Welcome to my humble plot of webland....

My Mom Knits

2009-02-20T08:59:00.000-08:00

Most of you would think that with 10 children in tow, a mom wouldn't have time to be knitting toys for her fifth-born. Especially not ones as cute as this.
But my mom does. Or at least she makes time for it.

Monte's girlfriend made him a knitted monkey a while ago and I loved it so much I begged Mom to make me one. And she did. In a week or less.
That proves it. My mom's as cool as you all thought.

She also has gorgeous children...... (ahem, see below)

Wii Are A Family

2009-01-18T16:05:00.000-08:00

We had a great time playing with the Carrolls' newly acquired Wii. The highlight for me was creating the characters. We had quite a bit of material to work with---having such a big family and all.
Here's a few of our favorite characters:

Claire Bear

Dad

Monte

Big Mark

Sledding: Snow's Inherent Purpose

2009-01-18T15:52:00.000-08:00

I had a different kind of birthday this year. This one was spent bundled in anything woolen I could find, hurtling down an icy, powdery hill that was clearly marked "Sledding Allowed". It was probably the most freezingly ungraceful I've ever been, but exhilarating and fun nonetheless.

How do two sisters like us manage to have the same hat?

Ballet That!

2009-01-18T15:27:00.000-08:00

For those of you who have long doubted my graceful coordination----you have a lot to learn. Just because I fell down the front steps of the church I was visiting this summer (darn heels...) doesn't mean my reputation should be crippled. Spending time with Kate brought out the ballerina in me. (Or maybe it was the Twila Paris music selections? Mmm, love that stuff.)

Henry was, of course, included, and selected the pink skirt for his distinctive style. He also spent most of the time eating sugary mints or eating some other type of candy that he managed to find. I think ballet for Henry is more about laughing and wearing skirts. Which is great. :)

My Man Jadon

2009-01-18T15:19:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that one of my greatest joys in life is that my nephew Jadon lives within my neighborhood. I never knew that being a full-time aunt was so wonderful. I am thrilled that God has blessed Melody and I to live near to each other for the time being, and I look forward to living near ALL of my nephews and neices at some point in my life.

On this particular day, Jadon had come over to make quesadillas and cookies with Aunt Mags.

He thinks I'm a "good cooker."

WELCOME TO THE GUN SHOW.......

Snow on Kelly Avenue

2008-12-30T20:49:00.000-08:00

Portland, Oregon + Snow = Odd
Portland, Oregon + "You're snowed in!" = Shocking, unbelievable, maybe scandalous
We got at least a foot.

And On I Go....

2008-12-30T20:39:00.000-08:00

As for me....
Nothing major to report. December found me sewing, denting the seats of Portland's public transportation, earning my CPR certification, getting snowed in at my apartment with my friend Amy and missing Christmas with my family, flying to North Dakota for a much-needed visit with Phil & Mandi and family, and completing my twenty-third year on Planet Earth.

Sister Me

2008-12-30T20:30:00.000-08:00

Some memories of a fun day in the cold. Taking pictures, being silly, and warming up in a fun cafe were just a few of the day's activities.

If you don't have five sisters, you should be jealous of me.

Miriam

2008-12-30T20:25:00.000-08:00

Miriam continues to be one of my greatest sources of laughter. God was good to give me Miriam for a sister. Patient, hilarious, brave and creative....this girl's one of a kind! If you get the opportunity to hang out with her---do it!

Madalyne

2008-12-30T20:21:00.000-08:00

My littlest sister is all grown up and beautiful. I had the lucky job of taking her school pictures this year so Miriam and I braved the cold to snap some shots of Mads. It was so fun to walk all over downtown West Linn and snap shots as we came to neat places. And Madalyne is so photogenic, she made my job easy!

"Mom, I'm going to rhyme you!"

2008-12-12T11:45:00.000-08:00

His new trick.....

I Can't Spell Hippopotamus

2008-12-12T11:43:00.000-08:00

Apparently, anything can be spelled with just T-O-P. Ahh, homeschooling..... I wish I had learned that years ago.

Malachi's Scary Adventure

2008-12-12T11:40:00.000-08:00

It's all about the details and sound effects.

Note: The only reason my face is peering around the corner is because he would only be cute for the camera if the screen was facing him (so he could see himself). Consequently, I spent the whole time trying to make sure he was in the frame and I was not.

Happy Birthday to Monte

2008-12-12T11:35:00.000-08:00

Clone The Brithday Girl Contest

2008-12-01T23:31:00.000-08:00

Ranking as #1 in the fun party games, the guests were required to dress a teammate in toilet paper, with the objective being to make him or her look the most like the Birthday Girl.

Apparently Mark's team is unable to distinguish between "girl" and "bride". Mark looks lovely, however.....

Flipflops....

The glasses are a nice touch.

Amy's team went for a more realistic approach. I suppose it helped that their model was the right gender to begin with.

Hmm...Pet Bird?

A nice waterproof watch.

Malachi the Judge. He voted for Amy.

Although I like Malachi's uniform, I think it's great that not all judges dress this way, don't you?

Happy Birthday, Madalyne!

2008-12-01T23:25:00.000-08:00

I'm just finally getting these photos up....Madalyne turned 14 on October 23rd and we had a fun breakfast birthday party to celebrate. We made coffeecake, smoothies, coffee and tea and played fun games all morning. Here's a peek into the fun:

Playing "Move It".

Musical Chairs

Team #1 of "Dress a Party Guest in Toilet Paper".

Team #2 of "Dress a Party Guest in Toilet Paper".

I Fell in Love with a Schwinn

2008-12-01T23:16:00.000-08:00

This is "the green bike that I ride to the grocery store." Not only is it adorable, it's terribly practical. I can be green, do my errands and feel the wind in my hair---all while getting some exercise.

Back to Portland

2008-12-01T23:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, I've moved again. :O
And yes, I'm tired of re-stacking my mattresses on a new floor every several months. : /
And yes, I know that' s what young people do. : ?

But..... I had some great help. They work for homemade omelettes, too! :)

A Little Sparkle For My Day

2008-10-06T09:06:00.000-07:00

I finally took the plunge a few months ago and got my nose pierced. I love having a discreet little sparkle on the right side of my face! :D It was rather uncomfortable while healing, but now it only hurts if I accidentally bang it---which for clumsy me is a daily occurence. Sigh.

I've heard that it's almost the most unpleasant thing in the world to have a nose ring and a sinus infection at the same time...SO: I've started figuring in extra multi-vitamins into my monthly budget.

It's a great incentive to stay healthy! Everyone should get one......

Miriam's Blog

2008-10-06T08:56:00.000-07:00

I just was doing a bit of reading on my sister Miriam's Blog and wanted to encourage everyone to check it out! She's a great writer and has some very inspiring thoughts, as well as some recent pictures of the kids.

http://masterfulmusingsandmeditations.blogspot.com/

The Little Pit That Could

2008-10-05T13:59:00.001-07:00

"Mmm."

"Good guacamole!"

"Yeah, this is really good."

"Maggie, this is really.......Maggie?" They called into the kitchen, surprised that the guacamole monster herself was not loading chips as fast as everyone else.

Maggie was, in fact, carefully inserting toothpicks into the sides of the avocado pit and balancing it over a cup of water.

"What are you doing?"

"One man's trash is another man's treasure--or in this case, agricultural experiment." Maggie said, confidently.

They called her crazy and jeered at the little avocado pit. They told her to leave the growing of fruits and vegetables to farmers and people who belonged in overalls. They told her it couldn't be done.

But it could. And it was. And in 20 years I will have my own avocados.

Moving

2008-09-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

Moving to Troutdale a few weeks ago was a breeze with my awesome friends. They even took lovely care of my houseplants. And yes, I realize this picture is a bit cheezy (okay, maybe a lot cheezy) and Brian IS kissing the Jade plant.....but they were super helpful and it was 2am.

More Beach

2008-09-14T18:31:00.000-07:00

Some Beach Days....

2008-09-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

Family Beach Trip. Miriam's been getting a bit trendy with the shades these days....
Uncle and Nephew in the same stroller?
Malachi getting brave with the crabs...
Handsomeness.

The Site, at Long Last

2008-06-20T12:44:00.001-07:00

My new website is finally up! Enjoy.

www.maggiebogart.com

A Tribute to Great-Grandma

2008-06-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

My new business name. I opted to take my Great-Grandma Verna Bogart's name in honor of the legacy she left me. Years ago Grandma Kathy gave me a box of Grandma Verna's old sewing stuff and I've loved musing through the patterns and lesson plans and things she had used in her sewing/design days. Dad has often remarked that I must "get it from her", and I thought it would be appropriate to include her name in my endeavors.

Thanks Grandma.

A new place to call home....

2008-06-20T12:27:00.001-07:00

Three weeks at my new address and I'm loving it. My days are full---mostly of sewing. I'm working full-time (plus some) at David's Bridal, while feeling out the outlets for my own personal sewing. I'm still learning the ins and outs of the non-Hubbardish land, and soon hope to launch some Maggie Bogart madness!

It's been great fun outfitting my new sewing room. Starting from scratch is a treat, and the organizing and sorting has kept me up til the wee hours many a night, as well as "forcing" me to frequent little second-hand shops, craigslist and ikea to hunt down unique treasures. I'm in love with the result.

I've also put my hand to gardening a bit. (not anywhere near mom's fabulous example, sadly) The tomato crisis these days upped my plot to three tomato plants, as well as some herbs and, of course, beloved jalapenos. I've also become quite obsessive about houseplants.

Photos to follow.

The Truth of It

2008-03-30T12:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, for as well-pressed and equally positive in mood and disposition as we all appear in the professional portraits, the truth of our family expressed in these photos.

I don't think I've ever really experienced "tripping over eachother" until the last reunion with 26 people staying in the same house.

Malachi removing warning signs.

Claire playing dress-up.

Cooing and being silly for the babies.

The Mixup

2008-03-30T12:37:00.000-07:00

I recently cut bangs, with quite a reaction from my family--they thought I was Melody. I guessed that I could understand that, since we both have bangs now.... That "guessing" was until Melody visited last weekend. We took one look at eachother and both remarked that we felt like we were looking at ourselves. It was a weird feeling.

Kerchers and Co.

2008-03-30T12:32:00.000-07:00

The first Kercher family reunion in about 2 1/2 years took place a few weekends ago. Mandi, Phil and their kids made the 23 hour drive over from Minot, ND for a 3 week visit and Melody, Mollie, Matt and their families drove over from Bend for a weekend filled with noise, playing children, catching up, photo shooting, and being Kerchers.

A good looking bunch, if I do say so myself.

Dad and Mom with their 10.

The M&M's

The sisters. I can't believe we're all the same height and shoe size now....! What happened to all the Kercher babies?!

How does he do it?

2008-01-21T10:45:00.000-08:00

Malachi: the comedian. The position of Kercher Comedian is always being competed for--by Mark--by Miriam--even Maggie, at times. But Malachi has long held this title, basically since he started talking.

Malachi: "Maggie, here! Grink some of mine Hot Tea Chocolate."
Maggie: "I can't, Malachi. I'm allergic."
Malachi: "Oh."
Maggie: "Are you allergic?"
Malachi: (indignantly) "NO! I'm a boy."
Later....
Maggie and Malachi are playing dolls---
Madalyne: "Oh, are you being babies?"
Malachi: "No, I'm a boy, those are babies, and Maggie is a 'lergic.'"

I guess I should change my gender registration in the State of Oregon from "Female" to "Lergic."

Malachi: the Policeman--

Miriam: "Oh man, I just watched a stupid movie...."
Malachi: "Miriam, don't say dat word! Dat's a bad word 'a say!"

In church the one giving the sermon used the forbidden word....

Preacher: "It is stupid for us to not be seeking the Lord...."
Malachi: (quite loudly) "Ah! Mom! He said a bad word!"

I guess someone told him not to use that kind of language. Recently Mom took all the kids to Bend to see Melody's new baby, leaving Dad and I home alone. Soon after they left I called mom to gloat that I'd be able to say "stupid" as much as I wanted in the next few days. The simple pleasures in life.....

The Feel Good Cooking Show

2008-01-02T18:02:00.000-08:00

My good friend Bethany and I had a free evening, a kitchen, a camera, and an appetite--this is what ensued.

Many thanks to Zach who made the publishing of this video possible.

The Best Spanish Christmas Pageant Ever

2008-01-01T21:02:00.000-08:00

My Spanish class put on a Christmas Play this year.
They wrote the script themselves!

Everyone agrees that in our Spanish Class we have more fun than should be allowed in a learning establishment. To establish some semblance of order, I demand my 11 students to call me "Mrs. Maggie". It works well.

They are learning very well. The class is conversational in style, meaning I teach the class entirely in Spanish, and the students learn by listening and participating in various activities such as playing games, role playing, and creating stories together. And of course, putting on Christmas Pageants.

Malachi Grows Up

2008-01-01T20:56:00.000-08:00

I finally convinced him to stop being jealous of Madalyne's dolls and be thankful for his spacious crib upstairs. I guess he knows how I felt at 7 when I grew out of my favorite "jellies"(plastic sparkly sandals, in case anyone doesn't remember that delightful footwear....).

Family Bowling in Molalla

2007-12-03T20:37:00.000-08:00

So, we went bowling. In Molalla. I can't say that the facilites were the classiest around, but the service was, shall we say, very personal. :) We had a great time. Malachi had never been to a bowling alley before and was fascinated by the ball chute.

A little protective...

Papa K, starting us off

Miriam and Madalyne.....such form.....

Mark's great form....

And, Mark's not-so-great form....

This ISN'T the time she fell onto the lane.

Happy about his strike....Good lookin' fam.....Yeah.......

And more yeah......

I don't think anyone ever contemplates their facial expressions when they're forcefully rolling a heavy ball down a polished lane in hopes of causing a few plastic pins to teeter....it's priceless.

I just thought this would be a great way to end.

Malachi's First Christmas Party

2007-12-03T20:25:00.000-08:00

After putting up decorations on Friday, we couldn't seem to shake our festive mood, and thereupon decided to have a spur-of-the-moment Christmas party. It was Malachi's first and he did great, dressing up as a gift-wrapped present.

The White Elephant gift exchange was monumental for Malachi, who simple unwrapped one of his own toys. He loved it!

Mark, the snowman.

Big Amy came over for the festivities, as well as our two neighbor friends, Adam and Little Amy (Note: Adjectives that Malachi uses to distinguish our friends have nothing to do with size, just age. ;)

It was a blast! We played games, ate snacks, and watched the ancient Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer video.

Crossing the Red Sea

2007-11-27T21:05:00.000-08:00

In case anyone was unsure, the Red Sea may be found in Hubbard, OR. In my bedroom, in fact.

One of Mark, Madalyne and my favorite pasttimes is to have themed slumber parties. What better people to have slumber parties with than ones who reside in the same house and can choose to sleep in the comfort of their own beds?......We alone know the TRUE meaning of "slumber" parties. ;)

This is the Red Sea. You'll notice Egypt is on one side..... And Canaan is on the other side....
Watch out for the natives....
Benefits of the Promised Land.... Some of the sea life you might be a spectator to as you cross the parted sea....

Dressed as we were in our usual Egyptian apparel....

Malachi was invited to join in the festivites....Shocked to see the Sea parted!

The Beginning of My Bird Collection

2007-11-27T20:53:00.000-08:00

I arrived home the other day to find that some poor fowl specimen had unluckily flown in the path of my oncoming car, and probably never lived to realize that it's place of resting is now in the plastic, teal grate of my Chevy Cavalier.

My problem now is how to get it out. I'm plagued with a fear of birds, and that means I especially don't like extracting them --dead-- from odd places. If anyone reading this knows of a bird extraction service around.....well, I'd appreciate a referral. Until then, I'm heading to the nearest Fred Meyer to invest in an extremely potent air freshener.

Family Vacay - Yaquina Bay

2007-09-26T10:54:00.000-07:00

Camden and Claire

2007-09-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

I was so fortunate to shirk life for two days last week and visit with Mollie, Aram and the girls. Camden is becoming such a little girl: not a baby anymore! She talks and talks and Claire smiles and smiles.
Claire looks identical to baby pictures of both Mollie and myself.

I think Claire is the smiley-est baby I've ever met.

Camden still hasn't gotten the whole "Aunt" thing down yet. Mollie and I were trying to teach her to say Aunt Maggie (she just calls me Maggie) and she finally said it, then turned around, looked a Mollie and said, "Aunt Mommy!" :)

The Salsa Bug...

2007-09-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

You might call it a summer of salsa. After over 100 quarts of the spicy delight, we're thoroughly stocked for the coming winter and thoroughly done chopping!

"The End Justifies the Means" does not include losing sleep in airports far away from home....

2007-08-25T19:11:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there were two sisters, Mandi and Maggie. They hadn't seen each other for many years and were very excited about their planned reunion. It was to begin in the Denver airport....that was until the Evil United Airlines undertook their wicked plot to keep the sisters apart.

Sister Mandi did her best to wade through the vicious onset of mishaps such as missing bags, tornado warnings, and lightning storms, but was unable to evade United's evil plot. She unwillingly spent 40 hours on planes and in airports en route to Bismarck, ND.

Sister Maggie arrived nearly uneventfully to Bismarck, albeit 18 hours before her sister would reunite her. Amid the tears of bitter disappointment she got off the plane, ready to navigate the maze of baggage carousels, only to find that there were a mere two of them. Sighing with relief, and feeling very self-conscious (after looking around) that she lacked her cowgirl boots and bleached, flipped out locks, she proceeded to make hotel reservations and arrange for a shuttle to pick her up.

She went outside to wait for the shuttle, which wasn't hard to recognize, considering she was the only person sitting in front of the tiny airport. (You don't have to pay to park there...) The van pulled up and Reese Witherspoon from Legally Blonde got out and daintily hoisted her suitcase into the back. They engaged in conversation on their way back to the hotel, as she told Maggie she'd lived in Bismarck all of her life and that she loved it but maybe was thinking about going to Fargo, ND to go to college! (Maggie sensed fear and insecurity in her eye-liner rimmed eyes when she mentioned a bigger city)

After a sad night alone, the sisters were once again reunited in the scenic Bismarck airport. They are once again happy and have begun a campaign to stop other sisters from being kept apart by Evil United.

The End.

Interview with one of the sisters: "North Dakota residents are certainly friendly! I wonder, though, at the luck of Mandi's destination, because every time I answer the question of destination with a confident "Minot, ND" I am met with a strange look and the question, "What are you DOING in Minot?" Apparently nobody goes there. :) I don't know why. I mean, every girl I've met so far has had lovely bleached hair and an IQ of about 10! Seems like a great state to me..... "

But, you know, we're the epitome of normal so we're thinking that no splash will be heard in Minot, ND upon our arrival.

Chillin' in North Dakota

2007-08-25T18:58:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, WHO chills in North Dakota?

Mandi, Phil and family are moving to North Dakota from Germany. This required a preview trip to scope out housing, etc. Aunt Maggie was invited to join Mandi for a week in Minot to accomplish these tasks.

It didn't take long to get a feel for the place....beginning with "Da Udder Place" in the middle of town.... This is their new house! It is still being built, we met with the builder today and talked light fixtures, flooring, paint, etc.
Predicted finishing date is November 1st.
Minot....dry, brown, flat. The feisty little orange mobile is our rental car. Mandi skillfully wheeled it down off the highway to hold the camera so we could procure a scenic photo (see top). We made quite a scene for this un-touristed town, and even got a few hill-billyish whistles.... We decided to stay indoors after that. ;)

Normal? Not even in the same zip code as normal.....

2007-08-08T00:44:00.000-07:00

This was at 7:30 in the morning....
Um, new meaning for "eat your eyes out"? Maybe?"Kids! Aloha! Baby Handsome...." Hey, Mom.....would you mind if I nibbled on your freshly harvested zucchini? Thanks.

Zucchini!

And yes, we're always Plumb Tuckered out at the end of the day.....

Happy 35th Anniversary!

2007-08-08T00:30:00.000-07:00

July 29th was Mom and Dad's Anniversary...the big 35. In their honor I assembled a little quilt. It is made of a block for each of their children. (thank goodness they had 10 of 'em, it gave me a lot to work with) Here's to some awesome parents!

What Old Mother Hubbard Has Stashed Away in Her Cupboard....

2007-07-14T22:25:00.000-07:00

There's a park in Hubbard with an awesome Water Fountain. I took the kids for a picnic on one of those hot days we just had and they had a blast. Malachi especially, he kept running around and around saying, "Oh no! Baby wet!!!"

Pizza Picnic

2007-07-14T22:18:00.000-07:00

Really rustic, eh? Well, Costco's Food Court housed nary a spare table so we moved our party to the great outdoors. Malachi thought it was great that we were eating Pizza in the 'grass'.

Nice face, Mark.

The Pink Wedding

2007-07-14T22:14:00.000-07:00

A good friend tied the knot this weekend and I had my pink part in the whole shindig.

The wedding went beautifully....the only major catastrophe happened when the bride's jewlery turned up hopelessly lost....After a half hour of frantic searching we were able to procure an acceptable substitute. She ended up with "something borrowed" after all!

Cute Kids

2007-07-02T13:39:00.000-07:00

Camden, the newest big sister...

Jadon
Jadon and Aunt Mollie....
Madalyne and Claire....

Mark and Malachi....
Camden and Aunt Maggie after orange popsicles...

Claire Emily Boyd

2007-06-29T22:57:00.000-07:00

My sister Mollie had her baby today, a beautiful baby girl. 8lbs 2oz, 20" and perfect. Congrats Mollie and Aram and sister Camden!

Sisters

2007-06-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

Melody and I are really into quality time.

If only rooms had more walls than four....

2007-06-09T19:40:00.000-07:00

My latest passion....painting murals. It is part of my new get-rich-quick plan. I think people in Hubbard pay mural-painters really well. Spread the word!

Malachi's Baby Sitters

2007-06-08T22:32:00.000-07:00

Malachi has learned how to commandeer the full attention of anyone who crosses his path. Here you can see a few of his companions.

This is the way the ladies (and gentlemen) ride...

2007-06-08T22:25:00.000-07:00

Blue Truck

2007-05-05T22:29:00.000-07:00

Tulip Turn On

2007-04-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm

Woodburn, OR

www.woodenshoe.com

Cooking Dominican Style

2007-04-06T20:07:00.000-07:00

Quieren saber como cocinar una cena dominicana?
Want to learn to cook dominican?

Primero, hay que matar un pollo y cortarlo.
First you've got to kill a chicken and cut it up.

Y despues ponganlo en una mezcla de sazon.

Then soak it in some stuff. :)
Y despues, van a freirlo.

Then fry it.

Y ya tienen una cena deliciosa.

And there you have it! A delicious domincan meal! Well, not quite, I'm not very good with recipes in spanish and I've forgotten a lot of verbs that are important...like crush, pluck, etc. :-/ The meal turned out pretty good, except that we were lacking a few things: like the right type of rice, beans and spices...but it was the thought that counted.

Nota:

Les damos gracias a Morena, Iris, Manuela y Yaneth por ensenarnos a cocinar tan buena. Les guardamos en nuestros corazones! Dios les bendiga!

The Hubbard Beekers

2007-04-02T21:22:00.000-07:00

Soon to be recognized in the NFL, Hubbard Beekers Mark and Malachi Kercher are seen here in some rare, never-before-seen footage of a practice. Let's tune in.....

"Hey, hold on Mark, I've got my helmet on backwards..."

"Say, Mom-mom, do you think you might give me a hand, I'm having trouble tackling with this backwards helmet on..."
"Ahh, that's more like it! Okay, Mark, I'm ready for you now!"

"Oooooh, so you think you can tackle me because I'm little do ya?"

"Yeah, now we see who's boss. Just lie there for a while and it won't hurt so bad."

The Stitches of Insanity

2007-04-02T21:17:00.000-07:00

It is finally done! After two years I finally finished my quilt. You may all exclaim on my insanity when I tell you that I hand quilted this entire quilt, and I will heartily agree! I will certainly not embark upon an adventure like that again any time soon! It was worth it, though!

Does it look like me?

2007-04-02T20:59:00.000-07:00

I'm taking votes on which painting you all think is my self-portrait.
(A) A colorful and wild girl with a serene, mature, placid overlay....
or

(B) A jar of pickles.

The answer of course is B, the jar of pickles. I’m pretty much a jar of pickles.
And not just because I love them, because I do love pickles. Mmmmm, do I ever! In fact for my ninth birthday, the gift that surpassed all others was a big, round, green gallon jug of Seinfeld’s Kosher Dill Pickles!!!! Who could think of a better gift? Those bad boys lasted me for months! It was a fabulous, thoughtful gift (thanks Mandi, you’re a swell sis), and as yet, has been unmatched. (They don’t make pickle jars any bigger than that)
In the old days when my little brother Monte and I were small, we could think of nothing tastier to feast upon than a juicy pickle. We’d craftily butter Mom up with shamefacedness and sobriety (that means doing our chores on time) and then pop the question. Nothing could quell our delight upon the receipt of an affirmative response, and race to refrigerator we did, grubby little fingers hastily groping around in dilly brine for the plumpest x-cucumber in the jar. Then, when tongue met pickle, a sensation indescribable of salt, dill and crunch filled our happy smiles and no one heard much from the now impickled twosome for a while, so engrossed were they in their nibbling.
Yep, those were the old days, before my little pipsqueak brother turned into the Eiffel Tower. I’ll never forget the day he proudly announced to me that he weighed more than I did. Hmph. He probably ate more pickles than me. >:-

Need Mowing Lessons? Call Monte @ .....

2007-03-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

For anyone who doesn't homeschool, this is what it looks like: We call it the Hands On approach.

Gimme a Kiss!

2007-03-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

Apparently Malachi has discovered the art of "germ-free kissing", something that is very popular in my family. (Please don't take that seriously!)

Bible Study Baking

2007-03-13T18:05:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what goes on during our Girls' Bible Study?

While Hannah chops-and eats - apples (notice she's wearing two aprons), Miriam peels the tasty fruits and rips apart tortillas for the casserole.

Jenni is expertly smoothing some liquid gouache (just kidding, that is watercolor paint, but it sounds like a food substance) in cassarole pan and Kaila is chopping chicken.
I'm the supervisor, of course.

We don't actually cook most of the time, we usually stew over God's Word, but a few weeks ago we "baked our cherry pies" as a ministry to a friend in need.

Cuddly in a Combover?

2007-03-13T17:41:00.000-07:00

You're about to witness the only combover you're ever been able to stomach...

Note: If you have a combover, please do not take offence--there are only so many perfect heads in the world, the rest are covered with hair!

And there you have it! Just like magic? We think so.

I Love Legs!

2007-03-13T17:28:00.000-07:00

I promise I didn't Photoshop this picture, my eyes really do that! I can barely type this post for laughing, I should be embarrassed of this horrendous photo. If anyone wants to do an oil painting (i.e. Crazed Girl Eats Leg) just let me know and I'll acquit my rights.

Note from the Author: If I ever invite you over for dinner......ACCEPT!

All Work and No Play Makes Maggie A Dull Gal....

2007-03-13T17:24:00.000-07:00

Malachi is lucky to have such willing playmates. Of course, who wouldn't want to play with a chubby baby wearing potato head glasses?
Would you say no?

Oh, for the love of foosball!

2007-02-24T17:26:00.000-08:00

Our Foosball table gets really romantic around Feb 14. The players pretty much wear their hearts on their sleeves.

Oops! It wasn't such a great Valentine's Day for this Foosball Player. We have yet to learn his story.

Rules Are Rules, After All....

2007-02-24T17:24:00.000-08:00

Laughing…..”Oh Mark!”

I was staring at the timer I held in my palm, having just discovered that Mark’s 10 minutes of computer playing time had turned into 30 minutes. He’d been so careful and obedient to bring me a timer and set it himself before petitioning for the coveted playing time. Too bad I hadn’t noticed that the back panel of the timer was missing and nary a battery was in place. His ten minutes had turned into a limitless coupon of no expiration date.

“I didn’t know, Maggie,” Mark defended, chuckling along with me when his accidental good plan was discovered.

“Well, whatever, your time is up anyway,” I conceded, “what were you playing?”
As the younger brother launched into a detailed play-by-play, Miriam mumbled that it was about time, and that she was off to take her allotted time on the computer. Apparently second-hand computer adventures were as interesting to her as ABC gum is for someone who just got dentures. Leaving the others to chew on Mark’s memory, she yelled on her way out, “Hey Mark, what is your sewer name?”

“Sewer name?” I questioned, “What in the world is that?”

Madalyne laughed, “That’s how Mark spelled ‘user name’”.

“That’s what Monte told me!” Mark defended, “S-E-U-somthin’-somthin’”.

The "Funnest" Potato Heads Ever!

2007-02-24T17:23:00.000-08:00

So Malachi isn't the only one who plays with toys around here...

This is a typical Saturday afternoon at the Kercher household.

Grow A Boyfriend?

2007-02-20T09:21:00.000-08:00

Boyfriend in a Box-

Instructions:

1) Place boyfriend in room temperature water.

2) Your boyfriend will begin to grow within 2 hours and reach full growth within 72 hours. (no kissing required!) He will slowly shrink to smaller size when removed from water.

3)Your boyfriend can be grown over and over again.

Instucciónes en español:

1) Ponga al novio en la agua.
2) El novio empezará a crecer entre dos horas. Despues de 72 horas, va a llegar a su tamaño mas grande. (Y no hay que besarlo!) Afuera de la agua, el novio va a volver a su tamaño chiquito.
3) El novio se puede crecer otra vez y otra vez....hasta el fin del mundo!

Compliments of Bethany. She knows how to pick them out, let me tell you!

Family Camp?

2007-02-19T21:44:00.000-08:00

Could you all breathe a sigh of relief with me (in empathy) that we actually succeded in getting 6 Kercher M&M's to wear matching shirts, look at the camera, smile, and be in the same place, ALL AT THE SAME TIME? Here we go...1...2...3 "sigh"!

These shirts say The Berean Call. Dad brought them home to us from the last board meeting he just attended. The name of this organization comes from Acts 17:11:

"These [Bereans] were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so."

The Berean Call is dedicated to turning people back to the Bible to search for truth and answers. We recommend being on their mailing list! (the link above takes you to their website.)

Valentines Day at PCC

2007-02-12T22:01:00.000-08:00

I know, you're asking, "Is this a college art class?" I'm as shocked and sorely embarrassed as you are, but yes, this was my homework this week. The instructor said, "Just make a valentine. You can use anything you want, even a dark and sad valentine would be okay. There's no rules." All I have to say is this:

Steer Clear of ART 116, they're crazy!

A boy of many faces....

2007-02-12T21:51:00.000-08:00

He does smile, just not for pictures very often. Usually he attacks the camera, yelling, "Beebee, Beebee" (that's how he says Malachi), because someone showed him the magic of digital cameras....He's quite vain. He's sat in front of my computer for 15 minutes before just watching video clips of himself.
He's quite the ham, though. He laughs on cue now, all we have to say is "Malachi, laugh!" and we are rewarded with possibly the cheeziest fake laugh you will ever hear. It is so cute. He loves animals, and knows many of their sounds. He was in the car with me for about half an hour the other day and I had to sing Old McDonald Had a Farm the whole time. Everytime I stopped he would reprimand me with a, "Ac-ggie!!!" It is a good thing he's so cute. I wouldn't have done that for anyone else.

Malachi is enjoying his Sunday brunch.

He's quite an extraordinary child. Green beans are his all time favorite food. He nearly goes bizerk when we pull them out of the fridge. He's been known to eat 3 bowls of them at a time.

This Post Needs No Name

2007-02-10T11:40:00.000-08:00

Slumber Party in Heaven

2007-02-10T11:06:00.000-08:00

Mark, Madalyne and I took a quick overnighter to Heaven....

(aka - Maggie's bedroom doused in white sheets and tulle clouds) I'm pretty sure this is what the Streets of Gold look like...beside the Crystal Sea, of course. If you look closely you can see we included the table of the Wedding Supper. (cookies, reeses, capri suns..)

The Three Little Angels.....

Camden & Sis

2007-02-08T18:52:00.000-08:00

This is Camden, my neice.

And this is her sister.

They just keep getting cuter. We are so stoked that Mollie is having another baby, she's due in July. And I, of course, will be yet more firmly established in my "aunthood".

Switching My Major

2007-02-02T09:25:00.000-08:00

Just kidding, I'm not really thinking about majoring in drawing. I just thought I share my feeble attempts with the world if anyone is wanting some sweet drawings of lamps and things for a good price... LIKE FREE???? Here's the story: Two good friends just moved into an apartment together and had nothing to put on the walls. And since I just finished a drawing class last term at PCC, I had a few spare homework assignments. I have more! Don't let your walls be like Old Mother Hubbard's Cupboard....there are bones to be had - or in this case, drawings. :)

It's a Beaut!!!!!!!!

2007-01-21T16:14:00.000-08:00

We finally got the plane painted! It is beautiful....(as airplanes go, anyway)

Here's the picture you've all been waiting for--Gas Masks!!! You can just call us the Darth Kerchers.

Malachi Sightings

2007-01-20T10:49:00.000-08:00

Helping Maggie with her quilt is a favorite pasttime...

Tired of green beans? So is Malachi.

Painting the Airplane

2007-01-16T16:49:00.000-08:00

Dad and Monte have been working hard preparing to paint Dad's airplane. There is a ton of prep work that has to be done first, including masking off everything that is going to stay white, and removing the finish from the part that will be painted red.

A Time to Sled, A Time to Slide

2007-01-16T16:27:00.000-08:00

Here's a little tribute to different seasons of fun on the Kercher Hill....
Tips to remember--
1. Do not automatically don your swimwear when invited to a "water party" at the Kerchers. You never know what form the water could be in.
2. Make sure your regular Chiropractor is going to be in the office the following day.
3. Always let a younger sibling try it first. If you're the youngest, well....Mark has a support club. Bring ice packs.

Snow Day

2007-01-16T15:58:00.000-08:00

Snow doesn't visit us here in the Willamette Valley very often. This makes for some excitement all around when, after several years of waiting, a "snow day" finally arrives!!! Usually, brave "snow-seekers" have to drive about 1 1/2 hours to find a good sledding spot. However, thanks to the treacherous valley in front of our house that is good for basically nothing but sledding, we became the center of activity this morning. Several of our friends appeared, dressed in sledding finery and toting rusty/dusty/moldy sleds (I'm exaggerating so you get the idea that it has been a while...) in bright-eyed and rosy-nosed anticipation of some "North Pole delight"!!!

Hey there, Little Lady....

2007-01-12T14:58:00.000-08:00

Do cowboys get any cuter?
(notice the beads, or "pretties" in Malachi's vocabulary)
Malachi loves western movies, mostly because of all the horses. If a horse is in the near vicinity, you'll soon hear an adorable little, "Ga-look-ga-look-ga-look" and Malachi trotting in imitation. This is soon followed by a "Ne-eeeigh". We've started watching our movies on "mute", his sound effects are so good! :)

Boda/Wedding

2007-01-12T14:45:00.000-08:00

It was my second boda!!! A boda is a Dominican wedding, and this wasn't exactly Dominican...but the groom was. Michelle and Amy and I drove up to Seattle last weekend to attend the wedding of our beloved Dominican pastor's (Julio, in the picture below with his wife Maritza) son, Reyner. It was so neat to see them again, and see them experience an "American wedding". Believe me, if it was as different for them as a boda was for me....well, it was an experience. I am still wondering what in the world they thought of our tradition of the bride and groom shoving cake in each other's faces. And unlike the DR, in American weddings the whole congregation doesn't erupt in cheers after the "beso" (kiss) and shout "Otro! Otro!" (another one!!!) :) If anyone thinks that weddings aren't intricately cultural....THEY'RE WRONG!!!!

The neatest part of the wedding was when Julio (father of the groom) prayed for the new couple in spanish. There weren't many dry eyes after that.

It wasn't planned, but most of us 2006 summer interns were at the wedding, too, which was so fun to catch up with/see everyone!

2007-01-01T19:21:00.000-08:00

There is another baby in my life, contrary to popular opinion, or at least from what you can see on my blog....

Jadon is my sister Melody and husband Mark's baby. They live in Bend. As you can see, the cuteness has extended beyond my parents' offspring! :) ~chuckle~

Fun Being 21

2007-01-01T19:17:00.000-08:00

Now that I'm 21, the fun begins....on my big day, I opted for a 2lb bottle of....CHOCOLATE. (Thanks Leisel & David!) It was a great day, a bunch of my awesome friends went roller skating with me, a favorite pasttime.

Too Much Christmas Candy?

2006-12-25T11:51:00.000-08:00

"What did yer mama always tell ya 'bout eatin' too much Christmas Candy?

"Ta not 'ta....."

Enjoying Mark's Christmas gift. It was just years ago that we were both in braces...anyone want my orthodontist's number? He's great!

Nativity Play

2006-12-20T16:26:00.000-08:00

Malachi stole the show at last Sunday's Nativity play during our church service. Madalyne was a shepherd and Malachi was her sheep. He wasn't in the mood to cooperate, however, and wandered all around the stage bleating (at least he remembered his lines) and staring at the other children's costumes. Notice his little tail in the picture.

Mary and Joseph by the manger

The Three Wisemen

Mark was the Star.

Uncle Malachi

2006-12-20T15:59:00.000-08:00

Yes, you're seeing right, this is an uncle and his niece. (They are three months apart.) Camden and Malachi, despite their unusual family relation, enjoy sharing toys, speaking eachother's language and seeing who can nap the least. :)

Christmas Quilt

2006-12-20T15:55:00.000-08:00

Hannah, Jenni, Miriam and I have been trying our hands at ministry projects, varying from watching people's children, cleaning their houses, and our latest, making a quilt from fabric donated to us by Pine Creek Bedding. We gave the quilt to a family whose father is in prison this Christmas. It has been a really fun experience for the four of us, learning about serving others and looking for ways to help. If you have any needs, let us know!

the boss!!

2006-12-16T11:33:00.000-08:00

Malachi is learning to talk now. He runs around the house shouting, "Ada-lada-lada-lyne" which, being translated, means "Madalyne". He is her shadow. He also finds many adorable ways of getting his own way, whether it is grinning from ear to ear when we mention something he would like to have, or crying and saying, "uppa?".

We often remark on how boring our lives might be without Malachi. He's a very observant little guy, when the smoke alarm goes off in the kitchen (that has nothing to do with my cooking, let me assure you....) Malachi will drop what he is doing, grab a magazine and run into the kitchen fanning it in the direction of the smoke. What a helper!
He is wearing Mom's socks here...
But this is his favorite pasttime....anything "dayee" does, Malachi does. All of Dad's favorite foods are called "dayee" and are also Malachi's favorite. It doesn't matter that his legs don't reach the footrest, he MUST have it up if daddy does.

Road Rage

2006-11-01T17:45:00.000-08:00

I guess maybe someone should take the time to teach Malachi, er....the Prince....a few road tips. This is a great example of our peaceful household.

There is always something happening, even if it is only a family cheer that Mark actually volunteered to take a shower.
Here's our most recent family photo. This was taken in Newport, we took a family vacation there in August.

Malachi

2006-10-26T21:12:00.000-07:00

And then there's Malachi...

...the most adorable thing in my life.

He is beyond cute, tottering around squeaking and getting his own way. He never fails to cheer me up after a long day.

Best Amigas?

2006-10-26T20:58:00.000-07:00

This is Amy and I, with the matching spanish shirts our dominican mama sent us. They say the classic "Somebody loves me in the Dominican Republic..." Cute, huh?

Amy went to the DR as an intern two years ago and lived with the same woman I did. She worked in the clinic. This is an amazing bond for us, she is someone who never tires of hearing of my experiences, not to mention practicing spanish and reminiscing over our beloved dominican culture.

We have worked at staying in good contact with our family and friends there. Emails in spanish frequently fill our inboxes. We recently received a package filled with letters from our loved ones, it was so amazing. One of my sewing students had sent a note (she can't write, but she had a friend be her scribe) saying she misses me and is continuing to learn under Charo's teaching.

I'm so thankful that the relationships didn't have to end when I left. I am praying about when the Lord would have me go back. I don't have any clear direction except that I am going to school right now, and I also don't have any money:) so, I think I'm staying home for now.

Still Sewing....

2006-10-26T20:43:00.000-07:00

So, I'm getting settled in, finding my old rut in the sewing room. I'm actually working for a dry-cleaners in Lake Oswego, doing alterations and delivering twice a week. It is a nice job situation, I'm still working at home, on my college student hours, and I can just drop off and pick up work on my way home from school. It actually pays decent, which is spiffy, too.

School is keeping me drumming my drum. I really do feel like the energizer bunny:) I'm at PCC (where tuition is free, thanks to Professor Kercher) taking general ed classes. I am tired of not learning anything all day at school, I'll be really glad to transfer to the Art Institute next fall.

I am still using my spanish, I have been tutoring spanish students 4 hours a week at the college, plus conversing with my Costa Rican friend at school. When I can I go to a local spanish church service and occasionally bring myself to turn on the spanish radio station....that's only for an emergency spanish high, though. :)

I'm Home!!!

2006-08-27T17:40:00.000-07:00

I am writing this post sitting in my comfy american house, on an ENGLISH keyboard (I can find the apostrophe so easily now!), with not a hint of the noise of the Disco Mobile playing Merengue music in the background....and even though I'm very american right now, I'm thinking about the DR. I'm remembering all the amazing friends I made there, the times I saw God's hand doing the work when I couldn't, all the spanish words I cringe to think I'm forgetting, the sewing machines that I'm sure are still breaking, and Charo and the girls who are still continuing on the sewing work.

Thank you, so MUCH, each and every one of you who prayed for me, kept updated by reading my blog, sponsored sewing students, wrote me emails, commented about my pictures, encouraged me....and who have welcomed me home again, newly acquired dominican quirks and all!!!! What a blessing to have such a "support group", coming to the airport to meet me, wanting to see my pictures, hear my stories....THANK YOU!!!

My plans now are to pursue further education in Apparel Design. I will begin the end of Sept. and am very excited in this new season of my life. I also hope to get involved in a hispanic church, I would like to keep my spanish up, and get involved in some kind of ministry with the hispanic women. Part of my heart lies there.

Continue to keep the dominicans in prayer, especially Charo and the women of Algodon. Thanks for going on this journey with me! It's been an exciting 6 months!

Fabric

2006-07-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

Sewing student's daughter wearing a skirt her mom sewed for her
Originally uploaded by carneblanca.

This little girl is modeling a skirt made by her mom, Lola, a sewing student in Algodon. The fabric was sent down with an intern. What a reward for the woman who cleaned out her sewing box to see a folded, forgotten scrap turned into a darling little "falda" on a cuter child here in the DR! All this to say, feel free to send fabric down to these students, they know how to use it! Things can be sent through COTN's office in Silverdale, Washington with the help of short term teams. Check out their website for more info.

Fashion Show in Algodon

2006-07-26T16:11:00.000-07:00

Fashion Show in Algodon
Originally uploaded by carneblanca.

These skirts and blouses were all made, start-to-finish, by these beautiful women in Algodon. They've learned to take their measurements, construct a pattern, cut the fabric and then sew it. It was such a treat to see them lined up outside the classroom sporting their new outfits. Feel free to come to Algodon for your sewing needs!

Antony

2006-07-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

Antony
Originally uploaded by carneblanca.

This is Antony, one of my favorite little boys in Los Robles. (I know, you´re probably not supposed to have favorites, but, I do) He is so precious, some of his favorite pasttimes are naked cartwheels and chasing our car as we drive away. If I could pick any souvenier from the DR, it would be Antony. He has a less-than-desireable homelife, no one really looks after him, no one knows how old he is....Sometimes I wonder what is God´s plan for this little treasure, growing up in dire poverty, being taught by the tigres (gangsters, basically) at the age of three to dance provocatively at the disco tech, getting parasites from the unclean water, falling off a motorcycle because no one was watching him, and having open sores for which there is no soap in the house.....Sometimes I am overflowed with love and joy when I see him, sometimes it just hurts my heart, but the only thing I can do is rest in knowing God sees him just as well as I do, better, in fact, and continue to pray for this sweet little child.

El Grupo

2006-07-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

El Grupo
Originally uploaded by carneblanca.

This is Ellen, she was part of a group that came here to work in the bateys, making gardens, playing baseball, and working with the women. They brought canvas and taught 50 women in Algodon how to construct a bag, and then taught them how to make natural dyes and stamps to decorate the bags. It was incredible, the women were having so much fun and made the cutest bags. Michelle (the intern who works with short-term teams) and I both agreed that we wanted one. They were a huge blessing, not only to the women, but to me also. It was such an encouragement to see someone taking an interest in the women I love so much, and to be able to help them in that. I can´t believe that I get to do this every day.
Thank you, Grupo de Americanos!!!