Sweet Caroline

My sweet Caroline came out of the bathroom looking like this today. I used to love when she would come down in the mornings before she started going to school. It was always a new surprise. . . bunny ear headband with princess dress and boots, ladybug antennae with ballerina tutu and high heels. I will have to drag some of those pictures out. I miss those days of being able to let her wear anything she wanted to. She is such a free spirit and making her get dressed properly every morning sure puts a damper on her creative style!

Favorites on Fridays . . . Like Oprah's "O" List, But Not Really

Favorite Store : TARGET
My favorite store in the whole world is Target. I like it so much that I have banned myself from going there for one whole year. I was addicted to it! Every time I was there, I found something (or twenty things!) that I couldn't live without. I always tried to go and get what was on my list and nothing more, but I seriously could never do it. Every time I would look at my credit card statement, I would get embarrassed because it would say "Target, Target, Target, Target. . ." I would go after the kids were asleep and just
s-h-o-p. It was therapeutic for me. I felt "at home" there. I knew I had a problem when our family went to go live in my parents' cabin for a summer in the middle of the woods in Wisconsin and I started going through withdrawal.
I have made it for two months now and it's kind of exciting. . . I'm up for the challenge and the kids sure think it's funny. (especially Jake because I always made him go with me to keep me focused on my list and now he doesn't have to do that anymore) I am saving a lot of money, that is for sure. I sometimes wonder about all of the things that I am missing out on, though. :)

Sweet Aunt Carole

Today (and every day) we are thankful for our sweet Aunt Carole. We got a yummy package from her today filled with CHOCOLATE surprises for all of us! Whenever the kids see a package from her at our doorstep, they immediately yell, "chocolate!" Aunt Carole is very special to us. She has a great sense of humor, cares a lot about the kids, is easy to talk to, is very smart, and is extremely thoughtful. We love you, Aunt Carole! Thanks for all the CHOCOLATE!!

You are sweet.

"...a sweet friendship refreshes the soul." Proverbs 27: 9b

My Little (Big) White Sox Fan

Tonight I am thankful for my White Sox fan. He has the biggest heart. For God and for others. He is always trying to make sure that everyone that is close to him knows the Lord. When he was about five, he asked me if I thought one of his buddies on the cul-de-sac had Jesus in his heart. After I said I really didn't know, he panicked and wanted to go over there to his house in the dark to tell him that he needed to ask Jesus into his heart so he could go to Heaven! There have been several friends since then that he has told the message of God's love to. I am always amazed at his boldness and his genuine care for his friends. I truly believe that God puts certain people in Jake's life because of this boldness. I wish I could be more like my Jake. Sure, I care about others, but I am not always so bold. He is such a good example to me.

Here is my White Sox fan's room. And, yes, that is a White Sox piggy bank!

Baby Reagan

I just got finished reading a blog of one of my college friend's sisters who just had a baby today. Please read this blog. www.reaganisourjoy.blogspot.com .

"Caroline Time"

Just recently I purchased a coupon book from Hallmark that is full of great little incentives for kids. Today when Caroline finally got her room clean enough to pass inspection, she got to pick a coupon out of the book. I was so surprised at the one she went to immediately and said, "I know exactly which one I want!" Out of all the cool ones like, "double your allowance for one week", "eat out at any restaurant", and "eat dessert first", she picked "everyone has to pay attention to you for one whole hour." She had it all planned out. After supper, she handed in her coupon and led us into the family room for a gymnastics show. (I was wondering why she had her leotard on under her clothes all day!) After several somersaults, headstands, and cartwheels, it was time to watch her play the piano. She now has three songs in her repertoire. . . Mary Had a Little Lamb. Chopsticks, and Joy to the World. She played them beautifully! Jake and Luke were so gracious to sit and watch and listen and cheer her on. They both had cameras out and were taking pictures. Then, it was drawing time. She wanted everyone to sit and watch her draw because she got a new "tracing machine" and she can draw really well with it.

It was so much fun to drop everything we were doing to "watch Caroline" for a whole hour. At first, the thought of it made Jake gasp in horror, ("You mean we have to sit and watch Caroline . . for a whole hour?!) but he completely enjoyed every minute of it. That hour is one of my favorite hours ever because Caroline was just so tickled that everyone thought she was the most special person in the room at that moment. It really made me realize how important it is to really pay close attention to each child and make them feel special. When I was tucking Caroline in tonight, she said that that was the fastest hour ever and that it seemed like only a minute. Time flies when you are having fun! It was a great night . . an hour well spent.

Trump Tower

Well. . . we had big plans of staying here (the Trump Tower hotel in Chicago) this weekend. We were going to watch Diane's baby while she and Colin were at meetings for the auto show. Since the kids are sick, we were not able to go. Sorry, Diane. :( We were very excited about that opportunity, but like Jake says, "God has a plan for everything!" Maybe another time.

Favorites on Fridays . . . Like Oprah's "O" List, But Not Really

Favorite "Before Bed" Ritual: Stridex on the Feet!My sister learned this little trick on Oprah, which I never have time to watch. Thanks, Diane, for sharing!!

Step1. Take one Stridex Pad and wipe your heel with it. There is alpha hydroxy acid in the pad and it helps to take the hard, dead skin off of your foot. Use one pad for each foot.
Step2. Smooth on a thick layer of lotion or Vaseline on each heel. If you use lotion you will need to get a very thick type of lotion that is more like cream, to get the most benefit.
Step3. To help keep in the moisture, put socks on your feet.
Step4. Be patient as it will take about a week of doing this every night before you will see results. Your feet will be noticeably improved if not all together healed or should I say "heeled".

My Three (sick) Blessings

Tonight I am thankful for my three little blessings. Jake has the stomach flu and I think that Caroline and Luke might be getting strep throat. We'll see tomorrow. I will enjoy having them all home with me even if they are sick.

Make a Joyful Noise!

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord."

Psalm 100:1I am so excited because we just got our first piano tonight! My mom's cousin, Cheri, gave us hers. John rented a big truck and got two friends to help him get it. (thanks John!) I am just so excited about how much noise (I mean music) is going to fill this house for so many years to come. I am going to start teaching the kids how to play right away. We had a piano in our house growing up and I have always felt like something was missing since I "moved out". There have been so many times when playing the piano would have been just the right medicine for me. Thank you, Cheri!

Time with Caleb

The other day, we had the privilege of watching Caleb, my sister's baby. We had so much fun with him. The kids absolutely adore him. He is one year old now and is FULL of energy.

Here are some pictures of the last couple of times we watched Caleb.


Bottle time! Jake helped me out in the morning by giving Caleb his bottle while I was trying to get Caroline ready for school.
Luke was also a big helper. It's funny because I always think Luke is so small until Caleb comes around and then Luke seems so tall and grown up! He loved introducing Goldfish to Caleb! (he loved them!)

Buddies



Caleb and Caroline have a special relationship. Caroline is completely nurturing around him and he just lights up when he sees her. She patiently follows him around the house to make sure he is safe.




The kids love teaching him new things, like how to build a tower.













One time they brought snow in the house so Caleb could feel it and play with it. They worked very hard at keeping it out of his mouth. :)

We sure love you, Caleb!!

We love you, too, Auntie Diane and Uncle Colin. . . you're doing a great job with Caleb!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Tonight we had our traditional Valentine's supper. The menu included pizza, heart shaped Jello Jigglers and fondue. My favorite part of Valentine's Day is when we go around and tell each other what we love about each other.

After dinner, we set up a tent in the family room and watched a movie. The kids were going to sleep in it, but it didn't work out. . . too much wiggling! :) They are more comfortable in their own beds.

Favorites on Fridays . . . Like Oprah's "O" List, But Not Really

Favorite Hot Beverage: Tazo Decaf Chai Tea

This is definitely my favorite thing to drink, especially on a cold and dreary day. It reminds me of Christmas. I have to get the decaf kind because I am allergic to caffeine. I like to put a little milk in it. (chai latte!) You can order it at Starbucks, but they don't have decaf and it costs about ten times the price of making it at home. :) Enjoy! (thanks, Lenore for introducing it to me!)

"Look Mommy, I'm Ready to Go!!"

Don't you love it when your 3-year-old says he's going upstairs to get dressed?

Rainy Day

Sometimes I love rainy days. Today was one of those cozy days where it felt so good to be home. I was thankful for carpool today because I did not have to drive this morning. Luke stepped outside for a while to test out his umbrella. Caroline decided that she would rather stay inside (in her gymnastics leotard) and draw.

Deuteronomy 32:2 "Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants."

Why Can't I Just Keep it Simple?!

OK. . . I looked at my dining room table today and just sighed. We have this sign in our house ( I love signs) that says "Keep It Simple". It is supposed to be a reminder to me to, well . . . keep it simple! I have a tendency to go overboard on everything I do. I am trying soo hard to change, but I just can't. Take Valentine's Day, for instance. (look at my table) You would think that it was no big deal, but I have been so busy! I realized how silly I was being when I told my sister the other night on the phone that I was stressed out because of Valentine's Day. Her "huh?" reaction led me to explain that I was helping the kids make Valentines to send to the Grandmas, aunts, cousins, and I was getting all of the teacher gifts ready and all of the playdate Valentines ready and all of the classroom Valentine's ready. (Caroline decided to make handmade Valentines this year complete with a sack full of goodies for each kid in her class . . . uh oh, she's turning out just like me!) Oh, and I am in charge of Jake's Valentine party and I need to make Jello jigglers in the shape of hearts for Caroline's class party. I love any excuse to celebrate anything, so I just have so much fun during holidays. I just wish I could keep it more simple!

Proverbs 13:7b "A plain and simple life is a full life."

Fisher of Men

Today my brother, Steve, is sick so he is on my mind and my heart. I love these pictures of him that I took last year at my parents' cabin in Wisconsin. I like them so much because they remind me how much Steve is a fisher of men. He is always so excited to invite someone to church who needs the Lord. He is never afraid to share his Faith in God with the people he is working with. He truly has a heart for others. Please pray that Steve will be feeling better. He is pretty miserable right now. Love you, Steve!

Matthew 4:19
"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

My Little Chef

I'm thankful for my little chef, Caroline. She is always thinking of what to make next. Her recipe box is full of sweet little things to create. She has her own cupboard for all of her cooking utensils and cookbooks. Her newest creations were heart-shaped mud pies. Complete with graham cracker crusts and sprinkles. Of course, she always has a little helper right by her side. I'm thankful for him, too!

Oh . . . and I'm also thankful for the taste tester!!

Chula Vista Water Park

We had a super fun time in Wisconsin Dells. We stayed at the Chula Vista Resort.Soaking in the hot tub was my favorite part!

The kids had so much fun together.

Houston (Steve and Rebecca's oldest son) and Jake rode on the world's fastest water roller coaster about one hundred times! Since it was in the middle of the week, there were NO lines!
Dawson (Steve and Rebecca's youngest son) and Luke had fun together in the hotel room.

So did Holly (Steve and Rebecca's daughter) and Caroline! Check out this Family Dryer!
Thanks, Grandpa and Grandma, for an awesome time at the water park!!