lindsay – The Spencer Family Web Page

Eventful Memorial Day Weekend

lindsay — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 03:31:04 +0000

There was more than one to spend Memorial Day weekend this year.

Option 1: On the Pantazis farmette, spending time together, enjoying the great outdoors, and butchering chickens.

Option 2: At Alderbrook Resort in WA, spending time celebrating Chris’ 40th birthday, enjoying the great outdoors, and drinking wine.

I can say, without a doubt, everyone enjoyed the weekend.

Grandma Shirley Comes to St. Louis

lindsay — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 03:17:46 +0000

We love having visitors!! My grandma Shirley has traveled all over, lived in 20+ different homes, but prefers driving as her mode of transportation. Much to our delight she took the 4-hour flight out to see us, along with my aunt Karen and aunt Carla. We showed them the highlights of our city: a Cardinals baseball game, barbecue, the history museum, and some time just cooking together and enjoying the backyard in great spring weather. Maggie will tell you she loved having “the grandmas” here:)

I chose the game where we’d all get Yadier Molina jerseys.

Maggie took advantage of having grandma all to herself when the big kids were at school. She talked constantly and always had a suggestion for something to do.

I love you grandma.

Laura and Ian’s Wedding – Island Style

lindsay — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 03:04:03 +0000

Laura and Ian got married this spring! We were able to make a long trip out of it, first heading to Eatonville for a few days and then up to Orca’s Island for all the wedding festivities. It was perfection to say the least. Naturally, food took center stage, it is a Spencer event. Oysters, salmon, baked goods, homemade wedding cake, just thinking about it makes me hungry! Laura and Ian planned a wonderful getaway for everyone where we could all exercise, a run to start the wedding day, and relax with several opportunities to sauna. Amelia is writing all about it for her 5th grade personal narrative. I will have to post it as it will be much, much more descriptive than mine.

The kids loved exploring the resort and took no time getting into the water, they are crazy awesome!

Amelia tried her first oyster.

The lovely bride,

The handsome groom,

And their wedding party.

Chicago

lindsay — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 02:38:04 +0000

In February we spent a long weekend in Chicago with Mark, Faith, and Jonathan. It was a blast! We took advantage of the spectacular museums, went to an interactive showing of The Princess Bride for Valentine’s Day, ice skated in Millennium Park, and the highlight – going to Jonathan’s high school performance of “Bye, Bye Birdie”. Seven months later (I’m way behind on website updates) and the kids are still singing “we love you Conrad, oh yes we do…”. We are looking forward to doing it again in 2017. Thank you Mark and Faith!!

Seattle skyline at the Museum of Science and Industry

Ice skating in Millennium Park

The famous “Conrad”, Maggie was star-struck!

“Will and Margaret are being maniacs”

lindsay — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 02:48:51 +0000

There’s a little drama/Harry Potter spell casting in the Spencer house, regularly.

Keeping up with Maggie

lindsay — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 02:40:23 +0000

There are so many hilarious “Maggie phrases”, conversations, and mannerisms, if only I would write them down more often! Here are a few that I can recall tonight.

When Maggie wants to share a secret with someone she will say “I have to whisper”. Then she puts her ear directly next to yours and speaks in a whisper while facing away from you. This is extremely hard to hear and absolutely darling.
Due to too many uneaten and complained over dinner times, we’ve instituted a new monthly menu schedule. (The jury is still out on whether the little kids are eating any more dinner but there does appear to be a little less complaining.) In February the Monday night menu included eggs. On a Monday night Maggie came into the kitchen. I told her we were having eggs. She said, “I don’t like eggs. I’ll have a banana and you can call it an egg,” and left before I could respond. She’s a quick one!
Maggie understands the progression of her upcoming school career. She recently told me “after I’m in Ms. Katie’s class I will be in Ms. Rachel’s class. Then I get to go to kindergarten. I can’t wait to be in Ms. Tadrus’ class. I love her.” She might be ready but I’m not.

Merry Christmas

lindsay — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 02:23:59 +0000

This year was one of our quietest holiday seasons. We had planned to spend Christmas at home and then join Anne and Brian in Effingham with Helen and her family. The “winter crud” hit hard on Christmas and Will and Maggie were sick for the remainder of vacation. Luckily Anne and Brian braved the illness and came for a few days to make things more enjoyable for all of us. The Pantazis crew came for a full day of St. Louis fun including the City Museum, lunch out, and holiday lights at the zoo. Here are a few Christmas highlights we actually documented.

Baking Peanut Butter Blossoms, a request from Amelia to honor Grandma Delores.

Christmas Eve, Will is starting to fade a little already.

Opening our packages from Melinda and Mike, our Christmas Eve tradition.

And then this pretty much summarizes the rest of winter break at the Spencers –

SOS Trips – UPDATED

lindsay — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 01:14:54 +0000

Helen and I have decided it’s not too hard to get together midweek from time to time, or that it is essential to do so to maintain sanity…If we both drive 50 miles we can be in beautiful southern Illinois with Faye, Holly, and Margaret, what more could we ask for? I’m going to document these wonderful, hilarious, and life saving trips.

SOS Trip #1 – Tuesday September 1, 2015 at Eldon Hazlet State Park in Carlyle, IL

Helen found a state park 50 miles away for both of us and it was a find! Luckily the pool was still open and we pretty much had it to ourselves. Faye and Margaret swam, we all enjoyed a picnic lunch, and Holly napped. Success!

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Summer-Finale-/i-JMCPnPd/A

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Summer-Finale-/i-ZcNpH8d

SOS Trip #2 – Tuesday September 15, 2015 at Eldon Hazlet State Park (again!)

Why not? This time we took the girls on a little hike at the park, picnicked, and went to the great little creamery, Marcoot Jersey Creamery.

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Summer-Finale-/i-46fXNvw/A

I think this picture captures just how Margaret feels about Faye:

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Summer-Finale-/i-vfjHzJM/A

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Summer-Finale-/i-LGwQwzS/A

SOS Trip #3 – Tuesday January 12, 2016 in Greenville, IL

With winter break over, it was time to get back on schedule. Helen and I needed a get together. Why not Greenville, IL? It’s an hour drive for both of us and all we really knew was that they had a Federal Correctional Institution because you can see it from I-70. We met up at the public library, spread our germs all over the children’s room, and then went to a local coffee shop for lunch.

http://photos.dspencer.net/Published-Galleries/2016/Welcome-2016/i-Hb8D3rs/A

http://photos.dspencer.net/Published-Galleries/2016/Welcome-2016/i-K8xFC3r/A

Holly was recovering from a winter cold, poor girl.

http://photos.dspencer.net/Published-Galleries/2016/Welcome-2016/i-cTtgrM9/A

Faye and Maggie provided entertainment for the coffee shop patrons.

http://photos.dspencer.net/Published-Galleries/2016/Welcome-2016/i-LXSNQtk

When we inquired about other things to do in Greenville besides the library we were told to go to Marcoot Jersey Creamery. So back we went, reliving a stop from our September SOS trip.

http://photos.dspencer.net/Published-Galleries/2016/Welcome-2016/i-jTLsQhb/A

Ice cream on a 20 degree day – success!

SOS Trip #4 – TBD

Happy Halloween

lindsay — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 01:49:27 +0000

Every year we are reminded that Halloween is a big deal in St. Louis. Neighbors decorate their homes, inside and out, adults get dressed up, jokes are shared in order to get candy when trick or treating, and the festivities continue for days! This year Maggie’s school party was Wednesday, Amelia and Will’s parade and party were Thursday, no school Friday, and Halloween finally arrived Saturday. Here are some of the highlights.

The Mark Twain Halloween parade is always great. The kids all walk with their “buddies”, kids they are paired up at the beginning of the year.

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Fall-Fun/i-BJGsrfr/A

It was a beautiful day.

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Fall-Fun/i-8WGs5vk/A

Will is the ninja.

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Fall-Fun/i-wxnZKgx/A

We went to the Science Center’s Spooktacular and met the Ghostbusters!

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Fall-Fun/i-mQ2pCjV/A

We carved pumpkins.

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Fall-Fun/i-qQSx4XN/A

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Fall-Fun/i-73tTsqk/A

And trick-or-treated with friends.

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Fall-Fun/i-tVmrB6H/A

A total success with our cowgirls and ninja for Halloween 2015!

Will is 7!

lindsay — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 17:08:14 +0000

Will has another harvest season and birthday under his belt. This year the birthday celebration seemed to go on and on, much to Will’s delight. In early October we made our annual harvest trip to Iowa City. Will spent the majority of the weekend riding in various farm equipment and enjoying being out with the men.

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Willvs-7th-Birthday/i-hVHTqvS/A

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Willvs-7th-Birthday/i-KH4Gvxt/A

We had a birthday celebration with Gramma Anne, Pop Pop Brian, and Larry.

http://photos.dspencer.net/Photostream/i-nvVj8LR/A

On his true birthday, October 14th, Will chose to go out for ribs and Ted Drewe’s for frozen custard, very St. Louis. It was delicious!

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Willvs-7th-Birthday/i-cqhfwBS

The grand finale was a ninja/karate party with his friends and Vera and Faye. The party included lots of running, jumping, and obstacle courses, pizza, Will cutting his cake with a genuine sword, and breaking a board with his foot. What more could a 7-year old boy ask for?

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Willvs-7th-Birthday/i-hzFfKLq

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Willvs-7th-Birthday/i-tmbRWW2

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Willvs-7th-Birthday/i-phhpQcd

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Willvs-7th-Birthday/i-98MZCDH

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Willvs-7th-Birthday/i-vPbZjsf/A

Margaret

lindsay — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 16:53:08 +0000

There are things she says everyday that make me smile. Here are a couple comments she made in September, both when putting her to bed.

“Mom, when are you going to grow up and sleep in my room? Move your bed in here?”

“Sorry I was being mad of you.” – I’m guessing she was referring to what she calls her “fits”. I accepted her apology:)

http://photos.dspencer.net/Photostream/i-ZsRbNGg/A

“I’m a pedaler now!” Maggie

lindsay — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 14:46:56 +0000

Maggie has been riding the balance bike for about a year now. It didn’t take her long to figure out that if she had pedals she could keep up with Will and Amelia a little more easily. Recently, when biking, she’d say “I want a Dora pedal bike like Faye so I can keep up.” Last weekend she decided it was time to bring out the pedal bike and give it a try at Oak Tree Park. Twenty minutes later she was off and riding a bike. Awesome!

http://photos.dspencer.net/Photostream/i-TvDCnsn

Summer Finale

lindsay — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 04:01:57 +0000

August was full of time at the pool and running through fountains to stay cool.

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Summer-Finale-/i-zTwWfFs/A

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Summer-Finale-/i-cx4LPQz/A

The kids started school August 12th. Amelia is in the 4th grade, Will is in the 1st grade, and Margaret is in preschool three mornings a week this year.

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Summer-Finale-/i-5z2m52h/A

Margaret either bikes or walks to her school.

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Summer-Finale-/i-MG4sKfB/A

On this particular morning she was using binoculars to find her way. (It took a little longer.)

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Summer-Finale-/i-W92RgXh/A

Will lost his second front tooth within the first week at school. He was thrilled because he got to wear his tooth home in a “tooth necklace” from the school nurse.

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Summer-Finale-/i-BGFv5vn/A

Dave and I spent our date night at the Missouri Botanical Gardens viewing the Japanese lanterns.

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Summer-Finale-/i-x77TgKf/A

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Summer-Finale-/i-6Md9k9s/A

Wonderful July in Washingon

lindsay — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 03:30:57 +0000

We spent a couple weeks of July in Washington visiting the Knellekens. Luckily we caught some of the activity on camera. What fun!

We swam, kayaked, and enjoyed Clear Lake. A highlight was Amelia learning to water-ski!!!!

http://photos.dspencer.net/organize/2015/Summer-in-Washington-2015/i-V6s6s5S

http://photos.dspencer.net/organize/2015/Summer-in-Washington-2015/i-z9rC5cH

http://photos.dspencer.net/organize/2015/Summer-in-Washington-2015/i-xvdwLkQ

Dave came for the second half and we spent a long weekend in Wenatchee with Hilary, Nick, and Easton.

We hiked.

http://photos.dspencer.net/organize/2015/Summer-in-Washington-2015/i-7G2fbbg

http://photos.dspencer.net/organize/2015/Summer-in-Washington-2015/i-Gc5Zvp8

Amelia swam in the cool mountain water.

http://photos.dspencer.net/organize/2015/Summer-in-Washington-2015/i-jp7v2Qr

And the kids had fun with their cousin Easton,

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Summer-in-Washington-2015/i-WnFmvk7/A

and Uncle Nick and Aunt Hilary.

http://photos.dspencer.net/2015/Summer-in-Washington-2015/i-c2n8pdP/A

I was able to see Michelle and Caroline, friendships going on almost three decades!

http://photos.dspencer.net/organize/2015/Summer-in-Washington-2015/i-sFrk6vb

Our last Eatonville adventure was our annual trip to NW Trek with Great-Aunt Linda.

http://photos.dspencer.net/organize/2015/Summer-in-Washington-2015/i-qgFVTFB

It was a great trip and we can’t wait to go back next year!

Yogurt Protocol

lindsay — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 15:20:56 +0000

For seven 6-oz containers

For the yogurt starter I buy a container of plain yogurt, portion it out in ice cube trays, freeze and save for when making yogurt.

1. Remove 2 frozen yogurt cubes and let thaw at room temperature while getting everything going. One can also microwave on low power to thaw, do not heat at high temperture or the culture could die.

2. Heat 4 cups of milk to 185 degrees over medium heat, whisking frequently to prevent scalding.

3. At 185 degrees, remove from heat and add 1/3 cup dry milk, about 3 T white sugar or other sweetener to taste, and 1 tsp vanilla. Whisk well to combine.

4. Let sit until the temperature is between 95-105 degrees.

5. Add the yogurt culture and whisk well. Pour into yogurt containers and let incubate for 6-9 hours.

6. Refrigerate and enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Cookies (Anne Spencer)

lindsay — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 15:02:30 +0000

1 cup unsalted butter

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

2 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

3 cups flour

1 tsp soda

1 tsp salt

2 cups chocolate chips

2 cups chopped pecans (optional, and I don’t usually add them)

Beat together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until smooth. In a medium bowl combine flour, soda and salt and add to butter-sugar mixture. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans. Drop by teaspoonfuls on baking sheet and bake at 325 degrees for about 15 minutes.

Happy Summer Vacation!

lindsay — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 21:12:19 +0000

Summer vacation officially began at noon on Wednesday May 27th.

The kids all had a great year with their teachers! Here is Will with Jamya and Ms. Tadrus.

http://photos.dspencer.net/Photostream/i-W7vFhQD

Thursday morning started with an 8am swim team practice for Amelia and 10:30 practice for Will. We were ready!

http://photos.dspencer.net/Photostream/i-Dx4QthF/A

http://photos.dspencer.net/Photostream/i-7nVHSqP/A

Sunday we cheered the Cardinals on to a victory over the LA Dodgers. Great seats, lots of ice cream, and Dave assured me has close up pictures of all my favorite players!

http://photos.dspencer.net/Photostream/i-Vkb74R4/A

Monday has found us indoors as the weather is pretty cool. This is what happens when the kids have to be inside during summer vacation. Enjoy (and help me!!!).

http://photos.dspencer.net/Photostream/i-XxZZhF4

Save the Polar Bears – Part 2

lindsay — Mon, 11 May 2015 19:26:10 +0000

Today Will presented information about polar bears, climate change, and what people can do to help minimize their carbon footprint to all of Mark Twain Elementary. It was his own idea to give this presentation, and his teacher made it happen. We are so proud of both Will and his sidekick Amelia:) Enjoy!

http://photos.dspencer.net/Photostream/i-GfLGbNf

Blue Ribbon!

lindsay — Mon, 11 May 2015 19:12:00 +0000

Amelia’s science fair experiment, “How Intelligent Are Chickens”, won a blue ribbon at the St. Louis Science Fair! It was quite a night of celebrations as Dave and I took her to the awards ceremony and then out to dinner at Pastaria and dessert at Ted Drewe’s Frozen Custard to celebrate her 9th birthday. So much fun for all of us!

Amelia with other Mark Twain Elementary science fair winners –

http://photos.dspencer.net/Photostream/i-t2d9nzf/A

Amelia introducing herself as one of the 3rd grade blue ribbon winners –

http://photos.dspencer.net/Photostream/i-brKK7hn

Words of Wisdom

lindsay — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 19:39:37 +0000

Amelia was helping with (being ordered around by) Margaret and her friend Sarah. They wanted her to push them in the swings over and over and she was getting frustrated. I told her to just ignore them and they’d be fine. She looked at me and very seriously said “I can’t believe you had three kids and are still alive”.

Amelia was telling me how some kids she knows are starting to act older than they are. She said “I want to get older and grow up but I just want to live every one of my years”.