Merry Christmas

From

The Tribe

2009 Has Been A Remarkable Year!

Mary (Mer Mer), age 12 , is looking like a teenager, but behaves remarkably like a thirty year old.

Jacob (Cob), age 10, leaves the house remarkably quiet when he is absent.

Abigail (Abi), age 8, looks, talks and acts, remarkably like her mother.

Baruch (Rooker), age 5, a friend of all animals and a lover of great heights is remarkably thoughtful.

Abram (Abe), age 3, exhibits a remarkable aptitude for danger, excitement and singing at high decibels.

Chloe (Chlo Chlo), age 18 mo, is remarkably sweet.

Drew and Beth are remarkably close to turning 40.

If we are given strength to see another 40 years, we hope it will be doing battle to “see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”  2 Corinthians 4:4

Happy New Year! With Love,

Drew, Beth, Mary, Jacob, Abigail, Baruch, Abram and Chloe

Making Bath Salts as Gifts

My friend Maribeth had a couple links of fb, one of which lead me to this great, inexpensive gift idea! (Thanks Maribeth!) The Frugal Family Fun Blog gives a great step by step illustrated instruction of what I am now posting on.

I used green food coloring and eucalyptus oil in some for variety.  

Mix 10 drops of food coloring with 3 drops of oil, add to 2 cups of epsom salts and stir.

Abram and Chloe were my big helpers on this project.  Abram really enjoyed filling up the jars and fastening the lids.  Chloe mostly hindered :-)

Here we used red food coloring and lavendar oil.  The red turned out sort of a pinkish orange.  It is kinda weird but will still make a great gift!

The third one from the left was suppose to be purple but I thought it turned out kind of grey looking.  I think the problem was that I didn't mix the 6 drops red and 4 drops blue together before I added the essential oil.  Or now that I think about it maybe I got the recipe mixed up and put in 6 drops blue and 4 drops red.  Whatever, I still liked the final outcome.

My Mamma

I have been feeling extremely homesick for my Mamma lately . . .

Matt and Michelle's fine offspring with Grandma Schoeppe

And here are some pictures of Mom's room at Emeritas.  Mom is getting along a bit better.  Some of you may not know her hip broke in May and she has had a long recovery road!

These photos were taken by my sister Terry in October

Simplifying Life

I ordered these tin cups from a camping supply on line 2 years ago.  

Each family member has their own cup, simplifying my life greatly!  

Drew's dad kindly engraved the kids names on their cups.

  The yarn helps all of us in quick identification as well.

The Many Faces of Baruch

Taken April 2008

We measured all the children in April 2009, then again in Nov. 2009.  Mary had grown 3 1/2 inches!  And amazingly so had Baruch. . . or at least that's how he measured up.  About 4 days after measuring everyone, and telling multiple people how much Baruch and Mary had grown Baruch sheepishly approached me to tell me he had been on his tip toes during the measuring session!  Let it be known he has grown 2 1/2 " since April.  I am so thankful his deceitfulness bothered him :-)

The Many Faces of Abram

The Many Faces of Chloe

Photos taken Nov 7, 2008.

Amazing how much she has grown and changed!

Little Finds

My friend Laurie recently told me Aldi started carrying natural peanut butter! At 1.79 for 18 oz verses 2.19 for 16 oz. I am excited! Since I have my set list at Aldi I rarely scan the shelves for anything off the list. I guess they have been carrying it a while. I pray I would use the savings wisely for the glory of the Lord.

Early Morning Ponderings

As I walk the paper route in the morning I pray as the Spirit leads for the souls sleeping and waking in the homes I pass. Some I know by name, some by face, some I have never seen. The thought struck me this morning how little I think about these people if my path does not cross theirs in some shape or form. Being a very visual learner, I hate to admit, but if you are out of my sight, you may be out of mind. I need reminders here and there to remember those I love.
Pictures on the refrigerator, notes on the calendar, an item given to me as a gift all spur my mind to pray for those I love. God is not so. No one ever escapes His watchful eye. He not only knows each and every person, He created them, He sustains them. He is the giver of life. I am so in my own little world, God is HUGE. I am humbled to belong to Him.

Psalm 139:7-16 Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.
If I take the wings of the dawn,

If I dwell in teh remotest part of the sea,

Even there Your hand will lead me,

 And Your right hand will lay hold of me.
If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me,
And the light around me will be night,"
Even the darkness is not dark to You,
And the night is as bright as the day.
Darkness and light are alike to You.
For You formed my inward parts; 

You wove me in my mother's womb.

I will give thanks to You, 

for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works, 

And my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.

The Down Side of Potty Training

Chloe has shown a lot of interest in making pee pee on the potty.  The first time she went to the bathroom door and tried the handle while saying "pee pee", which sounded more like baby,  I thought she is certainly not ready to potty train already.  But she continued so I thought I might as well give training a shot and sure enough there was music to my ears!  Then a couple days ago she asked again and Mary took her and sure enough a soft tinkle!    So when she asked today I got her all set up on the potty.  Then Baruch asked for a drink so I left her in the potty to tend to him.  Then I went to make a phone call and next thing I know . . .  Uh Oh!  She went poo in the upstairs bathroom, stepped in it and trailed it through my room and down the steps.  Jacob so wisely commented, "I guess this is the down side of potty training."

It is amazing how much activity one eighteen month old child carries on in any given day!

Abi or Lucy?

Abigail has been asking to have her hair cut for quite some time.  O.kay - ever since we watched The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.  Saturday was her big day.  Baruch and Abram were sleeping and Mary, Jacob and Chloe went with Dad on a few errands.  First I cut it like this:

But that wasn't quite short enough, so then I cut it some more:

This was the perfect length.  Now all we had to do was wait for one of those boys to wake up and introduce them to their cousin Lucy.  Baruch woke first and fell for it for a short time.  Abram woke a half hour later and with Baruch calling her Lucy too it took him a bit longer to recognize her as Abigail.  

Early Resolution

When asked what contributed to his own remarkable figure and long life, Noah Webster responded by listing these four guidelines:

• Go to bed early and do not worry
  
• Get up early
  
• Exercise mentally and physically every day
  
• Keep a clear conscience void of offense toward God and man
  

After hearing this on Drive Thru History (with Dave Stotts) I think I should make my New Years resolution early and start practicing these four great standards of living (all of which, I might add, my awesome husband exemplifies and has encouraged me to do for years)!

Bowling!

Our neighbor and good friend treated us to 2 hours of bowling! Her nephew was visiting and she thought it would be more enjoyable with more children. She picked the right family :-) This was a first for Baruch, Abi and Abram. Mary and Jacob had bowled about 5 years ago so it was almost a first for them too. Mary did really well with 103 her first game and 100 her second!

Memories of Aunt Donna

A man once said, "There are two things that last forever, people and the Word of God so invest your time in those two things."  Aunt Donna invested in many people! I am blessed to have been one of them. 

By the time I was born Aunt Donna had 7 children and her baby was already 7 years old.  She and Uncle Bill had such a special relationship.  I always admired how "in love" they were.  They enjoyed being around each other tremendously. Uncle Bill and Aunt Donna were my Mom and Dad's best friends.  There were not many years when our families didn't live within a few miles of each other.

When living in Jackson I remember Aunt Donna working in their office on Oakridge.  Papers were strewn everywhere and I am sure she had a zillion things to do between daily household care for a family of 9, not to mention, managing apartments and doing the books for their dry cleaning business but she always had time to talk to me.  I remember Mom and Aunt Donna planning picnic lunches or camping trips.  Hearing Mom, on the phone, say "o.kay Donna, you bring the mustard and I'll bring the mayo."  Parties in the back yard on Oakridge, cribbage at the dinning room table, Marty asking for a crimpkin from Ron Maccies and Aunt Donna always giving him a few dollars for our treat, camping at Elk lake, Chrissy sitting on the coach nursing Aaron, hiding behind Aunt Donna when Ed and Gerry came in with their big beards, running into the dinning room table and Aunt Donna scurrying to get ice, then holding me afterwards, School Section Lake, boat trips to Caladesi Island, The hot tub at the Kentuckian, Making beds and cleaning rooms with her at the Kentuckian, sitting in the breezeway (o.k. the adults sat, I ran around in circles and Aunt Donna let me :-)), Aunt Donna's endless energy to serve everyone food and drinks, camping at Fort Desoto, walking on the beach, Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrtions, walks to the park near their house on Suemar Rd all flood my mind.  One of my favorite memories of Aunt Donna comes after we moved (following U. Bill and A. Donna once again) to Dunedin FL.  Matt and Renee were supposed to be watching me.  I got tired of Matt's endless teasing, so I loaded up the wagon with stuffed animals, and with our dog Sorry at my heals, headed off to a safe haven, Aunt Donna's house!  By the time I had walked the mile there Matt had called Aunt Donna and she was expecting me.  She greeted me with a warm hug, then sat me down to cookies and milk.  I wasn't quite finished with that when she came out of her room with a brand new doll for me!  After a visit she drove me back home.  

It's no wonder I (and everyone) will always remember her as Aunt Donna Mae Goodheart!

Born July 17, 1928 Died November 5, 2009

Forever and a Day

It seems like forever since I have had time to post anything.  As you can imagine the amount of activity that goes on in this house in a day is dizzying.  We have been very busy staying on "schedule" the past two weeks and with some success I might add!  Glory to God!  We have been blessed to see Drew's folks two weekends in a row.  I have been praising God for little evidences of His Spirit at work in the children.  Baruch desiring to share with Abram (not every minute of every day mind you).  Abram hugging Chloe.  Heidi encouraged me at a ladies meeting to make up a card for each kid to read aloud at the supper table with a personal praise written on it.  I passed out cards during evening family time and the kids really lit up when they read them, or Daddy read them (for the little ones).  It helped me so much during the day to be looking for the good, expecting the good, anticipating God's best as Dawnie would say.  Even though I only did it twice last week it was very powerful and I am planning to do it again tomorrow. 

 Find a variety of photos below:

Mary and Jacob (not pictured) played at a piano festival Nov. 7th.  They each played a piece form memory before a judge.  Then the judge came and gave them praise and suggestions.  A very positive environment, they both did very well receiving a judging of AAA (the ratings were AAA -top, AA next, A bottom).

Abi and Chloe horsing around Sat. Nov. 7.

A bike ride to the river Sun. Nov. 1

Movie making time with awesome director Dad - Drew!  Mary and Jacob were Mom and Dad in this one with a major decision to make when a suitor (Abram) pursues their  daughter Abigail.  Sorry I couldn't upload the actual movie, you will just have to come to visit if you want to see it.

Instrument Holders

Drew crafted the beautiful violin holders pictured above.  They not only decorate the wall nicely, but serve the living room practically, reducing the cases all over the places mess :-).  I only hope the winter heat won't dry them out too badly.

Drew modified this holder from his sister to include the banjo.

All of the instruments have been played more since hanging them up!

Chloe - 17 Months Today!

Chloe delights her Papa, myself and all her siblings.  Jacob recently said "I just love having a baby around.  They add so much joy!  Even when Chloe knocks down my tower it is fun 'cause she's so cute."  I cannot believe all she understands.  I cannot believe she is now just one month shy of a year and a half!!

Friends Visit

Drew enjoyed his class reunion so much we were both thrilled to have Greg, Maribeth and their children here last friday for a visit!  Their twins held a special place in my heart as I thought of Chloe's twin.  As I watched Rex and Clementine I couldn't help thinking of the what if's.  I retreated to the kitchen to cry when who should come up for a hug, Mary Elisabeth, crying and saying "Mommy, doesn't it make you miss Seth to see the twins?"  We had a good hug and cry time.  Their visit zoomed by entirely too quickly.  I sure hope they visit again!

Battle of the Bulge Continues

I gained 5 pounds on our trip to Kentucky and am suffering.  UGH!

I have been motivated by a few different things to get back on the fronts of the battle line!  

I was inspired by an article in the paper which quoted a local food store owner saying people don't connect what they eat with how they feel.  If you eat the wrong thing, you feel like garbage.  (not a direct quote).  Then I was inspired by my sister Terry who is cutting out white sugar in her diet.  Then Saturday Drew's sister was like the icing on the cake (no pun intended :-)) to start fighting again.  She had read "Mindless Eating".  She reminded me of my own words to her some time ago. . . There is such a peace in being in control of what you are eating.  There is freedom in knowing you can have a piece of cake because you have been making wise and careful choices during the day.

Here are a few of the pieces of wisdom from the book she read. . .  

Use small plates, antique dealers will tell you dinner plates used 100+ years ago were the size of our salad plates.  You obviously take less food if you have a smaller plate.  

I forget the % but your plate should have LOTS of vegetables on it.

If you eat 100-200 extra calories per day over the course of a year you will gain about 10 pounds, conversely, if you eat 100-200 calories less per day you will loose that weight over a years time without feeling deprived.

For me the overeating continues to be a spiritual battle.  I eat to escape.  I overindulge - gluttony.  I know the Lord will give me victory as I call out to Him for help!  Here I go again!!!!!  I am SO thankful God is patient, longsuffering, gentle, merciful.  What a SAVIOR.

Like salvation, this  isn't a one time I trusted and now I am home free. It is a continual trusting, calling out, falling and getting up to call out for more grace, more mercy, memorizing scripture, meditating on scripture, engaging my mind and emotions on things that please the Lord.

Mat Time or Nap Time?

Abram has been getting up at the crack of dawn.  Yesterday Drew pointed out the dark circles under his eyes.  I am not sure the cause of these early morning rousings but today the poor boy gave out during "Mat Time", well as you can see he had strayed from his mat.  He asked me if he could get off his mat to get his blanket and the next thing I knew he was snoozing.  I should have just left him but of course I envisioned the pee pee accident on the floor and woke him up moving him to his bed.  Actually it was the putting on of the diaper that aroused the sleeper.  So now I think I will skip the nap and do an early to bed.

Mary Turns 12!

Uncle Ron and Aunt Kari hosted a Birthday Celebration for Mary Elisabeth on Saturday.

Anna made Mary a lovely Birthday sign.

Cousins are such awesome friends!

Baruch gets a little Grandma love.

Abram and Aunt Kari ham it up

Abram and Chloe takin' a ride.

The little boys were whooped after a fun filled day!

Thanks for the lovely time Uncle Ron and Aunt Kari!!

Reminiscing. . . Just 12 years ago on a Sunday Drew and I were sitting in church when I felt this slight trickle.  Hmmmm?  Could it be my water broke?  No certainly not, then we stood to sing and the baby's (who we were just sure would be a boy) head corked the passage and the trickle sensation was gone.  Yes my water was trickling.  I am so thankful I didn't experience a gush:-o!  My real labor pains didn't start for 17 hours but that is another story :-)  Now I am amazed at how fast 12 years has gone.  Mary Elisabeth is growing into a young lady.  She exhibits self control, wisdom and many godly fruits.  What a blessing she has been these past 12 years!  I thank God for her and pray that she would love the Lord with EVERYTHING she has as she continues to grow.

Chloe Update

Chloe grows and changes faster than I can blink!  Over the past month her speech blasted off.  Here are all of the words (and even two sentences!) from her ever expanding vocabulary (In the order she has said them):

Dada

Mama

Jay Jah (Jacob) - Jacob worked long and hard to get her to say this one.

Ouch - Mary was trying to get her to say a word (which escapes me at the moment.  Mary repeated the word to her over and over and over and over again.  Then Mary hurt her own finger and said "ouch".  Chloe repeated "ouch" with no hesitation :-)

Tickleeee, tickleeee, tickleeee (tickle)

Daddy Home!

un shoe (on shoe) - She says this all day long as she puts on and takes off any and every shoe she finds around the house, dragging shoes to who knows where.  I have lost two pairs of Baruch's shoes and it is convenient to blame the shoe hound :-)  It is really very adorable to watch her point and say "un shoe", then work on putting on whatever shoe she has found.  

Kittleeeee, kittleeee, kittleee (kitty) not to be mistaken for tickleee, although VERY similar sounding the cat being present we are all sure she said kitty :-)

Wanna ride (when Baruch was giving Abram a horsey ride and everytime any of us gets down to give horsey rides, or laundry basket rides)

Paper Airplane Show

Paper Airplane fever began with Mary and soon everyone was building a vast variety of planes. After two days of creating and building someone had the idea of a balcony show. It lasted a good ten minutes with Abi down below retrieving the planes, Mary pulling them up and Jacob sending them off for another flight! The small planes actually flew the furthest but I couldn't capture them in flight. 

Peter's Visit

Time is flying, I meant to get this posted right after Peter's visit!

We had a great time catching up with Peter while he was here. He only stayed one night so we made the most of our time with him. Mary E. especially enjoyed listening to Papa and Mr. C. banter a bit and tease each other. Funny how they each had slightly different takes on college memories. Like the time they sang a duet. Drew reminisced how they got off key. "One of us got off key" Peter countered. "Oh yes, I mean you got off key" Drew responded. And so the stories went.

Grandma Time!

Drew's Dad and Mom visited Saturday Oct. 3rd.

Abram ATE up his Grandma time!