Spansel Family

Musings from a mom of 7

2011-01-19T15:03:00.001-08:00

So tonight there were 2 children practicing their instruments--trumpet and alto sax--simultaneously. There was one child singing at the top of his lungs a song from the 80s (not sure how he even KNOWS that song) and the song was definitely on repeat....over and over and over. (We DO have a guiding principle in our home--most people like a song one time and then if you must, sing it again, but after that, please stop.) Not today though. I only post this to back up my first post to let you know that in my organized chaos there are moments that are more chaos than organized. But as I sit and listen, I am perfectly ok with it. It actually brings me great joy. The reason it brings me joy is because I have 7 children who love each other, love me and are happy, safe and secure--and if you know my adopted boys, that means we have come a LONG way! And in the craziness, God has given me a fulfillment that is indescribable because the moments are from Him-- and even though, like today, they are outside of my nice quiet controlled environment, I am smiling.

A New Year's Reflection

2011-01-03T17:02:00.000-08:00

So I haven't blogged on this site for quite some time. I decided to change it up a bit and post some thoughts as a new year has snuck up on me. I have lots of people asking me how life has changed for the Spansel family. Well the obvious is that we have now lived in Ohio for almost 3 years! We love it! We love the seasons, we love our church body, we love that we can jump on the freeway without traffic, we love our schools and we love the budding relationships that God has brought in the form of friends. We have watched our children grow from little 11, 10, 9, 8, 6, 6 and 4 year olds when we moved to now 14, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8 and 6 today. And we are going to celebrate our Varney and James 5th adoption day in April! It's amazing to me how time has flown by. I can say that my heart is at quite a different state these days. What a joy to see all that God has taught me in the last few years and to be able to say with confidence that God has done a great work in me and although it has stung at times, I am full of joy. I find such sweet peace in looking back at the dark times of a few years ago and thank God for it. I didn't know which end was up, didn't know how to be a mom to 7 children and learn to love so dearly my boys who needed so very much of me. I sought control around every corner and only found chaos. My husband says that I laugh more these days--at myself and at and with my children. I think I can laugh more because I have found joy in the chaos! ("Controlled and organized chaos" is how I like to explain it to people!) God has taken a very organized/neat and tidy and slightly OCD ME and conformed me--because really, all the time, I have been a complete mess inside...seeking perfection to prove to all that I really am superwoman, when in actuality, I am not. On this day and every day, I can't even express how very content I am with being the woman that God has called me to be. I love to shepherd the hearts of my children first and foremost and teach them what it means to love God more than any other thing. And I love being a partner in this journey with my husband. I think we make a pretty great team! I look forward to this year 2011. I turn 40 this year. So does my amazing partner. I welcome it though. Here's to whatever God has in store, proclaiming 2 Corinthians 1:10, "On HIM we have set our hope!" I have set my mind on the words of John 14 often (paraphrased)- "

"Because He loves you and because He is so kind,

He promises to never leave you alone.

You aren't an orphan searching through the world for a Father who will love, protect and provide for you.

Even though you don't see His physical body,

He has given you His Spirit to comfort you,

and He'll give you all the assurance and truth that you need."

EASTER!

2010-04-10T16:59:00.001-07:00

EASTER!

2010-04-10T16:49:00.000-07:00

CHRISTMAS KIDS!

2010-01-07T12:19:00.001-08:00

THANKSGIVING!

2010-01-07T12:13:00.000-08:00

We spent Thanksgiving in the Adirondacks with family on the Damiani side. There were 25 of us altogether!

Brooke and Jason come for a visit!

2009-10-21T13:53:00.001-07:00

We enjoyed a brisk outing to the Northern Trek!

We Built a Treehouse

2009-09-12T14:48:00.000-07:00

Well, our first summer in Ohio we decided we needed to do something we couldn't have done in CA, so we set off to build a treehouse in our backyard woods. All the kids had a hand in making the "Robin's Nest" and they are still working on decorating the inside (watch out HGTV), so they said the inside pictures will come later.

The Latest Spansel Athletes

2009-09-12T14:43:00.000-07:00

It's Varney and Emily's turn to play soccer this season at the YMCA. They were amazing today in their debut game! Way to go guys ...

Varney's Birthday - He's 8!

2009-09-12T14:39:00.001-07:00

Postcard pics...

2009-08-17T16:55:00.001-07:00

These were taken on our last day at Mt. Vernon in Virginia. It's no wonder why George loved hanging out here!

Amazing places!

2009-08-17T16:45:00.001-07:00

Standing on the banks of the Potomac behind Mt. Vernon, sitting outside the Smithsonian, hanging out by the Reflecting Pool, standing on the spot where Martin Luther King gave his "I have a dream" speech...pretty cool places to visit!

More vacation pics...

2009-08-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

Random but fun...found while we were walking in South Carolina...

Verizon Bars...Spansel style

2009-08-17T16:33:00.001-07:00

The sun set on the wrong side but the water was warm and we had a great day at the beach!

VACATION...Myrtle Beach

2009-08-17T16:22:00.001-07:00

More Zoo pics...

2009-07-03T07:19:00.001-07:00

ZOO!

2009-07-03T07:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to the Cleveland Zoo and the kids got selected to be a part of an animal show. They had NO idea that they were selected to hold a HUGE snake...Check out James' face! (He is deathly afraid of snakes!)

Last day of school!

2009-07-03T07:11:00.000-07:00

Since elementary school ends at 5th grade here, the fifth graders get sent off with a "clap out" on the last day of school. All grades line up in the hall and clap out the 5th graders as they go down the middle of the hallway...pretty cool tradition!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO KATE AND JAMES!

2009-06-13T13:50:00.000-07:00

These pics capture our 10 year old active tree climbing

son and our pensive and thoughtful 11 year

old daughter. Their birthdays are within a day

of each other and we have so much fun

celebrating them!

MORE HOUSE TOUR

2009-05-24T17:02:00.001-07:00

So here's the dining room and living room...and my office!

A HOUSE TOUR

2009-05-24T16:51:00.000-07:00

While the Roths were visiting, they took several pics of our house. So here's a few...our dining room off the kitchen, the master bedroom, our stairway..

Our visit with the Roths

2009-05-24T16:47:00.001-07:00

Our friends Jill and Ray and their daughter Jessica and boyfriend Justin came for a short visit. Here are some pics taken by Jill and Jessica...

Baseball boys

2009-05-18T19:24:00.000-07:00

Micah and James are playing for the Redhawks this season. They are too cute...

Check out our house in spring...

2009-05-18T18:59:00.000-07:00

Spring...We just planted our garden, there are four new baby birds in our nest, our deck is in full BBQ readiness, our green yard just got mowed....we are loving spring! These pics were taken by Jessica Roth while she visited!

CALI friends

2009-05-06T12:09:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics of our special friends--what a sweet time we had together! We miss you all!

SOLO

2009-05-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

We usually call him a "bad dog"... But now we think he has earned his manhood and has officially become an Ohio dog. This is what we came home to just a few days ago...

MICAH IS NOW 9 YEARS OLD!

2009-05-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

Our little dude is now 9. He usually has a big grin on his face, especially if he gets the chance to pitch for his baseball team or play a prank on one of his sisters. He is finishing up the third grade and is excited about just being accepted into the GATE program. Micah is still one of the most sensitive and kind kids we know and we are so thankful for his tender heart. We had a good laugh recently about how EJ and Emily used to dress him up with girls high heels--until dad got mad and they got him some cowboy boots.

The Official Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-12T12:03:00.000-07:00

Well, we were minus Aunt Martha, Jill and Grandma this year but we stepped it up and made our first Ohio Easter Egg Hunt a special one. This afternoon everyone got 6 eggs to find and Aly and Dad did the hiding. We had a lot more yard at our disposal this year...

HAPPY EASTER!

2009-04-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

We took these pics before church today. What a fabulous looking bunch o' kids! We think so...

EMILY IS 7!

2009-03-24T17:09:00.000-07:00

Amidst the flu and other happenings, our sweet Emily turned 7. We celebrated family style with her favorite lunch and an attempt at a Tinkerbell cake. Thanks to Nana and Grandma, Aunt Martha, Jill and Balberts, Emily had a lot to celebrate!

PRINCESS MAGGIE TURNS 5!

2009-03-06T14:58:00.001-08:00

As tradition goes, when a Spansel girl turns 5, mom throws a princess party...a pink paradise really! Our baby turned 5 this week and had a fabulous party with her new friends--Tessa, Ella, Cara and Elizabeth! We think she's pretty adorable and being the talker that she is said, "Mom, this is my best day ever!"

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! BY KATE

2009-02-11T09:45:00.001-08:00

Valentines Day is so great

I can't wait

Hearts and pink

Candies and sweets

A big party

Nobody's tardy

Hugs and Kisses

Hopes and wishes

Loving and caring

Hoping and sharing

Valentines Day is great

Come on everyone, let's celebrate!

OHIO MUST HAVES

2009-01-09T12:23:00.000-08:00

We've pretty much realized that when you live in Ohio there are a few things you must have...like a good pair of boots, winter windshield wipers, snow scrapers--big ones, a good fireplace, and well, strong kids who love to keep the driveway shoveled!

Monkey kids

2009-01-09T12:18:00.000-08:00

This post is for Jason and Brooke...authors of the monkey stories and givers of the squeaky toy for Princess ...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2009-01-09T12:11:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun with our friend Jill on New Year's Eve. We stayed home and played games, watched a movie, and Mom did the round of activities with kids so they could go to bed (so we could play nerts!) We ate lots of snacks, did poppers in the garage, made lots of noise, and did a toast to the New Year!

HAPPY B-DAY, ALY!

2009-01-09T11:56:00.000-08:00

It was #12 on New Year's Day for our Aly. She celebrated with family and Dad made a yummy beef tenderloin dinner. A few days later she celebrated with friends for an "ICE" party--an afternoon at the ice skating rink and ice cream parlor. We are proud of our responsible daughter who plays the clarinet in her school band, enjoys photography with her new camera and can pretty much take us down in Wii bowling.

Maggie's picture

2008-12-20T08:36:00.000-08:00

Mags took this picture while we were attending Emily's holiday play at school. We laughed at her photography skills but just thought we'd post it to proudly proclaim our marriage of 15 going on 16 years...still very much in love and thankful for each other. Sappy, I know...

Our Home for the Holidays

2008-12-20T08:23:00.000-08:00

Well, we are finally home. I sent out a crazy poem with our card--thought up in about 2 minutes--communicating the craziness of moving Thanksgiving weekend! But we are home for the holidays and so thankful! From our house to yours we wish you all a beautiful Christmas celebrating the joy that can only be found in Jesus!

More snow pics...

2008-11-10T18:48:00.003-08:00

So much fun...

2008-11-10T18:42:00.000-08:00

One may say this will be old news after we've lived here for awhile, but we think it's just plain so much fun...

It's 11.10 and snowing...

2008-11-10T05:41:00.001-08:00

Well, we woke up to snow this morning. It actually started last night after I put the kids to bed. We were glad we already had our snow gear ready to go! I was reminded of my yesteryears in Ohio--all the scraping of the car windows and getting the car heated for the kids--and we drove very slow on the way to school. Loads of fun. Really. Who could ask for more on 11.10.08?

SHE'S BAACK!!

2008-11-08T17:54:00.000-08:00

BALBERT IS BACK! And Shelby too. And we're having loads of fun in 40 degree weather!

CARVING O' THE PUMPKINS...

2008-11-08T17:46:00.000-08:00

In the Spansel house, the carving o' the pumpkins is a week experience (as you can see by the rotted nose in the middle of the 3 pumpkins). It is the artistic skill of Mark carving out whatever the kids draw and create. This takes time, a steady hand, and very patient children. Here's 5 of 7.

Mark's Fall Drive

2008-10-22T16:06:00.000-07:00

I stopped to take some photos of my favorite spot on my drive in to the church. It's easy to worship seeing this stuff!

Princess

2008-10-14T13:05:00.001-07:00

A few people have asked to see the precious Princess. Here she is in all her glory...and yes, she's wearing a sweater.

FALL!

2008-10-14T12:58:00.000-07:00

We are still amazed at this beauty...People think it will wear off but we don't think so. This is a view of our road and our back yard. Check it out...

Oh...and Kate too...

2008-09-27T12:14:00.001-07:00

Here's Kate the Great with her new friend Sophia (Olivia's sister). They seem to be a lot alike and have fun together. Kate has a new guitar and is still playing the choruses Ken Flower taught her. She thinks Ohio isn't "that bad" now.

Alyssa and soccer

2008-09-27T12:06:00.000-07:00

She's finally back at it after giving her brothers a season in baseball...she's playing on a co-ed soccer team and loving it! Alyssa (who now goes by "Aly") loves playing with a new friend Olivia and occasionally gets to shove a boy over to take possession of the ball. That's our girl...

Baseball Dreamin

2008-09-23T16:46:00.000-07:00

This past weekend my good brother, Matt Infante, and I headed 8 hours (yes, only 8) to catch a Yankee game during the final series ever to be played in the original Yankee Stadium. Oh, and did I mention that I snagged a batting practice home run? We stopped by Rockefeller Center, Time Square, and Ground Zero in the few minutes we had before heading back to catch an Indians-Tigers game at the Jake (now called Progressive Field) in Cleveland. Here's to our exploration adventures on this side of the country! Thanks Matt. Oh ... and I only wore the Yankee jersey to honor the baseball greats that played the game there ... go ANGELS!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO VARNEY!

2008-09-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

Varney is now 7. He pretty much likes computers and his new Nintendo DS (thanks to Nana and Papa and Grandma and Miss Jill)...Varney is a big first grader now and a pretty good reader. He still has an occasional shirt on upside down and backwards but we love him for it...

The First Day of School

2008-09-12T04:33:00.000-07:00

Well, we did it...We have completed 2 weeks of school in Mentor Ohio. Here's a pic of the first day...a few nervous smiles and loaded backpacks...

An Amazing Service...

2008-09-11T17:21:00.000-07:00

We celebrated an amazing service with our new church family--outside at a camp called Stony Glen. On the Sunday morning we walked down to the lake and realized this was an event we wouldn't have experienced in Corona. The setting was beautiful and what transpired were peoples testimonies and baptism.

Little Italy!

2008-08-23T15:50:00.000-07:00

While Mark's mom was here for a visit we visited Little Italy in Cleveland after our trip to Cleveland Clinic. We were impressed by Anthony's spinach filled ravioli, pizza, and of course, canoli and tiramisu! Emily couldn't wait to taste-- "she never had real Italian spaghetti before".

Balbert

2008-08-05T17:23:00.000-07:00

The other love of Maggie's heart is "Balbert" who visited us for a whole week! We had so much fun and can't wait for the next visit!

Did we mention...?

2008-08-05T17:17:00.000-07:00

We might have forgotten to mention that we thought moving across the country with a big van pulling a trailer, 7 kids and 1 dog just wasn't enough of a challenge for the two of us overachievers...so we added a puppy to the mix! We were graciously given a beautiful Cavalier King Charles puppy, aka Princess Leia, who is the love of Miss Maggie's heart. Check her out!

And down the road...

2008-08-01T10:52:00.000-07:00

Here we are down the road from our new home with a herd of horses. We decided to take the kids down to feed the horses apples and carrots and were amazed by the beauty of the pasture and the fact that we live here!

Finally here!

2008-08-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

We had a great time getting here (pics to come) but now we are settled in our new home! Two days before we were to leave CA a family from our new church graciously extended an invitation for us to rent their home that has been on the market. We are thankful for a beautiful home to live in with plenty of space for visitors! Thanks to Jill we have beautiful hydrangeas for our front porch!

Alyssa's first band concert

2008-06-02T22:11:00.000-07:00

Some play the guitar (Kate)...Some play the piano...but Alyssa plays the clarinet. Here she is in her very first school band concert. We were quite impressed...

Well it's official...

2008-06-02T22:00:00.001-07:00

We are moving to Ohio in July. Mark has accepted a position at Leroy Community Chapel as lead pastor. We took this picture about 2 weeks ago when we candidated at the church--there are no words to explain how I felt when I watched our kids running through the field. Fabulous....

Some pictures speak a thousand words...

2008-04-28T18:48:00.000-07:00

So I guess there are just some pictures that date a person. Notice the wallpaper, the yellow phone and my bangs...But you can see that from the very beginning I was an organized machine...some things never change!

It's Cousin Time!

2008-03-17T17:55:00.000-07:00

The cousins Gracie and Glory were out for a visit and we took a girl trip down to Sea World in San Diego.

Thanks to Stymie--admission was free for the Doolans! The highlights were the "horses", the dolphins, and the sea stars. Check out the pics!

It's Emily's turn...

2008-03-17T17:48:00.000-07:00

Emily is no longer "thive". She is now a big 6 years old and decided to follow in her sister's footsteps and use her birthday money at Build-a-Bear. She made a cute puppy with her cousins and spent the afternoon at Horton Hears a Who...

Happy Birthday to Maggie!

2008-03-17T17:32:00.000-07:00

Maggie turned 4 this month and decided to make the pinkest bear ever with her birthday money (thanks to grandma and nana and papa!) We took her to Downtown Disney and had a fabulous time celebrating with her at Build-a-Bear. We even attempted a bear cake...definitely not Ace of Cakes!

A Spring Training Trip

2008-03-15T20:33:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I've always dreamed of taking my sons to Spring Training and passing on the love of America's Game. It finally felt like they would get it and enjoy the experience. Micah and James are playing on the same team and quite skilled. James wears Vladi's number (#27) for the Angels and their team is the Angels. We went and cheered on our Angels over two games down in the Phoenix Cactus League. Here's a fun little slide show of all our Angels! On the way to another World Series!

Alyssa's Video Goes Big!

2008-01-11T12:29:00.000-08:00

Alyssa put together a video to enter into her school's "reflections" program about making a difference in the world. She took 1st place at her school (Lincoln Alternative), is being recognized by the Corona City Council, and then honored by Riverside County. Obviously Mom and Dad are very proud and unashamed in the public bragging of our eldest daughter. We are blessed by a daughter that doesn't just say these things for a school project, but really has a heart of compassion and grace for God's causes in the world.

HAPPY 11TH!

2008-01-10T19:46:00.000-08:00

Our oldest is now 11! We celebrated as a family with a giant cupcake on Alyssa's actual birthday. Alyssa chose to spend the next day with a special friend, Cassidy, and her sister Emily at the American Girl Place in Los Angeles. She saved up some birthday money and got her doll's hair done and picked out a few accessories. We had cheeseburgers at the farmer's market and enjoyed being out with our big girl!

Hey ya'll...guess who I met?

2008-01-05T20:21:00.000-08:00

I had a fun morning in Pasadena when the kitchen store I work at called me in to work with Paula Deen from the Food Network. She was doin' a book signin' ya'll and gave everyone some Southern charm!

Here We Come A Caroling...

2007-12-31T14:37:00.000-08:00

Every year we bake treats together as a family and hand deliver to our friends. We happened to get this picture taken at one of our friend's houses as we sang our Christmas carols. This is what we look like if we were to show up at your door!

Thanksgiving in Michigan

2007-11-18T12:54:00.000-08:00

Our kids got a good taste of some cold Michigan weather with their Nana and Papa. They loved the woods behind the house, the few small snow flurries we had, and all the cousins to play with. We had a great time celebrating Papa's birthday, eating an early Thanksgiving dinner, and drinking lots of coffee. Blessed times with those we love. We missed you Larry and Stymie!

Shalom, Shalom

2007-11-18T12:34:00.000-08:00

Well, a busy travel Fall culminated in a long desired journey to the Holy Land for Mark and Michelle. We had the amazing priviledge of helping lead a group of 46 from Northpoint for ten days in Israel. Of the close to 900 pictures we took, here's a few fun ones with us in them.

NORCO FAIR

2007-09-13T12:56:00.000-07:00

The kids strapped on cowboy boots and hats and joined the happenin's at the Norco Fair. We saw pigs, goats, cows, and even watched some bull riding with the Campbell family.

A few more of the Spansel kids...

2007-08-24T08:49:00.000-07:00

Beautiful children...Beautiful pics!

2007-08-24T08:43:00.000-07:00

We recently had our friends Bill Blakey and his wife Cory over for some Spansel fun and "Spazookie"...Bill happens to be a fabulous photographer and we happen to love his work! Check out the newest pics of the kids...

Kate's Guitar Recital

2007-06-22T23:02:00.000-07:00

Kate has been faithfully learning guitar with our friend Ken Flower and on Friday night she had her first recital. She was fabulous and we were all so proud of the way she is learning to use her gifts to worship God. Take a listen ...

Micah the All Star

2007-06-20T15:45:00.000-07:00

Our little dude is quite the player and got picked for the Corona All Star team. Of course, I think he is
A-DOR-A-BLE but Mark said I'm not allowed to shout that onto the field! He collected quite the stack of trophies and some new friends along the way. Check him out...

The New Man Vs. Wild

2007-06-20T15:34:00.000-07:00

Our boys have become quite fond of the Man vs. Wild on the Discovery Channel. Now they have a new admiration for their dad--check out the pics from his recent Alaska trip! We've already heard the fish stories--here's the proof!

Ready for Ethiopia

2007-06-01T22:54:00.000-07:00

Our always gracious friends in Ethiopia sent our kids some traditional Ethiopian clothing. They all can't wait until they are able to visit Africa and meet all the great people daddy won't stop telling them about. Thanks Tamene and Tigist!

Happy Birthday to James and Kate!

2007-05-31T10:47:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day weekend brings birthdays to our household. James turned 8 on one day and Kate turned 9 the next. We celebrated with family in Laguna Beach and at Disneyland. Thanks to Nana and Papa, Grandma, Suzu and all the cousins for a wonderful birthday!

Celebrating 14 years!

2007-05-21T14:07:00.000-07:00

Mark and I went away for 3 glorious days together. We celebrated 14 years of marriage in sunny Arizona at a beautiful resort. We even spent an afternoon on the golf course! Check out our pics!

EASTER

2007-04-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

IT'S BEEN ONE YEAR!

2007-04-10T13:00:00.000-07:00

April 6 is our adoption day and we celebrated by making it official in court. We actually got given our year adoption day as our court date! The boys are now official and we celebrated by going out to breakfast and with special gifts for our precious boys. Varney finally gave up the "girlie" purple bike he was riding and received a brand new red boy bike! James was so excited to get his own baseball glove! He is quite the baseball player. To the kids delight, we ended our day with cupcakes and ice cream! We praise God for our children and all He has done through us in the last year.

Micah the player!

2007-04-09T21:25:00.000-07:00

Cutey patootie Micah man is turning 7 this week and we think he is quite the player on the baseball field. He loves to play the pitcher position and is quite the little hitter. He loves the game and has decided he wants to grow up and be a professional baseball player.

HELLO SAN FRANCISCO!

2007-03-21T13:28:00.000-07:00

Our family took a week of vacation this month to see the sights of San Francisco. Alyssa worked on her history project on the Golden Gate Bridge, we saw Grandma, visited the Exploratorium (on FREE day!) and took a ride on a harbor cruise and the cable cars. We enjoyed being away from our normal routine and just being together!

Emily turns 5!

2007-03-19T14:55:00.000-07:00

Emily turned 5 with several of her princess friends! She had the princess party complete with all her church friends. Our Emily Erin Grace is growing up!

Happy Birthday Maggie!

2007-03-19T14:47:00.000-07:00

Our sweet "baby" turned 3 years old this month! She was so excited to officially become "a big girl now"!

Tournament Shooting Stars!

2007-02-27T13:17:00.000-08:00

Alyssa's soccer team came in second place overall in the Locomotion tournament! Check out this sweet keeper! Alyssa is learning about hard work, determination, and being able to win and lose!

Happy Birthday, ABE!

2007-02-10T20:55:00.000-08:00

We learned about Abraham Lincoln and made our own beards and black hats. School is always exciting!

A Father and Son Turning Ethiopia Upside Down

2007-01-26T11:01:00.000-08:00

I love these men! Pastor Yoseph is a hero to me, and his son Taki like a brother. So, I gladly include them on our Spansel Family blog, wanting you to know how much they mean to us. You can read more about some of what they do at www.stepsoftaki.wordpress.com

The African Children's Choir in Corona

2007-01-26T10:38:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALYSSA!

2007-01-09T12:02:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to Alyssa! Alyssa turned 10 on New Year's Day! It's hard to imagine that we have a daughter in double digits. We celebrated on her actual day with our traditional Rose Parade and gifts as a family. Since 10 is a big birthday, we invited 8 girls over to our house the following Friday and had a glamour party. Mom did manis and pedis while our friend Aubrey did braids on all the girls. Alyssa completed the glamour looks with her own glittery makeup. We had a lot of fun!

DECEMBER MEMORIES

2006-12-28T10:40:00.000-08:00

Spansel memories are sweet as we close out the year. This month we enjoyed special meals with family, sleeping under the Christmas tree (a family tradition), visits from old friends (the McWhorters, Michelle's college roommate and family), and even a surprise date night with our friends the Campbells (limo service arranged by Mark!) Bring on 2007!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2006-12-15T10:27:00.000-08:00

Christmas is an amazing time of year! We are watching our new boys soak in all the traditions and joys of Christmas. When the boys first came to us, they had never heard the stories of the Old Testament and so we started there. Now that we have reached the story of baby Jesus, come to earth to be the Savior of the world, it's so cool to see their amazement. They asked me the other day, "Momma, why we doin' all this stuff?" We laughed and had a sweet moment to share why we do what we do! It's in these moments that we are so thankful for all the difficulties of this year, thankful for our sweet children, thankful for the love we have for each other and for our faithful God that has given us all these things.

Alyssa the All Star!

2006-12-15T10:18:00.000-08:00

Alyssa was chosen as an all star AYSO player and competed in 5 postseason games. Her All Star team won the championship game and was named first place team! We are so proud of Alyssa's skills but more importantly, the character that has been built through wins and losses. She is one mean keeper, defender and has a killer kick!

The Spansel Schoolhouse

2006-12-07T19:52:00.000-08:00

The much anticipated schoolhouse is finally complete and school is well under way. Mark was the builder and is currently the chairman of the board ... Michelle the principal, teacher, and recess monitor. James, Varney, Emily, and Maggie arrive promptly each morning when the bell rings to begin their studies. All I have to say is -- Watch out Princeton!

Father Daughter Banquet

2006-12-07T15:03:00.000-08:00

November brought a special day for daddy and girls! Our church hosted a banquet for fathers and daughters and this year Emily was old enough to join in on the fun! The girls looked beautiful in their matching brown and red and mom made flowers for everyone. They ate at a fancy Italian restaurant with our church friends and the big girls documented the evening with a few pictures of their own.

Mammoth vacation

2006-12-07T14:36:00.000-08:00

November means several Spansel children are off track. To balance homeschool and play we decided to take a family trip to Mammoth. We enjoyed bundling up in our coats and boots to take hikes through the woods and by the lake. We loved visiting the lodge and watching the skiers and the snowboarders! Varney and James had never seen snow before so we enjoyed a snowball fight and even made a few snow angels. We had a great time together playing games and doing our traditional puzzle. Even though we didn't get to build a snowman or sled this trip, we will have great memories of our time together!

Country Fair Costumes!

2006-11-13T13:25:00.000-08:00

October 31 was our annual Country Fair at our church. Alyssa was the fairy godmother of Maggie and Emily, the beautiful fairies! The three boys were ninjas and Kate and Shelby were Indian maidens. We had a great time enjoying games and cakewalks and even horseback rides!

Micah's 1st Grade TeddyBear Picnic

2006-09-04T19:54:00.000-07:00

I can't wait for 4 more of these :)

Nana and Papa visit the Spansel Army

2006-09-04T19:41:00.000-07:00

Great times had by all. James and Varney bonded instantly with Nana and Papa! Sweet to watch how God unities family! love you Nana and Papa

A Wild Road Trip (also known as vacation)

2006-07-20T21:41:00.000-07:00

3,300 miles in the Spansel Shuttle and we visited Mom Spansel in the Bay Area, Roaring Camp Railroad in Santa Cruz, Downtown Seattle, Camp Gilead in Carnation, WA (Mark spoke for a week at family camp), Uncle Stymie - Auntie Robs - and Gracie in Pullyalp (or however you spell that crazy name much less pronounce it), A week of cabin life on the Hood Canal - with visits from our good friends the Waldecks, the Vaheys, and Wendy Simpson, and a few days on the Mason compound in Olympia. WOW ... great times, long drives, family adventures!