Ever hear of a Train Wreck!??

This post is a Memory I have shared before, but it made an imprint on the hilarious side of life here in our home... Enjoy some laughter today!

Well, we had a little bit of a motorcycle wreck here this week!

In the tradition of keeping life interesting and hilariously unexpected... we had to document a new adventure that we have had yet to embark upon.

Ever see one of those little toy motorcycles, that has an "ON" button, and the wheels turn really fast, to self -propell itself? 

Picture this:
My three year old, Shirley Temple, decides to put the fast turning wheels right onto her head!!!!
Not sure, why... who could guess the mind of a three year old?

Needless to say.. she comes to her daddy and I, crying  - with a toy motorcycle STUCK TO HER head,, the wheels are a turnin', and it is still on....
and she is laughing and crying at the same time... ( She has this strange adult/child humor... I can't even explain it... like she knows something is wrong... will do it,, and then get that smirk on her face that tells you she knew what was going to happen... and she finds it funny.. and yet.. not!)

My first reaction... Oh NO... we are going to have to CUT those precious curls.
Her Daddys first reaction - "Please get me a screwdriver!"

Uhhh.. ok.. I can see the reason God has given this little girl two parents!

Here is a video of Shirley Temple, her daddy, the screwdriver. the motorcycle, and of course.. you can't miss the fact that she won't put her precious kitten down,, even thru the whole ordeal!

Be Sure to pause the music playing in the sidebar to the right before you hit the play to watch the video.




Be sure to pause the music player on right- side-bar before pressing play for this hilarious video.
You never know what is going to happen in a day!

I am linking up with Jenilee for Wednesdays Walk.. A Walk Down Memory Lane.





Be sure to stop and visit her here!
You can read Jenilee's memories and others as well!



Speaking of which... my little one year old.. came into the kitchen crying an hour ago..
You will never guess...??
She had the MOTORCYCLE stuck in HER HAIR!!

You just have to laugh!

Sweet Surprises

If you enjoy jotting down your special memories, be sure to visit Lynnette, here. It is a fantastic way to journal and remember some of the moments that define our days.

Isn't summer fun? There are so many wonderful activities that we do together, and I find that each year brings another set of summer-filled memories to cherish.
Yesterday, we embarked on our Strawberry Picking adventure. And, an adventure it WAS!

The local berries had some frost damage and so we searched out the nearest berry farm, and it was about 45 minutes away. I decided to google this farm to get a map for directions.. and it was waaayyy out in the middle of no where.

But, hey, I am always up for a fun drive. So, away we went!

Ha! Ha! We got a "little" lost, but we made it. ( no GPS in this girls life! - just good ole' sense of direction!)

This Strawberry farm was nestled on a back country road, with beautiful fields full of organic produce,,and not just strawberries!

After everyone unloaded and found their buckets in the van,, we found the perfect spot to pick.

It was so cute - The sign upon entering the fields said. RULE: Children MUST eat many berries!! I LOVE that!

Right in the MIDDLE of this huge strawberry field, I saw a gift that God had planted there just for me that day! A single spot of beautiful daises were growing towards the Heaven's and had my name written all over them. Daisies being my favorite flower, I naturally took a picture of this special gift, and will share it with you today. My gift to you!!

After berry picking, Sarah asked to drive on the way back, because she now has her permit. THIS was our second adventure!! We made it back, and then decided to have a picnic lunch at the lake, and it was beautiful!

The wind kept the warm air manageable, and it tired out the little ones so wonderfully!

I decided to make a strawberry pie with some of our berries , and we had that after dinner.

Here are some pictures of our memorable afternoon. Next month -Blueberries!!

WHAT will I do with THIS hair!!

Baby Ava's pudgy hand found the sweet berries!

Poor Eden - The Sun was a LITTLE bright while I was taking this picture!

Sam's favorite food in the whole world is strawberries! He picked a whole bucket, and ate half of it on the way home!

My gift from God- All alone, right in the middle of a Strawberry Patch!

Amish Country

I am posting my Wednesday Memory a little later than I would like, but life has a way of interrupting and prioritizing itself before my blog. Thats ok.

My blogging CHUM Lynnette, has created this weekly idea of sharing our memories, and I have thoroughly enjoyed this Walk Down Memory Lane.

Stop and visit Lynnette sometime here.

Because of the cost of traveling with a larger family, we have done our best to find closer places to travel to and make some fun family memories.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania - AMISH Country - has now become an Annual trip for our family.

It is about 4 hours away, and we love visiting some place new while there each time.

One of our absolute favorite stops while in Lancaster is here ! Check it out!

The Lion and The Lamb~

This famous Theatre in Lancaster, has now, also built another theater in Branson, MO. Maybe you live close enough to one of these to visit?

If you ever have the opportunity to see one of their productions - based on Biblical accounts - Don't miss out! The whole family will love it!



In addition to seeing a show while away, we also visit some wonderful Amish shops, eat some amazing food, relax at a family resort - talking and walking and sharing.


I think this is one of our favorite places to re-visit because of the simplicity of life. The quiet, and peace we find on our trips there probably have more to do with our time away as a family, and the things that we focus on while we are there.... Each other..

Daddy and Samuel - 1 year ago

What could be better?

Lydia and Leah.. a special pose for the Camera Happy Mommy!

Pond at Willow Valley Resort

A Walk to Remember

I love Wednesdays. It brings to the forefront of my mind many memories, and the day to recount and share them with my blogging friends. My great, blogging chum, Lynnette, began this great idea of sharing on Wednesdays. If you visit her at http://lynnettekraft.blogspot.com/,

you can read her Wednesday Memories, and many others as well.

Thanks Lynnette, for this fun celebration!

My Memory today is current. not a past time, not in the recesses of my memory. Current, as in a memory made yesterday.

Yesterday was a long and very busy day. ( But, as I blogged about yesterday, it was FUN!)

The evening had was quickly approaching and I found myself eating dinner at 8 p.m. and getting kids to bed later than usual.

It was 8:30, and because we have day light hours longer now, I decided to head out on a walk. The baby was in bed, and the kids were in jammies. Dan arrived home from a late night on the job, and so we headed off on the country road together.

This was a blessing in itself. We never have this opportunity. I LOVE to go walking, and usually have to go alone. Or, at least, the dog and I. This was much better,, although, the dog DID go too.

We had some nice chats about our days, and saw people we knew. The road was quiet, the air was quiet, and it was such a walk to remember.

But....................

If you know me by now, you would know that it had to end on a fun note.

We were half way home, and he was being "pokey-slow!"

I decided to tease him, pick up the pace and start a little jog. I was wearing a skirt, and sneaks, and knew that it would be rather challenging. But, hey! I am always up for a challenge!

It was hilarious... the jog turned into him coming up behind me at a faster pace, and it turned into an all out running race - right out in the middle of the road.

Me, my husband, the dog, my skirt and sneaks, and US!!!

We raced the rest of the way home like that,( not a small feat!).. and I felt like a kid again.

I am sure that we were a sight, but, honestly,, I wouldn't have changed a thing!

This will be a memory my heart will remember.

A "race" to remember!

21 Years of Memories

What a great way to share our memories - Thanks to my friend, Lynnette, ( check out her blog -on my sidebar), this weekly opportunity is open to ANY one that would like to Walk down memory lane. I hope you enjoy reading my memories for today.

There are two significant moments in my life ( other than the birth of my children), that I know defines who I am today.

The first occurred 21 years ago , May 8th. ( 8 is my favorite #, by the way - if you care to know).. I celebrate this Wednesday's Walk today because every May I remember this day.

I was 17, and I was asked to go on a blind-date. WHAT were my parents thinking? LOL... ( Mom, if you are reading this... this comment is purely maternal, thinking that I could not imagine us letting Ben do this today)...

I drove to our arranged meeting place with some friends the local miniature - golf spot, also our local Soaring Museum, and picnic area. I remember being quite apprehensive,,, and not expecting any thing but a fun evening with some other believers. I actually didn't even think of this as a "date," but a great opportunity to play some miniature golf.

This day changed my life forever. I met the man that I am married to today. We were engaged THREE months after this chance meeting,, and 21 years later are married - happily, through many ups and downs, and a lot of changes in both of us.

We have moved numerous times, been to Bible School, had our share of "squabbles," built our own home together, been in the labor and delivery room more than I can think to count, and laughed together through many ups and downs.

I celebrate the Anniversary of our meeting, because it is the day that - I walked into the rest of my life. The day that I met the man God had waiting for me to spend the rest of my life with. He is perfect for me, and God knew he would be. I thank the Lord for this man - a man after God's own heart.

~~~~~~

The second monumental moment in my life, that changed my life forever and ever...a day I surrendered ALL.

When I was 12 years old, my family and I went to a wonderful Bible Camp together, and heard the most amazing things I had ever heard. My heart was opened to the truth that I am a sinner, and could be set free. Never had I remembered hearing this before.

My brother and I made a decision that day to accept the Lord as our Savior from sin. Realizing what His Son had done for us on the Cross.. the ultimate sacrifice. How could I turn my back on this offer of Eternal life, when he gave HIS life for me,, for this moment?

I accepted this free gift, decided that day to live my life for HIM,, and never turned back - I ran with it. And I am still running that race - daily - a race that defines my life each and every day.

Romans 6:23 - " For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
~~~~
My walk down memory lane brings me to my knees again to thank the Lord for giving me these moments in time that changed me forever.

Tea Party Memories

I Love posting on Wednesdays when I can. Bringing memories to my mind each week, has allowed me to post and print these memories for my children.. adding them to my Hope Chest for years later.
Be sure to visit my friend, Lynnette's Blog ( above), and enjoy this weekly idea of Wednesdays Walk as well. Thank you Lynnette.

Tea Party Memories

One of the special Occasions around here when you are a little girl (which is 6 out of nine chances here), is to celebrate your fifth birthday with a big Tea Party!

Because we have a larger family, we have established a tradition to celebrate "big" ( party versus small family get-together.)

When our little girls turn five they are so excited, because this is the year we celebrate with a Tea Party.

It is so sweet. We have a little table that has been in the family for 40 or more years , and we have sanded it, re-painted it, and made it our special Tea Party Table.

This gets decorated with cloth napkins, favors, my special collection of Tea Cups, appetizers, etc.

The girls don their special Dresses ( usually large and antiquated), with white gloves, and sometimes a pretty hat. They invite a few special friends, and we are sure to take a lot of pictures.

Tea is served at "high noon," and little finger sanwhiches, pink ginger-ale, and glorified desserts are always a must!

We have so much fun. The girls get to be little girls - playing dress-up, learning how to hold their tea cups Just right, and of course, playing some games.

One year, we watched Anne of Green Gables, and then my oldest daughter and her friends did an American Girl play re-inactment for them to watch. Each Tea Party is a little different - depending on the daughter.

We will not have another daughter turn 5 for 3 more years.But in the mean-time,, we celebrate our boys special birthday years with some fun things as well.

Here are some fun pics from Lyddie's Tea Party - 4 years ago.

Where did those 14 years go?

Welcome to my Wednesdays Walk Down Memory Lane. This great blog idea is from my friend Lynnette, and is shared by many. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading memories from others on Wednesdays, and hope you will stop by to visit Lynnette's page as well. Just click on the button above.

Another Special Day in our Family

About two weeks ago, I wrote about our oldest son turning 17. If you missed this post, and would like to read about our Benjamin, just scroll down to see it.

Now, we have another birthday. It's not that I have to write about every birthday we have here... goodness sakes - I would be writing all of the time... but, today I will write about my second son - Matthew.

He will be 14 this weekend. Slowly becoming a man. The mom in me had to add the slowly!

He REALLY is a wonderful young man already.

The day he was born was a whirlwind of activity. 14 years ago - he arrived VERY quickly into our arms - a mere 13 minutes after arriving at the hospital. Very eager to be a part of our family!

My boys are like night and day. Matthew is my right-hand man.
Always looking to help with whatever he can.

He loves the outdoors. Loves to hunt.
Loves to fish.

Loves to bake, cook, and experiment in the kitchen.

Enjoys our garden,, canning,, preserving, and helping with new things.

He is an avid reader.

A quiet, serious, yet sometimes silly guy.

He can make me laugh so hard, when no one else can!

He doesn't care about fashion, or vanity.

He is a very giving young man.

Sensitive to the Lord-

My Son -
On Loan from God.

It is our prayer that the Lord will use the quality in character He gave to Matthew to reach those that do not know the Lord.

We pray also for Matthew's life to be pleasing to God - and that his heart will be tender to God's leading and not just ours.

I Love you Matthew.

Happy Birthday!

Pick of the 'Crop!

Every Wednesday is a great opportunity to share some of your special memories.
Visit Lynnette's Blog,, you will love her and her story! I do!

Apple-licious!

Some of our favorite memories as a family are when we pick Apples.
We have a great time,, picking the apples, talking, and eating!
We pick an variety of apples -

Gala, McIntosh, Cortland, and Spys.

Mmmmmmmmmmm..

We use our apples for Applesauce, Pies, Apple Butter, Dehydrating, and every day eating!

Arriving at the Orchard , our van is full of excited, talkative, and energetic children.
Everyone has a partner to pair up with, and the apple picking begins.

We usually start with "drops."
These are apples that have fallen from the tree,, still in nice condition, and a bit cheaper in price.

The baby will sit in the wagon, playing with the apples,,,an posing for many pictures...

Soooo cute

Apple picking brings out the fun in all of us.

It also teaches our children some great qualities,, diligence, hard work = rewards.I love to listen to the special converations that our children have with one another, as they work together under the apple trees.

It is a special thing to see and hear your children talk about their favorite things, and to enjoy one another's company.

Last year, my oldest children got a little creative with their time... and we made it a "grand ole' photo shoot!"


So much for productivity!
When we arrive home, all of the kids help chop, core, and cook down the apples, until we have quarts and quarts of applesauce.
It smells sooo wonderful.

This memory has been in the making for 20 years. It is an annual tradition,, and a necessary supplement to our pantry!

My Wednesdays Walk

I am posting a great memory for my Wednesdays Walk. I am thankful that my friend Lynnette has created this forum for many to have the opportunity to share their memories. I have enjoyed reading others stories, and was really blessed by the group of woman that have joined her for this walk down Memory Lane.

If you would like to Join this weekly forum.. Wednesday's Walk-I would invite you to visit her special blog page.. posted above.

About two months ago, I hosted an extended Family Talent Night- we called it

Silly or Serious!

My two brothers, my sister, their spouses and all of our children all participated. Everyone came prepared and with a great Spirit of fun!

We have a Bi- level living room, and so to prepare the "stage" for this event, I made a little trip to the local thrift shop, and purchased one pink, and one blue sheet. I then took them to my sewing machine, and made a Handy-dandy Stage Curtain. We hung it across a wire on the top level of the living room, and we were able to slide it back and forth in between each "act."

Ohhhh myyy!! It was so much fun! Everyone brought something different. We made some great memories that day. If you want to get closer to those you love,, let your guard down, and let them see who you really are. This was a fantastic opportunity for all of the children to see the adults having a good, wholesome fun time as well.

Here are a few of the fun moments we shared:

I started the Show out with a CHEER!! Can you believe it? ( If you said yes, then you REALLY know me! Heehee.) It was just the right beginning to get them all in the mood of sharing.

The children shared some of these things:

Poem/George Washington , Karate Moves

Joke Telling / Flute/ Jump Rope/ Singing

2 Man- Arms making Ice Cream Sundae Skit/ A Special Dance/ and Piano

Other skits included: A Curling Tongue Demonstration ( It was something to watch!!)

Personally written Poem and reading

Our Family closed the show with a altered version of the song from "The Adams Family."

( Remember this old show? Kinda spooky, I know,, but we changed the words to fit our family, snapping our fingers,, and singing:

Na na na nah (snap, snap)

Na na na nah ( snap, snap)

Na na na nah

Na na na nah

Na na na nah

**Snap Snap**

They're funny and they're silly
Kind and even nerdy

They're all together purdy
The McCarthy Family

Their house is like a Zooo

With people me and you

There are always things to dooo

The McCarthy family

Their friends are kinda kooky

Their Uncles a little spooky

They're altogether ooky

The McCarthy fammmmiiilllly!

Na na na nah!!

It was REALLY fun!

This memory is special to me because Our Family Talent Show brought some Silly out of the Serious in us.. and the Serious in some of our more silly members!

You should try this fun idea - it is worth the memory!

A Wednesday to Remember

My original post for my walk down Memory Lane was put on the "back burner" of my mind for this week. All because the Lord had other plans than mine own for my life today and every day this week.

I just wanted to journal something that happened today, actually about 1/2 hour ago, that brought tears to my eyes, and a balm to my heavy heart.

You know how we sometimes let our circumstances control our emotions, and behavior? Our family is experiencing some difficult times right now.

I have allowed these circumstances to bring me down,, even when I know that my Lord is Sovereign.

About one hour ago, we received some very discouraging news, and I was feeling so overwhelmed. That feeling that makes the pit of your stomach feel so heavy, and your arms and legs a little shaky..

I was working thru these emotions.. all the while changing a diaper, laying kids down for naps, and nursing my baby.. when there was a knock at my door.

One of my dear friends,, with the prompting of the Lord.. made and delivered this special and sweet gift to me!

She told me that she knew I was probably already being reminded of God's Promises, and wanted me to have something "fun" to think about.

It worked ! Don't Worry - Be Happy!

This was my smile for today !