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.