Time for Mocha...

First Travel Meet

2012-01-29T21:00:00.000-06:00

Last weekend we traveled as a family to Little Gymnast's first "away" meet. We decided it would be fun to spend a weekend together in Indianapolis a few weeks prior to the Superbowl.

Much to Little Dude's delight, our 17th floor hotel room overlooked Lucas Oil Field. He pronounced it, "The best room ever!" He also suggested that we ought to just live in that hotel room forever! Who wouldn't want a great view, a pool,an amazing workout room and a maid everyday? I think he is on to something...

Runner Boy and Little Dude settled right in.

Runner Boy decided to photo bomb our picture...

We were at a gymnastics meet when a track meet broke out...she's got quite a kick at the end of a sprint. Clearly she needed to work out some energy after we arrived in Indy.

We had time to explore the hotel, downtown and a lovely church before competition...

It's important to nourish yourself properly prior to competition. So she perched on a stool overlooking the $tarbuck's barista waiting for her chocolate milk.

With so many gymnasts at the meet, we had great opportunities to watch different levels compete, cheer on her teammates and meet new friends.

Little Gymnast was so excited to see her beloved Aunt & Uncle there, too.

Every time she goes out to compete, we ask her to do two things:
1) do your best
2) have fun

She did both of those things in Indy. We are proud of your effort, your medals and your sportsmanship!

Little Dude, you are now part of the fraternity of brothers who have endured such competition!

Your sister will have to attend your activities with grace...she owes you one!

monster

2012-01-03T21:07:00.000-06:00

wpclipart.com

It appears the green-eyed monster has moved in. He reared his ugly head briefly this morning and then showed up tonight.

Little Dude had his room painted and his bed was lofted over the Christmas break. This morning Older sister said, "Daddy, I am mad. Little Dude has a better bed than me...now Neighbor Pal will like his bed the BEST!"

After reading our Bible story up in the loft tonight, Older Sister climbed down from the loft and said over her shoulder....

"Have a good time in the FUN bed that I DON'T have!...I mean...I am really grateful for the bed I have...but I wish I had his...but I am thankful..." (Note tug of good and evil in this sentence...)

the Monster roars softly...

2012-01-02T22:09:00.000-06:00

As we begin 2012...it is time to take a moment or two to look back on 2011...

January 2011...the Packers won the Super Bowl and Bucky...did not fare so well at the Rose Bowl...come to think of it...Bucky didn't do so well in 2012 at the Rose Bowl either...

February...a Valentine Princess...

March...2011 was a bad year to be a crocus

April...blowing bubbles on Easter...

...always wear "eye black" while coloring eggs...you never know when a football game will break out...

May...hockey?!

June 2011...training for the Tour de Tundra starts young...

July...the birthday boy celebrates with a cowboy party...

August...summer comes to an end and school is on the horizon...little dude is thrilled...

September...celebrating her birthday with a family night...

October...a cute kitty gets to trick or treat with *Charles Woodson*!

We celebrated Turkey Day with our family and K got to go down the slide with her littlest cousin...

December 2011...after watching HGTV, they decorated their own gingerbread houses.

So thankful for the blessings of 2011...grateful to God...shaped by the challenges of the year past.

On to 2012...

Gotcha Day!

2012-01-02T20:55:00.000-06:00

There are few days in our lives that can be as special as the arrival of a child. Regardless of the way a child joins a family, it is an amazing, life-changing experience. Little Gymnast joined our family in December of 2005. One thing that I particularly cherish about that day is that we were able to share it with three other families. We all had precious girls placed in our arms that day. We shared the joy, wiped tears from little eyes, tried to get their little lips to turn to a smile, and took many pictures. Each of us started a journey to a little girl from a different place and we all ended the paper chase that day.

We have a tradition of Runner Boy taking a photo with our little girl on the anniversary of that Day...

Gotcha Day 2006 and 2007 photos appear to be an a file that I have temporarily misplaced...oops:

So imagine pictures of cute guy and little kid here....I gotta find that file.

Gotcha Day 2008...it was snowing that day...

Gotcha Day 2009...in our new house...

Gotcha Day 2010...

Gotcha Day 2011...

As she grows older, her thoughts about her history will evolve. May she come to a deep understanding of the depth of our love and of her heavenly Father.

Gotcha Day is a day to celebrate her adoption into our family and the gift that she is to our family.

pre occupied

2011-10-22T21:51:00.000-05:00

Dear Occupy Wall Street People,

I have been thinking about some different things that you could occupy...besides private parks and protests around the country. I'll start with simple ideas and then try to take suggestions to the next level.

1) A job. These are rewarding activities that pay you. Apparently there is a shortage of these, so if you don't find one, try starting a business. Occupy the end of a dog leash, lawnmower, snow plow (snow is coming soon), or just think up your own idea. Steve Jobs started one and it worked out well for him. Don't give up if the first one fails either. Also, you can have more than one business if necessary. If it freaks you out to work for a large corporation, stick with something small.

2) A volunteer position. Take that energy used to protest and actively make the world a better place. If you put that protest sign down and picked up a paint brush, gathered donations or sat with a family in a trauma center, then you would be making an immediate difference in the world around you. Food pantries, hospitals, Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross, rescue missions, humane societies~they are all looking for help. You would feel better about yourself, too. Maybe then you wouldn't be so angry about your life...you would realize some people have it worse than you.

3) The library. Start reading. It's been said you'll be the same person in 5 years except for the people you know and the books you read. Read the country's founding fathers, classic Greek literature or something about really successful people who started from nothing or a biography or two. Libraries are free, too.

4) A shower. Some of you need to clean up. It's hard to respect people who don't appreciate the cleaning power shampoo. Don't worry, people won't mistake you for a successful banker if you are clean.

5) A music class. Clearly you drummers were not members of any quality marching band nor were you the top of your percussion section in school.

6) Etiquette class. When you take over other individual private property, leave a mess behind you, shout at people, disrupt people's daily lives, you are perceived as rude. If you can't afford a class (because you don't have #1), then go to #3.

7) Go on a retreat...by yourself. Ask yourself the following question: do I want to be remembered because I sat down and occupied or because I got up and did something that actively changed the lives of those in need around me?

Meet Prep...

2011-10-01T20:39:00.000-05:00

Leotard, warm up pants, team jersey, hair scrunchy, comb, bobby pins, hair bands, water bottle, organic chocolate milk, apple, cheesy crackers, hair spray...

...and nerves of steel...

...and guts...

...and little cute smiles...

ready, set, go Team go!!!

you are seven

2011-09-18T22:55:00.001-05:00

i can't believe it. seven. weren't you just 15 months old? you had a toothy grin, chapped round cheeks and a wispy comb over. i was overwhelmed by the miracle of becoming your mother. i am overjoyed to be your mother.

favorites of being seven:

color: red
thing to do on a birthday: open presents
thing to do most days: hide in the fort you made in the closet to read & play
sports: gymnastics and ice skating
foods: croutons and jiao zi (dumplings)
place to travel: go to China
animals: hamsters, bunnies, dogs
princess: Sleeping Beauty
holiday: Christmas
song: "Savior He Can Move the Mountains...He is Mighty to Save"

you have:
lost 3 teeth and had one extracted

you want to be:
a doctor

you want:
4 kids

you think:
everything should end with a round-off, back handspring...including sentences and meals

Project Thankful Day 15

2011-08-29T22:46:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for her. She is my baby girl. She starts 1st grade tomorrow.

How bittersweet.

She was a delightful toddler. She is wonderful, enthusiastic and sensitive. Time goes by so fast...

Project Thankful Day 14

2011-08-20T16:29:00.000-05:00

Today, I am thankful for my garden. So fun to see things start as seeds and mature into amazing flowers...

Project Thankful Day 13

2011-08-19T21:28:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for Fridays...after work we sat down to enjoy a little preseason football...

Little Dude was all about watching the Packers. They could use him on the left side of the offensive line right now...

Sissy, on the other hand, was determined to conquer her back walkover tonight. She practiced and practiced and practiced...

Much to her delight, she got it!

Now on to the front walk over...

Project Thankful Day 12

2011-07-27T21:54:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for our family. We have been able to see several members of Runner Boy's side of the family this summer. Our kids have loved the chance to see everyone and spend time together.

This is a handmade tea set that Kate received from Auntie R. She is in love with it and has been playing with it and guarding it with her life.

Would you like a slice of lemon with your tea?

Uncle K made this for Sam. Sam is very proud to be one of the only 5 year olds in the country with a handmade airplane from his uncle. (I secretly think his uncle is nurturing a love of airplane in his young nephew.) Sam's new plane has been flying all over the house and even "landed" at the neighbor's for awhile.

Auntie R and Uncle K are 2 very gifted, talented, creative, encouraging people. I love having them visit because I am always encouraged and energized to work on our home and be creative after being around them.

Kate cried for along time when she realized their visit was coming to an end. She is now planning on using Skype, FB, texting, phone calls, e-mails and letters to keep in touch with her Aunt...

Project Thankful Day 11

2011-07-19T22:12:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for beautiful, wide-open spaces. I love these rustic, beautiful, old ranches.

Westcliffe, Colorado.

Project Thankful Day 10

2011-07-17T22:35:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for my first white water rafting adventure...and that I survived it!

First, there was Julie, our guide. I like Julie. She's strong. She's got guts, too.

There were 7 of us to start with.

Please note...no husband or children were involved in this adventure. The husband does not find this type of thing thrilling. The children were not allowed.

Julie told us what to do. Her goal was to keep us in the raft. That was our goal, too.

These rapids were amazing and heart stopping...

I am not sure I have ever had so much fun...

This is our raft heading into the "Three Rocks" rapid...

About this time it became evident that we were not all going to stay in the raft. We failed to obtain our goal. If you look close, you will see random oars in the rapids. There were people attached to them~the people were no longer in the raft.

This is Julie and I clinging to the raft (she was my best friend at this point). Shortly after this picture was taken, Julie was also dislodged from the raft. What a lonely feeling to be the only soul clinging to a raft. This is when the prayers began going heaven-ward.

Alas, we were all reunited on the bank of the Arkansas River...2 swam to shore...5 were picked up by other rafts.

We retooled our team, I got a splash jacket to keep warmer...and we headed back out again for another 7 miles of fun.

Fun...

Fast...

Wet...

Great memories...new friends...Arkansas River Tours...

Project Thankful Day 9

2011-06-22T16:58:00.000-05:00

today I am thankful for dreams.

when you're a kid, it's easy to dream.

my little dude wants to be like *Andy Schleck*. he was second in the tour de france last year. he is an amazing biking machine, especially in the mountains.

in little dude's mind, he really thinks his dreams can be attained.

i still have dreams, too. i find it easier to give up on mine, however. there are many reasons to give up on dreams, many of them are legitimate. unfortunately, i think i think i give up too easily.

little dude still believes he has options. to be a bike racer, football player, hockey goalie, race car driver or to be just like his daddy.

sometimes i forget there are options...different ways to fulfill dreams that seem elusive. while the realization of those dreams may not be exactly as I had pictured in my mind, they may be better, richer, or deeper.

options. creativity. resources.

my kids don't give up easily when they want something. they go at it from many angles, ask for help, persist, hammer away...

so that some day...

this...

may be one of these...

Project Thankful Day 8

2011-06-19T23:00:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for him. Daddy.

He loves, plays, teaches, coaches, explains, kisses, encourages, guides, tickles and hugs like no one.

My kids are blessed beyond measure.

I am proud of their Daddy!

Project Thankful Day 7

2011-06-15T22:47:00.000-05:00

Growth

It started out as a dry sunflower seed. Bird food. A delicious snack after roasting.

Look at it now. It's been growing since older daughter planted it and checked it's growth each day.

It survived being dropped and a dry spell or two.

Yesterday we transplanted it in a special place in the yard. Both kids gave it a deep drink of cool water.

Growth is miraculous. Whether in a plant or in my own life, it's amazing to see the changes.

Like oldest daughter, I often check my life day to day to see if there is positive growth. Am I more loving, more confident, more patient, more creative, more, more, more?

Yet, if I read journals from years ago there have been many changes.

growth is slow

growth endures drought, winter, pruning and the warm sun

growth transforms a dried out snack into a glorious flower

Lord Stanley's Cup

2011-06-15T22:06:00.000-05:00

"When I gwow up, I whanna be a weal hockey player."

Project Thankful Day 6

2011-06-10T20:47:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for this:

I am thankful for my "cleaning crew", but today it's about the car.

Actually, it's a little worn out, scratched and makes strange noises.

Its value goes beyond getting us from point A to B.

It is a reminder that I am not what I drive. (Although I do feel worn out and scratched.)

It's the first car we got when I finished school and got "The Job". I was so proud of it.

But, it's not me. It doesn't define me, my success or my value. Sometimes I find it hard to separate my material goods with measuring my value and level of success.

If only I had a new one...after all, I have a good job...don't I deserve it?

Or, is it better to remember there are people in the world with real needs...who are made in the image of God and live in deplorable conditions.

I am thankful I have a car. A ~~new~~ used one will come in the future, but in the meantime, I need to remember to be thankful for it.

And I am very thankful for my pit crew.

Project Thankful Day 5

2011-06-08T20:23:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for this:

beauty

Project Thankful Day 4

2011-06-07T06:00:00.002-05:00

I am thankful for cookies.

I made them with my kids.

They are good cooks.

They are messy, too.

Project Thankful Day 3

2011-06-06T15:22:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for running shoes.

They have represented training, tears, triumph and achieving a goal.

They also remind me not to run from my Father.

They remind me to run The Race set before me.

They remind me to run to Him.

Project Thankful Day 2

2011-06-04T22:36:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for him.

Loves: football, water, NASCAR, his Daddy, watermelon, bike rides,

Dislikes: being "interwupted", things that "take toooooo long", vegetables (except carrots), being hungry, taking naps.

Project Thankful Day 1

2011-06-04T22:15:00.000-05:00

I am so thankful for her...

She is my twirly - girly!

Under Construction

2011-06-03T21:51:00.000-05:00

Just call him *Bob*the*Builder!

Memories...

2011-06-03T21:48:00.000-05:00

I love flowers. I love our family.

These flower came from my in-laws' yard before they sold their home.

They bring back happy memories.

I love that my yard can create memories each day...and remind me of my family.

Easter fashion & fun...

2011-04-25T09:17:00.000-05:00

This year she picked out her own dress...

...and his shirt...

Thanks to our special neighbor, they had a great egg hunt with their good pals!

Eggstravaganza

2011-04-25T09:07:00.000-05:00

This year 27 eggs were were the canvas for my 2 little artists...
Sam decided to play football after he was done...please note the "eye black". If you would like duplicate the eye black look, use painter's tape.

K could not put enough sparkles on this egg:

Here is an overview of her work:

Runner Boy likes to surprise me with flowers...he's now teaching our little dude the value of flowers for the ladies. They brought me flowers recently that the little dude picked out.

They brightened my day and my kitchen. Thanks boys!

April Hail Brings May...

2011-04-03T20:39:00.000-05:00

I was so excited earlier in the week when the crocus bulbs began to bloom.

Then the hail came.

I am sad.

So are the flowers.

I really thought we were done with frozen precipitation.

Really.

Sands of time...

2011-03-30T21:56:00.002-05:00

I loved this clock in the Boston Public Library...

This library is more than books~it is full of beautiful architectural details, art, stone work and interesting people. ...I could spend days there...

Old Boston Church...

2011-03-30T21:35:00.007-05:00

I love Boston...

I love old Churches..

the stone...

the glass...

the wood...

...the craftsmanship...

remembering the One who I worship.

Hark the Herald Angels Sing!

2010-12-28T21:43:00.003-06:00

Our home has been invaded by angel-children.

their halos act as night lights.

Christmas Trees and Holidays

2010-12-27T22:13:00.003-06:00

We have an annual tradition of going and cutting down our Christmas tree...

We have to find the perfect one first.

This means going up and down the fields of the Christmas tree farm to find the PERFECT evergreen...

Then after every tree has been examined, Daddy cuts in down.

And the kids "help" him drag it to the shed to be paid for, shook and baled.

We dream of hot chocolate with marshmallows.

And wish everyone a Happy New Year!

turkey thoughts

2010-11-30T22:34:00.002-06:00

Our little guy desperately wanted to see the turkey before we roasted it.

He begged to see the turkey...shamelessly.

So, I called him to the kitchen when I took the bird out of the refrigerator and removed the wrapper. He stared in disbelief.

"Where's his head?" he asked.

"Ah, well he doesn't have one anymore," I replied.

"Where's da legs?" he inquired.

I pointed them out on the bird...along with the wings. (The gizard, heart and various other bagged body parts were already in the trash.)

He was clearly troubled.

"I don't like turkey," he said. He spun around and walked away.

home made goodness

2010-11-26T20:55:00.002-06:00

mix and measure some of this...

then get the candy thermometer...

to make sure it's just the correct temperature...beat thoroughly...add peppermint extract and you will have..

home made peppermint marshmallows.

make a rich cup of hot chocolate

drop in a few marshmallows

sit back

relax

yum

heard on the street...

2010-11-25T21:55:00.002-06:00

Scene: 4 year old son sitting next to Daddy as Daddy is talking...

4 year old son says, "Daddy, I was listening, but I didn't hear you..."

Giving

2010-11-18T21:46:00.003-06:00

Kate has become very passionate about giving.

She has been saving the money she has been given or earned since she was about 3 years old.

(Sidebar: She is on straight commission at home: if she does her jobs, she gets paid at the end of the week. If she doesn't do her jobs, she does not get paid. There are basic jobs you are required to do if you live at our house, then there are the jobs you can do to earn coin. We believe it's important to learn the value of work at a young age...so we started the commission plan earlier this summer. No entitlements at this house.)

Sunday she reminded me we needed to take some money out of her bank to send to Chinese orphans. We had been talking about where she might want to give some of her money, and she chose the children of China.

As we took the money out of her banks, a look of panic spread across her face. She then asked, "I don't know how to count in the millions, how will I count my money?" I assured her that I could count high enough to figure out how much cash she has on hand.

We counted the all of it (less than $1 million dollars on hand) and then divided it into 3 piles. The first pile is for giving. This will be going to support her passion. The second pile is for saving. The third pile is for spending. She can use this to purchase things she wants and to learn how money works.

While she doesn't completely understand the system yet, she certainly is excited about sharing what she's earned. She also was very excited to take her own money and buy her own *Silly*Bands*. I didn't personally love the idea of buying rubber bands with her hard earned cash, but it's not my money. It's hers and it's part of her education...that is priceless.

I am proud of her giving heart and hope it only becomes more compassionate over time.

Busy week for Kate...

2010-10-12T21:56:00.002-05:00

This girl has her hands full with school this week...she's been assigned a variety of jobs.

Monday: special helper to the teacher
Tuesday: attendance keeper
Wednesday: custodian (when questioned she is to "dust and stuff")
Thursday: the meteorologist
Friday: the librarian

Being a kindergartner is a not for the faint of heart.

A Wild Night!

2010-08-30T22:04:00.002-05:00

Before school started, the kids begged us to have a "camp out" in the family room. They had a wonderful time rolling out their sleeping bags and setting up "camp". Then the pillows came out and it was all out war...

Daddy was the target of choice through most of the battle...

Both kids gave it their best effort, but ultimately Sam came out as the champ...

He won the official "Whack-a-Mole Pillow Fight Trophy"...and he was proud of it!!!

First Day of School...

2010-08-29T22:19:00.006-05:00

We were so excited about our first day of school...

It's best to start out with a little yogurt....

...then maybe a bowl of cholesterol reducing oat rings...they say it's key to start with a good breakfast...

...after picking out their clothes, they pose for a few pictures. That's glitter girl and football boy...

Then it's off for her first day in kindergarten. Runner Boy took her...I think I would have cried too hard. I am happy for her, but the years have gone by so quickly! I try to enjoy the days, but sometimes I wish I could just slow time down a little...

She looks a little old in this picture, but she insisted on having "curly hair" for her first day.

Her teacher is a delight and she has an adorable classroom...

...just down the hall will be this guy...from a little 4 lb 15 oz baby, he is now heavier than his sister...and planning on playing football "on t.v."

They had a great first day at school...She even got a "medal" for surviving her first day of kindergarten!

...tomorrow we start our first full week of school...

Is he?

2010-08-27T22:48:00.002-05:00

Could he?

Is it possible?

That he may be a...

HOARDER?

and proud of it?

camp out

2010-08-20T21:42:00.002-05:00

"we" have been looking forward to this all week...

the friday night "camp out" in the family room.

we had pizza (a common camp food), s'mores and a pillow fight...

as we were having our pillow battle, sam said, "momma, you are the coach of the pillow fighters."

he then told kate, "you are part of the girls who straighten up the sleeping bags after the fight."

sam then proclaimed himself "da winner of da pillow fight"...we'll reveal the trophy soon.

it's better than the heisman trophy or lord stanley's cup...trust me...

Another One Bites the Dust...

2010-08-17T20:37:00.003-05:00

Another one of Kate's pets has perished.

Matthew the V is no longer with us.

He joined our family last week after coming home from the farm stand on an ear of corn.

He was a 1.5 inch long and a lovely shade of green.

I think he was some sort of pest that ruins corn crops, but Kate loved him the minute she laid eyes on him.

She scooped him up, put him into a left over Chinese take out container and gave him leaves, sticks and rocks to climb on.

He was loved while he lasted. We left him in his cozy container on the kitchen island one night.

The next morning we found the container laying on the floor...Matthew the V was missing.

Gone...

Our kitty, Pascal, tried to look aloof and innocent.

R.I.P. Matthew the V

Training Camp

2010-08-16T22:12:00.002-05:00

I am a Packer fan. I grew up on them and regardless of where we have lived in the U.S., I have remained a true fan. This year we had a chance to go to the annual preseason scrimmage and get a close look at the players.

This is Runner Boy's favorite player...he's an alum of R.B.'s university. This is Jordy Nelson:

Sam loved this sign. Where else do they tell you to "...use your outside voice?"

This is what we lovingly call, "Packer Nation"....

This is Runner Boy and Bart Starr...

My 3 favorite Packer fans...

Deep Thoughts by a 5 Year Old...

2010-08-03T20:49:00.003-05:00

Kate & I were flying home from a wonderful reunion with her "China Sisters" this weekend when she grew somewhat thoughtful and introspective.

She was gazing out the window of our plane at the small, puffy clouds below when she asked, "Mom, is Jesus in those clouds? Do you think He'll fall out of the clouds?"

Me: "No, I don't think he's in those specific clouds...are you thinking that's where heaven is?

K: "Yes, is that heaven?" she asks in a quizzical voice.

Me: "Ahhh, that's not heaven...it's probably up higher than those clouds." (I am wondering how to explain this to a 5 1/2 year old.)

K: "When do we go to heaven?"

Me: "Well, after a person dies."

K: "How do you get there? I mean there's no rock walls, ladders or anything to climb up there?"

Me: "Ahhh, well, ahhh...it's kinda complicated..."

Thankfully she changed the subject...

jiao zi

2010-07-20T22:26:00.006-05:00

i went to China in may. i miss it. i saw and experienced more than i imagined. i

i am still processing.

i want to go back.

one night i went to my friends' family home and we made jiao zi (dumplings). they were fantastic.

the best part of the day wasn't the food, it was the time spent with 3 generations of a family making them. what a privilege to spend time in their home, cook side by side, laugh in different languages and share a meal.

making the dough seems to take the most time...it is rolled out into 3 inch circles...

the filling for these jiao zi was made of ground pork with egg and seasonings...

these are the beautiful hands of an elderly Chinese woman...she has made thousands of jiao zi, seen the dramatic changes of her homeland, and has a lifetime of stories...

it takes practice to make the jiao zi...

i ate about half of these...

to be continued...

the news

2010-07-13T23:08:00.003-05:00

okay, so Runner Boy hates the news. i enjoy the news...most of the time.

tonight was the perfect example of why Runner Boy hates the news.

there was a story about sun screen. the dangers of sunscreen. why? because some brands contain forms of vitamin A which can intensify some of the sun's dangerous effects. some brands contain oxybenzone--a chemical which can disrupt hormones.

so, some sun screens are DANGEROUS.

then, the reporter went to the local medical school/teaching hospital to talk to one of the experts. the doctor notes that some of the science behind concerns over sunscreen is sketchy. therefore, he would recommend DAILY use of sun screen to protect skin from the harmful effects of the sun.

now we know that sun screen is DANGEROUS and that it should be used DAILY.

that's why runner boy hates the news.

growing up...

2010-07-05T22:16:00.003-05:00

Kate: "Momma, when I grow up will I have big hips?"

Me: "Huh?"

Kate: "When I grow up will I have big hips...like you?"

Me: "Do you think I have big hips Kate?"

Kate: "Yes"

...ouch...

baseball!

2010-06-15T21:57:00.006-05:00

kate & sam went to their first baseball game this past weekend...sam was fascinated by the whole experience. this is the little league park next to the stadium:
before the game started we enjoyed a great tailgate party, played games (yup, we brought the card table and the deluxe scrabble board), played on the playground and watched the home team get pummeled...

and we ate...sam was serious about his hot dog...

kate just hung around...

a great day...

...a beautiful ball park...

...and many more games in our future...

school is out

2010-06-09T21:55:00.003-05:00

they are looking forward to summer and fun adventures...

she promised she would not be afraid...

she kept her promise...

i wonder if she will love horses like i do...

the revolving pet door...

2010-06-09T20:54:00.003-05:00

...new day...new pet...

we have a new earth worm today. "her" name is Alia.

Alia replaced our ants...they met an untimely death when grandma accidently threw them away thinking their container was just some dirt.

the good news is that our yard is a never ending source of pets.

the circle of life...

more pets

2010-06-07T23:12:00.002-05:00

since the passing of "Lilly Matthew" we have had several other pets.

we had a roly-poly bug by the name of "Lillybelle Matthew". she escaped yesterday at the playground. kate's buddy "B" felt so bad for her that he gave her a worm.

"wormy" was happy until he was taken to the k-4 picnic at school today. "worrmy" was literally loved to death and returned to the earth from which he came.

we now have 4 ants. "gloria", "matthew" and 2 more that i forgot their names. they now live in a chinese take-out container. this time i cut air holes in the top.

we'll see how they are doing in the morning.

why can't we just love the cat? why the need to love things with no legs (like worms) or things that have more than 4 legs?

Character

2010-06-04T21:55:00.000-05:00

"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are,"

John Wooden

R.I.P.

2010-06-04T20:35:00.002-05:00

kate's pet ant, Lilly Matthew, passed away this morning.

cause(s) of death:

1) tupperware suffocation

2) acute cheerio poisoning

3) boredom

4) loneliness

June 4-June 5, 2010

RIP

pets

2010-06-03T21:21:00.002-05:00

our family has expanded. yup, a new member. kate found "her". she found her today in the house and has adopted "her".

we don't really know if she really is a "her". kate decided she was a "her"...sam thinks she is a "he".

kate named "her" "Lilly".

sam named "him" "Matthew".

kate renamed "her/him" "Lilly Matthew".

kate found 2 cheerios on the floor, ground them up and fed them to Lilly Matthew in her *tupperware* home.

Lilly Matthew is an ant.

...may she survive the night...

traveling...

2010-05-11T20:40:00.002-05:00

time 4 mocha is going on the road to East Asia...will be back after i take a million pictures, meet alot of new friends and live a dream..zai jian...

Post Operative Recovery...

2010-05-03T23:26:00.002-05:00

he's finally "over the hump" and feeling a little bit better...

he got lots of hugs, cards and a bouquet of cookies...

since he saw more of Dr. B and Dr. M than he had hoped...much more than he hoped...

he decided to take a bite out of the doctor...

...he then felt even better...

Breaking News...

2010-05-03T17:43:00.003-05:00

Good Bye training wheels...

Weekend...

2010-05-02T22:51:00.003-05:00

How was your weekend?

Sam gave it the thumbs up...

Kate found it to be another opportunity to sparkle...

...too bad weekends fly by so quickly...

Operation Tonsils

2010-04-27T22:04:00.005-05:00

Dear Dr. B,

i found getting my tonsils out miserable. popsicles are over-rated. i don't like ice cream, pudding, or mashed potatoes.

when will i feel better? i miss goldfish crackers.

sincerely,
sam

Faces

2010-04-27T22:01:00.001-05:00

spring adventures...

2010-04-13T22:16:00.002-05:00

Armchair quarterback

2010-03-30T21:17:00.002-05:00

Sam loves football. He loves running with the ball, setting up plays and tackling. Lately he's decided that it's fun to do after supper as a way to "wind down" the evening.

Tonight was no different.

After dinner he helped clear the table and took off to find his pigskin. He immediately begged Runner Boy to play.

"Play wit me Daddy! Play! I whan to go over da rules with you... You go dere and I'll stand here and run. 'Den you tackle me. I'm da Green Bay Packer man!!"

Runner Boy got down into his 3 point stance and proceeded to play.

Then Kate got involved and our plays got more elaborate. ...and more dangerous.

I was the center and hiked the ball to Kate...she took off running toward the kitchen like lightening.

Runner Boy and Sam were the defense and looked solid.

...until....

Kate ran head on into the Sam as he was tackling her.

There was an explosion of tears as the 2 players met on the turf.

The athletic trainers from both teams wiped up the tears and kissed the bruises.

The result:

Kate fumbled...

Sam wanted to return to play...

we'll put helmets on next time...

An Orthopaedic Proverb...

2010-03-25T23:23:00.003-05:00

This is some of the artwork in our office (the one that Dr. Fracture & I share.)

i heart her

2010-03-20T22:21:00.003-05:00

ahhhh...the weekend...

2010-03-19T23:30:00.002-05:00

maybe they will sleep in tomorrow morning...catch up on some zzzz's...get a little beauty sleep...recover from the vigorous week of school, play, and gymnastics...

or maybe she'll be up early.

why?

she knows that tomorrow is the first day of spring.

however, the weather is not scheduled to cooperate.

snow...cold...rain...

we're ready for a little spring around here!

she bought the farm...

2010-03-18T22:19:00.001-05:00

why kate will never be allowed inside of a tattoo parlor...

...she has no taste...

somethin is fishy

2010-03-18T22:08:00.003-05:00

they have been inside too long...

cabin fever has set in...

they have morphed into fish...

...one thinks he is a shark...

...the other a goldfish--named cinderella...

spring must come soon...

if fish stay around too long...

they begin to stink...

TGIF...almost

2010-03-18T20:56:00.002-05:00

hangin' in there for Friday!

DIY crew...

2010-03-07T21:05:00.002-06:00

dear *HGTV* network,

we are the offering to become the stars of your next home improvement show. our company is called "the wildcat design group". we like to paint. and climb ladders, too.

we are very creative.

if you hire us, you can make lots of money. you can run lots of ads during our show. that's because our attention span is short and we need lots of snacks, so we need several breaks.

we work hard. and we whistle while we work. well, actually we hum, because we can't whistle yet. we sing, too.

we hope you will consider us. our parents hope so, too. then our dad's dream of us going to kansas state will be realized.

please direct all of you correspondence to me, kate. i am the president because i am the oldest. sam is the vice president because he can't run as fast as i can.

we look forward to working with you and producing our show. we are just finishing painting our parents house and are looking for a new gig.

sincerely,

k & s of wildcat design group

he's inspired

2010-02-24T22:37:00.004-06:00

He's been watching the Olympics. Intently. Studying technique, equipment, skills.

He's been noticing skis, skates, sleds, poles, mountains, helmets...and goggles.

He wants to learn how to ski. He's ready. He's learned the technical skills from *Bode*Miller*. Will you see him in 2018?

entitlement

2010-02-21T14:17:00.003-06:00

Scene: morning. preparing for church. breakfast.

Runner Boy: "Sam, you need to get dressed and come to breakfast."

Sam: "I can't."

R.B.: "You need to take off your jammies and get dressed."

S: "I can't doooo it! I need Momma to help me!"

R.B.: "Fine. You just won't be eating breakfast."

S: "I can't doooo it...it's too much work to do it!" (as he runs around yelling and rolling on the floor clutching his jammies...)

After the agonizing defeat of having to get out of his jammies and into clothing without government help, an educational program and a grant to provide an aid to dress him, he showed up at the breakfast table.

fashionista...

2010-02-20T19:45:00.002-06:00

Kate has recently observed that one of her Chinese school buddies has an accessory that she doesn't.

She said to Runner Boy today, "Dad, G has ear 'mugs'. I need ear 'mugs', too."

Runner Boy responded dryly..."That's ear muffs, Kate..."

our olympiad

2010-02-19T21:29:00.002-06:00

the olympics are quite popular around our house. kate loves ice skating and sam has become an avid downhill ski fan.

after watching some of the Super G men's skiing tonight, sam began to pretend to ski and providing his own color analysis.

he said, "i was skiing down da hill when i hit da gate and fell down. well, somebody pushed me down and i fell. but it was a 'axidant'. then i forgot to put on my goggles an some snow plopped in my eye."

who would have thought a 3 1/2 year old would love down hill skiing?

kate on the other hand is practicing her quad toe loop jumps. it's so entertaining to see them to see the sports and then try to emulate them.

...just hope they don't try the half-pipe in the whirlpool tub...could get messy...

I heart them...

2010-02-04T22:39:00.003-06:00

I have a momma crush on him...

she has such a loving heart...

I can't help but hug and kiss them...

Molly

2009-12-27T20:56:00.003-06:00

she's here.

moved in.

a new best friend.

those eyes

2009-12-26T23:10:00.000-06:00

When the Cure Hurts More than Anything

2009-12-15T21:19:00.002-06:00

Dr. Fracture and i had clinic today. it is usually a rewarding experience. there's something about seeing patients get better. we see patients move from significant pain and disability to walking and returning to work. i love it.

then there are encounters like I had today...

the patient needs surgery.

surgery is the hope for a cure. less pain. less fatigue. less medicine.

the surgery means loss. less mobility. less freedom. less of a person in the patient's eyes.

i slid the consent toward the patient. the patient slowly laid the pen down, looked away, and grief poured out. the tears streamed down and dropped like heavy rain drops on the leather jacket. this wasn't about physical pain--it was about grief at the deepest levels of a soul and saying goodbye to life as it always had been.

sometimes the cure is more painful than the disease.

She's a Snow Princess

2009-12-10T22:50:00.003-06:00

The Snow Princess briefly stopped on her way out the door for a quick pic...

she loved the fresh snow...the brisk temperatures...the time to play...

she wished her hill was a lot steeper and longer...

but, it still brought her joy...

and made her smile...

this is "Golden Sparkle"...she built him and loves him...and she named him...

her she is with "Frosty" and "Golden Sparkle"

snow princess

2009-12-09T11:50:00.002-06:00

A Rose

2009-12-07T22:46:00.003-06:00

Runner Boy took Sam to the grocery store tonight for some milk.

As they wandered around the store, Sam announced he wanted to "Buy Momma a flower."

He told Runner Boy he wanted to "buy Momma a rose."

So, I came home to a giant, red rose from Sam.

I am smitten.

A Taste of the Nativity and Working Women

2009-12-01T20:57:00.003-06:00

We started our Advent calendars today and took out the Nativity set. I purchased a Nativity scene for Kate and Sam to play with since they are fascinated by the whole story. They were thrilled to have it and started to play immediately.

It wasn't long and I heard Kate (playing Mary) say to Sam (a.k.a. Joseph), "Joseph, please watch Baby Jesus, I have to go to work!"

little dude...

2009-11-21T21:03:00.003-06:00

me n my baby brother...

2009-11-21T20:59:00.003-06:00

the saga continues

2009-11-21T19:46:00.004-06:00

Tonight at the dinner table Kate says to Runner Boy, "Daddy, do you know what I want for Christmas?"

He replied, "What Kate?"

She said, "I want Molly, and a dress, skirt, shirt, pants, shorts and her crown. Yeah, I want her crown."

Runner Boy looked up from from his fruit salad and said, "Well, Kate, I want a fighter jet, an air craft carrier and a tank for Christmas."

She smiled at him and replied, "If you pray really hard, every day, you can have them, too!"

**************

As we said our night time prayers, Kate announced was AGAIN going to pray for Molly. Runner Boy suggested she should also thank God for something, too.

And so it goes, "Dear Jesus, please give me Molly for Christmas, and a dress, skirt, pants, shorts and her crown."

Runner Boy says, "Ah, weren't you going to thank God for something????"

"...and thank you for my house, too."

The Full Court Press

2009-11-20T22:18:00.003-06:00

Tenacious...persistent...relentless...neva, neva give up...that is my girl.

Kate has decided what she wants for Christmas and we ALL know about it. She is on an all out offensive to obtain the gift of her dreams. She has decided she wants an *American*Girl*Doll and she's ramped up the pressure to crazy levels.

It started innocently enough--she has a *Bitty*Baby doll (same company), so she's gotten a few of their catalogs over time. Kate has been studying them and dreaming about the doll daily (usually during "quiet time".) It didn't take long before she had all the dolls memorized and started to have favorites. She then noticed that her cousin had several *American*Girl*Dolls and that made the dolls even more appealing.

She also went on a pilgrimage with her beloved cousin to the *American*Girl*Store--little did we know that this would only fuel the fire. (Runner Boy refuses to ever have to go in there again--one trip was enough.)

She wants *Molly*. Not Kirsten, Ivey, Chrissa, Elizabeth, Felicity, Julie, Rebecca, Kit, Kaya, Addy...just Molly. Somehow Molly pops up in multiple conversations a day. She doesn't want one that looks like her, or has curly hair, or blond hair. She wants Molly.

We were looking through a magazine recently and she pointed out a picture full of Christmas presents. She pointed them out and said, "Mom, you could buy Molly, wrap her up like this and I would open the present and act VERY surprised!"

Or, "Momma, Grandma could buy Molly for 'Crismas' and I would be so surprised!"

Or, "Grandma, did you know I want Molly for 'Crismas?' My momma is gonna buy her for me."

Yesterday she went to the mall with Grandma for a story hour at the local bookstore. As she was telling me about her day she said, "Momma, I threw a coin in da fountain and made a wish. I wished for Molly!"

(Sam piped up with, "I wished for Lightning McQueen!")

And she's not just working on us, she's taken it to the next level. She's even pestering God. Every night she prays for Molly for Christmas. Just in case we haven't heard enough about it, she's trying to get God on her side. Tonight Runner Boy asked her to thank God for something in her prayers.

She replied, "Dear Jesus, thank you for my bedroom...an' please give me Molly for Christmas."

I could whine about this trait, but she's seen it in her momma, so I just admire the creative ways Molly works her way into everyday conversation.

scenes from the life of a 5 year old

2009-11-11T08:09:00.002-06:00

wearing our white flower girl dress (aka princess dress) with our sparkly tiara on our head she walks by runner boy and i...

she has her beloved "striped blankey" in her hand and her shredded American*Girl* catalog under her arm...

she says "this house is reedicoolous i'm leaving..."

she walks into the pantry and closes the door.

the wall

2009-11-09T22:21:00.002-06:00

twenty years ago today the Berlin Wall came down.

a profound moment in history.

may we never forget.

my grandmother hadn't forgotten.

she had a piece of the Wall.

i wish i had it.

i don't ever want to forget.

i wish i understood what it meant to her in the depths of her soul.

sam theology

2009-10-19T13:30:00.002-05:00

we're a little concerned about sam's theology and understanding of Christmas.

last year kate and he would play out the manger scene, complete with a baby Jesus. they couldn't find a doll around the house, so they went with a stuffed penguin. "Baby Jesus" penguin was carefully laid in the manger as they played every day.

this past saturday runner boy and sam went to a big box home improvement store. they noticed some of the Christmas decorations were up and sam was fascinated. he saw the big blow up decorations for the yard--one of which was a penguin. sam saw it and yelled, "LOOK its BABY JESUS!!!"

runnin' a marathon

2009-10-15T21:27:00.007-05:00

if you are going to run a marathon, you need a few things...

first, you need a runner...take Runner Boy for example. make sure this runner has trained alot, guzzled gallons of sport drink and can eat a sports gel on the run...oh yeah, this runner needs to take alot of anti-inflammatory medication.

now, if the anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) just don't work, try the B.R.A.S.H. hospital. that's the Brooks Running Athlete Support Hospital. they can fix your problems...

...just ask Klinger...few people are aware of Klinger's running expertise.

every runner needs to have lots of running clothes. when it's 35 degrees at race time, a guy can't have enough stuff to wear. watching said runner decide what to wear is as agonizing process as a woman choosing her wedding dress.

and the runner has to try on all the possible combinations of high tech clothing...

so the runner has to have a place to decide what will work.

then you need a few more things...

fluid...fluid is very good. you just can't get enough of it on the course...

...while the runner is pounding across 26.2 miles of pavement, it helps to have some good scenery...

remember all those clothes that the runner agonized about wearing...well, here they are...clothes were strewn all of the course.

now these are the guys you don't want to meet at the finish line...(this runner was fine...just very tired.)

when the runners see this up ahead they start humming Sweet Home Alabama and lock their eyes on the finish...

...and they cross that finish line...stop their race watches...and get their medals.

Runner Boy did so well. he trained hard, kept his eye on the goal and gutted it out at the end.

that's my man...

26.2

2009-10-13T21:42:00.002-05:00

This past weekend we went here...

for Runner Boy to chase after these gentlemen...

I am proud of Runner Boy. He's tough.

i'm big now.

2009-09-28T20:52:00.004-05:00

now that she's 5, sometimes i let kate walk in the parking lot without holding my hand.

this makes me sad.

she's happy because it makes her feel like she's a "big girl" now.

but, it's a reminder that she's growing up. she still loves to cuddle and hang out, but i love her little hand tucked in mine.

*********

so she went for her 5 year old well child exam today.

she's now 34 pounds and 40 1/4 inches tall.

after 4 shots, she was a little sad and clung to me like a koala to a tree.

i held her tight and let her bury her little face in my arm.

*********

after a power nap we headed to gymnastics.

she bounced her way around the gym like a playground ball.

as i picked her up from class, her instructor said to me, "with her, you may invest enough money that you'll own half this gym. don't pressure her...let her have fun...but she's a natural."

on the way home kate says, "when can i go be with the big girls at the gym?"

i said, "if you keep going with gymnastics and you like it, you can be with the big girls someday."

the reply: "i like gymnastics and i want to get good."

...as long as i can still hold you little hand...and cuddle...and you let me hold me when you hurt...

just stuck...

2009-09-14T21:37:00.007-05:00

Parenting is a unique experience. I'm not sure if there is anything else that causes such a wide range of emotions...in a single day. For example, today was one of those days. Moments of joy, frustration, pride, shock and disgust. It was one of those days when the best chilled white wine couldn't have made it better.

Sam is constipated. stopped. full of bricks. unwilling to move. making diamonds.

it's miserable. for him. me. runner boy. kate.

We've been to the m.d., called the m.d., tried the m.d.'s suggestion and yet, he's unmoved.

Here's the recipe:

Add copious amounts of mir*a*lax to food and drink. Wait. Add more fluid to gut. Wait 24 hours. Check results. If negative yield, go to step 2.

Step 2) Add a pellet of glycerin to bum. Allow pellet to come to body temperature and check results. If no luck, consult kiddie m.d.

Step 3) Convince child that parent is "here to help" and add enema to posterior colonic outlet. Assure miserable child that it hurts you more than them...stuff guilty feelings down because this will make child more comfortable and fix the problem.

Step 4) Mop up vomit resulting from child being stuffed with pooh, and reach for more mir*a*lax.

Step 5) Speed dial m.d.

Step 6) Peruse the entire Rx aisle for solutions. Notice gummy fruit chews that expedite food through the gut. (Parent now assured that this multifaceted approach--enema, suppository, mir*a*lax and gummy chews will to the trick.)

Parent offers Sam fruity gummy laxative treat upon arriving home. Sam flatly rejects offer. Kate immediately inhales one and poops 2 hours later.

Step 7) Speed dial m.d.

Step 8) Take it to the next level. Chocolate ex*lax this time. Am told this is a trick of the experts. Sam likes chocolate--should be great--I could hear the flushing in my mind.

Parent offers yummy chocolate to Sam. "I noooo whannnn it..." he whines. Kate pipes up with..."Chocolate? can I have some?" like a fly on...well...poop.

Step 9) Think outside the box...time for a specialist. Make appointment with the "constipation and reflux evaluation" clinic at local kiddies medical center.

After about a week of this, we are tired and Sam is so uncomfortable. Tonight he cried a little and just put his little arm around my neck and held on. What conflicting emotions...frustration with the circumstances and yet so grateful that this little dude is part of our lives. I savored those moments with his arm holding me close, thanked God and asked form a little more help.

night time prayers...

2009-09-13T21:49:00.003-05:00

every night we ask the kids who they would

like to pray for...

tonight was no different...

Parent: "Sam who would you like to pray for?"

Sam: "aaah, everybody and God"

(...i'm sure He appreciates the thought, but from what i hear, He's got it all together...)

Parent: "Kate, who would you like to pray for?

Kate: "Pascal (our cat). Dear Jesus, help us to have a good night-night an' good sleepies. Help Sammy to not pull on Pascal's tail and chase him. Amen"

i gotta question...

2009-09-12T21:13:00.002-05:00

Kate: "So ahhh, when God made light, did He just say, "Please, can there be light? or did He yell?"

Dizzy

2009-09-11T23:20:00.004-05:00

i'm so dizzy...

my heart is spinnin'...

whirling dervish...

tornado...

eye of the hurricane...

blurry...

cyclone...

whirligig...

rotation...

oscillate...

spiral...

revolving...

...she thinks she's a human helicopter...

faces in the park...

2009-09-10T22:34:00.003-05:00

ever feel like you're being watched?

by a cute hunk at the park?

you take a look at those big, blue eyes...and cute profile...

and that winsome smile...

...and you know that even though his first full sentence was "No, I don't want to!" and he thinks every word ends with poopy...

...you can't help it...you're in love...

hangin' around

2009-09-06T22:42:00.002-05:00

Does anything seem wrong with these pictures?

Perhaps it's that she is on the outside of the slide...good point...

Or is that it she is going up instead of down the slide...good eye...

Or is it that she forgot to put on her helmet...I know, I know...

Or is it that this kid is really a monkey?

testing gravity

2009-09-06T22:08:00.003-05:00

is the way Orville and Wilbur Wright started?

We were all about catching air today...

Monkey See...

Monkey Do...

Sam is trying to do what his "Sissy" does. However, there are just some things he should not emulate...more pics on that later!

first day...

2009-09-02T20:13:00.003-05:00

Sam had a great 1st day...no tears, no sadness and a happy smile when I picked him up.

I listened to the kids converse at the lunch table about Sam's day:

Kate: did you play ousside today?

Sam: no, I didn't.

Kate: did you play in da gym today?

Sam; no, I didn't.

Kate: did you have choice time? (kids get to pick their activity)

Sam: yes, I did.

Kate: what did you have for snack?

Sam: teddy bears.

Kate: ohhhh!

it was so cute...

winds of change...

2009-09-01T21:58:00.005-05:00

The seasons are changing...and I'm a little sad. It's not that I don't enjoy fall, it's the inevitable winter that follows.

It starts with the "back to school" displays at the store...then the school supply lists arrive in the mail...then the calender starts to fill up with fall obligations...and if that's not enough, the tips of the trees begin to look a little red.

On Thursday, Kate had her orientation for K-4 and her first day was last Friday. She has a wonderful teacher and several friends in her class (one of them is planning to marry her?!), but she's growing up. She's charming to talk to and I love watching her expressions and mannerisms...she's almost five! I remember her toddling around at 15 months old.

Sam had his 3-K orientation Monday and his first day is tomorrow. He was 4 lbs 15 oz just 3 short years ago. He has mixed emotions about the adventure...he loves the toys in the room, but isn't so sure about missing Momma. I did warn his teacher (who taught Kate last year) that Sam in not the chipper, compliant child that his sister is--I have a feeling we'll have more teacher/parent chats this year.

I guess some people are happy to send their kids to school...my sadness comes from looking back on the "baby" years and realizing that chapter is closing. I recognize that there are more wonderful adventures ahead, but I loved that chapter of life.

There's more freedom now (no real diaper bag), the kids are mobile and they love to do new things...but it makes me wonder what is next. So, I'll be spending some time thinking about that...praying...reflecting...

in between...we'll go to gymnastics, Chinese classes, local running events, school, Wednesday kids' church, field trips, and tune up the snowblower...