Reunited

Hannah was quite happy to be reunited with her beloved frog today. Luke was the hero as he found it under his bed. I don't know where it was - maybe stuck in the folds of his comforter - because I had looked under his bed more than once. It was near where her elephant had been located and I figured it was a logical hiding place. Anyway, she'd been doing just fine without him, but she is very happy to have him back.

Not the First Time

Several posts ago, I wrote about our driveway. We hadn't had too many problems with it at that point, but I figured our days were numbered. Today was the first day we couldn't get up the driveway. Let me back up a bit.

We thankfully, missed the brunt of the brutal ice storm that hit just to our south and east. However, we got just enough ice with a touch of snow on top to make it quite slick. The roads have been slick (they don't use much salt here) and the temperatures were so low that I didn't go anywhere with the kids. Today, I had to get out and run a few errands. This afternoon, the temps rose to above freezing and the roads cleared off. The roads were clear, but not our driveway. I should have known that I would have problems when I got home when I slid to the bottom of the drive when I left - with my foot completely on the brake! When I got home, I tried 4-5 times to get the van to the top, but I never made it. I left it for Chris to do. Chris put a small amount of sand from the kids' sandbox on it and got it in on the first try - of course! Chris had been able to get the Saturn up it several times, but the van just wouldn't do it. This wasn't even a major storm so if we're ever in the midst of a bad ice storm, which is quite possible. I'm sure this wasn't the first time that we'll have this issue.

Luke's Accomplishments

We have been spending quite a bit of time inside recently. If you live anywhere other than the south, I'm sure you understand why - it's COLD!! To occupy himself, Luke has really gotten into working floor puzzles. These are his favorites. He can work the traffic jam puzzle all by himself. The one with construction equipment is a bit more challenging. He can do most of it on his own, but likes a bit of guidance with it. He is quite proud of what he's been up to.

The Case of the Disappearing Frog (aka "baby")

Hannah has two very special "babies" that she defaults to when she sleeps or I default to when she is super upset. One is the green frog. This was actually the original "baby" and she has slept with it probably since she was 6 months old (she's probably about 9 months old in this picture). She also has a blue elephant that she actually is more partial to these days, but still hangs onto her green frog. The elephant used to say a sweet baby prayer, but it long ago gave in to the frequent washings.

Anyway, the green frog disappeared yesterday afternoon. I have no idea where it is. However, I don't think it is far. The kids were playing in their bedrooms after naptime and I noticed it missing around supper time. The elephant was missing for a short period, but it was promptly found. Chris, the kids and I have turned that part of the house upside down, but he has yet to appear. I was a bit concerned when she went to bed last night, but she was fine. Chris found a teddy bear about the same size as the beloved frog and she seemed quite happy with it - much to my surprise! She also made it through naptime today. I do hope we do find the frog, but I'm encouraged that she wasn't too distraught with its untimely disappearance.

Sentimental Project Idea

I don't know about all of you, but I am rather sentimental. I would record everything if it was possible and I go to great lengths to make sure nothing happens to those memories. I already feel like I don't remember too much of Luke and Hannah's time as infants. So, it is fun to go back and look at pictures and videos that we have.

I think this project idea originally came from Martha Stewart. That usually stops me right there. I like to do projects that look nice & elegant - much of what she is known for. However, simplicity is also at the top of the list when it comes to projects & many of hers are not simple! Anyway, a friend told me about what she'd seen and so I adapted it to my own wants/likes.

For each of my children, I have taken their hand and footprints along with a good snapshot of them (Andrew's is a professional pic, but that is only because we went & had family ones done at just about the same time). I think all of their hand/footprints were done when they are 5-6 months old. They hold their hands in such a tight fist before that that it is hard to get a flat print of their fingers. I use Crayola Model Magic. It can be found at Hobby Lobby or Michaels in the Crayola or children's craft aisle. I usually use a package for their feet and a package for their hands. You could probably adapt it to just use one package. I just found this to be the easiest. I have also found it helps to have another adult help. Chris usually forms a ball with the Model Magic and then flattens it with a rolling pin. Then, one of us holds the child and the other makes sure the hand is flat & is pushed deep enough into the dough. Let it dry according to the directions on the package. Then, I arrange the picture, prints and baby info (name, birthdate, height, weight & Bible verse printed on the computer) in a shadow box (I usually get mine at Hobby Lobby - on sale of course!) I just use some type of scrapbook tape to afix the picture & baby info to the back of the shadow box. I have found that the sticky velcro dots work well to fasten the prints. That allows me to take them out of the frame when we move (I like to move those personally rather than have the movers be in possession of my sentimental memories). Finally, on the back, I tape the date of when the picture was taken and when the prints were done since they're usually not done at the same time.

Anyway, I wanted to share this simple project with you & I'm sure you can adapt this to whatever your needs/likes/desires are.

Another Funny Moment

Today, I had to run to Sears for just a few moments. When I got to the store, I put all three kids in one of their carts. Now, this can only be done at some stores since I'm sure 3 children is the maximum allowable occupancy for store carts. Some stores can definitely only hold 2 children. Anyway, the cart at Sears was probably only 2 kids, but we made it do 3. It was a tight fit for Luke. When I finished our brief errand, I took Luke out of the cart first. Now, first understand, that it's quite a chore to get him in and out anyway. His 40 pounds is about all I can get out of a cart. I have done this several times before and usually his feet get stuck somewhere on the cart. So, when I was getting him out & he wasn't budging a whole lot, I told him to kick his feet out. Well, we still weren't making progress. When I went to see what the hold up was, I looked down and noticed that some part of the waist band on his jeans had stuck to the cart and his pants were now down to his knees. Yes, anyone observing could easily see his Thomas underwear - thankfully, they were still up! Anyway, I quickly released the stubborn jeans and quickly pulled up his pants. Luke and I both had a laugh about it as we got the others out of the cart and out of the store.

Taking a Break

Well, it seems like our family has taken an involuntary break from society. We have been sick since leaving Indiana - actually a few days before leaving Indiana at Christmas. There has been at least one of us sick since then and usually there has been more than one of us. Right now, I think we may be on the mend. All of us are either on an antibiotic or have been on one. So, I'm hoping that will take care of whatever "this" is once and for all!

We have definitely taken a break. Since being home from our Christmas visit to Indiana, I have been to church one time and that is pretty much the only public/social event I've been to since being home. It's a bit hard for me to understand why God would time all this illness like this since we still don't feel established in the community and are still looking for a church home. At the same time, though, it's made being home easier because we really haven't missed too much socially. I'm quite confident that God does have reason for His timing. In the meantime, if you do try to socialize with us, please be patient as we learn how to interact with others beyond our home. Hoping we get out soon!

I've Decided

I've decided that I really like it when people remember my name. However, there is one place I would rather them not know my know my name. You may have guessed it - that would be the doctor's office. Today I was reminded of this thought. I took Hannah to the doctor and they had her checked in before we even got to the desk to check in - ugh! Here's the reason: I've been to the doctor's office 4 times over 5 days for 2 kids. Hannah and Andrew have been battling whatever the rest of us had plus ear infections. I do have to admit that two of the visits were with doctors off base. So, technically, they only saw the base doctor twice. Andrew had to see the doctor twice because he also vomited with his ear infection (after the first visit). The second visit with the base doctor got him a different antibiotic. Today, he seems to be on the mend. The only part that needs "fixed" on him now is for him to be able to entertain himself just a bit better. In other words, he is quite spoiled from getting held so much the last several days. Hannah was doing better after her first visit to the doctor, but then started running a higher fever again. So, that's why she got taken back. Thankfully, he said her ear looked better and that the fever is rather par for the course. So, my hope and prayer is that we are DONE with sickness for quite some time!

Week in Review

In some ways, it doesn't seem like we've been up to too much this past week, but in other ways it sounds like we were busy. I'll let you decide what you think.

We began this last week with Hannah's birthday. It was a great way to begin a week and was probably the best part about it. I'm so excited for Hannah to turn two. For some reason, I feel like it opens up so much more for her like a more structured Sunday school, etc. I think she's ready for be challenged in that way. It will be fun to hear what she learns.

We basically stayed home the rest of the week. We did make two short outings. One was to the toy store to get Andrew's final Christmas present - a swing for the swing set (thanks, Mom & Dad). The forecast was for 50-60 degree weather and I wasn't about to let the opportunity pass for us to go outside. Up until now, Andrew's basically had to stay inside. He can't go anywhere. So, I figured with frequently checking on him, he'd be just fine inside while we were outside. However, if you know him, he does not like to be left in a room alone, by himself. So, he was much happier to join us outside for the warmer weather. Unfortunately, the day I bought the swing & Chris hung it, it wasn't nearly as warm as I anticipated. We still took the kids out for a few minutes, though, to air out and get some running around done. Friday was the best day as we didn't even need any coats to go out (we had to add them later, but initially it was GREAT!). Andrew enjoyed his swing again while Luke and Hannah took to cruising around our yard (thanks Aunt Karen for the cars!) - yes, it was a slow, very slow cruise because we have some major speed bumps back there.

Our only other outing for the week was to the doctor's office. We have been battling a bug for a long time now. I've kind of lost track, but whatever it is lasts days! Most of us are on the mend, but Hannah needed just a little bit of assistance with some antibiotics. Hopefully, she can now quickly get over her ear and eye infection and the rest of us will be totally well in the very near future.

ps. I guess these pics almost look like an advertisement for Little Tikes.

She's 2!

Hannah turned two yesterday. It's so fun to see her begin to blossom from a toddler into a beautiful, fun, funny and lovable little girl. We love having her in our home.

We didn't do tons to celebrate her birthday. They're usually a bit low key anyway, but Chris & I are both battling a bug and I think each of the kids has a variation of it. So, we stayed home. However, Hannah did get to help make her cake, have 2 balloons for her 2 years, play outside, do some indoor crafts and all of that in addition to opening gifts and getting to eat her yummy birthday cake (she wasn't too sure about the flame atop the 2). The day ended with getting to see all of her Grandpas and Grandmas as well as her Uncle Joe, Aunt Karen and cousins on webcam - all to wish her a Happy Birthday!

One last thing that I forgot to mention earlier. In celebration of her second birthday, Hannah also got two new teeth. Yeah! She almost has a mouth full. That is a huge accomplishment considering that when she turned one, she only had one tooth and went several months between getting some of them. Thankfully, the worst of the "teeth getting" is over - at least for round one!

Coffee

Neither Chris or I is a coffee drinker. So, it's a wonder how our kids seem to "know" so much about the awful tasting concoction with a yummy smell (sorry for those of you that love the stuff. I know we're probably in the minority on the matter :) Their recent knowledge of coffee came over the Christmas holidays when Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles drank it. Luke particularly seems fascinated with it. Tonight, it made us laugh, though. I gave them apple juice for dinner and they kept saying it was coffee. In fact, Luke would take a drink of his juice and then say, "yep, it's coffee". Well, Chris said and I think I would agree - if coffee tasted like apple juice then we would probably drink it!

We're Home

We're now home. That means I'm going to try to be a bit more diligent in updating my blog. When we're on vacation, I guess the blog goes on vacation as well.

We drove all the way from Indiana to our house yesterday. Here a few highlights of the trip.

One hour into our twelve hour drive Luke asks, "Where's our house, Mommy?"

About an hour from home, we pull up to the toll booth. Chris gives me the ticket so I can figure the cost and get out the exact change and in less than two minutes, I lost the ticket. Where in the world could a ticket possibly go when I can't even get out of my seat?! I looked everywhere. We ended up stopping at a toll plaza, getting out and letting Chris look for it. Thankfully, he found it. It had gotten stuck under my seat. I'd looked there, but there was a little crack that I couldn't see and that's where it was. This might be funny in the future, but it was NOT funny last night.

About 45 minutes from home, Hannah informed me that "Andrew touched me". Well that could only mean that she was in his space since his little 6 month arms have limited reach. When I asked her if she would survive, she said she would.

Finally, we got to see one of the most beautiful sunsets that we'd seen in sometime with the trees and farm buildings having nice black silhouettes against the bright orange sky.