Independence Day Mantle

 Happy 4th of July!

I like to decorate my mantel.  Honestly though, before I set up this patriotic display, there were still Easter decorations on it.

 Per ususal, I got most of the decorations at Goodwill.  I saw this big tin star there back in June. It had some hideous paint job on it. I wish I had thought to take a picture of the before. Anyway, for the $4.99 price tag, I knew I could make it work. What better than my favorite Cherry Red spray paint (Krylon) to make it pop for the 4th of July.

I found this free printable on a blog. God Bless America...land that I love.  I wish I had bookmarked where I found it, so I could give credit where credit is due. I had it printed at Walgreen's and framed it. The big American flag is something that was passed on to Peter. It was his grandfather's and has flown over the White House. It is really, really big and usually is in a closet. I thought I'd put it out for the holiday.  Inside the jar, is some random red,white & blue fabric. 

Finally, here is my home-made bunting. I had everything here and if you don't look too closely, it looks alright. I had some burlap, so I eyed it and cut out the above shape. Then I took my favorite Cherry Red spray paint and sprayed some of the pieces. I had some blue paint that I just sponged onto the other pieces. We had some white yarn, Elmer's glue, and waa-laah! Bunting!

Our family plans to spend the afternoon at our swimming pool and then see some fireworks!

Happy 4th! God Bless America!

Easter Fun

We had a wonderful Easter celebration with our California friends, the Lin's. They drove 23+ hours (straight) for their spring break in Texas. We were their first stop and thoroughly enjoyed the visit. The kids couldn't wait for them to arrive. Instant fun times when they here. Lots of light saber wars were going on.
We awoke to a drizzly Easter morning. Over 100 eggs were well hidden by the Bunny himself. Then, the kiddos had to wait until after church to hunt. Our kids loved having 'their cousins' in Sunday school with them. I think Ashley & Brandon enjoyed church too, especially the donut holes.
Peter made a great roast for lunch. Afterwards, the sun came out and the festivities continued in the front yard. Ashley & Conleigh had a 'liminode' stand. The other kids were getting their Easter egg $$ and paying them for limonade, and the boys were having a ball playing ball! The time came too soon that they had to hit the road to their next stop. We love you guys.

Cranberries, Pilgrims & Turkeys

Alex proudly told me last week that he ate pumpkin pie and cranberries at school. He was excited about eating them for Thanksgiving. So, Campbell, Alex and I were doing some pre-Thanksgiving shopping. I offer to buy some whole berry cranberries for him. He is ready to indulge in them with his peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch...so excited!

The horror! Imagine a five year old boy sounding like a tiger with a look on his face to match. I have failed. "These are NOT the cranberries, mom!" He went on for no kidding, 10+ minutes completely having a meltdown at our house. I couldn't help but laugh. There were no tears just a crazy, mad sound. He even told me that I was the worst mom because I got the wrong cranberries! Man, motherhood is a tough ride sometimes.

I offered to go to the grocery store before we picked up Conleigh from school. We go. Of course, I find the same can of whole-berry cranberries, but I'm not making that mistake again. I put a package of real cranberries in our basket and think, "I cannot believe that Ms. Elva would make these for the kids." We make our way to the deli and I try to explain to the deli lady that we are looking for cranberry sauce with the berry. The very kind woman offers to open a can of whole-berry cranberry sauce (just to confirm that this mom bought the same thing and it isn't correct for Alexander). She opens, and he does indeed confirm that it is NOT the right stuff. She then offers to open the fresh cranberry sauce that the deli makes. He again, turns up his nose and tells us no. "Mom, they are supposed to look like raisins!!" The deli worker then walks him to the bakery and points at a cake and asks Alex if they look like that? Eureka! We hit the jackpot!


Craisins! Why would I have guessed anything else? Why did his preschool teacher say those were cranberries?

My Pilgrim who loves Cranberries!


And one of my turkey's too...

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Conleigh: I wonder what color the Easter bunny is?

Alex: Red
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Believe.

Can you remember when you believed that a Bunny hopped into your backyard and hid eggs everywhere?

Innocence.

Do you remember when you didn't question how your Easter basket was filled with a chocolate bunny on Easter morning?

We are living in those times at our house. Conleigh ran into our room this morning about 6:30. "Mom, I think I hear the Easter Bunny in our living room."

Little did she know daddy was up already trying to prepare his Sunday school teaching lesson.

She and Campbell entered the living room at the same time this morning and were so excited to find their baskets filled with a chocolate Easter bunny, a small toy and a ring pop. Alex soon joined the crew and he was grinning from ear to ear to see the two Hot Wheels in his basket.

The girls looked so cute with their Easter dresses, white shoes and big bows in their hair. Here is the outfit Alex walked into our room and asked if he could wear to church. A muscle shirt, really? Pretty funny, I think.

Conleigh and Alex both came to "big" church and did very well. Afterwards, I taught Alex's 3 year old Sunday school class, and Peter taught upstairs in our adult class.

As I taught the three year old class the Easter story, I was so pleased with how much Alex participated and remembered from the story today and in previous weeks. Conleigh too, seemed to be able to tell the story. Jesus is Alive!

When we got home, the rain had cleared, and lo' and behold, the red(?) Easter bunny had put about 60 eggs in our backyard! All the kids had a blast looking for the eggs and got it done lickety split.

Peter & I attempted our first honey baked ham. It turned out pretty well. We ate ham, broccoli, rolls and salad. It was a nice meal and we spent an hour or so afterwards watching videos of the children when they were younger. It was so much fun. Happy Easter 2009.

Thank you God for giving the ultimate gift of your Son Jesus to die for our sins so that we may have eternal life.