We are back from "roughing it" over the weekend! Our theme last week was camping, survival, and explorers. We really found some great books. If you want an incredible true story, check out "Down the Colorado, John Wesley Powell, the one-armed Explorer". Wow! That's a good one. Also, we learned a lot from "Follow the Trail".
In fact we even brought the book with us, despite my apprehension that it would get damaged...but it didn't, whew!
Anyway, here are just a few pictures from the weekend. We did have fun BUT I don't think I could do more than a few days. Maybe a cabin or something but I admit my wimpiness, I need access to running water!:)
Here we are snuggling by the campfire with full bellies (mmmmmmm s'mores!)
Our visitor. Cute in pictures, not so much when he's trying to take your food!
Hiking near Beaver Creek, what a beautiful day!
I've learned something. When it comes to looking for outdoor apparel, it pays to shop around! We have several outdoor trips planned and we want to make sure everyone is prepared with the right gear but I wasn't prepared for the sticker shock on the performance pants, shirts, and boots! I guess if you are just buying one thing at a time it might not be bad but when you have to outfit the family it gets pretty pricey. Take for instance these pants.
They are from Athleta and are just what I was looking for. Price tag? $79! Ouch. No-can-do. I did get good advice from our friend Chad who is an expert backpacker (and fashion finder). Lol. He said to check out: Campmor, Sierra Trading Post, and REI. I was encouraged to see MUCH better prices there.:) Dick's also has a pretty good section for women/men hiking clothes but these websites will be good sources for the boys especially.
These are the same kind of pants (but convertible...even better) for $26 from Sierra Trading Post. MUCH better!
I think part of the appeal is that I wore my hiking shorts over the weekend and realized it's a good way to go! Comfortable and versatile. I recently read an article about how bad flip-flops are for your feet and although I denied it my whole life, I know it's true! Lol. They are just so comfortable (and cheap) though I live in my flips during the summer. If I wear sports hiking shorts though, my tennis shoes are a good pairing and I know that is so much better on the feet. I guess like anything, the more you probably shop around, the better deals you can turn up. Just be careful if you are looking too, don't get priced gouged on the gear!:)
Today we welcomed new Contemporary Christian Artist Jonny Diaz in-studio. I love his new song "More Beautiful You" and I think the message is so NEEDED and refreshing! Here is the link to the video. He comes from an amazing family, 4 boys total and a mom and dad who are both successful in ministry and writing. All four brothers went to college on baseball scholarships (FSU), two of them are now playing pro ball. I always like to pick the brains of families like that and find out what they feel made them a success as a unit. Interestingly, he said the oldest brother was a perfect child (responsible, respectful, high-achiever) and almost a hero to the younger boys. He said it was a great standard and never felt pressure to live up to that, but inspired to model that behavior . Wow! That was a cool insight. It made me realize while parents are obviously imperative in implementing good behavior, siblings can have a major effect too. Good to remember! Anywho, here are the pics of Jonny joining us this morning.
On another note, here is Miss Molly getting bigger! Her pups are due on July 1 (by c-section). I think I had that same expression the last few weeks of my pregnancies too. Lol.
She is SUCH a good girl and her pregnancy has made her more attached to us (and vice-versa). She doesn't like to be alone and is with one of us at all times. It is so sweet. The funny thing is, she seems to be sleeping constantly but she will wake up as soon as we move to a different floor and she is right there too. I never though it my life I would have a pregnant dog but it's been a great experience for all of us! The breeder will get her soon and then she'll be gone for the delivery and 8 weeks after that. We will miss Molly P! Here is another photo of Grant hugging her (sorry, not the best pic quality)
I am playing catch-up today and I only have a minute but I found some cool things to post. First, thanks to the Akron Beacon Journal. They did a nice story about "Alive's Got Talent" which was a Christian music competition I hosted over the weekend. Click here for the story.
Also, when I get time I like checking out those little how-to videos on the Internet. One of my favorite mom bloggers of all time is Rachel Campos-Duffy. She used to be on The Real World (MTV) back in the days when I used to watch. She married Sean (from RW Boston I think? How sad I remember that)! Lol. Anyway, they have 5 kids now and she is just too cute. The latest one I checked out today is "cooking with kids". I had to laugh because my kids would never be so agreeable with the process and I'm sure after all that would STILL not eat the food!:) It's cute though. Click here for the video (and a warning, they are all addicting to watch)!
My last link is just something silly I found online I thought I would post. It's Mr. Rogers visiting a gorilla. The second part of the vid (where Koko is holding Mr. R is crazy! Poor guy looks scared to move. It's pretty amazing though. Click here for that.
Well, week one of our "Reading and Road Trips" is under our belt! We had a great time reading books about farm life and then going on our field trip on Friday. We took a beautiful drive down to Dalton, OH and visited a friend who raises Hereford cows. After that we visited one of the largest dairy farms in Wayne county and got a tour of the grounds and some hands-on action! I got some poop on my back but what would a farm day be without a little cow dung to show for it?! Lol. To wrap it up we finished with some ice cream (that ties-in to our dairy farm tour of course)!:) It was really a great day, I feel blessed to have had the experience. This week's theme is: music! I'll let you know how it goes (I am starting by encouraging them to listen to 95.5 The Fish...I hear they play great music)!;)
I ran across the coolest website today. It's www.pickyourown.org. It provides listings of local farms where you can pick strawberries, blueberries, veggies and more. I think it's a fun summer activity because it's something the kids can do and then hopefully be inspired to EAT the fruit since they helped!:)
We also have a few new things posted on the Mom Squad blog. D-D sent me an e-mail raving about a new blow dryer/hair styler and it's less than $30! I am curious to see if it really works. Click here to check it out!
Our first theme week for "Reading and Road Trips" is underway! We had a ball reading about cows, equipment, feed and life on the farm. I tried to get a variety of books for the boys and it seems to be working (so far). Garrett was over it after our first book but that's okay, I didn't expect that butter churning would hold the attention of a 3 year old anyway.:) The most important thing is we had fun, and this was only day 1! I could tell the boys were getting loopy at the end though...they tried to milk our dog! Well, at least they get the idea. Lol.
Happy anniversary to my amazing husband Jim! We celebrated 9 years today. It's another occasion to sit and reflect on how God has worked in our lives and how blessed we are. Almost a decade of incredible memories and a beautiful journey! A few years ago I posted a picture of Jim and I outside the Crawford County Courthouse (after picking up our marriage license) in Georgia. Here is that funny photo. Although reading back over my blog I had to laugh at my error because I said we were 22 and 24 when we got married. No, I was actually 21 (Jim was 24) that's what happens when the years fly by, it's hard to remember!:) We always go out to dinner to talk about our goals for the next year, prayers for our children and our family, etc. It's also nice to remember where we came from. We struggled with a small Army PFC salary and my radio job but you know what? I wouldn't trade or change any of it, not one bit. Our challenges have made us grateful along the way and it's a great thing to build something with someone you love and although we aren't there yet (lucky lotto ticket please hurry) Lol it's a ride that I cherish every day. Happy anniversary Jim!:)
I also have to share this little thrifty tidbit. It's how to make your own laundry detergent. Usually I run across things like this but my criteria for trying it usually eliminates most experiments like this. For instance it has to be relatively easy, quick, and something that doesn't need a ton of ingredients, preparation or clean-up. So I was intrigued when I watched it because I think I could actually pull this off! It does teeter on the time-consuming side but not too much. Check it out and I will also post the ingredients below.
Make Your Own Laundry Soap! - For more funny movies, click here
How To Make You Own Laundry Detergent...
1 Bar of bath soap (I use Ivory)3/4 cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda3/4 cup BoraxWater
Grate bar soap in pan with 6 cups of water. Melt on medium heat. After all the soap is completely melted add Super Washing Soda and Borax. Continue cooking until all is dissolved (about 3 minutes).In a large container or bucket with a lid add 1 quart of hot water. Then, add the soap that should be all melted. Stir.Then, add another 1 1/2 gallons of water.Cover and leave set overnight. It will be a watery gel-like consistency.Use 1/2 cup per load.
The summer of 2009 is almost here! Gabriel's last day of school is on Friday and then all three boys will be home 24/7! As fun as having a looser schedule is, I know the days can also get long if we don't have some structure and some highlights along the way. Last year, after Gabriel completed first grade we signed him up for 3 summer reading programs and really hit the books. It was wonderful! We all enjoyed the weekly library trips and the adventures we found within the pages. I was pleasantly surprised when Gabriel asked if we were going to do it again this year. What a blessing, it WORKED!:) So this year I have expanded the idea a little. We are still doing the reading programs, and I snapped a picture of the little chart we made this year. We have a few dozen little fish cut out and every book he reads he'll write the title on the fish and put it in the pond. At the end of the summer, his goal is a canoe trip and something from the Scout shop. I know my artwork leaves a lot to be desired but each year I'm hoping to improve! Lol.
Anyway, in addition to the books we are also planning some "field trips" to go with it. We have theme weeks planned and we'll read about a certain topic and the end of the week take a tour or little trip that brings it to life. Our first theme is "Farm week" and it kicks off next Monday! That's an easy one because all three boys love animals and farms all things John Deere.:) At the end of the week we are going to my friends beef farm and also a dairy farm. The best part is, my friend Jen and her kids are doing it too and I know it's going to be a great experience.
Friday is the big kick-off at the library where we'll pick out the books and start the little journey. I am probably more excited than the boys about it now! Lol. I'll keep you posted. Bring on summer!:)
We have an exciting announcement...babies are on the way! Miss Molly's of course. ;) The breeder picked her up on Friday to take her to the vet for an ultrasound. They found 4, maybe 5 little pups! We will have her up until the week before her "due date" (in July) and then the breeder will take her in for a c-section and keep her for a few months to nurse and recover. If this seems sudden, it's actually been an expectation since we agreed to foster Miss Molly. Here is my original blog entry about that.The boys are just thrilled, it is so cute to see their excitement! One thing is for sure, she is in good hands because everyone (Garrett included) has been doting over her and making sure she is comfortable and happy. I will have to take "belly photos" because the breeder said she will nearly be dragging her tummy because she is so close to the ground (poor thing). Well, I just thought I would share the news. I'll keep you posted on and pregnancy updates!
