The Ozmerican Life

A little bit of this and that.

2012-01-31T07:36:00.000-06:00

I asked Nathan if we could start making this blog a team effort. I assigned him the duty of putting the pictures on my blog and then I would write about them. He stepped right up and nearly instantly had a plethora of pictures all ready to go. Me on the other hand, I'm still slacking even though the hard part is done.

So today is the day. The sun isn't up yet, my kids are still sleeping, I've showered for the day, my laundry is done, my house is fairly clean. Well except for my floors, they could use a washing. But I'm pretty sure that there is never a day when they don't need a washing so I'm going to ignore that. And then of course there's the bathrooms...2 little boys...I need not say more, but I'm going to ignore that too. So here we go with the pictures Nathan has chosen.

He's sort of a creative fellow, so the fact that the following pictures have absolutely nothing to do with each other is not real surprising, so I'm going to make the best of it!

Nathan likes to document the moments when he is being superdad...well he's actually superdad a lot, but this day he was a superdad that cooks! Even better!!!

This was a testing day at MMA. They offer these days every now and then, I can't really figure out a schedule to them. But it's a chance for them to earn stripes on their belts. See the one way on the far end in the front row? That's our Jentzen. He's the littlest one in the class, and everyone always roots for him. See the one 4th from the end? That's Ava, looking at someone else...she's very observant and never misses a thing. See that one in the black uniform with the white belt....yeah that's Quaid??
This was up north at our annual Pahl Family Christmas Ski Trip. Keira made sure that grandpa was nice and cozy. Isn't that precious??

This is Quaid, cleaning daddy's car. Nathan figured that since they are the ones that actually create the disaster in the back that they should be the ones to clean it up. And what would cleaning be without a Superman suit? And what would cleaning be without a Dyson? I love my Dyson!
Well I guess that about sums it up for today. The sun is now trying to make an appearance, the kids are stirring and my floors are still a mess, and I just had to spell check the word "appearance"...it's going to be a great day!

Backfired

2012-01-24T07:33:00.000-06:00

I got this idea from Deb, who got it from someones blog. I'd give them credit but I can't find it anymore.

It deals with the issue of my kids stuff laying around the house and me telling them numerous times to put it away.

In comes "the box" and it works like this...

1. The kids leave their things laying around.

2. I tell them to pick it up.

3. They don't pick it up.

4. I still see it laying around.

5. It gets put in the box.

6. They have to pick a slip from the envelope in the box and do whatever it says if they want it back.

The slips in the box day all sorts of things. Some of them are fun (run around the house yelling, "I love mommy!!!"), some are not so fun (clean up your siblings room). Some of them are easy (draw a picture for daddy), some of them not so easy (vacuum under the couch cushions).

So far it's worked like a dream....kind of. Since the kids helped me make the slips to go into the envelope, they know what they say. Like I said, there are fun ones....one being the jackpot of all slips, "Stay up late and have a treat with daddy." (It would be mom and dad, but I go to bed at 8pm and in my kid's world, that's not late and daddy's more fun anyways.) So in the hopes of drawing that one, the kids have asked that their things could be put in the box. "Mom, I left this laying out, can I put it in the box and pick a slip...PPUUUULLLLEEEASE!!!!!"

So maybe showing the kids what was on the slips wasn't such a good idea. Anyway, shortly after this started, Nathan thought he was just hilarious, saw my boots laying in the kitchen, brought them into the office, and said, "Well honey, don't you think you should be the example? These boots were just laying the kitchen, I don't think that's where they belong." And then proceeded to open the lid and drop them in. The kids were dying in laughter. They thought it was the best EVER!

"Ummmm, Nathan dear, do you really want to go there? Would you like me to put everything of yours I find laying around in the box also...after all, we both are examples for the kids."

He sat for a minute, got up, opened the lid, took them out and stated, "I think your mom does enough around the house kids to make up for her boots in the kitchen."

A wise man I tell ya, a VERY wise man.

Like son, like father

2012-01-19T10:24:00.000-06:00

Quaid got a remote control helicopter for Christmas from his Uncle Bob. And let me tell, you I'm totally impressed. The thing is still going strong despite Quaid's crashing it countless times into walls, floors, and sisters :) He's getting pretty good at maneuvering it, now that his dad isn't stealing it all the time. And that's because this arrived in the mail a few days after Christmas. Seems a certain dad had a little too much fun with his son's present he just had to go and buy his own!

Quaid's is the same model as his dad's except for the 4 channel part I think? I'm no helicopter expert but I'm told that dad's is a bit more challenging to control. Or maybe that's just the explanation I got after the head to head helicopter race in which Quaid came out victorious :)

Did you know they make these things huge, for the outdoors, and gas powered?? I just hope this helicopter craze stays with the small indoor battery powered type. We don't have room in the garage for that...and no honey, that DOES NOT mean we need a bigger garage!!

Love....

2012-01-17T10:13:00.000-06:00

It makes a momma's heart melt....

What's a teacher to do....

2012-01-10T13:52:00.003-06:00

It's January 10th. It's the middle of winter. It's 50 degrees and sunny outside. What is this teacher going to do?

I ditched our afternoon History lesson. Sent the kids to their grandma's paved driveway with a bucket of sidewalk chalk. I'm going to stay inside and clean up their disaster of a toy room for them as a surprise so they can get out and enjoy the freakish weather. They're going to totally dig their mom.

It's a good day serving my children.

PS...I think this is one day I can say I'd rather have January in MN than January in Australia. The weather forecast for the Brewin clan down under is 102 degrees...yep...I'll take it here!!!

Woes of a 6 year old.....

2012-01-05T07:22:00.002-06:00

While letting out a big sigh regarding the antics of my boys.....

Ava: (following with a big sigh) "Life is full of disappointments, isn't it mom...."

If you're one teaching my child these choice phrases, thanks, thanks so much.

Life is not full of disappointments. It's full of Joys, Fun, Challenges, and Triumphs. Today will not be a disappointing day.

Still getting over it...

2011-12-29T11:50:00.004-06:00

Keira's hair that is...It still irritates me every time I look at her and see 1/8" bangs all across the front of her head. It's okay, it's my issue...I'll get over it. It will grow back...in about 5 years I'm guessing.

Jentzen told Nathan about another kid in his MMA class, (they are the same size and are always partners when they are both there) "I could choke him out and probably snap his arm!"

His other buddy there is the instructor's little boy. He's only 4 so he doesn't participate in the actual class yet, but I'm sure he knows a thing or two. They play together before and after class. It might be the other kid saying that about Jentzen soon :)

Quaid got a remote control helicopter from Uncle Bob (thanks!) and now Nathan has morphed back into his inner child and wants to get one of his own.

Ava got games for Christmas...I can't wait to play them with her....Saturday. I'll be done working on Saturday :)

Future Hairdresser??

2011-12-22T11:29:00.005-06:00

I HOPE NOT!!!!

Why is it when kids cut their hair they have to do it right in the front? Is it too much to ask to just take a small snipit underneath in the back???

And do brothers have to help so it's more than just one little snip? There just happens to be some out of the side too...both sides.

There are no words.

Christmas already...

2011-12-20T11:33:00.001-06:00

We went to Deb's house for the Survivor Finale.

We cancelled our cable a year ago because we didn't watch much TV and when you live in the sticks like we do, you don't even get the local channels without one heck of an antennae, which we don't have.

I asked CBS if the would be kind enough to send us a DVD of the last episode so we could watch it with the rest of the world. They said no. Something about the last hour being LIVE would create a bit of a technical problem....Besides the great company, we used our friends for their TV :)

My kids were happy to find a present for each one of them under the Christmas tree upon arrival.

Keira's present: A doll, not just any doll....a doll named "Wipey, Dipey" Need I say more, I think not.

Techno Girl

2011-12-19T11:25:00.002-06:00

I showed Ava how to email this morning....

How to click 'New' for a new message.

How to find the right contact.

Where to start typing the message.

How to send the message.

How to know when someone writes her back.

And the most important....how to write "Love Ava" at the end of everything she types...just to save a little confusion that might arise from my contact list.

So if you're lucky enough to be on my contact list...I apologize ahead of time :)

The Stink Eye

2011-12-16T11:28:00.003-06:00

So my kids have the stink eye, I mean pink eye. It's all the same. They should rename it...because it stinks! Pretty sure I'd rather have my kids puking!

Luckily Quaid came down with it this morning. Four out of four...we're perfect over here at the Walkington's!

Yesterday we had our home school co-op. We only have it every other Thursday so missing a day is like missing a month. But thinking of the others, I decided to have a quality afternoon with Ava in the foyer keeping her as far from the others as I could. She had a bit of stink eye leftovers...I'm thoughtful like that...sometimes :)

They were having a Christmas party, Irish Tea, and lots of fun. But we came prepared. We had colors, books, and cards. What could be better?

The part that really warmed my heart is that Ava didn't complain one bit. When I told her what we were going to do, she jumped and cheered. The thought of an afternoon with just her and her mom playing cards and hanging out out weighed the other fun things she could have been doing. If she had a choice...she would have chose me. And being one who values the very same thing...I was a happy momma!

I love that she values quality time...I love that she really wants to connect with people. When someone is unhappy, she wants to help. I hope she always values people over anything else.

A Winter's Day

2011-12-07T13:43:00.003-06:00

Quaid and Jentzen were playing outside in the snow this afternoon for well over an hour. Ahh the silence. Ava was seated right next to me stirring Tapioca pudding over the stove for about 45 minutes. Why they even sell Tapioca I'm not sure. Who would ever do this if they didn't have to?

Why did I do it, you ask? I am in an all out effort to empty my pantry and freezer before I buy any more food other than perishables. Nathan's mom was kind enough to buy a package of Tapioca, make something creamy with Tapioca when she was here nearly two years ago...and proceed to leave half the package. It's been sitting in my pantry ever since. Tapioca is disgusting.

But it's been bothering me, sitting there way back in the dark recesses of my pantry. I have this thing about throwing food away. To me it's like taking a perfectly crisp $1 or $5 bill and just tossing it in the garbage. It's exactly the same thing, and I can't stand doing it. I get it from my dad. He was one of those that would eat whatever was left at the end of dinner just for the sake of not throwing it away. His actual need or hunger didn't have anything to do with it. I now do the same thing. Thanks dad.

The Tapioca is done, I think.....I'm not really sure. I know for a fact it's going to be disgusting no matter what. Nathan on the other hand, has a 50/50 chance of actually liking it. It better be the right side of the 50...or I just wasted 45 minutes of my life that I'll never get back all for him to say, "Yuck." And if that's the case, maybe I'll throw it at his face...1.)It would be hilarious and 2.) Then I would feel like it wasn't really wasted.

I wasn't going to go here but I just had to. This story needs to be documented so my grand kid's grand kids lives will be complete....

We were in Australia, circa December 2003. Anthony had just come home from receiving a speeding ticket, I think maybe it came in the mail. In Australia they have speed cams, so one day you just get a ticket in the mail with your beautiful mug shot. Anyways we were just sitting around the table eating pastries, (not me, I feel the same way about them as I do Tapioca) Melanie was doing what any good wife would do. Kindly instruct her husband that he knew there were speed cameras along that particular road, if he loses any more points on his license he won't actually have a license anymore, that she doesn't want to take the blame for his "oversight" of his knowledge of those speed cameras...and was just about to start on something else he "needed" to hear...when from across the table.....SPLAT! Right on Melanie's face went a vanilla slice.

For you Americans who have no idea what a vanilla slice is...it's a layered cream filled pastry thing that is highly coveted and adored by nearly every Australia I've ever met...and my sister Laura :)

Melanie had cream and bits of pastry flakes all over her face, in her hair and over the front of her shirt. Evidently Anthony had heard enough. I won't say the word "nag", but Anthony might have mentioned it prior to slice slinging. We all stopped, stunned at what just actually happened. Did he really just throw that at her....did it really hit her square in the face? Yes. Yes it did. And we were laughing hysterically at her. She....ummm....was not laughing quite so much.

We still tell the story...neither of them will ever live that one down.

Well that wasn't exactly where this was going, but I think it turned out okay. What I meant to go with was the fact that my boys were playing in the snow all day together. They came in wanting hot chocolate. After my hour stirring creamy yuckiness, I was in no shape to be whipping up some Hot Milo. They did it themselves, promising to clean it all up.

I was sitting in another room listening to them work together, listening to them count out their marshmallows, listening to the squirt of whip cream in a can. And listening to them laugh and enjoy it together. I love that they get to spend their days together.

An afterthought...does Tapioca expire?? I hope not!

Quote of the day...

2011-11-30T14:02:00.003-06:00

Quaid:

"I weigh 53 pounds...but sometimes at Grandma's I eat Chex Mix and Apples, then I weigh 55."

Enjoy that now...when you're an adult you'll just keep that 2 pounds for good!

If only it would work for me....

2011-11-29T11:07:00.002-06:00

Some days I wish I could throw a fit, grab my blanky and hide in my bed until I'm ready to come out. It works when you're 3...why not 30??

My thoughts exactly...

2011-11-28T13:59:00.003-06:00

The kids rocked their school this morning and left themselves lots of playtime this morning before lunch. This was much needed by me who spent at least and hour shredding my mom's mammoth Thanksgiving turkey that was leftover since we cancelled Thanksgiving this year....Grandma Felton is not doing so great and my mom and dad had to take a quick trip to Iowa.

The kids were all upstairs creating an elaborate camping and hiking expedition....

Quaid: "Ava, we don't need a map, I have my GPS!"

Ava: "Well Quaid, we should have a map too in case it doesn't work!" (Thank you Ava, you have listened to your mother...I will die knowing that my kids still know how to read a map!)

Quaid: "Okay, fine, bring your map."

Ava: "I have my GPS too, just in case the map doesn't work!" ( I guess we still need to work on that!)

Jentzen: "Where are we going?"

Quaid: "We're going to climb that mountain!"

Ava: "Quaid, my GPS says it's going to rain, we can't do that today."

Quaid: "Well my GPS says it's going to be sunny!"

Jentzen: "Let's use Quaid's GPS."

Oh the joy to hear them imagine!

Keira...

2011-11-27T18:40:00.002-06:00

Keira turned 3 on Thanksgiving. Her birthday blog is yet to be done...tomorrow...that's my goal. But now that she's 3, she has such a mature outlook on the world, a wisdom beyond her age. Today she gave an example of that new found wisdom.

We ate at the Olive Garden today after church for lunch. YUM! We never go out to eat, but we had a gift card still left over from last Christmas...and it allowed me to go grocery shopping with kids with full bellies...another bonus!

While getting ready to leave, Keira was wanting something else...

K: "Can I have more of that?"

Me: "We're done with lunch, you'd had enough, we're leaving now."

K: (pulling up her shirt and having a glance at her stomach) "Mom! It's not fat enough yet!"

They'll get it....

2011-11-16T15:39:00.002-06:00

It's November in MN. Sunset yesterday was 4:44pm. Which makes me feel like I should be sleeping by 6:44pm because it's already been dark for two hours. Grrr.....I don't like that about winter.

There is also something about this time of year that makes the kids not want to go outside. It's cold but there's no snow...it's just weird. But since they want to stay inside all day it makes it a lot easier to get all their school work done. I can't really compete with riding their bikes or dirt biking.

This time of the year also brings about the church Christmas program practice. Nathan and I dislike Christmas and all sounds involved with it. I tolerate their music. I have to. Although it brings about a smile to my face listening to the kids try to figure out the words....

"Glooooory, Yaaaaaahtzee And Shell Seas Dayo!"

Classic.

It's the little things...

2011-11-10T08:55:00.003-06:00

It's the little things in a marriage that make it great. Anyone can have a decent marriage. Anyone can be married to another person and view them as "fine". It's the little things that make it great...and I think a huge part of great kids is a great marriage.

This morning Nathan was going to take is motorcycle to school. We live in Minnesota, and it's November. The high today is 38 degrees, winds at 20-30 mph, which makes it actually feel like 25. Most folk would call that a bit nippy for riding a motorcycle. In the effort to save a little at the pump, Nathan was geared up last night, going to fish his snowboarding ensemble out of storage, bundle up and brave the cold.

We have a heated garage and a not heated garage. I park in the heated garage...we both park in the heated garage...duh! All other motorized things we have are parked in the heated garage. When I park in the heated garage, everything else is blocked in. Nathan last night told me to leave my van outside so he could get his bike out in the morning. This morning at 6am his enclosed, warm and toasty gas hog of a car **with heat** looked a little more appealing...I can't say I blame him!

I needed to load something in my van and I knew it was outside. Yuck.

I geared up for the arctic blast. I opened up the door to the garage...My van was in the garage, nice and toasty warm, out of the frigid wind.

That is greatness.

It's the little things that say, I thought of you, I went out of my way for you, there was only benefit for you in what I did, you were worth my extra time.

Kids, that's what it's all about...follow your daddy's lead. And if you have a spouse...do something a little extra special for your honey today!

PS....I love you :)

Jentzen...there's just no othe words...

2011-11-09T08:47:00.003-06:00

Me: "Jentzen I hear you did awesome at MMA last night!"

J: "Yeah! There was this really strong boy..."

Me: "Really?"

J: "Yeah, really strong! Strong like I think he had lumps on his tummy....I BEAT him!!"

It seems they've been watching a few adult MMA fights...adults with some abs :)

Someday it Will Come...

2011-11-08T19:15:00.003-06:00

Keira was wearing her big fluffy princess dress today. She's always dressed up in her princess dresses.

She had to pee.

I had to hold her dress up.

I thought of her wedding day.

Tears.

The Vacation

2011-10-25T11:56:00.004-05:00

This year's MEA break brought about the 2nd tri-annual Pahl Family Vacation. When there are 28 immediate family members each with their own schedules, in laws and other things that keep people busy...my mom discovered that Holidays are no longer all inclusive. She came up with the idea of a mandatory tri-annual vacation. We all go. Every single person. For the entire trip.

For me it's all about the kids. There is nothing better than seeing all the cousins together. I grew up without cousins and am so glad that my kids have oodles of memories with their cousins. I had cousins...lots of them...but honestly I could pass most of them by walking down the street and not even recognize them. And the others live in Iowa. Logistically, it just wasn't possible.

We went to the home of Dolly Parton, Gatlinburg TN. After a quick google, we found out that it was in the general area of Gatlinburg. There was a little google debate on her exact roots.

Tennessee and Minnesota are a ways apart...turns out a long 17 hour drive apart. How do I know? Well turns out we missed our flight and had to drive. Oops! I'll take 100% responsibility for it. I can admit when I make a mistake. This was kind of a dousy as far as mistakes go. Of all days to miss a flight...MEA break was not a good one. And for sure not a good one when traveling with 6 people. I thought about taking the one spot available on the next plane and ditching Nathan with kids to drive...What? I can't lie!

We left MN about 330pm and arrived around 9am the next morning. It's a good thing my kids are EXCELLENT road trippers. When we first departed, they asked if it was as long as Iowa. We informed them that it's 3 times to Iowa. Big eyes, dropped jaws...and that was it. It was 17 hours of smooth sailing. It was a good test for them...seeing as we have a serious road trip planned for our next visit to Nathan's homeland.

It was a great trip. We toured underground caverns, saw the Aquarium, rode go karts, went on rides, went rafting, did a zip line and ropes course. Yep, still feeling that ropes course. We saw the Dixie Stampede, and a Lumberjack show, and the kids went "swimming" in the hot tub. The Smoky Mountains are beautiful and our lodging was perfect for our family.

We will definitely go back, there's lots more we want to do there...hopefully another road trip with the Brewins!

Better Late Than Never

2011-10-15T06:51:00.003-05:00

Nathan turned 37 on Wednesday. I could go on and on about this huge rip-roaring party we had and the 100's of people that came to celebrate with us...but for those of you who know us well, you would know it's just plain not true. And I thought that to be a lot of typing just to say "just kidding" at the end.

The day came and went...I even ditched him to go play some volleyball with friends. Lame, I know!

Maybe that's what I love most. We don't need to make a big deal out of a particular day, he knows, hopefully, each and every day that I love him more than ever.

I was asked awhile back what I loved most about Nathan. I had to sit and think, and think, and think...not that I couldn't think of any reasons. The problem was more that there were 100 reasons why running through my head...and how could I choose just one. There were reasons when we were dating, then when we were first married, when we first had kids, when we had more kids, and then now. We have grown over the years.

The reasons I love and adore him continue to grow and change. We are different people than we were when we first got married, even different people than we were a year ago. I love that we have grown together. There's so much growing apart happening these days, but not us.

Nathan is constantly giving me just one more thing to love about him. I could go on and on with a list of all the attributes he has that I love. It is one thing to be great...but to have a desire to be greater...that is something to admire. He desires to be a greater husband, a greater dad, a greater friend, a greater student...and he has the confidence and knowledge to do just that. With that, there are no limits. I see it working out in his life everyday. That is what causes me to sit and stare at him every chance I get and think, "Man, I love that guy!!"

To my Man,
Every year gets better and better with you. There is absolutely no one I'd rather be with. I said it in my vows on our wedding day and I mean it even more today...You are God's best for me! Happy Birthday!

Baffled

2011-10-08T20:03:00.002-05:00

Jentzen's lesson last week was Long Letters with the Magic "e" at the end....or Silent "e"....or the Zapping "e" as Jentzen likes to call it. You know, when the "e" at the end is quiet and it makes the vowel in the middle long. Words like name, tote, like. Then it was time to make the long "e" with the silent "e" at the end.

I wrote Pete. That fit the letter requirements. Then I went to write the next one....and thought....and thought...and thought? Seriously...are there any other words with just a single "e" in the middle with the silent "e" at the end?

I couldn't think of any. Not a single one. I thought of tweet, nope. Then bead, nope. Then scream, nope. All long "e's," But not the right long "e". Are there any others? Anyone? Anyone?

So poor Jentzen. I wrote bede, twete, and beme. He looked at the words and said bead, tweet, and beam. Mission accomplished.

Next week's lesson...spelling.

More on the life of Homeschooling...

2011-10-07T15:35:00.001-05:00

I love Kindergarten. I love to teach what each letter sounds like. I love to see them beam with pride as they remember each one.

Jentzen is in Kindergarten. He actually started in January. I loved that time....back in January. Teaching him the letters. But now he is technically to the actual learning to read part of Kindergarten. A part I do not love. Well I do love to see them learn...I guess it's a love hate relationship I have with it. As soon as I started with Jentzen it was an "oh yeah, I remember what this was like with Ava!" It goes something like this....

J: "The"

Me: "Yep, next word."

J: "I so know that word mom, that's so easy, I think I'll just skip it when I see it."

Me: "You can't skip words...then the story won't make sense!"

J: "Oh yeah, well I guess I can say it next time."

Me: "Great...next word."

J: "duck"

Me: "right, next word."

J : "Is that the duck right there? He is sort of a silly looking duck."

Me: "I guess, next word."

J: "What is his name mom?"

Me: "I don't know, let's read the story and find out."

J: "duck"

Me: "You just read that word, NEXT word....there."

J: "oh yeah I did. Are all ducks that color?"

Me: "I don't know...NEXT word!!"

J: "swam"

Me: "Yep, keep going."

J: "Is that duck swimming in the pond?"

Me: "Sure, keep going..."

J: "I like to swim mom. Remember when I was swimming in the lake! I put my head under without my life jacket."

Me: "Yes I remember, but we are reading now, not talking about swimming."

J: "Oh, yeah. But when are we going to go swimming again?"

Me: "Not till summer...NEXT WORD!"

J: "swam"

Me: "Jentzen, you already read that word, the next one, please read the next word."

J: "When is it going to be Summer?"

Me: "After spring, which it will be when we're done reading this page!"

J: "Really mom?!?! Is it almost Summer?"

Me: No, I was just being silly...next word!"

J: "So we don't get to go swimming soon?"

Me: "Jentzen....N.E.X.T. W.O.R.D.!"

J: "in"

Me: "Quick Quick...next word, keep going."

J: "the"

Me: silently "Thank heavens! 2 words in a row!"

J: "the...there's that easy word again. I'm so good at that word mom...why do they even put that word in there?"

Me: "It has to make sense...if I said 'duck swam in pond' does that make sense?"

J: "No."

Me: "See, it has to be a sentence."

J: "What is a sentence?"

Me: "Oh nothing, just please keep reading."

J: "pond"

Me: "Good, keep going, keep going, keep going!

J: "His"

Me: "yep"

J: "Is that a boy duck?"

Me: "I guess."

J: "Is that other duck there a boy too?"

Me: "I don't know, keep reading and find out."

J: "name"

Me: "next word."

J: "What is his name?"

Me: "I don't know, but I'm sure they'll tell us."

J: "What if it's a girl name? That would be so funny!"

Me: "hysterical.....NEXT WORD!"

J: "is"

Me: "yep...go, go, go"

J: "swift"

Me: "Yes! GO, GO, GO!"

J: "What does swift mean?"

Me: "It means fast."

J: "Are all ducks fast?"

Me: "No."

J: "Well what ones are?"

Me: "That one right there. He's fast."

J: "What about that one? Is that one fast too?"

Me: "I don't know...but the story will tell us I'm sure, that's why we're reading. We don't know anything until we read."

J: "Oh, these words will tell us?"

Me: "Yes, that's what a story is."

J: "How many pages do I have to read?"

Me: "This one and the next one."

J: "That's a lot of words."

Me: "You're right it is! I bet Daddy would love to hear you read? Why don't we save it for you to read to Daddy later!"

J: "YEAH!!! I bet he would LOVE to hear me read!"

Reading with a 5 year old.....just 10 words....for the sake of my house, my other kids, and my own mental well being....it is FOR SURE Daddy's turn!!!

Lessons Learned

2011-10-05T14:18:00.001-05:00

On Monday, we went to an Apple Orchard...but not just any Apple Orchard. We went to one that was 55 miles away from our house. Odd you might think considering that we live 2 miles from one. Anywho, we went and it was a blast...great weather, great company!

Since this was supposed to be a field trip and with the mention of field trip the word "educational" pops up...I thought I'd ask my kids, while making the 55 mile trek back home, what they learned. I got a few mentions of the apple washing machines, the different seasons, how an apple grows and changes...and then of course the lesson for 2 year olds...

Keira: "We never jump in the water with our clothes on, do we Mom! We should never do that!"

Me: "You learned that at the Apple Orchard?"

Keira: "Yep I did!"

I'm glad to see the information wasn't at all over Keira's head.

The concept of time...

2011-10-04T14:16:00.001-05:00

Ava: (kicking over Quaids race track creation)

Quaid: "Seriously Ava!!! Did you just ruin my race track! It took me MINUTES to build it!!!!"

Trudging Onward...

2011-09-30T21:16:00.003-05:00

Deb and I were having a conversation yesterday. Well, pretty much we have one every day because if we miss a day we feel as if we're totally and completely lost and separated from each other and how on earth will we be able to catch up on all that was missed!

If you don't have a friend like that, you need to find one!

Anyway, or anyways if you're feeling a bit grammatically naughty....we were discussing how I was doing such a poor job on the blog...and how awesome she was doing. As I've said before at least 46 times...the picture thing. It stops me in my tracks. I feel like a blog without pictures is boring. I feel like the story won't have near the effect if there's no pictures to match it. So if I'm not going to take the time to put some pictures on it....I shouldn't even bother.

I had forgotten who this blog was really for. It's for my kids. So they have something to look back on when they're adults. In case they forget the little things that happened to us as a family. When I think back, I can picture them in my head...numerous "photos" of my childhood, but I can't remember every story, every funny thing we said or did.

My stories will trigger memories for my kids...I think they will remember what it looked like...and if they can't, then they will be able to imagine it....but without my story, all will be lost. So when something happens in our house, something I want to remember forever, something my grand kids will want to read and make fun of their parents for, something that my kids shared together. I'm going to try to get it down, as short or long as it is...picture or no picture.

We have pictures...scads and scads of pictures that they will always have to remember. Just because they're not on this blog, does not mean we don't have them.

I'm busy...I know, we are all busy. I'm finding as this school year is starting up, I don't have near the time I had last year. Somehow schooling just one more child has added hours to my day. Not to mention that I'm now hand washing dishes because our dishwasher broke. I've been wanting a pair of Uggs for awhile now...not necessarily for the fashion statement as I think plain Uggs are actually sort of disgusting looking. It's for the heat...my feet freeze all winter long. I've changed the style I've wanted yearly...and I've finally found the exact ones I want that actually aren't quite as fashionably challenged as the Original Uggs. So if it's between fixing the dishwasher and getting my Uggs....I'm gettin' those darn boots!! Which are actually more expensive than fixing my dishwasher believe it or not! So all that to say that I don't have time...or I should say, I CHOOSE not to have time to take the pics, download them, attach them, get them just in the right spot in my story. But take 2 minutes to jot down a funny story or something....that I have time for!

Choose...isn't that a powerful word...I try to teach my kids every day that every thing they choose has a consequence...and no one or nothing can affect their ability to choose...there is ALWAYS a choice, and no one or nothing can be blamed for any of those consequences.

So for the short or long or no pictured blog...I apologize to the rest of you....but my kids will not think it's boring...they will love it and that's why I do it! So on I trudge...creating a journal of our family doing life together!

Just Wondering....

2011-09-14T07:47:00.002-05:00

Can I still use the "They must be teething" excuse on a 5, 6, and 7 year old???

What I deal with....

2011-09-09T08:39:00.003-05:00

Just a little glimpse into a beautiful day at the Walkingtons...

Keira: (while looking into the dish that had french toast mix in it) "Is that puke?"

Me: "What??" (repulsed that anything in my kitchen could be confused with the look of puke!!)

Keira: "Are we having puke for breakfast?"

......

Me: "So did you guys have a good class (martial arts) last night?"

Quaid: "Yeah it was great!!!"

Me: "What did you learn?"

Ava: "The two handed neck choke!!"

Remember that part about how I wondered how my kids got mixed up in this? Yeah....still wondering...

Then later on the day....
I was putting on a pair of my favorite shoes that I purchased just before Quaid was born. Quaid is 7 now. So a bit "out of fashion"...perhaps. I don't really care, I just love them. They're obvisously a bit broken in, the inside lining is half falling out, the toes are all scuffed. I've had them in the garbage pile a few times and they've came back out every time. I just can't part with them. I'm not a sentimental type, but they have memories. We all have that pair, or shirt, or jacket...right??

And then...

A: "Ugghhh Mom! You're not wearing those shoes are you?? Those are your worst shoes!"

Me: "What's wrong with them??"

A: "I just don't like them at all, they look terrible, you shouldn't wear them."

Me: " I like them. I'm wearing them."

A: "Okaaayyyy, but they're your worst shoes."

Ready, Set, Fight!

2011-09-07T05:30:00.001-05:00

My kids are taking a Mixed Martial Arts class. It's like UFC...have you seen that? I have and I think it's completely repulsive...so how my kids ended up in the same training, I'll never know. I did however tell Nathan, that my little boys will NEVER compete like that. No mama could stand to watch someone do that to their little boy, nor would I let my little boy do that to some other mama's little boy. My boys may know all the skills, but they'll never be allowed to actually use them. Except in a dark alley, at night, in the pouring rain, when someone is trying to take their wallet. Or I guess if one of my daughter's feels someone of the opposite sex has done them wrong...then look out...the brothers will be unleashed.

We had originally planned to enroll only Jentzen. We thought he would LOVE it as he loves to punch, kick, and pretend he's a fighter. He would be able to get a bit of that out in a controlled environment.

After practicing a bit with Jentzen during his introductory class, Quaid was hooked as well. Nathan has always said he wants our girls to be able to take care of themselves, so in goes Ava.

We figured if we're already bringing one, might as well bring them all. They are all in the same class as the same time. That sure beats running to 3 different things at 3 different times. They have a family plan...sort of like a wireless company. Add another line for only $9.95...turns out we added a line for Nathan as well...he's going to get in a bit of the action and take a few classes himself. He's a huge UFC fan. So much that we walked about 17 miles thru Vegas becuase we were too cheap to take a taxi to get to a hotel and stalked the fighters for their pictures while they were just trying to buy some chocolate. That's for another day.

They are LOVING it...as much as I love a good cheesecake. There is nothing cuter than a 5 year old little fist coming at you with a, "Jab! Cross! Jab! Cross!" Surprisingly they seem to actually somewhat know what they're doing after only a few classes.

Of course I have to give a shout out to their great teacher. I used to work with his wife at St Francis and she's great so I thought he must be too! We went to check out his place first. He has similar family values and opinions about life, and what he teaches. We feel awesome about having our kids fight with him :)

And don't forget about Keira. She stands on the sidelines and trys to mimic every move they make. She can throw her own little jab, cross, and sweep kick. When she turns 5, she'll get her own line too. Good thing is I don't have to teach her left and right...."Keira, it's the jab side!"

Heat it Up, Baby!

2011-08-29T10:02:00.006-05:00

I won a George Foreman, Lean Mean Grilling Machine during my highschool overnight graduation party...way back when I partied like it was 1999...oh wait...it was 1999.

Some may think this is a dorky kitchen contraption that you're swayed to purchase during an infomercial at 2am because there's nothing else on and you can't sleep because you either have way too many emotional problems stewing in your head or you've had 3 cans of mountain dew at 10pm.

That was not me. My emotional problems are never stewing and I can slug down 3 cans of highly caffienated beverage while laying in bed and then promptly lay my head on my pillow and drift off to sleep no prob. I know, it's a gift...or a curse, depending how you look at it.

Unlike most kitchen "one-use" appliances, I have found this to be one of my favorite things to use!

When we were first married I used to throw two pieces of chicken on it...frozen, and plain. One because I didn't now how to plan a meal, and plain because, well, I really didn't know how to cook. It cooked, quickly but the outsides were always charred and leather like. Thankfully, I've moved on since then.

I've now somewhat mastered meal planning and cooking chicken. We now use it for grilled sandiwches...oh yum! It's easy for me, the kids like them, I like them, and Nathan will actually make them himself!

Just the other day, Nathan emailed me at work stating a tragedy. George had given up the gusto...and was no longer willing to heat.

Crisis!! A day had gone by and I asked again...Is it true? Does it really not work???

A screwdriver....

10 minutes...

An electrical connector...

My Hero! It's one of the many reasons I love my man!!!

Now if he could only rig up a way to replace the nonstick coating that has completely worn off...something like that would be trophy worthy, don't you think?

40 Reasons...

2011-08-22T08:45:00.004-05:00

Deb turns 40 today. A HUGE Happy Birthday to her!!

She is the best person and friend because she......

1. loves to play games as much as I do.
2. loves my kids like her own.
3. is a great cook.
4. makes me chicken noodle soup just because.
5. is a planner, just like me.
6. never gets sick of me.
7. gets along with my husband.
8. likes to freezer cook.
9. likes to "garden".
10. comes to my kids activities.
11. is honest.
12. always picks up the phone when I call.
13. was practically raised by the same mother as me.
14. will play Monopoly with me.
15. has a huge value for integrity.
16. is a great example of a wife.
17. married a guy that I like to hang out with too.
18. always willing to try something new.
19. makes me go camping...in a TENT!
20. lets me go shopping with her.
21. always has the best life advice.
22. listens to me ramble on about whatever I need to.
23. makes the coolest cupcakes for birthdays.
24. gives me cooking advice.
25. runs errands for me, just to save me time.
26. does the coolest projects with my kids.
27. gave me the code for her front door.
28. 100% committed to anything she says she will do.
29. loves the Lord.
30. always makes me feel young :)
31. gave me access to her online calendar to schedule anything I want her to do for or with me.
32. is always trying to be a better person.
33. tells me what I need to hear, even if it's not what I want to hear.
34. understands what it means to be the youngest child of the family.
35. is patient enough to talk to each of my kids before actually getting me on the phone.
36. loves Survivor as much as I do.
37. lets me stop by when she's not home and take anything I need from her pantry.
38. married a guy who likes to make popcorn in a brown paper bag...it's the ONLY way!
39. loves spending time with me as much as I love spending time with her!
40. was hand crafted by God, just for me!!!

Lots of love on your special day from the Walkingtons!

Quote for the day....

2011-08-10T18:46:00.003-05:00

A good little reminder for all of us from my dear Jentzen:

"If we smell or drink gasoline, we'll get less smarter, won't we mom....yeah...we shouldn't drink gas."

I know...right? He's a lifesaver!

Sweet Scents....maybe...

2011-08-03T19:44:00.002-05:00

The craziness...it all started on Wednesday evening before I left for work. I kissed my kids good bye until pretty much the next Tuesday morning. It was work, cleaning the cabin, more work, and more work. When it rains, it pours concerning shifts at work. I take what I can get...never can tell when the drought is about to hit.

Work was followed by a 4 hour round trip escapade to bring the boat down to the cabin after it spent some time in the boat hospital. I was with the kids, but they didn't quite see that as quality time. We ate dinner at Dairy Queen...what can be more quality than that??? I tried to explain it...they didn't understand.

The next morning brought about my and Deb's birthday outing that started at 730am and lasted until 730pm. I know...right?? If you want to read Deb's review of the day go here. If you want to read Nathan's review, go here. (Since the two of them did such an outstanding job, I'm going to pass on my rendition of the day.) It was special, do go read about it. We have the best husbands...like EVER!

I came home from the all day party, packed my bags and headed out for a road trip to Denver with my 3 sisters to visit my brother Bob who moved out there last fall.

My little Ava. The sweet thing. While I was packing, she sat outside my bedroom door and cried...and not just a little tear. It was all out, full fledged crying. As if I stomped on her toe or something. I went to her, asking what was wrong. Through her huffing, and crying, and snotting, she said, "I don't want you to leave!!!"

Does that just break a mama's heart or what?? I'm pretty sure that put a tear or two in my eyes as well. We hugged and hugged, and I kissed her at least 10 times and then I had to let her go. Truthfully, I missed all of them just as much. I hadn't seen the kids much in the past few days...and it was going to be another 2 days.

My sisters and I hit the pavement on our way to Colorado....more on that later, which might include a video of me doing this, (my brother just happens to be a skydiver and thinks everyone should love it as much as he does)...and got home at 930am on Tuesday morning. The kids were pumped to see me and I got lots of kisses and cuddles. It was later that afternoon, Ava came tiptoeing into the office where I was. She snuggled right in:

Me: "I heard you were sleeping on my side of the bed when I was gone."

A: "Yeah, it smelled like you, it made me miss you more....I just couldn't stop smelling it."

Me: .....totally speechless.

A: (snuggling up to my neck inhaling as long as her little lungs would permit) "Oh, Mom, you just smell so good."

Me: (eyes raised with confusion)

A: "You do! I just can't help it, you smell so good!"(breathing in yet again)

This was at the exact moment I had been in the same clothes for over 24 hours, slept in them during a 13 hour road trip, sweat in them...not just once but a few times. I'm not one that "glistens" as some females call it...I just plain sweat. Imagine a field of sweet smelling flowers, soft fragrances blowing in the wind...That was NOT me!

But I get her, it made me seems not so far away. When Nathan's gone, I sleep on his side of the bed for just that same reason. Weird to some. To me, that's love...head over heals, crazy, too much for words, I miss you so much...LOVE!

I don't want to forget...

2011-07-27T07:37:00.003-05:00

...the little things.

It's 7:42am. I'm sitting at my computer preparing my homeschool lessons for this next year. Just 10 minutes ago I just heard 3 footsteps across our wood floor, just 3 tiny steps and no other sounds. Immediately as I heard them I knew...Jentzen, that is Jentzen who is awake. Those weren't Quaid, Ava's or even Keira's footsteps. They were Jentzen's.

It still blows my mind that a mother can do that. When I was young I used to be amazed at the fact that a mother could hear their baby cry out of 1000 and know exactly which cry was from their own. And not it's me. When I'm downstairs and the kids are up, I can tell from their cry, whine, or shout exactly what happened. I know if they are hurt, if someone hit them, if someone took a toy from them, or if they're just frustrated. Just from the tone, volume, and length of cry. I usually get it right. I know if it requires me to go to them, or if I should wait until they will come to me. I love that because it means I know my children, I've spent time with them, I've paid attention to them, I've taken time to take note of the little details of their lives. I haven't gotten too busy with the callings of life, housework, and everything else to not know the little things. There is no replacement for that kind of joy...the joy of the little things.

This brings to me what I will be meditating on today. It is the same with my Lord? Have I spent time with Him, do I know Him? Do I hear the small quiet footsteps and know that it's Him? When I hear something, do I know him deeply enough to discern what is required of me? Have I gotten too busy and distracted to not realize what is the Lord and what is the flesh pulling me in the other direction?

No other person can know my children like I do, no one else can tell me about them, can make me hear the difference in the footsteps. No one else can tell me the difference between my child's cry. Those just aren't things that can be put into words.

Knowing the Lord is not something that someone else can do for you either. You can't find life in another's relationship with Him...it has to be your own. I can't know Jesus because someone else does. And there is absolutely no replacement for the ultimate joy of hearing footsteps or a quiet whisper and knowing....that is you Lord!

PS...I now am hearing farting noises from the other room involving a mouth and an arm. Now, I'm FOR SURE it's Jentzen!

Morning smiles...

2011-07-24T18:23:00.002-05:00

I am an early riser...which I love that I love. It's amazing how much one can get done between the hours of 5am and 8am with no children around. Being that I get up that early on a regular basis...I REALLY look forward to mornings I get to sleep in! I still love doing that too!

I love waking up and not having to get out of bed. I love hearing little feet running around the house. And most of all, I love the kids running into our room and jumping into bed. It's usually becuase they're hungry and not really because they just can't wait to see us after a good 12 hours away from us during the night. But I think what I want.

Keira came running in this morning, hopped over me and then saw Nathan.

"I'm going to sit on daddy's face!!!!" Probably not exactly what he wanted to hear because he was still sleeping. But Keira being none to concerned with Nathan's need for some REM's...grabbed a pillow, slappeed it on his head, and hopped right on top. I was laughing....he was not. So he flipped her off. She felt slighted of course...I mean really! Who wouldn't want a little girl suffocating him with a pillow mid dream? I was okay with it because she of course came cuddling right in with me.

"Oh Keira! Come give me some cuddles, you're my little cutey girl!" She snuggled right in.

"Yeah, I am! And daddy's too!"

"You're daddy's cutey girl too??"

"Yep, and Ava's, and Jackie's. They like me too!"

Raising a confident girl....check! Mothering duties done for the day....check!

The Big 3 - 0

2011-07-22T08:44:00.002-05:00

I turned 30 two days ago, July 20th, 2011. I knew it was coming as all birthdays eventually do. I wondered if it would feel any different. Most of my friends have already passed this milestone. My dear friend Jess on her 30th birthday commented how she felt by the time she turned 30, she would have it all together. But somehow when the day actually came she realized that it was not so much like that. I am 30, yet feel like I have way more to learn than I know already. I remember being college aged and looking at the 30 year old crowd and thinking how old and mature they were. And to think that now youngens might be looking at me that way, well it's just plain not true! I'm still working life out, and don't even have it close to figured out! And Praise the Lord that my children are His, because if it's up to me show them the ropes of life...oh boy!

Maybe it will be different when I turn 40...I guess I'll be able to ask Nathan about that soon...he he he :) And if not then, maybe when I turn 60?? I'll be able to ask RW about that soon too :)

Deb took me and the 3 oldest kids out to lunch. I played tic-tac-toe on the menu with Ava, Jentzen got more ketchup on his good shirt than he got in his mouth, and Quaid finished every menu activity and crumb of food there was on his plate. The kids shared my birthday sundae...overall a successful outing.

We then headed off to see "Annie" at the Stages Theater. They patiently waited for it to begin. After the very first scene, about 5 minutes into the show, the lights went dark while they changed the set. "Is it over?" from all the kids. Guess I should take them out more. They're obviously sub-par in the understanding of the arts and theater. Jentzen was quite sure that he did NOT like Miss Hannigan and was asking when Annie was going to come back. Ava must have been sitting on her legs in a way that made her feet fall asleep. My peaceful viewing of the show was interrupted by, "Mom! When I squish my toes, I can't even feel it!!" As they tingled back awake there were some funny faces, groaning, and twisting around in her chair. Is it possible she has never had that happen before??

The fun soon ended and quickly went back to the real life...making dinner, cleaning up the kitchen, and continuing on to cleaning out my basement. Ahhhh...the good life!

It did however end on an up note. My wonderful hubby played two games of Sorry with me. The very best present possible. Although, he walloped me both games...sheesh, it was my birthday and still no mercy! I can't really blame him. We have a running total of wins since we've been married. He wasn't about to let a minor occasion like my 30th birthday ruin his competitive edge. He's a bit ahead of me.....I would have done the same!

Summer....

2011-07-11T18:51:00.003-05:00

* It's summer, we've been busy outside swimming and sweating, hence no blogs.
* We don't have landscape fabric under our landscaping, weeds take advantage of that, hence no blogs.
* I've been on a mission to empty, de-clutter, and wash the inside and out of every cabinet, shelf and storage place in my house, hence no blogs.
* Nathan posts every detail of our life on Facebook so I feel redundant most of the time, hence no blogs.

So I guess this is for those who aren't "friends" with Nathan :) And if you are a friend, stop reading now, because you already know all of this.

1. Watching your child jump off the diving board in the deep end for the first time, in front of all the big kids and swim to the edge makes a momma proud.
2. I have THE BEST friend ever in the world. If anyone dares to argue that, just go home now, because I'll win.
3. Last minute $5 movie nights with your hubby are way fun. A niece who makes it all possible is even better.
4. "Who flung poo"...a new saying at our house.
5. A child asking, "Daddy are you going to put that on Facebook?" makes a momma chuckle and roll her eyes...just a little :)
6. Quaid is two for two with trophy winning events in Cub Scouts....thanks to a dad who couldn't resist Googling "How to build the fastest raingutter regatta boat."
7. Buying a half a cow is totally the way to go! Coming home to it stacked perfectly in your freezer without lifting a finger is even better!
8. The kids thinking that "going to Iowa" means going to one specific place or building called "Iowa" is a bit frustrating and takes the entire 6 hour car ride to explain!
9. Jentzen got stitches in his head a few weeks ago...a family first. It's even better when I'm already working!
10. Watching Keira boss her siblings around the park, making them do whatever she wants them to, go where she wants them to, and help her however she needs it is a bit amusing.

A Superman Dinner

2011-07-05T13:01:00.001-05:00

I found this post that i never finished...it was awhile ago. But not so long ago that I don't remember this glorious night. I might never forget it!

I'm pretty sure this was at least day 5 of 5 work days in a row. One of them was probably a day I had to be at work at 3am and work till 3pm...you know, someting along those lines. I threw out the suggestion that Nathan could make dinner.

There is no better dinner than one I didn't make. Nathan delivered in a big way. Chicken Fried Rice! I realize that the picture looks sort of like a pile of goo...it's truly mis-representated. It was awesome....Kids, your Daddy can cook!!

And if Daddy's cooking, it most certainly involves steak...and lots of it!

I'm sure the fact that my kids were already in their jammies, ready for bed, at dinnertime was no coincidence. Pretty sure after my work day and probable lack of sleep, and Daddy's slaving in the kitchen all night...the whole family did indeed, go straight to bed after dinner!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2011-06-25T11:29:00.001-05:00

Today is the day my mom was born so I thought it fitting to say a little something...

Where to even start....As I sit here reminiscing on all the little happenings of my life, everyone of them has my mom in it. She was always there...I mean ALWAYS there. She was there when I woke up, there when I went to bed, and always there in between.

I do know in fact, that she wasn't always there...she did have obligations outside of our family. As I parent my own children, I'm becoming increasingly aware that it's not what actually happened, or the reality of a situation, but the memories of my children, and how they interpret those times that they will take with them. So for the record, I remember my mom always being there.

I remember calling home during the cold winter school days because I forgot my shoes and would be completely mortified wearing my snow boots around all day. My mom to the rescue. A forgotten assignment, uniform piece, or practice clothes. My mom to the rescue. When I needed help on a project or paper...my mom was there. To this day I still can't write a decent introductory or conclusion paragraph...and to all my teachers...Yes, my mom did it for me :)

I always sat right next to my mom at the dinner table. We had assigned seating, another genius move by my mom. My kids currently squabble every night about who gets to sit next to Daddy. Although, I'm pretty sure it was the fact that I was the youngest and needed the most supervision especially when it came to gagging down my glass of milk. But I'll just keep thinking it was because she liked me best.

She was at every concert, award ceremony, play, and sports game. Even when she let me play Fall Softball and it was October and snowing...there my mom sat through the whole thing.

I can't recall a single event that I was involved in that my mom wasn't right there in the crowd. I'm sure there was one or two, but those aren't my memories. And I also rarely remember getting a no for an answer when I asked her for help of any kind.

However, I did hear the word "no" a lot. I heard it when I asked to go somewhere that my mom wasn't sure was safe. A "no" for dating boys before I was 16. A "no" to staying out past 12:30. A "no" to letting me quit something I had started. A "no" when I thought I did a good enough job, when in fact it was not even close to my best effort. I look back on things now and see that she always knew exactly when to the the reins out and give me some freedom, and when they needed to be pulled back in.

Wise and fair parenting was my mom's greatest strength. I think I was a pretty good kid...didn't get in to too much trouble. I attribute that to all the "No's" I heard. At the time, some of them made me an angry teenager thinking it was obvious that I knew way more than my mom did about life as most teenagers do. I thought I was quite capable of making good decisions completely on my own. I now see, I was a good kid becuase of all the "No's". I am so thankful for them.

Being the youngest I was able to watch all 5 siblings go before me. By the time I moved into the decision making years, I was well aware that there were consequences for every thing I did, be it good or bad. I loved my mom, admired her, and respected her. I didn't obey out of fear, but out of love. I wanted her to be proud of me. It was because she never let me down and I wanted to do the same for her.

My sister, 5 years older than me, were discussing what we were taught. Being that many years apart, our childhood experiences were a bit different...but in the end there were some soild principles that we were both taught. Our best was always good enough, even if it wasn't perfect, and she knew somehow exactly what each of our best's was. We never felt compared to any other sibling...which with 5 there was plenty of comparing that could have occurred. We were encouraged to do what we enjoyed no matter what everyone else was doing. We were taught how to live within our means...she was sure to always make sure that depsite where they were at that moment in life, there was a beginning, and a tough one that they worked very hard for. We were confident with who we were and self esteem was high despite any of our failures. We were made to be hard workers, even if it was something we despised...like pumpkins and piano lessons for me :) We learned to take pride in a job well done and not step on anyone else in the process. We have all taken different paths through our early adult years but have all seemed to turn out all right with a solid foundtaion. She has trained us well and now that we are all older, we have not departed from it. At the time we both ended the conversation with, "We have no idea how she did it, but we want to do the same!"

I now think it was because she was there. Always there to overhear, observe, talk, listen with all areas of our life. There were of course a few things that slipped past her and the good children that we are, of course tease her about the now :) But she knew who we were and knew most everything we did.

And now I am raising my own children...in her footsteps. She has shown me how to parent from birth and continues to do so. I'm thankful that she was blessed with the chance and chose to raise 6 children. Every individual child brings different challenges and trials, joys and triumphs. Her experience, wisdom, and knowledge is beyond words. I am abundantly blessed to have and incredible example and resourse right next door :)

Proverbs 17:6 says "Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children." I thank God that he gave me a Mom that I am so proud of. And I pray that I would follow her example so that my children are indeed her crown. That they would love, appreciate, respect, and value me as much as I do my Mom.

Happy Birthday Mom...We Love You!!!

Boys and Dirt

2011-06-24T08:13:00.001-05:00

There is nothing like a brother, is there?

Brotherly....Love? I can't quite tell!

Pretty sure they snatched the camera and took a few shots of what boys deem picture worthy...

And let's not forget....
They do think daddy's "truck" is pretty cool, but, they do mention how they miss his 'racecar." They've been brainwashed and their dad happily takes all the credit. It's wrong folks...just plain wrong. But what's a girl to do??

Anyway, while the boys were out fooling around...the girls were doing some real work. Getting our garden ready for the year. As always, it was the first week of June. Pretty late as MN standards go. We never know just how soon the winter will return so it's best to get the earliest head start you can!!

I have to interject here just for a minute with a funnion from today. While Deb and I were neck deep into our card game...the kids were just milling around the kitchen, hovering over us. I told them they better get outside and enjoy the weather because it's going to snow soon. The kids all gasped and I heard a "what????" "did you say snow???" "like how soon mom???" Deb and I quietly giggled with a "Well you never know how soon it just might be! Don't waste the day now!!" It worked, out they went :)

So back to the garden. Deb came up with a new plan for us. Square Foot Gardening. She claimed that we could get all we needed in a fraction of the space, with a fraction of the work! Sounds great, right?

So RDub kindly built us the garden boxes. Then I made Nathan (and 4 kids) trapse around 2 stores with many flatbed carts getting all our supplies. He was a good sport...and he got to buy a power tool for himself....I didn't hear him complaining too much :) Does a weed whipper count? The kids call it a weed whapper. Whip, Whap....let's call the whole thing off....

Then we had to mix all the ingredients that filled the 5 flatbed cards...with shovels, on a tarp, in the wind, with water, 4 kids, all while starting at 4pm on a Sunday evening....seriously the times we pick to do major gardening projects!

One of the ingredients was vermiculite. Anyone....anyone??? Does anyone know what that is? Well we didn't really, until I googled it of course. So where does one buy this...vermiculite? Certainly a garden center would know!! After all, they are in the business of horticulture. We called one store and I got a very young girl who answered us with, 'Uuuummmmm, I don't know, let me go ask." I then called another, "No, we don't carry that." And another, "We don't carry it, and you can't use that in MN." Seriously....looks like we were on our own. It was found on one website so we ordered it up. When I went to the customer service counter to pick it up, the lady pulled the order up, and then a stare and then a, "And......what actually is that?" It seems Amazon's #1 selling book had only made it into Deb's hands and entirely missed the rest of the state.

Here's the magic, no weeds, no work, highly productive garden boxes. We'll see how they live up to their hype....

We finally got them all filled up thanks to Quaid who was a huge help the whole way through!!! We had been mixing all the "stuff" on the tarp with a shovel, and then transported it shovel by shovel to the boxes.

So on the last box Quaid says to me, "Mom, I have an idea but I don't think you'll like it." At this point Deb and I were a bit over the shoveling and figured any suggestion might be a good one...even coming from a 7 year old. "Why don't we just dump the bags in the box and then mix it around in there so we don't have to walk back and forth carrying it." Deb and I shamefully look at eachother, kicking ourselves that we had not thought of that on box #2, and for the fact that we had been shown up by a 7 year old...."That's a GREAT idea Quaid!!" We now had to take our self-proclaimed garden expert hats off and throw them to the wind.
We finally got everything planted...even with a little day light to spare. Now, we'll wait to see what actually comes up!!

You said what?

2011-06-22T11:45:00.002-05:00

There are so many times in the day the kids say or do something and I think, "I should put that on the blog." And then life happens instead of the blog and they are lost forever. But today the blog is happening instead of life...a little conversation in the car last night...

N: "Kids, you're making too much laundry for your mom. There's no reason you need to change clothes 4 times a day."

(Amen Honey! What a great topic of conversation!!!)

Kids: (while talking amongst themselves) "Yeah Dad." (More talking between them) "Yes, dad....okay dad....."

N: "So if your clothes are clean and not extremely dirty you can put them in a pile on the floor and wear them again the next day...Okay?"

(Silence from the kids)

N: "Okay? Did you hear what I said?"

Kids: (more talking, NOT to Nathan)

N: (in a slightly louder voice) "Did you hear what I said?"

(To give the kids a little break here, they did just get done eating out and each had their own balloon in the car...can you blame them for being a little distracted?)

Kids: "Oh! Yes dad, okay dad!"

N: "What did I say?"

A: "If our clothes aren't too dirty or too clean, or too extremely dangerous...wear them again the next day."

Good. I'm glad we got that taken care of.

A glimpse of beauty

2011-06-17T08:01:00.001-05:00

Isn't this the cutest face you've ever seen??? It's even cuter when it's not covered in food! This is my beautiful niece that I get the pleasure of caring for 3 days a week! She is loved by all in our family!!
This is the face of 4 year old vs. 7 month old! I think Jentzen did a great job...and she didn't seem to mind!
And to finish 'er off....Keira handled her quite nicely. It's amazing what the little ones can do if you just give them a chance!!

But sometimes things are best left to the adults...
A little better.....

The Big 6

2011-06-15T07:14:00.001-05:00

The Birthday Girl!

Ava turned 6 today!! I can still remember Ava as a newborn...and now 6 years later, she's a fine little lady.

She is caring and compassionate to others, always thinking of others wants and needs. Well almost always, she is still a normal kid :) Giving up something of hers if someone else really wants it is no big deal to her. I remember when Quaid would be bummed if he was losing a game....Ava would slip her matches or points to Quaid so he wouldn't feel bad....even if that meant she had none. She's always willing to give up her color of bowl or cup to her little sister or brother. Are my kids the only ones who fight over what color of bowl or plate they eat with?? It's always amazing to me what things seem like the end of the world to a child!!

Ava loves to play ball, get dirty, and ride bikes with her brothers. But hair bows, nail polish, and sparkly pink things are also an equal love of hers. She loves being a little mother, always wanting to handle situations. Listening to her is always a good gauge of what I sound like as a parent...the good and the bad :) She despises brushing her hair and despite making sure her clothes "look good on her" she's perfectly comfortable with leaving the house with a rats nest on her head! Knowing every little detail of everyone's life in our house is a necessity, not much slides past her. If I'm missing anything...Ava knows where it is....unless she is the one that misplaced it...then it's lost forever :)

She is learning to be a bit sneaky and work the system with mom a little bit to get what she wants always making sure to sound so sweet and helpful...as if she's doing me a favor....which can be a good quality if groomed correctly....oh the pressures of a parent!!

I love having real conversations with her. I love to hear her opinion of life and her understanding of things that happen. Her facial expressions light up a room and also show everything on her sleeve. The girl will be a terrible poker player some day!

Ava is the glue in our family...always making sure every one has what they need, helping when I need help, and will do anything for her siblings. I can picture her being the one they all run to and depend on.
Quaid and Jentzen both colored Ava birthday pictures and wrapped them up and gave them to her. It was the cutest thing. Jentzen was so excited to see Ava open his picture!!

We love you Ava and can't wait to see what your next year brings!!!

Love, Loot, and Chocolate

2011-06-10T12:55:00.001-05:00

The kids were making paper hearts. Quaid quickly discovered if you turn it upside down, it sort of looks like a hat....a pirate hat.

And not just a pirate wearing a hat, but a pirate wearing spiderman pajamas, with a cape, telescope, and a sword, who's about to attack an intruding 2 year old. He's all boy.

And who can resist a little man with chocolate on his nose?
And then there's this little flower....
That was made for her mama for Mother's Day by this beautiful flower...

The more I look at these pictures, the more they don't look like my children at all....what's with the photography...weird....it's obvious I have no idea what I'm doing with a camera, but that's okay. If you squint, turn the lights down low, while standing on one foot, and turning your head to the right...they look EXACTLY like my kids! Good Luck!!

Laundry vs. Fun

2011-06-02T13:04:00.001-05:00

I looked out the window one day to find this...

Evidentally it's not a fort unless every single towel in my linen closet is used.

Me: (as we were leaving the house shortly after that creation), "Ava, when are you going to pick up those towels?"

A: "We'll do it tonight."

Me: "You're not going to be home tonight, you're staying over at grandma's."

A: "Oh yeah, well then we'll do it tomorrow."

Me: "It's supposed to to rain tomorrow."

A: (eyes rolling in frustration) "Well then we'll just do it the next day!"

Me: "But they'll be all wet."

A: (a super eye roll) "Well, we'll just wait till they're dry then!!!"

It's times like these when I hear the words of my wise mom echoing in my mind, "Be thankful you have a child and he has the ability to do that!" She said that to me very early on in my parenting journey when I was at wits end with just one child back in the day.

How true is that! It is always a good reminder!

Is it worth the laundry...totally! They had hours of fun!

Homeschool Burnout

2011-05-23T07:47:00.002-05:00

School is wrapping up for the "normal" kids who go to a "real" school. Evidently, Quaid is ready to be done for the year too. He makes me laugh. Whenever he didn't want to do a certain assignment I gave him, he would scribble it out like mad until you could hardly see what was written under it. Sometimes he would just make a big "X" over it. Both of those never worked, he always had to do it anyway. But lately he's gotten a little sassy in his protests.

I guess "The end" means he's over it. I had to let him slide this day. He made me laugh and was quite proud of the creative statement he made. He's never minded doing his writing assignments until lately. I could have a battle on my hands next year. Oh well, I'll deal with that next year...until then, we're just going to enjoy our summer!

7 Years

2011-05-14T19:12:00.002-05:00

Quaid is 7 Years old today. I'm not sure why, but 7 seems leaps and bounds older than 6. I'm not sure I'm ready, but I guess I don't really have a choice.

Watching him grow and become a young man is awesome. I love seeing his personality form and to see his passion for many different things. He loves to be on his own, drawing and reading, with a recent interest in the Boxcar Children. But he also walks around the house begging for someone to wrestle with him. Quietly building Legos can consume hours in his day, but so can running outside, riding bikes, and building cities in the sand box.

Quaid chose pizza for his birthday meal. We sprung for Papa Murphy's...honestly to make it a little more exciting for us :) And seeing how it was going to be accompanied by Mt. Dew and cake, I just had to throw in the salad...I just had to. After this first pic, I thought it looked a little ho-hum, "Come on Quaid, let's see some Happy Eyes!!"
Then I got this....much better!

He has a tender heart towards his brother. The two of them stay up late reading, chatting, or playing cars and legos. I don't ever have the heart to turn the light out on them, I know this time for them will be something they will look back on and cherish. The two of them just yesterday came running the house together telling me how Quaid showed Jentzen how to start out on a two wheeler, the two of them beaming from ear to ear. I am nearly 30 and I still remember my sister Laura teaching me how to tie my shoes.

He looks after his sisters just as well. He and Ava also have a special bond. Quaid is always helping Ava with her school, sometimes a little to much :) They wrestle, play ball, and play games together. I'm glad that Quaid has gotten over his need to win and his need to quit if he's losing :) Keira always wants to sit by "Paidey". She can say Quaid....I think it's just her way of showing how much she loves her brother.

Quaid has a passion to learn about God and he truly does try to do what's right. It breaks his heart when he knows he's hurt someone or when he disappoints us. He is cautious, making sure he knows exactly what he's getting himself into before he jumps in. And when he does finally decide to give something a go...he's fully committed and gives 110%.

Quaid, you an absolute delight in our home and we love you so much!! Happy 7th my young man!

What a mom I am!

2011-05-11T12:47:00.001-05:00

This was the sight of my kitchen one day last week. To be honest, it's the sight of my kitchen today and well...pretty much every day!

But the great part is it's usually my kids job, not mine :) Except that day.

It was finally nice out. Daddy had just put up the trampoline and the sand was yelling for my kids to come and sink their feet in. And of course the cousins were over. My niece Jacqueline is 11 and is Ava's perfect play mate. Despite Ava being quite the mother hen, when ever there is an older girl around she quite enjoys being mother-henned herself.

So I was happy to let the kids ditch their chores for the day and soak up the beautiful weather with their cousins.

And the boys? I couldn't seem to find cousin Sam, Quaid, and Jentzen. All I know is they went darting out of the house with 3 pocket knives, a screwdriver, and a hammer. I pretended I didn't see that, started humming a happy little tune, and went about my dish duties.

Busy today?

2011-05-10T09:07:00.004-05:00

What are you doing today?

And more in the baskets...

And then Ava stole the camera and took a picture of Keira in her "fave dulla" dress...Purple! The back is the new front, haven't you heard?

Hungry Much?

2011-05-06T13:05:00.002-05:00

Me: "What are you guys doing?

Ava: "Watching the clock."

Me: "Why?"

Ava: "We're hungry...Lunch is at 11...we're watching the minutes until 11!"

Homeschooling update

2011-05-02T06:44:00.001-05:00

The end of the school year is coming. I think. I'm not really sure when my school will end or really IF it will end. So I guess this is maybe just a recap of what we have learned and where we are.

Somewhere early along in the year, I ditched my former organization technique (early, like week #2!!) of typed weekly assignment lists with all cooresponding worksheets organized by day. Yeah, that was just too much organizing. Yes, I know....is there such a thing as too organized. In just this one instance, yes there was. Even though I had the best layed out plan...things would come up, or something would take a little longer or shorter time to grasp.

I reorganized the kids work in big binders according to work book or unit of study....way more efficient. Every morning I grab the next page from each subject and make a hand written list of everything the kids need to get done that day.

That simple little list made an entire worlds difference in our day. The kids go right in after breakfast and start working. They know what to expect because they can see it. As they finish, they check things off their little list and then I recheck them as I have made sure they're done properly.

This is where we work. We had a little redesign half way through the year. An organized house is a happy house. It's TRUE! We got a cool calendar and the kids have fun marking off the day and putting up the weather in the morning, and then change it at lunch and then change it again at dinner...we do live in MN afterall!!

We love our whiteboard, especially with Jentzen who started school along with us in January. We write his letters up there and he loves to erase them and match the bigs with the littles.

And another bonus, the kids get to go to school in their jammies if they want. Ava is my little go getter. She runs into the school room in the morning and often times has almost all of her work done before breakfast and before 8am.

I love this little rack from IKEA to keep all our pens, pencils, and markers organized. New desk space was needed to keep the kids focused on what their assignments are instead of their brother's or sister's.

Keira likes to maker herself at home on her chair, doing her "school" too. She really thinks she's at the same level as the others...which is quite cute at times and other times a bit trying on mom who's working on getting the real school work done with the others.
But usually she'll opt for more breakfast over a worksheet :)

All in all, this school year has been a success. I'm pretty sure the kids learned a thing or two and I'm pretty sure I still have some of my hair left!!

Let Summer School begin!!

Which Color is Your Favorite?

2011-04-27T11:02:00.000-05:00

So my baby girl is 2 years and 5 months old. She talks, behaves, and thinks she is more like 5 years and 5 months old. I think it's just part of being the littlest...she just thinks she fits right in with the rest of them.

In order for her to go right along with the rest of them, she had to have a favorite color. Now, when you're 2, I'm not sure that one even knows what a favorite color is. I'm pretty sure that Keira hadn't a clue. That is until she was TOLD what her favorite color was. By Ava.

"Keira, your favorite color is purple!"

"You need to use the purple marker!"

(which explains the image below)

"Keira, you want the purple bowl don't you? Yeah, you have to use the purple bowl!!"

"Oh look Keira!! You have your favorite color jammies on!!"
Then I tried to get a decent picture in her favorite color jammies so when she's 16, she can tell Ava that she now despises purple as it was forced upon her as a child.

Silliness happens when you try to get a 2 year old to pose for a picture...seriously I don't need to see what's up her nose!I decided that seeing her eyes was an important factor in the picture...so up the hair went....that's better.....or maybe not??
What's with the Miss Piggy look??

And then the eyes....
Okay, now back to Miss Piggy. I think I wiped her nose by now...you can thank me later...
By this point I got, "I'm all done mama!!! NO MORE!!!"

Can you ever get a decent picture of a 2 year old?? Well this girl can...but she wasn't around at the moment...so I did my best.

I guess I have one prop for Ava...Keira can now pick out purple any where, any time, and any place.

Sweet, one less thing I have to teach her :)

Just wanted to mark the day....

2011-04-20T12:48:00.003-05:00

...that my only purpose in this house is for food and clean clothes.

I just heard Keira crying, her feet plop plopping across the floor on her way to the office where I'm sitting. I put my arms out, ready and waiting for her to come running to me for a big cuddle and telling her that it would all be okay.

I was the ready and willing consoling Mom.

She glanced at me with her tearful eyes, my arms out and open.... and then turned straight to Ava, who was sitting next to me, and grabbed her by the hand and brought her along out of the room. Ava then rubbing her back on the way out of the room saying, "Oh Keira, it's okay. I'll help you! Oh Honey, it's okay!"

Denied. Totally Denied.

Nice.

Future Stylist

2011-04-16T10:59:00.001-05:00

I like to go to bed early. Like really early. If I had it my way...I'd be in bed by 7pm every night. I get up early and I need a lot of sleep. Or maybe I should say, I like a lot of sleep. I can do without, but I get a bit cranky and irritable. Nathan and the kids do all they can to make sure my bed and I have a good, working relationship. As a result of my going to bed early....my kids do too. We are usually done with our bedtime routine around 7:30pm. We leave their lights on low so they can read or color, or as of lately do "other things." As I went in a little later to turn the girls light off I found my sweet Keira with this in her hand:

Like I've mentioned before, she's stealthy. She was quietly sitting on the floor with a brush in hand carefully brushing the hair of not her sister, but her friend: Her pillow pet. Upon examining the bottle, she had taken the top off and poured the entire bottle on the pillow pets head and was carefully brushing his silky smooth yarn head.

She had a promising future...doesn't she?

Guess Who Made What?

2011-04-08T10:58:00.004-05:00

I have started making my own bread and sandwich rolls. There are a few reasons...

1. The smell. I love the smell of fresh baking bread and to have my house smell like that...well it's just a little slice of heaven.

2. The taste. Fresh baked bread just tastes good. Like really good. I have found a pretty good recipe that is kid and husband approved.

3. The times. At approximately $.50 a loaf...it just makes sense. We eat a lot of bread...and that's a lot of quarters saved.

4. The feel. It just makes me feel resourceful, home-makerish, like a real woman back in the 1900's when they really worked hard. True, I get my flour from a bag and throw it all in the bread machine on the dough cycle. That still counts as working hard, right?

5. The health. Everything home made is just better for you...hands down.

Nathan was helping me cut out the rolls one day....Guess what ones he made?

Did I Just Say That?

2011-04-06T10:52:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was a day of "I can't believe I just said that."

Me: "Quaid are you sure you don't need a bowl??? If you puke on my couch I will not be happy with you!!"

(I can't believe I just said that. Wow, what a sympathetic mom I am!)

Me: "Jentzen, do you still have a fever?"....."Oh good Jentzen, having a fever is good for you!"

(I can't believe I just said that. Wow, what a sympathetic mom I am!)

Me: "Quaid and Jentzen, if feel good enough to laugh and giggle while laying on the couch, then you must be well enough to come up here and help us clean!!"

(As it went dead silent downstairs, I can't believe I just said that. Sheesh, give the kids a break!)

Me: "You can't have your cookie Keira, you didn't eat your dinner!"

(I can't believe I just said that. I've turned into that mom already!)

Me: "Ava, I don't have time right now to play ANOTHER game with you!"

(I can't believe I just said that. When is there NOT enough time to play another game?)

I'm sure my kids are glad that yesterday is over :) Me on the other hand...I didn't really mind. Having 2 kids sacked out on the couch for the majority of the day makes for a really productive mom day!

What's for Breakfast?

2011-04-04T11:54:00.001-05:00

I came downstairs this morning to find my sweet Keira at the bottom of the stairs. I saw her first. She looked up, met my eyes, and immediatly out of her mouth came"Mommy can I have this banana?" Keira tends to get the phrase "It's easier to ask permission than to ask for forgiveness" a little bit backwards. She tends to just grab what she wants, and then asks for it after the fact. We're working on it. And she's super stealthy which makes it a little bit harder....some of my other kids are like elphants and wrecking balls around the house. I always know where they are and what they're doing...but Keira, not so much. So as I see she already has eaten half the banana...my comment, "Well at least sit at the counter if you're going to eat it!" I then saw this... The stool, ever so carefully, pushed up to the counter. The knife and the peel. Me: "Did you do this?" Keira: "Yep I did." Me: "Did you get this knife out?" Keira: "Yep, for the banana!" Me: "Did you cut this all by yourself." Keira: "No, I just poked it. Just a lil' poke. Just a lil' poke in my banana." Ava obviously didn't think a 2 1/2 year old with a knife was anything to be concerned about. Good to know.

A Chef's Night Off

2011-04-02T12:03:00.002-05:00

Now here's a sight I would love to see more often!!

Nathan cooking in the kitchen...not the semi-psychotic looking man holding a knife thing...

Jentzen told me one night that Daddy makes the best suppers ever! I asked him what Daddy made that was so good....Pancakes and Cereal was his answer!

So tonight Nathan brought out the full arsenal....French Toast.

And for the record...I did help. I made the best part....the bacon!

More Than Just One Purpose

2011-03-31T12:06:00.001-05:00

Nathan and I had the honor of dog-sitting for my mom and dad's dog Sugar. Well I should really be more clear...my DAD'S dog. And along with the dog..comes dog stuff. And who knew it would be fun for the whole family!?!?! It was Keira's idea....really.

Finally!

2011-03-29T12:01:00.001-05:00

It's finally time to pack away the snow pants. Hats and mittens might be gone by the end of this week too!! The bikes have come out...the footballs and baseballs too!

It's a good thing too because I have a feeling that a little something from the back woods was getting a little hungry and came looking.... That's a coyote....right behind our house a few weeks ago before the big thaw. Have you ever heard a pack of coyotes howling at night? It's the most eerie sounding thing....just the thought of it makes me shudder. It has woken us up a couple of nights it's been so loud. They usually never come near people or houses...and NEVER in the daytime.

This leads me to believe that they're getting a little hungry these winter months. Or the neighbor that hunts them isn't having such a great year. Last year he said he shot 80 of them!!!

Dear Mr Hunter,

I'd like to hear a little more gun shots and a little less howling. Could you take care of that? I like my kids...they aren't dog food. Thanks so much.

One day

2011-03-27T09:33:00.001-05:00

Nathan was kind enough to load up some more pictures on my blog. I'm not sure where to go with this one...but I'll try...

This is a machine of some sorts. I'm pretty sure it has something to do with machining. There's no doubt that it cost more than our mortgage payment. I'm not for sure but judging from past experiences, every piece of equipment that's larger than a hammer will at least have a 4 digit price tag.

This next one here is really exciting!! I mean seriously...look at it. It's a work of art! It sort of looks antique to me...but for all I know it could be the newest and upcoming trend in a machinist's world. I think it's the "big hunk of metal" theme that makes me think antique. Remember the first irons, vacuums, and sewing machines....big hunks of metal.

I'm going to step out on a limb and be a little observant. Just for fair warning...it may backfire. I think this is one of the machines that's at Nathan's job. Given the window and scenery it looks like grass only found in New Prague doesn't it?

This one looks like it's encased in glass? So I'm going to go with antique for this one? Actually now that I'm thinking about it...I think I remember Nathan telling me that they had little hand held models of the real machines they have in their shop...so maybe that's what these all are!! (See honey, I DO hear what you're saying after all!)

Even if they are all models, they still fall under the category "I want this in my shop". Is there any tool or machine that any man wouldn't want in their shop?

For Nathan, that answer is definitely a big loud resounding NO!

Nathan and his Iphone pictures

2011-03-18T09:20:00.003-05:00

It all started one day when I had some free time on my hands...I know, what's that? Right? I asked Nathan to download some pics on my blog. Only because downloading pics and I are like oil and water...sheer enemies.

I wondered what he would come up with? Nathan with his Iphone always in tow, brings about endless possibilities.

Here's the first one he came up with.

It doesn't get much better than that, does it? Jentzen plays so hard....and when he's had enough, he's had enough. And a great place to snooze just in case the action picks up again, he'll be sure not to miss it. I don't think I've ever seen the boy walk anywhere. He's full speed all the time...except while coloring. His most recent activity he's taken up. He's focused, methodical, and determined. He must color the ENTIRE page...every single little white sliver of the whole page. He won't stop until it's complete. It's fun to see him change as he gets older...the crazy, spontaneous little guy is turning out to have quite few different angles.

And then we come to the next picture. We took some friends to our cabin a few weekends ago. It was great fun. The took a trip out to the lake. The kids thought it was the coolest thing ever to be walking on the lake.

And now to the next picture...let's pause for a moment until I find words.....keep waiting........longer.......longer.......longer.......

I've come up with a few things. I'm pretty sure that he's not trying to tell me I have big feet. Because I don't. I always wear my seat belt, so I'm sure it's not a subtle reminder of that. If he would ever let me drive, not that I want to, he might have that look on his face while being my passenger. I've never been in an accident or in the ditch, but I've had a few tickets and I have a need to follow closely to the cars in front of me and always be the fastest one on the road. I think that goes back to my childhood being the youngest one, always left behind, running to catch up, getting cut off while following taller siblings, no one ever saw me cause I'm short and always have been. It could be because he let me teach him a new card game last night...Cribbage...numbers and math related things usually cause that look on his face. Or maybe it's just the clear fact that he's stuck with doing life with me for the remainder of his life...until death do us part. That just may bring about that particular image in his mind :)

And then sweet Ava...she's really going to love this one when she's 25. I can't exactly figure out what angle this is taken from...she's in her bed, near her beloved Pillow Pet. And from what it looks like, she's been eating crayon and now has multi-colored drool. I'm really hoping that's not the case...she is 5 after all. I hope we've grown out of that by now.

And here's sweet Keira. This was mid-school-room reorganizing. She's so helpful isn't she! A perfect place to just sit and have snack.

And then there's this pair.

Keira is pretty much attached to this guy we call RW. She can't get enough of him. And truth be told, I don't think he minds....even with what happened earlier this week. It involved Keira wearing only undies, and her not wanting to take a trip through the kitchen, around the corner and into the bathroom. Oops...she did feel bad for the record.

It's a birthday today!

2011-03-16T11:42:00.004-05:00

Today there might be approximately 18,585,087 people having birthday's. At least that's what Wikipedia told me. We all know that Wikipedia is total fact. And 18,585, 086 of those people share today as their special day with my dad!! Those 18+ million people are very very lucky!

My dad turns 71 today. 71. Some people my age have grandparents this age. I always had the oldest parents. Being the youngest of 6 had a little to do with it. Did it ever bother me? Not in the least. Age for my dad never seemed to be a factor.

I remember days of playing ball and going on bike rides. My dad came on all school field trips with me, sat in the bleachers of every sporting even he could make it to. Endless weekend days of hiking through the woods behind our house...sliding down the leaf covered slopes....only getting us "lost" once. Of course he would never let on to that...he claims he "knew" where we were the whole time. Which translates into somewhere between Jordan and Shakopee on the East side of 169 :) My dad with our old dog pepper in his arms because he just had to come along despite being way too old and arthritic to make the whole journey. As I've mentioned before he was always right there laying on the floor playing games with me, sharing his popcorn.

As I grew older he always did his part with the school projects, chasing me around to sporting events, dances, anything that was a must for the limited social life of a teenager.

I remember many heated conversations about where I would be going to church on Sunday and if God cared about what I wore to church. I was a bit feisty...and he was as patient as one could be.

Off to college I went, which involved lunches at the Pie Shop...more commonly known as Baker's Square. Custard Pie. It's all about the Custard for him. I got to proudly tell all the other cashless, carless freshmen that I was being picked up for a lunch date...with my dad...and that he as paying!

And now here we are 11 years, a heart attack and a stroke later....

I now find myself saying he WAS instead of he IS. It's different, and there's no avoiding the fact that he's different.

My sister and I were just reminiscing on the parenting we received. We both decided that my dad, paired with an awesome, wife and mother by his side did an outstanding job. We sat there and stared at each other blankly when trying to think of something they could have done better or different. They built confidence in us, but kept us humble. They made sure we each knew who we were instead of matching up to someone else. They had rules and followed through with consequences.

It saddens me that my husband and children will never know who he WAS. But they do know who he IS which just might be the most important.

Although many things have changed...one remains constant. My dad continues to count his blessings day after day when others would not, with all praises to our Lord. And above anything else he IS a great servant of God!

From everyone in our home...Happy Birthday and We Love You!

Game of the Day

2011-03-14T07:49:00.002-05:00

Gabby and Lauren came to visit a few weeks back. They came over just because we hadn't seen them in awhile. My kids love their cousins dearly and would have them over every day if possible.

We often wait until they NEED to see each other...like when parents have a non kid friendly even to attend. But why wait for that? It's fun for the kids to see eachother and I haven't heard of a mom who wouldn't love to have a day to do whatever she wants without kids.

They are always so creative in what they choose to do. This day I thought was especially creative. They all came tearing downstairs.....

"We're the Underwear Pirates!!!"

They were just cracking up at themselves. What is it about underwear, butts, and well anything that happens in the bathroom that is absolutely hilarious to this age group? I may never figure it out

4 Year Old Theology

2011-03-07T07:02:00.002-06:00

This is Jentzen. He's my 3rd born. The one who came 5 days too early and way too fast according to my plans. He loves trucks, dinosaurs, tickles and praying!

Seriously on the last one. He's the first to pray at every moment he's allowed. He'll go on and on and on as long as you let him. Sometimes, it's just talking and sometimes he makes up a little tune and sings his prayer. All day long he's always commenting on what God thinks about a certain happening of the day, what he would want us to do...what he would want ME to do. That's always refreshing to hear: The Lord's instructions to mom...from your 4 year old son. Refreshing, maybe not so much....humbling...yes. I see a novel in his future!

Last night was a singing night. Right in the middle....(Make up your own little tune, it works for Jentzen) "And help us to do what God wants us to do so we don't get put in a big time out because I learned that in Bible Study that some guys got put in a big time out because they didn't do what God said...."

A little bit later after he finished his solo, I came back upstairs to hear him singing away again. Seriously, I need to start recording this...it makes a mama's heart melt.

So from my little disciple to you....Peace Out!

PS...And do what God wants you to do today...I don't like time outs and I'm sure you don't either!

Eight Times the Fun

2011-03-03T12:58:00.003-06:00

I usually have just 4 kids home everyday. For some, that's a full house. But for me, it's normal every day stuff.

But today, I have 8 kids. I LOVE having a house full of kids.

I love to watch them be creative. The older ones taking the younger ones under their wings. The games they come up with are always inclusive of all the other ones. They're always mixing up the kid combinations of who's playing with who and what they're doing. Quaid and Jentzen both have Sam to play with. Quaid totally digs having a "big brother" to play with. Ava loves having a "big sister" to do girl things with and to admire her recent manicure. Jentzen has someone his own age to play with....exactly his own age. Jentzen and Lydia were born within hours of each other. Freaky, I know. Keira loves running from cousin to cousin keeping them doing exactly what she wants them to be doing...And all the kids love having a baby around.

I never had cousins to play with when I was a kid. Well actually I had lots of them...I was the youngest of 42 cousins on my dad's side...but we weren't exactly close, I don't think I can even name them all.

I LOVE that my kids will have so much fun making so many memories with all their cousins. There's a lot of love in the Walkington house today :)

Daddy saved the day...

2011-03-01T13:59:00.005-06:00

I was thinking of what I should write about today...it's been awhile so I figured I should pick something.

I was going to write about how my boys are sledding outside in the mud right now. How much I love to watch them giggle, get muddy and just be boys.

Then I thought of how much I love that Ava would rather stay inside and play a game with me than go outside. She's just like me. You would be very hard pressed to come up with anything I'd rather do than sit with someone and play a game. My sweet Ava is the same. Shes asks me about 72 times a day to play a game with her....and I have yet to find something that she will willingly go do in the place of playing a game.

Then I was going to write today about my little Keira who is growing up to be such a little girl and not so much a baby. And how we can sit and have a conversation about herself talking completely in the 3rd person. And how logical she has become. This morning Quaid and Ava asked her to jump up real high and then land on her bum (not sure...don't ask)...She looked at them and said, "But I might cry!"

But then Daddy walked through the door from school and brought home his latest project...

How Cool!! Spinning tops for the family. For all of you who ask me, "He's going to school for machining...what is that?" Well this is it. Take a solid piece of metal and create this!
And now this is an experienced dad of four....
Initials stamped on each one!! That's my man.

Not that my kids would ever fight over which one was theirs...no never...not in this house.

And as Ava is right here beside me reading what I'm typing...she says to me, "Why didn't you type, 'Hey babe, where's mine?' You said that, remember?"

So glad I have such a qualified editor.

What kind of a day are you having?

2011-02-21T16:44:00.006-06:00

It did this last night...

And this...

What's worse than one truck in the ditch? Two trucks in the ditch. My brother Mark, and Nathan. Thank goodness for nice neighbors with big tractors. We had overnight guests....5 of them. And thank goodness I've got a stock of new toothbrushes.

And I'm going to use those things to think that this is related...
That's my arm. And what are those two slightly damp spots? They came from the nose of this thing...
She just sat on my lap...looked at me and then proceeded to bend her head down and swipe her nose right across my sleeve. She then looked up at me as if nothing had happened. Nice.

Good thing it snowed...I'm not leaving the house today. She must have known. See, I told you they were totally related. I knew you were wondering.

PS...the big government snow plow creamed our mailbox...like it's not standing anymore...like it's not in one piece anymore. Don't send mail.

The Big "V"

2011-02-15T15:45:00.010-06:00

Valentine's Day.

If anyone knows me at all, they should be quite certain that I don't like Holidays...I could skip every single one and be just fine. Yeah, Yeah I know. I guess that it's not that I dislike them, but I could just not have them and still live a happy life.

All of them are over-commercialized, over hyped, turned into some sort of money sucker. The history and origin of each and everyone isn't necessarily something that I want to celebrate. Sure sure, we all put our own spin on them so it's something that lines up with our social, religious, and political beliefs. Fun Sucker Me, I know.

But we had a Homeschool Valentine's Party...I wanted to go to get the kids together with all the rest in our group, I knew the kids would have fun...and I knew I couldn't come without any Valentine's. I was forced into it. I was fully prepared to just buy some store bought cards, stuff some candy in and be done with it.

But my dear friend Deb just happened to find the cutest homemade idea. She helps me put a little fun back into the Holidays.

It all started with the sucker.

Some tissue paper...
And some pipe cleaners...sparkly ones.
And then the disaster began. Quaid opted for the photojournalist side of the project over the creative side.
Keeping the kids focused was a little tough.
But I finally got them going. Wrapping each sucker with tissue paper.
These were balloons which the girls were giving as their Valentines.
I don't have any pictures of the bomb making process because Daddy was in charge of those. I had to work so begrudgingly he made all of them for me. What a guy. He always comes through for me!

The kids then had to write a name on each one.
I wish I could take credit for those seriously cute tags...but they were a total Deb thing. It's she great?!?! They totally made the whole thing. Aren't they cute?
And here are the bombs...made completely by Nathan. Isn't he great??

The party was fun, the kids had a blast.

In the 10 years that Nathan and I have been together...we have never done anything for Valentine's Day...not that I can remember anyway. (I hope that doesn't get me into trouble!) I am sort of an unexpected thing at an unexpected time just for no reason sort of a girl. But this year he came home with a single red rose. It was a beautiful, unexpected surprise. I would rather get one single flower over a bouquet any day.

I love my man, and he loves me!

Christmas, we didn't skip it.

2011-02-15T08:30:00.001-06:00

So am I a total dork that I forgot to post anything about Christmas...and am I a bigger dork to do it now...in February?

I don't care...I'm going with it.

This is the first year we've gotten our kids presents. Last year we spent a night in a hotel with a little waterpark. I'm all about memories...and Nathan's a gift guy. So we did one present each this year and we'll see what happens next year. I just think our kids have so much already, I'd rather create the memories. But I'm not going to lie. It is fun to see their faces beam when the rip open the paper.

Keria got some necklaces and play-doh. One of which she promptly ripped apart and the beads went flying all over the kitchen floor. Pretty sure I swept up another one just last week!

Jentzen got the Rex from toy story. He loves dinosaurs.
Ava got Spin Sorry. She loves games so I made sure to pick out one that I wanted to play too :)
Quaid got a Superman dress up. He loves dressing up and flying around the house.
Me, I got a Ipod shuffle....very unexpectedly. We agreed not to get eachother anything. But Nathan being the gift guy he is couldn't resist. I'm pretty sure he thought he owed me for being the best wife ever. I do not like technology, I don't like to figure out how things work, I don't like being confused. I had a Shuffle years ago and it broke and I've wanted another one ever since. How thoughtful, right? And I even know how to work it. Turn on. Push play. LOVE IT!
After our little family opening we headed to my Parent's house for the big Pahl family gathering...all 26 of us. Bob wasn't in town yet. But he did send a classic Bob present...He got my neice Jacqueline the entire US quarter collection....but that's not it. He wrapped each quarter individually, with 2000 layers of paper. It brings me back to when I was little he brought in this huge garbage bag. I pulled off the bag, to find another bag, and then another bag, and then a bog, and another box...etc....all of which were taped up with duct tape. It took me what felt like hours to open it and inside was a brick. Yes, that's right, a brick. Just some old thing he found in my dad's shed. He had been joking for weeks that's what he had gotten me as I was begging him to give me a clue to what he really got me. I'm glad to see he hasn't lost it.
Keira got a ball from Nancy and Jose. One of those squishy, squirmy things. She LOVED it!! She wouldn't put it down the entire night.
And then there were the pillow pets. All the little ones got them. For sure their hightlight of Christmas.
Oh, and there's Keira with her ball....again.
Quaid and his favorite....LEGOS!!!
Ava got a play kitchen to go in the toy room, and of course, what's a kitchen without some food. And Keira with her ball yet again.
She also got a crayon maker. My vacuum is going to protest me soon if I keep sucking up broken crayons. This just may stop that from happening.
Who needs presents when there's bubble wrap.
My other sisters (I was busy that day, I didn't try to ditch on purpose :) made a photo book for my parents. It was very cool. We all got a copy. It's great to have pictuers of the extended family all in one spot. I know it's something that will be cherished by everyone.
And last but not least...all the grandkids...together in one place! And Keira with her ball one last time.

Three Words...And Some Other Stuff

2011-02-13T19:35:00.001-06:00

Buck Hill Tubing!

This was our first time as a family and pretty sure Emma's first time tubing also, seeing how she hasn't seen snow since she was 7. We rounded up some friends and headed to the hill. It was pretty fun. Would have been way more fun if they would let you chain up and fly down 10 in a row like a bunch of lunatics. Pppfffff to safety!

My beautiful friend Sarah joined us.

And Sam was there much to Quaid's delight. Jacq and Kayla came also...somewhere...
Surprised by this picture? I'm not.

Quaid looks mad...he's not. Ava looks like she can't breathe...she can.
And there's no better way to end an evening than Perkins breakfast at 10pm!
And oh yeah, Ava like's taking pictures of people's feet. Guess who's sock says Billabong? It's really becoming a problem.
Yet, one more totally unrelated picture...but who can resist an Aussie, wearing a MN Vikings shirt, pretending to be a turtle....not me.

It's Obvious, Isn't It?

2011-02-11T20:25:00.002-06:00

That we had to go the Mall of America...more affectionately known as the MOA.

How often do you locals go? I try to never go there...unless I really have to. Like if I have to go to a store there that's not anywhere else. Most often....the Apple Store....with Nathan....because he crashed his Mac again...

(he he he...sorry honey, I had to!)

It is actually fun to go with a foreigner. It kind of makes you step back and realize how pretty cool it is....

Like a restaurant full of aquariums, animals hanging off the ceiling through a jungle canopy.

A store that sells a burger and fries....FOR YOUR DOG! Seriously!

Let's not forget one of those stores that as soon as you step inside you know that you're seriously out of place, as a conservative mom type wouldn't be caught dead in any article of clothing sold in that store. A store that is also small enough that you can't really walk in without being completely noticed by the store clerk who sort of looks at you strangely and trys not to be awkward while your foreigner friend insists that you take a picture sitting on a couch shaped like a big set of lips.
Gotta have a picture with something local. And while you're posing for the picture state for the record, "I don't even know who the Vikings are or what sport they play!"
Oh yeah, there's a roller coaster and many other amusement rides INSIDE the mall. If you're a local...isn't really that big of a deal because you've seen it 100 times and it just makes sense being winter takes up 2/3 of the year. Unfortunately it's seriously over priced and plays on parents desperation's during mid January to get their kids out of the house to let off some steam. But let's all think back to the first time we saw it.....It is indeed pretty cool.
And last but not least...the most hugest, giganticest flag of the U S of A.
Do you think Perkins tops this off?

Back to Emma

2011-02-10T06:41:00.001-06:00

Okay, I think I have recovered from the incident 2 days ago (read previous post if you're confused...or don't and just stay confused...it works for me). I'm now walking normally through the house (shudder).

We went bowling when Emma was here. I LOVE bowling. I mean really LOVE it. I'd go every week if I could. We ditched Keira and took along my neice Jacqueline, and nephew Sam.

Just a fore-warning...Most of the pictures were taken by this handsome lad:

And this cheeky, sneaky girl:
Jentzen was stellar at bowling. He just told the ball where to go and VIOLA!
In case you're wondering...they must not bowl in Australia...the "E", that stand for Emma. Those little dashes all in a row...they stand for zero, as in gutter ball. Emma claims that "Jentzen was helping her." Sure he was.
This is Sam...at least the top half of him.
And this is a blurry Quaid post-bowl. But the true sight in this picture is the guy in the background. Look at that form! Perfection. I hope to be like him someday.
Emma, with all 8 layers she wore that day. Including her jacket, which seemed to be needed indoors, where it's heated, where it's "warm." Does anyone see Jentzen helping her? I think not.
Ava giving the ball a good chuck down the alley. If you release a ball say 2 1/2 feet off the ground...it makes a big bang...and the pros down the lane all turn and stare.

And here's Jacq...loading up Jentzen. She's a beautiful, helpful girl. Oh how I love her so. And she's taller than me. She's 11. It's okay, don't worry, I've accepted it.

From Ava after she snapped off this award winning picture..."Oops, I missed her head!"

Guess Who??

There we go...that's a bit better.
Ava got the biggest kick out of taking a picture of her feet. She laughed...and laughed...and laughed. Oh to be that easily entertained!
This...well this...is just the ball ramp.
And this is the ball ramp....with Jentzen. Oops...Ava has a problem with the head thing.
There we go!! How's that for an action shot!
Hhhmmmmm....things must have not gone so well on this trip down the lane.
And to wrap it up...
Oooohhhhhhh isn't that the cutest!!!

It all started well, until.....

2011-02-08T12:03:00.008-06:00

Tuesday...it all started out so well. I actually remembered to turn my alarm on this morning so I got in my morning workout, did some cleaning and laundry before my nest full of little ones awoke.

We had breakfast, started school and finished school for the day in a timely manner. Then Keira shot into my office like a bullet.

"Care Me! Care Me! Care me!"

"Did Quaid scare you again? Oh, you're alright..." Off she went.

Quaid is into being a monster lately and thrives off the reaction that he gets from Keira. Lucky little sister, isn't she!

Did I mention that we got a new pet awhile back?

We did. It's a Leopard Gecko. Nathan got it from a friend of ours, who needed to get rid of it and surprised me with it one day. What a guy! What a friend!

Don't you love when the kids get a hold of your camera...it's always a surprise what you'll find while downloading pictures. This was the very green scissors that was used by Keira to cut her own hair this morning (don't worry...it's not noticeable). At just 2 years old...how talented...she's destined for greatness, I know.
And turns out we have a red pencil too. Exhilarating isn't it?
Anyway, this Gecko, affectionately named Buddy, is one lucky guy. If you'll notice in the background...he's got an ocean view. How many desert animals can say that?
Oops....sorry...kids again.

So anyway at first we gave Buddy live crickets to eat. They somehow ended up in a box on my kitchen counter. Live crickets right next to the dinner prep area....yummm.....how appetizing.

On a trip to the once faithful Petland brought about a different delicacy for our little guy. They were all out of "good" crickets. What exactly made one live cricket better than another, I'm not real sure but nonetheless, Nathan took advice from the self proclaimed animal expert and brought home these:
Eeeewwwww, Grrroooosssss, Yuuuuucccckkkkk! Worms...Meal Worms to be exact. What a fitting name for the little grubs. I do not like worms! I do not like them Sam I Am, I do not like them on a boat, I do not like them in my coat. I do not like them in the grass, I do not like them near my.....oops...that's not going to work. I do not like them out the door, I do not like them on the floor! Which just so happens brings us back to...

"Care Me! Care Me!" from my dear little Keira.

Which was shortly followed by, "Mom!! Buddy's worms are all over the floor!!!!"

Pardon me for no picture of this, I was in a smidge of a panic. But you could imagine. Squrimy, Squiggly worms all over the floor in a pile with that sawdust stuff they keep them in. Yep, that would scare me too!! So just before I was ready to scream, yell, and jump up on top of the kitchen table...I calmed myself. Come, on...pull yourself together. You are the most senior in this house...BE AN EXAMPLE!!! So I gathered myself and responded in the following way...

"Oh, Gross!!! Yuck!! I hate worms!!! Someone do something!!!"

I looked up and had 8 little eyes staring at me sort of strangely. At that very moment I actually considered if I could just leave them there until Nathan got home. Ummmm...no, that wouldn't work. But the fact that I even considered that should give you a bit of insight as to my mental state.

"Quaid! You pick them up!!!"

"Well I guess I've picked up other worms before..." he said fairly calmly.

He reached down grabbed one, and threw it in the container...and then another...and then ran away screaming...."They're slimy, YUCK! I'm NOT DOING IT!!!"

(He just may have picked up a teensy bit of grossed outness from one of the adults in the house....maybe.)

Great! Now what?!?!

"Mom, they're getting away!!"

Sure enough worms don't tend to just hang out and enjoy the scenery in one spot. They were starting to spread. So I thought about grabbing a set of tongs to clip them up....but flash forward to half mushed worms squirming around.

Plan B. Spoons. Two Spoons. I scooped them all up, had to fish one out from underneath the table even. But I got them safely back into their container.

So I thought....forward on 2 more hours.

"Mom!! There's a Buddy worm on the floor!!!"

Sure enough. An escapee. Quaid handled the spoons and took care of the little Squirmy McWormy.
At the current moment, I may or may not be prancing around the house on my tiptoes, avoiding the kitchen like the plague.

And I may or may not have hog tied Keira's hands!

Only 1 White girl can dance.. you decide which one

2011-02-05T17:19:00.002-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKtNj6_SraA&feature=player_embedded (link added for Facebook)

We were visited by Emma Allen this past week. She stayed with us for 10 glorious days. In her opinion...glorious if you're say a...polar bear...or an Eskimo. It was a bit of a climate change for her :)

She is the daughter of Nathan's Pastor from back in Oz land. We loved having her. She is the sweetest young lady who loved on the kids, cleaned my house, made her bed, and shouted (translation: paid for) us some family fun. We had some great talks and quality time...she has blessed me a lot with her sweet spirit, big heart and her maturity beyond her years.

Emma wanted to make the blog so I figured she should make it in a big way. We visited the Children's Museum and Keira, who was her best bud the whole week, followed her lead at one of the exhibits. Sorry for the random girl...seriously.

There will be more to come of our Adventures with Emma.

The New Shampoo

2011-01-26T10:36:00.001-06:00

Keira wandered into my bathroom the other day. And such a helper that she is...decided that she would take on the task of washing her hair by herself. The problem comes when she chose the wrong bottle....This is what she chose....Did you miss what it was?
That's right 100% pure petroleum jelly....as shampoo...in her hair...almost half the tube!!! Have you ever used petroleum jelly? Have you ever felt the consistency of petroleum jelly? Well let's just say that hair cleaner is NOT one of it's 101 uses that I'm sure it has.

Here's the story of how and how NOT to take care of the problem. It all started with me under estimating the strength and resilience of said jelly. I thought...well it's a grease...so some good shampoo should get it right out. I scrubbed and scrubbed, scratched, and scratched her little head.

All cleaned up...ready to dry off and re clothe.
Clothes back on...and hair dried off....well at least that's what I thought. The shampoo didn't even touch it. Bummer....I panicked and told Nathan of the predicament I was in. He did what every good dad would do...he Googled.
He found some information that corn starch would soak up the jelly easy peasy. So over the sink she went....and corn starch applied...
She wasn't quite sure what was happening....She did not like laying with her head off the sink...
She was relived when she was done with the first application. She strangely looked like Benjamin Button....a prematurely gray haired toddler.
It was right before nap time so time was of the essence. The directions also said to wash it out with a good clarifying shampoo. Not sure that I had that, I grabbed for the closest thing I could find. Pantene.
We scrubbed and scrubbed again. I washed and washed. Dried the hair and wasn't super impressed with the end result. Granted I didn't leave the corn starch in her hair very long...I still thought it would do a bit better of a job. As you can see...it didn't. At this moment Ava came walking into the kitchen with sort of an unexpected comment.

A: "Mom, now the sink smells like Deb!"

Me: "What?"

A: "The sink...it smells like Deb now."

Me: "Well I used this shampoo...it's that that you smell."

A: "Yeah I know...it smells like Deb."

I happen to like the smell of Pantene...so I'm going with compliment. But I'll let you all decide for yourself :)

I brushed it out just to see how bad it really was....She looked like a total greaser. It was disgusting, totally slimy. That's not wet hair you're seeing. It was totally "dry". GROSS!
This is where my part of the story ends. By this time she was put to nap...I had given up. I didn't have time to try anything else....So I shipped the little grease ball off to Grandma's. I figured it would be some good Daddy and Keira bonding time for that night. Since he had come up with the first plan...I figured he had a few more up his sleeve.

Turns out...Daddy knows best. Egg. Lots of raw beaten eggs...that's what removes petroleum jelly from hair. Quite well I might add.

The Show Must Go On!!

2011-01-24T09:12:00.001-06:00

I was invited to a show a few days back...well for those who know me....a lot of days back...the show actually took place on November 29th...but who's keeping track of how far behind I am!! The reason for that is this....I've been spending my free time doing this...My quilt with the beautiful fabric that my SIL got for me! Quilting makes me happy. Anyways on with the show!!
Ava had set up the seating area. Dang...Keira already snatched the best seat!!!

She started off the show with some amazing pan twirling...I know...be VERY impressed!
Then there was some juggling of ferocious animals happening...Ava ready to announce the next part of the show...
The Orchestra...

And just if you think Keira missed out on participating in the show...don't worry...she put on her own little show later...

Now that...THAT is true talent...wouldn't you say??

Just a glimpse...

2011-01-22T08:50:00.002-06:00

Ava was spending an afternoon at Grandma's the other day playing with her cousin Gabby. The phone rang...

Q: "Hello Walkingtons!"

........

Q: "It's Quaid."

........

Q: "Oh Hey Ava!!!!"

In those 3 words my mind went racing through the next 20 years... I just pictured them being of the age where they're no longer living in the same house. When they're living who knows where. When they need each other. I can't wait till they call up their brother and sister and talk about life. Talk about problems....probably call up and complain about mom and dad to each other:) Spending hours on the phone catching up about boyfriends, girlfriends, college, jobs, their own spouses and kids. A sibling relationship is special.

I don't think it happens on accident either. I know plenty of siblings who never speak to each other and really don't care to. When you're picking out a friend, you get to pick what qualities you want, which ones you don't. With a sibling you just have to take what you get whether you're completely compatible or not. And that relationship takes work and purpose. I find myself saying, "You WILL play with your brother!" "You WILL love your sister!"

I think it's a life quality...to be able to spend time and have relationships with anyone...whether they're "your type" of person or not. My parents did a great job encouraging those relationships, making sure we had family time...not letting us all run in different directions and never together. To this day we all still value time together.

And those 3 little words from Quaid...just another reminder of family time. It's not just about one evening, or one game played together, or one child being sad about not having a friend over because it's family night.

Every minute together is about building a lifelong relationship that will always be there no matter what.

Another Summer Remembrance

2011-01-15T12:41:00.003-06:00

Anthony's project while Nathan was at school was to get the 4 wheeler (or Quad Bike if your an Aussie) running. It hasn't run in years.But thanks to Anthony the kids have tons of fun roaming around the yard.Oh to see the green grass again....soon...it will come again soon.
We had to hit up this local shop. It has the HUGEST assortment of candy. We let all the kids pick out one treat. Olivia picked out a Bounty...which comes from Australia. Seriously.

We did a little apple picking. I love walking through apple orchards. There is nothing better than an apple right off the tree.

This picture makes us look a bit herd-like.
Oh my sweet Keira...love this girl!
And Oh My! Can't you just taste it with him?!?!
I am missing seeing the girls grow...and I miss seeing all the cousins play together.
Don't you just hate getting bits caught in your teeth?

Keira gave me a look the other day and I could have sworn I was looking right at Livi! It's crazy how yet a world apart...so close.

Keira was a bit tuckered out. Don't worry about the Desitin near her...she just likes to eat it.

Winter in the house....

2011-01-07T07:50:00.002-06:00

I was cleaning the basement yesterday.

The kids were in the basement with me....playing.

It's Winter here in Minnesota.

Heat is important.

The switch for the heat is in the utility room.

Our utility room is in the basement.

The kids were in the basement with me...playing.

When you turn the heat down....it gets cold.

When you turn the heat switch off, it gets really cold.

When you turn the heat switch off for nearly 24 hours, it gets really really cold.

When it gets really really cold it makes a husband a smidge cranky trying to figure out why it's so cold.

The kids are banned from playing in the basement...so am I.

I put on a fleece.

Special Kids...Special Times....

2010-12-31T09:50:00.005-06:00

Throughout this year I have made a solid effort to spend more quality time with my kids, showing them that they truly are more important to me. As I've mentioned before, I spend most days, all day with the kids. But most of it is not quality time. And with 4 of them, it takes a real effort to spread myself around...absolutely possible, but it takes me making a point of doing it.

The other challenge is figuring out what "love" means for each child. I want to make sure that each minute set aside for each one is spent exactly how they need it spent.

I am a quality time person 100%. Playing a game, talking, walking, pretty much any undistracted time with me makes my cup overflow. Without it, I dry up. But just because I'm that way, doesn't mean my kids are...and that's where the challenge comes in.

I've got something special with each of my kids...something that's just between the two of us.

With Quaid we spent lots of time when he was smaller building with K'nex, blocks, and Lego's. He could build for hours. I would tell him over and over how awesome it was, how cool it was built...and he just shines with each and every word. Now that he's 6 and is playing with toys for "6 +" I am no longer able to help. My Lego building skills end at age range "3-5 years." Sad but true, the boy can out build his Mom hands down. He'll go off on his own and build something or draw a picture, and come running to me....beaming proud. He gets big hugs, and kisses, and me telling him how awesome his picture or Lego spaceship is and he just lights up. Then I tell him I love him, he says I love you to Mom, I say I love you, He says I love you too mom, I say I love you....and we continue on with that until he says, "Ugghhh Mooooommmmm!!"

Ava is a quality time girl just like me. She loves to play games and I try to always play with her when she asks...excepts when she asks me at 4:55 when I'm in the middle of dinner with Happy Hour Hungry kids! Then she has to wait! We also have a special song....it's one I heard when I was young. I hold her tight and whisper it in her ear so no one else can hear it. Just to keep it between us, but also because no one really wants to hear me sing out loud. It's not pretty. She just sits perfectly still and just listens until I finish.

Jentzen, I don't know exactly what kind of man he is quite yet. He seems to be a little bit of everything But we have our special things....I always "find his tickles." He LOVES to be tickled...I laugh at his giggle...it's so precious and to hear him say, "Please Stop Mama!" Only to sit there and wait until I start all over again. I can tickle him out of any bad mood, skinned knee, or bonked head. He's got the most precious smile ever. I'm sure you've all heard of the book "Guess How Much I Love You" with the bunnies. Well we do our own version of that. We love each other to the moon, the sun, to Africa, to Australia, to Texas, and even all the way into the kitchen!

And little Miss Keira. My favorite time is putting her to bed. First because when she's in her bed is the only time she's remotely still. And second because of her cuddles. She has come to think that it isn't a real cuddle until we're cheek to cheek. She reaches her little arms up and pulls my face right next to hers and just stays still for a few moments. I'll pull back and she grabs me right back down. "Mo duddle mama," she whispers. Repeat that 5 or 6 times followed by a quiet, "I wuv you too Mama" and I'm just a sloppy melted mess on the floor. All that girl ever needs is a big hug and a kiss and the world is a good place to be.

So I'm not one for New Years Resolutions. When you see something that needs to change in your life, change it. But I will be continuing on in my effort to give to each child what they need from me most. So whoever you have in your life, a child, a sibling, a parent, a friend...find out what they need, even it it seems unimportant or unnecessary to you...and find some joy in doing it for them.

Do you have a "special thing" with someone you love?

Twins Game

2010-12-30T07:25:00.006-06:00

I realize this is going back a bit...way back to September 23rd. Sorry to bore you, but there are a few reasons for it:

1. I'm way behind, I forgot I never finished the "Ode to the Brewins"
2. It's December, and raining, not snowing...but raining. Except tomorrow it will be ice, and I thought you all needed some reading material after spinning into the ditch...Hope you have 3G!
3. I don't even know what 3G means...does that have anything to do with Internet capability and phones? I don't know, and don't want to know....I just saw it on a commercial.
4. We all need a little Summer reminder in the middle of the winter, don't we?

Now, I've never been a fan of professional sports. I'd rather watch college anything over professional. But we had a blast!! It was one of our favorite things we did! I would for sure go back! I think it was just being outdoors...baseball was meant to be played outdoors!
It was beautiful, we had great seats (Thanks Jason!), and I got cheese curds.

Or it could have been so great because I was sitting next to this hunky hunk. I know, I'm a lucky gal. Don't be too jealous...Jealously has never done anyone any good.

Then on the walk back to our car, we saw this:

Mel likes buildings, the architecture, the oldness of it. I say, "Oh neat." Then I turn my head and keep walking. We've got more important things to see.

I wouldn't have made their visit to the Twin Cities complete without seeing this:

Beautiful. And it looks like the cherry is leaking on Anth's head. Cool.

A List for Thought

2010-12-28T08:50:00.004-06:00

DD and RW lent us a camera for Christmas and our annual Pahl ski trip so I will actually get to post some pictures too. Those will be coming soon...I think. While Nathan is on school break, I'll be spending the next 7 days in a row with my Frannie Family (as another co worker says it) so it might be next week. Blogs without pictures are boring boring...and I don't want to bore my faithful readers.

But I've got just a few thoughts for you today, bare with me:

1. When a two year old yells, "Doe Poddy, Doe Poddy!" and takes off streaking through the kitchen taking off her pants mid stride....One might, just might want to follow her and make sure she ends up in the proper room of the house.

2. When a balloon spontaneously pops on the bathroom floor, it probably isn't that spontaneous. You have a broken nightlight that no one bothered to tell you that he or she broke, but instead just shoved all the broken bits into a corner.

3. Pillow Pets....it's all about the Pillow Pets.

4. Standing at the bottom of a bunny hill for numerous hours of the day watching a 4 year old go up and down results in completely frozen toes, and makes you feel useless.

5. Standing at the bottom of a bunny hill for numerous hours of the day watching a 4 year old go up and down results in seeing some hilarious happenings with some adults learning how to snowboard and ski....and makes me feel very fortunate that I learned when I was 7.

6. It is totally possible for a 5 year old girl to talk non stop the entire way up the chair lift...AND the entire way down the hill...the ENTIRE way.

7. When you leave your house a mess and go on vacation for 3 days...when you come home...it's still a mess.

8. A husband, particulariy MY husband, makes the very best partner to play cards with....win or lose.

I'm ending at 8...because that's the sort of week I'm thinking it's going to be.

Have you ever....

2010-12-16T08:01:00.002-06:00

...let your 2, 5, and 6 year old (Jentzen didn't want any) make their own cinnamon sugar toast involving the following steps:

1. Mom worked until 11pm.
2. Mom had to get up at 5 am to bring Dad to the airport...WITH all the kids.
3. Mom got home at 6:15 am with all kids awake and mom not so awake.
4. Mom decided to sleep on the couch while the kids watched a movie.
5. Kids were done with movie and wanted toast for breakfast.
6. Mom still sleeping, groggily saying something about, Do it yourself.
7. Cinnamon and Sugar is empty, Mom says something about, Mix it yourself.
8. Fill in with what you think happened next...I'm sure you could imagine.
9. In the end...toast was buttered, and sugared and eaten...with only a little help from Mom.

Was the mess and clean up worth the extra few minutes of laying on the couch. I'd say not.

Take Note if you're ever in this position.

Don't forget me!

2010-12-14T20:08:00.003-06:00

It's a common fact that Christmas time means sending out Christmas Cards.

Well except for me. I can't be bothered.

I figure I blog...so you already know more about our family than you wanted to. And if you want to see pictures and know even more detail about how we spend our lives...Nathan's Facebook...you'll find it all there and more.

But it seems when you don't send them out...you don't get them in return. Weird how that works. I don't even get one from my Mom. I'm not sure what that means.

So all you out there who are waiting for a card from me...it probably won't come. I think I sent one out in June once...so you never know..but please please please, I want yours!!!

Thanks to the Plapp's, Pederson's, Winger's and last but not least, the St Francis Leadership Team...who have already come through for me!

Just a Few Reminders...

2010-12-11T09:28:00.003-06:00

Could someone please remind my 2 year old of a few things...because obviously my instructions are going unheard...

1. Despite it's white and creamy appearance....Desitin is NOT lotion and should not be rubbed all over ones hands, legs, face, and hair.

2. Although the closet looks a little overcrowded...there is indeed enough room for all the clothes to be hung. There's no need to take everything off the rack and throw it all over the floor.

3. Besides them both being white, that is the only thing our doors and paper have in common. They should not be used interchangeably for coloring purposes.

Keira will be home and available all day for instructional sessions. Good Luck.

Back to Life...Back to Reality....

2010-12-06T13:18:00.002-06:00

Anyone remember that song? It was a great one. Couldn't tell you who sang it or what year, but I'm dancing in my chair to it at the moment. No not really, if you know me, I'm sitting in my chair not even tapping a toe.

Well we made it back to good ole MN full of snow and cold. Las Vegas met all my expectations...I kept them really low going into it to not be disappointed and it worked. It was big bright and beautiful...well partly beautiful. The buildings and the roulette wheel were impressive...everything else...NOT. We saw the Grand Canyon which needs no words...if you've been there, you know. If you haven't...you should go.

It was a lot of walking, which I enjoyed but I think our next vacation should involve some sweating, sand, and water.

It was a good break for both me and the kids. They had a great time with lots of great people who love them. After not hearing their voices, or actually any child voice for 5 days was weird. I got into the car and thought, "Oh, yeah, that's what they sound like." It was very strange.

We are back into it...school and all. I am a bit confused with one thing...how can 5 days make 4 loads of laundry? Anyway, it's good to be home in my own bed, and hearing my kids talk, laugh, and even fight :)

I'd post up some pictures of what we did but I can't. Our camera was stolen. It was left in the rental car and obviously it was gone when we went back to claim it. The lady at the counter said, "We usually don't have a problem with things missing." Yeah well who wants someones dirty socks, hat, mittens, umbrella, or half eaten bag of chips? A camera is a bit more desirable item. So someone in Vegas who works for Hertz just got an early Christmas present at our expense....GRRRRR.

So we have no pictures except a few that Nathan took with his phone....and I'm a bit cranky with the world at the moment. Sometimes I feel like it pays to be dishonest, a liar, selfish, and just mean in general. Sometimes I feel like those who try to do things right, trust in others, and treat others right just get stomped to the ground no matter what. It's a bit discouraging.

But I am reminded that the Lord is good to me, even if everyone else isn't. Some days that's easy....but today, not so much.

Viva Las Vegas.

What to Think?

2010-11-30T08:54:00.011-06:00

Should I be offended that my kids jump and cheer at that fact that we're leaving for a few days?

I guess better that way than screaming and crying while trying to hide themselves in our luggage.

But really kids...remember me?

The one who DID lug you around as luggage for 9 months?

The ones who's hips will never be the same?

The one who's tummy will never tan quite the same again because of the numerous stretch marks?

The one who's tummy will never even be visible to anyone ever again?

The one who was kind enough to feed you at all hours of the night?

The one who changed you without a clothespin on my nose?

The one who's washed every possible form of body fluid off my hands more than once?

The one who answers every time I hear the word, "Mommy?"

Ok fine...the one who answers you most of the time...and only pretends not to hear you sometimes?

The one who feeds you every time you say you're hungry...all 27 times in a day?

The one who drops everything to take you potty?

The one who will probably say "potty" till you're 35 years old?

The one who loves you more than anyone else alive? (I'll arm wrestle you for this one Daddy...winner takes all!)

Remember me you punks???? I will miss you so much kids...so please miss me a little!

September 19

2010-11-28T05:56:00.002-06:00

We spend this day at Sever's Corn Maze. I was always a bit skeptical until we went last year....and Oh My! We'll be going every year from now on. So much fun! And so much more than just a walk through a corn field.

There's a big giant slide. Ava...the smiles tell it all.

These faces, I'm a little less sure about. I think by the end of it they were okay...I think.
I love dads...and I love the fact that dads get suckered into all the kids things...and moms get to stand by the sideline and hold their jackets and half eaten food.
And it's a good thing that this Dad is easily suckered...otherwise I'm pretty sure Jentzen would have been launched off the slide.
And I'm pretty sure there wasn't much suckering involved...I think Nathan was equally entertained.
At this point I'm thinking that Dad is about to be launched as well!
Phew! All ended well. And no complaints from Jentzen...or Daddy.
Then on to the most fun part of it all. The Giant Corn Pit. If you're a little irritated by the price of corn these days...you can blame the corn pit. There's enough corn in here to feed a small country...but Oh is it worth it!!! Keira catapulted herself into this time and time again.
This was my favorite part too...I could have played around in here all day long. And we did for a huge part of the day. Do you know how many crevasses it's possible to get corn lodged? Well if you take a look at beautiful Olivia...at her hair....at her beautiful turquoise shirt...a little lower...a little lower. Yep that's it. The crack. Pretty sure that poor girl spent more time mining for corn than actually playing the poor thing. Lack of cheeks...it's really a curse...no matter how tight the pants are...it's just never tight enough to do the job. Ask my kids...they know this life way too well.
It was just a few weeks back and I was still finding corn kernels around my house...2 months later.

And then there's the hay bale maze. Giant hay bales that are set up like a maze...but it's much more fun to run on top. I tried to take the mom stance of holding all the coats, purses etc. And just watch from the sidelines...but Keira would have none of that. Nathan conveniently paired himself with the older kids which have leg lengths that are conducive to hay bale jumping. I, on the other hand, was stuck with not only all the purses and coats but also the child with the shortest legs.

Now I myself hardly have legs long enough to jump from bale to bale....let alone helping my baby. Nothing like a nice struggling rear shot...Thanks Mel. But if you can't embarrass yourself on your own blog...then what's the point.
No, I don't need help...Nope, don't worry about me...Don't I look totally under control? As I almost go splits, rip by pants in half, and knock my head on the hay bale...Nope, don't worry, our baby is just fine. And Me? Well never mind me.

Petting zoos are always fun. And they do have freakishly weird animals for a corn field in Shakopee.
But what do the Aussies choose to befriend? The deer, the common pesky, better off dead deer.
Their deer equivalent is the kangaroo believe it or not. The pesky thing that totals your car and is way over populated.
Then there's the Ostrich. I think we all know not to mess with the Ostrich. Nathan was just teaching Jentzen this very valuable lesson...as he almost got his eye snatched out and his nose bitten off. Seriously...this is a kids place!
More deer...Blah!
And last but not least...Pig Races. That's it. No more to mention...that's about all the time we spent on the Pig Races.

In my opinion...head back to the Corn Pit....you'll thank me.

Gisella Marie Dager...#5

2010-11-25T05:18:00.002-06:00

On October 8th my sister Nancy was kind enough to give birth to a baby. Not just any baby. My 5th baby...she was a surrogate.

Except she doesn't really know it.

And I only get to have my baby 2 days a week and I let her have the baby the rest of the time.

Okay so maybe that makes ME a surrogate mama.

Okay fine...I'm just the Aunt that babysits 2 days a week.

But I can still sniff her head and smell all her newborn goodness...you can't stop me!

My kids are her favorite cousins...except Gisella doesn't know it yet.

Not sure why Keira is flashing me that sign. Maybe it means something...maybe she's been sneaking in the TV room and watching gang movies during nap?
Don't be fooled by the licking of the chops...Keira is sure, "No wike it, mama...Gisewah wike it"
She's a pro. For a two year old. In case you missed it...2 years ago yesterday I was kind enough to birth Keira for the whole world to enjoy! She was nice enough to decide to head out...both literally and figuratively...on a day that I was already at work. I knew she was coming, packed my bag and my pillow and headed to work. I got paid to be in labor...how do you like that? And when it was time...I walked upstairs to the 3rd floor and had a baby.

Jentzen loves Gisella too...I didn't think he'd be into the whole baby thing...way too may cars to play with and not enough hours in the day...but he joined in the fun.

And does one even have to wonder what my little mother hen thinks of Gisella? And who wouldn't love her...look at that face!!
And at any moment that Ava's little chick isn't here or in need of mothering...that's where younger siblings come into action.All tucked up...ready for bedtime. Anyone need a mom...obviously I'm not needed in this house!

Quaid Conversations...

2010-11-24T08:38:00.002-06:00

I've succumb to the boys world...

Me: "Quaid be careful whipping your brother and sister with a towel."

Q: "I will mom, I'll do it nicely."

A nightly prayer...

Q: "Please Lord, PLEASE help us not get the toy room messy tomorrow."

A morning thought:

Q: "Mom, when I drink orange juice and then burp, my throat tastes like real oranges....not like juice...like REAL oranges!!"

He's going places ladies and gentlemen.

September 18

2010-11-22T08:51:00.000-06:00

So to continue the packing the schedule thing we'd been doing since they invaded...We headed to New Prague for Dozinski's Days...did I spell that right? If there's anyone from New Prague who knows and who actually cares...feel free to correct me.

Anyone?

Yeah that's what I thought.

There was a car cruise. Something I've never been to....and probably won't go to again. It was fun and we had a blast...but just not something that I'd do every year.

Gotta have the street vendor food...it's what we do in America. My favorite part of that picture...Jentzen in a tank top sitting right next to the Aussies all in their winter parkas :) They don't know the meaning of COLD!!!
Line 'em up and shove some food at them...that'll keep them happy.
And Daddy too it turns out.
Do think there's copyright issues on posting people's cars? Or maybe photoright issues? Well I'm not sure, but these were some of my favorites. I guess this car forgot the trunk and decided to just hook it on the back?
How cool is that?? Honey could you whip that up for me with that welder thing in the garage? I'm sure there's not much to it.
What's a classic car show without a few flames?
The kids, however, were a little less impressed with the cars by #3 out of #300, so we went to the park.

The goal of spinning them around as fast as possible on the tire swing in order to see their fried street vendor food one more time proved unsuccessful...thankfully!!!
As did trying to use gravity.
I found this picture at the end. I'm not sure whose house this is. They live somewhere in new Prague...Whoever you are...I guess Melanie loved your house enough to take a picture of it...the only house she took a picture of. It might have been the front porch? the two windows on the top? the American Flag? the "death trap in the winter" stairs up to the front porch?

In any case...God Bless America and keep your front porch swept...you never know what crazy foreigner might be walking by.

PS...Crazy in the most loving, admirable endearing way .

It's here, and there's no turning back

2010-11-18T06:45:00.009-06:00

I thought I'd take a break from the Brewin Reminiscent Series to let you know that winter came. If you live here in Minnesota, and if you missed it, there's snow on the ground. Not just a dusting...but real snow.

I'm somewhat okay with that. If it's going to be cold there might as well be snow. It was a think heavy wet snow...perfect for snowmen!

The kids did this one by themselves. I don't do snow. I stay inside and take pictures from the comfort of my nice warm house with my slippers on. I know, bad mom. I love how they just felt free to rip the branches off our nearby pine trees. The boy needs arms right?

And I don't do snow right now because Keira and I spend most of our days hanging out in the kitchen like this. A snowsuit would somewhat hinder the process...and the option to drop trou and let 'er flow in the middle of winter...well I think that's somehow inhumane.

Yes Keira, I like to squeeze those little cheeks too.

And your boots are a PERFECT accessory. That girls has fashion skills at 23 months...ooohhh the places she will go.

The snow came and we still had toys in the yard. The sand diggers became snow shovels. I love a toy with dual purpose.

This snowman has pumpkins for shoes...or maybe he's a snowgirl and froze something off her top half? I'm not sure what artistic expression the kids were going for here.

And seeing as how just 1 week prior it was 50-60 degrees we still had the trampoline up. I've lived here in the winter for 29 years. And somehow every year winter and the snow catches me off guard.
So get our your shovels kids and clear the trampoline. It kept them busy and by the end of 3 days they had it done. We'll see what they do with the big hole and snow. I'd make a snow fort. Oh wait, I don't do snow...

September 17

2010-11-16T08:43:00.001-06:00

This morning started out a little slow. Our kids really took to having a "big sister" around.

Jentzen took to Georgia like stink on poop.

Sorry about the poop reference. It's just on my mind lately as I've been dealing quite a bit with the brown death...Keira potty training and all.

We ventured into town to watch my neice Kayla play volleyball. She's the one at the net. It's so fun to watch. Can't wait till my kids get to play big kid sports.

The kids were somewhat less impressed with Kayla's mad skills.

Keira made a new friend that day as well. This picture just makes me think ahead to when they're older and will be sneaking secrets back and forth as teenagers. It's sad to think they won't have each other day to day to laugh, giggle, do hair....and of course plot against the four parents together.

And to top off another great day...popcorn. Everything in America is bigger. Even the popcorn. Mel was a big fan of my 2.5 pound jug...GO COSTCO!!! And it's just not popcorn unless it's in an old school air popper with a paper bag.
It's 7:45am. I'm hungry. I'm going to go make some popcorn and go to bed. Pretty sure the kids can fend for themselves today. Afterall, 6 is a totally capable age to lead the troops.

September 16...Getting House Broken

2010-11-12T08:36:00.002-06:00

September 16th was the Brewin's 2nd day here. I don't think arriving at 1am counts as a day and technically it really isn't.

Dirtbikes. Quaid was pumped to show off his skills. Really in my eyes...it's all abou the outfit. His little gloves, the elbow pads, the shin guards.

It really has nothing to do with the actual talent or skill. If you look the part, then you ARE the part.
Georgia had a go as well. Pretty sure she'd like to live on two wheels.

Like her shoes? Yeah, they're mine. She's 8. I'm 29.
At least they're 2 sizes too big. When you live on the beach...all you have is flip flops. Good down home farm shoes for muddin' and bikin' are just unncessary.
Look at that face!She was none too impressed that her cousins came and stole her spot on the bike.
Keira was sticking her tongue out at Georgia's back. Really she was.
Now this is where it gets intersting. Lucia is 6 and it was her first time on the bike. All was going well. Until her dear Dad...it's always the dads isn't it? told her to go ahead onto the gravel drive way, turn around, and come back down. Here she comes, looking good. That is until she hit the gravel, tried to turn, slid a bit on the gravel. Then TOTALLY PANICKED! Laid on the throttle...the full throttle...as in all the way down...as in screaming across the driveway.

At the end of our driveway is our house. She was coming up the driveway. I was sitting in our office watching the whole thing. Calmly on the outside...but in my mind. "She's a little out of control, she better turn, she better slow down......She's NOT going to turn, She's NOT going to slow down...she's GOING to hit the house....at FULL SPEED!

And then THUD, FLIP, bike up in the air...feet up in the air, upside down on her head. "How fast can we get to the ED...for SURE something is broken, misplace, wrong.

Paramedic Dad came to the rescue. Amazingly, I don't even think she got a bruise. Our house and the bike on the other hand...well that's a different story. But nothing unrepairable, like a human brain.

All right....It's Time

2010-11-11T06:33:00.004-06:00

Life back to reality has occurred...except for my blogging. I actually am waiting to find all the pictures my deal SIL Mel took when they were here so I can start reminiscing. We took no pictures at all...she took 1000's. And I don't know where they are.

I actually remembered last night to ask Nathan. I was in the kitchen, he was in the office. I yelled from the kitchen, "Where are Mel's pictures?" He mumbled something incomprehensible back. I don't know how many times we've tried office/kitchen conversations, but they don't work. You can't hear a thing from the office. Never. You'd think we would learn, but no, no we don't. And since I was busy working on my new quilt. I wasn't getting up. So that was the end of that. I still don't know where the pictures are. So sorry, it will come one of these days.

I think one of the biggest things that has changed for me that requires no pictures is how I spend our evenings. Mel and I spent countless hours discussing our children, and the world we are raising them in.

I remember back when I was a kid. My dad would come home at 5:30 every day, we'd eat dinner, clean up. By then it was 6:30. That left about an hour before bed time. My dad made the most of that hour. He played a game with me every night, got me a snack, which was very cool. He had the ability to peel an orange in one complete peel so you could put it back together and it looked like a whole hollow orange. Very cool when you're 8...a family skill I should work on perfecting so I can carry it on for another generation. He gave us baths, brushed our teeth, prayed with us and put us to bed. He had an hour a day with us. And he made it count.

My coworker and I were talking the other day. He comes from a family of 7 kids, and was homeschooled for his entire education, so I sort of like to pick his brain about his life, the goods and the bads just so I have an idea of what I'm getting myself into. So after throwing out some jokes, like "Where'd you meet your wife? A homeschool convention?" We got to talking about quality time with kids.

I remembered back to my dad and how I'm sure after a 12 hour day the last thing he wanted to do was deal with us kids at night. But he did, I'm pretty sure he found it a joy, and even if he didn't, I don't remember one night when he didn't act like it was his pleasure to spend every minute with us. I look back at it now and no matter how old I got, he always played a game with me and peeled my orange, and cut my apple. Even when I was of orange peeling age...like 16 or 17. Every night I can remember at least. And as I'm now playing games with my kids, it probably only took him 10-15 minutes out of his night to play a quick game or two. But to me it seemed like hours.

It made me think of how I spend my nights. My kids don't watch any TV during the day so when it gets to 7pm and I'm spent for the day, they get to pop in a movie for a half hour before bed. Mel mentioned her kids don't watch any TV during the week at all. They are in school so by the time they get home, do homework, eat dinner, clean up, bath time....who has time for TV. For me I thought I spend all day with my kids, they don't have homework, and I don't need to bathe them...well sometimes I do I guess :) So really what's a half hour movie at night time?

Quality time, it's all about quality time. Most of my interaction with them is being a teacher, a housekeeper, a laundromat worker, a cook, and my biggest job a referee. How much quality, just for fun time do I spend with them?

So at night time we've started bedtime earlier allowing for family reading time. They all get dressed, teeth brushed and hot on the giant bean bag in our reading corner...that I got especially for times like this, but I've actually never really used! It's currently used a back flip landing mat :) Quaid takes a turn reading a book to all of us, Ava takes a turn, and then Jentzen picks a book for me to read.

Reading is not my favorite thing....actually I really dislike it. It's been my biggest challenge to carve time out of our day for reading time. I think it's really important, but my least favorite...I'd rather sit and do math worksheets with my kids than sit down and read with them.

But there is something about all of us being together, seeing the kids interact together. It's very cool. We did it all last week. It's amazing how it made a difference on our entire day. Our house was just peaceful all day long. The kids played great all day, worked hard on their school, were kind and considerate with each other...not every minute of the day...but noticeably different. I look forward to our nights together...I look forward to reading time. I looked forward to a relaxed, unhurried bedtime. I was amazed at what a just a simple half hour of time makes such a huge difference.

It made movie time on the weekends something to look forward to, something exciting instead of something they were owed every night.

For me it's all about how I will look back on things. What will my kids remember? Will it be that they remember a crabby, tired mom shoving them off to bed every night? Will they remember mom just being a teacher? Will I wish I got to see just one more episode of that TV show? Will I be happy that I missed out on all those night time conversations, kisses, and cuddles. Will I miss watching the kids learn to read together?

We are refocused, relaxed, and content. A good place to be.

Parental Decisions

2010-11-03T08:21:00.003-05:00

Now every parent always wants to make the right decision for their children. Decisions that will affect their entire lives are made every day by every mother and father. They will lay the foundation for our children, and some will dictate the steps they take to get there. It will affect their future successes and general happiness in life.

On Monday Nov 1st I made the decision to start potty-training Keira. A great decision that I think we all agree will have life long effects.

However starting the first day of potty training when Keira was a bit "loosey-goosey" NOT the best parental decision I ever made.
The poor girl...with an audience and all...doesn't she look like she has perfomance anxiety?

But then again, starting to potty train Keira on a day that she was a bit "loosey-goosey" on a day that I had plans to leave in the early afternoon and be gone till after bedtime leaving her home with daddy...a GREAT parental decision.

Especially when our 2 oldest kids were a bit loosey-goosey themselves, except coming out the other end...and EVEN BETTER parental decision.

Guess What Happened

2010-11-02T13:59:00.001-05:00

So did you guess? Did you guess? Yes it is Keira. Did the knees give it away? or was it the hips?

She made herself quite at home in the pantry with the food coloring. I was doing something super important when Ava came to me running. "Mom, there's green everywhere, but don't worry I'm cleaning it up." I went to see and Keira was just squirting away.
Who needs a beauty salon to get some highlights?
"Back off Mom!! I'll slime you!!"
And looky looky where those fingers have been....One green nostril. Awesome!
So we should always learn from our mistakes...so here's what I learned:

1. Throw food coloring away all together. No shelf is safe.

2. If you even want to know where your kids hands have been...use food coloring.

3. Don't let a 5 year old clean up food coloring.

And in case you find yourself in the same position, a few things food coloring does and does not come off from first hand experience"

DOES:

sinks
toilets
trim
doors
wood floors (thank goodness!!!!)
hair, hands, nose, legs, (after 36 hours)

DOES NOT:

tile
tile grout
rugs
clothes

Good thing I was looking to add a splash of color around the house!!

Shed a tear for me....

2010-10-27T12:55:00.003-05:00

My Aussie family is gone. It's a sad, sad day. To say we had a great time is an understatement. It was just too good for words. I'll be posting about all the great times we had as a tribute to the Brewins. It will be good to look back on all the great times we had.

My house is quiet...very very quiet. Almost like I've lost a few kids...I keep counting just to make sure I've got all mine. The kids are sort of wandering around the house aimlessly not quite sure what they should be doing...and me you ask? I am back to my afternoon ritual.

Lunch at my computer, reading up on my blogs, catching a little "me" time.

Lunch is leftover Lo Mein from Empire Wok in Jordan.....oh yummy. I had to polish it off for Mel, it was our favorite. You haven't lived until you've had this. I made sure to eat 2/3 of my plate before I took the picture to avoid looking piggish :) Mel, I thought you'd need this reminder.

Currently they are sitting at MSP airport. We're having a bit of a wind/rain/snow/sleet storm today. After all...it's what Minnesota should be known for. Their flight was set to deaprt at 1:50pm and is currently pushed back to 3:30pm. Part of me wants to run up there...I could bring some desert, Diet Coke with Lime, and have just one more afternoon chat with Mel. I'm going to miss those the most. What mom gets to sit down every day and just talk about life, kids, marriage, goals, homeschooling with a like-minded lady. It was great for me to be reminded and refreshed in the "why I'm doing what I'm doing" area of life. Everyone needs that from time to time...and I got it for 6 whole weeks!!!

What's really hard now is I have no idea when we will be in eachother's company again. Could be 2 years, could be 3 years....I hate to say it but could be even 4 years. We're both not sure where life will take us in the next few years which leaves us with a lot of uncertainty.

Until next time...I will leave you with this little pre-post trivia question....

Who Is This??? and What Happened???

Lo Mein is gone forever, Pepsi is empty, My house is empty...I'm going to go cry now....