when I was pregnant with you we moved towards the end. I was about 8 mos. pregnant. due to health insurance being "pending" we ended up going to a doctor who was pretty far away. (about an hour bus ride) the first time I went I rode the bus. I got off too early. I had Esther with me who was almost 2 years old. we had to cross a huge bridge in downtown St. Paul and walk for a while. it started raining. I prayed in desperation that someone would notice me. and within a minute a very kind woman pulled up beside me in her car and offered to help me find where I was going. she knew about the clinic I was going to, and brought us strait there. and about half way through the appointment she showed up and brought me and Esther jackets, and some fresh clothes for Esther. It was a wonderful reminder that God is truly mindful of us.
the day you were born I woke up feeling uncomfortable early in the morning. your dad and I watched the movie "clue" and I sat on an exercise ball. I was amazed at how much easier it was than the first time. we eventually decided to go to the hospital. you were born in regions hospital in st.Paul MN it was the first hospital to do a quadruple bypass surgery laproscopically. it is one of the premier hospitals in the country.
when I arrived they recommended that I go for a walk inside the hospital before I settled down in a bed. so we did. we went to the gift shop and ate some mentos. there was a janitor who was encouraging me every time I walked by with thumbs up and telling me that he was very happy for me. it is neat when people are so positive.
as I walked it became harder and harder, so I returned to the labor and delivery part of the hospital. I asked for drugs, I went with something a little milder expecting a short labor. Your dad and I talked, and took it easy for a while. things slowed down a bit. then my water broke, and things happened quickly. the rest was rather uneventful for labor I did not really have to push much, and it was quick. right after I had you they held you up for me to see, and the first thing you did was stick out your bottom lip in a huge adorable pout, and it trembled. in that second I wanted to hold and love you. you then let out a very sad cry, and I snuggled you and you calmed down.
there was a special moment when I realized that I was your mom. it felt so good and right to start life with you. you were a sweet baby. you did however know what you wanted when you wanted and let me know.
you were a very good snuggler. most kids squirm and are hard to hold as they get older, but you are sweet and calm and loving.
today you are 4 years old. you still love to snuggle, and give me 30 hugs and kisses a day. it is wonderful.
sometimes I struggle, and you tell me that you forgive me. it makes me smile. there is a book called "Olivia" that ends with the mom putting her child (or in this story a pig) to bed and the mom says: "you really wear me out sometimes, but I forgive you" and Olivia replies: "I forgive you too" this makes me think of you.
Showing posts with label Leah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leah. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
babies today
Esther is in 1st grade this year. she is a very sweet girl both teachers she has had have told me that she is sweet, and a good friend and tries to include everyone. it makes me proud. I love how she creates. she is writing now which is fun. she loves to write stories in a composition notebook. they are about princesses mostly. Esther is an adventurer. she loves to play. she gets excited about everything it is very infectious. her and Dad are developing a special relationship because she is old enough to do things like ice skating, sledding, and she goes home teaching too.
Leah is so clever just this week she covered herself with a blanket and army crawled around. when I asked her what she was doing she said "I am an earth worm" Ruth joined in it was pretty neat. she also balled up a blanket and put it on her back and pretended to be a hermit crab. another thing she has been doing is to roll her toy dinosaurs into blankets and "hatch" them by sitting on them. she loves dinosaurs, and says funny things like "I am nocturnal that is why I get to stay up all night" apparently daddy is nocturnal too.
Ruth is talking quite a bit now. almost everything she says makes me laugh. it is just so cute. when she gets upset she likes to rant and point. it is so funny. no one seems to understand what she says but me and Esther and Leah, but it is pretty neat all the same she will be 2 soon. I am making her presents this week. she hates diaper changes and pants. and loves "stowies" and fixing my hair. she says "mommy you pitty"
the girls are all in wonderful phases right now. I am feeling so happy to have them.
Leah is so clever just this week she covered herself with a blanket and army crawled around. when I asked her what she was doing she said "I am an earth worm" Ruth joined in it was pretty neat. she also balled up a blanket and put it on her back and pretended to be a hermit crab. another thing she has been doing is to roll her toy dinosaurs into blankets and "hatch" them by sitting on them. she loves dinosaurs, and says funny things like "I am nocturnal that is why I get to stay up all night" apparently daddy is nocturnal too.
Ruth is talking quite a bit now. almost everything she says makes me laugh. it is just so cute. when she gets upset she likes to rant and point. it is so funny. no one seems to understand what she says but me and Esther and Leah, but it is pretty neat all the same she will be 2 soon. I am making her presents this week. she hates diaper changes and pants. and loves "stowies" and fixing my hair. she says "mommy you pitty"
the girls are all in wonderful phases right now. I am feeling so happy to have them.
christmas 2011
Esther is 6 and in 1st grade and very happy about it. she is sporting blue and green glasses now, and is working on a bunch of new teeth. her vision is improving steadily. she is getting better at reading and reads to her sisters especially Ruth who has quite the appetite for "stowies" Esther enjoys art, and displays it proudly for us all. I am impressed often by her kindness. she is a great example to me of being kind to everyone. her teachers are always expressing what a great thing that is in their classes because Esther tries hard to make sure no one is left out. she also adds a refreshing enthusiasm to daily life.
Leah is 4 and imaginative. she has "this how many cats"(holding up 5 fingers) and one dog. her cat is ofter responsible for all messes made, and rather influential to all of Leah's desires. she also has a best friend named flower, and attends "tiny school" which sounds like a pretty cool place to me. she has spent the year only wearing "curly dresses" that flip out when she spins, and has repeatedly cut her hair (and Ruth's) I blame the movie "Tangled" or as she calls it "twist tangled"
Ruth will be 2 in March. she is precocious. I learn often why the bathroom door should always be closed. the door sticks and Leah can't open it without help so it is a rather inconvenient arrangement. There was a pen that made its way into the inner workings of the toilet, and wreaked havoc at only inconvenient times. the end result was that Andy had to take the whole thing apart before the problem was resolved. she likes to "cyean" the bathroom by unrolling complete rolls of TP and dipping them in the toilet and washing everything with it. she also likes the fish tank, and any other unattended standing water. My laundry skills have been tested. She has tipped over the Christmas tree 4 times now and acts surprised every time. she also charms us daily with hilarious sentences. it is amazing what such a little girl can pick up. she is a very popular member of the family.
we are preparing for Christmas by working together to make gifts. it is fun to see creativity from unbridled minds. I like to provide supplies, and watch what happens.
at this time of year it is easier to remember Christ and his gifts to all of us. have a blessed Christmas and remember those who need it in your prayers.
Leah is 4 and imaginative. she has "this how many cats"(holding up 5 fingers) and one dog. her cat is ofter responsible for all messes made, and rather influential to all of Leah's desires. she also has a best friend named flower, and attends "tiny school" which sounds like a pretty cool place to me. she has spent the year only wearing "curly dresses" that flip out when she spins, and has repeatedly cut her hair (and Ruth's) I blame the movie "Tangled" or as she calls it "twist tangled"
Ruth will be 2 in March. she is precocious. I learn often why the bathroom door should always be closed. the door sticks and Leah can't open it without help so it is a rather inconvenient arrangement. There was a pen that made its way into the inner workings of the toilet, and wreaked havoc at only inconvenient times. the end result was that Andy had to take the whole thing apart before the problem was resolved. she likes to "cyean" the bathroom by unrolling complete rolls of TP and dipping them in the toilet and washing everything with it. she also likes the fish tank, and any other unattended standing water. My laundry skills have been tested. She has tipped over the Christmas tree 4 times now and acts surprised every time. she also charms us daily with hilarious sentences. it is amazing what such a little girl can pick up. she is a very popular member of the family.
we are preparing for Christmas by working together to make gifts. it is fun to see creativity from unbridled minds. I like to provide supplies, and watch what happens.
at this time of year it is easier to remember Christ and his gifts to all of us. have a blessed Christmas and remember those who need it in your prayers.
sep 16 2008
Esther is 3 and very silly. she loves to sing and dance. we read mountains of books, and she loves music. she is learning letters, and numbers, and tons of other things. and just because you have not recived as picture does not mean she has not colored one for you. she colors new pictures for people every day.
leah is a bonifide walker now. she is a bit clumsy but very proud of herself. she turned 1 in July.
she loves to dance an has been saying some new words like Duck, mom, daddy, up, all done, and hi. she is very giggly, and lots of fun. she loves to be outside, and going on long walks in the stroller.
leah is a bonifide walker now. she is a bit clumsy but very proud of herself. she turned 1 in July.
she loves to dance an has been saying some new words like Duck, mom, daddy, up, all done, and hi. she is very giggly, and lots of fun. she loves to be outside, and going on long walks in the stroller.
oct 8 2008
Andy was using Esther for his pillow the other day and was saying things like "this pillow sure is loud", and "I wonder where Esther went", when Esther chimed in with "Dad you know very well where I am." kids. so, Leah is talking more and more and waves to everyone at the store and tells them "hi" so everyone loves her. cute kids.
dec 7 2008
Esther was the life of the party. There were a few other kids there, but Esther was the oldest. She entertained everyone with a rousing rendition of "Benny and the Jets" thank you Muppet show. what a character she is. Leah is learning new words all the time her latest is: "BUH-nana" We are looking forward to Christmas this year. We already started using some of our presents. It is hard to save everything when you need (want) it now. Esther is "writing" now. she scribbles up and down and tells us what it reads. She added her name to a sign up sheet yesterday. Esther is joining primary in January weird. Leah will be old enough for Nursery in January as well, so I may actually learn something in class. and best of all I will no longer dread running out of snacks half way through church. Now that she is almost a real kid I guess I need to Quit calling her "baby Leah."
march 3 2009
so I am sitting here all sweaty in my exercise outfit, with Leah doing acrobatics on my lap, and I noticed,that we smell faintly of poo. yes, poo. Esther decided to save me the trouble of rinsing her underwear when she had an accident by putting it in the machine for me. I was mostly done putting the load into the dryer when I noticed the offending stuff all over the washer.But I decided to ignore it, since it was not much, and now I am paying the price for laziness. It may not have been much, but the smell will be part of my wardrobe for a while I fear. we have had a month of poo. Esther has forgotten the finer points of using the toilet. I am not sure why, but it has been messy. mostly a litte here and a litte there, making a lot in the end. things seem to be turning around now, so I have hope for March.
Andy is working on a Doctoral Proposal be that he will be presenting for the final (and most important time) On friday. this pretty much determines our future, so he is pretty stressed out. I on the other hand think he is a genious, so I am not as worried as him. then again I am not giving a 2 hour presentation. He has been working on it day and night for the last while.
I am singing this week for a program for the pre-Easter time of year. I am singing with a Harp, something I have not done before. it is pretty cool. we are doing a program before the sermon, a number during, and a few numbers postlude. I chose the hymn "oh savior thou who wearest a crown" It is worderful. It has Mormon Lyrics. I am thrusting mormon doctrine on unsuspecting audience members moo-haha. I figure my voice is a gift from God, so I might as well do his work. I have also been asked to sing with a quartet for a wedding this month, so I am finding use for my vocal training.
On the subject of music, I am trying to learn the piano. I can play 1 hymn really slow so far. I am giving it am honest effort. I decided my lame excusses for not being a piano player were becoming worn out. And since we own a piano it is even convinient. It is becoming easier,and I have mostly convinced the kids that when I play they can't, so my practicing is getting more productive.
well my moment of computer freedom is over. I need to change Leah she just pooed.
Andy is working on a Doctoral Proposal be that he will be presenting for the final (and most important time) On friday. this pretty much determines our future, so he is pretty stressed out. I on the other hand think he is a genious, so I am not as worried as him. then again I am not giving a 2 hour presentation. He has been working on it day and night for the last while.
I am singing this week for a program for the pre-Easter time of year. I am singing with a Harp, something I have not done before. it is pretty cool. we are doing a program before the sermon, a number during, and a few numbers postlude. I chose the hymn "oh savior thou who wearest a crown" It is worderful. It has Mormon Lyrics. I am thrusting mormon doctrine on unsuspecting audience members moo-haha. I figure my voice is a gift from God, so I might as well do his work. I have also been asked to sing with a quartet for a wedding this month, so I am finding use for my vocal training.
On the subject of music, I am trying to learn the piano. I can play 1 hymn really slow so far. I am giving it am honest effort. I decided my lame excusses for not being a piano player were becoming worn out. And since we own a piano it is even convinient. It is becoming easier,and I have mostly convinced the kids that when I play they can't, so my practicing is getting more productive.
well my moment of computer freedom is over. I need to change Leah she just pooed.
march 16 2009
The snow is almost gone! we Just have Ice skating rinks on our lawn where our 7 inches of snow melted and then froze again. I will never wonder why our lawn is so uneaven again.
I had a concert yesturday, I was not really ready for it but it was fun to make music anyway. Andy gave his final doctoral proposal today. I need to call him and see how it went. he has been practicing all week, and Esther I am ashamed to say made a better audiece since I fell asleep every time, and she liked the pictures.
I wish it were spring. I used to make a string of blossoms for my hair each Easter when I was younger. now I guess I can settle for the ground being brown, and no longer having to risk wet clothes from slipping and falling. the spring comes late here.
I found this funny. A group of us went to the zoo, (since it was above 30 WOW) and they did a news story on how warm it was. and I was on the Minneapolis news for about 2 seconds. here is the link: http://wcco.com/local/minnesota.warmer.weather.2.929102.html the little video thing is on the right, and it is the first one that loads. Esther is right behind the stroller of the girl talking, and leah is in a hiking backpack. when the news person first approched us she asked if the group I was with were a daycare. there were a lot of kids, but I didn't think much of it. there was also a story time and Esther was brought to the front and got to be a princess. that was the first time Leah has been to the zoo, (at least that she was not a baby) and she learned a new word: "see". see is now how she begins most of the things she says. we were all a little embarrased since our kids were dirty, and we were all pretty frumpy, and the girl in the interview said "if I knew I was going to be on tv I would have taken a shower." oh well.
we bought a bird feeder for our yard. since there are so many trees here the birds are all over, and we thought they would be easier to admire in our yard. so far Esther is the only one who has seen any eating form it, but the birds are not really back from their migrations yet.
we also got a big bird cage, it is brass, and very pretty. Our neihbor breeds parakeets, and said we could have some for free. so we have yet to buy birds, people seem to think we make good bird people and are always giving them to us. now Salmonella (our bird) will no longer be by herself.
have a great spring everyone! and I can only dream of popcorn popping on the apricot tree since we have none.
I had a concert yesturday, I was not really ready for it but it was fun to make music anyway. Andy gave his final doctoral proposal today. I need to call him and see how it went. he has been practicing all week, and Esther I am ashamed to say made a better audiece since I fell asleep every time, and she liked the pictures.
I wish it were spring. I used to make a string of blossoms for my hair each Easter when I was younger. now I guess I can settle for the ground being brown, and no longer having to risk wet clothes from slipping and falling. the spring comes late here.
I found this funny. A group of us went to the zoo, (since it was above 30 WOW) and they did a news story on how warm it was. and I was on the Minneapolis news for about 2 seconds. here is the link: http://wcco.com/local/minnesota.warmer.weather.2.929102.html the little video thing is on the right, and it is the first one that loads. Esther is right behind the stroller of the girl talking, and leah is in a hiking backpack. when the news person first approched us she asked if the group I was with were a daycare. there were a lot of kids, but I didn't think much of it. there was also a story time and Esther was brought to the front and got to be a princess. that was the first time Leah has been to the zoo, (at least that she was not a baby) and she learned a new word: "see". see is now how she begins most of the things she says. we were all a little embarrased since our kids were dirty, and we were all pretty frumpy, and the girl in the interview said "if I knew I was going to be on tv I would have taken a shower." oh well.
we bought a bird feeder for our yard. since there are so many trees here the birds are all over, and we thought they would be easier to admire in our yard. so far Esther is the only one who has seen any eating form it, but the birds are not really back from their migrations yet.
we also got a big bird cage, it is brass, and very pretty. Our neihbor breeds parakeets, and said we could have some for free. so we have yet to buy birds, people seem to think we make good bird people and are always giving them to us. now Salmonella (our bird) will no longer be by herself.
have a great spring everyone! and I can only dream of popcorn popping on the apricot tree since we have none.
may 2009
I was reflecting on all of the funny things that kids say.
when Esther was small she had a disconcerting way of combining the words "duck" and "frog". this led to a few rather embarrassing experiences in the store, and in baths with friends kids. the problem was that even with my best efforts she inevitably got people to laugh, so it took her a while to straighten that one out.
Esther in defence of boredom has adopted the habit of talking to herself. I frequently get useful incites of the inner working of her mind. Mostly it is just funny. she usually creates an invisible friend, and carries on both sides of the conversation. sometimes one is "mommy" and I have more than once made the mistake of replying to which I am always rebuffed "you are not mommy."
this week our neighbor was planting flowers in the wind and Esther Joyously proclaimed "the flowers are blowing up!" she has quite the concept of the world around her. the other day we went to the dentist and I asked her if she liked the dentist and with a wrinkled nose she replied "not really." I then proceeded to explain to her that going to the dentist is good for us, and helps keep us healthy. to which she replied "I just don't think that could be true." maybe she is right.
Leah has a rather limited vocabulary. She has decided that to simplify life she would refer to all small animals as "meow" (she does not bother to distinguish between what they are called and what they say) and all large animals say "moo" and occasionally "neigh" this is especially silly since we live next to 2 lakes and ducks and geese visit us every day. I have however convinced her that our pet birds are not meows, but in defiance she will only do the sign for bird, words are apparently not fit for animals.
about a month ago we went to the grocery store and when in the checkout I heard horrible feedback followed by "hi", and 1.5 year old turkey noises. Leah apparently decided that everyone shopping that day needed to learn to be turkeys, so she taught them how on the loud speaker. in her defence the receiver was shaped like a phone. what kid can resist that?
at a recent orchestra concert the director announced the song and said something along the lines of "I think we should get started now" and Leah declared "NO!" in agonised tones.
I also remember one day when I put Leah to bed when she surprised me by saying "I yove you" it was before she could even really talk. I guess it was her first sentence, and she said it with a smile.
Esther was never much of a No-er she preferred simply showing her defiance. she did however pick up "yep" which is about the cutest thing a one year old can say.
So, even though they declare all of the bad things mommy says, or does to anyone who will listen, and swear at unsuspecting store goers, and show poor concert etiquette from an early age, they are our kids and we love them.
when Esther was small she had a disconcerting way of combining the words "duck" and "frog". this led to a few rather embarrassing experiences in the store, and in baths with friends kids. the problem was that even with my best efforts she inevitably got people to laugh, so it took her a while to straighten that one out.
Esther in defence of boredom has adopted the habit of talking to herself. I frequently get useful incites of the inner working of her mind. Mostly it is just funny. she usually creates an invisible friend, and carries on both sides of the conversation. sometimes one is "mommy" and I have more than once made the mistake of replying to which I am always rebuffed "you are not mommy."
this week our neighbor was planting flowers in the wind and Esther Joyously proclaimed "the flowers are blowing up!" she has quite the concept of the world around her. the other day we went to the dentist and I asked her if she liked the dentist and with a wrinkled nose she replied "not really." I then proceeded to explain to her that going to the dentist is good for us, and helps keep us healthy. to which she replied "I just don't think that could be true." maybe she is right.
Leah has a rather limited vocabulary. She has decided that to simplify life she would refer to all small animals as "meow" (she does not bother to distinguish between what they are called and what they say) and all large animals say "moo" and occasionally "neigh" this is especially silly since we live next to 2 lakes and ducks and geese visit us every day. I have however convinced her that our pet birds are not meows, but in defiance she will only do the sign for bird, words are apparently not fit for animals.
about a month ago we went to the grocery store and when in the checkout I heard horrible feedback followed by "hi", and 1.5 year old turkey noises. Leah apparently decided that everyone shopping that day needed to learn to be turkeys, so she taught them how on the loud speaker. in her defence the receiver was shaped like a phone. what kid can resist that?
at a recent orchestra concert the director announced the song and said something along the lines of "I think we should get started now" and Leah declared "NO!" in agonised tones.
I also remember one day when I put Leah to bed when she surprised me by saying "I yove you" it was before she could even really talk. I guess it was her first sentence, and she said it with a smile.
Esther was never much of a No-er she preferred simply showing her defiance. she did however pick up "yep" which is about the cutest thing a one year old can say.
So, even though they declare all of the bad things mommy says, or does to anyone who will listen, and swear at unsuspecting store goers, and show poor concert etiquette from an early age, they are our kids and we love them.
kids
june 8 2009
whew, so we had quite a day today. We went to the Children's museum. it is a 5 story building with the coolest things ever. the whole thing is a giant play area, they have places to paint, make mosaics, hear stories, and all kids of other stuff. everything is made to touch. my kids loved it. unfortunately I forgot the camera.
Esther had to get glasses. we noticed a few months ago that she would go cross eyed whenever she tried to look at anything close up. so, we took her to the optometrist, and the said come back in 6 months, and we made it only about 2 when Esther started pulling a chair to the middle of the room to watch TV, and acting like she had a head ache, so I went back, and we got glasses, it took a few phone calls to find anywhere that would take our insurance, and in the end their was only one pair of frames to choose from, they are pink, good thing she is a girl. I could go into a tirade about insurance and stinking commercial doctors, but in the end we payed nothing so I will save my breath, after all, beggars can't be choosers.
we got a free grill this weekend Andy's boss gave it to us,I love grilled food so it made me happy. the only problem is, that Andy has decided it is a man's job to do the grilling and has practically banned me from it, oh , well I guess when the novelty wears off he won't care any more. besides, if it helps me get out of cooking sometimes, I won't fight the system.
Our Orchestra held a benefit concert recently where there was a silent auction. in the end there were a few things left over. Our orchestra held another auction to get rid of them. I decided to be funny and I bid 2$ for a trip to the acupuncturist. the problem Is I won, so I guess I have to go since I am not one to waste 2$. I guess it might be cool. lots of people like that sort of thing right?
Leah has updated her animal vocabulary. she now acknowledges that dogs bark. she does however sound like one of those annoying lap dogs that people in Hollywood carry around in their handbags, but hey it is better than meow.she had been talking more and more she adds words every day. at this rate she will know more words than me in a year.
whew, so we had quite a day today. We went to the Children's museum. it is a 5 story building with the coolest things ever. the whole thing is a giant play area, they have places to paint, make mosaics, hear stories, and all kids of other stuff. everything is made to touch. my kids loved it. unfortunately I forgot the camera.
Esther had to get glasses. we noticed a few months ago that she would go cross eyed whenever she tried to look at anything close up. so, we took her to the optometrist, and the said come back in 6 months, and we made it only about 2 when Esther started pulling a chair to the middle of the room to watch TV, and acting like she had a head ache, so I went back, and we got glasses, it took a few phone calls to find anywhere that would take our insurance, and in the end their was only one pair of frames to choose from, they are pink, good thing she is a girl. I could go into a tirade about insurance and stinking commercial doctors, but in the end we payed nothing so I will save my breath, after all, beggars can't be choosers.
we got a free grill this weekend Andy's boss gave it to us,I love grilled food so it made me happy. the only problem is, that Andy has decided it is a man's job to do the grilling and has practically banned me from it, oh , well I guess when the novelty wears off he won't care any more. besides, if it helps me get out of cooking sometimes, I won't fight the system.
Our Orchestra held a benefit concert recently where there was a silent auction. in the end there were a few things left over. Our orchestra held another auction to get rid of them. I decided to be funny and I bid 2$ for a trip to the acupuncturist. the problem Is I won, so I guess I have to go since I am not one to waste 2$. I guess it might be cool. lots of people like that sort of thing right?
Leah has updated her animal vocabulary. she now acknowledges that dogs bark. she does however sound like one of those annoying lap dogs that people in Hollywood carry around in their handbags, but hey it is better than meow.she had been talking more and more she adds words every day. at this rate she will know more words than me in a year.
kids converse
june 17, 2009
we walked to the store today. it is muggy, and I cannot decide if I want to call it hot. It was our usual trip to the store for weekly deals. on the way home as we were walking we saw a runner and Leah got really excited and started saying "meow, Meow, meow" and Esther declared "that's not a cat it's a person running." to which Leah replied "run, run run."
we have been observing the wild life in our yard, we frequently have birds of may kinds, squirrels, bunnies and sometimes turtles (painted and snapping) the kids love them. Esther has been learning to identify them. Leah is still hard to convince that they are anything but "Meow." Our walk this morning was the first time I have heard her call a person "meow." I guess she is digressing.
we walked to the store today. it is muggy, and I cannot decide if I want to call it hot. It was our usual trip to the store for weekly deals. on the way home as we were walking we saw a runner and Leah got really excited and started saying "meow, Meow, meow" and Esther declared "that's not a cat it's a person running." to which Leah replied "run, run run."
we have been observing the wild life in our yard, we frequently have birds of may kinds, squirrels, bunnies and sometimes turtles (painted and snapping) the kids love them. Esther has been learning to identify them. Leah is still hard to convince that they are anything but "Meow." Our walk this morning was the first time I have heard her call a person "meow." I guess she is digressing.
updates
July 31,2009
Here we are at the walker art center sculpture garden what we are sitting on is "art" it looks suspiciously like a bench to me.
Leah is now "one, Two!" she is very proud of it. she has conceded that animals say more than meow, but she is incredulous that their are more numbers than one and two. I guess she will know the truth some day.
Esther is now 4 she is working on letter recognision she is very exited whenever she sees no parking signs, and stop signs which are octogons, not cicles. this is a picture of her "blowing up" the candles.
this is where Andy works!!! it is a pretty cool building (at least on the outside) it was built in 1913. the University of MN is one of the premeir chemistry departments in the country. Andy is under a prof. who has won a great many awards, and he seems to enjoy it. He is doing "bio-inorganic" chemistry. if you really want to know he can tell you better, a couple of years teaching have made him pretty good at explaining things.
I require no update, my life is pretty boring.
Here we are at the walker art center sculpture garden what we are sitting on is "art" it looks suspiciously like a bench to me.
Leah is now "one, Two!" she is very proud of it. she has conceded that animals say more than meow, but she is incredulous that their are more numbers than one and two. I guess she will know the truth some day.
Esther is now 4 she is working on letter recognision she is very exited whenever she sees no parking signs, and stop signs which are octogons, not cicles. this is a picture of her "blowing up" the candles.
this is where Andy works!!! it is a pretty cool building (at least on the outside) it was built in 1913. the University of MN is one of the premeir chemistry departments in the country. Andy is under a prof. who has won a great many awards, and he seems to enjoy it. He is doing "bio-inorganic" chemistry. if you really want to know he can tell you better, a couple of years teaching have made him pretty good at explaining things.
I require no update, my life is pretty boring.
turtles
sept 1 2009
Every fall and spring the turtles migrate. We live sandwiched between two lakes and so every time it cools off or warms up the turtles come. This year we had a neighbor that had lots of snapping turtles in his yard, so we helped them (the turtles)out a bit. they get scared and burrow, when they do that they are very hard to see. there are a few streets between the lakes, and we do not like finding the little guys in them. We also caught a little frog.
on Andy's Hand.
an attempt to get the kids with the turtles.
10 turtles 1 frog
it is hard to tell here, but this guy was about a foot and a half long.
and just because it was funny, this is Esther protecting her eyes from a rather strong onion.
Every fall and spring the turtles migrate. We live sandwiched between two lakes and so every time it cools off or warms up the turtles come. This year we had a neighbor that had lots of snapping turtles in his yard, so we helped them (the turtles)out a bit. they get scared and burrow, when they do that they are very hard to see. there are a few streets between the lakes, and we do not like finding the little guys in them. We also caught a little frog.
on Andy's Hand.
an attempt to get the kids with the turtles.
10 turtles 1 frog
it is hard to tell here, but this guy was about a foot and a half long.
and just because it was funny, this is Esther protecting her eyes from a rather strong onion.
zoo
we went to the Minnesota zoo a couple of weeks ago, and these are a couple of pics. After we left the zoo, we got a flat tire. (I was unable to document that.)our camera is on the fritz so we have not been able to take as many pictures as we would like. we will probably have to get it fixed. (ah, stink)
diggin for dino's
chicken Esther
sept 28, 2009
Leah on daddy's back
and finally here is leah "helping naked" (she sometimes feels clothes are in her way.)
diggin for dino's
chicken Esther
sept 28, 2009
Leah on daddy's back
and finally here is leah "helping naked" (she sometimes feels clothes are in her way.)
kids
Oct 30, 2009
sorry no pics. today. we still have no camera, and the old pic's have not all been recovered from the broken computer (see the last post) so to prevent the few pics I have from becoming stock photos I am just foregoing it today.
Esther loves to sing she runs around singing all day...
sometimes her lyrics are creative.
the real song: my heart is leaping inside meee....
Esther's version: my heart is bleeding inside meeee....
the real song:...h,i,j,k,l,m,n,o,p
Esther's version:...h,i,j,k,lemon,n,o,p
Leah categorizes all princess/barbie anything as Ariel. which incidentally she has never seen, and we do not own. she calls "Beauty and the Beast" "Ariel Beast". and we have many "Ariel movies"
Leah refuses to get dressed this morning (I have not bothered to wrestle her yet, I am waiting until the library is closer to opening) because she does not have a pink shirt with a kitty on it.
Esther and Leah not to be outdone by mom have decided that Leah has a baby in her tummy and Esther has a kitty in hers.
the other day Esther came to me and said "mom you are a square" if only she really knew...
sometimes I try to explain the truth to them, or correct their english, but is it really worth it? they will know the truth someday...
sorry no pics. today. we still have no camera, and the old pic's have not all been recovered from the broken computer (see the last post) so to prevent the few pics I have from becoming stock photos I am just foregoing it today.
Esther loves to sing she runs around singing all day...
sometimes her lyrics are creative.
the real song: my heart is leaping inside meee....
Esther's version: my heart is bleeding inside meeee....
the real song:...h,i,j,k,l,m,n,o,p
Esther's version:...h,i,j,k,lemon,n,o,p
Leah categorizes all princess/barbie anything as Ariel. which incidentally she has never seen, and we do not own. she calls "Beauty and the Beast" "Ariel Beast". and we have many "Ariel movies"
Leah refuses to get dressed this morning (I have not bothered to wrestle her yet, I am waiting until the library is closer to opening) because she does not have a pink shirt with a kitty on it.
Esther and Leah not to be outdone by mom have decided that Leah has a baby in her tummy and Esther has a kitty in hers.
the other day Esther came to me and said "mom you are a square" if only she really knew...
sometimes I try to explain the truth to them, or correct their english, but is it really worth it? they will know the truth someday...
pumpkins
nov 4 2011
Andy carved this pumpkin (after Esther's design) this is Leah in the luminescence.
the kids colored these designs they were pretty proud of themselves.Esther also thought the "really gross" pumpkin innards were pretty cool.
Andy carved this pumpkin (after Esther's design) this is Leah in the luminescence.
the kids colored these designs they were pretty proud of themselves.Esther also thought the "really gross" pumpkin innards were pretty cool.
I do it self
dec 5, 2009
"I do it self" is a popular catch phrase at our house. Leah has declared her Independence and now I am only useful when she wants me. dressing yourself is not without it's hazards.
the classic dress upside down predicament....
sometimes clothes are too much trouble, so she gives up. I then have to wrestle her, and that usually ends up with me dressing her at lest 3-4 times before it sticks.
and finally the confusion when four limbs are involved in one article of clothing. she is mad because I made her leave it that way for the picture. I guess it hurt her pride.
"I do it self" is a popular catch phrase at our house. Leah has declared her Independence and now I am only useful when she wants me. dressing yourself is not without it's hazards.
the classic dress upside down predicament....
sometimes clothes are too much trouble, so she gives up. I then have to wrestle her, and that usually ends up with me dressing her at lest 3-4 times before it sticks.
and finally the confusion when four limbs are involved in one article of clothing. she is mad because I made her leave it that way for the picture. I guess it hurt her pride.
christmas 2009
for Christmas we kept things simple. Andy's family showers us with gifts and we decided that that was more than enough when filled out with a few more.I would list them all because I was soooo exited. but... that would be boring, so here are some highlights.
Leah is covered in chocolate because she insisted on eating all of the candy in her stocking before she would open her presents.
I made dress up dresses for Esther, and then decided Leah needed one too, so I made another. They were pretty easy.
and the girls loved them.
"no white"
Cinderella
technical difficulties.
we got a webcam and a microphone from Kurt (Andy's dad) and spent a few hours on skype(our ID is: meikjn.fielding). if you have not tried it out it is awesome I tried it for the first time and I give it 10 out of 10. the best part is, it is free!!! all you really need is a microphone and a free download. and the Internet. The camera is a neat added bonus. My parents recently got into it to be able to see everyone since they are all the way in Ukraine right now. Andy liked the feature of distorting his face with the webcam. he made the best of it.
and finally. A little Christmas humor. Andy's sister sent us a really cool board game that is called ticket to ride where you try to visit cities all over North America. the problem is, that the people who made it were not too savvy on American cites. and here is the result:
(for those of you who do not get the joke, the city marked Duluth is actually St. Paul. trust me I know I live there.)
I really don't know If Andy's sister realized the mistake, but it made me laugh.
stories
jan 11, 2010
poor computer
first, our computer got a virus... again. it was sad. we ended up having a friend fix it, and he also recovered everything from our old computer, so it all worked out. he then made a security system out of our old computer so we have a lynyx security system now. cool. our old computer filters everything. and the best part it was free. don't ask me how he did it I don't know. so we are back in business. and in the end we are better off than before.
Fishy Heaven
another sad (kinda) story... we had a fish die that we have had a couple years. we bought him a friend, and the friend was sick. go figure. his friend killed him. RIP Napoleon (we have a dictator themed fish tank) oh well he was only a couple bucks anyway. however our fish tank was boring, so I bought another one just like him.
Esther, when I was giving Napoleon his final send off made the comment that he would be sad that he died, and I told her that he will be happier now. she then said she was happy that he gets to go to "fishy heaven, and then he will be resurrected, and then he can be with us forever." I guess she is listening even if she can't hold still.
Fun as a Family
here are some pics. of evenings at our house. Andy (who is crazy) rides his bike in all kinds of weather. it is 5 miles one way, and he just adds to his pile of clothing depending on the forecast. the frost is normal, he even gets ice-cycles on his eyelashes sometimes.
after arriving home starving Andy downs ridiculous volumes of food, then he chills on the couch a while. and Leah claims her spot. Esther usually sits at his feet.
Bad Boys
and finally one day we got a reggae Cd from the library and it had this song on it. we had lots of fun jammin' Jamaican style. I did not get a good video of Esther, but she had fun too. here she is taking a picture of herself notice her crossed eye, that is why she wears glasses (at least when we can keep them on).
poor computer
first, our computer got a virus... again. it was sad. we ended up having a friend fix it, and he also recovered everything from our old computer, so it all worked out. he then made a security system out of our old computer so we have a lynyx security system now. cool. our old computer filters everything. and the best part it was free. don't ask me how he did it I don't know. so we are back in business. and in the end we are better off than before.
Fishy Heaven
another sad (kinda) story... we had a fish die that we have had a couple years. we bought him a friend, and the friend was sick. go figure. his friend killed him. RIP Napoleon (we have a dictator themed fish tank) oh well he was only a couple bucks anyway. however our fish tank was boring, so I bought another one just like him.
Esther, when I was giving Napoleon his final send off made the comment that he would be sad that he died, and I told her that he will be happier now. she then said she was happy that he gets to go to "fishy heaven, and then he will be resurrected, and then he can be with us forever." I guess she is listening even if she can't hold still.
Fun as a Family
here are some pics. of evenings at our house. Andy (who is crazy) rides his bike in all kinds of weather. it is 5 miles one way, and he just adds to his pile of clothing depending on the forecast. the frost is normal, he even gets ice-cycles on his eyelashes sometimes.
after arriving home starving Andy downs ridiculous volumes of food, then he chills on the couch a while. and Leah claims her spot. Esther usually sits at his feet.
Bad Boys
and finally one day we got a reggae Cd from the library and it had this song on it. we had lots of fun jammin' Jamaican style. I did not get a good video of Esther, but she had fun too. here she is taking a picture of herself notice her crossed eye, that is why she wears glasses (at least when we can keep them on).
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