Reminiscing

Spring at Our Home

2014-05-02T16:58:00.000-04:00

After a long, cold and dreary winter spring has finally arrived. I am most thankful to be outside soaking up the sun, before it turns to sweltering air-conditioning weather. We now spend most of our days outside in the yard, garden, woods or park, which in turn makes it difficult to get any school done. I have grown to love the outdoors and now take the time to feast upon all the scents and sights that God has created around us.

Joseph hauled wood and rocks over the fence to build a "Civil War" camp in the backyard. Of course Elise has to add her green chair and pool slide. Thanks to some dear friends who helped us move five years ago, we acquired a moving blanket. I don't think they are ever getting it back.

During Rachel's spring break I swapped kids with my sister in law. Rachel went to PA to spend time with her cousin and my niece spent time with us. A rare warm day at the park.

Driver's Ed. Clarke County style. Dave said this year it's time for Rachel to start cutting the grass.

A beautiful display of Easter dresses. A soft spot remains for the dress Elise is wearing. The two flower girls in my wedding wore this dress 16 years ago and it is still in perfect condition. Nicole had no interest in wearing the other one. Guess she's too old for matching her little sister.

End of the Year Celebration with our co-op Classical Conversations.

When did this beautiful girl of mine become so tall? She's even wearing flat sandals. Celebrating End of the Year "memory work."

Saved the best for last.

I really have no explanation for GI Joe looking like this except that I have four kids and a dog. Maybe it was the dog.

Fender Bender

2014-04-03T06:13:00.000-04:00

Backing out of the garage something just didn't feel or sound right.

Rachel said, "You just backed out too fast, or it's a bike."

I proceeded to pull forward a bit and then back again. Then there was an odd noise that normally isn't there at 7am when I take her to school.

So this is what I found. I am awesome! Even if I wanted to, I couldn't do this again.

14 Inches of Proof

2014-02-18T18:01:00.000-05:00

This post is dedicated to all of our family and friends living in Utah. The questions we are most often asked when it comes to weather are:

Does it snow? How much? and When?

Well that is sometimes difficult to answer because everyone's definition of snow is different. Yes it does snow, but it is more often mixed with sleet, freezing rain, then rain and back to more freezing rain. It may appear to look like snow but in fact is layer upon layer of ice. This is what we receive more often than the fluffy, snowball, snowman, sledding kind of snow.

what we don't want

So last week we actually received a true snowstorm. Thursday morning we woke to 11 inches of the real live fluffy stuff with 3 additional inches falling throughout the day. The kids were in heaven. This meant snow days (after math and reading is done of course), hours playing outside, hot chocolate and movies. Knowing we would be house-bound for several days I made a grocery and library trip the day before the storm hit the region. We wouldn't want one particular child to go a day without some milk. A library run meant lots of movies to check out, a great place to rent movies for free.

Feb. 13th what we want

Why Joseph is shoveling in his pajamas and robe I have no idea. We're homeschoolers, maybe that explains it.

Because of where Dave works he is able to attach a plow to his truck, resulting in a cleared driveway. The only downside is sometimes there's no where to put the snow, thus blocking my van in the garage.

During snow days we always bake something yummy. It may be cinnamon rolls, chocolate chip cookies, homemade bread, or cut-out cookies. So in honor of Valentine's Day we decided on sugar cookies with frosting colors that have nothing to do with Valentine's Day because we didn't have those colors.

For three evenings in a row Rachel and I spent some girl time together and stayed up late watching The Vow, The Help, and While You Were Sleeping. Total chick flicks.
Tonight we'll watch Sabrina, and watch Dave quickly leave the room.

That's how we survived the storm and Valentine's Day!

New Year Goals for 2014

2014-01-12T15:00:00.000-05:00

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17

Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God. That is my theme for this year! By His strength, I desire to take small intentional steps towards growing in godliness and living a Christ-centered life. If my life is not centered on trying to glorify God, then all efforts become futile.

Truth be told, I have never, ever made any New Year's Resolutions or goals. I always thought they were silly and besides no one ever seems to keep or accomplish them. For whatever reason this year I wanted to set some goals. So I sat down to intentionally write them out and decided to post them here as a means of accountability.

Spiritual/Personal

Deliberately commit all areas of my life to the will of Jesus Christ This particular goal will be the most difficult, I can already tell. Simply because of my attempt to commit ALL areas, not just the easy ones.
Become more diligent about my quiet time in the morning
Read through the Bible
Heed God's voice and direction. Not just listen but put into action what He tells me to do or not to do.
Be more gentle in my response to my children and husband Pause and think before I speak.
Develop a boldness for sharing my faith

Health/Diet

Drink more water I do! Not! Like! Water!
Drink less coffee As you know, this one will be excruciating. It is totally my crutch in the morning.
Eat more raw food. Veggies, fruits, etc.
Eat more fish and less red meat This is more of a family goal than anything. Hopefully Dave is not reading this.
Exercise 3-4 times a week Either P90X or the NordicTrack
Plan out menus more efficiently I was doing this for several years and then fell out of habit. Truthfully, I really became lazy!

School

Stay on top of memory work
Start school at 8:30 instead of 9 Ouch!
Use time wisely Be consciously aware of distractions i.e. computer, email, phone, appointments.

Family/Ministry

Invite people over for dinner once a month
Take meals to people in need

Fall, Christmas and End of Year

2013-12-29T14:03:00.001-05:00

Merry CHRISTmas and Happy New Year!

Love, Dave, Carrie, Rachel, Joseph, Nicole and Elise

2013 is over? How is it that times goes by so fast? I am not ready to write "2014" on my checks.

Here's looking back over the past month and a half since my previous post.

We've attended weddings! Dave loves them, he looks forward to them.

The first wedding was of our nephew Andrew and Kara in York, PA.

The second wedding was our niece Lauren and Nate in Charlottesville, VA. Rachel was honored to stand as one of her many bridesmaids.

Lauren and Nate's Wedding

It's extremely rare that all five Gay children are in one location together and with their parents. So my bright idea was to have a picture taken. Do you think any of them took it seriously? I should have known better.

Girls night out with all the moms from our co-op. Rosemont a local bed and breakfast and stunning wedding venue opens up to the public for tours during the Christmas season. All proceeds from the tours go to The Laurel Center, which is intervention for domestic and sexual violence and AbbaCare, a non-profit organization serving women who find themselves with an unplanned pregnancy.

This grocery cart was given to Elise for Christmas. For months she has been saying, "I really, really want a food cart for Christmas." Clearly, Rachel and I had way too much time on our hands Christmas Eve. It was Rachel's idea, I'll blame her.

Finished product. Yes, we made Rachel peel off all of the tape on Christmas morning.

Bright and early Christmas morning. I think Rach would rather be sleeping.

This picture does not do justice to how big the tree was. Anytime someone would walk into the room they always said, "That is the biggest tree ever."

On our way over to Grammy and Grandad's Christmas afternoon. Elise received Bullseye from Toy Story for Christmas. Jesse was from two Christmas' ago.

Of course we can't miss our holiday time with our dear friends (aka the girls I was a nanny for). Elizabeth is now living in Norfolk and spending most of her time out on a Coast Guard Cutter. Sarah is finishing her senior year of college in Chicago and will begin working as a nurse. The baby Sam, is a junior in high school and continues to play soccer and swim competitively. We all enjoyed a steaming hot pot of chili and the girls took all my kids to see the movie Frozen. We LOVE visiting them. My kids now refer to the girls as their cousins.

Joseph's latest kill four days ago, a 9-point buck. This one we are having made into a full mount.

One Proud Momma

2013-11-18T14:28:00.000-05:00

With hunting season upon us Rachel decided she didn't want to hunt this year. I guess she's become too girly to be sporting camo, boots, guns, and any other hunting paraphernalia. I can't say I blame her.

Of course Joseph jumped at the opportunity to possibly use her .243 that Dave purchased last year. So this past weekend Dave took him out for the very first time. He was beyond excited. Telling everyone he was "hunting with his Dad this weekend." He talked about it constantly.

While waiting for dinner to appear this was the spot they sat in for several hours.

Then this six-point buck appeared out of nowhere. First time hunting, first shot, first kill.

Not only was Joseph thrilled about killing his first deer but also surprised that it was a piebald.

What's a piebald? An animal, typically a mammal, that has a pattern consisting of white and brown patches. The result of a genetic defect.

I am so proud of my redneck boy and thankful for my redneck husband who is teaching him the sport.

Our 'Went By Way Too Fast" Summer

2013-10-11T16:56:00.000-04:00

As I look back on the last few months and welcome the coming of cool autumn weather I am thankful for the many adventures God granted us this past summer.

We've been busy with gardening, swim team, chartered fishing trips, camping, trips to the beach and best of all a trip to see my family in Utah. Occasionally we have family travel this way to see us, but the last time we were in Utah was June of 2010, quite a while ago.

Last school year ended in May with the Challenge B campuses participating in a Mock Trial at the county courthouse. Rachel played the role of a housekeeper who witnessed a battered woman murder her husband.

Almost every time we travel to the beach we make our way to Rehoboth and eat lunch at Nicola's Pizza and then head over to the arcade for an afternoon of skeeball. Elise is OBSESSED with skeeball! There's a better chance of winning if you stick out your tongue.

A view of the garden from the front porch. This year for the first time we planted red potatoes and were blessed abundantly. A week and a half after planting nine tomato plants temperatures reached below freezing. Of course we lost them all and had to start over. This spring was also a first for growing lettuce, boy did we have lettuce. I couldn't give it away fast enough and Dave claimed I was trying to kill him with it.

Lift up the window shade, pull it down. Lift it up, pull it down. Tray table down, tray table up. Tray table down, tray table up! Spilling a full cup of ice and Sprite all over yourself and the seat.

You get the idea! Traveling with four children to Utah, oh so fun! Thankfully we had a direct flight into SLC. This time was the first for NO changing diapers on my lap in the tiny bathroom on the aircraft.

Rachel, Paige and Rylie enjoying some cousin time together.

A huge shout out to Amber (far left) who so bravely took on the activity of tie-dye with ten kids. My sister Robin on the right.

My very own tie-dye. I've lived a sheltered and deprived life. My best friend Keri in the blue dress.

At the 1950's sock hop, which my hubby refused to dance at.

From the looks of Rachel's face I don't think she wants a hug from me. He still won't dance with me!

Daddy rescued her from the clutches of my arms. He still won't dance.

Of course Grandma and Grandpa have to participate in the Chicken Dance.

Dave's mid-life crisis, a 1944 Willy's Jeep. He wants one so bad he drools whenever he speaks of it!

My brother Mike and his family posing in front of Grandpa's beloved '56, during the Cache Valley Cruise-In.

Only Dave would bat one handed.

My siblings, their spouses and fifteen grandkids. Goodness, too many to name!

Rachel, Joseph and for the first time this summer Nicole swam for the Piranhas Swim Team. Because of the different age groups we were at the pool every morning from 7:45-10:00am. When summer swim ended Nicole promptly informed us she is NOT swimming next summer! We'll see about that!

Bragging rights! Joseph caught the biggest rockfish during a chartered fishing trip on the Chesapeake Bay.

Thanks for joining me on this journey! What did you all do this summer?

The New Harry Potter

2013-08-10T08:20:00.000-04:00

This is what happens when you give two little girls free range of scissors and card
stock.

They make Harry Potter glasses.

JAM 2013

2013-07-17T12:45:00.001-04:00

Posted by Rachel

I was fortunate enough to participate with my church, Fellowship Bible Church, in Junior High Adventures in Ministry (or better known as JAM).

The purpose of JAM is to glorify God by equipping Jr. High students to serve Jesus Christ by giving them training and "hands-on" ministry experience.

FBC rented a huge bus to travel to Cairn University in Philadelphia, PA.

We drove for four hours then stopped at a rest stop for lunch. After we ate, we drove for another hour and finally arrived at Cairn University. During the trip, we traveled through West Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Figure that one out.

My dorm, Room 161.

Kid's Day on Saturday! My "buddy" was Catherine. She was soooo sweet!

On Saturday, every JAM student receives a child to hang out with for the day. After participating in different planned activities, every student sits down with their "buddy" and shares the gospel of Jesus Christ with them.

The kids typically come from low income neighborhoods, inner-city Philadelphia and most have never seen a Bible or have been to church. One of my friends relayed to me that her "buddy" told her that he is never fed breakfast. That's when I realized how fortunate I am.

One thing that is cool about JAM is that you see a bunch of teenage guys interact with little kids in a way you've never seen before!

One of the activities was a puppet show. But not any puppet show! They shut off the lights and used a blue light to make the puppets glow. The puppets sang Christian songs. I heard my friend's little girl behind me singing along at the top of her lungs! It was so cute!

Another activity was watching professional skateboarders, well, skate!

This is the DJ for the boarders. Why does he have a comb in his hair?

This is why you wear your helmet. Seriously! Wear your helmet!

They were getting pretty high! But it gets better!

Two boarders spread the ramps apart and laid down in between. Don't ask me to do that.

This boarder had a Duck Dynasty beard. I wonder if he would have a tan line if he shaved it off...just wondering.

Afterwards, we made our way over to BINGO! All the stuffed animals in the front were prizes for the winners! (everyone is a winner at JAM!)

After BINGO we left the nice air conditioned building for the petting zoo. Sadly, I didn't get any pictures of that. While at the petting zoo, I saw something I didn't think I'd see. My little girl from JAM 2012!! I went up to Indyia and asked her if she remembered me. She said yes! She's seven now! I remember when she was trying to climb up my leg to get away from the petting zoo animals! I feel like a proud mama!

After the animals, we sat down with our "buddies" and shared the Good News of Jesus Christ with them. Catherine had heard the gospel before and her family was trying to go to church every Sunday. After talking with her, she gave her life to the Lord!

After our kids boarded their buses, we all met back at our training rooms to discuss what happened with our "buddies".

Later that night at chapel, the number of students who gave their lives to the Lord was announced. Ready for this? 81 kids accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

The ride home on Sunday was fun to say the least! After one hour of driving we stopped at a rest stop. My friends and I split a very doughy pizza. I needed something else to eat, so I bought something from Starbucks. I'm convinced that's what made the ride home fun....110 calories of awesomeness....is that a word? During the last four hours of the trip, we all sang, "Wheels on the Bus", but replaced the first letter of every word with a V. Please, please, please, don't ask.

Look who turned 9

2013-05-31T17:58:00.000-04:00

Someone celebrated a birthday. Nicole requested ribs, baked beans, and fresh pineapple for dinner with Mississippi Mud Cake for dessert.

Somehow I managed to mess up the cake. Really mess it up!

Actually the truth is while making the frosting I had the bright idea of cutting back on the amount sugar, after all it called for an ENTIRE box of confectioners. Not to mention the two cups of sugar that was already in the cake. I guess that can be expected from a Paula Dean recipe. Anyways, because there wasn't enough sugar to make the topping solidify it ended in a soggy gooey mess.

So after Rachel's competitive swim training we ran to the store and searched for a replacement (Nicole did not know this).

We decided she should have her very own pint of Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.

She was a very happy birthday girl!

The Empty Tomb

2013-04-01T07:50:00.001-04:00

Our Easter celebrations began with sore throats, stuffy noses, itchy noses, and lots of sneezing. The virus invaded our home a week before Palm Sunday with one child and has slowly moved around to each one of us. It's still here, lingering, it won't go away. I am it's latest victim.

Our church, Fellowship Bible Church attempted something knew this Easter. Instead of holding Palm Sunday service they decided to host an Easter egg hunt. I know at first it sounds odd and not to mention just plain weird.

My kids say I'm getting old. Maybe I am!

FBC would still hold Palm Sunday service but instead on Saturday evening and call it Palm Saturday, then hold the Easter egg hunt on Sunday morning. Fellowship Bible desires to expand their outreach ministries with the Gospel of Christ, so the thought would be to take the light of Christ from inside the church walls and out into the community on Palm Sunday morning.

I desperately wanted to go to Palm Saturday evening service, however with Dave and Elise sick I didn't feel I could leave them. So on Sunday morning those of us not yet sneezing went to the Great Easter Egg Hunt. Rachel participated in Gospel Face Painting, sharing the Gospel according to each color.

Oh, and I might add weeks before this took place the church asked members and attendees to donate 1500 dozen plastic filled eggs. Yes, you read that correctly, that amounts to 18,000 plastic eggs. Well, the Lord provided much more than that.

I guess this really wasn't an egg "hunt" as most of the eggs were in plain view. I tried to get a picture once all the children were released but I'm just not that tall.

Some stats from the egg hunt:

22,000 filled plastic eggs
2500 people in attendance of that 800 kids searching for eggs
335 children's faces painted as the message of Christ was explained
458 pounds of hotdogs
80 racks of hotdog buns
Countless seeds of truth sewn

Of course we have to dye Easter eggs every year.

Every year we also make Easter Tomb Cookies. An Easter devotional that explains the Gospel by using ingredients like walnuts, vinegar, egg whites, salt and sugar. The "tombs" are then placed in the oven over night. In the morning they are hollow or empty, just like the tomb on Easter morning.

After church on Easter morning we hid our plastic eggs around the house since it was 40 degrees and sprinkling outside. Actually Rachel wanted to help hide them this year, I guess she's too cool for searching.

Finding eggs!

Now we have to count the eggs and yes Dave and I sat on our behinds while they searched for 67 eggs.

Rachel was attempting to take a picture of us. Of course Dave has to be goofy. Clearly I am the level-headed mature one.

Finally after six or seven pictures he decides to obey me and get with the program. He is so difficult sometimes. Yes, he is sporting a beard these days, I like it.

This is how we spent our Holy Week leading up to Easter.

Because of the work that Christ accomplished on the cross we have hope here on earth and hope in eternal life with Him someday.

Hope you had a blessed Easter Sunday!

Being a Mom Is Hard Work

2013-03-26T16:52:00.001-04:00

Nicole and Elise spent the better part of the day playing "mommy and babies", pretending they were the mother of triplets.

Whewww! That thought alone makes me want to go take a nap.

So when I realized I hadn't heard them playing for awhile I stopped shoving my face with Doritos and went on a hunt for the little mean one.

This is what I found.

The hooded towel is supposed to be "really long hair, like Tangled".

It's exhausting being a mom, especially the mother of triplets. Now where the other two babies are, I have no idea.

Aruba

2013-02-19T19:02:00.001-05:00

Beware, this is a very, very long post with lots and lots of pictures! Turn back now if you think you might get bored.

This past November Dave and I were unexpectedly blessed with a six day trip to Aruba. Amazingly, it took place over our anniversary and I finally got my long awaited honeymoon.

Kohler Equipment was awarded this trip by Kawasaki Engines for being in the top twenty dealerships in the country. Graciously, Gary and Terry gave the trip to us.

Neither one of us had passports and Dave realized he never owned an official birth certificate, so begins the scramble to obtain them. Boy was I in a panic, I really, really, wanted to go to Aruba. Yes, I was totally freaking out.

Then to figure out what to do with the kids, that's kind of a big one. So I asked my stepmom Marilyn and my Dad, (Grandma and Grandpa) if they would like to spend a week with the kids. Of course, the answer was yes.

This was the view from our hotel room that awaited us when we arrived Tuesday afternoon. Absolutely stunning! The weather was 82 degrees, hot, humid and the sun extremely intense.

Very neat pool with a swim up bar. This pool was shaded by the tall swaying trees in the picture above. The water was almost bath water warm, not exactly refreshing when you're hot. On our way to breakfast in the morning, people would already be lounging by the pool. Even though we didn't, guests were permitted to put their towel on a lounge chair at 7am.

The beige and silver colored bands wrapped around the trees were to prevent the iguanas from climbing and destroying them.

These adorable creatures were everywhere, walking around the pool, crossing our path. This particular one was being fed by everyone around the pool.

One of the many docks where you could partake in any number of activities. Yes, the water truly is turquoise blue and the sand is remarkably white, clean and very soft. Being a coral island, the sand does not become hot as coral does not absorb heat.

We stayed at the Marriott Resort which is the u-shaped white hotel in the middle. The yellow hotel to the left, which is in the process of being built, will be the last luxury high-rise hotel on the island. The beaches were fairly full during the day, but come dark, they become completely deserted. I thought this to be a little odd, as I assumed people, mainly honeymooners, would want to walk the beach under the moonlight, it was so beautiful and romantic.

So ... I asked a cab driver, who by the way, drive like lunatics.

I asked curiously, "Why are the beaches empty at night? It would be so pretty, but there's no one."

Without hesitating, she replied in her strong Aruba accent, "Do not walk the beach at night. Especially with your wallet on you. Stay with your husband."
I promptly said, "OK."

La Trottoria, an Italian restaurant situated at the base of the California Lighthouse on the northwest end of the island. The view was truly breathtaking, as it overlooked the island and ocean. A perfect location! Reservations were made for five in the evening as to be able to watch the sunset. Just beautiful!

We met Doug and Denean at the Welcome Reception on the first night. They invited us to join them for dinner at La Trottoria. We pretty much spent the rest of the week together, I'm sure they were sick of us.

The view from our table on the patio at the restaurant.

On Thursday we took a Jeep Safari Excursion with the Kawasaki group to the Natural Bridge and Natural Pool. It was a great way to navigate the island without a map. Although when it was over I told Dave I really needed to go to the chiropractor.

The California Lighthouse was the first stop on the Jeep Excursion. Here you could purchase a coconut with a hole drilled in the top, then fill it with a drink of your choice. Not for me though, I can't stand coconut flakes. I am my father's daughter.

The story goes, fishermen from hundreds of years ago would discover great fishing spots. They would then pile rocks in order to find the location again. Soon it became a tradition for anyone who visited Aruba.

The north end of the island is a stark contrast from the south side. The northeast coast, while exposed to the Atlantic, has extremely rough seas with treacherous currents and a rocky coastline. Lots of steep cliffs everywhere on the North side.

Several who have seen this picture comment,"Wow, you are really sunburned on your face."

Actually I'm not burned. It's dirt! Yep, dirt from riding in the four-wheel drive jeep.

Mental note: Next time get in jeep number one, not jeep number four.

After returning from the jeep excursion we took a leisurely walk down the beach to find a late lunch. We stopped at a small restaurant located at the end of one of the docks. Dave, for the first time ordered ceviche, which is a dish of raw seafood marinated in a citrus sauce. I'm boring, I ordered shrimp cocktail.

My Man! Lunch on the dock.

Another view from the hotel. These huts could be reserved in the evening for the following day and they were always full.

Dave surprised me with dinner on the beach at Simply Fish for our anniversary. Again, the view was spectacular.

Please excuse the no makeup! I should have known, it was our anniversary. Again, another picture of me holding my hair because of the wind.

The pool at 7pm, when everyone leaves to go out on the town for the evening.

Kawasaki top twenty group the last evening.

The view every evening.

I cannot even come close to adequately describing what a fabulous time we had. I loved every moment and every second of our five nights and six days in Aruba. I would go back in a heartbeat.

And The Winner Is .........

2013-02-03T17:08:00.002-05:00

RACHEL!!!

I am one proud and excited mama right now.

Rachel's Classical Conversations Challenge B class participated in a Science Fair several weeks ago. Anxiously waiting we finally heard the results this week in class. You guessed it, she won!!!!! And yes, I cried. She was so embarrassed.

Her project was titled, This Battery Is A Lemon.

The project examined whether or not one lemon can produce enough voltage to light a 10mm LED bulb, when using a penny, galvanized nail, copperwire and alligator clips. Though the hypothesis was proven wrong the 10mm did light up with a combination of four lemons and two oranges.

Science Fair Day

All I can say is, thank you Lord for Daddy and Grandpa. Rachel couldn't have done it without their many, many hours of help.

The Most Random Pictures Found On Our Computer

2013-01-22T17:24:00.000-05:00

Posted by Rachel

I was looking through photos on my computer and my mom's and I came across some odd pictures. I will share a few, but there are just too many to post them all, my computer would probably overload.

This was taken in December of 2010. Elise was three and she already knew how to put a doll sweater on her head!

We are in Utah in June of 2010. Elise has just polished off her Fat Boy.

Little hands and little feet, God made children oh so.... sticky?

My cousin Missy demonstrating how lambs are beheaded. Long story and that's a post for later.

No, Missy is not trying to help me up, she is trying to push me OVER. I spilled water on her notebook and this is what I get. Just a little tiny drop of water.

I'm not sure what I'm doing here, but Missy has her pouting face on.

I'm actually not sure what this is.

Elise looks like a grasshopper.

Wow. Just wow.

I hope you've enjoyed my nutshell of crazy pictures! Most of them are of Elise, she is our clown! Even though most of us are afraid of clowns, especially my mom and Joseph (not me though, for the record).

Thirty Something

2013-01-12T16:19:00.000-05:00

At some point this past week I turned thirty something.

Elise keeps asking me if I can still drive. Not sure what that means.

Dave never fails to let me know I am one year away from being halfway to my death. Not sure how to take that one either.

Clearly, I'm giving away my thirty something age.

On my special day I was blessed with my favorite seafood marinara for dinner, which Dave cooked, from scratch. Delicious!

Red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting.

Lots of cards.

A beautiful picture frame from my best friend, Keri. Thank you Ker!

Thank you all for the many text messages, emails, and phone calls.

I am soooo loved!

DollBaby turns 14!

2012-12-09T16:11:00.000-05:00

Here we are celebrating another birthday in the Gay household.

Rachel turns 14 today and never forgets to remind me that she will be able to obtain her learner's driving permit at 15 years and 6 months. I then remind her it's not about age but maturity. "Yeah whatever Mom," she replies, with the added effect of eye rolling. Then turns around and asks when can she get an iPhone.

Since the beginning of time (all of 14 years) Grammy has called her "Dollbaby" and it has stuck ever since. Rachel has blossomed into a beautiful young lady and she is now taller than I am at 5' 6''.

When did this happened? Of course it happened this past year when I blinked.

Summer 1999 at Cedar Shores Condo

School pictures 2006. Love those blue eyes.

Frisco, NC 2012

Rachel sighting in her new .243 rifle.

Happy Birthday Dollbaby! You are so precious to us and we love you so much.

My Favorite Son Turns Eleven

2012-12-08T17:19:00.001-05:00

It's that time again. Birthdays with Christmas right around the corner.

It seems like yesterday that Joseph jumped into the world of double digits and here we are, already another year and turning 11.

Joseph is a ball of energy that NEVER stops. Always has a question to ask and a comment to give. He is growing into such a wonderful handsome young man who can not wait to be taller than his big sister.

This year I let him pick out three of his favorite pictures and I chose the last one.

Halloween 2006

With Puppy, aka Charlotte in 2009

Of course we have to show-off what we received for Christmas 2009

Joseph could stand here for hours and hours, and he did. Frisco, NC

Happy Birthday, Sweet Boy!

50 Things That Make Me Smile

2012-12-03T14:42:00.001-05:00

Posted by Rachel

Things That Make Me Smile

International Coffee House Delight in French Vanilla

Christmas

Gummy Bears

Cape Hatteras

Piranhas Swim Team

Olympic Sized Pools

Snow Days (yes, I LOVE snow)

Texting

Reading

Land's End Down Coats

Making Earrings

Smells of Christmas

Bonfires

Hallmark Christmas movies

Ballroom Dancing

Championship Swim Meets

Pedicures

Cedar Shores Condos

Fish Tail braids

Playing Pranks with my cousin

Root Beer

Trampolines

Junior High Adventures in Ministry (I'll post on that later)

Ice Skating

Massanutten Indoor Water Park with my whole Youth Group

My cousin Missy

Changing my Aunt's clock in the middle of the night, only to find out she was awake

My Aunt short-sheeting my bed, because we changed her clock

ASentenceWithoutSpaces

New notebooks

Trying to talk my dad into paying for my future Aruba Wedding

Fun House Mirrors

Sweet Frog

Allowance

Spinach Pizza

Trying to find my dorm at JAM

Trying to learn to use chopsticks

Made up words

The smell of popcorn

Frosty the Snowman

Dutch Braids

Being an angel in Follow the Star

Figuring out my Christmas present

Christmas Eve
Elise singing "If I Die Young"
My dad
My new .243
Venison Tenderloin
Painting Christmas decorations for church
Thinking of Eternity in Heaven

Fifteen Years Ago

2012-11-13T15:05:00.001-05:00

This month Dave and I will celebrate fifteen years of marriage. Let's take a look back in only fifteen pictures. Trust me, it was difficult to choose.

Yes, I look like a baby, and at 18 I was. All dressed up for Halloween 1992.

Dave has yet to put on his costume ... he was a woman.

Dave clothed in his Marine Corps uniform, 1992.

All I know is we are in Crystal City, VA, 1993 and I'm wearing a pink sweater tucked inside navy blue corduroy stretchy pants. Remember it was 1993.

Wedding Day at Emmanuel Baptist in Manassas, VA. November 8, 1997.

This picture makes everyone laugh. Clearly, I'm already barking orders at Dave. He's such a lucky guy.

Obviously, we didn't waste anytime procreating, so life quickly begins as a parent. Here Rachel is barely 24 hours old, December 1998. For the first four months of her life Dave called her "the Kid". I finally looked at him one day and said, "Her name is Rachel."

Dinner at Marco Polo for Bob and Margaret's 50th Wedding Anniversary in 1999.

Christmas 1999.

Dave was best man at his best friend George's wedding in 2001.

Little did I know, Joseph would look like this for the first three months of his life. December 2001. And yes I had two babies in December.

Our niece, Susan's wedding in 2003.

Another Christmas card opportunity. I can't get over the white tights I'm wearing. What was I thinking? Sheer? Nude? Anything is better than white tights.

A night out at Logan's Roadhouse with my brother Mike and his family in 2002. The painted woman in the background always makes me laugh.

Frisco, NC 2012

Our silly family picture we always take the last night of our vacation, 2012. Of course Dave has to totally freak me out with his Tom Petty look.

Happy Anniversary, I love you!

Five Years, Five Pictures

2012-10-21T07:54:00.001-04:00

Elise turns five today.
Five! I can't believe it.
She's not a baby anymore. No more crib. No more diapers. No more packing up diaper bags. No more spit-up all over me.

I do miss being able to hold a tiny, sleeping, baby, yet I revel in the fact that it is becoming a bit easier to go places. Gone are the days of packing multiple bags to make sure we had everything for every scenerio possible.

Elise is such a joy to our family. She is silly, goofy, sweet, and best of all, she makes us laugh so hard.

When asked what she wants for birthday she said, "Gum, tape, and dark chocolate."

Here she is at 4 months prepared for surgery at Children's Hospital. Love those eyes!

I know, I know! The fourth child to suck on their fingers. As someone at Grace Church said,"It must be a genetic thing."

This is my all time favorite picture of Elise.

As always, goofing off in Bethany Beach.

A day at the beach in Frisco, NC.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

The Butter Show

2012-10-12T18:33:00.000-04:00

Posted by Rachel

Hello everybody.
In the beginning of time, in June 2012, my cousin and I created a video. Usually when we get together we make ridiculous videos of us being ridiculously silly. We decided to put this one on YouTube. The video was made to mimic a certain someone, should I say, a certain chef who is in love with butter.

Check this out.
Enjoy.
We are open to more suggestions for videos. We will continue going by the screen names Paula and Marg.

Mr. Thomas' Party, Strawberries and More

2012-07-06T08:25:00.000-04:00

Considering so many events have occurred since I last posted I've decided to combine then together in one post. In other words, I'm going to be lazy.

As you know, every Saturday of Memorial weekend we attend Mr. Thomas' picnic which is held at former President James Monroe's house. Mr. Thomas has been one of Dave's clients for many, many years but has also become a dear friend. Several years back he invited our family to this picnic and we have attended every year since.

I've finally arrived. I was actually allowed to help prepare the food. In previous years I was always told to not bring anything. Though Dave has been allowed to help with the chicken wings, this year I was actually allowed to help with the garlic bread. Seriously, I felt very privileged.

Ok ... so ... I'm dating myself when I say I have NEVER, EVER seen this before. The orange thing.

I was intrigued.

I was curious.

I needed to know.

Did this man not have a pocket for his comb? Did his head itch? Was he even aware it was there? So Rachel and I spent a good part of the day stalking this gentlemen as to get a picture. I felt like a spy.

Sweaty and covered in baked beans. Life is good.

Anyone who knows me knows I am deathly afraid of snakes. I do not like them. I repeat, I really, really do not like them. I will do anything to get away. I will run you over, push you out of my way, climb into your lap, whatever it takes.

So, in other words this is not my child. I did not give birth to her. I don't know who she is.

Elise has no fear whatsoever of snakes, lizards, turtles, crickets, anything reptile. This black rat snake was seen slithering through the bushes and everyone wanted to promptly chop it's head off, including me. But no ... not my husband. He had to come to it's rescue. Why he tortures me like this I don't know.

Fast forward a week or so and it's time for strawberry picking.

Every year we travel to PA to pick because they taste better there. Just kidding. It's a chance to spend a few days with my sister in law, make freezer jam and attend my niece's birthday party.

At the end of June we were able to spend a few days at my in-laws condo in Bethany Beach, DE. Spending the day by the pool truly is the highlight of the weekend. I think so anyways.

This year we've entered into new territory. I have older kids who want to play in the deep end and little ones who would like to be in the deep end with them.

You see, I don't swim.

I can't swim.

I don't like to be in water where I can't touch.

And I really don't want to have to hold my nose and jump in after them. I'll leave that up to my hubby, who spent a few summers life guarding at this very pool. Occasionally, I would allow Nicole to play in deeper water but only if she remained attached to a noodle or board.

Dave and Rachel kayaking in the Indian River Bay.

Another picture of my insane four year old. Now this snake was found over at Shark's Cove where Dave and Joseph were clamming. Why they insisted on bringing it home I do not know.

I did my motherly duty for the century.
I can actually say (and Dave can confirm this) I have come a long, long way since the first time I got in Dave's truck and he said ever so calmly, "By the way I lost a little snake in my truck this morning and I can't find it."

This is what life's about.

Rules (of the lady)

2012-06-05T07:33:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year when I need to start cleaning out the school room. Sorting through piles of papers, notebooks, artwork, you name it. Deciding what to keep and what to burn can sometimes be challenging. Yes, I said burn, we live in the country.
As I was going through a notebook I came acroos THIS. Way too precious to throw away and too cute to not post.

Can you guess who's notebook this is from?

390 lbs., Mother's Day and Other Things and Not In That Order

2012-05-18T09:11:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year, again. Time to order meat.

Meat, you ask? Yes, meat.

We purchase our beef from a small grocery store in Delaware. Why?

Well, since our family is growing (not in numbers but in appetite) it is well worth it to make a larger purchase up front at a less expensive price. When buying a "side of beef" (equivalent to half a cow) the cost remains the same for the entire side and not the individual cuts. Yes, it means spending more money in the beginning but in the long run it saves money because you are left with a little bit of everything right at your finger tips.

Why Delaware?

Dave's parents own a condo in Ocean View, so it is an excuse to go to the beach for the weekend and this grocery store is right around the corner.
The meat is delicious and we trust them. We have been ordering from them for over 8 years.
The best part, it's TAX FREE! No sales tax in DE. I've often wondered if it's illegal to transport so much meat across state lines. But .... right now I really don't care.

So we placed our order several weeks ago and let them know we would pick it up the weekend of Mother's Day.

This is what 390 lbs. of beef looks like. It doesn't look like a lot, but it is since the shelves are deeper than they appear. On a side note, if you're ever shopping for a freezer, buy one with an alarm that will beep when the door has been left open for more than sixty seconds. Been there! It's not pretty. Ask Dave about it some time.
So here is what the rest of the weekend looked like. Early Friday afternoon the kids and I picked Dave up at work so we could try and beat the traffic. Arriving at the condo around 5pm we decided it would be fun to head to Rehoboth for the evening. Of course you can't go to Rehoboth without eating at Nicola's Pizza, it's the law.

Acting silly while waiting for our dinner. A little blurry but I couldn't resist posting.

Still waiting for my food, can you tell I'm excited?

Reprimanding Dave for something he said. I don't remember what it was but I'm sure it was very inappropriate.

Finally, it arrives. Yes, I know Lauren, it's a picture of my food. You take pictures of two-legged animals and I take pictures of my food.

This is my pepperoni Nic-O-Boli. It's divine. It's glorious. I don't share, so get your own. I ate the whole thing. I was in pain. I also wanted to go back the next day. The bread is what makes this thing amazing; crispy and crunchy on the outside. Dave ordered an "everything" with anchovies. Yuck!

At the time this picture was taken I was not aware my husband was intentionally mashing hamburger into his teeth. He is soooo immature. As I am typing this Elise just said, "That is so gross, I can't look at it."

Saturday gave us some gorgeous weather, so we headed over to Sharks Cove to clam for the afternoon.

Weather conditions need to be low tide with little to no wind. The key to finding clams is to walk very slow and quiet. Bringing the dog does NOT help.

This is what we took home the end of the first day. They were everywhere and relatively easy to find. Lots of big ones which can be used for Clams Casino and chowder.

Chowder clam vs. steamer. The larger a clam is the more chewy and tough it becomes. The larger clams Dave chops in a food processor and uses them in either Clams Casino or Clam Chowder.

Dave's brother and sister-in-law, Ron and JoEllen and 4 of their grandchildren spent the afternoon with us. Then later in the afternoon someone had the crazy idea of going over to Ron and JoEllen's house for the evening.

I'm glad I did. We picked the crabs that our nephew, Brian caught. Since he was flying to Belarus the next morning we were glad to eat them for him. Within the crab trap Brian also caught this.

Twenty inch flounder, which Dave promptly filleted. It was yummy.

So, that is how I spent Mother's Day weekend! Perfect weather, 390 lbs. of meat, crabs, a Nic-O-Boli, and my hubby sticking hamburger in his teeth. What more could a girl ask for?

Well there is one more thing, I still get to pick out my Mother's Day tree.