Seals Family

Just for the fun of it.

2009-02-22T16:37:00.000-08:00

Where have I been??

2009-02-22T16:12:00.000-08:00

I have been neglecting my blog site.....due to developing an addiction. I guess I have Teri, my sister, to thank for inviting me to join facebook. What is facebook? That was my first question. The next question was Why do I want to join? Then in the recess of my mind a memory of Lance, my nephew, informing me that he had some family pictures on facebook. This pushed me over the edge and I had to check it out. I set up an account, which by the way is free. I quickly discovered this is a great way to keep in touch with family and long lost friends. I searched and found many highschool friends that I haven't seen since graduation on facebook. I also found family on facebook that I might see once a year or not even that much, but I can stay updated because of this wonderful invention. I can chat with friends and family on a daily basis from my computer and I can look at their family albums that they uploaded. It is great! Facebook also has many games, birthday calendar, family tree for relatives, and many options that I haven't discovered yet. I must say I really like the Wall-to -Wall section where you can make comments to each other and the Birthday Calendar that keeps track of friends and family dates. I can send free gifts and cards to them over the computer on their important date. I have also joined several groups that I am interested in, one of them is "I graduated from E.R.H.S." I can just go on and on, it is something worth checking out if you haven't done so yet. I am definitely a facebook junkie!

Winter Wonderland

2009-01-21T17:33:00.001-08:00

The last few days the kids have enjoyed playing in the snow. I must admit that I am ready for it to melt. What has happened to me? I used to love playing in the snow when I was younger and full of undying energy. That must be it, I am older ,wiser and fatigue easier. The white glistening snow doesn't call my name like it use to. I remember being young and eager to get outside and make a snow man or go sledding down the hill. I would watch from inside the house as the big fluffy snow flakes fell outside the window. As soon as it stopped snowing or sometimes before, Kevin, Mary Ann, and I would gather up our gloves, boots, scarves, and coats to head outside. We would play for hours in the snow. We would quickly make snow forts and bomb each other with snow balls. It seemed like it was always Mary Ann and I against Kevin, the lonely boy. We would tire of that and lay down to make snow angels and then pop right back up to start a snowman. Each of us was in charge of making a section of the snowman. I always liked making the head because it didn't take as long and I got to track snow inside while I hunted a carrot for the nose. We ended the day with the favorite thing, sledding! We had some type of plastic sled that raced down the hill at an amazing speed. I remember the cold and wet snow flying in my face and my thoughts would focus on the possibility of me flying from the sled to take out a sibling. I must admit, I did go flying a few times but it was worth the bumps and bruises that helped create all the childhood memories. As I get older, I still enjoy watching the snowflakes fall as I sip from a cup of hot chocolate, but that is about it. Now when I see snow, my thoughts focus on how many wet clothes I have to wash and dry and how many wet boots I have to deal with...I guess I should think about all the childhood memories my own children are creating. I have realized that getting older brings on more responsibilities and a different way of seeing and thinking about things. I don't know if that is always for the best, well at least I can always look back at my childhood memories of the snow. I just don't see myself playing in the snow, it is way to cold for my delicate, sensitive, and arthritic body. I am thankful my own kids don't try to drag me out in the snow...oh, let us not put any ideas into their mind. They are quite happy playing together or with the times when their dad pulls the sled behind the three wheeler knowing that I will have hot chocolate waiting for them when they come in all cold and red faced.

Italian Beef

2009-01-19T15:58:00.000-08:00

My friend shared this recipe with me, and it has become one of the family favorites. I don't think she will mind if I post it, that way I won't lose it. She doesn't plan on opening a restaurant anytime soon so here it is:
3-4 lb. chuck roast, put in crock-pot with 1 cup water
Add:
1 tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. italian spices
1/2 tsp. seasoning salt
1 tsp. parsley flakes
1 tsp. pepper
6-8 pepperoncini and some of the juice (not so many, if don't like HOT)
Pepperoncini are found by the jars of pickles in my store. I can't quite figure out why? No way near a pickle.

Cook on high 6-8 hours, until roast shreds easily with a fork. I serve it on crispy white italian bread.

Christmas Past

2009-01-06T14:30:00.000-08:00

The countdown until Christmas is complete, the stockings are hung, it is now Christmas Eve. The freshly baked cookies and a glass of milk have been lovingly placed on the table waiting for Santa Claus to devour.

After a night of restful sleep, the kids woke up to stockings filled with enough sweets to promote tooth decay, and the Christmas tree surrounded by presents.

We did receive an unexpected gift the day before Christmas Eve, the stomach flu. I must say we still had Christmas dinner and it didn't hamper the excitement of opening the presents, but the flu hung on until New Year's Eve. I don't know why, but looking back over the last 5 years, I have come to a conclusion that the Seals family tends to be ill at Christmas time. In the past, we have had the flu for 3 different Christmas times and Eli was hospitalized with pneumonia for his first Christmas. Despite all of the illness, Christmas is our favorite holiday. We are blessed to celebrate the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Our kids like to receive gifts, give gifts, and talk about Santa. Most importantly, they know the real reason we celebrate Christmas. As the kids say, "Happy Birthday, Jesus!"

Polar Express

2008-12-25T18:28:00.000-08:00

The kids hopped into their PJ's and headed for the van to make the two hour trip to Monticello,IL for an old-fashioned steam engine ride. We picked up our yellow Polar Express train tickets and headed for the train. The conductor was shouting, "All aboard, all aboard the Polar Express!" We found our assigned seats and anxiously waited to see what would happen next. We were served hot chocolate and cookies by young ladies wearing santa hats and dressed in short red velvet dresses with white trim. The kids were excited as the train pulled away from the station heading towards the North Pole. The entertainment included tap-dancing girls, magic tricks ,Christmas songs, and a visit to the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus. Santa gave each child a jingle bell to take home. The girls are showing the jingle bells they received. Unfortunately, we didn't go any further than the North Pole because the Caribou were blocking the track, the conductor announced that we must go backwards toward the same train station that we came from. Eli kept looking out his window for those Caribou but for some reason he couldn't see them...

Thanksgiving Pictures

2008-12-12T19:12:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2008, some pictures to share...

my sister, Deb and Dad

my twin, Kevin and his daughter, Sabrina

my brother, Steve and his wife Vicki

sarah, breanna, the famous cousins-emma and madyson, and natalie

November days

2008-12-11T19:41:00.000-08:00

In preparation for Thanksgiving, we have been studying the Pilgrims, Squanto, Jamestown, and Plymouth Plantation. Natalie and Eli decided to make the school day exciting by dressing up as indians. I got a little concerned for the cat as he was being chased around the house by the indians, but the cat makes better target practice then their little sister. The kids had a difficult time focusing on schoolwork as it got closer and closer to Thanksgiving. The excitement was unbearable for them, they wanted to see their cousins, NOW! Which brings me to Thanksgiving....now one must ask himself, how many dinners can I manage? In our case, the answer was 3 family dinners. I would not recommend it to just anyone, you have to prepare your body for digesting such huge portions of food. It is kinda like a eating contest, how much weight can you gain in a weekend? Eric pointed out at one of our Thanksgiving dinners that the teens and young-uns were all fast asleep on the couch and any available padded surface that they could scavenge up after gorging themselves with turkey and all the fixins. I must borrow my father-in-laws quote, "If you can't run with the big dogs, then don't get off the porch!"

A perfect 10....

2008-11-14T14:23:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Breanna's 10th birthday in Gatlingburg. She earned the nickname, "moneybags," as she emptied her cards out and promptly hid the cash from her siblings.

Breanna truly enjoyed the rocking chair made out of tree branches, being that she likes to climb trees it is to be expected.

10 is such a great age with no cares or worries. I asked Breanna what she thought about being 10 and she said, "I am closer to being able to watch the PG13 movies." We look like a lively bunch eating pizza , definetly not your average child birthday party, but enjoyed none the less.

Which reminds me, I wouldn't recommend dark blue icing, but I won't go into details on that...

Gatlinburg Vacation

2008-11-11T17:56:00.000-08:00

On October 26th, we ventured out for the long trip to Tennessee, in addition to the seven of us ,we had Eric's parents. I don't know if they knew what they were getting into when they agreed to join us on vacation. An 8 hour trip can be long with 5 kids, but we made it. I think the favorite place for my family to vacation is Gatlingburg, TN. We just love the cabins, mountains, hiking trails, wildlife, and all of the entertainment it has to offer. We had a wonderful relaxing time in the Smokies. We attempted to go hiking but it turned off cold and the snow discouraged us even further. We did drive up part of the mountain to take some pictures and play in the snow. The leaves were beautifully colored and it was a very picturesque scene. We literally had to drag the kids out of the cabin when it was time to go home. They really wanted to take the theater room with us and I just wanted the hot tub...

Toothless Grin

2008-10-21T17:08:00.000-07:00

Gee! I seem to missing something....what could it be?

Natalie screamed, "Mom, my tooth came out!" We were just finishing up breakfast when the loose tooth decided to come out with a nice bloody scene. Yes, that was just what I wanted to experience first thing in the morning. Natalie was excited because the toothfairy would leave a deposit for her piggy bank. She though that was an easy way of making money. If she could get the other 20 teeth out......that $1 would be $20!

Bittersweet October

2008-10-14T11:38:00.000-07:00

"Bittersweet October. The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, perfect pause between the opposing miseries of summer and winter." Carol Bishop Hipp

We just love October! We made a trip to the pumpkin patch with some of our fellow homeschoolers to enjoy a hayride, straw maze, sack races, and each of us picking out our own Great Pumpkin to take home.

October can't pass by without a festival. We enjoyed the Appleknocker Festival in Flora,IL. The kids played games to win prizes, free ice cream, musical entertainment, and any type of food your heart desires.

Here the kids are digging for candy; you would think it was gold the way they dove in.

Texas Sheet Cake

2008-10-07T07:47:00.000-07:00

Calling all of you chocolate lovers....I found a wonderful recipe that allows you to eat the chocolate without the guilt! I found this recipe in a Cooking Light cookbook, it reduces the calories from 455 to 298 a slice and the fat from 25.6 g. to 10 g. The best part is it tastes great!

Cake:
Cooking spray
2 tsp. all-purpose flour
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup butter or stick margarine
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 cup lowfat buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 large eggs

Icing:
6 Tbsp. butter or margarine
1/3 cup fat free milk
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cups chopped pecans
2 tsp. vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Coat a 15x10 inch jelly-roll pan with cooking spray and dust with 2 tsp. flour
3. To prepare cake, combine 2 cups flour and next 4 ingredients in a large bowl; stir well with a whisk. Combine water, 1/2 c. butter, and 1/4 c. cocoa in a small sauce pan; bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; pour into flour mixture. Beat at medium speed until well blended. Add buttermilk, 1 tsp. vanilla, and eggs; beat well. Pour batter into prepared pan; bake at 375 degrees for 17 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Place on wire rack to cool.
4. To prepare icing, combine 6 Tbsp. butter, milk, and 1/4 c. cocoa in medium saucepan; bring to boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and stir in powdered sugar, pecans, and 2 tsp. vanilla. Spread over cake.
Note: You can also make this in a 9x13 pan, bake 375 degrees for 22 minutes.

My family gobbled this up quickly, I hope yours enjoys it.

2008-10-02T17:02:00.001-07:00

Love is in the air....

2008-10-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

On September 13, 2008, Bill and Debbie were united in marriage. After six years, they finally did it! Congratulations Sis and Bill!

Two families are joined.....again Congratulations!!

Smile for the Camera!

2008-09-26T06:46:00.000-07:00

Natalie and Sarah

Elijah, Sarah, Natalie

Elijah

Sarah

Mesker Park Zoo

2008-09-25T15:23:00.001-07:00

We went to the zoo in Evansville to see the Amazon addition over the weekend. We have a membership pass and have been waiting for this new part of the zoo to open all summer long. We were pleasantly surprised that it wasn't overcrowded for being on a Saturday. They have changed the main entrance to be at the new Amazonia which is a very nice addition. They have a grill and a gift shop at the entrance also.

In the picture above are Breanna, Elijah, Luke (friend), Sarah, and Natalie in the canoe at the Amazonia Building. Oh, the lazy days of summer.....

Here is Breanna with the hippopatumus in the background.

Natalie and Sarah stopping for a pose for the camera at the bird and reptile exhibit. The front of Natalie's shirt states, "My brother belongs in a zoo." She thought he would have a "swinging good time," with the monkeys but Eli didn't think that was a good idea.

Elijah wanted his picture taken with this man eating reptile, the caiman, at the Amazonian building. You can see the back of the caiman in the picture, Elijah wasn't certain that he wanted to turn his back on it, but he braved it.

Watermelon WOW!

2008-09-16T06:07:00.000-07:00

Kaitlin is showing some of Grandpa Seals' gardening creations. Have you ever seen such large watermelons? Grandpa had over 60 melons of various sizes. Mighty tasty!

Best Friends

2008-09-15T18:03:00.000-07:00

Eli had his friend, Luke, over to spend the night. He wanted to post it on the blog site, so here it is. They are making towers and having a great time.

YUM! YUM!

2008-09-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

chocolate trifle cake

1 chocolate fudge cake mix
1-6oz. package instant chocolate pudding
1-12oz. carton cool whip
6 heath or score candy bars, crushed (i use 1 pkg. crushed heath in choc. chip aisle)

bake cake, cool. prepare pudding according to directions. crumble cake. place half cake crumbs in bottom of clear bowl or 9x13 pan. layer with half of pudding, half of whipped cream, and half of crushed candy. repeat layers of cake, pudding, whipped cream, and candy. I like to end with a little cake and candy on top of whipped cream for decorative purposes. chill.

Wehrheim Reunion

2008-09-08T22:16:00.000-07:00

On August 31rst, we had our first ever Wehrheim Family Reunion at Olney Church of the Nazarene. We had a great turn out, especially since only one family was unable to make it. We had time to catch up on each other's lives. It was a special time and we look forward to doing it again next year.

Happy 50th Sis!

2008-09-08T22:07:00.000-07:00

On August 3oth, we celebrated Teri's 50th birthday with an Over the Hill party. We met at Monical's Pizza to surprise the birthday girl. We filled our stomach's with pizza, cake, and ice cream. We filled our hearts with memories. I hope we weren't too rough on you Teri, but it isn't every day that you turn 50.

Holiday World

2008-09-08T21:38:00.000-07:00

We went to Holiday World on August 11th with Gina, a friend, and her 3 boys plus one of their friends. Needless to say the 15 passenger van was about full. We had a wonderful and exhausting time. Here is some pictures to share. Top is Eric, Sarah, Natalie with head turned, Elijah in first car, Gina(friend) and Breanna in second car. The next picture is Kaitlin and Landon (friend)on a roller coaster. The bottom picture is Sarah taking a break with all of the winnings.

Summarizing Summer

2008-09-08T21:02:00.000-07:00

I just couldn't let the events and happenings of this summer go by without posting them. Let me start off with Gene and Sue Ellen's 50th Wedding Anniversary Party on July 12th. We had a reception at the Albion Senior Citizens Center that included appetizers, cake, and drinks. Here is a couple of pictures from that joyous occasion. Next, I would like to present the Seals Reunion. It was held at Bellmont Community Park on August 3rd. It was an enjoyable time and we had a good turn out. We did have one trip to the ER which was of course for our daughter, Natalie, she cut her chin and required medical attention. She said that she will not get on the teeter-totter again unless the other person is her size so she won't go flying again. What logic.

Olney Bicycle Classic

2008-09-08T18:25:00.000-07:00

Eric participated in his first bicycle race on Saturday, September 6, 2008 at the Olney City Park. He cycled 25 miles. He said that he felt like the country bumpkin because he was the only participant with a mountain bike, the rest had professional bikes. We are very proud of him. Go daddy!