Cheaper By The Dozen ....Quisenberry Style

Celebrating

2012-01-09T15:23:00.031-07:00

New family photo

of those at home.

I was reminded that I haven't blogged in ONE WHOLE year!! It was a long and sometimes difficult year and once again I am at the anniversary of Rebekah's death. Yet this year I choose to celebrate LIFE. Rebekah's life... My children's lives...my granchildren's lives!! Each and everyone of them are so worth celebrating!

I have had the privilege of bringing twelve remarkable, eternal souls into this world. I guess my life would have been easier if I'd only had a few children. However, I would not trade a single one of them because they have brought a richness to my life that could have been gained no other way.

How else would I have learned that love is unconditional? Or how God could love so many of us with the same amount of love, yet uniquely? Or understand the pain the Father must have felt to watch His Son die for all of us? Where else would I have learned about self-sacrificing love?

Now I have the blessing of watching my children have children of their own. I'm not sure how to describe the pride and joy that is in my heart watching them become parents. They are all so amazing. My grand kids fill my soul with joy!! I love being a grandma : )

Ryan, Abby and Finley

Christmas last year.

Finn was adopted from Uganda

First time to meet him!

Miss Bentlee growing so fast

Mr Finn

Grandma and Bentlee

beach in SC

Finn and Cousin B

Smelling the dandelions

They act like twins : )

Together again in Charleston

October 2011

Lyndsie, David and Bentlee

Finn and his Bobos

Ryan, Abby and Finley

2011

Nana and Finn

at the hospital with new cousin

Francesca!

First photo of Francesca

So glad she made it finally!!

Uncle Ryan and the proud Daddy

Lovin' his sweet girl

Kisses from mom

So sweet!!

Nana and the new cousins

Finn fixing her bow.

Birth announcement

Tired baby

Number four grandchild on the way.

Arrival April 2012!

Did I mention that I love being a Grandma?!!

REBEKAH

2011-01-09T00:00:00.001-07:00

REMEMBERING

Thirteen years ago today my life changed forever. Standing in the hospital ICU looking down at my infant daughter lying there completely hooked to machines, the only thing keeping her little body alive, is an image that will never leave my mind. When my mind transports me back it feels so real that I can not keep the emotions nor the tears that start to flow from taking over.

I can still see the look on the nurse's face as we entered the room that morning. How she wanted to avoid looking in our eyes. The catch in her voice when I asked why she had socks on her little feet, telling us we would need to speak to the doctor.

A team of doctors showed up. Our doctor told us that he didn't understand why her organs were shutting down, that it was really a simple operation to fix her heart. I remember asking him if he was asking us to make a choice to unhook her from the machines. I can still see the compassion in his eyes as he sadly told me no there is no choice to make. All I could do at that moment was hug him and thank him for trying to save Rebekah's life.

The next few hours felt like a living dream. Some phone calls were made, some friends arrived. Totally amazing to me thinking back because we had only lived in North Carolina for three short months! Some tears were shed but there were some moments of joy as well. Making the molds of her tiny hands and feet will be etched in my mind as one of those happy moments. As the process began more and more staff arrived until Rebekah's bed was completely ringed with observers.

In a blink of an eye the time to remove her from the life-support machines had come. Steve requested that I be able to hold her while this was done. The technician said that just is not possible, but in the end agreed to break the rules and let us. Holding her there in the rocking chair my heart was breaking. There are no words to express the pain that I felt saying good-bye to one that grew in my heart for nine months and in my arms for three. How do I let go of all the hopes and dreams that I had for that little girl in my arms? A mom should never have to do that!

As we made the four hour drive back from Duke University to our home, our arms were empty, the car seat was empty and our hearts were empty. The thoughts running through my mind at that time were for the nine children we were headed back to. How would I ever help them walk through the most tragic thing of their lives? How could I get past the ache in my own heart to lead them trough their grief? In God's grace and mercy He would see us through. It has been a very long journey through all the 'what ifs' and the 'if onlys'. Some say you never get over it you just get through it, day by day!

At least twice a year I stand at the threshold of the door looking into the past. Sometimes there are more tears than at other times. I don't really know why. Sometimes I can remember her short life and all the joy she brought me and other times I am overwhelmed with the loss and the pain that lives in my heart. Someday when I hold her in heaven I will understand. Thankfully here on earth I have children to hug me, grandchildren to love, a husband and dear friends who understand and let me weep.

Those of you that know me well, know that I am no writer! Sometimes though I am overwhelmed by emotions and that is when it comes out. Remembering Rebekah even if it is with tears keeps her alive in my heart.

Bentlee

2010-11-13T13:03:00.011-07:00

Bentlee Nina Riddle

She was born

on August 30th, 2010

in Charleston, SC

Dad, mom and Bentlee

Aunt Lorissa's first look.

Grandma's first look.

David's nightly routine- playing video games

with Bentlee sleeping on his lap.

Her room was fixed so sweet with

white aspen trees adorning the

walls.

Her cool 'space pod' swing.

Content in Grandma's arms.

At night she was swaddled in this...

but she is a little 'Houdini'

and always mangaged to

get a hand or arm

out somehow!

An outing to the Market in Charleston.

Too many nights up!

Her bath!!!

Her bows always managed to come down

over her eyes in a 'face mask'.

Her birthday cake!

Lyndsie, Bentlee and Lorissa

Three generations of women!

Oh yeah! Look out world!

David, Lyndsie, Bentlee and Grandma

A trip to the beach for Grandma's sake!

Their house in Charleston.

The living room from above.

My absolute favorite so far!

I love being a Grandma!

Andrew's Baptism and A Visit to Andrew's Lake

2010-11-09T16:14:00.009-07:00

ANDREW'S BAPTISM

I am almost caught up on my blogging! That means

pictures of the grandbabies to come!!

First, Andrew got baptized this summer...

...and his dad got to do it!

Love the look on his face here!

Hugs from dad!

One Sunday when we just had two kids....

we decided to go for a drive.

We passed the sign for Andrew's Lake everytime

we went to Silverton or to Ouray.

So, with Andrew along, we packed a lunch and off

we went.

While eating our lunch we had the whole flock of ducks

around us!

Attempted to take a hike around the lake...

not exactly a marked path. So the kids

would run ahead and scout it out for us.

This one was a wrong turn.

Really a pretty little lake.

Lots of wildflowers out at this time.

We did actually make it all the way around the lake

but we sort of had to forge our own trail.

A great day!

California Part 3-Mendocino

2010-11-03T13:02:00.014-06:00

HEADED TO MENDOCINO

Across the Benicia Bridge, the new one...

...past the Mothball Fleet...

a quick stop at In-N-Out for burgers (some huge

burgers) and fries.

Past the beautiful vineyards....

through the majestic redwoods....

...time to roll down the windows and

smell the redwoods...

....to our first views of the ocean!!

This is my sister's new room

where I got to sleep...

all by myself!!

It sits atop their garage.

This is the view from their porch.

The ceilings were made from an

old redwood tank.

In my sister's style-

windows everywhere including the bathroom!

The room was painted a beautiful blue

which inspired me to paint our

new room a similar color.

This is the view you wake up to every

morning!!

With the windows open you can hear the sounds

of the ocean too!!!

First stop after my sister's house....

the beach of course!!!

April and me enjoying the views.

Drew

Steven, Anna, Aunt Nelle, April

Drew and Ruth

At low tide we went to the

tidal pools to

see what we could find.

Steven

More sea anemomes and sea urchins.

Sisters

Can you hear the crash of the waves?

This says it all for me...

I love the ocean!

And my kids!!

Anna and me

Through the trees to yet another beach.

I think we went to three the first day!!

My sister knows what I like!

I think this is a chiton....

....anyway it is cool.

We tried to get it to uncurl, but

it was too scared.

Steven found a crab.

The visit wouldn't be complete without

a trip to Glass Beach.

At the house, they had fun with the

cousins' homemade coaster.

One last trip to the beach.

Building a castle.

Uncle Gary's fundraiser Bird house

for the Botanical Gardens.

A replica of the Presbyterian Church in town.

We visited the newly opened Rec Center.

Kids in the lazy river.

Cousin Alexandra and Ruth

Top of one of the buildings in

Mendocino.

Here is the Presbyterian Church

which the bird house was

patterned after.

Final glimpses of the ocean.

Thanks Lyn and Gar for sharing your

beautiful house and your ocean!!

Can't wait to visit again.

California Part 2-San Francisco

2010-10-30T20:59:00.010-06:00

GIRLS TRIP TO SAN FRANCISCO

We took a girls only trip to SF for some

fun and shopping.

Of course, it started out with a trip to

Starbucks!

San Francisco Bay Bridge.

I forgot how much I love the view of the

city from this beautiful bridge.

The streets of San Francisco

with cable car tracks.

Pier 39 for some good food.

Abby, April, Lori, Karla and Ruth

Just don't feed those pigeons.

Boats in the bay.

Alcatraz

Ruth

Sea Lions at the Pier.

Abby and I

Lots of shopping, lots of laughs,

lots of fun.

Thanks for the memories!

I love you girls!!!

Calilfornia Part 1

2010-10-27T14:22:00.009-06:00

HANGING WITH THE COUSINS

On the way to Brentwood to pick cherries

with the cousins.

Aunt Wendy, Ruth

Little Richy, Mattie

Jordan and Drew

Ruth and Mattie

Mattie, Corrie and Chesnie

Miller

Next was a dinner at the Lymans.

Matt grilling for us.

Kids having fun on the trampoline.

Jason being..... Jason.

Enjoying catching up...

Gianna and Anna

Anna and Noah.

Erik and Rebecca shared their house and

pool with all of us...

The remodel of their new great room.

The huge window and island.

Seeing if that new island will withstand

all sorts of stains...wine, cherries!!

Ruth doing a flip.

Synchronized swimming!

Drew trying to make a big splash!

Diving off of Jason's shoulders.

Chicken wars.

Ryan chillin' in his cool hat!!

All in all it was a fabulous visit!

Family

2010-10-21T15:17:00.007-06:00

CALIFORNIA

This post is very old I know, but I must

be a very sequential person because

I do not like posting out of order!!

However,

my life does not always bring me order so...

I had to throw in some birthday blogs and other

assorted things, now I can go back to order.

You will just have to wait for all my baby photos until

I am caught up!!!

This is still a June post with my family in CA for my

niece's wedding.

After the wedding we all got together and hung out...

and ate of course!!

Guys watching the game....

ladies and children chatting.

Anna pulled us all into her obsession with mustaches....

This one made from a plastic knife and her ever present sharpie!!

Or it could be the unibrow!

Cousins had fun getting to know one another.

Chesnie and Lily

Emmy and Drew

Crazy cousins...

Kendra, Ruth, Mattie, Anna

Then it was time for some good-byes.

Why to the call them good?

Joel and Emily had to head home.

Sisters...

having fun, but missing some:(

Hanging out on Rissa and Vince's last day.

Vince made us try to see if we could tell the difference

between coke and sprite with a blindfold on.

He swore there was a study done and most

people couldn't tell the difference.

Obviously we are not MOST people!

Never know with Vince it could have been totally bogus.

We spent most of our time hanging out at

Jason and Karla's place in the country.

They had this cute little covered porch

that we ate our meals in.

Enough room for everybody!

There was a lot of wii playing.

Rockband

Their dogs like to chase the squirels up the trees.

View from the backyard.

Great times, thanks Ryan and Abby

and Jason and Karla for letting us

all hang at your places!

We miss you!

Catie and Jamie's Wedding

2010-10-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

We drove to northern California the begining of June

so we could be at my niece's wedding.

Steve would be the officating pastor,

and I would be whatever

they needed.

My family loves flowers...

so any chance we get to arrange flowers or

make bouquets for weddings

makes us very happy.

Steven got roped into holding the two biggest arrangements

so that they would not topple over on the ride to the

wedding site.

Grandma Burris entertaining her sweet grandchildren.

All those feathers really made the wedding

memorable!!

The crazy aunts cutting the cake!

Catie throwing the bouquet.

The dancing, we Quisenberrys like

to dance....

and dance!!

Six of the eight siblings.

And that is all folks!

I think I let Ruth stay up too late!

Rebekah

2010-10-20T00:01:00.004-06:00

Rebekah Ashleigh Quisenberry

Today you would be 13!

Can that really be...how did so much time

go by? It seems like yesterday when you were

born and we all held you in our arms. You were

the sweetest baby, always happy.

All who saw you knew there was something special

about you.

Who would you most look like... Lorissa or Lyndsie perhaps?

Would you be April's best friend?

Would you like photograhpy like your big sister Anna?

Would your brothers tease you relentlessly but protect

you with their lives?

Would your little brother and sister adore you?

Too soon you left us with aches

in our hearts and minds full of questions!

We love you little girl!

I would not wish you the heartache of this life.

I know you walk with the one who loved you

with His life.

So until the day we once

again behold you with our eyes...

we hold you in our hearts!

I love you, mom.

ANDREW THE BIG 10

2010-10-19T13:50:00.010-06:00

OUR ANDREW!!

He is the youngest of 12 children. Born at home

in Leicester, NC. He is an amazing gift to this family!

His first bath with the whole family looking on.

Everyone gets to hold the new baby, Steven and Ruthie's turn.

Proud dad!!

Lyndsie and Ruthie

Lorissa and Drew asleep, she deserves it she labored

through the night with me and into the wee hours of

the morning!! Who says #12 is easy?

Big Brother Jason home from college to meet the

newest member.

Aunt Rodalee. I can't thank my sisters

enough for stepping into the roll of my

missing mom to be there for the

births of my children.

Andrew's slightly crazy family.

No first year would be complete with out a trip

to the beach and....

your first snowman, of course!!

When Drew saw this photo he said, "This is proof

that Ruth liked me once!" My thoughts

exactly, lol.

Drew in his cute outfit, made by mom!!

He looks sharp in a bowtie!!

A watermellon that we grew as big as Drew!

Drew has always been a lover of tractors, especially John

Deere. Even at this age he could spot one while we were driving

and he knew what each of them was used for.

Here he is with his dad watching the tractors work

next door to our house.

What could be better than to be atop your

tallest brother?

Well, maybe a new John Deere for your birthday!

Andrew loves to pretend....

here he is with mom as outlaws...

Or maybe he is Superman.

He loves babies...here he is with his best bud Jadon.

He loves his sisters enough to let them do this....

or this!

If you play poker with him he just might win.

He loves to pose for his sister's photos...

or climb a wall...

Or drive a John Deere!!

His 10th birthday party!!!

This is our Drew completely secure in who he is.

At ease with babies or adults...

totally happy wearing his favorite color-pink...

or being totally a boy!!

What would our life be with out him?

Happy Birthday Drew Bug

I Love You!!

RYAN'S BIRTHDAY STORY

2010-08-27T18:11:00.020-06:00

RYAN'S STORY

Ryan was born on August 27th, 1982

at John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek, CA.

He was a whole four weeks late!!!

I know they don't let you do that anymore but in

those days they did. Not sure I would wish

that on anyone. He was my 'natural birth' after

a C-section! The anesthesiologist wanted me to have

another one just because he did not want to hang around. When Ryan

was born, my sweet mother, wanted to go wake up the anesthesiologist

and tell him he could go home now!! She didn't, she was too nice!

I forget how many hours of labor(at least 15).

He was born just 1/4 of an ounce short of being 9 pounds.

He did not look chubby as he was 21" long.

Lots of dark hair.

At one month

My favorite age, 3 months, so cute!

6 months old, Ok the first two got lots

of photos!!

Ryan and Jason

Jason, Ryan and Lorissa with their Great

Granddaddy and Grandmother Lane

Jason, Cousin Jenny and Ryan

Ryan in Jackson, WY where we moved when he was

5 years old. (Abby I put this one in for you since you have

a thing for polaroid film!)

This was part of the library party.

Jason, Joel, Lyndsie, Ryan and Lorissa outside our condo in

Jackson. Right next to the ski slope!!

Remember when you rode your little bike like 10 miles through

Teton Park? We are with our friends the Ferrins in this photo.

What a great day that was, the park was only open to bikes and

we only saw a few other people that day. Still tons of snow and the lakes were

still frozen. Great memories!!

Ryan, Lorissa, Joel, Jason, Papa Mac and Lyndsie

Jackson, WY

Under the elk antlers in Jackson with Grandmother Quisenberry.

Chef Ryan and Dad

In his cool boots

Funny boy with his Grandpa Quisenberry.

I'm guessing it was Thanksgiving back

in Danville, CA with Cousin Catie

and Cousin Nicholas.

We moved to Florida when he was 9 years old.

He must be about 10 here.

Ryan, Cousin Jenny, Lyndsie, Jason, Steven,

Lorissa, Joel and Josh

A trip back to Jackson in October, I think.

Lots of snow already, a little chilly for these

Florida babies who have never seen snow!!

Ryan now wearing his dad's old jacket!!

This was not the first time that Ryan changed his hair color.

The first time he decided to change it to blonde or more like white!!

They had to bleach it twice to make it that color.

He thought he was going to be in trouble when he got home

but I just laughed for about 20 minutes, no joke!

He just looked so strange with that color when his hair

is usually so dark, I couldn't help it!!

I actually liked his hair like this, the porcupine look!!

Another hair style

Family photo with everyone but Drew, not

yet with us.

A visit to the St. Louis zoo.

What is he doing?

Jason, Cousin Peter, Ryan and Cousin Caleb at

Cousin Corrie's wedding.

Nice view guys!!

Abby added to the family photo.

Taken in CA in the Fall.

Ryan and Abby's wedding 2006

Malibu Canyon, CA

The day was beautiful even when the fog rolled

in and we had a slight drizzle.

Karla is added to the family photo.

A day at Yellowstone

Playing who's taller, Ryan will always win!!

Ryan came out to help us tile our bathroom in Victor, ID.

He was so patient to teach us all how to do it.

Not sure how we fit all those people in one tub.

Abby and Ryan

Love this shot of all my boys at Joel's wedding, well

I guess I'm missing Drew, although he was in the wedding too.

They are all so handsome!!

Caught Abby in the shot too doing what she does

so well.

My computer techie working from our house in Durango, CO.

Nice thing about a comuter job, you can take it with you.

He is quite good!!

November 2009

Ryan and his beautiful wife Abby.

Ryan at Cousin Erik's pool in Danville, CA.

Ryan will soon be a dad! He and Abby are adopting

a sweet little 4 month old boy from Uganda.

This should be an amazing year, you will be a

fantastic dad!! Love you so much Ryan!

Happy Birthday!

SWEET 16

2010-08-17T13:30:00.013-06:00

This is the story of our Anna Grace....

The day of her birth, August 3rd, 1994, dawned and we called the midwife.

To our surprise she was hours away and

unable the attend the birth. We lived in

Sanford, Florida at this time.

So....

She gave Steve a quick birthing lesson over

the phone. He HAD been to a few others

by this time, but only one other

home birth.

All went well...

Dr. Dad was fantastic, I think he missed his calling!

Mom, Anna and proud brother Josh

Steven checking out his new rival!

Lyndsie getting him to be gentle that would

prove to be a challenge!

Aunt Rod was there for the birth.

She is quite proud of saying she helped deliver Anna.

If my memory is right...

I do believe she looked worse than I did when all

was said and done.

Not sure which one of us worked harder!!

Lorissa is pretty comfortable with the big

sister role.

Ryan holding the new bundle.

Mom and Anna at 1 month.

Anna at 4 months.

By this time we figured out that she

was not going to smile for a camera.

The girl who took this at the studio said that

would win an award.

She is so cute!!!

At 9 months we could get her to smile

for the camera, finally!

Steven giving her a little too much love.

Anna at one year

in her birthday dress from her big brother

and sister.

Almost a smile!

In her funky hat.

Not quite two and yes that is a cast...

yes she is in a pool.

They had this new material that could get wet...

didn't use it for long as they discovered

that it made your skin get very nasty.

Thankfully she did not have to wear it long.

The bathing beauty.

Showing off her stuff and her

brother's boots!

Lost teeth

At about 7 or 8,

she really did like to pose for

pictures, not much has changed there!!

Modeling her new clothes.

A snowy day in Asheville, NC

her home since she was 3.

There she is with a tie dyed shirt...

nothing different there either!

Family photo with the boys home from college.

Lyndsie, Joel, Jason, Ryan holding Drew, Lorissa

Steven, Ruthie, Anna, Josh, and April

Girls in their Easter Dresses.

Lorissa, April, Anna, Lyndsie and Ruth

Road trip

Who is this girl that falls into the eighth position(a very good

position) in our family?

She is full of life, loves her family...

Loves to be crazy, slightly obsessed with taking photos...

loves her mom of course!!

has a love affair with sharpies...

a thing about mustaches

of all sorts and shapes.

She is fun loving, compassionate and beautiful.

Our lives would certainly be

boring without her!

Did I say she likes to dance? Oh yeah!

And that about sums it up...

this is our Anna!

Can't wait to see where God takes her.

We love her!!

Happy Belated Birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORISSA

2010-08-02T08:27:00.009-06:00

I know this post is a little late...August has already arrived and

still no post for Lorissa's birthday in July!!!

Somehow life has a way of taking me over...

moving, painting, more painting, boxes, babies, painting, sewing, did I

already mention painting?

This is the story of my first daughter...which to me

was a very big deal.

Steve's family is a long line of BOYS...that's right boys!

After having two myself I thought that was all

I would get!

To my great surprise July 12, 1984 a sweet little

girl arrived in my life.

OK, she should have arrived on July 4th but considering

my record of being quite late, 3 weeks and one month,

I wasn't holding my breath that she

would arrive on time!

Here she is at one month....

and three months,

by the way it took me about this long

to actually believe I had a girl!!

Seven Months

One year

18 months, in a dress that her grandma Quisenberry

made for her. Such a little lady already!

With Ryan in the pool on Quincy Ct. San Ramon, CA

Lorissa, Jason, Joel and Ryan

about 1987.

Lorissa at the soccer fields in Jackson, WY

The year we spent living at the fields between baseball

and soccer. That was the last year I ever did that!

This was also when I discovered that Lorissa would

pass out when she gets the wind knocked out of

her. She has a scar on her chin to prove it!!

On top of Signal Mountain with Grandma and

Grandpa Quisenberry. With a view of Jackson Lake and

the Tetons in the background.

Fourth of July at String Lake, Grand Teton National Park

Joel, Lyndsie, Jason, Lorissa, Ryan and my niece Corrie.

Lyndsie and Lorissa in CA

for my niece's wedding.

Rissa was one of the flower girls, this was the dress she wore.

It didn't stay white for long!

The very next day at church she fell in a mud puddle!!

Rissa and Lyndz

Lorissa and Josh, Shana Ct, Danville, CA

We are back to my birthplace.

Not for long, however!!

Lorissa in Florida

The Family Tree

Sylvan Ave, Sanford Florida

Joel, Lyndsie, Lorissa, Steven, Jason, Anna, Ryan and Josh

My Girls

Lorissa, Lyndsie and Anna

Thought I wouldn't have any

now I have three!!

A trip back to Jackson, WY from Florida.

Now I have four girls!

And five boys, of course!!

Steven, Joel, Ryan, Josh, Jason, Lyndsie, Anna(in the back),

Lorissa, now the big sister 5 times, holding April

Me and my girls

Lorissa, Lyndsie

Anna, April

Lorissa, Jason and Ryan in Pike's Market

Seattle, WA

A visit with the grandparents after their

trip to Haiti.

Port Ludlow, WA at the grandparents.

How old were you here, I let you go to Haiti?

Good thing you had two older brothers, can't believe

I let you fly all over the place!!

Her new car, well actually it's dad's, but he let her

use it ALL the time. I think dad's have a soft spot

for their girls!!

Leicester, NC, she has now

lived in 4 states, we get around!!

Lorissa and me at Myrtle Beach, SC

at the women's retreat.

Here she is on her wedding day.

Isn't she gorgeous? Not sure how that happened!

And here is Vince the great guy she married, a little

crazy to marry into this family, but we love him!!

The story is just begining....

They live in San Diego where they are youth pastors...

who knows what's next.

Happy Birthday Lorissa, I love you!!

Beach and San Diego Zoo

2010-05-19T16:50:00.004-06:00

On Monday

we went to the beach for breakfast.

We got a table with a view of the ocean, nice!

Of course we walked on the beach...but we were headed

to the zoo right after that so I said, "Don't get wet."

They found lots of cool stuff on the beach..shells, sand

dollars,

lots of seaweed.

Ruth, Drew and Vince hunting

Hmm, yes, he got a little wet, or a lot wet!

Vince bought him some shorts at a beach

store, nice brother in law!

The family, minus Vince who was taking the photo,

at the zoo.

Drew and Lorissa looking ferocious!

Watching the apes.

They are huge!!

These chimps

were being fed so they were all

riled up making lots of noise!

One jumped right at the window and banged

on it freeking out a little girl!

Drew thought it was cool.

The handler said she was the alpha female

and felt she should have had first

pick of the food so she was mad.

Sounds logical to me!!

Being this close to a tiger was very amazing,

If not for the glass between us we could have touched it!!

I love hippos, especially when they are swimming!

We watched an exciting bird show.

At the end you could give this bird money and he

would stuff it in his box.

I think the dollar being put in was Drew's.

You can see Drew on the left side.

Pandamonium!

This shot was for April, she likes Pandas.

Me, I like elephants!!

Bop the seal!!

Balboa Park through the polar bear display.

Safari Steve

That's a lot of stripes.

They must use it to make predators dizzy.

Yes, the pachyderms.

Hey! not me! The big grey thing with tusks!!

Ruth getting a ride

Drew taking flight.

All that I could get at first of the elephants

was rear ends, then they came and fed them

so I got some good shots!

Aren't they cute, in a large sort of way?

Why is it that I like the BIG animals?

Hmm, not sure.

The "kids" playing.

Meerkats are so small, and cute...

in Lion King Timon seems a

lot bigger, just saying!

One of the other many wild animals found

in the zoo!! Got a good

shot of him too!! Seems as though

he will eat most anything, he

especially likes mexican food, go figure!

This one's for Lyndsie, she likes

giraffes.

Drew lost his flip-flop in the koala exhibit.

Yes, I knew that was going to happen sooner or later!

Good thing about him? He's not shy!

He went to the nearby gift shop and got some help!!!

The guy thought it was funny, happens all the

time he said!

The peacock

Just one more shot! Yes, you guessed it.

Another elephant! I could take this one home.

Oh yeah! How about that in the front yard?

Took a drive up Mt. Soledad, where Lorissa lived when

she first got out of college.

Lot's of nice views!

Steve and Lorissa at Mount Soledad

cross and war memorial.

View of San Diego

That is a lot of bird poop!

This is La Jolla.

Seals enjoying the sun.

I love the ocean for so many reasons...

...tide pools...

...the splash of the waves as they crash against the rocks...

....the sound of the waves crashing on the shore

that drowns out everything else...

...the way the sun comes through

the clouds and reflects on the water...

...turning the waves into a beautiful, shining blue...

the beach is a place to reflect and be

refreshed. Wish I lived near a beach

with mountains and snow too!

Seals reflecting! I'm pretty sure that is what

they are doing!

Vince, Drew and Ruth on the beach for

a closer view!

Tuesday morning bright and early we were on

the road again. Leaving the land of freeways and

overpasses.

To the desert again. I think this was a view into

Mexico.

Maybe my mom liked the desert for its

large saguaro cactus.

Or the cactus forest!!

Wow!

This is the view of Flagstaff, now maybe this is why

she liked the desert.

Flagstaff is beautiful, wouldn't be such a

bad place to live if you had to

live in the desert.

More views on the way home through a dust storm.

Mother's Day and Balboa Park

2010-05-15T08:00:00.000-06:00

Sunday morning dawned and we slept in!!

Lorissa and Vince's church started at 10am...Only one service, what a

breeze! The other service is on Saturday evening. Fun to

be a part of their church, they are very loved.

The day was a little cloudy so we decided not to have lunch

in the park. Chicken and beef kabobs...macaroni and cheese...

and grilled corn, yum!

Us in front of Spreckels Organ Pavilion,

at Balboa Park.

Moreton Bay Fig

This tree is massive and over 90 years old.

Ruthie took this cool shot.

Old Globe Theater

Ruth falling from statue.

Ruth and Drew climbing on the dragon.

I was trying to catch Vince and Drew walking next

to each other instead I got them being boys

throwing seeds at one another!

At the Padres Stadium

Waiting for the game...it will be a long wait.

This old building was so uniquely incorporated

into the stadium.

Tony Gwynn

"Mr. Padre"

They even have a playground for kids at the stadium.

Dizzy Drew

To finish off this fabulous day...We had chocolate

cake and strawberries for dinner...My kind

of meal!

Emily's Baccalaureate and Graduation

2010-05-14T13:44:00.000-06:00

Our reason for going to California was to see our Daugter-

in-love graduate from Life Pacific College.

Friday night was the Baccalaureate where she

sang on the worship team.

She sang beautifully!!

This is the commissioning part of the service. Family and

friends are invited to pray for the students. A very

special part of the service.

This is not the end but just the begining

of all that God has planned for their lives.

Joel in front of their apartment.

Roses at Angeles Temple, where the graduation was

held.

Emily also sang at the graduation,

but I had trouble with the camera and

didn't get any good photos of that.

We all got a little worried when the Qs were passed by and

they did not call Emily's name. Finally, there were the Ts,

apparently they had her listed under her maiden name!!

We were just all glad that they called her!!

The beautiful graduate and her handsome husband.

Emily and her brother Luke.

Emily's grandparents

Emily's parents

My funny boy

My funny husband

Put the leaf down, Steve!!

Ahh, the family, or some of it anyway!

Ruth advancing her school career!

Drew up a tree.

The view of Los Angeles across Echo Park Lake.

The Grand Canyon

2010-05-13T10:50:00.001-06:00

First stop on the way to California is The Grand Canyon.

This was not like most of our stops at the canyon...for those

who do not know what Quisenberry family vacations are

like you can not fully appreiciate what this visit was like for me!!!

Normally, a trip to the Grand Canyon would include a quick

stop for a photo of the setting sun and a bathroom break

if you were lucky. Seriously, 15 or 20 minutes is a long stop!!

This was actually our first stop...how can Four Corners

be closed, really?

Some of the sights along the way.

Trying to figure out why my mom liked the desert so much!

Except for some really cool rocks, not too sure!

I do like rocks!!!

First stop at the Grand Canyon is Desert View...

this is inside the Watchtower.

First views of the Canyon.

We only had Ruth and Drew on this trip,

sort of strange.

Outside of the Watchtower.

Ruth insisted on taking a picture of me to prove

I had actually been there!!

Yes folks, we actually stayed at the Grand Canyon Village.

Our room at the Thunderbird Lodge had a view of the canyon.

Had to take this picture for Lorissa.

When we first took the kids to the canyon on our move to Florida she

got out of the car (she was 7) ran to one of these railings and

swung out. All the adults sucked in there breath while running to

grab her.

I'm sure she had no idea why we were so terrified!

The view down in a photo really does not show

how far down it is!

We hiked around the rim.

This is a view of the village and our hotel

from the other side.

Maybe my mom liked the desert cacti...

...or the desert flowers.

This is the Bright Angel Trail down to the

Colorado River at the bottom of the Canyon.

OK, we didn't do that trail!

Exactly 74 stairs down to this viewpoint!

Yes Ben, I counted!!

View from Powell Point

We didn't hike the whole rim, but there was a shuttle

that took us on a road that only the shuttle can go on.

I didn't even know there was more to the canyon...guess

you can't see it all in 15 minutes after all.

End of the trail at Hermits Rest.

Building built in 1914 as a rest stop for tourist coming

to the park in coaches...that would

have been a fun way to travel, not!

This is the photographic studio of the Kolb brothers.

Built in 1904 it hangs on the side of the canyon.

We actually went in this building and looked at

some paintings, wow!

Inspiring views!

These photos are views of the Grand Canyon

in the morning.

To most of you it might look the same as in the afternoon

or the evening....but to me...spectacular!

I've never seen the canyon in the morning before!!

Breakfast at the canyon.

Our room...

at the Thunderbird Lodge! Thanks Steve for a

memorable visit to the Grand Canyon!!

Next installment on our trip to California-Emily's

Baccalaureate and Granduation.

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep

2010-05-13T10:00:00.000-06:00

Last week I had the privilege of going on a very special photo shoot with my friend Carol. This was not just a regular photo shoot. This would be an emotional journey..."Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep" is a baby that has taken an early flight home. We arrived at the NICU of Mercy hospital, set up our things in the evening light and unwrapped the sweet bundle. He was 35 weeks old and perfectly formed. Positioning him in natural baby positions Carol shot tons of photos, his little feet, hands and sweet little ears.

Next, was shooting him with his parents, this would prove a little more difficult for me. I was OK until the mom and dad were on the bed holding their sweet little boy. Tears began to stream down their faces as they realized all the dreams they had for their son ended right here. The tears flowed freely from my own eyes...it seemed like yesterday that we were in the same place having to say good-bye to our own little girl. Words just can't express the heartache in that room. How I wished I could help them on their journey to life again! I will continue to hold this family in prayer knowing how many difficult days they have ahead of them.

As hard as all that was it was such an awesome privilege to be a part of bringing such precious memories to this family that they will cherish forever. Carol your gift is indescribable, thanks for letting me be a part of it. Life is incredibly short and such a gift.

Happy Birthday April

2010-04-30T10:18:00.000-06:00

This post is a smig late but sometimes 'life just happens', what can I say! Two birthdays in the same week and two babies in the house kept me very busy the week of her birthday. Let's see if I can get this done before the month of April slips by.

April is number nine in the family line. Born at home in Florida with Steve delivering. She was due on her dad's birthday but decided to make her own date on the calendar being born two days after his.

Lorissa and April on our trip to Jackson, Wyoming

Anna and April

April at Camp Courtney

Henderson, North Carolina

Her first move after Florida.

This brings back such happy memories!!!

Hover Dam, note the happy faces and the missing ones!

Josh and Steven were in trouble for something and didn't

get to be in this happy little photo. Family trips, always

a delight.

Bald Ruthie and April

Ruth, Josh and April

enjoying the new baby!

Making beards and singing in the bathtub was

always a favorite.

April, Lyndsie, Ruthei and Anna

Anna, April and Ruthie in socks to

curl their hair.

April coloring with chalk on

our neighbor Samantha.

The finished work!!

Easter

Lorissa, April, Anna, Lyndsie and Ruth

Lost a tooth

New Christmas hats

Ruth, Anna and April

Sisters (and a brother)

April, Lorissa, Ruth, Anna

Drew

Jackson, Wyoming

The girls in Victor, Idaho.

Abi's photo shoot pictures of the girls.

Victor, Idaho

Ruth, Lorissa, Andrew and April

Durango, Colorado

Princess April at the Daddy Daughter Dance

Another Abi photo.

Happy 14th Birthday My Beautiful Daughter!!

Wydaho in March

2010-04-10T15:03:00.000-06:00

Steve and I were honored to be invited by our church in

Idaho to lead a portion of a retreat, or Family Summit.

Our segment of course was on raising families, not

that we are experts, but we do have a lot of experience!!

All of us but Josh were able to attend.

We set out on a cold Wednesday morning (6:22 to be exact!),

March 24th.

Steve had flown out on Sunday to be with his mom and

dad during his dad's heart surgery, so it was the five

kids and myself on this adventure! A light dusting of

snow covered the car but the roads were clear.

I had

Anna as my co-pilot, with the promise she would not

fall asleep....and she didn't! She had the camera

and it kept her going taking all these nice photos...

well, a few of them were mine.

The first part of the trip was pretty quiet as everyone

but Anna and I were asleep.

The mountains were beautiful with the snow

and clouds.

We did encounter a little snow on the roads

in Hesperus but it wasn't bad.

The long road stretched before us.... Twila on the

ipod (at least for the first hour)...

.... Junior mints to keep me awake!

A little 'air guitar'... obviously no more Twila!!

The road goes on and on...

Trusty mom at the wheel...

April still asleep....

Movies for the little guys.

About 8:45 pm, after a stop in Idaho Falls for dinner... a short

trip to the mall... and a visit with some old friends,

the Shannors... we rolled into Alta, Wyoming.

We passed this lodge everytime we went to the ski

slope but had never been in it.

Here is our Summit banner.

The arcitecture was very amazing...

this is looking into the Teepee (40' up) with the center

pipe for the fireplace in the middle.

There was living space all around the massive fireplace

in the center... Tables for eating at.

18 rooms were around the outside of the teepee room.

Below were two dorm rooms for all the kids.

They had a game room with ping pong,

pool and whatever this game is called...?

The equipment from church was set up for

the break out sessions and for Sunday

morning church that would be held

here in the lodge as well.

Drew and his buddy Joe having

a great time.

Ruth and Joe's baby sister Rosie.

Lori and Jennifer

Had a great time visiting with friends.

Some of the youth.

A visit with the Mann's, Erin, Ethan and Elizabeth.

Ethan and Elizabeth, got to ski the slopes with them

as well, had a great time!!!

Sitting around the fireplace was a favorite.

The kids played 'mafia' there most nights

until the wee hours of the morning.

Or they played poker!

Bethany, she and her husband Joel led the

youth sessions.

They moved out of the Valley the year before

we did, so good to see them again!

Sara and Daniel Willers...

special friends are forever!

On Sunday after service with comedian

Brad Stine, we went to our dear friends

The Brunks!!

So many memories in this place...

so good to visit with them for a

few hours.

This is Don Brunk...

his everloving wife Jo. My adopted parents!!

This is the view of the Tetons from their

front room window...not too

shabby!! Man I miss

that view!

View of their front yard and the meadow...

and Sleeping Indian in the background.

Climbing out of their valley....

One more shot of that gorgeous view....

not that I could ever forget it!!

I used to watch the sun set on that mountain

peak everyday.

View of the ski slope in Jackson that all the

kids learned to ski on....not me!

I waited until we moved to Idaho to a slope that

was safe (almost) for beginners.

The long road stretched before us again bright and early

on Monday morning, but this time there were

two drivers. I did a lot of sleeping on the

first part of the trip to catch up on

all the long nights!!

So did Steven!

We arrived safely at home about 9 pm....

with lots of good memories and a successful

retreat!! Thanks to all you Wydaho friends...

you will always be loved and missed!

Happy Birthday Joshua

2010-04-07T21:37:00.001-06:00

Where have the years gone?

It seems like yesterday that I spent Easter Sunday in labor...all day!!

When you were finally ready, you came! Poor little guy was all bruised!

Josh is our sixth child, right in the middle, and number 4 son.

You have to be someone special to fill that spot!!

He is!

Proud big sister Lorissa

Jason is happy to have a baby brother.

Grandma and Grandpa Quisenberry

Grandpa Maclennan

Three month photo

Always the happy baby!

Lyndsie and Josh

Easter at Grandma and Grandpa's.

A surprise family photo for Dad.

We had to wait an hour in the mall....

Any idea how hard it is to keep all those kids in one place

and clean for that long? Oh yeah, fun!

Moved to Florida when he was just one.

Lyndsie, Josh, Mom (and Steven) at Cocoa Beach.

The Proud Big Brother.

Wearing his big brother's As outfit.

Eating is tiring work, he often fell asleep in his highchair.

Lyndsie, Steve and Josh at the pumpking patch.

The whole family...

down to Anna anyway!

Leaves in Asheville, North Carolina.

The family down to Ruth in 1999.

They were holding on to an electric wire...

waiting for the electric pulse!! Fun.

Josh as a mime.

Brothers in Olympia, Washington....

doing what brothers do.

Josh, Emma and April

Joel and Emily's wedding in August 2009

Hunting the Christmas tree, 2009

The 19th birthday party.

Celebrated with the Saunders.

The ice cream cake!

The presents

Sledding on Our Hill

2010-03-18T08:00:00.000-06:00

We have a sweet little sledding hill in our back yard. It sort of goes from our yard, flows over the retaining wall and down into the neighbor's yard! Thanks to our son-in-love Vince we got permission from the neighbors to end up in their yard!

Here's Ruth and Drew at the top.

They decided it was a lot of fun to slide down penguin style.

Drew as a penguin. Maybe not so great on the snow clothes, oh well!

Ruth catching a little air.

The first few times they went down they literally ended up ON the neighbor's fence. Since mom didn't really want to do that Ruth decided to build a wall of snow as a barrier. She even slid down it first to prove that it would hold. Somehow her weight compared to mine is not really a fair test but I decided to try it anyway!

At the top...

Coming down...

OK, I landed pretty hard....

...but it was fun anyway! I love sledding!

Crazy landings

Best buds

Ben and The Mega Pizza

2010-03-17T21:09:00.000-06:00

After setting up for the Daddy Daughter Dance we were treated

to the biggest pizza I have ever seen!

Yes, Steve actually measured the pizza and it was

really 26"!

The pizza boxes covered the whole table and our

table is pretty big! One pizza could feed an army, even ours.

Ben brought two!!

That is ONE slice! It's as big as Drew!

Even Ben could only eat two slices!

Ruthie and her mega slice.

Ben preparing for the olympic discus throw!

Thanks for the pizza and the fun Ben!

You are one of a kind!

We love you!

Storms

2010-03-13T20:05:00.000-07:00

This week I spent an hour on the phone crying with a sweet friend of mine who recently had a

miscarriage. She was asking all the normal questions... Why did He make me pregnant just to take her away?...What did I do wrong?...Will it happen again?...How could He let this happen?...Do You love me?

I really don't have the answers, but I have asked all the questions many times. Some of the questions we ask can not be answered this side of heaven!

That same morning the kids and I had read the account in Mark about Jesus walking on the sea

out to tired, terrified disciples. And just that morning, I wrote in my journal these words....

"The storms of life are not because You do not love us but because You DO. They are meant to force us into and encounter with an awesome God. Thank You that You always love me even when I deserve it the least!"

I might not have all the answers and that is OK. I can listen to the pain of a friend. I can shed tears for her and a life she will not hold here on earth. I can understand the pain and the questions as I have walked that path myself. I can tell her the pain eases with time but tears are never far away! I am so glad I have a God who walks with me in the midst of the storms of my life!

All About Jason

2010-03-10T12:09:00.001-07:00

It is hard to believe that 29 years ago I awoke to a totally new experience!

Having a baby!!

I remember that morning

I saw a stork, could have been a pelican I don't know! At least I thought it was

and I remember telling your dad that it would be a lot easier

if storks delivered the babies!

No such thing happened and 18 or more hours of labor later we still had NO baby!

You were in stress and that sent the hospital staff into full swing.

I was prepped for a C-section. Unfortunately we watched the

video of a C-section in our Lamaze class! I told your dad

that if I had one of those he better be in the surgery

room because I was sure I would die! They didn't let him in!

Last thing I remember seeing as I was wheeled in were the faces

of your Grandma Maclennan and your dad. Their

expressions said, "It will be OK".

I'm sure mine was, "This is the last time you will ever see me!"

Your dad was the first to see you as I was put under completely.

When I did finally see you it was hard to believe you were

actually ours. You were so small,well 7lb 130z, not

too bad as far as babies go!

You were so perfect!

This was your one month picture...

maybe only a face a mother would love?

Man we looked like kids then!

I guess we were, you know I have always told you that you were

my experiment! A tough job for one so young! But you were also the first

to make me a mom and that is a special spot!

I love babies at 3 months look how cute you turned out!

You finally had some hair.

I love this photo. You look so sweet and you were.

You would sleep anywhere, eat anything and

you smiled most of the time. The perfect first baby.

I made this little hat for you at 6 months. I believe

that must have been the start of your love of hats!

Here you are at 1 year. Being the first has its advantages look

how many photos you have! I am going to hear

from some of your siblings about their LACK

of photos!

Then along came Ryan. It did take you some time to warm up to this

little guy. I remember when Ryan was just a week or

two old you dumped him out of his little seat! You had plenty more

opportunities for loving and accepting new family members!

Can't forget all the cute costumes mom made you wear!

Maybe you are trying to forget! Not sure you liked this little bee outfit.

Check out the cute stinger!

At least they were one of a kind, handmade

costumes.

Our first of many trips to Jackson, WY

This photo was taken in front of the Brunk's house with their

incredible views of the Tetons.

You look so much like Drew or should I say that he looks so much

like you in these photos. New boots... Drew even

takes after you in his love of cowboy boots, too weird!

Who can forget our bike trips in Teton Park?

Can you believe that you biked at least 10 miles on those little bikes?

No wonder Rissa is yawning!

Checking to see if you look like your dad at that age.

The family in our first Florida house.

I could have posted dozens of photos of you holding a little one.

That is what I so loved about you boys, you were never embarrassed even as

teenagers to been seen holding a little brother or sister.

Our award winning 'Family Tree' photo!

I was a little worried about putting Anna in that tree.

As promised you held her tightly!

One of my favorite places to go with kids, as you know!!

The top of the Yellowstone falls, with not much between you and millions

of gallons of rushing water! You were always order to hold

onto the little ones!

Your High School graduation photo.

I guess that was another experiment, homeschooling!

You were so little I couldn't send you to Kindergarten, so... I taught you myself.

Surely after teaching preschool for years I could handle Kindergarten!

One year led to another, and there you were graduating from High School.

Would we want to forget your graduation trip to Washington D.C.?

Well, yes maybe we would.

Two boys with casts, how do you explain that to people?

I think you and Ryan were telling people that they got into a fight with

each other. Even Lyndsie had a bandage on her head, Man, what a sight we were!

Receiving your diploma on the steps of the capital.

Love this photo of us! Me quite pregnant with Drew, you and your blond

hair! I think you always let your brother be the first to experiment with

things like that! You did not look as funny as he did though!

Headed off to college in Virginia. I hated to see you go and I missed you

so much! But it was the start of a new adventure, with you bringing

friends home often to spend the weekend. That did confuse your little

brother Drew into thinking that he had lots more brothers and sisters than he really did!

Your wedding photo in Cancun.

Between going to college in Virginia and this photo a few things happened.

You moved to CA to finish college, you graduated AND you met

Karla. How could we have guessed when we arrived at the airport to be

greeted by this sweet girl, from my hometown, that we would be priveleged to call

her our daughter. Good choice son!!

Ever the hat boy!

You and Karla

My favorite picture of us from Joel and Emily's wedding.

I love you Jason,

Happy

Birthday!