When You Give a 6 Year Old a Camera...

... these are the pictures you get:

self portrait

and now upside down

snapshot of a little brother

couch cushion play

capturing his favorite toys

Around Here Lately

Allie shows an interest in the potty, but she doesn't quite get that she must pull her pants down. I see that we'll need plenty of reading material around for her though!

Last night we went to a Super Bowl party at some church friends' house. Coleman couldn't wait to go because he remembered that their boys (who are a little older) had lots of Star Wars toys. They were going to sell them all in a garage sale, but instead they gave them to Coleman! He is super excited since he is totally and completely obsessed with Star Wars right now. I made the mistake of saying, "Maybe when you get a little older you can give them to a younger boy." A look of terror crossed his face at the mere thought of ever having to part with his best friends!

And if we would have built a snowman on Friday, this is what it would have looked like. We got zero inches of snow. However, the roads did ice over pretty badly and caused 800 wrecks around the city! So I guess it was good that school was canceled. Maybe for our next snow day we'll actually get some snow!

Like a Snowflake, She's One of a Kind

I was starting to think Allie had no fashion sense. I'll pick out her shoes to match her outfit, but she insists on wearing a different color that totally doesn't go. However, tonight she matched her yogurt mustache perfectly to her shirt!


We have snow forecast for tonight and early tomorrow! The kids' schools let out an hour early today, and Coleman's school canceled classes for tomorrow. We are so unable to handle any kind of freezing precipitation in these parts!

My favorite thing about cold weather is the food and drink you get to have! Creamy tomato soup and grilled cheese isn't an every day food around here. But it's a must when snow is in the forecast!

The recipe I use came from a restaurant in Montana that Gale and Rita would go to when driving through Missoula. She said that they would eat there, then she would come home and try to figure out the recipe. Finally, she decided to ask the lady at the restaurant. She handed Rita a card printed with the recipe! It's so easy and delicious:

4 B's Old Fashioned Cream of Tomato Soup
2 cans diced tomatoes
9 oz chicken broth
1 oz butter
2 T sugar
1 T chopped onion (I use more like 1/4 cup)
pinch of baking soda
2 c cream (I use heavy whipping so I don't add this much - it just depends how rich and creamy you like it)
1.Mix all ingredients except cream in a pot and simmer for an hour.
2.Heat cream in a double boiler (I just leave it sitting out for a few hours so it's room temperature).
3.Add cream to hot tomato mixture.
4.Ready to serve!

We always have grilled cheese - fancy grilled cheese - with this soup! These aren't just slap some butter on white bread and unwrap a Kraft single kind of grilled cheese. We use sourdough bread spread with real butter, then topped with colby jack cheese that I bought in a block and sliced myself. Then they're cooked on my griddle over medium low heat until they are perfectly browned. So worth it! And then later I serve apple cider that has been simmering on the stove with some cloves and cinnamon sticks. Yes, I love this weather and the food it brings!

Spoon Licker Extraordinaire

Today I made brownies and Spence helped me out by licking the spoon. He usually helps when I make cookies or brownies by pouring the mix in the bowl and stirring all the ingredients. But he had been having some trouble obeying, so his punishment was that he didn't get to help make the brownies. He was quite sad.

He had an all-around rough morning to tell the truth. Wednesday mornings are always a little hectic trying to get him ready and out the door on time to get to Bible study. It usually involves me threatening to take away TV or some other privilege if he makes us late. I know the enemy doesn't like for me to go to Bible study, but it really frustrates me that he uses my child to put me in a bad mood and make me think it's too much trouble and that I should just stay home! Thankfully God reminds me of His love for me, and how I can be just like my little four year old at times - whining about what I'm supposed to be doing, wanting something different than what I've been given, pouting while waiting to get my way. Having kids definitely makes me see how patient and merciful God is toward me. And I pray to be able to show that same patience and mercy to them.

And really, who could stay mad at this face for long?


Here's another picture I wanted to share today:

Coleman used his birthday money to buy some Star Wars toys from eBay. I like how Coleman is looking over his new toy, trying to figure out all it does, while Spence and Allie are excited to play in the box that it was shipped in!

There's another picture I wish I had gotten, but I couldn't get to the camera in time. During one of Spence's many fits this morning, he was upset that he hadn't kissed Daddy goodbye before he headed for work. I told him if he wanted to say bye he better hurry (Brian was getting in his car to leave). Wearing a sweatshirt and a pair of Buzz Lightyear undies, he bounded down the stairs and out the front door (into the freezing cold I might add!) to kiss Daddy goodbye. I'm sure that was a sight for Brian (and any neighbors that might have been outside) to see a half-naked kid running out screaming, "Wait Daddy!!! I want to kiss you!" Pretty sweet though. That must be love.

Travel Tips

To keep a toddler busy on a flight, give her a baby wipe and tell her the plane is dirty.


To keep the same toddler busy in the airport, let her climb behind a candy machine. She'll spend quite a while trying to figure out how to get the candy out. Then how to get herself out!

Question and Answer

Question: "Why is it so hard to get places on time?"

Answer: "I have a four year old that would rather dress his penguin than himself."

15 Years Younger

My car is at the dealership having some repairs done while it's still under warranty, so they gave me a rental to drive today. I was going to have to pay to upgrade to an SUV, so I just took what they had: a VW Beetle!

I have to tell you I was a little skeptical at first, but as I started down the freeway I felt at least 15 years younger! Sure, there are two car seats in the back and I was going to buy groceries and a new shower curtain, but hey, I can dream for a minute or two! I'm used to driving a wagon, so imagine my surprise when I looked over my shoulder and actually saw out the back windshield! It kind of freaked me out. You're probably thinking, "Two car seats? Doesn't she have three kids?" Coleman's just out of luck! Actually, after I pick up Spence and Allie from MDO, we'll walk to go get Coleman. Then my Mom will be here later since she's staying with the boys this weekend. And I guess I'll have to go return my sweet little ride. But really, it's fun for a day, but I wouldn't trade a thing, or especially anybody, that fits in my wagon for anything in the world.

Earlier this week a friend and I went to see Brandon Heath. I love him! Our Christian radio station has free concerts at Chick-Fil-As around town, and this one just happened to be in Sugar Land. I had lots to do while the kids were at school, but I'm so glad I made time to go to this!

Play Time With Daddy

The kids enjoyed a crazy play time with Daddy tonight! Allie was on Brian's back too, but neither of the boys could seem to hold her on. So after falling off two or three times, she was done.

While I had the camera out, all three kids were here, and everyone was in a good mood I tried to get a group picture. They all smiled and looked at the camera at the same time. Wow!

Allie's favorite word is, "Cheese!" Well, that along with mine, no, and help.

Rainy Monday

It's a rainy Monday here. I didn't want to drag the kids to the gym in this weather, so I did 3 miles of my workout DVD at home. That was a great way to start my week! Spence and Allie actually cooperated (for the most part) and I got it done without having to hit pause too many times. That's my goal for this week: 3 miles every day!

I've been so bad at keeping up with the blog lately. Every day the boys say something cute and I think I'll write about it, but then I get sidetracked. I'm really bad about getting sidetracked. It's a complete miracle that I ever finish anything!

Today Allie dumped a bowl of Life cereal (no milk, just dry) into Spence's new rain boots. Then she ate it straight out of the boot! He's only worn the boots a few times, so they aren't completely gross. There, I rationalized it enough so it wasn't a disgusting act.

And really, how could anything she does be disgusting? She's just too adorable. As is her brother, who is playing behind the blinds with her.

Brian, Allie, and I will be traveling to Wisconsin this Friday to be with our family for a memorial service. Rita's sister Jeani passed away on January 11th. She was such a sweet, loving woman. Even though I did not get the opportunity to spend much time with her, she made me feel like a part of the family. She would read the blog and comment, she would send the kids things. Even though she never got to meet Allie and only met Spence once. She truly had a love for her family that will never be forgotten. We are so thankful that we get to go and celebrate her life and be with the people that she loved so much, and the people we love so much. It is amazing that even in the midst of grieving, God allows us to have peace. That's what I'm praying for Jeani's family: a peace and comfort that can only come from above and knowing that their loved one is in the presence of Jesus and no longer in pain. I am so blessed to have married into this family.

Today's Excuse...

... for not putting the laundry away:

Coleman's Bible Birthday Party

Coleman's Bible birthday party was this past Saturday and it was a lot of fun! There were 25 kids there. Yes, 25. Yikes! It was great though. We had an obstacle course and several other games, so I divided the kids up into teams: The Lord's Army (Coleman's team), The Solid Rocks (Spence's team), The God Squad, The Miracle Makers, and The Saints. Thanks to Brian, my mom, and a few other parents that helped lead each group, it went pretty smoothly. Here are some pictures:

Since Coleman wanted a Bible theme, I decided to do "fish and loaves." That seemed a little easier than what he originally asked me to do: a cake with Jesus on the cross. The loaves are chocolate cake loaves frosted with chocolate buttercream frosting. The fish are cookies made by my mom (THANK YOU!) which we frosted together.

The fish turned out really cute!

Noah's ark game - We hid 5 pairs of animals in an adjoining room and when the kids found the pairs, they could put them in the ark.

Spence and a friend in the ark

Fruit of the Spirit Toss - Each child tossed the fruits and got points for getting them in the baskets. The winners from each team played for a prize.



Armor of God Race - I didn't get a good picture of this game, but the point was to put on the armor (breastplate, shield, helmet and sword), race down and back, and give the armor to the next teammate. I think they just liked to sword fight.

Rebuild the Temple - The kids had to follow the directions to build a temple. I think this game was a little difficult for them. But kids love blocks, so they had fun!

Pin the Stone on the Giant - Similar to pin the tail on the donkey, but they had to see who could get the stone closest to the center of Goliath's forehead.

The obstacle course had 7 "stories" to go through:

Run through the parted Red Sea...

Then crawl through the fiery furnace...

Make your way under the fish net (miraculous catch of fish)...

Get in the belly of the big fish (just like Jonah)...

Row across the Sea of Galilee...

And finally, climb Mount Sinai to see the 10 Commandments! (I didn't get a picture of the Good Samaritan station.)

Happy birthday Coleman!!!

Hold My Hand

Last night Allie and Spence were playing and she looked up at him and said, "Hand!" I told him she wanted to hold his hand, so he grabbed her hand and they walked around the house smiling and laughing. It was the sweetest thing!





You might have noticed the mark on Allie's face. She was trying to keep up with Spence and a friend and skidded on the sidewalk. It looks pretty bad, but she only cried for a minute and hasn't acted like it hurts. Here she is with her rough and tumble skid mark while playing with a G.I. Joe tank. My precious little tomboy...

Happy Birthday Coleman!

It seems impossible that my baby boy could be six years old today! He is most definitely my favorite six year old in the world. I am so proud of him and love him so much. He is a great son, older brother, and friend. We love you Coleman!

This picture is of Coleman with Cupcake the Frog. His teacher sends a birthday backpack home on each student's birthday with the frog and a birthday journal. You take a picture with the frog, write a note in the journal and tape the picture in, and return it to school. I love the idea!

Pictures Again!

Brian bought me a new card reader so I can upload pictures again finally! There are so many Christmas pictures, that I'm a little overwhelmed. So I've chosen one picture to share that gave me a laugh. I was walking through the kitchen one night and got a kick out of what was lying on the kitchen table.

Guns -n- Roses

This picture was not staged. The boys just happened to leave a gun by my vase of roses. Loved it!

Captive Pictures and Hatching Noodles

My body has been rebelling against structure and routine this week! I have been dragging myself out of bed with just enough time to get Coleman up and ready for school without being late. I have so many pictures from Christmas and the last few weeks on my camera, but the only card reader I can find isn't working to upload the pictures. I only halfway seem to care about this! That's how tired I am!

I've been on strict birthday party prep mode. Coleman's 6th birthday party will be next weekend and the plans are really coming together. He asked to have a Bible-themed party, so we're having lots of fun with it! I'm so proud of my little guy for wanting a party about God and the Bible. I hope it's his best party ever! I know if I can't find the card reader that works for the camera by next weekend, I'll have to go buy a new one so I can share the pictures!

Since I have no funny pictures to share, I'll leave you with these words:

This afternoon I was doing a lot of cooking and Spence really wanted me to play with him. I kept saying, "As soon as I'm done cooking I'll come out and play." He would come back every so often and ask if I was done. Finally, I said, "As soon as these noodles are done. I can't leave the kitchen while they're still cooking." And he said, "Why? They might hatch?"

Walking home from Coleman's school today, Spence saw a house he wanted.
Spence: Look at that pretty house! When can we have it?
Mommy: I don't think it's for sale. Why do you want it?
Spence: 'Cause it has a flag out front and I like flags.
Mommy: Then maybe we should get a flag. That would be a lot easier than buying a new house.

Happy New Year!

We had a wonderful Christmas and New Year! I have lots of pictures, but unfortunately I'm unable to upload them right now. Hopefully soon! We spent Christmas and a few days with my parents, then came home and Rita and Gale arrived to spend some time with us. We are blessed to have the most amazing family!