"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.