Saturday, December 29, 2007

Floam

Does anyone know what Floam is? If you don't, try and keep it that way.

Silas has begged for floam for a long time. Its like 9 bucks, and I always refuse to buy it. But a few months back, I saw some for like $4, so I bought it as a stocking stuffer. He was SO excited about it.

What a mistake. He ended up hating it too.

Its this nasty, sticky/slimy stuff with little Styrofoam balls in it. Its so sticky, you cant get it off your hands. You are supposed to form it into something or on something. Of course I ended up doing it, because Silas couldn't get it to go from his hands to the object we were sticking it on.

I HATE when I buy something that ends up being a complete waste, don't you? Ugh.

Friday, December 21, 2007

Biggest Loser

I didn't watch the entire Biggest Loser season. But I do just love the premise of the show. I love to see people's lives change. I think the next season with couples will be pretty good too.

I watch these pe0ple lose all this weight. They are so much healthier. I know they are proud of themselves and what they accomplished. Its AMAZING!

Its really just like when Jesus changes someones life. Its more dramatic. Its a change that is real and lasting, whereas 90% of the people who lose all that weight gain it back.

I love to see, on the Biggest Loser, the before and after shots. I love to see and hear about before and afters of people who are transformed because of what Jesus has done in them even more.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Happy Meals = Happy Kids

I don't give my kids fast food very often. Here are my reasons:

  1. Cost
  2. The unhealthiness of it
  3. They don't eat the food, they just want the toy
Now, I will say that if we had a Chick-Fil-A, it would be a totally different story. But when my choices are McDonalds, Burger King and Wendy's, we just don't go much. WHen my mom was visiting in early October, she bought Happy Meals for the kids, but that was the last time the kids had fast food. (Am I mean or just crazy?)

Until today...

We went with Stacy and Emma to deliver Meals on Wheels and Stacy treated the kids to Happy Meals. The kids were so good. They ate their food, they were very content while we drove around town delivering meals.

Its was great. Thanks Stacy.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Runaway Child

We had a good lesson learned today.

I was paying my membership at the Y. (A WHOLE other story on how my membership expired, I never got mail about it, I left several messages trying to pursue this...I finally got it settled today). I told the kids to stay near me.

Luke plucked a glass ball off the tree and shattered it on the floor. Silas pushed Hattie AND Luke down at separate times. I was sweating, as I had to RE-FILL OUT my membership form. Then, it went something like this:

Silas: Mom, Can I go get Hattie?

Me: Silas, don't bother me, I'm almost done.

Silas: I just want to go get her.

Me: Where is she?

Silas: She went outside.

Me: Stay here with Luke.

I go running outside just in time to see the top of Hattie's head go down the steps to the parking lot. I called her back.

At this point, I was just upset. Not mad, but frustrated. My kids weren't listening to me, I was having a time settling the Y business and my daughter just walked out of the building.

Well, Silas and Hattie sat still while I finished the application stuff. When we got in the car, I gave the lecture of their short little lives. I was very calm and I didn't yell. But I told them about the importance of obedience. I told them that there are bad people that will take children away from their parents. That is why you should always stay near mommy or daddy. I also told them acting the right way in public (not breaking things, not pushing, etc) is important so that they will turn into people that other want to be around. Oh if you could have just heard me.

I think I got my point across. I hope so. When I was done, Hattie said, I will change mama, don't worry.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Sqeuaky and Polar Bear

Well, we adopted Squeaky and Polar Bear last night. They are very nice guinea pigs. They enjoy being held and they love to eat. The kids fell in love. They are bigger than I thought, but that's good because they won't be as fragile as Snowcat.

Today Stacy and I baked all day. It was great. I'm so tired, but I am so excited about all the goodies we have to share (and EAT). Buckeye balls, pretzel kisses, Santa Surprises, Party Mix, and several other things. I put a batch of gumdrops together. Raspberry and Mint. They take a while to set, so we haven't sampled them yet. That should be interesting.

Thanks for all the love in regards to Snowcat. Silas says he doesn't want to talk about it anymore, I can only blog about him. Ha!

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Tragedy

Well, yesterday, while Silas was playing with Snowcat (our gerbil), there was a terrible accident. Somehow Snowcat's claws got caught on the chair and when Silas tried to get him, he broke the gerbil's leg. Silas was crying, I was crying, Hattie was crying. Jody took the gerbil and put it in the cage. We looked up broken legs on a gerbil on the internet and basically it said that in 2 days, if its just a broken leg, the gerbil should be up an around.

All day we checked on him. Snowcat was still gnawing on cardboard. I saw his foot was bleeding and I think he was gnawing on it too, because he WASN'T bleeding at the original injury. On and off, Silas cried and prayed for his gerbil. When we went to bed, I checked on Snowcat and the kids. Everyone was breathing.

This morning, Snowcat was dead. He just looked asleep. Silas picked him up and started crying again. It was awful. I was so sad too. Hattie reminded Silas a few times today that "our gerbil is dead".

We are going to bury him in an empty toilet paper tube.

Jody found 2 guinea pigs for give away on Bisman Online and currently he is with Silas and Hattie. They were doing a little shopping and were going to "look at" the free guinea pigs.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Warm up

Last night I watched the weather before going to bed. The weatherman said, "we are expecting much warmer weather tomorrow, with the high being around 35. So, all you'll need tomorrow is a light jacket."

I laughed outloud. It made me think of my dad. I don't know how many times I've heard him say," if you don't wear your coat today, you might as well just throw it away" and I know it probably wasn't even as low as 35.

The weatherman also said we are most likely going to have a "warm" Christmas. Ok. I'll let you know how warm it is.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Ironic

This morning while I was taking Silas to school, I saw at a bank that it was 18 degrees. Then I saw at gas station that they were selling cold beer.

I don't know, it made me laugh.

Friday, December 7, 2007

Kirby Vacuum Salesman

Jody usually takes Friday's off, and today was one of those days. As we were cleaning up after lunch, a Kirby vacuum salesman came to the door.

It started off great. The kids were enthralled. Steve (that was the salesmans' name) was very patient with the kids. He let them try out this attachment and that. He vacuumed my stairs (which I hate), he vacuumed on top of my coat closet, vacuumed my eating area, dusted all my lamps and my living room blinds, and the best part what when he got these 2 stains out of the living room carpet and shampooed it and vacuumed it. He actually got a lot of my chores done.

HOWEVER....

He stayed at our house for 4 HOURS. I just couldn't believe it. What was even more unbelievable was the price. He wanted us to sell the us that vacuum for a little over $2000. Aaaaaaaaaaaaah. We about choked when he told us that. Steve's upline came to try and convince us how much we needed the Kirby. How we should just build it into our mortgage. Jody was really holding out, and eventually the offer went down to a $1096.

The vacuum was phenomenal. But we could not rationalize that type of purchase. I was proud that Jody stood his ground. He did apologize for all the time the guy spent with us and that we didn't buy the vacuum from him. I don't think Steve and his upline guy bought our story. I'm sure they were disappointed. I'm sure they bad-mouthed us when they got into their van.

Oh well. We saved a bunch of money by not buying that great vacuum.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

One great week

I am having such a nice week...I hope you are too.

Our church decided to bless us this week and make it Pastor Appreciation Week. We have had meals and treats delivered to our house. We have a gift card to go out on a date tomorrow and a babysitter. Then we have a Starbuck's card for Saturday. I have had VERY little dishes this week.

Yesterday my friend Stacy came over and we did some holiday baking. It was so fun. She did a few of her recipes and I did a couple of mine. We shared the booty and I now have SO many goodies now. But I am not complaining. We don't diet here at our house (I'm not saying I never will, I just haven't had to yet).

I just about have my packages ready to be sent off to Georgia, S Carolina and N Carolina. I wrapped some gifts this afternoon.

Its VERY cold outside. Jody has shoveled snow 3 times this week already. Silas enjoys helping and it is very sweet the way he wants to help. Even though its freezing outside, Hattie wore a ballerina tootoo one piece thing all day. Luke has become very interested in socks. He wore a pair of Jody's socks all day yesterday and today he has worn Silas's soccer socks (on his hands).

One verse I've been trying to live out this weeks is: Love is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ICor I3:5. Isn't that a good one? Good as in VERY hard to do as a stay-at-home-mom. I'm pretty easily angered a lot of times.

Hope you all are having a great week too.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

The Count Down has begun

Silas has this incredible memory. Its kind of annoying. He has been HOUNDING me about the count down chain. At first I didn't even know what he was talking about. I had pretty much forgot about the chain I made last year.

He reminded me that I made a paper chain, red and green, last year. Every morning we'd rip one off and be one day closer to Christmas.

So today finally cut out my little strips. I wrote something on the inside of each one that we will do that day special, like read an extra book at bed time or have a hot chocolate treat...stuff like that. Silas helped me staple them together. He noticed 2 things right away. I didn't use paper. ( I didn't have any red and green paper this year) I used that foamy stuff. The second thing was that I added white this year. (I didn't have enough red and green). And he kept saying, I wonder what that one says.

The chain is part of the tree garland. And as Silas went to bed tonight he said, "We get to take the first chain off in the morning, right mom?" Oh the excitement.

Monday, December 3, 2007

First of all, just so you know, Jody did cut all that meat off the bone. It is currently in the freezer. And we made some delicious jerky.

I took Luke to the dr today for his 15month checkup and shots. The Dr saw immediately that he has an ear infection in EACH ear.

You know, when that happens, your heart just sinks. I can't believe I totally missed that. Poor baby. The only sign he gave me was that he was being pretty fussy the last couple of days. But no fever or loss of sleep. Isn't that pitiful.

Last night when I went to check on Hattie before I went to bed I had to leave the room quickly so I wouldn't wake her up with my laughing. She was laying on her back, arms spread out in a "T" shape. She had her blue hat and matching mittens on. It was SO funny.

Silas is really improving at hockey. He's enjoying it a lot. I think its more of a social thing to him. Several of his preschool friends are there. Its really a neat program. Its free and you can go Monday, Tuesday, and/or Wednesday.

Tomorrow we are expecting sleet or freezing rain. I'd rather have snow!

Friday, November 30, 2007

Pics of North Dakota

Gorgeous sunsets.

There is, as I type this, a chopped up deer in our basement on the table defrosting so that Jody can cut it up and send it to a processing place. It froze in the garage.

Constant static

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Butt-Cold Again

One of my first ever blog entries was on how its is "Butt-Cold" here. For those of you who have never pumped gas in weather that is say 8 degrees (as I did today), I don't know that you have ever truly experienced "butt-cold". It was so cold today, my BUTT was literally freezing. I don't know why I didn't sit in the car and wait. I just always feel like as soon as I get back in the car, the gas is done pumping.

When I did get back in the car, Hattie was saying, "Poor mommy. Poor mommy. Poor mommy out in the cold." She was chanting it over and over. Silas was getting very annoyed.

Its not supposed to get over 30 until next Wednesday. I think we'll be staying in as much as possible.

Note: PopPop Jerry Ben Jennings, this is NOT to say you shouldn't come visit us. We'll keep you inside the whole time. I'll pump ALL the gas if you will come see us for Christmas. :)

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Decorating with little kids

Well, the tree is up...but not without some breaking, furniture rearrangement, yelling, hand-smacking, and one big headache.

Jody got our tree down from the space over the garage last night. It was FREEZING. Below freezing actually. It took us a LOOOOOOONG time to decide where to put it. We moved the couch twice, the tree 4 times. The final destination? The first place, of course. By this point it was past bed time, so I let the kids pick out 4 ornaments and put them on the tree.


This morning the fun began again. Silas broke a little snow globe. Hattie broke a bulb. Luke was fascinated with taking decorations off the "tee" and bringing them back to me. Silas and Hattie became proficient at hanging ornaments on the tippy tip of each branch. It was perfect for Luke to knock off as he walked by each time.

Whew. By the time the tree was finished, it looked great. (well, except for the star on the top that I could not quite reach to make it straight). And more than all that, I was thrilled that the job was done!

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Date Night

Jody and I love to go on dates, but we just don't too often. It just costs us so much after dinner and babysitters. (interjection: don't feel sorry for us. We do EARLY bed times for a reason.)
But last night, we had a great date.

Our friend Ryan offered to babysit AND he gave us money that his grama sent us. We don't even know her, and she sent us on a date. It was so sweet. We went to a mexican restaurant called Los Amigos. It was good. Then we decided to go to the Bobcat's hockey game. We were waiting in this LONG COLD line to buy tickets when this guy walked up to us and said, do you have ticket? And he GAVE us 2 tickets.

We had a great time. Our section was very rowdy and drunk. The Bobcats won. The kids went to bed pretty good for Ryan.

Big thanks to Ryan.

Friday, November 23, 2007

The Mad Dash

First of all, we had a nice thanksgiving. I started out missing our families a lot. Knowing they were all getting together without us, one more year. But once our festivities started, I felt better. We had a great meal, the kids had fun and Stacy and mapped out our plan.

We got out the Black Friday ads.

I'm not a big shopper. I don't enjoy trying on clothes or browsing without a purpose. But now going after great deals, I enjoy.

Stacy picked me up at 3:45am. We joined the line at Khols. There were several hundred in line already. When the doors opened, it was like a MOVIE. Screaming, pushing, and running. We got what we were going for there and went to Walmart, followed by Target, Kmart, Scheels and Bath and Body works. We got everything we were going for. I got most of my Christmas shopping done. I had a great time. I am so proud of my deals. And I had great company. Last year I went by myself, and it was just way better this year.

By the time naptime came around, I was SO tired, I couldn't help but join the napping. Although, Silas never sleeps and I don't think Hattie ever slept today, but I'm not sure.

All in all, it was a great holiday for our family.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Mr Fix-it

My sister-in-law (the one who missed the opportunity to try and get on OPRAH's Favorite Things Show, and the only sister-in-law that I have) has eluded that my life is sometimes like a sitcom. The other day I felt like it too.

I went to go out into the garage and the door knob wouldn't turn. I was locked in. I had to go out the front door, push the garage door button on Jody's keychain and go into the garage to get something out of my car. And it was cold outside.

Jody looked at it and couldn't figure it out. We had some people over last Wednesday and these guys fiddled with it and fixed it.

Then on Sunday, I got the kids all buckled in the car and when I went to go BACK in the house, the door knob was doing that thing again. It turned, but wouldn't open the door. I was SO mad, I kicked the door. That didn't help. (I'd love to say it did, since I work out at the Y, you know). I was like, oh well, I'll go in the front door. But lo and behold, for some reason (I still do NOT know) my front door key was not on my key ring. I just went on to church without going back inside.

I had to wait for JOdy to come home (after church) to get in the front door.

Monday (yesterday) we all went out the front door and around the house into the garage.

Then, last night, Jody bought a new door knob and replaced the old one. I'm so proud of him for being able to do that. Have you ever looked at a door knob? THey don't just come off.

Now, the next project I have for Mr Fix-it is the arm rest to the driver's seat in my van. It is currently hanging limply downward. And I'm getting pretty ticked when I want to lean my elbow on it. Unfortunately it looks like a doorknob, the way it connects into the seat.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Access

Ok, this is weird.

Luke loves his belly button. He LOVES it. Its his little comfort mechanism. My nephew Elijah likes other people's hair. My friend's daughter Megan loves other people's ears. Luke likes his "be-button"

Tonight when I was going to put pajamas on him he said NO and ran away. I knew what he was saying. He doesn't like the zip up kind. He wants separates where he can raise his shirt and fiddle with his belly button. He wants access to his belly button.

Isn't that weird?

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Christmas Decorating

So, my friend Karen has already put up her decorations. I know my mother-in-law would be working on it (she puts up like 13 trees) if it hadn't been for her fall from a LADDER. On Veteran's Day, apparently we missed the memo that that was the day to put lights up on your house.

What is your tradition? Do you put your Christmas stuff up around Thanksgiving? Do you put much up? I'm just dreading all the NO-NO's I'm going to be saying. But yet, I LOVE Christmas trees and music and all that.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Long time no post

I know, its not like me to not post more often. I can't really say why I haven't posted much this week. Here is a list of some of the things that went on this week:

  • it SNOWED
  • I turned 29
  • I have been playing "scrapulous" on facebook (and I'm not very good)
  • I got 5 pages done in Luke's baby book
  • We launched our first small group for our church
  • SnowCat shredded an entire paper towel tube in one night
  • Hattie slept in flip-flops
  • My sister-in-law opted not to try and get in to the Oprah show in Macon and MISSED the Oprah's favorite things show.
  • Luke is saying UP and OPEN
  • Lots of snotty noses, lots of used tissues, gross.

I'll be better this week.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

The Wind

I know I've blogged about this before, but I am NO LESS amazed at the wind here in North Dakota.

Today is was so windy, the big city-issued trash cans were blowing down my street. I actually had a good laugh when a bulldozer scooped 2 of my neighbors' trashcans up and deposited them at the corner of our yard. Then it was almost as funny to see one of the neighbors looking for his trashcan and discovering it in our yard. Oh, I'm easy to entertain.

The tumbleweed still makes me laugh out loud. I had only ever seen tumble weed on movies. Let me tell you it really exists here. I was driving to Wal-mart the other day and this big old thing of tumbleweed crossed the road in front of me. They come in all sizes, meeting up and rolling along together. Silas loves to chase them. Hattie had a little of it stuck to her for part of our trick-or-treating trek. I have heard of people actually rolling christmas lights up in tumbleweed and using it as decoration.

We stayed inside today. Silas has a yucky cough, I think it may be croup. The doctor thinks Hattie had it last week. She said its really going around and its very contagious. By late this afternoon, Silas had NO voice and actually fell asleep at naptime...a very rare occurance. Anyways, with it so windy, I'm sure I would have had to carry Luke and Hattie. Hattie simply can't withstand the wind. Luke is funny because he stands there, looking around like, "who's doing that to me" and then he cries.

My dad says his buddy always said he loved the prairie because "the wind blows". Its so true. You'd have to be here to really experience it. Everyones' invited, we've got a spare room and a good view.

Monday, November 12, 2007

on the mend

Hattie is feeling better. Thanks for all the concern and prayers. She's still not back to her normal self, but the fever's gone. She's not eating much at all. Which, is very different from normal. But at this point I think SnowCat is eating more than Hattie.

Oh, I do have3 ONE cool thing. My Grama "B" is 93 years old today. She is amazing. She just moved into an assisted living apartment with her dog, YoYo. She is very healthy. She loves Jesus. She prays for us faithfully. She really is an example to me. My dad said growing up she was always "taking someone in". They had numerous friend and relatives living with them. She has taken care of SO many, outliving them all. I sure hope I can live a full life like she has. Happy Birthday Grama B. (even though she won't be reading this, she says she's too old for computers. I guess at 93 she can be too old for whatever she wants to be. And along that line, Jody says she should be able to eat however and whatever she wants.)

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Home

We got home last night around 8:30pm. It was nice to be home. And we were all so tired.

Hattie has been sick. I can't remember if I wrote about her fever or not. But since she wasn't getting any better, I took her in to the After Hours Clinic. We were there about all morning. Man, I am glad I took her in. The doctor says it looks like she has the beginnings of pneumonia and a possible urinary tract infection. She's on an antibiotic now. She's been so pitiful. Hopefully we are on the mend now.

Jody is VERY excited about church tomorrow. It'll be interesting to see how it all goes.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Not too bad

Well, I made it to Sioux Fall, SD. Whew!! (I'm using a different computer and it has !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, my exclamation key doesn't work)

We took Silas to preschool. Hattie, LUke and I went to MOPS. Then we went back and picked up Silas. We went to our house to go to the bathroom, and eat real quick and by 12:30pm, we were on the interstate.

Luke and Hattie slept a little, Silas watched DVD's and I listened to a sermon and book on tape and talked on the phone. We stopped once, outside of Fargo. I came close to running out of gas. There are some LONG stretches of no gas stations on these Dakota roads.

We arrived in Sioux Falls a little after 6 pm. We met Jody and Ryan for dinner. And since Hattie and Luke were so tired, I skipped out on the meeting and put them to bed. Silas went with Ryan and Jody and they aren't back yet. It took Luke and Hattie a while to fall asleep in a strange room, but they are out now.

What a long day!

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Candy and Hockey

So 2 quick things.

Luke's new word is: CANDY. He's no dummy. He goes over to the big bowl of Halloween candy and points and says "candy". Its very funny AND annoying.

Today we went to pre-school hockey. Its a free program Bismarck Parks and Rec put on. It takes a HUGE effort getting all geared up. The skates are enough to make me want to say some things I wouldn't want my kids repeating. I was very thankful for my friend Stacy who helped me today. Jody went down to Sioux Falls, SD with Ryan. The kids had fun. We'll continue next week. (its every Mon, Tues, and Wed)

Tomorrow after we pick up Silas from pre-school, we are driving down to Sioux Falls. We'll only be gone 2 nights, but it'll be a fun little trip. There's a Chuck E Cheese down there and I have a coupon. Yay. Pray for me as I travel down alone, by car with the kids. I'm going to try and limit my liquid in-take, so I don't have to use the bathroom. We'll see how that goes.

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Earlier Every Year

So, I can hear my mom saying, "they put the Christmas stuff out earlier every year". She's said that every year for as long as I can remember.

Well, I've said it now.

I went to Wal-mart on Friday. No lie, there was Christmas music playing, decorations all over and all the merchandise you could want to get ready for Christmas out for you to buy. Is it just me, or is this really early? In the newspaper today, Target had a huge toy magazine. My kids got the "gimmies" right away.

If I bought Christmas candy now, would it be stale by the time I would put it out, like after Thanksgiving?

Seriously, is this earlier than last year?

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Strange things I just can't figure out

Why is it that:

  • White shirts are magnets for red sauce splatters?

  • Luke tries to step into the pile I am sweeping up on the floor?

  • I can NEVER find a pacifier when I need it?

  • No matter how much sleep he has had, Jody wakes up EVERY morning and says, "I don't know why I am so tired"?

  • My sister Joy always calls when I am in the middle of something that I can't get out of?

  • My house can be spotless one instant and a disaster area the next?


My list could go on and on. Got a good one for me?

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Halloween 07







We had a great and very eventful Halloween. Silas had his school program. It was very cute. After naptime we went to the Heritage Museum. The kids had fun in the craft area and feeling like it was Night at the Museum, because it was dark in there. Then we had some friends come over and have hotdogs and go trick-or-treating.

Hattie, as you can see, changed her costume. At the museum she was Tinkerbell then she transformed into Cinderlla. Both costumes were accessorized by the purple cap (that I found for a DOLLAR at Wal-mart). And the earmuffs were quite the touch for Cinderella. I always say Hattie is like Holly, but in this case, Holly said that Hattie mixes and matches like me.

Anyways, we had fun and we have WAY too much candy.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Twos-day

I feel like I am going everywhere twice today.

The dentist office called me yesterday to remind me that Silas and Hattie had appointments Tuesday at 10:30. I'm glad they called, because I had NO idea we had appointments at all. Jody was staying at the house today to study, so I left Luke with him, napping for at least half of the time. I drove the kids to the dentist. They did great, no cavities, and they acted like their new toothbrushes were made of gold or something.

So we got back home by 11:15. I fed everyone lunch and then had to go back out to take Silas to speech at 1:00. I went the same route as I did to the dentist, so we saw the same Halloween decorations.

I hate that feeling. The feeling that I should have just stayed out and took Silas while we were out. I double the miles on my car and used twice the gas. BUT if we stayed out, I would have spent money on lunch and inevitably something else that I didn't need.

Jody put Hattie and Luke down for pm naps. I went to the grocery store. Then when I got back, I actually got several things done. The dishwasher unloaded, groceries put away, kitchen swept and counters wiped. It was wonderful, I had NO little ones pulling on me or calling me. (Silas rides the bus home from speech, so I don't even have to hear him ask me 8 times , "Is rest time over?").

But back to my going places twice, I am going to a friends house tonight, and I forgot that Jody has praise team practice. So I am going to go out again, backtracking to get my sitter here and back.

I'm not complaining. It just feels like I should have a better mapping system. But why spoil a crazy mind anyway??

Monday, October 29, 2007

New Words

I LOVE when a baby starts saying words. Its so funny to me. Luke has decided to spew out lots of new words lately. Here is a list of some of them:

  1. baby
  2. purple
  3. apple
  4. snow-cat
  5. Bubba
  6. Hattie
  7. wa-wa
  8. up
  9. ba-yoon
You can see he is saying words that have significance for others in the family. He has also started throwing himself down on the floor in protest...where has he seen that behavior??

Thursday, October 25, 2007

One beautiful day

Today it was 75 degrees here in Bismarck. It was wonderful. The kids and I were invited to my friend, Lisa's house for lunch. She lives in the middle of no-where. Its a gorgeous drive, about an hour west of Bismarck. It always makes me think of God's creativity. The flat prairie turns into this landscape with jutting rocky cliffs. The sky is so BIG, it feels like you are in a planatarium. Lisa and her husband and 2 adorable girls live on big piece of land. The kids played outside, with NO coats on. Lisa's family has a nice dog and a cute litter of kittens. ( I almost brought one home, but I knew Jody would flip. )

Then, since it was pretty late for naptime, we just skipped it and went to our favorite park. It was just so nice to be outside. The weather man says the cold is on the way, so I really wanted the kids to be outside, since we probably won't want to for a while.

I made pulled pork BBQ in the crockpot for supper. It was delicious. Then I went to a Pampered Chef party at my friend Alyse's. My mini-spatula broke a while back, so I bought new one.

Great day. Jody is taking the day off tomorrow, so it should be another great one. Hope you all have a great one too.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Poor Snow-Cat




Silas loves his Gerbil Snow-Cat so much. It's actually wonderful leverage for reward. He loves to hold him and talk to him and sing to him. I do think the gerbil is pretty cute. He's getting used to us and he's not hiding under his wheel everytime someone walks up to the cage.

Today Silas was sitting the chair and I heard him so, uh-oh. Mom, SNow-Cat is bleeding. I go RUSHING over. I'm already paranoid that the gerbil is going to get loose in the house and my mom is NEVER going to come visit me again.

Well, the lady at PetSmart told SIlas and Jody that you can hold the gerbil by his tail. Dumb lady???

Now I have a gerbil with the tip of his tail missing.

I looked it up on the internet. God made gerbils to where their tails detach easily so they can get away from predators. It's not going to grow back, but he should be ok in 3 days or so. Silas was crying, but when I told him how God made gerbils, he was very relieved. And in his prayer at supper time he explained the whole thing to God and thanked him for the way HE made gerbils.

Enjoy the pics.

Monday, October 22, 2007

Satin Lips

I have ALWAYS loved chapstick. I remember this friend of mine in elementary school, Saskia de Groot who was constantly applying chapstick, and we were great friends, so I started "using". Ha. Who knew it would become a life-long habit.

I love all kinds.

I like plain, no name brand just as well as blistex, carmex (which Holly loves, always has and I love to dig my fingernail into her perfectly smoothed out surface anytime I can), any kind really. My mom gave me this Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour lip balm, its great, it really lasts a long time.

Starting sometime yesterday, I had chapped lips that were not going away. I was very annoyed today when my re-applying of chapstick wasn't working. Then I remembered this Mary Kay, Satin Lips set I won at a party last year. I've used it several times, never really needing it...until today.

Its awesome. There are 2 tubes. The first one is like a mask with little scrubbies you put on your lips, rub it in and leave it one for 2 minutes. Then you wash that off and put the lip balm on.

I'm telling you, it did the trick.

Just thought I'd share, since chapped lips are just about in season.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

A Good Head-ache

RIght now I have a good head-ache. Yes, its pounding, but here's how I got it:

SCRAPBOOKING ALL DAY.

It was great. Jody kept the kids all day. They bought a gerbil, whose name is "Snow-Cat". They picked up the house. Everyone had eaten lunch. I went to the Civic Center from 8:30-5:30. I got to hang out with one of my FAVORITE people, Stacy Stephens. I got 9 pages done. Most of the pages are for Luke's baby book.

I feel like I accomplished SO much and it wasn't a task I dread. The next 'crop' is on my birthday and I already told Jody that that's what I want to do for my birthday.

SO, my headache is from leaning over pictures and scrapbooks all day and coming home to make dinner, get the kids bathed and in bed. Of course I had to meet Snow-Cat. He makes me nervous because the lady at the pet store told Silas to pick him up by the tail and I'm just afraid he's going to either murdered or MEAN.

Hope you all had a great Saturday too.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

The Party

So, my tupperware party was so fun. I don't even know what the results of it are yet or if I'll get a much of a credit but I honestly don't care.

I was the hostess to 7 ladies. Each one is a friend of mine, most didn't know eachother. But I knew each of them. I loved knowing each one and different things about them. I loved NOT being the outsider for the first time since moving to Bismarck. It was great.

Jody got home from Fargo today too and EVERYONE was happy, especially ME.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Easy Suppers

Jody is in Fargo for the next couple of days and although we miss him when he's gone, I do like suppers without him...only because I don't cook. There's no point. The kids aren't good eaters anyway, so why make something that no one will really enjoy. Jody enjoys everything I cook. He's fun to cook for, but not the kids.

So, tonight, I just opened up 2 cans. Chicken and Stars soup and Mandarin Oranges. I had a salad and everyone ate great.

I wonder what I can open up tomorrow...oooh, I'm having a tupperware party tomorrow night. Wish you all could come.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

So 2000

That's what I was told today, "Oh, that is so 2000".

First of all, I am NOT slamming these guys, I am not mad at them. I am still laughing at this conversation I had today with 3 teens at our church.

I was asking 2 of the girls if they had gotten the email I had sent earlier this week. They looked at me and said, we don't do email, that is so 2000. I just about guffawed in their face. What? Am I that OUT now? It was so funny.

I got to thinking, how do these guys communicate? Texting, IM-ing, Myspace and Facebook? I guess so. I thought email was still pretty cutting edge communication. Isn't it? I don't know. LOL. I am still processing it.

I guess I'm getting old.

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Seasonal

Every time the seasons change, its exciting. Its refreshing to walk outside and just be in the different weather. I love to anticipate the holidays that will be coming up.

But...

I HATE the clothes ordeal. I hate to go thru all the drawers and closets and pull out the stuff we won't be wearing in the months ahead and then re-fill the drawers with the right season's clothes and then PUT AWAY the ones I just took out of the drawers and closets. I feel like I'm just handling and re-handling everything.

When the job is done, its wonderful, but in the midst of the job, its torture for me.

Well, I am happy to say that as I type this email, the job is done. My mom and I tackled the kids clothes earlier this week. Jody and I worked on our own clothes today, and I am relieved to have it done.

Thanks, mom, for giving me the push I needed to get this done NOW. Without you, I think I would have had the trunks and bags strewn here and there as we picked and chose what we needed as I slowly pulled things out of the drawers because they were so stuffed. Ha. I am such a messie.

Friday, October 12, 2007

The Wave

Well, my mom is leaving today. I am SO glad she came. She's like superwoman when it comes to organizing. And so we organized the kids' rooms and seasonal clothes. Man. It was a lot of work, but I am so happy with the results. Its amazing.

We hate to see her go.

Meanwhile, we have contracted some stomach bug. Luke started it on Tuesday night, throwing up several times. Then I got it Wednesday night. Then last night Silas got it before dinner and Hattie in the middle of the night. Jody hasn't thrown up, but he's been nauseous for 2 days. I am really hoping my mom doesn't get it, and at least not while she's in transit to SC.

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Extreme Home Make-over





Sorry I have been absent this week. We have had a group of college student here for their fall break. And LOOK what they did for me...

I am SO happy with the colors we picked out. I just love the new look.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

The Drawl

Tonight I had 13 girls at the bible study at University of Mary. Its a good group. They seem to really like the study, The Amazing Collection. Its kind of like a Beth Moore type where you watch a video and discuss. (or vice versa)

This series has several women who rotate teaching. They are very good. They are all Texans, I think. But tonight, the teacher had a real drawl. Now, growing up in Miami, I didn't live around many southerners. Then I met Jody...ha. Well, I learned to love that southern boy and his family. In college, in South Carolina, I made LOTS of southern friends. Sometimes I had to ask for them to spell a particular word they were saying...but I got used to it.

Here in North Dakota, Jody is a rare breed. He opens his mouth and people want to know where he is from. North Dakotans have a distinct accent.

Well, that lady on the video tonight was making these North Dakotan and Minnesotan girls giggle. Which of course made me giggle. I don't know how much they got out of the video tonight. Oh well, the discussion went well.

My MOM is arriving TOMORROW. We are so excited, this is the first time DeeDee has come to visit us.

Monday, October 1, 2007

Pumpkin Patch

In the hay bales, this is my favorite pic.

Hattie among some pumpkins, clutching a "baby" one.

The pumkin pirate, who went to the patch dressed like this, cape and all.
Oops, got caught standing up...that little rascal.

We did get one with Jody too, but it was a little blurry.
I couldn't resist adding this one from LAST year's Papa's Pumpkin Patch trip.


Bismarck has Papa's Pumpkin patch every year. Actually this year marks the 25th year. These people are INGENIOUS. We went yesterday, Sunday, afternoon and there were HUNDREDS of people there. There's a petting farm, a hay bale maze, play areas, slides, and thousands of pumpkins and gourds. They are not overly priced either. We had so much fun picking out the perfect pumpkins and gourds for our fall decorations. Enjoy the pics.

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Silas and the Birds

This is Silas (and our buddy Gordon) in Uganda at about 2 years old holding a "gift" chicken in Uganda.
This is Silas the other day holding a duck Jody and Scott shot


Aren't these funny? Silas just LOVES animals (bugs, birds...whatever.) he always has. Dead OR alive. My mom gave him a cigar box and that has become the feather box, along with one NASTY beak and several crane legs.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Toilet Paper

Hattie is potty trained, but you know the TRAINING actually takes a while.

I've always told Hattie you just take a little bit of toilet paper to wipe. Well, she takes things literally and will use a minuscule piece. So I've been telling her to use a little more to get totally dry.

Well tonight after dinner I went into the bathroom (to use it), I lifted the lid and screamed. Jody came running in, thinking there was like poop all over the bathroom. But actually, it was Hattie using a "little" more toilet paper.

The entire roll (I had JUST put it on that afternoon) was unrolled and stuffed into the toilet. I'm sure she tried to flush. The toilet paper was almost touching the seat. I knew Hattie had done it because she had gone to bathroom during dinner and took a long time in there too. That little stinker.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Its Fixed.

Kids waiting for daddy to come home. (notice Hattie in just her panties)



I am SO happy. Jody got home just a little while ago with the van...all fixed. Come to find out (its not as bad as a loose door, Judith) it was all connected. The dinging was from some low fluid in the master cylinder. The cruise control, airbag light and horn were are b/c of some part in the steering column. Who cares...I'm just excited to get in the car tomorrow and NOT hear the terrible dining.

Tomorrow is a big day. Silas has a field trip to Papa's Pumpkin Patch. (We are going to go as a family this weekend) Jody is going to duck hunt in the AM. I have our first MOPS meeting of the year. Plus week #2 of my University of Mary Bible Study. I've got a huge batch of pumpkin bread in the oven that I'm taking to my 2 events. (But you know I made enough to "sample" tonight, just to make sure I should bring it. )

Monday, September 24, 2007

The Stats

I forgot to post (mainly for the grandparents) how big everyone is getting.

Silas: 39 lbs, 41 in, 50% all around. They didn't measure his head, but its a head just like his cousins. More like a melon. He really has a big head.

Hattie: 24 lbs, 34 in, 3% and 5 % respectively. She's just tiny no matter how you look at it. The Dr said no more juice. She can't have the empty calories when she needs fat from calories so bad. So she's strictly drinking milk. (16-20 oz, which takes ALL day to get in her) SHe's actually doing pretty good with it, every day she says, the doctor say I need to dink MILK.

Luke: 21lbs (15%), 18 7/8 in (90%). So he's not a big guy. And the way he eats, he should be. He eats like a grown man. He ALWAYS, NO EXCEPTION eats more than Silas and Hattie. He loves to eat. He's walking very good now and he babbles all the time.

So, there you have it.

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Sensors

I know that sensors are important. I was just explaining the smoke detectors to Silas the other day. Actually, it was very funny, the bulb in his nightlight blew out and he said that tiny little dot light was his new night light. (its the smoke detector :))

I'm glad God created bodily sensors, like knowing when you need to go to the bathroom or to eat.

For the most part, I appreciate the car sensors. My dad is horrible about wearing his seatbelt, so I love it when the sensor won't quit dinging until he buckles.

But a few months ago a sensor in our Kia van started acting up. At first it was kind of funny. Sharp right turns made the dinging sound (like your keys are in the car and door is open sound). Then it evolved to dinging at even the slightest right turn. (Some of you who have ridden with me are laughing).

To correct it, you could apply the brakes or turn left.

But now its just turned berserk. Most of the time spent in my van, the dinging continues. Only a hard left makes it go off and then if you even hit a rock in the road, the dinging starts back up. It makes me feel like I'm crazy.

The other day, when I got so turned around in downtown Bismarck, the dinging was a large part of my frustration. It gives me a headache. I thought if I knew that cutting a wire or 7 would MAKE IT STOP, I would.

Well, I only have ONE more day for my own car to drive me crazy. Monday Jody has some meetings in Fargo, where the Kia dealership is. I told him he is NOT welcomed home unless the car is not dinging anymore. I don't care if I am cooped up with the kids b/c we can't fit in Jody's jalopy, I want my car to stop being so sensitive.

Ok. Enough. I've made myself laugh at this insanity.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Extinction

Silas always likes to talk about how the dinosaurs are extinct. It got me thinking about other things that are becoming extinct.

The Payphone. I saw the funniest thing the other day in the post office, a big sign over a booth type area saying "Pay Phone" and there was NO phone. Think about it, when was the last time you ever used a pay phone? I tried last year when I was in transit to ND, at the airport with no cell phone. I had a calling card with like 20 units on it and it took like 27 units to dial a number.

Tape players and cassette tapes as well as VHR's and VHS tapes. I'm sure some of you still have and (occasionally) use a VCR, but admit it, they are rare now. Can you even buy them at walmart? Ours broke last year and we didn't even replace it. My mom asked Holly and I if we wanted any of our old family VHS movies. I said no. I have no way to view them.

Letter, via the post office. Now I do occasionally send cards and receive them, but you have to admit, that's fading fast. With email and free long distance...why bother. Now I can hear my dad saying there's nothing that come close to something hand written with a real stamp on it. Thank you notes would go in the category. But just for the record, no one EVER needs to send me a thank you note. A verbal thank you is just fine for me.

Redheads. Did you hear this? By the year 2100 redheads are said to (possibly) be extinct. Click here to read an article about it.

I've been wanting to write this post, but I wanted to take a pic of the empty phone booth. But I keep forgetting to bring my camera. Oh well. Just some food for thought. Can you think of anything else to add to this list?

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

End on a good note



Well, I started my day on a sour note. I pulled out of the garage and backed right into to Jody's car. LOL. I'm laughing b/c there was no damage. But at the time, I screamed, Jody came running out....Oh well.

My day could only go up from there.

My bible study with the girls from University of Mary went great. I had TEN. It was fun. There was even a girl from South Carolina who came. What are the odds of that??

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Another one of "those days"

Well....I've survived this day. What a day.

The kids did fine at the Dr. Hattie has reminded me and anyone she talks to that she got 2 shots today. Silas and Luke each got 4. But after the initial shock, everyone has been fine. Hattie is in the 3% with her weight. The Dr told me to cut out fruit juice all together and just have her drink milk. So, besides announcing her shots, she also kept saying, "the dot-er say I have to dink milk, right mom?"

But I on the other hand...

I don't know what's wrong with me. I have no inner compass, no "map in my head" (as my mother calls it). I've actually learned my way around Bismarck pretty well. I don't know what happened today. But I got SO turned around after the dr. I had the hardest time getting my barrings back. Other factors didn't help, like this train that was NOT MOVING. I was trying to get around it by going over this bridge on a one way street and I ended up going up the WRONG one way street.

I had to get money out of the ATM and I could NOT remember my pin #. I tried 4 times and finally had to use the card that I would be charged $2 for using at the wrong bank machine.

The kids went down for late naps. I had a pile of stuff to get done for MOPS and a ladies dinner we are having on Thursday. I had to switch my dentist appointment, call my friend Stacy and tell her I didn't need her to watch the kids...the list goes on and on.

Then Jody wanted us to come up to the church and help him figure out a new way to arrange things. This girl, Kristi, who has been coming to our church was coming. So we ate pizza and then went to a few places to get some plants and decorations. We rushed home, did not bath OR read books. I heard splashing as I was helping brush teeth and I turned and saw Luke playing in the UNFLUSHED toilet. Ugh. Nasty. You know I screamed. Luke was scared and cried. All that to say, I JUST (9:25pm) got the kids in bed. I'm dreading the morning. Silas has school and I don't want him to be grouchy.

TOmorrow is my first bible study with the girls at U Mary. I'm excited about that. We are starting The Amazing Collection. But that means I HAVE to mop my kitchen by 7pm tomorrow.

Sorry for the rambling on and on, I'm pretty wound tight right now, can you tell???

Monday, September 17, 2007

The Christian BookStore

Silas is SO happy to be back in the swing of Preschool. I'm so glad he enjoys it. Hattie told my dad that she is too little to go to school, she is only 2. I'm glad she sees it that way.

Today, after we dropped Silas off, I went walking with my friend Stacy. Then I took Hattie and Luke to the local christian bookstore, The Rainbow Shop. (Who thought of that name??) I needed to get some door-prizes for this dinner the ladies at our church are hosting.

Luke pooped sometime between buckling him up at the Y and walking into the Rainbow shop. But since I was already in there, I wanted to just get what I needed and go. I tried putting Luke down and that was a terrible idea because he kept bringing me books from the shelves he could reach. Hattie kept coming to me with those dumb trinkets in the kids section. I was frustrated b/c I couldn't think clearly about what I needed. Not ONE employee asked if they could help. I don't think there was another costumer in the store, but there were at least 3 employees.

I left with one of my door prizes. Oh well.

We came home for about an hour. LUke needed a nap and I HAD to fold clothes. Although I don't feel like I did anything worth eternal significance, I did get all my clothes washed and folded. THe kids clothes are all put away too. That leave my own. Jody can put his own away. That's my deal. (I'd say it was our deal, but I didn't really leave room for him to wheel a deal).

Tomorrow I have all 3 kids scheduled for yearly check ups at the Dr. I want to knock it all out in one shot. Ooooh, actually several shots...all the kids are getting shots. But I'm not telling them them until we get to the dr. Silas would never sleep if he knew what was coming. Jody is going with me, Thank you Jesus.

I'll let you know how we fair.

Saturday, September 15, 2007

In your face



Do you see that in each picture there is something on each face? I thought that was funny.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

The Birthday Boy.


Looking at the goats



I've got pics with the kids here at this measuring thing from the last several times we've gone. I just love seeing how they've grown.

More pics to come tomorrow.

We're HOME.

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO relieved to be home. We had a great time in VA and SC. The conference at NGU was wonderful, but its always great to get home, you know??

We flew in around 7pm. The kids went to bed very easily. Tomorrow Silas will have his first day of preschool. I have TONs and TONs of pics to post. I'll start with a few tonight.

Friday, September 7, 2007

Luke's Shoes

For those of you who haven't been around our baby, Luke, let me give you a little background. From the minute he was born, he has been the MOST easygoing, sweet baby ever. He rarely cries. He plays on his own OR with others. He loves to eat more than anything. He's amazing. When my sister, Holly, came to visit in July, she said the only time I hear him cry is when we are at the table and the food isn't coming fast enough for him. Its true.

Well last night was a different story.

We went to eat supper at NGU. Jody and I were speaking at a student function later in the evening. I let Luke get down when I thought he was done and he started crying. I tried to feed him more and he wouldn't eat (VERY unlike him, I'm telling you he eats like a grown man). Jody picked him up and his crying got worse. My mom took him and walked around with him and when she brought him back to me, his cries had escalated to where tears were streaming down his face. After about 15 minute of different ones of us taking turns to try and console him, I took him outside. He had NOT stopped for even a second. He was writhing and throwing his head back and shaking his head NO and waving his hand. I kept trying to give him his pacifier thinking that would calm him and he'd throw it or bat it away.

I took him on a swing (another favorite thing of his to do) and he KEPT crying. I took him to the water fountain, that didn't help. I had resigned to the fact that I would just go home and Jody would speak by-himself. I didn't want my parents to have to deal with him. He was inconsolable. I was to the point of tears myself. NOTHING was working. No cup. No paci. No singing. NOTHING.

I decided to take his clothes off, he was working him self up into a sweat. I took his shoes off and immediately he let out an obvious sigh of relief. Not another tear or whimper.

It was the shoes.

Isn't that terrible? My parents had given Luke a cute little pair of KEDS for his birthday last week. Obviously his little pillow top feet and fat ankles were not comfortable in those shoes.

Thanks to The STEPHENS, we do have a pair he likes. I'm sticking with those for now. Isn't that just awful??

NOTE: Judith Herdklotz, are you in Greenville? I really think I saw Jeff jogging on Wednesday when I was driving a honkin' church van from the grocery store.

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Knobs on the Stove

First of all, sorry to dissapoint, but I don't have any new pictures to attach. I was hoping to attach some from my cousin's beautiful wedding, but they aren't up yet.

But I do have a funny story to tell.

When we were on the way to the wedding, the babysitter called my cousin Ashley and asked her how to turn the stove on. Ashley was shocked. HOw could a 14 year old NOT know how to use a plain old stove? What were our kids going eat?? Why did we leave THIS girl in charge?? We laughed and someone said she has an anceint stove anyway. Maybe the babysitter only has a digital stove at home...that kind of thing.

When we got home, Ashley said, Emily, what so weird about my stove? PAUSE. Emily, did you take the knobs off the stove? Are you playing a trick on me?

Come to find out, when Ashley's mom and our grandmother, Nana came over that morning and made pancakes for all the kids they put the stove knobs in the dishwasher. Boy did we have a good laugh over that one.

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Did you miss me??

Did you miss me? I miss you! I really do miss blogging, but I just haven't sat at the computer until now. (I'm using my dad's and I'm so glad to have an exclamation point for a change!!!) And boy do I have tons to say.

The flights there went very smoothly. The kids were wonderful travelers. I cannot complain at all. I was very proud of them. No melt downs or anything like that. Yay!!

We drove up to Virginia. We visited with my Grama B, who has been in the hospital. It was great to get to see her. She was happy to see the kids too, although they were pretty overwhelming.

Jody got in fine and even got to visit with our friends Mike and Jessica from Bismarck. They are living in Virginia now and they picked him up from the airport.

The wedding was amazing. My cousin, Kaylin, looked like a princess. We stayed with another cousin, Ashley. My kids had lots of kids to play with. Jody and I loved hanging out with my family. It really was FUN.

On our way back to Greenville we attempted some family pics at Holly's house. That was torture. We were road weary...nuf said.

So, we are back in SC now. We have a full schedule this week, but it's be great.

I promise to post some pictures soon.

Monday, August 27, 2007

On our way...again

Well, tomorrow I'm off again. By myself with all 3 kids, we are flying to SC. Jody is coming on Friday. We are going to my cousin's wedding in VA and then we are participating in NGU's global missions conference. We fly out a 8 am and arrive to Greenville around 5pm. I have to change planes twice. One layover is about 2 hours and the other one is only 30. I hope I don't miss that flight. Its going to be a LONG day.

The kids are very excited. Well, Silas and Hattie are. Luke doesn't know what's going on. I'm just hoping and praying for great behavior all day and sanity for me.

My grandmother is still in the hospital but should be going home by the time we get there on Thursday. She had a pacemaker put in today. I don't really know any other details.

Saturday, August 25, 2007

What I didn't know until I had kids

I didn't make this up, my sweet mother-in-law sent it to me and I thought it was cute. I'll try to post some pictures later today or tomorrow, I'm due some new one.

WHAT I DIDN'T KNOW UNTIL I HAD KIDS
-How to open a van door while bobbling 2 lunch boxes, two extra coats, a purse, a diaper bag AND a baby!!!
-Why Mom's say no...and Dad's say Yes!
-That solid white socks get lost in the dryer at a much slower rate than do the mates of patterned socks that go with special outfits!
-That one can never own too many sippy cup lids or refrigerator magnets.
-Scientific names of dinosaurs from A to Z.
-That reverse psychology really works.
-The recipe for a homemade play-doh.
-That Duplo and Lego blocks procreate in the night.
-The distinctive sounds of Cheerios crunching underfoot.
-Why they call them Happy meals.
-How far you can dilute juice and still retain it's taste.
-That man (or child anyway) really can live on peanut butter alone.
-Sesame Street's air time.
-That the more my kids learn, the less I know.
-How little sleep a human body truly need to function.
-How many seconds it takes to microwave 4 fish sticks perfectly.
-Who john Jacob Jingle Heimershmitt is.
-How to change a diaper in the dark, in a parked car, on a standing child, and all of these simultaneously!
-Which lines in The Cat in the Hat and If I Ran the Circus can be skipped over without a child noticing.
-How bright a 3 a.m. full moon is.
-The design marvels of hooded towels.
-Velcro-strap shoes and mitten clips.
-Locations of public restrooms all across town.
-Why anyone would bother retracing their steps for miles just to retrieve a lost blankie or pacifier!
-That tigers live in the trees in our backyard.
-The fine art of vacuuming floor without hosing up a Barbie shoe or a Playmobil cannonball.
-Almost every Disney lyric ever penned.
-How to spell amoxicillin, let alone say it.
-The blessedness of naps, the inviolate importance of routines.
-And the one I wanted to add...How much you could love one human being!!!

Friday, August 24, 2007

"It's not lookin good for the home team"

That's what Jody just said as we are watching this terrible guy movie, "The Marine". I've lost count of how many HUGE explosions there's been as well as how many different weapons and forces of brute strength.

Ok the home team just won. Whew. That'd be just pointless if they didn't. Don't watch it, ever, unless your husband is just in the mood for guy movie and its his turn to pick.

My 93 yr old grandmother was admitted to the hospital tonight. When I just talked to my parents, they couldn't really say why she's in the hospital. Possibly a stroke. We are supposed to visit her and stay with her next week. Now I just wish I could get there faster.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Weather

You know, when you don't have much to talk about, you can always talk about the weather. Since I've been quarantined with the kids, I really haven't had much interesting happen to me.

But the weather...did you notice it on the side of the blog??? Jody and I have decided its the coldest days in August we have ever experienced. I had the kids in long-sleeves playing outside today. Weird.

So Silas is OBSESSED with bugs. He's really good at catching them. Like he catches flies so easily. We have a lot of crickets here and they seem to be easy to catch. Not that I've tried, but I've watched Silas. Currently we have a bug cage, a big plastic container and a small baby food jar with different bugs in them. My point is, its not too bad. It doesn't freak me out or anything. I kind of like having a bug catcher around.

Today, while were outside, Silas caught a big cricket. I think the cricket was in its last fraction of life because it wasn't really moving like they usually do. But Silas was convinced "Striper" was his best friend and just loved being around him so much, that's why he wasn't trying to get away. Silas thought he was teaching it tricks and everything. I heard him saying, Striper, you are my best friend. It was very funny. Striper is currently residing in one of the "houses" in Silas's room. If he's dead in the morning, I'm afraid we are going to have tears.

Bugs in the cages and outside are fine, but BUGS IN THE CORN...ugh. As I was shucking some corn tonight for dinner, I saw a rather large worm burrow into the bottom of the corn. I threw the corn, shrieked and ran away. Jody came running to see what was wrong. I made him shuck the rest of the corn.

The thing is, it gives me the willies. It grosses me out. It reminds me of everyday occurances in Uganda. We had bugs in our vegetables a lot. We ate bugs (which is VERY different, VERY delicious, trust me) We had worms burrow in our skin. But living in the US, I don't want to see bugs in my food.

Ok, so I guess I did have more to talk about than the weather.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

My Beef with Pampered Chef

I love pampered chef. I love the garlic press, the mini spatula (which finally broke), stoneware, and many other things.

But here's my annoyance. That little metal thing that holds the large round stone is such a nuisance to store. If you store it under the stone in a lower cabinet you have to practically sit down to grab it with both hands. If you store it in an upright cabinet, its so awkward, it gets stuck under other cookie sheets and things.

Do you get what I'm saying? Or am I doing something wrong? All I know is I want to throw it across the room when I can't get it to cooperate.

In other news, Hattie has some "highly infectious" cold sore virus. Poor thing. She has more than 10 sores of different sizes all inside her mouth, lips and throat. She cries when she eats and drinks. She has a hard time falling asleep. She can't suck on her paci (which is a good thing). She is EXTREMELY fussy, I want to put her in a closet at various times throughout the day. I took her to the dr today. The dr said she had had another 2 yr old in today with the same symptoms. The dr doesn't think its hand/foot/mouth because there are no other symptoms or fever. Nothing can be done. As long as she has sores, she is contagious. So, we are stuck inside until she gets better. No YMCA, no other contact with kids. I am praying no one else gets this or I may go stir crazy by Friday.

Monday, August 20, 2007

The House

Ok. I will never win a prize for the perfect house. It will be clean. I love to do toilets. I love cleaning with a toothbrush. But organized I am not. Even when I clean my kitchen, there is usually an area or a pile that gets neglected. As soon as I pick up the living room and am proud of the way it looks, it "magically" looks terrible again. I don't know why. I hate it.

But I am reading this little book: Organize You Home and Family by Sandra Felton. She gave me a few good excuses.

  1. Houses have gotten larger. In 1953 the average residential space was 335. In 2002 the average was 2,250.
  2. We buy more products. Then we have to put our treasures away. We have traded leisure time for things.
  3. We have adopted a higher standard of cleanliness. We have appliances and indoor plumbing, yes, but they have not lessened the amount of time we need to spend keeping the chores going.
  4. TV and computer. Need I even comment??
  5. Mom takes up the slack in what used to be done for her. For example: milk delivery, doctor's house calls, affordable household workers/repairmen, etc.
Clothes used to be worn over and over and now we just throw them in the dirty clothes instead of hanging them up. Just to have to wash them, fold them and put them away. (Which, btw, putting clothes away is my least favorite chore. I have 2 baskets FULL I need to get in drawers today. And I won't tell you how long they have been in the baskets.)

Anyways, I'm working thru the book, but I found it very interesting. Another main point she is going to hammer out is what she calls the greatest untapped resource in the home: KIDS. Makes me kind of jealous of those who have more resources than I do. :)

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Saturday...in the house...

You know that oldie, Saturday...in the park...I think it was the 4th of July.......that's what has been stuck in my head today.

What is it about overcast days that make you not want to do much?? I don't know, but its like the greatest excuse to sit around. That's what we did today. I made Zucchini and Flaxseed bread. That's about all.

Oh, I did leave the house, after the kids were in bed. I had to go to Walmart and get milk for in the morning. I know, I'm pathetic. But actually, its rather refreshing to go to Walmart all by myself.

Now for some great news....drum roll please....my super great friend Stacy has started a blog. Check out her debut entry here and leave her tons of comments.

I am ready this book on organizing your home and family. Next post I have some VERY interesting things to tell you about WHY I am so unorganized. Mom, I know you are a dying to know.

Friday, August 17, 2007

2 things

So I have 2 things that I wanted to blog about today. I would post-pone one, but knowing me, I wouldn't be able to remember what the other one was by tomorrow.

I was reading PARENTS magazine this morning and I found a $5 coupon when you order diapers online. The prices are a little cheaper than getting them from the store and its free shipping when your order is over $50. So, I ordered. Then they said that if I would refer people, they not only got the first time order of $5 off, but I would get $1 for each order that put my refferal (sp??) down. If you do order, go here and put in EMJEN when it asks for an REF.

The second thing is a recipe I tried tonight for dinner. It was great. My friend Megan had given me some refrigerated pie crust recently and I don't really make pies. When I saw this recipe called for refrigerated pie crust, I had to give it a try. I added a few of my own improvements.

Cheeseburger-and-fries Pies
-Fries (the recipe calls for 2 - 4.25 oz micro fries. I didn't have those, I just cut up 4 small potatoes and baked them in the oven for about 20 minutes with a little salt and olive oil)
-1 T of veg oil
-1 small onion diced
-1+ tsp of minced garlic
-1/2 lb lean gr beef
-1/2 tsp salt
-1/2 ketchup
-1/4 c chicken (or beef) broth
-2 pie crusts (one package has 2)
-2 T of chopped pickles
-8 slices of cheddar or american cheese

Heat oven to 400. Prepare fries, cut into bite size pieces. Heat oil in pan and sautee onions and garlic. Add meat and salt. Breaking the meat up as it cooks. Stir in ketchup and broth, cook 3 minutes. Stir in fries and cool about 5 min. Roll out pie crust and cut each one into 4 pieces. Spoon filling into each section, add pickles and cheese, pinch up the sides. Bake on a baking sheet 15-20 min.

Anyways, my picky kids LOVED it and so did Jody.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

This week

Ok, so this isn't the BEST pic, but it's funny. I look pregnant (WHICH I AM NOT), Luke looks hungry (which he probably was) , Hattie looks out of it, Silas looks silly and Jody looks kind of stiff. BUt its a good view of the entry of our house and about as good as it gets when my ADHD dad was taking the picture.

We've had a busy week.

Silas and Hattie have been having swimming lessons at the YMCA. Hattie looks half the size of the other kids that were in her class. But she did SO good. You'd be impressed seeing such a little thing keeping her head out of the water, doggy paddling around. She did have a flotation thing buckled to her, don't worry. Silas's swimming skills are really improving too.

Then Mon-Wed evenings, Silas went with his buddies, Gage and Emma, to Bible school. They made really cool tye-died (is that the right spelling?) t-shirts.

Tonight the library had the end of summer reading program bash. We waited in this line for like 45 minutes for balloon animals. Whew. The funniest part was Silas was so excited that everytime the lady in front of him took a minuscule step, he would get right up close to her. At his height, his nose was right at her butt. We tried to get him to back up, but its like he was afraid he would lose his spot.

So, sorry for the little hiatus. I have missed blogging this week.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

My Dad

My dad came to visit us this weekend. He met Jody at the Sturgis Bike Rally and then came with Jody to Bismarck afterwards. It has been SO great to have "Pa" (as the grandkids call him) here.

Not only has it been fun to sit and talk and laugh and play. But my dad and Jody took on a HUGE task.

Let me preface this with our house has 4 bedrooms and one bath. The second bath is pre-plumbed, but not finished AT ALL. As of this afternoon, we are a 4 bedroom 2 bath house. Yay....

They have worked so hard setting the tub and toilet and vanity. Drywalling. Laying the lanolium. Framing the door.

I am SO proud and SO happy.

I gave the kids their bath in the new bathroom. Its right across the hall from their rooms down stairs. They were so excited. Hattie kept saying "dis our NEW bathroom".

So, I just wanted to tell you all our wonderful news. Can you tell I am SO excited??

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Pictures




Store Brands

I am all about saving money. I'm, for the most part, not brand loyal. Ziplock bags, wipes, olive oil, butter, condensed soups...the store brand is good enough. Really whatever is cheaper, on sale or just plain better deal is what I buy.

Well, I've been using this store brand dishwashing detergent. And I've noticed my dishes are just looking dull and sometimes not getting clean. Especially the silverware (not real silver) has just been looking BAD. I finished up the off brand stuff and had a bottle of Cascade that I had gotten on sale at CVS. (Which, by the way, tends to put name-brand stuff on sale often). When I opened the dishwasher, I immediately noticed how shiny and clean everything looked.

I thought, did I wash on a different cycle? No. The only thing I did differently was change detergents. So now I'm wondering, is it THAT much better?

Anybody got any opinions on this? Not just dishwashing detergent, but do you have any store brand/real thing preferences?

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

MeMe

My friend Melinda tagged me for 5 Things I Love about Jesus. This is a no-brainer.

  1. He is personal - He's not a god who is unrelated to my life. At every stage, I can depend on Him to meet my needs. He knows my name and everything about me.
  2. He is patient - So unlike me, I am reminded at how patient he is with me when I mess up. The example I need to have patience with my kids is always right in front of me.
  3. He is creative - Even among children of the same parents, each one is totally different. I love the little song "Look all the world over there's no one like me". The different animals and plant and weather patterns and geographical places. Amazing.
  4. He loves everyone - no matter where a person comes from or looks like or acts like, Jesus loves every person.
  5. He is available - I never get a busy signal or out of the office message. I can always depend on Jesus.
So, for this one, I want to tag Judith, Karen, Jed, and Peggy.