Go Eagles!

We have season tickets to the USI basketball games. The boys and I love to go and cheer for our Eagles, but last night my poor Zeke didn't make it past half-time. He was so out that he drooled on Grandpa Dan's leg before being handed over to Great-Grandma Theresa and snoozing the rest of the game. It was a great game too. We won. 

Cali folks

Manny's parents came to Indiana for a short visit (very short - only 6 days). We did as much fun stuff as we could in the time they were here. The boys loved having their California grandparents around. My sweet Zeke cried and cried and cried the saddest tears when they left for the airport. He was sobbing so hard I could barely understand him saying "I want to go to Ca-fornia wif Gammaw Goria". Poor, sweet little boy. It's hard for them to understand why we can't see them often like we do w/my parents.

We spent an entire day this time making tamales from scratch. We boiled the peppers for several hours, strained, blended, strained 3 more times, then blended again until it was smooth and perfect. Then cooked the beef, made the masa, steamed the husks, shredded the beef, then assembled them by hand, wrapped them in the husks and steamed them. I tried one and I'm just not a fan. But Manny was crazy about them. I think after a whole day's work we ended up with maybe 40 tamales. It's so much work for that! It was more about the experience of making them and for me it was good to learn.

Gloria, Manny, and I took the boys to the zoo one day. Elijah had been asking to ride the big duck paddleboat every time we've gone, so we all road the boats. Manny and Elijah went in the duck one and Gloria, Zeke, and I went in a regular one. They boys totally loved it!

Gloria and I took the boys over to the river park in Henderson one afternoon too. That's always fun to play in the fountains.

Of course, we swam at Mom's a few times, and ate every Mexican dish we could think of. Enchilada's one night, flautas another, then tamales, then burritos. Plus we went to Los Bravos. We also took Gloria to Gerst Haus for a little of my own heritage - German food.

Another evening we had a family shindig at my parent's house and I made everyone cooperate for family photos. They didn't want to! The guys all grumbled, but too bad! It's not often that I get pictures of all of us together! Especially since we only get to see his family once a year! So, then said cheese in the hot hot hot humidity until they thought their faces would melt. :)

Manuel wasn't able to get out and about this time. He has a sore on his foot that won't heal. The diabetes makes for poor circulation, plus his feet hurt a lot. So he just stayed home and we girls ran around town w/the kids. And that's about it. A short and sweet visit. We hope to go out to California some day. But who knows. It's so expensive for all of us to fly, plus the time off work w/no paid vacation. We'll see. Maybe in 2015. :(

The End. Until next time.

The Best Day in the History of Elijah's Life {according to him}

A few nights ago, when it was almost bed time, we called a family meeting in Zeke's room. Because I knew as soon as we told the boys that the long-awaited trip to Holiday World was happening THIS FRIDAY, there would be a stream of questions such as "how many hours until we go?", "how long will it take to get there?", "may I bring Little Duck?", "which rides are we going on first?", etc.  So we waited until nearly the last minute in order to avoid the torture for ourselves and them. It was just enough time for their anticipation to grow, but not too much to drive us all bananas.

So this was it. The day we've been talking about for the past 6 months. I don't think Elijah slept last night. Bless his little 5-year-old heart, I know how that excitement feels and he handled it very well. Naturally this was all we've talked about since the big announcement. We got on the Holiday World website and looked at all the rides to determine which ones he would be tall enough to ride.  We had a plan and were ready to go!

But first, I had agreed to do a photoshoot at 8:30 this morning, so I did that before we could leave. It all worked out fine because we still made it to the park around 10:30. We hit the dry rides first and they opted just to ride the Doggone Trail, the Salmon Run, and the canoes before heading to the water park. It was hot already. By the time we got suited up and greased up it was noon. First we all went on the lazy river together, but it wasn't enough action for the boys. So we played for an hour or so at the Kimba Bay area, which they LOVED. Zeke did the slides like a madman, just as we predicted. No fear.

Next Elijah and I rode a water coaster, which turns out was a huge mistake. Not only was the wait nearly 2 hours, but he didn't even really enjoy it. It was too fast and too jerky. I regret that we waisted so much precious time out of our day to go on that stinking thing. We won't be doing that again. While we were doing that, Manny and Zeke played in the wave pool, then Kimba Bay, then went back into the dry park to ride the train, salmon run, and boats several more times. Once Elijah and I got back to our meeting place, it took us another hour to locate the 2 of them because Manny hadn't taken his phone w/him. (dang it!) So, by the time we were all together again we were ready to eat. We grabbed some pizza, bread sticks, fries, chicken, and onion rings at the concession stand (super healthy, right?).

After lunch we played in the part w/all the really wide kiddie slides. The boys had a blast in that place because the pool was only waist deep and the slides were just right for them. I admit, I had fun on the slides w/them too! Then we did the wave pool, and while Elijah and I rode the really tall racer slide (he had a love-hate relationship with it), Manny and Zeke played in the toddler area some more. Then Monsoon Lagoon, then the other wave pool, then we were ready to dry off and do some more dry rides, which included the raging rapids, kiddie train, and kiddie roller-coaster (which neither of the boys enjoyed it.)In fact, Elijah got off it half-way thru the ride. They rode several more dry rides on our seemingly endless walk back to the park exit. My knees hurs soooo bad by the end of the day, the boys were both completely exausted, and we were all starving (thank goodness I packed peanutbutter and jelly sandwiches in the cooler for the drive home). But you know what? It was an awesome day! We had so much fun as a family - I think even Manny (who hates pools AND hates the outdoors) enjoyed it. Elijah and I are already making plans about when we get to go next year!

Of the water park, Monsoon Lagoon was my favorite part. It's a little more for older kids (deeper water, taller and faster slides), ropes and nets to climb in stead of steps, but it was Zeke's favorite too. He zipped down the big-kid slides with no hesitation whatsoever. Elijah, on the other hand, was more interested in playing with the water sprayers and sprinklers. Zeke and I did slides for a loooong time. And when I say "Zeke and I", I mean, Zeke ran ahead of me and I chased after him, trying to ride slides with him. But as it happened, he really did them mostly himself. He probably giggled more during that hour than he has collectively the rest of his entire life.

By the time we rolled into our driveway at home the boys were nodding into dreamland. Dreaming, I'm sure, about the wonderful day we all had. What a super-fun day. What a blessed mommy I am to have these boys to enjoy it with. I am happy. Deep down, really happy.

The End.

The Day My Baby Turned 3

The day began, just as it should, with a trip to the Donut Bank for chocolate doughnuts with chocolate icing and sprinkles. The nice lady gave the boys a bonus sugar cookies as a special birthday surprise since Zeke was wearing his awesome birthday crown I made him. :)

We brought our goodies to the office to have a quick visit (and some photos) with Grandpa Dan, then it was off for more adventures. We drove over to the river park in Henderson for a little excursion. First we checked out the caboose and a giant paddle-wheel steam boat called the "American Queen" which was docked just for today at the riverfront. I guess they do gambling cruises up and down the river on it. It was pretty incredible to see. The boys loved it for about 2 minutes, then they wanted more action.

So, we played in the sprinklers (and got fried in the sun) for a good long while. And what do you know, Grandma Debby, Grandma Theresa, and Ms. Caryll showed up to play with us too! And we ALL got in the sprinklers. It was pretty hilarious when Mom, G-ma, and Caryll got in the water. They laughed and laughed. The boys just ran in circles.

When we were all too hot to stand it any more we headed back to our side of the river. We decided to have Zeke's birthday lunch at Los Bravos. The lady brought him an ice cream sundae, and giant sombrero and sang happy birthday. She even fed him a bite after they sang to him. He wasn't really loving the hat.

He is risen, just as He said!

The kids had 3 egg hunts in 2 days. They were given, and consumed waaaay more candy that should be humanly possible. We managed to take a few family pictures. But I'm laughing so hard at the shots that ended up being the "best" from the batches. We did most of the usual Easter stuff... lunch and egg hunt with the cousins at GG & P-pa's house after church, then evening egg hunt and dinner at my parents' house with my other grandparents. It was a beautiful afternoon - finally a warmish day.

This is so funny to me because of Elijah's face. What is that??

I have lots of thoughts for this Easter post and I'm having a hard time collecting them all into sentences.

It has been a busy, fun weekend. And I have an overwhelmed feeling of gratitude for all the spiritual blessings in my life. This has been a season of growth for me (and my husband too) and of a greater awareness of God's working among us.  Sometime soon I hope to be able to articulate it. But as for today, it seems the perfect time to mention briefly that the theme of New Life in Christ is so fresh and sweet to me. God is good. He has shown me the most amazing kindness. And I am swimming in an ocean of His lavish grace. Amen? Hallelujah! What a Savior.

We ended Easter Sunday by watching the last of The Bible series on History Channel. Perfect way to cap it off, I think. With a reminder of the Savior's love and His holy sacrifice for us, which fully satisfied the wrath of God toward sinners; conquering death, and hell, and sin.  Happy Resurrection Day. He is risen, just as He said!

Saying Goodbye to Annie

The last week of March 2006 I went to Texas to visit my Grandparents for a week.

A few weeks earlier a sweet black and white Boston Terrier showed up in their yard. Someone had found her wandering the neighborhood and mistook her for Grandma's dog, Josie.  Grandma took her to the vet to have her checked for a microchip, but there was none. They called the humane society and other vets in town to see if anyone reported her missing.  She was obviously someone's pet, not just a stray. She had been well cared for, even had her teeth cleaned recently.  But they found no owners.  She was lost, starving and scrawny, but so loving and friendly. I felt pity on her and named her Annie, as in a Little Orphan.  And after a few days of sweet-talking Manny, I convinced him to let me bring her home to Indiana. Annie had already found her way into our hearts, and our family. She made the 12 hour drive in the back seat, curled up next to me. And when Manny met her he fell in love.

She really really is a good dog. She never chews on things or tears things up. She's well behaved, especially with the boys - so gentle. And she LOVES her babies. Those ratty, stinky, babies who she arranges just right in her bed and sleeps with in her mouth.

Our sweet dog-daughter had to be put to sleep today. 10-11-12.

She was deaf, blind, had no sense of smell, her back legs were becoming crippled, and most recently we found out she has heart worms. She was old and suffering. There was nothing else we could do.

This morning the boys had a chance to say goodbye to her before Manny took her to the vet. It was a sad farewell.  Zeke especially adores her, but thankfully he will not remember. He has a real affinity for animals and I know someday he will be the one to request another dog.

We are not ready to replace our baby yet. Losing one is hard enough. I don't want to do that again any time soon.  Our Annie was the best pet we could have asked for.  We miss her already. :(

Great-Grandma's House

I have probably said this a zillion times, but my Grandma's house is one of my favorites places on earth. It always has been. I am beyond thankful that she now lives only 20 minutes away (in stead of 12 hours!) and we can visit any time. So as often as possible, the boys and I go over and spend a few hours - or an afternoon. We visit on the swing and catch up on life while the boys play outside and do little projects. Sometimes they dig in the dirt, other times they climb the dogwood tree, but exploring in the tool shed in their favorite thing to do there!  When we go over, the first thing they do is ask Grandpa John for an orange - cut up and salted.  Then they head straight to the back yard and throw open the shed doors in search of some hidden treasure. Mostly they play with rakes, diggers, an old piece of garden hose, a bicycle tire pump, a garden cart, and a little hammer which they use to drive nails into an old piece of wood. Sometimes they get out the red tricycle and ride it around while pulling the garden cart behind.  I just love the fact that my boys are able to grow up knowing my Grandma and are making these memories with her.  When they grow up, I know they'll be glad for it too.

Elijah turned FIVE!

I was super bummed that I had to work half the day on Elijah's birthday, but it ended up not being so bad after all. I skipped the gym this morning so I could be home when he woke up. We spent a good 20 minutes cuddling and talking in my bed before the day really started. Its sweet moments like those that make being a Mom the best job ever! So the little guys stayed home with Manny while I worked in the morning, but to my happy surprise they came to visit me at the office with Elijah's birthday doughnuts. Elijah proudly wore his yellow birthday boy crown that the 2 of us made this morning. After work the four of us celebrated the big 5-year-old with a lunch at Chili's {which involved a good deal of Ezekiel fussing and squirming in his chair}. Elijah wasn't in a mood to eat so he nibbled on his chicken fingers while snuggling up close next to me in the booth. I didn't mind. Manny had to go to work then, so the boys and I headed over to my Grandma's house for a birthday visit. It's been so long since we spent time at her house. They LOVE it there! I can't blame them. I loved her house too when I was young. Their appetites picked right up when Grandpa offered to pop popcorn and give them apple slices and oreos. What's not to love about that? After snack time, it was outside time. And it was a LOVELY day out! The 100+ temps have finally let up and we're enjoying lower 90s this week with very low humidity. The two of them had a hayday in the toolshed, checking out all the fun stuff, drawing with sidewalk chalk and splashing in the rain water buckets that Grandma keeps under the gutters. Then the big five-year-old decided that he's old enough to climb the tree all by himself {with the help of a 5-gallon bucket to stand on}. I'm sure in his mind it seemed like he was a hundred feet in the air. When actualy the highest he got was no taller than my shoulders. But you could see the sense of accomplishment he felt in the beaming expression on his face. He talked about his tree-climbing excursion for the rest of the day! I'm so proud of my guy! After the boys were sufficiently dirty, sweaty, and wet we headed over to my parents' house for birthday dinner. Dad had a late meeting so it was just the boys, Mom, and me. We grilled steak and zucchini, had oven fries, and a nice salad for supper. Elijah, taking on his roll of "bigger kid" now cleaned his plate off, which is totally unlike him! Then we enjoyed some amazing chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting.  Yes, as you can see in the photos, he blew out the candles twice because it was so much fun the first time!  After getting our fill of chocolate, we decided to celebrate his birthday by sharing cupcakes with the neighbors. So we went door do door, offering to share with anyone who would take some.  Then it got dark so we walked back to Mom's house and called it a night.  So as birthdays go, I think Elijah had a great one. 

Happy five years to my handsome, caring, sensitive, funny, smart, hard-working, observant,  energetic, little blessing! You are the absolute light of my life. My days are happier and fuller than I would have ever thought possible because you are in them. "I can't stop loving you."