Holloween

Asher climbed up in this chair and started reading a little Bible. Ezra thought this was a good idea, found another little Bible, and joined in. Delton had been reading from Jonah that morning, and I heard Ezra "reading" the story of Jonah to himself.
Aunt RuthE let us borrow some animal costumes that were a perfect size for Ezra. He loved dressing up in the bear costume. Grrrrrr!
More animal antics....
My bear and white tiger/zebra.

He now has a bunk bed!

I think Ezra was trying to tell us something...I can't believe that he is big enough to sleep in a twin bed...He's not a baby anymore, and Asher said his first two word sentence today...Delton said, Bye, Asher and Asher replied, Bye Dad. He is growing up as well. So cute!

Lack of time...means facebook gets my attention!

So, as the title says, facebook has gotten my attention recently, but I believe that I am ready to return to the blog world. This blog is being written with Asher in my lap, putting a pen in my barely empty coffee mug. I'm nervous...here are some photo-ops...


Do you know what a pumpkin chunkin' trebuchet is? Is is a big machine that chucks pumpkins hundreds of feet. Yeah...it's a guy thing, but it is really cool to watch. Tri-State Fellowship in MD had an event and Cedar Ridge made one of the trebuchet- the one with the three guys around it. Think hard hats, safety glasses, a goal-like device placed behind the trebuchet to protect the crowd in case of misfires, and you have an event that draws a big crowd!! We had fun.

David and Amanda were married several weekends ago. The wedding party left the wedding in a hay wagon. Ezra was devastated that he wasn't able to go along on the ride with daddy, so I let them play on it after the wedding party got off!!

Balloons are wonderful, right up there with jumping on mommy and daddy's bed!!

Ezra was being soooo good on a long car ride back from my parents house while Asher was having a hard time...so I handed him the camera. He took a slew of pictures, and some turned out like this. Kind of fun. Delton has a bunch of self-portraits...it appears Ezra is following in his footsteps!!

"My pet!" Delton found an interesting insect on our screen door. He brought it inside and let Ezra hold it. When it was time to let the bug "go home to its mommy", Ezra had a hard time. He talked about "his pet" the next day, too!

I think I will go rescue my address stickers from Asher before they decorate many unwanted surfaces. It's good to be back!

We need cat litter and bleach

I didn't intend for this to be the first picture- this was a bear skin and head that had it's permanent resting place on the stairway banister.

The home where my family stayed in Iowa...such a blessing for most of us to be able to stay together.

My sisters and niece, model wannabes...

David and Molly being introduced at the reception...the newlyweds!!!

Delton and I!

My beautiful new sister in law, Molly. Krystal is just behind her, to your right.

My brother David, the groom!

Yeah, I'll probably regret posting this picture...

Krystal and Asher!

Uncle Paul and Ezra. We stayed at their house on the way out and back. It was a wonderful, refreshing time. We stayed up late our last night their doing a crossword puzzle- Dillon, Aunt Joyce, Uncle Ken, Delton and I. A bundle of fun. I could get addicted. (Any idea who sings "Foolish Games"- starts with a j, five letters!)

We are home from our trip to Iowa. What a whirlwind time...I can hardly believe that it is over, and we are once again back in our normal (whatever that means!) routine. God was so faithful on this trip. I'll start out with the mishaps...

~The night before we were to leave, Delton arrives home from State College at 8 p.m., only to tell me that our car acted up going over the mountain. Car trouble is a huge, huge worry problem for me. Gulp. After talking with out mechanic, and heading out over Blue Ridge Summit at 9 p.m. that night to see if the trouble would reoccur (it didn't) we decided to go for it. The car ran beautifully the entire 32+ hours. Amazing!

~Ezra gets car sick when he reads in the car. Note to self- don't forget about this and hand him a book, as the result (3 times...) will be pretty disgusting. He hasn't yet hit my record, my parents tell me, of 7 times in one trip. Over all the luggage. Yuck.

~Asher was sleeping in our bedroom hours before the wedding. I didn't want to wake him, so we waited until the last possible second to start getting ready. I was outside the bedroom when Delton poked his head out and said, Char- come in here. Uh oh....I walk in, and he informs me that I forgot to pack his suit pants. You have got to be kidding me!!!!! So- we made a stop at Kohl's for dress pants and a new tie. Not exactly a budgeted expense...

~The title for this blog came from a sign we passed...It really confused me. What kind of business uses bleach and cat litter- and who advertises that they NEED it, rather than are selling it. It was an animal shelter! Makes me laugh when I remember it, though. How absurd!!

Now for the fun parts!

~ My brother's wedding was beautiful. My dad married them. He gets emotional at his children's weddings, which I think makes him feel like he messed up, but is so beautiful to watch. My dad loves us!

~The reception was nice, but sooooo loud!! We had the boys outside most of the time after the meal. Ezra danced for hours at Daniel's wedding, but didn't want to get near the dance floor this time!

~We stayed at the home of friends of my parents. A beautiful home, where everything was unique and artistic. Very, very enjoyable.

~ I learned that Asher will sleep in a new environment, and I learned to stop shushing people every time they spoke outside our bedroom- where the 60 inch TV was located! I laid Asher down in the nursery crib. He was fussing as I left. Then, my brother in law came in to lay their toddler down as well. I went out, fully expecting that Asher wouldn't fall asleep. My sister comes out a few minutes later to report that both boys were asleep. I told her I didn't believe her. I still have trouble believing it. Amazing. This is the little boy that only sleeps in his own bed. I get mommy was proved wrong...Kids are resilient!!

~Unpacking has proven to be a multiple day affair. One thing that hasn't helped is Ezra got two new train sets right before we left for Iowa. Both of them, their track and trains and houses, have been spread out all over the downstairs all day yesterday and today. One was purchased on craigslist for $40, the other came from a yardsale for a buck. Guess which one gets lots more playtime????!!!!

~So good to be home. Lots of events and decisions coming up, so there is a lot on my mind, but God is good. He will carry me through!

Not much time...

Delton enjoying being a dad

Mr. Patriotic!

Delton has been taking the laptop with him when he sells with Cen-Pe-Co. Since this is the only computer we currently have, my online time is greatly limited! He has also been preparing a sermon in the evenings, taking up the computer again!!! I have survived, and I assume you have survived without more frequent posts from me!!

Life is good...Asher is walking...Ezra is saying "Why" for every decision we make...lots of decisions to pray about and trust that God is in control...So many thoughts I think throughout the day that I want to blog about, but I'm drawing a blank right now.

Thanks for your interest in my life!

This week in pictures...

The three of us...

Mr. Asher Potato Head

Toddler Table Manners

Love that face!

Love that one, too!

Why daddy has trouble making it out the door on time in the morning...

Why daddy is glad he gets to walk out the door in the morning...

I did it!!

Check, Check, Check

Ezra on his "boat".

Taking on passengers...

Asher is so squeezable!!

Ezra enjoyed meeting Chuckie Cheese while at a friend's birthday party.

Ironing done...check

Vaccuming done...check

Kitchen floor mopped...check

Ever have one of those days where your to-do list becomes an all-done list? Today just seemed to flow, and I am sitting here while the boys nap, marveling at the peaceful flow of today. Asher slept through the night last night. That sentence should be in all caps, because this is the first time in almost a year that I have not had to get up and nurse him once or twice throughout the night. It has been a journey!! I lost grace for it a month or so ago, but still did not feel to let him cry it out...We got his bedtime routine under control, working with him on soothing himself to sleep when he is first put to bed, and I think that was a major factor in his extended, uninteruppted nightime sleeping. Whew!!

So, a full night of sleep definately helped me feel energized today. That, plus getting ready for the day before Asher woke up, put me so far ahead. It brought back memories of what I enjoyed about working out of the home- having important things that needed done, and getting them done efficiently and done well. It also brought back memories of what I didn't enjoy about my past employment- times when too much needed done, there wasn't enought time, and I felt pulled in too many directions. Pretty much the same things that push me over the edge as a stay-at-home mom. Days like this are pretty rare around here (which is why I find the need to blog about it!), but when they come they rejuvenate me.

We were heading out to the bank this morning. Ezra lost the privilege of getting a lollipop at the bank due to some behavior issues. While trying to convince me to change my mind, Ezra exclaimed that he wanted a lollipop so he could "chew it, eat it, lick it." Pretty convincing argument, but I wasn't swayed!!

Asher, amazing Asher, started walking, really walking, last evening. Delton called me into the living room, and I watched as Asher walked unassisted from the office into the living room, navigating his way around toys on the floor. I almost cried. This is my little guy that has enjoyed cruising around the furniture and walls for the past 3 or 4 months. We have known that he is able to walk- he has walked between Delton and I many times with a lot of encouragement, but he would never just let go of a solid object and walk. Today, he still prefers to hold on to something most of the time, but at the same time I saw him reach across an open space several times, get "that look" on his face, steady himself, and go for it!! Way to go, Asher!!

I am going to make the most of this quietness and cleanness :) Until next blog...

For My Dad On Father's Day

Dad~

Happy Father's Day. This is a day to honor you and your role as dad in my life. There are many things I want to thank you for today...

~Thank you for how you loved mom. You showed me what marriage should look like, and gave me incredibly high standards when it came to choosing who I would marry.

~You chose to have 9 children, when you could have chosen a life that left more room (and money) for hobbies and toys. You gave me the gift of siblings, a gift that blesses me every day.

~You modeled a life of trust- trusting God to provide. You taught me that God is our source, and He will not fail us.

~You somehow saved enough to take us on great vacations. I remember going to Maine, climbing Mt. Washington, going on the Songa River Queen. How did you do it? I don't know- but thank you for making the sacrifice to make that a part of our childhood.

~You took us with you when we were little- on errands (to Checkers, if I am remembering correctly?), on dates. I can't remember most of this, but the times you and mom have talked about this make me realize that you loved me and wanted me with you. A large family was not a burden to you.

~You told us Jessie, Jenny and Judy stories, along with Bumpkin, Fritz and Yogi stories. Getting too close to the mud puddle and slow obedience is no obedience- life lessons I learned through your stories.

~You are a writer, and passed that trait down to so many of us. It is a part of your legacy, dad.

~You modeled a love for Scripture, a dependence and trust for the word. I remember stories of your college days, when you carried flashcards of memory verses with you. I love the word, and that, too, is a part of your legacy.

So, Happy Father's Day, dad. I am thankful to be your daughter, thankful for the many memories you have given me and what you passed down to me that I can pass on to my children.

Much love~
Charity

The Weekend and Me

Katelyn and Andrea getting soaked at Rickett's Glen State Park.

My niece, Ara, was in the stream. She held her nose, preparing to go underwater, and sat down- unfortunately, she chose a shallow part, and hit bottom before she made it fully underwater. Mom saw it and had to laugh!!

Chilling at the house...

Brother-in-laws and cousins...

Cameo in a little tree house in the yard, the lake behind her. Delton took this through the screen in the house.

We spent the weekend with my parents, my sister and brother in law and their 4 children, and my three youngest sisters- Cameo, Katelyn and Andrea. A wonderful time. The lake had been sprayed the day we arrived due to a high level of ecoli in the water (!!!) so we couldn't get in it, but we hardly noticed. We spent Saturday at Rickett's Glen State Park hiking, swimming and boating. On Sunday we went to the lake house of a friend, located on a different lake, and swam. The kids did well, and we enjoyed ourselves.

Facebook had a list going around for a while- 25 Random Things About Me. I started a list, but never got it posted. I just found it this morning, so here is my random list...

1. I don't work well in chaos

2. I have a high tolerance for repetition (doesn't bother me when people get stuck singing the same line from a song over and over and over. Probably comes from blocking out the noise generated by a large family.)

3. I enjoy using nasal aspirators on the boys. :)

4. I enjoy preaching

5. I am terrified of heights

6. I was mad at my kichen mats. I'm over it now- they are in a land fill.

7. If I would let myself, I could be an ambulance chaser- I want to know what it going on!! And yes, I do peer through the blinds (or worse, stand on the porch) when there is something going on in my neighborhood.

8. I enjoy reality tv shows- two in particular - High School Musical 3: Get in the Picture, and The Biggest Loser. They were my ironing shows!

9. I read every book on the Mafia when I was in 10th grade. ??

10 I enjoy sprinkling movie quotes in when I am talking.

"I would have muddled the whole thing!"

"Don't rush me; I'm cruising the merchandise, Mr. Weazel!"

"You see! You see what I have to put up with!!"

And my sisters could add a million more to that list. Any idea what movies the quotes came from?

11. I tend to kill plants through intentional neglect. (Case in point- the one right beside me!)

12. I love rainy days.

13. I have a high tolerance for repetition. :)

So, there I am in a very small nutshell. I am going to get busy so I don't get grumpy...

Post 101

Brotherly love. I love my boys!!! And yes, sometimes this is what they look like all day!!!

Asher's one year picture.

Blast off, my little einstein!!

Tigers in their cage. Roar!!!

Asher enjoying walking at Red Run Park while daddy and Ezra were fishing.

Just saw that this is my 101st post. Not sure if that is a lot or a little in the years I've been blogging...Considering I had a baby in that time, I find it at least respectable!

This is my to-do-list for today. Computer catch up time. No guilt- I'm getting done what I set out to do!

Delton and I are going away for the day tomorrow. My parents are coming to watch the boys. I am nervous and excited about leaving for so long. I know it is only about 10 hours, but this is the longest I have ever left Asher, and have only been away from Ezra for this long a handful of times. Asher still nurses- more for comfort than anything, but still... The excitement part comes in knowing that everything is going to go great and my worries are groundless. My parents had nine kids, for goodness sake! I think they can handle two toddlers for a day!!!

We are going to Shepherdstown, WV. We love to explore small tourist towns on our anniversaries. We have explored Clayton, NY (on our honeymoon), Frederick, Gettysburg, and Harpers Ferry. I look forward to browsing in the shops- and doing a bit of hiking as well. :)

I have been reading several great books. Girl meets God is the memoir of a woman who grew up in Judaism, then converts to Christianity. It isn't a book that is necessarily about the "why" of her conversion- although that does play a part. Rather, it is about her coming to terms with what she loves about her Jewish background and what that means to her as a Christian. Definately worth reading! I also picked up a book from the library called "The Element- How finding your passion changes everything". I thought Delton would enjoy reading it, but I have been the one to read/skim it. I know I am not catching everything the author is saying, but it is so fascinating to read the interviews with people who have seen their passions and skills come together- people who are scientists, a world class pool player, musicians, authors... It makes me want to encourage my boys to be creative, and appreciate those around them that are doing what gives them life. An inspiring book.

My family was going to camp in my parent's backyard for a weekend. We decided (it was my idea) to forgo camping at a campground and save the $40. Everyone said they were up to camping out in mom and dad's backyard, but as the time approached, I felt dumb for suggesting it....Recently, a graduation party was scheduled at the pool at mom and dad's house by the owners (my parents rent), so we would feel a bit silly sitting there in our tents as party-goers strolled by. The backyard camping experience was falling apart, and I second-guessed my suggestion to save the cash! A friend with a 5-bedroom house on a lake called my mom last week and suggested we use their house sometime. The pieces fell together, and we are all gathering at their house next weekend. All that to say- It is neat to see how God leads, even when we second-guess ourselves!!!

My sister Cameo graduates on Thursday. Katelyn, 16, leaves on the 20th for a mission trip to Ireland with Royal Servants. Delton is at Cedar Ridge today for a three day High Ropes Training. He is having a wonderful time!! I am so glad he gets this outlet for his creativity, for his spirit to be renewed. He doesn't get nap time and bible-study like I do, and the grind can get to be a lot, I am sure.

Asher is growing- still doesn't want to walk on his own, but will walk unassisted when we leave him dangling in the middle of the room! He is a still a good baby...I think...but also has a LOT of spirit and spunk. He is amazingly lovable!!!

Ezra's vocabulary and sentence structure is exploding. He articulates very well! He and Asher are learning how to co-exist, and this can be a painful experience at times! :) Ezra is excited about a bike mom and dad are bringing for him tomorrow. He doesn't want a "handle" on it, referring to the handle that is on his tricycle so we can steer him. He loves Caillou, and is starting to say "movie" when prompted, rather than "choo-choo". To me, all videos are now "choo-choos", so I have trouble remembering to say the correct term. Maybe by the time he is three he'll say it correctly (and I will too!).

I love the rain- there is something therapeutic about not having to go outside, just being able to enjoy a quiet day at home.

Blessings to you...