Carnahan Clan

New (to me) Music

2010-10-24T20:50:00.003-05:00

I am SO excited!! I have heard several songs lately on some CD's and have been looking for the music for them. I finally found them tonight! We have groups at church that sing special music and a person in that group gets to choose the music. I have lots of new choices now and I am so excited to share the music. Can't wait until it is my turn to choose! What a blessing to have good Christian music to listen to!

Patch the Pirate Club

2010-10-24T17:19:00.004-05:00

During the school year, our church does the Patch the Pirate Club each Wednesday. We have some very dedicated workers that teach the children the songs, stories, and verses each week. Luke graduated from the program last year. And this year was Haley's first year. They performed two weeks ago. I asked Haley if she was going to sing her best. She replied, "I don't know none of those songs!" I encouraged her to do her best. That night, sure enough, she sings not a word!! She was either very nervous or she really didn't know the songs. I don't how the latter is possible, but we WILL be working on the songs for the next performance. I will admit that she looked awfully cute!

Fall

2010-10-24T17:14:00.002-05:00

Many of these posts are going to be out of order. I am so far behind. The kids were photographers for me and Aaron last week. This is the best one we got. I am really looking forward to having professional pictures taken this year.

Luke is 11!

2010-10-24T17:06:00.004-05:00

This year Luke's birthday was on Labor Day--the day he was actually born. I know, how fitting, right? He had several friends over this year for a sleepover. They played football, the Wii, the Wii, the Wii, and watched a movie. Some of the boys were up before 6:oo the next morning. Obviously, they had a great time and wanted to continue with all the fun.

Luke is in 6th grade. He is still not crazy about school, but has improved this year. He is playing the trombone in the band. He was able to play in his first JV basketball game this school year. Basketball is a huge highlight for him. He so enjoys playing!

Yooper Accent?

2009-09-18T08:31:00.003-05:00

For those of you who have been around Kristen for any length of time, you know she has a different accent or pronunciation for certain words--especially those beginning with r's. Occasionally we will repeat what she says like she says it back to her. She usually says, "That's not what I said!" And then we say it correctly and she says, "That's what I said!" She gets pretty defensive about it and we aren't making fun of her. We just think it is cute!

Anyways, yesterday she was making a "coloring and activity book" to play with and this was one of the pages. She asked me to spell a couple of things, but sounded out others. This is the result!

Mach the Wiming Words

And this is how she talks! It is wiming (not rhyming) with her speech, but when repeated back to her she knows which one is right! Strange. Aaron and I have chalked it up to her being born in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and thus inheriting the "Yooper Accent!"

By the way, I am not making fun of her! I love how she says these words and I know she will be saying them correctly soon enough and I will miss it! So I documented it here to someday reminisce over!

Bubblegum

2009-09-15T12:24:00.003-05:00

This morning as Haley was getting dressed, she picked out her shirt and socks. As I was helping her put them on, she said ,"They match!" And they did. I have been trying to work on colors with her so I asked her what color her shirt and socks were. Her answer? Bubblegum! And she was exactly right.

FUN

2009-09-15T10:59:00.006-05:00

I have emphasized to Haley that she gets to stay home with mommy "all by herself!" Maybe a little too much sometimes because she cries when she has to go with Aaron. She survives though. Anyway, last week we met mom and dad at SDC in Branson. We had a great time even though it rained a little. It seemed odd not to have the other kids. These are the many faces of Haley while I was trying to get a decent picture of her. Oh, well!

I have emphasized to Haley that she gets to stay home with mommy "all by herself!" Maybe a little too much sometimes because she cries when she has to go with Aaron. She survives though. Anyway, last week we met mom and dad at SDC in Branson. We had a great time even though it rained a little. It seemed odd not to have the other kids. Haley had fun being the only one though. She only rode one ride and didn't want to ride anymore. That's Dad and Haley in the teacups and then exiting the ride.

First Day of School

2009-09-15T10:52:00.005-05:00

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Luke--5th grade

Cailin--3rd grade

Kristen--1st grade

Haley--with Grandpa helping open the door for everyone

The kids were all excited about starting school this year--even Haley. She didn't quite understand that they were staying at school and she was going with mommy, but she has done quite well. Cailin and Kristen are in the new building. Luke was a little disappointed that he was in the "old" building, but excited see his friends. The Lord has blessed with another great start to a new year!

Luke is 10!

2009-09-15T10:40:00.004-05:00

My little boy is 10 years old! How time sure flies! He is so excited to finally be in the "2 digits!" He is still very interested in basketball, as you see from the cakes. I think I have done these cakes at least 2 other times! He is not hard to please. Our church just completed a new building which includes a gym. Luke is very excited about someday being on his school team--just 2 more years. I know it will be here sooner than he (or I) thinks!

We are thankful for the young man he is becoming! He enjoys helping others and has put in many hours cleaning and assisting with the gym which makes him all the more eager to play ball. He is still playing the trombone. We are thankful for Luke and know that it is an awesome responsibility we have in rearing him for God's glory and service!

Happy Birthday, Luke! We love you!

Kirsten Is Here!

2009-04-10T16:28:00.004-05:00

Kristen got here American Girl Doll today! She is so excited! We ordered them on Sunday and they were here on Friday--what fast service! Cailin's also came in, but she is at a friend's house so pictures will be up soon of her! Haley is VERY interested in the doll also and I oredered the Bitty Twins for her birthday. She will love them!
Notice Haley's eye. She fell down the steps today and it looks like she will have a black eye. Amazingly, this is the first fall down these steps. Thankfully, she wasn't hurt any worse!

Cailin's Glasses

2009-03-23T18:22:00.003-05:00

Cailin has been complaining that she couldn't see the board at school. Her teacher moved her which seemed to help. And then I started noticing that she was squinting when she was looking at things far away. I dismissed it for then and decided to keep watching her. She REALLY wanted glasses and we wanted to make sure that she really needed them. Her thinking was that she would buy her American Girl doll first and THEN buy glasses--after all, which is more important? The Friday before Spring Break she went to the eye doctor and, sure enough, she needs glasses. They came in while we were at Nanny and Papaw's house and she was so disappointed she couldn't have them NOW! Well, we picked them up this afternoon and she is so excited. I am thankful for that--at least she doesn't hate them!

Happy Birthday, Cailin!

2009-03-10T15:32:00.003-05:00

Cailin turned 8 on February 16! (Yes, I know I am behind and out of order!) She had a small party with family. I made a cake from one I saw at Wal-Mart. It was easy and turned out nice. I decorated a cookie cake for her class at school. That was so much easier than cupcakes!!! Cailin and Kristen are both saving money to buy American Girl Dolls. With the money they saved at Christmas and the money they got for their birthdays, they will be ordering their dolls very soon! Cailin got saved this year and we are eager to see her grow spiritually and physically! She loves to be dramatic! Sometimes TOO dramatic. She is still taking piano lessons and enjoying 2nd grade!

Happy Birthday, Kristen!

2009-03-10T15:20:00.008-05:00

Kristen's 6th birthday was Sunday. She had a party with a friend over and family on Saturday. We are thankful that Grandpa and Grandma YooHoo were able to come! The huge blessing from that is Grandma made and brought the cake! I have had a rib out for about a week now and I was not feeling up to decorating a cake. Grandma's was much prettier! Kristen is saving her money to buy an American Girl Doll. She finally has enough and she and Cailin will be picking out their dolls soon! They are so excited!

Kristen has been telling everyone for days that it was her birthday soon. On Sunday, she was asked during church when her birthday was and she said, "Today!" When asked how old she was, she proudly held up 5 fingers and said, "Five--I mean six!" (as she added another finger)! She hadn't quite gotten used to being six!

Kristen is enjoying K-5 and has really caught onto reading! She loves her teacher and enjoys reading, spelling, and TALKING! No, she hasn't gotten in trouble, but she can sure talk! We are looking forward to seeing how the Lord will use Kristen as she gets older! This is the cookie cake I made for her school class. I forgot to get a picture before I served it, so it is missing a few pieces!

New (to us) Furniture

2009-03-10T15:13:00.003-05:00

We were able to buy some furniture this weekend. Right now it is in our living room, but after Aaron finishes the basement it will probably go downstairs. Aaron found it at a really good price and we are thankful that the Lord provided it for us. These pics are kind of dark. I'll try to get new ones soon.

Spirit Week--Stripes & Polka Dots

2009-03-10T07:44:00.002-05:00

Today the kids were to wear stripes and/or polka dots. Cailin LOVES to dress accordingly. Don't you love her sense of fashion?Luke, on the other hand, told me he just wanted to wear his school uniform. Well, I had him wear a striped shirt and it was conservative enough for him. And poor Kristen didn't get to participate. She is sick--AGAIN! I think this is the 3rd time since Christmas with the same bug! Poor thing! Please pray that she will get over it quickly!

Spirit Week--Western Day

2009-03-09T07:28:00.004-05:00

Well, again I am behind, but here's to a new day!

The first day for Spirit Week is Western Day! The kids had tons of fun throwing their "get-ups" together! Luke's smile is nonexistent, but he was trying to be a "real" cowboy. The girls were all smiles!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-31T14:44:00.002-06:00

This season has been wonderful for our family and we pray that it has been the same for your family. We are rejoicing in the birth of our Savior and are thankful for the sacrifice for our sins. May the Lord be first in your hearts and minds during this time!

Gingerbread houses

2008-12-18T14:55:00.004-06:00

The 4-6 grades at school are divided into groups and given a gingerbread house to decorate. The parents donate the supplies and some assistance if they are available. This year was a little hectic because it was planned for Tuesday afternoon. Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperating! So the decorating was moved up to Tuesday morning. The 5-6 grade teacher taught me how to make the "concrete" icing and I was BUSY! The houses were all decorated and then judged by the teachers. Well, this year Luke's team came in first. They put a reindeer on it and a man sitting on a bench. How creative! All of the houses were creative and it was hard to just pick one favorite! I'm glad I didn't have to vote! Some of the others had lamp posts, sleigh on the roof, cross on the front of the church, mortar in between bricks, etc. After they are dry, they are taken to the nursing homes in the area to make Christmas more special for those not able to be with family.

Christmas concert/program

2008-12-18T12:50:00.005-06:00

Monday night was the Christmas program for the school. Praise the Lord the weather cooperated and they were able to have school that day! This was Luke's first concert. He said he was nervous, but he did well.

Cailin had a small part in the 1-3 grade program. She was also nervous, but was able to spout off her well-memorized lines! Her is a picture of her and a friend from school.

Luke was also in a play that evening. The 4-6 grades did a nice job! It took awhile for Luke to get his lines perfected but all the practice paid off.

Kristen wasn't in the Christmas program, but she was thankful to have been there. She had been sick over the weekend. Her big performance is at the end of the school year when she graduates from kindergarten!

Behind...again!

2008-12-15T14:00:00.004-06:00

I am so far behind on my blogging! Our computer is having issues. I get in the middle of a post and off it goes. Maybe this one will post! (It did after about 5 tries!) This is me and Haley with our hoods on. She insisted!

Kristen is home recovering from a stomach bug. Haley was not cooperating at naptime and she popped her head around the corner and said, "I love you, mommy!" and I said, "I love you, Haley!" Her response was "I love you more!" Where did she come up with this? I don't know! But I do know it is so cute!

Meeting the Governor

2008-09-30T14:50:00.012-05:00

Luke trying to get the dog to look at the camera! How funny!

Now, before you think we are REALLY important, read on! While visiting my parents last month, Dad said he wanted to take us to meet the governor. How exciting! I was thinking "I only brought Wednesday and Sunday 'nice' clothes and knew we had to wear something 'nice'!" So I said so to Mom--a couple of times! Then the date got changed which I thought was strange that it could happen so quickly. Anyways, Wednesday night after church I told the kids to be sure to lay their clothes neatly because they had to wear the same ones to meet the governor tomorrow. Dad and Mom both insisted that they could wear play clothes, which I couldn't understand. They wouldn't have let US wear play clothes to meet the governor! Dad finally could not contain himself any longer and told me the "governor" was a horse!!!! The laugh was on me! The kids had a great time checking out the politics of a farm!

Just Chillin'

2008-09-23T10:46:00.004-05:00

I opened the fridge to get some water and this is what I found! Now, occasionally, Haley will put her baby bottles in the fridge, but this is the first time I have found the doll in the fridge. She is sure making life interesting. Notice the bottles on the left corner of the Capri-Sun box!

We are doing the whole potty training thing and she is doing fairly well. Her favorite is "mommy's potty," but at least she goes! So much for the potty chair idea!

She was given some chapstick by my parents. Kristen thought that was a great idea so Haley could now "dig" in her own chapstick! By the looks of this picture, she has the "digging" and the "smearing" down pretty well!

Fishing

2008-09-22T16:45:00.003-05:00

Aaron, his dad, and Luke have been fishing a few times this summer. They have been going out to the post. On certain evenings the lakes are stocked with trout and it is open to the public to fish. The have all caught their limit (which is 4 each) each time they have gone. It sure is good eating!

Double Dog Dare

2008-09-22T16:31:00.003-05:00

This is a game that the kids made up with my dad. He basically lays in the floor with his eyes closed. The kids run around him and try not to get caught! Sometimes they are all caught and other times they cheat and stay on the couch. It can get pretty dramatic at times. It is requested each time we go to Nanny and Papaw's!

Outdoor Pictures

2008-09-22T16:02:00.005-05:00

On Luke's birthday, we took pictures of the kids. Here are some of the MANY pictures that were taken. I'm thankful they cooperate--for the most part.

Happy Grandparent's Day!

2008-09-07T17:47:00.004-05:00

We want to wish all of our grandparents a "Happy Grandparent's Day!" We love you all and are thankful for you!

Happy Birthday, Luke!

2008-09-06T21:13:00.006-05:00

Luke's birthday was today and he turned 9 years old! I can hardly believe that he is 9. Time is going way too fast! He had a party with a few friends from school and his cousins. The theme was a cookout with a campfire. I got a recipe from Family Fun and made a campfire cake. It was fun and turned out really cute! We roasted hot dogs and made s'mores. It was a fun evening complete with 4 wheeler rides.

Luke got saved this past year and we are so thankful for his decision! He is a good big brother to his sisters. His favorite pastime is basketball--actually, anything outdoors! Happy Birthday, Luke! We love you!

Our Garden

2008-09-02T11:21:00.005-05:00

We have really enjoyed our garden this year--well, most of the time. It has been a lot of work! We have canned tomatoes and green beans. We've eaten squash, zucchini, corn, beans, peppers, and okra. The Lord has really blessed us for which we are thankful. Here are a couple of pictures when it was tilled and pretty. During vacation, missions conference, and the rain, the weeds got away from us!

School's In!

2008-09-02T10:46:00.007-05:00

I know...I am far behind in posts, but now that I can upload pictures to the computer I plan to get caught up!

Luke, Cailin, and Kristen started school August 21. (For that matter, so did Aaron. It's just not as momentous as the kids starting!) Luke is in 4th grade and is learning that he has to study now. Mom doesn't HAVE to sign his assignment pad or check his homework, but has often asked to see it. His handwriting is still improving for which I am thankful!

Cailin is in 2nd grade and has said her teacher is "tough." She is loving it, but says it is boring, as in "I already know this stuff!" I know that will change!

Kristen started kindergarten this year! I can't believe she is "gone" all day. It was a transition for me to listen to her talk when she was home with just me and Haley. Now she has to fit it all in when she gets home! It's hard to believe she is in school. She has a new teacher this year and absolutely loves school!

Aaron is getting into the swing of things also. He doesn't have as many students this year, but he is teaching Algebra II and Geometry as well as his history classes. The math classes are keeping him busy!

So at home it's just Haley and me! What a transition! It's been fun. She is so fun to watch and listen to! She has learned to get in the fridge and get the milk and chocolate out for her chocolate milk! You can tell she knows she's cute!

Grandpa's Visit

2008-06-08T17:26:00.005-05:00

Papaw Raglin came to visit and I got a couple of pictures. I forgot until after Luke and Cailin had already left for school, so Kristen and Haley are just got theirs taken. Haley always says, Owie! Owie! Owie!" when I comb her hair. She let dad do it without so much as a grunt. I guess mommy isn't very careful or she has picked up a bad habit from Cailin!

Sick, sick, sick

2008-06-08T17:20:00.003-05:00

Haley was sick the first weekend of April. She woke up with a high fever and it stayed for 2 days. I took a picture of her being cooled by a wet washcloth. I am praying that this year she will be healthier than she was last year! She has been through many different sicknesses and we are so thankful for her health recently. Praise the Lord for doctors and their wisdom!

Our Little Cardinal Fan!

2008-06-08T17:15:00.002-05:00

Go Cardinals! The girls have all worn this outfit and I decided to take some pictures of Haley in it. She was very cooperative for the camera this day. This was the beginning of April! Kristen didn't have a Cardinals outfit, but the picture turned out well.

Dreadfully Behind!

2008-06-08T17:10:00.002-05:00

It seems like the fast forward button has been pushed on life around here! Things are going well and we are staying busy. I will try to get caught up on all the goings on around here. Bear with me though, because I know some are at least 2 months old.

Happy Anniversary to us!

2008-06-08T17:01:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was our 11th anniversary. It seems like yesterday that we were married. How time flies! We had a great day together! A friend stayed overnight Friday night and Aaron and I were able to go to yard sales Saturday morning without any kiddos! The post was having a "Post-wide Yard Sale." Well, it wasn't fantastic, but Aaron did find ANOTHER riding lawn mower. He will sell the other 2 and keep this one. At least, that was the last plan! After spending the morning at yard sales, we spent a few hours at home. Then a couple from church volunteered to watch the kids while we out to dinner. They also have 4 kids around our kid's ages, so it worked out nicely. Aaron and I went to Mizeki's which is a Japanese Sushi Bar--and, no, we didn't eat sushi, but everything else was yummy! We are thankful for the marriage that we have. Although it has its ups and downs, the Lord is gracious and we are happy! (We got a new camera and will have to upload a picture later!)

A Big Girl

2008-03-29T10:23:00.004-05:00

Haley has graduated to a big girl bed. For now it is in our room until she gets the idea of what it is for and then it will be moved to the girl's room. I can't believe my baby is moving out of the baby stage!

She has also learned to climb UP and DOWN the stairs. A couple of stairs have been no problem for awhile now, but our stairs are all wooden and fairly steep. She definitely likes the freedom that it brings!

Easter Sunday

2008-03-29T10:18:00.004-05:00

Because our family eventually all got the stomach bug, our Easter pictures will be a week later than Easter. Thankfully, we are all doing better and unless someone else gets sick (again!) we will venture to church tomorrow.

Easter is such a special time in that we can remember that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and rose from the grave! All of which make it possible for us to trust in Him for our salvation. One day our home will be in heaven with Him. What a wonderful reminder to us.

Spring Break --Part II

2008-03-29T10:00:00.006-05:00

Because we couldn't go to Aaron's grandparents at the beginning of the week, we decided to go to my parents first and then to his grandparents. We left Tuesday and ended up staying until Saturday. It was really nice to be able to spend the extra time there. Sometimes it seems like we don't get to see them as much even though we are only 3 hours away. The only down side was that I got sick.

The kids were able to play with Mariska and Shelby which was fun! Aunt Lisa also cut Aaron, Luke, and Kristen's hair. And I got my hair done.

The kids decorated sugar cookies and their cookies were very interesting. They sure tasted yummy!

While we were at mom and dad's, the waters were raging in Waynesville. We couldn't have gotten home if we wanted to because of all t he flooding. I was amazed when we came home on Saturday. The water line on the cliff along Highway 17 was high. Our van would have been completely covered! Debris is everywhere around the river banks. I am very thankful for our safety! This is a fun picture of mom and Haley. Haley kept telling mom to "C'mere" and wanted her to sit on this bench.

Spring Break--Part I

2008-03-29T09:51:00.003-05:00

Spring Break this year was off to a wet start. The plan was to go to Aaron's grandparents for a few days and then head to my parents for the remainder of the week. Aaron's grandparent's creek by their house was flooded and it reached to their house so they had a huge mess. I think the house is cleaned now, but the carpet and things will have to be replaced. We are thankful that no one was hurt. So, plans were changed. Sarah and her kids came up for a visit on Monday and the kids were able to spend some quality time playing! It was good to see them even for a brief time.

Happy Birthday, Kristen!

2008-03-29T09:23:00.005-05:00

I am dreadfully behind on my posts because of Spring Break and sickness, but I am attempting to catch up.

Kristen turned 5 on March 8. We are so thankful for her! She is our chatterbox and our love bug. She loves to give hugs. It has been so fun to have her home this year with Haley. It took a few days for me to get used to the idea that all here chatter was now directed at me! I will miss her when she is gone all day at school next year!

The girls had a combined birthday party this year. We were sick on Cailin's birthday, so this worked out well. They had friends spend the night and then we had a party on Saturday! I painted the girls fingernails which was a highlight for them!

The girls received lots of fun things--including scrapbooking items. Cailin has started her scrapbook and as soon as I print some pictures fro Kristen, we will start hers. They also got Littlest Pet Shop things, Barbies, money, jewelry--so as you can tell they were quite spoiled!

I made "Princess" cakes for both of them. They really liked them.

"Professional" Pictures

2008-03-10T15:36:00.009-05:00

Well, not exactly, but they will serve the purpose! We had a great time taking these pictures! Haley was the only one we had to coerce into taking them---well, Luke had to be persuaded also!

Curls

2008-03-02T15:07:00.004-06:00

Look at those curls! We love Haley's curls. When I comb her hair she has begun to say, "Owie!" Her hair is still fine so after naps and in the morning her curls are nappy!

Is Spring Here?

2008-03-02T14:56:00.006-06:00

We so enjoyed being outside yesterday! The weather has been beautiful for the past three days, but rumor has it that SNOW is in the forecast. We'll see! Here are some pictures of the kids enjoying their day!

Birthday and Anniversary

2008-03-02T14:47:00.004-06:00

I know there is a birthday and an anniversary March 1 and 2. I have asked them in the past which day was which and they said they didn't know. So here are the wishes--Happy Anniversary, Grandpa and Grandma! Hope you have a great day! Happy Birthday, Grandma! We love you both. Hope you are enjoying the weather. We ordered it special for you! Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Hawaiian Day

2008-03-02T14:40:00.002-06:00

Aloha from Missouri--and it was actually much warmer today than it has been! Yeah!!! Here are Aaron and the kids in their island dress. They had a lot of fun dressing the part and just maybe that brought in the nicer weather!

Hero Day/Patriotic Day

2008-02-27T07:43:00.010-06:00

Tuesday was community hero day/patriotic day. Because we live near Fort Leonard Wood, many of the students came dressed in camo or like their heroes--the soldiers. Luke was no exception. He loves to dress in his camo. I found it at a yard sale last summer. Cailin wore red, white, and blue all the way down to her shoes. (Although, she didn't wear them for the picture.) Aaron took these pictures because I forgot and was tied up at the doctor with Haley. What a good idea to use the flag! Aaron also dressed in red, white, and blue but I wasn't there to man the camera. Oh, well!

Haley's doctor appointment went well. Her tubes look really good. The doctor was pleased. Now we are trying to tackle Haley being sick more often than not. We are starting her on allergy medicine and we will see how that works for her. I am excited about the possibilities of her being well more than sick! What a blessing to have doctors that are trained to help. Sometimes I wonder if I missed my calling--should I have been a pediatrician? ;-) Haley loves to sit on Kristen's lap when it is her own idea! Kristen has been a good big sister. We will miss her when she goes to school.

More Decades Day

2008-02-25T18:22:00.006-06:00

I managed to get Aaron's picture tonight when he came home. He got this suit at Goodwill. He did have to pay a little more than he thought it was worth though. He was even successful in picking out a matching tie! Notice the pocket watch on his vest.

Spirit Week--Decades Day

2008-02-25T08:28:00.008-06:00

This week at school is Spirit Week! Luke and Cailin are excited about all the different "costumes" they get to wear. Aaron is excited also--he went to Goodwill and found an old 3 piece suit for today. He looks snazzy! Unfortunately, he was running late this morning and I didn't get a picture of him. Hopefully, I can get it tonight.

Luke loved his leather Harley jacket! It was a little small, but it served its purpose. He wasn't so thrilled about the spiked hair, but he looked so cute! (I know he is 8, but he DOES look cute!) Cailin was all decked out in her poodle skirt and pigtails. She especially liked to smile showing all her missing teeth! I think she looks grown up in this picture. Aaron and I can't believe that she is 7 already! Maybe we should go back to this decade!

New Furniture

2008-02-16T11:37:00.008-06:00

Last fall, Aaron got me new bedroom furniture. We had the mattress set, but I have wanted a headboard. Well, he went all out! We have a friend in our church that owns a furniture store and he gave us a really good deal! I kept forgetting to take pictures of the furniture so that is why the post is so late. This was my "thank you" for helping and supporting him through college. AND for my birthday, anniversary, Christmas, Valentine's Day--you get the picture. I though it would be fitting to post it near Valentine's Day! Anyway, I love the furniture and I am thankful for Aaron getting through college and this is a reminder of the four years we were at Northland and all the blessings the Lord gave us.

Sick but Thankful

2008-02-16T11:00:00.010-06:00

Cailin, Haley, and I are all sick. Cailin tested positive for the flu yesterday. She has had a high fever, nasty cough, sore throat, and congestion. I think I might have the flu also, but because I have to stay home anyway with the kids I decided to just take them to the doctor. Anyway, the doctor gave Cailin medicine and then also prescribed some for Luke and Kristen so they don't get the flu.

It seems Haley is sick more than she is well! Maybe I need to hibernate until spring! She was just on antibiotics and nebulizer treatments in January and then was well for a whole week before getting sick again. This time her lungs don't sound well so she is back on the nebulizer and a different antibiotic. She does a pretty good job of sitting still while she gets her treatments.

We just got a pediatrician in our area which is a huge blessing. I heard about her in December and by the end of January had seen her 3 times. Our previous doctor was 45 minutes away. She has been so kind and understanding. At our appointment yesterday, it was as if we were her only patients for the day. She took time to talk and answer questions. I am so thankful the Lord has allowed her to move here. Her husband is in the military and is supposed to be deployed to Iraq in September. They have twin boys that turned one on Valentine's Day. Please pray that we can be a good testimony and witness to her.

Valentine's Day Party

2008-02-16T10:44:00.007-06:00

Luke and Cailin both had parties for Valentine's Day at school on Thursday.

Cailin was sick so she didn't get to go, but I was asked to make sugar cookies for her class. Sugar cookies and I don't get along very well! It seems like it takes me forever to get them rolled and then when I am finally ready to cut them out, the last roll of the rolling pin picks up all the dough. I don't ever remember mom having all this trouble. She rolled out the dough, cut them, and baked them in no time flat. Oh well, maybe a few more years and I will be better at it. Cailin wanted each child to have their name on a cookie only I couldn't fit some of the longer ones on the cookie. It was Cailin's idea to just put their first initial and some little flowers.

Luke could decorate a Valentine box for a competition if he wanted to, and he did. His idea was to make a basketball court. He loves basketball! The court part was fairly easy with the help from daddy. I had some figures left over from one of his birthday cakes and we decided to use them. How to get them on the box though. Well, I had some velcro dots and we just put them on the bottom of the figures. It worked perfectly! AND his box won first place! Way to go, Luke!

Happy Birthday, Cailin!

2008-02-16T10:33:00.006-06:00

Today Cailin is 7 years old. The only problem is that she is sick with the flu. We postponed her party until next weekend, but she did have a couple of presents and cards to open for today. She got pajamas, a purse, and a Princess clock from Grandpa and Grandma Carnahan. She got a card with a check from Papaw and Nanny. She already has a long list of things to buy! Thank you for the presents!

She looks rather pitiful in these pictures and she sounds even worse. Please pray that she feels better soon!

Helping

2008-01-27T11:00:00.000-06:00

We have all gotten involved in getting wood for the stove. One warmer evening the kids all went out and helped Aaron. Haley thought she was big stuff doing exactly what her siblings were doing! There were many places Aaron went and cut up wood. It was all free so all he had to was cut it and haul it. Luke, his dad, and several others helped haul it to the house and then the kids were able to help stack it. We are thankful the Lord provided the wood for us!

Our Wood Stove

2008-01-27T10:32:00.001-06:00

Aaron installed a new wood stove outside the house this past fall. It was supposed to go inside the house, but our stairs to the basement were too steep to carry the stove down. He had to drill a hole in the foundation of the house which took a lot of time. It also left behind lots of dust! He finally got through and pushed the concrete piece out.

He built the house surrounding it and put a door on it so that it is all enclosed. He has been trying to fine tune it through the winter months. It has been doing a great job of keeping the house warm. I have had to learn to keep the fire going when Aaron has been gone.

Here is a picture of the finished product. If you look closely you can see the smoke coming out of the chimney! We are so thankful the Lord provided the funds for this project. Thank you to all who helped in every way!

French Toast Sticks

2008-01-27T10:24:00.000-06:00

Cailin received a cookbook from Grandma YooHoo for Christmas. She has been begging me to help her make something so we decided on the French Toast Sticks. Kristen and Cailin both got in on the action and mommy supervised. They were so excited to eat them when they were finished. They both said they were "yummy."

Christmas at our House

2008-01-15T11:15:00.001-06:00

Here are a few pictures from Christmas at our house. We had the video camera out when Luke read the Christmas story and then when I read "What God Wants for Christmas," but we forgot to get the camera out so these were all taken after the fact.

This is the Fisher Price nativity set that we got for Haley. It is so cute. It plays "Away in the Manger" and lights up when push the angel on top. She can pick out Baby Jesus which is cute.

Cailin got a scrapbooking/cardmaking kit. I like to do this as a hobby and now Cailin has her own supplies. She has already made several cards.

Kristen got a keyboard which she can hook up to the TV and learn to play. Cailin has started taking piano lessons so now Kristen can "practice" too. They also got new jammies and robes. The girls thought they were so grown-up with their new robes!

Luke got a deer hunting game that hooks into the TV. I think maybe I should have gotten one for Aaron also. He played it more than Luke!

Merry Christmas--a little late!

2008-01-14T08:37:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas to all! This was our Christmas card for this year. We hope you all had a joyous Christmas focusing on the true reason for the season!

I'm Back!

2008-01-14T07:51:00.000-06:00

Boy, it has been awhile since my last post. Many things have happened during my 2 month break. Eventually, I'll get caught up.

We had a great Christmas and were able to visit with most of our family. These are pictures of most of the cousins on my side. (In both of the pictures the boys are doing something funny. I guess they aren't fond of the idea of being the only boy cousins!)

The Pumpkin Patch

2007-11-08T10:55:00.000-06:00

For a school field trip, Luke and Cailin got to go to the pumpkin patch. We girls tagged along with Cailin. Luke's trip had to be rescheduled so we didn't get to go with him. We all had a great time though. The weather was beautiful!

Cailin, Kristen, and Haley posing for a picture.

Cailin enjoying time with her friends Jaime and Ashleigh.

Kristen petting the goat.

Luke enjoying time with his friends Camron, Josh, and Marshall.

Haley trying her best to lift a pumpkin.

Haley enjoyed feeding the goat. She saw several of the kids picking up dropped food on the ground so she tried that too...only the goat got mostly dirt and rocks!

The Kinnan's Visit

2007-10-25T14:01:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago Angie and the kids came for a visit. We had a nice time catching up. The only downside of things was that I lost my voice. It was interesting to hear all of our kids whispering back to me when I asked them a question. Angie even found herself whispering to me when we talked! One of the highlights was going to yard sales Saturday morning.

Hanging out in the playhouse

Asking questions after devotions

Hannah as Cinderella

Benjamin playing

Camron picked some wildflowers for her mom and wanted to take them home. Instead, we took pictures so they could remember them. Hannah got in on the fun, too.

A group photo

The Un-slumber Party

2007-10-25T13:40:00.000-05:00

Kristen has a little friend from church named Millie. Last night, Millie was supposed to stay the night. Well, we got almost home and she started to cry for her mommy. After talking to mommy, Millie decided she still wanted to go home. Now Kristen was the one in tears. We drove Millie back home with Millie promising to come stay for the day and play really soon.

In this picture, Millie is all smiles knowing she will be home shortly; I had to ask Kristen to smile. The picture turned out really cute!
We are thankful for godly families in the church and the fun times our children get to spend with them!

She's all girl!

2007-10-25T13:14:00.000-05:00

Haley loves to play with her dolly; actually, she likes her sister's doll better! I caught her being "mommy" to her dolly and thought it was so cute. Here she is giving kisses.

Putting dolly night-night.

What a constant reminder that I am being mimicked in my everyday life--the good and the bad!

Praise the Lord for His forgiveness when we fail and also for the ultimate example--to be more Christ-like!

A Visit from Papaw Raglin

2007-10-09T20:14:00.000-05:00

This afternoon Papaw Raglin came to visit! We haven't seen him since Labor Day and he is looking great! Keep up the good work, Dad!

Kristen was there to greet him and being her
usual talkative self asked when Nanny was going to come with Papaw. Too bad you had to work, Mom! We missed you!

Haley woke up from her nap and had to look twice, but went right to Papaw. She even let him comb her hair.

Luke, Cailin, and Aaron finally made it home from school and were able to spend some time with Papaw too. Thanks for the CD you brought for us! We love you!

Rachelle & Jeremy's Wedding

2007-10-06T10:34:00.000-05:00

Rachelle Reese, our babysitter (and good friend) while we were at Northland, got married this summer. Luke, Cailin, Kristen, and I were all asked to be in the wedding. We accepted (of course!) and had a wonderful time. It was the first time we had seen Rachelle since college graduation and we were excited! This past week we received pictures from Rachelle, and I wanted to share them.

Luke was not thrilled about wearing the pink tie, but we told him that he just had to wear it until the wedding was over. I guess he really didn't want to wear it again. When he took it off, he tried to "untie" it like a regular tie and it hasn't gone back together right since! The girls LOVED the fancy dresses they wore and also the way Miss Hannah fixed their hair. They thought they were princesses!

Thanks Rachelle and Jeremy for the pictures and for letting us share in your special day!

Happy Birthday, Luke!

2007-09-28T14:05:00.000-05:00

Luke turned eight years old on September 6. He is in the third grade. At his party, he enjoyed playing baseball with his friends and cousins.

First Blog

2007-01-21T19:43:00.000-06:00

How neat to be able to keep in touch with everyone this way. We have just made it through our first ice storm. The trees were absolutely beautiful with each branch encased with ice. However, the ice caused the electricity to go out for six days which was an adventure! I was able to do lots of stamping. The kids were very thankful to have the lights back on!