it made me wonder

Leading up to Christmas, we used a new advent calendar. This Calendar is actually 24 little books that give a little of the Christmas story each day. When you are done reading the book, it has a string to use it as an ornament on the tree. Towards the end of this process, Austin decided that he wanted to read some of the books. On day 23 he was reading. The book says, "'Fear not," says the angel of the Lord....' I was not looking over his shoulder when he was reading, but I was listening to him. When he got to this particular part, I heard, ""Fear not," says the eagle of the Lord..." I had to stop him and correct him. Then we had a good laugh about the Christmas eagle. :)

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Yesterday I was making pancakes for breakfast. Adam walked by the kitchen and said, "Mommy, I'm going to the bathroom. I just don't want you to worry." I laughed to myself and thought, I wouldn't have worried, but now I'm wondering if I should.

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My sister, Lana, just had a baby 11 days ago. The boys have made some statements lately that have really made me wonder...

1. Lana and Grace needed to stay in the hospital one extra day, for observation. Adam heard this and asked if they were putting the baby back in. (Lana heard this and said, "OUCH!")

2.Yesterday, Austin commented several times that Lana should have another baby in her tummy, maybe even twins! (give the poor girl a little time!!)

3. The boys have been crawling on the floor saying "gaa gaa goo goo" then they say "this is what baby Grace does." Little do they realize, at this point baby Grace does NOTHING!

4. Austin was just here, and read #1. He then asked, "why did Lana say ouch?" (Oh my!!)

I think they have a little to learn before reaching parenthood!

1 down, 2 to go.

Several years ago, Mike wrote a children's book. At one point, he printed it out for his Dad (just a paper copy). I remember hearing people say that he should try to publish it. Then I started thinking, "hey, that's not a bad idea!" So, I did some research on the computer, and found a publisher. We submitted 3 books that had been done over a period of years. THEY ACCEPTED ALL 3!!! So, Mike has worked very hard to get the pictures "just right," make sure that all the verbiage is correct, and just the way he wants it. I am so proud of him! He has done a fantastic job with these books.

We got an e-mail the other day, the first book is published and ready for sale! This is a link to the book. Take a look if you like!

http://www.publishamerica.net/product88417.html

welcome home

Our family has had a bit of a different week this past week. Last Friday morning at 3:30. I got a call from my sister saying that her water broke, and I should come. I was with her during the labor and delivery of her beautiful little girl, Grace. A snow storm came through on Friday. Mike and the boys tried to come get me on Sunday, but the roads were so bad that it took them an hour to travel what should have been about a 20 minute drive. They turned around and went home. Monday they were able to get there and bring me home.

Wednesday, Mike headed to PA to exchange gifts with his parents, and bring ours back home to us. He came home Thursday night. As I was putting the boys to bed on Thursday, Austin slipped into the kitchen and grabbed a piece of paper and made this note,
and put it between the curtain and window to the carport door. We turned the light on so that this would be the first thing Mike would see. What a wonderful way to be welcomed home!

This week the boys have experienced a few days with Daddy, a few days with Mommy, and a few days with us both. We are looking forward to the rest of our Christmas break-TOGETHER!

He thinks like me.

Last night, Austin was reading a book to me. In the book it talked about rhubarb. I knew this word would be unfamiliar to him, but was interested to see what he would come up with. He studied it, sounded it out and said, "rubbish."

Yes, my boy, that is what I think of rhubarb, too!

moving on...

Adam has had a crush on a girl named Lucy for over 2 years. He even gave her a ring this past summer so that they would be "married." It even go the point that Adam would ask people if they were married, then he would proceed to tell them that he was married to Lucy. She has moved and now lives 2 hours away. Adam was stilled determined that he was going to end up with he. (Just a side note: Lucy is a very sweet, cute girl. I just don't think at 6 Adam is ready to make such a decision!)

The other evening at supper I mentioned that someone was a cute girl (I don't even remember who I was talking about). Adam pipes up and says, "Hailey in my class is a cute girl." I have to say I found relief in that statement. I think he may be moving on from Lucy. A few days after he said this, his class went on a field trip to the firehouse. At one point, they had to sit down. Some of the chairs could hold 2 children. I did notice that Adam went directly to sit with Hailey. I am by no means saying that he must marry this girl!! I am just glad that he is moving on from his preschool crush, and I am thrilled that he is friends with both boys AND girls in his class. (Since then he has also said that Rebecca is cute--I find this humorous because the teacher says they have disagreements about the crayons a lot!)

Lucy, you are a sweet girl, but I think my Adam has moved on...

New Cousin

This weekend, we were very pleased to add another cousin to the list in the Kiser family. Grace Elizabeth joined our family Saturday December 19 at 10:21 am.

Here is a picture of Mom (Lana) and Grace having a peaceful moment.

My boys came to get me from Roanoke, and were very happy when they each got a chance to hold their new cousin.

She even fell asleep for Adam. But, Austin claimed he made her tired.

She is a very sweet baby, and has some little boys wrapped around her finger already!

Field trips

The boys have each had field trips recently, and I was able to participate on both trips.

Last Thursday, Austin's class went to the Children's Museum and to the local TV station (I forgot my camera, so I do not have pictures of this trip). At the Museum we talked about animals and how they adapt to weather changes. At the TV station we were able to talk to one of the meteorologists. She told us about her job and what she does. Then she let each of the children go to the green screen and hold up a green piece of material. They enjoyed watching themselves "disappear." Since the Children's museum is next door to the TV station, we went back and had some time to play and explore the museum.

Today, Adam's class went to the fire station, I did remember my camera this time.

They showed the children how the firefighters get dressed. Then he let each of the the children touch his uniform.

We were able to go see the firetrucks. They explained about the different parts that were on the truck.

He is showing the kids one of the nozzles that he has.

Each child got to walk through the front of the truck to see what that looked like.

As we were leaving, they turned the lights on the truck on for us.

The kids seemed to like both trips.

Adam's prayer

As I put Adam to bed, he will often say a little prayer, and then I will pray. Usually, Adam says, "Dear Jesus, Thank you for this day, Thank you for a loving family and cute little boys." (wonder where he heard the cute little boys part? :) Tonight, however, he added something new that was unexpected. He said, "Dear Jesus, Thank you for this day, Thank you for a CHRISTIAN family..." My first thought was, WOW! I'm glad he is thankful for this. At the same time, I wonder if he really knows what he is being thankful for. He has never known anything else.

I remember being in Elementary School (it would have been between K-2 from the school I remember this in) thinking that because I was a Christian then everyone was a Christian. With him being 6 and in Kindergarten (in a public school), I'm sure there are not heavy religious conversations around the cafeteria lunch table. But, I can be sure that not all of the kids in his class are Christians.

Kids are very perceptive! I'm glad that he knows that we are Christians!

4th and final...for now

In my last post, I stated that Austin had gotten his 3rd 6 year molar. This evening as I was flossing his teeth, I found that he is also getting his 4th 6 year molar. I guess that is the final, until he starts to get his next ones.

I realize that this is probably not interesting to anyone besides myself. I am mainly doing this so that I have some sort of record for years down the road.

teeth

This morning, after breakfast, Austin came up to me complaining about one of his teeth hurting. My first thought was, "oh no, we were just at the dentist in October, and he said everything was great. Now you have this pain...UGH!" I thought I would take a look and see if I could see what was causing the pain. I had to encourage Austin to move his finger, because it was absolutely impossible for me to see the tooth THROUGH his finger. (I think he just wanted to make sure I looked at the right tooth, and didn't want me to lose the place :) I looked and to my relief found that he is getting his 3rd 6 year molar (Austin turned 8 in June!). (I have stated before how I get excited when my boys grow 1/2" because they are on the shorter end of the growth chart--this applies to teeth as well. My boys tend to be very late teethers.)

I was very happy to see that a tooth was coming in, and I wouldn't have to call the dentist for an appointment.

I'm wondering why...

I thought it would be a good idea to have the boys help me make Christmas cards.

I brought paint and Christmas cookie cutters home from work. Austin and I stamped the cookie cutter shapes onto paper. Adam had very little interest in doing this. After the stamps dried, I told the boys that they could color the shapes.

Adam really enjoyed this part of the project. He would do one and ask, "Mommy, is it beautiful?" He really did a good job!

Austin helped with this part too. However, his pictures were a little less serious.

Somehow, I don't think this one will make it on a card!

We had such a good time, I didn't realize how late it was. Adam was up past his bedtime, and Austin should have been doing his reading (he did stay up and get that done!).

At some points this evening, I wondered why I was doing all this when I could run out and buy some. But, buying the cards does not give me the giggles and fun I had tonight with my boys

White Christmas

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

Just like the ones I used to know

Where the treetops glisten and children listen

To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I think everyone has heard this song. And this time of year, if you turn on the radio, you will hear it several times in a very short period of time.

I have to say, I do not remember having many white Christmas' growing up. I seemed to always think that in this area we didn't get snow until January or February. However, I did have a white Christmas at my in-law's a few years ago. And, unexpectedly, again this year.

My family celebrated Christmas this past weekend. This was primarily due to the fact that Lana is due to have a baby this month. This will be the last trip they make up here as a couple. Next time they come, they will be a family of 3. We were so glad that we could have this holiday celebration with them.

We got about 5 inches of snow on Saturday. It was nice to have the boys (big and small) outside playing while we prepared for the meal. It made for a lot of extra clothes to dry, but it was worth it! While outside, the boys built an igloo out of snow. We bought a snow brick maker the other year, so they enjoyed using that to make bricks to build the igloo.

The igloo was big enough for the boys to be in there. In this picture, Adam is in the igloo.

The boys were exhausted from all the playing. Adam even fell asleep between supper and desert. He woke up afraid that he missed the gift opening. (He did get to bed late Friday night because of the parade, this was an exhausting weekend for him)

Years down the road, the boys may not remember their "White Christmas," but it was fun to have snow on our Christmas day.

The breaking of bread

Saturday, Mom baked several loaves of bread. She placed the bread on a rack, then placed it on a picnic type bench in the back room of their house. The bread was cooling, and we were all anxious to have a piece of fresh, hot out of the oven bread. When we looked in the back room, we saw this. He looks innocent enough, right?Then, Lana looked a little closer, and asked Mom, "is your bread suppose to look like that?" The loaf beside Adam looked like...

I grabbed to camera, because I could not believe how much was gone.

Then I had to capture a picture of him in the act.

Later, we took the loaf of bread to find that it had been dug out! We wondered how one little boy could eat that much bread. It later came out that Mike and Matt had done their fair share of nibbling, too.

We then joked that he needed some grape juice and he could have had communion.

I do think that Adam ate most of the bread, this is due to the fact that he did not eat much lunch after all that!

I'd like to make a note here: Mom laughed about this!! I'm glad she could see humor in this!

Christmas Parade

Friday was the Christmas Parade. We decided to go. We were very thankful that it was not as cold this year as last year. We still dressed really warm and took plenty of blankets to cuddle in, if needed. Adam had the best seat in the house! Mike let him sit on his shoulders, then I would take a turn holding him. I think we finally realized, that he is gaining weight!

Adam is used to going to bed at 7:30 on school nights. It was about 7:45 and I noticed he would lay his head on my shoulder, while I was holding him. He finally said, "I'm too tired." I put him in one of the chairs and covered him up.

It's kind of hard to see him! He really blended in to all those cuddly blankets.

We all had a fun time.

my Gingerbread man

This morning, before school, the boys had a little time to play. They each had a toy gun (yes, my boys play with guns. We do make it clear that they are NOT for shooting people. I figured, if they didn't have guns, they would make something else be a gun) and Adam was running around singing, "Run, run, as fast as you can. You can't catch me, I'm the gingerbread man." Then I heard "pow wow wow."

I heard all this and thought, I don't think I would want to catch you! I think I would run the other way!

growing

Adam has been growing in so many ways lately. He is now allowing me kiss him (without immediately "washing" it off) He has become brave enough to try some new foods, some he actually enjoys. And most recently he has just grown. I measured him this morning and he was 44 1/2"-which means he grew 1/2" from September to today. I was excited to see this 1/2"!

I love this picture!

Over the summer, my sister in law and I took the boys to a photography studio to have their pictures taken. We each had some done of just our own boys. This is the one I got of our boys. We have it hanging in the hall. Every time I walk by and see it, I smile. I love this picture!I maybe should have taken it out the frame and scanned it in, but this gives a pretty good idea.

The homework can wait

Usually, this time of year, the Kiser women start to talk about cookie day. That is when we all get together and have a day of making cookies. This year, however, is a bit different. With Lana due to have a baby in December, we are having to come up with creative ways to get our usual holiday activites done. Matt and Lana are coming this weekend, and we are going to celebrate Christmas/ Thanksgiving. We were going to add cookie day in there, but decided it was way too much. As a result, we are having a cookie exchange instead. I decided to make some peanut butter blossoms, since I had the kisses on hand. Austin got very excited about this. (Now, on a normal day, I want him to start his homework RIGHT after supper. This allows for a little play time before he needs to go to bed. Today was different!) I let Austin help with the cookies. We had a nice time making cookies, talking, and I enjoyed seeing him learn something new. (We did spelling words while I washed dishes)

Here he is hard at work!

The end result!

It was nice to do something out of the ordinary with him.

Note to Mrs. Say: I know you read my blog, please know that Austin is upstairs counting money and reading with Mike. We did get all the homework done! He did, however, want to give you a plate of cookies--I had to tell him that they were not gluten free, so we better not. I guess he was at least thinking of you!

Thanksgiving trip

We went to Mike's home for Thanksgiving. I took the camera, and got some pictures of a few things we did while there.

I had to get a picture of this. This is the paint can that we always look for along I-81 in Carlisle, PA. This is the 1/2 way point to getting to their house!

We always try to find a McDonald's that has a play area, so that the boys can have an opportunity to run around and play for a bit.

Adam decided to have his picture taken with Ronald McDonald.

Austin followed suit.

Mike even decided to get in on the action. Austin took this picture. I think he did pretty good (could photography be in his future?)

Austin created this Lego dog. It is suppose to look to Grandma and Grandpa's dog Rozie.

Mike and his brother took the boys on a hike to "the caves" (as they called it when they were kids. It amazes me how HUGE the rocks are!

Adam found the perfect nook for himself

My what a strong boy I have! (and a pretty good actor too)

Before we left we were able to see Mike's friend from High School and his boys (his wife had to work that evening) The boys always enjoy going to see Dylan and Micah. When these boys are together they giggle, and giggle and they all love Nerf guns and darts. They run, laugh and shoot. It is always an active time, but they have so much fun. I missed my chat with Delise, (somehow it wasn't the same talking with Troy and Mike )

hopefully it will work out next time.

Have you ever lost a child...

...and not known it?

This has happened to me twice since school started. Both times, Adam was the missing child.

A few months ago, Austin went up to Mike's room after school, but Adam was not with him. Following on his heels was Mr. Kline, Adam's teacher. He was wondering if Adam was up in Mike's room, he wasn't! Mike sent his 4th graders in pairs to search the school for Adam and they started their hunt. As it turned out, someone was testing a sound system in the cafeteria. To test this system they were playing a movie. Adam decided to hunker down in a corner and watch the movie.

The second time was Wednesday. I was home packing things up for our trip. The phone rang, it was Adam's friend's mother. She asked if I was wondering were Adam was. I told her that I was waiting for him to come home with Mike. She said, " He rode the bus to our house, my husband is putting him back on, and they bus driver will take him back to school." I could not believe this. Mike had his 4th graders, again, searching the school for Adam. When I asked Adam why he went on the bus he said, "Nick asked me to come over to play with his new Lego game." I was really surprised that the bus driver would let him on the bus without a note.

It is not a good feeling to know that my child goes missing. Thanks goodness for his guardian angel who keeps him safe. That angel has a full time job!

he really IS growing!

This morning, Austin put on a pair of pants for church. He said that he had been looking for these pants for a month. When he put the pants on, they were about an inch off of his foot. I decided that this was as good a time as any to check to see if he had grown. I measured him and he had grown...about a 1/2". Now, to anyone else, this may not seem like a big deal. But to me it is! With this 1/2" he is now 4' tall. Austin is the oldest child in his class at school, and he is one of the smallest children in the class.

When Austin was in Kindergarten I bought some pants for him-he is still wearing these pants. However, he has worn them so much that I don't think that they will be worthwhile to pass to Adam. (But, we did get 3 years of wear out of them) If he continues to grow, he just may out grow those pants before he completely wears them out!

Say that again

A few weeks ago, I took Adam to the Doctor for his 6 year check up. They had a questionnaire about heart health. Some of this was about family and their heart health. I filled out the questionnaire, and discussed it with the Doctor. I explained that Mike's Dad had a heart attack (10 years ago), and his Mom had a stint (about 3 years ago). Then I continued that my Dad has had strokes (not on the form, but still felt it was valid information) So, we decided to go ahead and get some fasting blood work on the boys for a good baseline. A few days later, I took the boys into the out patient center to have their blood drawn. On the way there, they were wondering why they needed to do this. I did my best to explain the situation. I then took them home, got them ready for school, and they were out the door. I really did not think that the little band-aids on their arms would be a problem, so I let them keep them on. Austin, apparently, got to school and showed his teacher the "war wound." She asked him, "what is that for?" Austin answered, "My Grandpa had a heart attack, so I had to give blood." She was a bit confused and asked me about it when I came in later.

He kind of had it right, but left a few details out.

We're not really sports people

The other day, I was in the car with the boys. Adam said, "I have a great idea!" With a comment like that, I am always eager to hear what comes next! He continued, "For a sports game, you have two hoops for basketball. One is red, one is blue. The Redskins will play the red hoop and the Eagles will play the blue hoop."

That would be a great idea, the only glitch is that they are both football teams (and I had to google to make sure the eagles played football!)

The cutest little Indian

Tuesday night our school had their Kindergarten / school singers Thanksgiving program. I have to say, I think we had the cutest little Indian there!
They sang several songs, and acted parts out. The music teacher does such a wonderful job with this program.

Breakfast talk

This morning, I was talking with my boys as we were eating our breakfast. Adam asked when Thanksgiving was. I told him, then he said, "Thanksgiving is like Trick or Treating without the costumes. You go to one house and eat, then go to another house and eat." (I had never thought of that way, but he has a point.) I told the boys our plans for Thanksgiving, then told them that following that we would have Thanksgiving/Christmas/Cookie Day because Matt and Lana would be in town and this would be the last visit until the baby comes. That led to a conversation about the hospital that Lana is going to have the baby in, would it be in our town? is it only for mothers and babies? I did my best to explain the way that I thought the hospital might be, and no, they would not have their baby here, they would go to a hospital near their house. At that point, I looked at Adam, I can see the wheels turning in his head. Then he pointed asks, "How are they going to get the baby out, without hurting Lana?" (Now, let me insert here, that of all the ways that I ever thought we might have this conversation, it was NEVER over breakfast!!) I tried the explanation of, the Doctor will be there to help Lana. Adam says, "how?" I tried to think how to make this age appropriate, and decent breakfast conversation. So, I responded, "That God has provided a special opening for the baby to come out." Adam, still thinking, said, "Oh, I know they use a fervager." "A What??" Then, Austin explains to me that he meant a "Massager." They then told me that they use the massager and the baby wiggles right out. (Now, wouldn't that be nice? Get a massage and the baby is born!) By this time, I had to start getting ready, so I just said, "Not exactly, but you are always thinking!!"

Kissable Progress

For a while now, Adam has not wanted to be kissed. At first it was because they spread germs. Then at some point he said he was waiting for Lucy to kiss him first, (I was second in line!). This has been difficult for me, but Mike and I have been known to sneak into his room after he is asleep and give him a quick kiss.

Mike and Adam have lunch at the same time. They are at different tables, but can see each other. They often wave, and Mike will come to Adam's table and talk to him a bit. Yesterday, Mike told me that they started this "game." Mike said he blew a kiss to Adam and Adam would then wipe it off his cheek. Then, Mike blew 2 kisses to Adam, and he had to wipe both cheeks. This progressed for a while until Mike started to blow the kisses up to the ceiling so that they would ricochet down, and Adam had to wipe the top of his head. They played this game until Adam got up from his table to avoid being hit by kisses. Mike had to go tell Adam that he needed to stay seated, so the game was over.

Last night, as I was putting Adam to bed, he gave me a kiss and I told him how I would love to give him a kiss. I explained that a kiss is a gesture of love. I told him that I would only kiss him very quickly on his cheek. He thought for a moment, and said okay. So, for the first time in probably over a year I was able to kiss him--without him wiping it off (while still awake :) After I kissed him he looked at me and said, "huh, that wasn't so bad!" Of Course Not!! Needing to make up for lost time, I kissed him when he got up this morning, then he gave Mike permission to kiss his cheek, then I got to give him another kiss before he left the house.

I'm sure he will have plenty of kisses for his wife, and he probably won't care about the germs!

Pocahontas and Obecca

Earlier this school year, Adam would come home talking about a girl in his class named Obecca. I thought, "that is a different name." I later found out that her name is really REbecca. I have tried to correct him a few times, but he still calls her Obecca.

This morning he was trying to sing a song that they are performing for their Thanksgiving program at school. It started out, "Pocahontas was brave...." The boys started asking questions about Pocahontas, and I could not remember that information from so long ago, so I went to my trusty World Books to find the information. I was reading a long to the boys, and read that she was converted to Christianity and baptized with the English name Rebecca (I did not remember this fact). Adam's ears perked up and he said, "Obecca, did I hear Obecca?"

Well, kind of, I guess...

Funny how it works!

Today the boys were playing outside. They kept coming to me and tattling, they would say, "He did this." or "He did that." I got tired of this so, I told the boys to find a corner and sit until they could play nicely again. They found 2 corners in the same room. It did not take long until one of them found a matchbox car, and they were soon rolling it across the floor to each other giggling.

Funny how it works!

Pumpkin log

Today, we had a lunch meeting after work. Our preschool provided dessert. I brought in a pumpkin log. Several people said that this would be good for this event or that meeting. So, I am putting the recipe on here, to make it easier for those intested in this recipe.

PUMPKIN LOG

-line 10x15 cooking sheet with wax paper

-Preheat oven to 375

CAKE:

Combine:

3 eggs

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1 cup sugar

2/3 cup pumpkin

3/4 cup flour

Pour cake batter on cookie sheet and bake 20-25 minutes. Turn onto a dishtowel that has been sprinkled with powdered sugar (leave wax paper attached for now). Roll in towel like a jelly roll.

FILLING:

Combine:

2 tbsp margarine

1-8oz cream cheese

3/4 tsp vanilla

1 cup powdered sugar

When cake is cooled, unroll and remove wax paper. Spread filling. Re-roll. Refrigerate or freeze. Slice when ready to serve.

Birthdays in heaven...

I was just putting Adam to bed. After we prayed, he started to ask some really deep questions about faith. He wanted to know "How God brought Jesus back to life." I expained that we really don't know HOW God did it, we just know THAT God did it! I went to get a book I have, 801 questions kids have about God, in hopes of answering this question in a better manner. This particular question was not in there, but Adam was flipping through the book and found a question and said, "Maybe this will help us." I read the question, "Will we still have birthdays in heaven?" Adam looked at me and said, "Well, I can answer that." "Oh?" I said. He replied "Well, we won't because heaven might catch on fire."

Huh.....never thought of that. Only in the mind of a 6 year old boy!

A fun weekend!

What a weekend this is turning out to be! The boys have been having so much fun!

It started out by Trick or Treating at the downtown businesses. They got to dress in their costumes and get some candy. They even got to see Austin's teacher while they were out.

Then Daddy took them to a movie. While they were gone I was able to rake some leaf piles together.

They seemed to enjoy playing in them. Good thing too, it rained last night, so the leaves are now all wet!

Then we got ready to go to the Hallelujah Party at our church. I always enjoy not having to cook supper. But they have so much more!

They had hanging donuts. Adam is trying to catch his here. When it was over his face was covered in powder, but it was so fun!

They had a story read by a gentleman at our church. Austin and Mike then cleaned and carved the pumpkin as the story was being read. I forget what the story was, but it went with the activities of the pumpkin.

There were also miniature pony rides. This pony was no higher than mid-thigh on me. They attached a cart and gave rides to the children.

Austin played a ball toss game and won a new puppet. This one is named Sam.

Then we came home to trick or treat in our neighborhood. We live in a neighborhood with a lot of older people. They love to see the boys come to their house and see how they have grown over the past year. At one time or another both boys wore this costume. It got a lot of laughs.

Last Sunday, we went to a different church than usual. Austin found out that there was going to be a puppet show today. So he definitely wanted to go back! Today, we went to the same church and Adam and Austin were able to participate in the puppet show. They were very excited and did a good job for the little bit that they were able to practice.

Now, we are ready for a quiet Sunday afternoon.

Family picture

A little over a month ago, Mike and I were talking and he said that for his next book he would like to have a family picture for the "author's picture." Mike has finished 2 children's books and they are at the publishers waiting to be printed. He has a contract for the 3rd, we just need to finish it. For Tyler and Blaze, Mike just had a picture of himself. But, he decided for Hugo, it would be nice to have a picture of the whole family.

I talked to several people about having the picture done, but in the end decided to have Matt do the picture. Luckily, we were going to their house only a week or so later.

Matt, took LOTS of pictures. This is the one we liked the best.


However, Lana and I thought the color may be off just a bit. So, I worked with it a little and came up with...

the black and white. I really like this! But, it bothered me that it looked like I had a "death grip" on Adam. Then I thought, maybe I can fix that too. So, I played with it a little more and came up with...

a cropped picture of the family. I have to say I like this one the best!

It bothered me at first that my hair was blowing in the breeze, but have decided that this is my life! Austin has a bit of a goofy smile, and Adam's looks a bit mischievous, my hair is blowing on end, but at our house you will find goofiness, mischievousness, and my hair will be on end!

This is the one to go into Hugo. Welcome to the Wampole's World!

The bruise

Tonight, I was in Austin's room while he was putting his shirt on for bed. I happened to look at his arm and was alarmed to see a fairly big sized bruise on it. I asked how it happened. He did not know. I thought for a bruise that size, I'm sure he would remember what happened. Then my mind went wild, as it will do sometimes, and I started to think of a book I'm reading about a girl with leukemia. So, I started to really check him out for other bruises, but everything looked fine. Then, Austin calmly says, "maybe it is from when I was sitting on the couch sucking my arm." I replied, "Austin, my dear, you gave yourself a hickey."

I had a good laugh about that!

forgetful

I am having new experiences with the boys this year. They are being very forgetful!

Austin is in 2nd grade, and is starting to have more homework. Very often, he will forget to bring it home. I have started checking his backpack as soon as he comes out of the door of the school. Then, we usually proceed around to the side doors of the school and go BACK to his classroom to get his homework. On the days Mike brings him home, it is not unheard of us hopping in the car and going back!

I thought this problem was contained to Austin, but today I thought it might be showing in Adam as well. Today, I went to get the boys from school. Adam came out talking about his heavy backpack, and how he has 2 pumpkins for me to make a pie. I thought he might be making up a story, so I checked his backpack and sure enough there were 2 pumpkins in there! I asked, "where did you get those pumpkins?" He replied, "from the man at the pumpkin place." "WHAT!!!??" I had no idea there was a field trip today. I went and found his teacher, apologized for not sending in money and, more so, that I didn't send him a lunch! He said, "I asked Adam if he had his money and he said no, then I asked if he had a lunch and he said no, I said to myself, 'Mom doesn't know about this field trip'"

Tell me, how does a child lose 2 notices about field trips? How is it he can contain his excitement, and not talk about it before hand? How long until little boys start to remember these types of things??

What a wonderful week!!

We had family in this past week. My mom's brothers and sisters came from Canada. We had a relaxing week, mixed in with some sites they might want to see in our area. I tried to get some pictures to capture some of the fun we had.

Sunday, Adam put on my Uncle Peter's boots....backwards!

This picture makes me laugh!

In August, Austin drew a picture of my Uncle Peter. I had to put in a picture of what he really looks like.

On Wednesday, we had dinner at the time share that some of them were staying at. They had some moldy bread for the boys to feed to the ducks.

They, also, had a wonderful Jacuzzi tub. They boys had a great time! There was water everywhere when they were done. Carol and I had to laugh when we saw this picture. We stared to quote mom's favorite Shel Silverstein poem:

Crowded Tub

There's too many kids in this tub.

There's too many elbows to scrub.

I just washed a behind

That I'm sure was not mine,

There's too many kids in this tub.

There were mirrors on 3 sides of the tub. The boys say this picture looks like a roller coaster. I like how it goes on and on and on....

We played A LOT of card games. I learned several new ones. They apparently played so hard one night that mom rubbed the skin off her elbows. I think she thought it was well worth it!

Here is a picture of everyone. From the left: Bernice, Peter (brother to mom), Dad (in back), Mom, Anne (sister to mom), Helen(sister to mom), Betty, and Ben (brother to mom).

One day Mom and Dad took then on the ski lifts at our local ski resort. They got to see the beautiful fall foliage. Anne and Helen did not go to the top, but here is everyone else.

We really enjoyed having everyone here! It was a wonderful week.