Feathers and a coop

Well our chicks are growing very fast, and a close to having all of their feathers. They are at this moment still in the tank, though we are going to modify a large tub for them to stay in the house a little bit longer while Stephan finishes their coop, and while I continue taking their heat source away. The coop I envisioned something simple, a small covered living quarters and a cover run so the hawks don't take off with out little ladies. Stephan decided he would make a coop using part of the over hang on the shed for some covered shelter, and there is a old rabbit hut that will be modified for their nesting and as a get out of the wind and/or cold area. This coop is like a palace. We have 6 chickens and could probably house way more in this place Stephan is constructing by just adding to the run area! Enjoy the pictures and try to envision the coop in it's shell form. Yesterday I took the ladies out for some play time in the dirt, by using a baby gate system, and a little chicken wire over top, they enjoyed the running room though they all stay close to each other they are fun to just sit and watch!

This is the best view.

Still needs more wood nails and chicken wire. But it's getting there.

Coop Construction!

So Big Look at those tail feathers! You can sort of see the ones coming in on their heads they look crazy right now!

Oh HELLO!! These ladies rush over when someone comes up! Look at that mess they make of their water!

On the move!

Tristen is. Not crawling but she can sure get to something she puts her mind to by scooting on her bottom across the floor using her legs to help along the way. This is awkward and cute all at the same time. A must see for those who may get the chance.

Littlest Rouze..

Ok so here's Tristen's update!!! 10months old this week!!!! Not crawling, she's one baby girl who hates her tummy!!! She does turn and scoot a little on her bottom. First words.... HELLO/HI gotta love it.. she throws in a DADADADADA.. and some other random jibber jabber. Tristen makes herself known.. Baby girl has no chores, she does have her alone time play that she does well with for 30minutes each day during chore time, she hangs in her pack n play with her baby safe toys and has a good time all by herself!! Such a sweet and happy girl!

Big Sister!!

What about Chloe?? Well, she's learning lots! Chloe can write in cursive and I'll brag does a beautiful job! She is reading better by the day, with 1 vowel and 2 vowel words, and "special sounds". Math is going well, with addition, money, and time! Chloe too has her chores, hers are the main bathroom, help with laundry, and then to help Daddy after diner with clean-up! Such a helpful big sister!!! Growing up oh so fast, and gets smarter each day!

A.....E.....I......O......U........

Molly knows her VOWELS!!!! YES!!! A break through!!! She has known them but will say "I don't know" the very next day when shown the same letters. For the past 2 weeks I've done nothing but hammer the vowels... and yes she got the confidence!! Now we are working on the letters M,R,and S. Molly has little books what reinforce these letters and blend the M, R, and S with a vowel.. She's getting there too!! We are also working on confidently knowing numbers and telling time!! This homeschool gig frustrating as it can be some days the fact that you where the one to teach you kid to read, tell time, do math.. and so on!!! The most rewarding job ever..... on other Molly news, as part of my schedule we are "chore training" Molly does best when working side by side with someone mainly an adult. So Molly is being "trained" to be my kitchen helper! I had her dry some dishes I had washed the other day, while I folded the laundry, and she drug a chair into the kitchen, climbed onto the counter and put each and every dish away in it's proper spot.... She was so proud!!! Molly is also helping to set the table for diner, and to prepare diner also!!! Continuing on the rewards of Motherhood!!!

First day on schedule!

So we've arrived at nap times, Tristen and Molly are out for the count. Chloe is getting her 30min of educational computer games. The morning went great. The house is no more cleaner than it was when we began, but the best part is that it is no worse than it already was, which wasn't all that bad. We've managed to stay on time, and get everything done in a timely manner. Though Chloe is adjusting and had to give up 30min of her outside playtime, to finish up her papers, she still got it done and played outside! Now we are all very tired though because getting up early is not something we do well, so nap time is a must for Chloe and I at least for this first week while we adapt to the new schedule! I'm thrilled and it was well worth the money, time and effort I can only imagine how days will go once we all have adapted to our new schedule~! And how much cleaner our home will be too!!

Growing Clothes!!

Each time I do the laundry it seems that the amount of clothing for the girls grows. A while back I did a large purge of the children's clothing in order to store them between one dresser and my closet. Then there was the changing of sizes, and I thought I had it all sorted out. Not so, new items have trickled in. Chloe tends to prefer wearing a skirt, and Molly likes to follow, then there are 10+ pairs of pants just taking up space in the dresser them only being worn when working out back in the dirt or if extremely cold! So I purchased Chloe a few extra skirts because she wears them daily, Molly had enough handed down and was gifted 2 at Christmas. So I'm faced again with the challenge of purging more clothing. the hard part is most of it's in great condition, and I wish I knew someone that could use them, and not send them to Goodwill where they will hike the price. I have to be more firm this go around, with my number of tops, dresses, pants, and PJs for keeping and then send the rest along. This house gets overtaken by our laundry. I too have acquired some new clothing items that are better fitted, and need to just part with what does not fit well. I'm ready to shrink the clothing piles, so that I might start line drying our clothes in order to save a little cash on the electric bill!! And for my sanity!

Take a Hike!..... or should it be took a hike?

The View of the Appomattox River from our Picnic spot just off the trail!

Chloe and Molly along the canal

The Crew w/their Hiking Sticks

This afternoon, we went exploring and hiked along the Appomattox River. We found near our house there is a 22 mile trail, though we only did 1 mile in and 1 mile out. We packed a picnic lunch, that we ate once we made our mile hike in! The rushing water relaxing, and fresh air wonderful! Stephan got to try out carrying Tristen on his back, she's at least 20lbs, and the pack it about 10lbs packed equaling about 30lbs on your back! We will adventure out to this park again to try a trail a little closer to the river. However this is not a trail to be adventured with out a man along, so Warrie and I won't be able to take full advantage of this park. Though we will with the Boys in tow and that could only make for an interesting adventure!

Our Schedule!!!!

I received my Managers of Their Homes book, by the Maxwell Family weeks ago. I thought I would read through it real quick and be off with my new life changing schedule with in a week. That was not the case. I read the book, spent one week, making my "task list", Shared w/ Stephan and then rewrote it! About 2 weeks later I finally started on the 3 girls lists. Then life got busy and I worked a bit so didn't have the time to sit down with it. This week I had Stephan's 3 days off too!!! This gave for some time to work on the schedule, I was ready to write out the tasks and fit them into our 30min-1hour time slots. Little pieces of colored paper for each family member!!! The Master Schedule began to take form!!! With activities I've desired to have, now have their own little time slot, Music time, story time, Family Bible time, Free indoor or outdoor play time with Mommy included!! Monday will be our start time for this schedule undertaking. Stephan has helped me to understand how to use Excel, so I'm working on transferring the schedule into a smaller form, and to make alternative schedules for different days of the week, and for when Stephan is off from work! Our goal, to get homeschool complete each weekday, have a clean house all the time, and to have fun doing it, all while following what God would have us do!!

Chickens!!

6 total! We have 6 baby chicks! 3 yellow, and 3 black w/ white markings. What we know, they'll lay about 1 egg a day to every other day each in about 6 months. There will be medium brown eggs. Their breed is a mystery, both Stephan and I have been told, but have both failed to write it down or remember! Sad I know! For now they are living in am aquarium, w/ a mesh cover, with a lamp to stay extra warm to one side! The girls are thrilled, Stephan and I are like big kids sometimes and are enjoying them too. This is a fun adventure. Stephan will be constructing their coop soon, for when they get their adult feathers and the weather truly warms up. Why you ask?? Because eggs get more and more expensive by the day, and well this investment if protected and managed well, will be a much more cost effective and healthier way to get eggs for up to 5 years!!

"That's What Love Is" By David Phelps

Stephan stumbled across the christian artist David Phelps a while ago, bought one of his live albums. I never bothered to listen to it until about 2 weeks ago I borrowed Stephan's MP4 player for something to listen to while at work. I totally love all that this mans music has to say. This particular song came on in the van as I'm driving home from bible study one Tuesday night, tears came. What a beautiful song. Then the CD had come with a DVD w/ the live performance the CD was taken from, so while working on some things last Saturday I decided to put it in. Prior to several songs David Phelps talks about the meaning of his songs, this song was one of them. So there sat the artist, his parents and sisters. They told a story of their life and how difficult the relationship was between his mother and father at one point and when the father was asked by one of the daughter's what he didn't just leave the mother...... The father's reply was when you love someone you don't just leave. Just like God loves us, and sent his son to die on the cross for us. Even when we laugh in His face, or ignore Him completely He's still there to love us. A love for a parent, a child, a dear friend, a loved one, a stranger.. this song speaks a thousand words to me, and I've chosen to let it be my only song on the blog for a while.... Hope you'll have a listen and pay attention to the words.....

Dance for the Lord!

That is what I am learning how to do, along with some other lovely ladies at our church. Linda our teacher is very patient, and I'm thinking our first day didn't go as bad I thought it would. We are learning Messianic Dance! The below clip will give you a glimpse of what we are learning. There will be a Passover Seder taking place at our church in 5 weeks and Linda hopes a few or all of us may take part in the celebration..... I hope with practice I'll be ready!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow...........

Sunday February 22nd 2009
The Day of Tristen's Dedication, and she is truly a Blessing sent by God!!
Portrait Done by Warrie McBrearty
If you would like a copy let me know and we'll talk!

Daniel Fast!

This is a blip about me... read if you'd like!

I'm 6 weeks into a study on the book of Daniel by Beth Moore. We where asked to give up something that we loved that was in the "world" that we could have but should be wise and do without. Just as Daniel chose to do with out the Kings Rich foods and wine in the 1st chapter of Daniel. This was not supposed to be a diet by any means. I choose to give up soda, I was addicted and it's something most of America could live with out and be much slimmer and healthier by it. This fast ended this Tuesday for me. When we went to the circus, I had a bottle of soda, 20oz of my favorite Dr Pepper. I'm learning that I should have continued to do with out. This is a learning curve for me and my eyes are opening more and more each day. I'm not perfect at all and fail daily. God has layed out a manual for us w/ examples to follow, what awesome things would come to be if all of those who claimed to follow him actually lived by the word of God. Wow! There would be True "Change" in this country. Though daily most of America kicks out the God that this country was founded on, and people wonder why things are falling apart around them! So I will continue to strive to follow the word of God, in hopes that I can make a difference. I've personally approched some subjects with friends and family members in the wrong way resulting in walls that may never be brought down. I have come to learn it's not for me to judge anyone, only God above can pass judgement, and it's my task to live the life he has called me to live and to be a witness to those around me. Well folks thanks for reading if you did. Now I'm off to bed!

The Greatest Show On Earth!

Stephan, Chloe and Molly at the Circus 2/19/09

Well I'm sure there are better shows to see. However tonight we went downtown and see the Circus! It was a nice show. Though we encountered something rather comical prior to getting into the show. PETA, protesters! Now a young lady with at least 20holes and pieces of metal in her face approaches Us and looks at Stephan and states "There are more wholesome things you could be doing with your children tonight" Now how in the world to I take you seriously when you have over a dozen holes in your body and dress far from wholesome. Anyways. We carried on and had a good time with the girls!

I love the way the elephants hold each others tails!

New Heat Pump!

So Monday February 16th 2009, our new heat pump system was installed. Can I just say it's incredible. Stephan's hard work under the house to re insulate in areas that needed it, and the added new heat pump. The house is very cozy and comfortable at a steady 70degrees. Though we could probably keep it lower we are enjoying it at this moment.

A Photo of our NEW thermostat! It's a comfortable 70degrees!

6 years ago on Valentine's day!

A bond began between 2 little girls that will last a life time. Cousin's and best buddies!!!
We celebrated Mikayla's 6th Birthday yesterday, and I reflected back to when she arrived in this world, and Chloe was there to welcome her! They are 7 weeks apart! :o)

Stephan, Chloe, Mikayla, Chris Rouze, Nana Pickens
February 2003
Chloe & Mikayla
February 14, 2009

Book recieved!

Well, my Managers of Their Homes book arrived, I've read, and have come to Step one! To Pray about and make my Mom's activity list, over the next week then review w/Stephan. My day needs to total about 24 hours or less.. I'll keep everyone updated. She does stress the importance of nap time for those under 7years old.. and well I restarted Molly's naps, and Chloe after the past few days could benefit from at least 1 hour of rest a day. This is only the beginning, and I'm excited about getting started!!!

MOTH method!

Homeschooling is going well. Though I'm struggling with just how to balance 3 kids, schooling 2, caring for baby, and house work. Some days it seems like there are not enough hours in the day, and if I only could split myself in two would I be able to get it all done. I've done the give me and the girls chores, it worked for a while, but my structure was not strong. In my fascination with the Duggar family, I checked out their web site, and found they use the MOTH method of scheduling their time, found at titus2.com. My thought was well if this works so well for a family of 20, then why not give it a try for my family of 5. So last week I ordered my book, and I'm now anxiously awaiting it's arrival to get started in hopes to be like the many before me that where able to send great testimonies on it's success in turning the whole house around.

No Hannah!

We decided we wouldn't let the girls watch Hannah Montana. Why not? Every other 4 and 6 year old is watching her! Well, I decided I'd watch the show on one of my late night feedings of Tristen over the summer, and was shocked buy the behaviors I witnessed that I'm not wanting my kids to behave in these manners. #1- Running after and kissing of boys. #2- Greed, I watched an episode where she was begging her daddy for a new phone even though the one she had was fine. #3. She's very sassy, and has a attitude. #4 I don't care for the way she speaks to her Dad. #5.. my list can go on and on so I'll stop. I've explained to Chloe and Molly that I would not like them to watch this show, and they understand it's because I don't like Hannah Montana's character qualities. So that's my little rant, and a little Hannah will hurt, So my girls are not allowed to view the Disney Channel after the noon hour if at all. Especially because of the chance to see Wizards of Waverly Place also, and the rest of the other bratty kids shows that come on in the evenings.

ZOO PASSES!!!

For Christmas my parents gave our family of 5 passes to the local zoo. Today was one of the random 60degree days in Va, warm, clear, and sunny. I decided to declare a field trip to take advantage of the passes and the weather. Especially since the next 2-3 days forecast calls for 30ish degree weather and rain/snow mix.

Our Trip exciting.. the kids had a blast.

Tristen watching Chloe and Molly feed the Giraffes

Chloe Feeding the Giraffe

Molly's turn!

The day was beautiful, and we are all looking forward to many more trips to the zoo thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Kruse.

Dirty Job

Stephan has discovered that working in the crawl space replacing old insulation, is a very dirty and smelly job. Our heat pump install has been delayed. However Stephan decided he needed to check the insulation under the house, and in the process discovered that it had fallen from many areas. This was part of our problem with cold! The heat pump does need to be replaced regardless, we had made a small fix to get us through last summer, and need the AC big time around here in the summer. Stephan with the help of Phillip spent 5+hours under the house working on this project and the back half of the house has been re insulated. They smelled nasty and where filthy when they where done. I now have a mound of insulation in the back yard, awaiting a trip in the truck to the dump!

Growing Girls!!!

Chloe, Molly, and Tristen have all grown.. The result a need to change out clothing sizes for each girl. This is a difficult task, because, I have limited times as to when I can get this done due to mine and Stephan's schedule. Stephan happened to be off this Saturday so I started my journey, in the tubs of hand me downs... and baskets of laundry.

The pictures offer a small glimpse of my bedroom over taken by little girls clothing. Chloe has gone from a size 6/6x top to a 7/8, Molly a 4/5top to a 6/6x. The tricky part with the hand me downs, They start w/ my niece Stirling, then good condition stuff gets to Ainsley, who also gets tome new things, then the good condition stuff comes to Chloe, then Chloe gets some new, then it all goes to Molly, result, Molly always has way too much clothing. So I then have to evaluate what will work for them, and then pass some on to charity, because I just don't have the space for it all. Tristen is moving from 12mo clothing in some items to 18month, so that transition is taking place too. Now Tristen is tolerant of being left on the bed to play with clothing and hangers for some lengths of time, however the 6+hours spent Saturday where not enough to tackle the task at hand, now I face Stephan sleeping in my work space so the transition of clothing has come to a halt.... The master bedroom stuffed, and some of the tubs are living in the family room. Homeschool is needing to resume for the week. I hope to tackle it in small increments each evening this week, and hope to complete the task of downsizing Molly's jumbo collection of clothing, Getting Tristen's bigger sizes washed and switched out. My hope is to have it done, by next week, or I may loose my mind in the process.

What about the kids??

Guess I left the girls out of the last post! Tuesday nights they have Daddy time! Wednesday nights there is a place for them and some wonderful teenagers watch them! On every other Friday Grandma and Grandpa Rouze have graciously agreed to watch them for us, since we'll be in their area. So that's where they will be while Mommy and Daddy have their Bible study time with the other adults. More kiddie posts later!!

Busy Mommy and Daddy!!

I resumed my Tuesday night ladies bible study, we are doing another Beth Moore Study called Daniel . I'm on my 3rd week, have 5days of homework a week, it's just awesome, and it's helping to clarifying some things that God has already been placing on my heart over the past 2years. Starting this Friday, Stephan and I are returning to our Friday night local bible study group (with church friends who live on our side of town), and are doing a study called "The Bait of Satan" By John Bevere and is about Living Free from the Deadly trap of Offense. That study will require us to read the book and attend the video sessions every other week. Oh there is more, we are some bible studying folk right now! Wednesday nights, the men are starting a study called "The Way of the Wild heart" by John Eldridge, Stephan helped line some things up, and Ricky (Debby's Husband) will be leading the group of men. The ladies are starting another Beth Moore Study "Believing God"(workbook and homework optional) for those who attend Wednesday nights. I chose to dive in and get the work book!! It's just like taking a bunch of different classes in school, just our subject matter is God, serving Him, believing Him, and growing in His word! We are looking forward to our adventures in the coming weeks.

Baby it's COLD inside!!

So this past week we had some very cold weather, boo on the fact that we didn't get a lick of snow to show for it. Our heat pump, is not the best, at night it can't seem to keep the house warm enough. Chloe, Molly and myself do well with extra blankets. For Tristen I was layering her with the following, short sleeve onesie, long sleeve onesie, tights, socks, lightweight sleeper, blanket sleeper, a blanket pouch (in place of a blanket) and a pair of mittens w/ long socks over them to stay in place. Despite all of that clothing, Tristen would wake up with ice cold fingers, hands, and lower arms. So Friday and Saturday the temperature lows where to be bel0w 10degrees, since the heat pump couldn't hang with 20degrees, I opted to stay with my parents while Stephan was at work those 2 nights. We have 2 options, replace the heat pump, or just make costly repairs to it over and over, not really knowing when it will break completely. We have decided to replace the whole system, and this will take place next weekend. Last night wanting to sleep in my own bed, we returned home, it was not as cold, but still now warm enough for Tristen, so she snuggled up for the night with me in my bed, we slept well and no ice cold fingers this morning.

Parenting....

Why we do what we do...... In the realm of parenting. When Chloe was just a baby we dedicated her to the Lord.. and committed to raise her to love and serve the Lord. We repeated that dedication with Molly, and plan the same route for Tristen. Neither of us where made to attend church, or where taught much about God as children our parents had decided to introduce us to church and let us choose our own way. I'm grateful that Stephan and I had found friends in life that directed us towards church. We stepped away from church in 1999, to return in 2000 after an invitation to what would become our current church family. Our christian walk has not been an easy one, and not always a faithful one. However in the past year we have jumped into our faith with both feet, and are working more diligently to raise our girls the way we dedicated to do so 6years ago. Today I checked out a CD series by Jimmy Evans titled "Successful Parenting", it has confirmed many of our parenting methods, and has given me more incite as to which way to go with other areas of parenting to show them God through us. I look forward to continuing on this difficult and challenging path of parenting our girls. So following listening to this message I plan to listen to it again, and then to share w/ Stephan. Below is a link to Marriage today.

http://www.marriagetoday.org

Happy New Year!!!

The Girls and myself spent New Years at my Parents place. Along with my sister and her girls since our husbands had to work. Uncle Chris was home too. For Chloe and Molly we said Happy New year and had some sparkling grape juice around 9pm so they could go to bed. :o) Hope everyone has a great year in 2009!!

Camping indoors....

Our 15x14 2 room Family Cabin Tent

Queen Air bed and Tristen's Pack n Play

Chloe & Molly w/ their twin air beds and sleeping bags!

For Christmas we received a Tent. The girls got their air beds. With misc cash gifts we purchased our Queen air bed, my sleeping bag, and other camping gear. So to be sure that all functioned well and was not missing parts we camped out in the house in the tent. What a blast... we are looking forward to warmer weather to venture outdoors. Over the next few months we will begin to search for and purchase any other camping equipment that we may need.

Christmas recovery!!

So we have the largest disaster in our family room. It's full of boxes, toys, and camping gear. That's right. We have our tent!! It's huge, with a 7foot head clearance inside for us tall folk. Target had a great clearance sale on camping items, so we got the girls and myself a sleeping bag, our lantern, and other misc small items, a wash basin for dishes.... the list goes on. So yesterday I got all of our laundry washed and folded, and with Stephan sleeping all day I tend to get behind on putting things away. Today he is working a double shift so I'm working on making our bedroom tidy, and putting away every ones hanging laundry, as I have every ones including the kids clothing in my closet. They have a large dresser and 2 small sets of drawers in their bedroom that houses folded items, I hang their dresses, and tops. Then I'll do some work on the family room I should really do a before and after shot, it's terrible, and to top things off Tristen is teething making free hands hard to come by. Gotta get it done Stephan's hoping that with a clean family room and moving the couch we may be able to put up the tent in the house so all us kids can try out our gear that's indoor safe, and see how the pack n play will fit w/the air beds. Fun!! and EXCITING. it helps to motivate and we have another week of Christmas break!

Chloe Turns 6

This day 6 years ago our oldest daughter was born. She had her birthday party a week early, and we will be headed out to eat at the restaurant of her choice this evening just the five of us to celebrate her official birthday.

The Rouze Family Christmas letter.

Many of you received this but for those I missed here it is!! Along with the Picture taken by our dear friend Warrie, special thanks to her for her hard work and dedication on this project.

Merry Christmas,

This year has been quite the adventure for our family. We began the year with our house on the market, a baby in Heather’s belly, and various other things to keep us busy. We took preventative measures knowing Heather would face some time on bed rest. We also took into consideration the third child we were expecting and the un-affordable costs of daycare. This dilemma left us looking to downsize our living quarters.
A good friend of ours, Phillip, had taken a job which required him travel the country most of the time. He had the perfect house for our family. A cozy little rancher nestled on almost an acre, with three bedrooms and a large family room. He agreed to sell the home to us upon the sale of our house. Of course, with the economy and all, this was easier said then done.
We actually listed our house in October of 2007. The start of 2008 left us without a single offer, and many pains to come. We had reduced the sale price to $40,000 less then the appraised value before our first offer. The first offer failed, then a second failed offer came, and finally God came through! After much prayer in May we received not only one, but two good offers, on the same day. We didn’t get as much as we wanted, but we closed with what we needed.
On May 27, 2008 we sold the big house and made the move. To add to that week in History on May 29th we ended up at the Hospital with a un-official family record baby weigh in. Tristen Leigh Rouze was born, coming into this world at 10lbs and 2oz!
Summer time was spent organizing the new home and enjoying the lower mortgage payment! We took the kids, along with Stephan’s parents, to Pennsylvania for a week vacation. We enjoyed going to Sesame Place, Amish County, the Crayola Factory, and the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum. The kids had a good time, and the ‘big’ kids had a blast too! It was nice to see the family up north as well!
Perhaps the biggest thing of the summer came when we officially decided to keep our kids out of government schools and home school our children. It has taken a large commitment on our part, but it is well worth it. Chloe has already surpassed Kindergarten standards and is excelling rapidly. Molly is engaged in a preschool program and she too is taking off!
Chloe turns 6 in a week and Molly just turned 4 in September. The kids are growing up fast! They continue to make life interesting and un-predictable! We hope the New Year offers more excitement as we take up camping as a new family activity. We love all of you dearly. May God Bless you richly in the coming year!

Merry Christmas
Love,
Stephan, Heather, Chloe, Molly, & Tristen

Lost tooth!!!

Chloe lost her 1st tooth today!! What excitement! She has heard stories of the dollars her daddy received when he was a kid for each tooth he lost! I'll post a picture of her grin in the morning!

Best Christmas Gift EVER!!!

I receive a call while waiting to get Mikayla.. and it's Stephan singing to me.... "I'll be home for Christmas"

I was overcome with Pure Joy!!


Stephan is off Christmas eve into Christmas Day!!!!! He was supposed to work.. he worked overtime today and was asked to work next Sunday for someone, and he bartered Christmas eve night off!! I'm so very excited, now our typical Christmas will go as planned, and I couldn't have asked for more. So we'll go to my parent's place Christmas eve as usual. We'll have Christmas morning at home, then off to Stephan's mom's for breakfast since our home is no longer large enough to host. And then home for a rest if we desire.. then back to mom in law's for Christmas diner with the rest of the family!... I'm so excited have I mentioned that.....So 3 days until the festivities start!!

Chloe's Princess Birthday party

In the grand schedule December 20th, turned out to be the best weekend for Chloe's 6th birthday party. Stephan didn't have to work tonight so it just worked out well. Due to the size of our house and not having the extra spending cash to have the party elsewhere. I opted to have a kids only party, better yet a girls only party. My ex-sister in law was kind enough to allow me to have my neice Mikayla for the night, since she was the one person Chloe wanted to be there, the 2 of them are only 7weeks apart. My sister Jackie's girls Stirling(11) and Ainsley (10) came out to help with the party. 3 other girls where also able to come to the party, Ally, Katie, and Mackenzie. The night started out with playing, and watching some of "How the Grinch stole Christmas", then we ate pizza, played more, had cupcakes and ice cream, opened presents, played some more...
We played a game of pin the tierra on the princess, and painted nails complete with pretty nail stickers. Then all the girls played until their Dads arrived to pick up them up.
Mikayla, Stirling, and Ainsley all are spending the night.

(Pictures coming soon check back)

Bump in the night.....

12/18/08 2am....... settling in for the night.... yes that's normal for me.. the cat meow wakes Tristen, who then thinks she should eat, so I settle on the bed to feed her, and our dog Roupen starts barking like someone is here. I'm home alone, as Stephan is at work, so I call him. He stays on the phone and asks a fellow officer who works this area to just sing by to check the place out, for a little piece of mind, because well the dog was probably barking at an animal, but you never know. We've lived here 6 months and he has never barked after 11pm. So not only did one officer come out but there where 3. The house lit up w/ spot lights, they got out of their cars and walked the property. Special thanks to the lovely officers that keep my family safe while my husband is at the other end of town keeping other families safe. If I hadn't been feeding Tristen, I would have passed out some Christmas cookies, for their willingness to come out, to calm a officers wife that was totally freaked out by the fact that our dog was going bonkers.

Baking Cookies with Grandma

Wednesday morning we the girls and I where invited by Stephan's mom to come by and help with her annual day of baking Christmas cookies. I dropped Chloe and Molly off at 9am, took Tristen to her pediatrician appointment... she's now 16lbs. I returned at 11am, to start helping. I briefly saw our nephew Luke who turned one that day, and him mom Amy, who where there while I was at the pediatrician. There was a break from baking for a quick sandwich, then Chloe and Molly pushed along the activity of baking. Hours passed and the girls and I where still there, cutting, pressing, decorating, and baking cookies. It was near 445pm that we left to make our way home before attending church. A fun day, and break from school work for the girls and myself. I failed to pack a camera, and was just so wrapped up in helping I didn't even walk upstairs to use my father in laws camera, so this is one event without a single photo.

Men's Campout & Ladie's sleepover

December 12&13, 2008 The men from out church planed a large men's camp out. Yes in December, and yes outside. They had tents, sleeping bags, a camp fire, airsoft guns, and real guns, they ate well, and had a blast. So I had the bright idea of a ladies sleepover at my place with much less invited b/c our new house can not hold too many people. The plan watch Christmas movies and veg all weekend. Not so much. The movies played only Warrie, and Tina spent the night, the crew of kids as in mine and Tina's took forever to go to sleep, and sleep did not come well to me. There was a full moon, and the kids and animals where all in rare form, the 1st night, and we where up bright and early with the kids. The next day went a little smoother however busy with misc tasks. Come night time more folks came out for just diner that equaled more kids. This was a fun but crazy evening. Then bed time came, the little girls went off to bed and I actually watched my 1st beginning to end movie of the weekend. Once the movie was over, bedtime I was happy to great it, Tristen on the other hand was not, I found myself up until 430am. By the time 8am rolled around I was miserable for more reasons than I care to write about, and knew I wouldn't make the 30min drive to church nor last the service, so we opted to stay home. Then my rest began. Warrie sent me off for a nap when I was falling asleep sitting up on the couch, and I had a good 2 hours of rest at least. The men have decided the women need a weekend kid free... smart men.. so they have informed us February is a good time, and they will have another camp out in April. I have learned my lesson.. though a sleepover and the idea of the event sounded great, I was more exhausted than ever... Just to used to the fact that if my girls are left alone in the morning after a late night they will sleep in until they are well rested. So no more mega sleepover planing for me.....

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!!!!

December 9,2008.
Stephan needed to go to a sporting goods store to purchase his sleeping bag for an upcoming(past) Men's camp out. So I decided why not go the open air mall that blows snow each night at 7pm for a kick, it was maybe 65degrees that night. So the white flecks in the photos snow blown from the top of the stores for about 5-10min. The kids loved it and Tristen is always happy to be outside in the fresh air.

Weekend to the lake... 12/05/08-12/07/08

Chloe & Molly

Heather (me!!) & Stephan

Ryan & Warrie

The Lake House!


We took a weekend trip to Lake Gaston w/ Ryan and Warrie. It was cold, and we where lucky the house has a wood stove upstairs and an open fire place downstairs for heat. So we stayed warm, w/the fires burning and space heaters working we had a great relaxing weekend away with good friends. Prior to leaving Stephan purchased us a Wii fit, so we ALL tried it out. We decided for the guys to ride together and the girls to ride together. When we where almost to the lake house, I had trouble controlling the van but was able to barely stay on the road, and we made it safely to the house. The weekend was full of video games, movies and rest. Chloe and Molly always enjoy a weekend getaway and have a way of being well behaved. When leaving on Sunday Stephan noticed the van was not handling well and we thought we hit something, so once on a hard surface he got out to check things out. Turns out we had a flat tire. With an hour drive ahead, the guys changed the tires and we headed for back roads since driving on the spare at a high rate of speed is not recommended. On the ride home we passed a house engulfed in flames, apparently no one was harmed, but it was alarming to see. Everyone made it home safely after a nice weekend of R&R. We had the tire fixed by Ryan's brother CJ on Monday afternoon.

School & Tristen's chair

Real Date December 1, 2008

School is coming along nicely, 73days worth past already. Tristen was no longer liked being put in a bouncy seat or her exersaucer, while we had school. She then preferred to be held so she could see what was going on. That was challenging when attempting to help Chloe or Molly, and having Tristen grabbing papers, pencils, and books. So On December 1st when we adventured out to the post office, we made a stop at Kmart to get something for Tristen to sit in at the kitchen table with us. Now Tristen sits with us when we do our school work.

VIRUS!!!!

So for about 2 weeks we had been with out our PC, it was infested w/crazy computer viruses. Then the laptop I have we have been using for about 1 week. It works for checking email messages, and well I think I wrote all of one email. I have at least 3 blogs to type up, with pictures to go along with them over the next week.. I work Monday and plan to at least get one posted each evening during the week to get caught up. We have been a busy family so watch out the blogs are on their way now that the PC have been healed up, thanks to hours of Ryan's IT help!!

Black friday.

So Thanksgiving went as planned like in years past, Morning and afternoon w/my family and evening and night w. Stephan's. Lots of yummy food... and overeating. This was my first black Friday however since we've been married that we did not buy a single gift. We slept till 9am, hung around the house, and met Stephan's Mom and Aunt Nancy for lunch. Then that afternoon we made a trip Pocahontas state park for a hike. We all enjoyed the mild weather, and the nice quiet hike. Once we returned home, Stephan set up our Christmas tree, I got out the Christmas CDs. Our only Black Friday purchase was a large box of little white lights for our Christmas Tree, the girls helped to decorate it, and it was Molly's year to place the angel on top. We will be having our family photo taken in front of our own Christmas tree. Christmas shopping will come later.

Power of imagination

Chloe and Molly can play for hours with whatever they can get their hands on, and the power of the imaginations. How my couch becomes a dentist chair, or a class room. The toy box became a fire truck the other day as they played with the walkie talkies Molly received as a gift on her 4th birthday. Possibilities are endless. The best thing is when they line up chairs and play church they fill the chairs with stuffed animals and baby dolls and proceed to sing songs they know, and talk about God. Guess we are doing something right...

Pilgrims.

The girls made pilgrim hats as a little art project. This followed a leason on The Pilgrims and their journey on the Mayflower from England to the US. We discussed that frist Thanksgiving and how they where thankful that God got them through, and provided for their needs w/ the help of the Indians..... The next project is to make the Indian outfit out of brown paper bags, so I'll be snatching 2 from Grandma Kruse next week so we can compete the rest of our Thanksgiving projects.

Thanksgiving, Black Friday...... Christmas....

Next week, we'll be having a Thanksgiving feast w/Stephan's family, at his Aunt Nancy's home.. I have come to adore this woman, for all that she is, and love that I have someone with in the family who has been there done that in our faith and homeschooling. When the rest of the family scurries home early, we lag behind and play games or just chat w/ Nancy, Bill and their daughter Debby and husband Ricky. Nancy played a special part in the lives of Chloe and Molly by being their caregiver while I worked full time then part time then full time again, and she continues to have a special place in the hearts of my girls.... The meal YUMMY, dessert good as well, we'll visit with family, and this year will have to joy of having Stephan's Dad's parents Grandmom and Grandpop Rouze at the wonderful Thanksgiving feast. The house is crammed full of family, Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times.. not hustle bustle, or obligation to buy meaningless gifts for whoever... Our day typically starts out w/my girls and I at my parents home to watch the Thanksgiving day parade, and to look at the Black Friday ads (to see if we are going to be nuts and wake up at 5am for the big deal) while Stephan sleeps off a night off work. Then the Dinner fun starts at Aunt Nancy's. Then we'll talk about who's going where and where are we going to have lunch together on the next day... Always fun.... This year will be similar to previous years and in so many ways different. We have had the glorious journey of learning less is more.. and that more stuff or more things does not by any means buy anyone happiness. We are tired of worrying about what to buy for so and so... After 7 years.. of Christmas' filled with flying paper at family Christmas gatherings.. who got what.. and what was their reaction... and what on earth did you get I sure missed it only saw the nice wrapping paper fly past my head.... geee... I'm not even sure what I got...... what did the kids get??? Dunno... I get home with piles of toys, clothes, candles, candies, cookies, jewelry, cd's, books, lotions.. and whatever else... and I have no Idea who any of this stuff came from.. it's jumbled and sitting in a pile near my Christmas tree, and now the task of where to put everything, it takes days, weeks, and months to recover from all this new stuff..... is the picture clear in your mind?? Last year our girls received from us Stephan and myself, a scooter, a few movies, cds, and a replenishment of their paper/pen supplies...... from immediate family..... loads of stuff.. some things I wouldn't buy them ever..... This year..... will be more simple.. we have decided one meaningful gift w/a stocking full of new crayons, craft items, and paper.... that will be it here in our home... and we have urged family to just get ONE and only ONE gift for our girls this year.... This year I would be happy enough with nothing for myself. The greatest gift I received this year was the chance to get out of a large amount of debt, move to a house I'm loving more each day, and to be able to home school my girls, and have most of my days spent with Chloe, Molly, and Tristen. I want to reflect this year on the true meaning of Christmas, Christ and the wonderful gift God gave us his son who died on the cross for us so that we may have ever lasting life. What a great gift and so many of us get wrapped up in the have it all that we forget what Christmas is all about..... God has given me so much these past few years, a great family, an awesome husband, beautiful and smart children, a wonderful church family, food, clothing, and shelter.... for those things I'm grateful to the God I long to serve better each day..... I love my Jesus.. and I long for my family to truly seek him... So I'll keep praying that those walls will come down from around their hearts and the blinders off their eyes.. I fail.. and I mess up on a daily basis.. however I'm trying with all I have in me... To serve my Lord.... and to do his will.... My pray is for the salvation of all of my dear loved ones

Fall.

We went out w/ Warrie on this past Monday, to enjoy the fall foliage at Maymont park in Richmond. It was a beautiful day, the girls can make the best of sticks, rocks, dirt, leaves and water. Tristen loves just to be outdoors it just calms her, so anything outdoors with her is great. I took our camcorder however the batteries died with in seconds I should have charged it overnight, My camera survived till the end, then died, and it in need of new batteries. Chloe and Molly have been doing great w/school work. The best perk of homeschooling is being able to get out and enjoy things w/out having to wait for the weekend. We are looking forward to Thanksgiving spent w/family, and are planning a very simple Christmas this year, more details on Christmas in an different post. Well enjoy the slide show and I'll make sure I keep the camcorder charged so I can post some videos soon.

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