VBS in Pella and a Quiet Week

The kids had a good time at VBS in Pella. Beth liked the crafts the most and Chris liked the songs and games. They also enjoy being at Grandma and Grandpa's with their cousins.
Chris is at Jr. Boys camp this week. He seemed excited to leave. I did get calls on Monday and Tuesday nights. He climbed the wall and couldn't stop laughing when I talked to him.
It has been quiet here. Beth and I ran some errands on Monday. She kept wanting to turn around to talk to Chris. She got to go swimming with her Aunt Kim, Ben and Jessie on Tuesday. She did get a little burnt on her back and face. Today she was able to spend time at Joel and Stephanie's playing with Jael and Eli.
We are planning on having people over for dinner both Friday and Saturday. We were suppose to go on the teen leadership retreat, but Backbone State park is closed due to flooding. I also need to get Beth ready for JR. Girls camp next week. Its not too hard, mainly do laundry and repack what she had packed last week plus a few extra items.
Next week Tuesday-Friday Keith, Chris and I are going to the National Conference and Talents for Christ which will be in Ankeny Iowa. That is different than last year when we traveled to Pennsylvania. We have 3 dramas that are competing in Talents for Christ. Thankfully we have 3 great directors who have been working with the dramas. Because the conference was originally scheduled for Cedar Rapids, we've had to be flexible with our plans. I think it will be a great trip!!! Its always fun to see people from around the nation I know and to spend that amount of time with teens!

Baseball is over and Off to Pella

Here is Chris in right field his main position. He just threw the ball in that he stopped. His last game was Friday night. While they never won a game everyone on his team improved. All but one player was a 3rd grader, so most will be back next year.
The kids went to Pella yesterday. We took them and our mini van to Ankeny so they could go to church with Jeff and Sherry and then on to Pella. Last night to seemed really quiet at first. Today I've been trying to get my kitchen cleaned. I was suppose to work, but the lady canceled on me. We will go to Pella on Friday morning and stay until after the closing VBS program on Sunday Evening. Then Chris gets to leave for Junior Boys on Monday morning.

First day at the Pool!

The Slater Pool opened today and the kids were able to go over and swim this afternoon. They are back over there now. I had to get some more laundry done and beds remade, so I'll go over and get them later. Since they are both over nine, I can do that. Keith is working on getting the car and van cleaned inside and out. He had vacuum issues so it isn't done yet. Keith's brother, Kevin is mowing the lawn. He also helped me get the garage cleaned out. I still need to take pop cans back, but I'll do that on Monday when I go to Ames. I think we'll all sleep good tonight!

Memorial Weekend

I find this a very fitting name for this weekend. As we will be remembering many things which is what a memorial purpose is. First tonight we will be going to a couple senior receptions and a senior recital. This will be a time when we remember their childhoods and look forward to what they'll do next. We have other graduation parties on Sat. and Sunday. Then on Monday we will be going to the Ames Cemetery. They have a short parade and then spend time remembering soldiers. After the ceremony we will go over and visit Nicholas's grave. It will be 4 years June 1st when he went to heaven at 4 months old. I like to remember what God taught us then at this time of year. We were so blessed by so many people who God bought into our life and did so much during that time. My parents lived with us the month of April to help care for Nicholas, Beth and Chris. Jeff and Sherry took Beth and Chris into their home during Feb and May. My kids will never forget this time! Many church families around the state prayed and helped us. Our own church family was so very giving in many ways. While I don't totally understand what purpose God had for Nicholas, I do know this. That this world is not all there is and one day I will get to spend forever with my Savior, Jesus! God was willing to give his only Son so that my son, Nicholas and I may live forever with Him! Jesus didn't just do this for Nicholas and me but for the whole world! I'm awe struck by this thought! While I am sad not to have Nicholas with me here on earth, I'm rejoicing looking forward!

Tulip Time Picture

Here is Christopher, Johanna and Bethany getting ready to scrub streets.

Mother's Day

Well I did get sick last Tuesday night. It lasted alittle bit longer than the kids. I was able to work on Friday. However, I still feel like I'm playing catch up with housework.
On Sunday we went out for lunch at Cazador. They weren't very busy which was nice. Plus I really like their food. When we got back in the van Beth asked dad a question. They then produced a gift bag. I was shocked!!! He actually planned ahead and bought we a Mother's Day present when he bought my birthday present. It was vanilla lotion, shower gel and hand sanitizer from Bath and Body. It really wouldn't have matter what it was, I'm so impressed he planned ahead!!! Ok don't get the wrong idea of what I think of Keith. He is great. It is just that our life gets busy and shopping is not something Keith has time to do let alone with the kids.
We had a baseball game tonight. Chris did well tonight. He still needs more work, but he wants to keep up baseball.
This weekend Keith hopes to get some yard work done. We do have some open houses to go to, but if the weather cooperates we should get some done.

Tulip Time 2008

My kids and I scrubbed streets for all the parades this year. I kept thinking we better do it because it may be raining, but it only rained over night. It was the coldest on Friday night, but we survived. Johanna didn't turn too purple. We had fun with my family and Keith's brothers were also able to come. We enjoy laughing at all my nephews and nieces. Ok and also Joel!

The bad part of the weekend was Saturday morning when Chris vomitted. He slept and I was a nice mom and let him go to the parades between naps. This morning I was again awaken by Beth telling me she had gotten sick. Needless to say I scrubbed my parent's bathroom floor twice. I just pray that no one else gets sick and am thankful no one new will wake me up tomorrow morning. Chris is feeling better today and Beth is sleeping so I bet she'll feel better tomorrow.

I'll try to get some pictures up soon of the new floats and my kids.

Birthday and Baseball

I had a really good birthday. Since it was on a Sunday, I spent the day at church. Then we celebrated as a family on Monday night. I got lots of Bath and Body stuff and a gift card from CJ Banks. I also got a new candle.
Christopher had another game on Tuesday night. They lost 13-2. Our coach found out that the other cities' teams we are playing have been practicing indoors since January. Also they have some kids on AAU teams. It is alittle more competive than we were ready for at this age. They will be having extra practices and Chris is ok with this. He really wants to play baseball. I thought this might deter him alittle bit. We will just have to keep encouraging him. Last night at the game one of the grandmas commented that he was the smallest one on the team. None of his team is very big as there is only 2 4th graders, but I didn't think he was the smallest.

Soccer Pictures

Chris is number 15. He had his second game today in Ames. It was still alittle wet and cold.

Here he is kicking off. They did lose by 1 point, but they all played hard. His team only has 7 players and 6 have to be on the field at one time, so gets alot of playing time.

After lunch we went to Cold Stone Creamery, Wal-Mart and Lowe's. They didn't have the part to fix the swing, so Keith will have to figure out something. Now we are just kind of being bums.

Celebrating Begins

Today I recieved a package in the mail from my parents. I waited to open them until tonight. I'm so excited to say I got 3 new books!!! Bethany and her friend Kayla made supper. It was good except their big cookie ran over so the oven began to smoke. It was kind of funny! Beth and Kayla decided to go thru the toy room downstairs. I think I'll just keep Kayla she's a great worker.
I went beyond our comfort zone and decided to try and fix our dripping faucet on our tub myself. I looked on line and it seemed simple so I began. Keith was good enough to help as the handle and nut had been on for a long time and I wasn't strong enough to get it a part. Chris went with me to the hardware store to get the new washer and screw. I'm pleased as it does not drip anymore!!
Chris has had a stuffed up nose the last few days, but tonight he has a fever and doesn't look too good. I hope to get him to bed soon.
I'm off to finsih up the dishes for the day!!!

Get you all up to date

Ok so we have been busy around here. On March 28-29 we had our purity conference at church for our teens and their parents. We had a great turn out.
Then the following week Chris started baseball and soccer. Needless to say he has had games and practice that were cancelled and rescheduled. He really likes both sports. He is doing so much better this year. He had a baseball scrimage yesterday and it was a much faster paced game. It was actually fun to watch even if it was alittle chilly.
Beth hasn't been up to a lot. She is working on writing a report on the American Girl Dolls. She also wants to make a meal with some foods they may have eaten. A friend of hers is staying this weekend while her parents' go to a homeschool conference in Duluth,MN. So this has given her the push she's needed to get her room clean.
I'm still cleaning 3 times a week outside my house. My house gets clean before Keith's Bible Study on Thursday night. I do need to do some extra cleaning this week.

Not a Coach

Ok so I went to the Ballard Soceer Club board meeting tonight. I am going to be on the board and help whoever will coach Chris' team, but not coach. They have 3 parents who said they'd help, so they will work together and I'll call when practice or games are rained out. The season is only until the end of May, so it shouldn't be too bad. Then the board meetings are once a month.

Ribbons!!!

Beth recieved a red ribbon for her poster on the Titantic and a blue ribbon for her poem:
Rainbows

Rainbows have bright red like sweet cherries.
Rainbows have hot orange like fresh oranges.
Rainbows have bright yellow like sour lemons.
Rainbows have mild green like crunchy apples.
Rainbows have cool blue like tart blueberries.
Rainbows have dark purple like juicy grapes.
Chris got his first book award for finishing his book in AWANA and red ribbons for his poster and this poem;
Basketball

Basketball is a fun winter sport.
The players dribble fast down the court.
They need to use chest passes to get a good shot.
They need to drink Gatorade so they don’t get hot.
When the other team has the ball, they need good defense.
If they steal the basketball back, they are on offense.
The end of the game the buzzer sounds.
The players get great treats by the pounds.
We had fun at the extravaganca! I did burn my arm on steam, but no other major thing went wrong. Beth had fun with her friends! Chris spent time with his friends, but he had a lot of presetnations he wanted to see. He was so excited the night before he had a hard time sleeping.

Keith is busy working on the Purity Conference that is March 28 and 29. It is for the teens and their parents. We are praying that many will come and all will go smooth.

I got a call from the Ballard Soceer club and they need a coach for Chris's team. I know nothing about soceer, so I may just help oraganize with someone else. We'll just wait and see. I'm so busy already, but I've praying that I would have a chance to meet more people.

We had a great time with Ben being here. He is such a cute 2 year old! Now we are busy getting ready for the communication Extravaganca. The kids need to finish their posters and I have to finish up stuff for the food! \

Busy Month!!

The kids were busy studying for the AWANA quizing and it paid off. Beth got a perfect on her oral test and Christopher's team got first place. Beth's team got 2nd place for her book. It was very exciting!!
Now basketball season is over and I have Chris signed up for soceer and baseball. I hope the schedules don't conflict . We'll see. Beth has begun to ride the bike and treadmill at the Fitness center. Keith has begun this also. It has been good for all of us to be encouraged by one another.
The kids are also working on their poems and posters for the homeschool communication extravaganca. They need to get their poems done this week, which will be interesting as Ben is with us for the week. He is so much fun!

Christopher's Birthday

He really wanted a star for his little tree that he puts in his room at Christmas time, however I wouldn't buy it before Christmas. I was just too cheap to pay full price when I got it for 1/2 price after, so I decided to wrap it up for his birthday.
Now everyone in the house except me has a sweatshirt hoodie. I'm more sophisicated and I have a sweater hoodie.

He was very happy to get an Iowa Hawkeye hoodie so he could kind-of match his cousin Timothy!!!

Here he is high fivin Beth since he got the basketball game.
Here they are playing his basketball game after I spent 2 hours putting it together. Yes, It is in the living room for right now. We plan on moving down stairs soon, but I put it together up there since I didn't know it was that big. The box didn't look that big. I had seen one up at Wal-mart but that was before Christmas and I didn't rememeber. I was just excited to see it all sale. We all like the game. Beth beat Chris and I've beat Beth finally! I havn't played Keith yet, but I know I can take him! Chris will get better as he gets taller.

All in all Chris had a good birthday. We started it off by having pancakes. Then opening presents. Then we went and got my nephew Ben. He spent the night with us to prepare him again for when his parents go to Mexico in Feb. That night we went to Burger King Playland, swimming and then to Mc Donald's for Mc Flurries.

Great Night's Sleep

Yesterday I took the money my parents' gave us for our anniversary and bought new flannel sheets! They were great! So nice and warm! I slept wonderfully!
I did finally get my Christmas tree and other decorations down last night. Keith says he will take the boxes back down stairs tonight. We are allowing Christopher to keep up his village until I don't know when. Oh well at least he keeps his room picked up unlike another child which I won't name here.
I am most excited because tonight we are starting up our ladies Bible study again after the holidays. It was good to grow together last semester and I look forward to growing even more in Christ this semester.

Our weekend away!

We had a good weekend away! The cabin was on Lake Red Rock. It was very nice with alot more room than we really needed with 3 bedrooms, kitchen, living room with fireplace and foose ball table in the loft. It also had a whirlpool. It would be a good place for a family reunion. The down fall was we had to clean it.
We watched the Bourne movies. They were really good and I wonder if they will come up with number 4? My sinus stuff is getting better, but I did sleep more this weekend than normal. Keith cooked breakfast all 3 mornings so I could sleep.
The kids were really good my dad said. I'm glad they are good for them. It sounds like they had a relaxing weekend playing UNO and watching Little House and Waltons. Beth says she doesn't want to watch the last Little House because it will be too sad.
I haven't taken down our Christmas stuff yet. I will do it for sure this weekend if not sooner. Chris wants to keep part of his village up so we'll see if he still wants to this weekend.
Well I better get to bed. I have work and school tomorrow.

2008

Beth and Chris were able to stay over night at Kim and Steve's on Friday. Then we did Christmas with Keith's family there on Saturday. We were all pretty wore out so we watched the new movie we got from Steve and Kim-Mr. Bean's Holiday. It is quite funny!
Last night we had a teen party to ring in the new year! Keith did have to work, but was able to join us for a game of Monoploy.
The kids and I slept in today. Chris was the first one up we watched the last of the Rose Bowl parade. After Beth got up we watched the Samantha movie.
I have had a sinus infection and haven't felt the best. So I napped and then made supper. Basically I'm just taking it easy!
Keith and I will have been married 16 years on Friday. We will be going to a cabin for the weekend. My kids are excited to stay with grandpa and grandma! Then it will be back to school!

Stockings

Christopher makes me laugh as he got so excited over everything in his stocking!

This is the first morning in a long time that the kids woke me up, so if I don't look awake that's why. The chocolate helps!