Yesterday we made another trip to the zoo. The weather was just to beautiful not to go. We always start from the front, work our way to the back and then ride the train back to the front before we go home but this time we tried something different. Bear loves the part in the back and yesterday I pieced together why that it is. It has nothing to do with the train, or otters, bears, bugs or really cool alligators. Nope it's all about the many buttons you can push and phones you can pretend to talk on.

Here is Timbo enjoying himself. This was his first time to ride in the wagon and he loved it. It's just the right height to see threw the fences.

Too funny, when Kati saw this picture later she said "Why is my face like that?"

Timothys first ice cream sandwich.

Since we started at the back we needed to find somewhere other than the Lion's exhibit to eat lunch and we found a winner. The kids ate right in front of a huge observation window for the black bear cubs.

I love this convex window by the otters.

This is Timbo's reaction to watching the otter swim by.

Kati wanted to be a helper.

My favorite part of Dad going to the zoo with us is not about adorable moments like this one

or this one

or even this one, even though I do love watching him with my kids. No, my favorite part about Daddy going with us is our times of talking, sharing stories and animal facts.

Project!

Bear's third birthday is in a little over a month so it's time to get to work on the bed. Bear is having a great time helping Jeff! If you are wondering what it will look like it will be almost like Kati's bed except white with two shades of blue.

I have a couple of budding artist over here

**Here is a boy for ya
They were suppose to be painting flowers because that is what we talked about at cirlce time. Instead Bear painted a crocdile under a house.

So tired he fell asleep at dinner, but not so tired he can't laugh at Daddy's jokes.

Struck by a storm

This is what happens to the rest of your house while you are giving your bedroom a really good cleaning.

Can't wait!

I'm off to a women's conference this morning. I'll be kid free and learning about God. I can't wait.

I love my little man

This video is not about Kati, watch Bear. I know it's going to be kind of hard to draw your attention away because someone keeps yelling "Go Kati", and truth be told Kati's rather large and protruding belly just draws your eye anyway. What was up with her that day? This video is really to highlight my sons coordination. What can I say, he gets his rhythm from me.

Flashback Friday

1982

In 1982, some of the top grossing movies were E.T., Poltergeist, and Annie. The compact disk was introduced (I'm not sure to who. Wasn't everyone still using 8 tracks). AT & T was forced to break up. The cost of a US stamp was only $.2o cents. And believe it or not, the median household income was only $20, 171.


In 1982, Jeffrey and I entered the world; making mine a family of four and Jeff makings his a family of five.

A busy little guy

Sunday, the 17th, he cruised, meaning while holding on to something he took steps. Not that he will be walking in the next day or so, even weeks probably, but it is a step in the right direction (no pun intended)

On the same day he also learned how to climb steps. Very exciting

And **drum roll please** his first tooth is cutting threw. It started maybe a week and a half ago. Don't strain your eyes trying to see it in this picture, it's old. I don't have a picture yet because it would be too hard to see but as soon as I get one I will gladly share it!

Here is Wyatt's gorgeous momma

This last weekend I had the privilege of attending a very special and long awaited for baby shower. Introducing Wyatt. Little Wyatt has been wanted and prayed for for years now. My friend Kelley, a very Godly woman by the way, and her husband Warren have been trying for a baby for quite a while now but God choose other plans for them. Adoption. I know it is safe to say Wyatt will be glad those were the plans our Lord choose. Wyatt has gotten himself an amazing set of parents!

Praise God, Kelley was actually able to be there for Wyatt's birth.

Getting the sillies with Grandpa

Only a Grandpa would encourage kids to eat bubbles.
Love you Daddy.
They must have tasted good because they kept doing it.

How busy can life be when you're a mom of three

So busy that your sons can get matching shirts at Christmas and you don't even notice until February. They have both worn these shirts numerous times, sadly, I just never realized they had the same shirt. Thanks Uncle John and Aunt Gena, I never would have thought matching boys would be cute but clearly they are!

I have the best husband ever!

Real Healthy

With Sunday being the Sabbath and all we always have a really healthy dinner to honor our body, the temple. Oh, you want to know what we eat? Well, I like to call it snack dinner. With schedules as crazy as they are it's pitiful. The kids have a snack during AWANA's and then on the way home they usually have a granola bar, crackers or a snack cake. I know years from now they are going to look back on their childhood and only remember theses meals and not the others that involved me slaving over a hot stove. Yes, I just said that. By saying "slaving over a hot stove" does that induct me into some kind of mom club, aren't all mom's suppose to say that at one time or another.

Short and Sassy

On and off for a while we have talked to Kati about getting her hair cut and she has always flatly refused. I know some of you are thinking I am crazy but what does the Bible say, something about a woman's hair being her beauty, so I have just let it be because it is her hair. Well after I chopped my hair all off Kati has been waiting ever so impatiently to get hers cut as well.Once Kati said that was what she wanted I didn't want it anymore. Look at all the beautiful hair. I stalled for about two weeks until I finally gave in. Not that I didn't try and disway her. I told her "No more braids, no more pony tails, and you will probably be seven before it is ever this long again." All she asked was "When it's long again, then can you braid it". I of course had to tell her yes and that settled it, she still wanted it cut and I gave in. (Since Sarah was having her precious little one yesterday Grandma G was so wonderful to take Kati for me so my girl wouldn't have to wait any longer. She took lots of pictures for me.)

Here it goes

Oh, where is all of my babies hair?

Clearly she likes it. Look at her grinning at what she sees.

It doesn't come any cutier than this!
When she got home she made everyone close their eyes. She and Grandma ran inside a brushed it and Grandma came in the living room calling "Stacy". And in runs my beautiful little girl, being me. She looks so grown up.

She loves it! And so do we.

Here is the back. Can you see it swinging. I keep catching her swinging her head when she turns just to get that extra bounce out of her hair. Too cute!

Look at all that hair.

Here is me and my girl. With hair just like Mommy, just like she wanted. It's great having kids, they love you just as you are.

As I was looking threw old things recently I made a discover, well, I guess I can't really call it a discovery because I already knew I had just forgotten.......anyway Kati's first kiss was shared with Josiah. It couldn't have happened with a better little one if you ask me. Here they are together on Valentines night. Aren't they just adorable? I know I am right. They would totally make "cutest couple" in their senior year books. Am I getting a little ahead of myself here? Should I let them start kindergarten before I am planning their final yearbook. No, I am defiantly right. Arranged marriage I say. We know he comes from a great family. He is such a sweet boy. And what a looker. They both have great eyes, winner smiles and fabulous hair; their kids would be outstanding. Okay maybe now I am getting ahead of myself. Kindergarten should defiantly come before all I do all this planning. Right? I kidd Elaine, I kidd. Or do I?What a great picture.
While Elaine and I were snapping shots like crazy their oldest boy, Caleb, said "Aww, romantic love" And by the way who ever gets that catch is one lucky gal. This little one already prays "Lord please help me to spend more time with you" and to be honest he probably spends more time in the word than most adults.

Breaking news

Timbo had his first kiss tonight

and he shared it with Ms. Esther, Josiah's little sister. Also another great match. I'm really thinking arranged marriage is the way to go.

(Oh, and of course I didn't get the kiss on camera)

Welcome to the world Aaliyah

Today our friend Sarah gave birth to a beautiful little girl, Aaliyah.

Yesterday Sarah and I were talking and I found out she would like me to be at the hospital today. I was thrilled but if you know me then you also know that I was absolutely terrified as well. I hate new situations, but I love Sarah and the wee one that was growing inside her so I forged ahead. Dan and Terri were so wonderful to come out today and watch the kids so I could make it.

I hadn't planned on it nor was I expecting it but once I got there I was secretly hoping she would ask me to stay for the birth and I got too. Sarah did so great. I was very proud of her. It was fun for me, I have never been the one saying "you're doing great, keep pushing" it is always being said to me.

12:11 p.m
6lbs and 15oz
20 inches
Aaliyah Annemarie

Thank you Sarah for letting me be a part of the wonderful day!


Oh, I forgot to mention two things.

I gave myself a headache during her labor. Everytime they were counting to ten while she pushed I was holding my breath. I was watching this miracle happen when all of the sudden I was thinking to myself "Man, I don't feel so good". It's a good thing I figured it out before I passed out.
And the other thing, which I found so very interisting was after the birth her doctor showed her the sac and placenta which I have never seen before. God is so cool.

Someone doesn't like the new gate

Can you imagine if when you turned 16 you recieved your license and then your parents said you could only drive on your own street..........

Sorry buddy, it's for your own safety and my own sanity.

A new friend

Timbo and the "new baby" were having a great time getting to know one another. Infact I almost had to pull out the old trusty "Save your kisses for your mommy and daddy" bit.

Don't you just love the 'do.

Changes

I forgot to write about this earlier. As of Monday Jeff is no longer the interim youth pastor, we (the church) have hired a part-time new guy. His name is Kyle and he is married to a lovely girl, Michelle. This will be his first time as a youth pastor but he has worked with other youth groups before and worked in many disciple now's. Although I am kind of sad for Jeff that he won't be doing it anymore we are very excited for the youth!

Mile stones

This past week Timbo has hit some mile stones.......

• He has successfully learned how to pull-up. For about a week he was pulling up on me and Jeff but this past weekend he graduated to objects. We are very proud but this seems so early to me. You're not suppose to compare, I know, I know but I will have to look it up and see if the other kids pulled up this early.
• No one make any phone calls but he also got his first spanking. It's terrible I know. I didn't want to do it. When I vacuum he like to chase down the cord and pull it. No, he did not get the spanking because I have to walk back over and plug the vacuum back in countless times. He got his spanking for a safety issuse. As much as I didn't want to spank him I felt that I needed too.
• And the whopper for the weekend........drum roll please........he fell off the bed. It was soooo fast and Jeff and I were both right there. Timothy and I exchanged cheesy smiles and I turned around to the dresser when bahm he hit the ground. I guess my winning smile made he crawl over to get me and I just wasn't there to catch him.

Helpers

The kids dresser drawers are continually breaking. The problem is the bottom part just falls out and then it won't shut, clothes are all over the floor and I am pulling my hair out. We have tried fixing them in the past but I think this weekend Jeff found the solution......and the kids were there to help. Check out Bears light in his back pocket, he kept "flashing" everything because you know the one tool you definitely have to have while drilling is a flashlight.

Clearly Bear is not okay with equal rights for women.
Girl Power!

This never happens

Flashback Friday

Around here, spaghetti is a staple.

Kati Bug 2004

Brendon Bear 2005Timbo 2008