Forever Family

Just love this poem . . .

2009-09-17T23:11:00.001-05:00

Dust If You Must....
Author Unknown

Dust if you must, but wouldn't it be better
To paint a picture, or write a letter,
Bake a cake, or plant a seed;
Ponder the difference between want and need?

Dust if you must, but there's not much time,
With rivers to swim, and mountains to climb;
Music to hear, and books to read;
Friends to cherish, and life to lead.

Dust if you must, but the world's out there
With the sun in your eyes, and the wind in your hair;
A flutter of snow, a shower of rain,
This day will not come around again.

Dust if you must, but bear in mind,
Old age will come and it's not kind.
And when you go (and go you must)
You, yourself, will make more dust.

Remember, a house becomes a home when you can write
"I love you" on the furniture....

Two months later . . .

2009-07-26T15:24:00.003-05:00

Well, class of 1999 . . . you have let me down. I have only heard from 2 people. Thank you Tonya and Steve. If I don't hear from any more of you then I will consider this reunion over.

Happy Anniversary to . . .

2009-05-25T21:31:00.003-05:00

Happy Anniversary to us - the PVBI College class of 1999. Ten years ago today 16 very special people walked the isle of the Straub Memorial Tabernacle and turned their tassels. I am still very proud to be one of the 'elete' class of 1999. Happy 10th Anniversary to us!!!!!

It was suggested to me that we should have a class reunion - and I considered the idea only for a moment when I remembered that we are spread from coast to coast and around the world. But after recalling many memories from graduation day and the four years leading up to that day, I decided to propose a reunion right here on the World Wide Web.

So to the Institute Class of 1999 - you are invited to share in a reunion time by emailing info to me, your class president, at toddawn1@juno.com. If you would please include current address, email, phone, spouse, children & their ages, occupation/ministry. Also include briefly what you feel has been your greatest accomplishment in these last 10 years. I will collect, compile, and post the information I receive here on my blog.

I know many of us keep in touch through blogger, facebook, etc - so spread the word.
I'll be looking forward to hearing from all of you -

Your Class President
Dawn (Gordon) Stinebrickner

School trip to the Nashville Zoo . .

2009-04-30T21:21:00.004-05:00

Our church school visited the Nashville Zoo on Monday. Matthew, Erin & I went along for the day. We couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather. The kids were great.

I think I enjoyed it as much as they did.

Kaylee, Matthew, & Erin - 3 of the greatest kids I know!!!!

Braelyn, Kaylee, & Erin

Matthew and the goats - he liked the goats so well that he happened to stay behind when our group left the petting area. We hadn't gone far when I noticed him missing. Paula returned to the goat pen and found him conversing with the zoo keeper. :-)

The whole school group.

Best friends!!! Kaylee & Ethan

"Hannah" . . .

2009-04-25T12:58:00.005-05:00

Hannah joined our family just this week. She is a very sweet one and a half year old Golden Retriever. She is great with the kids!

2009-04-25T12:49:00.003-05:00

Life is too busy! I just need about 10 more hours in a day. Spring has come to TN - finally - and there is so much to be done.

My adventuresome kids!

Lovin' that ice cream!

Hiding in the cupboard.

Erin getting into trouble.

Kaylee planting flowers.

Just a few random pictures to let you know we're still around. LIFE IS GOOD!!!

Alan & Kara

2009-03-26T16:07:00.006-05:00

Alan Gordon & Kara Shelly of Colorado to be married July 2009

Jeffery & Gavan are thrilled with their "new mommy."

Can God really do anything????

2009-03-11T22:19:00.004-05:00

Just tonight I was telling Kaylee - "sugar and spice and all things nice" is what little girls are made of. And boys - "frogs, snails, and puppy dogs' tails" . . . . . . . she looked up at me and ask "How does God do that??" I had to laugh.

Yesterday, Kaylee had a helium balloon outside - with many firm warnings that on a windy day it wasn't a good idea. The balloon wiggled its way to freedom and was soon out of sight above the trees. She cried - it was her daddy's birthday balloon. I reassured her that it was gone for good, we couldn't get it back and we'd never see it again. Then she dried up the tears and very seriously asked me to pray that Jesus would bring back her balloon. My response was negative - that wasn't exactly possible.

She said "but mommy, you just told me that God could do ANYTHING." (Leave it to a child to remind you of deep spiritual truths). I swallowed hard and prayed a simple prayer that Jesus would reward a child's faith (since I was seriously lacking in faith just then). :-)

I am really tempted to be the answer to her prayer by going to the balloon shop and getting her another one - - - but I think I'll just wait . . . :-)

Valentine's

2009-02-18T06:34:00.005-06:00

HE LOVES ME!!!

And I Love him!!!

(purple is my favorite color)

My new hobby . . .

2009-02-05T19:01:00.010-06:00

Well, I can't believe that a whole month has past since I blogged last. We are gearing up for the TN Bible Methodist's Youth Retreat this week end. Our church here in Ethridge is hosting the event this year. Todd is planning to spend Friday night at the gym with the teenage boys and I have opened our home up for some of the girls. We don't have a number of how many yet, but I have agreed to take up to 14 girls for over night - (oh what was I thinking?!?) I will try to let you know if we survive the night - we're not so young as we used to be. ;-)

I also might mention that we have been having some really great services at our church. We have had several visitors in the last month - and that is always encouraging! Our pastor, Bro. Wes, is really pouring his heart into his messages and I believe that God is really using him.

ANYWAY - on to what I was originally going to blog about - my new hobby. I have been trying my hand at a new craft called TAGGIES.

It’s a TAGGIE! Based on the idea that babies and kids
love to rub satin edges, clothing labels and tags.

Promotes motor skills and sensory stimulation.

Makes a great gift babies and toddlers alike
-the perfect gift for any occasion.

My new venture - 'Buttons, Bobbins, & Beyond'

The taggies are made soft fleece - one side solid and the other print.

The ribbons on the edges are satin solids or various prints and textures.

The Pooh print - various scenes of the Hundred Acre Wood friends

Yellow rubber ducky with aqua/blue - my favorite!

The taggies are approx. 11x11 (plus the ribbons). They are great size for travel, church or bed. The cozy fleece is comforting to cuddle with and your baby or toddler will enjoy many hours with their unique 'Taggie. I have some other prints/patterns that I hope to have finished soon.

This idea began around Christmas - when I made some taggies for my kids. I am selling these items locally and also some on ebay. Anything to make a few extra dollars while staying at home with my kids. It has been an enjoyable project so far. In the near future I hope to venture into sewing embroidery.

Christmas . . .

2009-01-01T16:14:00.007-06:00

A few pictures of the kids on Christmas morning.

Kaylee with new apron. She loves to help mommy in the kitchen.

Kaylee with her new play food set.

This riding tractor was for all the kids but you might imagine that Matthew liked it the best.

Later on Christmas day - at the Grandma & Papa Stinebrickner's. This was the first for the Stinebrickner cousins to be together. Kaylee is holding baby Nicholas.

Julie & William , baby Nicholas (2mo)

We had a really good day! Having kids this age make Christmas very fun and exciting. The only negative was missing my family in PA. (But hopefully we will get to visit them soon.)

Snow, snow, snow . . .

2008-12-21T15:12:00.005-06:00

It was a great day in Tennessee when we got 3 inches of snow. But almost better than getting that snow was the fact that it stayed around for about 24 hrs. It seems that we always get snow and then it warms up and disappears within a few hours. The kids had a blast as you can see!

This hill behind Grandma Stinebrickner's house was just the perfect size for the kids (and for me). I never liked sledding that much considering that most of what I remember growing up was sledding on the PV hill. That hill, as many of you know, is very steep, long and dangerous. I much preferred ice skating as a winter sport. ;-)

Erin was so funny. She would run down the hill after the kids in the sleds. When they bailed at the bottom, she'd climb in and get a ride back to the top. (She's no dummy!)

Grandma Stinebrickner with Kaylee, Erin, & Matthew.

Christmas decorations . . .

2008-12-10T15:49:00.005-06:00

The following pictures are being posted because SOMEONE wants to see my Christmas decorations.

I DO NOT claim to have any artistic decorating ability. Our tree looks rather sad at times since it has be decorated, and re-decorated, and re-decorated, and re-decorated (you get the idea?) by the kids.

Close up of the ribbon and red poinsettias.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!!!

Pictures of this and that . . .

2008-12-10T15:17:00.004-06:00

This Thanksgiving we were blessed to have a house full of family and friends to share the day. As always around here, we had plenty to eat.

Kaylee caught getting into the candy cupboard. (One special memory from Grandma & Grandpa Brown's house was the candy cupboard. Guess that's why I have one now.)

Matthew's new facination right now is Christmas lights. Loves to plug them in and hopefully they work. He had found this tangled mess of lights and needed Papa's help fixing them.

Erin - such a delightful child - trying to be just like Mommy!

Good friends! Recently had a sleep-over.

Not sure how Matthew ended up in the middle of story time?!?

New Addition . . .

2008-11-20T18:55:00.006-06:00

This is a new addition that Todd & Tristan are putting on their parent's house. It will be a new bedroom, lg walk-in closet, bathroom and lg living room area. (I am posting these pictures mostly for the benefit of distant sis-in-law. The rest of you are allowed to look. Enjoy!!!)

This view from barn side of the house. Opening on left is a double window into the living area. the two windows on right of addition will be in the master bedroom.

Back view. Window on end will be into bedroom. 'Higher up' window into the bathroom and the door opening will be patio door into living area.

View from garage side. T & T Construction doing a fantastic job - as always.

The next 4 pictures are intended to show a L to R view of the inside. 1.Closet and bathroom. 2. Master bedroom. 3. Living area. 4. New addition will open into old house thru the dining room window. (Kaylee is trying hard to comprehend this idea - 'we will be climbing in and out thru the window???')
1.

2.

3.

4.

I hope you have enjoyed this virtual tour!!!!

Home again, Home again . . .

2008-11-14T00:37:00.010-06:00

The kids and I had a great time in PA with Nana & Pappy for almost 2 weeks during October. And I just realized that I failed to post any pictures. Getting back in the routine of things and getting caught up with everything - well I won't make any more excuses. ;-)

A very cold train ride - Uncle Alan, Kaylee, Gavan, & Matthew.

The train stopped at half-way point to let us off for a picnic.

Meal time was always very eventful - feeding 8 kids.

Don't know how Nana did it!! Getting 6 to sit and listen for storytime.

Trying a different angle.

The trip home was very interesting! Dave & Rose took us part of the way.

I was in the back of the Suburban - with six little people - entertaining, feeding, cleaning up 'mess', and trying to stay comfortable. Dont' I look happy?!?

And last but not least - my new nephew, Dylan - was a great traveler.

We made it home after a 3 lap journey. Todd met us in Nashville and brought us safely back to our Home Sweet Home.

'The morning after . . .'

2008-11-05T07:59:00.005-06:00

I picked up my Bible this morning looking for some encouraging words. And this is what I read: Jer 29 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the Lord.

When I stop and think of the results of the election, I can't help but be a bit discouraged. It would seem that evil prevailed on every hand. From the Colorado amendment to define life beginning at conception; to the amendments protecting the institution of marriage and the family; even to the election of a man who is undeniable not Christian; it just wasnt' a good day in the history of America.

Yet even considering the events of yesterday and what the future may hold - I'm am thrilled when I realize that the Church of Christ throughout history, thrives and grows the most when it suffers the worst persecution. We so easily forget how much we need God when times are good, but we are soon on our knees when faced with circumstances as we are today. So be encouraged there are good days ahead for the Church.

I'm not blind to the difficult days that are ahead of us, but I am looking at the good that will come out of these troubled times. So I am encouraged today because my eyes are on Jesus and not on President-elect Barak Obama.

Dunlap - Postol Wedding

2008-10-11T17:27:00.007-05:00

Janna Dunlap & Stephen Postol joined in holy matrimony!

This was the kids before the wedding. They were hanging out in the nursery.

Kaylee S. - Matthew S. - Breyanna P. - Tyler ?? - Erin S. (getting toy on floor )

Me and my hubby.

Family picture.

Cooking class 101. . .

2008-09-26T11:38:00.007-05:00

Today I decided to let the kids help me with some cooking. It could have been a disaster but they both did really great. Matthew mixed up Pumpkin Custard Pies and Kaylee mixed Sweet Potato Casserole. I did the measuring of ingredients.

Before we got started, Matthew was beating on the mixing bowls - making music (noise rather)!!

Mix, mix, mix! Stir, stir, sir!!

The pies are baking as I post this blog. I wish I could somehow post the wonderful aroma. Anyone want to come for over for some freshly bake pumpkin pie?? :-)

Auction time . . .

2008-09-16T21:37:00.010-05:00

Several months ago, Todd and several other family and friends decided to hold an auction. It was all farm equipment, tractors, trucks, tools, storage buildings, and a whole ton of other misc items (but nothing for the ladies). I thought I'd post a few pictures of the sale.

This Amish man (a long time family friend) was riding around with a 'for sale' sign on his horse. Unfortunately, I don't think he was successful in selling that day.

I was involved with planning and working a consession stand for the day. It sure brought back memories of all those fund raisers from my high school and college days. We sold hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, soda, water, coffee, etc. It was lots of fun - thanks Paula for all your help!!

This is how we do it in Tennessee . . .

2008-09-16T16:52:00.004-05:00

Feed and water the child . . .

Bathe the child . . .

T & T Construction . . .

2008-09-16T16:20:00.012-05:00

It has been brought to my attention that I rarely brag about my husband on my blog. So I thought that I 'd show you a little of what keeps Todd busy these days. Todd & his brother own and operate their own construction company (for 6 years now). Mostly they build decks, porches, and garages on new homes. Currently, they are in Gatlinburg, TN for a week doing window and door installations in a new resort building. They are working near the Comedy Barn (for those of you who have vacationed in Gatlinburg).

Front porch.

Patio & screened in porch. (wish I had one like it)

Front porch & dormers

Added dormers, breezeway & garage.

Two car garage. Brick on bottom to match house.

Screened in back deck.

These are just a few of their jobs. They really do strive for perfection in all of their jobs. Keeping the customer happy, getting jobs done on time and building with superior quality is what makes Todd & Tristan a great team. I'm very proud of the work that Todd does. He works very hard to provide for the needs of our family. Thank you, Todd. I love you!!!

Paula & I, recently decided to do some free advertising for the business. :-)

This day a child is born . . .

2008-09-08T17:39:00.008-05:00

Born today - - -

Dylan Jonathan Evans

to Dave & Rose Evans

7:28 am

7 lbs 14 oz

20.5 in

Also born today - - -

Samuel Luke McDonald

to Wes & Joy McDonald

1:04 pm

9 lbs 8 oz

21.5 in

Erin turned one year old - August 16

2008-08-17T21:57:00.005-05:00

Today my baby turned 1 year old!! She is growing up so fast. She has two teeth and loves to talk!

One year ago, when Erin came into our lives, I wondered why God had chosen to send us this third special little person. I already had my hands full with two 'babies' and I wasn't really sure that I could handle another. Through the year, this precious gift from God has given me a reason to smile every day! Some days I was smiling through my tears, but I was smiling anyway. So if for no other reason, (and I'm sure there are other reasons) God sent her to me to be a special bit sunshine in my life.

I feel honored that God has entrusted three wonderful children to my care. Raising them is definitely my life's biggest challenge! I guess HE thinks that I can do it, because otherwise He wouldn't have given them to me.

Upside down birthday cake!

This 'jitterbug' gift was Erin's favorite. (hit it and it vibrates) It shakes so hard that it must tickle her when she holds it. Was really cute to watch her chase it on the floor!

Summer odds & ends . . .

2008-08-13T16:42:00.003-05:00

Erin & Papa Stinebrickner eating watermellon.

Erin - always so happy!!!

Kaylee & Erin

Matthew - outside with a tube of toothpaste - doing who knows what!!!!!

Julie's baby shower . . .

2008-08-13T16:33:00.003-05:00

So glad to have you guys home for a visit - Julie & Will !!!! Congrats on the little person that will soon 'destroy' your peaceful and organized lives. I was honored to help you celebrate by giving you this baby shower in my home.

School begins . . .

2008-08-12T21:26:00.006-05:00

Today, Kaylee started school (K-4). She was so excited!!!! We had been counting down the days since the end of July (with a paper chain). Today was finally the big day. I think that 'mommy' enjoyed the day as much as Kaylee did. My Kaylee girl can talk constantly all day - so the morning without her was rather quiet :-) . Here's a few pictures of the day.

Kaylee & Ethan M. - classmates and friends!!!

Kaylee had a great time!! She is excited to go back again on Thursday. Thank you - Ms. Paula for making school such a great place!

Vacation to Gatlinburg . . .

2008-07-01T14:01:00.008-05:00

Just a few days of fun and relaxation in Gatlinburg, TN. We went with friends Wes & Joy and family. We all had a great time!!! Thanks Wes & Joy for inviting us along!!!

Waiting for breakfast at Cracker Barrel.

Fun in the water!!

Havin' trouble keeping his pants up!!

Time to relax!

FRIENDS!!!

Ridin' in the bee!

More rides!

Happy 4th Birthday to Kaylee. . .

2008-07-01T13:36:00.005-05:00

Happy birthday to my little girl - Kaylee!! Can't believe she already four years old. On her birthday morning she told me that she didn't want to grow up because being a grown up was boring.

The unbrella and sun glasses were the hit of the day!!!!!

We had a pool party with her friends at Grandma Stinebrickner's house.

And now the traditional years in review -----

Kaylee - 2 mos old

Kaylee - 5 mos old

Kaylee - 1st birthday

Kaylee - 2 1/2 years old

Kaylee - almost three

New deck being built . . .

2008-07-01T13:28:00.005-05:00

Thanks to President GW Bush and his tax stimulus rebate, we are finally getting our back deck built.

It is a work in progress. We'll post more pics when its completed.

Erin - 9 months pictures

2008-05-24T23:15:00.003-05:00

Here's my baby girl - 9 months old already!!!

Kaylee's photography . . .

2008-05-07T08:50:00.012-05:00

Kaylee loves to take pictures on our digital camera - so I thought I'd post some pics that she took.

New flower beds . . .

2008-05-07T08:36:00.004-05:00

We recently added new flower beds to the front of our home. We included knock-out roses, dwarf holly bushes, hosta, and mondo grass.

The planters on the porch have Double Impatiens, New Guinea Impatiens and spike grass in the center.

Tagged again . . .

2008-05-05T22:07:00.005-05:00

So, I've been tagged. And here are my answers . . .

5 places I have lived:
1. Xenia, OH
2. Logansport, IN
3. Colorado Springs, CO
4. Penns Creek, PA
5. Ethridge, TN

What was I doing 10 years ago:
I was a junior in college, living at home, dating Todd. (don't remember much else - that's too long ago!!!)

Five things on my to-do list today:
My to-do list today was a complete failure (didn't accomplish anything on it so I'm not listing it).

Snacks that I enjoy:
Anything sweet and anything salty!

Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
I would hire a full-time nanny and a full-time house keeper AND then do nothing but sleep for a week - or maybe a month!! Then I'd decide what to do with the rest of my money!

Three of my bad habits:
1. Forgetting things my husband tells me, because I don't think they're important.
2. Switching subjects during a conversation, because what you just told me reminded me of something that happened yesterday.
3. Ignoring my kids until they get on my last nerve.

Five jobs that I have had:
1. Cleaning houses and businesses
2. Waitress
3. Certified Nurse Aid (hospital, nursing home, priviate duty)
4. Secretary (Registar at PVBI)
5. Book keeping (small business accounting)

People I want to know more about:
1. Roseanne E.
2. Kimberly (D) M. ('just married')
3. Julie H.
4. Todd S.

PRAY FOR ONE MINUTE EACH NIGHT. . .

2008-04-30T22:20:00.003-05:00

Do you believe we can take God at His word? Call upon His name, then stand back and watch His wonders to behold. This scripture gives us, as Christians, ownership of this land and the ability to call upon God to heal it. I challenge you to do so. We have never been more desperate than now for God to heal our land. The upcoming election is of great concern for all of us .

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. During WWII, there was an advisor to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every night at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people and peace. This had an amazing effect as bombing stopped.

There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America. The United States of America and our citizens need prayer more than ever !!! If you would like to participate: each evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 PM Central, 7:00 PM Mountain, 6:00 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens, for peace in the world, the up-coming election, that the Bible will remain the basis for the laws governing our land and that Christianity will grow in the U.S. If you know anyone who would like to participate, please pass this along.

Someone said if people really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless. Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have. Thank You. Please pass this on to anyone who you think will want to join us. God Bless You!!!

This was sent to me by email - I wanted to pass it on to all who read my blog.

Spring time in Tennessee. . .

2008-04-20T15:01:00.008-05:00

Well, it definitely is spring time here in Tennessee. The weather has been beautiful (except for an occasional tornado coming thru town or the tremors of an earthquake shaking the place). I love this time of year - especially because I can send the kids outside and I know they enjoy the day so much more when they're not shut up inside.

Best buddies!!

What to do when you're in this deep? Put your feet up and wait for mama to get you out!

Always smiling - with her tongue out!!

This little man was all dressed up for church when I took this picture.
Not more than 10 mins later - I found him outside with his mud boots on riding the same bicyle that is pictured above (and yes the bicyle was still that muddy).

MAMA WAS NOT HAPPY!!

Kid's vocabulary . . .

2008-04-08T09:56:00.005-05:00

Kid's vocabulary can be pretty funny sometimes.

"Alicious" - description of food that is tasty

"Cinderella" - what you use to stay dry when it's raining

"Poop juice" - I'll let you figure that one on your own :-)

This past Christmas, Kaylee was trying her hand at gift wraping. (Interestingly, she wrapped one of her own toys, then unwrapped it and was so excited to get a present - to bad parents don't capitalize on that idea . . . ) Anyway her present was wrapped, as best a three year old could wrap, when she looked at me in great distress and said - "Mom, this is just wretched. We can't give this to anyone."

Matthew's vocabulary is not quite so far advanced - he is working on words such as 'blow' and 'puppy'.

With kids - every day is interesting!!!!

"Who's who" revisited . . .

2008-03-31T10:56:00.003-05:00

Pictures 1 & 3 are Kaylee
Pictures 2 & 4 are Erin

Thanks for taking the time to guess!!!

Mac and cheese - anyone???

2008-03-29T10:32:00.002-05:00

HELP! I need a good recipe for Mac and cheese. It seems that is should be easy enough to make, but my attempts at it always fail - sadly!! Is it the kind of cheese used?? Length of baking time? Just what is the secret to good mac and cheese?? ANYONE??!!??!!

You can post a comment or email me @ toddawn1@juno.com. Any help is appreciated!!!

Who's who . . .

2008-03-18T10:08:00.007-05:00

I recently dressed Erin in this sleeper that I had used for Kaylee and remembered that I had pictures of Kaylee. So I had to do a comparable photo shoot. Can you tell which one is which?

Picture 1

Picture 2

Picture 3

Picture 4

I will post the answers at the end of this month. Have fun guessing!!!!!!

Where has the time gone . . .

2008-03-06T23:04:00.004-06:00

WOW! I can't believe it's the month of March already. Time sure does fly when you're busy. Since I blogged last, I spent 2 weeks in PA with my parents (Todd's work took him that direction), celebrated Matthew's 2nd birthday and my Daddy's 60th birthday, had revival services with Bro. Aaron McCarty, enjoyed a missionary service with Michael & Crystal Mason, and many other wonderful things.

Our church's youth group has been doing some different activities (including passing out tracts at a local mall and visitation of shut-in's, etc). We have named ourselves the 'ACTS' group. Last Saturday we sang for two hours at the local mall. We had several different quartets, trio, duets, solos and instrumentals. Some of the older :-) people from our church came and passed out invitations to our Rally Day (Sunday am service during our revival) while we sang. We had a variety of different responses from people- some positive and some negative. I really enjoyed it - brought back memories of PVBI choir parading through the mall at Christmas time. :-) Sorry don't have any pictures.

Birthday's and PA visit

2008-03-06T22:39:00.005-06:00

While in PA it was a special treat to celebrate my Daddy's 60th birthday and Matthew's 2nd birthday on Feb 13. It was an interesting birthday party - ending with Matthew falling out of his chair and busting his mouth on the edge of the table.

This picture of Matthew's birthday toys is included specifically for the benefit of Aunt Julie. :-)

The kids were thrilled with all the snow that we got that week. I thought it was special treat too, since we almost never see snow in TN.

Erin's newest exercises!! We thought she was going to start crawling, but she hasn't yet.

2008-03-06T22:27:00.004-06:00

Erin is already 6 months old and ready for the crib. We had to do a bed switch - buy Kaylee a new single bed, move Matthew out of the crib and into the toddler bed, and move Erin from the bassinet to the crib. This of course is a great adventure for Matthew because now he can get out of bed at will (which makes for a much more eventful naptime and bedtime).

Kaylee & Erin's new room arrangement.

Erin's new crib set. I love the pink satin edging. It's beautiful!!

New dresses . . .

2008-03-06T22:17:00.006-06:00

I always liked dressing to match - but as I remember my sister did not! Now that I have two girls of my own - and they're not old enough to object yet - I finally got us matching outfits. They were suppose to be our Christmas dresses and here it is March . . .

2008-01-29T10:55:00.000-06:00

Its been some time back that we did some painting projects around the house and I never got to post the final pictures. So here they are - for those of you who care. I don't claim to be an expert at interior decorating!!!! In fact we tried 3 different shades of green paint in the living room before deciding on the darker shade. Matthew's room took two tries before I was happy with the color.

Don't have many decorations back up on the walls yet. Thats still a work in progress. I had the room decorated in blues previous to being painted.

This a tapestry hanging that I got for Christmas. I really like having scripture verses to use as decor in our home. And this tapestry really says how I want our family to be!!

There are no truck decals behind the crib. I have some saved for later when Matthew is older. The crib height is just right for little hands to reach and pick.

Here's my baby - 5 1/2 mos old already. She is just a precious little one. Always so happy and smiley. She gets so excited when her older brother and sister talk to her and hold her. She will probably take off crawling anytime now. Just when I thought I had '3' mastered - she will make it all a new challenge.

Sisters by chance - friends by choice!! These two really do get along well. I have been telling Kaylee that she needs to make Erin and Matthew her very best friends. Through the years friends have come and gone. Life has a way of sending us in different directions at times. But family -near or far -will always be there!!

These are my two big helpers!! As you can see - we're making cool aid - or rather we're tasting the sugar!!!!!!

2008-01-24T10:18:00.000-06:00

SELINSGROVE -- Crystal M. Scholl-Gordon, 24, passed away Friday morning, Jan. 18, 2008, in Sunbury. She was the wife of Alan E. Gordon of Penns Creek. Crystal was born Sept. 27, 1983, in Sunbury, a daughter of Charles S. Scholl of Sunbury and the late Carlene L. (Mench) Mitchell. She was the stepdaughter of Gina Scholl of Sunbury. She was a graduate of Middleburg High School.

In addition to her husband, father and stepmother, Crystal is survived by her two sons, Jeffery A. and Gavan I. Gordon of Penns Creek; three brothers and two sisters-in-law, Ryan and Nichole Scholl of Northumberland, Calvin and Jennifer Scholl of Paxinos, and Justin Swartz of Selinsgrove; a stepbrother, Brock Hendricks of Sunbury; a stepsister, Chelsea Scholl of Sunbury; grandparents, Alfred and Shirley Mowery of Sunbury and Albert and Cheryl Mench of Milton; and Crystal's father and mother-in-law, Ken and Eileen Gordon of Penns Creek. Crystal was preceded by a son, Connor in infancy, and her paternal grandparents, Charles and Mary Scholl.

There will be no viewing. A memorial service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Thursday at Mountain Road God's Missionary Church, 603 Mountain Road, Penns Creek, with a visitation from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in the adjoining church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial gifts to be directed to a trust fund that will be established by the family for Crystal's two sons at Northumberland National Bank, 245 Front St., Northumberland, PA 17857. The George P. Garman Funeral Homes, Inc., 9366 Route 35, Mt. Pleasant Mills, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Visit with family and friends in PA . . .

2008-01-17T21:20:00.000-06:00

I was thrilled to get to spend 10 days with my family in PA. We had a relaxing time!! We enjoyed visiting with many old school chums and also made several trips to the PA State Farm Show.

Matthew & Kaylee watching the Alpacas

Gavan Gordon makes a new friend.

Matthew & Papaw Gordon looking at ?????

Cousins and Friends!!

Jeffrey G. - Gavan G. - Kelsey S. - Kaylee S. - Matthew S.

Kallie S. & Erin S.

Don't know what happened to all my pics from our trip - some must have been deleted!!

Feeling invisible??

2008-01-17T21:06:00.000-06:00

Please stop and take a few minutes to read this - IT's WORTH IT!

I'm invisible. It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I 'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30 , please."

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going. she's going... she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a banana clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it.

I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought yo u this." It was a book on the great Cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte , with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:
1. No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names.
2. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished.
3. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.
4. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make e every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table. "That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Live Simply.

Love Generously.

Care Deeply.

Speak Kindly.

Leave the rest to God!!!!

Merry Christmas to all . . .

2007-12-24T06:23:00.000-06:00

My Kaylee girl just has it all figured out -

she told me that Santa is just a normal guy when he takes his clothes off

and

also that he rides a 4-wheeler because we don't have any snow for his sleigh. :-)

Kaylee - 3 1/2 yrs

Matthew - 2 yrs (almost)

Erin - 4 mo

(I just had to add the traditional 'compare this year to last year' picture.)

Merry Christmas to all our friends and family!!

God bless you and yours during this holiday season!!

A New Recipe - yum, yum, yum!!!!!

2007-11-30T14:53:00.000-06:00

This year at Thanksgiving I decided to try a new recipe for PUMPKIN CUSTARD PIE. It was soooooo delicious!!! It is much lighter than regular pumpkin pie. I got this recipe from all recipes.com. There were several other version that were similar, but here is the one I tried.

INGREDIENTS:

1 (9 inch) pie shell

1 cup pumpkin puree

3 eggs

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/3 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teasponn ground cinnamon

2 cups milk

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Combine pumpkin, eggs, flour, sugars, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and milk.

Beat until smooth. Pour into pastry-lined pie plate.

Bake for 50 mins or until set in center.

Here's a picture of our dessert spread for Thanksgiving diner. This was only about half of the pies everyone brought. We had almost as many desserts as we had main foods and salads.

Thoughts of a three year old . . .

2007-11-26T14:50:00.000-06:00

We have two dogs in the family - one called Peanut and the other Turk (sometimes affectionately call Turkey).

Kaylee was quite concerned when I told her that we would be eating turkey for Thanksgiving diner.

One day after visiting Grandma's house, Kaylee came home and sadly told me that Grandma was going to make 'Peanut' into peanut butter.

Talk about traumatizing a child. . . :-) Needless to say both incidences took some explaining!!

In the mood for Christmas . . .

2007-11-26T14:41:00.000-06:00

Just feeling a little bit in the mood for Christmas - how about you?? I'm not interested in rushing the season like most retail stores are doing. I was in a WalMart store back in late October, looking for fall decorations and everything was Christmas then. It's like they just skipped over Thanksgiving completely.

But now that Thanksgiving is past - I am ready for a little Christmas. Kaylee has been ready for Christmas since the middle of October. Almost every day she wakes up saying 'it's Christmas, it's Christmas.' And just how do you explain to a 3 year old that Christmas is a long time away, when she has no concept of time?:-)

Giving Thanks With a Grateful Heart . . .

2007-11-22T21:46:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! Today has been a good day here in Mid-TN. We were blessed with 40 somethin' degree weather, which made it feel very much like Thanksgiving weather from the north. We were also blessed to have 36 of our family and friends here in our home for Thanksgiving diner. It was a house full! The food was great and the time together was wonderful! I AM TRULY BLESSED!

I am very thankful that I discovered the blogging world. It is so neat to be able to keep in contact with many friends from over the years. The social life in 'this part' TN just isn't quite what I was use to, being raised around PV, but your news and your pictures have made me feel closer to home. And to those of you spread 'round the world - I have been reminded to pray for you more often.

I give thanks to God, for all He has blessed me with - a wonderful husband; 3 healthy, beautiful children; and the love of family and friends.

I am very thankful for many more things - but the list is too long for me to post here.

Happy Thanksgiving to all - from our family to yours!!!

Pastor appreciation . . .

2007-10-16T22:23:00.000-05:00

October is pastor appreciation month. I wanted to express my appreciation for our new pastor and wife, Wesley and Joy McDonald. I appreciate their spirit of love and caring for the church. It has not been an easy year for the McDonald family. In March, Rev. Smokey McDonald, was killed in a tragic accident. Then in August, Wesley and Joy lost a baby boy named Nathaniel John (at 34 wks). Through it all I have watched them keep a positive attitude, a sweet spirit, and their faith in God.

I am excited about the new things that have been happening around our church. There has been a renewed interest in the youth group and also in our missionary society. Recent 'Rally Days' have been an encouragement for everyone to invite and bring others to church.

Wes & Joy - thanks for all you do for our church! We deeply appreciate you!

Events of the past month . . .

2007-10-16T16:07:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted in awhile and since I don't have anything to blab about I thought I'd share a bunch of pictures.

We finally got a swing set purchased and assembled for our kids. Thanks to Papa John, Uncle Tristan and Daddy for putting it together. Kaylee & Matthew love it!!

The circus came to town!!! It was definitely a small town circus, but the kids were fascinated. We saw horses, ponies, camels, tigers, lions, and the elephants.

Ready for church!!

My three babies!

"Busy Britches" getting into trouble in mommy kitchen pantry. Boys sure do like to climb!!

Baby Erin - two months old already. She's got a lot to think about.

So, I've been tagged . . .

2007-09-29T01:11:00.000-05:00

I'm it! I've been tagged. It is now 1:15 am. I am awake to feed Erin and can't think of anything better to do at this time of morning than blog. This tag thing is pretty crazy. Normally, I don't respond to emails or other chains like this, but this time . . . I guess I will.

1. A Bible verse that means a lot to me is . . . Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord, trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass (Psalms 37:4 & 5). In the disappointing times of life, this verse has been a great encouragement to me.

2. My greatest desire in life is to raise my children to love and serve God with all their hearts.

3. My biggest encouragement as a parent is the quote - " You don't have to be perfect to be a successful parent, you just have to be genuine."

4. My favorite food - TACOS; favorite color - PURPLE; favorite season - SPRING.

5. I am the world's worst at spelling. The only time I ever remember cheating in school was on a spelling test (not something I'm proud of). :-)

6. Presently looking for a way to work from home. Any suggestions, anybody??

7. Someday I would like to pursue further education and a career in the area of bookkeeping/ accounting. I love working with numbers!

More pictures . . .

2007-09-13T22:12:00.001-05:00

September 14 - one month old

Nana & Papaw Gordon's Visit

2007-09-13T21:38:00.000-05:00

We were thrilled to have Nana & Papaw Gordon come to visit. Their main reason for coming was to meet their new granddaughter, but we made sure they stayed busy while here.

Papaw worked hard installing extra shelving in Dawn's kitchen pantry and also painting and wallpapering Kaylee & Erin's bedroom. Thank you, Papaw for your expert advise and excellent work. (We made sure that he also had time to read a book or two :-) )

Kaylee & Erin's new bedroom.

Nana's project while here was to spoil the grandkids :-) She spent lots of time tending to Erin which was a big help to a "very tired mommy". Kaylee and Matthew got their share of attention, too. The list of other things that Nana did is too long to mention here.

THANK YOU, Nana for all your help. You were wonderful!!!!

Please come again soon!!!!

Baby Erin Michelle has arrived . . .

2007-08-19T10:14:00.000-05:00

Baby Erin Michelle Stinebrickner arrived on August 16, 2007 at 4:34pm.
Weight 8lbs 11oz. Length 21 in.

Lots of hair - color brown/red????

Mommy and baby are both doing fine (and even Daddy is doing great after the trama of another child birth :-).

Interesting fact of the day - Aug 16, 2007
**Tropical Storm Erin slammed Texas with lots of rain and flooding.
**Hotest day on record in Tennessee for the month of August - 106 degrees recorded in Columbia, TN (town where Erin was born).

Aunt Paula introducing big brother Matthew to Baby Erin

Kaylee and Matthew - "What do you think?"

Grandma Stinebrickner - awe!!!!!!

Tired Daddy!!!

Going home from hospital.

I had to add this picture. This is Matthew going home from the hospital (Feb 2006). Is there any question who Erin looks like?

Addition to our family . . .

2007-08-02T15:17:00.000-05:00

No, no! This is not about our baby girl (I only wish it was!!)

Yesterday, Todd's most recent purchase of 8 calves arrived. This is a new interest/hobby of Todd and Tristan. We plan on raising them and selling them later this year. They are already proving to be a hand full. This morning, Todd and Tristan leaving at 6am for work, counted 7 calves missing from the pasture. Thankfully, they were all found at an neighboring Amish farm. After 2 hours of searching, fixing the fence, and making sure all was in order - the work crew finally left around 8am.

Some of our calves.

Kaylee and Matthew watching the new cows

New to the blog world . . .

2007-08-02T14:25:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! Thanks to the inspiration of my dear sister and also many others who are faithful bloggers, I have decided to join the world of blogging. So, where to start?? I guess I will begin with our family.

Todd and I have been living here in Tennessee for 5 years now. The time has really past quickly, as have the seven years we've been married. Todd owns his own construction business with his brother, Tristan. 'T & T Construction' works all over the middle-Tennessee area and also some in Northern Alabama and Southern Kentucky. We are privileged to live next door to Tristan and Paula and only about 1/2 mile from Todd's parents. I have been working as a CNA for the past 5 years (4 years in a local hospital and 1 year in home health private duty).

Adding to our busy lives are our beautiful children: Kaylee (just turned 3) and Matthew (18 mo). On this blog spot, you will no doubt see many pictures of these two because I must admit I am mighty proud parent. Oh, and in case you didn't already know - we are expecting our 3th (a girl) to arrive any day now.

I am looking forward to sharing news of our family on this blog and I hope that many of you reading this will sign in and let me know you are out there. Friends and family are spread around the world - but it is indeed a small world with the use of technology.