This month was a quiet one for us.  We were able to do a lot of relaxing and ended the month with our church Easter Egg hunt and celebrating Palm Sunday.  Isabel had some good lessons this month with Sunday School on how to share when you have a lot and when you have a little.  That was interesting how she did that.  They also collected for the local food pantry as well.  She wanted to buy apples, nutter butters, and mac n cheese.  So we got some apple sauce, mac n cheese, and pudding.    We planted seeds for our garden and have to wait to see how they sprout.  I had her plant more than I thought would grow, so hopefully have a nice group.  It was a nice month getting ready for more in the following.

God Bless,

Rebecca, Tracy, Isabel, and Soda

We started the month with some down time from any scheduled event.  It was nice to relax and not have to be any place in particular.  Next week Isabel was all about Valentine’s Day.  She made cards for her teachers and wanted to make Daddy some cookies as well.  These cookies were top secret, however, by the end of week she spilled the beans.  Then when we had them baked she continued by letting Daddy smell them, but not eat them since they were for his surprise the next day.  A very funny event watching the two of them smell fresh baked cookies, but not eating them.  I made a trip to my home town to visit with my dear friend Katie, it was a nice visit although the weather was not as nice.  The winds were fierce and the ice and snow made it feel that much colder.  The temperatures got so cold Soda would not walk long outside, so I had to break out her shoes.  However, I was only able to find two of the four so I had to go out and buy some new ones at the store.  When I first bought shoes/foot covers there was only one color option black and then pick the size.  Now there is every color or style you could think of putting on your dog.  The shoes helped her walk in the cold weather so well worth the cost.  The next weekend Isabel and I went to visit Shana and the kids for a spa day.  Isabel was so excited to go and get her nails painted with Abby.  Although the weather was not nice then either.  The highways were not cleared or treated so the only way for me to keep on the road was with the sound of rumble strips and guide rails.  I have never been on the highways here and at least one strip of the road were plowed.  It was a much longer drive then I expected, but we made it fine and then by the time I came home the roads were clear.  The next day with all the snow Isabel, Tommie, and Tracy played outside for some time.  While I did some stuff inside.  Finally month ended with Tracy and Isabel going to their first father/daughter dinner and dance.  Isabel had a blast and told me all about it the next day while we went out to do some crafts and shopping.

God Bless,

Rebecca, Tracy, Isabel, and Soda

Rang in the New Year with some ice skating with Isabel and Tommie.  Then it was full on birthday celebration mode for Isabel’s 4^th birthday part on Saturday.  The next weekend Isabel and I had a girls day first we went ice skating again, lunch and some shopping.  The next weekend Isabel went and stayed with Granny and Papa.  I was going to meet up with a friend, but it ended up not happening so I canned some apples instead.  I also had a evening out with some other friends as well.  Then the following weekend we went shopping for Alex’s birthday and then to his party on Sunday.  Overall did not seem to busy, but now we will have some down time to relax since November.  Looking forward to some of that.

Isabel and I started our month with volunteer work for the toy drive at church.  Isabel had fun helping me organize and check out all the toys families would be able to give to their kids for Christmas.  She and I also spent an afternoon shopping for daddy’s Christmas gift.  She had finally decided what he needed and we were on the go to find it.  That same weekend we had our kids Christmas party for work, Isabel got to see Santa, decorate cookies, face painting, making crafts and then Build A Bear was there to make Rudolph and Clarice.  She made Clarice since they are both girls.  The following week we did our Annual Ogleby trip to have breakfast with Santa and enjoy the beautiful lights.  It was a nice weekend and Isabel even joined me in the Spa to get her nails painted.  I got together with my girls and we had a nice meal at Bone Fish Grill and a wonderful night to catch up on everyone’s adventures since our last gathering.  Next weekend was about celebrating Christmas with family and friends.  We took a meal and went north to celebrate with Grandma, Grandpa, and Great Grandma for the day and it was a nice time, and we were able to relax and enjoy the time.  Next day we got together with Shana and kids for Christmas celebration which unlike the day before was filled with fun and craziness.  Since the kids were all excited to run and play around for the day.  Then the kids had our waiter in confusion as they asked for Clarice pancakes instead of Rudolph that was currently on the menu.  So I had to explain how to make it work so everyone was happy.  Then we had a nice relaxing Christmas at home which was joyful and relaxing.  Isabel took her time opening gifts throughout the day so she could play with items as they were open.  I even got a new toy that I am excited about using once I get some fresh product again.  A pressure canner to go along with my water bathing canning I am currently doing.  This will add so much more to my pantry.  On New Year we went out for dinner and just had our normal bedtimes so we could be ready for the New Year and Isabel’s party that was coming up.

God Bless,

Rebecca, Tracy, Isabel, and Soda

As we start to roll into the giving of Thanks we also wrap up our craft show shopping.  We had a visit with the McCoy Clan which was a nice time and the kids had lots of fun.  Then Isabel and I went to a craft show together while Daddy has some down time for himself.  It was a lot of fun only disappointment was she thought craft show were where we do crafts not look at everyone else already made crafts.  Then I took her to a place we could do crafts which made up for it.  We meet up with Shana and the kids for another craft show and play time.  Then Abby’s birthday party was a hit for the kids lots of fun for us all to gather.  We ended the month with the traditional gathering of all the families for Thanksgiving.  As always our hosts were great, conversations good, and food wonderful.  Then the month ended with our traditions of our annual cookie bake.  Only down side to the month was Isabel getting walking pneumonia and me with bronchitis, but we were mending and ready to move into the season of love and joy.

God Bless,

Rebecca, Tracy, Isabel, and Soda

Started the month with a visit to the McCoy’s.  Had a nice visit as usual while we were there.  I worked and got things ready for the fall consignment sale.  It was another great sale and good working with the new owner.  We celebrated Martin’s birthday, which was a nice time and hard to believe he is growing so fast.  I was able to get some more canning completed this month so things are looking really good.  I am excited to try more things, it is a very enjoyable hobby.  Tracy had game night throughout the week with the usual suspectsJ The church had it first Trunk or Treat and it was a beautiful day and great turnout.  Isabel made it to Boo at the Zoo with Granny and Papa, then the next day we went to see the spooky plants at the Franklin Conservatory.  Ended the month with Trick or Treat and the guys dressed up to take the kids around.  We had a spooky dinner with mummy dogs, monster apples, and Frankenstein pudding.  Isabel is still enjoying her dance classes and really getting to know the other kids and I am getting to know the mothers.  Now moving on to give Thanksgiving and then Christmas.

God Bless,

Rebecca, Tracy, Isabel, and Soda

The month began with Tracy going on a business trip for the week.  Then Isabel started dance class.  She could hardly wait until the next week for class again.  It was a bit crazy the first night, but there were more classes going on than normal since Monday was Labor Day.  Each week she is as excited to go and dance and I am getting to know the other parents while we wait for the hour to pass.  It is a nice time to visit and find out about good deals and things going on in the area for kids.   I took another class it was to be dehydration, but ended up being fermentation.  Did not know about the change until I showed up, but it was  a great class and I am glad I was there.  We gathered to celebrate Kate’s birthday.  Shana and the kids came up and we did crafts.  We all made shirts for Halloween and Thanksgiving.  It was a nice day to do it outside and the kids enjoyed it and being outside made it easy to clean up.  Tracy had to travel again the third week, but only gone for three days this time.  Last part of the month we went to Chillicothe to the Hirsches Festival and had a nice time out and about then I was able to spend some nice quality time with my good friend Katie.  Isabel loved riding the wagon up the hill to the apples, making a scarecrow, hay maze and picking pumpkins.  It was a nice day and lots of people were out to enjoy the festival.  Isabel has also been really excited to see the trees changing colors and some of the cooler weather coming in for Fall.

God Bless,

Rebecca, Tracy, Isabel , and Soda

This month was busy like every other month.  Started the month out by attending the Ross County Fair.  Isabel was even offered some free animals too, which we kindly declined.  We met up with Shana and the kids at the Fair as well so they all had a blast together.  We painted the living room which makes all the main floor and upstairs finished for painting.  Nice to have the flat paint off the walls.  Spent  a little time in Chillicothe since Isabel stayed there while we painted and then had some fun again with Shana and the kids.  I also got to spend a nice evening with some old friends for dinner.  It was nice to catch up and enjoy a lovely evening.  I did several batches of canning this month, still have more to do as the apples come next month.  We signed Isabel up for dance classes which will start next month.  Spend time getting all the things she would need for that together like shoes, outfits, and paper work turned in to the school.  Isabel was sick with a stomach virus for a few days, so I stayed home with her on a Friday and by Sunday she was feeling much better.  I took a pressure canning class to see how that all works since I only have been freezing or water bathing.  It was a good class and lots of information to help out when I start to add that to my preserving.  Next thing I want to get more knowledge on will be dehydrating and hope to get a class to get that information.  Mom, Dad, Tracy, and Isabel went to the Zoo while I was taking the pressure canning class.  Tracy got a schedule to travel the first week of September for work, so he got ready for that leave as well.

God Bless,

Rebecca, Tracy, Isabel, and Soda

We started the month at the beach and watched the fireworks on the beach too.  Then headed back to Ohio, with sad kids that were having so much fun together.  The following week surprised my Mom with a trip to Chillicothe to celebrate her birthday.  While there the Canal Days was going on so got to enjoy time about town and in the park.  Met up with Shana and the kids at the farm.  Made for a nice visit and was able to pick up blueberries to put up for the year.  The next weekend McCoy’s had a cookout.  I ended up with a staph infection in my leg and had to go to the ER.  Then had a couple of follow up appointments to ensure it was on track for healing.  Tracy and I got our bedroom painted while Isabel went out with Granny and Papa.

God Bless,

Rebecca, Tracy, Isabel, and Soda

Had great news for June, Brett and the boys moved back to Ohio.  Started the month with my birthday great time with dinner.  Made a trip north to visit with Grandma, Judy, and Ross.  During which Tracy helped his father go pick up the new toy (corvette) in his collection.  Then we celebrated our 10th anniversary starting with dinner, which included Isabel and Judy.  Judy stayed with us that evening so she could go to Virgina to help bring back the boys.  My mom had eye surgery and it went well.  Mom and Dad came up to watch Isabel so Tracy and I could spend some time alone to celebrate our anniversary.  Went to dinner and a movie on Friday then on Saturday we went to Amish Country to a festival in Roscoe Village.  We had a  great meal there.  Then happened upon a very nice car show in Sugar Creek.  We all made it to see the newest exhibit at the Columbus Zoo.  It was a great time as usual.  Then ended the month on the beach of South Carolina with Mom, Dad, Laura, Jacob, and Ye Rin.

God Bless,

Rebecca, Tracy, Isabel, and Soda