all of the cool kids are doing it...

absence

2012-02-03T22:20:00.001-06:00

I know it will be a shock, but I might not blog in the next week. Lee won a trip at work and we will be here.

Don't miss me too much.

sniff, sniff...

2012-01-19T10:03:00.001-06:00

http://thecripplegate.com/an-open-letter-to-my-daughter/

This is a link to a really sweet letter from a dad to his teenage daughter. Get out the Kleenexes...

A Birthday!

2012-01-08T15:36:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was Teddy's first birthday! I decided to document his day.

Good morning, Birthday Boy! Teddy usually sleeps about 13-14 hours per night (I know we are spoiled).

We started our day at BK (we are Saturday morning regulars). Teddy loves the potatoes "things" (that is what Lulu calls them).

Lulu always gets the mini blueberry muffins.

Next we stopped by PetCo to pet the cats and watch some dogs get their hair done. I forgot to take a picture when we were inside. We then went to Lowe's (I forgot to take a picture) to do some home improvement shopping. We are in the midst of a major kitchen remodel and we regularly frequent Lowe's and HomeDepot.

After our errands we met Nana and Papa at Applebee's.

Teddy got his very own birthday sundae.

After a good nap, he was ready for more fun.

Nanny needed some help getting a new cell phone so we accompanied her to the store and entertained/annoyed the employees.

After we got Nanny a new phone, we were off to Chuck E Cheese to end our day. Teddy kept trying to bite the balloon and then would throw it and laugh his head off.

I had to get one self-portrait with my birthday boy.

Lulu and Teddy liked driving the Barney car.

Lee showed Teddy how big boys play.

I can't believe Teddy is already one. He has been a more challenging baby (eating, sleeping, contentment, etc), but he is smiley and funny. He loves to laugh and to make people laugh. He loves to shake his head no and point to whatever he wants and grunt/yell at it. We are so thankful that he has had a healthy (no doctor's visits) and uneventful first year. Our one year check up in next week so we will fill you in on his girth.

I realize that I stink at blogging, so thanks for checking in with us.

Walking Practice

2012-01-04T19:31:00.003-06:00

I fully realize that I have all but given up on blogging, but poor Teddy needed a little face time with all of his adoring fans. He is not quite one year old (I promise to do a real blog post about the poor kid). Sorry it is a little dark, but my living room is a little dark as well. Please try not to focus on the 3 year old in a princess dress, the 80 pound dog walking around or the abundance of toys. Please do notice the half-naked walking baby and his strange purring/growling/talking as he walks.

He has been practicing for awhile and is starting to get the hang of it.

Blog-leeching

2011-11-12T19:27:00.000-06:00

Here's what we've been doing.

Cali Cali

2011-10-07T23:54:00.001-05:00

The past couple of days I have been spoiled. Lee won a trip to a resort in Southern California. It has been relaxing. Today we had a leisurely breakfast (picture #1) overlooking the ocean. This afternoon we lounged by the pool. This evening we went to the Beachcomber Cafe and had dinner and watched the sunset. It was beautiful. I am feeling blessed.

Raspberry Picking

2011-09-30T15:17:00.001-05:00

This morning we did our annual raspberry picking with Nana LuEllyn. Lulu ate way more than she picked (as evidenced by her face and jeans). Teddy hung out. He ate his first raspberry but could not be convinced to eat a second one.

On the way out, the nice lady told us there were kittens. That was all Lulu needed to hear. It added an extra half an hour to our excursion.

She kept trying to hold them both.

Mama Karoline has always had a special place in her heart for calicos.

PS My husband is a sucker and I do not doubt that we will have a cat in our house sooner than later. I love them but it is kind of nice not finding hair stuck to everything.

Whose kid is this?

2011-09-30T14:23:00.003-05:00

The child I swore I would never have...My little rugrat, Lulu.

I always used to judge people with the unkempt kids. You know the ones with snot, food, koolaid, mismatched clothes, etc. Now I have one. My Lulu is...how do you say...strong-willed. I prefer to say feisty (I have also heard people call her spicy, decisive, and naughty just to name a few). My mom calls her EmmaJean (As in a Herdsman from The Best Christmas Pageant Ever).

In this picture, she is wearing an undershirt with chocolate stains and Hello Kitty rain boots. Her hair is a tangle of the finest, most easily breakable, nothing-colored hair with her bow cast aside hours before. She is doing a "statue" pose on the driveway.

I love every bit of her and have chosen to pick my battles (and if you've met her, you know this is not a major one). sigh. Maybe Teddy will be my "perfect" child...

I would like to publicly apologize to all of the moms I have have judged, looked down my nose at, and KNEW I would never be like.

New and Exciting

2011-09-21T22:17:00.001-05:00

So...I am blogging from my phone...in bed...in my sister's basement...who knew?

This guy fell asleep sitting up.

This cute girl is snuggled next to me.

Good night.

MiniLee

2011-08-25T15:15:00.001-05:00

The other day we were outside playing (yes, Lulu is still in Ariel pajamas. yes, she is wearing hello kitty rain boots. Let it go.). She had a stick and was popping bubbles and so Lee grabbed a stick and they started sword fighting. I, in my most maternal voice, said, "Daddy, we never play with sticks."

So being the ornery 10 year old boy trapped in a 30 year old's body, Lee hid the stick behind his back and pretended to look innocent. Guess what MiniLee (aka Lulu) did? Yup, this is my two mischievous kids pretending they don't have a stick behind their back, nor were they being naughty. I caught them.

She said she wanted her picture taken, so I obliged. I think she has been watching too much ANTM.

Cute Babies

2011-07-20T21:36:00.001-05:00

S, I stink at blogging, but...I borrowed my in-laws fancy camera and have been trying to take cute pictures of my kids. Next time I will try not to choose a time so close to bedtime for the photo shoot.

"Please, just let me go to bed, Mama."

A short bath first...

After we put Teddy to bed, the outdoor fun began. It has been super hot around here lately, so we have been limiting our outdoor time. Tonight seemed like a good night for a princess to enjoy a popsicle.

Shortly thereafter, Lulu wanted to help me water flowers, which led to running through the spray, which led to spraying. She said she was a "water princess."

The dress got a little to wet and was inhibiting her stride.

Flashback: strange how the body changes in a couple short years...

After we were done with the hose, this is the face that goes with, "Can I just have one cookie, please, Father?"

Needless to say, she got the cookie.

Laughing Teddy

2011-04-15T10:39:00.001-05:00

Cousin Time at the Children's Museum

2011-04-15T08:41:00.005-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, all of the cousins decided to play at the the Children's Museum. The Murray grandkids were in town because their parents were in Ethiopia. Here are all seven posing before the playing and exploring began. Nanny got them all matching M&M shirts.

Lulu loved the babydoll and the glider-rocker. Can you guess what she's been seeing at home lately?

She also enjoyed flying the planes.

Apparently this is the way all of the cool kids dismount the aircraft...over the wings on their bellies.

Lulu and Mac building some rockets.

Lulu and Mac flying the big plane. Macker seemed to be taking the pilot role more seriously. Lulu was just along for the ride.

My smiley little man, Teddy.

More super serious pilots, Hank and Scott.

Followed by a little lunch in the food court.

New Nephew

2011-04-12T10:21:00.001-05:00

Katie and Scott passed Ethiopian court today, so I officially have a new nephew and Teddy has a new cousin BFF.

Ethiopia

2011-03-31T15:29:00.000-05:00

Katie and Scott are in Ethiopia. They are finally meeting their son.

Please, Father...

2011-03-19T13:40:00.002-05:00

Lee and Lulu have the sweetest/strangest relationship. For the past few months when she has really wanted something, Lee has her end the request with, "Please, Father." It cracks us up and she knows it. I have even gotten a few, "please, mothers," in the past few weeks. Lee told me to document it, so of course, she got shy...

Dedication

2011-03-16T08:36:00.001-05:00

A couple of weeks ago we had Teddy dedicated at church. For the occasion, Lulu wore that was mine when I was little.

Our little family on the stage with one of the pastors.

Afterwards we had some Coldstone and took a family picture.

The babies with their daddy.

Are we even?

2011-03-04T14:56:00.004-06:00

So...I know I stink at blogging, but will these cute pictures make us even?

Here is a quick recap of our last month. The Boy is doing great. He weighs over 13 pounds and sleeps 8-9 hours swaddled in his crib at night. I am thankful. During the day Teddy prefers to sleep in the carseat or the swing. During the day he likes to have his face/head loosely covered. It looks like he is suffocating himself, but he loves it. He is smiling and "talking" a lot more lately.

The Girl does well about 90% of the time with being a big sister. She likes to "help" me do everything. Her new favorite thing is making sure they have the same Sesame Street character on their diapers.

Today she asked to hold him and I said yes. Usually she holds him for about 5 seconds and said, "Your turn, mama. He heavy." Today she held him long enough for me to run and get the camera and snap a few shots while never rarely taking her eyes off of Clifford. I will take what I can get.

The teen years are going to be fun...

2011-01-26T20:04:00.002-06:00

So here is the situation...

Lulu doesn't like to try new foods. She says she doesn't like them before she has even seen or tried them. Last summer we discovered that if we change the name of something we want her to try to a word she has never heard of, she will give it a chance. Last summer she wouldn't eat peaches, so Lee asked her if she wanted an apricot. of course she wanted an apricot.

For the past couple of months she has refused to eat pineapple. I think it is because the word "apple" is in there (which she legitimately has tried and doesn't like). So we asked her if she wanted an apricot and she did. We have done this a couple times, and it cracks Lee and I up. Last time Lee had me grab the camera. He said he wants to show it to her when she is a teenager and convinced she knows everything.

Obstinate child:

First Night Video

2011-01-09T21:29:00.002-06:00

Thanks to Kers for taking some video. This was from the first time Lulu met Teddy, just 2 hours after he was born.

Nanny

2011-01-09T20:03:00.000-06:00

Nanny wondered why she wasn't on the blog. Here she is.

I slept

2011-01-09T07:01:00.006-06:00

Thanks for all of your prayers. I had a good day yesterday and good night last night. Yesterday I got removed from everything (catheter, IVs, and they even removed the port) and they let me shower. Yesterday morning we had plenty of visitors in the morning (Katie and Robyn, Papa Jerry, Nanny and Papa, the Harkers, Nana and Lulu and a smattering of hospital people to ask questions, poke, prod and check things), but I got to take a 1.5 hour nap during the afternoon. I was a new woman. Last night, Uncle Lance stopped by, as did Laine and Ben. I slept from 11:45pm-2am and 2:30-6:25am. I think I am ready for the day.

So, there are all of the details about my day, but more importantly, I think my emotions are starting to settle (not that a relapse is out of the question). I don't think I have shed a tear since the OR on Friday when they told me I had a healthy baby boy. As I type, I have a sweet little boy sleeping on my lap and a sweet bigger boy sleep on a cot next to me. Life is good and I am blessed.

And some pictures (they are limited because although I can see mt camera I cannot reach it to upload. Maybe if I remember, I will do it later.:

I can't sleep.

2011-01-08T01:05:00.007-06:00

It is after one am. I can't sleep. I had a baby boy via c-section at 5:28pm...yep not quite eight hours ago. I am so tired and I can't sleep. I haven't slept soundly for about month. I have been fighting sleep since around eleven am. The new.baby is sleeping soundly in the nursery. Lee is.sleeping soundly on a cot.next to me. This.could.be one of the few.chances I have for awhile. Pardon all of the extra punctuation. It is the result of fat fingers, no sleep, and a small cellphone screen.

What should I do? So... I am writing to you all. Sorry to make you suffer through my insomnia.

I am not sure what to tell.you. Today went smoothly. Long day of waiting. Over the past few weeks, I have been an emotional wreck. Those of you that know me, know that I have always been prone to tears without much provocation. It got worse while pregnant with my Girl. Even worse after I had her. Even worse when I got pregnant with number two. These past couple of weeks have been a downright sobfest. I just kept mourning the loss of my.little family of three andfear of how that translates to being a family of.four.

So far, so good. Lulu had Uncle Lance there when she woke up from her nap, shebgot to come to the hospital to meet her new.brother, and gets to spend the weekend with a lot of Nanny/Nanaa time. It is probably like a little vacation from me for her. When we come home on Monday is when I think it will get tough. Prayers for a smooth (as possible) transition would be appreciated.

Hmmm. I know this is boring, but I still can't sleep. Ugh. Maybe it is the muted beep/ speak of an iv inches from my head. Maybe the iv port itself poking into my wrist. Maybe it is the blood clot preventing calf squeezers. Maybe it is the catheter. Maybe the large diaperish thing I have under my gown. Maybe it is the fact that my new cellphone has a data (aka time wasting enabling) plan. Maybe it is that I haven't eaten for thirty-plus hours. You pick.

So...here,s to hoping that you won't have to endure another post of a new mom's ramblings. Sorry to subject you to this, but thanks for suffering with me.

It's about that time...

2011-01-05T14:43:00.007-06:00

Well kids...I am sorry that I have been a bad blogger of late. I have things to post and time to post them and no motivation. Sorry.

The biggest news is that Baby Rozeboom #2 is slated to arrive Friday at 5pm via c-section. I have been a huge balls of emotions for the past month and I don't foresee an end in sight. Sorry. At least you can't see me crying about the end of our "golden" one child era.

I am starting to get pretty stinking curious about this little person. I will keep you all updated.

Thanks for your prayers as we begin this new chapter.

Please take a second and vote. I want to see what the masses are predicting:

ps

2010-12-13T12:08:00.001-06:00

Photo Shoot

2010-12-13T12:03:00.001-06:00

decorating

2010-12-13T11:57:00.001-06:00

Twinnies

2010-12-13T11:55:00.001-06:00

Company Kids' Christmas Party

2010-12-13T11:23:00.001-06:00

Every year Lee's company hosts a Christmas Party for the children of the employees at a local bowling alley. Lulu is still too little to enjoy the bowling part. Lee tried to teach her. He trued every method he could think of.

A family self-portrait. Lulu cared more about the green sucker than the bowling.

Santa and Mrs. Claus handed out presents to every child.

In less than 2 seconds she had the wrapping paper off and had carried her present away from everyone to examine it (Santa had gotten her her own nativity set to play with).

Haddie Turns Four!

2010-12-10T13:59:00.001-06:00

Cousin Haddie had a birthday party last weekend.

We enjoyed cupcakes with princess rings on them.

Sibling love.

Me and my dad watching the present-opening.

The birthday girl with her mom and dad.

Playing with Haddie's new toys.

Thanks for all of the fun and for sharing all of the new toys.

Thanksgiving Part 2

2010-12-09T19:24:00.001-06:00

Our second Thanksgiving was with Lee's family. His little brother and grandparents were in town, so we went to the farm. Lee thought this would be a funny picture to take of his Grandpa Bud's baby bump and mine. I think I win.

Lee's Grandma Gertrude with Remington, our nephew.

Lee and his little brother, Lance.

"Uncle" and Lulu saying goodbye as he left for the airport.

Lee's whole family.

Later that day it was time to set up the nativity. It is one of Lee's favorite things to do, and now Lulu loves to help him.

Christmas Tree Hunting

2010-12-06T08:32:00.001-06:00

The past few years we have met up with Lee's family to traipse through the woods to find the perfect Christmas tree. We usually like to go the weekend after Thanksgiving. This year was no different. Here is the whole crew (Ben, Laine, Remi, Jerry, Lance, and Lee in the back row, LuEllyn, Lulu and Jared in the front).

It was a beautiful day and we spent a long time scouring the woods the tree that would live in our living room.

Lee and Lulu standing by our pick. It is perfect. By far my favorite tree out of the past 6 Christmases.

Lulu "helping/supervising" daddy while he was sawing.

Lee the woodsman carrying our prize back to the truck (or "hiccup" as Lulu calls her Papa Jerry's pickup).

The whole gang headed back.

Jared and Lulu guarding the trees.

Thanksgiving?

2010-12-04T15:42:00.002-06:00

So...we spent all of Thanksgiving Day at Nanny and Papa's house. The only pictures I took were of naked babies. Can you blame me?

Dancing:

Hugging:

Practicing our smiles:

I promise there were other people there and that we ate and did other things (but I did have to steal the picture to prove it).

Cookie Day

2010-11-15T12:03:00.001-06:00

Last Friday was Sorensen Cookie Making Day. Nanny invited all of the ladies on her side of the family to her house make and decorate cookies. This was the whole crew (Letha, Karla, Kassie, Kerstin, Katie and Nanny):

There were cookies on every conceivable surface the family room table,

An extra foldout table,

The counter in the hallway,

The tiny kitchen table,

The dining room table was used for preparation.

Another group shot later in the day.

The good news was that by noon I wasn't hungry for a cookie (after scarfing down a million all morning).

Big Girl Room Update

2010-11-08T08:34:00.000-06:00

For those that care:

She slept from 7:45pm-7:05am without a movement or a peep. Hurray!

At 7:05, I heard the cutest little voice say, "Mama...Daddy...come get me! I'm awake!"

I can only hope that she is as cooperative at naptime.

Big Girl Room

2010-11-07T20:03:00.001-06:00

Tonight is the first night in Lulu's big girl room and her big girl bed. She seemed ready and very excited.

Our fearless guard dog helping Lee read her a book.

Praying with her dad.

Check back tomorrow to see how it went...

Smiling practice...

2010-11-03T15:57:00.003-05:00

A couple of weeks ago we had our family pictures taken. As you are well aware, Lulu is not super compliant when it comes to smiling at the camera. I thought I should prep her a little about what would be happening and what would be expected of her. She has definitely improved, but she could still refine it.

Also...on a side note...if you were thinking that seven months pregnant would be a flattering time to get your picture taken, don't. Then if you were thinking that maybe your newly acquired case of pink eye wouldn't be that noticeable, don't.

Ah well, live and learn, I guess...

Halloween

2010-10-31T22:20:00.000-05:00

Family Picture as we were "patiently" waiting for it to get a little bit darker out.

Giving her horsey some kisses.
We have been working on looking at the camera and smiling. This is about as good as it gets for us...
Mama and Lulu
"I'm really sad." The end of her patience and the faux-pouting had begun...
Getting a ride from house to house.
Bravely walking up to the first house.

Fall Fest - 10.30.10

2010-10-31T10:04:00.000-05:00

We decided to go to the Fall Fest at church Saturday night. Lee (and I) is usually anti-social, so this was out of his comfort zone. He is not a fan our casual acquaintances and small talk.
Lee was a trooper. He played games with her in each room and helped her collect prizes in her bag.
Lulu and her pumpkins.

Cali-Day Five (Good-bye)

2010-10-30T22:01:00.000-05:00

Every morning Lee and I got up and ate breakfast outside. It was so relaxing.

Our breakfast view (if it wasn't foggy and dreary, you would be able to see part of the golf course and the ocean just beyond the pool):

Our "bungalow."

Thanks for the fun, California. Hopefully I won't wait another 26 years to return. And hopefully next time I visit you, I will see the sun at least once...

Cali Day Four-aka Saturday

2010-10-21T08:21:00.002-05:00

Saturday was fairly uneventful. We had dinner with the group at Mastros. It was delicious. The was one of the appetizers that our table ordered. My poor pregnant stomach did not enjoy the smell nor the "shell bucket."

TP and Alisha

David (Lee's company's COO) and his wife Susan.

Key (His name is Key Weston K___ because he was conceived in Key West, Florida. Ew. Imagine having to think about that every time you wrote or saw your name) and Jill.

Lee and I. Notice my Shirley Temple was almost gone. Sad.

Never fear...I did not let the sight or sound of the crustaceans get the better of me. I still found room for the surf and turf (I had the filet and the lobster tail, and you'd better believe I said yes when they asked if they could de-shell my lobster).

On a funny side note, when all of our entrees were served, I asked for the salt and pepper. As I began to salt my steak, the top fell off of the shaker and the entire contents of the shaker emptied onto my steak. I tried to scrape some of it off to no avail. That could only happen to me. They took it back to the kitchen and "took care of it (I took that to mean rinsed it off with tap water and put it under a hot light for a minute, but who knows)."

My dessert:

Cali Day Three

2010-10-20T19:14:00.000-05:00

On Friday Lee went golfing with the guys and I got a "deserving mothers' massage" in the morning and went to Laguna Beach that afternoon.

The waves. I did walk down to the water and stick my feet in. I hadn't seen the Pacific Ocean for 26 years and who knows when I will be back. It was freezing.

Crazy people in the water. I was cold just looking at them.

I think this is casual daywear in Laguna Beach. Keep in mind that this was about 2pm. Hmmm.

Friday night was our night off from dinner with the group. So...I made the executive decision to go to Morton's. It was wonderful. I ate until I could eat no more. And then they rolled me out the door.

California Day Two

2010-10-20T15:09:00.001-05:00

Enjoying the patio and a cup of coffee first thing in the morning.

Contemplating life while gazing at the fire.

After breakfast, we went for a walk. Lee wanted me to take this picture. It is a really difficult golf hole.

We went to a mall and posed next to a fountain.

We thought this would be the coolest, rainiest day, so we did things that didn't include the beach or the pool. We were wrong. The whole time we were there it was low-mid 60's and misty/foggy. Not exactly the weather we planned for, but I am not one to complain about a free vacation.

California Day One

2010-10-19T15:07:00.000-05:00

We arrived on Wednesday. Had a leisurely lunch outside overlooking the pool. That night we had a fancy dinner with the whole group. This was our predinner self-portrait.

The whole group in the resort's lobby before dining at Andrea Ristorante.

Apparently the risotto was to die for. We each got that as our midmeal course (that comes after the salad and before the entree, duh!). The risotto was not my favorite. Maybe that is because it is rice and wild mushrooms mixed in a huge cheese wheel and topped with fresh shaved truffles. Not really my style, but I nibbled at it anyway.

Better Kobe Picture

2010-10-18T14:37:00.002-05:00

As we were standing at the fron of the hotel waiting for our table, he was headed down the hallway toward us.

One of the ladies in our group got her picture with him.

Blogging from California

2010-10-15T13:39:00.001-05:00

So...as you all know, Lee won a trip to the Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Beach, California. We got here around noon on Wednesday and have been having a good (relaxing time). The weather has left a little to be desired (60's and misty), but I am not going to complain about a free trip.

Each night, we have dinner with the COO, the other award winners and their spouses. Last night we went to a place called Javier's. We parked the car and walked in to meet the others. I was walking ahead of Lee and saw this tall guy that looked really familiar. Then, I realized that I was looking directly at Kobe Bryant, not five feet in front of me. I tried to get Lee's attention subtly. The area around the hostess stand was crowded and he rubbed shoulders with Lee and I and said, "excuse me."

After I got over my shock, I chased after him out of the restaurant to try to get a better glimpse. This was the best I could do. Kobe getting into his car. No valet. No wife. No security people.

I then started chatting with the guy standing by the valet area about Kobe. Apparently Kobe lives just about 1 mile from Javier's and 1 mile from our resort (I mapquested it). It is gated, but I still might try to find it.

Currently, Lee is golfing, I just had a "deserving mother's massage" (and three butter crescents for breakfast...that is perfectly normal), and Lulu isn't sad about us being gone. Thanks for caring. Have a wonderful day.

Horsey ride

2010-10-11T21:49:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, we took a trip out to the farm for a horsey ride. For a couple of months, she has been obsessed with horses and riding on them. Every time she went to sleep she would ask for a story about a horsey ride. Eventually we decided just to take her out and let her try it.

Much to my chagrin, she loved it.

She was a little nervous at first, but watching her papa get the horse brushed and saddled and ready to go provided enough time for her to warm up.

He let her hold the reigns (I told her they are like a leash) and tell the horsey where to go.

She even got brave and wanted to go for a longer ride. They went along the trail between the field and the pasture.

Rounding the fence on their way back to us.

Our attempt at a self-portrait.

Lulu was distracted by four large dogs that also live on the farm.

Sorry Ladies, he is all mine. Try not to be too jealous.

Playing on the play set that her Nana and Papa put up this summer.

One last ride to put the horse back with his friends.

Stupid horses...scratching each others' backs with their teeth. I guess I should be impressed with their teamwork.

10.10.70

2010-10-10T20:18:00.002-05:00

My parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary today and we spent the weekend doing family things.

Click HERE for the pictures.

Our New Friends

2010-09-30T15:40:00.003-05:00

During the last couple of weeks, Lulu has been thoroughly embracing her "twoness." Strangely, this coincided with Lee being gone a lot. He been on a couple of business trips...one lasting 6 days. Needless to say, lulu and I have had some tough days. This week has been much better (strangely, Lee her daddy has been home all week). We made some new friends on our very limited excursions: the ducks and geese.

She is not even one bit afraid of the geese (I am; they are huge). Sometimes we have to tell them to talk nice to each other when they start honking too loudly and chasing each other.

Macker

2010-09-30T15:29:00.002-05:00

Last weekend, Cousin Macker came to visit. Lulu and I decided to take him to our favorite spot. Lulu showed Macker how to feed the ducks. I think he caught on fairly quickly.

Lulu chose to eat some of the "duck food" by herself at the table while Macker and I fed the ducks.

They still had plenty of duck food (aka crackers) for the wagon ride home.

They weren't quite ready to go inside, so they shared some suck food with the dogs that live next door.

Thanks for visiting (I wonder if I will ever tire of take their picture together?).

80+

2010-09-25T11:30:00.001-05:00

On one of our last 80+ degree days, we went out to the driveway and brought Petunia with us. Lulu "helped" me give Tuni a bath.

I am not sure hoe much Tuni enjoyed it, but Lulu and I had fun.

Lulu kept getting leaves on her feet and needed to clean them off.

All clean.

Awards Banquet

2010-09-24T19:35:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday was Lee's company's annual awards banquet and dinner. Aunt Kersie, Hank, and Haddie came over to hang out with Lulu for us. This is our best self-portrait.

My protruding baby belly. This was at 23.5 weeks.

Lee, his work boyfriend Derek, and one of their superiors Lynette.

Lee was one of four sales achiever awards. The award is an all expenses paid five day trip to the Pelican Hill Resort. The trip is next month. We are really excited (and really proud of Lee), but I can't believe I am going to leave my Girl for that long.

Wowzers!

2010-09-17T22:24:00.002-05:00

My Christmas-loving husband just mentioned how excited he is for Christmas. He was waxing poetic about decorating the tree and sleeping by the fire.

I asked if he was going to let Girl sleep downstairs with him. He said, "Of course, why wouldn't she? She can sleep right between us on the floor."

I laughed and reminded him that I will be almost 38 weeks pregnant, large with child, and will not be sleeping on the floor for any extended period of time. The conversation gave a us both a good laugh though.

Cousin "Macker-Mac"

2010-09-07T20:36:00.000-05:00

Cousin Mac came to stay with his Nanny and Papa for the weekend. We chauffeured him. He and Lulu were a little tired on the drive.

When we arrived at Nanny's, she had the pool and toys ready to go in the driveway. They even shared treats at the picnic table.

Mostly naked cousins

You can tell they are cousins by the matching right cheeks hanging out of their swimmer diapers...

The hung out by the playhouse.

Did some off-road strolling while half-naked.

Later in the weekend they had a bath and Uncle Lee read them a book.

and a good night kiss (and then my camera ran out of batteries and I have yet to find the charger. Dang it).

Thanks for visiting.

Domesticated

2010-09-06T21:07:00.002-05:00

As you all know, I have been driving my dream car for the past 3+ years. It is my baby. It is one of my loves. The time has come to be practical. Apparently European cars don't age well without a lot of love (aka money). So, we decided it was time to say goodbye to my sweet Volvo. I really loved that car. I might have shed a few tears...at the dealership...in front of our salesman...and the whole ride home...

We had to give it one last hug before our last drive.

Our new ride. It will hopefully serve us many years and keep us safe, and facilitate many fun family times.

Lee thinks we are like these guys now (I know it isn't a Toyota, but you get the idea):

and yes, in case you were wondering, I did cry again while writing this post...so what?

South Dakota Wedding

2010-09-03T15:39:00.001-05:00

Last weekend Lee's cousin, Kellee, got married in South Dakota. This South Dakota wedding was not similar to the last one we attended. It was in a town with a hotel and a church, unlike the outdoor ceremony and bar reception.

Our trip began with Lulu wanting to sleep in a "big girl bed..." for about 5 minutes and then she changed her mind.

The wedding was Friday evening. Lulu and her daddy at the church.

Lulu during the 5 minutes of the ceremony she made it through quietly before her dad took her into the hallway.

The bride and her cowboy hat (and boots) wearing dad.

The wedding party during the unity candle part.

Leaving the church.

Enjoying the treats while waiting for dinner.

Lulu loving her daddy.

Nana and Papa with Lulu.

Bonding with cousin Jackie husband, Mark.

Getting a little tired.

Our best family picture.

Thankfully (?) she got a second wind when the dancing began.

Some twirling.

She even got to dance with the "princess" (aka the bride).

Lee doing my favorite (and his only) dance move: The techno-mocking glow stick dance.

It was a fun weekend full of family and late nights.

Another South Dakota Wedding

2010-08-26T08:51:00.003-05:00

A couple of years ago, we drove to Philip, SD for Lee's cousin's wedding. This weekend we return to South Dakota, but this time we don't have to cross the whole state; we only have to go as far as Sioux Falls.

Last time I entertained myself with taking pictures of cowboys and belt buckles. I am looking forward to see some of the relatives, but not sure what to do about my busy 2 year old. I am sure we will figure it out.

20 Weeks

2010-08-24T11:31:00.002-05:00

We interrupt this blogging hiatus for a belly picture:

So...I am officially 20 weeks today.
I am 16 days vomit free.
I don't feel like crawling back to bed or laying on the couch as soon as I get up. Hurray!
We have the ultrasound next week, but we don't find out the sex.
The baby moves all of the time (especially from 8:30-10:30pm-ish).
We are not 100% sure about names, but we have some ideas.
I didn't really start to show until about 2 weeks ago and now I feel huge.
Lulu's big girl room is all ready except for curtains.

Reuniting

2010-07-31T15:25:00.001-05:00

Our next stop was a family reunion for my dad's side of the family.

These are my 90 year old grandparents and their four youthful children.

These are the twenty great-grandchildren produced from 9 grandchildren.

Getting to ride on the firetruck was one of the highlights.

Lee and Lulu did the sackrace.

Cousin Mac turned two.

And the evening ended when some naughty little girl got into the pool fully-clothed.

Chicago vacation

2010-07-30T15:12:00.002-05:00

Lee had to work for a few days in Chicago, so Lulu and I hitched a ride. Our vacation began with strawberries in our pajamas in the hotel bed. Sorry about the hand-prints on the sheets.

It also included a little bum-grabbing:

some hand holding:

a staring contest:

more handing holding. this time while shopping:

some dress-up (Amelia let Lulu pick her outfit out by herself):

"Cuzy hugs:"

book reading with binkies (Lulu introduced Mac to the joys of princess books):

Thanks for all of the fun, Murrays.

We Have Been Busy

2010-07-26T09:16:00.001-05:00

We have been away from home for almost a week now. You can check out our adventures here:

http://miniandbrother.blogspot.com/

Friday Fun

2010-07-17T21:34:00.002-05:00

Lulu and I had a wonderful day with friends on Friday.

If you want to see pictures, click here.

I stink

2010-06-25T16:01:00.002-05:00

I am sorry that I suck at blogging. It is not for lack of content. Life has been crazy and busy. Lulu and I have been living it up this summer. She also had a birthday.

-Lulu turned two this week.
-She weighed 29 pounds and was almost 35 inches tall.
-She is the smiliest, happiest child I know.
-She is my best friend.
-Her "l's" are currently "y's." It cracks me up. For example: Yuyu is her name. She likes to sit on my yap. She also like to bring things ayong with us in the car.
-She loves our dog and won't go to bed without sticking her hand out of her crib for the dog to lick (or yick).
-She is addicted to M&M's.
-She asks for oatmeal and bananas every morning for breakfast.
-She loves the Wonder Pets.
-She is totally a daddy's girl. He reads her books, rocks her, tells her stories and prays with her every night before bed.
-She is the bossiest girl I have ever met. I think maybe opinionated is the nicer way to put it.

-She is fearless.
-She loves jumping in the pool. She also loves sprinklers.
-She can't sleep without her bunny and her blankie.
-She knows all of her colors and can count to five (except she skips one).
-She likes to hook and buckle herself in the stroller, carseat and shopping cart.
-She can open door handles.
-She loves to take showers instead of always taking a bath.
-She likes to "read" books to her stuffed animals.

-She is my favorite person in the world and I can't imagine my life without her.
-She is a great hugger and kisser (always on the lips).
-Sadly, I think she is going to have Lee's super thin hair.
-She loves to jump, especially on the beds.
-She is wonderful. She makes my days happy and full (even when I feel exhausted and nauseous).
-I love to be around her.
She can also be the naughtiest little sucker, but I can forget most of those times pretty easily.

-Happy 2nd birthday! I love you.

Another Rozebud

2010-06-04T13:42:00.003-05:00

Coming in 2011...

My Girl is going to be a big sister.

I think the second picture is evidence of why ultrasounds should not be done in the first trimester...what is that thing?

Reformatted

2010-06-04T08:32:00.001-05:00

You'll never guess what was going on when I fixed my new camera...

My Girl was bathing. She made for a picture trial run. She wanted to wash her "guys." Linny needed her eyes washed. Don't worry, Tuck and MingMing were patiently waiting for their turns.

Then Lulu said, "I wash the cape."

All clean and ready to get out.

New camera

2010-06-03T08:34:00.002-05:00

I got a new camera last week. I have taken a million pictures and tried to upload them to the computer. Apparently there is something wrong with the disk. Dang. I am going to have to reformat it and will probably lose all of the pictures I have taken in the last week. Dang.

On a side note, I got the newer version of the exact same camera I have had for the past three years. Of course the batteries are not interchangeable. That would be too easy. Ugh.

Dang It

2010-05-27T08:24:00.002-05:00

So, about a month ago, I broke my camera. I let it rest for a week and it miraculously healed itself. Sadly it broke again last week. I need to go buy a new one.

In the past couple of days I have missed:
-first time in a baby pool this summer
-jumping
-running through the sprinkler (she calls it her "pinklas") both Monday and Tuesday
-playing at the park with friends
-hanging out at the Play Station with our Mommy and Me friends.
-playing in the ball pit until forcible removed.

Hopefully this weekend I will go buy a new one and this silly matter can get resolved. For now, you are just going to have to imagine the cuteness for yourselves.

22 Days Ago

2010-05-10T08:11:00.004-05:00

April 17-18 (Thanks to Picasa to remember the date for me) were beautiful days here. We spent a lot of time outside. Our favorite place to go this spring is Brucemore. It is an historical mansion and acreage about a block from our house. We love to walk over, walk through the gardens, sit by the pond and feed the ducks. We walk over at least 3 times a week. During the day, it is just Lulu and I. In the evening (and during weekends) we let Lee and Petunia come with us.Sorry if you get sick of Brucemore pictures in the coming months.

On this particular beautiful day, the tree across the pond from us was at the pinnacle of beauty. I love the blossoms and how they reflect in the water. As hard as I tried, I could not get Lulu to stand still so I could get her in the picture too.

These are our ducky friends.

Lulu's new favorite things are the white chairs. She loves to sit.stand in both of them. For this shot, she coerced her dad and Petunia to sit with her.

I must have been into nature shots...this are our crabapple and apple trees in the backyard. When we moved into the house (it was at the end of August), the crabapple tree was mostly leafless and kind of sickly-looking. We were about to cut it down, Lee had a saw to the trunk, and then we decided to wait a year to see if it was better in the spring. It was. Now I love it; my favorite part is the smell.

Another tree (this time in the front yard) that is beautiful in April and ugly in August. I also wanted to cut this one down.

We tore out 13 dead/dying bushes along the back fence and planted 9 lilac bushes. In about 30 years they will be a huge wall.

Lee's project for the spring/summer: scrape, prime and paint the garage. Our garage was built in 1915. It needs a lot of love. This is Lee showing off the first 4 feet he completed. Check back with us in September and see if he actually finished the whole garage.

Spring Photo Shoot

2010-05-07T14:25:00.001-05:00

Excuse the chronology, but about 4 weeks ago the weather was beautiful and we decided to try to take some artsy spring shots under our weeping cherry tree. Of course the dog was included.

Sisterly love.

Daddy wanted in on the photo shoot with his girls.

So sad.

2010-05-07T08:56:00.002-05:00

I am interrupting my April recap to bring the saddest news.

My baby is growing up; her hair fits into a ponytail.

She looks like such a big girl with her hair all pulled back.

I guess on the bright side it will be nice for summer. She will be able to keep her hair out of her face and off of her neck,

About 3 weeks ago...

2010-05-06T08:52:00.002-05:00

Nanny and Papa were going to drive to Katie's while Scott was at a conference in Kentucky, so the Girl and I hitched a ride. The first stop was the little park by their house. Macker showed Lulu how to ride a teeter totter.

Nanny snuggled with the babies after their naps.

Our evening ended with a group bath...

some borrowed pajamas...and a book being read by cousin Amelia.

Reading with Daddy

2010-05-04T12:51:00.003-05:00

So...I haven't blogged in awhile. I have taken a million pictures, had neck surgery, coached tennis, visited the Murrays, broke my camera, healed my camera a week later, worked outside on the yard, and played with my ever-growing girl.

Last night I was doing dishes and Lee yelled, "You'd better get the camera and come in here." So I did. They were snuggling on Brutus (the large stuffed dog) and reading books.

I snuck in and tried to take a couple of natural shots, but then Lulu yelled, "pit-chur."

She kept saying, "cheese, a-gint (aka again)." So I happily obliged her.

Cuties

2010-04-02T16:11:00.001-05:00

We told them to hold hands. So they ran around and loved it.

They are going to be best friends.

Aunt Karoline

2010-03-24T08:19:00.002-05:00

I am going to be an aunt again. Kristy (aka Chunk) is going to have a baby girl (Baby Chunk) in August.

I may already have a special place in my heart for her because her name is going to be Annika Karoline! Hurray!

Saturday

2010-03-21T19:29:00.006-05:00

Saturday dawned and this is what it looked like outside:

Yikes! What is a girl to do? So, our girl watched part of our favorite"mungo," (aka movie) Enchanted with her dad. I love that Lee can recite lines from it and he occasionally sings along.

We put on our pretty new dress (I love it and she might wear it more often than she should. If she does please don't embarrass her by mentioning it). We all know that a killer outfit helps chase away the blahs.

She had to give the rooster a kiss (obviously) before we could leave.

We went to lunch with the relatives and "uncle."

After her nap, she added denim jacket for extra warmth and to complete the Debbie Gibson-esque ensemble and we headed out to the farm.

We went to the farm and she played and curtsied.

Someone (my inlaws) insisted that she would not be warm enough and put a green Carhartt sweatshirt over her cute outfit. She got to pet Big Kitty in the hay loft.

She got to feed a "hees" (aka horse) a treat.

On our walk back to the house, we saw a pretty sunset,

And she got to hang out with two of her favorite boys (Uncle and Daddy).

If you like my sweetheart's cool dress and want one (or several) of your own, I will try to link the etsy site (http://www.etsy.com/shop/whimsiesbyjen). The dress (and she also makes t-shirts) are not on the site, but I'll bet if you asked really nicely...

Don't you worry...my father in laws crazy outfit will go unmentioned. Stay tuned.

Goodbye, Winter! (hopefully)

2010-03-17T08:22:00.002-05:00

I took these pictures last month, but forgot to post them. She loved wearing this hat, but not getting her picture taken.

I think this was snapped mid-"no."

Makes a mom proud...

2010-03-10T17:11:00.003-06:00

The other morning, Girl opened a closet and found two new toys. She thought they were pretty cool. She carry them around the house and so I decided to take advantage of the photo op.

98% if the time, when she sees the camera she turns her head and yells," no," while wildly waving her arms. On said morning, every time she saw the camera she shouted, "Mommy, I cheese."

We might have to work on her "natural" smile. I am just happy she likes wackas (aka racquets) and not those stupid socka (soccer) balls like her daddy.

I am a lucky lady

2010-03-07T20:59:00.004-06:00

Lee just said," I feel sorry for you ladies. You get unattractive so quickly," while watching the Oscars and referring to the aging process.

Anyone jealous?

Haircut and Anonymous Donors.

2010-03-03T14:44:00.001-06:00

I got my haircut almost a foot a couple of weeks ago. I told Denis I was ready for a change, but I am not sure I was...

The strangest part of my new haircut is that my hair is now curly (at least the back 80%). I am not really cure what to do with it. I am starting to get used to it now.

So strange...any suggestions/tips for styling curly/wavy hair would be welcome and appreciated.

On a side note...someone got these for my girl and left them hanging on my parents doorknob. I love them (who wouldn't loved a personalized pink bag and lunchbox?). Thanks to whoever was Lulu's anonymous donor is.

An Attempt

2010-02-28T21:07:00.001-06:00

So I haven't been a very good blogger lately. I think I might have lost the love. I hope it comes back. I was blaming it on not being able to find my camera's cord that lets me upload pictures. I suppose I could blog without pictures, but when you have a girl as cute as mine pictures are a necessity. Here are a few random things in case you were missing me...

This was the Facebook status I wanted to write yesterday, but Lee told me not to: Karoline feels sorry for people whose Facebook status is so poorly written grammatically that it doesn't make sense.

Too pointed? But seriously, I read this person's status about 5-6 times before I figured out what the heck it was trying to say. Sad.

Today the man sitting next to me at church clipped his fingernails and his cuticles. It was really gross. I had a hard time concentrating.

These are the last two pictures I uploaded before the cord was stolen from my living room:

For those of you who don't know, my husband is a big geek. He loves computer games, sci-fi movies and fantasy books (wizards, dragons, make believe beings, etc). Let's just say he has read the LOTR trilogy 12+ times. He finally convinced me to see Avatar. In 3D. Don't we look cool?

This is me mocking his excitement. I kept singing, "A Whole New World" from "Aladdin." He was not amused.

For the record, I did enjoy the movie...just not as much as he did.

31 Years Old.

2010-02-19T13:24:00.001-06:00

My birthday was a couple weeks back. Strangely... it involved a lot a eating. The first stop was at the farm at a pre-Super Bowl party. LuEllyn surprised me with a large chocolate Coldstone cake. Yum.

My girl found some fun glasses.

On the day of my birthday we went out to eat and Girl did some coloring with her dad.

Family photo op.

The day after my birthday we met our friend, Brenda, at the ID. Girl wore the shirt the owners gave her when she was 8 days old (on her first visit). It just now fits. She really enjoys "dipping." Fries in ranch are the current fave.

awwwww yeah

2010-02-12T19:12:00.000-06:00

Thug Life...

Bathing suits in January...

2010-02-05T08:05:00.001-06:00

Last weekend Nanny and Papa treated the whole family to a overnight trip to a Dubuque water park. All of the kids (and the grownups) had fun.

Mac and Lulu playing and "sharing."

Saturday morning my girl got a little more brave. She was a champ doing to baby slide all by herself...

Remorse?

2010-01-27T13:57:00.002-06:00

Miss Independent/Miss ODD strikes again. The other day Girl was eating her oatmeal for breakfast and I nicely asked her to set down her bowl (she was holding it up to her face so she could see what was in it). Immediately upon my request, she put it in her left arm and hugged it to her chest. And that is how she ate her bowl of oatmeal.

Don't tell her, but I think she spilled less while hugging the bowl and holding it directly under her chin than when she east it like she is supposed to.

Strangely, I don't see any sign of remorse in this face...

Party like it's 1919

2010-01-24T14:29:00.001-06:00

Yesterday we belatedly celebrated my Grandpa Jack's (dad's dad) 90th birthday. His actual birthday was December 12, 1919. Our whole family met in Rockford for dinner and a Euchre tournament.

This is my Uncle Randy, Grandpa, dad, Aunt Mary Ann, and Uncle Gordon.

After dinner everyone said something they were thankful for about Grandpa Jack. This was him giving his "acceptance speech" with his arm around Grandma Marge (she'll be 90 in July). They have been married 68.5 years.

Before the Euchre tournament, my aunt had made a photo tribute of Grandpa's life. This was Nanny and Papa cuddling on the couch.

Watching the video (Grandpa, Gordon, Mary Ann, Nanny, Papa, Katie and Scott)

Our part of the family with Grandpa Jack and Grandma Marge.

Sassy

2010-01-14T13:52:00.003-06:00

This morning I started a new Bible study at church. I dropped my girl off in the nursery and she was not really happy about it. She does a great job on Sunday mornings, so I wasn't worried. When I came to pick her up, her eyes were all red and she was rubbing them. I asked the workers if she had cried the whole time and one of them said no just the last few minutes. She thought she knew what triggered it...

Apparently when all of the kids were eating snack around the table, one kid asked for his mommy. Worker Lady said,"Your mommy isn't here. She will come back later and pick you up. Until she comes back, I'm your mommy."

My girl thought about it and then looked at the lady and said, "You're not my mommy."

I asked if they were sure that is what she said. They said, "clear as day, she didn't even need to repeat herself."

Wow. Whose kid is she? I don't know where she gets her sassiness. I wish I could have been there to hear her.

Uncle

2010-01-11T14:20:00.001-06:00

Uncle Lance is home from college for a very long Christmas break (December 11th-January 20th). The first half of his break was great, but the second half has been plagued with "relationship problems." Thus, we have been seeing a lot of his lately. Girl just loves him. She calls him Uncle and runs to him whenever she sees him (even if her Nana and Papa Rozeboom are standing right there).

Lance was moping and Lee was trying to cheer him up.

A kiss from our girl will make everything better.

They have been playing games and reading books together.

Where is Uncle?

I found him.

Our favorite thing to ask her is, "Who do you want to change your pooper? Daddy, Mommy or Uncle?" She picks Uncle every time!

Apparently watching football intensely is how boys work through things and commiserate.

Even if we are just the consolation prize for Lance it has been nice having him around. He is much nicer when he is single.

Oh by the way...if you know of any nice, single, Christian, college-age girls in the Eastern Iowa or Albuquerque area let me know.

What is wrong with me?

2010-01-08T16:40:00.002-06:00

I just vacuumed under the couch cushions for the first time since we moved in 3.5 years ago.

In my defense, I don't vacuum. It is Lee's only cleaning chore. I guess I need to be more specific...

Also, it is has been so cold and snowy this week, we haven't done anything exciting. I don't even remember taking a picture. Yikes. I will work one it.

Miss Independent

2010-01-01T08:50:00.004-06:00

My Girl has to do everything by herself. Lately that has taken the form of feeding herself. I know it is good for her to learn, but it has vastly increased the amount of laundry I have to do.

She also needed both utensils to eat. She put one in each hand, thrust her hands in the air and yelled, "twooooooooo." Little smarty...now if only I could find the volume control on her.

She has sadly inherited her mother's sweet tooth. Lately every morning when she gets hungry for breakfast she grabs my hand, smiles at me and says, "coocah" (aka cookie). The past two mornings she has grabbed my hand and said, "cauk" (aka cake). She must be remembering all of the cake she has eaten in the past month (Haddie's birthday, Kerstin's birthday, Jesus' birthday, and Jared's birthday).

We had her 18 month appointment this week and after her shots as I was getting her dressed she looked at me tearfully and said, "coocah." Poor girl. What mama could say no to a cookie after a shot? During her appointment as I was talking to the doctor, she walked over to the door, pulled down the handle, pulled the door open and laughed as she ran into the hallway (all of that happened in about 2 seconds).

She is 33.5 inches tall and 26lbs 2oz. She is getting too tall. In addition to opening doors, she can now open the drawers in the kitchen, reach her hand in, and pull things out. I might have to find a new home for the knives.

PS Happy 2010!

Merry Day After Christmas/Merry Caroling

2009-12-31T07:03:00.001-06:00

Girl bonding...Haddie, Amelia and Lulu playing on/near the computer.

Dancing around the Christmas Tree...one of Nanny's favorite Danish traditions.

All six grandkids ready to get on the bus and start the caroling.

Lee didn't like the lack of seatbelts, so they sat in the wayback in the only seats that had belts.

A family photo.

Nanny getting her singing voice ready as we walked up one of the driveways.

Scott, our caroling leader.

At our last stop we were invited in. Girl loved the puppies. Dogs with tails are a novelty to her. She couldn't stop laughing.

She also loved the train.

Haddie got to hold baby McKenzie.

Casey and Katie in the kitchen.

Lee showing Nanny some love.

Our fearless leader, chauffeur, and patriarch, Papa.

Thanks for keeping us safe, Papa.

Christmas Evening

2009-12-30T20:26:00.000-06:00

Someone discovered the strawberries and dip. When she couldn't reach any more strawberries, she had to improvise. On a side note, nanny got her that tutu and she had to model it for us.

She doesn't seem to remorseful that she got caught.

When your mommy tells you no, run and cuddle your papa...he would never tell a little girl no.

The grren gloves also needed to be tried out. Mac thought he was one of the big boys and wanted in on the action.

Lee finally got his turn at Miss Murray's Make Up Shop.

When we got home, Lee had her open one more present, a princess blanket. Lee, Lulu and two of her dollies got to see how soft it was before bed.

Merry Christmas Morning & Afternoon

2009-12-30T12:00:00.004-06:00

When we got up Christmas morning, we had some pancakes.

The we began to open presents. She loved to sit on her present prior to opening them.

She really got the hang of it. Next year she will be a pro. I doubt she will let us eat breakfast before opening presents...

Tuni wanted to be part of Christmas morning.

After all of our presents were opened, we headed to Nanny's. Amelia gave me a makeover.

All six kiddos before the present opening commenced.

Nanny got Girl a Bitty Baby doll. I think we are going to name her Betty.

Scott was VERY appreciative of his present.

Macker loved his new boy doll.

Scott and Hank got matching costumes and matching Incredible Hulk gloves.

I think my perfect angel might have been expressing her displeasure of Mac's new toy.

Merry Christmas Eve!

2009-12-29T12:00:00.003-06:00

Lee had Christmas Eve off from work, so we headed out to the farm. My Girl was watching an intense chess match between Lee and Lance. She kept wanting to play with the pieces and that was not taken well.

The our Girl hung out by the fireplace with Cousin Jared and Aunt Laine (did anyone notice the Lightsabers on the TV in the background?). Jared and Jesus are holding hands too.

Yeah. I did it. I took a picture during the prayer. Go ahead and judge me...I'd do it again.

My dainty flower needed a fork to eat her cookie. She is very sophisticated.

Then we started opening presents. Uncle Lance got some new basketball shoes called Kobes. I was not impressed, but apparently they are cool. Who knew?

Big Jer watching the present opening, Girl and I enjoying a new book she got while Lee starts to open his present.

Lulu seemed to like standing on the box a lot more than opening it.

Grandma LuEllyn helping Lulu feed her new baby while cousin Jared snuggled in his new Cars blanket.

After presents, we went to the basement to play with toys. LuEllyn and Lulu set up all of the animals and then Jared loved knocking them all down with his big tractor.

Girl tried to take the significantly smaller tractor for a ride...

Lance, Laine and Lee.

A Rozeboom gathering would not be complete without the boys all wrestling. Even two-on-one (Lee and Lance versus Jerry), Jerry still wins.

Stay tuned for more Christmas posts...

Bookends

2009-12-22T19:51:00.001-06:00

Cousin Macker stopped by for a brief overnight with Nanny and Papa. Lulu ever so graciously shared her backseat. She also shared her binky.

Mac investigated but decided he preferred the green to the orange. He did chug about 3/4 of the water out of a pink sippy cup though.

They did a little singing. I'm glad there were no arguments about who the lead singer would be...

They also had a little tea party. Macker was quite a gentleman; he poured the tea.

I had to restrain myself not to take million pictures of the little bookends.

1.5

2009-12-22T10:13:00.000-06:00

The Girl is 18 months old today. It has gone so fast. I love her.

New Toys

2009-12-19T22:28:00.001-06:00

One night Lee decided that we should put up our nativity set. I voted not to this year because Girl would mess with it. I was overruled. Lee helped Lulu set it up while explaining the story to her. She is a big fan of "mommy," "daddy," and "Baby."

She thought that the sheep looked a little hungry, so it got a snack from the food bowl.

She loves to give the Baby kisses.

Baby Jesus also get lots of hugs. You can't tell from the photo, but she holds Baby Jesus between her shoulder and ear (like a phone) when she gives Him hugs.

I didn't get a picture of it, but one day she put all of the people and then animals in her wagon and they rode around the house. I guess I don't need to buy her the Little People Nativity set now.

My sweet friend, Sarah!

2009-12-16T15:15:00.005-06:00

My sweet friend, Sarah, and I are having our 10th anniversary this year. We met in the summer of 1999 when I was her counselor at the Summit in TN. During counselor training, I had heard a lot about her from her older brother who was also a counselor. The first night she was very chatty and I had to go to her room a few times after small group and well after lights out. I, being a rule follower, needed to get my girls to bed under any circumstances.

As it turned out, Sarah and I started chatting in the hallway. We stood there talking (not so quietly, as you can imagine if you know either of us) for quite some time. I believe it began with our discussion of Mandie books (I was convinced that Sarah and Mandie were form the same town in NC) then we moved on to discuss Janette Oke books and I am sure we eventually covered the Thoenes. I knew God had made us kindred spirits from that moment.

This was a picture of our small group in 1999 after we got roses from one of the guys' groups.

Sarah, me and Bethany (Sarah's roommate) at graduation.

Sarah and I stayed in touch all year and both returned in 2000 as counselors. This is us with Kristen (oddly enough, Kristen is now married to the guy in the background wearing the yellow shirt and has two kids) during counselor training.

I could keep going on and on and posting all sorts of fun pictures. Sarah is one of the most thoughtful ladies I know. I am so thankful to call her my friend. Ten years later we are still friends. Now we are old married ladies with kids living halfway across the country from each other. Knowing Sarah as I do, I should not have been surprised to find this box full of goodies on my doorstep:

Yes, it is a box full of cookies and other various sweets. It totally brightened my day to know that Sarah had thought of us in the midst of her hectic life with four girls. Thanks for being such a constant bit of sunshine in my life.

I love you, Sarah...now move closer!

Spoiled

2009-12-14T21:34:00.001-06:00

On Thursday nights I play tennis. I get home after bed time and the last couple of weeks, this is what I have come home to:

When I asked Lee why our child was asleep on the living room floor while he sat on the couch watching football, he responded, "She didn't want to go upstairs. When I asked her if it was time for bed, she shook her head and sat down. I told her she could stay down here with daddy and she laid down and I got her a binky and covered her with a blanket."

When I asked how he got her to lay there without getting up or playing, he said, "I just told her that she had to go night-night and if she got up she would have to go up to her bed."

For the record, she would never in a million years have laid down, not moved and fallen asleep. Wow. I guess we know who will have to be the disciplinarian around here.

I told him that we should be thankful our baby sleeps perfectly in her crib and not mess that up, but Daddy said that his girl wanted to stay close to him. I guess there are worse things that could happen, right?

GreatAmerica Christmas Party

2009-12-08T13:50:00.001-06:00

We also had a Kid's Christmas party for Lee's office on Sunday. They rented out a bowling alley and had Santa and Mrs. Claus handing out all of the presents.

Our girl was modeling the most beautiful handmedown outfit from our friend Sarah. I thought she looked like a little princess. Perfect for bowling...or something...

Lee helped her bowl.

Her favorite part was waiting for the balls to come back up. She kept trying to lift them up and would grunt with effort then look at us and say, "heavy."

Due to the fact that she is 17 months old, there were 500+ children there, the music was super loud, it was very hot, she only got a 60 minutes nap and Santa terrified her, she didn't do so well. She had a few breakdowns and lots of back-arching and tears. We took a little break and played with the rocks outside in the parking lot. That seemed to make life a lot better.

Haddie

2009-12-08T13:26:00.002-06:00

Sunday afternoon we headed to the Harkers for Haddie's 3rd birthday party. It began with a little beauty parlor. Haddie was very patient with my Girl. I heard her say, "Quit moving, Wuwu!"

Then Hank shared his toys. I think this is a poster for the future of the NRA.

Hank and Lulu "watching" Haddie open her presents.

Showing off her new purse that our Grandma Esther made for Kerstin many years ago.

Kerstin rounded us all up and we went down to the basement to watch Haddie's new Dora video.

Our Girl has a limited attention span and Kerstin's basement has lots of fun distractions.

The birthday girl with her cake.

Thanks for the fun. I love free dinners with all you can eat cookies and cake. Mmmm. I can't wait until April.