Sunday, September 4, 2011

Plants versus Zombies Cake

My son wanted a Plants vs. Zombies theme for his seventh birthday. I wasn't too excited about the zombie part, but the plants I can handle. This pea shooter cake was the perfect compromise. I looked around the internet for ideas, and decided on this cute pea shooter. My husband is artistic with cakes, so he worked on the design and then decorated the cake. I made the cake, but that is the easy part. Dave, my son, was absolutely thrilled. Watch out zombies, we have a pea shooter!

Friday, July 15, 2011

Pool Fun

Today was a gorgeous summer day. I went to the pool with my sister. We hung out and read magazines and talked, while the kids splashed and played in the water. Here are some photos from our relaxing afternoon. Christina playing with her water doll. She has a
December birthday, so up until now it has been just a
bath toy.Christina and her cousin Joshua playing together at the pool.
Christina and her cousin Jason playing.
Dave showing his muscles, cousin Jenny, and Andrew. They all have passed their swim test so they can go all over the pool. Days like this make me wish summer could last all year round. Sometimes I want to pause time; the kids are growing so fast!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Stink Bag

So the other day I was on a walk with my cutie dog Pepper. We usually walk about 2 miles. Well, I must have been distracted because I realized I had dropped one of her poop bags. I looked behind me, and it was no where in sight. I had no desire to retrace my steps to find it, but I still felt bad leaving a bag of "stuff" on the sidewalk.
Fast forward two days, and I decided to go on my usual walk again. I was happy to find the bag of dog leftovers on a street corner. I must have dropped it when I was rounding the corner. Well, trying to be a good neighbor, I picked up the bag from two days ago. I continued on my walk.
As I kept walking, this jogger ran past me and gave me a strange look. I looked down, and the dog bag was leaking. It was all over my shirt, pants, and legs. Ugh!! It had rained the night before, and I didn't realize the bag had a leak and had filled with water. I found a nearby trashcan and discarded the bag. I don't usually like to use other people's trashcans, but I was not about to carry the bag and leaking contents the rest of the way home!
Anyway, I made it home with the doggy, told my husband my disgusting story, and hopped into the shower.
Lesson learned!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Cute Conversation

Christina: Why did God make kids?
David: So they would enjoy the world He made.
Christina: How did He make them?
David: He just said "Let there be boys and girls" and there were boys and girls.
Christina: How did He make princesses; Did He just say, "Let there be princesses" and there were princesses?

Sometimes it is fun to just listen in to the sweet conversations.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Something Magical


Yesterday, my son Dave lost his tooth. It had been loose for awhile, and around dinner time he pulled it out himself. It was so fun to see his excitement!
We soon began discussing the tooth fairy coming to visit. He was a little worried the tooth fairy would be busy and forget to come by. Dave knew that a teen in our church had lost a baby tooth on the same day, so the tooth fairy had more than one stop to make.
The tooth fairy made her appearance. Dave was delighted to find a pile of coins in his room this morning. He was also thrilled to discover the GLITTERY fairy dust trail that led from his bed to the windowsill. I was so excited when my little baby Dave grew that first tooth and now I'm just as proud that only a hole remains where that sweet little tooth used to be.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Oops

All the kids are in bed.
We hear one coming down the stairs.
It is Dave, for probably the fourth time.
"Why are you up, what is it?" we say.
Dave says, "Andrew never tells on me anymore" he brags.
"Well, is there something that you are doing that Andrew should be telling us about?"
Dave gets a guilty look and realizes he's been caught.
"Yes, I was playing with a little Lego piece."

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Small Town Night in the Suburbs

Last night we had a fun time as a family. We headed over to Jerry's Pizza for dinner. Phil and I have been going to that Jerry's since we were dating. One of the employees over there always recognizes us. She has been watching our kids grow up over the years. She still remembers when we carried them into the pizza place as babies. Phil got his usual sub, and we also ordered a large pizza(half cheese, half sausage). Oh, and don't forget one super size order of fries! We enjoyed devouring all that yummy food and letting the kids make silly faces in the big mirrors that cover most of the walls.
Next, we headed over to Milwaukee Frozen Custard for dessert. We walked in and found out they are now serving funnel cake. Yum! This was the first night they were selling funnel cake, and we were the first ones to buy one. It was delicious and cheaper than getting it at an amusement park. Al brought it straight to our table, proud to serve his first one. We weren't disappointed. The kids and I also got chocolate custard. So good! If you've never been to Milwaukee Frozen Custard, I highly recommend it. It has a definite small town feel.
We spent a little while in Milwaukee Custard, allowing the kids to enjoy the silly mirror, the train, and the dessert. When we got home, we put the kids to bed, and then Phil and I watched one of our favorite shows called "Lie to Me."
There is no other way I'd rather spend my Friday nights than with my family, making memories.

Friday, January 14, 2011

My Baby is Four!


Just a few days after Christmas, my youngest child had a birthday. I can't believe she is already four. Time is flying. We were visiting my parents on her birthday. We decided to let her be princess for the day. My mom took just us girls out for a nice lunch at Cracker Barrel. Christina(my daughter) ate two GIANT pancakes. She wore her crown during the outing and loved all the attention she got wearing it. Christina is into all things pink and princess at this stage. It is so fun watching her grow up. On December 8th she accepted Christ as her Savior. She is now in God's family. Thank you Lord for my daughter and her faith in You!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Cover to Cover

One of my goals for 2011 is to read the whole Bible. I have done this before, but I'd like to read through it again. Our church is offering small group Bible studies this year for people who have this goal, and I think it is wonderful because it will help me stay accountable. I wasn't sure that I was going to accept this challenge, but my husband helped motivate me. He's never read the entire Bible. I am already slightly behind the reading schedule, but I am catching up. It is not too late to start reading if you want to join me in this goal :) I think the last time I did this was for a college class. It's about time that I did it again!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Going through the Valley

I just learned a couple days ago about a friend from college whose husband suddenly died right before Christmas. My heart breaks for her. Her husband's case of the flu turned deadly. She is a wonderful writer and has been sharing her heart on her blog. Please pray for my friend Tricia and her two little boys as they get through this tragedy. This is her account of the day he died and this is the link to the rest of her blog. She really has a way with words. I'm sure she could use all the encouragement she can get right now.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Baby Turtles


Okay, so first I want to apologize that I never gave an update on Freckles the turtle. I want to be a better blogger this year. Back in August, the turtle eggs did hatch. We enjoyed observing the babies for a couple days before we let them go. Here are some pictures of the little cute box turtles. This was the coolest nature lesson right in our own front yard. It was fun learning more about God's creation.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Dancing away the Pounds

My husband and kids gave me a fun new Wii game for Christmas. It is called "Just Dance". You can compete with friends and try to be the best dancer by following the moves on the screen. I pulled it out the other day and played it with the kids. I beat the boys easily. However, my daughter beat me every time. She just turned four. I don't know whether to be proud or embarrassed.