Tooth Fairy Story

I forgot to share with you the "Tooth Fairy Story". As you know (if you frequently read my blog) that the other day Jeffrey lost his first tooth. Well I posted about it, and promptly forgot to put anything under his pillow. Anyway, the next morning, after he had gotten up, I remembered, so I went into his room and placed a dollar under his pillow. A little while later he came to me and informed me that the tooth fairy had not come. I told him that he'd better go in and check again. He was pretty adamant about her not coming, but I finally convinced him to go look again. A minute or so later he came to me carrying his dollar, he was so proud. He announced that she had come in the morning instead of the night before. He then turned the dollar over and stuck to the dollar was a 25 cent, hot pink garage sale sticker. (I did not realize that it was on there.) His eyes got so big, and I said, "Looks like she must have gone to a garage sale". By looking in his eyes you could see the wheels turning. He wasn't sure just what to think about it all, but he promptly ran to Jonathan, showed him his dollar, and said, "Wook Jonathan, the tooth fairwy went to a gawage sale". When Paul got home from work, he told him the same thing. Paul told him that she probably had to have a garage sale in order to have the money to put under his pillow. LOL! I told him that she probably gathers all of these teeth and sells them at garage sales. Anyway, he was very intrigued to think that his tooth fairy goes to garage sales. Think of THAT (one of my favorite pastimes)! Wonder if she's busy next Friday? (Snicker, snicker.) Anyway, it made for a unique incident, and we had a few smiles over it. Hope it made you smile. Have a great day.

Feelin' Corny

Well, tis the season for feeling corny. Today I put up almost two bushel of sweet corn. I just wanted to post this picture so that you would all know that my children are "all out-standing in their field".
I picked it all, and this is the easiest way to get it from the garden to the deck where we could all...

work on husking it...

and enjoy eating it.

You know, I love sweet corn, but it sure is a process. It's especially good fresh on the cob, but since we couldn't eat two bushel before it went to waste, it has to be processed.

Let me stop a minute and count just how many times each ear has to be handled before the process is complete.

1. Picking it.
2. Husking it.
3. Bringing it in from outside to begin the next steps.
4. Washing it.
5. Putting it in the water to blanche it.
6. Taking it out of the hot water, putting it into cold water.
7. Taking it out of the cold water to cut the corn off.

1. The corn is now off of the ear, but it still has to be bagged.
2. Put bags into the freezer.

So I guess it's about a seven step process for each ear, and then a couple of final steps to totally compete the process. No wonder I was so excited when I could look in the trash can and see THIS site...that means the job is complete.

But it's worth it...I THINK!!!!!! (Don't ask me today, ask me sometime in January when the snow is flying, and we're enjoying homegrown sweet corn that tastes as fresh as it did today. And so much better than that canned stuff you can buy.)

It's a great feeling to finally have the job completed. Done for another year...big SIGH!

The Run-Away Bottle, and Other Things to Make You Smile!

I have a story to tell on myself. One that must have been hilarious to anyone looking on. As many of you know, Dale Bailey passed away last week, and his viewing and funeral were last week as well. The viewing was on Wednesday night, and the funeral was Thursday morning. We attended the viewing on Wed. night because Paul was not going to be able to get off of work on Thurs. to attend the funeral. However, myself and the children attended the funeral on Thurs. a.m. Anyway, I pulled in the parking lot of the funeral home about 10 min. before the funeral was supposed to start. I had three of the children with me (DaNae had spent the night with a friend). All of the cars that were going to the graveside they parked in rows, and very close together, I might add. Jonathan and Jeffrey got out of the van and I had decided to go out the side door of the van since I needed to get Makayla out of her seat, etc. I have the diaper bag over my shoulder and am lugging her out of the van, trying to squeeze between the back of her car seat and the back of the passenger seat. I hand the diaper bag out to Jonathan, and when I did, Makayla's bottle fell out of the bag and rolled under the van. It was drizzling, and the pavement was very wet. I asked Jonathan if he could reach the bottle. He tried, but since she wasn't able to kneel on the pavement without getting his pants all wet and dirty, it was just out of his reach. So, I handed Makayla to him, and reached in the van for the umbrella, hoping to be able to reach with it. It was one of those little short ones that collapses down so that it is real compact (not exactly what I needed at the moment). I tried pushing the button so that it would give me a little more length, and of course the whole thing went up. I could see this was not going to work. I put the umbrella back down to its smallest position, and took my place on the wet pavement. As I reached under the van, and stretched to get just beyond the bottle to roll it toward me, I accidentally bumped it, and guess what, it rolled further under the van. The bottle is now IN THE MIDDLE OF THE VAN. I looked in the van for something longer to reach with, but to no avail. So, out loud, I began asking for the Lord to help me. At that instant, as I am still on my knees, I look down the long row of cars, and at the end I see the parking lot attendant, very curiously, watching me. We make eye contact, and I start laughing. He says, "Do you need help?" And I wanted to say...well, never mind. Anyway, I told him what had happened, and he said that he could help me, he'd just get a broom or something.

He comes back about a minute later, and goes on the opposite side of the van from where I've been standing. He pushes it through, and about the time it gets to where we're standing, Jonathan accidentally kicked it, and it rolled under the next vehicle parked beside us. About this time, the parking lot attendant says: "Did you get it", and when I told him that it had rolled under the next vehicle he said, "Oh, you've got to be kidding me". By this time I was so tickled. Jonathan went on the other side of the vehicle parked next to us, and it had rolled to the other side, and he was able to get it. It was soooo funny. I think the attendant probably thought I was nuts. Here I am, rushing in at the last minute with all of these kids parading behind, and then this. It was hilarious, and I'm sure that if anyone else was watching, they must have been quite entertained. Anyway, then we have about 30 seconds to gain our composure before we walked into the funeral home. But we did it!!!! (Wet knees and all!)

This picture just makes me laugh when I look at it. The other night Paul went in to play the keyboard, and when he realized I was taking his picture, this was the response I got. I must say, my husband has such a contagious laugh (Jeffrey gets his laugh from his daddy). When you hear them laughing, you just can't help but laugh too. It was good to hear him play again, it's been a long time.

I've found a new spot for Makayla when I'm working in the kitchen. She like to be up where she can see, and she tires of her high chair quickly. One of our Mennonite friends used to put her little boy in her kitchen sink, and I thought that was a great idea.

Makayla loves it because she is up where she can see what's going on, and I can give her toys and things to play with, and I don't have to worry so much about her throwing them on the floor. As you can see in the picture below, she's enjoying her graham cracker too.

The kids put this hat on her tonight, and I just couldn't help myself. I just had to grab the camera. She is quite the "ham" these days, and she's finding that if she does something, and it makes the other kids laugh, well, by all means, lets do it again.

Jeffrey lost his first tooth today. He's pretty proud. He came to me today wiggling it, and it was bleeding. I asked him if he wanted me to pull it, or if he was just going to leave it. He said that he would leave it. About two minutes later he came in proclaiming the news that he had pulled it. He was so excited. Sure hope the tooth fairy doesn't forget her duties tonight.

This weekend, Jeffrey and DaNae both learned to ride their bikes without training wheels. Need less to say, I could hardly keep them off of their bikes today. It's quite an accomplishment for them, and now they can't seem to get enough. They've found a new freedom and Mama's reminded again just how fast they're growing up!

Poses, Play Dough, Princes and Putt Putt

Well, the last time I blogged it was a blog about my children, and when I went to post a picture of them, I realized that I did not have a real recent one of all of them together. So on Saturday, they were all dressed somewhat alike, and so I thought it would be a good time to get a shot of them together. This pose is about my favorite out of the bunch.

This week I've been working with Jeffrey to get him ready to go to kindergarten. We've been playing all sorts of games, and doing lots of tactile learning as well. On Friday we did quite a bit with play dough, and then after the learning part was done, we resorted to making bears (not pictured) and turtles. We each made one, and I thought that my budding artists didn't do too bad.

Then on Monday my sister, who is an elementary school teacher, came to visit, and help me write some lesson plans for the remainder for the summer, helping Jeffrey with his alphabet, etc. While they were here, Jonathan hooked up the little trailer to his bike (thanks to Julie Waggoner's garage sale) that I bought this weekend, and he was the butler, and Jeffrey and my niece, Elizabeth were the king and queen. They looked so cute. When they got out of the "carriage" Jeffrey helped Elizabeth out, and put his arm around her as they were walking away. I tried to get a picture of that too, but that moment got away too quickly.

Then tonight we had a "Girls Night Out". All of the ladies from church were invited. We dined at the Olive Garden, then we went and played Putt Putt. There were 17 of us in all, and we had a blast. After we played our round of "golf", Melva Carey bought tokens for all of us to do the batting range. It was a hoot. Ask Sarah Fry how much fun it was. After we left there we had a Chinese fire drill on the way home, with only SOME passengers participating...ahem...Kim Waggoner. All in all it was a wonderful time, and I can't wait until we can do it again. I really needed the time out. Thanks, Beth Wilhelm, for organizing this event. Not everyone that went to dinner went to play putt putt, so the pictures below only show those that went to play golf too. Sorry Cathy, Bobby Jean and Birdie.

L-R: Sarah Fry, Catherine Highlander, Kim Waggoner, and Janice Cooper. I was on this team too, but I took the picture.

L-R: Julie Waggoner, Rachel Stafford, Jenny Gardner, Jody Johnson, Rose Fry, Melissa Huffer.

L-R: Lynette Cooper, Melva Carey, and Beth Wilhelm.

Jenny did more fishing than putting. There were water traps all throughout the course, and I think she fished her ball out of the water more than anyone else. It was hilarious. Here she is fishing again.

She finally decided that this was a better way to play. Just use the net that was used to fish the ball out of the water to get the ball in the hole. LOL!

Since there were several of us, we split up into three teams. These three ladies were the "winners" out of the three teams...they had the most points!!!!!!!! It sure was a lot of fun though.

And, last but certainly not least, one final picture. Sarah Fry in the batting cage. She was never so glad to get out of there. I'm not sure if she thought she was playing soccer, cause some of the time she was chasing the ball, then sometimes I think she thought she was playing dodge ball, because she was trying to get away from it. It certainly was a Kodak moment. I didn't get the funny parts, but I think Julie Waggoner has a video of it, I'm hoping she'll post on her blog.

Hey, everybody, thanks for stopping by, and hope you'll check in again soon, and be sure to let me know you were here.

You Know You're a Mother of Young Children When...

In the past several days several things have happened, constantly reminding me that I am a typical mother of younger children. So tonight (since I can't sleep), I've decided to list some of them for you.

I know I have children when:

• I am forever asking "Who took my comb?"


• I always have dirty dishes in my sink.


• I frequently have to re-fill my water bottle since it seems to have become the "community" cup.


• My kitchen utensils are found in the sandbox.


• I can't find my shoes because one of my children is wearing them.


• I have a perpetual "burp" stain on everything I wear.


• My "purse" is a big black bag with a little bear that says "Similac" on it.

Just to name a few. But last, and certainly not least (drum roll please...........)

• I find that my supply of feminine products is slowly dwindling because they are being used as "band-aids" for MOSQUITO bites (can you believe it?)

But you know what? I wouldn't trade a one of them for anything. Because I am rewarded to know that I'm a mother when:

• A batch of chocolate chip cookies disappear in less than 24 hours.


• I little five year old wraps his chubby arms around my neck and kisses me sweetly.


• I find a note laying on the bathroom sink telling me she loves me.


• I hear, "Mom, you're the best cook in the world".


• A child comes in carrying a fist full of wild flowers to give to me.


• He asks me one more time to tuck him into bed (I know these days will soon be past).


• She searches the room looking for me, and breaks into a beautiful smile when our eyes meet.


• They kiss me good-night and tell me they love me.

Wow!!!! I am sooooooooo blessed. Thank you, Lord, for the treasure you have given me in my four beautiful children. What a blessing from your hand they are in my life. Thanks for reminding me that my job as a mommy is worth every minute that I invest in them. I love you all, Jonathan, DaNae, Jeffrey and Makayla.

"Doctor, Doctor, Have Mercy On Me!"

Well, today Makayla had to go to the doctor to get some immunizations. She got one orally, and four shots, two in each leg. I had all of the children with me, so they all got to experience their little sister being pricked and poked, and it was pretty hard on them to stand by and watch. Of course she cried harder with every poke, so the drama intensified. That's the first thing that was on our agenda today. Anyway, pretty much the usual. Didn't want to plan anything too intense for the day because I wasn't sure how Makayla would fair after all of her shots. So far so good.

After we got home from the dr., we worked up another large batch of beans (the are bearing VERY good this year)! Now I am baking some zucchini bread, we have several zucchini that need to be used, so thought I'd make some good zucchini, chocolate chip bread. I've grilled the zucchini (yummy), and made a great casserole out of it (thank you, Sis. Cutler) and I'm sure I'll probably make more bread and probably some muffins. If anyone has any other good ideas of what I can do with it, or if anyone wants some, please let me know.

WOW!!! What a Week!!!

Has it really been a whole week since I've blogged? Oh my. Well, I guess I have a good excuse. Last time I wrote I was preparing for company. Paul's brother and his family were here for the week. They arrived around 10:30 Monday night. Tuesday morning we got up and went to Prophetstown State Park in Lafayette. They have a real neat "working" pioneer farm there. We had a picnic lunch, and then visited the farm. Below is a picture of some of the horses that they use to work the farm with. They were beautiful, and really gentle.

They had a couple of antique cars there, and this antique pick-up truck the kids were able to get in. As you can see, they had a great time. From L-R: Jeffrey (eyes and nose only :), my nephew Zach (again, eyes and nose only :), DaNae, and in the driver's seat...Jonathan. It was a lot of fun. I took more pics there, but I just didn't want to bore everyone with them. We came home, had dinner on the deck, and were up late setting off our fireworks display here at the house.

Wednesday morning we were up, had a big breakfast, played some badminton and games in the back yard, then we headed about 20 mins. away for a 4th of July parade. I couldn't resist taking the kids picture sitting on the curb waiting for the candy (by the way, they got tons of candy...just what they needed).

Jonathan took this picture of an antique car that was passing by. The parade lasted quite a while. Thankfully we had a great spot IN THE SHADE, and it was very enjoyable.

We made a quick trip home, loaded up our goodies and headed to Wilhelm's for a church picnic. I got to play three games of volleyball, and had a great time. It was real nice to feel like playing again (last year I was pregnant). The games were really competitive, and the whole evening was very enjoyable. After the picnic, we headed home again to re-group, then head to the city park for the annual fireworks display. They were really good, and we dragged our weary bodies home, and got the children landed to end another very busy day.

Paul was able to get Thursday off of work as well, so once again we headed north. We went to Fair Oaks Dairy Farm. I don't have any pics to post of that, but it was a great time, and enjoyed by all. We got back home around 6:30 or so. By around 7:30 I believe all of the children were in bed. It was so nice to just be able to sit and relax and visit for a while. Since Paul has to get up so early, he said his "good-byes" on Thursday night. Nothing like a brother.

Friday morning around 11:00 Tim, Erin, Zachary and Sammy left to head back to NY. We had a wonderful visit, and hope that they come back to visit us again soon.

Friday evening we got a babysitter for the children and around 5:30 Paul and I headed to Noblesville to witness Michelle Stetler and Daniel Hilty's wedding. It was very nice, and very "Michelle". Got to see and meet some fellow bloggers and catch up with old friends. It was nice to see many of you. She carried the "nautical" theme throughout the wedding and reception. Here is a picture of the front of the church.

Here is a picture of the cake. The frosting was a real pale blue, and with icing piped all over it to look like net. The border on the cake was sea shells made out of white chocolate. The top of the table was covered with light brown sugar to resemble sand, and in it was lots of white chocolate sea shells. It was very unique. Really neat to see.

She had a background set up in the corner and wanted to get all of the guests pictures taken there to give to the bride and groom. It was really neat.

The reception was a dessert reception, so mainly it was lots of really neat candy and chocolates, etc. Here is Jenny Gardner "enjoying" her chocolate covered pretzel. I told her to look for this picture on my next blog so she shouldn't be surprised by this.

A picture of the happily married couple. Soon to embark on their Caribbean Cruise.

The rest of the weekend was busy too. Saturday we did sleep in though. Had company Saturday evening, and Sunday was the usual. Anyway, today the children helped me this morning work up two buckets of beans to can. They are such a big help, and they sure help make the work load lighter.

And by the end of this day this is exactly how I feel...just like Makayla did yesterday at the Sunday lunch table. We've been trying to hold off putting her down right after lunch, hoping that she'll sleep a little longer so that we can all get naps. Well, as you can see, we just couldn't hold her off any longer. She was tuckered out after such a busy week, and basically no nap yesterday morning. The week ahead looks to be busy as well, but hopefully I'll get to blog a little more often. Hope to hear from all of you out there. Thanks for stopping by.

Baking, Canning, Playing, Enjoying!!!!

Today, temperature-wise, had to be the absolute PERFECT day. It was gorgeous! It was a very productive day for me, and I am thankful. I had many helpers, but first thing this morning, myself and the three oldest children worked up some green beans out of the garden, to get them ready to can.

Then I decided I'd better make some cookies since it literally has been weeks since I have baked any. I had help with making those as well.

I did laundry and cleaning. Paul's brother and his wife and family arrived tonight to spend the holiday with us. We have lived in Indiana for six years and they have never been to visit. We have been so excited to have them come, and the children could hardly wait for them to arrive. We have worked all day preparing for their arrival. We did however find a little time out for play. (The children had sat Makayla on the floor with her basket of toys with her back to me, he just looked so cute, I couldn't resist taking her picture.)

I was able to squeeze my bike ride in this evening, and just enjoyed the sunset so much. The Lord reminded me of His greatness, and just how awesome He is. I am so thankful for all of the many blessings in my life. I truly am a blessed woman, and He is so good to me. (DaNae took the picture below. I think she did a great job. Maybe I have a little photographer on my hands.)