A Page from Our Scrapbook

September is here!

2010-09-10T02:06:00.002-04:00

We'll be finishing up our second full week of school tomorrow. Yes, even through holidays Jewish and National ones. I plan to be on 7 weeks and off for 1 week. I gives us 6 full weeks off of school throughout the year and we will still finish June 3rd.

Homeschooling, preschooling, potty training, and nursing definitely has it's crazy moments. I am trying to stay on my schedule as best as I can so we get into a good habit. We've been on a field trip already to the zoo, possibly going to the orchard tomorrow and the Butterfly Garden on the 20th to finish up our insect study. Love field trips! Next week we add Community Bible study and Co-op classes to our schedule. Still working out the kinks in curriculum to best meet Ryan's needs.

It's 2 am and the coherent sentences just aren't coming so I'll leave you with the last pic of the summer before school started.

Jason Todd Speulstra

2010-06-29T10:44:00.003-04:00

After 9 months and much deliberation re: a name for this LITTLE guy...

We are proud to announce the arrival of
Jason Todd Speulstra
June 17, 2010
10:26am
6 lbs. 8 oz.
18 in long.

Rachael is 4!

2010-05-15T13:37:00.003-04:00

The time is flying by as our kids grow up. Has it really been 4 years since that first surprise c-section for a little baby who wouldn't turn around? She adds an amazing dynamic to this house soon to be full of boys. She sways between girly girl and tomboy and we wouldn't have it any other way. She makes up songs and sings a lot. She loves Cubbies at AWANA and has a love/hate relationship with gymnastics. She doesn't particularly like to be dropped off to Sunday School or CBS class but 2 Tic-Tacs later and she is in the room playing. She couldn't love her new bedroom more. We love you, sweet 4 year old.

Quad Celebration

2010-04-30T19:21:00.007-04:00

Spring is party time here in our house. I decided to have one big party for all of us as we celebrated our 10th anniversary, Ryan's 6th birthday, Rachael's 4th, and Jack's 2nd. So we got all the partying out of our system 2 months before baby. 65 people and 4 cakes! (I make the 3 characters) Here are pics from the day...

Thanks to Santoni's for a WONDERFUL cake-wish we knew you 10 years ago!

Ryan's Lego Man

Hello, Kitty! for Rachael

And the ever popular Elmo for Jack

And then he was 6!

2010-04-06T15:43:00.005-04:00

Ryan turned 6 yesterday and we couldn't be more proud. He is certainly turning into a boy's boy. He loves all things Legos and Star Wars. He is doing very well in his 1st grade school work. He seems to like all of the subjects equally and talks about what he is learning throughout the day esp. trying to stump Mom and Dad with math problems. He loves to read his Bible and memorizes so easily. He is a good big brother and learning a little more each day to hold loosely to the things of this world (mainly SHARING)!! Love you, Rye-Guy! Enjoy your 800+ pieces of Legos you got this birthday!

Happy, happy Birthday to my Baby!

2010-03-24T02:14:00.005-04:00

Not such a Baby anymore. Oh, Jack! We love you so much. You are such a great two year old going on 6! You LOVE your daddy so much and try to do EVERYTHING that Ryan and Rachael do. Your smile melts our hearts and we love your mischievous side too. It is so funny to watch you play Leapster or rather turn it on and off. You kick back on a pillow, put your legs up and enjoy yourself. You are saying more and more words by the day although we wish you could tell us what you want when you get really frustrated at dinner time. It is spring time, yet you are still wearing your heavy winter coat because you hate change. If something is out of place (even when Mommy does it on purpose), you try to your hardest to make it 'right' or bug us until we make it 'right'. You are such a good boy at church and Bible study and don't cry when you go anymore. You can climb the playhouse/swing set this year and love to be outside already. Enjoy your last few months as the youngest. You are in for a bit of an awakening in June, but we know you will make a fabulous Big Brother! Happy 2, sweet boy!

2010-03-02T16:00:00.003-05:00

Very frustrated with this blog! Hence the way it looks. It has very little to do with St Patrick's Day. I was attempting something which didn't solve my colors problem and now I can't add things even with Blogger's tricks. So green it is for awhile.

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March...I am not sure whether to say, "March, already?" or "Only March?" Baby is doing fine. Strong heartbeat and very active. Rachael has even felt it kick and thought that was pretty cool. When she says 'he' it rolls off her tongue now so I guess she is getting used to the idea of a third brother. We have NO idea what we will name this little guy but we have about 15 weeks to figure it out.

Rachael is reluctantly learning her alphabet. She is a great story teller and wants to read but isn't quite ready for the work. "Maybe tomorrow..." she says. I get frustrated when that is her answer more often then not, until I realize that is my answer WAY to often. I am definitely more tired lately but not so much that I can't accomplish a few more things.

Ryan is doing very well in school doing all 1st grade work now. We won't be able to finish it by summer so that will be a little weird not to start a new grade in the fall. It is tough to get him motivated to begin the school day but he still does a great job. Today, he even asked if he could finish spelling before lunch today.

Jack is our Jumper. Finds anything and everything to climb up on and jump off of. Even for his JCPenney portrait yesterday, there was a flying Jack. He thinks he is 5 already following Ryan everywhere. He LOVES stuffing. We have to hide it from him at the dinner table. Fortunately, he hasn't gotten the idea to get out of his crib yet. Hopefully, he'll stay until May when Rachael moves to her new room and gives Jack her bottom bunk.

Blog colors

2010-02-13T09:32:00.001-05:00

Blogger hasn't let me change text colors and fonts for a couple of weeks now. Anyone else having that trouble?

Blizzard 2010

2010-02-07T18:56:00.013-05:00

Q and A

2010-01-29T17:12:00.003-05:00

1. What is your current obsession?
We have entered into the era of small parts to all the toys. Keeping the legos in the box, the princesses in the carry-all and the books on the shelves.

2. What are you wearing today?
red maternity fleece and jeans

3. What’s for dinner?
That's a good question- I have 21 freezer meals in the freezer and that is a problem b/c it is 5 pm now.

4. What’s the last thing you bought?
clothes for Rach

5. What are you listening to right now?
Jack clicking on the computer, Ryan making up a Lego story

6. If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?
on a white beach in the Caribbean

7. What is one thing you want to change about yourself?
Stick to a daily schedule and not get bored accomplishing it.

8. If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
South Carolina for a chat- short one for us

9. Which language do you want to learn?
Need to relearn Spanish to teach the kiddos

10. What’s your favorite quote?
"Where you live shouldn't determine whether you live." Bono

11. Would you cook for me?
Sure! Could you stop by the store on your way for a few ingredients?

12. What is the right way to avoid people who purposefully hurt you?
God has asks me to treat them kindly. I do honestly try and thankfully there aren't that many around these days.

13. What are you afraid of the most?
Losing loved ones--most of them know Christ, I would just miss them so much.

14. Who do you want to meet right now?
Kate McRae, Brady Sullivan, Jennifer McKinney, Jodi Ferlaak, Jess Mac--a few bloggers who inspire me or I am praying for...

15. What is your favorite color?
Depends what it is for...orange on my boys, sage green for decorating...

16. Give us 3 styling tips that work for you.
Funny...uh, be clean.

17. What is your dream job?
Running a classical school with small classes and no parent phone calls

18. What’s your favorite magazine?
Focus on the Family and Good Housekeeping

19. If you had $100 now, what would you spend it on?
Dinner and a live show (I guess we'd be way up in the balcony)

20. What do you consider a fashion faux pas?
slippers/pjs in public

21. Who, according to you, is the most over-rated writer?

22. What brings a smile on your face instantly?
An unexpected comment from the kids

23. What is one word that you say a lot?
ComeON (yes, I know it is 2)

24. What kind of haircut do you prefer?
Shoulder length with a part on the right

25. What are you going to do after this?
Hopefully going out to dinner...:)

26. What do you do when you are feeling low or terribly depressed?
Call Kristy and eat.

27. What makes you go wild?
Wild? Me? The term does not compute.

28. What are your favorite movies?
How to Lose Guy in 10 Days, The Blind Side, usually chic flicks

29. What inspires you?
Bloggers who have faced things I am afraid of. Builds my faith in God and myself. Church/Bible study with friends

30. What do your friends call you most commonly?
Uh...Brooke???

31. Would you prefer coffee or tea?
Tea and iced is best.

32. Which other blogs do you love visiting?
loaded question: MckMama, The Macs, Kelly's Korner, Cake Wrecks, Bring the Rain, my friends that still blog in spite of FB

33. What is your favorite dessert/sweet?
Sadly at the this point, anything. I like chocolate but it doesn't have to be. Anything lime is good too.

34. How many tabs are turned on in your browser right now?
3

35. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
all the mascara didn't come off

36. What is your favorite season?
I love something about every season Winter: SNOW, Spring/Fall: beautiful, Summer: no school and warm vacations

37. What is one wish that you really want to see come true?
Lose my pregnancy weight by the end of the year--yeah, right!

38. What breaks your heart?
Child/women slavery and currently Haiti

39. What's one thing you really want to do in life?
Travel with Samaritan's Purse and hand out Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes with my entire family. Live for my God.

2010-01-23T11:29:00.003-05:00

The basement is looking better and better. We have our full size school area back! It was cramped while furniture and toys were moved during the last renovation time. The Ikea cubbies in the back were a nice addition after Christmas this year. The last part of the renovation is from that pipe to the door of Ken's workroom. He is currently reworking some of the dropped ceiling. The end is in sight! We even have a few carpet samples from my uncle.
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Been feeling the baby move a little more lately, although not as much as the other 3. Maybe because I don't have time to pay attention because of the other 3.

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Homeschooling is going pretty well. We are solidly in first grade now. I am trying to look ahead and see what we can comfortably finish before the baby comes. I hate to stop in the middle of a curriculum but I won't have a choice. With the Sept-May school year ingrained in my head as a teacher, I hope we can get back to that schedule for a school year at some point. Maybe not with Ryan but Rachael and Jack eventually. Flexibility, Brooke!

Might be interesting if I had $35 to throw out!

2010-01-15T15:20:00.002-05:00

Here to you, Katie and Rachel!
http://www.intelligender.com/

Angie and Me

2010-01-06T11:11:00.006-05:00

I am so excited to be pregnant at the same time with Angie! In fact, other than Ken, she was the first to know when we met at our women's retreat. She spilled her beans the next day. We are due 3 days apart (June 19th and June 22nd) and she found out yesterday that she is having her 5th girl. Everything looks good for her new little Charlotte. Praise the Lord! She chronicles carrying and losing her 4th daughter, Audrey, on her blog.

For my all followers (3 seems to be everyone's guess lately), I might find out on the 26th, husband willing. Not sure if we'll announce it or not. The name will definitely be a secret. Any boys names to go with Jack and Ryan will be much appreciated. And girl names too for that matter.

Sorry...

2010-01-02T22:03:00.004-05:00

I haven't been around lately. I just really haven't felt like blogging, facebooking or doing much of anything else. Counting the days until I feel better (at least I am hoping!) And the ticker counting down my pregnancy to your right really isn't helping matters.

I am very excited to have a good friend back in the pregnancy boat with me. Her son and Jack are 11 days apart, this is their 4th, we both have 2 boys and a girl already, and are both due this summer. Congrats, Amy! Our last round (we think!)!

Anyway, packing up Christmas today, lesson planning tomorrow and back to the schedule on Monday. Lord, please grant me the energy to do what you've called me to do.

Love and best wishes to all my readers for a wonderful 2010!
ps--this is the wrong pic b/c my black eye is not edited out and blogger won't let me change any colors right now....oh well.

2009-12-18T14:24:00.001-05:00

http://www.mycharmingkids.net/2009/12/power-of-two.html

2009-12-10T15:53:00.001-05:00

Could be a big surprise for Christmas. Great giveaway: http://mckgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/12/hp-touchsmart-giveaway.html

Welcome December!

2009-12-02T21:37:00.004-05:00

Updated 12/5/09: Snow has arrived and it's wonderful!!

"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn...But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." ~Luke

I imagine it was a lot for Mary to take in. The whole 9 months was A LOT to take in. What a joy and peace she must have felt as God's promises were fulfilled and everywhere she turned, people were believing that her Child was the Savior-- Joseph, the shepherds, Simeon, Anna... December is always a good time to practice treasuring His presence in my life and pondering His work in my heart. May I do it more often through out the year when things are good and bad, hard and easy. We serve a Mighty King.

Merry Christmas!
(and where's the snow??????)

And finally, the end is in sight!

2009-11-11T14:36:00.005-05:00

I am excited to announce that the plans to complete our family are in process. Baby #4 is on the way! He/she will make a grand entrance sometime in mid-June. As usual, I am very sick and back on anti-nausea meds to get through the day. It is much harder getting through the school material as well, but Lord willing, it will only last through the beginning of January if that. Boy, that sounded more optimistic than I feel! We are all excited, and the kids talk about it often. It's really the first time Ryan or Rachael understand even a little bit.

Oh, and Katie W. gets the prize for noticing the most subtle of changes to the blog!
Prize: being mentioned on the blog!

A Weekend with the Girls

2009-10-23T22:41:00.003-04:00

About 200 I think. Last weekend was the LifePoint Women's Retreat 2009. I am still coming down off of the high. Every aspect of the weekend was a blessing from riding with 2 friends I never see enough, 5 wonderful gourmet meals (several with dessert!), awesome sleeping quarters where we napped and read, outlet shopping and a speaker who I felt like we'd known each other for years.
It was so relaxing that the pouring rain outside did nothing but cause us to sit back and chat or read a good book.

We were BLESSED in every way to be joined by sweet Angie Smith, her talented husband, Todd, and their daughters. I have been following Angie's blog since just before the birth of her fourth daughter, Audrey. Audrey spent 2 1/2 hours here on earth before being completely healed in Jesus' arms. I won't even attempt to summarize Angie's journey and all that she has learned and in turn shared with her readers. If you have time to spend with her in her blog, you will be blessed.

Friday evening I had the privilege once again to hear her testimony from her heart through her own voice. Not a dry eye in the house as we all bonded. Saturday morning Angie spoke on a life lived in gratitude, Clothed in Joy. Our small group came to the conclusion that the two cannot survive in one's life without the other. Angie spoke about things that rob us of gratitude, whether it be fear, entitlement, busyness of life, or unforgiveness. She summed it up with the story of the ONE leper out of 10 returning to Jesus to thank him for his healing and salvation.

Saturday night we heard a stirring call to service outside of our comfort zone from our pastor's daughter-in-law. The evening ended with a mini-concert with Angie's husband, Todd, from Selah. It was wonderful!!!

Sunday morning, Angie gave us 10 practical ways to change our attitude and leave a legacy of gratitude. I was able to take several of those things and put them into practice on Monday morning.
1. Daily naming 4 big things I am grateful for and 4 details of my life for which I am grateful.
2. I am changing the beginning of my sentence from "I have to..." to "I get to..."
3. Setting time aside to thank God for everything...not asking, not dumping, just thanking.

I don't have it mastered and won't until He returns, but I sit here on a Friday night and look back a more peaceful week in my life and for that, God, I am Grateful.

(Angie, it was a pleasure to meet and spend a few minutes with you at dinner on Saturday evening. We'll keep the homeschool fires burning together, sweet friend! Love you!)

New Directions

2009-10-21T22:45:00.005-04:00

Just wrote then deleted a stupid blog entry about finally switching razors after having the same one for 20 years (Ken would yell, "the same handle not blade!"). But anyway, new is good. 4 blades better than 2!

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Facebook status today:

Brooke Conard Speulstra Ryan is learning to label sentences with subject nouns, verbs and ADVERBS! I thought for sure we were too far ahead until he asked, "When are we going to do something hard?" HE IS 5!!!

I told Ken when we decided to homeschool that if one of the kids were smarter than me, I'd quit. Hmmm....

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And while we on the subject of homeschooling, I hated the way science was going this year so we aborted that mission and took the road Ken wanted. We are now exploring Apologia's Exploring Creation with Zoology 1: Flying Creatures of the the Fifth Day. Love the notebook that accompanies it. He is already looking up the taxonomies of all kinds of animals. Can't wait to see what he is when he grows up!

Living in 2009

2009-10-20T20:56:00.002-04:00

Been studying Genesis in Bible Study this year. Ryan's class follows right along with ours (his book is much cooler with neat pictures and chances to draw) just on a different level. We love to quiz each other on our memory verse.

After studying the flood, we focused on the re population of the earth and specifically God's plan for the chosen nation of Israel through Shem.

Our study took us to Acts, chapter 17, verses 26-28a. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being.

I love The Message's version : Starting from scratch, he made the entire human race and made the earth hospitable, with plenty of time and space for living so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find him. He doesn't play hide-and-seek with us. He's not remote; he's near. We live and move in him, can't get away from him!

God chose the place and time for each of us to be here on earth. He isn't surprised by our birth and then fits us into His Plan. NO! He chose the time and place so that we might be drawn to Him and know Him. He wants us to reach out and realize how close He really is. He loves me more than I can conceive. When I am bogged down by the day and the nightmares of the world we live in, I take GREAT comfort in knowing that He chose this time in history that I might know him best. He is not hiding...am I seeking with all my heart?

I will not let a month go by...has it been that long!!??

2009-09-23T16:16:00.012-04:00

It actually hasn't been that exciting around here (at least nothing I can't say in a sentence on FB, sorry blog). We've been working on the school groove. I am gradually growing more discipline in being prepared ahead of time. We had a work weekend around the house with help from our families. Ken has the basement in pieces again, but it had to happen. Hoping it is done by Christmas. (fingers crossed everyone)

Three weeks into school and we needed a break. Just kidding. Planned the trip a long time ago to celebrate homeschooling and the freedom to come and go as we please. And less crowds and lines.

So Disney it was!!!

Day One--Plane ride to Charlotte and Orlando. Kids loved it, Jack fell asleep during take-off the first time. R&R fell asleep on the second take-off. Condo with grandparents in Vista Cay was great!

Day Two-Magic Kingdom
We had a really rough start with crabby kids and trying to move the seven of us along was a chore. Around 2 pm all attitudes disappeared and we were able to stay through the Electrical Parade.

Rachael and me watching the princesses dance w/ Mickey and Minnie

Meeting Arial--our shy guppie as she put it.

Day Three- Sea World
LOVE LOVE LOVE Shamu and all the other amazing sea animals. Jack is still doing the Shamu wave...

Day Four-Epcot

Not many pics but we road Mission: Space, GM's Test Track, and Soarin' which was very cool.

Day Five-Animal Kingdom

The Safari Jeep Ride was great. Ken and I went on the Expedition Everest roller coaster which was really good. Then we headed to see Finding Nemo the Musical. It was incredible. Never seen anything like it.

Safari outlook

Day Six-Magic Kingdom

We started out at the Polynesian Resort having breakfast with MICKEY, Pluto, Lilo and Stitch. Ryan loved it and Rachael finally warmed up at the end while Jack screamed ever time they got near him (not sure if he was scared of them or someone taking his food--the Mickey waffles where awesome!) We went back to Magic Kingdom to hit the places we'd missed. Waited only 15 min to see Mickey and Minnie together.

Tea at Minnie's House

Day Seven- HOME to Baltimore!

First Day of School

2009-08-24T15:07:00.005-04:00

Well it's here! School had begun and we are finally finished with our first day. The plan is not to go until 3 pm but an unexpected doctor appointment for my week and a half old cough changed that. (I am fine. Waiting a few days to start antibiotics...) Anyway, Ryan and Rachael were both excited this morning. We got a late start because Jack was up with two tooth aches until 2 :30 and slept in til 10am.

We did the calendar time together and Rachael worked on the color Red today while Ryan reviewed addition facts. After Rachael was finished, we read another chapter in 20, 000 Leagues Under the Sea, categorize household items during grammer time, story problems in math, and discussed what the word 'history' and archeology mean.

For those of you interested we are using:

Abeka Math

Shurley English

Story of the World (History)

Classic Novels and Stories for Reading

DK First Animal Encyclopedia

Psalm 100

Ryan was thrilled to receive a globe today!

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I have had several people on facebook commenting about my summer chore of doing windows. I put it off all summer and was glad I did. I looked out this window one day and started my chore the next day only to find THIS.

Reading Stats

2009-08-04T23:30:00.002-04:00

As you can see from my 'bookshelf,' I am doing very well in the fiction area. But I am currently reading 3 non-fiction books with information that will help me tremendously in the very near future so I will be finishing them before moving back to fiction.
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Ryan started soccer this evening. He was more interested then we expected and wants to go back next week. I think I try to find a kids' books on soccer since he ingests information so much better from a book.

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We spent the weekend camping at Rocky Gap State Park in Cumberland. It was a great weekend with great company. The only bad part was that it rained just as much as it was nice. Hopefully, we'll head to VA next week for another campground.

Praying again for this sick little boy!

2009-07-27T15:15:00.001-04:00

God, please work a miracle in Stellan's heart. He desperately needs Your healing.

Summer continues to fly.

2009-07-13T14:32:00.005-04:00

I remember being in school and than teaching school that the only month I truly loved was June. Don't get me wrong. I love school once I'd get back in the groove and there is something to love about all the months, seasons, holidays etc. But June was the anticipation of the end, fun starting, looking forward to the whole summer ahead. From July 1st, I always felt summer ticking away. Now that we are preparing to homeschool, the clock is ticking again. But I will resolve to enjoy every moment of the summer. I look forward to being in the groove of school in a few months.
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And we have had lots of fun moments. After returning from Myrtle Beach, our friends, Wendy and Gary Wheeler from Seattle brought their daughter 6 1/2 year old Katie to Maryland for a visit. The Wheelers were our mentors when we were dating/engaged, their older sons and daughter were in our wedding, and now they are our mentors in parenting, homeschooling, and projects (not sure which way it goes for Gary and Ken's projects though). We had a wonderful visit picking raspberries, going to River Valley Ranch for fireworks and music, dinner with old friends, Dutch Wonderland and just chatting outside enjoying the awesome weather this summer.
Fourth of July was spend with many families from church at our friends' homes (two families live next door to each other). We played corn hole, tossed water balloons, ATE, lite sparklers, and walked to the county fireworks. Rachael did better with the fireworks this year with no trembling but she still closes her eyes, holds her ears and seems to hiberate during the shows.

Last week, Grandmom came for a few days during which Ken and I went out for a really nice dinner (because I didn't make enough dinner for 6 people!) and made an illegal trip to the dump (not on the same day :)

Saturday, we had two parties to attend (a rarity for us!). And had a great time with lots of friends.

Yesterday, we went to early church, then off to the NCR trail for a bike ride with Ken's parents. We rode 12 miles round trip. Ryan managed to do 6 miles his first time on the trail. My father-in-law, an avid rider, stayed with him so the rest of us could continue on. Dinner at Red Robin was a great end to a fun family weekend.

Lots of fun moments but there has been a lot of screaming in our house lately. The kids are coming into their own and their 'owns' get on each other's nerves which in turn gets on our nerves. And Jack our precious baby has found his voice and joins in for the fun of it.

I have found myself taking fewer pictures this summer for several reasons.

remember the part about enjoying every moment (not trying to capture the perfect pic)
I have too many to scrap as it is
one less bag I have to carry

A very fun, very loud summer it is.

2009-06-29T00:13:00.008-04:00

Had a wonderful few days camping at Myrtle Beach State Park. Actually went to the beach 3 days in a row which is a life long record for me and of course my three kids (don't know about Ken). Our new canopy was the reason we survived so many days in a row. Ken's parents and sister and family camped with us. Lots of fun. I even RAN on the beach every day training for my 5K (just with friends).

The Fam

Jack (since his head was turned)

The Whole Gang (minus me taking the pic and my B-I-L, whose on the phone)

Our canopy

My boys one morning...

I wonder...

2009-06-16T00:22:00.006-04:00

if I'll hit 5000 hits by my one year blog anniversary on the 21st? It's a shame I only started counting a few months ago, otherwise I might be at 10,000!

Summer Time!

2009-06-15T07:12:00.008-04:00

We survived Ken's 9 day business trip and were happy to welcome him home last Tuesday night. He took Wednesday off to spend the day with us. Everyone was excited to see Daddy but Jack was thrilled to see him. He kept running and tackling Ken, climbing all over him, and rolling off of Ken's head with the biggest smile. I'd say the bond at 14 months is pretty strong.

Rachael was excited to have Daddy attend her last gymnastics class for the spring. She is just beginning to feel comfortable doing the warm-ups and using a few small skills they taught her. She'll be back again in the fall.

Then we went to Larriland to pick strawberries. It was past peak picking time but we were still able to get 12 lbs with no problem.

Change her outfit?? To pick strawberries? Who Me? I am NOT one of those crazy moms!

I was having a good time, really! I should have put on my sunglasses so I didn't squint.

Remember, Jack will eat anything...

I spent much of the weekend doing this:

Count 'em! 2 Dozen minus the one I already gave to a set of brand new parents of a sweet baby girl!

Air and Space at Dulles

2009-06-03T21:25:00.002-04:00

To celebrate the end of preschool, we took a trip to the newer Air and Space Museum near Dulles airport. It was awesome and if you have spent any time with Ryan in the last year and heard all he knows about planets, you can imagine he was a little crazed! We manage to see everything but not in detail like Ken and I would have liked. Maybe a date some day... We tailgated in the parking lot before heading home.

We nicknamed this the SmartPlane after the SmartCar.

AWANA and the Grand Prix

2009-06-02T07:33:00.004-04:00

The year has wrapped up now. We celebrated the end of AWANA with a picnic and the Grand Prix last week. Ryan was excited to finish his Cubbies' book and move into Sparks next year as Rachael will move into Cubbies. She is super excited.
Ryan receives his book award.

Next was the Grand Prix. Ryan chose to build a Mustang and wanted it painted green. He helped with the sanding, the painting, and the decals. We might have to get a little crazier next year with our design as we were up against a hot dog, ice cream cone, juice box and Mater. Ryan placed a close 2nd in all of his heats, so he didn't make it to any finals, but he enjoyed the race.

Finally!

2009-05-28T22:54:00.002-04:00

THE PERFECT CHILD.
He brushes his teeth AND vacuums!

A favorite blog...

2009-05-26T00:33:00.001-04:00

of mine is celebrating 600. Check it out!

Had a great time in Durham redecorating my brother's master bedroom with the whole family. Duke Gardens was a fun, beautiful side trip!

Can I Pat Myself on the Back?

2009-05-18T18:24:00.004-04:00

Because my Dora did turn out much better than these!!!! I know, I know, her dress is a little big. (I think it looks bigger in the picture than it was.) At least, Rachael didn't run away screaming from it!

All By Myself

2009-05-15T21:46:00.002-04:00

Ken is away enjoying some time with the men in our church. The kids and I made pizza and cookies for dinner and stayed outside blowing bubbles until dark. I love the warmth of spring and the promise of summer but I don't like drippy bubbles and sandboxes dumped in my daughter's hair. Nightly scrub downs become the norm as the dirt of the day creeps into the house.

Dare I hope they sleep until 9 am? I do. Although I have no milk in the house, so I'll be dragging everyone to the store tomorrow morning. Wish I would have remembered when Ken was home packing.

We are wrapping up school at the end of the month and look forward to our last summer before school becomes official. CBS ended yesterday, MOPS ends Monday, AWANA ends next Wed. Lost is over. Summer is upon us soon. I'll miss the schedule but I won't miss the schedule.

Dear Blog,

2009-05-11T23:41:00.000-04:00

Please don't hate me. I facebooked today....

Love,
Me

3 going on 13!

2009-05-09T04:35:00.006-04:00

My baby girl becomes a preschooler today as she turns 3 today. I guess she really wanted to leave 2 with a bang and thought swallowing a penny would give us some fond memories.

Rachael is a wonderfully, spunky little girl who can take on her older and younger brother without flinching.
She has really found her voice (words) in the last few months and keeps us quite entertained with ALL of her thoughts. (She may drive us crazy at times but I hope she never stops talking to us.)
She loves Puppy and is supposed to be leaving him in her bedroom from today on. I don't have high hopes for this but we'll try.
Rachael is our singer. She sings everything she learns in church and CBS. And if it is not a song, she makes it up. She will sing about eating dinner, getting a bath, playing with puppy and coloring her letters.
After 8 weeks with the first 8 letters of the alphabet, she still says they are all A but she can almost count to 20!
She is strong! I knew this but was reminded during the x-ray when she clocked me in the head, broke my necklace and had to be held down by me and Kathi Anglin with a death grip.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Rachael!
2006

2007

2008

2009

The Penny has emerged!

2009-05-08T12:56:00.002-04:00

No need for photographic evidence. I am a scrapbooking blogger but come on!

New addition to my blog list

2009-05-08T07:17:00.004-04:00

Check out the Cambodia Team blog on my list. Our friend, Rian, (we visited with them in GA in Feb) is on the trip. Please pray for their safety and success in the Lord's eyes.

Pennies are more useful on the outside.

2009-05-07T12:21:00.002-04:00

Please pray for our Rachael. She swallowed a penny yesterday and is now throwing up. We don't know if the two are related but we just had an xray and saw the penny. We are waiting for a call from the doctor re: the next step.

Update: The penny has left her stomach. The doctor thinks it's just a coincidence that she is throwing up or it just gave her an upset stomach.

Please pray...

2009-05-06T12:20:00.005-04:00

for my Uncle Lin. He is in the hospital in Greenville, SC, sedated and on a ventilator. He is not responding as well as they had hoped after emergency surgery to fix a hole in his esophagus. He is a missionary who travels world wide sharing the gospel. We are thankful he was at home when everything started. Please keep him, my Aunt Carol, and their kids and grandchildren in your prayers. His son, Calvin, is currently serving in Iraq.
Please click on the pic to view the whole family.

Got Ideas?

2009-05-04T12:48:00.002-04:00

So, Moms, what does your 3 year old love? Rachael will be three Saturday and I am a little stuck which is REALLY unusual. Any ideas?

___________________________

And Wii...seems like the only thing we like is Mario Cart (which I don't completely understand) and Wii Sports. 'Fess up! What are your kids playin'?

Good Times!

2009-05-02T16:04:00.002-04:00

Looks like the pastor that married us is facing 30 years in prison for fraud. His brother (original owner of our former dog Anna) is also charged. Hmmm.... I hope after 9 years and 3 kids that he wasn't a fraud that day! Maybe we should have Joe redo our vows on our 10th anniversary next tax day. That would be cool since other than our family, our guest list would be completely different and probably include YOU!

__________________________________________

And yes, I am fully aware that another fiction book as been added to my "read" list. Maybe I should start counting chapters of non-fiction!

So many posts, so little time!

2009-04-29T17:41:00.006-04:00

Jack is 13 months old and is officially walking. He's been taking steps for awhile, but now when he falls, he actually gets back up on his feet and keeps walking instead of reverting to crawling. He LOVES his big brother and sister. Jack has a great appetite even loving chili. He doesn't like strawberries like Rachael which is just fine with Ryan who eats enough for all three of them. Jack loves sweets, wind in his peach fuzz, going up and down stairs, Goldfish, and the Wii Remotes. He hates shoes (see last pic), being dropped off to any nursery and being buckled in his carseat.

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To celebrate Rachael's recent accomplishment of No More Diapers, we visited the Build-a-Bear Workshop and have added "Lucy" to the family. I knew as soon as I saw Lucy that she would be going home with us. Rachael is all girl and all about pink. She picked her new bear out quickly, but was less then excited about the loud machine that filled Lucy up.
Here she is tucking Lucy's new heart inside after giving it a kiss.

Then off for her first bath...
After writing up her birth certificate with "Pinky" as the name, Rachael helps her new bear say good-bye to the store. Her name became Lucy the next morning.
___________________________________________________________
Ryan and Ken enjoyed some quality father/son time in the heat last Saturday. They attended a field day at church, went out to BK with some friends and went duck pin bowling in the afternoon. I just knew that Wii bowling would come in handy. He even beat Daddy by a pin in one game.

One of the only reasons I like 90 degrees...

2009-04-29T07:34:00.002-04:00

SUNSUITS!

Today...

2009-04-27T15:28:00.001-04:00

Praise the Lord!

Don't know if we'll make the cut...

2009-04-21T13:46:00.005-04:00

but we are all wearing orange today to remind us to pray for Stellan who is still in surgery. Tons of people are sending pictures of their families wearing orange and we sent this:
I haven't seen us yet. Check it out and see if you see us!

UPDATE: As soon as I posted here and checked back, we had been uploaded. Cool! AND STELLAN IS OUT OF HIS 5 HOUR SURGERY! YAY!

I proved it! (pic added)

2009-04-20T12:14:00.004-04:00

I told you I wasn't good at the nonfiction area, and it's proving true again. I loved reading The Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers. As you can see from my sidebar, I didn't pick anything else up except for my Bible once I started that series. I would strongly recommend it for a great summer read!

I also see that I am behind in my goal to read one non-fiction and one fiction each month this year. 3 non-fictions to be exact. Does Hebrews count? I finished that in Community Bible Study. What a wonderful letter spelling out how God accomplished so many of his laws and promises through Jesus. He remains faithful to everything he ever said.

So on to The God You Can Know and Shepherding a Child's Heart. Really. I mean it. I gonna read them. I think.

___________________________________________

I could just eat this boy all up! Not that cake...it was the oldest most unappetizing thing I've ever seen. Maybe I should borrow it and put it on my kitchen counter to keep me out of the kitchen.

It was raining 9 years ago today too.

2009-04-15T14:32:00.003-04:00

Yes, on tax day 2000, we awoke to showers on and off throughout the morning so our WEDDING pictures got moved from a beautiful garden to the church foyer. Surprisingly, it didn't bother me at all. (I see some signs of age :)

Love you, Ken! Thanks for saying "I do." I am glad I did.

____________________________________________

And we'll be eating Chick-fil-a for this anniversary. Keep your receipt and return for the same items for free by April 30th!

Random

2009-04-14T16:59:00.002-04:00

How do you convince your 2 year old that she isn't actually going to BE Dora on her birthday, just celebrate with a Dora cake, decorations, balloon, etc?

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Funniest blog title I've seen in a while: At Your Cervix (a Labor and Delivery blog) :)

Happy Resurrection Day!

2009-04-12T00:09:00.006-04:00

So many wonderful things to enjoy in this life (like the little guys above), but only with Jesus Christ is there pure joy. I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ. (Phil 3:8) Thank you, Lord, for everything. Really.
(Since Jack had no Easter his first year, he boycotted this year on principle. Or maybe 'cause the egg hunt was at naptime!)

Row, Row, Row your Boat!

2009-04-10T00:53:00.004-04:00

_________________________________

Well, wii've done it! We are proud owners of a Wii. We have Wii Sports of course and MarioKart. What other games do you recommend?

Need a Rachael fix?

2009-04-07T11:56:00.004-04:00

Yeah, me too! Even with all the boy birthdays, she hanging in there until her's next month.

She is sporting the Heidi look with two braids lately. Unfortunately, they don't fair well during naps, so the picture is a little rough.

We are also hopeful that potty training is behind us (no pun intended), and as promised, I didn't post any pictures on my blog from that adventure!

Happy Birthday 5 year old!

2009-04-05T00:01:00.000-04:00

(I am still here just trying to get from one child's birthday to another.)

Ryan turns 5 officially at 2:06pm. We can't believe he is already 5 years old, yet we can't remember life without him! And we are excited that we had the joy of praying with Ryan Tuesday evening as he asked Jesus to be his Savior and Forever Friend.

Five things we love about Ryan on his Golden Birthday (5 on the 5th).

1. Your infectious laugh makes us smile.

2. You taught yourself to read this year and rarely stop reading or asking questions.

3. You know more about the solar system and space then Mommy and Daddy combined.

4. You are very quick to help, forgive and love esp Jack and Rachael.

5. Your love for God and understanding of who he is grows everyday.

WE LOVE YOU AND ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!

Happy Birthday, Son!

Hi! I am One!

2009-03-24T10:26:00.004-04:00

You saw Mommy a year ago. Now it's my turn!

Then...(exactly one year ago this minute)

And Now...

Happy Birthday to ME!

Please Pray...

2009-03-23T16:50:00.000-04:00

for this little guy.

Changing profiles

2009-03-23T00:01:00.004-04:00

Me on March 23, 2008 (Easter Sunday)

Me Today. (Oh, I feel so much lighter)

And yes, that is Jack's sad story, no Easter Sunday his whole first year of life.

The Triple Birthday

2009-03-16T07:19:00.005-04:00

We celebrated a triple first birthday with our good friends, the Tanners and the Allports. We enjoyed waiting for these three to be born together and just had to celebrate this first year together. We had about 60 people to the Allport's house in Hanover, PA. The kids had a blast and it was so easy to pull off with 3 of us planning the party. Thanks, Amy and Erin!

We borrowed a moonbounce. There are the birthday dads: Ken, Chris, and Allen

Jack loved the balloons while the other 2 took naps.

Erin, seriously, the cake was awesome. Thank you so much!

Ian, Derek, and Jack don't mind the singing.

Jack's first bite...

is a success!

What a difference a year makes!

2009-03-15T18:54:00.002-04:00

Hint of a Future Post

2009-03-14T22:51:00.004-04:00

when I can keep my eyes open to write it. So that makes two posts I have to finish tomorrow!

From today...

I love my Garmin!

2009-03-14T17:47:00.002-04:00

I have heard this saying a lot from those who have GPS systems in their cars (if they have a garmin maybe a tomtom etc). Mine came in handy on many levels during our trip south. I didn't have a ton of papers all over the front seat and console trying to figure out what the next turn is and how far down the road it was. I didn't get lost even once. I didn't have a map that I needed to refold. I could focus more on the task of driving and keeping the kids sane with snacks, dvds and books on cd.

I was struck (by a thought, not another driver) as I was coming out of the back roads of South Carolina to Interstate 20. I was headed down roads that I had never driven on to a place I'd never been. I simply typed the address into my GPS and followed every turn without hesitation or question. I didn't know any better so I trusted my GPS. My only concern: where was the next gas station? Oh yeah, press the little butterfly on the GPS and there's the next fill up. I would make the turns when it told me to and otherwise I just enjoyed the journey (esp. when I heard soft snoring just behind me :)

I was really convicted that I easily follow a tiny computer attached to my windshield and so often won't follow God. Like the Garmin, He invites me to follow him. I've never been the mom of 3 kids, trying to homeschool and the myriad of other things on my journey right now. I don't know any better so I must trust him. As for fill-ups, he gives me His Word, prayer, my church, my Bible study groups to fill me for the journey. I need to follow his leading and turn without hesitation when he shows me and otherwise enjoy the ride. Lately, I find myself searching for more and more information instead of just doing what He says. Just look up and follow. My final destination has already been typed in: Heaven.

Catching Up!

2009-03-14T16:24:00.009-04:00

I think you can agree that my blogging has been on the sparse side lately. As I mentioned, Ryan got a fever and cold while we were in SC and passed it on to Rachael and Jack as we traveled to GA. Fortunately, our friends in GA has a sick daughter too so we weren't infecting anyone. Well, after sleeping with all three at one time or another last week, I got sick Wed. and Ken got it yesterday. And yes, I was hosting our neighborhood bunco last night at my house, and today co-hosting a triple birthday for Jack and two friends in Hanover, PA. So I have been cooking and washing my hands A LOT and trying to get back in to the swing of being home, doing school, getting well, etc. Ken is sleeping and the kids are watching Wall-E so let's catch up.

Some cute pictures catching snowflakes on February 18th

mowing the snow

trying to GET OUT

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I don't have any pictures yet from Kristy's in South Carolina. We had a great time visiting the children's museum in Columbia with Kristy and her daughter, Brynn. I forgot to bring my camera when we left the house so I had to buy a throw away camera. The kids were very confused that they couldn't see the pictures when I took the. I thought Ryan would love climbing through the organs of Big Eddie but all of the kids seemed freaked out by the 49 foot tall child. They loved dressing like firemen and driving the fire truck. Ryan taught himself how to change a tire before I could show him. Rachael loved shopping in the grocery store and driving a Volkswagon Bug.

We made it to GA on Wed evening. Thursday evening I got to spend time with a dear friend, Rita, from Liberty who was great with child! She has the baby (Lucas Elijah) earlier this week and all I can see on facebook is a teeny tiny picture b/c I don't want to sign up! Can't wait to see him.

Friday we hung out with Sara and Brenna as all the kids were under the weather. It was good to do nothing but chat and play. Rian, Sara and Brenna lived across the street from us for 3 years and were lifesavers during Ryan's first year of life. They moved a week before Rachael was born and we miss them (so do my scrapbooks).

Brenna and Jack (she's just as good with Jack as she was with Ryan as the same age!)

Ryan and I learn to play Wii (Mario Cart and Ski Jumping need work but we are good bowlers!)

Ryan took this pic of Rian and Sara

Saturday, Sara and I loaded up the kids for an impromptu trip to downtown Atlanta where we went to CNN and ate Chick-Fil-A (I guess eating at a Christian restaurant balances out being in a liberal news network building). We walked through Olympic Park and down to the Coke store. We found a fun playground for a few minutes before heading home.

We said good-bye to the McCaslins and headed for Uncle Todd's in North Carolina. Because we had headed south to beat the snow the previous Sunday, we went back to see a Magic Tree House Space Mission movie at the UNC planetarium.

We left around 3pm last Sunday which would give me enough time to get home, unload the car, sort the laundry in the suitcases, change the kids into pjs and head for the airport to pick up a very missed husband and daddy.

We enjoyed Monday off together just hanging out and playing a little b-ball. It's good to be together again.

I've been tagged...

2009-03-09T22:02:00.005-04:00

We will be celebrating this moment in a few weeks. Can't believe he will be 1 in 15 days! Wow, this year went fast!

Jodie and Katie posted this on their blog - thought it'd be fun - if you are reading consider yourself tagged!

Go to the fourth folder of your pictures.
Select the fourth picture.(This is my 3rd pic as Jack would not appreciate #4 being put on the internet. I am living under grace not the law :)
Write something about it.
Tag four people.

Home Sweet Home!

2009-03-09T00:27:00.003-04:00

All 5 of us are under one roof once again! After 6 flights, two trips to LA and 1700 miles of driving, we are together again. Thanks for all of your prayers.

With the kids in Atlanta

Georgia...

2009-03-05T22:41:00.003-05:00

Got Georgia on my mind!
Having a great visit with the McCaslins and Barillas!

The Journey Continues

2009-03-02T09:18:00.000-05:00

We are now in SC. Apparently, I was the cause of the 'no snow' winter in Maryland. Now that I am gone, it comes! UGH! Funny, schools here are closed because it's cold! Jack and I just walked out to the car for just something. We didn't wear coats. It's not cold!

Pray for Ryan. He had a fever last night. The friends we are staying with are headed to Disney at the end of the week and I don't want their daughter to get sick!

Safe.

2009-02-27T23:14:00.001-05:00

In Seattle and Durham, we are.

Love is in the Pizza

2009-02-24T22:49:00.011-05:00

This post is a little late but still great. (If anyone has tips for uploading Canon SLR pics and any video from a MAC to a blog, I would love them. It think the pics are too big and the videos just never load).
Anyway, we had a fun Valentine's evening with the kids after getting the water heater and ordering the oven. I thought these pizzas would look better than they would taste. We used very plain white torillas, Prego spaghetti sauce, and mozzerella cheese. They were really tasty and the kids loved making/eating them. I am thinking lunch time will be more interesting in the future.

Spreading it evenly...

A little cheese or A LOT

4 Yummy Hearts for R&R&J and one for M&D to split

Couldn't even get a picture before digging in!

And a surprise from my hubby! Love you, bub!

RYAN

2009-02-20T15:56:00.002-05:00

Seems that Ryan needs some post time here on the blog so I asked him a few questions...

What is your favorite color? Green

What is your favorite place to go for dinner? Denny's (I thought he would say Red Robin)

Where do you like to sleep? At Grandmom and Pop-Pop's

What is your favorite TV show and movie? Noggin and Wall-E

What is your favorite thing to do? Read

What do you like to read about? solar system, universe, human body, Magic School Bus, Bible stories

Where do you like to go? Peter's house, church, CBS (Community Bible Study)
Who is your best friend? Peter and Elijah

Who do you like better, Mommy or Daddy? :) Uh, Daddy...but I like you too. (GOOD ANSWER and as a psychology minor, I am glad to know he has successfully attached to daddy. And yes, I know it was a risky question!)

Who is your favorite brother and sister? (He laughs.) Jack and Rachael, of course, silly Mommy!

Happy Valentine's Day to Each Other!

2009-02-17T18:13:00.002-05:00

And every other foreseeable holiday in the near future :)

It truly is a toss up as to which purchase will be used more. We also installed a new water heater this weekend. That is not as exciting as the other two but the price was--77% off!!! and 25 gallons more than before.

We've decided that since the stimulus plan signed into law today ISN'T GOING TO WORK that we would do our part to stimulate the economy ourselves. (Yes, this is my blog and I can say what I'd like! No need to comment on my politics.)

See Jack Clap. Clap, Jack, Clap. (Updated)

2009-02-14T23:06:00.006-05:00

Conversations with Rachael

2009-02-12T20:29:00.002-05:00

A moment ago....

R: Mom, put her in! Put her in!

Me: Honey, the shepherd doesn't go in the vacuum cleaner's dirt compartment.
________________________

A few moments before that...

Ken: Are you supposed to tell Mommy and Daddy when you have to go potty?

R: No.

Jack

2009-02-09T14:15:00.001-05:00

He will be 1 in 43 days. I am beginning to realize how much I don't want this to happen. Found this today...

Do you ever quietly slip into your child’s room hours after you kissed him goodnight?

Do you ever sit by the side of his crib, your face pressed against the slats, noticing the way his mouth looks when he is asleep?

Do you ever watch the almost imperceptible rise and fall of his chest while he breathes in and out peacefully?

Do you ever try to breathe in the same rhythm wanting to connect on a far deeper level than the intake and output of breath?

Do you ever look at the way his hair falls on his head, how it swirls in one direction, or curls around his ear?

Do you ever get so close you can feel his warm, sweet breath on your cheek?

Do you ever so slightly touch his open palm savoring the silkiness of skin yet calloused?

Do you ever try to memorize the way his body looked when sleep finally overcame him, legs and arms in different directions, bottom in the air?

Do you ever startle in amazement at how much he has grown without you noticing?

Do you ever wish you could scoop him up without disturbing him so you could hold him close to your chest and absorb his warmth into your body?

Do you ever wonder how you lived, actually fully lived without this child filling your minutes, your hours, your days?

Do you ever breathe a prayer of gratefulness for this life, so complex and challenging, so energetic, so able to inspire a love that overwhelms you?

Do you ever?

Or is it just me?

Homeschooling might be harder than I thought.

2009-02-06T17:45:00.002-05:00

When Ryan was writing his name on his math work today, he started laughing hysterically.

Me: "What? What are you laughing at?"

Ryan: "You!" (still laughing)

Me: "What? I didn't do anything."

Ryan: "I always know when I am about to do something wrong." (He was making his 'y' wrong.)

Me: "Why?"

Ryan: "Cause you always make that noise!"

Uh-oh! I am helping him CHEAT! Sometimes it is harder to have one student!

Earth to Brooke...

2009-02-04T12:02:00.001-05:00

...when they get too quiet, TURN AROUND!

Nothing much...

2009-02-03T12:02:00.005-05:00

going on. It has been a less eventful week, thankfully! Thank you for all of your kind words and comments re: Jack's grape episode. We have all recovered and have not purchased any more grapes this week. The kids have enjoyed having snow around even if they only played in it one day.

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I de-toyed R&R's bedroom last week. Only stuffed animals and books are allowed now. It needed to be done. Rachael piles anything she can find to reach the lightswitch after bedtime. Stuffed animals aren't very helpful for that and she hasn't thought to use books yet. I am sure she will soon. And at least one level of the house is safe to walk through except for the toys in Jack's room.

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I am still working out the kinks in homeschooling with two younger kids around. Hopefully, we'll have the basic fined tuned by Sept when it counts for real. UGH!

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Saturday, we all got our hair cut (except for Jack) in our kitchen by a professional! How convenient was that! We'll be doing that again.

Rachael says she can't open her eyes and smile at the same time :)

Getting a little guy time in....

NO! I said GUY TIME!

Grapes: The Downside of Parenting

2009-01-27T22:55:00.002-05:00

We'll be taking a break from eating these for awhile. We had grapes for dessert last night. While I was cleaning up, R&R decided to grab a few more. They saw that Jack was out too so they handed him three whole ones! When I saw what was happening, I grab Jack and started thumping his back. I realized I was too scared and needed some professional help. I ran in my sock feet across the street to our neighbor's (his wife is a nurse and they have 6 kids) who was driving out of his driveway and the house was DARK. I managed to get two whole grapes and a crushed one out of Jack's throat on their porch. (They are probably still trying to figure it out!) I expected Jack to start crying once his airway was clear, but he didn't. I went to the next neighbor's house. Thankfully, they were home and welcomed me in with open arms. They assured me that he was breathing and cooing. We think he was probably too scared and cold to cry. He never turned blue. Ya know the verse Pray without ceasing...the last 24 hours, it's been Praise without Ceasing. Thank you, Lord, for watching over Jack (and me). R&R will only be feeding him Cherrios for a long time!

SNOW!

2009-01-27T10:51:00.004-05:00

It's Jack's first substantial snow (and yes, I am aware that it is pathetic for substantial)! He seemed to like it especially going down the slope in the front yard. Rachael took her gloves off and the few minutes outside ended with her screaming that her hands were cold.

The Perfect Breakfast...

2009-01-24T12:19:00.004-05:00

after a date night with my hubby. We went to one our favorite restaurants and sat in very close quarters with a couple who were obviously on their first date. They were in their 40's and seemed an unlikely match which proved true as we eavesdropped on their conversation from time to time. She ordered very strangely! First she asked for a baked potato which they don't serve. Then she asked for a hard boiled egg whole, but peeled which they also don't have. So she settled for a side of asparagus. He proceeds to order and then she adds that she would like to add a classic burger to her side, VERY, VERY well done and no bread. She informs the server that she is allergic to many things and would like her burger cooked in a separate pan. He explains the use of the grill and she seemed happy.

Our conversation quieted when we got our food, so we listened in on the getting to know you part of the date. It was hilarious listening to the two of them talk themselves up including the comment, "Howard Stern is like my idol!" (Did he want the date to end right then?!?!) At one point, a blackberry was even introduced to prove he gets lots of emails!

We had a good laugh on the way home and are both glad to have each other to date these last 9 years without all the smoke screens and mirrors.

2009-01-21T14:11:00.001-05:00

Happy LOST Day, everyone! FINALLY!

And the angels rejoiced!

2009-01-19T05:59:00.003-05:00

I can't believe I forgot to tell you! Last week, my good friend, Heather and I took our turn teaching the 2nd and 3rd grade class at church. (I direct the hour each week but only teach once a month.) While the lessons always include it, our lesson focused on the God's plan of salvation and I closed in prayer encouraging the kids to tell let any leader in the room know if they had crossed the line of faith believing in what Christ did on the cross for us. As I welcomed the worship team and stepped off the stage, a second grader named Michael tugged on my pant leg and told me he had accepted Jesus as his Savior. I pulled him and his small group leader aside and we chatted for a few minutes welcoming him into God's family. It was so exciting!!

I saw him yesterday and asked if he had shared with his family about his new belief. He got a big smile on his face and from behind him, his mom exclaimed, "Yes! We were so excited!"

Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to be a part.

I love books!

2009-01-15T23:18:00.003-05:00

But at times, you wouldn't know it. I find that if I start reading fiction, everything suffers especially if it is a series (Thanks, Karen Kingsbury!). The kids, also, don't understand that I enjoy reading to myself and talk to me constantly.

Reading non-fiction is much harder for me these days. I find myself napping with the book propped open. Since I would like to improve in this area, I thought I'd post a bookshelf on the blog for some accountability.

I want to crave reading again and better myself in the process while enjoying the daily Magic School Bus and Dr. Seuss.

Stuff!

2009-01-15T15:23:00.014-05:00

Like other wives and mothers, I spend much of my day picking up. I keep telling myself to wait until the end of the day and do it all at once, but my frustration gets the best of me. Here's some things I would normally pick up during nap time...

a guitar (the "screwdriver" tells me that Jack was the last one to use this)

A doll house. This is Rachael's story of the Giant Backyardigans playing house. Uniqua (the pink one) was using the potty in the washing machine until Ryan explained where the potty really was and Rachael moved her.

A dog bowl. Jack manages to get them everywhere.
And when he sees a camera, he must crawl to it!

Slippers. Guess who left these?

The cars on the basement steps. A Great Place!

Who doesn't need a Dora spyscope and an alligator?

Ryan was directing hallway traffic on a stepstool. Seriously!

Apparently, Noah's ark needed the help of a REALLY big laundry basket.

And who left this unsightly mess....

...to read this ALL afternoon?!?

The decorations are...

2009-01-12T23:11:00.002-05:00

BOXED!

Oh, and I found pregnant Mary today. Go figure!

I think the fever has finally left the house. Ken and I aren't feeling great and hope we don't succumb to sickness.

And the fever lives on...

2009-01-10T16:09:00.004-05:00

Rachael had it last weekend with no additional symptoms. Our heater was down last Saturday night. Rachael was enjoying the coolness of our bedroom early Sunday morning as she threw off all the covers in our 55 degree room.

Ryan came down with it yesterday. This is his second fever in 4 1/2 years. He is taking it like a true man--laying on the couch, groaning. To my small group of male readers, sorry, but it's true!

Hope Ken can get to church this weekend. I am teaching and need a sound tech!

Decorations? What decorations--?

So how is everyone doing on getting Christmas decorations put away? (If you're done, I really don't want to know unless you are on my doorstep ready to help.) It's tough when your tree is as big as mine. :)

Doth his eyes deceive him?

2009-01-05T12:07:00.006-05:00

This is what happens when you buy your 4 year old son a camera for Christmas. A lovely picture of yours truly reading to Jack (who does not have a thyroid problem, that we know of). As I blog, I am listening to Jack waking and cooing two floors up. Must be lunch time. Have a said I can't get enough of that baby. OH, is he cute! This first year is going lightning fast!

Back to the camera...

This is proving to be a great gift. The pics are a little dark so we have to investigate that. He loves taking pictures of EVERYTHING (including the screen as I type!) You can add hats, eyes, noses, and other things to any pictures. Guess Ryan will start blogging soon.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T11:49:00.004-05:00

We got quite a surprise when we opened the mailbox yesterday to find this...
Look closely at the front page...

Turning to page 8...

We are so proud of our little centerfold (DID I JUST CALL MY DAUGHTER A CENTERFOLD?? I hope our internet protection doesn't block us from our own blog!)

We saw this picture in May and didn't expect to see it again in the paper. Incidentally, I have given myself permission to scrapbook all this week (the house knows it!) and am getting ready to do the page from May with this picture.

Praying and Praising

2008-12-30T22:34:00.002-05:00

I started my day

praying for Baby Stellen
praying for Katie T
praying for our Jack and his fever.

I am ending my day

praising God for Stellen's recovery
praising God for Baby J and Katie
praising God that Jack is resting fever-free after a trip to the ER.

I stand in awe of His graciousness.

(Katie, I SO wanted to come upstairs!!)

(I'll give more info on Jack b/c I'll probably be asked. I was planning to take him to the dr with the 104 fever. He is acting perfectly normal except for a burning head. The dr sent us the ER because of his age. All tests were normal and Jack was happy the entire 4 hours. With the Motrin I gave him and the Tylenol they gave him, we were able to break the fever while we were there. We do expect it to go back up by morning and continue the treatment praying that other symptoms don't appear.)

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

2008-12-26T17:21:00.007-05:00

Hope your day was memorable.
Our Family after church on Christmas Eve (right before my favorite meal of the year: hot roast beef sandwiches, shrimp, 2x baked potatoes and all kinds of cookies).
Ryan opens a giant floor puzzle of the solar system. If you have seen Ryan recently, you are well aware of his obsession with the solar system. I admit we fed the obsession a bit yesterday with several gifts. We'll see if it lasts until his birthday in April---maybe one family gift?....shhhh...don't tell him!
Rachael rocked out on her new guitar from the grandparents. Fortunately, it's not really loud and does play some recognizable songs. All the kids really like it.
While Jack rocked out on a real horse, okay, not exactly REAL! Our Lab, Chelsea, is actually taller than this horse, but lacks a harness to keep Jack on.

A New Day...

2008-12-22T07:30:00.005-05:00

dawns for my brother, Todd. He purchased a new (to him) Honda Civic over the weekend. Sweet ride, I might add! Plus, for those who have been praying, here is a face to put with the name. Continued prayers for him would be greatly appreciated.

I wish...

2008-12-19T08:07:00.003-05:00

I could do this... But my first try in October didn't go so well so I'll have to settle for these this year. Welcome to life with three kids.

It's Christmas Time in the City

2008-12-12T21:50:00.011-05:00

New York, that is.

My mom and I went on our first bus trip with MOPS to see the Rockettes' Christmas Spectacular. It was so nice to sleep on the trip up (only to awake to being pulled over by a New Jersey state trooper--driver was going 70 in a 50), get dropped off at Radio City Music Hall, handed our ticket and walk in. I didn't get good pictures in the show but she did (hope you don't mind the link, Jenn!). It was excellent. We especially appreciated the elaborate detail of the nativity.

After the show. we had 4 hours to shop and roam the city which took us to

Fox News (Hi Mom!)

Jewelry Shopping at Cartier (yeah right!)

FAO Schwartz

Piano from the Movie "Big"

Rockefeller Center

A Tour of Our Decorations

2008-12-12T16:00:00.003-05:00

And your tour guide/Santa's helper is...

Mommy's favorite area is getting crowded with all those stockings.

On to the dining room...our first holiday season with our own furniture.

Wow, that is one long garland, 25 feet of green!

And the REASON for it all! Mary is usually pregnant until Christmas morning but we can't see to locate the "Mary with child". Mommy is still hunting for it.

And here is the other Santa's helper roaming about our house

Wondering...Can you help?

2008-12-03T08:02:00.002-05:00

We've been holding out on purchasing a gaming system for our house. We've never really been interested and the kids are young. With Christmas just around the corner, I was wondering if anyone has thoughts about gaming systems. We hear about Wii, Vtech, Playstation, etc. Does your family have one? Which one? What age is is good for? Can you play it as a family? Just wondering...

Thankful for Jack

2008-12-01T00:28:00.002-05:00

We had Jack's dedication service at church today and a second Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings to celebrate his sweet life and the blessing from God he is to us. We love you, little guy!

Let the Christmas traditions begin!

2008-11-30T23:51:00.011-05:00

Each year we put up our gorgeous pre-lit tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. We order pizza, have hot chocolate and enjoy the evening. I am not always the sanest person of the bunch wanting things just so, but I try. Anyway, as the tree comes to life, the kids find a bag from Mommy and Daddy inside the ornament box. It contains new Christmas jammies and a new ornament.

Here is Ryan in his new duds with his Diego snowboarding ornament.

Jack's matching jammies (a few sizes smaller) with his Baby's First Christmas ornament.

Here's 'Joy'ful Rachael with a Dora and Boots Snowflake

and here is the finished product!

And a bonus one of Jack (he's too cute!)

Welcome to the Christmas Season!

2008-11-29T15:37:00.004-05:00

This was our tree last year :)

Wouldn't be a change of season without a blog makeover. Hopefully, we'll have pictures of Jack's Dedication and decorating the tree tomorrow.

Thanksgiving proved to be a tough holiday this year. My brother was in a car accident on the way up from North Carolina. A man died in the incident. Please pray for my brother. Then, over the course of Thanksgiving day, several of us couldn't keep dinner down. Nuff said.

Some people just don't understand...

2008-11-21T13:37:00.004-05:00

Awww...i'm a little hurt! Is there a facebook one? I love my blog family!

Buyer Beware

2008-11-19T16:48:00.001-05:00

Be careful where you buy gift cards. If the store goes under, the card is no good.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/storeclosings.asp

Trivial facts about Ken and me :)

2008-11-19T00:27:00.003-05:00

I stole this from here and here. Thanks, ladies! Mine are in bold. And Ken's have a K after it!

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink

02. Swam with dolphins

03. Climbed a mountain-K

04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive

05. Been inside the Great Pyramid

06. Held a tarantula

07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone-K

08. Said "I love you" and meant it-K

09. Hugged a tree-K

10. Bungee jumped

11. Visited Paris

12. Watched a lightning storm at sea

13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise-K

14. Seen the Northern Lights

15. Gone to a huge sports game-K

16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa

17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables-K

18. Touched an iceberg

19. Slept under the stars -K

20. Changed a baby's diaper -K

21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon

22. Watched a meteor shower (same night as #19)

23. Gotten drunk on champagne

24. Given more than you can afford to charity

25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope-K

26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment (a wedding)

27. Had a food fight-K

28. Bet on a winning horse

29. Asked out a stranger

30. Had a snowball fight-K

31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can-K

32. Held a lamb

33. Seen a total eclipse-K

34. Ridden a roller coaster-K

35. Hit a home run-K

36. Danced like a fool and didn't care who was looking

37. Adopted an accent for an entire day

38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment-K

39. Had two hard drives for your computer -K

40. Visited all 50 states (only up to 37)

41. Taken care of someone who was drunk-K

42. Had amazing friends (still have them)-K

43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country

44 . Watched whales

45. Stolen a sign

46. Backpacked in Europe

47. Taken a road-trip-K

48. Gone rock climbing

49. Taken a midnight walk on the beach

50. Gone sky diving

51. Visited Ireland

52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love

53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them (who am I, Seinfeld?!?!)

54. Visited Japan

55. Milked a cow (does the fake one at Dutch Wonderland count? Probably not...)

56. Alphabetized your CD'S-K

57. Pretended to be a superhero (linda carter!)-K

58. Sung karaoke

59. Lounged around in bed all day

60. Played touch football-K

61. Gone scuba diving-K

62. Kissed in the rain-K

63. Played in the mud-K

64. Played in the rain-K

65. Gone to a drive-in theatre-K

66. Visited the Great Wall of China

67. Started a business -K

68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken

69. Toured ancient sites

70. Taken a martial arts class

71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours

72. Gotten married

73. Been in a movie

74. Crashed a party

75. Gotten divorced-K

76. Gone without food for 5 days

77. Made cookies from scratch -K, horse cookies, don't ask!)

78. Won first prize in a costume contest

79. Ridden a gondola in Venice

80. Gotten a tattoo

81. Rafted the Snake River

82. Been on a television news program as an "expert"

83. Gotten flowers for no reason

84. Performed on stage

85. Been to Las Vegas-K

86. Recorded music

87. Eaten shark

88. Kissed on the first date-K

89. Gone to Thailand

90. Bought a house-K

91. Been in a combat zone

92. Buried one/both of your parents

93. Been on a cruise ship

94. Spoken more than one language fluently

95. Performed in Rocky Horror

96. Rais(ing)ed children-K

97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour (saw SCC's Great Adventure tour 17 times--does that count?)

98. Passed out cold-K

99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country

100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over

101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge

102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking

103. Had plastic surgery

104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived

105. Wrote articles for a large publication (large--kind of. A textbook.)

106. Lost over 100 pounds (combined from all 3 pregnancies)

107. Held someone while they were having a flashback

108. Piloted an airplane

109. Touched a stingray

110. Broken someone's heart

111. Helped an animal give birth

112. Won money on a TV game show

113. Broken a bone-K

114. Gone on an African photo safari

115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears

116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol-K

117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild

118. Ridden a horse-K

119. Had major surgery-K

120. Had a snake as a pet

121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon

122. Slept for 30 hours in a 48 hour period

123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. States

124. Visited all 7 continents

125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days

126. Eaten kangaroo meat

127. Eaten sushi-K

128. Had your picture in the newspaper

129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about

130. Gone back to school-K

131. Parasailed

132.Touched a cockroach-K

133. Eaten fried green tomatoes

134. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey

135. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read

136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating-K

137. Skipped all your school reunions-K

138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language

139. Been elected to public office

140. Written your own computer language

141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream-K

142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care

143. Built your own PC from parts-K many times

144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you

145. Had a booth at a street fair

146. Dyed your hair

147. Been a DJ

148. Shaved your head

149. Caused a car accident-K

150. Saved someone's life