The joys of Sunday nap time.....I snapped this several Sundays ago....they all looked so sweet and peaceful lying around the living room. I will miss these days in few years!
Going on six.....
Oh My!! She's 3 1/2
Eight ALREADY!!!!!
Grace, as you may already know. Is quite eccentric. She loves deciding on what outfit she is going to wear each day! On top of that, she puts a lot of thought into her hair accessories. This photo speaks volumes. She brought all these hair pieces to Mamaw Kemp..... Together, this is what they came up with. Of course, Grace felt lovely by this time. So, I had to seize the moment and photograph it....... As you can see, in some of the photos. Her face wasn't even washed. Thankfully, it was a warm day in our Buckeye State. So, I was able to take the photos outside.
WOW!!! It's been awhile since my last post!!! Recently, I've been pursuing more paper crafting ventures. Last month, one of my Cards was accepted to be published in an upcoming magazine! Here's the link to my CARD BLOG. Feel free to stop in and say "HI"!! :D
Our tree Christmas morning! Everyone was anxious and anticipating opening their gifts!! Even the big people! :) 
Christmas at Home: Grace
Christmas at Mamaw Roops: Back Row L-R: Katie, Aubrie, Weston, Wyatt Front Row: Garrett and Logan
Christmas at Mamaw Roops: Back Row L-R: Katie, Aubrie, Weston
Christmas at Mamaw Roops: Adults-Joni and Rosella
Christmas at Mamaw Kemps: Melody
Christmas at Mamaw Kemps: Mamaws new kitten, AshesWe had a surprise birthday party for my cousins 11 yr. old daughter while they were visiting and I needed something that was QUICK and CUTE! This is what I came up with......The total cost of the cake (minus the candles, I already had them on hand) was $9.00. I bought the penguin for $4.00 and the mini cupcakes for $5.00 (the mini cupcakes were 12 for $2.50, I bought two packs ) . I arranged the mini cupcakes around the penguin on a large oval platter. I used 11 mini cupcakes. I placed the extra mini cupcakes on a cupcake stand I had on hand. It held the rest of the mini cupcakes. And believe me! It was plenty of cake! We still have the whole penguin left and there was almost a whole pack of mini cupcakes left. Of course we had the cake with a meal and other deserts but if you just needed a cake as an accent to a party. This is a perfect way to go!!
Here's a few more photos......The odd shaped photos have been cropped. 
Melody adoring her snowball.
Grace trying to stay dry under an umbrella.
I feel very blessed to have this space to let my creativity flow. This room has evolved over a period of time. Mike has brought and bought different pieces home over the last 2-3 yrs. The cabinet was his grandmothers. The buffet was a church camp reject. He bought the table and chairs at an auction. We painted this spring and I just bought some of the decorations at an awesome yard sale this summer. The stuff was SO cheap! The saltbox house picture was around 3.00 dollars. The lamp was like 5.00 and it has a metal lampshade with piercing designs on it. The border was 3.00 a roll at Lowes. I love clearance!!! I've been wanting to take pictures of this room for awhile now. Today just happened to be the day I followed through! :) One of the best things about this room is it's a balcony (loft) type space. I can still hear almost everything going on around the house! The kids have to go through it to get to their bedrooms and I can see the front door and living room from where I'm sitting! 
Please forgive the horrible pictures of me! I was very blessed (not really) to have had the stomach bug that week. All that aside, my birthday (Nov 1st) was fabulous! Cherish made me a cake and Mike took me shopping at the Oulet Mall!! I received several nice gifts!! Mike bought me COACH handbag and wristlet and also gave me a 100.00 dollars to spend. My MIL gave me a Tupperware sprinkle/spice set with turntable. My mom bought me Pampered Chef scoops. Maybe I'll get photos of the gifts posted at some point?! :D To all who contributed to my Birthday joy. THANKS SO MUCH!
We had a fun Trick-or-Treat this year. The kids had fun dressing up and walking around our neighborhood. The older people enjoyed handing out candy and seeing the kids dressed up! As you can see Cherish is dressed up as a Granny. This is such a fun and easy costume. We have an older lady next door and she loaned us her cane, purse and shaw. I powdered her hair and the rest of the stuff we had around here. Cherish loves this costume! She looks and acts hilarious! We crack up at her!
This is off the subject but I want to add that Cherish (5th grade) made A HONOR ROLL and ALL her other subjects were S+ this quarter!!! Not only was she excited. We were too! Way to go Girl!!! Melody (2nd grade) had one B (that was around 2 points from being an A) and the rest of the subjects were A's. She is doing so well in school too! Melody's math grade was 97. To me, that's pretty good!! So far, Weston is the top boy in his class. It has suprised me how well he does! I was concerned at first because I know for the most part boys are behind girls when they start school. Thankfully, I worried needlessly. Weston was born blessed with a quick learning ability. He started school knowing a few basic skills and now he can write to 100, count to 100, he recognizes all the upper and lower letters, knows all the letter sounds and recognizes and recites 31 site words. They have only been in school a little over two months. So, he has made leaps and bounds!! God is so good! I am very thankful for the children he has blessed us with! My greatest desire is that they grow up with a desire to serve God!
The kids are supposed to take a bag of candy to school for a party on Friday. So, instead of sending in a bag of candy. I thought it would be cuter to make treat bags. Today my Mom and I sat down and completed 40 or more of them. The tops are inexpensive plain Joanne Fabric paper. I stamped the tops and then ran them through the Cuttle Bug ( a dry embossing machine) . I made the scallops and circle with a couple Stampin' Up punches. There is very little skill required to complete these. Just a lot of patience! Lots of cutting required! My girls enjoyed helping some too! Now, I only have 20 some more to go! They are going to be made out of paper sacks. It will be interesting to see how they turn out! :D
Here's a few cards I've made recently......I go through spurts where I make them quite often. Then I'll slack off and not make one for weeks. I truly enjoy making them. It is fun and rewarding!
We've been having such beautiful fall weather I couldn't resist taking a few fall photos.....
I know they're not the best photos but the weather was just too nice to pass up the opportunity.
The wind was gusty at times while I was taking the photos. So you'll probably notice things blowing around.
I found these photos of our family room the other day. My far away friends were interested in seeing them. This room used to be an unattached garage. DH rebuilt and remodeled it. DH also built the staircase from scratch. I had the privilege of painting, furnishing and decorating it. These photos are from a couple Christmas ago. I have rearranged some of the furniture since then. Basically, for the most part it still looks the same.
While shopping a week or so ago. I came across this "fur" coat for Grace. The best part is that it only cost $5.00. I of course, couldn't resist. Not only was it a great buy. She looked ADORABLE in it! Grace cooperated even though it was around 80 degrees outside. I only took around a dozen shots. It was just too warm to make her suffer for very long.
I would feel extremely selfish if I kept these adorable pumpkin cupcakes to myself and didn't share them with you. I bought a cupcake book and it had these cuties in them. I knew immediately I had to make'm. I didn't have that book a day or two and they were made. My MIL wanted me to make a cake for my SIL birthday but I asked her if I could make these instead. Of course, she said that was fine and my SIL loved them so much she wanted to make them for her sons kindergarten class. That's why I had to pass along the idea to you.
The cupcakes are very easy to create. You prepare them like regular cupcakes , then color canned vanilla frosting orange, cover the frosted cupcakes in orange sugar sprinkles, put a medium sized amount of frosting in a zip lock bag and cut a small 1/8 in. size hole in one corner to create the ridges. Lastly, cut the green twizzlers into 3/4 in. pieces and stick them in the top of the cupcakes (angle some of them slightly).
Shopping list:(you may already have most of these supplies at home)
1 cake mix
1 can vanilla frosting
pack of assorted twizzlers
orange food coloring
orange sugar crystals
ziplock bags
cupcake baking cups
Our family went on our first camp out this past summer. This photo of Grace (3) was taken during our camp out. She was the last person to wake up that particular morning so I had an opportunity I couldn't resist. To me, a sleeping child is a perfect example of peacefulness. 
You can find a link to this photo contest HERE http://www.5minutesformom.com/4380/win-a-new-bedroom-set/
Blessed be the Lord God Almighty we just celebrated 14 years of marriage. The Lord has brought us so far from where started. We are blessed above and beyond God's promises. I pray that we as a couple continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
My honey brought me 14 roses on our happy day. 
Our daughter enjoying the tire swing after a BIG push from daddy.
This was our campsite. It was right next to the lake and had elec. hookups.
He didn't want to bait his hook so, Mel helped him.
The campground had a playground. Which they all enjoyed.
Mike starting the fire for breakfast.
Mike cooked us two yummy breakfasts. Biscuits, homade hamburger gravy, scrambled eggs and bacon.
We had a blast on the paddle boats. We took them out two different days.
The girls made some new friends while were there. They had a lot of fun playing with them.
Mamaw and Cherish made this welcome sign for us to hold up at the airport.
Papaw and Jordan coming out to meet us.
After we picked him up at the airport we took him out to eat and then went Magic Mountain. He won a 100 tickets at this game. He was sweet and used his tickests on his little cousins.
Mamaw watching Jordan palying a racing game.
Mel and Weston playing around.
Cherish and Jordan being silly.
Jordan couldn't wait to ride the quad. The downside, they rode them so much the dust got unbearable.
On Tues, we went to Tecumsah. It's an outdoor drama and it contains Ohio history.
CHEESE!!!
We took a few days and went to Lake Erie with some friends. We had a good time and thankfully, a safe trip. Here's a few pictures from our trip. 
Weston caught a sheeps head, bottom fishing.
Weston on the carousel.
Put-In-Bay Park
Weston and Megan at the Butterfly House
Grace fell asleep on Mel's lap
Our four and Aaron and Lisa's three girls.
Our Family Put-In-Bay Park
Cherish on the carousel.
Grace on the carousel.
Melody on the carousel.
Cherish, Grace and Allyssa
Cherish and Allyssa
Weston and Cherish riding a camel. Cherish is really ok! Just a little
Melody taking a pony ride.
One of our fishing ventures! :)
Looking back. I didn't get very many pictures of the girls. Grace was SO excited to finally be having her party. When I was making her cake she kept saying, "I'm so happy". It was now her turn to open presents and be sung Happy Birthday to. Grace will turn three Tuesday the 24th. :0 Our baby is growing up much too fast!
Cherish is 10 years old now. She is growing up quite fast! She is such a helpful and responsible girl. Four friends were able to sleepover, which made her day! Cherish pointed out that all her friends who stayed, their names started with the letter A. We thought that was Kinda cool. :)
PARTY TIME!!!!
We celebrated Cherish and Grace's birthdays last night (Fri. June 20th). Here are a few misc. photos. We had the party in our backyardbackyard. The kids had a blast!
Mike ordered a whole pig and roasted it in the roaster he recently built. The pork turned out GREAT!
Thank the Lord the girl's cakes turned out ok. I didn't have any real decorating ideas. Cherish wanted a bike instead of expensive decorations so, we didn't have a theme to follow. That made it much more difficult for me. All in all I think the party went well! We didn't have any major glitches! Thankfully, All our kid's birthdays are over for this year! Now we can relax! :)
This little yellow dress carries sweet, sentimental memories for my mother and I. It all started with a photo of myself my mother had taken of me when I turned one years old. My mother wanted to carry on the tradition and bought my oldest daughter (who is now almost 10) a yellow dress to wear for her first birthday. Looking back, my two other daughters didn't wear it at their first birthday party but I did get pictures of them wearing it. Sadly, Grace was almost three before I took pictures of her . For fun, I wish I had time in this post to put the photos of each of us wearing it together. I'll have to make that a priority. Though, don't expect it anytime soon! :D
GRACE~2yrs. 11 mons.
Meet (whom I call), Mr. and Mrs. Ribbit. Frogs are an amazing animal specie. For instance, take a look at Mr. Ribbit. Notice how big and gloriously plump he is. (Frog legs anyone?) It amazes me how these amphibians start out as a glob of eggs in a mud puddle or some other water source (in our case our backyard pond). And as the eggs gestate in the water source they then become these little iggly squiggly things called tadpoles. By the way, when we were kids we loved to pop those poor tadpoles. We must not've popped too many of them because I've not heard of any bans on tadpole popping. My, they're almost as fun as bubble wrap! JK! Seriously, it is an amazing process to watch as the tadpole morphs into a frog or toad. I also, enjoy listening to the frogs as they call to one another in the evening as it darkens. We have watched the 'calling' process. One frog croaks or ribbits (whichever you prefer) until the other frog reaches it. What an intricate and beautiful animal kingdom God has created.
I feel fortunate to get such a close up shot of the BIG frog. It has been in our pond for awhile but I've never able to catch it unaware. When I would get too close it would jump back into the pond and there went my photo opp. I was happy to get a few good photos before he decided to hop back into the pond. The photo on the right, is right after Mr. Ribbit decided to end our photo shoot.
Lilies, what a beautiful flower! They are full of intricate detail and beauty. So far, this photo is one of my own personal favorites. The coloring of this lily is breathtaking and awe inspiring. 
I greatly enjoy taking photos of plants, outdoor life, landscapes and flowers.
I was visiting From My Cherry Heart's blog today and stumbled upon this http://lejournal.sadieolive.com/. It is an inspirational challenge to take photos of red images. I love From My Cherry Heart's blog! Although, we've never met, we have one thing in common. A cherry kitchen. From what I've seen, her kitchen far outshines my own but I thought it wouldn't hurt to share the photos I've taken of my kitchen. I know I enjoy looking at other cherry themed kitchens so, I didn't think she would mind if I added mine. 
This is and old pie keeper (I guess). I've had for so long I don't even remember where it came from.
This is Muffy Bear. I came across her at a yard sale a few years ago. She cam with a cute little cabinet.
What is it about bubbles that makes them so intriguing? Is is the act of creating the bubble that is so exciting? Or is it the sheer joy of just watching the bubble float effortlessly through the air? Do you ever wonder what it would be like to be able to glide through the air like those bubbles do as they rise up into the air and then gently fall back down to the earth. Would summer be the same without them? My kids would miss the privilege, even as small as it seems. 
My kids LOVE to go on a picnic. So, Last week I took Weston and Grace across the road to the park to have one. They were so excited to just be trekking across the street. I packed bologna and cheese sandwiches, Doritos (Grace calls them burritos),Choc. milk for them (in mason jars), and stale Oreos (which were actually yummy) . I guess I was pretty hungry! :D Mike bought the picnic basket for me at an auction a couple weeks ago and it seems to be fairly sturdy and in good shape. Weston took the pictures of Grace and I for me. My Mom came over and took the other pictures of us. Weston kept wanting to make goofy faces and show food that was in his mouth. And Grace kept squinting, the sun was very bright!
It is sometimes too easy for me to get wrapped up in one thing or another and allow simple pleasures such as a picnic pass me by! My children will only be little once and I have to make a conscious effort to not let the duties of Motherhood overshadow time well spent with my children.
P.S. Want some blog candy go to this site http://moralia.wordpress.com/2008/05/21/wow-im-a-few-short-hits-shy-of-30k/
Saturday night we went bowling in Kentucky (We stayed at Marisa And Angus's house the whole weekend). It was the first for Mike, Weston and Mel, they LOVED it. We all had our oopsies! The shoes were so slick Mike tripped over himself a couple times! :) He was NOT impressed !
We don't see many stone watering troughs around these days! :)
The garden was quite large and was arranged sort of like a maze with different curves and turns. I came across this and it appears to me to be a sundial. Although, it looks like the hands are missing.
Thursday I found myself on a noisy, yellow fourth grade school bus. We were headed to Adena Mansion. It's a historical landmark in our area. Thomas Worthington had it built in 1807. He is considered the Father of Ohio. He played a significant part in Ohio becoming a state. These are some photos I was able to catch while there.
I was quite impressed with the history the mansion holds. Tecumseh stayed there as well as many other Presidents and important leaders of that time. Unfortunately, Thomas Worthington only lived to be 54 years of age.
If you are interested in the possibility of winning an 8 oz. candle you may enter by clicking on the blog link in my side bar that says Dj and Stacie. This will take you to her blog where you will be able to sign up for her drawing.
I'm so excited about the changes taking place in my blog....It is getting a complete makeover. So, bear with me as the changes take place.
Michelle, at Shabby Creations would love to do a makeover for you too! :) She also, has premade templates that are available. There will be a link to her site on my blog soon!
The girls and I went Mother's Day shopping Sat. and found some awesome bargains. These shoes were only a dollar a pair. Who could pass up a sale like that?! We only went to a couple of stores but at each store we were able to find some great stuff!! The girls and I had a blast! 
Cherish made this Mother's Day card for me at school. She made the flowers out of pipe cleaners, which was a VERY crafty idea! :) I thought it was a class project but she said she was the only one in her class that made the flowers out of pipe cleaners! You go girl! :D 
Melody has a gift I LACK and that is drawing. I CANNOT draw worth a hoot! She, on the other hand, has drawn some GREAT stuff. IMO! :) Of course, I am her mother so there is a little partiality there. :0) I loved the details in this drawing if you look closely in the photo below you may see where I'm coming from! Her art teacher told her "That is a refrigerator picture".
Notice how the dolphin is jumping out of the water, there's a crab, a treasure chest, clam, jellyfish, seaweed and even a diver. CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE
I always thought I would miss my children being babies, but as they grow older I see now that idea was craziness! :) I love interacting, playing games, and doing everyday tasks with them. To me, being a Mother is a privilege and I count it as a special blessing. I pray for the wisdom to teach and instruct them in the ways of the Father. That is my ultimate goal as a mother.
~Mommy & kidlettes~
~Mommy & Girls~
~Mommy & Son~
As many of you know, I love to craft!!! As a result, I made these paper bouquets for My Mother and MIL. They were very easy to make and I think they turned out so cute! 
~My MIL's bouquet~
We gave my MIL a gift card so I decorated the tin to match the paper bouquet.
This photo is of the tin OPEN.
My Mother's bouquet was made in green and yellow to match her downstairs bath.
There is not a photo of her gift I had given it to her early.
Happy Mother's Day......To a VERY special person I know, My Mother!!! She and I share a close bond of love and understanding. I appreciate the she way continues to nurture and support me as I have taken on the responsibilities of marriage and motherhood. Thanks Mom, I love you!!!!
This was taken before church a few weeks ago and there wasn't time to set up the tripod to get a complete family photo. Mike and I enjoy being parents. Mike is a very caring and active daddy! Even though he is VERY busy, he always makes time for them. I appreciate his daddy skills, even I learn from them! 
~Mommy and kidlettes~Cherish (9) , Melody(7), Weston(5) and Grace (2)~
~Our Four Blessings~
~ Daddy with his pride and joy~
Once upon a time, our family went shopping at Wal - Mart after church one Wed. night. (We were buying supplies for Weston's birthday party). Needless to say, Cherish and I wound up in the craft section. This handbag is a result of that . We were able to get nice material for 2.00 a yrd. So, if there's too many mistakes we won't be out as much! The girls enjoy sewing and I thought the pattern looked easy and simple enough for us ( I am NOT a seamstress). This is the result of the trial run! :) 
There was something about this material that I liked. One of my girls said it looks "OLD". I guess that is a hint at how old I seem to them! :D When the bag was finished it still looked Plain so, I added a small, velcro flap closure.
Grace ~"modeling" the handbag! :)
Today I completed my fourth cake class......That entitled me to a certificate of completion. :D I was not thrilled at having to make and decorate another cake today since I had already made two last week. Nevertheless, I put myself to task and thank the Lord got it finished in time for class. This cake took me about four hrs. total. That included the cakes baking and cooling, making and coloring the icing and decorating it. My biggest gripe with cake making is the MESS! No matter how organized and clean you start out, in the end, it's all went haywire!
This cake could've turned out better if I wouldn't have been so rushed! But I've made worse! :)
A friend of mine who hasn't been to our house for several years wanted me to post some more pictures of the inside of our house. So, here are a few.......
This, of course, is the kitchen...... :) It is decorated in a cherry theme.
This was taken from the D.R. and this is the right side of the kit.
On the left side of the kit. is a doorway that goes into a Bth. Rm. which goes into our bedroom.
Mike put up two extra cabinets in my washroom for my cake supplies! He made them from scratch. I love the new space!!!!! We have few closets in this house so any extra storage space is a blessing!
For years I had a wooden "screen" in front of this open space under the stairway. Last week Mike finished it out and it looks SO nice! He's an awesome wood carpenter.
A few weeks ago we painted the upstairs this burgundy color! I love the richness it adds to the walls.
This desk is directly in front of you when you walk in the front door. This is where I sit and add all this stuff to my blog. :D
The love seat and chair are along the same wall as the front door. I faux painted the walls and repapered the living room last year. If you look close, you may be able to see the cabinet to the left of the chair (it's a gun cabinet)? If so, Mike made it a few years ago.
Mike decided he wanted to have a bean dinner for Weston's party...... We peeled and sliced 50lbs. of potatoes (for fried taters), made 20 some boxes of cornbread and he cooked 10lbs. of beans with a BIG ham. The beans were cooked outside in a HUGE cast iron pot over a propane flame all night. Everything was yummy!! Mike loves to cook like that! I am HAPPY to leave that to him!!!! It gives me time for the extras.....
Cherish and I made these treat bags for the party. We used white paper sacks and stamped the football images on them. We also, used a word window punch to create the handles.
Here are a couple of lollipop suckers we made. One is a helmet and the other is a football. We made around 80 of these.
When I asked Weston what kind of theme he wanted for his cake this year he said a "football cake".
Don't laugh at the field, this cake is for looks, not done to scale! :) I now know that the 50 yard. line is the middle of the field. :)
Weston had fun opening his gifts.
Weston didn't get to blow out his candles the day of the party because it was VERY windy and the candles wouldn't stay lit! So, let him do it the next day.
Party day dawned cool, windy and rainy! We were disappointed but glad for the tents.
The rain and wind hindered the decorating process!
Cherish, was at home sick when school pictures were taken. That meant, I needed to take some pictures asap so she would have 2007-2008 school year pics. These aren't very fabu but it was almost dark so I had to do a lot of photo editing. Hopefully, I will get some better photos taken this week! One drawback will be Weston's birthday party this coming Sat. and I have to make the cake and do all the other fun stuff that parties bring! :) 
Cherish (9 almost 10) 
~Fourth grade~
Friday evening was Aubries 6th birthday party. So, I deliberately took my camera to ensure getting pictures of Joni and Jamie's children . Here's few of them......
Logan (9)
Garrett (7)
Aubrie (6), Katie (3 almost 4)
Jacob Walker (jamie's 2 yr. old)
Warm weather evokes grubby children! I couldn't resist taking these photos of Grace's very dirt ridden face. If you think her face is dirty you should've seen her feet!!!! EWWW WEEE! They were several shades of black! :D I always say "my children go from two baths a week in the winter, to two baths a day in the summer"!!!
I especially love the dirt smudge on her nose! Sorry, these photos are not in sequence. I thought they would be but obviously, I uploaded them backwards.
This card was created today for a little niece of mine who's 6th birthday is being celebrated today! :D HAPPY BIRTHDAY Aubrie!!!
This card measures 5.5 by 5.5 inches.
The colors consist of wild wasabi(green), pretty in pink, very vanilla, close to cocoa(brown) and a patterned paper(pink polka dotted)
The flowers are the punched out part of a flower punch. The flower centers are punched from a small circle punch.
The squares were eyeballed... :)
The sentiment is stamped on an oval punch and the cupcake was cut fom the sentiment and colored in withSU markers.
The ribbon is pink gingham.
Hopefully that made a little sense! :D
This is Duke, our family pet.......He is one and half years old. 
Now that the weather is getting warmer, the pond is starting to turn green again.... UGH!
This card was made for todays way to use it challenge at http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=9617526&posted=1#post9617526
I don't really care for the way the photo came out but thought I would share it anyway.
This card was created for todays sketch challenge at http://splitcoaststampers.com/ I haven't used this stamp set for such a long time so, I thought I would put it to use today. I actually combined this card with yesterdays color challenge. TFL!
Melody had her first school program last week....... She enjoyed it very much. The stage was decorated with adorable flowers because the program was about bugs. All the children were dressed up like a bug. As you can see Melody was a ladybug.......Looking back, I realize I should've put black spots on the front of the costume. Duh! :D It was late when I made the costume and all I was thinking about was getting it done because she had to take it to school the next day! I can always add the spots if anyone else ever needs it.
This is the stage, I thought it looked so Springy and cute!
Melody and some other bug mates! :)
Melody in her ladybug costume.
Melody saying her part, she did exceptionally well.
The blog is malfuntioning today so, as of right now, I am unable to add photos. Hopefully, Soon!
Today is Weston's fifth birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!
As soon as I get a chance I have new photos and stuff to ramble about...... :)
Check back in later today or tomorrow and I should have it updated.
Cherish had a homework assignment this week that consisted of making something from a recipe. She chose to make a cake. And of course, she wanted to deck it out with all my cake decorating goodies! :)
Here she is putting the border around the bottom of the cake. Cherish decided to make the border and flowers with blue tinted icing.
Her she is, holding her prize in her hands. Hard work pays off! :)
A close up of her cake. She had a little help but she did a lovely job.
As you can see, Grace did not need any coaching. She played it up for the camera. I could hardly keep up with her cute antics. These poses reflect her charming personality.
I also, have more pictures of Grace that I will have to add later. My good photo editing software takes up so much memory that it will only let me save a coupleof edtited photos at a time. I will have to have someone resolve that issue. I am not a whiz when it comes to computers!
This is a card I made at Stamp Club this week. I really liked it!
I made this kind of quick for a cousin of mine whose b-day party was today. It could use some help! The color palatte is all wrong!
Cherish made this mini post it note clipboard at stamp club. She is her mother's daughter! :D
Another stamp club card......... We inked the edges of the ribbon with an orange marker. 
I made this in cake class today. It's the second fondant cake I've made. I made one a few years ago for my oldest daughters b-day. I love the neat crisp look the fondant creates!
Thursday of this week, I had an apt. to get these contraptions put on my teeth. With hopes of straightening out some the damage I did to myself from a bad habit I had as a child. Yes, I was a thumb sucker, so, I have an over bite, crossbite and a palate that is too narrow. So far, the most painful part was the spacers I had to wear for a week. I'm also a little raw on the insides of my cheeks. Thankfully, the wax the dentist gave me to put over the brackets helps protect the insides of my mouth. I have new photos to upload and things to share but for some reason the browser is down. I'll have to update later!
These photos are a little dark and grainy due to the fact that I didn't use flash. I should have taken a picture both ways to ensure that they were the right exposure, Anywho.....Here are few pictures of the older girls room.
This is Cherish's side of the room.
Melody's side of the room.
The foot of the bed with a view of the door and closet.
Their window seat and toy box.
Me, working on the sheers for the upstairs windows.
I couldn't resist taking these pictures of Grace after she fell asleep on the kit. rug in front of the stove. If you look closely, you can see her reflection in the oven door.
Grace's little piggies are soooo sweet. I couldn't resist a picture of these precious little feet either!
The girls had a lesson in making homemade pizza for dinner last night. They enjoy baking and cooking more tha I do! I try to include them in meal prep as much as possible. The pizza turned out to be quite scrumptious! Weston ate several pieces. He said he was going to eat it all. That would've been quite a task since it fed all six us til we were full. He's one little boy, with big ideas! :) 
Weston and Grace looking on.....
Left to right:Michelle, Maria, Margaret, Marisa, Cherish And me (Lori) at Bob Evans
Left to right:Courtney, Marisa, Brooklyn, and Maria
Olivia and Cherish.......Happy Birthday, Olivia (she will be 10 April 2nd)
Front row left to right: Olivia, Cherish, Courtney and Myself (Lori)
Back row: Michelle, Marisa, Maria, Brooklyn, Kim and My aunt Margaret (Margee)
Kim, me (Lori) and Brooklyn. Other than dark hair and dark eyes we really don't look that much alike side by side.
Left to right: Brooklyn, Courtney, Michelle (one of my bestest friends), Olivia and Kim
Drum roll please......... :D Here's our photos from our night of fun and worship.
We left early enough so we could go out to eat. We all decided on Bob Evans. It was yummy but took longer than we expected. The waiter took the pictures for us. He was very accomadating!
These outings are few and far between . :) Tonight several friends and I are going to hear the Collingsworth in Nelsonville, Ohio. The Collingsworths are very talented, successful, and encouraging ! May they continue to uphold the TRUE gospel ! We need to pray for them as they let their light shine in circles some of us will never reach !
I plan on taking pictures, I'll post them soon. LW......
P.S. A few years ago, we took a family trip to Az. and on the flight back home (I had heard of the Collingsworth family but had never seen them) a lady asked me if I was related to them. So, I'll try to get a photo of my look alikes! :)
This picture is kind of fuzzy. My mother took it and it was very dark so I tried to lighten it manually. This was taken a my parents house on Easter 2008 .
This photo is of my parents taken on Easter 08' .
My favorite stamping supplies come from Stampin' Up. They have the best quality cardstock and ink . Their products are high quality.
This card is for a swap . I'm currently in a stamp club so I have to make 8 like this.
I made this card today 3-28-08 for a card challenge that can be found on splitcoaststampers.com . I had a hard time getting any contrast because the tones are so soft.
I will have to upload more cards later. I don't have too many stored on my computer. I usually delete them .
Lately, thanks to Heather Dickinson.<:O) I've gotten hooked on blogs! I love browsing through each one and seeing the amazing talent so many of you posses! It is refreshing and encouraging! I am a typical SAHM who loves anything crafty (card making, scrapbooking, a little sewing, decorating, shopping, photography, cake decorating, playing an instrument (well, I'm always never quite there) etc. Life is full of learning and I appreciate the strength and ability the Lord gives me to acomplish these tasks.
The walls are painted merlot and creams on gold. Each wall has has several coats of faux.
This room is so small it is hard to find the space to take a good photo. Without breaking up the room into small sections. This is the closet and the foot of the bed. Also, the door is on the opposite side of th closet which opens into a bathroom and the bathroom is off the kitchen.
This is taken from the door that opens into the bathroom. The totes under the bed are for extra space that is MUCH needed.
This is the view from my side of the bed. The doors that are visible contain the water heater and furnance. I also repainted and distressed the bed and chest of drawers.
Christmas Eve 2007
Christmas 2007
Christmas 2007 & extended family
Christmas w/extended family at M&P Roop's
This year has been very busy for us. January wasn't much more than a blur, it went by so quickly! In Feb. we went to Hobe Sound camp and had a great time! March has proved to be just as busy. It's been crammed with activities......A birthday, dctr. and dental apts., a wedding (which included me making the cake, decorating the church etc., and taking the wedding photos) which was fun but tiring!
Our children are growing like fertilized weeds. :) Cherish is almost 10 and weighs as much as I do. My shoes are also too small for her. Next summer she may be my equal in height. She is a very helpful child. Given a task she usually does it well! She is quite responsible.
Melody is seven now and growing as well, she enjoys school and her favorite subject is math. She is very sweet and loving.
Our little boy is 5 now......My how time flies! He will start kindergarten this fall and he seems to like the idea of starting school. He has matured so much this year. He's such a sweet little guy. My MIL told me a cute story about him the a week or so ago. As they were walking back from our community store they came across some neighbor children who was eyeing Westons new pack of gum. My MIL encouraged Weston to share it (seeing there was enough for everyone). So one of the little boys sticks his hand out for a piece and Weston told him, he had to wait because his mom (me) told him that girls are always first! :) I was impressed of course because we wonder somethimes how much we teach them really sinks in! I hope he grows up to be a fine christian gentleman.
Last but not least, our darling Grace. She is our social bug! She loves to be around people! Making people laugh is a highlight for her. I can hardly believe she will be 3 in June. Her newest THING is telling us she loves about every 5 minutes or so! :) She also loves to talk and talk and talk, life is not boring with her around! :)
On to Mike and I, this years marks our 14th wedding anniversary! Wow! Life is like a vapor as the Bible says! It is so important to kep in mind that only whats done for Christ will last! God has blessed us abundantly, I love Him better every D-A-Y ! He is my BEST friend!
Now, I will try to post some pictures for someone requested me to do so.
Christmas at Home: Weston
Christmas at Home: Melody
Christmas at Home: Cherish
Christmas at Home: Mommy (Lori)
Christmas at Home: Daddy (Mike)
The playhouse Mike (daddy) built for the girls. It came equipped with play kitchen, electric, and heat.
The trees and foliage on the estate were 
