Photo Hunt #114 - Emotion

Miserable, agony, suffering, dismal, anguish...all caused by an ear infection!


Alarm, shock, fear, fright, horror, terror, panic, hysteria, mortification!!!!

OK, so the photo above really should be...silly, amusing, light-hearted, comical and witty!

Lionel playing the violin

Here is a video of Lionel playing his violin piece at the recital on June 1st. Our video camera records in wide mode, so it looks a little distorted when uploaded here, but you get the idea.

Kim & Aggie...and Sweet-Pea?

My little Sweet-Pea absolutely LOVES sitting down with me to watch the BBC America show "How Clean is Your House?"

She thinks Kim and Aggie are an inspiration...as much as an 'almost' 7 year old can. The show is not for the faint at heart though...the homes they clean, are homes I wouldn't even think about darkening the doorstep of. Not only are the people sloppy, they are dirty to the point of living in disease & creature infested conditions. Gross me out and shame on them!!!!!

Well, it seems lately that each time the show ends, Sweet-Pea gets up and asks 'what should we clean first?' So, today we scrubbed down the counters and cleaned up the over and toaster. We call ourselves Kim and Aggie and we play the part up by speaking with British accents. It's a riot...she's pretty good at it! No, my home is nothing like those on the TV show, it's just that we have a good time cleaning together now. It's a lot of fun mixing the concoctions they do on the show, like lemon juice and salt.

I now know what I'm going to buy Sweet-Pea for her birthday next month. Her own gloves, complete with fuzzy boa around the wrists (in pink - of course), her own cleaning bucket, and cleaning supplies. She'll LOVE it! I believe she'd even wear the white outfits Kim and Aggie wear if I can get a hold of one!

Now that my house is getting cleaner, I've got to do something about all the clutter....maybe it's time to sit down and watch Mission Organization with Sweet-Pea. She's the one who inspires me!

Photo Hunt #113 - Bad Hair

My Mom...what WAS she thinking?!?


Our dear little Sweet-Pea...oh what you can do with long hair!?!

Who says God doesn't change lives?!?

This is an awesome video that shows how God changes each and every one of us. Grab your tissues, some of these are tearjerkers! My favorite...the woman with MS. Check it out:



What does your cardboard sign read?

Sweet music from our sweet Son

Graduation was yesterday, but today also marked the end of the school year for Lionel's violin lessons as well. He had his big recital today! He played very well and we were proud of him. He was the only kid who had their whole piece memorized! I may be biased, but I also believe he was one of the best there too. '''wink'''

The song he played was entitled "Gavotte" and was written by J.P. Rameau.



Here he is with his wonderful teacher. He's an incredible Christian man who is an awesome violinist....plus he got his Ph.D. from Harvard...pretty impressive if you ask me!


This was the end of Lionel's 4th year of lessons. He will be taking lessons right through the summer though - as always. We figure "why quit when you're ahead!" He learns quite a bit during the summer since he has no school work to really focus on, so that's why we keep it going all year long. We're proud of you Lionel!!!

Lionel is ready for high school!!!

Well, Lionel has officially finished the 8th grade which means that next year he will be in 9th...high school! Ack! I'm not ready for that!! I can't believe how quickly time flies lately...it seems like just yesterday we were beginning kindergarten.

Our homeschool group had it's graduation on May 31st. It was small this year as the date was bad for several of the families in the group. I was a little disappointed, but after 6 years of leading the group, I've realized that we have good years and not-so-good years. This was a not-so-good year. Life for everyone seemed to be so busy and consumed with things that interrupted their homeschooling...us included!!! We also had several families move away which was heartbreaking for us! Some of my dearest friends are no longer in the group and I miss them so very much...yes Suzanne...you're one of 'em!

Lionel was one of the graduates this year. The group generally recognizes kids who complete kindergarten, 8th grade and 12th grade. This year we had one 8th grader (Lionel) and six kindergarten graduates, 3 boys and 3 girls. Lionel also played a violin solo which was awesome! We are so proud of him. The kindergarteners sang a song which was very sweet.

Here are a few photos of Lionel...

Sorry about this first blurry one! Since I was doing the music I couldn't take photos as well and this was the only one my hubby got. I hope to get one from someone else soon. This one is horrible!


Here he is playing his violin solo. The tassel was just short enough that it didn't interfere with his playing, but it sure did come awfully close. He did a great job and ignored it the whole time!


Here we are...Lionel, myself, Sweet-Pea and Edward.


Our handsome graduate!!!


I always put this poem on the inside of our program...

Whatever you write on the heart of a child,
no water can wash it away.
The marks in the sands are erased by the tide;
inscriptions will crumble with clay.

The words in a book will decay with the years,
and even engraving in stone disappears.
But God's Word inscribed on a little child's heart,
for time and eternity shall not depart.

~Author Unknown~

"We love you Lionel and are so very proud of you! Now it's time to enjoy the summer before high school begins! Sweet-Pea, we are also very proud of the work you accomplished this year in 1st grade. Next year will bring lots more excitement to your education...a whole new world has opened up as you are mastering how to read now." Hugs and kisses from Mommy & Daddy

Photo Hunt #111 - Shoes

My little Sweet-Pea absolutely loves taking photos of her feet...with or without shoes. Here is a photo collage she entered in our homeschool Art Fair - all photos of her wearing the various shoes she owns...and of course, one without! She's a total trip and I love her so much!!!

Time to vent...some people really tick me off!!

I have 2 big pet peeves when out in public....they are: People talking on their cell phones when driving (it's illegal here), and people who do not control their dogs! You wouldn't believe the amount of people who disregard the law and here and still talk on their cell phones when driving. They don't even try to hide it either. We were at a light today, it turned green and the car in front of me just sat there while talking on their cell phone. I wish the cops would pull them over!!

Earlier today, Sweet-Pea and I went to the local pet store - one of those big chain stores where you can bring your pet. We used to bring our other dog to the store, but realized it probably wasn't such a good idea with all the other dogs running around...it's like a kennel...you never know what your pampered pooch might pick up.

Anyhow...we were at the cash register buying something for Cody when this lady, her 2 kids and their hyper dog got in line behind me. I was paying the cashier when her dog just pushed it's way right in front of me and knocked my purse over. I couldn't believe it...the lady said NOTHING! I was so ticked off. I do love dogs and for the most part other people's dogs do not bother me, but I have personal space that I do NOT want invaded by a dog because of their owner's neglect. She was foolish - if her dog bit me she'd have had to deal with a law suit! It wasn't a small dog either...he was BIG. Sweet-Pea was totally freaked out by it. She moved away which meant she wasn't standing right beside me...something that we have as a family rule for safety. I understood why she walked away - she was scared - but she too could have gotten hurt as a result. People just get me so upset sometimes. They are selfish and treat other people as if they are less important. It's a 'me' world out there and that really stinks!! Fortunately I was in a good mood and I said nothing to that lady...goodness knows how I'd have reacted if I wasn't, or if it happened to Sweet-Pea and not me! Phew!!

So...if you're out and about and want to talk on your cell phone in the car, or want to let your dog jump on strangers without their consent, please think twice...you probably won't be liked very much by those around you! Thanks for letting me vent...

Thursday Thirteen #16

13 Ways to Annoy Your Parents

This was Lionel's idea, not mine. He is the one who came up with the list, not me! I take no responsibility for this list...but I do agree with them all, especially #4 and #11. My kids crack me up!! Gotta love 'em.

1. Chew with your mouth open when they say not to.
2. Belch really loud.
3. Keep saying "what?" when they say something to you.
4. Imitate them - a LOT, especially when they're on the phone.
5. Keep your room messy so they won't want to come in.
6. Don't do your school work.
7. Stay up late at night.
8. Talk to them when they're on the phone.
9. Pretend they can't hear you and talk to them loudly.
10. Take all their pens and pencils on their desk and don't return them.
11. When Mom and Dad hug and kiss, try to squeeze between them.
12. On short road trips, ask "are we there yet?" just like on long ones.
13. Use incorrect grammar when you talk.

(rather, Lionel, for this post!)

Prayers for the Chapman Family

Steven Curtis Chapman's youngest daughter (5 year old Maria - their adopted daughter from China) was killed in an accident last night. It's such a sad situation and their family needs a lot of prayer! She was hit by an SUV that her brother, Will, was backing into their driveway...he didn't see her. Maria turned 5 only 10 days ago, and the family just celebrated the news that their eldest daughter, Emily, had gotten engaged. They were also only hours away from hosting a graduation party for their son Caleb when it happened. These were happy days in the Chapman family - until last night. Please be in prayer for them!!!

Here is the whole family...Maria is sitting on her Daddy's lap in this photo.






Here's a link to a website dedicated to her... http://chapmanchannel.typepad.com/inmemoryofmaria/

Sad Day for the Birds!

I am so sad by what I've been seeing around our home this spring. There seems to be an abundance of birds around here this year. I'm not sure why, but we've never had so many! There are a bunch of nests in our yard - in the trees, in bushes and on our house in the gutters. It's awesome in one aspect, as Sweet-Pea studied birds earlier this year in school. We are seeing so much of what she learned happen in real life. The little birds that decided to nest in our gutters are quite noisy. They chirp, and fly in and out of it at all hours of the day and night! We know this because they're in the gutter just above the wall of our bedroom!

Anyhow...a few days ago I went out on the back porch and just happened to look onto the roof of our living room - you can see it from the porch. Right there on top of it were 2 baby birds laying there dead. It was heartbreaking to see!!! Yes, I did take photos - that's the scrap-booker in me...so don't look too closely if you have a weak stomach!



Well, as if that wasn't bad enough, look what my husband spotted today...



What is going on?!?!? That's 3 baby birds in just a couple of days that we found dead. I realize that some birds fall out of their nests, but those 2 on the roof really have me puzzled! There is a pine tree that reaches above the roof of our 2nd story, but that's in the back of the house, this roof is an addition off the side of the house. It's almost as if the mother or father bird just pushed them out of the nest, or another animal got to them...yet I'd think they would eat them if it was another animal.

I just hope I don't spot anymore...it's just so disheartening, especially for Sweet-Pea. She just adores watching all the birds flying around outside near our bird feeders. God created these precious little creatures...it's so sad to see them die before they even get a chance at life.

It's our Anniversary!!!

Fourteen years ago today, I married my best friend!!! This is for you Edward....

"I'm so glad God blessed me with such a wonderful husband. You are talented, a hard worker, loving and extremely caring...not to mention an awesome Daddy to our children! You have been a wonderful encouragement to me during these difficult days while caring for my Dad. Not many husbands would have taken in their father-in-law like you did. Your selflessness during the past 6+ years with him has not gone unnoticed...and I want you to know how much I appreciate you for that. You are by far, the best thing that happened to me! I am proud to be your wife, and the mother of your children. Fourteen years of marriage doesn't seem like much...but with God's blessings, we'll have many many more to come. I love you with all my heart!!! Happy Anniversary honey!" ~Elinor~



We often love to reminisce about our honeymoon in gorgeous Scotland!!! Someday...someday...we'll return and see it once again. There's not other place in this whole world like it. We never felt so 'at home' and so peaceful as when we were there. It's not just that we didn't have children yet, it was just the whole experience...the place...the people and the quietness of the country. It's a part of my family heritage too, so I am anxious to get back there someday for that reason. Here's a photo Edward took of me with the bagpiper who played on the grounds of Glamis Castle. I have yet to scan most of our honeymoon photos...so this one will have to do for now.