The Blasi Bunch

Another 'E' is here!!!

2010-06-13T11:25:00.000-07:00

May 26, 2010 at 4:23 pm, We added another 'E' to our brood! Ezra Paul weighed in at 7lbs 13 oun. and 20in long. The last few months of carrying him was hard on my body (the aches and painful contractions!)---so it was major relief to have him laying on my chest taking in the new world! He did have the cord around his neck toward the end--but once his mouth was suctioned and he gave the wail that is music to a Mother's ear (for that moment, anyway!).
Life has been chaotic(what's new!?), lately. Four children to look after as well as the regular household things to manage. People keep telling me to take it easy--I really don't see how that is possible. Hubby is gone everyday from 11am to 7:30pm or later. I have not been brave enough to take all four out at the same time, I suppose that will come sooner or later.
Right now I am either tethered to a suckling baby or the wall plug as I am pumping. Ezra was not up to his birth weight at two wks., so I have been doubly nursing and supplementing a little.
Here are some pictures of our sweet little boy!

Women: Natural Born Problem Solvers

2010-02-26T19:24:00.000-08:00

Sleep is such an elusive creature in a mother's life. I can never get enough of it. When I do have the chance to sit (on the couch, in the car and in church), such force is needed to keep my head above water!
My mind can never rest. Even as I settle myself on the sofa to take a quick snooze in the afternoon; my mind is thinking of one hundred different ways to condense and organize--maximizing every space to its fullest.
I will think on this for days before I tackle a closet or an area in dire need of attention.

Problem solving people=stress filled people
If I have a problem (doesn't matter what it is), I will dwell on possible solutions for days or longer depending upon the situation.
I have had to learn, though, that there are problems that can never be solved: other people's lives, dust eradication (LOL), men and women's opposite way of thinking, etc.

Some situations are totally out of our control and have to be given to the Lord. Dwelling on things that are out of our hands can cause depression and a melancholy spirit. Trying to fix a person's life is asking for trouble and feelings of defeat.
I believe the Lord gives us unsolvable problems for the sole purpose of reminding us that we are finite and don't have all the answers (or advice, cute quip).

Women are more apt to be perpetual problem solvers ,because frankly we are good at it! The Lord will equip us as needed. But sometimes He lets our frustration keep us humbly at his feet and praise on our lips.

Happenings...

2010-02-19T16:59:00.000-08:00

What a busy couple of weeks I have had! When I am not cleaning and organizing the home, my mind is constantly working out space solutions (especially since time is getting closer to having another child).
I was able to trade in two old car-seats and a bulky double stroller (at Babiesrus) for a newer car-seat for Evelyn and a bigger car-seat for Ezra when he grows out of the infant car-seat. I also bought a cute single stroller for him. Car-seats expire after five yrs and cannot be resold--so I was very glad to get 25% for these items!
We also stopped by build-a-bear so the children could make a stuffed animal for their new brother ( I had a coupon)--I know that will be something special for all of them to remember for years to come!

Today we went to the Tulsa Aquarium for Enoch's sixth Birthday. It is wonderful how the Lord works!! I won tickets to the aquarium for the whole family, by signing up for a couple of local drawings online! Enoch's favorite animal were the tiny turtles.
We met the in-laws for lunch and Enoch kept telling everybody who walked by that he was six!
Tomorrow is our church sweetheart banquet. Our people are spread all over so we are meeting at a restaurant in Coweta (the most central place I could find). I am praying for a good turn-out. I will have to post pics of the party favors later (I need to find an easier way to post pics--so if you have something that works well for you, let me know!).

Last Saturday, I took an all day concealed carry class in order to get my gun license. My husband took his shortly after we moved here and he was eager for me to take it as well. The dr. gave the go-ahead for me. I surprised myself in how well I shot, because I hadn't touched a gun in a long while. I had forgotten how much I did love to shoot, but it all came back to me as I became more comfortable with handling the pistol. Crime is increasing in our small town and Tulsa (only 40 min. away) has laid off 155 Police Officers. Since the beginning of the year there has already been 29 robberies--that is almost a whole month!!!
I am alone with three children for very long days and nights--so I think it is imperative to protect myself and my children. When I shop, it is usually alone. A distracted mother, a woman alone--these make for easy prey.
It is the right of every American citizen to bear arms, but many Americans don't take advantage of their rights.

Wednesday Ramblings....

2010-02-10T14:49:00.000-08:00

Things are slowly coming together in the house. I am definitely in nesting mode and will be more so as time gets closer to our second son being born.
I have been changing out old photo's for recent ones and doing a little decorating as I find things that suit me.
I am a thrift store junkie-I am also addicted to Craigslist and any discount store where I can get a bargain!! The Lord has provided many beautiful things from these avenues and kept us clothed with the local thrift stores in town.
I am going to try my hand at coupons. Those little pieces of paper have always daunted me. But I do want to be a good steward of what God has given our family.

Sunday we had a good time of fellowship with a pot-luck after church and communion in the late service. An answer to prayer came in the form of a lady joining the church! I am looking to the Lord to build our church and I am trusting that my husband will be the full-time pastor he desires to be very soon.

No matter what part of the country (or land) one lives in-- all Christians experience the same trials, failures, joys and successes. We are not alone, for God is our Refuge and Strength. He truly is that friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
I have heard many preacher's and missionary wives talk about the loneliness of the ministry and I have experienced it in small doses at various times in my life.
We WILL get hurt (and hurt others) and friends may forsake us. But I think it is imperative that we continue to be friends to others, no matter the outcome.
How easy it is to say this! But I know how difficult it is to do.

Soon I shall post pictures of the latest happenings, but for now I must ready myself for Mid-week services and wrangle the children to do the same.

Life is it ever normal?!?

2010-02-02T06:59:00.000-08:00

A mother's life is full of adjustments-the schedule has to be tweaked everyday. For the most part I have a schedule(though it is rarely set in stone) that I mentally follow. I was so overwhelmed with educating children, cleaning the home and keeping a toddler occupied, that for a time I gave up home-schooling and left it entirely to my husband. Horrible! ( I know you're thinking it, because I thought it myself). He is very capable at everything he does and that sometimes makes me feel inadequate.

Thankfully my husband also works a secular job (teaching music)in the afternoon and was able to take over the educating. Having that respite helped me to get healthy. My ovarian cysts were causing me much pain, my world was turned upside down--I felt I was losing the joy of living! I joined Curves and and still get there a few times throughout the week. Exercise helped me to meet other women in town and to regulate my imbalanced hormones--I finally felt pain free!!
Also we had a glorious blessing from college friends (in AK)! I have known we needed a new mattress for ages, but on my husband's preaching salary many things on the list have to wait and wait and WAIT!
The Lord is teaching me patience and trust (and I am still learning). Our friends sent us a mattress topper!! I cannot tell you the difference it has made with my back. Never waking up without pain was something I had kinda gotten used to for years.
I had had the same mattress topper in my overstock.com basket for a long time--waiting for the money.
God has supplied our needs, maybe not in the time I wanted it, but he definitely has!
After getting my hormones on track with my Curves workout, needless to say I become pregnant with our fourth child!!
I have always wanted four (two girls and two boys, was my ideal) and that is exactly what we are getting! Our second son, Ezra Paul will be born at the end of May or early June of this year.
I have begun to help with the home-schooling again. The arrangement we have now is working for both of us. Jeremiah teaches my son in the morning (this boy is just like me and therefore we clash considerably!) and I teach my seven yr. old daughter during the other children's nap-time. She doesn't nap anymore (though, sometimes we snooze on the couch after our lessons) and this has been a fun time for both of us!

I am also trying to get into the ministry part again (that was neglected for a time as well) with having our first Ladies Meeting of the yr. soon (it was canceled in Jan. because of snow).
Having a fourth child in the home will upset things for a time, but I am confident things will get back to normal shortly after.

I still look for opportunities to make a little income on the side, but God has given my husband different avenues of making extra cash. Creating balloon animals, piano tuning, and instructor for gun licensing...to name a few!
I am gonna work on couponing and I pray that will greatly help us!
Am I super mom or the Prov 31 woman? I don't think I can boast of that..but I take it one day at a time, one closet or drawer at time, one squabble, one temper tantrum (mine & the kids, lol!), one blessing, one disappointment, one triumph and one failure at a time.

It has been so long!!

2009-04-29T12:22:00.000-07:00

Many things have happened since I last posted. I was kinda in a funk(changes can do that to a person). When we moved to Ca. it was very different for me and so hard to adjust. This move has been equally hard (maybe even harder). With so many adjustments(home school, new church, new area, new position, etc), I kinda went into a mental hole. My husband reminds me that it took a good year and a half to adjust to Cali, but I think we have a lot more added to the pile in this move (three kids, yada, yada). I am feeling more myself lately (though, I still have my moments) and doing more decorating in the house (which is a good sign)--that is therapy in itself.
I am working on establishing a schedule for our lives--I really think we can better utilize our time and accomplish more each day. Keep me in your prayers. I fight battles everyday; with my flesh and Satan.

New Year!

2009-01-13T06:13:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about this new year. We have already had to begin the new year by replacing appliances!! This is the joy and trial of being a home-owner. My desk-top died--this is the one with ALL my pictures on it! Hopefully within a few months we will have it up and running.
My kitchen is coming together! When we came back from Virginia (from Christmas break) we brought everything back AND the kitchen sink...literally!
We had been looking to replace our stainless steel double sink because it was so shallow. My dad keeps everything...so while we were in Va. I asked him if he happened to have a double sink anywhere.......of course he did!!
It too was stainless-steel and a great deal deeper than our previous.
This past Saturday, Jeremiah spent all day installing the sink and putting in our brand-new dishwasher. I have been without a dishwasher for several months. As a young girl, doing dishes was my favorite chore. I would gaze out the kitchen window and day-dream about the future. It was a time of quiet that one does not get often in a family of five children.

But now that I am a married woman with three energetic children and tons of house-work to do, along with meals, homeschooling and being two steps ahead of the toddler----I do not have time to do the dishes by hand. With the all conveniences we have today, a woman's work had decreased a tad.
There is always plenty to do!!!
One thing our Dad taught us was a good work ethic.
Growing up, us kids joked that our middle name was "get-wood"! We had two wood-stoves and it was our job to load, stack and keep up the wood supply. Plus we had house chores. We also went to work with our Dad whenever he needed an extra hand and usually we would outwork his hired man!

Everything has its pros and cons. Because of this hard-work, I started going to the chiropractor at age sixteen. Unlike some women I can talk and work at the the same time----this helps pass the time :)
My hyperness was a curse when I worked at a grocery store in Knoxville, Tn (paying for my college), because they put me on express lane. I would not ring up beer or cigarettes; it really wasn't conducive to the management to be called up to the front every five minutes to ring it up for me but they obviously didn't care (oh well!).

I am so excited to see what is going to happen this year in our church, God is doing great things!

P{ie, Prayer & Praise Pictures (say that ten times!)

2008-12-01T08:36:00.000-08:00

Jeremiah's shoo-fly pie that he made for Thanksgiving (bottom of first picture).

Pie, Prayer & Praise

2008-11-25T08:13:00.000-08:00

We are having our first annual Pie, Prayer & Praise this coming Wednesday for Thanksgiving. It is more of a relaxed service because it is in the fellowship hall.
We don't provide nursery on that evening, so it really is a time for the family.
Everyone brings a pie or two, we give testimony (praise) of what the Lord has done for us this year, have prayer together and of course my husband will preach (he takes every opportunity!).
Pray that those that normally don't come on Wednesday will for this service. I put some cornicopias together (I'll have to post pics later).

What are you doing for Thanksgiving at your church?

Our New Addition!!!

2008-11-25T07:46:00.000-08:00

After many months of searching, we have finally found a puppy!!!
He is a Pomapoo(Pomeranian/poodle mix). This dog does not shed (being part poodle) and will not get very big.
The kids love him already and he follows me around "like a puppy dog".
House-training is going well, but he does have his occasional accident. He loves to sleep in the bed and is always sleeping on my lap while I'm watching a movie or on the computer. I got him last Monday off of Craigslist (where else?) for thirty dollars. He is only four months old--so young enough for him to get used to rambunctious kids. My son wanted to call him "JonBaptist", but my husband felt it was the same as calling a dog Bible. So we have dubbed him "Spurgeon"---who was a great Baptist after all. Jokingly my husband said to name him Obama---but I said 'yeah right!" Here are a few pics of our pooch.

Fall pics

2008-11-13T18:37:00.000-08:00

Church/ Nursery Pics

2008-10-31T19:47:00.000-07:00

Update on Ladies event!

2008-10-27T21:05:00.000-07:00

It was too busy for me last two weeks to post anything. I was in a flurry getting ready for my Ladies Get-together. I am glad to report that everything went well!! The ladies had a great time and we had plenty of left-over pie for everyone.
I had a couple paper games and I used Rachel's "You've been tagged" idea to make a list of things about me, so the Ladies would get an idea of what they've gotten themselves into;).
I had fifteen women there (including me) ranging from ages 14-80+, so quite a wide range! Here is the simple table decorations( the glass apple plates were doorprizes).
I felt this was a good kick-off to our Ladies ministry and see hope for the future.
Our next big projects will be getting the nursery better equipped, planning a Christmas party and Mother/Daughter/Friend banquet.

These are some of my Home&Garden candles and decor!!

2008-10-16T06:57:00.000-07:00

I am having a ladies get-together on the 24th (it will be my first since moving here). So of course I am going nuts around here to have this house really finished. I finished painting the kitchen and put one more coat on the dining room the other day. Jeremiah's office is finally coming together,He has gotten a few shelves up. Since he quit working at the rent-a-center place he has more time to devote to the family and church business. He teaches nine music students (most our piano students, one violin, and one guitar) so far at a local music store. We are praying that God will provide more students to help our income also we need to get health insurance.
Jeremiah has been helping with Esther's homeschooling, which has freed me up to keep up the house; He has more patience anyway.
The other day he said the dreaded "B" word to me: BUDGET
But we really must tighten up (as much as I hate too) to make house payments and such.
Not that I squander money( I don't). I am a bargain shopper ( goodwill, discount stores, craigslist). But spending money is spending money!
I so enjoy beautifying the home (on the cheap of course),whereas my husband would be happy living in a cardboard box.
In Ca., we tried doing a budget, but we could never get it to work out right. Any way we did it there was always more going out than coming in! How was that possible?? The only answer we had was that God provided for our family through His people. AMEN!
I have no fear that it will be the same here.

Anyway, pray for me as I prepare for this Ladies meeting. I have already had many women tell me they are coming. I am doing an Apple harvest theme and have door prizes, so it will be fun.
Well, we are headed to OK. City for the weekend (Jeremiah is preaching at a Bible Conference at his parents church) and I must finish this post because I am not even packed yet!!

Seven Random Things about me

2008-10-15T19:42:00.000-07:00

I am REALLY gonna have to think about this!!!

1. I once ran away to the county fair: We had done something to tick our Mother off that day and we were told that we could not go to the fair, which was only a few miles down the road. We took it upon ourselves to go anyway!
We didn't have any money to get in (I didn't say this was a well thought out plan!), but we met a couple from a neighboring church (they knew us because we sang at their church quite frequently)& they offered to pay our way in (never knowing they were aiding in our rebelliousness!). As we were sitting watching the demolition derby we heard our names over the load speaker and we knew death was imminent. We had worried our parents so much that they had even called the Police!!
I won't tell this one to my kids until they are married!!

2. My initials are KGB (Kristie Gail Blasi)if that says anything about my personality, oh boy!

3.I absolutely love to give gifts! I tend to go overboard and buy everybody and thier brother something for Christmas.

4. I do not like to follow directions: my husband hates this trait in me. I will skip steps just to make it faster. The only directions I DO follow are driving directions. I don't even like to wait for the water to boil , only for spaghetti--becuse my husband wants it "el dante".

5. My husband and I are book lovers. I have a lot of old books that my Nana gave me and I add to the collection whenever I find these old books at a reasonable price.
I have been known to buy blank books just because I love the crisp empty pages!

6.I absolutely love shrimp and am kinda addicted to it and order it at every restaraunt we go to. I especially love eating the tails while my husbands cringes.

7. I sing and whistle everywhere. It has become such a habit that I caught myself whistling during the church service along with the offertory or interlude.

Sorry this took so long Rachel!

Old Movies and Good Music

2008-10-10T11:27:00.000-07:00

My husband introduced the kids the other day to the movie "The Fiddler on the Roof".
I think they have watched it about three times since then. The part they love the best is when the father sings "If I were a rich man"--they literally crack up!!
They also love Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Sound of Music and others.

We also sing alot in our family. It never fails when we get into the car, one of the older children will ask for me to put a CD on. It could be Patch the Pirate, Cedarmont kids or any of our many singing tapes. The older ones are able to sing in tune and it is wonderful to hear them sing songs about the Lord.
Evelyn is always jabbering some song of her own holding her tiny new testament in front of her.
These are the things that make you realize that the busy, crazy, hectic schedule; the repeating of the same rules over & over; the discipline, the tears, the heartaches and the joys are REALLY worth it!!

Oklahoma Bugs! UGH!

2008-10-08T13:02:00.000-07:00

I hate bugs with the same passion that my husband loves snakes. My son, Enoch enjoys bringing all kinds of bugs into my home. I have enough bugs to deal within my home that I really don't need anymore brought in on purpose.

In OK. I have to deal with roaches and the occasional mouse. Daily, my son finds large crickets, fat toads, stick bugs, spiders and praying mantis' to become his pets. We need a normal pet around here, preferably of the four-legged kind.We have wolf spiders here--they look just like a terantula and they scare me to death!

This is the kind of spider( a garden spider) that my son found out side today that even he was afraid to catch--can't say as I blame him. After a quick call to my husband and a search on google; knowing this spider is harmless doesn't make me less afraid!!

Home & Garden Party/ Homeschooling Rant

2008-10-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

I have started a new venture. I may be insane to do this, but it is something I have thought of for several years. I have become a Home&Garden Party Designer!! The products are gorgeous and (the best part) functional.
You can get an idea by clicking on this link: http://www.homeandgardenparty.com/
I have done a few things to earn money on the side : selling on craigslist, childcare, and house cleaning. Having my own business has been a dream of mine, also decorating is my passion (much to my husbands chagrin)...so I believe this is one way for me to have both. Everyone should have a hobby that takes them out of the norm of life, yet is something they immensely enjoy. This can relieve stress and help one to refocus after putting aside the normal routine for a time. Routines are wonderful, don't get me wrong---but there are times you have to step away from it all to see the real picture.

Amidst all these hats that I am wearing, I have now put on the homeschooling mom hat. I have asked my husband "Do you think I will be one of those weird homeschooling moms?" He just snorts and reassures me that I could never be like that. I hope I haven't offended anyone by these remarks. My husband was home schooled thru grade school & high school. I started to home school from fifth grade on. He can spot home-schoolers a mile away--there is just something about them. My husbands family were phenomenal in how they home schooled. The children did not stay in a cocoon, but were always broadening their view.
Jeremiah participated in 4-H, foreign exchange, music lessons, missions trips and that's just to name a few.
I have seen homeschooling families that looked like they came straight out of the 80's and if you don't do things like THEIR family does it then your probably not even saved!
These ideas are ridiculous and prideful.
I always enjoyed those times in chapel at Crown College when Pastor Sexton would explain to the men that being godly did not mean your wife had to dress plain..."seedy" was the word he used. Homeschooling parents who allow their children to get by with shoddy work bring a bad name on the whole community of home schoolers. Those kids can be dumb as pond water, but because they home schooled that puts them on a higher plain??!!
I could just go on and on about this subject,but I think I've done enough raving for one night.

Anyway, our home school adventure has begun as well. Esther had her first day(we are doing Bob Jones Computer school) and thoroughly enjoyed it. Pray that God will give me the patience that we need to get through this year. On a side note, Esther will also begin piano lessons. Each week we will drive to a Coweta Music Store and she will be taught by her own Father. We thought it would be nice to have it outside of home to give her variety.
She also wants to take up horseback riding. There is a place down the road that provides lessons, so I may look into it for a later date.
We have many things to look forward to in the days ahead.
Goodnight, Everybody!!!

Things I've Learned as a Mom

2008-10-04T15:04:00.000-07:00

When you have your first child, life becomes all about that little one--everything is forgotten amidst the wonder of this precious little person you hold in your hand. Your previous scheduled life is obsolete. The house is a wreck, dishes are piled high and at the mere hint that the baby needed you-- nothing is laid at your charge.
But as you add to your brood, you learn how to cope with multiple tasks and still come out looking as fresh as Leave-it-to-Beaver's mom (most of the time).
Many times I have wondered will I ever get the ambition back that I held as banner during my teenage years or will I ever moments to myself??!!
Those moments have been rare or maybe I'm getting used (or tuning it out) to the chaos and busy life that have become normal to most every mom.

I have learned to have moments for myself even with the children near me:
1. While the kids are playing in the tub, give yourself a facial and read a book(in the bathroom, of course).

2. For years I would cringe when the children would ask to paint (I could see myself on hands and knees getting it out of the carpet and everywhere else). So I solved the dilemma by giving each child a paint brush and getting out the body lotion (bear with me). I get a book or magazine that I have been wanting to read, sit on the couch and allow the kids to use my legs as canvas!
It's a win-win situation: I get soft skin and they have fun painting mom! Sure there may be a few drops of lotion on the couch or carpet, but it is easily wiped away.

These are just two of the ways that I have "me" time along with the children--I want to hear what you do!!???

Busy, Busy

2008-10-03T20:52:00.000-07:00

These past few weeks have been taken up with all sorts of activities that I have sorely neglected my blog over the last week and a half.
Esther turned six with just the relatives around her. And my husband was ordained.
I say this like it was small thing, but it was a momentous occasion. About ten local preachers came (some we had never met) to support and question him. They chose Bro. Forrest Keener to be the main speaker (i.e interrogator). I did not know until that morning that I, too, had to stand before the people. I simply had to give my testimony and explain what my role is as a wife to my husband. Jeremiah did quite well. He always has an air of confidence about him (which I admire), one that easily commands attention--this day was no different. Even with this confidence (you can't help but be confident when you are a genius as he is), I have always marveled at the great humility he possesses. He answered every question in depth and clarity--I was quite pleased.

We had a small party for Esther that same day at the park near our home--it was a fun and relaxing time for the whole family.
Both sides of the family had not seen each other since our wedding seven years previous--so I enjoyed watching thier interaction. Both Papas went to a local auction and brought me back all sorts of junk and I do mean that literally!! I know how hard it is to pass over a good deal (that blood flows in my veins), but junk will forever be just that. I did get a nice oil lamp out of the rubbish and a old vacuum that may still have some life in it and Jeremiah got an electric shoe-shiner out it as well.
I had a good visit with my family. Evelyn just loved Mema and continued to say her name over and over. We are so new to this area that we really don't know what kind of entertainment can be found here--so we were only able to take them a few places.
Dad insisted on renting a pontoon for four hrs on Lake Gibson. At first, I had misgivings : Little children, who can't sit still very long on a boat for four hrs and no restroom??!! But, I was so proud of the children. They were great and did well and we ended up having a wonderful time!
My computer is slow tonight--so I will post pics of the boat trip on another occasion.

Wall Pops!!

2008-09-16T21:42:00.000-07:00

In a previous post I had mentioned that Jeremiah bought me two white basic wardrobe closets from Lowes. In my master bedroom I am doing black and white decor--but these closets were just PLAIN white, but no longer, my friends!! I love to decorate and I love to craft. But I have not time right now for extensive crafts--Voila!! Wall Pops. These humongous stickers make it super easy to jazz up anything.

You can find some to your liking at http://www.walldecorshops.com/groupwallpops.html

As they say on those decorating shows it took this wardrobe from drab to fab!

The lighting in this house is in desperate need of updating, which we will get to one day I hope. I am eager to get many things done, but being a home owner gives me a settled feeling knowing we can take our time.

Thanks for tuning in to DIY :)

HOWDY!!

2008-09-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

I have been busy over the last week--- getting situated and finding a place for everything.
Just yesterday I drove to Bixby, OK to pick up an office chair that I found on Craigslist for Jeremiah. I bought it for $30! I will post pics of his wonderful office desk when we ever get it cleared of debris (that may be never :) ).

And Sunday evening Jeremiah picked this nice hall tree up for me that we also bought off Craigslist. This piece was $80, but everything I browsed online was $160 and more plus shipping! This home doesn't have a coat closet---so I figured this would help.

I know everyone back home (yes, I call Cali home) has been eager to see some pics of our new home, but I have been so busy that these are the only few I have taken so far.My kitchen has not been painted yet, but the cabinets were graciously painted by a man in our church who does it for a living. I think they turned out simply gorgeous! It really brightened the kitchen up considerably. The kitchen will be painted the same color as the dinning room, which is a fern green.

Melanie's painting is beautifully framed (thanks to the local Hobby Lobby store) and will look great in the dinning room. Incidentally, if you have never been in a Hobby Lobby store you don't know what you've been missing!!

Well folks, I have lots to get finished before my family arrives on Thursday so I will bid you Adios'

Office work and no training wheels!!

2008-09-09T07:19:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note....
Today Jeremiah is off work and he is already making the rounds to the hardware store and Lowe's to get my closets and the fixture to hook up the water to the Fridge and extra paint for the office. He took the oldest two with him so that I am able to paint the two largest walls in the office while Evelyn is taking her morning nap.

Yesterday evening was rather fun for the kids. Enoch rode up and down the road on his bike; while Esther practiced riding her bike WITHOUT training wheels. There is a little slope in our front yard that makes it easy to learn to keep balance. She has the idea after her first attempt. As soon as she woke up this morning, she was already begging to "practice" her new found skill.
Evelyn acted like she owned the place and I had to catch her two or three times as she made her way down the rode.
They met a neighbor girl about Esther's age and became acquainted with her and her puppy.
Incidentally, I want to get a puppy, now that we have our own home.
I absolutely love daschunds!! They are cute and compact (well, in a loooonnnggg package!) and they have such fine hair that it won't be all over the place.
I'm thinking next yr. would be a good time to get a dog--we'll be pretty much situated by that time.

Well, I must go and paint these two walls while my cantaloupe eating baby is taking a nap. That kid can really eat!! She is constantly pointing at something in the cupboards and saying "pease!?"
Who can resist that sweet baby talk?
She can now say "gam-MA!" (grandma), "Eee-Naw" (Enoch), "Tetter" (Esther), "papa", "yaya"(Josiah), "Hi", "bye", "why", "no", "Me-maw" and of course mommy, daddy and please.

God has been good to us and he is still here is the red-neck village I find myself in :)

Getting it together

2008-09-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

Our home is coming together slowly. Just today Jeremiah bought a huge solid mahogany desk and credenza off of www. craigslist.org for a fraction what it would have been to buy a laminate one! It is rather large, but great for spreading out all his books for studying.
Many family members are coming to Jeremiah's ordination service on the 20th--so that is my incentive to get this house partially complete.
There will be about ten preachers coming to "grill" him, I think I will be more nervous than he is.
I also ordered a bench for the front porch and one of those leaning ladder shelves for the living room (I like having something for the family to place their shoes on as they come through the front door). As soon as rooms come together I will post pics of them.

Esther will be six on the 18th, so we will take advantage of family being in town and have a BBQ for her and her uncle, whose birthday is also the same week.
My parents will be coming from Va. and bringing along my youngest sister and my Mema.
She is the only grandparent that I have left, since my grandpa died last summer.
This past March was the first time Mema had seen Evelyn. Evelyn took to her immediately--it was so cute! My niece, Molly and Evelyn are only a week apart and were both named after my grandmother. Molly was the nickname the Pepa always called Mema and Evelyn's middle name is Ruth which is her true name. So Mema was tickled pink (whatever that means!?) to have two great granddaughters named after her!

Well, the kids are napping so I must take advantage of this time to work on putting things away in my bedroom. There is only one closet in the master bedroom, so my husband has promised to get a couple of wardrobes by Tuesday so that I can have a place to put my clothes.

Settling in......finally!!

2008-09-04T11:56:00.000-07:00

We are finally getting out of our suitcases, well--almost. I still have boxes around the house, but they are slowly diminishing.
So much has happened in the last month. We played a waiting game for the bank loan and the closing on the house. Though I was impatient, God had everything in control. We moved into out home on Labor day. How fitting-huh! 'Cause we sure did labor that day and everyday since. But with ten men from the church helping the moving process went fairly quickly.
Now I am just finding spots for everything.
Prior to moving we stayed at three different homes, two of which were members. The last house was a guest home down at the Lake --so we felt like we were vacationing. The only downfall we experienced was having no cell phone reception or Internet access.

The kids have totally converted to country living. Enoch is constantly running through the door excitedly showing the new bug, frog or turtle that has now become his pet. Of course with so much handling that his pets receive they only last a day before meeting their maker.
This whole week the children have been in Oklahoma City with Grandma and Papa giving me time to unpack as much as I can.
Jeremiah's workplace is very near that he is able to come home for lunch most days.

The dynamics of our home will change much this year, with Jeremiah having an office at home and homeschooling the children.
I for one have not totally converted to OK. living. I was not exactly thrilled to find roaches had taken up residence in my new home. My unpacking goes something likes this: open a box, take things out, eek! stomp, stomp, spray spray......

I am super lonely. There are not many people, in our church, my age or that I can relate to; nor do I have the influx of babysitters that I had in Ca.
So that means no time to myself and no dates or getaways with hubby.
Please pray for me to keep joyous through these new challenges and to truly care and love the people God has placed over.

We Are Okie's!

2008-07-19T20:52:00.000-07:00

Many things have occurred since my last post. We said the many, many goodbyes to all our friends in Ca. They gave us quite a generous love offering the last Wednesday night we were there and I was an emotional wreck. We had the best teens at Lighthouse (and I'm praying we will here too). The Monday before we left they all came over and helped us pack and load the truck---I wouldn't have gotten so much done if it hadn't been for them!! The LBC teens have always been hard-workers and willing helpers. I shall always cherish the time we had together.

The trip to Oklahoma wasn't without its drama. We pulled out of Pleasanton, Ca. at nine on Thursday (July 10th) morning (after having breakfast with the Lyons and Brysons), but did not make it out of Ca. as planned due to a completely shredded tire on the car trailer.
This happened in the Mojave Desert, the same area where we had a flat the yr. we took the teens to Flagstaff, Arizona. So ,of course, it was scorching hot and the breeze was not a cool ocean wind, but one of heated misery.

Friday we made it through Arizona, bypassing the Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest, and again spent the night in New Mexico. What a beautiful country our God has created for our enjoyment!
It did not take us long to get thru Texas and then to our new home in Oklahoma.....the only problem was we had received a call on the trip telling us that the house we were planning to rent had been sold!!! I was quite dismayed, but kept it under control (somewhat).

This whole week we have been staying with the only other young couple in our new church (they have an 8th month old boy) ,while we have been looking for a place to buy. Yes, I said buy!
God has greatly blessed us with the opportunity to buy a home ( something we'd thought would be possible in a yr. or two!).
So, last weekend we went into many homes...those for rent or on the market and phew! what homes we have seen! Homes with no rhyme or reason to the floor plan, others beautifully laid out. We have seen trailers with so many add-ons they end up being 2,000 sq. ft and homes so tiny that I'd feel like a hamster!
But boy am I loving the prices!! We didn't see 70,000 dollar 3 BDRM homes in Ca.
We have a home that we feel is as good first home, but we are still waiting on loans and so many other things that go into buying a home.

It will be about a month or longer before I can unpack all my familiar things. Patience does not come easy to me. My creative juices are flowing, yet I have no palette (home) on which to bestow it!
It has been a quiet week for me---the kids have at my In-Laws house only two hrs. away (it's nice to be near family again). So I have been exploring the area and finding my way around. Anyone who knows me assumes by now that I know where most of the thrift stores are---ding!ding!ding! you are correct!

We just had our first Wednesday night service this past week. More people were there than usual---checking out the new pastor and all. Jeremiah was unable to print out his sermon notes, so he had to preach with his laptop on the pulpit. The folks were probably thinking,"those Ca. people are sooo modern."
I have gotten some funny looks from people with my Ca. tags still on the van. Jeremiah already has his Ok. license and tags---I will get mine this coming week.
All in all it has been a busy week, except I don't know what to do with myself with no housework to do or children to take care for!!!
Pray that we can get a loan and get into a home quickly---I am soo ready to decorate!!

Born and raised a Virginia Girl, I adore Tennessee, I grew to love California and even without mountains I already like Oklahoma (except the chiggers!!!)

Packing Up!

2008-07-03T07:29:00.000-07:00

We have done some major packing since Monday. A lot has been accomplished, but there is a ways to go!! We have been overly blessed in the United States. Before we migrated (being a redneck makes me a foreigner:) to Ca. we thought "How are we going to make it there?!!"
The cost of living is expensive in the Bay area and other parts of the state. But how wonderfully the Lord has provided for me and my family. My kids have always had enough clothes (and then some), we have nicer (and more) furniture than we did before and Our Odyssey is the newest vehicle we have ever owned (and we didn't pay a dime for it!).
Also we had some major debt (college stuff) and to the glory of God I'd say within the next yr. and a half we should be completely debt free!!
God has been so good to us---He has always brought people into our lives just when we needed then or vise versa.

In Oklahoma, God has already provided a home for us and Best Buy called Jeremiah the other day wanting an interview....so we'll see about that.
We want to do God's will; to do anything else would be disastrous!!
Yes,IT IS hard leaving friends and seeing them cry in your going---but it would be worse rejecting what God has ordained for your life. Like the song says "There's joy in following Jesus..."

Our busy weekend!!

2008-06-30T21:55:00.001-07:00

As of Saturday we have a home in Wagoner, Oklahoma. It is bigger than our current home, which is approx. 1,4oo sq. ft.---our new home is 1,750 sq. ft. God is good and knows just what we need. Just pray I can utilize the ingenuity that God gave me to decorate the home and situate it so that Jeremiah can have space for his office.We spent all day packing and got quite a bit done! So I am exhausted! In some ways I want to drag my feet so we can stay here in Ca. longer, yet at the same time I am eager to get started in this new life God has placed us.

Last night(Sunday night) I had to say goodbye to some friends who are leaving for vacation, being that we will be moved when they return. On Sundays, I am always exhausted and therefore emotionally drained. When you are tired (and leaving dear friends) anything can set me to crying!

One of my teen girls gave me a portrait she had painted and I must say she did an excellent job!I am so proud to hang it in my new home and show it off to visitors.

Also I must create a collage of the teens and church folk and every time I walk by it I will remember the wonderful memories we made in Ca.

This past weekend we camped out at Lake Chabot. It is a beautiful area! You feel you are miles from civilization when you are only 10 min. from Castro Valley, a pretty busy city.

As always the kids get so filthy---but it is nice just to sit and relax with no household chores hounding you, all your friends nearby to chat with and plenty of games to play.

We camped Thursday - Saturday afternoon. Our Odyssey was loaded to the max with food and gear. We had more church families come out on Thursday night than any years previous! Friday night we usually have a bonfire under the amphitheater, Jeremiah plays his guitar and leads the singing and I get to play my harmonica's (and not sing for a change!).

This yr. because of all the wildfires in Ca. the Rangers would not allow us to start a fire---but we still had a fun time of singing, testimonies and preaching.

I did not hike this yr. because Evelyn was running a high fever (teething) and Esther was horribly constipated so I was continually walking back and forth to the outhouse with her!!

It does get cold at night there---but we bundled up in sleeping bags and rested reasonably well.

Our pastor does not use a tent, only a sleeping bag on the bare ground---but we rough it on an air mattress:)

All in all we had fantastic and busy weekend!

San Francisco Zoo Trip

2008-06-24T22:57:00.000-07:00

Although I should have been packing for our upcoming move (how fun!); Monday, I decided to take the blessing God had placed in our lap and take a day trip with the kids.
We were given tickets to the SF Zoo (I had never been) with a free parking pass, and enough tickets to ride the steam train and carousel! We had a blast!
Jeremiah did not accompany us, as this is his last week working for Lighthouse Baptist Church.
So I asked a friend to come along--our kids play well together(most of the time!).
Evelyn did not feel well. She is teething and had a horrible fever. She was fine as long as I left her in the stroller. The zoo is directly across from the Pacific Ocean. We could feel the mist as we walked into the entrance. Talk about freezing!

I took some great pics of the animals! The animals have never cooperated for me before, so I was thrilled.

The kids enjoyed the petting zoo. Enoch has gotten so much better around animals, Esther is still a little wary. They really enjoyed brushing the goats.

Jenny and her daughters Ellen and Kimberly came with us. It's hard to keep up with four energetic kids, especially when they know everything and fear nothing!

We braved the cold winds and went to the ocean.
I have always loved the ocean!! I wish we could have stayed a while, but it was so cold and it had been a long day for all of us (not to mention Evelyn not feeling well).

You can see more of the these pics on my www.FaceBook.com page!!

Today, I stayed home and sorted through most of the boxes of children's clothes that I have stored in the garage. I could start my own children's consignment store (no joke!). We have been truly blessed---God has always supplied for the needs of our family (as those clothes can attest).
I want to have a yard sale to purge myself of these mounds of clothes and have some extra cash to decorate the new homestead.
Well, I have had a productive day and I am super exhausted---I'm ready to head to the bunkhouse (I am practicing my Oklahoma/cowboy lingo).

First Blog Post

2008-06-21T10:10:00.000-07:00

Hello! We desire to be a blessing and encouragement to all who read this blog.
Though the title says 'Adventures in Oklahoma'---we do not reside in OK. yet, but we will within a few weeks (Lord willing)!
The Blasi family has lived in the San Francisco bay area for over five years (my husband was an assistant pastor http://www.atthelighthouse.com/) and it is our firm belief that God has called us to a small pastorate in Wagoner, OK. (http://www.wagonerbaptistchurch.com/)
This is a tremendous step of faith for our family!
I have the inner joy knowing that we are in God's perfect will; but human sorrow in leaving old friends and the familiar.
We are currently looking for housing via Internet and some church folks in the area are looking through Realtors.