Mom's Thoughts

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T14:13:00.002-05:00

We got some snow this morning so the little guy and I made a snowman.

The little guy gives great hugs - even made the snowman smile.

February Fun

2012-02-05T14:00:00.002-05:00

So far this month, it's been unseasonably warm here in Indiana. The kids enjoyed playing in the sandbox this week. No snow to be seen in this part of the state.

waking up

2012-01-29T19:32:00.002-05:00

Sometimes he wakes up happy - sometimes not.

He almost always comes to get a morning hug and to be held for a while.

Life is precious

2012-01-24T08:21:00.002-05:00

Saw a video at church on Sunday. Affirms our decision to adopt.

Click here to link to the focus on the family be a voice video.

No more nail biting

2012-01-20T07:06:00.002-05:00

The girls orthodontist told me about this product. The little guy doesn't like the taste of it - he says it tastes like fire. Which is good because now he's not biting his nails (fingers and toes have been the target of his teeth.) Hopefully we make no more trips to the doctor because of an infected toe which was the result of nail biting. Yes he's very flexible and can get his toes to his mouth.

Our family Christmas Morning

2012-01-13T10:40:00.001-05:00

Matching Lego star-wars t-shirts

2012-01-13T10:36:00.001-05:00

The boys like to match and these were Christmas gifts from grandma and granddad.

Glasses for the 2nd grader

2011-11-14T18:10:00.003-05:00

She just got these today.

Her sister wasn't with us when we picked out frames

but it turns out they both have the same frames.

Recent pics of the kids

2011-11-12T08:39:00.004-05:00

Love it when they get along!

Karate and turtles - fun things for the five year old.

check this out...

2011-10-25T20:39:00.004-04:00

Went to an adoption conference not long ago and learned about

Project Hopeful.

Everyone should check out this website.

http://www.projecthopeful.org/

Red Robin Fun

2011-09-30T15:34:00.003-04:00

I took the little guy out for lunch. Daddy usually does this but he's at a conference today. The staff came and sang happy birthday gave him ice-cream, a birthday card, and a coloring book. He was quite happy.

FIVE

2011-09-30T08:54:00.003-04:00

Today is the little guy's birthday. He was born at 7pm. I remember because our neighbors (church planters in Lansing, MI) were having their launch service that night. Every year we send them the little guy's birthday picture to remind them how old their church is.

Everyone was up this morning to start celebrating the big day. Pancakes and chocolate chunk muffins with apple juice. And... presents to start the day off right.

money is always fun... he plans to get a "baby panda pillow pet"

Here the little guy is using his new tape dispenser. He loves to wrap things up and give them away. He'd make a good little Hobbit. He's been giving away tootsie rolls. Yum.

Stories with the uncle

2011-09-25T15:04:00.001-04:00

My brother came to visit and read a story to the little guy. Our oldest liked it too.

Normal afternoon at our house

2011-09-25T14:58:00.001-04:00

Dressed up

2011-09-18T15:04:00.003-04:00

We got dressed up to go to our neighbor's wedding yesterday. Our oldest borrowed the white dress shirt from Dad. Ugh - they grow up fast.

Drawing Dogs

2011-09-16T15:42:00.002-04:00

Today the little guy has been looking at a dog drawing book and doing his own dog drawings. I think the Pomeranian is my favorite.

Baritone case - now and then

2011-09-14T19:46:00.006-04:00

Photo above taken today. Photos below taken a few years ago.

Same boy same case.

Grandma says these photos are proof that our oldest was into the Baritone way before sixth grade. I guess early exposure is good when it comes to instrument selection.

Another ROBOT

2011-09-14T18:59:00.001-04:00

The little guy spent the morning with Grandma and made this robot.

He's named it FUNNYBOT.

Art by the little guy

2011-09-13T06:37:00.003-04:00

I found a robot drawing book at the library and yesterday the little guy had some fun looking at the book and drawing robots. Here are three of his drawings.

Squarehead Thinbot

Simplibot and Squarebot

more pictures

2011-09-11T13:35:00.002-04:00

Thanks go to Grandma for these additional pictures of this mornings big event.

Baptized

2011-09-11T11:04:00.006-04:00

Our seven year old was baptized at church this morning. Thank you to family and friends who came to share this special day with us. We are so glad that she's made the choice to follow Jesus!

In the tank with Pastor Jim and Daddy.

Drying off and smiling - the water was warm.

And the answer is...

2011-09-06T20:55:00.002-04:00

Anticipation

First sip...

Spit...

Yuck it burns...

It's okay red - you don't have to like it.

Celebrating a 10th Birthday

2011-09-05T14:09:00.004-04:00

We celebrated last night - a couple days early. The redhead didn't mind.

But she has to wait until Tuesday - her actual birthday to try Pepsi.

Our family rule is they wait until double digits for soda.

The oldest doesn't care for soda.

Upon taking his first sip, he said "it burns".

We shall see if the redhead likes the fizz or not.

fun with editing software

2011-09-05T14:02:00.003-04:00

What is it?

2011-09-03T14:01:00.002-04:00

Husband was cleaning his tool bench and came across this. Any idea what it's for? It says "patent pending".

Daddy's Home

2011-09-03T13:54:00.002-04:00

Wednesday Daddy was home early and the little guy enjoyed a game of Lego Creator and a wrestling match. He loves his Daddy!

Indianapolis Zoo - Field Trip

2011-08-30T19:58:00.003-04:00

Great day with friends.

2011-08-21T21:51:00.003-04:00

The little guy was tired after spending the afternoon with good friends.

Future Fire Fighters?

2011-08-18T08:00:00.002-04:00

There was a back to school party at the library last night. So the kids were checking out the fire truck and school bus. Just got pictures of the three younger kids in the fire truck.

Enthusiastic driver!

2011-08-17T07:44:00.002-04:00

The little guy and I went to the orchard again. We went to pick raspberries but he wanted an apple and climbed a tree in search of one. He was not happy when I didn't let him have one since they aren't ready yet.

DCI

2011-08-13T12:03:00.003-04:00

Last night was date night thanks to a generous friend who gave us tickets to the DCI semi finals and grandma who took the kids to her house for a sleepover. The shows brought back memories of high school marching band. Great to do something fun with my husband. He remembers watching me march in the Silver Dome (at least 20 years ago - I feel old).

First Field Trip of the Year

2011-08-11T21:06:00.003-04:00

Picking raspberries at the orchard with friends.

Great way to spend the morning!

First Day of School (2011-2012)

2011-08-11T20:53:00.003-04:00

Wednesday - August 10th was the first day of school for my kids.

Middle school for the oldest - 6th grade.

Upper elementary building for the red head - 5th grade.

Elementary for the pink one - 2nd grade.

Kindergarten at home for the little one.

Almost time for school

2011-08-06T19:17:00.005-04:00

The kids were enjoying our last Saturday before school starts. August 10th will be here soon.

Happy 45th Anniversary Mom & Dad

2011-08-06T08:05:00.000-04:00

Blasting off...

2011-07-25T13:35:00.001-04:00

And... the older two are off to Camp Blast (up in Hillsdale Michigan) for the week.

Friends

2011-07-25T13:29:00.003-04:00

The little guy and I took the older two to church to catch the bus for camp. Here are a couple of pics of the little guy with friends.

This little girl is so cute!

These two have the same first name and are both all boy!

Watch out world.

Dragon made of clay

2011-07-25T13:11:00.003-04:00

Last night our oldest wanted to do something with clay.

He likes dragons so that's what he made.

Sunday Morning

2011-07-24T08:22:00.002-04:00

The kids usually pick out their own clothes. My requirements for Sunday mornings are no holes and no writing on their shirts. Today the little guy wanted to wear "my suit".

Our library

2011-07-23T08:12:00.002-04:00

Not the best picture but you can see all 4 kids. The oldest is in green and looking at the "new books" shelf. The younger two really like the computer activities. We visit often. Currently we have 61 items checked out.

The children's section of the Plainfield library is probably 2-3 times bigger than the branch we frequented when we lived in Lansing. That was a great little library for us. It was just a couple blocks from our house - we walked down several times a week and when I stopped in after we'd moved to Indiana they said their central office had called wondering why their circulation was down - it was because we'd moved and weren't checking out books anymore. The kids like to read and be read to.

The little guy has listened to me read more than 175 books this summer.

Art by the little guy

2011-07-15T11:09:00.003-04:00

The little guy likes to draw and write. He asked me how to spell some of the words and names but did all the drawing, coloring and writing himself. I love the dad drawing with the "hairy chest" but I'm not sure I appreciate his mom drawing.

Swimming

2011-07-14T10:55:00.003-04:00

It was sunny and a little cool this morning.

The kids had a good time at swim lessons.

The older two are learning to dive - it's not going so well.

I think they just need more time in the water to practice.

The little guy has been having fun going under to get the diving sticks.

He then uses the stick and his imagination to "brain freeze"

the other kids and his teachers - funny guy.

Cow appreciation day

2011-07-08T15:04:00.003-04:00

We went to Chick-fil-A for cow appreciation day.

Dress like a cow = free meal = happy mom

http://www.cowappreciationday.com/

Adoption

2011-06-30T21:42:00.002-04:00

Looks like we won't be adopting the little girl who was identified by a friend of a friend of a friend. But, that phone call got us moving on adoption preparation. Adoption is something we've thought about since before we got married. We are now working on our home study and trying to figure out where we should adopt from and what agency we should use. So many orphans - so many possibilities.

Indy Zoo

2011-06-29T21:36:00.003-04:00

It was a beautiful day - sunny and high 80s. I took the kids and their grandparents to the zoo. We have the family +2 membership. It comes with free parking and the option to take 2 guests.

Grandma & the little guy touched a shark

tigers and bears - oh my

I think someone was getting tired....

Today's quote...

2011-06-29T12:37:00.003-04:00

"Mom, please turn on the trumpet music. I like it!"

The CD is AL HIRT - GREATEST HITS

Climbing

2011-06-29T10:34:00.002-04:00

He likes to climb trees - hasn't fallen out yet.

This picture was taken yesterday when we were at the park.

Spaghetti Art

2011-06-23T14:22:00.002-04:00

Went to "Lunch Bunch" at the park today. The librarian read a story about noodles and then the kids did noodle art. Paper and cold cooked spaghetti - who knew how fun leftovers could be. The little guy created this "smiley face"...

Happy #77

2011-06-21T07:53:00.003-04:00

Today is my Dad's birthday. He, mom and my younger brother came to visit this past weekend. Here's dad with his decedents (only my older brother is missing from the picture - he and his wife weren't available for the weekend - they live in NY).

We love you Dad. Happy Birthday!

Love Wins

2011-06-19T18:02:00.001-04:00

Just finished this book...

little sister

2011-06-16T14:19:00.004-04:00

Our little guy picked this dress (size 2) out for the little sister we are hoping to bring home from another country. We are starting the home study process now and I'll be attending a seminar on Saturday "Affording Adoption". A friend of a friend of a friend has identified a little girl (1 year old?) who needs a home. We'd love to have her join our family. Please pray for us during this process.

On my shelf...

2011-06-15T08:52:00.004-04:00

These are the books I'm trying to read this month...

Four are from the library and I bought one for a discussion at church.

Has anyone else read any of these? What did you think?

more summer fun

2011-06-06T15:24:00.003-04:00

I guess he was tired.

Baritone Boy

2011-06-06T12:43:00.002-04:00

1st day of band. I'm kind of glad it's low brass instead of a squeaky clarinet or sax.

Summer Fun

2011-06-06T10:20:00.002-04:00

What a great moment. They are all just playing right there on the living room floor. In a few minutes things may blow up but for now all is calm.

The pictures we don't show mom until it's over...

2011-06-02T10:57:00.003-04:00

Yup. I'm glad he's strong willed. (It did make me, who is rather risk-averse a bit nervous - I held the ladder while he painted.)

"The Strong-Willed Child...

-almost never accepts words like "impossible" or phrases like "it can't be done."

-shows great creativity and resourcefulness - seems to always find a way to accomplish a goal.

-is not afraid to try the unknown - to conquer the unfamiliar"

(The above is from the book You Can't Make Me But I Can Be Persuaded by Tobias)

Remodel is done.

2011-06-02T10:29:00.003-04:00

The project is done and the boys have moved into their new room. They like having more space. I'm still trying to get all my stuff organized.

Is it a dog or a rat?

2011-06-02T10:23:00.002-04:00

Yesterday (early afternoon) we found this dog (Kevin when he saw a picture called it a rat - I guess he doesn't like chihuahuas). It didn't have a collar and we didn't know who it belonged to.

Animal control came out and scanned the male dog for a chip - no chip. Then we put up signs "Found Dog - our phone number". Eventually the owner came and picked it up. I was glad to see it go - the kids were not.

Strong Willed?

2011-06-02T09:59:00.002-04:00

I just finished reading

YOU CAN'T MAKE ME (BUT I CAN BE PERSUADED)

Strategies for bringing out the best in your strong-willed child

by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias.

I found it very interesting and helpful. According to the book, I'm married to a strong willed man. I think some of our off spring also are blessed with a strong will.

On the book jacket it says...

Gain insight into how a strong-willed child's mind works
Recognize why your strong-willed child may choose not to obey
Learn to share control without compromising parental authority
Discover positive ways to approach and motivate your strong-willed child

I took some notes and am going to try to use some of what I learned to make life better with/for my kids. The book also helped me understand my husband a bit better. (He and I are SO different!)

I would definitely recommend this book to parents and teachers who have/work with strong willed children.

Spelling practice

2011-04-28T11:37:00.002-04:00

Since the girl is missing school today I figured we should at least practice spelling. They seem to like playing in the shaving cream. Can you see her word "loved"?

Play time...

2011-04-28T10:34:00.002-04:00

The girl came home early from school yesterday (not feeling well) so she's enjoying today here at home with me and the little guy.

Currently they are playing with edible dough (1 part peanut butter, 1 part dry milk and a little bit of honey). Fun fun fun.

Closet anyone?

2011-04-28T09:47:00.003-04:00

Bedrooms need a closet so this is the one the man and helpers built. Once the drywall is finished (we are planning to hire someone to do the taping and mudding) we will paint and then the doors and trim can go up. I think Kevin's uncle will be back to help us with that - he's great.

Lofty thoughts

2011-04-28T09:18:00.006-04:00

Saturday (April23, 2011) the man and some helpers closed in our loft. When the project is completed we will have a four bedroom house instead of three. Thanks to the men who helped!

Have a Blessed Easter

2011-04-24T11:37:00.000-04:00

Before & After Hair

2011-04-23T18:31:00.005-04:00

She's giving it to Locks of Love.

Lego house

2011-04-16T15:29:00.000-04:00

The little guy's latest creation...

Shoes

2011-04-16T13:56:00.004-04:00

The girl is happy because she has new light up shoes (I don't usually get them light up shoes but she really liked these and they were the right price.)

While we were out grocery shopping this morning the seven year old told me she needed new shoes (her old ones are in pretty bad shape) so we went to Kohls. She liked these shoes and they were the right price. Regular price $34.99 - they were on clearance and I had a $10 coupon that came in the mail yesterday. So today we got the girl shoes she likes for 52 cents. I love a good bargain.

Pioneer Park

2011-04-14T23:19:00.002-04:00

It was a beautiful day to play at the park.

I am so thankful for friends who watched the little guy at the park while I picked his seven year old sister up from school and took her to the doctor. Pink eye or allergies - not sure - treating for both - no school tomorrow.

Say Cheez-It

2011-04-09T19:45:00.003-04:00

Today is the brown haired girl's 7th birthday.

Tomorrow is #37 for the man.

Happy Birthday!

Good to have him back

2011-03-29T21:36:00.003-04:00

My husband is back from Haiti. He's started a blog. Click here to check it out.

Husband is gone

2011-03-18T20:58:00.007-04:00

My husband left us tonight. We dropped him off at the airport and he flew to Miami. Tomorrow he's going to Haiti. He's going to help with and EMI trip. I think if you click here you can go to the site that tells about his trip.

The outfit and guitar are new - he got them in the last couple of weeks. The white uniform (he called it a gee but I don't think that's how it's spelled?) is for Martial Arts which he's doing with our eleven year old son. The five string bass is so he can join the music team at church - the headphones are attached to a little plug in amp so that he can hear himself practice and the rest of us don't.

We went to a Third Day concert recently (someone invited us and bought the tickets - nice). One of the songs my husband enjoyed is Gone.

I think our nine year old will be very glad when daddy gets back. We dropped him off at the airport about five and then came home. At about 5:45 after having practiced piano she came to me with tears streaming down her face saying "I miss daddy." I hugged her and agreed. Tonight she showed me a prayer she journaled asking Jesus to take care of daddy and not let the plane crash.

sentient

2011-02-28T17:50:00.002-05:00

I had to ask what "sentient" was when my 11 year old used it in conversation at the dinner table. He was talking to his sister about the characters in the book he's reading. He's working on The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne.

Furniture

2011-02-03T07:49:00.002-05:00

We moved the furniture around last night. It's a lot less expensive than moving to a new house. We've been in this house since July 2007.

ICE

2011-02-02T02:11:00.001-05:00

This was the view out the front window Tuesday morning. The kids were off school Tuesday and school is again closed on Wednesday. It's windy here now.

Photo Editing

2011-01-07T08:18:00.002-05:00

Someone told me about a fun (free) photo editing site.

Here's the first photo I edited.

Check out www.picnik.com - let me know what you think.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T22:37:00.003-05:00

It's Christmas Eve. We went to a Christmas Eve service and I just took some cinnamon rolls out of the oven. Yummy!

I think we are ready for the morning. The kids are excited to give and receive gifts. They are all sleeping right now. The oldest is on antibiotics for an ear infection, #2 girl is on antibiotics for a sinus infection and the little guy had a temp of 101.5 when he went to bed. I hope they are all well enough by morning to enjoy Christmas Day.

We will be here in the morning and then head to "Auntie's house" for dinner and the afternoon. My husband and his dad are going to replace Auntie's basement steps tomorrow - fun project for the afternoon after a big dinner and some gift giving.

Hope all of you who read this blog have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!

A friend gave us this nativity and the kids like playing with it.

We got a real Christmas tree this year.

Big Boy's Birthday

2010-12-14T10:16:00.002-05:00

Today is the big guy's eleventh birthday. The pictures below were taken on Saturday when we celebrated.

The game he's so excited about is Risk 2210. He and his dad took off for Starbucks after breakfast and played for 3 hours. Then they played again in the afternoon and again after dinner.

Little Pirate

2010-12-14T10:08:00.002-05:00

My little pirate with his hat, sword, shields and map.

Time for a treasure hunt.

Toy Story 3

2010-11-18T20:49:00.002-05:00

We watched Toy Story 3 with the kids tonight. The 10 year old and I both cried. Good story. I think part of my tears were the result of remembering when we took the 10 year old to the budget theater in West Allis, WI to see the original Toy Story. He was pretty new and slept during most of the movie. He's sure grown up since then.

Tangled

2010-11-09T12:19:00.002-05:00

Last night we took the kids to see the new Disney movie Tangled (opens in theaters November 24th). We don't usually take the kids to the theater and none of us have ever been to a movie before the release date. http://adisney.go.com/disneypictures/tangled/#/home/

A friend gave passes for a preview on the northeast side of Indy (we live on the southwest side). It was a bit late for the kids. The movie started at 7pm. I think we got home after 10.

It was really fun. Since it was a free showing and the pass said arrive early (more passes than seats had been distributed) the kids and I got there at 6pm and the husband was able to join us just as security started seating people. Yea! He was traveling for work and we weren't sure if he would make it in time. Anyway, it was 3-D, a good story and our younger girl even won the drawing for some Disney stuff - 2 sticker books, a video and a puzzle.

A big thanks to the family that gave us the passes.

The little guy was so cute reaching for butterflies and lanterns that seemed to be floating right in front of our eyes.

Art

2010-11-04T20:23:00.001-04:00

The little guy wanted us to notice the square teeth. Marker boards are fun.

Collector

2010-11-04T19:49:00.002-04:00

We went for a walk this afternoon and the little guy collected a few things.

use soap

2010-11-03T22:27:00.002-04:00

bowl + water + soap + straw + Auntie = fun

The Cube

2010-11-03T22:15:00.001-04:00

Today my fifth grader showed his classmates how to solve this fun puzzle. He and his dad watched a video on YouTube and learned how. I'm pretty impressed.

Family Pictures

2010-10-16T21:29:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday #4

2010-09-30T08:45:00.000-04:00

The birthday boy with his gifts and cards. He was excited for his special day to begin.
He's going to spend the afternoon with his Daddy and all day tomorrow too since I'm going to Ft. Wayne for a conference.

Applesauce

2010-09-30T08:22:00.005-04:00

My mom and dad came down this past weekend to make applesauce with the kids. Yummy!

ants

2010-09-22T11:57:00.002-04:00

He told me "I want it."

"Don't suck it up" (with the vacuum).

He likes the ants. I don't.

My little climber

2010-09-22T11:35:00.001-04:00

The floor

2010-09-17T09:31:00.004-04:00

Now that we are debt free but for the house we used cash to buy what we need to put wood laminate flooring in the dining room and kitchen. Here are a couple before pictures. My younger brother is coming this weekend to help my husband install the new flooring. YEA!

Nine Years Old Today

2010-09-06T12:24:00.003-04:00

Nine years ago my redhead was born in Madison, Wisconsin. Debbie took our 21 month old boy for the day (and gave him chocolate milk for the first time). What a memorable day.
Today the birthday girl is out with her daddy. They went to Starbucks and then to visit friends who are at Riley hospital. I think they've probably just finished having lunch at Red Robin and will be doing a few errands before coming home to get ready for extended family who will be joining us for beef tacos tonight. Happy birthday my little girl.

First Day

2010-08-31T15:34:00.002-04:00

Today was the little guy's first day of preschool phonology class. He doesn't look too happy but he was excited to go to school and I think it went well.
After his class we drove to grandma's school to have lunch with her and pick up a baritone for my husband (he wants to play in the annual Tuba Christmas Concert).
Well, grandma teaches first grade and has a chart on her wall with the months of the year. She and the little guy were going over the months and when they came to September he was excited because that's his birthday month. Gama (as the little guy calls her) asked "what do you want for your birthday?" His response was "gun". Gama prompted for an explanation and he said "to shoot targets." Gotta like a kid who knows what he wants.

ALL BOY

2010-08-24T08:40:00.003-04:00

If you are easily grossed out you won't want to read the rest of this post...

In the picture you see a Lego man's hand and a penny. The penny is just there for size comparison it doesn't really have anything to do with my story.

This morning as I was playing with the little guy we discovered a Lego man hand. I was tickling him to try and get the grumpy bug out. He blew out through his nose and along with a big piece of dried snot came the above Lego arm (I washed it off for the picture).

In conversation with him, after I realized what the red thing was, he said it had been there for a while. I asked him if there was any other Lego up his nose. He's assured me that there isn't. I sure hope he's telling me the truth.

The Napping House

2010-08-23T14:17:00.003-04:00

Today we read the Napping House and now everyone but me is napping. The little guy is here along with my friends two girls (the big kids are at school). They are all so cute when they are asleep.

The firetruck

2010-08-19T14:56:00.003-04:00

The public library had a "back to school" party.

A school bus and firetruck were on hand and the kids were excited to sit in the drivers seat of the firetruck.

State Fair

2010-08-11T14:04:00.004-04:00

The little guy and I went with friends to the State Fair yesterday.

Here are a few shots from our trip.

Ice cream, seeing the fish and other animals and feeding a greedy goat were some of the highlights.

First Day of School

2010-08-11T13:54:00.003-04:00

The kids started to school on August 10th.

5th grade, 4th grade, 1st grade and pre-school (at home)

nice kitty

2010-08-08T16:16:00.006-04:00

This shot is for the little guy's great aunt Karen. She's a cat lover.

friends

2010-08-08T15:59:00.004-04:00

We spent the weekend with friends. My friend from college and her husband have three beautiful girls. Her 3 kids + our 4 = lots of kids. The two oldest are ten. The next two are eight. The littlest girls are 6 (their birthdays are just a few days apart). Then there's the little guy - he will be four at the end of September.
The kids had a great time together.

fishing

2010-08-08T13:08:00.002-04:00

On Saturday we went fishing with friends in North Manchester. Girl number two wasn't very interested in fishing.