Monday, May 17, 2010

Monkeying Around at the Topeka Zoo

Arctic Fox

Bear, Bear, Bear, Bear, Bear!

Bald Eagles - Named Liberty and Patriot

Pretty Weeping Willow

Waterfall

Giraffes - Real ones!


Giraffe statute (Katharine was so excited to see this when we came in the gate until she realized it wasn't real.)

Roses were blooming everywhere

Our kids :o)

Crane needs some coffee to wake up!

Spring pictures of our garden


These are pictures of our house in Fort Riley. The garden is really taking off now.

Side of the house - on far left is my Lily of the Valley, with a towering hollyhock next to it, then the bush next to the Rose of Sharon, and a big hairy plant. (Don't I describe them well?)

Saturday, May 15, 2010

For my husband

The word "proud" isn't enough to describe how I feel about my husband.

His willingness to stand and serve inspires me.

His ability to love a stranger enough to die for him, humbles me.

His desire to do what is right, and his need to show his children courage and integrity, cements me to him.

A uniform is nothing less than a love song from those brave men and women who wear it.

Happy Armed Forces Day.

quoted from: Her War Her Voice

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Joseph's birthday


It's Joseph's birthday!!!!!


1st up: presents! presents! presents!
From Nana & Boppa - a Thomas track set with a water tower and extra track set!

From Mommy & Daddy - A Cars clock - with his name on it! (Have I mentioned how much I LOVE eBAY!!!!)

From Uncle Tom and Aunt Nida - a Thomas Rescue Station - that is so TRAINtastic!!!

From Aunt Cindy & Uncle Ken - GREAT reader books! These are coming on our road trip!!
And Aunt Becky & Uncle Charley sent Joseph a gift card for B&N! I think we'll be stopping by when we're in Topeka on Friday :o)

From Grandpa and Grandma Denson - Joseph isn't going to let go of this!

Party blowers!

More party blowers!

Today's uniform for fun!

All I want for my birthday is my two front teeth!
(Couldn't resist)


And now, the cake:

Arts & Crafts - T-shirts

We did some silk screen / stenciled t-shirts this week:

Joseph's sail boats


Grace's sea life


Joseph's sea life


Grace's fashionista (from the silk screen kit)


Katharine's shirts - hearts and a sea turtle


Mommy's - this one is at the hem


Mommy's hearts - I have so many now!

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Grace's Essay - Book Report

George Washington: An Adventurous Life

George Washington lived a very adventurous life. George Washington becomes a soldier, a commander-in-chief, and a president. In a biography called George Washington: Soldier, Hero, President by Justine and Ron Fontes you can learn facts you never knew and follow him from childhood to president.

George Washington was a student that loved to learn. There weren't many schools where George Washington lived, so his parents hired a tutor. After his father died, George went to live with his older brother, Lawrence. Lawrence taught George military strategy.

Even when times were tough, George Washington never lost hope. George was a soldier in the Virginia army which was still part of the English army. He fought as a soldier in the French and Indian War. He learned from General Braddock that a truly great leader must always learn or die.

George had one of the best plantations in the whole colony. George inherited Mount Vernon from his older brother Lawrence. And having so much land made him look good to the Virginia colony legislature. The legislature helped make laws for the colony. Working in the legislature made George realize that the colonies have big tax problems with England.

Great leaders and thinkers like George Washington formed the first Continental Congress. They decided they needed an army and fast. They all voted for George Washington to lead it, that's how George Washington became the General of the American Army. But, unfortunately, the soldiers of the Continental Army were regular people, called minute men. They suffered many defeats and retreats while fighting the English redcoats.

George Washington kept trying new plans, and finally won the Revolutionary War. George's clever plan defeated the Hessian soldiers with surprise attacks. The Hessians expected to win, but America became a free nation. George Washington had done what he set out to do.

Even though he was getting older, George Washington still wanted to help America. He helped to write the Constitution. This document told how the new country would run. And George Washington helped our country by becoming our first president. He was unanimously elected, and worked for eight years (that's two terms). The people offered to let him be king, but George Washington wanted a new leader every four to eight years.

George Washington: Soldier, Hero, President is an educational book. I like that he doesn't give up, and that he becomes president. This book also gives extra information in the pictures, charts, and captions. Do you like history or learning about famous people in history? If you do, you will like this book.

--- Grace Elizabeth Denson

Mother's Day

Today I'm having fried Chicken (a la Walmart), mashed potatoes, fresh strawberries, a BIG glass of "vacation", and a Symphony bar. Yup, I'm lovin' Mothers Day. But next year, I want my husband's insanely fabulous cinnamon rolls and a couple dozen of his worst jokes!

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Spring pictures

YEAH - Spring has finally arrived in Kansas!!! Here are some pictures of the kids playing at the parks....









New Haircut for Me!



Thursday, April 15, 2010

Grace's Essay - Writing Instructions

This is Grace's Essay for her Composition unit on Writing Instructions ---

Cookies Can Be S'mores

S'mores can be made inside just as well as out. Even if you don't have a campfire you can make great s'mores. They don't have to be made outside to be delicious.

Making s'mores cookies indoors only requires six ingredients and a little time. First, preheat your oven to 350F. Next, gather your ingredients: Bottom layer - two full sticks of butter and three cups of crunched graham cracker crumbs, Middle layer - ice cream topping caramel and one package of chocolate chips. Toy layer - two cups of mini marshmallows and one can (14 oz). of sweetened condensed milk.

Putting the layers together in the right order makes yummy s'mores. First, put both butter sticks into a four-cup measuring cup and microwave them for 1 minute. Pour into 13x9 pan and pour graham cracker crumbs in too. Stir until moist and you can't see any butter. Pat until even. Second, sprinkle chocolate chips on graham cracker crust and pour caramel sauce on chocolate chips until mostly covered. Third, sprinkle marshmallows on top of caramel sauce. Pour the sweetened condensed milk on top. Bake for 25 minutes. Let cool on wire cooling rack or refrigerate the bars for easier cutting. Now cut, eat, have fun!

S'mores cookies are good because they're pretty easy. It makes my mouth water, and you can make them any time of year. They're delicious, delicious, and delicious!

--- by Grace Elizabeth Denson

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Lunch in Iraq

What I do these days...

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Easter - Part 2 - Egg Hunt / Dinner


We had dinner with two other military families from our battalion. Lots of kids and lots of fun!!!
1st - time to hunt those EGGS! Unusual species of bunnies were spotted!!



Watch Katharine now..... 1....
2.....
3....just couldn't wait!

Sorry, I didn't take pictures of the feast, but we shared baked chicken, sliced ham, green bean casserole, macaroni salad, corn on the cob, deviled eggs, brownies, strawberries, and cake! It was YUMMMMMMMMMMY! Thanks for coming Sonya & Kat and kids :o)