Great Music!

Lehman was invited to perform with the Youth Orchestra as a guest. Here is a recording of a practice. The concert is tonight and he will be all dressed up in black and white.

We're Alive!

I almost never post on here, just assuming everyone reads my other blog - where I post too much! But maybe I should check in and be a part of the family every now and again, eh:-) Something that makes me happy...a new necklace! I got one from the Vintage Pearl for Christmas, it's this one, and it has the kids names on it. I love it and have worn it without taking it off every day since then! My fave! But last week I got a coupon for 20% off...I'd been feeling like I wanted something for Brian and I...so I bought just the charm and the pearl to use with my old chain ($20 I think, then a discount!), I decided on a sapphire pearl, since I already have a white one. And a little 3/4" square...it took me a long time to decide what to engrave on it...B + D. It came yesterday, and I LOVE it!! It's very pretty. So now I have 2 everyday jewelry choices I love! I should ban myself from that site...I love it all!

A picture from Lauren's phone (she texted it to me and has an older phone, so the quality is low)...here we are trying out her new porch swing!

We are alive and well!! Brian has been enjoying a much more relaxed work schedule this year, on the whole. The kids are growing and doing well, we have good renters for both our rental homes...all our needs are met, and we can't complain one bit!!...and on the super plus side, we had a very mild winter, and summer is already here! Loving it all!

Happy Birthday Lehman!

#10! By this time, people were not saying to us during those last weeks of pregnancy, "we can hardly wait until you have your baby" but rather, "we can hardly wait to get your birth announcement." Pink or blue had lost it's intrigue! Well, #10 was a boy and we were all so excited. What can I say about this cute as a button baby boy? Cute. Screamed a lot. Oh, so cute! And, did I mention screamed a lot? Despite this attribute we loved him dearly! He was a delight to our hearts even though we joked "it was a good job God made him so cute"! It didn't take long to discover he was also smart, musical and tender hearted. He is now a handsome young man with a heart that wants to do what is right. There is no greater joy!

The front of Lehman's birth announcement card.
The inside: (click on the picture for full size to assist in your ability to read it :)












The back:



















1998 still had me designing in MicroSoft Publisher. Then, it was a quick and easy print, fold the paper and stuff the envelope. Oh, the time saving gadgets/process to help a mother of 10! :)

My Playmobil

Last September, I bought myself a new house. My real dream was the Victorian house like Darla has, but since it is no longer available, I decided on the new version.


































































































And now that I have the updated Victorian house, I do believe I like it better!
By: Jillaine

Look Out for Jessie Jane!

Janessa and Jillaine have their driver's learner permits! The fearsome dual! They have finished their 30 hours of in-class training and will now be getting behind the wheel. Whew! 9 down, 2 to go!

THE DAY THE SUN STOOD STILL

OK, well the sun didn't actually stand still, but we, non-the-less, experienced the most amazing miracle. I made a pasta dish for supper and Dad/Dave ate 'what he took' without a word of complaint. The next day he heated up for himself some of the leftovers. He ate it and then heated up a second helping. Never in 35 years of marriage has he ever finished the 'what he took on his plate' amount of pasta, nor has eaten leftover pasta, let alone take seconds. Wonders never cease! We truly experienced a miracle! LOL

Now in case you are wondering, this is what I made:
Chicken Caesar Pasta
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 lb boneless,skinless chicken breast cut in cubes
1 can cream of celery soup
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup caesar salad dressing
4 cup hot cooked linguine
1 medium tomato, diced
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 parmesan cheese

Heat oil at medium high heat in a large skillet. Add chicken and cook
10 minutes or until browned. Reduce heat to low. Stir in soup, water
and salad dresing. Heat to a boil, stirring occasionally. Cover and
cook over low heat until chicken is cooked through -about 5 minutes.
Toss with linguine and tomato. Sprinkle with pepper and cheese.
Variation: Can also use 1C halved cherry tomatoes.

Marshalls first target practice!

Marshall went out with his Daddy today and shot the little .22 for the first time! This is the product of 15 shots (2 hits). Overall not a bad turnout for such a little guy. I think Daddy enjoyed it as much (I think more) than Marshall, but overall a good Daddy-Son time was had.



Every time they shot the gun Marshall would say "Oh we got it!!!". Brent says Marshall thought he was 'kay-ote' hunting.

Marshall- almost 3 years

Marshall, our big, lovable, huggable ball of energy and mischief. He is growing up into a little boy with lots of laughter, words and imagination. He has a lot of fun games that he likes to come up but his favourite has to be pretending that him and his cart are a race car. He speeds around the house saying "ready-set-go!" and proceeds to plow through anything that gets in his way. Marshall is obsessed with Disney Cars (if you hadn't already known that ;) and is in love with watching monster trucks and tractors as well, a true boy! He loves his quad rides and wrestle times with Daddy but enjoys laying down and watching "cowboy movies" as well. He is a bright young man and is intrigued with brand/store logos. He could point out a Tim Hortons, Superstore or Canadian Tire from a mile away. He also likes to point out things like Chevrolet logos, Canada flags and Wal-mart. He is loving to his brother for the most part and likes to watch over him.

Keaton at 10-11 months

It's hard to believe it has almost been 11 months with this little stinker! Keaton is generally a happy, content little guy. He is a big wrestler and is always looking for a fight. He can take you too, sharp nails, hair pulling and body slamming are his best moves. Keaton is content to explore and get into trouble quietly and under the radar but also likes to stir up trouble and destroy things. He is relatively obedient when he is told no but does have a temper when it comes to his brother. He is just starting to take his first steps and is also saying a few small words. It is exciting to see his sweet little personality developing!

Our newest addition!

Welcome Zeke! This is our newest puppy, he is a red heeler/blue heeler and is just the cutest little furball. We got him when he was only 5 weeks (early but long story short necessary, he has sharp little teeth and a ton of energy! Marshall loves to run around and chase/be chased by the "little gaffer" as Brent likes to call him :) Keaton on the other hand is not enjoying random nips to his toes!