Livin' it up

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T19:44:00.003-05:00

And Happy New Blog......we have moved!

Please visit us at:

http://www.3inpink2inblue.blogspot.com

Another First....and Last

2009-12-30T14:47:00.005-05:00

Lincoln got a taste of his first real food....Earth's Best rice cereal. It was a family affair with each of us "fighting" over giving him bites.

I'm sooooo completely kidding. Ok, maybe not.

I couldn't stop thinking as we were feeding him, this is the last time we get to do this "first."

Which is why I fought extra hard for my turn!

(what I wouldn't do for a view from the other side of this camera....we are all gathered around within inches of the poor kid. Its a wonder we didn't frighten him into the ugly cry.)

2009-12-25T14:37:00.004-05:00

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

The Eve of the Eve

2009-12-23T12:55:00.002-05:00

Merry Eve of Christmas Eve.

Throwback Friday

2009-12-18T17:26:00.000-05:00

(scroll down and pause music before viewing)

I ran across this video of my Mother's Day breakfast-in-bed from this past May.

Does anyone see Lincoln? ;)

Two in Blue

2009-12-11T09:37:00.006-05:00

Ahhhh. Isn't this sweet?

Almost as charming as Gabe when he smeared an entire tube of hair gel into the carpet yesterday, showed me, and then proudly exclaimed, "I keen duh carpet!"

Even more fetching was last week after he downed an entire mug of my coffee (again) and then buzzed (literally!) around here for hours singing, "You are AWESOME, Mommy!"

But nothing was as charming as when he decided to experiment with loading TP into the toilet (stuffed tighter than a Thanksgiving turkey) and flush it just prior to my morning of errands with GLLAM in tow. Sharing the whole saga is one of those If Only I Had Time stories and would reduce me to tears, but suffice it to say that I arrived home just in time to spend the afternoon mopping up water and rounding up dehumidiers and fans from all my gracious neighbors.

And to think I have the blessing of chasing two in blue in another year or so.....

Ahhhh. Isn't this sweet?

2009-12-05T09:19:00.003-05:00

My baby is looking all grown up. :(

I snapped this of her last night as we left for her choir concert.

(scroll down and pause the music before viewing)

The choir surprised us with an audience-participation Deck the Halls as their encore.

(Madeline is to the left of the 2 boys in ties, just above the podium)

Baby Einstein Buying Back DVD's

2009-11-28T09:49:00.005-05:00

Good grief. Maybe its because I was up a good bit of the night dealing with 3 of my 5 children barfing their brains out (the 4th getting up to nurse and the 5th had a viscious hacking cold that made it impossible to sleep), but I heard about this latest Fleecing of America and wanted to scream.

Ok, breath. That was a really bad run-on sentence. Its all good. Am I really that concerned about Disney's margins?

Phew. I'm back.

It started last week after reading about the Carter's 2007 tagless clothing recall. And I get that one. I'm a huge organic, chemical free, non-additive, no-fragrance-using parent. Our soaps, shampoos, dishwasher detergent, laundry soap, lotions, deodorants (I think you're getting it here) are fragrance-free and as pure as possible. I use the EWG's website Skin Deep for purchasing decisions. Fragrance=one of the things killing us.

Allegedly, the tags from 2007 contained a harmful chemical giving children rashes and such. Definitely not okay. And Carter's is stepping up and giving all parents a full refund on any clothing they purchased for their children during that time period. Yay Carter's.

However, when I hear about parents scouring used clothing stores and thrift shops, finding these items, and mailing them to Carter's for a full refund, I get annoyed. I ran into an old friend last week who told me about a neighbor who is currently making her living by, what I consider to be, scamming Carter's. (my opinion)

She laid eyes on the neighbor's latest "paycheck" for $600 and said, "Hmmmmm."

I'm leaving this.........at that.

So, we're on to Baby Einstein.

Apparently, they are in the midst of a PR nightmare where they are trying to save face with interest groups who do not consider these videos to be "educational" as touted by Disney.

Really??

Parents are now furious because their babies aren't reading and writing by 6 months.

(Fine. That's not part of the story at all. It just sounded climactic.)

Here is a comment from the interest group that fought against the videos:

The refund offer is a wonderful victory for families and anyone who cares about children. Recent research shows that screen time is not educational for babies. Now parents who purchased Baby Einstein DVDs, mistakenly believing the videos would make their babies smarter, can recoup their money.

Seriously?? And when did research show that 'screen time' WAS educational for babies?

I own several Baby Einstein DVD's and they are occasionally viewed in our home.

By our children.

And I even consider them to be somewhat educational.

(the crowd gasps in horror)

What I don't do, is use television to parent my children. And I don't need Disney (or any interest group) to parent me. Thankyouverymuch.

The summary of this post: It is impossible to idiot proof people.

Happy Turkey Day

2009-11-26T21:25:00.004-05:00

Ron playing in the neighborhood Turkey Bowl game today. He's not a bit competitive. Nope.

And.......Sleep!

2009-11-24T08:54:00.004-05:00

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

I miss the good 'ole days.

I am officially putting Lincoln on some sort of resemblance-of-a-schedule. It was fun, while it lasted, to allow him to sleep wherever and whenever his little heart desired. I told Ron this has all been "research" for the Sleeping 12 hours in 12 weeks book I may write someday. If Only I Had Time.

He came up with an alternate title: Maintaining Your Parental Sanity.

If Only I Had Time

2009-11-10T15:59:00.006-05:00

If Only I Had Time....I would tell you the story of how my girls are able to navigate the library better than I ever could. I would take credit but in all honestly, it is sheer neglect.

Read: I'm chasing after the rest of GLLAM.

If Only I Had Time.....I would tell you about Madeline jumping up in bed with me and saying, "Mom, I gotta tell you something..." and sharing that some boy has a crush on her.

(Ok, not only do I not have time, I already shed a tear over this once!)

If Only I Had Time....You would read about how Lincoln has me completely whipped and has yet to see his crib. Oh, my bad, he did take one nap in there last week. Despite getting weekly emails from mommies all over the country, I have managed to break EVERY one of my rules with this little guy. And I'm lovin' every minute.

(Oops, was that plagiarism? Pretty sure that was a McDonalds tag line at one time. Or maybe a song by Loverboy. I forget.)

If Only I Had Time....I would make you laugh by telling you about the girl's Biography/History Fair and how Madeline wore huuuge sunglasses and stumbled about introducing herself as Helen Keller to everyone that approached her booth.

If Only I Had Time....I would share with you how I told my husband I had scheduled a vasectomy for him. It was via Google calendar. And I got a call about 14 seconds later.

But I don't. Have time that is. These are all the stories I would share if I were tending to my blog. Which I'm not. So instead, I'll share a couple fun photos with you. I snapped these after coming home from helping my brother and SIL move into their new house. Ron had offered to take the day off and basically do My Job.

Is that a jogging stroller? In the kitchen??

(please click on this picture to blow it up and give yourself a better view)

A new way of taking out the trash?

If Only I Had Time.....

Throwback Friday

2009-10-30T15:21:00.001-04:00

This was a loooooooooong time ago. Okay, fine. It was a few hours ago.

No frills. No talent. Definitely no real dance moves. And yes, we are in our jammies.

Baby Bjorn

2009-10-26T19:09:00.002-04:00

Gabe hasn't had any problems with the adjustment of adding a new baby to the family. Nope. Doesn't bother him at all that Lincoln is being cuddled and carried and fed 24/7. Hasn't phased him in the least.

Which is why he definitely did not insist on taking Linc's place in the Bjorn.

Edible or Not

2009-10-20T09:50:00.003-04:00

A little snip-it from my morning:

Maddie: Mom, what are black eyed peas?

Me: Oh, they are a band.

M: Huh?
Me: You know, a singing group. Rock band. Fergie? (ok, she def wouldn't know that!)

M: Really? Cause in my book they are cooking them.....for dinner.

Me: Ooooooooh! Of course. They are also a bean. As in, a vegetable.

M: Ok, can we get some and cook them?

Me: Uh, yes?

M: Cool!

I'm gonna be honest here.....don't even know where to find these in the grocery.

2009-10-16T10:46:00.004-04:00

FALL

by Madeline

The apples are red

The pumpkins are turning

I see colors all around

Like yellow, orange and red

The bright colors tell me that Fall is here

Fall, Fall, Fall.

I wish I had to time to detail out our conversation this morning. As we are planning a trip to a local Amish restaurant, we've been talking about the Amish and their history. Suffice it to say that Madeline is completely enamored and announced today that she'd like to become Amish. The Ordnung holds no dissuasion for her as she has said, "I can live just fine without a television!"

Oooookay then.

Happy 1/4 Year Birthday Lincoln!

2009-10-08T10:47:00.000-04:00

I might have cuddled on the coach with Lincoln yesterday instead of making dinner.

He might have yet to be introduced to his cradle or crib.

I might carry him from room to room with me as I do my "duties" knowing full well that I could pop him in the bouncy seat and he wouldn't make a peep.

He might have the most addictive smile in the entire world.

I might have cried this week as I packed up his first few newborn outfits that he has outgrown.

He might be the first of our children that isn't sleeping through the night yet.

And I might be enjoying every. single. minute.

Throwback Friday

2009-10-02T09:37:00.004-04:00

Exactly one year ago.

I surprised Ron with a zip line tour through a National Park. And got a first hand experience of what it would feel like to have a panic attack. No joke. Aside from that, it was really pretty cool.

We are very small.

2009-09-30T19:50:00.001-04:00

Very. Small.

Peace

2009-09-23T15:31:00.002-04:00

Simply stated.

Soccer Saturdays

2009-09-19T18:58:00.005-04:00

Lauren's soccer debut

Lauren joined her sisers on the soccer fields this Fall and she is a complete joy to watch. Its been interesting juggling 3 games each Saturday....and this is just the beginning!

My Babies

2009-09-12T12:16:00.003-04:00

Madeline (8), Abigail, (6), Lauren (4), Gabriel (2), Lincoln (new)

Free Climbing

2009-09-10T15:27:00.003-04:00

Free climbing: a type of rock (or staircase) climbing in which the climber uses only hands, feet and other parts of the body to ascend. No artificial aids are employed to make upwards progress.

(in addition climber may yell, "Yook how high I am!" causing you to pause from dinner-making duties to check-in)

Best 3 Days Ever!

2009-09-07T18:08:00.003-04:00

During dinner time, we often talk about the "most favorite" and "least favorite" parts of our day.

Tonight we decided to change it up a bit and we asked the kids to share the "Best 3 Days of their Lives.....so far."

Madeline:

-Surprising Aunt Lizzie at the airport when she flew in from Cali last year

-Collecting and getting to bring home ALL my seashells from Outer Banks this year

-Swimming in Florida the time Daddy made me crunchy oatmeal (Christmas 2003)

Abigail:

-Flying to Florida on the airplane (2007)

-Going on family vacation this year

-Being in the delivery room when Lincoln was born

(at which point Madeline yelled, "I want to change one of mine to that one!")

Lauren:

-When Mommy took me on our Mommy/Daughter date night last week

-Going to the zoo

-Going to the park on Park Tour Tuesdays

Gabriel:

-When I go to my class (sidenote: He absolutely refuses to attend any class, Sunday School or otherwise!)

-When I do my sand castle

-Mom, I all done with my questions!

Lincoln:

(he had some help with his)

-Eating

-Sleeping

-Pooping

Say Cheese!

2009-09-04T16:39:00.006-04:00

I love me some binky.

Hey wait! Where'd it go? Somebody yanked it again didn't they?!

Oh Okay, Fine. I'll smile.

Now give it back. Seriously. Somebody throw me a bone, *ahem* binky.

Your Steak — Medium, Rare or Cloned?

2009-08-30T19:09:00.007-04:00

Be advised that you may soon be eating cloned meat and dairy. And even worse, the FDA is not requiring it to be labeled.....so you won't have any idea.

Another great reason to buy organic. Always. No. Matter. What.

(click article below for details)

Your Steak — Medium, Rare or Cloned?

Throwback Friday

2009-08-28T17:12:00.000-04:00

Some of my boys from Honduras.

Throwback Friday

2009-08-21T08:51:00.003-04:00

(scroll down and pause music before viewing)

Gabe has been spending time coming up with his own hip hop dance style after watching a boy breakdance during the Talent Show at Family Camp.

The only thing that keeps me from falling on the floor laughing is that he's super serious about it. Watch out Diddy.

Again?

2009-08-20T12:53:00.004-04:00

Apparently I did not explain plethora last time?

(bonus points for the re-hanging of the lavendar, btw)

This time we even got a little dry-your-hands-off bonus.

All told, 29 rolls.

Harvesting

2009-08-17T16:44:00.005-04:00

We made a trip out to the garden this morning. Packed a picnic and enjoyed some quiet* time on the farm. There is nothing like a summer breeze in the country.

*as quiet as it gets with gaggle in tow

Madeline surprised us with a dinner appetizer of fresh veggies, tossed with balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. What a beautiful presentation. I am fairly sure you will see her on the Food Network someday.

As I am about to hit, "Publish" Madeline walked in and asked if she could make a fruit salad to go with our dinner.

Did I just win the lottery??

Family Camp Preview

2009-08-14T16:23:00.004-04:00

We had an incredible time at Family Camp. It was amazing. I don't think I've ever been so compelety whipped returning from a vacation.....but, that's ok!

Here's a preview of our week together:

The challenge was to climb the pole, stand on top of it and try to wack the tether ball. Many attempted, few were successful.

It will surprise no one that Ron climbed that pole like a squirrel and wacked the ball with little effort. That's my man.

Happy 10 year anniversary babe!

Throwback Friday

2009-08-07T16:30:00.004-04:00

Maddie & Abby enjoying their first taste of Starbucks.

And since all time for me is referenced by children - this was 2 kids ago.

(aka Summer 2006)

Happy 60th Birthday Dad!

2009-08-05T08:15:00.002-04:00

Dad,

The Big 6-0. You wear it well.

Thanks for raising us well and encouraging us to do the same in our families. Thank you for a wonderful example of a healthy, fun marriage.

I am blessed by God to call you Dad.

You are an incredible father and the patriarch of a large, amazing family!

Much love from your eldest (and wisest! ;)) daughter,

Wild Olive Launches Kids Line!

2009-08-03T17:14:00.004-04:00

25% of the profits (WO always donates 10%!) from the CHOSEN tees will benefit Love Without Boundaries. Please click here to learn more about this amazing charity!
Wanna win free tees for you and the favorite kiddos in your life? Visit Wild Olive and enter today!

Nap Time

2009-08-02T14:40:00.004-04:00

I just woke up from my nap. (hair is a dead give-a-way)

I'm a little more awake now.

Ok, I'm ready to go!

Throwback Friday

2009-07-31T18:04:00.008-04:00

Last Friday night we were watching Maddie and Abby's theatre performance. And maybe I just haven't had time to post the pictures. And so I'm using them as my Throwback Friday. It is my blog.

Here is Maddie as the Wicked Witch (nice!). She is inspecting the items that Red brought her.

Abby, as the Blue Fairy, waking Pinnochio from his sleep.

Note the incredible crispness of the photos....and also the heavy sarcasm. I might have been nursing and therefore shooting photos with one hand....the 'ole lefty. Whatev.

Whatcha Talkin' bout Willis

2009-07-29T12:03:00.007-04:00

(scroll down and pause music before viewing)

UPDATED:

Ron walked in the door from work tonight, looked at Gabe, and said:

Whatcha Talkin' bout Willis!

Mystery solved.

-------------------------

I wish I could say I had the slightest idea where he got this. He threw it out as we were making lunch today.

I was just thankful the camera was nearby and I was able to catch it on film. Thank you Go Go Gadget arm.

Song For A Fifth Child

2009-07-27T09:02:00.002-04:00

Mother, O Mother, come shake out your cloth,

Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,

Hang out the washing, make up the bed,
Sew on a button and butter the bread.

Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I've grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue,
Lullabye, rockabye, lullabye loo.
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo

The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew
And out in the yard there's a hullabaloo
But I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo
Look! Aren't his eyes the most wonderful hue?
Lullabye, rockaby lullabye loo.

Ruth Hulbert Hamilton

A friend sent this poem to me when I was pregnant with Lincoln. Although I have to say its a bit dated -- I definitely don't 'hang out the washing' and I don't even get the whole 'poison the moth' -- I do love the message behind the poem.

(On a side note, "hullabaloo" is a general term for a performance, celebration or other noisy even. And here I thought it was just a game by Cranium)

Throwback Friday....and a Guessing Game

2009-07-24T10:28:00.009-04:00

UPDATED:

Lincoln is shown in the first photo. Gabriel is in the 2nd.

Congrats to my SIL Amie who was the first person to guess correctly. :)

Am I Gabriel....or Lincoln?

Am I Lincoln....or Gabe?

Any guesses? Both pictures were taken in the same outfit at 2 weeks of age.

Happy 2 Week Birthday Lincoln!

2009-07-22T16:26:00.003-04:00

Love, Your Big Sister Lauren

(p.s. Happy Due Date to me!)

Plethora of TP

2009-07-20T17:11:00.003-04:00

I asked one of the kiddos to refill the toilet paper holder in the half bath.

Throwback Friday

2009-07-17T16:07:00.004-04:00

Here's one of my bff's from high school....shortly after giving birth to our sons last week. In the same hospital on the same day. Literally, we delivered next door to one other.

And no, we didn't plan it.

We did make a memory though. Traipsing back and forth to each other's rooms during the day and texting hilarious stories at night as we nursed our babies. Good times.

One Week Later

2009-07-15T13:10:00.004-04:00

....I have this beautiful little man.

God is good. Happy One Week Birthday Lincoln!

One Week Ago

2009-07-14T20:11:00.003-04:00

....I was headed to the hospital with this!

Lincoln Speaks

2009-07-11T18:04:00.003-04:00

Lincoln's reaction when the nurse tried to take him from his Mama shortly after birth.

Lincoln Jude - 6 lbs 9 oz 19" 9:22am 7/8/09

2009-07-08T20:42:00.006-04:00

Our quiver is full!

Baby Makes Seven!

---------------------------------------------------------------------

I blog jacked Kristen's account to post these pictures! She is resting peacefully. Both Kristen and Lincoln are doing great. Thanks for your prayers and love! More pics to come tomorrow.

This picture was taken as he was being born....with 2 special onlookers.

Bunnies!

2009-07-07T15:25:00.010-04:00

Had to quickly post a couple pictures of our baby bunnies. And now I need to go have this baby!

Gardening 101 continued

2009-07-06T17:16:00.013-04:00

I posted a few pictures of our garden from a few weeks ago here. Well, it has grown like crazy since then! We headed out yesterday to do a bit of harvesting.

Madeline picked the first cherry tomato. And was begging to eat it before we even got home!

Here's the first bit of cauliflower.

Abby is cutting some broccoli.

Gabe checking to see how the green and yellow peppers are doing.

Check out Ron snapping some beans off for our dinner.

Once again, we are finding this strangely addictive. Ron and I couldn't wait to get home and wash all our fresh veggies.....and then cook some for dinner.

4th of July Celebration

2009-07-04T09:00:00.005-04:00

(scroll down and pause music before viewing)

Here's someone in our home that's definitely excited about his freedom.

Gardening 101

2009-07-02T17:56:00.008-04:00

We decided to try our hand at gardening this year. Its been a great learning experience....lots of library trips and internet research, trips to the gardening store and a ton of patience with 8 little hands doing the planting. ;)

Keep in mind, we are completely suburban folks. Before this project, our idea of gardening was a trip to the local Farmer's Market.

We are finally reaping the benefits as we have harvested our first few veggies. The romaine lettuce is growing like crazy as well as the broccoli and spinach.

We also planted tomatoes, zucchinni, squash, carrots, cucumbers, green beans, cauliflower, strawberries, basil and parsely. Most of them are getting close to the first harvest as well.

Here is our broccoli. This was a few weeks ago when they were still babies.

Yummy. Romaine lettuce. You should see it now. HUUUUUUUGE.

I have to admit. The whole thing has been somewhat addictive. There is nothing more uber cool than eating something that you planted, harvested and cleaned with your own hands.

(not to mention the major savings of growing organic veggies versus purchasing them!)

**thank you to my bro Tom for allowing us to use his farm and special thanks to Beth for being our garden partner!

Throwback Friday

2009-06-26T09:59:00.004-04:00

July 2007

Today's Throwback Friday is dedicated to my amazing husband, best friend and life partner.

Who incidentally is striking a Heisman pose in this photo with my tiny infant son. But let's not focus on that.

Cousin Photo Opp

2009-06-25T09:12:00.002-04:00

Our best attempt at a photo of the 8 (so far!) cousins together.

And yes, my brothers are ducked down hoisting up three of the boys in the back row.

(ages 8, 6, 4, 2, 1, 1, 8 months & 3 months)

Cos Family Vacation

2009-06-24T10:16:00.004-04:00

"As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it." Genesis 9:7

Dear Mom & Dad,

Mission Accomplished.

Nags Head 2009

2009-06-24T09:58:00.002-04:00

We miss you sand fort.

Throwback Friday

2009-06-12T09:20:00.009-04:00

We recently had a bit of a tent upgrade. Let me explain. When Ron and I married, (10 years ago come August!) we bought a 2-man pup tent for our Oregon camping adventures. It seemed, and was, completely appropriate for that time.

Not quite as appropriate is that we have continued to stuff our many children in each year....and passed it off as fun.

Here we are last year. Well, minus Gabe who probably refused to post for a picture. Anyone surprised? Yes, Madeline - 7 at the time - was almost as tall as the tent!

And here's our upgrade. Thanks to our friends Mark and Cara who camp with us and couldn't bear watching another year ~~of abuse~~ of camping with the old tent. Happy Birthday to us.

And this is Gabe standing inside our new tent. The thing is enormous. Huge. Its an 8-man tent....8 very large men. They said they went with the 8-man, "just in case."

Very funny, guys.

Got Milk?

2009-06-11T20:25:00.003-04:00

Classic picture of Gabriel milking a cow. Although you can't tell from the picture, he's actually in the Kelty backpack. That's true talent.

13 Little Piglets

2009-06-09T19:30:00.004-04:00

Here's a preview of our Farm Day.

And I thought breastfeeding took a lot out of me.

(and yes, there are 13 suckling....I counted)

Need a Laugh?

2009-06-08T18:44:00.003-04:00

I asked Ron to snap a photo of Gabe and I roasting a s'more together. I'll be honest, I was kinda going for a Norman Rockwell Moment.

I was not anticipating a photo of me jacking my pants up.

2009-06-05T16:47:00.006-04:00

So, last week Bethany and I were sitting out enjoying a beautiful sunny day when the girls asked if I could get the jumpy-thingy out for them.

I very nicely explained, "that thing weighs 100 lbs", there is NO way I could drag it myself, and that maybe when Daddy gets home he can drag it from the storage room to the yard.

(which, btw, is approximately 1 mile)

....to which my eldest daughter replied, "Mom, shouldn't we at least have a chance to bring it up by ourselves? I mean, aren't we always supposed to try?"

And how can you argue with that?

Video #1 (Video #2 below)

(scroll down and pause music before viewing)

As you can see, they managed to drag that Bouncy House allllllll the way from the storage room to the backyard, set it up and jump in it all afternoon. I have to say, I was way impressed.

And I might have learned a small lesson in the process.

Throwback Friday - Alternately titled "Pure Joy"

2009-06-05T14:28:00.000-04:00

Video #2

(scroll down and pause music before viewing)

Locks of Love - Part Deux

2009-06-03T16:43:00.004-04:00

Remember this post? How time does fly.

At that time, Abigail was adamant that she was not donating her hair. She actually cried about it one night. That's an entirely different blog entry. A few months later, after she and Maddie had combed the Locks of Love website and saw how they improve young girl's lives, she changed her mind.

She began feverishly wishing her hair to grow....refusing even a trim over the past year. "I need at least 10 inches Mom!"

Well, today was the day. Here's a before shot of her eating a s'more at our campout this past weekend. (sorry 'bout catching you with your mouth full Abbs!)

And here she is a few minutes ago when we arrived home.

She was so proud to accomplish her goal. And I am so proud of her!

FREE STUFF!

2009-06-01T19:58:00.003-04:00

Click here and enter to win $75 in Wild Olive shirts.

Spring

2009-05-31T15:37:00.005-04:00

When I walk outside in the beautiful Spring

I love to hear the robins sing

and I love to hear the bell ring

Ding and Dong all day

So when you walk outside in the beautiful Spring

Just listen for the robin's sing

And for the bell's

Ring Ring Ring

Madeline wrote this poem last night and gave it to me. As I am typing this, I am in fact listening to birds sing. I have no idea if they are robins or not, but I'm inspired!

Paybacks

2009-05-27T19:19:00.008-04:00

So, my brother (you too Jen -- you are so not off the hook sista!) and I have this back-and-forth battle where we dress our sons in funky threads. Well, funky to us.

I thought we had somewhat of a truce going after I outfitted Max in this Winnie the Pooh concoction a few months back (notice the hair parted in the middle).

And took him to meet up with them at church. Ha!

Apparently not.

We're at my parents on Memorial Day and the cousins were swimming in the kiddie pool. Sam, ~~being the loving, always-aiming-to-please brother that he is,~~ offered to towel Gabe off and dress him. Wasn't that sweet? (read: sarcasm very thick)

Gabe shows back up in this get-up. And yes, that would be Lightning McQueen from Pixar's film Cars blasted on the front of his demin overalls. The worst part: Gabe couldn't have been more proud. He kept walking around showing everyone and sticking his tummy out to make sure they didn't miss the obnoxiously big, red car on the front of his outfit.

You know what they say about Paybacks....

Throwback Friday

2009-05-22T07:01:00.003-04:00

Ok, so I'm only Throwingback to last week. You caught me.

Madeline made her very first meatloaf and here she is putting it in the oven. She even cut fresh parsley from our parsley plant and added it to her recipe.

I have to admit, I made my first meatloaf when I was in my 2o's so I was pretty flippin' proud of her!

(and just for the record, this is not your regular 'ole mother's meatloaf. this is gourmet, melt-in -your-mouth-good meatloaf. just ask my friends!)

Oven Mitts - Usage #26

Mommy?

2009-05-20T09:21:00.003-04:00

I came home from getting my hair did last night and GLAM was running around playing outside. They stopped dead in their tracks when I got out of the car. They weren't sure what to make of the blown-out-straight-style.

Abigial: Mom, I loooooove it. You should keep it straight for-ev-er! (runs to get camera and snaps this picture)

Gabriel: Mommy?

Lauren: (very, very quiet. an occasional glance, no words)

Madeline: Will it turn back to curly tomorrow, Mom?

Free Piano!

2009-05-18T13:28:00.004-04:00

John (my bro) and Rachel saw a garage sale on Friday with a piano in the driveway....and a big sign that said, "FREE!"

It is now sitting in my dining room. The girls are super excited and have been practicing all morning!

Thanks to John and Rach for spotting.....and a special thank you to the family who had the (brilliant!) foresight to purchase a new one for their children.

Throwback Friday

2009-05-15T07:40:00.000-04:00

Summer 2006

(We were pregnant with Gabe....but didn't know it yet)

Creative Dining

2009-05-13T17:53:00.005-04:00

Lauren kept complaining during dinner that her fingers were "burning" as she was eating her corn on the cob.

~~I knew we had those corn handle thingamajiggers but honestly, I was too hungry to stop and find them.~~ Danny would want her to solve this problem on her own.

Apparently, oven mitts have more than one use.

Need a Laugh?

2009-05-12T20:23:00.006-04:00

(scroll down and pause music before viewing)

The kids made box costumes on Saturday morning. Here's the turtle who has obviously been frightened into her shell.

~~It certainly wasn't due to the crazy person filming the footage.~~

Abby decided she was a quarterback.

(and no, you aren't tripping on acid....camera operator may be though)

Throwback Friday

2009-05-09T09:15:00.005-04:00

Abby (3) and Lauren (1) - Summer 2006

Hangin with Rock Stars

2009-05-07T20:15:00.003-04:00

This past Saturday night our friends, Bets and Bill came into town to see their friend's band.

(and us, of course!)

These guys were amazing. They invited us to hang with them on their tour bus, which was pretty sweet. And yes, one of them did announce as I boarded that they had never had a pregnant chick on board. They kept telling me to "Sit down!" and "Drink more water!" -- I was convinced they were all good, Midwestern boys. And further convinced when they said they don't drink or do drugs..."we just do Starbucks." (Come on Moms, tell me you wouldn't be proud!)

Anyway, here's a clip of Troop (aka Storm Trooper) jammin on the violin as the band was in between sets. Talk about some raw talent.

(scroll down and pause music before viewing)

Soccer Saturdays

2009-05-02T16:02:00.013-04:00

Saturdays are all about soccer right now and I have to say.....its pretty amazing to watch the girls compete....and Ron coach. They have a hustle like you wouldn't believe. Gee, wonder where they got that from?

(hint: Daddy's sports resume includes football, wrestling, baseball, soccer, basketball, ice hockey, rugby and much more)

I thought our Saturdays were already full of soccer but today I filled out registration for this Fall and realized we'll have 3 competing. Go Lauren!

The nice part is the soccer fields are right across the street from the house so we literally jump on our bikes and go.

(Ok, I made that sound waaaaaay too simple. Its actually quite a production of 2 biking, one riding in the Kelty carrier, one in the stroller while Ron and I carry armloads of chairs, soccer balls, water bottles and numerous other paraphernalia.)

Nonetheless, its a blast. Here's a few shots from today's games.

Abby kicking it in

She managed (yet another!) breakaway

And she scores!

I got this one guys! (I missed her goal a couple seconds later)

This almost looks like an illegal move!

Ready to head the ball

Throwback Friday

2009-05-01T17:30:00.004-04:00

A Throwback from 2005.

I found this message on the bathroom mirror after Ron had left for work one morning.

Extreme Room Makeover

2009-04-29T15:40:00.009-04:00

Today our project was to makeover Lauren's room into Gabe's room. And by our, I mean Grandma painted, moved the furniture and.....pretty much everything else. I acted as Foreman.

Love ya Mom.

Lauren will be moving in with Abigail, Gabe will move to Lauren's (old) room and little bambino will have the nursery. Madeline stays put in her current room.

I know, its a bit confusing. Something about me nesting includes having everyone play musical rooms. It is what it is. And fortunately, the kiddos love it!

Here we are getting started. Well, Grandma is getting started.

Ahhhhh. Much more boyish.

Trust me, that's the sunlight reflecting off the wall. My Mom is the master painter! ;)

Accessorize Much?

2009-04-28T16:02:00.004-04:00

Here's a picture I captured of Lauren playing in the backyard yesterday. I should preface this by saying it was 85 and sunny.

I had to know.....why the snow hat?

Apparently, the wind was blowing her hair around.

Project Runway, Here She Comes!

2009-04-27T16:12:00.007-04:00

Abigail and I were out for a little "us" time last night and came home to find that the famous seamstress had been busy at work. She recently debuted her first piece here, remember?

She took one of Ron's shirts, similar to the one pictured here...

...and reconstructed it to a size 2T. The stitching is impecable, no?

She could hardly wait until he woke this morning so she could do a fitting.

Gabe says he's ready for GQ.

Throwback Friday

2009-04-24T09:13:00.005-04:00

I managed to catch a couple pictures of my 2 men (so far....3rd man soon to arrive!) catching up over breakfast recently.

These pictures say 1,000 words to me. I hope I never, ever forget the sweet way my son interacts with us. How he will gently place his hand on you, look into your eyes and say something as simple as, "Milk, please?"

Side note: As I type this, he is sitting beside me - yes, on the desk - and he just very carefully picked up the candle off the candlestick, smelled it, and said, "Yuck!" That's my boy.

Chipotle At Home Recipe

2009-04-22T18:56:00.002-04:00

As promised, here is the recipe we call, "Chipotle At Home"

It literally takes 6 minutes to assemble and simmers in the crockpot all day.

3-4 raw chicken breasts, sliced into strips

box of long grain, wild rice with seasoning packet

2 cans diced tomatoes (do not drain)

1 bag frozen corn

1 small onion

1 can black beans (drain)

couple teaspoons chili powder

1 clove garlic

salt/pepper to taste.

Any of these ingredients are optional....I just use what I have.

Throw all of the above in the crockpot on low. Simmer for 4-6 hours.

Spoon into warm tortilla with any of the following:

lettuce, cheese, guacamole (love the stuff!), cilantro, sour creme

Enjoy!

(I use all organic ingredients and its about $21 and makes A TON of burritos!)

Throwback Friday....a couple days late

2009-04-19T08:34:00.003-04:00

....oops....was out of town this weekend....

A couple of the kiddos watching us give hearing screenings to their classmates in Honduras.

They were the sweetest. They stood there, as quiet as mice, for hours so they could watch!

I miss them.

Five O'clock News

2009-04-15T17:32:00.007-04:00

We open our news cast with an update on Little Bambino...

who started out as a poppy seed.....

....and apparently is now as long as an english cucumber (not to be confused with a common cucumber)

We have continuing coverage on the famous seamstress, Madeline. She is working feverishly for upcoming Fashion Week. Here is runway model Lauren modeling one of her pieces -- the pencil skirt. In a ladybug print, which apparently is trending.

In other news, it was reported that during devotions today - betrayal was the topic - Ron used Judas as his example. Madeline said, "Dad, what about Peter?"

In a momentary lapse of reason, Ron said, "Well sure, I guess he could be an example too."

And her response: "You guess? Ummm, 'I don't know Him', 'I don't know Him', 'I don't know Him' ....Cock-a-doodle-doo! Hello?"

And that's where we leave you tonight folks. Thanks for tuning in.

Tic Tac - A Funny Cat

2009-04-13T17:32:00.005-04:00

Tic Tac - A Funny Cat

By: Madeline S.

Once I saw a cat on a mat

in a hat with a bat

That cat on a mat in a hat with a bat

said, "Take me off this mat

out of this hat

and away from this bat!"

So I did.

(Tic Tac is Aunt Bethany's cat)

Cos Family Sisters

2009-04-10T10:02:00.003-04:00

Beth, Rebecca, Bethany, moi, Jen, Rachel

Madame President

2009-04-09T13:27:00.002-04:00

I had an interesting conversation in the car with Madeline:

M: One day when I am President....

Me: Wait, what?

M: When I am President of the United States...

Me: Oh, sorry. Didn't know you were going for that.

M: I am.

Me: Ok, go on.

M: The first thing I'm going to do is make a law for companies that they can only advertise their own product and not discredit the other company. (exact wording)

Me: Ah, very interesting. Explain your thinking behind this legislation.

M: Well, they can talk about the good and bad of their own product but they can't say negative things about the other company.

Me: And why would this be top priority - you know, as soon as you are elected?

M: So the other company's feelings don't get hurt.

And there you have it, my friends. Your future President's first initiative.

Happy Birthday Abigail!

2009-04-08T16:59:00.000-04:00

Happy 6th Birthday sweet girl! We love you!!

Happy Birthday Ellie-Bug!

2009-04-06T16:33:00.004-04:00

Happy 4th Birthday Buggy! We are so blessed to have you!

Inventory Control Tags

2009-04-05T18:33:00.005-04:00

So, I get this cute little message from my dry cleaners today (which I almost deleted out of my inbox without reading) that said: Beware of the Inventory Control Tags.

It went on to explain that its important to snip them out because they contain a colored dye that can release during washing or drying. Really? You don't say.

~~I really didn't need to read that since I have no experience with purple dye. Nope.~~

Ok, I have. Ummm, like 9 different times. It has literally almost driven me crazy because I can never figure out where the "purple pen" is coming from.

I finally had to assume it was the Sock Monster and he was switching up his modus operandi. Please tell me you know the Sock Monster. He's the guy who comes during the dryer cycle and steals the matches to your socks.

I am off to cut out 700 tags. Just wanted to give you a heads up.

Random thoughts by Kristen:

So, as I am typing this I hear Ron tell the girls that he is charging them a dollar to referee an argument for them (another Danny Silk technique...and trust me, it works).

After he finished explaining how it doesn't matter who sleeps in which sleeping bag and how to honor each other, he asked them to leave a dollar on his dresser. Abigail comes back down a minute later with $6.00. Ron said, "Sweetheart, you only need to leave me a dollar. Why are you trying to give me $6.00?"

Her response: Because I love you Dad!

A day in the life.....

Throwback Friday

2009-04-03T12:37:00.005-04:00

Lauren and I visiting (my sis) Rebecca in Phoenix, AZ. Feb. 2006

...and here's a pic I snapped of her yesterday.

Is Your Company's 401K Plan Tanking?

2009-04-02T09:47:00.003-04:00

(scroll down and pause music before viewing)

Ron, this one is for you!

Although, call me biased, I would suggest Frank's company call you for some advise. ;)

Shankapotamus......ha!

Hangin' with the Gorillas

2009-04-01T09:30:00.002-04:00

Rebecca and Shayden took a trip to the zoo with us yesterday and snapped this pic of the kids and I checking out the gorillas. Fortunately, the bonobos were on their best behavior.

(those of you that have spent time with the bonobos know exactly what I am talking about!)

Showcase 09

2009-03-31T09:27:00.003-04:00

The girls put a talent show together with several friends and performed it for the parents and grandparents. Here is Lauren reciting her poem. :)

(pause music before viewing)

Caught on Camera!

2009-03-30T13:04:00.003-04:00

What?

(Gabe caught by the paparazzi again - apparently pulling a McConaughey pose)

Boys will be Boys

2009-03-27T08:24:00.010-04:00

I haven't posted one of these in quite a while, but don't think it is for lack of material. Puh-lease.

Yesterday, alone, was quite a day. For starters, he Crayola'd himself from hand to shoulder. By that I mean, both hands and shoulders.

Yes, I've had to coin the term Crayola'd which should tell you something.

As you can see from my photo attempt, he was not happy about showing off his work.

(remember, he does not care for the paparazzi!)

As I was downloading the attempted picture on the Mac, he strolled in with his very soiled diaper down at his knees saying, "I poop on potty?"

No, my love, you pooped in your diaper and there is now residue streaked down both of your legs. Wonderful.

(potty training is starting to look somewhat enticing to me)

Later as I was making dinner, I hadn't seen him for about .9 seconds (which usually means he's had enough time to escape the house and cross into the neighboring suburb) so I asked Madeline to take a peek. She found him covered head-to-toe in conditioner. Completely. Covered. Apparently, he is into body treatments. I wish I could have snapped a picture but honestly, ~~I wanted to scream by brains out~~ I was just trying to handle the whole situation with grace.

Don't laugh but as I was trying to quickly post this I heard some quiet noises in the kitchen. Those are never good. I peeked in to find him pouring an entire box of cereal into a bowl of very little milk. Yes, the breakfast dishes are still on the table. What's your point?

And did I mention it was organic cereal? Read: expensive

I gotta run. Literally, run.

Did I Read that Right?

2009-03-26T10:15:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I purchased a used (and vintage) reading textbook for Abigail. It is full of classic stories and poems.

On in the inside front cover is stamped:

STATE TEXTBOOK PURCHASING BOARD

This book is property of

THE STATE OF ALABAMA

Part of today's reading especially caught my eye.

We Thank Thee

Author Unknown

Dear God, we Thank thee for the night,

And for the pleasant morning light;

For rest and food and loving care,

And all that makes the world so fair.

Help us to do the things we should,

To be to others kind and good;

In all we do, in work and play,

To grow more like Thee every day.

I wonder if this edition is still being circulated? Hmmmm.

And the Winner Is

2009-03-21T16:50:00.003-04:00

Let me start by saying.....we should have done this a long time ago! You guys came up with some incredible names!

You sent celebrity names, biblical names, popular names, classic names and a few names that we're going to let you name your children. ;)

We are deciding between 2.....both of which you suggested to us. Muy bien!

Here is a list of all the names that were submitted:

(don't worry, I'm going to announce the winner in just a sec)

Parker James Isaiah Colton Luke

Evan Lincoln Samuel Michael Jackson (I'm sorry, what?)

Luke Mitchell Landon Michael Caden Darren

Lee Cole Liam David Jackson Toller

Thomas William Daniel Japheth

Alexander Samuel Elijah Preston Landon

Mark Ayden Jeremiah Mason Tate

Timothy Liam Johnathan Cole Benjamin

John Isaiah Noah Isaiah Preston Ronald

David Jordan Xavier Benjamin Costello

Zachary Michael Quinn Logan Daniel

Caleb Asher Case

Carson Levi Jonah

Harrison Ryan Connor

Sullivan Charlie Malachi

Jackson Jack Xander Ryan

Michael Jude Christian Ethan Daniel

Nathaniel Caden William Joseph

Joshua David Shane Benjamin Aiden

Elijah Isaiah Colson Zaccariah

The submission that came the closest to the name we are leaning toward is...............

........drum roll please........ Jodi

Congratulations Jodi! I will put you in touch with the incredible people over at Miracle Blanket who will send you a fabulous new Miracle Blanket of your choice!

*I chose to publish a list of your suggested names instead of all your awesome comments just to keep a bit of the mystery alive....at least until we decide between these 2 names! :)

Throwback Friday

2009-03-20T09:03:00.004-04:00

This is a true Throwback Friday photo. The kind you run across and think, Oooooh, if only I could Throwmyselfback.

Ron and I had escaped to Mexico in the middle of the cold, tundra-like winter, and we are lying in our cabana waiting for Miguel to bring us a cold beverage....with an umbrella in it. Ahhhhh.

Name Our Baby

2009-03-17T10:37:00.006-04:00

UPDATE: Winner will be announced Monday morning. Why? Because I'm tired. ;)

(think of it this way, a few bonus hours to enter!)

It's a Baby Naming Contest!!!

For the first time ever, we don't have a name for our baby! We're gonna need your help. Although we can't guarantee we'll use your name, its a real possibility since we don't have one!

What do you think we should name Little Bambino? (who we do know is a boy, btw!)

Submit a comment in this post with your choice of name for our baby. Use our other children's names as inspiration. Or, something completely new!

Nothing in life is free so there's something in it for you as well!

Our favorite entry will win a new Miracle Blanket.

Even if you don't currently have a baby to swaddle up, these make great gifts! We were first introduced to the Miracle Blanket with our 2nd chid and I can't tell you what a life-saver it has been for us!! (although life-saver seems dramatic, it is actually an understatement. true story.)

Submit your entry today. Contest will end this weekend. Oh, and just to spice it up, a first-middle name combo will receive 2 entries.

Name away!

(I may publish comments at some point but not until we have decided on a name. So, when you don't see your comment appear, never fear! :))

Completely Enamored

2009-03-14T14:08:00.009-04:00

I'm going to "out" myself here and confess that I am completely enamored with newborns.

Smitten. Hooked. Enraptured. Captivated.

Especially with my own new babies, or new babies of friends or family members. Or neighbors. Or friends of friends. Ok, even random women in the grocery store.

I am that girl.

You know, the one that randomly approaches you at Kroger to ask about your brand new baby (it isn't that weird is it? Fine, its somewhat strange....to some.)

I have been ambushing new mommies for as long as I can remember. I can vividly remember ~~begging and pleading~~ asking every new mom in church if I could hold their just-born infants when I was only about 6 years old. Every. One.

I recently phoned a friend for the 7th time to ask about her friend's labor progression only to be reminded that I didn't even know this woman. And she lived clear across the country. Whoops. That was awkward.

I might have been seen lingering in the Waiting Room while my sister delivered my nephew.

(and during my other SIL's delivery and also my friend from high school and possibly, a random stranger. Do we really need to draw a distinction?)

A friend invited me to be in (IN!) the delivery room while she gave birth to her son and I can't even blog about that for fear I will damage my stellar reputation.

I might have been sitting in my car (engine running?) and ready to head to my SIL's house just as she was pulling into town with her newborn son that she had adopted. Whatev.

All this to say, you can imagine my ~~self-induced, panicked frenzy~~ sheer delight when I found out I was going to get to take a peak at my new niece, Claire Emmanuel last night.

Here we are together. Btw, that's an American Girl doll hat she is wearing.

She is so tiny that she doesn't latch well (yet) so I got to feed her a bottle after she breastfed. I wish it was an understatement to say that I thought I had died and entered heaven.

When I arrived back home, I skipped into the house with so much energy that my hubby texted my brother to thank him for the "legal high for my wife."

So over the top, he is, don't you think?

Happy 2nd Birthday Gabriel

2009-03-12T09:52:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday my sweet boy!

Son, you light up each day. I love the way you wait so patiently for me to come and get you in your crib each morning. Your smile, as I walk in, melts my heart every time!

I love how you say, "Okay!" every time I tell you that I love you. You make me laugh when you crawl around the house pretending you are a puppy....even going as far as to lick me!

I can hardly believe that God is giving you a brother. It would be impossible to feel more blessed. You have a destiny and I can't wait to see it unfold. I adore being your Mommy. I love you!

Newbie

2009-03-11T12:07:00.005-04:00

Introducing....my newest niece:

Claire Emmanuel

4 lbs 6 oz

17 inches

Born in perfect health! Praise God!

(check out how many times the tshirt is rolled up. too cute! :))

Happy Birthday Re-do

2009-03-10T10:34:00.006-04:00

Thank goodness for second chances.

My heart is smiling.

(oh, and if you want a good laugh, check out the end. Abby is stage left trying to blow out the candle. Maddie gives her a stern "No, Thank You!"....to which Abby replies, "Yes, Please!")