Let's Build a House

David and Nick were playing outside today and having a blast. Nick needed help off the swing and David picked him up to get him off--it was rather funny to watch. Seeing that it was so hot they decided to take a break on the deck with myself and Aunt Karen. I told David that this is his last day to play with Nick so he better enjoy himself. He looked at me and replied, "We don't have to go back to California we can build a house right there (my mom and dad's back yard), all we need is some nails. If only it were that simple.

The day continued on and we made our rounds to say our final good-byes and then came home. When my dad walked into the living room David says, "Papa, can you get some nails so you can build my house. All we need is nails Papa." My dad and I were laughing. I forgot about the conversation earlier in the day until he returned to the subject.

It makes me smile to see how his little mind is thinking. As far as David is concerned you only need some nails to build a house. Relocating across the country is no problem--hahaha.

Mam

Mam and E
With two of the three

I love this boy's smile and his double chin--hahaha.


I spent a great deal of time at Pa and Mam's house growing up. I think it is so neat that my kids can spend time with the grandparents that have been so special to me. Mam has been telling me that E looks just like my dad did as a baby--double chin and all.

Best Friends

I love watching the relationships between the kids develop. It is neat to watch how they interact--though not always good--with one another. Last night David told me that Annabelle is his best friend in the whole world. It made me smile. Today I walked in the living room he was telling E how much he loved him. It's moments like these that make a mama smile.

Random

I love these two!
Sugar and Papa. Every night she sits on his lap-he usually falls asleep.

That's my smiley boy.

Elijah is the happiest baby. When he is awake we rarely hear him cry. He is so content to watch everything around him. When he does want your attention he makes a little squawk; it can hardly be considered a cry. It is interesting how he was so "hard" as a newborn but is such an easy baby now. I can safely say that he is the most content of my 3.

Summer Days

Chilling with Auntie Krista
Grandma, will you come sit with us?

Aunt Karen and E

Grandma always makes me smile.

Mighty Mac

Today we drove the 2 hours to show the kids the "big bridge". The Mackinac Bridge is the largest suspension bridge in the world; connecting Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas. To the right of the bridge is Lake Michigan and to the left is Lake Huron. When we were crossing over David was in awe. He kept saying, "this is a really big bridge and it is super high." He kept asking to go over more but at $3.50 each way I figured there and back was sufficient.
The only picture I was able to get at Mackinaw City. Elijah was not enjoying the stroller so I was carrying him making it rather difficult to get many pictures. There was a fountain that had a "river" that ran to another little fountain. The kids thought that was cool.

These Days

The time that we are in Michigan is coming to an end. We have had an incredible month with lots of excitement. Tonight we had our last family dinner before we fly out on Wednesday. We laughed and ate way too much food. We just enjoyed being together like a family does.

Tonight my heart is sad. I absolutely love spending time with my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. It has been a month of making memories together and a month that I will never forget. My mom and I have been able to spend so much time together-talking, laughing and just enjoying each other. Tonight I watched my dad chase the kids around the yard and then push them on the swings and I felt a little tug at my heart. I watch my mom hold little E and just beam with joy that he is her grandson. It makes me wish that things were a little different and they could have the joy of being grandparents all year long; not just for a month out of a year.

Tonight my heart is also excited. Excited because I can't wait to see Glenn and give him a hug. I have missed him so much this past month and wished that he could be here to share in the fun. I have come to realize, once again, that I have truly become one with my husband. I just do not feel complete unless he is here with me making memories. We are a family and I love living life together.

I guess the only solution is for us to all pack up and move to Michigan! Hahaha--we may change our minds come winter.

Funny Sayings

I want to keep track of the funny things David says because I know that as time goes on I will no longer remember.

The other night he was sitting on my dad's lap watching a football game and I told him he had 5 minutes until bedtime. His response was, "What! Are you kidding me!" The way he said it had me cracking up. I assured him that I was not kidding him and that he did have to go to bed.

That same night he came and crawled into bed with me and said, "Mommy, I love you so much. Can we hold hands" Awww, how sweet. My little man actually wants to hold my hand. I am sure that will change in a few years.

Elijah

Although you have been here less than 3 months we are smitten. You make us smile and you make each day brighter. We can barely remember what life was like before you joined the crew. When I took this picture Mam was talking to you and you just kept on smiling and cooing. Not only are you a gift to your mama and daddy, but also to your extended family. We all find joy in spending time with you and watching you smile. We love you so much Elijah! When I think of the love that we have for you I am in awe of the fact that God has even more love for you. E, may you grow into a man who truly serves the Lord with all that you have.

U.P. State Fair

Ready for a day at the U.P. State Fair

Elijah's first trip to the fair.

Alanna, you okay back there or is that boy scaring you?

Riding the boats for the first time.

Apparently the captain thinks Alanna wants to go for a swim in the grass.

We went on the Ferris Wheel and as soon as we got to the top Annabelle started freaking out. She kept saying "hold me" and was trying to climb on my lap.

Yup, David and Alanna are not afraid of anything! After the ride ended they both wanted to go again.

Flying high

Riding Midnight

Birds of a feather flock together! I love these two wild birds.

Little Miss riding her boat (for the 5th time today)

Enjoying the ride on the gondola

Elijah was exhausted after his first trip to the fair.

We had a great time at the fair today. It was hot but thankfully it was bearable. I was shocked at how brave David and Alanna were. They went on several of the "big kid" rides and loved every minute. While we were on the tilt-a-whirl they were laughing away while I was thinking, is this ride ever going to end-I may throw up. I didn't think Annabelle would like the rides but she loved the little kids rides-not so much the big kid rides. They had to stop the scrambler because she was terrified. I enjoyed going on the rides just as much as the kids.

We went through the barns and looked at the cows, chickens, rabbits and sheep. The kids liked it but by this time of the day we were all ready to leave. Elijah was fussy and totally over the whole fair idea. Poor little guy was so hot in his car seat but Grandma kept taking him out and carrying him.

Another fun-filled, exhausting day here in the U.P. I also had to say good-bye to Cathy as she heads back home tomorrow. I feel so blessed to have been able to spend so much time with her this past week and a half. I know David and Annabelle loved spending time with her girls--even if it eventually ended up in a boxing match.

I think tomorrow we may just take it easy and spend the day at the beach.

Funny Conversations

I must say that conversations with a 3 and half year old are rather interesting. I never know what David is going to say! The two most recent conversations were this

D: Why is Mam so old?
me: Well, that is just what happens in life
D: Oh, I'm not old
me: Is mommy old?
D: No, you're big. Pa Beannie is big, Papa is big, Daddy is big and Mam is really, really little.
Mam is rather short but she isn't smaller than he is!

D: I really love you Mommy
me: I love you too
D: Except when you say bad words to me
me: (racking my brain trying to think of what "words" he is thinking of) what bad words?
D: you know, like, go to bed
I guess he doesn't like hearing those words. Funny thing is that all this time I thought he wasn't listening to me and it turns out he was listening the whole time. :-)

Just a reminder once again of how much joy the little rascals bring to life. With who else could I have such enlightening conversations.

August 16, 2010

This morning we went over to Pa and Mam's place for a little while. I picked corn from the garden while Pa gave David and Annabelle a 4-wheeler ride. They love riding the 4-wheeler and Pa loves giving rides. They always go out to the "house in the woods" (aka his dear blind).

When we got to their house Annabelle took off for the living room saying Bebe. When she got there and he was gone she was rather upset. Mam called for Pa and as soon as he got in the house Annabelle pointed to his chair and told him to sit. She then climbed up in his lap. I tell her that I understand because when I was a little girl that was my favorite spot to sit too. I would pretend I was sleeping so Pa could hold me a little longer. The three girls (myself, Amanda and Krista) would always race to see who could get to him first. We usually all ended up cuddled on his lap. We are extremely blessed to have such an awesome Pa.

We then made the trip down to the county garage so David could see the multitudes of dump trucks, fork lifts, tractors and every other piece of large machinery. He sat in several of the trucks honking the horn. He even got to sit in A-133 (the truck that I used to drive). That crazy truck has over 200,000 miles and has lasted through several college kids. I'm surprised they still have it there. He soaked in looking at the drills, air compressors, torque wrenches and every other kind of tool imaginable. Needless to say, he did not want to leave. He loved Papa's work and even scored a new Peterbilt hat.

We came home and had Grandma Lois out for dinner. After dinner we went for a ride in the HUV through the woods. Sugar calls it the vv and David keeps telling me he wants to find a bear! Thankfully we haven't come across any bear--only deer. We had a campfire and made s'mores and then headed in to get ready for bed. There was no arguing at bedtime tonight. All the kids were asleep within 5 minutes of hitting the pillow.

I think we are all going to miss being outside so much and getting to spend a lot of time with the people we love. Just a reminder to cherish each and every day we have here in "God's Country."

Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for the simple things in life. I am thankful for the time I have been able to spend with my family. I am thankful for the relationship that I see my kids forming with the people who mean so much to me. I am thankful for a husband who is willing to sacrifice his time with our kids so that we can spend time in Michigan. I am thankful for the joy I see in my grandparents eyes when they look at the kids. I am thankful for being able to watch my mom rock Elijah to sleep and my dad cuddle with David and Annabelle. I am thankful for the deep love of family. I am thankful for these days.

Scared

Annabelle is rather clumsy. She has been to the e.r. multiple times for various injuries. So much so, that when I had my 20 week ultrasound she started wailing as soon as she walked into the room. She took one look at the white table and began trying to climb up the front of Glenn. I thought she would be relieved when I got on the table, but she wasn't. Every time anyone goes to the dr. she freaks as soon as the dr. walks in the room. She is traumatized by dr.'s and nurses.

Today marked another day of her gracefulness. She decided that she wanted to go to the basement at my parent's house and began heading down the stairs. Keep in mind that she has already fallen twice in the past couple weeks down shorter flights of stairs. You think she would exercise some caution--nope. I heard a thump and ran only to see her somersaulting down the entire flight of stairs and landing on the cement ground. I thought for sure there would be blood everywhere. I screamed and ran down the stairs to grab her. I kept looking to make sure her teeth were all there and that there was no blood. She only got a small bump on her head--nothing new for her.

When I saw her falling I wanted to stop her but I couldn't--talk about feeling helpless. After I realized that she was ok I just sat down and cried. On this trip alone the Lord has protected her on two specific occasions. The first one was when she fell in the pond while no one was around--she could have easily drowned and then today. Each night we pray with our children that the Lord would protect them and I am so thankful for his protection.

While I was crying David looked at me, climbed on my lap, hugged me and then started patting my back. He would stop and look to see if I was still crying and then start patting my back again. It was like he was telling me that it was okay in his own little way.

Tonight as I put my kids to bed I once again ask the Lord to protect them. Not only to protect them from obvious dangers but also to protect their hearts and minds. I also thank Him for the protection that He has given each and every day of their little lives.

Friends Part 2

Watching the tractor
What is this?
Interesting idea for a picnic
On the swing set

Let's do some gardening.

Today was a special day because I was able to spend the whole day with my best friend from college. If she hadn't been there I may never have made it through college. The good news is that I made it through college. We had so much fun in college that we got an apartment after we graduated. She is the kind of friend that can make you laugh at just about anything--we did plenty of that today!

Before we were married we used to say that we were going to make our husbands build us houses next to each other so we could still hang out all the time. Well, our plan didn't work because we live thousands of miles apart. After David was born and she found out she was going to have a girl we decided that they could get married. Then I had Annabelle and she found out she was pregnant shortly after. We decided that if it was a boy then they would get married but if it was a girl they could be best friends. It looks like Sugar has a best friend.

Cathy came out today with her two girls and the kids played for hours together. David even alled Alanna "sweetie"--hahaha. They had so much fun together and we had so much fun watching them and laughing. We were sitting on the patio making up conversations between them and then cracking ourselves up. The goofy thing is that we used to do the same thing in college. We would "people watch" and make up our own conversations. Yup, we were weird, but we sure had fun.

This trip I have been enjoying spending time with my family but I am also so thankful that the Lord has allowed me to spend time with old friends. Proverbs 27:17 is so true about Cathy. "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend."

Update on the Trio

David
He has been saying some funny things since we have been here. Today he told Annabelle that she was "stressing him out". Apparently, her playing in the garden next to him was more than he could handle.
The other day he was telling me that he missed his friend Luke and then asked me if I was missing Patrice--Luke's mom. I thought that it was sweet how he is missing his friends.
Tonight I was laying in bed with him and this was the conversation:
D: "When I grow up I am not getting married."
Me: "Hmmmm, really"
D: "Wait, when I grow up I am going to marry you. What do you think Daddy will say about that?"
Me: laying there trying to not laugh
D: "Will we have food there?"
At this point I was laughing and had to get out of bed to go tell my mom what he had said. He always keeps me entertained.

Sugar
She has learned to climb out of the pack and play and consistently does this when it is time to go to sleep--yay.
She pooped on the potty today--whoohoo. She was super proud of herself and we all cheered for her and gave her a mini marshmallow. Let's hope we can keep this going.
It seems like she is starting to talk--a lot. Yesterday after I did her hair she got down and ran to my mom saying "pretty girl." I wonder where she heard that! I am hearing her say words that I have never heard her say before. Another funny one is that she calls Pa Beannie-Bebe. It is super cute and I can tell that Pa likes it.

Elijah
He laughed for the first time yesterday. It was so cute. He has been smiling but to hear the laugh just made me laugh.
He has been sleeping 8-10 hours the past few nights. This is amazingly awesome. Lets hope this continues when we get back to Cali.
He has his Grandma wrapped around his finger. Every night she says--you need me to hold the baby and then she rocks him to sleep. It is so sweet and I am so thankful to have this special time with my family.

Friends

Chrissy, Amber and myself (blurry --but the best picture I got)

Brett holding Elijah. I remember holding Brett when he was E's age--time goes way too fast.

All of our kiddies--it is rather difficult to take a picture when the majority are under 3 yrs. old!

"Miles may separate as life goes along but the bond between friends remains ever strong." This is a quote on a little plaque that my mom has at her house and during this trip it has been so real to me.

Yesterday two friends I have had since kindergarten, Amber and Chrissy, were able to come and spend the morning with us. I have so many memories with these two girls. We have been through brownies, birthdays and boy crushes together. We have laughed until we nearly peed our pants (remember the dance Amber?).

Now we are all grown up and have our own kids. Each of us live in different areas and live our own daily lives but yesterday I felt like we never skipped a beat and were able to be "old" friends once again. They were beautiful when we were younger, inside and out, and are even more beautiful today. I feel so thankful to have them as friends and to have been able to spend some time with them!!

Amber's oldest boy loved little Elijah. He was holding him and had the sweetest smile on his face. Then her middle boy Brandon was David's best friend--or so David believed. They both are allergic to nuts so they had a common bond--hahaha. The day after they had been over David woke up and asked if his new friend in the red shirt could come play. Then today when he was swinging on the swing set he told me that his friend in the red shirt pushes him higher than I do and then wanted him to come over. Apparently Brandon is now the "boy in the red shirt". All in all I think the kids enjoyed themselves too.

Rolling Over

Big day for Little "E" seeing that he rolled over for the first time. He was sleeping on his belly and when I went to get him out of his bed he had rolled over to his back. It was actually kind of funny because he was laying there wide-eyed like,what did I just do.

The kids are finally starting to adjust to the time change, me too. It has been a struggle getting them to go to bed at 9, considering that is 6 in California, and it is still broad daylight here. We have continued the same routine of Bible story, songs, blessings and prayer hoping they would make the adjustment sooner. Tonight I put David and Annabelle in separate rooms to see if it would help and what do you know--they went right to sleep.

It was sweet tonight because Sugar said to me, "Bible read." I am so thankful that they are learning the Word of God. It makes me so happy when I hear David sing his Bible songs, although I have heard Zaccheaus about 10 times today, and recap the stories. Tonight he was praying for who he claims are his best friends--Peter and Michael. This makes me laugh because they are so much older than him.

We were able to talk to Daddy on the webcam today which was great. David keeps telling me that he wants to go back to California to see his daddy. Then he will ask me if I miss daddy and when I tell him yes he responds by telling me that he misses his daddy too. While we were talking Annabelle had a major meltdown and was crying for her daddy. She couldn't understand why she could see him but she couldn't go to him. Glenn said, "If I could get her right now I would." We are really missing our daddy. Counting the days until we can hug him again.

California Bound

Today Glenn left to go back to California--a very sad day for me. I will not see him for exactly one month. Not sure how I am going to handle this without him. He is my sanity :-). The one I can talk to about all of the days events and he is actually interested in hearing everything about the kiddies. The whole day I just wanted to treasure every minute of being with him because I know that it will be a while. This morning I even found the pillow he has been sleeping with so I can smell him while he is gone--weird but I don't think I will be able to sleep without it.

We drove to Escanaba and enjoyed some Culvers then went to Ludington park so I could feed E and Glenn could play with the kids. When we got to the airport we hung out for a while and then it was time to say our good-byes. Glenn hugged and kissed each of us about 20 times--squished E's head one time--and then had to say our last good-bye--or so we thought.

When I was leaving the parking lot I noticed a fenced area where we could stand and see him get on the plane and yell one more "I love you". When Glenn walked out Annabelle saw him and tried to run back to the airport--it was too funny. We said, yelled, our final good-byes and we were off to Manistique with screaming kids in the backseat. Needless to say this may be an interesting month.

Shipwreck Tours

Today marked the last full day of Daddy being with us before he heads back to Cali. We are going to miss him and won't be seeing him for a month--that's a long time!!

Today we all packed up and headed to Munising to go on a boat tour of the shipwrecks in Lake Superior. When we got in the van I attempted to start it only to find out that I left the car on all night and the battery was dead. We charged the battery then headed to town so I could feed E before we made our jaunt to Munising.

Once we got there and got on our "ship" we were ready to go. It was a lot of fun. David thought the captain was neat and Annabelle just liked getting attention from everyone. She is such a ham--smiling and waving at everyone in sight. E did a great job as we ventured out on the waters of Lake Superior--the largest fresh water lake in the world. The captain had to cut the tour short due to harsh waters outside of the bay. We had a great day and enjoyed just spending time together as a family.

2 Months

Well Little "E" you are more like Big "E". Seems to me that the past 2 months have gone by way too quickly and you are well on your way to becoming a quarterback. I am going to recap what you have been doing this month.

• You had your first plane ride this month--and vacation. We flew to Grandma and Papa's house in Michigan. You were excellent on the flight and by the time we arrived in Michigan you were ready to crash for about the next 12 hours.
• You are a big boy!! Wearing mostly 0-3 months clothes and some 3-6 months. You can slow down any day now.
• You are wearing a size 1 diaper but will probably be moving to a size 2 very soon.
• You are sleeping between 6-8 hours at night now--whoohoo. Usually closer to 6 but you sometimes go a bit longer.
• You are a stomach sleeper. You will not go to sleep on your back.
• Spit-up. Every time we hold you we had better have a cloth handy. Grandma has even learned this lesson. Sometimes we need to change the sheet on your bed twice in a day.
• You are smiling and cooing like crazy!! Every time you get a kiss you smile--melts my heart.
• You watch me walk everywhere. Turning your little head to see what is going on.
• You still love a good cuddle--don't change that E!!
• You started out as the most difficult of the 3 kids but are quickly becoming the easiest. You let me know when you are sleepy and when I put you down you go right to sleep.
• You hate the car seat with a passion. As soon as I put you in there the poochy lip starts and before you know it we are all looking for earplugs.
• You have excellent neck control now. You hold up your head and look around. Once in a while you crash but it is more rare than normal now.
• You have now met all of your grandpaerents and great grandparents. They smile and ooh and ahh over you. Everyone wants to hold you all the time but you are always sleeping.
• David and Annabelle love you so much. They sit next t0 you and talk to you. David calls you "handsome little man".

Well E that pretty much sums up your second month of life. You are such a special blessing to our family and we love you so much!!