Cute Things

Oh, how this little guy is changing!  Mitchell has started a few new things lately.  First, after I put food into his mouth, he likes to take it out, look at it, then put it back in.  Cheerios are no longer easy treats to carry around with us!  Yesterday, he started the new phase of throwing his head back; this is NOT one of my favorites.  He will look at me to see if I notice and how I react.  This will often make a rather loud sound, but I have learned to ignore him for about 15 seconds and then turn with either a blank face or a smile.  He loves when I help him clap his hands and will open from fists so they make a sound.  He loves my songs (although, really, who doesn't?!?).  He loves getting up from naps and seeing each of the kids.  He is still constantly bombarded with hugs and kisses from Ben, Annie, and Emily - this warms my heart but also causes some stress as they each want to kiss him RIGHT NOW!  He does have cute, kissable cheeks, especially right when waking up.  He's starting to make his presence known and can crawl SUPER fast.  He loves things he shouldn't get into...joy.  Mitchell will pull up on furniture and cruise.  Today he stood for about 3 seconds without holding on to anything.  Ben, Annie and I were in the room and cheered rather loud.  I think we might have scared him from further attempts!  He is a joy and we love him dearly!

Emily has hit a new stage that about drove me bonkers when Annie went through it - her panties don't feel good.  *sigh* I was realllllly hoping she would skip this one!  Unfortunately, I have learned (after going commando a few times), that I need to check for bottom-coverings and not to trust her word that she isn't bare-bummed!  It's a rough little stage!  She is doing so well to explain things; I am constantly astounded with her vocabulary and capability of speaking.  If not for the articulation issue, one would think she is 10!  Emily has LOVED doing 'school' with me this summer.  I have to call it quits because she would continue in her little workbook forever!!!  Ems loves being where the action is!  She can make friends with anyone and just loves to be around people.
Annie is such a sweetie!  She likes to please her mom and dad.  She is consistently happy each morning when we read scriptures and ready to jump in.  She finds where we are supposed to be and then waits patiently for Ben and Emily.  I'm pretty sure Annie's calling in life is to be a nurse; she has such a comforting and nurturing nature.  Whenever anyone is hurt, she is the first one there!  She will run to get bubbly-stuff (hydrogen peroxide), q-tips, band aids, and cream then either hold the patient's hand or blow on the owie or whatever is needed to help ease the pain.   Then she will read stories to Emily or get a special blanket or give up a toy.  Annie most often chooses to be the peacemaker - not to say that she can't stir up her own trouble!  She and Ben have discovered wrestling this summer.  Each time they wrestle, Annie gets hurt and cries, but she always goes back for more!

Ben loves riding his new bike.  He worked for about 3 months to save enough money (minus tithing and savings!) for this purchase.  Andy and I told him, that if he could save enough for half of the bike, we would pitch in the rest.  He's had so much fun going on a couple of scout bike rides and walks with our family.  Although now he is getting more confident and trying tricks, which definitely makes my heart beat faster!  Ben loves to work and especially to serve others.  He spent half of the day making Annie a tower (from Tangled) out of Legos, complete with Flynn Rider, a soldier, and Maximus.  He loves helping our neighbor, Miss Linda, with weeding or putting down mulch or watering.  Ben has really gained a testimony of prayer over the last few weeks and is almost always, the first one on his knees for morning prayer (even if scriptures didn't go so well).  He is my gopher and completely loves his brother.

The Big 8 Years!

Ben had his 8th birthday last week!  At times, it seems just a moment ago that he was a newborn.  Other times, it was forever ago!  He has been asking for breakfast in bed for months and months.  Since he is often the first one up, we made him get BACK into bed for his breakfast.

The kids had a Primary activity in the moming.  I took my mom and sister to the John Johnson farm in Hiram, Ohio to see a church history site while they were gone.  Home for showers and Sunday clothes, then off to Ben's baptism into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!!!

Andy and I went on a Friday night date and found these super cute dresses on clearance at Sears.  What sweet sisters they are.  They want to be just like Ben, and often follow him around just to be with him!

Thanks for coming Aunt Jamie, Grandma, and Grandpa Doerk!

Walking down the hall...towards our sweet 83 year old home teacher, Bro. Griffith.

The Maas Family

The baptism was just beautiful.  So many friends and neighbors came to support Ben.  He was beaming throughout the service.  Many many many thanks to all those who participated!!!!  Just after it ended, the rain came POURING down!  We served root beer floats (made with Blue Bell ice cream) and people hung around to visit (while waiting for the rain to slow down).  Then we went to Five  Guys for dinner!

Home for the long-awaited presents!  Ben has been asking for 3 years for a Nintendo DS lite.  Grandma told him when he turned 8.  He loves it; he just doesn't love all our parental restrictions!

Another fun gift - thanking dad for a really cool Nerf gun.  Ben was excited about that!  This is the first year that he got everything on his birthday list (also the first year he made a list)!  Happy Birthday, Ben!  Life is always exciting with you around!!!!

Frustration

I should not be as far behind as I am, but it's not my fault...REALLY!  I spent most of one morning two weeks ago trying to upload pictures, but Blogger was having massive issues.  I've been too busy since then.  Here's a slight recap of our lives...

1. Quick weekend trip to Washington D.C. with HORRIFIC hotel experience at Sheraton - DON'T ever stay there...now I know why both of our families always choose Marriotts.  Trip overall was fabulous!  Nevertheless, my camera BROKE; the flash won't work... :(
2. Summer baseball - Ben is a doll in his uniform; I made a new mom friend (with four boys) that I wish I had met earlier in the year since we had the same teacher!  This year Emily and her youngest will have preschool together.  So glad!  Andy loved helping coach the team.  He made a new dad friend; so glad!  Love nice people in our community!
3. My sweet friend moved.  Enough said.
4. Trip to Dallas - great fun to see some friends and family...it's never long enough...although it was really hot...and the donut place around the corner from my mom's house is so incredibly tempting - especially about 7:20 in the morning when the apple fritters come are warm - not that I would know!
5. Made a new friend that just moved in the neighborhood west of us.  They came for dinner one night; I said how my zoo-friend/trade-kids-with friend just moved.  I created a very awkward moment.  The husband dead-panned, "You don't sound desperate or anything."  Very true; however, I think they will still be our friends.  After all, we have The Little Mermaid 2 that their 3 year old loves...and an electric sander!
6. Family Vacation to Rochester/Palmyra, New York.  Simply fabulous...except for tired kids and a newly-teething baby.  :)  It was just incredible...perfect for us!  Thankfully, our newer much cheaper camera came in the mail the day before we left!  We also dropped in on Niagara Falls; awesome!
7. Come home to flooded basement.  Just a few inches of water, but enough to require ripping out the carpet and knocking out some drywall.  Tomorrow the de-humidifier guys come.  A few days after that; new carpet!  In the mean-time...
8. I have way too much stuff!!!!!  Time to make some hard decisions on what stays and what needs to find a new home. 
9. And next week sends us to Chicago for the IP National job fair.  Got to love Andy and the events we get to go to!  Currently, he's very excited to be working with Corbin ______, who was an actor in Major League (the 3rd baseman).  He's working with the university for something, and I'll get to meet him tomorrow night!

Which brings us to why I haven't continually updated the blog.  My lack of pictures in incredibly frustrating!  Mitchell is growing sooooo fast.  He is completely adorable.  Tonight, he didn't like the fact that he was in bed while the girls were still up waiting for stories.  I just sang him a few songs while I ran my fingers through his very long hair (needs his 6th haircut in a major way!), and he looked at me and slowly closed his eyes.  What an angel!!!  (Okay, so they are all angelic at certain moments; Mitchell just has so many more of those moments right now!)

Need to Document: 4th of July

We have had the most wonderful 4th of July weekend.  However, there is no visual documentation as the flash broke on our camera...so sad.

Backdating a few weeks - we had a great long weekend in Washington D.C. for some conference for school, so we all tagged along.  Besides the few hours Andy had to be away, we became tourists.  Unanimously, our favorite few hours of museums was spent at the Museum of American History - A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!!!  (Side note - yes, they have the actual gold nugget that started the California Gold Rush!) My favorite part was the American Flag exhibit.  They play the National Anthem while you walk through to see the actual flag from the battlefield - burn marks and everything.  Brings tears to my eyes to remember even now!  Great love and passion for our country!

On our drive home from Texas, Andy had to write a paper.  That means I had to type it while he dictated.  He used an article as background information that focused on George Washington's 110 rules of civility.

We also make a stop in Nowheresville, Kentucky to see Abraham Lincoln's birthplace - prefaced by 'making' our kids watch a documentary on him on our way there (Emily hated it; the rest of us loved it - even though she was much louder in her protesting, we persevered!).  Again, amazing...

Last night our little community did fireworks.  We were lucky enough to hang out at at friend's house for the evening - where there was a pontoon.  Andy captained the boat out 3 different times, culminating in fireworks...on the lake.  It was just an unreal experience.  Although I stayed on land (Mitchell was sleeping inside), the feeling outside was incredibly peaceful.  I did have a Sandlot moment - same song - same feelings.  I just wanted to go play baseball!  LOVE small towns!

Tonight we went to another friends' to watch their town's fireworks.  I LOVE the excitement!  The sounds!  The smells!  The feelings!  The songs!  There isn't much to NOT love this time of year.  I think it's the one time politics don't matter and we are reminded of our blessings...which ours are overflowing!  God Bless America - He did  and still is!!!

A Day at the Zoo

Back in the day, I had some fabulous friends, and lucky me, I've kept them for the last hmmmm 14 years!  Before Angie and her brood of boys move to Neverland, Hollie and her little Sadie came to visit for a few days!  We spent the first day at the kids favorite hangout - the zoo!!!

Angie with her new squishy toy, Asher.

This is one of our favorite spots to animal watch - birds, fish and tiny moneys - something for everone to love!

Mitchell was so glad to be out of his stroller!!!

The climbing wall that Jense nad nEmily have spent the last two years practicing on - it has now been mastered!!

The obligatory group picture!

Jensen, Hollie, Miles, Emily, Sadie, Me, Mitchell, Angie, and Asher

Random Cuteness and New Talents

Our little guy LOVES the bathtub!  And rolling around on the floor.  And sitting up by himself.  And rocking back and forth and back and forth...

One day we were playing outside.  Ben kept teasing the girls, so I sent him inside to go to his room.  A few minutes later, I went inside to check on him, only to find him making us all egg sandwiches for dinner!  I couldn't get mad at him for serving our family, although I did remind him that it would be better to make the choice to come inside before he teased so much next time!  He's my little chef!!!  (And they were fantastic sandwiches!!!

Yes, I made all three of these dresses...with lots of help from my dear friend!  She's amazing!!!  One morning and half of an afternoon to put these babies together!  I've been walking past the fabric at Walmart for months, thinking that it couldn't be too hard to make.  It wasn't, but I'm sure glad that I had guidance!!!  And, yes, my seems even matched for the red lines around the girls!!!  Thanks, Marianne, for all of your help and encouragement; I feel so accomplished as a Mom!!!

Mother Goose's Goose is Loose

Annie's class did a little play and then recited all the poems they have learned throughout the year.

Mitchell charmed the audience and cause many a parent to say, "Oh shoot!" as their camera was not ready!  Sorry; he's just a cute little guy!

Annie and Kiara reciting their poem.  It was a great little program!  Loved this Kindergarten class!!!

5 Weeks and 3 Days

Waiting in the Dr office to get Annie's cast off!!!

Our little tag-along.  This is one of the last times I've brought heim around in his car seat because he is a solid kiddo!!!  And such a happy guy to just hangout wherever we are!

The beginning of the saw!!!!  Annie did terrific - didn't flinch at all!

She was a tiny bit nervous on this part, but quickly gave me smiles when she noticed I was watching.

It's coming off....

This little girl - she's so brave!

We were surprised to find a sunflower seed beneath all the wrappings....hmmm - don't even know the last time we had them!  After x-rays, we found her arm was about 90% healed.  Therefore, she was still on restricted gym classes, no softball and still no bike-riding.  She also isn't supposed to run around, swing, wrestle, etc...  She did great with all of her restrictions for the first day and a half...  She's as busy little girl!  We go back next week to get another set of x-rays and complete freedom!

So Yummy for the Tummy!

Each Monday (or Sunday) night we have Family Home Evening.  This consists of singing songs, a short lesson from the scriptures or just basic society rules/values, and a treat.  It was Ben's turn to make a treat, but we didn't have all of the ingredients so we moved dessert to the next night.  He had spent a good 30 minutes pouring over some of my Pampered Chef recipes books in order to choose.

 Ben's Masterpiece - Mint Chocolate Silk Torte - and it was FABULOUS!!!  The only part he didn't help with was taking the pans out of the oven.  He kindly also took some to his teacher at school, as he was apparently so excited to make this dessert (it honestly took all afternoon), that he told her all of the yummy ingredients.  It was delicious!!!!  Way to go, Ben!

So tired....

One night around 9, Andy and I were watching a movie for our date.  Annie wandered down, ignored us, used the bathroom and didn't come back out.  Emily wandered down a few minutes later.  Andy followed her into our bathroom and check on Annie in the process.

 Annie was cold and could only find my shirt for warmth.

 Emily didn't have anything readily accessible, so Andy covered her with pillows.

Such cute little girls.  They walk the entire length of the house twice to get to our room and can still fall right back asleep!

Friday Evening - and hard at Work!

I tell you - the men in this house can WORK!  In our efforts to get the garden spots ready, we trimmed a few trees and split some of the wood we already had to make it more user-friendly.  After several days and many hours of labor, we have our garden in (and are very thanful for the four missionaries in our ward who gave many many hours of service to help!!!)

 This night it started to pour just as they were finishing up, so we all hung out in the garage for awhile.

 The kids watched the water from the gutter before braving the FREEZING cold rain!

 I LOVE clean little kid feet.

 Love how Emily is holding onto Ben for security...such sweet moments!

Reasons Why I Haven't Blogged in a LONG Time

Baseball games...

Soccer games...

Cute little girls who (for a rare moment) kick the ball - instead of running up and down the field waving hello...

Mother's Day flowers...

Teaching a cute little guy to eat...while he is very distracted with the things around him...

Helping little ones out of tight spots...

"Little Yellow Tokens of Love"

My friend Emily once wrote a poem.  She posted it on her blog, and it's been in my thoughts for the last week or so.  My little ones LOVE flowers.  They also love to pick flowers.  However, that gets them in trouble - EXCEPT for picking these 'little yellow tokens of love' that they delight in bringing to me.

 Emily and Jensen had another sunny afternoon playdate, and all I could think about was this poem.

 DANDELION

those little yellow tokens of love are just weeds,

to the ignorant.

but in the eyes of a child,

they are priceless, gifts from God

for a loving mother.

-by Emily Haws (April 30, 1995)

Here comes my special bouquet - something Emily can bring as a gift and know I will absolutely love it.  Such purpose and focus in creating these little gifts.  I wish I could capture a picture of each group of yellow bunches - as well as the bright eyes of the giver.



An Overheard Conversation

Setting: Annie did something Emily didn't like (which isn't hard to do)

Emily: I'm not inviting you to my birthday party!
Annie: You have too.  Family gets to come.  Besides I'm your best friend FOREVER.
Emily: No, you're not.
Annie:  Yes, I am.  Mom says that we will be each other's best friend, so you have to invite me to your birthday party because you always invite your best friend to your birthday party.
Emily: Okay; you can come.

*So glad that at least something I'm teaching them is sinking in!!!*

Things...in a list

1. Andy is done with his 2nd year of law school - we are all thrilled and spent this entire day playing.  We just hope he passed all of his classes as two might be tight!
2. I spent a fabulous 3 1/2 days in Utah while watching my niece perform as Belle in Beauty and the Beast - more on this later.
3. While I was gone, Annie got a package from Nonie that was a frilly, girly PURPLE dress that she absolutely loves because it matches her cast.  I will take a picture tomorrow.
4. I went to a Women's Conference today and learned two things in a class: First, my thoughts are not fact.  Second, too much daydreaming is not mentally healthy because looking to the future gets you anxious and looking in the past makes you depressed.  It's all about enjoying the present.
5. Mitchell was the absolute BEST traveler and most flexible baby EVER as I shifted his schedule about 5 hours.  I am paying for that now.  He's become bored with life and reallllllllllly wants to crawl around.  As he is not yet 6 months old, I'm not okay with this.  He has also started to whine in the last few days - not the best.
6. Mitchell doesn't love food yet.  I need to remember he is still not yet 6 months old (next week!), but he just doesn't really enjoy it.  He won't open his mouth for it, yet won't shut his mouth any other time as he's always chewing on toys, toes, or just making noise.
7. Kids are so fabulous right now.  Everyone is being so kind and gracious, with quick apologies and helping hands.  They are excited about Mother's Day tomorrow.
8. I love talking to friendly, helpful people.
9. I'm ready for a road trip - good thing we have 3 of them planned for the summer!!!  (Palmyra, Niagara Falls *US side,* Washington D.C., Dallas, and hopefully Chicago again!  I also want to do an over-nighter in Pittsburgh, but I haven't cleared that one with the boss yet!  I'm trying to figure out how to get us to Boston and Philadelphia...(I really want to retrace steps from National Treasure), but that might have to wait a few months.
10. I'm really tired, so I'm heading to bed.  Good night!