Who's That in the Mask?

OK so Friday, I got the urge to do something crafty with the kids.  We went to the craft store to look around.  I found the strips that you can put on your face to make a mask.  Now this goes back to middle school, my favorite art project ever, a mask.  I am thinking, "this will be loads of fun," I always think that prior to the project, then quickly change my mind once it is too late to stop the mess.  Anyway, the kids pick out the paint and some ribbon and we head home.

Austin is the first one to try. So I cut up the strips, get the water ready, lay a towel on the floor and begin working as if I am DaVinci.  Jordyn of course was my photographer (reason for the bluriness).  I began by slathering vaseline all over Austin's face, which he did not seem as excited by this point.

Then I began the strips.  Austin was a good sport.  He let me put the strips on without complaining and kept it on for the entire 20 minutes.  His mask fits his face pefect.

Jordyn was a different story.

She had a very hard time with the whole vaseline thing.  Once I won that battle, I begin placing the strips on her face.  After about 10 in, she decides that she is going to cry and scream.  There went the mask...right onto the bottom of a bowl for me to then finish and try and shape to the size of her face.

Saturday we painted the mask.  This was of course their favorite part.  Much creativity I can see that my children have.  All-in-all it turned out to be a pretty productive craft.

How I envy the Angels!

Dear Mommaw,

So today has been nine years since you went to Heaven.  It has been a long nine years in ways and then in some it ways it has gone by way to quick.  I want you to know that I think of you not only on this day and but everyday that I live.  Something that happens always reminds me of you.  The kids will do something that I think "Mommaw would have loved that" or "I know what Mommaw would have said".  I find it overwhelming sad that my children will never meet you in person and know the true beauty of your being.  But I find it very comforting when we look at pictures of you and I can tell them stories of you. 

I have a deep emptiness inside when I think about how much I miss you.  Sometimes I wish that I could just bring you back and that I could let my kids experience Mommaw's homecooked breakfast or homemade Strawberry Shortcake.  How selfish of thought that is, I know.

I can only imagine when you passed from this world to your new home and woke up.  My heart jumps when I think about your reaction as you opened your eyes to see angels all around you.  People always commented on how many angels you had collected but my if they could see you now.  So many friends I am sure that you enjoyed seeing and being in their presence once more.  How I envy them for having you with them.

Being the person that you are, if God would let you worry in Heaven, I know that you would be watching each and every one of us everyday, praying that we all stay safe, just like you did while you were alive.  In so many ways, I realize now how much I took your caring for me for granted and if you were here I would tell you how much I appreciated everytime that you worried for me.

I can only hope that I grow up to be just like you.  Loving, caring, thoughtful, putting everyone first, a good cook, a dependable person and someone that people will admire long after I leave this world.

Love,

Chrissy

Let the Baking Begin!

It seems that around this time of the year I become this Susie Homemaker.  I seem to releive my stress by baking and cooking.  So tonight I let the kids decorate sugar cookies.  I did not make them from scratch, I cheated and bought pillsbury ready to bake. Hey Austin needs the box tops.  Anyway they had a blast.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!!

Now that I have that song in everyone's head, I am not talking about Christmas, I am talking about Raven's football.  Not only Raven's football but football in general.  This is the day that I (and Josh) have been waiting for since January.  Time to stock up on the snacks.  Of course, today was also the day dad and mom have been waiting on for the last 4 months.  His surgery to help with his pain that he has had constantly. 

Dad before surgery

The day started with an early and miserable drive to Johns Hopkins.  Once we were there everything went smoothly.  Except for the parts where dad would forget to breathe in recovery.  But he got back on track and we made it home before kickoff, which I am certain my dad could of cared less.  He just wanted to get home and sleep.

Dad in recovery

Ravens game was good.  Wasn't pretty but we won.  I also scored top 3 in my fantasy league...football season is off to a great start.

Family Pictue Day

So today was family picture on Josh's side.  The last time we had pics done, the only grandkids were Austin and Jordyn.  Now Dee and Bumpy had to have one picture with just the grandbabies since there are now so many (only 7 but that is alot).  Anyway, just imagine twenty of us (7 kids) all stuffed into a room no bigger than average bathrooms.  It was hot.  I must say the kids were the much better sport than the big boys.  Not sure if it was because they were hot, thirsty or because they were missing football.  The end result was not that bad.

Bumpy and Dee

The Original Meadows Clan

The New and Improved Meadows Clan

John, Ashley, JJ and McKayla

Our Family

Sam, Laina, Malaki and Kylie

Shane, Kali and Maddie

Dee and Bumpy and there pride and joys

The Original Meadows Clan with Sierra

Being that I have been the "outsider" in the family for the longest, it is amazing how it has grown into a whole other family dimension.   Can't wait to see what the years bring.

Let the Holidays Begin!

Labor Day to me has somehow been the start of the holiday season.  With the drought of days off of work between Memorial Day and Labor Day, I welcome this time of the year.  I will now have a day off of work at least once if not twice every month from now until February.  This becomes the season where I seem to be on a constant caffine rush - without the caffine.  I love the creativity that I can show during this season and the way, that starting now, people seem to come together and appreciate each other. 

We started our Labor Day weekend out with a dinner at our house for Mom and Dad's anniversary.  I was so busy being the host that I really did forget to take pics.  But we had pizzas on the grill and Baked Potato Cheddar Soup.

Then Sunday, on a spur of the moment decision, we got some steamed crabs.  Very nice treat.  We were able to fed quit a few people from the small amount that I did get.

Today we started out with Jordyn finding some "coconuts" in the yard and was quite excited about it.

Then we celebrated our day off by going to the Double T and getting breakfast (well most of us got breakfast, Josh had to be different and get a BLT).  The kids ended finding something to keep them busy.  Unaware that I got some good blackmail pics for later in their lives.

After breakfast, we took a little trip to the Home Depot for some supplies and then came home.  The kids decided they wanted to watch a bugs life.  Thought this pic was really cute of them.

Poppop and Carol had thier annual Labor Day cookout, so we headed there to spend some time with them.  Always good to see family that you don't always get to see throughout the year.  The kids had a blast roaming the yard and hanging out with cousins.  Then we went back to Dee and Bumpy's house and ate some really good food and the kids got in the pool.

Holidays always seem to be run! run! run! But I can't help to always turn into this little kid that can't fall asleep at night becuse they are so excited for what is about to come.  The older the kids get the more like a kid I become.  So brace yourselves and let the holidays begin!