Carpinteria and Canines. That describes the last two weeks of our lives. The end.

OK, I guess I will elaborate. After all, this our family scrapbook of sorts, so someday I may want to go back and read all the nonsense I have posted!

Over Labor Day week, we went camping at Carpinteria State Beach with my sister's family and some great friends. Although my sister and friends have camped there for years and we have visited them in the past, this was our first time actually camping there. It was just so wonderful! The campground is right on the beach, the little town is so charming and delightful, and the weather was divine. We ate our dinners every night on picnic tables in the sand, graced by the beauty of the setting sun and marvelous company. The kids had a blast playing with their friends, digging holes in the sand, riding their bikes and such, and just being kids. Sunburned and rashed kids, but they didn't mind. Our vacation was cut just a tad bit short, as Dave ended up having the work on the day we were supposed to check out, so we left one night early. Our first day home was an obvious ode to God's sovereign hand, as Dave had a motorcycle accident on the way home from work. Now before anyone starts mumbling about how unsafe motorcycles are and "I can't believe Dave rides one of those things every day," let me just say Dave is fine. It was the best possible outcome if you are going to hit an oil slick in the road. Dave went sliding one way, and the bike the other. No other cars were involved. And my dear sweet hubby was as protected as protected can be. Helmet, gloves, jeans, jacket with pads, boots...all of which took the damage for him, leaving him with just some minor road rash. Praise God. And in all the years Dave has had a motorcycle and not crashed, most of you have probably been in an accident. Dave is a very defensive and proactive motorcycle rider. Unfortunately, this could not have been avoided. These things just happen. We're all thankful he is alright! Needless to say, being the avid fixer/designer/creator/fabricator that he is, he's been out in the garage fixing things up and creating his very own gauge package and headlight setup. He has long wanted his bike to look less like a production bike like everyone else owns, and more of a unique and vintage cafe racer. But he never wanted to spend the money nor did he ever feel it was a priority. But since the front fairings and headlight were all busted, he was given the unique opportunity to change things a bit. Since he is eliminating parts instead of replacing, and making parts instead of buying, it is costing us very little to get the thing back on the road. The quicker, the better, as it saves us a ton of gas money for him to commute on it. Before and after pictures in a later post. I know you all will be on the edge of your seat waiting.

And for the grand finale, this house full of boys now has another girl!!! It's a little (well, not so little) puppy girl!!! The boys have always wanted a dog. I mean, every boy really does need a dog, right? I think this was just the perfect time for one. The boys are old enough to take care of her, train her, and really enjoy her. So while the kids were gone for the day at the museums last weekend, Dave and I visited the animal shelter in Van Nuys just to look. By the way, the shelter has recently been redone, and it is a beautiful facility. I would highly recommend adopting an animal this way. For $102, we got a dog, all her shots, and she was spayed and microchipped. What a deal! We just fell in love with this 6 month old Boxer mix. Dave has always loved Boxers. Our good friends had a couple in the past, and they were excellent dogs. Dave was instantly drawn to this pup, and she to him. We took her out and interacted with her, and just loved her personality. After some decision making, we decided to adopt her and surprise the kids. We couldn't take her home that day, because she needed to be spayed before we could take her home. When we picked up the kids, we nonchalantly brought them to the shelter for a surprise visit with their new dog. They were ecstatic, to say the very least! It was a long two days waiting to go pick her up from the vet. In the meantime, we acquired everything we needed for her, and decided on the name Summer (simply because it was the first name they all agreed on). She was a little out of it when we picked her up, and over the next couple days, she slowly started getting her energy back. We just finished our first full week with her. She has been such a good puppy. She learns fast, already sleeps through the night, never whimpers or whines in her crate, is pretty much fully housebroken, and is generally just a really good puppy. A bit stubborn at times, but a good girl nonetheless. I'm so thankful! The transition from cat owner to zoo owner has been a bit difficult. The cats are starting to adjust and are learning when to come out. She just wants to be friends with them. And they don't. It will take some time. We have all enjoyed becoming dog owners. We have enjoyed walks at the park, throwing a ball in the backyard, and visiting the dog park. I know she will be a wonderful addition to this family, hopefully for many years to come. As for me, I am learning to enjoy having doggie slobber on my legs. OK, enjoy was way too generous of a word. Tolerate. :)

Oh those funny things my kids say.....

Yesterday, I was chopping up some cooked chicken, and Vance, my professional food sampler (and snitch) stood there staring at the chicken. "Mmm....chicken," he says. Teasingly, I say "go away." With serious face, he says to me, "Mom, I am not a go-away kind of kid." For a minute I wasn't even sure he really said that!

When I recalled the incident to Dave later in the day, he commented on how funny Vance is. "Yeah, the other day I told him to put up his dukes. When I put my dukes up, Vance said 'Dad, OK, please put your dukes down.'"

I have to blog these things so someday I'll remember his wit. All my boys have said the funniest things over the years. I wish I could remember them all!

First Day of Homeschool, 2009-2010

Today is the first day of our 8th homeschool year! This year, I have a 7th grader, 5th grader, and 3rd grader! Time flies fast, as it seems like yesterday that Austin was starting Kindergarten. I pray I would be a diligent hard worker this year, teaching and training my boys not just in academics, but the things that truly matter in life- to walk with and fear the Lord. I am so thankful for this privilege and responsibility, and I truly enjoy each day I get to spend with my boys, even when things are difficult. I'm excited for what the coming year holds!



My third grader, Vance sitting at his desk.

Luke, my 5th grader!

Austin, my big 7th grade Junior High student, accomplishing much with his lollipop.

My three crazy monkeys. We truly get all spiffied up for each school day. Ahh. The beauty of homeschooling. I do require them to get dressed and comb their hair!!!!

Three boys, ready for another busy school year!

While the big one is away, the little ones will play.

On Friday, Austin went to his very first "Small Group Weekend" with the Junior High group at church. He spent the night at church, played games, ate food, then went to the Santa Monica Pier the next day with the whole group. He had an absolute blast! While he was away, the little mice played....at the shooting range with Daddy. I went as the official photographer (as terrible of one that I am), so I could document the fun. Dave grew up going to shooting ranges with his Dad and brothers, and Dave has passed that on to our boys. He has taught the boys a lot over the years about guns and gun safety, and has taken the boys various times to the range to try out different guns (some were their Papa Ed's guns and some are our own). Today, we took our three rifles out for some fun. It was the first time shooting the two new guns that Papa Ed gave us a few months ago.

Vance shooting the paper targets. He pretty much didn't leave this chair the whole time. Shoot. Reload. Shoot. Reload. Have some beef jerky. Shoot. Reload.

Dave and Luke shooting the paper targets.

Vance aiming at the metal targets. Little metal cowboys, ducks, cactuses (or is it cactii? I never know....)

Luke looking mighty serious, y'all.

Vance had a particular "squat" that he assumed each time he fired. It was quite comical!

Luke having a great time. What boy wouldn't love this, anyways?

Reloading the magazine.

Vance following Dave's rule: Always point it up or straight ahead when reloading.

Two boys having a great time with Dad at the range. You did a great job, boys.

Magic Mountain for $6.03

Lest you think I am kidding, it really is no joke. My three boys and I all spent the entire day at Magic Mountain yesterday for $6.03! The boys did the "Read to Succeed" program during the school year, where in exchange for 6 hours of reading per child, you get a free ticket to Magic Mountain, and the teacher gets a free ticket, too! Amazing! My dear friend Sabrina offered to drop me off and pick me up at the gate since she lives about 10 minutes from the park, to save the ***CHOKE*** $15 they charge you, rather rob you, to park there. We ate PB&J's right before entering the gate, I packed snacks and water bottles, and we got free cups of ice water all day long at various food stands. Now, you may be asking "What was $6.03?" Well, that was my reward, (a frozen lemonade), to one of my brave children, who without reserve decided to face his fears and attack Batman. Needless to say, the said child rode Batman about 4 more times after that! The crowd was SO light, and we literally walked onto every ride with the exception of about a 30 minute wait at the new ride, Terminator Salvation. Austin and I even got onto the very popular Tatsu ride in 15 minutes flat. It was so fun, as we were able to ride everything, and ride everything again! A lot of times, they just ran right back into line and rode things twice or three times. It was such a lovely day! I had every intention of leaving before dinner, but we ended up staying until closing time-10PM!!!!! I really enjoyed spending the day with my boys. They are truly fearless, and it's so fun to all enjoy the same rides together. Austin literally will ride anything in the park. No exceptions. Luke and Vance had a very short list of rides they just wouldn't attempt, like X and Tatsu. But they were fearless for the rest! It was such a fun day and a very huge blessing to be able to experience it at practically no cost.

In fact, most of our summer activities have been mostly little or no cost, and we have been kept busy all summer. What a blessing! We have had swim days at friends' pools, the free weekly movies at the Edwards Cinemas, a few Aquatic Center and beach days, trips to the library, serving at Children's Hunger Fund twice a month, and even a bike ride here and there when it cools off enough. I might add that my boys all put me to shame on the bike paths. I can hardly keep up. Dave teases me about being the only person in the house who regularly exercises, yet the last one to finish the trail! Hmffff.....I have no clue.

We're coming to the tail end of our leasurely fun-filled and relaxing summer. School books are now being purchased, and lesson plans are underway, as we plan to begin a new school year in a couple of weeks. I am so thankful for the rest from the school routine, but always anxiously await the order that it brings to our home each fall. I am looking forward to continuing my early morning routine that I have been doing for the last few months in the context of the school year. Early mornings for me mean my heart, mind, and body are prepared for the school day when it begins! Praise God for all He is doing in our family, and may we seek to glorify Him in all we do!

June Activities....

June has been fun, fun, fun......and fun-filled!

Austin turned 12, he picked his eats for the day, and we enjoyed this "dirt cake" complete with dirt (crushed oreos), and worms after our dinner of bacon wrapped shrimp, shrimp scampi, mashed potatoes, and lettuce wedge salad!

Beach day with Lighthouse! Luke got stuck out in a riptide and had to be pulled in by lifeguards, along with several other kids in our group. Praise God for everyone's safety despite the conditions!

Austin got buried......

We took a hike at Malibu Creek State Park with several other families and the kids swam in the good old fashioned swimming hole! They really enjoyed jumping off the big rocks and catching large tadpoles!

We also had the privilege of seeing my niece, Emma in the Escape production of Wizard of Oz. Man was it fantastic! It was done extremely well, and Emma was awesome and really looked like she was having a blast. We enjoyed a pizza lunch afterward with dear friends! Now we're headed into July!

My oldest turns 12!

This picture describes my son completely. He has been this way since the day he was born, 12 years ago today! Jovial, nutty, kooky, and just plain fun. It seems like just yesterday that he was that happy infant I would take out of a crib after a nap. It seems like just yesterday that he was learning to walk. It seems like just yesterday when he started kindergarten-now he's in Junior High. I just honestly don't know where the time has gone. However, I have enjoyed every moment, no matter how fast those moments have flown by. And I know that there aren't that many more moments until he's off to college and starting his own family. If the next 12 years fly by as fast as the first.....yikes! I'm still working on that formula to stop the growing process. Nah! Each new stage is a fun adventure!

Happy Birthday Austin! You are such a constant joy to our family. Your Dad and I enjoy your antics, your inventions, your creativity, your love for milk, cheese, Smart Balance and bacon (the makings of some high cholesterol...), and your helpfulness in this family. We pray for you, son...that your heart will be softened and that you will lay your life down for the King, who laid down His life for you. As the Proverbs say, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and do not forsake your mother's teaching." This is our prayer for you, that you will fear God and walk with Him always. We love you, "Freak" (inside joke...haha). Have a great 12th birthday!

Yosemite 2009

We just got back from our annual trip to Yosemite. This year was a little different than in years past. Since Dave is still fresh on the new job, he could not get any time off. So we sold our site to some friends, whom we also lent our trailer to. My sister generously offered to house the boys and I for a few days in her trailer, so we could still come up and enjoy the trip! Poor Dave had to work, and the boys and I took a road trip in Karen's Jeep up to beautiful Yosemite. It rained most of the weekend, but we still managed to make the most of it! We did our usual hike to Vernal Falls, biked around the valley, viewed all the waterfalls, and let the kids swim in the freezing cold Merced River-until it poured rain on all of us until we were soaking wet. We laughed the whole way to the warm trailer that had a space heater and hot tea awaiting our arrival! That's what I call camping, friends. This year, we did something different and took a day trip out to Tuolomne Meadows (don't ask me how to pronounce that, but it is commonly referred to as "Twa-lum-ee" Meadows. We viewed snow-capped mountains, beautiful lakes, one of the largest meadows in North America, and enjoyed a breathtaking view of the back of Half Dome from Olmstead Point. When we left to go back home, the boys and I enjoyed a few stops that we usually can't do when we pull our trailer. We stopped to watch the absolutely crazy and out of their mind amazing climbers on El Capitan, hiked the short 0.2 mile walk up to the base of Bridalveil Falls, which is one of the beautiful, yet smaller of the amazing waterfalls is Yosemite (Yosemite Falls being the largest waterfall in North America)! We also stopped at the tunnel view, which offers the most amazing view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, El Capitan, the Merced River, etc. It is an absolutely mind-boggling, awe-inspiring, God praising experience. I love Yosemite, and never tire of it no matter how many times I have been!

The boys about to see Bridalveil Falls.

The Polar Bear Club braving the freezing water!

Beautiful Bridalveil Falls

The Tunnel View point offers a stunning first look at Yosemite Valley.

Half Dome from Olmstead Point

Walking back to the trailer in the pouring rain after the swim

A lake we visited on our drive to Tuolomne Meadows

Playing in the snow!

About to brave the water!

The boys and I at Olmstead Point

Austin at Olmstead Point with Half Dome behind him

Austin Graduates Elementary School!

My new Junior High Student!

I can't believe it, but today Austin is officially graduating Elementary School! It seems like just yesterday that I was teaching him his letters. Now he is in Junior High!!! Where has the time gone? He has been a pleasure to teach, and is a fast and easy learner. He has grown so much in so many ways since he started school. I have enjoyed the privilege of homeschooling him from the very onset of his education, and look forward to continuing! So many people ask me if I plan on homeschooling through the end of high school or if I will ever send him to school. The answer is, God willing, I will homeschool him. I enjoy having him at home, he is thriving and learning, he is an integral part of this family, and he is gaining valuable life lessons and opportunities that he wouldn't get at school. I am so thankful to God for the blessing of being able to freely homeschool our children, and I don't take it for granted. In a world where the government wants control of everything, including our children, I am thankful that God is in control above all of that. God's Word is true and right, I will stick by it, and I will diligently teach its precepts to my children, all because of the right I currently have to homeschool. I pray the Lord will allow many more years of this precious freedom.

Tonight is our homeschool group's Promotion Ceremony, and I am excited to officially enjoy the passing of my eldest boy into Junior High! Austin, congratulations on your accomplishments in finishing your elementary education! I'll continue to pray for you diligently, my son!

Thrifty Tip Tuesday!

With summer coming, I have already started making a lot of my cool and refreshing summer treats. I have an assortment of yummy concoctions that I'm sure save me a lot of money as opposed to buying packaged ice cream and popsicles. Most popsicles and other various ice cream treats are so wonderful, but they can be relatively expensive, even at the warehouse clubs. And they can also have a lot of undesirable ingredients that you can't even pronounce. I have found that with a little effort, you can have a storehouse of frozen treats at your disposal for those hot summer days ahead! We don't have central air in our house, only a swamp cooler, so some days in July and August can get pretty hot in our house. It's so wonderful to have cold treats on hand for those type of days!

Here are some of my favorite go-to things to make for the freezer. I hope you enjoy making them and serving them to your family as much as I do.

Frozen Chocolate Dipped Bananas

My sister just featured this recipe on her blog's weekly "Way Delicious Wednesdays" series. If you don't visit her blog, you really need to. There is a wealth of information there, and you will enjoy her wit! I don't know when or where I got the idea to do these, but ever since, my family begs me for them. They actually beg, on their knees. OK, they don't, but it sounded good. I sometimes bring a ton of these when we go camping, and they are gobbled up in no time at all. I mean come on, who doesn't like a frozen, chocolate dipped banana rolled in some sort of yummy topping like oreo crumbs, coconut, nuts, or sprinkles? Mmm, mmm. Get this recipe on my sister's blog by clicking on the link above. You'll find it's well worth the effort.

Snow Cones

Do you have a snow cone machine? Really, it's just an electric ice shaver. I think I paid $20 for mine a few years ago, and it's still going strong. And hey, ice is cheap! Especially if you have an automatic ice maker in your fridge! Just buy a bottle of that syrupy goodness at your local Walmart or Target, and there you go! A bottle of syrup will run you about $2-$3, but you'll get lots of snow cones out of that. If you don't care for all of the artificial ingredients, you can make your own syrup at home. There are lots of recipes floating around the internet. You can also use frozen lemonade or orange juice concentrate. Just thaw and pour. Thaw and pour. See how simple that is.

Smoothies

We love smoothies around here. As soon as it gets warm, the blender comes out of hibernation and takes its rightful place next to its friend, the KitchenAid mixer on the counter. And they fight for my attention. I make smoothies for breakfast, smoothies with lunch, smoothies as snacks, and smoothies for dessert. I love smoothies (can you tell)? Smoothies are my life.

Besides being healthy, these are pretty economical as well, especially if you compare making them at home to the cost of one of those rip off juice or smoothie places which will remain nameless. My standard smoothie consists of a base of bananas. I like to add something tart, whether it be crushed pineapple or orange juice, then I add berries. Strawberries, mixed berries, blueberries, whateverberries. Add some ice, and blend. Some people like to add yogurt or milk for a protein boost. You can even hide add some flax oil in there for an added health benefit. You can go for a "themed" smoothie, such as pina colada, peaches and cream, the possibilities are endless. Well, I suppose they end somewhere, I just haven't found the end yet. I also sometimes pour my smoothie mixture into dixie cups, cover with foil, and shove in a popsicle stick. Freeze until firm, then peel off the dixie cup. Which brings me to my next treat....


Homemade Popsicles

I can always remember how my Mom would pour orange juice into ice cube trays, cover them with foil, stick toothpicks in them and freeze. I always loved that! This method works well with orange juice or lemonade, or any juice for that matter. I like to use the dixie cup method or my handy dandy Tupperware popsicle molds. Sometimes I mix yogurt with chopped fruit (try this recipe) for smoothie fruit pops. Or try your hand at fudge pops. There are tons of recipes available. Who doesn't like popsicles, I mean, come on.

I'm sure these ideas will save you some money, and not only money, but countless empty calories and artificial ingredients. So try your hand at some of these treats and you may just be the envy of all the neighborhood kids. They may be banging down your door. So go answer.