Happy Father's Day 2009

We hope your Father's Day was special and spent with those you love.

We convinced our favorite Daddy to take a break from mulching and roadtrip to Culver's with us for custard and onion rings.

Happy Father's Day to the guy who reads books, scratches backs, tucks in, plays catch, wrestles, chases, hides, seeks, kisses, hugs, and laughs with the four kids who share our lives. You are the best and we are fortunate to have you.

Claire's First Sleepover

Claire attended her first sleepover a few months ago and Saturday night, it was her turn to host. She and Miss P had a great time playing outside. They dressed up as their favorite characters - Curious George and Rapunzel then went to "the spa" and giggled while getting their hair braided and their nails painted. On the menu for dessert was a "make it your way" sundae bar. After three books and one drink of water, they were snoring. Very un-princesslike. But very, very cute.

Getting Acquainted ....

Things have settled down some and we've established a new normal. It's always a little tricky ... adding someone new to the mix. Good thing we've done it a few times ...

The people in the house are LOVING having Indy around. The cat and dog ... perhaps are not AS enthusiastic. However, the pack order has been pretty clearly established and Indy (thankfully) is happy with his role and is not lobbying for alpha. As if the cat would give that up anyway.

So.... I mentioned there was a little drama after getting Indy home. Indeed. I'll keep it short but it was a very loooong 36 hours or so. We picked Indy up Sunday afternoon. We had a lovely evening and next morning. We had fallen in love with him already. At about noon, I had to return the crate we had purchased for him and didn't want to just put him in a bathroom and hope for the best. I like my trim too much for that. My neighbor offered to watch him and let him play with their dog in their new, gorgeous fenced in yard. Win win I thought.

I was gone about 40 minutes and returned to find him gone. A frantic search ensued. No luck. About the time the kids came home, I received a call someone had found him. We got the woman's first name and cell phone number and called immediately. I got the machine and left a message. As the hours passed, I started to get a funny feeling. When no response came the next day, I was really getting worried. The kids were sad, but Emma was REALLY down. She wasn't eating or sleeping. She cried and wrote him letters. She just wanted her dog back.

I enlisted the help of the local police, animal control, an attorney, and several friends. No luck. By 9:30 Tuesday night, someone phoned me to report the woman had disconnected her cell phone. Three things went through my head immediately. One - we were never going to see Indy again. Two - I would have to tell Emma that. Three - I wasn't going to do that. This woman was messing with the wrong family.

There is a state police station a few miles away. In a final "Hail Mary" moment, my neighbor and I showed up - unannounced, late at night, and in tears. In His wisdom, God provided exactly what we needed. Officer Brophy was on duty - six foot something, built like a linebacker, Boston import, Irish temper, and lover of both kids and dogs. Only God.

The more we told him about our experience, the madder he became. I'll spare you his verbal response (this is family blog after all), but in a matter of minutes, another officer was being dispatched to this woman's home and we were driving downtown Ft Wayne to meet the officer after he picked up Indy. Shortly before midnight, we were all reunited.

There is more sub-drama in there - but that's for another day. Indy was home, Emma was herself again, and the Indiana State Police restored my faith in humanity. God is so good. Even when people aren't. There are lots of things I've learned (again) since we started to find Indy, but that's another post. Right now, we're still getting acquainted ... and I'm still thinking about how to put it all into words. It's pretty awesome actually. Stay tuned ... because I'm determined to try to do it justice.

Meet Indy

Here it is. The final birth announcement you will be receiving from us. Meet Indy, our newest addition. He is a chocolate lab - about six months old. He is super sweet, pretty calm, potty trained, crate trained, and the love of Emma's life.

There has been a fair amount of drama since we first met Indy (more on that later when I have more time) but things have settled down nicely and he's fitting right in. He was a rescue from Central Indiana Lab Rescue and was in a foster home for a while where learned all about being part of a family. I highly recommend going this route when looking for a new pet.

More to follow. We've learned a lot in the past three days. Isn't he cute?

Ballet Recital

Ballet lesson for a four year old - $250

Costume, shoes, and accessories - $75

Babysitter for Cooper - $20

Claire's Recital Day - Priceless

Move Over Paula Deen....

It's 1:00 and it's already been "one of those days."  I just put a roast in the crockpot.  I always make my roast with a bottle of beer.  It makes it more tender and flavorful.  

On calm, relaxed days, I actually put the beer in the crockpot.  Not today.  Not the first one anyway.   The second one might not make it in the crockpot either.  If the day continues this way, the roast and I may BOTH be more tender and flavorful.

  

9 Months (Plus two weeks)

I know... I know.  I'm two weeks late with this post.   But there's a good reason for that.

He's MOBILE.  Crawling...pulling to stand ... cruising on furniture.  Did I mention cruising FROM furniture to walls - then other pieces of furniture?  He's taking steps FORWARD.  All in two weeks.

It's exciting.  And frightening.    I had sort of forgotten the whole "mobile baby boy"  stage.  It is sooo vastly different from the girls.   But that smile ... makes me forget what a handful he is.

And the hair.  Cooper's now sporting some serious "man hair."  It's thick, blonding up nicely, and CURLY.    Especially is this humidity.  Oh, and of course during fits when we cry so hard we sweat buckets.  But we wouldn't know anything about that would we Cooper?  Nope.  Not me mama.

Happy 6th Birthday Grayson!!!

I remember the evening of May 13th, 2003 very clearly. I was really nervous. Really. Nervous.

I vividly recall wondering how ALL these emotions could possibly be going on all at the same time. I was elated, terrified, excited, sad, tired, exhilerated, impatient, and peaceful.

This was not my first baby. But that just made it all the more ... nervewracking. This time, I knew what to expect. Or did I?

I'd never had a boy before. What did I know about it? Was there enough room in my heart for another child? What would you look like? Would we have to drive YOU halfway to Cleveland to get you to sleep? Would you be a good sibling? What dynamic would you add to our family?

Six years later and I honestly can't imagine life without you. One look at you and I knew who you were. I thought (and still do) you'd been here before. And I knew we'd never look back.

You are the kid that tears the knees out of every single pair of jeans. You bring me a tissue when a Hallmark commercial comes on ... then stays to throw it away. You live to antagonize your sisters ... and make up for it by picking me flowers.

You are the kid that notices things others miss. Or don't take the time to see. I love that about you. You run like the wind. And eat like a horse. Your eyes, hair, and freckles make my heart hurt ... they are that cute. I mean ... handsome.

Happy 6th birthday buddy. And, for the record, you nailed the sibling thing. Blew the doors right off. Love you.

Mom

Wordless Wednesday ...

Mother's Day Week ....In Real Life

I wish I had a cutesy picture of me with all my children to share with you on Mother's Day. You know the kind ... all of us in matching (or at least coordinating) outfits ... all looking in the same direction ... and smiling. Don't have one of those. At all. Ever. That's just not our real life.

I have friends that take these pictures and live this life...and I just love looking at the gorgeous documentation of their families. We just don't. Our real life photo collection is more the ... "dirty faces, snotty noses, and halfway-decent photos except for the finger in the photo lens" kind. Editing? Photoshop? Please. I barely have time to shave both of my legs.

The best I can do is to share these un-edited, non "Photo-shopped" shots of me with the kiddos during all the Mother's Day activities at school. Claire and I got to share a brunch at "Muffins with Mom" at preschool and Grayson had a Mother's Day tea at Kindergarten. Emma and I got some quality girl time yesterday with lunch and a shoe shopping expedition. I got to sleep in, Monte and the kids made breakfast, and all of us went swimming at the Y.

It was a great week to celebrate the gift of being a mom. A great day to celebrate the joy of real life. Happy Mother's Day to all of you. May each of us be aware of and honor the exceptional moments in our own real lives. Every day. God bless.

Addendum to Coin Toss

"The bigs" just got home from school. Imagine my surprise when Grayson announced he had won Character Kid of the Month for Responsibility. Yep, the same award Emma just won. I demanded proof.

This stunning turn of events suggests one of a few things:

1. The pool of contestants leave something to be desired.

2. The teachers select kids not by merit but by choosing names from a hat.

3. There was not an award given for "class wiseass." (See Coin Toss post from earlier today)

All kidding aside buddy - Congratulations! We are really very proud of you.

The Coin Toss ....

Grayson (in the car on the way to the store): "Mom ... remember when God was trying to decide where to send Cooper when he was still in heaven?"

Me: "Uhhh.... yeah." (Eloquent as always)...

Grayson: "Do you think Cooper won the coin toss .... or lost?"

Me: (long pause... while considering whether to laugh out loud or not) "Let's just go with won."

Congratulations Emma ...

Dear Emma,

I'm always proud to be your mom. Every day. There are many reasons why ... none the least of which is your sense of responsibility. You amaze me with how helpful you are with Cooper and I can always count on you to be the first one done with ALL of your chores in the morning.

This week, your teacher recognized that trait and honored you "character kid of the month" for responsibility. To you, it's not a big deal. As you put it, "it's a certificate and a free pencil." But ... a different teacher gave you the same award last year. To me, it's a sign we're on the right track.

Today, at the SWAC banquet, you received a medal for completing your IMX challenge. Even though you tried to hide your enthusiasm (because you are a COOL eight year old), I noticed you wore it all evening then placed it on your headboard - right next to your pillow.

I'm pretty proud of that medal too ... but not for the same reasons you are. Sure, it's great that you improved your strokes enough to legally complete all of those events. But I'm more proud of you for doing the work. Each week. Even when you didn't feel like it.... or when I didn't.

That's responsibility. That's the kind of stuff that parents and teachers notice ... remember ... and are proud to be a part of. Way to do the work kiddo.

Now, can we talk about your room for a minute???

Thank Heavens For ...

a little boy who woke up REALLY early, got ready in record time, and wasn't too embarrassed to take the "decorated" lunch bag his mama packed for him. Hope you have fun today buddy!

Our American Idols

If you are hoping this post has something to do with the TV show, just stop reading now.

I'm just not into it this season. I don't even remotely care who wins. Besides, my kids have their own AI's. Their teachers.

My kids have some serious adoration for their teachers. Which, of course, I'm thrilled about. On so many levels. I know each of those ladies fairly well now and believe all of them to be of unbelievable character and talent. They are engaging, fun, hip, nuturing and cool. They run their classrooms like well-oiled machines. To top it off, they look good doing it.

And ... to hear my kids tell it ... NOTHING like me. If I wasn't so chock-full of self-esteem, this would start to get to me. Comments like...

"Mom, how come YOU don't write write/draw/paint like Mrs. R?"
"Why do WE only have ONE dog? Mrs. R has three."
"When Mrs. R reads to us, SHE uses lots of funny voices."
"Mom, when will you grow your hair out like Mrs. R? Hers is curly AND long. And not gray at all."
"How come WE have to buy our soap at Wal-Mart? Mrs. R makes all of hers at home."

Yep...Mrs. R is divine. She has a multitude of artistic talents that include cool voices and soap making. She also has mad calligraphy skills. I don't draw. Or paint. I barely remember to feed the one dog I do have. I'm just going to bite my tongue about the hair. Especially because the onset of the gray hair coincidentally began right around the time Emma was born.

It's not just Emma. The peanut gallery also includes the Kindergartner.

"Mom, instead of saying my name louder, you should just say "1..2..3.. Eyes on Me - like Mrs. E does." (Um ... why don't you just listen the first time? Or two?)
"How come you never wear pretty dresses like Mrs. E?" (Because spit up and playdough go much better with T-shirts and jean shorts.)
"Mom, were you ever pretty like Mrs. E?" (Well ... maybe. Years ago. Ask Daddy. He married me didn't he?")

I don't have the heart to inform Grayson that the moon has been here for millions of years. He thinks Mrs. E hung it. The stars too. I'm already feeling sorry for his 1st grade teacher. She'll have a hard time measuring up. And Mr. E better just watch himself. One false move and Grayson would be glad to marry his wife.

Kids pay attention. For years I've worried about who they'll pay attention to. What kind of "role model" will they want to emulate? The athletes? the actresses? the singers?

Not right now. Right now, they are in love with their teachers. Mrs. R, Mrs. E, Miss J and Miss T are the standard to which everyone else is compared. And I am NOT making the cut.

It's OK. Because if they make my kids happy while helping them learn .. then I'm in love with them too.

Lovin' The Ranch ....

starts pretty early around here.

It's the one thing we never run out of. I ALWAYS have a spare bottle in the pantry. In case of true emergencies, we've been known to hoard (and use) the individual packs McDonald's gives you with chicken nuggets.

To some, it's merely a condiment. To us, it's a food group.

Does My Guy Look Like ....

Dennis the Menace or what?

I'm loving the Kindergarten boy look ... complete with backward TinCaps baseball cap, old faded striped shirt and too-short jeans with a hole in the knee. It's a good thing I'm cool with that look - because it's the only one he's sporting lately.

My Response to "What's It Like to Have (Four) Kids?" ...

This question has come up more than once... and most recently this weekend. A happily married YOUNG acquaintance and I were having a conversation about kids. When to have them, how many to have, etc. AS IF you can schedule that kind of thing. Which you can't. Unless you are my friend Nicole. Anyway.

She asked me this question - "What's it like to have four kids?"

I don't know if she meant "having kids in general" or "having four kids." Personally, I think if you answer the "having kids" part ... "four kids" is just the same ... only more. Obviously.

I gave her some glib, off the cuff response. Even if I could think on my feet (which I can't), it's pretty hard to explain ... especially to someone who's never done it. Here's what I wish I would have told her.

Having kids is really just a study in contradictions. It can ... and will ... bring out both the best and worst in you. They can ... and will ... bring you both soul-bursting joy and the gut-wrenching pain. It's potentially the only journey you take not knowing anything about the route you will go.

There is little to no training, you're on duty 24/7 for the rest of your life, and there is no monetary reward. And, unfortunately, there are no do-overs if you screw up. Just apologies. And therapy.

Having children makes you stop and be more aware of things you weren't before: rainbows, roly-polys and mudpuddles. You also become obsessive about things you hadn't cared less about prior ... immunizations, chemicals in plastic bottles, and power lines.

Children can be ... and often are ... the links that connect you to the best friends you've ever had in your life. They are also the reason you invite those friends to have a glass (or bottle) of wine with you.

Certain things become endless ... diapers, laundry, dishes, meal preparations ... worry, pride, and love. "How to solve world peace" and "Who does she sit by at lunch?" become equally important. Absurdly.

Children somehow change you into someone you never saw yourself becoming... a multi-tasking, schedule juggling, laundry-doing, homework-helping, baby-food making woman committed to making sure everyone has enough exercise, snacks, friends, clean sheets and self-esteem to make it through the day. It's up to you to make sure you like that person too.

Certain things become priceless: clean air, pure water and freedom ... hand-picked dandelions, the smell of sun-kissed hair, the sounds of siblings giggling after the lights have gone off, and family movie night. With popcorn.

Your heart will soar with contests won, tests aced, and party invitations. It will break with team try-outs, "She won't play with me," and the death of a pet.

There will be days you go to bed each night thinking - "Do I really HAVE to do this again tomorrow?" But more often, you will go to bed asking yourself "Do I really GET to do this again tomorrow?"

I wish I could have told her that. But she'll find out. Soon enough. And all on her own.

8 Months Today!!

Really?

My calendar says Cooper is 8 months old today. My head has a hard time believing that much time has passed. My heart disagrees ... essentially feeling like he's always been here ... always a part of this family ... just a member we hadn't met until August.

He's a big kid now. He's rolling over both directions (finally), turning his nose up at baby food (puree is for amateurs), and starting to wave bye-bye (genius). He also has a great head of hair. It's not like infant hair. More like man hair. It even parts on the side like Barney Rubble.

He's good stuff. Enjoy some recent shots. At the rate I'm going, it may be awhile before you see some updated ones.

Easter Weekend 2009 - "It's Not About the Candy"

From our family to yours ... we are hopeful you had a blessed Easter filled with the glory of God and the message of hope Jesus brought to earth 2000 years ago.

Those of you who know our family well knows that Emma has traditionally gotten a little preoccupied with Jesus and the story of his crucifixition. It is something she has always taken to heart and it always upsets her - despite our best attempts.

This year, all the kids have a great (age appropriate) understanding of the true Easter Story and it was a delight to hear them discussing it amongst themselves. It went a little something like this -

"Hey - look at this rainbow colored egg."

"Claire, Easter's not about the egg - it's about Jesus."

(a little later)

"Awesome! ....I love Butterfingers!"

"Duh! Easter's not about Butterfingers either - it's about Jesus."

"Uh-huh - Jesus liked Butterfingers too - didn't He Mom?"

(Then, in true sibling form, an argument ensued about which candy bar Jesus liked best.)

Sigh. They get the idea.

We were able to spend some time at the Splash Universe Waterpark in Shipshewana with my parents and brother. The Easter bunny even left Nana and Papa a giant chocolate easter egg to bring for the kids. The kids were had a great time and the big kids haven't taken their wristbands off yet!

We finished off the weekend with dinner and an egg hunt with friends and kite flying in the backyard. We're all still talking about the "best Easter ever." And if anyone out there knows for sure whether Jesus prefers Reeses, Snickers or Butterfinger, I wish you'd let me know so we can move on.