Gabe and Girlz

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-23T21:12:00.000-08:00

Halloween Fun

2009-11-09T20:39:00.000-08:00

Last minute Halloween costumes. A Rockstar and a Princess...............aka: Mary and Maggie

Pictures of the Peeps!!!

2009-10-16T18:39:00.000-07:00

First Day of School

2009-09-19T17:40:00.000-07:00

More Pictures to Come

2009-08-23T20:28:00.000-07:00

Our Little Flower Girl

2009-06-21T22:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Grandma!!

2009-05-21T18:01:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give a shout out to Grandma Dorothy. She had her birthday on May 2. We had the chance to visit her the next day and take her out to eat. We managed to snag this picture before we headed home. I could not resist sharing it with you.

Girlz Track and Field Days

2009-05-09T18:51:00.000-07:00

Joel in California.....

2009-05-01T17:26:00.000-07:00

Many of you who know us, know that are good buddy James (who lives in CA) was involved in a serious moped accident in February. When Joel and I heard about the accident we were sick with worry. You see, we have known James since our college days. James has lived in our home, fixed our computers, entertained and loved on our kids, and has been such a good friend to us for the last 15 years. So as soon as, James was released from the hospital Joel high-tailed it out to CA to see our buddy. Here are a few pictures of his week out there. Love you, James!!!

DON'T TOUCH THAT!!!!!

2009-04-24T20:35:00.000-07:00

Many of you probably heard that the town of Newton had a very important visitor this last week. If not, then you must not watch the news because even my mom visiting Texas heard about it!! Newton had the honor of hosting the President of the United States on Earth Day. This is a picture of Maggie, at a dis-closed location, ; ) with one of the presidents escort vehicles. Supposedly, they were not to get to close or touch the vehicle or it would set off alarms and little monkeys would attack. Ok, maybe not the monkey part but the alarm part is true. I think she was pushing her luck with this one. It looks to me like she is touching it!

Gabe's First Track Meet

2009-04-19T11:26:00.000-07:00

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-04-03T19:59:00.000-07:00

Meet my nephew Tanner (my sister Carrie's son) isn't he a cutie......I wonder what he is thinking??? This picture was taken at Grandma and Grandpa's house when they came for a visit at Christmastime. I am posting his picture on my blog because I can't find my sister e-mail address and I wanted to share it with her!!! Love and miss you guys, come home soon!!!

Happy Birthday, Joel!!!!

2009-03-31T18:44:00.000-07:00

Here is the man of the hour in action!!! This was a truck fire from a month ago. If you have a chance, wish this fireman a Happy Birthday!! He is 36 today. We love you Joel/Dad and all that you do for us!!! You are our super hero!!!

Nickelback Concert in Des Moines

2009-03-20T06:50:00.000-07:00

This is what Joel and I did on Wednesday night this week!!! I'm calling it Joel's early Birthday present. However, I can safely say, we both had a really good time. It was a good show and we had good seats!!! Thanks Grandpa Jeff for watching Gabe and Girlz and getting them to bed on time. Watch out kids momma might be getting you real drums and guitars..........or we might be playing a lot more Rock band........because everyone wants to be a Rock Star ; )

Random Happenings

2009-03-12T18:05:00.000-07:00

Newton's finest having a good time at a summertime party............Would you like any of these guys to pick you up???

Gabe's first dance. Sigh....... He looked so good... Notice the tie.......it was my first attept at tying a tie........we got it figured out before the dance.

My pretty flowers......These really brightened my day after and bad week....oh so colorful...I thought they were fake at first..Thanks Joel

And lastly, this is the view out my kitchen window after the snow melted. (it also happens after a big rain) I think we should name it...........Lake Schabilion........or Lake Come and Go............or Lake Don't Play in the Water Girlz

Swimming

2009-03-04T06:36:00.000-08:00

Gabe

Mary

Hannah

This is what are Saturdays have looked like since November. Gabe will be competing at state on Sunday in two events the 200 meter freestyle and a 200 meter relay. Good job kids your number one fan could not be more proud.

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-02-20T19:34:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of the kids from a few years ago........it is at the local library. I have been going through old pictures and just thought I would share this one. More old pictures to come.

Why I Love America.........

2009-02-10T11:25:00.000-08:00

Last night Mary had the honor of going to the VFW to receive an award for a writing contest that she had entered. She had to write a 50 word essay on Why I Love America. Mary (a 3rd grader) won 1st place in Jasper county and went on to win 2nd place in the district. We are so proud....so without further ado here is her essay:

I love America because I get to do things some people don't get to do, like go to school, have pets and live in a nice house. I also get to make decisions about what I will do when I grow up, where I'll live, and what I will do. I love America because I get to make choices for myself.

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-02-06T11:40:00.000-08:00

Molly and Mary's First Sewing Project

2009-01-25T16:46:00.000-08:00

Here is Mary's first sewing project. She got a new sewing machine for Christmas. Molly gets to be her first model. Good job Mary!!!

Winter Fun...Before the Big Freeze

2009-01-16T20:47:00.000-08:00

Here is what you are missing...SNOW!!!

2009-01-16T20:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Floridian and Texan Relatives.....

Here is a picture of our backyard. Can you believe how much snow is on our swing set? What really stinks about this picture is that we can't even go outside to play because it is soooooo very, very cold. The weatherperson said, "it is colder in Iowa then it is in the North Pole." We are getting very bored. We only had 2 days of school this week because of the weather. Hope you are enjoying your warm weather, it has to be better than this!!
Love,
Maggie

Grandpa and Grandma and Christmas

2008-12-31T14:07:00.000-08:00

Top Row: Mary, my mom and Maggie, my dad, Carson and Tanner (Carrie's son's)
Bottom row: Hannah and Gabe

Cute Pictures

2008-12-02T22:05:00.000-08:00

Favorite Photo Friday

2008-11-14T13:47:00.000-08:00

Trick or Treat.........Part 2 and 3

2008-11-10T15:15:00.000-08:00

Part 2: For some reason the town Joel works in decided to have Trick or Treating the night before Halloween. So I decided to get the girlz dressed up and go. (I put a lot of time into making those costumes--so I wasn't going to waste an opportunity ; ) This is a picture of the girlz with Joel at the fire station. Just in case you can not tell what the are for Halloween. Joel is a fireman ; ) Mary is a veterinarian, and Hannah and Maggie are princesses (of course).

Part 3: I am sorry to say that I don't have pictures of Halloween night. We traveled to our old town to visit our friends the Trevino's. We had a great time watching movies, visiting and eating and more trick-or-treating. Gabe and the Trevino boyz played video games most of the time. I think that I only saw him when it was time to eat. Thanks Trevino's for being such good friends and hosts. Can't wait to do it all again.

Gross!!!

2008-11-06T19:29:00.000-08:00

I was wondering why I had been going through so much cat food!!! All I can say is, "oh gross."

Trick or Treat.........Part One

2008-11-03T22:54:00.000-08:00

We had a great Halloween x 3. Yep, you heard me right x 3. I will start-off with our first stop-- it was a week before Halloween with Grandpa Jeff in Iowa City. The University hosted an event for the little ones to come and explore 3 different buildings all decked out for Halloween. (with treats, of course) I did not realize that this girl was 'wearing' a live snake until she asked me if I wanted to pet it. I kindly said no and then high-tailed it out of there but not before snapping this photo. All three girls petted the boa, but when looking at this picture I am not so sure that they wanted too stand to close. (Part 2 & 3 to come)

Yes, Maggie God does answer prayers

2008-10-25T10:21:00.000-07:00

Here is our latest picture of Molly all ready for cooler weather. The kids have been asking for a dog for a long while now. I just didn't know if I was ready. However, we had started looking for a dog. We just had not said much to the kids because I didn't know when it was going to happen. My mom had watched the kids for us about four weekends ago. Maggie happened to be in my mom's Sunday school class and mom had asked each kid to say a prayer. Guess what Maggie prayed for? Maggie prayed for a dog--hence the title. I guess I got lucky because one kid prayed for a snake and the other an elephant...I'll take the dog.

It's a Boy and a Girl

2008-10-15T17:35:00.000-07:00

Here is our newest addition to the zoo ; ). A kitty that Joel found while biking. The kids call him Milky Way. I affectionately refer to him as Gus. As you can see, he is Maggie's kitty. He is very sweet and lets Maggie carry him around like a baby.

And also a 10 week old beagle named Molly all the way from Orange City. These pictures where hard to get she does not sit still for very long. If I could give her medication for ADHD, I would ; ) However, she is starting to grow on us. 1 husband, 4 kid-o's, 2 pets...... it is a houseful of fun. Come by for a visit soon. I promise you won't be bored.

More Football

2008-09-29T16:40:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of Gabe and his good buddy Zach (also our next door neighbor) at their last football game. I have so much fun watching these two play. Both are good athletes and seem to get the team pumped up and ready to play. I think these two will have many more years of making memories on and off the field. Good luck boys we are all cheering for ya. (do these school colors remind you of someone else's school colors????)

Mushroom Asparagus Quiche

2008-09-16T16:53:00.000-07:00

I just had to share this recipe that we tried on Sunday. Quite honestly, I have been a little afraid to make Asparagus. It is just not a vegetable that I am familiar with. (Now I know sauteing it in some butter, is oh so good.!) I saw this recipe in the Feb/March issue of Taste of Home. I like quiche, so I thought lets try it. This one is going in the recipe box for future use. It also looks so pretty before and after you bake it.

Mushroom Asparagus Quiche

1 tube (8oz) refrigerated crescent rolls
2tsp prepared mustard
1-1/2 lbs. asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2" pieces
1 med. onion, chopped
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup butter, cubed
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups (8 oz) shredded part -skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder

Separate crescent dough into eight triangles; place in an un-greased 9-in pie plate with points toward the center. Press onto the bottom and up the sides to form a crust; seal perforations. Spread with mustard; set aside.
In a large skillet, saute the asparagus, onion and mushrooms in butter until asparagus is crisp-tender. In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; stir in asparagus mixture. Pour into crust.
Bake at 375 for 20-30 minutes or until a knife inserted near the edge comes out clean. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting. Yields:6-8 servings

If you try it, let me know what you think!!!

First Football Game

2008-09-11T20:04:00.000-07:00

Well, I am so excited to share with you Gabe's first football game. I love to watch football ( high school, college and the Super Bowl). So this was a real treat for me to watch my own child play. These pictures were taken before the game. They are not very good because it started pouring rain before he even hit the field. He is the one in the far right (1st pic), # 44 (2nd pic) and the bottom pic is his cheering section. Even though we are soaked to the bone and they lost the game. I am ready to do it all again next week!!! See I told you I really love football.

Maggie's Birthday

2008-09-07T17:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we celebrated Maggie's 5th Birthday. We had a visit from Grandma and Grandpa H. We had presents and cake and a birthday dinner at Cheddars. (where they play the kazoo's to the tune of happy birthday, instead of singing) Soooo cute. In lu of Maggie's 5th Birthday here are five things you may or may not know about this princess!!

1. Loves the color pink. (YAAAAAAY!)
2. Loves shoes and purses. (Hitting garage sales with mom has contributed to that.)
3. She is very silly. (Thanks, mostly, to her older siblings. She treats them as her audience.)
4. Likes to eat steaks and pork chops. Just no hot dogs please.
5. loves her mom and dad (maggie's words.)

More Summer Highlights

2008-09-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

More Pella

Hannah at the State Fair

Hannah's 11th Birthday

Picture by Maggie: Uncle Dan, Isabella and Mary

Summer Highlights

2008-09-05T16:45:00.000-07:00

Mary 9th Birthday

Bunny we found on the 4th of July

Maggie and her friend Katie

Visiting Pella with Grandpa

2008-08-26T19:00:00.000-07:00

Wet Camera!!!

2008-08-25T18:22:00.000-07:00

First Day of School Pics

2008-08-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

Day of Firsts

2008-08-18T21:07:00.000-07:00

Today was a huge day for us (x 4!) Gabriel's first day of Jr. High, Maggie's first day of Kindergarten, Hannah's first day of a new school after being home schooled for a year. My first day of not having ANY of the kids home during the day. We have had kids at home for the last 13 years (as Joel was so quick to point out). Up until today I was soooooo excited for the kids to go to school, almost giddy, however as I was standing in line with Maggie waiting for the bell to ring, tears started to well up in my eyes and I got all choked up. It really caught me off-guard and I was so afraid Maggie would see me and start to cry too. Ugg! I managed to remain calm and see Maggie off to her classroom. The whole day for me was bittersweet. The whole day for the kids, awesome. They are ready to go back tomorrow.

Iowa State Fair Fun

2008-08-16T15:38:00.000-07:00

What would a State Fair be without at least one corn dog!

Mary and our BFF James from Southern California. Enjoying there fried goodness.

Maggie and Mary with Clifford the big red dog. Gabe (below) waiting for the dog show to begin.