Good ~n~ Simple Life

Happy Birthday Carol!!

2010-06-11T16:55:00.000-07:00

Something I put together for one of my friends!!
Love you Carol... Hope you had a great birthday!!

2009 Ohio Fall-clk4pics

2009-11-04T14:23:00.000-08:00

This year the colors couldn't be more beautiful! Thank you Lord.

My Work Birthday Party - Click4Pics

2009-08-07T10:32:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed! Wendi my boss put on a dinner party for me. Food was great, the night air was perfect up in the Alamo Hills, the scenery was breath taking and lots of love being thrown my way!

Jerry, Wendi's hubby had the wine!

Some great O'rderves!

Here is Wendi, Kristina and Patty G

Here is Patti S and Wendi & Jerry's friend Dave.

And to top off a great meal, mintchip ice cream pie made by Patty G. Yummm!

Ca Girls 50th Birthday - Click4Pics

2009-08-07T09:52:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos of the California Girls 50th Birthday Party. It was so much fun. The Beaver's Band was great. Everyone enjoyed themselves. Cops came about midnight which I think was ok with everyone. Age has it's limits. Ha Ha.

Waiting for the Birthday Cake... Food was awesome!

My beauty queen look.

We definatley looked Queenish!

The Running Beaver's Band

My brother Robert took me for a ride on his hog! Perfect night for a ride. Thanks Bro!

Two Weeks with the Jacobs! - Click Title for Pics

2009-07-10T19:34:00.000-07:00

The Jacobs arrived on Tuesday, June 25th 2009 mid afternoon after a four day drive across America. Seemed that as soon as their feet hit the pavement it was go go go, not really just seemed like things were going on all the time.

Dan arrived via plane on Wednesday, June 26th to a full house. Thursday the Jacobs went over to Nana & Fred Wengers for desert and ATV riding. Then on Friday through Monday we headed up to Vermillion to Beulah Beach. Jeremy flew home for work. Tuesday April and I got a pedicure while my gracious husband watched the kids for four hours, yeek! He did great. Later that evening Dan and I went on a date. Wednedsay July 1 - 3rd is a complete blurr? 4th we had Dan's family over for a barbque, roasted smores & threw poppers and lit sparklers. 5th we all went over to Nana & Fred's for a Wenger's 4th of July where there was music and dancing. Well... just look at the pictures is self explanitory.

It was a great time!

Celebrating our 19th Anniversary

2009-07-10T16:08:00.000-07:00

Dan and I were able to sneak away for Dinner at Eddie Merlot's and for the move "The Proposal" with Sandra Bullock. It was nice and quiet and the evening went by way too fast.

Can't wait for October when Dan will be home again!

2009 Family Camp - Click title for pics

2009-07-10T15:34:00.000-07:00

July 26 - 31st we joined Family Camp at Beulah Beach, Ohio. It is a Christian Missionary Alliance Church Camp. We were very busy being a family, worshiping together, crafts, sunbathing, swiming, boating, tubing, rock climbing, various sports activites, and eating, eating and eating. "Bla!"

Dan came home from Iraq for R&R to join the fun. April & Jeremy drove out from California with their six kiddos. Katie, Spencer, Carolyn came too. Jen was moving and Alani went to CA to visit her dad. We missed them very much. My mom Marilyn, Fred and Gaynel came up for a day. It was a great vacation time the kids will never forget.

2009 Memorial Day in Chesterville Ohio

2009-05-26T05:57:00.001-07:00

Though Chesterville Ohio is a drive by town and if there wasn't a stop light you might even miss it. Neighbors are spread out and sometimes this town seems lifeless but...

in a time were people are so self absorbed and more often than not thankless for anything, this town came alive to pay their respects to those who have given America it freedoms and protections, especially to those who have lost their lives or limbs and to those families who grieve them.

Jesus marks the way as the first fallen soldier. I am grateful for the many who follow after Him.

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. - John 15:13 NKJV

By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren. - 1 John 3:16 NKJV

(click on the title to see more photos. Adri, Jon and Carolyn joined in the parade).

New Day

2009-04-27T20:33:00.000-07:00

It's been a while so I thought I would write an update. Most of you follow Dan's blog so I won't duplicate it. Everyone here seems to be adjusting better to Dan being gone. I still miss him through out the day but I am able to google chat with him every morning, however it is not quite the same, I am forever grateful to technology allows me access to him to start my day.

Spencer started walking at a year old. He looks too small to be walking around. When Dan was home he built the kids a room addition to the tree house. The kids love it and are in it almost everyday. I will add a photo later. The weather has been so nice and the Kids are enjoying it. It's like we are all coming out of hibernation and feeling the sun for the first time after a long winters nap.

Work for me is going good. Last week was slow but this week is gang-busters. We have been getting some huge houses and are designing cabinetry for most of the rooms. I have been insured job security which is comforting, especially since we are back at the starting gates with Dan's job. But HE HAS A JOB! We are truly blessed. My heart goes out to the many that are living in limbo right now.

Jon caught Dan and Spencer's cold which seems to be intense. Adri is struggling with friends and trying to find her place. Carolyn is very self entertained and Alani just found out she needs to wear glasses, who knew, she is an exceptional reader. I found childcare for them for this summer... YAHOO! She is great and the kids will learns lots and do lots so I am excited about that.

Ok time for bed. Taw-taw for now!

A Star Is Born - Katie

2009-04-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a commercial for Katie's work. Katie appears about three times. See if you can find her. Something like.."Where's Katie?"

Stuff that Life is Made of!

2009-03-31T19:27:00.001-07:00

What do I do with this large box? HMMMM....

Alani almost 9 years old, 3rd grade

Spencer's 1st Birthday

2009-03-20T17:18:00.000-07:00

Spencer turned "ONE" on March 17, 2009. We are celebrating his birthday with cake and ice cream tomorrow. More photos to come!

van, washer, dryer, sub-pump, waterheater, etc.

2009-02-22T10:09:00.001-08:00

It's a test... I know it! First, one of the washers broke; Isaac took off and never returned; a badger killed one of our chickens; Jenn had a major/costly car issue; the transmission on the van went out; then one of the dryers started squealing; Oh yeah for the past month or more I have had blurry vision from eye strain and have struggled to get my work done. CRAZY! yesterday one of the sub-pumps stopped working which flooded laundry room and today waa--laa no hot water.

Took a week but I got the van back with a rebuilt transmission however it jerks when it downshifts into low gear; the work is under warranty so I need to talk to that guy! Thank you Fred for your direction and help getting to and from the mechanic shop.

Jenn got her car back, YEAH!

We are blessed to have a second washer and dryer but need to replace those in the near future praying they will hold out another month or so.

Went and saw a Ophthalmologist and she put in temporary eye plugs. What a difference. Thank you Jesus! I go back in two weeks to get synthetic ones.

The sub-pump was a fluke but it faked me out pretty good. I was told to give it a shake so I kicked the pipe and there it went sucking up the water, what a mess!

I still don't know how to get the water heater working again so that is my next adventure.

These are things I don't enjoy but I trust the Lord knows that I need to know about them. I'm not totally stressed and I am working on a smile! Manna!

Spenser's Free Bird - Clik4Pics

2009-01-30T15:28:00.000-08:00

At 10 mos. he is standing free bird. Next walking then running. We won't be able to keep him down. He knows how to scream if you eat in front of him if you don't give him what you got. He screems if he is thristy and swings his arms in revolt. But cute as can be, laughs when you tickle him and is learning peekaboo!

More Snow! - Click here for Pics

2009-01-30T15:17:00.000-08:00

Mazie has a Hero!

2009-01-20T16:23:00.001-08:00

Because of the cold weather we have been allowing Maize to be in the house more often. With that comes garbage's that gets overturned, a unexpected sock wetting from a pee puddle, dribbles of water on the toilet seat and things chewed up. (Last week she chewed up Spensers toy bat.)

The kids got home around 4 pm today. I was in the office working and Carolyn came in and told me that Maize had chewed up Spenser's Desitin. I looked at it and thought well it was almost empty and set it back down. Carolyn corrected me and said Grama I read the back and it says its poisonous if swallowed. I read it and verified she was correct. I looked at it again and thought well she couldn't have eaten much but then my conscious got the best of me plus Carolyn was in a bit of a frantic so I called the vet and they checked, sure enough it was not a good thing. I am so greatful Carolyn was on it. I would have disregarded it as nothing.

The Vet wanted to know how far away I was from the clinic, I told them, then they proceeded to tell me to make her drink 1/4C - 1C of Hydrogen Peroxide! I told them no thanks, I think I will bring her in, they said it wasn't a convience issue but urgency,ugh! How do you suppose I get a dog to drink Peroxide? She told me with a turkey baster which would make her vomit up the poisen.

What choice did I have?

I called the kids into the mud room since it is all linolieum, easy to clean. I told them to hold her as I opened her mouth and squeesed a 1/4C peroxide down her throat. She didn't think that was too funny but didn't bite me, whew! Nothing happened so I had to do another 1/4C by then shes going get me out of here! Whats a matter with you people! Sure enough it worked. We got a bowl and she vomited into it perfectly. We were all gagging. You know what peroxide does on contact, try what it does in the stomach. Once she was done we put her outside so she could get a drink of water and empty what ever else she still had. YUK!

What a day!I wonder what tomorrow will bring.

SNOW DAYS OF OHIO - Click here

2009-01-13T08:37:00.000-08:00

Ok ANOTHER snow day! This is Jon, Carolyn & Alani's very first snow man. They had a blast. Carolyn was certian that she has frost bite on her hands and feet, She said hot chocolate would cure her.

Adri's 17th Birthday - Click here for Photos

2009-01-12T17:11:00.000-08:00

Sunday was Adri's 17th Birthday. Can you imagine one more year and she will be considered an adult. I am glad that she has not pushed to get her drivers license as driving in the country with the ice and deer can be very hazardous and costly.

This is our customary family dinner. Adri selected Enchilada's (no sup rise)! Rice and beans. Nana made her a vanilla cake with fresh strawberries on top with whipped cream, it was scrumptcious. Next Saturday Adri has invited 12 friends over, guys and gals. I have already started praying!!! It will be nice and she will have a lot of fun.

Last week was the deadline at Tri-Rivers Tech. School for Adri to decide her career choice of studies for the next two years, she agreed to do culinary arts. I believe this is a good choice for her and I hope she will learn to love to cook.

He's Here "JACKSON RALPH JACOBS"

2009-01-08T19:21:00.001-08:00

Born to April and Jeremy Jacobs, Concord, CA, Weighing 9 lbs.2 oz., 21 inches long, born on 01/08/09 at 5:50 PM PT.

He is named after two Grandpa's, Grandpa Jack on April's side and Grandpa Ralph on Jeremy's side. Jackson will join his older sister Miranda age 8, Logan age 6, Hannah and Haylie age 4, Lauren age 3. Jackson will never have to worry about being alone.
April decided to go with the epidural and had no complications that she could think of to tell. She was cheerful, bright and happy when I spoke to her. Didn't get a chance to talk with Jeremy but I know he is happy to have son number two.

We are looking forward their family of "eight" joining us at Beulah beach this year for family camp.

A New Grandson on the Way

2009-01-08T09:47:00.001-08:00

April was admitted into Kaiser hospital this morning to be induced for the 6th time. So if everything goes like clock work as for her it does we will have a new grandson today.

2008 Christmas Photos - CLICK HERE!

2008-12-31T12:26:00.000-08:00

Click on the title to see more family

Christmas photos.

2008-12-30T06:01:00.000-08:00

Christmas was a bit strange this year without Dan but it was busy. We went to Gaynel's for Christmas Eve, then to Katie's for Christmas breakfast, then to Floyd & Jan's for Christmas Lunch, then to the movies to see "Bedtime Stories". Whew, so much food and go go go! It was nice to have a few days off after it was all over.

So now on to a New Year! I'm sure I am baby sitting New Year's Eve. New Years day Mom is having all of us over for Hot Pastrami Sandwiches, YUM! Should be nice and relaxing. Not too much of anything else is going on. I am getting a lot of time in reading and praying about my favorite subject "Jesus".

I wonder what the new year will hold for all of us. Looking forward to Dan coming home in April and vacation time with Jeremy and April in the June and possibly a vaction somewhere outside the U.S. in August. All I do know for sure is today is good and that is Good!

2008 Angel's Aware Play - CLICK HERE!

2008-12-16T16:30:00.001-08:00

Angels Aware is a play that takes place in heaven where the Angels discuss why God would come to earth as a baby. Alani explained He wouldn't come as a Rock Star, Jon played the prophet Isaiah whom God told to prepare the people for God's coming and what to look for. Carolyn was a Cheribum Angel who was amongst the angelic discussion and who played various parts. The play was great and cute. I was able to design the sets and the turned out pretty good. We had a fun through out the entire event. To see more photos click on the title above.

Alani Bug!

2008-12-15T10:56:00.001-08:00

Jon grew out of these sweat pants and Alani thought they were great because she could pull them up over her shoulders. Then she began to dance around.

Settling In

2008-12-14T10:54:00.000-08:00

Dan has been able to call fairly regular. I was suprise to learn that there are no bathrooms in his tent and that they have outhouses. It is getting chili there and I would hate having to get out of bed at the wee hours of the night. I would suffer through the night rather than get up out of my warm bed to and go outside.

We are all doing better and geting back into our routines. Dan has met a guy who lets him use his laptop to send emails so Dan doesn't have to wait in line to use a computer. As far as his job we still don't know much but I did get an email that said his position will be an electrical inspector for Iraq. I haven't been able to ask questions yet so I don't know what that means. From a quick glance it seems he would be traveling to various basis. I hope when he meant Iraq he meant Bagdad which would mean he remains at one base. But that is all I know for now.

He Called!

2008-12-11T06:32:00.000-08:00

Got a call at 7:00 am this morning from Dan. He made it to Bagdad after 53 of no sleep, 18 hours of flying, and 5 hours of carrying all his bags around. His next adventure is 7 - 10 days in a 25 man tent, sleeping in bunk beds with a hard mattress. His first meal was in the center of a bunch of 18 and 19 year olds. He still has hope that once he get to where he is working the conditions will be better. He is not complaining but extremely tired.

However, I was very excited to hear from him! He was able to buy a 500 minute phone card. He is 8 hours ahead of us. He starts his training classes on Saturday, so he will have some down time to get some well needed sleep and acclimated to his surrounding. Hopefully he will find out where the computers are today.

OK - It's Official! He's leaving tomorrow!.

2008-12-08T16:04:00.001-08:00

Dan just got his orders and is shipping out tomorrow around noon. CAN I CHANGE MY MIND? Knowing I can get to him anytime I want has been nice but I expect that I won't be able to talk for a week or so. Everything is ready here the fires are burning everything seems to be in place but there is just one - someone missing - that throw is all off in the heart. I didn't expect to be so emotional.

Well, to take my mind off him leaving, Katie came over and said we are starting an exercise program and changing our diet. Boy do I need help! Need to look smashingly attractive when my man comes back in 120 days or in April, that should motivate me!

But for now I'm sad as I just heard the news.

The year of Adri 2008

2008-12-06T17:26:00.000-08:00

I put this collection of photos together for Adri. She had an eventful year as did the weather with a blizzard and a windstorm that took down three of our trees, a trampoline and the neighbors fence. Adri won the Grand Champion award for the hope chest her and Papa made. When she saw this video she realized that she has had a great year and a great life with many things to remember and to be thankful for.

2008-12-04T12:30:00.000-08:00

Sunday Nov 30th Adri joined the youth worship team. This is her first time singing before about 350 people. She did a great job considering she was very emotional that her papa was leaving in a few hours to Iraq for a year.

The youth worship team serves the congregation every 5th Sunday. I am so proud of her. She is very brave to get up there.

Jon's 12th Birthday

2008-12-04T06:59:00.001-08:00

December 3rd we celebrated Jon's 12th Birthday. We had a great time. Jon selected for his birthday dinner Nacho's and Quesedilla's, Strawberry Cake with Chocolate Frosting. Not diet food by any means! Everyone contributed to get him a Nintendo DS and a game. He told me this morning it was the best birthday!

My Fireman!

2008-12-04T06:49:00.001-08:00

Oh if you didn't know Dan also completed training to be a volunteer fireman. Check him out!

He got his ID a couple of days before he left for Iraq. So we know what he will be doing when he gets back.

He really enjoyed the classes because his gray hair earned him respect from all the young wippersnappers students.

My Hubby Left Me for the Love of Money!

2008-12-04T06:42:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, Novermber 30th Dan left for Huston TX to train for his new job on the army base Brassfield-Morra in Iraq. Our church prayed over him and commissioned him and then his plane took off at 2:45pm.

Me and the kids cried throughout the day. Seems wierd to imagine he will be gone for a whole year. It hasn't all sunk in yet.

Spenser and the Toilet

2008-12-04T06:36:00.000-08:00

Ok he is getting around now! Here he is at 8 months and all over the place.

Balance is still hmmmm... head banging but he is always up for more go go power.