O'Neil News

OUR LITTLE MOMMY

2010-01-14T16:28:00.006-06:00

Those of you who know our little Lexi, know she LOVES babies. Well, she has been talking for some time now about how many children she is going to have and how she will raise them!

Lexi would like to be the Mommy to 12 kids. That's right, 12! If you have ever seen her in action you would know she is fully capable of this already at only 6 years old!

Here are a couple of the ideas she will incorporate when she is the Mommy of 12:

(In her own words)
~ " When I have my 12 kids I am going to sit them down in a circle after church and we are all going to take turns praying about what we learned."

~ " If my kids are crying and fighting at each other I am going to make them kiss each other, then I will give them each a kiss and then I will clonk their heads together" I asked her why she would clonk their heads together and she said that it would make them laugh and they would forget about what they were fighting about! GENIUS!

She is such a special girl and we thank God for this precious gift to us. We pray that we are the parents God wants us to be for her and that her heart is soft to the calling of her Heavenly Father on her life!

We love you, Peanut!

New Addition

2010-01-02T14:18:00.005-06:00

Andrew & Ellyn are having a baby!

We are all so very excited about this new addition to the family!

However, knowing Andrew as a little boy, I am a little concerned for what they might have ahead of them! Just kidding, Andrew you're the "best" and I know you will make wonderful parents. :)

Congratulations you guys, we love you and are praying God's blessings for your growing family.

cuTe KId qUoTe

2010-01-01T23:51:00.005-06:00

So, we were talking with Olivia about her friends' older sister and Olivia says, " ya, she is really old, she is in her fourteens!"

We love you Livi, you are so precious.

~(one of my favorite pictures of our sweet girl)

Makeover in Minutes!

2010-01-01T14:58:00.008-06:00

For my family:

So, it feels kind of strange posting pics of our toilet, but I am so excited about our "new" (" " ~ just for you, brother :) bathroom!

With three kids, this is a room we frequent often. It is so nice to have it all put together. Thanks Mom and Dad for the great gift!

CutE KiD qUOte

2009-11-15T10:40:00.003-06:00

So, here we are at breakfast, eating pumpkin pancakes and talking about what we would like to do today. Olivia suggests going for a walk and Jack says, " yea, let's go for a walk 'cause that's eight kinds of fun!"
Well, it's agreed, a walk it is.... who could pass up eight kinds of fun!!!

Trick or Treat

2009-11-03T10:37:00.005-06:00

Getting all made up! Olivia just had to be a fairy again this year because she LOVES wearing make up!

Lexi, not so sure about the black face paint or Mama's kisses!

I think Mom had more fun than the kids.....

Lilly the Flower-Power Fairy

A Kitty that needs a home and a very stylish Tiger!

Aunt Mal and Will here for the fun! (or maybe just the candy:)

So glad Aunt Katie was here to help with the costumes and make Monster Cupcakes with the kids! So fun!!! We love you, Aunt Katie.

Best Friends, Livi and Gracie.

Look at all my candy! Yummm!

Hmmm, which piece do I eat first?!

Happy Halloween!

Livi's Speech Meet

2009-10-30T14:31:00.002-05:00

Olivia competed in a Speech Meet at her school.

This is her performance.

Super Job, Liv! We Love You!

Lexi's Speech Meet

2009-10-30T14:16:00.005-05:00

Lexi competed in a Speech Meet at her school.

This is her performance.

Great job, Lexi! We Love You!

Autumn in Minneapolis

2009-10-25T16:55:00.006-05:00

PUMPKINS!!!

APPLE ORCHARD

cUTe kID QuoTE

2009-09-19T15:07:00.002-05:00

We were on a family bike ride the other night, enjoying the beautiful weather we've been having. Sean was in the lead with Jack following close behind.
Daddy: "Jack, watch out for the big bump." Jack rides over the big bump and exclaims, "Uh! That was unkindness.... to my butt!"

Our Boy

2009-09-19T14:46:00.002-05:00

Jack is always on the go. This is what happens when he stops!

Backyard Camping and Croquet

2009-09-19T14:12:00.003-05:00

Setting up camp.

Daddy showing Jack the basics of fire starting..... (notice the bag of charcoal!)

Measuring out the croquet course.

A thunderstorm came upon us around 10:00pm. Complete with lightning, strong winds and heavy rain. The kids woke up briefly and then went right back to sleep. By 1am Mom and Dad were ready for our own bed! We were very glad it was just a few steps away!

CutE kID qUOte

2009-08-11T12:14:00.002-05:00

The girls are playing school and it is Bible time. Alexis is the teacher and says, "repeat after me, God created the heaven's and the earth. John Piper 117:17"
I guess she thinks very highly of her Pastor!

2009-08-04T01:01:00.002-05:00

Check out this ride!!!

Como Zoo

2009-07-16T18:50:00.008-05:00

We had a great day at the Como Zoo today!

We were able to see the primates during their Enrichment Program.

They were very active and did some funny things.

The zoo also has a Butterfly Exhibit this year that is really neat.

It is a large tent with a butterfly garden inside.

You walk in and there are hundreds of butterflies everywhere!

Several of them landed on the kids..... they LOVED it!

Orangutan

Olivia with a Giant Swallowtail butterfly

Aunt Dorene and the kids

Alexis with a Blue Morpho. It really liked her shirt.

Jack with a Giant Swallowtail

Alexis with a Zebra Longwing

We Need Your Help!

2009-04-24T05:02:00.005-05:00

Dear Friends,
We will be participating in a unique fundraising campaign called the LCA Classic - "Driving to the Goal" for Liberty Classical Academy on Saturday, May 2, 2009. We are writing to ask you to join our team of sponsors. Here are the details:
Liberty Classical Academy is an independent, non-denominational, faith-based private school offering college-preparatory academics in the classical tradition for students in preschool and kindergarten through the 12th grade.
The LCA Classic is a fundraising golf event. All funds raised will be used for need-based tuition assistance and teacher salary enhancement.
Providing a classical, Christian education, Liberty is making a difference in the lives of its students. Your generous support of our tuition assistance program allows us to make a Liberty education possible for our family. We feel very blessed to be part of this community. Our children are receiving an excellent education and are also being challenged to grow spiritually and socially.
The goal of our fundraising campaign this year is to raise $100,000. We believe with your support we can achieve this goal. In addition to providing tuition assistance, the money we raise will be used to continue our program of salary enhancement to attract and retain excellent teachers.
As participants, we are one of several families who have committed to raise funds towards this goal. We feel personally challenged to trust the Lord to raise a minimum of $1,800. It is our hope and prayer that you will join our team of sponsors. Support of any amount is welcome and greatly appreciated.
To join our support team, please send us an email to sconeil@comcast.net with your contact information (address, email address, & phone) and donation amount, and we will complete the process for you. You will receive a letter following the event with instructions on where to send your donation.
Your gift is fully tax deductible, and you will receive the satisfaction of knowing you are investing in the lives and minds of young people who will make a difference in the future of our community, our nation and our world.

Thank you for your support,
Sean & Charis Olivia, Alexis & Jack O'Neil
651-387-7074

Welcome Graham!

2009-02-04T13:41:00.003-06:00

Sean's sister, Kelly and her husband, Andrew welcomed their baby boy into the world last night.

His name is Graham Owen Hughes. He weighed in at 10lbs! What an adorable little guy. So precious. We can't wait to hold him. Congratulations Andrew & Kelly!

cUTe kID qUOtE

2009-02-02T14:45:00.004-06:00

Sean and I took the kids ice skating at an outdoor rink by our house on Saturday.
This was Jack's 2nd time on skates and we were very impressed at how well he was doing! However, he did occasionally fall on his backside! There was one time he fell and landed on his back and lightly hit his head. As he was lying there he said, " I see the moon!" Daddy, with his quick wit, said back to him, "do you see any stars?" Thankfully, he did not! Those boys, gotta love 'em!!!

How Time Flies!!!

2009-01-29T15:21:00.015-06:00

I was looking through old photos and wanted to share a few of my favorites. I hope you enjoy them.

Fall Collage

2008-12-01T21:19:00.009-06:00

CutE kId qUOtE

2008-11-05T13:11:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, when I picked Lexi up from school, she was telling me about her day and she mentioned that she got to vote. I asked her who she voted for and she said she wanted to vote for Daddy but his name wasn't on the paper. So, she decided to vote for some guy named McCain. That made Daddy's day and he proceeded to tell her all about the write-in option!

The Red Bridge Inn

2008-11-05T09:00:00.016-06:00

A few weeks ago, Sean and I were given a trip to the Red Bridge Inn Bed and Breakfast from Sean's parents. It is a beautiful spot. The couple and Granny that run it are so fun! We had a great time!

Here are a few pictures from our trip!

On our way in Mom & Dad O.'s fun new car! We felt so young without the minivan! Thank you.

Our room was round and it had its own deck that overlooked the lake!

In front of the B&B's antique Cadillac limo!

We drove 20 miles north to Itasca State Park and the Headwaters of the Mississippi River.

We were so glad to be able to take in all the fall colors.

The Record Red Pine is over 300 years old!

At over 100 ft. the view from the Aiton Heights Fire Tower was breathtaking! (And so was the wind!)

It was a great trip and we highly recommend staying at the Red Bridge Inn if you are ever near Park Rapids, MN!

Como Zoo

2008-10-20T12:59:00.006-05:00

Here are a few pics from our day at Como Zoo.

Mom & Dad, so cute!

Aunt Mal with Lexi and Livi

Aunt Ellyn with Lexi and Livi

That's far enough, Jack!

APPLE TIME

2008-10-15T16:59:00.005-05:00

We have this really great apple orchard a couple of miles from our house. It is called Pine Tree Apple Orchard. It has been there for over 100 years! We took a walk through the orchard and went on a wagon ride.

They have a huge barn that they have converted into a store that is everything apple! The kids love the caramel apples the best!

Hard to eat with a missing tooth!
Wanna bite?!!!

There is a huge tree at the orchard that Daddy helped the kids climb up. Lexi was a little scared and she didn't last long enough for me to get her picture. Olivia has always been a natural climber and Jack didn't want to get down!

Jack is 3!!!

2008-10-09T10:26:00.007-05:00

Birthday breakfast doughnuts for the birthday boy.

Happy Birthday, Jack! We love you, little buddy!Three candles for the big boy!
Uncle Andy & Aunt Ellyn gave me this cool car that is VERY noisy!

Mommy & Daddy just love it! Thanks!
I love the firetruck, thanks Aunt Shelly!
My first motorcycle! Thanks Grandpa & Grandma M.!

Thanks for the new outfit Aunt Kelly and Uncle Andrew.

It was so fun getting a package in the mail!

Another party at Grandma & Grandpa O'Neils' house!Notice the cute "train man" outfit! Thanks Grandpa & Grandma O.!
He loves his new Thomas train!

Thank you everyone, I had a great 3rd Birthday!

Safe in the Arms of Jesus

2008-09-24T15:12:00.011-05:00

Safe In The Arms Of Jesus

On August 31, 2008 our precious little one went to heaven.

It has been one of the most difficult experiences Sean and I have gone through.

But God's grace has been sufficient. We have been so blessed with the prayers of so many of you caring family and friends. We thank you, we have felt your prayers.

We look forward to the day when we will meet and spend eternity with our little one.

We thankfully rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ's victory over death and we know our precious child is safe in the arms of Jesus!

cUte KiD qUOteS

2008-08-25T19:42:00.002-05:00

Olivia: "Mom, is the Fullympics on tonight?"

Jack has been referring to himself in the first person lately. Here are a couple examples:

Jack: "Jack needs to wash his hands"

Jack: " Can I please have some more peanuts?"
Mom: " Sure, Jack"
Jack: "Thanks, Jack's Mom"

Where do they come up with this stuff?!!! I am always entertained!

First Day of School!

2008-08-25T09:25:00.009-05:00

All ready for the first day of school!!!

New back packs!Lexi at her desk. She had a few first day jitters but she was very brave and we are so proud of her. There are 10 kids in her class. She gets to sit in the front which she was excited about. However, she wasn't thrilled about sitting next to a boy! So cute!

Jack will miss Lexi.

Olivia in 1st grade! There are 10 kids in her class, too. She is a little nervous about staying all day but she is so excited to be with her friends again! She will be studying Life Science this year and the teacher, Mrs. Renstrom, ordered caterpillars for them to watch change into butterflies! How Fun!! You're going to have a great year Livi!

We are so proud of you girls! We love you!

Thank you Grandma M. for all the school supplies and new shoes. It made the first day so much fun!

Good Night Prayers

2008-08-11T20:35:00.003-05:00

Now I lay me down to sleep,

I pray the Lord my soul to keep,

Angels watch me through the night,

and keep me in their blessed sight.

Amen

Waterslide

2008-08-08T10:35:00.004-05:00

Our very nice neighbor, Mr. Bill, gave the kids a water slide he had tucked under his deck. The kids play on it almost every day. Thanks Mr. Bill!!!

Heaven on Earth for Jack!

2008-08-07T09:16:00.002-05:00

Vrroom, vrroom! Jack got to "drive" Grandpa M.'s motorcycle!

He had so much fun. He even got to start it and honk the horn!

Thanks Grandpa, I will never forget this!

Love of the Lord

2008-08-07T09:06:00.002-05:00

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning, great is Thy faithfulness."

Lamentations 2: 22-23

Thank you for the flowers Katherine and Wyatt!

Strawberry Patch

2008-08-07T08:48:00.004-05:00

Strawberry Patch

There is a strawberry patch just a couple of miles from our house. The kids LOVE strawberries so we took them to pick some of their own. They had alot of fun! We ended up with about 8lbs. of berries. We froze 2lbs. for the winter and the kids ate the rest!

The kids did such a great job picking berries.

Jack wasn't allowed to eat the strawberries so he settled for licking them!

The harvest...... yum!

Fourth of July

2008-08-07T08:04:00.009-05:00

Fourth of July activities

Swimming at the lake.

FIREWORKS!!!

Lexi and Grandma Teresa

We had such a memorable holiday! Thank you for the great time Dad & Mom O.

Summer Fun!

2008-08-01T10:25:00.008-05:00

HERE ARE A FEW THINGS WE HAVE BEEN UP TO IN THE LAST MONTH.

Playing at the park with Grandma & Grandpa M. and Aunt Malory.

On our way to Grandpa & Grandma O's for Fourth of July!

Back Again

2008-07-29T08:29:00.003-05:00

I know it has been so long since we posted..... we finally have our computer running again!

The first issue of business is to congratulate Sean's sister Kelly and her husband Andrew, on the news of their arriving little one. They are due February 1st. We are so excited and happy for them! They are such great people and will make wonderful parents! We love you guys!

cUtE kiD QUoTe

2008-07-10T09:40:00.002-05:00

As we were putting Jack to bed we were talking about what God has made. After Jack listed off all of his body parts I asked him, "what else has God made?". He answered, very seriously, " I don't know, I have to check the computer!"

No Training Wheels!

2008-07-02T17:32:00.003-05:00

Lexi's first bike ride on the road without training wheels! Way to go Lexi!

Jack's Big Boy Bed

2008-06-28T09:11:00.002-05:00

Last night we took one of the sides off of Jack's crib, to make it more like a big-boy bed.

He absolutely loves it! Sean and I are so proud of him for staying in it all night!

I took this picture this morning and if you look close you will see he is still working on his morning cucumber!

We love you, big boy!

White Bear Beach

2008-06-28T07:58:00.005-05:00

We spent the day with Aunt Dorene and her dog, Abby, at White Bear Beach.

The kids loved collecting the shells on the shore.

Thanks for the great day Aunt Dorene. You are always so much fun!!! We love you!

Painting Fun

2008-06-28T07:39:00.003-05:00

The kids love to do crafts and make messes!!! So, last week I mixed up some shaving cream and washable paint and let them have some fun!

I think they liked painting each other (and Mommy) the best!

The finished products. Beautiful!

Jack's Block Tower

2008-06-24T17:04:00.003-05:00

Jack was so proud of his block tower. He is really starting to love Legos!

Tea for Two

2008-06-20T14:54:00.013-05:00

We had a "tea party" themed bridal shower for my now sister-in-law, Ellyn!

Ellyn and Lexi.

Livi and Lexi.... so sweet!

Dance lessons in the garden.Thanks Aunt Dorene! So fun!!! POLKA! POLKA!

Cheryl, Mother of the Bride, middle. Danice, Mother of the Groom, right.

Gift opening. Ellyn in center with Maid of Honor, Kara, on left and bridesmaid, Tressa.

We all had such a fun day! We hope you felt very special Ellyn!

We are so happy to have you a part of our family. We love you!

Summer is Here

2008-06-18T17:25:00.002-05:00

Popsicles, swimsuits, sunscreen and sprinklers...... summer is here!!!!