Busy Times

Things are hopping along here in Southwest Florida! I think I just need to stop saying that we are busy and just accept it as regular life!! The second week of August we had Vacation Bible School at Naples Alliance Church. It was the first for a number of years, so needless to say we weren't quite sure what to expect. Our prayers were answered however, and I'm pleased to tell you that we had over forty kids through the doors throughout the week, at least 25 each night. Our congregation is very small and so it was alot of work for everyone, but a blessing to see everyone pitching in to make a great time for the kids. Those of you who are interested you can see a short video my mom put together of the week here

We have been blessed with lots of company over the past few months, and this past month has been no exception. Becky English headed down here the last week of August and then Tim Lindseth showed up the following week! It is so nice to see family from "home", makes being away a little easier!

Homeschool has started back up again! Yes, I'm doing it again. This year though we decided to get the kids involved in some things outside of home! Jaden decided on soccer and Adam chose Tennis. I stole the picture of Jaden from Becky (thanks Beck) as I can't find my pictures anywhere!! The twins have yet to decide what they want to do yet, Leah says karate or gymnastics and Evan concurs, big decisions for little people!!

One exciting thing that has happened recently is that I have been invited to participate in the local FOX channels morning show The Morning Blend! This week, I took the kids with me and we did a segment together. The whole time is not online, but the main segment is here! And a second part here

Here are some pictures of our time.

Playing Catch-up again!

So here I am again, playing catch-up on my blog :) The days and weeks just seem to fly by. We have continued to stay busy, enjoying the place we live and the company we have been getting!

One thing that I failed to mention in previous posts, is that over the last two months my Mom & I have been taking cake decorating classes. It's been a good getaway for me, and great to learn a new skill, especially one that with four kids and lots of birthdays I can put to good use. Here are the kids birthday cakes!

Jadens Bumblebee Transformer Cake

Evan Lego Indiana Jones Cake

Leah's Cake

Curious George Live Show - The kids birthday presents from Grandma & Grandpa

On to other things. We are gearing up for Vacation Bible School this week. The church hasn't had one for three years, so we really don't know what to expect. We are ready though and praying for a really fun week.

I have much more to share, but this will catch you up a little!

Happy Birthday Leah & Evan!!

Our "babies" turned a whopping 5 years old today! What a delight they are, and are always guaranteed to bring excitement and fun to every day. Leah is very much the little mother, which does not go down too well with the ones she tries to mother, namely her brothers, but she is sweet girl and is always eager to help mommy in the kitchen or with laundry!! Evan is an adorable little monkey, with a sweet but firey personality, life is never dull with Evan around! Happy Birthday to my sweet babies!!

Happy Birthday Jaden Cole!!

Our big boy Jaden turned 9 years old today! It is amazing how quickly time goes by. Jasen reminded me today that in only 6 short years Jaden will be driving around with a learners permit...."uh maybe not so much" said I! Still, we have loved watching Jaden grow up so far and look forward to many more years of fun. He is a sweet personality (most of the time :) ) and is a born organizer and motivator. I think his future lies either in negotiation as he is one fast talker or animal training being that the love and interest he has had for animals over the years remains! Whatever it is, I know he will do well. Happy Birthday Jaden, we love you!

Don't Faint......

Hi Everyone! Please don't pass out, yes this is an update! I honestly didn't realize that it has been so long since my last post.

Life is good for us here in sunny Florida. Jasen is enjoying his job and I am finding my way around more easily. We have had alot going on over the last three months. It has been great to see family and friends. We celebrated Easter, Mothers Day, Fathers Day and Jasens birthday, and are very quickly coming up on the 4th of July weekend which as most of you know, three birthdays!!!!!

On a personal note I have been embarking on another adventure. I know those of you that know me well are saying "what now!" I always have something I'm doing!! Well, in April I entered a competition sponsored by Paula Deen & Philadelphia Cream Cheese. It was a sixteen week cooking contest, which I had to develop recipes, cook and film myself while doing so. Then the videos along with the recipes were submitted online. Well, long story short, I didn't win anything, but it was alot of fun and kinda gave me the bug....so, a month ago I saw an opportunity that Oprah was presenting for some lucky person to win their own TV show on Oprahs new network OWN TV. Five different categories were presented so I entered into the cooking category. I have posted the link to my audition video, plus a segment that I did for a local Fox News Channel here below! So without further ado, here are some recent pictures of our life..Enjoy! 

Collier County Museum Visit

Imaginarium Children's Museum

A trip to the park, where we ran into the Easter Bunny,

Leah...not so thrilled!

Our own little Easter Egg Hunt

Family Picture Easter 2010

Random Fun (well mostly fun)

Fox 4 Morning Blend Segment

Oprah Audition (Please vote for me here!)

Moving right along

Since we have been in Naples, we have really taken advantage of the outside activities available here. We have many parks within about a five to ten minute drive, plus beautiful beaches a couple of miles down the road. Even though the weather has been cooler than normal, we have still enjoyed being outside.

e have been really blessed over the last few weeks to have been visited by many people! It started with my Nana & Auntie Margaret from Britain.

Girls Day Garage Saling!

Not only have we had family visiting but also some great friends!

Bev & Bud Schultz

Margie Thynes

Pastor Bill & Margaret White

We had a great visit with the Nason family this weekend, but I'll save that for another post! It has been great to see people from "home" both our British home and our Alaskan home! We have plenty of room for more. Come and see us!

On a side note my website Mamas Little Notebook is back up and running! Check it out for recipe ideas, fun kids stuff, home tips and lots of other fun things!

Back By Popular Demand!

Ok, no more excuses! Here is an update...finally! We are alive, well, happy and enjoying life in Florida! I guess the last you really heard from us we were still in Tennessee  in the throws of moving. We left Portland on January 7th, Jasen in the moving truck, and me, my mom and all of the kids in the van. Our trip was delayed a day, so that being the case we made the decision to drive the whole way in one day rather than split it up into two. Twelve hours is a LONG time for kids to spend in a vehicle, but they were incredible and the drive was without incident. We arrived in Sebring late in the evening and spent a few days relaxing there and then headed down to Naples where we have been settling into our new life.

We love it here. The kids are happy, Jasen is enjoying his job and I am starting to find my way around! There are so many things I could say about this area, the beaches are beautiful everything is neat, clean and tidy, there are alot of great shopping areas, and lots to do for the kids. So, that's a little update. I have lots more to tell, and many pictures, but for now here are a few pictures of our last few weeks in TN. I know Christmas is along way gone but enjoy them anyway!

Looking at Christmas Lights

With friends Christmas Eve

New Jammies!!

Christmas Morning Fun

Fun In The Tub :)

Making Pies with Grandma