Sick or Teething or Maybe Both

I remember hearing a mother of four say she would have probably had more children if it weren't for the fact that kids get sick. Well, I don't think that sickness necessarily halts my desire for more, but on days like today I can certainly relate.



I love being a mom and most of the time I'm even happy to do what that entails. But I would never make a good nurse. I've known that for some time. Today was one of those days I held my 13 month old most of the day, took his temperature several times, tried to get as much liquid in him as possible, held him throughout most of his nap, read a book about childhood sicknesses, worried about his jerking (which I think might have to do with achy muscles), carried him in the sling to make dinner, listened to my 2 year old cry himself to sleep because I couldn't move a muscle while holding Kade, changed his wet drool covered shirt 3 times, and then wondered what was wrong with Levi (2 year old) when he woke up from his nap. He wouldn't even eat Cheerios...which is a true sign of something being wrong. Cheerios aren't an every day event!



So in my list of things I'm thankful for I will add:

7. Children who are generally healthy and have no serious illnesses

8. My sling which allows me to get something done and still have baby close

9. Frozen fish fillets, baked potatoes, frozen homemade rolls, and asparagus - a fairly easy dinner when kids are sick.

10. A husband who did one of my errands

11. Appliances (eg. washer, dryer, oven, microwave) that work for me while I take care of sick baby

12. A sister who helps me with shopping for gifts for family members

13. Time to pray while sitting in the rocking chair today

Minnesota History Center

I love the museum passes we get from the library. The day after Thanksgiving, the boys, Malia, and I headed for the MN History Center. I feel like we found a hidden treasure nearby. (Unfortunately, my pictures are really not in any sort of order that makes sense and I'm having trouble figuring out how to use Kent's new laptop!)
The transportation area was a little boy's dream come true. Steering wheels and the dashboard of a car!

The bike exhibit had this interesting design of bike frames up on the walls.

There was an actual railroad car in which we read many interesting quotes.

Here, Kade sits in a chair in the "waiting area" of an "airport."

The tornado exhibit retold the story of the devastating tornado that hit Fridley, MN, in 1965. This was the tornado outside and then we entered a "basement room" that felt very realistic! The sounds, vibrations, light changing, and tree falling all added to the experience!

These were little twirly things that we could cause to turn by using a rotating fan.

An old-time soda counter. It reminded me of Norman Rockwell paintings.
Back to the bicycle exhibit. This sign made me chuckle and I had to show Kent, "So what's all the need for these bicycle tools and tuneups you're always talking about!"

And this one...the Best!! I wish I could remember the date of this quote, but it was quite a while ago!

Off on their trip...even with luggage.

The "house" outside the "basement room" destroyed by the tornado of 1965.

He loved this little green suitcase for some reason and shed a few tears when we had to leave it behind.

Our foiled attempt at a group photo. There were several others like this! :)

This was at the bottom of a grain elevator. With only dead ends, this tunnel was a perfect place for Kade to play...and he loved it. Can you tell by that smile?

Thanksgiving

Our day was fun! We had 24 people, including our family, around our table(s), with lots of yummy food and good conversation! My girls helped out a lot. Here Megan and Tana work on clean-up. Our table decorations...

Crescent rolls made by Tana

I saw this idea for place settings in a Country Living magazine. It was a fun project with the boys.

And here we are!

Lately, I've noticed lots of blogs working on a list of 1000 things for which they're thankful. I'm considering this might be a good time to start.

1. Little ones who fill life with amusement, laughter, hugs, and...surprises!

2. My digital camera

3. My husband who is helping me organize my hundreds of pictures on his computer

4. Daughters who are amazingly helpful when we're having guests

5. Blogs and FB to help me keep up with good friends

6. A heavenly Father who is helping me learn His ways and is very patient!

These make me smile!

He couldn't stop smiling while he was Mickey Mouse!

Kade's favorite new hobby...pushing this thing around...and toddling!

A brush for each hand...not uncommon at all! He loves them. :)

Couldn't resist taking a picture of this when they were getting ready for bed.

This is where we found Levi sleeping (in the middle of our upstairs hallway) one night when we came up from downstairs. Does anyone have a guess as to why he's wearing socks on his hands?

Fall Craft

When the leaves had fallen and were still beautiful colors, we brought a bunch inside, laid them out to dry and then arranged and glued them on to a circle of white poster board. They're still looking pretty, and I so enjoy seeing the leaves for a bit longer since it seems like they're gone so quickly. It was a perfect craft for Levi all the way up to ME! I'd really like to find some longer lasting ideas of things to do with leaves. Any ideas?

Sisters...my girls

They are happy...

goofy and giggly...
and they tell each other when "enough is enough." :)

We had actually gone outdoors one Sunday afternoon in hopes of getting a few pictures that would be nice enough to put on the wall and give away. The girls were certainly in favor of that over going to a studio... and it's a lot cheaper!! I'm learning a lot about photo shop and hoping to do the boys' pictures now.

These pictures I snapped in between our "real" poses!

Lingering fall memories

It almost seems like fall (at least fall weather) is over...and so quickly too. We spent a good portion of it getting through sickness, but thankfully, we still enjoyed so much!!

A visit from my momDeliberate pumpkin carving sketches of DJ's

Daddy putting that plan into action

Warm winter boots that Levi thought he should try! (Thanks, Bethany)

Beautiful afternoons outside!

Father-Son Retreat 2009

Each year a different area congregation hosts a father/son retreat up at our camp. Two years ago Kent and DJ went and came back with lots of great memories. Last year we had a new baby, so they didn't go. But this year...they went again. And it was a special weekend for both! The theme had something do with spending time together, so I told Kent he should take all three boys so they really could spend time together. He didn't think it was as funny as I did. (Kent is a very capable father, but I could just see him trying to go target shooting with Kade in one arm and Levi hanging on a leg!) I told him they'd have to rename the retreat "Mom's Quiet Weekend." As it was, the girls were home, and we went to pick up my mom at the airport for a nice long visit.

He was quite proud of this as he is quite the amateur marksman.