Our ball season began!

We kicked off the start of our week with softball.  Mike is coaching the Gators this year and so that will keep him and us occupied one night a week.  I know he is going to do great with this team and he is really looking forwards to hanging out with these kids along with giving some great coaching advice!

Matthew had his first game last night!  Actually, we thought is was his first game but then afterwards they called it a 'game practice'.  Whatever it was ... it was cold.  Umm, no freezing!!!  The kids didn't seem to mind too much. 

Matthew's team is called the Rockies and they did great!  Matthew hit five times with each time having a great hit!  (They only played five innings.)  We cheerleaders were on the bench wrapped in blankets and trying our best to not be miserable in the wind and cold conditions.  Mike made the comment that 'this is not the kind of ballgame he enjoys'.  (I think that comes from a guy that played a lot of ball and has yet to learn how it is sometimes on the sidelines.  In the good and not so good weather conditions.  :)  )We ALL like the games where you can sit barefoot in the grass eating a hot dog and sipping on soda pop!  (Well, the kids and hubby like those foods.  :)  )  I am looking forwards to warmer nights at the ballpark and watching Matthew play hard!  He really works this sport!  Him and Mike practice every night!  Mike's got his ball net set up in the yard for Matthew to hit into.  Practice is the secret to any good sports player, right?!!!

Trying to stay warm and yet have fun!!!

 Ready for a snack (cheeseburger and sunflower seeds) after the game.

 

Giving high fives after the game ...

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Today, was our school's Trash-A-Thon Fundraiser!  The goal for our family was to reach $1,000!  Thanks to all of you that helped us reach our goal!  Matthew was awarded with $100 for being the top contributor in grades K-2!!! 

Two weeks ago, Mike's company had a customer appreciation event and so we made this small set up and hoped the kids would raise some funds here.  They did face paintings for $1 and some gave to just give to the fundraiser.

Matthew has not decided yet what he's going to do with this award.  I suggested a new basketball net for him and Hadassah to play with.  For now, he's thrilled to know he's got $100 cold cash to hold!  :)

I forgot my camera and so my phone camera had to do for today.  :(  Just not thrilled how these turned out but it's still proof it happened!!!  Here we had buckets with water bottles, vests, gloves, etc. inside for each group.  Hadassah and her group made a 1/2 second stop for this picture.  :)

 Not at all the best picture ... but here's Matthew receiving his cash award!  Good job guys!

We had each group of students go with a supervisor and a route and then they cleaned up any trash along there they could find.  Hadassah went out with three other students this morning and picked up trash along their route.  Matthew and grades 2-K stayed back at school and learned about recycling and did some fun projects in their class and then they too went out on the school grounds picking up any trash they may find laying in the grass.

Thanks again to all of you that sponsored our kids with this fundraiser for school!  Christian education is not cheap but well worth it!  Thanks for supporting Christian education!

Gardening ...

When it comes to growing food and gardening, lets just say we try our best.  I grew up with mom having a garden but it was not something she enjoyed a whole lot.  Thanks to Mommy D. she helped us along and kept the garden always looking so nice!  Now it's my turn to teach my children about gardening.  I feel like I am learning with them. 

When I first decided to have a 'raised bed' for our garden, it was pretty much learn as I go.  I kept asking Mike's mom or my mom questions.  I hardly knew the difference between the plants.  Everything looked the same to me when it was still in the ground growing.  I feel like I did learn a lot since then and I am able to label most veggies now when I look at other gardens!!! :)

I have stuck to the basics for a few years and then last year we took a step farther and planted a few 'new to us' vegetables.  Considering that my garden is not real big, we have it maxed out this year.  I'm not even sure where I will plant my tomatoes and pepper plants???  I hoped that after the sugar peas are done growing and harvested, I could then plant my peppers and tomatoes in that spot.  I am realizing though that I will want my plants in before the sugar peas are over.  What now???

I am posting pictures on this post for my personal interest only.  I don't care who has or has not a garden.  It's not a pressure thing for me.  It is so much fun walking out across the lawn and picking fresh vegetables and then serving them on the supper table to my family and friends!!! 

If you have an interest in gardens, take a look at my simple growings ...

STRAWBERRY PLANTS - I have only a few plants.  I wish for a much bigger crop at times and really should make another raised bed just for these sweet berries!!!  We love them so much!

One pack of SPINACH goes a long way for us!  I'm sure we will have plenty to share!  :)

 CUT LETTUCE - In my opinion, there's not a salad that's better than with "fresh cut lettuce" and tossed in a creamy dressing!  Hopefully, I will share some family favorite recipes using this lettuce in a few weeks!

 BUTTER CRUNCH LETTUCE - This is my favorite bunch of lettuce.  It's got a tasty, sweet taste and so yummy mixed with fresh spinach or in a dish all by itself topped with sweet tomatoes and cheese!  Oh, yeah!!!

RADISHES - I grabbed two packages of radishes and it made four small rows.  I always think of my brother Jason when I plant these because I know he likes them so much!  They are delicious with some salt sprinkled on top and then popped into your mouth!

SUGAR PEAS - This is the first year I planted these.  My kids love any kind of peas and last year they devoured some sugar peas that were given to us!  They are not cheap at road side stands, so I decided to plant some for us at a much cheaper cost!  :)  I hope they do well and grow us some nice peas! 

As Mike and I were out putting in the wood posts and wire last night, he just had to say how this brings back childhood memories for him.  He hated working in the garden as a little boy.  Now, it's not so bad!!!  :)

CANDY ONIONS - Just got these in the garden this week.  They are still very small but will grow into nice, sweet onions.  Perfect with homemade mixed hamburgers on the grill!

MEADOW TEA - I have a huge section right behind the house of this wonderful herb!  Meadow Tea is something we all love to drink and I think I might even be able to pick some to make this afternoon!  Cold Meadow Tea on a hot day spells S-U-M-M-E-R!!!  Refreshing!

MY GARDEN - Here's a view of everything growing!  I have carrots growing in there too and they are just beginning to sprout through the ground.

It's a challenge to keep after the weeds and have the bunny's and birds not feast off of our yummy food growing! 

I still have tomatoes, pepper plants, oregano, basil, parsley, cucumbers, egg plant and sunflowers (not to eat but just for their bright yellow and orange colors) to add to all of this.  All of these will take the spots of the radishes and peas when they are finished and harvested. 

I also got another watermelon plant.  Last year, Matthew wanted to grow watermelon, so we planted one plant and it took over my flowerbed!  As you can see, if we plant it in the garden, there will be no room for anything else.  We might just have to put it out front in the flower bed again!  Matthew smiled big when I told him I bought another plant for him to plant this year!  He was so proud of his 40 pound watermelon last year!  It was huge!  Maybe we can beat that weight this year!!!?!!!

Wish me a good growing year!!!  :)  Send me a comment if you have any suggestions!

A day with sisters and mom!

Spending a day with sisters and mom is ALWAYS a good time!  We just don't do it near often enough!!!  We have never have a certain day of the week or month that we gather ... no, but when the opportunity arises, we go for it!

I have been thinking all winter that I want to make a day trip and go visit some fun stores I haven't been at ever or for a long time.  Yesterday, I woke up with that in mind.  I called mom and asked if she was into going with me to Wegmans.  It's a huge grocery store that I've heard a lot about but never was there to witness it myself.  I had other stores in mind to stop at too.  Mom said she was into doing that.  So, I called sister Jody too and she was a thumbs up!  We kept the phone calls rolling and Fannie Lynn jumped on board!  :)  (Sorry, Mindy.  Those random calls come sometimes on working days too.  Bummer.)

We set out for Produce Junction to be our first fun stop.  It's a place of flowers, shrubs and like the title says ... produce.  I love a place like this.  Good stuff at a much cheaper price!!!  I bought two shrubs for my front porch for only $18 a piece!!!

Then we stopped at a clothing store.  Found a pair of casual shoes for $10!

Panera Bread was the most voted for us to eat our lunch.  Their soup and sandwiches are tops!!!  We were surprised to see sister-in-law Rosie and Bobo walk in too.  That was a nice surprise.  :)  Small world sometimes!

We were hoping to do HomeGoods and Wegman's yet, but the time was getting away from us too fast.  We opted to skip the HomeGoods and go for the groceries since I was never there before.  I like my routines and so entering into a big store ... not knowing where I want to go next ... was a bit overwhelming.  Plus I had two little girls in my cart that sent my tiny tomatoes rolling all over the store.  :/  Sigh.  The experience was nice though.  Maybe I'll go back again?  Alone!  :)

We hurried back to be home in time for the school children.  Then it was supper and off to ballgames after that.  Ball season officially started for us as a family.  I love ballgames ... but not when we are rushed through supper and out the door 30 minutes later.  I hope this gets better.  Sometimes it takes a little time to get into our rhythm!  :)  Mike is not playing ball this year but is coaching a team.  I hope he has a fun time doing this.  New adventures are sure to bring some thrills!  Matthew, however, is playing little league and he too had his first practice this week.  I can't wait to go watch him play the sport is likes best!!!

Well, today will be another day for more weed pulling (yep, it's an never ending battle around this place)!  We will be ready for mulch real soon!

Thanks sisters and mom for hanging out yesterday!  You are such blessings!  We know that it's those last minute outings that seem to be such fun!  :)
 

Random thoughts ...

Our weekend was great!

Friday after school, the kids and I went to the shop to have supper with Mike over at the "Customer Appreciation Days".  We opted to go with BBQ Chicken, ham and cheese sandwich and a sausage sandwich.  The air was chilled and it felt good to jump in the van and head home.  We all got showered and into our pj's when Ben's showed up at 8:30!  We were all excited for some hanging out but by 11:30 PM, we were ready for some good sleeping!  The kids always have so much fun together and it seems to be tradition to pop popcorn when they come!  So, we did again!  Thanks for coming guys!

We woke up bright and early ... even though we had a late night the night before.  Yard saleing season is beginning for me and I just love getting out and about and seeing what's for sale.  For cheap.  For a good time!  For deals!

The three children and I went to a development nearby.  It was fun going from one home to the next.  I was so pleased to buy a Pampered Chef large white platter for only $3!  (I have used it three times already!!!  The ribs we warmed up and chicken wings ... I just dumped it on my huge platter and we dug in for good eating!  My salad looked totally awesome too layered with fresh greens and veggies for Sunday nights supper!)  I also boosted my wardrobe for $6 at a home where they had name brand clothing!  $1 a piece!  Love that!  I refuse to pay ex amount of dollars for name brand things when I know I can find them much cheaper if I am patient!  Bingo!  Hadassah found an Ice Age movie that we bought.  They get the biggest kick out of that series.  I remember when Mike and I watched the first one on a date night a few years ago.  After the movie was over we both sat there and laughed.  It was the one of the stupidest movies we watched ... so we thought.  Now we are actually watching them again with the kids and being entertained!  :)

We got back home to refresh a bit before heading back for more Customer Appreciation Day action.  I needed to get more food supplies that we served to the folks interested in sheds.  Mike also had set up a small stand for Hadassah, Matthew and Tyler to do face painting and try to get some funds for the TAT fundraiser next week!  We got a few responses ... but nothing too amazing!

By the time we all got back home and washed off all the excess face paint that seemed to be on the arms, face and neck, I was exhausted!!!  Ashlyn and I took a nap!  I woke up thinking that if I mowed the lawn yet, it would look so nice!  It had clumps here and there of green growth!  The yards look so nice and lush right now during this Spring time!

Mike came home exhausted too!  I knew better than to expect too much out of him when he gets home.  House chores for "my hubby" will have to wait! 

At 5:15, Hadassah and Matthew and I went for market leftovers.  It's a new thing I guess for me.  There are two local homes - that I like - who display all the market leftover foods.  Produce, homemade cookies and breads, salads, etc..  Most things are for $1!

The kids like to go along and grab some goodies they see.  Hadassah got a loaf of cinnamon swirl bread and cookies.  Matthew grabbed some pumpkin whoopies.  I bought some lettuce, veggies, Cajun Wings, Mushrooms and BBQ Ribs.  We had a tasty meal ready when we returned home with Mike and Ashlyn. 

Sunday, we went to church.  Home for lunch and Hadassah brought along home a friend.  Her and Barb played all afternoon.  Dressing up and acting like big girls. :)

Dave and Suz invited us for an early supper and then us adults went to evening service and then returned back for the kids and more snacks.  Thanks to our friends for always having a great time!  Thanks Dave's for opening up your home once again for us to hang out!

This is what I call Spring weather!!!

With our windy, not so warm, weekend behind us, I am so happy to see the forecast saying 81 degrees for today!!!  I know that it's Spring and not Summer, but I have been waiting for warmer weather and that forecast sounds great!

When it gets warmer outside, I start with the Spring work outside.  There is so much to clean up and do!  My flower beds, my garage needs a good organizing and the barn needs attention too!  I love doing all this when it warms up.  However, my body is suffering this morning with sore muscles from me using muscles that need worked more often!  (You know the kind of muscles that stretch extra much from pulling so many weeds?!)  :) 

Last Friday, we had a sunny afternoon and I just had to do something outside to celebrate the warmth!  I trimmed all our rose bushes.  We have 9 big ones and so by the time I was finished, I had sore hands and a few pricks here and there.  Every time I do this job, I think of the crown of thorns the soldiers put on Jesus' head.  I can't imagine how much that must have hurt ... a thorn prick here and there hurts!  The kids helped me pick up all the clippings and they too were talking about how terrible it must have felt with picky thorns in His flesh!

Yesterday, the weather was nice and perfect to do more work outdoors.  I started to edge around the house.  I don't like this job ... so I chose it first.  Get the hard, not so enjoyable things off the list!  My back always gets sore.  Last night, Mike edged along the pine trees and I just finished up that project!!!  That makes me smile!

I hope to plant some petunias (Am I crazy?  Maybe I'll wait just one more week???) and pull more weeds this afternoon! 

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I was convicted yesterday that the past few weeks I have been complaining inside my head and sometimes even verbally about the weather conditions.  I am so ready for things to warm up but that doesn't give me the right to be complaining!  So, today, I am starting with a new outlook.  I know God controls the weather.  No one else can make it rain (which we could use some), make it windy, or make the sun shine bright in a gorgeous, blue sky!  I had the sprinkler running to water my fresh, young plants that are just peaking through the dirt in the garden.  Thank you Lord for the rain and sun!  I am so blessed!

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Reading in my devotions this week, I am in the Old Testament.  I reread about some of the plagues the Egyptians went through when Pharaoh wouldn't let the Israelites go free.  This morning I read about how God lead them through the Red Sea on 'dry' ground and then how the Egyptian army that was after the Israelites, all died in that sea.  The Bible says that the Egyptians realized that God was fighting against them.  How wonderful is the God we serve!  He fights our battles for us if we only take the time to see it.  He is there for us!!!  He is the same God now as He was back then and sometimes I just need that reminder!

Enjoy the warm days!  I am!  Warm days make for lots of work but I am so grateful I am able and healthy to get my chores done!

The outdoors are calling for me!  Gotta go!  :)
 

Spring Cleaning!

Spring cleaning is under way here at my house!

Yesterday, Mike's mom planned to come and we were going to do some computer papers she needed done and then get to some house cleaning.  I was surprised to see my mom pop in at 9:30.  She said she's going to come and help us clean!  Wow!

Mike's mom arrived and I could not find the files we needed on my computer.  I think it was on the other laptop that died last year.  We didn't waste time ... we got right to cleaning.

Sister Jody and her girls came after lunch and surprised me with a few hours of helping too!  Cleaning ladies showing up is a HUGE BLESSING!!!  I like to house clean with helping hands!  :)

We got the whole upstairs cleaned good (except for my kitchen).  We went room to room.  Mom cleaned my windows.  Mom-in-law cleaned the walls.  I did the baseboards and sweeping.  Jody cleaned my hutch and dishes! 

We were all ready for a break by 2:30!  A lot got cleaned and it's a wonderful feeling!!!  THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!  THANK YOU LADIES!!!

Today, I cleaned my bathroom floors and kitchen floors and then went to the basement to have it get a good cleaning too!  I didn't move furniture down there.  I will wait till I have Mike's help with that heavy stuff but the clean scent of Summer Citrus Mr. Clean is in the air!!!  :)

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I am so happy to have our little toddler feeling well again!  Boy, I tell you that stomach bug had her in a whirl ALL last week!  Glad to have that behind us and Spring in the air!  It's still a bit chilly but I think Spring is here!   

My outside is another big chore in the Spring but it's OK.  I don't enjoy all the hard work of edging and trimming, but after the mulch is laid and the flowers are in the ground ... I sigh a big relief.  I love to see everything cleaned up and pretty outside again!  I am ready for campfire gatherings and roasting smores!  The smell of fresh cut grass and seeing the vegetables peaking through the ground will be exciting!  Oh, how Spring is so much better than Winter!  I can't wait to go visit my favorite greenhouses!!!

Enjoy the lovely day!  I have my kitchen window open just a tad and I can hear all those birds singing that are perched in our pines!  I am excited about the weekend's forecast!  Let's cheer on the 60 degree days!!!  :)

Easter post #2 ~

Easter parties and gatherings are over for us.  Too bad.  Getting together with friends and family is ALWAYS a good time!

Saturday was sunny!  I love it when the sun shines bright.  It lifts my spirit and reassures me that Spring weather will show up one of these days!  :)  This day was also Ashlyn's birthday.  She's two now!  She's been fighting a belly bug ALL week and I am ready to start this week afresh!  No more flu bugs or sicknesses!  Please!  It was sad to not let her have sweets or a piece of cake on her birthday, but we knew it was the best for her stomach!  And butt ... major poops!

Saturday, was also the first day of trout!  Next to his birthday and Christmas ... I think this might be the day to look most forwards to for Matthew!  :)  He loves to fish and he knew that the morning out with his daddy and new fishing gear was going to be a dream come true!  Mike and Matthew went to Cabelas on Thursday night and bought him some good fishing gear.  He was so proud of his rod and new vest!  (Thanks Hun for taking Matthew!  He loved the fishing and time together!)  He was up at 5:30 AM, came over to our bed and asked if it's time to get up yet?  Mike told him to go get his phone and when it's 6:00, to come and wake him.  No problem!  If it's true that the early bird gets the worm ... Matthew was going to get it!  Fishing with his daddy, Uncle Matt and friend Jaydon was great!  Matthew caught five fish!  They are filleted and in the freezer for a yummy sandwich sometime!  :)

I wished to take Ashlyn to see some animals or do something fun on her birthday, but her stomach bug kept us at home Saturday evening. 

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Sunday was NOT a day of rest ... for me.  Not my preference at all!  We dropped the kids off at Mike's parents while Mike and I went to church to help with our fellowship lunch served after our communion service.  We tried to stick to a simple meal, but it still takes time to set up for 300 plus people!  We had communion and again ... I don't like missing out on a communion message but we were preparing food for lunch.  Taking part in the communion was good though!  A reminder to me how Christ gave his blood and body for the taking away of all the sins in my life.

Mike's parents dropped off the kids at church.  (Yes, in their horse and buggy!  Kids liked that!  :)  ).  They had plans for lunch, and since we were preparing lunch here at church, our kids joined us at church!  Ashlyn wasn't there long and we could tell she was miserable!  Mike left early and came home with her.  They spent the whole afternoon sleeping and relaxing and changing pampers.  When the other two kids, ShaLyn and I returned home at 2, Ashlyn woke up not happy!  She was having one poop after the next.  I called the doctor and asked what he recommends.  Pedialite.  Mike was out the door to get some! 

My family had planned to get together at Tony's for 6:00 supper.  I said I would bring the ham, since we were given one over the holidays and had it in the freezer.  It turned out to be very yummy!  I took my bone-in ham and cut slits in it and then pushed whole cloves into the meat.  I placed it in my large miracle dish.  Baked it for 30 minutes at 325 degrees.  Meanwhile, I simmered 3 cups of brown sugar, a 1/2 cup of mustard, 3 Tb. apple cider vinegar and 1 can of Coke!  I simmered that for 20 minutes and then cooled it.  It turns into a glaze.  I brushed that over the ham as it cooked for 3 1/2 hours.  The smell was wonderful.  I was so happy to use the recipe from:  thepioneerwoman!  Love her food blog!

At 4:30, things were not looking very promising for us to have a fun night with family.  Ashlyn was relaxed but wasn't sure if it was wise to take her out.?.  I called Jody and said that I would just send Mike and the older kids up with the ham.  I was staying home with Ashlyn.  She said I should come.  (Thanks.  The night was fun!!!)  I quick showered and we went and had a great time.  Good food and fun "Panic" game!  Ashlyn did great!  She got birthday gifts and loved playing with the girls!  Thanks again Tony's for hosting us!  You guys are such a blessing!

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Monday, the kids didn't have school.  It was a day of lots of laundry ... again.  I kept saying all weekend that I am so thankful for my washer and dryer!  With Ashlyn pooping so much, I was washing constantly!  Getting rid of the germs too!!!  After a nap and rest for Ashlyn and I, the kids and I went to pet and see some animals that I was hoping to do on Saturday for Ashlyn's birthday.  They loved it!  The weather was still windy and chilly, so we made it a quick stop.  We will be going back for more petting and some ice cream on a warmer day!  :)

Pizza and soup was ready for the whole LAPP family, Monday evening at 5.  Our last Easter gathering.  Mom ordered pizza and it was a good idea.  The kids liked that!  :)  We had quite a spread of pizza, pickles and deviled eggs, shrimp appetizer and soup.  Then we finished off the meal with cupcakes, cheesecake, fresh, yummy fruit salad, key lime pie and coffee! 

After the meal, Mommy Lapp hid the kids each a basket and they went out for a basket hunt.  They have been looking so forwards to being with all their cousins and then finding their baskets!  The whole night was fun except that I wish Ashlyn would not have been so whiny!  By 8:00, she was ready for her bed and rest!  Me too.  :)

The cousin bunch!!!  I had my large lens on and so the get everyone was bit a tight!  :) 

 Finding her basket!

 More candy ....

 Ashlyn's birthday cupcakes I made for our dessert!

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The Easter Parties and gatherings are over and now all the left over candy is at a discounted price in the stores!  :)

We are back to having a normal Tuesday ... April 2.

April ... bring it on!  We like the yard sales and warm weather and flowers and sunshine and outside work and fresh air and birds chirping and seeing the buds bloom on the trees!  Yep, all of that!!! 

Thankfully, Ashlyn is feeling better!  No more diarrhea!  Praise the Lord!

Have a great week!  Got to get to my house cleaning projects!  Spring did come and now it's time and clean house!