UPsunshine

I'm back...

2010-05-04T14:41:00.001-04:00

After joining Facebook, I really didn't get back to blogging. I miss it. I feel that this is where I can post more photo's and write more when I feel like it. I'm going to revamp the look of my blog and make my pictures bigger. I spent some time last night looking through old pages of my blog when I first started, and I'm so glad I have those memories/thoughts.
Last weekend, Tim and the boys went to the ranch and Kelsey and I had a "girls weekend off." We had great fun. This collage is from the beach....oh, it feels so good to go to the beach!

Year in Review...

2009-12-28T19:54:00.002-05:00

I've started the process of going through all of my photo files from 2009, in order to make a "2009 Year In Review" book. I'll probably make it with Shutterfly.com. We've had a good year with many, many blessings. Our family, friends, and good health have us looking back with grateful hearts.

I have so many good memories that stand out. I'll list a few that come to mind beginning in January 2009.
(click on collage to view pics larger)
2009
January: kids rang in the new year with a wonderful party at the YMCA, we watched countless birds from our new bird feeders from our kitchen windows...
February: sled dog races (UP 200), Kiddie Mutt Races downtown, swim lessons, bowling, Glacier Glide Art Show, walks with Star in the Winter Dog Park...
March: lots of snowshoeing with the boys new snowshoes, sledding, Robert's Science Fair...
April: visit to Grand Rapids for spring break, Tim and boys visit and work at the ranch...
May: Kelsey breaks her wrist, Kelsey and I visit (uncle) Bob and family/friends in Ann Arbor, we visit Wetmore's Landing for first time since snow melts (a favorite Mother's Day outing,) soccer begins, Tim has fun at trout camp...
June: get our toes wet and have fun in the sun at the beaches, we plant flowers, the kids get out for summer from school...
July: 4th of July Pig Roast, picnics, fireworks, parade, we attend and participate in some local bike races, the boys take up golf...
August: we have a couple camping trips (one in Grand Rapids and one at Ann's camp,) we enjoy the last days of summer...
September: we attend the Harvest Festival in Michigamme, the kids go back to school, we enjoy the beautiful weather by doing lots of outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, swimming, etc...
October: the whole family visits the ranch and has fun carving pumpkins, playing games, and hanging out...
November: Tim shoots a nice buck with his rifle, two of my brothers spend Thanksgiving with us, we finally finish our kitchen renovation...
December: We have fun attending holiday programs, getting ready for Christmas, and enjoying a great Christmas with family and friends in Grand Rapids...

We are blessed.

Enjoy the rest of 2009.

Love,

The Glover Family

Feeling Nostalgic...

2009-11-16T16:04:00.001-05:00

me and Kelsey in Cara & Jose's pool/Grand Rapids

July 2007

Long Time No Blog...

2009-11-15T08:27:00.001-05:00

Don't know if anyone has been missing my blog, but I plan to start posting and writing a little each week. Since joining Facebook, I find I can instantly post some photo's and I have neglected my blog. Some day, I hope to breakdown my blog and print it for the kids...at least parts of it. Especially since I don't scrapbook much these days. I may even find a new host/look for my blog. I missed my blog. I miss posting pictures and writing a few words each week on life. It's good therapy for me. Since Ryan's birthday (July 30), we've had a couple camping trips that were awesome. I hope to post a small album with some photo's of each camping experience we've had this past summer (total of three).

The fall is going quickly. We've been blessed with some nice weather lately. Tim is at deer camp. We await his call and his arrival back home. Below are just a few photo collages of the fall so far.

Halloween...Kelsey has fun at a party and trick-or-treating.

Fall photo's last weekend at Presque Isle.

Kelsey got her hair cut yesterday and she received a pedicure from me last night. A glass of punch (in a fancy glass) and a couple of Lorna Doone cookies, too!

Have a great week.

Ryan turns "9"

2009-08-06T21:22:00.000-04:00

2009-08-06T21:20:00.000-04:00

Oh yes...Tim even dug out his 'ole climbing shoes and made it to the top. I guess he still has it!

Thursday...

2009-08-06T21:05:00.001-04:00

Little Miss Sunshine...

2009-07-19T12:39:00.000-04:00

We used to have a refrigerator magnet that had all the Little Miss characters. Kelsey was a little bit of each of them...Little Miss Chatterbox, Little Miss Naughty, Little Miss Trouble, etc. However, the one that fits her the most and the one she always depicted herself as was the Little Miss Sunshine. It fits her personality and it fits her existence in our family.

Last night while the boys and Tim went fishing, Kels and I went for a short bike ride with a stop at Picnic Rocks park. Here are just a few snapshots I took of her sporting her new shirt from Target. We saw this t-shirt several months ago at Target, but I didn't get it...it wasn't a need. But, since that time, whenever we went into Target, Kelsey would mention how much we would of liked that Little Miss Sunshine t-shirt. It was gone. Last week, it was back in stock and on sale for $7. It was meant to be.

Still working on our kitchen painting and the cupboards. Hopefully, be done by the time the snow flies. Ugh...this has been a big project. Remind me not to re-do our kitchen ever again!
Hope you're having a great weekend.

Random...

2009-07-12T14:19:00.000-04:00

Pictures from my garden this morning.

This is a peony I picked yesterday from the garden (I had a bunch that were trampled by hard rain.) I have it sitting on my mantle, however, for this photo, I placed it in front of the newly painted kitchen wall. I'm not sure if this shows the true blue color that it is in real life...however, I am loving this robin egg blue color! It's Valspar, Eddie Bauer, color Reef.

One of my hanging moss basket in front.

This is Kelsey on the front porch with her very own handmade headdress/hat. She cut and taped the paper and then water colored it and let it dry, and then she taped three straws on it. Her very own thought-up and made creation. Gotta love creativity.
Happy Sunday.

Still Tired...

2009-07-08T17:42:00.000-04:00

The Superior Bike Fest was held two weekends ago. We always try and get downtown to watch the Criterium events...those bikers are going so fast and they are so close together going around the corners...it makes me nervous...exciting all the same. Especially, since we were rooting for a couple of good friends.

Tradition of the 4th of July Bike Decorating Contest doesn't get old for the boys...they still decorated their bikes...Kelsey was really decked out...Robert took 1st and Kelsey took 2nd in their respective age groups. Ryan worked diligently on his and received an honorable mention. Robert has used that rocket (strapped to his back this year) for about four years....the judges love it.

The parade was fun to watch and afterwards we had a pig roast/swimming party at friends. Fireworks were awesome again this year...they seem to get bigger and better each year.

This guy....has a birthday coming up at the end of this month. He didn't have a party last year and wants to make sure he gets one this year. I need to do some planning. It may involve a climbing wall. Who's in?

(click on any collage to make it larger.)

2009-07-04T21:24:00.000-04:00

The "Green Gators"...

2009-06-25T08:45:00.001-04:00

They sure are a fun team to watch.

Kels is number six.

Plus...they have cute coaches, too.

Soccer...

2009-06-25T08:39:00.001-04:00

Kelsey is not afraid to get in there...she's a good little soccer player...you could call her a little "Scrapper." She's in the green shirt with her hands up in the air.

This was a goal she got and right when she kicked it, she fell to the ground.

Coming to the sideline for some water.

More Summer Lovin...

2009-06-24T14:52:00.002-04:00

More photo's that wouldn't fit on my previous post.

This is Kels goofing around and doing round offs at the golf course the other night. She had so many mosquito bites. She got bit on each of her eyelids, so was swollen for a day or so.

Probably one of Kelsey's favorite thing to do in the summer is jump on the trampoline...especially with a bathing suit on.

The boys at their golf clinic. Practicing their chipping and putting.

The boys at their golf clinic. They are really enjoying it and can't wait to play each week.

One of Star ....dip in Lake Superior. She loves the water.

{click on any image to see in a larger format.}

Summer Lovin...

2009-06-24T14:36:00.001-04:00

Looks like Star was trying to get some licks. Crazy kids.

Another beautiful day. The boys are at friends houses and Kelsey is with neighbor girls in the sprinkler. I can hear them squealing as I type this.
Gotta love these summer days.

{click on either collage to see in larger format.}

Best Day Ever!...

2009-06-23T17:39:00.000-04:00

That is what Kelsey said today. This morning she had her first class of Broadway Kids (a community arts program at the library.) She loved it and was excited that she knew a couple of the other little girls in her class. After lunch, I took her and the boys downtown to pick out a new book at the bookstore. Late this afternoon, her daddy picked her up for a movie date. Something that she's been wanting to do for quite some time and she asked Tim about a month ago. She said she wanted to go with him to see Imagine That. After the movie, they (just the two of them) will go to Tim's volleyball game where she can play in the sand and with one of her friends that will be there. No brothers. As I was combing her hair before her daddy came to pick her up, she said...."this is the best day ever!"

Summer has definitely hit the U.P. It's been very warm and sunny. We are enjoying every bit of it.

Lemonade...

2009-06-22T09:01:00.000-04:00

The kid's had a lemonade stand last week. They also had Star sitting out front with them and a sign that said, "Free Kisses." Star was the one who would give the kisses. Cute marketing ploy.

2009-06-19T11:59:00.000-04:00

This is a quick shot I got of Kelsey, once she saw me in her bed! (See previous post.)

T.G.I.F. and Very Random...

2009-06-19T11:51:00.001-04:00

When I got home from work this morning, Kelsey was in my bed. I crawled in her bed with a photography book and my camera. I took these two photo's just laying there in her bed. I looked at these later (I was in very low light and laying down) and I thought they were kind of interesting. Makes me want to make sure the kid's have pictures of their rooms at various times in their lives so they can look back at some of their favorite items and the view they had as little kids. The photo on her dresser is one I took of her when she was 2 1/2 years old...I have always loved that photo. Very spontaneously, she had that feather in her hand and I caught her with her arms outstretched and looking towards the sky/sun....kind of like...."I love this life!" I love the frame and it was a gift from Aunt Sara. The little wooden Kelsey was a gift from Aunt Kathy and Opa. The boys have one also. The pink duck is actually a puppet that makes a cute quack, quack when you squeeze the beak. My mom gave this to Kelsey when she was about one years old and it's always been a favorite.

Minnie Mouse sitting on her shelf. A souvenir from Disney World.

This morning I made pancakes. Do you know this shape?

Robert & Ryan on the trampoline this morning.
Right now, the boys are having a meeting about their lemonade stand.
It's only 11:50 a.m., but I want a nap.

Have a wonderful Friday.

Almost Friday...

2009-06-18T21:22:00.000-04:00

Busy week. My flowers are beginning to perk up a little since summer seems to finally be here.

Three soccer games, jr. golf, tutoring session, reading, mountain biking, library, ice cream, bike rides, Popsicles on the porch... yes, it's summer and it feels good.

Ok, now for a little mommy bragging. Last night Kelsey scored three goals at her soccer game.
Tim is the assistant coach for her team and he said that if soccer doesn't become "her" thing....rugby sure will.

Tonight Ryan scored one goal and has been playing awesome.

Today Robert scored the best for his group's Jr. golf (5 holes) game.
I don't have a picture of Kelsey's game or Robert's golf...I wasn't at either. Actually, when Robert & Ryan are playing in their golf league, parent's cannot be around them at all. Tim and I are both volunteering to walk and keep score, but we can't be with either of the boys.

Glad tomorrow is Friday. We plan to go for a bike ride...maybe a picnic, make a father's day gift and continue enjoying the summer around our many house projects.

Ladybug...

2009-06-13T11:33:00.000-04:00

Kelsey loves little bugs....especially ladybugs.
She found several yesterday and wanted so badly to bring one home. She does this a lot and they always end up flying away or dying before we even get home or dying in my house in various little spots around the house.

After some pleading...she ended up bringing one home and even had some pine needles for it to crawl on and eat. She was very happy. She named her ladybug, Sally. She said, Sally is her ladybug sister.

I don't really like all the little ladybug sisters she brings into the van and house...but...how can I resist this little face.
How can I resist her a ladybug sister. Named Sally.

Oh Lord, help me Rhonda...it's gonna be an interesting summer.

More Summer...

2009-06-13T11:11:00.001-04:00

My little helper.

Beautiful day at Little Presque Isle yesterday.

I love days like this...when we can just load the kids and dog and go on a little adventure.
My van is FULL of sand...but who cares.

Schools Out...

2009-06-13T10:57:00.001-04:00

"Don't you dare, Ryan!" I came out on the porch and Ryan was aiming his water gun at me.

We downgraded our tv channels so that the kid's aren't tempted to sit and watch tv as much as humanly possible.
So far we've...
gone to the beach; they have had water fights; made an ant farm; in the process of building some kind of fort behind the garage (I have yet to check it out); and a healthy dose of the boys fighting with their sister. They (Robert & Ryan) say that Kelsey sings too much and is basically annoying. Hmmmm. She just loves them so much.

(I love this photo...look at the sheer joy plastered on Kelsey's face.) She loves having her brothers home from school ALL day.

{click on photo to enlarge}

Nice Thursday...

2009-06-04T22:36:00.001-04:00

A little beach play.

Kelsey got her cast off today (broken wrist.) All looks fine.

{click on any collage to make it larger}

Ryan is excited for a school play he is in tomorrow. Told me tonight that it's gonna be the most exciting day of his life, besides his baptism, confirmation, and his violin concerts.

Today was Ryan's school 'Activity Day'...Lot's of outside fun.

Tim had to work during dinner and part of the evening, so the kid's and I were on our own for dinner. We called Jimmy John's and picked up some sandwiches and headed to the beach. The weather was beautiful and I wanted to take advantage of it. The rest of the week doesn't look so great weather wise.
The kid's had so much fun playing at the beach...they didn't want to leave.
Tonight Kelsey practiced her bike riding skills (no training wheels!)

Only two 1/2 days of school for the boys. Summer break is gonna be here before I'm ready....yikes!

More Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti...

2009-05-30T14:13:00.000-04:00

After arriving at brother (uncle) Bob's house, we enjoyed great times on his patio and backyard. Lot's of laughter and even a few burnt hot dogs and brats from the grill.

Abbey and Kelsey played and played.

Sister (aunt) Sue enjoyed the sun, friendship, family, and relaxation.

Friend and neighbor Dave dared to join us for some burnt hot dogs and brats.

Kelsey and I have many pictures of our fun and crazy time. I'll post more soon.

Saturday...

2009-05-30T13:24:00.001-04:00

Saturday morning the boys walked to a nearby garage sale and bought several Star War toy sets. They were thrilled and even bought me a pair of earrings, Kelsey a necklace, and Tim a Star Wars Return of the Jedi VHS tape.
Tim and I finished up some cleaning at the rental this morning. Lot's of work....but we made a lot of progress and know the new tenants will like what we did.

Here at home we have many projects going. Right now I'm trying to decide what color to paint my kitchen cupboards. We have many, many cupboards and the cupboard color in our kitchen will be quite prominent. Even though I'm tempted to go with painting them all blue...I think I'm going to play it safe and paint them a creamy white. We are switching the hardware to brushed nickel. I'll post a photo when the project is finished. Blue and green are definitely my favorite colors....love the turquoise and the robin egg blue colors. My 'ole vintage kitchen is getting a face life!

-Ryan at his soccer game last week. He is playing great and so excited for the season.
-Ryan and Robert both had their spring strings (violin) performances last week.
-They both had their final violin lessons for the school year. Their violin teacher, Mrs. Moilanen, always keeps it fun for the kids and they always play games and have lot's of treats on the last day.
-Robert's class went to Fayette State Park and he had an awesome time. I made cookies for him to share and he said that everyone liked them and that they were gone in seconds!
-Next week the boys have end of the school year activity days. Kelsey and I will be spending a good deal of time at each school on Thursday and Friday.
-I have to begin thinking about summer activities and how I want to begin the season of summer with the kids.
-I am hoping for warmer weather in June and lot's of sunshine.

-The boys are helping me in shredding some old check duplicates and other papers (they love that machine!)
-Tim went to our community garden plot to get it ready for planting of tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, etc.
-I'm going to begin planting my pots and getting the back rock gardens in shape for a few annuals.
~A great deal of busyness & craziness and an abundance of gratefulness.~

Parenting...

2009-05-25T19:41:00.000-04:00

It's been a busy, busy weekend with lots of projects. Mainly, getting things cleaned, sorted and moved in the dining room, basement and living room. We are getting new flooring in the dining room tomorrow, so that means moving many things to the basement. Sorting through boxes of photo's, albums, and then looking at these photo's I took Saturday of the kids, I found myself reflecting on how quickly they are growing up and how I need to cherish each and every moment with them and not take any time with them for granted.

"The perspective needed to guide and shape my parenting is this-When I begin to see the day to day as a delight, rather than drudgery...When serving my children is seen as a privilege, rather than a chore...Knowing that my actions are slowing and through repetition shaping them for the rest of their lives...Then it {parenting} becomes a task of enormous and lasting consequence. It becomes a 'higher calling' and the reality sinks in that giving it my all, demanding my best and expressing love in ALL that I do, is the least I can offer to those who mean the most to me. "May you find joy and purpose and affirmation in the relationships that YOU touch today...they matter so much!

(I found this typed on a piece of paper that I had stuck in the kid's scrapbook.) I'm not sure where I found these words, but I found it at the right time, because I see so many unfinished projects and so many things "to get done." This was a reminder to me in many ways...stop and enjoy the day and give thanks.

Have a beautifully blessed day!

Happy Memorial Day....feeling grateful to all those who are serving and have served (and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice) for the freedoms we enjoy each day. I feel blessed to be an American.

Trip to my brother Bob's House...

2009-05-23T20:32:00.002-04:00

Last weekend Kelsey and I picked up my sister, Sue, and we headed below the bridge to visit family and friends. This tall, adorable, bubbly, sweet, helpful and all-around-fun girl greeted us...this is Abigail. She is my friend Colleen's daughter and Bob's neighbor. I hadn't seen Abby in a few years and she is growing into a beautiful young girl!

Friend and colleague of Bob's is Kraig, and he also stopped by after we arrived. He said he and his wife read my blog so I had to make sure to include his friendly face. Kraig and his wife have a young daughter and are expecting a son this fall.
It was nice for me to meet Kraig because I have heard many good things about him and Alicia. They are such good friends to my brother and were particularly helpful to Bob after our Mom passed away.
If Kraig & Alicia are reading this----"hi from the U.P.!"

We had a great time in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor...thanks for all the fun and hospitality!

(more photo's to post when I get time)

This is a busy weekend....tons of projects to get done. We did take Star for her first swim in Lake Superior. Took her and kids to Wetmore's Landing. Now back to work.

We hope you and yours are having a weekend full of thankfulness, fun and a little relaxation.

Mother's Day...

2009-05-10T21:40:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day.

This morning the boys brought made me a bagel with cream cheese and coffee and served it to me in bed along with the Sunday paper.
Late afternoon we went to Culvers for ice cream. I had a raspberry sundae---my favorite. A little running around at the park and home to get ready for bed. Nice day.
Lots of love and gratefulness.

Busy Little Bee..

2009-05-06T22:43:00.000-04:00

After school today, Kelsey and I went to the store and picked out some flowers (pansies), new paint, new clay pots, and a big bag of dirt. When we got home, Kelsey got busy right away painting the clay pots for various gifts. Tomorrow is her last day of preschool, so she will give these two to her teachers tomorrow. She had a fun year and really enjoyed her teachers, Miss Becky and Miss Patty.

I picked up a bunch of pictures I had printed at Target and made up a pop-up album for my mother-in-law for Mother's Day. It was fun, but I am tired of projects for today. Time to get to bed.

Sunny Saturday...

2009-05-03T09:42:00.001-04:00

This photo (top) was taken right before we walked to Vango's for dinner. Kelsey is my "Little Miss Sunshine!"

Tim and the boys are at the ranch (turkey hunting) and Kelsey and I are having a little girls weekend at home. I woke up Saturday morning with a terrible migraine. She spent quite a bit of time playing with her Webkinz. By afternoon, I was feeling much better and we walked to Vango's for dinner. After that, we went to the Shrine Circus. Kelsey doesn't remember the circus ....I took her and the boys when she was one or two years old. So on this day she was very excited about going to the circus. Especially after seeing the recent posters and television commercial. She loved it and sat on my lap most of the time. Pink cotton candy and a pony ride....doesn't get much better than that.

Thursday...

2009-04-30T14:28:00.000-04:00

A boy and his dog...it's pure love.
Yikes, I don't like when Star licks...I've pretty much trained her NOT to lick, but yesterday Robert got close and she just gave him a big 'ole doggy kiss. He didn't mind one bit.

Ryan this morning on the computer and he's showing me all these things he can do and the book he and Robert are writing/making. He's good. I couldn't believe the things he knows how to do. He may have to be my very own "tech guy" that I've wanted now for some time.

Kelsey and her friend having a snack the other day. A container of Yoplait Key Lime Pie yogurt. Afterwards they played dress up and then went outside to jump on the trampoline. All is good when it's just the two of them...you add one or two more girls and there will be a bit of bickering. Not this afternoon. All was calm and smiles.

Hope you have a wonderful Thursday.

Dreaming of Sunshine & Summer...

2009-04-25T14:40:00.000-04:00

{click on collage to see larger}

Just done with some much needed raking and garden pruning and cleaning. I still have ice chunks in some of my shrubs in the front of the house! It's a cold and damp day, but I had to get a start on it. I'm behind because I've had the bad allergies/sinus infection to deal with. I seem to be on the mend now. Finally feeling better. My doctor tells me she believes I suffer from snow mold allergies...go figure.

Today I am dreaming of spring flowers and budding trees. I am also dreaming of lots of sunshine, colorful & beautiful gardens, watching butterflies, our community garden, pool parties with friends, barbecues, the beach, camping, making homemade ice cream, hanging out on the front porch, strawberry fields, soccer, catching frogs, weekend get-a-ways, parades....and more.

Spring Break 2009 (lots of photo collages)

2009-04-14T18:58:00.000-04:00

Spring Break 2009

2009-04-14T18:54:00.000-04:00

I have so many fun pictures...the kids all had so much fun playing together and sharing lots of laughter.

Spring Break 2009

2009-04-14T18:51:00.000-04:00

Isabelle & Kelsey.

Kelsey loved going to the park.

Marion riding her bike...she's missing her front tooth, too.

Jessica & Star.

Spring Break 2009...

2009-04-14T18:44:00.000-04:00

(you can click on any collage to make it appear larger)

Good times.

2009-04-14T18:23:00.000-04:00

2009-04-14T17:41:00.000-04:00

I have a little fascination with eggs...especially Easter Eggs.

These were all dyed (colored) by my little eggs-perts...Robert, Ryan & Kelsey.

Busy Week...

2009-03-20T13:10:00.000-04:00

Robert's basketball team hasn't won a game yet, but he and the other players have improved and seem to be having fun.

Ryan's class went sledding and Kelsey and I joined in the fun. The hill was wet and the snow was melting fast that day with all the sunshine...lots of spotty bare ground around. Still enough snow to sled and the kids had a blast.
Robert's class went to Marquette Mountain for a day of fun. How much fun is that to miss a whole day of classes and just having fun at the ski hill with your classmates!
Ryan's school had a family skating night and since Robert had basketball practice and some homework to finish, Ryan and I went alone to the rink. We had fun and Ryan is improving on his skating abilities.

Warm...

2009-03-16T17:52:00.000-04:00

After we dropped the boys off at school this morning, Kelsey noticed that Frosty Treats looked like they were going to be open today. As soon as I picked her up from school, that's all I heard..."when are you taking me to Frosty Treats?"

Needless to say, I took all three kids there after school...61 degrees...Frosty Treats....good day.

Snowshoeing...

2009-03-14T12:14:00.001-04:00

{click on any collage to see larger}

Last weekend the boys went downhill skiing with friends on Sunday and we took Kelsey with us for a snowshoe hike at Lew and Kathy's. The snow was packed firm and the temperature was perfect. It was loud snowshoeing because the snow was hard and crunchy and each time you took a step it sounded like you were stepping on broken glass.

Fun and great exercise with good friends.

A Friend may well be
reckoned the
Masterpiece of nature.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Date ...

2009-03-08T10:28:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was my date with Ryan. He wanted to go to Third Street Bagel (chocolate chip bagel with cream cheese) and to HotPlate for some painting. We each painted a small tile...we have a collection of these and will someday make something with them. He also painted a large plate with an outdoor scene. I can't wait to see them after they are fired. My tile is the one with the shamrock and word, Lucky...that's how I feel with such a wonderful son like Ryan (8) and awesome son Robert (10) and beautiful daughter Kelsey (5) and a great supportive husband, Tim.

Later in the afternoon, Tim and the boys did some spring skiing at Marquette Mountain. Our friend, Ann, was here at that time and the girls (Ann, me, & Kelsey) went to Kohls. In the evening, we all went to the NMU vs. Michigan State hockey playoff game...NMU won 8 vs. 2. Go Cats!! Fun day.

Dog Park...

2009-02-28T16:51:00.003-05:00

Adventures at the dog park. It was a sunny day and a perfect day to take Star for a stroll at the dog park. I took a bunch of pictures and these are just a few. There was one dog (a boxer of some kind) that would not leave Star alone. He kept jumping on her and wouldn't leave her alone. Star didn't mind at first, but after about five or ten minutes, she really was tired of the dog. I am not sure where the owner was, they are normally very close by. Kind of jokingly, Tim picked Star up in his arms and it wasn't long and the dog just went away. Kelsey was jealous (she always gets jealous when Tim seems to pay more attention to Star than her) but it sure did the trick. The boxer didn't come around and bother Star anymore.

Every time Kelsey saw a new dog coming along, she'd holler..."doggie, doggie..." and want to pet and talk to each and every one. It was pretty cute. I was busy making sure it was ok and that she didn't get hurt or that it was ok with the owner.

.
I am not sure who was more (dog) tired at the end of our walk...Star or Kelsey.

{click on any collage to enlarge}

Great Weekend...

2009-02-23T14:34:00.001-05:00

.
We had a fun-filled weekend with U.P. 200 Sled Dog Activities....the start of the race downtown, Kiddie Mutt Races and extra time off of school due to a storm and in-service for teachers. Tomorrow it's back to school.

Star's Perch...

2009-02-23T14:28:00.002-05:00

2/23/09
Star has a "perch" (at least that is what we like to call it) and it is right outside our kitchen window and it's getting taller. She likes to watch any activity next door (dogs, neighbors, and the like) and of course keep our house safe from large grey squirrels and pesky little birds.
We actually like to watch the birds and squirrels, but don't tell Star.

I took these photos (collage) last week right after our big snowfall. She was watching Tim snowblow the driveway. I think she's happy now that the snow is good and packed. I'm not sure why she kept putting her nose into the snow, I think she was trying to get some birdseed.

Proud...

2009-02-19T19:22:00.000-05:00

My heart was full of pride and gratefulness.

On Monday night the kids go to KBC (Kids Being Catholic) and this past week they had a prayer service and a Mardi Gras Party. Robert and Ryan both did a reading at the service. They did such a nice job.

Of course, Kelsey was all about the P-a-r-t-y!

Last night, despite the stormy, snowy weather, the boys performed at a winter Strings Concert in Negaunee.
We didn't get home until 8:30 p.m. or so and Robert had a backpack full of homework. Even though, we were quite certain there would not be school today...I made him do it all before going to bed. Of course, school was called off today due to the weather. They have a loooong weekend now because they have Friday and Monday off for a winter break. I believe the teachers are meeting for professional development days.

Sled Dog Races and a lot of other activities slated for this weekend. I better get rested. Oh, and get some wine chillin.
Happy Thursday.

Happy Friday...

2009-02-13T17:41:00.000-05:00

Busy week of writing out valentine cards, basketball practice, violin lessons, swim lessons, homework nights, helping Mom make valentine rice krispy treats.....we're tired.
Tonight we are all going to the a hockey game...I'm not cooking dinner...so all is good.

Backyard Birds...

2009-02-08T13:59:00.000-05:00

Lately, we've been getting lots and lots of Pine Siskins. They love those white sock type feeders that hold thistle seed.
All winter we've been getting lots of Chicadees, Nuthatches, Purple Finches, Common Redpolls and American Goldfinches. I took these photos through the kitchen window. We have a few more feeders that aren't quite as close to the house, but we can still enjoy them feeding. If you look down on the ground by the gate, they are scattered underneath searching every square inch to secure some thistle.

We keep a bird book on the kitchen table marked with all the birds we've been seeing and so the boys can look them up and learn more. It's been so much fun. I remember doing a lot of this growing up...my parents loved to feed these winter guests in our U.P. backyard.
Robert wants to place an orange out on the fence so we might draw a Baltimore Oriole...we told him that we will beginning in April when they are most likely to come around. I'm still waiting for a Cardinal or Evening Grosbeaks.

This squirrel is named "Nutty." He's been visiting, too, for many winters. The kids are convinced it's the same squirrel.

This is a photo of Robert going to church this morning by himself (carrying some canned goods for St. Vincent dePaul) because the rest of his family went last night while he was at a friend's house. He goes by himself happily and sits by his friend, Ann.

Happy Sunday...hope you are enjoying some warmth and sunshine.

Wednesday...

2009-02-04T14:24:00.001-05:00

On the drive home from preschool today, Kelsey was chatting with me from the backseat and said, "Mom, guess what?...Cordelia loves Max!" I said, "really, how do you know?" She said, "because she wrote it in a valentine to him." I asked, "how do you know?" She said, "because he showed everyone at the snack table." I asked if he was happy about that and she replied, "yes, he loves her too!" Then I asked Kelsey how she felt about that and her reply was, "I thought what the heck...they are just kids!"

She's fun to talk with.

Robert begins 4th grade basketball tonight. Both boys brought home report cards yesterday...they both did well and I am so proud of them.

Happy Wednesday.

Tuesday...

2009-02-03T20:26:00.000-05:00

A snowy day.
This is Star outside our kitchen windows perched up on a snowbank by the bird feeders. I didn't catch a photo of it, but she likes to put her face and paws right up into that wooden feeder behind her and eat birdseed. The kids say she is confused and wants to be a bird. If nothing else, she scares all the birds away and sits on the bank so we can watch her out the window instead of the birds!

Kelsey walking her way through the snow to our van (oh where oh where did the van go in all the white stuff!?!?)
She thought the snow was so bright that she needed her shades this morning. So here she is sporting her shades, water bottle, backpack and a big smile going to school.

I snapped this photo last night.
Tim studying (for work) on the couch and Star in her spot on the couch.
Molly & Mason were not allowed on any furniture in our house, that is until the last year of their lives when they were sick.
Mind you they had nice, comfy doggie beds.
Funny how things seem to be a little different for the third dog. Kind of like kids...third one (or more) comes along and parents become a little more lackadaisical.

Cold Monday...

2009-01-26T15:49:00.000-05:00

I took this photo of the kids on Friday night looking at our Disney photo book. Robert was reading all the captions and they were reminising of our trip from last spring. What fun memories for them.
I could use a little Florida sunshine and some Disney magic on this cooooold January day.

Last week Kelsey came downstairs and said to me, "Mom, I feel kind of strange!" then she turns around and shows me her tail. Laughing the whole time as she wiggles her little tail! Never a dull moment.

Not dressing up any real dog here (although, it kind of looks like it) but Kelsey loves dressing up all the stuffed doggies in the house. I am quite sure Star is relieved.

Happy Monday.

"Look Mom"...

2009-01-19T17:52:00.000-05:00

and this is what I find. Yes, while Kelsey is laughing hysterically in the background.
It can be humiliating to be a dog in this household.

2009-01-19T17:18:00.002-05:00

Everything that is done in the world
is done by HOPE.
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Staying Warm...

2009-01-17T19:48:00.004-05:00

(you can click on photo collage to see in larger format)

Today we took the kids bowling. Lots of fun. My pictures turned out mostly blurry (insert sad face) but I'm experimenting with my camera and photography and they say that before you get better, you'll get worse. For me, that is certainly true.

We ran into quite a few people we knew at the bowling alley...including my brother Greg, Patty and her boys. We weren't the only ones thinking about getting out of the house, but doing something fun and warm.

The kids had another day off of school because of below freezing temperatures on Friday. Ryan and Kelsey made peanut butter cookies.

Ryan with his series of Diary of a Wimpy Kid books.

On Wednesday morning I went to Target and I saw that they had the new latest Diary of a Wimpy Kid book out on the shelf. Ryan has been waiting. I almost pre-ordered it from Amazon, but took my chances I could get it at Target. I gave it to him Wednesday after school and he had it finished Thursday night (he stayed up way too late---but it turned out ok, because of school being called off on Friday.) He and Robert love these books. Ryan devours them and he reads them over and over.

Hope you're having a great weekend and staying warm. Tim popped popcorn for the kids and they are watching Horton Hears a Who. Tim rented the first season of 24 for us to watch when the kids go to bed. I've never seen that show before, but have a feeling it's one I will enjoy.

What are you doing to stay warm?

(Ok...my niece Megan in California and my niece Amy in Hawaii...you don't have to answer that. You could still let me know how/what you are doing, though...I'd love that!)

Brrrrrrrr.....

2009-01-15T19:57:00.000-05:00

Baby, it's cold outside. The kids were off of school today. We had wind chill readings around 25 below this morning.

The kids had a uneventful day playing inside and one trip to the YMCA to play in the game room and the gym.

Kelsey heard that her cousins in G.R. (Marion, Nora & Stella) were having an inside beach party in the bathroom, so that is exactly what Kelsey wanted to do today. I filled up the bathtub and she wore her bathing suit. I went downstairs and brought up a beach towel and placed it on the floor. She wanted music (High School Musical-Fabulous) and something to drink. I brought her up a colored plastic cup that had a top and a straw. She asked me what was in it and I told her, "fresh water." She asked if she could have a little apple juice in it too. I obliged with a splash. What a day.

The only real voyage of discovery
consists not in seeking new
landscapes but in having new eyes.

-Marcel Proust

Kelsey...

2009-01-12T15:44:00.001-05:00

Five years old! Yikes...where did the time go?

There is a saying...never a dull moment and that perfectly sums up life with Kelsey. She is busy, bright, noisy, funny, boisterous, and a little wild. But, I honestly cannot imagine her any other way. She has a unique personality; I think in the future she might be described as the life of the party. She is Kelsey...and we love her.

Monday, Monday...back to the routines and the rising early. We are bracing ourselves for coooooold temps and some snow. I am sure the boys will be crossing their fingers (more like praying) for a snow day tomorrow. I just made a batch of broccoli cheese soup and I hope the boys and Kelsey will eat it. I sampled...delicious. I finally have all the Christmas stuff boxed and put away. That feels good.

Hope you have a great week.

"Delight in
the little things."
-Rudyard Kipling

Prayers...

2009-01-09T10:45:00.000-05:00

My sister-in-law, Janice, had surgery yesterday for breast cancer. She's a wonderful person and a very special part of our family. I am so happy that everything has gone quite well and that many prayers are being felt and heard for her recovery on this journey.

Even Star sends her love.

In faith there is enough
light for those who want to
believe and enough shadows
to blind those who don't.
-Blaise Pascal

Happy Belated New Years...

2009-01-03T18:40:00.002-05:00

lots of hanging out on the couch watching Deadliest Catch (yes, Tim recorded a bunch of these and I am actually kind of hooked!), kids playing with friends here and at their houses, eating and more eating...gotta get going on those New Years resolutions! One more day and the kids have to go back to school. I'm kind of sad in a way. However, today I've noticed a lot more fighting/picking on one another, so perhaps it is time.

Hope you had a nice New Years!

Sledding...

2008-12-30T17:08:00.001-05:00

I took the kids and one of their friends for a little sledding yesterday afternoon. It was a bit cold with the wind, but it didn't matter one bit to these four kids! Kelsey on the last run lost her mittens as she fell off the back of Ryan's sled and was dragged about 25 feet or so. One mitten was on the hill and the other mitten was frozen to the rope on the sled. Then she started crying. She said she thought she might have frost bite. Until that last run, I couldn't talk her into getting into the van to warm up or even change her mittens (I had another dry/warm pair in the van.) She kept right up with the boys as they tore up the hill!

{you can click on collages to see larger}

It was our first sledding of the winter and won't be our last.

Hope you are all having a nice and relaxing holiday.
Oh...and staying warm.

Gratitude...

2008-12-29T20:49:00.001-05:00

We had a very nice Christmas. We are blessed with wonderful family & friends. It seems like Christmas wrapped up as soon as it came. We will keep the spirit. Lots of activities...work, pray, play and laughter.

Gratitude is happiness
doubled by wonder.
-GK Chesterton

Merry Christmas...

2008-12-25T18:31:00.000-05:00

from our neck of the woods,
to your neck of the woods,
we hope you had a happy & memorable day.

Love,

Tim, Laura, Robert, Ryan, Kelsey (& Star) Glover
Lew & Kathy Peters

Our early Christmas present five years ago...

2008-12-25T00:59:00.001-05:00

Good Morning...

2008-12-20T11:26:00.003-05:00

Today begins the Christmas school break for the kids. As you can imagine, they are excited. I bought Robert a recorder (musical) because he begins learning and playing it in January with his music class at school. He's been playing it all morning. Ryan practiced violin, Robert flitting around playing his recorder, Kelsey being the "singer"...it is all a bit loud around here! And, the boys hate it when Kelsey sings, so then they start bickering, etc. Yikes. My silence will come at 2:00 p.m. because all three kids are going to church for a few hours. It's called a Parents' Break and there will be free child care for kids up to 10 years old and the kids over 10 will help as care givers. They'll watch movies, play games, do crafts, etc., while the parents go out for some holiday fun (errands, wrapping, cleaning at home, etc.) without kids. Sounds good. Tim and I still haven't decided what we are going to do with our time.

I take thousands of photo's, but we've never really done the video thing. We bought a video recorder when Ryan was a baby, but I didn't really know how to use it and Tim had really NO interest. I got it out when Robert was doing a program in second grade and the battery was dead because we left it in the recorder and like I say we never used it. So, last spring before school was out for the kids, I bought a FlipVideo. It was under $100 and I used it to record Robert's spring violin concert. Tim was out of town for work and I really wanted to record it. Well, it works pretty well. The quality isn't that great, but it records none the less. The only problem is...I would much rather take photographs. So, we completely forget about it. I found it last week and recorded Kelsey singing a few times as I was doing things around the house. I thought I'd share one of those little singing episodes.

In her defense, at Thanksgiving, the kids watched "Shrek the Halls" (A Shrek holiday movie) about 8 times. She takes after me, I am terrible with music lyrics.

We are Decking the Halls...

2008-12-17T16:34:00.010-05:00

The kids worked and worked on their beautiful Gingerbread House Church. I don't think you can see in the pictures, but Robert made a steeple with toothpicks. They also made a shed and a pond. Love this tradition.

{click on any collages to see pictures in larger format}

The tree is up and decorated. It's fun listening to the kids take out the ornaments (they each have their own box) and they oooohhhhed and ahhhhhhed and talk about the memories of each one. I took a bunch of pictures of different ornaments on the tree and realize that we have a very eclectic sort of theme going with woodsy, outdoorsy ornaments like canoes, sleds, deer, moose, fish, mixed in with snowmen, some doggies, favorite Disney characters, etc. All the ornaments tie in well with the white and red lights and the gold and red bulbs.

But, my very favorite ornaments are the homemade ones.

This one is five years old...Robert had just turned five. LOVE it.

I took Star to the veterinarian today for her surgery (spayed) and they just called to say that she is out of surgery and doing fine. Awake, but not up. I'll pick her up tomorrow morning for a quiet day of recovery. Seems so quiet around here without her.

Hope you and yours are having fun with some fun holiday traditions. Even though we aren't close to family at this time, our hearts are with all those we love and hold dear.

Another Day Off...

2008-12-16T18:24:00.000-05:00

The kids had ANOTHER day off of school. Too cold. Geeeeeshhh... in my day I don't think they called off school because it was too d_ _ _ cold! Oh well, the boys practiced violin, went to the YMCA for a little while, watched way too much television, and then they all decorated the gingerbread house that we assembled last night. In the process of decorating the gingerbread house, I would bet that each kid ate about a pound of candy. I'll post photos of the house tomorrow. They did it completely on their own. Not one bit of advice or help from me. I was just the frosting maker.

In case you were wondering why I hide the Bratz eye shadow. She doesn't like that she can't have access to it at all times...she says....
"but Mom, Santa gave it to me!"

This is a sign that Ryan made last week and wants to put on our mantle. I've talked him into letting it be placed somewhere near/in front of the mantle on Christmas Eve and for now, here in the dining room. You know, it just doesn't mix well with my decor.

Hope you are staying warm.

Monday...

2008-12-15T04:43:00.003-05:00

Kelsey yesterday giving a hug to the snowman that she and the boys made.

Star running around the yard like crazy.

The kids have the day off of school (snow day.) We don't have any new snow but I think the roads in many areas are quite icy. Although, it seems fine to me on the roads. I guess, east of here, however, the snow and ice are pretty bad. The boys were doing the "happy dance" this morning when I got home from work. Kelsey is still snoozing.

My original plans were to work on my mile-long "to do" list, however, now plans are to work with the kids on a gingerbread house and making some snowflake window clings. Besides some laundry, I probably won't get much of anything else done. That's ok...spending time with the kiddo's...that's most important.

BE ThERe

wHEn YoU'rE

TheRe.

Right now a moment of time is passing by! We must become that moment.

-Paul Cezanne

2008-12-14T18:08:00.001-05:00

Robert, Ryan & Kelsey helped Tim ring the Salvation Army bell yesterday. It was cold, but not too windy so it wasn't that bad. I brought them some hot chocolate (and to snap a few pictures) and some gentleman came by and brought them some cookies.

{click on collage to see larger}

Tim said that Kelsey was his little "Spark" and was even a little entertaining to folks coming in and out of the grocery store. Doesn't surprise me one bit.

We finally got our tree up yesterday...it's just missing the Star on top. Our tree top Star is quite old and it will no longer light up. I have my stained glass houses/churches out and the stockings are hung on the mantle.

The kids made two cute snowmen today.

I'll post more tomorrow.

Hope you had a nice, relaxing and fun weekend.

Happy T.G.I.F.

2008-12-12T12:32:00.001-05:00

{click on collage to see larger}

Kelsey got to see Santa last night at the YMCA. She was thrilled with a gift she received...Bratz make-up kit. They definitely know her there. I think they know her Mom would never buy her a Bratz make-up kit.
She was beyond excited to get home and try on the eye shadow and lipstick and lip pencil. The eye shadow is put away and for only certain occasions. This morning I brought in breakfast for Robert's class and she brought along her little make-up bag. She said to me as we were driving to school that she liked Santa, but was sure he was the "fake" one. She said she saw some black whiskers under his white beard. The "fake" one?...I didn't even know she thought there was a "fake" Santa Claus.

Have a great Friday. I have a date tonight and it's with my hubby.

Oh Yes I Did...

2008-12-05T21:01:00.001-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Misc. December Ramblings...

2008-12-05T18:18:00.002-05:00

Today Kelsey and I helped out at Ryan's school Christmas Mini Fair. Our school association puts on a day of shopping (white elephant) and games for the kids. The kids purchase tickets for 25 cents a piece and do their Christmas shopping. And, they can also buy baked goods and play games. Kelsey purchased presents (and had them wrapped) for each member of her family. She even managed to play several games and win some prizes for herself. It pays to help Mom!

Robert's strings class played for the 5th grade holiday concert last night. He did a great job! Ryan's beginning strings class played for Robert's (4th grade) holiday concert on Tuesday night. He was a little nervous, but did an excellent job. His teacher said he is doing great. I wasn't sitting close enough to get a decent photo, but I won't forget how handsome they were and how good they sounded!

I wrapped books again for the month of December. It's fun to pull out all the fun Christmas books. The kids love taking turns unwrapping the books each night and snuggling in bed or the couch while I read. The boys also read to Kelsey some of the younger books.

The boys sorting their Yu-Gi-Oh! cards.

We haven't received any new snow in the past several days, but the temperature has been coooooold. I'm not sure if it went much above 10 or 15 degrees.

Tim has been sick the past few days, and I hope this weekend finds him feeling better. I know he wants to get out there to check his trapping lines. As for Christmas decorations, we don't have anything up/out yet. I want to clean up a little more and get Tim back to his normal self in order to help with the tree, etc. The kids are always excited to get things up.

Tomorrow, Kelsey and I have a date to see the Nutcracker performed by the Marquette Arts & Culture Center. The plays/performances they put on are usually very good. Lots of children of all ages and nicely directed.

My next two dates will be with the boys. Robert wants to go and see the movie, Bolt and Ryan wants to see Scrooge at the Forest Roberts Theatre at NMU. I'm going to try and do it, although I just found out that Scrooge is this weekend. We may have to change some plans around. I love having a single date with each of them...it's always a learning experience for me as they seem to open up to me differently than when they are all together. I hope they always remember our special one on one times together. Good memories.

Well, stay warm and have a great weekend.

Thanksgiving Movie/Slideshow...

2008-12-01T20:28:00.004-05:00

trying my hand at making a movie/slideshow with my many pictures from the Thanksgiving holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving...

2008-11-30T10:53:00.003-05:00

{click on collage to see larger}

Add some snow, some family, some friends, some good food and what do you get...a blessed Thanksgiving.

If the only prayer you said

in your whole life was,

'thank you,'

that would be enough.

-Meister Eckart

Feeling joyful...

2008-11-23T11:46:00.001-05:00

Kelsey and Star...little Stinker one moment...cuddly, sweet, loving girl the next. They are a lot alike.

We attended mass for church last night. This morning we've been lounging and taking it easy. The kids played with Lego's for the longest time. I loved how they all were getting along so beautifully and played so well....great imaginations.

My little treat to myself this past week. Loving the Winter Candy Apple Foaming Bath Parfait. This is what reads on the back of the bottle: Crisp Apples, sweet orange and pineapple mingle with cinnamon spice in this joyous holiday scent. This foaming bath gel is a luxurious way to indulge in Winter Candy Apple. Heck, I told Tim they had me at Parfait!
Seriously, this is nice. Not too strong smelling and the foam isn't too overpowering, even with the jets on in my tub.

And, I have to say...I am soooo sorry for ever teasing my Mom and Uncle for their crazy eyebrows. Gosh, as I look at this picture, my hands look huge. Have you ever tried to take a picture of your own eyebrow? My goal was to get a shot of my eybrows with the crazy hairs going all over the place. I should of held the lens in front of me, instead of the mirror...but that would of been even more scary.

Yes, enough. I'm headed for the showers.

This is a quote I've put on my blog before and it's one that I re-read quite often.
Here's hoping you have a great week.

It is not joy that makes us grateful;
it is gratitude that makes us joyful.
-Brother David Steindl-Rast

Blah...

2008-11-17T11:18:00.005-05:00

Snow on the pumpkin.

Snow coming down quite heavily.

Star enjoying the snow.

I do enjoy the change of seasons. As a matter of fact, the beginning of winter is always a favorite. I think the snow on the trees is beautiful and everything is white, clean looking and fresh. Although, today, I'm not really feeling the beauty. I call it the blahs or just having one of those days. The kind of days that I yell at my kids over too much and too little. The days that I worry excessively over things out of my control and some things in my control, too. The days that it's easy to get a lump in my throat over mere words or a memory, or when tears come with hardly any warning. It's the blah's. I know I'll get back to enjoying the simple things and experiencing joy again soon. Monday is always a good day to set new goals and to strive at being a better mom, wife, friend, sister, neighbor, employee, etc. I need to remind myself that God is always on my side and that he loves us all. I need to remind myself of the gratitude I feel and the little things that make life so worthwhile and joyful.

One week away and it's Thanksgiving. Although I love the holidays, this time of year can be hard for me (and I know, many others) because of the reminders of those I've lost. My Dad died right before Thanksgiving and my Mom died after Christmas. I still remember driving in the snow and the added stress of traveling on icy roads and blowing snowy conditions, this time of year, when I would go to visit them in the last days of their lives.

Don't mean to be a downer, just typing how I really feel today.

Now, I must roll up my sleeves, put on my snow boots, jacket, hat, gloves and get outside and shovel the driveway. Maybe that will help me with this major case of the blahs.

The ideals which have always shone before me and filled

me with joy of living are goodness, beauty and truth.

-Albert Einstein

Another Weekend...

2008-11-16T20:50:00.002-05:00

These photo's were taken last week. Now, we have snow on the ground. Just a little and it's much colder, too.

The boys had a friend over Friday after school and he spent the night. Then yesterday, both of them stayed overnight at different friends houses. That left Kelsey and me. We went to the mall and went to Bath & Body Works. That is where Kelsey sampled and tried on each and every lip gloss they had. She loves the shiny, sparkly, yummy smelling stuff! She thinks using those little white sticks to sample them is the most fun. The girls that work there get a big kick out of her because she's very enthusiastic and happy about the experience. We had so much fun and didn't even end up buying anything. I think I know what Kelsey is going to get in her Christmas stocking this year, however! We went on to check out Sayklly's and she was ecstatic that I said "yes" to picking out some jelly belly jelly beans. We stopped and had a little dinner and then came home. My uncle Maurice called and we hopped back into the car to visit him at the Jacobetti Veteran's Home. We had a nice visit with uncle Maurice and his brother, Kenneth. Seeing my uncle again (he lives in Adams, Wisconsin) brought back fond memories of my Aunt Clara and the rest of their family. Growing up, I remember them coming to visit at quite a few Thanksgiving holidays.

When we got back home, Kelsey put her jelly bellies in a big plastic container and carried them around like she had the biggest prize. We made some caramel popcorn and settled on the couch to watch a movie. I also gave her a pedicure and manicure. She was happy, happy, happy to have me all to herself for the night. God, I love her so much...she's so much fun!

For any of you wondering, I will try and give Robert & Ryan some equal time on this blog soon. It's just that they are at school all day, then have after school activities, and then they are so on the go with their friends lately. Kelsey is stuck with me. And, of course, she's usually a pretty willing subject for my photography practice.

Savor the moment.

Search for a little joy,

and you will find a great deal of it

in unexpected places.

-Alfred Folstein

Happy (Stripey) Friday...

2008-11-14T19:55:00.003-05:00

Kelsey clopping around the house with my shoes on.

I flipped the end of her hair with a curling iron this morning to try and conceal the cut outs she made with little scissors... that top patch, however, not much you can do.

Kelsey and I wish you a happy Friday. It was grey skies all day. I think Kelsey in these bright stripes made it seem a little bit sunny.

Robert & Ryan have a friend spending the night (yes, loud and lots of running up and down the stairs--television blasting, Wii game going, doing everything they can to exclude Kelsey, etc.) I plan to take them swimming in the morning and then Ryan has a overnight birthday party to attend in the afternoon and Robert will be going to a friends house. Then it will be just us girls. I think there will be pedicures, snacks, girly movie, and lots of sweet conversation. And, truly get her to bed early...this mommy is tired.

Cold and damp...

2008-11-12T16:59:00.000-05:00

It's been raining off and on all day. The sun hasn't even peeked out at all.
I caught Kelsey trying to climb the fence to look into the bird feeder. She was certain she saw a little bird go inside and it was still in there. She wanted to check it out.

No climbing and balancing on fences little one.

Fresh air...

2008-11-11T12:22:00.001-05:00

(click on collage to see larger)

Each day at preschool, Kelsey's class plays outside the last 15 minutes or so before pick up time. Almost everyday she goes right for the big wheel bikes and rips around the tennis courts. It's hilarious for me to watch...she acts like she's at the Indy Big Wheel 500!
Finally brought my camera today to try and capture her enthusiasm.

This world belongs
to the enthusiastic.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Star.

2008-11-09T21:17:00.000-05:00

She's getting big. She's now a big puppy.
Tonight I made caramel apples and they were on the counter top on a layer of aluminum foil. She jumped up and knocked one off onto the floor. She got caught by Robert. She must of eaten or at least tried to eat a little bit of it because she was smacking her chops like she had some sticky caramel stuck in her mouth.
Caramel apple thief...we're on to you!

Today

2008-11-06T00:05:00.004-05:00

(click on collage to see bigger)

Kelsey has been having so much fun at school. Today when I picked her up she wanted to continue on playing outside with a friend. They played outside on the slide, monkey bars & swings for another 45 minutes. When we got home she ate her favorite lunch... peanut butter & jelly sandwich. She had hot cocoa to drink. Of course she saw that a toy flyer came in the mail and she instantly reached for a pen to circle lots of cool things.

I worked on homework for my class, shot some photo's of Star outside, did four loads of laundry, watched some tv with Kelsey (Sid the Science Kid on PBS--awesome show!) I record these shows and then when Kels feels like watching them, I'll turn them on for her. Today, I sat down with her and I had more fun learning some science and singing songs. It was nice not to be rushed. After, she spent some time on the computer. She's learning her letters and numbers. Later she made some handwritten cards with stickers, stamps and her own drawings.

I made dinner and then the boys came home. We headed for the YMCA after organizing Robert's homework (that's a whole other story) and I actually got a full 60 minutes of a cardio workout. It felt good. I've been not so good at all in my workouts because of my cold. Today, I finally feel better and rested. Tonight it was violin practice, bath for Kelsey, reading, interesting conversations, hugs/kisses good night. I just finished folding four baskets of clothes. It was a good day.

I Voted...

2008-11-04T12:43:00.003-05:00

-beautiful weather, once again, today.
-big (ok, huge) responsibility coming for our new President after this election day.
-I pray the person that becomes our new President will know how to be humble. Humility...it will go a long way.
-I pray that our nation is kept safe.
-I pray for good judgements for our sake and for our children's future.
-I pray for our nation. Not so much for a winner...but for our nation.

That's it. Star is digging in the backyard under the fence, so I'll be trying to remedy that somehow. Kelsey and I will be going for a walk to enjoy these mild temperatures and sunny skies. Will be picking up Robert from school 45 minutes early to take him to the dentist.

(if you look closely at that picture of Kels, you can see her handy work as a hair cutter)

Have a great election day.

Robert turned "10" today...

2008-11-03T11:06:00.004-05:00

-Robert had a celebratory candle in his cereal this morning while we sang Happy Birthday. Then he opened his birthday present from us which was a Wii Glo-Sword. He was surprised and very happy.

-Kelsey is independent and does very well putting on her own jacket, hat and mittens. Although, as soon as we walked outside we realized that it was much too warm for winter jackets...and no hat & mittens needed.

-Ok, so not only was it warmer than I had expected (I didn't work this morning, so I slept in) but I also forgot to turn back all the clocks yesterday. Sooooo, we headed for school and at first couldn't figure out why nobody was there! Yup, we were a tad bit early. Turned out just fine though, because we had time to hit the local bagel shop so Robert, Ryan & Kelsey could enjoy a bagel and hot cocoa. Me...a LARGE cup of coffee! Robert ordered a blueberry bagel with pumpkin cream cheese. Kelsey and Ryan split a chocolate chip bagel with regular cream cheese. Robert only ate half his bagel and is keeping it for his after school snack.

-Wow, 10 years since I had Robert...it has gone by so darn fast I can't believe it! I love this 10 year old boy so much! (to the moon and back)

Halloween +

2008-11-01T17:19:00.002-04:00

Parades + Sunshine + Warm Weather + Trick-or-Treating = Smiles & Good Times!

The load of candy...

2008-10-31T20:47:00.000-04:00

I can only guess what Kelsey is thinking in this picture. I remember, as a little girl, dumping out all of my candy when I got home from trick-or-treating and being so happy. The joys of candy. Life is sweet.

We Can't Wait...

2008-10-31T16:13:00.003-04:00

for this movie. Tim and the boys listened to this book on cd while traveling to Grand Rapids this summer. Grandma G. bought the book and then gave it to me. I'm reading it right now.

I know what we'll be doing after Christmas dinner or at least soon after during the holiday break.

Happy Halloween...

2008-10-31T04:35:00.001-04:00

"Mom, only one more day until it's Halloween!"

(stated by Kelsey yesterday afternoon as she releases some energy)

Lots going on here today. Halloween Parades at school, parties, violin lessons, trick-or-treating...I'm tired just thinking about it. Also, I'm getting things ready for Robert's birthday party tomorrow.

We wish you a fun-filled and Happy Halloween!

It's that time...

2008-10-29T11:09:00.000-04:00

Time for winter jackets, hats, & mittens. Hopefully, we can hold off on the boots for awhile. Supposed to be in the 60's tomorrow and perhaps even Halloween. Snapped these photos this morning before taking the kids to school. Robert is missing his glasses because they fell apart (twice). We went to the eye doctor and they are ordering him new frames because they are still under warranty. The picture of Kelsey by the big pumpkin...she won that at the YMCA Halloween Party last weekend. She guessed how much it weighed and was the only one to get it exactly. 27 lbs. She was so tickled. Ryan lost another tooth last night. He has his two big front teeth in the middle and holes on each side where he has lost the others. He wouldn't give me a open mouth smile. I'll get him. He looks cute no matter what.
Star just takes everything in and I have to make sure that if the boys take the bus that she's inside the house with me because if she's outside when they leave for the bus, she sits by the fence and whimpers.

Have a great Wednesday.

2008-10-22T12:59:00.001-04:00

Autumn is a second spring

when every leaf is a flower.

-Albert Camus

{picture taken before Kels cut her hair}

Cutting & Carving...

2008-10-22T12:18:00.000-04:00

Little update on Kelsey here. Prior to the boys & Tim carving their pumpkins last weekend, Kelsey decided to cut some of her hair. Yup, that's right, took her little scissors and cut a few strategic pieces of her locks. I don't know if you can see, but she had her navy blue fleece jacket on and it was just covered with blond hair! The above picture was right after she got caught (she was down in the playroom/basement) and Tim made her stand on the bathroom counter and look at herself in the mirror. She was quite upset and felt very bad. She kept asking us if she could somehow get her hair put back on! No, we'll just have to wait for it to grow back. Lesson learned. I hope.

This taken the next morning...she was feeling happier about the whole situation and could even laugh about it. That morning she went into Robert & Ryan's room and asked if she could borrow some clothes because she said she looks like a boy now. She has regrets, yes, but didn't lose her sense of humor!

After that fiasco, I didn't let her near a carving tool/knife. These are her decorated pumpkins.

Robert & Ryan designed their jack-o-lanterns. I think they are quite cute.

2008-10-15T15:34:00.002-04:00

1. playing with Star in the backyard
2. eating honey crisp apples with mom
3. savoring a fall day

Wherever you are, whoever you are, we hope you, too, are enjoying a fall day.

Update on Star...

2008-10-15T15:16:00.000-04:00

Here's an updated photo of Star. She's full of energy. I think Kelsey has finally met her match.
She's a great puppy and I'd say pretty much potty trained...which is a good thing.
The only annoying thing she's been doing lately is jumping up on the kitchen table. Yes, she jumps up there like a cat and she's looking for any morsel of food left behind by the kids.

The kids love on her all the time. Even though she's quite a bit bigger, they want to carry her around, too. She's teething, so that means lots of little gnawing and nipping with those baby teeth (and ugh...yes, today she made a hole in Kelsey's new sweater!) She seems to like all her toys and lately a wet washcloth that we put in the freezer. It must feel good on her gums. When we were on our trip last week (overnight trip) she stayed with our neighbors. They live right next door and I guess she would go to the fence/gate and whimper. She missed us. They'd take her to our yard to do her business (seems she likes the wood chips in our yard to do #2 in) and she would go to our backdoor and whimper again. Kind of like "where are my people and why can't I go in my own house?"

Lord, help me be the person
my dog thinks I am.
-bumper sticker

Have an Adventure...

2008-10-15T14:30:00.001-04:00

One thing you can always count on with kids (at least I think most kids) is that they are always ready for an adventure. Sometimes that is just a visit to a zoo or a simple stop at the park. Kelsey is always ready. I love that. I don't ever want her or the boys to ever stop loving the adventure. After all... life with all it's ups and downs is a true adventure.

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

-Unknown

Beautiful Fall...

2008-10-12T20:47:00.002-04:00

This is Kelsey saying..."Mom, look how beauuutiful!" We went for a hike today after church & lunch and Kelsey was so happy to reach the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. We started the hike with light jackets/sweaters, but ended up peeling them off before we reached the top.

This is the sight I saw most often...the kids well ahead of me and finding all sorts of big rocks and paths to explore.

{you can click on any of the photos to view them larger}

A beautiful & warm fall day.

This weekend was a three day weekend because the boys had Friday off of school and Kelsey always has Fridays off. Tim and I took off Friday and we left Thursday after school to spend the night in Green Bay and have a little family break at the Tundra Lodge. We were not there for very long, but the kids had a blast at the park and the arcade. Before driving home on Friday we hit Barnes & Noble and our favorite lunch spots for everyone. Yes, we got food to go from McDonalds, Long John Silvers and for Tim and I some fast food Mexican. We all were happy! Saturday was sleeping in and enjoying the nice weather and picking out some little pumpkins and gourds at the pumpkin stand. The kids already have pumpkins to carve and we wanted to try and find one of those heirloom pumpkins (maybe a white one) to put on our dining room table or porch table. The stand didn't have any.

Last night I made pumpkin cookies. Tomorrow night for dinner I'm going to make pumpkin pancakes with the kids. We've already had pumpkin dip for an after school snack. Do you think we like pumpkin? I'm always trying to incorporate some pumpkin recipe into our days. That and I'm always burning my Yankee Pumpkin Candle.

Hope you had a nice fall weekend of color, warmth, love and a little pumpkin sprinkled on top!

Fun Uncle Bob...

2008-10-06T17:05:00.003-04:00

Well, he's not my Uncle Bob, but he's Uncle Bob to the kiddo's. He's also one terrific brother to me.
When we went home for my nephew Mike's wedding a few weeks ago we stayed at my parent's home on the river.

Here Bob was watering plants off the deck and Kelsey and Emma thought it would be fun to go out into the pretend rain. Uncle Bob just has a way of making things fun.

Fun times.

Mike & Lynn...

2008-10-04T15:06:00.003-04:00

My nephew Mike got married a few weekends ago at his home. It was raining that afternoon. Most people had umbrellas and then right as the bride was to walk down the aisle pathway the rain stopped. Nice. However, I didn't get many photo's because I RAN to my van to get my camera and I wasn't one bit prepared. Unlike my brother, Greg, who was the official photographer...you can see him snapping away in the collage (he's the one with the bald head/white shirt/camera in hand!) The rain began to come down in buckets very soon after the ceremony. The marriage took place in the couple's back yard which was a beautiful setting. I particularly loved the tall birch trees which were the backdrop for the ceremony. Best of luck Mike & Lynn for a Happily Ever After.

It rained on my wedding day...I am pretty sure it means good luck.

Randomness...

2008-10-04T14:45:00.000-04:00

Star. One of her first walks. She did pretty well. We took her to the bus stop to meet the boys.

Kelsey loves to take her umbrella even though it had quit raining before we went.

Robert & Ryan were so excited to see us. Robert took over Star's leash.

This was Ryan running off the bus to meet us.

The way to KNOW LIFE is
to LOVE many things.
-Van Gogh

Mashed Potatoes?...

2008-10-02T14:35:00.001-04:00

Looks like mashed potatoes, but it's not.

It's Halloween play dough!

Yup, I made up four containers (2 purple and 2 orange color) and they are all set for a rainy, cold day of something different and new. Nothing like the feel of new play dough and especially purple and orange play dough with some Halloween cookie cutters!

I helped out at Robert's school this morning for picture day....wooohooo, those photographers like to move fast! There were only three of us volunteers and we were hopping. It's a great way to meet the teachers and put names to faces.

Kelsey is at a friends this afternoon and I made this batch of play dough without her even knowing. It will be a surprise tomorrow or Saturday. It's supposed to keep raining and get even colder.

Gotta get back to my class reading and attempt to do a little cleaning around here. I've been burning two different candles (pumpkin spice and vanilla clove) this week and the house is smelling like fall!

Hope you're staying dry and warm...have a great day.

Preschool...

2008-09-29T10:27:00.000-04:00

started today for Kelsey. She was very excited.

I'm still having camera issues (yes, and I'm in the 2nd week of my class! Ughhhh!)

but, I couldn't NOT snap a few of Kelsey in her new school outfit and new shoes.
She's going to have a great school year. I just know it.

Misty Saturday...

2008-09-27T19:14:00.002-04:00

(click on collage to see photos larger)

Took a ride to Dancing Crane Farm. Had some home pressed apple cider and enjoyed an old fashioned hay ride. Tim and I had some delicious homemade soups (potato & vegetable) and Tim sampled some of the salads. The kids each picked a pumpkin to bring home and carve for Halloween. The gardens were so beautiful. I really needed a zoom lens for the ginormous sunflower field. My camera was acting kind of funny, so I didn't get very many photos. I didn't get bummed (darn camera!)...,just took it all in and enjoyed our time together.

He has made everything
beautiful
in its time.
-ECCLESIASTES 3:11