FIVE! (Continued)

I know you have all been waiting with bated breath to see what Landon's Big Birthday Surprise is, which I mentioned in my last post.

First, let me tell you what it isn't...
...he's not getting another baby brother or sister (that would be a big surprise for everyone, including me)
...we aren't getting a dog or any other animal (fish are enough for us right now)
...we aren't going to Disneyland (or Disney World, or Sea World, or any other world)
...we aren't flying to California instead of driving 24 hours (ooohhh, that's sounds REALLY good right now)

SO? WHAT IS IT?!

Here's the big (although slightly anticlimactic) reveal...



Do you think this makes up for not throwing him a birthday party?! Hoping to save some money on therapy...he looks like a pretty happy little guy to me!

FIVE!

I am glad I didn't have a blog back when Annika was little...like the first 4 years of her life.  Because if I did you would be able to compare how we celebrated her birthdays with how we celebrate her sibling's birthdays.  Honestly, and embarrassingly, there isn't a comparison. For our blessed first born, we had a birthday party every year with friends and family, lots of food, fun favors and creative cakes.  Our poor youngest children just get to pick what they want for dinner, and, if they are lucky, maybe a homemade cake. We like to keep them grounded and we are saving up for therapy.

Case in point...Landon turned 5 yesterday.  We made homemade pizzas, and ate store bought cake. And, that's about it.  I hope the understated birthday doesn't make him think that he's not a super special little boy. I know I say this at EVERY birthday, but, sheesh, I can't believe he's five.  Five is a big deal...it's all the fingers on one hand!  He's a crazy, lovable kid, who is pretty spectacular. If he doesn't have a truck (or something with wheels) in his hand, he's got a ball of some sort.  He loves to play Uno and Battleship. He's my baking partner.  He's the sllllooowwest eater. :) He loves his Tag books and playing the Wii.  He likes to think that he's a big guy. Yet, as I was doing the dishes today, he said "MOM!!! I forgot to give you a hug this morning!" Sweetness. He's our "buddy," our "bud."

Happy Birthday Buddy!! We love you so much!!

This afternoon Landon will be getting one more awesome birthday surprise...stay tuned!!

Road Trip Tricks

There are 6 of us in our family.  This means when we travel we are at the point of buying six full-price-take-up-a-whole-seat plane tickets. Therefore, this makes us the crazy-road-tripping-across-the-country-in-the-minivan kinda family.  Even though the idea of a mere 5 hour plane trip (including a layover) sounds fabulous, the thought of driving 24 hours with 4 children between the ages of 8 1/2 and 2 1/2 isn't quite as daunting as it used to be.  I don't develop a tic or want to crawl into the corner in a fetal position (that's for at the end of the trip).

But, that's not to say it has always been this way.  Granted as the kiddos get older they are getting better. Annika and Taryn are Rockstar road-trippers.  Landon is towards the end of his apprenticeship (has yet to master the "I can hold it" Level), and Simon is a novice, but learning. 

Since we are in the midst of prepping for another roadtrip, I thought I would share a few of my tricks...

1) Other than the whine of "Hoowww much looonnngerrr?" the other incessant complaint is "I'm hunnnngrrryy!" For some reason, the act of sitting in booster seat in a minivan makes their metabolism skyrocket.  They can go no problem between breakfast and lunch at home, but in the car they are starving every 15 minutes.  My solution...individual snack/lunch bags. 

Each kiddo gets their very own snack bag. We usually go 5 hours in between stops, so I put in enough snacks for that amount of time.  They can eat their snacks whenever they want, but when they're gone, they're gone. No asking for more food.  If one of your siblings is willing to share, more power too them, but don't count on it. This trick has literally put a halt to the "I'm hungry" complaint.  Score one point for mommy!!

2) Books/Musicals on tape. DVD's are great, but another perk of our "entertainment" system is the kids can listen to c.d.s through their wireless headsets. Some of our favorites are Amelia Bedelia, Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, and Dr. Seuss books. Annika also likes to listen to Nancy Drew.  This actually brings back very fond memories for me.  I distinctly remember listening to "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" while on a road trip when I was younger. I also have to give a shout out to Psalty The Singing Song Book.  We have all 10 c.d.s and, boy, do those bring me back!! As much I like like DVD's (and don't get me wrong we watch those on our trips as well), my heart goes pitter-patter when I look back and see the kids listening with their headphones on and (gasp!) looking out the window. 

3) Sticker pads!  I love me some sticker books!!  Melissa and Doug sticker pads are our favorites around here. Annika has the Sweets and Treats and Make A Face, Landon has the Habitats and Vehicles and Taryn has the Play House and Dress Up.  Simon doesn't have his own sticker pad yet (that comes when he graduates out of the novice stage)...but he still likes his stickers.  I give him a big pad of stickers from the dollar store and a blank notepad. Taking the stickers off and putting them in the notepad keeps him occupied for a while.  One little trick about the stickers for those with little fingers...take off the trim around the stickers...let me demonstrate...

Taking the time for this little trick has has saved me from turning around every minute to help Simon get this stickers off the page.

4) Book bags. I did a post about this in 2011 before a road trip we took back East.  I still do about the same.  I don't do as many craft as I did before, but books and coloring pages are a must!  I still include a binder with a map and some road trip bingo games and scavenger hunts. I also have a clipboard for each kiddo which makes it easier for them to color.  Color Wonder and Twistables  were made for roadtrips. Annika and Taryn each get some colored pencils as well.  No normal crayons (which melt) and markers (which get everywhere) are allowed!!

5) Last trick...set your expectations low. I have to realize that it takes a lot for these kiddos to be patient and buckled in for long stretches of time.  Gone are the days of stretching out on the floor or across the seats.  Booster Seats and Five-Point Harnesses sure are safer, but definitely not as comfortable. I have to remember that time does go a lot slower when you are little.  This a great time for mommy to practice the Fruits of the Spirit. :) 

When Mr. Ralph Waldo Emerson came up with the quote "Life is a journey, not a destination" he had probably never traveled over 1500 miles with four kids in a minivan. Perhaps, we should thank Winston Churchill for a more appropriate quote "Keep Calm and Carry On."

So, let's get "on the road again" (thank you Willie Nelson) and maybe we'll see you along the way!!

A Robin's View

This gal isn't too happy with me.

I've been poking around her nest trying to get a picture of her little babies. I've been invading her space.  She's got some special cargo and she'll do all she can to make sure no predators come after them. I think it's so amazing how God has put the instinct into this birdie mama to protect her little ones.


Her babies. So little and innocent. Awkward and unable to protect themselves. These little ones will be ready to leave their nests in a little less than 14 days.  They will only stay with their parents for a few weeks after that.

This little nature program that I have going on in my backyard has made me think...are we much different?

Indulge me for a moment here.  I've been reading "6 Ways to Keep the Little In Your Girl." It's been a great read, sobering at times, but still good.  I'm being reminded at how much our society wants to take the innocence away from our little babies. The sooner they start thinking about their bodies, their image, boys and sex the sooner they will spend money on products to help make their bodies look "better" and sexier. I've never heard the phrase "Modesty sells." Have you? The author writes, "Girls 8 to 12 now spend about $500 million a year on beauty products alone." Wowza...that's a lot. And with the way that social media is today, I don't foresee that slowing down.

Do I want to send my girls off to a convent? Yeah, kinda. But, I know that I can't (plus, we're not even Catholic). However, I do want to do what this mama robin did.  Squawking out to the world, "Leave my little ones alone!" They are innocent and awkward, unaware of the hungry predators lurking around. I want to do a kamikaze dive to fend off any unwelcome visitors coming near our nest.

 Thankfully, I have more than just a mere two weeks to raise up my girls.  Lord willing, I will have many more years to help my girls navigate this confusing and emotional world of womanhood.

So, now what?

I will let them be little. I will let them be awkward.  I will be involved. I will connect to my girls as often as I can. I will tell them they are beautiful inside and out. I will teach them that modesty doesn't have to be a bad word. I will help them think of their bodies in a healthy way. I will encourage them in their pursuit of godly friendships. I will let them know that God has a special relationship in mind for them and its worth any sacrifice.  I will help them dream. I will try to be a good example. I will be on my knees in prayer.

And, watch out, I will be like that mama robin when I need to be!

Summertime trims

We've been busy around here! We're going a little crazy with the scissors and the weed whacking.  Everyone, even the garden, needed a summer cut.  Blame it on the perfect growing weather...

The boys have had their summer do's for about a month already...
Before:

The best thing about cutting the boys hair, is we can do it outside:

After:

Summer buzz-cuts!! Yay!

The girls decided to cut off a few inches as well.  I didn't push them to cut it short, but in the back of my mind, I was reeeaaallly hoping they would feel inspired.

Annika before:

 Taryn before:

The after pic:

It's amazing what a little cut can do! I really love it.

The garden wasn't to be left out.  The other night we got some rain, so the next morning the garden was nice and wet...perfect for weeding.  Now, the garden is Dan's thing...but every once and awhile I get a little crazy and tackle the weeds. It wasn't as bad as a few years ago, but it was still a decent undertaking.

After...with my sweet garden gnome...

On a side note, I have been keeping an eye on this little lady. 

We had some crazy wind a few days ago, but I am happy to see that she and her eggs are still safe and sound. She's in one of our trees that's only about 5 feet off the ground so she's at perfect eye level.  Speaking of eye level...doesn't it look like she's giving me the stink eye? Don't mess with a mama and her babies!
Wonder if she used any of the boys' hair to build her nest...

Father's Day

Father's Day is Sunday.  I feel like when I see a Father's Day ad full of power tools, I need to turn into Tim the Toolman and grunt loudly or yell out "More Power!" Anybody else? Or, am I the only one?

Oookaaay, well then, moving on.

To me, the difference between Mother's Day and Father's Day is the sense of sentimentality.  With Mother's Day, we get mushy and lovey and flowery.  Father's Day brings out the inner animal. Must have more tools! Must eat meat!

Forgive me, then, if I get mushy on you for this Father's Day.  Because, in my life I have been privileged to have four dads. Four men who have impacted me in very special ways.

First, my dad.  My daddy, my pops.  He was strong, confident, loving, quiet, punny, patient, and could fix just about anything.  He was a lover of history.  He was godly, daily getting his hands dirty working to further His Savior's kingdom here on earth. He was a tinkerer. He could fix anything with some elbow grease and duct tape. He loved his family.  He told me my mom was "his best friend." He took road trips and made memories. He taught us to "walk in like we own the place." He taught us to question what we believe by asking "Rebekah, what does the Bible say about that?"  He taught us to "do it right the first time." He also taught us to love life, and take advantage of the moment.  Like when the tour guide wasn't watching and he cut out of line to go stand on the star where Johnny Carson would stand to do his nightly monologues.  He spent only forty-eight years and twenty three Father's Days on this earth.  I often think "Oh, my dad would get a kick out of this." I know that I will see him again. I miss him.

Second, Don. Even though technically, he was my step-dad...I think of him more as a friend. A friend, I only got to know for just over six years. He came into my mom's life and brought back the light in her eyes.  He filled her with happiness. Which really isn't surprising because when he talked to you, he could make you feel like you were the most important person in the room.   From the second you met him, he would make you feel right at home. He had a sense of humor that would make even a nun laugh. He was genuine and sincere. He encouraged. He had wisdom.  He loved his family. He wanted to make everyone happy. He loved being a soccer dad. He loved baseball. He filled a hole in our family. He was a great grandpa. He didn't judge...life was too short for that. His life was too short.  I was blessed to have known him.

Third, there is my father-in-law, Dave. I have been privileged to call him "dad" for the past 13 years. There are so many things in him that I see he has passed down to Dan.  He's a hard worker. He's proud of his family. He loves life, and the people that he gets to meet along the way.  He will step in to lend a helping hand.  He knows a little about a lot, and if he doesn't know it, he can fake it pretty good. :) Right, Smart Dave? His humor is contagious. He's sentimental. He's got a great laugh. His grandkids think he is hilarious. He loves his Lord and Savior.

Finally, the main daddy in my life.  My hubby, my teammate, our head coach. Dan. The wonderful thing about Dan is that he is passionate about his family.  He wears the title of Husband and Dad proudly. He isn't afraid to say "no" to something if it meant he would have to put his family second.  He desires to run the best race for his Savior. He loves life. He makes me laugh on a daily basis.  He is o.k. with me being goofy and says I'm beautiful. He is protective of his girls and proud of his boys. He's got time for hugs and a wrestling match. He is o.k. with the kids "being kids."  He keeps me on track and is my biggest cheerleader. There isn't a day that goes by where I think I could do this whole parenting thing without him.  He is the love of my life and the hero to my kids.  I can't ask for anything more.

I am thankful that the men in my life have been God-fearing, strong, and loving.  To all of them, and to all the other dads out there...Happy Father's Day.  I hope you are surrounded by those you love (and maybe some power tools and meat).

Summertime Schedule

I think we need to get Landon on a better summer bedtime schedule. No naps, staying up too late, and getting up too early (thanks to his little bro) can really wear a guy out. It's not even 11 a.m. yet! Just hope he's not getting sick. :p

Don't you wish you could just lay down in the middle of the floor and take a nap? It's a "talent" he got from his daddy.

Up up and away!

Spring, er, early summer has finally come to our neck of the woods.  One of my favorite things about this time of year with the cool nights and summer breezes is the hot air balloons that make their appearance on the horizon.  I think we are in their "flight path" because they often come right over our house.  We even get to wave to the riders and can hear the rush of the flame.  Such a distinct sound, you know it when you hear it.

We were at our local playground when we first noticed these two (actually there were three, not sure what happened to other one) up in the sky.  Dan (in his engineer voice) told the kids that he bets with the way they were traveling and the way the breeze was blowing, they would end up flying right over our house.  So, we jumped back on our bikes and pedaled on back home just in time to welcome them to our neighborhood.

Note in the picture below, you will see Dan with a pole and ladder.  You will also note the white trash bag caught in our neighbor's tree. When Landon saw Dan pulling this stuff out of the garage, he thought Dan was going to try to poke down the hot air balloon. :)

Some video fun.

Our engineer-in-the-making-daughter quick whipped up her own hot air balloon.

Ahh, Kansas, why can't your weather be like this all the time?! Early summer...sigh...I just can't get enough of it!

Coming to some realizations

Do you ever have moments of realization in your life?  Moments when you sit back and you look at something like you haven't ever looked at it before? I had two moments like that today...

The first moment of realization came after Dan, my rockin man, finished the Kansas Ironman 70.3 (a Half Ironman-1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, and 13.1 mile run). I realized that I am married to a stud. O.k. so maybe I already knew that, but today just solidified it. He has been preparing for this day, analyzing every detail (and for those that know him, that doesn't surprise you), practicing transitions, training, training and training. All while still keeping stride as the awesome dad and hubby that he is.  He earned this moment of glory (and the nap that he is taking right now) and I was so glad that we could be there to cheer him on.  Plus, it helped knowing that the rest of his "support crew" (you all know who you are) was cheering him on while watching live stats online. It's got me all pumped up to cheer him on when he does a full Ironman in Panama City on November 2.

We got up bright and early to watch him whiz by on his bike (didn't get to see any of the swim leg) and watched him as he made some laps on the run.  I knew we were in for a long day when the kids saw him on the bike and asked me if he was almost done...oye. Nope, 4 1/2 more hours to go! The weather was gorgeous so that helped with the waiting around  periods.

The kids all made signs to cheer on daddy!

Simon didn't make a sign, but he still wanted to hold one...he held my sign. :)

Here's some bike video...he's the guy on the outside in the black and white...

Coming in on the 2nd lap of the run.

Only 4 more miles to go! Looking good daddy!

Mud + lots of free chocolate milk= a very dirty Simon

With our Stud!! (Annika just got hit in the head right before this pic...wasn't super happy)

Sooo...what was my second realization today? I realized I would make an absolutely awful videographer...

Here is my video when we first saw him on the run...

Yes, I did yell out to him "YOU'RE HOT!!!" Super fan!! That's me!

And here is my video of him at the finish line....

...wait? Where's the video?! Oh, yeah, that's right! I didn't get a video of him crossing the finish line!! I didn't even get a picture of him finishing! Where was I? I was right along fence, right in front of the finish line, in a prime spot, with all the kids. We had been waiting there for about 20 min when Simon had a nice poopy diaper. I looked at the time, I thought for sure I had another 10 min, at least, before Dan would be coming by.  So I quick changed Simon. As I was pulling up his pants, Taryn said to me, "I just saw daddy go by." What?! "Taryn, are you tricking me or telling me the truth?!" "I'm telling the truth, I just saw him!! I promise!" We waited 5 hours and 41 minutes just to totally miss the whole finish.  Super. Ah well. Doesn't make me any less proud of him. And, yes, that was his time and it is pretty fantastic.

See, don't you want to hire me for your next memorable event? Perhaps the birth of your first child? Weddings? I could do a wedding! I just may miss when you hold your baby for the first time, or when the bride comes down the aisle.  Sorry about that.

Two realizations on a really good day. Now, who wants to come with me to Panama City? I need someone to be in charge of the camera. 

2 weeks down...only 9 more to go!

We have officially finished our first full two weeks of summer vacation. For those of you on the East and West Coasts, it's time to play catch up!! For some reason, I still have a hard time thinking that summer vacation starts in May.  But, that's the way we roll out here, so I just gotta roll with it!

Well, what have we done?  Despite my pleas not to have a schedule, we do have a routine (of sorts). Every morning, we make our beds and do a chore.  Every afternoon, we do a worksheet from our books (so my children don't forget everything they have learned!), and have an hour of quiet time. Then the rest of the day we try and do at least one thing that's semi-out of the ordinary which gives the kiddos something to look forward to.  We've been to the local Nature Center with some friends, the pool (when it's not raining), the library (every Friday), a birthday party, and Bible study on Thursday mornings (which really isn't as much for them as it is for me!!).

Our favorite thing that we have done is free summer bowling.  Landon was literally counting down the days until we were able to go bowling.  The kids have been on a Wii bowling kick lately.  Since Landon is just about a "Pro" on the video game (thanks to all the rainy days), surely, he will be awesome at the real thing, right?

Well....a real bowling ball is just a liiitle bit heavier than a Wii remote.  I am very surprised we didn't dent the floor of our lane with the way they dropped that ball! In the end, we lasted through a game and a half (Wii games also go so.much. faster).  Thankfully it's free (just have to pay for the shoes)--which the kids wanted to keep. :) Remember when dressing like you were on a bowling league was all the trend? Hello, 1990s!

We were with the professionals...the Gray-haired League.  Yes, we were some of the youngest ones there...by, like, lots of decades.

We had a fun morning (thank you bumper bowling)! The sad part is they did better than I did when I bowl! Maybe I should try using the bumpers next time?