The Ins and Outs of the Fish House

A Pirate Missionary

2012-02-11T14:16:00.000-08:00

If you got my Christmas newsletter (via email this year), you read that Little Man is very into his future occupation. He changes it almost daily and with each change comes the phrase, "I promise. I will never change my mind again. This will be what I'm gonna be and I'M SERIOUS!" It's become a little household joke around here. He's been a fireman, police man, knight, face painter, and ninja.

The latest occupation is pirate. He was very distraught when the older Fish Sticks informed him that pirates are bad guys. He came to me almost in tears asking if ALL pirates were bad guys. I hesitated to tell him the truth. It's like asking me if all robbers are bad guys. I told him that all the pirates I knew of were bad, but that didn't mean he couldn't be a good pirate...the FIRST good pirate.

Later he asked me if pirates know Jesus. I told him that I doubted it since they live to steal from others and cause a lot of ruckus. He thought for a minute and then proclaimed, "Well, I am going to be a GOOD pirate and I'm going to tell them all about Jesus!"

So watch out world, possibly the first pirate missionary is in the making!!

5th Grade Basketball

2012-02-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

AB is in her 2nd year of basketball also. Last year she was part of the middle school team as a 4th grader because there were not enough middle schoolers to make a team. She didn't get to play much and really didn't know much about the game.

This year a dad at school volunteered to take the 5th grade girls and coach them in a local rec league. AB has learned so much about basketball this year and has thoroughly enjoyed it. She has gone from passive and hesitant to down-right aggressive. It's been fun to watch her transformation. She gets to play quite a bit in the game and although they have not won a game yet either, she really has enjoyed this year.

Despite the fact that the girls on the opposing team are probably taller than me, her little team has hung in there, kept their spirits high and played their hearts out. And what we tell AB after her games is the same thing my soccer coach told us in high school when we got beat 30-0 (yes, soccer), "You girls sure are prettier!" And they are. :)

JV Basketball

2012-02-02T19:35:00.000-08:00

We are in the full swing of basketball season right now. Last year as a 5th grader, Caleb was on the middle school team because the highest grade at our school was 7th grade. This year is a bit different as our school has added 8th grade, putting Caleb on the JV team. He doesn't have near the number of games he had last year, but he has made some big improvements in his skills, not to mention he gets tons more play time on the court than he did last year.

Although the boys haven't won any games, Caleb has been very aggressive and seems to really like the game. Whoo Hoo - Go Fishy!

On another note, can anyone enlighten me on what to set my fancy camera on for taking indoor, gymnasium, action photos??? I take tons of photos at the games and they are all so blurry. I tried the sports setting, with and without a flash and 99% look like a blur. The other 1% look like the one above....not the best photo. I'd appreciate any help I can get - from a girl who hates to read directions!

Peppermint for 3

2012-01-28T17:00:00.000-08:00

Baby Girl turned 3 this week. I guess we should stop calling her Baby. There's NEVER been a 3 year old baby in the Fish House. Come to think of it, there's never been a 2 year old baby in the Fish House. This is a first for us. She was so excited about her birthday. When Grandma asked, "Lydia, do you want a chocolate cake, a vanilla cake or a strawberry cake from Grandma?" She said, "Hmm....let me think about it. (pause) I want a peppermint cake." So sweet Grandma rose to the occasion and accommodated. Baby Girl seemed to be set on the idea of peppermint. When we would ask her what she wanted for her birthday, her reply was always "Peppermint!" So Peppermint it was.

She ate her requested cereal, peanut butter balls, with one happy face.

She quickly opened her gifts before the big Fish Sticks headed out the door to school.

And we had our traditional Oreo Ice Cream Cookie Cake with a peppermint 3 on the top.

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl. You keep us laughing.

You keep us young, and you are a blessing in our home.

May you grow to passionately love the Lord and serve Him every day of your life!

Substitutions

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Who needs a Bluetooth when you have a pipe cleaner?

The Big Seven

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

My sweet Roofie Poofie turned 7 this week. It's hard to believe that my tiniest little Fish Stick (weighing 5 lbs. 3 oz.) has already turned 7. It seems like yesterday that she was wearing baby doll clothes.

Here she is enjoying her cinnamon rolls for breakfast on the red plate.

She quickly opened her gifts in the a.m. before the big Fish Sticks heading off to school.

As she was planning her special day menu, she repeated over and over how she wanted FRUIT....all kinds of fruit. I kept telling her there had to be something other than just fruit. Protein. Carbs. Dairy. Vegetable. Some type of balance. I just filled in the blanks with what I knew she would like and she couldn't get enough of her fruit. (See it oozing out of her mouth?)

The boys went to Caleb's basketball game which was too far away for the whole family to go to. We waited until they came home to have Oreo Ice Cream cake with a number 7 with M&M's on the top. (Anyone tried the new Cherry M&M's? Yummy!)

Happy Birthday, sweet girl. Your giggle and carefree spirit brings our home joy.

New Blog

2012-01-22T14:14:00.000-08:00

I might be a bit crazy, but I had this idea a while back. The more I think about it, the more I want to do it. I have decided to start a new blog. It's crazy because sometimes I feel like I can't keep up with my family "history" blog so why would I try another blog. It's just that my mind gets cranking about things sometimes. I just feel I want to write them down and share them with someone.

I love to cook. I love to plan menus. Basically I love being a homemaker. I enjoy reading other blogs about sewing, cooking, budgeting, cleaning, time-management....basically just homemaking. All of this reading and applying has caused me to want to pass things on as well.

So today I am sending out the link to my new blog. It's called Feeding the Fish Sticks. It will be a little bit of everything homemaking. I am making no promises, but my goal is to post 2-3 times a week. It will be practical for sure. It will be for the mom who loves reminders and good ideas about how to manage her home well, because I'm one of the ones who loves those reminders and good ideas. It will be from one mom to another. Nothing fancy. Not much Martha Stewart, just practical, everyday talk about what our job as wives and mothers entails.

I still haven't gotten it to look all cute, so bare with me on that end. I'm not the most tech-savvy mom, but I'm working on it. Check it out and pass it on. Let me know what you think.

10 year old + camera + too much idle time

2012-01-20T19:38:00.000-08:00

I was told these were taken in the loft of the lake house this summer during a cousin sleepover.

I'm clearly not utilizing my camera to it's full potential of fun!

Dysfunctional?

2012-01-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wonder if we have a bit of a dysfunctional relationship with our pets.

Filling Time With Surprises

2012-01-18T19:16:00.000-08:00

We went to the lake house this past weekend. It had been months since we all were there. Going there in the dead of winter requires a bit more creativity to keep the natives from getting restless. My Man told the Fish Sticks on Saturday that we were heading out for a surprise. During the 30 minute trip, we were bombarded with 20 questions to reveal this special surprise.

Now when times were better, we used to enjoy eating out as a family fairly regularly. Friday night Mexican. After church all-you-can-eat pizza. Chick-fila while we're out shopping. Well, those days are gone now and eating out is few and far between. With a growing family, we easily drop over $30 at fast food restaurants, not to mention how much a sit down restaurant costs. It just doesn't seem a good way to use our money.

But this past summer we happened upon an amazing place in the small TN town of McMinnville. It's called Sentosa. (My family is snickering now). If you did a google search on Sentosa you would find a tourist resort island in Singapore complete with a swimming lagoon, amusement park, miniature golf, high rated hotels and don't forget the ever famous, huge Merlion statue. The picnic areas have wild monkeys running around like squirrels. I know so much about this place because we lived across the street from it for 2 years and went there almost weekly. So when we happened to see a restaurant named Sentosa, we knew it was something we had to try.

We pulled into Sentosa (of McMinnville) and all Fish Sticks started squealing with delight. Why, you ask? Sentosa is a buffet restaurant; no menus required. It has about 12 buffet tables with cuisine from sushi bar, hibachi grill, chinese, salads, pizza, bbq ribs, asian pastries, country cooking to hard packed ice cream. It has it all. But what My Man and I really like about this place is that it is ridiculously cheap (unlike the true Sentosa Island!). We all got water and left, having eaten WAY too much, for $31 for a family of 8. That's crazy. We expect Sentosa won't stay in business too long, but for now, we are their biggest fan.

And what else can Fish Sticks find to do at the lake house with limited entertainment and freezing cold temperatures?

I Have a Dream

2012-01-17T14:01:00.000-08:00

I know it's a day late to title my post like this. I also know that my dream is not even in the same league of the late MLK, but bare with me now as I share it. With the economy hitting our little family hard these last few years, we have been known to dream more. Some days when the job situation just plain stinks, My Man and I like to sit back and discuss our dreams, make more details, plan and just plain pretend. With dreams like this, it gives us a pinch of hope for pressing on in this struggling economy. I haven't always had this dream and if you mentioned it to me 16 years ago when I got married, I probably would have chuckled, thinking you were just teasing me.

I want to be a farmer's wife. I want a self-sustaining farm. The real deal. Cows, chickens, goats, sheep, pigs, a huge garden and a big fruit orchard. I want to spend half my year picking and preserving (well, I already do that now) and then send the Fish Sticks to our road side produce stand to sell to the locals. I want to eat beef raised by my cows and fresh bacon from my pigs. I want a barn cat that kills all those nasty, fat rats in my barn. The perfect thing is My Man wants to be a farmer. It might happen soon (with the mighty hand of God moving, for sure). It might not be until the kids are all grown. It might just remain a dream and that's o.k.

A few months ago when a group of moms came to a play date, I happened to mention how I sometimes fantasize about going back in time to the days of the pioneers when you wash on Mondays, clean on Tuesdays, cook on Wednesdays and everything you bought came from the work of your own hands. I figured all women felt this way in some sense or another. I could tell quickly that my companions had just ear marked me as a bit on the nutty side.

So this city girl who spent the majority of her life near the big cities (Atlanta, New Orleans, Memphis, Singapore, Nashville) has been smitten with country fever. Maybe one day I will send you a Christmas card with My Man and me wearing overalls holding our pitch fork in front of our big silo. Maybe not. We'll see what My God has planned for me. Until then though I'll just keep dreaming.

Summer Camp posted in January

2012-01-16T08:08:00.000-08:00

My sweet AB just asked me to download her 215 videos and photos from her camera onto my computer. When I did, I realized I had not seen most of these photos, including her ones from summer camp (Shame on me!). Going through her photos made me giggle so much. I thought I'd do a few posts of AB's photos to give you a glimpse into the life of a 10 year old. Hold on cuz here we go....

Days at Summer Camp

Warped Humor

2012-01-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

When I let my kids play on phone, this is the kind of stuff I find on my photos. UGG!

Sharpening Iron

2012-01-14T07:53:00.000-08:00

Since moving to middle TN, I have found that it's hard to make really good friends. Maybe people are too busy to really invest in family friendships. Maybe others already have established friendships with no room for more. Sometimes I feel like I'm pursuing a one-way friendship with another family. Maybe it's me that scares folks away. :) Once you become a family and start having friends, I think it's important to find families with whom the moms enjoy one another, the dads enjoy one another, the kids play well together and you have the same goals: to raise your children based on God's Word to be holy and set apart with a heart of service and mission. That's not easy to find, at least it hasn't been for us.

We have friends like that and we go way back to junior high with them. They finally moved close to us almost 3 years ago, and we are so glad to have them close. The other family is newer to us, but from the first time we met, we knew we could see ourselves becoming great friends with their family although they live in another state.

Recently the 3 families were able to spend a day together. 3 Dads, 3 Moms and 17 kids!! We headed out to a friend's property, packed a picnic lunch and went 4-wheel riding. We ended the fun day with chili at our house and lots of talking and playing. Time with families like these 2 are immeasurable.

As iron sharpens iron,

So one man sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

Baby Growing Up

2012-01-12T12:14:00.000-08:00

I feel like I'm in a new stage of life right now and sometimes I don't know what to do with myself. I only have one napper and some days she's good to skip that nap. I'm not buying diapers anymore, although don't make the assumption that the potty situation here is good-to-go. Not the case...I'm just determined to quit buying diapers. My pack-n-play is in the attic, reserved for guests. This past week I put the booster seat next to it. My baby will be 3 in just a couple of short weeks. This is a first for me.

So last week when my Bender Buddy called me up and invited ALL SIX Fish Sticks over for a quick 2 hour play date after school, I literally didn't know what to say. My "baby" had her first play day with her Bender Buddy!! The weather was wonderful and the Fish Sticks couldn't have been happier. I took this photo as I was driving away. It's too far away to see my "baby" but she's there, tickled pink to get to play.

So what did I do with myself for 2 hours?? My Man and I went to the bank together and didn't get offered any lollipops. Then we picked up my vacuum at the shop and then we browsed in our favorite antique, ironworks shop in downtown. It smells like wonderful potpourri and is 100% filled with "don't touches." It had been years since we strolled in there and it was refreshing.

Things are changing around here. Next week we begin the once a month (almost) birthday celebrations of the Fish Sticks where they all hit odd numbers ending with a teenager this summer. Where does time go? There's a small side of me that mourns for the passing of baby days, yet I am embracing the independent stage we are entering. My new motto to add to my kids' list of "Things My Mom Always Says": With added responsibilities also comes added privileges." It's a good thing.

Christmas in January

2012-01-11T14:25:00.000-08:00

Who ever said that December was the only month to celebrate the nativity?

Word on the street was when the "shepherd" with her "sheep" on wheels wanted to bring her bright, pink, baby potty to the manger scene (which is understandable seeing as potties are big on the topic list with her these days), she was told by "Mary", "No, there are no potties here in the Old Testament."

Toddlers

2012-01-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

I love toddlers! They say the funniest things. They mispronounce things that make me giggle all the time. They never walk, but always run. They love, cuddle, and kiss the best. They have the funniest quirks like wanting to take their shirt off for no good reason or singing the same 3 songs every night before bed or insisting on dressing themselves even when their pants are back wards. They say things that make no sense to you but total sense to them, like last night when My Man and I were invited to join an Orjange (Orange) Club. ??? They put their shoes on the wrong feet and don't mind. They seem to be passionate about everything.

Now I've had my fair share of terrible 2's...don't think that I haven't. Pouty faces, throwing down fits, screaming, crying, defying authority and potty training is the worst. I think I'd rather shovel manure out of a barn than potty train a contrary toddler.

But when she started cutting rectangles with a slit up one part and came to me and said, "Mommy, I made you dem 2 pants. A wittle pant and a big pant.", I just squeezed her and thought, "I love toddlers."

End of Christmas Break

2012-01-05T14:12:00.000-08:00

For the last day of Christmas break, this Mama had 2 things on her agenda: do BIG grocery shopping ALONE and clean house. When our friend, Dan Klepper, emailed the night before and offered to come paint my kids' faces, I knew I might be able to rearrange the day and make it sound like lots more fun to the Fish Sticks. I went shopping and they cleaned house with my master check list. Their reward....face painting and eggnog milkshakes. It was a hit! Thanks so much, Dan, for coming to my house on YOUR birthday to paint the Fish Sticks' faces. They loved it! Check out Dan's web site and consider him for birthday parties or costume needs if you live in the Nashville area.

Dan tried a new stencil on Caleb's face to make snake skin. Pretty amazing!

First time Dan came, Lydia wanted nothing to do with it. The second time, we convinced her to get a flower on her hand. This time she begged to be turned into Hello Kitty. I think she's a pretty cute Hello Kitty, don't you?

Dan wanted to practice on something new he's been learning....painting jewelry.

The girls loved it and sometimes I had to do a double take on them because it looked so real.

I'd say we ended a wonderful Christmas break with a bang!

(and I even got a stocked pantry and a clean house to go with it...yippee)

Happy 96th Mimi

2012-01-04T12:07:00.000-08:00

Today is my Mimi's birthday. She is turning 96. She is miles away from us in VA and my folks drove up to celebrate with her. I wish we were closer so I could decorate my house, host a meal and fix her favorite birthday cake. My Mimi is a very special woman and I love her dearly. I'm so glad that the Lord has blessed her with longevity for my children to know their great grandmother.

As a grandmother she always went above and beyond the call of duty to show love to her 4 grandkids. She and Papa had my sister and I flown up in an airplane several times when we were young to spend a week with them in the summer before our family joined us for another week long visit. We spent every Christmas at their house on the lake. My mind is filled with memories of boating, skiing, ice skating on their lake and hours of playing family board games and bumper pool in their basement. They took us to amusement parks and even rode the rides with us.

Mimi is always cheerful and the eternal optimist. I guess that's where my Dad got it from. (What a good trait to pass to your children!) She and Papa were so bold as to take my sister and I on a week long Airstream camper trip for 3 different summers: Lake Placid, NY; Boise, Idaho, California and the Wild West; and Duluth, Minnesota and Canada. Thanks to them I have been to almost every one of our 50 states! Just imagine being in a vehicle hours on end for a week, stopping to tour as you go, with 2 energetic tweens (who I am SURE were nothing but a blessing the whole time, right Mimi?). Mimi is a trooper!

Mimi is an avid learner. Even within the last 10 years she has traveled all over the world (literally), has gone to cultural events like plays, museums and exhibits and has taken classes to learn new skills or refresh herself in other languages.

My life is richer because of my grandmother. I hope she has a very special birthday today! I love you, Mimi!

New Year's Resolutions

2012-01-01T12:07:00.000-08:00

So New Year's in the Fish House looks like this: staying up late on the eve with 2 older Fish Sticks with egg nog milkshakes and nachos, lunch after church with BBQ pork and traditional black eyed peas followed by naps and Dallas football. I'm a sucker for resolutions and they aren't that atypical. Lose those 20 lbs. that I've added the last 6 months, quit hitting snooze at 5:15 so I sleep through my workouts, keep my monthly budget, always deal with the Fish Sticks with patience and soft words, and be more intentional about showing My Man that I love him and appreciate him. Those are all well and good and I intend to do my best to work in all these areas, but today as we worshiped the Lord at church, the closing hymn struck me. It made me ~~change~~ add to my resolutions.

May we run this race, may we keep the faith;

May our eyes be fixed on Jesus -

That we'll not lose heart in our struggle with sin,

And through suffering know endurance.

May we arm ourselves with the mind of Christ -

To rejoice in trials and be not surprised.

May our hearts be so consumed by You

That we never cease to praise!

May our company be the saints You've called;

May we all stand firm in one spirit -

That the gospel's truth may resound on earth,

That all living things may hear it.

May the fruits of faith mark the path we trod

Through the life of Christ, to the glory of God.

May our hearts be so consumed by You

That we never cease to praise!

May the words we share be Your grace and peace;

May our tongues speak Your proclamations -

That the many parts of the body of Christ

Be affirmed in their right relation.

As we long and wait for the groom to come,

May we learn to love, and spur each other on.

May our hearts be so consumed by You

That we never cease to praise!

When that day arrives, and the race is won,

When our griefs give way to deliverance,

We will fully know, as we're fully known,

All our groans will end as new songs begin.

And a multitude from every tribe and tongue,

Wearing robes of white, will stand before Your throne,

And our hearts will be so consumed by You

That we'll never cease to praise!!

What a year we could all have if we use these words as our New Year's resolutions! Happy New Year to you all! Join me in striving.

Christmas Day

2011-12-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day was beautiful. Although I know some churches opted to not have services on Christmas Day, I loved going to the Lord's House on His birthday. It just seemed fitting. Every Easter is on a Sunday and my vote is to have Christmas do the same. What a great way to continue to keep our holiday focus on Him. The Fish Sticks were told they could get up no earlier than 6 and could get into stockings at 6:30. Here they anxiously await.

For breakfast this year I was daring and tried a Swedish Kringle. One was filled with brown sugar, cinnamon and pecans, the other with cherry pie filling. I think it might need to be a Christmas tradition!

This Little Peanut got an oinking piggy flashlight in her stocking and was proud as punch!

Caleb is the best kid to have around on Christmas because he likes to assemble. Where was he 6 years ago when we almost pulled an all-nighter putting together that stinkin' playground for Christmas?? Lego sets, swivel chairs, desks, bookcases, exercise equipment, bikes...he's the best and out for hire too

(parents' commission included!).

Lunch included a hodge podge of Christmas dishes collected over the years with brunch and my beautiful Christmas cactus from my 2 oldest Fish Sticks.

Supper was at G and G's with Nonie, Pops and Papa too.

It was the perfect conclusion to our "pioneer Christmas of 2011!"

Christmas Eve

2011-12-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

For Christmas Eve, we carried on Fish tradition and opened Fish gifts at G and G's house.

My eldest wanted a hamster ball, football mouth piece and Lego set...quite an odd combination.

We bought G a canvas print of our family photo from this summer.

Hovering is always a Christmas MUST in our family. :)

Overeating always seems inevitable too.

AB loved her new magnetic/cork board to hang in her room with all her lists. Just like her Mama!

Roofie Poofie's been wanting pink legos for 2 years now and she finally received them.

I'm expecting an architect one day from all of our passionate Lego Fish Sticks!

4th Annual Formal Anniversary Dinner

2011-12-27T11:52:00.000-08:00

For Grandma and Grandaddy's 4th Annual Formal Anniversary Dinner, we did things a little different this year. Tim and I joined the meal. I put AB in charge of my kitchen. I typed out directions, did as much prep work as possible and let them have at it. I loved seeing them at work, hustling and bustling in the kitchen, serving others and having fun doing it. They loved setting the table in china with candles and making it look pretty. Leah was in charge of making the appetizers and she did a great job, after I kept reminding her not to lick her fingers. :)

Caleb and the little ones served and cleared plates as each course was finished.

I was so impressed, I told them I had high expectations for my next anniversary!

Afterward AB played Christmas carols on the keyboard as we sang.

Grandaddy shocked all the Fish Sticks when he started playing songs he remembered from his childhood.

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad.

We are so blessed to have you live so close and share our daily lives together!!

December 25

2011-12-25T20:10:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from the Fish Family!

The Advent Jesse Tree

2011-12-22T16:00:00.000-08:00

My church does a Jesse Tree Ornament exchange that I have missed the last 2 times. If you are not sure what that is, you can check the post that I did last year about the Lent Ornament Exchange. They are very similar. This year I decided to host one with the moms from school. I sent out an evite and was able to get 25 families to participate with me. We met at the school one Sunday afternoon and exchanged our ornaments. The ornaments were each so unique and creative. We couldn't wait for December 1st to come.

We purchased the book The Advent Jesse Tree, Devotions for Children and Adults to prepare for the coming of the Christ Child at Christmas by Dean Meador Lambert from Amazon. Each day we read a passage from God's Word with a devotion, sing a song, pray and put up the corresponding ornament on our Jesse Tree. It traces the prophesies of Jesus from the OT up to the fulfillment in the NT. We have really loved this special time as a family.

What I have loved most is that this is another small way in which we shift our focus off of ourselves and gift receiving and back to where our focus should be: on the birth of Jesus.

Christmas Hugs in Mugs

2011-12-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

We are so grateful for our church here and all the nursery workers and Sunday School teachers that we utilize each and every Sunday for all 6 Fish Sticks. I always want to give them a little Christmas Happy but I have yet come up with the perfect gift that I give each year. Some cost too much. Some take too much time. Last January I found Christmas mugs on clearance and so I bought 20 in anticipation for SS teacher gifts. I found this easy recipe for Christmas Hugs on Pinterest (a web site I just found and if I'm not careful, I might need to admit myself into a Pinterest addiction support group). All it is is a pretzel with a candy can Hershey's kiss melted on top with 2 M&M's. They are the perfect combo of sweet, salty and minty. With Fish Stick helpers, we were able to crank out 20 filled mugs in no time. Just wanted to pass on goodness (copied from other smart gals, of course!). Try them!

Pretties

2011-12-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

Wanna peek at some of the pretties I recently got from my Mimi??

My Papa was a Captain in the Navy and served in WWII.

He loved bringing back exotic things to my Mimi while overseas.

After his service, they loved traveling to every continent and touring.

Such diversity.

What finery for our tea parties!!

Thanks so much, Mimi! We Fish Girls couldn't be more pleased.

Got Egg Nog?

2011-12-18T15:30:00.000-08:00

Who can trim a Christmas tree without eggnog? It's like drinking a Starbucks frappuccino without whipped cream! It can't be done. So what's a mom to do when she is without? Whip out the ole family cookbook and make it from scratch just like her Mama used to do.

I think the Fish Sticks liked it. What do you think?

Payne Family Eggnog Recipe

Beat 2 eggs until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in 1/4 cup sugar, a pinch of salt, and 1 T. vanilla. Stir in 13 oz. can of chilled evaporated milk and 2/3 cup cold water. Serve cold sprinkled with nutmeg and cinnamon. Makes 1 quart.

Pioneer Christmas

2011-12-16T06:30:00.000-08:00

Each year it is our Christmas tradition to put up our real tree the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Due to some unusual circumstances, our tree did not get up that weekend. Nor the next weekend. Next thing we know, it is 2 weeks until Christmas and you would never know it at the Fish House. Even the mention of not getting a tree produced all kinds of mourning and wailing around here. So on Sunday we drove out to cut one down (who wants to pay for one for just 2 weeks of enjoyment?). Here are the girls next to the only possibility My Man could spot in our woods.

And so he saws it down, hauls it on the truck and we head home to make it our own. It's kind of a small step-up from Charlie Brown's.

There was much merry making when I brought down the one box of ornaments (and NOTHING else) as I prepared them for beforehand. Putting on of the lights would have been great had one certain Mama not put the wrong end of the plug on the TOP of the tree, going down and realizing 5 strings later that there was no plug to go in the outlet. UGG! (Didn't I do that 2 years ago too?)

So this Christmas will be remembered as our SIMPLE Christmas. We have a very homemade looking tree with the majority of ornaments hung from 4 feet high and down, thanks to all my Fish Stick helpers. We have one nativity set sitting on our kitchen bar to constantly remind us WHO this holiday is all about. No holly, lighted garland, snow houses, ceramic snowmen, table-sitting-santas, or red and green finger towels. I like to think of this Christmas as our pioneer Christmas. A simple imperfect tree, covered with paper glittered ornaments and smiling photos of children from years gone by and loaded with memories, Andy Williams singing "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," a warm house, hot cocoa, smiling Fish Sticks, laughter and best of all a constant reminder where we eat our meals as a family of why we do what we do and we are who we are. It is because of the ONE who came down on our behalf.

ABC Fishy

2011-12-15T19:10:00.000-08:00

The day after the play our school hosted a craft fair as one of their big fund raisers. They had a booth for students to sell their wares and AB and I decided to make flower hair accessories of all kinds. For the last month we have spent about 30 minutes after the little Fish Sticks go to bed to create. It's been a sweet time with my little budding crafter. We made about 45 accessories and sold $45 dollars worth. Unfortunately I totally forgot to take a photo of her at our booth, so this was taken in our school room with our left overs.

We named our "company" ABC Fishy for Anna Blair Cassie Fish.

(Fishy is Caleb's nickname by all at school)

We've got quite a leftover inventory but I figure between little girl birthday parties and 5 girls in this house, surely someone will be sporting a flower or 2 at any given moment.

A "Happy" from Jesus

2011-12-14T14:55:00.000-08:00

I believe that God loves us so much that He enjoys giving us "happies" every once in a while. A "happy" is that little, unexpected gift that means so much and shows that someone cares. My AB received a wonderful "happy" from Jesus last week.

As I've mentioned before, she's been my caterpillar-turned-butterfly this past year. Last Christmas, she did not try out for the Christmas play. It wasn't that she didn't want to. She would have loved to be in the play. It was because she was mortified to try out. Since turning into a butterfly, she couldn't wait to try out this year. She made the mistake of only auditioning for one part. It turns out that many kids wanted that part and she did not make it. DEVASTATION!

Six days before the Christmas play, one of the directors told her that a cast member of the play was leaving our school and they needed that spot filled....pronto. She would have 6 days to memorize her lines and practice. It was pure excitement around here when I received her squealing phone call from school. This made for an unexpected busy week here, but she did it and we are so proud of her. This "happy" was even a bigger part than the one she auditioned for. Thanks Father!! It was so sweet of you to do that for AB!!

She was also one of 4 girls who led the cast members in motions to a song.

She had a brief duet with one of her friends also.

And I can't leave out this 2nd butterfly who refused to sing with the church Christmas choir just a few short years ago, but shone like a star in the play with the choir, doing hand motions and singing her heart out. We couldn't have been prouder!

A Little of This, A Bit of That

2011-12-12T19:25:00.000-08:00

December has come like a storm and I am struggling to keep my head above water despite my Google Calendar and the wonderful assistance of the grandparents and My Man. Here's a post about the hodge podge things that have kept us busy here in the Fish House.

First off, AB played the Virgin Mary in the school chapel.

This Peanut wore her "Ho Ho Dress" to the library Christmas party with Nonie.

All 3 Little Fish Sticks got to go.

I taught the 8th graders at school how to make these neat winter trees...and YEAH, I got to craft again!

And I decided to be a cool mom and pull over on the side of the road down from the school and let all the kids get out for a close up look at this coyote/wolf that was hit the night before. Pretty spooky, huh? More to come...

Pattern Tester Again

2011-12-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to get to be a pattern tester for katicupcake again. Not only does it "force" me to sew for my girls, but it gives me a deadline so my half-done project doesn't get buried in a pile of to-do sewing. Another plus is that by being a tester, I get free patterns. This time I made a vest for Ruth. Here's the photos that I sent in when I finished. I got a bit funky with my fabrics, but I thought it turned out quite cute.

Doesn't she make a cute little model?

My Folks

2011-12-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

And as my last Thanksgiving post, I just wanted to post a photo of my folks (and baby Reese too). Dad, I'm sorry you had to work and not get to spend but Thanksgiving day with all of us. I know it brings you joy to be with your big family. We are so grateful to you that you worked so hard so that all of us could have a Christian education all the way through college. I know that if you had sent us to public school, you would probably be retired right now. We recognize that huge sacrifice and thank you. I hope to throw you a big retirement party on your next birthday!!

Mom, it is such a blessing to live so close to you and be your good friend. I never knew what it was like growing up in close proximity to my grandparents and I am so honored to raise my children to know the blessings of having their grands so close. Thank you for taking my Fish Sticks to library story time each week, in the midst of your busy commitments. It will be special memories that they will never forget.

I love you both and want you to know how special it was for all of us to be together at Thanksgiving. I hope it will become more frequent. God has truly blessed us richly in our family!!

Remembering Together

2011-12-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

Recently my Mimi in VA moved from an apartment to assisted living unit in her retirement community. My folks brought back a truck of her things that she no longer had room to keep. During our Thanksgiving together, we had the project of sharing these family heirlooms. It was a great time of remembering many fun times together as a family, spending Christmas' and summers at Mimi and Papa's lake house in VA. From Christmas wreath trivets, to Navy battle photos, china and silver from all over the world, Papa's special desk, dining room tables where we gathered for many meals....the list goes on and on. What wonderful childhood memories we all have of times spent together with grandparents and what fun it was to talk of those together as adults.

Rachel modeled many of Mimi's items for us, as she was the only one with a waist small enough to fit into them. Thanks for the good laughs, little sis.

Because I am the Payne kid with the most amount of storage, I brought home several boxes of beautiful china, silver and kitchen ware that my Mimi had gathered from their many travels as a Navy family and after as world travelers. When I was unpacking these special items, my girls were going nuts envisioning the fabulous tea parties these heirlooms would provide for us. Anna Blair quickly whipped up a wonderful tea party style supper complete with many exotic glassware, china, linens and silver. We put on our British accents and stuck our pinkies out while we sipped tea and had a "fine" time.

Mimi, I wish you could have joined us for Thanksgiving. We spoke of many wonderful memories of times spent with you and Papa. Thanks so much for sharing these special things from your home that each come with a story to share to our children! I love you.

Black Friday Fun

2011-12-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

There are lots of fun aspects of my family when it comes to the 8 year gap between the 4 siblings. One of them being that my kiddos have 2 sets of very youthful aunts and uncles who don't mind jumping on the trampoline, giving piggy back rides, and in this case, shopping on Black Friday.

Aunt Rachel asked if her and Aunt Mandy could take Anna Blair and Rebecca Black Friday shopping. Instead of leaving at midnight, they decided to go at 5 a.m. They realized though that by 5 a.m., the crowds had come and gone and they were alone at Target. That didn't prevent them from having fun, being silly and needing a stop at Starbucks before heading back.

I'm so glad that my daughter will have a great memory of fun times with her aunts and cousin while I stayed home snoozing!! Thanks Rach and Mandy!

Gift Exchange

2011-12-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

Because my family had not been all together in almost 5 years, we decided to have a Christmas gift exchange also. It seems that as our families grow, we change our gift exchange guidelines yearly. This year we let all of the cousins exchange names for a gift. They had a super time opening presents and exchanging "thanks" this Thanksgiving.

Ruth, Caleb, Christian

Rebecca & Anna Blair

Helping Addelyn open her gift

Watching Christian

Baby Reese got her first baby doll, modeled by Aunt Mandy

Julianna and Ruth

James was pretty excited to get a tractor like Uncle Tim's

Aunt Rachel & Payne

Josiah with his first "REAL" big set of Legos (not Duplos!)

Lydia

Turkey Bowl 2011

2011-12-03T11:56:00.001-08:00

My family has been having a Turkey Bowl every Thanksgiving since I can remember. It all started when we would spend Thanksgiving with my grandparents in Ball Ground, GA and the boys would play the girls.

Again this year, we invited our Bender friends to join us to make for larger teams. The weather was perfect. Here's some photos from the game.

White Elephant

2011-12-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

We decided for the adults this year, we would have a White Elephant gift exchange. The only guideline we gave was "no dead animals and no live animals." Due to the humor of some, these guidelines had to be made (Ah-hem, Katie and Justin!). Sweet Aunt Mandy misunderstood the "type" of White Elephant gifts to get so her big bag of almonds and snowball thrower became the envied gifts. (Mandy, you are welcome to do that again next year, if you'd like.) Tim was number 1 and picked this lovely gold, plastic peacock clock. Surprisingly, he had a hard time convincing others of it's worth and beauty.

Aunt Rachel became the proud owner of Granny's old wigs. They should make a great addition to Addelyn's dress up box. (Thanks Grandma for your great contribution!) Lots of fun!

Boys To Men

2011-11-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

This post is not about a teen boy band (Boys to Men), but a Mama who can't believe how fast her boys are growing up. When my firstborn Fish Stick is driving the enormous, manly tractor and my 4 year old Little Guy is driving the zero-turn mower with his feet dangling and doing 360's for our Thanksgiving entertainment, I wonder where all the years have gone. As long as there are no girls strapped to the back of their seat, this Mama is fine with this manliness for now!

Thankful Heart

2011-11-27T17:39:00.001-08:00

Three girls, then a boy and now 13 grand kids 13 years old and younger with more to come. I am thankful for 2 parents who love the Lord and raised us to love HIM also and to love each other as best friends. I am thankful for a house full of cousins growing up making memories together. I am thankful for in-laws who love my family also and don't mind sharing Thanksgiving meal with my loud but fun family. I am thankful for longevity in my family so that my children know 2 great grandparents, one of whom spent Thanksgiving with us. I am thankful for my SIL and her family far away in Turkey and knowing that if they were home, they would have loved joining Thanksgiving fun at our home. Football, food, fun, family. Thank you, Lord for all these!

And the 6 year old said....

2011-11-22T18:50:00.000-08:00

"Look Mom! A tomato with a bottom."

A Day at the Zoo

2011-11-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

The last time we went to the zoo was when my nephew was born and he's 2 1/2 years old. When AB came home with a permission slip to go to the zoo for a field trip, it dawned on me that my youngest 2 had no recollection of ever going to a zoo. Shame on me!! So quickly I signed up to help drive the school kids for a day at the zoo.

The storks were flapping....

The meerkats were looking adorable....

And my "baby" was soaking it all up.

The snakes shocked us.

The friends made us happy.

The giraffes wowed us.

And thankfully all the pennies in my purse were put to good use at the wishing well.

The 4th and 5th grade girls pulled through for me as my all day babysitters!

The zebras grazed and flashed their stripes.

The flamingos baffled us with their bright colors.

And did I mention my great, free babysitters??

The petting zoo was a hit.

And what mom doesn't love the hand sanitizer dispensers right outside their gate?

The "animal whisperer" Fish Stick adopted a goat as her own.

And the meerkat viewing bubble was packed full of Fishes...and others.

And the playground became a mom chatting ground, thanks again to my babysitters.

And what little Fish Man doesn't want to pose his body in the mouth of a snake??

Can you tell this was a requested-by-a-4-year-old picture?

After a day of fun, a year membership was in order. We'll be back!

New Pet

2011-11-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

I would have told you last week that we needed a new house pet as much as I needed a hole in my head, but alas....words are meant to be eaten, right?

When my son gets an itchin' in his bonnet (as my Mimi would have said), he just can't drop it. The boys at school have been studying animals and my son happened to be assigned a particular rodent. This led to long middle school boy discussions that fascinated him about pet hamsters, guinea pigs and and gerbils. Next thing I know he has called all local pet supply stores, made a graph of their prices for the pet and necessary supplies and is ready to punch the address in my GPS.

Why I am such a sucker, I'll never know, but after school one day we headed to Pet Superstore to buy our newest indoor rodent that wasn't caught in our barn. (Please don't tell our Singaporean Cat. She'd be most excited.)

So now Dallas the Hamster, that's his/her name, couldn't just survive in our drafty house with merely his natural, God-given coat. He must have a Santa suit. And we must take his portrait in his suit....well really just his hat because his neck hole was so large that he crawled out of his jacket.

This morning the Fish Sticks were up at 5:30 due to the extreme wheel exercises of Dallas. Did I mention that our new ~~rodent~~ pet, is nocturnal? I'm glad my bedroom is downstairs and the baby monitor is turned off.

He is kind of cute, but don't tell my son I said that. He might just convince me to find Dallas a mate.

Friday Football

2011-11-19T10:40:00.000-08:00

Since we hosted 2 football parties last year for Caleb's friends, he's been begging me to host one again this year. I think some of his friends have also been mentioning it to him in anticipation. Speech is now on Fridays and it just hasn't worked for our schedule. Finally with winter fast approaching, I cancelled Speech last Friday and hosted 19 middle school boys to our house for a solid 2 hours of football.

My Man, the ref, had to split them into 3 teams that rotated to keep good control of the game.

The cheerleaders were a bit cold, but it didn't keep them in the house.

Lawn chairs, blankets and homemade chocolate chip cookies.

What cheerleader doesn't want this on the sidelines??

I told My Man that I hope our firstborn looks back on days like these with fondness and doesn't remember all the days I lost my temper or nagged my children. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

The off-playing team didn't seem to dislike their break every few minutes. I say that based on the 2 gallons of fruit punch, 80 chocolate chip cookies and 2 cans of Pringles that were inhaled.

I hear they are already asking when the next one will be. I must have been thanked 5 times by each boy. That's the kind of boys I don't mind having over.

Wait for spring, boys, and next time I'll make more cookies like you all asked.

Birthday Wishes

2011-11-18T10:32:00.001-08:00

My Man had a birthday this past Monday. Unfortunately, his birthday started a week long of feeling under the weather. The Fish Sticks had made him cards. They brought him his breakfast during his devotional time and we cooked his favorite dish for supper. Here's a peek into his cards:

Dear Dad, Thank you for always being there for me and thank you for just being my Dad. Fun things you do with me: help me make forts, sports, take me places, encourage me, Wii, football.

To the best Dad ever! Dad, I love you not even as much as you can imagine. You have provided everything I have! Thank you for giving me a Christian education where I can learn more about God. I love you and hope you have a wonderful birthday. Celebrate because there are 6 kids that have the best Dad in the universe and a wife with the best husband ever!

I love you soooooooooooooooooo much!

Daddy, you are so sweet.

I love you, Daddy, because you always let me ride a tractor ride.

You're the best Dad ever!

I do have "the best husband ever" and he is the "best Dad in the universe." The Fish Sticks have hit the nail on the head. We love you, Tim!! Happy Birthday.

Boldness

2011-11-12T20:10:00.001-08:00

Last weekend when my brother was visiting, we got a phone call from our neighbor. Her sweet, 14 year old Golden Retriever who has been declining in health could not get up to go outside. Her husband was gone away on business and she knew that the dreaded time had come to put sweet Josie to sleep. We knew Josie was sick and on pain meds and knew that this day was coming soon.

With a towel in my hair and no make-up, straight out of the shower, I rushed over when Caleb told me our neighbor had called in tears, needing help to load Josie in her van to go to the vet. My Man was at a basketball practice with AB so my little brother came with me to help.

It was so sad and oh so close to home as our sweet 13 year old lab, Amos, died not so long ago. Caleb and I wept with our neighbor as my brother helped Josie get comfortable in the van.

I try not to brag on my children much, but when my firstborn showed boldness in ministering to our friend, my heart overflowed with gratefulness to the Lord for the strong man of God he is becoming. He hugged our neighbor and said, "I think it is time to pray." Then with tears coming down his face, he prayed OUT LOUD a prayer that I will never forget. I told My Man later it was the prayer of a MAN who loves the Lord. He asked for comfort, strength and peace for our neighbor and thanked the Lord for the years that Josie had brought her joy. He prayed for confidence in the decision to have Josie's days come to an end. He thanked God for caring for our pets and understanding how much we love them.

Our broken neighbor just wept in Caleb's arms and told him how much that meant to her and how much she loved our family.

Since that day, the Fish Sticks have prayed faithfully for our friend. She stays alone most of the time and is really struggling right now. The little girls have made her cards, brought her "nature treasures" and left them on her front porch. We all know how she feels. Yesterday would have been our Amos' 15th birthday.

Since Caleb was born and we decided on his name, which means "bold," we have prayed that he would be bold in the Lord. Last weekend I saw a glimpse of that prayer coming true. Praying out loud for a friend has been something I want to do more. Fear keeps me back. Sometimes our kids teach us more than we think we are teaching them...and it's a good thing.

Visit - Short and Sweet

2011-11-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

My brother was in town because his football team had made it to the play offs and were playing a team here in middle TN. We were so happy that his family spent the night with us. We hadn't seen cousin Reese since she was born. Once again, she was held 100% of the time and we had to set the timer to make the Fish girls take turns with her.

During prayer at lunch time, Little Man said, "And Dear Jesus, please help Mommy have another baby because Anna Blair sure does want another baby."

Pops was able to drop by briefly for a cup of coffee and a quick hello before heading to work.

And James...well I feel like I didn't see him much because the Fish Sticks just took off with him. On the trampoline, in the sandbox, collecting chicken eggs, in the school room, coloring, cars, action figures, dress up, swords, choo choo trains. You get the picture. It was pure cousin fun!

My brother sure did pick a winner when he got married. I couldn't have asked for a better SIL. She was well-scrutinized by his 3 big sisters and we think she's the best!

And I had to ease drop just a bit to hear this 2 year old conversation at the window. It was too sweet.

Thanks little brother for bringing your sweet family for a quick visit. We enjoyed it so much and hope it happens more often!!

Turning Red in the Dark?

2011-11-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

When I shut the door to my totally dark basement that was now holding hundreds of bright green tomatoes, I wondered if they would ripen still in the dark.

This is 4 days later. I think I have my answer, and I shouldn't have packed my canning supplies just yet.

A Little Bit of Heaven

2011-11-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Last November, My Man had a big birthday so I planned a night at home with no Fish Sticks. It was the first in our married life since having kids. Unfortunately, we were putting in hard wood floors and used that 24 hours alone to finish installing the floors and move furniture back upstairs. Not exactly romantic. But it did show us that we need more time alone to spend together.

As a belated anniversary gift, I booked the 2 sets of grands to keep the kiddos and dogs and we headed to the lake house to spend Friday night and Saturday alone. We stopped and ate at Outback Steakhouse. The last time we'd eaten there was 8 years ago when it first opened it's doors in Singapore. Very yummy! It seemed strangely wonderful to be alone with no little mouths to feed, no bottoms to wipe, no tucking in, no reminders to take the dogs out, to shut the doors or to turn out the lights. I kept feeling something was wrong and I had forgotten "something."

The leaf colors were breathtaking! We enjoyed a country breakfast at the local hole-in-the-wall restaurant, reading the local paper. We drove around looking at the rolling hills, views of the lake, new construction of houses and admiring the beautiful fall colors. Then we took a nap. Yep! I wasn't sick or pregnant and I took a nap!

So a HUGE thank you to Pops, Nonie, Grandma and Granddaddy for watching the Fish Sticks overnight. They had a WONDERFUL time at your houses and we are totally spoiled having you so close by to allow us to spend a night alone. It went so smoothly, we just might ask you again....soon....Did you remember Tim's birthday is next week? :)

Trick Or Treat

2011-11-03T16:34:00.000-07:00

I hate that I totally forgot to take a photo BEFORE we went trick-or-treating. This was made in the midst of pre-bed collapse. AB wore the Chinese outfit that I wore in 6th grade. Her bun was so tight with chop sticks criss crossed in it that it gave her a headache, so she had just taken it out. Caleb was a pirate again. Leah was the frazzled housewife (and she seemed to have the most favorite costume of the home owners - maybe we've all just been there before), Ruth was Barney but we lost the mask, Little Man was a cowboy and Liddy was a happy, teddy bear who didn't wear her hood.

We had a great time with the kids in a local neighborhood with another family from school. We headed home after going up and down one street, filling 6 gallon buckets with candy, teeth chattering from cold, a few coughs here and there and a frazzled housewife, cowboy and Barney who were about to wet their pants but refused to go in the dark porta john in front of the house under construction. Do you blame them?

Rollin' Roar Part 3

2011-11-02T18:42:00.000-07:00

And so the fun but cold day ended with no rain so the outdoor activities were conducted after lunch.

Bike riding was the grand finale, then off to the grandparents for an overnight stay so My Man and I can celebrate an anniversary long past but much anticipated.

Rollin' Roar Part 2

2011-11-01T17:56:00.000-07:00

As part of the big day, the kids who brought in the targeted amount of money for fund raising could sling a pie in the face of the principal. The little Fish Sticks weren't quite sure what to make of all those crazy kiddos getting so excited to throw a plate of whipped cream at Mr. Mason, our long time friend. Can you see the questioning looks?

And just to contrast, my school kids knew just what they were doing and were waiting in anticipation.

You might be wondering why there are no photos of my firstborn? When I did see him, he was gone in a flash, taking off from one activity to the next. I did catch him eating whipped cream from an almost empty can. I wouldn't have been surprised if he had tried to eat it off the ground. Not so photo worthy. :)

Rollin' Roar Part 1

2011-10-31T13:03:00.000-07:00

To finish off Spirit Week, the kids had what the school calls "Rollin' Roar." They all had spent the month raising money for the school. Friday was filled with a schedule of food, fun, games and activities. We woke up to cold, rainy weather, so the first event of bike riding around the school was postponed. I loved this photo of 180+ bikes lined up under the walkway just waiting for the festivities to resume.

All the outdoor fun had to be quickly rescheduled inside. I helped Leah's class with Minute-To-Win-It games. They had face painting out at the barn after a pizza lunch.

Did I mention it was extremely cold, overcast and windy when the rain stopped?? It didn't seem to slow anyone down though.

And what surprised me the most was AB. Last year during Rollin' Roar I sat with her class during karoke. She sat next to me the entire time and watched every girl in her class get up and sing praise songs with motions to the karoke machine. I had tried to encourage her to join them. She told me she would NEVER do that. "How embarrassing!" This year, my budded flower was on the stage, dancing, jumping, singing and acting like a normal 5th grader. It brought me such joy!

Spirit Week

2011-10-30T20:08:00.000-07:00

Spirit Week was always one of my favorite weeks of high school and college. Decorating hallways and lockers and dressing up each day in different themes made it so much fun. This past week was Spirit Week at GCA. I wish I had taken photos of the Fish Sticks each day, but I always seemed to remember as they were driving down our driveway to school with My Man.

One of the days was Sports Team day and there was little thought that went into their costumes. Everyone knew they were going to support the Cowboys! Then 10 minutes before heading out the door, my firstborn has the grand idea that he wants to be an extreme fan that paints his face....so out comes the costume paint and paint brushes. As you can see, his vision was contagious. Good thing their Mama isn't too detailed oriented with the paint or they would have been late for school!

One day was Senior Citizen Day. AB and her friend set out costumes to be a "rock-n-roll granny" with my Mimi's old gray wigs, leggings, high black boots and ballet tutus. At the time it sounded wonderful to them but on the morning of school, it had lost it's flare and they just put wigs in their back backs which I don't think ever made it to their heads.

Leah and I came up with a great granny outfit but same same song, 2nd verse. When it was time to put it on, she chickened out. (These "costume chickens" all from their Father's genes, obviously!) Caleb did a super grandpa with an undershirt, suspenders AND belt and a nice foam-in-the-front, mesh-in-the-back cap sitting just on the top of his head. I loved it!

Library Party

2011-10-29T19:46:00.000-07:00

Each fall the younger Fish Sticks love going to the Halloween party at the local library. Nonie takes J and L to library story time each Tuesday while I get homeschooling done with Ruth. Because the big kids have big, fun stuff at school and the little 2 have library fun, I decided to let Ruth join the party. They were so excited. She changed from Dorothy to a ballerina, this time Liddy stayed a teddy bear and did not transform into the grizzly bear (thank goodness, right Nonie??), and Little Man "borrowed" big brother's pirate costume. His Mama told him he could and we didn't really need to tell big brother.

When we picked up the school kids, Caleb immediately asked Little Man why he had a beard. He grinned and said, "We're not tellin'!" Oops, guess we should have "shaved" before carpool pick up.

Halloween Party

2011-10-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

We were invited to a Halloween party by some friends of ours from church. We went a few years ago when I had "heard" that the parents dress up and had convinced My Man to be the SNL cheerleader couple with me. When he realized after pulling up that very few parents were dressed up,....well let's just say that My Man did not dress up this year and I never even attempted to convince him to. :)

AB loved the idea of being a baby with a paci, bottle and blankie. Ruth was the ever famous Dorothy outfit. I don't know if that one was from Aunt K or Aunt M but whoever gave it to us, thanks so much. It has done us well over the years! Liddy went as a bear but after about 20 minutes the Teddy Bear turned Grizzly Bear and stripped down to diaper because she was just plain tired of being a bear!

My boys were a pirate and Bob the Builder.

Leah was Spider Girl (yes, she does exist...at least in the clearance Halloween costumes of last year) and their Mama....well the African BooBoo from my college days still served well as my hippie costume. In college for Homecoming week, I actually had the hippie hair. This year, it was a wig that completed the ensemble. And My Man just went as a super dad and husband to 6 crazy Fish Sticks and a nutty, hippy wife!

Play Date

2011-10-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

The older Fish Sticks had 2 days off for fall break and we really didn't have anything planned. To celebrate the beautiful fall weather, we had an open invitation to play at our house extended to families at church. Unfortunately I think my evite hit everyone's spam and wasn't received by all, but we had about 8 moms come to play with between 3-5 kids a piece. The weather was perfect.

Although I neglected to take pictures of all the sweet families that came to play with us, the youngest of the crew, Aurora, was just precious! I had to grab my camera to take this photo of AB holding her sleeping. I could have squeezed those sweet, fat legs for hours!!

Sunday Hike

2011-10-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

You may remember a post back in May where we discovered a great creek just a few miles away on the Natchez Trace Parkway that we had never taken advantage of before. Well, just recently, we also discovered, through our Bender Buddies, that there is also a great hiking trail that starts and ends at that very creek. (Can you tell we haven't been much of explorers since moving here?)

One Sunday afternoon the Benders with 9 of their 11 children invited us on a family hike after naps.

It was a lot of kids to keep up with but with bamboo walking sticks, backpacks for babies, and good tennis shoes it was a lot of fun. The top of the hike showed a spectacular view of the TN fall leaves overlooking the Natchez Trace Parkway. Fall is the best!

Reading and Happy Meals

2011-10-25T09:17:00.000-07:00

I have done all I know to do to instill a love of reading in my kids. How I long to have a Fish Stick walk around the house with their nose in a book! It hasn't happened yet, but I still press on.

As part of my incentive "program," I told Ruth that she could have a treat at McD's if should would finish a reading log for me. I gave her age appropriate books and she was to read them on her own time. It took a while, but she completed it.

Honestly, I can't remember the last time I took my kids to McD's. It used to be a frequent, non-special occasion for my now older Fish Sticks, but those days are gone. I guess that's a good thing, right? So it was a HUGE deal for these 3 to have a Happy Meal and play on the playground for a while.

The school kids were way jealous! Way to go Ruth!

Tomato Express

2011-10-21T06:11:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought that we would have tomatoes on Oct. 20? With the threat of our first frost, My Man went tomato pickin' last night with a headlamp and buckets. This is what he found. Where else do we have to ripen them but the train table in the basement.

I'm thinkin' fried green tomatoes, green tomato salsa and just hoping they will turn red one day. Fresh tomatoes from the garden for Thanksgiving sounds good to me! What a bounty we have had this year!! Thank you, Lord!

Triple L Ranch

2011-10-16T19:07:00.000-07:00

Three little Fish Sticks sure were excited when we got a notice that big brother had another field trip to the Triple L Ranch, so we tagged along for a fun day on the farm.

We drove the suburban behind the kids on the hay ride to follow them to the pond for a picnic (I learned last year not to take the hay ride and leave our stuff in the car for my ease. I got stranded at the pond with a poopie diaper and a diaper bag that was a few miles down the dirt road. Nothing but a tractor pulling a trailor of hay to help me out!)

So just as we unloaded, we saw the kids coming toward us laughing. A cow had wandered up to our car and was just hanging out. I didn't even know I had parked in a pasture...if it was a pasture.

All the middle school attention had her running. Had they not, I have a feeling this little "animal whisperer" in the pony tails would have tried to take that cow home with us!

A fun day was had on Triple L Ranch.

As for Caleb, well...the Fish Sticks certainly don't get the smothering attention that they received from the 5th grade girls when we attend the middle school field trips.

I had to scream a "Goodbye Son!" during his football game when we left. I think he heard me. He did come to me at lunch time as I was the carrier of his pizza and chips. Ahh....tween boys!

Labor at the Lake

2011-10-15T15:27:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since we've been to the lake so although it's way too cold to hit the water...at least for these Fishes...there are still plenty of work projects to do. As you might remember, the steep sloped front yard has demanded many hours of labor over the last year and a half. With the rain season upon us and the freezing temperatures soon to come, My Man had a truck load of rocks delivered to once again prevent erosion onto the driveway.

It was pretty entertaining for the non-working folks to watch the labor from above.

And what did the Fish Sticks do for entertainment? Created nests from nature. This nest is really just twigs woven together with large green seeds from a tree that they peeled and made to look like eggs. Not bad artwork for a 6 and 8 year old.

And this Little Guy kept busy for hours "painting" the walkway for me. It's amazing what a pack of paint brushes from the Dollar Tree and an ice cream bucket of water can do! Try it! It will be worth your dollar!

Has anyone else noticed this Little Guy's tongue that can't stay in his mouth when he's concentrating??

Too cute, if you ask me!!

And all that "painting" can just wear you out!!!

Appreciated

2011-10-13T15:01:00.000-07:00

When I dropped in Bonnie's Barnyard Feed & Seed after the apple orchard to buy some chicken feed, I was invited to join them for their customer appreciation celebration day on the first week in October. When she said "free hot dogs, hamburgers, RC Cola, Moon Pies, pumpkin painting and live bluegrass," I knew it would be worth our $9 in gas to drive out there to be "fully appreciated"!!

Labrador puppies, miniatures donkeys and candy were among the favorites of the Fish Sticks.

Thanks, Bonnie!! We know we are appreciated and we thank you!

Run, Girl, Run!

2011-10-10T17:52:00.000-07:00

AB did so well in the Run Club last year that My Man and I encouraged her to run for the Cross Country team this year. A bad case of shin splints kept her out for a couple of weeks but with a little rest, she was ready for her first CC meet, running 1.5 miles against approximately 50 girls grade 5-8.

The entire Fish crew showed up to support her. Little Guy is into making this goofy face every time I pull out the camera. Surely that isn't MY baby throwing a temper tantrum in her stroller, because we all know that Fish Sticks don't act that way! Tee hee. Thanks G and G for showing up to see AB run!

Here she comes, close to the finish line.

Pushing it hard at the end. She came in 17th place!! Way to go AB!!!

Ruth's Big Day

2011-10-09T19:44:00.000-07:00

On June 15, Ruth came to me in the kitchen while I was busy preparing dinner and told me she needed to talk to me. I told her she could talk to me later because I was really busy getting supper on. She pressed me and told me this was really important and to lean lower so she could whisper to me. She whispered, "Mommy, I want to pray and put Jesus in charge of me." Of course with joy I declared supper to be late so I could join Ruth in this joyous occasion.

My Man and I desire each one of the Fish Sticks to come to know Christ at a young age and serve Him wholeheartedly throughout their life, but there is always that wonder when they are young if they really understand what it means to follow Jesus. We read, we talk, we pray and we trust the Holy Spirit to guide their little hearts to make this decision.

Our church offers a great little booklet for kids about our sin and desire to live for ourselves, but about holy God extending His grace to us and allowing us to be part of His kingdom through faith. It uses the example of dethroning ourselves and putting God on the throne to be our King and to live for Him. It's simple and I love the explanation.

After I confirmed that Ruth fully understood and was ready to pray to receive Christ, she prayed and then looked at me and asked, "Now when can I be baptized?" It made me think of several stories in the Bible where they came to receive Christ and were baptized (all in the same verse). The day wasn't quick enough for Ruth. She had to wait until October 2 to be baptized. She was the smallest and youngest at church that day, but she was as proud as she could be to announce her decision to follow Christ before the congregation.

Ruth, we pray that your days may be filled with living every moment with God as your king, sitting on the throne of your heart, directing and guiding your every step as you strife to be more and more like His Son, Jesus. We are so honored to be a part of that process of pointing you to Christ. May your life be pleasing in His sight until He calls you home!!

We Love Our Grands

2011-10-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

I have told you all before what a blessing it is to have grandparents local. Growing up outside of New Orleans, we always had quite a drive to visit one set of grands in GA and the other in VA. Now the Fish Sticks have 2 grandparents 3 doors down and 2 grandparents + 1 great grandfather 12 minutes away. It is a HUGE blessing!!

For Grandparents Day at school, 3 of the 5 were able to attend. It was such a sweet, special time to honor them and let them know how much we love them and are glad they live close by.

My sweet Papa came and I snagged a photo of each school Fish Stick with their great-grandfather.

The students did a special presentation and then gave their grands some special gifts that they had made. We concluded with a lunch at our house.

We love you Grandma, Grandaddy, Nonie, Pops and Papa!! You bless us tremendously!

Creative Juices

2011-10-05T14:07:00.000-07:00

I love to see their little faces as they create something fun out of something I was going to trash.

This little "club house" has held them for hours of entertainment, not to mention it took 3 hours to paint with Ruth micro-managing the little 2 so they wouldn't "mess it up."

Can someone remind me why we have so many toys again?

Big Brother, Little Brother

2011-10-04T13:07:00.000-07:00

Every little guy needs a big brother.

And a Mama who washes laundry!

Lots of Peppers

2011-10-03T12:45:00.000-07:00

The best part of picking big, luscious green peppers off the plants in late September (20-50 each week, to be specific) is to have 3 little Fish Sticks (and their Mama) eat them like apples!! Delicious!

Daddy Dates

2011-10-02T03:00:00.000-07:00

I started this post last week and forgot to finish it so forgive me for not being chronological. Last weekend while I was away at the marathon, My Man took the 6 Fish Sticks (what a super daddy he is!!) to an air show. In our small, country community we have model airplane hobbyist gather once a year in a huge field here to fly their planes together. We have always enjoyed watching them. Caleb took these photos during their 2 hour Saturday morning date with Daddy.

Thanks, Babe, for being such a super daddy to our Fish Sticks. I don't usually see men babysitting 6 young kiddos (actually, I never have). You're the best. They had such a good time watching the planes!!

Anniversary Blessings

2011-10-01T12:45:00.000-07:00

I told you I would tell you later the rest of the story about my anniversary, so here goes. AB had put a construction paper book together and asked the little 2 Fish Sticks to dictate what they wanted to say to Mommy and Daddy. Everyone contributed except for L, who was at the birthday party.

Here are my sweet notes:

Dear Daddy,
Because he is like...he can kill bad guys! I love you! You're nice! Lydia
Dear Daddy,
I like him because he lets me play his guitar one day and because he lets me swim in the lake! Josiah
Dear Daddy,
I think you're amazing!! I think there could ever be a dad better than you! You're hard working! Thank you for everything! I love you tons! Anna Blair
Dear Daddy,
I love you because you give me tractor rides and you takes me in the boat! Ruth
Dear Mommy,
I like you because she cooks with me and she does school with me! Ruth
Dear Mom and Dad,
Thank you for providing for me and giving me things when I never deserved them. Thanks again. Caleb
Dear Mommy,
Because I love her and she's sweet to me! Josiah
Dear Mommy,
I like you pea-cause um I like Mommy Daddy. Because Mommy teaches me cool. Lydia
Dear Mommy,
I love you sooooo much! I think you're the best mom ever!! If I used words to discrib you it would never end! I love you and thank you for everything! Anna Blair

This is Ruth's picture. Priceless!!

Josiah's picture of Daddy playing the guitar. My, what long legs he has!

Caption says, "Cool dude, Mommy, saying 'YO!'." Gotta love those Potato Head people!

Usually My Man and I go out for dinner to celebrate, but this year we are planning a 24 hour getaway to the lake house end of October, so we had no dinner plans. Grandma planned a special meal for us with a delicious Cajun dish called Frogmore Stew! Before we ate, the grands asked the Fish Sticks to pray a special prayer for My Man and me. They were precious! Caleb said, "God, thanks so much for having Mommy and Daddy get married. It was the best decision You made...for me at least." Grandaddy and Grandma closed with beautiful prayers for our marriage and in thanksgiving.

What a special anniversary it was!!

Play Dough

2011-09-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I think of all the fun, creative stuff I used to do when I just had a preschooler, toddler and baby at home. My teacher genes were still kicked in high gear and I couldn't wait to "teach" my kiddos the way I used to teach kids with special needs. One thing we did was have a theme each week. Take teddy bears for instance. We would have bear-themed snacks, read only books about bears, count bears, sort bears, color bears, do bear crafts, learn bear poems and songs. Well, you get the picture. It was all so fun for me to come up with our weekly theme and hopefully they will have fond memories of it.

So now that the family has doubled, sometimes I feel guilty for not having the time to do the themed weeks and all the fun activities that went with it. This past week I remembered homemade play dough. I have never made it for the younger 3 Fish Sticks and totally forgot about how much my older 3 had loved it.

I got out my best recipe (after trying many, long ago) and made a batch, letting each Fish Stick choose their color. It was a huge hit!!!

Next thing you know, 3 school kids come home and say, "Hey, how come they get homemade play dough and we don't? Please let us play. Please make us some." So now we made another 3 colors and my counter top has been covered with 3 gallon buckets of play dough toys and I sweep my floors under the bar an additional 3 times a day. At least with 6 different colors, I can quickly identify the culprit of the majority of crumbs under the bar.

Maybe edible peanut butter play dough will be next!!! YUM!

Homemade Play Dough
2 cups flour
2 cups water
1 cup salt
4 TB. oil
4 tsp. cream of tartar

Mix everything well with a wire whisk. Cook until dry, stirring with a wooden spoon. When cool enough to handle, knead until smooth. Add food coloring and knead. Store in sealed container.

Apple Orchard

2011-09-29T19:01:00.000-07:00

We got to join the 5th grade on the first field trip of the year to Morning Glory Apply Orchard. I had taken the Fish Sticks there 2 times in the last 9 years but it had been a long time. The 5th grade girls just love Lydia! After 1 hour into the trip, I told one of the girls that Lydia could walk...they didn't have to hold her. Immediately 2 girls turned around and said, "But I'm next." "Yea, and I'm after her."

We toured the orchard, seeing the trees and hearing about pollination, threats to the crop and growing healthy apples.

Next they took us inside to learn about making apple cider and honey made from apple tree nectar with samples given out! They got goodie bags with 2 apples and a coloring book.

Nonie joined us too and we enjoyed a picnic on the grounds. It's so nice to tag along on the school's field trips and not have to plan my own. The Fish Sticks love them!

Anniversary Surprise

2011-09-28T14:31:00.000-07:00

As I told you, we celebrated our 16th anniversary on Friday. I had to run a Fish Stick into town after school for a birthday party and left 2 big Fish Sticks to babysit little Fish Sticks. When I returned, I found this sign, balloons, a banner and a precious card (which I will share later.)

Here are the sweet culprits to this deed.

They also told me that they made my famous recipe for chocolate chip cookies. I had to laugh because I knew we were almost out of flour and butter and totally out of sugar and chocolate chips. I actually ran into the store on my way home to get those things. They said they figured that out too late. They had crushed 1 cup of sugar cubes to make the sugar and used 2 TB of butter instead of 10 TB (due to their math error) and sprinkled powder sugar on the top in case the lack of chocolate made them in need of sweetness. They named them Anniversary Blobs, and one of them refused to eat them. They were actually good. They were sweeter because of the love that they were made with. I've got some pretty thoughtful Fish Sticks!!

Lizard Spa

2011-09-27T13:15:00.000-07:00

AB took this video with her camera. Yes, those lizards are real. Yes, they are alive. The Fish Sticks seemed to think they were actually "relaxing" and "sleeping." I think they were scared to death that they fainted. Either way, they were being pampered for sure.

Good Byes Aren't Easy

2011-09-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

Our 2 day visit quickly ended and our day to drive home came. We left at 8:30, right after breakfast. Poor little Payne had just woken up and was shoved on the couch for a final cousin photo.

Good byes are never easy but it helps to know when you will see them next. Our next visit will be Thanksgiving when all Payne kids come to our part of TN for turkey and fellowship. Until then, we will surely miss our Oklahoma cousins. Thanks so much, Rachel and Eric, for being such wonderful hostesses to the crazy Fish Sticks. We love you dearly!!!

DVD player, snacks, pillows, blankies, crayons, paper, Veggie Tales, Barney, Super Friends, juice boxes....we are set to go! And thanks to Dad of the Year, My Man, for holding down the fort with 3 school kids while we were gone. You are irreplaceable!!

13.1

2011-09-25T12:48:00.000-07:00

I dedicate this blog post to my big sister and her amazing accomplishments this past year. God brought a special friend into her life last year soon after her 40th birthday. My sis was at a low point in her life, discouraged by her poor healthy and weight gain over the years. Her friend, who is a personal trainer, told her that she was going to help her and so Katie's journey began.
This summer, her friend/trainer told my sis that she was going to run in the Nashville Women's Half Marathon.

This past Saturday I was there to witness this amazing accomplishment.

Her trainer and good friend, Doreen, ran alongside of her.

Mom and I were there to support her and cheer her on with her family.

She is an inspiration to me! This photo on the right was taken Easter of 2010. She has lost about 40 pounds and we are so proud of not just her weight loss, but her having run a 13.1 miles in under 3 hours and taking such great care of her body to improve her quality of life!! She has worked her tail off and it shows.

You look great, Katie! I am so proud of you!!!

Yard Fun

2011-09-24T06:17:00.000-07:00

We took advantage of the pretty weather and played with the kids in the front yard.

Payne, here, had had a bit too much of the lovin' from the cousins. He was a bit smothered, I think.

Just look at him. Don't you just want to smother him too?

Adde had just learned to ride her bike with training wheels. Whoo hoo!

Somehow I got attacked by kiddos and some Little Guy kept having a seat on my face!

Time with cousins and family brings this Mama Fish so much joy!

Chugga Chugga Choo Choo

2011-09-23T14:59:00.000-07:00

On Day 2 of our time in OK, the temps dropped almost 30 degrees and it was rainy. We headed to the home of an elderly man who is known in this town for his train that fills his yard. He has built it himself and allows anyone to come see it and weather permitting, ride it. Although the kids were not able to ride it, they thought it was awesome roaming his yard, following the train track and seeing all the neat things he had set up.

Payne said "Brum Brum" the minute he saw this toy car display but was oh so sad when we set him next to the cars to take his photo.

The man's displays were sprinkled with bits of humor here and there.

(He even warned us about them before we set out.)

My Little Man was in hog heaven with all the tractor and car displays.

He had cut some tunnels out in his evergreen trees and even made a covered bridge.

He had a play house that Ruth couldn't wait to play inside. Instead she opened the door, screamed and came to me in tears. There was a black and purple life-size witch inside. The nice man explained to us that the witch was his pride and joy. Someone snagged it before him last year from Lowe's and he had to wait an entire year to grab this one. He was very proud of it. I think it gave Ruth nightmares. :)

Like I said...humor scattered throughout. :)

Do you think this little, chunky man would fit into my suitcase???

And last he let us visit his workshop in the garage and see what he was making. He had plans for another locomotive that he was welding and building to sell on the internet.

Rain or no rain, it was a super time.

There's just something small-town good about rapping on the door of a stranger and asking him if we can roam his yard and enjoy his creations and then letting him talk our ears off about his passionate hobby.

16 Years

2011-09-23T06:03:00.000-07:00

Sixteen years ago today on the first day of fall, I walked down the aisle surrounded by friends and family to marry the man of my dreams. I can not begin to tell you what a wonderful husband and father he has been. God paired us up perfectly. I knew when our childhood dogs had the same name and our sports numbers in high school were both 22 that he would be my soul mate. :) I am one blessed girl! My Man, thank you for being such a leader in our home of godliness, generosity, wisdom, laughter and love. I cringe to think what life would be like if God had not brought you to me. You are the best!! Happy Anniversary!

Soccer at 3

2011-09-22T19:14:00.000-07:00

When Aunt Rachel said we would get to come to Adde's first ever soccer game, we were so excited. I played soccer in high school and college and so did Rachel. The big difference was that Rachel won a ton of games and I didn't, and she got down-right aggressive on the field and I played for fun. Isn't that what sports are for anyway?? :) (Maybe if I had ever tasted victory, I might have acquired a passion for winning. Oh well.)

So even though Adde is only 3, her mom has prepped her as best as possible by teaching her basic soccer skills in the backyard. She was set and made it clear to us that we were all to scream and cheer her on.

Her coach asked, "What do you do with the soccer ball?' To which the little girl next to A. said, "I can make an ice cream cone." Then every 3 year old was making ice cream cones. I think next year coach will remember not to ask that question.

She picked out her very own soccer socks. What an ensemble! It looks like my Roofie Poofie dressed her.

I love this photo of the family.

What I loved most about this game was my sweet, chunky nephew sat in my lap the entire time and dug everything out of my purse to play with. Twice I didn't pay attention and had to grab my wrapped, feminine product out of his mouth. YIKES!

The next best thing about the game was how funny it was. Imagine a field full of 3 year olds who have never been on a soccer team. Whistle blows and only one little girl takes the ball and scores while all the others stand there just looking around wondering why their parents are screaming at them to run and kick.

Then imagine all parents running out on the field, grabbing a hand and running, screaming their most enthusiastic cheers and encouragement, helping their kiddos to engage in the wonderful game of soccer. Some kiddos smiled and run and some started crying. Some had moments of both.

And then imagine my adorable niece, so full of life and ready to be cheered by her large family of fans just minutes before the game, kicking the ball just as a blue opponent swipes it right out from under her feet. "She took the ball from me!" she cried.

It was a game I'll never forget! Adde, we sure wish we could attend more. It was too fun!!

When you get a soccer scholarship at the university of your choice like your Mama did, we will all talk about this game and laugh!

95 Degrees and Water Turned Off?

2011-09-21T15:35:00.000-07:00

So Day 1 we decided to go to a sprinkler water park with the kids. Fish Sticks have never been so it was pretty exciting for them. Got there and water was turned off for rest of season despite the 95 degree temperatures. Bummer. But there was a big play ground so we weren't sad too long.

And these 2 adorable kiddos are 2 of the 4 reasons we came so far!!!!

A Big Road Trip

2011-09-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

I did something brave and a bit crazy last week. I drove my 3 younger Fish Sticks on a 9 hour road trip to Oklahoma. I had good reason. My little sis and her sweet family just moved there. I didn't go just for a visit, but I was on a mission to love, encourage and spur her. You see, she just moved from Washington State to Oklahoma. Moving is hard. I know because I was about her age 9 years ago when I moved from Singapore to middle Tennessee. My 2 Fish Sticks were the same age as her 2 little ones.

When the logistics of her move started to really get jumbled up, My Man, who has such a compassionate heart, starting dropping hints to me about a possible visit to help my sis out. After the boxes were unpacked and the loneliness of living in a new place (and really a new culture) with a town to learn, friends to meet and a church community to find, My Man said, "Take the 3 little ones. I'll take the older ones. We'll be fine. Go help your sister and send our love." And so I did. (Did I mention how awesome My Man is?)

My Fish Sticks are not super travelers. They really don't go farther than 3 hours in the car and still say "When are we going to be there? How much longer?". I was stocked with snacks, dual DVD players, lots of kiddie videos, crayons/paper, favorite blankies and stuffed animals, with 3 car seats crammed in the seat behind me. If all else failed and they all started screaming, I planned on cranking up a good 80's station, rolling down the windows and tuning them out! Thankfully that didn't happen. They did pretty well for non-travelers.

We made it. Oklahoma posts to follow.

Egg-cellent

2011-09-19T19:04:00.000-07:00

Finally after owning 20 chickens yet still buying eggs, we now collect about 10 eggs a day. Half are light green and the other half are brown. We have Americana chickens who are known for laying "Easter eggs." I don't have to force the Fish Sticks to do the egg collecting chore ( ignore the dropped/smashed ones on the driveway, yard, garage, even hall to the kitchen). It's the coveted chore and now Green Eggs and Ham for breakfast has a totally new meaning. Ahh - country living.

More Friend Gift Ideas

2011-09-18T12:36:00.000-07:00

Here I just posted about homemade birthday gifts for friends of the Fish Sticks and then in one week, we had 4 friend gifts to buy or make. Here are 2 more aprons with fabric I had on hand that turned out quite cute, and a bit country, I think. Some may remember my stacks and stacks of denim I bought from a blue jean factory last year that I didn't know what to do with after covering the couches for the lake house. Well here's 2 panels down with probably 85 to go.

Although these t-shirts weren't my "bright" idea for 10 year old girls, I decided to make these anyway for a birthday party for triplets (2 of whom are girls). I heard they really liked them. I found these fitted tees at the Dollar Tree last spring and backed them with part of a gray flat sheet I got at Goodwill last year.

Their brother got a football. Still searching for that perfect middle school boy gift.

Ideas are more than welcome!!!

Fun with Friends

2011-09-17T12:30:00.000-07:00

Out on the Water

2011-09-16T12:25:00.000-07:00

L is such a trooper to learn to slalom. Here is an action shot of her dropping a ski!!

Believe it or not, this little goober who breaks out crying every time we mention doing anything that requires being pulled by a boat actually asked to ride the "bunny ski." And did I mention, she's SMILING without being told!?

Although this nut exceeds the weight limit on the "bunny ski," he said he "must master everything we have on the water." He begged and begged to go on this starter ski, so the Captain gave him a whirl.

And just to make sure he didn't ask for the bunny ski again, the Captain put the petal to the metal!

I doubt he'll ask again....since he's "mastered" it and all. :)

Boat Close-Ups

2011-09-07T19:41:00.000-07:00

Fun times at the lake (before the cold and rain hit) with good friends

Two Unlikely Cousins

2011-09-07T02:55:00.000-07:00

I know that my summer blog posts were over and that school posts had already begun, but as I looked back over my summer photos, there were a few that I wanted to ear mark...some that might cause you to grin.

As I've mentioned before, I grew up with only 2 cousins whom I rarely got to play with, so I enjoy more than the average watching my children being best friends with their cousins. These 2 cousins are an extraordinary pair. They are only 3 months apart in age, but years apart in height.

Although they are not the same gender, they are the best of friends. They are the goofiest pair you've ever been around. Being the firstborns, they love to entertain with their silliness and prank-pulling.

And after she's gone, her facial expressions and mannerisms live on in our house in the form of a 12 year old boy. Summers wouldn't be quite as funny without these 2 to entertain the crew. Their Mamas keep wondering if a day will come when maturity and maybe lack of maturity with one and not the other will separate these 2 from having the fun times together that they share. It hasn't happened yet and honestly, I pray it never does!

It just seems like yesterday that she was stealing his pacifier and he was whacking her in the head with his plastic hammer. I have a feeling one day in college, he'll get a call from her to get his approval before heading out on a date. That's just fine with us!

First Haircut

2011-09-02T10:41:00.000-07:00

My "baby" is over 2 1/2 years old now and has never had a haircut...not even a tiny trim. She was practically bald up until a few months ago it seems. One reason why I haven't given her a haircut is because her blond is only at the bottom of her hair.

The other reason why is because I LOVE curly hair but no Fish Sticks have curly hair. She has a few "flips" that I like to call curls that look so cute, especially in piggy tails.

But it finally occurred to me that it was time to even things out and give her a hair cut. She was so excited to get her first haircut on my bathroom countertop...WIGGLING with excitement! Not good for Mom with scissors!

And I think she still looks cute as a button!

After cutting off a few inches, there still wasn't enough hair to shake a stick at. It will be kept safe in a ziploc bag labeled "Liddy's First Haircut". One day she might throw it away and think it was gross of me to keep it, kind of like how I acted to my mom when we came across her first, thick pony tail in a baggy. Sentimental, I guess. Just be glad I finally threw away all those baby teeth that were collecting in my jewelry box! I am ashamed to say there were also a few Labrador puppy teeth mixed in with the lot.

(TMI, I know. I might have just lost all of my readers!)

Friend-Birthday Gift Idea

2011-09-01T10:22:00.000-07:00

Now that I have 3 in school, that means that we will probably be attending lots of friend birthday parties. I have been trying hard to find great birthday gift ideas with low cost - even if they mean time spent on my part. Aunt S has given each of the Fish Sticks these great aprons for crafts, kitchen, etc. that they have loved using over the years. I modified the pattern a little, used some great sturdy home decor fabric I had on hand from sewing business days gone by. I filled each pocket with school supplies (found on great deals this time of year) plus a Crayola kit purchased previously with coupons/sales.

I was pretty happy with the results and hope they will be the standard 2nd grade gift from our house. I already have a great 5th grade girl gift in mind, but am stumped on a 6th grade boy's gift. Anyone out there have any ideas? I don't think that fabric DS holders and decorated Lego boxes strike me as a sought-out gift for middle school boys. :) Thoughts?

Farm Status Approved

2011-08-31T14:50:00.000-07:00

I hesitate telling people we live on a farm. Sometimes I will say "hobby farm" but even that brings me to some hesitancy. To a true farmer, he would laugh at my claim. To a city slicker, he would definitely put us in farm category. Truth is, we live in the country on 7 acres, a creek, a pond with 2 ducks, a barn and a chicken coop filled with chickens. You can add to that resume that we raised 75 chickens for butchering this year, not to mention we have 2 gardens of fruits and veggies. So whatever you call that, farm or no farm, we have recently received farming status from the state through a simple application process and now can purchase all farm-related things free of tax!

And since we are officially a farm (farmers, don't chuckle!) we are now the owners of a big orange tractor. The country song "I'll take ya for a ride in my big, green tractor" keeps ringing out on the Fish Sticks Farm (except we change the color to orange).

Our new farm addition is for gardening, cutting, grading and to aid in my husband's business. Like true x-city slickers, we've been spending our evenings riding it around in the yard with the Fish Sticks in the scoop.

Or maybe that would put us in the category of rednecks.

Either way, this "farming girl" has no desire to ever return to the city and

she might even one day learn how to drive that "big ~~green~~ orange tractor."

First Day of School

2011-08-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

Some of you might remember the sadness and hesitancy this Mama felt last year sending my 2 oldest Fish Sticks off to school. This year we added another Fish Stick and the feelings of last year were far from us. On the contrary, the opening night of school was a time of counting our blessings to have the opportunity to send our children to such a wonderful Christian school with like-minded families, all set on the purpose to raise warriors for the Lord.

She's gonna kill me for posting this photo with her eyes closed but it was all I took. Sorry, Sweetie!

Fish Stick #3 wasn't scared or nervous (at least that is what she told us) but ready to head out to the real world. She looked so small to me going off to school that I fought back the knot in my throat and covered her (and the others, of course) in prayers.

School is good. Homework adjustment is not like it was last year and I think we've gotten the hang of being a school + homeschool family. We are so blessed to have GCA for our children to pass the torch to for part of each day!

Grand Finale

2011-08-28T12:48:00.000-07:00

Before the Campbell cousins headed back to Turkey, we had one more big family night. The girls performed their piano recital for us....

some clogged for us on the front porch. "Rocky Top" was my favorite and I can't help but wonder how weird it must seem for my Tennessean SIL to watch her daughters clog to "Rocky Top" in the Middle East.

These 2 nutty cousins put a hip hop dance together complete with "costumes" reminding this ole Mama of the Blues Brothers. I just don't recall the Blues Brothers slinging long, blond hair like these 2 did. :)

And to finish off the night's events, we had our 2nd annual family kickball game. Uncle T and Uncle R were captains & this photo shows the anxiety of all waiting to be picked by the "winning" team.

Granddaddy served as all-time pitcher. I might be wrong, but I'm guessing that the Fish Stick in the background has been caught on camera doing her trash talk during the game. For those who know her parents, you'll know where that competitive spirit came from. If you're not enlightened by that hint, did I ever tell you that I played in a high school soccer game once that lost 0 to 30??? In SOCCER?? No tears were shed by me either, after all, it's just a game.

Thanks for lots of summer memories, Campbell Cousins. I know (not first hand) what a sacrifice it must be to fly 7 people half way around the world to come to TN each summer. We sure do enjoy our time!!

2011-08-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

As part of our "cram our last fun activities into the last week of summer" event went, my SIL/BFF and I invited our good high school friend to come over for a play date. The fun part of this is that there are 6+5+7=18 kids between the 3 of us. Ten girls and 8 boys.

This little guy didn't want to be a part of the photo shoot, so I snagged him anyway.

Even with a bit of a pouty face, he's still a cutie bug!

It was a day that I wish we could repeat many times a year!

Thanks Kelley for making the trek to our place!

And just for fun, I added a tribute to the class of 90!! Big hair rocks!

Love you girls!!!

Down by the Creekbank by the Ole Holler Log

2011-08-24T12:03:00.000-07:00

During the last week of summer, we tried to cram in as many activities that we intended to do this summer as possible. One of them was to go to the creek with the cousins before they flew home. It was perfect weather!

These 2 buddies will certainly miss each other.

Uncle R, Grandma and Granddaddy were able to join us for the fun.

Catching tadpoles and baby crawfish were among the most favored activities.

Not to mention sword fighting with bamboo sticks.

And this Peanut found the treasure of the day...a monster truck with a dog leash tied to it.

It was the envy of all and now graces of huge collection of toys at home....just what her Mama needed....more toys!

These 2 "baby" cousins are only 4 months apart but she weighs what the average 18 month old weighs and he, like his Mama says, is a 2 year old brain in a 4 year old body. His name is Benaiah but Little Liddy called him "Moo-My-Uh" for the majority of the summer and we loved hearing it. It was kind of sad when she learned to say it correctly.

A Family of Internationals

2011-08-23T18:43:00.000-07:00

Like the last few summers, Aunt S bought all the 11 kids a t-shirt and they decorated it.

This year she got a fancy tie dye kit and I think they turned out great. Thanks, Aunt S!

Did you notice My Man picking his nose in the background??

These 4 pose in front of the Singapore flag because they were all 4 BIS (Born in Singapore) and still love Hainanese chicken rice and beehoon noodles. One of them can put down the spicy curry for breakfast too!

These 2 Turks weren't happy about their flag photo.

One had a fever and one wanted to get back to sword fighting with his cousin.

And these 5 Americans stand tall and proud (and struggle to keep the flag out of the face of the little ones).

Crazy Cousins

2011-08-22T10:30:00.000-07:00

Having not grown up hanging out with cousins, it brings me MUCH joy to see my kids be such super friends with their cousins. What memories they are making!

So here's the Fish crew - 11 kids ages 2-12 and all came from just 2 Fishes. Not bad multiplication, huh?

My Precious Fish Sticks

2011-08-21T09:30:00.000-07:00