coopd-up

Crutchy McGimpsalot

2010-09-13T15:00:00.002-05:00

This is Daddy's new reality.

He broke his kneecap while ... uh ... fighting off ninjas in the work parking lot. It'll take about another four weeks to heal. Until then, he's all crutches and limping.

Here's what he sees when he looks to the east.

And here's the south.

And the west. (Luke is always on guard.)

But, it's not all laying on the couch. He's catching up on reading.

And he's still a party animal.

And still plays tackle football. (Wait ... what?)

Open Mic Night!

2010-09-12T11:20:00.008-05:00

One of our favorite hangouts, a coffee shop/art gallery in town called A Place to Land, has an Open Mic Night every couple of weeks. We like to watch our buddy Chris Daugherty, a local musician, play some Bob Dylan and (mostly) folk rock.

Usually, Chris lets us try some of his instruments ...

... and then we strut our stuff. Sometimes it's just us, and sometimes there's a big crowd.

And sometimes Chris joins us on an accompanying instrument (and vice versa).

And here's some video ...

Here's Will playing Neil Young's "Comes a Time."

Isabelle got a trumpet this summer and practiced every day ... to the point of memorization. She made her public debut at Open Mic Night.

And here's both of them joining Chris for one of Mom's favorite songs, Bob Dylan's "Mama Rock Me." (Check out Will's harmonica solo.)

Smart Aleck

2010-06-19T15:07:00.003-05:00

We had some lemon slices left over from a house party last night, and Izzy put one in her water. After she drank it, she found a lemon seed and asked where in the yard she could plant it.

Mom: Lemon trees won't grow here, honey.

Izzy: Yes, they do!

Mom: How many lemon farms have you seen in this area?

Izzy: (thinks) Three.

*walks away before Mom can respond - the little punk*

Rockin' out

2010-04-16T20:00:00.001-05:00

Those of you who know Bubba also know he rarely goes anywhere without his guitar (which this presidential history buff recently nicknamed "Old Hickory").

Well, his constant (and we mean constant) axe-slinging introduced some wear and tear ... and broken strings. So our friend Ms. Jaime took it home to her husband, who not only added three new strings but also tuned it. (Ms. Jaime's husband is also involved in archeology. This makes him a guitar-playing archeologist ... and Bubba's new hero.)

To celebrate, Bubba and Mom wrote their first song together. (The lyrics are based on a good deed they did a few weeks ago for a worker at Teacher's Aide, where we get homeschooling supplies. Yes, it's a true story.)

Bad Day

Bad Day started out like any other

It all began with a call from my mother

Headed to work at Teacher's Aide to answer calls

Set up a new display, and it took a big fall

[CHORUS]

It's a great day for a root beer float

Wish I could have a root beer float

I'd also like to go pet a goat

And enjoy my day with a root beer float

A couple of customers walked in the door

Tracked mud all over the nice, clean floor

Looked through a lot of books and didn't put them back

I guess today was a good day to wear black

[CHORUS]

Time to check out for a mom and son

Boy chose pencils to smell. What has he done?

The "smencils" he chose are my three favorite kinds

I knew it was getting close to lunch time

I told him how hungry he was making me

What came next? Thought I'd never see

[CHORUS]

Ten minutes past when he walked back in

Carrying a straw and cup

I couldn't believe my eyes

And had to look up

Root beer float helped my Bad Day to be gone

Until the next one comes at the crack of dawn

Spec-tacular

2010-04-15T20:17:00.001-05:00

B-Man's eyesight test at school this year showed he's a little farsighted. So he became the first kid in the family to get glasses. He was excited because he gets to wear specs like his friend, Presten.

Keep in mind, this is the same kid who remembers to bring his lunch bag (and its velcro snack/sandwich bags, ahem, homemade by Mom) home every other day ... at best. We'll see how it goes.

Let's hope the other kids have Dad's eyesight.

More April Fools!

2010-04-13T22:07:00.003-05:00

Mom treated the kids to one more April Fool's joke the morning of April 1. Here's how to do it:

1. Gather a group of unsuspecting children for their morning cereal.

2. Secretly put blue food coloring in the bottom of the bowl.

3. Tell the children they're seeing things.

Izzy wasn't sure what to make of this.

But Gabs was more adventurous.

April Fools!

2010-04-06T22:39:00.006-05:00

Some of you might remember last year's April Fool's prank meal. Mom topped herself this year.

Some angel food cake and frosting, toasted to look like grilled cheese sandwiches.

A "dessert pie" made of hamburger and mashed potatoes.

And juice made of hardened Jell-O. (This year, we topped it with a layer of actual juice to throw them off.)

The kids were a little more "aware" this year, but the anticipation kinda added to the fun. (NOTE: Sorry, but Daddy forgot to charge the video camera to get their reactions "live." Photos will have to do this year.)

B-Man had no complaints about the lack of cheese ...

... while Izzy enjoyed her meat pie.

And Will fell for the Jell-O/juice AGAIN.

Overall, another successful April Fool's meal.

P.S. Mom added to the fun by packing some "wormy apples" in their lunch bags. Oh, we have fun at our house.

P.P.S. Mom and Grammy got together and sprung this nasty surprise on them that morning.

Daddy wishes he could've caught the look on Izzy's face. "But ... what if we have plans?!?"

We Had Joy, We Had Fun

2010-03-09T23:54:00.002-06:00

Sometimes, on a cold day, you just need a little sunshine. And a warm buddy to snuggle up to.

One Man's Trash ...

2010-03-07T23:27:00.000-06:00

Izzy's fourth-grade class assignment: Make a car/vehicle out of recycled materials. All you need is a big bin of recyclables (and make sure you catch Dad before he takes them to the big bin outside) ...

... an imaginative (and handy) brother ...

... a mom to supervise ...

... four cans, and a box.

Not bad, eh?

A Drama in One Act

2010-03-06T12:16:00.001-06:00

"You must pay the rent."

"But I can't pay the rent!"

"You must pay the rent."

"But I can't pay the rent!"

"I'll pay the rent!"

"My hero!"

"Curses! Foiled again!"

Not Again!

2010-03-05T23:07:00.004-06:00

Yep, again.

The garage flooded with the spring thaw, so Daddy has been parking his car on the street. That's all well and good ... until some townie decides not to scrape the frost off his windshield before driving into the sun.

Three months ago, Daddy hit a deer. That meant the front side had to be rebuilt. Now the back side will need work.

On the positive side - it's like getting a new car.

Five years

2010-02-26T15:31:00.005-06:00

It's been five years this month since our family grew from three to six. Coming from a family of four, I never thought I'd want a family so big - and children so close together in age. (Callie always wanted a brood - the number "10" was bandied about before we got married, and I pretended not to hear it.)

When we got the kids, I heard from a lot of close friends who congratulated me but said we were crazy for taking on this kind of load, this kind of commitment. I was a nervous wreck when we told the kids' worker, a family friend, that we'd take them in. Here's what I knew was at stake:

Free time
Weekends
Money
Sanity

I lost them all, of course. Every parent does. But here is a little of what I gained:

A four-part chorus of laughter, several times a day.
Excited screams when I get home from work.
Birthday gift conspirators.
Old haunts rediscovered.
Waking up to four children existing in perfect harmony (most of the time).
Soccer games and concerts.
Existence of a just and benevolent God.
A chance to be young again, and for days at a time.

If I had known all the work I'd put into parenting these children, I might not have wanted to do it. And I would've missed out.

Michael Caine was in a movie a couple of years ago - The Weather Man - and said a line that blindsided me. I've tried to live my life by it ever since. Goes like this:

The hard thing to do and the right thing to do are usually the same thing.

Exactly.

New Furniture!

2010-02-01T13:32:00.004-06:00

Thanks to a generous donation (i.e., a Christmas gift card from Grammy and Opa), we were able to replace our sunken, wearing, out-of-place blue couch and and chair and get a four-piece furniture set for the living room. It made our living room a little bit smaller, but we like it a lot.

Gabi and "Nini" think it's a pretty comfy place from which to play LEGO Star Wars.

Oh, and Tucker likes it, too.

Catchphrases (explained)

2010-01-25T21:40:00.005-06:00

From the mouths of babes ...

Every house has its catchphrases - little things that, once said, catch on and find their way into conversations for years afterward and become in-jokes. With four kids, we have quite a few. Here are some of our favorites.

"Hello, ladies - I'm riding with you!" (Will)

This one stemmed from a 2007 trip to visit our family in Cleveland. They took us tubing on their speedboat, and Will couldn't wait to ride with cousin Lauren and her friend. When it was his turn, that was his excited introduction to the girls on the tube. We expect to hear it again when he's a teenager.

"M-m-m-m-my money!" (Brandon)

B-Man is a money hound, and he has been since he could walk. (He recently took his wallet to first grade recess to show off his "gangsta roll.") At age 2, there's nothing he treasured more than his wallet, with about two dollars in change in collected. So, of course, one of Mom and Dad's favorite punishments was taking said wallet away. The threat was often followed by that exclamation, (st)uttered in disbelief and frustration.

"Then why don't you marry it?" (Gabi)

When Gabi was, ahem, FOUR years old (way before she was able to learn it from kindergarten), she and Daddy had a conversation about dessert. Daddy stated his love for ice cream. Gabi retorted with that bon mot. The funniest thing was the way she said it - under her breath, as an almost-embarrassed aside.

"AND, Daddy ..." (Isabelle)

Before Izzy could write, we would dictate her love notes to Mommy and Daddy. Daddy's tended to go on for awhile. "AND, Daddy, I love it when you take me swimming. AND, Daddy, I like our bike rides. AND, Daddy ..."

Know-It-All

2010-01-25T21:38:00.003-06:00

Will: "Girls know everything."

Isabelle: "Yeah, I know."

Back to Kindergarten???

2010-01-18T07:13:00.008-06:00

As many of you know, we've been homeschooling Will while he does his neuro exercise program and therapy. But he has fond memories of kindergarten AND his awesome teacher, Mrs. Odeen. He loves to visit her, and last week, she asked him to return to his alma mater to read to the classroom.

He chose to read "Doctor Maisy" (one of Gabi's favorites) and "Just Mommy and Me."

He was nervous at first, but the kids were all really attentive and asked questions. The teacher's aide turned to Callie and said, "how old is he?" When Mom responded that he was 9, she said, "Wow, he seems so much older!"

He has his days, that's for sure. Fortunately, this was one of them. :)

Ally: Unplugged

2010-01-09T07:31:00.002-06:00

Check out this face.

O2 levels are A-OK, and she's up to 6 pounds, 8 ounces. No more oxygen tubes. The doctor reminds us she's still a preemie and should still be homebound, but it won't be long until Cousin Ally gets to venture out into the world.

Yaaaaaaay!

Hangin' with T-Biscuit

2010-01-03T22:26:00.004-06:00

Grandma and Grandpa spoiled us rotten again this year, but one of the coolest gifts was an overnight stay at a hotel which, of course, had a pool. This means Mom and Dad didn't sleep much.

It also gave us a chance to catch up with cousin T-Biscuit. He's getting pretty big.

But not so big that he can't sit on our laps.

Or get carried around.

Or pushed around in a box.

But not big enough to fix our new DS. So we'll let Dad do that.

A Playmobil Christmas

2010-01-03T22:05:00.008-06:00

We spent Christmas Day with Grammy and Opa. They claimed they needed help setting up their tree, but they had a little surprise for us in the basement.

Wait a minute - the tree is up. But what are these four lumps wrapped in red blankets?

It appears there's one for everyone. Spread out and, on the count of three, "unwrap."

Playmobil sets for all - each one selected to match the things we love! Will loves reading and learning about ancient Egypt, so he got a pyramid.

A hospital set for Gabi, who wants to be a doctor, a nurse or a dental hygienist (depending on the day).

A airport terminal for B-Man, who loves that stuff.

And a circus set for Izzy, who's just a clown.

Thanks, Grammy and Opa! (And Mom, who spent eight hours one day helping Grammy and Opa set up these sets in the basement. Playmobil takes commitment, apparently.)

Home for (part of) the holidays

2010-01-03T21:56:00.004-06:00

We spent Christmas Eve at home - which was good, because the weather outside was frightful (or the meteorologists threatened it would be). We exchanged gifts from each other that day, including some cool stuff the kids made in art class ...

... two Nintendo DS's for the kids (even though Mom and Dad opened them a few weeks early - you know, to "make sure they work") and various other good stuff. Santa left a few great gifts on Christmas Day - bikes for Gabi and Brandon, a telescope for Izzy, and a microscope for Will.

Merry Christmas, boys! Uh ... boys? Boys!

Ah, there's that Christmas cheer.

Cousin Ally

2010-01-03T21:49:00.003-06:00

We heart her. Take a look - really, could you blame us?

Allysa was born Dec. 4 - way, way later than she wanted to. She started "arriving" early - in mid-October. Aunt Krissy had to work hard to keep her in for 10 weeks. Fortunately, she arrived safe. Her oxygen levels were a little low, but they're leveling out and - hopefully - those tubes will come out soon.

Meanwhile, she's the mellowest baby we've ever met. So why was she in such a hurry?

Cousin T-bone likes her, too. But we're more willing to spoil her rotten.

Talk of romance

2009-12-11T11:25:00.003-06:00

The kids sat down to dinner last night, and the conversation turned to marriage.

Gabi: I'm going to marry Hayden, and we're going to kiss on the lips!

Dad: I'll do everything in my power to prevent that from happening.

Gabi: And then we're going to lay down in the grass ...

(This is where Dad tensed up.)

Gabi: ... and watch the clouds!

(Whew! Crisis averted ... right?)

Little Will: You'd better not take off your bra!

(He got a timeout for that one.)

Caulk Fight!

2009-12-08T11:04:00.003-06:00

There's a half-inch of snow on the ground, so of course the local school called it a snow day.

Mom took all the kids to Theisen's, one of their favorite stores (free popcorn!), for painting supplies. The boys found caulk guns and proceeded with a conversation that included these gems:

"No, that's my caulk!"

"This is my caulk; that's your caulk. Leave my caulk alone!"

"Don't touch my caulk!"

This went on--OUT LOUD--for longer than three minutes.

We've never had seats this close before ...

2009-12-05T20:32:00.003-06:00

... and assuming the Hawkeye men's team shapes up and attracts crowds once more, we doubt it'll happen again. At least, we hope not.

Brandon and Dad spent Saturday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, watching the men's team (currently 3-5) beat Prairie View A&M.

We started in row 33. By halftime, we moved to row 10, then row 3. Here was our view by the fourth quarter:

After the game, we congratulated the Hawks on their win.

Brandon even stepped foot on the boards. He wants to play there one day.

We're thankful the Hawks won, but their current record worked out for us. Best seats in the house.

Intensity in Tent City!

2009-12-05T19:23:00.006-06:00

Four-day weekends sound good, but they can get tiresome ... unless you have our imagination. And parents willing to put up with the mess.

Thanksgiving weekend was chilly, so we had extra blankets lying around. That gave us the idea to make tents throughout the house. And yep, they stayed up through the whole weekend. And we got to sleep in them!

The planning sessions were pretty intense ...

The raw materials plentiful ...

We had to work together, obviously.

It was hard work, but we had fun along the way.

You have to find strong materials as "mortar." That's why clothespins are a lifesaver.

Brandon was the self-appointed Keeper of Clothespins.

The contents of any efficient tent: food, drink, and firearms made of Legos. You know, for hunting.

And finally, the finished products. The "girls' tent" ...

The "boys' tent" ...

Then, the last night, Mom helped out and made a Super Ultra Mega Tent for all four kids. It took up the whole den.

Who said you need TV to have fun?

Summer flashback: Hardacre Film Festival

2009-11-28T11:01:00.007-06:00

Mom and Dad ran the film festival at our hometown theater this summer. It took about eight months to plan and execute ... and took up most of their free time. But it was all worth it when they got a crowd like this.

At 12 years, it's Iowa's longest-running film festival. Dad has been a volunteer for the past five years, but this was his debut as Festival Director.

After the festival, we had a wrap party at the brand-new coffee shop, A Place to Land. (We love that place.)

Summer flashback: Hoppin' fun

2009-11-28T10:23:00.004-06:00

Uncle Adam graduated from college this summer, and we found a family of toads at his grad party.

We were braver than some of the adults. Especially since they told us we'd get warts from touching them.

No warts yet. We'll keep you updated.

Summer flashback: Easy-E

2009-11-28T10:05:00.004-06:00

Uncle Brian and Aunt Jenny - mostly Aunt Jenny - gave us another nephew/cousin this past August. His name is Ethan James.

Mom and Dad kinda like him.

We look forward to spoiling him rotten, like with this cool shirt Mom got from Etsy.

We could give you a million excuses ...

2009-11-28T09:41:00.005-06:00

... like our new puppy ...

... or the film festival Mom and Dad organized ...

... or building a new deck onto the house ...

... or all the birthday parties to plan.

But the truth is, we just haven't made time to update the blog this summer/fall. Hopefully, that changes today. We hope you enjoy our updates.

Medical Terminology

2009-05-22T18:16:00.003-05:00

Diar-ebes

Brandon was playing snake wrangler. He had the snake cornered, behind the treadmill and the baby cradle.

This snake was no match for Wrangler B-Man.

After viewing his capture through the Kaliedescope, he proclamied:
"That snake has DIAREBES"

"What?"

"He has DIAREBES...I mean Diabetes."

A diabetic snake with diarrhea?
What has the world come to??

Computer

2009-05-14T10:11:00.004-05:00

We only have ONE computer in our house. I know, ONE! Hard to believe.
Well there is ONE person who frequents the computer quite often. And there are little munchkins that love to play computer as well, but they have to use the computer when not in use (usually between 2-6 AM). They beg, they barter, they plead...and sometimes they get their way.
When I finally gifted a certain 5 year old, she couldn't get to the computer fast enough. She knows what to do: The games to find! How to log in to BrainPop Jr. She likes Safari browser, I prefer Firefox. You know...the basics! Stuff I knew when I was 5- I am sure!
So she was given her time, and about 10 minutes later: "SNACK TIME" was announced. She arrived promptly at the table. (My girl loves food!)
I saw my opportunity, after passing out snack--to just check my email real quick...
I snuck out of the kitchen, and as I sat down at the desk, I heard from the kitchen:
"MOM...Don't get on THAT computer!!!"

Not a threat

2009-05-12T07:20:00.000-05:00

We were out shopping for a new pair of flip flops for Gabi, since her new ones this season, have already broken. Will asked if he could get a new pair of flip flops, but I reminded him that he already had a pair--on his feet--that were new(ish). "But" I said and now regret, "I was going to look for a new pair of "crocs" for you, since your other ones have a hole in the bottom of them." He instantly lights up, and starts scanning the aisles. I start scanning too, wondering WHY I spoke before I checked out the selection.
They only had 1 type of croc and it was Spiderman
(HOUSE RULE #1,287, No Character Shoes). "Mom, I can just have these..." "What is our rule buddy?" ~Groans~ "But mom, I NEED new crocs, and I can just have these!!" "Will, I will look at the other stores later this week, but I am not buying those crocs!" "Well, can we go to Wal Mart when we get home, and if they don't have them, then can we go to grandma's Wal-Mart?" **THIS is why I shouldn't have said ANYTHING!**I now remember**

"Um, no, we will not be able to go to our Wal-Mart, or grandma's Wal-Mart...not today."
"But MOM I NEED new crocs, maybe we could just go there really quick, we will run in, it will take us 3 minutes, and then we will get the shoes!"
"Well, not today buddy"
"BUT MOM, we NEED to."
****Remember that I brought this on myself, I opened my mouth to suggest that he is getting something new, without checking out the situation******

"Will, it is not going to work for us today! But I will keep looking for crocs for you. Now, you need to let it go. Is this going to be a problem?
Is this ALL I am going to hear about for the rest of the day??"

"NO! Not if you let me get the shoes."

(That sounded kinda like a threat).

A cold one.

2009-05-07T07:58:00.003-05:00

One morning as we were running late, a certain child was throwing a HUGE fit over a toy, and I was trying to finish up breakfast for the three others, Isa said, "Mom, can I have a drink?"

Brandon pipes up, "Yeah, I am thirsty, too!"

Me:"You know, I am thirsty, TOO. I could go for something nice and cold, too--maybe over ice! That sounds good RIGHT now!"

I turn to deal with the other child, who is still upset and throwing a fit. When I turn back around, Brandon is getting into the freezer, and Isa is pouring me cold water from a pitcher.

"WHAT are you guys doing??" I had pretty much forgotten what I had requested earlier.

"Getting you something cold, with ICE!"

Subtle Sweetheart

2009-05-06T07:38:00.005-05:00

Gabi was coloring and coloring, and wouldn't let me see.
GABI: Mom, I am just coloring a picture for daddy's birthday (in September)!

MOM: Oh, that is sweet!

GABI: How do you spell "Mother's Day"?

Sasser-Frasser

2009-04-09T20:41:00.012-05:00

11/19/95-4/9/09

Your story with our family started 10 1/2 years ago.

You were a gift to my husband-to-be. We had talked about getting a dog, and so I searched. I found you at the Humane Society in Muscatine. (Grammy was along, to see Daddy's reaction!) Three barks in my direction was all it took. You were ours.

I'm not getting down off this futon. Sit somewhere else.

Daddy was not quite thrilled the first time he saw you, sitting in my parents' living room. Here's how it went:

Daddy: What is that?
Mommy: It's a dog!
Daddy: I know it's a dog. Whose dog is it?
Mommy: It's your dog!
Daddy: ... No, it's not.

But you worked him over well. And since then, you have been the other woman in his life, and I have been fine with that.

You were such a loyal, SMART, sassy, funny, pushy, caring, stubborn dog, with a unique personality. And you were OURS--you made our family.

People always fell in love with you. If you wanted attention, you would walk up and flick an empty hand. If you wanted water or food, you would flip your food bowl until someone finally responded. If we started running a bath or even mentioned the word, you would hide. You would knock over the garbage can, and Tucker usually got the blame. You would drool for grapefruit. Only perform tricks for a treat.

Chase the cat. Let Tucker take your bed away in the middle of the night. Unmake Isabelle's bed during the day and lay in it. You knew if we were going on vacation or leaving the house without you. You loved to go on car rides, and stick your head all the way out the window.

Sweet Sassy.

Not a name I would have chosen, but a dog that I wouldn't have traded for the world.

Rest in peace, sweet girl. You've got a lot of love to spread around up there, and a lot of hands waiting to pet you.

Sibling Love

2009-04-09T09:03:00.004-05:00

I could label about 1,000 posts with the words "Sibling Rivalry." So, I thought I would post a couple photos of Sibling Love! Please note that these photos were on two separate occasions!

In the photo above, the kids had earned popsicles because they worked together to pick up! Then Will offered to read to Gabi! AAAWWW....

Granted, this photo was taken at a birthday party (for Grandpa Valet) at Pizza Ranch, and they are probably euphoric on twist ice cream and dessert pizza. But the photo was captured nonetheless.

These two have come a long way in their relationship, and I think it will only get better. This fall will be a hard test when Gabi is off to kindergarten. We just might capture more moments like this one! :)

Foolin' around

2009-04-01T20:06:00.006-05:00

Last year, it was the sushi made of Fruit Roll-Ups, Rice Krispie bars and candy. This year, it was fish sticks and cupcakes. But which was dessert and which was the meal?

April Fool's!

Mom found a recipe for a fun April Fool's meal at FamilyFun.com. It consisted of:

Meatloaf cupcakes (with dyed mashed potato "frosting") ...

... "fish sticks" made of wafer cookies, peanut butter and corn flakes, along with "peas and carrots" made of Runts lime candy and orange Tootsie Rolls (cut up) ...

... "mashed potatoes" made of vanilla ice cream and "gravy" made of butterscotch topping ...

... and "juice" (actually, Jell-O).

Here's how we made it ... and the kids' reaction.

We started April Fool's Day early by switching the kids around while they slept, putting them in each other's rooms. It would've worked had Gabi not woken up. ("Mom, I want MY bed!")

You're never safe if you live at our house.

Birthday flashback

2009-03-28T09:41:00.005-05:00

We'd like to tell Mom HAPPY 33rd BIRTHDAY today!

She got some cool presents and an evening out without the kids. We had lots of fun ... almost as much fun as her casino-themed 30th birthday a few years ago.

Here's a birthday flashback to that time long ago, a more innocent time full of wonder and hope ... and slot machines. (And watch the first words out of Mom's mouth that were directed toward Dad: "Did you VACUUM?!?")

This year, Mom got this cool sign promoting Family Tyes, her tie-dye business. We'd like to say we painted it, but all the credit goes to Chris Boeve of Artworks here in Tipton. She did a great job.

Happy birthday, Mama Jama!

Round 3

2009-02-04T08:27:00.007-06:00

Here we are! The happiest family on earth, at the happiest place on Earth!

Again we all had an amazing time! I have had a hard time trying to readjust to "normal" life! I will cry if you mention the words Walt, or Disney, or even World for that matter! So tread lightly!

But alas there are memories, and here are some that we would like to share!

Characters were EVERYWHERE this year!

Here are the children with Wendy and Peter Pan, right after we took a fantastic Fireworks Cruise! We got to enjoy the Wishes fireworks at Magic Kingdom on Mr.Smee's boat with Wendy. Captain Hooks boat had Peter Pan, and when the fireworks were all done, we got to meet Peter! We also played games with Wendy on our boat, and received a sword, pirate necklace, a message in a bottle, and a hook!

We had a great night! It all ended perfectly with not being able to get back to our hotel! SO the hunt was on for a bus....we eventually made it, maybe an hour of so later...but a memory nonetheless, especially with the super helpful employee at the Contemporary Resort!

The children getting to meet Captain Hook and Mr. Smee!

Pluto!

Mickey and Minnie Mouse! The children LOVED their mouse ears that they received as part of a gift basket from Uncle Chuck and Auntie Barb! The ears have their names embroidered on the back!

This was earlier in the day when we happened upon Wendy. The children got to have fun telling jokes with her, since there were not many other kids around! The kids told Wendy that they thought Captain Hook smelled like a cookie, and Wendy thought it was more like a Codfish...They all had a good time!

Okay, I need to go wipe my eyes, and continue with my W.D.W. Depression.
Send help!

Round 2

2009-01-24T23:29:00.004-06:00

Official Mickey endorsement! Mickey loved the shirts,
and HAD to have his picture taken with me!

Adam, Kristyn, and T bone at the Magic Kingdom.
It really is Magic!

Daddy and the Kiddos at Tom Sawyer Island in the Magic Kingdom! We had never been here before, and the kids loved running an exploring! There were some cool caves to go through too!

The kids loved meeting the different characters from the movies!
Here we have Jasmine, Aladdin, and Genie with the kids!

Happy kids, my favorite!

Round 1

2009-01-24T23:15:00.004-06:00

We did it!
We made it to Disney World, and back!
Now we are working on getting all the photos on the computer, and ready to be displayed!

Below, we are on the bus with Grammy and Opa, getting ready for our exciting day!

Our first plane ride! We all loved it, and soon forgot that we were even on the plane.

MORE pictures to come!
Stay tuned!

M.I.C....

2009-01-04T20:40:00.004-06:00

M.I.C.

K.E.Y.

M.O.U.

S.E.

We are off to the most magical place on earth!
And as much excitement comes with traveling with children, Gabi started vomiting today!
Mommy and daddy had fevers yesterday.
So we are off to Orlando, with all of our (barf) bags in hand!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T09:05:00.007-06:00

We wish you a Merry Christmas!
May you have wonderful memories,
with your loved ones!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

A Christmas story

2008-12-20T09:49:00.004-06:00

Brandon with a bunny at the tree farm~age 6.

So this morning Brandon came into the kitchen and said,
"Hey Dad, you wanna hear a song I learned?"
"Okay," says Dad.
"Jingle Bells, Batman smells, Joker laid an egg, the Batmobile lost a wheel and the Joker got away."
Dad said: "Yep, I know that song."
B: "How did you know that song?"
Dad: "I used to sing it when I was a kid."
B: "YOU had Christmas when you were little?"

That was the end of that conversation.

Grandpa Joe, Grandma Josephine, Grandpa George, and Grandma Georginia

2008-12-18T09:58:00.001-06:00

Here is how we found the children on Sunday morning!
It brought back some memories of good ol' Willy Wonka!

Winter Weather Reminder

2008-12-16T11:14:00.006-06:00

We interrupt your regular, non-weather-related blog to bring you this important WINTER WEATHER ANNOUNCEMENT:

Reminder: When you see ice on metal objects, it is NOT - we repeat,
NOT - a good idea to lick it.
You will stick to it!

Now, if you are 5 and have not yet seen "A Christmas Story," then appropriate mothering actions can ensue.

But if your very intuitive mother had given you a verbal warning 2 weeks prior, then you will not receive the proper showering of empathy.

ADDITIONAL WEATHER ANNOUNCEMENT:
If you could avoid doing this in a public place, then said mother might be able to show a little empathy. But if for some unknown reason you are compelled to lick the cart return racks in the WAL-MART parking lot, then you will be quickly removed from the scene, and given proper attention at home, with a photo, and blog post.

This has been a Winter Weather Friendly Reminder.

Reality

2008-12-15T21:38:00.006-06:00

I received many compliments on the photos that I had shot out at the tree farm. But the reality is, that you get to see the best ones...until now!

Here is about the 253 picture of these two adorable sisters...

You can see the frustration on Isabelle's face.

Let's throw some brothers into the mixture:

Nope: everyone is saying "No" or something like that.

Keep they eyes open...we're almost done here kids!

OKAY, I think we are getting close, just a couple more!

Uh, Gabi, we are not quite done yet!

So there you have it, the reality is that EVENTUALLY the odds will fall in our favor to get a good picture, just depends if we can get it before Gabi changes her mind.

O Christmas Tree...

2008-12-14T12:34:00.007-06:00

The time had come once again to make our trip out to the tree farm...and it was COLD!
So we were pretty quick with the selection...and the kids had no problems enjoying themselves!

Decorating the tree was promptly started 3 days later,
and finished by the 5th day!

This ornament is one that I made in preschool.

Love the hand painted ornaments that FILL our tree!
We have several that were created by my grandmother, and Will's mother.

Take a look at last years trip to the farm!
http://coopd-up.blogspot.com/2007/12/o-christmas-tree.html

Gingerbread houses!

2008-12-06T17:50:00.011-06:00

Well, actually we made them out of graham crackers. Mom decided to keep her sanity and not spend hours making the raw materials. The building/decorating was strenuous enough.

We got all kinds of candy from the store for decoration. We're talkin' ALL kinds. M&Ms, Nerds, wafer cookies, peppermints, butterscotch, Gummi Bears, soft mints - you name it, we probably used it.

Mom made the "glue" out of eggs and powdered sugar. Raw eggs, so we couldn't eat it. Too bad - it looked (and smelled) like frosting.

Mom assembled the houses. Then ... decorate away!

Daddy shingled his roof with Nerds. (Insert joke here.)

Gabi color-coordinated her roof with M&Ms all by herself. Seriously.

We're displaying the finished products on our mantel - out of dogs' reach. Not bad, eh?

5

2008-11-26T09:21:00.008-06:00

We have a 5 year old girl in our house as of this morning!
She said yesterday:
G: Mom, when I wake up in the morning will I be 5?
Mom: YES! You will be 5!
G: (thinking, then to self) OH, right, I will still have blond hair!

Here is a look back at all the wonderful things that Gabi did this past year!

She can keep up with the fastest of the boys on the soccer field!

She knows how to put on her best smile!

This girl can really pull together an outfit!

She can feed goats!

Ride the wildest of animals!

Clean her plate.

Act her age.

Pose for the camera.

Look angelic.

Eat a Chicago-dog!

Enjoy some blue ice cream.

Can handle her drinks!

Walk and enjoy the scenery at Navy Pier.
(sidenote: this photo was taken right after Gabi shoved her head through the protective-metal-guardrail...
note red ear!)

Enjoy fine delicacies like Hagen Daas Ice Cream ($$$$).

Wear fine jewelery, unless they contain bugs.

Chill with a sista.

Be the life of a party.

Show a pinata a hard time.

Be herself!

Hold strong to her flower girl responsibilities, and eat cake!

Get some ink, to match her dad.

What an amazing gift-challenge-joy-love she has put into our lives!
Happy Happy Birthday, Gabberjaw!

*HAPPY HALLOWEEN*****

2008-11-25T10:01:00.000-06:00

I heard recently that we did not post our Halloween costumes, a certain birthday girl mentioned it, and since it is her birthday, I will make the effort!

Here are the kiddos, there are 2 extras in the back, don't mind them, we just rented them!
(BACK: John the vampire, Lila the witch, Isa as Native American, Will as N.American)
(FRONT: B as M&M, Gabi the Hawkeye Cheerleader)

The kids with their personally created Jack-o-laterns.

Tucker even got into the spirit with a costume. He went as a dog who had major surgery just 2 days prior. He really played the part well!

Daddy went solo to an annual Halloween Bash, that is too terrifying for our children to even mention! After chipping a nail, and his updo wouldn't hold, he dropped the Sarah Palin, and went for a tourist look!

~Birthday Girl~

2008-11-25T09:38:00.004-06:00

Today is our Grammy's birthday!

We love her because:
She is nice,
fun,
smart,
a snack giver,
beautiful (inside and out),
generous,
has a t.v. with cable,
has a contagious smile,
loves our Opa,
AND
because she raised our daddy,
and we think she did a great job!

HAVE A HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRAMMY!!!!
WE LOVE YOU!

Extreme Makeover: Spoiled Rotten Edition

2008-11-23T12:47:00.003-06:00

This is what happens at our house when you go away to Grandma's for the weekend - you come home to a completely refurbished room.

Mom and Dad (and, to some messy extent, Gabi's siblings) transformed Gabi's room from drab tan to Pepto-Bismol pink and added a few other touches with spray paint and stamping. Her brown dresser was painted white with silver handles, and we added a silver toy chest and some holiday lighting mixed with tool. Mom made her some new pillows. And Hobby Lobby supplied the rest.

The result: her "princess room."

Gabi's siblings hid in her room to surprise her when she came home from her weekend away. Here's how it went (Dad highlighted his favorite lines with subtitles).

When RAGBRAI came to town

2008-10-16T21:48:00.005-05:00

We had the great statewide bike ride RAGBRAI stop in town this summer for one night, the last night of the trip. More than 20,000 people descended on Tipton that night - eight of them at our house (Will's coworker Mike and his group, Team Xtreme).

We live in the center of town, which was The Place to Be in Tipton that night (and, we'd argue, every night). They set up a stage, a beer garden and a big place to party ... and closed off the highway to traffic in front of our house.

But before Mom and Dad shuffled the kids off to their overnight sitters (hey, we HAD to party that night), they got to participate in RAGBRAI ... if only for a few blocks. And Daddy's friends Tommy and Andrew got some photos. More of their photos can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tiptonragbrai/)

If Gabi knew was gelato was, she'd regret passing this coffee shop.

Unwitting riding advertisement for Mom's tie-dye tent (a half-block away).

Mostly, we went in circles.

Daddy had fun, too. But more fun that night. Not that he remembers.

Daddy shows off his biking form.

Here's what the kids missed out on. Mom and Dad are down there somewhere.

hey...

2008-10-03T13:12:00.005-05:00

Just wanted to stop by today to say that we are back from our monthlong European tour!

So ... now I can get back to blogging. Sorry for the delay!

Oh, wait - we didn't go to Europe. I have no other excuses for why I have not blogged!

Well, I do have FOUR excuses, but they are actually the reason that I NEED to blog! :)

I will try to be better. (No promises...really.)

But here is a cute little story to get you through.

Yesterday, I was wrestling with my sweet, adorable, youngest daughter while trying to brush her hair.

She had on a cute pair of bib overalls and lovely, light-blue shirt. I knew that she NEEDED pigtails to complete the outfit. Well, we really have different style opinions, AND we are BOTH strong-willed. (But I did win!)

So after all the crying (me) and cursing (her), we finally ended it. And she was ADORABLE (I didn't get a picture, of course).

I tried to end on a happy note, saying, "You look so cute with your hair up! Your friends at school (a class of boys) will LOVE it!" She grumped away.

Later we were in the car, and from the rearview mirror I heard:
"Mom, you were right..."

"Oh? What about, Gabs?"

"I am CUTE!"

"YES YOU ARE!"

There, all better!

That Girl!

2008-09-04T13:20:00.004-05:00

We have opened our children's worlds on a new level.
We have recently switched over to the digital converter box, and now have more local channels than ever. Our kids are used to either movies or PBS, not "regular" t.v. with commercials. Today I was watching some parts of the Today show, then it went to commercial, here is what happened:
"...this weekend only at ------- Furniture Store is our big sale. We want you to save you money! Shop today!!"

Gabi turned to me and in ALL seriousness, said
"They want to save us money mom!"

too cute!

That Boy!

2008-09-02T18:45:00.003-05:00

Today after we picked up the kids from school, we were exiting the garage. I think Brandon had let the door swing closed before Will was through the door. Will came up with:
"Brandon, LOOK before you think!"

I am certain Brandon will heed his advice!

Fun with family and friends

2008-08-21T13:10:00.006-05:00

Hey, we have been having some fun on the side around our parts...things have not been all new baby, and school!

We managed a DAY full of activities at Cousin Kamp, (Will's aunt Linda, and her daughter Kate, as well as Kate's kids Michael and Audrey) check out the rip roarin' fun! (My camera died after I took 2 pictures, so thanks for Kate for being on the ball!)
http://www.chrisandkatewheeler.com/

We also got to spend 2 fun filled evenings with our friends the COOKS, they are so awesome, especially since they have 2 TWIN fun-adorable-happy boys! They traveled from far away lands to join us!

Check out their blog as well! (They update their blog a little more frequently, so you will have to scroll to find our action packed evenings!)
http://www.charleyjax.com/

Sometimes it takes outside forces to entertain us, but we seem to enjoy it!

They survived!

2008-08-20T13:36:00.002-05:00

One went to 3rd grade.

One is in 2nd grade (homeschool).

The other went to Kindergarten.

and they survived!
The teachers I mean, not the children!

"A" He's Adorable...continued

2008-08-19T13:55:00.003-05:00

Happy Baby!

Proud Papa!

Ecstatic Grandparents!

Relieved Grandmothers!

"A" He's adorable

2008-08-19T13:38:00.004-05:00

It is meant to be! I am meant to be an aunt to nephews...
I have welcomed my 2nd nephew into the world...and just like my other nephew, he is a adorable, beautiful, cutie full of charms, darling, exciting, and he is a feather in my arms!

Baby and mom are doing well! So am I! I was in the waiting room...waiting, and waiting!
What a fantastic time, and I am so thankful that they are all doing well!

We have welcomed :
Thomas Brenner C.
August 18, 2008 at 6:31 p.m.
7 pounds 5 ounces, and 21 1/2 inches long!

I will post some pictures soon!

P.S. I am the FAVORITE Auntie!! --currently the only "legal" one, but the favorite nonetheless...until Aug. 30th, then I will have to fight for my title!

my SINCERE apologies

2008-08-16T10:27:00.004-05:00

YOU--yes YOU, my active reader--YOU have my sincere apologies!

When I posted the last Who Said That?, I was so ashamed over my child's behavior that I could not bring myself to reveal the answer! So I thought about it for a week...I mean I really thought about it!

Would YOU really judge me by something that my child said...I mean REALLY could you???
Would YOU never check my blog again after I revealed the answer?
There was a lot of shame, and guilt and questioning my parenting skills. AM I really fit to be a parent? It has been a long week!

After much chanting and threatening from YOU the reader, I have pondered whether or not you could handle the answer. (Husband, hang on--I am about to make you proud!) So to my READER out there, go along, say your part, as directed...okay?

ME: You want answers?
YOU: I think I'm entitled to them.
ME: You want answers?
YOU: I want the truth!
ME: You can't handle the truth! Son (or daughter), we live in a world that has walls...

Alright already...you really want to know which child of mine used the word "nuts"....
Read the next post!

Who Said That? (Answer #2)

2008-08-16T10:00:00.003-05:00

And just so you know, this is not something that was heard in our home!
And it was really hard NOT to laugh!
And we still laugh, and laugh, just not when the kids are around!

Okay, so it wasn't a boy!

And it wasn't our precious angelic Gabi...

It was *sniff, sniff* our innocent--learning too much at school--darling,

ISABELLE!

~side note: Since she is 7 11/12's, we figure she can NOW handle chewing on plastic bags!

I was sitting on the stoop just outside our house, and Isa rode by on her bike, then stopped suddenly, and when she did she slid off her seat....saying "Ow, my nuts!"
I looked up from my book.."WHAT? What did you just say?"
"My nuts?"
Trying to hide a smile..."Do you know what nuts are?"
"no"
"Well let me tell you that you don't have any..."
"Really?"

We went on to have a nice QUICK anatomy discussion!

WHO said that? (#2)

2008-08-05T22:00:00.001-05:00

I frequently find myself saying, "I NEED to write that down" after the children have said something funny...or creative...or sincere! There are so many things that I don't want to forget, but to put them down somewhere, and then to remember WHERE I put them...well, it is just a little much! :) SO here is the beginning of what I think could easily become a series!

SO, who said it?:
"Ow, my nuts" while riding his/her bike, and slipped?

I will post the answer by Friday!

Showering with love, Wedding edition

2008-08-05T00:18:00.000-05:00

So in honor of my little brother's birthday today (he is 28), I will spend some time looking into his future!
A couple of months ago, we went all out and had a great time hosting a Wedding Shower for my Sister in Law to be...

There was cake!

Some FUN choc. covered strawberries

Great decor, to match their wedding colors!

A blushing bride (to-be)

Great conversation with family!

Oh and here is the groom!
LOOK how happy he is! He can hardly contain himself!

But the best part? In precisely 25 days this little girl will be making her debut! I have mixed emotions about this...since 1- She IS adorable... 2- She is unpredictable!

Happy Birthday to my FAVORITE lil Brother, from your FAVORITE sister! What an amazing journey we have been on together, and now I get to see you spread your wings and fly...here's hoping your children will be as CURIOUS as you were!

psssttt...

2008-08-03T22:31:00.003-05:00

hey, YOU, good thing you stumbled onto this blog!

It is really exciting here! I try to post once every 3 months or so...it really keeps the readers coming back for more!

SO I was going to do a whole Chicago series, because there are tons more photos...but something happened...not sure what, then I forgot I HAD a blog...then my hubby reminded me about 10,000 times that I did...SO here we are.

I will just go ahead and write up some wonderful, quirky interesting facts about our family, for HIM to read, because that is just easier!
HEY, wouldn't it be a great idea if the hubby would add a post once in a while? Yeah, I thought so! But you know he is a REALLY busy guy! Like RIGHT NOW he is VERY busy...playing Metroid!
(For you NON nerds, that is a Wii game that I bought for him!)

So like everyone else in the world, we have been BUSY! I can't tell you with what, because I have NO idea, but the summer is coming to an end, and I just know that we have been BUSY!

We do have a new nephew/cousin on his way within a week or so (Callie thinks it will
be on 8/4, since that is Barack O.'s birthday, and that would be cool, since Barack is one of their final name choices!)

AND, we have a very important wedding coming up at the end of the month! Gabi is flower girl, B is the ring baerer, lil Will and Isa are handing out programs, mom is the personal attendant, and daddy is in charge of video! WHEW!

So I just wanted to stop back and say HI! I will be back again...within a day or two to add more posts...pinkie swear!
********************************************************************************
On a serious note, anyone wanting to send out some thoughts or prayers, here is a family in need! Take a couple of minutes to read back on their story. I have been reading this blog for sometime, and have really been checking in on them almost hourly...
http://www.mycharmingkids.net/

*********************************************************************************

Thanks for stopping, and I will be better...Promise!

Chicago: Parking and Mini Coopers

2008-06-24T01:24:00.000-05:00

So Chicago is full of fun times... Bright lights, Great places to eat, and great opportunities to learn how to parallel park!

Here is Uncle Chad parking Grandma and Grandpa's "boat"!

P.L.E.N.T.Y. of room!

Also, we did not get photos of the ridiculous amounts of MINI COOPERS that we saw...the kids counted at least 19...I do believe in signs from God!

Impromtu Who Said That ? ~Answer~

2008-06-23T23:22:00.000-05:00

In just the quietest nasally voice, from the middle of the van, curiosity just could not be contained.
She just had to know...

"Was his first name Aquarium?"

It was Gabi, good ole' Gabi, she always has a quick, UNIQUE answer! This girl can really roll with the big dogs!

Chicago: People we like and Otel

2008-06-23T22:30:00.000-05:00

We had a great time in Chicago, this post will focus on the people that we got to visit with, as well as our Otel...I will explain!

We spent lots of time with Uncle Chad and Aunt Julie, they know where are ALL the cool places are in the "city", they know how to entertain 4 kids with ease, and they know how to get our exercise in for the day!

Here we have Uncle Chad making faces with Will...it is quite a fun game!

And here, we have the WORLD'S Happiest baby...she NEVER stops smiling...or she didn't in the 2 hours we spent with her!

She loves to swing! This is our friend Carrie's little girl. We didn't get a picture of our dear friend Carrie, the birthday girl....but we have a feeling that we will get plenty of pictures next weekend at the High School reunion...we will see if we can post any of those! :)

AND THIS...is the view from our Otel....a typo you wonder....NO, we stayed at the swissotel...it is just amazing. Our friend Carrie hooked us up with a 41st floor sweet suite! This is looking down on the Chicago River!

The view from one of our windows, there were workers working on the buildings to the right. Cranes were moving every which way...the kids loved watching the process!

More pictures from our otel! Will loved the building with the spire on top!

The cranes, hard at work.

I am shocked by how amazing the view is!

Night life in Chicago.

Our comfy beds! All pleasantly decorated with our special blankets!

Our sitting area. There was also a nice kitchenette, and 1.5 baths!

We will never be able to sleep in Motel 6 agian! :)

We're Back!

2008-06-23T00:44:00.003-05:00

We are back from our weekend getaway, in an amazing "otel", with a beautiful view!
A fast paced, constant noise, sights, and flavorful smells kind of city.
An intimate and delightful baby shower.
We found a huge bean in the middle of a park.

I have 300+ pictures to download/crop...so I will get to work!

So if you just can't wait for some awesome family fun ....
how about an Impromptu Who Said That?

After I explained to the children that we were going to Shedd Aquarium, someone said "Why is it called Shedd Aquarium?"
And then I told them: "Well, it was named after the man who founded/created the Aquarium, his name was Shedd."
So then WHO SAID? "Was his first name Aquarium?"
* And just a side note: When traveling to Shedd, it is worth your time to make sure that it is NOT half price admission day!*

Chi-town!

2008-06-20T00:14:00.000-05:00

And we are OFF! This family is heading out East, to visit Chicago! We are going to attend a baby shower, for my upcoming nephew...we will be visiting with some friends, and touring!
Shedd Aquarium here we come!
We are staying 2 blocks from Navy Pier! (Thanks Carrie!)

AND we will be heading to IKEA for an ENTIRE day of shopping...
I just need to break this news to daddy and the kids!

We will be back sometime on Sunday!

Please pray that our van does not break down this time! :)

Floodwaters ~ Muscatine

2008-06-20T00:10:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures from the "River front" in Muscatine. The waters were higher than this in 93, but the river had not crested when we visited last week...

Just after we arrived, we watched a train go by, on the Rail Road tracks...not quite sure how that was going to work for him, but he made it.

The kids are excited to play in the street.

A fun little game...

...and Will wants to make sure he gets his turn too!

But remember...
just don't drink flood water...

you could end up like this:

This girl o' mine...

2008-06-18T23:13:00.000-05:00

This girl ... has become a young lady!

As I dropped her off for her last day in 2nd grade, I tried to persuade her that she didn't have to go in, therefore not completing 2nd grade, and then she wouldn't grow older. It worked for me.

SO this girl right here ... see photo above ... said, "I sure am growing up, aren't I, Mom?"

Okay, pass the tissue. I could not get her out of the van fast enough before the tears fell, and fell!

I have been proud of my own accomplishments in life ... but nothing prepares you for the great accomplishments that come with being a parent! I feel this with all my children and just need to share how mature she is becoming, quite a young lady!

There will be more "happy" tears, but they are sure to follow all the amazing accomplishments that she will be gathering in the future!

Who Said that? (Answer #1)

2008-06-18T23:10:00.000-05:00

Okay, here is the answer to the 1st Who Said that?

It was Brandon!

All the kids were deciding what color they would paint their room, and Brandon, not to be out done, decided that he would paint it ALL the colors!

MEMORIES*

2008-06-17T22:25:00.000-05:00

This post really is only for myself ... but that is okay, right? Well, it will have to be.

In my pre-mother, pre-wedded life, I was a nanny. I lived in Iowa City and had two young boys to care for, with one more soon to arrive. One parent was a doctor; the other was finishing up residency in neurosurgery.

This family brought MANY amazing experiences in my life! I got a feel for the Jewish religion, got very comfortable navigating NYC, learned of Princess Diana's death while at the "weekend" home in Connecticut and missed an elevator ride with Julia Roberts at the Ritz in Chicago. As well as jumpstarting my own parenting skills in the beginning stages. Plus, developing a close relationship with the mom. I have nothing negative that I can even recall with this family. They ARE family.

One Saturday, I was going about my "weekend chores."
(read: on the computer, avoiding housework)

What joy came over me when the familiar voice on the other end was of my former boss, telling me he was venturing out to visit the past and wanting to visit me and meet my family!

SO ... what happens when you leave the family when the children are 2, 4, and 6? They don't stay those ages! I was shocked.

These "boys" are now 16, 14, and 12! I was there when the baby was still in the belly ... this just floors me! The boys were so great. Very kind to our kids, giving piggyback rides and listening to endless pointless stories. Hey, I used to do this for them. :)

I am truly on Cloud 9!

WHO said that? (#1)

2008-06-17T00:40:00.001-05:00

I frequently find myself saying, "I NEED to write that down" after the children have said something funny...or creative...or sincere! There are so many things that I don't want to forget, but to put them down somewhere, and then to remember WHERE I put them...well, it is just a little much! :)
SO here is the beginning of what I think could easily become a series!

SO...Who said it?: " I want my room painted rainbow color!"

DAM! I wish I was your levee!

2008-06-16T22:45:00.000-05:00

With much talk of flooding, levees and dams, the boys took it upon themselves to become beavers (makes their dad proud!) and to build a dam in our living room.
DISCLAIMER:
~no animals were in injured during this process~

First the beavers had to gnaw at some wood, to prepare for their dam.

Then with much tail power, they would pat down the sticks, and mud to make the dam solid!

Here are some hardworking, proud beavers!

Tucker is able to remain safely in his home due to the quality craftmanship of this dam!

Quite an involved process!

*And the clean up of the dam was your typical couple of weeks-long-process!*

Mom and Dad enjoyed time afterwards directing with phrases such as:
"Did you pick up your dam toys yet?"
"There are still some dam pieces all over the place."
"If you guys don't get this dam stuff picked up...."

You must make it fun for the parents as well!

Father's Day (Other Great Dads)

2008-06-15T03:16:00.007-05:00

Hey, we have a dad, but word is, there are some other dads that need a little recognition as well!

First Up:
OPA, (dad's dad)

This guy here...he is an AWESOME OPA! He is constantly giving us candy, taking us for boat rides on the mighty Mississippi--when it is not flooding--letting us drive motorized vehicles all over his driveway. He ALSO surprises us with ice cream trips...AND he OFTEN fixes our van!
OPA, we love you, and a have a great time with you!!!

NEXT:
UNCLE A (Dad's brother)

This Uncle A, is a pretty sweet deal! He has these tats so we thought he was tough...but he giggles like a girl, so we know he has a soft side! He loves to catch us off guard and wrestle us before we know what has hit us! The best thing Uncle A has done for us:
Mr.T, our cuz...he is even cooler! He likes to chase us around as well, and thinks we are all funny! Uncle A, you are a great uncle, but an AWESOME dad! We think you rock!

NNNEEEXXXTTTT:
Grandpa (Mom's Dad)
This guy...you GOTTA watch! He is quick...quick to take our things and hide them, quick to hide, then scare the *&$@! (read:stuff) out of us,
and quick to defend us if mom is too tough!
Grandpa, we love going for truck rides with you, and on special asparagus hunts! We do also like you teasing us, and love to play card games with you! You are an AWESOME grandpa, and we love spending time with you! He can also rip out our sink, and toilet...mom told him it was okay!
Just so you know: he can sleep anywhere, at any time!

Next up:
Uncle C a.k.a Uncle Donut
(mom's older brother)

SO really we aren't 100% sure how this one will turn out, since Uncle C and Aunt J are expecting their first, at the end of July...BUT we do know that this guy supplies us with endless amounts of donuts! What kid wouldn't love that?! We love to play games with you Uncle C, and he is always creating new and fun ways to get our brains going! He supplies us us with awesome and thoughtful gifts, and we cherish our time together! We KNOW that our little cousin has got it made! You are a compassionate, thoughtful, and creative uncle! Thanks for the donuts, and all the great memories! We love you, and your donuts...but mostly...you....

And then:
Uncle B: (mom's younger brother)

Okay, for those of you who know Uncle B, NO he is not a dad...YET! We have a little gut feeling that within a year and a half or so...that there will be a mini Uncle B in the works--GOD help us! :)
Uncle B has come a long way from his oil smearing on the floor (for skating, of course), kicking random people with cowboy boots, and lighting small fires in our backyard...really I am sure any child that he brings into this world...will...be .... fine...really...nothing....to .... worry .... about!
We LOVE kicking the soccer ball around with Uncle B; he doesn't take it easy on us though! We love wrestling with him as well; he is good at bodyslamming us! Truly, we do know that when the time comes, Uncle B is going to be an awesome dad! He is fun, and loving, and smart! We are trying to get him to teach us to play poker; I guess he thinks he's good!
Uncle B, thanks for keeping us on our toes when you're around and playing with us!
We love you, Uncle B!
Uncle B also gives great huge bars of chocolate!
He knows already, that you CAN buy love!

LAST, but not least!

Do we really need to say more?

HAPPY FATHER'S Day!!!
We appreciate all the love that you have given us and the wonderful impact you have made in our lives! You are all such great, strong role models...something our parents are proud to have in our family!
Happy Father's day,
We LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!

~yes, you too Sen. Obama!~
okay, mom added that part.

Father's Day (Daddy Style)

2008-06-15T02:28:00.006-05:00

Here is a list with accompanying pictures of all the great things our dad does! It really is extensive and quite impressive...just so you are prepared!

OUR DAD:

Loves to talk on the phone to mom...

...when he is in L.A. on a non-fun-vacation.

Likes to be near the mountains...

...but not too close to the signs...we think he has watched to much 24!

Would rather take the stairs...

we don't really understand why he wouldn't just take the elevator, especially here, there are sooo many stairs!

Likes to have his picture taken...

...but not when he is looking!

Likes to watch movies...

...over, and over, and over...

He is there to help, when we need him...

...especially when a certain little girl, no names please, had been told to go potty, refused...THEN decided at the last minute that she better go!

He teaches us the importance of TEAM WORK...

...him, against us!

Our dad LOVES STAR WARS...

...but we try to tell him that he has outgrown it...he just doesn't listen.

He teaches us the value of hard work...

he values watching us work.

He loves to play with us...

...dangling us over the flooded Mississippi is one of our all time favorite games...
we just don't play it as often as we would like!

He is a good listener...

...especially when it is about movies!

And...he is a sucker, for a cute face!

...or two!

And last but NOT least...
He has super powers......and SUPER qualities!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DAD!

Thank you for taking us all on with such determination! We LOVE our time spent with you! You make us all have fun, and if we don't then you put us in time out! You have taught all of us to ride our bikes, conquer our individual fears, lead by example of how to treat others, and given us so much love. You are the BEST! You are understanding, fun, and good at the Wii...what more could we want?...maybe a trampoline...

Have a great day!

Water, water EVERYWHERE

2008-06-13T12:16:00.002-05:00

WATER ... it is really taking a toll on our little community and all the surrounding areas. As of last night, the only way Will could get to work is if he drove 5 miles north, 40 miles west, then back down about 10 miles. Not quite economical with the gas prices at $4 a gallon.

It truly is just devastating to see the great amount of effort all the locals are putting into try to salvage belonging and homes.

We personally are NOT affected at all but ache for those that are. The pictures that you see in the newspaper and on TV are truly gut-wrenching, especially if you are aware of how the area is when there is no standing water.

*The following photos were taken from my helicopter.*

This is a picture looking toward Mayflower, a dorm in Iowa City.

Here is the top of the great carousel at City Park. The smaller top is of the airplanes!
Notice the tops of the swing sets in the lower left?

This is of the Coralville Reservoir/Dam. Usually the left is NOT anywhere near that high. In the bottom of the picture, that is the spillway. It was pretty big news when the water started to flow over the spillway two nights ago. In 1993, the spillway water unearthed the neat find of fossils that our kids have enjoyed exploring. See the group of trees in the center? That is for camping, completely surrounded by water.

This is Park Road and Dubuque Street. If you know the area, you would know that the water is well beyond its usual banks.

The water is not to crest until next Friday, that is quite a ways to go yet.
Cedar Rapids downtown area is completely underwater.
Very, very sad! After such a crazy year for winter ... I think we all thought that we would have a little lighter of a summer.

Please stay!

2008-06-13T03:26:00.004-05:00

It's okay, you are at the right place ... Mom just likes to mess around with the blog! She finds great joy in moving stuff around ... so sit it out a while and try to deal with her creative curiosities.

OH, and we are ~ again ~ going to try to make a better effort at blogging more frequently.
So get your reading glasses ready. We have got some great posts coming!

LOVE ~ the V family!

Jam Session

2008-06-12T22:00:00.002-05:00

So what do you do if your older brother and sister own a guitar, and you do not?
You con your super creative older brother into making you one.
We LOVE Duplos!

Here is Will and Brandon putting on a concert on a Friday night at our house!

Look at that mic and guitar!

Here is a new spin on "smashing the guitar"! Team work and it gets done quick!

YEP!
That's better...ready to JAM!

Will is on for his solo!

Time Out! Show me the love!

2008-05-18T21:47:00.006-05:00

This is a little glimpse into the daily moments that occur around our place!

Some are loud, some are crazy, and I mean crazy, other times are so sweet.

THEN there are times when YOU are laughing, have to fetch the camera....& THEN discipline!

Example#1 this IS a reenactment!

Gabi is in timeout....
She has served her time...
*what did she do again?*
Oh well, maybe she will remember...

"GABI"

muffled..."hhhmmm???"
"Gabi, can you tell me why you are in time out, but 1st you need to turn around, so I can hear you..."

~yep, she has and had Mr.Potato Head lips in!~

:)

SOCCER

2008-04-22T23:20:00.008-05:00

It has been compared to herding cats. Take a look at preschool soccer!

Gabi gives an elbow jab only when needed.

Nope:

Not Brandon ... another redhead.

Brandon stands guard!

"Brick Wall, stop the ball!"

Will and Isa are in soccer, as well. So our week is:
Monday & Tuesday: Soccer games, either back-to-back or at the same time
Wednesday: Gabi and Brandon practice @6
Isa practice @ 6:30
Thursday: Will practice @6:30
And ... some Saturday games, as well.

Don't forget to eat dinner before heading out and follow up with a nice shower for each of them...
Aaahhh nice weather!

OUR PRINCESS!

2008-04-22T22:37:00.006-05:00

"HEY Gabi, smile!"

"No, Come on! SMILE!"

Gabi =1
Mom =0...
or is that
Gabi=2
Mom= 0

$12.

2008-04-01T10:05:00.003-05:00

Meet QUACKER:

Will has saved up his own money to be able to purchase this Fur Real duck.

We all kinda like him!

A kind of funny side note for this duck, went down like this:
Sweet mother tone:
"Brandon, could you check to make sure the foyer is picked up?"
Son who doesn't want to be bothered:
"Uh Bubba, (that is Will) I will pay you my money if you see if the foyer is clean!"
Brother who wants money:
"How much Brandon? I only need 2 more dollars to get my duck!"
Son who still does not want to be bothered:
"Uh, OKAY, sure, I will give you $2."

Mother in background with jaw hitting the floor....
"You are going to give him $2, to check to see if the foyer is CLEAN?????"

Boys in "unison":
"Sure mom, it's okay", "Yeah, he can pay me if he wants to!"

2 seconds later Will returns to Brandon to report in "Foyer is clean". Brandon pays will, then reports to me...I am not sure if I am proud or worried?

THANK YOU!!!!

2008-03-31T19:36:00.006-05:00

Friday~March 28th~ was my birthday!
My husband surprised me with a "Get Away"!
He took Friday off of work, the kids went to the grandparents',
and we had 2 nights in Downtown Iowa City, and a very nice hotel!

We had an amazing time! It was so quiet! Well, aside from the college students heading back to their apartments after the bars let out!

We also went to see the Cowboy Junkies:
http://www.cowboyjunkies.com/
The opening act Mary Gauthier:
http://www.marygauthier.com/site.php?content=home
was really amazing! She had a beautiful voice, and some great QUIRKY-FUN lyrics!!!

We had Indian Food at Masala, I had some great Paella at Devotay, and great burritos at Chipotle.

We hit some local shops, read books, and TALKED! It was great!

SO....

THANK YOU!!!! To all involved, my great parents and in-laws whom all took in children willingly,
my cousin for helping set up the room,
and my WONDERFUL, AMAZING, THOUGHTFUL husband for the best gift ever!

(Good thing I never got that pony, like I always asked for...would it be inconsiderate to write:
Thanks for the 2nd best gift ever??)

THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!!

easter pictures...

2008-03-27T12:54:00.005-05:00

The INFLUENZA B has left, and we are back into being human again!
That still does not explain WHY I still have my Christmas cards hanging in the window
(behind Will)...
*Note to self: Take down the Holiday cards....oh, and the Gingerbread Wreath on the basement door....that should be it!*

Look at the concentration!!!

They are so proud of their accomplishments!!

Easter morning brought out the best in our nutrition habits! Cadbury Eggs and Peeps for breakfast!

YUMMM!!!!
*Note to self: Trim Brandon's fingernails!*

On Saturday, we went to Grammy and Opa's with Uncle A, Aunt K and Mr. T....we got lots more candy and some really great FUN things ! We also had an Easter Egg Hunt in the lovely 30's...that we thought we were past!
On Sunday, we went to Grandma and Grandpa's with Uncle B, and soon to be Aunt J...and little Peanut! We ALL took nice long naps, slept like babies...it was so nice! OH! Wait, all the ADULTS - except Grandma-....oh, and my 4 children! That's right! I almost forgot!
Well that just means that I TRUST her enough, to LET her watch the children while I get some sleep. Isn't that thoughtful?? I am sure that she now feels special! :)

Influenza B=Stay Away!

2008-03-13T19:36:00.006-05:00

It is not a pretty picture around our parts!

Fever

Aches

Chills

Tiredness

Sudden symptoms

No sleeping
All we can do is lay around
and moan!
Isa started all this last week, and we have our bets on Brandon finishing it next week!
SO STAY AWAY....and start thinking of pretty days ahead!

The times they are a changin!

2008-03-04T21:33:00.008-06:00

Daddy...uh "MASTER" ... has found some very TRUE and telling secrets on how to run our household.

Yes, "Master," you provide our family with all the tools, and I will have your meals waiting at 5 - on the table, with your pipe and brandy ready!

Yes, I remove the curlers, put on my housecoat, and tiptoe down to make your breakfast!

I will grab that feather duster you got me for Valentine's Day! How thoughtful...it is even in tan, my favorite color...or the color that you told me that was my favorite...

The babes will hand out, and light your favorite full-flavored smoke !

And I will not question, nor stray from your guidelines, that worked for your dad, and will work for our sons!

This is how we are able to do it! It just WORKS for our family!!!

How to have fun at a birthday party (not yours)

2008-02-29T20:38:00.016-06:00

Step 1. Be sure to greet your hosts (Lucas, 4, and Charlie, 1), and wish them a happy birthday. Try not to blurt out what you got them within 10 seconds of entering the room.
(We know, we know ... this is hard.)

Step 2. Ladle races! They go great with the "Ratatouille" theme.

Step 3. PINATA TIME! Be sure to pull the right string to get the goodies. (If you don't have a tree, use a grandpa.)

No, not the orange.

No, not the blue.

GREEN! That's it! (The "winner" does not get to take home all of the candy. Got that, Gabi?)

Be sure to pack a carrying case. And share with the birthday boy.

Step 4. Cake time! He's 4 now - let him blow it out himself.

Step 5. Leave space for some Daddy-son time.

Step 6. Just because you're not at home doesn't mean you can't annoy Mom.
(Face it - you already knew this one.)

Step 7. Don't forget to show the ladies your "How you doin'?" face.

hee...hee...hee...

2008-02-12T21:12:00.004-06:00

The following post was for ALL to read, but only for one to actually understand!
I do enjoy the Wii, but the pictures taken were of Will's Valentine's present.
I purchased Guitar Hero 3 for him, he seems to enjoy being a punk rocker!!!
The pictures are telling the story...not necessarily the words!!
Will did catch on to the post...all the more fun!

i LOVE my Wii!

2008-02-12T13:58:00.002-06:00

I am not sure if I have told you BUT :
we just love our Wii!!

The games that are made for the Wii are made by trusted companies:

Wii rates the games, so you know what is appropriate for your family!

AND (daddy) they TradeMark their creations so no one can copy them!

One of the best things about the Wii, and it's games--they are wireless!! You don't have to be connected to some machine!!!I would love to hear my husbands thoughts on us owning a Wii, and the games that we enjoy!
I know he loves the Wii as well!!!

How to make $30 Valentines...

2008-02-09T00:50:00.000-06:00

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and if you are a "PLAN ahead" family, like us....then follow along, and we will show you how you can spend a fortune, AND a couple of hours of "quality time", just to say that you too made home made Valentine's!

Step 1: You will need glue....LOTS of it!! A good estimate is 3-4 bottles per child.

Step2: Cool stuff, like sequins! Lots of those too!

Step3: Get the kids involved! Have your 4 year old cut out there own heart!
~holding your tongue out does improve your cutting skills by 20%!~

Step4: Little dots...LOTS of 'em!

Step 5: Start the assembly process.

Step 6: Ribbon? You will need LOTS of ribbon, especially if you have a GIRLIE 4 year old. A good estimate is 3-4 rolls per year of age for this one!
Oh, and make sure you let her cut it her self ~ she will remind you if you forget!

Step 7: Big Sis can demonstrate the skills needed to apply the GLITTER just so!

Step 8: HAVE AT IT!

Step 9: Not quite enough...add just a little more....yep, just right!

Step 10: Add your finishing touches,
let them dry for a week to 10 days, and then you are done!

YOU DID IT! You have just created your very own--homemade Valentines!
You could go to the store and pay 1.50 per box, and have your mom fill in the names for you...or you can venture just beyond the norm, and have a little fun...and glitter... to last a lifetime!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

one for the books...

2008-02-08T15:25:00.001-06:00

I thought that I would add a little "Callie-story"...something that everyone could laugh at!

A couple of months ago, I broke my glasses, in half...duct tape was holding them together for 2 days.
I needed to have an updated prescription, and during the exam then technician said:
"So what kind of protection do you wear for the sun?"
I was puzzled, but wanted to be a good patient....
"Uh....SPF 30, at least!"
Now he LOOKED PUZZLED!
"On your eyes??"
"OH, uh, none..."

Just thought I would let you know that I am not always as smart as I appear to be! ;)

Snow, anyone?

2008-02-06T22:36:00.001-06:00

It has been a while, so here is a small taste, before I submit you to ALL of our families goings-on!!

It has been snowing-raining-blowing-snow thundering-hailing in our parts here for sometime...and I think I am done!
This picture is from the kids this morning out in front of our hefty pine that has lost 2 more HUGE branches! :(

Brandon and I were "stranded" in Iowa City on Sunday night...
*Thanks Tim & Becky for hosting, Elaine for playing with the LONE child, and Austin for NOT changing his plans and hanging out with unexpected visitors, but going to your friends' house anyway! :)*
I was forced to watch the Super Bowl and Will was forced to watch the kids...not quite how he had planned to spend his evening! I did give him a play by play over the phone...you know --since we have one channel (PBS) and I am so football inclined.
"OOOHH, the blue guys they got the ball!!"
"That one threw it to the other one, OH this IS a good game!"

ENJOY the SNOW, cuz I hope it will be gone soon!!