A couple funnies...

The other weekend when I was making Claire's birthday cake, with the help of my really-wanting-to-help Lydia, we experienced a little mishap.

When we were done beating it, I was trying to eject the beaters. Unfortunately, after turning off the machine, I did not unplug it. And while trying to eject the beaters, somehow, I managed to turn the contraption back on. Cake batter went flying everywhere and Lydia got it right in the face. We both had a good laugh at this however! Seems I remember another cake mishap that was even funnier in October of 2007. Here is the picture of that time and the explanation to follow.

Yes, those are Fruit of the Loom undies in the cake mix. Those would belong to my son, who thought it would be hilarious to fling them - sling shot style - from around the corner, at the top of the steps landing. He wasn't aiming at all, but lo and behold, they fell right in the cake mixing bowl. Thankfully, as you can see from the picture, we no longer needed anymore mix. The underwear were clean (he was coming out from a shower) but if they had landed in the cakepan, I just don't think I could have served it. We all laughed hard at this one too.

And finally, remember Vasoline girl? Well, I'll give you one guess to figure out who was the culprit behind this scene (you even have a clue of pink, fuzzy fur feet)! Give me a break, girl...if you're hungry, I'll feed you.

She apparently thought she could charm me with her sweet, little face after dumping out a whole bag of chips...oh wait, she did. Anyhow, I made sure we had a talk about portion control after that.

A Shout Out To My Husband

During this season, when we tend to verbalize our thankfulness more, I wanted to write down some thoughts on Dan, my hubby. I am so glad that God gave him to me and knew what I needed in a man. When growing up, I attended a church camp (GO SCIOTO HILLS!) and there was a worker there named Dan, whom all the campers had a chant for..."Dan, Dan the maintenace man." Well, I married another Dan the Maintenance man! I am soo, soo glad that the Lord blessed me with a husband who tackles projects on his own and enjoys them (for the most part). In the 9 years (this month) that we have lived in this house, Dan has completed project after project. New flooring, wallpapering, roofing, painting, installing fans, fixing cars, gutting and remodeling a bathroom, etc... Dan's latest accomplishment is one that we will cherish for a long, long time. We recently switched bedrooms around to where the girls share the bigger room and now Jake is back in the room he began in (still has the nursery border up but we will be fixing that soon). Claire is still in her crib for now, but we were discussing future bedding options. The bed that Lydia was using was on loan so we really needed beds for both the girls. We talked about bunk beds and looked online at different ones. Dan started saying he thought he should make them. That thought turned into action and now the girls have daddy-fashioned bunk beds! They turned out great and Lydia especially loves the added touch of the hearts in the middle. The nice thing about having a husband make them is I could custom order what I would like. I asked if he could make them so that they could detatch and become single beds as well. Also, a drawer at the bottom would be nice. Dan still needs to make the drawers (not needed right away) and the rail for the top bunk and a ladder. But for now, while Claire is in her crib, Lid sleeps on the bottom. When Claire graduates out, Lydia will graduate up! And Dan was able to make them so that they will become 2 beds if we so desire. The top head board and foot board while they are bunk beds are actually both foot boards when they are single beds. And the bottom head boards and foot boards (while bunk beds) are actually both head boards for each single twin bed...does that make any sense at all. Anyhow, maybe the picture will show it better than I can describe. I don't have a picture of them in the room yet...will save that for when the room is all done and decorated. But here are a few shots of them in progress. Also below, is the lovely shade of purple paint (Orchid House by Valspar) in the new girly room! Thanks Dan...I love you and your handy-man capabilities!

Women at Risk

A week ago, I was able to attend an amazing event. I have wanted to post about it and get the word out. Even if my reading audience is small, I wanted to do something. Please go to www.warinternational.org to learn more about what I am about to blog about. Women At Risk is an amazing ministry dedicated to helping women across the seas, as well as here in the US, who are victims of sexual abuse and sex trafficing. They work preventitavely, as well as rescuing women who are currently in a bad situation, and teaching them skills in order to thrive. I cannot even put in to words how moving it was for me to be able to attend. My eyes were opened to some of the sad, sad things going on in our world. While I cannot rescue every child and woman, like my heart would so desire, I can do a part in bringing awareness to the world. So, please, take a moment and go check out www.warinternational.org and learn more about this ministry. And please pray for Becky McDonald and her staff, that the Lord would continue to bless them and keep them safe. God is an amazing God and can heal the broken-hearted and create a pearl within them! He is doing that in many parts of our world!

***My friend, Beth and I, will most likely be hosting a jewelry party in the near future when we get some feedback from Women At Risk. If anyone is interested in more info, just let me know!

Meet Kevin

SOPM (single, orange, pumpkin man) looking for a friend. Will always listen, even with a smile on face. Loves the outdoors! Only flaw...has a tendency to loose head (and hands & feet). Claire & Kevin

Lydia (who helped give him his name) & Kevin

Jake & Lydia setting Kevin up after stuffing him

Kevin prefers to sit on our porch swing now!

What did God take from Adam to create Eve?

The other night, I was having some devotions with Jake and Lydia out of a book my Grandma gave me when I was pregnant with Jake. It is called, " A Faith To Grow On", I believe if my memory serves me well. Anyhow, we were talking about being created in the image of God and what that meant. In the course of the conversation, I added a quiz question since we were talking about being created. I asked, What did God take out of Adam to create Eve with?" I could see the wheels turning in their heads, but they weren't coming up with the answer. Maybe if they thought about it a little longer, it would have come to them. But, instead, Jake's blurts out an answer that I'm not sure if he was being silly or was just giving his best guess at the time...but regardles, it made me laugh and I wanted to share.

What did God take from Adam to create Eve?

His Adam's Apple!

Trick or Treat Baby

This was Claire's 3rd year to dress up. Since she was born on trick or treat night, October 30, 2006, my friend Becky and I, had fun trying a couple costumes on her...at just hours old. So...here is a visual to show how much she has changed in 2 years!

I picked the perfect pumpkin! October 2006

Froggy baby

Flowery smiles...October 2007

Cheerio's were our friend that night.

Bawk, Bawk...Chicken costume

***Claire was going to be a unicorn originally, but after seeing the sheer excitement that wearing the chicken brought to her at a playdate, I knew we had to change plans. She LOVES running around as a chicken and even got her picture snapped this evening by a women saying, "that's the cutest costume I've seen all night, I just had to get her picture." (she ran inside to grab her camera...we thought something was wrong at first). Thanks for letting us borrow this chicken costume, Ms. Becky!***

Lydia was Cinderella (of course)!

Ninja Jake

Some Elmo fun

So, my sister came over last Friday night to hang out and help me decorate Claire's Elmo cake for her birthday. I think he turned out fairly well. However, Sarah Beth and I had some good laughs while creating him. Mind you, we were very tired, but here's what we came up with...

Naked Elmo?

Mutton Chops Elmo
Shave Me Elmo

Cool Shades Elmo

Blind Elmo?

Elmo on drugs

(this is the part when we were getting slap happy...I made his pupils bigger than in the picture and we couldn't stop laughing over it)

Later on...

Slice and Diced Elmo

Cyclops Elmo

Claire is 2

My littlest girl turned 2 on October 30th! I do have pictures from that day (trick or treat night), but wanted to post these pictures from her party first. I was going to post a picture from when she was born to show how much she has changed, but I have another idea for that, so come back soon and check. Anyhow, we had Claire's "Elmo" party at Grandma and Grandpa Kanost's house since our house was in shambles with all the changes being done to bedrooms. Grandma and Grandpa Ernst were able to come and we were soo happy to have them celebrating with us on this side of the world!!! Our other guests were Aunt Sarah Beth, the Tueys (Mr. & Mrs. Couture and Libby), and the Riddells stopped by for a quick visit, which made Claire's night. We had a nice time of visiting, eating, and watching Claire open her presents. One memory of the night was when we went to say good bye to Tine, Travis, and Titus (and their mom and dad), all three of my kids managed to step in dog poo...yuck. A big thank you to all who bring along a pooper scooper. Someone had not been so courteous and left it right on the sidewalk. Here are some pictures of that night. Happy Birthday, my crazy, little Claire.

The Gang

So happy to see my friends!

Happy Birthday to me!

Getting help from big brother.

Pretty tasty!
Opening up some presents.Need Mr. Tuey's help...his pocket knife comes in handy often.

Still having trouble...

I'm tired of waiting...mommy, you try.

G'ma & G'pa Ernst gave me this cool, green, fuzzy purse and I LOVE it! I tried to stuff all my birthday loot into it (see next picture) and G'pa made a comment about me being a "typical women." It got quite the laugh.

I really like my toy piano from my Grandma and Grandpa Kanost, too!

**Yes, my mommy usually dresses me in pants, but my aunt let me take a nap at her house and she brought me to Grandma & Grandpa's house. She even called my mom to make sure she would bring me some pants, but mommy forgot. And don't you also love my big, red stain down my shirt? I guess I wanted to match Elmo that night???