tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56108866718784043942012-01-28T13:35:48.664-06:00elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.comBlogger5491100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-3589334373383370092012-01-27T13:27:00.005-06:002012-01-28T07:55:23.855-06:00

--- 1 ---Welcome home! This is our new home... (The black square in front of all the windows is a sand pit/box, I think, but, we won't tell the kids!!) We are loving that big wrap-around porch! We have our big dining table in the front there with all those windows and enjoy a sunny morning breakfast watching all the birds at our feeder - cardinals, bluejays, finches, sparrows, woodpeckers and we

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-78422722972620450392012-01-26T01:26:00.000-06:002012-01-26T01:26:00.448-06:00

This is Jan 2nd - around 6 PM. It was chilly in the house since the doors were open nearly all day as boxes and furniture were carried into the house.The two youngest must've worked the hardest... since they crashed first!We had to wake them up to take them to supper and the hotel... they were less than thrilled!Our poor old dog... she is 95% blind (we THINK that she can see extreme contrast of

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-1472066305104563792012-01-25T01:25:00.001-06:002012-01-25T01:25:00.684-06:00

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-3173415052652703042012-01-24T01:24:00.001-06:002012-01-24T15:30:59.517-06:00

Spent some time fixing the look around here. Thoughts and comments?? Let me know what you think! I will probably continue to tinker and work the rust out. I figure it might help it feel more fun and exciting to get things posted! Anything to get that shot in the arm I need!I am planning to put this picture as the header...If I can just figure it out!! It was so long ago that I did the last layout

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-10843903646947562382012-01-23T01:23:00.001-06:002012-01-23T01:23:00.640-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!Happy MLK Jr. Day! Happy ALL holidays...that I have missed in the past 2.5 months (and JUST IN CASE... Happy Valentine's Day!).Excuses, excuses... I know. I will fill in some of the details soon... Life has been a-changin' for our family! I was busy with holiday travels and family visiting and then things came up and I didn't make time to check

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-849787368111939142011-11-11T23:11:00.001-06:002011-11-12T01:57:53.940-06:00

--- 1 ---Today is 11-11-11. I LOVE it when the date does that!! Only one more year of that kind of fun for a loooooooooong time! Then I will go back to just loving the time being like that: 11:11!!!--- 2 ---Today we had our RV "winterized." That means they removed all the water and put in some antifreeze - among other things, I assume! We will leave our RV parked for quite a while as we live in

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-66303464873618597142011-11-10T13:38:00.003-06:002011-11-10T15:03:27.241-06:00

Yes, I am still here! Notice: this post is heavy in verbiage and lacking in photos of any kind!I thought that I would share how a day goes for us. Sometimes it is far more boring than this - in fact more often it is "boring" as we don't go out and about every day. Most weeks we go somewhere once or twice during the week.Yesterday, we got up, had a quick breakfast and began the day...Bud read a

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-83732383553260017692011-11-04T09:45:00.002-05:002011-11-04T21:31:04.072-05:00

--- 1 ---I took a creative writing class in college. I had a professor who had us turn in our "writing notebooks" three or four times during the semester. I was rather excited when I turned in my writing for the first go. I had written a fairly nice piece on some topic that I no longer recall. I was shocked and horrified to receive the writing back with a big red "C" on his notes page. I thought

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-30484658161317342092011-11-03T12:12:00.002-05:002011-11-03T12:22:29.257-05:00

Yes, I have been working on my novel. Why do you ask!?! I have to share this, though. My mom is planning a family picture for when we visit at Thanksgiving. She wants to do some not so traditional sit on a stool and for a tight little cluster kind of portraits. I get it. So, we set sail on google to see what people are diong that are more fun. In my hunt I have discovered a VERY fun book. This is

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-51668766030157853072011-11-02T09:30:00.003-05:002011-11-02T10:35:37.397-05:00

Thought I'd share some (not so great) photos of the costumes these crazy treekids used this year. Last Thursday, we took the treekids to Morrill Hall for "Fright at the Museum" and played games and looked at icky bugs and dissected animals. We dressed in costume quickly and had two dancers, a cowboy and a football player!Another day, we had to pick up a few items at the mall and found kids trick

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-55876825107848767912011-10-28T10:32:00.003-05:002011-10-28T12:54:50.390-05:00

--- 1 ---Ever heard of "Life of Fred"?? This is a math textbook series that a wonderful retired math teacher wrote to answer those questions of "Why are we learning this?" and "Why do we have to know this stuff?" He wrote a story about Fred and each piece of mathematics first happens in Fred's life and he has to learn to use it because he needs it. Then the reader is encouraged to try. I ordered

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-49617152998070681232011-10-27T07:07:00.001-05:002011-10-27T07:07:00.382-05:00

Feeling a LOT like this...Things about half way done, but too tired to finish.Wanted to Buy: Time, Energy, Youth for 30-something

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-24347144404935615492011-10-26T20:04:00.001-05:002011-10-26T23:20:05.473-05:00

I sort of crack up when I load the pictures on a camera into iPhoto on my computer. Every once in a while I find a SURPRISE!!! Well, it was just my luck... it was surprise time!Someone had been playing with money. This person may or may not have take the photos. There is only one of the treekids who would actually HAVE in her possession this many coins - and know where to find them! So, we'll

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-83931460914886689702011-10-25T10:42:00.000-05:002011-10-25T11:57:20.901-05:00

Before we left Oklahoma, I found some pictures that I snapped along our journey from Oklahoma to Kansas back in August. I thought it was fun, and I intended to share that with you once we got settled... BUT - last night on our journey from Kansas into Nebraska we got the opportunity to see something quite amazing - and we would have all missed it if it weren't for our night sky loving Bud.We were

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-17889842029386606492011-10-24T07:22:00.001-05:002011-10-24T07:22:00.329-05:00

So, I am curious... I wonder what the general consensus is about leaving comments and responding to comments. When I go blog-hopping, I log in and comment with my email address attached to my account where I can, or leave all the appropriate info where I can't just log in. I have often received emails back from the blog owner either responding to my comment or question or just thanking me for

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-12093414107434163682011-10-21T10:15:00.001-05:002011-10-21T11:10:01.892-05:00

--- 1 ---On Sunday afternoon we will be leaving Stillwater, OK. We will be making a quick stop in eastern Kansas. At the end of August, we were at a Jellystone Park outside of Kansas City. The treekids all had so much fun playing and doing activities and hanging out with Yogi Bear. If some other possibilities don't pan out, we'll be considering visiting Yogi again, if they have room!!Let's just

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-58595671914147660012011-10-20T14:13:00.004-05:002011-10-20T15:13:04.538-05:00

I walked away from my perch with my "big" camera to take pictures of Blossom riding her bike on Monday. When I stepped away, someone picked up the little Flip Video Camerathat we have and when I turned to see, he smiled "cheese" at me!As I walked closer, he did a little tap dance thing (that told me he was NOT ready to give up the little treasure, yet!) and smiled an impish grin...I sat in a

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-52559236801679791422011-10-19T10:37:00.003-05:002011-10-19T10:42:57.165-05:00

We had a great time when my mom and dad were here! I was able to get a few videos and thought this was great fun. I would share a video of Geemah with the treekids, but she kept putting her hand in front of the camera. She was all "done up" and everything. Rats!! Maybe next time she will smile and kiss one of those grandbabies of hers instead!! :)

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-21222886750817386812011-10-18T15:35:00.000-05:002011-10-18T23:09:56.875-05:00

Being 6 really IS so much fun!! Blossom has been wanting to ride without training wheels for several months, now. She has tried and tried, but is very afraid of falling and getting hurt. She does NOT do blood on scraped up knees or elbows, so... fear was winning. Sunday afternoon, she said she really wished she could ride her bike and the training wheels just kept slipping and when you depend on

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-66370384545661913992011-10-14T19:38:00.003-05:002011-10-14T20:05:12.858-05:00

The Oklahoma State University Botanical Garden is divided into many different gardens to wander through and explore. There is a Sensory Garden, a Fairy Forest, a zen/Asian Garden, a chicken coup moat (weird sounding... but that is what one of the volunteers called it... will have to go back to get more photos to explain!!), some other ones and this one... a desert. As soon as we saw the wonderful

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-5847041904477486112011-10-14T18:51:00.005-05:002011-10-14T19:25:19.319-05:00

We visited this botanical garden, supported by Oklahoma State University with Geemah and Grampa this past week. We also visited this garden back when it was hotter than hades down here. There is a section of the garden that the treekids call the Fairy Forest. It is a cute little area and I took lots of photos back when it was hot... this time around, not so many.Here is a little walk through the

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-74402677315267390362011-10-14T12:58:00.004-05:002011-10-14T17:01:06.351-05:00

--- 1 ---Last weekend, we had a VERY slow do nothing kind of weekend. It was AWESOME. It was relaxing. We cleaned and tidied some, but we all read books, took naps, played outside, sat and let the sun soak into our skin, ahhhhhh........... We HAD to rest up for the coming week!--- 2 ---Blossom has a weird rash all over her chest, belly, back and it looked to be spreading to her arms and legs. I

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-44433543261730544472011-10-07T16:16:00.004-05:002011-10-07T17:12:43.540-05:00

--- 1 ---Aaaack! Where did a WHOLE week go?? I sat one evening earlier this week and edited more photos from our visit to the OSU Botanical Garden. It appears that I even uploaded them. Somehow I never made the effort to get all of them configured into one post and share them. Sheesh... It must've been an interesting week, eh!??!--- 2 ---I have learned that I LOVE it when Pops is available for a

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-17434808186022389752011-09-30T09:36:00.003-05:002011-09-30T09:59:58.415-05:00

--- 1 ---I am trying a new Friday "thing." Seven quick takes that I might've, should've, could've written this week, but for some reason or other didn't find, make or take the time to write. Sometimes I might add pictures sometimes, not.--- 2 ---We are in Texas. This is a FIRST for me and the treekids. I am sitting in SanAntonio in a Marriott hotel with a balcony that overlooks the Riverwalk.

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-72177565679925512932011-09-22T15:16:00.004-05:002011-09-22T17:04:06.880-05:00

in the Stillwater area. Seems some places take a little longer for me to get back to the blogging after we upset the apple cart than other places. Such is life. We are busy working through to the end of our First Unit for our History Unit Study. The treekids are antsy. They are creating these little pieces here and there and they cannot bear to be patient and want to show Pops everything every

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-56016837977481360832011-09-16T08:49:00.005-05:002011-09-16T09:55:14.572-05:00

As we are in the throws of football season, I thought I would share my newly made up Secret Celebratory Gesture. You must be a member of my circle of trust to get in on my secret, and I will be most happy to share it with you! Since you are here... you must be part of my circle, as this is a low circulation blog. So - without further ado, here's what you do:Chest BumpSpinJump to Facing (I can't

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-77670352319535160872011-09-14T01:36:00.001-05:002011-09-14T01:36:00.777-05:00

My big boy is ten today. I can barely believe that he is old enough to even SAY that! 10!! He has really been looking forward to turning ten. It is a big deal when you're a kid to move from single digits to double and he is ready to go!However, I AM NOT READY for him to be 10!! So, I will reminisce with some old pictures and look back at some great times throughout the past several years... Ah

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-58842044324728207472011-09-13T10:53:00.000-05:002011-09-13T10:53:00.129-05:00

We dine in a booth and relax on a sofa. It is a simple life! We work on MacBooks on either "TV Trays" or the dining table. We "school" here, too - sometimes sprawled on the floor, sometimes at the table or on a tv tray. Occasionally, the TV trays go in the bunkhouse and they sit on their bed with the tray. It is functional!!Here are Branch and Bark...and a sneak peek of a part of the kitchen and

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-34193310205266973442011-09-13T04:55:00.000-05:002011-09-13T07:06:58.753-05:00

...when you live in an RV and said toddler's "fun" in the kitchen sink makes the ma and pa a wee bit nervous with the amount of potential water splashing AND when the RV ma and pa chose does not include a bathtub with the shower.Plop toddler in a cleaned out plastic tote that you were storing baseball helmets, balls, mitts and a bat. Make sure to add plenty of warm water and bubbles for toddler

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-79053994871167252682011-09-12T12:26:00.002-05:002011-09-12T12:38:15.480-05:00

Yesterday, we drove out to Pops' folks' home to go to their church bazaar. We arrived in time to buy a few raffle tickets in hope of winning the high prize of $350!! Each treekid had a ticket put in the drawing with their name and they were so excited about the possibility of winning BIG! A little while after their names were entered, Blossom asked Grandma, "When will they do the coloring?"HUH?

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-55298209197079529812011-09-12T03:20:00.000-05:002011-09-12T03:20:00.648-05:00

That's what we did this past week! We rolled over from last year's school to this year on September 8th! We don't take the whole summer off from school. We take the opportunity to learn all year long, taking breaks when WE need or want them instead of when the rest of the general public takes their breaks (which makes for great opportunities to vacation without the masses!!).The treekids were

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-5740968275721890582011-09-10T16:26:00.003-05:002011-09-11T01:40:57.794-05:00

Last weekend, on Sept 3rd, we had the fun opportunity of taking all the kids to the Husker football game. Of course, we were not able to all sit together... but Branch, Blossom, Bump and I had four tickets together right behind the team on the 25 yard line, two rows from the field! Yes, we were excited!! To top it off, we were right next to the band!! Yes, there IS a reason that the band members

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-29806292787709050642011-09-10T10:57:00.001-05:002011-09-10T12:15:44.437-05:00

it was blasted hot in Oklahoma.Humid, too, in Oklahoma.Hot and humid makes springy curls!But, long springy curls on a chubby, little, fair-skinned, toe-head boy does not make for a boyish appearance.We plopped him on Pops' lap and looked over the carnage that ensues when a busy boy roughs around a lot.It sort of looks like a rat's nest, no? So, a little bit of SNIP, SNIP, Snip, snip and he sees

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-9822772209091372282011-09-06T08:42:00.002-05:002011-09-06T09:16:58.353-05:00

It has been a while since I stopped and left a note here about what we are doing. I could make plenty of real excuses... do you wanna hear some of them??? I will start with the most recent and work backwards.Last night, I thought it might be nice to show some recent pictures, but I had to email some files off to another homeschooling mom and the download speed was .07 mbs and the upload speed was

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-40669466300225556962011-08-24T23:54:00.003-05:002011-08-25T00:04:19.146-05:00

I am still here... well, not really, 'here' per se. This photo is in Saint Louis at the Mississippi River in July looking across towards Illinois. (They might have had a bit of water in that there river!)While I AM still here around the internet, I am feeling a bit like this statue! Drowning... Swinging my hat around in the air to get someone's attention. Anyone's attention really! I'm drowning

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-25097566239931576842011-08-22T05:16:00.001-05:002011-08-22T05:16:00.233-05:00

Well, the photos were from our trip to St. Louis - back when my blogging was spotty at best! Here, Bump is checking out the view from 630 FT in the air! What was his view? A bloated Mississippi River. Hard to believe, now. We have been in these dry and drought stricken areas in Kansas and Oklahoma and can hardly believe how much water is just barely out of reach for these dry areas...THE

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-54900289563085271072011-08-19T00:41:00.002-05:002011-08-19T01:07:59.609-05:00

We are headed out for some more fun, but while we are galavanting, will you guess?? Where are we (in the photos)?!?! Leave a comment (Jump in the leaves) with your guess before Sunday, Aug 21st, 9 pm Central Time - comment moderation is "on" so your comments will not appear. I will select a winner from any correct guesses!! What do you win?? Well, Pops says, "10,000 points" a la Drew Carey's

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-4109395968526339242011-08-17T19:48:00.001-05:002011-08-17T23:02:13.057-05:00

I was going through some old pictures (I say "old" - tongue in cheek... they are 2 months old!!) and found these little beauties and couldn't let them go without sharing!! When we visited my folks back in June, my mom hosted a fancy little tea party for my girls and the neighbor girls. They all seemed to love it. I think my girls liked the getting ready more than anything!We scoured a couple

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-8474864670135180042011-08-16T15:40:00.002-05:002011-08-16T22:50:34.405-05:00

Last Friday we took the kids to a PBR event in Tulsa. Lots of hoopla and hype. Fire and Firecracker... Smoke and Lights. Fun! (Out of the 322 photos I took... here are 12! No charge for weeding out all the blur, people walking in front of me, wrong side of the cowboy entertainment, etc... etc... etc... Perhaps I'll share more of them later, we'll see!)Here we have Silvano Alvez, the current

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-31089890645263454432011-08-15T12:01:00.001-05:002011-08-16T00:49:35.803-05:00

We are having a great time here in Oklahoma! This weekend, we met some "neighbors" that are here for a while... a full-timing family with four kids and a dog in tow! Bud is in "boy heaven" with their three boys - 9, 10 & 12! Branch and Blossom are enamored with their 15 year old daughter, who luckily pays them a little bit of attention!! Bark likes how their yellow lab smells, I think. I am not

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-11926335198483524882011-08-12T10:10:00.002-05:002011-08-12T10:21:16.274-05:00

We took the treekids to the bar. Yes. We DID. You can reread that if you want. We took 'em to the bar in Okarche, OK and let them have what they wanted.It happens to be the oldest bar going strong in the state of Oklahoma - established in 1896. For suppertime, they serve chicken.Their menu, pasted and epoxied to the table with a myriad of advertisements, is simple. Consisting of Fried Chicken,

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-30519536723029159712011-08-12T08:44:00.001-05:002011-08-12T09:09:08.218-05:00

We managed to get ourselves back to the Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City last week. We had a great time... Pops and I enjoyed the western art (no photos in the art gallery that we were perusing) and the treekids loved the hands on area for kids. There were a lot of cowpokes having a good time - Even Pops did a little dress up after nearly being tackled and assembled as a proper

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-44649488759062781532011-08-04T00:24:00.022-05:002011-10-16T17:21:50.553-05:00

Jessica is hosting a blog hop over at Shower of Roses... A Curriculum Sale that is! Who would believe that in this 41 ft long trailer I could find anything to sell for Curriculum or Books to join in!?! Well, I made some purchases before we began this journey and I now believe that they are just not what is best for our family right now! We are hoping to help some other families out who like the

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-40263799455747218012011-08-03T14:20:00.004-05:002011-08-03T14:44:09.502-05:00

HOT HOT HOT!! We're talkin' roasting away in our tin wagon!! (Although, Pops corrects me and tells me we are living in an aluminum wagon. There is no tin involved.)We spent last week outside of Salina, KS. One day the temperature registered 113 degrees. It was a record high for the area... and it was the hottest temperature in the nation that day. NICE. We were so smart that we drove an hour

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-5530818965638694082011-07-15T23:40:00.000-05:002011-07-15T23:40:31.380-05:00

This is Bump with his first ever ear of corn on the cob!!He already loves sweet corn. It is just a matter of how to remove the golden goodness...After a little trial and error, and some help from Pops, he gets a good bite.OH!! The yummy goodness of corn...Yes, it is definitely sent from Heaven!!!!And Bump could sit around all day gnawing some sweet corn off the cob.Have you had some good sweet

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-30100429976237160782011-07-15T08:49:00.002-05:002011-07-15T09:21:26.283-05:00

Well, I certainly never intended to take a whole month off of writing on this here ol' blog. But, I tell ya what... "vacation" is NOT a vacation! Getting out of routines and then trying to get back into them is like, well, pulling toenails (I imagine that to hurt much more than pulling teeth.) around here. We had a good thing going with a nice rhythm. Learning everyday, working in workbooks,

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-3620193488135777062011-06-16T08:36:00.002-05:002011-06-16T08:41:07.249-05:00

He doesn't often like a photo to be taken... but he cannot resist the foolin' around on a computer!I am out at my folks' home with the kids in Illinois while Pops does a little globe-trotting! If you don't hear from me much for a bit it is only because there is a full schedule of fun planned!

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-13657534682955497542011-06-10T10:10:00.004-05:002011-06-10T14:52:47.036-05:00

I opened up "Photo Booth" on my computer the other day and I found this:and this...and this...and this...and this... the fall.Any guesses as to who those legs belong to? Maybe "the fall" really is that they photograph their facesas well as their upside down Rockettes Dance Legs!

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-2098934624962607782011-06-09T09:23:00.002-05:002011-06-09T09:38:55.973-05:00

Pops was happy to see that Bump was interested in fishin'. So, he helped him work on reeling in...Bump had a little bit of want to do it himself.But, wait! What's THAT the boys were reeling in?A BALL BOBBER!Let's get a closer look at that...WAIT!! I wanted that BALL! It is right there. Bring it back, daddy. I want the ball.Aaaaaah... here it comes!Yesssss! Thank you! You are my hero, dad!WAIT! I

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-25914358275279248012011-06-08T08:13:00.003-05:002011-06-08T08:25:15.396-05:00

Bump had sooo much fun at the baseball game back in May.It was a Monday.It was May 16th. You might be noticing a little something.We stayed until the end.Yaaah! The very end. You're Outta Here!!The thing is, we were one of the 10 groups of people who stayed to the end. It looked like this from about the 6th or 7th inning on. Not that it was a packed house to begin with, but THIS? It is RIDICULOUS

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-12530193796285951742011-06-07T07:54:00.000-05:002011-06-07T09:28:52.881-05:00

We took the treekids to the Kansas City Royals baseball game. They enjoyed the kids' area, the food, the lights, the fountains, watching for the cotton candy man, the drinks, and Bump enjoyed the baseball game. "Ball" was the fourth word he has. (First: Dada, Second: Mama, Third: WOW!) Bump love love loves BALLs of all shapes and sizes, but I think that baseball is his favorite. He was wide awake

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-66634477395544735322011-06-06T11:36:00.003-05:002011-06-06T12:17:14.108-05:00

A week or so ago, Grandpa on Pops' side played his tuba with a polka band on a bus tour for Memorial Day weekend! Fun for about 60 folks from around their home on tour to Oklahoma, Texas and back again! Since we were in Oklahoma then, we went to the polka dance and had a great time!This hall has been hosting a Czech dance on Saturdays since 1925! HOLY COW!The sidewalk going into the building had

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-83096619546713962572011-06-03T12:24:00.001-05:002011-06-03T12:27:19.636-05:00

Just time for cute...Gotta Jet!

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-76176555965689159262011-06-02T10:30:00.003-05:002011-06-02T10:47:36.896-05:00

That is what all of the treekids want. Time to be alone with me OR time to be alone with Pops. Not having to share the attentions of the parents seems to be high excitement (and why not with being together all. the. time!).So, Little Miss Blossom was definitely due for some time with me as she feels left out a lot (although from the looks of this blog lately, she has had a lot of attention!). She

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-41607259787502829842011-06-01T11:32:00.005-05:002011-06-02T08:24:28.414-05:00

Oreo the Texas Longhorn Steer was at the Children's Cowboy Festival on Sunday. He was saddled up and ready to ride. Since Bump ended up enjoying the pony ride, we thought he might like a try out a saddled steer. He loves cattle, after all!We were most definitely wrong! That warms might heart a bit to know that he knows it is WRONG to get on a steer with a horse saddle. Thank you!!Bud and Branch

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-29816389201898355502011-05-31T14:04:00.007-05:002011-05-31T15:26:43.268-05:00

Blossom is doing a GREAT job with reading. She needs lots of encouragement and FUN to make it a happy experience. Today she read Alpha-Phonics: A Primer for Beginning Readers, Lesson 85 out of 128 lessons. It is working on the sound that "a" makes in words like 'ma' and 'car.'She read the following list:artcartdartmartparttartstartchartquart ("breaks the rules")smartAfter she finished the list I

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-20503340390366992912011-05-31T11:34:00.001-05:002011-05-31T11:51:54.510-05:00

Have we talked about the personality traits of the treekids? Just in case we haven't I will acquaint you with some of the character traits that make up my princess. OH, MY! I already started!PrincessDiva Wanna-Be (of this definition: a glamorous woman)FashionistaDramaticHelpfulImpulsiveShort-temperedImpatientKnows What She Wants (and WHEN)PickyStubbornSillyFunSweetall of these, among others...At

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-45000282750468852132011-05-31T09:07:00.003-05:002011-05-31T09:41:23.356-05:00

At the Chuck Wagon Gathering and Children's Cowboy Festival children under 60 pounds were able to take a little pony ride. We thought Bump would love it!We were a little bit wrong.But, Pops tried his best to show him it would be fun and that he really would like it. See? Horsey has soft hair... and Giddy Up the owner hollered!YIKES!Daddy, Get me OFF of here!Now, look here, son. This is a saddle

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-30685878398254431472011-05-30T20:35:00.001-05:002011-05-31T09:07:16.356-05:00

Living a new life in an RV has made a few gift-giving opportunities! As Pops and I celebrated our 12th Wedding Anniversary this weekend, we went the "practical yet, funny-haha hardy harhar" route! I am pretty certain that this is the appropriate type of gift for the 12th anniversary anyway. I was sweating bullets over the possibility of "china," "crystal" or "clocks." Pleased that we can stick to

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-13848426279551971462011-05-30T08:24:00.001-05:002011-05-31T09:06:55.390-05:00

It may have been a non-traditional way to spend our 12th Wedding Anniversary, but what else is new, really!?!We spent our anniversary, May 29th, by taking our children to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City! The museum was hosting a Chuck Wagon Gathering and Children's Cowboy Festival that we thoroughly enjoyed exploring - but, more on the outdoor festival later...

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-45861451468576686782011-05-27T15:55:00.003-05:002011-05-27T16:06:16.728-05:00

When we were back in Nebraska (on Mother's Day, actually!), we followed Pops' dad to the ballroom where he played his tuba for a polka festival! Fun was had by all!Bud and Blossom preferred slipping and sliding in the shoe slick by the great big fan...Grandma and Branch enjoy each other's company swirling around the floor... (Branch was quite a successful little dancer at the polka. She hopes to

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-57048333027824491452011-05-26T09:50:00.006-05:002011-05-26T11:42:54.551-05:00

...are good places to wait out a storm. 5th wheel travel trailers do not have them "for real." They are often advertised as having a pass-thru basement. Their basement is a storage area under a part of the living space. Ours is quite spacious. We could cram and squish all six of our bodies (fitting a wiggly dog would be questionable) into it if we took out our stored items. Currently, we are

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-90900306646170944082011-05-24T10:22:00.003-05:002011-05-24T10:45:50.728-05:00

We are still "around." And by that, I DO mean a.round! All over!! Since I last checked in, we stopped over in the Kansas City, KS area, the Wichita, KS area and now are holed up in the Stillwater, OK area.I had grand plans to download from camera and upload photos to internet yesterday. Instead, I cleaned house. I ran the laundry. I watched the skies and prayed for calm weather. I folded clothes.

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-88994907605095767922011-05-04T14:19:00.002-05:002011-05-04T17:12:32.932-05:00

All of the treekids love to take a turn helping grandpa with farm chores. But, they all like to do it by themselves, so - each morning a different big treekid goes with Grandpa off to feed cows, pick eggs, count cows, etc. Bump has been missing out on all that fun (he would be oh so much fun after about 10 minutes of being gone, but I digress...) with Grandpa, but enjoys going outside and seeing

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-82990152241374364022011-05-03T09:33:00.000-05:002011-05-03T09:33:00.692-05:00

We are out at Pops' family farm doing some school work, helping with cattle chores, picking eggs from the hen house, taking turns riding the tractor, trying our darndest to stay out of the way as the real work of the farm must go on as the weather is getting better for planting LATE! Branch had a lovely weekend here enjoying her special day receiving her first communion. Today, she told me... "

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-86214829013252331422011-05-02T10:48:00.001-05:002011-05-02T23:42:01.482-05:00

Congratulations on this most sacred of new beginnings.God will be beside you to listen as you pray, and He is sure to bless you on your special day.May the faith in your heart always be your guide.May the Lord give His angels charge over you,to guide you in all your ways.Psalms 91:11Be still and know that I am God. - Psalm 46:10I am the living bread which came down from heaven:if any man eat

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-19441410798465812202011-04-29T16:14:00.000-05:002011-04-30T04:18:28.328-05:00

I was sitting in a chair with one daughter on each leg. We were laughing and joking around. Wide mouth laughs leave plenty of room for mom to inspect the interior reaches of a child's mouth and well, catch a whiff...Mama: Goodness, when did you girls brush your teeth!?!Branch: Yesterday night.Blossom: Tomorrow!!!YIKES!

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-79185760174054628172011-04-27T12:45:00.000-05:002011-04-27T12:47:06.477-05:00

Way back when... you know - a few weeks, days, hours and minutes ago, I am just not sure how many! We were staying in the Stillwater, OK area. I loved it there. We had some threats of severe weather in the area. Tornados scare people... the treekids included! I would be afraid if there were any actual tornados heading the way of my location, but otherwise, I just love a thunderstorm, rain, wind,

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-41098691462596494442011-04-26T11:53:00.000-05:002011-04-27T11:58:19.262-05:00

The bunny made a stop at the RV park for Easter. Bump had great fun picking up eggs... and throwing them as if they were a BALL! I was not surprised in the least!!They had a good time - even if they were VERY chilled!The bunny brought lots of fun things this year - I did get a couple pictures before the baskets were completely taken apart - maybe I will get a chance to lighten them up and

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-85882603982885954152011-04-25T11:46:00.000-05:002011-04-27T11:52:36.208-05:00

We went out to the Pops' folks' farm for Easter Sunday. We had a great time amidst the 50 or so people!!! Yes... a BIG family! Taking pictures of the group is getting more and more complicated as Bump tries to run away! Some day they will ALL make great smiles at the same time, right?? And the sun will hide behind a cloud! Oh, well... here's their pretty/handsome Easter outfits! Hope you all

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-47795720263521228042011-04-18T14:14:00.004-05:002011-04-18T14:23:08.460-05:00

Have you given Heartgard to your pet lately??Bump can do it all by himself. It is as easy as 1, 2, 3!!1. Hold the real beef chew out for dog to catch a whiff.2. Hold still while dog snarfs the Heartgard chew right out of your fingers.3. Reach out to an adult trying to get another chew and give old dog an overdose of her monthly debugging.Good times in the trailer!! Hope you are having a fun day,

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-72450375432193005442011-04-15T09:39:00.004-05:002011-04-15T10:58:27.643-05:00

Last Friday, we headed to church in the evening to pray the Stations of the Cross with the local church. Much to our surprise, afterwards there was a FREE dinner of cheese quesadillas, rice, refried beans, chips and salsa and assorted desserts! After dinner what did we do? We stuck around a little while after dinner to join the fun of a few BINGO games! Each of the big treekids wanted to play, so

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-4942586733229734682011-04-14T16:16:00.003-05:002011-04-14T16:47:26.393-05:00

We have been busy here in our mobile treehouse! Branch celebrated her birthday on Monday with a fun day of presents, bowling, and supper out at Texas Roadhouse - where she requested a steak and sweet potato! The server brought out the saddle and a bowl of ice cream and a "Yee Haw" form all of the patrons. FUN!Well, off one saddle onto another... We are back with our noses to the grind and working

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-30852190344786889732011-04-11T06:17:00.000-05:002011-04-11T06:17:00.790-05:00

"Mama always said, life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."-Forrest GumpIsn't that JUST the truth!?! You really never do know what you are going to get in life! But, good golly I am soooo glad that this girl showed up in my life 8 years ago today. Such a sweet, fun girl who is growing into such a beautiful young lady; so willing to help and learn and grow. Oh, how

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-56071342326388209832011-04-08T07:22:00.000-05:002011-04-08T07:22:00.841-05:00

I keep looking at those pictures over there on the sidebar. The ones of the treekids. I LOVE those pictures. BUT, those pictures (of the big treekids) were taken in the spring of 2009. Bump's pic was in the end of May of 2010... They are old, outdated photos. But, I love them. I love it when my blog pops up and those old pictures are there lookin' back at mom. I like to see those faces from what

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-54309902770363780712011-04-07T23:14:00.000-05:002011-04-08T00:21:42.743-05:00

...to me!The other day, Bud, Branch and Blossom were talking about how THEY could NOT wait for mom's birthday. HUH? What? Really? I interrupted, finally, and asked why they were so excited for MY birthday!?! Well, I have been informed: Birthdays are ALWAYS fun-filled days! Who knew? Not I!! Today, my little treefam woke me with sweetness. Presents and cards and songs and love. It is so funny to

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-74639010493986923212011-04-05T23:06:00.000-05:002011-04-05T23:55:54.319-05:00

Yesterday morning (really it feels AGES ago), Pops and I decided that Bump had been sick with this bug long enough that he needed to be seen by a doctor at an urgent care facility. (Actually, we were sick and tired of liquid poops pouring out the legs of his pants, soaking through his clothes onto our own, etc... but, that is not conversation that you really want to know, now, is it?)So, I found

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-81799453175685376282011-04-01T08:52:00.000-05:002011-04-01T11:32:54.303-05:00

In searching for a travel trailer for our adventure, Pops and I decided that it would be important to have a "bunkhouse." There are many styles of bunkhouses out there and some are called a bunkhouse even if the bunks aren't in a separate room but just "out there" with a possible curtain on each bunk. We felt it would be good to have a room. With a door for the treekids to keep their things, play

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-59234598375307905922011-03-30T23:26:00.000-05:002011-03-30T23:51:41.922-05:00

So, before we set out on our journey I talked with my friend, Jessica, and my mom about my biggest fear about this journey... Would it be the lack of hot water for a REALLY long hot shower? NO, definitely not. Would it be not having a neighborhood or community to be in where everyone knows the neighbors? No, not that either. Would it be the severe weather that often hits the midwest in the spring

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-30294170911482887132011-03-30T11:12:00.000-05:002011-03-30T11:30:51.558-05:00

Well, it has been a while since I dropped in to the web to see what is going on and letting anyone know what is going on with us! So, a quick run down...Pick 'em up truck was picked up a couple weeks ago and was dropped in Ohio where we flew in to pick up our new home on wheels. We got all acquainted with our travel trailer and headed out to Illinois to stop at my parent's home where we had

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-90696566593433667882011-03-20T20:09:00.000-05:002011-03-20T22:02:10.533-05:00

Fun times out on the coast with our friends... Jessica and her family joined us for a bit of our stay on the coast. We drove out with their girls, our girls and baby Bump. They drove out to the coast with their boys, our Bud and their baby girl... The "in motion" photos from her van are VERY different from the "in motion" photos from our van!! We'll share those when they get home and she has

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-20338395059701828982011-03-10T17:42:00.000-06:002011-03-10T17:52:35.824-06:00

THAT is where we are going!! Well... maybe. It might be a lake.When we are "lucky," anyway! And, NO, most definitely NOT in a van. In, a, uhmmm, well, something like THIS: photos: Forest River, Inc.(I will get nice big pics of our ACTUAL "new home" soon, but this is as good as it gets for now!!)Yes, the "Treehouse" is hitting the road and we're taking our family to live a rambler's life.(

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-29917328383647063692011-03-10T16:42:00.000-06:002011-03-10T16:57:32.632-06:00

We have thoroughly enjoyed living in this beautiful home in southwest Oregon. We have loved springing off from this home base to explore many of the wonderful sights that Oregon (and other areas of the Pacific Northwest) has to offer. So, before it is all packed up and shipped off... here (for me to remember as my old lady brain will likely forget!) is a last look at the inside of my home!

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-40736177457556893512011-03-10T09:37:00.000-06:002011-03-10T10:06:48.968-06:00

I am running and racing about trying to not get bowled over by the racing ball of time, but... I think that we got knocked down! We have been trying to send a nasty upper-respiratory virus packing so that we can get our own selves packed up! We all sound a little stuffy, while I sound like a FROG! Pops should come home and kiss me back to princess status! OH, well... Bump is recovering from a

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-63084835505309758272011-03-02T23:41:00.000-06:002011-03-02T17:13:40.044-06:00

I am not certain if those "sound effects" are appropriate for the following pictures - for anyone who is in the know, anyway. What I do know for certain... Bud thinks that this gift from Christmas is SUPER COOL. This was his first day giving it a try. He has had several more tries at it since then and I don't think that he shoots sitting in a chair anymore.I appreciated him sitting in a chair for

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-83876778255542829342011-02-03T17:43:00.000-06:002011-02-15T23:28:52.144-06:00

Well, it has been quiet around here... well, at the blog anyway! I KNOW!!!!It hasn't been quiet around here at the ACTUAL treehouse!! We hustled and hurried and tidied and sparkled and polished and, and and and and... all the things to get our house ready for that ONE special family!!! Anyway, as a fun thing to do after all our hard work, I took the kids to the new playplace at a local

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-75875873161928237532011-01-25T18:06:00.000-06:002011-01-25T19:19:18.479-06:00

FOR TODAYTuesday, Jan 25, 2011...Outside my window... The Ocean. The beautiful wonderful Oregon coast... only a few long strides from my hotel room. It is high tide. Temp?? 61 degrees when we pulled in. AAaaaaah!!I am thinking... this little overnight get-a-way was just what the doctor called for. Stress-relief for the mom, fresh salty ocean air for all, time to be away with Pops for the day that

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-69614399627219390462011-01-18T20:46:00.000-06:002011-01-18T21:27:40.952-06:00

FOR TODAYTuesday, Jan 18, 2011...Outside my window... Already, the sky is dark. Where did today GO!?! I am thinking... that a move to ANYWHERE in the midwest is closer to any and all of our family than we are currently. I wish that they all would think in THOSE terms. We might end up in Alaska, Hawaii or even Singapore, next! Who knows... just keeping an open mind!I am thankful for... a pretty

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-61471279118043521092011-01-17T06:19:00.000-06:002011-01-17T06:19:00.908-06:00

We had a bunch of big snowflakes at the end of December and of course, the kids loved playing in the little bit that we did get. I was so enamored by the SIZE of the flakes! There was much fun to be had! Bud and Blossom came in fairly soon to eat some breakfast. Branch came in an hour or so later and plopped down next to me. "Was it fun?" I asked. She answered, "Well, sort of. It is more fun

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-76340414255274174842011-01-14T13:45:00.000-06:002011-01-14T14:01:32.204-06:00

I have missed doing this weekly post, so... I am trying to get back to it!! If you want to join in my "party" let me know and I will set up a Party Link!!Spending a little time every week looking back through old photos has become a real treat for me. I hope that you can enjoy this magical trip back in time, too!From finger painting to poetry, this boy!! March - 2004

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-83382236050488818192011-01-14T09:00:00.000-06:002011-01-14T09:00:09.724-06:00

I asked if I could write my horse's story as a poem instead of a short story. Mom seemed to think that it sounded like a fine idea for a third grader! So, I tried to make a poem that sounded like Bucephalus wrote it. And here it is!The Day I Saw Alex Fallby Bucephalus, The War HorseHe looked proud in saddle tall,Yet I knew that he would fall...For that horse was bound to tripAnd at that, his

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-33703472854539881982011-01-13T14:47:00.000-06:002011-01-13T15:14:47.612-06:00

On Monday, Bud was working on his Narnia Unit Study and was given this information:Find out about the role of horses in war. The article about horses in your encyclopedia will probably have a section on horses in history.Pick one of these horses and write a one-page story about his exploits with his owner. Tell the story from the point of view of the horse.Bud chose the horse of Alexander the

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-50234191603951873332011-01-12T11:21:00.000-06:002011-01-12T11:28:27.612-06:00

(He loves balls and thinks that all of these ornaments are balls to retrieve from the tree and throw. Thankful for shatterproof ornaments!!)(Goodbye Christmas Tree 2010! This mama is so happy to see you go this year. Hey, wait chubby boy! Give mama that ornament!!!)(Even though it is all put away... I am still finding ornaments in corners and under furniture. OH, For the love of little boys who

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-3026850942394287162011-01-11T17:59:00.000-06:002011-01-11T19:16:09.179-06:00

FOR TODAYTuesday, Jan 11, 2011...Outside my window... The sun is setting on another day. Who put the clocks in fast forward mode, anyway??? SLOW DOWN (just a little bit, anyway!)!!!I am thinking... this is going to be a LONG month. Out of the last 24 days of January, Pops will be away for 18 of them. That's right... home with us for a whopping 6 days. I am kind of afraid to see what February's

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-4536845825920607532011-01-06T07:09:00.000-06:002011-01-06T07:09:00.430-06:00

Our "Western Frontier Santa" visited our town and we stopped to visit at our town's tree lighting... Can you guess who liked ol' Father Christmas and who DIDN'T??NOPE! Bump was not diggin' sitting with our ol' friend... and he didn't care for the Missus, either!But, the candy cane that she shared with him... yeah. That was GOOD stuff! Perhaps if she would have given that to him first? Maybe??Bump

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-62150581215851357242011-01-05T07:07:00.000-06:002011-01-05T07:07:00.247-06:00

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-80533169496575468342011-01-05T00:33:00.000-06:002011-01-05T01:04:44.255-06:00

FOR TODAYTuesday, Jan 4, 2011...Outside my window... Dark. Chilly. It is 10:30 pm and it has been a long day! Finally hitting the end of today.I am thinking... about selling our house and moving. I am thankful for... LARGE Black Yard TrashbagsFrom the learning rooms... We have been enjoying a much-needed break. We'll be back to the "grind" next week!From the kitchen... Tues: Pork RoastWed:

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-85413431787300500302011-01-03T05:06:00.000-06:002011-01-03T05:06:00.463-06:00

Well, it has been a while since I posted pictures, I do believe! And since they are still fresh... how about some present opening pictures from Christmas!?!!We went to the Family Mass on Christmas Eve at our parish - it was very nice with candlelight, a children's choir (that the girls were regretting NOT being a part of after I had encouraged them... but they were afraid that they would have to

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-25326936999672055822011-01-01T10:08:00.000-06:002011-01-02T23:05:49.834-06:00

to make time to blog.to lose the "baby" weight.to do one load of laundry each day.to read every week... even if not for "fun."to plan ahead - way ahead for the treekids' schooling.to work on a creative outlet each week... some thing OTHER than photos for this blog!that ought to do it for "public resolutions"!! :)

elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01230070500584003229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-56238926475300490962010-12-25T06:32:00.000-06:002010-12-26T06:36:29.670-06:00

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