Thanksiving

It's that time of year again--time when we set aside a special time to give thanks. Some days are so crazy I wonder if I'll make it through the day, and maintain my sanity. But in all the business I am reminded how much I have to be thankful for. God has blessed me more than I deserve! So here's my list for this year.

My husband--what would I do without him?

My children--God's special gift to us. How boring my life would be!

My parents--I've got the best!

My in-laws--They are truly second parents to me and more, plus they bail me out--often!

My home--a safe haven. Some aren't so blessed!

My house--I have one, even if it needs cleaned!

Dirty Dishes--daily proof that we have food to eat. (I'm still working on this one! :-) )

My country--this is still the best place on earth!

US servicemen--a huge "thank you" for the sacrifice made by you and your families.

My pastors and church family--we couldn't ask for better, they go above and beyond the call of duty!

I could go on. . .and on. . . and on. . . I guess we all could. May we (I) have a spirit of thanksgiving all year long. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Anniversary

Yesterday, Warren and I celebrated our 17th anniversary! It doesn't really seem all that long ago that I said "I do" to love of my life. He still is the love of my life! Thanks, Warren, for being such a great husband. I love you with all of my heart!

Nick's Birthday

Well, I said that I was all caught up, then I found pictures from Nick's birthday. Nick turned 6 a couple of weeks ago. He is such a special little dude! We love you, Nick! Happy Birthday!

Life Happens

So I'm finally caught up on pictures. I may find more to post later, but for now, I have this blog updated. Some of the kids haven't been feeling well this week. This morning we discovered that Clayton has Chicken Pox. Then tonight Ashley broke out with them. So the question is, who else is going to join the "flock"? lol In the mean time, Cameron comes down with a migraine head ache and Madison has a cold. Oh my! Guess that's life!

Archery

Nicholas and Amy got new bows this year. The bows are so little but so are the kids!

Cameron and Clayton took archery classes this fall for P.E. They had fun! They did really well. In fact, Clayton got "Most Improved" at the end of class!

Happy Birthday, Ashley!

My baby girl turned 3 years old! Wow! Where does the time go? It doesn't seem but yesterday that we brought her home from the hospital. She is so "grown up". I guess that comes from having 4 older siblings. She really cracks me up sometimes! Love you, little girl!

Clayton's Birthday

As many of you know, October is a busy month for birthdays at our house. Warren started us off. Now it is Clayton's turn. He has waited a long time to turn 9 years old! He has wanted a .22 ever since Cameron got his for his 9th birthday. He couldn't wait to open his present from Dad and Mom. But then. . . . Oh no! An empty box!

This is what he looked like when he opened the empty gun box!

He was one happy little dude when he finally got his .22!

His usual DQ ice cream cake.

Happy Birthday, Clayton! We love you!

Warren's Birthday

Happy birthday to the best man ever! Well, yes, I know it's a little late--like over a month--but I did tell him "happy birthday" on his birthday. At least I'm getting caught up on picture posts, right!?

So it's been awhile. . .

I just logged on here and realized how long it's been. So much for good intentions! :-) Guess I'd better get with it, huh?!

The kids were just talking during lunch. Conversation topic--the devil. Clayton: Mom, if the devil said he was sorry would he get to go to Heaven? Me: No, he doesn't get any more chances. Nick: The devil tried to be God so God kicked him out and he became an outlaw!

It's fun--and enlightening--to listen in to the kids' conversation. Sometimes I am surprised at how much they have picked up and understand.

School Projects

Cameron's social studies project:

he had to choose an American Indian tribe to learn more about.

He looked at a picture of Chief Joseph and drew one for his poster.

Clayton had to learn more about the Omaha Indian community.

My Kindergarten class.

Nick and Amy made a poster about the places

that make up our community.

This is Clayton's first Social Studies project.

It, too, was obviously about our community.

Cameron's Birthday

Cameron turned 11 years old this month. He is growing up so fast! He picked "1-2-3-4 Cake" which he read about in a book. (See recipe below.) I put brown sugar on top for sand and then put army men on it. He liked it and I guess that is what counts.

Cameron with his bike from Mom and Dad.

His new watch from Papa and Grandma.

1-2-3-4 Cake

1 cup of butter, softened

2 cups of sugar

3 cups of flour

4 eggs

Mix all together and spread into a 13x9 pan. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes.

This cake is very good. It is more like a brownie or bar cookie in texture.

Getting Out

So we get everything loaded and then we try to back the trailer out of the kitchen area. We can't go forward because of the trees. There is one tree behind us and off to the side a bit that just won't let us past. It was fine with us going in but not coming out. By this time everyone else had already left and the chain saw with them. Finally we called our pastor's son and he came back with the chain saw and tractor. I'm not sure if he really thought we'd need it or if he just likes to drive the thing. :-) Anyway, Warren and Timothy cut down the tree and Timothy pulled it and the trailer out with the tractor.

This root--yes, I said "root"--was as big around as the trunk of that tree.

Church Camp 2011

A view from the hilltop.

Bro. Durr--one of the best pastors ever.

Bro. Hayford (sitting)--camp evangelist and church leader.

The children, young people, Bro. Paul, Sis. Laura and myself.

The kids painted these shirts with one picture to

represent each Bible story told in Children's Service.

Hidden Spring Camp 2011

We had another great camp this year. Everything was good--the fellowship, food, services and even the weather! Speaking of weather, God gave us awesome weather this year! This first picture is proof of God's answer to my prayers.

Going to Camp!

Nick, Amy, and Ashley waiting for the gate to be unlocked.

This is what our new kitchen looks like.

God gave us a great deal on a trailer. Then Warren put in

these shelves. In case you are wondering. . .the cook (a.k.a. Warren)

is taking a break. On top of the coolers.

the Worship Area

Our children's theme this year was "Heros for God".

Some of My Favorite Pictures

Fishing Valdez

We had a lot of fun fishing even if it did rain most of the time. This year Amy and Nick were old enough to be in the Kids Pink Salmon Derby. However the day of the derby we didn't catch a single fish. This was Janet's first time fishing in Alaska. She had a lot of fun too!

Janet with her first Alaska salmon! Way to go, Janet!

The boys holding the fish that Daddy caught. Nick is a diehard fisherman at age 5! When it was time to go he just sobbed. He doesn't care if it's raining or he's tired he just wants to keep on fishing!

Cameron and Warren fishing in the rain.

Clayton having fun.

Camping In Valdez

We tried a new campground this year. It is much nicer than the one we usually used. This one was also closer to where we fish.

Enjoying a night--yes, I said "night"-- around the campfire.

Amy, Clayton, and Nick building the fire ring.

Cameron putting up his tent, but since it rained every night the boys slept in the camper.

Valdez Glacier

This was the first year that we went up to Valdez Glacier. Warren found some of the glacier ice floating in the water and snagged a chunk.

Janet holds her first glacier ice.

Aunt Janet with her Alaskan nieces and nephews.

Valdez Glacier

Janet's Visit to Alaska

My sister, Janet, came to see us this past week. We had a fun time! She got to see our new foster baby. She really enjoyed going to Valdez. As usual, the time went by too fast! I will post more pictures as time allows.

Birthday Wishes

Mom G: neighbor, friend, second mom. I've know the Gephardts longer than I can remember. We lived across the street and then next door to them until I got married. Her daughter, Debby, is one of my best friends. Debby and I were always at each others houses. Over the years Dad and Mom G truly became like second parents to me. Mom, you will always have a special place in my heart. I love you and pray that all goes well for in the coming days! Happy Birthday!!!

Sunday is my sister Elaine's birthday.

She is a special sister! So many memories with her.

Like scaring the daylights out of me when I got up to turn off my alarm;

reading books aloud; teaching me about working with children (Jr. Church, VBS);

travelling to and from AWC; all the times she visited Warren and I.

She is thoughtful and unselfish.

I wish we could be there to celebrate the big day with her!

We love you, Elaine! Happy Birthay!!!