Summer recap

Here are some pics to remind myself that even though we didn't do EVERYTHING on my summer of fun list (no zoo), we did do many things!  We had a great time...as much as my kids exhaust me, test my patience, need me, and even drive me nuts sometimes, I love being with them and I wouldn't trade it for anything.  

me and mikey at the dam party

jude and gil on the boat "giggin" frogs

on grandpa buhman's deer out at the farm

with grandma at the botanical gardens...you can't tell how gorgeous they are from the pic

we took care of lots of flowers and a garden (well gil did at least!)

we read LOTS of books!

at the yankton dam

with cousin Adam

me and mikey at the beach

the koester family farm float for alumni days

jude on the float

cora throwing candy

they needed LOTS of baths

grandma and mikey

john helping gil with the new railings

i made black raspberry jam and cora loved it

trip to sioux falls with the sisters and mom...everyone loves their camera!

sheryl crow concert...this is the best i got...with sisters and mom

swimming lessons for jude

cora and i hung out and watched (with mikey)

at the park after swimming lessons

nap time!  and new backpacks

the petting zoo a the fair

the dragon roller coaster

thumbs up!

painting and new decor for the kitchen

more petting zoo and lots of fun with ashtyn and skyler

prepping for the tractor pull

just keep peddling!

he got a ribbon...and daddy got in a picture!

three baby boys!

I also got a little into running again.  I got some sweet new kicks and put in some miles with Alissa in the mornings.  I took the kids to the library quite a few times and read two fairly long novels.  We watched all three seasons of Downton Abbey in June.  Jude did a week of bible school.  It was fun while it lasted.

See you again in May summer!

the little things

As promised here are some pics from the visits of Sarai, Minette, and Brittany!  We have such a great time when visitors come:)

grandparents with the brood

Brittany and Mikey

Minette and Sarai

meeting the chickens

girls swinging

twinsies!

I also wanted to add a little more about Miss Birthday girl from last week.  I was in a hurry to get something posted on her birthday, so I didn't take the time to add details.

Right now Cora is developing her vocabulary tremendously!  She loves identify things and has begun making short sentences...usually involving Jude (i.e. "Jude did it!").  She knows her colors well.  They just came naturally whereas Jude could care less about them (gender difference?).  She also knows her ABC's for the most part and can count to 10.  She is working on shapes and LOVES to read books!  One of her favorite books right now is one from Grandma Carolyn called "Quite Bunny."  Cora loves playing with Mikey and taking care of her "babies."  She has fairly recently stopped using the binky (Easter weekend) and moved to a big girl bed (weekend after Easter).  Now we are planning on potty training...at least I'm planning on it!  She wants to wear the princess panties, but does NOT want to use the potty chair.  There is a flaw in that plan I keep telling her about.  We will see when she catches on!  I just love to watch her.  I watch her to see what she is thinking and what she will do next and what she will say.  I think she is the cutest thing ever:)  Of course these things are easy to say when currently she is sound asleep in her bed!  Going down for bed at night is another story and currently most often a nightmare of screaming and crying for mommy or daddy...for a long time!  This is a stage I could do without.  But my absolute favorite thing about Cora right now is how she responds with "Awwwite Mommy" when I give her a request.  It is so darn cute!  We have also started reading in her bed together and singing songs and praying together at night.  Cora loves to give hugs and kisses which is also precious.

Love you Cora!

Happy Birthday little girl!

Cora Clare turned two years old today!!!  We started the day with cinnamon toast and a paper crown, then a doctor's appointment for her (luckily no shots!).  Then we had lunch at Chic-fil-a and played in the play area.  Then nap time, and finally supper, cake, and presents!  Aunt Brittany is also here today to help us celebrate!

Cora, your dad and I are extremely thankful to have you as part of our family.  Two short years ago we welcomed you one Sunday morning.  We have loved the surprise of a blond hair blue eyed little girl and you continue to surprise us each day.  Your spunky little personality shines through more and more.  And now that you can talk pretty well we are getting to hear words behind all that babble we've been getting for a year!  You sure have a lot to say, and lately sing:)  Thank you for your joy and enthusiasm.  You are such a fun girl and I can't wait to see what the future hold for you.  I thank God for you each day my beautiful sweetie pie.

Here are some recent pictures and some from this day.

I thought Mikey needed a new photo here.  He is growing so much!

Birthday breakfast.

Sibling "love"

Puppy cake.  Cora LOVES puppies!  

Her favorite part was the m&m's.

the family with the birthday girl

She was a pro at blowing out her candles.

Sporting her new swimsuit and hat!

Judas Maccabeus--4 years old!

Happy fourth birthday Jude!!!  I wrote this in your prayer journal tonight, but I thought I would share it here too!  (P.S.  photos of the visit from Sarai and Minette and my adjustment back to work post to come...someday...maybe!)

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Today is your fourth birthday Jude!  I can't believe how fast time goes by- and that you have a little brother and sister now.  I also can't believe that it is snowing outside!  School was cancelled today and daddy stayed home too, so we had a great day at home.  We started with a birthday donut with a candle and opened presents (helicopter lego, swim gear, and a robot t-shirt outfit).  Then you played legos with daddy for the first time (you both loved it!).  Lunch was mac and cheese and hot dogs followed by robot cake.  In the afternoon you watched Cars 2 and then took a bath to try out your new goggles.  

Jude, I want you to know how much your dad and I love you.  You have brought us so much joy over the past four years.  You are always saying hilarious things and we talk to each other about what we hear you say a lot!  You are so fun to listen to.  It is amazing to see your personality and see the wheels turning in your head.  You learn so much every day!  Right now my favorite thing you do is tell me how much you love me and thank me for doing things for you.  You will look at me at supper and say so sincerely, "Thank you for making this food mom.  I love you mom!  I love everything you do!" 

You also love to sit on my lap and cuddle.  Dad and I pray for you each night.  We pray that you stay happy and healthy and for wisdom (and patience) as we raise you!  We also pray for the person you are growing up to be and that you will learn to love God.

You are a terrific four year old boy, Judas Maccabeus, and I can't wait to see what this year and all the years after that bring for you.

Love,  Mommy

maternity leave recap

Well, here it is.  April 1.  The last day of my maternity leave.  It is hard to believe that 8 weeks have passed so quickly.  Although truth be told I am hoping the next 7 until summer just fly by!  Everyone has been asking me if I am ready to go back to work and if the time went by fast (insert 15 minutes to feed Mikey).  So now that I have thought about it...no, I'm NOT ready!  It is a quarter to five and I haven't even started making the meatloaf for supper and for MOPS tomorrow night.  Then there are baths to give, lunches to make, clothes to lay out, a bag to pack for the babysitter, more feeding of the baby, and bedtime.  Then there is sleeping which obviously won't be enough before a loud annoying alarm clock (who has also had a lovely vacation) rings in my ear to tell me I have to pry myself out of my warm bed and into the "real world."  Aggghhh!!!  Not to mention the fact that I have to leave my three beautiful babies ALL DAY!  I hope Cora takes a nap yesterday.  We took away her binky on Thursday and she didn't nap the first two days.  It would be cruel to the babysitter if she isn't napping.  Everyone loves Cora and how cute she is.  But everyone needs a break from Cora!  I hope Mikey takes the bottle well all day and sleeps well and isn't fussy.  You never get to make a good first impression twice you know!  I hope Jude isn't crabby and doesn't throw a fit and gets along with others.  All things I will not be there to check on and know about.  ALL DAY!  Yes the time went fast.  How can my newborn not really be a newborn anymore!?!  And why isn't it spring yet (as in it snowed last night!)?!?  

I had a great time being home and not worrying about the next day's stress (beyond the kids and maybe an appointment).  I could do this full time easy.  But alas...no one will pay me!!!  Here are a few of the things that went on during the past 8 weeks:

        Getting to know my wonderful new son, Michael.  He is a complete joy.  Such a good baby!  He is even sleeping well:)  We spent a lot of cuddle time, nursing time, smiling time, bath time, and even started having "talking" time.  I held him during the entire movie of LesMiserables (soooo good!) and just thought about how fast (too fast) he will grow.

        Playing with Jude and Cora, refereeing Jude and Cora, eating with Jude and Cora, etc. etc. They too are complete joys to be around.  Jude continues to amaze me with his insights into life and his vocabulary (fatigue!).  He has just caught onto all the letters and sounds and is eager to read!  Cora is a handful right now (good thing she is adorable!), but she is also so funny.  Her language has improved significantly in the last 8 weeks.  It is fun to sit and watch what she will do next.  I love her little strut around the house and hearing her pattering little feet running around.  Her favorite thing to do right now is color (and the ipad!)

        Financial Peace University class each Wednesday in Sioux City with the Pick's

        Lots of chiropractor appointments, and other doctor appointments for me and kids

        LOTS of laundry!

        Many days of sweats wearing and not taking showers until the pm (although let it be known that I DO shower EVERY day!)

        Puzzles, trains, coloring, Sesame Street every morning, rest/nap time

        Here are some pictures to show more!

Jude loves to make "houses" for Mikey.  They are not usually safe for him to "live" in, but this one was okay for a bit!

snack time!  Nutella crackers.

Cora found her own snack one day!

I am trying to give Cora extra attention as the former baby/middle child/only girl.  Isn't she sweet in her Easter dress?!?

Jude has learned to peddle!

Jude the bunny at the BCU Easter Egg Hunt.

Getting ready for the hunt.

One of Mikey's first smiles.  He is a smiler!  First one at about 4 weeks.

Jude and Cora painting Easter Eggs.

Cora with cousin Skyler

After the egg hunt and nana and papa's.

Jude the tickle monster.

Mikey the superman!

one of the first baths

stellar train tracks

one month old

fuzzy hair after bath

big brother and sister love

good thing we have two ipads now!

Aunt Brittany visited!

Pre binky take away.  Good naps!

napping in the swing (Mikey spends a lot of time here!)

balloon ping pong

 

BuzzLightYear to the rescue!

Play Dough men

on the couch 

up close

Lots of winter in the past 8 weeks!