RAMSTASTIC FIVE

So many things...So little time!

2008-08-11T19:15:00.000-07:00

Keeping up with the blog this summer has been a little bit of a challenge. We have had a lot of fun over the summer and it's hard to believe that there is only a week before the kids go back to school. Where did it go? Well heres what we've been up to...

M & T both had dance competition in Branson, so we made a week of it. This is of T's ENTERTAINERS - they recieve a 2nd place ribbon.

M's duo with Tarzan and Jane received a Diamond which is 1st place. They both did an awsome job. We went to White Water, Celebration City, Dinosaur Mini Golf, go carts, bumper boats, and we even had time for The Presley's.
Then we were able to spend a weekend of fun at Tan-Tar-A with the Teel's, Whitt's, and the Henry's. THAT WAS FUN! Here is M and her new boyfriend. (Tall, dark, & handsome)
Here are the boys, having fun playing around.

K & I - thanks to D's photo capabilities.

Bandana's was happy that we came, but even happier that we left.

And the kids were as good as gold...
Even the babies...

The last couple of weeks have been spent celebrating Birthdays and Anniversary's.
This is our lovely family. P & I celebrated 12 years of wedded bliss! Hard to believe I know, but we couldn't be happier. Mom and Dad also celebrated their anniversay along with Dad's birthday!
Aunt Abs also got in on the fun this summer as she took the kids to Powell Gardens for the annual Butterfly Festival. Brave lady she is. Here are some of T's glorious photography work...I think she takes after her aunt.

The rest of the summer has been nothing but fun in the sun and sitting poolside!

One thing I have learned is to try your best to keep up with your blog, because trying to fit an entire summer into one post is very time consuming!

LOTS OF FUN AT VBS!

2008-07-10T08:01:00.000-07:00

We are having lots of fun this week with Vacation Bible School. Here are a few photo Nana took today!

And here is one of our beautiful music leaders!

These two are well...actually they have been wonderful help this week and I really appreciate them helping out! The younger kids really look up to them!

These ladies are my mentors! I love having these ladies for ANYTHING - they are awesome teachers, leader, and even BUNCO queens!

Here is a picture of M's class!

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY

2008-06-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

Rain, Rain, Go Away
Come again another day.
My son wants to play just one game of ball
But yet he hasn't gotten to play one at all!

Another heartbreaking day for G as it rains yet again! For those of you who may be keeping track - it has rained every Monday and Thursday for the last 2 weeks! G has only played 1 game out of 5 scheduled. I feel so sorry for him cause he hasn't been able to do much so far this summer! I am thankful for the rain though - our gardens and fields will need them to produce those yummy fresh fruits and vegetables, my son however feels like Noah.

Father's Day

2008-06-14T08:26:00.000-07:00

A time to remember the Dad's in our lives!

(THE ONE ON THE LEFT IS MY DAD - HAVE NO CLUE WHO THE GUY ON THE RIGHT IS, BUT I HEAR HE'S A GOOD DAD TOO)
My dad, I have to say, by far is the greatest ever! Those of you who know him would only HAVE to agree! If you've ever seen my dad without a smile on his face I'm surprised. My dad is always joking and having fun, actually I think he's more of a kid at 51 than I EVER was. I love and admire my dad so much! He is a complete picture of happiness and joy. I just tear up thinking that I don't get to spend as much time with him as I would like. Thank you DAD for being a pillar in my life that I can trust and admire, and follow in your footsteps! (I'd give my right arm to be just like YOU! ;>) ) (Inside joke)

AWARDS

2008-05-10T09:02:00.001-07:00

Well Nicole, unlike you I have NO pictures of the ceremony - not even blurry ones! But I was able to capture a few at home afterwards. AWANA is a very big dedication for a little youngster. If amazes me how each of my kids were able to finish a book in the 8 months. There are like 50 sections, and each section could have 1 to 2 verses to memorize! WOW! How great it is to know that God's word is in their hearts and minds all the time!

First Ever!

2008-05-07T06:07:00.001-07:00

G out did himself again! He went Turkey hunting this weekend with P and was able to bring home this bird! I am beginning to think that all I blog about are G's "great white hunter experiences" - I need to apologize for those of you who have weak stomaches. Anyways - took them an hour to call this bird in, and G was so anxious that he shot at 30 yards and got him - one shot. The bird was 21 pounds! We fried some strips us last night and they were ok - I think it's mind over matter with me. I hate to think of what I am actually eating.
Thanks to Gramps this time we have photos.

I think I can see an end!

2008-04-16T06:53:00.000-07:00

Haven't blogged in awhile just because lots of changes have taken place over the last few weeks. As most of you know I am now working for Greg, and things are WAY different than they used to be. I'm still doing everything I used to do, but now it's just 10 time more! That's good, but it has been pushing buttons on my availability time. In my quiet time I have been studying about priorities for the last couple of days, and it has really hit home. I have a family and I truly want and need to spend time with them, I have a job that helps pay the bills, so I need it, and I have a church that I love to be involved with and help where ever I can. Gosh, I kept praying to God asking Him that he surely approved of me doing all these things, but why wasn't it working anymore? I love my quite time with God, because that's how I got this time to blog. He fixes everything! Seek Him first! He tell us that over and over in His word, we just have to be obedient. Everyday God shows me and helps me prepare my day, because I seek Him first! Sometimes you just have those A HAH moments and you have to share.

The kids have been enjoying the nice weather on the very FEW days we get it, G and P have been fishing, thanks to Grams I have pictures of those -

The girls have dance all weekend, so I'll try to get some pictures and post them next week!

Spring Has Sprung!

2008-03-26T06:18:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung on the Ramsey farm, and hard to believe Easter is over and it's still MARCH! Well the kids have been out enjoying the nice weather and playing with their new found friend, Caroline.

Caroline was a twin born earlier this winter and has been bottle fed since the day she was born. The kids, especially M, loves to feed her, and she can down an entire bottle in less than a minute!

As much as I say living on a farm is not my idea of fun, I am REALLY glad my kids get to enjoy these kind of moments thanks to their grams and gramps!

It's Official

2008-03-18T06:13:00.000-07:00

Well - it's official. Ken will be retiring March 31 and I feel like a part of me wants to cry and the other part of me is so proud to have worked for a man of such integrity. Ken has been with state farm for 43 years and 9 months! WOW! Of that time I have been able to share almost 15 years of employment with him! He has taught me so much through my career with this company, his wisdom in the business world, along with his love for his family, and the faith he has in God. He is an incredible man! So Ken - Congratulations!- you deserve to retire, play at the farm, and work hard in other areas of your life besides at the office! I would like to invite everyone, customers, friends, & family to Ken's Retirement Open House this Friday, March 21st, anytime between 11:00 am - 6:00 pm. Our way of saying THANK YOU!!!!

Birthday's, Birthday's, Birthday's!

2008-03-11T06:22:00.000-07:00

This past weekend T turned 9! I can't believe that 9 years has already past. It seems like yesterday I had this miracle! We had a complete party with 7 of her friends that spent the night, and boy that was FUN!

Here they are all SITTING - that didn't happen too often! They decided to watch Hannah Montanna while they ate their cake - YUM YUM!

After going to bed at midnight - they ALL woke up bright and early and started in on their stunts!

And today is Mr. Pops birthday. Thanks to M I have this wonderful photo to share of my loving husband.

Hat's off to you Mr Pops - your a wonderful husband and dad and we love you very much!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! XOXOXOXOXO

Fun in the snow!

2008-02-25T06:15:00.000-08:00

We decided before ALL the snow would melt away, and since there has been so MUCH of it for such a LONG time, we would have a little fun. It wasn't bitter cold, and it was actually melting as we were making our snowmen!
First you start with a small snowball and start rolling and rolling, and then eventually it will turn into this.

It's really great if you can convince your sister to help you!

But then she actually makes a bigger snowball than you? That's not right!! Oh well! Now we have two snowballs.
Now that we have two snowballs, we need to stack them. Hmmm - I don't think my sister and I can do this by ourselves, we're going to have to call in reinforcements!
Yeah! It's super dad to the rescue. This is great! M decorates the first snowman. OH how cute!

And then before you know it, we're having so much fun that we now have an entire Snowfamily!!
Ahh - this snowman making is too much hard work - let's go have fun! I know, let's go sledding!
Watch out mom, I can go fast! Here I come!
Weeeeee! This is so much fun!
We had a great day!
Just an update on how fast the snow was melting, last night we came home from church and a couple of the snowmen had lost their heads. Yipee - maybe spring really is around the corner!!

He's 21!!! (Finally)

2008-02-11T12:12:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Alex!!!
WOW! Can't believe your finally 21! But that just makes me that much older :>( We celebrated Saturday night and at 21 and towering at 6ft something - he's still my little brother! The purse thing is starting to worry me though!
Who's birthday is it? Looks like everyone but the birthday boy is blowing out the candles! Sorry uncle Alex - gotta love the nieces and nephew.

In other new this week - Ozzi got caught up in the chaos... Too many shoes to pick from...all these people make me tired!!! Notice the new do!! Shaven and clean with a sporty new T-shirt!
M has not been well for a while, but she was feeling good enough to give us a pose! She loves the camera!

Have you heard the lastest buzz?

2008-01-28T08:33:00.001-08:00

Yep - that's right - it's time to start preparing for Vacation Bible School 2008! The official dates for VBS this year at FBC will be July 7th - 11th. This year is going to be so much fun! This year the kids will be learning to know, speak, and live God's truth. Our key verse is Psalms 86:11 "Teach me Your way, Lord, and I will live by Your truth." Join us this year as we take this tropical trip to study God's word! The Holy Spirit has really been working through me this year to make sure this year is better than ever, and that we would be able to share God's Word with children from the ENTIRE community. I ask that each of you start to pray for VBS this year that God will be working in the hearts of everyone to make this event glorifying to Him.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2008-01-22T11:38:00.000-08:00

So many birthday's today I know, but I have a special one too! Today is G's Birthday and we celebrated last night with an ICE CREAM cake - our favorite!! He enjoyed opening a present from grandma and today we are hoping P makes it home to celebrate. Having a son has been an experience, but I have to say it's been an easy one. G is such a blessing, he has maturity, courage, and sencerity beyond his years. We love you so much G!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY G!!!!!
Also happy birthday to the Henry girls!!!!

MOVIE NIGHT

2008-01-07T10:45:00.000-08:00

My kids have been begging to see the new Chipmunks movie, and I have to admit that I was curious as well. I remember the Chipmunks when I was a kid - as a cartoon - now CRAZY things have evolved with animation these days, the movie was so life like. Does anyone remember the girl chipmunks? Anyways, the movie was great. Laugh out loud funny! But it had an even better point and we got to talking about the movie after we left and it really stressed to my kids that having fun is good, but having a family is more important!

What a Christmas Present!

2007-12-27T10:42:00.000-08:00

Here he is. Couldn't wait a year for his first Christmas, he had to come on Christmas Day! Here are a few photos thanks to Grams!

A Very Merry Christmas!

2007-12-27T07:24:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2007 will be one to remember for the Ramsey's!
Not only did we have a great family gathering, here are all the kids, but wait...we are officially missing one!

Yes, that's right! Jackson Douglas came into this world 2:30am Christmas Morning!
I don't have any pictures yet, but will get some soon!

The day was packed, first Santa had to visit the home front, and CRAZY thing, he left Matti a new puppy!

So now Nike, you will have a new, nice friend! We'll have to schedule a play date!
Then off to Grandma's! Almost everyone was there and it was so nice. And Chris...we thought of you, and here are some pics.

And last, but not least...

Who ever said Uncle C didn't make a good impression?

I'm dreaming of a WHITE Christmas!

2007-12-24T08:05:00.000-08:00

It's Snowing! The kids were so excited! And it was a total white out at times.

The kids, all 4 of them :>), went sledding? I'm not thinking this is the idea of sledding I had in mind since we do have a nice little hill in our back yard. Oh well - dad had just as much fun as the kids. And amazingly enough, no broken bones!

P just dumped T in this picture. I could hardly take the picture cause P was laughing so hard it was making me laugh. Ahh they had a good time.
Anyone up for some sledding? Call us up!

She's 2! She's 2!

2007-12-24T07:59:00.000-08:00

Our little neice turned 2 on Saturday and she is such a blessing! She wasn't Uncle P's friend at first, but she's finally warming up to him. She is going to have a little brother any day and we can't wait. So happy birthday little lovebug!

He's a SUPERSTAR!

2007-12-20T11:01:00.000-08:00

Tuesday night was G's Christmas Program at school.
Just in case you can't find him...he's the curly haired blonde with the Snowman Sweater his Moma asked him to wear! :>)

This is what we do...

2007-12-18T13:59:00.001-08:00

I had to use Lila's title just because this weekend we did what we love to do!
Friday night we had BUNCO!! If you don't know what BUNCO is, well, I'm sorry! No, No, just kidding. It is just a dice game, but the funnest part about it is the fellowship with all the other ladies. We have so much fun together!
Here is Tracy - and yes, she looks like a dork, but it's an inside joke, to long to explain!

Here is Lila with her "I AM MRS NEW YORK" attitude!

And here is most of the group with a few subs of coarse.

Saturday was the wonderful Dance Recital. My girls are inspired by dancing. They absolutely love it, and so, that's what they do.
Here is Mrs Clause.

I didn't get any pictures of T, and if you were there you knew why. She is just all over the place and changing costumes so fast it's not even funny.
Sunday morning I had the opportunity to sing with a group of ladies, and I had a blast. I love to sing, not by myself of coarse, but I love to sing in a group and we sounded so pretty. Here we are: Ara, Cari, Me, Tracy, Ann, & Nicole.

Wish I knew how to upload the music for you, but until I figure that out, you;ll just have to trust me when I say "We were GREAT!"
Sunday evening was the Children's Choir presentation of "Bethlehem Gulch". The kids did an outstanding job!

T was a choir character, G was a shepherd, and M was a sheep. They were just too cute!

It's Melting, It's Melting!

2007-12-13T14:28:00.001-08:00

OK I know, I know, I haven't blogged in awhile, but for good reason. A storm comes and you just as well not have any ties with me for awhile. Yes you bet it, CLAIMS! We haven't had too many BIG claims, most people are just dealing with clean up and concern for heat due to loss of power. Ken was working a claim yesterday and a HUGE branch came crashing down on the hood of his truck. Not good. And believe it or not, it wasn't a ficus and his insurance still covered it!! :>) Like a good neighbor.... Ok that might have been a stupid insurance joke, but maybe some of you got it. The heat of taking the claims is pretty much over now, so Ken says he is dealing with Post dramatic stress syndrome, I told him I was glad he had the disease - I think I'm just plain TIRED!

So while I was out this morning, I thought I would catch a few photos before it melted. This was the fence line at Grams & Gramps this morning. All I could think about was running my hand down the line and breaking all the icicles. LOVE TO DO THAT!!

This was just a photo outside the office. The sun was shining and everything was just glistening.
And then...

it started melting! I don't know if you can see here or not, but the icicles were just crashing down everywhere. You can kind of see the line in the street where the danger zone occurred. We were out today and you had to be careful for all the falling ice, but this is GOOD!!!

A little Christmas here & there

2007-12-03T10:26:00.000-08:00

This weekend we had our Sunday School Christmas Party. I was so excited because I don't get to associate with these people on Sunday morning, due to the fact that I teach in the Youth. We had a blast, and I do want to say Thank you to the youth who watched our children while we played! Thank you to the Bakers, the Naylors, and the Coopers for opening their homes to have us all stop by. The only thing that would have made it a little better was if MU had won.This is dessert at the Coopers. I think Marlene was enjoying the desserts. This group does look like they could have a few get rowdy.
Don't worry Al, you left early, but I had these two totally under control. We just won't tell you about the gift she had originally opened for you! If you need anymore details, you'll have to get them from Kevin.

Angie - I knew you injured his shoulder, but what happened to his face?
Here is Kim trying her hardest to avoid the photo shot, but no, I still captured her and MR SCROOGE. This was only part of the crowd, but as you can see everyone had a fantastic time.
Just for you Grace, I had to post this precious picture. This is Nathan portraying Joseph and K portraying Mary. Aren't they just the cutest! If you want to see this live, you'll have to attend the Children's Choir Program on December the 16th.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

2007-11-27T14:04:00.000-08:00

No one can say Bah Humbug anymore! Thanksgiving is gone and now pressing forward to Christmas. I captured a couple pictures of our trees - yes the monkey's in front of them are mine too. :>)

This tree is our "fun" tree full of snowmen ornaments and red beads and balls. The pictures are not doing them justice.
This is our "FORMAL" - "Don't touch this" tree - no I'm not that frantic about this tree, but it is very pretty. Mostly gold ornaments only.
Like I said these photos do not do them justice, you will all have to stop by some evening to enjoy how beautiful they really are.

Thanksgiving, MU, & What's that!

2007-11-26T05:58:00.000-08:00

We had a terrific holiday celebration!
We started our celebration at P's parents. P's mom is such a wonderful cook, I think we could have all just ate and ate. And then...it was time for pictures!

As you can tell, little Miss had other plans than taking a picture!

Aren't they just adorable!

And here we are...I know shocking my kids actually smiled! :>)
I did take a picture of PaPa and Grams, but I think my camera ate it. But they were there and we all had a fantastic time. These girls had a wonderful time playing at grandmas!And these boys are two peas in a pod - they are the bestest of friends and I hope they continue to be! And here we have M and Uncle Sandwich - Why she calls him Uncle Sandwich I have no idea, but it's a thing they have going on. And M plays with Uncle Sandwich ANYTIME he's willing.

And then...it was my turn. I was actually quite calm until I took the lid off the turkey and it wasn't the picture perfect golden brown. My mom showed up a little early and she thought it looked wonderful. In the back of my mind I was thinking...how much pizza am I going to have to order? Anyways we let it sit out to continue cooking and cool down, and then we started carving. And the taste test, taken my uncle chuck proved that it was delicious. Anyways, nothing fancy but we did have the fixin's. Turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, homemade bread, gravy, corn casserole, deviled eggs mmmm it was so good! And to top it all off, we had desserts!! (Not all desserts are shown) We had a yummy Reese's ice cream dessert, pies, pumpkin strudel, cranberry strudel. Then we celebrated Ab's Birthday and M was entertained with the box that her gift came it. After all that we got to sit down and watch the BIG GAME! And I'm sure we all know who the WINNERS were!!! GO TIGERS!

Now I am going to have a little GUESS WHAT THIS PHOTO IS game.
Study this picture real hard, and let me know what you think it is.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-23T08:39:00.000-08:00

I'm a little behind, I know, but I did want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Our Thanksgiving meals are not until tonight and tomorrow, so our Thanksgiving was spent decorating the Christmas trees and we did have P's mom and dad and grandma up for supper. I am a little nervous, this will be the first year I've ever "hosted" Thanksgiving - that means first time I've had to have enough table seating for 18 - first time to bake a turkey - oh my oh my! Anyone have any pointers?
Well I am thankful to have such a loving and close family, cause even if we do have to order pizza, their gonna love me anyways!
Along with my family's thanksgiving meal we have THE BIG GAME!!! For those of you who don't know MU vs KU. Well there's going to be a rivalry at our house. My cousins are attending KU and well most of the rest of us are MU fans. GO TIGERS!!! So no playing football in the snow and cold, we'll just stay inside and watch!
On a different note, I'd like to say to my blogger friends I am so thankful to have such wonderful people like you in my family's life! Each one of you hold a special place in our hearts - even those of you who read and don't comment! :) Yes Carol that means you! :) I have the most WONDERFUL friends a person could ever need. Thank you to all of you!

HEROS

2007-11-16T12:57:00.001-08:00

I look at my husband and I see the man that swept me off my feet, I see the wonderful father he is to our children, and I see the love he has for God, family, and friends. I see P. But he is so much more...he is a hero. A couple weeks ago my husband was selected out of several Northwest Missouri Law Enforcement and First Responders to receive a Life Saving Award. Many of you know that last Dec a couple of children had fallen through the ice into a pond near our home. P was the first responder on the scene and saved a little boy that day. Unfortunately the other child was found a couple hours later and did not make it. My husband was devastated, I can remember the look in his eyes...he almost felt as if he had failed. We and several others knew he was taking it hard, and we helped him through it. HE WAS A HERO! Last night he was recognized as that hero! P and I and several officers and firefighters from Cameron attended a banquet to recognize law enforcement officers and first responders who have went above and beyond the call of duty. The little boy was there and thanked P for saving him, and he also thanked the crowd for praying for him and his recovery. P was glowing! I could see last night that P finally understood, he did do his job, and he was a hero. And the neatest thing about this night of valor, was that P was not the only hero out there that was recognized. Andy was recognized for his call of duty above and beyond as well. I am so proud to know these men that are willing to step up to help others before thinking about themselves first. We are PROUD of you!

This is P with his Fire Chiefs and the little boy he saved.

Andy and P with their awards.

I'M IT!

2007-11-15T12:40:00.000-08:00

Ok - so now I am considered the tagee I guess, and here you go. I really didn't know what to share, but here are 10 things I am sure NONE of you knew about me!

#1 I've lived in Cameron my entire life (except for the one year of college dorm life). I haven't ever measured the distance, but I'm sure I haven't lived over 15 miles from the house I grew up in.

#2 I've worked for the same company since I was 16! I have went from pe-on to "Office Goddess"! I love State Farm - I couldn't go anywhere else! Been here 14 years and plan to stay another!

#3 I have a bachelors degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from Missouri Western State University. I always dreamed of being an actuary, but didn't get it done.

#4 My favorite food in the world is Chocolate Covered Raisins - and yes Lila - I agree that if heaven is truly made of what we love here on earth - then there will be a chocolate covered raisin fountain.

#5 Anymore, I don't open myself up to really close friendships -- the reason is cause all of you MOVE away just when I can't live without ya! Trisha, Tracy, Marianne, Kara, Rhonda, Cindy - I would love for ANY of you to move back!
And Kim, Grace, Lila, Michele - I don't want ANY of you to move away, EVER! :>)

#6 I hate to admit this one, but I'm a Stephanie Plum adict. Every year when the new one comes out, I just can't WAIT to read it. This series is written by Janet Evanovich - thank you to Sheryl B for getting me hooked.

#7 I strive to be like my dad, but I can't even compare. I would love to grow older - no offense dad - with wrinkles that define my smile! No - I have dark circles and those worry lines between my eyes - like I have just ate a sour pickle. Any of you who know my dad understand those smiling wrinkles!

#8 I think I've had 4 concussions all BEFORE I turned 16. So any of you who ask me about my childhood, I really don't know. My mom usually fills in all the blanks for me.

#9 I remember the beginning of my Senior year in High School - declaring that I would go directly to college, never look back at Cameron, forget having a boyfriend, never have kids, be successfull, yada yada yada. Well one year later I was back home and MARRIED and NOW I'm still here in Cameron with 3 kids! God had his own plan for me!

#10 My favorite Holiday is Christmas! I love to decorate the house, make cookies with my dad and kids, give gifts, go sledding, drink hot cocoa, celebrate the birth of Jesus, you name it, I think it's GREAT. In fact, I started decorating last weekend. :>)

Generation to Generation

2007-11-13T06:05:00.000-08:00

This weekend was a big weekend for all the deer hunters of Missouri. I remember as a kid when deer season came, my brother and sister and I were not allowed to play in the field or the timber, in fear that someone might accidentally shoot us. We never had any AVID deer hunters in our family. My uncle might get one every now and then, but I don't think he "showed it off" per say, unless it was a "BIG ONE". The opposite side of that spectrum is that P was RAISED a deer hunter. I even think he would skip school to go deer hunting. Now, I will not let my son do that FOR SURE, but P has been able to pass down the sport to G. They went out this weekend and as you can see, G was so proud of his dad, and those two were able to spend some time with each other. As I sat back and thought about this, I thought: P and I come from two different backgrounds, (I mean REALLY different) but the one thing that we have in common, is that our families taught us our spiritual beliefs. God brought us together, God has a plan for us, and we know that God will take care of us through EVERYTHING. P and I have had ROUGH times and I mean ROUGH, but it makes us stronger, and it makes our relationship with our Lord so much stronger. My point is that our kids see that, and we are passing this trust and belief down to our children, and it comes from the BOTH of us. So as I share these photos, which some of you think is disgusting, I know, I've been there, you eventually get over it - remember we all have things that we pass from generation to generation and this is one of ours.

Is it going to be Summer yet?

2007-11-08T07:02:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, M asked me if we could open the pool cause she would really like to go swimming. Well M it's winter and we can't do that cause it's FREEZING outside. No it's not, she proceeds to argue. The sun is shinning and I'm warm. And then she says I really only want to sit on the side and soak up the sun. I try not to laugh, because it hurts her feelings, but she is so darn funny! I tried to bargain with her that she was more than welcome to go outside and lay in the sun, but she could not wear just the swim suit. As many of you know M has wore a swimsuit 24/7 for a couple years now and I was hoping that she had grown out of that stage since starting kindergarten, but NO! She was back in her swimsuit last night just like the years before. My only saving grace this morning, was that this summer when we visited with her teacher, she told her she could not wear her swimsuit to school. Whew! Thank you Mrs. J for that comment - it stuck in her head! But I'm thinkin' it will be back on as soon as she gets home!

I know it's only November, and we have a long winter ahead of us, but I thought I would post a few photos just to let us all feel a little warmer! AHH can't you just feel the warmth?

Are we supposed to burn after dark?

2007-11-06T06:15:00.001-08:00

That was the question that came up at about an hour after sun down. Oh well, it was innocent fun and besides we had a fireman and a trooper on scene, right? But for some reason they each had an escape plot planned just in case. I guess you can never really trust those that are supposed to defend and protect!
Thank you Steve & Grace for hosting such a wonderful burning - we had a GREAT time!

P "the fireman on scene" & M "Could you make that hot dog just right for me Daddy?"

Lila keeping Ava warm! She was so cute and cudly!

Sticky Grace - Can I have another SMORE!!!

T & Lu - "Don't flash that at me!"

We had a great time, thanks again Steve & Grace, we had a great time!

Beautifully & Wonderfully Made

2007-11-05T06:16:00.000-08:00

Wow! As many of you know I teach 10th - 12th Grade girls at our Church. I LOVE these girls. They are truly postive girls who love God, family, and friends. Not to metion their babysitting skills! ;>) These girls made it their mission to reach out to not only Freshman of our church, but the entire school. They each personally invited girls to attend a day of pampering and dress up. They were then served by men of our church at a Banquet. I was a little stressed, but the volunteers were wonderful and made it so easy!! Thank you to all of you!!! I cannot express enough how proud I am to know each and every one of these girls, and how blessed I am to have them in my life. Here are a few pictures - Borrowed from M :)!

An Army Dude, a Snow Princess, & Dorothy

2007-11-01T06:10:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you mix an Army Dude, a Snow Princess & Dorothy? A whole lot of Halloween Fun!!! The kids got dressed up last night to attend the Fall Festival at Church. They had a blast! Matti is still terrified of ANYONE in a costume that she is unable to recognize. Cubbie Bear, Clowns, and Fire Pup to name a few! But she still had a good time! And for some reason she was not at all bothered by "Pumpkin Head"; maybe that cause that's how she always views him!!! :)

2007-10-31T08:42:00.000-07:00

M got to dress up for dance yesterday - She is so proud of her "Snow Princess" Costume. She couldn't decide between a Scarecrow or a Princess (I'm not kidding - total opposite ends of the spectrum). She is such a lady and a cowgirl all at the same time it's very comical! I couldn't imagine life without her! I'll have to post the other two tonight when they dress up! Have a Happy Halloween everyone!

Everythings always bigger in Texas!

2007-10-29T10:10:00.000-07:00

Check out this link!
http://home.swbell.net/rwpassmo/cross.htm
This is amazing! I really need to take a trip to Texas to see this!
James maybe you could check it out for us!!

WHAT A WEEKEND!

2007-10-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

We had a 3-day weekend? WOW! Where did it go? Thursday night I was able to meet with all of the kids teachers, and of coarse, as I expected, they are all doing a fantastic job in school! Way to go kids. AND THEN I HAD TO GO TO BUNCO! Friday we went shopping to finish up Halloween Costumes - TOO MUCH FUN! Saturday my little hunter went deer hunting for his 1st time with his PAPA B - He was unable to strike anything that morning, but he was still excited with the whole experience. Then he was able to have his PaPa C & NaNa take him to his pine wood derby race, HOW COOL! He didn't win, but his spirit was high. He ended his evening in the deer stand again, but this time he was SUCCESSFUL! As you can see he got a Button Buck! Way to go G! We got home that night and I was tucking him in bed and he says "Mom, can you believe that I actually shot that deer?" I said "Yes G, I can!" The girls had to dance in Bethany, and they did a good job as well, and we were able to meet with some old friends while we were there, and had a great time - especially at RUSSELL STOVERS - right girls? We tried to sit back and relax Sunday, but there is just too much to get done before the weather gets cold.

TEST DRIVE

2007-10-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

AND EVERYONE WONDERS WHY MY HAIR IS GRAY!!!
Just testing the waters here to get a feel for the flow of blogging.

OLD SCHOOL MEETS HIGH TECH

2007-10-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

OK - I have to admit - I LOVE reading everyones blogs - not that I'm nosy - I just like to keep up with friends that I admire, adore and love! And I enjoy reading, but never put any effort into actually CREATING the blog. I figure too much effort and time and WHO cares to read about me? Well I am now feeling guilty that KIM, of all people, has officially started blogging! So ok - it's my turn. I have lots of family here and afar so heres to everyone, anyone who wants to know about the RAMSTASTIC FIVE. But this has been so tough just getting started that I'm running out of time to download photos or write a journal. Til next time.