Bunko Babes!

Growing up my parents got together with a group of friends once a month and played a game called Bunko (some spell it Bunco). The only thing I knew about it was that once a year they hosted it, a theme and prizes were involved, and alcohol was usually present (okay, okay, don't' get all uptight they didn't' get drunk or anything!!!???!!--- they were Catholic!). So, as I grew older and needed time out of the house every once in a while I started asking around to my friends about getting a Bunko group together. Well, I usually got 2 responses: 1. What in the world is Bunko? and 2. Sure! I played once as a fill- in for someone and it was really fun! So, being the planner I am I decided to start a group with some of my friends.

Now, for those of you who are totally lost as to what Bunko is, let me just say this... it is a dice game that requires absolutely no skill. So, are you ready to start your own group knowing the requirements? HA!

So, I play with 8 other girls which means that we have 2 tables (4 each). Each girl takes a month to host it at her house. The host feeds us (whether it's dinner, heavy hors' deuvers, sweets, etc.---- just no alcohol!) and usually doesn't play that night unless someone can't come. Each player puts in $5.25 each. I won't bore you with the details of how we score, etc., but I will say that someone will leave with $25, one person with $10, one with $5, and one with $2 in quarters! This year we even included an extra prize for the most baby bunkos!

The whole point for this is to have a great time once a month and to laugh your head off--- and that, we do! If you're looking to start a Bunko group go online and Google Bunko or Bunco! I promise - you will have a blast!

Has Spring Sprung?

The weather in Tennessee never ceases to amaze me!We have spent the last week in 60- 65 degrees temps. during the day and down into the 30's at night--- and they wonder why we have so many sinus issues around here! Unfortunately, this is just a little tease from Mother Nature. The high today will only be 50 (a little cold for me!)

The kids were out of school on Friday so our neighbor friend, Mallory, spent the day with us! Carson always loves it when she comes over--- they giggle all day long. I love it when she comes over because she is the best little helper! :) They had a great day! As you can see from the pictures, they spent a lot of time outside on the play set and then later that day Keith took them to the Greenway Trailhead that will soon be opening up close to our house-YAY! And, of course, little Ella LOVES to swing!

I guess the Posch household has a little bit of Spring fever--- we're ready to plan a camping trip, work out in the yard, plant my first-ever garden, ride bikes on the Greenway and enjoy our backyard play set! And who said life was complicated???

Just a Swingin'

Mallory, Ella, Carson and Campbell

PETA Fans May Want to Bypass This Blog

If, by chance, you are a member of PETA I would recommend you not read this post! Okay, there's your warning.

So, Keith, Uncle Jeramy, and Mr. Lance all took a trip to Missouri last weekend to go duck hunting. The weather was so cold, though, and they spent much of their time cutting through ice!! They were even able to ride 4-wheelers across the frozen tundra (they're crazy if you ask me!) So, according to the mighty hunters "there weren't many ducks flying," so they came home with only 6 little creatures.

Monday was going to be a lesson in "the circle of life" (A.K.A. field dressing the little suckers!). I was certain that my highly sensitive 6- year old would either cry or get squeamish. Either way, I headed out with the boys with camera in hand. Much to my surprise I think I might have a second generation "mighty hunter" on my hand! Carson gladly plucked feathers, handled the duck, and even used his handy dandy pocket knife to uh, how do you say it nicely, "prepare" the fowl! I have to say, I was quite impressed! Campbell, on the other hand, might not be so "into " the whole hunting thing!!

New Year's Resolutions

If there's one thing I love about the new year is the thought that one can "start over and try again". It's a chance to learn from one's mistakes, a chance to improve upon the previous year, a chance to look at last year and thank God for the many blessings in my life and the chance to look forward to what God is going to do. And that's what I'm doing!
I obviously have much to improve upon---- one of those being my weight. This is something I've struggled with since having babies and it doesn't seem to get better with age (like a fine wine or even cheese!). So, this year I have a goal to lose significant weight, but to also be healthy about it- which includes exercise.
As I look back on last year, I'm not sure that the choices I made were necessarily "mistakes," only life lessons. As many of you know I've been praying for boldness over the last few years as well as the Prayer of Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:10). In that prayer I have asked God to "enlarge my territory" (and, no, that's not a sales position-HA!). Well, God has certainly done that. He grew me in ways I can honestly say I probably wasn't prepared for--- but when are we ever fully prepared when God is working! This process has required me to reflect upon where I'm spending my time and examine my relationships. So, this year I have made it a goal to try and surround myself with people that will encourage me and help me grow spiritually-- as well as I do the same for them. I hope that doesn't' sound conceited in any way--- I don't mean for it to--- I only mean that our time is valuable and limited here on this earth. I want to be intentional for every minute that I spend on it.
I also have to reflect on last year and thank God and give Him all praise and glory. I believe in a God that is a God of healing and restoration, a God of hope. And although, this arthritis still seems to be "hanging out" with me, I believe with all my heart that God's healing hands are wrapping themselves around me at this very time. I am anticipating His healing power and being a testimony for God's love for all of us.
So, this is just a post to say what I'm anticipating in 2009. Our nation is going through a lot of changes (most of them not good) and I can't help but believe that our time on this earth is limited--- I want to make the most of it!!

Fun in Savannah!

In our short visit to Savannah to see Keith's dad and his family, we were able to do some fun things! After a visit to Tybee Island on Friday we made it to the Savannah Wilderness Center. It reminded me of Grassmere (for those of you who have lived here a while). This was a learning center funded by the school system in Chatham county. It had several different animals native to the Savannah area, including alligators, cougars, foxes, black bears and wolves (yes, I said wolves). The wolf exhibit was amazing! You walked into a shelter with one side being glass. The wolves were on the other side--- in other words you were only a thick glass pane away from being eaten alive!! It was so cool! FYI- wolves are huge!!!!

We made it to the River District for a quick walk. We took a ferry ride ( I'm not sure who liked that more- me or the boys!) and then it was time to head home with a car full of VERY tired folks! We will have to go back in the Spring and do some of the many fun things that friends had suggested--- Leopold's Ice Cream Shop, The Lady and Sons restaurant, etc.

We had a great time visiting with our family and look forward to our next trip down south!!

Downtown Savannah

Fun on the ferry!

Savannah Wilderness Center

Hey Ya'll!

I wanted you all to meet my BFF, Paula. She may look a little familiar to you. She has a little television show, a magazine, a few zillion cookbooks, a restaurant, and a couple of "easy on the eyes" sons! Okay, okay, she's not my best bud- matter of fact, I've never met her nor did I even get the chance to eat in her restaurant while we were in Savannah! The closest I got was a picture of the sign of The Lady and Sons restaurant and a walk through the gift store. Oh well, maybe next time!

Savannah was a beautiful city! You knew for sure you were there the minute you saw the moss on the trees! My in-laws live in a beautiful suburb of Savannah called Richmond Hills. It's only a population of 12,000, but is absolutely beautiful. Just a side note: Oprah has a summer home at the Ford Plantation just less than a mile from their house! Too Cool! Our first stop on Friday was Tybee Island. Although it was fairly cold on the island and many things were closed for the winter, we got to walk on the beach and collect seashells and sand dollars!!! The boys had a blast!

"You'll Shoot Your Eye Out"!

I sure hope not! Of course, with a house full of boys you never know! If you're wondering what in the world I'm talking about, Carson got a BB gun for his birthday. I'm not sure who was more excited- him or his daddy! Either way, we felt Carson was old enough to handle the responsibility of such a powerful weapon (snicker, snicker). We have some friends that gave us permission to go out on their land and do some target practice. We had a great time out in the "open range" shooting at cans in a target that Pop made. Although he's got some practicing to do, Carson's a pretty good little shot! Little brother, Campbell will soon follow in Carson's footsteps as well. Who knows? Maybe there are some scholarships in their futures?? Better yet, just some good times hunting with their daddy!

Merry Christmas!

Well, another Christmas has come and gone, but not without a lot of wonderful memories. It started for us with Christmas Eve service at church. This is a really special time for me because Keith and I usually get to serve communion. I always love being a part of this ministry. I, of course, get very emotional as well. I love seeing all of the families together and being able to share in such a special time.
After church it was off to Nana and Papa's (my parents). Everyone was there- except poor Keith. The Christmas season is especially busy for us because it's an especially busy time at church. This usually means we have to celebrate Christmas Eve at my parents without him. Although this year was no exception, he was able to come later that night. We ate a delicious meal and then spent the next couple of hours watching the kids open their gifts. What fun! You would have thought Toys R Us blew up in their living room!
That night we headed home and stayed up just long enough for the boys to set out milk and cookies for Santa and spread out the Reindeer food in the back yard.
Christmas morning was just as exciting! The boys came and woke Keith and me up and found that Santa did indeed leave them some gifts. They enjoyed all of their gifts! Some of the highlights were: a pocket knife, digital cameras, hat/scarf sets, STAR WARS figures and remote controlled cars. As we were opening our gifts the power went off in our whole neighborhood. That made getting ready interesting!
Later that morning it was off to Gramm and Pop's. Let me just say that when you get this family together there is usually the biggest spread of food you could ever imagine! Christmas Day was no exception. After stuffing our faces and bellies we all opened gifts. The boy grandchildren all got these HUGE Nerf machine guns. Looking back, I'm not sure if those gifts were for the kids or the dads!! Either way, they ALL had a great time with them.
All in all, it was a wonderful Christmas! It makes me, not only appreciate my family and the fact that they are all close by, but the blessings that our Lord Jesus Christ bestowed upon us all!






Carson, Keith and Campbell on Christmas Day at Gramma and Pop's
Ella Bean and Carson

Christmas morning- before the power went out!

On the way to Christmas Eve service- not before a Kodak moment though!

Campbell and cousin Chloe- you're going to have to watch out for these two- Double Trouble!

It's Party TIme!

So, I have never been accused of being "unsocial" and this time of year is no exception.Last week was one of those weeks. Tis' the season for parties- ornament swaps, small get together, large get togethers-- parties, parties and more parties. It started off on Monday: gift wrapping at the mall for our church with the Mommies Group. Tuesday was a fun night at B. McNeil's with my Bunko group. We had an ornament swap (which I LOVE!) and ate the most amazing food. I highly recommend the grouper. Wednesday was church- interpreting for Infinity. Thursday was the Mommies Group Christmas Partyat my house. Now, there were a few little complications with that-- about 2 hours before the party started the ice storm of 2008 came! Just my luck! Luckily, about half of the girls braved the weather. We had a very enjoyable night and, again, did an ornament exchange. Now, Friday night was a BIG night. I, along with 2 of my dearest friends, put on the Annual Small Group Christmas Party. With about 12 couples, a catered dinner, games and pictures, we had a lot to plan, but it went off without a hitch! Saturday I didn't have to actually plan anything, but attended a very nice "Holiday Tea". Sunday (yes, we are moving into the next week already) was a Truffle making Evening with Mary Helen. Thank goodness she had already tried making them beforehand because she had some good tricks up her sleeve to make them look a lot prettier than I was able.
So, this week seems to be a breeze! HA! Christmas packages are wrapped, I'm caught up on laundry, I'm not hosting any parties (that I know of) so I can just sit back and enjoy the days. Of course, Carson's birthday is in 2 days, but "Mama" is even taking the easy way out on that one too-- one friend spending the night with a night at Dave and Buster's! Can't beat that!
All that to say, I wouldn't change a minute of it! I love the holidays-- even if it does get a little crazy! May God bless each and every one of you this Christmas Season!

The Humor in Parenting

For those of you who know me pretty well you have heard me say, "Give me a houseful of boys before one girl" know that I love my nieces very much, but there's something so different (besides the apparent obvious!). Well, I wasn't exactly saying those very words when Carson was about 18 months old. In a matter of months he had gone from my laid back, can play by myself for hours baby to my crawling up the baptismal, fit- throwing, never- ending ball of energy toddler. I remember my hairdresser even asking me one time if he was ADHD! HA! Well, even though that time seem to last forever, one day Carson just woke up and became the calm, laid back child he used to be. I can't explain it... except that it was God.

Well, fast forward 4 1/2 years to the present and Carson is now in Kindergarten (that in itself is hard to wrap my mind around). He's doing absolutely wonderful! I work in his classroom once a week and get to observe for myself just how clam he is--- yes, I said calm!

So,you can imagine how proud I was when I walked into his school last Friday to this picture hanging on the walls of one of the main hallways:

One of the parents of the students in Carson' s classroom took this picture on a field trip to the Pumpkin Patch! It is absolutely beautiful! (It also helps that she's an amazing photographer!) Well, my advice to all of you moms or dads out there struggling with your wild and crazy kids is that it does get better!!!

Halloween Lasts a Week in This House

So, it started with the Hoedown last Sunday, then a Halloween/Chili Supper at my grandmother's nursing home on Thursday, then Friday morning Carson had Candy Day in his classroom, then for some trick or treating on the square, and finally ending it with some trick or treating in Gramma's neighborhood with cousins and aunts and uncles. So, my question is... how did this holiday become a week long event?!?!?

All right, I know it sounds like I'm complaining, but we really did have a good time doing all of those things and made some wonderful memories in the process. I just can't help but think what Christmas is going to look like if Halloween is becoming a 7-day event (not to mention the fact that Keith set up for Hoedown a week prior to it- HA)?

On a more positive note... If you know my family (which most of you do) then you know I have some of the most creative family members- a super talented sister, a mother - in - law and dad who should be getting paid big bucks for their artwork and sisters - in - law who could be on the DIY network for their creative flair!!! So, as I was talking to one of the creative sisters - in- law, Heather, she told me about an idea that she got from another blog that talked about The Jesse Tree. Now, I may have been living under a rock for the last several years, but I had never heard of a Jesse Tree. It comes from Isaiah 11:1 which talks about the coming of the Messiah. The Jesse Tree starts on December 1 and with it is a daily devotion involving ornaments, etc. It's too lengthy to explain, but if you Google Jesse Tree you will find out more information. I just thought it would be another way to focus on the true meaning of Christmas and help our family focus on Christ and not so much on the "hype" and commercialism of it all! Thanks for the idea, Heather!

It's Hoedown Time!

For those of you who have fallen off the planet or live on another continent, yesterday was the Hoedown at our church. This HUGE event is held on the church campus with a petting zoo, blow up slides that look like the sinking Titanic, massive tents filled with fun county fair type gamesand cotton candy (oh, the cotton candy!). With over 10,000 people coming from all over Rutherford County and surrounding counties you can imagine how amazing this event must be! And, with only a few scrapes and scratches, it proved to be a very safe environment! This year Heather and I got smart and strategic about things (it's only taken us a few years to get this way!). She and Bethany took the little ones (by that I mean Campbell, Reagan and Ella) and I took the big ones (Carson, Rylee and our neighbor friend, Mallory). We had an absolutely wonderful time and the kids were EXCELLENT! (no, really!) There was not a single complaint about the lines, no tears shed, no fits thrown--- God truly had His hand on the day! We stayed from the time it opened until they closed it down! In 16 years I've never done that (by choice at least!).
So, to all of those who volunteered their time (or their spouse's time) to work a game or bouncy thing, baked a cake for the cake walk, got covered in cotton candy sugar, drove a 4- wheeler around setting up lights, bagged up hundreds of bags of trash, blew up thousands of balloons, drove a tractor, performed in a worship band, danced a routine, directed traffic, shared the love of Jesus by bringing a friend (churched or unchurched), shoveled horse or long horn steer poop, decorated tents with mums and pumpkins, and if your name is Dora T. of whom this would not have happened unless her amazing leadership and organizational skills would have been in play and all of those whom I have not mentioned--- may God bless you! You're doing Kingdom work!

"I'm A McCainiac"

I have 3 words for you people--- vote, vote, vote! I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir, but I was able to go early vote on Monday and boy does it feel good to have a voice in this election! More importantly, Carson was able to go with me and experience this important liberty as well! I thought it would be a great learning opportunity for him to be able to go with me and see what all this talk and hype is about! He was so proud! Carson's wonderful Kindergarten teacher has been a great influence in this process as well. In Social Studies they have been studying "Leaders"- leaders of the school, leaders of the town, leaders of the state, and leaders of the country. So, one day Carson comes home and says, "Mom, if John McCain becomes president he will do good things for our country and if Barack Obama becomes president her will do bad things for our country." Now, I know I sound like a proud mom when I say this, but I believe he may be prophetic! (Oh, yeah, and it wasn't his teacher that told him that either- he came up with it on his own!)

Seriously, though, I strongly encourage and advise all of you to take the opportunity to cast your vote!

Enjoying the Good Ol' Outdoors!

We are finishing up our first week of Carson's Fall Break from school and to celebrate we went camping at Fall Creek Falls State Park (for those of you who have never been there I think it's one of the prettiest places in TN-- it's worth the 1.5 hours to get there!). When we got there we found the "perfect" camping spot. Well, unbeknownst to us, it was a reserved spot so we only got to stay there 1 night. We were quite disappointed and had come to the conclusion that we would just go home a day early (this place was packed- but not in a bad way- it was still very quiet). As we were checking out the park ranger told us of another spot, we checked it out, and set up camp (literally) there! It, too, was a great spot! We were set up at a "family camp area" right behind a huge field where there were playgrounds and close to bath houses (my personal favorite).

The boys had a wonderful time! We (yes, even Campbell) hiked down to the bottom of the falls-whew! We cooked hot dogs/chili dogs by the fire, the boys rode their bikes, we played 100 games of CandyLand, and, when the boys finally went to bed each night, played Rummy!

We met some really nice people-even a family from our church! It has also given me the "itch" that one day (sooner than later, I hope) we will need to invest in some type of camper. We were one of the few in a tent!! And boy do these people know how to camp- satellites, tablecloths with centerpieces, microwaves, stoves, you name it! Oh well, for now I'll stick to a big cooler, coleman stove and my boys not knowing the difference!

It was the perfect vacation from the hustle and bustle of our busy world!!

"How Many Pumpkins Did the Posch's Pick?"

So, last week I got to go on my first field trip as a "mom"! I went to Gentry's Farm Pumpkin Patch in Franklin with Carson's class. We had a WONDERFUL time! I was able to get to know some of the parents a little better, watch Carson with all of his friends and experience the fun of a field trip without being responsible for 20 kids on my own!! We ALL had a really great time! Carson is blessed with the most wonderful teacher and we couldn't be happier!

We also recently had our first parent conference at school. Boy, it's a lot different being on the other side of the table. I was actually a little nervous! Well, those fears were quickly calmed by his excellent report card and glowing reviews from Mrs. Hoekstra (his teacher). It seems Carson is quite the comedian (he stood up and told a "poop" joke to the whole class!), but is also a very compassionate little fella! He even seems to be a "hottie" with a couple of the little girls! It makes a mother proud!! HA!

On a serious note, it does humble me to know that all of the prayer and hard work we as parents put into our children reflects when it really matters most! He is a good boy and we are blessed!

"Car for Sale"

Okay, let me just say that I absolutely LOVE my van! With that being said, I'm selling it! What? Well, here's the deal! My father-in-law is selling his Toyota Sequoia for about the same price we can sell our van. It would be an even trade! (Totally cool in the eyes of Dave Ramsey- and my husband) Anyway, if you know of anyone looking for a van I've got it on Craigslist. The site is:

http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/861512438.html

Thanks for your help!

"Hola! It's a Small Group Mexican Feast!"

Keith and I have been in a small group at night for the last 3 years and last weekend we celebrated a "multiplication" (our group is so gigantic we "multiplied" to two groups) by having a Mexican Feast! The celebrations was held at the home of Jason Wrather's parents who live on about 50 beautiful acres in Rockvale. This is the type of place you only dream about having! It is absolutely gorgeous and the Wrather's are so gracious that they are always opening up their home to us! Anyway, with over 80 people planning to attend, food was divided up--- we had rice, chicken/beef quesidillas and, to top it off, s'mores by a HUGE bonfire as well as hayride! Needless to say, Campbell REALLY liked the s'mores!
We are blessed to have such a wonderful group of people to be
accountable to, encourage us and to pray for us when in need!
God is so good!

"It's A Party!"

So, when you marry into a family with 5 kids the family can tend to be a little big! Well, I wouldn't have it any other way! Campbell's 2 year old birthday party was celebrated with (one of many) his cousin, Reagan, born 3 days before him! Heather and I decided last year it would be fun and make more sense to combine the parties--- until they absolutely protest! So, this year was at Barfield Park. We celebrated with family and a few close friends and it was a blast! Campbell and Reagan had a wonderful time and loved all of their gifts--- Reagan was dressed from head to toe in jewels along with her purse in tow and Campbell had all of his Bob the Builder/Handy Manny tools ready to fix whatever he could find! All in all, it was a wonderful day! We are blessed!

The "Terrific Twos"

Okay, Okay, I know I'm stretching it, but I'm trying to put a positive twist on this stage of life. It should be called the "trying" two's! Well, our little Campbell is not so little anymore! We just celebrated our little man's 2nd birthday and what would a 2nd birthday be without a little blood and bruising. The boys in our family seem to make the two's adventurous and sometimes accidnet prone. The night before Campbell's birthday he was sitting on the arm of the couch, fell off, and landed on a toy fire engine--- which is now imprinted on his face! Of course, I feel the need to explain this to everyone we see what happened so they don't feel obligated to call DCS!!! Anyway, he is fine and we celebrated the day at Chuck E. Cheese and playing outside on their swing set!

Keith and I are so blessed to have two sweet boys! It is never a dull moment in our home and we wouldn't want it any other way! Happy Birthday, Campbell!

"Tag! You're It"

Okay, so I'm trying to keep up with this blogging stuff and notice 2 of my sisters - in- law (Heather and Bethany) have won awards for theirs--what???? I didn't know such a thing existed! And Heather has officially "tagged" me so, here it goes:

These are 6 random facts about me:

1. I LOVE to clean! Okay, for those of you who know me, this is no surprise, but actually cleaning my house helps me clear my head and is quite therapeutic.

2. Coffee truly makes me happy! I don't even need the caffeine (although that sure helps)- just the smell of coffee in the morning makes me feel "renewed" and excited about the day!

3. I am an "event planner" wanna- be! There's something about entertaining people, getting them excited about being somewhere, giving little goody bags away that intrigues me!

4. I really enjoy making new friends. Now, this doesn't mean I get to spend a lot of time with them, but just getting to know someone and learning more about their lives is fascinating. The older I get the more my theory seems to be, "you can never have too many friends".

5. I am a jeans a t-shirt kind of girl! I am at my most comfortable wearing a pair of Gap jeans and a perfect fitting t-shirt. Call me crazy, just don't put me in a dress! HA!

6. By now I truly sound boring, but I LOVE being a stay- at - home mom! Again, that may not sound thrilling, but there is nothing better to me than having the opportunity to be at home with my babies, cook dinner for my sweet husband, and maintaining our home.

Boring, but all true!

Okay, now it's your turn! Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you
2. Post the rules to your blog
3. Write 6 random things about myself
4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them
5. Let each person you have tagged know by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is posted.

Okay, Heather tagged me so here's who I'm tagging:

Kristin