2008..

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Here's a peek at this past week. We spent Xmas with Ben's side. Nothing unusual; just good food, lots of laughs, games, and plenty of entertainment, from the 9 kids! Sorry no pictures. We've had some sick kids, so it was the 1st time the kids were together for some time. Let's just say they made up for lost time. Our plans are to spend new years eve/day with Ben's family too. His brother, sister & families are celebrating with their "in-laws". I've been busy today, when not blogging, making goodies like: caramel popcorn mix, bacon and eggs, choc pretzels, puppy chow, taco dip.. its gonna be a yummy party!

It's hard to believe another year has past. As usual, it past like a blur. Here's an attempt to recap SOME of what happened for us in 2008!

• Carolyn turned 3 in January.
• Benjamin was offered a ranch job in Iowa. He worked for about a month out there, while the kids & me stayed back here.
• Katie turned 2 in April.
• In May, we all moved to (western) Iowa
• It was an experience we'll never forget.
• We met so many amazing people, who quickly become a permanent part of our family, hearts and lives.
• During the summer, we enjoyed visits from both g'parents and Jake/Emily, fishing, county fairs, ice cream on the deck, trips to the park and a trip back to WI to see everyone.
• In July, we moved from the city, into a wonderful, spacious house/yard in the county, still in Iowa.
• Sadly, the ranch job didn't work out, and we moved back to WI in the fall.
• Leaving was bittersweet; leaving new family & friends, yet returning to our "home".
• Upon arriving home, Benjamin started trucking locally and logging (meaning he's home just about EVERY nite)
• Our baby, John turned 1 in Sept.
• Our oldest, Benji, turned 5 in Nov.
• We welcomed our new nephew in December. Actually he's the same age as our John, but the adoption didn't become final until Dec 08.

As for 2009...wait and see!

1 year anniversary

New Years Eve I'll celebrate my 1 year anniversary of blogging! I've enjoyed it so much. Not only have I met new people, found old friends but I found an outlet for me. I love my 4 kids and my husband more than anything in this natural world, but some days I just need a break. At times I've let my "blog time" get out of hand, and the "house" has suffered big time. But I get refreshed/refueled and I'm ready to go again! Anyways, I just want to say thanks to everyone who stops by to visit, whether you comment or not, we know you've been here! I started this blog for family & friends that live too far away, but I realize now how much it means to me! Thanks for the friendship & support... we wish you all a Happy New Year! Speaking of New Years, I have a list of goodies to make..if time permits I have some pics to post of this past week. We're spending New Years Eve/Day with my Ben's parents/family.

P.S. Those following www.whatsforsuppermom.blogspot.com I've had several requests to get started. This week: Favorite Xmas/New Years recipes (anything goes). (Email me if you want to join)

Gingerbread Play Dough

My mom sent this to me. She made it at her school with 5 year olds. It smells delicious and is super easy to make and use!

2 c. flour
1 c. salt
1 Tbsp. ground cloves
1 Tbsp. ground allspice
1 Tbsp. ground ginger
1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
2 Tbsp. vegt oil
1 c. water

• Combine ingredients in a large bowl. Mix together well and knead until smooth.
• Store dough in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
• Our kids loved pretending it was gingerbread cookie dough: rolling it out, using cookie cutters!

Before I Was A Mom..

• Before I was a Mom, I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations.



• Before I was a Mom, I had never been puked on. Pooped on. Chewed on. Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts. I slept all night.



• Before I was a Mom, I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests. Or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.



• Before I was a Mom, I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.



• Before I was a Mom, I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.



• Before I was a Mom, I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.



• I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

I got this in an email from my (SIL) Tanya. It was just what I needed, after having "one of those days".

Happy Birthday on Xmas Day!

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear G'ma Joyce, Happy Birthday to you!

Hope you have a fun filled day at Great G'ma's. Wish we could be there with you to celebrate! Hugs & Kisses - Benji, Carolyn, Katie, & Tubby

Whats for supper Mom?

Here's a peek at my latest project. (Like I don't have enough to do with 4 lil kids, to add another blog, but this one I'm hoping will help me out!)

http://www.whatsforsuppermom.blogspot.com/

I'm not planning on "starting" it until the new year. The mission: for people to share their recipes, so meal time is easier for me & other moms!

If you are interested in sharing your recipes let me know, so I can add you as a blog author. I am open to any suggestion or comments to help it run smoothly. If you'd rather follow along and enjoy the recipes, that's fine too. Looking forward to your comments!

• Since my blog audience isn't too large, I would be nice if any one interested would post a link to the recipe site. That way we'd get a variety of people, and a great selection of recipes!

Is it possible?

I was wondering if you can make a blog, and have multiple people "post" on it. (IF it's possible to do, I personally have no idea.) Here's why! I was thinking about doing a recipe blog. Anyone interested could post recipes to share. Maybe have a theme each week: Breakfast, Soups, Meats (chicken, beef, pork..), Breads, etc. ?!? I know there's a ton of creative people out there, so I might not be the one to "start" it, but I'd love to be included. PLEASE!! share your thoughts/comments!

**I "think" I figured out how to get mulitiple people on one blog...(customize: permissions: add authors)
I know the holidays are a busy time.. maybe I'll post again in the new year :)
In the meantime.. pass the word to see if there's any interest. Any suggestions on getting started? Blog name, how to "work" the blog??????

Check up

John went in for his 15 month check up. (3 shots, ugh!) As we already knew.. he's doing fine. He's 32.6" long (90%) and 24.8 lbs (50%). According to the "charts" he dropped weight, but if you ever followed him around during the day, you'd understand. HE DOESN'T EVER STOP OR SLOW DOWN! This week alone, he cut his head (just a little) on the chair, smashed his cheek on the end table, bonked his forehead in the dining room... boys will be boys.

We're hoping to decorate our gingerbread cookies tonight. Benji's been staying with his cousin Jacob. Because of sickness', they haven't been able to play together, so now their making up for lost time:) I'm sure Aunt Heather is "happy" too! "Wink, Wink" Time for lunch!

Copy Cat

I got this idea from my cousin, Melissa (hope you don't mind me copying you Mel). Although I think most wives/mothers ALL run into this problem at sometime. The same meals week after week, month after month. Luckily, my husband and kids LOVE what we eat and don't complain.. but something new would be wonderful! So here's where you come in... share your favorite family recipe(s).. They might be old and boring for you, but I'm hoping, they'll become our new family favorite!

Now to get on with my day....

• bake our gingerbread cookies (to decorate tonight)
• do laundry (and fold the 2 baskets that have been laying around since Sat)
• mop floors (since John & Katie made a "syrup lake"in the kitchen )
• make bread (how I love bread machines ;)
• quick clean of the bathroom/living room
• make holiday treats

We'll see what ACTUALLY gets done ;)

Another Saturday

Today the kids got a "HUGE" box from G'pa & G'ma: FULL of crafty items. Carolyn & Katie were thrilled to say the least. Carolyn: "ohh.. its a miracle Mom, I just LOVE all this stuff". (Her new favorite words are : miracle, amazing, unbelievable!) Now we have plenty of things to keep us occupied during the cold winter days. Thank you so much!! (Benji was gone today, so he missed out on opening the box..)Speaking of cold winter days.. Here is what we woke up to Friday morning! I have a few pics of the kids playing outside, but they didn't want to download.. maybe later. We're getting more snow today, and it's excepted to last through Sunday eve. Another Winter Storm Warning! The kids are THRILLED.. mom and dad not so much. We got some things at the store to make some "fun" treats for the holiday time. Will try to post those pictures later this week.

It's Official!

Wyatt is part of the family!! Hurray!! It's been a loong time waiting for this day! We are so happy to have you "offically" be part of our family! (And we're so glad to have this all over for your mom and dad) We LOVE you all!


YOU KNOW YOU ARE AN ADOPTIVE PARENT WHEN:
1. The fact that there are 143 million children without a parent to kiss them goodnight has made you lose sleep.
2. You realize DNA has nothing to do with love and family.
3. You can't watch Adoption Stories on TLC without sobbing.
4. The fact that, if 7% of Christians adopted 1 child there would be no orphans in the world, is convicting to you.
5. You spend free time surfing blogs about families who have experienced the blessing of adoption.
6. It drives you crazy when people ask you about adopted child's "real" parents.
7. You have ever been "pregnant" with your adoptive child longer than it takes an elephant to give birth.(2 years!)
8. You had no idea how you would afford to adopt but stepped out in faith anyway, knowing where God calls you He will provide.
9. You have ever taken an airplane ride half-way around the world with a child you just met.
10. You believe God's heart is for adoption.
11. You realize that welcoming a child into your heart and family is one of the most important legacies you could ever leave on this earth.
12. You know what the word "Dossier" means, and you can actually pronounce it!
13. You have welcomed a social worker into the most private parts of your life.
14. You shudder when people say your child is so lucky that you adopted them, knowing full well you are the blessed one to have him or her in your life.
-Author unknown

opps a daisy

This is what happens when Mommy leaves the popcorn bowl too close to the edge of the table. mmm.. boy was it good!

Sweet Dreams!

This picture brings back soo many memories. When the kids were all babies, Benjamin would lay them on his lap like this: play guitar and sing. I'm guessing they heard Daddy play and sing quite a bit while they were in my belly, because they all loved it.. and would fall fast asleep, just like John did last night. John obviously has sprouted since he had to curl up a bit to fit on Daddy's looong legs. It wasn't too long ago, he got lost laying on them!

This was adorable to watch. John woke up too early from his nap, so Benji sat on the couch and rubbed his head. And.. John fell asleep again.

Caution: Cookies!

It was snowy and FREEZING outside, making it a perfect day to make cookies. The kids helped roll out and cut the cookies, but the most fun was in decorating!Benji and Carolyn decorated (Katie was napping). I "buttered" (according to Benji) the cookies. Daddy kept sneaking cookies and eating them with John.

John wanted to help so badly, so we put him in the high chair, so he could taste test!

Carolyn's work. Overall, I was surprised at how LITTLE decorations she used. After Daddy helped her, she soon began to empty the shakers!

Benji had no trouble using with the shakers!

Yum, Yum!

Carolyn's cookies!

Benji's cookies!
I guess this is why their called SUGAR cookies

All Done. This is what's left ;)

What's for supper...

Benji got supper ready for me! Here is what we are having tonight..."Frog roast, potatoes, gravy and beans" He asked if I could make something for dessert! Does anyone care to join us?

Imaginations!

The things kids come up with! Today we had a house full of chickens! This is the picture of the proud "rooster" and all his eggs! G'pa & G'ma have chickens, so he knows roosters don't lay eggs, but he was just pretending that they do today, or so he said. That's about 5 lbs of potatoes, I mean, eggs that he laid :) He wanted to use real eggs out of the fridge. He promised to be very careful, but Mommy kindly showed him to the potato bin!

It looks like we caught one of the egg snatchers on camera!

A nice day to play

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We finally had a decent day. The temps were above zero for change and the sun was out. The kids had a blast outside this morning. They played while I threw some firewood in, how fair was that? Don't feel bad.. I got to play after my work was done :) (John was outside too, just didn't get pictures of him)

John Henry: 15 mos

Tubby is 15 months old (tomorrow)! Where has the time gone? Although he'll forever be our baby, he has sprinted into toddler hood a loong time ago. He is a very typical boy, but also very good and happy. He "talks" ALL the time, saying a few recognizable words. At an appt last week, he weighed about 25lbs (with clothes & diaper) Katie was about 29lbs! With his size & determination he can do anything and go anywhere he desires. Not too much stops him, except Dad, Mom (and his older siblings) correction! He climbs like a mtn goat, and never seems to slow down, except for bed time! The twinkle in his eye is a sure bet that mischief lies ahead. Sometimes our days are full because of him, yet he adds to the love and laughter with the other 3 children. Benji and John seem to be best buddies already, Carolyn and Katie have long started mothering him (which doesn't always go over so well with him). Oh, yes, we have our share of "days", but we feel so lucky to have such a close-knit family. It won't be long before they're all "growed up", and these days will be just a mere memory. We all love you Tubby, especially that chubby belly we can't seem to keep hidden under your shirts :)

Especially for you!

These pictures are for everyone that we haven't seen this week or for a long time, whether you live near or far.. we miss you!!

Kathryn Leann: Laughing and smiling away, as usual!

Carolyn asked if I could take her "princess smile"... So here she is... modeling her princess smile :) If it's not wormaids (aka mermaids) it's all about princesses these days!

Best Buddies! Benji & John cuddling before bedtime.

Mmmm! Nothing better than warm, homemade bread with butter.

(Sorry this picture is dark) Katie made a new friend this week (thank you G'pa & G'ma) Wherever Katie went, so did "baby". She was a total mother: feeding her a bottle, burping, wiping her mouth, changing her diaper, rocking her to sleep, and of course... every good mother teaches her baby how to walk!

John decided to try on the girl's princess shoes. A hilarious sight it was; his dirty shirt, that big belly sticking out! It took some time, but he manged to squeeze his chubby feet into both shoes all by himself (without holding on to anything). I was surprised how well he could walk in them! He thought it was hilarious! Poor Daddy, his lil boy is wearing girl shoes!! :0

Carolyn's Comments

I could do an entire blog on the things my kids say.. but maybe I'll just settle to post their comments on here. Today its all about Carolyn (almost 4)

• On the way to town we saw billboard with a newborn baby on it..
• Carolyn: " Aww.. that baby is SOOO adorable!" "Mom, I want a baby girl for Christmas!"
• Me: "But, we don't give presents on Christmas, just birthdays"
• Carolyn: "oh, yeah, I forgot!.. Well, I guess then I want my little baby sister tomorrow!"
• Me: "Well, Carolyn, it takes a while for a baby to grow, remember how long it took for Katie and John to grow big?"
• Carolyn: "Yeah.... well actually, then you can give me my new baby on Sunday actually, I can wait that long."

Poor little girl.. her chances of getting a baby sister (or brother) are so slim. We know a few people pregnant, so hopefully she'll get her baby fix from them. :)

Ahh.. I need to write these all down in a notebook...

Naptime anyone?

The other day I told the kids to get ready to lay down for a rest. This is what they did. Naturally their "nap time" lasted a few minutes at most!

I know there are lots of Mom's that come across this blog... so I was wondering if I could get some help from ya'll. With winter already here.. we'll be spending way more time inside than the kids (and me) would like. I'm looking for some neat, crafty & reasonable ideas/projects for my kids: 5, almost 4, 2 and 15 mos. I've run across some nice craft blogs already, but I'd love more! Thank you so much!!

Help..

We've decided to go public again, but I'd like to come up with a new blog name. Send me your creative ideas!

Snow!!!

It snowed Tuesday night, so Wednesday morning the kids could hardly wait to get outside and play. Katie wasn't feeling good, but she insisted on going out (and only lasted a few minutes). John LOVED it. He could hardly walk with his snow clothes, and if he fell, he couldn't get up :) Benji & Carolyn played outside until they were soaking wet and frozen. I don't have many pictures of Benji; he kept running behind me to throw snow at me!

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Deer hunting week....

Here's a peek at what we did last week, during deer hunting. We didn't do anything too "unusual". Our crew was 2 moms, and 7 kids (6 yrs & younger). (Aunt Heather and cousins: Jacob, Emily & Meri kept us company while both our Daddies went hunting.) Heather & me enjoyed adult conversation (and too much junk food), and the kids, well, they played naturally!! During the week we did some fun things: like cookies, finger painting. We spent the week between our house and Aunt Heather's.

Thursday was Thanksgiving... we had 28 people for supper here. What made it interesting was 11 of those were kids. The oldest was 6 yrs and the youngest was 14 mos! There was plenty of food and entertainment! Friday night we went to the Old Fashion Parade in town . The kids were looking forward to the reindeer and candy, but we didn't get either. They saw a few horses and the girls loved the"princesses" (aka the county fair queens..) It was pretty chilly, but the kids had fun! We had alot of fun last week... but now we're looking forward to eating all the tasty venison, and seeing the trophy bucks on the wall!

Benji is definitely our little cowboy. He tied his rope to the toy box, then lined up 2 chairs.. So then he had his wagon and his horse were ready to go! Yeehaw.. away he went!

John & Katie got caught riding on Daddy's guitar case!!

More playing... with Jacob's new truck!

The mighty hunters!!

Little Mommy Katie reading to her baby, while her other baby was sleeping. SHH!
Aww!! John & Meri...
Our little Mommies!
Katie loved Emily's vacuum! Aunt Heather didn't mind the extra help either. With 7 kids.. the house ended up pretty messy!
Our "buck" cookies! Yummy!

Turkey Prints

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We're thankful for...

• Our Faith
• Our Family
• Our Friends
• And soo much more!

Our kids enjoyed making these turkeys using their hand print. We have more pictures to post of all the fun we've been having during deer hunting, but they'll have to wait. Now we need to get ready for Turkey day at our house! Its a tad early, but we wish y'all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Playtime..

John LOVES to play in the cupboards. The pots and pans are his favorite, because they make more noise! At least once a day, he'll completely empty them out. Occasionally he'll put them back, so when I open the door, they all come out ;)

Another favorite: picnics!! They take towels or blankets and spread them all over the floor, then they take the food off of the shelves!! (We tend to find canned foods all over the house after their picnics)

A loong, hard day of playing!