Edewards Family Blog

Lizzy's First 7 Weeks

2011-01-28T19:13:00.000-08:00

How quickly I have found myself behind on keeping up with Elizabeth. She was born on December 13th, 2010 and is already 7 weeks old. Enjoy these photos and I will try to keep more coming as I have the time. Life is busy in this household of 7.

Elizabeth Joy Edewards Day One

1 Week Old

2 Weeks Old

3 Weeks Old

4 Weeks Old

5 Weeks Old

6 Weeks Old

Almost 7 Weeks Old

I love watching all the other kids with Elizabeth. She is so loved and will be so protected by her big brothers and sisters.

Trees and the manly art of climbing

2010-08-30T21:23:00.001-07:00

It has been shown in study after study that trees call to boys like strappy sandals call to the real housewives of Orange County. Today Jackson needed some time with his dad so the took a walk to discuss attitudes and using kind words. The next thing you know their climbing redwood trees. Oh well, I suppose it's a bonding thing...

The Road to Adventure

2010-08-02T11:53:00.000-07:00

The Edewards clan specializes in turning lemons into lemonade. When Jordyn's soccer practice was not scheduled as we thought it was, we decided not to drive straight home, but rather to go on an impromptu deer hunt.
Nearing that magical twilight hour when the deer come out to forage, we pulled off the beaten path and heard that familiar hallmark of adventure, the sound of gravel under tires. Soon Lucy spotted road kill, "Daddy, let's look at something dead," she plaintively requested from the back seat. Nothing thrills my three-year-old princess like animal guts on the roadway.
Jackson's more pedestrian request to climb hay bales dovetailed nicely with Vaughn's desire to see tractors up close and personal. We pulled off into a field and accommodated both.

The lowest tier of this stack was three bales high, just over 8 feet. Aaron had to throw him up to the flat so he could climb all the way to the top. Then Jack wanted to jump down!

Safely back into the car, we resumed hunting deer. It didn't take long to get sidetracked by Jordyn's love of horses. Soon we were feeding this Shetland/Welsh mix and petting its friendly nose.

Sadly the camera was not at the ready when a bear (Mommy confirmed the creature was large and bear shaped) crashed through the brush behind the horse pasture. So back into the car we went to continue the search for deer. Since the gravel road was deserted and visibility was still good, the big kids stood out the sunroof while we drove 2mph for a while. Jackson swallowed a bug. (Great fun for everyone inside the vehicle).

With everyone back in seat belts, we picked up the pace and discovered paradise. Near Kings Valley a hidden dell is tucked back off of the main thoroughfare. A hundred acre pasture, a small abandoned dairy and beauty as far as you can see was our reward for making a little investigation off of the pavement. Traversing a weed patch mommy picked this flower for Vaughn, who loves when the fauna touches his window. "Again!" he shrieks when vines scrape the sides of the 'Cruiser.

We did finally see a deer, and mommy spotted a cougar, bringing our hunt to a successful conclusion. (Except for Lucy's disappointment over the meaning of 'dead end' road. She had been excited for more carnage) Everyone made it to bed, after baths and ice cream, before 10 pm. All in all a great night!

First Official Haircut

2010-07-30T20:56:00.000-07:00

Waiting for pizzas to be made at the local take 'n' bake, daddy got the idea to take Vaughnie for his first haircut at the barbershop next door. Vaughn felt the idea was without merit. A discussion ensued and while the little V looks very distinguished with his new 'do, he is not speaking with his father. I think this picture says it all:

Take Your Son to Work Day

2010-07-30T20:24:00.000-07:00

Since Aaron has some pretty cool clients, like a helicopter charter service, a gun dealer and his own company's comic book printing service, take your son to work day has a tendency to be more like a trip to wonderland than a glimpse of the working man's world.
Jackson got to go with daddy on Friday and had a pretty good time sitting in giant Sikorski helicopters, trainers, and Cessnas and watching jets and stunt planes takeoff, but his favorite experience was watching his very own comic book being printed, cut, folded and bound on the machines at the office. These smiles and memories will last a lifetime as will the unrealistic expectations when it comes to choosing a career.
Thanks Daddy!

Piloting a Marine Helicopter (one of the last ones out in 1975)

This Firefighting Sikorski Helicopter drops 1500 gallons of water and surfactant on forest fires

Jackson has decided to buy this one since it will hold his whole family (as it stand today)

Vaughn

2010-05-12T16:19:00.001-07:00

How long do you cook a baby bunny?

2010-05-12T16:04:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I was sitting at the computer and kept hearing a banging noise. I knew all the kids were outside or sleeping so I got up to investigate. I went into the kitchen and heard it again, only it was not coming from the kitchen as I had thought. It was in the dining room and coming from Lucy's play kitchen. Tucked inside the microwave was one of the 7 21/2 week old baby bunnies. Apparantly Lucy put it there earlier this morning when she went to go potty, then we went to town and what 3 year old would remember her baking bunny after a ong grocery trip. Next time you go to prepare a bunny remember, it may take all day. We returned him to his brothers and sisters of course. Lucy insisted he WAS NOT FOR DINNER.

Here are a few more shots of the babies. This one fromwhen they were about 5 days old.

Here are three of Jackon's favorites at about 10 days old.

And Lucy with two more.

Trying to juggle a couple more. Baby bunnies are about the cutest little things. And if anyone is interested we need to slim down our herd.

Happy Birthday Sweet Lu

2010-04-12T21:55:00.000-07:00

My little girl turned three today. It brought back sweet memories of holding her the first time, Daddy crying and smiling thru the tears and arriving home to a video crew from Bringing Home Baby. What a whirlwind her homecoming was but an experience never to be forgotten. Lucy is a constant source of energy, laughter, love and drama all wrapped up in a little body. You can't help but love her, with her sparkeling blue eyes and shimmering blonde hair. She keeps us on our toes. I Love You Lucy.
Here are just a few shots from her day.

Surfing and 4x4 in the Back Yard

2010-03-29T19:35:00.000-07:00

Today it rained and it rained and it rained and it rained! After the nice weather we have been having it was so hard to keep the kids happy inside. They finally escaped and I just gave in. They went "surfing" in the garden on some left over siding.

Vaughn had other ideas. After wading in the "lake" he got a great idea...

4x4 with the tricycle!

Easter Bunnies

2010-03-29T19:27:00.000-07:00

Last Easter we got Jordyn and Jackson bunnies.Lucy was not quite old enough in our minds to handle a bunny. So this year we decided to get her a bunny also. We made the 45 minute trip to sweet home to get another bunny from the girl we got the others from. Well our trip did not only yield one bunny for Lucy but one each for Jordyna dn Jackson and one for a friend. It is a regular bunny farm around here. They are so cute Mommy has a hard time saying no. The kids are cute too but baby bunnies, who can resist.

Jordyn and Leo

Vaughn with Lucy's Wendy Oreo Amy Abigail Angel (she is having a hard time deciding on just one name)

Jackson and Gin-Gin (Ginger)

Lucy and her bunny. "I just love it."

Wrestling Wholeheartedly

2010-01-16T21:28:00.000-08:00

There are so many things that keep me from blogging these days and this is one of the newest. Wrestling. The thought never crossed my mind that I would be cheering a child on in wrestling. Jackson decided he wanted to wrestle so we are giving it a shot. He prefers practice to the meets but he is really good and we have made him do a couple. His first meet he wrestled 3 kids and beat them all by points winning the gold medal at the tournament.

Shoot

and WIN!

Today we went to another meet and came home with a silver medal. The first of 4 matches started off a little rocky. He got thrown to the mat, knocking his loose tooth almost out and he could not focus on anything else. He lost the match by points, came over and spit the tooth in my hand. Poor little guy. I was not sure he was going to be able to recover from the trauma but after a lot of tears we got him back out on the mat: Three pins later he was beaming from ear to ear wearing his silver metal. The kid who knocked out his tooth ended up taking home the gold. Not bad for a beginner.

I have a lot to learn about wrestling but one thing I do know is it is not for the weak. Those kids give it all they've got, using a tremendous amount of energy and strength.

Watch Out World-Here Comes Vaughn!

2009-11-07T10:01:00.001-08:00

Characters of Halloween

2009-11-06T00:19:00.000-08:00

When it comes to Halloween it always sneaks up on me. I guess that is probable because we never grew up celebrating the holiday. I just think it is fun for the kids. And it feeds my sweet tooth for the whole next year. Hahaha. SO, what would the kids want to be this year?

Jordyn chose to be Rhodopis, the Egyptian Cinderella , after reading a wonderful story. I think her main reason for choosing and Egyptian queen was the makeup. She loves to wear makeup and I won't let her very often, only for dress up. This was the ultimate makeup costume.

The makeup

Her eyes just popped out and she thought she was the most beautiful princess ever.

She also loved looking older.

The costume

This is actually the only hand made on this year.

And I was still scrambling to get it done an hour before we left.

Close-up of the headdress, also handmade with the help of Daddy

Jackson chose to be GI Joe Snake Eyes, even though all his cousins were dressing in Ancient Egyptian garb. He was fine with his decision untill we all got together and they were playing Pharoahs and the Queen. He had a great time though and made an excellent Ninja.

I love this shot

The full effect

A little action shot. Teasing the bumble bee.

Lucy and Vaughn did not get their choice of costumes. I chose Lucy's and Aaron chose Vaughn's.

Lucy was so cute and she loved being a bumble bee. The cutest part was when I finally let her get on her costume and she says, " Yay! Now I can fly," and took off running with her arms out. She came flying back, lip out, almost in tears and announces, "I can't fly!" I just swooped her up and hugged her. So cute.

My little lobster

Vaughn loved being put in the pot. He smiled and posed.

The crew downtown Corvallis

(Daddy was "working" and on the phone but at least he wandered around with us.)

Lucy though trick-or-treating was the best thing that ever happened to her. Walk up to some stranger, bucket extended and they fill it with candy. The next morning the first words out of her mouth were, "Can we go trick-or-treating again this morning?"

Vaughn had his cookie and balloon and he was set.

All I can say about this one is, "Ever tried to get 4 candy filled kids to sit still for a photo?" It is not easy. At least they are all in the picture.

A Walk in the Park

2009-10-10T21:34:00.001-07:00

Per Jackson's request we went on a walk last Sunday. He came and asked, "Mom is it Fall yet?" I told him yes and he than asked if we could go to the river and walk down where all the wooly worms come out in the Fall. How could we say no. We did this a few times last year and obviously it was a good memory. These are the things our children will remember us for. Little moments that mean enough to them to store in their little memory banks.

Spitting in the river

Vaughn thinks he is a big boy now and should be allowed to climb up on the railing all by himself.

We quickly realized that the dock may not be the best place for Vaughn. He would have jumped right over into the river.

I had to get in one picture. I realized I am usually the one behind the camera. Better get in a few pictures so my kids can look back on them someday and see Mommy.

Crazy kids, nervous Mom

Poster Boy - I love the special shots that just capture the child. Isn't he beautiful.

The Love of My Life - So glad he loves me back

Cutie Pie. He loved digging in the rocks. I am not sure how many he may have eaten but I took a lot out of his mouth. Look how happy he is though. To a boy there is nothing better than a pile of rocks and dirt.

"Daddy, can I brush your hair?"

2009-09-30T18:40:00.000-07:00

Here is the way the conversation went-

"Sit down, Daddy, so I can brush your hair."

"It's ok, Daddy, its just a little "radishy"!"

"Now you are all pretty. Yay!"

Summertime Catch Up- July

2009-09-29T21:50:00.000-07:00

Some highlights of July. More summer fun to come.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Birthday Buddies

2009-09-24T22:45:00.001-07:00

Oh What a Year! I am not sure what the odds of having two children born on the same day 8 years apart are but they have to be pretty spectacular. But that is what this family is all about. Spectacular children. Today we celebrated Jordyn's ninth birthday and Vaughn's first birthday. One year ago today Jordyn was not so sure how she felt about having her brother share her birthday. She was kind of bummed.

September 24, 2008

After she realized how many parties she would be getting and all the special treatment she would receive she has changed her tune. It helps that she has the cutest little brother who loves her to death. They have a special bond that I pray remains throughout their lives.

September 24, 2009

Newborn Jordyn

9 years old
Beautiful inside and out, young lady, little girl, athlete, tomboy, angel, horse lover, laughing, silly, enjoyable, thoughtful, loves Jesus, WONDERFUL

Newborn Vaughn

1 year old
Full of determination, loving, handsome, crawling, smiling, laughing, SWEET.

A Moment With Jackson

2009-09-13T23:25:00.001-07:00

I treasure each and every one of my kids and I love the moments I get to spend with them one on one, even if it is a short little moment when no one else is in the room. My times like that with Jackson are so few because he never sits still long enough. Most of my moments with him like that come when I am feeding Vaughn before bed and Jackson is laying down in his bed. It is when he thinks. And when he shares his thoughts with me my heart just melts. Tonight was too cute not to share. Jackson was laying silently then all of a sudden asked, "Mom, God can do anything, right?" "Yes he can, Buddy," I replied. "And Jesus is the same as God, right, Mom?" "That's right, Jackson." And without any hesitation in a triumphant voice, Jackson says, "Then if I could be anyone I wanted I am going to be Jesus and I am so gonna walk on water." That's My Boy!

Check out this cool dude!

2009-09-10T22:25:00.000-07:00

Lucy's too cute to miss quote

2009-09-10T22:19:00.000-07:00

On the first day of school I woke the kids up and we were eating breakfast and I told them we needed to get ready for the first day of school. Lucy jumped down from the table and shouts "But I can't go to the first day of school in my pajamas! We all just laughed. It took a while to get through to her that we have school at home. I may not be able to keep her at home for school without opposition.

First Day of School

2009-09-09T23:38:00.001-07:00

This year brings many new things to the table when it comes to school. The kids are getting older number one and this requires more teaching. I can't just wing it anymore. I love having all 4 of my babes at home [most of the time] but it is a lot. I am really enjoying our new curriculum and the way it is set up. It is very organized and keeps us on track. Vaughn and Lucy probably have the most to adjust to. They are used to being the center of my attention and that has been shifted to Jordyn and Jackson. We have a lot of kinks to work out but I think as we move along and get into a routine things will run a lot smoother. As long as I keep my calendar on hand I will have no problem teaching everyone and getting them to 4 weekly soccer practices, AWANA, and piano. It will be a breeze. We made it through an entire week already and I think we are all even a little bit smarter.

My little poser

Forced to smile but doing a great job of it.

We only need one more to have a basketball team.

Our Classroom

Vaughn 10 Months Old

2009-07-26T19:02:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures of Sweet Vaughnie Boy. This is about a month old and some new ones are to come. Kind of forgot about my blog in all the hustle and bustle of the summer months. I have so many pictures to put up and will do so as time allows. School starts in one day. Yikes.

My Blue Eyed Guys Hangin' Out

This is the look on Vaughn's face most of the time. Happy, Happy, Happy.
All Boy. Has to know how everything works and love it when things are running and loud.
Rock ON!

Enfuego

2009-07-26T17:49:00.000-07:00

Last night on our way home from a Corvallis Knights Baseball game we spotted smoke coming from a building. We called 911 at 9:42 but by the time the fire department arrived the billowing black smoke monster had grown into a fiery demon. We watched as the ladder trucks shot 3600 gallons per minute into the mouth of the monster but in the end water really was no match for fire. The building was devastated. This building was home to the Farmers and Prudential insurance agencies and was located on 9th street between Conifer and Walnut. As devastating as it was to the building I have to say, it was pretty amazing to watch. The kids sat in awe until 11:00 when all the flames were gone and just a few puffs of steam rose from the rubble. A great lesson in why we NEVER play with fire. (Hint, hint Daddy.)

These last three shots with the fire fighters are my favorite ones.

Mutant in the Garden

2009-07-14T21:56:00.001-07:00

It is always fun to go out into the garden and pick your dinner. Last night we had roasted game hens with garden potatoes, garden onions and garden carrots. Take a look at our beautiful harvest. Needless to say I was surprised to pull up this one. Pure white. Of course I went right to the internet to search for my rare find and see if this would finally put us in the millionaire bracket. Bummer, just a mixed up seed. It was fun anyway. The kids got a kick out of it and to my surprise, it tasted just like an orange carrot.

Vaughn's New Teeth

2009-07-14T21:32:00.000-07:00

Teething time. You wake up in the morning one day just like the day before, toothless and gumming everything. Then...

Oh the pain of cutting that first tooth, especially when daddy wants to take a picture to show the whole world.

"Guy dad, just leave me alone!"

It's in there and I can bite hard. Just ask Lucy, Jackson and Jordyn.

Before you know it you are flashing those pearly whites to the whole world.

Were to start????

2009-07-12T22:09:00.000-07:00

I have so many great things to write about so you all are just going to have to bear with me wile I catch up. My photos go clear back to Mothers Day so I will start there. I had a great day. Started off the morning with the best hugs from my little boy who is such a little lover. So content and happy all the time and man does he love his mommy! We went to church and it was my turn to work in the nursery, but what better place to be on Mother's Day. After church, Aaron took me and my mom and dad to a wonderful brunch where I ate way too much of the spectacular food. It was amazing.
We came home and I got to relax with all my babies on the hammock. Not quite still enough to go to sleep but we can pretend we got a good nap, right? Look at Jackson. Not fooling anyone but he tried his hardest.

Lucy wanted to be Mommy. Guess she wanted some pampering too.

Vaughn was the spoiled winner. An outdoor bath. So refreshing. I don't think I could have gotten away with it. Only naked baby buns are cute outdoors.

So happy...
...until Lucy crashed the party...

...and decided it wasn't worth the fight and the smiles quickly returned.

Thanks to my 4 wonderful children I feel loved, cherished, needed and adored in only the way a mother can. The pure, honest, innocent love of my children. No words can describe.

Back in the Saddle Just in Time for the 4TH

2009-07-04T18:38:00.000-07:00

I can blog again. My computer is still broken but Aaron was able to get the software on his computer that would allow me to use my pictures again. In my opinion, what good is a blog without photos? That's what I want to see when I look at other blogs. So, since it has been so long I decided to start with the most current events and work my way back in time as I have the time. I have so many things to share. It has been so long.

We started the 4TH off with a bang. FIREWORKS PANCAKES. Pancakes with a relighting sparkler candle and red, white and blue sprinkles on top. Funny to watch but as you will hear Aaron say, "I Don't think Lucy is ready for tricks." She just wanted her yummy breakfast and did not want to wait for her candle to light again, putting fire back in the way of eating her pancakes.

After our exciting breakfast the kids got all dressed up (the girls in their dresses I whipped out the night before) for the 3rd Annual Adair Village Parade. Last year Jordyn was the beautiful Miss Adair but with the sale of the Porsche we were left without a convertible to ride in, Boo-hoo. So Aaron had to make it even more spectacular and decided to build a float. The 2009 Adair Rodeo. Jordyn was the Beautiful Rodeo Queen, Jackson the Bull Riding Champ, Lucy the Junior Princess and Vaughn bounced along on his Rody Horse loving every minute of it. We had a lot of fun waving to the small crowds and tossing candy, some of which ended up in our mouths instead of in the hands of the onlookers. The parade was led by the new Chief of Police of Adair Village, followed by the childrens bicycle group, three floats and the Adair volunteer fire department trucks. Jordyn was dissapointed that there were no horses this year. Someday we will have to do something about that for our horse-crazy cowgirl.
From the parade we went to a birthday party for Jake (a nephew/cousin) at the park. Uncle JJ introduced all the children to Red Rover. Even after the clotheslining, flipping over, falling down, jerked arms and nearly dislocated elbow everyone seemed to enjoy the game and wanted to play again sometime.

We wrapped up the night with foreworks in downtown Corvallis, a long standing tradition. Out with a Bang.

Makes you think

2009-06-19T16:59:00.001-07:00

Cool Dude

2009-04-30T18:37:00.000-07:00

Bring It On!

Words for Wednesday

2009-04-29T13:42:00.000-07:00

The Blind Leper

Antonio lived in a leper colony. He had been there for years and years. Antonio was a leper. Nothing had been able to stop the disease.

Yet Antonio was a happy leper. For one thing, he was a Christian. For a second reason, he could read, and none of the other lepers could do that. For a third thing, he had a Bible. Antonio's greatest joy was to read the Bible to other lepers.

One day he noticed that he was having trouble reading. His eyes bothered him. It was not long before he became very anxious about it. The doctor looked at his eyes. He spoke very slowly, as though he hated to let the words come from his lips. "You are going blind, Antonio. There is nothing I can do about it."

Antonio sat still, as if he were frozen. Blind! He would be a blind leper! No longer would he be able to find his way from hut to hut carrying his Bible. No longer would he be able to read to the other lepers from its precious pages.

For days Antonio sat in miserable silence. How could he bear it? But one day a thought came to him. His eyes were getting dim, but he was not yet blind. His mind was as clear as ever. "I can learn some of the Bible," thought Antonio. "Then, when I am blind, I can still find my way from house to house and I can recite the words of the Bible to my friends who love to hear them."

He took his Bible in his hands. What part should I choose first? Antonio turned page after page. How he loved this psalm! How majestic were these words from Isaiah! What a wonderful teaching Jesus gave in this chapter! The story of Paul was so loved by his comrades! What should he learn first?

Antonio murmured, "Which has a place in my heart? Which verses are worth putting there forever?" He chose first one passage, then another, and a third. He began to learn the first passage. He worked hard. Soon- because it does not take long to learn what you want to- he could say it without a mistake. He began on the second. Not long after, he was working on the third.

When his friends heard what he was doing, they began to hobble to his hut.

"Antonio," an old man said, "are you learning the Eighth Psalm? Because I must have that one."

"Not yet," said Antonio, "but I will learn it next."

The old man went away satisfied, and a group of children came running up.

"Learn about Jesus and the children," they begged. "Learn about the shepherds and the wise men."

"I will learn, and you must learn with me," said Antonio.

"Are you learning about the Ten Commandments?" asked a father.

"It is on my list," answered Antonio.

"We must have the Shepherd Psalm," said one of the mothers.

"I have already learned it," smiled Antonio.

"Do you know the words of Jesus about the heavenly home?" asked an old woman. She was suffering a great deal, and how she loved Jesus' words about God's house in which there would be room for all!

"I will learn it," promised Antonio.

So, day after day, he put into his heart and his mind Bible passages that those leper Christians loved.

As his eyes became dimmer, he read less and spent more time learning. Then at last came the day to which he had looked forward with such sorrow. When he opened his Bible, not a single word could he make out.

But somehow he was not as sad as he had thought he would be. "The days of learning are over," he said to himself. "Now I can give the messages to others."

Antonio could still see enough to find his way to the huts of his friends. With the clear sunlight falling on his smiling face, he went forth. As he came to the hut of his nearest friend, the same old greeting rang out that he had heard so often.

"Antonio is come! Antonio is here! He will speak from God's Word! Welcome! Welcome!"

Antonio sat down. His useless eyes could no longer see to read. But his voice was firm as he began to repeat verse after beloved verse from the book he loved most.

"When God's Word is in our hearts, it is good," he said.

And those gathered around to hear agreed with him. "God's Word in our hearts. That is good."

This was from Jordyn's school lesson today and it just hit me. I should be hiding God's Word in my heart. That task is not just for kids and pastors. Are you hiding God's Word in your heart?

Earth Day

2009-04-22T17:50:00.000-07:00

No Comment. Just Cute Pix.

Sitting in the grass soaking up the sun

2009-04-21T17:04:00.001-07:00

"This feels funny, Mommy"

"Wait a minute. I thought this photo shoot was all about me!"

"This is actually pretty fun. Aren't I a big boy?"

"Should I trust her with my back turned?"

Buddies. Look how cute Lucy is with her little brother. Gently placing her hand on his back so he can't fall over.

For all of those with kids

2009-04-15T12:23:00.000-07:00

This was just too funny. I am sure many of us have experienced similar episodes.

Happy Birthday Lucille Joy

2009-04-13T08:44:00.000-07:00

How time flies! Our little Lu has gone from sleepy, smiley sweetheart to...

Daring, dancing darling to...
Boisterous, bubbly belle of the ball.

Fun at McFadden Farm

2009-04-11T02:32:00.001-07:00

Did you know heaven is just at the edge of Corvallis? Well, if you are an eight year old girl who dreams of living on a farm filled with horses then heaven isn't too far from home. I don't think I have ever seen a person more horse crazy than Jordyn. Just mention a horse and she gets all excited. McFadden Farm is an historic farm right on the boundary of the Corvallis city limits. It is beautiful and one of Jordyn's favorite places to visit. It is home to some retired race horses and mustangs, beautiful old barns, a clubhouse full of artifacts, and did I mention horses. Sunday we visited (again) and we all had a great time. Jordyn loved on every horse that would come close. She has no fear of them and they seem to trust her. Funny how animals know who loves them.

Palm Sunday Attire

2009-04-11T02:28:00.001-07:00

Vaughn dressed up for church. Wait till you see his Easter suit.

My Baby's Growing Up

2009-03-24T15:38:00.001-07:00

Today my baby Vaughnie turns 6 months old. Kind of makes me a little sad. It seems like he has always been here but at the same time it seems like such a short time ago he joined our family. Here is a little recap of his life so far.

DAY 1

ONE MONTH

TWO MONTHS

THREE MONTHS

FOUR MONTHS

FIVE MONTHS

TODAY - SIX MONTHS

He is growing fast. Some new things are sitting up almost unattended, reaching for things, jabbering in sentences and yesterday he started patting mama. I say pat, pat and he pats me on the shoulder. I think he said MAMA this morning.

Just Add Water

2009-03-19T15:32:00.000-07:00

The weather was enjoyable yesterday so I met a friend at the park close to our house. All the usual park things happening: flying in the swings, teeter totter, slides.

Lucy's first ride on a big swing.
Woops! Good thing mommy was there.
Vaughn's first ride in a park swing. Loving it!
Lucy thinks he is having more fun than her so she decides to join in. Vaughn just goes with the flow as usual.

Look at that sly little smile. What is she thinking?
Jordyn and Lucy flirting with Austin.
My girls enjoying the merry-go-round.
"Mommy, I"M ALL WET!" Lucy led the pack into the water. Once they saw Lucy was not going to get in trouble it was on. They spent probably an hour wading, fishing, stirring and splashing in the muddy water. Their boots couldn't even protect their feet from that kind of abuse.

Lucy won the dirtiest hiney award. Thanks to Grandma Pam, Lucy's wardrobe is extensive enough that these pants just found their way to the dumpster. There was no hope for them ever looking nice again. I may be the queen of stain removal but I know when I am outmatched.
Home we go. Lucy had to walk because I wasn't about to put her in the Phil and Ted stroller to drip her yuckiness on her nice clean baby brother who rides under her. It took a long time to get home. She was exploring every yard we passed.

I just learned the secret

2009-03-11T11:23:00.000-07:00

Aaron and I have made a few unwise spending decisions in our time of unemployment and are now digging out of the hole. With some credit advice and a new strict spending plan we are on a roll to being debt free. But in light of our recent struggle to come up with a plan I found this. Very funny but soberingly true.

Grasshopper Pie

2009-03-06T20:15:00.000-08:00

Jackson, "Mom, did you know me and Grandpa Vaughn are a lot alike?" "Why is that, Jackson" I ask. He replies with a smile, "Because grasshopper pie is our favorite! Can we make some?" SO...We did. How could I resist that sweet little boys request.

Making the crust

Mmmmm. Jackson should cook more often.

"When do we get to go outside and get the grashoppers to chop up and put in. Just kidding."

The best part.

Good to the last drop. It really is that good!

TRY IT SOMETIME-

GRASSHOPPER PIE- named for it's color, not what goes in it :)

1 1/2 cups chocolate wafer cookie crumbs

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/4 cup milk

1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract

About 12 drops green food coloring

1 jar marshmallow creme

2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped

Combine wafers and butter.

Press into 9" x 13" x 2" baking dish, reserving about 1/4 cup for the topping.

Filling: gradually add milk, peppermint, and food coloring to the marshmallow creme.

Mix well until blended.

Fold in whip creme and pour into pan.

Sprinkle on reserved crumbs.

Freeze

Tastes like chicken

2009-03-06T20:09:00.001-08:00

For those of you who have ever wondered..........T-Rex tastes just like chicken.

ROAR!

SO YUMMY!

TWO THIMBS UP!

Laughter

2009-03-06T20:04:00.001-08:00

Vaughn has never been a big laugher but when he does... You will find yourself laughing along with him. Just see if you can contain your own laughter.

Field Trip

2009-03-04T13:23:00.000-08:00

We braved the torrential downpours and took our annual trip to the lamb barns. We usually go with at least one of my sisters but this year we went alone. I think the sheep were grateful. Get a bunch of excited boys together in a new place and they seem to move even faster and talk even louder and possibly try to show off a bit. So we decided to keep things on the low this year. We got to witness the birth of 2 sets of twins last year. Not as lucky this year but I think the kids enjoyed it more. There were so many lambs already born and they were so cute.

Jackson thought this was a lot of babies for one mama. Grandma caller her the "Octomom".

"Hey, not my Bugles!"

"CAN'T SEE!"

Soft lammy noses

Jordyn thought she had found a friendly one. Right after I took the picture it head butted her. She jumped about 4 feet backwards. What if that fence had not been there?

Going to check out the other end of the barn

Jackson tried so hard to entice them all with his bugles, not really intending to share. He did finally get to touch one and was thrilled when it sucked on his fingers.

"WHAT'S THAT BIG DOGGIE!?"

"IT Scares ME!"

Give Thanks

2009-03-02T08:21:00.000-08:00

This year from Ash Wednesday to Easter we are doing a road to Easter Map. Each Sunday we begin a new task for the week. This Sunday is marked with a stop sign to remind us to stop and give thanks. So each night at dinner we all go around and say what we are thankful for. Today we did a craft called

I am thankful for:

Joy said

G race that saves me

I mmaturity that makes me grow

V ery large logs that warm the house

E ggs

T elephone calls from hubby

H ands to hold

A aron

N ickle and dimeing it

K ind words from children

S pring being just around the corner

Jordyn said

G od

I ce cream

V itamins

E ating

T elevision

H orses

A nimals

N oses

K rispies

S occer

Jackson said

G randpa

b I ke

V ideo games

E eyes

T oys

H ands

A nimals

N ight

K ites

S ix

I Think He Has It Right

2009-02-27T16:04:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoGYx35ypus

My sister-in-law Amy sent me this and it made me sit and think. As funny as it is we really are a generation of complainers living in a high speed, high tech world where the slightest delay or inconvenience can set us off. What if: you had no car, no medicine, no phone, no.... fill in the blank. I know we can't go back to simpler times and I am not suggesting that we don't take advantage of all the modern conveniences of our time but maybe we could all show a little more gratitude for the things we have. In this lent season, where many of us have given up something, remember to be thankful for what we have, not throwing up our hands when something doesn't work just right.

Don't Try This at Home

2009-02-26T16:45:00.000-08:00

The amazing flying baby!

Beginning a new tradition

2009-02-25T21:53:00.000-08:00

This year we decided to participate in Lent, the whole family, after being challenged by our pastor to do so. Humm..... give up something that will be a daily reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made for us. What would make an impact on each of our lives? I chose to give up sweets, soda and snacking after dinner. Three things I have a habit of doing every day. Today was hard and I was reminded to pray many times today. I did a little research to find something practical to do with the kids to help them understand and relate to what we are doing. I found one I think will have a big impact on them. We made jars with a copy of the Jelly Bean Prayer on the outside. We determined a behavior to go along with each jelly bean color (corresponding with the prayer). Each day the kids can earn jelly beans to go along with any color they follow through on to put in their jar but they will not be able to eat them until Easter. The kids will not be able to earn white jelly beans, these represent the Grace of Christ, which is a gift that can not be earned ourselves. This is how we chose to represent each color.

The Jelly Bean Prayer

Red is for the blood Christ gave (each morning we will choose something to sacrifice that day to earn the red jellybean. It has to be something they would have the opportunity to have or do on that day)

Green is for the palm's cool shade (green jellybeans will be earned for good deeds. It was a good dead to provide shade for Jesus with the palm)

Yellow is for God's light so bright (yellow jellybeans will be earned for sharing God's light through kindness to others)

Orange is for prayers at twilight (orange jellybeans will be earned for attentive behavior during bedtime prayer time and night time Bible story)

Black is for sweet rest at night (these will be earned for going to bed good.)

White is for the Grace of Christ (these can not be earned as mentioned above)

Purple is for His days of sorrow (they will earn these through apologizing to anyone they hurt with their words or deeds that day)

Pink is for each new tomorrow (pink jellybeans will be earned when they forgive those who apologized to them for hurtful behavior)

Easter morning the kids will wake up to their jars filled up where they were still empty (lacking) with white jelly beans (Christ's Grace).

Movie Star Monday

2009-02-23T15:49:00.000-08:00

Jackson put these on Vaughn (much to Lucy's dismay) so I had to shoot a few pix (while Lucy tried to snatch her glasses back. It was amazing I got even one good picture.

A Rare Day at the Beach

2009-02-20T11:57:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago we went over to the beach and it was a beautiful day. January? Yes it was. It was sunny, warn and not a trace of a breeze. We all had a great time.

A LITTLE SOMETHING FROM EVERYONE

2009-02-19T14:13:00.000-08:00

A huge task: Keeping 4 children interested in the Bible story when you cram them all on one couch next to each other. It is a good thing Daddy was so into the story. He didn't even notice that they were all focused on things other than the Bible story. Jackson would have been in deep doo-doo had he been caught reading something else. (Postcard from grandma in his hands.) Lucy may actually be paying attention. that would be a first since she is usually the one doing all the distracting.

JORDYN: This morning I asked Jordyn to take Vaughn back to the bathroom and get him undressed for a bath. I walked in and she had a funny look on her face as she was taking off Vaughn's shirt. I asked her what was wrong and she said, "Vaughn smells like a hamster, (trying to be kind) or maybe that's the toilet." I felt so bad that I had not bathed Vaughn 2 days ago when he needed it and was too embarrassed to admit that it had to be the baby because the toilet was cleaned this morning. So I just kept my mouth shut. Hey, toilet cleaning was on my list, baby cleaning wasn't! He is all clean and smells like roses now though.
JACKSON: "Mom, if I was going to be president I think I would make my name President Elect ORock-star Jackson!"
LUCY: "Markers, NO, NO :(" This is something I think I hear everyday. Seems like no matter where I hide them, how many times I put them up, how hard I try to keep gates closed and access to where there just might be a marker lurking, Lucy finds them. First she writes all over her hands, feet and face then moves on to whatever else looks like a fresh canvas. When I catch her the lip goes out and the tears start to the tune of her saying "markers, no, no." She knows what has to happen for disobeying. I keep thinking she will learn that markers are just off limits. We all have our sins that we just can't seem to say no, no to forever.

Wall art above Daddy's pillow

A little color added to Jackson's desk

This was a doozie of a face paint job. Don't worry though. Thanks to my sister Janine (who made this discovery after Lucy used permanent marker to decorate her dry erase board) I learned that toothpaste takes sharpie off almost anything. What can that mean for your teeth?

VAUGHN: Just a bundle of smiles and drool all wrapped up in a squeezable little body :)

Valentines Day Memories

2009-02-16T14:58:00.000-08:00

Though it was not a romantic day for two in Hawaii, or even in Corvallis for that matter, my Valentines Day was filled with memory making, fun moments. Aaron woke me with a beautiful, sweet card. I made the kids heart shaped pancakes with chocolate chips and whip cream. Yummy! Their place at the table was decorated with baloons and a chocolate surprise. The rest of the day was filled with running Jordyn and Jackson back and forth to church for AWANA games and Bible quizzing practice. Saturdays until March are filled with a lot of running around in preparation for the big event. Aaron spent most of the day shuttling the bigger kids while I stayed with the little kids. I was making lunch and Lucy came running to the kitchen yelling, "Mama, look at Vaughnie!" Of course I hurdled the baby gate as fast as possible (brought back memories of high school as I sailed over smoothly) thinking she had done something horrible to him. Look what I found.

She continued to find new ways to balance the turtle (naked turtle as Jackson calls him since he lost his shell) on Vaughn. They both seemed to be having a wonderful time. Lucy was trying to kiss Vaughn's head here but didn't quite get her aim right. Poor naked turtle.
We opted for a quiet dinner at home so Aaron got king crab legs and made his famous crab cakes. Dinner was to die for. The company was more then we planned on though. Lucy either got into my caffeine filled soda or smelled the crab because she was up not more than 15 minutes after we put her to bed to enjoy our dinner sans kids. Crab is her favorite. She is not so sure of the pinchers.

We enjoyed the rest of our evening just the two of us. There is always time for romantic dinners and tropical Valentines days when the kids are all grown up, but they are not little for long.

Lucy's new discovery

2009-02-10T22:00:00.001-08:00

"This noisy, attention grabbing little wiggly thing that invaded my house and home a few months ago isn't so bad after all. He is a great playmate or plaything. Way better then the stuffed babies that just flop around and don't respond to the things going on around them. Vaughn isn't so bad after all. I think he might just be ok."

"Vaughnie too fat!"

"Mom, you can't be serious! A pink Bumbo is bad enough but I have to be a part of this tea party too."

"Vaughnie, open up."

"Drink some more." Not only was Vaughn a good sport, he actually seemed to be enjoying himself. He loved chewing on the spoon and grabbing for Lucy's hand to put it in his mouth.

LOVE

Baby Stuck In Tube Emerges Unhurt!

2009-02-02T17:47:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder how they take an xray of an infants chest? I never had it cross my mind until last night. Now I wish I didn't know. They sit them on a tiny little bike seat then squeeze them into a tube similar to the drive up bank tubes. Notice his little feet dangling down below. Poor little Vaughn! I had to take him to the emergency room because he was having a hard time breathing and had developed a horrible cough. Turns out he has RSV and it is very serious in an infant. So we spent a few hours at the hospital with doctors monitoring him to make sure he was ok. They gave him 2 breathing treatments in a nebulizer and he was able to come home. It was back to the doctor first thing this morning after his breathing became labored again. They gave him another breathing treatment and this time sent me home with a nebulizer and medication. Pray that he will recover quickly. As for the tube xray, Aaron laughed and I cried. Shame on daddy.

You know you have thought it too!

2009-01-28T10:18:00.000-08:00

Am I a mean mom or what?

Aaron's New Job!!!!!!

2009-01-26T20:09:00.000-08:00

Praise the Lord, Aaron has joined the land of the working. And to make things better, he loves his job. He is the Marketing Manager/Business Recruiter for the Corvallis Benton Chamber Coalition. What a mouth full. I am not 100% sure exactly what his job is but I know he is now a budding politician jumping head first into the local political frenzy. I never knew Aaron was that kind of guy but hey, there are probably a lot of things I an yet to learn about him. Seems like we are constantly learning new things about each other. Just today he learned that one of my favorite foods are chili cheese dogs. I did not say I eat them anymore but they are one of my favorite things. Too much baby fat still to lose. Back to the job. It is a full time position, great benefits and he gets to golf on the company dollar. What could be better? Oh yeah, he gets to talk to people all day long, eat great food at all his business lunches and we get to go to fancy dinner events that we otherwise could not or would not afford. If you want to know more about it you will have to ask him. You can find out a little bit more about the chamber on their web site. Who knows where his political aspirations will lead? I love my hubby and am so proud of him for his determination and trust in God through his 2 years of unemployment.

So, you might ask, how am I adjusting? I thought about asking Aaron to quit his job after the first week. Just kidding. It was a very hard week though. The kids are really missing daddy and so is mommy. He has been my helper since Lucy was born and I never realized how much I depended on him in everyday things. I will survive. Lots of people do but it makes me feel special that I got to have him home with me for 2 years.

Where do I start? Why not yesterday!

2009-01-25T16:21:00.000-08:00

It has been so long since my last blog I do not know where to start. My computer locked me out of my photo storage area and I just got it fixed this week so now I need to do some catching up. Thought I would go back and detail our extended trip to California but I think I will start in the now. Vaughnie turned 4 months old yesterday. I would have posted this yesterday but my camera would not let me upload photos. So after a few hours of work I finally got everything in order to sit down and do a post while all the kids are napping and Aaron is busy watching Rambo.

Vaughn Rockwell Edewards 4 Months old

Vaughn is my handsome little man, as you can see. He is such a joy to be around, smiles all the time. Lately I change his clothing about 4 times a day because he is a drooling faucet, a drip that just can't be turned off. To magnify the drooling issue he learned how to blow bubbles this week. Spit flies all over the place and the other three kids get a huge kick out of it. Good thing Grandma Pam gave him lots and lots of clothing.

Vaughn rolled over for the first time 2 days ago. All the sudden my heart sank as I realized, "I am about to have four mobile children!" I already find myself running in three directions at the same time. Can I possible go in four directions at the same time? I had to remind myself that mothers are really super heroes in disguise.

Back to Vaughn. He is my biggest baby yet, tipping the scales at 16lbs, 10 oz. I sometimes forget that he is still so young. Janine was baby sitting all 4 of my kids, thanks Janine, and she was holding Vaughn during dinner. She subconsciously started feeding him bits of food. JJ brought it to her attention and she realized that he was still too little. Kinda funny. He gets mistaken for a 6 or 7 month old quite often.

He loves his swing and is starting to sit in the bumbo. Still quite useful even though it is pink. When you have a little girl everyone thinks pink. Poor little Vaughn gets the hand-me-downs because Mommy will not buy new things in blue. Maybe he will be in touch with his feminine side. JK.

We love him very much and feel like he completes our little family.

Obama takes over UNDER GOD

2009-01-20T08:02:00.001-08:00

What a whirlwind of emotions I am feeling this morning and really ever since the election results comfirmed Barack Omaba as our future president. Now as I sit and wait for the "Inaguration Celebration" to come on wandering if I am a bad mom for not joining Jodi at Janine's house and forcing my kids to sit down and watch as our next president is sworn into office. Yes it is a momentous occasion, but no more than any other. It seems to be huge but why, because his skin is a different color than any past president? But we are not supposed to see color, right? As they say, color only runs skin deep.

I also wonder if he is too young to possess the wisdom and understanding to lead our country. But what it comes down to is GOD IS IN CONTROL. He brings people to power and also takes them from their thrones.

Job 12:

12 Wisdom is with the aged,
and understanding in length of days.
13 “With God are wisdom and might;
he has counsel and understanding.
14 If he tears down, none can rebuild;
if he shuts a man in, none can open.
15 If he withholds the waters, they dry up;
if he sends them out, they overwhelm the land.
16 With him are strength and sound wisdom;
the deceived and the deceiver are his.
17 He leads counselors away stripped,
and judges he makes fools.
18 He looses the bonds of kings
and binds a waistcloth on their hips.
19 He leads priests away stripped
and overthrows the mighty.
20 He deprives of speech those who are trusted
and takes away the discernment of the elders.
21 He pours contempt on princes
and loosens the belt of the strong.
22 He uncovers the deeps out of darkness
and brings deep darkness to light.
23 He makes nations great, and he destroys them;
he enlarges nations, and leads them away.
24 He takes away understanding from the chiefs of the people of the earth
and makes them wander in a pathless waste.
25 They grope in the dark without light,
and he makes them stagger like a drunken man.

I think President Obama is a smart, smooth talker who promised a lot to those who have the majority of the vote. But then again that is what polititians these days do. He is nothing more than a man and sadly a lot of people are placing their hope in him to save them: their jobs, their family from the war, their planet, their all. He is being placed on a platform and worshiped. This is what our country has come to. People hurting and looking for someone to save them, turning to a man, a mere man, instead of to the only one with saving powers, God.

Psalms 146:3 Do not trust in princes, In mortal man, in whom there is no salvation.

Proverbs3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.

I am curious to see what Rick Warren has to say as he prays for our new leader so I will turn it on and pray for him also. But I do not watch with a spirit of celebration as many do. I watch with fear and sadness. Fear for our nation and Christians in it. Sadness for those who are placing all their hope in a man. So my role is to pray. I found a way to remember to pray, and a resource to know how and what to pray for. Visit this link and join me in this. We don't have to like the results of the election but we are commanded to pray for those God has placed in authority over us.

Beach Day

2009-01-13T00:42:00.000-08:00

So we are going to be tantalizing you with glimpses of our trip to California. First on the menu is a taste of sand and sunset. I bet they don't have this where you are! (unless, dear reader, your name is Pam, in which case you are sick of sunsets like this one) For your viewing pleasure I present: Daddy and the Big Kids

An intro to my new blog idea: "Things you never imagined you would say before you had children"

2009-01-11T16:39:00.000-08:00

BEFORE I WAS A MOM

Before I was a Mom,

I never tripped over toys

or forgot words to a lullaby.

I didn't worry whether or not

my plants were poisonous.

I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,

I had never been puked on.

Pooped on.

Chewed on.

Peed on.

I had complete control of my mind

and my thoughts.

I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,

I never held down a screaming child

so doctors could do tests.

Or give shots.

I never looked into teary eyes and cried.

I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.

I never sat up late hours at night

watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,

I never held a sleeping baby just because

I didn't want to put her down.

I never felt my heart break into a million pieces

when I couldn't stop the hurt.

I never knew that something so small

could affect my life so much.

I never knew that I could love someone so much.

I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,

I didn't know the feeling of

having my heart outside my body.

I didn't know how special it could feel

to feed a hungry baby.

I didn't know that bond

between a mother and her child.

I didn't know that something so small

could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,

I had never gotten up in the middle of the night

every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.

I had never known the warmth,

the joy,

the love,

the heartache,

the wonderment

or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,

before I was a Mom.

Today I said, "Put the poop back in the potty!"

Happy New Year to All

2009-01-01T20:05:00.000-08:00

A New Year Prayer

Holy Father,

God of our yesterdays, our today, and our tomorrows.

We praise You for Your unequaled greatness.

Thank You for the year behind us and for the year ahead.

Help us in Your new year, Father, to fret less and laugh more.

To teach our children to laugh by laughing with them.

To teach others to love by loving them.

Knowing, when Love came to the stable in Bethlehem, He came for us.

So that Love could be with us, and we could know You.

That we could share Love with others.

Help us, Father, to hear Your love song in every sunrise,

in the chriping of sparrows in our backyards,

in the stories of our old folks, and the fantasies of our children.

Help us to stop and listen to Your love songs,

so that we may know You better and better.

We rejoice in the world You loved into being.

Thank You for another new year and for new chances every day.

We pray for peace, for light, and for hope, that we might spread them to others.

Forgive us for falling short this past year.

We leave the irreparable past in your hands, and step out into the unknown new year knowing You will go with us.

We accept Your gift of a new year and we rejoice in what's ahead, depending on You to help us do exactly what You want..

I say it again, we rejoice!

In Jesus name,

Amen.

White Christmas with the rat pack

2008-12-14T19:10:00.000-08:00

This is virtually the same way we celebrated Christmas in Huntington Beach when I was a kid but with snow instead of sand and surf. Beautiful, wish you were here!

Just a cute song

2008-12-14T14:55:00.000-08:00

Mommy, I didn't mean to !!!!!!

2008-12-13T21:23:00.001-08:00

Tonight Jackson came running up to me crying. I could hardly make out what he was saying. "I lost my tooth, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to." I spent quite some time explaining to him that at his age teeth just do that. I tried to reassure him by having him think back to when Jordyn was losing her teeth, just about the same age. He finally calmed down and I asked him if he had noticed that it was wiggly. He started to cry again and said, "No it wasn't loose, when I bit the lego it just flew out... Ah, Ha! Now I understood why the tears and remorse. Biting the Legos to get them apart- big no, no at our house. Oh well, what do you say at this point. I think he learned a valuable lesson. It scared him pretty good. Probably won't catch him biting Legos for a while.

Later on that evening as he was laying in bed he said to me, "Too bad my first lost tooth I missed out on the wiggling." I giggled and he gave me a huge missing-tooth smile.

Lucy's Day at the park with daddy

2008-12-11T23:35:00.000-08:00

Mommy needed a break so Lucy and I went to the park to play while sweet mommy heard herself think for the first time in days

Grandpa Mohler Would Have Loved This!

2008-12-04T21:01:00.000-08:00

For all of you who knew an remember Grandpa Mohler you are well aware of his love of children, music and dogs. I am not sure if the love of dogs ran quite as deep as the others but I do remember his gruff voice (about the only time he was ever gruff) scolding the dog with an "I'll get the switch!" Can't you just hear him now. Well, we spent ?Thanksgiving in Klamath Falls and I was reminded a few times of Grandpa.

Janine tossed Simeon a turkey bone and someone remarked, "Wouldn't Grandpa Mohler love that!"

After dinner Uncle Danny got out his guitar and broke into "Had a Little Chicken." Once again mention was made of Grandpa, this time in reference to his harmonica playing and the kids gathering around him.

Then there were the dog tricks. I remember Grandpa balancing treats on Coalies nose just like this. That dog would sit with the treat on his nose until Grandpa told him "OK". He would then snap it up into the air and catch it. I got the biggest kick out of that.

He just would have loved all these kids!

Got any Grandpa Mohler memories? Do share.

A few new kid photos. Where was Jackson?

2008-12-04T11:13:00.000-08:00

Well, I do not have a lot of time for blogging right now. I am busy sewing Christmas outfits and Christmas pajamas for the whole family. I just wanted to post a few new pictures so they don't get forgotten. Too cute to miss!

Make a Smilebox photobook

Thanksgiving Prayer

2008-11-25T13:31:00.000-08:00

Pause and Give Thanks

Wherever you find yourself today,

Whether filled with joy or wrapped in pain,

Remember to pause a moment and give thanks

For no other event in our history and time,

Can change our lives like the birth of Christ - so Divine.

His love never failing, and His Presence always near

The greatest wonder in Heaven on Christmas did appear.

God's gift full of grace that brings life, love, hope,

Can be unwrapped by us all - changing life's scope.

For when we invite His life into our hearts,

No love is greater than that He imparts.

So wherever you find yourself today,

Remember to pause and give thanks,

For HE is the Truth and the Way!

"O come, let us sing unto the Lord: Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with THANKSGIVING, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In His hand are the deep places of the earth; the strength of the hills is His also. The sea is His, and he made it: and His hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our maker." Psalm 95 1-6

"Give THANKS to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 107-1

"Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.

Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.

Now, our God, we give THANKS, and praise your glorious name." I Chronicles 29:11-13

What are you thankful for this year?

How has your life been blessed?

Go Beaves

2008-11-22T15:39:00.000-08:00

The excitement is mounting in the Edewards' house this afternoon as we prepare to watch the Beavers take on Arizona. Vaughn and Joe are resting up for all the excitement as we prepare for family and friends to fill the house. GO BEAVS

Favorite Photo Friday

2008-11-21T08:35:00.000-08:00

This is the winner this week. I love the photo but am so excited that Lucy is very interested in the potty. Yeah! So, call me crazy but I have been letting her go around naked bottom (or just naked) to potty train her. We now have a potty in our living room because the trek to the bathroom was too far. Here is the scene: Lucy (nude) walking around playing with baby, all of the sudden out of the blue, "Pee, Pee, Mommy!" a few drips running down her leg. Me "Wait, Lucy, Wait!" snatching her up and running for the bathroom. By the time we get through the baby gate, around the boxes in the hallway and over the cat that is sleeping in the doorway, I am soaked. "It's ok, Lucy. We will try again." So, that is why we have the potty in the living room and one in the kitchen. She has been going to the potty and going herself or telling me and we can actually make it to the toilet. Yesterday we only had one accident on the floor. Yeah Lucy!

Nothing like a good book to help get things moving.

"Pee, Pee Potty, Ma Ma!"

The next few were from our walk on the river front in Albany. Oh, what fun. It was very cold though. Funny how kids don't seem to notice that their fingers are turning blue and their noses are running away from them, snot nearly freezing to their faces.

Vaughn had it good though, all bundled up and cozy.

Like father like daughter. Just taking in the scenery.

MY GLOWING PUMPKINS

I know Halloween is long gone but this photo never made it to the blog and I loved it.

What is your favorite?

Addicted!

2008-11-20T08:21:00.000-08:00

But he looks pretty hot!

Techno Dance Party

2008-11-18T19:21:00.000-08:00

SO... What do the wife and kids do when husband and father goes away to work?

Turn out all the lights

Break out the glow sticks

Crank up the music

AND DANCE!

It makes for some really neat photos.

Lucy's Pockets

2008-11-17T15:13:00.001-08:00

The swimming suit on the neck is funny but notice the bulge in the tummy? Lately Lucy has been shoving valuables down her shirt, in her pants and even in the diaper. I happened to capture this episode on camera. I guess that is one way to keep your investments safe in this horrible economy.

"Lucy, what do you have in there?"

"Ships!"

All Full

Here is what she had stuffed down there. Turns out she had raided Jackson's Star Wars collection and was hiding them from him.

I missed an even funnier "pocket" incident. Lucy is wearing pull-ups because she is potty training and she decided to carry her little baby in her pull-up. She pulled down her pull-up, cradled the baby inside and pulled it back up leaving the babies head hanging out the back of her pull-up. I laughed so hard and of course ran for the camera. Much to my disappointment the battery was dead. Mom suggested we maker her an apron with a bunch of pockets. Probably a good idea. Who knows where she might try to stick something next. ;(

Then and Now

2008-11-17T15:08:00.000-08:00

Oh the horrors of baby acne. This is how Vaughn looked a month ago. Mommy was horrified at having never had a child with acne this bad. I even took him to the doctor who told me it is perfectly normal and will clear up on its own.

Well, look at him now. Beautiful Baby Boy with perfect skin. What amazed me was how it just disappeared almost over night.

New Faces of Vaughn

2008-11-12T13:25:00.000-08:00

How You Doing?

Mommy!

Personality Plus

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

"Lucy, the horsey ride is over."

"Do you want to ride again?"

My last day of sanity?

2008-11-05T15:58:00.000-08:00

Let me explain the title. We had a exceptionally warn and pleasant summer and fall this year. Everyday was spent enjoying the sunshine and warm evenings. And if the kids were unhappy in the house I just sent them outside to play and work out the wiggles. Well, gone are the days of warm weather, sun and my sanity. Rain has returned to Oregon in full force. For the past three days there has not been a break in the rain. The kids are done with school around noon and the questioning begins. What can we do? Over and over they ask. Go read a book, play with legos, play your leapster, take a nap, I answer them over and over. Oh how I wish I could say GO OUT AND PLAY. The trampoline is soaked, the tree house is leaking, the bikes are in storage and the hammock is put away. This is the time of year I hate Oregon. But only for a season. Soon we will settle into the change and before we know it the trees will be budding with the first signs of spring. But right now it feels like I will not regain my sanity.

I went to my photos to give me a little pick-me-up and thought I would share the last wonderful play day outside we enjoyed last week. Leaves are so fun.

Goodbye summer. Come back soon and bless us with your warm weather and beautiful shades of green colors that the rain helps create.

Four Beautiful Babies

2008-10-25T18:26:00.000-07:00

I love it when you get a shot where every one looks great. I have found it harder and harder the more kids you we add to the equation. Daddy doesn't mind acting silly to try to get everyone looking the same direction. He did a great job this time.

Pumpkin time of year again

2008-10-21T18:08:00.000-07:00

Our trip to the zoo.......interrupted!

2008-10-16T11:34:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we went to Portland to pick up Auntie Amy who flew in from Orange County to visit. We decided to make a day of it and go to the zoo. Jackson has been begging to go to the zoo and since we were close we decided it would be a good time to go. We picked up Auntie Amy around 11:00 and headed to the zoo. I had packed a nice lunch to save on the cost of the trip so we went in and sat at the first table we found after purchasing our tickets. Jackson finished his lunch first and we let him play around where we were eating. We had not even finished our lunch when we heard a "THUD!" and then Jackson scream. He had tried to slide down a hand rail and fell right on his head. So half of us got to enjoy the zoo while the other half explored the emergency room at St. Vincent's Children's Hospital in Portland.

Waiting for the Nurse. Thank goodness for a good book and a good Daddy.

The nurse arrives and bandages the head with some numbing gel.

Looking a little like Rambo

Cartoons to help pass the time while waiting for the doctor.

The finished product. A gouge that was about half inch long and that deep all stapled back together. We were told staples leave a bigger scar than stitches but stitches require a shaved head. Was there really a question as to what choice would be made? How could we get rid of those beautiful blonde locks?

Jackson was fine and dandy and didn't even shed a tear. He was all ready to go to AWANA when we got home from Portland, bloody hair and all (can't get the area where the staples are wet for 24 hours) He was such a trooper. He was really only worried about when we could go back to the zoo to use our free tickets and his special zoo key that the zoo manager gave him after his fall. Hopefully we can make it back up there soon and have some pix to show that are more enjoyable.

Favorite September Photos

2008-10-10T17:13:00.000-07:00

Too many of my favorites to pass up. I thought I would post some of them for all to see. Enjoy.

Perfect little feet. 10 toes, so tiny and cute.

My big, little girl trying to push her brother and sister. So independent but yet so needy.

Tiny hands and tiny ponies at play.

Just like Mommy

One of the fun parts of home schooling. Jordyn gets to read her book and have her hair done at the same time.

Soccer Buddies

When the dog won't move out of your planting spot, just bury him.

Lucy watches pretty closely what the older two kids are doing in school. She goes about her own business but is listening while she plays. Last week I caught her a few times repeating what Jackson's teacher said on the dvd's. She was making the b sound and singing his songs. Pretty cute. She also steals pencils any chance she gets and colors on any paper that is in her reach.

Couch full of fun

Daddy's glasses make me look smart.

Pile up on the slide

The boys

Rib night at the Edewards'

Watching his school dvd

Oh the fun of fine hair

All wrapped up in the hospital. I had the nurses show me the wrap so many times and I never could get my babies wrapped up like they do. Vaughn actually prefers to sprawl out in bed.

Vaughnie Boy - 2 weeks old

2008-10-09T14:11:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe that two weeks ago God brought this little boy into our lives and captured our hearts. He is growing so fast. I had him to the doctor yesterday and he already weighs

8 lb 10 oz. He weighed 7 lb 9 oz when we left the hospital. Great weight gain. He sleeps good and eats well (every three hours). I would like to be getting a little more sleep but those days are to come. For now I am just enjoying my little baby and all the other ones too.

This picture shows the somber side of Vaughn. There is something about his mouth that makes him look like he is always smiling. I caught him deep in thought.

My little man all dressed up for library story hour. We took all 4 kids to listen to stories and check out new books. I planned on going every week but I have only made it once since we started school. Just gotta let it go sometimes.

These jeans he is wearing actually fit perfectly. I have never seen a smaller pair of jeans. I got these for Jordyn when she was born. They have been through 6 children now, but how do you wear out jeans on a 2 week old child?

Enough already mom. Put down the camera and feed me!

Another busy weekend

2008-10-07T17:57:00.000-07:00

This weekend was spent running around to different events. On Friday Janine hosted a Celebration of Life Dinner in honor of Vaughn. It was so much fun. The video at the beginning of the slideshow is very poor quality but will give you a little glimpse of what it is like when I get together with both of my sisters and their families. There are 11 children all together.

Saturday began with soccer games.

After soccer we headed to Salem to go to the Gilbert House Children's Museum. It was free for all Corvallis residents. Thank you to all who post great deals on the home school websight. We had a great time. I did not realize that Mr. Gilbert invented the erector set along with a whole bunch of other cool stuff.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

For Grampy

2008-10-05T21:23:00.000-07:00

Such a beautiful sight. We just had to stop and watch the logs go by. Lucy decided it was too loud and she stayed in the car and watched.

Vaughn- 1 Week Old Already :(

2008-10-02T16:31:00.000-07:00

Some shots from our weekend

2008-09-30T15:50:00.001-07:00

First of all we had the baby on Wednesday. That was fun and exciting. We made a Friday night appearance at our Bible study. Saturday Jordyn and Jackson had soccer games, followed promptly by birthday parties for my two 3 year old nephews (which I attended by myself with Jordyn, Jackson and Vaughn while Aaron went to the airport with Lucy), then the SoCal in-laws flew in to see the newest Edewards baby, followed by an impromptu birthday party for Jordyn that Aaron put together. Sunday we made it to church (only 10 minutes late), went to lunch to celebrate Aaron's mom's birthday (that is the same day as Jordyn and Little Vaughn), then we made an end of summer visit to the downtown fountains. Whew!

The New Little Guy just a few hours old

Jackson all smiles as he comes off the field for a break. He loves soccer so much and said he wishes he could have a game every day. Their team is the Colts and they are currently 3-0.

Jackson and teammate Johnny on their way to score another goal.

Sportsmanship. Jackson spends a lot of time on the field conversing with his own teammates and also the other team. It is so cute how social he is while he plays.

Buddies

The birthday party. Waiting for hot dogs to be served.

Jackson loves his little brother. He sat at the party for at least half an hour holding vaughn while the other kids played.

Opening gifts was fun for all, even Aunt Janine. I think she may be having the most fun.

The birthday boys and their cakes. Dominic had a dinosaur eating his cars and Max had a volcano surrounded by dinosaurs. Props to my sisters and their wonderful hand made cakes.

Grandpa Vaughn and Grandma Pam meet Little Vaughn for the first time.

Jordyn's birthday party. My little girl is 8. How can that be?

Her love of horses has not dwindled. She wanted a horse cake and is delighted with a new horse form her aunt Judy. She is finally getting some experience with real horses and it is not making her dreams of owning her own go away. Grampy and grammy bought her horse back riding lessons for her birthday and she loves it.

The fountains. Lucy wanted to dive right in even though it was freezing cold.

Jordyn has a bit of a cold so she stayed her distance from the water.

My poor Jackson. He spent his time on the bench watching Lucy play after running through the fountains with his shoes on after being told not to. Look at that sad, remorseful face.

Lucy-too cute to be missed

2008-09-29T17:15:00.000-07:00

Sometimes really cute photos get missed. As I was looking back over September, there were some of Lucy that I just had to put up.

BBQ rib night samples from Grampy

Laying in Baby Vaughn's hospital bassinet

MINE!

I know, I know. Everyone has a bad hair day once in a while.

Look at my Pony slippers

A little dirt never hurt anyone

Yee-Haw!

Too good to leave a single drop

The First Few Days With Vaughn Rockwell Edewards

2008-09-29T15:01:00.000-07:00

Loving Four Children:

Love is patient... when all four children are crying

Love is kind... when teaching the hard lessons to learn

Love is not rude... in training the children together

Love is not self-seeking... in the choices we make for them

Love is not easily angered... when the little ones sin

Love keeps no record of wrongs... at all

Love rejoices in the truth... when they choose wisely

Love always protects... from the things of this world

Love always trusts... that God is in charge

Love always hopes... that our training will lead them to the Lord

Love always perseveres... when hormones are raging and Vaughn is crying and Lucy is destroying the house and Jackson is fighting with the neighbor boy and Jordyn won't quit asking for whatever she has already asked for 10 times today!!!!!!

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Big Hug

2008-09-29T10:08:00.000-07:00

So I was sitting around sort of gloomy like the weather and Vaughnie was working quietly with his advanced calculus he likes so much. Well, my little genius looked over and must have seen the look on my face. Sure enough he came right over and gave me a big hug.

Favorite Photo Friday

2008-09-26T21:03:00.001-07:00

Can't beat this. Every now and then (at least for me who isn't one of those camera experts) you get one of those photos that almost makes you cry. Well, in this case I did cry.

Vaughn and Daddy Bonding

My Birthday Present

2008-09-26T20:44:00.000-07:00

Look What I Got!?;(

My little girl turned 8 on September 24, 2008, the same day her little brother chose to grace us with his presence. Poor Jordyn. She tried so hard to be excited but deep down in her heart she was a little disappointed and concerned that her birthday would no longer be special. She also shares it with her Grandma Pam (not as intimidating). She was treated like a princess this year. Grandma Jan bought her horseback riding lessons and Daddy took her horseback riding on the beach. She got to choose where she wanted to go to breakfast and what she wanted for dinner. So she was happy. Sharing with Vaughn doesn't seem as bad as it did the day of. So Happy Belated Birthday Jordyn.

Welcome Vaughn

2008-09-24T04:05:00.001-07:00

Well I am exhausted, but I wanted to let you know the boy has arrived, he is healthy as a horse, and Jackson won the "guess the weight" contest. Vaughn Rockwell Edewards weighs 7lbs 15 ounces, and was born at 2:16 am on Wednesday, September 24th sharing the date with Grandma Pam and big sister Jordyn.

Praise the Lord for He is good! We are ecstatic to welcome the little dude and to report he is a California kid even if he was delivered in the great white north. All are welcome to visit and hold him while he's hot. Grandma Jan was there with mommy and daddy to witness the little miracle and is staying the night at mommy's bedside while daddy goes home to get the big kids (lucy is now in that group) ready to visit the noobie.

Much love, The Edewards Six

Quack Quack

2008-09-22T16:26:00.000-07:00

As this pregnancy drags on I find myself very anxious, housebound and my patience seems to be non-existent. So the other day when I could not stand all the phone calls asking how I was doing and the whiny children, I had Aaron load everyone into the car (a task in itself these days for me) and we went to feed the ducks. It is something I have been wanting to take Lucy to do for a long time. She loves ducks, rubber and stuffed at least, and I wanted to let her meet a real live duck. She loved them. She ran around for quite a while, arms outstretched, yelling "Heaby!" That is something she has picked up in the last month or so. I started saying, "OH, you're so heavy" when I pick her up so now it is what she says when she wants up or wants to pick something up. She finally gave up on catching one and went to feeding them. She liked throwing it in the water to them the best.

Here We Go!

Let me at 'em!

I realize there is a mass in the corner of this photo. Can you guess what that is?

Ready, Set, FALL!

2008-09-20T04:16:00.000-07:00

Fall is my favorite time of year in Oregon. The days are beautiful and sunny and the nights get cooler. Time to break out the sweatshirts and jeans. The trees begin to change color and shed their leaves. Guess they need a wardrobe change too. God is so creative with all his creatures. This year has been an even greater time on anticipation for me, not only for the beautiful scenery but for the birth of my son. What a change it will be for us all. But a beautiful one also. As the weather starts to change, the garden begins to beg for more attention. Now it is not the watering and weeding but a cry from all the vegetables, "Pick me please. Can me and put me in the freezer for a later date." So the harvest began..........

First there were apples: 28 quarts of apple sauce, 20 pints of apple butter & 7 quarts of apple pie filling. Yumm!

Making apple sauce was sticky but fun. The kids all wanted a turn cranking the handle and squishing the apples into sauce. Jordyn was the trooper. She came running every time a new pot of apples was cooked and ready to make into sauce. As you can see from the picture Jackson was more interested in sampling, even though the sauce was steaming hot. It is a good thing Grandma got home when she did or I never could have got everything harvested.

Next came the corn: 37 pints into the freezer!
Blanche it, cool it, cut it off the cob and hope most of it makes it into containers before the little vultures get it.

Then you get daddy to tear all the stalks out of the ground...
...and haul them to the neighbors cows, minus the very cute nearly naked baby of course.
Woops, this one got a little out of control but Jackson was proud of his capture.
Machete wielding garden explorers.
A little bit of blackberries, a few beans, some zucchini, mix it up with dirty utensils and feed it to Daddy. (Who by the way tasted everything those dirty little hands and expectant eyes brought to him.)
So that is a glimpse into the beginning of our fall.

Back to school Jordyn?

2008-09-10T16:48:00.000-07:00

Today we took a little field trip to the library and the river with my sisters. We had a lot of fun and it was enjoyable for me to have all three of my babies with me. As we were driving back home we passed Jordyn's old school.

I said,"Hey Jordyn, why don't I just drop you off at school for the rest of the day?"

Jordyn,"Don't even mention the "S" word!"

I guess she is enjoying home school. :)

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-10T16:45:00.001-07:00

Thoughts of a 5 Year Old

2008-09-09T16:34:00.000-07:00

Part of Jackson's school curriculum includes singing before Bible class. He has been learning lots of new songs. One of them is "My country tis of thee". Today I was singing the songs with him. When we got to this song I noticed he was not singing.

Mom, "Jackson, why did you stop singing?"

Jackson, "Well, this song says land where my father died but my father isn't dead."

I had to laugh, to myself and explain why this song was written. He still didn't want to sing about fathers dying.

My new Chair

2008-09-05T13:42:00.001-07:00

Lucy is very proud of her new seat from Grandma Pam. Se sat up a little bigger and ate a little neater (kind of). I think she likes being at the big table. It is nice to have her a little closer. It is also really nice for restaurant dining. Those highchairs always seem dirty and not quite as safe.

Missing in action!

2008-09-03T16:01:00.000-07:00

Like Jodi I have been busily preparing for home schooling and have not had a lot of time to devote to blogging. We had our first day of school today, Jordyn in third grade and Jackson in Kindergarten. Lucy really enjoyed Jackson's DVD's with all the singing and she even joined in on learning the short sound I makes. She was saying the sound and pointing to her mouth like the teacher on the tv. It was pretty fun to see her doing it. Jackson did pretty good. It is a little hard to get his attention focused on things that he really doesn't want to do but he settled in and actually enjoyed parts. His only takes about 1 1/2 hours to complete. Jordyn did great. She wanted to power thru without too many breaks so she could be done and spend the rest of the day. She will spend between 3 and 4 hours doing school and a little more on homework. Makes me wonder why schools are in session 8 hours a day. I just have to keep telling my self "I can and will do this." I think as time goes by it will become easier. I am hoping to take a little time off when the baby comes. Hopefully any day now. Maybe the trampoline jumping will help work him out :)

First day of school breakfast

My big third grader

My little kindergartner

Trying to involve Lucy. She did great until she decided to eat the paint. Then we were all done.

This is just for fun!

Favorite Photo Friday

2008-08-22T15:43:00.000-07:00

Today there is just one. I call it Baby, Blankie and Bare Buns.

Need For Speed

2008-08-16T15:16:00.000-07:00

Well, Jackson has finally outgrown his Gator and Aaron decided it was time to move on to bigger and better things. He did master the art of parallel parking by the time he was 2 1/2 and by three was trying to find more creative ways of driving his battery operated John Deere - standing up, driving from the dump bed, driving backwards, standing backwards on the seat, off-roading, you name it he tried it. That kid is just amazing when it comes to driving. I fear that someday he will be the focus of a front page newspaper article titled: "Nine Year Old Leads Police on Hour Long Chase. He claims he just wanted to go get his mom a nice cold soda from the store." So to polish up his driving skills Aaron decided he needed to be able to go faster, at least 25!