Weekend Update

Over the weekend, Jeremy took Sylvia & Caeden to Indiana. Our oldest nephew, Wilson, had his first communion, and they went to help celebrate. They got to do other fun things too, like go to the Magic Wand in Churubusco, enjoy the beautiful weather playing outside at Gram & Krampa's house, and stay up late watching A Night At The Museum. Caeden reported that he hung out with Krampa, who read him Pano the Train lots of times (Jeremy says at least 20!). He really enjoyed that!! And Sylvia reported that they got to help Krampa plant seeds in his garden too!

Annah and I stayed home and held down the fort. She had half day of school Friday, so we ran errands all afternoon and evening. First we went to the hospital for me to get some bloodwork (allergy testing...my hives are still going on!), then to the mall where we finally picked up Sylvia's portraits that have been waiting over a month and hit a clearance sale at Christopher & Banks so I could use up some store credit. Then we picked up some DVD's for the weekend at Family Video (love those free kids' movies!!), and got gas--depressing at nearly $3.00/gallon! We headed to Lowe's to get paint and painting supplies and used a nifty $10 off coupon that had just come in a flyer! (Is it just me, or are the people at Menard's friendlier than Lowe's? No one seemed very happy at Lowe's this weekend!) Annah and I had supper at Monical's to use up one of her free pizza coupons from her reading program, and then we did our grocery shopping at Wal-Mart. Phew, we were tired when we got home and it was almost bedtime! I stayed up late scrapping and watching The Pursuit of Happyness. Great, great movie!!!!

I went to bed around 1:30 a.m. and had a little snuggler in my bed. She woke up early and watched cartoons until I could become coherent. After breakfast, we started getting Annah's and Sylvia's room picked up and ready for painting. We worked on it ALL day (well, Annah took a little break to watch 12 Dancing Princesses), and I finished the second coat on the walls after tucking Annah in [my] bed.

Sunday morning sure was a bit easier with just Annah and me to get around and out the door! I played organ in first service. (No, I don't have any idea how to play organ, but I can get it to make some sound, so there I was.) Second service we did a wonderful, contemplative set of all Fernando Ortega music. It was soooooo enjoyable for me. I got to play piano, keyboard, organ, and sing. Lots of pretty, pretty music. Yum.

After church, Annah and I headed back to Lowe's for more paint for the ceiling--and grumpy people. She begged me to go out to eat, and since it was the day before her half-birthday, I conceded. We went to Culvers. Mmmm. When we got home Annah decided to watch a movie while I painted the ceiling. I finished up just after the rest of the crew got home. (Can't wait to get the room all put together!)

I think we all had fun this weekend, and it was so nice to all come back together! Special bonding times are always a blessing.

Race for Hope

Many of you remember our dear friends the Moore family, who lost their beautiful 1-year-old daughter Sophia Grace to a horrible brain tumor last February. Anthony & Jesika, Nicolas and Leyana continue to heal and lean on God for every ounce of strength. They are a beautiful example to so many, and a blessing in my life for sure! I treasure their friendship and witness!

Anthony & Jesika will be running in the Race For Hope on May 6th in Washington DC. This is a 5K running race to benefit the Brain Tumor Society, and Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure. I wanted to share with you the link to their website once again. {www.joyandgrace.com} There you can see a beautiful collage of photos of Sophia, updates on their family, as well as links to pledge support for Anthony & Jesika as they run in the race this week. I know any support you can give would be greatly appreciated--by the Moore's and so many others.

Most of all, if you would please keep them in your prayers, they would be so blessed. Thank you so much, Friends.

Oh Yeah!

For the past couple months I've noticed Caeden doing this... A few times a day I'll hear him break into song, and he just sings, "Oh yeah! Oh yeah! Oh yeaaaaaaaaaaaah!" He'll even grant request renditions. So cute!

Give Me Five

Many mornings at our house Caeden & Sylvia watch PBS Kids shows, including Big Big World. At the end of the show, the main character (a sloth named Snook) sings a sweet little goodbye song. This is how I realized several months ago that Caeden was actually paying attention to what he was seeing on TV... When Snook sings, "You have to go; I know it's time. Give me five." Caeden went up to the TV and gave Snook five!

Since then, it's developed into a little tradition, that Caeden will run to the TV to give Snook five--no matter where he is in the house when the song comes on. Such a little cutie!

Ropp Farm

Annah went on a kindergarten field trip to Ropp Farm today! From what she's said, they got to see the cows, taste some cheese and see the process of how it's made, and have ice cream! She also reported that a baby cow that was born a few days ago has a broken hip and can't stand up. And, she was a bit annoyed that there was a big downpour while they were at the farm, and they got "stuck" inside a barn. It was quite exciting to Annah that she got to take her lunch in a brown bag, AND she got to eat it on the bus!

More tracks!

How cool is this?!?! Last night we were given a whole bunch of barely used train tracks and pieces that fit perfectly with Caeden's trains!!!! We can build all kinds of things now! There are bridges, tunnels, a drawbridge, wooden trees and signs and people!!!

Caeden is so excited he didn't want to go to bed last night, *threw a fit*, didn't want to take Sylvia to school this morning, *threw a fit*, has played with the trains & tracks every spare second he can today, didn't want to go pick Sylvia up from school *threw a fit*, didn't want to eat lunch *threw a fit*, didn't want to take a nap, *threw a fit*... I had to completely remove all trains and tracks from his room to get him to go down for his nap. He is elated with the new tracks and trains. Crazy happy.

I'm pretty sure the person who gave us these doesn't read this, but we owe a HUGE thank you!!

"13 Conversations" Circle Journal

Recently I started up a wonderful circle journal called 13 Conversations with some incredibly talented ladies at www.scrapbook.com. And, WOW are they talented! I'm about the only one in the group who doesn't scrap for a design team or compete in contests; they are some seriously fabulous scrappers--as well as just all-around super ladies! I'm so honored they all agreed to join the group! We're having a wonderful time with it.

Now, if you'd like a little explanation, a circle journal is a scrapbook that you send in a "circle" around the country and each person who receives it adds to it. You choose a topic/theme to create your scrapbook around, and each person's addition to it is from their perspective. For this CJ, I chose the theme 'Motherhood'. We're allowing a month for each person to have each particular book, so it will take a little over a year before we complete the circle and receive our books back filled with the creativity and conversations of all 13 women!

Below is the beginnings of my book. Most of us decided to alter/decorate our albums. I bought a Mickey Mouse album that was out of it's protective packaging and had been banged up a little. I covered it with Basic Grey Urban Couture papers and various embellishments, and you'd never know it was a Mickey Mouse album.

This is the front cover.

The quote on the vellum strip on the left reads, "Making a decision to have a child--it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body."















This is the inside of the front cover. I used various pieces of papers, stamps, distressed with inks, and acrylic paint mixed with ModPodge to collage them together.

I also used Elegant Flourish acrylic stamps (I sell these through MemoryWorks!) by Rhonna Farrer for Autumn Leaves throughout the book. They are my favorites!!






This is the Welcome Page, which explains to the participants what I'd like them to do in my book.

























These are the Sign-In pages. Under each letter is a mini-accordian album for each lady to complete and tell a bit about herself, include a photo, etcetera. The idea is for each person to be introduced a little bit here.





I am participating in another circle journal as well, which is just about finished. I should have it back within a month and get to see all that those ladies added to my book about My Favorite Things. I just love the way these journals connect people who share a love of creative scrapbooking--and life!!

The Thomas Obsession

Oh yes, oh yes, the boy is obsessed. Well, maybe not obsessed, but he sure does loooooove anything train-related, especially having to do with a certain Thomas the Tank Engine!

Every day Caeden will ask me, "Mama, can I play with my twains?" Sometimes he'll put the tracks together, and other days he'll ask me to build him a 'circle track.'

(Yes, some days we do stay in our pajamas until afternoon! See?)

Caeden especially loves it when we build a hill in the track! We don't have all that many tracks, so this is usually what we end up with when we build a "circle track," but he's happy with it!













Gram sent Caeden some Thomas swim trunks! Of course, he hurried to try them on right away. He says he's ready to go swimming today!

Spring?

Well, most of the tulips made it through the cold and snow. The kids love them!

Annie

Last night Jeremy and Caeden had a "Guys Night In" and Annah, Sylvia, and I had a "Girls Night Out!" Daddy let Caeden stay up late and they watched Cars for the 18,000,000th time. Fun for them! The girls and I went to see the high school's production of Annie. We had such a sweet time. Sylvie couldn't see, so she snuggled up on my lap the whole time to get a better view. She remembered to whisper some of her questions in my ear. Annah sat so quietly and attentively. She was just soaking it all up. The show didn't start until 7:30, which is when the kids usually start getting ready for bed. So, the girls were super, super tired when it ended at 10:15. I thought they might decide to go home at intermission (since they started asking, "Is that the end?" after about the third song), but they were loving it so much they wanted to stay. We had such a great time together; I just love mommy-daughter times like that!!!

Letter to Jesus

Sylvia just came to me a minute ago and said she wanted to write a letter to Jesus. At first I told her she could just pray and tell Him what she wanted to, but then we decided we would just type up her message. She asked me to use pink letters, and here is what she told me to type:


Dear Jesus,

I love you, and I want to see you. And I really like you. And I love you so much. And thank you for the world you created.

Love,

Sylvia

new glasses

I got new glasses this week. Hey, it's exciting for me!

Sylvia: Haircut & Good Mommy Advice

A few cutie shots that show Sylvie's new "do" better...



A few days ago, Sylvia and I were talking about what she would like to be when she grows up. She said she would like to be a mommy. Then she said, "And when my kids ask me for something, I will say, 'Yes.' every time."
Of course, I found that funny and burst out laughing. Sylvia then burst out crying because I'd hurt her feelings by laughing at her comment. I felt so horrible!! She was obviously very serious! And she made me realize that I don't say, "Yes." nearly often enough! So, that was quite a good, albeit painful, check for me!

Blessings of Easter

Easter was really wonderful for us. It was one of the few times we didn't go to Indiana to spend it with our extended families, which we missed, but it was really special too.

We got to church early, as I had practice. Jeremy and the kids had muffins while waiting for 1st service. I played organ for first service, and sang "I've Just Seen Jesus" with Duane. It was really great singing with him, and I hope we'll get to sing together again doing a song that doesn't stress us out so much! People always enjoy hearing that song though. Jeremy helped in KidMo 2nd service, and I played piano and keyboard. Pastor Scott's sermon was on Luke 17. He talked about being humble...humbly forgiving, humbly serving the Master, being ready for His coming, and knowing you're IN His kingdom! Both services were very exciting, and it was so great to praise the Lord on Easter!

After the kids had their egg hunts at church we came home and had a nice lunch. We all took naps all afternoon! (Well, I don't know if Jeremy did, but the rest of us sure did!) After a movie, we had our little living room egg hunt, and talked to all the grandparents on the phone, sharing our Easter stories.

We did finish the Resurrection Eggs on Saturday, and it was a great way to share the story of Jesus' death and resurrection with the kids. They have asked to do the story several more times, and love looking through the eggs.

Egg hunts!

Since I forgot to take my camera to church for the egg hunts, we had our own egg hunt in the living room last night!

I feel pretty! Oh so pretty!

All the kids enjoyed wearing their special Easter outfits that Gram made them! The girls felt very pretty and Caeden thought he was hot stuff.

The kids all got haircuts yesterday too!

Easter Bunny delivered

The Easter Bunny brought pop for Daddy [who gave up caffeine for Lent]; a big ball for Caeden; bike baskets for the girls; flip-flops, bubbles, and chalk for all the kids; and tons of eggs and candy!

Dyeing Done!

We had SUCH FUN coloring eggs!!!! We used the clear crayon to write our names and make designs and Easter messages on the eggs before coloring them.


























Gram sent these cool plastic egg squeezers in a big box of Easter stuff for the kids. They worked really well!




We had a little hard-boiled egg snack break when Caeden dropped one.



Ahhh, such a beautiful mess!

Eggs and Easter

Lots of Easter-ness going on around here. Annah is off school for Good Friday today--awesome. Eggs are cooling on the stove to color later, and I want to do these Resurrection Eggs too. They're such a wonderful, tangible way to get the kids into the Easter story. It frustrates me that they can celebrate "Easter" at school with bunnies and candy and eggs, but are not allowed to talk about Jesus. It just brings me to tears everytime I remind them what it's really about...that Easter is THE most important day...I pray they will understand.

Our church is having a Good Friday service this evening, which I'm very much looking forward to. Lots of music to prepare for Sunday. Lots going on. Sad we won't see family in Indiana, but excited about doing it all here...

I pray you will be blessed as you remember and celebrate Jesus' death and resurrection FOR YOU this Easter!

Season Confusion

It's a little hard to tell what season it is around here right now! We see tulips, daffodils, grape hyacinth, magnolia trees and all kinds of things blooming! But, last night we had temps in the 30's and winds over 35mph, and the cold is confusing the blooms! We're hoping the flowers live until it gets warm again!

This morning Caeden and Sylvia were checking the flowers in front of the house. They decided the flowers looked sad about the cold.

A turtle dove was hanging out in the flower bed. Not sure if it was hurt or just trying to find a warm place, but it's gone now.

the moon

Tonight on the way home from Life Group, Sylvia, Caeden, and I were admiring the moon while Annah slept. (I'm pretty sure it was a full moon.) Parts of the conversation went something like this:

S: Mama, I wish I could fly to the moon!
Me: Well, Sylvia, maybe, if you want to be an astronaut when you grow up, you could fly to the moon! Wouldn't that be fun?
S: Yeah! Then I could pick down the moon!
Me: Oh? What would you do with it?
S: I would give it to YOU!

S: Caeden, when I am grown up and I am an astronaut, I will get the moon and give it to you! Would you like that?
C: Yaaaay!!!!!
S: We can both be astronauts and get the moon!

S: I would like to lay on a cloud and slide down the rainbow!
C: Yeah! Like Boz!
Me: Yeah, that would be fun!

Bloomin' Early!

Our two blooming trees bloomed early this year!! They usually bloom around April 14-17, but they bloomed on March 31 this year! The crazy-warm temps we've had are confusing everything!

I always take Annah's picture with this tree while it's blooming, so I got some shots of her as soon as she came home from school today. It was nearly 80 degrees, and I heard it might snow later this week!

It just amazes me how much this girl loves the outdoors!

She asked me to put flower from the tree in her hair.

Two Recipes New To Me

Does anyone have a recipe for Brownies with peanut butter in them??? I don't mean Peanut Butter Brownies that don't have any chocolate. I want chocolate brownies with peanut butter in them too. I've been searching the internet for this for a couple months and haven't come across one I want! So, last night I used this Peanut Butter Brownie recipe and just added 1/2 c. of cocoa. They turned out pretty well...at least well enough that they didn't get to cool so I could ice them before we started eating them. Just wondering why such a recipe doesn't seem to exist? Did I break some kind of bakers' rule by adding cocoa to peanut butter brownies???

Last weekend I finally got around to trying a fantastic recipe our friends, the Kellers, recommended. It's this Broiled Tilapia Parmesan. May I just say---phenomenal! I'd never broiled anything before, but now I will do it more often. It was so easy, quick, and incredibly yummy! Even Jeremy, who doesn't like fish other than fried, admitted it was good. Good stuff people!