Cookie Colorin'

Hmmm .... why does Chloe have TWO bottles here???

Our church on occasion has left overs from the local stores that are no longer wanted to sell. It just so happened that after Christmas were these cookie decorating kits. I grabbed a couple of boxes. The kids enjoyed an afternoon of coloring these cookies. The cookies already had a print of the characters off of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer claymation on them. They used these food coloring markers to color them in. I saved those markers - I thought they were really neat. The kids had so much fun decorating the cookies. As far as taste is concerned: well - even the kids thought they were a bit too sweet and not so good tasting. Needless to say we still have them in little baggies in the pantry. They will probably turn into bird feedin' food. Oh well . . . it was a good time had by all.

The Browning Girls

Phillip snapped a picture of the girls and I after I had gotten them dressed in matching outfits that Amanda H. had made for them. These dresses are adorable and probably my favorite outfit thus far that she has made. I look forward to seeing more creations from my sweet friend. I just love what she can do with a sewing machine and serger. I also look forward to her "maybe" visit this spring so she and I can be creative together. I miss you Amanda and am sending hugs from cross country! Thanks for helping my little girls look so cute!

Yes . . . I am still alive . . .

Just haven't much to report . . .
I know, a little strange with having 5 kiddos and one on the way. I NEEEEEED to transfer my pics from my memory card to the computer . . .just haven't.
Some News:
Boys are taking swim lessons and doing GREAT! They took a bit of a break for a couple of months and are now back into them. They are doing well. I think it is important for kiddos to learn to swim. I love watching them splash around like little fish. Ethan always has a big smile on his face while in the pool. He just can't quit smiling!
The boys are also feverishly working away at practicing their pieces for piano: state adjudications. They are doing a fantastic job and I am very proud of them.
Ellie is excelling at ... being girly! She always is wanting to help me cook.
Chloe has been a little under the weather - yet has been a trooper and I just sit back and smile at her antics.
Me??? Well, I am very tired with this pregnancy and plan on asking the Dr. many questions at my next appt. this Friday. I can't seem to get through a day without much yawning.
Other than that . . . we are all well and continually busy with life. I hope your family is doing well this week also...

Misc. Pictures

I really need to transfer pics from my memory card to the computer - just haven't lately. . . anyhow I have been trying to sporadically go through my pictures stored and delete/edit/organize better. I also want to be reminded of the ones I want to print. My computer is acting a little finicky lately so it doesn't let me do certain things - aarrggh. Here are a couple of pics that I just think are fun. I especially love the one of the boys. I also like the one where Ellie is leaning in to kiss Chloe and you can only see apart of Chloe's face. I might ask Jenny if she can go back and re-edit the one of the boys and then print it out in b&w for the wall. Maybe take the cat out of the shot and Kyler's head (in back of bench) out. What do you think. I know Phillip loves that picture. So do I. I also have a picture of my niece, Mercy that I took while practicing a close-up shot from above. Anyhow - I think it is fun to go back in time and re-visit old photos and the memories they invoke. Let me know what you think . . . .

Special Sound 'OW' as in Bowl

During school today Ethan learned the special phonetic sound 'ow' as in the word bowl. He then had a list of words in which he needed to read to me that reflected this newly learned sound. As he read he came to the word m-o-w. He read it just as he should and then looked at me and started to laugh. He said the word m-o-w and then said "You know as in - You're a MO!" then he giggled again. He said "Oh Mom, I'm not calling you a Mo - that's just what the word says!" I cracked up and could not contain the laughter. I then explained to him that this was a different type of mo - this was mow as in 'mow the lawn.'

Ohhhhh . . . . what our kiddos learn in school these days. . . .

A Piece O' Work

That is what I am - a work in progress. I am thankful for it and pray that it never ceases to be the case. The Lord has truly touched my heart in a way that I cannot fully describe. He often does that when there is a hush in my life and a moment or two to reflect on His goodness. Lately, He has allowed me to witness those who are truly wise. He has shown me their attributes of which are godly - and worthy to be emulated. It isn't the man (or woman) but Christ through these vessels that is truly radiant. I hope, I yearn to be that person. To be one of which is influential for the cause of Christ without any atta boys (or girls). To be humble, yet distinct in wisdom while radiating truth to those who are around you. Think of the most wise people that you may know. Is their wisdom evident to many? Do they hold much influence affecting others for what matters eternally? Yet, I would question you further and ask is this a trait that they themselves perpetuate or is this something that is manifested to those around them? This is not something that many Christians exercise - a humble wisdom.

I simply desire this - to serve my Lord - honestly, wholeheartedly, purely. I am still just a broken vessel - but He can still radiate from within. I pray that He will always radiate, through me, through Phillip, and through my children. For we, that is my family, is nothing without the hand of God. I - am nothing - without Christ's work within my heart - within my life.

Misc. Photos/Old and New

Just some misc. photos I found. Going through photo files and deleting some and trying to edit others. Found these . . .

First are when we went up to the mountain recently with some friends. It was beautiful up there with so much snow. Next is of the three little ones cuddled up on the chair watching a video. Makes ya want to snuggle.The last two are of Isaac and Gabriel doing classes via DVD. They are doing great and are challenged lesson by lesson through these comprehensive DVD's. We are very thankful we have the opportunity to give our boys a great education.

A Princess In the Making

We recently went to a wedding and before we got there I told Ellie that we would be able to see a princess in her pretty gown. She was very excited and could not contain her joy when she said hello to the "princess" bride.

The next couple of days to follow brought many comments on how she was going to be a princess some day. Phillip and I smiled, while agreeing with her that she would be a very beautiful princess (referring to her wedding day).

I had gotten this dress for her during her birthday. She put it on and was so happy. She walked around in a very dainty fashion. She then asked her Daddy to dance with her as Isaac played a song for them on the piano. It was so sweet to see. Her Daddy posed on his knees and dancing with his daughter dressed as a princess. They danced to Pachelbel's Canon in D - the same song I walked the aisle to.

My heart was slightly heavy, as I thought of that day far ahead . . . yet, so filled with joy to see the love of my life dancing with his beautiful daughter. Very touching.

Mama's Little Helpers

Here are a couple of pictures of my girls helping me. Chloe is "helping" me vacuum and Ellie is being my assistant cook. Ellie is wearing the apron and chef's hat she got for Christmas (thanks to April N. for finding it for me)! I tried to upload more images but blogger is giving me a bit of trouble right now. I hope you enjoy these . . .

Snow Days 2008

December brought much, much snow to our region. We were thrilled! Our family loves watching it fall and then playing in it when it is deep enough. Overall we received approx. 8 inches. Sure, it made driving and festive holiday plans a little interesting, however; I think it was God's gift to us and allowed us the opportunity to have a nice relaxed white Christmas.

Here are some pictures. The first one is of the kids enjoying their hot chocolates with candy canes in them. A special holiday treat at our home. Then, of course, a little sledding with Daddy. How much fun, and what a blessing to have him home so much during this time. He is like a big kid and loves to play in the white stuff. I had bought some snow gear days before for an intertubing trip we had planned up at the mountain the day after Christmas with friends. The kids were delighted to see that they could use them before that. Our big hill became a sledding dream. Phillip and some other neighbors sculpted it into a very fast hill to go down on. The boys, and Ellie just loved it.

Tagged

Describe 2008 in THREE words (no more, no less).

Here is MY three word description:

"Year of Surprises"

Thank you Alice for the tag ;-) - I had to read through alot of posts to find it.

I tag Jenny S.

Christmas Morning 2008

This year Christmas morning started in the most unusual fashion. My Dad. My Dad and I have not spoken in a very long time. Well, at 5:55 am (Phillip says 6am - but I looked at the clock) my Dad called. I could NOT believe it . . . it was my Dad who woke us up - not my kids. Since we had a rule that nobody would rise before 6am - the kids were thrilled that someone actually got us up for them. Well, we all took turns talking to Dad/Grandpa and then headed downstairs for the much anticipated turn of events. I included snapshots of kids talking on the phone, of Ellie being woke up from bed, of kids coming down the stairs, etc. We usually have a couple of gifts already set up and sitting out next to the tree - and so when Ellie came downstairs she saw her new dollhouse all set up for her. She was elated . . . as was I! It was so much fun to watch each child's face light up to see their gift all set up and awaiting them. Then Phillip, Jessica, and I got some coffee (ofcourse) and settled in to listen to Phillip read some scripture. After that we had soooo much fun taking turns and watching one another open gifts. Isaac received what he wanted - a little digital camera (just one from Walleyworld), Gabe got a William Wallace sword (he was so excited), Ethan got a bullwhip (yes he wanted this), Ellie got her dollhouse, and Chloe got a talking Elmo. Then came the stockings. I always put a chocolate orange and toothbrush in each - an oxymoron - I know. This year in Phillip's stocking I included a story of us. We did not exchange gifts this year, instead deciding to focus on the children. So . . . to get creative, I wrote our story in third person narrative (like a novel) down in a leather notebook. I wrote of us from right before we met up until our engagement. I plan on writing more in it as he will be travelling much this year. I also plan on including some pictures of us throughout our journey together. I loved doing this. Something about remembering those sweet times. Just did something for me. I hope your Christmas was filled with wonderful memories as well.

Christmas Eve 2008

We usually get together for Christmas Eve with friends and family for a big meal. This has become tradition - right down to what we eat . . . same menu every Christmas Eve - and we wouldn't have it any other way. This Christmas Eve was a little up in the air due to some crazy weather and difficult decisions having to be made regarding a Christmas Musical at church. With the musical being cancelled we were able to sit down with family and partake of the wonderful meal and share some more memories. I LOVE Christmas and all of it's festivities. I LOVE gathering with friends and family. I just always want to soak in as much as possible because this may only be another day to you and me - but the kiddos will remember even the smallest of details. They will remember this Christmas as the one when they were three, or six, or whatever age. To them it will be a cherished memory. I guess that's why it is always so important for me to be sure we follow through with those wonderful traditions and little festive things you do at Christmas. Thank you Donna for hosting this year. I apologize that it was so hectic in planning with schedules and what not. Here are a few snapshots from that day.