May. 9, 2008 - Allergies and More Spring Surprises

I have had more Spring surprises this week.  I am really glad we moved in this house the middle of Summer, because it is really making this Spring fun.  Our tulips are dead and gone.  They sure don't last long enough.  Our tree on our driveway, started little pink flowers.  Then about 2 weeks later it bloomed.

Here is a close up.  Anybody know what it's called?  I don't, so this isn't a contest or anything, I am just curious.
   But there is a price to pay for all the beauty that surrounds us.   ALLERGIES.  I am not talking about the ones I have had most of my life during Spring and Fall that are just annoying.  I am talking about allergies that knock you out! They make your eyes water, nose stuffy,sneeze excessively, itchy throats and sleepiness etc... times 10.  Living out here in the country has made this by far my worse allergy season.  But at least while my eyes are watering I get to see pretty trees, flowers, birds, and fields preparing for planting.  
 
Here they are planting our cucumber plants and zucchini.

I can't wait to see what will be blooming and changing next.  I went and bought some of the vegetable plants for my garden today.  I did plant some myself in cups, but not all of them.   Now I need it to warm up so I can get them in the ground 
:>Michelle

May. 7, 2008 - 7 Word Memoir

1. Write the title to your own memoir using 6 words, or like me make it 7;p
   
2. Post it on your blog.
3. Link to the person that tagged you.
4. Tag five more blogs.

Apr. 30, 2008 - Tulips & Yard Work

Today was suppose to be cold and rainy and yipppeee the weather people were wrong again.  It was sunny and around 65.  When we got home from Bailey's piano lesson we went outside to work.   I am still trying to clear that area for our garden.  I have tons of plants popping up and I am not sure what is weeds and what is potential flowers for some of them.  Remember when I was putting hostas up in the front of the house before.   Well when they actually grew I realized they weren't hostas.  Now I am not sure what they are.  I am thinking day lilies or daisies???  There are a few hostas there I didn't  plant, but I am leaving them.  I saw the gardening for dummies book at a garage sale, I think I should have bought it
Here is how they look now.

We had a nice surprise of beautiful tulips in the front of our house.  The previous owners told us they would be here in the Spring.  I didn't know they would be so pretty.  I wish they stayed all Summer.

Here is a little closer.
and closer.
I also worked on the front corner of our house.  It was full of dead leaves and weeds.  I wish I had taken a before picture.   Jeff is getting some new boards to frame it out, but I filled it in with plants.  The boys helped a lot.  Here is what we have so far.

Then we also took a Lilac bush from the garden area and planted it on the side of the yard with some other bushes.   Collin and I used the wagon to bring it to the spot.  Cameron was helping with digging too.
Collin bringing it to where it goes.
I am hoping it will be ok.  It looked pretty bad after we moved it.  We gave it some water, so maybe by morning it will be lively again. 
I wonder how big it will get, and how big Carter will get too.
We may have to retake this picture each year
 I am so happy it's Spring!!!!
:>Michelle

Apr. 29, 2008 - Birthdays and Boys

Today was Jeff's birthday and so the kids were very excited all day. He is almost 9 years older than me, so I always feel so young on his birthday. I am currently the same age he was when we met. It's kind of weird, because I thought he was so much older.  But now that I am here, it's still young.lol...I think.  It's all so relative.  Ask a kid and I am old, ask a Grandma and I am a kid. Interesting, don't you think.
   Cameron and I went out last night and picked up a few things for him. Jeff and I have decided our new home,computer, and some furniture can be our gifts for at least a year maybe more, so we only get small things. Cameron had fun choosing his favorite candy and snacks to give him. They wanted to wrap the gifts.  Because I am cheap, I mean wise with our finances, I had to get creative.  I couldn't find any birthday wrapping paper around the house, just bags, so we used Christmas paper backwards. I gave the kids stickers and they had so much fun.  They thought it was a great idea  So my tip for the day is if you need to wrap a gift use paper bags or Christmas paper backwards and have the kids decorate with markers or stickers. LOL 
Here are some pictures of their fine work.

Kiley didn't really appreciate Collin diving in front of her.
She asked me to take another one.

These next couple are the boys in their Easter outfits. Bailey kept telling them they looked like little business men.  They thought that was cool.

Carter saw us taking pictures and wanted in on the action.

And then they decided to be silly.


:>Michelle

Apr. 29, 2008 - A Contest

Apr. 28, 2008 - Still Here

I have been so busy all last week.  I was planning a garage sale for the weekend.  I say planning, because the weather went from sunny and warm to windy and cold by the end of the week.  And then rain off and on.  I now have a bunch of stuff in my front room and on my porch.  The weather has not been getting any better, so I am not sure when the sale is going to happen.  Not to mention the subdivision sales are starting up and I have been waiting all the long winter to go.  And sorry, but shopping comes before selling  Although I do use the money I make at my garage sale to spend at other garage sales.
  We went to a rummage sale last week and the kids came with.  We end up with stuff that eventually makes it's way back into my garage sale, but hey we are recycling the fun right??  Cameron LOVES stuffed animals.  They are always checking the tags to see what it's name is.  And when there isn't one they make it up.   He bought this 15 inch frog with a crown, holding a heart that says "kiss me".  He usually names everything Cameron.  He really loves his name:)  But not this one.
  While we were driving back and he is talking about the frog and thanking me, he announces he has a name.  I asked him what it's name was and with all the pride and love for the frog he could express, he said "God".  I held back my laughter and told him he could not name the frog God.  He asked why and said he loved it.  I told him it's just not right to call a stuffed frog God.  He shrugged his shoulders and said, "fine I will just call him Lord then."   What's a Mom to say to that???
I love that guy.
:>Michelle

Apr. 22, 2008 - Our Trip to Grandpa and Grammy's House

The kids and I packed up and headed out to my Dad and Stepmom's house yesterday.  They live a little over an hour away.  The kids were very excited and know that going out there will be tons of fun.  Their horse just had a baby and so we were able to see the 1 month old foal.  They won't be keeping it, so I am glad we were able to see it. 
  My Dad and Stepmom taught the kids all kinds of things about caring for horses and what to do and not to do.  They even were able to ride one of the horses this time.  They also went for rides in the cart behind the riding lawn mower and more.....

Cameron had to wait until the baby was done nursing. I don't think he minded sitting up there a little longer


They were also able to feed the horses.  By the time Carter got from the barn to the horses I think he was holding about 2 pieces of straw. LOL It was windy and his tiny hands couldn't hold it.  He was just so proud to be doing what the "big" kids were doing.

They also helped to bring them water. 
Kiley was helping Grandpa carry his bucket

The boys helped clean out the stalls too. 
They didn't even mind that they were shoveling stinky stuff:)
The boys just love all that man stuff.

And finally I took some pictures of the kids walking down their driveway.


I am so thankful that the kids were able to be with their grandparents.  I am sure they will never forget it.  I brought home 5 filthy, but smiling kids that day.
:>Michelle

Apr. 21, 2008 - Boys

Apr. 19, 2008 - Dog Sitting

Apr. 17, 2008 - Windy Days & Birds

On Wednesday it was a beautiful windy day!  Kiley and Carter got kites for their birthday.  When Jeff got home from work we helped the kids fly them.  After the first one got stuck in the trees one to many times we moved on to the other.  We used the first ones string and were able to get our Diego kite a 100 ft in the air.  The kids enjoyed watching it and laughing when it would almost crash.  And also were able to hold the string as it soared through the air. 
Cameron helping his Dad.

Collin enjoyed watching and running around seeing where it crashed.
up up and away!!
Kiley was serious about her job to hold the string

We all smiled so much that day


The boys got a bird feeder for Christmas from our Aunt and Uncle. Jeff also helped the boys put it together and we hung it in our tree yesterday.  We love birds and the boys almost daily read their bird books.   We haven't seen any birds eating from it yet.  We were gone most of the day and then when we were home we were outside.  I am sure we will see them tomorrow. 
My little birds
:>Michelle

Apr. 15, 2008 - More Birthday Fun!

Today was interesting.  My first mistake was planning on getting a lot done.  My day started at 6:14 am when Carter woke me.  I was playing Dora Uno with Bailey by 6:30 and then all were up by 7am.  Then it just got rough from there.  I was so tired from a busy weekend and then Kiley's birthday Monday, I wasn't ready.  No verse on the blackboard, no spelling words, and then one catastrophe after another.  Luckily is was a small micro-burst and the rest of the day went fine.  Here are some pictures of Kiley on her birthday.

Here she is holding up 2 cucumbers.  She LOVES cucumbers and so the kids and I wrapped them as a joke.  But I think it may have been her favorite gift-LOL 
She is putting those chubby cheeks to work ;p
Carter wanted us to sing to him too. I think he remembered that Saturday we sang to him.  He was trying to sing along-so cute.
He kept putting the candles back in.  In between bites and then would say, "again, again" and start singing-well sort of he doesn't talk too much.  We were laughing.  Here he is blowing the unlit candles out.  Monkey See Monkey Do :)
:>Michelle

Apr. 14, 2008 - Happy Birthday Kiley!

Well my Kiley turned 4 today.  She is so excited.  She gets to go to the big kid class at Bible study, VBS this Summer, and just being 4 is somehow cooler than 3.  We had our family party on Saturday for Kiley and for Carter (his b-day was last month).  Here are some pictures:
My mom bought Kiley a pink scooter.  It was a big hit!
In case you were wondering Carter ran into the piano the day before
My brother's wife made this nightgown and a doll one to match.  She has worn it every night since.
My brother's son.  He is 3 months older than Carter.
Cam and Collin decided to put balloons in their shirts and crash into each other.  Goofy boys
And then today on Kiley's actual Birthday I took the 5 kids to Chucky Cheese. Just me and them.  My Mom thought it was a bad idea, but I wanted to do something special.  It went very good.    We had lunch early and then went their.  I didn't want to buy lunch their too.  For that kind of money I am not eating that pizza.    When I got to the parking lot I realized a few things.  I had NO diaper bag, diapers, wipes, binky, blankie, or camera.  uuummmm hello have I ever left the house before.  I couldn't believe it.   How did I not remember any of that???????????  And no Anna I am not pregnant   Walmart is in the same parking lot.  So we took a quick detour to get diapers and wipes.  The rest we could survive with out.   And I was almost out of both anyways.  So I have no pictures to share.
This is getting long so I will share this evenings pictures tomorrow.
Things I love about Kiley: She is outgoing, FUNNY, sweet, loves her brothers and sister, loves to play with her dolls, is very cuddly, and loves her Daddy.
:>Michelle

Apr. 8, 2008 - Planting and the Park

I am hoping it will rain in order to water all the seeds, hostas, and tree we planted.  It looks like it could rain anytime.  It is very gloomy and is much cooler than the weekend.  I took some pictures of some of what we did last weekend.  It will look way better when I take a picture when all is green and colorful. 
Here is the front of the house.  In those boxes in the front under the fence was weeds and dirt when we moved in.  The kids and I cleaned them out and planted the hostas that were in my garden area. 
the date is wrong sorry.
This is the place we will be planting our garden.  It had bushes, weeds, flower remains, mulch and hostas.  I still need to take the lilac bush out and find a place for it.  And finish clearing and getting the dirt turned over. And then finally planting.  We will be planting, tomato plants, green beans, green peppers, cucumbers, a few corn stalks, sunflower, and I am not sure what else yet.
Since those pictures are so boring Here are some cute ones of the kids at the park.


:>Michelle

Apr. 6, 2008 - The Latest News & Possible Prizes

I am so happy to say my camera is back!! I called Thursday on the way to Bible Study.  They said it was ready and could be picked up. I am glad I thought to call them.  So of course I will soon have pictures to show.
  We have been working around the house outside.  This is our first Spring here and there sure is a lot to do.  I am clearing a large area for a garden.  They had bushes, flowers, hostas and such there.  I am transplanting some of it.  The kids and I also planted seeds in these large barrel type planters that are by our driveway. 
      I love doing all that outside stuff.  I do wish I was stronger and could do more quicker.  I am not wimpy, but I just don't have the height or the strength all the time.   Some of the things Jeff has to do.  He sawed down 2 sticker bushes (we have about 12 around the house)  and a rose of sharon (we have 3 of those)  The rose of sharon's are pretty, but attract bees and lots of them.  They were also right on the driveway and last Summer we were being attacked trying to get in our cars. 
     While we were working it was so hard keeping track of Carter.  He wants to go with the bigger ones, but then they don't remember to watch him and he's too young to know better.  He never ran off intentionally, but was so hard to keep track of.  The good part was that Jeff was out there with me and saw the necessity of a fence.  We went back outside  today and were trying to figure out where and how to put it up.  The bonus money we get for the government is getting us a fence.  Yeah for great timing on that.   Also our neighbor is giving us a big wooden play set for the kids.  It has a rock wall, tunnel slide, wave slide and room for at least 3 swings.  I haven't seen it close up, so I am not sure what else.  It needs to be stained, but looks good.   They are moving soon and said we could have it. 
  *****And lastly I need some clever help.  My title of "My 5 Little Ducks"  is because when I am out with the kids people comment about my kids.  They follow behind me like little ducks.  I am thinking of changing my title back to that, but I need some kind of tag line too.  Or I need one for Seeking Jesus & Teaching Kids. Does anyone have any ideas??? OR can tell me what they think of. I would greatly appreciate any help.  If I offer a prize would that entice any of my readers?  I am sure I have a book, cd  or something I could send???
:>Michelle
 

Apr. 2, 2008 - I have a NEW blog!

Apr. 1, 2008 - April Fool's Day

Last year I never told the kids it was April Fool's Day.  I didn't feel

like having a day of endless not funny jokes.  "Look there is an

elephant"hahhahaha "Your shoes untied" hhahahhaaa "I just spilled an

entire gallon of milk" more fake grand laughter.  Well months later

they heard about "April Fool's Day"  and so they asked when it was

going to be.  I told them it was past.  They couldn't believe their very

 own sweet mother had let the day pass.  I was thankful.  So for the

past 10 months all I have heard is how they are going to remember

and celebrate it this year.  Can you see the big smile on my face as I

wait for now 4 little ones to "trick" me.  I feel like I am the Fool's

Day scrooge-lol   This morning I was told I only had one slipper on,

Dad was home, and a few others I can't remember.  And then it

passed and haven't heard much about it since....aaahhhh.  I guess it

wasn't as fun as they thought it would be. 

:>Michelle

Mar. 31, 2008 - Jesus is my Life

Mar. 28, 2008 - Thinking

    Bailey went to her friend's house yesterday after Bible study.  The boys went to their cousins.  I only had the 2 little ones.  It was so different.  When I don't have all the kids with me I think how different life would be.  Jeff came home and said the same thing.  We talked about how weird it would be to be just starting out with 2 toddlers. Of course we never just had 2 toddlers.  We went from one 13 month old to 3 babies when the twins were born. It seems like so long ago I had 3 in diapers, 3 in cribs, 3 needing me for EVERYTHING.  Thank goodness Bailey was a very mature 13 month old-LOL 
   Then there are times when we take just the 3 older ones and what a different season that would be.  To be done with all things baby.  Either way when any of the kids are gone our home seems incomplete.
  Since it snowed last night  Here is a picture to remind me that the winter weather will end.

:>Michelle
  
  

Mar. 25, 2008 - Winter Protest & Great Winds

   I think my kids have had it with winter.  They are in protest.  They are all wearing shorts and t-shirts.  I however am wearing a sweater over a shirt, slippers, socks, and jeans. I am freezing and they are fine  They are seriously making me cold looking at them.   It is suppose to be about 50 degrees today and then back to 40 tomorrow.  UGHHH   When O' when will this cold end.  Ok, I am done complaining now
   I talked to the camera shop.  My camera will be ready in 2 weeks and will cost $130  I hope the next 2 weeks go by quickly.  At least it will be ready for Kiley and Carter's Birthday party.
  I am off to clean my kitchen.  It still has not recovered from Sunday.  My goal is to clean it as if we were having company.  But I am not sure it will happen.  I have a BAD headache and Carter well.....is being 2. 
  As I type my husband just called to tell me he found $100 dollars on the ground.  We are having 25-30 mph winds here and so maybe it flew out of someone's hand??  I am really sorry for the person who lost it.  But thank you Jesus for providing the money to fix my camera.
 I better get that kitchen clean.
:>Michelle

Mar. 24, 2008 - Easter

Happy belated Easter!  We had 22 people over for dinner, kids included.   The kids were given goody bags by Aunts, Uncles, and friends.  My Mom and her friend scattered 170 plastic filled eggs all over our yard.  My Mom wrote the kids names on the eggs, so they could only pick up there own eggs.  I do have some pictures of them, since others brought their cameras.  I am going to have to redress my kids in their clothes after I get my camera back.  The boys were all in shirts and ties and the girls had pretty dresses on.  They were so cute.  Cameron also wore a sports jacket I picked up at the thrift store for a $1.50.  He looked like a little businessman.  I am going to have to get Collin and Carter one too. 
  Here are some of the pictures:

The Hunt
 Carter was so excited running around.  He was also taking other kids
eggs too. It was cute.
Bailey
Kiley
Cam
Cold egg hunters.
Thanks again Mom!
I can't wait to hear about all of your Easter Celebrations!
:>Michelle