It was time..........

After 25 years (give/take) our alarm clock died! We have been using one I had gotten in high school and it finally stopped working to the point I couldn’t handle messing with it anymore. I could only change the time and alarm by the ‘slow’ button – the fast button would not work anymore, and well you can imagine how long it was taking to change the alarm from a 7am alarm back to the normal 6 am alarm! So I gave in and went and bought a new one. This one you can move the time forward and backward (so a 7am wake up to a 6 am will be a short back ward move of an hour) and it has 2 alarms AND it is one that sets itself when power goes out or it is unplugged, etc. I think I will like it! But I was sad when I tossed my old one from high school!

A Good Week

We had a good week and got back into routine fairly quickly after the kids had been gone 2 weeks! They gladly did school and did it in a timely manner, they helped around the house and I was SO glad to have them home!!
Outside of normal things we did not do much else. On Wednesday at church, our youth pastor is doing a series on Siblings and each week he is having 2 sets of siblings (in the youth group) play a game - to see how well they know their sibling(s) they are playing with. Last week RJ & B played. They each had to answer 3 questions about the other that the Youth Pastor picked and they each got 2 of the 3 right. Brandi got what RJ's nick name was on his summer ball team right as well as what his favorite song is to play on his guitar. She missed what number or name was on his Carolina Panthers jersey. The questions RJ got right were what number Brandi's fall ball jersey had on it and what boy signed her arm (instead of shirt like they do) at summer camp. He missed what song her small ensemble is doing for FAF. They won the game "Whoonu". We will be playing it soon.
Rod was sick at the end of the week, started out somewhere around Wednesday and just got worse. I believe he had the upper respitory flu. He had to work over both Wednesday and Thursday. Friday he woke up and couldn't hardly stand up so he stayed home from work and I gave him nyquil/dayquil as well as some vitamin C, zinc and echinacea. He sounded a whole lot better last night and went to work this morning. I hope he doesn't have a set back.
Tonight we have some Master's Commission students staying with us after they do a drama workshop for our youth group, so I need to get busy. I have a few things to finish up at the house as well as my normal Monday running (picking B up from her babysitting job, and she has flute lesson today). Have a great week!!

Redoing the girls room!

I redid the girls room while they were gone. They were quite surprised when they got home. I didn't want to post pictures prior to them coming home just in case my mom was reading the blog with them close by :)

We cleared out the room, painted, rearranged furniture and cleaned it all up for them! We will be putting new curtains up as soon as they are done but the pictures don't have the windows covered yet!

They have been instructed that it must stay this way! HAHA!

YAY!!!!

YAY!!! Tonight after Rod got off work, we left to go to Lexington to pick up the kids!!
We were all SO excited to see each other again! Two weeks is a long time to be away from the kids!
Rod & I had some time to go out and do some different things together while they were gone but we are both very glad to be all together again.
We will be spending the weekend at my brothers with his family, my sister & her family and my parents. We will be leaving to come home early Sunday morning so we can be at the church in time for FAF practices.

Guitar Fun!!

Today the kids went to Nashville with Grandma & Grandpa. This morning while at the Opryland Mall, they visited a Gibson Music Store (for those of you who may not know both RJ & Rod play guitar and both have guitars that Gibson makes).

So while they are there at the music store, Dad sends me the following picture:

RJ is playing a Gibson Epiphone Zach Wylde version guitar. I think he was having fun playing it but the price tag was startling him a bit! HA!

Later this afternoon, Rod & I decided to use a gift certificate we had gotten last Christmas and go out to dinner. So we headed to Montrose and ate dinner. When we were done, Rod said 'Hey I want to run by guitar center and see if they have any guitars like my acoustic" so we went. While he was looking at the acoustic guitars, I had a brillant idea! So I said I'll be right back. Next thing Rod knows, he is playing the guitar below:

I took a picture on my cell phone and sent it to my dad! HA! Now they can both say they played the same guitar on the same day but hundreds of miles apart! LOL I just couldn't resist!

I'll post more on what the kids have been up later this weekend!!

Vacation at Grandma & Grandpa's

The kids are still having a great time at my parents house. But then I always enjoyed going and spending time with my grandparents too! Yesterday they helped Grandma do some decorating in their bonus room and get a scrapbook area set up.

Last night they went to the movies! The girls saw HSM3. They had a few pictures taken! :)

RJ & Grandpa went to see Eagle Eye. I guess they didn't want to see HSM3 LOL

Yesterday I ran a few errands and spent the rest of the day at home. It wasn't too bad *Smile* I got a few things done that needed done, talked to all three kids on yahoo instant messenger and had dinner ready when Rod got home!

Have a great weekend!!

Kids on Vacation

Monday the kids stayed in Lexington most of the day. They headed to Tennessee with Grandma and Grandpa late afternoon. I talked to them at lunch time and they were having fun. I received a few emails from the girls too. They called once they got to Grandma and Grandpa's house and told us all about their rooms there, about unpacking. We miss them a lot but know they are having fun!
Tuesday they just stayed around the house and got rested up from the busy weekend. R told me that she had all the cards I sent (sent cards for them to open each day) all laid out in order so they wouldn't open the wrong ones! HA! They went grocery shopping last night & played on webkins a lot yesterday. Today they are going to work on the bonus room & help Grandma with some decorating. I know Grandma has some fun things in store for them too.
So far, I am missing them but keeping busy so that helps. Monday I had to work all day, yesterday Rod was home with me so today is the first day that I will be here alone and that will only be until about lunch time. I can't wait until they come home though!!

Kids First Night with Grandma and Grandpa!

The children rode from Dayton to Lexington with my brother and his family. Rod & I came home. My parents were at my brothers & they are staying there tonight since Dad has a meeting there tomorrow. After Dad's meeting they will head to my parents house in Tennessee.


The kids played with their cousins and this evening they carved pumpkins. Here are their master pieces:

The first one (pumpkin in a pumpkin) is by RJ, the cat is by B and the face/boo is by R. The ghost was done by my niece and the vampire was done by my nephew. I think they all did a great job! We do not celebrate Halloween in any way shape or form but told my brother/parents the kids could carve pumpkins. We have talked many times about how carving a pumpkin is like what Jesus does for us. He cleans out all the gunk in our lives and puts a new light inside of us.

I have talked to each of the kids 3 times since they got to Lexington. Each time I manage to 'hold up' ok. I do miss them terribly already. They were getting ready to watch a movie & go to bed IF they do not fall asleep during the movie. So I think I am going to head to bed too.

Trip to Dayton

We are in Dayton tonight spending some time with my two brothers. Also, the kids are going to go home with my youngest brother and meet up with my parents and go spend a couple of weeks with them. I am not going to know what to do with out my kids :( They are excited to go spend some time with Grandma and Grandpa. I hope I survive.

This week we had a funeral to attend. Here is a picture of the kids all dressed up.

I thought the picture turned out really good! RJ was a pall bearer so he had to wear his suit! HA! Don't see him that dressed up very often!

The girls had a Homeschool Art class this week at the library. They have fun doing it. While they did that RJ did some library research for school. The homeschool class meets only once a month, they study a particular artist and then do an art project based on that style.

We lucked on to a good deal on some pants for RJ. He had outgrown all his pants. And I was having trouble finding him some in his size - must be a popular size. Anyway, there was a lady that was selling some on cheapcycle. So I got 8 pairs of jeans (some big name brands too) and 8 pairs of dress pants (some dressy dress, some khaki & other casual dressy) for $22.00! I can definitely handle that!

Well better go socialize with my brothers some!! Have a great weekend!!!

A Blog Award!!!

WOW!! My sweet friend Sonja (http://www.shortsited.com/blog/) gave me a blog award today! She is the bestest!! (I don't know how to do the links like she did!)
She has such a sweet spirit and I just love her! Thanks Sonja.

Part of accepting the award is:
*displaying the award
*linking back to the person who gave it to you
*paying it forward & nominating 7 blogs
*adding links to those seven blogs
*leaving comments on their blog telling them you gave them an award*enjoying the award!!

So here goes my giving of awards!!!

**Mary - http://shillingfamily.blogspot.com/ - Mary is one of my dearest friends and goes to my church. She is a Christian mom of three and grandmother of three precious little boys! Mary, You Rock!!

**Theresa - http://houseofhooligans.blogspot.com/ - I met Theresa online and just love her fun-loving spirit! She is a Christian momma of 3, homeschooling her two boys. She always has the ability to make me laugh! Love ya!!

**Dawn - http://rawmommyto9.blogspot.com/ - I met Dawn online and she just amazes me! She is a Christian homeschooling momma to 10! She has such a sweet spirit and just totally amazes me in all she does! Dawn, you are a blessing!

**Michelle - http://mama2four.blogspot.com/ - I also met Michelle online! She is a truly amazing woman. A christian mom to 4, a pastors wife and a great encourager! Michelle, I just love ya!

**Jenny - http://thefuturegalloways.blogspot.com/ - Jenny is a super sweet woman, a Christian and a brand new mom to twin boys! They are just adorable like their momma!

**Jenni - http://bigweissjen.bravejournal.com/ - Jenni is a Christian, homeschooling momma. We grew up in church together. I just love her blog for expectant mothers, expectant prayers.

**Robyn - http://nmpamom.blogspot.com/ - Last but not least! My sister Robyn! She is a wife and mother to 4 gorgeous children :) She is always there when I need her and well, what can I say she is my sister!! Love ya!!

And there you have it! My awards given out! If I didn't mention you it is not because I don't love you or your blog! Just limited on time or I'd mention everyone! :) We are heading out to Dayton this morning so I need to finish packing and finish up a few things around the house!!!

Love you all!!

Rod's Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

We all love you!!!

We are Beat!!

We are totally worn out tonight. The weekend has been extremely long. Not to mention other things going on through out the week.
Tuesday we had a field trip to a farm with the homeschoolers from our church. Unfortunately I forgot my camera, so no pictures :( The younger students (which included R) went on the farm tour and got to pick a pumpkin and get a potato. They saw how to make potato chips and learned about the farm. The older students (RJ, B) went on the Ohio Corn Maze. It was a really cool maze with lots of history built in. It was just sad to see the corn stalks all bent over from when Hurricane Ike's remains went thru. They said they had beautiful 12 foot corn stalks until the winds damaged the biggest percentage of them. But we still had fun!! Following the field trip, the kids got to go to work with me. They hung out and played in the SMC while I did my thing.
Wednesday was my brothers birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY J!!! I had to work again so kids went with me since I didn't have time to go back and get them before church. Rachel also had 2 moles removed today. The big one was sent off just to double check it. She was not feeling so swift by evening when the numbing meds wore off.
Thursday was Pa Kurjian's birthday - Happy Birthday!! And I worked again.
Friday we helped set up for the JBQ meet (R is on the JBQ quiz team). Our church also had Trunk or Treat on Friday evening but we decided, due to the busyness of the weekend, not to participate this year. Saturday was the JBQ Meet. R did AWESOME! I am SO proud of her!! She was high scorer several times and almost quizzed out one time!! GO R!!!!
Following the quiz meet & clean up from that, the youth did a fundraiser. We had sold pizzas & this was the day we put them all together! We had 2 adults & 8 students! It was fun but took cooperation & work from everyone! We just did an assembly line of sorts with each person doing their job! We assembled about 100 pizzas. The kids that sold earned money for their accounts to be used towards FAF or camps or convention.
Rod ended up working a lot of overtime this week - about 25 hours over time! So he just wanted to crash when he got home Saturday from work.

Again we all crashed once we got home!! Tomorrow starts FAF practices!!! YAY!!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

WOW! October is busy! We are enjoying watching the leaves turn colors (but I don't like what that means is coming!).
This week I subbed a few days for different people. It has been a good experience and the preschoolers are SO cute! However, each day I work, I am reminded of all the reasons I love being at home! Working full time or even regular part time is not a desire of my heart at all! I am doing what God has called me to do and that is being home with my children!
Friday evening we had to set up our church for the TBQ Meet that was being held there Saturday. I rushed home after work, sat for a few minutes, then we headed back out again. Rod met us at the church and another family came & we made good time in getting everything set up. Once we were done, we went to a football game! Rod's high school was undefeated and we tried to go to the game last week (playing my high school also undefeated last week!) but we couldn't go to that one. It was a good game and they are still undefeated! WOW! We had a good family time but we did get a little cold by the time the evening was over as the temperature dropped!!
Today, we had the quiz meet at the church. RJ & B are both on the quiz team. I coach/coordinate it. The team did well, usually our first meet is not all that great but they all did well! RJ & B both left after lunch due to scheduling conflicts. They quizzed more matches in the morning and then the other team members quizzed in the afternoon. B's ended up being cancelled but no one bothered calling us so she could have stayed. ARGHH! I am proud of all the quizzers! We may not have a winning record right now but I do know the students are learning and hiding God's word in their hearts!!

Is it really October already?

WOW! Time is flying by! This weekend we finished up most of our ball games. RJ will have a few games (well maybe a few depends if they win) next weekend for playoffs. B finished her games Thursday. They came in 3rd in the league. R's team made it to the playoffs and came in 2nd place. She got another trophy and is so proud of it!!

Rod's cousin got married today too. We had to miss the game due to RJ's game but we did make it to the reception. They had a nice wedding and reception.

Happy October!!

My baby turns 10!

My baby girl turns 10 today! I tried to get her to go back to 8 but she didn't want too :( She is so excited to turn 10! She says she is now a 'pre-teen' Oh boy! Just what mom and dad need huh?

Not sure what we are going to do for her birthday. This is a 'party' year so I guess we better figure that one out soon!!

Have a great Sunday!!

Another busy week!

WOW! A busy week!!
Monday I had to sub at the preschool all day! Shew! I am not used to working and while I loved being with the preschoolers, I do not like working and being away from MY kids and my home all day! I was filling in for an assistant so I was just helping the teacher with whatever and learning the ropes! In addition to me subbing, Brandi babysat this morning and then stayed at their house until I got off work since I couldn't pick her up at normal time. Thankfully her flute teacher was on vacation this week (I got off at 3 and flute starts at 3, about 30 minutes away from each other so impossible!). R & RJ both had games and B had practice this evening. RJ & R worked on school while I was gone to work. We did manage to survive this busy day!
Tuesday through Friday Rod was on vacation. He got picked for jury duty and had to call to possible show up on Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. Each time we called they said they had no trials so jurors did not have to come in.
Wednesday Rod had a neurologist appointment due to some problems with his epilepsy he has been having. Our regular neurologist was out until November (due to hip replacement) so we saw another doctor. I was not impressed and cannot wait for our regular one to come back. He didn't ask questions, he didn't really check anything. From there we came home and I took the girls to their Art class at the library. I can't remember what artist they learned about this week.
Friday I subbed at the preschool again, for a different assistant this time. Since I subbed for both assistants this week, I have been able to be in all the classes and meet all the children. Rod worked on our car today to get it back on the road.
Friday evening to Saturday the MPact group had their sleepover and I was one of the chaperones. I did not get any sleep so Saturday was a rough day for me. The kids had 3 ball games (RJ - 2, B-1). I came home from last game, fixed dinner and promptly crashed by 8. I think B was in bed by 7:30.

Busy week!!

September is flying by!!

WOW! September is flying by!
B started babysitting for a few hours on Monday mornings. This will be a weekly job for her. She is excited!
This week we have had a few make up games (imagine that) along with our regularly scheduled games. R had a game on Tuesday and was able to play the whole game! YAY! Her hand is all doing great!
Not much else went on this week - just the normal ~~ school, flute, church, games!

Wet Saturday......

I had my day all planned out - for weeks now I had been anticipating this day. We had 5, yes FIVE games scheduled for today. We had it planned for each game (R-9:30, B 2 & 3:30, RJ 3:30 & 6) - who was going to take which child, that we were taking the cooler filled with lunch and snack items along with drinks for games (water, gatorade, etc). While it was going to be a busy one, we felt all prepared.
We woke up to rain! LOTS of rain! All the games were cancelled. UGH! I was ready! I had it all planned out! And now, they were all cancelled! While I didn't mind the 'free' day at home at all, I am dreading trying to fit in 5 make up games into an already busy ball schedule!
On the other hand, it was probably a good thing for R that her game was cancelled since she still couldn't make a fist totally yet so holding a bat might not have been too pleasant.

Back to a relaxing, wet Saturday! Have a great weekend!!

Happy Birthday Grandpa Moore!!

It's your birthday!!! Happy Birthday!!!!

We hope you enjoy your day!!!

Amusing Day for R!

Well, today R had her appointment with our family doctor about her hand. The swelling is finally starting to go down. He said she could begin using it as she could but to keep it wrapped when she needed it wrapped. He said he wasn't sure about any upcoming games (She has one on Saturday so we'll see how it is then).
The amusing part came, when MOM had to get shots at R's doctor's appointment! My results came back that I needed a couple of boosters. R was glad it was NOT her but found it funny that I had to get shots! HA!

ER Visit

Well today R had her first visit to ER :(
She had a game tonight and before the game she was warming up with the team. They have this thing to help with batting/warm them up - it is a ball on 2 strings. The coach pulls the two strings apart sending ball down to batter and they hit it. Well R had just finished batting and another little girl was batting. The coach didn't pull the string hard enough & the ball only went about 1/2 way down. So R said "I'll get it" and put her hand on it to send it back (like they had been doing on a bad 'pitch'). Well the little girl with the bat decided she would hit it to send it back at the same time and wacked R's hand on accident.
R didn't say anything to me, her coach saw it and looked at her hand thinking she was fine. She went to the outfield in first inning. She kept looking at me from time to time - unusual but I usually do not sit down close to outfield, I usually sit by the dugout right behind home plate. So I thought maybe she was just 'watching' me. But I wasn't sure because of the look on her face. Then a ball went out to her and she grabbed it and threw it in. They got the 3rd out and came in to the dugout.
Poor R, she came over to me just crying and crying. Her knuckle/back of her hand at her index finger was all swollen. It was hurting her, which is why she was looking at me, but when she grabbed the ball that really hurt :( My poor baby! The coaches got her an ice pack and she sat out the rest of the game, she tried grabbing a bat but it didn't work too well.
After the game we met up with Rod at RJ's game and discussed it and decided we would take her to ER, just to be sure it wasn't broken. Our visit to ER was amazing. Before I had the beginning paperwork filled out, they were out talking to us and taking us back to the desk. Before the desk lady was done with registration stuff, the physican assistant was talking to us about what happened. They ended up taking us back to room & bringing paperwork to be signed back to the room because they weren't ready for that yet LOL I think all in all, we were in ER a total of 45 minutes from walking in the door to getting xrays to getting discharged. AMAZING!
She didn't have anything broken, thankfully but did have a deep contussion and had her hand wrapped and will have to keep it wrapped, ice it, etc for a few days.

Happy Birthday Grandma Moore!!!

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear Grandma!
Happy Birthday to you!!

We hope you have a great day!!!

We love you!!!

September is off to a good start!!

September is off to a great start. A few ball games here there, sometimes 3 in one evening OY! Thankfully we had some friends on Brandi's team so they helped us out with rides to/from practices or the girls games were at same field making it easier.
This week we saw several birthdays happen! First our niece ~ A ~ had her birthday! Then my SIL and my friend both celebrated their birthday today! Today will be busy with games. R has one at 9:30, B has one at 2 and RJ has one at 3:30.
This week I also had doctor's appointment for a physical and *I* had to get shots! HAHA! I am applying to sub for our church's preschool and so I had to get a physical, an update on my tetnus shot and then they drew blood to check for MMR, etc. to see if I needed a booster of any of those. While they were at it, they went ahead and did a full fasting blood work up and checked other things like cholestrol that hadn't been checked for a year or little more. I had to have three reference sheets filled out and will have to have fingerprinting done. Fun! Fun!
That has been our exciting (or not) week!

RJ's first fall ball game

This is 'new' territory for RJ. No, not playing ball - he has been playing baseball since he was 4 years old. But this fall, he has ventured out and has decided to play in the same town the girls are playing in, instead of the league/town he has played in since he was 8 years old.

Thankfully, the coach he has, was B's spring softball coach so at least we know him a little. He will have to prove him self again in this league but I do hope he enjoys it. He got to catch in the first game as well as play 1st and outfield. I hope he enjoys it! It helps that not many of the boys on the team know each other as they are from several towns adjoining ours so he is not the 'new' kid on the block.

Looking forward to a great year!!!

B's First Fall Game!!

B had her first game tonight. The coach has some very good practice techniques that I really like. Instead of just doing a basic practice, he is really focusing on technique, which her coaches from the last two years have not done. Things like if the 2nd basemen has to go get a ball then short stop covers 2nd, double plays, a 'pickle' (not sure what the technical term for that is).

B *SO* enjoys playing softball! And she is getting better and better! She is connecting with the ball when she bats, she is not backing away from the fly balls as much. So far her favorite positions are outfield (left or right center) and 3rd base.

Softball Game!!

R had her first fall softball game tonight. They have a few girls on their team who have never played so there is a lot of instruction going on, which is perfect because R can still use some instruction and that is what fall ball is all about!

It looks like she will have a good team though and they will have fun!

First Day of School!!!!

Well, it is starting again! School! YAY!! The kids are excited and couldn't wait to get started. We are continueing to use Abeka language arts curriculum but we have made a few other changes. RJ will continue to use Abeka math (Algebra 1 this year). B will use Math-U-See this year, doing pre-algebra. R will continue using the Math-U-See and just finish the book she started last spring.
We have decided to try SOS for history and science. I think the kids will like it. They are excited about it!
I am a bit nervous about having a Senior High Student! Where has the time gone?

We will also still be busy with ball games that will be starting soon!!

Flute Lessons

B started flute lessons today. A high school homeschooled student is giving lessons at her home. B had a intro lesson last week and she liked the teacher and so we will continue with lessons. She is enjoying learning and the teacher will just continue in the book she had from Psalmist school last year.
One day, she will be able to play in the orchrestra at church and I won't have too! HAHA!

The boys are back!!

Oh my! I managed to get thru the week ok! The first few days were rough! I do NOT like being away from my husband.
The team had a great time in PA. They were part of a group and had a particular church plant to canvas for, do children's services, etc and just general helping out. RJ helped with puppets (he does puppet team at our church) and Rod helped with 'security'. He said he had one little boy that was a handful. Kicking and hitting and just trying to escape and go where he wasn't allowed. He even did it if Mom was in the room, but if Dad was there he was good as gold.
They saw several people saved and several people, including one of the girls from our youth group, healed! Exciting stuff!!
The girls & I had a good time with our play dates and activities to keep us busy.

Seeing the boys off for Missions Trip

Well, today we saw Rod & RJ off. They are going with the youth group on the Missions Trip. They are just going to PA but I am sure they will have tons of fun. I am going to miss them both very much! They will be working with a church that has church-plants in the inner-city area of Pittsburgh.

The girls & I have a few play dates lined up this week and hopefully we will keep busy. Tonight we have the end of our Kids Krusade we are doing for a local church in Wooster. The kids are all three on the puppet team & the team was asked to help this church do their Kids Krusade. We were there on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday. And the girls will do tonight. RJ obviously will have to miss tonight. I am so proud of them for using their talents to minister each week at our church and now at another church as well!!

Ball starting again..........

.................ball is starting again! So soon we will have lots of practices and games to update on!

RJ is playing baseball in Wadsworth this fall. And the girls are both playing fall softball! Guess they didn't get enough during the spring/summer season!

Well, off to practices today!!!

New month..........

What a busy day we had today!! First we got up early to take my nieces back home. Well, we met in Cincinnati. I was sad to see them leave and we will miss them but I know they were happy to see their mom! They spent 6 weeks with us this summer! My mom surprised all of the kids by riding with my sister. My kids were very happy to see Grandma!!
From Cincinnati, we went straight to the youth activity that was scheduled for that afternoon. It was 'slip & slide day'. A family from church had about a 100-200 foot slip & slide set up down their hill. The kids had a blast!! They also went swimming in the pool and we had ice cream sundaes! What better way to spend a hot summer day!!
It was a long day for us but we all had fun!!

RJ's birthday

Well, today my 'baby' turned 14. I can't believe he is 14 already. He is growing up into a handsome young man. I am so proud of him and love him so much! He will always be my baby! Even if he is a teenager!

We have a tradition of fixing the kids favorite meal for their birthday dinner. So RJ picked meatloaf, mashed potatoes & corn. All he asked for was money so there was no big present opening!! He is purchasing a processor for his guitar and probably a game or two for his DS.

Seems like only yesterday, we were at the hospital and now he is a young man! I am excited to see what God has in store for him!!

VBS

Our VBS has ended and we had a great time. Our theme was Power Lab. My nieces were still here so they got to enjoy it with us. Here they are helping with songs at VBS!.

RJ, B & I all helped. RJ & B were group leaders. I helped with registration. I even was the 'fun mom' and got some bright orange and bright green fingernail polish and we painted toe nails and finger nails in fun colors to match the workers shirts! :)

R got to participate with P & A. This will be her last year, because next year she will be too old.

Champions!!!!

Well R's team did it!!! They won tonight making them the champions of their league!! They played a great game and won 5-3 I believe. They only lost 1 game the whole season and tied one other game. They just had a great season!!

I don't think I shared earlier that R had a chance to pitch during one game. This is her first year in 'kid-pitch' and she so wanted to be a pitcher so she has been working and practicing. She attended a pitching clinic and she finally got her chance! Usually the older girls who have been in the league for a year or two pitch but they gave all the girls a chance to pitch for at least an inning. R did not do bad, she struck out a few, walked a few and had a few hits off of her. But for her first time on the mound she did excellent and we are SO proud of her!!









Thanks for reading and celebrating with us!!

B & Jr. High Camp

Brandi went to Jr. High Camp again this year. She just loves camp. She loves the services, loves the games, loves meeting new people, loves spending time with her friends.
She took lots of pictures and we will be getting those developed & will share some of them.
Wonder if any of them will be of boys?!? LOL

Another week gone! Where is summer going?!?

Our summer is just going by way too fast!! M went home with his parents last weekend but the girls stayed. Monday B left for Jr. High Camp in Columbus. We had 7 students (all girls) go to camp this week. Friday, the girls & I went to Columbus to help with the transportation of all the students back home. We have been praying for them all week and will continue to pray that what God started at camp He will continue even though they are all home now.
B's team had a couple of games this week (obviously she didn't play) and they lost so they are out of the play offs now. R's team had a make up game this morning and won so they play again on Monday evening. If they win, they are the champions, if they lose they play Tuesday - again playing for the championship. It is a double elimination play off and they are undefeated so far in the play offs.
Rod spent some time golfing today - he enjoys getting out with his dad and brother. His cousin went with them today too.
Our summer is going WAY too fast. We need to start thinking about what we are doing for vacation.................any ideas for us?

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Reunions, Old Friends and Lots of Fun!

Oh my! What a busy, busy week this has been!! And oh so much fun!!!
We had several games this week and we have been preparing for B to leave for camp tomorrow.

Last Sunday (the 29th), we had an awesome service at church. Pastor Jeff was our special speaker and I believe he touched many people. God was definitely moving in the service.
Following the service we had a youth group reunion for students and leaders that were at the church during Pastor Jeff's time as youth pastor. We had a good time remembering and laughing about the times spent in youth group and youth activites. We were youth leaders during the time he was there. We had the chance to see some students we hadn't seen in quite a while.

Then this weekend, we had a youth choir reunion from when I was in youth group/choir. It was a big surprise for the leaders and we managed to make it a surprise! We had about 120 people there - counting choir members, their spouses & children, youth leaders, choir directors and some choir members parents who helped with food and such. It was an awesome time, seeing friends - some of which we haven't seen in 20 or more years and the look of surprise on Ron & Kathy's faces when they walked in was totally awesome! Sunday we had a surprise for them too - a song dedicated to them and a framed picture of the choir from the day before (just like we used to take in the tour days!). It was totally awesome and they are so deserving of this honor and we just love them and respect them so much for all they did for us and are still doing for students today! We love you Ron & Kathy!

Have a blessed week!!!

Busy Week!

This week has been a busy one! RJ left for camp on Monday morning. I helped with transportation. We had 10 students going to Sr. High Camp in Columbus. We have been praying that they have a great time of fun and that God really touches them in amazing ways all week long. We picked RJ up at the church on Friday afternoon.

We ran some errands to kill time and then he had a play off game that night. Talk about tired! He was worn out from camp and then had to go play a baseball game! He played awesome though! (Do you think those energy drinks had something to do with it?!?)

Today we had a make-up game for R (most of the games this week got rained out) and then all-star games for the league the girls are in. I worked for 2 hours at the concession stand. Right when we were leaving a big storm rolled in. They delayed the one game but were able to finish playing it and the one following. Thank goodness it just rolled thru quickly.

It has just been a normal week here.

RJ Goes to Senior High Camp

RJ has spent this week at Sr. High Camp.




He had a lot of fun and we'll add some pictures once we get them back. He was WORN out when he got home. And from there he had to go play a baseball game. He contributes being awake for the game to the 2 Energy drinks he had on the way home & on the way to the game.

Our youth group is lacking in boys so he was the only guy that went to Sr. High camp out of a group of 10 from our church. Thankfully, he is friends with the girls too!

Parachute

Do You Need A Parachute?

Do you ever find yourself feeling like you are free falling out of a plane and your parachute is not on your back or you are desperately pulling the cord and it is not opening? Or do you feel like your life is swinging out of control like you are on a trapeze swing without a net below you?

This thing we call life is not always easy. It is not always smooth sailing. As we, as wives and mothers, try to balance all of our responsibilities we sometimes find ourselves grasping for something, anything, to steady us. The kids need us to help with a project, our husband needs us to run these errands, the house looks like a tornado went through it and we have no idea where to start. We want to crawl back into bed and wish it to all go away. But alas, we cannot do that. If we did, it would all just be waiting for us the next day.

Some things that may help you overcome feeling so out of control are:
Daily quiet time with God
Praising God for the things you have – even if they are out of control (a sink full of dirty dishes means you have eaten today!)
Finding a mentor or a group of mentors to help you (Titus 2)
Make sure your priorities are straight (God, husband, children and then everything else in the order you feel God would have you put them in).
Get some routines in place and stick with them

Psalms 29:11 says “God makes his people strong. God gives his people peace.” When we are in the middle of turmoil, when we feel like we are falling without a parachute, God is there to make us strong and to give us peace! God is our rock and our deliverer, we can call on His name and be saved!! (Psalms 18:2-3). We can lean on God and ask Him to give us direction, even in the middle of trying to balance all of our responsibilities. As we keep our priorities straight and depend on God to help us through them, He will be there to be our parachute or our safety net.

Some times God takes us through trials and situations to help us grow. He wants us to learn patience or some other virtue; or He wants to equip us to help someone else along the way. Sometimes we need to just hang on for the ride. But we can always know that, no matter what, God is always right there beside us.

Are you willing to let Him be your parachute?


© 2008

Games, Games and More Games!

This was a busy week for games. We had at least one game scheduled every day of the week except Wednesday. Monday we had THREE games! Talk about running in different directions! HA!
This morning we meet my sister in Cincy to pick up her girls. They are coming to spend a few weeks with us during their summer break. My nephew went along so he could see his parents then came back home with us to finish out his summer vacation up here.
Games have kept us busy this week so there hasn't been much else going on. Have a great week!

Happy Father's Day!!!!!

Just want to wish all the Father's out there a Happy Father's day!! We hope you enjoy your day and are shown how much your family loves and appreciates you!!!

Today Rod will be going golfing with his dad (and brother). RJ will be joining them this year!! Exciting!!!

Our week in Review (June 14)

Another busy week! Rain cancelled some of our games on Friday & Saturday but we still had 4 games during the rest of the week. Monday the girls had a birthday party to go too. They had tons of fun! RJ & M spent tons of time playing games on the nintendo and play station. Tuesday evening RJ's friend came over after the game and spent the night. Who knows how late the 3 boys stayed up! They were going to camp out but the weather was iffy so they just stayed inside.

Wednesday evening RJ & M did get to stay out in the tent. They had fun and want to do it again sometime, as soon as the weather cooperates.

We ended our week with a trip to CiCi's pizza in Brunswick to meet up with friends from Cleveland. As always the kids had fun. As soon as we were done there, we went down to Hinkley to hook up with some more friends! Social butterflies aren't we?! LOL We hung out at their house, kids played Twister, Wii and played on the trampoline. Of course, I took my camera but forgot to get it out at all.
Saturday we went to another friends house for dinner with 2 other couples (the moms all had a meeting/reunion to discuss but kids had fun and dad's watched the ball game)

Afterwards we went home and the kids decided to have a little golf practice............

Even the cats wanted in on the golfing action! HAHAHAHA!

They would not get out of the way, they would grab the ball, they would play with the 'green'. It was too funny!

We hope you all had a great week and we are looking forward to a fun week coming up!!

Another week for the Kurjian Family!

What a busy week! Ball games, ball games and MORE ball games! We ended up with 8 ball games this week! The crock pot is becoming a very much loved and well used appliance in our kitchen!

We ended the week with a fun trip to Swings & Things in N. Olmstead. We met up with some friends and just had an awesome day!! Here are some pictures of the fun day! The kids did go carts:

And they did bumper boats:

There was also putt-putt golf, batting cages, inside play area, laser tag and all kinds of other fun things to do. It was a VERY hot day so we had lots of water and the bumper boats were of course a favorite!

Today (Saturday) we all drove down to Cincy to pick up our nephew. He is here to spend the month of June with us. RJ is excited because he has someone to play games with!

That about wraps up our week!!

Busy Weekend!

What a busy weekend! Saturday we had a Confidence Class that we hosted at church. It had several parts: Home Alone (teaching children what to do when home alone), babysitting course (what to do when babysitting, how to prepare, what informatino you need to get from families, etc), and a CPR/Heimlich/AED certification course. All three of the kids took the Home Alone course, RJ/B took the babysitting course (both now have a babysitting course certificate) and RJ/B/I all took the CPR training so we have that certificate now as well. R sat in on all the courses but the adult CPR was a little difficult for her since she is so small/young.


Saturday we had 2 graduation parties as well so we ran to each of those. Hard to believe that these kids are graduating! Then R had a softball game at 8 that night under the 'big lights'. That is always a big exciting time for them!

Sunday we had church. We picked up our friends kids and they went with us. After we took them home our busy day started. We were able to sneak in an hour or so nap though which was very good! Our nephew graduated this year so we went to his graduation party. It started at 4:30 but they got out of graduation late so they didnt' get there until after 5 LOL. We had a good time and can't believe he has graduated!

We were suppose to go to our Homeschool Group's graduation but it started at 6 and since the family graduation party didn't get started until about 5:15 we decided it would be best to stay there instead of leaving at 5:30. Rod also had calling hours to go to but decided it would be best to stay with the family. We will be sending cards to our friends that lost their loved one.

Monday our week started with a busy day of normal stuff (kids, chores, fun in the sun), Rod had to work late and the day ended with 2 ball games (RJ & R). Both teams won so that was a great ending to the day!

Well I guess that is it for today!! We'll update again in a few days! Have a great week!!

Weekend Fun

This is our first blog!!
We had fun hanging out as a family over the Memorial Day weekend.

Saturday Rod golfed all day in a annual tournament he always participates in. So the kids & I took that opportunity to meet up with a friend and her kids at CiCi's in Brunswick. We always have a great time when we get together.

Sunday was of course church! Then we came home and took care of some yard work. I skipped my nap that day :) Brandi had an accident while cutting weeds and cut her thumb pretty bad. We got it to stop bleeding and all bandaged up. I think it will heal just fine!

Sunday evening we took some time for 4-wheeling! What fun!!

The kids had a fun time taking turns riding around the yard with Dad on the 4-wheeler.
Monday we remembered the veterans and all those still serving our country! Thanks to all of you! We took some time after dinner to sit out on the porch and enjoy family time together. This included playing some games, doing some acrobatics in the yard and just enjoying our time together.

We hope you will enjoy our pictures and our blog!! Enjoy!!!