MomE & Loving It

A fun day, even with a germ-o-phobic MomE!

2012-02-10T05:46:00.000-08:00

My friend Maria talked me into a fun afternoon yesterday. We went to Monkey Joes (how do they name these things?)...a bouncer place that had newly opened in our area. Yes, I did say she talked me into it...cuz I have a germ-a-phobic fear of such places....Generally, they smell like a mixture of feet and pizza...filled with screaming kids! All I can think is fungus and sweat...ew!

But, childhood is filled with such dangers, right? This place was new...so it smelled like vinyl/plastic. The bathrooms were super clean. I was really impressed with their security too...they did the wristband thing...where they check to make sure you're leaving with only your children. (You wouldn't want to take home extras...har har!!) Seriously, I've always thought it'd be easy for predators to walk into these places of screaming bedlam and leave with a little kid. Much less likely to happen here. They also have "referees" that remind people to walk...and keep the chaos controlled.

The kids had a GREAT time...and slept really well last night!!

Being Sweet!

2012-02-06T10:49:00.000-08:00

We have been working on playing together...nicely. Usually, little brothers like to shoot the ponies and throw them for BIG jumps! But, when they were all ready for church on Sunday...I caught them being sweet to each other.

Good little brothers play nicely...and say, "What's this one's name again?" "Is this a stethoscope or a telescope?" Hehehe!

Good big sisters...share their ponies...even though history might say this is a bad idea!

Here is her favorite pony...Her name is Princess Luna...and she lights up!!! Must of ate something radioactive...Oui, I've been married to Loverbrains for too long! That last comment was for him! HAHAHA!

Airing out the Sickness!

2012-02-01T09:37:00.000-08:00

Caleb and Emma have been passing about a bit of stomach virus last week and now this week. Everyone was feeling better today...and since it was a balmy 60 degrees outside...I turned off the heat and opened up the house for a bit. Airing out the Sickness!!

The kids then asked if they could eat outside...on the screen porch!

We had a marvelous time...airing out our sickness!

Emma's first day of school this week...and it was silly sock day. I think Emma won! HAHA!

This is our resident shark...otherwise known as a mooching dog named Scruffy!

Hope ya'll enjoyed a nice sunny day too! If you have sickness...air it out!

If you are Grandma and Grandpa Wells...we sure hope we didn't share our virus with ya'll this last weekend. Oops...we had no idea we were contagious!

Command Center!

2012-01-27T12:08:00.001-08:00

Now that little Emma-bean is in Kindergarten...papers and homework have been piling up and taking over my life. Okay, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration but not by much.

SO, I started pinning interesting organizational tools from my new favorite place to hang out...Pinterest! Woo....wooot!

AND...I went for it...purchasing some SERIOUS heavy duty command strips and file trays...and VOILA! It's a thing of beauty! I'm very pleased! Don't worry...those leapfrog number/letter fridge toys are now on the front...in their own rectangular boundary on the freezer side! HA!

Organization makes me SO happy...I feel so...in COMMAND...now that I have a command center! Hehehe!

If you're searching for TREASURE...

2012-01-24T01:00:00.000-08:00

...this is the cutest crew I've seen about. They even built their own boat! If you step out of the boat the sharks get you...just so you know!

They know just what to pack!

They even have a map...with pacific instructions! Ships Ahoy! ARRR!

“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Matthew 6:20-21

How to make Pickle Stew!

2012-01-23T10:08:00.000-08:00

Artist in Training...

2012-01-18T13:27:00.000-08:00

She's going to be an artist...so she practices...alot.

Sometimes...like when I'm taking pictures...she even shares with her brother.

She's great at hearts and sunshines....

...she's learning new things every day.

Messy Crafts!!

2012-01-05T10:09:00.000-08:00

We learned to make tie-dyed bookmarks at the Children's Museum a few weeks back. So, we decided to try it at home. The first Messy Craft of the year!

You start by "frosting" your paper plate with shaving cream! Use a Popsicle stick!

Then, you squeeze several drops of various colors of food coloring on your frosted plate.

Next, you use a toothpick to swirl and lightly blend your colors.

Finally, you squish a bookmark shaped paper flat on top of the colored shaving cream.

Peal it off...and scrap off the excess shaving cream with the Popsicle stick. And....

VOILA! A beautiful, tie-dyed bookmark for your reading pleasure!

This was great fun...even to the sick boy!

He refused to open his eyes for the picture...said the flash hurt his eyes. Sheesh! HA!

He's feeling much better today. Phew!

They only take a few minutes to dry! All around a very fun craft. Now, why do I wait to do these messy crafts right AFTER I mop my floor?? Oh well, at least we had fun and the clean up was pretty easy. It wasn't mud or sand...ick!

Snuggly Sickies & Shel Silverstein

2012-01-04T07:31:00.000-08:00

Today, Lubby is home sick...with the awful, croupy cold his sister had during vacation. She is off to school...and we are all snugly here...reading! Here's one of my favorites...

The Little Boy and the Old Man by Shel Silverstein

Said the little boy, "Sometimes I drop my spoon."

Said the old man, "I do that too."

The little boy whispered, "I wet my pants."

"I do that too," laughed the little old man.

Said the little boy, "I often cry."

The old man nodded, "So do I."

"But worst of all," said the boy, "it seems

Grown-ups don't pay attention to me."

And he felt the warmth of a wrinkled old hand.

"I know what you mean," said the little old man.

A Flurry Of Christmas!

2011-12-31T14:15:00.001-08:00

Christmas wouldn't be complete without a silly picture from my Dad! Doesn't he look all dignified and pastorly?

Now, that he's out of the way you can see the picture of my Mom's lovely hearth.

Oooo...very pretty.

Here are the kids...scoping out their presents.

Here are the lovebirds chatting, while Emma sits playing her game. See that pretty clock to the far LEFT? That's Lyric...she's my Christmas present!

Here are two very CUTE boys playing games on DadE's Kindle Fire.

My Mom's baby grand is SWEET! We enjoyed singing...and we played a duet too!!

Awww....

On Christmas Eve we lit our Advent candles...and were reminded of what we were remembering...CHRIST the perfect gift!

The Sweet Boobahs opened only their stockings on Christmas morning. They are cute!!!

After the morning service we opened gifts together with everyone.

The next day we drove out to see Uncle Dave's truck.

Everyone sat in the driver's seat! Here's Caleb the truck driver.

And Emma the truck driver.

And...with a very adjusted seat...Here am I!

Here's my Mom actually driving the truck around the lot.

COOL!

WIW: Christmas-tide w Gingerbread Men!

2011-12-20T07:49:00.001-08:00

From our happy home

Through the world we roam

One week in all the year,

Making winter spring

With the joy we bring

For Christmas-tide is here.

Now the eastern star

Shines from afar

To light the poorest home;

Hearts warmer grow,

Gifts freely flow,

For Christmas-tide has come.

Now gay trees rise

Before young eyes,

Abloom with tempting cheer;

Blithe voices sing,

And blithe bells ring,

For Christmas-tide is here.

Oh, happy chime,

Oh, blessed time,

That draws us all so near!

"Welcome, dear day,"

All creatures say,

For Christmas-tide is here.

by Louisa May Alcott

Tick, tock...slow the clock!

2011-12-13T10:52:00.000-08:00

The Kitchen Clock

I am the Kitchen Clock.

A friend, not a slavedriver to be feared.

The guide to leisure, not a whip.

I measure the minutes that make up life.

I tick serene and steady in joy or catastrophe.

Often I had best be forgotten, for watching

me too closely means time lost, not gained.

I am not your mentor.

There is but One.

He does not recognize me,

For I cannot measure the infinite.

When is the tomorrow that you fear?

Do today the thing's that are today's.

Let me work happily with you.

Let me play with you.

Forget me--and win a race with time.

--Anon.

The BOX... that never dies!

2011-12-12T11:39:00.000-08:00

One of the little known delights of ordering your Christmas presents online and avoiding the holiday mall crowds...are the boxes! This particular box...never dies. Well, okay...until late one night when MomE makes it disappear!

This is how they watched "The Grinch." You have to have a candy cane, ya know. It's better known as the "candy cane movie"...cuz the Grinch steals the candy canes from the sleeping kids.

Then, the box became the post office. DadE even created a door. They used their 3D postcards from Japan (DadE's layover) for mail. This just goes to show that your children are watching EVERYTHING you do!

At one point Emma made Caleb wait in line. She told him that he needed to be patient...and kind..."because everyone is tired and we want them to remember Jesus and have a Merry Christmas!"

It always surprises me when he listens to her. He pretended to whistle while he waited. And then he said, "Please have a wonderful, MERRY CHRISTMAS, Mame!"

For all of you wondering...it does matter how you act while running errands with your kids! They are watching...wowsers!!

Puzzle-time!

2011-12-06T10:00:00.000-08:00

Being the Geeks that we are, we find it interesting to observe the difference in developmental abilities in our little puzzlers. Emma has begun to "see" jigsaw puzzles spatially. She also understands doing the edges first. Lubby...yeah...not so much! He enjoys putting two pieces together outside of the puzzle frame. This drives his sister crazy. I think that's why he does it! HAHA! Oh, siblings...funtimes! Nobody pushes your buttons better.

I heart flow charts!!

2011-12-05T01:00:00.000-08:00

So, I was struggling ~~very frustrated to the point of losing my hair and sanctification~~ at bedtime with Caleb! He was treating it like a game...So, I finally decided to pray about it. Seemed stupid but...

That morning I was praying about it...the old flow chart came to my mind...It was Providential ya'll! Really!

So, now he checks off all the things he needs to do before bedtime. He's so proud. If he can check his things off and go to bed and NOT call for MomE when the door is shut...He get a sticker on his chart in the morning.

Four (we started with his favorite number) stickers equals a sucker of his choice! He even requested using this system for naptime. What a GREAT idea! I love those GOD answers to my problems!

He got his sucker today....green apple! He is now starting his new chart...to bedtime success!

What MomE CAN'T do! Won't do??

2011-12-03T16:32:00.001-08:00

Our Sweet DadE returned...just in time for his birthday! I told him that Jesus died when he was 33...He didn't think that was funny! He said, "Not of natural causes!" HAHAHA! Well, do you want to be like Jesus or not??

Anyhew, he's back doing those important things that MomE doesn't like to do..or won't...or can't. Video games with the little dude are one such thing. So is garbage duty and bathtime! Woohoo!

Thank God for his blessings. Please don't stop praying for us now...There is still lots of adjusting when he comes home from a long trip. In ways, it's harder. It's so easy just to be selfish and not care about each other FIRST!

Update...with pictures!

2011-11-29T13:58:00.001-08:00

Sorry for the lack of blogs...I keep forgetting my camera and then not wanting to post about things that I don't have pictures to illustrate. Here are a few I shot off to give ya'll an update...

Scruffy had an infection and was feeling ill. We took her to the vet and got her $$meds...and now she is feeling frisky and her ole puppy self. She is also hungry ALL.THE.TIME. See? This is her adorable cocked head sayin'..."Feed me."

Emmer-bean writes and writes...and colors some more. When she's not doing that, she's playing ponies in her new castle upstairs!

Lubby...I cannot get a picture of him with his eyes open today. Yup, we are definitely related! He has a new race track...that I'm making him keep in his room...cuz he's shooting cars under all the furniture.

His new and cool cars (and not enough car carrier space) means that I live a treacherous life!

These four are in the top running, right now. The ice cream truck was accidentally left at Grandma's house...and oh, the reunion was adorable. His long lost friend hardly ever leaves his fingers...except to be set on the coffee table. Grrr...WHY? Why does it have to be the focal point of the room is where they want to set their junk and toys??

Well, at least it's cute junk...that says that I'm a MomE and loving it...right??

Comfort & Crafting...

2011-11-19T12:36:00.001-08:00

Despite the recent lull in blogging activity...we are all quite well. Lubby found a Star Wars robe...so we are all cozy, cute and comfortable now!!

Emma has shown great interest in crafting...so, after seeing this idea on Toddler Approved, I thought we'd give it a try. She had a great time coming up with a list of things she loves/is thankful for re: her teacher Ms. Rausch! Hehehe..."She's beautiful, like a sunset!" "She gives hugs during center time" "Her voice is kind"...I LOVE IT!!

I think Ms. Rausch will too!

The Letter I...for...

2011-11-15T12:59:00.001-08:00

INSPIRATION...my new friend made this awesome castle in her living room!

...It's amazing...even has a mirror, clock and curtains on rods! Too cool!!

The girls enjoyed time in this little cottage...Vividly using their IMAGINATIONS!

The boys used their imaginations too...but more along the man eating dinosaurs line of thought. The girls didn't appreciate their contributions! HAHAHA!

Read to me!

2011-11-11T05:44:00.001-08:00

Read to me

by Jane Yolen 

Read to me riddles and read to me rhymes 

Read to me stories of magical times 

Read to me tales about castles and kings 

Read to me stories of fabulous things

Read to me pirates and read to me knights

Read to me dragons and dragon-book fights

Read to me spaceships and cowboys and then

When you are finished- please read them again.

Perfect Timing...

2011-11-08T15:32:00.000-08:00

Lately, I've been holding on with my fingernails around here. It is great to be reminded that God's timing is perfect...even in the form of packages from Great Grams and Grand Aunt Cindy!!

Stickers and Silly songs and books came one day....and more books and games came the next! WOW!

We played quite the rousing game of Zingo tonight. EVERYONE really got into it!!

It's sort of like BINGO but with tiles. It's good practice for our word recognition, etc.

I was surprised...they were pretty kind to each other throughout!

Lucky Ducky girl won a lot. She must get that from her DadE! He usually skunks us all when he's playing.

It took Lubby a long time to finally win...and when he did FINALLY...it was a double ZINGO!

And God's blessings kept right on coming today. The HighFive Magazine came today...so they snuggled up tonight and read together....

...all snugly...

...and sweet!

God is good to us! Thanks to those of you who've sent us goodies to get us through...We feel your love...and God has used you to lift me up!

Funtimes...

2011-11-02T11:14:00.001-07:00

Evangelistic Opportunities!

2011-11-01T04:59:00.000-07:00

And yes, I'm going to answer the burning question I've been asked multiple times this weekend.
Your kids go trick or treating?

My kids do go trick or treating. After some prayer and consideration we decided that it would be effectively slamming the door on any evangelistic attempts with our neighbors to turn off our lights and pretend we aren't home. We pass out candy bags and tracks (cute ones)...and we get to know our neighbors.

We've even had some great conversations. Some were shocked we let the kids go, too...they said, "Aren't you religious?" That was a great opportunity to say that we aren't religious...we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ...and "please, let me tell you what that means."

We've built friendships...and they come to us with their prayer requests...cuz they know we pray...and that we believe in prayer. How neat is that? It makes me soooo happy that I open my mouth and ask how they are...and take the time to listen to their problems...and tell them about the power of prayer in my life because of my ALL POWERFUL GOD.

I do have opportunities to express my concerns with Halloween (evil, Satan, scary, etc.) but I have countless more opportunities to share about Jesus Christ. Remember, it's like I said last week...

When talking with sinners the issue is not their present sin but their need of a Savior!

~Reposted from 2009

Ahoy!

2011-10-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

The Sweet Boobahs BEG for playtime after lunch...cuz they know naptime is upon them...Today, I realized they were being pirates...the Patch the Pirate/PeeWee kind, of course.

They pulled one swing up...it's the anchor!

This is the "evil pirate" they are escaping from...evidently, she wants their apples! They tried to make her wear the patch but MomE said they had to be nice to the poor puppy pirate!

Captain Lubby drops the anchor...

...and ARGH! They're off...sailing the briny deep!

He loves this sword but was annoyed that it wasn't sharp enough to cut apples in half...*gasp...could you imagine!?

Quilts, Confusion & Colds!

2011-10-24T13:54:00.000-07:00

This weekend my Mom passed on a few quilts she'd set aside for the kids. Emma was delighted with her Sunbonnet Sue quilt!!

Lubby was equally thrilled with his handkerchief quilt...although he did ask if he could blow his nose on it and I said no. He was puzzled... I think I've confused him. HA!

He was terribly congested so I took him to a the Dr. like a good MomE...turns out he just has a cold. Oh well...better safe than sorry. He did miss his nap because of the appt...and fell asleep in a sunbeam this afternoon! AW!

Better late than never...

2011-10-14T11:11:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures from our escapade with the water line...FUNTIMES!!!

Saved, not inoculated...

2011-10-11T14:16:00.001-07:00

Sunday night was very special in our house.

Emma, in her own words, "asked Jesus to be her Savior from her sins!"

Now, I have spent a lot of time thinking about whether to post about this event or not. All things blogged are for posterity, right? My children have LONG and very detailed baby books. HA!

No, the reason I wasn't sure about writing on this subject is because I have such strong feelings about it. We have been very careful to not lead Emma in some pretty little prayer...so she'll feel inoculated with salvation from her sins. As if this was how it happened at all. We wanted this to be something that she was prompted to do by the Holy Spirit...not something to just please us or escape the fears of hell and death.

That's easier said than done...when you have a beautiful, little firstborn so eager to please....and all of ETERNITY is on the line. But that's the point...I could have gotten her to say the WORDS months ago...but what she did Sunday night was her own personal decision....because God was at work in her heart and mind.

As I tucked her in I sang one of the favorites in our house..."Change my heart oh God..." As I sang she was feeling for her heartbeat. She couldn't feel it so I helped her. As she felt her heart beat she said, "What about Caleb's heart...is it beating?" I told her that if your heart stops beating you die. I told her that's why the words of the song talk about changing your heart to be like God...because all of our hearts are sinful.

She pondered this a bit...and tearfully said, "I don't want to die with sins in my heart!" NOW...here's the point where I could have just said, "Well, pray this prayer dearie and you've received your salvation shot...don't ever worry about it again."...but I didn't...As Jesus so often did, I asked another question..."What do you know about that sin in your heart? Who could do something about it?"

She said, "If I pray and tell Jesus I'm sorry for my sins...he'll wash my sins away." I asked if she had ever done that before...and she said no. I told her that she could pray at any time and he would save her. She said she wanted to pray right then...

Yes, she is still a very small girl. The days ahead will show the fruit of this decision. This is just the starting point. As she grows and matures...I'm praying her understanding of what it means to be saved will grow too...but for now we are rejoicing with the angels!

Luke 15:10, "there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

One lump or two?

2011-10-04T12:50:00.000-07:00

Emma had a grand time today....She got out her blue flower tea set from Grams...

...and her new Chinese panda tea set from DadE....

...and ~~accosted~~ invited the dog and all her favorite dolls and animals. *Sip, sip...ooo, this tea is delicious!" "Yes, Scruffy we have sugar for the tea...would you like one lump or two?"

Loverbrains Returns...again!?

2011-10-03T10:41:00.001-07:00

Yes, he's home again from another China trip. He even found a tiny silk robe for Emmer-bean! AW! Yes, that's the whole reason he was gone so long...it was hard to find one just her size. Oh, and a teeny tiny Chinese tea set with Pandas. Hehehe!

Caleb is enjoying his gifts too...most namely a small, brass dragon and a huge, green dung beetle (captured in amber and made into a key chain.) Dragons and beetles...what could be better!

I'm happy too...I can sleep again. Any crashes in the night are now NOT my problem. Not that I won't still get up and deal with stuff, of course...Just not alone. Phew!

In reality, I am most blessed when he is gone. I have a GREAT network of friends and church family that actually would come to my house in the middle of the night if I needed them. Just thought I should say that...cuz I do so appreciate them.

Cooking Life & Homework!

2011-09-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

Lubby was "cooking" eggs the other night. I wasn't paying too much attention until I noticed him using his little green Gideon Bible. He said he was cooking from the "good cook book"...

I quipped back..."Yup, it sure gives us the right recipe for life!"

Later, Emmer-bean worked on her homework. She really enjoys these numbered coloring sheets. She is working on "number recognition"...

...and coloring neatly (fine motor)...Her teacher says she is sweet and kind!

A Favorite Visitor...

2011-09-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

Yes, "Uncle Dave of the Orange Truck" came for dinner and a short stay...

Not only is he fun and lovable...He also has Angry Birds on his phone...*oooo, ahhh*

Lubby enjoyed dropping him off at the OC this morning...and seeing LOTS of orange trucks!

Painter and Hunter...

2011-09-26T14:41:00.000-07:00

Emma loves all things artsy...

...she could paint for hours...

Caleb...not so much. I even tried to encourage him by giving him a model and outline...nope.

So, while his sister painted peacefully...

...cutely tucking her bare piggies beneath her....

The "little man" went hunting...

....in his fort...

See his campfire? Nothing like primordial soup in the sandbox to make a day's glorious fun!! EW!...

....I mean....Yum!!!

Old Picture, Recent Hilarity!

2011-09-23T11:18:00.000-07:00

I love this picture so I'm re-using it....

I keep retelling this story from the other day...so I thought I'd share...

Emma keeps beating Caleb in all races, contests, etc. Then she cheers that she won, etc. This greatly annoys him.

Well, she beat him to the kitchen the other day...and he came up panting behind her...

She said, "I won, I won!"

And he said, "Yeah *pant, pant* Well, I'm gonna get some stamps...*pant pant* and mail you FAR AWAY!"

HAHAHAHA! Isn't that hilarious? I almost fell into the laundry I was quietly folding in the other room. And after I got a hold of my chuckling, I choked out..."Please remember to BE KIND to each other!" Tee hehhehe!

After school...

2011-09-21T09:56:00.000-07:00

After school...

and after lunch...

We love to swing...

And swing alot!!

We swing and sing and read and laugh...

Then in we go to rest and nap!!

By MomE Bobbi Wells

(Who might also take a nap today between loads of laundry!)

Industrious Behavior

2011-09-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

2 bushels of apples makes 20 1/2 quarts applesauce, 22 pints apple butter, 10 bags sliced apples frozen, and one full dehumidifier of apple chips....in case you ever wondered. Phew...I'm tired.

Long story...but I had three teens come over to help (along with their governess) and learn to can. They were learning about pressurization of submarines....apples to apples? Right??

It's a good skill to learn...and we all that a good time...albeit hot and sticky...phew!

Ahhh...a thing of beauty is a joy forever!

Apples, apples everywhere!!

2011-09-19T04:50:00.001-07:00

We had another wonderful year picking apples. We picked 2 1/2 bushels...and I will be a busy bee canning, freezing and dehydrating. Lubby is excited to help! Emmy will still be home in time to stir and can the apple butter! Just thought I'd put that out there...so you'll know it'll taste just as sweet!!

Argh, Matey!

2011-09-16T11:35:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like a box and cardboard tube to finish out a pirate ship and all it's riggings! Eh!?

They were shooting cars into their cannon! Boom! I think they are confused... that they shoot OUT and not IN...but it's neater this way so, I let it be. HA!

Enjoy some picture overload!

2011-09-14T10:29:00.000-07:00

We went to the children's museum this last weekend...and since I've been rather remiss in my picture taking and sharing...I thought you'd enjoy this overload of Sweet Boobah faces.

As always, I started with a security picture...just in case! Then it was off to the Barbie exhibit...not DadE's favorite! HAHAHA!

Nothing like squeaking a record to entertain children for hours.

Em the hair stylist extraordinaire.

My favorite of the day was probably the trip to Egypt. It was the shortest transcontinental flight I've ever endured...hehehe!

The kids rode a burro through town...heehaw!

MomE visited someone's home!

The kids worked in the market...Emmer loaded a basket with canned goods...

...and Lubby weighed out the produce!

DadE took me to this nifty little cafe!

Our kids served us smoothies and coffees!

Emma sniffed all the spice tins...they have some spice in the top so you can do this...it was too cute!

DadE helped the kids at the archeological dig.

MomE braved the traffic...crazee!

DadE is drawn to puzzles...He and Emma did this entire puzzle while MomE listened to Lubby pick Egyptian music on the computer...He likes the mosk singer the best (yeah, the one that sounds like wailing...yeah that!). Oui!

Then we were off to an underwater ocean exhibit...Puerto Rico, I think...but it's so hard to tell underwater!

Lubby surprised us and really got into this one!

Next, we visited the terracotta army in China...

....Hey Dad...

...does this look familiar??

Then we went to the EVOLUTION crazy dinosaur exhibit. It always makes me grind my teeth a little bit...but I like the thunderstorm show.

We had a great time!!

ROUND/CIRCLE lunch

2011-09-09T10:02:00.000-07:00

Since Emma is working on shapes I decided to make ROUND/CIRCLE lunchtime....Pepperoni, Cucumbers....with an OREO at the end.

Caleb really wanted cantaloupe though...but I was thinking small circles so I said, "It's not a round circle shape, honey." He said, "Oh yes it IS..a B I G round circle shape...before you cut it!!"

Smart boy...SO...I added grapes as consolation. Round circles, sort of.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-07T05:31:00.000-07:00

Flashback Friday

2011-09-02T05:02:00.000-07:00

My Mornings with Lubby!

2011-08-31T10:30:00.000-07:00

A BOX...still the best toy ever!

2011-08-29T09:21:00.000-07:00

A walk in the park...

2011-08-22T05:30:00.000-07:00

Hello Kitty Artist

2011-08-18T13:07:00.000-07:00

Update: Yes, she's still wearing as much Hello Kitty as possible...

AND...she's a fabulous artist. This is a GREAT butterfly....with what I was calling a waterfall...

..."It's a jelly samwich...cut in five equal pieces!" I stand corrected.

My Home-boy!

2011-08-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

Mr. Lubby was a bit disappointed that I didn't have much fun planned for the 2nd day of the school year. After we put Emmer-bean on the bus I told him I needed to sort the laundry...and he was bummed that today contained no trips to the zoo, library or museum. SO....

....I told him to go pick 4 trucks. (Since 4 is his current favorite number.) THEN...I broke out the dried beans and Scrabble tiles.

He played happily until it was time to go pick up his sister from school.

This is a new kind of playing for my home-boy...he's had a constant companion up until now...and it's neat to hear him play alone...chattering away to himself.

AND...while I did the laundry...MomE worked on some fabric/quilt sandwiching....I love me some lavender spray Starch! How could I not know about it?...It's SO wonderful!

Emma's First Day of School!

2011-08-16T05:34:00.000-07:00

All ready and excited!

2011-08-15T11:35:00.000-07:00

School starts tomorrow. We are all ready. Our clothes are in the compartments...

...the backpack is fully loaded. MomE is doing a lot of praying.

If you love my Emmer-bean too...I trust you are praying for her BIG day too! Thanks!! Lubby could use some prayers too...It's hard to be left behind! But as he says in his own words, "I need to stay home...my mother would miss me!" True true!

A good time was had by ALL!

2011-08-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

DadE out did himself! They went to the ZOO...the polar bear was actually awake!

They went to the Children's Museum...and my sweet Loverbrains encouraged a group of parents to collaborate and help build this arch for the kids...Yeah...that's MY man! Emmer-bean seems to be questioning it's stability...as she stands nervously underneath! HAHAHA!!

AND...*drum roll please*...they camped out in the backyard. They had smores EVERY NIGHT!

I will try *deep breath* to not be upset that the center of my yard was chosen for the burn pit. *sigh*...oh well.

They hugged me tightly with their little bug bitten bodies! I had SO much fun (which I plan to share soon in great length over where I'm Blogging Along)...but for right now, it's good to be home!

Emma's Teacher...

2011-08-10T07:11:00.000-07:00

Emma enjoyed meeting Miss Rausch last night at her open house. She saw her classroom...found her cubby, mailbox and crayon container. Played playdoh with some new classmates, ate two chocolate chip cookies and had her picture taken!

Tuesday is the BIG day!! Pray for Miss Rausch...she's very young (might be her first teaching job)...and she's teaching AM in one building and PM in another building. That stresses ME out for her! Emma's AM class is mostly girls...maybe 3 boys!

We are SO excited. The Hello Kitty backpack, outfit and accessories are ready to GO!!

The Dual Party...OR...Emma turns 6!

2011-08-08T07:05:00.000-07:00

We had a dual party...half Star Wars and half Hello Kitty...but alas, MomE isn't the picture taker she used to be...and forgot to take a picture of the decorated table and cake.

AND...I can't figure out how to rotate this video...anyone who knows how to do that...please share!

Playground bouncy balls...anyone for a game of dodgeball??

Birthday girls "cheese" face!

Since she wants to be a "baker lady" when she grows up...SO, we got her an easy bake oven. Couldn't find a single 100 watt plain ordinary bulb in the house. Poor pre planning. Oops!

This gift sparked her imagination...she pretends and pretends!!

DadE and Caleb have enjoyed playing with the Zoomer toy...and naming their contraptions.

A funtime had by all.

It's that time again...

2011-08-05T14:07:00.000-07:00

...time to make funny faces for LUNCH!

There's just some odd creative-mess that flows through MomE as she prepares lunch...

Bonus= Everyone is excited to eat ALL of their fruits and veggies. They usually thinks peaches are weird...I'm guessing because of their hairy skins. Today, it was the first thing he picked up! JUICY!

Wordless Wednesday by Our Front Door!

2011-08-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

Thankful for AC!!

2011-08-02T10:46:00.000-07:00

It has been SO hot and humid that breathing becomes difficult...ugh! We are thankful for our air conditioned home! SO, we came in and broke out the B I G paper and did some coloring!

Emma is into coloring the WHOLE sky blue! Our blue markers, crayons and pencils are showing the wear and tear! Hehehe! Her artistic abilities are blossoming! She draws GREAT rockets, flowers and snails!

Lubby is into CAMPING...He's currently planning a backyard campout with DadE...and so he draws LOTS of campfires, tents, etc. Too cute! He's finally getting into drawing...He wasn't much interested up until now!

How's YOUR memory??

2011-08-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

Annual Campout dinner...

2011-07-29T06:35:00.000-07:00

We were gathering things to haul down to the lake front...

...so Emma decided to be helpful and make a checklist. WOW...she really does watch my every move.

It was 90 F at the least...but this is a TRADITION...so, we did it anyway. This is fun that you just can't have in the city!

Here are our happy Nana and Papa...It was hot, buggy, smoky...but a blessed campout.

Happy Birthday Papa!

MY children of the corn?

2011-07-27T05:22:00.000-07:00

Although I've never read it, I know there is a horror film titled "Children of the Corn" based on a short story by Steven King. I don't generally go for that genre...BUT...these pictures made me think of the cute play on words. Especially since my two babes were ANGELIC at Nana and Papa's house....

...and are being HORROR-able since we got home! Whine, whine, whine...AHHHHH!

Hahaha...get it? It's a good thing that God makes them SO cute!

Fishing Funtimes with DadE

2011-07-26T04:49:00.000-07:00

They both were excited to fish but Caleb LOVED it. This was the extent of her fishing time. He fished on numerous occasions with DadE and watched him catch and clean several fish. He would sit quietly and soak up DadE time for a good hour at a time. That's great for Mr. FOUR!

DadE decided (and MomE agreed) that it was safer this year to allow them a pole with no hook. DadE was more likely to catch it in the eye than a fish to bite it. Maybe next year...from the dock.

They sure had fun though. Sorry for no commentary originally posted...I'm just trying to get posts done...and didn't want to miss the day's post.

Belated Birthday Love for Lubby

2011-07-25T04:40:00.000-07:00

Well, it's belated for ya'll...but we did sing to the little guy on Monday. He turned the big FOUR!! He loves oreos...and being allergic to eggs, dairy and peanuts he doesn't ever eat his cake. I found an ice cream cake with a HUGE oreo on the top...which he ate with two extra oreos, or course...and then we all enjoyed the ice cream cake. He enjoyed blowing his candle out too! Hard to believe it was FOUR years ago...how time does fly.

I'm back! Didja miss me??

2011-07-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

Nope...you missed THEM...these little cute boobahs below. Don't be tellin' me you missed me...humph...I know the truth! Heehee!

Driving the MONSTER truck at Brook's BBQ!

Discussing the garter snake they saw by the playground. Are they brave enough to go back and play?? Hmmm?

Pretending to be at the beach under their umbrella! Hehehe!

I have many more funtimes to share in the days ahead...right now I'm off to fill the fridge for these hungry people!

I'm on blogcation!

2011-07-14T03:30:00.000-07:00

A Swinging Good Time!

2011-07-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

When I grow up...

2011-07-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

MomE, I'm going to be a WRITER GIRL when I grow up.

See? I'm making pictures....

...for EVERYONE at church. (And she just about DID too!)

When I grow up...

2011-07-11T10:10:00.000-07:00

MomE, I'm going to be a FIRE BADGER when I grow up!

I already have my BADGE...

SEE?

Sticker Girl

2011-07-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

Oreos & Tools!

2011-07-06T11:06:00.000-07:00

Calubby doesn't really have his own naptime blanket. He borrows his sister's Care Bear fleece. This has bothered me off and on...so today, when I saw fleece on sale...I had him pick two he liked. He picked the one with OREOS (no shocker there)...and the one with TOOLS! He was so excited he kept coming and rubbing his cheeks on the fabric while I made the blanket.

These things are a cinch...I was glad that I'd recently helped make one for my brother with his girlfriend Jess. It sort of refreshed my memory...

He had to pretend to actually sleep in these pictures. He's not though. Thanks to the fireworks around here we are all sleep deprived. Naptimes are a MUST.

Here's Emmy...she had to pose in her blanket too!

Maybe this will help him sleep tonight too. What do you think my odds are of finally not hearing fireworks tonight?? I like fireworks...but not for WEEKS before and after!

I think he likes it!

Swimmin good times...

2011-07-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

Hats off to Uncle Dave!

2011-06-30T08:05:00.000-07:00

A funny looking package came to our house yesterday....

Inside were FOUR special Schneider hats from Uncle Dave! Emma is showing you how old she'll be soon.

Caleb's gonna be FOUR!!


They'd just gotten up from naps and were tired of MomE's camera. HA!

Thank you Uncle Dave!!! Be safe out there on the roads with those crazy drivers!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-29T10:48:00.000-07:00

Orange & Owies

2011-06-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

Caleb smashed his finger in the church doors yesterday while I was there preparing for VBS. It shut and locked...and was an awful smashed sight.

I usually handle crisis pretty well...but when I saw it I went a little white around the gills and got upset. I'm glad that our Pastor "happened" to have stopped by to check the VBS progress...and he was able to take over until I got a hold of myself.

Anyhew...it's fractured and taped to it's neighbor. We'll see the orthopedic doctor tomorrow to make sure it's okay to heal on it's own. It's hurting today...but Caleb is a super brave kid!

As many of you know he loves all things ORANGE...and was especially delighted to see this picture of his Uncle Dave, who has just started driving these beautiful, orange trucks for a living. Sunshine makes some people happy...Orange makes us happy! And...ice packs and Tylenol are nice too!

Angry Birds Home Edition

2011-06-20T04:17:00.000-07:00

The Sweet Boobahs love the Angry Birds game. We sometimes use it as a reward game for good behavior. Saturday we did errands. Emmy with MomE and Lubby with DadE...While the boys were out they discovered this game at Barnes and Nobles...and my Loverbrains said to himself...I can do that myself...

For sale on Amazon.com

So, he broke out the blocks and gave a little lesson in physics and VOILA...Angry Birds Home Edition...

Cylinders are pigs and triangles are birds....of course.

Silly Doggie...

2011-06-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

...you can't beg through the screen!!

Pickle Pie with Tea?

2011-06-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

Lubby decided to use the new BRIGHT GREEN playdoh to make....

...Pickle Pie!!

Here is how to make...

....perfect pickles.

Her pie has a cherry on top...it is NOT a candle. It just goes to show that MomE should always ask and not assume she understands their art.

Emma made T to go with the pickle pie. Isn't she clever?

Enjoying Life...Poolside!

2011-06-09T08:32:00.000-07:00

I Remembered My Camera...

2011-06-07T11:45:00.000-07:00

...and the sunscreen...

POOLTIME =

2011-06-03T13:45:00.000-07:00

=lots of sunscreen...LOTS AND LOTS of sunscreen. SPF 50 sunscreen.

=lots of time at the BIG pool and our little pool. First time we've ever had a public pool pass and a good friend to tag along with...makes it almost enjoyable to be in a bathing suit in public.

= the need to clean my wedding rings more often. Sunscreen really goops up the rings ya'll. Ew!

We're going on a 'Fari...

2011-05-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

...they announced to me when they got up from naps. We read a story about kids on a SAFARI a while ago...I wondered how long it would take before they 'ventured off.

Here he is with "lion catchers"...courtesy of the library reading program. Bet they didn't know that slinkies were doubling as Safari gear this year....teehee.

Here is the fearless leader of the hunt. She has the map...that makes her the leader, ya know.

MomE cleaned up all the downed twigs and leaves from our tornado watch of yesterday. Things were pretty hairy around here last night...but we were protected. Praise the Lord. We are praying for all those across America who are picking up the pieces that remain.

Overheard...

2011-05-23T08:06:00.000-07:00

"On your mark, SET GET, go!!!"

They've been having bouncy ball contests/races all morning...and playing so very well together. This is nice...and I'm trying to notice and be thankful when they are playing well together.

Yes, the shoes are on the wrong feet...He has a 50/50 chance of getting that right...but well...he's still 3 ya know!

Emmer-bean evidently takes after MomE...who has trouble keeping her eyes open when having her picture taken...but this was SO cute with Mr. Brother peaking around her...that I had to share it anyway.

My Lefty Card Maker...

2011-05-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

Emma has been on a writing kick lately. She's even agreeing to go left to right across the page...which is an improvement. *sigh* I do NOT understand the left-handed mind!

We had the neatest talk about the difference between GrandPa and GrandMa...she's really getting it! She got confused and wrote Grandpa, Grandma, Grandma on one card...and so...when she made the next one...


She wrote...Grandpa, Grandma, Grandma...Hey, practice is practice! I'm so proud!! FYI- Don't expect the cards anytime soon ya'll...cuz she's never quite pleased with them...says they're not ready. sigh a perfectionist...now WHERE does she get THAT from!!?

ABRA-KA-DABRA!

2011-05-17T15:57:00.000-07:00

This is Lubby's new trick! Are you ready?

*Ahem*...I shall now make this tiny play soup can disappear!

TA-DAH! Didn't see that comin' didja? Yes, I'm just adorable and brilliant...keep clapping!!!

First Zoo Trip of the Spring!

2011-05-16T06:59:00.000-07:00

Adorable security picture! AWWW!

The seals were sunbathing...we rarely see them out of the water. Very neat!

MomE and Emma pretending to be FLAMINGOS!

His favorite...the RHINOS!

Her favorite...the ZEBRAS!

DadE and Emma pretending to be an ELEPHANT!

This glass had BETTER be strong. This gave MomE heart palpitations. Yes, I would take on a Cheetah to save my baby!

My Swinging Monkeys

2011-05-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

Everybody Hide...MomE's cleaning!!

2011-05-09T08:28:00.000-07:00

This is Caleb's "hiding place" when I vacuum. He's a great hider!!

"I really love to clean. It's not anything compulsive, it's just that you can see a difference when you're through. Not like raising kids or something that you're not sure how it's going to turn out for a couple of decades." ~Jill Churchill, Farewell To Yarns

"Chalk it up"...

2011-05-02T10:52:00.000-07:00

...comes from keeping score in a game on a blackboard. Metaphorically, it means that some factor has led to some sort of victory or accomplishment. Said sarcastically or derisively, it means that the thing leading to the accomplishment is unearned or to be deplored.

OR...I could just be talking about writing with chalk...everywhere...and anywhere...

...on the driveway, sidewalk, house, screenporch, face, hair, feet...argh.

Chalk it up to...the orneriness of the Sweet Boobahs.

Chalk it up for MomE's lessons on how to use a bucket of lestoil water and a rag...scrub a dub dub.

Little Princess Emma...

2011-04-29T07:37:00.000-07:00

If you're going to watch a royal wedding with your MomE....

...you really must dress as a little princess!!

Rabbit-Girl & Skunk Boy

2011-04-22T10:21:00.000-07:00

Emma got this bunny hat for Christmas and fussed if I tried to get her to wear it...all winter long. But, with the bunnies she's seen around and the cold snap we're experiencing, she decided to wear it...

...on all of our errands today. Everyone at Walmart thought she was very cute! Me too!

Lubby...was being grumpy. His orange shoes (bought many moons ago) finally fit. He likes orange...but his best friend's favorite color is green...so, he isn't sure he wants to say that he likes orange. Oui...it was a morning long discussion. I feel a tiny bit looney.

As we were packing the kids and stuff into our van...DadE said, "Here's Rabbit-Girl and Skunk-Boy!" Emma said, "Oooo, I love being Rabbit-Girl!" And Lubby said, "I don't wanna be a Skunk-Boy!" You sort of needed to hear him...cuz he said it in his "deep, gruff" little boy voice. Hilarious!!!

Calvary in my Kitchen & Cuteness

2011-04-18T13:35:00.000-07:00

We have a reminder in our kitchen this week....

I have a few new things planned...stay tuned. Matzo tomorrow...with discussions about the Passover. Should be interesting.

Emmer was delighted when I told her she could pick as many "yellow grass flowers" as she wanted. I said "grass flowers" because the yellow daffodils in the front I'd rather keep out front. I might let her pick some in a few days...to bring inside. She'll like that...

Little cute man...showing me his shooter stick...

They had a jolly good time swinging in the hammock together. She sang and he complained that her flowers smelled funny. I think dandelions have a funny smell too...but I didn't say so.

I was surprised she didn't try to pick the purple violets...but she said they weren't big and soft like the dandelions. Well, there you have it...

"See MomE...this is a great shooter stick...did you take a pitcher of it?"

Creative Frugal Funtimes...

2011-04-14T06:05:00.000-07:00

So, when traveling with Loverbrains it is important to be creative when planning fun outings in unfamiliar cities...or familiar ones... We enjoy being FRUGAL too!

Yesterday, we went to Bass Pro World and the Mall (entrance= FREE)...They had their picture taken with the Elk...the grizzly bear picture was NOT happening. Lubby was terrified.

They rode all the "monster trucks"....

They posed with the model children...they were cuter...

They rocked and watched the fish swim...they practiced their counting...FYI: it's hard to count things that swim around...

They practiced their deer hunting skills...they need practice... (BONUS: small children do not require quarters...they are too little to really play and think the demo is the real thing)

Lubby wanted to take this one home...very shnazee!!

We spun pennies in the cone spinner thingy...These are SO fun...(= 6 cents)

They played on the playground... (about 1 hour)

They made and delivered many no calorie ice cream cones to their MomE.... (~1/2 hour)

They danced to the CD tunes...60s, 70s, and 80s! Woohoo!

WAY funnier with sunglasses on...hehehe!

We got front row seats to the fish feeding event. (FREE) We had popcorn and juice (how do you spell e.x.t.o.r.t.i.o.n. = $3)...Future Note to MomE...bring your own snack and water.

The fish are fed live little minnows and worms and shrimp...They leap out of the water...It's WONDERFUL fun...unless you're a minnow, of course. Poor things...sniff, sniff!

This guy was feeding the fish...He seemed a little embarrassed by all the cheering and laughing...I don't think he thought he'd be SO popular when he applied for a job at Bass Pro World. Hehehe!

Mama's Heart: Who's counting...

2011-04-07T06:16:00.000-07:00

Do you know the old Sunday School song..."Twelve men went to spy on Canaan?" It's based on Numbers 13 and 14...

Twelve men went to spy on Canaan,

Ten were bad and two were good.

What did they see when they spied on Canaan?

Ten were bad and two were good.

Some saw the giants strong and tall

Some saw grapes in clusters fall

Some saw that God was in it all

‘Cause ten were bad and two were good.

My Sweet Boobahs love this song. With each verse you go a little bit faster....until we're all in a giggling heap. But, as I titled this post...not really thinking to give it spiritual emphasis.... other than to encourage other Mama's to teach Biblical truths via song...

It occurred to me...Who's counting...God is. Will He find me seeing the grapes or the giants? Will I be counted as one who honors God and receives His reward...or will He see my lack of trust and rebellion?

Col. 1:28-29, "Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me."

It's Grace

Blast from the Past!

2011-04-05T03:34:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa had this on their camera...and I begged for it...so here is Christmas 2008-9... It's amazing how fast they grow! *sniff, sniff*

Grands Packed...

2011-04-04T07:05:00.000-07:00

There are times that I worry about the lapses in time between Grands visits. But, between last week and this weekend...we're Grands Packed around here! The kids are loving it!!

It's been pretty warm too....So we even went out for Dairy Queen dessert...

We almost froze Grandma and Grandpa...and had to eat our ice cream in the van with the heat on...haha!

Bedtime story time was extra special!!

I might have gotten two hours of sleep at the Teen Sleepover...maybe. I took a nap...but my brain was still missing major synapse jumps on Sunday! HA! But, at least I remembered to take pictures. It's yet another time I've been thankful that I'm not a procrastinator...I had cleaned and planned meals ahead...so it required minimal brain work later.

Jess...last on the camera...

2011-03-31T04:18:00.000-07:00

Now that we're home again, home again jiggity jig...I was cleaning off the brains of my camera...and realized I hadn't shared some funtimes from our visit...

We saw ~~Uncle~~ Aunt Jess...my brother's girlfriend. The kid's called her Uncle Jess for a while...and it was funny...until we got to think about it...and since Jess can sound like a male name and we didn't want to call her Jessica...we thought it best to NOT have them saying..."We saw Uncle Dave and Uncle Jess..." So, hence the change! On a whim we decided to paint our nails. It was fun...and nice hot pink. I even left it on for a full day...which has to be some kind of record. My brother even helped us out by blow drying them for faster drying and hardness! Pretty funny!

Jess is busy with school (She's an El. Ed major...very perfect choice for her)...She had to go home and she and Emma played a game of tickle torture. She'd say, "Give me a hug"...and Emma would say "No!"...and she'd tickle, tickle, tickle her...and then hold her arms out for a hug...

"Give me a hug"...."No!"...It was so cute! She did hug her goodbye when she realized she was really leaving.

We love DadE...

2011-03-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

I don't think these two look anything alike! HAHAHA...sense the sarcasm!? For those wondering about the sock...DadE is home safely from his latest adventures and was tickling toes...hence the removed sock!

Emma was pleased with her one present...a tiny Eiffel Tower keychain...from DadE's jaunt to Paris!

Isn't it cute!?

Reading With Grandpa...

2011-03-26T16:16:00.000-07:00

Park & Ride...

2011-03-23T07:39:00.000-07:00

Otherwise known as snack time...

Morning Snuggler Buddies

2011-03-22T04:23:00.000-07:00

Modern Airport Art?

2011-03-21T04:38:00.000-07:00

...the kids think these are jellyfish floating above the Indy airport terminal. They do have the little legs dangling...I get it...Okay, maybe not.

There were only two planes up close....

...Emmer was bummed out. She did see one pretty blue and red plane though.

Three Year-Olds...

2011-03-20T08:18:00.000-07:00

Sickness Spreads...

2011-03-14T08:37:00.000-07:00

Well, Lubby continues to bark with his pneumonia. He seems to have a bit more energy today.

Emmer-bean has pink eye...and is loving her eye drops...NOT!

MomE has a cold that DadE shared with her. Thanks a whole heaping lot. I may have been slightly obstinate about my opinion that he had allergies and not a cold. When I caught his cold, he was happy to point out that...He was right! Thanks.

This is all happening on a VERY busy week for me. God has cleared two days off that busy week so far. I'm trying to keep a good attitude about it all. He knows what he has planned for me to do...

I'm going whole hog for the bad-mom award today though...It's movie day...one right after the other...MomE is beat...pass the Kleenex and the Vick, please! *sniffity-snork

She gets THAT from her DadE!

2011-03-10T01:00:00.000-08:00

Emma wanted oyster crackers for breakfast....

...and practiced her mad math skills on the checkerboard tablecloth. Yeah...she might LOOK just like me....but the interest in MATH comes from her DadE....

....definitely!