Rube Goldberg

Inspired by all the Rube Goldberg contraptions at the OM competition, Daniel decided to build his own.  This contraption is designed to put his marbles in their proper place.  He is currently working on another machine that will enable him turn off the bedroom light without getting out of bed.  Pictures of that machine will be posted as soon as he's done with it. 

I really do love to see the imagination and creativity of our children at work.  It's a beautiful thing!

Little Tidbits

Bryan cleaned out his office at the church today. The children used to bring him little gifts and pictures they drew. They were always so thoughtful. I know he will miss it. It's hard to say good bye to a calling you loved so much.

Funeral Potatoes with Funeral Ham

I don't mean this disrespectfully and sincerely hope not to offend anyone with the telling of this story....

On Saturday, Bryan was asked to preside over and conduct a funeral service. In conjunction with the funeral was a luncheon for the family. Well, there was quite a bit of ham leftover after the meal. After a generous portion was packed up for the family, the remaining meat was divided up among those who were involved in the "behind the scenes" portion of the service. Long story short, we got some of the ham. So for dinner tonight I used it in a casserole. We commonly refer to this dish as "funeral potatoes". Upon learning what we were having for dinner and the origin of the ham, the kids thought it was the funniest thing ever!!

Visiting Teaching

So how do you make up for being a lame duck visiting teacher and going on the last day of the month?

By taking goodies??

Yes, it's another attempt at craftiness. I "borrowed" the idea from Irene's blog.

If you're ever feeling crafty, check out Irene's blog for some great ideas!

Stumped

I'm sad to report that our beloved ash trees have passed away. One of the things that first caught our eye about this house were the trees. Well, ash trees have rather hard wood, commonly used to make tool handles, bows, baseball bats, etc. Thus said the removal of stump #1 was no easy task. Bryan and Zach really went to work on it. Darryl and his chain saw came over to lend a hand but it wasn't until our home teacher and his father stopped by that the stump decided to budge. That was one tough stump!! In a couple of weeks, the process will begin again with stump #2.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!!

New Background

Daniel picked out our new blog background.

What do you think?

Music

Okay so my friend put a link on her blog to some amazing cello music.

I just love the deep rich sound of a cello so I had to share it too. Enjoy!!

Click on the picture to hear the sample

Thanks Dacia!

Just Because...

All aboard!!

Sara, Jared, Daniel on their way to toothbrush valley

Sara LOVES wearing momma's shoes

click-clack-click-clack

Sara hiding under the trampoline

Tagged

I've been tagged a couple of times and each time I think to myself I'm going to do it. But then life happens, I get distracted and forget all about it. So, this time when Dacia tagged me I made a point of starting the post soon after I read her comment. Well, here we are a month later and I'm finally finishing it. Better late than never, right?

7 weird or random facts about myself

1. I don't know what it is about toilets but they are yucky. I can't stand it when the lid is left open. Yes, I do realize that I'm slightly obsessive compulsive about this, just ask my kids.
2. I love doing the dishes with my husband. At the end of the day when the kids are in bed, we do the dishes and chat, it's our thing.
3. I like watching Bollywood movies. Hey! They are clean, there's no foul language, no inappropriate behavior, crazy storylines, and totally random musical sequences. What's not to like?
4. I like my towels, sheets, pillowcases (in short, most linens) folded just so. If they aren't folded the way I like them, I'll refold them before putting them away. Yes, I'm a little OCD about this too!
5. I don't like carnations. Seriously, I abhor them. As a food they aren't too bad but as a gift they just stink. Why would anyone want to be given a bouqet of carnations? That's what the winner of the Kentucky Derby gets!! What am I a horse? Now, if I've offended any carnation lovers I do apologize.
6. I often break out in song at totally random moments. It's a habit that totally embarrasses my children. They probably wouldn't mind my singing so much if I could sing, but I can't. I sound perfectly awful when I sing!!
7. I love, love, love that Bryan gives me crazy, unconventional gifts. For example, a red wagon for Christmas, a tent for Mother's Day last year, a very cool LED headlamp for Mother's Day this year, and a cheese grater (which is still in my top 10 list of favorite gifts!). No worries, he does give "normal" gifts but my favorites are always the nontraditional ones!!

Who to tag? Decisions, decisions....how about Elisha, Amanda, Meridith, Jessi, Michelle, Heather, Jueneta? So you've been tagged, now what do you do?

Here are the rules:

1. On your post, link back to the person who tagged you - that would be me.
2. Post your assignment on your blog - 7 weird or random facts.
3. Post these rules on your blog.
4. Post links to seven bloggers that you will be tagging.
5. Go to those blogs and give them a comment on their blog to let them know that you have tagged them.
   

Got it? Good! Now I can't wait to learn more about you!

Fun times

I'm so grateful the boys enjoy one another's company... at least most of the time. ;-)

Look What I Can Do...

Climbing up & sitting pretty...

Climbing up & sliding down...



The Pageant Wave