Life with 2 cowboys and 2 ponytails!

winter fun

2012-01-26T05:00:00.000-06:00

It's really been a mild winter.... so far. Winter's not even close to being over, so I shouldn't say anything too loudly. Only a handful of days with frigid, below zero temps and wind chills. Typically we have way more snow, especially by the end of January. But we've got enough to make playing outside and sledding fun. AND enough for the snowmoblie!

Sweet pals and cousins: Meri and Carolyn

The best way to sled... behind the snowmoblie!

The Daddy's rigged up this sled the other year. It works great.

#3

2012-01-24T19:54:00.000-06:00

Benji pulled out tooth #3 tonight (top right) !!!!!!!

4 years 4 months

2012-01-24T14:17:00.000-06:00

These were taken the 2nd week of January! It was in the low 40's! The very next day we got 7" of snow. It's been a very mild winter. John was eager to pose, so I obliged him. Not the most successful, but it was memorable.

"I hear something"

"It's an airplane"

"mmmm. Go stand over there now"

"I think I hear a big buck"

"Cheese!"

"Giggle. Snicker. Giggle"

***GRR- Is anyone else having trouble scheduling posts? I scheduled this one to post at 5:00am this morning It said 'scheduled'. Obviously it did NOT post, and when I logging on just now it said draft. It seems to happen everytime I try to schedule a post lately. It used to work just fine. Any advice?

Happy 2nd Birthday James!!

2012-01-19T09:02:00.000-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR JAMES
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!

LOVE,
Uncle Benjamin, Aunt Heather,
Benji, Carolyn, Katie and John

Katie Kat

2012-01-13T13:27:00.000-06:00

This little girl....

She's crazy about ~~cats~~ kittens. Our 'kitten' is now a fat cat. He still puts up with the attention the kids give him, but it's not the same. Much to the kid's delight a little kitten has started to hang around our house. "It" comes and goes as 'it' pleases. (I think it belongs to our neighbors... aka Jacob, Emily and Meri) :) Anyway... Katie loves the thing to pieces. It's one way I can be sure she'll take a nap.. she drags the poor thing in, wraps it in a blanket and snuggles into bed. Soon both are fast asleep! :)

It's hard to believe she'll turn 6. S-I-X in April. That day can't come fast enough for her. She's already doing a countdown. First it's Jame's bday, then Carolyn's, then G. Gma Marx (who is turning 90!!! this year), A. Heather, Gma Linda, A. Jessica, Daddy's and then it's HER BIRTHDAY.

{ahem} Her kitten scratched her...

She loves to do art/craftsy things. (both girls do actually). This was the latest hit. "Snow" painting. Take equal amounts of glue and foam shaving cream. You can also add food coloring. It dries puffy. Looks like snow. This particular picture is the start of the diamond she made me. Quite the rock, huh?

Out of all 4 kids, she is the one who ended up with most of Mommy's genes. She has two moles.. in the exact same spot as Daddy..so she got some of Daddy. It's amazing to me, how 4 kids, from the same two people can be so different, yet so much alike. (looks, personalities..) It's what makes them so unique and special.

New Year with old friends. Good times

2012-01-12T15:00:00.000-06:00

New Years Day 2012

New Years Eve we got snow.. and ice. It wasn't too much. But just enough to enjoy with friends!

Our time together was short. But very sweet. Looking forward to getting together this year.

"I'm so OLD!"

2012-01-11T13:40:00.000-06:00

The other night the boys were in the tub. I was folding clothes in the living room. I could hear lots of giggling. Followed by John saying in a deep voice: "I'M SO OLD!!" This is what I found when I walked in.

Goofy kids!

Happy Birthday Aunt Tanya!

2012-01-03T05:30:00.002-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR AUNT TANYA
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!

LOVE,
BENJI, CAROLYN, KATIE AND JOHN

1-1-2012

2012-01-01T00:00:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday Gma Joyce!!

2011-12-25T05:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday To You

Happy Birthday Dear Gma Joyce

Happy Birthday To You!!!

We hope your day is as special as you!!!

XOXO

Love,

Benji, Carolyn, Katie and John

4 of a kind

2011-12-20T06:56:00.002-06:00

sugar and spice

2011-12-16T05:30:00.001-06:00

Slowly but surely I'm working on getting the kids yearly pictures taken. Nothing like waiting until the last month.

My first intent was to wait for the fall colors. They came and went while all 4 kids (and mom) were down and out with some bad bugs. Then my camera went haywire.. it may or may not have been a result from being dropped once. Or twice. In between that, we've had bumps and bruises. I debated on holding off until everyone is picture perfect. But that day will never come. Editing can tweak a few things out, then again, each bump, bruise and mark has a story to tell. One that in time we'll forget, until we look back at the picture.

I've learned with 4 kids, pictures are a work in progress. I take what I can get, when I can get them. Last night the girls wanted to dress up, curl their hair and take pictures. Who was I to stop them? We did get some keepers. And we still need to keep taking more shots.

happy 6th birthday larissa!

2011-12-09T05:30:00.002-06:00

happy birthday to you
happy birthday to you
happy birthday dear larissa
happy birthday to you!!!

Love,
U. Benjamin, A. Heather
Benji, Carolyn, Katie and John

Giveaway!!!

2011-12-03T15:53:00.000-06:00

I, selfishly, hesitate to post about this giveaway. Because the less people that know about it, the better my chances are to win. But thats not fair. Not to mention I get another entry for posting :)

Head over and check out her giveaway. How cool is that?

Little kids. Big muscles

2011-12-02T05:30:00.001-06:00

We love the toasty warm heat that our wood stove gives us.

The kids LOVE to stand on the air vent when the blower kicks on. It gives little boys BIG muscles.

Monkey see, monkey do.

His head hurt.

2011-12-01T05:30:00.001-06:00

Benji's Party

2011-11-30T17:26:00.000-06:00

He requested his cake picture be taken outside on the wood pile. Only our kids. :)

He changed his mind about a million times. Finally, he settled on a rice krispie horse. It matched his western/cowboy theme perfectly.

10 kids + presents = a blur

Present from Boppa and Gma. You're looking at one VERY happy, proud, anxious-to-use-it boy.

Our family. Wild hair and looking in all directions.

The ~~cake~~ rice krispie horse.

The western town was the hit of the party.

A neat way to give a gift of money.

It's hard to believe he's 8 years old already. In 2 months exactly Carolyn will turn 7 years old!!!

hunting 2011

2011-11-28T18:52:00.000-06:00

While the 9-day rifle hunt is over, hunting season is still going on. Muzzle loader is up, followed by a healthy dose of bow hunting. Although after the weekend is up, the orange and camo tend to get put up as well. At least in previous years at this house.

We've got plenty of venison to process for the freezer. Not as many as some years. But really, that's all that matters: food in the belly. (Besides the 'boys' having fun during hunting week.)

Daddy got a nice 8 point buck this past Saturday. The little boys claimed it as theirs. (Gma Linda took the following pictures)

These two got to tag along with the big guys a few times. I'm not sure which was bigger: their smiles or their stories! :) To the boys it seems like an eternity until they can get their OWN license. But for Mom and Dad that day will be here in a blink of an eye.

Meet Bluegill/Princess

2011-11-11T05:30:00.001-06:00

We were recently given 2 kittens. Jackie (whom I don't have a picture of) is a boy. Princess or Bluegill {depending on who you ask) is a girl. Both are outside kitten's. But they do find their way inside quite often. Usually in some type of baby get-up. Which both kitten's surprisingly put up with.

Snow

2011-11-10T16:50:00.000-06:00

We got our 1st snow of the season the past few days. Each day it melted by noon, but each day it was enough to leave a thick white layer on everything. Just enough to roll some snowmen. Just enough to make the kids thrilled. Mom didn't mind it too much either. To be honest, the first snow is always exciting. (It's the 486th snowfall that gets old). At any rate the weather is predicted to be in/near the 50's the rest of the week- we could handle a little bit of snow.

Happy 8th Birthday Benji!!!

2011-11-09T05:30:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday To You

Happy Birthday Dear Benji

Happy Birthday To You!!!

It's hard to believe you're turning eight. It was just yesterday you made us parents. Now look at you.

You continue to love all things related to horses, cowboys, hunting, and your little brother. No longer are a little boy. But willing to snuggle when the time is right.

While we'd love to have you stay little for awhile longer, we're excited to watch you learn new things. It won't be long before you're going with Daddy to get your very own hunting license.

Happy 8th birthday Benji!!!

Love,

Dad, Mom, Carolyn, Katie and John

Happy Birthday Boppa Ben!

2011-11-08T05:30:00.001-06:00

happy birthday to you
happy birthday to you
happy birthday dear boppa ben
happy birthday to you!!!

Love,
Benji, Carolyn, Katie and John

{together for 10}

2011-11-05T16:18:00.000-05:00

There are a few dates that will always stand out to me. Days that have special meaning. Days that will not easily be forgotten. Nov 2, 2001. It was 10 years ago this weekend that I travel 3 hours across the state to see this guy. Although I had met his parents before (when his brother married one of my friends), I didn't really know them, or vice versa. Although I have a feeling they knew plenty about me before I even arrived. I knew his brother and sister some. Mostly from the weekend up north in August. (Another time we're not likely to forget).

I remember having butterflies as I drove. Thinking "what if?" (Those feelings disappeared the moment I stepped out of the car) I remember his Dad and him were standing at the end of the walkway when I pulled up. I remember his Mom hugged me. I remember I brought a homemade carrot cake, that was my 'soon to be' father-in-law's favorite cake, unknown to me. We went camping. His parents, us, his brother/wife, his sister/husband and Annie (my in laws German Shepherd pup). There was hunting. (I quickly was made aware just what hunting means to men of this family.) There was a evening at the local restaurant- just the kids. There was much laughing and joking. I remember feeling at home. With Benjamin. With the just being 'there'. I called in sick (used an extra PTO day) to work Monday and drove home Tuesday morning (I worked 2-11 at the time). We already had plans made to be together on my next weekend off. And the next one, and the next. Then a wedding date was set. And the rest, as they say, is history.

I remember so much more from that weekend, but I can't find a way to put it into words. But it's with a smile on my face and happiness in my heart I look back at the memories we've created: on that weekend and since then. 10 years later. Still together. And he's out hunting.. again.

P-a-r-t-y

2011-11-01T05:30:00.028-05:00

I'm having a party....

A Pampered Chef catalog party that is.
If anyone is interested in ordering let me know. (For those that are local friends of mine, you can go to directly Ingrid's website and search my name under hostess) Otherwise I can send you the link to order directly from my party online.
If you want to order, we'll figure out how to make it happen! :)
The party is open today through Nov. 14.
Typically, your order is shipped directly to me, then I distribute the items to you. For a small fee, you can have the items shipped directly to you if you're not local.
Any questions... let me know.

Happy 9th Birthday Jacob!

2011-10-27T05:30:00.001-05:00

happy birthday to you

happy birthday dear jacob

happy bithday to you!!

Love,

U. Benjamin, A. Heather

Benji, Carolyn, Katie and John

Take Me Back Tuesday - October 2007

2011-10-25T10:35:00.000-05:00

Benji: almost 4
John: 1 month old
Katie: 2
Carolyn: 3

(another) picture-less updated

2011-10-23T18:06:00.001-05:00

Our entire family has been battling this bug since the end of September. Some had/have it worse than others. Some barely got it. Most were on medicine(s). I haven't decided if it's better when Mommy and the kids are sick together. Rarely do we all get sick at once, usually it's drug out- one.kid.at.a.time. It's made for looong days and nights. Life carries on despite the sickness. Only the most urgent tasks were accomplished. But we survived this long, I'm sure we'll make it through.
On a brighter note, we were given two kittens. Jackie (boy) and Princess (girl). Both grey(ish) color. They are outside cats. Although they spend quite a bit of time inside. They are quite tolerant of the kids 'affection'. I'm not a big fan of cats. Although kittens are adorable, and the kids think they are the greatest thing. Whoever gets up first in the morning, goes out to snag his/her kitten and snuggle on the chair.
Hunting season is under way. We're enjoying fresh vension thanks to Daddy and his gigantic longbow. Benji is quite the small game hunter. No squirrel is safe in our woods. He got a bow/arrow for his birthday last year, and its quite the archer. He loves to practice with the target. Quite often in the early evening hours you'll find him outside, with his bow and arrow, just waiting for that big buck to stroll through. He can hardly wait for the day he gets his own hunting licensce in his back tag. (He currently is using Daddy's tag from a few years ago) And yes, the (big) boys have spotted the BIG one nearby.. so the race is on.
We're beginning the birthday celebration. 5 birthdays in a little over 2 weeks. We have at least one birthday every month until April. Can we say PARTY?! Benji will turn 8. EIGHT. In a short while. It seems like it was yesterday we just became parents.
For the 1st time in my life I canned. Normally I freeze my applesauce, but was persuaded to can it. It wasn't so hard. Just time consuming. I also made my 1st real pumpkin pie. We're hooked. I may have to get more pumpkins to cook up.
I promise to get my camera out this week. Besides, now that the kids are perking up, we need to get our yearly fall pictures done.

Giveaway

2011-10-06T14:47:00.000-05:00

A good blogging friend is having a giveaway.
Click here for details!
Goat milk soap made fresh from Montana!

Thankful. Satisfied. Refreshed.

2011-10-03T13:30:00.000-05:00

I've tried hard to put into words my feelings of the past few days. I just can't do justice to the way I feel within my heart. As always, we left overflowing with thankfulness. Refreshed. Renewed. Completely satisfied.

Happy 5th Birthday Meri Jane!

2011-09-24T05:30:00.002-05:00

happy birthday to you

happy birthday dear meri jane

happy birthday to you!!

Love,

Uncle Benjamin, Aunt Heather,

Benji, Carolyn, Katie and John

in a nutshell.

2011-09-23T15:01:00.000-05:00

Any hopes of keeping my blog updated and current have offically been thrown out of the window. In the near future I am going to give facebook the boot, so maybe I'll have a few extra minutes. :)

(thank you to my mil for emailing me her pictures)

Our baby turned four.

I still can't believe he's four. When asked how old he is, he'll typically smirk and say 'fourteen'.

The tradition of blowing out the candles with (almost all the) cousins.

Roasting marshmallows with Daddy.

Fun in the sun and sand with cousins, aunties and grandma.

We're plugging away with school. Keeping busy with everyday life. Looking forward to some very special days coming up. That's about it. In a nutshell.

Happy 1st day of fall!

happy 4th birthday Wyatt

2011-09-17T05:30:00.000-05:00

happy birthday to you
happy birthday to you
happy birthday dear wyatt
happy birthday to you!!!

Love,
Uncle Benjamin, Aunt Heather
Benji, Carolyn, Katie and John

Happy 4th Birthday John!

2011-09-14T05:30:00.000-05:00

happy birthday to you

happy birthday dear john

happy birthday to you!

I can't wrap my mind around that fact the my baby is four. When he was born, Benji (our oldest) wasn't quite four himself. Having 4 kids in under 4 years.. Looking back, I'm not sure what we were thinking or how we survived, but here we are.

Just as with the other 3 kids, we couldn't imagine life without John Henry. He completes our family, in more ways than one. He is 'it' for us. Forever our baby. He's solid. He's tough. He's tender and sweet. He pushes the limit. He's goofy and silly. He loves trains, always has. He absolutely adores his big brother. (And vice versa). He's his Father's son in so many ways. He has his Mommy wrapped around his pudgy finger.

Happy birthday to our not-so-little-anymore John! We wish you a day as special as you are to us!

Love,

Daddy, Mommy, Benji, Carolyn and Katie

Happy Birthday Gpa Ray!

2011-09-12T05:30:00.007-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR GPA RAY
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!

We hope your day is as special as you are. Love and miss you!

LOVE,
BENJI, CAROLYN, KATIE AND JOHN

***Dad's recovering very well from his accident. His hand/arm is healing right on schedule. Therapy is going well!***

not so exciting update

2011-09-09T14:33:00.000-05:00

Summer is flying by. I've slacked in updating my blog. Not to mention I've slacked in taking pictures. So a short boring update is all you get to reassure you we are alive and well.

Benji lost his 2nd (bottom) tooth sometime this summer. (He's still not impressed his sister is beating him. Each day he checks the progress of his not-so-loose top teeth.)
Carolyn lost her 4th tooth not too long ago. It was the other front tooth, so she's without her front teeth. :-)
We started our (home) school for the year. Benji: 2nd, Carolyn: 1st, Katie: Kindergarten, John: PreK (because of the age cut off, he wouldn't be able to go to 4K until next year. I have a hard time holding him back. He's eager, so I let him). All 4 kids were ready to jump in head first this year. Here's hoping the excitment continues.
My baby will turn F-O-U-R in just a few weeks. That blows me away. FOUR. My baby. F-O-U-R!
Although the weather is warm (80*) and sunny right now, fall is right around the corner. I love it for a variety of reasons: cooler weather, church convention, changing leaves, sweatshirts, the smell of the woodstove smoke, cups of hot cocoa, stews simmering in the crockpot.
My husband could sum up fall in one word: HUNTING. While it means that he'll be spending his free time in the woods or preparing for the woods, it does put meat in our freezer. So I won't complain, too much.

So there you have it. In a nutshell. Our not so exciting update.

I {heart} NY

2011-08-25T17:30:00.000-05:00

The other week, I was lucky enough to tag along with my husband while he did some shows in western NY. I've only gone as far east as Ohio, so I added a few more states to my list. We really enjoyed NY. The whole trip was very spur of the moment, so our passports were safely tucked away at home. Had I realized just where in NY we were going I would have grabbed them. Regardless, we had a good time on the American side.

Familiar signs along our 14ish hour trip: road construction and toll/turnpike signs. Yee$$h. There may be a reason we typically head west for vacations. :)

I had never been to NY, and if my husband had it was to deliver a load and head out. Despite the large populations, (We were by Buffalo, no where close to NYC) we loved the area. People were friendly. Land was beautiful.

Niagara Falls, NY

Lake Ontario

Stone wall/steps leading down to beach at Lake Ontario. (At one time there was a hotel here. It currently is a quiet park.) In the blink of an eye we spent over two hours on a park bench, on top of this wall over looking the lake. It was a small, tourist town that was hidden to the world.

Lake Erie.

We had a few hours to waste. So we rented some lounge chairs from the beach hut. It was a warm (80), sunny day, but the ~~breeze~~ wind from the water made it cool. It was a wonderful, spur of the moment, mix-business-with-pleasure getaway for us.

The gigantic Erie County Fair. Lucky for us they had a Truck/Tractor Pull the day we were there. As strange as it seems, I get (almost as) excited as my husband to watch the smoke, listen to the engines, seeing the dirt fly. Good thing, considering my hubby and his brother have their own pulling tractor, so we're no strangers to the sound of engines revving.

While our getaway was short -n- sweet and very much needed/appreciated, we couldn't wait to get home to the kiddos.

Mr. "Cardboard"

2011-08-09T08:35:00.002-05:00

overdue

2011-07-28T11:13:00.000-05:00

I've misplaced my camera cord. It irriates me for more reasons other than I can't post pictures on here.
The month of July has been crazy. busy. full of bittersweet changes. (Hence the lack of blog posts.)
Most have heard already, my Dad was in an accident at work last Friday. His right arm/hand was badly injured. Broken, smashed, shattered, torn. He's had 2 surgeries so far, a skin graft scheduled for Saturday, then discharge if all goes well. DR is able to save his arm/hand, and is confident he'll be able to use it and return to work. When and just how much he'll be able to use it will depend on recovery/therapy.
It won't be long and we'll offically begin our 2011-2012 homeschool year. We're looking forward to this year, as our set up will be different than previous years {knock on wood}. Slowly but surely I'm getting our ducks in a row.
Kids have enjoyed spending time with cousins. With all the recent heavy rainfall the local beach has been closed. Although summer shows no sign of leaving soon, we're anxious to enjoy a day at the beach.

Carolyn #3

2011-07-09T12:26:00.000-05:00

(I realize this isn't the greatest picture, but she insisted I take one immediately and put it on the computer. We'll get another clearer one soon)

Carolyn pulled out her 3rd tooth today. It's the first of the top teeth, so we get to listen to the cute slurred speech for awhile :) She's proud as a peacock. It was loose for a long time. She kept wiggling and wiggling. Finally it came out!!

(Benji has only lost one tooth so far. He's working on #2.)

5+5=10

2011-07-01T05:30:00.021-05:00

We attempted a group shot of all 10 grandkids this past weekend. 10 kids. 8 years to almost 1-1/2 years. It's not perfect. Most all the kids had a cold or were getting over one. After a busy day of playing, most everyone was dirty and sweaty. But it's all the kids. Together. In one place. At the same time. (James isn't just sitting on top of the bench- his Mom is right behind him, holding him up)

Back: Jacob, Emily, James, Carolyn, Benji

Front: Katie, Larissa, John, Wyatt, Meri

5 grand daugthers

5 grandsons

overheated

2011-06-30T05:30:00.001-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-29T05:30:00.004-05:00

anniv.fathers.bdays.

2011-06-27T05:30:00.002-05:00

June is a busy month on the inlaw side. Within 3 weeks we have 2 anniversaries, Fathers Day, and 2 birthday's to celebrate.

Happy Fathers Day

Happy 7th Emily

Happy early bday to me

Happy early 35th to Ben and Linda

Happy 9 years to us.

Tanya, Charles and kiddos were sick, so they missed out. And we missed them.

friday fishin'

2011-06-24T05:30:00.001-05:00

8 of 10

2011-06-23T05:30:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-22T05:30:00.000-05:00

Happy 7th Birthday Emily!

2011-06-20T05:30:00.001-05:00

(Katie and Emily)

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday dear Emily,

Happy Birthday to you!

Love,

Benji, Carolyn, Katie and John

Happy Fathers Day

2011-06-19T05:30:00.000-05:00

No matter how hard I try, there are no words to adequetly describe how thankful I am for this man. Our kid's Daddy. I'm thankful he keeps his heavenly Father first. I'm thankful he more than makes up for my lack of patience's. There isn't a choice that he's made that he doesn't first consider how it will affect our family. I'm thankful that after a long days work, he still happily tends to the kids request of playing Cowboy and Indians. I'm thankful that his firm correction is perfectly balanced with his tender heart.

We love you Daddy!

Happy Father's Day....

from the luckiest kids in the world!

9 years ago

2011-06-15T05:30:00.002-05:00

It seems each year passes quicker than the last.

Every year I love him deeper and more than before.

Especially this past year, I've been so thankful and grateful.

For him.

For his love.

For us.

For what we share together.

splash

2011-06-06T05:30:00.002-05:00

The pool is open!

The first swim of the season is almost as exciting as going to the ocean for the first time. Almost.

Benji's 1st tooth!

2011-06-03T20:28:00.000-05:00

Benji finally lost his first tooth today!!!

He was about beside himself that his sister lost two teeth before him. He was sure he was never going to lose a tooth. Seven years and nearly seven months old, he lost his first baby tooth. It was a very, very happy day for him (and the rest of us).

think pink

2011-06-03T05:30:00.002-05:00

welcome june

2011-06-02T05:30:00.002-05:00

Sunny. Hot. Humid.

Summer's in full swing down here. Which means we're stocked up on popscicles, water bottles and sunscreen. Lil swim suits and brightly colored towels fill up the clothes line.

Chillin' after swimmin'

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-25T06:00:00.002-05:00

# 2

2011-05-24T16:41:00.000-05:00

Bright and early this morning, Carolyn came in the kitchen beaming from ear to ear. She pulled out her other loose tooth. (She has a tooth on top thats barely loose too).

And Ms. Katie... all her teeth are loose. Or so she ~~thinks~~ wishes. Benji's bottom teeth are both loose. One is getting really close. Poor kid. He's been impatiently waiting to lose his, and his sister beat him to it. Twice. But he can still beat her running around the house. And shooting his gun. So he's not too upset.

The tooth fairy ha$ decided $he need$ to be creative when $he come$ to our hou$e. I guess I can't remember if we got something for every single tooth or just the first few. Without a doubt, we'll make the first teeth something memorable, but after that.... who knows. Earlier this year our kids said the tooth fairy was fake. But now that they are loosing teeth they seem to have changed their minds. :)

1st Tooth

2011-05-21T10:21:00.000-05:00

Carolyn pulled out her first loose tooth last night.

She's proud as a peacock. And her brother is green with envy, because he didn't loose his first!

Minnie/Mickey party

2011-05-20T05:30:00.000-05:00

I realized I was behind on blogging, but I just realized this bday party was almost a month ago.. opps. It was a blast. We had so much fun helping Jillian celebrate her 3rd birthday.. Minnie Mouse style!

6 sweet girls eating lunch on the porch.

Zoo

2011-05-19T05:30:00.002-05:00

The other week, we decided spur-of-the-moment to head up to the Zoo. While it's not quite like the Milwaukee Zoo, we still have a good time. We ended up getting a season pass last fall, and have long paid for it. Between Katie and Benji we have tons of pictures of every animal there. But between the computer/internet it's a slow process uploading pictures today. So you'll only get to see the 4 monkeys.

Wordless Wednesday: Mothers Day 2011

2011-05-18T05:30:00.000-05:00

my new dishwasher

2011-05-17T05:30:00.001-05:00

This model has some pros and cons. But I won't complain. :)

Music Lessons

2011-05-16T05:30:00.002-05:00

When you have a hubby that writes, plays and sings you are always asked if any of your kids have his musical genes. While none of them are music prodigy's, all of them have an interest in music. From hammering on the keyboard, to strumming their lil guitar, to the squeaks of the fiddle, to the melody's they belt out during the day. I'm not sure they have much say in the matter. Music has been and likely will be a big part of their life. Daddy's guitar and voice is a familiar and comforting sound to them (all of us actually). From the moment they could hear in the womb, to laying as a tiny newborn on his lap, to dancing in the LR to his upbeat rhythms, to singing along to his CDs, to watching him perform.

While Daddy stays busy in his studio, he always makes time for a quick lesson or two. Benji shows the most interest in actually wanting to learn. The other kids just like to hear their voices come thru the speakers. :) While he's just beginning, he proudly gives concerts. He gets his hat, western shirt, vest and boots on. Tells us the concert is about to begin in the studio. Then displays his bashful-yet-proud grin, then begins to strum.

A boy has got to make his start somewhere.

Proof we still exist

2011-05-14T10:58:00.001-05:00

I have every intention of keeping this blog updated. But obviously have failed at that. So with the helpful prodding from family and friends... here's proof we still exist. We're very much alive and well. Just caught up in the everyday busyness of life.

Things keep moving along. Grass keeps needing mowing (at least once a week if we're lucky), kids need taught their school lessons, bread (and those terrible, no good PW cinnamon rolls) needs stirred up, laundry needs tended too, floors need mopping, house needs cleaning, cookies need baked, baseball games must be played after supper, the swing set needs to be used daily, the sunshine needs soaked up in reclining lawn chair, paper work piles need filed, and ...a trip to the zoo.

I have some post lined up, but don't get too used of frequent updates. I won't make any promises on being better at updating in the future. :) Summer is in full swing down here. Which means less time doing school and more time outside. Which leads to more trips to the park, swimming pool, playing with friends, cook outs with friends...hopefully a trip north...

Spoiled. Loved. Presents. Treats.

2011-04-28T05:30:00.001-05:00

Meet Cooper. The sweetest, cutest, loudest, wildest, craziest dog. EVER. Kinda like his owner :) He loves Katie and never leaves her arms.

This boy is choo-choo crazy for trains. We likely have every Thomas book there is to buy. He can tell you the name of every train he has.

Meet Rapunzel. She came with llloooong, smooth as silk hair. After one short afternoon going everything with this little girl, her hair is... well... Tangled!. But she sure is loved. Rarely does Rapunzel leave Carolyn's arms.

This big fella got a bat and ball. He's good enough that he moved onto being the coach. A mighty good one. Very patient. Very thorough. Very proud when he got his Lil brother to hit a home run. (that black thing on Benji's belt... those are binoculars. He saw everything up close and personal this weekend) :)

Safe and Sound

2011-04-27T19:38:00.000-05:00

Just an update for those miles away hearing about all the bad storms we've been having.... :)

We've been having some severe weather the past 2 days. Almost constant. Yesterday (Tuesday) it started in the early morning, with a break in the late afternoon, then started up overnight. Today... on the other hand... has been one loong tornado/severe thunderstorm/flash flood warning. Just as soon as one storm rolled thru, another was right on its tail. We were fortunate. A little south and west of us got hit hard with tornadoes all afternoon. We had heavy rain, strong winds and crazy thunder/lightening. It was bad enough, that most of the morning and afternoon that the kids spent alot of time in our closet. They piled pillows and blankets in there. Each had their favorite toy. It was fun for awhile. But it quickly got old. The last dash we made for the closet, the kids complained: Not the closet again Mom!

This river is between our house and the main highway. These were taken early afternoon.

As of early evening, the water wasn't over the road.

We're happy to see clear sky behind the storm. According to radar we just had our last severe storm roll thru. I'm not sure which I'm looking forward to more: A quiet/storm free evening OR the nice day tomorrow so the kids can play outside and burn off energy!!! At any rate.. we're just happy to be safe and sound!

Wordless Wednesday: We got a SWINGSET!

2011-04-27T05:30:00.000-05:00

Long Weekend with Gpa/Gma/Aunt J

2011-04-26T06:00:00.002-05:00

We enjoyed our too short long-Easter-weekend with Gpa R, Gma J and Aunt J. The weather was gorgeous. Mid 80's. Lots of sunshine. A little breeze blowing. They all left with a little southern sunburn :) We packed alot of fun into the few short days they were here. Gma and Aunt J took tons of pictures. I'll share some later.

In the meantime, here are the cuties with their Gpa R, Gma J and Aunt J, taken Easter Sunday morning.

Thanks again for all the fun. We enjoyed every second of your visit. Hope you have a safe drive home!

Love and Miss Ya'll:

Benji, Carolyn, Katie and John

Happy 5th Birthday Katie!!

2011-04-18T05:30:00.001-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR KATIE!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

WE CAN'T BELIEVE YOU'RE TURNING 5 ALREADY! HERE'S WISHING YOUR BIRTHDAY IS AS SPECIAL AS YOU ARE TO US! WE LOVE YOU!!

Love,

Dad, Mom, Benji, Carolyn and John

thirsty?

2011-04-11T05:30:00.001-05:00

Stylin' with a capital S

2011-04-09T12:38:00.002-05:00

Kissing Cousins siblings

2011-04-01T13:43:00.001-05:00

Happy Golden Birthday Daddy!

2011-03-31T05:30:00.001-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR DADDY. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

When it comes to Daddy's...

We couldn't be more lucky than to have you for our Daddy.

We hope we can make your day as special as you are to us!

LOVE,

BENJI, CAROLYN, KATIE AND JOHN

what we did. short verison

2011-03-29T05:30:00.000-05:00

A late party for Carolyn, a early party for Katie. Despite the number of candles.. Carolyn really is 6, and Katie will be 5. Goofy mom!

Making popcorn was a big hit. (With the kids and bigger kids.)

We played at the local park.

We had gorgeous weather the first few days. sunshine and 80's. So we enjoyed the park and a picnic lunch one day.

We were all able to watch Benjamin play at the local Opery Show.

Boppa and Gma watched the kids for one night, so we got to sneak away for an evening.

So there you have in a nutshell what we did while they were here. Throw in some playing, laughing, playing, eating, more playing, little more laughing... you get the picture :)

Lonely

2011-03-28T08:28:00.000-05:00

We were extremely lucky to enjoy Boppa, Gma, Jacob and Emily for 10 * T-E-N days. But nothing lasts forever. We woke up to a lonely house this am. The weather fits our mood perfectly. Cool, cloudy, dreary. Even though it's nice to get back into our rountine, it's never any fun saying goodbye.

Between getting the house put back to together, school, Daddy's upcoming birthday this week, and a few other things we have enough to keep us busy and occupied. Although no matter how busy we get, nothing can fill the emtpy space that they've left. But we're glad they came. And we'll count down to the next time we see them.

six

2011-03-21T13:47:00.000-05:00

Surprise!!!!!!!!

The weather has been unbelievably gorgeous. sunshine. seventies. eighties. The kids were completely surprised and overjoyed to see Boppa, Gma, Jacob and Emily pull in last week. They had no clue!
We've already enjoyed playing at the park, listening to Daddy/Uncle Benjamin's radio show, camp fires, cooking out, kickball, sidewalk chalk, Carolyn/Katie's bday party and much more. The house is always buzzing with excitement.. and we're enjoying it. Every.single.second of it!

The 'S' word

2011-03-17T05:30:00.001-05:00

Sunshine. Seventies. Surprises.

That's what is in store for us today... and into next week!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-16T05:30:00.002-05:00

**Update***

Alright! No need to be jealous! :) To be fair... these flowers are NOT from our yard. They are from the store. But it won't be long... :)

inside looking out

2011-03-10T20:08:00.000-06:00

Impatiently waiting for our special guests to arrive.

The past few days have been rainy and cold. Which means little or no time outside. I shouldn't complain. It could always be worse. Luckily tomorrow is forcasted sunshine and 50*. {insert happy sigh}

Happy Golden Birthday Lil Sis!!

2011-02-28T05:30:00.002-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR JESSICA
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!

Happy 28th on the 28th!!!

Love and Miss You!!!!
Benji, Carolyn, Katie and John

2-24-11 storm

2011-02-25T09:02:00.000-06:00

In the post before I was just bragging about spring being here. We all know what spring brings. Storms. We had a bad one roll thru last night. Severe thunderstorms/tornadoes, 60-70 mph wind. It was the eeriest feeling listening to that storm roll thru. At any given moment we expected the roof to blow off, windows to come crashing in..

One tree knocked the power line down, in the yard and across the road. The power guys were out fixing that in the wee hours. We fell asleep to the sound of chain saws, and continue to hear them this morning as clean up continues. The kids and me will have plenty of branches to clean up. Heres' a pic of one of the trees. I think only 2 trees in our yard were left untouched. The other 8 weren't so lucky. Any one care to join us for clean up? I'll fix ya lunch... and supper :)

"You won't believe this"

2011-02-25T05:30:00.000-06:00

The other morning girls were up early (or at least earlier than I wanted). They were playing quietly in their room, so I left them be. I soon heard a ~~little~~ lot of commotion. Loud voices and their feet pounding down the hallway. Carolyn bursts into the room, shouting: "Mom! Come here. QUICK! You won't believe what I just saw! Hurry! In my room!" Normally I wouldn't get too excited, but down south there are a few things that I do worry about. snakes. I race into their room not sure what to expect, or just what I'd do if there really was a snake in their room. (most likely go and get Daddy.. who stirred with all the commotion). As I go in their room, they both are hoovered over the window. {sigh of relief} whatever they're in a tizzy about, is outside. So I venture out the window and see this.......

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

Yes, I realize this rubbing it in your faces to everyone back home. But the kids are thrilled that it's offically spring. Because the flowers are blooming.

There are no words...

2011-02-24T14:25:00.000-06:00

have blog. need blogger.

2011-02-22T13:10:00.000-06:00

I'm terribly sorry for the lack of blogging and checking out/commenting on your blogs.
We've been trying to tweak our internet. Which didn't go too well. So we're back to square one, and we decided to be content with what we orignally had.
Otherwise, we've been plugging along with school.
The weather has been absolutely gorgeous here. Sunshine. 50's, 60's and a few 70's.
We spend any spare time outdoors: playing, cleaning up the yard for spring, sitting around the fire- roasting hot dogs and marshmallows
Trees are budding out, flowers are sprouting.
I promise to get some pictures on here soon, but today it's sunshine and 60.. and the park is calling our name.
But now you know we are alive and well. :)

Grandma Linda

2011-02-21T05:30:00.002-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR G'MA LINDA
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!

Aunt Heather

2011-02-20T05:30:00.001-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR AUNT HEATHER
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!

blurrrr

2011-02-05T12:56:00.000-06:00

It seems like the month of January was a complete blur for us. So much happened in just a few short weeks. We've learned how to roll with the punches. And much to our delight, the kids have done very well thru everything.

This lil guy has finally decided it's time to train. We've had success and accidents. But a start is a start and we're quite proud of him. It's always a change to watch them go from diapers to pull ups then to little hinders running around in teeny-tiny underwear :)

Carolyn turned 6 the end of January. I have many more pics from both parties, but our internet is giving me fits. Maybe I'll post more later.

Party #2 was a blast. Nothing better than getting together with friends for a pizza and cupcake party.

Thanks again to Shelley (for the pic,) for letting us crash your house with our party!

Happy 6th Birthday Carolyn!!!

2011-01-30T06:00:00.004-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU*HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU*HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR CAROLYN*HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU*

We can't believe you're turning 6 today!!! Happy Birthday!! We love you lots Carolyn Rose!

Love,

Dad, Mom, Benji, Katie and John

update

2011-01-22T14:52:00.000-06:00

we've enjoyed ~~playing~~ reading with friends...

painted the livingroom. if the kids had it their way we'd paint the whole house. they had a blast helping (and kept the mess to a bare minimum)...

played out in our 2nd batch of snow. This time it was just barely an inch and was gone before supper. (When we came down we had a good 5" on the ground...made a few snowmen, a snow fort and lots of snow angels.) We think of everyone shivering in the frigid cold up north. it's sunshine and 40* today :)

we love to help peel potatoes....she works slow, but does a good job. (no, she's not for hire) ;)

and we play so hard that we crash in Mom and Dad's bed.

happy 1st birthday james!

2011-01-19T08:54:00.000-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR JAMES
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!

LOVE,
U. Benjamin, A. Heather, Benji, Carolyn, Katie and John

Waiting for Daddy

2011-01-14T06:00:00.001-06:00

little sister takes big brother's toy....

2011-01-12T06:00:00.002-06:00

here's johnny....

2011-01-11T19:31:00.001-06:00

Aunt Tanya...

2011-01-03T06:00:00.002-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR AUNT TANYA
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!

Love,
Benji, Carolyn, Katie and John

1-1-11

2011-01-01T00:00:00.003-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-29T06:00:00.000-06:00

We're having 'snow' much fun! :)

2010-12-28T06:00:00.001-06:00

One Horse Arctic Cat sleigh ride

2010-12-27T13:38:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Gma Joyce!

2010-12-25T06:00:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday To You
Happy Birthday To You
Happy Birthday Dear Gma Joyce
Happy Birthday To You!!!

We hope your day is as special and fun as you are!!

Love,
Benjamin, Heather, Benji, Carolyn, Katie and John

wordless wednesday

2010-12-22T06:00:00.002-06:00

typical

2010-12-20T06:00:00.002-06:00

Typical moment at our house-

Carolyn took my camera.. again. (blurry pic)
Katie's only wearing underwear. Playing with her baby pink monkey.
Her hair isn't combed. Carolyn's hair likely isn't either.
Benji's climing ... on the bed frame.
John likely just jumped onto the bed OR is getting ready to bury under the covers...again. (a reason I don't always make our bed in the am)
I'm pretty sure it's bedtime. And none of them are getting ready for bed.. because their jumping on it!

Katie bug

2010-12-17T06:00:00.002-06:00