It's contagious!

I've added Beek's Fam to my circle of friends! Featuring Bob's youngest brother, his wife and baby girl due to arrive in early August. The blog bug just keeps biting!

Tummy Troubles

Yesterday was not a good day for me. I wasn't feeling well in the morning and by the time I got done exercising I really wasn't feeling well. I finally called the doctor's office and spoke to the nurse. They called in a prescription for an ulcer medication. We're going to see if it makes me feel better in the next few days and if so I'll just stay on it for a while. I'm praying it works and quickly because that burning feeling is NO FUN!

Garbage picking and brotherly love

A neighbor came and told me that someone was throwing out this perfectly good motorized John Deere Gator. It just needed a new battery and possibly has a shorted out wire which she said shouldn't be too hard to fix. So I went and snagged it. It was my first experience with garbage picking but I'm not ashamed...it's worth it if we can get the thing running!
Of course I can't keep the boys out of it, even though it doesn't work yet (anyone know how to fix a shorted wire?). They just push it around. I guess it's good exercise and burns lots of energy!!!

Uncle Leonard would be proud!

Josiah shows off his muscles...he really was pushing Joshua around and thought it was fun too. And Joshua wasn't going to complain; gotta teach the little ones early how to do your bidding.

Fun in the wagon, but...

Not for long :)

All for one and one for all
My brother and my friend
What fun we have
The time we share
Brothers 'til the end.
~Author Unknown

Abigail's not the only one...

The blog has been a little heavy on the Abigail the last few days but she's not the only one doing new and exciting things. Little Chloe bear has graduated from the tricycle to the two wheeler with training wheels!!! She took right to it and she's already working on her tricks. Standing up and riding has been the first one and we're all so impressed. I thought the new accomplishment deserved a little something, so we went out and got her a new helmet, Dora of course. All she wants to do is ride bikes. I guess there's no going back now.

Ho "Hum"

It's been a good day but man did it ever feel long! I don't know why but it just seemed like it should be later every time I looked at the clock. Maybe I haven't adjusted to the kids staying up longer now that we don't have to get up for school. But probably it has more to do with Bob being gone.
We did have a few exciting moments today. As I was trying to put groceries away I heard something rustling the blinds. I went to check it out and it was a hummingbird...in the house...trying to fly out the closed window. I leave the front door open a lot to let in the breeze and the poor little birdie must have flown in and was determined to go back out the window. I ended up having to take the screen out because it wouldn't fly away from the window and go back out the door. Later tonight Joshua decided he wanted to play with the grasshoppers that he caught earlier. One got loose and we couldn't find it. I was a little upset because I had already told Joshua not to let the grasshoppers out inside the house. But we ended up finding the little guy and getting him back in the cup that is now his home. Hopefully tomorrow will not have as much critter drama and the day will go by more quickly for the mama!

A date with daddy

Bob always takes the kids out for lunch on their birthday. The kids get to pick where they go and get to order whatever they want. This is the second year in a row Abigail has picked Macaroni Grill, the girl has good taste!

Now this is just ridiculous!!!

Bob was scheduled to leave today to head to Michigan for his brother's graduation from seminary. Don't worry he wasn't checking any bags...but wouldn't you know it, the flight was cancelled due to weather in Dallas. The earliest American Airlines could get him there was Saturday and the graduation is tomorrow night. So Bob demanded a full refund, which he got, and went to another airline which could get him to Chicago tonight. It just so happens Bob's dad, a truck driver, is making a delivery in Chicago tonight so Bob will be hitching a ride back to Michigan with his dad. The new flight cost more money but Bob thought it was worth it. I keep telling myself it's all providential and we just have no idea why Bob needed to fly on a different airline, at a different time, to a different city. The whole thing is stressing me out a little bit, but Bob seems to be doing alright. I think American Airlines new theme song should be, "Straighten Up and Fly Right!"

I remember the day you were born...

It was 6 years ago today. It was a Thursday and I was teaching at Northwood Elementary. I headed in to school like any other day. I remember starting to feel contractions but didn't think too much about it; it was still a week before your due date. However it was during the spelling review that I started to realize that the contractions were getting stronger. My classroom aide told me I should go home. I waited until lunch time and then went down to the principle's office and told him I was going to go have my baby!
Providentially it was raining that day. Bob was working construction at the time and they weren't able to work so he was home when I got there. We started timing the contractions, took a walk, I stood in the shower for a while...finally we decided to go to the hospital. Grammie was in Grand Rapids so she drove down and went with us. When we got to the hospital I was dilated to 4 cm and they admitted us. After a while the contractions weren't getting any stronger so the doc said he was going to break my water or send me home. I said, "break the water, I'm not going home!". I immediately had a crazy, intense contraction. I was hyperventilating and waving my hands because they were tingling. I decided to get in the tub to labor for a bit in the water but as soon as I got in I felt the urge to push so they got me right out. The nurse said they were just going to get me right back into the bed so they didn't bother putting my gown back on. I walked out of the bathroom into a room full of people. The mid-wife said, "my, that's a lovely outfit you've chosen." If I wasn't in the throngs of labor with no drugs I might have been really mad but now it's just funny. Within minutes I was back in bed pushing and after 15 minutes of pushing you were born! We were all amazed at how quickly you arrived. Daddy cut the cord and they cleaned you up and we held you. Then we read a Pslam and thanked God for our precious baby girl! A short time later Bob looked at me and said, "honey, I think you have a rash." I was thinking a rash from what??? Later when I got up and went to the bathroom I realized I had pushed so hard I had broken blood vessels all over my face, neck and shoulders; I was covered with little red spots. Thank goodness for Cover Girl!
So that's the story of the day you were born my sweet Abigail. Our lives have never been the same but I wouldn't change it for the world! I love you!

Kindergarten Graduation

Friday night was Abigail's graduation from kindergarten! We had a great night! The kids did a Disney themed program with singing and speaking parts and then they all went and put on their caps and gowns and received diplomas. Abigail was so cute...she wouldn't look at us as she walked up the asile, I guess she has a little shyness in her after all. It's amazing to us how much she has learned and changed this year. We're so thankful for her time at Temple Baptist (her teachers did the hard part of teaching her how to read!) and next year will be a whole new adventure.

Mixed Emotions

It's crazy to think that Bob will be gone in about 2 weeks. My mind is swirling with thoughts of all kinds. I always see those wives on tv whose husbands are serving and they always show the reunions on the news. It's strange to think that I'm one of those wives now. I wonder how this will change us? How will it change him? What will he see and do? I know that he will work hard and do the job well. I know that he will be an asset to the ones he's working for. I have a greater sense of pride because I know he will serve our country well!
For now we're trying to spend quality time together while getting ready for his departure. So many people have already offered prayers and support and we're thankful for that. People we don't even know that well have given me their phone number and told me to call if I need a baby sitter or a night off. It's a wonderful thing to know I have the support of so many and he hasn't even left yet.

The official first game!

Last night we had our second t-ball game but officially it was the first one. The kids got their shirts and hats and were so excited. In fact Joshua is wearing the team shirt again today, good thing I got it washed last night! He said "it's just comfy". As you can see from the picture of Bob with the kids, Joshua was pretty pumped. He decided that he was going "high socks" last night and pulled his socks out and over his pants. It was too cute.
Oh and we are so proud, he was playing first and the ball was hit and another kid fielded the ball and threw it to Joshua and he actually caught it and got the out! He's so talented!!!


Joshua is playing first and Abigail is on the grass near second. Notice they are both in "ready position"!


This picture is so perfect...There's Abigail (#6) with her hip cocked, snapping her finger. Probably telling the batter to hurry up. Joshua (#4) is waiting for the ball to be hit so he can run out and get it.


I just love this picture and I'm not sure why...maybe it reminds me of his daddy. :)

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice

Congratulations to Cody and Erika! This morning at 8:30 am baby Lily arrived. She weighed 8 lbs 7 oz and is 20 inches long. We are so glad that everything went well, although we haven't heard if Cody needed oxygen at any time during the delivery. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

I never thought I'd say it...

We're going to homeschool next year...The whole homschooling thing has been an issue with me since I was pregnant with Abigail. Bob would bring it up as an option that we may have to consider in the future and I was totally against it. I would be in tears. I'm not totally sure why I felt so strongly that I didn't want to do it but I did. I really liked school and I wanted my kids to go. Maybe being a teacher had something to do with it...I don't know. I always said that God would have to change my heart if we were ever going to homeschool. Well, here we are 6 years later and we have decided to homeschool the children next year; and amazingly enough, I'm okay with it. I guess God's been softening my heart towards it all along. It's all in His timing.
Abigail has loved Temple Baptist this year and we have loved her teachers. It's not that we are at all disappointed in the school. We are at the point where we are committed to a Christian education for the kids, whether that be in a school or at home. We have just decided that for a few years we will homeschool to save money. When Josiah is old enough to be in school I may try to get a job at the school where the kids attend. We'll see how it goes. It's hard since we don't know where we'll be and what kind of schools there will be.
So right now we're trying to decide which curriculum to use. I'm leaning toward Sonlight. Bob and I both like the fact that it's literature based and I like that it is very organized and comes with EVERYTHING you need! The kids are excited to go to "mommy's school" and I'm actually getting excited too. It's fun to get back into planning and I have so many ideas. I'm also looking forward to getting involved in a homeschool group for field trips and other activities.
I think it's going to be a great year! :)

Happy Mother's Day

Four reasons why I'm having a Happy Mother's Day: Abigail, Joshua, Chloe and Josiah! I'm so blessed!!!

A new Season begins

We're entering a new season in the life of our family and I have a feeling this one is going to last a long time! You guessed it, t-ball season has started! Abigail and Joshua are on the same team this year, the "Red Birds". Joshua was so excited last night that he laid out his uniform on the floor perfectly. This morning he was up at 6 am wanting to know if it was time to go to his game. He had his cleats on before breakfast and couldn't wait to get out the door. Abigail wasn't as excited to go. She thought the pants were itchy and her socks were bothering her. But once she got to the field she was ready. They both did a great job. Joshua was doing his, "Hey batter-batter" chant and Abigail was in her ready position, just like daddy taught her. Joshua loves to slide and was so proud that he got his pants dirty he had to come show me. Technically this was a pre-season game (we don't even have our shirts yet) but nevertheless it was fun for all. Little Josiah was so excited about all the cheering that he was giggling and clapping too, maybe he thought everyone was clapping for him...soon enough and he'll be out there too!

Update

Husband made it home early BUT baggage did not arrive with him and when it did arrive it was damaged. This has got to be some kind of record???? Well, guess he got a new suit and a new suit case out of that trip.
Check engine light turned off. I think it came on because I waited too long to get gas and it was mad at me.
Josiah is fine. I just hope he doesn't remember getting the IV port put in and the nurse drawing blood...he could be traumatized for life.
I've been eating chocolate and I'm feeling much better!

Mama said there'd be days like this...

This morning started out great. I got Abigail off to school and I was back home trying to get a few things done before going out again to run errands. I was just getting done with the vacuuming when Chloe came to me and told me that Josiah made a big mess. I went into the other room and found an empty bottle of rubbing alcohol then I saw Josiah and his shirt was all wet. I immediately called poison control and was told to take him to the ER because I didn't know how much he ingested. I loaded Joshua, Chloe and Josiah up and headed for the ER. It seemed pretty serious when we got there because they got us right in, but Josiah was acting totally normal so I wasn't too panicked at this point. They put in an IV port in case they would need it later and drew blood. This was the WORST. Of course Josiah was crying and I was crying too. The nurse kept asking, "Mom, are you okay?" All I could do was nod yes, my poor baby was in pain. After at least 3 hours of waiting for blood test results the doctor came in and told us that everything was fine. There was NO alcohol in his blood! I'm thinking he might have put it to his mouth and got a yucky taste and then dumped the rest. I'm so thankful that my little guy is okay! Praise God!
On my way home from picking up Abigail from school I almost ran out of gas and then my check engine light came on, which always makes me nervous, and it always seems to happen when Bob is out of town! Why is that? Needless to say, I'm feeling drained. I need chocolate and my husband! Since I can't have my husband right now chocolate will have to do.
PS - I do keep my cleaners and such locked up...the rubbing alcohol was an oversight, in the bathroom cupboard from cleaning umbilical cord stumps. Just so you don't think I'm totally irresponsible.

Reunited and it feels so good!

For those of you who were feeling badly for my dear husband the search is over; he has been reunited with his suitcase! It of course didn't arrive in time for the award ceremony that he attended last night (the whole reason he went to DC) so he had to accept the award in the blue suit he bought courtesy of American Airlines. I guess it all turned out alright...he got there safely, he got a free suit, he accepted the award and eventually his luggage arrived. Alls well that ends well.

On a different note: my Fly Lady flip calendar says that today is the day to do one job that I've been putting off for a long time. Guess I'll get to work on this office...it's a mess! What job have you been putting off?

The case of the disappearing suitcase

My poor husband is not having a good trip. He was supposed to leave Albuquerque Monday morning at 9:30 am but his flight on American was cancelled because of maintenance issues (Hmmm, I'm noticing a trend with these American flights). He finally made it to DC and wouldn't you know it, his luggage didn't make it! He waited in the airport until almost 1 am for the last flight from Dallas to get in to see if his bag was on that flight....it wasn't. This morning he headed back to the airport to see if he could find out anything. The lady he spoke with thought the bag was in Dallas and would be arriving by 11 am. But when the flight arrived, no bag! At this point Bob was feeling very unsettled. He is accepting an award tonight and was supposed to be wearing his military dress uniform, which of course was in the suitcase. He demanded that the airline provide him something comparable to wear so right this second he is trying to find a blue suit to buy. Then he has to go back to the airport to get reimbursed. If his bag never shows up the airline will replace all his clothes including the dress uniform, a set of BDU's and boots and of course all the Detroit Tigers shirts that he took along. We're praying the bag will show up so we don't have to worry about replacing everything and Bob is vowing never to fly American Airlines again. My poor sweetie.

Strangers in the night

Well, Josiah and I made it home without any troubles. We had a wonderful time with Barb and Dan in Michigan and I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to go. Barb and I had lots of fun shopping and getting pedicures and such and I think we were both refreshed and encouraged. When we got home yesterday there was a bouquet of roses on the counter and the house was all picked up. Usually it takes me a few days to get things back in order after I've been gone...but this time Bob was right on top of things and the house was all picked up. He didn't do any laundry all week and he never vacuumed but I think I'll cut him some slack, he did have roses for me after all. :) This morning he left for a week long TDY in DC (hence the title) he'll get back Friday night. After that we're looking forward to a few weeks of being all together!

Some things never change

Being with my big brother always brings back memories of my childhood. As kids we loved each other and I always knew he would watch out for me but we could not stop picking on each other. He would tourture me with tickling, one time he did it so long I wet my pants. Of course I can't blame it all on him...I was quite the little instigator. I'd do something little to start it and in just a few minutes we were wrestling on the floor. When we were a little bit older us kids would stay home alone in the summers and I was constantly calling mom at work telling on Mike. I think her boss must have thought we were wild animals. The "picking" hasn't stopped even though we're adults. Last night we were visiting at his house and of course we went straight into our big brother/little sister roles. He showed me his new move, he calls it "the syringe" and it definately feels like your getting a shot. YIKES!

Picking on each other aside, we had a very nice time visiting with Mike and Dana and the boys.

Thanks to Barbie for driving me to Grand Rapids and Frankenmuth to see my family!!!

The picture below is a shot of Frankenmuth, MI which is also called "Little Bavaria".

YES! Michigan

On Monday Josiah and I embarked on our week long adventure to Michigan. We are here visiting my friend Barb. We got off to a rocky start...our flight out of Albuquerque was supposed to leave at 8:25 Monday morning and we were sitting on the plane waiting to pull away from the gate when a maintenance truck pulled up. Then we heard the captain saying there was something wrong with the auto pilot and they were trying to fix it. 45 minutes and several graham crackers later they took us off the plane. So we got on a flight to Dallas. Josiah really liked looking out the window and giggled as the plane took off. We played the open it-close it game with the window shade for a very LONG time. He finally fell asleep and I got to look at the "Sky Mall" magazine. Why do I love looking at that??? When we got to Dallas I called Bob and he told me I had to go to the USO because they give military and their dependents free food. So off we went. Then it was back to our gate to catch our flight to Chicago. This time we didn't get a window seat and Josiah was a little restless. He kept kicking the seat in front of us and since there was no window shade he was playing our game with the tray table. I don't think the lady in front of us was happy. I hope we didn't ruin her day. We didn't have to wait too long once we got to Chicago and we finally got on our last flight to Kalamazoo. Josiah really had fun on this one because there was no one in the seat next to us and he could play and look out the window all he wanted. I was so thankful that our suitcase and his carseat made it too!!! I was a little worried about that.

So now we are having a wonderful time. Barb has a little dog named Tilly and Josiah is having so much fun playing with her. Tonight we'll be going to see Bob's family in Grand Rapids and tomorrow we're off to Frankenmuth to see my brother and his family. And on top of all this fun I have been sleeping in until 9 am!!! That is so AWESOME! :) Oh and I'm really appreciating how GREEN it is here!!! I never knew that Michigan was lush until I moved to Albuquerque.

More updates to come!