WanderingGarden

Happenings

2012-01-27T15:38:00.001-06:00

Andrew won an annual award at work. We are all very very proud of him!

Gavin has his birthday party tomorrow. If the weather holds he will get to have his cousins here from CO for it! :o)

Andrew and I are starting to work with the youth at church. This is exciting and challenging.

Seth is making good progress with learning to read and is starting to see himself as a reader.

Gavin has decided he is learning to read, also.
He also cut the dog's fur when he was supposed to be coloring... Sigh.

I will be having surgery in one week on my sinuses.
I am feeling very overwhelmed with everything happening in the next couple of weeks.

Marley is really settling in nicely and is such a good dog!

Brothers at play.

2012-01-20T10:20:00.001-06:00

Haircuts, part 1 and 2

2012-01-20T10:18:00.002-06:00

Gain wanted something longer on top so he could do stuff with it.

Seth wanted me to stop after I trimmed up around his ears. After it dried Daddy and I agreed it looked funny.

Gavin continued to get compliments on his hair, including his faux hawk that he wore to church on Sunday, so Seth decided on something similar. And here are some silly pics from after his and Daddy's haircuts...

Puppet Show

2012-01-20T10:02:00.001-06:00

Seth made a couple of puppets for scouts and helped Gavin make one the next day. I got my very own puppet show!

The pupeteers!

Making toys.

2012-01-20T09:50:00.001-06:00

Seth and Gavin got kits for screwing together their own trucks for Christmas. They really enjoyed this project a lot. Gavin even watercolor painted his while Mommy was busy one afternoon. They can't wait to take their screwdrivers to Papa Buzz's house in March to learn more about woodworking!

Quilting Sisters

2012-01-09T11:36:00.003-06:00

As a girl I always wanted to quilt. Mom started me on doing some handquilting on a pillow which took way tooooooooo long. I realized that I didn't have the patience for a big project ike a quilt, yet.

In my late 20's I started collecting a few quilts because I loved them so much (not homemade ones, though). And tried a bunch of times to get a Christmas quilt done for my Mother-in-law.

And then my little sister started quilting. Can I just say I love having a common hobby with my sister!!!?!!! She is good at all the things I am not when it comes to quilting. That is for sure. Anyhow, I finally decided it was time for me to try again in earnest a couple of years ago. She and I have had numerous quilting phone calls over the last couple of years, and I have enjoyed putting my new sewing machine to work. I have practiced piecing and mostly made quilted bags for people I love while she has finished several quilts. I am so impressed with her.

***Sidenote- I have several quilts in various stages, but none completed. :o). However, I am getting close and working on FINISHING a lot of my projects this year. Am I the only one who likes to pick out the fabrics, but them and then gets distracted by a new project? ***

Anyhow, Abby called me last week with a new project which I didn't think I had time for. A sleepless night later and I decided to go for it. The challenge was to choose a set of 12 prints and 3 solids that could be made into a quilt (using the selection at fatquartershop.com like the big sewing bloggers do). I started with a fabric by Lotta Jansdottor, since I would LOVE to work with her fabric. They only had a few of her pieces, so I picked a color that interested me and then thought about where I would like to go next. I really wanted to experiment with texture and pattern, angles and curves. I decided to really limit my colors to one color and neutrals, white, creams, tans, black. Here they are:

This has been a great experience and it made me think outside the box of what I have put together for the many other projects I have done, more intentional in some ways. So I am going to post this here and link it to the contest. If you love fabric like I do you will enjoy looking at what others have posted as much as I have. Now back to my huge pile of UFO's (unfinished objects)...

Location:Quilting Sisters

Meet Marley

2012-01-03T20:08:00.001-06:00

This dog has some boys of his own. They spent the day learning about each other and playing together. Seth didn't even want to go to Cub Scouts because he wanted to stay home with his dog. Gavin brushed him tonight and has been hugging him and telling him he loves him. Marley is timid and submissive, but starting to feel at home here. He hasn't been eating on his normal schedule yet, and I am sure he is missing his family and brother dog that he used to live with.

I think this nice guy is going to be perfect for our family (and that I must be crazy since I am already outnumbered around here!)

Sewing.

2012-01-03T19:42:00.002-06:00

Seth and Gavin got their own sewing kits for Christmas.

They are working on making snake softies out of socks. They were upset when I told them they had to quit for the day (after 1 1/2 hours of learning how to thread needles and slip stitch.) Very proud of them!

Hats.

2012-01-03T19:35:00.001-06:00

A Few Christmas Season Pictures

2012-01-03T18:53:00.005-06:00

Advent with cousins.Face paintings and reindeer balloon hats from the base Christmas party.
Stockings on Christmas Morning.
Guess who has colored on EVERYTHING this year...
Sleeping under the tree on Christmas Eve.
Celebrating with Grandparents.
More cousins!
Enjoying Nana's Dinosaur.

All I want for Christmas is my 4 Front Teeth...

2012-01-03T18:47:00.002-06:00

Waiting. He is coming.

2011-12-17T10:09:00.001-06:00

This advent season has been one of waiting. My heart has been in a deep place where prayers have few words and deep feeling. I am so glad that the Holy Spirit can intercede for us during these times. Advent. Celebrating the coming of a baby. This year my heart has been so thankful for that first baby, Jesus, and for what God did at that manger. Love, sacrifice, humanity, hope...

This song has really spoken to me during this time. Andrew Peterson's Labor of Love:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQZmni-oeg4
If you have time, please listen to it.

My heart has been holding on to two babies who were on their way. My cousin's baby was born first.

This is Gabriel Ray. He was well loved. He was born without several vital organs and passed away after 35 minutes of life. His mother, my beautiful cousin Samantha, and his father have been so brave and courageous. They have had to make so many heartwrenching decisions in this whole process. My heart is grieving with them in their loss. I am so thankful they got those precious minutes with him.

The next day my nephew was born.

Xavier Alan is HUGE and healthy, and I hear he is a love. I cannot wait to meet him. I am so thankful he arrived safely and that his Mamma, Missy, is recovering well.

I don't have any answers for the hard questions, living and dying. I am so thankful for Jesus, that he came to stand between us and a Holy God, and that he will make all things new again. He is the resurrection and the Life. I am looking forward to meeting my little precious cousin some day soon, and I am trusting the Comforter of all souls to be with his sorrowing family right now.

Advent. Coming. Already, but Not Yet. Waiting.

This I know. God keeps ALL his promises to us. We can trust him. I will keep looking towards that rising light in this present darkness.

Update

2011-12-02T23:28:00.001-06:00

Things have been up and down this week. Gavin had a high fever one day and an achy ear one night, but seems to be holding his own. We got to go to 2 Christmas parties this week.

Today we had an adventuresome day going to see the Nutcracker. This was the boys first experience with ballet. We learned a little bit about the story, musical, music and composer, and reviewed ballet etiquitte. We saw the second act, and when it was over Seth looked at me almost in tears and asked why it was over already. We saw it on a small stage and the costumes bere beautiful, we could see all the faces, and there were a lot of children in the performance. In the prep materials they hinted at a visitor from the North Pole, so Seth was very excited that he had guessed correctly that Santa would make an appearance. Gavin loved the sheep. It thrilles me that they enjoy performances as much as I do, and that we can get inexpensive tickets for school performances to so many amazing things.

Pictures sometime soon. I need Andrew's computer to do some major work on that front and he has been hard atnwork on his masters program. we are so proud of him for working so hard on this goal.

Simple joys!

2011-11-23T20:13:00.001-06:00

Like nail polish it is quickly wearing off, but I have really been enjoying my houndstooth nails!

Eye of the Tiger

2011-10-14T10:29:00.001-05:00

Thanks to a mix cd from Holly we get to listen to this one song on repeat 20 or more times a day. I love that Seth loves music, and I find it fascinating the direction that interest is taking him.

The boys got their first trim up since June, and just around the ears and neck. Their hair does not grow! School pictures were taken today. Now to pack for the mountains.... At least we have music to listen to and motivate us!

Happenings.

2011-10-05T08:38:00.001-05:00

Last week was a marathon of things that needed done. We mostly made it! We ended the week with a birthday party for the boys and then the spent the night with Blake and Emily while Andrew and I spent the night in KS City. We had a great weekend together staying at a bed and breakfast, eating at a Brazilian grill, and watching the Chiefs play the Vikings. (Andrew wouldn't let me bring my knitting into the stadium. :o). I am working on a scarf for Gavin now.)

This week started busy, but ground to a halt when Seth started running a fever. After being uo in the night with him, I am pretty sure he has turned the corner. Yay for spending the day outside and getting things done! We need to get ready for Aunt Stephanie's visit this weekend!!!!

Joyful peaceful moments.

2011-09-27T08:36:00.001-05:00

Lately we have had so many moments that are "just right" and I just sit there soaking them in. Everyone in harmony and enjoying life together. Very sweet.

Quote

2011-09-23T13:49:00.001-05:00

"I'm getting sweaty like you, Mommy."

I have mixed feelings about this one. :o)

Wisdom Words

2011-09-21T10:50:00.001-05:00

In cleaning, sorting, etc. I have relooked at a lot of items in my home more closely than I have for a long time. One of my treasures I rediscovered is a journal of beautiful and wise words I had collected. This morning some of it jumped out at me and seemed particularly relevant in light of our circumstances.

"Do not ask the name of him who asks you for a bed. It is precisely he whose name is a burden to him who most needs sanctuary." - Monseigneur Bienvenu (Les Mis by Victor Hugo)

We are about one month out from completing our homestudy for foster care/adoption. Please pray with us for God's clear direction for our family. We don't know for sure what is next, but we are saying yes to God's direction and blessing on our family.

Children are a blessing from the Lord, and He puts the lonely in families. May our home be a sanctuary and refuge. We are waiting...

Orchard Balloon Festival

2011-09-19T20:37:00.001-05:00

We played and picked apples first.

Then we settled in to watch the balloons.

It started out as a big field with a few vehicles and trailors.

They set up a balloon for kids to play inside of with a bunch of balls.

Then they started setting up the balloons for flight.

This one went right overhead! It was AMAZING!

Lots of friends and neighbors came.

They came back and did a "glow" for us.

Behind us the sun was setting. We had a beautiful and fun evening!

Cousin fun (from July)

2011-09-19T20:13:00.001-05:00

We had friends over and made Stone Soup.

Aunt Beccy managed to find cordinating swimsuits at the thrift store. aren't they cute? I love that little girls will pose for pictures.

Slip and slide with neighborhood friends.

I love this picture!

Stuff I have been making.

2011-09-19T19:56:00.001-05:00

I haven't been finishing a lot of my bigger projects, but I have been busy creating. Here is a sampling of finished projects from the end of summer and the beginning of this fall.

My bag I made for RAGBRAI.

Pocket detail.

Pillowcase made to match my fleece sleeping bag.

Bag to house the tent portion of my cot tent.

Oodles of toy storage bags. Some with clear windows so you can see what is inside of them.

(Side note: I got a smaller chest to store all the "sports" toys in the dining room and am getting rid of the big buffet now that we have all the kitchen stuff back up in the kitchen. I love craigs list!)

Baby swaddling blankets.

Burp clothes.

(Oooops! I should have embroidered it before I sewed the halves together! Thanks to Marlene Dillavou for the fabulous burp clothes she made for me that were my inspiration!)

And last but not least of the finished projects I remembered to take a picture of... My first knitting project!

Now to finish my 4 quilts in various stages of undoneness, pajamas for the boys, winter coat for Seth, clothes for me, gifts for several friends.... OH YEAH! CHRISTMAS IS COMING, TOO!!!!

I don't see a lot of sleep in my future! :o)

Today for homeschool...

2011-09-19T18:08:00.001-05:00

...Seth practiced reading and writing.

We worked on our model of Ptolmy's idea of the universe/solar system. We started memorizing a couple more verses in the book of James.

Gavin learned to ride his bike with no training wheels.

I love doing life with my kids!!!! Off to dinner to celebrate Gavin's success.

Sports.

2011-09-14T20:56:00.001-05:00

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be a sports mom.
Never.
I am kind of really bad at anything competitive or involving a ball.
BUT GOD HAD A DIFFERENT PLAN FROM MINE.
(I am pretty sure that last statement could be the title of a book about my whole life...but that is a different story.)

Sports. This fall.
Ice skating/hockey.
Swimming.
Tennis.

Three coaches. Three times.

This is the thing I didn't get until recently: Seth and Gavin have way more energy than I can think of ways to burn it off, but when they start to get into trouble it is often because they have too much energy.
Starting to be naughty? Run a few laps up and down the stairs.
Acting up in the store? Jump up and down on one of the square floor tiles.
Need to be still at the nature preserve? Take them skating for an hour first.

It works. What I am loving is that it is not taking away from family time at all, that the boys are learning to listen and take instruction from a variety of other people as authorities in their lives, that they are becoming good at things I could never teach them, that they are becoming more interested in many other areas of life as they explore new horizons, that I get to work out while they are having tennis lessons,...

Sports mom.
It is starting to fit.
I think I need to keep working on being more sporty to keep up with them seeing how my 2 main sports skills are biking and climbing trees.

So what is next?
For Gavin I see a lot more hockey and swimming. He pretty much has a one track mind..hockey and water have been his obsessions for a LONG time.
For Seth? Well, he will get at least one season of hockey on a regular team just to learn the basics and learn to swim for safety, but then? Speed skating? Fencing? Archery? Golf (I hope not...)? I am glad he enjoys it all, and it will be fun to see if he does everything like Daddy or specializes in something at some point. It is a real adventure.

Pretty much loving it!
And Seth's scarf is getting longer. :o)

Rough Patch

2011-09-12T08:51:00.001-05:00

Well, we have been busy lately and pictures are coming. I have been having a hard time lately with side effects of the steroid shot I got before RAGBRAI. I never want to have another one of those again!!!! One of the things it does is mess with my emotions and make me feel frustrated and angry all the time. Unfortunatly for the boys, they haven't figured out how to leave me alone when I am in a bad mood. Instead they pick at me and push my limits when they sense I am off my game. One day last week was particularly bad. They would NOT do what I asked, when I asked and we were extremely late getting out the door. As we were driving Seth starts to go on and on and on and on about how he is going to give me a monster birthday party with a monster cake and monster decorations and monster... You get the idea. I finally asked him why he was saying all this. "Because you scream all the time". Nice. Really nice.

We did a soft start on school this fall, and this is our first week in earnest with Mommy and Daddy making a new habit of getting up at 5:30 every morning to get a head start on the day before the boys wake up. I am looking forward to a cleaner house, memorizing the book of James as a family, a lot of fun school projects, trips and activities, and fewer busy evenings this school year.

Pictures coming soon of all the things we have been up to.

Oh, and we have some serious problems going on with our house. Please pray we can find the right people to resolve them quickly before winter sets in! Thanks.

We have one of these.

2011-09-07T19:20:00.002-05:00

Marbled orb weaver.

In the front window making a web. Inches away. Repulsed and fascinated at the same time.

Girls Night

2011-08-20T16:18:00.001-05:00

We are really gonna miss Brooke. We sure did laugh and have fun last night. And my feet are definitely cuter now.

Evidently

2011-08-09T10:07:00.001-05:00

If you drink the laxative powder mixed with blue Gatorade from a tiger cup with a swirly straw it tastes good. We will see what he says 2 quarts later...

This week...

2011-08-08T16:52:00.001-05:00

...we had a rough time getting back in synch. We had cousins to play with again. We found out Gavin had an ear infection (thus the rough week). We cleaned house like crazy people and put together a new island and cabinet for the kitchen. We got ready to start school again. We started school. Seth is taking a summer science camp class about bugs at the nature association. Gavin has become a letter detective. A and a are the letters of the week. Pictures soon.

Happy Birthday, Seth!!!!

2011-08-05T10:02:00.001-05:00

Seth had PLANS for his birthday. The big one was face painting. I got a kit of "professional" paints thinking I would probably end up doing this again. The paints never really dried, and ended up being a HUGE mess. But Seth had a lot of fun and thought it was great. I made a couple of mistakes on Seth's, and we thought he ended up looking like a Sith from Star Wars. he liked it.

Gavin wanted to be a monkey.

Bradyn wanted to be like a Seth.

Once paint started getting on Nana's furniture it was decided it all had to come off. Gross!!!!

Wesley!!!

Happy boy in his "real" cowboy hat.

Reading cards with Uncle Steve.

Two brothers happy to be home after a big trip.

Things that happen when Andrew is gone...

2011-08-05T09:52:00.001-05:00

...it becomes so humid outside that our troublesome wall becomes soggy and the nails start to sag.
...the front door gets stuck shut.
...someone (probably under the age of 6) tries with great effort to pry the shed open to get the toys out and damages the door.
...the windshield wipers on the car get stuck in the up position.
...gross debris is found all over the edge of the couch with no apparent source. Little boys claim no knowledge of the mess, leaving a mouse as the most likely suspect.

I think this list is about twice this length, but I am too tired to think about it all! These random things just rain down upon us when Andrew is gone and I just can't seem to keep up! It is CRAZY!!!!!

It makes me laugh. I am so thankful that he is safe, that we are healthy, and the rest of it is just details.

RAGBRAI, the Journey.

2011-08-03T09:31:00.001-05:00

I spent most of this last year sick. I think that my body just decided that since we had made it to a safe place that it could finally just shut down for a while. I didn't agree. I wasn't happy with my body and was remembering a promise I made to myself as a child. I decided something had to be done, and I also knew that whenever I have goals and plans for myself that when push comes to shove my plans always suffer. To really get in shape there needed to be a firm plan, a deadline, and a financial commitment. And it needed to be something that would be a sustainable lifestyle for longterm health. Since we live here in the Midwest and I have always enjoyed biking I picked RAGBRAI. I was excited about my plan. No one else was. No one else was willing to join me, either. But this was my plan and I persevered. Training was fun and challenging and at times very hard and scary. Doing long rides alone often made me sick to my stomach. I discovered that the heat just did me in every time it was in the 90's. I learned a lot about myself, my gear, and about just doing the next thing because it just has to be done. I spent a lot of time in prayer about trying to do something that was too hard for me. And God began meeting me. At the church on the top of the hill south of the Platte River, where I was able to go inside and use the bathroom, even though the landscaping guy had never been able to do that in all his years of mowing there. In the kindness of strangers filling my bottles with cold water when I had run out in the middle of nowhere. In helping me push through a hard ride I never wanted to go on anyway. I decided to wear my Gramma's shoes. She died a year and a half ago. She was a strong woman. She quit smoking and started making a really big effort to eat and live healthily when I was a kid. At the end of her life she was on Hospice care. And still getting on the treadmill with her oxygen tank regularly. If she could do that then I could do this. I was scared: of the hills, the heat, the number of miles every day, of doing this thing alone... And God kept meeting me and began to provide for me, showering me with his favor: a friend to drop me off and pick me up, getting the tent rainfly on before the first drops of rain fell, and the tent staked down before the tornado sirens started to go off, getting to exchange a water bottle later in the week even though I missed it the first night, a free freezy pop when I was hot and tired, a tailwind and root beer float when I was out of energy and couldn't finish the day on my own, a friend to teach me to pace myself and giving me a ride to the train on time, friends in camp, a worship service midweek, a day off to rest and read and learn to knit, getting to sleep in a beautiful shady spot next to a church under the cross ("we have a night light tonight", yes, Jesus has been and will be a light in the darkness.). All week long I delighted in seeing the hand of God at work on my behalf. I wondered if I have been too distracted to see it before. If so, I don't want to live my life distracted anymore. Daily, hourly, I want to depend on Jesus to help me do the hard and impossible things that life brings. And I will be continuing to pray my new prayer... "Please teach me to bend and not break when the stress of life is too much for me". And I will keep remembering to be thankful for those who have come before us, showing us how to live. Our lives are built on the backs of those who have gone before us, and I am so thankful to have been given such a solid foundation to build my life on. As I biked this week there was a song that kept running through my mind and heart:
Here there is life for me,
Life in such abundance from you,
Here there is sanctuary,
And entering through you I find your peace,
For the shepherd knows his sheep
He's the only voice they heed
So how can I be afraid?
Now that you have found my heart again
For you can warn my fears away
And I won't be alone
For you will bring me home again
Safe into the shadow of your hand.

RAGBRAI By Pictures

2011-08-03T08:21:00.001-05:00

Sunrises.

Beautiful views. Terraced fields.

Huge welcomes from tiny towns.

Bicycle art.

Tractors with ropes between them for bike parking.

Crowds of bikers moving constantly that go on ALL DAY LONG!

"Sweaty Mommy." -Gavin

Views, farms, countryside, bikers.

Campsites - some very beautiful like this one!

More sunrises.

Big blow up cows.

Real cows.

Bikes in odd places everywhere you look.

Old interesting vehicles.

Boone and Scenic Valley RR.

The Scenic Valley.

Photo op with a Black Hawk Helicopter.

Caveman bike.

Throw the rubber chicken through the toilet seat game.

The Mississippi River!!!!!

Best friends EVER!

2011-08-03T08:06:00.001-05:00

Last night I came home exhausted (after RAGBRAI I basically pulled an all nighter driving to MN to celebrate Seth's birthday, and then turned around and drove home again yesterday). What do I find, but that my friends have snuck into my home and decorated!!!!! Yes, I cried.

I can't believe how many of you followed my updates on Facebook, and prayed for me and sent me encouraging messages! My friend Laurie even dropped me off and drove all the way across Iowa to pick me up since Andrew couldn't be there! I am sooooo blessed beyond words!!!

THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!

Cousinland.

2011-07-20T14:25:00.001-05:00

I think my boys are in cousin heaven. Better than Candyland! They even got to skype the rest pf their cousins in OH...all 5 of them (and #6 or #12 if you count the total, not just ones in OH) is working on making his grand appearance. 6 kids and Andrew gone and big trips to be prepped and packed for has finally caught up with me. I am homesick for Andrew. Please pray for our continued health. If no one gets sick this will be our first deployment/major separation that we have not dealt with major illnesses. We are so thankful that we have been spared so far. Thank you for praying for us.

Please pray for my in-laws. Paul, Missy and Sreve have Pneumonia, Sandi has a bronchial infection, and Isai is stuck out of country because the government has lost his paperwork and he is worried sick about Missy and the baby and not being able to take care of them. And I am about to dump my kids on them for a week+.

A little distracted..

2011-07-15T23:55:00.001-05:00

Last night I made a run to the store. I had a lot on my mind, but I was proud of myself for remembering I wanted to pick up a pair of plaid shorts. They had some on sale, and I tried them on to see what size fit. There was one pair left in the color and size I needed, and while I had a fleeting thought that they weren't my Favorite, they would suit my needs. This morning after biking I was getting ready to go with Abby to the VBS finale. I put on my new shorts and looked in the mirror only to discover that one leg was significantly longer than the other. One and one half inches. I joked with Abby that she did something to them (you can ask her why), and was seriously amazed that I had managed to overlook that detail. I decided to put in new hems that matched, and they aren't too bad for a cheap pair of shorts. I need more sleep. Good night!

My boys.

2011-07-14T23:53:00.001-05:00

Guess what we ate for dinner?

2011-07-14T23:52:00.001-05:00

Purple Day at VBS

2011-07-14T23:51:00.001-05:00

Seth starts by giving the camera his death stare.

I finally make him laugh, but miss the shot.

Gavin has lost interest in cooperating with the camera.

The death stare is back, Gavin...quit picking your nose.

Seth goes for a new funny face.

Ok, stick out your tongues.

Crazy cousins.

Overwhelmed

2011-07-13T10:23:00.001-05:00

This year I set big goals for myself. Important necessary things. Taking care of my home and family better. Redeveloping my spiritual discipline. Taking charge of my physical health and building strength and reserves so I don't spend another year sick. Learning to homeschool.

Slowly and surely I am building strength, building reserves, learning, growing, being humiliated and humbled...

I expect too much and overestimate what I can accomplish and am hard on myself when I don't meet my own expectations.

Surrender. Letting God have his way in my life. Getting a phone call of encouragement at the point of breakdown (thank you, friends, who have held me up, encouraged and supported me...you are my Ebeneezers-stones of help that God is using to build a new foundation in my life), prayers, unusual wake up calls to bike or spend some quiet time with Jesus. This journey is overwhelming me... And yet, I am not overwhelmed. Despite my best efforts to sabotage my own life I am being sustained and moving towards the goals He has for me.

It is a joy to learn to delight myself in the Lord all over again. To learn to be interdependent with His people again. To discover that God is making something beautiful out of the shards of my life.

Girls.

2011-07-12T15:26:00.001-05:00

Maggie with her new pacifier.

Hannah.

Audrey.

Boys.

2011-07-12T15:19:00.001-05:00

Gavin sometimes pretends to sleep when we get home from somewhere.

So cute and innocent...

...FAKER!!!

I got growly bears the first time I asked them to run...

...Run! (It was green day at VBS today.)

Jump!

Isaac.

Seth making faces because I was taking his picture...GRRRR!

Cousin hang out time.

Something to show

2011-07-12T15:10:00.001-05:00

For all the projects I have done in the last year and a half since I got my sewing machine... 11 piles of scraps, now sorted by color.

Been a little busy.

2011-07-09T20:13:00.001-05:00

Andrew left. Mom and Dad came bringing Abby + 4. Mom and Dad left again. 6 kids. 2 moms. I am running a tight ship around these parts, and there are some cute kids having a lot of cousin fun.

Gavin is loving holding baby Maggie, and he puts her to sleep he is so calm and gentle!

Audrey

Hannah

Isaac is here, too, but wasn't mugging for the camera today. I will catch him soon. Tomorrow I take 5 kids to church by myself. If you hear from me again you will know I have survived the experience.

Introducing...

2011-07-09T20:05:00.001-05:00

...Maggie Elizabeth Anne. My newest niece.

Daddy date.

2011-07-04T11:58:00.001-05:00

Before Andrew leaves he likes to plan something special to do with the boys. Today he is taking them together on a surprise date to see Cars 2. They are going to be so excited. I can't wait to hear all about it when they get home. They even got Daddy haircuts today.

Nice face, Andrew! Just so everyone knows...I am having trouble getting good shots of the boys these days. Every time the camera come out, so do the tongues. Sigh. Love these guys!

A little bit of color

2011-07-04T11:53:00.001-05:00

I have had limited gardening success so far this year. Half of my gardens are overgrown with weeds . The other half have been in continuous bloom since the first crocuses and daffodils. A landscaper is coming to my rescue soon to dig out the last of the garden rock and bring me a huge load od mulch! Yay!!!! Here are a few close ups of the pretty parts.

Fourth of July

2011-07-04T11:49:00.001-05:00

Soccer

2011-07-04T08:33:00.001-05:00

Seth and Gavin both got to experience playing on a soccer team this spring. They loved it!

Seth was a great defender, and Gavin was great at offensive play and scoring. It was fun to see them enjoy playing so much and to see Seth grow in confidence. He even scored twice in their last game. We have enjoyed kicking the ball around with them as a family, too. Here is one of my favorite pictures...Seth was melting after his game, so Daddy sent him over to sit in the shade of the tree to cool off. :o)!

4th of July Weekend

2011-07-03T23:48:00.001-05:00

We got to go camping this weekend. I biked most of the way to the campground before dark overtook me. We were joined by our friends, and we love camping with them! I took my camera, but was too busy trying to squeeze in bike rides and not miss out on anything. It was HOT the first day (97 - 106 on my bike computer) and I was staving off heat exhaustion the whole four hours I was out there going into the wind, doing hills. Total miles was only 25 for the whole time.

Friday after my ride we spent the rest of the day at a water park. Everyone had a blast. Saturday morning I woke up early and the temp was in the 80's. 26 miles of hills in 2 hours. We went to a safari and got to see elk, buffalo, and other great animals that no longer inhabit the plains. Amber and I took off for a girl's afternoon - ice cream and Bible study in the air conditioning! The awesome Daddies took the kids swimming at the state park beach and bathed them for us.
We had a fun time playing games after the kids went to bed, and then the rain really set in. Can I just say that our tent needs to be sealed? we loaded out at 5am! The good news is that we made it to our home church this morning! After family nap time we headed out to a minor league baseball game and stayed for the great fireworks.

This was one of those peaceful perfect moments when you are all together and doing well and enjoying life together. It was particularly sweet because of the many summers it has been since Andrew could be with us, and we know he is leaving again soon. We are so thankful...

Biking update.

2011-06-30T10:02:00.001-05:00

I am probably not going to meet my training goal of 1000 miles before the ride, but I am getting stronger every day. Now that I have to be doing longer rides I get a sick feeling in my tummy before rides. I am overcoming a lot of fears. I have survived my first wreck, learned how to put my chain back on and repair or replace a tube. I have had to take cover from a storm with the tornado sirens going off all around me. I am very nervous about this ride, but glad for the challenge and opportunities. Please pray that I can be as prepared as possible, and that I won't get so dizzy biking first thing in the morning as I have been. Thanks for all the encouragement and support.

Andrew's Hockey Championship Game

2011-06-30T09:53:00.001-05:00

They WON! The whole team had been growing moustaches for the play off season. Andrew's parents were here, so we all wore rally moustaches to the game.

Someone got a better team photo and picture of our immediate family in moustaches, but I will have to post that later.

Field trip day.

2011-06-30T09:41:00.001-05:00

Safety day at the base fire department.

Tour of the USCGC Gasconade.

You can see from the flooded gangplank that the river was already flooded. This whole area is now under water.

Not too often they let a pirate aboard a Coast Guard Cutter!

The boys really liked sitting in the captain's chair.

Going up the stairs out of the engine room.

Picture from the barge looking back towards the cutter.

The boys ended up having a great time and one of them told me they were going to be in the Coast Guard when they grow up.

Bag, in purples for a dear friend.

2011-06-30T09:32:00.001-05:00

First post from the iPad

2011-06-27T20:59:00.001-05:00

This is a test using blogpress app.

This week at our house...

2011-05-22T21:17:00.002-05:00

Right on the ledge next to the front door we have a robin's nest. I am afraid that two of the eggs haven't hatched because we keep using the door too much...But this little guy is thriving and is now at least twice the size of this pic. I will have to get another one. Soon. I feel so blessed to see a bird nesting and caring for her young up close.
Sad news: 3 of my friends are moving away this month. This is the going away gift I made for Rachael. Kara and Liz's gifts are still in progress (as is my mom's Mother's day gift from LAST year! I think I have a problem, folks!)
My organizer I made on the wall and working hard.
And last week, Seth helped me with assembling this rag quilt to go to a baby/mom in Mali. An 11 year old girl from our church has a ministry making blankets for the hospital there, and we were privileged to help out.
Other news: Seth and Gavin had their last 2 skating lessons (at least till after summer is over), and Daddy got them their own hockey skates and upgraded their sticks (Gavin had outgrown his) and put fresh tape on them. Seth got to play soccer today. He rarely touches the ball during games, but has a good instinct where on the field to move to get in good defensive position. He did have one good run down the field! Gavin missed his game because it was during church time this morning. :o(! Andrew's deployment got cancelled. This means that he will probably be having a new deployment scheduled to leave in June and be gone for longer... This messes up a lot of our summer plans and I am grieving him not being there to pick me up from the RAGBRAI and for family vacations, and also my friends leaving. We are however enjoying having Andrew home with us for a little longer this spring for sure!!!

Flying the Open Skies.

2011-05-22T20:52:00.004-05:00

Saturday I had the privilege of going on a spouse's flight. That means we got to go on a trip on a plane similar to Andrew's. This does not happen very often, and we were going to have an opportunity to do a fly over of Mt. Rushmore. The bad news was that the weather there was not cooperating. The good news is that we had a great flight, I met some new spouses and was able to thank in person the key spouse who helped me solve my snow shoveling problems this winter, and we flew out to Denver/Colorado Springs and home again. We also beat the big storm that hit several hours after we got home (hail - marble to golf ball sized). I got to wear Andrew's headset and hear everything going on in the cockpit and talk with others on board.The view out a big window in the side of the plane's cargo door. We got to walk around and see everything during the whole flight after takeoff - very fun!
They have a window in the bottom of the plane with a video camera attached. We were able to watch the ground on take off, and then climb down in the hatch and check it out. Kind of like a glass bottom boat. :o)
I got to sit in this seat between the pilots for a little bit and ask them anything I wanted to (the navigator was right behind to the right.
Spouses looking out the big cargo door window.
View of the Rocky Mountains between the clouds.
The airplane travels to Russia to monitor nuclear sites in accordance with peace treaties. They travel with their mechanics and their tool boxes that are just like Pete's! Locked down in metal frames for safety!
We got to see our plotted and actual course on the monitors.
The pilots let me come back up into the cockpit for a picture while they circled DIA. "Hi, Abby!"
It was really nice to get a little taste of flying like Andrew does when he is gone on his missions. To Denver and back home again in a few hours - AMAZING!

Happy Mothers Day!

2011-05-08T13:57:00.002-05:00

My boys gave me a great Mothers Day. Yesterday Andrew took the boys on a Daddy Date to the Children's Museum while I biked and got a facial. They came home with flowers for me that they had picked out themselves. The also gave me my gift early - a bikerack for hauling the bikes on the car. Then we went to Andrew's hockey game - they are in the playoffs and his team won. This morning I got breakfast in bed! Today we had church, pizza lunch (keep this in mind for going out to eat on Mothers Day - you don't have to fight the crowds!), and this afternoon we have soccer and I have another bike ride ahead of me.

Quote of the day - last night at dinner (out of the blue, mind you) Seth asked, "Mommy, is there no farting on Mothers Day?" That would be correct, my son, and I will be reminding you of this for years to come!!!!

Happy Mothers Day! Love from NE!

Easter

2011-04-29T13:54:00.002-05:00

I enjoyed making the boys ties for Easter. It may become a tradition. They just glowed when they saw the fabric they picked turned into something they could wear. It made me so happy and the late night worth the effort! We enjoyed a quiet day as a family, and I attempted cooking my first lamb roast - yum. We especially enjoyed reading our new Easter book and doing our resurrection eggs. It is amazing how much they remember of the story and how it is becoming more meaningful to them as they grow. We are so thankful to have received such a Godly heritage and for the privilege of passing it on to our sons.

News From Nebraska

2011-04-28T20:05:00.002-05:00

The wind - I biked into the wind today for 53 minutes. The return trip took exactly half of that time! CRAZY!

Allergy Season: Seth has a bad bout of it for the first time. I also am feeling sick and miserable. I hope I am not making others miserable having to be around me. I have started shots, but it will be months before they take full effect.

Cars: We had one crashed in our yard when we got home from errands today. The guy driving took out a light pole and fire hydrant at the other end of the block, then near the path ended up on the sidewalk/edge of our yard. He managed to thread the needle through the light pole and utility box on the edge of the road and our fence. He came to a halt just before our garden and a second fire hydrant. Amazingly there is no damage to our yard. An eyewitness said he tossed something from his car towards the empty house across the street and got out of his car and danced in the road. The grass was fine. No one was hurt. Not how anyone planned to spend part of our Thursday. The boys enjoyed seeing the tow truck and the police dog, though.

Rumor: I might be getting an iPad for an anniversary gift. We checked them out at the store, and within minutes the boys had figured out how to use them. Seth found an app that helped someone speak to a doctor and tell them what was wrong with them? Suddenly I hear, "private parts" "private parts" "private parts"... Nice, Seth. How do boys find these things?!?

Skating and Soccer: The boys are really really enjoying both (Pictures to come as soon as I figure out how to download the picture from my email. I seem to not be able to do this every other time I try it.)

I think there was another funny story I wanted to tell everyone, so if I remember it I will post it later.

We did get one shot of everyone on Easter, so hopefully Andrew emails it to me, and I can post that as well.

Love to everyone!

Thankful.

2011-04-17T01:30:00.002-05:00

For time alone - even if it is late at night.

For being able to face my panic when I had to take Gavin to the ER on Friday.
That Gavin seems to be improving, that they think they know what is wrong with him, and that we have medications to help him.

For a beautiful day at the zoo with my fun, crazy boys and some great friends.

For a husband who gives up evening and weekend time to get his masters degree and work hard for our family.

Those who inspire and encourage me to keep my focus.

For beautiful fabric and an amazing sewing machine to make things with.

For my mom. I sure miss her lately, and knowing what great parents I have really encourages me. Thanks for always answering the phone when I call, Mom! :o)

For colors. I love color.

For blue skies. And wind.

For my bike and a challenge that is too big.

For "Hosanna!" Knowing that when I call on Jesus to save me, to save us - that he has and will.

Bike Log.

2011-04-11T20:25:00.002-05:00

This was my route (click on the link). It took me 40 min. to get to the park, and 30 to get home. I am thinking being well hydrated and having the wind at my back is a good thing. 13 more miles done. Oh, and I got zipped past by a guy wearing a RAGBRAI jersey (I am guessing he was a good 15 years older than me.) I sure have my work cut out for me! :o)

Cool link.

2011-04-11T01:21:00.003-05:00

This is an update to my last biking log. I found a website that records routes you take, milage, feet of incline... I put in the route I took, and it tells me how much elevation I gained on my last ride: 574 feet. The first day of RAGBRAI we climb 4000+, so I am guessing that riding in this area is going to help me a LOT with getting used to hills.

I just did the route that I took to Bible Study a couple of weeks ago into strong headwinds. That shows .6 miles less than the odometer on my bike, and the elevation graph doesn't show the HUGE hill I had to climb at the end. However, I am guessing the elevation increase is probably in the ballpark, as I am coming away from the river as I bike -almost 384 feet of climb. It sure felt like a LOT more that day!

Log.

2011-04-09T09:46:00.002-05:00

Total mileage to date: 44 miles. A LONG way to go to get to 1000 before the last week in July, but the good news is that I did the same ride I started with - 12.8 miles and shaved 13 minutes off of my time. Then I rode home on the streets - up and down some killer hills. I worked hard, but got home a lot more quickly. I think that has something to do with coasting down some of those hills (top speed 31.2 mph!) NO shame about coasting here. :o) Now to clean the kitchen, organize my home and get ready for a fun cookout with great friends tonight.

Lungs.

2011-04-07T16:01:00.002-05:00

Appointment today. Not going to do anything till we find out how much the problems are being caused by the allergies. Not torture for me today. :o)

Hives and Answers

2011-04-07T11:22:00.002-05:00

Yesterday afternoon I had a follow up appointment with the ENT specialist. They did allergy testing on me. 25 shots to a 2 inch square of my arm. Then a steroid shot to my butt. I reacted strongly to almost every single thing - dust, trees, mold, weeds... I ended up with hives all over my upper body till about 9:30 at night. There is a really good chance that all my sinus issues will be resolved as we treat the allergy issues. I start with getting shots every Monday morning, and figuring out how to fix any mold problems that may exist in our home. I am so thankful to start getting real answers. Today I have a second appointment with lung doctors to find out more about my asthma problems.

Nesting Geese Week 2.

2011-04-06T09:58:00.002-05:00

This is the second week we have walked out on the boardwalk to watch the nesting geese. These geese are RIGHT next to the boardwalk. Last week they were building their nest. This week they have eggs (we got a quick glimpse of at least 4 - Nana showed great restraint and didn't poke her with a stick to get her off the nest!) Last week the big male in the front came at the boys hissing - I hissed back and he has pretty much left us alone ever since. We were told this is their 4th year nesting in this same spot (the female is banded.)This nest was being sat on last week and this week. We did get to see eggs in the nest, but it was too far away to get a good picture of them (there was major drama of a bachelor male trying to climb up on the little island - then the mate came flying in and ran him off - the boys are starting to really enjoy the drama of nature unfolding as they learn to watch and listen.)
This couple is on the other side of the boardwalk, and they were building their nest still. I am guessing they will be sitting on eggs next week.
Nana and the boys looked it up, and they sit for about 4 weeks, so we are guessing 2 more weeks till we see the first goslings.

Skating Lessons.

2011-04-06T09:52:00.002-05:00

I finally remembered to take my camera! The bad news is that I got a funky glare off the glass in a lot of my pictures. This week Seth looked like a pro skating backwards. Gavin has a hard time with backwards, but is working so hard! Gramma Nana got to come see this week and was VERY impressed with their progress.Both boys skating backwards!

Colorado Weekend Getaway

2011-04-04T07:45:00.002-05:00

Abby and I got a weekend with no kids thanks to our loving and supportive husbands. For me, this couldn't have come at a better time. I had a long drive each way, but it was totally worth it. We found an inexpensive B&B, went shopping (the quilt store and the mall), ate Greek gyros (Abby for the first time), Abby got her hair done, we went to the flea market because we felt like it (Andrew made fun of my Aztec salad servers that I got a good deal on), and worked on sewing projects for uninterrupted hours. We planned on going to Church in the City on Sunday morning, but the weather forcasted snow - and the clouds rolled in as we were loading the car. We decided I needed to make a quick getaway. I tried outrunning the storm and was on the edge of the cloud cover till halfway through Nebraska, with crazy strong winds the whole way. We have the winds and clouds here at home today, but it was nice to finally see the storm in my rearview window. Here are my only pictures:
Abby and I lost in the parking lot looking for the car.The storm in the rearview mirror with blue skies ahead.

Happy Valentines Day?

2011-03-31T23:37:00.002-05:00

The boys kept telling me that Daddy didn't have an apron...Can I just say that this was the most painful project I have worked on since I got my sewing machine - rotten pattern!!!! But I FINALLY got it done, and Andrew is just so very excited to be modeling it with his veggie grill tray.

He also was player of the week on his hockey team with two goals. Here he is posing with the Screaming Weasel (did I get that right? maybe it is Screeching Weasel) that he gets to keep for a week. I caught Seth and Gavin standing on our bed admiring it sitting on Daddy's dresser this week.
And can you say "cheap entertainment" - I froze some of their toys and a baby carrot in a bowl of ice. They spent a good chunk of time trying to get the stuff out of the ice. I am going to do this again for sure.
I have another project almost completed - it just needs grommets - but it is going to have to wait till I get back from Colorado this weekend. Speaking of Colorado... I better finish packing and get some sleep. I have a LONG drive in the morning! Back next week with pictures and stories.

Health update...

2011-03-26T20:27:00.003-05:00

...I visited the ENT doc. I still have a severe sinus infection (since November) and he is doing one last ditch effort to cure me with drugs before I have to have a surgery to clear out my sinuses. And I get allergy tested in about a week and a half. Friday, I got a steroid shot in the butt and some heavy duty antibiotic to try and kick this thing. I told him about being so fatigued all the time, and he is pretty convinced we have a mold problem. So we are doing a mold test in the petrie dish tonight and are going to watch and see if anything grows in it. If the problem is mold, I think that means demolition in our master bath, treating that corner of the house for mold, and the attic (as my mother-in-law reminded us that there had been signs of previous mold damage up there - supposedly attended to, though), and then doing a bathroom remodel. This is one expensive sickness as we already paid a lot of $ to get the ductwork vacuumed out (but I could feel myself breathing easier right away.) So all that to say that everything is the same and we are just making a lot of guesses as to what is going on. Hopefully the next few days will at least confirm or eliminate the mold issue.

Making stuff again.

2011-03-26T20:16:00.002-05:00

I had this bin of old t-shirts in my craft cabinet. Been carrying them around for a few moves. I was thinking of making a rug out of them or something. They had a tutorial for making rugs out of old t-shirts in the most recent Family Fun mag - using a hula hoop for a loom, no less. Even easier than what I was planning. I had enough to make a very small rug (a bunch of them would be really fun for a kids room) or a nice sized basket. Since I am in much need of digging out of the mess in the dining room (PAPER IS THE BANE OF MY EXISTANCE!) I have hatched a plan to use this and a hanging pocket organizer to bring some order to my home. I haven't made the pocket organizer - that is coming up next on my agenda this evening. Then to clean and organize my dining room and kitchen. Anyhow, here is my rainbow basket. 14 some t-shirts get a new life!

That should add some sunshine to our snowy/muddy day!

Beautiful beautiful snow.

2011-03-25T10:00:00.003-05:00

Driving home last night in this snow was terrifying and beautiful all at the same time. Glad we made it safe. Wondering how my little crocus' are doing under their wet heavy blanket of snow. We do need the moisture here, but I am excited for warmer weather again so I can keep biking.

Making stuff.

2011-03-25T09:45:00.003-05:00

I saw these balance boards on a blog post recently, and thought - this would be a great thing for Seth and Gavin to keep them busy and active inside. So yesterday I decided that instead of just thinking about it (or cleaning house, for that matter) we should just DO it. I got a stair tread that had been pulled off, and talked a friend into running to Menards with us to get duct tape, a dowel rod, and a smaller saw for the boys to use, and off we went. The boys got some lessons in safety and sawing (I got a great woodshop book that my Dad recommended - great info on woodworking with kids!). We clamped the board and dowel to the dining table to saw, and I think they are gonna need a workbench that is their height - the angles were all wrong for them, but they learned something, so it counts for school - right? AND the floors on that level got a good cleaning when we were done, so that is good, too! Then we duct taped the boards and dowels to our hearts delight, and then playtime. Do you know they are great for banging, also?

I think I am in love with duct tape. I wonder what else I will come up to tape up with it in the near future!?!

And we did some spelling/reading games with our alphabet beanbags that I FINALLY got finished. (Yay for finishing projects!)
Then we went shopping with friends. I don't think I can figure out a way to count that in as school today. Bummer.

Log 2 for this week.

2011-03-23T11:25:00.002-05:00

Rode my bike to Bible study at Starbucks.
6.5 miles into a headwind the entire way.
Didn't know if I would make it.
Took 45 min.

Did it, glad that ride is done.
Now to pick my next ride.

I have to say, going somewhere, or meeting someone is really great incentive to finish a hard ride.

Log.

2011-03-21T19:49:00.002-05:00

I know I am only supposed to be checking email, but today was... well, different. I did check some blogs and the news as well this morning, because we were in the crazy zone 30 min. after we woke up. However, I did fight back from discouragement by making a hot lunch, doing school with the boys, working on a project or two, putzing in the garden, and getting all the ductwork in our home cleaned out. I determined that even if it was raining (it never did rain) I HAD to get my first ride in on my newly tuned up bike. 12.8 miles. 1 hour 6 minutes. And there were my favorite people waiting for me at the end of the trail to cheer me on. It was very good. And Andrew discovered that one reason I don't like to work out really hard around anyone is that my face is red as a tomato. Thankfully it doesn't show too badly in my first biker chick photo. I have a LONG way to go before the big ride, but it feels good to have started. (side note: my glasses have 4 sets of lenses - dark, medium, light, and clear - they work like a windshield to protect your eyes - they look a little funny with the clear lenses in, but they worked great as I had quite a headwind for a while.)And we have the first bloom of spring in my garden today!
Not bad for a rough starting day and cloudy skies. Now, off to shower and do something non-electronic...

Offline.

2011-03-15T08:39:00.003-05:00

Our family is sorely in need of time together without the crunch of life invading. So for this Easter season we are cutting back on extras - computer, tv, evening commitments - and spending time together. We are going to play, work, exercise, and worship together for the next few weeks and invest in and enjoy the family God has given us. This has been a heart wrenching decision, but with Andrew's work and school schedule, we couldn't figure out any other way to make time to rebond and heal our family up before Andrew's next deployment. So bye for now, and call or shoot me an email if you need me. (I will be checking email once a day with the timer ticking over my shoulder.) Love, and call me. :o)

p.s. Megan is the winner. A surprise will be in the mail sometime in the near future. Sorry, Mom, I can't come visit. You will have to wait to see me till summer. :o(!

Head Shot.

2011-03-11T23:09:00.002-06:00

Well, I was going to post a picture of the inside of my head for you, but Andrew told me I should probably take my identifying info off, so you don't get to see all the gunk in my sinuses. :o) Lucky you! After a week on oodles of medication, I am still not improving as rapidly as I would like to. I go back to see the ENT after he gets back from his vacation in 2 weeks. Seth and Gavin were amazing and well behaved during my appt. (which I got chastised for bringing them), and they got to see a CT scan machine and see the pictures explained to them Everyone thought they were cute and well behaved (which they WERE! Huge improvements in the last few days!!!) in their monkey hat and tail and cowboy hat.

Part 2 of our day was a meeting with Mr. Joe who started our homestudy process. We have a lot of paperwork to fill out. The doozy is listing the places I have lived for the last 2o years. Mom- I will probably be calling you! :o)

Part 3 was going to Lego club, which turned out to be play outside like crazy with a bunch of kids in the beautiful weather. I got to visit with some great moms, and have a play date on tap for next week. I didn't take any pictures, but you can imagine a pack of 10+ boys, most ages 7-10 (with Seth and Gavin thrown in) all running around with swords, shields, empty nerf guns, etc. for a couple of hours. And they had a cool contraption - a tube that came with flooring on it that had been hooked up to the leaf blower to blow balls across the yard from the upstairs deck (and a laundry basket hoisting system to return the balls. Very imaginative and fun!

Part 4 - Journey group with our friends from church. I got to play with baby Alexis. She was particularly fussy tonight, so we went to the garage and watched the baby chicks peeping and eating, and then I sang to her for a while, and then she finally fell asleep in my arms. Nice baby fix. Now it is bedtime, and I have to decide if I want to take the boys to a parade in the morning, swimming at the Y or both. Oh, and do paperwork. :o)

Maybe you will get to see some pictures soon. Lots of love, everybody!

P.S. Leave me a comment. You might win something!

Random.

2011-03-08T17:51:00.002-06:00

Things you need to tell your sons that you didn't know you needed to:
1. Don't put little girls in laundry baskets.
2. Don't peel apples onto the kitchen floor.

Things you did tell your sons that they didn't pay attention to:
1. Don't write on Mommy's house or furniture.
2. Be quiet during quiet time.
3. Say "Yes, Maam" and obey when you are given instructions.

Things to do:
1. Make dinner again. (Do these men ever stop eating?????!!!!)
2. Think wistfully about the nap you were swiftly woken up from during quiet time.
3. Forgive yourself for your meltdown that followed being woken up abruptly.
4. Be thankful for your husband financing your biking hobby, and all the toys that come with it.
5. Get off the computer since you already found the recipe you needed for dinner 5 minutes ago.

Yum

2011-03-07T13:00:00.003-06:00

I made up my own muffin recipe today with what I had on hand. It was very yummy. I think I will be making up more recipes.

1 overripe banana
2/3 c. packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 c. blended organic coconut milk
dash of vanilla
2 c. flour
2 eggs
1/2 t. salt
1 T. baking powder
1 t. cinnamon
fresh blueberries

Sprinkled with cinnamon and raw sugar on top. Baked 400 for 15 min. 1 1/2 dozen muffins.

Boys.

2011-03-07T09:42:00.002-06:00

My boys have been getting so big lately. So responsible and helpful. I have been challenged so much as a parent in the last weeks, and I feel the weight of parenting so very much. I am trying to soak in these last months of "little boy" and look forward to what is ahead. Gavin sees things that need done and does them without being asked. Seth is finally starting to "get it" with school and piano. I think maybe he was interested, but not really ready before. I gave Gavin my Cody shirt this week. For those of you who don't know - Cody, WY was my favorite place I ever lived. I loved the mountains, the outdoor adventures, my friends, my church. When we had to move I was devastated. And them my dad came home with this shirt. It was huge on me at the time, and I wore it for several years. Gavin's middle name is Cody in honor of the love and beauty and adventure that go with the memories of living there. How cool that it is yellow, too - Gavin's favorite color! I also learned something about Seth that I did not know. I knew he loved airplanes and talks about them all the time. I kind of figured that was from just being around the base and planes all the time. Well, I found out that he dreams about flying all. the. time. How did I not know that my boy's dreams are filled with flying. I really believe that God gives us our hopes and dreams, so we will be prayerfully seeking to find out what God has in mind for this red-headed boy of mine. Here are just a few pictures of goofing off with my boys this week:

Oh, did I mention that it is "spring" since it is March. And the boys got to get their "Daddy" haircuts again. :o) (Never mind that it snowed for a bit this morning - the robins are here, the bulbs are sprouting, the trees are budding, and spring is HERE.)

Love to everyone from my big boys.

Mamma Mia!

2011-03-07T08:15:00.002-06:00

With these ladies. A LOT of fun. And a yummy dinner. I tried several things I have never eaten before. We laughed a lot. And the musical was great.
Back to my mom job of feeding kids and doing laundry. :o)

Why do I do this?

2011-03-05T21:06:00.003-06:00

I am trying to go to sleep early. Really tired. Gonna check my email and blogs before bed, then I start seeing all these amazing things and I want to make them all and I am not sleepy anymore (just tired) but wanting to go downstairs and start yet ANOTHER project when I have a MILLION that I haven't finished yet!!!! CRAZY!

But they are celebrating the month of the boy at a few blogs I read, and WOW some of the great stuff I can make for my boys and for gifts: peek-a-boo toy sacks, wallets, fort kits, snack/toy bandoliers...

And cute dresses for little girls that I want to make one for myself to go with...

And spoonflower.com fabric to look at!

After we took turns being sick all week I didn't get to sew much and now I am getting antsy to start working...

I will now be good and try and read a book to distract me. Hopefully the tired will take over.

Tomorrow is a big day... Dinner and Mamma Mia at the Orpheum with my friends!!! You may actually catch a picture of me with my hair all done up! (Too bad you don't get to see all my new cute summer shoes since it may be snowing or raining tomorrow night!

Sick Day. Sew Day.

2011-03-01T19:22:00.002-06:00

Boys (all 3) are not feeling well. They watched a lot of movies and t.v. Mommy held them a lot. And I took a break to get my tote bag finished. Original design (experimenting with a log cabin pattern). Side A:Side B:
Handle detail:
Inside bag:
I also helped my friend Liz do some prep work - she is making 20 little fleece capes for her daughter's birthday party on Saturday! Now to do laundry and everything else that didn't get done today...

Work in Progress.

2011-02-25T15:07:00.003-06:00

This is the start of Mom's Mother's Day bag. :o) (A year late...why not!) Love you, Mom!

Happy Birthday M.

2011-02-25T14:44:00.004-06:00

My friend's sweet little girl turned 3 today. It was so nice to be able to make a gift for her.

And I made a second little crayon caddy while I was at it, and used a pretty shoelace for tying instead of the white ribbon.

What do you think?

Just so you know...

2011-02-21T22:13:00.002-06:00

...I got my sewing space cleaned up, Daddy is home, and I have been busy!!!!

Pictures of finished projects coming soon (hopefully.)

Oh, and the first stage of our Foster Care/Adoption training is done. It is a LOT of information, and it is a little scary entering this new stage of life. But VERY exciting to know that we will be ready to serve children however God sees fit when he says it is time. We should be certified by the beginning of April at the latest.

Oh yes he did!!!!

2011-02-16T16:35:00.002-06:00

Seth could use some encouragement, so feel free to leave him comments. He overcame a lot of fears and crashes (one into a big puddle!) So very proud of him. And Gavin wanted in on the picture action. Note that all that remains of his skating accident are some scratches on his nose. :o)

Do you see my bike there in the background. It needs a bit of a tune up, but we are gonna bond this year! (And Andrew says that I can get a new bike helmet if I want - I guess my old fashioned hand-me-down isn't too attractive. No pics of me in it!)

Do you see it?

2011-02-16T16:28:00.002-06:00

Nope, not the cigarette butt that appeared after the snow and ice melted. Right next to it. That little bitty sign of hope that spring is coming.
And another one -that little brown nub of hope sticking up out of the ground. I could only find 2. Maybe moving my bulbs so much wasn't such a good idea. I will be really sad if I killed them all in the name of trying to save them (Gramma gave them to me for a house warming gift the first fall we were here.)

AND another sign we may have an early spring - I saw a big fast strong V of birds flying NORTH!!!! Yay!!!! I am sure we have some more bouts of cold headed our way, but we are gonna make it through. My lungs are GOING to heal, and I am GOING to train for the RAGBRAI. (Praying hard on this one. Side note: waiting on the health system to do it's job so I can make an appt. to see an ENT specialist. Hoping they can get me in pretty quick. Being sick for months on end is a drag. I am learning a lot, though, so it isn't a total waste!)

Come on Spring!!!!

Daddy to the rescue!

2011-02-15T16:50:00.002-06:00

We both got to go watch the boys' skating lesson today. Andrew really enjoyed seeing how much progress they have made while he was gone. Seth was skating like the wind all over the ice. He still needs to work on control and stopping. :o) BUT, he is already a better skater than Mommy. Gavin was promoted to the older class today and he worked HARD trying to keep up with all the bigger kids. He did everything asked of him the whole time, even if it took him longer to get it done. He also fell down a LOT because he was trying to skate as fast as Seth. About halfway through the lesson he face-planted hard (not the first time, but def. the worst), and popped right back up. We both saw it and I was asking Andrew if he was crying. It didn't look like it. But then the teacher scooped him up and skated to the exit. Andrew met him. They were all 3 gone for a while. Gavin had a very bloody nose (all over his coat) and NEVER cried. Wondering if he is gonna get a couple of black eyes out of the deal. All he was worried about was being able to get back out there and play hockey. My boys just astound me. And when I saw the coat I started getting queasy. SOOO glad Andrew was there to field that one!

If you give two men a crowbar...

2011-02-14T15:57:00.006-06:00

...they will want to tear apart some old stairs. And if they tear them apart, they will need to replace them......so they will go to the store to get supplies. While they are there they will decide...
...that they need some new power tools as well. Then they will want to try out all the new gadgets. That will make them realize...
...that the project is bigger and harder than imagined. There is no cold air return ductwork under the main staircase and it BADLY needs vacuumed out. That means...

...that the project will take extra time and effort...
...but the end results will be beautiful. The men will be inspired to finish the project...
..and the stairs will be safe and beautiful for years to come. Thank you, Dad and Andrew!!!!

Happy Valentines Day, Love!

2011-02-13T22:43:00.002-06:00

Thank you for spending your comp days rebuilding my stairs so they are pretty. I miss you since you are so busy, and am looking forward to our delayed celebrations. You are an amazing man, and it is an honor and privilege to be your wife. (And thank you for keeping me in line! I really appreciate it!) Love you purple.

My hockey lovin' boy.

2011-02-13T22:25:00.002-06:00

GAVIN. LOVES. HOCKEY.
When he finally got to start taking skating and hockey lessons he was so excited. Brother had a Wild jersey and he did not, so he asked if he could have one for his birthday. I told him he would have to call his grandparents and ask, since they don't have them here. He got on the phone and made the call. He is serious about his hockey. He plays all the time, everywhere, with anything. By himself, with whoever will play with him, for extended periods of time. There are no words for this kid's joy and happiness over his gift. He loves it so much he told me he didn't want to wear it to skating lessons because he was afraid it would get dirty and he wants to keep it nice. I couldn't convince him otherwise. Enjoy Gavin getting his hockey jersey for his birthday:

1. He has room to grow. :o)
2. Daddy wasn't back yet, to be in the pictures.
3. Thank you Guido and Nana!!!!!!

Gavin.

2011-02-13T22:18:00.002-06:00

I think this little guy is gonna be the death of me. :o) Just kidding, but he sure pushes me to all my limits. Here is a little sampling of a week with Gavin. Eating ramen noodles -one of the joys of his existence. He begs for them for breakfast regularly (thus the picture - he finally got them for breakfast on his actual birthday.) Doesn't he look so sweet and innocent?Here he is in one of his crises. I hear hollering that Gavin has fallen in the toilet and can't get out. I come running (of course I grabbed the camera first!) and this is what I get. Not really sure what all the drama is about, or how he came to be fully clothed in that position (nor am I sure I want to know, but...)
And these are the moments I will want to remember forever. My boy who is always helping out, seeing things that need done and wanting to do them without prompting. LOVE THIS. Now if we can keep this part and skip the rest of the drama....
Well, a mama can always hope!

Boys.

2011-02-13T22:14:00.002-06:00

Gavin's early 4th Birthday.

2011-02-13T22:07:00.002-06:00

We celebrated Gavin's birthday a month early before Daddy left so Daddy didn't miss his birthday for a second year in a row. It was just us, and Gavin got to pick everything for dinner. He just glowed the whole time knowing it was his birthday and Daddy was there. It brought so much joy to my heart.Batman came to the party.
Gavin was loving his chocolate ice cream (made w/ coconut milk - yummy!)
His huge cupcake birthday cake with yellow cake and yellow candles with white frosting. (This kid knows exactly what he wants in life!)
And the yellow dinner he picked. Yellow jello, yellow corn dogs and yellow corn.
He is quite proud of being 4 now.

Christmas in Iowa

2011-02-13T22:04:00.002-06:00

We met Andrew's family in Iowa to see Aunt Stephanie while she was home from Korea and exchange Christmas gifts. Somehow I only got a couple of photos of Gavin and his grandparents.

Snowy Drive through Iowa.

2011-02-13T21:59:00.002-06:00

Yup. I made Andrew pull over so I could get out and take pictures. :o) It was stunningly beautiful. (And you could often not see the tops of the windmills. Crazy!) These are color photo, by the way.

Christmas 2010

2011-02-13T21:52:00.003-06:00

A few pictures of Christmas morning.

And a few favorite traditions (sleeping under the tree, and Advent.)

It's not just me.

2011-02-13T17:12:00.002-06:00

I have been going bonkers with all the boys' antics. They get into EVERYTHING!!!!

Well, I am having my little half hour of quiet in my room, and the boys are playing in the basement with Papa Buzz and Daddy in between.

Sudden outburst from Andrew - boys in big trouble for spraying down a section of everything in the basement with carpet cleaner. He is so upset he says, "lets just gather everything they can get into from the whole house and lock it up."

I have a better and more practical idea. Lets just lock up the boys. They can get into anything and everything. If we locked it up, it would just be a challenge to break the lock and find out what is inside to play with.

Is it bad that it isn't just me, and I am happy about that? :o)

The boys and I spent the day w/ a friend at the zoo in the no coat, sunny weather. All the windows in the house are open. My house is a dusty mess, but I have beautiful stairs emerging from the stress and chaos - Yay!!! Pictures soon. (Mom, thanks again for loaning Dad to us for the duration!)

Off to make dinner.