The kids' have a new-ish pediatrician. Really he's probably been around over a year, but we haven't had many occasions to visit him, as the kids have been pretty healthy in the past couple years. (Thank you, Lord!!!) But, we went last week for check-ups/school physicals for all three kids, and we saw Dr. Ebreo. His name is pronounced like uh-bray-oh. So...that is a little different word in Caeden's mind, and he has taken to calling him either Dr. Alfredo Sauce or Dr. Ebreo Sauce! Love it. I'm half tempted to call him up and tell him about his new name. He's very cool. I think he'd appreciate it!
It was interesting taking all 3 kids for their physicals... (In fact, the doctor's office wasn't going to allow me to bring them all on one day "because it's too much paperwork at once and it get's too confusing." I was a little peeved about that, and told them [mostly] nicely that I live 40 minutes away, and I was not making more than one trip over there, unless they would like to pay the $20 for my gas to get there twice! After speaking with Dr. Ebreo, we received "special permission" to have all 3 children's appoinments on one day. That's good, because if we hadn't, we'd have been finding a new pediatrician. Sorry to rant. Not many things annoy me like that, but that just got my goat! I really do love our pediatricians office!) Anyhoo...
The kid were hoping for no shots, and I was pretty sure none would need them. They were all up to date on their vaccinations, so that was good. But, since we live in a high risk area for lead poisoning, they all had to have lead tests. Caeden went first, and he only winced and whimpered a little bit when they pricked his finger. When he got a cool band-aid, he was fine. Sylvia, on the other hand, was crying while Caeden was being pricked and was really freaked out by the time it was her turn. She continued to cry while it was Annah's turn...
Annah had had a rash all over her torso for more than a week, and I noticed that morning it had changed from raised bumps to tiny, darker spots. That was concerning, so I had the doctor look at it. He immediately said they would have to do a blood draw to check her blood cell and platelet levels. That was concerning too, and ordinarily I would have probably been extreeeeeeemely worried. But, we went through the very same thing with her when she was about two. I remember it well, because I was pregnant with Sylvia and all emotions were greatly heightened when Dr. Kramer mentioned platelets and leukemia and I had to hold my baby while they stuck needles in her. I remember Jeremy leaving work immediately and rushing home to be with us. Dr. Kramer called us himself to tell us everything was clear. We prayed so hard that day. I remember begging God not to take Annah from us, not to let her be sick. And, I thank Him to this day for her health, and for the reminder we had last week when she had to be tested again--and everything came out fine again. God, I am thankful to have health--for my children and myself. Thank you Lord, for being so good to us!
In the stats category...Caeden officially weighs more than Sylvia (I've been suspicious for a while.), though she is still 1.5" taller than he. Annah can now tease me that she is only 1' shorter than I. They're growing!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Giving, Conviction, and Scrapping
I am up too late, so who knows how coherent this will be, but I wanted to blog anyway. A couple stories to share first, about the girls...
Yesterday, Sylvia went to a little boy friend's birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese's. (She was the only girl, but didn't mind at all. They were all boys from her preschool class.) Anyway, she chose a gift for her friend, which Daddy was kind enough to pay for. She had for herself a $25 gift card to Toy 'R' Us, and wanted to buy a big stuffed bunny. When a bunny couldn't be found, she chose 2 doll babies she could carry in back-pack fashion, some Pull 'n' Peel Twizzlers, and maybe something else i can't remember. She was so excited when Daddy brought her home to show me. Her face was just glowing and she was itching to open her dollies and play with them! She opened one and was just beginning to play with it as Annah watched, when I started listening more intently to their conversation... Sylvia chose to give one of the babies to Annah, without Annah even suggesting she would like it (at least not with more than her eyes), because she had one dolly and "didn't need" two. I think Annah was practically speechless. I was crying. Jeremy was in total awe. It was beautiful. We were so happy to see Sylvia so giving and unselfish toward her sister.
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Totally unrelated story (as far as I can tell)... Tonight about 10 minutes after we tucked the kids in bed, Sylvia came out into the hallway and told us that Annah was crying in her bed...pretty unusual for Annah, at least since she was fine when we tucked her in. So, I went up stairs, and there she was in tears. When I asked her what was the matter, she said, "I haven't done anything nice for my family!" After a little discussion, it came out that she was feeling bad that she doesn't do nice things or give things to anyone. (Totally untrue, I must say. I quickly listed off several nice things she's done for people in just the past few days--including using her KidMo "money" at church this morning to "buy" a pair of flip-flops for ME!) I don't know why she was feeling so guilty, but I think God was really convicting her heart! I talked and prayed with her to help her calm down, but remember her feeling of conviction and to act on it tomorrow and in the following days. I pray that God will bless her with a servant's heart, and that she will continue to be a blessing to others throughout her life!
That is something I really struggle with and am convicted of regularly--being a servant and encourager to others. I SO want to!!! I am still learning... I often sing this song as a prayer...I learned it as a child, and have loved it most of my life...
Make Me A Servant
Make me a servant, humble and meek.
Lord, let me lift up those who are week.
And, may the prayer of my heart always be
Make me a servant. Make me a servant. Make me a servant today.
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In other news, I've been scrapbooking all weekend for the Sketchfest at Creative Scrappers. I got a lot of pages done and am still working on some more. It's been very inspiring. Here are a few...(click to see them larger)
Free
by TarynLeah
Scrapbook.com
If you like, you can see more in my gallery at Scrapbook.com.
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In other news, work on the house is not really going... We are in search of a contractor to finish the windows and siding and do soffetts on the upper level, but the ones we've contacted so far have not followed through. It's very frustrating and stressful. We would appreciate any prayers if you'd like to join us in praying to find that reliable, available, quality contractor!!
Yesterday, Sylvia went to a little boy friend's birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese's. (She was the only girl, but didn't mind at all. They were all boys from her preschool class.) Anyway, she chose a gift for her friend, which Daddy was kind enough to pay for. She had for herself a $25 gift card to Toy 'R' Us, and wanted to buy a big stuffed bunny. When a bunny couldn't be found, she chose 2 doll babies she could carry in back-pack fashion, some Pull 'n' Peel Twizzlers, and maybe something else i can't remember. She was so excited when Daddy brought her home to show me. Her face was just glowing and she was itching to open her dollies and play with them! She opened one and was just beginning to play with it as Annah watched, when I started listening more intently to their conversation... Sylvia chose to give one of the babies to Annah, without Annah even suggesting she would like it (at least not with more than her eyes), because she had one dolly and "didn't need" two. I think Annah was practically speechless. I was crying. Jeremy was in total awe. It was beautiful. We were so happy to see Sylvia so giving and unselfish toward her sister.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Totally unrelated story (as far as I can tell)... Tonight about 10 minutes after we tucked the kids in bed, Sylvia came out into the hallway and told us that Annah was crying in her bed...pretty unusual for Annah, at least since she was fine when we tucked her in. So, I went up stairs, and there she was in tears. When I asked her what was the matter, she said, "I haven't done anything nice for my family!" After a little discussion, it came out that she was feeling bad that she doesn't do nice things or give things to anyone. (Totally untrue, I must say. I quickly listed off several nice things she's done for people in just the past few days--including using her KidMo "money" at church this morning to "buy" a pair of flip-flops for ME!) I don't know why she was feeling so guilty, but I think God was really convicting her heart! I talked and prayed with her to help her calm down, but remember her feeling of conviction and to act on it tomorrow and in the following days. I pray that God will bless her with a servant's heart, and that she will continue to be a blessing to others throughout her life!
That is something I really struggle with and am convicted of regularly--being a servant and encourager to others. I SO want to!!! I am still learning... I often sing this song as a prayer...I learned it as a child, and have loved it most of my life...
Make Me A Servant
Make me a servant, humble and meek.
Lord, let me lift up those who are week.
And, may the prayer of my heart always be
Make me a servant. Make me a servant. Make me a servant today.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In other news, I've been scrapbooking all weekend for the Sketchfest at Creative Scrappers. I got a lot of pages done and am still working on some more. It's been very inspiring. Here are a few...(click to see them larger)
Free
by TarynLeah
Scrapbook.com
If you like, you can see more in my gallery at Scrapbook.com.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
In other news, work on the house is not really going... We are in search of a contractor to finish the windows and siding and do soffetts on the upper level, but the ones we've contacted so far have not followed through. It's very frustrating and stressful. We would appreciate any prayers if you'd like to join us in praying to find that reliable, available, quality contractor!!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Garden Update
Our [first] gardening adventure of 2008 has been...well...I wouldn't say a real success. But things are growing!
Since I have no tiller and everything was planted by hand, the weeds have been impossible to keep up with in such a large space. But, we've managed to keep them away from the sunflowers (which are very tall now!), the tomatoes (of which there are many green ones, and the cherry tomatoes are beginning to ripen), and all the squash plants.
We have cucumbers, zucchini, and yellow squash ready. Spaghetti squash, and a couple of watermelons are growing, and pumpkins are blooming.
Sylvia and Caeden were super excited to help pick these things from the garden today!
Unsuccessful things: We have tons of expanding bunny families in our neighborhood, and the bunnies ate ALL the green bean plants as soon as they came up. (They also ate most of the peas, but after I put mothballs down, a few miraculously continued to grow. I picked a handful today.)
The lettuce, spinach, and cilantro was ready precisely while we were gone for 10 days and went to seed before we got back to get any of it. And, I never did get around to buying pepper plants.
So, we have at least learned a bit, and been happy to see some things grow that we can enjoy.
Since I have no tiller and everything was planted by hand, the weeds have been impossible to keep up with in such a large space. But, we've managed to keep them away from the sunflowers (which are very tall now!), the tomatoes (of which there are many green ones, and the cherry tomatoes are beginning to ripen), and all the squash plants.
We have cucumbers, zucchini, and yellow squash ready. Spaghetti squash, and a couple of watermelons are growing, and pumpkins are blooming.
Sylvia and Caeden were super excited to help pick these things from the garden today!
Unsuccessful things: We have tons of expanding bunny families in our neighborhood, and the bunnies ate ALL the green bean plants as soon as they came up. (They also ate most of the peas, but after I put mothballs down, a few miraculously continued to grow. I picked a handful today.)
The lettuce, spinach, and cilantro was ready precisely while we were gone for 10 days and went to seed before we got back to get any of it. And, I never did get around to buying pepper plants.
So, we have at least learned a bit, and been happy to see some things grow that we can enjoy.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Parachute fun!
Did you ever play with a giant parachute in P.E. class when you were a kid? That was one of the very few things I remember loving in P.E. (Man, I hated P.E.!) Anway...! We have a small one I got through Oriental Trading, and the kids had fun playing with it today...
They like to see how many of them they can get under it at once.
Usually, they all make it.
"Daddy, see?!"
The kids love to play under what few trees we have in our yard. Under this one, they pretend to have parties, and decorate by hanging jump ropes and ribbon rings from the branches.
They like to see how many of them they can get under it at once.
Usually, they all make it.
"Daddy, see?!"
The kids love to play under what few trees we have in our yard. Under this one, they pretend to have parties, and decorate by hanging jump ropes and ribbon rings from the branches.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Recent Scrappy Pages
Haven't posted any pages in a while, so I thought I would. I scrapped quite a bit while we were on vacation, and have done a few this week too. (As always, click the photos to see them larger and with more details.)
This page, I did for a sketch challenge at Creative Scrappers. I am so honored that it was chosen as the "Layout of the Day" there today!
One of Caedzeroo...
Annah's violin recital...
Some older photos of Caeden a couple years ago...
This page, I did for a sketch challenge at Creative Scrappers. I am so honored that it was chosen as the "Layout of the Day" there today!
One of Caedzeroo...
Annah's violin recital...
Some older photos of Caeden a couple years ago...
Empty Me
I heard this song on the radio the other day that was new to me, and I was caught and drawn into worship right there in my car by the lyrics. Turns out, it was Chris Sligh singing. As in, Chris Sligh from American Idol a couple-few seasons back. Anyhow, I've just been singing and praying these lyrics over and over in my head this week, and thought I'd share.
I’ve had just enough
Of the spotlight when it burns bright
To see how it gets in the blood
I’ve tasted my share
Of the sweet life and the wild ride
And found a little is not quite enough
I know how I can stray
And how fast my heart could change
Empty me of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds onto
Lord, empty me of me so I can be filled with you
I’ve seen just enough
Of the quick buys of the best lies
To know how prodigals can be drawn away
‘Cause everything is a lesser thing
Compared to you, compared to you
‘Cause everything is a lesser thing
Compared to you, so I surrender all
You can hear the song here.
Empty Me
I’ve had just enough
Of the spotlight when it burns bright
To see how it gets in the blood
I’ve tasted my share
Of the sweet life and the wild ride
And found a little is not quite enough
I know how I can stray
And how fast my heart could change
Empty me of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds onto
Lord, empty me of me so I can be filled with you
I’ve seen just enough
Of the quick buys of the best lies
To know how prodigals can be drawn away
‘Cause everything is a lesser thing
Compared to you, compared to you
‘Cause everything is a lesser thing
Compared to you, so I surrender all
You can hear the song here.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Camp Wa-nik'-ska-ka
Today was Annah's first day of Camp Wa-nik'-ska-ka, which is State Farm's kids' day-camp. She gets to go with her BFF Ashley, and has been SO excited about it for months!
Daddy got her up early and ready for camp this morning about 6:15. He made sure she set out her clothes and everything she'd need for camp--backpack, swimsuit, towel, gym shoes, socks--and slathered her with sunscreen. He took her to breakfast at McDonald's on the way, sweet and thoughtful daddy he is. And, after camp he picked her up and took her to her violin lesson.
Annah had a total blast at camp! She thought it was cool that each activity lasted an hour--a really long time in her world. They did crafts, went swimming, played games, ate lunch, and did all kinds of stuff she thought was awesome. She can't wait to go again next Tuesday!
Daddy got her up early and ready for camp this morning about 6:15. He made sure she set out her clothes and everything she'd need for camp--backpack, swimsuit, towel, gym shoes, socks--and slathered her with sunscreen. He took her to breakfast at McDonald's on the way, sweet and thoughtful daddy he is. And, after camp he picked her up and took her to her violin lesson.
Annah had a total blast at camp! She thought it was cool that each activity lasted an hour--a really long time in her world. They did crafts, went swimming, played games, ate lunch, and did all kinds of stuff she thought was awesome. She can't wait to go again next Tuesday!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Hopper
Grandma Lopshire gave Caeden a Lightning McQueen hopper for Christmas. Caeden finally got Daddy to pump it up over the weekend. Man, this is the perfect toy for our bouncy kid!!! He loves it just as much as he thought he would, and is having a blast bouncing all around the yard on it!! Thanks Grandma & Grandpa!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Breakfast in Bed -&- Flower Chain Crowns
First of all, I have to record what happened in our home this morning! I have been sick all week, and the kids and Jeremy have been very patient and understanding with me and have let me rest. Annah has made sure I had tissues with me at all times, as I have been blowing my nose constantly. Both girls made me sweet get well cards and drawings last night. They are so caring.
Well, this morning, my alarm didn't go off at 7:00 a.m. as it was supposed to, but at 7:20 the girls came into my room and said, "Mommy?" to wake me, thank goodness. Then, they showed me that they had made me breakfast and brought it to me in bed!!! How sweet is that?! I was so impressed. Annah always wakes up early, and she had the idea. (I had made breakfast in bed for Jeremy on Father's Day, and the kids just thought that was the coolest idea.) So, she started making breakfast and then woke Sylvia up to tell her. She made two pieces of toast with butter and powdered sugar, and poured me a bowl of granola with milk and a big cup of milk to drink. How precious! I let the girls have the toast, because #1) I can't eat when I first wake up, and #2) I cannot have that many carbs at once or I will be in a sugar coma! But, I was really touched and so proud of how thoughtful they were to take care of their momma!
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I have to admit, I am awful when it comes to doing creative things with my kids--especially outside. But, I want to! This morning it was hot, but the kids wanted to be outside anyway. So we decided to find an outdoor craft we could do.
I love the site The Crafty Crow; they have such simple, fun crafts for kids. We decided to try the Dandelion Daisy Chain, and it was a success! Annah could even do it herself if she was careful.
Our Tiger Lillies are blooming right now, so we decided to try it with them too. The girls love to wear flowers in their hair, and Sylvie was happy about her Tiger Lily Crown!
Annah wanted to give her some extra flair...
But Sylvia did NOT approve of the long ears/horns at all!!
We took them out quickly, and everyone was happy. It was a fun little project for the morning.
Well, this morning, my alarm didn't go off at 7:00 a.m. as it was supposed to, but at 7:20 the girls came into my room and said, "Mommy?" to wake me, thank goodness. Then, they showed me that they had made me breakfast and brought it to me in bed!!! How sweet is that?! I was so impressed. Annah always wakes up early, and she had the idea. (I had made breakfast in bed for Jeremy on Father's Day, and the kids just thought that was the coolest idea.) So, she started making breakfast and then woke Sylvia up to tell her. She made two pieces of toast with butter and powdered sugar, and poured me a bowl of granola with milk and a big cup of milk to drink. How precious! I let the girls have the toast, because #1) I can't eat when I first wake up, and #2) I cannot have that many carbs at once or I will be in a sugar coma! But, I was really touched and so proud of how thoughtful they were to take care of their momma!
-------------------------------------------------
I have to admit, I am awful when it comes to doing creative things with my kids--especially outside. But, I want to! This morning it was hot, but the kids wanted to be outside anyway. So we decided to find an outdoor craft we could do.
I love the site The Crafty Crow; they have such simple, fun crafts for kids. We decided to try the Dandelion Daisy Chain, and it was a success! Annah could even do it herself if she was careful.
Our Tiger Lillies are blooming right now, so we decided to try it with them too. The girls love to wear flowers in their hair, and Sylvie was happy about her Tiger Lily Crown!
Annah wanted to give her some extra flair...
But Sylvia did NOT approve of the long ears/horns at all!!
We took them out quickly, and everyone was happy. It was a fun little project for the morning.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Slushies!
When we came home from vacation Monday, we took a much-needed family grocery shopping trip to refill our empty 'fridge and cupboards. Daddy splurged and bought us a little snow-cone/slushy maker and some flavored syrups to enjoy this summer!
Tonight he made some yummy slushies for us!
They were a hit!
Tonight he made some yummy slushies for us!
They were a hit!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Can't Start the Car!
After Sylvia's gymnastics class this evening, the kids and I headed carefully out to the car in the middle of a thunderstorm. It was already after 6:30 and we were all hungry, so we buckled in quickly and set to head home. But I couldn't get the key to go into the ignition of the car!! I checked to make sure I'd put the car in Park before shutting it off, and I had. I checked and tried a few other things I thought might help, and none did. I called Jeremy, and he recommended the things I'd already tried and offered to bring the other set of keys to see if they'd somehow work.
I decided to call my cousin Scott, who is an engineer for GM. I wasn't too comforted when he said, "That's weird." and admitted he'd never heard of that happening before! He had me try pulling the steering wheel as far to one side as I could (even though it was locked) and holding it there while trying to fit the key in. It didn't work pulling it to the left, but when I held it to the right and kept trying to jam the key in, it finally went in! Then the car started right up! Whew! I was very appreciative of Scott's help! Thanks Scott! A strange thing to happen, but now we can laugh about it...
I decided to call my cousin Scott, who is an engineer for GM. I wasn't too comforted when he said, "That's weird." and admitted he'd never heard of that happening before! He had me try pulling the steering wheel as far to one side as I could (even though it was locked) and holding it there while trying to fit the key in. It didn't work pulling it to the left, but when I held it to the right and kept trying to jam the key in, it finally went in! Then the car started right up! Whew! I was very appreciative of Scott's help! Thanks Scott! A strange thing to happen, but now we can laugh about it...
Summer Fun with Friends!
We are blessed with so many wonderful friends here where we live, and some of them are like family! It's such a blessing, especially living far away from our families. Some of our favorite people to hang out and "do life with" are the Kellers. This summer, I have the pleasure of watching all 3 Keller kids on Tuesdays. It's already been really fun, as our kids are stair-stepped in age and good friends. Having the six of them together is almost easier than just our 3, because they play so well together!
Today it was supposed to storm all day, but we finally decided it wasn't going to when it was still hot and sunny in mid-afternoon. So, I drug out the wading pool, slide, and sprinkler. Even crowded with the six of them, they had fun!
BFF's
BFF's
Friday, July 4, 2008
Vacation in Indiana
Whew, we have been having a great time vacationing here in Indiana! We have...
...finger-painted!
...had pizza with Grandma Crabill!
...played with the front-loader in the sandpile!
...gone fishing with Grandpa and caught a big catfish!
...made s'mores over a fire!
...looked beautiful!
...looked darling!
...helped Grandpa pick raspberries!
...ridden the carousel at Glenbrook Mall!
(It's a beautiful 2-story carousel!)
...ridden bikes / bigwheel a LOT!
...spent a day in Shipshewana!
...petted a horse with Uncle Travis & Aunt Erin!
...eaten a LOT at Das Dutchman Essenhaus!
...and lots more!