An Invite

Madeline ran to me with excitement after school today to show me a Birthday invitation given to her by Shawn in her Pre-K class. I opened the folded piece of yellow paper only to discover that it was a yellow piece of paper. It did have a few Preschool-like written letters on it, maybe 8 letters. Madeline said, "Well, it's not a real invitation, but he says I can go!"

Hooks

This is a usual find for me on cleaning day. I try not to leave coat hangers within Ivan's reach anymore, but every week there are a few more victims. I am not done cleaning today and so I am sure this is just the beginning. Ivan thinks they are Captain Hook's hooks. He uses one for a while, loses it, and then goes on to find another one. I get to find the broken ones every week...not too much of a loss for the imaginative fun that it brings. For now I have an abundance of hangers, but I foresee a time for rationing them out.

Sleeping in Daddies Shirts

Well that is pretty much it, just some happy kids in dad's shirt instead of their jammies.

Quotes Last Week

I was telling Ivan not to touch something that belongs to Madeline. Madeline chimed in, "Yeah, or else God will send fire upon your head!" (Hmm.)

The Silver Knight

Ivan got his last shot the other day until he goes to school. Deacon worked on him for about two weeks to prepare him to conquer this big day. He was told that if he didn't cry at all, he could get a new sword. His broke recently and it was making an uneven fight with dad. Well, he did it. We were all there cheering him on. He held his arms up in his tough position and growled right through the whole experience. Now, Ivan is back to fighting Dragons at home, looking more knightly than before. He got a battleaxe in the package as a bonus. In case you didn't know this weapon is for chopping off heads.

Conquering the World...one jump at a time, and worms!

Sometimes I am not quite sure what to do with a son. I grew up with all sisters and, well, girls are very different than boys as it turns out. Ivan got the attention of his entire family and then proceeded to jump off of the kitchen table. I was holding my breath, knowing that it would hurt his feet. Well, it did hurt -- as one would logically conclude. This is where Deacon comes in. It was time for Ivan to show tough. He decided to try this stunt again to conquer this new fear. However, this time he decided to wear sandals...on his feet ...and his hands. This is his ultimate tough face before the lunge.
And he mastered it, repeating many times for the perfect picture opportunity.
Now to explain why the kids were both on the kitchen table. We "plasticate" the windows in our trailer to keep in the warmth in the winter. This has been very efficient. However, it is the end of April and we usually have it off by now, but alas there is still snow on occasion. Deacon had a brilliant idea that ended up with at least 2 hours of fun and quiet. The kids colored on the plastic and got to feel like they were doing something wild and crazy. My favorite picture that is now being displayed to our neighbors (you can't see it in the photo) is a picture where six colorful "WRMS" have a thinking bubble coming out of their heads. The bubble includes the words Mommy, Daddy, Ivan, Madeline, and something for the new baby. This, as Madeline explained, is because the worms are thinking of eating our family.

Quotes Last Week

1). Deacon has a series of questions that he asks the kids right before communion on Sunday. Ivan was struck by a particular question last time.
Deacon: "Why did Jesus die on the cross for our sins?"
Ivan (with a look of shock): "Jesus died in a lacrosse game?"

2). Ivan has taken to sticking his finger in his eye quite frequently this past week. I noticed he was licking his finger after he did it.
Amy: "Why are you licking your finger, buddy?"
Ivan: "My eye tastes like your dinner."

3). Madeline picked up a knew word recently which is always fun. She went outside on Saturday and there was quite a wind. Apparently, it was trying to blow her away. Madeline ran in the house and this is what she came up with:
Madeline: "I am flying away like a maniac out there!"
Amy: "Oh, what's a maniac?"
Madeline: "Oh, you know, it's like a funny little bird."

Just like Daddy

Big Smiles! I am trying to add a lot of extra pictures for my mom while she is gone in South Carolina, so that is why I am overloading the blog with these cute kids!
So serious.

This was a pretty good hit. He is practicing how to stand.

What a handsome man!!

Ivan loves his time with daddy!

We May Move Soon?

Jon Dion called Deacon today and said that Jennifer O'Brien talked to Chase bank today (that is always good b/c they are hard to get a hold of). They are going to try to get our sale finalized by April 21. I do not feel any different. We have had numerous dates coming and going. I am just going to act like its a big surprise party when we get handed the keys. Until then, I will consider the 21st a 10% chance- not so good, but it does give me another glimmer of hope. I even let myself think about paint a little today!

Fun Family Day

This past Saturday, our family packed the day full of fun for the kids. Deacon is on a 5 day business trip this week so we wanted to take full advantage of our time together. The sunshine added an extra bonus. We went to some yard sales. There was one at the Appaloosa Horse Museum. We went into the museum by chance and had an awesome time. It is super kid friendly. The kids dressed up, tried out some saddles, saw an Indian headdress, made a horse bookmark, and read in the kids corner with huge stuffed horses. I never thought to take the kids here, but now we will surely go again.
Madeline on a Lady saddle with her legs to the side-perfect for her summer dress!

Cowboy Ivan

Then we went to the park. Emma was there!!
Ivan was trying to keep up with the girls. He had dad, so he wasn't too broken up about being a bit out of the loop with the two girls. We all had a fun time. We even look a little more healthy with some sun to the skin!

Not Big Enough?

You would think that since it is bigger than Ivan, he could back up a bit. This is our t.v. We got it for a deal on ebay. We have been using a 9in. for the last six years. This definitely captivates attention better than the other t.v. Unfortunately, it was supposed to go in a bigger house.

An Early Start

Deacon told me a funny little conversation that he had with Madeline yesterday.

They were at Rosauers and Mrs. Nance appeared.

Madeline: Hey we know her.
Dad: Yeah that is Mrs. Nance. That is the wife of Mr Nance. Do you remember Mr. Nance?
Madeline: Yeah, he is my physics teacher.


The explanation for why my daughter takes physics is simple. Whenever she gets picked up from Logos by her Aunt Ashlynn, she gets to spend 15 minutes in the physics class until the high school is let out. We are confident that she is learning a lot in the class and getting an early start in the sciences.

On a side note: I highly recommend the skirty for those of you planning on buying girl uniforms for next year. Madeline wears hers all the time to school because of recess.

The Trouble with Brothers

This is the eye that was brought to me by my son. I had no idea what it was...
Until Madeline brought me her doll. This is Madeline's American doll, Samantha. I got my doll when I was pretty young and loved it. So, we got Madeline one for Christmas a couple of years ago. The hair has been a bit frazzled from being cared for by a three and four year old, but that is no longer the least of this dolls problems. Unlike myself as a young child with an American doll, Madeline has a brother. It took we a while to get Ivan to tell me what happened, but in the end he talked. Apparently, it was some form of doctor/patient play. Ivan held Samantha by the feet and banged her head repeatedly on the floor until her eyes popped out. This we decided was a definite form of not loving his neighbor. Fortunately, the American Girl company offers head replacement. I am not sure it is Ivan's calling to ever become a doctor.

This is for Grandma. I hope the video works!

Making Breakfast

Madeline loves to help in the kitchen with just about anything. It occurred to me the other day that I ought to let her try more things. I have been telling her that she is not old enough to crack eggs. I don't know why I was saying this, I mean after all, if she wants to learn, then great! I guess I didn't want a mess. However, if I don't teach her, who will? Well, this was the morning. She cracked 5 eggs better than I can do. Sometimes I underestimate my kids and they are usually capable of way more than I give them credit for.
Of course I did have to explain that she didn't need to lick the egg drippings off of her fingers!

Ivan thought that Madeline did a pretty good job too.

Sabbath Fun

We have all been sick for 5 or so days. We decided to finally get some fresh air. We took the kids to the park by EMSI and let them bike ride and race for a bit. It was just what we all needed!


After bike riding we met Grandpa and Nana at Baskin Robbins for a sweet treat!

A Visit to Wenatchee

(Violet, Madeline, Ivan, Tage, Simon and little Benny)
I can't believe they are all sitting, even if it wasn't still!
We were not able to close on our new house as planned, so we packed up for a quick trip to see the Madsons. The road was closed into Wenatchee so we took a long detour. It gave Deacon and I some fun time to catch up. Our kids have taken to playing the quiet game on car rides. Basically, whoever talks first loses and gets 2 little candies. The winner gets 4 little pieces. They love it and it makes for a sweet little trip. Of course, we don't force this game on them, they just love it.

Easter

Madeline got her to change her earrings for the first time on Easter! I also curled her hair and then she was ready to give me some big smiles!

Mama's pregnant belly. It is actually bigger than it looks in this photo!
Grandma Green with some wild sugar-high kids!
We decided to go big this Easter. There is a trampoline in that big box (a new toy for the new house). We had to use 3 rolls of wrapping paper to get it wrapped somewhat. Unfortunately, it will have to stay boxed for a little while longer. I am also happy to say that as of last night it is now in a closet and not in my family room!



The kids got billy-bob teeth for Easter. It was more fun for us parents at first. The kids were not pleased. However, they grew on Ivan in particular. A few days later, I was reading to Ivan and he said, "Mom are you wearing my billy-bob teeth?" "No son, these are my teeth." He replied very surely, "No, your kidding me, can I touch them?"

I am not sure what this means about my teeth.

New Haircut

Ivan got a new haircut (like daddy), a Mariners hat (like daddy) and so he of course needed a beard (like daddy). I am happy he wants to be like his dad!

My Family Room

Well, this is what a quarter of my family room looks like. We are about to celebrate or second complete month like this. It occurred to me this morning that I may be crazy. Considering most of our boxes have come from Rosauers, we look like we have grocery storage in our very own house. Once we finally move, I know it will all be worth it. In the meantime, we will just keep practicing some serious patience.