tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82219619868049445422012-01-25T20:58:04.459-08:00To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else~DickinsonMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.comBlogger7241100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-25785213108895425102012-01-25T20:58:00.000-08:002012-01-25T20:58:04.467-08:00

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-63158642924229702392012-01-25T20:45:00.000-08:002012-01-25T20:45:40.300-08:00

Sweet thirteen! Making Sock Monkeys!

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-55665038600334792842012-01-25T20:36:00.000-08:002012-01-25T20:36:51.504-08:00

After a long and peaceful Advent, time to get out the stockings! Kids decorated the tree for us...  Did you really think we got you GF crackers?  His rescue pack?  My favorite gift, a Dan-original Lights for everyone?

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-78257078204393522732012-01-16T19:51:00.000-08:002012-01-16T19:51:27.447-08:00

I've pretty much had a headache since Talia was born, off and on. The doctor said it was probably a result of the epidural, and that sometimes it can take a year to wear off. well, true to her word, about three weeks before Talia turned one, it faded. Now it's back with a vengeance, two weeks of near migraine pain. Today was a complete migraine, and after lunch pretty much i went to bed. Now I

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-48984133806909369272012-01-08T21:19:00.000-08:002012-01-08T21:19:32.620-08:00

"He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it." Clarence Kelland

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-35254756429597074562011-12-24T18:12:00.000-08:002011-12-24T18:12:36.086-08:00

Two days old...'hewwo baby!"  "And girls really wear these?"  First trip to the lake! My first build a bear Learning to crawl, at the Blazeks house Fourth of July, at the Kramers Touring the museum  Learning to stand She's a Gray girl...lookit the dirt! She washes up real nice though. Rachel made a hat the fits her 'tood  The dress that grandma made First s'more  Dressing up for pretend

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-73615520276117469062011-12-11T21:06:00.000-08:002011-12-11T21:06:10.083-08:00

Or a new hope, if you wish, we ARE watching Star Wars today. I like Advent though, for our family it's considered the new year, so much like spring, I look at it as a jump start to reinventing ourselves. This Sunday's verse and sermon were about making straight a path. In addition, we're reminded to REJOICE. Nothing tells me more that I was falling away, that my fear and exhaustion has given me

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-29432091480856934842011-12-06T08:04:00.000-08:002011-12-06T08:04:37.105-08:00

Breanna loved her halloween costume SO much, she was Fiona from Shrek, if you don't recall. SO, she has been wearing this two dollar wig we bought at JoAnns Fabric, every.single.day. Since Halloween. No kidding.  It's starting to look straggly. She's brushed the hair day after day. There are two felt ogre ears sewn on which has pulled the underlaying fabric out of place and it's starting to tear.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-50033839679712773442011-11-27T21:20:00.000-08:002011-11-27T21:26:18.918-08:00

A sparkling Christmas tree! We got the baby last year ;-) This year we've decided to not decorate all at once, but add a decoration each day after we light our Advent candle and someone has read the bible verse for the day...going slow, enjoying our Advent preparations!

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-86938542736006106042011-11-23T21:07:00.000-08:002011-11-24T10:51:21.091-08:00

I've been saving them up so far! 1. That fall has arrived with cooler weather 2. For knitting night, with my friends and daughters 3. For Josh's cooperative classes, and the teachers he respects and learns from 4. SO very thankful for Emily's and Rachel's teachers, and the things they learn from them 5. That I am capable of standing outside OU stadium for eight hours selling programs, yay

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-61001046459079505152011-11-10T21:21:00.000-08:002011-11-10T21:21:23.374-08:00

I was going to post something really profound that i thought of today while I was driving. Unfortunately, by the time I got home it was completely gone. Maybe it is fortunate, however, because then I must share this little bit of information about me. This time of year is always hard for me. We lost our first baby on this day, 18 years ago. I was fourteen weeks along or so, and it was especially

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-80766112007928055692011-11-06T20:22:00.000-08:002011-11-06T20:22:37.634-08:00

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-49933643953239967752011-11-06T20:12:00.000-08:002011-11-06T20:12:21.356-08:00

First a'ball...she has two tiny teeth Most people freak out, but our kids get teeth pretty late, some haven't until their first birthday(she looks thrilled, yes?) "Goodness ma, just let me GOOOO PLAY!" "I mean it, stop snapping pictures of me" "That's bett....wait a minute!" Walking at ten months one week of age...  You didn't expect actual shots did you? This isn't a movie...sigh You just have

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-42596821586943535842011-11-01T21:00:00.000-07:002011-11-01T21:00:22.829-07:00

Did I mention we are part Heathen? I mean, really, we're bilingual...Vampire Jack-o-lantern...eaten by more protestant squirrels. You can tell I'm bitter, some missionaries gave us a hard time about Halloween Bre's happy Kermit punkin and a Creeper from Minecraft....it's even hissing Rachel's cutie, that she did all by herself  Nathan, looking all cute with his big machines! Josh being a

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-87718019470061517322011-11-01T20:30:00.000-07:002011-11-01T20:30:12.561-07:00

All of the kids love Portal, as much as they love Minecraft...I love how the girls did their costumes! Chell is the actual character from Portal...she was placed in maze and is forced to complete tests for a company called Aperture Science. She's offered cake if she completes the tests.  Rachel's schematics Emily's handmade gun (with help from an osm dad)  Love this picture for SO many reasons. 

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-55865851378708537782011-11-01T20:11:00.000-07:002011-11-01T20:11:36.929-07:00

"Wi' merry sangs, and friendly cracks, I wat they didna weary; And unco tales, and funny jokes, Their sports were cheap and cheery; Till butter'd so'ns, wi' fragrant lunt, Set a' their gabs a-steerin'; Syne, wi' a social glass o' strunt, They parted aff careerin' Fu' blythe that night." Apparently zombies do NOT smile...not even for their moms But little fairy princesses DO! Breanna's Brilliant

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-30666368892398155252011-10-26T22:14:00.000-07:002011-10-26T22:14:08.206-07:00

If that title doesn't catch your attention, I don't know you as well as I thought. Everyone likes a little gunk, right? I love the look on Ava's face... These pumpkins probably *could* be carved, but really? Just no....we'll use sharpies instead Nathan was really proud of his ability to balance a pumpkin on a spoon. He refused to balance them on his nose and bark like a seal. We, however, kept

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-50559866393946229482011-10-26T19:15:00.001-07:002011-10-26T19:15:50.348-07:00

Went from this... to this trying to decide if I like the color and cut Can you see the orange high lights?

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-68725857417697384162011-10-25T21:06:00.000-07:002011-10-25T21:06:32.593-07:00

I'm adding some more pictures of Nathan, just because he's a cute little guy! Everything around here is okay, we had weatherization from the community action center come out, what a nice group of young men (am i old enough to say that?) Very gentle with the kids, very efficient, conscientious in their work. Add in that it's free, and I'm over the moon. We got CO detectors, new insulation in both

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-57384109585973090602011-10-13T22:09:00.000-07:002011-10-13T22:09:12.595-07:00

Okay, I know it's a bit early, but with nine kids ya gotta start early. And I found these online at Etsy... So cute, upcycled sweaters, weighted dolls I ordered them Monday, and got them today! Of course I couldn't resist letting the kids have them nowThey're weighted to about one pound, so they stand up by themselves, until she knocks them over  Did I mention that they were sturdy? Talia kept

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-1302435299272998582011-10-13T08:34:00.000-07:002011-10-13T08:34:07.854-07:00

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-30373333213170343982011-10-12T21:57:00.000-07:002011-10-12T21:57:12.197-07:00

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-78679421998194628872011-10-12T21:46:00.000-07:002011-10-12T21:46:28.140-07:00

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-26425686075713851482011-09-27T16:05:00.000-07:002011-09-27T16:05:20.734-07:00

Freedom, Oklahoma  Favorite part? Armadillos IN THREEDEE...around our house, they're flat. View of what remains of the lake after a dry year  Bre managed to break through the dry crust to the mud underneath. She lost her crocs, and just SCHLOOOPed her way back.Kept looking at the lake and asking for her blue shoes please Rachel, bless her heart, tried to get them out, but they were

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-44766925934215210722011-09-27T15:48:00.000-07:002011-09-27T15:48:24.252-07:00

What a great stop! The guides were very knowledgable and nice...strict, but when you're taking groups of kids you don't know into 3/4 mile hike underground,I can't blame them!  Waiting for our tour In the hiking pack, which she prefers to any other carrier  Woohoo! Caver parking only! I was tempted by the 'bat crossing' sign, that would match my turtle crossing sign. And there were several great

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-42619869439389690002011-09-27T15:39:00.000-07:002011-09-27T15:39:01.821-07:00

A perfect place to stop for a picnic on our way to north Oklahoma...named for a Cheyenne chief looking for gypsum rocks  Found some small caves  I have no idea what was going on here...  Nice climbing too!

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-69027734988636193452011-09-27T15:24:00.000-07:002011-09-27T15:25:11.878-07:00

Well, Talia, but we call her Lia-Bee for short lol!In the monster hat from Rachel  Her fairie dress from Granma SO cute! Ready for the game Doubtful of hiking But willing to give it a chance In Ava's big panda earsHi...Bye...it's all the same to her!

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-38321292036207841752011-09-14T11:14:00.000-07:002011-09-14T11:14:40.750-07:00

I'm starting to think that just doesn't exist...the 'swing of things'. We've spent two weeks trying to get back into the swing of things, and it's just not going well. I think I'm trying to jump into my expectations without building up with the kids...I can hardly handle my own expectations, much less teaching the kids. Which reminds me of this quote by Samuel Johnson: It is generally known,

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-41281135555950917852011-08-30T17:10:00.000-07:002011-08-30T17:10:20.526-07:00

Dedicating this to Kathryn and Coy... Boys are people.Girls are people.There is no such thing as a boy color. Or a girl color.There is no such thing as boy hair. Or girl hair.Kids know this innately, adults screw it up nearly every time. Let them be kids, let them play with what they love. Don't worry about other people judging them, because you know what? If everyone stopped judging, then no one

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-5176132163457915462011-08-21T20:07:00.000-07:002011-08-21T20:07:41.622-07:00

Last week Tulsa was ringing with the news of a guy climbing a radio tower. He stayed up there for six days, complete with a crowd of gawkers, his own Facebook group and eventually nonstop television coverage. He's a young guy, with a lot against him: black, poor, a history of mental illness, and an unfortunate police record. He's obviously a criminal with his first citation, driving left of

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-44251055051837363722011-08-14T23:47:00.000-07:002011-08-14T23:47:11.457-07:00

Just finished the weekend, and now trying to spend the last little bit of quiet time. I'm ignoring the fact that I'm tired, and enjoying the fact that the kids are all asleep. The espresso ice cream really helped with that. Thursday the family headed to Six Flags over Texas...most of the family. I stayed home with Talia, Nathan and Breanna, which saved me from stress, and allowed the kids to

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-37885245702265569992011-08-09T17:04:00.001-07:002011-08-09T17:04:32.214-07:00

Josh's trip to England, in pictures!

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-73025756668470935182011-07-28T12:02:00.001-07:002011-07-28T12:02:58.543-07:00

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-24019963842872409422011-07-28T11:50:00.000-07:002011-07-28T11:50:27.477-07:00

Big news was that Josh saved up almost $3000 to travel to England with the boy scouts this summer, he left July 19th and will be back on August 3rd. Only 16 days, but seems like forever! Josh is packed up for his trip!  with a St Christopher from Fr Alan Adults are good....  And a picture from Ava!

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-21772172085025682282011-07-28T11:40:00.000-07:002011-07-28T11:40:38.295-07:00

Delaney... Ava with Charlie...she (Charlie, not Ava) took it pretty well. Nathan LOVES his Delaney He even shared his construction vehicles with her For the lowlowlow price of a hug. Rachel and Charlie OMG...she loved the hat The baby even smiled for Emily LOVE.... Share and share alike!  OMG...Breanna was in LOVE with Charlie... Honest, Shauna, Zane was holding her off screen, but isn't this

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-18607069034784690822011-07-28T11:32:00.000-07:002011-07-28T11:32:54.229-07:00

We've been spending a lot of time at the lake this year, free and easy...we started going after having several church events at this beach  what's that splash? drying off for a while  Even eating out there is nicer, when you can get in and out of the water  That's chocolate s'more. honest

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-89622200619954903632011-07-28T10:59:00.001-07:002011-07-28T10:59:40.267-07:00

Broke out the party hats early!  Card from Rachel Bows from Emily, duct tape and strapping tape so they're water-proof lol  Gratuitous icing shot...

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-82313973654645650652011-07-28T10:33:00.000-07:002011-07-28T10:33:53.462-07:00

My last post was almost a month ago, titled Summer Time. You should have taken it as a warning, because we have been BUSY! Even with the heat, we've been here and there and everywhere! I'm going to do a few posts in a row, to make it easier to search later, by topic. Needless to say, things are getting a little bit better. I had a touch of depression, and coupled with my usual anxiety and OCD,

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-40553920559460430642011-06-22T20:04:00.001-07:002011-06-22T20:04:22.640-07:00

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-59113579307840350752011-06-17T11:33:00.003-07:002011-06-17T11:33:24.515-07:00

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-16125014158842360092011-06-15T20:26:00.000-07:002011-06-15T20:26:54.630-07:00

I have not been on as much as I planned lately! We've been trying to get a lot of outdoor stuff done before it gets too hot, as it is, I think many of our things have been too hot! We went to the zoo, various parks and lakes, yesterday hit the Omniplex. I would give you pictures, I am a SUCKA for pictures, but I am too lazy right now to download them from the camera.  As it is, our electricity

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-48741171710691582202011-06-15T16:44:00.000-07:002011-06-15T16:44:17.049-07:00

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-79545260491202586412011-06-02T22:53:00.000-07:002011-06-02T22:53:50.328-07:00

Everyone but Bre, who decided she did not need to deal with this mess.  Tried on a bunch of hats...she's so cute in them all!  Final choice...clown hat!My beautiful princess Ava  Nathan was very sure of himself, kept joing up with other people!  Just for fun, two older pictures that I love...

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-47467122261835018942011-06-02T22:38:00.001-07:002011-06-02T22:38:45.482-07:00

There are a lot of pictures, but he's just too cute to pass up!

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-53166885049784355852011-06-02T08:16:00.000-07:002011-06-02T08:16:08.607-07:00

Noting that swimming was not the intention for ME...but the kids had fun.The water was a bit cool, around 65º I'm guessing. Not my idea of a good time.Watching them, however, was a GREAT time.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-22103491048944725782011-05-27T06:31:00.000-07:002011-05-27T06:31:45.547-07:00

raw pictures, uncropped because I have no time!  Emily's Vest, at the end of Juniors They received even MORE patches at the crossover Rachel's vest, she wasn't a Junior as long as Emily, so not as many patchesShe attended as many events, but they were on her Brownie vest However, she does have the fancy crossover rainbow from Brownies

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-45927085289221453002011-05-26T21:19:00.000-07:002011-05-26T21:19:30.304-07:00

Dan crossed over into bears (seems impossible, wasn't Sam just a bear?!) He earned his Leave No Trace patch, as well as World Conservation  Sam is in his last year of cubs...he's working on WeBeLo 2... The girls set up a surprise celebration for them when we got home...so sweet!

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-54410184098535523702011-05-26T13:05:00.000-07:002011-05-26T13:05:01.450-07:00

We can probably appreciate this more than the neighbors, since it hasn't been our gardens or driveways torn out. Nathan LOVES 'big twucks...bigbigBIGtwucks!"As for the rest of us, it's been fun talking about communities and infrastructure, taxes, etc. 

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-22187027500718436632011-05-26T00:00:00.000-07:002011-05-26T00:00:28.702-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted. I'm going to try and get caught up tomorrow, maybe if you want you can read one a day and just pretend I've been posting regularly? No? Okay, fine! We really have been busy, my awesome kids volunteered to do yard/garden work for several different people/places because they're awesome, and we've been traveling. Have I mentioned how awesome my kids are? Here they are digging

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-46408109315156509772011-05-16T21:41:00.000-07:002011-05-16T21:55:02.457-07:00

Bre has been on medication for almost a month. I almost hate to tell how it's going for fear of jinxing the entire deal. However, it's going so great! It's just about her hormonal time, and while she's gotten a little more frustrated, she is really having that time to rethink and make better choices. And her communication? Is really leaping! Here's what she typed on the iPad tonight. I'm the odd

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-6348698650333787682011-05-11T10:32:00.000-07:002011-05-11T10:32:19.358-07:00

Sorry I haven't been updating, things are CRAZY around here. I don't even have pictures uploaded from my camera. Bre started taking medicine, which is a first. From the time she was small, I've been adamant that we would not use medication to change who she was...autism is not a disease. We tried all kinds of diets and supplements, and had not seen a noticeable reaction. However, over the past

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-8182723380968197742011-05-04T22:32:00.000-07:002011-05-04T22:32:50.164-07:00

seriously? The girls took these pictures... Rachel and EmilyAva Nathananyway, we're awful busy. No surprise there, i'm sure. Kids are all doing good, studying weather, electricity, the civil war, and Josh is finishing his coop classes of algebra and physical science. He'll be working on geometry and biology over the summer so he can do algebra II and chemistry in the fall. Obviously everyone is

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-3019098537657473502011-04-30T18:56:00.000-07:002011-04-30T18:56:53.897-07:00

This is making me weepy today. Probably because Sesame Street and Mr Rogers were two shows that made me feel safe and loved regardless, and there are SO many people who have shared the same experience.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-16320755182364701682011-04-25T22:18:00.000-07:002011-04-25T22:18:02.698-07:00

Long story short:found birdsaved birdfed birdtaught it to fly awaywatch in awe of my amazing kids

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-9579951147065296872011-04-25T21:06:00.000-07:002011-04-25T21:06:33.513-07:00

Baskets for a boatload of kids! A special book from Granma and Granpa Peel"Where's mah KANDY!"  The boys.. Looking out at the rain...glad church had their egg hunt yesterday! Doesn't everyone have Easter oranges? Yer never too old for a basket! My big beautiful girls... Sassy though they may be! So precious to me and still good friends, even stuck together 24/7 Sam Dan Bre, in her Easter finery.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-48983068692892287672011-04-12T17:29:00.000-07:002011-04-12T17:29:08.248-07:00

On the historical ideation of manhood: "I bought into it, and now I'm buying myself right out of it" On pacifism: "It takes a long time to shut up and listen" On the people's memory: "Yes, the long memory is the most radical idea in this country. It is the loss of that long memory which deprives our people of that connective flow of thoughts and events that clarifies our vision, not of where

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-34648620648874350122011-04-10T14:00:00.000-07:002011-04-10T14:00:20.208-07:00

We have a great basement, and in fact, it's what sold us on the house. We recently moved B out to the outerbasement rooms, by her request. It's a little quieter, there aren't rooms above, just an outside deck, and the walls are thick concrete, so not a lot coming through them either. There aren't people walking through to get their laundry from the laundry room either. She's very happy!

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-20618487462504176162011-04-10T13:42:00.000-07:002011-04-10T13:42:46.312-07:00

Just my room, nothing special but it IS my sanctuary!When we moved in, i painted it purpleypurple, but we just repainted in time for Lia to be born. Bookshelf has what few books I have left after donating most to an organization that helps teens in the foster system. Lia-bee's bed and our TV cabinet. Which no longer has any instrument of technology. My own personal bathroom, which I dont share

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-91372685355352757732011-04-10T13:36:00.000-07:002011-04-10T13:36:17.955-07:00

Since it's been a while,  and we've kind of moved things, I thought I'd do a grand tour. You kind of know what it'll be like, when you walk in and see this: See the yellow and red painting? Rachel's work More of our entry way...you'll be able to tell what kind of organizers we are. See the paintings on the wall? The girls and I all worked together on that collection Boys bathroom. It's

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-24751196338841273172011-04-07T23:05:00.000-07:002011-04-07T23:05:58.929-07:00

See, every time I try to stay up to date on this thing, something blows up. This time, it was a washing machine. Sadly enough, our ten year old laundry machine bit the dust. Considering it was a relatively cheap thing, that has done at least three loads a day for the past ten years, sometimes up to six or seven when the kids had the flu, it's done remarkably well lol! I looked around, read

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-64366865511891141132011-03-30T20:17:00.000-07:002011-03-30T20:17:26.827-07:00

There are times when I wonder if we have everything in our life we need. What really makes us happy? Watch some TV...check! Make froggy face...check! drool a little...check! hugs and kisses...check! Snuggles...check! Giggles...check! Chocolate....check! A little help from our friends...check! More chocolate...check! A funny joke... friends... a little dance... a game... special friends... 

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-15724144909239586002011-03-30T19:59:00.000-07:002011-03-30T19:59:33.033-07:00

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-52821791239715906212011-03-28T21:37:00.000-07:002011-03-28T21:37:11.390-07:00

After an hour of shooting water guns, he wasn't wet enough.So he cured that with a jump in the refill bin Do you see the sparkle in his eye?That's the mischievousness  He had lots of help from very excited friends  Thanks everyone, for such a good time!

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-68467037938242830972011-03-28T21:31:00.001-07:002011-03-28T21:31:20.193-07:00

And somehow his fire engine party turned into a water party, complete with water guns for everyone!  He does like his 'boom-boom' And some fire truck too... Especially noisy toy ones Cake by mommy, of course The big kids were relieved that there was big fun! And little man got in on the action! He kept blowing out the candles before we could sing the song, he was much amused by everyone's

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-60050551722797122642011-03-24T13:02:00.000-07:002011-03-24T13:02:37.935-07:00

 Nine weeksTen weeks   Eleven weeks

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-6446017504884076782011-03-20T21:27:00.000-07:002011-03-20T21:27:53.162-07:00

Sam Noble Museum of Natural History...or as we call it, The Dinosaur Museum! Bre's favorite place to be...you can tell because she's rocking pretty hard in these pictures! Nathan's first time to really notice the mammoth  Tradition! Someone must be squished by the mammoth on every visit The overview New exhibit is SO awesome, worth paying to see even! Nathan loves this blow up of bugs helping a

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-85322590663150275482011-03-20T21:16:00.000-07:002011-03-20T21:16:58.898-07:00

Since we had an entire post of just Nathan, how about the other ones? Ava: beautiful princess and paleontologist  Dan: Routine enforcer and general rule follower Emily: My mini-me and gourmet sister Sam: Destroyer of all things evil, lover of all things good Talia: Confused noob wondering how the heck she got here Breanna: Confused, not-so-new sister, but generally exuberantly happy Rachel: Art

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-62128833160292150272011-03-17T21:37:00.001-07:002011-03-17T21:37:40.581-07:00

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-21645610201058955232011-03-17T21:33:00.000-07:002011-03-17T21:34:24.980-07:00

How did it get to be March already? Yikes! I've been meaning to post these for a while, oh, since the end of February lol! My lil girl turned eleven...how can that be? It seems like just yesterday she was born, my first homebirth. I remember being in the shower, and yelling at the midwife that it wasn't working, it still hurt. The midwife was awesome, just kind of laughed. In hindsight, that was

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-11981054626540367882011-02-24T07:51:00.001-08:002011-02-24T07:51:38.492-08:00

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-89492445412335359302011-02-23T21:56:00.000-08:002011-02-23T21:56:00.545-08:00

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-66389461430847685882011-02-23T21:53:00.000-08:002011-02-23T21:53:34.653-08:00

The sea lions were barking loudly today and Ava was so enthralled  around to the meerkats, where the kids made eagle sounds to perk the animals up I think Nathan weighs as much as she does Ava Nathan  Compensatory fries math games on the drive home self portrait by Emily

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-48828844179303920792011-02-23T21:43:00.001-08:002011-02-23T21:43:41.778-08:00

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-56177540992251944862011-02-21T22:13:00.000-08:002011-02-21T22:14:20.413-08:00

Seven weeks old, holding up her head... And at eight weeks. Sleeping better, eating okay, 13 lbs even... Bath day, she gets a little excited

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-57562854323840813932011-02-21T22:04:00.000-08:002011-02-21T22:09:23.341-08:00

(okay, that's for me)

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-12274476810491486612011-02-20T22:34:00.000-08:002011-02-20T22:34:41.822-08:00

There was a speaker who spoke about the loaves and fishes in Matthew 14. I'm sure you know the story, the one where the disciples tell Jesus to send everyone away, it's time for dinner. And Jesus, in his compassion, looks around and basically says, well, if they're hungry, feed them. And THEY look around and kind of kick the dirt and mutter about how they don't have much food, just five loaves

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-37221269042201683822011-02-08T21:49:00.000-08:002011-02-08T21:49:35.493-08:00

No...he's not scared! He's watching someone's avatar on a website. It laughs and sticks out it's tongue while it's fingers flip out. He will ask for it by name!

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-78346245010226355332011-02-07T16:30:00.001-08:002011-02-07T16:53:47.930-08:00

Who knew...from such a sweet little baby would come such a giant, great guy?

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-14327101162948111022011-02-05T11:41:00.000-08:002011-02-05T11:41:54.072-08:00

Six weeks! Look..she's chubbing up! She weighs 13lb2oz She spends more time awake  and she's smiling on purpose Pictures for my mom, who bought her the dancy outfit

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-44070457543180711662011-02-05T10:28:00.000-08:002011-02-05T10:28:03.837-08:00

We had an entire WEEK of snow day! I had already decided we were taking it easy this week, because everyone had been sick. Just one week of lounging around, cut back on chores, no nothing! Great news was that the weather cooperated to keep Zane home as well...so it went much better on my side! Boys with croup do not get to play outside, so the first few days consisted of Nathan leaning out the

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-1685910565584084532011-02-05T10:09:00.000-08:002011-02-05T10:09:45.293-08:00

It all started with Josh, a slight fever, coughing, sore throat for two days. But you know, with so many people in the house it is never that easy lol! Next was Sam, then Dan, followed by Ava and Bre. Each two days at a time! Just when I thought the contagion was contained, another kid would pop up sick. A day or two for a break, then Emily and Rachel. Sigh. Next thing you know, Nathan is sick.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-1180035628664481332011-01-25T12:42:00.000-08:002011-01-25T12:42:15.160-08:00

At three weeks four weeks, with her bear five weeks startlement amused 

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-52799190438044406072011-01-25T12:36:00.000-08:002011-01-25T12:36:30.275-08:00

and some crafts the girls made to celebrate  But especially a cute brother...Nathan is almost two  little haircut

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-74578217011047971692011-01-19T10:28:00.000-08:002011-01-19T10:28:03.099-08:00

Not only do I not have the time or the talent...I don't have the cool thousand dollar sewing machine.So my parents helped the girls finish their quilting projects for scouts...thank you!

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-11311220242009134122011-01-16T23:19:00.001-08:002011-01-16T23:19:22.775-08:00

Mommy and Talia got to come home on Christmas day!Yay!

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-88747104429885025412011-01-16T23:13:00.000-08:002011-01-16T23:13:21.599-08:00

 Since we were trapped in the hospital having a baby...Zane brought the kids (and dinner) up to me. My parents came by also, to visit and see the babe...they just HAPPENED to have a truck load of presents for us. My sister came as well, and it was like a big PARTY! Nathan liked the bed... Granpa watching them open presents...do you see the quilted crown on Ava's head? Homemade, from the 'rents

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-51286475120853799312011-01-11T09:27:00.000-08:002011-01-11T09:27:00.163-08:00

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-64896429774187772572011-01-10T21:23:00.000-08:002011-01-10T21:23:59.168-08:00

We breastfed all of our children for many reasons, for health, for ease, but most of all because I am FRUGAL. I don't want to pay $40 a week for formula...yikes! So I was very dismayed that after eight children, seven of whom nursed soo easily, we had an issue. Talia's tongue was tied!You can kind of tell in the first picture, with her eyes open. Her tongue couldn't extend further than her lips.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-79141204684102719162011-01-10T14:31:00.000-08:002011-01-10T14:31:00.334-08:00

Cutest angel! Solemn angel... Shepherd...or Rambo?  Three wise guys...um, gals  Gorgeousness Heavenly host... Choirmaster "Jingle Bells!" "Oh My!" "Lamb butts roasting on an open fire..."  Good acting... "for behold, tonight a child is born!" "Did you hear that?!?!"  "We can take the lambs WITH us!" Two kings following the star to the third It's hard work following stars around Asia eh? all.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-75908930187895558392011-01-10T14:07:00.000-08:002011-01-10T14:07:59.654-08:00

My sweet Emily turned 12 in December...we always push her birthday back a little from Christmas. This time we pushed it back quite a bit! Donut cake! Using Model Magic to make our own donuts! Bre even got in on the action  Thanks, friends, for celebrating with us. 

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-26774362618725193192011-01-06T09:29:00.000-08:002011-01-06T09:29:09.331-08:00

PERSONALITY!

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-56273863976141593992011-01-06T09:26:00.000-08:002011-01-06T09:26:56.930-08:00

Coolest big brother ever! but it's hard work being so cool. poor lil guy...

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-84649976631010082162011-01-06T09:23:00.000-08:002011-01-06T09:23:15.380-08:00

The baby was due on December 15th, and that day came and left. In hindsight, I had labor off and on for four days before Talia was born. The contractions would last two or three hours, and get three to five minutes apart before they just stopped. On December 23, we decided to take the kids to look at Christmas lights around the town. When we got home, I headed to my room to finish knitting a

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-65435930850988933572010-12-25T17:48:00.000-08:002010-12-25T17:48:40.606-08:00

Announcing Talia Nicole Grayborn 12/24/2010weighing 9lbs and 4oz

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-72792556329261439402010-12-06T13:58:00.000-08:002010-12-06T13:58:37.863-08:00

Everyone knows who santa is, right? From http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=44, In the West Nicholas is most widely known as the patron saint of children. Many of his stories tell of children rescued from calamity and returned to the care and keeping of their families. In France the most familiar story, both told and sung, is of three little children lured into the clutches of an evil

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-70807024160346978242010-11-29T15:11:00.000-08:002010-11-29T15:11:25.118-08:00

She had a GREAT time...after saying she wanted a Plants Vs Zombies birthday.The girls made the fondant plants, and I decorated the cake.  She had a wonderful time PLAYING PvZ, and then opening some really thoughtful presents. The star of the show was Delaney though...everyone was in love with her sweetness!

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-61816590118929373502010-11-03T09:41:00.000-07:002010-11-03T09:41:32.130-07:00

Playing grandpa's fallen wood flute.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-63692728559066215092010-11-01T17:24:00.000-07:002010-11-01T17:24:05.025-07:00

Okay, not really lol! Rachel drew the face, Emily painted a nice round circle. Which is good, because I couldn't see below the nose!

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-73665230049952914202010-10-31T19:50:00.000-07:002010-10-31T19:50:03.734-07:00

Prayer from our priest this morning as he blessed the children in their costumes‎"Blessed are You, Lord our God; you have given us spirits of joy and wonder. We wear costumes and masks to help us play tonight at being princesses, super heroes, and things that go bump in the night. Make these costumes signs of all the ways you show yourself to us and make our hearts glad to be your creation." The

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221961986804944542.post-79267924855189089762010-10-27T13:52:00.000-07:002010-10-27T13:52:15.324-07:00

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062841559304439512noreply@blogger.com0