Zeke's Questions

What would happen if someone cutted the earth in half?
How many days until Christmas?

Tuesday

I kept Gwen at home one more day just to make sure she is over this stomach thing she had yesterday.  She's feeling much better and I needed to get out of the house so we collected their money and we went to the thrift store.  Gwen used her money to get this mini tea set.  She was so excited.  

Romy got some new crocs and a radio.  Here she is dancing while holding her radio. 

Spring Springing

Yesterday we had a small Easter egg hunt in our back yard.  I used to love egg hunts when I was a kid even though I was hunting hard boiled eggs.  These kids have it too good.  Here is Gwen finding a prized egg (with 50 cents in there).

Romy playing with her babies.  I guess she's calling a friend to talk about how taxing raising children is.

Romy with her prized egg.  Zeke was oh so helpful in "helping" her find it.

Zeke found his prized egg.

Last night Gwen was up sick.  I'll spare you the details...but not fun.  After a long nap this morning her color has come back and this is her feeling better.  My two girls.  God has been so gracious with me. 

Notice the small things

My three. 

Gwen's penguin sculpture

Romy drawing. She loves to draw.

Little mushrooms that I thought were interesting. Aren't you glad you read this blog?

More of the kids

I saw this in Wal-Mart. Sounds frightening to me but I sent this to a friend of mine and she wants to buy it! 

Zeke's Questions

Hey mom, I know something really easy to spell.  (what Zeke) TV.  T.  V. 
How many miles is it to the dessert?  How many miles to the cold place where penguins live?  How many to the ocean where sharks live? 

A Series of Surrenders

I've been thinking today how life is one series of surrenders after another.  It takes wisdom to know what to take up and what to lay down.
I went out on a limb and asked to try that solo in the video before.  I tried it and it was ok... but after several times of singing it in front of my peers I felt insecure.  So I voiced my concern and now it looks like someone else will be singing it.  I'm ok with it.  In fact, I feel relief.  What's that saying about setting something free and if it returns to you it was yours all along?  I don't know...but I let it go.
That's just a small thing.... but these small things can really make up a life.  I mean, how many times in a marriage do you have to surrender something?  How many times as a mom do you have to surrender something?  lots.
Here's a story I first heard about on Focus on the Family.  I sometimes listen to that program in the morning as I get the kids ready for school.  I was struck by this woman's heart and outlook in the midst of a difficult situation.  She just went home to heaven a few days ago, so please say a prayer for her family.

Silly

We were feeling silly last night at dinner time.  Here are some silly shots of the kids. 

This was the other night at church.  Zeke fell asleep with his hand down his pants... and yes, he wears the same clothes every day.

Zeke's Questions

What is the fartherest world there is? I'll bet they have sharks there. I like sharks.
What does "h-t-r" spell? Nothing Zeke. What about heater? Yeah, that's close.
Will a snail eat a tater tot?

Friday

We did another Mr. Otter art studio project. The sunset silhouette. Gwen used hers as an entry into an Arbor day poster contest. If she wins she will plant a tree with the mayor. 

Zeke made his with mythical creatures.

Today we went to the zoo. We had a very nice time. The red panda was a highlight as well as the king penguins.

We saw a hawk this morning flying around our neighborhood. Spring break has been great. I'll be a little sad to see Gwen go back to school honestly. 

Tuesday

Comforting brother after a fall.

 

Pudding face

Ring around the Rosie with neighbors.

Everyday Moments Again

It's hard to say what staying home with children is like until you experience it.  These every day moments are ones I will treasure for a lifetime.  

 

Gwen and Zeke swinging on the swing set. 

Romy and the Adirondack chair reading.

Today was such a beautiful day.  We were at the library and on our way back we met my Egyptian neighbor walking with some of her grandchildren.  She invited Gwen and Zeke to go along.  So here they are walking hand in hand with a neighbor.  It was such a sweet scene that I had to snap a photo.

Only in Sleep

I have not heard a more beautiful song recently than this.  What a beautiful voice this girl has!  We are preparing this song for an upcoming concert.  Maybe I'll try out for the solo (?) 

Zeke's remarks

Tonight at dinner:  "mom, I love you"  (I love you too Zeke) "I love you the most, except God" (that's the way it is supposed to be)

Everyday Life

I haven't slept really well in a number of days now.  It seems there is someone always scared, had an accident on themselves, ect. ect during the night these days.  I guess the kids are showing the lack of sleep also because Gwen got in trouble right before dinner and then when she came down she gave me this two sided note. :) 

Romy's pass times include playing with dolls and pushing this Adirondack chair around and sitting in it and "reading" books and laughing her head off at them.

This morning Zeke got sick.  I found him like this when I came down from the shower.  Asleep.  With the Wii remote in his arms.

More Owlets

Zeke and Owlets

Nothing says spring like baby birds right?  Well... move over baby birds... we've got baby owlets.  That's right.  Up the road near where Zeke goes to preschool they discovered some owlets.  I haven't seen them in person, but Zeke's teacher sent me these photos of photos... so that's why they are grainy.  Today I am going up there and looking at them in person.  I've never seen owlets in person.  Kansas has so much wildlife to behold!  

Zeke this morning.  Isn't he cute?

The kids have watched this story over and over and now we have owlets to LOOK at!!!  Can you tell I'm excited about owlets?

Zeke's Questions

Today:  When you die, do you become an angel?  (no, Zeke, people are different than angels)
What part of you is still alive after you die?  like your heart?  (yes, a little like your heart.  It is called a spirit.)

Preparation

This is the music I am preparing for an upcoming concert.  I am so blessed to be able to do this kind of music.
 A memorial to his lost son, Howells wrote this deeply personal, moving tribute in 1932 and kept it hidden from the world until he was finally persuaded to publish it in 1980, just three years before his death.

Chalks

Today we finally got a warmer day. The kids were so excited that after school they changed clothes into summer attire. Zeke came racing down the hill looking like this. I couldn't help but laugh a little. 

Romy smiling. She's still so sweet but recently learned the word "no" and likes to say it. 

Just so you don't think I'm Pollyanna, this picture happened a short while before Gwen became angry with her brother and when corrected became disrespectful which resulted in a trip home for a "disciplinary action".