Lions, and Tigers, and...Nerf guns! OH MY!!!

So, Isaac chose to spend some of his Christmas money on yet another nerf gun. Luckily, this one blasts 3 darts per second and comes with 60 darts in 3 pre-loadable clips. He'll never be without ammo. And I'll never lack for the little orange pieces of foam that have become my home decor staple of late! Remind me once again that I'll miss them when they're grown and gone...
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Silent night

Don't know as that can ever be said of the ER, but it sure is pretty just outside the doors!
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My latest creation

After a day of intense study for my CEN, this was a fun creative outlet. Joy is decorating her baby's nursery with monkeys, so I made her baby shower cake to match her bedding. It turned out so cute that I think I'll have to convince one of the boys to have a jungle themed birthday party soon!
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Sunrise for Susan

Ian came creeping into my room this morning whispering "There's a beautiful sunrise and I thought if I could find your camera, I'd take a picture of it." I love sunrises! Such a reminder of God's faithfulness. I'm glad that He promises His mercies are new every morning.
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The view from my seat

Crossing the border into SC. I knew we were back in the south when Ian asked "how much longer ya reckon it's gonna take, mom?". We could see Paris Mt in the distance from this spot.
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My Sister, My Friend

Today is my sister Susan's birthday. Words cannot adequately express how much this woman means to me. There is simply something special about sharing your life and your heart with someone from birth. We all long to be "known" and Susan knows me like few do. I am blessed to call her not just sister, but also friend. Without her sacrificial giving to my boys and I, we could not continue to homeschool. She loves my boys as her own and gives so much of herself, her time, and her energy to us. I'm so excited for her to now be closing out her home business and be able to focus on what she does best--being a wife, mom, and teacher. I admire her as a godly woman. She has a depth with God that inspires me and she's not afraid to share out of her experience with others. She is one of the most beautiful women I know. Happy 37, Susan! I love you!

Now THAT'S a small skateboard!

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Happy Birthday to Ian!

Ian celebrated his ninth birthday on the 23rd. Where do the years go? I could go on and on about how quickly he's grown, but I'd rather just tell you what a great son I have! I'm so proud of the character I see developing in him and his sensitivity to God's Spirit. So many times he encourages this weary mommy. He has the best smile and laughter. He has a heart to truly serve others. He amazes me sometimes the way he prays for people. He has a quick mind for math and science. He hates English (but who doesn't?). He works hard at everything set in front of him. He loves anything with speed and wheels (and again, what boy doesn't?). His current favorites are his Ripstick and his BMX bike. He recently asked me, "Mom, when I go to college, wouldn't it be cool if I could get a degree in...everything?" That's Ian, my eager learner!

He requested a "sharp shooter" birthday party, spurred in part by our study of the Wild West last year. That and his love of all things Nerf. We had lots of target shooting games and of course, a target on his cake. Ian and I also got to enjoy a trip to an amazing (pun intended) corn maze with his AWANA group. It was a beautiful, fun filled day.

I love you, my precious firstborn son!

Uh-oh!

It would appear that Isaac's been watching too many Andy videos!

O Canada!

We are wrapping up our study of Canada this week, complete with French lessons from Grammy, maple leaf print flags, and a much anticipated visit from our "Canadian" friends, the Olsons! Good stuff, eh?
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Hap ha birt t Isa

We celebrate half birthdays around here, so yesterday marked Isaac's 7 1/2 year mark. I was having a "senior moment" and forgot to cut the cake in half before frosting it, so we just decorated half of it.
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92 would have set off the smoke alarm

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Happy 92 Grandpa Fritsch

It was fun to take a surprise birthday present to the boys' Great Grandpa today for his 92nd b-day: one of his favorite daughter in laws! What a nice evening we spent talking, laughing, and eating. The boys even squeezed in a hike to the creek with Uncle Greg. Isaac returned with bulging pockets full of buckeyes. We got to enjoy Greg's newest music video "Hell's Fury" about bull riders in the rodeo circuit. Great day!
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How did I do it?!?

I've had these pictures from IKEA waiting to be hung on my dining room wall for several weeks. The problem? There's no floor under this wall. It's over the stairs which lead to the basement. I considered the possibility of shooting the nails across the chasm with a nail gun, but good sense and a few key pieces of equipment came to the rescue. How did I hang these frames?
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To Whet Your Appetite

Many more Lakeside pics to come!

Perfect evening to fly a kite!

With sweatshirts on! What happened to the 90's?!?
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Today's reminder:

I loved you enough to die for you.
Will you love me enough to LIVE for Me?
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Ian: two!

...And I've baited enough hooks to get me nominated for mother of the year! But since I got to enjoy a beautiful sunset and the smiles of my boys, it was worth it!
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And the score is...

...Isaac: one
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Off to catch the big one

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Almost makes me WANT to do laundry!

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...And the perfect start for the new day!

Patio Donuts! Nothin' like 'em!
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The end of a perfect day...

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The fun has begun!!!

We love shuffleboard, especially along the shore of Lake Erie.
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A visit with Great Grandpa Fritsch

This man is such a joy to be around! At nearly 92 years old he is still driving and living independently in his home. He loves to laugh and tell stories of his younger years. I had to laugh when he was describing his brother who "...died real young. He was only 71." I guess when you're in your 90's, the 70's are "real young!" He treated us to lunch out, watched the boys play catch in his back yard, and pulled out his high school year book to show us. He has such a great attitude despite the hardships of life. He has buried two wives, and it hurts to see him so lonely. Grandma Rita died about a year and a half ago, but he says "she still sits here arguing baseball calls with me every night" as he watches the Reds on TV. "I'll never get over that girl. I tell you, I never will." Sweet. We love you, Great Grandpa Fritsch!

Infection Control

We have isolated the bugs that are making Isaac sick. The plan is to completely eradicate them by sundown with lots of rest, fluids, snuggles, movies, and games.
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FINALLY!

This one had been hanging crooked in his mouth for far too long!
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Ian scored the first catch of the day!

We've got the perfect campsite along a channel off Indian Lake. Great for our four budding fishermen. What's for dinner, guys?

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Old man attempting coolness

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Caribbean Cove

We headed to Indianapolis (yes, INDIANAPOLIS!?!) for a two night stay at Caribbean Cove. It was so much fun! We went down water slides and splashed non stop for the first 6 hours we were there. I was impressed by the lifeguards and safety measures in place too. I completely embarrassed both boys by singing "Happy Birthday to Me" all the way down the slide on my big 38th. That's what mom's are for, right?

God's Beauty

I'm always amazed by the beauty our Creator has placed on the earth. He didn't have to add touches like flowers or butterflies, but He chose to. And not just one type of flower, but so many incredible varieties, colors, and scents. Take time to stop and consider what a loving, creative, detailed God we serve when you "stop and smell the roses." The One who clothes the flowers in such simple beauty, certainly cares for the intricate details of His children and their needs.

Random Fun

These two pictures have nothing to do with one another, although wearing a hard hat is probably in order around the hot wheels track! They try to see how high the cars will fly, aiming for a toy box at the end. Boys!

Little League Night at the Dayton Dragons

The teams got to walk the field and meet some players, most notably, the mascots Heater and Gem.

BMX Dirt Track

We love our local dirt track, lovingly maintained by some sweet older folks we met there one day. Ian and Isaac both have such great balance, and endurance! I prefer my seat in the shade watching them tear up the track.

Ian Louganis

Ian decided to learn how to dive yesterday at Uncle David's pool and perfected it today at the Sharkey's.