The Shelbys

Happy 11th Birthday!

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-06:00

Ian is our Mr. Fix-It. He loves to take things apart and put them back together. He loves to explore and figure things out. I think his mind is always spinning.

Ian looks like his dad when he was younger and they have very similar personalities. It’s funny when you catch them making the same faces!

Ian, we love you very much!!!

Happy 11th Birthday,

Ian!!!

Wordless Wednesday ~ A Night with Friends

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

A Park Play Day

2012-01-24T20:55:00.000-06:00

Last Friday, we had a play day at one of our local parks, Forest Park. I tried for about a month and a half to schedule a field trip for our homeschool group but nothing worked out so we just had a park day. It was a lovely January day in South Louisiana. The temperature was in the lower 80s with clouds. It was a great day for flip flops, short-sleeves, and shorts for some.

Some little cuties

Most of our families gathered by the swings with blankets for our picnic lunch.

I thought I had taken more pictures but I didn’t. That’s what happens when you enjoy the fellowship with the other moms and keeping your eyes on your children:)

A Surprise Party

2012-01-14T16:39:00.001-06:00

On Rob’s birthday, Ian and Cade made him a brownie with m&ms to spell out 40.

We made mini-cupcakes with Emma’s baking set she got for her birthday and a few reg. cupcakes for his birthday.

When he came home from work, we took him out to eat at our favorite Mexican restaurant for dinner. He wore the birthday sombrero while we sang, Happy Birthday. Then, we went back home for dessert.

Last Saturday (the day after his birthday), we had a surprise party for him at our friends’ house, the Lindsays. He thought we were just going over there for Craig to grill for his birthday. I think he was expecting steak but Craig had grilled burgers and dogs.

We planned to be there first then everyone else arrived about 30 minutes later. I wished I would have had my camera out and ready to take a picture of his face when he realized it was a surprise party.

Cai came running past us under the patio telling us that some of our friends had just pulled up. He didn’t know we were having a party either. Rob had a puzzled look on his face like, “What!” Then, I went out and told Cade to go out and direct traffic for parking. Rob’s puzzled look became even more puzzled!!! Candi looked at him and said, “Surprise!”

The spread

I had invited a few of our friends along with our church families. We had a great turn out! Most of our church was there so we ended up having thirty-something children and twenty-something adults.

This was his birthday cake. Amy C. from church made it for me. I think it turned out great. If you can’t tell, Rob loves chocolate:)

Me acting like I was going to eat the cake before we sang,” Happy Birthday.”

Having fun

Candi

Thank you so much for allowing us to use your home for the party!!!

Playing some football

With all of the boys there, they got a football game going in the backyard.

Cuties

Cole was caught red-handed with his wiener!

Asa taking a phone call.

Kids are so funny how they copy what they see;)

It was a great day. I was so excited that we were successful at pulling off a surprise party for Rob. Thanks so much to all of you who helped make this day very special!!!

Trusting!

2012-01-12T20:38:00.001-06:00

This morning I went in for my first appointment to see my midwife and ultrasound. Normally, it is a day of joy but today there was tears. When they did the ultrasound, they found an empty sac instead of a 9 1/2 week old baby. This means that our little one stopped growing and died very early. My body still thinks that it is pregnant. The sac is still growing, my pregnancy hormones are still there, along with pregnancy symptoms. Now, we wait for my body to do what it needs to do at the right time.

Though it brought a day(s) of mourning, I still trust in the Lord and know that this is for His glory. His plan is far better than my plans for He sees the big picture and created all things. Thank you Lord Jesus for being my strength and high tower!

And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21

Wordless Wednesday ~ Morning Naps

2012-01-11T13:52:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday My Love!!!

2012-01-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

We love this man. He’s a man who loves the Lord, leads his family, loves his wife, loves his children, one of the shepherds who watches over the flock at our church, Trinity Baptist Church, works hard at his M-F job, loves to share Christ with others, and I could go on and on . No, he’s not perfect (none of us are) but he strives to honor the Lord in all that he does every day. I love this man. He completes me!!!

Happy 40th Birthday

My Love!!!

Christmas with Family

2012-01-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

Monday after Christmas, my mom, aunt, and uncle (all siblings) came down for a visit. The reason you don’t see any of Rob’s family is because he doesn’t have any immediate extended family still living. However, we enjoy time with mine.

My aunt loves to do stockings for the kids. She has a stocking for each one of them and always makes a new one for any new Shelbys.

Stocking Time

Before dinner, we opened presents.

The bracelet that Ian made for me. He made one for each one of the grown-ups.

This was the biggie this year. Uncle Herbie and Aunt Pat got the pink Jeep for the girls for Christmas. We told them to close their eyes while they were bringing in the Jeep.

Emma didn’t wait long to open her eyes but Sarah kept waiting. She didn’t realize that we said open them. They LOVE it!!! However, they should have taken driver’s ed first;)

Getting ready to eat

(Set and ready for all 14 of us.)

Our feast

(Ham, turkey, baked beans, stuff potato casserole, left-over dressing, grapes delight, rolls, praline cheesecake, death by chocolate, rocky road bark, haystacks, and peppermint bark)

Here’s the gang minus me enjoying our dinner together:

(I enjoyed mine with them but I had to take the picture.)

We had a great visit. They stayed for several days. We enjoyed a delicious supper at Ralph & Kacoos for Cai’s birthday during the visit.

Christmas Eve/Christmas Day 2011

2012-01-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

This was the first year that we were not with our extended family for Christmas so it was a little bit different for us. (My family came down the day after Christmas.) Though it was different, it was very nice.

Christmas Eve

We spent the day doing some things around the house that needed to be done which included getting our meals prepared for that day and Christmas Day. Since we were doing things different this year, I selected some Cajun meals for both days. For Christmas Eve, we had Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, Garlic Bread, Cesar Salad, and cupcakes that were dropped off by a friend earlier in the day as a treat.

Here’s our table set and ready for our Christmas Eve dinner:

Before dinner, we all gathered in the living room for family worship. Rob lead us through the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Enjoying our dinner

(Yes, even with our fountain drinks!)

Our yummy Christmas Eve Dessert

Thanks Tiany!!! They were delicious:)

Christmas Day

We started our day in worship at church. During our normal Sunday School time, we had our annual Christmas service where we sang Christmas hymns and read through the scriptures about the story of our Savior’s birth. Then, we had our normal worship service.

After we came home for church, everyone was getting changed before eating lunch. All the kids were changed but Rob and I were still changing…you know because we were helping little ones change first. While we were changing, we heard a scream, crying, and kids shouting, “Blood!!!” We went to see what was going on and found Sarah with a bleeding forehead. Yes, she was running around the house (which is a no-no), tripped on something, and hit her head somewhere on the door.

She had a nice gash on her forehead that was deep. We cleaned it and tried to pull it together with liquid band-aid but it wouldn’t hold it shut. Rob took her to the ER to get checked out. She ended up with three stitches for Christmas! Thankfully, it was one of the fasted ER visits we’ve ever had. They were gone for about 3 hours total!!! (That was leaving the house and returning to the house.)

Here she is sitting in one of the ER rooms after being stitched up:

In keeping with our Cajun theme, we were having Shrimp Ettoufee, Cesar Salad, and Garlic Bread for dinner. We had invited friends from church over who didn’t have any big plans for Christmas either. (They had already celebrated with their families on previous days.)

Here’s the girls: Sarah, Ella, and Emma. As you can see, Sarah had us swap out her orange band-aid to a pink princess band-aid.

Jacob

(I think he enjoyed his meal!)

Chad and Amy

Haystacks, Peppermint Bark, and Rocky Road Bark for dessert

Sweet Isaac

After dinner, the children decided that they wanted to sing for us so Ella joined them. Ian played one song on the keyboard while they all sang then he joined them for another song.

These two days were different yet special. We enjoyed the time with just us and having friends over yet looking forward to our visit with family.

How did you spend your Christmas?

Trinity Christmas Banquet 2011

2011-12-31T17:30:00.001-06:00

The Sunday before Christmas, we had our annual Christmas banquet after morning worship at church. The church provides the meat and drinks while everyone else brings the casseroles, sides, salads, and desserts. It’s always a feast!!!

Little Isaac trying to play while everyone is fixing their plates:)

Yummy Desserts

A time of feasting and fellowship

Sweet little RJ

We always enjoy our banquets. It’s an extra time of being around the brethen. We have a fellowship meal after our evening worship service every Sunday which means banquet day is a double day of feasting and fellowship!!! We love our church family:)

Wordless Wednesday ~ Stitches for Christmas

2011-12-28T06:00:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas 2011!

2011-12-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Luke 2:10-14

Merry Christmas

from

The Shelbys!!!

Raspberry Fudge Mocha Mousse Trifle

2011-12-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

(There is a special announcement at the end of the post!)

1 (12 oz.) jar Red Raspberry Preserves, divided
1 1/2 cups red raspberries, washed and drained
1 (12 oz.) jar Hot Fudge Topping, divided (I used Special Dark Fudge Topping!)
1/4 cup strong-brewed* coffee
2 (8 oz.) containers frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (10 oz.) prepared angel food cake, cut into 1-inch cubes, (8 cups)

COMBINE 3/4 cup preserves and raspberries in small bowl. Reserve 5 raspberries for garnish. Place 2 tablespoons hot fudge topping in small resealable plastic bag for garnish. Stir strong-brewed coffee into remaining hot fudge in large bowl until blended. Fold in one container whipped topping to make mousse. Stir remaining container of whipped topping until fluffy.

LAYER half the cake cubes in a trifle bowl or 2 1/2 to 3-quart glass bowl. Spread on half of fudge mousse and half of plain whipped topping. Spoon all the berries evenly over topping. Top with a layer of remaining cake cubes and fudge mousse.

SPOON dollops of remaining whipped topping over center of trifle. Top with reserved raspberries. Microwave remaining preserves on HIGH for 10 seconds. Stir until smooth. Drizzle over topping and fudge mousse. Microwave reserved hot fudge topping on HIGH for 5 seconds. Cut small corner off bag. Drizzle over top of trifle. Chill 1 hour before serving.

*To make strong-brewed coffee, use 1/4 cup ground coffee and 1 cup (8 oz.) water.

To make recipe using instant coffee: Stir 2 tablespoons Folgers® Classic Instant Coffee Crystals and 1/4 cup water in small bowl until dissolved. Stir into hot fudge. Proceed as above.

Special Announcement: I wanted to let you know that we found out that our family is growing again. We are due in mid-August.

Happy 8th Birthday!

2011-12-22T11:20:00.001-06:00

Cai is our funny boy. He keeps us laughing and on our toes. He loves to stand on his head and be a comedian. He’s also our “bull in the china cabinet” and has been since he could walk!

He wears a smile on his face…most of the time. Cai’s a very bright boy and loves his brothers and sisters. I can’t believe he’s already 8 years old.

Cai, your family loves you very much. We look forward to see what the Lord has in store for you. We hope he raises you up as a mighty warrior for His army.

Happy 8th Birthday

Cai Daniel!!!

Bayou Cajun Homeschoolers Ladies Christmas Gathering

2011-12-19T16:18:00.002-06:00

Last Tuesday night we had our annual Christmas fellowship for the Mom’s of Bayou Cajun Homeschoolers at my house. I love having people over. This definitely an event that we look forward to each year. It’s a time of food, fellowship & fun!

Some decorations

Just some of the delicious goodies that we had

Some of the moms getting food

Group shot before we started the ornament exchange game

Playing the ornament exchange game...as you can tell we had lots of fun. Because we didn't set a limit on how many times an ornament could be "stolen", Becky, Candy, and Amy C. had a circle of exchange going numerous times and it would last for quite a while until Becky would finally give up.

Christmas Giveaways

2011-12-17T20:50:00.001-06:00

It’s that time of year again. The Muncks are having their annual Christmas Giveaways over at their blog. Head on over to see the 11 different gifts they have to give away.

Click here to check it out!!!

The last day to enter is Wednesday, December 21st.

Ian’s Pics ~ Old Governor’s Mansion

2011-12-16T18:44:00.001-06:00

This is a post that was done by my second son, Ian. He likes to take his camera with us to take pictures too. So, I let him do this post by himself.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is some jewelry they sell to raise money to run the museum.

telling us about the mansion

the old piano in the living room

a fire place in the living room

a picture in the dining room on the wall

talking about the picture

the table in the dining room

the other half of the table

a glass centerpiece

the state seal carved in the door

Gov. Huey P. Long’s type writer

Gov. Huey P. Long’s office

His chair

His clock

the telephone

His hat

a paper

the state seal on his desk

His wife

his announcer

His personal bedroom

his personal bathroom

His shower

Sarah being tickled by his powder brush

an outdoor place to sleep for the Kids

the lady’s bedroom

she was a very fancy lady

this picture frame is made from cigar boxes

she liked things from china

the outdoor living room

toys the kids played with

a record player

Gov. Huey P. Long had LSU students come sleep over. The old governors mansion was four stories tall.

Louisiana’s Old Governor’s Mansion

2011-12-15T17:31:00.001-06:00

Last week, we went on a field trip to tour the Old Governor’s Mansion of our great state of Louisiana. It’s a before mansion that looks just like the White House which is how they designed it.

Except from their website:

The history of the Old Governor’s Mansion as presented, spans the period from 1930 to 1963. The Mansion is a focal point for students of Louisiana history. The knowledgeable guides enjoy sharing some of the little known tidbits. The story is told through changing and permanent exhibits.

Built to resemble the White House with tall columns and in the Georgian style, the Mansion does indeed look very much like the house at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The architectural details of the house are fascinating and give added opulence. The grandeur of the Old Governor’s Mansion impresses all that come to visit.

(This picture was copied from their website.)

We waited in the lovely living area which was empty except a piano and a pretty bench along the wall close to the piano. Here’s one of the moms and her daughter playing with the mirrors.

Lovely tassels and chandeliers

Decorated for Christmas

This was our group for this field trip which represented 6 families from Bayou Cajun Homeschoolers.

They split us up into 3 different groups for the tour so we all started in different places of the mansion.

The mirrors in the living room which looks like a banquet or dance hall are built into the walls not hung. If you look into the mirror the chandeliers look like they go on for infinity.

The dining room

The breakfast area

The middle picture is an original Audubon drawing.

Huey P. Long’s Office

Our tour guide asked the children to look for the pelican in the room. (The pelican is our state bird.) Needless to say, she didn’t realize how many pelicans besides what she wanted them to find were in the room. She was wanting them to find the pelican on the desk which is our state seal.

Pictures hanging along the wall in the hallway

Huey P. Long’s bedroom

Showing us his bathroom

Showers were rare during this time period. Also, the green toilet is missing. During one of the renovations, the toilet never returned.

The Sun Parlor

Another bedroom

The frame of this picture was made from cigar boxes!

The covered porch in the back of the mansion.

Cade and Isaac

Emma found another pelican on this door knob.

Governor Jimmie Davis wrote our state song, “You are My Sunshine.”

In this purple bathroom, it’s missing a purple bath tub. Yes, it never returned along with the green toilet. They said to be on the look out for those two items.

Going down the staircase

Ian shaking hands with Huey P. Long ;)

Shelby Kids

Shelby Kids with their Momma

Part of our group in front of the mansion

Shelby and Lindsay Kids

Candi and I were asked if we would be willing to let the mansion take pictures of our families during the tour to use for their new brochure. We said yes and signed consent forms which is why they put our two families together.

The pictures below are some of the photos from the photographer that they shared with us:

I love this picture of Candi’s little girl, Micah, looking at the toys.

This is the picture that is going to be used in the brochure.

Love this one of Asa!

Looking down the secret staircase.

It was a great and informative field trip. I think everyone enjoyed it. It was full of Louisiana history and tidbits.

Wordless Wednesday ~ I Love This Man!

2011-12-14T17:18:00.001-06:00

Pumpkin Spice Cake Balls

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000-06:00

One box Spice Cake Mix
1 Cup canned pumpkin
3/4 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil
4 large eggs
1 can cream cheese frosting
2 pkg. almond bark

Garnish with ground cinnamon.

Beat cake mix, pumpkin, water, oil, and eggs together and bake in a 13 x 9" pan. Make sure cake is completely baked (no gooey middle) before removing from oven. Let cool on wire rack COMPLETELY.
Crumble the cake apart in a bowl and add the cream cheese frosting. Use your fingers to mix together ( I used my kitchen aid mixer) and form into a bite size ball . Place on wax paper and refrigerate several hours.
Melt the bark per pkg instructions and roll with a spoon and place on another waxed paper sheet. Sprinkle tops with a little cinnamon after you dip each ball before the bark hardens. Store in refrigerator. (I put my trays back into the fridge to let them harden before I transferred them to their dish or container.)

This made almost 100 balls. (I think because I made them smaller for more bite size use.) If you make them larger, it will make fewer balls. The recipe I modified said it made 50 balls.

Thanks Laura B. for the idea! Everyone seemed to enjoy them.

A Cupcake Party

2011-12-03T09:57:00.001-06:00

While we were visiting family for Thanksgiving, we had a mini-party for Emma’s birthday. It was a make-your-own-cupcake party.

Here’s a few decorations made by my aunt’s students:

Aunt Pat bought aprons and fabric paint for the kids so they could decorate their own aprons.

Daddy helping Emma

Abram and Asa

Emma and Mommy helping Sarah

Next, it was time to decorate cupcakes.

I think Asa’s eating some of the candy instead of decorating!

Rob rocking Isaac.

Ian chilling in the living room after decorating cupcakes.

Present time

Asa was a little unhappy that he couldn’t open presents!

Happy smiles

(I think Sarah likes Emma’s present too. It was a Dora the Explore peewee pillow pet.)

Silly Girl

Emma had a great time.

I still can’t believe she’s already 5 years old!!! She is growing up too fast.

Shooting with Daddy

2011-12-01T16:04:00.001-06:00

Last week, we went to visit my family for Thanksgiving. We had a great time. It was a little different for us because it was the first time we’ve stayed with one of my family members. Ever since we’ve been married we would stay at Rob’s grandparents house. They had a room for us and a room for the kids set up. After Rob’s grandparents passed away, it became Rob’s house but we let his mom live there. She was already living there with his grandmother (her in-laws) after his grandfather died. After Rob’s mom passed away, we decided to sell the house since we couldn’t keep up two houses especially that one being 4 hours away.

We had a good visit. Rob, the four younger children, and myself stayed at my aunt’s house while the other 5 children rotated between my mom and my uncle’s house.

While we were there visiting for a few days, Rob took the five older boys out to our land to shoot guns. They were so excited!!!! My kids love guns but some of them haven’t ever shot real ones.

Abram and Cai

Rob getting the target ready.

Explaining some gun safety and instructions

Cai getting ready to shoot.

My uncle taking a shoot.

Ian’s turn

They took my camera and the boys took turns taking pictures. I was at home with the little ones. I think they had a great time. The next day they went exploring on our land. I don’t think they took any pictures. They enjoyed it too. Two of the boys ended up wet from falling in the creek that goes through it. That was a no brainer!!! It was already predicted earlier that day;)

Happy 5th Birthday!

2011-11-29T06:00:00.000-06:00

Our first sweet baby girl, I can’t believe it’s been five years since you entered our home and hearts. You are full of energy and spunk. You are Mommy’s little helper and mini-me. You are what we picture when Nana describes mommy as a little girl. Your smile brightens up any room. We love you so much!

Happy 5th Birthday

Emma Ruth!!!

BCHS Thanksgiving Celebration

2011-11-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

This was our 4th Annual Homeschool Thanksgiving Celebration. (1st as Bayou Cajun Homeschoolers) Like other years, we had six different stations for the kids to rotate for learning and hands-on fun. We had around 100 people this year. Each year it seems to grow. I think it gets better too. This year some of our station leaders really put in a lot of time and effort into their stations for a great learning experience for our children.

Candi and I work hard to make this happen and run smoothly each year. Since Candi allows us to have this event at her home, she gets a lot of the work setting up for the event. She prints name tags for each person, a group leader packet for each group that has instructions and a rotation sheet so that they will know where to go at each rotation. Thank you Candi for all of your hardwork and computer labor!!! I couldn’t do this event without you:)

Thanksgiving Info Station

Amanda did a fantastic job with this station. She prepared a great lesson on the first Thanksgiving with lots of facts and info. She had lots of books, charts, and maps.

In fact, she really needed a lot more time. The moms kept asking for more time….everyone really enjoyed this station.

Cupcake Turkey Station

Tiany did a great job making this station run smoothly. The children made edible turkeys out of cupcakes. This was a yummy activity.

Thanks Tiany for baking all 100 cupcakes!!!

After they made their turkeys, the children had make-a-turkey sticker sheets to keep them busy until it was time to rotate to the next station.

Weaving Station

Rachel had all of the paper prepared and cut into strips for the children to “weave” paper placemats.

Here’s two sweeties hanging out during their families turn at the weaving station:

Butter Making Station

Allison lead this station. She even brought some of her chickens and eggs for the children.

At this station, the kids made butter, ate homemade wheat bread, and learned how the Pilgrims and Indians had to be self-sufficient during that time period. They couldn’t run down the street to the store to buy their eggs, get their butter, bread, or other products.

I made 3 loaves of bread for this station with fresh wheat flour that I ground for the children to eat with their butter. I also brought wheat berries and wheat flour for the kids to see and touch.

Here’s some of the butter that was made along with buttermilk.

One of the chickens even laid an egg during the celebration! Here’s Karen showing off the egg:)

Corn and Squanto Station

Laura did a great job presenting information about the different types of corn and the different uses of corn. She even grew some of her own corn to show us and she made some popcorn for the kids to snack on during the presentation She also shared info on Squanto during this presentation. He was instrumental in teaching the Pilgrims about corn.

Thanksgiving Craft Station

Becky ran this station. She graciously took this station after one of our moms had to cancel due to an unexpected surgery. Thanks Becky!

The children made this Thanksgiving Craft at this station.

After we finished rotating through all of the stations, we enjoyed a wonderful feast together. All of the families brought food the share. It was delicious:)

Random pics:

This precious 1 month old baby girl (Her first activity!) The other little girl had enough and fell asleep in the arms of one of our teenage helpers.

Candi and I

Tiany with Isaac/Gabbi with Isaac

Some of my best girls!!!

Me with Tiany, Candi, and Allison

I love you girls!

Thanks to all of you who worked to make this another great year!!!

Click here to see more pictures at Candi’s blog.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving

from

The Shelbys!

Wordless Wednesday ~My Crazy Girl

2011-11-23T13:00:00.000-06:00

Fall Camping Trip 2011

2011-11-22T21:13:00.001-06:00

Two weeks ago, we went camping with other families from our church. I didn’t take as many pictures as I normally do. I think this was mostly because I didn’t feel very well during this trip. Thankfully, I’m feeling much better now.

Here’s little Isaac playing while daddy and the boys are setting up the tents.

The little ones run around and play while the older ones are working.

Emma and Asa

Friday morning, we took a short walk to one of the playgrounds so the kids could play.

Mrs. Pat, Me with Isaac, and Faye

There’s a really old tree next to the playground that the kids love to climb every time we’re there.

Here’s our ~~monkeys~~ tree climbers:

Rob and Mr. Carlo

Sarah and Ella

Faye holding Isaac

The boys got a football going in the clearing by the playground.

Mr. Carlo wearing silly 3D glasses.

Ripsticking

Friday afternoon, Rob, the kids, and I went for a walk to the Alligator Marsh Boardwalk.

Rob and I with all of our children minus Tate (he took the picture) and Giovanni. Plus, a picture of the Rob and I.

On our way to the boardwalk

Isaac was so excited while daddy was trying to put him in the carrier.

What are the kids looking at?

They found crabs all in the water.

They were everywhere. These crabs were pretty big. The kids got to watch them run along the bottom sideways and bury themselves in the dirt.

Notice the sign!

Yep, we spotted a gator way out in the water!

Our gang minus me with Giovanni.

Our gang

Me and Cade

Heading back

Thursday is spent mostly getting our site set up. We enjoy supper and a campfire at night fellowshipping with the other families that came.

Friday is our day to explore and play. We enjoy another group campfire. Then, Saturday is the day to take down our stuff and pack it back up. We always enjoy a hot dog lunch with Pastor Dale and Mrs. Pat before heading back home.

It’s always a lot of fun. The kids have a blast. Unfortunately, I wasn’t feeling very well during our trip and it was cold the first night. Thankfully, we planned easy and quick meals which made for quick clean-up. This made it more enjoyable.

We’re already booked for our spring camping trip! Does your family do any camping?

Wordless Wednesday ~ A Glimpse

2011-11-16T09:07:00.001-06:00

Some Boy Fun

2011-11-10T10:28:00.001-06:00

Last Friday, my five oldest boys went to a friend of ours house for a boys birthday party. We let them us our van and they took all of the boys downtown to the USS Kidd as part of the party. They got to explore the big naval ship for a while. Then, they went back to their friends house for supper along with cake and ice cream.

Here’s some of the pictures they shared with me:

The birthday cake

Wordless Wednesday ~ Loving on Isaac

2011-11-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

A Symphony Field Trip

2011-11-07T21:31:00.001-06:00

Two weeks ago, our group went to the BRSO Discovery Concert for students. This was one of our activities for our older children. It was for Kindergarten thru high school.

First they started off by introducing the instrument types (strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion). Then each of the instruments in that group played a little selection so that they students could hear what the instrument sounded like. I think the favorite was the French horn because he played the Star Wars theme.

There was a selection of music from all over the world so that they students could hear a variety of music. Here's a list of songs that were performed:

The Star-Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key
Duke Ellington Medley (USA)
William Tell Overture by Gioachino Rossini (Italy)
O Mio Babbino Caro by Giacomo Puccini (Italy)
3 Nigerian Dances by Samuel Akpabot (Nigeria)
Tico Tico by Zequinha de Abreu (Brazil)
Symphony No. 4 by Pyotr llyich Tchaikovsky (Russia)
Finale - "When the Saints Go Marching In"

This is a little video of a few pictures that were taken by a few moms with their cell phones at the performance. The music you hear in the background was the actual opera performace of "O Mio Babbino Caro" that was recorded my a mom's cell phone as well.

Here’s part of our group. This only included the kids who had younger siblings at my house while they went to the concert.

I didn’t get to go to the concert. Since this was for the older children, someone had to stay home to watch the little ones. My friend, Candi, and I have been rotating watching each others children so both of our families can participate in these other opportunities. This was Candi’s turn to go since I took the kids to the last one when we went on the ExxonMobil field trip.

Becky and Chantelle both met at my house with their children because they were working together like Candi and I. Chantelle stayed with me to help with the little ones and visit while Becky and Candi took the others.

After the older ones were gone, we realized that the girls finally out numbered the boys for a change so we had to take a picture!

7 girls

3 boys (plus Isaac was napping made 4)

After the concert, they headed back to the house. I had lunch ready for the kids and Chantelle went and picked up a special lunch for the mommies. We enjoyed some yummy food from a local Greek and Lebanese restaurant:)

After lunch, they kids were outside having a blast.

Here’s little Cole looking in the house trying to get someone to let him in.

Lots of playing

Our tree stumps made great chairs and stools for the kids that day. (Rob left them tall so the kids wouldn’t trip and hurt themselves until we get someone out to grind them. Until then, they make great chairs;)

Asa playing with sticks

(The boys have a tree that has all of their ~~sticks~~ weapons stacked around it. Obviously, Asa had visited the tree.)

Isaac was having fun playing in his exersaucer.

What a great day! I love a day spent with friends and fellowship:)

A Birthday Tea Party

2011-11-05T07:42:00.001-05:00

Last Saturday, Emma and Sarah had a 3 year old birthday tea party to attend. It was their first tea party. Amy C. did a great job for Ella and the girls.

Here’s the decorated food table:

The little girls had flower and butterfly shaped sandwiches along with tulip shaped quesadillas. There was sandwiches for the grown-ups, fruit, guacamole, and cheese and crackers. Everything was yummy!

My aunt and uncle had come in town to visit this weekend as well so Aunt Pat joined the girls and I at the party. Yes, Isaac got to come since he needs his mommy. The rest of the boys went with Rob and my uncle to McDonald’s and Cabelas while we were gone.

Sweet Girls

(Emma, Sarah, and Ella)

Eliana and Anneka

Birthday girl, Ella

Little Isaac enjoyed playing at the tea party!

Time to make necklaces

Tea Time

Yes, the little girls drank from real tea cups.

Enjoying their lunch

All of the sweet girls

Time for Cake and ice cream

Amy, Ella’s mom, made this cake herself. It was very lovely. She learned how to decorate cakes from working at one of the nice bakeries in town while she was in college. Every cake I’ve seen has been great!

It was a great party. Thanks Amy!

I enjoyed watching all of them. With five boys before Emma, I wasn’t sure I’d ever get to experience these “sweet” events!

Side note: I actually forgot my camera. Pastor Dale (Ella’s grandfather) took the pictures and shared them with me. Thanks so much, Pastor Dale!!!

A Joint Picnic

2011-10-31T17:31:00.001-05:00

Two weekends ago, we had a joint picnic with our church, Trinity Baptist Church, and a sister ARBCA church, First Baptist Church Clinton. We met at a park that was kind of centrally located between the two churches for a day of food and fellowship.

It was a beautiful day, warm but not hot. The sun was shining with no cloud in the sky. We all brought food to share. We were able to rent this pavilion so that we had a covered area for eating. Plus, it had a nice playground and a baseball field.

This was some silly shots of Cai and Abram. In between hitting, Cai decided to stand on his head. This was Abram walking back to the field after going to take a water break.

It was a long day. The sweet babes took naps while we were there.

Poor little Jacob scuffed his face on the concrete when he took a little tumble.

After lunch, a couple of the men went over to play a little ball with some of the kids. Some of us, moms, got in on the fun.

After most of the people left, I caught Pastor Dale getting him a chicken leg for a snack!!!

It was a great day for a picnic. It was fun visiting with friends and church family along with meeting new people from the other church. I think we should do this more often.

Corn Maze ~ Part 3

2011-10-27T07:00:00.001-05:00

Country Cajun Corn Maze

It’s time for fun!!!

We hung out for the day. Such as, my family was the last to pull out that afternoon;) They have several activities that are free for the children to enjoy throughout the day such as the playground, corn crib, and bounce pillow.

The Corn Crib

It’s like a big ball pit but instead of balls, it’s full of corn kernels.

I think Emma was tired or something!!!

One of the moms told me to hop in and she would take my picture. This was a refreshing treat. It was a place of refuge from the very, warm, October day. Plus, it was cool under the kernels. I almost didn’t want to leave;)

Really, cool, homemade slides

Bounce Pillow

I got a little extra exercise in bouncing with Asa in my arms!!! Yes, he’s an extra 30 lbs.

Lots of bouncing fun!!!

Smile

Silly

Asa enjoying some FREE Kleinpeter Dairy Ice Cream.

Having a “sliding” good time!

Isaac in the corn wagon!!!

(He was having fun earlier but I missed that shot.)

Me and my Corn Cobs

Shelby, Lindsay, and Crousillac Kids

Shelby and Lindsay Kids

Once again, we had a lot a fun at the corn maze. The kids always look forward to it.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Standing on His Head

2011-10-26T16:00:00.000-05:00

Corn Maze ~ Part 2

2011-10-25T21:11:00.001-05:00

Country Cajun Corn Maze

This was the design for the maze this year. Trust me, it’s much harder in the maze than it looks on paper!

Now, it’s time for the maze!

Trying to figure out which way to go.

Poor little Cole was tired! He fell asleep while being pulled in the corn wagon.

Here’s the corn cop!

Ian asked the “corn cop” if he would let his mom go up to take pictures. The corn cop said, “Sure!”

I chickened out so Kristie went up to take pictures with our cameras. Now, I wished I would have gone up:( Kristie is a photographer so I thought she might get some better pictures than me anyway. You can check out the video she made over at her site here.

This is where she looked over and took a picture of us waiving to her on the scissor lift.

Asa was crying He was tired so Melody helped him find his way out.

After we found our way out of the maze, we had a picnic lunch under their pavilion. Then, it was time for more fun!

Cow Train

On this particular time during the ride, they decided to start spraying the passengers with a water hose. This is me expressing my feelings about being sprayed several times (in the face) while riding for Candi!

Pumpkin Car Hay Ride

(Minus the hay)

This is the old tractor that pulled the pumpkin cars. It has an actual pull chain to crank it up. They drove over a newer, larger tractor to pull start the tractor which was really neat. Old McDonald let this mom drive the tractor during the ride.

Last post to coming soon…more fun!

Corn Maze Field Trip ~ Part 1

2011-10-25T16:01:00.001-05:00

On Oct.17th, we went to the Cajun Country Corn Maze for their October Home School Day with Bayou Cajun Homeschoolers. It’s a day set aside just for homeschoolers. We have enjoyed going here the past few years.

I’ve split this into 3 post due to the number of pictures I took;)

This year it was set up a little differently. They wanted it to be a little more structured so they had different times for the activities.

Here’s some of our kids waiting for others from our group to arrive and for the activities to begin.

(watching the show)

Sweet Girls

(Sarah, Emma, and Sophia)

Let’s get started!!!

Here’s Old McDonald welcoming everyone to the corn maze and giving us instructions along with an Ag-in-classroom talk to the children.

First, we went to feed and pet the animals.

Asa and Cole being pulled along in one of their corn wagons.

Yes, I make several appearances this time. Some of the kids would ask for the camera so they could take pictures of Momma too.

Next, it’s time for the pig races.

Waiting with anticipation

On your mark, get set, GO…

Pygmy (pig me) goats

Everyone standing around in a half circle watching and cheering the pigs or goats!

Here’s the pig with three eyes (piiig):

On the last race, there are three adult and child teams. The losing pig team has to kiss the pig!

Here’s the pics of the boy and his mom kissing the pig:

Next up…the corn maze!

Wordless Wednesday ~ A Crazy Pair

2011-10-19T13:20:00.001-05:00

Bloodlines

2011-10-13T20:56:00.000-05:00

Bloodlines Documentary with John Piper from Crossway on Vimeo.