Friday, May 8, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Happy Birthday, Mama Yount!
At the mention of Proverbs 31, many women throw up defenses. I've heard comments ranging from, "Yeah, whatever," to "No one could live up to those expectations!" Although the Proverbs 31 woman is an incredible example, I'm thankful to say that I know some women who are there...they are that woman!
One of them is my Grandma Yount. Through her life, I have learned many valuable lessons that will eventually be passed down to my children. I can't even begin to describe the memories that we share. From my earliest recollections of the "huge" 3-story (plus full basement) house on Erie Avenue in Hyde Park, to the apartment on Josephine in the heart of Mt. Auburn, to the sprawling ranch on Arborcrest in Amberley Village, to her current, smaller home in Deer Park, the scenes of happiness and family warmth envelop my mind.
As a child, my favorite place was grandma's house. When I was in late childhood, grandma took me on several road trips back to the places of her childhood. We visited great aunts and uncles, distant cousins, and landmarks from the past. Grandma was always up for something fun and out of the ordinary. One time, when I was very young, she said, "Let's hop a city bus and go down to the river." This was back when "Riverfront Stadium" was a splendid sight. I had never ridden on a city bus, and thought it was so cool that my grandma, who was 51 years older than I, would hop a bus just so that I could have the experience.
Although grandma has experienced heartache (she lost the love of her life when he was just 56), she has become stronger and sweeter. Her beautiful spirit and shining example of Godliness is such a blessing to her family. She is still in the workforce, still takes road trips, still cooks up the best meals around, and still loves to be with the over 60 children, in-laws, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who make the trip to her home at least once each year. I'm thankful to be able to share her birthday, but I'm even more thankful to share in the priceless memories that we have made together.
Baking with Kaitlynn...
Always embracing her great-grandchildren (last week she became a great-great grandma!)
Not the greatest pic of either of us, but the most recent I could find.
My grandma loves hats, and she loves to have fun!
Happy Birthday, Mama!
One of them is my Grandma Yount. Through her life, I have learned many valuable lessons that will eventually be passed down to my children. I can't even begin to describe the memories that we share. From my earliest recollections of the "huge" 3-story (plus full basement) house on Erie Avenue in Hyde Park, to the apartment on Josephine in the heart of Mt. Auburn, to the sprawling ranch on Arborcrest in Amberley Village, to her current, smaller home in Deer Park, the scenes of happiness and family warmth envelop my mind.
As a child, my favorite place was grandma's house. When I was in late childhood, grandma took me on several road trips back to the places of her childhood. We visited great aunts and uncles, distant cousins, and landmarks from the past. Grandma was always up for something fun and out of the ordinary. One time, when I was very young, she said, "Let's hop a city bus and go down to the river." This was back when "Riverfront Stadium" was a splendid sight. I had never ridden on a city bus, and thought it was so cool that my grandma, who was 51 years older than I, would hop a bus just so that I could have the experience.
Although grandma has experienced heartache (she lost the love of her life when he was just 56), she has become stronger and sweeter. Her beautiful spirit and shining example of Godliness is such a blessing to her family. She is still in the workforce, still takes road trips, still cooks up the best meals around, and still loves to be with the over 60 children, in-laws, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who make the trip to her home at least once each year. I'm thankful to be able to share her birthday, but I'm even more thankful to share in the priceless memories that we have made together.
Baking with Kaitlynn...
Always embracing her great-grandchildren (last week she became a great-great grandma!)
Not the greatest pic of either of us, but the most recent I could find.
My grandma loves hats, and she loves to have fun!
Happy Birthday, Mama!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Busy, busy days are here!
Just when we think that things are slowing down, something else comes along and interrupts that plan! Spring has definitely arrived in Ohio. The budding trees are a beauty (although a beast to my allergies!), and the lush grass is as green as it can be.
Things have been pretty exciting over the last few weeks! You may remember that we brought home a kitten in the fall. We were told by the seller that it definitely was a female, but recently found that...it's a boy! You probably think we are either blind or completely ignorant, but quite honestly, we never had a reason or an opportunity to doubt it! Fortunately, his name (Sunshine) isn't gender specific!
This week we added another member to the "family". She (yes, we're sure!) is a 4-year-old Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and is working out well so far. The kids love her, and have spent lots of time walking "Teagan" in the last few days. We would like to change her name, but since she is 4, we're not sure how that would work out. Let me know if you have any suggestions!
Greg and the boys have had a few opportunities to put their carpentry skills into use during the last few weeks. My parents bought a house to rehab, and have spent a considerable amount of time this month returning it to its former beauty. Eric has been here working, as well, and we are looking forward to the rest of his family joining him next week.
The countdown has begun...16 days are remaining in the 2008-2009 schoolyear! I can't believe it! The next few weeks will consist of 2 Mother/Daughter Banquets, a yard sale, Awards Program, Graduation, 2 graduation parties, field trip, school picnic, Peeler sales day, yearbook luncheon, daycare observation, and probably a few more things of which I am not yet aware! I'll miss my Juniors and Seniors as they are away for their trip to Branson, MO next week, but I know they're gonna have a blast!
That about wraps it up for now...hope the rest of you have a great week!
Things have been pretty exciting over the last few weeks! You may remember that we brought home a kitten in the fall. We were told by the seller that it definitely was a female, but recently found that...it's a boy! You probably think we are either blind or completely ignorant, but quite honestly, we never had a reason or an opportunity to doubt it! Fortunately, his name (Sunshine) isn't gender specific!
This week we added another member to the "family". She (yes, we're sure!) is a 4-year-old Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and is working out well so far. The kids love her, and have spent lots of time walking "Teagan" in the last few days. We would like to change her name, but since she is 4, we're not sure how that would work out. Let me know if you have any suggestions!
Greg and the boys have had a few opportunities to put their carpentry skills into use during the last few weeks. My parents bought a house to rehab, and have spent a considerable amount of time this month returning it to its former beauty. Eric has been here working, as well, and we are looking forward to the rest of his family joining him next week.
The countdown has begun...16 days are remaining in the 2008-2009 schoolyear! I can't believe it! The next few weeks will consist of 2 Mother/Daughter Banquets, a yard sale, Awards Program, Graduation, 2 graduation parties, field trip, school picnic, Peeler sales day, yearbook luncheon, daycare observation, and probably a few more things of which I am not yet aware! I'll miss my Juniors and Seniors as they are away for their trip to Branson, MO next week, but I know they're gonna have a blast!
That about wraps it up for now...hope the rest of you have a great week!
One of the things I enjoy most about my life is my job. Sure there are those days that are tiring, frustrating, and just completely overwhelming, but they are usually more of a combination of stressors (kids, job, housework, outside commitments)than just related to the job. I consider Christian education one of the most important fields in today's culture.
As traditional American and Christian values slowly (these days more quickly) fade from society, it is encouraging to me to be able to enter a haven of learning that specifically and unapologetically trains students by weaving Biblical principles, moral values, and a Christ-centered worldview all through the academic curriculum. A Christian environment is very important, but even more important is the transfer of accurate information (not some politically correct revision of history and diminished absolutes) into the hearts and minds of our kids. In addition, we have the flexibility to give the students experiences that are interesting, fun, and practical.
This semester I have been guiding a Home Economics course for our high school girls. Keep in mind that Home Ec is a little different now than it probably was 25 years ago. :) Although not part of the ACE curriculum, this Home Ec course is set up in the same individualized format, which is really nice. We have lock stepped their pages so that everyone is together (not something we usually do), and then we do group activities throughout. Our most recent venture was a trip to Kitchen Aid headquarters in Greenville, OH.
Jennifer, Emily, Ashley, Kerri, and Sharree...
Our first stop was the Kitchen Aid retail store in downtown Greenville. We participated in a cooking demonstration...Texas Roadhouse Rolls and Cinnamon Butter...mmmm!
A kitchen to die for!
Mom went along to help with Alli & Kait who were too young to tour the plant (they went shopping instead!)...
Our friendly hostess and cook...she told us how cooking had become her passion. At first, she didn't realize that it was a God-given talent, but she now uses her ability in ministry, and understands that it is her passion...her calling.
Mixer # 1,000,000! Gold plated...
Every Kitchen Aid is made in Greenville, OH! They now produce 7,000 per day, as compared to...
The Original 1919 Kitchen Aid model. All attachments are still made in the same exact size, a universal fit...
We had so much fun checking out all the colors! Their textile line is unbelievable, as well as all the other tools available.
Having fun in the "basement" of the retail store. They had a small museum area, as well as an area with refurbished items for sale...
I have high hopes for Kaitlynn in the cooking dept...she loves to be in the kitchen, and does a pretty good job! When she gets in a play kitchen where everything is her size, she reminds me of my Grandma Yount, who is a very speedy, incredibly awesome cook. Kaitlynn flies around just like her! Fortunately, there isn't any flour to fly!
Getting ready to tour the plant...headsets and safety glasses! We were able to watch every single piece of a Kitchen Aid go together...even the tiny little motor! The colors are awesome. Some of the colors are only sold in Europe or other places, so we won't get to see them on American shelves.
Definitely a good day!
As traditional American and Christian values slowly (these days more quickly) fade from society, it is encouraging to me to be able to enter a haven of learning that specifically and unapologetically trains students by weaving Biblical principles, moral values, and a Christ-centered worldview all through the academic curriculum. A Christian environment is very important, but even more important is the transfer of accurate information (not some politically correct revision of history and diminished absolutes) into the hearts and minds of our kids. In addition, we have the flexibility to give the students experiences that are interesting, fun, and practical.
This semester I have been guiding a Home Economics course for our high school girls. Keep in mind that Home Ec is a little different now than it probably was 25 years ago. :) Although not part of the ACE curriculum, this Home Ec course is set up in the same individualized format, which is really nice. We have lock stepped their pages so that everyone is together (not something we usually do), and then we do group activities throughout. Our most recent venture was a trip to Kitchen Aid headquarters in Greenville, OH.
Jennifer, Emily, Ashley, Kerri, and Sharree...
Our first stop was the Kitchen Aid retail store in downtown Greenville. We participated in a cooking demonstration...Texas Roadhouse Rolls and Cinnamon Butter...mmmm!
A kitchen to die for!
Mom went along to help with Alli & Kait who were too young to tour the plant (they went shopping instead!)...
Our friendly hostess and cook...she told us how cooking had become her passion. At first, she didn't realize that it was a God-given talent, but she now uses her ability in ministry, and understands that it is her passion...her calling.
Mixer # 1,000,000! Gold plated...
Every Kitchen Aid is made in Greenville, OH! They now produce 7,000 per day, as compared to...
The Original 1919 Kitchen Aid model. All attachments are still made in the same exact size, a universal fit...
We had so much fun checking out all the colors! Their textile line is unbelievable, as well as all the other tools available.
Having fun in the "basement" of the retail store. They had a small museum area, as well as an area with refurbished items for sale...
I have high hopes for Kaitlynn in the cooking dept...she loves to be in the kitchen, and does a pretty good job! When she gets in a play kitchen where everything is her size, she reminds me of my Grandma Yount, who is a very speedy, incredibly awesome cook. Kaitlynn flies around just like her! Fortunately, there isn't any flour to fly!
Getting ready to tour the plant...headsets and safety glasses! We were able to watch every single piece of a Kitchen Aid go together...even the tiny little motor! The colors are awesome. Some of the colors are only sold in Europe or other places, so we won't get to see them on American shelves.
Definitely a good day!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
It has been such a joy to watch Kate and Alli's relationship blossom. Since Alli has become old enough to participate in Kate's activities (playing dolls, singing, etc.), they have become good little buddies!
Alli, our little hunter in training, shooting, "Bang, bang!"
Caught in the act!
Kaitlynn being a "good" example...
Oh my!
Alli, our little hunter in training, shooting, "Bang, bang!"
Caught in the act!
Kaitlynn being a "good" example...
Oh my!
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