Soap making lessons

The other day Seth came to the dinner table ecstatic. He was going on and on about how to make soap. After a few minutes we all listened carefully to what he had to tell us. It took a couple of questions and rolling things over in my mind before I figured everything out.

Here's what he told us: when the soap is empty, you fill it up with water, then you press on it a few times, you wait a little while and when you come back, it makes soap!

He was CONVINCED he had a scientific breakthrough. I tried convincing him that the "little while" when he was waiting, happened to be when he was out back playing. I came into the bathroom and refilled the soap. He would have no part with my explanations. No, no, you fill it with water, squirt it a few times and then wait a little, that's the real way!

Date Night

My mom is in town, so Enoch and I asked her if she could watch the kids for us while we slipped out to have a cup of coffee. Enoch and I have been talking about going on a date for months and we finally got the opportunity. We ran over to Barnes and Noble to enjoy a cup of Starbucks. We chatted leisurely, mostly about the kids, of course! Then we strolled the store until they practically kicked us out. There was the 15 minute store closing warning and then the "The store is closed" announcement. It still took us another couple of minutes to get to the door where the worker was holding the door open for us.

We didn't buy any books, but we came across some interesting finds:

*There's a series of books I may check out of the library for Tabitha. The Judy Moody series is meant for ages 6-8 or 9.

*I searched for the "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons" for Seth, but they didn't have it in stock. I'm probably going to order it on-line someday very soon!

*I saw the cutest game for Patricia: The Ladybug Game. I may get it for her birthday.

*Enoch was looking at Sci-fi/fantasy books. I don't even understand how someone can enjoy those! As for myself, I was eyeing the Shakespeare section. They had a good chunk of his works in an easy to read format. The old English is side by side with modern English. Maybe one day I'll get to those. I'm currently reading "Emma" by Jane Austen. I may read other of her works before I move on.

Two funnies I came across in the store:
*In the middle of the U.S. you can find: "Ingles en 100 Dias/English in 100 Days".

*Puzzles for Dummies. They have 1000 piece puzzles with numbers on the back so you know where to put them! What's the fun in that?!


When we came home from our outing the kids were all sleeping on our couches. They didn't want to go upstairs without us. :)

Are you secure?

Yesterday I had to call my bank to order a new debit card. I had lost mine.

I was pretty impressed with the security measures they have to make sure you are who you say you are. They first asked for my driver's license number. I didn't even know they had that information! He assured me that it was right in front of him. I ran to get my purse and I gave all the numbers in the correct order! Next up was my home address and d.o.b. Easy enough. Social security number. I've had it memorized for years. The state and city the account was opened in. Hmmm, Enoch opened the account well before we even knew each other. I got the state right on the first try. I had to give him a couple city names before he gave me the go ahead. Lastly he asked how many checking and savings accounts I had. I had to take another guess (pathetic, I know!).

Finally, I was verified! I was glad I passed my own test. I wonder how an imposter would do. He told me the last time the card was used and he immediately canceled the card so no one could use it if they got their hands on it. I didn't tell him that I'm pretty sure my card is just stuck in a pair of pants some where and I just haven't run across it yet. I use all my time for other things, like taking care of kids and trying to keep up with blogs, don't you know. I can't spend it searching high and low for a simple card!

The incident got me thinking about security. My finances are secured in information. As long as no one knows my info, no one can steal my accounts. Oddly enough, the man on the other end of the line has access to all of my information. Why should I trust him? I think I would be very worried if my life was caught up in my money, because it's really not that secure.

My heart is set on heaven and my eternal security. The Bible is clear on the way to heaven. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." Acts 16:31

"For God so loved the world that He gave us only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

"God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" Romans 5:8

Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" John 14:6

There are many, many other verses that make the way clear (leave a comment if you'd like more). Salvation is simple. I know I am going to heaven, because I have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and repented (or turned away from) my sins. When I stand before God, I have full assurance that I will "pass the test", not because of what I have done, but because of what the Lord Jesus has already done. I am so glad that its easier to get into heaven than it is to verify my finances.

If you do not have the peace of God, please consider reading the book of John in the Bible and asking God for understanding.

"Little house" fun

Today we went to West Virginia. Our neighbors/friends invited us out to their "little house", their home away from home. We had loads of fun doing... nothing much. That's why they like their second house so much.

Ian was trying on grandmom's sunglasses:

I tried awfully hard to make a face with Enoch's inspiration and help. It's a little fuzzy, but I think you get the gist. Haley served us coffee made with his new eSpresso machine. My guess is that those cups hold about 32 oz. They were HUGE!

The kids enjoyed hot chocolate. This is Lily:

And this is Joel: (they're twins)
Carol and two of mine playing a game:

Tabitha and Seth running into the house:

Patricia:

Seth, cutting himself on barbed wire:

Joel gives everyone rides on the Kubota. He is a great driver! You should see him reverse:
Enoch and Haley on four wheelers. Enoch was not comfortable on that thing. I also gave it a whirl. I could drive it, but I did not feel safe. I concluded that it was not my cup of tea.

Grandmom and Ian:

Ian pics

My mom thought this one was Patricia, but no, it's just Ian with his long hair. I'm waiting until he gets his 6 month picture before I cut it off.

I couldn't pick between the next two. I love his smile in both. His upper cheeks are so extra smiley.


These next two were taken by my sister-in-law at Tabitha's birthday party. Two cute expressions if I do say so myself. :)


He's five and a half months old now.

New year, new leaf? Maybe

I know it's been a while since I've posted. Maybe I can get into some sort of habit now. We'll see.

Anyway, today, August 24th, is Tabitha's first day of 1st grade. Can you believe they started that early this year? Here is last year's post.

Isn't she just too cool?


Her new backpack:


Patricia kept insisting that she, also, was going to school. I asked if Seth was going to go. She said no, because he doesn't have a backpack. Notice she has hers.


All four kiddos. Yes, Ian is getting big. He's already 5 months old. Strangers think he's a girl because of his long locks and eyelashes. I'm waiting until his 6 month pic before I cut his gorgeous hair.


Her teacher is in the background. Tabitha is putting her things into her desk.


Yes, her school has lockers for all grades.

Monumental Event

This monumental moment happend to take place two months ago, but I think it's still worth blogging about. Ian Joseph joined our family on March 11, 2009. He weighed in at 7 lbs 10 oz.


Sleeping like a baby.

I still have fun with the others, too!

Tabitha, big sister, little mom.

The parents!


(Hanneke, I finally got it done!)