Monday, April 30, 2012

Monday Funnies!

How about a funny joke to end your Monday?? Okay, then, here it goes!!

A Minnesota couple decided to vacation to Florida during the winter. They planned to stay at the very same hotel where they spent their honeymoon 20 years earlier. Because of hectic schedules, it was difficult to coordinate their travel schedules. So, the husband left Minnesota and flew to Florida on Thursday. His wife would fly down the following day.

The husband checked into the hotel. There was a computer in his room, so he decided to send an e-mail to his wife. However, he accidentally left out one letter in her e-mail address, and without realizing his error, he sent the e-mail.

Meanwhile.....somewhere in Houston, a widow had just returned home from her husband's funeral. He was a minister of many years who was called home to glory following a sudden heart attack. The widow decided to check her e-mail, expecting messages from relatives and friends. After reading the first message, she fainted.

The widow's son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor, and saw the computer screen which read:

To: My Loving Wife
Subject: I've Arrived
Date: 16 May 2003
I know you're surprised to hear from me. They have computers here now and you are allowed to send e-mails to your loved ones. I've just arrived and have been checked in. I see that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then! Hope your journey is not as uneventful as mine was.
P.S. Sure is hot down here!


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And here is some Monday randomness:

Missy is SO into reading books these days and brings her books to anyone with an available lap, including her brother;) He was seriously helping me keep her occupied so I could finish dinner last night! We even get her some books from the library now; esp books about animals because she loves animals.

And she thinks all animals are dogs:)

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Ben bought me some roses from Trader Joe's and I would highly recommend getting flowers from there! First of all, a bouquet is only $4.99 (which is a great price for the un-wealthified) and they are some of the most beautiful and most wonderful smelling roses I've ever received! They are a beautiful pinkish purple color and are in full bloom, sending out the sweetest aroma.

Plus, Trader Joe's has lots of other great stuff, too:)

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We are in the countdown for summer vacation! Wow. I can hardly believe that this year is almost over! The second half has flown by. B has only 2 more weeks of teaching this semester, Z has 2 1/2 weeks of preschool, and S has only 5 weeks left of first grade! And he's glad about that 2, claiming that he will be learning a lot more than we will. Smarty Pants.

I started to worry a little over a whole summer filled with hearing "I'm boooorrreeed." Last summer, the boys were so enthralled with having a backyard (ish) for the first time in their lives that we were happy to spend the summer hanging around! This summer, I am hoping to get out more and see places we haven't visited yet. I did a lot of research on museum free/discount days and found lots of places we've never been to. Ben's dream for the summer is to somehow be able to go see the Reds vs Cubs at Wrigley Field as a family!

He and S got free tickets from a friend last summer and Samuel still talks about it. Ben does too, for that matter! And now he wants to share the fun experience (so they say!) with all of us. Not sure if we can swing that but it would be fun! Especially for possibly (hopefully) our last summer here.

Anyways, we're planning on keeping busy here with parks, museums and even soccer and/or t-ball for the boys. So hard to believe it's been almost a year since we moved here. Time flies!

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And I'll leave you with a super easy and very delicious recipe! This is one I threw together several years ago and often make because I usually have most of the ingredients. And everyone likes it:)

Sausage, Veggies and Beans over Rice (It doesn't really have a name so feel free to offer a better one!)

1/2-1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced (turkey or regular or leave it out if you're a vegetarian!)

1 can summer crisp corn, drained

1-2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed (depends on the size of your family~we use now!)

1 medium zucchini, sliced

2-3 cups cooked rice (again, depends on how much you eat or how many people you're feeding!)

1) Prepare rice as directed on package. Or bag. Or box.

2) Meanwhile, in large skillet, saute kielbasa until heated through and lightly browned. Add corn, black beans and zucchini and cook until hot and zucchini is done. Serve over rice and enjoy!

*If you don't have zucchini, as I didn't tonight, steam some broccoli and serve with it. The flavors are so good together!

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Perspective

 Another weekend gone in a flash! We spent a good portion of the day with my cousin before he left to go back home. We didn't see him much this weekend but were happy to have a chance to chat and get to know each other as "grown-ups." :)

The boys, as always, soaked up any attention he threw their way like little puppies. I swear we pay attention to them! Here are a couple cell phone pics from this past week.

The boys being randomly random in the car. They suddenly started saying "Ooooh" to each other and cracking up! I just like the picture because I think they look so much alike. We don't get asked if they are twins nearly as much anymore since they are separated more but every once in awhile someone does question..

Now that Missy can walk, she thinks it's such fun to take walks. Sometimes when we have time to kill, we put on her coat and just let her walk down the sidewalk as far as her little legs can carry her. She stops to look at flowers or for "Teet Teets" (Birds) and just soaks in everything around her. She is definitely in her element when she can walk and be free outside!!

I think she looks so darn cute just marching along the sidewalk with her little arm swinging like a real little person:) Not that she's not a real little person. You know what I mean! I hope.

Tonight as I came downstairs from tucking everyone in bed and looked around me at the floor littered with toys and Ben's work paraphernalia, I started to sigh in frustration and then thought, "Actually, I should be thankful for the evidence of life in this home! I would be really lonely without my wonderful husband and my sweet children."

It's nice to have good perspective every once in awhile:)

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Old Before Time.

 Whew! Another Saturday survived....barely. Our morning was decent but the boys got seriously cagey this afternoon since the weather wasn't the best today and we were stuck inside. I about pulled out my hair by mid-afternoon but somehow, it is bedtime and we ended our day peacefully. Grace!



This pic is for my Gma:) I thought you would enjoy seeing your grandson having bonding time with Miss E! For some reason, Eliana takes to men much easier than women. I really hope this isn't a forboding of the future....ha! We think it is because guys tend to hang back when they see a kid and say "Hey" while women are prone to rushing up, wanting to touch or get close, which she doesn't react well to. That's B's latest theory anyways!


* Samuel is in running club at school, a "club" that meets the second half of lunchtime to run laps around the track. You get a special necklace with a foot charm for every mile you run. Samuel finally got his necklace yesterday and he is SO proud! He has 3 charms already! He reluctantly takes the necklace off at nighttime but I told him we'd take a picture tomorrow to show off for you:)

*Zakkai only has about 3 weeks of school left until he's out for the summer! He is incredibly excited about "graduation" and tells me they are secretly practicing songs at school but I am not allowed to hear them yet. (Although I can tell he's dying to sing them for me!) I cannot believe he is going to start kindergarten in the fall. Wow.

*Eliana has progressed from saying "Dai" (for Zakkai) to "Kai" now. It's like she went through a crazy physical growth where she learned how to walk and climb and become really, really busy and she wasn't saying too many new words. But now she is repeating a ton of words! The boys get so excited when they hear her saying something new:) In the past few days she has added  "Do si?" (Go Outside?) "Bye" "Eat" "Hep" (help) "Cacka" (Cracker) and more. She's even started adding a word onto her favorite expression of "Uh-oh!" So today she wanted her shoes on so she said, "Uh-oh! Doo!" (uh-oh! Shoe!) She is changing so fast.

*I have noticed even more healing in my foot lately, which is nice! For a few weeks after I started walking again, I experienced so much discomfort in both of my feet as I learned how to walk again. My whole left leg was very weak and shaky and I put too much pressure on my right (good) foot so everything was totally thrown off. I would be hobbling so bad by the end of the day but I am finally getting stronger and able to last longer distances! The only problem is that my whole body is so much weaker from almost FIVE (can you believe it?) months of injury that I am having constant muscle strains. My body hates me!! I am trying to get everything healed so I can get back to working out and not be a 90 year old stuck in a 30 year old's body.

Or maybe it's a 30 year old stuck in a 90 year old's body......you know what I mean!

Basically, I'm old. ha! Now I'm going to enjoy my peace and quiet and rest my old, weary bones:) Have a good night!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Yurtle the Turtle

We had some interesting (and cute) things happen today! Here is your first dose of cuteness:


We made a quick stop to Target this morning and Zakkai begged me to get one of the humongous "train" carts with extra seats on it. I just love pushing those so I immediately agreed. (Please note slight sarcasm:) Eliana's never ridden in one before and I thought it'd be pretty cute to see the two of them in there.

I was right:) Love that he has his arm around his sister!!
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And for interesting: After we got back, Zakkai took advantage of the brief sunshine to ride his scooter around. He came bursting through the door a little while later, as he is wont to do, claiming that he saw a turtle outside!

I admit free and clear that I was a bit suspicious, as my sweet son does have a rather overactive imagination. However.....


He was right! Close to the parking lot was a real live turtle!! We put him in a box just for a little while and tried to give him a little lettuce and banana, since apparently they love fresh produce but he wanted none of it. I was hoping just to keep him long enough to show Samuel but I felt bad that he seemed scared so less than 30 minutes later, we set Yurtle the Turtle free and he slowly ambled off into the sunset.

I mean the bush. Hope he's found a safe home tonight!


And we ended our busy day with some more cuteness! Three little Ducks in the tub!


As you can see, Missy thought it was pretty freakin' hilarious to have her brothers in the bathtub with her! They can make her laugh (and scream) so easily:)

Rub A Dub Dub, 3 Ducks in the Tub!

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

The ABC's

As you can see below, Zakkai and I did lots of cleaning today! He helped me wipe down doorknobs and light switches, a very important cleaning task with a household of germ-incubating children!


But this is Zakkai's very favorite cleaning chore to do! When he sees me pull out the vacuum sweep the floor (our good vacuum doesn't vacuum rugs anymore but is used for sweeping under furniture, along the walls and corners and crevices where dust and crumbs like to hide!) he begs to vacuum the rug.


He had to stop and inspect the vacuum to make sure all the parts were working. Of course, he noticed that one of the lights isn't working. If you know Zakkai, you know that he's been noticing lights since he was a year old! Have him come to your house at Christmas time and he'll be able to tell you just how many of your tree lights are burnt out within about 3 minutes.....:)


Zakkai had a kindergarten orientation this afternoon so it was pretty late in the afternoon when we got home. Just in time to watch the trains and construction vehicles pass by. Obviously, exciting enough to draw the attention of all 3 munchkins;)

I think it's so cute to see Missy squeezed in between her brothers!


Eliana has been playing the "ABC" song over and over the past several days with a magnetic refrigerator toy and now she tries to sing herself! She walks around saying "I G I A O." Future American Idol contestant?

As you will see, she's being a real stinker in this video!

Enjoy!

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

The Fog

Wal-aphed is my new best friend. That is the Walgreen's version of Sudafed, if you weren't sure. Walgreens pretty much takes the first part of any brand name medicine off and replaces it with "Wal." So if you have a headache, don't forget to get your "Wal-ynol." Or maybe some "Wal-inex" for your congestion. Or perhaps some "Wal-obismol" for your upset stomach?

Sorry. Anyways, for 2 days now, I've suffered from the worst headaches and have felt so foggy. I probably should re-read my post from last night to see if it makes any sense!! After 3 rounds of headache medicine today, I finally decided to take the above mentioned wonder drug and was just amazed at how much it helped me! All of the sudden a cloud just lifted off of me and I could think for the first time and had a little energy to clean.

Which I really need to do since we're having company soon! Wouldn't want to scare my cuz away with our mess:)


Moosie is going through a Mommy Phase right now, which is hard for Ben! I admit (secretly) that it's a little bit of a relief for her to want to be with me since she really pulled away from me after my surgery. She really clung to her Mugga and to Ben and I was just the stranger lady bumming around on the couch with her foot in the air. Perfectly acceptable to show a good toy to, possibly look at a book with and help with homework but that's about it!

It feels nice to be loved. Well, except for at dinner time because it's really hard to cook dinner with a toddler hanging off your leg. Try it sometime.


While I was finishing up making dinner tonight, Ben went outside to play ball with the boys and some neighbor friends. They had such a good time that I had a hard time wanting to call them in! Love these beautiful days!

Here are my "remember stories" for today:

1) This morning, Zakkai was talking about plants in the backyard. I have no idea why but he loves to talk so it shouldn't surprise me:) Anyways, he said he wanted to plant a bush except not one like in the backyard with the prickles on it.

I said, "Oh, that has thorns because it's a rose bush."

He said, "A Gross bush???!" haha!

2) Eliana realizing we were about to go outside and yelling "Do, do, dooo!" (Go, go, gooo!) I've never had a child who loved to put their coat on so much. I've never once had a fight out of her over getting a coat or snowsuit or hat on. Well, except for her sunhats. We're still working on that;)

3) Zakkai got his very first library card today!! He laboriously printed his name on the back and decided we need to go to the library tomorrow. Again. Just so he can take some books out on his card:) It's fun to be 5!

4) Samuel has been reading to Zakkai a lot lately, especially in the mornings before we get up. So cute! He also helps him tie his shoes.

5) Eliana is becoming obsessed with her belly button:) She can hardly even see it over her big buddha-belly but her little finger tries to find it, especially when she's in her birthday suit for bathtime. She thinks it's hysterical! She also points to her eyes, ears and mouth now.

 6) Zakkai went over to a neighbor that we don't know and told him he needed to repark his car because it was crooked. If I had any pride left, it would be smarting right about now! ha!


Well, that's all my brain will remember for today! I'm sure I'll remember something I forgot after I go to bed. It always happens that way:)

Monday, April 23, 2012

Foosie.

Sometimes when I sit down with my computer at night to write on my blog, my brain goes totally blank. No matter what funny little things happened during the day that made me smile, the cute, new things that Eliana is doing, the not-so-funny moments that made me want to tear my bushy hair out. It all just goes blank.

The small things that flit through my mind as I sit here may not mean much to anyone else. The way Samuel has been trying for a week now to jump out and scare me. I think he's starting to believe I have eyes in the back of my head. Hee hee!

The screaming that Missy does if the boys do something she doesn't like. She's all boss these days and will give us a run for our money. Aiyiyi.

Listening to Zakkai tell us that when he grows up, he's not going to make the kind of meat (stir fry) we had for dinner because it was too hard to chew. But we're still invited over for pizza and a movie on Friday nights:)

The things they do to amuse us, surprise us, drive us up the wall, love us and capture us. Life is certainly not boring here!




He may be growing up fast but he still loves to sit by me, begs to sleep next to me at night, and asks me 289 questions a day just to see what I know (or don't know!). Love this kid!


She loves to read all the time,  boss her "brudders," eat and be loved. What a life! She goes by the names "Foosie" "Foosie Foo" "Moosie" "Moosie Foo" and "Biscuit." It'll be a wonder if she ever learns her real name:)

So many pretty dresses to choose from these days! I refuse to be ashamed of being a girly girl and hoping for one of my own!

This week we're expecting the company of one of my cousins! The boys are very excited, as they soak up the attention of any visitors like a thirsty plant soaks up water. Because we never give them any attention, of course.  Of course.

Our "handy man guy" came this weekend to repair a leaking pipe under our kitchen sink and the boys were literally 2 feet away from him the whole time, scrutinizing his every move. I wouldn't be surprised if I found Zakkai under there trying to figure out how to put a new pipe himself one of these days!

All I can say is, watch what you say and do around little people. They are ALWAYS watching! And listening. And learning.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Our Crew

 It was a busy day around here. We went to church, our 2nd time back since February! Things didn't go very well putting Missy into the nursery. She remembered very quickly that it was a place she doesn't like and she started screaming when we were about 10 feet away:( Sometimes I wonder if she will be living with us for the rest of her life.....

Speaking of Missy....


Peek-A-Boo! She's into all sorts of climbing and tricks lately. She thinks she's BIG stuff these days! She turned 18 months old on Friday, much to our disbelief and she is changing by the hour.


She wasn't saying too many new words for a few weeks but all of the sudden she's having a word growth spurt! Saying things like "Coa" (Coat), "Nak" (Snack), "Go!" "Bow" (because she has many~haha;), one of my favorites "Monny" (Mommy) and "Daddy", "Teet Teet" (Tweet, Tweet) and more! It's so cute to hear her little chipmunk voice talking:)


 As promised, I snuck in the boys room last night to take a picture, only to find that Zakkai was the only one who stuck it out for the night in his beanbag chair! That's quite a nest he has there:)


This is what you can find in Samuel's hand or under his feet all day, every day! He drives me up the wall with his constant bouncing, dribbling, kicking and fancy foot work. He's going to be taking soccer this summer and I'm relieved he'll have an outlet for his itchy fingers and feet!!


This is an example of the 6 (and a half) year old 'tude that we have been on the receiving end of lately! Man, oh, MAN! It's like the teenage hormones have kicked in or something. Good thing he has an attitude chart already~we've gotta work hard on this one!

The other day he was having trouble with how he was speaking to/acting towards me and I got frustrated with him by bedtime and talked to him about his disrespect. He left to go do something and within 5 minutes was back up with me, sobbing in my arms, totally repentant of his attitude. He sobbed out, "I'm sorry I was so rude to you. I don't want to be mean!" And in that moment I thanked God that my son's heart is soft and that he wants to change. May it always be so!!


We got a lot of cleaning/organizing done this afternoon...AFTER a Sunday afternoon nap!! We are amassing a large collection of things to donate or sell, which is good! Mostly clothes, toys and books that we've outgrown. We need to get things in ship-shape over here and also raise money to go on a very special trip this summer to celebrate my grandparent's 60th anniversary!!

Oh, and I convinced the Hubs to do a little organizing down in his dungeon office area. I practically had to hogtie him and throw him over my (non-injured) shoulder to get him down there but he was awfully glad when I did! First of all, he has one clean (ish) corner now, a good place for the printer (that used to be on a crooked box) and he likes my company. Win-win!!

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Little Happenings.

Haloo, I'm back! It's harder for me to write on Friday nights since it's the small window of time our family gets to spend together between Wednesday and Sunday. We treasure that time!


Yesterday morning, B took Zakkai out for a doughnut before work! Zakkai earned a prize recently and that's the card he chose:) Anyone taking bets on what flavor he got?? Oh, it wouldn't be a fair guess anyways. Zakkai+Chocolate=Luv.

Look how tall he looks! And look at that handsome hubby of mine! He's been working out the past few weeks regularly. Lookin' Good!


We were given 2 sleeping bags recently and the boys pulled them out today to play with. They've been dying to use them! Someone else thought they were pretty fun, too:)

"Just reading some books, don't mind me...."

The boys also were given some beanbag chairs last weekend, too. They've been a great addition to their room! They love to sit in them and read and guess what else? Tonight they are even sleeping in them. That's right!

They've been begging me all week for a chance to test them out overnight and I told them it couldn't be a school night so tonight's the night! I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to sneak in there in a little while and take a picture for you:)

I'm beat after a long busy day so I'm now going to treat myself to a girlie movie and some ice cream! Don't tell!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

My Day in Noodle Brain-ese.

"Up through the night with the baby. Why is she screaming bloody murder? This is the last time I go in there. Blessed silence. She gave up.The alarm goes off way too early. Can it really be morning already? Didn't I just go to sleep? Baby Girl is cranky like you wouldn't believe. Screaming if I put her down, screaming if her brothers look at her, screaming just because she can. Could it be from her shots? Her leg is hot and swollen. Time for tylenol. Hurry downstairs and get breakfast for everyone. Why do they have to eat breakfast everyday? Ugh, I haven't packed Samuel's lunch yet. Their bellies are never full. Trying to throw worms in the chickies' mouths, trying to feed myself, throwing food in his lunchbox, watching the clock. Welcome to morning.

Rush everyone out to the car at 8:11. We're running late again. Everyone's strapped in. Driving down the street, entering school traffic. Too late to walk him up to school, now I have to drop him off in the car line. He rushes out the door and runs as fast as his legs will carry him, backpack thumping against his back. He's gotten so big but in this moment he looks so small. I catch a glimpse of him sliding through the door before the car line moves on. He's gone for the day, safe and happy.

Off to the store. We're out of milk again. Zakkai realizes we're going the wrong way and points it out. He's my new backseat driver, telling us when to stop and go, watching the cars all around us. We make it to the store and head straight for the bathroom. He's got a bladder the size of a red potato. He helps me drive the cart since I've pulled a shoulder muscle. Always my big helper. The store is quiet this time of day. Easy to get around. Got our milk, fruit and cereal, looking and browsing but not buying! Zakkai pouts because I won't buy him recipe cards and we talk about being thankful for what he has at home. Quick run through the bank for laundry quarters and it's off for home.

The train tracks are being fixed and special machines are working nearby. It captures Z's interest and he watches with observant eyes, coming in periodically to report to me. Eliana is fussy, hanging on my legs, looks like it'll be another early nap day. She's down for the count. I think I'll finish spring cleaning the kitchen while Zakkai watches the train machines. He comes inside 64 times to show me his drawings of the equipment. I'm impressed with his skills! I finish scrubbing the lower cabinets and the microwave, the baseboards, the refrigerator. How did everything get so dirty? The clock is ticking, it's lunchtime already. Zakkai reminds me many times:) He eats his lunch, I wake up Eliana, we go off to preschool. As we're getting out of the car, Z peels off his sweatshirt and I realize for the first time that he's wearing the same shirt as yesterday. I try to peel a sticker off the front but he claps his hand over it in protection as it starts to tear. He hugs me goodbye and only later do I realize that he stuck the sticker on my back! What a silly boy.

Eliana and I eat lunch. My friend comes over to hang out. It's good to talk to another adult, a friend. I do it so rarely that sometimes I talk too much. I always tell myself I won't. But I always do. Soon it's time to pick up the boys. They are overjoyed at the sight of our good friend sitting in the car. It makes their day. We spill through the doorway of home, loud, boisterous, full of life. Snacks are doled out, homework is finished, the boys disappear outside, looking for friends to play with. My friend and I can have conversation in peace now. Eliana plays with a puzzle nearby. Suddenly, over the background sound of a train rumbling by, my ever-alert mommy ears hear the sound of screaming. It's not a happy scream but a scream of pain. I drop everything and head quickly outside, only to discover that Zakkai has had a bicycle collision with the neighbor boy and has been injured. It takes our friend, who just happens to be a nurse (!!) and I at least 15 minutes to get him calmed down. He sits between us on the couch, nursing his bruised swollen knuckle and knee under Toy Story band aids. We finally coax a smile out of him and before we know it, he's back outside playing. The resilience of kids.

Eliana fusses like an alarm clock, dinner is ready. So glad I put in the extra work for a crockpot meal tonight! Dishing up dinner. It's a new recipe and it's looking good. Stuffed peppers. Eliana eats half of one, the boys turn up their noses, suspicious at first but soon gobble up most of it. I know Ben will love it when he gets home late tonight. We have to say goodbye to our friend. The boys say they miss her 2 minutes after she walks out the door. We don't have company often enough!

It's time for baths. I get my cute naked girl in the tub. The door opens and Samuel comes in, tears forming in his eyes. He throws himself in my arms and chokes out that he's sorry for being disrespectful to me this afternoon. I'm so thankful that his heart is soft. I tell him I forgive him and I'm proud of him for having the courage to come to me on his own. We let it go. We move on.

All 3 in the bath for a few minutes. Eliana thinks it's fun to have some buddies in the tub. Wishing I had my camera nearby. I get her out and wrap her in her big cozy towel. Lotion, pjs, story, prayer and snuggling. Soon she's tucked in her bed, her eyes drifting shut before the door even closes. Boys are cleaned and teeth are brushed. We pile on beanbag chairs in their room for story time. Two boys tucked close on either side of me, listening to the story. I catch the smiles on their faces at the funny parts. So glad they love to read. They climb in their beds and I tuck them in. A few more questions, more things to tell me. "Why do we have hair on our heads? Why does it take so long for cats to get dry after a bath? What if we never had to sleep and God made us with a sensor that would wake us up if we started to fall asleep?" Amazed at their curious brains. Kisses and hugs and wishes for sweet dreams. Their door is closed. Another day gone. One blends into another.

I write it down so I won't forget. The little moments that make each day special.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Spring Cleaning!

Time for an honest confession here. My house has fallen into a terrible state of disrepair over the last few months. Terrible.  It started after I hurt my foot and got worse after my surgery when everything went chaotic! (When I say chaotic, I mean chaotic.)

Little by little I've been reaquainting myself with all the nooks and crannies of our home, trying to organize random piles of things that were stuffed into unlikely places or drawers that used to be neat but now look like a tornado blew through them. I even found a check that went missing 2 months ago!

So our house is slated for our first ever Spring Cleaning!! The idea of spring cleaning has always intrigued me but I've never actually hauled everything out and cleaned the place from top to bottom. Unless I'm moving. We just do regularly scheduled "check-ups" and maintenance:) We have a friend having a garage sale soon, who is letting us add stuff to sell so we get to purge and clean all the way around.

Today I started my cleaning binge in the kitchen. I took everything out of all of the upper cabinets, cleaned them and reorganized. It's kind of amazing when you spread all your stuff out on your counters and see how much you have collected. Random mugs from places, possibly broken ones, dishes you never use, old expired spices, etc. You may not be able to see my handy work yet but I'm pleased just the same! This process is going to take awhile and B has promised to help me this weekend because it's pretty overwhelming. Heck, we're even planning on putting the boys to work, too!

That's right, we're slave drivers. Can't start 'em too young, I say! (ask my mom. She has a picture of us doing dishes standing on chairs because we were so young!)

I'm looking forward to having a clean house again, one that's organized and easier to maintain. Maybe now I don't have to be embarrassed to have people over!

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(I found Missy a couple of cheap sunhats recently and she refuses to wear them. The only hat that she wants to, no, insists on wearing is the one you see pictured above. She may be the only child you see on the playground this summer with a furry pink bunny hat on:)

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Goodbye, Dr.

 Oh, what a day! I took E and Z for their much-delayed check-ups at the doctors today right after dropping S off at school. It was our very last visit to our pediatrician down in HP where we used to live. For almost 2 years now we have faithfully made the trek down there even though frustrated by the distance and lack of quality people skills that we come in contact with (pedi excluded.)

But our last straw came when, on the day of my surgery, E was so sick and once again we couldn't get an appointment or anyone to return our calls. So we had to take her to the ER instead.

So today I had to break the news to our pedi that this was our last visit and it was really hard for me! I felt like I was betraying her or something. We've been with her for 6 years now; she first met Samuel and I right when I diagnosed with my hyperthyroidism and she helped me get into an endocrinologist. She saw us through the birth of 2 babies, Ben's mugging, various illnesses, healthy check-ups, etc.

She told me today that we are one of her favorite families and that she thinks we're doing a good job with our kiddos. I could see that she was a little teary, just like I was, and I hope I was able to get across how much she has meant to us even when our opinions differed at times. We'll miss you, Dr G.

E screamed her way through the appointment, leaving me with a horrendous, knock-you-down headache for the remainder of the day. Seriously, this girl has lungs. Somehow we managed to get a healthy report, despite the crocodile tears:) She's officially petite like her mama, at 21 lbs 2 oz and 30 inches tall! That's about 10th %.

She fell asleep in about 2.4 seconds tonight after such a trying day!



Zakkai is happy to report that he is a healthy, happy, growing 5 year old who doesn't have to get any more shots!!! Well, for 6 years anyways:) He was thrilled to pieces over that;)

He also, we discovered, has allergies of some sort, which I have been questioning for awhile. He is constantly congested or runny and has troubles breathing while he sleeps or eats. The dr took one look into his mouth and couldn't believe how big his tonsils were and said it was amazing he could even breathe! So Mr Z will be going on claritin for awhile to see if that helps.

Today I was given a free old dollhouse for Eliana! It's in pretty rough condition and needs some TLC but I think it will be so cute after I finish with it! It's wooden and comes with wooden furniture and little clothespin dolls. I'll take pics after I finish!

Of course, I probably shouldn't be adding another project to my huge pile of unfinished ones.....There are just so many things I want to do!

And never enough time in the day.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Baby Shower!

We are back from our whirlwind trip, as of 11:15 last night! It was such a strange trip home. The boys fell asleep within an hour and a half of getting in the car (after dinner) and slept the entire way! I don't think that's ever happened before.

Meanwhile, their little sis? She fought sleep like a bucking bronco. Her eyes were practically rolling back in her head she was so tired but she would NOT give up. She threw her paci and elephants about 1, 674 times, which means mommy has a seriously sore arm this morning from reaching alllll the way over her carseat to fetch them. 

She finally fell asleep about 2 1/2 hours before we got home. But wait. When I say asleep, I mean her eyes were closed but she miserably cried and screamed every 30 sec-2 minutes the entire time. Two and a half hours of hearing her wail and scream while half asleep was really, really frustrating and miserable. All the poor baby wanted to do was sleep in her own bed. We got her home, rushed her up to bed and didn't hear a peep from her all night.

What was left of it anyways:)

Okay, now to the fun part! The shower went really well yesterday! B and the boys got to play at the park with his mom while E took a good nap at my aunt's house (who was hosting) so we could set up. Our theme was "April Showers Bring May Flowers!" I had a really cute sign for the front door but forgot to take pics of it. Darn.


The food table. I didn't realize til I looked at this that I forgot to take a pic after all the food was on the table~oh well! It was a mid afternoon shower so we stuck with a few sweets and munchies. There was a veggie tray, fruit kabobs, mixed nuts, pretzels and animals crackers, a white chocolate fountain, strawberry-lemon bars and a dessert in pretty cups called Chocolate Delight!

 The umbrella garland spelled out "Baby Shower." We were supposed to have a small umbrella upside down on the food table with flowers in it but the story of how the umbrella didn't make it to the shower is far to detailed and exhausting to tell.

Trust me.

 The shower main colors were sage green and pink, which will be in the baby's room! This is a dress garland I made with the colors and it spells out "Welcome Baby Krause" on it.


A few of the dresses close-up...


This was a prayer tie quilt that my very talented aunt made. As a matter of fact, my sister loved it so much that my mom is going to try to match the colors and make the rest of the baby bedding! It had pink, green and yellow in it. We each tied several of the strings while saying a silent prayer of Baby and her mommy and daddy-to-be!


Drinks were served in mason jars tied with pink and green ribbons. My mom had the great idea to spray paint the lids green and pink to match! These jars were filled with water flavored with lemon, orange and lime slices.


And these jars were filled with pink lemonade with lime slices in them! Yum!


Finally the lady of the hour arrived and we snatched her up for pictures! Here is my sis and I. Doesn't she look great?!


And the very excited Mugga:)


K was gracious enough to allow us a belly shot. Only a few more weeks!

 After munching on lots of food, we played Baby Bingo! A lot of people were leery of shower games but everyone liked this one. The pictures are really cute and they covered them with conversation hearts.


My mom calling out the cards..


Two of my cousins


And we can't forget this little Lady:) She's wearing a very pretty new dress that her Mugga made for her! She was very shy at first but then she warmed up a little and started to play and talk to a few "safe" people.

 Being silly..


The back of the dress with the tie. I just love this dress!

" I can't wait to meet my baby cousin, Auntie K! I'll show her all about how to wrap Daddy around her fingers so she can get whatever she wants!"

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Traveling

We are here in Ohio, preparing for my sister's shower. It's been crazy so far! We decided to come in last night so my mom and I could get errands done today and the traffic coming out of Chicago was SO bad that we didn't get here until almost midnight!!

Today was full of lots of errands, which the boys elected to run with us:) Poor E is having a rough night so far tonight, as her sleeping and everything has been so thrown off.

So.....shower tomorrow and immediately afterward, driving straight back to Chicago for another midnight arrival.

Anyone want to take bets on how tired we'll be on Monday?? :) Pics of the shower to come!

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Picture Post!

 I have Thursday poop-brain, which happens after many long, busy, solo hours! Please excuse me:) Instead of boring you with my brain mush, I'll share pictures instead...


Here is my dearest in his new glasses! It took him a little while to adjust to the big difference in prescription but now he is enjoying showing off his new "seeing skills." Ha:)

I had the boys give me some before and after haircut shots the other day. They really hammed it up and the pictures are terrible but still funny:) This is Samuel's interpretation on "haircut."


And after being shorn. He kept saying he wanted to keep his hair but we told him we just couldn't let him stay looking like a wild animal:) Parental duties and all that...


The real wild animal! He fought tooth and nail during the whole process. Wow, this kiddo has lungs, stamina and strong will. But at least he has less hair now!


His after shot, puffy red eyes and all:( He's recovered fully now and looks quite handsome!


Samuel and his "twin" at Success Night! Each student had a twin they made in art class that was sitting at their desk. We got to take him home and he is currently residing in the kitchen:)


Samuel has a special story hanging in the hallway called "The Baseball Game" and it's all about when Daddy took him to the Reds game last summer! So cute. I didn't think to take a picture with S and his teacher until after we had left but soon I will. She's the greatest!


And last but certainly not least, the cutest baby girl ever! She looks SO big in this picture! She is really growing and changing so much. I just love her pigtails. (I know I told you that already but you have to bear with me!)

Someone asked me today if E's glasses were prescription glasses and after I told that to B, he said someone asked him the other day if her glasses were real. Seriously? You think we're accessorizing our baby? Sorry, that's just kind of strange!

Or maybe it's the new trend and we're really cool....

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