A party worthy of 4!

Yesterday Grace had her Princess Birthday Party, and she certainly was the princess! We had a blast with many grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles, and of course a brother, sister, mom and dad!
My mom made the princess dress for the party, and Grace loved it! She looked so beautiful and just like a princess!
I made the cake- a castle with a princess, of course. She had hot dogs with pickles, chips and dip, veggies and dip, punch, and cake and ice cream. Lots of yummy favorites!
Grace had a great time being with family, and received some fun gifts from some very fun people! It is always fun to get together and celebrate something as wonderful as a fourth birthday!
Here is a picture of Grace and Emma, at the table after eating their birthday food! Emma is wearing the party hats that all guests were offered, but not required, to wear.
This is a dress that my mom made for Grace for her birthday gift. It is super cute, and Grace loves it.
All in all, it was a great party, a great birthday, a great week for a fabulous girl!

Four is a lovely number

Grace turned 4 on Tuesday, and has had a fun week of celebrating! We do weeks in our house, not just one little day. Happy birthday to our sweet girl!
She started the day with gifts from Mom, Dad, Ben, and Emma- she got many fun things, but new Playdough was one of the highlights. She loves anything that she can sculpt, draw, paint, cut, or otherwise do arts and crafts with!
She got to have a special lunch with Mom, a special dinner with Aunt Janelle, Grandma Pam and Papa Randy, and a fun day in general!
She also got to bring cupcakes to school, where they sang to her and gave her gifts!
A fun time, and it was not over yet!
Grace is such a sweet girl who loves to be helpful to anyone, loves her family, and loves to play and have fun. She loves the Fresh Beat Band, Dora, and princesses. She loves to dance, sing, and color her days away. Baking anything for everyone is one of her favorite past times, and she does it better than me! She is kind and loving to her friends and family, yet she will stand for what she believes in. It is amazing the girl that she has become, and we are so excited to watch her continue to grow and learn. It is a journey that we look back on with joy and love, and look forward to with excitement and amazement.
Happy Birthday Sweet Grace! We love you!

Family Happenings

Many exciting changes have been made in our family lately- for everyone. Josh ended work and started school. He is doing well, enjoying what he is studying. I have started working, and finishing school. I hopefully will graduate in the Spring, but will have some more credits next year for my license in special education.
Grace started pre-school, and loves, loves, loves it! Her favorite part of her day is anything at school, and the worst? "having to go home". Yup, loves it!
Ben started kindergarten, and has been very busy with friends and school. It is very good to be that busy when you are 5. We have to let him stay home on Saturdays, just to relax a bit.
Emma has been adjusting to being home without any siblings, and just a mom or dad with her. She is not upset about the special time that she has. Not one bit!
Some of the changes have been harder than others, but we are adjusting. It has been an interesting few months, but we are finding our new roles, and doing what we need to do.

Ben's 1st day

Big things have been happening in our family, and the biggest of all is that Ben Started Kindergarten! It has been about a month and he is enjoying it! He is making friends, enjoying his teachers, and getting into a great routine. It has been a great first month of school!
He loves Transformers, and had to have a Bumblebee shirt, which he wore the first day. He is one handsome kindergartener!
Grace and I cried the first day we brought him to the bus, and we cried everyday that week. Now we wait for Monday, and do not know what we will do next summer- school is gooood, very goood!
Yay for Ben and a great first month of learning, making friends, and GROWING!

Cool Summer Fun

Today was summer. All week, in fact, will be summer. Next week? Probably not. Last week? Definitely not!! However, today was warm. Actually, you could call it hot. 89, I think. Last week, I do not think we saw 70. Whatever.

Ben and Grace took advantage of all of that lovely warmth to spend some quality time with their pool. Almost every day this summer they asked "is it warm enough for the pool?". Sadly, then answer was always NO, NO and NOPE- too cold.

So today was the day. And we turned the yard into a water park, at least in the eyes of two sweet children.

I dragged the pool to the big yellow slide, filled it up, and let it sit in the sun all morning. Then this afternoon, water slide time. Sooo much fun, they spent the entire afternoon climbing up and sliding down.

Ben obviously had the most dramatic reaction to the cold, hopefully you can see his face in the pics. Grace's face showed more pure joy-

Enjoy the pics, maybe have a little laugh. Just remember, they deserved the happiness this brought them, they have been waiting a very long time!

Rummaging Around

I do not often go to rummage sales. Almost never. I have decided to rethink that position on certain items. You see, on Friday evening we were driving around in Hibbing and I said to Josh "I think I would like to go to a rummage sale, to look for a table to paint red" (thank you Colleen, for the tip:). Two minutes later, we are lost and looking for a sale that seems to be nowhere in sight. Why this sale? I guess Josh likes a challenge. I do not expect much from rummage sales, and usually walk in and out in about 5 minutes. Clearly that is what Josh was expecting, and hoping.
Not this time- I saw this sewing cabinet and fell in love. Yes, it is old and somewhat beat-up. Yes, the finish is wearing off. Yes, I have not taken my sewing machine out in years. I intend to, I really do. Plus, it is ideal for my own personal desk, for all of my bill paying and school work doing needs.
It does not look like much from the outside- where do you put your legs? But just look at the storage capabilities inside. With the doors open, it is a perfect desk, with plenty of leg room. The top has two pieces that are removable, for the sewing machine. Or they can stay there, for the laptop. Whichever. Love it!
I love that this is solid wood, it is strong and will last. Someday I will refinish it, maybe. Maybe not. I love the old look of it. Yay for rummage sales, at least this time!

The cherry on top? It cost $5. For real!

PS- I also went to a rummage sale the next day, and got some beautiful new ceramic tile to redo the entry way floor, and make it larger. Josh finished the grout last night, maybe I will post pics someday. Maybe not. Anyway, I got 115 tiles for $10. Love it, love it!

Cabin on the Lake

We spent yesterday at the family cabin, swimming and cooling off after a warm week (warm for Minnesota, of course:). The kids had so much fun, spending the day in the nice, cool water.

Emma loved being in the baby floatie- she would hum the entire time she floated- a sign of utter happiness! She also loved being on the beach in the little sandy "pool" her sister made for her, and throwing rocks in the water.

Grace is our little fish! She would spend all day, every day in the water. She also has no fear, hence the life jacket! She was in heaven, and it was rare to see her out of the water. She built the most beautiful sand castle, complete with landscaping.

Ben loved the water, and spent a lot of time with his remote control submarine, AKA rescue boat. Thank heavens for the boat, mommy was towed to shore more than once by the yellow rescue submarine. Ben also loved fishing- casting off the dock. He is still waiting for the "big one".

To share with you the beauty of the day, I had to show you the view off the dock- this view has not changed in the thirty years that I remember being there. Utter peace and quiet, especially on a Thursday. It was a great time, and so much fun seeing the cabin as I did when I was younger, and as my children do now.

"red"ecorating

Well, I guess that red is my new favorite color, or at least accent color, in my house. I love it with green, with brown, and with yellow, white, __________. You name it, I love red with it. Not really orange, but sometimes. You know what I mean. Anyway, this is the new look of my kitchen. It was a very yellow yellow, which made me smile, but it was time for a change. I found the cherry curtains, and decided I love the retro-50's look. I really need a ruffly apron, just for in the kitchen. I also love green, and decided to put red cherries with a soft green. The result- a happy, calming, but fun kitchen. The counter tops are black, so the green helps to soften the color a bit. I love it, but cannot get a picture that shows you the full effect. You get what you get, and you don't get upset. It's something, right Melissa?;)
And this is a continuation of my new found love of red as an accent. Not an entire room- what is it, an OR? An accent- say it with me. So my living room was brown, and not a pretty chocolate brown, but tan. The vanilla of browns. The floor, the walls, the furniture. ALL OF IT! The only color was the prints you see above. Love my Kim Parker prints, but you could barely see them on the tan wall. So I matched found a color to compliment the red in the prints, and we painted only the wall that they are on. I LOVE IT!!!!! It makes me smile all day, I just love the color, and the way it warmed the room up. Did I mention how great it makes my prints look? They POP! Now I just need some window treatments, to bring the other window into the color love. I have color love. The love of color.

Yay red, as an accent, of course. Anyone have any idea what to paint with the other half of the gallon?

Meet Jack

This is Jack- just Jack. I thought I would introduce him. He is our new, three-year-old goldendoodle, and we love him! He is technically Ben's dog, but we share. Chores, mostly.
Jack is 75 pounds of dog, but thinks he is about 25 pounds. Dog on your lap, anyone? The kids love him, we love him, and Daisy, the little dog, is mixed. They love to play all day long, and then pass out at night. However, he listens, so he has more freedom. He sits, and stays. Most of the time!

Well, that is Jack. Our new moose, uh, dog. He is much furrier (is that a word? If not, I think it should be) than a moose. But not much smaller!

Doctor, Doctor

Yes, it has been awhile since my last post. I am sure that you have missed me! And I am sure after you read this post, you will understand where I have been. And this is just a taste of what we have been up to!

2 weeks ago today, Ben had some tests done at the hospital in Duluth. Everything is fine, but the testing was certainly an experience! He had an EEG, which went quite well. And then he had an MRI with sedation. Which means that they drugged my little boy until he was unconscious, so that they could take pictures of his brain. You would think it would be easy to sedate a 39 pound kid, but not if that child is Ben. Every time they would say "when he is asleep" Ben would say " I am not going to sleep- I don't really like to sleep". And he meant it. It took them 3 doses to get him to sleep, because as soon as he would start to drift off (pass out) another machine would make this super loud beeping and Ben would wake up and say (slurringly) "what's that?" and they would drug him again.
After waking him up 3 hours later, Ben could not sit up, stand up, or move without falling over. He threw up three times, before we had to give him a med to counteract the nausea and vomiting from the sedative. Good times, I tell ya! He literally could not stand up or walk all night, and the second med made him high as a kite! Higher than a kite, probably. It was a sight to see- he was actually very funny! So he is fine, and life went on.

Yesterday, we had plans for a fun day with the kids- we were going to the Minnesota Discovery Center (fka Ironworld), to Lowe's for red paint for the living room wall, and then to Pizza Ranch for a fun dinner. However, while at Ironworld (much easier to type), we got a phone call that Josh's uncle was in the hospital, and about to undergo a major surgery. So we hunted down my parents, switched cars (and kids) with them- thank you mom and dad- and headed down to Duluth. We spent the evening in the waiting room with many family members, and were able to find out that he is doing well, and we hope that he will continue to heal.

Today, we were going to bbq in the backyard, and just enjoy some much-needed beautiful weather. At about 4:30, I hear Ben yelling for me, and then see Josh laying in the yard, holding his head. He had fallen while jumping off of one 4-wheeler in the garage, and hit his head on the other 4-wheeler. Blood EVERYWHERE!!!! Gushing from his head (TMI?). Why was Josh on the wheeler? He was getting a volleyball from the rafters. Why use a ladder when you can fall off of a 4-wheeler??? Needless to say, we spent the evening in urgent care getting staples in Josh's head. 4 to be exact, with no numbing meds. Just the staples, and a nice tetanus shot to top it off! Don't worry- he is doing fine, we just have to watch him for altered consciousness- you know, odd behavior. How do I discern that from regular (still odd) behavior? You know, like standing on a 4-wheeler? And then jumping off and cutting your head open?

So we have been busy, and I have had enough doctors and hospitals for a while, thank you!

She Did It!!!!!

"Who did it?" "What did they do?" "How did they accomplish something so miraculous?" All of these are questions that I expect to be going through your head at this time. Would you like me to answer those unending questions? Or keep you waiting- thinking that maybe now will be the time, or maybe now. Hmm, when will I tell you? This is kind of fun.

OK. Now is the time.

Emma walked. Took her first sweet baby steps today. It is a most miraculous accomplishment indeed. Is there anything sweeter than those first, lurching steps?

Now I have just one more question for you- Who did she walk to? Her devoted mommy, who spends a rather large portion of her day saying "walk, Emma, walk! You can do it! Go Emma!"? Nope, not me. Her daddy, who works with her often, in the hopes of seeing that first step? Nope! One of her beloved siblings? Not them, either.

Papa Jim. Yup, her grandpa. The guy who was here for about 2 minutes. She got up from her nap, saw Papa Jim, and ran to him. They may only have been 2 steps, but they were running. Fast. And he did not even bring her a doughnut. Whatever.

I will post pics when Emma decides to try again. She is clearly taking the evening off. She did do her dad the honor of walking to him, before her early retirement.

So there you have it, answers to your most pressing questions. "Who did it?" EMMA!!!! "What did she do?" She walked! "How did they accomplish something so miraculous?" Perseverance and hard work. Oh, and she tried hard, too.

YAY EMMA!!!!

Oh, dear

What is wrong with poor little Emma? She looks so sad!!!!!

I don't think she bit her tongue, as her 2 teeth are strategically placed to not do such a thing.

Is she cold? Hungry? Distressed about the economy? Concerned that the swine flu will keep her locked inside for most of her toddlerhood?

Nope- we told her that her ice cream was all gone.

Easter

I know that I am a bit late with my Easter post, but better late than never, right? So here is the best picture of all three kids that we could get- this is seriously getting much more difficult!
I just had to post the above picture- a moment of snuggly solace on a busy Easter day. Ben and Grace truly have a special relationship!

So we must talk about the bunny, and all of the delicious surprises he carried in his basket this year. Ben and Grace, along with yummy jelly beans, M&M's, Peeps, and chocolate bunnies, got fun scooters to race around the town! They were a hit, even if the children were unsure what, exactly they were. Ben walked down the stairs, saw his scooter and yelled "a unicycle!...or whatever that is." Yeah- we are a loooong way from the bunny bringing a unicycle, but whatever works!
Emma got a book and Goldfish- no candy for her!

We had a great Easter, spending time with friends a family. We got to see Grandma Pam and Papa Randy, Grandma Kathy and Papa Jim. And the most exciting- Uncle Nate and Aunt Alli. My children absolutely love them- although Nate may have fallen a spot or two on Grace's list of faves after he-gasp!- kicked the ball two times! Yes, you read that right! Who does that? She is still mad about the double kick! So please do not bring it up, the next time you see her. Even if it is six months. I doubt she will have recovered by then. It was traumatic!

Garden Party

Saturday was Emma's birthday party, and we did a sort of garden theme. You know, the cake had flowers, and it was 40 degrees outside. That sort of garden. I made the cake, and was excited to use some marshmallow fondant for the accent flowers. It was fun to work with, and someday I will make a cake covered in it.

Emma had a great time at her party- she was a sweet little hostess. She loved being the center of attention- I thought that one year olds were supposed to cry and scream at their party. She only cried when she was hungry.
She did not attempt to blow out the candles- thank heavens she has a brother and sister to help her out! She tried to grab the candle, so we have no candle pics.
I made a smaller cake just for Emma, and we plopped it down in front of her, and let her go! She barely made a mess, and spent more time playing than eating! Works for me!

Emma had a great party, with new fun gifts and lots of fun memories. For us, at least!
Happy Birthday Emma!

On a side note, Emma also had her one year checkup this week, and I though I could share her stats with you! She is a little girl- only 28 inches, in the 18th percentile, and 19 lbs, 11 ounces- 28th percentile. She is petite, just a bit round. She is perfectly healthy, and doing great!

Did you know...

that today is Emma's 1st birthday?

What, you didn't? Well, now you do! Emma was born 1 year ago, at 4:36 pm. The day was very similar to today- warm and sunny!
Sunshine brings good memories- all three of my children were born on bright, sunny days! It is fitting, don't you think?!
Emma melts our hearts every day, with her sweet smile and personality. We spend every day loving up those deliciously kissable cheeks, hoping that they will not disappear anytime soon. Emma loves her books, her siblings, and her puppy. As you can see, we have been able to go outside this week, and Emma has been pushing her toy up and down the block. Outside is Emma's favorite place to be, in the backpack or pushing her toy around.
So now you have it- Emma is saying "goodbye" to babyhood- and "hello" to toddlerhood. It is a whole new world. Am I ready?!!

Emma's party is Saturday, and her checkup is tomorrow- so there will be party pics and stats to update.

Happy Birthday Sweet Emma! WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Keepin' you updated-

We have been busy. Doing what? you ask. Being sick. For a looong time. First Grace got the cold, then Ben and Emma. Ben has not been to school since last Thursday. You know- a week ago this past Thursday. The cold itself was not so bad- runny noses, etc. The cough that came at the end was the trouble. And was it trouble! Fortunately, Emma skipped right over this part. Ben and Grace are still coughing, but we have decided to ignore it, and venture forth into the world.

Yesterday, we went to the pediatric ophtalmologist. I do not know if that is spelled correctly, or even really a word. Ben could tell me, of course, since he CAN SEE! Whoo-hoo! No glasses needed in this house! ( at least not for Ben) Of course, the mystery of why he failed all of the letter tests is yet to be solved. We think it is more processing than acuity. We will deal with that, but not today. Today we are celebrating NOT NEEDING GLASSES!!!!!!

I have finally decided what I want to be when I grow up. Which is next Spring. At least, I graduate next spring. Still in no rush to grow up. I am now a psychology major with a special education minor. I will then (hopefully- life may get in the way of ever graduating, or having a career) enter a postbac program where I will take some more special ed courses and get my license to teach special education! It makes me smile to think about. I have wanted to teach special education for ever. I just did not know that the option was there. I will get to take courses one evening a week, and one Saturday a month in Duluth. You know, interact face-to-face with other adults. SO exciting!

Emma is almost one, but we will talk about that later. I still have to accept it. We are almost done nursing, she is almost walking. I am still hanging on to almost.

Grace is in her very own soccer post. She and Ben have been Wall-e and EVE for the past week, while attempting to get better from the cold.

Josh is fine- lots of ambulance calls have been keeping him busy!

Did I mention Ben does not need glasses? Oh, did I?

You are now updated.

Happy Feet

Today was the last day of soccer for Grace. It was Happy Feet soccer at the YMCA, and it was super fun! It was for 3-5 year old boys and girls, so you can imagine the excitement in that gym every week! They called it indoor/outdoor soccer. Hmmm. Since we still have three feet of snow in some areas, it was only indoor. The outdoor would have been interesting. Cold, but interesting!
For their participation everyone got a very cute medal. They also received a t-shirt, and had pictures taken. Grace had a good time, and learned some fun new skills and tricks of the soccer trade. Or game. Or whatever. She made some goals and learned the kangaroo, the penguin, and the sea lion. Fun stuff, this soccer!

Go soccer girl! We love you!