-RH1_UohiYNbJZKZyQYtmX6YIIgB/s1600-h/P1010018.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKd1_SqyOwCoAb42WU4zutqfS3KHPezbFEq5SX4zuw_BEFw_hVgCLU26n_5jbOcJoeFBt_ABjb14oNSfVupumg3HBgv3sRUidL-qp9OqbdHtwvGfy-RH1_UohiYNbJZKZyQYtmX6YIIgB/s400/P1010018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251581520046461698" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So in the end we put up 5 qts. and 2 pints of (no sugar added) applesauce, 7 pints and 2 half pint jars of apple butter and 5 half pints of blackberry jam. A good start anyway. Next week I think we are going to do some peaches and maybe plums as well as a few more applesauces and Princess B wants to try her hand at a different kind of jam. Meticulous Man thinks he would like to perfect a recipe for chili and try some pressure cooking with me for some soup varieties. I am admittedly a little nervous because pressure canners sort of scare me. Once, when my mom and aunt were canning tomatoes, something went awry and the top of the pressure cooker blew off and smashed a huge hole in my aunt's ceiling. It was pretty scary! Ever since, the idea is a little intimidating, but I am going to press on and try my hand at it anyway. Hopefully, one day there will be a post on here about my large pantry full of homemade things.Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13507819277045813564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976275512917908282.post-7992995503361418992008-09-22T10:19:00.000-07:002008-10-13T15:16:45.425-07:00Our favorite little friends.....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0jgFmoypguorNN5-gsbjx_L8ftadyfLOSyO57MpExgyHzRInkXtG7TY2nvfoWHf-z2jfobW5RHwxyFlra_qk6WUTjGbVI8TmPvj7uZFu64Tqh5sgyHcDlv56ICZnihuW5hY7jOSsMNQx/s1600-h/howdy.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0jgFmoypguorNN5-gsbjx_L8ftadyfLOSyO57MpExgyHzRInkXtG7TY2nvfoWHf-z2jfobW5RHwxyFlra_qk6WUTjGbVI8TmPvj7uZFu64Tqh5sgyHcDlv56ICZnihuW5hY7jOSsMNQx/s400/howdy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248901165032021682" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We adore these little online guys, especially for their hilarious ecards. You can find them on their website at: <a href="http://www.hoopsandyoyo.com/">www.hoopsandyoyo.com</a><br /><br />We weren't exactly sure which was which for a long time until I googled it to find out for sure. Here is what we learned:<br /><ul><li><b>Hoops</b> - The more emotional of the two, Hoops is a pink cat that has a tendency to scream as he talks. He hates Mondays as seen on the "It's Monday" e-card and based on others, it's possible that he's not very fond of his current career. He is also the first character to appear in the series originally with a slightly higher-pitched voice. His first e-card appearance was on "No Ordinary 'Hi!'". He states his weight as "depends on a finely-balanced equation of the time of day and the amount of cakes consumed." He stays in shape "by having dance offs with Yoyo" and likes "coffee, doughnuts, laughing, cakes, ice cream, pizza, Tuesdays (as it's treat day) ... TREATS!" He says his worst habit is "talking a LOT!" and he hates nearly everything to do with his job.</li></ul> <ul><li><b>Yoyo</b> - Unlike Hoops, the green bunny is slightly more playful and energetic with less of an over-sensitive personality. He also seems to actually enjoy his current job. He loves lollipops or "suckers" which Hoops often hides, then blaming the thievery on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dingos" title="Dingos" class="mw-redirect">dingos</a>. Yoyo's first e-card appearance was on "This Day...Your Birthday!" Yoyo wishes "that every day was treat day" and claims his occupation is "to captivate the nation with dazzling dance moves and beat Hoops in doughnut-eating competitions." His favorite pastime is singing, though he doubts Hoops is as good as him, and he stays in shape "by shakin' my groove thing, baby." He likes the same things as Hoops as well as marshmallows and doesn't like not getting the last slice of cake.</li></ul>Here is our favorite ecard: <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ecard%7C10001%7C10051%7C873785%7C147551;-102001;11443;-102034;179558%7Cecard%7CPR4S%7Cecards?&totalCategories=21&sortBySelect=&categoryId=179558">One Doughnut a Day</a><br /><br />Hope you enjoy them as much as we do.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_D6kUqyiQxsT9Smjt-E3V5I_Vjoi5hDxh3FsM97K8ZasmEtKw519NA9fZxiem2KrnnFpXd9IZ4oOUYMFELrZ4DI1OElP_7UtC7G06Li5CsAeUqlJVIkWe6tt7RQJRB_dZ_CTWloF261p/s1600-h/sweet.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_D6kUqyiQxsT9Smjt-E3V5I_Vjoi5hDxh3FsM97K8ZasmEtKw519NA9fZxiem2KrnnFpXd9IZ4oOUYMFELrZ4DI1OElP_7UtC7G06Li5CsAeUqlJVIkWe6tt7RQJRB_dZ_CTWloF261p/s400/sweet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248897775759691090" border="0" /></a>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13507819277045813564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976275512917908282.post-11354126931104161622008-09-08T12:49:00.000-07:002008-10-13T15:17:46.004-07:00Ding....ding....ding......Horray! Hooray! School started today and the excitement was palpable this morning as 3 children bustled about the house gathering new supplies and backpacks together and making lunches and counting the minutes until they were set free to walk (or most likely RUN) to their new schools. I am happily awaiting their breathless return to hear each recount the wonderful newness and details of the first day of school.<br /><br /><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/school%20icons/XOVIRGOQT/icons/school.jpg?o=19" target="_blank"><img src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c395/XOVIRGOQT/icons/school.jpg" /></a>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13507819277045813564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976275512917908282.post-85347486754047591772008-09-08T11:35:00.000-07:002008-10-13T15:18:16.604-07:00Whitewater ahead.......Big Daddy and Meticulous Man got to go whitewater rafting down the McKenzie river with troop 260 a few Saturdays ago. If you are interested, you can check out the proofs at <a href="http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/ThumbPage.aspx?e=4073848&g=006P00HT00">www.riverphoto.com</a> and see how they did. They are the group in the blue raft. There are 8 pictures of them as they came down the river and though you can only really see them in a couple, they are all really good shots of their group. They really had a blast and the water was COLD!Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13507819277045813564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976275512917908282.post-85658111582965017012008-09-08T10:48:00.000-07:002008-10-13T15:18:52.897-07:00Blue and Green......<div>(I found this draft of a post I had begun composing last year and never quite finished. I found the timing of the find interesting in that I came across it at nearly the same time this year as I was writing it last year......hmmm.....no doubt a God-thing. I decided to finish it and post it for you to read.)<br /><br />Well, it's been a while since I wrote here last. Life slips by so quickly in the shining summer sun as each day is packed with visiting friends and sleepovers and camping trips and birthday parties. At the end of the day I sit still, possibly for the first time, and hear the crickets chirp in the backyard or smell the sweet smell of a summer rain storm coming. Now I can feel the days passing faster as school time approaches and I can almost feel the nip in the air that comes with the harvest.<br /><br />Last night I was thinking about different aspects of how God designed the relationship between Big Daddy and me. One of these aspects made my consider something I hadn't realized before. His favorite color is blue and mine is green. It often makes my laugh when I ask his opinion about what color he thought something should be because I know the answer...blue. I usually consider all the various shades of green myself and we usually have the "blue vs. green discussion" in which each of us takes a turn playfully arguing the benefits of our particular bent toward our color of choice. After lots of smiles and grinning, we usually agree on some other completely neutral color choice. There have been times where either of us has conceded and allowed the other to enjoy their choice, though they are few and far between.<br /><br />When pondering how we should celebrate our 11th anniversary on August 21st, the "blue vs. green" talk flitted through my brain and made me smile and wonder about God's sense of humor. He designed us to fit perfectly together. To compliment each other much like blue and green do. All over creation you see those two colors. Blue and green. The Creator God used these together when He made the sea, the mountains, some of the fish in the ocean, shades of them to color our eyes, the sky, water, variations of trees and plants, grasses......and on and on. They compliment each other well. They flow together. I've seen the two so blended together that you could not tell one apart from the other. In places, it was like they were one color. So melded with each other that to separate them would be impossible. I wonder if this is what God meant when He said in Genesis 2: 23-25,<br /><blockquote>"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall become united<br />and cleave to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."<br /></blockquote></div>Big Daddy and I work hard at becoming one like that. Some days are really hard when we both want to fight for our "right" to be our chosen color and we have to ask for God's grace and help to understand how to fit together, but some days are easy and we occasionally become that one color that is both blue and green at the same time. Through our years together we have chosen to let God blend us together to that beautiful shade and I am looking forward to the day when we are completely and wholly one.Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13507819277045813564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976275512917908282.post-4132685342809054112008-09-08T10:30:00.000-07:002008-10-13T15:19:22.256-07:00Chickybabe's last Vocal RecitalChickybabe's last vocal recital for the year was Student's Choice and she went through quite a few songs before she finally settled on one because there were so many choices to choose from.<br /><br />I wasn't able to attend this recital so Adam did the video. It is tricky and he didn't realize that I don't know how (yet) to turn the video the right way since he recorded it sideways ...so, these might be sideways and a little choppy, but here they are nontheless.<br />Here she is singing Color of the Wind from Pocahontas (there is a little of the group song "Another Opening" at the beginning of this video):<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ic-lqhEX6fU&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ic-lqhEX6fU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Here is a small group of the younger vocal students singing "The Fruit that is Rooted in You":<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UeVQZjrXtGI&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UeVQZjrXtGI&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />And here is a portion of the finale for the group. It's "Seasons of Love" from Rent:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1BJJhoasNUQ&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1BJJhoasNUQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Voice lessons began again last Wednesday and I am glad to be living in Harrisburg so the drive is substantially shorter. She has grown a lot and learned a ton so we are excited to see how she does this year. Soon it will be time for Brielle to join her. Oh Boy! We can't wait.Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13507819277045813564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976275512917908282.post-88505769433238491432008-08-30T14:29:00.000-07:002008-10-13T15:19:51.337-07:00Little Hummer...........aka the PeanutWe recently had the joy of Grandpa George's company. He was in town to do a wedding and got to hang out here with all of us for a few days. While he was here, he proudly presented us with a guitar he nicknamed "Little Hummer". (Originally, it was called the peanut, but since that is also the name of our dog he decided to change it)<br /><br />Check it out:Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13507819277045813564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976275512917908282.post-41916488179802657102008-08-30T14:22:00.001-07:002008-10-13T15:20:14.726-07:00Zeb's Joke...A couple nights ago, as we were sitting around the dinner table talking after the meal, Little Mister decided to share a few jokes with us:<br /><br />him: "Why did the cow cross the road?"<br />us: "I don't know. Why?"<br />him: "To get to the grass. That side has the grass. This side only has dirt and cows don't eat dirt!"<br /><br /><br />him: "Why did the sheep cross the road?"<br />us: "I don't know. Why?"<br />him: "To get to the pig-cub!" (he meant baby pig.......BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA)<br /><br />We laughed so hard we nearly peed our pants and he was SO proud!<br />Pig-cub! He's so darn cute!Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13507819277045813564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976275512917908282.post-33084424418069032412008-08-30T14:21:00.000-07:002008-10-13T15:20:50.223-07:00A Dozen Years....Big Daddy and I celebrated our 12th anniversary on August 21st this year. Wow! A dozen years already. Sometimes it seems like we are still newlyweds.......and other times it seems like we have been together all our lives.<br /><br />This year we kept it simple and went out to dinner right here in Harrisburg at Air Thai Cuisine. The food was FANTASTIC! We were both very impressed. The restaurant is owned by a local family who are actually from Thailand. We HIGHLY recommend the place to everyone we can.<br /><br />Well, on with another year. We are planning a big excursion for our 20th anniversary......maybe a cruise or some over seas travel???? We'll see what comes of that. For now, we are content to keep on keeping on right beside each other.Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13507819277045813564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976275512917908282.post-80685061702088217562008-08-17T02:06:00.000-07:002008-10-13T15:21:33.995-07:00Summer Fun...Well, it sure has been a smoking hot summer here for the last week or so at least. Upwards of 100 degrees most days. (Tomorrow is thankfully only supposed to get to about 89!)<br /><br />I have been busy baking (yes, I had my oven on in 100+ weather....UUGGGHHHHHH!!!), frosting, and packaging ...individually... 300 "W" shaped sugar cookies for a wedding that's happening tomorrow evening, so needless to say I have been very busy this past week.<br /><br />Our summer is flying by at a rapid pace and is about to come to an end with the beginning of school right around the corner. I love everything about summer, but to be honest, I am looking forward to the slower fall pace and the changing of the seasons.<br /><br />When I take a second to look back at what we've been doing all summer it is staggering:<br /><br />In the end of June we moved into our house. In the beginning of July we sent Mr. Meticulous off to Alaska to visit Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Christy and Uncle Joseph for 2 weeks. We hosted a big fat 4th of July party in our new house with 30 people. We flew Celeste up from Colorado Springs for a visit in mid July. While she was here, we went to the rock slide 3 or 4 times, had BBQs at Shotgun Creek with all our friends and drove up to Portland to go to Oaks Park Amusement Park. We sent Mr. Meticulous off to scout camp at Camp Hahobas in Washington for the last week in July and we sent Princess B off on her very first camp trip with the Kids Life group from church. We are on the worship team at church 4 times this month (which means we are at the church from 3:45p-9p on Saturday night and from 7:30a-12pm on Sunday morning), we are hosting life-group at our house at least once, celebrated Big Daddy's 35th b-day with a BBQ and are soon to celebrate our 12th anniversary. We've been back up to Oaks Park one more time with all our clan of friends. Monday there is a possible trip to the zoo in order and in a few days we get to see Grandpa George when he comes down for a visit. We will get to go to the State Fair right after that which the kids have been working really hard and saving up for for a long time. We have a belated 80's party in the works for the second weekend in September and school begins. WOW! No wonder I'm so tired! (This, of course, doesn't count all the misc. appts for doctors and vets and Big Daddy's leg infection and any other running around I may have done.)<br /><br />I am planning on updating the blog as soon as I have a second to slow down to breathe a little. I finally found the video camera so I can upload Chicky-babe's recital and I will post some pictures as soon as I can.<br /><br />For now, I am beat so I think I will turn in for the night. Love to you all.Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13507819277045813564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976275512917908282.post-47264558288755750532008-07-24T11:34:00.000-07:002008-10-13T15:21:57.129-07:00New Blog...I added a link at the bottom of the page for a new blog I'm doing on our Foreign Food Fridays. I am gathering the recipes we used on the first couple nights and blogging about the food. I did it partly to satisfy those of you who are curious about our monthly endeavors and partly to keep a record for myself of which countries and recipes we've already done. There isn't much there right now, but I am working on it so keep checking back. I will try to incorporate pictures of the food as we go along too.Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13507819277045813564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976275512917908282.post-92100448881437088762008-07-21T12:50:00.001-07:002008-10-13T15:22:44.387-07:00A Little Mystery Fun...I recently came across this article and was captivated by the idea.............hmm...........<br />Check it out and let me know what you think.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/12/garden/12puzzle.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&emc=eta1"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Mystery on 5th Avenue</span></a>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13507819277045813564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976275512917908282.post-4627809701101175972008-07-11T14:40:00.000-07:002008-10-13T15:23:03.526-07:00River fun on a hot day...I had heard about a place near Triangle Lake where there was supposed to be a natural rock waterslide, but I had never known exactly where it was........until Wednesday that is!<br /><br />The place is called Lake Creek Falls. I read about it<a href="http://www.traveloregon.com/Travel-Oregon-Magazine/Spring-Summer-2005/Paradise-Found.aspx"> here</a> while looking for a river nearby to dunk my hot, sweaty kids into during the 90+ degree heat wave we are currently experiencing. We have friends in from Idaho visiting family in Junction City who have been there before and after being unable to join them for a dip the day they were going, I posted that I wanted to go to the slides on <a href="http://www.myspace.com/marthamcgiver">my Myspace profile</a> and the next morning I got a call at 9:30am from my friend Jen asking if I had made plans to go to the slides with anyone that day. She had been wanting to go to water too, so right there on the spot we made a plan to throw everyone in the car and meet out there.<br /><br />We had so much fun (despite the construction delays) and thanks to Jen's waterproof camera, we have some cool pictures to share! Enjoy!<br /><br /><br /><table bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4d7a6b354e6a59304d773d3d0d0a&campaign=blog_playback_link&blogview=true" target="_blank"><img alt="Click to play " src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4d7a6b354e6a59304d773d3d0d0a.jpg" style="border: medium none ;" width="386" height="303" /></a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=familyfun&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img alt="Create your own scrapbook - Powered by Smilebox" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmileboxSmall.gif" style="border: medium none ;" width="386" height="46" /></a></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/scrapbooks" target="_blank">Make a Smilebox scrapbook</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13507819277045813564noreply@blogger.com1