White Oak Adventures

Mar. 13, 2009

A Potty Training Diary...nights 1-7 (Week 1)

Mar. 13, 2009

Fancy Nancy Night

We do a "Family Night" once a week, usually on Mondays.  We already spend a lot of time together, but each week this is our special night to focus on each other and not get distracted by everyday busyness.  Usually Ryan and I decide what we're going to do, but from time to time we let the children take a turn at making all the decisions. This particular night was extra memorable.  Rebekah planned it all and was extremely excited to have our first ever, Fancy Nancy night.  If you don't have little girls, you might not be familiar with the book series by Jane O'Connor. Rebekah LOVES Fancy Nancy!  Nancy and Rebekah are truly kindred spirits.  So, family night was going to be extra fancy!  I wore my wedding dress and Rebekah wore her "fancy" dress that Grandma bought her.  She informed the boys that they had to wear church clothes.  Surprisingly, no one complained.  In fact, Jesse went all out and wore Ryan's tie!  It was a grand evening for all. Here are some pictures of our Fancy evening. Fancy Girls Fancy Guys Fancy table (no plastic cups!) And a very fancy waiter!

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Mar. 10, 2009

The Depth of Love

And ever has it been known that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation. ~Kahlil Gibran Mary Janet Uncapher :      Born  June 1, 1912  ~   Died March 10, 2006

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Feb. 28, 2009

A New Reader

Rebekah is reading now.  She, more than the boys, loves school.  I think that because she so self-motivated, teaching her to read was easier than teaching the boys.  She has a collection of books in her room that she's saving to "read herself".  At the rate she's going, it shouldn't be long! January 2009.  Rebekah read her first "real" book.

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Feb. 28, 2009

Christmas Portraits

I'm very, very late posting our annual Christmas portraits.  But, here they are!  I made Rebekah's dress and then worked very hard to find clothes for the boys that went with it.  I wanted to do something different this year, so I tried working with gold, cream, & brown.

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Dec. 28, 2008

Thank you Josiah!

I realize I haven't posted in a while, but before I get caught up with all of our holiday happenings I want to share just how sweet Josiah is. Josiah has been saving money to buy a Nerf gun.  He's been shoveling our driveway each time it's snowed as well as shoveling for a neighbor.  Tonight he and Jesse asked Ryan to take them to Target to buy their guns.  Ryan took all four children and I got an hour to myself!  Once they got home I went to see what they picked.  To my surprise Josiah handed me a bag of candy.  Coconut candy...my favorite.  I was astonished.  "What's this?" I asked him.   He just shrugged and said, "It's what I wanted to get you for Christmas except I didn't have my money with me then."  Of course, I burst into tears.  I felt so loved, but also guilty.  I wanted him to get his gun...he'd worked hard for it.  On the other hand, I felt so loved that he wanted to bless me with something he knew I'd enjoy.  I'm a lucky mama.

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Nov. 18, 2008

Happy Birthday Dear Bekah!

Rebekah turned five today!   Last night before bed she said, "Goodbye Four"!  Apparently she is very glad to be five.  Here's a picture of her at her first birthday: Rebekah turns 1 Here is a picture of her now: Rebekah turns 5 I always make her an outfit for her birthday, so this year I made her this ladybug jumper.  The figurine is from my mom.  She gets her one each year.  If you haven't figured it out yet, her birthday theme was Ladybugs.  The morning of her party, we came downstairs and there was a ladybug crawling around on the coffee table and another on the ceiling.  We told her they must have heard about the party and come early. The Cake The Decorations Blowing out Candles Opening gifts. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR BEKAH! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

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Nov. 5, 2008

The Vote 2008

What a fun day this was!  This morning I took the kids to a "kid election" where they got to register to vote and then cast a ballot.  We've spent the last seven weeks studying the branches of government and the election process, so this was a wonderful finish to our study.  During the early afternoon Ryan and I (with the kids) went and voted.  There was no wait, which was a wonderful surprise.  We came armed with toys and treats planning on a minimum of a two-hour wait.  Tonight, as the election results came in, all four children colored in their electoral map.  Rebekah fell asleep at 9:30, but the others colored until Obama was announced as our new president.  Democracy is precious.  I'm glad to have played a part in the process, regardless of whether or not my candidate was chosen. Here's a pix of the kids outside of our polling precinct.

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Nov. 4, 2008

Playful Pumpkins

I read an article in Family Fun Magazine that showed an alternative to carving pumpkins:  decorating with foam sheets & shapes.  It took some doing to convince all four of the kids to try it, but in the end they all said they liked it better than carving. Mary's Farm Market...our favorite pumpkin picking spot Noah's working hard on his polka-dot pumpkin The finished product! Rebekah's Princess Pumpkin Josiah and Jesse both wanted to do bats.  FYI...both boys REALLY like bats.  They have a stuffed bat collection, they own lots of bat books, and know a lot about different kinds of bats.  It didn't surprise me that's what they wanted to make. Josiah's bat Jesse's bat

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Nov. 2, 2008

Yearly Pictures

I used to take the kids to JcPenney to get their yearly pictures done.  Last fall I decided to try taking them myself and they turned out well.  So, I gave it another try this year.  I'm very happy with the results.  The first four are the poses I chose, the last few are just some other poses I particularly liked. JOSIAH  age 10 JESSE age 9 NOAH age 6 REBEKAH age 5 (well, in less than two weeks) The other poses:

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Nov. 2, 2008

Ludington, Michigan

The weekend of October 3-5 my mom took Josiah, Jesse, & myself on a trip to Ludington, Michigan.   The four of us did this same trip two years ago and we had such a great time we decided to do it again.  My parents have a camper in a very nice campground and that's where we lived for two nights and three days.  Besides the beach, the boys thought the camper was the best part of the trip.  Jesse especially thought the toilet was super cool!  While we were there we played on the beaches of Lake Michigan, walked out to the lighthouse, watched The Badger dock, went shopping, played board games, and just had fun hanging out.  The boys brought their scooters, so they spent any free time riding around the campsite. While we were gone Ryan kept Noah and Rebekah BUSY!  He took them to the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum on Sat. afternoon.  They've never been there and had a really great time.  Ryan ended up buying a membership, so we'll all get to go back.  During the course of the weekend he also took them to see a movie, out to dinner, and several other fun activities.  Honestly, I don't think they missed me too much!!! Here's a few pictures from our trip. Very cold water! Josiah remembered to bring buckets this year. Looking at the lighthouse This year we were able to walk out to the lighthouse.  Last time it was way too windy! Same lighthouse, but at sunset.

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Oct. 1, 2008

Glo Golf

We do family nights on Tuesdays.  They usually consist of a kid-friendly meal, a kid-picked dessert, & a movie.  Sometimes we swap out the movie for board games, Wii, or bike riding.  Last night, however, we came up with an awesome family night.  We made wheat tortilla pizzas and then went to play Glo-Golf.  Several weeks ago I took Josiah there for our private date night and we had a great time!  We also each won a free pass, so we thought family night would be a great time to use it.  Glo-Golf is an indoor, glow-in-the-dark putt putt.   Each room you pass through is decorated in a different theme, such as under-the-sea, dinasaurs, the jungle.  So much fun!  Once we finished golfing we went to Wendy's and got Frosty's (except for Noah, who is allergic to milk.  He got pies from McD's).  I'm pretty sure we'll be doing golfing again since it was a huge hit! Here's a picture of our pizza's.  This picture was taken a while ago, since then we started using whole wheat tortilla's.  The kids love them because they can make their own. Before they're cooked: After cooking:

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Sep. 15, 2008

First Day of School

We follow a loose, year-round schedule for school.  Our 2007-2008 school year ended during the second week of July.  Therefore, the current school year didn't start until today.  I was more than ready as I dislike the LACK of schedule and order that the summer often brings.  Josiah and Jesse started school this morning at 7:30 and Rebekah & Noah started at 8:30.  I'm such a night owl (often not going to bed until 2 a.m.), it was really difficult to get started so early.  My plan was to finish at 2:45, but I ended up falling asleep on the couch somewhere around 1 p.m.   In the end we did spelling & history in the late afternoon finishing around 5.  My plan is to try to get to sleep sooner tonight so that I'm not so tired.  All-in-all the day went well.  I see that Noah is going to require more of my time and Josiah, less.  I made a few changes to the schedule tonight, so hopefully tomorrow will be even better. Josiah...5th Grade Jesse..4th Grade Noah...1st Grade Rebekah...Kindergarten Here's our schedule.

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Sep. 7, 2008

What I did during my Summer Vacation: August

Part 4... August: Happy Anniversary to Us! Ryan and I celebrated 13 years of marriage on the 5th!  While he was at work, the kids and I watched our wedding video.  My big boys were quite bored, but the little ones were a lot more interested.  In fact, Rebekah turned to me with tears running down her face and said, "Mama!  This is just so sweet!"  What a cutie!  The kids worked together to bake, frost, & decorate an anniversary cake for us.  With Josiah in charge, it was very tasty! Sprayscape We went to the sprayscape several times this summer.  I love it there!  I get to relax and the kids get to burn off energy.  Top it off with a sugar-free iced latte from McDonald's and I'm a happy mama.  The sprayscape closed on Labor Day, so we went for our last time Aug. 31.  It wasn't very warm out, so the kids didn't last long.  Other News: The Olympics were a big deal here in the Bruner house.  14 out of the 17 nights we could be found having an "Olympic Party" between 7 p.m. and 1 a.m.  Ryan never stayed up for the whole thing (which makes sense since he's the only one who has to get up in the morning).  Generally, Noah and Bekah fell asleep around 11 p.m each night, but Josiah and Jesse toughed it.  The only night they fell asleep early was the night Misty May Treanor  & Kerri Walsh won Gold in volleyball.  Ever since the Olympics ended, the kids have been playing "Olympics" with all the neighborhood children.  They've set up hurdles in the backyard, they do cycling down the street, marathons from Jeremiah's house to the stop sign.  They even have a red light saber sticking out of the basketball hoop as the Olympic flame.  Too cute! On Aug. 17th we took a day trip to the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo.  It's about a 2.5 hour drive and we usually try to go once a year because it's our all-time favorite zoo.  It was so cool watching Noah and Bekah enjoy it.  Noah was interested in everything, from the animals to the signs describing the animals & habitats.  It took us at least twice as long to get through the rainforest because we had to read each and every sign to him. The worst thing that happened this summer happened to Josiah and Jesse.  We're living in a new neighborhood and the majority of it is undeveloped.  Across the street from us are a bunch of dirt piles that the boys like to play on.  They ride their bikes over to them, park the bikes, and then play in the dirt.   I can see them from the front windows.  Here is a picture of the dirt piles from my front porch. Dirt piles from a distance dirt piles close up So, Josiah and Jesse were playing in the dirt when two teenage boys on bikes came riding by.  We found out later that they live in the neighborhood next to us.  The teenagers, who were on bikes, began chasing and terrorizing Josiah and Jesse (who were on foot at the time).   My boys would run and hide behind the dirt piles and the teenage boys would ride their bikes up the piles and yell down at them.  My kids would run and hide...the teenagers would follow.  This went on and on until finally they stopped, grabbed Jesse's bike and took off.  My boys were terrified.  Poor Jesse came home and began crying while telling me about it.  I asked him if he was crying because his bike was stolen and he said, "No, because I am so scared."  Ryan got home a few minutes later and he went to look for the bike.  We thought that perhaps the  teenagers dumped it.  But, he didn't find it.   We then called the police and gave a report, all the while knowing we'd never get the bike back.  Honestly, I was far, far less upset about the teens stealing Jesse's bike as I was that they seemed to really enjoy terrifying two little kids.   But, if any good came out of this, it was that our new neighborhood really came together.  Several of the families on our street were furious that this had happened and spent the next day or so searching for the teens.  They quickly found them, and Jesse's recently spray painted bike. They wanted to confront the teens, but we felt it was best to not make enemies of them.   And then, suddenly, the neighborhood kids were at our doorstep.  During the past 6 or so months, all the kids kind of kept to themselves.  Now the whole lot of them are in our yard and basement! The worst part of what happened is that it brought a sudden end to my children's innocence.  They now understand that danger is literally around the corner.  They understand that a lot more than a bike was stolen from them that day, some of their freedom was stolen from them as well.   There is no more boyish exploring.  No more bike rides down to the "turnaround".  No more forts in the woods.  But, through it all I praise the Lord that my children were kept safe.  Even though I could see them from my window didn't mean that I could have stopped what happened to them.  I know I couldn't have.  When I think what could  have happened, I shudder.  This event brought a somber end to the summer, but in a way, it provided a true beginning for developing strong relationships with our neighbors, both adults and children alike.  "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to  his purpose for them."  Romans 8:28

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Sep. 5, 2008

What I did during my Summer Vacation: July

Part 3 of my Summer series! July: Jesse's 9th Birthday We got home from our Ohio vacation on June 30th.  The next day was Jesse's birthday.  So, that night my parents came over and we had a party for him.  He chose a Transformer theme and Ryan came up with the idea of stenciling a Decepticon/ Autobot logo on the cake.  It turned out pretty cute.  His siblings gave him movie-sized candy. Ryan and I gave him book that teaches you how to draw Transformers and various other Transformer toys.  My parents gave him some books,  a Lego kit, and a Transformer.  Jesse's such an easy kid to please.  He loved everything. They grow so fast. Stencils Blowing out candles Yum!  Candy!   Happy Birthday Jesse! Bruner Reunion This year July 4th wasn't just a day to celebrate America, it was a day to celebrate family.  We were fortunate enough to have Ryan's parents visiting from Florida.  So, we spent the day in Lake Orion relaxing at a park.  Besides us and Ryan's parents, two of Ryan's brothers (and families) were there.  All the cousins had a great time playing together.  The temps were in the low 80's, so we were very comfy! A quick pic before we left for the picnic. Waiting for lunch! The big cousins playing b-ball. Such a typical Noah look. Just chillin'. Poor Josiah! Many of you know that Josiah has to deal with allergies, both food and environmental.  The poor kid has been through a lot over the years, including two hospitalizations--once in the intensive care unit.  Well, this summer was a frustrating one for him.  Right around the end of May he started developing a strange rash on his face whenever he was outside.  Many people thought it was poison Ivy, but it didn't itch.  I thought maybe it was Fifths Disease, but it didn't spread.  It was the strangest thing.  The first time it happened, it took over a week to go away.  The second time, it got bad quickly, but then went away within 3 days.  After that he would get spots that didn't last more than 24 hours.  Turns out---he has a sun allergy.  WHAT?  Who knew?  The doctor said it would improve as the summer goes on, but won't stop developing.  We can expect it to happen at the beginning of each season. Then, at the beginning of July he woke up with a large patch of hair missing.  Okay, that was scary!  He went to bed with hair, and woke up without it.  I got an appointment for the next day.  The whole time I was so scared he had developed an auto-immune disorder that would cause his body to attack hair follicles. Children with asthma and eczema are more at risk for developing this.  This is what he woke up with: At first, the doctor seemed to think it could be Alopecia, but she ruled it out pretty quickly after examining his scalp.  No new hair fell out when she tugged on the hair surrounding the bald patch.  Also, she said he didn't have complete balding because when she squeezed the scalp you could see tiny white fuzz on the scalp.  She said complete balding would cause the scalp to be shiny.  I can't tell you how relieved I was.  It's been about 6 weeks now and he has tiny little hairs beginning to grow, so we're sure now that's it's not anything serious. Josiah said to me, "Mom, I never get a break."  Poor kid! Surgery Scares My mom has been suffering with severe knee pain for years.  She went from walking "funny" to depending on a cane to get around.  She finally worked up the courage to go see an orthopedic surgeon who told her she undoubtedly needed knee replacement surgery.  Fast-forwarding....She had surgery at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 23.  My dad and I spoke with her surgeon at 11 a.m. and he told us that the surgery went very well.  He was able to do the replacements and he was very happy with how her legs looked.  To simplify things for myself, I'm going to paste the email updates I sent out to help tell the story. Thursday Morning, July 24: The plan was that she would be given a spinal to numb her from the waist down and a mild sedative to keep her awake, but "out of it" during the surgery.  However, at some point during the surgery she started moving around as if she were in pain.  They added two types of narcotics to her IV hoping to fix that problem, but it didn't work.  At that point they made the decision to give her general anesthesia.    She was out of surgery by 11 a.m (what were expecting) and the surgeon told us that besides the change of plan with anesthesia, the surgery itself went great.  She would be in recovery for 1-2 hours and then she would be taken to her room and we would be called to see her.  At 1:30, 2.5 hours after surgery we hadn't heard anything so I went and asked the receptionist about it.  She told me that there weren't enough beds and that she was just waiting for a room.  At 3:30 (now 4.5 hours after surgery) we were told that she still hadn't come out of the anesthesia.  They couldn't wake her up and she was having difficulty breathing.  They finally decided it was all the narcotics contributing to the problem, so they began weaning her off them...leaving her on the epidural for pain relief.  That seemed to help and she woke up, although was difficult to understand.  They let us see her at 5:30 and at that point she was doing better and they told us they requested a bed in ICU (because of all the problems) and were waiting for it.  By seven we STILL hadn't heard anything so we asked to go back and see her again.  By now the waiting room was closed, no receptionist in sight.  They took us back and told us that since we had seen her last she relapsed and they were having a terrible time waking her and, in addition, she started having significant drops in blood pressure (down as low as 70/30).  She can't leave the recovery room until she's answering to her name every time AND the top blood pressure number has to stay over 90 for several readings.  That didn't happen until nearly 10 p.m.  11 hours after surgery she finally was moved to her room.  Before I went home her blood pressures were decent and she seemed comfortable (deep sleep).   Today she is better.  All the drugs that were causing the problems are out of her system and she's talking and responsive.  She doesn't remember anything about yesterday and is terrible pain.  The pain management doctor talked to me last night and said that would probably happen.  Due to the low blood pressures, they had to severely limit the amount of epidural she was receiving.  They had her hooked up to a pain pump containing morphine, but she had to push the button to receive any.  When she finally "came to" during the night, she was getting almost no pain killers and the nurse told me she was in agony.  They've been working with her to try to get that under control, but it's a slow process.  On a better note, they got her up and had her walk to a chair to sit for a while!  She's still not in a regular room, probably won't be until tonight.  Keep praying for a smooth recovery and pray that she will get some rest. Thursday Night: I think she's doing a bit better.  Other than running a slight temperature (100.3) her vitals are good.  I think she was unprepared for the level of pain she'd be in.  She's not getting much relief and she's hardly slept today.  I hope she can sleep tonight.   Anyway, besides getting her up once this morning (Thursday) to walk to the chair, they've left her alone .  I have a feeling quite a lot more will be planned for tomorrow.  She's already dreading it.   She's been moved to a regular room.  Friday Night, July 25: Friday was not a great day for her.  She actually seemed worse today than she did yesterday. When I arrived at 4:30 she was in horrible pain and the nurse told me that they've tried twice to give her morphine and both times her blood pressure dropped.  So, she's stuck with JUST vicodin for pain.  Also, they had to give her a unit of blood because her hemoglobin was low and she started to pass out when they tried to get her up.  Her phosphorus levels were also low, so they started giving her that by IV last night before I left.   I did see a big improvement in her spirits about 6:30ish.  It turns out that she has to ask for her vicodin, they won't just bring it to her every four hours.  I don't think she gets that, so she's going to many hours between pills.  I talked to her nurse and ask her to make a note that I want them to just bring it to her every four hours instead of "as needed". Now that she's getting pain meds on a schedule, she's the most "comfortable" I've seen her.  Hopefully they kept it up overnight.   They stood her up once yesterday to take a few steps, but that was it.  I'm thinking they'll do more with her today as long as her vitals are still good.  Not sure though.    She was approved to move to the Ann Arbor/Hartland rehab building as of tomorrow.  She's not going tomorrow, but the approval starts then.  I'll let you know when she moves.  It'll either be Sunday or Monday. Saturday/Sunday, July 26-27: Both Saturday and Sunday were good days.  Her pain is controlled very well now and she's able to get up and walk with help.  Her fever and blood pressure has also been normal the last two day.  Her spirits are improved and I think she might see light at the end of this very long tunnel.   She is moving to the rehab tomorrow, most likely in the morning.  Once I get her phone number I'll email it to you. Monday, July 28: Mom was moved to rehab this afternoon.  I cannot tell you how much better she seems today!  Give that lady her clothes back and she's a whole new person!  She's having very little pain and extremely talkative.  Her memory is still foggy, but I have a feeling that will go on for a few more days.   Thanks for all your prayers. Tuesday, July 29: Mom is struggling with pain and nausea.  I took her shake from McD's and that seemed to help a little.  She's having trouble sleeping, so that's taking it's toll on her as well.  The rehab people did an "evaluation" today and that's it.  I was disappointed that they're not getting her out of bed more often.   Wednesday, July 30: Her nausea is better today because the House Doctor prescribed anti-nausea meds.  They really didn't do anything with her today other than have her walk a few feet.  No physical therapy!  Her mood is worse because she's so exhausted.  She is getting very little sleep at night.   I'm hoping they'll give her something to help her sleep tonight, even if it's Benedryl.  She called me late tonight and wants to go home.  I can't blame her.  What good is it doing her to spend 23 hours a day in bed? Thursday, July 31: She FINALLY had physical therapy today.  She did get some sleep last night, but still not GOOD sleep.  She is in better spirits today because she's going home either tomorrow or Saturday.  She's made arranagements to have a physical therapist come to the house several times a week. Friday, August 1: She had another physical therapy session and walked up and down a few steps!  That's something she really needed to learn how to do before going home.  Her pain is so much better, but she's still not sleeping well.   Her back is hurting her now...she needs to get out of bed! Saturday, August 2: Mom is home and doing well.  She was able to get in the car with very little problems.  Her therapist is coming Monday and they'll set up a schedule.  She goes back to the surgeon on Tuesday.  My grandma is coming tomorrow to stay for the week.  She'll be a big help for both my mom and dad.   Let the recovery begin!

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Sep. 3, 2008

What I did during my summer vacation: June

Continuing my report... June: Art Show Jesse and Josiah finished their art class and got to participate in an art show.  Their teacher keeps the bulk of their work all year long and then displays it for friends and family to admire.  We were so proud of both boys.  Noah is very, very excited to join the class in the fall. Josiah's work Jesse's work Toledo Zoo The second weekend in June we took the kids to the Toledo Zoo.  Rebekah, and Noah for that matter, don't remember ever being at a zoo.  The last time we went was when she was 18 months old.  We haven't bought a membership since.  They all had a good time, but the little ones really loved it.  The weather was perfect and the animals were livelier than I've ever seen them.  We just finished studying reptiles, so the older boys enjoyed the reptile house in a whole new way. At the entrance Just outside the reptile house The typical mom-forced picture Trying hard to see the giraffes Vacation: Birthday Party We went to Ohio (Columbus area) to help celebrate my great-uncles 100th birthday.  What an experience that was.  This guy is an amazing man.  He was such a great uncle. When we were kids and would visit, he would play in the basement with us. He taught us how to play pool and use a pogo stick.  I have so many fond memories of him.  Anyway, it was great to be there and let my children get to know him...even if just a little. 100 years and counting Enjoying party food 3 generations of nieces Vacation:  Kings Island Once the party was over we drove on to Kings Island where we stayed for 2 days and 3 nights.  Ryan and I went to Kings Island frequently as kids, but neither of us have been there in over 20 years. We spent the first day at the park and the second day divided between Boomerang Bay  and Kings Island.  Boomerang Bay is adjacent to the park and is part of Kings Island.  We had a really nice time, particularly at Boomerang Bay.  I was very leery about going to a water park, but it actually was quite fun.  There was a lot to do and everyone liked it.  It turns out that Rebekah is a little daredevil.  She really loved the roller coasters and water slides.  In many ways, she was a bit braver than the boys. We intended to stop at the Columbus Zoo on the way home, but there were scattered thunderstorms forecasted for the entire day.  So instead we went straight home.  We plan to do this same trip again in two years or so.  Hopefully we'll get to go to the zoo then.

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Sep. 3, 2008

What I did during my summer vacation: May

Since my last post was in May, I thought I should get caught up!  So, here's a run-down of our summer break. May: Haircut Right before Memorial day I got my hair cut.  This was a big deal for me because my hair has been one length for almost 20 years.  Here's the result: BEFORE: AFTER: I really like it and most likely won't go back to long hair.  I found having a "style" was frustrating at first because I had no idea how to use products, round brushes, etc.  I've figured it all out and find it pretty easy to keep up. Yard work By the end of May we had the sod in, patio in, and the swing set up.  Ryan did all the work himself (except for the help of his oldest boys).  Sod patio swing set (wood chips still to be laid) Memorial Day Each year we go to my aunt's house for a family reunion picnic.  The weather was fantastic!  Two of my cousins (sisters, in fact) are pregnant .  One is newly pregnant, the other is about to bust!  I have a great picture of her, but need to get permission before posting it!  She may not want to be on the world-wide web.  Anyway, our entire family had a great time visiting with one another.  2008 Yearly picture Rebekah and Cousin "E" playing with bouncy balloons.

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May. 11, 2008

Mother's Day

I woke up this morning to four excited children and husband who all seemed awfully pleased with themselves.  "We made you a movie mom"!  A movie?  Now that was a surprise!  Ryan played it right then and I was so  amazed.  Apparently he  interviewed each child and had them tell what they love about me. He even included a bit of Josiah playing the piano.  Afterwards he edited it and set it to music.  It was such a sweet and precious gift.  One that I will cherish forever.  Thank you Ryan!  I love it! Here are the pictures Ryan took before we left for church. Josiah...age 10. Jesse...almost 9 Noah...age 6 Rebekah...age 4.5

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May. 5, 2008

Josiah turns 10!

Happy 10th birthday Josiah!  Josiah's been so excited for this particular birthday.  In our family we don't do "kid" parties, but instead we celebrate with Grandma and Grandpa.  I told the kids that when they turned 10 they could have a "kid" party and invite up to 10 friends but Josiah opted for a 3 friend sleepover.  He invited his brother Jesse and two close friends from church.  They arrived around 5:30 and the party began!  Grandma and Grandpa were there as well and Josiah had a fabulous time.  We did pizza, presents, & cake first...and then the four boys played Wii for quite a while.  After Noah and Bekah went to bed, the party boys went to the basement with their chips and pop (a rare treat for all four boys) and a bunch of Adventures in Odyssey movies.  The friends were supposed to go home at noon the next day, but they were having so much fun I called both parents and arranged for them to stay for the afternoon as well.  At some point I asked Josiah if he was having fun.  He grinned and said, "I wouldn't change a thing."  Aww! decorations I loved these paper plates! Brotherly love! Make a wish! Grandpa gave Josiah his Vietnam army shirt.... and hat!

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May. 1, 2008

Move over Tim Horton!

Up until recently my favorite coffee drink was Tim Horton's Iced Cappuccino.  However, McDonald's has come up with an even better idea...a sugar-free vanilla latte made with non-fat milk!  Mmmm!  I'm lovin' it! It's sort of an obsession with me.  When can I get another?  If you like coffee, give this one a try.  I know this is a weird blog entry, but hey...I felt the need to share.

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