Growing Life

So funny, so exciting!

2012-01-22T13:54:00.002-06:00

Last week I had the pleasure of watching a bunch of 4-5 year-olds

"play" basketball, including warm-ups, a dribbling game, and some shooting.

While Owen was in class, Gabby busied herself with my phone...

so busy...

What kinds of things will she know and be able to do

that I never did at her tender age?

I don't think it matters whether or not if your kid is in the class or on the t-ball team

because it is entertaining to watch such innocence and pure love of just having fun.

Owen is eager and loves his little classes.

I don't know why I taped them running the whole lap around the gym,

but I sure am glad I did.

Watch the kid in yellow...

did you watch the whole thing?

Then laugh and watch it again??? :-)

I have...watched it and laughed a few times!

I'm sorry Owen, but I so love your eagerness!

Guess Gabby will never be bored...

These would be her brothers sweatpants on her head...

Gramma and Grampa made another trip up to celebrate my birthday

and to celebrate Owen passing level 2 swimming lessons!

I got tile laid for my birthday and Owen got chocolate brownies.

Good times.

We took them swimming so Owen could show them what he can do.

Owen was even so brave to take on the slide for the first time!

He loved it and wanted to go again and again and again.

So proud.

There are mandatory "safety" breaks so we had to sit out for a bit.

Owen was disappointed because he had to get off the slide.

But when it was time, he was back at it.

Gabby blew some bubbles. Got to start with small goals.

Achievable. :-)

and chew on toys...

"I go pee in the water."

Grampa says, "what did she say?!"

No matter. Cuddles will never be denied.

I think we effectively wore them out...kids and grammas and grampas!

Swimming!

2012-01-15T21:08:00.000-06:00

I'm proud...so proud!

Gabby has begun swimming lessons and did a "bob" today!

Okay, so the teacher was the one who "bobbed" her, but she still did it!

We've got to start somewhere!

Toys help...good distraction!

She tests the waters and trusts completely.

Today she ran...or waddled quite quickly...to her teacher.

I smiled.

And then there's Owen.

I was not sure how long he would have to work on this glide and float thing, which I think is harder than actually gliding and kicking!

\But, today, he passed level 2!

He got to ring the gong and move to Level 3.

He now gets to work on gliding and kicking, which I think he'll pass next week!

I smile.

So proud now.

(Get this mental picture: when I saw he was doing it all by himself and that he was going to pass, I smacked Roger on the arm and said, quite loudly, "He did it! Holy Cow!")

I think about the journey it's been...

Owen...does he look like he's enjoying himself?????

So proud.

Owen...9 months in Florida...having fun????

My kid. The one who freaked out last summer and cried when I said it was time for Swimming lessons--you see, his teacher, "made [him] get his face wet!". The one who would not let me hold him in the water since he was one because he was afraid I would go to the deep end. He was afraid I would drop him or something. I tell ya, I am so excited... and proud that my boy can swim. Not so confidently as to go to the real deep end, but still, gliding and kicking is a long way from his spazzing when he got splashed or a cup poured over him in teh bath! :-)


Owen with Gramma Momma the week Gabby was born.

I smile.

Owen and Gabby...was this post bath? no wet hair? hmmm

This was one lesson I had to learn about how I am not in control.

I have religiously made water not a big deal and tried to make it a pleasant experience.

I took him swimming from the time he was old enough to go to the public pool with me.

I held him and was patient.

He got a bit braver every year...

the sprinkler even became fun last summer...

I did not punish him or shame him when he did not want to go under or get his face wet.

I am a fish. I don't remember not loving the water.

These years with Owen were tough on me.

What a big boy!

But I also am a believer that being safe and confident in the water is a life skill.

It's not a contest.

It's not by my doing but my persistence.

I would not give up.

I would not let him give up.

I refused to say, "Oh, he doesn't like it so I won't make him."

This is a boy who sets his mind to something then does it... he cut his own hair right before Christmas!

I was gentle. I was patient.

I am not in control of every choice.

What else will I want so badly for my children that I cannot make them want for themselves?

How much can a razor fix???

What will he do or not want to do????

Tomorrow?

next year?

Middle school?

college?

jobs?

marriage?

house?

I know parents all have expectations and dreams and wishes...

What will I tell myself in 20 years?

What will I wish I told myself 20 years ago?

Only God knows.

Good thing God is good!

Always good...

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future...'" Jeremiah 29:11

Christmas memories...

2012-01-03T21:14:00.000-06:00

The pictures tell who and where and the order tells when...

What else is there to say?

Owen gave Poppa Steve a gift of...

Little pink baby socks!

wondering what to do with them...

Don't think they'll fit!

"Thanks anyway, Owen!" :-)

Mae Mae can't get enough of these!

Then on to Wisconsin...

Santa had to come while the kids at lunch on Saturday

because we would be leaving on Sunday

and he'd be really confused where to leave the presents!

But Mimi still had time to wrap presents for all to open that night...

yes, we extend the occasion as long as we can!

Gramma Momma was thankful because

wraping, taping, and ribbon-ing was difficult for her this year.

Mario cooked us an amazing Mexican fiesta...

Rog helped with the tedious tamale-making process...

and really got into it!

The presents got under the tree and were guarded closely.

Xavi so wanted to play with the packages!

How could you not love this face? That curl? Those eyes?

Mimi and Owen had tickle matches...well, actually, Owen just got tickled by Mimi.

She even did some "chasing" around the house. :-)

Uncle Rog!

Grampa made some home-made pies...and got some "help" too!

Auntie Emmy made some time to play Santa Claus too and wrap some presents.

Got it! I got one shot of both kids in front of the tree...

Owen made a nice list ("nis")...

and a naughty list ("node")...

Got to love phonics! :-)

I smile...

If only Gabby would poop on the potty...then we could sign her up for gymnastics!

Gramma Momma...what more could she ask for???

What will Christmas be like next year???

Gabby...my dear Princess

2011-12-30T17:52:00.002-06:00

I didn't blog about Christmas yet,
and I haven't wished my little princess Happy 3rd Birthday (via blog) yet.
Yes, she had a party.
yes, she got sung to on the date.
But a tribute here?
Here we go:
First, let me say,
She is still reluctant to do #2 on the pot,
She is my "alarm clock,"
She is probably up to something right now because it's too quiet where she is,
She draws on my walls,
and throws her peas on the floor.
But...

She is also my postitive energy fill-up station.
She wiggles, giggles, and instigates.
She's a dancer, hopper, twirler, lover.

She has a look of innocence, but she usually wants to get away with something...
and finds a way to as well!
She can hold a straight face.
She can fake sleep and fake cry better than anyone I know.

She croaks out, "hello" in a greeting,
but my favorite is how
she wraps her arms around me and says,
"I love you!"

She is irresistible, charming, and silly.
She's a button-pusher: on phones, computers, and remotes
but also on people--she knows just how to get you goin.'
Wonder where she learned that ????

She loves to be naked, to climb, to paint her nails...
She doesn't say "pick me up" or just "up."
She says, "I want to hold you!"

She makes Gramma's melt and Grampa's giggle.

She gets Daddy to swing her upside-down
and momma to "rock-a-baby in the tree house."

She loves babies, boys, and being stubborn.

She loves anything "princess" but won't wear dresses these days.
Some days she likes pink, and some days she doesn't.

She wanted a "princess" dress for her party and wore one the night before.
But the day of the party she no longer wanted it...because it was pink.

She is my "baby-doll"

She loves her cousins, brother, aunts, uncles, and gramma's and grampa's...
she talks about them all the time.

She loves cake and sweets but asks for nuts for dessert.
She doesn't like chocolate...how long with that last????

She feeds, kisses, cuddles, and "un"dresses her dolls.

She loves Taz...and other dogs, once she gets used to them.

She'll even get dressed up to play hockey with her brother.
I call her "Fuzzy-head," "Baby-doll," "Pretty Girl," and "Gabriella Grace."
The last one reserved for when she colors on the wall or insists upon stripping all the crayons making a mess with tiny bits of paper all over the floor.
I smile...now.
She's Three...

Crazy times!

2011-12-30T09:39:00.000-06:00

Owen taught Gabby this "slow motion" trick. This isn't the best video, but it is a glimpse at the impression he has on Gabby...especially when he dresses her himself. I smile...

And then there was the time that Roger chased them around the house and they LOVED it!

When do we stop chasing each other?

I've played this game of tag with my 8th graders.

Why do we forget how invigorating it is to play?

ok...only some of us forget to play! :-)

2011-12-28T20:26:00.001-06:00

My kids made me laugh twice today...ok,

maybe more than that, but this was one of those genuine,

that-was-so-funny-I-don't-want-to-forget-it type moment:

Gabby stuck out her tummy, rubbed it, and tried telling me that she had a "fat belly,"

and I was trying to affirm that she is beautiful.

I told her she is perfect and sturdy.

In response to that she said, "I'm not dirty!"

I laughed. :-)

I tried to clarify that she was strong...

Later that morning...

Owen & Gabby were in the front entryway putting on boots and jackets, getting ready to go out.

I see Gabby lifting 2 pound weights over her had, and Owen doing down-dog, up-dog sequences.

I then overhear Owen say, "I'm doing yoga so I don't get crabby."

I laughed. :-)

I guess that is how I have explained it to him when he asks why I need to go do yoga. :-)

And they made me just plain smile when they were playing on the playground

(yes, in December!) and chasing, climbing, sliding, and giggling together.

Every once in awhile (sometimes once a day...)

Owen will tell me he doesn't like "Sister,"

but that's when she is not cooperating or is being a stinker/teaser to her brother.

But I know for a fact he loves her so much.

He cares so much about protecting her and teaching her.

I am so proud and glad I got to witness this love and protection.

Moments...growing...life...love

Sweet "Mommy"

2011-12-21T14:36:00.000-06:00

Sorry, but it may appear sideways. I will learn to rotate it someday! :-)

I just took this video today. Normally little Gabby is a little gabber, but today she just wanted to cuddle with her baby in the car. She was kissing and hugging and making sure baby was comfortable. I had to capture at least a moment of it.

Sweet, sweet girl...

Winter Fun

2011-12-11T21:09:00.001-06:00

I suppose I could go back and see if I ever posted about Sal.

Yes, Owen named his salamander, Sal.

Yes, he named his stuffed bear, Bear-B.

Sal is hanging in there. He is quite low maintenance. I've actually grown to like the little guy.

At least he has legs and can't get out of his cage. He eats a few times a week and we don't have to take him for walks. We don't have to shovel his manure or pick up poop in a baggy. He is satisfied with worms and doesn't mind keeping to himself. I have read that they can live up to 15 years though...will he make it that long? :-)

I let Owen get his own library card! Well, he can write his name and loves going to the library. He goes with school and is learning about "borrowing" and not buying. Yes, it was tough teaching that the books and movies have to go back to the library, but he gets it now. I don't let that card out of my sight, however, because i don't want somebody racking up a line of credit for me at the library!

I'm amazed that a place that has had mounds and piles and yards of snow piled up the last few winters by this time is brown! It was even "warm" enough to not put on a jacket (Gabby's choice and I said oh well) for the walk from the car to the oil change office.

So, we have to find winter activities without snow...

We have a great indoor maze that has just been re-built. Brand new and lots of nooks and crannies to explore. Of course we went there when it was very busy so it was no problem for Owen to find a friend. I am so glad he makes friends easily!

He did stop long enough to smile...

Yes, shorts...

And he managed to convince me to climb all the way to the top and go down the twirly slide...ugh...adults are not meant to go around in circles like that!

Owen can be quite convincing, as I have suggested.

He even convinces Gabby to "paint" her face.

At least he went easy on her!

I am just thankful that it was washable Crayola markers and not permanent!

Where was I, you ask?

I was out. I came home and this was the activity that Rog had them preoccupied with.

Yes, we are there: if it makes them happy, why not?

Don't judge-we do have boundaries and we don't endanger their safety.

:-) But we sure have fun!

Other winter fun included a visit to friends who just had their first little guy.

He really is cute, but I couldn't get too close of a look because Gabby cried and screamed until I "put the baby away."

So, when she went to hide in the bathroom, I got a quick squeeze and snapped a photo with Owen ( who was not interested at all in the baby!).

Gabby had not worries about Daddy holding Little Tyler.

Yet another winter activity that is done and passed was Owen's floor hockey.

I don't know if he will be a hockey player but he loves making friends, having competitions, and trying new things. He has a way of finding someone who intrigues him (usually quite different) and tries to engage them.

"Junior" was his "friend" at floor hockey--too cute.

Gabby was able to find something to entertain herself with and others too.

Little poser!

There was one game that they had owen play. It's called "What Time is it Mr. Fox?"

The kids are supposed to dribble the number of times for the time that Mr. Fox says it is.

10 o'clock is 10 touches on the puck.

Well, Mr. Owen knows the game so his 10 touches were the tiniest, little touches so he was never far away from the line when Mr. Fox said, "Lunch Time!"

"Lunch Time" is when Mr. Fox runs after the kids and tries to tag them before they get back to the line.

Get it? He nearly won every time.

No, Roger did not teach him that trick. He figured it out!

The last day parents got to "play."

These things seem like such a big deal when you're little, hey?

The gym probably felt like a huge arena to the kids as well, hey?

Many more stories of winter to tell, but that will have to wait...

Very busy, but good time of year! ;-)

More Fall Fun...and thoughts about love...

2011-11-26T14:34:00.001-06:00

What's made me happy this time of year?

I feel like I am finally growing up...

I mean, I feel I have a handle on what comes my way more than ever.
Will I be saying this until I am 88 (Gramma Mimi?)? 99?

I know. I just said something that will lead to the rug being ripped out from under me.

But,

I have never understood so well that I am not in control.

The more I try to control, the more unhappy I am.

I love my job, but I invest in my own family.
I realize that just because my kids are not babies anymore, they still "need" me...
more than ever but in very different and marvelous ways.
What a learning curve!

I know I can't make my kids or my husband be someone different than they are.

I don't have to like everything they do or how they act,

but I'm not perfect either.

I can't make Owen love his sister, but I can show him what love is and how to love...I hope.

I've been reading stories and comics all my life about kids fighting.

I grew up in a family of four girls...who, yes, did some fighting too.

But I still do not get it: why do these two fight so often?

About such little, stupid things?????

"She got more raisins than me!"

"No I don't"

"Yes you do"

"nu-uh"

"uh-huh!"

"nu-uh!!!!"

and on and on and on...

When I can get them focused...and give them attention...

They are so sweet and loving and cute and nice and wonderful...

Here is my tribute to parents who have run the "marathon"...and then ran another...

and another...and are still being the best parents they can be...years later.

I think it's part of the curse from the Garden of Eden:

God said we'd suffer childbirth, but it was the rest that really shows His sense of humor.

Because of the fall, we are all born with sin nature.

Why oh why do we burn with desire to have children...

children of this human race? born with sin nature????

all that selfishness, deceitfulness, greediness, and pride in one little body...

that grows into...

Maybe it's not really a "sense of humor"

as much as it is an amazing plan that He devised.

In order to have complete, satisfying, whole, forgiving, and merciful love...

I need Jesus.

Without Him, my own hardness would not allow me to love my family...

or anyone as I do am able.

"Amazing love, how can it be? That thou my God shouldst die for me?"

So Thankful I am this Thanksgiving season...

Gabby is almost 3!

2011-11-21T11:16:00.001-06:00

A Day At The Dam

A present for Gabby so she always knows and remembers the adventures she and her brother go on.

I truly want them to be friends.

It breaks my heart when Owen says, "I don't like Sister!"

I know he just gets frustrated when she is stubbornly refusing to play his game.

She is going to be strong, though!

**Click on the title to see the whole book!
I can't wait to get it in the mail!
To see how I made it, go to
www.getyourstorydown.com

And if you know my website but have not gotten on lately...get to it!
:-)

The Grass Withers, The Flowers Fade...

2011-11-13T19:01:00.001-06:00

a different cup gets used every time she needs a drink...

dinner dishes stay on the stove...

there is no "docking station" and mail piles up...

dinner bowls, spoons, veggie bucket, and crumbs...stay where they're forgotten...

the dishes and laundry are NEVER done!...

newspapers and notebooks and Bibles and books get left where they were abandoned

(after somebody was in dire need of...something...)

toys used, toys forgotten...toys left in the open but unseen...

so there they stay...

busy minds forget what was the previous minutes infatuation...

so batteries die and buttons get broken...

organized chaos (or a lost cause) make cleaning a task to be done later...someday...

so carpets rarely get vacuumed and floors rarely get scrubbed...

the air gets cool, the leaves fall, a rake can't do the job, and a the job is never done...

paint peels and maintenance-free deck is not really maintenance-free...

(a power-washer may do the job, but we'll have to wait until spring...)

siding puckers, bugs burrow and hide, rodents dig holes,

dirt accumulates, weeds grow, branches fall, and vines take over...

I wish I could say these things never bother me...

I've realized that the most upset I ever get with my kids

(other than their gross display of selfishness and self-absorption that we all are guilty of...)

is when they interrupt me and what I am trying to do or get done.

How selfish can I be?

I'm trying to change that.

Nothing I am doing is more important than making sure they know I am available and that I care.

If I don't pay attention...they will demand it in other ways.

I have been heard saying that I don't like beginning something that I can't finish.

Some tasks I just don't start knowing this about myself.

Guiding my children will never be "done," for their needs are plenty.

So cleaning will have to wait...

I am made for so much more than a clean house.

"The voice said, "Cry out!"

And he said, "What shall I cry?"

"All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness

is like the flower of the field.

The grass withers, the flower fades,

Because the breath of the LORD blows upon it;

Surely the people are grass.

The grass withers, the flower fades,

But the word of our God stands forever."

Isaiah 40:6-8

Precious... and Precocious?

2011-11-08T07:15:00.000-06:00

My precious, beautiful, sweet baby girl...

She wakes me up but gives me hugs.

She makes a mess but will clean up a spill.

She bugs her brother but will say, "Sorry."

She lets me dress her, but she'd rather be naked.

"Naked Baby!" as she likes to dance around singing.

She loves her daddy but plays hard to get.

She may play shy, but yells, "Hi!" to the check-out lady at Target

and says, "Good-bye, Friends!" when we leave daycare.

She holds me tight when I leave her with Carrie,

but she tells me to go away when I come to pick her up.

So what is her unique niche?

Lately it's her "signature."

I know when Gabby has been in a room because of her "signature."

Can you tell what it is?

A little loop-d-loop...sometimes with more than one loop.

Yes, on walls, on tables, on couches,

on Owen's drawings (oh, this makes him mad!).

Does Momma get mad?

Yes.

Can Momma get too mad?

Nope.

What's more important?

As my mother often said when we were growing up:

I just can't have nice things.

That's ok.

I'll have nice things someday...maybe.

Maybe by the time I can have nice things, I won't want nice things anymore.

For now...I two of the most valuable, wonderful, beautiful...very nice things:

Owen and Gabby.

Pumpkin days! etc...

2011-11-06T16:46:00.000-06:00

I never really paid a lot of attention to Halloween...except for when I was younger.
I loved creating my own costumes.
Now it's really easy to just go buy one...
:-)

Perhaps it is because Owen is in school, but the kids really got into Halloween this year.

I was cutting out bats and ghosts and hanging them from our ceiling.

I drew many pumpkins and cut them out to tape to the window as well.

I didn't know I was such a good artist. I realized my drawing was too good when Owen spazzed because his picture didn't look like mine. Dang, I got to tone it down a bit! :-)

Regardless, there were highlights:
We went to a parade...

all dressed up...

posing...

posing again...

trick or treating...

they got so excited at each of the 6 houses we visited,
you'd think they'd never had candy...
or so much!
Guess they forgot last year...
and the 4 parades we've been to in the last year!

Great Gramma Gerry was happy to see us...
and give us a handful of candy!

Owen didn't want to wear his mask because they knew who he was anyway.
The reasoning of a 5-year old...

Maybe Owen was into it because of stories and drawing at school...

another Owen Masterpiece!

And...

pumpkin carving!

The favorite part was the lighting of the candles.

They loved the glowing faces.

I don't know how these drawings fit into this post, but I had to share...

I guess this one above is Owen catching a butterfly...or trying to.

Then this one is us having dinner.

He was sure to tell me that we all have straight hair.

I love the detail...

But what I don't get is how he practiced his name...

and then got carried away practicing his numbers.

And then what came after 16?

I don't know if I will ever know.

Our Little Trip

2011-11-06T14:34:00.001-06:00

It was Two weeks ago already!

Blessings come in the form of so many things.

In this case, parents/grandparents and siblings.

We flew out Thursday and came back Sunday, but it was an amazing trip.

When we were planning out trip, Lori asked what we wanted to do.

I said, "relax, sit by the pool, go shopping, go out to eat, and maybe a movie...all the things we don't make time for at home."

Of course, Lori went above and beyond to make our "relaxing" vacation a good one.

We chilled and hung out the first night. So nice...

Then we were treated to a steak dinner at Burn's.

The food was exquisite, the wine amazing,and the company delightful!

We got a tour of the largest private wine cellar in the nation...or was it the world?

I don't know if we got it clear enough for me to relay it correctly...

The part we saw was only 10% of the whole collection.

We were also treated to a hockey game!

So, I will confess I have not been a hockey fan because I could not follow the puck.

But this time? I got it!

I love soccer...so how could I not love hockey?

In addition, it moves quicker than soccer! :-)

Everything about the presentation was really neat...

For the national anthem, the flag was passed around the stadium.

And, the goalie from the U.S. 1980 Olympic team was greeted, given a jersey,

and was there to introduce the anthem.

It was our last night there and I really enjoyed it...but we were so tired.

Isn't it amazing how tired you can get while on vacation?? :-)

Lori and Matt are fantastic hosts!

We did miss our kids...

but were thankful they had loving grandparents to smother, care, hug, and kiss them while we were gone.

Thanks Lori for having us!

Thanks Gramma and Grampa for coming up and staying in our house...even when we were not here.

Thanks Granny Nanny and Poppa Steve for being the "bun" of our weekend!

(The first and last "shift")

:-)

Thank you Roger for loving me...and my family...

Kindergarten dreams...

2011-10-16T18:20:00.001-05:00

A 5-year old does not worry about what others think...all the time.

Owen gets so frustrated if he makes a mistake while writing because

people won't know what he meant.

He kicks and screams and gets so angry.

Perfectionist? Or just 5?

When asked by his teacher what he hoped for Kindergarten...

"To See Snakes!"

His drawing is coming along so well!

Like I've said, Owen has never wanted to practice writing or drawing.

But now...He sits and practices his letters, asking us to spell things...

and draws rockets...

then draws more rockets...

and sometimes he asks us to cut them out...more rockets...

then this came home from school one day...

Two happy rockets and two sad? Is anyone else thinking what I''m thinking?

Why am I still chuckling about this?

Does this really start this young?

To be honest, I think the rocket theme came when the Book Fair at his school had a similar theme:

"Out of This World"

Perhaps I should scan some of his alien pictures.

:-)

On another topic...

Yesterday we took a hike down by the river.

Had a snack.

Looked for some bugs...

Just enjoyed the crisp, fall air.

Then today we had swimming lessons.

Okay...I was "one of those" parents last week.

When his teacher just sat there and splashed him a few times and threw toys at him, I complained.

I was nice...Owen was having fun, of course he was!

But I want this kid to swim!

Actually, what was annoying was I knew he could do his bobs.

He's been practicing in the bathtub for two weeks!

I know my son isn't "gifted" in this area...so it's not like I am delusional.

I just want him to show what he can do and try the next challenge.

(Wow, what a moment of accountability and reflection as I think about my own students!)

So...today was my "proud momma moment"!

Owen worked so hard and did it!

He got to ring the gong and have his name announced as he progressed to the next level!

For a kid who cried this summer because his teacher made him get his face wet,

and how he begged me to not take him again,

HE IS DOING AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now on to gliding! I think he'll be at level 2 for awhile.

It sure takes a long time to run a marathon taking baby steps,

but I am now realizing that is exactly what parenting is.

Baby steps through each stage, each lesson, each temper tantrum, each success, each frustration, each poop-in-the-pants-again day, each demand, each cuddle, each apology to sister, each early morning, each night of broken sleep, each morning of I-can't-wait-to-see-my-mommy greetings at 5:55 a.m.

I will survive...and love that I got to join the race.

No prize.

No glory.

Probably No Thank-You...but it is all worth it, right?

:-)

God has a great sense of humor.

First (official) school photo...

2011-10-06T21:08:00.004-05:00

It is so bad that I don't count pre-school pictures? :-)

I think we may be out of the pajama stage...

It's been a long stage...

I like saying that everything is a "stage" during this whole thing called parenting.

It gives me hope for the future...

and lots of things to look back and smile on because, once through, they can be funny.

I am going to go out on a limb and say...

Owen absolutely loves Kindergarten.

He is so excited to go and excited when I pick him up.

He is excited to tell me what he did and about the book he got to bring home.

He's excited to practice his letters and words...

This morning I was trying to finish reading some of my own students journals.

I was sitting at the kitchen table,

and Owen saw that I was reading them and writing notes on them.

It was like he wanted to do that too.

He found his paper and markers and went to town.

Never...Never in his 5 years has he wanted to sit down and practice writing...

or drawing for that matter!

As a parent there is so much out of our control...

But there is so much we must control at the same time.

Balance...the secret ingredient of life.

The last of summer...already two weeks ago!

2011-09-17T09:27:00.001-05:00

There are few times as good as times with Lukas and Landon...

The "maze" is a favorite place to go!

They started Kindergarten this year too!

When Gabby can't keep up...

she's occupied...for a little while...

Ever since learning the song, "Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear,"

Gabby calls any teddy bear "Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear."

So when we went to see The Teddy Bear Band play at an old farm,

it was an extra special day!

Dancing, singing, playing, and even seeing a real, live teddy bear!

(that Gabby was terrified of)

Goats?

chickens?

Very different life my kids have than I had...

I didn't have to go visit a farm and take a tour to play with goats and chickens.

And then...

Owen's second time on a boat!

The water was so calm and the day was clear.

We all took at least one dip...

and at least one ride on the tube!

Then while Gabby and I hung out with Luke...

Owen took another ride with Jenn!

Don't worry...it wasn't me driving!

Mark did the navigating!

When Mark went faster, Owen relaxed into jenn.

She later told me that she loved how he felt so relaxed,

but she had to hold on tight to hold them both on.

:-)

Then Owen got to steer!

Yes, it was haircut day the next day!

We took a "field trip" to the dam again and found a new path.

Lots of people fishing, but no frogs to be found.

Owen did as much climbing as a little boy needs to...

Aunt Karen, can you spot something in this last picture?

And then...summer was done.

We had a few nice days and now our heat is officially in use.

ugh...

I love sweater weather, but I hate being cold.

hmmmmm

Maybe I should go pull those sweaters out of storage.

You people in warm climates...I bet you don't have one wardrobe in storage at all times.

Jealous? heehee

Practicing our ABC's...

2011-09-13T10:44:00.000-05:00

No worries...the screen will flip after one time through so keep watching.

I have a theory why she skips 'E':

When you say 'D,' there is an E sound with it.

So why say it again?

I personally love the way she says, "W."

Dubba-a-oo

or something like that!

I'm not worried. This morning she was self-correcting in how to pronounce cucumber.

She has always called it, "kee-urn."

No idea where that came from, but she's never been able to say 'cucumber.'

Now she can.

I smile.

Fun with Dad!

2011-09-11T20:56:00.001-05:00

My kids' dad does lots of fun things with them...

plays ball,

goes to the park,

goes to movies,

kicks the ball,

plays tornado or helicopter

(basically spins them around until they get really dizzy),

and can think of lots of fun games.

But lately, this is the kids favorite:

I never knew that my kids would learn about "jumping from the top rope"

or about elbow smashes

or championship belts...

The kids also have loved the game of,

"you can't get me!"

**Here's a quote I heard from someone today:

"I cleaned my house yesterday. Too bad you weren't here to see it"

Just in case you happened to be too focused on my mess to see how much fun the kids are having!

:-)

A picnic with Mimi

2011-09-10T17:43:00.002-05:00

One day we stopped to hook up Gramma Mimi's cable box.

Done in a snap so we invited her to our picnic.

We were headed to one of Owen's favorite destinations: the dam.

We'd only been there once, but since Owen had found a frog there,

it was a very memorable trip.

It was a beautiful day, a beautiful picnic, and beautiful company!

The pounding of the water, the blowing of the wind, the smiling of a little boy in wonder...

Poor Gabby plugged her ears half the time...

and didn't appreciate the water sprayed back at us.

Mimi was wondering why it had been so long since she'd visited.

Afterall, it is just a mile or two from her home.

It was a fun adventure and we found a way to get there quicker from our own home.

It's only a mile or two from us as well!

Owen is especially excited because he gets to go there for a field trip sometime this year!

Should be fun!

Clothes for a little lady...

2011-09-10T17:31:00.000-05:00


It's great being a girl...until Brother offers to dress you.

It works! :-)

Kindergarten!

2011-09-07T10:32:00.002-05:00

It was an early morning...I woke up to an "alarm,"

calling, "Mom! Mom! It's time to get up! It's time to get up! It's get-up time!"

I have a feeling he was jumping on the couch too.

Owen shows his excitement so differently...he shows little emotion or...

overcompensates for what he's feeling by showing the opposite.

Granny Nanny came over to take some pictures so I washed my face,

Owen got his clothes on,

and Gabby...put on her backpack.

My big boy...I didn't cry the first day of Kindergarten.

Maybe I was trying to sort out my own emotions.

What a day...

I'm already anticipating what it will be like when Gabby goes off to Kindergarten.

Maybe that's why I cried on Day Two of Kindergarten. :-)

Because he woke up so early, we had two hours before we had to leave the house.

Lots of time to play...or bug Mom about what time are we leaving...

"I just want to go to school, Mom! Can we leave yet?"

When it was finally time to go...

Owen managed to take his time putting on his lace-less shoes

Take yet another picture with sister (because she was dressed this time)

And leave his backpack in the house...good thing I noticed before we got in the car!

I didn't know if I was going to be able to walk him to his classroom.

I so wanted to.

So, when I saw other parents pulling up on the grass and parking to walk their kids in,

I did the same.

Somebody was eager!

I smuggled a camera in my back pocket and sneaked it out a few times.

Don't judge me. Other parents weren't so inconspicuous!

He was a good sport...in the parking lot...

in front of the school doors...

in front of his classroom...

in the classroom...

I had to capture this moment:

Gabby hugged Big Brother good-bye. Sweet!

So Owen was off to school, it was 9:45 in the morning, and I was not yet at school.

It feels so weird still to be part time.

But I love it!

Gabby got to spend the day with Cami and Baby Josie because daycare is closed this week.

So fun to see Gabby start to actually play with friends!

Before I left in the morning, they were already playing dress-up and pulling out the play-do.

I had tried to warn Owen that Kindergarten might make him tired.

I told him he may be cranky.

He only had two very brief episodes

(one because dinner was not on the table when he got home...you see, last year Roger would have dinner ready for us when we got home...now Roger has his own office and gets home about the same time we do...good thing we planned something quick...and that there were bugs to be found outside!)

Bug hunt

worm hunt

grasshopper hunt

frog hunt...

you name it!

He was digging in the garden and said he found a little guy that's as big as a dot.

He wouldn't let me see it.

He hugged it close and put it in the bucket before I could get a good look.

I have a feeling it's another one of those 5-year old Tall Tales.

I smile.

I think Gabby had to pee...

But at least she came out for the bug hunt too!

Yep...today was day two of kindergarten.

Don't worry. I didn't take pictures of Owen climbing out of the car,

or of the principal helping with his backpack,

or of him running inside.

Literally running.

He told me to just drop him off and that he could find his way.

I cried.

Gabby asked, "Where's Owen?"

I couldn't answer for a few seconds.

"He's at school."

Finally...the end of the trip pictures...

2011-09-01T15:16:00.003-05:00

I feel like this ended so long ago, but really it was just a month ago.

We finished our trip with a stop in New Mexico, Kansas (after slipping through TX & OK),

Missouri and then "Home."

I'll double check my "facts," but if I got any of this wrong...it's been a month! ;-)

The Highlight of this site was being on Route 66.

Owen got to see signs, abandoned gas stations, and "rock formations!"...

just like in CARS!

The air was HOT, the pool was CooL, and the grill was nice to have...again.

across the street we saw a scene right out from Lightning McQueen!

The next day I had to get creative...and turn a blind eye...

to what was keeping the kids busy.

Paper, arms, legs, faces...it all got colored!

We "decorated" for a "party" and made pictures of the scenes we'd seen along the trip.

We stopped and had lunch at parks...

and Owen rode his Strider at almost every stop!

Once again...creativity...what can we make out of a used egg carton?????

ah ha!

Here (below) Bear-B (that's his name) got to open his "presents" that Owen wrapped himself.

Our final campground before arriving back at camp gramma and grampa:...

a beautiful sunset that we take for granted living in the Midwest.

It made me wish I could see this from my house back home...

sweet moments...

an amazing pool!

Refreshing and big too!

By this time in the trip, Owen's confidence was twice as large as when we began...

Ready to be home...

After so many miles...

it was nice to be back...

We realize how much we have in life...

sometimes we fill our lives with too much...

It's nice to know what really matters.

And we were glad to be all together!

Home...

One last summer get-away with the camper!

2011-09-01T14:49:00.000-05:00

We zipped over to the dells/devil's lake area for a night at a really fun campground!

It was one night, but we sure packed it all in!

Owen spent a few hours jumping in, "swimming," splashing, and having a blast!

When Gabby got too cold in the water, she had fun on some playground equipment.

Owen kept on splashing...

He roped Grampa into helping too!

Gramma also made a splash!

There were lots of bikes to try out...

Frogs to be found...

The tiniest frog I've ever seen!

a giant bouncer for kids of all ages!

lots of fun on this big "pillow"

The next morning, the kids found me and came to cuddle...

I love it that Owen makes friends so easily! :-)

More fun for Gramma???

Yes, and teasing one another...

and showing off some mad skills!

Owen and his little friend played, rode, jumped, bounced, sat, held hands, and even went fishing.

Memories?

The actual trampoline had a net and basketball hoops so you could spend hours in there!

chillin'...

And then home again. It was quick but oh so fun.

Basketball anyone??

2011-08-17T21:47:00.004-05:00

There was a time we thought Owen just might make a great basketball player.
Just take a look at this post.
And now?
Oh, I think he could have mad skills, but how much organized sports can one 5 year-old take?

He shot when they told him to, he played the games they organized, and he ran when they said to run. But there were always distractions...

Like his biggest fan and cheerleader: Sister!

or the new shoes he just got...
or the bugs...
or Mom taking pictures!
:-)

oh, he'll be alright...
He made it all the way around the world!

I can understand distractions, though.
Gabby was working quite hard at her distractions a few times.
:-)

So what if the ball is too big to do a figure-8?

He still has many good years ahead of him...right?
I smile...

More summer fun...

2011-08-17T21:19:00.003-05:00

Sometimes, just to distract the kids, Roger offers to build the "biggest tower ever!"
He always impresses!
I'm not too worried about the summer coming to an end...
knowing my schedule will be shorter, Owen gets to go to school, Roger growing his business...
Summer is my "refresh button" and the fall is always welcoming...
especially this year.

We got to celebrate much of summer!

Bouncing and driving...
Hanging out with those we love...

and learning lots from our many friends
(crazy-girl Cami being one of them!)

Looking at the calendar, I see only three days of no work stuff until workshop...
is that enough though?
Trying to make the most of it...

Flagstaff...

2011-08-09T14:02:00.006-05:00

It was a relief to spend a night somewhere and have bit cooler weather. After two days of hot, difficult driving, 7,000 ft elevation was welcome!

This was one of the only campsites that did not have a pool,
but we were fine...so were the kids:
There was a tree fort...literally! The tree grew up right through it!

Swings, slide and a merry-go-round...

and...as Owen said, "it's better than a pool Mom!"...
a splash-pad!

We took a few walks/bike ride

mailed a few postcards...

and had fun with the locals...

Owen is always looking for the next adventure!

and that didn't stop when we got home...
if he sees a small patch of wooded area, he wants to go hiking.
If we played on the playground too long and did not have time to explore in the trails,
he gets overly dramatic and says I don't let him do anything!
When he gets mad at me lately,
(meaning, I say NO, or I can't give him what he wants now),
he says, "I'm never going to draw you another picture again!"
So...he knows how to hurt me.
I don't really buy it cuz he gave me a picture today.
He drew a picture of me when he was in church class today.
So he didn't follow directions, but at least he had fun!
And maybe he learned something?

Another thing I don't buy is when he says he doesn't want to do something that I know he loves to do. I had to not give in a few times to learn that it is good to not let him talk me out of things.
For example, he cried a few times about going to swimming lessons this summer.
But he enjoyed his time, was so proud when he was so brave, and improved so much that he is jumping, splashing, and showing off how he gets his face wet now.
He passed level 1!!!!! I am so proud!

I can't push him; I know.
As a mom, it has been frustrating seeing him not want to do something that I know he'll love to do and is so able to do...if he'd only try or work harder.
Like reading and riding a bike.
I know he could be reading and riding a bike.
But I can't push him.
He's 5.
I give him opportunities, yes.
But I won't push.
You see, the expression on his face when he finally chooses to do something
and he knows he did it all by himself, is priceless!
He's smart and he wants to please, but I can't push.
I won't let him talk me out of swimming, reading, or riding a bike, no.
But I won't push...soon enough, right?
When will he stop wearing pajamas?
That's a whole other post!
:-) I smile...

Grand Canyon...and route to get there!

2011-08-09T08:10:00.008-05:00

So after we left Cousin Jimmy (the "real, live cowboy!"), we headed towards our next "destination." We wanted to see The Grand Canyon!

And, if Gramma Mimi was going to see any of The Grand Canyon, she had to see the Colorado River that cuts right through it.
We knew that our next campsite after Wickenberg was going to be at elevation 7,000 ft, so I don't know why it didn't occur to us that we would be doing mountain driving, or something like it.
Switch-backs and narrow roads curving up and up and up.
This is looking back the way we came:

We stopped at the visitor center and got our pass to enter the park
("yeah!" for Senior Passes again!).
We got to read some stories and see what the whole thing looks like:

This is an old "raft" that was used to float, glide, bump along the Colorado River...
If I ever do a trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon,
I think I will ask for a newer raft than this! :-)

Let me tell you...it is really tough "jumping lanes" with a 34 ft 5th wheel on your big diesel truck!

I am continuing to see that my little boy is an observer.
He watches to see what other kids are going to do before he starts in.
He sits and stares at circus performers with very little excitement before he wiggles with enthusiasm at the idea of what is going on around him.
He watches, stares, takes it all in...then asks a million questions and retells the stories of all his amazing experiences for days, months, and now years later (the ones he recalls). That is why pictures are so important: Owen loves to talk about what has already happened!

So as we were on the lip of the south edge of The Grand Canyon,
he sits...watches...takes it all in.
(as Gabby is climbing and doing "tricks")

I often wonder what he's thinking!

Shortly after the above photos...Owen fell asleep.
Perhaps that was the real reason for his "deep thought."

:-) perhaps one day he'll tell me...

So we drove a bit further and found another look-out with a tower.
We still had not seen the Colorado River, so we had to make this stop.
Is that it?...

Somebody was eager to get a closer look!...

There it is!

Gabby was tearing around the look-out, but I was able to get a shot of her taking it all in too!

Because Owen was asleep in the truck, Grampa and Dad took turns taking in the sights.

It's one of those sights that you can't be too old or too young to appreciate.
Some take a look and say, "Yep, I saw it. Neat."
Others say, "I've got to come back someday and do the hike!"
I think I'll go back!

Who will come with me????

**Our next stop: Flagstaff, AZ...a break from the heat was nice!

Uncle Jimmy & Wickenberg, AZ

2011-07-30T14:55:00.004-05:00

One of the hottest days of travel and we ended with a nice dinner with a long-lost (not really "lost") relative and a cool pool.

Uncle Jimmy is my Grampa's youngest brother who moved away when my dad was 9 or 10 (I think I have the story right), and it has been 50 years since my dad has seen Uncle Jimmy. He's a cowboy who lives life just serious enough and doesn't seem like the type to complain. He's so easy-going, it was as if we've always known him!
We met him at a remote (I'm telling you, remote!) cafe/bar that was dark and dusty and didn't even run an air conditioner...in the desert!!!
Uncle Jimmy greeted us and told us how nice and cool it was going to be in the restaurant.
I guess it wasn't so bad, and the food was surprisingly good!

Owen loved the cactus out front and wanted to touch it.
It reminded him of CARS! :-)

We had the place to ourselves!

The visit was short but sweet, and now we know who to call when we want to get a pony!
Navigating those mountains is going to be the biggest obstacle.
Just wait til you see what we drove through the day after this!

I think I captured the sunset in many of the places we visited.
I think we miss the sunset here because of trees and neighbors houses...
maybe someday I will have a home where I get to see the sunset everyday.

We drove a bit further to cut down on driving time the next day and ended up here: a nice vacation destination that had a spot for us. They even unlocked the pool when we arrived after dark and let us cool off. Owen loved the "glow in the dark" pool. I wish I would have thought to capture that in a photo. :-)
Once again...it was the cactus...

"It's just like in CARS, mom!"

Before heading out, I dunked the kids a few times because it was going to be another hot one!
More to come...
A taste?
THE GRAND CANYON!

Summer time fun...

2011-07-30T14:27:00.004-05:00

Yes...I have more to blog about our trip, but I'd thought I'd catch up on since we've been back.
It's been rough. I was not motivated until yesterday to clean my kitchen and laundry finally got done yesterday. We got the lawn mowed today, and we are halfway through burning a branch that had fallen right before the trip. Uncle jack came and cut it up, but there were pieces that needed to be broken down a bit more to fit in the pit. Half way...

I got all our pictures from the trip uploaded to the internet to start my Heritage Makers book...stay tuned to see that one! :-)
What I did do this week???
I played:

We did picnic at the park and played...

We munched our way through the heat and humidity...

We started swimming lessons too!
After the first night, Owen didn't want to go back because he didn't want to get his face wet...
We convinced him to go a second time because Granny Nanny and Gramma Mimi came to watch.
I know he loves it, so I won't let him talk me out of it.

He works hard and wants to please...Gabby and I are taking a class too...it's kind of dumb and there are so many kids in the class with their parents that it's kind of useless...but, I would not be able to keep her out of the water to watch brother take his lessons so we go at the same time.her favorite part so far? Singing a teddy bear song and then jumping in...

I am glad it is not everyday so we are not rushed to go through that routine for a few weeks and then wonder what to do...
Yesterday I took the kids to the outdoor pool to get some sunshine and stay cool

We get to pack a lunch too!!
Owen practiced "swimming," floating, and putting his face in the water.
He is such a pleaser that he does this on his own

All Gabby says is, "no help! don't hold me!"
She sometimes gets in over her head...is this a sign of what's to come?

Yesterday we took the "longest bike ride ever" to Nanny's house (5 "blocks" away...or a bit longer).
This is probably not the safest thing I've done, but I had to capture the moment.
I don't know how the video ended up sideways, but I couldn't rotate it.

sorry about that!

More to come on trip...
ummmmmm...soon!

Last Days in California...remembering

2011-07-25T21:15:00.009-05:00

To be honest, i was annoyed when Mom made me stop and take this picture, but now I am glad.

I guess that is what mothers do! :-) Me included...

At home, I always have something to do...or I find something to do.
This morning the kids were so glad to be home and played and ran outside and did not like my suggestion to go to the store (our fridge was empty!).
I put off going to the store and chose to hang out in the backyard instead. Instead of playing, though...I pulled weeds.
I pulled lots of weeds!

On this trip, I just got to BE. I stopped, knelt, and played.
I held and cuddled and played.
I sat and served and did what needed to be done and did not go looking for projects.
Well, except projects that the kids wanted to do. :-)

Owen got to play and be adored too. Xavi had eyes for him and Owen learned something new about himself: he can nurture. In taking care of someone else (including his sister), he has become more generous and less demanding. I've been praying for this day for over 5 years. :-)

Well, Xavi is easy to love: those brown eyes, that squishy, dark skin, that curl to his hair...

"What? Who? Me?"
Yes...squishy on a baby is a GOOD thing!

One of our last days in CA, we took a trip to San Diego.
We toured the USS Midway, an aircraft carrier that's been docked since 1995 (I think).
MB and Xavi made the trek, along with all of us tourists.
We had another reason for going to San Diego, but we just told the kids that there was a special surprise waiting for them!

The ship was not the special surprise, but it was pretty cool!

There were real noises plugged into the halls we walked,
so once again my little girl plugged her ears...

From the top there was quite the view...

and the kids took it all in...

And...to be able to get into a helicopter!

and see gramma and grampa!

But the special surprise came after all that...
As we were leaving the USS Midway, Owen was tired and hungry and had been away from home two weeks already. It was the first time he said to me,
"I don't want to be on this trip. I just want to see my daddy."
It would have broken my heart, but I knew the special surprise...

Daddy was at the airport waiting for us to pick him up as he was saying these words.
He missed us enough to catch a one-way flight and ride back with us...\We were so glad to have him with us!
And, we were able to add one more day in CA so he got to spend a day at the beach!

Grampa endured the sun...the last day in CA...

Xavi took it all in too...
ahhhhh....Owen got to show Daddy how to yell at the waves..."Tsunami!"Playing...

Our last afternoon and evening...

I had to catch one whole California sunset...

And it was worth it...

Good bye California...

Still...more to come!

Back Home, but more to tell...

2011-07-24T21:14:00.022-05:00

Mornings in California were cool, but that is okay because as soon as the sun breaks through, the days could not be more perfect! It took Gabby a few days to get over the constant noise and pounding of the waves, but after a bit, she relaxed and...

had fun playing and, of course,

pushing her brother around.

Owen screamed and yelled at and chased the waves for days...
He was enamored with the water, the ocean, the sand, the rocks, the sunsets...all of it!

I can never take for granted our opportunities and the joy my kids have in simple things...even Owen's bestest friend: Bear-B (he told me how to spell that) :-)

I want them to know that there is such a big world out there and that the street we live on, the school we go to, the stores we shop at...those are not always a reflection of all there is.
I want them to know that life doesn't have to work out one way...
You can have expectations, but if it doesn't turn out that way, there are a million options, opportunities to grab, places to live, people to meet, other streets to walk, beauty in creation to see...

My boy grew so much during this trip. A bit taller? A bit leaner?

That's not what I noticed.
He's braver...
He's funnier...

He's more observant...to name a few.
And...
He's in love with the two most important girls in his life: Mommy and Sister.

I have never been so desperately loved by anyone...
(don't worry...I've already told Roger about this and
Roger would be a goof to not notice Owen's affection for his momma.)

The purest, sweetest, most needy love.

And for Gabby? The most nurturing, protective love that I hope only grows.
I will protect that for as long as they are in my life and I in theirs.
Yet another man showed Owen another side to life:

Mario taught Owen some soccer moves,

how to pick up the largest rocks and throw them at the waves,

and all about surfing.

This is the boy who won't let me take him into the "deep" end at LTF...It rarely gets deeper than 4 feet there, but Owen let Mario take him out into the Pacific Ocean, out past all the other surfers!

One of the few times during this trip my little boy let go of me...

Proud Mommy!

To be continued...(I'm working on getting another video on here but it's taking too long!)

There are so many more pics of Xavi...
(ignore the black blur through the photo; Owen was trying his hand at photography and the dumb strap ended up in the picture. :-)

And much more to say about those we shared all this with in CA!

**But...there is more to CA than I can say in one night!
Good to be back at home so stay tuned for more!

Utah, Nevada...California!

2011-07-21T22:28:00.004-05:00

To get into Arches, Zion, Grand Canyon, etc...

Grampa was so proud of his "Senior Pass."
You know what kinds of discounts you can get with this thing????
:-) Too bad Grampa lost his pass at the bottom of the Pacific when a surf board and "bigger waves than he'd seen in Hawaii" took him out.
Too bad his wallet was in his swim trunks...hence more than the pass was lost.
Good thing he's strong, healthy, has a good chiropractor and accupunturist...
and that his name is in a database so he can still get his "senior" discount!

After Arches, we saw the rest of Utah, sweat through Nevada/Las Vegas, and pressed on!

We made it to California quite late but were so relieved to be at our destination and to be able to stay for quite some time. Considering how our trip had begun, we managed to get back on "schedule."

Our camp site was perfect: a hundred feet from a playground, a hundred feet (or less) from the ocean waves, plus all the amenities (showers, laundry, a px...), and the best part?

seeing MB, Xavi, and Mario everyday we were blessed to be there!

**Much more to come...!

Utah...

2011-07-21T09:44:00.001-05:00

The Trough Road was quite the trip!
Grampa white-knuckled it from Julie's to get us to Rifle, CO.
We looked out and were amazed at the views.
I heard later that Gramma kept saying, "Look, Phil!"
He responded by saying, "No."
I don't blame him. This view was one of the gorges where a train was passing through.

We didn't get the chance to stop to take better pictures, but for being out the window...
these are pretty cool!

At a rest area just entering Utah (probably the Visitor Center to get a free map),
Gabby and Owen ran around, climbed, and looked as far as the eye could see...One thing about this trip...Owen and Gabby (and the rest of us) had the opportunity to see so many different kinds of terrain...landscapes...beauty in all forms...Utah brought us to Arches National Park...after the kids went to bed,
I got to go see a late sunset...

Then, the next morning (after Owen found a 3-legged grasshopper...)

we all got to visit the park together.
The kids enjoyed the first stop and climbed and had a blast...

but after that, no snack or cajoling could convince them that they were seeing a National prize!
Appreciation for other things...hmmmm

The only thing that changed Owen's attitude a bit was seeing a desert lizard darting among the cactus...He has now learned that it is tough catching those little ones!

**For family who are curious...we were in California for 5 days (or so...it all melted together, this trip...) and then we saw the Grand Canyon. Today we saw New Mexico, a bit of Texas, the arm of Oklahoma, and are now in Kansas. I will be posting those pics soon enough!
We plan to be back to our point of origin by Saturday and home by Sunday...
MUCH more to come...

Last Few from Colorado...

2011-07-14T17:36:00.007-05:00

I have only a minute, but thought I'd share a moments of our final time at Julie's:

The road through town heading back to Julie's from fishing...

We got out the Dora and Cars fishing poles, hitched up the sinkers, hooks, and bobbers...

and Grampa did most of the actual fishing!

There were only a few moments when Gabby and Elodie sat by each other.
Terrorizing Taz was their favorite pastime
poor guy!

To get all three to sit?...

Gabby did have a turn on the pump track too...when she did it herself,
she took the bike up the burm and sent the bike down...by itself.
So, I helped her out...

She had a blast

Uncle Todd sure was helpful...racing around and teaching Owen about bikes!

Parallel play?

Found time to relax...

played "tigers" with Owen...

the boys...

and a four-generation trip!

A rainbow over the truck...sign of promise and protection??

It's so nice to see Grampa smile!

Bike Riding

2011-07-09T23:15:00.007-05:00

Here is a short one...Gabby makes an appearance too.
He isn't cruisin' as fast as I had seen him, but he shows his skills.
We didn't get to ride again today because the track got wet with rain...
Tomorrow morning? Our last morning?

Another day...

2011-07-08T22:43:00.007-05:00

Soaking up sun, love, snacks and "poc-icles,"

we are still hanging out in Colorado and enjoying ourselves.
We've taken time to just BE, go slowly, read a book or two,
and even go out for ice cream!

Another day so busy that Owen fell asleep by 7...
Two nights in a row.
I am not complaining.
On the contrary, he fell asleep tonight without having dinner.
Now that's a tired boy! No...That's a tired Owen.
But doesn't it look like fun?

Gramma Momma has been feeling much better and was let out of the hospital to celebrate Julie's birthday and to spend time with all of us...
On the condition that she would return twice a day for her IV fluids/antibiotics.
If the culture is negative tomorrow, we are free to leave...
Owen will be sad to leave but excited to see what else we have planned!
The highlight for Owen so far?
T.O.'s pump track!

Owen started out slow a couple days ago, but now he is cruisin'!
We started calling him Boomba McQueen--he's so proud!

(You'd have to know him to understand his "boomba" language and he has a close connection to Lightning McQueen...what 5-year old does not know LM?)

I took a video of him riding two days ago,
but he's gotten so much better...I won't post it.
I'll get a good one tomorrow!

Grampa even took a turn!
Now...does this look like a guy who was let out of the hospital less then a week ago?

workin' his way around...

But then...one turn did him in and he realized he needed to take a breather.
We can at least tell his doctor that he is building that strength back up!

I am glad to be here...we all are.
We know God has a plan and will take care of us.
Kinda like Grampa takes care of his little ones...

And he takes good care of me!

Our hearts are good...
a rainbow between the camper and the mountains reminds us of God's promises.

Fun in the Midst of Challenge...

2011-07-07T16:48:00.002-05:00

Auntie Julie's Birthday!
We slept in a bit this morning after someone (Little Miss Gabby)
had a fitful night's sleep. She tossed and turned and cried out for "momma!"
Perhaps she is worried about Gramma Momma.

Gramma Momma's RA pain escalated yesterday and it never subsided.
She and Grampa went to get it checked out and Dr's found infection.
She stayed the night last night, and we've had to go visit her because she can't be here.
She is sad, but we know God has her where she is supposed to be...just like Grampa.

Bikes and parks, swings and slides; we have been able to have a fun,
relaxing day even though we miss her.
We pray for a good prognosis and for her to feel better.

In the meantime, Grampa's girls are taking good care to make him smile.
They even lean in for hugs and kisses...

with a never-ending supply of goofy grins.

Today Owen said, "When am I going to see Daddy?"
I don't think a 5-year-old can yet understand the duration of time, hours vs. weeks.
He's learning. I promised we'd call so he could talk.
We miss you, Daddy! Give yourself lots of hugs for us!

Colorado!

2011-07-06T15:20:00.007-05:00

Someone must be praying for me...My heart is in a good place...

The last day or two of our travels have been good for me.
The kids are getting into the groove,
we are not rushing or moving too fast,
we are trying to relax.
Why is that so hard for our family?

Why can't we take notes from a boy:
Find something simple in nature and let it occupy our heart, mind, and attention for hours...

Share that joy with others..."tickle it"

And feel accomplished when we do something we enjoy...
feel fulfilled to be in a new place or learning more about life from our experiences...
and being taller than Grampa!

Find a new path and explore just for the heck of it...
why do we say we "don't have time" to do simple things?

Why can a 5-year-old find so much enjoyment at a rest stop
yet we rarely take the time to stop and rest?
We adults think we've experienced so much.

Toys don't have to be new and rocking horses don't have to be pink plastic.
Yards don't have to have grass to be fun for all.

Skies don't always stay blue on a clear day, but the fun does not have to stop if it rains.
Cool mornings do not mean cool days.

If you want to wear pajamas...by all means, that is up to you!
If you want to wear dresses everyday...that is up to you too!
If you want to wear pajamas one day and dress up the next...that is up to you as well!

Some times you have to stop, look around, and absorb your surroundings
to realize how happy you truly are...
Other times...

Your happiness is in motion, and all you want to do is jump and dance and sing out of key at the top of your lungs (in your car, of course).
By all means, do it.
Don't wait for vacation because vacations end.
You have to go home after vacations and keep doing what you were trying to get away from.
Don't say you are busy...say your life is full.
If you can't get together with someone, your life is full.
Don't tell them you are too busy.
But you better try your darndest to fill your life with things you want to be doing.

Happy Fourth of July!

2011-07-04T22:38:00.002-05:00

Nebraska Fireworks show...
An hour earlier maybe!
The kids (and Grampa) are in bed and the camper is shaking with the booms.
My eyes are heavy so this will be short, but I thought I'd put a note up today to celebrate.
What a week it's been!

All I can say for now is...
"a marshmallow would have been nice with this Grahammy and Chocolate, Mom."
These two were good friends before we left on this trip, but it's been fun watching Owen teach, Gabby lead, Owen manipulate, and Gabby sneak. They play organized games and give each other presents. They want what the other already has or wants. They are proud of the other for small accomplishments and take turns...most of the time. :-)
It has not been as taxing as I thought...but then again, it's only been three days in the car with them...Ask me again in a week or so...

More to come...

Sweets...ugh!

2011-06-30T22:40:00.002-05:00

I'm not a fan of using food/sugar to shut up a screaming kid.
It's actually the LAST thing I would do...
However, how do you tell others NOT to do this for your kids?

For example: the local Mexican establishment...our favorite!
Gabby was screaming for a "treat" because they are sitting on the counter as we were leaving.
I almost had her out the door and the waiter/manager ran after us with blow-pops for each of the kids. He even has to go out the door to give one to Owen.
I had said, "no thank you," but he insisted.
What could I say after he comp-ed a drink and gave us extra salsa?

He meant no harm...ugh

So I had to explain to the kids that there was gum in the middle of these blow-pops and if they chose to indulge, that would be all for the day...
Owen thought about it.
Then came up with this:
"Then this is GOOD for me since it has gum in it!"

Shucks! Another method backfired!
When I was trying to get Owen to realize that he loved chewing
and wasn't really hungry, I substituted gum...
Now he thinks gum is health-food.
Ugh...

Is it a Good thing...?

2011-06-30T22:24:00.003-05:00

Nearly everytime...I come back from errands, a date with Daddy,
or just running home to get something,
Owen asks: "Can we stay a bit longer? Do we have to go home? Now? Later?"

The other day, the so-called "going away pizza party" in preparation for our trip, we arrived back from our "mommy & daddy" time together before I was to take the kids away from Roger for three weeks, and what do I hear?
"Mom! We are not leaving, are we?"

It's always a good time at Nanny's and even better when all the cousins come.
And even better when there are marshmallows involved!

We are so lucky...

Not necessarily to have access to marshmallows...

But the closeness of friends and family.

I give in...not up...
We are the lucky ones.

Marshmallows and Graham Crackers are not necessary to earn their love,
but I would not trade this back deck for another set of in-laws.

With sticky fingers and chocolate saved for later,
We think of Gramma and Grampa...on their way...soon.
Three nights in a hospital bed may be too long for the busy-bodies they are.
Get well soon Grampa! We love you too!

Hot Days

2011-06-30T22:12:00.003-05:00

No Lie: We were at Daddy's softball game for 5 minutes before both kids were wailing.
100 degrees will do that...

Gabby wanted me to hold her, but that would be way too hot!
Owen wanted to play baseball, but neither Gabby nor I could get the ball all the way to him.
He took two swings and then stood there for a really long minute.
We said our good-byes after watching Daddy "warm-up"...really necessary?
Owen refused to walk back to the car.
How did I entice him?
no, not food...

naked slip-n-slide in the backyard!

swinging too?

We got clean and cool in the baby pool...
Owen calls it a "kid pool"...

and we were all better!
Ok...so he asked for a Graham Cracker too...

We are just praying for Grampa Phil to be all better too!
One more day of VBS and then we can all sing you songs, Grampa!
Don't worry about a thing...we just want you healthy and here with us...

2011-06-23T20:57:00.003-05:00

Last weekend we were quite busy and I found myself putting off doing the dishes.

They piled up so fast that I had to load the dish washer and then do a whole sink full by hand as well...both times! How does that happen?

For the past two days now, I have been able to keep a handle on the dishes. I have actually had them washed or loaded after each meal. Amazing! I know!

However, I realized why my sink fills up so fast:
We go through four knives just to butter four pieces of toast at breakfast.
Yep...four.
I guess we all like to lick our own knives after we are done...or while we butter (Gabby!).
I have no regrets about becoming a teacher. I won't ever complain about the money because I make as much, if not more, than the average American. My earning potential is not what other professions are, but I get to hit "reset" for a few short months every summer!
That alone keeps me sane...and happy!

Today we met my dear friend's boyfriend for the first time.
He was a good sport finding snails for Owen down by the river and letting her go climb the ropes with Owen for a bit. So happy she has her summer to spend with him!
Thank you Jesus for summer fun, friends, Chipotle, and all the other blessings we forget to mention!

Like kids' haircut places! And suckers to keep them focused!
:-)

Summer has begun!

2011-06-15T17:44:00.002-05:00

Summer Sun...Playgrounds...a bit of refreshing rain...tennis camp...cousins...books...bikes...wrestling...sandboxes...picnics...
and potty training!

It always takes me awhile to get settled into summer, to rest up,
and to get to know what life without working is.
Don't get me wrong. I love it.
But you can't just go from being one thing to another in three days.

I don't want to be anything or anyone else.
I was deciding today to live my life as,
"if I don't need it, I don't want it."
Then I took another sip of my Carmel Northern Lite Latte.
Ugh

We do have a hose and water.
Baths on the slip-n-slide.

digging in the sandbox...
lots of naked time.

Who could ask for anything more?

I Smile...

2011-06-11T21:45:00.005-05:00

Owen made me laugh the other day:
He was telling me how he wanted to get some new CARS figures...cars...like from the movie?
King, the Green one...Chic (how do you spell that?)...and Lightning McQueen.
"Mom, you can get them at Target...
you have to go in the blue door...
You go in the blue door for toys and the green door for food."
"Oh, Owen! Your two favorite things!"
:-)

I am excited that my boy likes bugs.
He collects them in a jar, a box, a can, his hands...
The other day I had to tell him why his caterpillar wasn't moving anymore.
"But, Mom...there were holes in the jar."
I couldn't tell him that the manhandling must have done the little guy in.

When I take the kids hiking...or just wandering in the woods...
Owen tells me there has to be lots of trees.
We can't go where the sun is.
"It has to be dark, Mom!"

Gabby is not a fan of collecting bugs, but she wants to tickle them.
She wants to tickle toads, caterpillars, spiders, dogs...
"Tick-a-Tick-a-Tick-a..."

I can't believe my boy was 5 a few days ago.
This time, 5 years ago...I was a new mom.

(These were trails at my Mom and Dad's...what a place...what a paradise!)

Cuddles, anyone?

2011-05-23T19:50:00.004-05:00

I have a cuddler!
She snuggles in and wiggles her little booty, tucks her legs,
rests her head and says, "cuddle, momma?"
How can I resist? I never do...I promise!

Mother's Day was a day full of snuggles and cuddles...
from both my kids!
Owen is just getting to the age when he says,
"stop taking pictures, mom"

And Gabby's just starting to get to the stage
where she is saying "cheese" every time I take out my phone.

I even catch her snuggling with Daddy and Brother!

Okay...so they were actually just hiding and I found them like this.
:-)
Made me smile.

The way these two play together makes me so happy.
Owen speaks so tenderly and tries to teach Gabby things.
Then he gets frustrated because Gabby toots her own horn,
marches to her own beat...
Owen's a bit sensitive...and Gabby is showing her feisty self!
Feisty...Owen laughs when I say that.

I am getting this feeling that Gabby is going to be a show-off.
Allow me to try to explain the paradox my children are:
Owen has never been compliant, but he is afraid to break the rules.
He so wants to please...

Gabby is compliant and obedient, but she does it with a saunter.
A nod. A slyness I can't explain.
I have a feeling that Owen will not get into trouble...
Gabby will cause the trouble...or look for it...or want it...

My sweet angel...you make me smile...but I'm on to you!
It's easy to be motivated...to demand obedience.
I spend the majority of the day with 13/14 year olds...
I know what I will be dealing with if I don't!

2011-05-22T06:46:00.004-05:00

Last night I was reading to Owen. Favorite books these days?
Critter books by Mercer Mayer.
Last night we read, "First Day of School."
When we were done, I told him I was going to be the proudest Momma when he started Kindergarten this fall...he gave me the goofiest grin...

He got a taste of Kindergarten when we went to his open house.
He saw classrooms, did some activities, went on a tour, and played on the playground.
I am becoming more and more thankful for my reduction of contract next year.
Part time. Ahhhhhhhh...

I made a suggestion to the administration about how to schedule my part time with another staff person's part time so we can share a class room.
They are working on it so that it will work.
I will have 3 classes, perhaps one will be advanced.
I may have a homeroom, but I will be done by 3:30.
I will be able to take Owen to Kindergarten AND pick him up!

I don't want a tragedy to be the thing to make me realize that I need to enjoy each moment.
I don't always do this though...sometimes, I am too tired to play hide and go seek or play tag on the playground. Sometimes I just want to read my own book or get my blog updated. Sometimes, the dishes must get done or I have to pick up the house before insanity sets in.

But I never want to regret the games I did not play with my kids
or the adventures we did not go on.

I want to keep laughing with my kids...

Thank you Jesus!

2011-05-13T18:43:00.005-05:00

Easter Sunday at this point is quite a blur...
May is going by so fast!
I know that we were not able to go to church that day,
but we had wonderful celebrations together and with family.

a twirly blur...

brotherly/sisterly love...I so want them to be friends forever!

and a proud moment...

Owen didn't wear pajamas!

Easter is the recognition of Jesus' death and celebration of His resurrection,
but we need to remember that everyday.

I am so thankful for my church for showing me new things about the Easter story...

Jesus was a ferocious servant. His final act of servitude: crucifixion.
When Peter denied Christ the third time, Peter wept bitterly.
But this was after a look from Jesus.
The look was not of resentment, denial, or disappointment.
It was a look of understanding. Jesus knew he'd do this.
Jesus knew each time I would deny Him.
He still died...He still loves.

When my children fail to obey, love, or so the right thing,
how do I look at them?
Do they know I love them regardless?...

Precious Moments-Never too busy?

2011-04-22T06:42:00.005-05:00

Two weeks ago we were teased. I hate being teased. I blogged about getting yard work done, trimming bushes, pulling weed, cleaning out flower beds, anticipating the arrival of perennials.
And then this happens.
I know: It's gorgeous!
But after Spring has already sprung?
That's tough.

I pulled out of the driveway and decided to take this photo. A car drove past me and I got quite a look for being in the middle of the road looking like an idiot.
I knew I had to take it though because Spring was here...
Meaning: the snow would be gone as fast as it arrived.
I was right; by the end of the day, it was gone.

My darling, my baby doll, my precious little girl...she is working the art of manipulation.
"Mommy! Owie! Hut! Fin-guh, hut!!"
Translation: "Mommy! Ouch! My finger hurts!"
I don't think it really hurts...I think she has learned how much attention you can get when you are hurt. You get a mother's loving touch, some sort of cream, and a band-aid.
So, she likes to try this...

Yes, I am the bad parent who forgot the Cubbies vest.
Yes, I forgot the camera so I had to use my cell phone.
And, yes, I was the horrible mother who left early and didn't get to see the other 300 kids get their awards. Hey-before you judge...
Owen rebelled and rarely wore his vest all year-even when I sewed his patches on!
My camera is on the fritz and I'm asking for a new one for Mother's Day.
And...my two-year-old was crabby because it was her bedtime!

But I sure was a proud Mommy!
Owie learned 26 verses this year and got a certificate.
He loved being on stage and said he wanted to go up there again.
He was so cute...I couldn't help waving at him.
He waved back.
Yes, I never thought I would be one of those parents! :-)

Today is Good Friday and our Bible Study falls on this night.
We invited Mimi over to help. She's such a blessing.

Palm Sunday

2011-04-17T13:19:00.002-05:00

Today Owen got to use big-boy black scissors to cut the edges of his palm for Palm Sunday lessons. He is into the response, "I know, Mom!"
So, when I was telling him that Palm Sunday is remembering Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, he said, "I know, Mom."
I am so glad they have such wonderful teachers! :-)

Gabby looks more disheveled that how she woke...she was quite happy, makes the bed-head even more adorable! When her usual "teacher" was not at her class, she almost hesitated going in. But, Pam (I just learned her name) took Gabby in her arms and that's all it takes for Gabby.

You'd never guess that Owen got stitches only a week ago...when I picked up Owen after church service, I said that to his teacher. She looked so surprised! He's jumping and running and forgetting it's there...until I take off the sock and band-aid to clean and dress it again.
Then he says, "Mom, you have to carry me. Can I watch a movie? I can't walk..."
Blah, blah, blah...
"but I need something!" :-)

I have another post in my mind about the blessings of life and being a child of God...
I'll keep you waiting...for a bit...

If you are squeamish...don't look!

2011-04-13T11:25:00.003-05:00

Know that you have been warned!
Summertime couldn't be here fast enough for Owen.
As I recall, he had his suit on and was in the "pool" last April too!
I was so proud to have my yard raked and be able to see my perennials poking up in the landscaping.

Owen was out playing, digging up worms, getting dirty...head to toe!
We were just finishing up to go inside to get cleaned up...
then I thought of one more thing to do...
I headed to the end of the driveway to clean up around the mailbox...
Owen "found" a broken glass bottle that had been kicked up into our yard...
probably by a plow this winter.

I knew immediately he would need stitches...
blood and a big flap of skin!

He was such a trooper until they tried to stick him with a needle
to numb the area to prep for stitches.

"DON'T DO IT! DON'T DO IT!" Literally kicking and screaming.
So, Urgent Care was useless.
We were sent to the ER.
While waiting, poor little guy was so tuckered out, he fell asleep on the gurney.

Yes, he has Spiderman pj's and swimsuit on and he's dirty. Very dirty.
You know how they tell you to keep in mind that if you were to get into an accident and they had to strip you down to help you...make sure you are not wearing your grandma panties?
Well, you can't plan what your kid is wearing when you head to the ER either!

Nice doctor got it done and got it done FAST!
Yes, it's a bummer that O is hobbling around, but he's recovering.
He sure knows how to milk it though!
:-)

How do we say Thank you?

2011-04-02T23:51:00.003-05:00

So...What 87 year-old comes over so one can have a wonderful night with her husband and best friends? Mimi...
Gramma mimi is amazing.
She not only drives across Wisconsin and Illinois to see her youngest grandchildren and great grand children, because family is the most meaningful depth in her bones, but she "babysits" for a four and two-year old without thinking about what it will actually take to keep them occupied while Mom and Dad hit the town. I take for granted that I know such a woman. I know she was "Mom" to 5 children, but I find it amazing that I am still getting to know her each time I get to see her.

Roger and I got to go out with some friends ...
and she took my kids for a walk, hunted "dragons," and put on PJ's, read stories, said prayers...

She knows the beauty of friendship so she is letting me have just that...
I hope she knows how much I love and appreciate her.
Not just as a "babysitter."
But as my Grandmother.
Grand...
She sure has been grand to me.
People who love me so much to let me have my life to live...
I hope I can give, or am giving, as much of myself so that others can live their lives...
My kids...am I doing that unselfishly???

Am I giving back enough?...

Climbing "Mountains" and "Dragon" hunts

2011-03-30T19:46:00.002-05:00

The snow is quickly melting outside so I had to get these promised photos up.
Before the last big melt (followed up by another big snowstorm)
I took Owen out to climb mountains and hunt dragons:
The "mountains" are really the huge (gi-normous, as Owen likes to quote from Elf)
piles of snow from the parking lot near our home.
Literally the most fun "butt slides" I've ever made.
(A "butt slide" is when you make a path without a sled
and keep going down it to make the path compact and really fast!)

This picture I took of Owen at the top and I was sitting at the bottom to show how big this pile really is...If it were daylight, you'd see the tops of trees that are nearly buried under these snow piles.

I taught Owen how to clear pine branches for good climbing and nesting inside its cover.
He loved having a place to hide from the "dragons."
I still have no idea what these are or where they came from but he warns me when he sees one coming. He says this is the look he makes when he is surprised by one...

Sometimes it got cold out there, but how could I tell him no?
We knew it was time to go in when the sky was dark...
at least in the winter we can follow that rule. :-)

Delayed Gratification?

2011-03-30T19:29:00.004-05:00

So...I forgot my phone charger in WI.
It takes 2-3 days to get a package from one state away.
When the package finally came, there were two packs of gum, a few forgotten toys, and my charger.
Thanks, Dad and Mom!
"Thanks, Gramma & Papa Phi!"
Yes, Gabby has a new name for Grampa Phil.

So, we opened the package at dinner and Gabby emptied her pack.
You can see here.
She started to unwrap and put pieces into her mouth when I wasn't looking.
After two pieces I told her no more...

She didn't like that!

My tender, sweet, baby girl...
has become a two-year-old!
AHhhh...I was wondering when this was going to happen.
:-)

Snow to Spring...maybe?

2011-03-16T15:16:00.006-05:00

Spring Break is upon us...and so is nicer weather!

Before the sun started to warm things up and before the snow started to melt,
Owen and I got to go on a few "dragon hunts" (that's a whole new post!!),
make forts in the snowy trees,
and then teach Gabby all about making forts in the living room...

We used all the cushions, the footrest, all the furniture and as many blankets and sheets that we could find. Even Mom fit under there with her coffee! :-)

So this was a whole 10 minutes of fun because the kids were desperate to go outside...

We tried...we really did! It ended up being really cold and the wind had blown loose snow over the driveway...when will it end???
I am not so cooped up, but having a 4 and 2 year old who need a world to explore...
I am eager for spring.

So, what happened today? :-)
A teeny tiny Melt-down ...
I am aware that March and April can still bring a blanket of snow,
but today we drew with chalk on the driveway and found some old toys that were buried in the snow last fall!

Literally buried! I remember putting them on the stairs to clean up and bring inside before the snowfall. How did they not get brought in?
These past two years, I can say that once the snow fell, earlier than anticipated,
it stayed until spring.

Please don't judge me for not putting clothes on him...
He's "thick"...he'll be alright.
:-)
At least he remembered a hat!

2011-03-10T21:25:00.003-06:00

BEAUTY...

When you get to live in or travel to some of the most beautiful places on the planet, you often think that may be the only place beauty really is.
I never want to take for granted the blessing of living where I am or with whom I am living...around or near as well.
I drive Hwy 10 every day for less than a mile.
As I get off the highway and onto the ramp, I get to see the various stages of the seasons and daylight's savings because of where the sun rises over this hill.
Owen is so tuned in to detail that he often points out to me,
"ooh! pretty sky!"
Especially if there are lots of colors.
Yes, we still have about 18 inches or more of snow on our lawn and it is March.

Yes, today I was feeling warm because it was 36 degrees.
Yes, I tell Lori I will move to Florida if we ever sell two houses. :-)
Yes, I wish I didn't have to heat up my sheets with rice bags before I crawl into bed.
But...
I have never hated it here.
I am blessed...Yes, God is good.
If I can teach my kids one thing...God is always good.

2011-03-08T21:25:00.008-06:00

Taking a moment to appreciate the little things that make me smile!

A few "lately" stories that I want to remember forever:

When she wakes up, the first thing she says (other than, "momma!") is, "Owie? Daddy?"
"Owie? Owie?"
(that's how she says her brother's name...
not responding to being hurt, in case you were confused)

I pick her up from daycare on Tuesday and Wednesday and she asks,
"Owie? Daddy? Home? Pizza?"
Yep, she knows what she wants.
I have come to the horrible realization that I have taken 1/2 the amount of pictures of her than were taken of Owen. I cannot believe the number of photos I have of him...

I am so proud of him-he is starting to get breakfast for himself because I tell him he can't wake anyone up until a certain time (depending on the day). Even though most mornings he wakes up singing, I don't want to be woken up before 6 on Saturday morning! :-)

The other morning he did it all by himself and he came to show me how he had put peanut butter on his bread all by himself...good thing I was just crawling out of bed.
Another time I heard a plate drop and Owen say, "oh!"
It was a new loaf and he couldn't get the inside packaging open.
He tip-toed to my door, pushed it open, and whispered,
"uh, I need help."

Another time I woke up to Owen in the bathroom saying,
"oh, that's just great!"
I still have no idea what happened in there...

The other night I heard Roger getting frustrated with Owen.
Something about "taking a bath."
I go down the hall to find Owen giving himself a "bath" with his toothbrush.
He's getting it wet and brushing his body...
Yes, I can see why Roger was frustrated...and disgusted.
But I couldn't help laughing.
Man, the things I NEVER want to forget.

Like the time Owen was running around the house in just a neck warmer.
What a picture! (No, I didn't take that one with the camera!)
I recently was thinking about when I am going to allow Gabby to wear make-up and hoop earrings...definitely not this young! :-)For now, each morning (and sometimes at night) she asks me to do her hair: she gets her stool, sets it next to me in the bathroom, pulls out her comb and hair bands...I can never deny her that one little request
(or ANY request, for that matter...she is so precious!)

Gabby has a way of making everything fun.
One time at Applebee's she was dancing along with the music-
she won't sit in a highchair or a booster seat so she stands in the booth next to me.
The next day she decided to dance on her chair at breakfast...but there was no music.
I had to smile.
Owen walks through a room and it explodes...not literally, but he leaves a path...mess after mess after mess.
Gabby, on the other hand, straightens and picks things up.
She even lays down her diaper just so and straightens my shoes on the mat by the door.

Owen caught on to mealtime prayers quickly. To this day, Gabby has not stopped eating for ten seconds while we thanked God for the blessings of our day and for the food.
BUT...at the end of every book she says, "AMEN!"
Oh, she'll catch on...eventually...hey?
(like the leg-warmers? Gramma Mimi made those for her! I gave her the idea of how to use of the rest of some old yarn...cute, hey?)

Last week when I picked Owen up from a playdate I could tell he was so tired
(no nap and late night day before).
His friend offered him a snack,
but I said we could get something at home if Owen was still hungry

(they had just had ice cream and I didn't think fruit snacks were the best option)

We got in the car and Owen said, "I AM hungry."
"ok, honey"
He proceeded to tell me that if I did not give him something to eat, he would be very crabby.
"ok, honey"
He then told me that he was going to count to 5 and I'd better give him something.
"ok, honey"
You see, the few minutes before he falls asleep in the car, he tends to ramble, yell, complain, and whine about everything under the sun. It used to make me mad
(it still bothers me, but now I know what is happening),
Now I just wait and watch for him to fall asleep.
Yep, 5 minutes into the drive: fast asleep.
I carried him to his bed and in his sleep he proceeded to tell me,
"I want something!"

(Are you giggling MB?)
Oh, the stories are endless so I will save more for another day!

(**reminder to myself: I laughed while writing this and laughed while reading it again...)