Family Time

After the dill pickle incident--that's what I prefer to call it now that it's over--(see post below) we decided it would be a good thing to have some activity. Thankfully, Dirk and the kids put up the ping pong table earlier today. It took awhile for Ally and I to get the guys in gear but after watching us they just had to get in on it too. Either that, or they were willing to do anything to quiet us down. :) Regardless, it's amazing how much fun you can have trying, and on my part failing, to hit a little ball with a paddle. Our schedule seems to be so full that we don't get to spend a lot of time having fun as a family, so these few moments were some pretty special ones.

You might notice that the ping pong table is set up in the basement which used to be our bedroom. With the exception of a stray tub or two and the scrapbooking area, we have it all situated and are so happy to have the space to hang out and have fun in. *Thanks, God! We give You the glory!*

Fried Pickles

I'm not sure what made us do it, but for some reason Dirk decided this was the night for deep fried dill pickles. He and Will had a great time cooking up fried pickles and onion rings. In talking to the few fried pickle people we know, there seems to be much controversy over just which is better, the spear or the slice. That is a tough one but we have finally come to a great conclusion to this perplexing issue. The spears from our local drive-in are terrific but at home it's much easier to make the slices.
To combat our twice a year pickle night, I just finished juicing which I'm hoping will counteract the pickle frenzy we just enjoyed way too much.
So, Mike, if you are reading this come on over for some fried pickles and carrot juice. :)

Monday Night Action

So it's Tuesday and my heart is still going double time from the basketball game last night. How cool is it when we get to watch our children do something that they completely enjoy? I used to think it was a first-born thing, to watch as Cole became old enough to participate in something he really wanted to do, but then Will and Ally proved me wrong. I get the same heart-thumping joy when they are involved in their things. It's just something about love and our children and being willing to do things you wouldn't ordinarily do. (I'm having an 'ah-ha' moment so please excuse me while I once again thank God.) Ok, I'm back and trying to stick to the point. The ball game last night. It was great. In the last few minutes, Cole did something to his ankle, so the swelling in it is kind of nasty this morning. But, he played, the team kicked it, and I love my kids.

There's Just Something About Basketball

I'm not sure what it is, but most of the time, I think of myself as a regular mom. The mornings begin too early, there is always more laundry to do, meals to fix, and prayers to pray, etc. BUT when it comes time for one of my children to be in sports, life changes drastically. Prayers increase, adrenaline begins pumping overtime, and inside I begin to act irradically (at least I hope I'm holding most of it inside).

And so, another season begins of basketball. Cole had his first games this week and I'm hoping not only he was able to get the 'newness' worn off but that I did as well. I know it's silly to get so emotional about a game, but there's no telling that to my heart right now...or my husband, who is otherwise known to me as the 'unofficial somewhat-silent sidelines referee'. :) I've had to repent for some of my thoughts and words and it's only the first week of a VERY long season. It may be a bumpy ride, but it's bound to be a memorable one. Go Tigers! And help me remember 'whatever you do, do all for the glory of God'.


Number 12 on the move...

It's Beginning To Look Like Christmas!

We made the trip back from Grandma's house this morning. After picking up Amos from "the big house", the kids spent some time decorating the Christmas tree. I decided to let them do it however they wanted this year and I'm so glad they enjoyed putting their special ornaments up. These days go too fast. I'm glad we can enjoy them.

Huskers ROCK!

What a game! In my mind I can still hear Kent Pavelka (yes, I know he's not announcing Husker football anymore) yelling "Touchdown, Touchdown, Touchdown!" I am usually not one to get into football games because I think it's silly to get that emotionally involved in something that is supposed to be considered a game. That train of thought was slightly altered this year as one of my sons participated in football, HOWEVER, I adamently refuse--or thought I did--to get emotionally charged up for a game that is on television. I even went so far as to ignore most of the first half of the game in spite of the tingles that began as we drove down "O" Street passed all the Husker Fans heading for the game. Just moments before this, our oldest son and his uncle made the decision to exchange watching the game on TV for taking it in from the bleachers at Memorial Stadium. At almost the last possible moment, they hopped into Grandma B's car and headed for the shuttle to try and get some tickets. They got the tickets and the rest is history. It was an exciting game and was rehashed from every direction at Grandma B's house later that night.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We have so much to be thankful for, especially this year! Our family was able to get together with Dirk's family for Thanksgiving this year and time after time, we watched as God answered our prayers for a wonderful weekend!

Photos from the Zoo

I'm still feeling the warm fuzzies from being at the zoo this past weekend. It was great to experience it with some of our extended family! Here are some of my favorite shots of the day...

The birthday boy and Caleb.

The love of my life...

Hannah's butterfly.

Uncle Dirk and Noah.

Trouble working its way out.

Chloe.

The youngest and the oldest of the cousins.

I know I have a strange sense of humor but I couldn't stop laughing at this. And I even understand that you probably won't understand but trust me, it's funny.

This is just cool. It's family and it's great.

Life In The Zoo

You probably thought this was a post about life at our house, huh? After all, if you know us at all, you realize that often times our house seems like a zoo. Crazy and interesting, that is for sure.
Actually this time, I'm posting about an actual ZOO. :) We had the best time taking Will to the zoo on Saturday. It was so exciting to FINALLY get to take him, since he's been wanting to go for several more years than I care to reveal. He is an animal lover and he plans on working at the zoo someday. I pray that God will give him the desires of his heart because this is a such a big part of who he is.

Just going through the jungle part of the zoo made me homesick for Belize. The birds were beautiful. Who would have thought I would enjoy taking photos of birds?! I guess that is one more reason I'm happy with my age. I've reached the mark where it's okay to be 'different' and not care too much about it.


Now, you CAN NOT tell me that God does not have a sense of humor. This animal is just plain strange looking! *Thanks, God, I'm so glad you smile too.*

The piccary are some nasty creatures. We had them in Belize and usually stayed away from that part of the zoo. They are some of the nastiest smelling creatures I've ever known. But they still made me homesick. :)

Ah, the Jelly Fish. Another unexplicable creature. I could watch them for hours. But then the kids would probably lock me away.

After yesterday, I'm thinking there will be more trips to the zoo. Even if the kids have to do painful things like grow up and leave home, I'm thinking a trip to the zoo will always be something to consider. There is way too much beauty there not to go back and see.

Happy Sunday and God bless. By the way, have you been to the zoo lately???

Yesterday

I'm having a hard time acknowledging that my middle child is turning 15 tomorrow. Why does it seem like yesterday he turned five? I miss the little boy but I'm honored to know the young man.

He doesn't need help with putting on his shoes and he quit drinking milk out of crayon cups a long time ago. But his eyes still sparkle with mischief and there isn't an animal that he doesn't love.

We celebrated part of his birthday tonight since we will be heading for the zoo in the morning. His brother and sister got him some great gifts--money from Cole and the next book in his current favorite series. Mom and Dad were a little more practical this year but a Wii game did get thrown in for fun.


Happy birthday, Buddy. Enjoy being 15!