The Ellis Family Cincinnati

Where Is Winter?

2012-02-02T07:08:00.000-05:00

Did we already have winter? Did I miss it? The daffodils, naked ladies, and tulips are up and going like gangbusters with all this nice warm, sunny, 60 degree weather. I am hoping the groundhog see his shadow this morning....I need a snow day!

Wacky Wednesday #3...100th Day At Wammy's

2012-02-01T18:58:00.000-05:00

We are ready Wammy...Bring on the fun!

Let the craziness begin!!! We started with breakfast with different colored, bowls, cups, plates, forks and spoons. Usually we are all color coded and in order. But not on Wacky Wednesday.

New placemats were in order since today was the first day of February. We got to paint, glue and glitter. I took care f all the cutting today. We would have never finished.

Since it was the 100th day of being at Wammy's...I know this because it is the 100th day at the elementary school...we ate 100 mini marshmallows. (not really but I counted them out like there were 100...I'm not that crazy...straight sugar with these guys...not a pretty picture.)

Guess who asked for more?

Then to run off the sugar high we took a long run/walk around the neighborhood...round and round the cul-de-sac, to the wall, down the hill to the bridge and back...toting lawn mowers, a ball and guns.

Just hanging on the rock wall...our favorite place to rest and line up rocks.

This is our rock-liner-upper.

Queen of the wall.

She beginning to fade.

This one is still running on sugar energy!

One pooped out buck-a-roo.

Last Day of January

2012-02-01T15:05:00.002-05:00

Good-bye, see ya later

She's ready for a little softball.

or baseball...they are all the same to her!

Just chillin' on the chair int he driveway.

She's lookin' pretty serious.

Caramel even got to come out and play for awhile.

Now she really knows how to wear that hat.

He never wants to go back in.

And that is her pretty smile!

We are looking to put together a neighborhood team...do they look to scary?

Cedarmore Hill School

2012-01-31T19:58:00.001-05:00

Last Saturday I took a little field trip all by myself to Hillsboro, OH, to Cedarmore Farm...our CSA provider. My visit was two fold. I needed to get some information for the Cedarmore Farm blog and to visit with Lizzie, Andy and the kids. I love going there. It is such a calm real place. Everything has a purpose. The kids are the best! Anna is always so excited to see me and is learning new English words so we can communicate. Dennis warms up to me after a long while. Moses wasn't feeling to great...all he wanted was to be wrapped in his Mom's arms. The hose was nice and warm and smelled so clean. Lizzie and Andy both greeted me with big smiles. It feels like home. We sat around the kitchen table and talked about everything from religion and their church to how they keep meat for the winter. I will be writing more blogs about that in the weeks to come. But this week Lizzie surprised me with a trip to the one room schoolhouse just over the hill from the house. It was more than I could have imagines. I walked back in time.

If you want to know about my trip to the farm just click on the highlighted Cedarmore Farm blog words at the beginning of this post. Come back again next week when I tell you about having lunch with them.

Fun Friday #18...Elephants

2012-01-27T22:14:00.000-05:00

I thought it was only fitting that we have an Elephant Fun Friday...since this place is getting to be real zoo these days. More on that later! Oh and what fun we did have!

It might not look like much fun in this shot but I can promise you that those frowns were turned upside down just a few minutes after this shot was taken. You'll see.

We talked about elephants and decided that we all should actually be elephants.

We all needed elephant names...

cutting practice

And who didn't know that her elephant name would be Sally?

Our baby elephant even got in on the cutting action.

He was the most excited to be an elephant.

I didn't get a shot of their backsides...complete with an elephant tail. Carter even walked out of the house with his on...he would not take it off. Too funny!

We had elephant snacks that were a huge hit...Ritz crackers with peanut butter.

And then the giggles filled the basement....we made...elephant toothpaste!

I found the idea on Pinterest...that place is going to be the death of me...but it does have lots and lots and lots of great ideas that I wish I had thought of.

She borrowed some 'paint clothes' from Allyson because I was not to sure what the concoction would do to their clothes with 6% hydrogen peroxide in it.

Wish you could hear him giggling from his toes.

Every time she would get excited she would clap and 'toothpaste' would go everywhere.

I am thinking we might so this again someday and fill tubs with the stuff. Probably do it outside where it won't matter if the bubbles go every where. And there is a hose to clean everyone up with.

I extended the day for the boys and they got to make yellow 'toothpaste'. It was as big of a hit with them as it was for the yahoos.

I was a little shocked the Mr Sensory liked it as much as he did.

And the little redhead was beside himself. He knew were were making it today and I just have a feeling that all day during school he thought about it and hoped that we would do it again. I know this because right after he got off the bus and ran home to drop off his backpack, he was at the front door. The minute he came in he asked if the girls like making elephant toothpaste. When I told him that after dinner we were going to make more I thought he was going to pee his pants. I could have filled the bath tub with it and he would have been in head first for sure!

He's A Big Boy Now

2012-01-25T14:18:00.000-05:00

Someone has learned how to climb our of the Pac-And-Play so today was his first official day in the big beg. I am amazed! We talked about it all morning, even with the girls. (They still need a little Wammy sitting in the room until they (Doodles) goes to sleep) time came to go thru our regular getting ready for nap routine...up the stairs he wet, grabbed his blanket, Allyson gave him her baby, and he hit the pillows...not another word from him. And I didn't even have to shut the door. Ahhh...life is good...Keep your fingers crossed.

All "My Children"

2012-01-24T21:00:00.001-05:00

Last night I loaded the van with smelly boys and headed to Castle Skateland. The Elementary was having a little winter social type thing...get the kids out to run/skate off some energy.

We were hoping to be one of the first 100...free pizza and drink..didn't make that one. There must have been 300 kids in front of us.

I noticed several different skating styles...taking my time planning not to get hurt.

or let's just see how many tricks I can do before I kill myself.

All my children

I had fun just sitting, watching and catching up with my old neighbor.

Bee-nocular Making Day

2012-01-24T14:09:00.000-05:00

We have been feeding the birds and trying to figure out the names of the ones that come to eat. So I decided that we needed to look somewhat professional...Beee-noculars were in order. The yahoos were so thrilled. They wore them all morning and then hung them on the kitchen cabinet knobs while they were napping.

Carter likes looking thru his backwards...he likes little birds.

Feeling the love!

2012 Airplane Derby

2012-01-21T10:02:00.000-05:00

Master's hands at work folding what is is hoping to be a good flier. We are praying for a better flier than last years disappointing 'backwards flips coming back at you plane'.

Our Den was in charge of presenting the colors. Excellent job!

And then we did a whole lot of this...waiting, waiting, and more waiting. There are a lot of scouts to go thru before it was our turn.

Each scout is given 8 minutes to fold and prefect his flier. There manes must be on them. They have a option to use a paperclip. No parents fingers are to touch the paper at any time from this point on.

Getting the the right point.

Seriously thinking about changing the design half way thru the eight minutes.

First dry run

I think he is happy with his design.

This is one sweet, sweet boy!

This one, well let's just say that he is a piece of work!

checking out the competition

You may think that Waytt is showing you the peace sign...nope...that is the universal scout sign for please be quiet and listen I have something important you need to know.

Well, our first throw didn't go as far as we had hopes...how do we fix that?

concentration...and it paid off...went straight thru the hoop...on to round two

I needed to be just a little quicker on the picture taking button...missed the shot but you can tell by the smile that he also made it to round two.

Round Three...we almost made it...Wyatt just missed by the outside right edge and Michael hit the post about two inches short. A few of our boys came home with trophies, which is great. We did our best and had a great time. Already talking about next years plan of attack.

Hey Dawn....Wyatt's patches are in his right breast pocket of his uniform.

Fun Friday #17...Snow, Everywhere Snow

2012-01-20T22:51:00.002-05:00

As you can see there will be three new bodies for Fun Friday today. Emmy called almost as soon as she got to work and wanted to know what we were going to do. So she loaded up the van and brought Ernie, Saffi and Fiona. More the merrier!

/
They all were amazed at what came out of the can.

Some not so sure what to do with it.

amazed

daring to touch it

deciding that it is pretty cool stuff this shaving cream that comes out blue and then turns white

Then we added some glue and food coloring to it and they got to mix that all up.

And then came the Magic Soap!

Snow everywhere in the kitchen! And I really mean everywhere!

Allyson decided to make snow angels on the kitchen floor.

Doodles gave us an entire bag of playdough. Good thing because I was running really low on cream of tater.

Wonder how these close when do when they go in the laundry? Bubbles, bubbles, everywhere I can

imagine.

Likes the playdough but LOVES the cars.

He only dropped half of the container in the floor for Seau to gobble up.

Just about lost this little one. but then he heard it was just about lunch time...

I loves those little snowman faces!

She has never had a ball of pure sugar before.

She loves them!

We are working on taking little bites...little bites Carter.

By the looks of this we better work a little harder and longer.

Doodles announces as she ran down the hall after her nap...'Wammy, this was the best Fun Friday EVER!'

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center...MLK Day Trip

2012-01-18T07:21:00.007-05:00

Found a reminder on FaceBook from 365 Cincinnati that the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is open to the public...FREE...on MLK Day.

Michael and I decided that once Cassie and her crew were on the way back home, we would drive downtown to the National Underground Freedom Center because PNC was graciously opening the doors so we could go free! That's my kind of bargain! I have always wanted to go but never made the time. I wish I hadn't waited so long. We really have been missing a true gem in downtown Cincinnati. The Center is easy to get to from our side of town and there is a parking garage that is well lit and well marked so we had no trouble at all...I know my children, it is hard to believe that we made it in one piece.

50 East Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH

The main entrance is on the river side of the building which really makes more sense to me now that I realize how much of an important part the Ohio River played in the journey to Canada/Freedom for so many.

This 13 starred flag was the first thing that caught our eye. It was hanging opposite the elevators and in front of the gift shop.

I email the Freedom Center and asked about the flag because Michael and I could not remember anything about it. This is the email that I received...

Dear Ms. Ellis,

Thank you for coming to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. The 13 star flag in our care is one of only two known examples of the Fort Independence design. It was found in an attic in Boston after the house was purchased by a Mooney family member in 1902. The sewing and construction is consistent with professional (military) flag making of the 18th century. During the early years of our nation, there was not a set design for the stars or a standard for how many points would be on each star. For this reason, researchers have found a variety of designs during that time period. The rest of the design - alternating of red and white with the blue canton (background) had the same symbolism then that we recognize today. The thirteen stripes represent the thirteen colonies that rebelled against the British monarchy. The stars represent the newly formed states. And, the blue background represents the union as a whole. The blue rectangle with stars is sometimes recognized as a "new constellation." Finally, though I have not confirmed it recently, the colors have been recognized in the following way: red - hardiness and valour, white - innocence and purity, and blue - vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

I hope that this brief description inspires you to more in-depth research of the American flag and its evolution!

Warm regards,

Dina Bailey
Director of Exhibitions and Collections
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
50 East Freedom Way
Cincinnati, OH 4520

There is so much to do and so much to see. It was hard for me to take pics, keep track of Michael, read all the info and just breath in the feeling of the center. There were guided tours but we opted to use the free App on my phone for a self guided tour. The blue shirted staff were easy to pick out and they were very helpful and knowledgeable .

The prayer above stand right outside the log cabin...The Slave Pen. This is where up to 75 slaves were held by the slave owner.

There were two floors. The woman 12-20 years old were kept on the bottom floor while the men were chained to this ring on the second floor. Up to 75 people were jammed into this slave pen.

I was most impressed with the giant wall hangings. The story behind them is more than incredible! It is called the RagGonNon created by Ohio native, Aminah Brenda Lynne Robinson from Columbus. It is the first thing you see as you top the stairs on the second floor. It took her over 35 years to find and sew the materials together. Lots of small panels joined together however she could join them. Each telling a story.

Journey 1...the left tapestry, Africa to North America. Between the two is a monster...a slave ship...this area is called the Middle Passage. She portrays people jumping into the sea because the journey was so horrible. She shows how men and women are packed tightly in the ship. There is a panel that shows human beings being sold as property once they hit land here. There are puffy floating faces. They are the slaves that are making the journey on the Underground Railroad. So much detail I want to go back and just sit with my camera and capture each panel. Then I want to learn about each one. Very moving.

Michael was our map reader and tour guide. I love that App! He enjoyed being able to lead the way. He likes history just about as much as Mark does. And he can't wait until we can come back and bring Mark with us.

This mural is so powerful just to look at and then when you hear what it depicts...it is even more moving. The story is so special. Artist Tom Fielding was commissioned by the Freedom Center to show us the two phases of slave trade. Just after he agreed, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. This was his final project. Knowing he might not be able to finish the project he asked a friend, Tyrone Geeter, to finish the mural. The journey begins in Africa. On the left there is a slave ship....African slave trade. Over ten million were forced into slavery. The right side depicts the internal slave trade...slave auctions...a baby being torn from her mother's arms. An new life, a life of slavery. The backbreaking work in the field done by men and women.

Everywhere you looked there was history, stories to be read and lots of information to be learned. We couldn't get enough of it. I was thrilled to realize that Michael knew some of the stories and could recognize some of the faces.

I think this had to be one of the strangest stories that we heard that day...Henry "Box" Brown. How far would you go for freedom? He was a slave in VA. His family was taken away and he was all alone. He got fed up with being a slave and decided to put his 6'5" tall, 200 pound body in a box and had a friend mail him to an antislavery group in Philadelphia...27 hours in a box....but at the end of his journey he was a free man.

"President" of the Underground railroad, Levi Coffin. A business man who transported salves in a false bottom of his wagon. A devout Quaker gave 2,000 people rides in his wagon...rides to freedom.

The Eternal Freedom Flame..a flame that stands for the fire burning in every human heart...the desire for perfect freedom.

The Eternal Flame was the only display that we were able to see on the third floor because we simply ran out of time. We plan to go back soon so we can learn more about the cost of freedom.

Old Friends Come For A Visit

2012-01-14T23:02:00.000-05:00

It is pretty nice that you have friends that no mater where you want to go on your birthday they will come, even if the have no idea what they are getting themselves into. Leigh Ann and Emmy love a group called Civil Wars. Emmy introduced Cassie to them. Kim and Laura (Lana) have no clue.

So they loaded up and drove to Cincinnati this morning. We got to visit for awhile around the kitchen table and we even made individual homemade pizzas for dinner before they left for the concert.

Happy Birthday Aunt Leigh Ann

Fun Friday #16...Castle Skateland

2012-01-14T22:35:00.000-05:00

Before you shake your head and roll your eyes and think she must be nuts, taking those little ones skating. Not to worry...Fun Friday in Wammyland never happened this week. It a long story and some of you already know it if your read the blog regularly...I just can't go back there. So after the little ones were snug in their car seats with their mommies... we, (Cassie, Ellis, Alaire, Michael and I) headed to LaRosa's for dinner and then on to Castle Skateland. Michael loves to skate...this was his third time...Ellis and Alaire's first.

One happy camper!

980 Loveland-Madeira Road, Loveland, OH

They were looking pretty good here. Cassie only had to walk around a few times with them until they were off skating like they had done it forever.

Everybody had a trick or two.

Some of them ended up like this.

Michael giving Ellis a little instruction.

But it was a thumbs up night!

He worked up a little sweat for sure!

Looks like it might be just about time to hit the snowy roads and head home for bed.

We loved watching all 'the professional' skaters in the middle of the floor. They were amazing!

A really tired thumbs up!

Free Wool Socks

2012-01-13T11:08:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite stores on Main Street in Old Milford, RRT AKA Rivers, Roads and Trails is having a sock exchange. Oh my! I have been washing and pairing socks for about a week. Our sock drawer was more than over flowing and now I can close it without squishing it down and mashing my fingers in the drawer in the process.

The Merino Sock monkey riding the goat. We have seen this goat on the river on a paddle board during Paddlefest. He sorta just shows up at things. We are always looking for him. Wonder if he has a name? I'll have to check and see. I love RRT because they are always so friendly nice and they don't seems to mind that I always show up with a ton of kids and my camera. They actually encouraged me to take pictures tonight, as long as I promised to share.

Back to the socks. I took a bag for over 40 socks which means over $40 in wool socks. see that bin at the bottom with the pretty pinkish purple sock...those are mine.

Those are my new orange and grey socks! And let me just tell you how much I love them! I LOVE LOVE LOVE! I am sold on wool socks for sure. I am sure that you are wondering just like I am, as to what they are planning to do with all the socks. I have heard several things....sock puppets, a flash sock puppet mob in downtown Old Milford. I actually think they are going to donate them to a well deserving organization. I used just over $21 for my new cool looking, awesome, wool socks and donated the rest.

There are still a few days left in The Big SOCK Exchange and I think I might just have to go back to the sock drawer to see how many more I can find. The socks you donate don't even have to match...there just has to be two of them. That will help all of our orphans go to a good home.

I may not ever take them off!

FYI... ''These are Merino wool ski light over the calf socks. Optimum body temperature of 98.6 degrees is maintained in hot or cold with our superior merino wool. It is soft, itch-free, odor-free, organic, and biodegradable. And our compact spinning process makes 6point socks extremely durable. We guarantee it.''

I'm reading the packaging....cushion on shin and under foot...cushioned achilles pad...reinforced heel and toe...reinforced shin...mesh ventilation panels...achilles brace...deep heel pocket...arch brace...smooth hand-stitched toe seam.

The guarantee...If for any reason you are dissatisfied with our products we will be happy to offer an exchange or a full refund of the product cost.

LET IT SNOW AND LET"S GO HIKING!!!

THANKS RRT!!!

Even At Wammy's

2012-01-12T15:30:00.000-05:00

Even at Wammy's Ellis and Alaire have school work. Michael got to work with Ellis on his reading. Ellis did a great job but I think Michael needs a little dose of patience.

Ellis had to move upstairs to the desk because all of a sudden we had 10 kids and three loud dogs in the kitchen. Not a good spot to try to think.

Finally finished.

Now this is more like it.

The Day Of The Great Bleach Dabacle...X2

2012-01-10T19:19:00.002-05:00

....and the day my phone was AWOL for almost an entire day...at least to me it seemed like an entire day. I can say that it feels worse then when the Internet goes down. Just in case I might need a quick trip to the ER, I checked to see what neighbors are home!

This is how it all went down....Morning going great. Michael, Skyler and Lynlee off to the bus stop, all with smiles. Mark headed off to a day in the mines...you know like the Seven Dwarfs...hi ho, hi ho. Yahoos eat a great breakfast and everyone was cooperative and ready to play. Allyson asks what craft we are going to do today. (I told you they were craft crazy) We get busy water coloring snowmen and glittering snow angels. They finish and get up to play...the girls with the babies in the kitchen and Carter at the sensory table with the Duplos...I text Sarah and put my phone in the middle of the table that needs to be cleaned up...all seemed busy so I decide to make a mad dash to the 'necessary room'. Head straight back to the basement and when I hit the last step I can smell it...it almost knocks me down...the smell of bleach. I almost break my neck on cars and Legos that are scattered across the floor trying to get to the laundry room. When I round the corner, Doodles see me and freezes for a second and then throws down a what used to be red towel. She starts talking as fast as she can...'Wammy I clean it up. I get a towel.' And at the same time Allyson is saying, 'I didn't do it, she did. She did it Wammy.' By this time Carter is in the doorway checking it all out. I tell everyone to freeze. Then I notice their clothes. Oh My Gosh! Allyson has a nice little bleach hand print on her right thigh and then lets just say they Doodle's black leggings now have very nice bleached out knee patches. We all head for the bathroom, girls naked and giggling while Carter is upset because he has all of his clothes on. They are having a party in the shower and Carter is beside himself. Let's not forget about the dogs...they decided that they really have to go outside...like right now...they are barking. Sorry about your luck pups. I am praying they will hold it.

Okay, all is right with the world, so I think. We all head back downstairs so we can clean up the table and hang up the new artwork. Everyone is helping and then I notice no phone. HMMM? I know it was on the middle of the table when I left. So I start the great inquisition. All thru lunch we talk about how things get misplaced and where we might go to look for said things...nothin'.

Before the Big search starts I think I needed to have at least one piece of candy bar pie to give me that like sugar high so I could search really fast.

I put out an SOS on FB for anyone reading my status to please call so we can locate the missing phone.

Once they were all snuggled under the covers and fast asleep I go on a frantic search for my phone. I backtrack everywhere we have been the entire morning. Then the search begins...family room...under the couch, in the cushions, on the bookshelf, in the copper pot, in between the quilts in the apple butter kettle, in and around Pappy's chair, maybe in the dog kennels, stuck in the toilet, hiding in the TV cabinet...nothing. On to the hallway, the hall closet, every nook and crannie in the kitchen, again nothing. Heading for the Kid Cave one more time.

I really didn't realize how many places there are to stash things down there. I am searching under things, behind things, on top of things, and definitely in things. Nothing. Head to the last room to look...the laundry room. I search the laundry shoot tub, behind the Amish clothes drying rack, in all of Emmy's 900 pieces of clean clothes, in and around Betsy's quilts bags, in the Christmas decorations, in all the quilt fabric boxes and cubbies, on the cutting table, around the sewing machines, in the dryer, in the washer, behind them too, in between the small sewing machines, under the cedar chest and in the trash cans. I have exhausted everywhere I can possibly look. I am standing defeated and then I see something. We had just folded laundry and had put in the basket ready to come upstairs, nice and neat. This baskets looked like someone had danced in it. So I start digging and right between my Marshall hoodie and Michael's black sweats lays my phone...ringer turned off.

At least that turned out well. I can't say the same for the clothes and towels.

nice little keepsake hand print

our favorite loungers, as Papaw calls them

new towels aren't so new anymore...we were needing to replace the ratty old rags anyway

Michael's shirt was getting a little small

The good in all of this....no one got hurt by a drop of bleach. But I can tell you Fun Friday is going to go over like a lead balloon because Ellis, Alaire, Cassie and Carter are going to be the only ones enjoying it. The rest of us will just have to sit and watch. Me included because I didn't get the lid back on the bleach tight enough.

All I can say it that we were extremely lucky!

This Is Going To Be Great!!!

2012-01-10T13:01:00.001-05:00

I have been doing laundry digging thru sock drawers, dirty laundry, the orphan sock box to find all the pairs I can. I will be going to RRT one day this week to exchange my old white ugly cotton socks for some really cool wool ones. Emmy got me a pair for Christmas and they are awesome! They should have never said that there was no limit. Look out RRT here I come with my grocery bag full of socks.

Craftmania

2012-01-09T17:42:00.000-05:00

The yahoos are into crafts big time! So now just about everyday I have something for us to do. And they love it that they are being displayed on the wall. Every time we put something up they want me to get the camera and take a picture. So this is what we have so far. And you can see they are budding artists.

We haven't ventured into scissor world just yet. Glue sticks are out main focus right now.

Each time we make something I let them chooses the color of paper they want to use as the background and then colors for all the little details.

If you know me at all you will know that I am not a big fan of modeled art...you know everything has to be just right and everything has to look the same...Eventually when I feel comfortable that no one will cut their hair or write all over the walls or paint the dog, they will have free rein.

They are so happy and so proud!

Since we all are able recognize each others. names it is now time to learn to print them.

So proud and wanting her picture taken.

Carter thinks he is as big as the girls. He follows their lead. what ever they do his is right there at the end of the line waiting for his turn. And loving every minute of it!

It's Snowin' Up In Here

2012-01-08T09:16:00.001-05:00

It is the middle of January and we haven't really seen any significant snowfall. Our Snow Dance must be the dance of last season We need some snow! So manmade snowflakes is the way to go around here...we aren't a Ski Resort with a snow making machine. But give me some coffee filters and a good sharp pair of sissors and I can cut with the best of them!

A Walk In The Park

2012-01-07T21:39:00.000-05:00

...maybe actually it was in the Nature Preserve. The weather here has been uncommonly mild to say the least. Today was beautiful and we decided to do something we have never tried to do before...take the dogs for a walk at the Cincinnati Nature Preserve. Ella is 19, almost blind and almost totally deaf and everyone was so worried about her. Cassie even suggested that I might take a backpack or something to put her in when she collapsed. Ella is nosy and loud and tends to bark at anything that moves...we were thinking a muzzle and new choke collar for her.

We chose to take a less traveled trail and one that we have never been on...the blue butterfly trail. It is such a nice trail with only one sorta big hill. We all made it without having to call 911.

Ella was the first one to get a drink out of the pond that is sorta close to PlayScape. I tried to get a good shot of her standing on the log with her hind feet but by the time I got the camera ready she was in with all fours. She was watching the dogs that were on the boardwalk across the pond.

We figured that Seau would be thirsty also and had to almost drag her to the water. I think she just couldn't make out what was in front of her. Once she did, she drank a boatload of water.

Emmy and I saw this vine that was twisted around itself. We thought it might be a honeysuckle vine. It looks as if someone had knitted or crocheted it. Really cool looking. If we had been somewhere else and not on Preserve property about twenty feet of this stuff would have come home with me for sure.

A boy and his dogs. I don't know who had more fun, Michael or the dogs. I do know that it didn't take Seau long into the trail before she left a deposit. And I know that Ella marked the trail about 5 million times. By the end of the trip Ella calmed down and was actually walking like a normal dog with some slack in the leash. And Seau even had a little spring in her step. It was a good time. And we made it home just in time for the start of the Bengals game.

Another New Adventure

2012-01-07T21:03:00.001-05:00

I'm taking on a Saturday morning once a month to meet with some fun ladies to do a little reducing of out=r UFO's. Check out or progress on SOS.

Date Night With The Ellis Men

2012-01-06T20:00:00.000-05:00

My Dad has been talking about a dream that he has of taking a train across Canada. The Museum Center at Union Terminal is showing The Rocky Mountain Express in the OMNIMAX Theater . I thought I would go see it to see if he might enjoy it the next time he visits. I have to say...NO WAY am I taking him! He would be so sick within the first five seconds of the showing. You see we both are bothered by heights and things that move in circles. We tend to get a little, well, a lot nauseous. Don't get me wrong, it is a great show. We learned a lot and I think it would be a great trip to take on the Canadian Pacific.

Note to self...next trip to OMNIMAX...sit at the very top and to the middle.

Life at the terminal is so different at night then in the day with all the cars and people coming and going. Last night it was so calm and quiet. You could actually take the time to look at the architecture and artwork without seeming like such a geek.

The other day when we had all the kids here exploring, I never noticed this huge flag hanging above the doors. (Little Ernie this one is for you) I must have been too busy counting heads.

I am going to have to do some research on this mural that goes around the entire rotunda. It seems to be very small little ceramic tiles.

Our next trip I will use my other lens and try to get some close ups so you can marvel at the artwork. There must be millions of little tiles.

Back in the day this was an actual train station. My family once rode the train from Huntington to go to the Cincinnati Zoo. I was in elementary school. I have a picture of us sitting on the lawn in front of the building on our cute little round white suitcases.. And today when I was talking to my Dad, he told me that he has a picture of him as a very little boy in front of the Terminal also. I hope he can find it.

I would call this the projection room because these are the huge reels of file for the show. The reels are huge.

After the movie Michael treated us to a snack for the snack bar. A true gentleman. He told Mark that he thought he should buy dinner. And he did. We got to go to Noodles, one of our favorites. There we talked about the first time we ate at a Noodles in WI. Michael loves the WI cheese...because 'you know it is the state of his birth.'

Fun Friday #15...BEST EVER...Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens

2012-01-06T17:21:00.002-05:00

I love a good Fun Friday! And this was the best trip to the Zoo yet! We meet up with Emmy and her kids and finally got to meet Emmy's friend Kate and her two yahoos, M and V. Our goal was to get to the zoo in time for the Penguin Parade to the Children's Zoo. We got just a little sidetracked with these silly polar bears and only go the tail end of the Parade.

There were two polar bears out when we first found them This one was playing in the water with a yellow ball as you can see (as only Michael would say).

We passed this peacock sunning and Doodles told me not to be scared, just to walk fast.

Pappy had the day off and I am not quite sure that he wanted to spend it in 'crowd control'.

The 'daddy' monkey came straight at Allyson and she about jumped out of her skin. She didn't realize that there was glass in between us.

We decided that this little critter had a funny haircut.

This little guy and his buddies were playing in cardboard boxes just like our kids have done on many occasions. I think he needs a tissue for his nose.

This polar bear was having the best time with this yellow ball.

'You can't see me.'

Monkeys with a voice...Allyson says they are saying Happy New Year to everyone!

I didn't get too many pics of the Penguin Parade...guess I will just have to go back another day and plant myself on the ground right near the entrance to the Children's Zoo.

Looks like he is itching like Michael...hope he doesn't have hives.

We saw this white turkey and Doodles starts belting out her turkey song that her Grammy taught her! Funny!

"Wammy, take me home!'

A little playtime at the playground.

When Allyson first say this she thought it was a mushroom.

A giant spider web that Allyson wasn't too sure she wanted to play on. She kept looking over in the bushes like she was waiting for this huge spider to jump out at them.

All the kids (minus Carter...he was in the stroller) looking for the missing armadillo.

The next winter picnic we do I want there to be snow on the ground.

He made it thru his bologna and cheese sandwich before he crashed.

Our new friend, M

VERY HAPPY ZOO CAMPERS

And our new friend, V.

Not only does Pappy provide crowd control but he is pretty good with the entertainment portion of the trip. Here is is trying to jump really high but can only get off the ground a wee bit. The kids (Ernie) thought this was the funniest thing on earth.

Naughty little gorilla

I wonder who the leaf bouquet if for?

My all time favorite zoo animal!

And the last animal on our trip today. The weather was wonderful..in the 50's and sunny. I think we were one of the first ones to arrive at the zoo. And I bet I can count on both hands how many families were there to explore and learn today. Lunch went without any problems and the kids could not have been more behaved. I just love a great Fun Friday!

Back In The Groove

2012-01-03T10:24:00.001-05:00

It's the first day back and things are going great. Seriously. I thought it might be like one of the Mondays that you keep looking at the clock and the hands never seem to move. Sharing, laughing, running, jumping...going great. We even stated on our new place mats.

Love the hat!

Already lost one pony.

This face cracks me up!

Phase One of January place mat

(empty Pepsi bottles and some white paint)

First Snow of 2012

2012-01-02T09:13:00.015-05:00

Not really a lot of the white stuff but it caused havoc in the area. 41 car pile-up...Interstates closed for hours. Michael, Emmy and I did the Snow Dance last night, flushed ice cubes, pj's inside out and backwards...but no luck here just really cold temps.

Cedarmore Farm CSA 2012 Season

2012-01-01T15:20:00.000-05:00

Cedarmore Farm is gearing up for the 2012 season...don't get left behind. Check out what Local Harvest has to say about the CSA.

Seriously worth you time to read the Cedarmore Blog and the information that Local Harvest has on their website. If you are already a member of the CSA...how about writing a review?

The Last Hurrah

2011-12-30T22:17:00.001-05:00

You all will thank me later for not posting all the shots from our museum adventure today. These are just the highlights. Today was our last hurrah...tomorrow we drive Cassie and crew to the half way pit stop. We have packed tons and tons of fun things in so few days. I am going to need another few days of Christmas break to rest up and catch up. Wouldn't have it any other way.

I remember making a train ride to Cincinnati from Huntington. We have a picture of us in front of Union Terminal...we weren't happy campers either.

the kids found the replica of Union Terminal right before we met up with Emmy and her crew.

These two were in heaven and spent lots of time with the wolves.

We got to go up to the Observation Deck to check out all the trains.

old phone booths

kid power

putting in a hard days work

building the arch

We spent lots of time in the construction areas.

Thanks Auntie Emmy for a fun day. And I am thrilled that Michael got a membership for Christmas...I think the car will learn to drive itself to the Museum because we will be spending lots of time there. YEA! Ellis and Alaire are already planning their next trip and Michael wants to see the Train movie!

Cold Day At CNP PlayScape

2011-12-29T17:35:00.000-05:00

What do you do with a house full of kids that have been cooped up for days...seems like maybe years...jk...you bundle them up and take them out in nature and run them until they can't run any more!

We lucked out...lots of magnifying glasses to explore with!

And oh the things you can see when you just stop and bend down.

One of the ideas behind the philosophy of PlayScape is that the kids explore and manipulate the things they find in nature. Someone before us built bridges over the creek bed with logs that are just lying around.

Hollowed out old stumps are places where lots of things can hide and live.

red sumac

We thought that this looked like deer fur...and it felt like it too.

Ernie practicing his balancing act.

Fiona trying to decide what to do.

If you look really hard at the speck on the rock all the way back in the middle of the pic...you will see Michael. I could not figure out what he was doing...

...until I saw the arrows that he had made for us on the path. We had to follow the arrows to get to him at 'picture rock'.

We got a little side tracked when we remembered the stick and log forts in the woods.

And then there is my dream log cabin...just like the one that I have always dreamed of....a small cabin with a porch overlooking a pond (Matt's Pond). Ahhh heaven on earth!

oh no, more forts...anyone see Ellis looking thru the logs?

I think he thinks his new hat makes him look like a Ninja.

Picture Rock...we might have to find a bigger rock.

Science Experience....which is easier to balance...a long stick or a short stick? Answer...long stick.

Abner Hollow Cabin...originally located in Adams County at the shallow crossing point on the Brush Creek. Built in the early 1800. The upstairs loft was used to store the corn in the winter. Also the children could also sleep on them. The house is made of wood from oak and tulip trees. The original shingles were oak but have been replaced with cedar. The logs were put together with the steeple-notch technique.

And then we were into tree limb climbing.

And a little bit of hanging...

some with a little help.

We had to check out the inside of the Nature Center...where it was nice and warm. We even got to sit in front of the fireplace. There were snowflakes to assemble, fur to touch, animals to read about, birds to watch thru binoculars, books to read....

A little snack on the tree stump.

We give out day a Two Thumbs Up Thursday!

Christmas On The Road

2011-12-27T20:26:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T06:00:00.003-05:00

We are wishing you a Merry Christmas from three states this year...OH, KY, and WV. Enjoy the time that you are able to spend with family and friends. Eat lots of the good things that others have prepared for you but mostly remember the wonderful reason we are able to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus.

Keeping High and Dry

2011-12-21T13:35:00.000-05:00

...and maybe a little warm. It has been raining and windy and I thin Old Boom might have a touch of the sniffles. Hmm...must have caught something from all those trips to the North Pole.

Michel's stocking would be a perfect place to be for sure.

At Least He Is Sharing...Sorta

2011-12-20T10:30:00.000-05:00

I guess this is a close as Boomarang is getting to sharing...Michael's DS. OH my. My instructions when Michael left were as follows...'Mom, please, please try to get the DS away from Boomarang today while I am at school. Make sure you don't touch him!'

Consider It Done

2011-12-20T10:16:00.000-05:00

This is going around our neighborhood...Love it!

Want to get something started in your neck of the woods...feel free to use our elf!

Not A Good Sharing Elf

2011-12-19T10:26:00.000-05:00

What's up with taking my last peppermint stick! I was so looking forward to having a mocha with peppermint this morning. Michael is so upset with this 'stinkin' elf that he wants to write Santa a letter for Boomarang to deliver tonight. I think Boomarang will be getting coal in his stocking. The dogs have been better than he has this season.

Loaded Down

2011-12-19T07:45:00.000-05:00

Loaded down with teacher and bus driver gifts. And this will be one really happy little camper in a few hours when his 'holiday' begins. First on the list...construction of the gingerbread tree that is on the kitchen table.

I Just Don't Know What We Are Going To Do!

2011-12-18T16:40:00.000-05:00

This is what Michael found this morning when he went downstairs. He was beside himself! 'Mom, Mom, he TPed our tree! He TPed our tree! Emmy and I came running and we couldn't believe it wither. Michel has decided that he is going to write Santa a letter tonight to tell him about our naughty little elf. And he is so serious about it!

We are hoping that some of that angelic angel dust will float right on over to Boomarang while is it stuck down in the toilet paper tube.

Brooke and Christmas Cooking and Crafting

2011-12-18T16:29:00.001-05:00

Brooke and Emmy did a little grocery shopping before meeting us at home. They decided that the rest of our day would be spent cooking and watching movies. Fine by me...except I never made it to the movie portion of the day. Seems there were other more pressing things to attend to. But that is okay I got to eat lunch at Miami Market...

and look what Emmy found...Frostop Root beer from the Frostop in Huntington...

Can you taste the peppermint ice cream in these chip-o-wheelies? Then the chocolate chip cookies are Brooke's grandfathers secret recipe. She shared all the top secret secrets with Michael...her ready and able helper.

Then to top everything off....fudge using my grandmother's fudge recipe. I haven't had any fudge that gives me that little tickle in my throat since my grandmother passes about 32 years ago. Brooke and Emmy came pretty close. It is delicious. It is all I have eaten since they made it.

Oh and there is a brisket marinating in the fridge that will surly smell up the house tomorrow. My mouth is watering now just thinking about it.

I know I said that I would never do it, that I didn't have time...but I did it. I am now a 'pinner' OMGosh, the stuff that you can find...I will be crafting until the year 2050. I still am not quite sure what I am doing but I have found some of the coolest things. This is just one of them. I have seen these in the Rowe House Gallery in Old Milford. They want an arm and a leg. But for under $2.00 I made four of them. There is definitely a learning curve but I have it down now...I can whip them out like no other.

It Has Been A Busy One

2011-12-18T15:52:00.000-05:00

...but probably everyone is busy right about now. Mr Renee, Luke, Michael and I took time out to begin our day with Breakfast With Santa. Now that might seem a little strange to you if you know Michael. He will have nothing to do with Santa...never has...except for that one time that Ms Renee took him to get his picture taken with Santa. It is the only one that we have. When we were walking into the school Michael reminded me of just one thing...no pictures with the man in the red suit...EVER...NEVER! That was the only rule. Yes Sir!

Where's Michael? He is on there...can you find him?

We got to go thru the lunch line just like the kids do everyday. Hmmmm, two pancakes and a sausage link with some OJ or milk. FYI...we didn't get a knife because the only time they have knives is Thanksgiving.

We had to do a little last minutes Elf Shelf shopping. I love it when Michael comes home after shopping at the Elf Shelf. He actually puts some time and thought about each person and what he wants to get them. I even got to spend a little time with his art teacher.

That was fun but we had to hurry home because each of us has some place to be and had people to see.

Taking Life Easy

2011-12-17T14:00:00.000-05:00

This morning when we got up we noticed the TV was on. Funny. there is no one downstairs. So we sneak sown the stairs and what do we find....

Boom chillin' in Mark's recliner with a bag of chips and the remote. What! I also noticed that there are some cookies missing from the kitchen.

Just Hanging Around

2011-12-16T14:02:00.000-05:00

Boomarang is just hanging on for dear life today on the ceiling fan in the kitchen. He must realize that today is the first Fun Friday that not everyone can have fun. I think he really feels bad about it. He is just putting on his happy face so I don't lose it.

Fun Friday #14 Not A Happy Day In Wammyville

2011-12-16T12:59:00.001-05:00

I actually never thought this day would ever happen. Not Fun Friday but a Fun Friday without a participant. I figured the threat of not having one would do the trick. I do believe that you need to stand on your word and what you say is exactly what you mean. Pappy, not so much. He was ready to let everyone have a Fun Friday last night when he realized someone didn't get all of their stars. And I can say that it hurt me more doing everything in front of her than it bothered her. Thank heavens Carter and Allyson gave her Christmas present today!

So today we made and decorated sugar cookies and made a reindeer bag to put them in.

Chef Carter

Mega chef Allyson

red and green sprinkles....And you can see who is sitting as close to the action as she can.

I am in shock that he put on the chef stuff (and kept it on without a fuss) and then that actually put his fingers in the sprinkles.

I think Buddy of the Cake Boss better watch his back...Allyson might just be the Nest Top Boss! (In more ways than one)

We even make reindeer bags to put them in.

So now it is nap time and I am sitting in the floor of the girls room and they are just coming down from the sugar high. They haven't developed that self-control sleeping in the bunk beds. So I sit and read or write blogs while I wait for them to fall asleep. Looks like I might be here for awhile.

I can hear Carter snoring and the dogs singing us a little Christmas carol.

All Is Calm...

2011-12-15T12:52:00.000-05:00

Well, at least if you are an elf.

It has been one of those mornings! Doodles doesn't feel good. Allyson is in a mood. Carter is picking up on the other two. It is raining...sinus headaches abound. When it rains the dogs refuse to go outside and you almost have to drag them. Oh, just one of those days that seem like they last for 4 years. At least Boomarang is behaving himself today. Doin' nothing but checking out all the catalogs today. Thank heavens.

Yet Another Epic Fail For Me

2011-12-14T10:50:00.002-05:00

I need a few more kids, dogs, and elves to totally push me over the edge. I thought I was doing such a good job with the secrecy of the elves. They traveled from KY to OH, from OH to WV, from WV back to OH and finally from OH back to KY. Only thing is...somehow Boomarang ended up at Cassie's and Sneek ended up at our house. Ellis was the detective that figured it all out. He was beside himself last night on the phone. Cassie and Trevor are quick thinkers. This is what they came up with this morning...

Don't tell the kids but it really is Boomarang with a bath (the giveaway was the toothpaste and black dot that I put on the bottom of his foot so I could tell them apart...lots of good that did!) and his hands stitched back together.

Ellis wanted to know what the note said that Santa left at our house....what!?!?!?! So in between getting breakfast, unclogging the utility sink, taking the dogs out and getting the dishes done I wrote a note.

So Boomarang (wink, wink) is spending the day in bed in the living room. Hopefully he is thinking about all the shenanigans and thinking about being a better elf. He sure did have fun while Sneek and Noel were here.

S'mores With Boomarang

2011-12-13T10:52:00.000-05:00

I think Boomarang has a little bit of a sweet tooth...s'mores for breakfast...now that's my kind of elf.

Start To A Crazy Day

2011-12-12T08:38:00.001-05:00

I love Monday morning after being out of town over the weekend and coming home late with a car full of tired kids and adults. It is not a bad tired. It is a good tired because you have had so much fun and packed so many thing into the weekend to do that you are just bone tired. We were lucky, Pappy had dinner ready for us the minute we walked into the kitchen.

Before leaving Mamaw's Ellis and Michael, probably Alaire also, had a little discussion with all the elves about coming back to OH. Ellis is so worried about the entire flying back process. Michael just believes that it will happen. Sometimes Alaire could care less.

You can just imagine how excited the kids were when they saw that everyone had made it back safety.

That Boomarang! He drew hair on Pappy...antenna on Bryce, mustache on me and something on Michael.

Noel's art work was pretty cute too.

But that Sneek....I think his was the funniest. And so did everyone else!

Some Crumbs

2011-12-11T11:23:00.000-05:00

Just a few crumbs of the leftovers from our big weekend in WV...(And I didn't even get to tell you or show you anything pictures from my sisters lake house...maybe next trip)

Mamaw wanted a picture of Alaire with her with some of her Christmas decorations.

Now she is playing hide and seek with the camera...she is such a stinker. We ALWAYS have to remember if we want her to do something...just ask her to do the opposite and you will get her to do what you actually want from her..

This is what they look like when all is said and done. Zonked in the backseat on the way to Dry Ridge, KY to the drop off spot and lunch.

Everyone but Allyson snoozed on the road. Allyson instead must have asked 5,000,000,000 questions...some like...What do you call that branch? What do you call that leaf? Why are they driving past us? Which way do we go home? Are we eating lunch? Is Ellis sleeping? Is Alaire asleep? Who is snoring? Did Carter poop? Why are you wearing those sun glasses? Are we lost?..............

Beating in time before our meal comes...Alaire teaching Carter how to play her favorite games on her Mom's phone.

All good this must come to a end but we are counting down until we can all play again at Christmas.

In Mamaw's Tree

2011-12-11T06:34:00.001-05:00

Sunday morning we were on the search. Ellis was all over it. He ended up screaming that that he found Boomarang but he couldn't find Sneek and Noel. He thought they were gone for good. But after a little calming and a little more searching he found all the elves hidden in Mamaw and Papaw's Christmas tree. I think they must have been looking for all the instruments because they wanted to be in Mamaw's angel band.

Molly's Graduation

2011-12-10T20:35:00.002-05:00

Peep picked me up and we got the pick of the best seats in the house...top row, only six seats in our row and close to the bathroom. Emmy took Alaire to help her do Mamaw and Papaw's Christmas shopping while the Ellis and Michael stayed back to be with Mamaw, Papaw and the dogs. (Michael went to the MedCare on Friday night...double ear infection and possible strep throat. After a few doses of his antibiotics and pain reliever he was beginning to be himself again)

There is is...Molly R Bumgardner...my #1 niece

I loved the Drum and Fife Corp

The President of Marshall University

Molly got to stand because she is one of the smart almost grads! She has been working at the Corp of Engineers and what just offered a full time position. In January she will be spending 4 months in Alabama...some type of environmental training

Looks like some serious thoughts.

It is official...she's got her big girl panties on now!

What an accomplishment!

Her proud family

a proud grandma

a very proud Peep

Molly with her big little brother, Dustin

As Emmy said.....she is ROCKIN' that dress!

The food was amazing!

Alaire, the party animal!

Ellis, the quiet one

Some one on one serious time with Peep...somehow she ended up with a dollar in her pocket.

Peep and his friend, Betty

We had to run around in the Rose Garden in Ritter Park to work off some of the sugar high before getting in the van to head back to Cincinnati.

Good old Uncle Michael was feeling somewhat better by then...he still sounded rough.

Emmy and Michael

under the arch...a very popular spot...love the pose Michael

We hardly ever leave Huntington without at spot at 31 Flavors for some chocolate peanut butter ice cream. Everyone would have given it a two thumbs up if they could have.

A Little Elf Magic

2011-12-10T07:17:00.002-05:00

We (Emmy, all the yahoos, and good old Wammy) traveled to WV late on Friday night so we could celebrate with Molly and her family...Molly graduated from Marshall. Before we left the yahoos talked to Boomarang, Sneek and Noel and made sure that they knew where we were going.

Papaw always makes sure that there are enough 'Wammy' donuts for us all for breakfast. The elves found them..we were lucky they didn't eat them all.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-10T06:00:00.004-05:00

Fun Friday #13

2011-12-09T14:31:00.000-05:00

Fun Friday with a BANG!!!! For some it is a great and for one certain little man...not so good. Almost as Michel was going out the door I reeled him back in and sent him back to pj's and bed. He really didn't argue which I thought was a little strange. Simply because all year he has been talking about having perfect attendance. This morning he told me, 'Mom, I just realized that perfect attendance really isn't such a big deal. I don't care about it any more because I realized that trophies just tarnish.' Where does he come up with this stuff!?! So he is in his room with the Hungarian snot sucker and a book which he did really read any of this morning...so you know he feels bad. After lunch he will be on the living room couch so Carter can take his nap in peace. I think I should send Mark to the library for the second book in the Lord of The Rings Trilogy.

We started Fun Friday a little early this week...Thursday we painted with our feet. Found out Carter is really ticklish.

Allyson was the most patient painter.

Marli couldn't sit still if her life depended on it. But she could sit in the laundry tub washing her feet forever...while sitting on top of the washer...something we NEVER get to do.

Ellis was the most unsure of all the 'painters'. It took him three tries before he would let me even pick up the paint brush. He was first since he is the oldest.

Alaire was the 'you can do it, it is fun' cheerleader for the group. We got them laminated and this morning they appeared magically on the kitchen table ready to use.

The actual Fun Friday day we got to paint again. This time everyone came up individually to the kitchen to paint a tile.

Alaire told me that she started out painting a gun but then changed her mind when we didn't have the right colors of paint. Sorry Annie Oakley!

Living dangerous here. Carter and Allyson have a a bag of paint clothes to change into but I thought we could do it today without them, since it was one-on-one with them. Pappy was holding down the fort.

She was so thrilled to finally get her turn. I took her pic with her shirt on right before we took it off so she could create with out worry....like she would worry about getting paint on her anywhere and everywhere for that matter.

This one did not like the fact that she had to wait her turn to paint. But once she was in the painting seat, she mellowed out and created a masterpiece.

Ellis wasn't sure what he wanted to paint so I suggested that he look at everyone else's tile to see what they had done. "Oh Wammy, they are did impressionistic paintings, that is what I want to do to". Can you tell his Dad is artistic and paints? (Not to leave out his very creative Mom)

So now it comes to lunchtime. Today is also a special day for Doodles...tomorrow when we are out of town she will be celebrating her birthday. Why not combine Fun Friday with her birthday? Pappy got us a pizza that came with chocolate chip cookies. While they were cleaning up the disaster zone once known as our basement, I was cooking and setting the table with our place mats and Dora napkins.

We sang happy birthday. She blew out the candles. And speaking of candles. Does anyone else put an extra candle on the cake/cookies for one to grow on? Mark said that was the craziest thing he has ever heard of. I do it all the time.

Last night Alaire and I had 'Girls Time Out (she thought we were in trouble since time-out was in the sentence) while the scouts having Boys Time Out, we went birthday shopping and Alaire looked at every single girl thing in Target. We ended up with a bag full of goodies! I think Doodles loved each and every one of them...after snack we are finger nail polishing with all of the princess nail polish we got. OH MY! Her Mom is going to kill us!

We had a great day. Every one's sleeping or resting and all is quiet on the home front. Oh wait..I just heard the toilet lid crash. Wonder who is up?

Ellis and Alaire's 'Anniversary' Visit

2011-12-09T10:19:00.000-05:00

One day this week...they are all running together...the yahoos and I took a road trip to KY to pick up Ellis and Alaire. Cassie and Trevor's anniversary is this week ad she is going to surprise him with a few days with no kids so they can get a few things done. And the kids can go to WV with us the see the dam for Molly's graduation from Marshall (Yea Furball!) So what is on tap for breakfast on day one...Wammy Donuts, or course!

I think she might have just a little ketchup on her chin from dinner...I hate when that happens.

There is no denying that this is Cassie's daughter. When I look at this pic I see Cassie staring back at me. Stay tuned for all the exciting things that are going to happen...hopefully not too many unplanned things.

My Kind of Breakfast!

2011-12-09T10:09:00.000-05:00

Crack me up! Hot chocolate with straws in Michael's Polar Express cup and a side of Monkey Bread. What a great way to start Fun Friday!

Oh Brother!

2011-12-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

Seems there are a few more elves visiting...Ellis and Alaire came for a little visit and Cassie made sure that Sneak and Noel knew where they were going to be. Now we have three mischievous elves to deal with. Sleigh or I mean show riding under the tree while dodging snowballs from above.

We had just a little bit of snow this morning while we were driving to our pick up- drop off spot. I guess that Boomarang wanted just a little more. Snow angels in the living room under the tree.

Don't let Noel's cuteness fool you for one second...she is the ring leader of these three. She is bombarding the boys with snowball all night it looks like. I just wonder what we have to look forward to over the next few days!

Heaven help us!

What A Stinker

2011-12-07T08:29:00.000-05:00

I think the tides have changed. This can't be our sweet Boomarang. Last year he was so good...just watching from afar. I think Boomarang's evil twin has come in his place. This is where Michael and Doodles found him today! And look at those eyes hiding behind the toilet paper.

Oh No!

2011-12-06T18:38:00.000-05:00

I'm blaming it on Boomarang!

I Told You So

2011-12-06T08:46:00.000-05:00

I took this pic with my phone because I was so surprised at the antics of this little guy. I think Boomarang must have had a little too much sugar with birthday cupcakes and ice cream. He must have been feeling the effects so he decided to brush his teeth in the middle of the night. I expected some type of reaction from the little master but nothing. When I said that I had not seen Boomarang yet this morning all he said was 'he's in the bathroom'. Another epic fail.

They Love It

2011-12-05T21:58:00.000-05:00

Carter loves the tree. I think it might be a blessing that we are a 'gated community" now that Seau lives here.

Allyson loves it too. She likes to pose in front of it mostly. (Check out that busted lip...thanks to her brother). She likes for me to tell the story of Michael's star.

Letters To Santa

2011-12-05T21:35:00.036-05:00

We had time this morning to finish up our letters to Santa and have them in the mailbox before the letter carrier came by. I'd say they are pretty priceless.

Carter watched Allyson talk about what he wanted to write in her letter and he was ready and waiting on the chair for me to help him with his. Good thing Allyson can understand him.

Allyson could have gone on for days but I had to cut her off once we filled the page.

I know from experience that you never do something like this where anyone else can hear what is said all the letter begin to sound the same. We waited for Doodles to come back today to write hers. So very original! I love it..she cracks me up on a daily basis!

We had to wait to run down to the mailbox in between the raindrops. Doodles even said that it was a little 'soggy'...meaning foggy.

Everyone was patient and waited their turn.

Even Carter was into it big time. And he can say Santa and does he ever get excited!

Our first year back in OH we made sure that Santa knew where Michael was. We sent a letter just like this to the North Pole with no stamp and a few days later he got a letter back from Santa. I am keeping my fingers crossed that will happen for the yahoos this year.

This morning I found this on the table. I had to peek!

Any Time Now

2011-12-05T21:33:00.000-05:00

I just know it is about time for Boomarang to bust out of all this niceness and do something that is totally unexpected. Tonight could be the night! He has been to calm and too good since he came back this year. I hope his elf dust makes it thru all this rain we are being pelted with. I heard today that for every inch of rain you actually could get 10 inches of snow. Oh, that would be a boat load of snow!

Finally...The Real Thing

2011-12-04T21:10:00.002-05:00

Oh how this party almost didn't happen. But it did and the kids and adults had a blast!!!

Michael's Best Buds...Wyatt, Luke, and Skyler

Lynlee, Sarah, Emmy and Brooke

A little help here please

Michael and Wyatt working the carpeted path around the rink. this is where it all begins!

The two daredevils!

One happy skating girl.

She's still smiling.

the skating part of the party got two thumbs up from everyone!

The cake unveiling. The boys all tried to sneak a peek before it was time to cut the cake.

Ms Renee knows this boy too well. He loves his spaghetti and meatballs more than just about anything! Priceless and he loved it!

After opening the gifts the floor and table tops became Lego Work Centers.

You will again need to mute the blog music so you can her all the great singing going on in the video.

For some light entertainment the boys and Lynlee singing some Mindcraft song...they are all obsessed with Mindcraft at the moment. Michael and Wyatt plan to do this song for the talent show at school in the spring.

Could Be Trouble Brewing

2011-12-04T19:03:00.002-05:00

By the look in Boomarang's eyes I had better sleep with one I open tonight. Looks like trouble is brewing! He spent two days sitting on top of the pie safe in the onion bowl. Guess he didn't have enough magic dust to make it back and forth this week.

Downtown Adventure

2011-12-03T19:55:00.001-05:00

Another fun family and friends adventure! Downtown Cincinnati after dark with tons of people waiting for Santa to rappel down the side of Macy's.

fireworks were included

the buildings were lit up

pretty good wind blowing

The fountain looked beautiful!

The carriages were all spiffed up! That is just one other thing on my bucket list...ride a carriage thru downtown Cincinnati.

Can you see them?

Look at Rudolph sitting on the edge of the building!

Here they come. And look who is walking down the side of the building? They even pushed away and did a few tricks. It was amazing!

That's gotta hurt!

And to add to the excitement...ice skating on Fountain Square! First time for Michael and it has been a long time for Emmy.

I'm telling you right now there is NOTHING that Luke can not do! And he does it going 100 MPH.

I think this means that they want to go back again real soon.

Then dinner at one of our favorites...Noodles and Company.

On the way home we had to stop so the boys could get a couple of shots at the gingerbread house.

Just hanging under the tree with my best buddy!

Christmas Tree 2011

2011-12-03T19:13:00.005-05:00

Mark brought home the tree from Lowe's. I know that doesn't sound like too much fun. And I agree but it is like moving mountains to get everyone home all at one time...can you imagine coordinating Christmas Pick-Out. So Michael and I drug all the big plastic bins up the stairs and started decorating the house and the tree.

For some time now it has been Michael's job to put the star on top of the tree. Our beautiful golden star that he picked out when he was three. (Wonder if I am going to have to clean or paint over the big mark we made on the ceiling with the point of the tree?)

He takes his job very seriously. As you can tell by the concentration on his face. i don;t know if it was because he was standing on the ladder or if it was actually placing the star. It really doesn't matter...we got the job done.

She's a lot thinner that tree in the past but i think I like it that way. New spot this year and there is no train under the tree this year. Yea, and I am not to happy about that. Seems that the tracks have disappeared out of the box that they were properly packed in last Christmas. No one seems to have any idea where they could be.

And the house smell like a pine forest...I just love a good outdoors smelling Christmas house.

Fun Friday #12

2011-12-02T18:43:00.020-05:00

Oh, it is that time of year when I pull out all the fun preschool stuff and we have a ball. This year it is lots more fun because the girls can actually do things like cut with scissors and glue. Carter on the other hand...not so much. But he thinks he is a big as the girls and he gives it a good try. He doesn't look like it here but he did love his antlers and his red nose!

Oh then we got to sleep int he warm basement in the tent...actually it is a sun shade we used at the beach when the boys went on vacation with us. They thought they had dies and gone to heaven!

And they actually slept!!!

Allyson brought popcorn for snack after naps.

Don't remember why she had such a sour puss! It night have something to do with me always having the camera in her face.

Carter doesn't seem to mind the camera.

Popcorn and juice in the tent...Super Fun Friday. I tried really hard to have them give you a two thumbs up but it never happened all at the same time.

Checking Things Out

2011-12-02T18:24:00.000-05:00

Boomarang is being sorts slick these days. Just hanging around keeping track of everyone and everything for his reports back to the big guy in red and white at the North Pole.

But I have a gut feeling that is about to change!

The Partying Begins

2011-12-01T18:16:00.000-05:00

If you anything about this crazy family...you know that we love to celebrate birthdays. Usually the partying last about a week. We started the fun with Michael's favorite breakfast and finished the day with his favorite dinner at Casadores.

Best birthday smile to date!

Home for cupcakes that Allyson, Doodles and Carter picked out!

The Epic Fail Mom smile.

Mark and I got to sneak away with the yahoos one morning to WalMart to do a little birthday

shopping. I thought we had done so well. Ninjaga DS game, check...Pirates of the Caribbean movie, check. Only to find out when Michael opened his gifts...he already has both. He just looked at me and said 'epic fail Mom, epic fail.'

Boomarang Is Back

2011-12-01T16:23:00.000-05:00

Our Elf on The Shelf made an appearance really early this morning. He was checking things out from high on top of the lamp in the living room. Michael was the first to spot him. The first clue was the book was out. Allyson was the next to spot him. And she let out a squeal like no other. Her grandma has one and they named him 'Pointie'. Love it! Twenty four more days of hiding places.....

Double Digits

2011-12-01T07:02:00.002-05:00

Today Michael hits double digits 'for the first time for the rest of his life'.

Happy Birthday Little Buddy!

A little gift from the girls after a hard morning of play.....

And this is how he looked all day at school

He has the most awesome teachers! Ms Powers sent me a pic of him in his crown because I was positive that he would not go anywhere near a crown much less be happy about wearing it. The boy must be growing up!

Thumbs Up Thursday

2011-11-30T18:30:00.001-05:00

This blog is two fold...I want to tell you about something exciting that Emmy and I have been hoping for and the other is something that Trevor does with his youth group.

(I have more chins than in Chinese phone book)

Last weekend was Hometown Holidays in Old Milford. All the little shops are open. Everything is decorated for Christmas. Christmas music travels up and down Main Street. There are carriage rides. Santa makes a appearance. There are roasted almonds on the corner for sale. A real fun time with an old school flavor. I love it! We try to go every year. We have several favorite shops in Old Milford...one being RRT.. Roads, Rivers and Trails. Emmy read on FB that they were holding a fund raiser for Children's Hospital...buy raffle tickets for a chance to win something they had displayed in the storefront. We were all over it...crossing our fingers that we would win something, anything. The raffle was over on Sunday evening. We checked Monday morning on FB to see if the winners were listed. Nothing. Then we checked again in the afternoon. Nothing. Evening. Again nothing. We had given up hope. Then out

of the blue tonight I get a call from a number I don't recognize. I usually don't answer those kinds of numbers. But for some reason I did. I WON!!!!! The young man (they are all young there) said I could tell him what I wanted over the phone or I could come down to claim my prize. I very enthusiastically!! told him how excited I was. I think he could already tell that. I told him that Emmy and I had been texting back and forth for several days wondering if we were going to be one of the lucky ones. We had lost hope. Then he says that he thought that there was another winner with the last name Ellis. Emmy's name was chosen after mine!!!! It was all I could do not to call her and tell her. I had my phone in hand and finger on the answer thingy waiting for her to call. And she did. We decided to go down right after the yahoos got picked up. FUN!!! Emmy woke Saffi, Ernie and Fiona up from their naps (it was time for them to get up) and we all meet on the sidewalk in front of the store. Saffi had on her ladybug antenna, Ernie had on his headlamp. While Fiona was sporting some purple sparkle shoes. We all were looking sweet.

I was hoping there would be a sleeping bag left. No luck there but I did just happen to run my hand over a really cool eno singlenest hammock. I have been talking about getting a hammock for sometime. Now I have one. Yea me! Can't tell you what Emmy got because she had decided on one thing and then while we were standing there talking a winner before her wanted to bring his prize back and trade it in for something else...what Emmy chose. So they just switched. So now we are dreaming for better weather so we can go out into the wilderness and use our new stuff.

The second part of this blog...Trevor's Thumbs Up Thursday. Every Thursday Trevor asks the kids (and/or others) to stop for a second and take a picture of what they are doing with a thumbs up sign and post it on the groups FB page. So we gave Michael the camera and asked him to take a shot of us in front of RRT...I think he did a pretty awesome job.

FYI...I was just reading the back of one of the tags that is hanging of the hammock...it was made in Asheville, NC. My dream spot to retire and live in a log cabin. I think it is meant to be!

Lazy, Rainy Day

2011-11-29T11:13:00.001-05:00

Not too much going on...it is raining outside, Carter is still a little under the weather and the girls are so glad to see each other again after Thanksgiving vacation. So today it will be a lazy day around here. The dogs are even extra quiet today.

Maybe a little Lego building....

a little break from cooking in the kitchen and hide-n-seek...

and maybe just a little nap sitting up in the chair while watching Dora.

You Are Never Too Old To Learn

2011-11-29T10:42:00.000-05:00

I am old but I am still learning...thanks to Emmy and her obsession with Pinterest. Here are two mind blowing facts...at least they were to me. I know some of you that know me pretty well are rolling your eyes and laughing right about now. Oh well, I can live with that.

Did you know that after you use a green onion you can put the white bulb part in water and they will continue to grow until the next time you need some. I thought sure Emmy! So I gave it a try. Monday night last week we had our big family Thanksgiving dinner. We needed some green onions. So off to Kroger we go. We used the onions almost down to the bulb. I put them in water a jar in the kitchen window and the next thing I know they have grown about four inches. I wonder how long they will continue to grow? Inquiring minds?

Last night I was making some cooked cabbage from the CSA box. Did you know that if you put a wooden spoon over your saucepan it magically keeps the pan from boiling over? This works like a charm. I am notorious for not keeping a close eye on what is cooking on the stove and I have boil overs all the time.

Help Me Help Luke Win

2011-11-29T09:58:00.000-05:00

Luke's Mom, Ms Renee, is trying to win Luke something extra special for Christmas...please go to FB and LIKE Rinaldi Orthodontics and then vote for Luke's picture! Please and thank you all in one breath. And please pass it along!

I took that shot last year when we had lots of snow and the boys were cracking up...giggling like little girls (but don't tell them I said so). It makes me smile just remembering how excited they were for their first Snow Day of the year.

Good Luck Ms Renee!

Eating Our Way Thru OH

2011-11-27T17:13:00.000-05:00

We found a new great place with lots of options that are out of this world. Check it out!

Out With the Old and In With The New

2011-11-26T22:40:00.002-05:00

Oh, and what a challenge it was for me to give the okay to bring the blogs into the 21 century and out of the old school blog era! You must first understand that I take blogging very seriously. The blogging madness all started when everyone lived in different states. The the most wonderful thing happened...we were blessed with two of the greatest grand kids on the planet. Only problem was...they were clear across the country and with every move sent farther out west. Not a good thing for this Wammy. I wanted them to be able to know their grandparents like my sister and I knew our grandparents. I wanted them to see pictures of where they would be playing, sleeping, eating...be comfortable in their surroundings when they came to visit. That sorta mushroomed into my parents and Mark's parents being able to see what their grand kids were doing. And not to mention trying to let our friends in places from here to there know what we were doing. I guess it just simply boils down to keeping in touch with those we love.

Now back to the new look...I have a friend in CA who has a daughter in NC that has her own blog design company. I had asked her once before to help me out with the old banner of the family. She was very gracious and came up with a banner that I loved. I wasn't quite techie enough to figure it out. We did a little bartering thing which was great. On Monday all the kids, grand kids and dogs were here for Thanksgiving and I thought what a great time to get a huge family picture. Then individuals to update the pictures on the blog header. Super idea...one problem...how do I go about replacing the shots. So I emailed Carrie and asked if she would take care of it for me. She was gracious enough to say yes and has been working on it on and off all for two days. We have sent countless emails tweaking the blogs new look. Then she asked if I would like work done on the others also. It took a few minutes and some deep breathing to say yes. The long and short of it....I love the new look (it might take a while to get used to the new colors and design). I decided to leave Cedarmore Farm CSA and Thru The Eyes of M.E. as they were originally designed because those aren't actually my blogs.

There are new buttons on the top to take you to all the blogs or they can still be located on the sidebar. The music is still at the bottom. And you still must mute it to hear the videos in the blog entries.

Let me know what you think. Visit Carrie at Sweet Faerie Designs.

Festival of Lights

2011-11-24T11:23:00.003-05:00

We always try to go to the Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens. This year we were able to go on Membership Appreciation Night! The very first night of the season. All the way there Michael was complaining that people don't respect the holidays. Thanksgiving wasn't even here yet and there were tons of Christmas lights up.

We were able to see some of the animals. I still need to learn how to take pictures on the right setting for night. I'm working thru the settings.

Emmy was elected the family photo at the zoo photographer. Who knows you might see one of these on our Christmas card this year.

I think this is my favorite shot of the night. Wish I could remember how I did it.

This one is for you Mamaw!

One happy camper...he got his annual hot chocolate and gingerbread cookie. I got some cinnamon roasted almonds.

Goodbye until we come back with Ellis and Alaire!

S.T.A.R. Award and Third Place

2011-11-22T19:58:00.000-05:00

Once again I just happened to find this in his backpack.

Recognizing students taking an active role in attendance, effort, quality of work and/or attendance. I know that he has really been working hard on each and every one of these criteria. It is nice to be recognized and told that you area doing a good job from someone other than your Mom.

Then tonight I got an email from his teacher telling me that he came in third in the Fourth Grade Spelling Bee. You guessed it...he never mentioned it. I asked him what word he was eliminated on...journal. "Mom, I know how to spell it but I was spelling it too fast and got the a in front of the n". His teacher even said that he was a good sport about it and cheered on the last two until they crowned a winner.

Birthday Cake Breakfast

2011-11-22T14:42:00.002-05:00

We were having such a good time last night and things were a little crazy that we forgot two things...baked beans in the oven and Ellis's birthday cake. About the time Ellis settled in the top bunk he remembered that we had forgotten his cake. So being the god Wammy I am I promised that for breakfast the next morning we would have birthday cake You should have see the smile on his face and heard the surprised really in his voice.

So that is just what we did. It doesn't look like it here but he is thrilled to death. Alaire is beside herself. I love being the Wammy!

Ah, now I'm starting to feel the joy!

Peep trying to convince Alaire to share her candles! No Way Big Guy...not happening!

There is a story behind this cake. No one but Pappy realized that our 'Thanksgiving' dinner was also a family birthday party for Ellis...party number 4, I think. Alaire and I had to rush to Kroger to get a cake...no time to bake one. She chose this one with a dollar on it because 'Ellis could put the dollar in his bank'. I tried to explain, really I did. When the cake went into the fridge it looked like a perfectly awesome Kroger cake, When I got it out this morning it was like someone sat on it. Ellis did not seem to care one bit. He was having cake for breakfast!

Just what Doodles needs a little sugar to start the day off right.

Allyson always so nice and neat, except when he has a lap full of milk and is screaming at the top of her lungs for you to get it off.

Gone in three bites.

Making it last as long as he could and lovin' every minute of it.

If you read one of the earlier posts you will know that Cassie is now the proud owner of a 'Goodwill' piano. Well, sorta. It is in my living room! As long as the weather is yucky and Pappy is working there is really no way to get it to Lexington. So I guess we will just have to enjoy it for her until the weather breaks. I'm excited but no one in the family plays. I did teach myself how to play Hot Cross Buns by watching a YouTube video. Then I taught Ellis and this morning he taught Alaire.

Our First Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T00:46:00.000-05:00

Well, it is a long story and I will shorten it by saying tonight we had a 'Thanksgiving dinner because all of us were able to be in one place at the same time. By all of us I mean 12 people and 6 dogs. Oh my goodness it could have been a reality show. Then we added Luke, who just happened to be here when dinner was ready. Then Ms Renee came over to take our family pictures but ended up leaving because Jon Padial AKA Porky, his wife and two yahoos came to share hot chocolate out of my Polar Express mug. To say that it was loud and crazy would be an understatement. I think the grand total is now 16 and 6. Holy Cow! And somehow it also got turned into yet another 'family' birthday party for Ellis. I think Ms Renee had to go home and taken some medication to calm her nerves. Sorry Mr Renee.

Jonathan ended up being out photographer. Plan A was to have the family and dogs gather at the Promont House in Old Milford for the 'photo shoot'. The weather did not cooperate at all. And it got dark before we finished dinner. Plan B...move some furniture in the living room and do the best that we an. Jon took about 150 shots and these are the best. Some of us are not too photogenic, Some of us hate having our pictures taken. Some of us have slits for eyes when we try to smile. Some of us were tired. Some of us just wanted to get it over with. Jon thank you for putting up with all of us.

We are now discussing how to make the dining room bigger...take out the wall between the kitchen and living room or just add one more space out to the back side of the house. We only had to put two of the four leaves in the table. I used an old quilt top I found the other day for a table cloth. We used the china that we collected for a garden party last year, and we drank for canning jars.

Here we all are, one big happy smiling family...that lasted for about 5 minutes.

And here we are the beginnings of the Ellis Family.

Now with the son-in law, Trevor Oakes and daughter-in-law, Tini (April Martini)

And we surly can not forget the two best grand kids on the planet, Ellis and Alaire.

Peep and his traveling companion, Stitch.

Our Ella Bella

The Oakes and their new dog, Maddie

Bryce and Tini with their crew, Tobi, Parker and Seau

Sarah with her little buddy, Charlie.

Family photos brought to you by Jonathan Padial affectionately known and Porky.

Thanksgiving Fun Shots and Bloopers

2011-11-22T00:45:00.001-05:00

I made some acorn squash from the CSA box. It is a real easy recipe and it tastes pretty good too.

Acorn Squash With Granny Smith Apples

3 acorn squash, halved and seeded

2 Tablespoons of stick butter

1 cup of chopped onions

3 cups of chopped Granny Smith apples

2 Tablespoons of brown sugar

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat over to 350 degrees. Add 1/2 inch of water to a baking dish. Turn squash over to rest in the water with cut side down. Bake for 40 minutes. While squash is baking melt the butter in a large skillet on medium heat. Cook onions and apples for 10 minutes until tender. Scrape into a bowl and lwt cool. Once squash is cooked stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and cheese into apple-onion mixture. Stuff acron squash with the mixture. Return to oven for 15 minutes.

Jon and Angela and the kids came back for some hot chocolate and to visit with the entire family. Looks like Stitch might have some competition.

This is a Polar Express lover. I shared my special hot chocolate cup with him.

I think he might have been a little excited...what do you think. Jon and Angela are trying hard to find him his own cup and saucer. They have found them on Ebay but they are $100. If you know of anyone that has one they might want to sell or give to a wonderful little boy, please let me know. He would be beyond thrilled.

These two look like they could be sisters from the back.

This is Charlie...Sarah's dog. Alaire was in seventh heaven!

Look what I found boys. Note to self...always know where your camera is!

Cassie's Goodwill Jackpot

2011-11-21T23:16:00.001-05:00

You just never know what will happen with you go thru the doors of Goodwill.

Cassie and Emmy went to check out Goodwill while I watched over a house full of sleeping kids yesterday. I get a phone call about half way thru nap time. Mom, I found a really nice piano! I am hoping that she will take time and give you all the details because the story is just to good not to tell.

We listened to the rain all night long. We watched the weather channel to check on the storm front that would be passing thru. So this morning they were waiting for the doors to open so they could pick up the piano in between the rain showers.

I think a short run to Lowe's for a furniture pad and some plastic wrap was the first stop. And there is Cassie acting like Vanna White...Ta Da!

She' a beauty. Built in 1954...mahogany...and in almost perfect condition. It really is amazing.

I was in charge of documentation and...

crowd control!

Once we got it in everyone got a change to play a little tune. They loved it!

Cassie took a few moments to explain how a piano works and we all got to look inside and watch the hammers strike the piano strings.

I'm thinking that it looks pretty darn good right where she is. I even watched a YouTube video and I can say that I am the first one to play Hot Crossed Buns on her.

So now I guess I am in the market for a piano that looks close to this one. The wood matched everything int he living room perfectly. Cassie are you sure that you don;t want to leave this one here and we can find you one in Lexington?