The Blog of a Lifetime

The Outerbanks!

2011-09-18T08:34:00.000-07:00

Best. Vacation. Ever.

Blog Catch Up...

2011-08-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

... while we wait to see if the Outerbanks will let us visit next week.

Just a little trip back to March. We took the kiddos to Lego Land, the San Diego Zoo and the beach. This was the time that Miles fell in the pool, forgot how to swim and I had to jump in while in a hoodie, jeans and my tennies.

Kate got her face painted and Miles...

... well, see for yourself.

A spider!

Oh, how I hope to see these toes *painted* in OBX soon!

iPhone Summer

2011-08-18T13:49:00.000-07:00

Before summer haircut...

During... he actually wanted to keep it like this. Like an 80s skater dude.

After. Hey weird face.

Self pics I took in Kauai, Hawaii on our anniversary trip. Ahhhh...

So, there are these boots. I originally bought them at Savers years ago for Carrie's cowboy themed baby shower for Joshua. As centerpieces with flowers. Kate found them and since they fit... she started wearing them everywhere. The thing is, she swaggers in them. All of a sudden, her hand is on her hip and she's sashaying wherever she goes. I sent this to Josh with a text, "Uh oh, I didn't see her put them on." It's quite a sight.

We found out that Lowe's (yes, I really do hate Lowe's, but...) has this Build and Grow program every other Saturday. We've built, nailed and painted a tow truck, binoculars and a boat so far. Then they get patches!!! Love it. And it's free.

The Grand Canyon. Where I gripped their hands more tightly than necessary.

Kate lost a ton of teeth. One of her top snaggles is finally coming in. And I'm still terrible at being the tooth fairy.

Date night! He looks thrilled.

Swim lessons!!! The girls showed up in matchers!

Post swim lessons hair treatment.

The End.

The Alpha

2011-08-14T15:19:00.000-07:00

The big day! I sent off two children to the same school for the first time. They could NOT wait to get their school clothes on. I caught Kate buttoning Miles' shorts at one point.

Per tradition, Jen, Heather and I "hazed" the kindergarteners (Miles and Colin) with a "Happy 1st Day" poster, balloons and treat. Miles knew we were making Colin's, but was a bit worried that we had forgotten him. He was pretty jazzed to see his when he walked down the stairs. Please excuse his jammers.

He was way more excited about the superhero stickers than anything else...

yummy dipped oreos!

She not giving the peace sign, she's doing 2 for 2nd grade. Although, I'm sure she wishes you all peace as well.

The Kindergartener. Sniff. And yay!

We all met at Jen's house to walk over together. Kate, Madison, Jordan, Miles, Colin and Alex

Our family. Not sure what Miles is doing...

Our extended family. Minus a few. Sniff again.

Kate waiting outside her classroom. She had a touch of the nerves.

Her class.

With Mrs. Cantrell. Kate wasn't comfortable enough yet for a silly face. She sure warmed up on day 2 however...

Kindergarten had an info meeting during the last part of the day. This is Miles right before he asked loudly if he could play with my phone while his teacher was talking. Neat.

Mrs. Ames and our Miles

The Omega

2011-08-09T14:19:00.000-07:00

Life got turned on it's head again on the last day of school, so my pictures are somewhat scarce. Miles graduated all cap and gown like that week, but those goodies will have to appear later. At least Carrie stepped up to get some last day shots of our Miles.

We're so sad that GCS makes the boys have short hair. Bummer.

Kate and her girlfriends. They each found a matching hula hoop.

While we waited for Kate, Miles decided to try out the basketball court with the big boys. They were really nice to him.

Tomorrow is the big day! Kindergarten and 2nd grade. Holy cow.

Hi

2011-08-04T17:47:00.000-07:00

I'm back.

The catching up seems a bit overwhelming, but since this blog will someday serve as a reminder to my children that I shuttled them around to really fun places in the 150 degree heat, I will perservere.

Thank you, Astraea, for once again, beautifying my blog. I'll try to do it justice.

As some of you know, this last year has been a difficult one for us. In October, we found out that I experienced a molar pregnancy. Thankfully, I recovered quickly and fully, but in order to be safe, we had to wait 6 months before trying again. In April, we conceived again and sadly, lost that one soon after. I'm sharing this because this blog will be a way to give my kids a viewpoint from the childhood that they won't fully remember on their own and this journey has been party of that. So, that being said...

I've decided that this "first" post will be in lists. Partly because I love organization and partly because it's fun. Hang on...

1. Things I need to blog about:

* Ummm... spring break??? Wowzer, you'll just have to love me while I catch up.

* The end of school

* Our 10 year anniversary surprise trip!!!

* Kate's never ending tooth saga

2. Things I learned this summer:

* Plastic toilet seats are the very best, not as ghetto as one might think and I'm never going back.

* My kids can bicker about anything. Any. Thing. It would be comical... if I weren't their mother.

* Bahama Bucks is just as yummy as I remember.

* I miss blogging.

3. Things Miles loves right now:

* Basketball. He dares to wear a Suns jersey and declare his love for the Bulls AT THE SAME TIME! He lives on the edge, people.

* Not losing. At anything.

* The biography section of the library

* The 50 states. Obsessed. A whole post must be dedicated to it.

* The remote. Sometimes he just holds it. Sorry, Future Wife.

4. Things Kate loves right now:

* Showing her weird grin to anyone she sees.

* The Magic Tree House

* Sleeping in Miles' room

* Doing her own hair
* Wishing for an ipod

5. Things I'm looking forward to:
* A baby (prayerfully)
* Our trip to the Outerbanks in ONE MONTH!
* Not being eaten by a shark in the Outerbanks
* Redecorating my bedroom
* Catching up on this beast. No thanks to Blogger.

Lots of love to all of you!

Mikele

Madison and Kate - they had their first "offical" sleepover at our house this summer. So fun!!!

Since she's never on her own blog...

2011-07-29T22:32:00.000-07:00

It's Astraea. Mikele asked me to redo her blog about three months ago. Here it FINALLY is! Enjoy having Mikele back in the blog world. Mikele, you've been missed.

Easter Sunday

2011-04-26T16:49:00.000-07:00

It was a wonderful day! We celebrated Christ's resurrection outside in the sun, then later, I won the adult egg hunt... hence, my trophy.

Now, I dine on Peeps.

Performances!

2011-04-12T22:21:00.000-07:00

Music surrounds us here these days. The kids each have piano practice or lessons almost every day and they have been just flying through! I take no credit, mind you. Josh is the one who passed down the musical genes. I just sign the paper and shuttle them around.

They had a spring recital a few weeks ago at Josh's recital hall at My First Piano.

Miles played, "Ode To Joy"

And my Kate played, "Sugarfoot Rag" Kate also had a strings concert recently... and the first graders have moved up from plucking to using the bow. I've been practicing how to not make cringe face.

Mr. Wilkenson asked Kate to demonstrate how they are learning "rest" in music.

Come on, one more...

To end with, here's a special performance for our friends Luke and Owen and any other Jedis out there...

A Corny Mistake

2011-04-03T19:24:00.000-07:00

Five For Fighting

2011-03-31T15:29:00.000-07:00

On Miles' real birthday (a loooooong time ago), we went for donuts at Krispy Kreme - come on, you know you're surprised!

Miles with my parents

I thought Alex (in red) looked like he was doing a true photo shoot.

For his birthday dinner, he chose Barros. Yum!

When we got home, he opened presents...

Now we just need a new helmet that actually fits his head and does not feature Bob the Builder... Yes, Jen. A helmet.

Miles' Superhero Birthday!

2011-03-26T20:48:00.001-07:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Communal Living

2011-03-11T20:59:00.000-08:00

Our dear friends, Sean and Jen (and their two precious girls), have been bopping around to different homes for over a year now. Here, Texas (boo), The Ranch, The Ghetto Apartment That Housed Pigeons...

They were all set to close on their Mayberry house (hooray) when the hiccups started. So, they moved in to our place (hip hip) last Friday. Kate was sure to make sure they were welcome:

Communal living. Josh and I have always thought it was a good idea. It rocked! We made dinners together, shopped for groceries together, took turns doing the carpool, and watched tv while munching on Fruity Pebble treats.

Then, yesterday... they left. Their new house was finally ready for them. It was so sad to see them go. Yes, I see Jen at least once a day, but I was immediately lonely when she drove away.

So. Communal living. Thumbs up.

Miss you guys.

Best. Surprise. Ever!

2011-03-02T13:33:00.000-08:00

35.

That's a big number.

Years ago, us girls talked about ( I talked about) my 35th and what grandiose thing we would do to celebrate. I tried to talk Jen into a cruise during those years, but alas. Maybe Vegas? We got excited for a bit, but the plane trip just wasn't feasable for our Midwest counterparts. Jen finally suggested Sedona and even though it would be without Katie and Robyn, the plan was ON!

I was thrilled. So excited. But it was weird knowing we'd be short two of my favorite people.

Little did I know that a plan was in development to knock my freaking socks off.

Jen and I went to Liberty Market for breakfast (hello, biscuits and gravy!) on Saturday morning and then met up with Carrie and Heather. We were off. The weather said snow in Sedona, but first we were going to make a stop in Jerome for fun.

Unsure of how to get there, Jen consulted the iPad. It was not altogether helpful... We skipped the rain in Jerome and headed through this to Sedona! Awesome!

When we rolled in, we all discovered that not one of us brought appropriate shoes. We ate Japanese food at 4pm like old people and went off to find our hotel... ...which boasted this view.

Later on, we went to the movies in the falling snow.

And ate pizza at almost 10. We like to fly in the face of convention.

Snug as bugs.

The next morning was blissful for me since I wasn't stressing about a huge surprise like Jen and Heather were. We had coffee and sat to watch the snow.

Eventually we needed to eat lunch (especially Carrie) and we trudged to get the car. In our inappropriate shoes.

As we sat down to lunch... I had no clue that they had been planning for two weeks, that Robyn had driven into Chicago days ago, that they had sat in the airport for two days waiting for standby flights to open up, that they hadn't told ANYONE, not even my husband, that they had finally flown into the Arizona sunshine only to borrow my mom's car and then drive up to the snow.

The best surprse of my life!!!! They were staying until Tuesday! Then! Apple Crisp! I was ready to implode with joy.

We walked around Sedona for a bit, drank coffee, laughed our heads off and then headed back to town. But before we left, we had to JUMP!!!!!!!!!

Just warming up... this was Carrie's first jump shot... Brilliant!

Home again, home again, jiggity jig. We crashed Heather's place for the next couple of days. We laid in the sun, read trashy magazines, went to dinner... ...went window shopping at the Biltmore Robyn and I were camera ready. Even Madison and Jordan got in on the action. On Tuesday, we went for a walk through of Jen's new house and ended our weekend with cupcakes from the Coffee Shop. I cried all the way home. What could possibly be better? I will never know how much they did to make this happen and I am forever in love with each and every one of them. Hey guys... I'm turning 36 in about 11 months.

Gimme Five

2011-02-24T16:07:00.000-08:00

Miles turned 5 today.

What?

Oh, Buddy. I love you. What a joy you are to be around - most of the time. You love all superheros, Star Wars, the Suns, the color orange (again), sports, and dolls. Yep. Dolls, which I think makes you really well rounded? You're still learning how to control your emotions which I completely sympathize with since... well, you know me. You are kind and thoughtful. You like to hug and kiss and snuggle. Your hair is always a dilema around here. This year you started piano and wanted to be called Carlos or My-Less. Seriously. Weirdo. Thank you for being our son and for just being you.

Love,

Mom

#5

2011-02-18T11:48:00.000-08:00

She lost another one...

She can't make certain phonetic sounds and we're feeding her baby food.

The Tooth Fairy came through this time and brought her two dollars. I'm done being creative. She was ecstatic.

Toothless Tahlula

2011-02-13T10:55:00.001-08:00

Before I begin, let me just explain one (of the many) quirks I have. I'm a re-gifter. Don't judge me. I like the idea of passing things on that we won't use, however, it has bitten me in the rear more than once. I re-gift with my kids too - they both have winter birthdays and they get a ton from Christmas, so I put about half of their stash away to give out during the year. Yes, sometimes as rewards, sometimes just because we need to rotate some new stuff in. This keeps me from having to buy them toys or anything during the year and not to be overloaded in December. So far, so good. Until this week... Kate's teeth are just falling out of her head.

When the first top one came out she was spending the night at my mom's and it was just sitting on her pillow the next morning. She might have accused my mom of sneaking in and pulling it out. From the bed to the door, Kate dropped it into the white carpet, never to be seen again.

One of Kate's quirks is that she is super realistic and has never really believed in Santa, the Easter Bunny, the TOOTH FAIRY, etc... She begged me to tell her that I was the tooth fairy, so we talked about pretending and that it could be fun to *wink* go with it.

She wondered if the tooth fairy would still come *wink* if she didn't have her tooth. I told her, "Absolutely."

The thing is, I forgot.

I remembered right when I was waking her up for school the next day. I froze. Panicked. I knew I had no time to go downstairs and find money, so I quietly snuck into the bathroom where I've... kept some makeup that she's gotten for various birthdays. I grabbed some lipglosses and shoved them under her pillow just as she regained consciousness.

Her eyes lit up and she lifted up the pillow. "Is this all? No money?" I played it up, "Awesome! How cool! Amazing! Such a nice tooth fairy!" She said, "I like it, I just thought she would leave money..." Shoot.

Two days later, Kate lost another tooth and I was determined to rock it this time. Right before bed she said, "Mom, I left the tooth fairy a note, so when you come in to put something under my pill----- I mean, when the tooth fairy comes in, can you have her read it?"

Josh said she was playing me, but again, I was determined! Not only did I put $1.50 in quarters in her tooth pillow... ... but another lip gloss from the stash and a candy bracelet (from the candy pile in the pantry).

She woke up. She looked. She counted her quarters happily. Then.

"I think the tooth fairy is just finding things around the house and sticking them under my pillow. Ava gave me this lipgloss for my birthday last year and the candy bracelet was in my bowl."

Busted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm not saying that I'm changing my ways, but I need to adjust to the smart old lady I'm raising.

The Birds Were More Excited Than Angry

2011-02-10T14:37:00.000-08:00

The day began...

...with a flock of birds. (and some pigs mixed in who were, apparently, defecting)

The birds were angry because...

...(in cake form) the pigs...

... stole the birds' eggs. The birds are fighting to get their eggs back by slingshotting themselves (or marshmallows) at said pigs. The pigs were ready. The birds were ready. Let the war begin!!! Yes, Carrie made it all - the shirt, the hats, the pig targets. Her mother in law created the cake masterpiece. It was awesome. I bow (not sacrilegiously) at her feet. Happy 5th Birthday, Joshua! Wheeeeeeeeee!!!!

The Big One

2011-01-31T14:25:00.000-08:00

So, my 35th birthday (gah) is coming up on Thursday and...

I got my first card!

I'm not sure whether to laugh or say swears.

First Sleepover

2011-01-27T11:46:00.000-08:00

Milestone. Her first real sleepover. This is my sleeping bag that I took on my sleepovers as a kid, so it was super fun to send her off with it. She stayed all night - despite a plea for me around midnight - and they crashed around 1:30.

She had a blast. I sat by my phone. Waiting.

Sniff.

The Kids Are All Right

2011-01-22T16:13:00.000-08:00

These are the kids:

Comment away.

The Actual Day

2011-01-17T14:03:00.000-08:00

On Kate's actual birthday, she took cookies to school for her class. She chose footballs for the boys... ...and stars for the girls.

While we waited for her class, Miles gave me a karate demonstration.

It was spirit week and that particular day was Nativity Day. Both Mrs. Lindberg and Kate were angels, but by the end of the day, Kate's costume had somewhat disappeared.

After school we invaded Krispy Kreme!!! We ate doughnuts and JUMPED!

Perfect.

Rock N Bowl Birthday

2011-01-09T11:31:00.000-08:00

Kate turned 7 and we celebrated at Brunswick Zone! Everybody's ready... ...including these two crazyfaces. The sweet party host asked what kind of drink Kate would like. I said Sprite... not knowing that she meant to put it in a 72 oz plastic bowling pin. Yes, she finished it. Holy cow. The girlz Madison showing off her form while - below - Colin had his own special way of bowling...

Abby and Kennedy They took a time out from the game to do this: Miles getting love from the party hostess. Madison, Tatum and KaterLou Karis We remembered to sing to her this year...

The lucky number 7

I Heart Hand Motions

2011-01-06T08:56:00.001-08:00

They keep Miles' hands busy whilst singing... remember last year? I think maybe Mrs. Chrissy chose songs with them specifically for this class. Kaden and Miles With Mrs. Allison

It's nice to know he can wish you a Merry Christmas with his hands outside of his clothing.

DIY Nativity

2010-12-28T15:21:00.000-08:00

We don't own a nativity set.

I have no idea why.

This year I saw a pretty clever idea on another blog and decided to pirate it for our own enjoyment.

The Do It Yourselves Nativity.

The jist is to build a nativity out of stuff we have around the house. First we sat down to read the story of Jesus' birth and made sure we were knowledgeable on the cast of characters. Then... Go!

First, we needed an angel. Kate made sure we called her(him) Gabriel. Miles made sure she could fly.

It added a realistic flair.

Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus were next. Kate is still appalled at what was chosen for Jesus, but the manger is an impressive use of Christian symbolism.

Then came the animals...

... and various shepheards and wisemen. For one second I thought maybe I could help, but Miles declared that his Power Rangers could not possibly be shepherds! They are Power Rangers! Unable to convince him that it was all pretend... I let them finish unhindered.

Please notice the prospector and donkey that my dad brought back when he returned from his goldpanning trip in Alaska. He would be thrilled that they were chosen to represent.

Miles brought in the barn and we had a finished nativity! And the best part is that next year it will look completely different!

Love & Joy Come To You

2010-12-25T00:30:00.000-08:00

Shoulda Woulda Coulda

2010-12-22T20:55:00.000-08:00

Our alternate Christmas card.

This was taken at Luke and Sarah's wedding in Victoria this summer. We just got it in the mail with the prettiest thank you card.

I think it might just represent some of our personalities quite well.

The Bold And The Beautiful

2010-12-20T16:15:00.000-08:00

Miles and Kate had a Christmas piano recital. Kate was shaking in her cute shoes until the very end and Miles could have entertained the crowd all night.

"Up On The Housetop"

"The Little Snowman"

With Mr. Mike

Bravo.

I'm Too Young To Have A Seven Year Old

2010-12-16T13:05:00.000-08:00

No. Way.

Seven.

Kate is... well, Kate. She has always been spicy and smart, but this year she added some new elements to her character (she still kept spicy).

What a growing year this was. We saw her transform before our very eyes. She's never been a hugger (she takes after Jen in that). It's been at the bottom of her love language list (gift giving being at the top), but now she wants hugs. She seems to need them. It's awesome.

She is more sensitive. In herself and towards others. She walked through this last few months with us. She cried for me. We had some amazing talks about feelings and pain and not always getting what we want.

I've enjoyed her more this year. I've always loved her to distraction, but enjoying her was difficult some of the time because I was too busy trying to stay fourteen steps ahead of her. She's calmed down, matured and... isn't as sneaky.

She's still Kate. Believe me. But she's growing up.

Here's her birthday questionaire - just for funsies:

At what age is a person an adult? Why do you think so?

48. Because they're married at 24.

If could change one rule that your family has, what would you change?

From not running around the house to running around the house and playing.

Are you a good friend? Why do you think so?

OHHHHHHH, Yeah! Because I'm helpful and I'm kind.

How would the world be different if animals could talk? We'd be able to speak to them and it would be awesome.

Would you cheat on a test if you knew you would not get caught? Why or why not?

No. Because we can't cheat. If you cheat, you lose a star.

If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do?

I'd mess around with stuff and then you'd see things knocked down and you'd think it was a ghost.

What is the best gift you have ever given? Why was it so special?

Love. Because love from God, love from my parents and love from my grandparents, it's feels like they're really nice and kind and it's a good thing to love others.

What is the hardest thing about being a kid?

Obeying the rules.

Where is your favorite place in the world?

Heaven.

What five words do you think most describe you?

1. Kind

2. Nice

3. Friendly

4. Playful

5. Loving

When was a time that you felt lucky?

When I got to pick my own donut.

What do you think would be the hardest thing about being blind?

You can't see and you can't drive at all and you can't go anywhere and you get weak, not wise.(She thought maybe that person wouldn't be able to work to earn money)

If you could make one rule that everyone in the world had to follow, what rule would you make?

You have to do what I say.

Oh, my. Happy 7th Birthday, my sweet Kater Lou.

Twas The Night Before Kate

2010-12-15T16:09:00.000-08:00

7 years ago tonight I was not breaking up an argument about sharing Pirate's Booty while having only one half of my hair done (which is actually quite a story).

I was 6 days past my due date with Kater. I had been to the doctor for a stress test - Katie, do you remember you went with me - and they put me on the induction list for that night.

Tonight, I'm posting a little stroll down memory lane. December 2003.

Ealier in the month, Scott and Lance had a little too much free time at the office, so Lance drew what Kate looked like on Scott's belly. It was actually the way they told us that Lance and Robyn were pregnant with Luke - Lance had a bean shaped embryo on his own belly.

Kate just walked by and said, "Is that Scott?" I asked her how she knew that and she said, "He's always doing that stuff."

Does anyone remember that we had a great dane back then? The Feej. Why on earth did I let him in the kitchen?

Around 9, we headed to the hospital. Nice maternity J-Lo. We're calling them Sue Sylvesters now. Robyn and Katie showed up for moral support... ... and badger the nurse while she attempted to put in my IV. Robyn. We have NO idea just how much this new life will change ours. She's here. 7 pounds, 14 ounces of sweet girl. Grandma and Kate

Granddad and Grandma Cheryl came. Sean and Jen came. With hair. Robyn and Lance came. And later, Amelia visited.

Tomorrow I'll post her birthday love, but tonight I'm thinking of 7 years ago when we sat waiting for her. Anticipating. And loving her already.

For The Love Of Ugly Christmas Sweaters

2010-12-13T15:02:00.000-08:00

Joel and Jasmyn hosted the first Ugly Christmas Sweater party last week. We scrounged Savers until I found our perfect outfits.

Kate and Taylor (who apparently did not participate)

Me and Josh - mine had these sweet little angels and 3-D tinsel. I totally offended my mom by saying she might like it, "But you wore it to an ugly Christmas sweater party?"

Miles Adam spray painted his (why not?) and Heather found her vest at Wal-Mart. Sean and Jen - in true Jen form, she took apart stockings and sewed them onto shirts. Both sported fluffy beards that Sean claimed, "the girls touch a lot." I hope he meant his daughters... The hosts. I've never seen either wear glasses before. Weird.

I Promise

2010-12-09T17:08:00.001-08:00

This is the last post about Christmas cards, but I had to laugh when the third one to arrive was this one...

He Made it in class and Mailed it home for M week.

Last night Heather asked if it counted if she handed her card to me. Did it have to be mailed to count as the first? Ha!

My fridge is cleaned off and accepting new cards.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Card #2

2010-12-04T14:22:00.001-08:00

Seriously? They did include a coupon to Michaels though...

Waiting Not Patiently

2010-12-02T11:33:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas cards. I love reading Christmas letters. I love hanging Christmas pictures on my fridge so I can stare at them all year. Those who have been by here lately know that the cards from last year are still gracing my fridge, waiting (not patiently) for the new ones to arrive so that they can be removed and stored. Yes, I keep them.

So... I've been checking the mail. A lot. Waiting. And finally...

The first one came...

... from my dentist.

People, my fridge awaits! (not patiently)

The End.

5th Annual Halloween Extravaganza

2010-11-19T17:40:00.001-08:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

BFF

2010-11-12T18:25:00.001-08:00

Dear Sweethearts,

I remember every one of your births. Even if I didn't pick up the phone when one of them was announced. Who thinks to have a baby in the wee hours of the morning. Sheesh.

Macker, you and I are going to be best friends. I can already see us sitting on the OBX porch in 15 years, talking about your latest girlfriend and how I need to approve her. You are awesome and my favorite boy toy.

Mad-Dog, oh girl. You are the most precious. I love your crazy side, your sensitive side and the side that asks me to hold your backpack every Wednesday.

Kate and Miles, duh, I'm your mom and I'm nuts about you.

Mia Baby, you were born on our anniversary when Kate was just a tiny bump in my tummy. What a mature, sweet and kind darling you are. Your mom and I often talk about how our girls got switched because you and I are the rule followers. Before Scotty, your mom didn't know that babies cried!

Jordan-o, I love your face. Having you grab my hand every morning and say, "I ride with you?" makes my day. Remember when I lost the pizza and you told me so matter of factly, "You're sittin' on it?" I knew then that I wanted another baby (you're not a baby) of my own. You sold me on it. Stop lying or you'll be eaten in your sleep. Roar!

Juner, you are your father. For real. So funny! I heard your dad tell you the other day that you could have something or other if you rapped. So you did. You are such a miracle. God has done such wonders in your little body. To see you eat pizza is just this side of heaven. Sorry that I didn't pick up the phone...

And on we go.

My Punkins

2010-11-07T11:23:00.000-08:00

Please be impressed...

She's painting! I'm letting her paint! Later, she even used her fingers! See how I'm advancing in my mothering skils! Miles had his Trunk or Treat on Friday. He told me that I was saying it wrong. I then explained. This is Buzz (Jayden) and The Karate Kid (Buddy). Miss Audrey was ready to help me hand out treats.

Parade of costumes. Eli was also ready with his superhero cape and man-bag.

The Dudes

Iron Man (Joshua), Karate Kid and Spiderman (Kaden)

Piratess (Ms. Chrissy) and my littlest, but hi-yah-ist punkin.

Since The Fall

2010-10-30T17:38:00.001-07:00

So... yeah.

We made it through the first week. The surgery went fine. In the early hours Josh and I thought that we could find a list of funny things to share afterwards. We started off strong...

Katie and I have a thing for gripper socks. These were the ultimate. I guessed (correctly, I assume) that they are for really confused patients that could potentially put them on upside down, slip, fall and sue the hospital. However, I'm not sure what happens if you put them on inside out... right?

We found nothing else funny the rest of the day. Shoot.

We had so many wonderful people step in and love on us. My mom has been wiping my tears for 34 years and was still there to do it again. She also came over to trim our lantanas and, for therapy's sake, install new lights.

While the front yard was being renovated, the kids were playing with neighbors and riding bikes. I looked over at one point and Kate was on a ladder helping the guy across the street hang goblins for Halloween.

Katie was in town all weekend for Scott's mom's memorial. It was good to laugh and eat cheescake and it was good to talk.

Thank you to everyone who prayed for us, brought meals, took my children, sent texts, emails, stopped by with flowers, and to those who just called to talk. Every bit of it was healing.

Now we wait and see what God is going to do. We claim His promise that it was for good and we trust Him. Even in tears.

Love,

Mikele for all

Hey Guys...

2010-10-25T19:39:00.000-07:00

We received some sad news today. Our baby has stopped growing. We are grieving and our hearts are broken, but we know that our God is bigger. He knew the number of days that I would carry this sweet child and He was there with me today. He was with me. I felt Him when others cried with me on the phone. I felt Him when friends stepped up to watch my kids and bring dinners. I felt Him in moments of peace in between the tears.

Telling Kate and Miles was our big moment. We talked about what to say and how to use this opportunity to demonstrate our trust in our Lord. It was amazing. Miles, in his four year old wisdom, said, "I'm sorry that this baby won't be born, but I know the next one will." He then promptly kissed me and left the table. Kate said she was sad for us and sad for her and in her innate female-ness asked who would be it's parents in heaven. Miles came back for that one, "God will take care of it."

Kate and I sat down and talked a little more. I cried a bit and she cried a bit and asked if that is why I wasn't at her school today volunteering as normal. She said she cried when I didn't come. When I asked why, she said that she knew something was wrong with the baby. Why? "Because I knew you had a doctor visit today." My perceptive girl.

Thank you for all of your prayers and calls and texts today. What a comfort to be surrounded by such friends. Please pray for me on Wednesday morning as the procedure is done. Pray for peace and safety and for complete healing.

Psalm 23 has been in my head and heart this week. "For You are with me."

Love,

Mikele for all

Best News Ever!!!

2010-10-22T16:54:00.000-07:00

Katie, Scott and the kiddos received the very best news today:

See HERE!!!

Praise the Lord. If anyone has tips on girl hair, pass them along. Heh!

Scooter

2010-10-18T18:04:00.000-07:00

Love you, Buddy!

Hugh Garage Sale!

2010-10-03T10:01:00.000-07:00

The garage sale was a "hugh" success!

My dad spent the two days showing people the poster. If they tried to bargain with him, he'd say, "Come here. Let me show you something. This is why we're doing this." The night before, a bunch of us set up the tables, priced everything and modeled old dresses that I may have worn to Winter Formal... Holly, Jen and Gaynor

Heather and Cathy (the foreman) Kelley

Not so bright, but early on the first morning. Heather was ready.

Creepy dolls we finally sold for $1. Just waiting for the crowds (who eventually DID come).

Jordan came to visit and I asked my dad to find her a clean blanket to sit on. Or foam core.

Day 2! I was asked (by friends and garage salers alike) to demonstrate how to properly fold a fitted sheet. It's one of my many skillz. Colin enjoying a free bagel that I got from a decade old punch card I've been saving. Seriously.

This is my dad. Fixing a shoe. So we can sell it for $2. Thank you to everyone who donated items, drove them over (from Laveen even!), helped set up, tear down, and prayed for this weekend. I'm so happy to say that we made over a thousand dollars for Scott and Katie's adoption process. My dad is so weird.

Helllllllooooooo!!!!

2010-09-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

I haven't been pregnant for 5 years and I do believe that in that time, I somewhat glamorized it. Oh, it will be so fun to be pregnant again! yada yada. Needless to say, I've been tired and nauseous and busy and.... So, a list for you: Things I have cried about unneccesarily: 1. Kate's tooth 2. When Josh ate my shake 3. Modern Family (why???) Things I am so happy about eating without guilt: 1. Ding Dongs (thank you, Adam and Heather) 2. Chick-Fil-A with large fries 3. Aforementioned shake Weeks I have been pregnant: * 12, so they say... Weeks we have until we find out whether we have a Piper or a Sawyer: * 8 Number of people who have touched my belly that is not showing: * 1 Our garage sale to raise funds for Scott and Katie's adoption is this weekend! If you want to come and shop, donate or just swing by to show support, let me know and I'll send you the address. I'll take pictures and actually blog about it. Much love, Me and the Hitchhiker

Milestone

2010-09-13T16:32:00.000-07:00

Oh, today is a banner day! My Kate lost her first tooth! It's like a rite of passage. Some reminder that she's no longer my baby. She's growing up. I'm so glad to say that I don't look back and have to be sad to have missed her childhood. I've been blessed to be there.

So her tooth has been wiggly for a couple of days now and last night it was really hurting her to eat, so we knew that the time was near. Mrs. Lindberg is known around the school for being a toothpuller. It's a little quirk that she has. Why have I still not gotten a picture of her? Anyway, I gave her a head's up on Kate this morning and she got a really excited look on her face. "Can I pull it?" I told her that she had my permission, but I wasn't sure Kate would go for it.

I saw Kate at 10 and she still had it in, but she walked in the door after school and there... taped to her notebook... was the tooth.

Can you see that little sucker?

I swear she got cuter.

Apparently, Mrs. Lindberg did get her hands on Kate's face and using a tissue, popped it right out. I asked her if it hurt and she answered, "Just a smidge." I'm guessing that's a Mrs. Lindberg word as well.

She's off right now writing a letter to the tooth fairy. Seriously. She knows the truth about Santa, so I'm holding on to this one as long as I can.

I Got Two Babies, One For Each Of Ya

2010-09-01T12:28:00.000-07:00

Nope, not twins. Whew. However... I am pregnant!!!!! We are due to meet this new little one of ours around April 12th. Or if you remember that I gestate like an elephant, sometime before May. Hopefully. We're thrilled. The kids are super excited and they each have their own gender preferences. The whole thing is pretty amazing and such a blessing from God. The OTHER baby is for my sweet friends Scott and Katie and this one is coming all the way from Ethiopia! They are "on deck" now which means that in one to three months, they should receive their referral! We are having a garage sale fundraiser for them on October 1st and 2nd, so if you're in town and would like to donate anything for the sale or just want to swing by and show support, let me know. Also, stop by their adoption blog - Without Hesitation.

Here's a little Miles love:

Lastly, it's Jen's birthday today!!!!!!!!!!!

Awesome.

A Wedding

2010-08-19T15:46:00.000-07:00

At last. There were so many sweet pictures and funny videos that it took me a while to pick the ones to share. Luke and Sarah got married on a hill at the Church and State Winery. Breathtaking.

Ivy with Giulio - Luke and Daniel's father In between the ceremony and the reception we twirled in our dresses... ...tried to take self portraits... ...took in the surroundings (my kids may have scaled that rock face and my daughter may have scraped up her entire thigh)... ...posed for a family shot... ...participated in some lawn games... ...and played in the vineyard. We always have so much fun at their weddings. The night was filled with various made up songs, contests, and dance numbers. They were dismissing our tables for dinner by "The first person to do such and such..." Our table had about fourteen children and one of the uncles who spoke little English. We had no chance. Finally, with the little ones threatening to pitch low blood sugar fits, I seized on Miles. He walked up to Paola, who was in charge of the dimissing, and said into the microphone, "I'm four. And I'm hungry." And we ate. Sarah had done a brilliant job of making the reception kid-friendly. They each got a bag of goodies including a ring pop and an activity book with stickers. Awesome. Everyone had nametags. Ha! Baby Lucy had a terrific time. Kate made new friends with Hannah - Luke and Daniel's niece And I got to hang out with a longtime friend, Miriam.

Then the dancing began...

It was fabulous. I love it when we get to stay to the very end of weddings. I get so irritated if we miss cake!

Congratulation, Luke and Sarah. Daniel's song is forever etched in our brains. Who's getting married next?

First Days

2010-08-16T17:01:00.000-07:00

This girl started first grade. As expected, she loves it.

She and Madison get to see each other every day. They're not in the same class, but I've heard that they eat lunch together and that THEY HAVE THE SAME LUNCH BOX!!!!

That means I get to see Jen everyday. We only have coffee together, but I know her lunchbox would have been way cooler than mine.

Kate has Mrs. Lindberg this year and apparently, she's very very very nice. Seems like I could have gotten a picture of them...

I snuck this one while they were praying. What a blessing.

Miles began Pre-K today. I get in big trouble if I say preschool.

His buddy Joshua showed up right after us. I guess Mrs. Chrissy didn't get the "Pre-K" memo either. I'm kind of surprised that Miles didn't mention it.

The board. His favorite thing about Pre-K is show and tell on Fridays.

Miles and Kaden Here we go...

Pre-Wedding Festivities

2010-08-13T18:17:00.000-07:00

Before the wedding we... ...helped Nancee squish fresh wheatgrass into juice. Yum...

...played in boots in the backyard...

...posed in the neighborhood...

...ate breakfast where this was the view...

...and took in the sights.

Everytime we visit, we think about the idea of moving there. This time, we decided that if Miles marries Lily, then we could spend our summers there. Dreamers, eh?

The wedding is the last installment and I'll just tell you now, Miles has some serious dance moves.

Part Duex

2010-08-06T20:34:00.000-07:00

So, why were we in British Columbia? Josh's great friend, Daniel, lived here briefly in high school and they've remained buddies through the years. We traveled up to Calgary in 2001 so that Josh could be his best man when he married Nancee. I've never fallen so in love with a group of people that quickly before. A month later, they came straight from their honeymoon in Italy to Phoenix so that Daniel could be Josh's best man in our wedding. We've visited Victoria when I was pregnant with Kate, they came down when she was 10 months old. We went back up a couple of years ago when Daniel's sister, Miriam, got married. We were blessed to have Miriam sing at our own wedding. Anyway, now they have 3 precious girls - Lily who just turned 4, Ivy who is 2 and sweet tiny Lucy, who was 2 weeks old when we crashed their house this time. We came up this year because Daniel's brother, Luke, was getting married. We love their family so much and this was our kids' first time meeting each other, so it was just great all around. On our first full day in Victoria, we took a walk. Everyone walks or rides bikes or takes buses there. Josh and I remarked that we would never walk that far at home, but there really just isn't all that much in walking distance here. And it's hot.

We caught a bus downtown... Kate and Lily

...grabbed some coffee (and steamed milk)...

...saw the sights (that's Daniel up ahead with Ivy in the stroller)...

...and finally arrived at Beacon Hill Park.

It was a beautiful sunny day and this man apparently was getting the most out of it. It got even funnier when a group of daycamp kids walked by. "Children, on your left is a semi-naked man sunbathing. Everyone say, 'sunbathing'."

The park has a really cool petting zoo. This is Ivy brushing the goats.

Miles really took to Daniel... ...and Lily. I'd venture to say that the feeling was mutual. I also got to spend some quality time with little Lucy.

It was a wonderful day.

O Canada!

2010-08-05T17:23:00.000-07:00

With Josh and I working two cameras and me being a non-Mac person, it's taking longer to get situated... post-wise.

We flew to Seattle, where we took the clipper to Victoria.

I loved the clipper so much better than the plane (ick). We had a practically empty ship on our way over and Kate made a friend. From Switzerland. Well, why not? We decided to take a look on the back deck. Bye, Space Needle!

It was soooo windy and cold, but coming from the desert, it was kind of nice. The kids left pretty quick, but when I got queasy later on I sat out there with a blanket wrapped around my head to keep my hair away from my face.

More to come...

I Forgot One

2010-07-28T20:00:00.001-07:00

The girls.

Good Times

2010-07-22T11:14:00.000-07:00

It was quite a weekend...

Heather's 21st birthday was on Thursday, so we took our usual field trip to Krispy Kreme.

Miles and Madison. It's oh so nice to have them back in our really hot state.

Colin

Josh got some great shots. Jen and Jordan.

Sean, Miles and Lance! The boys had a man trip this week (the OGToal) and Lance and Scott were flew in. Awesome.

The precious ones. All lined up. To jump.

Then the birthday girl and her man did their own jumping thing...

The menfolk took off for camping. Where it rained. A lot.

Such dudes. Love them.

Jen, Heather and I handled the offspring. All six of them. We went to The Ranch (Jen's temporary and magnificent dwelling place) to play, swim, eat dinner on beach towels...

... and sing Happy Birthday to Herkie Heather. Dang, she gets air.

On Sunday we gathered at Adam and Heather's before Scott and Lance departed. That Jordan is such a darling.

We tried out the new slip and slide...

... and our husbands graced us with a jump picture. They very well may be mocking us, but I'm too thrilled to give a care.

It was perfect... minus the midwest crew.

And minus Hawaii, of course.

My Yos

2010-07-13T16:41:00.000-07:00

Miles is such a funny kid. We're leaving for Canada tomorrow and I asked him what animal he wanted to take with him. Meet Sarah. Miles got her for Christmas and back then, she looked kind of more like this: He named her BallSoft. Yes. Shortly thereafter, the ball fell off, but he had some strange attachment to the weasel. A few months later he announced that her (HER!) new name was Sarah. After a sweet girl at Kate's school who always runs up and hugs him.

Apparently, she eats with us now.

This is Sarah's playhouse. It also doubles as a laser gun. I could not make this up if I wanted to. Yesterday, Miles had a purple whistle around his neck and told me that from now on I should call him Flapjack. He also barked a lot and then translated for me.

On our way to Canada tomorrow, we stop off in Seattle (hey, Mark Driscoll) and then take the clipper ship to Victoria. Miles is very concerned about the fact that we won't be wearing life jackets. Me: "Dude, it's fine." Miles: "I can't get on a boat without a life jacket." All I can assume here is that he is channeling his inner Diego... Me: "It's a big boat, not a small one. I promise, it's ok." Miles: "I have a very bad feeling about this." Here me now. If we, indeed, go down with the ship, someone find a good home for Sarah.

DisneyMania

2010-07-07T21:31:00.001-07:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Go Jesus!

2010-06-30T14:58:00.000-07:00

Last week, Kate got to attend a Vacation Bible School sports camp. She chose cheer...which is also her chosen career path...so we're gonna just put it on her resume now.

This last one has a little "Kate Flair" at the end:

She learned a lot of scripture verses that week too and spent the week telling them to others so that they could sign her paper. I wonder where we could put "Knows A Lot of Bible Verses" on that resume...

So... What Did You Do This Week?

2010-06-27T17:38:00.000-07:00

Me, I was a skunk.

Stinky Skunk, to be more accurate.

A skunk that also had a fart machine taped to her innards.

You would think that my pride would be all but shaken, however...

... at least underneath... my toes looked cute.

It was almost all for the kids. I dressed up as a skunk for five days - in the Arizona summer - for our church's Vacation Bible School. We call it "Blast Extreme." This year the theme was "The Go Club" and I was elected to be the mascot. Let's be honest... I loved it, but knowing that over 400 kids got to spend a week hearing about Jesus made it awesome.

Yep. Worth it.

The only things that would have made it perfect would have been a microphone and if we were in Hawaii.

What did YOU do this week?

The End of Kindergarten

2010-06-24T14:30:00.000-07:00

With the craziness that our summer has been so far, I've neglected to post Kate's last day of kindergarten. So, we back up a bit...

Mrs. Morrison and the kiddos. They let Miles join them for snack before the big "ceremony." As I was walking by, I heard some spontaneous singing...

Kate, Sophie and Grace Silver and Gold

Miles sat nicely through the whole thing. It's a magic conductor hat.

Oh, how we love Mrs. Martin!

Natalie, Kate, Grace, Miranda and Gabrielle

First Day... Last Day!

What a year it was. We are so thankful that God has allowed us to send her to Gilbert Christian. We love that her teachers pray for her, speak scripture to her and love her almost as much as we do. It is incredible to me that she will be a first grader in a few weeks and be gone all day! God has gone before us yet again and has chosen Mrs. Lindberg to be her teacher. She is a wonderful lady who just also happens to live right next door to Carrie! Kate is really excited.

Now... more summer!

Audrey

2010-06-19T15:38:00.000-07:00

Check out the newest member of the Pit Crew!

Go. Here. Now!

Love,

BEST WEEK EVER!

2010-06-11T13:11:00.000-07:00

It has been the most fabulous week (or so) and we've been so busy doing awesome stuff, that I haven't been able to sit down and tell the internet...

FIRST!

Josh and I had a weekend getaway for our anniversary at the Arizona Grand.

It was glorious.

We sat by the pool all day (hello, lobsters) and sadly, this is our only self portrait... ...had a champagne toast, breakfast at Cracker Barrel (???), took napzzzzzzzz...

... bought ourselves new anniversary plates at IKEA...

... enjoyed yummy desserts courtesy of our friends (THANK YOU!)...

... and on the last day, my mom brought the kids over and we spent the day at the hotel's waterpark. They loved the wave pool and pushing the buttons on the elevator.

SECOND!

As we were (literally) pulling out of the hotel, I got a call from Jen. I know most of you already know this wonderful news, but SHE IS MOVING BACK!!! To Arizona! To me! Hooray!!!! Today, we got even better news... Madison was able to get into Gilbert Christian and she and Kate will be going to school together. I may burst. With joy.

THIRD!

We've been going to swim lessons again this year at Pecos and on Wednesday I looked up and who is walking towards me?!?!? Amelia!!

Scott, Katie and the kiddos had driven all the long way from Chicago (26 hours-ish) as a surprise! It was a total scream fest at the public pool.

The next few days was a flurry of time spent with our precious friends. First, we snuck over to Adam and Heather's...

... where Heather showed her excitement with more herkies. The kids played and loved on each other.

There was some love amongst the adults as well.

We spent the afternoon swimming in the pool and eating popsicles. On Friday night, we went to The Living Room for dinner and then back to the mansion for handball, cornhole and complete pandemoniom.

On Saturday... what do you think we did?

Oh, yes we did! Josh took 270 pictures (not exaggerating), so stay tuned.

This week we jumped right into 2 Vacation Bible Schools and more swim lessons. Oh, and some Glee dance parties... Lastly, my sweet friend, Carrie, is having her baby girl tomorrow morning!!! I am beyond ecstatic for her, Ben and the boys. Fly over to her blog to give her love. Pink love.

Life could only be better if we were in Hawaii.

Austin Jumping

2010-06-08T17:58:00.000-07:00

While we were having the time of our lives in San Antonio, I insisted on a jump picture. At first, I was met with some opposition, some citing the big lunch we had eaten, and others the fact that we has been walking for hours. In the end, I won and the results were hilarious...

First, I figured that I would just take the picture. Timing is crucial and I felt that I had some experience. Robyn's airtime is impressive, but Heather apparently thought we were there just to tell jokes.

Ah, Heather brings back her cheerleader roots, while you'll notice that Katie's necklace hits her in the face in almost every picture. Jen seems to be one legged.

Run! Robyn, Run! Herkie! Heather, Herkie!

Katie gave it a try. Heather got the hand and Jen lost both leggers this time. I'm channeling my inner Thriller.

The girls wanted one of all of us, so we asked some Swedish guys (really) to take the picture, but as I mentioned before.... timing.... It was run on one, two and jump on three. duh. "Did you get it that time?" "Uh, no." Nice guys, though. Next, we tried jumping off the wall... ... holding hands. We set up the camera on the timer and set it on the car hood. Didn't work and Katie's hair is not set up for this kind of thing. "Girls, I love you and Kel, you especially are awesome, but I need a break." Finally, we had a couple of nice girls on a road trip across the country (I know!) ask if they could help. Why, yes! You can! This is my favorite of Jen. She took this one with her camera!!!!!!! Hooray! Since they were on a road trip (!) it took a few weeks to get somewhere to upload the picture off her camera and email it to Heather, but it was worth the wait. I really think that I'm going to tag everyone reading this. Get some people together, make them jump and post it. Then comment with your blog address so we can all laugh at you. Please!!! The End.

Nine

2010-06-03T15:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we celebrated our ninth wedding anniversary.

Josh met us for dinner after work and I cannot even believe that we matched. Kate looked at us wide-eyed and said perplexingly, "Are you supposed to wear the same color on your anniversary?" I was my own pet peeve, people!

This was us on our honeymoon in Hawaii. Oh, how I wish we were there right now...

Maybe for 10?

Summer Is Officially Declared

2010-05-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

Both kiddos are out of school and our summer has begun! So far, we've slept in, been to the library, played Go Fish, War and a new game that Kate made up involving blue construction paper(?) and we're headed to a swim and bar-b-q party tonight to cheer on the Suns.

Miles had his preschool celebration last week and it was super precious. He even kept his hands out of his pants the entire time...

First day - August

Last day - sporting the highlighter yellow cross that his teachers gave him. He later declared it to be the same color as his pee. I think he might be dehydrated.

One of the many, many songs they performed. Ms. Chrissy, Miles and Ms. Allison Kaden and Miles Oh, you big, crazy, sweet boy! I love you and you are in need of a haircut. But mostly, I love you.

Firmly Awana Stands...

2010-05-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

... led by the Lord's commands. Come on... sing along.

Kate and Miles finished strong in Awana. Kate started Sparks and finished her first book, review, and even flew through the HangGlider extra book. She was a total rock star for Jesus. Miles learned alongside her and will probably know all of the Sparks verses before he even gets that red vest. He loved Cubbies and was the go-to guy when the leaders couldn't remember the chapter and verse.

I did the Cubbie leader thing this year and had the privilege of hanging out with these four sweethearts. Daniel, Layla, Dakota and Dylan.

Miles, Daniel and Colin. Colin became my third child (and easiest, by the way) since he rode with us all year. He brought us snacks for the way home and begged to listen to our "Cars" cd each and every week.

All she wanted was a ribbon like Amelia.

Good job, dudes! We are so proud of you and pray that God's words will stay in your brains always and that you will turn to them for wisdom. We love you!

Shout Out

2010-05-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

Amy Fraughton, our wonderfully talented photographer who took our Christmas shots, posted a few on her blog and since some of you were asking for her info... behold...

Amy Fraughton Photography

Love,

Kate and Bonnie

2010-05-13T21:48:00.000-07:00

Kate began piano lessons earlier this year with Ms. Cami and a few weeks ago she took part in her very first recital. It made it super extra special that it was held at Josh's recital hall at My First Piano.

Waiting to begin. She was up first, but showed no sign of nervousness. Wonder where she gets it...

"My Bonnie Lies Over The Ocean"

Can you see her face? Daddy brought the performer a few roses. She received a certificate and a Celtic cross. So, she's booking gigs now and if you are in need of a piano player who can perform certain Irish melodies, Twinkle Twinkle and part of a jazz tune, give her Belle phone a ring.

Skidmark

2010-05-10T14:37:00.000-07:00

It would never have crossed my mind to have him do that...

GTOALSA

2010-05-03T16:41:00.001-07:00

Five friends. Four days.

The Gtoalsa.

The boys started it years ago with the TOAL (Trip of a Lifetime) and since then, we've celebrated a lot of them. I even named my blog for it. This one was The Girls Trip of a Lifetime - San Antonio. Josh said it sounded like we were headed to 4-H camp, but we embraced it.

Jordan-o and Jen met us at the airport and off we went... to the soundtrack of Glee. Katie, Jordan, Yours Truly, Robyn and Heather

On Friday we went to Boerne and shopped till Jordan dropped. We even packed a lunch and ate chicken salad while we talked politics. Really.

Five "mommies" can keep a girl pretty entertained.

That night we graced the Riverwalk for dinner. Katie started the game called, "GoaroundthetableandsaywhatyourhighandlowoftheyearwasandwhatGodisteachingyou." I think we all cried. This is why I love these girls.

Ok, Saturday morning I thought that I would join Heather and Katie for a jog around the block. I did NOT keep up and I had shin pain for days. I'm not built for endurance. This was afterwards. They will hate me for this picture, but I was really just wanted to call attention to Jen's groundcover in her front yard.

Later that day, we took off for Austin. Heather found a sign depicting her name from her clubbing days.

We ate lunch at Sandra Bullock's restaurant - Walton's Fancy and Staple. Mmmmmm... Monte Cristo...

That afternoon, we jumped. But you're gonna have to wait for those goodies.

On our way back from Austin, Jen's GPS (named Gina) got us lost, but we spent our extra time wisely enough...

Heather is now only allowed to rap.

Sunday morning. The Pancake Haus. Where every meal comes with a side of pancakes. These two finished off their plates in ten minutes flat. I'm not kidding.

Jordan and Madison

This was the last shot. On our way to the airport. I think Katie was already crying.

It was a perfect trip. We crafted, watched a movie at 1 am, ate dinner made solely of appetizers, Glee!, got free dessert by declaring it Katie's birthday (June), and laughed over everything.

Countdown to the next one, girls? Love you.

Part Three - The Wedding

2010-04-30T01:11:00.000-07:00

This One Goes Out To The One I Love

2010-04-27T14:19:00.001-07:00

Josh turned 34 today.

We met when we were 23. I clearly remember saying at the time, "If I wasn't already dating someone, I'd think he was pretty cute." He hung on until I had come to my senses and asked me to dinner at PF Changs. Which is still where we go for his birthday dinners.

Here are some b-day facts about my husband:

1. He is the oldest of five. Three younger brothers and one youngest sister. When we met, he carried around Cara's picture in his wallet. He called her "Sweeps," which was short for Sweetpea.

2. He doesn't carry a wallet anymore and firmly believes that men should be allowed to carry a purse. If so, he might not have lost my wedding ring during my labor with Kate. You know... because it was in his pocket after my hands swelled up like pitocin-induced sausages.

3. He never calls me by my name. Ever. He refers to my by it, but never says it to me. I'm "Babe."

4. He is the ying to my yang. Certain to ground me with wisdom and a considerably less amount of crazy girl emotion. He thinks before speaking. I don't. Generally.

5. He has a man-crush on Mark Driscoll. Wanted to name a child "Driscoll." He likes names with a good story behind it. We had this little orange cat once...

6. Two years ago, he decided to start his own business. Quit his job. Spent countless hours making his dream happen. I can't even put the last few years into a sentence. He has the most awesome work ethic. I'm so proud of him.

Introducing... My First Piano

Happy Birthday, Love.

Easter

2010-04-18T13:11:00.000-07:00

The tardy blogger strikes again...

We were honored to have Sierra join us for Easter at EVBC. Love her. After church, we moseyed on over to Jim and Brenda's house where we...

... played a little pool... ... Dance Dance Revolution-ed... ... discovered two soon-to-be parents!... ... fell in the pool and then went looking for eggs... (did not fall in the pool)

... tried to beat Dad at ping pong... ... was happy for Sarah when she won the adult egg hunt - she earned it... ... napped in the grass (because things were not going his way)...

... really sucked it up in badminton (surprise!) while ignoring the moron in the background. Who is... by the way... going to be a dad soon and so his behavior is even more questionable... ... and finally, we rested.

Darkest Before The Dawn

2010-04-16T15:42:00.000-07:00

Alternately titled:

Things We Do For Our Children That Will Never Be Fully Appreciated

So, here in the desert, summer is... well... here. Not officially, but, I mean... it's HERE. That means swim lesson sign ups, the game of figuring out how many Vacation Bible Schools you can send your kids to (four) and also... summer movies!!!!!

Somehow, none of us this year could order the movie tickets through school, so it was up to Holly and me to go stand in line for them. Last year, Holly went at 6am and was like, 25th in line. This year, we were gonna beat that.

I arrived.

Not ONE soul was there. Pitch black. I set up our "waiting station." I checked for confirmation as to what time it was all going down. I called Holly and gave her the all clear to stop for coffee. Quick nap. (Hey, new Gap hoodie!)

Holly arrives with said coffee and we settle in for the wait. 6:16!!!!!! Someone other than us arrives. I'm mentally figuring out just how much longer I could have slept.

A decent line finally starts to form. Yawn.

Hey! We know you!

First ones in. First ones out. Can you see the lazy suckers in the background?

Yee-Haw!

Eggs And Empty Tombs

2010-04-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

The pre-Easter celebrations started off with an egg hunt at Miles' preschool.

As I not-so-softly encouraged him as we mothers do... There's another one! Miles! Right there! He calmly informed me that he already had 12 eggs and that was all that he was allowed to find. Healthy competition takes a break at Easter, I guess.

Joshua. Counting his eggs. He had 20. I did nothing about it.

Kaden, Miles and Joshua

On Saturday evening, we continued our tradition of making Resurrection Rolls and hunkering down to watch the Veggie Tales classic... An Easter Carol.

Hannah came over to lend a hand.

They rolled "Jesus" in spices...

... and put Him in the "tomb"...

... and on the "third day" we opened the "tomb" and He was gone! Risen!

I got to share the Easter story with them as we made the rolls and Hannah was stupified as to where "Jesus" had gone.

Precious.

He Rose And Conquered The Grave

2010-04-05T19:43:00.000-07:00

Kate was smart to hide in the shade during the outdoor service. More to come...

Happy Easter!

Throwback Thursday - Easter Edition

2010-04-01T16:27:00.001-07:00

Easter Sunday - 2007

Miles - Colin - Scotty

I find their expressions so very amusing...

Part Two - The Rehearsal

2010-03-29T18:45:00.001-07:00

Josh's little sister, Cara, got married earlier this month and all four of us were honored to be in the wedding. It took place in Chino Valley (Prescott) at this beautiful place called the Windmill House. Gorgeous. Every bit of it.

Jocelyn and I waiting our turn.

Great Granddad and Nana There was a sweet bridge that we walked over to get to where the ceremony was being held. Miles and Gavin

Granddad, Baby Layla and Cara Cara and Ian

Afterwards... it was time to... well, you know... jump!

Baby Claire

Picking berries became the activity of choice amongst the younger set.

Natalie

Layla

It was a wonderful afternoon to celebrate love.

The Day Aunt Cara Got Married - Part One

2010-03-28T08:57:00.000-07:00

Precious little suckers...

Tag-A-Licious

2010-03-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

Before commencing with the tag, I'll explain the hospital bracelet.

Really sick. Thought it was food poisoning. Happened again days later. IV. Anti-nausea meds. Better now. They're not sure what it is - gall bladder or maybe nothing at all? Anyway, now you know how much I love attention and lots of comments. :)

Onward. Robyn W. tagged the Internet, so here we go:

1. Open up your first pictures folder.

2. Post the 10th picture and tell the story.

Well, my first three or so folders had less than 10 pictures and I like to follow rules, so...

This is March of 2006. We had just had this very adorable, yet super huge baby named Miles. This picture was one of the hundreds I took in order to capture a perfect one for his announcent. First I tried naked, but then he peed all over the blanket.

This is what we ended up with:The End.

A Recap

2010-03-23T15:13:00.000-07:00

Spring Break. A Recap.

Alex's birthday dutifully celebrated at Krispy Kreme. Children sent off to in-laws so spring cleaning could commence.

Cleaning cut short (#%@&!)

Gave youngest the camera to keep him busy at restaurant. Accompanied this guy to Last Chance. Discuss.

Miles' Fourth

2010-03-15T14:25:00.001-07:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Long Distance Relationships

2010-03-09T11:27:00.000-08:00

We've been friends for something like ten years. The plan was to all live in the same place. Go to the same church. Maybe someday live on the same street and meet in the middle for coffee while the kids rode bikes around us.

However. God's plan was not our plan. This Christmas we all celebrated in different states - except Heather and I. So, I sent towels. State towels.

Katie in Illinois Jen in Texas Heather here in Arizona Robyn in Iowa

And maybe it just made us all feel just a bit closer.

What IS Making Me Happy Right Now

2010-03-01T14:32:00.000-08:00

So. So. Happy.

But Still I'm Not Happy, Don't You See?

2010-02-26T14:14:00.001-08:00

I guess the end of the song isn't completely appropriate since we had a fantastic time in Texas and we're only sad that the trip is over.

On our last day, we visited their new church...

Jen had seen some cute shops in a nearby town, so we left the kids with the menfolk (more water... it was everywhere) and took off to find some goodies. We found sunglasses that broke the next day, really sweet hairclips for the girls, real Texas honey and by then the boys were calling us to retrieve them. It only took us 4 tries to exit the freeway correctly. Back at home, Kate learned to skate... Madison climbed trees... Jen crocheted... and I posed... Dinner was Jen's famous ziti. We let the boys eat with the kids for our sanity. After dinner, we celebrated Valentine's Day with cookies...

the giving of love...

new socks (I think we can fairly say that it's tradition)...

and treats. It all ended with *sniff* Jen reading them a book, but not posing at all for the camera.

Oh, see the satin-y pillowcase? *sniff*

Four Years Ago...

2010-02-24T14:58:00.000-08:00

Life went from this...

to this...

... and now we're here... Happy 4th Birthday, Buddy. What an absolute joy you are.

This year your personality hit full bloom. You tell awful jokes, love your sister, fake laugh in order to try not to whine, are a teacher's dream, have a fantastic memory which results in me being able to ask you where anything is... at any time... and you knowing.

You want to build houses when you grow up. You love boy toys (hallelujah!), but still begged for a princess wand at the dollar store today. You are thoughtful of others and really funny (but I won't tell you because you think it's "mean to say").

We are blessed to call you our son.

Satin Pillows To Cry On

2010-02-20T15:28:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we had planned on Sea World, but, on finding it closed (shoooooot!), we decided on a children's museum. Between the Riverwalk and the area surrounding the museum, Jen and I must have repeated, "Watch out! Get away from the edge! For the love of that is holy!"

It had a cute little train that took us from the water's scary edge to the museum. We gave the cameras to the kids and hoped for the best. The treehouse. Can you spot Kate?

In the end, the little cute train took us back to civilization and we headed home to hand the kids over to the babysitter (!!!) and enjoy dinner out. Ahhhhhh, vacation.

Satin Sheets To Lie On

2010-02-17T13:49:00.000-08:00

We just returned from the SA-TOAL (San Antonio Trip of a Lifetime) where we spent 5 glorious days with some of our bestest friends. It was such a perfect trip and tears were shed when it was over.

The title is a song that for some odd reason my mom used to sing to me. Anyone (besides Jen) know the rest? I was reminded of it during our stay in San Antonio because Jen bought these awesome $5 "satin" sheets for our visit. Every morning I would wake up and the sheets were off and we were sleeping on the mattress.

On with it...

My children (not prompted by myself) refreshing themselves on safety procedures.

We landed (safely) and after a mighty fine reception, headed back to the house to get settled. Could their house be any more charming?? Kate and Madison I know it's the law, but I'm a little mad a Sean for defecting. This is some early Valentines' adoration as we waited the next morning at the Pancake Haus. Technology babysat while the adults chatted. Turns out, the pancakes were good, but Jen and I SHARED the best omlette that has ever graced my palate. After breakfast we took a walk around the River Walk (two words or one?) and the Alamo. We had to jump. The Alamo... can you spot the kids? That evening was a Daddy-Daughter dance held at Sean and Jen's church. Jen was in charge of updo's and handmade corsages. She even plucked the leaves out of her backyard.

Precious girls. And yes, while the foursome were out dancing the night away, Jen and I took the two younger ones to Hobby Lobby. Jen had crocheted a beanie for Jordan and I felt that I could rock one, so we went looking for yarn. I even stayed up and watched Project Runway (and liked it).

More to come... including me in a beanie.

I Love Birthdays, Yes I Do!

2010-02-08T13:51:00.000-08:00

Since I am extremely fond of going out to eat, I celebrated my birthday by... well, doing that a lot.

First came Girl's Night at Pita Jungle. Jen, Robyn, Astraea, Kristi and Katie... you were sorely missed. No one even asked me to share. It was awesome. Kim even brought me a little crown to wear and, if you know me at all, aren't surprised that I put it on immediately.

It also scored me a free americano.

On my actual birthday, Heather donned my Cubbies shirt and subbed for me at Awana so that Josh and I could go out to dinner. Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou.

We got our Blue Wasabi on.

Then dinner with my parents. The sparkler was my favorite.

Now, I must pass the birthday torch to my son. I hope he wants to eat out...

Throwback Thursday - Birthday Edition

2010-02-04T23:42:00.000-08:00

Heather requested that Throwback Thursday be re-instituted, so in celebration of my birthday month...

I give you my 28th birthday. That's Lance with Amelia, Josh with Kate and me with overalls. Oprah says that they're out, but I'm keeping them in my closet until the tide turns.

Happy Birthday, Mikele!

2010-02-03T05:23:00.000-08:00

It's the time of year again where Astraea gets to hack into Mikele's blog and give her a new look! Hope you all like it. (Mikele, I'll finish the sides later this morning.) Have a wonderful birthday! I love you dearly.

Christmas 2009

2010-01-30T12:01:00.001-08:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I'm Not Gonna Spoil It For You

2010-01-26T12:05:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Carrie (and her husband Ben, of course) are expecting baby number three in the summer and with two little boys (and her husband Ben, of course) running around, there is a lot of ... well... boyness surrounding her.

This weekend she and Ben decided to throw a "Pink or Blue" party so that we could all find out together whether she should dig into her boys' newborn outfits or go straight to Target for a new batch of pink ones.

Heather, Josh and I were ready to represent "Team Pink"

Whooooo-hoooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's a precious girl!!!! I promptly suggested "Mikele" for her name.

Carrie and Ben (and Baby Girl, of course)

Ah, God is good.