Kitchen Lessons

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Zeke has been helping in the kitchen a lot more recently.  Something I love.  Yes, it makes the prep work take longer but that is just temporary.  I am already seeing the fruits of that labor with Zoe as she has struck out on her own on so many recipes.   As with many three year olds, I’m sure, he likes to taste everything.  Most time this is not a problem for him as one of his favorite job is cutting olives.

Today in particular though Zeke learned some important lessons.  As I was measuring whole peppercorns one fell and rolled across the floor.  Quickly he grabbed it and popped it into his mouth before I could say anything.  After a few crunches it hit him (honestly, it took longer than I expected).  Then a yell and a run into the bathroom for a towel.

But if that weren’t enough he was helping me peal garlic.  I’m sure you can guess what happened.  This time he waited till I was out of the kitchen then popped it into his mouth then came running around the corner to show me (he hadn’t bit down yet).  Yes, I smiled to myself and down he bit.  The garlic hit him a lot faster than the peppercorn as he spit it out after just one chomp.  Hey, I’m all for hands on learning.

On the move

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Our little Abigail has started to crawl.

 The kids had so much fun watching her get closer and closer each day. The anticipation was almost too much for some. I think Oliver was in the background here biting his nails as we cheered her on.

Many chants of “Go Abby Go. Go Abby Go” were heard in our house. Now we hear things like “No, Abby No!” as she makes her way around the house.

Way to go Abby!

[ytube id=http://www.youtube.com/embed/dNK1w3uDHbU]

Out of Retirement!

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And making a come back…well that is yet to be seen but we’ll give her a go.  So, lots have happened over the last couple of months so lets get started.

Our first update takes us to Zoe. WAY back in October our little girl turned 7!  She loves to dress up and change the earrings in her newly pierced ears but is just as eager to run through the mud and splash in puddles.  She loves to watch the show Dirty Jobs.  I always laugh at this but she loves it.  Out in the chicken house one day she was overheard saying “Yep, this is a dirty job.  This is Zoe Thames and this is my job.”  She continued on narrating each step as she cleaned.  She also thinks the host, Mike Rowe, should take a vacation so she can host the show.

This last year brought much growth in height, shoe size (a women’s 6!!!), responsibility, school, and eagerness to learn about the Lord.  Over Christmas she was found sitting around the dinner table with 4 men engrossed in conversation (and yes she was conversing) about Christ.  It was a blessing to witness.

Another new thing we are experiencing with Zoe is sarcasm!  I don’t know where she gets that from but it has been a funny development in her humor.  Just the other day she had changed her shirt midday and I said “oh, did you change your shirt?” She very nicely and naturally replied “No, it just shrunk and turned pink.”  After I picked my jaw up off the floor I bust out laughing.  Yep, I had opened that door wide open and she just waltzed right in.

 

That’s all for today.  You wouldn’t believe how long it took for this one to get posted today so I’m not going to embarrass myself by telling.  Plus, I need to start building up a little suspense :O)

Zoe in the Kitchen

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Zoe has recently started to want to do her own work in the kitchen.  She has always helped me in the kitchen but she wants to do it herself.  And she doesn’t want to use a recipe out of one of our books she wants to use her own recipe.  I love her creativity.  It started with the cookbook she created with recipes like Raisin Snack, Jalapeno Spicy and Apple on a Stick.  One of her latest experimental recipes was Apple Crispies. 

Basically rice crispy treats with apple and cinnamon.  It didn’t turn out quite like she was expecting but the flavor was good.  She identified what went wrong and what to do to correct it for next time.  I was quite impressed!  We’ll share the recipe once it’s been perfected.

Pumpkin Party

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I love pumpkins!  So what better way to enjoy pumpkins even more than by having a Pumpkin Party.  I’m so glad to have friends willing to party for reasons such as this.  Today was our first annual Pumpkin Party.  We started by, of course, getting slimy and sticky gutting out some pumpkins.

Next we headed outside for a pumpkin hunt. 

Working as a team the kids read clues and searched for the pumpkins hidden throughout the yard.

Victory!  All pumpkins were safely found.

And two little girls love to pose.

After the hunt we came inside to enjoy pumpkin dip, pumpkin bread with pumpkin butter, pumpkin scones and pumpkin coffee.  Lets just say YUM!  We had a blast and plans are already in the works for next year.  

A Day at the Park

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A friend called the other day and said “I need to practice with my camera in Manuel.  Can I use your kids?”  Of, course!  I’d love it.  And off we went to get awesome pictures.  OK, so it wasn’t quite that smooth.  First, we had to discuss when the weather would be best and where it would be best to get all the great fall colors.  Then there was the last minute plan change.  But, the outcome was beautiful.

As you can see I loved so many of the pictures taken.  And trust me, this isn’t all of them but don’t be surprised if you see more later.  Thanks again, Ruth, for using my kids.  Anytime, anywhere 🙂 

I think she's ready

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Today Abigail decided she was ready for some real food.  I honestly haven’t thought much about giving her solids yet but this morming while sitting on my lap during breakfast she was expteemly interested in my bowl.  I gave her a little taste of oatmeal and we moved on.  At lunch she took matters into her own hands.  She was again on my lap and I had just sat down to my sandwich.  She leaned in with her mouth open wide and started sucking away on the bread.  I gave her a sample of my soup and she was quick to open her mouth and take it all.  OK girl, I can take a hint…we’ll make you some food.

And since we’re on the supject how about we review a few facts about Abby. 

She will readyily roll from her back to her stomach but, really, she doesn’t like being on she stomach much.  Tummy time is short lived around here.    Although, today she did start pushing herself all the way up with her hands and then pushed her legs off my hands to move forward.  She was not happy about it and complained as she scooted toward Greg.

She is adored by her big brother.

Maybe a little too much.

She enjoys sitting at the table with the family during meal times.

She would much rather be sitting up watching the activity around her than laying on the floor.  She is starting to look eager to take off after her siblings.   

She enjoys playing at the lake on warm summer days.

Haning around with a buddy always makes it better

She is a sweet girl who has brought much joy to this family.

Happy Birthday Ezekiel!

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Today Ezekiel turned 3 years old.  He has become such a handsom little man.  At the annual measuring he gained a full 3 inches this year.  He loves all things trains.  When outside he is always on the search for worms and bettles.  As soon as he woke this morning Zoe showered him with gifts.  My favorites were a book she wrote about a train (his favorite thing) and a Pooh coloring book she made herself. 

His cake was of course a trian that I tried my hand at.  Thankfully he has a great imagination.  Anything in a line (blocks, laundry baskets) is a train to him. 

Many times throughout the day he was sung Happy Birthday.  He got to like it so much he asked we sing it three times for bedtime. 

Abigail even got to get in on the fun with a ride around the house. 

The Last…

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Well, this is a post of two lasts.  The Silver Beach Church campout.  Sadly, it was our last camping trip this year.  Greg has been working a lot of overtime and our last couple trips have been canceled.  So I’m glad it was a nice long trip with great people.  It was also the last last camp out as SBCC.  The Lord provided a new building and location for our church and our name has been changed.  Fortunately, the camp out will continue next year as SCBC (Spring Creek Bible Church).   We had a wonderful time getting to know people better and just having some good ol’ fun.  Here are some pictures from the week.

Some friends had connections to a couple of horses and “dropped by” with them for all the kids to ride.  Oh, was Zoe ever so excited!

Just chillin’ with Dad.  Abigail 3 months

The troublesome twosome.  Zeke almost 3, Oliver almost 2

Don’t you just love tiny hands and feet?

The play dough pit.  And this…I just couldn’t leave this out.  Aftermath of the play dough pit.  No really, it’s play dough.

And the highly anticipated SBCC Olympics

A wonderful time was had by all and wonderful memories made.

Baseball Fever

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When Grandpa T was visiting we headed to a Mariners game.  We were only there for a short time but I was surprised how much of it they took in.  The following day this is all the boys wanted to do.

They made a great team.  Zeke was all about the hitting and Oliver (our running man) would run after the ball and throw it back.