Labor Day Weekend, etc.

We worked hard, played hard, slept hard, and ate hard!! Wow, can our crew put down the corn! Papa brought raspberries and we ate like kings. The boys worked on splitting wood and got quite a nice pile of campfire wood from the big old pine tree. Papa slept in until 7, but the rest of the crew beat him and slept in until 9 am (Papa couldn't believe how "late" we can sleep in.). The kids went tubing, skiing, and kneeboarding. We ate at Slavoda's for breakfast one morning - Papa and the kids biked in. Their second cousins came over and they enjoyed playing with them. My brother and two of his kids came for a visit and it was fun to see them in person (vs. the blog :-). Every night ended with a cruise, often furnished with m&m's from Papa. What a fun way to end summer!!!

School has been trucking along. We aren't accomplishing any major, fantastical events, but we are trucking. :-) Papa W. broke his foot so he has been laid up for awhile. He finally reconciled himself to the idea of using crutches but his foot is still bothering him so he is keeping it easy. Wierd to not have Papa out in his workshop or on the tractor. The kids have been taking advantage of his seated position and beg for stories on his lap. Dime has been doing his reading with Papa which helps with the school load for Mom. Duke has been doing reading and Dessert a preschool book with Gma. At noon, they all go up the hill for "Little House on the Prairie". They have really enjoyed discovering this series and Mom looooves the break of quiet for one hour from 12-1.

Baby has continued to be a quieter sweetie. Not super active but moves enough so that I know she's kickin. We picked up a couple baby girl items and the kids enjoy looking at the baby clothes. We all look forward to enjoying her in person.

My penicillin isn't working as well lately so I've got to check into that this week. The kids have dentist appts and Drum gets a tooth pulled this week. We have a homeschool trackmeet this Friday. Duke received his Bible Sunday. (Our church gives second graders a Bible at the beginning of Sunday School each year.) We have been attending this church since Joy was in second grade - Wow, does time fly! We are looking forward to a new season of Sunday school classes.

As my teenage daughter would say, "That was random". (My post) Teenage slang for tidbits of info. :-) I love having kids. Dessert told me on the phone last night that he "never gets to do anything except shoot his bb gun". Dot wanted to talk to me on the phone as well and he added, "I don't even get to hang up!". He stayed on the phone while Dot talked, interrupting every few words with "Mom!" or "I don't get to do anything!". Dot and I were laughing so hard he finally laughed and then I told Dot to hang up first so I could say goodbye and Dessert could "even hang up". Kids!!

Think Pink!

Yesterday was an eventful day. I went to my scheduled prenatal checkup. At the end we could not hear the baby's heartbeat - even with the doppler. My midwife called and we went in for an ultrasound. I was very worried. (She had heard the heartbeat 4 weeks earlier and I was really surprised not to hear it with the doppler.) During the ultrasound we saw the heart beating strong and baby was healthy and active - Rascal! We also saw that we are expecting a little GIRL!! :-) The girls were ecstatic and the boys are getting used to the idea. :-) It was fun to show the kids the ultrasound pictures. I showed the kids the picture where the technician wrote, "Think Pink", then asked why she would have wrote that. They had several wrong ideas. I mentioned that sometimes they write, "Think Blue", but still they were stumped until Dot's brain started clicking and she said slowly, "Oh, I get it! It's a Girl!! Pandemonium reigned for a bit afterwards. :-)

Drama Camp 2006

Drama Camp was our next week. Drum, Dime, and Deer participated in a musical drama called "Who is Like the Lord?" Here Deer is participating in a song with choreography with fabric. Drum & Dime are in the background to the left of the center, second row down. The boys helped with stage set up. Drum was traced on large brown paper and then painted in a solid color and cut out for the walls of the church. They had a fantastic time and hope to participate again.

We ended our week with a picnic lunch at a nearby park on the Mississippi River. It was very dry so we were able to work our way across to the middle where we hiked down the river aways. Actually, Drum, Dime, Deer, Duke, & Dessert just took off their socks and shoes and ran across. Dot & I took a little longer as we hesitated to remove our shoes and the crossing options were limited but we made it! Dot was nervous about the amount of green goo and didn't want it on her sandals. I teased her about the possibility of snakes and then had to improve her attitude with a phone call to a friend (horray for technology!!). We finished the day with a trip to Burger King for swirly cones and then Cub Foods for our favorite donuts and licorice. The check-out clerk at Cub mentioned the kids were going to have their fill of sugar. I replied we were making a memory. She mentioned it would be Quite a memory!! It was! FUN!! (It is a memory for me just traveling through Cub with six kids and pregnant. It's like herding cats)

The following Sunday the kids performed in the drama at their grandparent's church for the two services. They did very well and we celebrated the end of camps and the beginning of school by eating out at Don Pablo's. It was another fun memory!!

School started the next day and we've kept it up. We are trying to get some extra time in for taking off after the baby comes. Speaking of which, I've felt the baby moving around. Yeah! Not super active at this point which I think I could handle if he/she decides to keep that personality. I've needed to stay on penicillin to deal with the leftover symptoms from my July bout of joint pain. My hands and feet keep falling asleep if I forget to take it - Wierd, I know. G & G W's have become my consience, putting feet to their prayers so they say, by calling daily to make sure I've remembered my morning and lunch dose. :-)

Dunk has had the motorcycles up and running which is a great motivation for finishing school! Everyone family should have such a motivator - Thanks, DH! :-) Drum holds the record for getting up early and getting school done. Speaking of which, I better get going. My website was acting up and I haven't been able to update for awhile. Maybe it will work again..we shall see. :-)

Art Camp 2006

Here's the crew all dressed up for Art Camp. We had a great week!! Duke & Dessert enjoyed their mini camp and made placemats, decorated cups, etc. plus had fun in the treehouse and riding bikes down a great driveway. The rest were involved in photography, wood-working, mosaics, scrap-booking, jewelry design, etc. It was a busy week. The camp was very well run and we are all hoping to participate again next year. PS. The dance section went well and it was amazing to see how much the girls remembered in one week. Fun to get my feet involved in dancing again. :-)

July Tidbits

Summer sure is flying by. I can't believe how fast 1 month can go. I've been ordering school curriculum and getting ready for a new school year. We are trying to get a head start as I know the month after the baby comes will be light in formal subjects.

I feel like we've been so "official" this summer about camps. We just "happened" (thanks, Lord)to hear about an art camp and then a drama camp and so the next two weeks will be busy. Art camp is this next week. I'll be teaching dance in the morning at the camp to a class of about 12 girls. It is a new experience for me and I'm praying it goes well for all concerned. The handouts for each day are almost finished and with Dot, Deer, and their two friends, we finished choreographing the song today. I'm excited about it but I think I will also sleep better when it is over. :-) The kids are excited about their classes. It will be interesting to see how it goes.

Tomorrow is my first prenatal checkup. Makes it seems more real. :-) I'm almost 15 weeks - over 1/3 of the way! I'm looking forward to feeling the baby kick.

Dunk is doing well at work. He's been working north of our place for a couple weeks which has been especially a blessing on Fridays as then he is traveling the right direction - opposite of the major traffic. He's enjoyed having a regular job and regular pay! The rest of the time has been spent putzing about the place on different projects.

Drum and Dime make edible trucks this morning for Science Class. They put two 1/4 of graham crackers together and then frosting glued on 4 life-saver wheels and a gumdrop cab. They turned out adorable and I am so bummed I forgot to take a picture. They were a big hit at class. A fun memory.

The kids put a new swing in the yard. Drum climbed a tree to hang it up - I tried not to watch. They put the tramp by it and have enjoyed swinging off the tramp and pulling each other up high by the extra cord. I'll have to post a picture someday as I'm proud of their ingenuity. :-)

Deer's new "thing" has been dreaming about opening a "bird business". She has big dreams and plans about raising birds and then selling them to suppliers or pet stores. I'm not sure I'm crazy about the idea but I'm crazy about the reading it has encouraged her to do and work researching the subject on-line and in books. We'll see what happens......

Duke's latest love has been heading out into the woods to chop down weeds with his machete. (Along with Drum & Dime, but not in the same place at the same time.) Drives his Grandma nuts while she worries about him. He's been good obeying the rules so he's enjoying the privileges to this point. We had a missionary family stay with us for the night and they enjoyed seeing him with his machete as it brought back memories of their boys in the jungle. I've seen pictures of their boys in the jungle with a giant anaconda and it doesn't make me feel good about comparing their boys to ours. :-) (Theirs boys were teenagers at the time. :-)

Dime got his pogo stick fixed up by Papa W. and has been having a blast bouncing around. He loves to invent new "tricks". I watch him bounce in the heat and wonder how he can do it. Whew...

So much for my ramblings.... this makes a fun journal memory for me..... I better hit the hay...

Happy Birthday Dime!

Dime celebrated his actual birthday at the cabin. He was awakened in the morning with Papa K singing "Happy Birthday" and his presents. Later his friend came up for an overnight. We celebrated as a family at home that weekend with a home-made ice-cream cake (notice the cake puddles).

Happy Birthday Gma W.

Deer decorated the cake for Gma W's recent birthday. We won't spread her age on so public a blog. :-) Happy Birthday!!

Critters Galore

We have definitely enjoyed some critters around here lately. The monarchs hatched. The baby birds hatched. Mom almost grabbed this little green fella on the hose at the car wash! Dessert was thrilled to make his acquaintance before we let him go in a more natural setting.

Drum's Shin

Drum had a minor motorcycle accident and learned an important lesson about riding in weeds he hasn't checked first. He ended up with 3 stitches in his shin after hitting a well pump. The motorcycle forks were bent and are still in the process of getting straightened. PTL it wasn't more major and all the kids have learned something from his lesson.

My Four Sons

Daisy had a date-day with her four boys. We had a great time looking at "stuff" together and hunting for swim shirts. We finished with Burger King swirl ice-cream cones. A fun memory!

July 4th Wknd at the Cabin

Papa, Uncle J., Drum, & Dime went fishing and were successful! Uncle J & Dessert also went fishing off the dock, making Dessert feel like a million bucks. Monday was a bit breezy but the kids enjoyed working with the waves. Wow, can a weekend fly by.

Dunk started sheet metal work on Wed. He will know in a week how long this job might last. We are excited to have him back to work. We all need to adapt to the new schedule of early to bed. :-)

July 4th was a wierd day as Dot & Drum spent the day helping out with a parades, I had a bad headache, and the rest spent a very quiet day here. Finally in the evening, Dunk got out the firecrackers and they had fun lighting them off until they got ready to go to the big fireworks in town. Dot decided to keep me company and Gma W. joined the fireworks crew. They had a great time! Dessert told me the next morning that they were "Awesome!"

On Wed, Dunk worked, and I spent the day trying different things to get rid of my headache. I finished off with a trip to the chiropractor and Feverfew tincture (Wow, does that taste bad!). This morning I woke early with the excitement of NO headache! What a relief. PTL.
Today Deer is helping out with a younger friend's birthday party and the boys are going with Mom to get swim shirts from Old Navy Outlet - Lord willing. Dot wants to just R&R it - she's been busy.

I got the results back from my blood work yesterday and basically everything came back negative, my joint pain has resolved itself, and it is just one of those things we will probably never know why. I'm just so glad it was not permanent. (I had a week of joint pain. My knees were the worst.) Anyway...

The Bluebirds Have Grown

The kids have also discovered another nest.

Baby Bluebirds

The kids have been watching the growth of some baby bluebirds. Drum took these pictures.

Dot's Drama Camp

Dot enjoyed a week at Drama Camp. They had their first performance last night and their last one is this morning. They are performing for a mission center today. She thoroughly enjoyed the days and loved the new songs. She got to help out with the white in the color song and enjoyed her parts. She participated with two of her friends. She is to the right of the speaker under the "of" on stage. We all enjoyed their performance. Great Job, Dot!!!

Dessert's New Smile

Dessert had dental work done last Monday. He is the proud owner of 8 "silver teeth" and is sporting a missing front tooth that had been gray. His other teeth look so much better and we are so glad to have this job behind us. We had to be at the sugical center by 5:15 am so it was an early morning for Dunk, Daisy, and Dessert. Papa K. joined us and went in with Dessert. It was relaxing to know Papa was keeping an eye on him. His mouth is recoving nicely although he enjoyed being told to eat a popsicle. :-)

Duke Rides Again!!

Duke has had a blast riding the mini-bike. His waking thoughts are on getting his reading done so he can ride.

Mini-bike Excitement

Dunk got the little mini-bike working!!!! The kids faces when he came driving out from the pole-barn were worth any effort to get that thing going. Duke was so excited I think he was jumping 10 ft for every step he took to the house to get his shoes so he could ride. They have spent every minute they can riding it. It has been great motivation to get their reading and chores done in the morning so they can ride. I love it. I forgot to download the pictures from the camera so I will have to post a picture later.

Dunk is working getting the last leak fixed in the mud-room. Hopefully that means he can get the insulation done and inspected next week while he is still home and then the next step will be sheetrock. Someday..... :-)

I had a bad day on Tues or Wed - can't remember and don't want to figure it out - with morning sickness. I sure am glad I'm not bad most days!! My poor family has been struggling with a Mom with Baby Brain. Today I rushed Dunk, Drum, and Deer to an appointment only to have them get there and discover it is next week Thurs. I went to get eggs and milk the other day and forgot to get the eggs (despite Dunk calling while I was there and reminding me about milk & eggs)!! This week I also rented a couple movies while in town and then left them behind. I didn't realize it until the clerk called to let me know the movies were still there. I am praying for grace for my family.

Dot is gearing up for a busy few weeks and she and I are looking forward to some shopping this weekend. She has a busy Fri and Sat and then next week she is off to Drama camp. We spend the following weekend at the cabin and then we are home two days before she leaves with Papa and Gramma for a week. She's a little nervous but excited as well.

I can't believe how fast the summer is flying by!!! I wish someone could grab my heels and slow me down. On the other hand I am looking forward to the end of summer as it will probably be the end of morning sickness as well. A Cool Thought!! One that is tempered with the thought of the approaching school year - O brother... :-)

Dunk's Super Suit!

Honey?
Where's My Super Suit?!
What?
Where IS my SUPER SUIT?!
Why do you need to know?
I need it!
Oh, no you don't....!
But, we're talkin' about the greater good!
I am your wife!! I am the greatest good you are ever
gonna get!!!! ~Frozone from 'The Incredibles' ~










Dunk did get a super suit given to him while at Dirt Bike School from a fellow student. We all enjoyed teasing him about it but he did look better in it when sitting on a dirt bike. :-)
We are so glad to have him home!!

Tidbits

Dessert has really enjoyed Sign Language Lessons this year because that is the day his friend comes over to play for the afternoon. They are very busy and her mom says sometimes by the time she gets home she will ask for oatmeal for supper and then to please go to bed. :-) She brought her trike over this summer and they took turns riding it and giving rides. Fun memories....

Dunk is doing well at Dirt Bike School. He has met some interesting people and is enjoying the learning process. He said they are really working to make them into good teachers - not just someone who can tell or show the basics but someone who is good at being a teacher - been very interesting.

We enjoyed our local parade last night. I would post a picture of the kids handing out Gma's pushcards and saying, "Please vote for my Grandma!" but Dunk has the camera. :-) Gma W did take some pictures for us. :-) Dot ended up helping our churches VBS float and passing out fliers. From what we heard, her Grandma trained her in well on working a parade. :-) The kids enjoyed the bands from a new perspective after having played instruments the past year. I'm finding out where Dunk gets his ability to make on the spot connections with people. I couldn't believe how many times Papa W had just the right comment to make to a parade participant to earn him a smile, wave, laugh, or comment. We even got some candy thrown at us old folks. :-) Another Fun Memory!!

Baptism, Book Reading, Endorsement

BAPTISM
Today Drum was baptized at church. He did very well. You could tell he thought the water was cold. :-) He is really maturing. Congratulations, Drum, we are so proud of you.

BOOK READING
I've been reading: The Discovery of Genesis: How the Truths of Genesis Were Found Hidden in the Chinese Language. It has been an interesting book about the Chinese language. "China boasts of 4, 500 years of unbroken civilization and the ancient Chinese were monotheist, serving a Supreme Heavenly Ruler, called Shang-Ti." Their beginnings date back to a time after the historical timing of the dispertion at Babel. It is a look at the Chinese language and how the story of Genesis is written in the ideograms of their original language. For example: the Chinese character for "to create" is a combination of the figures for - dust, mouth, movement of life, and able to walk. "Genesis 2:7 states: "Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground and breathed (with His mouth) into his nostrils the breath of life: and man became a living being (not a baby, but an adult, able to walk)." A very facinating book to say the least.

Now I am reading another book: Genesis and the Mystery Confucius Couldn't Solve. His mystery he couldn't solve was stated in "The Doctrine of Mean, xix,6" by Confucius, "He who understands the ceremonies of the sacrifices to Heaven and Earth....would find the government of a kingdom as easy as to look into his palm!" At the time of Confucius they had lost the meaning behind the sacrifices they originally did which were begun when Adam and Eve were sent out of the garden of Eden. I am looking forward to learning more... :-)

MISC.
Dunk heads to Dirt Bike School this week and will be gone for 6 days. We are hoping to get caught up on house cleaning, and gardening. "Morning" Sickness has set in and my energy levels have definitely dropped. I've found a very frequent eating schedule definitely helps - as usual. The girls have been re-arranging their room - as usual - and I'm about to put my foot down about any more re-arranging projects. :-)

ENDORSEMENT
Yesterday we went to the Convention Center and helped Mom with her endorsement. :-) Well, we sang and cheered and looked good in red, white, and blue. Dot signed "The Grand Old Flag". Wow, I can't believe how grown-up she's gotten over the past year. Uncle J gave a great speech and then Mom followed with hers. They did a power point with pictures behind her as she spoke. It went so well! The kids loved the end of the ceremonies for the day when they dropped the red and white balloons over the audience and they got to go and pop or collect all they could carry. Dessert had 5!! two in each hand and one carried in the middle. It was so funny. It was so fun to see everyone. What a fun memory!!

More Memorable Pictures

Memorial Day at the Cabin

We celebrated a wonderful HOT Memorial Day at the Cabin. The kids spent most of their time in the water. The tramp in the water was a huge success. Dime and Cousin L checked out the bucket of minnows. They all made clay creations. Dessert and Cousin L enjoyed each other's company and kept an eye on each other.

Dot's 2006 Ballet Recital

The girls enjoyed their end of the year recital. It felt a little mild compared to previous recitals as they only had 1 dance to perform. Their hair turned out beautiful. They had an elaborate backdrop. Eventually even the guys got in on the act. :-)

Dot's Bible Study Group

Dot has been participating in a Girls Bible Study this year. It has gone very well and she has enjoyed getting to know the girls better. They have been studying 1 Corinthians.

Dot gets Contacts

Dot got contacts this month before her ballet recital. It was a challenge getting them in the first time but now she manuvers just fine around her eyes. :-) The technician was very helpful. She has enjoyed getting to wear sunglasses! We finished the day at a band recital for friends. Congrats, Dot!!

Happy Birthday Duke!!

Duke celebrated his birthday with his family, grandparents, and his friend, D. They share the same age, far-sightedness, a love for catching frogs, and the same interest in toys. Duke was Thrilled with his gift from D - a star wars transformer. Duke had a home-made ice-cream cake this year. It turned out to be a hit so we may be making it again. With eight in the family, we sure enjoy alot of birthday cakes! We are thrilled that Duke is a part of our family! He is a blessing. He loves to be with his Dad & he looks for him immediately upon waking up in the morning. Wherever Dad goes, he desires to go. Whatever Dad has, he desires to have. Whatever Dad does, he desires to do. :-) Happy Birthday Duke!!

Spring Recital 2006

Drum, Dime, and Deer did very well at their Spring Recital. We were so pleased with their efforts. Congratulations, Kiddos!!

Guess What?!

We are expecting a new baby!! Jan, 22. The other kids are thrilled and so excited. Dessert was wanting to feel the baby kick last night as he has fond memories of his Aunt D. letting him feel her tummy with the baby inside. We let him know he'd need to wait awhile. :-)