"SUMMER" EVENING

CHURCH PICNIC

Victoria absolutely loves corn-on-the cob,

and a family at church absolutely grows

the very best peaches-n-cream!

It was cooked on the spot and it

was delicious!My friend, Vanita, her little puppy Cooper,

and Jacqueline Colson and Scottie playing a cell phone game!
I am not sure exactly who loves who more?

Scottie adores Victoria as much as she

adores him!

Inspite of nasty rain and cool "summer" temps, 61 degrees,

we had a great picnic. I honestly don't think it matters

what the weather, because when you are with this

group of people you have a great time!

We are so blessed to be a part of this awesome church!!

no big news to speak of. . . . .
Another end to a great summer week. The humidity finally cleared around here and we have had some great sleeping weather. I love having the windows open with a nice breeze blowing in. It won't be long and we will have to close up the house for winter! UGH! Our Suburban has been in the "fix-it" shop all week and I am so anxious to get it back. It will be such a blessing to have air again, plus alot of minor problems are getting fixed as well. Den has done an amazing job of locating parts for our friend to use. He was even able to locate an almost new bumper for the back too! (on the eve of Thanksgiving Brett was rear-ended and the bumper got squished) I am so excited to finally have a normal one back on. I must say, inspite of the horrendous gas prices, I do enjoy driving the suburban, however, I have thoroughly loved driving our church van all week. I love sitting high and ruling the road!!! But gosh, it seems like every time I go out it needs gas. Today I was coming down our street and ran out of gas. I was so thankful I could coast into the driveway, and was even more thankful that it was here and not far away. WHEW that was a close one. $10 doesn't go too far in a "gas hog".

We are headed out to the campground tonight for some good country dancin!. We all love to go and this will be the first we have been able to get there all summer. We have such fun and the kids enjoy tooling around in the golf karts too!

I am in the countdown phase of school and am so excited to see it come to an end. However, I have thoroughly enjoyed my Pilates class and have meet some great people through it. Of course, I am the oldest student! There are two other moms taking it along with me and I have become fast friends with one, a mom of 4, who is in her last year of college. We have good laughs over our baby bellies! I hoping to take this class again in the fall, at least I am registered, just trying to find someone to watch Victoria for 2 hours, 2 days a week.

Brett and Blake start their fall workouts on Monday. Brett is playing soccer and Blake tennis. Brennan is going to run cross-country but that won't start until the first week of school. Its definitely going to be an amazing schedule to try and keep and I know Den and I will have to part ways for some of the games.

This morning we had our monthly ladies breakfast at church. Its always such a pleasure to spend time with other women, we have great laughs, and a great time of sharing and prayer. What a gift!

Tomorrow we have our summer church picnic late in the afternoon. We have such a fun time, great food, great fellowship and lots of fun games for everyone to enjoy. We are so thankful for this church and the love and encouragment they continue to show not only to us but to anyone. They love to serve others; isn't that what we are supposed to do? sometimes we get caught up in "us" and our own issues and forget that its when we serve we are served!

Enjoy your weekend. . . . . .they go way too fast!

An awesome find!

Yesterday Jacqueline and I did a little school shopping. On our way to our "favorite" department store we stopped at a few garage sales. As I walked up the drive I noticed a slew of backpacks for sale. I scanned the lot and saw a pretty pink "Jansport" but never said a word because I knew my darling daughter had her heart set on the pretty trendy polka-dot one (remember a previous post about this?). She soon followed behind and saw the backpacks and spotted the Jansport. She then says, "mom, look at this awesome backpack, isn't it cute?" Of course, I was elated that she had found it all by herself without any nudging from me. I told her to ask the lady how much and she then proceeds to tell me, "Mom, its only $3 can we buy it?" Can we buy it? I was thrilled that my sweet little girl would want a, lesser than trendy pretty pink, used pack over the trendy new polka-dot one! Completely touched by her decision, I had to take a hard look at myself because sometimes, I am less than thrilled with something because I had my heart set on something bigger or better. She sure showed up her mom yesterday, for sure, by her sweet spirit!

Colson and his "new dew"

He has been wanting me to shave

his head. He kept saying,

"I know I'm gonna look like Scottie!"

actually Jacqueline said he

looked like Walker!

Whoever he looks like he is "adorable"

August. . . can you believe it?

WHEW. . . . lots going on here in our household. . . kids getting ready for soccer/x-country/tennis practices, heading back to college and school and Bryan heading out to Colorado (further testing for the State Police Academy). He is going to be staying with friends at a DUDE RANCH. How cool is that? What an exciting adventure for this kid. The rest of us, well, we are excited too. Lots of change in store for us, and we are getting ready, planning and pursueing.

Only two more weeks of summer school left! HIP HIP HOORAH! It has been challenging yet self-fulling to head back to college. I am enjoying my summer classes, yet anxious for them to end to have some downtime with the Den and the kids. Already the fall semester is looming and what a bummer that I start a week before my kiddos head back to school. Brett has been an enormous help this summer babysitting two days a week. He has done a fine job of keeping the house running smoothly and taking care of Victoria. It sure makes it easier to leave knowing that the kids are in capable hands. I am blessed to have such a group of guys that are willing to pitch in and help with anything! They are gonna make some fine husbands and daddys some day!!! I am a little bummed at Bry, however, because we were supposed to take a Sociology course together this fall and now his path has changed. . . . so I had to rework my fall semester schedule. Just kidding, what fun it would have been to be in class with my son! Makes me smile to think of it!

It sure will be different for us this fall with Ben off to college and Bry off to Colorado. People always ask how many kids we have left at home and I still have to count! Its always easy to say we have 12 kids but I have to work hard at remembering how many are still here. Crazy. Its like when someone wants to know a birth year of a child who is smack in the middle of the pack and I have to go through the first 5, 6 or whatever to figure it out!

Well I seem to be rambling and there is still chores to be done, baths to be taken, laundry to start (always) and school work to be completed, and of course, enjoying the pool and the sun!

Thursday's "Colson-ism". . . .
As I was typing away this morning, Colson was busily coloring next to me when he stopped and said, "mom, you don't even have to look at the keyboard to type that fast. How did you learn how to do that?. . . . . . WHOA! mom, you're fast." (he shows me how fast with his hands on an imaginary keyboard) I then proceeded to tell him how I learned how to type, way back in high school. He then asks, "how old were you?. . . .do they still teach that today?"

I don't think he has ever paid much attention to my typing skills before, he is usually busy talking or playing. But this morning, without any other sound but the keyboard clicking away, he was impressed with my typing abilities; so much so that he stopped several times to watch my fingers move across the keyboard.

Now he's busily coloring and singing, "play that funky music whiteboy. . . . " he isn't quiet very often, actually its a rare experience! Seriously, we always make comment on how he and Branden were cut from the same mold. Den and I call him Scottie Jr! Gotta love 'em both because they sure make things happen in this family!!!!

~~Last night Den and I were able to slip away, without kids, for a little alone time. We decided to go to one of the area's parks. The setting was beautiful, freshly fallen summer rain, gorgeous green grass, lush tress, and the smell of wet earth. Love it! We found a serene setting and parked. It'a not very often we can leave the chaos of home and enjoy a quiet moment together. We were able to pray and share. What a blessing to have a husband who goes before the throne of grace for me and our family. I love hearing him pray and it blesses my heart to hear him pray for each of our children. There are many times that praying, for my family, is overwhelming for me; 12 children, some with spouses, one with kids; as a parent we only want the best for our children, yet I tend to forget to ask God what He "wants" for them and what He sees is "best" for them. So, we sat there with our heads bowed, in our car, sharing our hearts with our Heavenly Father.It was awesome! I can't wait to do it again. There is something about praying with your spouse, your bestfriend, that just can't be matched with anyone else~~

What a great thunderstorm we received

late this afternoon. I love the thunder and

lightening and to top it off we were

blessed with a double rainbow.

We could see the full arc of one and

the beginning and end (with a faint

spray of color in the middle on

the top one).

How awesome and beautiful!

Lunch-time "Colson-ism"

. . . .I wonder what it feels like to

be a bug and have somebody "flick" you!

Pay-if forward Contest

Since I won the pay-if-forward contest off

of Jenn's "always an adventure" blog I have

been racking my brains trying to think of

an awesome give-away. Bear with me

hear, I am working on it and haven't forgotten,

it will be posted in a few days.

So stay tuned. . . . .

When I got home from class today I found this

awesome little package in the mail from someone

I did not know. I was excited to open it and found

these sweet little soaps and the nicest card ever.

The soaps came from "Mud Puddle Girl" via

Heidi Bott. Thanks Heidi, for giving up your

give-away for me. What a great gift and I

appreciate your thoughtfulness with

the "pampering" and all!

I am anxious to use them but am going

to wait until I have some time alone,

maybe when Den and I go away

for our anniversary.

AHHHH. . . . thats a perfect time!

Wilson's Art work

every month we get a great piece of art from

Wilson. Here is a sample of the great artwork

he has been sending us.

Thanks Wilson!

(and mom too)

Victoria loves this little dog, OX.

She thinks he is her personal playmate!

Jacqueline and Victoria loving on each other
Every night this week we have had a couple

fly by on their 4-wheeler. Colson loves

watching them zip by and they always

wave to him. Here he is, with Victoria

waiting for them to ride by again!

Miss Houdini

our little escape artist

Victoria lovin' on Oxford
This afternoon I just happened to walk by the

back door and something caught my eye. . . .

a tiny little girl wiggly toe!!! I looked out the door

and saw Victoria sitting right next to the door

playing with her brothers squirt gun and

petting Scotties dog, Oxford!

Of course a thousand scenarios run through

your mind after the fact!

Now, not only do we have to keep the bathroom

doors closed, the study doors closed, but we

have to make sure our screen door is constantly

locked so our little miniature "Houdini"

cannot escape!

Colson, Jacqueline and Brennan

enjoying some 4th of July fun!

balloons. . . ready. . . .set. . . . throw!

We sat outside this evening watching the kids hit baseballs and jump on the trampoline. The air is brisk and cool here, like a fall evening, definitely weird for July 3rd. Here are a few shots of the kids at play.

Our little "Keebler Elf" is 21!

Happy Birthday Bryan!

We love you and are so proud of you!

What a gift you are to us!

SLEEPY HEAD

This morning as I was getting ready for church

Victoria sat playing beside me by the back door.

She ususally comes in and tries to snatch anything

she can out of my make-up drawer but I guess

this morning she was just too tired. I was drying

my hair and turned to check on her and this is how

I found her. I didn't have the heart to move her as

I knew she would awaken and not go back to sleep,

so I left her laying there. What a dirty, grubby

place for such a cutie to fall asleep!

Jeep Fun!

Scottie and Victoria
Colson all set for the ride!
Victoria and her "cheesy" smile!
She thinks she's a "hot" driver and

top "horn honker".

These two kids love Scottie and they

love his jeep. Colson is always asking for

a ride, especially when the top is off.

They both got a short ride up and down

the street and they thought they

were the coolest ever!

What a "great" big brother to do this

for his siblings!

Daniel & Elizabeth these

next few photos are for you!

This girl loves, in every sense of the word,

POPCORN!

Our first official week of no school. I think I hear the "Hallelujah Chorus" being played in the background. . . . . It's been so nice not having to scurry here or there. I started my week off with dentists appointments for two of the boys. While at the dentist office, yesterday, I made all our summer doctor, more dental and eye appointments and enrolled Brennan in a summer class in an area school district. I took my calendar with me and from my cell scheduled everything. (how did I survive all those years without a cell phone?) As I ended my final conversation the boys were done with their dental exams.

I am in the last two weeks of my spring semester class. WHEW! I honestly didn't think I was going to make it either! I start summer classes as soon as this class is finished then will have a break and fall classes will begin when the kids return to school after Labor Day. I can't even let my mind get ahead to that, letting go of the kids AGAIN!

This past year at Jacqueline's school was rough. We have been here for 9 years and the complexion of our school has drastically changed. We have some pretty severe discipline issues, some extremely tough kids and involved familys are now the minority. We have considered transfering both her and Colson to another area elementary school but their first grade classes are well over their allotment. So what do we do? Do we stay and try and make a difference in our school, do we homeschool, or do we put in for the school of choice and hope that by August there will be a spot for Colson? Pondering all this makes me realize how this scenario mirrors my walk with God. Do I want to take the easy road in my faith and trust, want everything to be comfortable, or do I dig my heels in, muster up all the resolve and determination I can and continue the journey. As in most of my life, my family's live's, we aren't traditional "follow the same path kind of people". God has emblazed on our hearts to constanly search and seek Him which always mean we cut a new trail. Oh, life would be great if we could, just once, follow someone else's lead, but our call is to follow Christ's lead and for us, for me, that means staying the course, continuing the trek. I knew when I was pursuing the idea of switching the kids that my heart was not at ease. You ever have those conversations with yourself trying to talk yourself into something but your heart just doesn't have peace? Thats the situation here. Knowing there was no room for Colson told me that we are to stay put. Am I happy about it, frankly, NO,but. . . .this is where God has called me, Den and our kids to serve. Can I try and be a light in a darkened world? Absolutely! will it be easy, probably not. But our mission is to go and touch others, and I know this is where He wants us to be and I want to be a part of His mission, His purpose, His plan and I definitely want to be where He is working.

The lazy, hazy days of summer begins. . . .

Our first offical day of summer vacation. . . . ahhhhhh. . . . . .feels so good to not jump into life each morning, especially this morning. I had forgotten how tiring it was to get up with a baby. Victoria has been sleeping so much better these past few weeks and I have been getting almost 6 straight hours of sleep. Its been wonderful and I haven't been dragging all day but last night she woke up at 1:30 with a fever. This poor little doll just can't catch a break. I am pretty sure its her teeth. She has 4 more to come in and they have almost broken the skin. We both fell asleep on the sofa about 9am. The kids are all starting to come alive now after enjoying the opportunity to sleep in.

We had a busy day yesterday. I decided it would be fun to go out to lunch to celebrate summer vacation! Amanda and the boys met us as did Casey. We then came home and hung out for a few hours before heading downtown for our annual Summerfest/end of the year parade. It was rather muggy but a beautiful summer evening. The parade, as always, was a huge hit and Victoria had fun waving and collecting candy and beaded necklaces. Our church participated so she was real excited to see Daddy come along. On our way home we figured we had been gone 4 hours!

Today will be a great day to hit the pool with temperatures hitting almost 90. We are definitely taking advantage of the warm weather because one never knows how long it will last in our part of the country!!!

We are experiencing some unusally warm and

humid weather this weekend. I just love it!

This afternoon we had some severe weather

roll in and it was awesome! I was out

getting things for our elementary schools

field day tomorrow and came out of the

grocery store to an unbelievably dark,

but beautiful sky. I came home to find

that we were under a tornado warning.

Oh how fun! Everyone but Den and Victoria

were in the basement and I kept a watchful

vigil on the sky outdoors. Jacqueline

was spending the afternoon with Dave & Casey

at their apartment, on the other side of

town, and Dave would call and give me

updates on how they were doing there. At

one point he says, "stay on the phone with

me, mom, we are gonna seek cover

in the bathroom and I am going to drag

the futon cover in there." Of course

this made me a bit nervous with my girl

across town but I knew her big brother and

sister would make sure she was taken care of.

They are enjoying some special time with

her and she is enjoying some special attention

from them.

Anyways. . . I just love this kind of turbulent weather.

I love the thunder and lightening; the louder the better.

A new adventure. . . . a new marriage. . . .

a new state. . . .and a new puppy. . . .

We said our "goodbyes" to Daniel and Elizabeth

this morning. WOW! was that hard!

Definitely bittersweet! So happy for them,

excited for them, and thrilled for them;

yet our hearts are heavy because we will

miss them both dearly.

We are so thankful for the technology

we are able to enjoy today that will

keep us close. What a blessing!

We are blessed that they have an

awesome church that loves them both

and a youth group that can't wait

for their return!

The Honeymooners are Home~~
Daniel and Elizabeth came home Friday afternoon from Hawaii. We sure did miss them and we enjoyed hearing all about thier trip and seeing all the beautiful pictures they took.

Yesterday after church we had Elizabeths family over, the DeWeese & Cox family from Lansing, to see them unwrap their wedding gifts. Elizabeth was so cute letting Daniel unwrap them. She said she unwrapped all the shower gifts and it was his turn to unwrap the wedding gifts. David commented that it was alot like Christmas but that only two were visited by "Santa"! It was such fun listening to the kids and visiting with Elizabeth's parents and grandparents. Afterwards we enjoyed cake and ice cream and then all went outside for the "corn hole" tournament. Such a fun yard game made and given to us by Elizabeth's grandparents from Ohio. Of course he was kind enough to paint it in the colors of our favorite university!!!! We had many rounds of "corn hole" and then filtered inside for some dinner and more visiting.

What a great weekend and what an awesome blessing to have new family to share life with. We are so blessed that Daniel has married into a family that loves and serves God.

We are going to enjoy the next few days with the kids and then they will pack and be off to their new home out west.

Unfortunately we still have a few sick ones, Jacqueline and Colson now have the dreaded HFM virus and thankfully Victoria is well on her way to recovery. PTL

Lunch LIMO-style. . .
Jacqueline was chosen to eat lunch today at a local restaurant and travel there in a Limo. Our elementary school chooses kids who have demonstrated kindness, thoughtfulness and friendship to have a special lunch out. Today was Jacquelines day. She was so excited. Colson, Victoria and I drove downtown and waited outside of the restaurant for Jacquie to come out. We were able to snap a few pictures and hoot-and-holler for her. She is so adorable and we are so blessed to have this precious girl as a daughter!

Our first born son is 29 today!

He is celebrating his birthday

in Africa

where he is so graciously

serving our country!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

BRAD!

we sure do wish we could be together

to celebrate!

We love you and miss you dearly!

and sickness continues. . . . .

I thought we were all finally on the mend and over any kind of sickness but nope that is not the case. Victoria came down with a fever a week ago. Poor little thing. She barely recovered from the food poisoning and then WHAM she is hit again. I assumed it was new teeth breaking through but Sunday proved me wrong. She contacted Hand-foot-mouth virus. Her little mouth and throat are full of canker sores. She has hardly eaten anything and has barely drank either. Today is the first day in exactly a week that she has felt more like herself. Last night before church, Colson said he wasn't feeling well either. Lo and behold the poor guy has got HFM virus too! He hasn't gotten any canker sores yet, but I am sure they will pop up any day. This is very contagious so he is out of school for a few days. I feel so bad for him too because tomorrow is his K field day and he has been so excited about it. He keeps saying that he will be fine to go, but I am fairly certain he won't. Now I am just praying our little grandson's don't come down with this either. . . . .

a few "random"

Kodak Moments. . . . .

2 sleeping Beauties!

Den, our grandson Walker, and Victoria

an Uncle and a Nephew enjoying laughs!

The wedding is over. . . . .it was absolutely BEAUTIFUL and went off without one hitch. Elizabeth and Daniel were a gorgeous Bride and Groom. The reception was alot of fun visiting with family and friends.

In the wee hours of Sunday morning we began our descent into sickness, first one, then another, then another and so on. Total sick in our home: 8. Many others came down with the same sickness too. Dave and Casey, even Daniel and Elizabeth. Our best guess is food poisioning. Everyone is still feeling kind of punky today. Daniel and Elizabeth are on their way to Hawaii and hopefully soon they will begin enjoying the sun and the surf.

I will post some pictures, of the EVENT, when I get the chance. Off to eat a few crackers and read my homework for the week! UGH! I am beginning to wonder why I decided to take a few classes. Was I brain dead or what????

Hey there. . . . . . .we are finally here at Daniels and it sure seems good to see him in his own surroundings and see his life here in ND.

This morning I asked Daniel what I could help him with, laundry; vacuuming his truck and washing it; packing for the trip; and he said, "mom just relax and enjoy a bit of a vacation." Then Jacqueline piped in and said, "come on Daniel, you know mom. . . . " with that comment I just laughed. She is so right. I am busy, busy, busy and its hard to find yourself with nothing to do, its so out of the norm for me. I did manage to do a small load of dishes, and a couple of loads of laundry, take a quiz and finish and assignment for my class and am now trying to relax. Its rather hard with a 15 month old crusing through this apartment getting into anything and everything she can. Its amazing how fast this girl is. WHEW wish I had her energy. The kids did great on the drive out but they sure are tired today. Its really their bedtime but the sun is shinging brightly and though our body clocks are an hour ahead its awfully hard to tuck them in with the sun out.

We had dinner with a couple from Daniels church tonight. What a great time and were well fed and cared for. I am so thankful Daniel has great friends to love on him and care for him here, and I know they will also love Elizabeth and make her feel right at home.

The area is beautiful and its nice to see that all the snow they received 2 weeks ago, over 2 ft, is now GONE! We have traveled in and out of ND and MN all day long. Weird to be so close to another states border but kind of cool too.

We will be traveling home Sunday afternoon after dinner. Not sure yet if we will stop and spend the night or just make straight for home. Depends on the kids. I bought two new movies today at Walmart for the trip home. It was rather enjoyable watching a movie in the car on the way out, certainly took my mind off the busy traffic.

Hey kiddos, back home, if you read this I surely miss you all and love you deeply. Thanks for taking such good care of everything and everyone!

SORRY. . . . . . . .

Just not able to post anything specific way too busy. . . . . preparing to leave for North Dakota, taking classes at the University, getting things ready here for the kids while we are gone, and getting ready for the wedding.

Maybe I will be able to post something significant soon, but don't count on it!

Graduation 2008

We had the priviledge of attending

Elizabeth's graduation yesterday.

Here are a few shots of the afternoon!

The last picture was taken while

celebrating at Sorrentos with

Elizabeth's family and ours.

. . . .More Puppy Pictures. . . .

I just had to post this picture of Victoria,

she just loves these puppies and gets so

excited when she can get near them.

Such a GIRL. . .so dramatic!

Here are just a few quick shots of

Colson and Victoria with the puppies!

They both can't keep their hands off

them and Winnie is so good to let

anyone hold or pet them!

. . . . .about those puppies. . . .

Last Friday, as I walked into the house, Colson met me at the door. He was so excited. He had to tell me about the latest puppy experience. He said that
one of the puppies was crying and crying and Brett picked him and he quieted down, then Brett put him down and he strated to cry again, so Brett picked him up again and he quieted down. Then Colson goes on to say, "Mom, Brett has bonded with that puppy. That puppy loves Brett and now it will only go to him." So cute!
Who would've thought that a 6 year old knows what the word "bond" means?

I heard Colson talk about Brett's "bonding" experience several times this past weekend, and he is dead serious about it too!

And. . . . those 9 puppies are "ginormous" for 3 weeks old. So adorable. So loveable. So. . . . how can we possibly think of getting rid of one of them? So far, one has a name, wrong move, but Scottie couldn't help himself. He calls him, "Blaze", for the white mark on his forehead. I will try and take a few pictures tonight and post them. They are so darn adorable when they start their howling, and their crying sounds like a pack of seagulls.

Thursdays Colson-ism's

Wednesday night we were given a new flat panel television. Colson had no clue we were given this until he awoke yesterday morning. He was so excited and surprised and could hardly wait to see it work. He tried, in vain, to change the channels, turn up the volume and put in a dvd but couldn't figure it out. When Bryan got up he asked Bryan, "where are the 'constructions' for the new tv?" I can't make the remote work. Bry then showed him how to work everything and then Colson said, "did you read the 'constructions' to learn all this?

Yesterday was "take your kids to work day" so of course Brett, Jacqueline and Brennan wanted to "work" for me. LOL LOL yeah right! I let them all stay home. Brett actually did work for me as he stayed up with Victoria for a few hours in the night; Brennan did alot of small stuff around the house and Jacqueline helped with Victoria. Colson is sick with his asthma so he stayed home because of that. We went to see Jacqueline in the schools talent show (which by the way she did a great job in her skit and A Hard Knock Life, from Annie) and while gone Colson fell asleep. Around 10ish he woke up and came downstairs coughing. Den gave him his meds and then Colson says, "will you come to bed with me Mom, you always take such good care of me?" AWE. . . . . . how could I refuse? We watched a bit of TV and before long he was snoring. Poor kid the change in weather really affects his asthma and his exczema.

The weather is great here, FINALLY, and we have opened the pool but of course, have had several technical difficulties. Maybe today it will finally be up and running! I sure hope so and so do the kids.

The leaves have popped, the flowers have sprung and the grass is GREEN, and we have had sunshine all week. Its a M-I-R-A-C-L-E especially in the mid-section of our state, where its typically gray, gray, gray.

I hope you are enjoying spring wherever you are planted and the blessings God shares with you each and every day!

a great surprise........

Early this morning I was awakend, not by Victoria, but by my son David. He said, "Mom you gotta come down stairs and see this!" I, in a sleeping stupor staggered downstairs and into the kitchen and their stood Bryan, David and DANIEL! He surprised us by flying in from North Dakota for a few days. What a sweet reunion. We sure have missed that kid around here. I know he has wanted to see Brett, his singing and dancing debut, in the Sound of Music this weekend. Everyone was so excited to see him this morning and I know he just couldn't wait to get his hands on Victoria. She looked at him, a bit shyly; she knows his voice, he talks to her every single day on the phone. Colson and Jacquie were so thrilled. Colson asked Daniel if he would take him to school today. What a thrill for a Kindergartener to have his big brother drop him off! I am sure that when he stops by Elizabeths and gets her out of bed this morning she will be equally as surprised and excited!

The Ultimate Colson-ism. . . .

This evening I was down in the basement with Colson, Victoria, Brennan, and Scottie

enjoying our 9 puppies. Colson wanted to hold one so Scottie scooped one up and gave

it to him. He struggled holding it so Brennan took it and put it up to his chest where

the puppy decided to urinate on his shirt! We had a good laugh and Colson was glad

that it didn't happen to him. Shortly after Jacqueline came down to see the puppies

and was going to hold one when Colson proclaimed, "don't Jacquie those puppies

will marinate all over you. . . " (Scottie and I looked at each other and tried real hard

to contain ourselves.) Colson says to Jacquie again, "really Jacquie don't hold them cause

they will marinate all over you like they did on Brennan."

All Set and Ready to Go . . . . . .

Dave and Branden are venturing out into business for themselves and here is their new rig. They are so excited. Perfect job for both of them as they enjoy the outdoors so much. I am so thrilled for them and pray their business is a huge success.

Way to go, sons! love you both!

THE PUPPIES ARE HERE!

THE PUPPIES ARE HERE!

What a day today turned out to be! the activity began mid-afternoon! Since it was a gorgeous day the boys decided to take Bryans dog, Tega, to the park. Once they left Brett and Brennan came home, from school, and wanted to go too. We piled into the burb and I drove to the park where we met the boys and everyone decided to walk the river trail instead. Scottie and the boys went on ahead, we drove by Jacquelines school to check her out early so she didn't miss out on all the fun, came by the house to drop Tega off and pick up Den and Victoria. We were all set to go and Den said let me check on Winnie first, he came running back from around the house and said, "call Scottie Winnie had her puppies. . . . " We all made a mad dash around to her kennel and couldn't help ourselves and all took a good long peek. 4 beautiful puppies. It was pretty exciting around here. Several of our good friends asked to be called the minute we knew! They made mad dashes over, and we had quite a yard party. It wasn't long after that puppy #5 arrived, then puppy #6, then puppy #7, then puppy #8. WHEW! I felt like the lady on 101 Dalmations, announcing each arrival! Since the evening drew colder than we had anticipated, we moved our new little momma into the basement, into the birthing bed we had prepared for her, with her new babies. I just took a few shots of those wee little things and was preparing to post on the blog when, lo and behold, puppy #9 made its arrival! "Oh My Gosh!" is Winnie trying to keep up with the Lutz's by having a full dozen? LOL LOL we will see. . . .anyways here are a few photos of the first 8. Obviously there will be more to come. . . . . . . Enjoy!

i love u dad and mom. i missed u dad.

LOVE COLSON

TGIF

So glad today is Friday. Den and the boys will be home late tonight! YEAH! Gosh I have missed them so very much, especially Den!!! No puppies yet! YEAH! Should be anytime now, Wenonah's due date is tomorrow.

As I was laying in the sun today, oh yeah, baby. . . . actually a tanning bed I got this great idea of starting a blessing book. I am going to write down, each day, the blessings God gives to me. Todays entry will be a call from Brad. What a wonderful and awesome surprise. One would never be able to tell he was calling from half way around the world in Africa. Oh how I miss that boy and his family. I was so touched he called and wanted to talk to me! Isn't a blessing book a great idea? I am not much at journaling so I thought this would be a way that I could look back over the days and months and see God's hand personally in my life and my families.

Most of the kids are home or will be home this weekend. Dave and Casey are here for a few days; Ben and his girlfriend Megan are coming home for the night from college; tomorrow we have a wedding shower for Elizabeth, Dan's fiance. Casey and I shopped a bit this afternoon for a gift, what a hoot too! We laughed so hard! We are going back out after dinner to Kohl's and shop a bit more.

Colson is finally starting to feel better and his asthma is almost under control but now little Victoria is getting a chest cold. This will be her first ever. Not sure if its more cold or from teething. She has 4 molars that are almost through. Teething takes it toll on this little one.

Well I am busy busy busy and have to run and get the finishing touches for dinner. I sure hope you all have a wonderful weekend, my how they seem to go way too fast!

Blessings. . . . . .

WOO HOO we got our toilet flowing free now! Who knows just was plugging it but our friend, Matt, brought his super duper plunger over and it did the trick. We all got a good laugh and I tried to get a picture of Matt plunging away, but it was a video instead. DUH! I have a good excuse I was not using my own camera but Brandens. Den and the boys have mine with them out west. Anyhoo. . . . .PTL for special friends who are willing to help in times of need!

Okay. . . . so we got the suburban running, and now, drum roll please. . . . .we have a plugged-up toilet! I think I have plunged that thing up to my elbows these past few days and I just hate to think of what is keeping it from flushing . . . . I wonder if our little "wee one" might have dropped something into it without us knowing? We are all very aggressive about keeping the bathroom doors closed. Who knows. I guess maybe tomorrow I will break out the trusty "snake" and see if it comes up with something. Anyone want my job?????

Its spring break week here in our part of the world. We had warm temps yesterday, almost 60 but thunderstorms and now today, we are supposed to drop to 36 and snow. Crazy just crazy. Den, Bry, Blake and Brennan are out west enjoying the beautiful mountains and snow! We just can't seem to get away from it.

I am holding down the fort here. Why is it that when the "man of the house" is away everything falls apart? Victoria was up most of the night from teething. . . . Colson is now sick with a fever and a severe cough. . . . the suburban won't start. . . . .geez. . . . . I really was not going to travel anywhere exciting just out to get a coffee. I guess this full tank of gas will last us awhile! LOL Now if Winnie holds off on having those puppies until Den gets home it will truly be a great week. I am all about babies and having them, since I have had 12, but just am not into the puppy/dog thing. We do have her birthing bed ready in the basement and several good friends have told us to call and let them know when its time and they will come over. Trust me if Den isn't home they will get their "call". I should be a pro at this, since I have seen a horse, cats and dogs being born but its definitely not my "cup of tea" so to speak.

Oh well, thats how life goes for us. Never a dull moment always something to keep you on your toes or bring you to your knees.

Blessings in the midst of all this? Absolutely. I am enjoying the time with just three young kids at home, and Brett and Scottie. Very different from our normal full house. I am a bit envious of some the text pictures I have received from Den of the beautiful mountains! O I love the mountains at dusk when they are beautiful hues of purples. I am sure their trip will be great memory keepers for Blake and Brennan. Both boys were in the toddler age when we left there so they, if any, have very vague memories of Colorado. Bryan, however, remembers alot and is enjoying his trip down memory lane with driving by our previous homes there. What fun for all of them. Hopefully they are taking pictures for the rest of us to enjoy when they get home. I know that everyone is looking forward to their dining experience at the all famous, "Casa Bonita" restaurant in Denver. Definitely a fun family friendly place. We always took anyone who came for a visit there.

I hope you all are enjoying where God has planted you today! I think we will be watching movies and playing more games! and of course chasing Victoria out of anything and everything she can get her cute little hands on (right now she is trashing the cupboard where we keep her diapers/wipes/jammies/lotion, and as I look into the kitchen I see she has pulled everything out of her sippy cup drawer and its now all over, CRAZY GIRL!)

Oh I can't forget our best news of all. . . . . our little grandson, Wilson, accepted Christ as his savior. We are thrilled beyond words; another generation of Lutz's following Christ. How precious.