Must Be One Of Us

It's official. Kiah is definitely a member of this family. He likes pasta. You pretty much HAVE to in order to fit in around here.


And after he got his picture taken... Sissy needed hers taken too!

Kiah's First Haircut!

As a treat to my large anonymous fan club, I submit the following video for your viewing enjoyment.



Gracie and I both think he looks like a cute little boy now that I cut off his mullet.

Join Us... On An Excursion To The Zoo!

We took an excursion to our local zoo today and I was impressed! Unfortunately, what had started as a sunny day had turned overcast and cold by the time we got there, but we had an enjoyable experience anyway.

There was a large variety of exhibits, a good number of which are indoor... an excellent feature in this climate! :-) I was extremely happy with the lion exhibit, and I think you may be able to see why in the following video!




Another highlight was the penguin display! If you find Clara's long jacket unique... that's because it's mine. I had dressed her in a sweater that was too light for the weather and, thank You Lord, had an extra windbreaker along!



After our long walk around the grounds in the chilly weather, fries and hot chocolate hit the spot! Unfortunately, Momma drake all the hot chocolate... but thankfully, Clara didn't seem to mind.


And fries weren't the only treat to be enjoyed, as you shall see....


Clara's last trip to the zoo had been in VA on her second birthday. Remember that, Mom F.?!!! Clara pretty much just watched people, pulled leaves off bushes, and other such non-animal related activities. Had a great time though! :-) This was totally different today. She was definitely getting the idea of checking out the different animals this time. Still found the other people interesting too! :-)

It was a fun outing! Another gift from the Lord to be thankful for!

Fun Videos from the Blackberry

I have been saving these for a while. When I am at work sometimes I take a break and have a mini video-fest.









Stay tuned. I will down load some more in three more months......or sooner if I get some good comments.

Stephen

The Boy

The boy has been showing his "boyness" lately. Brings us smiles. You should see the way he can turn a calm bath tub into a hurricane with simply two little chunky hands violently smacking the water! Rather messy, but too cute to cause much frustration in the parents.

Then there's the way he likes to stand next to the coffee table and clear everything on it onto the floor... and also open the little drawer and empty it of all the little cup coasters.

Then there are are the grunts and yells that come out of his little mouth.

Then there's the ball. Yup, he's already learning to throw a ball. Too cute! He's fairly good at it (says the biased Momma) but it does still land behind him sometimes! :-)

Our little man brings us much joy! And I know we will need much patience, grace, and wisdom from the Lord in how to raise him to be a manly man who is tough, strong, can take risks, and get dirty, and who is also a godly gentleman... like his Daddy and Grandpas! The wonderful adventure of parenting a boy has begun!


Enjoy the video of our little guy! (Are most of you able to see the videos we're posting? I know at least one friend was having a problem with one of them.)

My thoughtful husband called me up from work a couple days ago and said it was a nice day out and that the kids and I should get out and go walk or something. So, the kidos and I ended up at a beautiful lake near us where we walked and Clara had a grand time playing around in the lovely outdoors! She hasn't done much of that lately! For quite a while during the second half of our walk, she ran ahead of me, pulling this big stick she had found. She must of burned a lot of energy that day! :-) Kiah-man seemed to greatly enjoy himself too... every now and then he would wave his little arms up and down in this very happy way.

Enjoy the pics and video! And don't miss the following post regarding illnesses and Clara's doctoring skills.

Doctor Clara

We have all been sick here. Poor Hilkiah has had congestion and coughing that has just gone on and on! We kept thinking it would just run it's course and go away... but it didn't. :-( Then about two weeks ago Stephen came down with some nasty sinus infection or something. Then Clara came down with something... and then me too. On Monday we gave in and went to Urgent Care... all four of us. Both of the guys were put on antibiotics. Clara and I weren't. We all seem to be on the mend now! We have much to be thankful for... including a little girl who enjoyed playing Doctor last night! :-)

Beautiful Blessings!

Today was a lovely day here! Weather was in the 50s and the sun was shining! Yay! Spring is coming and I'm ready for it!

The kidos and I took a little walk to our apartment complex's playground and enjoyed the beautiful outdoors! After looking at my phone and seeing that the next week doesn't look like it's suppose to be as nice weather wise as today, I decided that we'd soak in some more sunshine and warm weather, and we took a walk around the block before going in. Clara chose to walk instead of riding in the stroller and collected various rocks and sticks along the way. Good times! Of course, all was not sunshine and bird songs... while Clara was playing at the playground she says "what's this one?" and hands me a dried up bird dropping! Didn't inspect that for too long!!! And then later on our walk her shoe encountered something that someone hadn't picked up while walking their dog. Yuck! Such is life, isn't it? Great blessings can come hand in hand with some challenges too! But the blessings often far out weigh the challenges!

Kind of like parenting. There are those times when it just seems never ending. Moments where it feels like "where can I go to clock out of this job?". We JUST cleaned up those toys... and now they're all over the floor again! I'm trying to get a job done and not one but two little people want Mamma's attention. And the list goes on. BUT... then there is that joy and pride that might be difficult to put into words at the new accomplishment of my little one. It mights seem like something small and insignificant to someone else, but it makes me sooooo happy! Then there's that little smile or big laugh that is just about the cutest thing ever! There's those two chunky hands learning how to clap, the most precious blonde pony tail bouncing up and down as a little girl walks along, a little voice trying to sing a new song she's learning and a little man toddling along using the toy car as a walker. There's that feeling of "oh you are the most precious little thing ever and I could just hug you and squeeze you and kiss you!!!!!"

So, one day I might be wondering where I can go to get a break, but the next day I'm so thankful I get to stay home and be full time Mommy to my precious babies! Yes, GREAT blessings come hand in hand with some pretty big challenges! But, it's worth it!

"Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean,
but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox." Proverbs 14:4

Yay!!!

We finally found an easy and quick way to put videos on our blog!!! Videos from our new phones go on super easy!!! Here are a couple recent ones!

A few pictures from my phone...

An overworked Aunt Anna! Much of what you see behind her is empty boxes or boxes that are just full of packing paper. We were very happy when the lady came to do the empty box and paper pick-up!

Anna was a HUGE help with the unpacking and getting situated! And it was such a treat to just have her here visiting!


My funny girl!


We went out on a family stroll this afternoon. Rather chilly out, but it was a good time anyway! Clara really enjoyed it... I think she may get rather cooped up being inside so much. I'm looking forward to spring!

Yay! Back to Blogging!

We now have internet up and running in our apartment and I'm excited to beginning posting again! Hooray!!! When we were in temp. housing we had to use the computer in the lobby... and once we got our phones we could have posted from them... but typing a post with your thumbs on a little key pad seemed rather laborious to me! But now we are back to regular internet access and I'm a happy camper!

We're getting settled into our apartment here and looking forward to spring! Actually, adjusting to all the snow and cold hasn't been too bad... kind of a new adventure! But I am looking forward to warm weather, the kids being free to run around outside and play, farmers markets, etc.!

Tonight will be a full night. Clara and I have been TRYING to make a chicken curry. We'll see how it turns out! A little later we have Bible study at the home of some new friends. I'll have to share more very soon about the neat group of Christian believers we have been so blessed to meet up with!

For now, I will say goodbye and turn my attention back to the kitchen!

We're HERE!

Well folks, we made it!!! After a long but very good trip, we've made it to Syracuse! We enjoyed a great trip down south, visiting family and ending with Mark and Sherry's beautiful wedding! Then we headed north, again spending time with friends and family who showered us with wonderful hospitality! Thank you all for making us so welcome!

The kidos did well on the LONG trip, though we definitely had our rough spots where they had just HAD IT with the car seats! But we made it and for the most part, they did great!

And so, we're here. Ok, I admit, it's been overcast since we got here, and very COLD and there's a fair amount of snow on the ground. However, it's not too bad. We'll likely learn some tricks about how to dress in this weather, and hopefully we'll see the sun before too long... and we should be fine. :-)

We've settled into temporary housing in a Resident Inn. Stephen's company has put us up very nicely in a very comfortable furnished place that has two bedrooms and two baths. There's also a kitchen/dining/living room. Even has a fireplace! Does it get any better???!!! Oh yeah... we haven't actually used the fireplace yet... but still, nice to have it! :-) It's so great to have a place to settle into! We are currently have house hunting and other errands. You can pray we'll have widom in the house hunting!

Stephen is due to start work on the 4th! He's been looking forward to it! It's a blessing though to have a little time to get situated, look at rentals, etc. before he starts.

Thank you for all your prayers for us along the way! Have a blessed New Year!

Life has sure been full! We arrived safely home last Tuesday night after a wonderful time with my family! What a treat is was to get to spend a whole month with them!!! They are so special to me and I miss them! Saying goodbye was hard... even though I have my brother's wedding to look forward to!

We got home with less then a week before the movers were scheduled to arrive. And whoosh! The week is already gone! The week was full with things to do before the movers came, our last young peoples Bible study, the chapel Christmas banquet, and goodbyes to many dear friends who have been sooooo good to us during our two years here. At the Christmas banquet, friends from the two chapels we have been involved with here gave us a very touching, encouraging and heart felt send off. Thank you so much all! We greatly appreciated it! You have been such dear friends!

Monday morning the movers arrived. We were still desperately trying to get things done. I had been feeling very overwhelmed and frustrated that last night with all there was left to do, but the LORD worked things out and got us through it. As far as packing goes, all we had to do was pack together the things we want for the trip and the time in temporary housing. The packers packed the rest, which was SUCH a HUGE blessing. And would you believe three guys were able to pack almost the whole house into boxes in ONE day???!!! That would have taken me weeks! Today, which is Tuesday, they did a bit more packing and then loaded up the truck. They left at around 2 in the afternoon. So all in all, they packed up our house in 1 1/2 days!

Last night and tonight we are staying at the home of our dear friends who are out of town. What a blessing it has been to have a place to go and crash or let the kids play! Some other friends blessed us by having us over for dinner last night and we are going to meet up with them again tonight! Thank you so much to each one of you dear friends who have given so much love and care to us throughout our two years here!

Tomorrow should be busy with some last errands and we plan to take off either later in the day or possibly the next day. Thank you for all your prayers as we embark on our new adventure!

Tomorrow morning, Lord willing, after a few more errands, we hit the rode. The plan is to slowly make our way down south to my brother Mark's wedding, visiting friends and relatives along the way. After the wedding our goal is to make a leisurely trip up toward NY, again, visiting relatives!

Surprise and Thanksgiving!!!!

Well, our little family is all back together again and we're continuing to enjoy time together with the fam! Had a great Thanksgiving! There were about 20 of us! We feasted royally, chatted, and watched the teenagers play a rousing game of zip-zap... craziness!!!

We have so much to be thankful for... wonderful family (who we actually ENJOY being with!), more good food then we can hold, a new adventure before our little family, our LORD who is so good to us and patient with us... we are so blessed!

Now for a few pics from the last couple days.

So, I showed up at the airport on the 23rd to pick up my hubby... and what a surprise!!! Who was that handsome guy with the beard???!!!! :-)

Security Checkpoints and Thanksgiving

This is Stephen -

I promised some friends that I would post about my airport security experiences this trip. I had been "wanded" and then "patted down" about 4 weeks ago according to the new standards. I have been patted down by Marines and Israeli security before, been fine. This last "pat down" made me feel violated. It was sexual assault.

The short story about this last time was that I passed through without any additional searching. There was no naked scanner at this airport, so the only recourse if you need additional searching is the groping procedure. I have heard from 2 good sources that as long as you don't trip the metal detector, you will have a greatly reduced chance of getting groped. So I took off all the metal I could, even things I normally keep on like my glasses and wedding ring (sorry My Love!).

You could still get randomly snagged, but the chances are reduced. The rest of the trip I was pretty sick and have been recovering.

We can still be thankful for the air travel we have, the peace we enjoy (compare this country to any muslim country), and the professional law enforcement officers that are on duty.

The Proof!

And here he is folks! Sitting up all by himself! Thank you Aunt Melly for specially taking and down loading these pics! And don't miss the longer post from earlier today, or Stephen's great one from yesterday!

Here are some LONG overdue pictures from the currently West Coast part of the family. Enjoy! Thanks to "Aunt" Melly... these are all ones she had already down loaded.

And yep folks, all those official announcements my dear hubby made are true.

My brother David is a happy man! I'm happy too! And I think they will make a super couple! Welcome to the family, Amity!

Hil truly is sitting on his own and is continuing to be a happy, content little sweetie. Seems to enjoy his new skill!

And yes, Lord willing, we are going to be embarking on an adventure to a new part of the country! We will miss our dear Virginia friends, but are thankful for the new opportunity!





Learning to play video games with Aunt Amy!

Treating the world to a rousing "reading"!



New Friends!


... and I wonder why they call her "The monitor junkie"! :-)


Good Job, Uncle Caleb!



And Stephen, Honey, I enjoyed your last post!

It's Official!

There have been a few official things happening in our lives. Here is a few:

1. My brother-in-law David just got engaged to a lovely, young, long-time friend named Amity. Congrats to you both! May you serve the Lord with gladness!
2. Hil turned 6 months. He can sit up all by himself. I wish I had a pic!
3. I have accepted a job offer and we are moving north, into Yankee territory! We are moving to the State of New York. I at least hope people in New York have a little state pride and can sing their state song. Not so in VA. There is a little meeting of like-minded believers in Jesus Christ who we will be able to join as well.

When I put in my notice with my boss this week, he came and gave me a slip of paper that said the following:

My first job was working in an Orange Juice factory, but I got canned. I couldn't concentrate. *This is just a classic one-liner that everyone should memorize and use at appropriate times*

Then I worked in the woods as a lumberjack, but I just couldn't hack it, so they gave me the axe. *tough way to go!*

After that, I tried to be a Tailor, but I wasn't suited for it--mainly because it was a sew-sew job. *Your singin' my song, brother!*

Next, I tried working in a Muffler Factor, but that was too exhausting. (Is Gpa Sush laughing yet???!!)

I attempted to be a Deli Worker, but any way I sliced it, *can you guess it?* I just couldn't cut the mustard.

I studied a long time to become a Doctor, but I didn't have any patience. *no comments needed on this one folks. the next one is better."

Next, was a job in a Shoe Factory. I tried but I couldn't fit in. I became depressed and soulful. *ba bom - bom tsaaH*

I got a job working for a Pool Maintenance company, but the work was just too draining. *whacka whacka whacka*

[can you even handle any more people........?]


I got a job as a historian, until I realized there was no future in it.


*My sides are hurting! Stop Stephen, STOP!*

And for the Grand Finale..............


Finally, I realized my calling. I have been working as a Professional Fisherman. Because I found I could live on my net income.



The End.



The really scary thing is that my 2.5 yr old daughter is more slap stick than me! Don't say I didn't warn you!

CA moments

As my dear husband mentioned in his post, the kidos and I are in CA enjoying a visit with my family. It had been over a year since I last saw many of them. We're having a very good time, but I sure do miss my wonderful man! He's planning to join us in about three weeks... that that's a long way away!

As you can imagine, C and H are enjoying all the attention and are very loved my Grandma, Grandpa and all the aunts and uncles! Here are a few pics to prove it. :-)


These first two have a story behind them. Stephen told my sister, Melissa, that she could keep Hilkiah until he is 14 but he had to be able to work on cars when Stephen got him back. So, she got that project started very quickly!!! :-) Perfect timing, as Grandpa had a mini van project going on that day!







Would appear Hil got the volleyball gene! Check out that set!!!!!