Mother's Day

Yesterday our family had the honor of driving to Cleveland to see my mom presented with the Mother of the Year award at Cleveland Baptist Church (the church I grew up in). It was definitely a long weekend, but I am so glad we were able to go.

Here we are waiting in the wings until Pastor Folger makes the announcement.

All grown up ~ Jonathan (#4), Melanie (#3), Janelle (#1) and Stephen (#2)

Candid shot of the family while taking professional pictures. Rick's parents are on the left. We are blessed that our parents are close friends. They were so excited to come along with us.

Papaw, Gramma & the grandkids

The "Hosey" family

The church treats the Mother of the Year and family to lunch.

We headed back to Papaw & Gramma's house to enjoy the dessert Aunt Mel made for us.

Gramma patiently waiting for her piece.

Isaiah was a source of entertainment for the afternoon.

Mom, you know my perspective of you has changed over the last 9 years. I'm sure I will be apologizing for more things I did as a child as my children continue to grow. I am so thankful that you & Dad chose to raise your children for the Lord and thankful that you put a great deal of effort into accomplishing that task. I hope that my life is fruit for your labor. I am so thankful that the Lord has blessed me with a mom to go along side me in this journey of motherhood. As much as I lean on you, I can't even fathom how you made it through motherhood without your mother. I pray God gives us many more memories together and pray you recieve much more joy as a reward for your hard work.

Easter Fun 2

Here are a few pics from our annual Easter egg coloring and egg hunt at Nana & Pappy's house . . .

Wordless Wednesday

or at least Less-Words Wednesday . . .

On Makenna's day off from school, the kids made Indian "hats". Each one said "Indian Makenna", "Indian Madison" and "Indian Isaiah."

The kids made this sign. What is funny about it is that it's hung on the inside of the pantry door AND it's colored with glow in the dark crayons. That way, when Bubby shuts the door on you (obviously that happens frequently), you can still see it.

Because Daddy's working so much, we've been trying to spend as much time as we can with him. And since Daddy likes naps, this is sometimes what we get . . .

While Mommy & Daddy were out of town, Nana took the girls to see a musical of Esther. Of course, Isaiah couldn't be left out of the picture.

The girls were amazed -- Nana said Madi even clapped when the Jews were freed! You can imagine how excited they were when they had the opportunity to MEET QUEEN ESTHER afterwards and get her autograph!

Through some fellow homeschoolers we were told we could watch the dress rehearsal of the musical, Willy Wonka at a local highschool for free. After the great experience the girls had seeing Esther, we decided to go.

The girls really enjoyed it. We've since had to watch the televised version since they hadn't seen it. Even Isaiah has gotten into Willy Wonka -- he asks to watch "won-CKa" and tries to sing the Oompa Loompa song.

Last weekend, we traveled to Cincinnati (along with many other family members pictured here) to witness the adoption finalization for Evan Michael Lott -- cousin Brian & Niki's son.

Here's "baby Evan" as the kids call him. We so proud to have him as an official part of the family.

Bubby sure loves his Pappy. He was tagging along with Pappy at the hotel in Cincy.

On our travels, we stopped at Steak 'n Shake. The kids enjoyed the hats and buildable car.

We drove through Cleveland on our way home. Papaw took the kids to the world's largest candy store. Makenna wasn't impressed with the candied bugs.

Vacation Adventure (Part 1)

Due to yet more camera technical difficulties, I had to buy a disposable camera at Hershey Park and since 35mm is an ancient form of photography, I have to wait DAYS to get it put on a CD. Hence, Part 1. Oh yeah, and since I don't have the right cords I am taking the photo card to the store and getting CD printed in order to use my photos, so there is no editing (unless someone has a tip on a free program I can download to edit them without downloading through the manufacture program).

Now back to the point of the post . . .

Rick's parents joined us for our mini vacation. The girls were thrilled to ride in Nana & Pappy's car. Nana bought crafts and activities for the 4-hour ride. (Looks like boxes, but pictured is a cork board they used it to have a flat surface to work on.)

"Pappy?"

Zaya wasn't so lucky. He got stuck with Mom & Dad.

Makenna is part fish. She loves to play in the water; however, swimming is another story. She was thrilled when the hotel pool cleared out, and she had an opportunity to get in the pool.

Madi -- different story

She prefers to be out of the water!

A couple times while we were at the hotel, Isaiah crawled between the pillows and would hang out. It was too cute. I had to take a picture.

One night for dinner we went to Texas Roadhouse. Mommy thought it would be funny to take pictures with the bull horns. The girls finally humored me, but they weren't happy about it. Their pics didn't turn out real well, plus they'd probably be scarred for life!

Pappy bought Zaya a "ractee" for the trip. It came in handy as we had a long wait for dinner.

The girls enjoyed eating peanuts and watching the servers line dance while they waited.

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(INSERT HERSHEY PARK -- pics to come)

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We had planned to go to Zoo America in Hershey on Friday, but it rained. We noticed there was a Chuck E. Cheese in the shopping center next to the hotel. The girls continually ask to go there at home, so we figured we'd kill two birds with one stone (nothing personal about birds you understand).

Isaiah was a little afraid to ride on this horse . . .

(This is him after we rescued him and he stopped crying. I told him Mommy wanted his picture with the horse.)

This might give you an idea why -- it was HUGE!

This horse was a little more his style.

This Chuck E. Cheese had a lot more games and activities than the jive store by us. They had a little section for Toddlers. It was so nice, and Zaya loved it (other than the fact that bigger kids kept chasing each other through there -- no worries -- I chased them out)!

The girls played lots of games, but Makenna loved the "Deal or No Deal" game the most.

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After game time, we grabbed a quick bite and headed home. There was a torrential down pour as we tried to get back in our car after lunch. Yea!

The view was overcast but beautiful.

We did have to drive through a lot of rain. (Mind you this was my view the majority of the time. Daddy doesn't believe in turning his wipers on very high! =D

The sun finally came out, but so did the traffic. We still don't know what happened, but we were at a dead stand still for over an hour.

There were quite a few people that thought it was appropriate to make the emergency lane a driving lane. Some people (see pictured semi) blocked part of the lane so they couldn't get through. Why should they get to drive past all this traffic while we wait our turn?? If nothing else, it added humor and made time pass more quickly.

The kids watched movies and tried to stay entertained, but the waiting did get old.

The kids & I walked on the highway for a while once a big truck behind us started blocking traffic. They threw gravel in the weeds and asked a hundred questions about all our fellow travelers -- still don't know why kids think parents have an answer for everything . . . where are they going? Where is their mom? Why aren't we moving?? (Kids really should come with manuals, and I apologize to my parents because I'm sure I did the same thing!)

On the rare occasion that we did move, we walked along side our vehicle. Once it looked like we MIGHT move significantly, we got back in but didn't buckle everyone in until we actually WERE moving. Zaya loved pretending to drive.

About a mile up from where we first stopped was an exit. Thanks to Daddy's new work phone's navigation, we took some back roads and bypassed the traffic. It was two-lane roads, but at least we were moving!

The back roads gave us a simpler view.

Once back on the highway Daddy humored Mommy, and we got off at the exit for the stadium where Penn State plays. It is huge and one of the largest college stadiums.

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Almost 3 hours behind schedule, we finally arrived home. Thankfully it was bed time, and the kids went right to sleep! It was a long day for all of us!

Finally -- The Wedding!

I've been trying to post pictures for the last week, but life never slows down around here. I declared today "Lazy Monday," and I'm hoping to get my pics from the wedding posted in between laundry and keep the kids under control. Lots of luck if you're hoping for more pictures of "Everything But The Kitchen Sink" and butterflies. That will have to wait until another Lazy Monday!

So here goes . . . Thursday evening, Makenna & I drove to Cleveland, so we could at the church bright and early Friday morning to decorate. Makenna hung out with Papaw and some of Josh's family as they toured the USS Cod, the Cleveland Zoo . . .

Friday evening was the rehearsal -- bride & groom with Pastor Wolvin officiating

Father of the bride, said bride and bridal party (minus a brother or two)

My brothers, Steve & Jon, having a good time as usual

Some of the guests at the rehearsal dinner . . . Cathy is the young lady in the green shirt. She was the wedding coordinator and did and AWESOME job!

This is the reception area. Glad I took these photos ahead of time because I never got back around to taking any later.

This was the food line at the back of the reception area. The lady in charge of the food decorated this table to match the rest of the room.


I had to steal this photo from the girl that made the cupcakes. Since the cupcakes, weren't set out until right before the reception, I didn't get a photo of them. Aunt Mel had ordered personalized fortune cookie [messages] as favors. We also made place cards (didn't get a pic of them either) that looked like fortune cookies with everyone's name on tags that stuck out the ends.

The girls hanging out with Aunt Mel before the wedding eating a little snack.

Aunt Mel & Gramma before the wedding

Sisters with Mom

Bridal Party

Katrina, Beth, Becky, Mel, Me & Mary


Remaining Bridal Party

Jon, Cody, Josh, Dave, Shane, Steve

Daddy just acting silly with his "boutonniere" and program.

Groom & Bride waiting for the receiving line to begin.

We let the girls go through the receiving line even though it was only for those guests that were unable to stay. Can you tell Madi was excited to see Aunt Mel & Uncle Josh?

Finally, Aunt Mel!!

My grandparents (my dad's father & stepmom) and Isaiah waiting around for family pictures

Uncle Jon & the girls having fun with Papaw's old camcorder.

Uncle Jon figured he might get in trouble for playing with the camera, but Papaw wouldn't get upset with the grandkids!

Isaiah trying to see what Gramma would let him get away with.

Everyone from Josh's side -- pastor, family & friends.

Siblings all grown up.

The photographer was trying to get a serious shot of these two to edit into an old shot. It was hard to make them serious long enough to get a picture.

Our family with the newest addition.

(Self explanatory)


This however needs explanation -- Josh doesn't care for cake. Therefore, the 3-tier pie! (Pumpkin, blueberry and apple if you're wondering)

Poor Makenna thought this whole day was about her & Aunt Mel


Madi on the other hand was more concerned about smuggling another cupcake back to the hotel.

Doing a little decorating before the bride & groom depart.

Uncle Jon working his magic -- he rigged the antenna up to release the rest of the TP and roll along behind the car when they drove off.

There they go, the new Mr. & Mrs.!

Will it all fit?

Photo shoot with bridal party at Squire's Castle.

I'm anxious to see how the professional photos turn out!

Another pic of the bride & groom.

We all headed back to Papaw & Gramma's house at the end of the day.

The newlyweds dumped their wedding garb and donned their backpacks for their honeymoon in Europe.

"See you in three weeks!"

Sunday afternoon we headed back to Papaw & Gramma's for lunch (leftover Chinese food from the reception to be exact).

Gramma probably won't appreciate this, but I couldn't pass it up. Sister -- do you think they are alike?

Everyone just sat around and fellowshiped after a long day Saturday. (L to R - Uncle Denny [Gramma's brother], Pappy, Nana, Aunt Dolly, Gramma)

Papaw telling stories as he does best. (To Papaw's right, is his sister, Nancy, who came up from Florida for the wedding.)

The kids were zonked as soon as we hit the road. Isaiah and his souvenir bite from the toddler nursery on his arm. Poor guy! He still looks at his arm when you ask where his booboo is.