The Snobby Walrus

OK - so I have to admit - the name doesn't sound like anything a paper craft company would be called - but there is one! They have cute stuff, too. And they are doing a fun giveaway - with a deadline of midnight tonight! Head over to their blog and see what I'm talking about! The Snobby Walrus Giveaway

A New Look!

I decided to change up the look of my blog. Since we didn't get much snow this year, the snow background was getting old. I wanted something new and fun. What do you think? I like this layout a lot, so I think I might keep it for a while! Enjoy!

Ice Skating Lesson

Gretchen had her very first experience on the ice today, and it didnt' go too badly! We joined some other moms from MOMS Club at Eagles Ice-a-Rena for a little lesson. I was curious as to how Gretchen would do. You can see from the first photo that being in skates on the ice was not her cup of tea at all! The instructor, Coach Berkley, said to have her just get on the ice in her shoes to get used to the feel of it. After that, she was much happier! She did really well - the lesson was an hour long, and Gretchen lasted about 45 minutes of it, so that was a success. And when I asked her if she would like to try it again, she said yes. We might have to go back again next week and see what she thinks - I'd love it if she started to really like it!

Baby is here!

8 month old Baby A came to us on Tuesday afternoon, and so far it's been good. He's a very good natured baby. The kids are just enamored with him! I keep telling them we are only babysitting until Friday, but I think they want him to stay. Gretchen especially has been the little momma to him, and it's cute to watch. But they all just want to get in his face, so we've been trying to establish "personal space" boundaries. Not an easy thing to do with three small children who just want to hug and squeeze the new baby! Right now he's trying to nap, so my three are upstairs watching Dora to try and keep it a little less chaotic for the baby!

Happy Valentine's Day!

So, true to our family tradition, someone was sick with a stomach flu on Valentine's Day, and this time it was me! It wasn't super bad, but bad enough to make me spend a lot of time in bed. I had such grand plans for a really special day, but didn't feel much like doing anything. I did manage to feel better by the dinner hour, so I pulled out some of the decorations I had gotten ready and at least made our dining room festive.

The table all decorated with scrapbook paper placemats
and a little vase of flowers and a mini candle at each spot.

Very fun and festive!

The heart people that the kids made.

The heart garland hanging in our dining room.

Sitting down to a yummy dinner
of rib eye steak and french fries.

Quiet Time Baby Play

Today Gretchen decided to pull out all of her dollies and stuffed bears to create a baby sleep time in her room. It was so cute!

Sunday Shutterbug - Drip

This week over at Sunday Shutterbugs they are looking for photos of drips. I took this photo on Feb. 12 of Gretchen washing up in the bathroom - I thought it fit the theme pretty good!

Another baby!

We have decided to throw our name out there to the state for respite care and emergency placement children under 12 months old. Not ready to adopt another one quite yet, but haven't shut the door on that idea completely, either. For now, though, we will just help out when needed. I know that respite is especially needed for families right now, so this will be good for us - I'll get my baby fix, and they can go back to their homes!

We got the first call this morning. Baby will be staying with us Tuesday through Thursday of next week. I'm a little excited! Just need to get the crib set back up in our room.

Valentine Cards

Austin and Daniel made homemade Valentine cards to exchange in their preschool class this year. And even though she isn't in school, Gretchen made one too. I think they turned out cute! I cute out all the hearts on my mom's Cricut, and then the kids glued them on the cards how they wanted. They were so proud of them!

Code Adam!

Well, we had a new experience today - one that I really don't carry to do over! After a morning of playing at the mall playcenter, and then eating lunch at the food court, I stopped off at JC Penney's to look at Easter shirts for the boys. I'm trying to get on the ball early this year! Anyway, I had Austin trying on a shirt, with Gretchen standing next to us, and I thought - thought - Daniel was right there too. After only about a minute of trying on the shirt, I looked up to find Daniel gone. I searched immediately around us, and he was nowhere. I yelled his name several times, and no answer. I was starting to panic. The store clerks noticed right away that I was searching, and they got on their walkie-talkies and declared a "code Adam". This put into place clerks at all doorways, with a description of Daniel immediately out to them. A couple other moms near me helped me search for Daniel, and we finally found him - totally engrossed in the display of super hero underwear! Yikes! My heart was beating so fast! He said he heard me yelling for him, but was too busy looking to answer me. But I have to say - I was very impressed by how quickly the store and clerks jumped into action to help me out. And I had a good talk with not just Daniel, but all three kids, right afterward, stressing the importance of staying near me and answering me when I call out.

By the way, we did manage to find one boys shirt that will work for Easter. And Daniel did not get to leave the store with any super hero underwear! And every time I see that shirt, I'll probably remember our little experience!

My goofy Daniel!

Daniel has always had an innate ability to really make people smile - he is so goofy so much of the time! At bathtime tonight, Daniel decided to really ham it up - his brother and sister were sick with the flu, and so he took full advantage of being the only one in the bathtub. I swear this kid is going to be the typical class clown!

Sick Kiddos

I had two sick kiddos on my hands today - Austin and Gretchen were sick with the stomach flu. Not a fun day! They look so pitiful! But Daniel was feeling fine, so while Austin and Gretchen cuddled on the couch, played a game of go fish until it was time for bed.

Joy, joy, where for art thou, my joy?

I have been struggling with my joy lately. I want it back. This last year and a half has been a stressful one for me. As much as I trust in the Lord, and know that he is protecting me, it has still been hard. I've been dealing with really bad insomnia, although I'm glad it's not every single night. But the nights I have it - yuck! That's the best way to sum it up. Yuck! So I'm praying for my joy to return, and return big! I have a lot to be joyful about - a wonderful, patient husband, beautiful children, great friends, and above all else, a God who loves me and protects me and brings miracles into my life. Believe me, I am very, very thankful for all of that. But just the everyday struggles - that does me in some days. God gave me three children so much like me - stubborn headed, independent and moody! - and wow! Talk about a test of patience! I know I'll get through it, and I'll look back on these days with fondness, but if I could just laugh more about it instead of stressing about it, life would be so much more pleasant!

So if you are a praying person, keep me in yours prayers. I would sure appreciate it.

My Future Engineer

Austin loves to build - mega blocks, trio blocks, regular legos - anything that he can snap together and build towers and robots with. Before he could even get out of his jammies for the day he started in on building. I tell you, this boy is an engineer in the making!