Geography Project: Austria

Our Table

Natalee "sampling" the Austrian cheese spread--YUM!



Who says geography isn't fun?



Austria is a GREAT place!

I am writing this post today to apologize to any readers that may have been compromised by lewd and reprehensible images that someone had recently posted in the side bar of our blog in our "visitor counter" section.  As I have not posted in quite some time, I was made aware of this by someone coming across the pictures on the blog.  Thankfully, I have been able to remove them and I trust this will no longer be an issue.  Thank you so much for your understanding.      

"Swing me higher, Daddy!"

Isn't this great??? Something we've always wanted to do is put up a tire swing for the kids in our backyard. We have such GREAT trees for it...so our 6'4 friend Matt Anderson climbed the tree (don't ask me HOW he got up there!) and "installed" it for us. The kids are eternally grateful! =) They all just LOVE taking their turn flying through the air...here's Natalee, though a bit whiney, enjoying her turn...

A "Grand" Arrival

We are so grateful for the newest piece of furniture the Lord has blessed our church with...a brand new Boston 6'4 grand piano! What a treat to be able to minister with such a beautiful instrument! God is so good.

'tis the Birthday Season!

Here is a video from Timmy's birthday...it was actually September 2, but we had his birthday dinner ("skett-i" and meatballs) and cake tonite with Nana & Bumpy (and Bill!). My baby boy is growing up...but he gets one more year at home with Mommy. Kindergarten? Not for another whole year!!! Yay!

I'm going to get more photos from Toby's birthday earlier this week (Aug. 30)...I think they're on Bren's phone, so I'll work on retrieving them.

A New Look for Molly

Molly has been wanting bangs for a while now and so last Tuesday we took the plunge and did it! Isn't she cute? Oh, and there was another motivating factor: her class did state reports and got to dress up as a famous person from their respective state for DCA's Spring Open House last Friday. Molly chose Alaska. Any guesses on who she "impersonated?" The first female AND youngest governor in Alaska's history---you got it: Sarah Palin. She really did look like her, too. HOWEVER...I did NOT get any pictures of her dressed up and standing next to her display (I KNOW---HOW IN THE WORLD COULD WE FORGET THE CAMERA?!?!?). But we'll have a "re-shoot" and I'll post a picture of it soon.

Happy Easter!

HE IS RISEN! Trust you had a blessed Easter...we are so blessed to serve a RISEN Saviour!

Natalee's Drumstick

Enjoy!

Strawberry Pickin'

The other day Molly had a chance to go strawberry picking with her cousin...YUM! We ended up with a half a flat...soooo good! We nibbled on them for a couple days and then I froze the rest...they'll be good for making smoothies for a great summer snack!

By the way, here's a great recipe for Strawberry Yogurt Smoothies---courtesy of "Family Fun" magazine:

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
1/2 pint strawberries
1 banana
2 8-oz. containers nonfat strawberry yogurt
1 cup lowfat milk

1. Ask your child to wash the fresh strawberries, hull them, and pat them dry. Peel the banana and slice it in half or in quarters, then place all the fruit in an electric blender.

2. Spoon the yogurt into the blender, then pour in the milk. After sealing the lid, press the puree button and blend until smooth and thoroughly combined, about 1 to 2 minutes.

3. Pour the shake into four 8-ounce glasses. For a creative presentation, have your child garnish each drink with a fruit kebob (a strawberry and banana slice threaded on a bamboo skewer) and a colorful plastic straw. Makes 32 ounces, or four 8-ounce shakes.

4. TIP: An adult should always be present when children use a blender. Keep the blender away from water and make sure the lid is tightly shut before pressing the puree button.

5. To make Frozen Strawberry Pops, pour smoothie mixture into a Popsicle mold or into small paper cups, cover with foil then insert a craft stick.

6. Carefully pour the Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie mixture into a plastic Popsicle mold. Freeze for 4 to 6 hours. Dip the mold in warm water, then unmold the Popsicles. Makes 6 to 8 Popsicles.

The Big 7-0

Dad turned 70 last Wednesday, May 28th! SO....we celebrated the whole week---starting with Sunday, the 25th. We had a big churchwide spaghetti dinner right after the morning service---complete with meatballs, garlic bread, BLT salad---and even egg rolls (one dear lady made 250 of them)! But I'll have to elaborate on that in a future post because I don't have pictures of that event right here. What I DO have is our little celebration on Memorial Day...
We had some friends join us for a barbecue after the parade and our family visit to the cemetery (which always concludes with a visit to Dunkin Donuts with Nana and Bumpy). I made Dad a chocolate cake and we sang to him and had him open some gifts from us.

I think he was feeling somewhat "fussed over"---especially since the day before had been geared toward him as well. That's okay, though---he deserves it! =)

Happy Birthday, Daddy! We love you...

Moving Up & Catching Up...

Well, today was an exciting and fun day at DCA...it was "Moving Up Day"! For a portion of the day everybody got to move up a grade in order to get a feel for what next year is going to be like. This included Kindergarten, so Toby got to go to the "Teddy Bear Picnic" today and see what K-5 is all about. Despite the event's title, Toby brought his dog (that remains unnamed) that he personally "stuffed" with Mimi and Buppa last year. He had SUCH a great time and wanted to go back tomorrow! I had to inform him that there is no school on Saturdays (well, usually). Sad bear. I mean dog.

So..........while Toby was at school I went down the street and visited my cousin Gregg's wife Heather (and a long time friend) and their newest "blessing": Samantha Joy! She was born about 3 weeks ago now...she's so sweet! Big sister "Emmie" let me hold her for a while and even showed me a thing or two about the proper way to do it---isn't she a pro? =0) It was so good to chat a while and enjoy the company of an old friend (the adjective "old" is not describing you, Heather...rather our relationship!). We'll have to do it again! God is good.

Teens Care...

Last night we had a neat teen activity. We're friends with a pastor in the Midwest whose family is having some extraordinary trials right now, so we thought it would be a neat opportunity for the teens to minister to them by sending some encouragement in the form of a "care package". As the teens arrived Brennen had a slide show going with various pictures of the family included. To further acquaint the teens with them Brennen gave a brief synopsis of some of the difficult things this family has been facing over the last few months. Then we split the teens into small groups at various "stations" around the room. For instance, one station was dedicated to decorating the box that we'll be sending...another was for small groups of teens to pose for pictures that we'll send in the box...We even included some video footage so the family will know more about WHO is praying for them. =) Then we ate a delicious snack of chocolate/rice crispie/marshmallow bars that a mom of a teen made---yum---followed by a special time of prayer for each member of the family. It was neat to see the teens hearts softened and burdened for these complete strangers (to them). Their hearts are bonded to them because of Christ!

To close out the evening we played "Pictionary"---always so much fun!

"Rhapsodizing Entertainment"

There are certain moments when a parent gets nervous. Sometimes the nerves are mixed with dread, sometimes fear---other times excitement. Well, last night the latter (est?) was true of me...it was Robby and Molly's piano recital at Dublin Christian Academy. I was "flying solo" because Bren was at home ushering Toby and Timmy off to their last night of Awana, taking care of Natalee and then picking the boys up and getting them all in bed before we got home (isn't he wonderful???). SO....as I was watching and listening to Robby and Molly's performances I went into that "only take in as much oxygen as is absolutely necessary to survive" mode until the very last note was played, their hands lifted from the keyboard and they stood to take their bow. Whew! How do you spell relief? (O-x-y-g-e-n...) Robby played Joplin's "The Entertainer" and delivered it very well! He dressed up in a straw hat, suspenders and even a cane to carry home the ragtime theme...the affect was appreciated by his audience (but who's keeping track?). Molly performed beautifully the "Rhapsody in Blue" theme by Gershwyn. There were some tricky spots in this piece and she rose to the challenge and graciously conquered them, giving her audience a relaxed and enjoyable performance (do I sound like a biased critic?)

Now, as anyone who has ever performed in a recital can relate, Robby and Molly were a bit anxious prior to their "moment in the spotlight" tonight. I'm so thankful for opportunities we have like this to point our children to the Lord who is able to undergird and strengthen the "faint of heart". These are times when they are able to see their faith being tested and they have a choice to make. I know our prayer is that when faced with any challenge where they feel inadequate or unable to "fight the good fight" they choose to put their trust in "the Almighty One"! After all, it's in His strength alone that we accomplish anything good---and to the glory of God. As I've been reminded in our "M&M's" Bible study: it's never too soon (or too late) to point them to the Lord---the Giver of ALL good things!

Arrgghh, ye mateys!

Last night was our annual Awana Float-a-Boat for the Cubbies and Sparkies. Each sailor made their own boat from a kit provided and then decorated it and BLEW it down the water filled...uhh...rain gutter...um...to the finish line...where the dreaded Pirate Bill determined who the winning "matey"was. Brave sailors Toby and Timmy entered their boats into the race and even had to have a faceoff against each other! It was an exciting night as the sailors "blew, blew, BLEW their boats down" the trough and proved that all that hot air was good for something! And the winner is...? (see video)

May Day

Toby and Timmy got haircuts yesterday...boy, do they look sharp! All ready for summer! =)

*Funny note from today...Tomorrow night is our Awana "Float-a-Boat" and I will be baking something for the "snack bar" (what's a church activitiy without food?). So I asked Toby what he would like me to make. His reply: "Orange Pie---with oranges in it!" Hmmmm...anyone have a good recipe? ;0)

Herbal Tea, anyone?

Yeppers. The kids and I have sore throats and/or the sniffles. Molly has had a cough for a while and I've had "something coming on" for a couple days, but the others woke up with their discomfort this morning. We are going to be sure we have lots of Vitamin C, fresh air (beautiful outside!) and rest today...and we'll keep you posted! Thank you for your prayers...

Well, that was actually this morning...since then I have been to an urgent care clinic because my throat was getting progressively worse and I feared it might be strep. They took a strep culture and thankfully, it came back, negative. The doctor said it is a viral acute upper respiratory infection...so it will have to take its course. Robby and Toby are in "the thick" of colds....thankfully, Brennen is doing great! We'd appreciate your prayers for us...God is good!

DCA Open House

Tonight was Dublin Christian Academy's 2nd semester Open House. Robby and Molly's class had done research projects in preparation for this event and had them on display. The 3rd grade did theirs on a person of influence in history. Molly studied the life of Anne Sullivan, Helen Keller's remarkable teacher, whose courage and determination made it possible for Helen to lead a courageous and fulfilled life. In fact, Helen has been quoted as saying: "The most important day I remember in all my life is the one on which my teacher, Anne Mansfield Sullivan, came to me." As part of Molly's display, I found a recipe for "honey candy" that was dated back to the time period in which Sullivan lived---not bad! =o)

The 4th grade did their research on one of the 50 states. Robby chose Washington and had a great time gathering information from various sources---not the least of which were his grandparents that live there (thanks, Buppa!). He dressed as Ichiro Suzuki to represent the Seattle Mariners with pride and had smoked sockeye salmon as a yummy part of his display. All the kids did a great job! God is good.

Natalee Takes a Trip

...off the deck, that is. =o( That's right, Mommy and Daddy wouldn't let her go too far at 19 months old. However, yesterday I did let her "drive" her little "car" right down the two steps off the deck and into the back yard---OUCH! She had a good cry and was back on her "car" within a minute or two---but she brought back some "souvenirs" from her trip. =0(

Teen Picnic

This past Saturday team #2 of the youth group hosted a picnic on the back field of the church property. It was BEAUTIFUL weather with perfect conditions for a picnic! What a refreshing experience---especially after the long winter we've had. Don't misunderstand...we love snow. But we love picnics without snow. =o) Team #2 did a great job planning and running the activity. Our time began with a segment on creation prepared by one of our deacons. Then we all went up to the field and played capture the flag...followed by a delicous lunch---complete with a "hot dog roast" over the fire pit (thanks to Lucy, our "fire-tender"---I don't think she left the fire all afternoon!). Then some touch football (I think that's what it was!)...finished off with roasting marshmallows and making s'mores. It was a great day!

BEBC Awana Grand Prix

"Gentlemen [Boys & Girls], start....your......engines!!!" Friday night was our annual Awana Grand Prix...It was a fun night of judging, racing and, of course....eating! Robby and Molly entered their cars into the race as "Half Pipe" and "Stripey Suzie". While their cars did not end up winning the race, Robby's car did win 3rd place for design. Great job, racers!