Grammy & Grandpa

Well, Grammy and Grandpa just left this morning to go back home to California. We had such a lovely visit with them. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. There were several evenings of just sitting around the living room in the evening just talking and enjoying each other's company. I had to bow out of most of them because of a serious sickness that came over me the day after they arrived.



Grandpa treated us to a Sunday lunch at Tokyo One and on Monday helped Jeremi set up a work-out routine on the weights. Grammy and Jeremi continued their eternal game of chess in their quest of becoming champions.

Grammy helped us a lot in the backyard. We bought 3 trees, and did a lot of landscaping. It looks nice now, but when everything grows and matures and blooms, it is going to be beautiful!!

We are sad to see them go, but look forward to their next visit.

Summertime!

Well, today is the last day of school for us. After today, summertime will officially begin. Grammy and Grandpa are flying in to officially kick off our vacation. I'm sure there will be more spoiling.

Virginia Beach

Well, we are back from our weekend trip. Craig and I went to do a prophecy conference in Virginia Beach. (Yeah, I know it's tough, but someone's gotta do it.) We had a great time, and the Lord really moved in the services.

This is a picture of us in the top of the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse. From the top of this old landmark, built in 1791, you can see far and wide. Although it is no longer in use, it stands as the official symbol of the City of Virginia Beach. Another lighthouse was built to take its place, and you can see it in the background. Of course we had to buy a little lighthouse replica for our Christmas tree.

Nana flew in to stay with the kids for the weekend while we were gone, and I am afraid she has spoiled them.

Easter Best

Here are the kids on Easter morning just before leaving for Sunday School. Jeremi was a good sport to go along with Tiffani's idea for this shot.
Jeremi had been dying for Easter to get here so he could FINALLY wear his cream linen suit without fear of the 'Fashion Police' hauling him off. (He did sneak in a wear before Easter much to my dismay. We were already half-way to church when I realized what he was wearing and it was too late to go back and change.) Both girls were dressed in silk dupioni. Tiffani made her dress and cut out the jacket. I finished it up so it would be ready in time for Holiday Youth Convention.
As tradition calls, I spent the whole day Friday and Saturday sewing Bethani's dress and finished it Saturday night at 5:30 just before leaving for the Easter drama. (I am a step ahead of you mom, I got a full night's sleep Easter Eve.) The only difference is that this year my birthday fell on that Saturday! Oh well, they all looked beautiful.

Sushi at Home

Although the budget is slim, we didn't want to skip the date night, so I made a sushi dinner at home with all the atmosphere. It is so important for us to stay connected even while raising our fruit. Tiffani and Jeremi were away at a Bible quiz tournament, so Bethani joined us for sushi. (She is becoming quite the photographer.)

Richmond-2007

This week I flew back to Richmond, Indiana to take part in a homegoing for one of the most godly women I have ever met, Grandma Ellison.

My precious mother, who has always been quick to support me in my spur-of-the-moment ventures once again rose to the occasion. She didn't want me to be in Richmond alone, so she sent me an e-ticket, and then picked me up at the St. Louis airport (thermos filled with hot water and 2 Royal Albert tea cups) ready to make the 5 hour drive to Richmond.

We talked and drove and drove and talked (stopping for sushi in Terre Haute of course) and caught up on all things mother/daughter.

I am so thankful that I was able to be there for this occasion. They asked me to sing, and I chose, "What A Day That Will Be."

It was amazing to me to see how much the people (especially the children) have changed in the 16 months that we have been gone. Here are a few pictures we captured on our trip.

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Build A Bear

February 22, 2007: Bearali was brought into this world by a very excited birthday Bethani. "We share the same birthday" she says.






It was quite a process, mind you. First, the bear skin must be chosen.


Then any music or sounds must be added, and then there is the heart ceremony and the stuffing.


Every newborn must have a first bath.








And then there was shopping for bear clothes... Everyone knows that bears must be in modest fashion! Bethani especially liked this denim dress.


As with any newborn, we had to have a name before we left the 'hospital.' Now, this was no easy task, seeing that we have a set of guidelines for names in our house. Every dependent in our home must have a name consisting of 3 syllables and an 'i' at the end. Thus: Tiffani, Jeremi, Bethani, Emili, Melodi, Chariti, and now, Bearali.


She used her $25 Build-A-Bear gift card from Marissa to pay for Bearali and Grammy & Grandpa's b-day money to finish up the rest.

She was a very careful shopper, and used her money wisely--thinking through each purchase.



When we got home, we duplicated Bethani's birthday shirt for Bearali, and gave her a little jean skirt.

What a fun afternoon this was.







HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETHANI!!