To The Moon and Back

My sister, Becky, and her family, live in the great state of Texas. They recently visited NASA and sent Evan, Payton, Addisyn, and Karsyn a NASA shirt, along with astrounaut food. (Evan and Addi loved astrounaut strawberries!!!!) But more than their super cool NASA shirts, and astrounaunt food, they loved the post card from their Aunt Becky telling them that she loved them to the moon and back. We love you all too!!!! This morning, the kiddos were super excited to show off thier new shirts. Karsyn also wanted to show off a new skill. Check this out!!! And of course, I realized now, as I type this, she has red stretch pants that will match much better. =)



Getting a picture of all 4 kiddos is not very easy. Sometimes, you have to crop a sister and part of a brother out to end up with a cute picture of one or two kiddos.



Same story, different sister. =) Check out our sun kissed Payton!




Right as I snapped this one, Addi gave Karsyn her 67th kiss of the morning.




And here's the best of all 4 of our kiddos! Thank you so much Aunt Becky, Uncle Eugene, Kellie, Kyle, and Katelyn. We think you all are out of this world!!!!

Butterflies, Gobble-Gobble, and A Fat Lip

This past week was C-R-A-Z-Y!!!! We had 2 soccer games, 2 baseball games, and 2 Science Fair projects due, not to mention practices, and all the other things that a mommy must do. Fortunately, I had some amazing help from family, and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you! Here's a peak into our week:

Papa Gene took Evan to his baseball game on Monday, so that I could take Payton to soccer practice. (Thank you Papa!!!!) Here's Karsyn in her sun hat. Too cute!!!



Addi was pretty entertained by her sticker book at soccer practice.



But, she is 2 years-old and inevitably, she got a little mad at me. When she gets real mad at me, she lays down and closes her eyes. Out of sight, out of mind I guess.



Here's Payton practicing. She's the one in purple. She has improved so much this season. On Monday nights, her team has been practicing with the director of coaches' team. It has helped her out so much. She had a game Tuesday night. They lost, but wow, she's really getting aggressive out there.



So about the Science Fair, Payton LOVED the pictures I printed off for her butterfly project. Her project met all the requirements and I she even told me, "You're the best mom ever!" So, it went really well. Even if she decided to bedazzle her project by adding a ton of jewels. But, I didn't object. As we were studying butterflies we noticed that quite a few were on our bush outside. I had to get a picture of our butterflies. They are so pretty, aren't they?



After Evan's baseball game on Thursday, we grabbed an ice cream cone and then went for a little drive around town. I love living in a small town. Look what we saw roaming in a little neighborhood close to ours.



Last week, I also bought Addi a new pair of shoes. She's my only child, so far, that needs a pair of shoes before she outgrows them. Check out what she did to these shoes in just 24 hours.



I was really celebrating on Friday after school. That meant we only had 1 practice and 1 game left and then our busy week was over. Here are Evan and Addi on the way home.



The celebrating came to a huge stop at baseball practice. Shortly after I took this picture, Evan took a baseball to the mouth. Most of the time when he gets hurt, he shakes it off and keeps going. This time, I saw tears in his eyes and blood. Lots of blood. As the kids have played sports, they've been hurt a few times. As hard as it's been, I always try to let their coaches make sure they are okay, before mama goes running out there. But not this time, I went and scooped him up and it was okay by Evan. As tough as he tries to be, tears were coming from his eyes. He tried to be brave and keep practicing, but that didn't last too long. So, we came home and iced it. It's looking much better now!




Yep, it was such a busy week. And that doesn't even cover all of it. I do want to say thank you again to you that helped out. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

5 Q. Friday

1. Do you make your kids finish all the food on their plates?

No. I make them try all the food on their plate, but I don't make them finish it. I think it's really important that kids learn to listen to thier own body telling them they are full.

2. Do you give an allowance?

Uh, no. They've asked for it and we've tried different systems out, but at this point, no. Maybe when our kiddos get a little bigger, we'll try yet another system out.


3. Do you actually park your car in the garage?

No again. Our garage is detached and sets a few feet away from the house. I can just imagine myself trying to park and unload kids in there. Nope. No,thank you. We bought the house my Grandma lived in for decades. She apparently didn't think unloading kids would work very well with a detached garage either, so she had a carport installed. It's great!!! What's really nice is that on a rainy day, I can take stir crazy kiddos out and let them play without getting wet.


4. What is one food you will NEVER cook?

Let's see, I'm going to say fish. I do make Salmon patties and I have trusted the Gortman's fisherman before. =) But anything more complicated than that, when it comes to fish, scares me. I'm not sure why, but it just does.



5. Do you have anything exciting planned for the summer?


I am so, so, SO looking forward to this summer. We have a mini vacay coming up soon. We are also going to go try out a new swimming hole and go to our favorite water park. I am looking forward to many cook outs, swimming, going to the splash pad, the summer reading program, and all 3, yes 3, of our little girls will be celebrating their birthdays. Yay!

What to do? What to do?

Way back before the turn of the century, when the 1980's were ending and the 1990's were beginning, I was a 3rd grader. At the end of my 3rd grade year, it was time for the Science Fair. My friend, Angelia, pronounced Angela, and I came up with what we thought was a fantastic idea for a project. We decided to make a rock garden. How did we do such project, you ask? Well, we took a few rocks out of her grandmother's garden, painted them, and put them in a crate. How is this scientific you wonder? Ummm...well...ummm...well...yeah, I'm not sure about that either. But,there you have it, we entered a rock garden. We didn't even make a poster explaining our project. No, we just brought our crate of painted rocks with us. I can only imagine what my mom thought when we showed her. And even though every other project got an honorable mention ribbon, ours did not. I'm laughing as I type this, because one, how I ever thought this was a good idea, I don't know, and two, I was totally shocked that we didn't win. Hee hee hee!

Fast forward around 20 years later, and I am facing somewhat of the same dilemma my mother did. You see this cute little girl right here?




Well, for the last few nights, between baseball and soccer games, she's been working on her Science Fair project. She's doing a report on butterflies. She's been so excited and working so hard. She handed me her report this morning. For a first grader, her report was excellent. For the required picture, she hand drew 3 butterflies with flowers and clouds. Cute right? But here's the problem - this project, as cute as it may be, isn't what is required. So, I faced a dilemma. Do I let her turn it in? After all, she's worked so hard and she's in the first grade, she won't get a grade on it. Or do I tell her it's not what it's supposed to be and take over the project myself? After much thought and consideration, I've decided that I can't tell her it's not good enough. So, before I pick up E and P from school, I'm going to run by Wal-Green's and pick up some poster boards and pictures of butterflies that I had printed off. We're going to work together to make sure her project meets all of the requirements. And you better believe we are going to work in the pretty picture she made. I want her to feel as though all her hard work was worth it, but I'm going to make sure all of the project requirements are met. I'll let you know how that works. Ahhh...remember when she was 3 and my biggest school dilemma was how to get face paint off? What a cutie!



And if you are wondering, Evan is doing a project on optical illusions. I am positive that Payton will be happy working on this project together. As for my mom letting me turn in a rock garden way back when, I totally understand. She didn't have much of a choice. You see, I was/am a little bit on the strong willed side and I had a few lessons that I had to learn for myself. Looking back sure gives me a good laugh. It also gives me a glimps into the future. I kind of know another little girl just like that. =)

Swing Batter, Batter, Swing

Last weekend, Evan played in his first baseball tournament. It was also his first time to play with his new team. Here he is batting for the first time....




He hit a triple! Here he is heading to home base, scoring a point for his team!




He is doing such a great job! We sure are proud of him.

Evan is 8!!!!

Tonight, we celebrated Evan's 8th birthday with family and friends at our favorite pizza place.

We sure had a lot of fun! I can't believe our little man is already 8 years-old! Thank you to everyone who made his birthday special.

What's Up With The Fam

This same exact time last year, I thought I was one busy mama. Evan and Payton were playing t-ball on the same team. It was our first real sports experience. Addi was in the toddler stage. I was just a few shorts weeks away from having Karsyn, who at the time, thought we were going to name Chloe. (So glad we changed names, she is such a Karsyn.) And I remember thinking...we are so busy. And we were purposely so. I wanted to make sure that the kids had something to focus on, should I end up being sick like I was when I was pregnant with Addi. (And I was sick, but not at all to the degree that I was when I was expecting Addi - Praise the Lord!) I tell you all this just to say, as busy as I thought we were then, that compares nothing to how busy we are now. If we can make it through the month of April in one piece, we'll be doing good. Here's what's going on with everyone:

Evan - As I mentioned in an earlier post, Evan started playing baseball as a tournament player. We found out last night that the league has granted him late registration and he will be an official Nighthawk after we fill out the paperwork tomorrow night. He LOVES playing baseball and I am so glad. He has also been asked by his coach to play Fall Soccer. So, he'll be a soccer, basketball, and baseball kid. He's an all around athlete!

Payton - She's been playing Spring Soccer and it hasn't been the best experience for us in the world. If she decides she wants to play again, we'll give it another go next Spring. She hasn't had the world's best coach. It's been a bit of a frustrating experience. However, we don't want to let one bad season keep her from wanting to play again. She's very excited to play basketball this fall. She's a sports girl!

Addisyn - Addi is on the brink of being potty trained. She is doing so well! I am expecting a packet in the mail for PK-3 enrollment. I'm excited for her and sad for me. I think she's going to do great!

Karsyn - It feels like Baby Karsyn is doing something new every day. She is pulling up, cruising, and babbling away. She just turned 9 months-old. And I am so proud to say, she is still nursing! I never dreamed that we would do it this long, but she is doing great!

As for Jason and myself, we are being kept so busy by the kids' sports and activities. Honestly, I have no idea when we're going to have Evan's 8th birthday party. This month is full of games and practices. We'll fit it in some how, some way. Also, I mentioned before that I started making homemade laundry soap. Just thought now would be a good time to say that it works well. Click here for the recipe I use. That's what's going on with us. Be blessed!

Easter Sunday 2012 - Part 2

Easter afternoon, we headed out to Grandma and Papa F.'s house for food, fun, and family time. Uncle Brian and Aunt Stephanie joined us. After we ate super yummy hamburgers that Papa F. made, Grandma and I hid eggs on their front deck. It was starting to get a little rainy out. We decided that it would be best if Addi had a head start. She couldn't wait to get out of the door.



Addi had Daddy help her out a little.



Evan worked as fast as he could to get as many eggs.



Payton made sure she didn't miss any.



Then, it was time for the count.



Payton ended up with one more than Evan.



Addi didn't really care how many she had. She just had fun running!



Then, it was kite flying time. Evan tried to get his kite up in the air.



Even Daddy gave it a go.



Payton had Papa help. But, there just wasn't enough wind for a kite to stay up for very long.



We came back inside. Evan and Payton played videos games with Uncle Brian. Addi sorted the goodies in her Easter Basket. Karsyn enjoyed story time with Grandma.



It was a fun night. Hope you had a blessed Easter too!

Easter Sunday 2012 - Part 1

I love the meaning of Easter. I love knowing that God sent his son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for my sin. I love even more knowing that the story doesn't end there, no far from it. You see, Jesus died, but he rose again! Praise the Lord! And for our little family of 6, there would be no other way to celebrate such a special day, but in church.
Here are the FAB 4 on Easter morning. We don't pretend to have an Easter Bunny come by, but the kiddos do enjoy getting a few goodies on Easter morning. Aunt Becky sent all them all some super cute jammies. Thank you so much! You know they miss you bigger than Texas. =)



What made this day extra special, is that it was Miss Karsyn Faith's first Easter. Here she is with Pastor Sam. She just loves him and he loves her too!



And I wouldn't be me, if I didn't force, I mean...get a picture of Chad, Ashley and Jessi.



Here are my beautiful parents, also known as, Nana and Papa.



And here's our little family of 6...yep...this was the best we could get of the 6 of us, but I'll take it.



We got home and had a mini photo shoot in the back yard. I don't think Payton knows just how beautiful she is. Just look at her.



Addi was not in a picture sort of mood. But, here is our cutie pie.



Our Handsome Evan.



And the happiest baby girl - Karsyn!



And one more of the Fab 4.



And lastly, I just wanted to say, accepting Jesus as my Saviour changed my life. What he did for me on the cross means so much to me, you see, he took my place. If you haven't done so already, I really urge you to make him the Lord of your Life.

Hunting Easter Eggs at Daddy's Work

Life for our little family of 6 has been super busy. So again, I'll be posting a lot in one night. Yay for catching up on the blog! Two weeks ago, after a very hot soccer game, I was trying to get the kiddos to take a little rest, when daddy called. He told me that his work was hosting an Easter Egg hunt and asked us to come. Daddy's pretty busy at work most of the time, and since he's an extra good guy, I decided I'd take my very tired, and somewhat cranky crew to hunt Easter Eggs. Last year, Addi didn't have much interest in Easter Egg hunting. This year was a much different story. Look at her go!



Payton really enjoyed hunting Easter Eggs. She very carefully places them in her basket...or bucket I should say.



Evan was in full throttle. His goal was to get the most!



Karsyn was a little sleepy, but had fun watching.



After Addi realized that the eggs were full of candy, she enjoyed finding them that much more.



When Easter eggs were overflowing, we thought it was a good time to get a picture with the Easter Bunny!




Hope your Egg Hunting was Egg-cellent too!