Hanging Out at Home and Fun Times at the Fire Department

Tonight thankfully we didn't have anything that we had to do or any where we had to be. So we just hung around the house. Paul was working outside so I went out to keep the little ones out of his way for a while. Land was at a football game with friends. Things were going well until they decided to play some kind of crawl down the steps game. Fearing injury I had to steer them in another direction and quick.
Clara Beth wasn't as anxious to leave the steps as Emanuiel was. She took a little more coaxing. I finally was able to lure both of them in the house with the promise of letting them help me cook. Yes, you read that correctly!! So in we went with much excitement I might add.
Once inside the measuring and mixing began. It was a simple menu for tonight. The weather was cool so we had decided to have "breakfast" for dinner. Here are the little chefs stirring away.
Of course they had to do a little tasting too!
Clara Beth assured me the muffins they were mixing up were ready for the oven.

Here's just a little peek at our dinner. Paul makes fabulous French Toast and tonight was no exception. We also enjoyed biscuits, scrambled eggs, milk and juice. It was all YUMMY!!!
After our "Manic Monday" we went out for dinner on Tuesday(Mexican, one of our favorites) and then off to the Fire Department to celebrate Fire Safety Month. They had a great time.
Possible future fire fighter.
Too cute but an oh so heavy hat!!
And the best part of all we met up with family that we had not seen in a while. They all had a great time together. That's just a little glimpse into what we've been up to this week. Tomorrow begins the weekend and we have fun plans ahead. We can hardly wait.

Remember:

He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:25

I hope you all have a refreshing and restful weekend.

Until next time..................

Robin

******Manic Monday******

For some reason(that will later be understood) the old 80's song "Just Another Manic Monday" kept running through my head this afternoon. It all started out pleasant enough but went downhill fast. At 3:00 I still wasn't sure what we would have for dinner tonight so after school I quickly headed to the grocery store and viola a meal was planned!!(in record speed I might add) I rushed home because Anna Kayla and Greg were joining us and they had somewhere to be at 7:00. This didn't give us much time to we set things in motion. Our dinner turned out great: Grilled Bar-B-Qued Chicken, Baked Potatoes with Home made Sour Cream, Brown Sugar Baked Beans, Broccoli and Mozzarella Garlic Bread. The Grill master and his little assistant did an excellent job on the chicken!
I whipped up an Oreo Pie(gotta have dessert no matter how crunched we are for time) and we all sat down to enjoy our meal together. Or so we thought............we undoubtedly were all tired from a long day at school and work and a very busy weekend because my happy little family was well, NOT very happy!!! We were cranky and just down right poopie!! The Oreo Pie didn't even help. The little ones were whiny(so were the big ones) myself(sad to say) was also included!
To try and make things better(bearable until bedtime) I decided, while Paul cleaned up the kitchen, Land and I would take the little ones for a ride through the neighborhood in the wagon. Fun stuff right, WRONG! They pushed, pulled, kicked, and sat on each other!!! So back to the house for baths we went. I couldn't get there fast enough!!
After bath time(which was fun, as always) the two toodle bugs decided to sit together and play with the Tinker Toys. Emanuiel LOVES to line things up so he put each little animal in a line on top of the can, which Clara Beth quickly knocked off numerous times. Then the screaming ensued. See the determination on his little face.
So instead of having a night filled with this...................sweet hugging and loving..............

We got THIS!!!!!! Thankfully EVERYONE is asleep now and I am in my favorite pajamas. My sweet husband surprised me with a very early Christmas present today..............Paula Deen's new Christmas Cookbook. Now that the house is quiet I am going to go and snuggle under my covers, with my pillow propped up and read all the delicious recipes in my new book!!

No matter what, even a Manic Monday spent with my family is better than a Marvelous Monday spent away from them!!!

This is what I am going to do:

I will forget my complaint,

I will put off my sad face

and wear a smile.

Job 9:27

Until next time.....................

Robin

And I hope all of you have a terrific Tuesday!!!

Perfect Day For A Pic-Nic (Almost)

Today was the "perfect" day for a pic-nic. We could hardly wait. Our plans were to rush home after church , change clothes, and head to a national park near our house. There was only one small problem(who weighs about 28 pounds). Clara Beth didn't feel well when she woke up this morning so we decided not to go to church and just watch her to see if she perked up. She did, so we got ourselves ready and packed up our picnic. We had called some other China families and couldn't wait to meet them there. Emanuiel had never been on a picnic so he wasn't sure what we were doing but he knew it must be something exciting. He was running around the house like a little tornado. We were finally ready and on our way. Here's the picnic parade heading to our spot.
Emanuiel, Jeremiah, and Land hugged up before a little football (again this is one of Land's favorite pastimes),
We combined our goodies and boy did we "pack a pic-nic" we had fresh fruit, fried chicken, ribs, a variety of sandwiches, chips, pasta and potato salad, brownies and cookies galore. We even added a scarecrow and gourds for a little festive flare!! The weather was gorgeous, the sun was peeping through the trees and leaves were falling all around us in the gentle breeze. Fall at its best.
And yes, this little guy could eat it ALL!!!! Can't you tell by looking at his face!!
This little one ( who by now was feeling better) ate way too many Doritos.

This was how we caught her(notice the handful) we finally hid the bag!!!
Here are four of our China sweeties(two couldn't make it today). Another family of friends also had the picnic idea and came over and joined us. Then they started a friendly game of kick ball. Always glad to spend time with the Crittendon Crew.
My big sweeties!! We were so glad Anna Kayla and Greg were able to be with us today.
We were actually able to get a picture of ALL of us.
Some how when we get together Emanuiel finds him a little sweetie to love on. Today was no exception. He loved pulling the girls in the wagon and running and playing and holding hands. He even helped them climb up on this wooden porch. He is quite a little gentleman. Alas the fun came to an abrupt end for us shortly after this picture was taken. Poor Clara Beth got sick. We gathered everything up, said our goodbyes and headed back home. Pray that she is well soon. I think the tummy bug has landed right on her. Poor little thing, she is resting now and I just pray the bug stops here and is not passed to the rest of us!! Despite the bug(what pic-nic would be complete with out some kind) it was a great day spent with family, friends and good food!! What could be better.

As I looked around at my family, friends and God's beautiful creation today I couldn't help but be in awe of all that He has blessed us with.

The Lord, your Redeemer and Creator says: "I am the Lord who made all things. I alone stretched out the heavens. By myself I made the earth and everything in it."

Isaiah 40: 27-28

Until next time............enjoy ALL that our creator has blessed you with.

Robin

Talking It Over With Mr. Scarecrow

Hello, I don't think we've met.
Mommy, there's a strange fellow on our front porch.
I kind of like this guy, I think I'll just sit with him for a while.
What should we do with him Mei Mei? I like him, let's keep him!!


Just a little fun with our fall friends!! Emanuiel had a wonderful visit with his cleft doctor today. He has been released and doesn't have to go back for one whole year!!!! The best part.......he can eat ANYTHING now!!! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! We are so excited!! We are going on a picnic Sunday and I see fried chicken in our future!!! and potato chips and nachos and lollipops and crackers and other delicious crunchy things!!!!! Sorry I got carried away but the last five weeks we have had to be so careful. It was worth it though, his mouth looks beautiful. God has been so faithful to us through all of this. We give Him ALL the glory.


Clap your hands, all you peoples;
shout to God with loud songs of joy.
For the Lord, the Most High is awesome,
a great king over all the earth.
Psalm 47: 1-2

Until next time..............
May your hearts be filled to the brim with goodness and songs of joy for our Lord!!

Robin

Go have a picnic!!!! We are!!!!!!!

Fall Football Fun

We spent a fun fall afternoon in our backyard playing football together. Here's Dad giving Emanuiel a few pointers on hiking the ball. Look at that technique!
It was definitely full contact. Here's Emanuiel taking Bubbie down. What a tackle!
Just a little loving after the game.
Even Flopsy wanted to get in on the fun.
Kicking back on an autumn afternoon. We had so much fun outside together. Then it was time for dinner. We hurried in the house to an array of "fridge fare" just a fancy word for leftovers!! Tonight the living was easy; the little ones dined on Parmesan noodles, steamed broccoli, and ham. Land and Paul whipped up their own dishes of Nachos and Toasted Ravioli, and me, I had delicious buttered noodles(how nutritious). It was worth it though to be able to spend extra time outside. Our time is often filled with busyness(schedules, homework, meetings,etc) so it's nice to be able to just drop everything and spend time together as a family. I know this is not always possible though. So no matter what is on your agenda for each day just remember this:

Whatever you do,
do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31

Until Next time...................
Robin

Happy Fall Ya'll

It's beginning to look a lot like fall around our house. The little ones love all of the fall decorations(who am I kidding, I do this because I LOVE it). This weekend I finally got busy and put everything out because we had company coming for lunch today!!
So the table was set and waiting................
The cake had baked and cooled...................
And when our special guests arrived we were ready to eat. Emanuiel was very anxious to hurry and say the blessing so he could dig in, can you tell!!! It was my Aunt Inez's 88th birthday today so she and my Aunt Joyce had a special birthday lunch at our house to celebrate. Since it was her birthday I made her favorites; Sliced Ham, Lima Beans, Brown Rice, and no southern Sunday lunch would be complete without a Macaroni Pie and Cornbread Muffins. We topped everything off with Pound Cake covered in a warm Carmel Sauce I whipped up on the stove.
After everyone had gone home Daddy and the little ones had some relaxation time in the hammock. It was a wonderful weekend. Tomorrow we get back into the swing of work, school and busy schedules.

Until next time..................
May God grant you the strength you need to get through your busy week.
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31

Have a great week!
Robin

Autumn Moon Festival Fun

What fun times spent with friends who have become like family to us. A few weeks ago our China travel buddies gathered together to celebrate the Autumn Moon Festival. It was a lively bunch to say the least. Barbee Ruth's parents hosted the festivities and a great time was had by all. We had food and more food(Chinese of course) and the conversation around this table was quite animated! Just look at how intently Clara Beth is listening to what Barbee Ruth has to say
Clara Beth: "This food is absolutely delicious!"
Barbee Ruth: " It is, but I am just loving this new dress I have on."
Clara Beth: "WE must get together more often."
Barbee Ruth: "Yes, let's tell our mommies right now."
I can just imagine this was exactly what they were talking about that night! What do you think...

A quick little break from the fun. This only lasted a minute before they were both off again to join the others.
They all climbed, jumped, squealed and giggled under the light of the autumn moon until yawns started. Then we all ventured back inside to say our good-byes before heading home.
But our night would not have been complete without the infamous attempt to get a picture of all of them together. This was the most successful of many(about 50) tries. There were a few sweet faces missing that night(The Matthew's family couldn't be with us, we missed you guys!!!) but I know we'll ALL be together again very soon because.............. Look Out, we're hosting a Halloween Party!! WHOO HOO we can hardly wait!!!!

Until next time...................

Enjoy the blessings of sweet children in your life. They grow up so very fast. I find so much comfort in knowing that no matter how much I love them our Heavenly Father loves them even more.

I will pour out my spirit on your offspring, and my blessings on your descendants.

Isaiah 44:3

For this I am so thankful.

Robin

Simple Things

Tonight was a busy night at our house. We had Anna Kayla and Greg coming over to eat with us. I also had a PTO meeting to attend so whatever we decided to have for dinner had to be QUICK and SIMPLE. The Grill Master and I teamed up and we turned quick and simple into simply wonderful. We decided to have chips and burgers with all the trimmings. Yes, we used disposable cups and plates!! We did liven things up a bit with cute napkins and a fun tablecloth on the dining room table. It's hard to believe but when all of us are here together we have outgrown the kitchen table. Can you believe that!!
There's ALWAYS time for dessert at our house, even if it's Snicker doodle cookies that you just break and bake!!! What could be easier.
Here are the two little ones relaxing with a cookie after their meal.(See how relaxed Clara Beth is, she's lounging right on Emanuiel) He doesn't mind, this is the first cookie he's had since his surgery four weeks ago. I believe he would endure anything for that!!aah....... what better way to unwind after a big meal than with a little video gaming. While Bubbie's away the kiddos will play. You better hope he doesn't catch you in his room!!
Hurry Mei Mei, I think I hear him coming, we better make a run for it! Until next time................If you think what you are doing is plain and simple just make it simply wonderful.

The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord.
He delights in every detail of their lives.(even the simple ones)
Psalm 37:23
How neat is that!!!

Robin

Our Handsome Little Cubbie and Our Cutie

Tonight Emanuiel received his vest for Cubbies. This is our Awana program at church for preschoolers. It is designed to help little ones learn all about scripture. Paul takes him to his class while I help in the nursery. He was absolutely beaming when he came in tonight to show me his vest and bag. My heart was just bursting looking at him and how happy he was. Clara Beth was more interested in his bag than the vest. She wanted to take it and put it on her shoulder. That didn't last long, he made sure that it stayed on his shoulder. When we got home he came right in and hung it on the door knob(where he sees me hang their bags). This little fellow doesn't miss a thing!! Soon it was time for bed, he did have to put it on just once over his pajamas!! I knew he would.
Just a little hugging and loving before bedtime. What a great way to end a day. Now we are all off to bed!! Until next time........................

I sleep and wake up refreshed,
because you, Lord,
protect me.
Psalm 3:5

Happy First Day of Fall

I love fall. It is one of my most favorite times of the year. We have enjoyed the crisp mornings as we leave for school and the cool evenings that are perfect for pulling Clara Beth and Emanuiel around the neighborhood in the wagon. I love the foods that we think of in autumn, just picked apples baked into pies, pumpkins with seeds for toasting, hearty soups and stews simmering on the stove that make your house smell like home. To celebrate the beginning of fall we had one of our favorite cozy comfort meals. This is not fancy food just good down home cooking that my mother taught me how to do. She's been gone for over ten years and cooking was her passion. I still feel very close to her anytime I am working away in the kitchen. So tonight we had one of her go to meals. Savory Stewed Beef over Rice that simmered in the crock pot all day, Ham Flavored Pinto Beans(that also bubbled away in another crock pot), Baked Sweet Potatoes smothered in butter, brown sugar and cinnamon and warm from the oven Cornbread Muffins. What could be more tasty on the first day of fall. The little ones and big ones gobbled it all up. I only wish I could have had enough time to bake an apple pie!!! That would have been autumn perfection!! Maybe tomorrow night.
We had another big first at our house tonight. After dinner Land had to get ready for his first night at Junior Cotillion. This is a dress-up affair so he had to get all gussied up. This program is designed to help young people treat others with respect and dignity. They also throw in a little ballroom dancing for fun. Doesn't he already look like quite a gentleman.
All ready to tackle cotillion.(I know he wishes this was football he was tackling.)
Too handsome for words, can you tell Mom is just a little biased. No pictures of the little ones tonight. They kept moving in opposite directions........imagine that!!!

Remember that our evenings together will become fond memories of our treasured families and that the bounty and fullness in our lives comes from the Lord. So today make a memory and thank the Lord for the family that you have to share it with.

Say"thank you" to the Lord for being so good,
for always being so loving and kind.
Psalm 107:1

Until next time............
Robin

So Sweet Even In The "SWARM"

This week one of my good friends came over to take pictures of our family. We made plans to go to a neighbor's yard(which is quite beautiful) to make them. When we arrived we noticed that there were lots of mosquitoes flying around. This soon became a SWARM. I have NEVER seen so many in my life. She snapped a few pictures before they tried to carry us off!! I am very fortunate that they do not bite me, however the rest of my family is not so lucky. In the few minutes we were there they were almost eaten alive!!!!

She was able to get this one before we ran for our lives!!!!! She really does great work.

Look at this beautiful picture below that she took of Clara Beth last March. It almost took my breath away the first time I saw it. CB can be so serious at times and she completely captured that in this picture. You can see more of her work here http://www.bludomain10.com/karenholubek/# We are planning to schedule another session and I can hardly wait!!!!

Coming soon pictures from our Chinese Autumn Moon Festival Celebration!!! Until next time..........So wonderful to be able to celebrate with good friends. Like Psalm 16:3 says
As for the Godly people in the world,
they are the wonderful ones I enjoy.
So blessed to have Godly friends to share things with.


Robin