I recently got Sully new warm jammies. Spiderman and Superman. They aren't so much condusive to calming down before bed! But he LOVES them!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Its a bird, Its a plane, Its...
SUPER SULLY!!!!
I recently got Sully new warm jammies. Spiderman and Superman. They aren't so much condusive to calming down before bed! But he LOVES them!
I recently got Sully new warm jammies. Spiderman and Superman. They aren't so much condusive to calming down before bed! But he LOVES them!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Good things come in threes...
So a little over 3 years ago we announced that we were pregnant with Sullivan, 2 minutes after that Trina announced that she was pregnant...Alexa and Sullivan are 11 days apart and it has been a blast having them so close in age.
Tonight we had another fun baby announcement...
Tess was born in July, Trina is due in 2 weeks. Tonight Kylie announced that she and Justin are going to have a baby in June!!! THREE new grandbabies in 1 year for Cindy. That will make a total of 8 grandkids, 7 and under for her! Lauren, almost 7, Aaron 5, Avery 4, Sully and Alexa 2.5, Tess 3 mo and 2 yet to be named.
We told her its time to add on to the house!
We are so blessed that our kids have so many cousins close in age. They are very fun to watch together and watching them grow up together will be wonderful. Congratulations Kylie and Justin!!
Tonight we had another fun baby announcement...
Tess was born in July, Trina is due in 2 weeks. Tonight Kylie announced that she and Justin are going to have a baby in June!!! THREE new grandbabies in 1 year for Cindy. That will make a total of 8 grandkids, 7 and under for her! Lauren, almost 7, Aaron 5, Avery 4, Sully and Alexa 2.5, Tess 3 mo and 2 yet to be named.
We told her its time to add on to the house!
We are so blessed that our kids have so many cousins close in age. They are very fun to watch together and watching them grow up together will be wonderful. Congratulations Kylie and Justin!!
Friday, September 26, 2008
I just about choked up my pb&j
So Jordan came home for lunch and said, So what's new in the blog world? (hilarious in itself)
I said, well Jody has 4 birthdays coming up in like 10 days and she was asking for gift suggestions...I told him I was trying to think of some good ones for girls since poor Kora has a houseful of them.
Jordan goes, Oh! (VERY excited), last night I saw this informercial for this device that makes your bra straps convert to whatever type of shirt you are wearing so that the straps dont show!
I cannot explain the look on his face or the excitement in his voice.
I busted out laughing and said, Jordan! Kora is 3!!!! Its not a worry for her right now!
He said, I was just excited to tell you for you, not her. That just made me think of it.
I really dont know where this came from. I wear t-shirts pretty much exclusively so bra straps showing really arent a problem for me. One thing I do know...he isnt allowed to watch tv at night alone anymore!!!
Oh, and I love him, a lot. And I miss him.
I said, well Jody has 4 birthdays coming up in like 10 days and she was asking for gift suggestions...I told him I was trying to think of some good ones for girls since poor Kora has a houseful of them.
Jordan goes, Oh! (VERY excited), last night I saw this informercial for this device that makes your bra straps convert to whatever type of shirt you are wearing so that the straps dont show!
I cannot explain the look on his face or the excitement in his voice.
I busted out laughing and said, Jordan! Kora is 3!!!! Its not a worry for her right now!
He said, I was just excited to tell you for you, not her. That just made me think of it.
I really dont know where this came from. I wear t-shirts pretty much exclusively so bra straps showing really arent a problem for me. One thing I do know...he isnt allowed to watch tv at night alone anymore!!!
Oh, and I love him, a lot. And I miss him.
It's all relative
A lot of people have asked me lately if things are returning to ‘normal’ at our house.
I thought about it and yes, it is. A 12 week old is obviously easier than a newborn. I don’t want to dive under the covers when the alarm goes off anymore, I feel like I can handle mornings pretty well, bed time is getting a better routine, everything seems to be falling into place and getting back to 'normal'.
Then I realized, maybe its not. One of my favorite sayings lately is, "Its all relative" And I think that is what we are experiencing here. Perhaps it hasn’t gotten easier, perhaps we've just gotten used to it being harder! I think that is likely the truthful answer.
For example, When Lauren was first born I used to think, how do people do this? It’s so overwhelming. Now when I get to have Tess by herself I think, wow, one baby is SO easy! It truly feels like a rest period when I have her by herself. So like I said, It’s all relative.
I was reminded of an event we attended 4 years ago this weekend. Lauren was just shy of 3 and Avery was just 3 months old. It was a long drive away and I remember Avery screaming the whole way home because she also (like Tess) hated her car seat. When we got home, late, Jordan and I's nerves were about shot. But, wow, I havent even thought of that night in years. And when I think back on it what I remember is that Lauren thought the bride was an actual princess and she was just so precious all night. Avery looked completely adorable in a blue sun dress and everyone commented on how little she looked. The first things that come to mind are the good, not the stressful.
That made me happy...to realize that its the good things that will be ingrained in my mind, not the ones that made me want to pull my hair out!
Things are crazy for us right now it’s true. But I also know that even 2 years from now we are going to look back and these times will be missed. And 5 years from now I will look back and actually long for these days. So once again, It’s all relative.
My focus just needs to change a little. I need to concentrate on TODAY. Or even, this morning. And not look to tomorrow or next week. That's when the panic sets in!
I thought about it and yes, it is. A 12 week old is obviously easier than a newborn. I don’t want to dive under the covers when the alarm goes off anymore, I feel like I can handle mornings pretty well, bed time is getting a better routine, everything seems to be falling into place and getting back to 'normal'.
Then I realized, maybe its not. One of my favorite sayings lately is, "Its all relative" And I think that is what we are experiencing here. Perhaps it hasn’t gotten easier, perhaps we've just gotten used to it being harder! I think that is likely the truthful answer.
For example, When Lauren was first born I used to think, how do people do this? It’s so overwhelming. Now when I get to have Tess by herself I think, wow, one baby is SO easy! It truly feels like a rest period when I have her by herself. So like I said, It’s all relative.
I was reminded of an event we attended 4 years ago this weekend. Lauren was just shy of 3 and Avery was just 3 months old. It was a long drive away and I remember Avery screaming the whole way home because she also (like Tess) hated her car seat. When we got home, late, Jordan and I's nerves were about shot. But, wow, I havent even thought of that night in years. And when I think back on it what I remember is that Lauren thought the bride was an actual princess and she was just so precious all night. Avery looked completely adorable in a blue sun dress and everyone commented on how little she looked. The first things that come to mind are the good, not the stressful.
That made me happy...to realize that its the good things that will be ingrained in my mind, not the ones that made me want to pull my hair out!
Things are crazy for us right now it’s true. But I also know that even 2 years from now we are going to look back and these times will be missed. And 5 years from now I will look back and actually long for these days. So once again, It’s all relative.
My focus just needs to change a little. I need to concentrate on TODAY. Or even, this morning. And not look to tomorrow or next week. That's when the panic sets in!
Wow.
I discovered something else that happens to me when I'm tired.
I can't spell.
Literally in the middle of the night I realized I spelled klutz wrong in that previous post.
Dumb.
Just dumb.
I can't spell.
Literally in the middle of the night I realized I spelled klutz wrong in that previous post.
Dumb.
Just dumb.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Pine Lake
We went to Pine Lake for a short cook out and fun one night this week. It gets dark SO early now!
L is for Avery
The past couple weeks Avery has been spelling her name with an L at the end of it. I asked her why and she told me that she wanted to have an L in her name like Lauren.
I really cant think of anything cuter than that.
She came home with some papers from preschool this week where she had to practice writing her name. I noticed there was no L. I asked her why and she said her teacher told her she couldnt use the L at school.
Seriously funny. I love her.
I really cant think of anything cuter than that.
She came home with some papers from preschool this week where she had to practice writing her name. I noticed there was no L. I asked her why and she said her teacher told her she couldnt use the L at school.
Seriously funny. I love her.
Deprivation
2 things about me I've never liked...
1. I am a klutz...it comes from my mom.
2. I require quite a bit of sleep...it comes from my dad.
So after three months of less than my regular amount of sleep you add 1 and 2 together and get a disaster. I've been noticing it a lot of the past couple weeks. I drop everything, thank fully no children yet. I come very close to falling down our steep stairway - several times a day. Yesterday I spilled a huge glass of ice water all over the board room table and everyone's papers at work - that was fun. Today I smashed my hand between the dishwasher and the cupboard - it didnt feel good.
1. I am a klutz...it comes from my mom.
2. I require quite a bit of sleep...it comes from my dad.
So after three months of less than my regular amount of sleep you add 1 and 2 together and get a disaster. I've been noticing it a lot of the past couple weeks. I drop everything, thank fully no children yet. I come very close to falling down our steep stairway - several times a day. Yesterday I spilled a huge glass of ice water all over the board room table and everyone's papers at work - that was fun. Today I smashed my hand between the dishwasher and the cupboard - it didnt feel good.
Here
Yes, I'm still here. I've got pictures to post but no motivation to get it done.
Lauren has pictures at school today. She was really excited. Cute.
Sully is over the fever he had at the beginning of the week. Avery has a bad cough now but says she feels fine.
Tess is still somewhat congested. I cant figure out if that is why she isnt sleeping at night...
All my other kids were sleeping 10 hours by now, I'm very ready to end this getting up in the night bit. Very ready.
Lauren has pictures at school today. She was really excited. Cute.
Sully is over the fever he had at the beginning of the week. Avery has a bad cough now but says she feels fine.
Tess is still somewhat congested. I cant figure out if that is why she isnt sleeping at night...
All my other kids were sleeping 10 hours by now, I'm very ready to end this getting up in the night bit. Very ready.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Heaven Came Down
Tonight as I was making supper Lauren was coming in and out of the kitchen singing quietly. I listened closer to hear what song it was...and when I heard it my heart was so happy...
"Heaven came down and Glory filled my soul..."
We sang that song in church today. I love that song. My dad loved that song. When I was a kid my dad was the song leader in our church. He couldnt read music...funny! But he tried hard and he really got into the motions with his hands...I'm not sure if the congregation tried to follow his hands or if they just ignored them.
I vividly remember him painstakingly choosing the songs for each Sunday. He always tied them to verses and it made the songs so meaningful to everyone.
He'd really get into some of the songs and this was one of them. I loved hearing Lauren sing it tonight. I love that she loves to sing about heaven and I love that there are little things everyday that remind me of my dad.
"O, what a wonderful, wonderful day
Day I will never forget
When I was wandering in darkness away
Jesus my Savior I met
O, what a tender compassionate Friend
He met the need of my heart
Shadows dispelling with joy I am telling
He made all the darkness depart
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul
My sins were washed away
And my night turned to day
When heaven came down and glory filled my soul"
"Heaven came down and Glory filled my soul..."
We sang that song in church today. I love that song. My dad loved that song. When I was a kid my dad was the song leader in our church. He couldnt read music...funny! But he tried hard and he really got into the motions with his hands...I'm not sure if the congregation tried to follow his hands or if they just ignored them.
I vividly remember him painstakingly choosing the songs for each Sunday. He always tied them to verses and it made the songs so meaningful to everyone.
He'd really get into some of the songs and this was one of them. I loved hearing Lauren sing it tonight. I love that she loves to sing about heaven and I love that there are little things everyday that remind me of my dad.
"O, what a wonderful, wonderful day
Day I will never forget
When I was wandering in darkness away
Jesus my Savior I met
O, what a tender compassionate Friend
He met the need of my heart
Shadows dispelling with joy I am telling
He made all the darkness depart
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul
My sins were washed away
And my night turned to day
When heaven came down and glory filled my soul"
Family Meeting
We held a family meeting tonight and broke the news to the kids that Izzy would soon be going to live with Grandma Barb. I had a hard time telling them with out getting choked up and as a result both girls were sobbing.
We reminded them that they will still see Izzy several times per week and explained that Grandma Barb's house will be fun for her...she can play with Grandma's kitty, Ozzy. (Nice names I know.)
Avery asked me several questions about it tonight and said that maybe she'd go live with Grandma too. I told her that wasn't an option.
Next weekend Izzy will make her move. Lauren wants to have a going away party for her.
I feel pretty good about it all. I'm happy that we will all get to see Izzy whenever we want. We'll be praying for the kids to have an easier time with it than they had tonight.
We reminded them that they will still see Izzy several times per week and explained that Grandma Barb's house will be fun for her...she can play with Grandma's kitty, Ozzy. (Nice names I know.)
Avery asked me several questions about it tonight and said that maybe she'd go live with Grandma too. I told her that wasn't an option.
Next weekend Izzy will make her move. Lauren wants to have a going away party for her.
I feel pretty good about it all. I'm happy that we will all get to see Izzy whenever we want. We'll be praying for the kids to have an easier time with it than they had tonight.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Enjoyment
Right now I am having real trouble enjoying my kids as a whole. When I've got all 4 of them together it seems more like I'm surviving than enjoying and living. I do a lot of time out, correcting, scolding, raising my voice and wanting to go to my room and cry. One on one time is a constant craving of mine right now. I'm not proud of it, and I'm working on it.
I know this will pass. Soon Tess wont be my infant, she'll be my 6 month old, then my 9 month old and then my toddler. Soon I'll have more time, more time, more time....
And then I think, dont wish away her babiness!!!!!! So then, ahhh, the guilt.
But for now, I'm focusing on the enjoyment I had today...the big stuff...the moments I don't want to forget, ever.
Lauren:
She was the 'Star Student' in her class this week. She got to take pictures, toys, books, collections and anything about her that she could dream up. She got to tell her story all week to her class. Then today she invited Jordan and I to eat lunch with her. Jordan had me buy her a flower to bring with us. Seeing her face when she saw her dad hiding the flower behind his back was so sweet. I don't want to forget the proud look on her face when she walked the flower back to her desk and came to meet us at the door for lunch.
(And yes, he is the BEST daddy for little girls...)
Avery:
During nap time today Avery asked if I would cuddle with her. Um, yes. The answer to that is always yes. We snuggled on the couch and she rubbed my cheek. I think she is likely getting the least amount of attention right now. I need to fix that. She gets to attend her first 'friend' birthday party tomorrow. I'm not sure I'm ready for it. But she definetly is!
Sullivan:
He went to the store with my by himself when Jordan got off work tonight. He asked if he could push one of the kid carts. I RARELY say yes to this. But I did tonight. I let him take the things we needed off the shelves and put them in the cart. I let him put them on the checkout counter. I let him carry a bag to the car. As I was buckling him into his car seat for the drive home he said, "I'm your helper, I a big boy. I love you, mommy."
Uh, Sully, I love you too. Wow.
Contessa:
Tonight Jordan went back to work and all the older kids were in bed. I was rocking her and she just stared at me. Just stared into my eyes for what seemed like 10 minutes. She smiled and cooed. I think she was saying, I love you. And Tess, I love you. And I LOVE you being my infant. I am enjoying your babyhood like I never thought possible. Thank you for making me slow down.
I know this will pass. Soon Tess wont be my infant, she'll be my 6 month old, then my 9 month old and then my toddler. Soon I'll have more time, more time, more time....
And then I think, dont wish away her babiness!!!!!! So then, ahhh, the guilt.
But for now, I'm focusing on the enjoyment I had today...the big stuff...the moments I don't want to forget, ever.
Lauren:
She was the 'Star Student' in her class this week. She got to take pictures, toys, books, collections and anything about her that she could dream up. She got to tell her story all week to her class. Then today she invited Jordan and I to eat lunch with her. Jordan had me buy her a flower to bring with us. Seeing her face when she saw her dad hiding the flower behind his back was so sweet. I don't want to forget the proud look on her face when she walked the flower back to her desk and came to meet us at the door for lunch.
(And yes, he is the BEST daddy for little girls...)
Avery:
During nap time today Avery asked if I would cuddle with her. Um, yes. The answer to that is always yes. We snuggled on the couch and she rubbed my cheek. I think she is likely getting the least amount of attention right now. I need to fix that. She gets to attend her first 'friend' birthday party tomorrow. I'm not sure I'm ready for it. But she definetly is!
Sullivan:
He went to the store with my by himself when Jordan got off work tonight. He asked if he could push one of the kid carts. I RARELY say yes to this. But I did tonight. I let him take the things we needed off the shelves and put them in the cart. I let him put them on the checkout counter. I let him carry a bag to the car. As I was buckling him into his car seat for the drive home he said, "I'm your helper, I a big boy. I love you, mommy."
Uh, Sully, I love you too. Wow.
Contessa:
Tonight Jordan went back to work and all the older kids were in bed. I was rocking her and she just stared at me. Just stared into my eyes for what seemed like 10 minutes. She smiled and cooed. I think she was saying, I love you. And Tess, I love you. And I LOVE you being my infant. I am enjoying your babyhood like I never thought possible. Thank you for making me slow down.
One year
Last year in September Sullivan was just really starting to take off with walking...at 19 months.
God was answering many prayers for us. There are still moments in my day when just seeing him run into a room can bring tears to my eyes.
Pictures of him simply walking will probably always be some of my favorites.
Oh how I love you Sully. I love it that you are a constant reminder that God answers prayers and performs what can seem impossible.
God was answering many prayers for us. There are still moments in my day when just seeing him run into a room can bring tears to my eyes.
Pictures of him simply walking will probably always be some of my favorites.
Oh how I love you Sully. I love it that you are a constant reminder that God answers prayers and performs what can seem impossible.
Decorah
The last time we were at Decorah was almost exactly 2 years ago. Avery was just 2 and Sully was 6 months. This trip was a little different for both of them!
Tess thought the waterfall was a great place for a nap.
Tess thought the waterfall was a great place for a nap.
Great Grandma Tope
Jordan took the day off work yesterday and he, my mom and the three younger kids and I all went to visit my grandma and then head to Decorah to celebrate the great weather.
We didn't tell my grandma that anyone but my mom was coming. I think its fair to say that she was slightly happy to see her little friends Avery and Sully walk in the door...she kept telling everyone that she and Sully loved to play motorcycles together.
And then she got to hold and show off Tess...so she had a wonderful day.
Tess does not really like riding in her carseat...she was very happy to get out and stretch!
We didn't tell my grandma that anyone but my mom was coming. I think its fair to say that she was slightly happy to see her little friends Avery and Sully walk in the door...she kept telling everyone that she and Sully loved to play motorcycles together.
And then she got to hold and show off Tess...so she had a wonderful day.
Tess does not really like riding in her carseat...she was very happy to get out and stretch!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
And so it begins...
Tess is a bit under the weather. Really just a head cold I think, but when you're 2.5 months that means you cant breathe well and what you eat comes back up filled with mucus and you cant sleep real well.
Thankfully it hasn't changed her happy grin...yet. She's still all smiles...so far.
Anyway, I just put her to bed and as I was walking up the stairs with her she threw up her entire bottle all over the two of us. I got us both cleaned up and sat rocking her in her room. I decided she needed a special something...so I grabbed her yellow soothy blanket. She's too small to sleep with it yet so she hasn't been introduced. I put it on my shoulder and it was like she became a wild dog for the thing. She grabbed it and smashed her face repeatedly into it and then stuck part of it and her fist in her mouth and fell asleep. I wish I'd had the video camera going.
This is what Sullivan does with his blanket. Blanket and thumb go in the mouth and he's out.
I had to take the blanket away when I put her in her crib and hopefully she'll settle for just her fist!
Seriously, these blankets are the best things for my kids. I love it that they have all been so in love with them. So sweet.
Thankfully it hasn't changed her happy grin...yet. She's still all smiles...so far.
Anyway, I just put her to bed and as I was walking up the stairs with her she threw up her entire bottle all over the two of us. I got us both cleaned up and sat rocking her in her room. I decided she needed a special something...so I grabbed her yellow soothy blanket. She's too small to sleep with it yet so she hasn't been introduced. I put it on my shoulder and it was like she became a wild dog for the thing. She grabbed it and smashed her face repeatedly into it and then stuck part of it and her fist in her mouth and fell asleep. I wish I'd had the video camera going.
This is what Sullivan does with his blanket. Blanket and thumb go in the mouth and he's out.
I had to take the blanket away when I put her in her crib and hopefully she'll settle for just her fist!
Seriously, these blankets are the best things for my kids. I love it that they have all been so in love with them. So sweet.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
While the cats away...
This is some of what the kids did with Rosanna.
Sully, of course, played cars
They went to the wet, muddy park
Sully ready to get up on Sunday morning!
Rosanna!!!
Sully, of course, played cars
They went to the wet, muddy park
Sully ready to get up on Sunday morning!
Rosanna!!!
And I'm in tears...
Our babysitter just called me at work.
She said, 'I'm sorry to bother you but I just had to tell you the sweetest story.' (I can tell she is crying as she's telling me).
Out of the blue at lunch today one of the kids says, "Can we pray today?"
Stacie says, 'Sure. Why don't you do it.' He says 'No, I want you to.'
Avery pipes up..."No, I'll pray for us."
(Yep, Im bawling).
She bows her head and folds her hands and waits for everyone else to do the same, then she starts. "Jesus, Thank you for my mommy and daddy at work today, please keep them safe. And Jesus, thank you for my family, Lauren, Sully and Tess. And Jesus Thank you for Stacie's. And for my friends. Amen."
Stacie said after that everyone wanted to pray. She told them they'd start taking turns every day.
Stacie said the little boy who started it all said, 'I dont know how to pray except for Now I lay me down to sleep. But I'll try, like Avery.'
The craziest part is that last night at our supper table we were praying and someone said something about praying at Stacie's house. We told Avery that she can pray there too. That converstation totally prepared her for her opportunity today.
She is four; He is already using her. I knew that little girl was special.
She said, 'I'm sorry to bother you but I just had to tell you the sweetest story.' (I can tell she is crying as she's telling me).
Out of the blue at lunch today one of the kids says, "Can we pray today?"
Stacie says, 'Sure. Why don't you do it.' He says 'No, I want you to.'
Avery pipes up..."No, I'll pray for us."
(Yep, Im bawling).
She bows her head and folds her hands and waits for everyone else to do the same, then she starts. "Jesus, Thank you for my mommy and daddy at work today, please keep them safe. And Jesus, thank you for my family, Lauren, Sully and Tess. And Jesus Thank you for Stacie's. And for my friends. Amen."
Stacie said after that everyone wanted to pray. She told them they'd start taking turns every day.
Stacie said the little boy who started it all said, 'I dont know how to pray except for Now I lay me down to sleep. But I'll try, like Avery.'
The craziest part is that last night at our supper table we were praying and someone said something about praying at Stacie's house. We told Avery that she can pray there too. That converstation totally prepared her for her opportunity today.
She is four; He is already using her. I knew that little girl was special.
Explanation
I realized that the title of my last post might make it sound like I was saying that I was suprised that I missed Tess while we were gone this weekend.
Yes, I did miss her and No, I was not suprised by it.
It was Avery who sounded suprised by how much she missed her sister!
Yes, I did miss her and No, I was not suprised by it.
It was Avery who sounded suprised by how much she missed her sister!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
I missed her!
All the kids missed Tess a lot. They were so excited to see her again.
Avery asked to hold her about 34 times tonight.
Avery asked to hold her about 34 times tonight.
First Run
Lauren went on her first run tonight. Jordan took her down to the new track. She LOVED it. She might be my daughter after all!
All Smiles
Jordan and I had a night away this weekend and it was just what the dr. ordered.
Nothing too exciting...Jordan watched football with my brother and ate wings. I got to go shopping with my niece and we all took afternoon naps like 3 year olds. Later we all met up with my sister-in-law and went out for a wonderful dinner. (And during dinner I didn't have to clean anyone's face or break up any fights!!!)
The three older kids had some fun time with one of their favorite people - Rosanna. Sully hardly even said good-bye to me when we left. He just wanted to play with Rosanna.
Tess got to spend some time with both of her grandmas while we were gone.
Cindy sent me this pic of Tess's time at her house. I think she had fun.
Tess's face kind of sums up how I'm feeling tonight...very happy, relaxed and kind of sleepy!
Nothing too exciting...Jordan watched football with my brother and ate wings. I got to go shopping with my niece and we all took afternoon naps like 3 year olds. Later we all met up with my sister-in-law and went out for a wonderful dinner. (And during dinner I didn't have to clean anyone's face or break up any fights!!!)
The three older kids had some fun time with one of their favorite people - Rosanna. Sully hardly even said good-bye to me when we left. He just wanted to play with Rosanna.
Tess got to spend some time with both of her grandmas while we were gone.
Cindy sent me this pic of Tess's time at her house. I think she had fun.
Tess's face kind of sums up how I'm feeling tonight...very happy, relaxed and kind of sleepy!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Now I've seen it all...
This afternoon I asked Avery to go blow her nose and then wash her hands. She'd been in the kitchen for a bit when I heard her yell, "Mommy?!"
I was heading into the kitchen as she called and I said "What's up?"
When I saw her face she looked really guilty.
She responded with, "Uh, I love you...?"
I was messing with my cell phone trying to plug it in and also thinking about my grocery list on the counter. So I didn't think too much about the guilty look.
A couple moments passed and she was still standing there. I looked up at her and she said, "Uh, Actually I did do something."
"Whats that Avery?" (Im still not paying much attention at this point...)
Avery, "Well I put my kleenex in the candle." (which is burning on the counter by the sink)
Me, "Well where is the kleenex now?" (I'm still totally calm, I didn't think she actually got it on fire)
Avery, "Its in the trash."
I slowly walk to the trash under the sink. Seriously, I'm still messing with my cell phone at this point. I'm thinking a kleenex that ALMOST touched the fire is in the trash.
I opened the door to the cupboard to find it ENGULFED in FLAMES!
I screamed. Loud.
I grabbed it and tried to shove it under the faucet but it was too big. So I threw it outside and kind of jumped on it. (I KNOW! I Dont know why, I just went into surival mode. Im lucky I dont have burns all over my hands and feet!)
The trash can is ruined, my kitchen smells like burned plastic.
THANK GOODNESS she told me.
I had just put Sully and Tess down for afternoon naps. Which means Avery and I were headed into the living room for quiet time. The next time I would have gone in there would likely not have been until the smoke alarm was going off and my kitchen cabinets were wiped out.
I sent her to her room and cleaned it up and just sat in the kitchen. What was I to do? Obviously she had to be punished. But Avery is notorius for doing naughty things and then trying to hide them. I didn't want to get so upset with her that she'd not tell me the next time she starts my house on fire!
After about 15 minutes I went in and we had a long talk. She told me that she didn't think 'candle fire' could hurt you. She thought it was only pretty, not scary. I think all mom's with candles need to know that four year olds thing 'candle fire' can't hurt you!
I guess now we know, when Avery looks guilty...investigate. And possibly, no more candles.
ARGH!
I was heading into the kitchen as she called and I said "What's up?"
When I saw her face she looked really guilty.
She responded with, "Uh, I love you...?"
I was messing with my cell phone trying to plug it in and also thinking about my grocery list on the counter. So I didn't think too much about the guilty look.
A couple moments passed and she was still standing there. I looked up at her and she said, "Uh, Actually I did do something."
"Whats that Avery?" (Im still not paying much attention at this point...)
Avery, "Well I put my kleenex in the candle." (which is burning on the counter by the sink)
Me, "Well where is the kleenex now?" (I'm still totally calm, I didn't think she actually got it on fire)
Avery, "Its in the trash."
I slowly walk to the trash under the sink. Seriously, I'm still messing with my cell phone at this point. I'm thinking a kleenex that ALMOST touched the fire is in the trash.
I opened the door to the cupboard to find it ENGULFED in FLAMES!
I screamed. Loud.
I grabbed it and tried to shove it under the faucet but it was too big. So I threw it outside and kind of jumped on it. (I KNOW! I Dont know why, I just went into surival mode. Im lucky I dont have burns all over my hands and feet!)
The trash can is ruined, my kitchen smells like burned plastic.
THANK GOODNESS she told me.
I had just put Sully and Tess down for afternoon naps. Which means Avery and I were headed into the living room for quiet time. The next time I would have gone in there would likely not have been until the smoke alarm was going off and my kitchen cabinets were wiped out.
I sent her to her room and cleaned it up and just sat in the kitchen. What was I to do? Obviously she had to be punished. But Avery is notorius for doing naughty things and then trying to hide them. I didn't want to get so upset with her that she'd not tell me the next time she starts my house on fire!
After about 15 minutes I went in and we had a long talk. She told me that she didn't think 'candle fire' could hurt you. She thought it was only pretty, not scary. I think all mom's with candles need to know that four year olds thing 'candle fire' can't hurt you!
I guess now we know, when Avery looks guilty...investigate. And possibly, no more candles.
ARGH!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Bookworm
I remember the day we brought Lauren home from the hospital as a newborn and just about the first thing Jordan did was to read to her. We were constantly reading to that child. And now, she loves to read more than anything.
I've worried that my younger children would never want to read because our time to sit and read to them has dwindled. But I wont have to worry about that with Contessa. Apparently I do not need to read to her. It seems that I have others to do that for me. I turn around and find this time and time again. I LOVE it. So does she.
I've worried that my younger children would never want to read because our time to sit and read to them has dwindled. But I wont have to worry about that with Contessa. Apparently I do not need to read to her. It seems that I have others to do that for me. I turn around and find this time and time again. I LOVE it. So does she.
Sweetheart
There is a sweetness about this little baby that can't be explained.
She has her parents, siblings and grandparents exactly where she wants them.
She also had a wonderful first week with our sitter. She's got her wrapped around her little finger as well. Stacie said they did 'a lot of cuddling'. Tess slept wonderfully there and ate more in each bottle than I can get her to eat...things are starting out great!
What did we do before Tess?
She has her parents, siblings and grandparents exactly where she wants them.
She also had a wonderful first week with our sitter. She's got her wrapped around her little finger as well. Stacie said they did 'a lot of cuddling'. Tess slept wonderfully there and ate more in each bottle than I can get her to eat...things are starting out great!
What did we do before Tess?
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Siblings or Cousins?
I think Dennis took this picture at Adventureland on Sunday. Really, the three of them could be sisters and brother - who would know that Lauren is actually their cousin?
Monday, September 08, 2008
And sometimes...Y
So I picked Lauren up from school today and she said, "Mommy, today we learned about, uh, it starts with a V and its the letters A, E, I, O, U." long pause.
me, "Are you talking about Vowels?"
Lauren, "YES!"
me, "Well that's cool. What did you learn about them?"
Lauren, "They are in all words."
So then the topic switched.
A couple moments later...
Lauren, "OH! And sometimes Y!!!! Y can be a vowel too. Sometimes. I forgot to tell you that part!!!"
She is just cute. And sweet. And fun.
me, "Are you talking about Vowels?"
Lauren, "YES!"
me, "Well that's cool. What did you learn about them?"
Lauren, "They are in all words."
So then the topic switched.
A couple moments later...
Lauren, "OH! And sometimes Y!!!! Y can be a vowel too. Sometimes. I forgot to tell you that part!!!"
She is just cute. And sweet. And fun.
Steadfast
God never forgets His promises. In turn, He intends for His children never to forget His faithfullness to fulfill them. (Praying God's Word - Beth Moore)
There are moments in my role as mother that I am not proud of. Times when my patience is short and my tongue and temper are quick. Times when I am at my limit and I think there is no way I can do this for one more day, or even hour. Times when my kids must look at me and think, You arent the mommy I want!
But I have such a wonderful promise...
1 Peter 5:10
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
What I want most is for my children to see me as steadfast - unchanging. When times are crazy I want to be the same mom I am when times are fun and easy. (Or easier at least.)
And God has promised me that he can do that. He will try me and bring me forth stronger. As I cling to that I pray that my children will forgive my short temper and my tired face. I pray that they will remember my laughter and my smile as I watch them bring me joy.
I am so blessed by my Savior who has given me so many promises and is so faithful to fulfill them.
There are moments in my role as mother that I am not proud of. Times when my patience is short and my tongue and temper are quick. Times when I am at my limit and I think there is no way I can do this for one more day, or even hour. Times when my kids must look at me and think, You arent the mommy I want!
But I have such a wonderful promise...
1 Peter 5:10
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
What I want most is for my children to see me as steadfast - unchanging. When times are crazy I want to be the same mom I am when times are fun and easy. (Or easier at least.)
And God has promised me that he can do that. He will try me and bring me forth stronger. As I cling to that I pray that my children will forgive my short temper and my tired face. I pray that they will remember my laughter and my smile as I watch them bring me joy.
I am so blessed by my Savior who has given me so many promises and is so faithful to fulfill them.
Blur
I can't believe another weekend has flown by. It was a blur of activity.
Saturday night we took the kids and my mom to the Taste Iowa event. Jordan had to serve part of the meal for the bank and that left my mom and I with the 4 kids. They did pretty well. Some strange man came and told me that I had Tess dressed too warmly and that she needed to learn to climatize. What?
Sunday was Jordan's parents 35th Wedding Anniversary. We decided to suprise them with a family outing to Adventureland. We all met right when the park opened and it was the perfect day. There were no breakdowns from the kids and everyone just had fun. Aaron and Alexa get along so well with our kids. I love watching them all together. They are lucky to have cousins so close in age.
The girls are so lucky their dad is such a good sport and took them on all the water rides even though it was not warm enough. Avery got completely drenched and loved every second. Sullivan was not afraid to go on any ride. He would have done the roller coasters if we'd let him. I think his favorite was the cars and trucks and bumper cars! Lauren and I had a blast together on the Himalayan...I swear her laugh on that ride is priceless. Jordan even got me on the Dragon. And now I will need to go to the Chiropractor this week. After the full day of fun we went out to eat and then headed home. Getting home super late made for a rough start to this week.
Tess started at the sitter today - it was even harder to do than I had thought it would be. I know she is in capable hands - but shes not in my hands. ugh. Lauren's back in school, Avery has her first week of 2 days of preschool, and Awana starts this week.
I guess we're off and running! Pictures from Adventureland later!
Saturday night we took the kids and my mom to the Taste Iowa event. Jordan had to serve part of the meal for the bank and that left my mom and I with the 4 kids. They did pretty well. Some strange man came and told me that I had Tess dressed too warmly and that she needed to learn to climatize. What?
Sunday was Jordan's parents 35th Wedding Anniversary. We decided to suprise them with a family outing to Adventureland. We all met right when the park opened and it was the perfect day. There were no breakdowns from the kids and everyone just had fun. Aaron and Alexa get along so well with our kids. I love watching them all together. They are lucky to have cousins so close in age.
The girls are so lucky their dad is such a good sport and took them on all the water rides even though it was not warm enough. Avery got completely drenched and loved every second. Sullivan was not afraid to go on any ride. He would have done the roller coasters if we'd let him. I think his favorite was the cars and trucks and bumper cars! Lauren and I had a blast together on the Himalayan...I swear her laugh on that ride is priceless. Jordan even got me on the Dragon. And now I will need to go to the Chiropractor this week. After the full day of fun we went out to eat and then headed home. Getting home super late made for a rough start to this week.
Tess started at the sitter today - it was even harder to do than I had thought it would be. I know she is in capable hands - but shes not in my hands. ugh. Lauren's back in school, Avery has her first week of 2 days of preschool, and Awana starts this week.
I guess we're off and running! Pictures from Adventureland later!
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Shocking
Avery and I took Tess for her 2 month well baby appointment today. On the drive over I was talking to Cassie on the phone and she commented that Tess looked big in the pictures. I agreed and said I bet she weighed 12 lbs or more...getting close to what Sully weighed at this point. I told Cassie that Avery was excited to see Tess get her shots. And Avery had told Tess that she could squeeze her hand so it didnt hurt as much (cute!). Cassie said she bet that Avery would actually be pretty upset by it, I said no way, not Avery.
Well I was in for 2 shocks a the appointment.
1. Tess weighs only 10 lbs 3 ou.!!!! I asked the nurse if the scale could be wrong and she said no. And since its the same scale she's been weighed on since we left the hospital, I guess its right...weird!
2. Avery balwed uncontrollably during the shots. Avery, not Tess. Tess screamed for a bit, but Avery bawled. I had to have the nurse pick Tess up because I had to hold Avery. She kept saying, "I didnt want my sister to cry, I didn't want them to give her shots." It may have been one of the sweetest displays of sisterly love I've ever witnessed.
Anyway, Tess is in the 25th% for everything - which is also weird for height because she seemes insanely long and every comments that she seems very tall. But their technique for measuring height is not what I'd call real accurate! Jordan was excited to hear that her head size is also 25th% - all the other kids heads are off the charts...he blames my side of the family for that!
Here are the stats on the other kids at 2 months of age. I love to compare:
Lauren 11 lbs. 3 ou.
Avery 10 lbs 13 ou.
Sullivan 12 lbs 13 ou.
Tess 10 lbs 3 ou. I cant believe she's the smallest.
Well I was in for 2 shocks a the appointment.
1. Tess weighs only 10 lbs 3 ou.!!!! I asked the nurse if the scale could be wrong and she said no. And since its the same scale she's been weighed on since we left the hospital, I guess its right...weird!
2. Avery balwed uncontrollably during the shots. Avery, not Tess. Tess screamed for a bit, but Avery bawled. I had to have the nurse pick Tess up because I had to hold Avery. She kept saying, "I didnt want my sister to cry, I didn't want them to give her shots." It may have been one of the sweetest displays of sisterly love I've ever witnessed.
Anyway, Tess is in the 25th% for everything - which is also weird for height because she seemes insanely long and every comments that she seems very tall. But their technique for measuring height is not what I'd call real accurate! Jordan was excited to hear that her head size is also 25th% - all the other kids heads are off the charts...he blames my side of the family for that!
Here are the stats on the other kids at 2 months of age. I love to compare:
Lauren 11 lbs. 3 ou.
Avery 10 lbs 13 ou.
Sullivan 12 lbs 13 ou.
Tess 10 lbs 3 ou. I cant believe she's the smallest.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Miss Responsible
Tonight Lauren said, "Mommy, from now on when I'm home and not at school I want to clean things."
Mom, "What? You mean like clean the house?"
Lauren, "Yes, I want to help you clean?"
Mom, "Why Lauren? Did someone say something about helping out at home while you were at school today?"
Lauren, "We talked about being responsible and I want to have responsibility."
Mom, "Ok..." dumbfounded.
What child says she wants to have resposibility? Normally by the time they understand that word isn't it no longer fun to help out? I think I better make the most out of this while I can. Still a little in shock by this conversation.
Mom, "What? You mean like clean the house?"
Lauren, "Yes, I want to help you clean?"
Mom, "Why Lauren? Did someone say something about helping out at home while you were at school today?"
Lauren, "We talked about being responsible and I want to have responsibility."
Mom, "Ok..." dumbfounded.
What child says she wants to have resposibility? Normally by the time they understand that word isn't it no longer fun to help out? I think I better make the most out of this while I can. Still a little in shock by this conversation.
Daddy's girl
Tess is proving to follow in her sisters' footsteps and be a Daddy's girl through and through. Its a good thing I've got Sully.
Jordan said the best part of his day today was when she looked up at him during a bottle and gave him the most beautiful smile. She is one lucky girl to have such a sweet daddy. And he is one lucky daddy to have so many beautiful little girls who adore him.
I mean come on...look at those precious smiles she gives him.
Jordan said the best part of his day today was when she looked up at him during a bottle and gave him the most beautiful smile. She is one lucky girl to have such a sweet daddy. And he is one lucky daddy to have so many beautiful little girls who adore him.
I mean come on...look at those precious smiles she gives him.
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