November 2014

November means fall is officially here, no denying it...  Jeff surprised me with flowers out at the Ashland house and a breakfast treat of donuts that morning, both pleasant surprises on the day we were celebrating our 10th Anniversary!  That night we went out to dinner out while Jeff's parents watched the kids.  Having both worked all day at the house in Ashland, we were a little tired, but still made to sure to at least go out on a date for a little bit.  We must be getting old if we talked about how much we wanted to go to sleep while we were at dinner. :)  We celebrated Kalum's birthday on the 2nd Saturday in November with a construction-themed party.  He loved all of it, from family being there to snacks, opening gifts to his "digger" cake! 

We have been thankful for the lack of snow so far this fall with all the exterior work the house in Ashland needed.  Jeff was able to work with my dad to complete the foundation issues that needed repairs, front porch was removed, we hired out the house's new siding, and then interior work done as well.  It is moving along, and the house is looking better every day, just always takes a little longer than you hope - such is construction and remodeling!  Jeff is enjoying the process and even has been looking at a couple other possible houses in Ashland for future remodels.

For work I had an Education Day, After Hours and Annual Meeting to coordinate along with the first of several MOPS crafts for the year, and a couple MOPS events in the evening, so the month was full on those two fronts.  The NARI chapter did agree to hire a part-time assistant, though, which is great and I'm hopeful that will help to lighten my load as we head into 2015 - We'll start training her in December!  I also had a couple fun evenings with friends from MOPS doing crafts, and read a library book for fun (it's been a while), so those were a fun outlet during the busy month.

Despite all of the work, we got to spend some fun times with friends and family as well, obviously at Kalum's party, but also with Amanda's Aunt Cathy, cousin LeAnn and daugher Amelia when they came through town, Our friends, the Smiths, were in Omaha and we got to meet their new little baby, Madelyn.  Samara loved holding the little baby of course!  Jeff's parents joined us all for lunch out in Ashland then stopped by to see the house and Jeff's other possible flip houses, then of course Thanksgiving weekend!  We spent Thanksgiving Day with the Pennell's, Nick & Courtney and Poppy and Grandma Kunes - great food and time together and then Mom helped Courtney and I get started on our t-shirt quilts that we've been saving shirts to make since childhood.  We got through the first couple steps but have a ways to go before completion.  Friday after Thanksgiving we went to Derby's to have leftover Thanksgiving and watch the Husker game.  We were glad that Aaron, Michelle and Evelyn were still there so we could spend time with them.  Thankfully it seems it will work out for everyone to be in town to celebrate Christmas together, so we're looking forward to that! (Though not actually quite ready for Christmas really).

Samara's Month:

• She is very interested in letters now, much more than she was at this time in school last year!  Tries to sound out words with some letters she knows.  It's fun to hear her putting things together.
• Went to a party at the VFW social hall to celebrate Jeff's Aunt & Uncle's 60th Birthdays.  Leaving the party (there was a microphone/DJ, and music and some lights on the dance floor) she said she wants to have her party there when she's 5.  I said, ok, we'll see about that when it gets closer.  Nothing says five year old girl like the VFW hall!
• Well, unfortunately, we found out Samara's tantrums were not over this month.  It seemed that if she got tired at all, they ramped back up.  Nothing can be done really and they were very wearing on Mom.  These have happened at home, leaving Sunday School, and at Hy-Vee.  Leaving Sunday School I was eventually able to diffuse the situation by explaining that her actions and words were not showing God's love.  She also earned a consequence after the Hy-Vee disaster of not being able to go to the store or out to eat for the week.  After a different time, she lost tv/movies for three days- tough on all who watch her as well.  We'll be digging into Love & Logic book again for more thought-process and techniques I guess.  By mid-month she'd gone a couple weeks without, so we'll hope it was a phase... By the end of the month she was telling us how long it had been since she was "mad". 
• Samara had a pre-school Thanksgiving party where they wore paper turkey hats they made and sang fun songs for parents during class.  She wore her turkey hat around the house for days after and kept getting the "Albuquerque is a turkey" song in our heads - over. and. over. Even as I type this I will now be singing it for another day it seems...

Kalum's Month:

• Two-year check-up stats: weight: 30.5 lbs (75%) and Height: 35.25" (70%)  He got the flu vaccine then was off and running for his promised sucker on the way out!  Such a sweet tooth on that guy!
• He loved his birthday "digger cake"!  The cake was his favorite, chocolate of course, and Daddy seemed slightly envious of the coolness of the cake Mommy made, which included candy rubble and construction vehicles on top. :)  Kalum smiled while everyone sang to him, then said "now eat it!".  He took his time to eat the frosting and cake off ALL the trucks that were on top of the cake, along with a piece of cake.
• Mid November he got a brief stomach bug of some sort.  He didn't want to eat all day, then he threw up twice that night.  At 3AM laying on the floor half undressed as Mommy sleepily worked to clean-up the pj's and bed, he kept saying, "sorry I puked".  It was the most pitiful thing ever!
• Heard him saying "Look at he!" when he meant "look at him".  So cute that I had to jot it down, it probably only lasted a couple days.
• He finally figured out how to eat fruits again!  He was chewing and spitting out grapes and apples.  I guess he remembered he can chew and swallow as well.
• Kalum is all grown up now!  He asked a girl to dance at the family birthday party we went to at the end of the month.  Slow song came on and everyone started grabbing dance partners.  He realized he was all alone and came over by Mommy.   "You hafta dance" he said, grabbing my hand.  Oh, melt my heart, had to say yes to that little sweetie! 

Well December is here now it seems - ready or not!  We're hoping for some more great weather and fun times with the kids and family.  Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and that your holiday planning is going well!

October 2014

Well - Happy Fall, Happy 10th Anniversary Jeff & Amanda, Happy Birthday Kalum and Happy Halloween!  October was a full month this year with events, meetings, work on the Ashland house, pre-school field trip and party, and so on.  Jeff and I held our anniversary celebration until the weekend following, so technically Nov 1st - dinner out after working on the Ashland house during the day.  Jeff had flowers out at the house when I got there, which was a nice surprise.  10 years sounds like so long, but it has gone quickly for sure.  Also, we started up with a new journey group (small group bible study) this fall, a combination of couples from our last group and another group.  So far we've all enjoyed getting to know each other and connected well through our first couple meetings.

For work, I had the annual golf outing, a membership drive, 2015 tour planning and monthly meeting to execute.  It has meant more late nights to get all the work done, but everything is still going well.  The chapter was even featured in the Midlands Business Journal on 10/10, with a photo of me and two board members, so I'm basically famous now, right? :)  Okay, not really.  MOPS is in full swing and the upcoming crafts are getting closer, so there has been more to do and prepare for.  December through February will be much more involved than the year has been so far for sure.  I even finished Courtney's birthday gift (yes, three months late - don't judge) and made the same for myself, so now we both have a nice chevron wreath as part of our home decor.

Jeff's work is busier than ever, so his days have been full.  His employer finally purchased a laptop for him so that he can do his surveying at job sites more efficiently, and if there is a crazy winter coming, possibly work from home a couple days, too.  Along with being busy at work, he's then been heading to the house in Ashland many evenings and all weekends.  Nice weather days for outside work are likely limited, so it's been a race to get everything completed that needs to be done in the right order on the schedule.  Many items had to be done and prepped before the next steps could be done - so, the foundation issues are now corrected, the garage has been re-roofed, the front porch torn off, more demo done inside including the kitchen and master bath area and numerous other tasks.  We've purchased the flooring for the main parts of the house and are ready to order kitchen cabinets and countertops- both are selected.  Jeff's parents have even taken the kids for a couple Saturdays so that I can go out to help at he house as well, usually removing paneling, cleaning out the garage, or carrying demo'd pieces to the dumpster.  Once the concrete work is done and the siding on, there won't be quite such a frantic pace to keep. Jeff really enjoys doing this type of work, but the kids and I will be glad to have him around just a bit more.

You'll see in the pictures that the kids enjoyed carving pumpkins and Halloween itself!  And, of course, we found out we are going to have a new little niece or nephew in May!  Nick and Courtney hosted a fun Halloween themed dinner for the us, Mom and Dad, and Poppy and Grandma Kunes one evening and we brought fun food items to add to her themed dinner.  We were all oblivious to her blue and pink cupcakes that were frosted with fun, pumpkins, etc on top.  Finally Courtney brought it to our attention and then it clicked and we were all SO excited for them!  Looking forward to meeting their new little pumpkin this spring!

Samara's Moment and Milestones for the month:

• After seeing Veggie Tales Live at the end of September, it highlighted a whole new career option for her!  Seeing all the people dance, sing and act, she decided she wanted to be a performer when she grows up.  She then said, "But I can't".  I asked why.  "Because I want to be a mommy." I said she could find a way to do both if she wanted.  She was pleased with that answer for sure.  Already contemplating family versus dream career at age four!
• In mid-October we were getting supplies for the Ashland house one evening.  Kids and I go to wander through the light up yard decor and Christmas trees. (already?! sheesh!)  It's all a happy winter wonderland until we go another aisle over and Samara walks in front of a life-size witch.  This one happened to LUNGE down and forward when you walked in front of it.  It definitely looked like it it going to get you if you are her size and it cackled, too.  Samara screamed super loud and the look on her face was sheer terror as she ran for me.  Kalum starts screaming and running too though he didn't really even see the witch.  After comforting her and walking away sniffling she says, "I think I forgot for a second that I'm not afraid of anything."  I said yes you did, that's okay, Mommy would have been startled by that witch too. As a child I may have been scarred for life actually!
• Samara got to go to a birthday party for her friend from preschool at Bounce U.  They all had a great time and she was SO excited to go, asking every day if that was the day of the party or not.
• She enjoyed her Noah's Ark Party at preschool again this year.  She wore a tiger costume that Auntie Courtney wore when she was little, it was just a little on the small side.  Either way, she had fun and I was glad to be able to come and be a party "helper" at one of the activity tables.  We also got to go to her Pumpkin Patch field trip for school and they all had a great time there, too.  We carpooled with another mom and the girls enjoyed their ride together with their friends.

Kalum's Moments and Milestones for the month:

• Beginning of the month - narrates his every activity!  "I on couch.  Have car, zoom, zoom. (drops car) I drop it. I go get it." and on and on and on
• Can now turn on/off light switches, figured it out during nap time one day and wants to practice non-stop
• Counts from 1-11, then 9-10-11, then repeats.  Just starting to point to a grouping and count accurately, but not consistent yet. :)
• By mid-month he reached a new phase - the MINE phase - started saying that all the time
• Moved up to size 8 shoes!  First time outside in them, despite warnings, he ran in the driveway and fell, scraping his knee.  After declaring, "Need a bandaid.  Feel better." he was fine and on way to family run to Menards.
• LOVED driving the "digger" with Daddy in Ashland.  In fact, he screamed, cried and pouted when it was over.  It was a pitiful sight to see. 
• On his birthday, we went in to wake him up and say "Happy Birthday".  The first thing he said when we woke up was "digger cake!" as I had promised we would have that for his birthday party.  He had to wait for another week for the actual cake, since we planned Nov. 8th to celebrate his birthday with family.   So, birthday pictures to come in November.

Parting thoughts - Every once in a while, Kalum wakes up at night.  We are past the every night, every few hours phase - thankfully!  Once night after coming upstairs and seeing he was sleeping on the floor, I put him into his bed and went to our bathroom to get ready for bed myself.  He must have woken up from being moved, and I soon hear a scream and his footsteps running into our bedroom.  I scoop him up and carry him back to his room.  He is asleep, limp in moments.  Makes me think of times when I want to run away from life screaming (there are definitely times), whose arms do I run to?  My husband, the TV, a novel from the library, treats/snacks, a friend or God-through the Bible or just confiding in Him in prayer and being still.  What will bring me peace to be at that "limp relaxed" state?  Why do I seek other things so often when I know they won't really bring that peace, just distraction?  Where do you run when life is crazy, scary or out of control?

September 2014

Well, as you can see by the slideshow September was full of activity, and not just on the house in Ashland!  I felt like we never stopped moving from the beginning of the month all the way through.  I'm not sure it's the best pace, but we had some fun along the way, too.

Labor Day weekend was our first weekend with the new house, so Jeff and I started right in that Monday.  Jeff's parents watched the kiddos so we could go labor away all day.  I have offered to help however I can, so that day it was tearing out tack strips and ripping down wall paneling.  As with any project like this, it has to start looking worse before it can look better!  We definitely got there in September, doing demo work on the living room, kitchen and some needed foundation work on the corner of the house where the master bedroom is located.  We ordered new windows for basically the entire house, made decisions on the front entry way/porch as well as interior floor coverings (not selected, just determined best options).  One Sunday the kids and I stopped by with pizza for lunch.  The kids were playing in the dirt pile and having a great time while I helped a little while they did a concrete pour for the foundation.  Samara stuck a small tree branch in the dirt upright and said she was planting a tree.  Kalum grabs a 6" long twig, pokes it into the dirt and says "I plant tree too."  It was so sweet and Samara then commented how tiny and cute his tree was.  I was working around the back side of the house at one point and I hear Samara yelling something to Papa and Nick.  I called to her, "Samara we don't need to yell.  Talk nicer please."  Her response is serious and without hesitation, "But I'm the worker boss and they need to keep working because there is more work to be done to get the house done."  Later she told Nick her self-proclaimed title again, that she was the "worker boss" and when we left for the day, she delegated that title to him.

The next weekend, Jeff and I headed to Chicago so that Jeff could be the Best Man in the wedding of his friend from college.  We left on Saturday morning and returned Monday late afternoon.  Our parents were kind enough to split the time between them watching the kids.  For us it was a weekend full of planned activities, including a boat ride and bowling for the groomsmen, dinner at a Polish buffet and a Sunday evening wedding  - all of which had us driving in and around Chicago (and reminding us we never want to experience traffic like that on a daily basis!).  Jeff fulfilled all of his duties as the best man, I just tried to step in to help where needed and we had some fun as well! 

Nine days after returning from Chicago, I had a trip for work to Portland.  So, it was the family shuffle again trying to get the kids taken care of, Samara to preschool and Jeff still trying to stay on schedule with exterior house renovations in Ashland.  Last time the kids rode along to the airport to drop me off for a work trip, I could hear them both crying as they drove away (making me on the verge of tears).  This time I came prepared with a sucker to give them both as I said goodbye.  Jeff's mom sent me a message to say it worked like a charm and they both happily enjoyed their treats as they drove home. :)  While there we had two days of meetings, but time to connect with other chapter leaders, get some insight on how we could do some things better in Omaha and enjoy some of Portland as well.  We ate at a couple restaurants and walked around some of the downtown areas.  I left on a Wednesday and got home on Saturday night.  Jeff picked me up from the airport and we went back to his parents to finish watching the remainder of a Husker game.  MOPS started up on the Friday I was gone, and we had a number of NARI meetings to attend during the month as well, so a full month all around.

I asked Courtney to come along to go to Veggie Tales Live with the kids on the 30th.  They both liked it, just REALLY wanted to go up and see the characters.  Kalum kept trying to sneak by and go up there and when Courtney tried to pull him back in the seats, he said "Don't touch me!"  At least it was loud so no one could hear him.  We ended up giving him mints out of our purses until he decided that it was okay to just sit with us.

Kalum's Moments & Milestones for September:

• We went to the doctor for Samara's 4 year check-up and since he had recently been there for ear infections, he was a little suspicious.  As soon as the Dr. came into the room, he hid behind a chair, covering his ears and saying "docker ears hurt" and "don't hurt me docker".  I had to reassure him and he sat in my lap for most of the appointment.  Poor kid!
• While we were out of town, the kids went with Jeff's parents to an event where they had ponies you could ride and so Kalum had his first pony ride!
• He definitely has his own opinions now... One night I told him it was time for bath.  He said, "No, want to play with pillows." As in, continue to jump around on the couch cushions which had been pulled onto the living room floor.  And he's now on 5-6 word sentences, such as "I wanna be careful with that." and "I go preschool and learning."  He SO wants to go with Samara to school!  He has figured out that laughing is acknowledging that something is funny.  So when he smiles and laughs he then says, "I laughing."  I know buddy, and it's adorable. :)
•  He really enjoys his toys, and when playing without Samara present, he makes them talk to each other with little "stories" going on.  He talks really well now, and usually says please, as in "I want crackers.  Please I have two of them please." A growing boy for sure.
• He responds well to the "uh-oh" song when he has done something wrong.  It's just a sing-song way of letting him know that what he is doing (or how he is reacting to something) is not acceptable.  "uh oh, sounds like someone needs to head up to their room because their screaming is hurting my ears."  Usually you don't even have to pick him up and take him all the way to his room, he changes his tune quickly.  For example, he's crying/whining at dinner or starts making a purposeful mess.  We say uh-oh while pulling his chair away from the table and he says, "No, I want eat dinner."
• Towards the end of the month we started having him sit on the little potty before bath time.  He was sitting there, said uh-oh and sure enough he had gone in the potty.  So, progress there, but the same day he was confusing the word nipple and meatball.  He was trying to pull up his shirt and says, "where meatball go?"  After being baffled for a few minutes as he keeps talking about meatballs, I figure out what he meant, help correct and just laugh.

Samara's Moments & Milestones for September:

• 4 year check-up stats: Weight 35.8 lbs (51%), Height: 41.75" (81%), BMI 14.4 (22%)  She got three shots and screamed the entire time.  We needed Mommy and two nurses to get them done.  Kalum went up and patted her after and said "sorry", what a sweetheart.
• Samara was very excited for school this year!  She is in the purple class with 4/5 year olds and had her newly decorated bag with her that she made with Gemma.  I asked her some questions on the way to school...
• Most excited about: Showing all her friends her little puma that she got on vacation for show and tell.
• What she wants to be when she grows up: a Mommy
• What she thinks Kalum will be when he grows up: a Daddy
• Favorite color: pink
• Favorite book: The Poky Little Puppy

• She also had her first pony ride with Jeff's parents while we were out of town.  I think she liked it, but she wasn't asking for a horse of her own or anything after that. Whew!
• The morning after a long weekend with grandparents, Samara woke up very cranky!  She got so mad over a couple things in the morning (I opened Kalum's door, then wouldn't hold her hand while she was crying and throwing a fit) that she ended up screaming so loud that she set off the glass breakage alarm on our security system.  This then added a LOUD, high pitched noise to the mix and made her scream more!  The next day she had another tantrum which started in Walgreens and continued in the truck and at home.  It took forever to even get her into her car seat, we had to call Daddy and I took a ten minute video just for the records.  It was more than I could handle!  Thankfully this phase wore off once her routine got back to more normal.
• First assignment of the school year- a get to know you page with favorite food "macaroni and oranges", favorite color "pink", I'm so special because "I love lambs".  I was letting her write her own responses in the sections, then just let her dictate the last few so she could fit it all in.  Things I'm good at "riding my bike and telling other kids about Jesus".  I can't make this stuff up!  God may have a plan for that outgoing personality after all, how quickly we forget there is a bigger picture here when we're in the middle of the day to day stuff.
• She is trying to read everything she sees now that she recognizes more letters, much more so than a year ago. She will even make up words, just so it sounds like she's reading a whole sentence or sign she sees.

Okay, that was a LONG post, but it was just a full month, as I said.  The kids are at such fun ages (most of the time) so they play together and we are really just enjoying watching them change all the time.  I think October will be busy as well, but maybe not crazy busy!  Fall is here and we're just hoping for a later start to winter and snow in order to get the exterior set before it's off to all inside work for a few months.  Next month the cutest little boy ever turns two and we have our 10 year anniversary, wow, can it be true?!

August 2014

August was the month of reality - slower summer days coming to an end as many things start ramping up again towards fall.  There were the parent orientation meeting and teacher home meeting for Samara's preschool, MOPS steering retreat for Amanda, a couple play dates and a birthday party for Samara to attend, the annual state fair trip to Grand Island, wrapping up swim lessons, work meetings for Amanda, a wedding open house for Amanda's cousin, a baby shower for friends and buying a house... wait, what?!  That is not part of our normal August routine!  After a couple years of considering buying a home to renovate and sell, Jeff started looking with more sincerity this summer and we finally found one in Ashland!  It definitely needs lots of work, so we know fall and winter will be filled with evenings and weekends of demo, repair and reconstruction.  After a meeting with the bank for financing options, meeting the real estate agent several times, inspecting the property, etc., we closed on the house at the end of the month.  First photos weren't really taken until September though, so stay tuned!

Kalum's moments and milestone for August:

• The ear infection that seemed to be going away in July came back and ended up being a dual ear infection, which required a 2nd different type of medicine to try and knock it out.  At two week re-check his ears were all better, but he still said "Ears sick. Don't touch."
• He really seems to be as much of a talker as Samara (I didn't think that was possible).  Says three words together often such as, I made it. Watch a movie. Ride in car. Race car climbing.  Also said "thanks" for the first time after working on it so much with him.  Actually said first four word phrase in early August, "cricker [cricket]! I goin get it." while crawling after jumping cricket.  And he got it, with his shoe - (sigh) boys!  Whenever he is hungry he'll say. "wunch.want wunch", apparently that his go-to feed me statement.
• Working in the basement during nap time on August 11th, I hear" downstairs!" from Kalum, and it was much too loud to be coming from his bed.  He has climbed out and is in hallway wanting to come downstairs.I put him back in bed and shut his door.  He gets right back out and laid down on floor by door, "mommy?... Mommy!" Then he got mad, very mad and in the end rested on the floor but made sure periodically that I knew he was there.  He went to bed fine that night, obviously exhausted from not napping!
• He wants to do everything just like Daddy and while Jeff was digging around shed Kalum wanted a small shovel to dig too.  He even put his foot up on top of shovel to push it into the ground.
• By the end of August we are into the "why?" phase hard core.  He asks "why?" when you tell him anything, repeatedly and also says "because" when you ask him a question.
• At night he wants two books read to him, "hungry pillar" (The Very Hungry Caterpillar) and "night trucks excavator" (Good Night Good Night Construction Site).  Then he will happily go to sleep in his big boy bed, that we had to convert to since he was getting out all the time, and hasn't been getting up at night.
• First burn - Samara insisted on having a chair by the stove to help me in dinner prep.  Kalum insisted in also climbing on the chair.  The stove was not on, but the oven was on underneath and it warms the back burners.  Despite numerous warnings, he reached out and touched it anyway.  We let him play with his hands in cold water and that felt better, gave motrin that night and the two finger tips blistered a little.  It's a tough lesson, but he really pays attention when you say something is hot now.

Samara's moments and milestone for August:

• We had our first non-family babysitter this month so that we could go to dinner and a StormChasers game with Buelts and Pennells.  The kids did just fine and Bailey said they were just fine to watch.  We had to ask what the "going rate" was since we haven't had to pay anyone to watch the kids as of yet!
• Samara is very into role-playing now.  "I'm Elsa and you be Anna"  She directs the playtime and acts it out.  Sometimes she plays "I'm the Mom and you're Samara".  It throws Kalum for a loop that's for sure, especially when she calls him by his character name, "Daddy".  I've even had to be a ninja turtle for an entire day!  My acting is dismal, just throwing in a cowabunga!,  totally awesome! or rad! into my conversations here and there and the occasional ninja-like move of course.
• Samara was so excited for her new preschool teacher to come visit!  They do a home visit a couple weeks prior to the school year and Samara basically showed her every room in the entire house.  She's looking forward to seeing all her friends at school, so we'll see how the longer days go on Fridays...
• Our first day of working on the house in Ashland was a quick Friday evening to pull out carpet.  Samara LOVED helping and directing us all while we worked.  She went on and on telling us we were doing good work, there was more to do, but it was almost done.  (If only she knew how much was really left to do!)  When we left to go get pizza for dinner, she didn't want to leave because she wasn't done sweeping.  We promised there would be plenty of chances to sweep dirt in the coming months.

More on the house in Ashland as long as the beginning of fall activities to come in September!

July 2014

July was a packed month and it flew by!  From the 4th of July through family vacation it seemed every weekend there was always something on the calendar.  Jeff feels like he is really getting settled into his job and working really efficiently.  We have been working through the possibility of purchasing a home to be renovated for a rental property or selling.  Jeff has been busy running numbers and checking out homes, so  if the right one is available, we'll see if we go that route.  My workload has still been less with just one work event during July, a baseball game.  I have been trying to take time to play more with the kids and just enjoy the more relaxed pace on a daily basis.  My goal was to get a quilt ready to enter in the fair and that hasn't happened, but there's always next year I guess.  I did have to prepare for the upcoming MOPS year, creating craft samples for the steering team to vote on.  Since this will be my second year in this position, it seemed less stressful and more fun this time. 

We spent the 4th of July at home, since we were planning to go on the 5th to a bigger fireworks show at Pennell's.  Samara was super excited about fireworks this year and wanted us to light off our own.  Jeff got some for us and she was thrilled!  She liked snappers and loved watching all the fireworks explode in the sky.  Unfortunately, we found out she was sick overnight into the 5th, but it was just a quick bug and she was back to normal quickly.  Kalum loved fireworks as well - not afraid at all!   He threw down snappers and even stomped on them.  He put his hands on his cheeks with an amazed "oh my, wow" look on his face when he first saw big ones in the night sky.

We celebrated Samara's 4th Birthday with a Disney's Frozen theme!  We had snowflake covered cake, cake pops and snacks along with a pin-the nose on Olaf the snowman game and ice-painting activity for the kids.  She loved having her family and four little friends there to celebrate with her and fun was had by all.  In some ways it seems hard to believe she is four, but then I think about all the memories we have made so far and it feels like a full life the last four years.  We have truly been blessed with a bright, spunky little girl and I so look forward to seeing what God has in store for her life.  I hope that her boldness will stick with her as she grows up and that she will be a light and a leader to those around her.

We got to be part of Jeff's brother's wedding on July 18-19 weekend!  Jeff was a Groomsman and the kids were the Flower Girl and Ring-bearer.  We enjoyed seeing so many family and friends at the rehearsal dinner and the wedding festivities.  Jeff had fun creating a speech for the rehearsal dinner to give Brian a hard time and the kids did so great in their roles!  Samara wore the purple dress that Gemma made her and we found Kalum a suit with purple shirt and tie that matched well.  While the singer was rehearsing the day of the ceremony, she let Samara sing on the microphone.  She sang from Frozen and knew every single word!  Mommy did have to keep snacks/treats handy through the wedding, but we made it through without disrupting anyone and the ceremony was beautiful.  The kids danced away at the reception and they actually had to pause before doing the dinner prayer at the reception because Kalum was walking on the floor with a top hat and cane stealing the show.  Samara loved dancing and playing with the other kids that were there.  Kalum did get a little grouchy by the end of the reception and when I asked if he wanted to dance some more, he sat at the table with his watered down soda (looking like a mini-man at a bar) and said "drink!".  Congrats to Uncle Brian and now AUNT Bree!

The Monday after the wedding we headed off for a family vacation to South Dakota!  We rented a minivan and the kids were really excited to ride in it, even when we left at 5AM - it had a DVD player and Samara could open and close the side doors with the touch of a button.  It was a long drive, but we broke it up with lots of stops.  At Carhenge Kalum would say 'nother 'nother and at Dinosaur Park he said next! next! when he was ready to move on to see more.  We stayed in Hot Springs and went to the Mammoth Site, Evans Plunge water park, played putt-putt, had picnics and some hiking, fished for trout and saw Wind Cave National Park.  Evans Plunge was definitely a highlight for the kids and they both LOVED the water slides and could ride with a life jacket with Mom or Dad.  The second part of the trip we stayed a little further North in Custer so that we could rent a pontoon boat on a lake and later see Custer National Park up to Mount Rushmore.  We also went to Bear Country USA where we saw tons of bears, even baby bear cubs which were so entertaining.  The way home was a long trip and we took the loop through Badlands National Park as part of that ride.  We got to see some more wildlife and scenery that is definitely not Nebraskaland.  It was a full, fun trip and our first real family vacation!

Samara's July Moments and Milestones:

• She knows the rules and she wants others to follow them as well!  We went to watch fireworks at my parents house in Iron Horse.  There was a group of teen, maybe tween, girls that she had never met.  She told them that if they wanted to drink pop they shouldn't be putting it in their mouth and spitting it out. (which they were doing - who knows why)  She continued that they should swallow it and not waste it.  This was all said very matter of fact way and with arm motions to show her seriousness.
• Told Daddy, "You're my best hero" when kissing and hugging goodnight.  That has to be one of the highest compliments to a daddy from a four year old girl.
• She swam every chance she got while on vacation.  She wanted to go back to Evan's Plunge and the water slides.  "The place where I sat on a mat and someone held me up so I didn't go underwater."  Haha, her descriptions crack me up sometimes!

Kalum's July Moments and Milestones:

• Vocab updates - Early July - now in addition to very clear 2-3 word phrases, he is talking in not-so-distinguishable sentences.  He babbles for a few seconds with different "words" and inflections, then looks at you for a response.  Of course he gets a lot of "really" type responses because you have no idea what he just said.  By Mid July he was giving three word commands "camera turn around" when he wanted to see the photos I took of him.  "Mommy sit chair" when he wanted me to sit down so he could sit on my lap.  Lots of talk of "monster coming" or chasing, but not sure what that is about.  At least he is easily persuaded that there is no danger of monsters.  Says "Tow Mater" and "Queen" from the Disney's Cars movie.  He can say the last word in sentences in books he has heard before.  Late July - whispered to me after I said something while putting him to bed, "sssshhh ki-et boice"  Apparently I was not speaking quiet enough for bedtime.  He now says "Kawum" for his name - getting so close!  When he talks, Jeff looks at him and says, "Is there anything you can't say?!"  He was even repeating the names at Mount Rushmore pretty well actually.
• Mid July - gobbled up cubed ham by the fistful.  As soon as all the cubes on his plate were in his mouth, he was saying ham! ham!
• I tried the suit on him that he was going to wear to be the ring-bearer in Uncle Brian's wedding so I could see how much of a hem the pants needed.  He loved when I said he looked so cute that he wanted to look in the mirror.  Kept saying cute! cute!  Finally I had to compromise and let him keep on the dress shoes and socks for the day until nap time.
• He loves to jump in the water, really just walks to the end of any water and leans in - he would jump in any water if you let him, pool, lake, river, water feature a the mini golf course.  We'll have to watch him closely and keep a life jacket handy!
• July 29th - diagnosed with first ever ear infection - bummer.  His fever showed up the last day of vacation, so he was not a happy passenger on the ride home.  But, this was the first time he had been to the Dr. for a non-well baby checkup, so really he's been one healthy kid and we are so thankful!  If you go anywhere near his ear he would say, "Don't touch.  Ear hurts."  They put him on amoxicillin and it seemed to be working after a couple days. 
 

August's schedule will ramp up with preschool and MOPS prep and September is when all the busyness will pick up again for sure! 

June 2014

June was a great summer month, time for some relaxing, family fun and getting things accomplished around the house, oh, and some work too!  We had several fun events to go to, like a family friends' birthday party, a journey group picnic party at Piedmont Park, watching the annual Shadow Ridge fireworks at a friend's house-despite a stormy evening, the show was able to go on!, a trip to the zoo with Auntie Courtney and seeing all the Derby's for Evelyn's baptism on the 28th.  Samara and Daddy went to a Dad and Me event at church on June 7th for dad and kids ages 3-6 and they enjoyed building things together while Kalum and Mommy went to a Bridal Shower for Bree. 

Jeff and I even got away for the first time in quite a while!  Jeff is the best man in a college friend's wedding in September and so we decided to go up to Chicago over Father's Day weekend for that friend's MBA Graduation Party.  We drove and talked, saw some sites like the Navy Pier and just enjoyed being kid-free for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  We were amazed after driving for three hours that we had basically been talking uninterrupted for that whole time!  You forget what that is like. :)  The kids enjoyed a day and a half with Papa and Gemma and a day and half with Grandpa and Grandma.  They ate and slept pretty well at both places (once they were able to un-crank them from all the excitement and special treats!).  Maybe since all came out unscathed, we'll have to consider heading out for weekends more often! :)

Overall a fun month, with work schedule that weren't too.  Jeff has now been at NIFCO Mechanical in Lincoln for a whole year (in May actually), that went quickly!  He has been doing great work for them and, of course, everyone enjoys having him there.  I've been trying to get the NARI office organized with less going on right now event-wise.  This has included going through boxes from storage and also the files that were passed along from the previous Executive Director.  I'm even working on a binder to contain all of the procedures for the position so that it is all laid out clearly.  You never know what can happen and the last thing I would want is our NARI Board and Jeff in the basement trying to figure out what all my mess was about!

Kalum's June Moments:

• Early June - now able to identify all different animals and vehicles!  Inlucding bus, choo-choo, tractor, motorcycle (cy-kee he says), race for race car.  He knows all basic pet animals and most farm animals, too.
• I asked him what he wanted for lunch and gave him a couple options.  He said "no" after each one.  "Candy" he then says. In response to me telling him he couldn't have candy for lunch, "YeahWhyShare!!" all one word.  As in, Yes-I know it exists, why can't I have it, share with me!
• When a plane goes by, he reaches up his arms and grabs with his hands.  Says "catch catch" while running after it. :)
• Favorite food: chicken nuggets!  Mid June he moved up from saying "chicky" and now says "chicken"
• June 13th - first time going multiple times without both Mommy and Daddy
• Vocab update: Started putting together two word groupings.  Says, "funny sissy" (or whatever amuses him at the moment) "on song" if there is a break between music on the cd, "my daddy".  Distinctly says everyone's names now.
• Loves to sing Jesus Loves Me (joins in on the last word in each phrase) and He's Got the Whole World in His Hands.  He laughs and repeats the family names I put into the song, especially Papa.
• Of all the creatures that could frighten a child at the zoo... Kalum practically recoiled from a small turtle behind glass in the Lied Jungle!  "Scared!" he said.  He wasn't too fond of any of the lizard-like animals really that day.
• Heading home facing into the sun in the car, Kalum squinted his eyes and said "Dark! Dark!" I said that it was bright with the sun in his eyes.  All the rest of the way home he smiled with a squint saying "Bright! Bright!" and "More! More!" whenever we turned away from the sunshine.

Samara's June Moments:

• Started back in swimming lessons for the summer and was SO excited that she got to be in the water with no parent, just a teacher and two other girls in her class.  Kalum was not a happy observer of big sister's class and he'll have to do other things during this time.  Samara did great, just gets distracted with all the kids and things going on in the water.  Starting to put her face in the water for longer time.
• First "slumber party"!  She stayed the night at Nick and Auntie Courtney's house during summer break.  She has stayed at Grandparents' houses, but this was a night of snacks, Disney movies and girlie fun with Auntie Courtney.  She had a great time and even got a star shaped donut in the morning, a highlight for sure!
• She loves Daddy's stories at bedtime (he just makes them up as he goes, not read from a book).  She will ask numerous questions afterwards.  Sometimes she wants to tell her own and likes to tell silly stories just to get laughs from Mom and Dad.
• Samara's zoo story: Encouraging Samara to smile nicely on the butterfly wing bench at the zoo, I smile and say show me your teeth!  She started to, then thought better of it.  "Butterflies don't have teeth", she said showing me a smug grin with no visible teeth.  Well, that's true, what can I say to that?

 More to come after July - fireworks, fourth birthday, flower girl (and ring-bearer) and first FOF (Family of Four) vacation!

May 2014

May was a full month, as it is for many people.  Between school year commitments wrapping up, showers and graduation parties, yard projects and time with family, the month flew by!

Samara's first year of preschool wrapped up with a Field Trip to Gifford Farms and a picnic on the last day of school.  She did so well and looks forward to next year when she will go to preschool 3 mornings a week.  But, was glad for a break in the summer, if for no other reason than to go to garage sales with Gemma!

The Saturday of Mother's Day weekend we went to Derby's in the evening to spend time and then Sunday we celebrated with Pennell's at our house.  It is such a blessing to have so much family in town to be able to spend time together often!  Not everyone is in town though and we went to dinner on the 18th at Karre's while Grandpa and Grandma Pennell were in town.  It was a nice day and the kids even got essentially the entire family involved in a game of duck-duck-goose (definitely a first)!  We got family pictures taken towards the end of the month with Cattura Bella Photography and ended up with some really nice photos.  If our kids are paying attention, they seem to have a photogenic trait in there.  :)   I hosted a bridal shower for my sister-in-law-to-be, Bree, along with Michelle, Laura and Cheryl.  There were some moments of slight craziness trying to prepare and set-up the shower with all of our kids running around.  The men all went on a day full of Bachelor Party festivities including shooting range, go karts and camping.  But, in the end it was a nice shower to welcome Bree to the Derby family and friends circle.

During Memorial weekend, we decided to "test camp" in our backyard just to see how it would go if we wanted to go camping for a summer vacation with the kids.  Samara loved setting it all up and Kalum "helped" set up the tent, too.  We got a small metal fire-pit so that we could have the campfire and roast marshmallows.  Once we finally got the tent up and fire going, it was already getting late for the kids.  Kalum started saying "bath", "bed", "sleep" sensing that his normal night routine was not looking promising.  Mommy had to bathe him and put him in bed (and later sleep in her bed rather than in the tent-darn...).  We enjoyed some campfire and marshmallow roasting, then Jeff and Samara climbed into the tent.  At 11:30 Samara came in to get a sweatshirt, then did go to sleep.  In the end it was determined that a 6 person tent and two slightly older children would make camping a more enjoyable experience - so we'll give it a year before we head to the mountains. :)



Samara's May Moments:

• One day I told Samara she did something just in the nick of time.  She says "freak.  I say just in the freak of time."  Okay, but it is just in the nick of time, just so you know.
• We went on a walk through a neighborhood near us that has many homes being built.  She was trying to get to the big dirt hills to climb when she found some mud.  She slipped and went down so quickly that she didn't even know what happened!  She jumped back up, then noticed her shoes, legs and hands were all muddy.  She squealed, then said she was okay.  Then we finished out the rest of the walk and trip to the park.  Mud doesn't bother this girlie (but the hose-down in the driveway was not well-received!).
• Samara loved going on a trailer ride behind Daddy's bike for a fishing trip!  Though they didn't catch that many fish, her casting skills have improved and she wants to go again.
• She is also getting better at riding her bike.  With training wheels she can go on walks, turn corners on her own and she knows how to get herself rolling by pushing off with her foot.  She still needs a helpful push when she is on some long hills.

Kalum's May Moments:

• 18 month checkup measurements: 27 lb 2 oz (65%), 33.5" tall (79%, he's stretching out, grew 1.5" since 15 month appointment), head circumference 47.25cm (32%).  He is healthy and on track for all milestones.   He got a Hep A shot and only cried briefly, more because we had him lie down on the table than the shot.
• May 8th - first time climbing on a dirt pile today! "cimb! cimb!" he said the whole time.  He had so much fun that he refused to sit in the wagon the rest of the walk, he wanted to climb more!
• Lots of new words!: open/close, shark, summer and even saying the whole word including last consonant.  All done (and sign), says WAY at the end of the "the cold never bothered me any..." and GO after "Let it..." from Frozen movie, ready set go!, still says his name as "kummer" instead of Kalum (he knows it's not exactly right and laughs at the response he gets)
• His response to any question used to be, "no", whether he meant it or not.  But now he says "yeah" when we wants something.  Started saying "yeah, sure!" which is hilarious to hear.
• He can now go down the stairs all on his own, by holding on to the railing.
• He chases after any bird that gets close.  One day at the park, he took off running into the field where there were a lot of robins and other birds. "Robber! Robber!" he yelled for robin as he chased them all away.

Now full disclosure... As I was preparing today to write this month's blog, Samara was up in her room supposedly napping, Kalum was crying in his crib because he didn't want to nap and Jeff was in the living room relaxing away from me.  They had all returned not long ago from a walk to the park together while I stayed home to get things done.  Prior to that I had overreacted to being shot by Jeff in the chin with a marshmallow shooter.  Instead of taking my thoughts captive, then reacting in love and fun, I chose to act on the emotions of feeling a little tired and overwhelmed by my to-do list.  So, during my time alone while I cleaned and did some food prep I re-thought the situation and how differently it could have gone.  I want my kids to look back and remember the fun times, not that Mom was tired or crabby.  Jeff is ever-serving our family whether through performing well at his job, taking care of our house or being a fun Daddy to our kids and he deserves my best as well.  Why do we save our worst for those we love the most?  My entire life is full of blessings and I should be nothing but grateful and pleasant.  Another goal for this summer, but maybe the most difficult since it can't be checked off the to-do list like cleaning out a closet:  being more light-hearted, exhibiting joy and laughing at more in life. 
More summer to come in the June post!

April 2014

Okay, we're back on track - April 2014 is posted just days after it ended!

We started off April by gaining another niece!  Jeff's sister, Michelle, had Evelyn Claire on April 1st.  We got to see a photo or two, then saw her on skype on the Sunday prior to Easter.  They ended up stopping in town the Saturday of Easter weekend so we got to meet her in person and see them before they headed back to OK City.  Samara and Kalum were enamored and we spent most of the time trying to keep them out of her face! :)  Jeff and I went on a date night with Nick and Laura since they were in town while Grandpa and Grandma watched all three kids.  We went out for a nice dinner then to a movie, enjoying the recliner seats, since that was all that was available at the time we wanted to see the Marvel movie.  For Easter, we celebrated officially with Derby's the weekend prior with dinner and and egg hunt, then saw them again the Saturday of Easter weekend.  Easter Sunday we went to our church, then celebrated with Pennell's with an egg hunt, lunch and dessert.  In the end we ended up with too much candy, but lots of family time and fun was had by all.

For work Jeff continued to pick up a couple Saturdays and work extra during the week, he's hoping that doesn't continue for too long, but he takes too much ownership in his work to let it get too behind.  Construction is just busy no matter what!  My job had a big weekend at the beginning with the Remodeled Home Tour, then I had to take a break on the hours I was working.  I went back to just 20 hours per week for my sanity and family's benefit.  I am in the process of organizing tasks so that hopefully it won't be so crazy in the months to come.  I let them know recently that currently I am maxed out on the hours I am willing to work, so we must make some changes to organize and delegate differently.  I am hopeful to find a happy-medium so that I can accomplish all the tasks for the chapter, as well as feel that I am giving enough focused attention to my family.

I got down to see my Mom's art show downtown the last week it was up.  I enjoyed my personal tour by the talented artiste herself and was inspired to get working on my numerous started quilt projects.  I know I won't get to it everyday or even every week, but it is a goal of mine for the summer. I just have to tackle that first one to get back in the quilting rhythm (if I ever had one) then I think I'll be off and running, or strolling at least.

At the end of the month I did accomplish two household goals!  One- As you know, I got our site updated after allowing it to get WAY behind!  Two- I finished the clean-out of all my clothes, which I have been meaning to do for a while.  Now what I have actually fits in our closet, dresser and the tubs that I have for off-season clothes.  It is a great feeling to get rid of stuff!  At one of our MOPS meetings this year they talked about de-cluttering, as Stuff = Stress.  I will be glad to have that extra stress out of our house as soon as Jeff finishes his honest assessment of the clothes in his side of the closet.  Jeff has also just completed a redo of our pantry closet, so May will show how we got that all reorganized and the plan is to have nothing sitting on my kitchen counters soon - wish me luck! :)  So, that is where May will start out - organization central.  It may be a desperate attempt to feel "in control" after a few months of unwieldy schedules, but it will be beneficial in the end.  Now if I can take some time to "be still" and know who is really in control, that will be the most beneficial of all!

Samara's April Moments:

• Early April - Maybe the end of the tantrum phase?  A couple times missing out or realizing it wasn't going to work and those seem to be over (we say hopefully).  Now we've been working on the attitude with her, since she seems to have started yelling and demanding things.  She will now apologize immediately if she yells a response or is sassy, with just the raise of my eyebrow.  That is headed in a much better direction!
• So, we had a Kung Fu Panda party for her 3rd birthday.  She says this year will be Tigris (another character from that same movie).  We'll see where we end up by July, I don't really want to do another party with the same theme, but we do have the decor! :)
• Boys vs. Girls - Daddy and Kalum are playing with trucks, vroom, vroom, etc. can be heard.  Samara wants to play, so she gets a car.  "Daddy, your truck has to ask my car why he's sad."  Jeff- "no we're playing cars, stop being emotional and be a car." Samara makes the same request again.  Jeff- "Kalum and I are over here and our trucks are talking about truck stuff you wouldn't understand because you're a car..." And it goes on and on back and forth with Samara making conversational comments for her car and Jeff making crashing, screeching tire noises.
• By April 7th she has another tantrum, so I guess she's not out of the "terrific three's" yet.  She'll keep yelling and screaming that I need to be nice to her so she can stop crying.  She is tired whenever these come on, so it's hard to know if it's a control ploy or if she is just legitimately upset.  Eventually she took her bath and went to bed - good grief!
• She is SO friendly to anyone we meet, trying to balance her outgoing attitude with stranger danger discussions.
• April 15th - she learned to cross her eyes, and wants to show anyone who will look!
• Current songs: She sings "Old McDonalds had a farm..." Can you guess her favorite place to eat out?  They sang "How Great Thou Art" at Sunday School, so now she goes around singing the parts she remembers repeatedly.
• First time dyeing Easter eggs this year, it was a hit as you can imagine!
• She LOVED finding worms while Daddy was doing some landscaping work.  She took them to anyone near to show them off, whether they liked it or not.
• After planting seeds to start growing inside before planting in the garden, Samara is tasked with watering them each day.  She is pretty faithful to the task.  One day she had a cup of pretzels and she disappeared downstairs with them.  I called down to ask what she was doing.  She said she was chewing her pretzels by the plants.  She thought the plants would like to hear her chewing them - how thoughtful, Samara.

Kalum's April Moments:

• Early April word update:  If he hears a plane, he looks up and says "ky!" while pointing.  Says "wawa" for water when he wants his cup filled from the fridge and for a fountain hear our neighborhood.  Says "wo wo wo" while doing row, row, row your boat motions.
• Papa and Grandpa are still be far his favorite relatives!
• If Mommy puts him to bed, it's Daddy he wants.  If Daddy enters the room first in the morning, it's Mommy he wants.  They get so used to their routines!!
• Early April - If we are eating a meal requiring utensils, he typically demands the same. "Spoo! spoo!" for spoon and "Bo! bo!" for bowl.  He is hit or miss with the spoon and often resorts to grabbing food with his fingers to get it into his mouth.  Even yogurt...basically needs a bath after that!
• LOVES the park!  Went on swings, slide-small one on his own and even big one on his tummy-feet first, many times.  Super excited when people went by with their dogs. "da!" he yelled and pointed, practically dancing around.
• April 14th - Bye, Bye Bottle!  He was down to just a bottle at bedtime.  Our goal was to be bottle-free by 18 months, so tonight was a sippy cup at bedtime instead.  He went down fine, but cried for a little bit, but slept all night!  The first week overall had a couple rough nights where he didn't want the sippy cup while he got ready for bed, but he's adjusting.  By the end of April he basically knows no bottle is coming and doesn't say "ba ba" anymore at all.  Goal met - what a big boy!
• By mid-April he really started to repeat words - "hopper" for grasshopper, says "bye car" when pushing a toy around in a car.  He knows what he wants for sure and can scream amazingly loud if it doesn't happen.
• April 25th - two more teeth coming in, one on top and one on bottom.  Both are 3rd from the center.  Could be why he's been a little cranky lately.
• An important first - First TAN LINE! - After being outside while Daddy did landscaping work, he had a tan line on his neck and his face was slightly darker shade that his chest/tummy.  Now we'll see if the sun makes him turn into a blondie like Samara did!

We didn't have many April showers, so we'll see how our May flowers look I guess...

March 2014

Well, as promised, March WAS madness!  Between Samara's symptoms, full schedules, traveling for work, temper tantrums and truck troubles - sheesh!  The truck was making a few noises, but they got really bad mid-month and we had to take it in.  $1000 later the wheel bearings are new and it's good to go again.  Since I am driving the truck all week, we are considering trading in the truck for a more family friendly vehicle.  We'll see, it's just in the planning stages.  Work schedules were full, Jeff working a few extra hours here and there and a couple Saturdays and I had regular meetings then went to New Orleans for work from March 26-29th.  My parents and Jeff again handled the kids and preschool schedule, etc. while I was gone.  I gained information to bring back to our chapter and enjoyed time with other chapter execs, but am glad that I don't travel for work too often.  Also, that was enough of the Big Easy for me, no need to head back for sure!

We did have some time for fun things though... went to Leah's first birthday party, a friend's couples baby shower, "Hawaii Day"at Samara's preschool and my Mom's opening night of her art show downtown!  (I was traveling for work and was so bummed that I had to miss that evening showcasing her work to family, friends and the public and will make time to go get a personal tour before the show ends in early May.)  Also, we had the Pennell family over to watch Frozen one evening and have homemade pizzas.  Courtney and Nick brought pizza supplies and everyone enjoyed.  Samara commented and asked questions about almost the entire movie.  Kalum sat on Mommy's lap and watched the entire movie silently! Who knew?

Samara's March Milestones and Moments:

• Some of the change to go into Samara's piggy bank was on the kitchen table.  She told me, "Mom, that money is for college.  I'm going to leave it on the table until college" Oh, wow - no cleaning off the kitchen table in our house for 15 years I guess!
• Mid March was her first "sick week".  She missed two days of preschool due to 105 fever and sore throat the whole week, also saying her tummy hurt.  We went to the Dr. thinking strep for sure, but that was negative.  The high fever started on Monday and by Friday it was down to 99 and she seemed a little better.  She still wears out quickly and is a little more passive than her usual self.  Poor kid!  By Saturday was basically better though and able to go to a birthday party that weekend, the first school friend party she has gone to.
• March 21st - resurfacing of temper tantrums-ugh!  She gets violent, kicking and hitting if you try to put her in her room.  After great family dinner out, she melted down getting ready for bed.  We tried to ignore her for over an hour that night.  She wandered around following Mommy and trying to get attention while screaming and crying. (Naked the whole time, since tantrum started in the bath).  She finally stopped being totally crazy and we got her to bed.  NO idea how Kalum didn't wake up screaming as well!
• Cake frustration!  We drove to Grand Island for their cousin Leah's first birthday party.  Samara did well at the party, helping open gifts, even the tutu outfit we made Leah.  THEN... She wanted a piece of cake with two colors of frosting, not the one she was given.  This turned into a crying, screaming fit!  After several warnings, Daddy took her out to the car to calm down.  She practically broke the window banging on it and Daddy lost hearing in one ear, but eventually she calmed down enough to return.  She quietly apologized and ate her undesirable cake and melted ice cream.  She was told next time we will leave the party and not come back if her attitude gets like that.  We'll hope she can behave better next time after our discussion.

Kalum's March Milestones and Moments:

• Early March - first word with consonant ending, SIT!, first shower rather than bath - loved it! He wanted Mommy to hold him so that water could hit right on his back, laid head on my shoulder. He's saying more words and understands several step instructions now.
• March 17th - first combination of words! "Bye bye car" 
• Later March - if out in public, he will now wave and bye-bye to people without prompting.  We discovered he is a casserole kid!  If it's in casserole form, he seems to devour anything - meat, veggies, etc.  Too bad casseroles aren't too good for the adults' waistlines!
• Sneaky younger brother: While Samara was being carried out of Leah's birthday party screaming and throwing a fit, Kalum sneaked up into my now empty chair and silently started helping himself to cake with my spoon.  Smart kid he is, take advantage of the diversion!

We'll see where next month takes us, maybe a little more of a slower pace possibly? Ha! That would be too boring, right... ;)

February 2014

Okay - February was BUSY!!  I'm looking back at our calendar and I'm not sure how it all fit it really.  My guess would be some late nights, early mornings and full days.  Either way, here are our highlights...  We still teach Sunday school twice per month and our small group usually meets twice per month as well in the evening.  MOPS had two morning meetings this month, only one with a craft and an evening event once.  For work I had two home shows to make sure NARI was represented at-meaning cover any shifts that were open and coordinate setup/take down, etc. as well as run an Education Day event, committee meeting, an evening meeting and a chapter hockey night!  Despite a crazy schedule for work, I told myself I was going to take the time to attend the Women's Retreat through our church, held at Arbor Lodge in NE City.  I left Saturday morning and came back Sunday afternoon and was SO glad that I went!  I learned a lot and just had time away.  I will definitely attend again next year!  Jeff has been busy at work as well and he was a great husband and watched the kiddos while I was gone, though I think the bulk of the time Saturday was spent at his parents. Whatever works is fine by me!

Samara's February Moments:

• With the Olympics on, we caught what we could of the prime-time airings.  Following what she did see of the games, she now wants to play hockey, runs around the house saying she's faster than the bobsleds and thinks she'll be able to jump and spin on ice skates.  I guess we'll have to take our "Olympic caliber athlete" ice skating sometime. :)
• Another baby: Over lunch Samara tells me she wants to have another baby.
• A- you want to?
• S- no, you have it.
• A-well we have a baby, Kalum is still little.  Why do you think we should have another baby?
• S- So I can share my toys and hold the baby.
• A- You have trouble sharing your toys with only one brother and you shouldn't hold little babies yet really.
• S- Well I would share and I wouldn't hold the baby tight, just like this (gently rocking arms back and forth)
• She got the smile and nod on that one, for sure.  (Then, not said, just thought... Oh Samara. Mommy is not ready now (and may not ever be) for another two year commitment from her body! And another year of no sleep on top of it...with two older kids.)

Kalum's February Moments:

• Feb 5th - 15 month check-up: Weight- 25lb 4 oz (66%), Height- 32" (73%), Head Circ.- 46.5cm (28%)  He was a tough guy, getting two shots and he only cried because we held him on the table.  He stopped as soon as he wasn't being held down!
• Early February - says apple, "apo!"  He'll eat it with no skin, if sliced thinly.  He can be a chipmunk though, so one must monitor closely how much he has packed in that mouth of his! Says "up", "uh-oh", "No!" So excited about kitties, was running around making "k" sounds.  Played with horse toy during car ride.  It was so cute to hear him making sounds and walking the horse along his car seat.
• Mid February - Bites!  You see it most when he's playing with Samara.  He bit her arm through her sweatshirt when she refused to share a toy.  We'll hope it's a brief phase.  He is starting to repeat some words now. Says "go!"  He knows a handful of animal sounds and can follow instructions well now (i.e. go put the toy away in the box).  He is so excited to see Papa - He didn't even want him to leave!

Let the March madness begin...

January 2014

Happy New Year 2014!  How can it be 2014 already?!  We celebrated the our birthdays with Derby's on Saturday Jan. 4th then all the winter birthdays with Pennell's on January 5th.  More family time, gifts and good food - spring may require more than just some cleaning!!  Then January was off to a quick pace from the get-go.  I had plenty of work meetings this month to prepare for and attend, as well as MOPS picking back up from Christmas break.  I also helped plan a baby shower for Jeff's sister, Michelle, where we got to find out that Samara and Kalum will have another baby GIRL cousin this spring!  Courtney and I took an evening to attend a women's worship night at our church and enjoyed the fashion show, music and speaker very much - a night with ladies is a good break sometimes!  Jeff is busy at work, but still working about 40 hours per week, which is nice for sure to have family time on the weekends and evenings.  We took advantage of some NIFCO hockey tickets and went on a double date with Jeff's brother, Brian, and fiance', Bree, in Lincoln to Italian dinner and a Lincoln stars hockey game - a good time was had by all!  I believe that's the highlights for January - here we go on our 32nd year!

Samara's Moments for the Month:

• Samara can write her name! I was so impressed the first time I saw her do it.  She "reads" any words and letter she sees.  It's not all that accurate of reading, but at least she's trying and she does get "Samara" every time!
• She has started asking tough questions that spark from Sunday school and preschool stories and topics.  What is your soul?  Lots of questions about heaven, etc.  She understands why Jesus dies on the cross for our sins.  She also gets that people who love and have Jesus  in their heart can go to heaven.
• She is a compliment giver, maybe she understands even more of the world than we realize! :)  You can often hear, Gemma, I love your shirt, Mom I love your scarf, lady we walk by at church-I just love your dress!! Hope that this attitude carries on, everyone loves a good compliment.
• Samara got to have a pajama day at preschool where she wore new pj's from Christmas and got to bring Lambie!!
• Jan 25th - I'm working downstairs and hear Jeff and Samara talking upstairs:
• S: Let's play wedding
• J: enough wedding, let's fight
• S: No, walk with me for the wedding
• J: (playing wedding music on cell phone, after a debate about whether or not they play music at weddings).  
• I come upstairs to photograph and video the event...
• They link arms and walk through living room.  Samara holding flower girl flowers and wearing play dress-up heels.  Jeff with a plastic strainer on his head (maybe a stand-in top hat?)
• Oh.my.gosh! Some day this will be real!!

Kalum's Moments for the Month:

• January 2nd - after months of walking, Kalum crawls for the first time!  He went under the kids table in kitchen after a toy.
• Early January - started saying choo-choo for train.  He loves his new Thomas the train bath toys from Christmas and wants to carry them around all day, his choo-choo, sounds like "doo-doo".  He says "shoes" really clearly and knows they go on feet.  He will grab his feet and say it.  Also tried to do head, shoulders, knees and toes.  It's a little fast for him, so he just ends up squatting up and down and turning around flailing his arms.  Then ends with touching his nose.  
• Mid January - Can now climb onto kitchen chairs, not too thrilled about that one.   Makes a chomping sound and hold play food or even real crackers to his stuffed animals' mouths.  So cute!  I remember when Samara started doing that.  Two more top teeth came in, so has ten teeth now.
• Can follow directions - If you say, go put that in the trash, he will go over and open the trash cupboard and put it in, then close it.  But he often then goes back over and re-opens and takes item back out if it something too exciting and he can reach it.  Yuck!
• Jan. 22nd- first bloody lip! Started to fall off kitchen chair, which he insisted on standing upon.  Mommy grabbed him or probably would have a knot on his head as well.  Got him to kiss the ice in paper towel repeatedly to the his lip to stop bleeding.
• Took a trip to the zoo with Samara, Papa and Gemma.  It was cold, but they enjoyed the inside places - jungle, desert dome and butterfly pavilion.
• He feels cookies should be a staple of his diet!  Animal cookies, or "kiki" as it sounds as he says it, always with a smile.

This is more of a Mommy moment for the month... After a couple rough days getting out of the house, I have once again realized that my getting crabby or impatient does NOT help the situation at all.  I will have to just put my tiredness or frustration aside and be patient and keep a nice tone with her.  Response has been really good and she tends to be very helpful.  It can just be. so. hard. when I REALLY need to get some things done and she seems to go in slow motion!  Some people have family members that keep them on their knees in prayer, some husbands, I think my attitude with my kids will keep me there, asking God to help me love on them as He loves on me!

December 2013

December is here again, with not much snow this year, but still some cold weather.  We had holiday events for every activity, group we're involved with, and family of course, so the month filled quickly!

I had my MOPS Steering Team get together the first Friday in the month, unfortunately, the same night as Jeff's NIFCO Holiday Party in Lincoln.  After much deliberation, I ended up going to the MOPS group and Jeff to Lincoln and Jeff's parents watched the kids.  My NARI Holiday Party was Dec. 12th, which Jeff attended as well, and as usual it was fun, but had me running all over the place to accomplish everything we had to get done that night!  That was the last big work-related event for the year, not that there was nothing to do, just a little breathing room before January hits.  Samara had a preschool program one evening in December - we have it on DVD if anyone wants to watch it.  They sang their songs well, though she was kind of a wiggle-worm up there for a bit!  We celebrated Jeff's Dad's birthday and Samara loved helping putting the candles in the cake and also helping blow out the candles.

Christmastime brought a visit to Jeff's Grandma's living center for their Christmas party.  This included a visit from Santa and Mrs. Santa.  This was Samara's first time seeing Santa in person.  She was doubtful at first, saying, "That's not the real Santa, it's a person in a costume!"  I asked, "how do you know?" She quietly pondered, then changed her tune and pursued Santa to shake his hand and insist that he come see her brother and a new little 4 year old friend she'd made there.  Kalum just looked at him weird having never seen him before, but didn't cry or anything.  Samara had no problem sitting on his lap for pictures and expressing her wishes.  She said she wanted "a new Lambie like hers".  They gave each child a little treat bag after visiting Santa.  I couldn't understand why she was in such a hurry to get back to the table and open it up.  When I finally helped her rip it open, she said with complete dismay, "that's not a new lambie!".  I had to explain that these were just gift bags not the gifts Santa brings on Christmas, while trying so hard not to laugh.

Family Christmas celebrations included Christmas Eve church at 6:00PM service, then we went to Pennell's on Christmas morning.  We opened many gifts and enjoyed time with everyone.  Kalum didn't yet grasp the opening of his gifts, so Jeff and I traded off on that role.  Samara was all about it though!  It was fun to see Christmas morning through her eyes this year, when she finally "gets" it.  She opened her new Lambie from Santa, which she named Freddy (really? Freddy?  no idea where that came from).  After our Santa and family gifts, we went to Pennell's and opened plenty more gifts and had our traditional Pork Roast, Sauerkraut and dumplings meal.  We went to Derby's in the afternoon and packed out their house to open some more gifts and enjoy a great meal.  Sheesh - next year we need to simplify or something.  Some spring cleaning will be in order it seems!  We celebrated with extended Pennell family at Karre's on Saturday the 28th.  It was nice to see so much family in one week and we know we are truly blessed to have so much family love and support! 

Samara's December Moments:

• One of the days it did snow, Mommy was driving the truck and took a corner too quickly.  We went over the curb a bit and clipped sign.  Samara said, "Mommy tell me next time before we hit another sign so I can be ready!"  I explained that there would be no more sign-hitting, I had done enough damage for one day - OOPS!
• Instead of Just in case, she says, "in just be case"
• Samara asked Daddy for some more to drink... Jeff: "oh take a drink from your cup.  It has air milk in it!", Samara doubtfully take a drink from empty cup, Jeff: "see isn't that good, so light and airy?!", Samara: "there's nothing in this cup", Jeff: "yes, it's air milk, it's good!", Samara: "Mom, can you just get me some REAL milk please?"  Nice try dad!
• December 16th - first mutual sibling hug today!
• Samara has her own words for many Christmas carols this year, she sings "Rise up shepherds and follow" as "rise up shepherds and Papa!" Also "in ecelseis deo" as "and the angels sa-ay oh!"
• When getting ready for her preschool Christmas program, all dressed and she runs back into her room.  She comes out with a bracelet that matches her oufit.  She says, "I hope my Daddy likes my bracelet, otherwise I'm not going to wear it" Aw, melt my heart. Dressing up for her "first man" already.
• December 21st - Samara wakes up in the middle of the night singing Christmas carols and falls back asleep.  She also loved looking at Christmas lights on an evening drive, she said she didn't want to go back home.
• Samara wanted her story one night to be about heaven and a kfalute (that's what she said for kazoo)
• Samara had her last day at Wednesday daycare this month.  It seemed like I was taking her just because and now that Kalum is older I actually get more done when they are both home.  She'll be off in school all day before I know it, so don't want to miss days just because.
• Christmas Eve church service - They gave kids streamers on a stick to wave during certain songs in the service.  The older Sunday school kids (Grade school through middle school) had learned motions for the streamers in the weeks prior.  She asked if she could go in the aisle, and once had approval (I thought to stand by our chairs) she ran up front and joined older kids in the dance!  When that song was over, she said "and everyone clapped", I think she thought all for her.  She loved it and wanted to go back up for any subsequent songs during service, though no more had streamers choreographed.

Kalum's December Moments:

• early December - perfected the hug and says "dat" and pats head for hat, and will actually keep one on now.  Also tries to say cracker, using his D sound though.  If you say "go get..." he goes running off after said item.  If there is a pillow, he will tackle it upon command.
• He got sick mid-month with a cold that turned to high 104 deg. fevers.   After a few days it was only at 99, but he was so pitiful and wanted to be held. :(
• Mid December - learning animal sounds, me-me for kitty, ooooo for cow, eh eh eh (sounds like laughing) for horse. 
• December 21st - we went on a car ride to go see Christmas lights, and he's solidly over a year, so we thought that was a good time to turn his car seat around.  First time riding forward in the car-He kept pointing and making noises, he was wide awake the whole time!
• End of December - he happily runs around the kitchen and living room while playing or chasing after Samara.  Tries to jump by going up on tip toes and back down.  says "Da!" for car, sounds like "dardar" for cracker, signs for please but not usually for more or the sign for item he wants.  Throws a fit if doesn't get desired item!  He tries to stand on everything and will use any item as a step to reach higher and then stand on higher surface.  He can point to ears, nose, mouth and hair as you name them.  Also, toes, shoes, socks.  Tries to say nose and says "sa!" for socks.  He loves to hold them and carry around and suck on them, really any socks, his or not.

Jeff took off work on New Year's Eve and we got together again at Karre's during the day to see Grandpa and Grandma Pennell while they were still in town.  We had a low-key New Years Eve at home, kiddos in bed basically normal time.  We were like, wow, we are so exciting, as we watched some TV and heard the neighbors across the street shooting off fireworks until well past midnight, hoping they wouldn't wake our kids up.  On that note, here's to a great 2014 to you - Happy New Year!

November 2013

Wow - this post is waaaaaaay late!  Life gets busy and the blog posts get behind I guess.  Well, at least we have cameras to capture moments and an iphone app to keep track of the daily funny moments or cute sayings.  So, off we go - November 2013...

We celebrated Kalum's First Birthday the weekend after his actual birthday with a Husker Football Party, in light of his first and favorite word, BALL!  Fun was had by all our family there, he got plenty of gifts-some "boy toys" and enjoyed the cake for sure.  The Huskers last second win put everyone in good spirits as well!  The rest of the month was full, too, with fall things like preschool events for Samara such as her Hy-Vee field trip to buy food for charity and their Thanksgiving lunch program where they sang songs, had snacks and wore the Turkey hats they all made.  I had several MOPS events through the month, including our first actual meeting where we had a craft for the group.  All went well, so it's nice to have one done and under my belt.  Jeff and I went on a date to eat dinner and then to see TobyMac at the Mid-America Center the week before Thanksgiving. It was a fun concert with lots of contemporary Christian artists we enjoyed.

Thanksgiving was split over two days - Thursday at Derby's and then the Friday after at Pennell's.  We of course enjoyed lots of good food and great family time!

Samara's Moments for the Month:

• When she woke up on November 1st and it was still dark, she said, "Oh, we can go trick or treating again!"
• We notice everyday she's starting to look more and more grown up and is recognizing letters all over the place now that she sees.  Her go to movies are currently Sesame Street-Guess that Shape and Color and a Match Circus one about counting and numbers.  She's learning that letters make different sounds.  She'll say, what does pumpkin start with? I say the puh puh sound, she says "puh-puh-P" How about boy?  I say buh-buh sound. "buh-buh-B!" How about yummy? yuh-yuh I say.  "yuh-yuh-yee!"  Well, she'll get there I guess...
• She still has quite the memory and can recount stories Daddy told her the night before.  
• Determined! Daddy sets up an obstacle course in the living room that she has to go through.  It's called the "shark game" and she can't step on the carpet or the sharks will get her.  She went through one course 20 times until she got it right!
• She'll sit you down, put a pretend cape on you, have a comb or brush and then ask how you want your hair.  "Princess style or adult style" are the two options, even for Daddy. :)
• At HyVee one day every time I stopped the cart she would let go of her little green kid cart and sing through head, shoulders, knees and toes doing all the motions.  She also says "HI!" to every kid and often adult that goes by.
• She didn't eat anything at Thanksgiving, but a little fruit salad at Derby Thanksgiving.  Just wanted to play iPad games or hide the lambie.  
• She seems to have such a great base of knowledge of the bible already and she's only three.  When trying to tell me what the story was about at preschool one day:
• Samara: "what was that guy's name again?"
• Mommy: "What guy?"
• S: "the one with the beautiful coat of so many colors?"
• M: "Joseph you mean?"
• S: "Yes, Joseph and he went to jail but he didn't do anything wrong.

Kalum's Moments for the Month:

•  He is getting very particular about what food he wants to eat and will wave away anything undesirable.  He will say "eez" for please for whatever he does want though.  He can spit out any veggie that you give him at an amazing speed.  We have to hide it in other food really well!
• Nov 12th - says "Yay!" and claps hands
• Both kids are playing with the construction yellow bulldozers and dumptrucks...Kalum repeatedly rolling one off the coffee table and saying his version of boom!... Samara is putting little people in hers and saying, "there, now you are all snuggled in"
• Late November Mommy was at a work meeting, so it was Daddy bath-duty night.  Kalum refused his bath and Jeff didn't have his diaper back on yet and went down to warm up the bed time bottle.   Jeff looked at top of stairs and saw naked Kalum peeing down the stairs! Boys!!
• He is a climber!  He will try to climb onto anything he can.  Samara's rocking chair, desk chair, or stool and he figured out Samara's bed by late November.  Then he stands up top of each thing like he has conquered a mountain!
• Nov 25th - only wants bananas and canned pears for fruits
• Thanksgiving - Ate basically pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie and cool whip today.  Refused all food items at lunch and finally ate some pb toast before leaving.  He had no nap, so was one overtired little boy!

Believe it or not, next month will wrap up 2013!!