July Highlights

We celebrated making it through our first full month with Chipotle for dinner. The kids didn't really think that was good celebration food, but it was a real treat for Brian and me. The kids actually got their treat earlier when we went to McDonald's for the ward playgroup. They had a blast on the nice indoor play area, and Maggie kept reporting that she was making new friends ("with the girl in the Hannah Montana t-shirt"--I have no idea who this girl is, but I'm pretty sure she is not imaginary). They also got to play, for the first time, with our neighbors to the left. They have 3 kids and are expecting. The oldest, a boy, will begin kindergarten with Maggie. Scot and James enjoyed playing with their cat (I can't confirm or deny this was tortuous play) and Maggie jumped on their trampoline. They seem to be a really nice family.
This evening, after the girls and Paul were to bed, Scot and I walked down to the corner UDF (United Dairy Farmers convenience store and gas station). They make really good ice cream. Tonight's picks were Vanilla Orange, Rainbow Sherbet, and Mini PB Cup. It was less than 10 minutes for us to walk there, and it was the perfect evening for being outside. We haven't gotten any of the rain they predicted this week--the storms kept sidestepping us--but the humidity has been high.
July's Top 5 Countdown:
5. All the kids making Color Wheels with paint/markers
4. Making new neighbor friends
3. Playing with the Ritzmans and watching Star Wars life-size on their wall
2. Paul taking his first steps (tonight he was up to 4 in a row)
1. Receiving a paycheck
Next months highlights will include Costco and the shopping for school supplies!

Cub Scout Marathon

We've determined that this week will be dedicated to all the cub requirements we put off with the move. Today Scot finished or nearly finished 4 Academic Belt Loops (Chess, Science, Astronomy, and Weather). Plus he completed the Science activity. James also did a lot, and he's down to 3 requirements for his Wolf. One of his tasks was helping make dinner, including setting the table & washing dishes. He was doing great peeling the potatoes until he peeled his thumb. Of course, nobody was told until after we'd all eaten. At least he got a chance to practice the first aid he'd already learned.

Most of the afternoon was then spent by Scot and James making a cardboard bean bag toss game (for James' arrow point). We played it for family home evening. (Pictured above is Maggie with her beanbag, Paul's box, and the beanbag game.) With no end of cardboard in this house, Maggie also got into the spirit and made her own box. I wouldn't let her use a knife to cut the shapes so she very methodically poked her drawn outline with her scissors until the shape fell through. Then, of course, Amy wanted her own box (I kept ignoring her questions until she moved onto something else--didn't take too long). Scot spent his free moments making a play box for Paul which he lined with his blanket and stocked with Cheerios & water. I had to nix the plastic window ("but Mom, I poked holes in it").

These boys are amazing & so incredibly smart. And even when they are annoyed to death by the girls (today that was literal) they still manage to take care of one another. They are patient and polite, willing and quick. I am so lucky to be their mom!!

I have one last example to show off the boys' talents. Before we began working on scout stuff, Scot wrote a newspaper, "The Daily Kids." He did say afterword that he'll have to change the name to "The Weekly Kids"--not sure he wants to do it every day. The handwriting may be a little tricky, but you'll be sure to notice the sudoku, comic, and headlines. The comic is a race between a snail and frog (maybe toad??). It's his take on the tortoise and the hare.

Pioneer Day Celebration

The ward celebrated Pioneer Day this year with breakfast and activities Saturday morning. The bishopric served up pancakes and scrambled eggs (our electric griddle was one of many used). Ward members brought fruit, breads, and toppings. We took Pumpkin Raisin muffins that Scot had made on Friday during a massive housecleaning/laundry/muffin-making day. The kids were a little worried at first because no one was eating them (there was a ton of food), but by the end they were gone, and overall, the kids were grateful not to have to pick out raisins from any leftovers. (BTW, I think it's a great recipe--Recipe #82827 at http://www.recipezaar.com/)

After the breakfast, the ward was split into groups to do different activities. First we listened to a few fun stories from Sister Vandermerwe (who was dressed like her gr.gr.grandmother 8 months pregnant & fox tail hat/fox nose necklace). She showed us how they would have played marbles with hazelnuts. Next we raced hoola hoops with sticks. Scot got that hang of it so quick I thought he wouldn't be able to stop at the end of the parking lot. The third station was the stick pull. The kids all tried their luck against one another. Even Brian challenged John (Ritzman). Official results for that challenge are not allowed to be posted at this time. Maggie even gave me a run for my money. The final activity was making a family lantern out of a #10 can. We nailed a "N", handcart, and star design. Scot thinks we should hang it in the front yard by the lampost. I think we'll get to know our neighbors a little better first.

After the activities, everyone went back into the cultural hall for a few closing stories. Sister terHorst had asked either Brian or me to share a pioneer heritage story. We decided Brian would share a story, and he told about Israel Barlow and the buggy whip. After he was finished, Sister terHorst said that she was also a decendent of Israel Barlow and that was the exact story she was going to share! They were able to talk family history a little bit after the program. I'm sure there will be more collaboration and chances to see where the lines connect. It was a fun celebration.

The rest of our day was spent relaxing, preparing for Sunday, and then ended with the Pioneer Day Broadcast from the Conference Center. It didn't begin until 9:30pm our time, but was well worth the wait, especially when we realized that...wait for it...The Osmonds were performing! Even though they were a little before our time it was fun to watch them perform with the Tabernacle Choir. It was the end of their 50th reunion tour and we laughed hysterically at the 70's music videos. I always get homesick when I watch events from the Conf. Center. I'm not sure why--I guess knowing that my family is close by makes we realize how much I miss them. Plus, just being a member of the church makes me wish I could be there with everyone else, rubbing elbows with the prophet, apostles, and church leaders. I'm so grateful for the technology that allows us to watch and enjoy in spirit.

Wilbur & Charlotte

Just as the excitement of Paul standing unassisted had begun to wear off--no one rushing to see the "miracle" anymore (yes, we know he's standing...wow, look at that, he's standing... again)--Paul took his first documented steps today while we were at the church for a playgroup. (Scot and James do get credit for this documentation. Scot thinks this will help you all forget the last post. You're welcome Scot:)) And so now again we all rush whenever anyone yells, "Quick! He's walking!" We'll see how long that lasts...

Other highlights for today include finally finding the remote control (do I need to add it was in the sewing box? I guess we can finally stop blaming the movers), getting the kids registered for school at the Forest Hills School District administration building, and decorating cupcakes at the playgroup aforementioned.

Oh, yeah--Paul's other "first" for today was learning how to go down the stairs two ways. First, by crawling backwards, and second, by rolling head over heels.

Poetic Justice

Our adventures did not end at the library today (see previous post), but were happily begun with the introduction of new friends. We had met the Millers at the library on Monday, and ran into them again today. They invited us to follow them to a great local park, making a short detour at McDonald's. The kids had a blast at Beech Acres which had a water fountain to play in, train to climb on, sand to sift through, barred windows in which to imprison Paul... Meanwhile the workers were putting together kiddie rides for the big Anderson Days celebration this weekend. We may have to call it our Pioneer Day celebration and return!

After a great couple of hours of playing tag and getting soaking wet, we headed back home. Amy suddenly missed her Colorado friends: "I miss Katie; Maggie, do you miss Jonah?" Their conversation reminded me of a scene in "Barbie as the Island Princess" and I tried (using 3 and 5 year old princess lingo) to help the girls understand that you can get new friends without giving up the old. I admit, I broke into song. "Love knows love grows..." did not appeal to the male palate in the car, however, and the boys hummed as loudly as they could to drown-out the Barbie essence lingering in the car. Should boys enjoy singing Barbie songs in the car? Not necessarily, nor would I expect them to; but they should appreciate music and its effects. AND they should always respect their mother, even when she's teaching things in kookie ways! I felt it appropriate to bring this home in their minds and hearts by making them learn and practice all the words to this particular song and then perform it with dignity for me no later than after dinner. Perhaps dignity was a little too much to ask, but they did learn all the words and performed their version with Maggie & Amy's library-prize Echo Mikes. I'm confident they learned their lesson.

Getting Around

We are slowly making our way (in somewhat concentric circles) expanding our knowledge of the area. I promised Maggie we could go to the public library again, so she could get her prize for the summer reading program they have here. We had gone earlier in the week to get prizes (which the boys did receive) when our hope was dashed that she could get hers without the official fill-in-the-blank yellow card. Needless to say, you would have thought her little heart would break. The teardrops and sobs finally ended when Scot came to her rescue. He let her choose one of his prizes in exchange for one of hers when we came back. That all happened on Monday. Wednesday is a long way from Monday for a 5 year old when it comes to returning a promised favor. This morning, as she realized she would have to give up her prize to Scot, Maggie was again nearly inconsolable. Our field trip was nearly canceled, but she was finally persuaded to honor her committment. Under strict edict not to cry, but happily and thankfully hand over the prize, we made our way to the prize counter. Not even pretending a stiff upper lip, Maggie held true to her promise. And so, the library is still an enchanted place of books and prizes, on the top 5 places the kids love to visit.

Almost Like New

Today's highlight was retrieving the Safari, now running smoothly. Brian was able to get a good recommendation from a colleague for a mechanic in Kentucky (Joe's dad was going there prior to '69--about 45 years worth). They installed the new pinion, bearing, seals, etc. for $833.10. We were so grateful since our first estimate from the GMC dealer was $2300. Even better news is that Bud's now sells gift cards. Several of you may want to chip in for Christmas this year. Better yet, put that money towards our wishful-thinking new car which we will try to purchase this next year.

Lawn mowing races

Tonight's activity was mowing the lawn. Lucky for us, the previous owner left a self-propelled mower. The boys don't exactly have to push--more like hold on for dear life, but they are getting the hang of it. Mowing the back yard takes a little time, as you can see, because of the size. Scot measured it at 101 feet from the house to the rear. He and James are constantly making up games--tonight was racing the tape measure as it was rolled up.

Amy

Amy has decided that she can close her eyes for the prayer. She doesn't quite realize that eye-closing doesn't have to affect her entire face.

10 points go to the first person who can decipher this phrase:
"gwip gwots". This is completely unrelated to praying, but was overheard in a conversation with Maggie. I'll often have to refer to Maggie when I can't figure out what Amy's trying to say, and it doesn't help that she's hardest to understand when she's crying or scared.

You may not notice, but she has several hair accessories in various parts of her hair. No matter what, she's always beautiful to me.

Maggie Ballet Recital

Maggie's first ballet recital is now posted in video bar. The video was filmed in widescreen, but is shown in regular format, so everything is skinnier. We will get better about quality over quantity for posting purposes.

Eating Cake

Birthday Cake for Paul

Paul's 1st Birthday

It's my party...

Welcome to our home.

Kids on the front step.

Our new home

As we settle into our new home in Anderson Twp., Ohio, we are trying to decide what goes, what stays. Our goal is to simplify and reevaluate priorities, focusing on our family and gospel principles.

Reflecting on the amazing changes our family has made, my mind echoes Amy's way of pronouncing our new state, "Wo!hiwo". I can still hardly believe that we are here, twelve hundred+ miles from family and friends. We are already meeting new friends, neighbors, but they can never replace the good friends we left, only add to the amazing list of people we have been priviledged to associate with.