The Oak Den Family

It's Been a Long Winter

2010-02-15T14:56:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's been a while. I don't really know why I haven't been motivated to blog, but I had the urge today, so I'm going for it. We enjoyed a very quiet Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was just the four of us and our dog Molly. This was the first time in a long time that we weren't celebrating Christmas with relatives. It was a little sad, but I was determined the make the holidays a fun and happy time. Here are a few pics of our Christmas vacation. I will try to post regularly from now on.

American Heritage Girl

2009-10-01T13:13:00.000-07:00

Abby was a two years old when Charlie joined the Boy Scouts. She has been to BS meetings and even camping trips to the Sand Dunes with Charlie's troop. One day, she asked me if she could be a boy scout. I told her when she was older, she could be a girl scout. Meanwhile, I kept hearing about this group called American Heritage Girls. A mother from our church was starting a troop. Her daughter also wanted to be a girl scout. When Anne, the mother looked into Girl Scouts, she realized that it had become very liberal. God was not a part of it like He is in the Boy Scouts. So, she researched and found the American Heritage Girls organization. It is a Christian based scouting program for girls. I went to the initial meeting and was hooked. I am an asst.troop leader for Abby's level which is Pathfinder. I will be taking a CPR class to become certified. I am looking forward to camping trips and bonding with these girls. We have a large troop already. Close to 80 girls. Abby loves this troop and looks forward to going twice a month. Here are some pics of her in her uniform. The Kindergarten girls wear a t-shirt. Next year she will have a regular uniform.

Abby's First Day of School

2009-08-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

Today I started homeschooling Abby. It went well after she cried all of her frustrations away. She told me that she didn't want "to learn". After some hugs and tough love, she decided she was going to cooperate. I just needed to realize that she is not a morning person, and she needs time to wake up. So, we will start school an hour later than I anticipated. This will be a continuous learning process for me. We worked on addition facts and played a math game. Abby worked on writing the letter "F". Handwriting is more of a challenge than I thought. There is a specific way of writing a letter, and Abby wants to write it her own way. So, we will be working on that! I also taught her lesson one in the phonics workbook. She learned the sound of short a, and realized that her first name begins with a short a. We also worked on a Social Studies lesson. She loves her Social Studies book, so we even did another lesson. I just hope this goes well. I just need patience and a positive attitude. I am posting some pics of Abby working on her lessons and then we are off to DQ to get Abby a treat for her hard work.

Fun In Florida

2009-07-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

We are having a great time in Florida. I can't wait for Chuck to join us. Here are some pics that I took of the kids. Hope you enjoy. See you too, Poppy, in a few weeks.

It's Been Awhile

2009-06-18T16:21:00.000-07:00

I know it's been awhile since I posted on this blog. This family has been busy!!! The last 2 wks. of school for Charlie were filled with many hours of studying for finals. Chuck and I both took turns studying with him, and then quizzing him. He did awesome. All As on his finals, except for one 89%. That was in Geometry. We are so proud of Charlie. He earned a laptop computer that he and Chuck picked out together. We don't mind rewarding Charlie for good grades. He won't always get something as extravagant as a computer, we just so happened to need one, so we used good grades as an incentive to get it quicker. He accomplished many things his first year in H.S. Besides having outstanding grades throughout the year, he came out of his comfort zone and acted in a play!!! He also became a member of the Boy Scouts Order of the Arrow, completing his Ordeal Weekend in May. So many things to be proud of. In July, he can officially start driving. Yikes. Chuck is taking care of that one. He is so much more patient than I am.
Abby continues to be a joy also. She is SO active and keeps me busy. She will start ballet again in the fall, and also join American Heritage Girls. It's like the Girl Scouts, but it's Christian based.
We've been going to the library, swimming, to the park, circus, etc.... I'm already worn out, but in a good way. When she thanks me and tells me that she loves me, it's all worth it!!! She is so much like Chuck. He loves it!!! She has made our family complete. Next week, I will be watching her friend for 7 days, and I have lots planned. Gonna keep them busy!!! I'm going to post some pics of Charlie's Order of the Arrow Ordeal if I have them on my computer. He is pretty dirty in them. He had to dig a huge trench!!!

Abby Holding Her Prize Winning Fish

2009-05-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

Abby Fishing

2009-05-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

Chuck took Abby to the Ft. Carson Fishing Derby and here is a video of her catching a fish with her Dora the Explorer fishing pole.

Mother's Day Dedication

2009-05-10T17:03:00.000-07:00

This Mother's Day, I'm dedicating this blog to two people who I love very dearly; My beloved mom,Judy, and my dear mother-in-law, Bonnie, who is in heaven. I can't begin to tell you how much they mean to me.

MY MOM: She has always been there for me. I've made many mistakes, but she has always been supportive. Thank you, mom, for all of the many years of hard work and dedication to our family. Thanks for sending me to schools where God was the main focus. Thanks for all of your home cooked meals, the thousands of loads of laundry you washed and folded, the many sibling fights you had to break up, for letting us have our beloved dogs, Linus and Earl,and our pet rabbit, Bun-Bun. It was you who fed and took care of these pets!!! Thanks for the many hours you spent in the car taking me to school, or work, or football games. Thanks for typing all of my school writing assignments. You rock!!! Thanks for loving your grandchildren so much. There are so many more things I could list. Please know how grateful I am, and how much I love you and how beautiful you are.

BONNIE: My beloved Mother-in-law, who I miss so much. She passed away almost 12 yrs. ago, and I still think about her and love her. I remember how much she loved her family. She welcomed me right into the family. She loved Charlie so much and doted on him. I wish she got to know her other two beautiful grandchildren, Christian and Abby. One day we will all be reunited again in paradise, and we will get to see her beautiful face again. Thank you Bonnie for being a great role model to your children. I am blessed to be married to one of them. Thanks for raising your family in a God centered home. Your grandchildren will always know how much you meant to all of us.

I've uploaded some pictures of these two special women in my life.

Abby Swimming on her Birthday Video

2009-04-01T13:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Video

2009-04-01T13:16:00.000-07:00

My Baby is "5"

2009-04-01T12:53:00.000-07:00

My darling daughter turned five yesterday, and I am wondering where did the time go. At this rate, she will be 10 in no time, and I will be closer to "50". UGH!!!! She had such a wonderful day. She woke up early to open her presents before Charlie left for school. We wanted to make sure he was included, and we didn't want to wait for evening, because we knew that she would pester us all day to open them. Then, we all drove Charlie to school and listened to 102.7 to hear them announce Abby's birthday.
I made pancakes for the birthday girl, followed by lunch at Red Lobster. Her choice. Not to eat Lobster, but to look at them in their tanks!!! She had her usual mac&cheese. Then Abby and I made and decorated cupcakes to eat later when we sang to her. After we sang and ate cupcakes, we went swimming. Abby had a BLAST!!!! We came home and ate pizza. Then it was time to relax!!! What a wonderful day. Abby will be having a party with her friends after Easter. Daddy has classes this weekend, and Easter is next weekend, so we will celebrate the weekend after Easter. Thanks to our family for all the gifts that they sent Abby. She loves them all. A trip to Target is in store for us soon!!!

Another Video of Abby Dancing

2009-03-28T15:54:00.000-07:00

Spring Cleaning Motivation

2009-03-28T14:26:00.000-07:00

I have some Spring cleaning to do and I need a little motivation. I've decided to do Abby and Charlie's rooms this week. The first thing I'm going to do is go through all of their clothes. Abby has a lot of adorable spring/summer dresses that won't fit her this summer. She is getting tall. I'm going to sell these dresses. Some are the smocked ones. So if you know anyone who might be interested let me know. I'm guessing they are 4Ts. So after I get their clothes in order, I'll be organizing closets, washing walls and baseboards, washing curtains,washing windows, getting them new blinds, dusting, and then painting their rooms at a future date. I will keep you updated on my progress.

Have you begun your Spring cleaning yet? Any hints, suggestions, or ideas. I NEED to get this done. NO procrastinating!!!

Finally Some Snow

2009-03-28T13:30:00.000-07:00

WE have had a very dry winter this year. I think the driest since living in Colorado for 11 1/2 years. Finally, we got some snow at the end of March. I took a few pics of Abby having fun and building a little snowman. The snow here is not like back east, so it was difficult to make a big one.

Abby's Stars and Stripes Ballet Recital

2009-03-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

Abby takes ballet classes, and she recently had a recital. She just loved her red, white, and blue costume. Let me tell you, it's all about the costumes with Abby!! I was watching her friend for the weekend, so she got to enjoy Abby's recital also. I've posted pics and a video for you all to enjoy.

More Harvey Pictures

2009-03-09T11:13:00.000-07:00

Harvey

2009-03-09T10:51:00.000-07:00

Well, Harvey has come and gone. It was in December that Charlie found out that he got a part in his school's production of Harvey. Chuck and I were so excited. Charlie is quite reserved and doesn't like to step out of his comfort zone. Play practice began the first week of Jan. and continued through the first week in March with 4 hour practices a night. Charlie had to balance school work and play practices. Towards the end of this brutal schedule, Charlie started feeling discouraged, extremely tired, and questioned why he even tried out in the first place. My heart was heavy and I told him we just need to pray for strength and there was only one week left until the performance. The prayers worked!!! Charlie truly enjoyed the performances and wants to try out for the next play. Talk about a change of heart in a matter of a week. I attended 3 of the 4 performances!!! Chuck and I are so proud of Charlie. He worked so hard w/out of lot of free time w/friends. Saturday practices were 6 hours long!!!
Last night, we took him to Lobsterfest at Red Lobster to celebrate just how proud we are of him. We let him pick anything off of the menu, and he picked the $30.00 lobster dinner!!! I hope you enjoy these pictures. I will also post some videos this week!!!

Blushing Buttercream Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-03-06T16:37:00.000-08:00

Blushing Buttercream Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

Dr. Suess Celebration at Ft. Carson

2009-03-06T08:25:00.000-08:00

Chuck, Abby, and I went to see the Dr. Suess Birthday Celebration/Magic Show at Ft. Carson. Chuck and Abby got to participate in the Magic Show. I have to tell you, I was thrilled!!! We thought Abby would be shy, but in fact she was the opposite of shy. This was a free event, which makes it even better. Chuck likes to scope out all the free events that Ft. Carson offers. Up next, Eggsperience. Free Easter Egg Hunt and activities for kids!!! Here are some videos to enjoy.

The Dog Biscuit Game

2009-02-26T13:00:00.000-08:00

Abby loves teasing Molly by running around the backyard with a biscuit, with Molly in pursuit. Sometimes it's 15mins. before poor Molly gets her treat. The good thing about this game is that Abby and Molly get lots of exercise. Abby has been going to bed earlier than usual. Maybe tomorrow I will play this game. My neighbors might think I'm a nut case, but, oh well!!! What are some cute and funny things that your kiddos like to do with their pets?

Stampin' Up

2009-02-19T18:37:00.000-08:00

I am in a stamping club once a month, and I am really enjoying it. We needed to create something for the other ladies in the club, and I decided to make these Ghirardelli Chocolate boxes. Inside are a few chocolates for the ladies!!

Valentine's Day 2009 Slide Show

2009-02-14T17:47:00.001-08:00

Photobucket Album

Things I LOVE About My Family

2009-02-11T07:32:00.000-08:00

1. I love the smell of Abby's hair after her bath.
2. I love how Charlie has ALWAYS been a good sleeper.(This is not the case for Abby)
3. I love to cuddle with them. (Chuck too!!!)
4. I love how hard my husband works to support our family, so that I can be a stay at home mommy.
5. I love that Charlie is such a good eater. (We've been working on Abby)
6. I love hearing my childrens' laughter.
7. I love watching my husband play with the kids. I also love how he has taken an active role in Charlie's Boy Scouts.
8. I love that my husband remembers Geometry and Trig and helps Charlie in the evenings with his math homework. (Charlie said Chuck is the best teacher)
9. I love Abby's curly and sometimes WILD hair. (I wonder who she got it from)
10. I love how we say grace and eat as a family almost every night. (I've really worked on this one)
11. I love that Chuck and I have taught Abby's Sunday School class for 2 yrs. (Thanks, Chuck)
12. I love how adventurous and brave my children are.
13. I love to watch Abby and Charlie playing in the backyard with Molly, the dog.
14. I love that we go to church together.
15. Thank you God for blessing me with this wonderful life and family.

Dedicated to the Ones I Love

2009-02-10T08:41:00.000-08:00

As Valentine's Day approaches, I am reminded of God's love for me and the many blessings He has bestowed upon my family. One of His greatest gifts is LOVE. Because of His love for us, we are able to love, and I LOVE my husband and children so much!!! I've posted some pictures of my loved ones to share with you all.

Happy Birthday, Charlie

2009-01-28T12:29:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday to my dear son, Charlie. It brings tears to my eyes when I think about how grown up you are. WHERE is my little brown-eyed baby that loved to cuddle with me 10 times a day? WHERE is that boy that loved Thomas the Tank Engine, Hot Wheels and the book, Are You My Mother? No more boo-boos to kiss, no more cuddle time, no more tubbies to give. He is a HIGH-SCHOOLER!!!!

I will post pictures of his birthday tomorrow.

Happy Birthday Dad

2009-01-22T13:34:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my Dad's 71st birthday. He went to be with the Lord 7 1/2 years ago, and I still miss him every day. I've listed my fondest memories of him below.

His love for his family. We always came first. When I told him that Chuck was going to Korea for a year w/out the family, my dad said, "You're coming home to live with Mom and me." Charlie and I stayed with my parents that year. Charlie and my dad really bonded.

His sense of humor. He was always the life of the party.

His beautiful hair. He didn't lose one strand after chemo.

His home grown tomatoes. Before my dad knew he was sick, he planted a garden of beefsteak tomatoes and peppers. I took care of it while he was in and out of the hospital. When it was time to leave to go home after his funeral, my mom packed up a little care package of tomatoes to carry on the plane. The security workers at the airport laughed when they saw the tomatoes in the x ray machine. I haven't had tomatoes like that in over 7 yrs.

His fun attitude. He was a kid at heart. He loved the water slides as much as his kids on our trips to Myrtle Beach as a family.

His Polka dancing and music. My dad was an EXCELLENT dancer. I miss polka dancing with him at Slovak weddings. I also miss his polka music that he would play.

His generosity. My dad was very giving. He just enjoyed it so much.

His love of his grandchildren. Charlie, Ryan, and Cory were his "boys". He made me promise to always take care of them. He also loved his granddaughter Sydney who was only 2yrs. old at the time. I know he would adore my little Abby if he were alive. Oh how I wish he could hold her and love on her, and see how much Ryan, Cory, Charlie, and Sydney have grown up. God had different plans for my dad, and I know he is in paradise. One day we will all be reunited as a family in heaven with our almighty God.

Thanks dad for being a wonderful "daddy". You are always in my heart. Love you xxoo

Abby Rolling out Playdough

2009-01-19T12:00:00.000-08:00

Abby showed Daddy how fast she could roll out playdough. Notice her sigh of relief at the end!!!

Still Not "40" Yet

2009-01-15T17:31:00.000-08:00

Chuck celebrated a birthday yesterday. The kids and I threw him a party with balloons, decorations, and a ricotta cheese cake that Abby and I made. It had to stay in the Bundt pan because it was stuck!!!! Charlie said it was the best cake he ever had. I must admit that it was pretty darn good, even though I could only have a bite.(Weight Watchers) Chuck and Abby also liked it. I also made homemade mac&cheese and peas. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Marley and Me

2009-01-10T08:20:00.000-08:00

Last night we all went to see Marley and Me. It was a good movie, but the book was MUCH better. Charlie and I cried like babies. Our dog is a yellow lab, and I think Charlie was picturing Molly not Marley being put down. I have to say, we have the CUTEST lab in the world. She is cuter than the dogs they used in the movie, and I'm not saying that because she's our dog. Molly is just a cutie. Chuck said if Molly had acted like Marley, she would no longer be living with us. I must say, she was a big stinker when she was a puppy!!! But she has mellowed out at the age of 3 1/2. She still has her moments. Here are some pictures of our beloved doggie.

Molly in the Snow Video

2009-01-04T15:14:00.000-08:00

This was taken a few winters ago, but we love watching this over and over again. So, now that I know how to add a video, I thought I'd share this!!!

Florida Sea Base

2009-01-04T14:27:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos of Chuck and Charlie at the Boy Scouts of America Florida Sea Base in the Florida Keys. They had a BLAST!!!! Do the Girl Scouts have a trip like this? If they do, I'm signing Abby up when she is old enough!!!

Decorating Christmas Cookies

2008-12-30T15:16:00.000-08:00

I had some of Abby's friends over to decorate Gingerbread cookies. They loved eating their masterpieces as much as decorating them.

Harvey

2008-12-30T15:06:00.000-08:00

Many of you know that I love old black and white movies. Harvey, starring Jimmy Stewart is a favorite of mine. Well, I was so happy and thrilled when Charlie tried out for and was chosen to star in his school's production of this very movie. He is playing the part of Wilson. My father-in-law Howard probably has seen this movie many times, and he probably knows who Wilson is. The play is next March. I'll make sure to post pictures of that one!!! The rabbit ears are a clue to the storyline.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-30T12:42:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that Christmas has come and gone. We were so busy between Thanksgiving and Christmas that it blew by so quickly. Abigirl(our nickname for our sweet daughter) was in The Nutcracker Ballet. Grandma was able to fly in to see it. See really enjoyed watching Abby dance. Chuck was definitely the proudest father there. Abby was blowing kisses to him.

We celebrated Christmas Eve by going to church and having dinner later on. My dear friend Cheryle came over with her son. It was a very relaxing time, until the children went to bed and Chuck and I turned into Santa's helpers, building toys and placing them around the tree.

My New Year's Resolution

2008-12-30T12:11:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year. Welcome to The Oak Den Family blog. After reading some of my friends' blogs that I have really enjoyed, I decided to start a blog of my own. Chuck came up with the name. Sounds like our real last name, huh? Chuck is very cautious about posting our real name. Strangers might view this blog and we just want to be careful!!!! This is one of my New Year's resolutions.(as well as losing weight) I will try to post updates weekly along with pictures. I know my family will enjoy this because everyone lives sooooo... far away. We miss and love you all.