Canning Time...Again

It is once again time to Can our Vegetables. Yesterday it was Green Beans. Ron had some help picking them, although I think more plants got trampled than not - so he may stick to picking on his own for the remainder of the season.

The help was sparse and well, led to other things...like pulling kids out of buckets.

The kids did help with cleaning. They are still learning the process or maybe they think if they do a poor job they won't have to do it anymore. I seem to remember a certain girl thinking that a few years back!!

Maddie even got in on the helping. She sorted after the boys were done. The paci was to prevent tasting before cooking. Beans were falling out of her dress all around the house, but she had fun with it!

Finally...ready to go!


Many hours later - the finished product. It really did take ALL day, but we got 26 pints of beans today!

It's Been a Year

This week marks the One Year Anniversary of our Family Blog. I know you're probably thinking, "Big Deal", but this has really been fun for me. I had no idea when I began last summer how I would do with this whole writing thing and updating our family events. I can honestly say I have truly enjoyed it. It is... an outlet for me. I enjoy writing and I enjoy sharing about my family. I have enjoyed looking back over the last 12 months too. I'm not sure that anyone else really enjoys it like I do, but no one is forced to sit down and read my ramblings either or even look at my adorable children (although I'm sure some of you can't help yourselves).

I may not have the best camera or even the best way with words. I DO have the best looking kids, but I'm sure you knew that!!

I enjoy hearing someone say, "I read your blog". Not because I like to be praised, but because it means they care for our family and in some way have invested in our lives.

So today I say, "Thank YOU!" Thank you to all 9 of you who have called yourselves Friends. Thank you to those of you who read regularly. Thank you to those of you even comment on occasion. Thanks for investing in our family and in all the mundane daily activities that we share.

Noisy 'round here

Do you ever have those moments when you just have to crash? You know those times when you're just so tired that even the carpet looks inviting. Maddie has...

Then those loud brothers come along...
What's a girl to do to get some peace and quiet?!!

Busy Summer Days

We have had a busy few days around the Adkins home. It all started out on Wednesday evening here in Ney. We had some pretty nasty weather coming our way. The weather man said 90mph winds in Elkhart, Indiana - headed our way. We kept our eye on the radar and at about 10pm our town tornado siren went off. We got the kids and took them down to the basement. If this thing hit us it looked like some serious winds that could perhaps be tornado force. We carried Maddie and Eli down as they slept. Ronnie and Nathaniel had to walk. We had put some blankets and sleeping bags on the cold concrete floor, so we camped out for a while.

Ronnie went to sleep. Maddie and Eli sat calmly, but Nathaniel; he looked very concerned. He sat and prayed. We waited for about half an hour and heard nothing. Ron ventured upstairs check the radar and discovered that it had broken up right around Ney and then come together on the other side of us towards Defiance. We seemed to be spared the brunt of it. We were extremely thankful and after watching the news for a few more minutes I took the kids back to bed. As I tucked Nathaniel back into bed, he questioned, for probably the fourth time, "is it over?" I assured him that it was past and now was just rain. He turned to me and said, "well I prayed that it wouldn't hit Ney." As I explained to him that it had broken up and gone around Ney, I told him we should thank Jesus for answering his prayer. What a privilege to see with Nathaniel that Jesus answers our prayers.

The next morning we had to be up pretty early. Ron had a meeting in Ohio City and was dropping us off at Granny and Gramps (my Grandparents) house in Payne, on his way. We go to their house at least once a month and the kids love to visit.

Maddie enjoyed Granny's toys.

The boys enjoyed some cookies...

and some reading time with Granny!

From Payne we headed to Van Buren, IN to my parents house. My sister, Joanna and her family were staying with mom and dad while they attended the Celebration of Missions in Marion. We got a few hours to spend with them.

Here Ronnie and Aunt Jo have put together his world puzzle; a new gift for his birthday. Elsie helped show it off!

My sister also went through some winter clothes to give to Maddie as her girls won't be needing them in Arua. Elsie watched as her mom showed me what she had and she just couldn't bare to part with everything. SO below she is wearing a favorite jacket. I'm pretty sure it won't fit for long, but she needed something to hold onto, especially during those 90 degree days! Isn't she a cutie?!

Ron and Billy went to Celebration while Jo, Mom, Dad, the kids and I had some time to hang out. Then of course we had to have more reading time.


Here are the Adkins/Coppedge cousins in birth order!

Friday morning we woke up and headed to our friends, Russ, Connie and Anna's house. While the kids and I hung out with Connie and Anna...

Ron and Russ went over preacher stuff. You see Russ and Connie were both in Discipleship groups that Ron and I lead in Circleville. They now live in Van Buren, and just recently Russ has been appointed to a UM church in Marion. The Lord has called him to Preach and we are excited to see what the Lord has in store for all of them.

Nathaniel is extremely "Fatherly". Here he is 'taking care' of Anna.

My crew with Anna. They all love Anna's little chair. I think that is why Maddie is not so happy here, she wanted to sit in the chair, but she wanted to sit in it backwards!

After a few hours of visiting we headed for home. I snapped this picture when we stopped for lunch. These 2 are so cute together.

So then this morning was our last tee ball game of this year. As you can see in the background, it began with rain, but it did clear nicely as they got into the first inning! Below Ronnie knocked one into the outfield. He gave up on the grand slams today and just tried to hit the farthest.

Maddie enjoyed herself too. She didn't watch much, but she didn't let anyone else either!

So there you have our last couple of days. It has been a busy few days, but a fun one too. We're looking forward to some rest tomorrow - AFTER 2 services!

Visit from the Wolheters

Yesterday we had visitors!

James and Jenny are missionaries in Bolivia with their sons, Coy, Cy and Cade (aka C). We have known them for 10 years. We were all neighbors in Jackson, Mississippi while we were at Wesley Biblical Seminary. We love the Wolheters and enjoy spending a little bit of time with them when their are stateside.

James' brother Jeff and his wife Andrea live in Kendalville with their children: Wesley, Ethan and Elizabeth. They are expecting their fourth baby in December. They were in Jackson with us too. They came a little late and stayed a little long, but we enjoyed getting to know them while we were there. They are Pastoring a church plant in Kendalville.

So we had them all over for a cook out yesterday. Only we ate in. It was stinkin' hot yesterday! It was a bit loud with 10 kids and 6 adults, but only a few spills (all my kids, of course) and no major incidents.

Coy is the oldest of the 10. He and Ronnie were both born in Mississippi (Ronnie thought that was cool).

Cy and Ronnie got a little basketball in.

Nathaniel and Ethan

Elizabeth was a little out numbered, especially when Maddie took her nap.

Cade and Eli

Somehow I missed getting Wesley in action, sorry about that Wesley!

Here are all 9 for a still moment (Maddie missed the fun because of her nap). I've learned that if I promise a goofy picture, then I can usually get a decent picture, even with 9 little ones.

The Goofy picture.

We had a great time and the boys were completely worn out. They are asking this morning when we can play with all those boys again!

It's the Eyes!

There is just something about those big eyes, I love it! I'm a little biased, but I think I have cute kids!

Aunt Barb and Cousin Dave

This past weekend, we had fun visitors. Ron's Aunt Barb and Cousin Dave came for a visit. The boys were so excited. With Cousin Dave here, that meant they could have an all-time pitcher (Dave) and an all-time outfielder (Daddy).

So they could get some good pitches and didn't have to run all the ball down. Even Eli got to swing at a few. (Yes, he is a lefty)

Maddie got to cheer with Aunt Barb, or dissect leaves, whichever was more fun!

The visit also meant some reading, which Eli loves!

and some friendly Backgammon games. Ronnie got the game from Aunt Barb for his birthday, it was hers.

Eli even told Aunt Barb stories.

The boys were excited that they would have extra cheerleaders for their tee ball game. Below Ronnie is pictured as the last batter (red hat, looking down). He positioned himself last again, so that he could get a "grand Slam" because the last batter gets to round the bases.

After Tee Ball we went to the park for a picnic. Grandma Neff and Pap had also come to watch the game and joined us for the picnic. Sorry I didn't get more pictures while we on our picnic.

The kids all love Cousin Dave. He's a fun guy.

Maddie especially loved him.

And of course the boys love their Aunt Barb.

It was a great visit and we can't wait for Aunt Barb and Cousin Dave to come again.

Thanks for coming!