Our sweet little niece, Maria

Just wanted to share a few recent photos of Maria...she's about 11 lbs now! In the bottom photo I think she looks just like her Mama! What a sweetie!

1st Parent/Teacher Conferences of the Year

We just got home from parent/teacher conferences for both of our boys. They went great...both boys are doing great in school...Matthew in 1st grade and Jacob in pre-school. It is so funny how our boys are so totally different in a couple of areas. At Matthew's conference, we were asked to encourage Matthew to respond a bit more verbally...he's always been pretty quiet in school. Jacob, on the other hand, has "no problem wanting to answer any and every question"! Matthew is not crazy about singing and Jacob loves singing! It is so awesome how God gives each of us our own personalities and uniquenesses. Even though Matthew & Jacob are quite different in certain areas, they are both the same in so many others. For instance, they both love to play superheroes, to read and be read too, to play outside and get extremely dirty, and they both love playing at the farm. We're proud of you both, Matthew & Jacob...and we love you so, so much!

One more thing...Happy Birthday, Elizabeth (my sister)...hope you had a FANTASTIC day!

In HONOR of...

having absolutely nothing to post about...I'll just post what I'll call a "random list of 5's"!!!

1) 5 Things I LOVE about Fall:
1. Cool Weather
2. The Changing Colors of the Leaves
3. Hot Dog Roasts & Roasting Marshmellows at the Farm with my family
4. Halloween & Thanksgiving
5. Fall Decorations like pumpkins & scarecrows

2) 5 of my Favorite snacks:
1. Chocolate, chocolate & more chocolate!
2. Popcorn
3. Cookies with M&M's
4. Apples w/Caramel Dip (my mind is on FALL)
5. Cheese Doritos

3) 5 of my Worst Habits:
1. Spending WAY to much time on this computer!
2. Not drinking enough water (I'm working on that!)
3. A daily habit of not exercising (I'm working on this too!)
4. Eating too much chocolate
5. Not making our bed right after we get up...it's always made...but it might not get
done until 10 am!

4) 5 Favorite Foods:
1. Pizza
2. #17 from El Torerro's (Mexican!)
3. Spaghetti
4. Tacos
5. 8-can soup

5) 5 Places I've Been:
1. Walt Disney World (3 Times but one of those for work!)
2. Big Cedar Lodge at Branson
3. Washington D.C.
4. Las Vegas (can't count how many times...all work related!)
5. Jamaica & Cayman Islands on a Cruise

6) 5 Favorite Memories:
1. Our Wedding Day
2. Both of our boys' "birth" days
3. All vacations with my family
4. Simple things like riding 4-wheelers, bonfires at the farm, etc.
5. Any days where we are just hanging out at home doing NOTHING!

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend!

We had a pretty calm weekend here. Rob was in the fields all day Saturday & Sunday baling our last batch of hay...I think he square-baled about a 1000 bales...he was busy! Saturday morning the boys and I headed to a few garage sales in their Aunt Cheryl's neighborhood in Cape...they found a few interesting things! After that we went to the Fire Truck Rally at Capaha park and walked around and looked at all the firetrucks, ate some yummy food and played at the play area. We then headed down to the river...I couldn't remember the last time that I took the boys down there. We just found a little spot to play right down by the river and the boys played, threw rocks, looked for "treasures"...we spent about an hour there. Matthew had his last soccer game Saturday afternoon...Matthew said they've won every game this season...I've never kept track...but he sure did! Saturday evening Rob finished up a little bit early so I took the boys out to meet him and they all took a ride on their 4-wheelers. The boys had so much fun.

Sunday was church and then AWANA that afternoon.

Hoping for a calm and uneventful week!
Becky

The FURMINATOR!!!

For those of you that know me, you know that I have a geniune love for animals...particularly cats & dogs. Our cat, Oliver, is about 9 years old...we got him from the Humane Society when he was about 6 weeks old...he was just a little furball...my friends at Southeast Hospital's Accounting department can tell you what a little cutie he was! Anyway, he has grown into a beautiful, long-haired cat...and quite honestly, one of the most beautiful cats I've ever seen (I'm a little bit biased!) His long hair is just like cotton...when you pet him the fur flies. And, he really takes care of himself...he's never had a matting problem at all. Well, when we were at the vet a couple of months ago for a checkup, the vet used the FURMINATOR on him and I was completely sold on it! When you comb him with it, it like goes down deep in the fur and pulls out all the loose stuff...and, believe me, Oliver has a lot of it! Well, that day at the vet I could not afford to purchase one since I had to pay the vet bill...but, low and behold, the other day on the Q (QVC for those of you that don't know!) they were offering one on easy pay!!! Easy pay... THE WAY TO GO! Anyway, I purchased one and it arrived TODAY! I used it on Oliver and he wasn't that impressed...but, he'll get used to it! I'm just rambling but just wanted to share that if you need a FUR ELIMINATOR...get the FURMINATOR!!!

What a BUMMER!

This past weekend Rob took our bull up to a sale in Farmington...we got what we paid for it 4 years ago so we were pleased. Anyway, he lost his cell phone up there (some guy at the sale barn found it) so I told him that Jacob and I could run up there on Monday to pick it up. Of course, I didn't mention that I happened to want to go to the scrapbook store on the way to Farmington and also the one in Perryville! Rob said that he would call at 9:30 am from someone else's phone to tell me where the sale barn was. So, Jacob and I headed north...Rob called just as we were at the St. Mary's exit and said that we didn't need to go! Several of his bosses were going to Farmington for a bid and they could pick it up. (he thought we were LEAVING at 9:30). So, I thought...BUMMER...we turned around and I wasn't too upset because I knew that we could stop in Perryville. We got to Perryville and that store is NOT OPEN on Mondays!! COMPLETE BUMMER. So, we headed to get fresh milk and then headed home! I was kind of sad!

For those of you that live around here, my nephew, Joshua, will be on the Heartland Science Lab at 5:00 pm on KFVS doing some Halloween experiements...on Wednesday of this week. Try to see it if you can!

Continued & New Prayers Needed

Just wanted to post that I received a link to a progress report of a sweet little guy, Colton Holloway...he's actually our boys' 2nd cousin (I think that's right!) He just got his traech removed and he needs prayers for a peaceful night tonight and a successful day tomorrow. The link is www.carepages.com and it will ask you to sign up and then it will ask you put it his name and there you would put: coltonltp

Also, please continue to pray for Kate Lipke...I mentioned her on an earlier post. Here is a link to her updates. www.caringbridge.org/visit/katelipke
Hope that link works...you'll need to sign up there as well, I think.

Thanks for praying...our God is an AWESME God.

Becky

Photo's from Jacob's Birthday Party

Little Halloween Project

Trying to get in the spirit of October! It's really difficult when it's in the upper 80's and low 90's! Hopefully temperatures will soon start to get a little bit cooler. Completed this little project today while Jacob was busy playing with all of his little farm animals. It was super easy and didn't take much time...I thought it turned out kind of cute. A photo of the boys will go in the middle space where the orange paper is.

SORRY!!

A BIG "sorry" goes out to my few but faithful blog readers! I vowed at the beginning of this journey of blogging that I would post every couple of days or so and now it has been almost an entire week...AGAIN. So sorry!

I feel like I'm slowly beginning to come up for air. I had a deadline this past Monday and I had lots to do to make it. Being the head room parent for Matthew's class (yes, when no one else signs up I guess I'm just a sucker!) I've also had to be the contact person for the 1st grade's auction stuff. St. Paul has a huge fundraiser auction each year and each class is asked to have an oral auction item, as well as several small "signed" items for the silent auction. My wonderful team of moms from our first grade class was just all gung-ho this year...which I LOVE...so we got together several things for our silent auction. One thing that I did was create an 8X8 album of the first grade class...it turned out really cute but has really consumed a lot of my time lately. It was really simple, actually, but time-consuming. Funny thing is...I made it and will probably bid and try to win it at the auction!

Also these past few weeks a friend of mine, not a close friend, but a friend that I've know thru MOPS and now thru St. Paul where her son and our Jacob are in pre-school together, had a sweet baby girl that has heart problems. Little Kate and her family need so many prayers right now and I've been trying to do my part. When someone goes thru something like this it really tends to put things in perspective. I've been doing so much thinking lately and just trying to be more grateful, more aware of the time I spend in prayer, and the time that I spend doing things for others...including my family. If you have a minute, please say a prayer for Baby Kate and her family...she is at Children's Hospital in St. Louis.

Rob's been busy putting hardwood down for our steps...it's coming along and looks really, really great.

Just realized I never did post pics of Jacob's birthday party...will try to do that.

Now, I'm headed to bed! Good night!

Still Trying to Play Catch-Up!

As my title states, I'm still trying to blog about things that happened last week! We celebrated Jacob's birthday last Thursday with a pizza party at the park. We had about 40 people come to celebrate and the kids had a great time riding their bikes & scooters, playing at the playground, and eating pizza & cupcakes! We always love to get together with family & friends...we need do it more often!

My kitchen is now painted a deep red! I LOVE it...and it's growing on Rob! He has the painting to do down the steps, but he decided to put hard wood floors down the steps before he painted. So, he's in the process of that now! Hopefully, someday SOON, the kitchen will be COMPLETELY finished!

We knew this day was coming, we just hoped it wouldn't happen this soon. We had to call Flori Air Conditioning & Heating. We've got some major things going on with our air conditioning (it's working right now, thank Goodness!) and our whole unit really needs to be replaced. We're going to sit on this for about a week and decide what to do. It is such a major expense but one that we will really need to incur before winter. Bummer.

Our sweet Calli is in heat. She is annoying and yet sweet at the same time. Her appointment is on Friday to get spayed and declawed. The day can't get here soon enough. Enough said!

Time to pick up Matthew...have a great night everyone. Hopefully I'll post some pics of the birthday party later this evening or tomorrow.
Becky

More Photos!

Couple of pictures of my trip last Saturday with about 40 other ladies (including about 6 of my good friends) that LOVE scrapbooking! We went on a charted bus tour to St. Louis and visited 3 scrapbook stores, did make-in-takes, shopped, shopped some more!!, and had lunch on the Hill at Zia's. It was a fun, fun day!

Trying to Catch Up!

Wanted to post a few photos of Matthew's soccer game last Saturday...it was the only game that I'll be missing this season...He had a crowd come to watch...Rob, Jacob, Rob's parents, my Dad, and my brother, Paul, and his wife, Kristi. I heard it was a fun time!

Just had to share a new photo of our new niece, Maria. She is just a sweetie!

Just a short post tonight...I'm ready for bed. Hopefully I'll update more tomorrow! Just had to share that I have a new little niece!

Maria Joyce was born on Wednesday, September 12th!

Proud parents are my brother, Sam, and his wife, Lauren, from Alpharetta, Georgia. As soon as I get some email photos I'll post one here! Congratulations, Sam & Lauren...we can't wait to meet little Maria!

Jacob Celebrates his 4th Birthday Today!

Our sweet Jacob turned 4 today! Once again, it just seems like yesterday when he was a little baby. I recall that day so vividly in my mind! His due date was actually October 17 (hope I remember that correctly!). We went to the SEMO District Fair and was walking around...it was a Saturday afternoon. We had came home and Rob & Matthew were painting in the nursery when my water broke...I had to call my oldest sister because I wasn't sure what was happening (with Matthew I was induced and my water was broken-it didn't happen naturally). Well, after I described the feelings I was having, she suggested I head to the hospital. And, that's what we did. Jacob Austin Moore was born by repeat C-section September 13, 2003 at 11:20 pm. He weighed a precious little 5 pounds 11 ounces and was 18 inches long. He was a beautiful baby. He is such a delight at 4 years of age and here lately, he has been giving sweet kisses like there's no tomorrow! I'm soakin' it all in! God has blessed us so greatly thru Jacob...we are thankful for each and every day that we have with him. We love you, Jacob.

Quick, Easy & Yummy Recipe!

Wanted to share a recipe with you that my whole family loved...for a quick, yummy dessert! I got it out of the latest KraftFoods magazine on page 23. If you don't get that in the mail...log on to www.kraftfoods.com and sign up. It's free and it has some incredible recipes in it!

Chocolate Pudding Pie

1 1/2 cups cold milk
1 pkg Jell-O Chocolate Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling
1 Oreo Pie Crust (6 oz)
2 cups thawed Cool Whip

Pour milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mix. Beat with wire whisk 2 min. or until well blended. Spoon half of the pudding into crust.

Gently stir 1 cup of the whipped topping into remaining pudding; spoon over pudding layer in crust.

Top with remaining 1 cup whipped topping. Refrigerate at least 3 hours. Store in refrigerator.

Makes 10 servings, 1 slice each.


Hope you're getting to enjoy a little bit of this incredible weather! My sister-in-law, Lauren, is in the hospital down in Atlanta...maybe this evening or during the night. Please pray for a safe and easy delivery!

The weekend is winding down and it's almost bedtime...and I'm STILL doing laundry! Had this email conversation with a friend about laundry...it's really neverending for me...but, oh the feeling when it's all done and put away!!!

Found out Thursday evening that a friend of Rob's had gotten bit by a 32-inch long copperhead on his finger. He's a pretty big guy but by the time he got to the hospital he was in a tremendous amount of pain. After 4 (I think) viles of anti-venom at $12,000 per vile, he came home today. We visited him for a while this afternoon...he's doing better but his whole hand, arm and shoulder are quite sore. It'll take a while for him to completely recover.

We had a great time in 3-year old children's church this morning. Today was Jacob's last day in the 3's and all of the kids did great. After our bible story lesson on Joseph & his brother Reuben, Rob & I got out the play-doh. Eleven kids (plus Matthew) playing play-doh...and all of them wanting Rob to help them flatten their play-doh! They all seemed to want Rob this morning. LOL! Anyway, I think the kids learned something thru the story and some fun songs we sang. It's always a great day for us when we feel that God is working in the little hearts of the 3-year olds!

This afternoon we headed to the Jackson Park for St. Paul's Back-To-School BBQ. It was totally fun and hot! After some great food and conversation, we headed to the farm to load up our cows. We did decide to keep all of our calves...I KNEW Rob wouldn't be able to sell everything! He's too attached to them! We do have enough pasture between our ground and Rob's Dad's ground to keep them a while, so that's what we decided to do. After two trips to the sale barn we headed home for some much-needed showers.

Have a great Monday! No news of a niece yet...hopefully this week!
Becky

Looks like it's time for a new post since it's almost been a week! I don't want to lose any of my faithful readers!

Had a great, uneventful weekend. The tractor ride was really, really hot. I haven't uploaded pictures yet (and I'm too tired to run upstairs and get my camera!!) so I won't be posting any tonight. Matthew rode with Rob for a little bit and Jacob rode with his grandpa for a little bit. There was like absolutely no breeze that day. Enjoyed a great meal after the ride and then we headed home for showers!

Jacob has been doing great in pre-school. He absolutely loves it now - we're so thankful.

Rob got a call Tuesday evening from a guy that he used to work with and he wants to purchase every bit of hay that we have left. It has truly been awesome to pay down some (well, most of) of our farm debt...next up is selling the cattle. Rob's wanting to try this for a couple of years. He'll be making and selling his hay...and just buying young cows (yearlings) in the spring and feeding them out over the spring/summer/fall...and then selling them in late fall. With the hay shortage this year it was definitely a smart move for us...prices for hay have been way up...it just didn't make sense to us to be feeding our cows expensive hay over the winter.

Sometime in the near future my brother & sister-in-law in Atlanta will be having their first child, a sweet little girl!! After 8 grandsons (and 8 cousins) for my parents it is definitely time for a baby girl! Can't wait...we're all very excited to soon be hearing the news!

Almost time for the weekend! Big plans anyone? None here...hopefully just a nice, long relaxing couple of days. The only thing planned for us is that Rob is taking his Oliver tractor that he's been re-doing on a big tractor ride with lots of other people. I'll post some pictures after the weekend. Jacob & Matthew will get to take turns riding with him...they're excited about that.

Not much else going on...spent the evening last night with friends scrappin'. That's always fun...got two more layouts done for that gift I'm working on...just a couple left to go! I think it's turned out really nice...I hope the recipient really likes it!

We're headed out to our farm tonight to just hang out. Rob has another hay-buyer coming for 500 bales. And we thought we might not be able to sell our hay! Rob's had people calling left and right for hay...it's good for us since we have it to sell!

Have a safe & happy Labor Day!

Weekend.

Hope you had a fantastic weekend! Jacob & I spent Friday afternoon hanging out at my friend, Shelly's, new pool. Such a relaxing day...we just kept saying, "this is the life". Rob picked up Matthew from school and I had warned Rob that Matthew didn't know we were swimming without him and I just knew he would be upset. Well, when Rob picked him up he was so excited (since it's usually me that picks him up because Rob is at work) to see him. Rob took him back to work with him and let him run some big equipment...I think a crane and maybe a highlift...anyway, Matthew wasn't too upset!!

Saturday I took the boys to the big garage sale at the Osage Center while Rob went out and worked on his old Oliver tractor that he is rebuilding and painting (it's looking really good!) Matthew & Jacob loved looking at all the old junk and I even let them pick out a couple of things! We then headed to the soccer fields for Matthew's first game and Rob met us there. We could definitely see favoritism going on with coaches and their sons...not too hip on that but I guess it's reality.

Sunday we went to church where we had a ministry fair and then we taught the 3-year old's during worship...just love that age. We then headed to my mom & dad's for lunch. My mom is an incredible cook and LOVES to cook...I can even remember always having home-cooked meals when she had 6 little ones to look after (I'm the youngest and the oldest is 10 years older than me). Incredible...she had it together! Needless to say we had an awesome meal and good fellowship. We then headed home and Rob & the boys went to the farm to sell some more hay...I opted to stay home and work on a scrapbooking gift that I need to get done soon! :) I got lots done by the way!

I'm now headed to bed!

Oh, my sister-in-law's birthday is today...HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Kristi!

Take care,
Becky

2nd day of Pre-School...Not Like the First!!!

Jacob had a few issues this morning going to pre-school! Everything was going great...he got up and he put a new t-shirt on that I had found at Kohls for $3 (plus another 15% off!!!) and he was excited...it had a huge dump truck on it. Once we hit the classroom, it went downhill from there. He clung to me like he did a year and a half ago where you just literally have to pry his fingers loose. Then he started to cry. A poor, pitiful cry and he just kept saying, "But I want you Mommy". Just breaks my heart but he is ready for 6 hours of pre-school a week! After I got him loose of me, his teacher came and took him...by this time 5 other children were having issues!! I just left then and prayed that he would be okay. I know the aide in the room very well...she informed me later that he was a bit pouty for about an hour and then he was fine. He's a very smart little guy!

1st grade for Matthew is going just great. He's had math homework every night (I really don't remember any homework in 1st grade!!!), writing most nights, and Bible memory work. He's used to the memory work from AWANA at our church so we had no problems this week with that at all. This week he had to recite John 3:16 and Genesis 1:31 - he did great! Have to share one little issue this week: They use the card system once again in first grade. He had gotten green every day except yesterday when it was blue. (Last year Matthew's card only got turned once...for talking in Art!). I asked him what happened and he said that it was for drawing his initials with a marker on his hand. Rob and I talked to him and said okay, Matthew, that's not so bad, just try and not do it again. Well, he proceeded to tell us that two other kids at his table got cards turned for the same thing but that the teacher didn't notice that he was doing it also. He went to his teacher and told her that he had done the same thing. (I was like, YES, we've taught him well! Rob was like...You told on yourself??? - he didn't say this to Matthew, of course!!) So, he did get a talking to about marking on his hands, but we praised him for being honest! I got a message from his teacher today and she told me the same thing...she said it just broke her heart to have to give Matthew a blue card, but that she had too! And, she thanked him for his honesty! We were so proud...maybe some of the things that we are trying to teach him are sinking in!!!

Jacob's 1st Day of Pre-School!

As you can see from the photos, Jacob had a GREAT 1st day at pre-school! The 1st photo is of him outside of school, the second is outside his classroom, the third photo is of Jacob hanging up his backpack & putting his snacks in his "snack cubby", and the last is of him finding his name on a bear and putting it on the board. Each morning (Tuesday's & Thursday's) Jacob is responsible for those things (hanging up his backpack and putting his snack away, giving a quarter to his teacher for milk for snacktime, and putting his name bear on the board. Today they had Jesus time, playdoh time, snacktime...they made a puppet and did some drawings. Hopefully Jacob will want to return on Thursday!!!

Scrapbook Layouts

Wanted to share a couple of layouts with you (well, mainly for my scrapbookin' friends!) that I completed this weekend. Hope you all have a great week!

Jacob Gets Stitches!

Last night started out to be a typical evening. Jacob had chosen 3 shirts which he layed out on his table...he would get to choose one to wear for his first day of pre-school (Thursday). He was excited! We sat down for supper (Rob was raking hay/baling hay for a friend so he wasn't home yet). After supper Matthew wanted to go out and play for a little while and I said okay, but only for 5 minutes. He and Jacob headed outside. Literally, no more than 2 minutes had gone by and Matthew came running up the back steps on to our deck, banging on the door (it had been locked). I, of course, came running...but not thinking anything unusual. Matthew was hystical and yelling that Jacob was hurt really, really bad. About that time, Jacob comes walking up out of the creek, completely covered in mud & blood...I've never seen so much blood. Matthew felt terrible and yelling and screaming that it was all his fault. We got poor Jacob inside the door and I stood him on a towel...he was crying and dripping in blood from his mouth. Never knew how I would do at the sight of so much blood but I was actually calm. I looked at his mouth and found that a big chunk of his lip was hanging there. I couldn't look inside to see his teeth because he was holding a washcloth there at his mouth. I finally got Matthew calmed down after letting him know that I needed his help. I washed Jacob up while Matthew got him some new clothes and shoes. We headed to the ER...making a pit stop at my brother and sister-in-laws house (Mark & Cheryl-THANK YOU.) to let Matthew stay there. At the ER, found out that we had to go to the regular ER. We arrived at 7:30, Jacob was calm by then and just wanting me to hold him. At that point Rob had come in and gotten Matthew and took him home. We were seen be a very nice female doctor at 10:30...3 hours is a long time to wait but while we were there four ambulances had come in. Jacob was a trooper...I couldn't have asked for a better situation in a time of crisis. He ended up having to have stitches on his lip...he received a shot in his lip, as opposed to being sedated. When they gave him the shot, three male nurses (not sure if they were RN's or not...but they were great with Jacob) held him down. He really did great. He cried a very painful cry while he got the shot that it about broke my heart. But then he calmed down and let the doc do her thing. He was such a brave little boy. We finally got home around 12:30 and that's when I took the photo of him laying in his bed. The other photo is one I took today. He didn't get to start pre-school today which made me kind of sad because he had been looking forward to it. But, we'll just have a FIRST day next Tuesday!

Just realized that I never really mentioned what happened! The boys were both in their red wagon. It started going down the hill on the side of our house and evidently started picking up speed. Matthew jumped out and tried to stop the wagon but couldn't. Jacob went right on down, tipped the wagon and landed down by the creek. He said that he hit a rock. Not really sure but very likely. And, as the doctor in the ER said when I told her the story..."That's their story and they're sticking to it!"

I'm thankful it was just his lip. God was watching over him because it could have been much, much worse.

Wednesday-1st Day of School for Matthew

Matthew started 1st grade today! He was really excited about going. He sits at a table with 3 other kids, 2 boys and 2 girls. He has a binder that he brings home every day that he has to write his homework in...he thought that was really cool. Today he wrote, "No work"! He's also excited about this "pouch" that rests over the back of his chair that holds his pencils and erasers and other papers. I asked him what his favorite things were today (or what his favorite parts of the day were) and he said "going home" and started laughing! When I questioned him a bit further, he said these four things: 1) seeing his best friend, Jed, at recess (Jed is in the other 1st grade class this year), 2) he liked his teacher, 3) having P.E. 4) his binder and his desk. We are hoping and praying for a great year! Here's a couple of photos from today!

Matthew had his first soccer practice tonight and boy was it hot! About 100 degrees to be exact! We drank plenty of water and the team had a great practice. This is the first year that it is boys only...Matthew kind of liked that!

After that we came home to a supper of corn dogs! Not too healthy but really yummy! Rob had gone out to his brothers around 5:00 to help him lay some tile so it was just the boys and me. One of our cats, Calli, started to act really peculiar...she kept swatting at her mouth with both paws. I was really beginning to wonder and worry about what was wrong with her. I ended up calling the vet and when he eventually called me back the first thing he asked me was how old she was and I told him. Well, his first thoughts were that she was losing some of her baby teeth and that was bothering her. I felt pretty good with that answer so I left it at that and the vet told me to just watch her. As a matter of fact, when he called, Calli had for the most part quit acting so goofy. Well, Matthew was still up when Rob got home...I was downstairs on the computer. Before I even had a chance to tell Rob...(I had called Rob when this was all happening and he said he would come home as soon as he could...this is "His" baby girl kitty)...he looked inside her mouth and sure enough...there were, not one, but two, little empty spots where Calli had lost 2 teeth! Rob had remembered when Chipper & Oliver had lost their teeth (I didn't!) and he thought it might be the same thing. She's acting pretty normal now. I told the vet that I felt pretty funny about calling...he said not to worry...he get's even more goofier calls than mine! I'm just glad she's okay...she's such a sweetie!

Week-Long Absence!

Sorry for this...if there's anyone out there reading my blog! Not much going on this past week. We spent 2 evenings and one afternoon at school for parent orientation meetings and a pre-school open house. Matthew is starting 1st grade on Wednesday...he's so excited! Jacob is starting pre-school on Thursday...he'll be going on Tuesday & Thursday mornings...I think he's excited but also a little apprehensive.

We went swimming on Friday with friends...my head got a little sunburned but nothing else!

Today we started cleaning out the garage. We quit because I need to purchase a few organizing products - that's always exciting! We decided to get cleaned up and go to the movies. We seen Ratatouille (sp?)...it was great!

Photos from Meramec Caverns & Meramec River

Meramec Caverns

This morning after Sunday School we decided to head northwest and take a trip to Meramec Caverns. We got there around 2:00 (after stopping in Eureka for lunch) and bought our tickets and took the tour...the boys did great. After the cave tour we headed outside where we got to "pan for gold" and go on a "dino dig". Matthew & Jacob had the best time...well, Rob did too! Three kids were digging for dinosaur bones & fossils! After all of that we took a walk down to the river (Meramec River) and let the boys play around in the water. They had so much fun. Jacob fell asleep immediately after we started to head for home. It was a great day and it was so nice and cool in the caverns! Great day trip for anyone looking for a little something different to do! I'll post some pictures tomorrow...I'm headed to bed now!

Just got home from a crop at our local scrapbook store and now I'm ready to stay up and do a bit more scrappin'! It's always fun to get together with great friends and do something we all love...we missed you Shelly!

I came home to fresh blackberries, tomatoes, hot peppers & cucumbers! Rob & the boys went to Grandpa & Grandma Moore's and picked out of their garden. Yummy! I think there might be enough to make a blackberry pie...that might be on the agenda for tomorrow. Here's the simple recipe that I use (got it from one of my sister's):

BLACKBERRY PIE:

4 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
3/4 to 1 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
Pillsbury pie crusts (2)

Mix the sugar and flour together. Add the blackberries and mix. Place pie crust in pie plate. Fill with blackberry mixture. Cover with second pie crust and pinch edges together. Cut slits in top crust, sprinkle with sugar if desired. Cover edges with alum. foil. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes more or till top is golden and fruit is tender. Serves 8.

NOTE: If using frozen blackberries, toss with the sugar-flour mixture, then let mixture stand for 15-30 minutes or until partially thawed but still icy. Then transfer to the pie plate, cover edge with foil, and bake in a 375 degree oven for 50 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 20-30 minutes longer or until the top is golden.

Big plans for the weekend anyone? Not much going on here...we MIGHT be brave and head out for the rest of our school supplies since it's the tax-free weekend. We're teaching Sunday School on Sunday in the 1st grade room...need to do a little prep for that. That's about it!

Just a Quick Post to Say...

Happy Birthday to me! I turned 36 today...it just doesn't seem possible that I have actually been alive for 36 years...that's 13,140 days...hope my math is correct because it's getting late! I am thankful to God for these 36 years...He has blessed me in so many ways. ~ Becky

{July 29, 2007}

Hope all of you had a great weekend! Wanted to give a recap of what we've been doing lately! As I wrote in my last post, we celebrated Matthew's 7th birthday beginning on Tuesday, which was his actual birthday. He wanted a party at the Discovery Playhouse in the mall with his classmates from school so that's what we did! The kids all had a great morning...especially Matthew!

On Wednesday my friend, Shelly, and I took her 2 boys and mine to the Bootheel Youth Museum in Malden. It was such a neat place for the kids. We spent about 2 hours there and then we ate and started to head back home. We stopped at 2 scrapbook stores...the boys actual did great in the play areas!...one in Dexter & one at the Sikeston Outlet Mall. It was a fun day!

Thursday we spent picking up the house because we had family over that evening for Matthew's birthday. We did just kind of an open house from 6-8 where people could come and visit and help celebrate his birthday. It was fun!

On Friday I took my Dad to the oral surgeon to have 4 teeth pulled...my Mom doesn't drive so she stayed home with the boys. We sat in the doctor's office from 10:00 - 12:00...my Dad was finally called back at 12:00 and was done by 1:00. I got a LOT of Harry Potter read! The boys' and I then headed to Jayne's pool...it ended up raining and we only got to stay about an hour. Since we weren't doing anything Friday evening I invited a couple friends over to scrapbook...we got our kits out from Rona's and got 2 done! I was so glad...thanks Julie & Shelly!

Saturday Rob & the boys spent most of the day out at the farm. I went out around 4:00 and we rode 4-wheelers for about an hour. It was so much fun. Rob's Dad has trails all thru their woods for us to ride in. Jacob & I rode with Rob and Matthew took his own. We had a blast!

Today we went to Sunday School & church and then Rob suggested we go to Lamberts! So, we headed that way...Home of the Famous Throwed Rolls! The wait was about an hour & 15 minutes so we got our name on the wait list and then headed to the outlet mall. The time goes by really fast when you not just sitting there! We came home then and just chilled and watched a couple of movies with the boys...ahhhhhh...gotta love these lazy, family days!

It's only 8:30...Rob's watching a little t.v., the boys are in bed, I'm gonna try and finish our Disney album from 2006! Only 1 page left since I did one layout yesterday!!!!! WaHoo!

Matthew Turned 7 Today!

Our oldest, Matthew, turned 7 today! It is just so hard to believe. I've just pulled out a scrapbook of the day he was born. He was born 7-24-00 at 6:25 pm. He weighed 7 pounds, 1 ounce and was 19 inches long. I remember that day as if it were yesterday...I just couldn't believe that he had finally arrived...he was so beautiful and so precious...truly a gift from God! We have been so blessed over these past 7 years by having him in our lives. We love him so much and we just can't imagine what the future holds for this special little boy. Here is a picture of him today....he always knows that I want to take his photo by the same tree that I always do! What a sweetheart!

Jacob's New Ride!

Check out Jacob's new wheels! We bought him a bike yesterday...goodbye tricycle!! Matthew, Jacob & I went to pick it out. Rob promised that he would put it together when he got home from baling hay. It was 10:00 pm...but that bike was put together. Jacob just HAD to test it out...in pajamas! He did great. He's had a few crashes today...where there is a bump in the concrete he just kind of tips his bike over.

Couple of Photos

A Hot Air Balloon?

Jacob & Matthew were playing outside this evening when they both started yelling...."Mommy, come look!" I ran outside and there was a huge hot air balloon going right over our house. I RAN in and grabbed the camera...it's just not something you see everyday!

Yesterday was our last day of Bible School...it had been a long, but fun week. We were all pretty wore out! We had around 200 kids this year...what a blessing! After B.S. we went swimming for a couple of hours and then we headed to the Muny in St. Louis to see Peter Pan. It was AWESOME...and the weather...OMG! We took blankets along for the boys...the show didn't start until 8:15 and it was already pretty cool. Cool, in July???? It sure was. The show was so fun to watch. My brother and his wife, Kristi, went along also. It was definitely worth going!

Both boys are now in bed...I'm waiting for Rob to come home after a long day of moving hay bales and mowing grass. He's had a long day...and, we didn't get home until 1:00 am last night...so, I'm sure he's tired.

Better get going...I'm working on trying to get my kitchen finished. I've been putting stuff above my shelves and just trying to get a a little more "homey" feeling!

Shooting the Cows....

at the farm this evening. Yes...you read right. I was at home trying to get my scrap area cleaned up when I got a phone call from Rob. He and the boys had left earlier to go move some haybales and "doctor" some of our cow's eyes. He needed me to come get the boys...they apparently weren't "getting along"! When I arrived, Matthew was riding his 4-wheeler and Jacob was in the tractor with Rob. They ate their sandwiches which I had brought them for supper. Rob's says..."I need your help". I say, "okay...doing what?". Well, I drove the truck thru the fields where the cows were...our cows are really quite "tame" so we drive right up close to them. Rob gets his "bow and arrow" out and "shoots" the medicine in the cow's behind! Evidently the arrow has a little tip on the end that has the medicine in it for pink eye....the medicine goes in and then the arrow falls to the ground. Pretty cool, actually, how it all worked! Matthew & Jacob thought it was so cool! That was my evening!

I've included a few photos of this past Sunday. Rob & the boys went with my brother, Markus, to Clearwater Lake with his new fishing boat. They had a great time...swimming

Hey...Just took a few minutes to come downstairs and post a quick update! Rob & I are busy laying our tile backsplash in the kitchen. It's about 10:30 pm and we're about half way done! I think it looks great! I'll post some pics as soon as we're completely finished.

Bible School started today and the boys had a great morning. The theme this year is "Avalanche Ranch". I am helping out in crafts this year...we had about 25 kids in each class...that's quite a few!

Got to go...Rob is calling.......

Fun Day!

Today was Matthew's last day of soccer camp. The weather was AWESOME this week...being a Mom I was a little concerned that it would be too hot. But, it wasn't! He had a great week and learned a bunch.

This afternoon we went to a friend's house to swim in their pool. Shelly and her boys went also...we had a great, relaxing afternoon. I forgot my camera, :( , maybe Shelly will share her photos with me!

{July 11, 2007}

What a GORGEOUS day God has given us today! It is just beautiful out there...hope you all get to enjoy some part of it!

I snapped a photo of my gerbera daisy that is blooming out front. In early summer I planted two pots of daisy's and they have been doing awesome...except that I only get a bloom every now and then! That's okay though...it gives me something to look forward to and enjoy!

{July 9, 2007}

Hey Everybody!

Just wanted to share a few photos of our trip to Columbia this past Saturday to celebrate our newphew's Noah & Ira's 5th birthday! We had an awesome time...my sister and her husband just moved in to this gorgeous home in the country...trees everywhere...great place for their boys to just be boys and play outside! And WOW...my sister has done an AWESOME job in making her home feel comfortable and welcoming...great job, Elizabeth!

Matthew started soccer camp this morning for a couple of hours...he had a great time. When Jacob & I walked up to the soccer fields to pick him up he was drenched wet with sweat! I ended up pouring the rest of his water bottle over his head and we walked home and jumped in the pool!

Have a great Monday!

Becky

Happy 4th!...a LITTLE late!

{July 5, 2007}

Hope you all enjoyed a fun & safe 4th of July! We sure did...and the weather...absolutely gorgeous...it was even a little chilly watching the firewords!

We went out to Rob's parents for a late lunch and had some very yummy pork chops and hotdogs. Stayed out there for a while and then we headed to our farm to bale hay...the boys just love hanging out there - the purchase of the 4-wheelers was one of the best things we ever did! Along with doing that...Matthew loves to ride on the hay wagon and Jacob loves to ride the tractor. Rob's Dad helped by driving the tractor so I got to eventually go home and start supper.

When they eventually got home we ate a quick supper and then headed to the fireworks stand. Thankfully, Matthew & Jacob love all of the little stuff like the snakes, snaps, and the little cars/tractors/rocket ships, etc. that don't cost too much! We then went over to some friend's house for strawberry shortcakes and to watch the big Jackson fireworks. I believe that we have found THE SPOT for watching the fireworks. We've had awesome places in the past to watch them...but I think our friend's backyard topped them all! They're yard backs up to the park that is behind Wib's Barbecue. It was a fantastic view! When we got home we did our fireworks with the boys...even though it was about 10:30...we had promised...and by the way, it's 9:30 am and their BOTH still in bed!

Lovin' the Summertime!
Have a Great Day!

Lazy Days of Summer...{July 2, 2007}

As I was catching up on some blog reading this morning, I came across one that shared that today was the half-way point in the year. Wow...already? It got me to thinking about some of the goals/plans that Rob & I had talked about at the beginning of the year and where we were in accomplishing those goals. Some things we've been doing great at and other things, well...there's still half the year left! LOL!

Woke up this morning to another beautiful, sun-shiny day! I made French toast for breakfast and I always wonder why I don't make that more often...everyone in our family loves it! We spent the morning cleaning bedrooms...picking up, de-cluttering, dusting, cleaning windows. It always amazes me how many "special" things Matthew has that he just can't part with! He has like 4 or 5 different containers just filled with "stuff" that is meaningful to him...at least now, after cleaning, we have all of this "stuff" contained...and not just sitting around on dressers and bookshelves!!! Thank goodness Jacob hasn't gotten to that stage yet where he wants to keep everything! Well, not sure if it's a childhood "stage" or just a "Matthew" thing!!!

After a few episodes of Scooby Doo, we headed to our backyard pool and spent the afternoon there. This evening was spent playing t-ball in the front yard.

Love these lazy days of summer!