Saturday, May 19, 2007

Sweet music to my ears

As I was fixing supper tonight, John came down the stairs singing "I have decided to follow Jesus". It was sweet music to my ears and made it worth all the times we've listened to the hymns for kids CD over and over and over and over and over again. Hymns are so full of theology and it is wonderful to hear it flow from my children's mouths.

Friday, May 18, 2007

I got to drive the truck today. We have a minivan--a must have item for a family our size. I normally drive the minivan, but today I got to drive the truck. We have a rule (albeit unspoken) that whoever doesn't have the kids with them gets to drive the truck. It's a big deal!!!(except for Joe who gets to drive it to work everyday) You are probably getting the picture that the truck is the cool vehicle in our driveway. Don't get me wrong--I'm very blessed to have a minivan... it is very practical, runs great, it's gold in color, but occasionally it's nice to feel cool. Today was a perfect day for that--mid 70s, sunshine, slight breeze--absolutely perfect day for a drive in the truck. So I took advantage of it. I rolled the windows down, turned the radio to the retro weekend station (AKA 80s/90s weekend--I have no idea why they call it retro!) and cranked it up. It was great. I was just getting into the grove of things when there was a promo piece for a live concert that the nearby town was giving. "That sounds great," I thought, "people get to go to that in great weather. Now, let's get back to the music--something with a good beat would be great!" It was right after that thought that the DJ explained we were now going to get to experience the live concert on our radio. The name of the group: Wicked Liz and the Belly Swirls (folks, you just can't make this stuff up!) Needless to say, my cool moment was over, the windows immediately went up for fear that someone at the stoplight might hear Wicked Liz. The point at which she continued to say "Dig it" the radio was turned off. Later as I was describing this to Joe I told him that she sounded like an American Idol wannabe--well, maybe even not that good. Joe responded "Maybe she was a really good singer and the Belly Swirls were just throwing her off." Hopefully this is the last time I type, say, or hear the words "Belly Swirls" in association with music or anything else. Definitely need to pick a different station the next time!

Thursday, May 17, 2007

The dreaded kids' room

I ventured down to the basement this morning. Our basement is officially our kids' room and so I treat it as such. I'm not down there much. But this morning I got in a mood (I even cleaned the kitchen cabinets!) and decided to tackle the basement. Dum, dum, dum, dun-- You know it's been too long since you've cleaned the basement when:

  • you say "I didn't know we had 3 of these--no wait, 4"
  • you discover that the sink doesn't really eat the sippy cups--the couch does
  • you say "ugh, what is that?" more than once while looking at your hands
  • you had no idea that about 10% of the toys even existed (does the toy fairy bring these at night?)
  • seriously, do you think 6 stuffed Winnie the Poohs is enough for our family?
  • you also discover that you didn't really need to go to the store last month and buy socks, you just needed to look in the basement
  • you bag up toys into 2 trash bags and none of the children notice!! (I wonder if I can get away with 3? I haven't cleaned out the video cabinet or the basement closet yet!)

My first haircut--by Nathan







She told me to smile. Not sure what the big deal is. I sit in my booster seat everyday. Maybe I'm just looking especially cute today.










I'm bald! What has she done to me?!











Well, I guess I did get a snack out of it. I suppose it doesn't matter if no one recognizes me. I'm still cute though, right?




Wednesday, May 16, 2007

How many times have I told you??

I seem to be saying that a lot lately, so yesterday I decided to keep track of exactly how many times I did tell them different things. I didn't get nearly all of them, but it gave me some perspective. I thought you'd find it interesting.

  • Good Job!: 5 times
  • Nathan, no!: at least 30 times (I stopped counting at 11am--seriously!)
  • You lost your stool privelages: 1 time
  • Hand over the turkey: 1 time
  • John, leave your sister alone: 3 times
  • Sit down: 20 times
  • Do you understand why you got spanked?: 1 time, fortunately!
  • I love you: 11 times
  • Thank you: 12 times
  • some sort of phrase involving the word "privacy": 7 times
  • You can do it yourself, you are a big boy/girl: 5 times
  • Please go play: 5 times
  • What are the rules at the library?: 5 times (We went to the library yesterday)
  • Play in the basement or your room!: 5 times
  • No! The broom is not a sword!: 1 time
  • a phrase involving the word "potty": 6 times

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Can she be that old already?

Ashley went to kindergarten open house with me last night. I just can't believe she is 5 and will start school in the fall. I was reminded once again what a great school my kids are in. What a huge blessing! I was also reminded of how far Sara has come in just a short 9 months. She didn't even recognize all her ABCs when she started in the fall and now she is reading and doing addition and subtraction. Wow! Moments like last night truly are bittersweet to me. On the one hand it creates sadness as I realize Ashley is growing up and won't be at home all day with me starting in August. On the other hand, there is excitement to see her grow intellectually as well as emotionally and spiritually. It is so much fun as they get older and I get to relate to them on a deeper level. As Joe says, this is why we have kids, so we can raise them to be adults.

Sunday, May 13, 2007

John's quip of the day..

As he is leaving Sunday school carrying out a decorated cup filled with candy:

John: "Look what I made for Mother's Day"
Mommy: "That's great John. Thank you"
As he holds the cup with a death grip, John: "Can I have some mommy?"
Thinking I should show my children to share, Mommy: "Yes, John"
Stepping in to help his son, Daddy: "John, isn't that for Mommy"
Looking confused, John: "No, it's for Mother's Day. This is mine"
As if reminding himself of something, John: "Happy Mother's Day, Mommy!"

I guess when you're baby number 4...



you learn early to take care of yourself. Otherwise you might starve!




I wouldn't miss it for the world.


I got to go on my first field trip as a mom on Friday. Sara had been planning it for weeks. Being slightly consumed with life, I didn't really think about it until Thursday at which point Sara informed me that she thought the 1st grade and maybe the entire school was going. The more I started thinking about it, the more I began dreading it. "Why did I volunteer to do this" I kept asking myself? "I need some quality time with her" was my response each time. I kept repeating this as I coated myself in sun lotion (it was to be outside), sprayed myself in bug spray (the teacher thought it would be a good idea) and took my motion sickness pills (the older I get the more carsick I am--I obviously forgot I would be on a bus when I agreed). As we walked to school I adjusted (or at least tried) my attitude about having a good time. We said goodbye to all the siblings and Grandma and Grandpa (who happened to be visiting so I could go) and waited for the first bell to ring. Once the bell rang we trooped inside and prepared to leave. Something almost supernatural occurred inside the classroom--I fell in love with every single one of those kids. Some of them are absolutely dying to just have someone smile at them and pay them a little bit of attention. We had such a great time at the park. We learned about trees, played on the playground (well I just watched during that part) and went for a hike. I even sat in the back of the bus and didn't throw up. I left wishing I could come back tomorrow just to love on them again. I actually think maybe I missed my calling and, perhaps, quite possibly, could have been a decent kindergarten teacher. So will I sign up again when it is field trip time? I wouldn't miss it for the world!