Life in the White House

Changes

2011-04-28T07:42:00.000-07:00

There have been a lot of changes in the White house. (If only we could make some changes in that other White House! HA) The biggest change has been our relocation 6 weeks ago. Yep, we moved! Due to the economy Clint has struggled to find adequate work over the past six months, and a job opportunity came available in B-town, so we packed up the house and transplanted! While it was sad to leave our friends and family (although we are only two hours away), I am really enjoying living in B-town. There is just soooooo much to do with the kids here. Yesterday it was finally a beautiful day and I took the kids on a walk, went to the park, went out for dessert (more on that later), and went to the new library that is just a few blocks away! It was a really, really good day.
After dinner, my sweet tooth was screamin', so I decided we should go out and try something new. I took the kiddos to The Creperie. Wow, wow, wow! It was super yummy. It's a great little ma and pa shop. We loved everything about it. And the prices weren't too bad. Here's a few pics of the kids enjoying the tasty treats we all shared.

Gabe was backlit, so this isn't the greatest picture!

Doesn't it all look scrumdillyicious? Because it was! Thankfully we have a lot of parks and bike trails here where we can work off all of the extra tasty calories we are consuming.
For those of you who don't know, Clint and I are also full-time students at Northwest University. Not the campus in Kirkland, WA., but the Southern Idaho extension site. We are attending four hour classes every Monday night, for two years. When we are finished we will both have a degree in Ministry Leadership as well as be licensed ministers! YAY! This move has made attending school much easier, as it has placed us two hours closer to the facility. Previously we were commuting 2.5 hrs each way! Bleh! It is a lot of work, being students again, but it is so worth it! We are learning a lot about ministry, and hope to be better equipped when we are finished.
These courses have inspired me to do some writing. So I started another blog. It is merely my musings written out. Mostly things that God brings to my attention as I am reading His Word. The blog gives me a place to put it all, and maybe someone will stumble on it and be encouraged. Who knows! Anyway, if you are interested in taking a peak, go here:
http://jenniferjwhite.blogspot.com/
I can't promise I will update it any more frequently than I update the family blog.... :) and we all know how often I do that! :)

Out of this world!

2011-03-08T13:14:00.000-08:00

During lunch my children were having the following discussion on heaven:
Gabe: “Grace, did you know I read in my Bible lesson that when we get to heaven we each get our own mansion!”
Grace: “really?”
Gabe: “What are you going to do with an entire mansion to yourself?”
Grace: “I want to make my own mansion…out of boxes. So Jesus just needs to give me all of His boxes.”
Abby: “Aaaaaand some scissors and tape!”
Grace: “Gabe, but what will we wear in heaven?”
Gabe: “Robes, but not like the ones we have…these will be really long and big.”
Grace: “Oh, like a snuggie!”
Abby: “huh? We get to wear a Jesus snuggie!”

Ohhhh how I love my kids! It doesn’t get more homeschool than a Jesus snuggie!

tid-bits

2009-10-12T11:28:00.000-07:00

Confessions of a stay-at-home mom:
There are some days that I dream about putting my kids on the shiny-yellow-school-bus that stops in front on my door, every day at 7:45am. On these days, I would blissfully cruise to Target. I would rendezvous with my sweet Target, with a grande carmel macchiato in one hand and a high-limit credit card in the other....;)
Today surprisingly is NOT one of those days. Today I have enjoyed my children. Not because they have had stellar behavior. Certainly not because that haven't argued, bickered, yelled, and engaged a civil war amongst themselves. Nope. Today I have enjoyed my children b/c of their conversations. They are freaking hilarious...not too mention sweet. Here are some tid-bits of my day.

Abby: Mom, do you know why I hate flies?
Me: Nope, sweetie...why do you hate flies?
Abby: Because they have germy feet. And when they crawl on you they spread germs. You know what mom?
Me: What Abby?
Abby: Flies should learn to wash their feet..because crawling all over someones peach with dirty germy feet..well its just rude!

(Can't argue with that!)

During lunch prep:
Gabe: Mom, I love potato soup. It's so thick and creamy, gooey and warm and comforting. Just like you mom!
Me: Um....thanks Gabe...I think.

(Somewhere in that I think there was a compliment)

Grace: Hey Gabe, after lunch you can come to my dance party in my room!
Abby: Yeah...it's gonna be wild!
Gabe: Hmf...what should I bring?
Grace: Just your sweet moves Gabe...just your moves.

(Yeah...um...I'm speechless.)

And lastly...
Gabe: Mom, your the best mom in the world.
Me: Awww thanks buddy.
Gabe: If you weren't here the whole world would just stop functioning.
Me: Um...well I'm pretty sure the world would go on.
Gabe: Not mine mom...not mine.

(tears...see it pays to be like potato soup!)

The moral of the story is that while I may have occasional fantasies that may or may not involve a childless day, a sexy homeschool principal, hot coffee, and shopping for a $100 pair of jeans that make my butt look fantastic......I DO have three great children that in spite of rough days...still manage to melt my heart and make me laugh.

Yay! It's Fall....I think

2009-10-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

Fall is one of my favorite seasons. I look forward to the leaves changing color and the days getting cooler and shorter. I love the way it smells outside too.
This weekend we decided to go on a little field trip and take the kids to an apple orchard and pick apples. The kids had so much fun picking apples from the trees. After we filled our basket, we had to wash the apples, feed them to the grinder, and then press them into juice. Super time consuming but the juice we brought home was really yummy! My kids all told me it was one of the funnest days ever! (Poor homeschool kids... ) :) It was fun to watch them and their daddy-o being silly and havin' fun. My only complaint was how chilly it was. By the time we were finished we all had red, frigid hands.
Of course Sunday rolls around and we woke up to 2 inches of snow!!! Are you kidding me! It's the beginning of fall and suddenly there's snow outside! Robbed, I've been robbed of my fall!!! Fortunately it's just a "cold front" and the fall like weather should return...but still....rude.
One a side note, Clint is in need of work. Neither one of us have been getting phone calls for work. My dads cabinet shop has really slowed down and Clint's services aren't currently needed. I.E. he needs a job!!!!!! He's not particularly thrilled with the idea of turning wrenches again, but I know he'll do whatever he needs to keep us afloat. So if you think about it, keeps us in prayer. And if you know of anyone who is hiring let us know....he's trained in mechanics, cabinet making, home inspecting, worship leading, and ~~pole dancing~~ uh..I mean...uh he's sort of a "jack of all trades". It's hard not to get stressed out about it, but we are really trying to look at this as a change in the seasons of our life. Who knows what God has in store for us next. He's rearranged our lives before and we are willing and obedient to go where He asks us to go, and do what He asks us to do.
I'll finish this up with some pictures from our apple picking day. Please disregard my son in the first one....I'm really not too sure what that pose is all about! :)

One last thing..in order to save some money, we are having our home phone line turned off and only using our cell phones. If you don't have those numbers and would like them, please send me an email.

Sum-Sum-SummerTime

2009-07-28T11:07:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've updated the blog. I'd apologize, but frankly we've been to busy having a fun summer to spend time on the computer.
Here's a couple of the highlights. We wrapped school up and I took off to see my friend Dawn on her farm. We went to the home school curriculum fair and I got all my curriculum for next year ordered. This will be my second year of home school, and I am really excited about it. Now that I have one year under my belt, I know this year is going to be a little easier, (at least I pray so).
When I got back from Seattle, the kids started swim lessons. This was year 3 for Gabe and Grace, and the 2nd year for Abby. The kids really took off this year! I am so proud of them. Abby jumped off of the diving board like a crazy woman. And Gabe and Grace found a new love for the water. This is the first year that they finally seem to enjoy it, and aren't afraid of it. Of course now they keep begging me to let them go swimming in Grandmas pool! Seeing as how it has finally been oober hot here, I don't' mind so much.

Gracie-Goo turned 6 this July! With every birthday I am always shocked at how times flies and the kids are just growing soooo fast! She requested a "hotel" birthday, and since Clint's parents were flying into town the next day we headed of to "B" town and had a blast! We had dinner at Red Robin, and then went swimming at the hotel.

After all the hotel fun, Granny and Papa, flew in for a visit. The kids enjoy spending time with them. We really only get to see them 2, maybe 3 times a year at best, so I love when they come out and hang with us. I'm very blessed to have great in laws. I genuinely enjoy their company. Of course Granny sealed the deal by doing my laundry all week! I told her to knock it off, I can take care of it. (As long as I do one load a day, I'm good.) But she reminded me that she too had 3 kids once and knew what it was like to be enslaved to the laundry room! :) I enjoyed the break.

In a couple of weeks Auntie Alecia and the cousins are coming out for a visit. I'm really looking forward to seeing the kids! It's always good times to watch the cousins play, and fight, and make up, and play, and then fight some more! Yes, these are the moments childhood is made up of!

I'll finish with a couple of pics I took of the kids this summer. And yeah, I know they are waaaayyyy to big already!

Test Results

2009-04-03T14:22:00.000-07:00

We are back from Salt Lake. Yesterday we had a routine exam with the pediatric opthamalogist. This was the first time Abby was old enough to cooperate and "read" and eye chart. The result from this put her vision at 20/400. Legal blindness starts at 20/200 with correction. There is no correction available for her at this time.
This morning they ran an ERG on her while she was sedated. Basically this test measures how the rods and cones respond to electrical stimulus. Her doctor said there was no response in either the rods or the cones. Her technical diagnosis is Cone-Rod-Dystrophy, which means that her cones as well as her rods have little to no function. Obviously b/c she has sight they are functioning to some degree.....its just too small to be measured on their equipment.
Cone-Rod-Dystrophy is a genetic recessive disorder. Clearly Clint and I must both be carriers in order for her to have it. He told us if we ever have more children the likely hood of them having this disorder is greater. Clint told him that he had already taken care of his "rods and cones" so there won't be anymore babies! :)
There is no cure for this, and very little we can do to treat it. We will be getting some amber tinted "sun" glasses to aid with the light blindness, and her school work will need to be magnified. The doctor also feels that the prescription glasses she has been wearing for the past 10 months are doing little to no good and doesn't feel she needs to continue with them. Other than that there isn't much we can do at this point.....
But Pray. And that is what we intend to do. It is nice to finally have some answers after 4 years, but we have been fully aware that only God can change this situation. The doctors can't do much for her, but God is the Great Physician. I fully and totally believe that Abby is/will be healed. I don't know if it will be a one time miraculous event, or if her healing will come gradually over time, but it will come! When the Hillsong song "Healer" came out, I cried every time I heard it. I know there is a lot of controversy about that song, but the message is still the same....He is our Healer....and now more than ever He holds MY world in His hands.
Thank you to everyone who has prayed for us for this trip. She did so well and seemed none worse for the wear. Please continue to pray and believe with us for Abby's complete and total healing!

Please Pray For Abby

2009-04-02T07:11:00.000-07:00

Today we head to Salt Lake with Abigail to see the pediatric opthamalogist. We are going to have a routine exam today, with the intention of running some test tomorrow morning. Abby will most likely need to be completely sedated for this test....and that just makes me feel really yucky! I know she will be fine, I just hate to see her go through the whole iv thing. Please pray for us that all goes well and that we will finally come home with some answers! We are fully aware that regardless of what they discover, there is likely no treatment. But we know that God can change that. I will try and update as soon as we have anything to update with!

Run, Run, Fast As You Can

2009-02-09T19:06:00.000-08:00

You, can't catch me...I'm the gingerbread man!

Last week in homeschool we learned about patience and what it means to be patient. Along with that we learned about wheat and the process that wheat goes through to become bread. So of course we had to read The Little Red Hen, as well as the Gingerbread Man. And if you read the Gingerbread Man, you might as well make gingerbread cookies. So we did.
If there is one thing my kids know about me, its that I don't like messes! But for the sake of education, I set aside my own druthers and let them roll the dough out on the table, and cut out, then decorate them there as well. When I brought the flour bin out and started sprinkling the table, all three of my kids simultaneously gasped! Then Gabe astonished says "Mom, you're making a mess!" It was priceless. The kids LOVED it. And I gotta admit, I did too.

Yep, this was a day I really enjoyed my kiddos. And by really enjoyed them I mean that I didn't beat my head on the wall and wonder why I procreated!
Kidding! I love them! And they are stinking cute!

Hub-a-licious

2009-01-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

I am so blessed to have a wonderful hubby! Sometimes Clint and I can totally get on each others nerves. Those times are rare, but they occur nonetheless. This week has kinda been like that. I will take the majority of the blame and admit, I've just been plain cranky. He topped it off by not noticing I got my hair cut, (it wasn't just a trim)! I gotta be honest though, my husband is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. He truly is so good to me, and he is my very bestest friend. I would be lost without him. Here's a couple of things I love about him, just to name a few:
1. When I am sick he totally takes care of everything.
2. He brings me coffee in bed EVERY morning.
3. He never fails to thank me for dinner.
4. I LOVE the way he makes the kids laugh.
5. His smell. It's a combination of his deodorant, and just him. And I love it! Sometimes after he leaves for work, I will move to his side of the bed, b/c it smells like him. (I know, I know, too much information. It's my blog. Don't like it, don't read it!)
6. His voice. 'nuf said.
7. He never ends a conversation with me w/o saying "I love you." If something ever suddenly happened to either us, I guarantee our last words to each other would be "I love you".
8. His eyes. The color of his eyes are gorgeous, and unique. But what I love the most is the what I see in them when he looks at me. I think that might be the one thing that told me he was The one.
9. His sense of humor. People either love it, or hate it. I for one find him hilarious.
10. He's mine all mine. I loved him long before we were ever "together". But it's so much sweeter now that he's my hubalicious hubby!
Next month we celebrate our 10 year anniversary. I am so blessed.

God Gave Me Grace

2009-01-05T21:06:00.000-08:00

This post is for me.... I don't ever want to forget moments like these......

Today I started a new curriculum for homeschool. It's called KONOS. I heard about it from a fellow homeschool mom and she LOVES it. Because I was totally unhappy with the current stuff I was using I thought why not give it a try.
Part of the suggested requirements is to teach you children certain hymns and the stories from which they were written. This week we are learning about trust. Within that character quality we are also learning about floating and flying. This units hymn is "It is well".
I had just discussed with the kids what it means to trust in God completely, which led into the story behind the hymn. It was penned in 1873 by Horatio Spafford. I begin by telling the kids that he was a lawyer who had a good business but lost it all in the Great Chicago Fire. Shortly after the loss of his business he decided to plan a trip to Europe. He sent his wife and 4 daughters ahead because he was delayed with business details. While sailing to Europe the boat collided with another and sank rapidly. He then received a telegram from his wife saying "SAVED ALONE". Heartbroken he sailed to Europe to meet his wife. As he crossed over the sea where his daughters had been lost God gave him the words to the hymn.
Then I start to sing the first verse for the kids so we can all learn it together. Mind you the words are definitely from the 1800's and certainly foreign to the kids.
Right before the chorus I look up and my sweet 5 year old Grace is weeping!
I instantly stopped singing and asked her what was wrong. She's embarrassed that I noticed (how could I not?) and says she's not crying her eyes are just watering! I wrapped my arms around her and told her it was okay to cry that the story was very sad, but that the man trusted in God even through one of the saddest moments of his life! She looks up at me and says, "I don't know why, I just have to cry when you sing that song".
My heart just broke for my sweet sensitive daughter! She was so moved by the story and the song, but she still so young she doesn't even understand why she's crying over it!
When I explained the story to the kids, I had forgotten the name of the man, so I went in to google it. I then read that Spafford joined his wife in Europe and had three more kids, (again losing a son in infancy). It then says that he, his wife, their baby Bertha, and newborn baby GRACE moved to Jerusalem to start a mission for the poor!
It was so awesome to be able to tell my Gracie that there was a happy ending to the story. That the man got to have more daughters and even named one of them Grace.

I thank God for days like today. I love my daughter more than words can say. I pray that I can be ever so careful with her tender heart as I raise her. Maybe someday she too will pen such a inspirational song.

It's begining to look alot like Chritmas!

2008-12-24T20:27:00.000-08:00

We have a Christmas tree....we have decorations o'plenty....we have sugar cookies, cocoa, a fire in the fireplace and 4 inches if snow outside....it is definitely feeling Christmasy around here. All that seems to be lacking are presents under the tree. I have them stashed away some place safe. I just keep waiting for those silly little elves to come out and wrap them for me!
I have lots to update on so I've decided to break it up in smaller categorized posts. That way you don't feel so overwhelmed. I know, I'm a saint!
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas! I have cards that I intend to send out, but for those of you who aren't on the list....wha-la...Merry Christmas!

Home Sweet Home

2008-12-24T20:26:00.000-08:00

In September we decided to remodel the living room. It was so ugly with its mismached paneling, and nasty old windows. So we bit the bullet and pulled down the panneling, and put up sheetrock. New windows, texture and paint, refinished the original hardwood floors, tiled the entryway, new window seat, new crown molding, and eventually new trim (it's sitting on the floor waiting to be installed)! My lving room is now the prettiest room in the house...which therefore makes the kitchen look like a pit! But hey one room at a time! Our house was built in 1910 so that makes it nearly 100 years old....it's an understatement to say that it's a project...that's right people we're living in the projects! :) One of these days I will get around to posting pics of it....but I want to wait unitl it is finished...that means trim finished, pictures hanging, and final decor in place!

Hi-Ho Hi-Ho.......

2008-12-24T20:25:00.000-08:00

Besides the remodel, September through November are my works busiest time of year. I have been going non-stop the past three months! Between homeschool, housework, and three clients a week, I have nearly reached the breaking point. Lesson learned. I can't be all things all the time. So this next year I am cutting back on how many clients I take, and putting my focus on being Teacher Mom, and Hot Wife! If it means we struggle a bit financially...well then I'll just be forced to pimp Clint out! :)

Clint has also been busy. He has been juggling a major remodel, his own business, and is now working full-time for my dad. That's right, my man is now a home inspector, cabinet finisher, auto mechanic (as needed), home remodeler, and soon to be worship leader....again.

Family

2008-12-24T20:24:00.000-08:00

Family life has finally settled down the past week or so. We took a trip to Seattle to see our family there. Clint's parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary and it was great to have all the kids and grandkids together to be there for it. I LOVE to see my neices and nephew. I know that when we all get together it is going to be loud and crazy, but that is half the fun. Getting to see Abby and Liv play together was priceless! They are only 2 months apart, and now that they are going on 4 they really seem to enjoy playing together. When they weren't bossing each other or fighting!
On Sunday we had the kids sing Happy Anniversary to Granny and Papa. It. Was. Adorable. We were shy one kid....Kira couldn't make it for church, but the others did good and made me proud...with the exception of my youngest...she panicked and couldn't remember the words...so stinkin cute.

As soon as I get the video off of my camera, I will post it....I promise!

Chruch

2008-12-24T20:22:00.000-08:00

In case that last part about Clint being a worship leader again, through you off...let me fill you in on another change in our family. In September God really began to impress on Clint and I that we needed to step down from the ministry at out church (ELCC), and wait for His direction as to where to go. God had been dealing with Clint for nearly a year, but it he kept fighting it. Here's a little history on us...WE DON'T LEAVE CHURCHES! In our married life of nearly 10 years, we have left two churches...both because of a move. So when we felt lead to leave it was not a decision we took lightly. After a lot of prayer, we resigned in early October and did the church shopping game for two months...not a game I am fond of...it comes with NO party favors! :)
I could ramble on and on about all the churches we tried and the great people we met..but more recently God made it very clear (finally) where we were supposed to be. Of course it came right after WE had decided where we WANTED to go. God said, "Yeah not so much...go here". We said "Oh God NO not THERE!" To which He replied "YEP"! Funny thing when God gives you a ministry and talent, you don't get to choose where it is utilized. For those of you who have grown up with me...now would be a good time to grab your heart...here is come...we will now be attending and ministering at Valley Christian Center (formerly Hazelton Assembly Of God). I KNOW!!!!!!! Trust me when I say that God had to do some serious talking for me to realize this is where we belong. Its hard for me to return to my roots, but the Pastors there are great and their vision for the community and salvation is so refreshing and easy to couple up with. So please keep us in your prayers...the people there are wonderful, but for me it almost feels like we are being called to the mission field! I say that in love.

Awwww Memories....

Silence Is Golden.....??

2008-10-18T14:17:00.000-07:00

My wonderful Mom took Abby for me this morning. She had to run a couple of errands and Abby woke up insisting that her siblings did NOT like her and she was running away to live with Grandma.
Only having 2 instead of 3 really changes the dynamics of the house. Especially when its the older 2, because the are so self-sufficient and entertain themselves well. I took full advantage of it and relaxed on my bed watching a TV movie and snoozing while I was waiting for some laundry to cycle.
When the movie was over I thought to myself..."they sure are playing quietly together." It's such a reprieve to have the house so quiet.....too quiet.
I went in to see what they were up too.....
Whoever said silence is golden was WRONG!

All I can say is THANK GOD they weren't cutting Gracie's hair.....oh and there are two little kids in this house that are in big trouble and grounded from toys.....FOR LIFE!!!!!

"weev-wee"

2008-10-16T09:03:00.000-07:00

There comes a time in every moms life that your daughters make your heart swell..... mine was today.

I was busily working on some photos before we get school started, and the girls were contentedly "playing" in my bathroom. When they came out.... I died. Their beauty is overwhelming.

Gracie's potential as a make up artist is clear. She will go far in life.

The BEST part of this is that after I took their pictures, Grace gave Abby a mirror so she could see how be-a-u-ti-ful Grace had made her.
One look in the mirror and Abby says, "Awwww man Grace! I look like a clown!"

And I died.

Old Man Winter

2008-10-13T08:16:00.000-07:00

It snowed a little bit on Friday. It was kind of funny to see these tiny little flakes come down.

Saturday morning Grace came running into our room.

"Mom! Dad! All those little flakes stayed. I looked out my window and there is snow everywhere! I pinched myself. I'm not dreaming!"

Sure enough there was 3-4 inches Saturday morning. And it snowed ALL day, and most the night. By Sunday morning we had between 10 and 12 inches in some places.

It was no longer funny. I'm not ready for winter. And in protest, I will be wearing my tank tops and shorts with flip flops today. And crank the heat up.

BOO. BOO to you Old Man Winter.

How dare you try to sneak in and ruin one of my favorite seasons.

By the way, on Thursday the "meteorologist" said we had a chance of some flurries over the weekend. Clearly he partied his way through college! It's IDAHO, there's never a "chance of flurries". That ALWAYS translates to "winter storm watch 2008".

On a bright note, the kids loved it.

Clearly my child has a snow deficiency.

Dirty 30!

2008-10-13T08:03:00.000-07:00

This last month(September 7) I did the unthinkable and turned 30. BOO. Going into it, I didn't think I would have a problem with it. But well, I did. It's not that I feel old. I don't. It's just hard to say I'm not in my twenty's anymore. I have to check that other box now on the surveys.... Bleh.
My hubby and kids were super sweet and planned me a little party. As always it is more fun to watch the kids celebrate. Both the girls "helped" me blow out ALL THOSE CANDLES! Clint had them make these giant cards. I will keep them for forever.

On the bright side...I have a lot to be thankful for. I have a UH-MAZING husband. Three great kids. A wonderful career. Good friends and family. My life is good. It's the B-E-S-T. I luv it.

Here's some pics from the party!

E ja ma ka shun

2008-10-13T07:22:00.000-07:00

I know it has been forever since I updated, but well I have so much on my plate that updates just aren't on the list.

Here's a little of what we have been up to at the White house:

We started homeschool the last week in August. Our first week was really hard. By the third day into it, Gabe and I were both in tears! But once we got a routine and some authority established, thing have been much better. I can honestly say that I enjoy it, and at this point in our lives, it is certainly the best decision for our family. Grace in in kindergarten this year. She is already reading and writing really well. And she LOVES homeschool. She. Eats. It. Up. On our first day she was raising her hand and saying "Teacher Mom". (I had to put a swift end to that one!) :) "Mom, is just fine sweety.... you don't need to call me Teacher." I am really seeing her personality blossom. She is so sweet and has such a passion for learning...especially the arts. Both she and Gabe are taking piano lessons this year, and she just loves it. She spends a lot of her spare time at the piano "writing" her own songs. Which of course makes her daddy beam.

Gabe had a bit of a difficult time with homeschool to start. He's had a taste of "real" school and just wasn't thrilled to be in a "class" that didn't have any boys, and was made up of....well... his sisters. After a couple of days into it he was crying and really concerned that he wouldn't see his friends from school. At this point I really started to question whether or not we made the right decision. As time has gone on he has really adjusted. He actually seems to enjoy his sisters...well most days anyway. He still really misses his friends, and it is very important to us that our kids have friends, so Clint and I have made some changes in our lives to ensure that our children get the socialization they need.
Gabe is also a boy genius. He excels at math and reading. And has impressed the pants off of his piano teacher. Which clearly is a direct reflection of the skills of his teacher! :)

Abby is...well...she is just Abby. She wants to do what everyone else is doing. She wants NO help doing it. And she wants to do it HER way. I spent the better half of my first week homechooling, arguing with the 3 year old. Who technically doesn't need to be in school. She has mellowed out...some. And I see that she is gleaning from the other two a lot. She is mastering her letter recognition, can write her name, and several other letters. Knows her shapes, colors, numbers, and is getting the basics of phonics. She forever keeps me on my toes. Always.

On top of teaching the kids, this is the busy season for work. EVERYONE wants fall family portraits and Christmas pictures. So I have be juggling 2-3 clients a weeks as well as housework, schoolwork, and editing, editing, editing. I love my job, so I won't complain. Every time I get a print order I am amazed that people pay me to do what I love. It's rad.

Randomness

2008-08-23T13:06:00.000-07:00

My WONDERFUL sister tagged me and for some strange reason I feel obligated to full-fill the request. So here are 6 random things about me........

1) I hate chain mail. For example the email that prattles on and on about if you truly LOVE Jesus you will pass this email on, BUT if you are ashamed of your faith go ahead and junk it! I. Hate. These Emails.
*here comes a rant*
I LOVE the Lord, my life if fully devoted to Him. I don't feel the need to pass along some lame email with a heartwrenthching picture of some white guy as Jesus, to prove my love! And for those of you who do pass them along to me.... well it's not what's gonna get you to heaven, so STOP! And for those of you like me who "go ahead and junk it", well you're not necessarily hell bound either!

2) I have a SERIOUS problem with inappropriate flushing. Wha? This is what my WONDERFUL sister calls it when my faces flushes red with embarrassment! It happens randomly in conversations with people I know well. It happens frequently during conversations with strangers. Draw attention to me in a crowd and I GUARANTEE I will turn redder that Rudolf's nose! The sister LOVES to make this happen as often as she can. Truth be known it's the real reason we moved. I just couldn't take one more trip to Target with her!
*side note- I actually won an award as a teen b/c of it. Yep that's right I own a trophy that says Miss Face Turns Red or something to that extent.*

3) Because it seems to be a popular topic....as a youngster I was in love with Mario Lopez aka A.C. Slater from Saved By The Bell! I got on my knees and begged God every night that someday I could be Mrs. Mario Lopez! Sadly this infatuation carried into my teen years. I finally gave it up at 13 after my first kiss with a real live boy.....my first "love". (A special thanks to T., you saved me from the devastating realization that this would never be me....)

4) I love to read. Unlike some people I can't stand thrillers! I have nightmares so easily. Those things stay with me for forever! But I do like some romance just not smut.... speaking of which my mother-in-law once gave me a couple of rated X romance novels once. Half way through them I wasn't sure what was more disturbing.... the smut or that my MOTHER-IN-LAW gave them too me. Which means she read them! EWWWW!
I really like to read books that make me think, inspirational books etc.
I currently just finished Driven By Eternity by John Bevere. I have to say, it. changed. my. life. It'll make a preacher outta ya and save ya all over again! I HIGHLY recommend it.

5) At the ripe-ol age of 29....VERY soon to turn...well....29 again of course, I have decide that I want to learn to play the acoustic guitar. I have always envied people who are musically talented. And seeing as how I am married to an amazing singer/pianist, I am forever in the presence of greatness! I have little desire to play the piano, b/c.... well it's just not very hot when a girl plays the keyboard, but lets face it, a chic and a guitar, well that's just pure hotness! Plus we already have one pianist in the family, and I don't want to steal his thunder. So I went with the guitar.
So my amazing husband went out a bought me one and I have been teaching myself to play. Only problem is it makes my fingers feel FAT! I can't seem to hold down one string w/o pushing down another. I inevitably end up putting the guitar back in the corner out of frustration while murmuring "theeeese haaaawwwwnds....."

6) I am a huge chocoholic! I admit I have a problem, and I don't want treatment..... just my next fix! I am serious! If there is chocolate in the house, I will eventually pic at it until it is gone. I think that might be the reason that Abigail was a 8lb 13 oz bundle of "Oh dear God I'm gonna die getting this kid out" when she was born! I was in my second trimester during Halloween and had a drawer where I kept the kit kats and reeses peanut butter cups, I couldn't stay out of it! I got so fat with her and just kept blaming on my "boggy uterus"......there was no way it could be the pounds of chocolate I was gobbling away every day....NOOOOOOO not my precious.
I just love hot fudge sundae's. That first bite of creamy hot fudge and cool vanilla ice cream melting together on my tongue....mmmmmmmmm forbidden chocolate...... It really is my preeeeciouuuuussssss.

There you have it, six random things. And because I can't stand chain mail, I refuse to tag anyone else! A girls gotta stick to her guns.

Comic Relief

2008-08-08T07:33:00.000-07:00

I have often stated that God gave me Abby as my comic relief. I have three great kids. Each and every one of them have very different personalities, but by golly they are all stubborn. When I was pregnant with Abby I prayed that God would give me a quiet little bookworm....um...yeah, not so much! She is definately the one that can prattle on, and on, and on, and on... you get my drift.
On the flip side she comes up with the funniest comments, and the quirkiest ideas. I gaurentee that if you ask her a question about something, she will be able to "come up" with an answer.
Well the other day the kids were getting their swim suits on to go swiming at Grandma's house. I was in my room finishing up editing a photo session when she comes in...dressed like this... and says..."Mommy, who do I look like?"

After laughing hysterically I said, "I don't know, who do you look like?"
She replies, "I'm ROCK STAR Mommy!"

Now I PROMISE I have NEVER ran around the house with my swimsuit rolled down, my boulder holder around my neck and upside-down, with head phones on!!!!!

Let's just be gald that "Rock Star Mommy" Barbie is not coming soon to a store near you!

Grace Is 5!

2008-07-30T09:43:00.000-07:00

It's a bit late of an update, but I wanted to post some of the pictures of Gracie turning 5! Her Granny's birthday is the day before so Grace was privileged to have her Granny here to celebrate with her. My sweet girl turned 5 on July 13th!

Granny and Papa bought her a new big girl bike b/c she can now ride with no training wheels! And her Grandma and Grandpa Way bought her the long anticipated Dora doll that can be taken in the bath and her hair changes color, and make-up appears..... yada, yada, yada. She has been wanting this for FOREVER!!!! She was thrilled to get it. And her mama and daddy got her her very own game boy. She was VERY spoiled this year... but hey she's the middle child, she needs a little bit of spoiling!

When I get a chance I will put together a little slide show of her growing up. In the mean time, here are some pics from her b-day party.

2008-07-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

Summer is just flying buy! We have been taking advantage of every moment of it!

We've been camping every chance we get. Clint's parents come up in July and they brought our nephew Andrew with them. So we loaded up the trailer and we camping! Just before they came out, Gabe finally learned to ride his bike w/o training wheels! Of course me mentioning that his cousin didn't know how and that he would be able to show Andrew that HE could do it, might have added some sudden inspiration!But it didn't last for long, b/c once we went camping, I taught Andrew how to ride w/o training wheels!!!!! I am sure the entire campground thought I was crazy running behind him and hooting and hollering! But I was soooo proud of him, and it was awesome to see all the kids (minus Abby of course) riding their bikes like "big kids"!

*Sorry Alecia, I don't have pictures of Andrew riding, just video of it! :( I was too busy running to take pics and when he finally got it, I ran and grabbed the video camera instead! I think your dad took pics though.*

Papa and Granny certainly enjoyed relaxing and just hanging out with their grandkids.

This was pretty much how Papa looked the entire trip!

The kids really enjoyed hanging out and playing with each other. I wish they could see each other more often! Here's a few pics of them just being kids...

All in all I think the kids had a great time!

First Campin' Trip Of The Season

2008-06-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

We FINALLY got to go camping! We have been wanting to go since early May.... but the weather didn't seem to get the memo that it is supposed to be summer! And in these here parts, we don't tend to have COLD May's.
However, June has decided to play nice so we packed up monday morning and headed to our favorite comping spot. I gotta say this just might have been the best camping trip yet. Our friends decided to join us, so it gave the kids someone to play with, and us someone to socialize with..... which we did 'til 1 in the morning every night! (Side note, I am too old to be staying up that late... ughh.)
We went fishing as a family, which usually irriates me because I LOVE to fish, but when the kids fish, it is impossible for me to fish. They are always tangling their lines, or reeled in the line and want me to cast, or they are waving a hook around a sibling and fighting! So this time I decided that instead of fishing myself, I would just man the kids poles and help them. It turned out to be far more fun, because all the kids caught fish. Watching their excitement was so much better than catching one myself.
Abby was particularly funny, when she gets excited about something she tends to shake her hands while her whole body is stiff and shakey! But it is nearly impossible to reel while shaking, so she would reel for a minute and then stop and shake for a minute all while yelling, "I gotta fishy, I gooooootttttaa fishy"!
Too stinking cute.... oh, here's her fishy.

Gabe learned how to cast while we were fishing. He still needs some work, but he's getting the hang of it. This is the first time he took a real interest in fishing, which of course makes his daddy so proud.

And the big news of the trip is that Gracie learned to ride her bike without training wheels!!!!!! I must note that Gabe has yet to accomplish this milestone so there is even more pride for Grace that she beat her big brother at something. I'm not sure what was cuter, her beaming smile as she did it, or her daddy whoopin' and hollerin' running behind her!

We also took all the kids to a little creek to cool off. It was sooo cold, but once the kids were in for awhile they didn't seem to mind. I think they went numb from the cold and couldn't feel anymore! I leave ya with a few pics from that, and hope you are all enjoying summer as much as we are!

Bummer

2008-06-05T15:47:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back a baby duck found its way straight from heaven and to our house. She was maybe 3 or 4 weeks old and soooooo sweet! One of the neighbor kids knocked on our door and said they had found a lost baby duck. So we rescued it.
Meet Waddles.

After we rescued Waddles we read that ducks are very social and need other ducks, so we ran right out and bought our 3 week old duck some babies to raise.

Meet Quakers and Peep.

We also went out and purchased 6 mature hens so that we are getting 6 eggs every day until our baby chickens start laying. Which probably won't be until the end of summer. So on this farm we have 18 chickens, 3 ducks, and 3 dogs.... e i e i o!

Until this morning.....

At 6 AM the dogs wanted out for the day. Clint stumbled out of bed and opened the back door and let them out. It was VERY cold and windy out this morning and he wasn't really coherent and didn't want to go out in his skivies to kennel the dogs.

At 7 AM I wake to hear the chickens going nuts....

At 7:05 Gracie comes running into our bedroom screaming "Daddy, Bear has a chicken!"

We leapt out of bed and ran outside. Bear and Bailey had broke into the chicken coop!

There was carnage everywhere! My baby ducks were dead. 5 of my chickens were dead.

I'm not sure its normal to sob over farm animals.... but I did.

I'm pretty bummed about the chickens, but I am really bummed about the ducks. Waddles was soooo sweet. And the babies were adorable. Waddles did such a great job being their "Mama" and not letting the chickens peck at them.

*Sigh* I don't think I'm cut out for farm life.

Rest in peace sweet duckies..... you will be missed.

PS - Anyone want a broken golden retriever and a oaf-ish black lab...... they may come up for adoption soon! Grrrrr Killers!

New Doo

2008-05-20T11:07:00.001-07:00

We took Abby into the eye doctor last week and after an exam he informed us that Abigail's eyes are still very healthy, but when they were dilated he did see some need for lenses. So our little girl is sporting a new look. To go with her "new look", I decided that the girls and I would go and get summer hair cuts. So much to the chagrin of her grandmother, Abby is now 7 inches lighter in hair.
But doesn't she look just adorable?!!!!

Here's Gracie my ever-ready-for-the-camera girl. I think she look sooooo much older!
And yes, Clint does own a shot gun, and yes he knows how to use it!

All three lovely ladies.....

On a side note, Clint quit his job with Lithia last week to pursue his own business as a home inspector. Please be in prayer with us that God will mightily bless this step of faith.

I Blinked....

2008-05-12T20:46:00.000-07:00

.....and my son turned 7! TODAY! What happened? I really remember the day he was born. I just held him in my arms thinking, "I can't believe he's finally here." My son has taught me so much. He's my experiment for parenting. He is so smart, and sensitive, stubborn, and cuddly. When he was two he used to ball his little fists up and say "Ohhhh you frustrate Me"! All the while I was thinking "No, YOU frustrate me!" I've often wondered while raising this boy if I was doing it right. So many times I have asked God to show me how to be Gabe's mommy. He is so unlike my other two children. But I truly believe it is because he has so much more to accomplish.... he has to raise me. :) I love this little man with all that is in me. I am so very proud of him and who he is turning out to be. I look forward to next year as I get to be with him more every day. And I am SURE there will be times when I will ball up my fists and want to say "Ohhhh you frustrate me"! I thank Jesus that He gave me Gabe. And I also thank Him that he was born so close to mothers day. He is the one who made me a Mama first, so it's always nice that the two events go hand in hand on the calendar. I took some pictures of Gabe's scrapbook and put a little video together of my boy growing up. Some of the pics are very pixally, I apologize. Grab a tissue and enjoy.....

Hallelujah!

2008-05-03T15:35:00.000-07:00

The chickens are finally out of the house! Yay!
The weather finally decided to give us a break and Clint was able to get the coop finished. Can I just say how much I love my man and how proud of him I am. I found a picture of a mini barn and told him I wanted to have a coop like that and he built it all out of his head! I am sooooo blessed to have a man that can do such great things!
I know it's a little over the top for a coop, but we both had some side jobs and paid cash for the whole project! I'm fairly certain it's the cutest coop in the town.... er state.... maybe even country! :)
Here's a slide show of the "barn" raising, and how much our chickens have grown.
Now if only I could tell how many roosters/hens we have! UGH!

Invisa-Woman

2008-05-02T10:23:00.000-07:00

So I've decided that I am a hero in disguise. Or technically a heroine. Nobody really knows this, and my powers really aren't that outstanding..... but it's the best conclusion I can come up with.
Here's the reasons for my assumption.
1) I drive an invisible car. I can see it. And when it's parked in the driveway, everyone else can see it. Even the birds of the air leave evidence that they can see it. But when I am behind the wheel.... well it becomes invisible. You see, while heading to a photo session this morning, I was clipping along at 65 mph, and someone pulled out right in front of me. Not the typical "I think I have time if I gun it" pulled out in front , but "I'm going to test the bladder control of this woman" pulled out in front of me. Thankfully there were two lanes and the car beside sped up so that I could change lanes and avoid the idiot. Who not only raced out there, but then proceeded to do 30 in a 65!
This is not a one-time thing. This happens ALL THE TIME! Semi-trucks pull out with not so much as a passing glance my way. Pedestrians on foot cross a four lane highway and walk RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME!
Clearly my ride is invisible!

2)There are times when my voice can not be heard by the human ear. Time after time I find I am repeating myself. To my children, to my husband, to the DOG! I KNOW it can't be that they are all simultaneously ignoring me. They are all far too loving and considerate for that. So the only logical explanation is that I have some super hero power that enables my voice to go unheard.

So here's my conundrum: how can I use these powers to help mankind?
A soundless voice and an invisible car? Oh and sometimes the ability to make the dirty laundry magically "re-appear"! (Although word has it I am not alone on that one!)

Mull it over and get back to me.... in the mean time I will be yelling for no reason while transparently driving around town! No I'm not mad.... I'm Invisa-Woman!

Parenting 101

2008-04-29T19:11:00.000-07:00

Tonight I went in to tell Gabe to get ready for bed. Being the ever cooperative young man that he is, he was giving me some grief about it. Being the ever sensitive and experienced mom that I am, I could tell this behavior was a cry for some one on one time with mom. So I knelt down looked him square in his eyes and asked him, "Gabe, do you know what a wedgie is?". To my surprise he screams "Yesssssss!" and takes off running for the living room holding his buns! Of course the only recourse I had was to maniacally laugh and chase him down.

"Gabe do want a wedgie? Do you? Huh?"

At this point I have pinned him on the couch and am popping his toes as he wriggles to get a away.

"Come on Gabe hold still so Mama can show you what a wedgie is!"

"I KNOW WHAT A WEDGIE IS MOM!"

As I proceed to lovingly give my son a first class wedgie, all the fuss has roused his ever curious sisters and here they come gleefully screaming into the living room....

"I want a wedgie Mom" "Me too, me too" "Give me one"

Well.... what good mom wouldn't grant her children the desires of their hearts....

I tell ya, moments like these....it's the reason I had children!

*rubs hand together and laughs "Muah Ha Ha Ha"*

Sunny Seattle

2008-04-28T17:35:00.000-07:00

Clint was privileged to be asked to play and sing at our friends wedding this last weekend. Ona and Andrew were married Friday night and Clint and I flew out for the weekend to attend the wedding. It was a wonderful excuse to get away for a childless weekend! And of course Seattle is always one of my favorite places to go and visit.
The wedding was beautiful. They are such a great looking couple and truly a match made in heaven. She picked a great guy.... bald shiny head, blue eyes, goatee, great smile..... I gotta say she has great taste! Hee-Hee ;) I love the Ahearn family to pieces and it was a blessing to be a part of this occasion!
We had so much fun while we were there. We got to see familiar friends and even reconnect with some that we haven't seen in years. Thanks Shane and Shannon for hanging out! And thanks Jason and Alecia for letting us all hang out at your place! And by the way we are all way to old to be staying up until 2 AM! It totally kicked my butt the next day. But it was really great to catch up! I am still laughing over a few of the stories......("you people are sick!") :)
We were blessed with beautiful weather and a blue-mid-life-crisis-convertible for a rental car! So we took advantage of it and went to the "beach" and chased the seagulls off of the crabs so we could torment them and take pictures. We also went to Pike Place and had my FAVORITE doughnuts and coffee. If you have never been to the market and had the doughnut company's mini doughnuts they are sooooo gooooood! Take my word for it and wait in line.....well worth it!
It was a really relaxing, fun getaway, and we were glad to be home to our babies. Abby missed her Mama a lot. Every time I talked to her on the phone I'd ask if she was having fun with grandma, she'd say "Yeahhhhh but your taking a long time. I miss you." If that don't melt your heart......
Here's a few pics from this weekend.

A HomeSchool Family.....

2008-04-08T09:01:00.000-07:00

Clint and I have decided to home school next year....
Please pick your jaw up off of the floor while I explain!
We have had Gabe in private school this last year, and we have really felt blessed. We pulled him from the public school, b/c they really weren't doing a very good job, and with the help of my parents he has attended private for fist grade. Unfortunately with the price of tuition going up, as well as the price of gas for the 20 mile drive to and from the school, we have made a decision to have school at home, and I get to play teacher! :)
While we were in the process of making this decision, I defiantly had some anxiety over it, but once we prayed together and made this choice, God gave me a real sense of peace. I don't take my children's education lightly, and I really don't want to screw it up! But we have found some great resources and are in the process of enrolling the kids in IDEA (Idaho Distance Education Academy). They will give us an allotment per child that will pay for curriculum, as well as "give" us a computer and pay for our internet. Because it is ran through the state, we can't purchase any "faith based" curriculum, but I figure we can always pay out of pocket for that.
At first the thought of educating the kids myself seemed very overwhelming and scary. It's really not in my nature to do this sort of thing. I don't pride myself in being a #1 mom, with the patience of a saint. To be honest there are days where my children flat our irritate me. But I know when I ask, God can give me just enough grace and patience for each day.
Thankfully I have some great people in my life that are currently homeschooling, or have years of experience in it. They have all been very encouraging and helpful. As I am sure you all know, there are many stereotypes that go along with the whole home school thing. One of my closest and dearest friends (said with oozing sarcasm) sent me this little video to encourage and enlighten me on the new adventure we are about to embark on!

We can't wait to become a home school family! :)

Follow the link and watch the homeschool family video!

For Andrew

2008-04-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

My nephew wanted to see pictures of our chickens, so here are some that I took the other day. They are really growing fast and I'm thinking we will be building a coop real soon! As much as the kids enjpy them, I will be glad to have them out of the livingroom!

Feel better soon my handsome nephew!

We're ALIVE!!!

2008-04-01T07:36:00.000-07:00

So it's been about a year since I last blogged! I'll try to cover the past year in a nut shell (yeah right)!
Grace turned 4 in July. Abby was officially potty-trained in August! FYI - that made exactly 6 years and 3 months straight that I changed diapers!
In August Gabe started 1st grade at Lighthouse Christian School. He loves it there and is doing amazing! He also just lost his bottom front two teeth. Somebody please push "pause" because these kids are growing WAY too fast!
In September Clint went to Seattle for training in a new career. He is now a certified home inspector, with his new business: Structural Integrity Home Inspections. Since then he has been working days as a auto-tech at Lithia and evening and weekends doing home inspections as they come in. We are hoping and praying that someday soon he can walk away from the Lithia and go full-time into his own business. Here's his site: www.sihipro.com
My photography business and been growing and keeping me very busy. I have steadily had 1-2 clients a week, which is about all I can handle while being a full-time mommy, and wife, and cook, and laundry service, and merry maid! :) I thank God every day for how much He has blessed my business and given me the desires of my heart!
Here's my site: www.myphotojenic.com
In late September we added a new member to the family. Bailey is my new baby! She is a beautiful golden retriever with a smidge of border collie in her. She looks like a pure bred golden retriever, who ironically won't retrieve! She is only 1/4 border collie, but instead of fetching, she would rather "herd" our other two dogs as they fetch! We're certain she is going to make an excellent duck dog, as she barks and nips the heals of the ducks and "drives" them into Clint! :) Oh well, at least she's pretty!
We also most recently added 12 new baby chicks to the family. We have 6 Rhode Island Reds, and 6 "Easter Eggers" - Americana's. They are only a week old, but the kids love them and we are hoping to get a coop built adjacent to the garden and have some eggs in about 4-6 months.
Well, that pretty much brings us up to speed. I will try to update this more frequently. I figure at this rate, even once every six months would be an improvement!

Gabe Is 6!

2007-05-14T11:55:00.000-07:00

This weekend was Gabe's sixth birthday. I can hardly believe that my first baby is six! In so many ways he is such a little adult, but then again, he's been that way since he was little!
I am so proud of my son. He really is a good kid, with a very sensitive heart. He hates to disappoint us, and revels in our affection. He is so stinkin' smart it's challenging at times. His personality is very strong. There are several times throughout my weeks, that he completely exasperates me, and I know he feels the same about me! But I love my little man. When I look at him, I see so much for his future. I know that parents are supposed to tell their children that they can be anything they want to when they grow up, if they put their minds to it, but with Gabe, I really do believe that he will go far in life. He was created to do big things for God, and I pray that his heart will always stay sensitive towards Him. I could go on and on about him, but I will spare you.
So, for his birthday, he asked to go camping. It has become our new weekend pastime. This was our third trip out since we bought the trailer, and this was by far out best trip. We went to this great campground where we got the choice camping spot right close to the pond. The kids had a lot of fun riding their bikes and climbing the tree. They were totally fascinated with how high they could climb in it! Monkeys!
The pond was really great. It was probably 50 feet wide and maybe 1/4 mile long. Anyway they stock it with some sizable trout, and all together we caught 6 of them. I have become completely addicted to fishing! It is so much fun! Clint caught some very beautiful fish, I on the other hand managed to catch two ugliest trout in the pond! They were absolutely heinous! Here's hoping they don't taste that way!
Funny story, there were lots of people fishing this pond. Some people put their fish on a stringer back in the water, and some were just throwing them in buckets. Well, while we were fishing, we were letting the kids and dogs run around playing and stuff, when all of the sudden we heard this guy yell "Hey"! We turned around and to our horror, our dog Bear (appropriately named) had stolen this 6 lb. trout from this guys bucket and was running off with it!!!!! SOOOO embarrassing!
Anywho we had a blast. Here are some picture of the kids in the tree, and the fish, and the dogs, and the campfire. Needless to say the family is getting real tired of moms obsession with the camera! I didn't take any of Gabe opening his presents and blowing out the candles, I was manning the video camera instead. I will try to get some of those videos posted on out other account. If your interested in having access to those, send me an email and I will shoot you the link. We keep all that stuff private.
Enjoy!

Campin'

2007-04-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

Clint and I have been wanting to get a camping trailer for a long time. We set some money aside for one and waited for the right deal to come along. We kept praying that God would bring the right one across our path, and we shopped and waited and looked and waited, and then we found this amazing trailer! God answered our prayer abundantly above all that we asked for! We got the most amazing deal!
So anyway, we took it out a couple of weekends ago, and the kids loved it! We will most likely be camping as much as possible this summer. It is such an inexpensive way to enjoy some family time. Watching the kids play together and really enjoy themselves was so much fun.
We even tried to do some fishing. Didn't catch anything, but it was just nice to get out and try roughin' it! (let me tell you it was rough!) ;)
So here's to a great summer ahead!

Counting My Blessings

2007-03-31T08:41:00.000-07:00

I'm not even going to begin to appologize for the length of time that has lapsed since my last post. I'm busy. Get over it.
So we made an attempt as a family to drive out to Seattle to see family for a great vacation. And guess what. We all got the flu. AGAIN! We have pretty much decided that our country-fied, redneck, systems can't handle the city. So for now, unltil we come up with a remedy, if you want to see us, you know where we live.
Since it made for such a lousy vacation, we all came home kinda cranky. Me in particular. I was soooooooo looking forward to all the family fun I would have with my family and niecies and nephew. I really felt like the trip was a total wash. But then my wonderful sister sent me some of the pictures she took, (b/c I never once took my camera out) and when I looked at them I felt sooooo blessed. My children and their cousins make me smile. They really make my heart feel like it's gonna explode! I just love them so much.
So I made a little slide show with pictures of my kids, and niecies and nephew and my man. They are NOT portraits! Just my kids being kids. Infact, they even have dirty faces in most of them. But this is my life, and all my blessings. I am one blessed woman! Thank You God!
Enjoy.

Make photo slide shows at onetruemedia.com

"I'm TWO"

2007-02-12T20:09:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, February 11th, our baby girl turned 2! I can hardly believe that she is two already! Of course in some ways she seems so much older than that. She talks sooo much and and is just so BIG. She has been off of the binkie for 6 months at least, and has been in a big girl bed for almost as long. We flew out of the high chair because she wanted to be with her siblings right up to the table, so she could feed herself. Whatever they are doing, she is attempting to do. All with the exception of the potty. She is more than willing to sit on the silly thing all day long, but as far as put what belongs in there in it, no success yet. But I am hopeful that it will come soon.

She is such a great little girl. She makes me smile all the time. Not to say that she doesn't drive me nuts some days, she certainly is a bossy little stinker, but she melts my heart. She is just sooooooooo beautiful, and she laughs with her whole little self. You just can't help but laugh with her.

For her candles this year I used ones that looked like crayons. After she blew one of them out she looked surprised and says, "Uh-oh, I turn off the crayon!"

It's quirky things like these that remind me to try my best to hang on to every day. God knows they go by so fast.

Here's a few pictures of her and her daddy just being themselves! He loves to make her laugh. And I love him for being such a great daddy.

Well there you have it, our beautiful two year old.

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-24T15:49:00.000-08:00

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

2006-12-24T14:19:00.000-08:00

Can anyone out there believe that Christmas is tomorrow? It nuts! Where did this year go? Zoom, zoom, zoom!
I just wanted to post a few pictures of the kids in all of their holiday outfits. This is our Christmas card to all of you.
Have a wonderfully blessed Christmas. We love you all!

Merry Christmas

Just Us!

2006-11-20T17:34:00.000-08:00

The Fam

2006-11-20T14:05:00.000-08:00

The family has been doing well. Last update was Gabe's first day of school. He has been doing really well. For awhile, we had thought of advancing him to the first grade. But the staff at the school didn't seem to fond of it, so he's just the smartest kid in kindergarten that's all.
Funny story, we had his first parent/teacher conference, and she told us that he needs improvement in cutting and penmenship! The kid can freakin read the encyclopedia and talks like he's an adult, but he needs to work on his cutting skills! I felt like telling her that unless he plans on being a surgeon, what's the big deal!
So needless to say, we haven't been the most impressed with school, but the important thing is that Gabe loves it. And I have to admit that socially he is really improving. They seem to be testing his theory that he was born into this world perfect, we're just the ones screwing him up! :) Seriously, I love my son!
With Gabe in school, I have had more time to work with Grace. She is doing really well. She has complete visual recognition of the alphabet, and for the most part, can recognize the lower case as well. She loves to do her school work. In fact, she begs me to quit cleaning house and do school work with her! Crazy huh? But we are working at it, and I hope to start teaching her to read this spring.
Having all day without her brother has been good for her. She loves that she gets the extra time with me. And it's been good for her and Abby to learn to love each other. Not that it goes well most days, but they have to rely on each other for entertainment now.
Abby is quickly approaching 2 (in Feb.). I just can't believe how much she has grown. We've been off the binkie for quite some time now, and she's in a big girl bed too. Her vocabulary is phenomenal! She talks alllllll the time! And is so bossy with her siblings! It cracks me up to hear her and Gracie argue. I'll hear Gracie in there yelling "No MAM!" And Abby yelling back "Stop 'Racie, gimmie dat NOW". Everyday is an adventure here.
Instead of trying to upload a bunch of pictures, I thought I'd try a slide show instead.
The pics are all from the past couple of months. Some are from our hurried trip to Seattle in Sept. Clint grandpa passed away, and we sped out there for the funeral and a day with his family. Some are from halloween. Some just from everyday moment. And some are my hopeless attempt to capture my children in portraiture- funny I can take great pics of other peoples kids......my own....... not a chance!
Enjoy!

The Bathroom

2006-11-20T13:33:00.000-08:00

Okay, last but not least, an update on the bathroom. It has been almost finished for a matter of months now. We have been waiting on my dad to custom build the linen closet and the vanity. But it seems as though he has been so flooded with work, that we just aren't a priority right now. That being said, I just know so many of you have been lying awake in bed at night anticipating the photos of the before and after bathroom project. Well I will make you wait no longer. Just keep in mind that what you see is not truly the finished project. There is still a window to trim out, and some trim around the bathroom tiles to install. But for the most part you'll get the gist of what it looks like.
Let me also add how proud I am of my man! He is so wonderful and not afraid to tackle new projects and learn new trade skills. And he did an amazing job! All design skills....... well those were mine! Fashioned after Pottery Barn of course! *smile*

FROM THIS........

TO THIS.......

The first set of picts shows the view from the door. Then the view of the south wall where the sink is.
We actually tore everything out, down to the floor joists, and built new walls. We stole about 18 inches of the girls closet space and added to the bathroom. It made such a huge difference.
Anyway, in the bottom pics, the first one is the view from the doorway, where the tub used to be. The second is the view of the north wall. It used to be just wall space, with the toilet in the corner on the east wall. Obviously we still need to trim out the tiles. The last one is the south wall. This is the one where we added more space. The linen closet just got installed this weekend and now we are waiting for the doors for it. The mirror you see is temporary, as we are still waiting for the vanity from dad. It will be white to match the rest.
So there you have it, the new bathroom! And just in case you were wondering, yes, the soaker tub is WONDERFUL!!!!!! Jealous?

A New Blog

2006-10-02T12:19:00.000-07:00

So I finally created a blog just for my business. I put a few slide shows on it to show different portrait galleries. Go check it out and let me know what you think. If your in the area and like what you see, contact me to schedule a session.

www.photojenicportraitstudio.blogspot.com

1st Day Of School

2006-08-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

Well it finally got here. Today is Gabe's first day of school! It is so surreal. I seriously can't believe that he is in kindergarten already! And what is even more weird is that he is attending the same school I did.

I've honestly had a much harder time with this day then I thought I would. Letting go is so hard. Especially when he has spent every day with me. And now that he will be gone every day, all day, it's hard to let go. I so want him to succeed, and I know he will. He's a really good kid. He's soooo smart, and loves to be with other kids, I know this will be good for him.

As Clint and I dropped him off, we took him to class and he was so excited. I could tell he was a little overwhelmed by all the kids and chaos, but he never looked back at us. *tears* As I knelt down and hugged him goodbye it was all I could do not to cry, meanwhile he's got that look of "okay mom, just go already". We are so proud of him!

I pray that God will guard and protect him while he is there. That He will keep watch over him when I can't. That his mind will be sharp and alert. That he will be obedient and respectful. And God will help us to have wisdom as parents. Wisdom to know how and when to deal with the things that will arise from sending Gabe to a public school. Wisdom on how to help keep Gabe tender toward God.

If you think of it, say a prayer for my boy today. And when your done, say a prayer for his poor mama, who is having far more of a difficult time with this than the boy. Thanks........
Oh yeah, here's some pics of this morning.

Showing off the backpack. Sissy, saying goodbye.

Proud Daddy!

Sad Mama. The anticipation.

OUR BIG MAN!

There ya have it. The first day of the rest of his life....

Long Overdue....I know

2006-07-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

Ok, ok, I know, it has been way too long since I updated. For all those who have been buggin me for updates, my apologies.....so sorry....*gravle, gravle*. But alas, the hints have not gone unnoticed, the demands have been heard. So brace yourself, it's gonna be a long one! In fact, it's sooo long you might want to read it in stages.
According to my records, I haven't updated since Clint and Gabes birthdays.... lame, I know. So here is what we have been up to.
First of all, in June, we took Abby back to Salt Lake for some more testing. As many of you know, it has been a year now since we first discovered there was something wrong with her eyes. One year ago, we ran a ton of tests, which all came back negative. A huge relief, but it left us with no answers. One of the options when we left then was that the cause for the nastagmus (shaking) might be that she had albinism. So, off we went to Salt Lake to find out. Praise God, that test came back negative too! We also met with the pediatric opthamalogist who checked her eyes again. After his exam, he said that her eyes and nerves looked perfectly healthy! We still have no answers as to why, or what, but we are really believing that she will continue to grow out of it and continue to get better over time. Again, thank you to all of you who continue to pray for her. God hears and is answering those prayers. She really has come a long way in this past year!

Some more great news, as of June 15th, I (Jennifer) am the sole proprietor of my very own business..... PhotoJenic Portrait Studio! Yeah!!!! I'm really excited about it. I wish I had more time to put into it, but I know that as the kids get older and more independent I can devote more of my time to the business. I have been blessed to have a studio that my dad is letting me use. It's small, but it does the job. So I am gathering equiptment and trying to build a clientele base. I still need to get business cards made, and already have a lead on having a web page made. When it all comes together, I will give an update so you all can rush to my web page and see my work! :)
Some of you may know my friend/sister Hillari. Well she had her firstborn son on May 9th. She's a tiny little thing, and was beautiful pregnant. We were all so surprised when she pushed out a nine pound baby boy! She did so great! I was very proud of her. Gavin William Wilson, looks a lot like his daddy, but has his mamma's blue eyes. Here's a few picks.... taken by me, of course.

Clint has been busy with another remodel project. This time it is the nasty bathroom! Let me just tell you how gross it was! When we ripped the linoleum up, there was moldy pee and such!!!!! I just about puked! The toilet was sitting on plywood, over a rotten hole in the floor. I'm surprised we didn't get a disease!!!!! Needless to say, the many tenants before us, were not so good to this poor house. BUT, that is all changing and my hubby is doing a great job. I will post some before and after pics when it's all done. Yeah, I know how to keep ya comin back for more! :)
The kids are all doing well. Gabe starts school next month. It's gonna be far harder on his mom, than it is for him. He is really excited. Clint and I are so proud of him. He really is a great kid.
Grace is still our little drama queen. My brother says she was born for the stage! Some days, I really wonder. Anyway, she had her 3rd birthday on July 13th! She got just about everything "Dora" that could be bought in Target! Plus she was thrilled to get a "her size" Graco travel system for her baby! And then to top it all off Auntie sent her a princess outfit! She was one spoiled girl..... the proofs in the pics!

In the last one she had just smashed her whole face in the cake to take a bite! Yikes!
And of course, the princess....

Abby is growing faster than I'd like. Everyday, she adds new words to her vocabulary! She is talking none stop. She really makes my heart melt..... except when I have to pull her off of the table for the third time in five minutes! Busy, busy, busy! Lately she has been making these really funny faces, she always keeps me laughing.

Our fourth of July was a busy one. I started the morning with photo shoot for some friends, then I snapped a few of my own.... or tried to. It seems I can take some decent pictures of other peoples kids, just not my own. Or better said, not all together anyway. So, here's the best one out of 30... yes, thirty tries, and this was as good as it gets!

We spent the afternoon at a bbq, where Clint and I severely lost at a three-legged- race. I won't name any names as to why we lost so bad, but I will say, some days two legs are a challenge for me....forget three! But being a good sport, I tried again, this time with Gabe as my partner, and well, second-verse-same-as-the-first! Sad...
Then it was off to another bbq! Clint and I really don't have many friends, but when the ones we do all seem to want to socialize at the same time!
Granny and Papa came for a visit July 6th-11th. Clint and dad did a LOT of fishing. Unfortunately there was only one little fish that made it's way home. Of course Granny and I thought it was hilarious that they drug their butts outta bed at the crack of dawn.....and..... nuthin! Hee-Hee!
Other than that downfall, we all had a great time. We all went on a picnic and fishing. Then we cruised up to Sun Valley and toodled around. Had ice cream, of which Grace thoroughly enjoyed..(see pic below). And Papa took the time to give Gabe a quick piano lesson. We really love it when they come to visit, and the kids eat up all the attention of having Granny and Papa all to themselves! Here's a few shots of the trip.

And last but not least, we just got back from our first family camping trip. Yes, believe it or not, this was the first time even Clint and I had gone camping together. We went north of Sun Valley, and it was beautiful! We went up for one night and all slept in our new tent. The kids had a blast running around and getting filthy! And aside from the gihungus horse flies that bite, it was good times. Except for the part where I nearly drowned! Yeah, you read it right.... let me tell about it.
We went up on friday night and then saturday morning Clint went fishing with some of the guys. I was extremely jealous that he was going fishing and I was not. So when he returned to camp and we tore down the tent and stuff, we decided to go further north, over Gelena summit and go fishing in the Salmon river. Just a little side note it is gorgeous up there! And the whole experience of camping in the area took me back to being a kid and tagging along with my dad for royal ranger pow-wows! Ok back to the drowning. Anywho, we drove forever, and we were going with the "Grizzly Adams" man from our church. He knows every sweet spot for fishing out there. So he finally tells us to pull over on the side of the road and we hike down 100 yards, steep yards, to the river. Keep in mind that I am also toting all three kids! Oh and I am wearing a cami, khaki shorts, and flip-flops, not exactly hiking gear. So we make to the river, get set up and start casting. Then Mr. Grizzly says lets cross the river and climb that rock face, then fish from the top where that pool is and where the fish are hanging out.
I look at Clint like yeah right! But, for fear of being called a adventureless mall rat, I leave all my babies with Grizzly's wife and head out to cross the river...in my flip-flops...and cami....and gap shorts! Going across was challenging, and I was wet to my shoulders, but made it. Then there was the rock to climb. Again, a little challenging, but I made it. We settle onto the rock, cast a few, get a bite- no catch, and I hear Abby hyperventilating from the other side. She wants no one but mommy. With much regret I tell Clint and Grizzly that I need to get back to the baby. So we climb back down the rock and set out across the river...again. This is where things go wrong. We decided to cross where it was a bit deeper and a bit swifter, but closer to the where the kids were waiting. I hang on to Clint, who is holding the poles, and off we go. We get halfway across when the water comes up tp my shoulders and I lose my footing. In an attempt to save his wife, Clint heroically grabs me....by my shorts and....well unders! I lose one shoe, and am being given an atomic weggie all to keep my head above water. After bobbing a few times I tell Clint to let go! Then I try to regain my footing, and oops, there goes the other shoe! So, I give up and let the river carry me down stream, banging my knees on every rock along the way, when finally I clamber to the other side! Yeah.... think I'll stick to being the mall rat!
Here's a few pics of our campsite.

Ok, well that's it. It has taken me four hours to create this post, and probably as long for you to read it. Plus I think I'm in the early stages of carpletunnel disease! Please make the pain worth while and leave me lots of comments! I'm not one to beg, but they've been a little lean lately!
Until later.................

Fun in the Sun

2006-05-19T09:44:00.000-07:00

So, here's what the White family has been up to since I blogged last. Clint turned 30 on April 21! It's funny how he was dreading turning 30. Age has never seemed to bother him, but for some reason leaving his twenties behind had a funny effect on him. Anyway, being the kind, loving, and supportive wife that I am, I threw him a surprise party where everyone could laugh at his expense! He took it well, as he always does. Here's a few photos of his party.

He was given some reading glasses to read all of his cards and stuff. Obviously he had no problem playing the part.

Another birthday celebrated in the house was Gabe. Gabe turned 5 on May 12th! I have to admit it was so weird for me that my first born is now 5. I almost feel old. Anyway we took the kids to the park, and had a fun family day to celebrate Gabe's birthday.

We also had a party for him at kids church on Sunday. Most of his friends attend our church so we thought we'd kill two birds with one stone. We played games and had cake and juice. It was a lot of fun, but mommy forgot to bring her camera, so no pics, sorry. Here are some pictures from the park.

That's it for now. Hopefully it won't take me a month to update.... but no promises! :)

Easter Vacation

2006-04-21T07:59:00.000-07:00

Again it has been awhile since I updated last, but here's the latest with the White family.
We decided to take a much needed vacation and travel to Seattle to spend Easter with Clints family. Being a planner, I had marked out every minute of our vacation as to where we would go, what we would do, who we would see, and who we'd surprise. My plans included taking the kids to the zoo, with some of our friends. Going to the ocean with family. Sneaking in on a movie get together at our old church. Celebrating my nieces first birthday. Attending my father-in-laws church for Easter. Then one last family-fun-filled-day, in Seattle, with some other good friends before heading home again. Sounds like fun huh?
Well, unfortunately that was not the case. Right before we left for vacation I got the flu! I was miserable. Fever, chills, "praying to the porcelain god", the works. But, Clint had already arranged for the time off, so we went. The trip out went smoothly, and the next morning I felt somewhat better. Abby was still a bit under the weather, but we decided to try for the zoo. But, for fear of cross-contaminating the kids, we opted not to go with our friends. Bummer.
So here's some pics of the zoo. We didn't see much because the weather was crummy. We did get to see a peacock, showing off. A giraffe. Zebra butts, lion butts, elephant butt, a peak at a tiger, and a very large hippopotamus butt! The kids really found it funny that the animals weren't showing off their better halves.

The next day we were scheduled to go to the ocean, but the night before the flu hit again. This time, Gracie was sick. Abby and I had a relapse, and Clints mom was hit too. So, instead of the ocean, we laid around and took in the view from the couch. And the bathroom. Then the couch again. Then the bathroom. You get the picture I'm painting right?

Well, this meant no movie night surprise either. Sorry, Over the Edge Youth we really wanted to surprise you.

The next day was Alivia's birthday. The ladies in the family were now feeling better, but now Gabe was puking! So after talking with auntie Alecia we pulled ourselves together and decided to try for the party. Gabe laid on the couch the whole time. But Grace enjoyed playing with her cousins. And Alivia was hilarious with her cake. Something tells me she wasn't fond of the buttery frosting!

The kids played pin the tail on the donkey. It was fun to watch them, but even more fun to watch Clint take his turn. Easter Sunday we all managed to get dressed up and make it to church. Since we had the whole family there and lookin "purty", we tried for a family picture. It's pretty hard however to get six kids, and eight adults to all look at the camera at the same time, without any of them blinking, and everyone smiling! Almost impossible, but here's our best shot. This is Lynn and Alita (Clints parents) at the top. Jason and Alecia with Alivia (brother-in-law, sister, and niece) down and to the right. Tony and Susan (brother and sister-in-law) at the bottom far right. Andrew and Grace (nephew belonging to Jason and Alecia, and our daughter) in front right. Kira and Gabe (niece belonging to Tony and Susan, and our son) in the front left. Clint with Abby (our daughter) and me(Jennifer -his wife) on the far-upper left. Yes, I do realize this is the fist photo of me on our blog. It may be the only one ever, so get a good look! Hee-Hee

We did manage so see our friends Anne and Christian on the trip. We left the sick kids with Granny and Papa, after putting them to bed and snuck out for a quick bite to eat with our friends. Which allowed us to see in person their newest addition Elijah. He is so sweet. Honestly he's pretty enough to be a girl, but they are overjoyed to have a son!

That wraps up the vacation. We threw the towel in early and came home a day sooner than planned. Planned.....funny word. Yeah, I had it all PLANNED. Then God looked down and said "Silly Jen, when will you learn. Plan all you want, but only I know the plans.....(see Jeremiah 29:11)"

Even though it didn't go according to umm...schedule shall we say, it was nice to see family, and a few friends, oh and the animal butts! And just be together. But we're praying next year will be better. Hey, we didn't set the bar all that high with this one!

I hope all of you had a wonderful Easter holiday, and took a moment to thank our Lord for the sacrifice He made for us! Happy Easter!

Blessed

2006-03-30T20:00:00.000-08:00

What a day! I spent most of my day behind my sewing machine, furiously trying to finish a baby quilt for a shower this weekend. When I got sick of looking at it and decided to take a break, I left the sewing machine for the kitchen. It was while I was making pie crust (from scratch) that it hit me.........I have become June Cleaver!! AUGHHHHHH Yep, it's true. Ya might at well start calling Gabe "the Beave". My life is so full of domestic "pleasantries": laundry, cleaning, diapers, cooking, sewing ect. And I will admit there are those moments, when it feels like all of the above are happening at the same time, that I question why I do what I do. FYI- a moment of vulnerability is about to occur. I admit I have thoughts of returning to the "civilized" world. After all I did go to college. I do have a degree...and it wasn't in Martha Stewart 101! There are days when I am soooo tired of answering the endless questions of young inquiring minds. Tired of well...shall we say..being in charge of supervising all "bathroom activities"! (Yes, I'm talking about poop, and the many forms my children seem to make it in!) Tired of being the one who is left to clean up after everybody else. To decide what to make for dinner, and then magically create it out what mocks me from the pantry. Sometimes I'm tired of just being MOM! BUT today in the midst of my June Cleaver moment, my daughter asked to help me make pie crust. For a brief moment I was inclined to deny her request, knowing full well that it only meant more mess. Yet, as she climbed up her stool and started to play in the flour, I was suddenly captivated by her. The realization that I am a blessed woman overcame me. I GET to stay home with my children and raise them. I GET to watch my daughter play in flour and laugh as she discovers "it doesn't taste like pie". I GET to see them grow and learn everyday. I am the one who wipes away tears, corrects behavior, and above all gets to tell them every day about Jesus. It was today, in an old kitchen, cluttered with dishes, as Gracie learned how to make pie crust, that I was reminded why I do what I do. And to quote the domestic goddess herself..."it's a good thing".
After enduring the longest blog entry ever, here's a few pics of the day. Grace is not licking her hand, she is trying to wipe off her tongue after eating flour!

Abby has been making the funniest faces lately! Her personality is really begining to show!

New Pics of the Kids

2006-03-23T18:11:00.000-08:00

These are some new pictures I took of the kids recently. I am really enjoying my new camera. Of course, photography is easy when the subjects are so gorgeous. Then again I might be a bit biased!

Gabe's Room

2006-03-23T13:57:00.000-08:00

Here are the promised pictures of Gabe's new room. I am so proud of my husband. He really has very little experience in remodeling, and he did such an amazing job! In my opinion it looks like a room straight out of Pottery Barn magazine. Gabe's really excited about having his own little man room. One of the first thing he wanted for his room was a "no girls allowed" sign, for the door. Now he has his own little place to retreat to when the estrogen levels get too high around here.

Abby's Birthday

2006-03-06T16:40:00.000-08:00

Okay, so it has been half of forever since I have updated! It has been so long in fact that Abby's first birthday has long since come and gone. So here are a few photos of her party, (it was on Feb. 11th).

Unlike my other kids, Abby completely demolished her cake! She loved it. We actually had to take it away from her, and the poor cake was a nothing but a mass of crumbs and carnage. Although it was adorable, I was a bit sad because Grandma and I worked so hard to make the perrrrfect hello kitty cake! Hee-Hee

What else is new here in the white house, you may ask? Well right after her birthday, Abby mastered the art of walking. She is now into everything and trying her best to keep up with her siblings. Once again I am amazed at how quickly time has flown. It's sometimes hard for me to believe that "the baby" is a year old already. Watching her grow is so bittersweet. It's hard to see her leave the baby phase behind, but at the same time it is always reassuring to see her develop normally. That is if anyone is THIS family can be normal.

In order to one-up his sister who is walking, Gabe has decided to take up flying. It will be so nice when the weather warms up and I can send him outside to leap and fly and save the galaxy from the dark side with his light saber.

Grace is becoming soooo independent lately, (and no that is not a complaint). She is really into picking out her own clothes, getting herself dressed and being the "mommy" to her babies. Of course that usually means that she is dressing them, and bathing them, brushing their hair and protecting them from being obliterated by the light saber of young jedi Gabe. There is never a dull moment around here.

Clint has been very busy the past month and a half finishing the remodel project. We completely gutted the room where Gabe is, and updated it. It looks great. I will take some pictures and post a before and after shot.

I've been having fun with my new toy. I purchased a new camera about a month ago and have been trying to figure out all its bells and whistles. I feel so out of practice in the photography dept., but I know it will all come back to me. I just did my fist "shoot", with the supervision of a more experienced friend, and must admit the photos came out great. I was blessed because the baby was very content and let me click away. Here's a few of my favorites.

I will try to be better with the updates and post a few more frequently. In the mean time, those of you who have endlessly harassed me for an update, well here it is....and this does mean that I expect to see an update on your blog! You know who you are!!!!

Snow Day

2006-01-21T14:22:00.000-08:00

Yeah, a snow day!!!! Last night is snowed! A whopping 2 inches, but as a child, it is more than enough snow to whine and beg and plead your mother allll day to go outside and play in. So, alas, I finally gave in and sent them out with their father! Hee-hee. Anyway, I went out long enough to sneak a few pictures. The first is Grace attempting so throw snow on me. The next two are Gabe and Grace making snow angels, which Grace has somehow confused with snow balls and calls them angel balls! I am working on getting her corrected.

These are some recent pictures of Abby. I can't believe how fast she is growing! She is so close to walking. Soon she will classify as my toddler and not my baby. I take that back she will always be my baby! In the first picture she is yelling at her sister. Abby is very protective of her food, as her sister is so skilled at removing it from her tray. The second picture shows her delight in the fact that her sister was firmly reprimanded. Yes, the rivalry has begun. And the last is her being sweet. (It also shows how long her hair is getting.) Just, a quick update, we took Abby to a chiropractor that is also a neurologist, to have him check out her eyes. As we suspected, he felt the shaking was probably a result from having her ears pierced. If only someone would warn a parent before they go out and damage their own kid!! Anyway, he told us it is her left eye that is having problems. It is the one that tends to cross and is sending the wrong messages to her left cerebellum. (Forgive my idiot attempts at repeating "doctor" terms.) So, he feels that if we place a patch on the right eye and stimulate the left with a pen light, for 15 minutes a day, this will retrain the brain to fire correctly. The good news is that this can hopefully be corrected. It is still a wait-and-see situation. And we won't know until she is older as to how much vision has been compromised. I am still strongly believing all will be right and she is on her way to being healed. But please keep her in prayer when you think about it. And if this has left you even more confused, feel free to call me and I can explain it better...I hope.

One last picture. When Grace was just a baby she used to always "sniff" at us. It was so adorable and her little nose would almost come to a point. As she got older the "sniffing" became less, until she just outgrew it. Well the other day in the tub while being silly for the camera, she spontaneously "sniffed" once more. So here's to reminiscing all the baby days gone by.

Well that's it for this post I promise. This ought to temporarily silence all the "update your blog" cries. And I do apologize for all the sentimental "mommy" stuff. But hey I'm a mommy, that's my job. If I don't brag, who will? Oh yeah.....Grandma!

Alivia

2006-01-21T14:08:00.000-08:00

This is my little "niecey", Alivia. Her mommy, Alecia, recently sent me this picture and I just love it! It so represents her personality. She is so sweet, and happy, and just so beautiful. Alivia is about 2 months younger than Abby, and I am looking forward to watching the two become good friends/cousins, just like Gabe and Andrew. "Your aunite loves you Alivia."

Elijah Brockl

2006-01-21T13:25:00.000-08:00

Don't worry, this little guy is NOT ours! This is Elijah Alexander Brockl, born to our friends Chris and Anne Brockl, on January 16th, at 7 lbs., 3 oz, and 20 inches. Elijahs arrival rounds out the family, as he brings a new dimension as their first boy, preceded by Anabelle (3), and Sofia (almost 2). We are so happy for them! Every child such a blessing from God. And there's nothing like having a new baby in the house, that makes you feel so euphoric! Or is that the massive sleep deprivation!

The Real Us

2006-01-09T12:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, on my last update I posted photos of my picture perfect family. This time I figured I'd give you a glimpse of what life really looks like around here. This is Clint and Grace taking a picture of themselves. When daddy revealed the self-taken "portrait" to Gracie she was thrilled to see her nosey and daddy's nosey!

This is Grace. Everyday, all about the drama, Grace. We have been potty training (and I might add we are doing amazingly well Praise God Almighty!) and this was after church on Christmas. We told Gracie she had to go in and go potty before we went to Grandma's house to open presents. This was not the "princess' " plan and so she did what the "princess" does when life does not go according to the plan. Unfortunately for Grace, her mommy is a former "princess" so all attempts at manipulation are lost on mom. Mommy just takes advantage of photographic blackmail opportunities.

This is my son. I love him soooo much because, like his father, he keeps me laughing! He is really into the whole superhero thing and received spy glasses, as part of a kit, for a Christmas present. Of course he never wants to take them off and asks to sleep in them. So here he is brushing his teeth in his tightey-whiteys and super-spy-kid glasses, before he goes off to bed and dreams of saving the world. (Again, a example of mom and the whole photographic blackmail!) What fun it will be when they date. :)

Cute Kids

2006-01-03T21:07:00.000-08:00

I (Jennifer) just happened to capture some cute pics of the kids today and thought I would pass them along. It's not everyday that you capture the moment with all three of them. So I figure we better update the blog while I happen to have decent pictures of my kids to show off.

Abby is 10 1/2 months old now. She is crawling all over the house and pulling herself up as high as she can onto anything she can. ESPECIALLY if there is food involved. She actually ate more chicken nuggets than her older siblings the other night. Mommy thinks she is looking more and more like her daddy everyday.

Grace is 2 1/2 and well on her way to 14 years old !!! She is all about the drama. We are finally making some headway on the potty training. She is more than willing to poo-poo on the potty for a piece of chocolate or a sucker. As you can tell by the gorgeous smile she has inherited her mommy's ability to melt her daddy's heart. Just the other day she asked her hard working daddy a question. She said " Daddy....uhm...daddy....uhm, dadddddyyyyyyyyy. Daddy where do live at? " and he said "with you of course sweety". She then replied " Do you live at your work?"
You could smell the melting heart from across the room.
Clint works 60 or more hours a week and he really misses his babies.

Gabe is 4 1/2 years old. He already knows EVERYTHING so don't bother telling him ANYTHING.

His father and I have considered having his name legally changed to Lynn Allen but that name was already taken. That's too bad cause it fits...
I guess he will have to stick with Gabriel.

I am really looking forward to kindergarten this fall. I think his sisters are eager for him to be out of the house part of the day just so they can have a few "torment free" hours

What is it with boys making girls squeal? Must be genetic.

All joking aside, in glancing at my children, I truly am a blessed mother and feel priveledged that God chose me to raise them.

Christmas

2005-12-25T19:44:00.000-08:00

YEAAAAA!!!!!

Christmas is here, and gone. Don't take that the wrong way please. We had a wonderful day FILLED with a great church service in the morning, followed by very nummy food, silly movies, and WAY TOO MANY PRESENTS!! We had a house full of friends and family (mostly family) who helped us devour an obnoxious amount of food. It just wouldn't be Christmas without glutony would it?

Gabe, Grace and Abby all recieved more presents than they knew what to do with. Our kids are very fortunate to have generous Grandparents and Aunties and Uncles. You know when I was a kid I had to walk up hill both ways in the snow barefoot over broken glass just to get to Christmas......we had to eat turkey HOTDOGS instead of real turkey and we NEVER recieved too many presents. If my memory serves me correct (which it does) We were all lucky to recieve COSTCO socks and tighty whitey underwear (yup even Alecia had to wear those dastardly tighty whiteys). And we were GRATEFUL ....

So in spirit of the season, I wish you all a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year

The Truck

2005-11-20T11:21:00.000-08:00

I am not allowed to say anything about this truck. But if I type fast while Jen is out of the room I can tell you that although ugly , it was a great deal, and if you look closely, the bed is full of free firewood.

We just need a good deal on a woodstove now. Sure hope it ain't as ugly ...

Uh oh here comes Jen....gotta post NOW!!!

Train Wreck

2005-11-20T00:59:00.000-08:00

We have some bad news. It seems as though Gracie has been playing near the trains again. We have told her time and time again to be careful around such powerful machines but she didn't head our warnings...

Actually this one is all Gabe's doing. Apparently he thought Gracie's hair would be a perfect track for his little motorized locomotive. Little did he know that it would wind itself up tight and require hours of surgically precise "unwinding" performed by Dr. Grandma Way M.D. And of course this was all caught on film by Mommy the shutterbug, who although moved to compassion by Gracie's flow of painful tears, had to pose her on the wall and document the damage...

Abby...or Gabe?

2005-10-29T19:48:00.000-07:00

Is it Abby? Or Gabe in pigtails? This is our baby who is looking more and more like her brother. Mommy was so excited to finally get her hair in piggies. We can finally keep up with a certain cousin who will reamian nameless. :) Obviously Abby was not as excited about the piggies as mom.

The kids and I (Jen) took a trip to the pumkin patch this year. Gabe and Grace had a lot of fun, but Abby slept through most of it . I was able to get a few good pictures before everyone became cranky and tired. So here are few of the pictures. Now all the comments for "pictures of the kids" can be silenced!!! For now at least. Enjoy.

Home Sweet Home

2005-10-20T18:45:00.000-07:00

Finally, we own our home . As of today, we are official home owners again. How exciting it is to once again be the masters of our own domain. After a 6 month long search for a home closer to town, we decided on this cute little bungalow in the country. It just so happened that we were already renting the house. Yippee, no change of address, no packing of boxes, and the best thing is we already have had a chance to get to know the neighbors, and they are GREAT!!!

We are already thinking of all the projects, big and small that we need and want to get done. But for right, we are happy to have a place to plant our roots and call home sweet home.