****I will be posting an new entry on Sat. My blogging schedule has changed.****

    WOWSERS!! We had ANOTHER great time with the Suarez's!! This monthly trip plan is really GREAT!! LOL!!

There are a bunch of pics, so wait for it to load all the way. And click on the pics for bigger ones.

    We did alot more actual things instead of standing around just talking. Although we did just talk.

They got here around 8pm. Auntie grabbed Lucy as soon as they got in the house. Then Mr. S, Paulie, and Julia all gathered around and wondered at how big she was.

            Paulie, Luke, Levi, Eric, Isaac and Caleb all played ball outside. Then we came in and made some snacks, and did pretty much nothing but talk. Then we ate some really good chicken pot pie sort of thing that Mom made. I cleaned up the kitchen while Paulie stood there and kept me company. Joc was waiting for Eric to call so we could have a business meeting. So while Paulie and I were in the kitchen, Eric called and was on speaker phone.

    I was making cookies while we were all standing there. For some STRANGE reason, Paulie  likes white chocolate.... eeww!! So I made a special batch of those, and then Levi wanted just chocolate with no nuts, so I made another special batch. Then I just made chocolate chip and walnut cookies for everyone else. That was started about 12am. So it took about an hour and half to make all the cookies, all the while trying to talk to Eric on speaker phone. Then when I was almost done with the cookies, I finally got an actual phone to talk on... but by that time we were almost done, and it was like 2:30am. So Eric said bye to everyone, and then Mom, Paulie, Joc and I all talked about Geocentric vs. Heliocentric, and other things like that. We then saw the clock and it said 3am. So we decided it was time for bed.

            We used up the rest of Mom's cell battery and Dad's battery, and then Paulie lost his signal. SO we had to get offline and use the home phone to call Eric back. It was really funny. We ran out of phones after that.

            I got up yesterday, and made some pancake batter.  I had Rachel cook the pancakes, cause they didn’t want deep fried pancakes. LOL!! I put butter in the pan so they wouldn’t stick, and apparently I put too much, so Rach took over. I then made eggs and turkey bacon. While Paulie and Levi watched... I did ask them if they wanted to cook, but they declined cause they thought I was kidding...

            So we ate on the porch, and then Hannah and Julia wanted to go berry picking. SO we took a journey through the cornfield. It was really high too. Like taller than Paulie high. It was like Eric high or something. It was really tall and it kept smacking us in the face to we put our arms in front of us. We felt like Frodo and Sam as they are leaving the Shire to set out for Rivendell. LOL!!

            So it took about 3min to get to the berries, and we hit the clearing. While Julia and Hannah were picking, Paulie started serenading us with some real grass music. He actually took a piece of grass and made it sing or whistle or something. It was really funny!! Then he started playing it with just his hands... so we laughed really hard for like 10min. Then we went to find the girls... we thought we lost them. We found them and then Paulie used corn leaves to make music. So he is blowing like crazy. I don’t know how many times he said he was dizzy, but he didn’t stop. We thought he was gonna pass out. Then Levi, Rachel, and Eric came, and Paulie had to teach Eric how to play the grass instrument. Eric then said they should play the Narnia tune... So Paulie got his orchestra of Julia, Eric and Levi to try to play this diddy. LOL!! It was hysterical. Paulie was turning blue. JK!! Then our 20min berry picking trip had to come an end and it was time to head home. We took the road and not the cornfield this time.

            Ok I am now going to talk about Paulie's Authentic Poor Boy Hat from Ireland. Jocelyn really likes Europe, so she really, really likes Paulie's hat since he got it when he went to Europe last year. It came straight from an Irish shop in Ireland. She tried to hide it, she wore it, she wouldn't let it go. It was like attached to her head. She had been wearing it since last nite, so when we went to the cornfield I took it to wear it. After that is was like, everyone tried to get it away from me to give to her. I had to protect myself. I about lost my head over it too... It was crazy. Paulie said he was just going to buy a bulk order straight from Ireland. LOL!! Anyway, it was really funny.

            We came home and were out in the yard and then Joc went in and got the worship music to sing. It was really neat. We had our own little concert. We kinda talked for awhile when we were done, and then Eric wanted to throw Paulie’s knife.

            Now this is an interesting story. I went over to watch and Paulie wanted me to try. I was like, “I want to keep my dignity, thanks.” Cause I knew there was no way I could throw a knife and hit a target. But he was very persuasive, so I decided ok, I would give it a try, even if I looked really stupid doing it. I am really glad I did. It is so cool.

My tutorial from the Instructor. Here is how you throw a knife: (if I missed any steps, tell me Paulie) -You have to put your left foot in front (sounds like the hokey pokey), then hold the tip of the knife, and when you step forward you have throw your body into it, and release the knife.- Easy, right?? Uhh... right...

That was his example... Really good one too. Can I do it?? What do  you think??

“Are you sure you want me to do this??” (asks self) “are you sure you want to do this??”

My first throw was a total (cough) miss (cough), I mean hit!! Sorry no pic of my missing... darn, I know.

Then the Instructor had to show us how to do it, so we could actually hit it.

WOW!! That was like really deep. He definitely is the knife throwing master!!

This was EVEN deeper. Holy Horse!!

My next throw was ALOT better. I actually hit the tree. I was amazed.

I am so getting good at this.

Paulie thought this was funny...

Joc and I kept using his hat for photo props. So he got a pic of me putting it on... crazy guy.

Ok... I am ready to try this again...

Setting myself...

Throwing....

And... this is where it stuck in the tree...

WHOA... is that crazy or what?? I can now throw a knife and actually hit it. LOL!!

Now... taking a break from knife throwing lessons... we put the goats out in the pen to eat all the weeds, yum yum.

Here I am trying to get the doelings away from the maple tree... with a frisbee. Yep, that is my tool to get them away. Spiffy, huh??

We are almost to the pen...

We are getting ready to move the pen... as soon as Luke gives Heidi to someone else.

Oh... Look at us go...

Paulie and I getting the doelings from escaping into the cornfield... that would have been bad.

Go on little goat

Ok... so now back to our knife throwing lesson... It was really fun!! We all wanted to go do it more.

Here I am gonna take another whack at it, er, throw at it, I mean.

Yep, I am getting good at this.

 So that concludes the lesson. I really had a really fun time. I am so glad I tried it and even though I looked like a moron in the beginning... I finally was able to hit the tree enough that it didn’t count anyway.

Here is some videos Paulie took... I had NO idea he did... They are pretty funny though!!

Yeah, well I have just found out that I pulled something in my left calf in my leg, cause I am like REALLY sore. I definitely pulled a muscle. But it was really worth the sore leg, to be able to say that I can actually throw a knife and hit a target. Oh yeah, I am so proud!! LOL!!

After that, we went in and I showed Paulie some of my drawings. Of which I am also going to show you. Mom posted a really horrible one last week, and hopefully has posted more that it isn’t on the front of her blog. So in order to redeem my drawing skills here is a pic of my favorite picture to draw.

This is my original work. I actually made this picture myself. I use it for all my drawings that I give out. Its about the only thing I can draw. LOL!! Cause I have drawn it so many times.

I actually gave a copy to Auntie, and she asked me if she could just use it in an art gallery at HomeschoolHeadquarters. "Uhh... sure, I guess. I don't think its worth being put in an art gallery, but hey." That is really cool.

Then Paulie was inspired and decided to draw some pics of Tux. They sorta looked like Tux, but weren’t as animated as Tux is.

Then we UPLOADED, that is right, right Paulie?? Uploaded the pics from his camera to our computer instead of having to resize and email them... that would take forever!!

So that is why I am able to post these pics. Thanks, Paulie!!

We then talked a little more and prayed and they left.

We came in and noticed that Luke had left his beloved, signed, very important chess game here. Luckily they were only down the road and we met them at the gas station and gave it to them.

Then we come home, and found out that Luke also left his suitcase here. YIKES!! So they came back to pick it up. LOL!! They also bought Lucy the cutest dresses and bibs!! And also a jumpy seat. Of which we don't have. So THANK YOU!!

But I am so happy that they were able to come, and we had a truly wonderful time!!

Also I have even more exciting news... Mr. S and Paulie are coming back in two weeks to help us with our addition!! That is just a godsend. Hopefully we can get alot done and maybe move in there soon!! Since its been 5years since we started it. WHOA!! And we sure hope that Eric and his dad can come too.

So I had a wonderful weekend. I am thankful that we now have friends!! They are really a great family!!

As Always...

Thanks for stopping by "Daily" at the "Planet"!!   
©AmandaDixon

Commented by quietcajun

What a great bunch of pictures!
You are a very good artist!
I should post some of Kaitlyn's artwork sometime.

Commented by Stephanie10

Wow, girl, you DID have an incredible time! Thanks for blogging about it so we could all share a little in your fun.

Commented by BlogBoy

WHAT? It was like Eric high! What is that supposed to mean? JK so it was 6.3 high eh? =D

Wow, you can stick that knife, nice job! I need Paul to come to my house to let me use his knife.

I comment later, I've got to go to bed.

Eric

Commented by homeschoolhighlites

That knife throwing video is very impressive! Wish I could do that! Hey, you never know when that skill might come in handy. :-) Sounds like you are blessed with some great friends.

Commented by frogiggie89

You look pretty angry at your kitchenaid in that first picture. hehehe.

-Coie

Commented by Ebell1993

I LOVE those pictures!!!! The movie was so great!! You throw a knife really well. You also are a very good artist and a god cook (from the picture).
Thank you for the comment on my blog!! I hope that you are having a wonderful summer!!!
Love, Elizabeth

Commented by mandygrace

It looks like you had an awesome time! Those pics are great. Nice job on the knife-throwing too. Wow. That's very impressive. :-) Have a good 4th of July!

~Mandy

Commented by Free2bme

Wow, it looks like you had a fantabulous time! I've thrown a knife a few times, I always thought it was fun! And I was in totaly agreement with you on the white chocolate issue,*gags* very gross.lol
So what's the latest with SSA?

Debs

Commented by CamtheMan

Wow, it sounds like you had a fun time! Cool pics. Yeah, knife throwing can be hard, but it is cool. :) Thanks for stopping by, I will be posting about our ---Last Minute--- trip to CA on my next post. The drive up didn't turn out to well, because our tire blew out...I will tell everything that happened. But overall, it actually turned out pretty well, despite the consequences.

Thanks again,
-Cameron

Commented by Rose

Hello Amanda,
Thank you for the comment.
It sounds like you guys had a lot of fun. White chocolate is very good!
Love to hear from you,
Rose

Commented by pianolove

It sounds like you really had fun!

Throwing a knife sounds like fun, once you learn. I don't think I would be talked into it TRYING it easily though. LOL! You did pretty well though.

Gunnar is four months old. He is very active and Mom thinks he will probably crawl and walk early. He has started using his hands a little and he coos some.

Heather

Commented by totustuus

Great job with the knife throwing!! That made me want to go outside and practice. ;-)

Commented by BrielleCostumes

Hello Amanda,
Wow! Sounds you like you had a great time. The knife throwing sounded like fun...that's the sort of stuff we do around our house...(I'm the only girl :)
The picture of you making cookies was cute...I'm sure they were very good. I just made a whole bunch of cookies for our 4th of July picnic....so hopefully everyone enjoys them.
It was fun to see all the pictures that you posted.

Happy Independence day!
Sincerely,
Amanda Brielle

Commented by SuperAngel

Oh yeah right, Coie, I was soo mad. NOT. I was just concentrating.
How could I be mad when your Auntie and cousins were here!!
Of course, you know how little brothers sometimes... Eric was trying to get pics of me all day. LOL!!
Hey you should come up sometime too.
!!SuperAngel!! !!Amanda!!

Commented by JoeM

Hey thanks for commenting on my blog.

Yeah, Paulie's a nut for leaving his phone on speaker phone even when I can't hear him!

I think Paulie is trying to look like Sampson or something... I mean him growing his hair out and all. LOL! I'll have to give him a hard time about that funny lookin' hat he has there!

Commented by Heart n Soul

I love all those pics! Looks like you had a fun time.

Denise T

Commented by CamtheMan

Thanks for stopping by again. I got the new post up.
I have throw knives a few times before, but not a lot. I think it would be fun to throw a tomahawk.
I just saw the video...WoW that was a good throw!

-Cameron

Commented by Sparkles

Wow, looks like you had a lot of fun! I love the pics, you are so cute, especially in the hat! ; ) And, hey, you're pretty good at knife throwing! It would be dangerous if I tried that...I have really bad aim!

Hope you have a great 4th of July!

Sparkles ; )

Commented by DarthYxpu

Wow, I'm sorry it took me so long to get on over here and comment!

Those are some good pics! It was SO fun staying at your house! Both you and Jocelyn are very good at throwing knifes. I will be sure to bring all three of my knifes up next time.

I was wanting to write a long comment but I'm just so tired. I think I'll go to bed now. I'll post my entry some time tomorrow.

TTYL!

Commented by LizBeth

Hey, Awesome pics!! Lucy is getting soo big! Sounds like you had a great time while the Suarez's where there.

As for the knife throwing thing, well let's just say if I attempted that, there would be several injuries, probably to many innocent bystanders. LOL!

Hope things are going well!

Liz

Commented by quietcajun

I just got a shipping email for the yarn I ordered and it was on back order, but has now been shipped. It is expected to be delivered to my home June 11th. When it arrives you are NEXT up on my afghan list!!! :)

Commented by JoeM

Lol I dunno... it doesn't really say how long Samson's hair was. But to be honest I think it would be quite long since he never cut it before.

The hat? That's an old mans hat! I dunno... it just looks good on old Irish men smoking a corncob pipe. Paulie isn't that old. I'd age myself if I said he was old!

Commented by JoeM

I could not make a superman logo since it is trademarked. I might be able to put some other letter or word other then "S" in the diamond.

Commented by quietcajun

July 11th,June 11th... whichever one!
NO... I know, I... um... have a time machine. Yeah. Okay, I don't. I just typed the wrong date, but how boring it is to admit that! LOL!

Commented by Blessedmommy

Thank you for leaving such a kind comment on my blog. I too, hope our families can meet someday. I'm so glad you and Jenna have become friends. I hope to have some time soon to give your mom a call and discuss the HOW wisdom study. I think it would be great to somehow link up for that study.

It sounds like you had a wonderful weekend! You have me curious now....how BIG is little Lucy??? I ask because our little foster son (who is the same age as Lucy) is HUGE!!!

Time to run! Have a blessed day!

Commented by LifeSong

Hey Amanda,
Those are great pictures! Sounds like you had a lot of fun. I don't know if I would want to attempt knife throwing. I would probably get someone hurt with as bad as my aim is! LOL!

BTW, Nice piece of artwork.

Delaine :-)

Commented by Free2bme

Oh, yes, I did get your email. I forgot to let you know! So SSA starts today? I think I need to get the code for the banner to put on my site.
Deb

Commented by Earthling

Ha, you guys look like you had so much fun! That's it, I'm taking the next flight out there, lol.

Commented by SAMIAM

I'm with you.. whit chocolate is yuk!
Glad y'all had fun!

SAmi

Commented by BrielleCostumes

Hello Amanda,
Thank you for your comment....
Yes, we are pretty used to knifes around here. My brother carries at least two at all times. I have a couple also...so yes knifes are fun. Actually we enjoy most weapons...swords, knifes, bows and arows..guns....ect. :)

Thank you for the invite to join the SSA ,but right now I don't think that will work for me. I hope you get lots of girls...I'm sure you'll have a great time.

Have a wonderful day!
Sincerely,
Brielle

Commented by AussieinAmerica

What a fun time you all had! And full of excitment too! Who gets to throw knives these days? Wow!
Thanks for visiting my blog.
Hope you are having a great day.
Stacy

Commented by BlogBoy

well I did post now, I'm just slowing way down. Self inflicted slow down by the way! I still need to take a picture, but our corn is about 2 feet over my head!

Yeah right, I don't need a taller tree! Maybe when I come down I'll have you move the ceilings of your house up a few feet also! lol!

That was just funny becouse Paulie was like, "you got it, no you missed!"

I'm going to post pictures of the garden, then I have a two more spiritual posts to do!

Question, do you think people are getting tired of my spiritual posts?

Eric

Commented by ChesapeakeGirl

Thank you so much for the birthday comment. It sounds and looks like you had a lot of fun. My brother and I throw knives. I never thought it would be that much fun, but then my brother got me hooked.When I first started, my brother said I was the worst knife thrower in the world. I hope you have a wonderful day. Ciao, Sara