The Maynard State

Another Hat for the Collection

2012-02-15T14:46:00.000-05:00

As I have stated before, this girl loves hats. This one is warm and squishy, and looks even cuter with a Victoria face under it.

Cheeseball

2012-02-12T12:39:00.000-05:00

Victoria loves to pose for the camera!

Morning with Daddy

2012-02-10T08:38:00.000-05:00

When Jason has a day off, he loves to wake the kids up. Most of the time, a book is read to them. Here is a book cuddle huddle!

Just Lookin'

2012-02-06T16:31:00.004-05:00

I thought it was cute that they were looking at this art book together.

The Last Zoo Trip

2012-02-06T16:15:00.010-05:00

We enjoyed our zoo membership in 2011. We went many times, and got to enjoy each section of the zoo in a thorough manner. We even went a couple times in the snowy season when the animals were inside. We were able to see them super close!

The otters were very energetic!

They had a fall maze of straw for the kids to explore.

He had no cage. :)

The Birthday Dance

2012-01-30T23:45:00.003-05:00

Colin was very excited to get his birthday breakfast of Chocolate Chip Pancakes.

Colin's Eight-Year-Old Pictures

2012-01-30T08:53:00.001-05:00

I can't believe my boy is eight! It just doesn't seem possible. He finally is out of his booster seat. He is in third grade. He reads books with hundreds of pages. The list goes on. Tomorrow, he will be in college (or so it seems).He is like a little man, but his little high-pitched voice reminds me is still very young in the great scheme of things.

He is still a great big brother.

Princess Victoria. She loves to twirl.

I'm thankful for my family!

Children's Choir

2012-01-18T08:52:00.000-05:00

The kids love to sing in the choir at church. They also love learning the sign language with each song. Sorry about Colin's alien glowing eyes down below! :)

The Passing of Buddy

2012-01-15T15:40:00.001-05:00

After a long time of illness, Buddy passed away. The kids are saying good-bye to him. Buddy belonged to my parents (Van Oel).

Happy Birthday, Colin!!!

2012-01-13T08:41:00.005-05:00

Happy Birthday to our sweet miracle baby! I can't believe he is eight! I suppose that means all of us are eight years older? Nah! Only Colin.

Mish-Mash

2012-01-08T15:22:00.008-05:00

These pictures are from a recent Wild Swan Theatre play about a few different fairy tales. They always do such a great job!

This girl loves her hats!

Veggies are not only good to eat, but make great pointer-finger puppets.

Uncle Sam wants you...to eat your veggies!

Our Anniversary Card

2012-01-06T08:42:00.003-05:00

Our 11th anniversary was this past October 7th. It is hard to believe we are both old enough to be married so long, but so it is. Colin made us a card. I think it is cute!

Day of the Donkey

2011-12-30T08:20:00.000-05:00

Some people rest on Sunday afternoons. They sit around sipping lemonade and talking of the latest news. That is too common for us. We must do something that no one else is doing.

We herded donkeys. My Dad's two donkeys got loose (we won't name names here), and as you see above, they decided to eat our lawn.

My Dad rang the doorbell and informed us of the issue. Donning rubber boots we quickly went out to "round them up". It took quite a long time, as the donkeys were not about to easily give up their new-found freedom (and grass). We were finally victorious.

It was a day we shall not soon forget. The donkeys made their mark in the world on that Sunday afternoon.

Miscellaneous Pictures

2011-12-27T08:46:00.000-05:00

Colin's drawing of a pirate chef. See how many culinary allusions you can find!

2011-12-24T08:56:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas!

We are so thankful that the Lord humbled Himself to come into this world and die for us. The King of Kings deserves all the glory and honor.

Sleep, Baby Sleep.

2011-12-19T11:57:00.000-05:00

We all love to sleep in the Maynard household, but only Victoria is so impromptu about it.The official place to sleep.

The result of so much sleep is messy hair.

Distress over her messy hair.

Pictures by the Pier

2011-12-16T15:30:00.000-05:00

By the Lake

2011-12-12T09:02:00.000-05:00

We took the scenic drive, and stopped by the lake. The kids had fun in the sand. The weather was so beautiful!

This was Victoria's first time near a large body of water.

I love the shadows in the picture below. Can you spot Victoria's pig tails?

The Grand Hotel.

Mackinaw Bridge.

Colin wrote his name in the sand. He really wanted me to take a picture of it.

Boyne Mountain

2011-12-08T22:52:00.000-05:00

We enjoyed a free vacation up in Boyne Mountain near Petosky. It was beautiful in both weather and view with the fall colors.

We rode the ski lift to the top and enjoyed the great view. That was the first time I have been on a ski lift. I was so terrified at first, I couldn't bring myself to pull down the lap bar. The people who passed us on their way down kept chuckling. One man said, "You probably should pull the lap bar down." I replied, "If it can be done without me letting go and reaching up, I shall."

We stopped in a tiny toy store and bought some candy (notice Victoria's necklace).

Special Finds

2011-12-01T16:40:00.006-05:00

Finding Colin a bath robe for his tall self has been quite a task. I finally decided to make one. I let Colin pick out the material.

I found this coat on clearance. Victoria loves it!

Giant Watermelons

2011-11-30T09:18:00.005-05:00

My Mom planted these watermelons in her garden this year. I don't think that she meant to get the goliath-like seeds. By the way, for comparison sake, those are Jason's dress shoes in the above picture. This thing was heavy!

Inspite of it's weird appearance, it actually tasted pretty sweet. It was a little stringy though.

Slithering Surprise

2011-11-25T11:16:00.003-05:00

On our way to the car, this little fellow greeted us on our sidewalk. Jason and Colin were petting him. The snake tried to look threatening, but it didn't work!

Surprises found on my camera...

2011-11-21T09:02:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure what to make of this.

Or this...

Or..ahem..this.Whoa.

This one reminds me of the munchkins' hair from The Wizard of Oz.

This reminds me of the terrible decade of big, frizzed-out hair. Scary.

Animal Activists, Beware!

2011-11-15T22:39:00.010-05:00

If you don't like to talk about the death of an animal, now would be a great time to go visit another blog. Better yet, go to the zoo. They specialize in living animals.

On the Maynard Estate, groundhogs are not welcome. They are breeding and digging holes near our house foundation. They cause havoc in the barns and eat my kale. They must be stopped-one by one.

My Dad loaned us a trap. We put it next to Groundhog Headquarters (the middle of the hay field). We put kale and celery in it as the bait. For weeks we sat with bated breath as the groundhogs would stand on top of the trap, mocking us. Yet, they would not enter.

We could have used a gun, but they are so loud. We could have used a bow and arrow, but Robin Hood was all booked-up. Instead, we put the trap near our house and went on vacation. It seemed the only thing left to do.

We returned home to this.

My dear little trapped victim. I hope you have enjoyed your life and accomplished all your goals. I hope you have left a groundhoggish legacy to your chubby offspring. This day is your appointed time to give account for all your deeds.

I won't go into any more details. Suffice it to say that he met a watery end and now fertilizes the woods next door.

What is the moral of the story? A watched pot never boils.

The Vacation Dance

2011-11-07T12:10:00.004-05:00

Colin was just a little excited about the fact that we were on vacation.

The Last Leg

2011-11-03T08:27:00.012-04:00

The last "leg" of our trip home was a two-day stop at Niagra Falls. We were there on a Sunday, so we attended Dr. and Mrs. Buria's church and they took us to lunch. It was a lot of fun catching up and seeing how they are involved in that ministry.

Victoria was very cute in her poncho. People were taking pictures of her.

The Maid of the Mist boat tour is always something we enjoy, though the "mist" part is quite an understatement!

The last time we went I had a bit of an issue. I am afraid of having my head under water (long story). The mist is so thick that it simulates being under water to me; I panicked and throttled the foreign gentleman who had the misfortune to be standing next to me. Fortunately, this year all the tourists had a safe boat ride.

The Hershey store! Colin was very excited to be in a store filled with that much chocolate!

Sorry for the wardrobe issues! Victoria got so wet on the boat, we didn't want her to be chilled. We bought a tee-shirt in Colin's size and it became a "dress".

King Arthur Flour and Sugarbush Farm

2011-10-30T15:30:00.013-04:00

To get from New Hampshire to New York, we stopped at two places in Vermont. The first was King Arthur Flour.

I use KAF for all my baking! They have high quality products that produce great results! It was fun to finally be able to visit their store.

The second was Sugarbush Farm. This farm has been in the family for many years. The location is beautiful.

They make their own maple syrup and cheese, both of which were out of this world!

We bought cheddar that was aged for eight years! Super-tasty!

People periodically get married in this little chapel in the woods.

The peaceful life!

On the Trail

2011-10-28T14:05:00.016-04:00

We found an open trail that had neat caves. New Hampshire charges a lot of money to walk on their dirt. Each person (not family) costs an average of $15.

We loved the look of these mushrooms! We didn't dare eat one for fear our skin would slough off. They are so pretty! I kept thinking a little Smurf would walk out from underneath it.

You could go in most of the caves. They were amazingly clean.

The trailblazers! Victoria insisted on walking. She made it the whole way on those little legs!

Our Climb (Ride) to the Top

2011-10-24T16:22:00.017-04:00

Due to Hurricane Irene, most of the trails were not open. We were able to ride a what-cha-ma-call-it to the top of a very high mountain. It was unbelievably peaceful up there. I wanted to build a cottage and stay.

They had really neat mushrooms!

It was very windy! Everyone's hair but Jason's took a beating. :)

Bears, Trains, and Wolfmen

2011-10-21T21:48:00.037-04:00

This place was in New Hampshire. It is a family-owned bear-training place. Why is the name not coming to my mind? Anyway, you should go there. It was fun!

Colin has this thing with stamps on his hands. He hates to see them get washed off. He really wanted a picture with his stamped hand.

Victoria was not feeling the bear-love.

We wanted her to have victory over her fear of life-sized stuffed animals.

They had a neat little museum filled with old weapons, toys, and what-nots.

We are back to the bears.

She is suspicious that a bear will come and sit by her on the train.The train ride was nice, but it had this weird "wolfman" chasing us and shouting that we should get off the train. Victoria still talks about that wolfman.Here he is in the flesh (and in the sneakers).They had a nice bear show.

Victoria is very much into hats of all kinds.

They had performers doing strange and crazy things. This man was amazing. I have video footage that I can post sometime.

Yes, she is in a barrel (and a tiny one, at that).

She is twirling velvet material with her feet.

Colin needed a time-out.

Colin can never be vicious with such a jolly face.

The Bank of Montreal

2011-10-14T22:33:00.015-04:00

This bank, which is still being used today, had a little bank museum inside. It was a beautiful building.

More Montreal

2011-10-08T08:54:00.019-04:00

Notre-Dame Basilica in Historic Montreal. The doctrine isn't all Biblical, but the building is beautiful.

J'adore Montreal!

Textiles shall I always love!We went through a museum house of a Canadian man that was instrumental in the railroad expansion.

Old Montreal

2011-09-21T08:09:00.016-04:00

We went on an eleven-day roadtrip. We stayed the first night in Toronto to break up the driving. Our first destination was Old Montreal. We were pretty excited about this "mini-France". It was like a slice of Parisian flair without flying to France. The quaint streets were brick and narrow, with ivy growing on the walls. The streets were filled with entertainers and the buildings were old and full of history. The shops had delicious artisian foods and delectables. You could walk everywhere!

Old churches abounded.

Old buildings abounded.

Silly little boys abounded.

This store had the best sauces! Perfection in your mouth can be bought here!

Clowns hang out on the corner for entertainment.

We loved Montreal! We'll have to go back and stay a little longer.

Neighborhood Bible Time

2011-09-17T10:40:00.000-04:00

Colin and Victoria enjoyed going to Neighborhood Bible Time. Mr. Nick did a great job! Colin memorized lots of verses, watched Pilgrim's Progress, and watched lots of creation videos. Every now and then, they still burst out singing the Bible Time song.

When creativity strikes...

2011-09-12T23:28:00.000-04:00

This is one of Colin's recent drawings. It was hard to get a bright picture, but we thought his details were of interest.

Peachy Keen

2011-09-10T12:28:00.000-04:00

We had fun picking peaches! We ate some, froze some and made peach jam. They were so delicious, and it was great for the kids to see where their food comes from!

Victoria Moments

2011-09-07T13:31:00.001-04:00

Dressed as Esther.

Reading to Ernie.

Wearing several bibs at once!

A cowgirl and her pet giraffe.

Pool Drama

2011-09-05T22:26:00.001-04:00

Independance Day

2011-08-25T07:51:00.001-04:00

This is the boucy house thingy that all the kids look forward to with great excitement.

What goes up, must come down. The laws of gravity make the bouce house what it is.

Victoria is having fun with Boppy and Grandma.

The Joshuas lent us some dress-up clothes. Colin loved being in a little costume.

H2O

2011-08-21T15:47:00.013-04:00

Because we have a child who spontaneously lies down on the floor, sings Thomas songs, and covers herself with baby bathtub parts, we suggested my parents get Victoria a pool for her birthday.

There was logical reasoning behind this. Almost every time she takes a bath, she dives under the water and floats.

She received the suggested pool as a present.

They are all bringing it over from the Van Oel's barn.

It takes three to carry such a pool. Without Victoria helping, it would have taken hours.

I myself have found that merely touching the object being dutifully carried by others, and walking with purpose, will often lead others to think you are He-Man (or She-Ra, as it may apply). If you don't know who those people are, you are too young to be my friend.

Pictures will follow that highlight the first pool-time drama. Let's just say that it is a good thing we have a lot of space between the neighbors around here.

Birthday Party

2011-08-16T10:37:00.018-04:00

My Dad making a fashion statement...

Birthday girl!

Blowing out the candles! Check out those cheeks!

This present was a little...different. :)

Victoria's Two-Year Pictures

2011-08-09T22:47:00.008-04:00

She actually smiled this time! We still can't believe she is two already.

I Love My Peonies!

2011-08-05T11:34:00.001-04:00

Name This Post!

2011-07-29T23:57:00.003-04:00

What is the title you would give to this post? Watch the video!

The Princess and the Frog

2011-07-25T19:34:00.008-04:00

One evening, this would-be prince climbed fourteen feet to the top of our living room window. It looked really neat.

I suspect he was looking for a way to get to this princess! We don't let Victoria kiss frogs, so he was out of luck.

"I am not kissing any frog, Mom!"

Reading Machine #2

2011-07-21T22:56:00.006-04:00

I'm so glad my kiddies love books (though they could hardly escape from their nerdy DNA). Victoria seemed such a big girl sitting in a chair reading, that I had to take her picture. She will often grab a stuffed animal or doll, put them in her lap and read to them.

Evening at the Park

2011-07-20T08:57:00.012-04:00

She needs to master her technique, but Victoria loved the slide.

She didn't quite feel the same about the swing.

My Meat-Eating Vegetarian

2011-07-15T12:18:00.007-04:00

My boy likes to eat his plants. He'll even eat the leaves right from the plant outside. Here he is munching on some mint!

By the way, those are my sunglasses that he grabbed before going outside. We normally don't have him wear ladies' eye-gear! :)

First-Rate Husbands

2011-07-13T15:21:00.002-04:00

Cleaning rust stains with powerful life-killing chemicals. It is not a task anyone enjoys, but I'm glad Jason will venture where few men will.

Zoo

2011-07-05T10:40:00.019-04:00

My parents had given us a gift of a zoo membership for Christmas, so we can go as many times as we like. We've even gone in February and only shared the zoo with a couple other people!

Baby zebra!

Jason's Birthday

2011-07-05T08:47:00.007-04:00

Colin wrote and illustrated a "book" for Jason's birthday (which was May 13th).

Crazy Family Moments

2011-06-27T16:18:00.008-04:00

Victoria loves the horse!

...and her daddy
...and her brother (who had just received a bubble wand)!

She loves to cackle.

When All Is Quiet...

2011-06-21T16:23:00.010-04:00

When the house is quiet and Victoria is not in the room, one should worry.

I found her "sleeping" in Colin's bed.

Later in the day, all was quiet again.

"Oh, she's probably in the bed again," I thought to myself.

No!

She climbed the ladder up to the top bunk! She was sitting there as innocent as a dove and as cunning as a serpent.

Spring Photos (Creative Title Week)

2011-06-16T09:54:00.012-04:00

Sporting her new Easter dress (thanks Grandma Van Oel), we took some photos before she turns eighteen next week. At least it seems like life goes that fast. As it is, she will be two on July 2nd!

She did not want to be disrupted from playtime for such vanities.

Deer-in-headlights.

Always on the look-out for the horses and donkeys.

Mediterranean girl.

The Perfect Bracelet

2011-06-12T22:34:00.005-04:00

Isn't it lovely? Etsy is a great place for hand-crafted items!

The Drop-In

2011-06-04T14:58:00.004-04:00

We had the pleasure of Abigail dropping in. When she got here, I'm afraid she felt a little "stuck". The kids always love to see her and they played a game together.

There was a little adventure in the visit that involved flip-flops and a chain, but I don't have time to elaborate here. Just ask her.

Anyway, we got a picture and the kids got to see someone other than myself for a change!

Future Pianist :)

2011-05-30T15:09:00.002-04:00

Labyrinth, Junior

2011-05-24T08:41:00.007-04:00

This is a super-fun game!
Victoria wanted to play, but we had to break the news to her that she was too young.

She was set on observing so that she will be ready when she's finally old enough.

Colin plays, but sometimes he still needs a little help strategizing.

The labyrinth shifts with every person's turn. The person with the most treasures wins. There is an adult version of the game, but even this "Junior" version is a challenge!

We love game night! What are your favorites?

When Did He Get So Big?

2011-05-20T08:01:00.002-04:00

I don't understand why the clock spins so quickly.

I feel like I was just teaching a little four-year-old how to read and now he is in chapter books!

Slow down, life!

A Little More Spacious Than a Crib

2011-05-18T07:44:00.005-04:00

"Ready to move out of your crib?"

"Not yet, my dear."

Hat Lady

2011-05-14T21:34:00.008-04:00

Victoria loves hats. She also loves to look out the window at my horse and two donkeys.

Sometimes she combines these activities as you see here.

Only Look If You Have a Stong Stomach

2011-05-10T17:06:00.001-04:00

Something's missing...

The Consequences of Higher Gas Prices

2011-05-04T12:16:00.004-04:00

With travel being so expensive these days, one has to invent their own form of amusement. We call our invention the Basket Blaster.

This two-seater ride is manually powered, and whips through the house at alarming speeds!

Squeals of laughter can be heard throughout the theme park. What is the best thing about it? The seat stays dry if it is a rainy day!

Future Hair Stylist?

2011-05-02T08:37:00.002-04:00

This happens to me a lot at dinnertime. Jason finishes his dinner first and while we are still at it, he decides to explore his hidden creative side.

Bunk Buddies

2011-04-30T08:10:00.002-04:00

Victoria is always trying to get on Colin's bed and read, so we put them both on the top for fun.

Peter Rabbit at the Theatre

2011-04-26T10:28:00.012-04:00

Victoria finally was able to attend a play with us! The Wild Swan Theatre performed Peter Rabbit. She watched the whole thing and seemed to enjoy it!

This was before the start of the play. She thought the stage was neat.

Meeting the cast. He did a great job as Peter.

Punk

2011-04-21T07:47:00.004-04:00

For a class at church, the teacher wanted the kids to either dress wacky or bring an invention. Colin really wanted to dress up as a wacky boy. This was the result of our effort.

Mish-Mash

2011-04-18T11:48:00.006-04:00

He can think better this way.

Fashion faux-pas.

"Surely, you jest!"

Ever reading.

My Dream

2011-04-15T08:45:00.000-04:00

Could this be my lawn in twenty years? I wish! I love, love, love these kinds of gardens. If they have an iron gate and stone wall, it makes them perfection!

Belated Christmas Baking

2011-04-12T08:11:00.009-04:00

Colin begged me for months to make Gingerbread Men, but as Christmas time drew closer, things became really busy. Finally, around the end of February, we had gingerbread time. It's okay. They still taste good in February.

Victoria patiently waited under the piano as they baked. I have decorating issues, so I let Colin have free reign. They won't be featured on Martha Stewart, but they tasted really good!

The one in the upper left was the leftover dough. We made it into an alien, but it looks more like a dog head with a splotch of icing.

Even the "Gingerbread -Is- Not-My-Favorite" guy thought they were good.

She emerged from under the piano to give her professional opinion. She loved them!

2011-04-12T08:08:00.001-04:00

My poor sick baby. What do you do when your feeling yucky? Victoria got a snack and a movie.

Bed-Head

2011-04-09T16:55:00.000-04:00

2011-04-08T10:31:00.002-04:00

2011-04-08T10:20:00.001-04:00

Piggies

2011-04-05T16:09:00.003-04:00

Victoria has patiently waited for her hair to come!

Bi-Annual Pictures

2011-04-01T13:57:00.010-04:00

These are a little late-in-coming because they were a little late-in-finding!

These are Colin's seven-year-old pictures (Victoria is 1.5).

The Last of the Snow?

2011-03-30T10:53:00.008-04:00

I hope Spring is coming soon! I thought I should post these before the grass turns green.

We always seem to get one good snowman in each winter. This time he is donning a pot-top hat, carrot nose and rocks for eyes and such. He was built near the house so that the deer did not dine on his nose.

Victoria wanted a piece of the action, but I think she was sick. Rolling, rolling, rolling...

Without adornments.

Buried treasure.

He's a happy chap!

RED

2011-03-25T07:49:00.005-04:00

This was a very large Hershey's Kiss that Colin and Victoria shared. You can see what delight chocolate brings to people.

Monster Mash

2011-03-23T12:30:00.003-04:00

Colin received a monster-making kit for Christmas. He has had a lot of fun with it. This is one of his creations!

Bellyships

2011-03-18T12:30:00.009-04:00

At the end of January, we had the College and Career folks over to indulge in food and fellowsip.

Colin was so stressed out cooking and cleaning all day, that he had to stop it all and sled.

Well, really he read books all day and then stopped to sled. It's a hard life that he leads.

Always invite Burtt girls to your gatherings. They do dishes! ;) They also text. I don't know how to text, but I have the dishwashing thing down all too well. Thanks, girlies!

Men don't do dishes. They sit around and discuss sports and such. We are trying to marry some of these off. Any suggestions?

These men look like they are not wanting to be married off. They don't do dishes, but they play their instruments well!

Um...A picture tells a thousand words. Actually, she was my sous chef for the evening. She is always a great help. I think she may get married off.

Things to Do While You Wait

2011-03-16T08:41:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago, we went out to eat. Colin usually gets to color in the little books they give to kids, but this place only had a boring piece of paper. :)

Colin turned the paper over and went to work. We looked over, and this is what he had done.

I like it for many reasons, but I love the nurse hats on their heads!

Loving Her New Robe

2011-03-12T08:41:00.002-05:00

Victoria loves her new robe! After her bath, she struts around in it. She looked so cute and squishy, we had to snap a picture.

Spirit of Fear?

2011-03-09T13:14:00.004-05:00

"But God hath not given us the spirit of fear: but of power, love and a sound mind."

There are times we have to deal with Colin regarding fear (as his mother has to have victory as well), but this is a little more light-hearted.

Colin came up to me one day and handed me this paper. I still have no idea what prompted this organized confession. It is a list of his current fears.

The Year of the Sprout

2011-03-08T11:44:00.004-05:00

Victoria is now twenty months and has waited patiently for "The Sprout". That is to say, she can finally have something else done with her hair. She has achieved "The Sprout" badge of honor.

Stay tuned for a post about her...piggies.

Dysfunctional Music and Candle-Blowing

2011-03-02T10:21:00.003-05:00

When it comes to singing Happy Birthday, our family has some serious issues. Two of us are never in the same key at the same time. It's pretty scary.

We seem to have candle-blowing issues as well. This seven-year-old's lungs are not up to par; or, is it his technique?

Colin's 7th Birthday Party!

2011-02-27T21:46:00.018-05:00

Colin turned seven years old on January 13th. I am still in shock. He had a fun party and is thankful for all the fun gifts from everyone.

Books, books, books!

Victoria was very particular about sitting in this chair. She thinks she is in school.

Finally, she gave up on the party and hit the books!

The attendees...

Homemade chocolate ice cream. Nothing like what is in the store.

Colin wanted chocolate cake with caramel frosting. Yum!

BBQ Biscuit Cups, Herbed Corn, and Cobb Salad Nachos were for the meal.

Nutella

2011-02-27T15:28:00.004-05:00

My children love to eat; there is no debate. The slightest crinkle that is heard from the vicinity of the kitchen is presumed to be a snack for them. They eat three solid and healthy meals a day, with a couple snacks between each meal.

What is their favorite snack?

Nutella.

Chocolate and hazelnut creamy goodness.

The Inheritance

2011-02-23T16:15:00.007-05:00

I received part of my inheritance a few weeks ago.

I have always loved castles, stone, and such like, so my dad gave me these a little early.

A little weaponry is handy to have around in case the Peeper returns!

It Does That?

2011-02-22T21:49:00.010-05:00

I finally decided I should see what the other 432 buttons do on my camera.

Stand Still, Girl!

2011-02-18T10:01:00.008-05:00

All I wanted was five seconds of motionlessness. Just five. Her dress was so pretty on her, she couldn't bear to stand still in it.

The ruffles were tempting her.

Twirl us! Twirl us!

The Remainder of Christmas Day

2011-02-12T07:52:00.005-05:00

Yes, yes, I know. It is February. I had a lot of Christmas pictures and here are the rest.

I hosted Christmas dinner for my family this year. It included beef tenderloin in an herb marinade, coconut and hazelnut sweet potatoes, spinach dip with homemade herb crackers, green bean bundles and homemade challah bread.

Victoria and "Boppy".

The Hasijas gave this Dino to Victoria for Christmas. As you can see, she really likes it.

Results

2011-02-11T14:50:00.003-05:00

Correct Eyeball Order:

Victoria

Colin

Cindi

Jason

Sorry, Jenny. There is no prize other than the consolation of being correct. :)

The "Eyes" Have It...

2011-02-05T10:16:00.008-05:00

Do you know which eye belongs to whom?

Poor Little Peanut

2011-01-31T17:26:00.002-05:00

Poor Victoria is sick. It's always so sad when they can't tell you what is the matter.

Christmas Day!

2011-01-28T20:00:00.000-05:00

We are so thankful our Lord humbled Himself, robed Himself in the flesh of man, and eventually dies on the cross for the ungodly!

As the songwriter says, "What shall I give Him, poor as I am?"

He only asks that we turn from sin and put our trust in Him. It is so simple that a child can understand it.

Christmas Eve at the Maynard's House

2011-01-22T14:28:00.010-05:00

Deer in headlights.

Weird little boy in headlights.

Weird little boy.

Toothless little boy.

Victoria loves to be read to, and Colin loves to read, so it's a great match!

The Wonder of It All

2011-01-20T08:24:00.006-05:00

Yesterday in science, we discussed snow and the individual snowflake. They claim each one has six points and there are no two that are alike.

When I look out my window, not only is it pretty, but it reminds me that we have a very creative, detail-oriented God!

Paid For by the Tourists of America

2011-01-18T15:29:00.001-05:00

Notice the abrupt cessation of footage when Colin asks the gender-related question!

Vacation, Part the Fifth

2011-01-15T12:18:00.000-05:00

The next day brought more trails and a small zoo at the top of a mountain.

Victoria has lost the will to smile for any more pictures.

They had an exhibit for animals that are nocturnal.

The stately owl.

The slothful turtle.

The slithering snake.

The skulls and bones of dead things.

On to cheerier things...

The zoo keeper let us watch him feed the otters. They were quite hungry.

Rotten bears. I'm still bitter. I had to pay to see them. At least they did me the honor of walking about. One of them even disappeared into a log.They were in a playful mood.

There is a trail that is very steep that takes you up to a tower that allows you to see one of the highest spots in the Smokies.

It was a climb that required several pauses. At one point Colin said, "My legs are having a hard time going." I couldn't answer him because I was busy having a cardiac arrest.We made it to the top! It was very windy and cold. Very, very windy.

Victoria did not have a cardiac arrest because she didn't put a toenail on that trail. On our way back down, almost every person we passed commented that they wanted her spot.

The Big Seven!

2011-01-13T07:35:00.000-05:00

Colin turns seven today!

We are so thankful for our little boy. He is so jolly and smart. He is always thinking and creating. He is an affectionate and kind big brother.

He loves to read! He has even made up a few stories and poems.

He loves to be goofy. I think he is trying to be a "stong man" here.

Reading again.

We love you, Colin! God gave you to us when we could have no children. We know He has a special plan for you!!