Christmas Pictures

Finally I'm getting some pictures posted. Scroll down, as I've posted quite a few.

Julie & Alayna were recently in the Christmas concert at school. Alayna's 3's class from daycare sang some songs, and Julie's class sang, also. The theme was "Christmas Around the World", and Julie wore a sombrero, and played maracas for one of the songs. Unfortunately my camera is not very good indoors, so I didn't get a picture of it.

Julie wearing her new Christmas dress.


Alayna refused to cooperate during practices, but she sang out during the concert.

Fun With Cousins

A couple weeks ago Dave & I watched John & Danika for the day, while Doug and Andrea went out of town. We had a great time, and the kids were wonderful. I didn't take a lot of pictures, but I did manage to take some of Joel & John together. In another year, I think these two will create a lot of mischief together. :)



"Will he cry if I take this out of his mouth?"


John is such an adorable little chunk! He is very sweet-natured, and I can't get enough of him. I often steal him from the workers at the daycare on the days I work.

Picture Updates

The other day Julie was bundled and all ready for school, in a snowstorm. I watched the news in the morning and there appeared to be no delays or cancellations, so out she went to wait for the bus. I just figured this is NW Pennsylvania, and we don't cancel for much of anything around here. After 10 minutes of waiting, and playing in the snow, Dave asked me to check again. Sure enough, there was a 2-hour delay, which was being shown on another news station, not the one I had watched. Oh well!


I was digging through the attic the other day and came across my Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls. Julie is having a great time playing with them. She wanted her picture taken with her babies.


Julie's teeth seem to be falling out like crazy lately. I love the tooth-less smile, but I'm afraid the tooth fairy isn't very good about remembering each time to put money under the pillow. She often makes an appearance in the morning, after Julie notices that her tooth is still under her pillow. Oops!

Tomorrow Nights Menu: Tacos!

Conversation with Alayna on the way home from daycare today:

Alayna: Mom, is tonight AWANA?
Me: Yes
Alayna: Can we have tacos before AWANA?
Me: Probably not tonight, maybe another night.
Alayna: I have an idea
Me: What's that?
Alayna: Tomorrow you go buy some tacos, and we'll have them for supper, k?
Me: We'll see...


It's Wednesday, and I've worked 21 hours so far this week at the daycare. Normally I won't work this much, but this week they needed me to fill in for someone else, so I agreed to take the extra hours. I have tomorrow off, then work again Friday afternoon, after taking Julie's class to see the Nutcracker Friday morning. It's a full week. Somewhere in the craziness I need to finish Christmas shopping, and start some baking...Ah, the list is endless!

Quick Update

I realize it's been almost a month since I last posted anything. Honestly, life is moving faster than I can keep up with these days. We've also been dealing with a lot of cold/flu stuff in our home. All three kids have had ear infections and bad colds, and Julie had the flu. Dave & I have also been fighting this cold thing, and our remaining coughs sound more like barking seals. Dave, Joel, Alayna & I had lunch in Arby's yesterday, after doing some christmas shopping. I went into such a coughing fit that I actually broke blood vessels in my eyelid - not to mention I felt like a complete idiot in Arby's.

I am still enjoying my part-time job at the daycare. Joel & Alayna haven't completely adjusted to this change in their lives, but I pray they will soon. Alayna seems to enjoy her 3's class, as long as she doesn't see me, hear me, or think about me, while I work in the 2's class. Joel is in the 2's room with me, and he's fine as long as I'm in his sight. If I take another child to the bathroom and leave him behind with the other teacher, he bursts into tears. They will get used to it, I'm sure. This is a big change in what was normal for them.

Dave is still seeking out what the Lord has for him next. Carpentry is a bit slow right now, with winter months upon us. He & Doug have a bathroom remodel coming up soon, so that will be good, and dad continues to search for the next house to buy and fix up, to re-sell.

Christmas is approaching a little too fast for me this year. On top of the gift buying, decorating, and card-sending, I am missing my mom so much. I miss her all the time, but it seems even harder this time of year. Putting up my parents Christmas tree the other day, and decorating it, was a very hard thing for me to do. The memories that came flooding out of those boxes as I unpacked them, from ornaments Doug & I made as kids, to ornaments I bought my mom in more recent years, was overwhelming. I am grateful for the distraction of kids, and the joy they bring especially this time of year. If it wasn't for their excitement, I'm not sure I'd be feeling much joy this Christmas season. It is good to be with family, and very comforting and healing, but the absence of my mom is so strong.

Tonight is the school Christmas concert, and Julie & Alayna are both participating in it. It will be a fun night, and with all the snow we are being dumped with today, it sure is beautiful. I will post pictures soon of the kids...and try to be better about updates.

Workin' 9 to 5...What A Way To Make A Living...

Today was my first day back in the work-force. Not that I haven't been "working" for the past 6 1/2 years. I started working part-time for the daycare at my dad's church (the church we are currently attending). My schedule is not set yet, but I'm going in twice this week to start getting familiar with the kids, the routine, etc. I'm helping in the two year old class where my niece Danika is. Joel stays with me in the 2's room, and Alayna goes into the 3's class. Today went very well, and I enjoyed the kids so much. The weather was gorgeous, so we took the kids for a walk around the neighborhood. Watching 8 kids hang on to a rope was pretty funny, but they did so well. The lead teacher asked Danika to tell everyone who I was, and she introduced me as "Miss Kristen," not "Aunt Kristen," which cracked me up.

I think I'm going to really enjoy this job. Just the fact that I can take Joel & Alayna with me, and it's in the same school where Julie attends, is so great! Dave told me tonight though, that I'm not allowed to work in the infants room. He said that it's dangerous to allow me to hold infants all day, since it only puts bad ideas in my head...like, wanting another one. :) We'll see....

Password

I have removed the password protection for the time-being. Some of you were having trouble accessing the blog, and I want you to be able to follow it...so we'll keep it open for now. Sorry if this is confusing everyone. :)

Random Fall Pictures

This week has been beautiful and sunny, and slightly warm for this time of year (close to 60). Knowing that snow and blustery cold weather is on it's way makes me appreciate this weather all the more. For a change of scenery I brought Joel & Alayna over to Doug & Andrea's this morning. I can use the high-speed, and it gives the kids some different toys to play with. Dave is working with Doug today on some night-stands Doug's building for someone. They're working in Doug's garage, so we will have lunch with them when they come in. A special treat!

We had a busy weekend, but very fun. Saturday night we went to Doug & Andrea's church to hear Doug preach. He did an awesome job preaching from Nehemiah, and it was such a blessing to us to hear him. Their church offers supper after their Saturday night service, so we stayed for soup & salad. Sunday, after church, we took Grandma Andrews out to eat for her 80th birthday. I arranged for two ladies to come to dad's and watch the little ones for us. They needed naps, and frankly we just wanted an enjoyable, semi-quiet, meal. Alayna, Danika, Joel & Johnathan had pizza (well, not John) and naps, and were much happier when we returned. We took Grandma to Sugar-n-Spice Restaurant in Waterford. A delicious amish-style cooking restaurant. Uncle Dave drove up from the Lancaster area to be with us, and Grandma's sister Marilyn, her husband, Chuck, and their two granddaughters joined us, as well. Afterward everyone came back to dad's house for cake & ice cream.

This coming weekend Dave plans to hunt at the camp with dad, so he'll be gone Friday night. The kids and I will probably head to Grandma Bierer's for supper. I know if we show up around 5 we'll be fed. :)

Andrea took lots of great pictures of Grandma's party, so as soon as I get copies from her, I'll post more.
Julie, Alayna & Johnathan with Grandma.


Things are pretty cramped at dad's, but Joel doesn't seem to mind his new crib. j/k
He's a good sport when his sister's play "house" with him.


I took these a couple weeks ago of Alayna outside at dad's. I love how they turned out.

Fun!

Here are some pictures from last weekend. Friday night my Grandma Bierer invited us to her church for a kids harvest party. It's a pretty big deal, and done up very well. There were lots of kid-friendly games, and after they played each game they filled their bags with candy. They also handed out cider, donuts & popcorn. The kids had a great time, and we have more candy than we could ever need. I know Grandma enjoyed herself, too. The evening was a success until 9 p.m., after the kids were in bed, and Julie woke up with an upset stomach and threw up all over the toilet lid. She forgot to lift the lid...ugh! I guess donuts before bedtime wasn't the best idea.

Saturday night we dressed the kids up again and visited lots of family. We were supposed to go with Doug & Andrea and their kids, but 10 minutes before we were going to leave Doug called to say Danika had a 103 fever and threw up. Poor kiddo ended up with strep throat. She's much better now, but we were sad they couldn't go with us.

Harvest Party


Thanks to Grandma Bierer for Joel & Alayna's costumes, which came from the thrift shop she volunteers at. Julie's Renaissance costume came from another nearby thrift store.






The ferocious lion petting his kitty


Completely worn out from all the activity! Joel took a little nap on Grandma Andrews living room floor.

Thank Goodness for the Flash Drive

Finally, I can post some recent pics to the blog. As you know, we are living with my dad at this time, and he only has dial-up. I'm grateful for internet access, but keeping up a blog - let alone keeping pictures posted to the blog, is difficult. Dave bought a flash drive and now I can put the pictures on my computer, then bring them over to dad's computer and upload them to my blog. Well, it sounds like a lot of work, but it's not too bad.

We're doing well, and settling in to life in PA. Three trips to the Photo Driver's Center, and we now have our PA licenses...ugh! Dave spent last Friday night at the hunting camp, and hunted Saturday with dad. I had the privelege of seeing them bringing home two squirrels and a grouse. Pardon me if you don't see me jumping for joy. The policy is - I am willing to cook venison and wild turkey, anything else is left to you to cook. This was my mom's policy, and I think it's a good one. I'm happy that you hunt and enjoy it, and you have my full support. However, don't ask me to skin it, gut it, clean it, fry it or bake it, if it is not something I will eat. :)

Dave is still working with my dad & brother. Work is a little slow for dave right now, but we continue to pray and seek what God has for us. We love being close to my family, and being with my dad has helped in so many ways.

Here are some pictures of the kids.

Julie on her first day of school. She picked out this dress, and insists on wearing it often.


Joel, sporting his winter hat. He put it on himself. Probably to cover up his recent "accidental" buzz-cut that I gave him. It's growing out, and not as bad now.


Julie & Joel...you can get a better view of his haircut in this picture.


Even though she's attending a Christian school, she is still able to ride the public school bus, which works great for us.


Enjoying a warmer fall day outside. It's supposed to drop in the 40's this week. brrrr

The Password Please

I've made the decision to password-protect my blog. I really enjoy blogging and want to continue, but feel I need to do this. If you want to continue following our family-updates, please leave me a comment and your e-mail address, if I don't have it, and I'll make sure to let you know when I do this, so you can still access this site.

Yes, I'm Still Blogging

I fully intend to keep up with the blog, but with all that's been going on I've been preoccupied, and unable to post much. Not to mention I'm using dial-up service at dad's, and that makes it harder to keep things updated.

Julie is enjoying school a lot, and her teacher is great! Joel was sick last week with a fever, and this week Alayna has been sick. Dave & I were planning to attend a couple's retreat this weekend at a nearby church camp, but cancelled our plans to go. Julie woke up not feeling well this morning, too. Hopefully they'll all be feeling better soon, and Dave, Dad & myself can avoid getting sick.

There's really not a lot of new and exciting information to share. We're doing well (other than kids having bad colds), and getting settled into my dad's house. Reggie, our cat, seems to like his new home, and so far seems to be getting along fine with my dad's cat, Sophie. Sophie loves to hiss at Reggie when he walks in the room, but so far no cat-fights. Joel is thrilled to have two cats now to torment.

Hopefully I'll have some pictures to post soon.

Settling In

We arrived last Saturday to Erie, safe & sound. My blogging updates will be less frequent right now, as I'm working mostly from dad's computer, at this point, on dial-up. Lots of unpacking to do. Julie started school today at Bethel Christian, which is part of my dad's church. We are grateful she is able to attend there, and she was very excited.

Please keep us in your prayers, as we continue to settle in. Dave started work right away this week with Dad & Doug.

Alayna Turns 3 & We Are Moving!!!

So many changes taking place in our home right now. First of all, we have prayerfully decided that on Saturday, October 3rd, we will be moving to Erie, PA. Our plan is to move in with my dad, and Dave will work carpentry with my dad and brother until we can get settled. As you know, this has been a difficult summer for me emotionally, and being near family will be very healing for all of us.

In the middle of packing & moving Alayna had her third birthday, yesterday (Monday). We celebrated on Sunday with Dave's family, at Dave's Grandma's home. All three of our kids spent Saturday night with Dave's mom and Grandma, and Dave & I drove up Sunday afternoon to have dinner with everyone, and enjoy the day together.

Here's some pics from our day...thanks again to Dave's Grandma for the delicious dinner, and for making Alayna's birthday cake!

Blowing out the candles.






Dave & I bought her a Baby Alive doll. Julie has one, and they both love it. Twenty Dollars for a doll that pees...I will never understand this. :)




Playing with her new Kazoo, going down the slide...that's the life!


The girl cousins! Lily (Nathan & Kristy's daughter), Julie & Alayna.


Five of the nine Miles Grandkids...Dave & Nathan were hidden behind the stump holding up the boys.




Happy Birthday my sweet girl! We love you so much!

Impromptu Photo-Shoot

This afternoon the kids and I were outside playing and I decided to do a little photo session with them. I haven't really taken many pictures of the three of them together...too hard to get them all to cooperate, I suppose. I edited the pictures using the free Google program, Picasa. It's basic, but perfect for an amateur like me. Anyway, this is the outcome, enjoy!





Joel's first birthday came & went, and I still haven't had his birthday pictures taken. It's so different with the third child, than the first. Sorry Joel! I'll probably just get this printed and frame it. Much easier than a trip to Sears. :)


This is the very first picture I took, and it's my favorite!


I put together this collage of all the fun shots I took of the kids on the big swing. I couldn't get them all to smile and look at me at the same time, but I thought these pics of them laughing were priceless!

This -n- That

School has oficially begun in our home. Things are going well, and Julie is already reading at a 10th grade level, not bad for 3 days of school, huh? Okay, she's not reading yet, but that's the main focus this year.

We enjoyed a nice labor day at home with friends of ours from PA. It was so good to visit with them, and have our kids playing together for the day.

Julie started swim lessons Tuesday night and really seemed to like it. She was the only one in her class at 5:45, so we're going to move her to the 4:45 class so she'll be learning with other kids her age.

I recently discovered that Joel loves Baby Einstein videos. Julie loved them, too, as a baby. I was relieved to figure out something that he'll sit still for, for more than 20 seconds. It's been a lifesaver in the morning when I'm getting ready, and again at dinner time when his favorite thing is to follow me around the kitchen crying, with his hands in the air to hold him. Here's a couple pictures of his new pasttime. I strap him into the bouncy seat, which then allows me to get a quick shower knowing that he isn't running free.





Last Wednesday a couple of my good friends came over with their kids for the afternoon. It was just warm enough that the kids could play in the pool...they didn't seem to mind that the pool was small, they had a blast.


A recipe to share with you!
Julie actually came across this recipe a year ago, while playing a Holly Hobby game online. We made them together, and I've been fixing them on ocassion ever since. They are easy, and yummy!
Yesterday Alayna & Julie helped me make a batch to go with our homemade mac-n-cheese supper.

Applesauce Muffins (recipe below)


2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 t. baking powder
1 t. ground cinnamon
1/4 t. salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 cup unsweetened applesauce (I use whatever I have in the house)
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease or line with paper liners a 12 cup muffin pan.

Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk to blend. Add the egg, applesauce and melted butter. Stir until just blended. Spoon into prepared pan. Bake until puffed and toothpick inserted comes out clean; 18-20 minutes. Makes 12 muffins.

Let's See, What's New???

We are oficially starting school here on Tuesday. Julie enters first grade, and her first year of home-schooling. I mentioned a few posts ago that this is a decision we've made for this year, and we're giving it a try. I must say I'm very excited, and still can't believe I'm doing this. Julie is also excited, and when the box of curriculum arrived in the mail this week she was just as anxious as I was to see everything inside the box. This year's primary focus will be on her reading and writing skills, we'll also be working on math together. I chose a kindergarten math for her, since the book contained many things she never learned last year in Kindergarten, so I felt it was important to start there. If we move through the book quickly, then I'll order the 1st grade level right away. Julie will also be learning about Colonial America this year (U.S. History), and we'll be working our way through a book called "Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day" (Science), as well as some Geography, Health, etc. Julie's excited, I'm excited, we'll see how it goes. Julie also begins her first swim lesson Tuesday night. I signed her up at the YMCA for a class every Tuesday night, for eight weeks. Dave is also taking a weekly class for the Fire Department right now. Every Thursday for nine weeks he is taking a "scene support" class.

This past week we stayed busy with end-of-summer activities. The girls went in the pool on warmer days, played with friends, played outside after supper until it got dark, we had a picnic outside, ate popsicles, and all that fun stuff. I really don't mind summer, but I am a big fan of fall. The thought of cooler days, beautiful leaves, pumpkins and apple-picking make me happy. I won't wish the summer away, but the pull towards fall is exciting, too.

Dave is busy each evening working on the desk he is building me for our office. I can hardly wait until it's all finished, put together, and all my stuff is neatly organized in it. I appreciate all the hard work he is putting into this project. I look forward to sharing photos with you of the completed desk.

Enjoy the long weekend!

Memory Bears

A few weeks ago my girls received an awesome gift from dear friends of our family. I have known them for 20+ years, and am very grateful for them. After mom passed away they asked if they could have an item from mom's closet to have teddy bears made for my girls, and my niece, Danika, as a reminder of mom. Dad and I decided that her bath robes would work great.

The bears were made and delivered to dad, and a few weeks ago he mailed the girls their two bears. I cannot tell you how much this meant to me, and to Julie & Alayna. They immediately started calling them their "Mimi Bears," and they sleep with them each night and hug them tightly. As you can imagine, receiving the bears stirred up a lot of emotion for me. Julie has shown a great deal of maturity at times, during mom's illness and passing. When she saw me crying over the bears she came to me and said, "it's okay mom, everyone that knew Mimi misses her." She also said things like, "it's okay to cry, I know you miss your mom very much." She told me she was trying to say everything that daddy (Dave) does, so she didn't have to go and get him while I cried. What a precious, and grown up, little six year old.

Julie's bear is made from a light pink robe mom wore in the summer. It is faded from washing, but when we would visit my parents Julie would always wear this robe around the house, and we'd call her "Mini Mimi." Alayna's bear (and Danika's) is made from a robe I had bought mom a couple Christmas' ago.

Thank you again, Jeff & Terry. Having these bears made for the girls means more than you will ever realize...to them, and me.



Mom has been home in Heaven for over two months now. At this time it only feels like it's getter harder, and not easier. You will not find me blogging about this often at this point, as I am not looking to document the stages of my grief. I do not grieve for my mom to come back, to do that would not be fair to her...she is with her Heavenly Father, why would I wish her back from that? I grieve for my loss, and the loss my entire family feels. Her absence is always present on my mind, and the emotions strike me at the strangest times - a church picnic, doing household chores, being out in groups of people...no rhyme or reason, it just happens. I miss her.

A Family A"Fair"

Tuesday we spent the day at the Dutchess County Fair with Dave's family. We met at the fair grounds around 11:30, ate our picnic lunches in the parking lot (I know, I know...most of the fun of a fair is the fair food...well, this was just easier with all the kids). We had a great time and the weather was perfect. The kids enjoyed seeing the many animals, and Dave's favorite was the Wildlife exhibit with taxidermy displays..."you might be a redneck at the fair if..." Just kidding. It was a great exhibit, minus the huge pythons.

The kids were exhausted after such a fun day in the sun. Afterwards everyone came back to our house for hot dogs on the grill, s'mores over the fire and a campout. The girls slept in a tent all night for the first time, and they thought it was great!

Wednesday morning Dave's mom took the kids home with her for the day, which allowed Dave and I to get a lot done at home. We were able to get Joel's room moved into what was our office, and set up a temporary office space in Joel's former room. We also went to Lowe's where Dave bought the materials he needs to build me a really great desk and work space for Julie's schooling. He wanted to build the desk, and the cost of materials for what we wanted was cheaper than purchasing the desk somewhere else. I can't wait until it's finished. All in all, we've had a busy couple of days, but very enjoyable. Enjoy the pictures!



Julie and Alayna with two of their cousins, watching the high dive show.


Julie certainly enjoyed the fair ice cream.


Alayna was worn out, but she hung in there all afternoon without a nap.


Julie on the pony go-round ride.


Julie & Jeremy (Dave's sisters youngest), riding the pony go-round.


Joel loved riding the pony!


A fair wouldn't be complete without sitting on some of the John Deere tractors.


Joel and cousin Nate.


Our evening ended with a family camp-out in our backyard. Nathan, Kristy & their kids couldn't stay, but Dave's sister, her boys, Dave's mom & grandma all stayed. Joel, Shelly, Grandma Legg & myself all slept in the house...the rest of them braved the elements outdoors, and had a blast. (Sorry, my camera takes terrible night pictures, so this is pretty fuzzy)