Steve, Melinda and Family

Baseball has begun

2009-04-11T14:45:00.001-07:00

Today was Caleb and Megan's first baseball game. It all began at the lovely hour of 900am. We were up dressed and out the door by 830 this morning. I was so proud of Megan, she was really trying to get the ball. She even got really mad when the ball did not come to her. She would throw up her arms and say (yell) i want the ball. When she did get it she tried to get it to first base. Megan was able to hit off of the T, when she did she went in the right direction to 1st base. she was not afraid of the ball or the kids. She "ran" a few kids over who were in her way. I must say that I was quiet surprised at how competitive she was today. Let us see how next week goes. Way to go Megan.

Caleb's first game went very well also. His team name is the RiverCats. (his jersey is really cool looking). We were wondering how is team would do since this was the first year that any of the kids had played kid pitch. (Talk about nerve wracking). It was fun to see the kids that he has played ball with since tball and how far they have come. Caleb hit the ball 2 times and was walked a 3rd (due to getting beaned in the hip). He made it home all 3 times with a few stolen bases. His team won 18-3 (I think). I am so proud of Caleb as well, he was smiling from ear to ear. Way to go Caleb.

Camping over Spring Break

2009-04-11T14:31:00.000-07:00

This year we went camping over spring break with some friends up to Raser State Park. The weather when we left was 34 and rain. We were wondering if we were in our right mind. By the end of the weekend the weather had turned and it was 65 and sunny.

Here are a few snapshots of our trip. Megan who loves Duke is not afraid of a Bull Mastiff as you cam see. Jordan loved running bearfoot in the sand (till his feet got cold in all of 5 minutes) and Caleb was climbing trees.

Megan

2009-03-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

As I sit here thinking about the last 7 years since Megan was born, I am amazed at God amazing grace. He has given us so much to be thankful for. Megan has been a blessing to us and to those who know her. As may know we did not know that she was Down syndrome untill after she was born. Megan has been a joy (as stubborn as she may be), her smile can just light up a room. Steve and I give full credit to God who has given us our stength when the days were dark and long. I found a quote that is dated March 20 (Megan's Birthday) "When we make ourselves vulnerable, we do open ourselves to pain, sometimes to excruciating pain. The more we love, the more we are liable to be hurt... But our do not grow if we insultate ourselves from pain." Madeleine L' Engle. I am reminded of this every year on her birthday. As much as we tink that we can do do something, we can through God and it is though Him that our souls can grow.

So thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who has been there along the way, thoughts, prayers and words of encouragement. We love you.

Two happy boys

2009-02-26T12:54:00.001-08:00

Last night we went to Children's Hospital to visit Ryan and he was recovering from his surgery for his scoliosis. (There is no better place than Children's for kids) Jordan was so excited to see is cousin (and best friend) that he could hardly stand it. We went to pick out a special toy (John Deere of course to take with us.) At the end of our visit they were watching the movie Cars and looked quite content to be together.

Basketball

2009-02-26T12:48:00.000-08:00

For Christmas the kids got a hoop. Steve was able to put it together as the weather was finally cooperating a bit. They have a lot of fun out there and it is something that promotes physical activity. Anything is better than sitting around watching TV. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa B.

And the Winner is...

2009-02-26T12:38:00.000-08:00

Both Caleb and Megan had their car races this year for AWANA'S. It was alot of sun to watch all of the kids get all excited about their cars and whose was the fastest. Caleb's car DINOCO was in 6th place over all in speed. He was really excited about that. Megan "truck" received the trophy for most fun car. It was really sweet to see how they reacted. Megan was very proud of herself and Caleb was happy for his sister. (He is such a good big brother and SO proud of him)

Play date

2009-02-13T16:38:00.001-08:00

Today Ryan was able to come over for a play date while Allison had to take Jacob to the Dr. The boys had a lot of fun outside riding bikes. Megan also decided she wanted to ride her bike like a big girl. I was so proud of her she was able to pedal for about 15 feet and then decided she was done. Oh well it is more than she did all last summer. (she thought that she was to go to DQ for Ice cream, because last summer we took her there when she pedaled for the first time)

President's Day

2009-02-13T16:34:00.000-08:00

At preschool this year there was a program that Jordan and Ryan were in. They were able to sing some Valentine songs and Patriotic songs as well. the were so cute winging their hearts out for us.

Making the race cars

2009-02-13T16:27:00.000-08:00

For Awana's the kids get to make a race car that they get to race and see whose is the fastest cutest, most orginal, etc.. This year Steve and I decide to go up to my parents (since he has all of the tools and not wait till the weekend before) and make the cars. I am not sure as to who had more fun, the kids, daddy or grandpa. we still have to paint them and I will post a picture of them when they are done. But here is the making of them.

Is it time for baseball

2009-02-13T16:20:00.000-08:00

The other day when the waether wwas warm I sent the kids outside to get some fresh air and they decided to play some base ball. I was able to get a few pictures of them with out being noticed

Enjoying the Sunshine

2009-01-15T15:38:00.000-08:00

Today after Jordan's nap he asked if he can go outside and play. (who am I to say no when the sun is out) He got his coat on went out side then came running back in saying that it was too bright out and that he needed his Mockey Mouse sunglasses. He was out riding Megan' s bike (hers has training wheels on and his does not, he thinks that he needs them now) So during the few short glorious minutes of sun Jordan was enjoying it.

Snow Mountian

2008-12-23T13:39:00.000-08:00

We have this pile of snow that continues to grow as the guys are clearing the way for all of the trucks to come and go. So Caleb named the pile of snow "Snow Mountian" It is about 20 ft high and the kids are having fun sledding down it. Here is Caleb "conquering" the Mountian.

Sledding

2008-12-23T13:31:00.000-08:00

Ryan came over today for a few hours while Allison took Jacob to the Dr. After a hearty lunch of Mac and Cheese the kids decided to go sledding. I was at ACE earlier today, and of course being out of sleds I did the next best thing. Garbage can lids.

Cleaning off the truck

2008-12-18T14:00:00.000-08:00

The boys were wanting to help Steve this morning, so he told them to clean off the truck. here they are "working"

Let it snow let it snow

2008-12-18T13:57:00.000-08:00

Snow is so pretty to look at when it is coming down. (Yes I know I am inside looking out and not in it) But how beautiful is God's creation

More snow fun

2008-12-18T13:53:00.000-08:00

I could not resist taking these pictures. Jordan was sitting on the deck eating snow. He just had this look of complete concentration on his face.

Playing in the snow

2008-12-18T13:49:00.001-08:00

Megan does not do well in the cold, so for her to actually be in it is a step in the right direction.. She decided to throw some snow at her older brother, but Caleb was not too bothered by it. And who can resist building a snow man....

Christmas Baking

2008-12-18T13:37:00.000-08:00

Usually I spend an entire day doing all of my goodies, but this year I have broken it up over a few days. Maybe this way we will still have some left for Christmas day. I was in a delima of what to to for the day with the kids home, and I being home bound as well, I decided to make mommy's favorite goodies. Chocolate covered Ritz cracker sandwiches. The kids wanted to help so I gave them the job of making the sandwiches. They were to put Peanut Butter on a cracker and then top it off with a Ritz. They did pretty well. Caleb and I dipped them into the chocolate while Megan and Jordan napped. The mess was something else..... I am still finding PB in places I thought you could not get it there...

Fun snow days

2008-12-18T13:33:00.000-08:00

This week had been fun for the kids as we have just a little bit snow.. I had to get a few pictures of the kids playing. Here is a before shots of how excited they were to go play. My I remind you this was at 800 in the morning... Oh well

Fun with Daddy

2008-12-12T19:59:00.000-08:00

Tonight the kids wanted to "tustle" as Jordan would say. They got this idea, I do not know where from, but to take a flying leap off of the couch on to daddy's stomach. That did not produce enough adrenaline rush they had get a laundry basket as well, This went on for about 20 minutes or so... The good news is, no one wound up in the ER.... for the moment.

Christmas Program

2008-12-12T19:48:00.000-08:00

We went to Caleb's Christmas program the other night and to hear him sing songs of Christmas and the true meaning just warmed my heart. It makes all of the running around I do worth it. Since Kera is in the same grade as Caleb, we had to get a picture of the two of them together.

Sleepy kitty

2008-11-15T17:34:00.000-08:00

I just could not pass up this picture. Megan likes to bring Stinker (the cat) into the house. She is really not to, but she has this way of sneaking him.

Sleep over part 2

2008-11-15T17:28:00.001-08:00

After going to bed and giggling till after 1000 the kids were all up early and ready for a full day of playing. But first thing first was breakfast for cold cereal. YUMMY!! And then off for more play time but this time farming. What else is knew...

Sleep over

2008-11-15T17:16:00.000-08:00

After weeks if not months of asking if Ryan can spen the night, Jordan got his wish. Jordan had his sleep over. It was a lot of fun for the kids. We had some dinner and then was some play time. I now know what happens when I do dishes and there are 3 boys and 3 light sabers.

Happy Halloween

2008-11-01T17:52:00.000-07:00

Jordan and Ryan at the Fun Fall Festival

This year for Halloween we went to the Fun Fall Festival at our Church. The kids had a lot of fun, as there was free candy, juice and cotton candy (yummy) Caleb was Spidermas Megan Sleeping Beauty and Jordan a cow.

Picking Apples

2008-11-01T17:46:00.000-07:00

Beth called and wanted to know if I wanted to go pick some apples in Everson. It was a beautiful day to go. The sun was out in full force and there was no wind. We were trying to show Jordan how to pick apples (so they won't bruise)

Look Who is Four

2008-11-01T14:27:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Jordan. I can not believe that my "baby" is 4 today. I am so thankful for the life that God has blessed us with in Jordan. As many know he was a sick little baby for a long time and God was good to us and Jordan is now just fine. He has his scars on his tummy from his feeding tube, and when his lung collapsed, I am reminded that God is in complete control of all and Great is HIS Faithfulness.

2008-10-25T13:47:00.000-07:00

Megan had her last scoccer game of the season. Yes we made it... The weather was great (for most of the games), and the kids had fun. Megan was so excited that she got a trophy. It was really cute to see. She played fairly well for her. We are so proud of her in how far she has come. She was wanting to get in the mix and she tried. WAY TO GO MEGAN!!!!

Caleb had his last game of the season as well. I was glad that for once both of their games were at the dame field and an hour apart. When Caleb's coache realized that the other team was not coming he had to do some quick thinking. So the boys played against each other with a few of the dads.. it was a fun game to watch I the kids had fun, and I thing the dads had as much fun. Caleb was happy that he played against Steve. Great job Caleb (and Steve)

Look who is driving????

2008-10-18T16:22:00.000-07:00

This afternoon Steve called me to look out side because he had a surprise for me. Low and behold there was Caleb driving the farm PU with uncle Jeff in the passenger seat. He drove from the field from below the house to home (about 1/2 mile) YIKES!!!

First day of school

2008-10-18T15:07:00.000-07:00

The first day of School has come and gone but here are some pictures of the the kids.

Caleb is now in the 2nd grade at the the Christian School, Megan goes to school here in town and Jordan goes to preschool here in town as well. Needless to say I do a bit of driving these days. It is worth it when I here Caleb singing church songs and Jordan singing Jesus Loves Me. That warms my heart to hear my kids sing. While Megan is progressing in school.

Soccer is here

2008-10-04T13:41:00.000-07:00

Well this is the first year that I have had 2 kids in soccer. This is Caleb's 3rd year and is having fun. This year there get to be a goalie and he loves it. He has no fear of getting the ball and getting knocked around. I am thinking that the kids and ball coming at him are just a bit smaller than cows.

Megan this year wanted to play as well I must admit I was a little nervous on how she would do. Her games have been half and half of wanting to play. Her first game I teared up to think of how far she has come and how God has blessed us with her. We worked with her all summer on kicking the ball and telling her that there are no hands on soccer.