365 Snips N Snails

New Blog Link

2011-01-06T22:53:00.008-06:00

I'm happy to report my new blog is up and running! (no posts yet but soon!)

Here's the link:

http://52puppydogtales.blogspot.com/

What's next on the agenda...

2011-01-01T12:54:00.066-06:00

First of all, where did 2010 go?!? I feel like I just started project 365 and already the year is over! But I did it! I took at least one photo daily and blogged to tell about it. So, where am I at now? I'm sad at the thought of quitting completely but also know that I can't keep up with doing it daily. I've given it some thought and my plan is to do "Project 52". It's exactly what it sounds like. I'll be taking plenty of photos anyway because I thoroughly enjoy it but instead of the daily thing I'll be picking out some favorites and posting weekly. I'm glad to have another "plan" in progress. :) So thanks to everyone for the many, many, MANY, photo ops! I know some were sick of the camera in their faces all the time (kids included) but it'll be great in the future to look back at all those faces and see what 2010 brought us. ♥

On that note, I'm going to be changing to a different blog (I'm working on it - or more accurately, planning to work on it) and will update here with the new link when I have it.

Looking forward to 2011!

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365/365 ~ Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T23:57:00.042-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

We had a "quiet" evening at home to end the year. I'm kinda sad to see 2010 go but excited to see what 2011 brings us!

Attempting our last group shot in the year 2010

We toasted in the new year with Welch's sparkling white grape juice.

Followed by a little dancing on the table...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! May 2011 bring us as much joy as 2010!

364/365 ~ Out to lunch

2010-12-30T23:57:00.026-06:00

Andy has a four day weekend! He finished up some work e-mails this morning (Nate helped him on his new "puter") and then all six of us ventured out to stock up on supplies before the big snow storm that's forecasted hits us.

We stopped by Grandma O's work and then all went out to eat. It was majorly foggy today, as if you can't tell by the picture. And funny enough we ran into Grandma and Grandpa K along with my sister Jill who also were eating at Burger King.

Micah and Nate were already in the van so they missed this photo op..

And here is just one reason why we keep the bathroom door shut.

363/365 ~ Scribblenauts

2010-12-29T23:57:00.021-06:00

Micah got a video game from Santa called 'Scribblenauts' for his DSi. The game requires you to spell out words so I assumed Zach wouldn't play it. Zach just turned 5 - learning to spell is on his "to do" list. (Not counting his name - he can spell that just fine). Interestingly enough, he loves the game. He is now constantly asking me to spell words for him which has been pretty good for his alphabet skills. He's starting to sound out words on his own as well as remember how to spell some words. If this keeps up he might start reading earlier than "the norm" and I'd have to credit it to video games... ha!

362/365 ~ More stacking!

2010-12-28T23:56:00.012-06:00

Nate trying out the stacking too

Micah still working on it...

Some after Christmas cleaning. We took down the Christmas tree and decorations. Gabe was eager to help me vacuum.

While it's sad that Christmas is already over it feels good to have the house back to normal.

361/365 ~ Speed Stacking

2010-12-27T23:56:00.036-06:00

One of the other things the kids got for Christmas were speed stacking cups. They might look like ordinary cups but trust me - they're not. Awhile back Micah and Zach went to an after school program where they learned and practiced speed stacking. They seemed to enjoy it and it's supposed to help in motor skill development and brain building. Micah has been perfecting his stacking skills since he got them. He likes me to time him, currently he's in the 20 second range. Just to give you an idea, the world record is like 5 second range. I've attempted it myself, it's not as easy as it looks!

360/365 ~ The day after

2010-12-26T23:56:00.038-06:00

Today was a day where we all stayed home and vegged out. Our new favorite video game to veg out to:

Micah getting a diaper for me - I clicked the camera just as he was going to hide behind it. Ha - gotchya! ;)

Gabe & Nate are busy being busy.

Zach's "busy" too.

Nate & his "blankies" that he holds tight to for naps & bedtime. They're actually burp clothes we've had since Micah was a baby but they've been washed so many times they're nice and soft and Nate took a liking to them awhile back. I imagine he put them up his jammies for safe keeping.

359/365 ~ Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T23:56:00.096-06:00

Merry Christmas! Happy Birthday Jesus!

At about 5:20 this morning we see light peeking out from the living room. Andy went to check and found Micah laying on the couch looking at the Christmas tree (or rather at the presents under the tree) with a big smile plastered to his face. I came out there and Micah was so very, very, excited. I wish I could bottle up the moment and relive it with him. I remember that feeling as a child and it's wonderful! It's even better when you get to experience it through the eyes of your child! We found out he had been up since 4:30. I asked why he didn't wake us up and he said he didn't know. Funny kid. We ended up waking the rest of the crew (Gabe woke up on his own when he heard all the commotion) and the unwrapping began!

Micah finally peeked in his stocking (after only an hour of being awake) and saw DSi accessories. "MOM! It says 'DSi'!!! I bet Santa got me one!!!!" I went to get my camera and caught him running around in excitement.

DSi's!!! Score!

Nate giving Gabe candy from his stocking. Nate is very caring with Gabe, often sharing and making sure he isn't left out of anything. ♥

DSi cases!

Micah trying out some of his new video games

A computer and Toy Story 3!

Hide and Seek Bunny!

Sleeping bags!

Later Grandpa and Grandma O along with uncle Adam came over. Micah and Grandma are doing some bowling on Wii. You can kinda see uncle Adam in the background on the couch. He's busy resting.

Papa Murphy's pizza for dinner - yum!

I think someone is a little tired. Up a little early, perhaps?

Nate beating up on Grandpa O

The kids got to sleep in the basement in their new sleeping bags. That was pretty exciting for them. Looks like Andy might be hogging Nate's sleeping bag and Zach's DSi here...

Andy, Micah, Zach and I played a LOT of mine and Andy's new Wii game - Mario Brothers. What fun! It's great that we can all 4 play at once! I also think all 4 of us may have fallen asleep tonight with a Wii remote in our hands...

What a great day. I am truly blessed beyond measure. Thank you Lord for all you have given me!

358/365 ~ Christmas Eve!

2010-12-24T23:56:00.032-06:00

The kids all got to open a gift today - pajamas! Zach's words were: "If these weren't what was in here then I wouldn't have been happy!" Which I guess means he liked them?!

This evening we went to Andy's grandparents Christmas Eve traditional get together. Lots of good food and fun!

His uncle Dan and aunt Diane modeling their hats

We got home and even with all the excitement the kids went to sleep pretty easily.

Looks like Santa stopped by! Now we just have to wait until the kids wake back up to see what he brought!

357/365 ~ Cookies & Washers

2010-12-23T23:55:00.043-06:00

Frosted cookies with the help of my mom, Jill, Julie, Molly, Nate, and Zach.

And my excitement for the day - our new washer FINALLY came in. Our old one decided to up and die on us so I've been without a washer for 10 days. It's a good thing my parents live close by and we could use theirs while we waited. Not exactly what I wanted for Christmas but being able to do bigger loads is quite nice not to mention it does the job better!

I think Gabe was as excited as I was!

356/365 ~ Craft Day

2010-12-22T23:54:00.019-06:00

I helped out at school today for Micah & Zach's craft day. Always fun to see your kids in action at school! They're holding up a few ornaments they made and they also made the ones hanging behind them. Fun!

The basement progress. It's a mess but you can see where the cupboards and entertainment center will be.

All lit up!

355/365 ~ Christmas goodies

2010-12-21T23:54:00.024-06:00

Finally got around to make a few Christmas goodies today - yum!

Gabe helped dip.

Nate helped lick.

I'm not sure what I was thinking when I put a few wrapped presents under the tree. They were ok for about an hour and then I found this: So no more gifts under the tree until they're ready for unwrapping!

Zach was in quite the huggable mood tonight!

354/365 ~ School Christmas Concert

2010-12-20T23:54:00.004-06:00

We had the school Christmas concert this evening. This year we have 2 kids in it! They both did an excellent job and the concert was short and sweet :)

353/365 ~ K'Nex

2010-12-19T23:54:00.037-06:00

Micah's dump truck he built out of K'Nex.

almost done!

voila!

Eating cheese curls

Zach said he made a heart for me! ♥

This is our elf Hermie Markle (the kids named him last year) who came back for the Christmas season. Hermie flys back to the north pole to report to santa every night to let santa know if the kids are being naughty or nice. Then Hermie comes back & hides in a new spot. The kids wake up and look for his new hiding spot every morning. Hermie can be pretty sneaky sometimes in his hiding!

352/365 ~ Camo

2010-12-18T23:53:00.005-06:00

I *think* there's someone on the shelf but I can't be sure...

351/365 ~ A night out

2010-12-17T23:03:00.035-06:00

Andy & I got to finish up some Christmas shopping all by ourselves this evening! Molly came to babysit and we had a nice night out together :) Not to mention I think my Christmas shopping is now complete!

We ate at Red Lobster - our favorite! Andy looks bored but actually he's just stuffed from eating a few too many shrimp ;)

Got home to find Nate and Micah sleeping in a "tent" they made in their bed.

Here they are inside it:

350/365 ~ This little light

2010-12-16T23:03:00.030-06:00

Cousin Molly stopped by today. She's officially d.o.n.e. with college now after finishing out her semester and will start beauty school in January! I think she's both excited and nervous for her next chapter in life :)

Gabe's checking out my battery operated tea light candle.

He's trying to blow it out, silly kid. If he turned it over he'd see the on/off switch ;)

Nate striking a pose.

Believe

349/365 ~ Magic!

2010-12-15T23:03:00.019-06:00

I was the "mystery reader" for Micah's 2nd grade class today. I answered a questionnaire and returned it back to the teacher and the kids got to guess who the reader was going to be based on the questions/answers. They said they guessed me right ;) This is the book I read and I was glad to see Micah seemed pretty excited that his mom was the "chosen one" for the day!

Tonight we got to see a magician at church. They usually have some sort of entertainment for the Wednesday night AWANA kids around Christmas time. The kids were quite impressed with his tricks!

Watching very closely... where did the pigeon go and how did it turn into a bunny??!!

348/365 ~Outside

2010-12-14T23:02:00.027-06:00

Nate and Gabe watching Micah, Zach, cousin Elijah, and their friend Kendra played outside. Nate ended up going out there too right after this picture. He was desperate to go play in the snow!

Plenty of snow to play in!

We had a bit of an accident tonight. I think Gabe tried to tug a branch off and down it went. This is actually the second time this has happened in the last 2 days. I didn't get a picture of it but yesterday Nate tried to squeeze behind it and instead pushed it over. He kept repeating "sorry mom! sorry!" Hopefully it can stay right side up now until Christmas.

347/365 ~ Mound of snow

2010-12-13T23:02:00.002-06:00

Micah's standing on the mound of snow at the end of our driveway. School was 2 hours late today, the plows were still working on clearing out roads. Looks like we'll most definitely have a white Christmas this year!

346/365 ~ Church Christmas Program

2010-12-12T23:02:00.057-06:00

Despite the blizzard we had, the weather cleared enough for us to have our church Christmas program this evening. Going into it I really didn't think Nate would stay on stage but I'm happy to report that not only did he stay on stage, he sang and "jingled"! Everyone did a great job!

A few videos... Nate was eying the microphone for a little bit and then grabbed it and sang "gospel bells" into it. I only caught a bit of it him singing into it, but know that he didn't let go of the microphone until he had to at the end.

A little more video of Zach & Nate. Nate kind of sings at the end.

Video of Micah and his cousin Elijah who had a verse to say together in the program. What a great job, boys!

Opening gifts they got from their Sunday School teachers.

I even got a picture with my handsome lads!

Andy checking out his fluorescent flashlight gift he got from Micah. The "Sparks" (Micah's Wednesday night church group) got to pick out gifts for their parents. I don't have a picture of it but he got me spatulas with wooden handles. LOVE the spatulas... the wooden handles, however, not so much. If you know me you know I have a "thing" about wet wood and touching it sends shivers up my spine. I will use them though, Micah was pretty proud to get them for me :)

345/365 ~ Gingerbread house in the blizzard

2010-12-11T14:44:00.031-06:00

We were snowed in with a blizzard going on today so it was perfect timing to do our gingerbread house!

Gabe snatching an M&M

Huh. Gabe's standing on the table. Weird.

The masterpiece! I can only take credit for sticking the house together. The rest of the work is the kids :)

Attempting a group shot

This one is a little better

Nate was especially thrilled with it.

He said "Mmmmm, smells good mom!" and then he licked it.

The wonderful weather going on during all of our fun. Brrrrr!!!!

Visibility down the street = zero

Andy's project today was working on the basement and then taking a nap with Gabe. Perfect nap weather!

I think everyone was happy to have a day stuck at home together ♥

344/365 ~ Preschool

2010-12-10T14:44:00.012-06:00

Zach had real life preschool today and then came home to pretend play it with these little figurines.

He told me this was him. I can kind of see the resemblance.

Nate was the bus driver.

343/365 ~ More Lights!

2010-12-09T14:44:00.027-06:00

I wrapped a strand of Christmas lights above the kitchen window to try to add a little more festivity that the kids can't reach and pull down. As it turns out we will be getting NEW kitchen cabinets and counter top in the new year so the kitchen should look a lot different in a few months!

And yes, Gabe pushed up a chair to "help" with dishes again. Sometimes I have so much help around here I don't know what to do with it all!

342/365 ~ Christmas Shopping!

2010-12-08T22:54:00.034-06:00

I wish I could say I got all of my Christmas shopping done today, but I didn't. I didn't even get a little bit of it done. Online shopping is starting to look like my best option.

Nate's checking out the jewelry... for his mom, perhaps? ;)

They needed to run for a bit after being cooped in car seats & shopping carts. Gabe took full advantage of this. He's running for my mom & Nate but gets slightly distracted...

In other news, Micah's class visited the local bank today and he came home with this dollar coin. He was pretty proud of it!

341/365 ~ PJ's

2010-12-07T12:58:00.037-06:00

Much to my surprise I saw Nate running around in the pajamas that I had set out for Gabe. Andy had helped Nate get them on thinking they were his. They were a little snug but we left them. Much easier that way.

Keeping the clothing of 4 boys straight is not an easy task!

340/365 ~ Chop, chop - part 2

2010-12-06T12:58:00.016-06:00

Zach's turn for a trim!

Nate & Gabe playing the cookie game

339/365 ~Chop, chop!

2010-12-05T12:57:00.012-06:00

Someone got a hair cut today!

Gabe can still look cool even with his pants hiked up to his arm pits.

Funny kid!

338/365 ~ Toys!

2010-12-04T12:56:00.020-06:00

Since the toy room has been under construction for awhile, their toys have been "hiding" out in the laundry room area and hard to get at. We now have them all out in the open so it's been like Christmas while they play with things they've forgotten about!

Nate being his normal happy self :)

337/365 ~ Helpie Helper

2010-12-03T23:46:00.013-06:00

Have you ever seen such a helper?

The basement - still a work in progress

Ahhhhh, to have the life of a cat and nap all day.

336/365 ~ Attack!

2010-12-02T23:04:00.024-06:00

Zach attacking Gabe. Sometimes it's the other way around.

Ever since we moved the living room around to accommodate the Christmas tree Gabe has really liked sitting in this corner. He also REALLY likes it when you peak around the chair at him.

335/365 ~ Reading & Monkeying around

2010-12-01T23:03:00.007-06:00

Micah doing his reading for school.

We find this monkey hanging in the strangest places!

334/365 ~Fun in the snow

2010-11-30T22:49:00.028-06:00

School was 2 hours late this morning because of blowing snow. Micah was really hoping for it to be canceled but no such luck.

The rest of the clan went out to play in the fresh white stuff. I got my workout just trying to get all their snow clothes on.

Gabe's first experience playing in it. He actually got mad when it was time for him to come in.

Nate had fun until he threw snow into the air and it came back and hit him in the face.

A little help here?!

333/365 ~ First Snow!

2010-11-29T22:49:00.020-06:00

Although we've gotten a teeny bit of snow a week or so ago, I'm counting this as the first official snow. Winter is definitely here!

Zach's preschool class does a raffle for gift baskets at Christmas time, this is the one we made for it. It's a movie theme with a few dvd's, popcorn, candy, pop, and peanuts. All my favorites. ;)

Nate stalling before bedtime.

332/365 ~ O Christmas Tree

2010-11-28T22:48:00.031-06:00

We decorated the Christmas tree tonight. I have to say, the kids did an excellent job and put on 95% of the ornaments themselves. They were quite the helpers!

I love Christmas time ♥

One of me favorite ornaments

Zach putting on the finishing touches

What a crew! ♥♥♥♥

See, they really DO love eachother!

331/365 ~ Trouble

2010-11-27T22:48:00.048-06:00

I went to help Nate with something only to come back into the kitchen to find a chair pushed up to this side table by the fridge and Mr. Innocent standing on top of it. Why go buy tickets to the zoo when you can come here for free?!

Grandma O brought Micah and Zach back from their visit. I'm pretty sure they would have stayed there longer if we had let them!

Watching a movie on the 7" screen even though they could watch the same movie on one of our much bigger t.v. screens.

330/365 ~ Black Friday

2010-11-26T22:48:00.020-06:00

To start the day I woke up (willingly) at about 3am in order to go Black Friday Shopping with my mom and nieces Hannah and Molly. Here we are eating a Burger King breakfast after hitting 2 stores. I think this is around 6am. We didn't get any major items but did get some great deals on some stuff! It was a fun time, we got back home around 10am and I'm glad to say I got a much needed nap!

Andy and I only had 2 kids for the day. Micah and Zach went to spend the day (and night!) at Grandma and Grandpa O's house. It was a little different not having them around.

Nate watching a movie on one of my Black Friday deals - a portable dvd player. It's been something we've wanted for a few years now. It'll be nice for those longer trips we have to make in the car! Nate loves it, he calls it his "puter".

When Andy got his computer out Nate had to have his "puter" out too.

A few pictures Grandma O took while the kids were there...

Micah on ice skates!

Cousin Evan and Zach playing Wii

Micah putting together an acrobat puzzle. I'd say they had a good time!

329/365 ~ Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T22:47:00.048-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving! We got 2 Thanksgivings today. First we went to Andy's parent's house for dinner and then we went to my parent's house for supper. Needless to say we ate too much but had a great day! So much to be thankful for!!!

A highlight - Grandpa O got a new pedal tractor for the kids to play with!

Cousins Ellie and Calvin

A little air hockey

Aunt Denise and cousin Emily

Gabe's legs aren't quite long enough yet.

All the kids at Grandma and Grandpa O's

Grandpa O helping with dishes. A good example for all the men!

Zach and cousin Kaylin playing Wii

Some of the crew

At Grandma and Grandpa K's: cousins Elijah and Timothy with Micah

The men checking out the ads for Black Friday shopping!

Must be pajama time!

328/365 ~ Gobble Gobble

2010-11-24T22:47:00.012-06:00

You can't see it well in the picture but Gabe has a slight black right eye from big brother Nate. I caught a glimpse of what went down and I'm pretty sure Gabe tried to grab Nate's toy and Nate gave him a whack with it. Normally Nate's a pretty nice big brother to Gabe but I guess even 2 year olds have their limits when it comes to taking toys.

Micah holding his turkey he made in school

Zach with his.

327/365 ~ Bugger.

2010-11-23T22:47:00.014-06:00

Gabe's now pushing chairs to where he wants to reach. Looks like we might have to tip over chairs once again when we're not using them. This little boy doesn't give up!

Micah with a laser temperature "gun" checking out my temperature. Evidently I'm "normal". HA! ;)

326/365 ~ First snow

2010-11-22T22:46:00.012-06:00

We got a tiny bit of snow and the kids wanted to play in it.

Sliding on the icy driveway

Yes, he tasted it. Yuck.

Looks like we have another toy that we need to put up since Gabe's been turning it into a step stool.

325/365 ~ Menards.

2010-11-21T21:33:00.065-06:00

This was not in our plan today. We ended up making a trip to Menards because we had some issues with our water heater plumbing. A fitting came loose and we had a slight water leak (luckily nothing too bad) but until we fix it the water heater won't be running. We kinda like hot water around here so off to Menards we go.

Micah insisted on pushing the cart.

We checked out the fans while Andy picked out the plumbing stuff.

And of course we had to look at the Christmas lights. The kids oooohed and aaaaahed quite a bit in this area.

A video showing their enthusiasm:

My scratch pad. I had no paper but needed to write down measurements when the kids and I checked out cupboard doors for our basement.

We also had to stop at Ace. Of course Menards couldn't have every plumbing piece we needed. That would be too easy!

After getting home and fixing the plumbing (whew. hot water again!) Andy got to see a little bit of the football games that were on today. Gabe watched too.

Our on-demand water heater. The rubix cube is for size comparison.

The plumbing that Andy fixed (and we both had some choice words for) is to the left. This is a totally different fitting than before - lets hope this one doesn't leak. We're still getting the hang of this on-demand water heater thing.

324/365 ~ Chop sticks!

2010-11-20T21:33:00.045-06:00

Micah trying out chopsticks. Andy and I weren't much help, we don't know how to hold them either.

At the risk of looking like terrible parents, I'm posting this picture. Honestly, they were on the chairs eating their noodles and in the next moment they hopped up on the table while throwing noodles all over. Naturally this is when I grab the camera. ;) Don't worry, Andy stood by the table to watch them while I got it. Normally Nate isn't one to do this sort of thing but he didn't get a nap today and whenever he doesn't get a nap he gets a little wild. Gabe, well, Gabe is always this crazy. ;)

323/365 ~ Our room.

2010-11-19T21:32:00.008-06:00

I'm not sure what it is about mine and Andy's bedroom but the kids love to go in there.

Here's Nate, he's not happy I'm taking a picture because he likes his privacy when he poops. Yes, isn't it lovely that he chooses OUR bedroom to do his stinky business in?!?

Gabe prefers to hangout in the closet and play peek-a-boo. Silly boy!

322/365 ~ Happy 5th Birthday Zachary!!!

2010-11-18T21:32:00.011-06:00

Our 2nd born turns 5 today! Happy Birthday Zachary!!!

He opened most of his gifts at his party but we had to save one so he could at least open something up on his birthday.

C-3PO from Star Wars. This picture doesn't show it but he was pretty excited. This kid loves his action figures!

We sang happy birthday and let him blow out a candle when Andy came home. His first 5 years have gone by fast, I'm willing to bet the next 5 go by even faster!

321/365 ~ Boys, boys, boys!

2010-11-17T21:32:00.025-06:00

Gabe, Nate, & I hanging out while Andy took Micah & Zach to AWANA (kids Wednesday night church). I told these two it was time to "lay heady down." Don't be fooled, they aren't even close to going to bed yet. You can't see it but they're smiling.

Gabe throws his diapers away for me. He's SO helpful. Especially when he takes them back out ;)

Silly boys!

Micah & Zach ready for bed.

Nate said he couldn't find his string cheese. Evidently he forgot he gave it a toss by the bedroom door?!

320/365 ~ Vrrrooooom!

2010-11-16T21:31:00.014-06:00

Gabe loves trucks & tractors with trailers. He can even hook them up all by himself!

He's making "vrooooom" noises here

Elijah came over for a little while after school.

Nate thinks he's playing Wii too.

319/365 ~ Saddle up!

2010-11-15T21:31:00.012-06:00

I was gone most of the day doing a little bit of Christmas shopping with my mom. I was pretty tired out after hauling kids around. I'm thinking I might be doing a little more internet shopping this year. Much easier!

I forgot to take my camera with but managed to remember to take a few pictures right before bedtime.

Cowboy Zach!

I think this pair of pajamas are going to have to be handed down to Gabe. Nate must be hitting a growth spurt, he's been growing out of a lot of clothes lately!

318/365 ~ Zach's Birthday Party!

2010-11-14T07:48:00.066-06:00

We had Zach's birthday party today! He'll be turning 5 in just a few short days. I have a hard time believing he'll be 5 already!

Opening gifts

Gabe didn't sit in one place for long

My brother-in-law Brian looking quite normal today.

5!!!!

The party was smaller than normal today since Grandpa O had to work and my sister's family (which counts for 7!) was gone this weekend for a wedding.

Here are the kids minus Elijah who didn't want to be in this picture for some reason

I did get one of Elijah though!

Mmmmm, cake!

CHEESE!

Family picture. Go figure- when I do an impromtu picture of all of us it turns out well. If I had planned this out beforehand you would have seen screaming kids, I'm sure.

Hmmmm, something's a little different here?!

317/365 ~ Party prepping

2010-11-13T09:05:00.026-06:00

We're having Zach's birthday party tomorrow so I made his cake today. These 2 "helpers" were close by when it came to licking the frosting off the beaters.

The only time Gabe stays in one place:

Turtle Cake for Zach's BIG "5"!

We also got out first little dusting of snow this year. Some areas around us got up to 6-8" so we were lucky to get only this.

316/365 ~ Macaroni and Shots

2010-11-12T09:04:00.047-06:00

This is a nomal every day senario of Gabe crawling up on the table while I leave the room for only seconds. He just finished eating his own but evidently wanted Nate's too. We used to tip the chairs over so he couldn't get up there but he climbed the tipped chairs and got up there anyway. Some day our child will stop climbing on the table... won't he?!

I took Micah and Zach to get their flu shots after school today. Zach was pretty upset when he found out that's what we were doing.

Micah wasn't upset about the shots but he didn't allow me to take a picture. Here's his hand:

315/365 ~ Quilt

2010-11-11T09:04:00.015-06:00

We were able to work on Gabe's quilt a little bit today. Someday it'll be finished!

Airplanes

The boys playing with their army and ninja guys. Yes, boys play with "dolls" too ;)

314/365 ~ Shots

2010-11-10T09:04:00.008-06:00

I took Nate and Gabe to get their flu shots. Nate yelled for a brief moment and Gabe didn't even make a peep. I told Nate we'd stop after we were done to get something so we picked up some candy dots. The kids always love these things!

313/365 ~ Fishy

2010-11-09T09:04:00.010-06:00

Andy took the kids out and got one last time in fishing with the boat this year.

Micah was the only one still awake when they got home so he got to pose with the walleye :)

312/365 ~ More outside fun

2010-11-08T09:03:00.012-06:00

Another nice day - the kids didn't even need coats. Is it really November?!

Micah plunking away!

311/365 ~ Outside

2010-11-07T09:03:00.028-06:00

I don't know how much longer we'll all be able to hang outside but we're taking advantage of it while we can!

Zach was busy with chalk...

He explained to me: "That guy has a cash register and this guy is giving him money."

Our driveway was covered by the time we went in.

Nate trying out my coffee...

Bike rider

Andy doing the ever so fun job of cleaning out gutters.

310/365 ~ Christmas pictures - Take 2.

2010-11-06T09:03:00.071-05:00

A few outtakes on our Christmas pictures... I thought they'd be more willing since they got to hang out in pajamas ;)

Gabe is always trying to make a getaway...

In the hopes of having Gabe hold still for a moment, my mom came over and helped out by wearing a mask and wig. Andy would sit Gabe in place, my mom would try to get them all to look, and I'd snap the picture. I can't say it helped any. Gabe barely seemed to notice. He had bigger and better things to do - like run off and play!

In other news, my nephew B.J. got engaged to his girlfriend, Lisa. They stopped over and I got a picture of them. They sat nice and smiled for me - I didn't even have to wear a mask or make goofy noises to make them look ;)

Congrats to these two!

309/365 ~ H is for Halloween Clearance!

2010-11-05T07:26:00.017-05:00

Zach spent some time at home practicing his H's for school. He insisted on bringing it to school to show is teacher. He's pretty proud of his H's.

Grandma & Grandpa O came to visit this evening.

Grandma playing ball:

We also got to try out some of the fun things I found in the Halloween clearance aisle. Gotta love Halloween clearance!

Gabe's pretty scared.

Nate too.

I think Gabe's finally winding down for the day.

I might need to find a new beautician...

308/365 ~ Cookies & Conferences

2010-11-04T07:26:00.042-05:00

Gabe is telling me that the cookies are hot which sounds like this: "Ha,Ha,Ha,HAAAAA!!!"

I'm getting attacked here.

Are they done yet?

Zach originally dressed himself in a tank top and shorts. I told him had to put long sleeves and pants on and this is what he ended up wearing for the day. Obviously he gets his fashion sense from his dad ;)

Tonight Andy & I went to conferences for Micah. 2nd grade seems to be going quite well for him - hopefully it's a trend that keeps up for the next 10+ years or so ;)

307/365 ~ The Giraffe.

2010-11-03T07:26:00.068-05:00

If you see in Zach's hand he has a little giraffe. He told me he "borrowed" it from school but I soon found out with some prompting (I could tell that something wasn't quite right with him) that he in fact took it from school today without asking. After figuring that out we immediately went back to school where he apologized to his teacher for taking it. He really did seem to feel bad about the whole thing (I'm not sure I've ever seen him quite so timid) and he was definitely relieved when he gave it back and was done with the apologizing. Hopefully he learned something from this and it'll deter him from doing it again??! One can hope!

This is before - he was a little more quiet and reserved

This is after the incident - he's back to his normal, crazy self!

306/365 ~ Vote!

2010-11-02T07:26:00.025-05:00

Andy and I went to do our civic duty and vote. Nate wanted to come with so he got to see the whole process. The best part for him was the stickers ;) I'm happy to report that the school referendum DID pass - who hoo! AND my sister Jill is still on the school board!

Grandma K watched Gabe and Micah, Zach was with Grandpa K hanging out while we went. It's been nice enough for them to play outside for a little bit. When the cold weather comes it's not going to be easy keeping these kids in doors all the time!

305/365 ~ Yes!

2010-11-01T21:11:00.009-05:00

Nate posing by a Vote Yes sign. Hoping our school tax referendum passes tomorrow!

304/365 ~ Attempt #1

2010-10-31T21:11:00.181-05:00

I attempted Christmas card pictures today. It went pretty much as I expected. Here's how my photo attempts with all 4 of them generally play out: I sit them where they should go. They shift, turn, move, and I move them back. Gabe gets up and walks away at least 2 times before I'm able to snap any pictures at all. Nate screams because Zach's grabbing him. A wrestling match starts. I break it up and put them all back in position. For 2 whole seconds they hold somewhat in place but only because I jump around, make loud noises, and flap my arms like a fool in an attempt to get them to look at me while I snap a shot. I repeat this about 10 times. I worked up quite a sweat getting what you see here. When I build up the stamina for it I'll make attempt #2. In the meantime, here's a sample from attempt #1:

I can't put my finger on it but I think Nate may have deviated from how I initially posed him...

Gabe trying to make an escape...

Why yes, Zach - that was a perfect time to stick out your tongue.

And we have a screamer.

And a flopper.

AND someone's missing...

Maybe next time?!

303/365 ~ Trick or Treat!

2010-10-30T21:10:00.016-05:00

Here's our crew: A lizard, an army guy, a ghost, and a spider.

Out getting some loot

After trick-or-treating we went to the usual halloween party that they have at the school. Andy and Gabe spinning the wheel.

Micah doing the bean bag toss

Gabe just hanging out

Andy and the lizard eating

standing on stage being introduced

302/365 ~ Vote Yes!

2010-10-29T22:47:00.025-05:00

My mom, Jill, Molly (who finished up her classes early for the week), and I got signs ready for the election on Tuesday. These are vote yes signs kids made at school for the school referendum that's will be on the ballot. The school is something I'm happy to see our taxes go to!

Gabe always loves being in the middle of the action

Our new stove finally came in! We went from gas to electric, here's Grandpa K wiring it up for us. Andy's been traveling AGAIN and gets home today so it'll be a nice surprise to have it all hooked up and ready to go before he gets home :)

Out with the old...

In with the new! Think it'll make me a better cook?! Ha! ;)

301/365 ~ Sprinkles

2010-10-28T23:32:00.012-05:00

Zach helping out with cupcakes for his preschool halloween party tomorrow

So serious

Nate helped too...

...if you call sticking the sprinkle shaker into the frosting helping...

Micah trying it out too.

300/365 ~ Visiting

2010-10-27T22:10:00.030-05:00

We went to visit my niece Molly at college today. We've been wanting to do that since she moved there (almost 2 1/2 months ago) and finally got a chance to do it.

Here's her big dorm room which was actually bigger than I thought it would be.

Hostess Molly passing out suckers

Jill checking out the rec room

The kids eating at the chinese buffet we went to

Me & Molly

Mr. Micah

Zach working on his AWANA for church tonight. Wearing the gloves helps him draw better ;)

299/365 ~ Playin' trucks

2010-10-26T22:10:00.029-05:00

Gabe busy with his trucks. He was also making his very best car noises!

298/365 ~ Sleepy

2010-10-25T22:09:00.026-05:00

Two little tykes who often take up space in our bed:

Nate helping me wake up Micah for school

Gabe waking up Zach

Gabe is super thrilled to be on the top bunk, even if only for a little bit.

The early morning red sky

It was maroon/gold day today at school because of volleyball tournament time. Go panthers!

297/365 ~ Hanging out

2010-10-24T22:09:00.040-05:00

Grandma & Grandpa O came to visit after church!

Nate showing Grandma some interesting things in his book

Zach picking on poor Grandpa while he attempts to take a nap

Grandma needs a bigger lap!

We had a little animal visitor end up in our egress window hole. Thankfully Grandpa O isn't scared of little critters, he caught it for the kids. I preferred not to go near it.

It was too cute and fluffy to be a mouse plus it had a shorter tail. We googled and found out it wasn't a mouse - it was a vole. If you've ever heard of a vole before then you're one up on me. I'd never heard of one until today. Hey, I learned something new!

Micah was planning to take it to school tomorrow to show the kids but after seeing how much the thing pooped in the bucket I was too grossed out to keep it any longer so we let it go. If it ends up in our house someday I'm not going to be happy.

296/365 ~ Window & Wedding

2010-10-23T22:09:00.028-05:00

We got our egress window in today - one more thing to check off on our basement to-do list!

Later we went to my cousin Brent's wedding

The kids busting some moves on the dance floor

Daddy & Gabe.

Niece Hannah & Gabe

My mom & I

My aunt Nancy & cousin Brent during the mother/son dance

Pointing to the disco lights

Nate cleaning the floor

295/365 ~ Brains!

2010-10-22T22:08:00.018-05:00

My nephew B.J. had to dissect a sheep brain for one of his college classes so we thought we'd visit him and watch. Fun, fun!

Nate checking it out

Interesting stuff!

Their interest in it didn't last too long.

Gabe being Gabe

294/365 ~ Painting Pumpkins!

2010-10-21T11:36:00.044-05:00

There's no school today and tomorrow because of teacher meetings. Seemed like a good day to paint our pumpkins!

Gabe surprised me by doing pretty good with a paint brush...

... although it was just a matter of time before he ended up hopping up on the table.

Zach in serious mode

Not sure how this happened?!

My pumpkins with their pumpkins

Andy got home tonight after traveling the past few days for work. The kids are oohing and ahhhing over his new lap top his work set up for him. Or as Nate calls it: a "puter".

They all love anything with wheels and anything electronic. Typical boys ;)

293/365 ~ Shop 'til you drop

2010-10-20T11:36:00.072-05:00

I road along with my mom and stocked up on my usual grocery and household supplies. I only got a few pictures today. These were taken while I waited in the car with the sleeping kiddos.

Cheese!

291/365 ~ Dig dig dig!

2010-10-19T11:35:00.035-05:00

We started digging for our egress window. Zach's in the hole "helping".

My nephew B.J. had some free time between school & work and was quite a bit of help digging it out with Grandpa K. It looks like he's busy watching but he really did do a lot of it ;)

Grandpa K and Nate. Looks like Nate doesn't like it down there.

After school we celebrated my sister Jill's birthday. Gotta love cake and ice cream!

My nephew Tim eating his favorite thing in the world!

292/365 ~ EEEEEEEEEkkk!!!!

2010-10-18T11:35:00.085-05:00

Cornfield in our backyard + harvest season (see my post on Friday) + kids who left the front door open a crack for who knows how long before I noticed it = MOUSE in the HOUSE. In the 9+ years we've lived here this was my first mouse experience. I'm hoping it's my last. I never thought I'd be one of "them" who screamed and jumped up on a chair when they saw a mouse but evidently I am. And lucky me, my husband got to witness my whole screaming escapade. I doubt I'll ever live it down.

Here is our ferocious cat who was absolutely NO help in catching it. I saw her bat at it and play with it but that's about it.

Today, after it roamed around the house for the past few days, we finally got it. Good thing my mom was over to take it out to the garbage. I'm pretty certain I couldn't have done it.

Yuck.

The kids weren't near as frightened as I was by the critter. I'm not sure how many times I heard "it's just a mouse, mom!"

290/365 ~ Singing

2010-10-17T11:35:00.079-05:00

I brought the camera to church this morning because Micah, Zach, and Nate were singing. Look at them sitting so nice. About 10 minutes prior to this picture we were all running around with our heads chopped off trying to get out the door. Andy and I breath a sigh of relief once the kids all strapped in and we're on the road. It's hard work to get to this point!

Too bad, the only one who went up to sing was Micah. Zach started getting teary (he's had a cold & didn't sleep well) and Nate got really clingy (he's 2 - what can I say). So instead of the 75% of our children who should have been up there, only 25% made it. Maybe next time!

Sitting in the corner - our usual spot.

I wanted to add this video of Sam Kruger, a young man who went to our church. At the young age of 20 he left his earthly home and went to his eternal home in heaven due to a car accident while on his way home from college. None of us are promised tomorrow. Although Sam's time here was short, his impact has been great. A video of him was made for his memorial service and I thought I'd share it here. All those who place their faith in Christ alone can have assurance that their salvation is eternally secure because of God's power and faithfulness.(Ephesians 2: 8-9, John 10: 28-29)

It's definitely worth a watch!

http://vimeo.com/15751638

289/365 ~ Pumpkins & Apples

2010-10-16T11:34:00.031-05:00

We went with my mom, sister Julie, and her kids to the nearby apple orchard (a teeny tiny apple orchard) and got a few small pumpkins & apples. Fun, fun!

Molly helping corral the kids

Heading out

We hung out at Julie's house for a little while - I gave the kids a ride on the 4 wheeler.

We went super fast! ;) I think I got it going up to 12mph.

288/365 ~ Visitors

2010-10-15T11:34:00.017-05:00

This is what I found in the garbage this morning when I went to throw something away... I'll give you ONE guess who put it in there. Gabe has been in a throwing away mode. The other morning it was my hairbrush (I almost didn't see it). I now am keeping a careful watch!

My niece Hannah came over after school and niece Molly stopped by on her way home from college. I could keep these two around more often - they keep the kids happy!

Gabe is pointing at the combine...

There goes the corn in our back yard!

Slide train

287/365 ~ The fam

2010-10-14T11:34:00.006-05:00

Trying out the new tripod before bedtime...

286/365 ~ Jumpin' for Joy!

2010-10-13T22:17:00.024-05:00

We're really getting our money's worth out of the leaves this year.

285/365 ~ Fall Fun

2010-10-12T23:52:00.065-05:00

After seeing a fresh new load of fallen leaves in the backyard I put some sweaters on the kids and while they played, I clicked. Figured I'd better take advantage of the colorful background before it turns icky brown and then to the even ickier white.

And, the hat is coming off.

There's still more leaves to fall...

Zach showing off his very best acting skills

Gabe observing us. I can only assume he's getting tired if he's not in the middle of the action.

I got a few of Micah when he got home from school.

Something funny?!

284/365 ~ Basketball & Bridges

2010-10-11T23:18:00.045-05:00

Mr. Basketball struck a pose, I'm sure he'll be dunking on his 4' basketball hoop in no time!

Not sure what the glove was all about but he wanted to wear it.

Later we all biked out to see the new bridge that's getting put in. This is a road that used to be fairly busy. It's currently closed and has been for quite some time now because of a bad bridge and finally they're working on replacing it. We went to check out the progress.

Lots of machinery for the boys (Grandpa K included) to check out

Me & Nater Tater.

283/365 ~ 10/10/10

2010-10-10T23:03:00.018-05:00

Gabe's got a thing for walking through our "river" of sump pump water. He went back & forth what seemed to be about 100 times.

I don't know why, I guess Micah just felt the need to jump :)

282/365 ~ Cheese if you Please

2010-10-09T20:27:00.053-05:00

I stripped off the bunkbed sheets so I could wash them this morning only to find another chunk of hard-as-a-rock string cheese tucked nicely under the covers. This is my excitement folks! Where will string cheese turn up next?!

More outside time today so we can enjoy the weather while it lasts.

Climbers

We got a baseball game going for awhile.

The perks of having a cornfield in your back yard. Now if we could just get Zach to be a little more discreet about it...

Later the baseball game ended when the ball landed directly where Zach took his "time out". Oops!

Gabe got ahold of Nate's bar. Gabe had one but it didn't have chocolate, apparantly he preferred Nate's, whose DID.