I Want My Babies Back!!!

This Baby Blues cartoon I saw recently comes to mind, it read:

The Days are Long-

The Years are Short

American Girlies

Adrianna is now included in the ranks of millions of young ladies who own American Girl dolls. Here she is opening Elizabeth (sometimes called Emily). She looks a lot like AJ.


If only she came with a blue dress!

Sleep-overs just got a little more crowded

Spring Birthdays

Today, we just pick up as though we never left off...


Lots of people we know and/or are related to have spring birthdays, including Adrianna. You'll never guess what color cake she decided upon

Or what color she wore that day....

She really ate this entire plate full of cake and Blue Moon ice cream too!

Overgrown Tadpole

Part of the fun at Great Wolf Lodge is a separate area for frogs, or people with great balance, who enjoy leaping from one giant lilly pad to another without falling in the water. The lilly pads are anchored to the bottom of the pool but are still able to float around, based on the movement of the frog upon it. For tadpoles or anyone new to the game, there is also a rope ladder hung up above to grab onto if one should lose their balance or need to regain composure after leaping.

Doug, who is always couragous in the face of a something new and dangerous, took the challenge and stepped into the line of kids under the age of 12 and all under 5' tall. Upon studying the video, his greatest disadvantage was his height as he had to hunch over enought to avoid getting tangled in the rope ladder thus throwing off his weight distribution to such a degree that by the 3rd lilly pad, he was upside down or sideways and quickly underwater. So desperate was he for success that he spent much time observing and interviewing all the smallish tadpoles who would hop flawlessly across the pond in virtual seconds. Unfortunately, all the advise in the world couldn't offset his God given physical virtues. He held up well under the scrutiny of casual observers and even began to feel like somewhat of a celebrity when the lifeguards spent most of their time watching him trying to master the impossible. (Aren't they supposed to be watching for drowning kids?)

I so long for pictures of the event to post but I was always laughing so hard that I couldn't focus.

Here's a few of my frogs at rest.

Great Wolf Lodge

We finally managed to make our Christmas trip to Traverse. We stopped for lunch at Pietro's where Franchesca and I stayed in the van due to nausea and we had moment's of thinking we would again have to cancel. Motion sickness runs in our family and after sitting still, not reading and finally entering the restaurant, she began to feel better.

The ride felt long, even with the portable dvd player. Do you think that had anything to do with me driving while my husband slept with the mp3 player on, never hearing any of those questions from the children i.e. "When ARE we going to be there? I'm thirsty, I have to go to the bathroom, I'm hungry, are we driving all the way to Florida?"



Waiting until February to go was a wonderful idea. Most children must have been in school because it was not busy at all. This is a place that can make even the sanest person feel dizzy but with so few people, the the kids are at an age now that they can go off by themselves (with a buddy) and meet up with us. Doug was of course, in hot demand as the chilren are all able to go down the slides and were trying to throw him off the tube.

Solomon was so young last time we were there that he really couldn't understand or picture in his mind where we were going and the magnitude of fun that was awaiting him. He slept very well each night!

The staff at the lodge was well prepared for the grown-ups too. The Super Bowl was right there, with the big screen attached right where the kiddy pool was in view. With the Aveda spa, Starbucks and lots of goodies in the store, a person could stay for years (according to Solomon). The water was even "blue" for Adrianna. We had a relaxing 2-1/2 days but were all ready to sleep in our own beds by Tuesday night. After a "real" lunch in town at the Dish cafe, we began our long trek homeward.

"Are we there yet"?

BLOGGING: Burden or Blessing?

Finding time to blog has felt (lately) like one more thing that I just can't fit into the daily whirwind. Life with 4 kids at home is full! Something has to give. When I simplify the day into what HAS to be done it looks something like A. Keep them fed (in more ways than one), keep them alive and keep the environment somewhat peaceful (this is totally for me). Then we have "discretionary" time to spend which encompasses everything from education, laundry, recreation, dishes, thinking ahead, exercise, looking back, playing games, reading, serving others and watching the world go round; wondering where the next stop is. Outside activities include lessons, outings, escort services for all the library books not to mention the highlight of the week: getting groceries.

Where does the time for blogging come from I ask?

My options are: A. get up early B. Stay up late C. Hand the blogging over to the kids. I'm seriously considering option C. I've offered it to them as a bonus-a reward for some great feat they handled well lately. Much to my disappointment, they quickly declined. Blogging should be on any student's list of accomplishments, I'm sure of it:)

Part of my hesitation to begin blogging was my fear of being unable to keep up (with who or what I'm not sure). I know how I enjoy clicking on my favorite blogs and see that new title (slowly) pop up, alerting me of the news and photos to come, allowing me to share a small part of anothers time and space.

I've noticed myself in the past few weeks stating "I just can't do it all". Is it just me or does everyone feel this way?

Natural Talent

So the holidays are over and with birthdays being in short supply, Franchesca was struggling to find recipients for her Hand Made Goods from Saugatuck. She turned to her faithful, always available and ever so appretiative American Girl Dolls.

I don't know how she makes these, honestly. I taught her a basic stitch when she was 6 but after that it becomes a mystery, literally because she always hides away in her fortress of a bed, canopy pulled closed with her MP3 on.

These are for Adrianna's baby doll. Snowpants and hat (the bracelet she threw in no extra charge. One must have accessories, even outdoors) for sledding.

Back to Health, Blogging and Birthdays

It seems that we've endured the through Influenza 2008. Other than some coughs we're back to ourselves. Good health is something we all SO take for granted.



January 19, 1996 was one of the most exciting, emotional days of our married life. Nathan was born in the late evening at Zeeland Hospital. The day was much like today, very snowy and bitterly cold with some peeks of sunshine. Every year that goes by feels more like a week or even a day. This is Nathan's last year of NOT being a teenager; (that is until he turns 20). This may sound a little much but it is how my brain thinks of things much of the time. It seems like maybe 5 years ago he was devouring an 8 oz. bottle of formula on his first day home from the hospital-now he has moved on to triple pbj's, full (giant) bowls of popcorn and 3 pieces of cheesecake at a time. His shoes are big on me now, he can (almost) beat me in a footrace and I can stand looking straight ahead to talk with him. He has used his early childhood skills of banging on my pots and pans with spoons singing "Geezus yuvs me iss I Know", to become a nicely progressing level 3 piano player. He has honed his engineering and construction skills that we saw at the age of 2 and uses them in a variety of venues from Lego Robotics (and any building toy ever made) to his wooded fortress including intricately built bridges, fences, catapults, igloos and luge runs for sleds. His character continues to develop and brings joy to all who know him.



He had a friend over to sled behind the tractor for his birthday. He chose DQ ice cream cake over dirt cake this year! (I think Doug helped him make the decision). Here he is eating just like the sweet boy I remember from 12 years ago...

Blogging From Bed

At the time of my last blog, I really thought I was on the fringe (end) of the same illness that plagued Franchesca for a week but I think it plateaued last night. This is one of those nasty germs that can only survive in Michigan, and survive it does. I've heard it is hanging on longer this year too, only to take all hope from it's victim. Hope of ever getting better, ever wanting to cook again; much less eat. Hope of getting dressed and leaving the driveway, seeing the sun again...? Hope that indeed good health and good times are just around the corner.

High Tech Heaven?

THIS MORNING...

Setting: Me lying in bed, trying to wake up early in the morning.

Solomon: (stomping loudly, voice firm and stern) "Mama, (pause) Mama!"

Me: unable to speak yet, head raised.

Solomon: (Very angry expression on face) "Mama, guess what Franchesca told me...she said there will be phones in Heaven. Will there Mama, will there be phones in Heaven?"

Me: (Brows furrowed, trying but unable to find my voice and an answer)

Solomon stomps loudly off to his room and finds something to play with.

"Remember When This Happened Last Year?"

Our spring-like temps lately brought to mind our meltdown last March, when we experienced 70 degrees one afternoon, while there was still snow on the ground! We simply couldn't resist the longing to shed a few clothes (and shoes). We were not able to do that yesterday as the illness going around has not yet loosened it's grip.

Why does this always happen?

Our Christmas trip to the Flodge was scheduled for this Sunday...Yesterday after hours of saying she "just didn't feel right" Franchesca developed a 102 degree fever. We had to cancel the reservation right away as we would forfeit the entire amount if cancelling inside 72 hours. Nice policy for a place that primarily caters to children! We will be going as soon as she is well. Here are a few photos of her from her birthday in September.

Edit

I was just waiting for my page to update and noticed an error in the blog showing Franchesca TYING Nathan's scarf on. Unfortunately, I wrote "TYPING Nathan's scarf on"...I'm sure anyone reading it would understand the meaning but I must admit that I'm feeling a bit insecure in this electronic world under the possible scrutiny of Rachel's eye for pictures and my genius of a niece (6 years my junior, in age only) who sports the title Ph.D (did I spell that right? ) in front of her name (English, Am. Lit?). Oh, the pressure.

No Gifts This Year....

We talked to the kids early this year about gifts for Christmas. They usually get SO MUCH, between us, Grandparents and others. Not only do we not want gifts to be the focus, we've always emphasized having traditions and being together as most important. On that note, we told them this year that they could give us a few ideas for gifts or we could take a family trip to Great Wolf Lodge. It was an easy decision, one that surprised me. They all opted for The Lodge (aka Great Wolf Flodge by Franchesca in her younger, years). We told them they would still find something in their stocking and we would still have our traditional Christmas Eve gift to open (always new pj's). The kids were very surprised (and pleased) to find NOT jammies wrapped up for the eve gift, but something that each of them had requested on their wish list this year. They were also very impressed that SO MUCH could be jostled into a stocking. They are super excited to go and it should be great fun with Solomon old enough to really enjoy the water this time. Waiting until January has been a good lesson in patience and delayed gratification. Here is a pic from Christmas Day.

Updating

I've been having a bit of trouble with my laptop and I have been online for 6 hours now (thanks to our stoneage dial-up) updating Windows. With all this time to wait, I've been playing with the settings(or template?) on this page. Do you like the changes? I was so inspired by the changes on the dashboard and also the colors on one of my favorite blogs to visit. I'm not a huge blue person but one of my favorite people in the world is-Adrianna. Everything is about blue. Any decision to be made must be first filtered through the blue sifter if possible. She saw the car she is going to own when she is "grown-up", it was in the Meijer parking lot. When I asked her to describe what type it was all she said was "a really good blue". She has remarked lately that she "wishes her room was blue". I know the house is already 5 years old but it feels like we JUST painted it purple. Nonetheless, I've chosen blue for bits of this blog page. It feels Springish to me, full of hope and newness (if anything can in January in Michigan).

More Hand Made Gifts

Here is Adrianna sporting that new hat made by her sister. She also made these hats for AJ's babies (including the doll AJ gave to Solomon, so she decided to part with the one for him). Franchesca is really an artsy, crafty girl. She is also super thoughtful. She has a stack of things waiting to be given away.

Gifts From the Heart

AJ has really been wanting a vest like her Mom and sister and in her wildest dreams, it would be blue. We found one, she loves it.

Not knowing about the blue vest, Franchesca worked late many nights hand making gifts for all of us. The adorable hat for Adrianna matches the vest perfectly. Below is her typing Nathan's black scarf on properly for him.
Adrianna also gave of herself this year. She has the Bitty Twins from American Girl and Solomon often asks to play with the boy. Below is what she wrapped up for him for Christmas, including a perfect sized box which doubles as the baby's bed. She also included a book and the baby's pj's and day outfit. The purple pillow she wants back:)

From Our House To Yours

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Hustle and Bustle with No Time to Blog

Life with 4 children is always busy but this time of year leaves me feeling frantic. Things I need to do, things I want to do, things others want me to do along with baking, buying, wrapping, decorating does not leave any margin of time for blogging about all that is going on. We decided to try to simplify a few things this year and I will probably look back at the season and feel like it did indeed feel somewhat easier but in the midst of it I sure feel like my head was sometimes spinning.

Doug has been busy and cold at work everyday. He is definately ready for a holiday break as you can see...

We were so surprised and thrilled to have a pop in visitor, (who happens to also be related) home from college, brave the high winds and snow on Sunday to spend time with us...doesn't she remind you of Franchesca? They are both bookworms and have very sensitive stomaches.

One of things we like most is seeing people that we just don't get to see often enough. And all the candy and cookies.

Eagle

Last night we enjoyed attending an Eagle Court of Honor for a Scout who has earned his Eagle Scout, the highest honor one can earn in Scouting. Nathan's troup had a pretty large part to play in the ceremony including color guard and a candle lighting ritual where each boy explains 4 parts of the Scout law. I must say that Nathan did extremely well at handling the pressure of public speaking (surprise?) with only a little polishing needed (twisting his hair and checking his belt buckle once). Although he seems a giant at home, he appeared scant next to the older boys who have not only height on him but bulk as well, not to mention a more "mature" sound to their voice. It was good for me to see him in this light as he seems to be growing up much to quickly. We were very impressed by the statistics of Eagle Scouts and the "other" scouts left very motivated to press on for their own.