Wesley's doing...

Last night James was Mr. Mom, as I had a migraine. The kids asked for hot cocoa, so he decided to make them real hot cocoa on the stove. They all stood around and helped pour the ingredients in the pan. Grace used a stool to climb onto the counter to get the cocoa from the cupboard and apparently Wesley watched her.
Wesley came to me today with cocoa on his pants and hands and said "I didn't do anything" Really? I went into the kitchen and found the lid for the cocoa on the floor and some cocoa spilt on the tile, not too bad though, i vacuumed it up with the dustbuster. The stool was pushed up to the counter and the cupboard open, so that explained how he got it. I asked him where the container was and he answered with a shrug of his shoulders. I looked around the kitchen, but didn't find it, until lunchtime...
This is a picture of the kid drawer. It is filled with kid plates and plastic cups, but also lots of cocoa. Thank you Wesley, that drawer needed to be vacuumed out and washed and all the dishes had been put away dirty, so I was needing to wash them all again anyway ;)
That little man is trouble!!! Happy Monday!

Swimming in Oct

Our school work was done,
swimming sounded like fun!
The weather was great,
the Verkaik's said come over any date! :)

I love the freedom homeschooling gives us. Only in California in October can you swim. We had finished our schoolwork and then packed lunch and got to swim for a few hours. The water was freezing, but the kids didn't mind one bit and always love to swim.
Thank you Tom and Dawn for opening your home to us.

Produce Pile

This week on Tuesday James started a juice only 30 day cleanse. I know this sounds crazy, but drastic times call for drastic measures. He would like to loose 50 to 60 lbs and felt he needed to jump start his weight loss. I found this "juice diet" from a friend who has been juicing and very sucessful at loosing weight, I sent James the link and he said he try it. The story behind the diet is actaully a documentary that is very encouraging and inspirational and there is a blog and entire community behind juicing. Joe Cross, the guy behind the diet was 100lbs over weight and had lots of medical problems and finally wanted to make some life changes. It is now 4years later and he's kept off the weight and transformed his life into a healthy lifestyle where he is advocating not only juicing, but taking back control of your life. If you want to see it, you can watch it on Netflix or visit here...http://www.fatsickandnearlydead.com/
So anyway, here is all the produce I bought for the first go around. I got all of this produce for right at $50. This is produce for James to juice, as well as produce for our family to eat also. I thought it was a pretty good deal!!! I'm sure juicing for 30 days will be difficult for James, but I know he can do it and will end up feeling SOOOOOO much better. If you think of it, please pray for him as he struggles through the task of weight loss and juicing for the next 26 days! Drink up! :)

Say Ya Ya Ya Yes to Vvvvv VBS!

Vacational Bible School consumed 3 weeks of our summer and I think the kids will say they were some of the best! We have been so blessed by each VBS and all the workers who dedicated many hours to make them possible. The fact that the kids get to have a blast, sing praises, make crafts and have snacks all while learning about what an awesome God we serve is priceless and better than a weeks vacation anywhere! The three oldest kids have participated in VBS programs over the summer for years, but this was Grady's first experience; he loved it!

The first VBS we were part of was in June in Rehobeth, at the Rehobeth CRC. Panda Mania! I got to lead a group and have Hope, as well as Alice Kok & Jadyn Kimm, plus 4 other little sweeties. This VBS was awesome! I served along side many others from the River as a leader, which was really cool. There were about 150 kids and each and every one of them were able to see God at work. The groups rotated thru, story time, games, crafts, snack time and a video session, each of which were well planned and exciting for the kids. Grace and Hope both really got into the worship time and often got on stage to sing and do the motions. The kids really enjoyed getting to know new kids, as well as participate in a VBS with kids from church. Wesley didn't get to participate in VBS, but got to play with other little ones and still had lots of fun.

The 2nd VBS the 4 oldest were part of was at the Packing House in Redlands, July 11-15. This VBS was huge! This one was Promise Island and the kids got to dress island style with hawaaiin skirts/shirts, leis and the girls wore a flower in their hair. The kids came home each day singing the songs and talking about the promise they had learned that day. Kids from our church and our homeschool group were all part of this VBS, so the kids enjoyed having friends with them. I was really looking forward to a week of just Wesley in the mornings, but it didn't quite turn out as planned. Wesley was an absolute wreck and was a naughty teary mess. I asked him what his problem was and he said "there's no kids. I miss Grady. We need to pick up our kids" Poor guy, he didn't know what to do with himself and I guess running errands or finishing projects with mom isn' that fun and he was miserable.

The last VBS was at Fellowship of the Pass in Beaumont and was the last week of July. We've gone to this VBS for 4 years now and every year the kids are excited to go to see friends from years past, there were also friends from our homeschool group and some friends from church too. The theme was the Big Apple and the kids learned about the big city and how God will meet us anywhere, even in a busy, big city. Wesley was better this time around and I have stuff planned so he wouldn't be bored doing "mom stuff."

We have enough VBS songs in our heads to last at least til next summer :) We are blessed!

Summer Bible Study

Summer brings with it so many good things that I look forward to, Bible study at our church is one of them. During the school year we attend a study at Trinity that offers a class for home schoolers which is great for Zach, Grace & Hoper. The Trinity study wraps up in May and then the study at the River started first part of June. There is just something comforting about being in a study with ladies you know and love. I need to be in the Word and feel so much better when I am being challenged on a daily basis to seek Him more.

This summer we studied

This study was great. I love Beth Moore and her quirkiness, as well as how she challenges women to seek God's Word and see things we might not have seen before. She presents valid truths in ways that women relate to. I must admit though, it was a challenge for me do stay on top of my study, as there is about an hours worth of reading and questions, 5 days/week and summer is full of vacations and fun. I need the challenge and find it ever so refreshing to start the summer mornings off with a cup of coffee, my Bible and study sitting outside as the sun starts to rise.

Linsey Jacobs, thank you for your insight and Godly wisdom and leading us all through this study, I adore you.

Things I love about you...

I've been overcome with gratitude lately at how amazingly good my life is, how blessed I am to have 5 kids, a wonderful husband, great family and reliable friends.
Last weekend, James and I got to get away for 2 nights, just the 2 of us. We slept in, talked for hours, read our books, laid by the pool, ate yummy food, sat in the hot tub and had few drinks. We went to a great wedding and enjoyed the drive both there and home with just some music and conversation.
While lying by the pool and glanced over at my husband of 14 years and my heart was filled with gratitude and my mind filled with thoughts, like a movie reel of our life together. I closed my eyes, not wanting any of those thoughts and pictures to vanish. I jotted them down in the back of my book and wanted to share those of my 6 greatest loves. It's the little things...

Jamesy...You make me laugh, When life is difficult, when life is great, you always make me laugh. Laughter soothes my soul and reminds of what's good in life, please don't ever stop!

Zachary...My sweet boy, I love that your first response in basically every situation is to pray. You remind me that NOTHING is too big or too little to pray about and that God always listens and answers our prayers according to His will. There is little sweeter than to hear you pray.

Gracie...I love when you brush my hair. I so enjoy our quiet conversations, that you're honest & still a little silly. I hope you'll love to brush my hair & chat with me at night years from now.

Hoper...I love when you first wake up, hair all a mess, quackers in hand, thumb in mouth and sleepily say "Mornin Momma, Love you."

Grady...I love that you sing everything. You follow after my heart, because all of life is better with a song. Please don't ever stop singing, even if it's just in the shower.

Wesley...I love your gentle spirit. When you gently rub my face and filled with emotion say "I like you Momma" I want to grab your chubby little hand and hold it there forever!

Busy, Busy, Busy

Gym, School work, Bible study, photography, fun, karate, Gym, editing pictures, piano lessons, Dr. appointments, small group, laundry, dishes, Costco, Wal Mart, schoolwork, editing pictures, home school group, field trips, learning records, laundry, yardwork...
Enough said!!!

Living Desert

It was a free day for home schoolers at the Living Desert, so the Mitchells hopped in the Oates family bus and we headed to the desert for the day. We packed lunches and as many cold drinks we could fit in our bags. There was a great picnic area where we sat and ate and the kids went back and forth into the great air conditioned exihibits nearby.

It was roasting hot, but aside from that the kids had a blast. We decided to head home, when Jenna & I realized the kids weren't looking at the animals, but just trying to sit in the shade to stay cool, hehe! :)

Ice cream from McDonalds was just the right treat for everyone as we headed home.

Thanks Mitchells for joining us on a great, hot day :)

Moms...by the Oates kids

My Aunt sent me an email of these questions asked to a 2nd grade class about Moms. I laughed out loud at some of the responses, so I thought it would be fun to ask my kids the same questions and I laughed at their responses too.

Everything you wanted to know about Moms...by the Oates kids...ages 4, 7, 9 & 11

How did God make Moms?
Z- by taking minerals, blood, some dirt and Adam's bones. Didn't you read Genesis Mom?
H- first He came up with Adam & Eve, then a bunch of other people, then when you have kids you're a Mom

Why did God make Moms?
G1- to have kids
G2- to "nuggle" wif us at bedtime

What ingredients are Moms made from?
Z-muscles, bones, blood, a brain and even privates
H- the same thing girls are made from

Why did God make me your Momma?
Z- because He blessed you with me
H- because you married Daddy

What do Moms do in their spare time?
H- go to the grocery store
G2- look at pictures on the computer

Why did Momma marry Daddy?
G2- because you kiss him
G1- Seriously, Mom? Because you love him

What's the difference between Moms and Dads?
H-Moms like to shop and Dads like to play golf
Z-male and female and Moms boobs grow bigger than Dads

Who's the boss at our house?
H- Daddy, but he has to ask you
G1- depends on who's home

What would make Momma the perfect Mom?
Z- getting us a swimming pool
G2- getting a baby in your tummy

Oh to have the perspective of a kid again! :) I need to do this more often, simply ask them questions and record their responses. Soon they'll know the "right" answers, but I love relishing in the fact that their minds are growing and their perspectives are changing as they grow. Thanks for a good laugh kids :) Momma loves you!

Easter

Easter Day...a few pics after church and before brunch. We are blessed beyond measure. Thank You for the Cross!!!
More to come later...

Big Sister Fun

Last night while we had friends over for dinner, Gracie decided to take the little boys upstairs and keep them occupied. She was very creative and used a paper cake plate and paper clips and stapled construction paper over it and decorated their tambourines with foam stickers.


Gracie I love your creativity and your willingness to help out with the little boys. Everyone was happy and they now have some fun instruments :)

Unfortunately we didn't get a picture before Wesley ripped it open to see what was inside :( It was the thought that counted!

Friendship

Friendship is so very valuable and yet true friendship is hard to come by. In a lifetime, friends come and go, as life changes and we mature, move or get new careers, but by the grace of God you will have a few friends that you know you can always count on.
I love seeing others have meaningful friendships. Not just people you call friends and you might see once in awhile or chat with about "surface" stuff, but real true friends who know you in and out, who are willing to pray for you, to come beside you when life gets hard, celebrate with you when life is good and whom you can trust without a doubt.
This is my parents, Bob and Sharon Suiter and their dearest friends, Dan and Kathy Gonzales. These 4 have been friends for years, and by years, I mean 25+...The four of them worked and lived in community together for 15 years at Oak Glen Christian Conference Center, where they became the best of friends. In the past few years many life changes have taken place, but I think of these 4 like Lucy and Ricky and Fred and Ethel :) God has truly blessed them with each other.
Randomly the other other day Dan and Kathy stopped by my house to catch-up with my folks, where I snapped this quick picture. As I was uploading my pictures, I stopped and looked at this one for a long time and thought about all these 4 have been through over the years and was just blessed by the meaning of true friendship. This is picture of true friendship and I have been so blessed to witness what that means over the years. We love each of you and are so thankful you have one another!

Friendship is the icing on life's cake!
Thank God for your friends today!!!

The number 12

12...Twelve...One dozen...
eggs I used to fix breakfast
loads of laundry I washed today
books we checked out at the library
slices of bread used to make lunch
number of granola bars eaten today

times I needed to referee my kids

number of people our van can hold
It's a very popular number around here, just thought I'd share...

Costco Comments

Nearly every time I go to Costco, some kind shopper finds it necessary to share their wisdom about both the number of kids I have and how full my basket is. I'm not sure why complete strangers find it necessary to share their "wisdom", but I guess 5 well behaved, matching, marching kids is too much for people to handle (hehe!)
Today alone I heard...


Are all these kids yours?

Wow, you don't look old enough for ALL these kids!

Don't you know what causes it?

Are you trying for a basketball team?

Wow, you have your hands full!

Are you feeding an army?

8 gallons of milk? You should get a cow!

What kind of car do you drive? You're going to need a trailer to get all that food home.

Seriously people, 5 kids is not that many! Why does it matter to you how many loaves of bread or gallons of milk I buy?

Now really people, are there not enough great buys at Costco to keep you occupied? If my kids are running wild or climbing the racks, then please feel free to comment, but when they are walking by the cart and happily eating their churros or helping by pushing a second cart, then please keep all your stupid comments to yourself!!!

Does anybody else have this problem? Or is it just me? I try to be kind and think of some whitty response, but I was just irritated today!

Just saying...

Dirk turns 4!

This little guy makes me smile and his laugh makes you want to giggle.

Grady and Dirk are buddies from church and are two peas in a pod.

We all had lots of fun celebrating Dirsk's birthday, thanks for inviting us Courtney and Darrel.

Oh and Court, the cupcakes were delicious!!!

Happy 4th Birthday Dirk!!!

Mission San Juan Capistrano

I love that because we homeschool, we can go on a fieldtrip anytime we want and pretty much everywhere we visit presents itself with some sort of learning. CA history is so much fun to teach and the learning opportunities are endless! We visited the 21st California mission, San Juan Capistrano. The grounds are beautiful and we took a guided tour, so we learned a lot of great things.

Love the flowers throughout the grounds

statue of Padre Serra

This is the bell tower from the outside of the grounds to the south

I thought this doorway inside the great church was beautiful

5 Oates in a row with Momma at the koi pond


I absolutely love this picture

outside the East gate

The crosses throughout the mission are beautiful

A cross statue in the original cemetery


the alter and dome in great church

the architecture throughout is amazingly beautiful! I love the wood against the stone with the bells

We had such a great time, everyone was well behaved, the weather was nice and we learned lots of cool stuff! If you get the opportunity go, it's well worth the $8 :)

Bubbles for breakfast

I love sitting outside in the morning with my coffee and basking in the sun just for a few minutes, usually while the kids are eating their breakfast. Today, I asked Grady what he wanted for breakfast and his answer was "bubbles" (they got bubbles in their valentine goody bags) So bubbles it was...Coffee and Bubbles, what a great way to start the day :) of course I had to grab the camera...

He was so proud of all the bubbles he was blowing, it made both his day and mine. Bubbles aren't too bad for breakfast!

Birthday Fun

For the big kids birthdays (the girls in Nov & Zach's was Jan 29) we got them passes to Knotts and we spent the day there yesterday. The Oates family bus was full, as 12 of us went! Since we take Rachel & Nathan with us everywhere we go, we got them passes too and Sarah also came. Another family in our home-school group has passes also, so Zach got to bring 2 buddies along, which turned out great because everyone had a buddy!

The little boys thought Camp Snoopy was wonderful! We were laughing because the last time James & I were in Camp Snoopy was with Rachel & Sarah when they were 7 & 9 years old.

We have pictures from 10 years ago riding in these same cars, Zach wasn't a year old yet and Rach & Sarah are so litttle. Crazy how fast time flies! Love those girls!

Us girlies with Gracie's dog that she won. Just what we needed was another stuffed animal!

Rach & Nathan, our big kids

It was cold and cloudy when we got there and as we were in line for our passes it started raining, it just sprinkled on and off for awhile, but once the rain started coming down we got soaked. Good thing they sell ponchos :) $30 later, we were all dry again and found the open rides and had a blast. We decided if it was still raining in 2 hours then we'd head home, but the kids prayed for the rain to stop and it did! The sun came out and the rest of the afternoon was spent going on rides that made me sick just looking at them :) All of the kids were really brave and went on the rides that went upside down, spun in circles and went 80 miles per hour!

Hope was the only one that wanted to go on this ride, so she went by herself. It spun both horizontally and vertically, it looked like it was going to hit the ground! It spun so fast that Hoper couldn't even hold up her body, but she thought it was great! She's in red on the left...

Such a fun day with friends!!! These are some brave kiddos!

This is our traditional self portrait. I love it!

It wasn't crowded at all which made for a great day! We never had to wait more than 10 minutes for a ride and most of them we walked right on and the kids proceeded to stay on the ride multiple times. I think Zach, Grace, Trevor & Hope went on Boomerang 5 times in a row! Crazy kids! We had to have funnel cake and boysenberry punch-we bought unlimited refills and I think we filled up our 32oz. cup 7 times, talk about a sugar high!

Food, Fun & Friends what better way to celebrate a birthday??? We are looking forward to spending many more fun days there in the year to come.

Have passes? Join us!