The Burcaw Bunch

Melissa has another giveaway

2011-06-27T22:52:00.001-04:00

http://keepsakesbymelissa.blogspot.com/2011/06/my-3rd-blogaversary-giveaway.html

2011-02-25T16:57:00.001-05:00

http://keepsakesbymelissa.blogspot.com/2011/02/candy-for-u.html

Another giveaway

2010-06-25T08:56:00.002-04:00

The Thrifty Decor Chick is giving away a Silhouette cutter here. What a neat little machine!

Melissa's New Giveaway

2010-05-23T22:38:00.000-04:00

http://keepsakesbymelissa.blogspot.com/2010/05/tea-time-with-just-touch-of-candy-yes-i.html

Menu Plan

2010-05-04T10:32:00.003-04:00

Monday: Shepherd's Pie from Sunday's leftovers

Tuesday: Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Wednesday: Burritos

Thursday: Creamy Ham and Potatoes

Friday: Sweet and Sour Chicken w/Rice

Saturday: Ground Beef Casserole

Sunday: Pork Roast and Cheesy Potatoes

2010-04-16T23:49:00.001-04:00

Melissa has another giveaway here. Check it out!

Kendrick is 10!

2010-03-30T15:04:00.003-04:00

We forgot our camera so Marsha sent me the pictures that she took. Thanks, Marsha!

He asked for a dirt bike for his birthday. Ha!

...and a bat and ball.

Legos are always fun!

New Kids in the Barn

2010-02-16T10:23:00.004-05:00

Snowfall - February 6, 2010

2010-02-09T09:13:00.004-05:00

A lady from at the end of our road was coming home from work this morning. Mark and Pastor Jim helped her get this far. Then she was stuck against a bank of snow. Her husband had a little machine of some sort with a blade on it. He plowed a path from their house to the car so he could get it home.

Half buried. ;)

Kendrick and Kaylee making tunnels.

For Crystal

2010-01-30T20:52:00.002-05:00

I really am going to try to do better this year at posting birthday get-together pictures. If you don't see one, bug me about it. ;)

Missed you today!

January Birthdays

2010-01-30T20:35:00.003-05:00

Today we got together at Mom's for Dave's and David's birthdays. David is 7 this year.

Cookbook Giveaway

2009-10-06T12:29:00.003-04:00

Frugal at Home is giving away Once-A-Month Cooking Family Favorites by Mimi Wilson and Mary Beth Lagerborg. Giveaway will close Monday, October 13, at 8:00 PM, and the randomly-selected winner will be announced on Tuesday, October 14.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-09-22T08:45:00.006-04:00

(a day late)

While I have been planning my weekly menus for a few months now, this is the first time that I have posted it. But Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie has a great giveaway so I am posting my menu for the rest of the week for a chance to win.

So here is what we are having this week:

Tuesday - meatloaf, baked potatoes

Wednesday - slow-cooked tamale casserole

Thursday - leftovers

Friday and Saturday - Father/Son Canoe Trip, Girls' nights out

Sunday - slow cooker burgers in gravy w/mashed potatoes

A scrapbooking giveaway

2009-08-19T13:47:00.002-04:00

Here is some more fun stuff that Melissa is giving away here.

Another scrapbooking giveaway

2009-08-11T09:05:00.000-04:00

Here is a new giveaway that I have found. Check it out here.

Melissa's Giveaway!

2009-08-07T22:08:00.001-04:00

Melissa has cleaned out her scrapbook room and is doing another giveaway. Check it out here.

Molly's Money-Saving Digest

2009-07-31T09:37:00.002-04:00

Here is a great book to check out on how to organize your house and your life. You can find out more info by going here.

August means organization for many households . . .

Is your home looking dignified and grand?

How impressive are your organization skills?

Start now, and strategize to organize with this motivating issue of . . .

Molly's Money-Saving Digest-August 2009

The special feature for August is:
Organization for Busy Families

Get your busy family happily organized --buzzing like bees as you start to organizzzzze!

Are you ready to tackle the dirty dozen?

Learn how to organize a dozen different aspects of your life and home. From cleaning closets and sorting school papers to making meal planning a breeze, your home will soon be running more smoothly.

Month after money-saving month, Molly presents ideas to help families economize as she shares practical tips, delicious recipes, and helpful interviews with experts. Guest author Martha Greene (Marmee), provides pages of tips and recipes for make-ahead mixes that will save you time and money.

Another Giveaway

2009-07-24T09:42:00.001-04:00

Melissa has another giveaway here to check out.

Sharen Just for You

2009-07-08T10:22:00.002-04:00

Another giveaway

2009-07-06T15:38:00.000-04:00

Melissa has another great giveaway here. Check it out.

Great Givaway

2009-06-05T08:17:00.000-04:00

Melissa has a great giveaway here. Check it out.

Secret Keeper Girl

2009-03-03T00:11:00.004-05:00

For those of you with tween girls, here is a great site to check out http://blog.secretkeepergirl.com/
They have a free giveaway if you sign their petition. Check it out!

Tagged (again)

2009-01-30T09:41:00.006-05:00

Chelsey tagged me.

Here are the instructions:
1. Go to the section of your computer where you store all of your photos.
2. Select the 6th folder.
3. Select the 6th photo from that folder.
4. Post and explain about that picture.
5. Tag 6 other people.

This was summer of 2007, I think. My cousin Laura came to visit. My sisters Crystal, Christina and I met Laura at the zoo for a fun day. This is all of our children.

Unexpected Guests

2009-01-20T19:15:00.004-05:00

Last week Rich and Dawn Cox stopped by with their babies for a visit. I remembered to grab the camera just before they went out the door.

Kara holding Kenna, Krista holding Kenzie and Kendrick holding Kendra. (For some reason Kaylee is still in her jammies ;)
Kenna and Kenzie are 14 months old and Kendra is 2 months.

2009-01-01T00:29:00.001-05:00

MyHotComments

MERRY CHRISTMAS...

2008-12-25T11:09:00.001-05:00

...from our family to yours.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Raingutter Regatta

2008-11-15T11:33:00.011-05:00

Kendrick's cubscout pack had a raingutter regatta at his last meeting. They had two raingutters filled with water. Each boy had been given a boat kit to assemble and decorate. They raced their boats in the gutters by blowing on the sails. Kendrick did quite well at first. He didn't win, but he had a great time anyway. Our pastor's son did win first place and will go to the district race.

At the "dock" ready to go.

Kendrick's boat - The Wind

On your mark, get set...

GO!!

They all got a ribbon for participating.

Dad's and Dustin's Birthdays

2008-11-12T21:47:00.004-05:00

Dad and Dustin both have birthdays in November. We were together last Saturday to celebrate them.

This is the picture of a present that he is going to receive. It isn't in yet.

Lately everyone gets to pick what kind of dessert they would like to have. Dustin picked ice cream dessert. Since it is a little hard to put candles into, Christina made a small cake for that purpose.

A few more pics for your enjoyment.

FALL PARTIES

2008-11-09T15:26:00.005-05:00

My kids were invited to three fall parties this year: one at the nursing home where Mark's dad is, one at church, and one in town. They were chosen as "best of a group of 3 or more", and were on the front page of a local newspaper. Here they are in all their "finery". (The extra is Kayleigh, a friend.)

Dawson's Birthday

2008-11-07T18:40:00.004-05:00

I am way behind in my posting (again). This was the October birthday get-together. Dawson turned 4 years old. We also celebrated Mark's and Marsha's birthdays.

Checking it out.

His reaction to new socks.

Trying out the new sleeping bag.

Thanks, Aunt Crystal, Uncle Paul, Erika, Paul David and Alana

Blowing out the candles.

Bike-a-Thon and Cub Scout Picnic

2008-09-29T22:16:00.007-04:00

Last Saturday, we finally were able to have the bike-a-thon to raise money for the sound system at church (no rain). The children were to ride a maximum of 100 laps around the church parking lot. Krista and Kendrick both rode the 100 laps, Kara rode 54 laps, and Kaylee rode around a few times. It isn't real noticeable, but the parking lot slants slightly so riding around the one side took more effort than the other. Kaylee would get on the uphill side and not be able to go anywhere. Some of the teen girls would push her a ways until she could get going herself. Mostly she rode in the center of the lot where the "official" riders were not allowed to ride. It was safer that way anyway. I was proud of Kara; she rode much further than I expected she would.

Here they are waiting in line for instructions and permission to begin.

AND THEY'RE OFF!

I didn't get many pictures of them. I was helping to count laps, and they all went around so fast it left our heads spinning. ;>)

Later we went to the Cub Scout family picnic. We ate, visited with other cub scout families, fished, and hiked. Krista and Kendrick both caught fish.

Krista's fish is a little hard to see because it blends in with the cattails on the other side of the pond, but if you look close, you can see it.

Why I Homeschool (Part 3)

2008-09-22T14:36:00.000-04:00

(While this has not been an exhaustive list, this will be my final one on my reasons and benefits. For now any way;) I am glad that we have chosen to homeschool and would not trade it for anything.)

#12. MORE FIELD TRIPS We try to go on at least one field trip a month. This gives us more insight into the world around us. (Check my "Butterflies Up Close" post.) This past school year we have seen interesting animals; toured a bakery, a fire station, police station and a post office; participated in a music recital and education fair; Christmas caroled at an area nursing home; and many other things. We have some interesting things lined up for this year: Noah's Lost Ark, Schoenbrunn Village, and the Federal Reserve Bank in Cleveland. (Can't wait!)

#13. FLEXIBLE VACATION TIME I can choose to take family vacations when vacation spots are least busy and not have to worry about my children missing valuable class time.

#14. LEARN TO BE SELF-RELIANT Character qualities of self-reliance, initiative taking, leadership and being a self starter are much sought after by employers and people in general. My children have the freedom to pursue things that interest them. They can do so in a safe, accepting setting in which they experiment and try things without the worry of being teased or bullied if they don't succeed.

Today I found a study done by the Fraser Institute entitled "Homeschooling: From the Extreme to the Mainstream". http://www.fraserinstitute.org/commerce.web/product_files/Homeschooling2007.pdf
It is an interesting read. While it is 24 pages long, some of the pages are not full length, the first page is a table of contents, and the last five pages are references and "about the authors". An easy read. One fact I found interesting is this list of homeschooled Americans: Presidents George Washington, John Quincy Adams, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Also homeschooled were John Jay, Thomas Edison, Robert E. Lee, Booker T. Washington, Mark Twain, and Andrew Carnegie.

In case anyone is concerned that I am not "doing it right", I am accountable to my local school board. I have to agree to provide 900 hours of education per year. My children have to be tested or assessed at the end of every school year. Those results are sent to my school superintendent. I have to provide an annual list of curriculum and outline of what we plan on learning this year. If I do not follow the guidelines, I will be denied approval to excuse my children from the compulsory school attendance law.

Why I Homeschool (Part 2)

2008-09-17T22:38:00.000-04:00

(Here are a few more of my benefits and reasons.)

#6. CUSTOMIZED CURRICULUM I don't have to stick to one curriculum if I find that one is not working for a particular child. My child can also work at his/her own pace. If one struggles with learning, we can take a little more time going through it. If one excels in learning, we can go a little faster.

#7. I CHOOSE MY CHILDREN'S FRIENDS I have a lot more say in this area then I would if they attended school. Not all friendships made in even Christian schools are healthy, Christian relationships. (I know! I attended a Christian school all my school years and also taught in one for 6 years.)

#8. MORE PEACEFUL MORNINGS It seemed that no matter how early we started getting ready for school in the mornings, there was always this last minute frantic rush, especially if for some reason the children did not get to bed on time the previous evening (revival, etc.). Our mornings now can be a little more relaxed since we don't have a deadline. If we had a late night, the children can sleep in. Well-rested children learn better and are in a better mood. Everyone is happier, especially MOM.

#9. BETTER SOCIALIZED CHILDREN I know this a biggy with a lot of people. Since we began to homeschool, we have kept our old friends, but have made so many more new, wonderful friends. My children are not just learning to socialize with their peers, but know how to interact with people of ALL ages.

#10. BETTER STEWARD OF MY MONEY Especially with gas prices these days! We have less wear and tear on vehicles and are safer than out driving twice a day. Also, I never have to "school clothes shop". My children wear the same old, same old until they outgrow it, and no one cares.

#11. NOT ALL LEARNING COMES FROM BOOKS When we are finished with "book learning" for the day, we can move on to other activities. My children can spend more time with me in the kitchen and doing household chores. We are building a house, and the children have become involved. They have painted, put together kitchen cupboards, learned to use hammers and screwdrivers and have a greater knowledge of things then I ever did at their ages.

(More to come.)

September Birthdays

2008-09-17T14:41:00.004-04:00

We got together with my family to celebrate the birthdays of Larissa (1) and Shane (14).

I guess when you are 1, you need LOTS of help :)

KENDRICK...

2008-09-17T14:14:00.003-04:00

... has joined the Cub Scouts. He is very excited about it. Now he is actually doing "boy" things with other boys instead of just tagging along doing "girl" things. While we have done things that he enjoys (i.e. canoeing, fishing, etc.), this is the first time he has joined something specifically for him. He has a couple of friends that also joined the pack, and I expect he will make more friends as the year progresses. There are 14 or 15 boys which is a large pack when the average is 6-8. He is going to have a great time. Here he is in his brand-spanking new uniform.

Here he is receiving a new patch from his Cubmaster for joining. (Camera flash wasn't working well so it is rather dark.)

Why I Homeschool (Part 1)

2008-09-13T10:15:00.011-04:00

When I began to homeschool three years ago, I had my reasons for doing so. We sent Krista to a Christian school for three years and Kendrick for one before we chose this option. As time progresses, I find more and more reasons why I think this is the best choice I could make for my children. Many people think homeschooling is a new concept. Actually it has been the predominant form of education throughout history. Many of our Founding Fathers were educated at home. I realize homeschooling may not be an option for everyone, but here are some of my reasons and benefits: (Feel free to comment. I would love to hear your opinions.)

#1. (First and foremost) IT IS MY GOD-GIVEN RESPONSIBILITY TO EDUCATE MY CHILDREN Deuteronomy 6:6-7 "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." Ephesians. 6:4 "And you, fathers, ... bring (your children) up in the training and admonition of the Lord." I am best able to do this with my children with me. Some choose to give others this responsibility; I choose to do it myself.

#2. I LOVE HAVING MY CHILDREN WITH ME The hardest part of taking my children to school was leaving them with someone else all day long. It did not get easier year after year nor child after child. Now I know what my children are doing all day long and don't have to be concerned about their safety and welfare while not in my care.

#3. NO ONE LOVES MY CHILDREN LIKE I DO While I know there are very dedicated, loving teachers out there that really enjoy teaching, none of them love my children the way I do nor have the time in a school setting to show them that love.

#4. LOW TEACHER-TO-STUDENT RATIO This is a big thing in schools now days. Teachers do not have enough time to give students that one-on-one individual attention that many children need. Yes, it can be a little hectic at times at home when all need attention at the same time, but sharing time with 3 siblings is a lot better than sharing time with 15- 30 other students.

#5. INSTANT FEEDBACK One of the things that always frustrated me when my children were in school was the fact that often times I would not see their work until a week or so later. If they were struggling in an area, I would not find out about it until they had moved onto other things. Now I know TODAY if we are having difficulty and can correct it right now.

(To be continued.)

Butterflies Up Close

2008-09-11T22:44:00.005-04:00

Today we went to a butterfly house at a botanical garden. They had several different species of butterflies and moths in a little greenhouse sort of building. We were given a Q-tip to dip in sugar water. Then we put it under the mouth of a butterfly, and it could climb up on the Q-tip to eat the sugar. Some of them just landed right on us. The kids were pretty intrigued with the whole thing.

This one landed on Kara almost as soon as we entered.

Kaylee isn't too sure about holding a "bug".

Kara got this one to climb onto her finger. It stayed there for quite awhile. She got tired of holding it, and the lady in charge helped her transfer it to a flower.

When Krista was done holding butterflies, she got out her notepad and began taking notes. (So she could "remember what I learned today".)

Below is a close-up of the one Kendrick is holding.

First Day of School

2008-09-10T10:01:00.003-04:00

We started school this week. I was going to wait until we are in the house, but that may be a couple of weeks yet. That seems a little too long to wait. So even though we are not very organized, we are getting the work done. Here are pics from the first day.

Krista is in 5th grade, Kendrick in 3rd, and Kara in 1st. I was going to do the K4 with Kaylee, but for right now, she wants to do what Kara is doing. The thing is it is so much review that she actually is able to do it. I think at some point it will go too fast for her. Then maybe I can talk her into doing her own thing. Right now it is actually easier on me not to have to get things ready for her.

I am using the Bob Jones University satellite program. They really like it and are learning quite well.

Welcome Back, Dad

2008-09-05T09:57:00.003-04:00

Welcome Back, Dad

By Michael Reagan

I’ve been trying to convince my fellow conservatives that they have been wasting their time in a fruitless quest for a new Ronald Reagan to emerge and lead our party and our nation. I insisted that we’d never see his like again because he was one of a kind.

I was wrong!

Wednesday night I watched the Republican National Convention on television and there, before my very eyes, I saw my Dad reborn; only this time he's a she.

And what a she!

In one blockbuster of a speech, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin resurrected my Dad’s indomitable spirit and sent it soaring above the convention center, shooting shock waves through the cynical media’s assigned spaces and electrifying the huge audience with the kind of inspiring rhetoric we haven’t heard since my Dad left the scene.

This was Ronald Reagan at his best -- the same Ronald Reagan who made the address known now solely as “The Speech,” which during the Goldwater campaign set the tone and the agenda for the rebirth of the traditional conservative movement that later sent him to the White House for eight years and revived the moribund GOP.

Last night was an extraordinary event. Widely seen beforehand as a make-or-break effort -- either an opportunity for Sarah Palin to show that she was the happy warrior that John McCain assured us she was, or a disaster that would dash McCain’s presidential hopes and send her back to Alaska, sadder but wiser.

Obviously un-intimidated by either the savage onslaught to which the left-leaning media had subjected her, or the incredible challenge she faced -- and oozing with confidence -- she strode defiantly to the podium and proved she was everything and even more than John McCain told us.

Much has been made of the fact that she is a woman. What we saw last night, however, was something much more than a just a woman accomplishing something no Republican woman has ever achieved. What we saw was a red-blooded American with that rare, God-given ability to rally her dispirited fellow Republicans and take up the daunting task of leading them -- and all her fellow Americans -- on a pilgrimage to that shining city on the hill my father envisioned as our nation’s real destination.

In a few words she managed to rip the mask from the faces of her Democratic rivals and reveal them for what they are -- a pair of old-fashioned liberals making promises that cannot be kept without bankrupting the nation and reducing most Americans to the status of mendicants begging for their daily bread at the feet of an all-powerful government.

Most important, by comparing her own stunning record of achievement with his, she showed Barack Obama for the sham that he is, a man without any solid accomplishments beyond conspicuous self-aggrandizement.

Like Ronald Reagan, Sarah Palin is one of us. She knows how most of us live because that’s the way she lives. She shares our homespun values and our beliefs, and she glories in her status as a small-town woman who put her shoulder to the wheel and made life better for her neighbors.

Her astonishing rise up from the grass-roots, her total lack of self-importance, and her ordinary American values and modest lifestyle reveal her to be the kind of hard-working, optimistic, ordinary American who made this country the greatest, most powerful nation on the face of the earth.

As hard as you might try, you won’t find that kind of plain-spoken, down-to-earth, self-reliant American in the upper ranks of the liberal-infested, elitist Democratic Party, or in the Obama campaign.

Sarah Palin didn’t go to Harvard, or fiddle around in urban neighborhood leftist activism while engaging in opportunism within the ranks of one of the nation’s most corrupt political machines, never challenging it and going along to get along, like Barack Obama.

Instead she took on the corrupt establishment in Alaska and beat it, rising to the governorship while bringing reforms to every level of government she served in on her way up the ladder.

Welcome back, Dad, even if you’re wearing a dress and bearing children this time around.

Mr. Reagan is a syndicated radio talk-show host and the son of former President Ronald Reagan.

http://blogsforjohnmccain.com/trackback/2436

For All Conservative Moms

2008-09-02T09:44:00.004-04:00

Since the choices we have for Presidential candidate are less than ideal, I was feeling rather depressed about the whole thing, and avoided too much reading that would depress me further. When McCain chose Sarah Palin for his running mate and I learned some of the things she stands for, I now find myself getting excited about this election. There have been some conservative women who have found fault with her being involved in politics and not staying home to raise her children. Julie Gurnee has posted a great article by Elizabeth Foss on her blog. Read it here! http://gurneejourney.blogspot.com/2008/09/blog-post.html

The Band-Aid Song

2008-08-24T08:28:00.003-04:00

Mark sings in a southern gospel quartet, God's Quad. The last couple of times they have sung, they have asked Krista to sing. Here is a video from yesterday at a church in East Palestine. They were having a "block party" so it was outside.

In case you don't know, Mark is a paramedic, but in heaven he won't have a job! (No emergency medical care.)

Visit to Nature Center

2008-08-21T11:35:00.004-04:00

I took the children to a nature center the other day. Here are a few pics from the day.

They had a donkey, 2 sheep, and some chickens I didn't get a good picture of the sheep, but they were as tall as the donkey. The kids were impressed.

While we were there, one of the volunteers showed up to feed hay to the animals. Because they were getting so fat, they had stopped feeding them grain. He decided that a few oats wouldn't hurt them that day. So even though the sign says, "Please Do Not Feed The Animals", they were doing it with permission.

Check out this barn built in the 1820's.

Frog counting by the pond.

In the visitors center, they had cookies, kool-aid, and this little bluebird craft for the kids to make. Great thing was-it was free. Can't get any better than that.

FREE PUPPIES!!!

2008-08-13T15:41:00.003-04:00

The puppies are 5 weeks old now. They are eating and drinking very well. So I think it is about time to find new homes. If you live in the North Benton, Ohio area and are interested in a new puppy, contact me at mwburcaw@gmail.com. They are Lab/Border Collie mix. The mothers are very nice dogs, and the children have handled these frequently.

Lost Tooth

2008-08-07T20:36:00.001-04:00

Kara lost her first tooth. The permanent tooth is already coming in behind so we had to get it out. I threatened to take her to the dentist to have it pulled. I didn't really want to, but she wasn't wiggling it. Mark said, "Let me see how lose it is." And the next thing I knew it was on the floor. I'm sure it was less traumatic that way then the dentist. She was upset at first, but now seems to accept it as a "grown up" thing.

Puppies

2008-08-07T20:35:00.000-04:00

Our puppies are 4 weeks old now. Only 2 more weeks and they can go to new homes. Anyone interested? (Pictures to come.)

Additions

2008-07-23T17:26:00.003-04:00

Our 2 dogs have given birth to puppies. The other day the kids were outside with the camera taking pictures of them. I found this "commercial" on the camera. I think it says it all.

By the way, they are not "For Sale". They are FREE!!

Catch Up Again

2008-07-03T14:58:00.002-04:00

A lot has happened in the 2 1/2 weeks since I last posted. So here are several new posts. Sit back and enjoy!

Mini Vacation

2008-07-03T14:56:00.000-04:00

We were invited to a wedding last Saturday. Mark was scheduled to work but took the day off. When he takes one day off, he has five days off in a row. Since we had extra time, we decided to do some extra things. We had been wanting to go to the Creation Museum, and this was the area we were headed to.

So Friday we went to the museum. We spent about 7 hours there and didn't see quite everything.
Some of it was above the kids' heads, but there was plenty that they did understand. We took in a lecture/workshop with Buddy Davis. He is a songwriter, author, singer and sculptor. He has sculpted many of the dinosaurs at the museum. The kids really enjoyed him. He taught them how to walk like a T-Rex, a song about behemoth mentioned in Job and how to sculpt with clay. They have a petting zoo where we saw a Zonkey (1 parent donkey, 1 zebra) and a Zorse (1 parent horse, 1 zebra). If you ever get a chance, it is worth it, and there is something for everyone. Several of the extra lectures, etc. are an additional fee so be prepared for that.

Saturday morning, we went to the Cincinnati Zoo. I didn't want to do the zoo in the rain. It looked like it would be clear until later in the day, but wouldn't you know after we paid for tickets and parking and had just walked in the gate, it started to rain. We had to take a restroom break immediately, and by the time we came out, it had pretty much stopped. The rest of the time was overcast, but no rain. They have just built a new deck in the giraffe exhibit that allows you to handfeed the giraffes. But since they had just finished it, the giraffes were shy and wouldn't come to the fence.

In the afternoon, we went to the wedding. It was very nice, but we didn't get any decent pictures.

(Click on photo to view entire album.)

Cincinnati Trip

Snake Pictures

2008-07-03T12:54:00.003-04:00

For those of you who do not care to view snakes, this post is NOT for you.

A few weeks ago, the kids went to a local park that had activities to raise money for something. (I forget what. I didn't go along this time.) They had a reptile demonstration there, and the kids learned about different snakes and were able to hold one. Krista refused, but the others were very excited about it. They even got their picture in the local paper.

While at the Cincinnati Zoo, three of the keepers came out with snakes. Two of them were able to be held so of course my three younger ones were right up there first in line. The man could tell that they had held snakes before because they did it the right way. Again Krista was not interested but watched from afar. SHE takes after me; I don't know what happened with the other three ;)

(Click on the photo if you wish to view the album.)

Snake Pictures

Kara's Graduation

2008-07-03T10:33:00.002-04:00

Kara finished kindergarten this year. Because Krista and Kendrick had a graduation ceremony when they attended school, I decided to have a ceremony for Kara with family here at home. I was hoping to be in the house before time, but that didn't happen. So you will notice stud walls in the pictures.

(Click on photo to view entire album.)

Kara's Graduation

Rich and Dawn's Twins

2008-07-03T10:24:00.002-04:00

Rich and Dawn were in for a couple of days, and we went to see them and their babies. The girls are 7 months old and are doing well.

(Click on photo to see entire album.)

Rich and Dawn's Twins

Kaylee's and Paul David's Birthdays

2008-07-03T09:58:00.003-04:00

For Kaylee's birthday we went to the nursing home where Mark's dad was for a couple of weeks. We shared pizza and cake with him, and she opened her presents.

We also went to my parents and celebrated her birthday and my nephew Paul David's birthday. He turned 16 this year.

These pictures are a combination of those two events.

(Click on the picture to view the album.)

Kaylee's Birthday

My Baby's 4!

2008-06-14T11:36:00.001-04:00

Make a Smilebox postcard

SHE'S 10!!

2008-06-03T17:42:00.002-04:00

Krista turned 10 on May 17. Here is how she has changed.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

WE'RE FINISHED - SCHOOL IS OUT!

2008-05-23T13:54:00.005-04:00

To celebrate the end of the school year, we took the kids miniature golfing. Since it was a weekday and a little breezy and cool, we had the place to ourselves. (Thankfully.) We have never done this before so we need to learn a few rules. I think the kids pushed their balls around more than putting them. They had a good time except for Kaylee who fell twice and needed a nap. Later she did say that she had fun. I'm sure it will be on our list of things to do again this summer.

We are done!

They all were well ahead of Mark and me. I don't think it was all because Mark and I were so terrible at it.

Krista's turn.

Kendrick went around faster than anyone.

Kara trying her hand.

I got it in!

Daddy gets a turn.

Kendrick searching for his ball.

Daddy searching for Kara's ball.

Krista's Tea Party

2008-05-20T19:37:00.000-04:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Krista's Birthday-At Grandma's and At Home

2008-05-20T19:12:00.001-04:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Just for You, Wendi!

2008-05-20T18:42:00.002-04:00

The Mamas-

(I can't tell who is who in this photo, but they are Crystal, Cassie, Diana, Clover, Billi, Karen and Sparki.

and The Papa-

Obadiah :)

Larissa's Dedication

2008-05-20T17:51:00.000-04:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Education Fair

2008-05-11T23:22:00.003-04:00

On April 18, Krista participated in the homeschool Education Fair. Her topic was The Pony Express. When she did this presentation for me so I could video tape it, there was a lot of noise around, and she was distracted a few times. Also, she seemed a little warm. I thought for 9 years old she did quite well. (In my humble mother's opinion.)

Old-Fashioned School Day

2008-05-10T21:01:00.004-04:00

Our homeschool group has an annual "Old-Fashioned School Day". It is held in a one-room school house, and children are encouraged to dress in time-appropriate clothes. The theme for this year was Davy Crockett and beavers and their character traits. The verse was "Let everything be done decently and in order". We learned a song about keeping our rooms clean and everything in its place. (Hope that one sticks.) The children put together a book about beavers and Davy Crockett. A trapper came and talked about trapping and gave more information about beavers. The children then were given a small piece of beaver fur, a frame, thread and needle to sew their fur onto the frame. Lunch was a packed sack lunch eaten on the grounds. There were several planned games the favorite of which was tug-of-war. All had a great time, and if Kendrick's grass stained clothes were any indication of how he enjoyed his day, he had a fantastic time.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Enjoying the Beautiful Spring

2008-04-25T20:02:00.000-04:00

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

I've Been Tagged!

2008-04-15T08:15:00.002-04:00

1) What I was doing 10 years ago...

Mark's dad had just had a major stroke hovering between life and death. (More death than life.)
We were expecting our first child. She was breach and they were talking Caesarean.
Thankfully, Dad pulled through. I had a successful version and have a beautiful almost 10 year old daughter.

2) 5 Things on my To Do list...

Remind Krista and Kendrick school comes before play
Laundry (never ending)
Homeschool 3 children
Help Krista with the Education Fair project
Print out certificates and judges' forms for the Education Fair
Rearrange things in the new house to prepare for insulation this week
Remind Krista and Kendrick school comes before play

3) Snacks I enjoy...

Chocolate

4) Things I would do if I were a billionaire...

Definitely invest in missions
Hire someone to finish my house
Set aside college tuition for all my children

5) Bad Habits I have... (short version)

Not keeping in touch with long-distance friends and family often enough
Snacking while cooking
Putting off scrubbing my kitchen floor (it never stays clean for more than 5 minutes)

6) 5 Places I've lived...

Beaver Falls, PA
Fort Wayne, IN
Salem, OH
Wilmot, OH
Deerfield, OH

7) Jobs I've held...

Babysitting
Supervisor at an ACE school
McDonalds
Remote encoder for USPS
Piano teacher

Don't think I'll tag anyone.

Happy Tuesday!

More Easter Pictures

2008-04-09T07:47:00.001-04:00

Here are a couple of pics of my girls with friends on Easter Sunday.

A few days ago in Kara's school lesson, she was asked, "Why do you go to church?" Her response? "To see my friends!" She does get more out of church than that because she can tell about the stories and songs; however, friends seem to be a priority right now. I agree, though, that church is a great place to make friends.

Animal Park

2008-04-08T22:59:00.000-04:00

The kids and I went with some friends to a small animal park. They had an eight-week old cub that you could get your picture with. As you can see the kids really enjoyed that.

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

The Seamstress

2008-04-08T22:26:00.001-04:00

My mom had a couple of boxes of scrap fabric she was wanting to find a new home for. Krista took most of what she had, and I let her have at it. She has been taking sewing lessons for a few weeks. This is what she came up with.

She cut, sewed and stuffed this all by herself. The only thing I did was ironed it. (Because I haven't taught her to use the iron yet.) She thought this fabric reminded her of the story of the disciples fishing all night and not catching any fish until Jesus came along and told them to cast their nets on the other side.

She did a very nice job and gave it as a gift to a friend.

Easter Morning

2008-03-25T23:12:00.001-04:00

While I was finishing last minute things before leaving for church Sunday morning, Mark snapped this quick picture of the kids in their Easter outfits.

We had a great service, and Mark and I both enjoy singing in the choir.

Agnew Birthday Get-Together

2008-03-25T22:35:00.001-04:00

We also celebrated the birthdays of Erika, Alana, and Stevie at our monthly birthday get-together.

Erika with a horse night light.

Alana with some scrapbooking stuff she had asked for.

Stevie with a shoe bank.

"What will he open next?"

Kara enjoying time with Erika.

Larissa was the main attraction of the day...

... with Krista.

...with Alana.

...with Stevie.

Kendrick's Birthday Celebrations

2008-03-25T22:22:00.001-04:00

We had all of the Burcaws that were in town over to our place for Kendrick's birthday.

His cake.

Singing "Happy Birthday"

Posing with his presents.

All the Burcaw grandkids in attendance with Grandpa.

Here he is opening his presents at the Agnew get-together.

Blowing out the candles.

Kendrick is "8"

2008-03-25T21:52:00.000-04:00

Kendrick turned eight years old on March 19. It is hard to believe he is that old already.

12 days old - 7 months

1 year - 2 years

3 years - 4 years

5 years

6 years (this was right after his bike accident; hence the scar on his forehead)

7 years - 8 years

Kendrick's Science Project

2008-03-25T21:31:00.001-04:00

Kendrick was to make a volcano for science. Several days ago he formed a volcano out of playdoh, and we let it set to dry. Today we "erupted" it.

Here he is adding the baking soda.

Then he added the vinegar.

The Eruption

A Sign of Spring?

2008-03-25T21:21:00.000-04:00

I found this on my African violet today and more are coming.

David's 5 year picture

2008-03-25T17:21:00.001-04:00

This is my sister Christina's son David. He is 5 years old now. Pictures of her other children are in an earlier post.

Easter Egg Coloring

2008-03-24T16:37:00.000-04:00

We had 2 cousins and a friend over to color Easter eggs.

Some of the finished product.

We had a little Easter egg hunt with some homeschooling friends on Friday, but I forgot to take my camera. So no pictures of that event. They had fun anyway!

Cute Easter Egg Pattern

2008-03-22T00:55:00.000-04:00

I found this cute Easter egg pattern I want to keep for next year. Hopefully it won't get misplaced this way. http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=431

Secret Pocket Fabric Eggs
1. Cut one of Pattern Piece 1 using fabric A.
2. Reverse Pattern Piece 1 so the pocket is on the left instead of the right. Cut one
using fabric B.
3. Cut one of Pattern Piece 2 using fabric A.
4. Cut one of Pattern Piece 2 using fabric B.
5. Transfer the dots from the pattern pieces to the wrong side of the fabric pieces.
6. Pin 1A and 1B right sides together. Line up the pocket.
7. With 1A next to feed dogs, start at dot and sew 1⁄4” seam allowance around the
pocket side. Stop at the bottom dot.
8. Place 2A and 2B right sides together. (The bottom of the piece is slightly wider
than the top, so make sure you have the bottom to the bottom and the top to the
top.) With 2A next to feed dogs, start at top dot and sew 1⁄4” seam allowance along
one side. Stop at the bottom dot.
9. Open your pieces and pin 2A to 1B along the right side. With 1B next to feed dogs,
sew 1⁄4” seam allowance from top dot to bottom dot.
10. Pin 1A to 2B. Sew 1⁄4” seam allowance along right side, leaving 2” open for turning.
11. Turn fabric right side out.
12. Stuff the egg using a high-loft fi ll.
13. Using your fi nger, straighten out the pocket so it is centered in the stuffi ng.
14. Hand-sew the opening using a slip stitch.
Copyright 2008 Sew,Mama,Sew!

Maple Sugar Field Trip

2008-03-15T15:49:00.001-04:00

Today we went to a tree farm to learn how maple syrup is made. This is the owner describing how he puts the tubes together. He has to replace them frequently because they get chewed up by animals, deer and coons, etc.

With help from Kayleigh he is showing how he puts in the pegs that the sap comes through. First he drills the hole.

Then he inserts the peg and hammers it in with a piece of hard maple. (A hammer would break the peg.)

He has other woods where he taps the trees and trucks in the sap. Here he is siphoning out the sap to his holding tank.

Stoking the fire.

This is the sap almost ready to boil. He uses a reverse osmosis system that takes out about 80% of the water so it doesn't take as long to turn to syrup.

The syrup goes into this barrel when it is ready.

Different grades of syrup.

He has a few trees that he hangs bags on to gather the sap.

Most of his trees are tapped and connected to these hoses that take the sap directly to the holding tanks.

He had a chainsaw carver there for our entertainment.

Rainy Day Fun

2008-03-15T15:44:00.001-04:00

Another Interesting School Day

2008-03-15T15:31:00.001-04:00

Thursday's theme for school was "Symbols of America". Here are my Statues of Liberty.

Schwebel's Field Trip

2008-03-15T15:04:00.001-04:00

Our homeschool group went to the Schwebel's Baking Company for a field trip. We were not allowed to take cameras on the tour because we went right in the factory. I took the first two pictures with my cell phone so the quality is not that great. We all had to wear red hairnets (red denotes visitor) and headphones. It is very noisy in the factory so the tour guide has a mike so we could hear everything that she was saying.

This is some of the group putting on their hairnets and headphones.

These are mine with their hairnets and headphones. No one minds looking silly because everyone looks silly. (Kaylee didn't go because children under 5 are not allowed. She stayed behind and played with a friend that was too young to go, also.)

Everyone receives a free loaf of white bread at the end of the tour. We never have white bread in our house even though the kids like it. So they thought this was pretty neat. We also received a coupon for a free product from the outlet store. So we came home with 4 loaves of white bread, 1 loaf of raisin bread, 1 loaf of cinnamon bread, 1 package of English muffins, and 1 package of bagels.

Spanish Celebration!

2008-03-15T14:47:00.001-04:00

The theme for this chapter in kindergarten has been "taking the Gospel". A missionary to Spain was featured, and we were introduced to some Spanish words. On the last day, we had a Spanish celebration. (We are having school in our unfinished house. The girls are wearing boots because we have to traipse through the snow and mud to get there. One day soon we will be moving in :) !!!)

Kaylee and Kara in their homemade sombreros. (Paper plate, Styrofoam cup, crepe paper.) Since we don't have maracas, we made shakers. (Toilet paper roll with a few dried beans inside covered in tissue paper, 2 paper plates stapled together with a few dried beans inside and decorated with crepe paper.)

Learning to count in Spanish. (Kaylee is on the wrong page.)

Learning colors in Spanish. (Both on the correct page this time.)

Snack - Spanish rollups and fruit punch.

They had a great time and managed to learn something, too.

Church in Pajamas

2008-03-09T17:43:00.001-04:00

Since church was canceled today because of the weather, we had church at home. Since we are going no where and this is a day of rest, no one bothered to get dressed today. (The extra child behind the pink Bible is Kayleigh. She is a friend that often spends Saturday night with us and goes to church with us on Sunday. We didn't know church was canceled until after she was already here last night.)

We received lots of snow yesterday. (Hopefully the last of the season.) This was taken out my front window this morning.

My Kitchen Helpers

2008-03-09T16:46:00.001-04:00

Why is doing the dishes such fun at "3" and "5", but such a chore at "7" and "9"?

Catch Up

2008-02-26T22:37:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted in a while. I have a little extra time this evening so this is catch up time. Hope you enjoy.

School Days

2008-02-26T22:06:00.000-05:00

I think we are kind of in a slump right now when it comes to school. The weather has been very cold and we haven't seen the sun a lot. When my children are a little bummed out because they have to have school on a "snow day", I remind them that when the weather is turning nice, they can be outside playing while the school children will be sitting in class. That sort of brightens their day. We have had a few things this month to break the monotony of things.

We did chores for our friends for almost 3 weeks,
Our February field trip was to Harry London Chocolate Factory (yum), and
We had our Valentine's Day Party.

One day Kara's lesson was about the pioneers. She learned a little about Laura Ingalls Wilder, and she dressed up as a pioneer. (This is the dress that I made for Krista when she was in kindergarten.)

In Science, Kendrick has been learning about living things and what is needed to live. The plants give off oxygen for people and animals to breathe and take in the carbon dioxide that we give off. We had instructions on how to put together a terrarium. This is the little critter that we put in. It is a fire-belly newt. He named it Volcano because it is black with a red belly. They are native to Japan. We bought some newt food but so far it does not appear that he has eaten any. The pet store owner told me they prefer live food like worms and crickets. I hope he starts eating this stuff pretty soon as I am not excited about the live food thing.

This is his belly.

His home. This is a 5-gallon aquarium that we weren't using. Because the newt is so small, he seems lost in this huge thing. He always hides so we have to go digging under the moss to find him all the time. Hopefully he becomes a little more brave over time and will come out so we can watch him do something!

Krista is getting ideas together for the Education Fair that takes place in April. In Science she has been learning about the digestive system, and with some help from Daddy, she is becoming quite knowledgeable about epiglottis, bolus, sphincter and peristalsis. I think my kids may be smarter than me before this is all over with.

A Birthday Dinner

2008-02-26T21:56:00.000-05:00

The sister of two of my piano students (Emma) sometimes comes to play with Kara and Kaylee while I am giving the lessons. Her birthday was February 14. She picked my girls to come to her birthday dinner so our family was invited. Since there are 9 children in the family, there is someone for all of my children to play with.

The Birthday Girl

Emma with Kaylee and Kara

Henry playing with the gift bag.

Update on the Goats

2008-02-26T21:37:00.000-05:00

The kids whose birth we attended are 4 weeks old now. Here are more recent pictures of them. They are very frisky and are growing. My children were able to name them. The one Kara is holding is Cloverbud because he looks like a goat named Clover. The light headed one on Kaylee is Crystal's Shadow because he looks like his mother, Crystal. The dark one on Kaylee is Molasses because his head is so dark. These goats are Boars (white with brown head).

Kaylee is not too sure about both of them jumping on her. A little later one of them jumped up and hit her nose. It didn't bleed, but it sure didn't feel good.

The goat Clover had twins the day after the owners came back. We went over to take a look at them. The one on Krista's lap is Oliver and the one behind is Cocoa.

Last Wednesday, one of the Alpine goats had twins. I only got a good picture of one of them.

Valentine's Day Party

2008-02-26T21:24:00.000-05:00

We got together with some other homeschoolers for a Valentine's Day Party. We had pizza for lunch and the little kids exchanged Valentines. We all had a great day!

Preparing the Valentines.

Lunch. As you can see, there is an over abundance of girls in this bunch.

Opening the Valentines.

The favorite part of the day. The kids went sled riding. They had a wonderful hill to slide down and went very fast. The long walk back up the hill? NO PROBLEM! Hook on to the 4-wheeler for a free ride up.

While the kids were outside, the moms stayed inside to visit and keep warm.

EXCITING EVENING!!

2008-02-05T22:35:00.000-05:00

We are doing chores again for friends. One of the does was pregnant (well, all of them are pregnant, but this one was due any time). When we did chores this evening, she was showing signs of labor. We came home to eat supper and went back over to the barn. One kid had already been born; two more were born while we were there.

Here are your babies, Mrs. O'Brock!

This is the first born.

Second born.

Third born.

All three together.

My kids holding the kids.

When we left, they all three were up wobbling around and getting something to eat.

The BIG "4-0"

2008-01-24T16:15:00.000-05:00

HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY, TIM!

(This is the best one I could find.)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARCIA!!!!

2008-01-24T15:58:00.000-05:00

Just a little something from the kids!

Hope you had a great day!

David's Birthday

2008-01-19T20:35:00.001-05:00

David turned 5 this month. We celebrated his birthday today.

He had plenty of help opening his presents.

As you can see, Linsey and Dawson are very excited about David's presents.

I was able to get him to pose with a present.

Thank you Aunt Crystal, Uncle Paul, Erika, Paul David, and Alana!

Blowing out the candles.

Bob and Dave were working, Mark was in a meeting, Dad was bored. (He doesn't even like to put puzzles together.)

Happy Birthday, Dave!

2008-01-19T20:27:00.000-05:00

Violin Field Trip

2008-01-19T20:00:00.000-05:00

Our homeschool group took a field trip to Stearns Violin Shop. Mr. Stearns makes violins and has studied under masters. He has some beautiful instruments in his shop. You can check out his website at stearnsviolins.com

Violins in the making.

A few of the violins hanging in his shop.

Check out these unusual finishes.

Happy Birthday, Rebecca!

2008-01-13T20:46:00.000-05:00

Clubhouse Under Construction

2008-01-12T21:58:00.000-05:00

The kids have found scraps of wood laying around and have decided that they need a clubhouse. They have been working quite a while on this, but they have two walls standing. Not sure if they have a blueprint or know quite where they are going with it, but it keeps them busy on nice days.

An updated pictures of the puppies. 7 months old.

Kaylee's Christmas Present

2008-01-12T21:33:00.000-05:00

Kaylee received this doll for Christmas in a cousin gift exchange. She plays with it quite a bit. When you push on the tummy, it plays the song "B-I-N-G-O". It will play a phrase and then stop. Then you have to push on the tummy again. I'm not sure if you can hear her well enough or not, but she sings "B-'By'-N-G-O". (Please excuse the scattered toys. They always think the living room is the best room for playing.)

Three of Christina's Children

2008-01-02T18:48:00.001-05:00

My sister, Christina, has 4 children. Here are the latest of three of them. (David's birthday is this month. I will get a new picture of him then.)

Linsey

Dawson

Larissa - 3 months

Opening Presents from Uncle Richard and Aunt Marcia

2008-01-02T18:16:00.001-05:00

Grandpa passing out the presents.

Opening the presents.

Kendrick is very excited about his new skateboard.

Krista received a knitting machine...

and a collection of craft projects.

Grandpa helping Kaylee open her "My Little Pony Balloon House".
(He wasn't impressed with all the wires, rubber bands, etc. holding it in the package.)

Grandma helping Kara remove all of the pieces to her "Strawberry Shortcake Beauty to Berry Blossom" playset.

This is a scarf that Krista made with her new machine.

Kendrick trying out his skateboard.

Kara and Kaylee combined their things and added some old favorites for this party.

THANK YOU, UNCLE RICHARD AND AUNT MARCIA!!!

Grandma's "95th" Birthday Party

2007-12-28T15:02:00.001-05:00

This should have been posted awhile ago. Grandma turned 95 on October 30. All of her children were there and some of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Uncle Paul with his wife, two daughters, 1 son-in-law and 3 grandchildren.

Uncle Melvin with his wife, 1 son, 1 daughter-in-law and 3 grandchildren.

Aunt Loretta.

Aunt Thelma with her husband, 2 sons, 1 daughter, 2 daughters-in law, 1 son-in-law and 2 grandchildren.

Aunt Velma.

Mom and Dad, Christina, Dave, Linsey, David, Dawson, Larissa, Mark, Krista, Kendrick, Kara, Kaylee and me.

Norman and Bird.

2 relatives. I don't know who is who, although I know the woman in the middle is not a relative. She played with Wally for the entertainment.

Grandma and her sister, Anna.

Christmas

2007-12-28T14:17:00.001-05:00

The kids were playing around with the camera and took this picture. I didn't realize it until I uploaded to the computer and was going through them.

My mom gave all the grandkids matching T-shirts for Christmas. The two extras are Bob's sister's children Stevie and John.

This is the Burcaw crew. We waited until too late in the day to take this and had a hard time getting co-operation from 17 kids. I guess silly is better than crying.