Hair Affair

Yes, my children have a 'Hair Affair'

An affair with Nana's Hair

Carissa and Caleb like to jump in to the future and see what they will look like with brown hair.

They not only like to try on Nana's hair but they like her to take off her hair.

They say '1, 2, 3' and then giggle as Nana whisks off her wig.
Its too cute!

Snack Attack

Today I restocked the snack stash in my CRV.

A friend recently asked me how I'm always prepared with snacks. So I thought I would share my time managing, tantrum saving, get out the door on time, thrifty strategy for the tots daily 'snack attack' while on the go.

In my car I keep a Tupperware container of non perishable snacks - graham crackers, multi grain cheerios with raisins, goldfish, fruit leather, raisins, TLC bars etc...

Then when I'm out and about and I haven't had time to bring sliced apples, grapes or string cheese, I have some grub for my underfed children. Or, when I've changed plans and suddenly need a little tide me over...I'm prepared.

Snack Attack!

Thankful Thursday

"I will extol the Lord at all times"

Psalm 34:1

My heart has much to be grateful for... but today I am most thankful for my mom visiting us in CO. It is a delight to spend time with her and I am taking many opportunities to love on her! The little ones are also glad that Nana is here. "Nana's the Best!"

2009 Easter

Easter 2009 was memorable. Once again, in Colorado fashion we had a 'white Easter'. This was reminiscent of Easter two years ago when we had a major blizzard and the little ones were baptized.

We attended church in the morning. In between services we snagged the kids out of the nursery for some photos in front of the lilies.

During the second service the kids attended 'big church'. They loved watching the children's song and joining in with the congregational singing. During worship the children clapped joyfully and lifted up their hands in response to what they saw around them. It was a precious and memorable moment!

We spent the afternoon celebrating the 'Risen Savior' at the Skattebo's home with friends from our church community. We enjoyed scrumptious food gathered around a beautiful table.

The twins enjoyed an Easter egg hunt courtesy of the much older kids.

Don't ask me how I managed to capture Carissa

with a mouth full of candy.

Seriously, this should have been Caleb's picture since he stuffed the contents of each egg in to his mouth immediately.

Open egg, insert candy.

Carissa on the other hand 'saved' her candy filled eggs. This caused conflict between the siblings as Caleb was ordering Carissa to 'eat it'. Clearly the child does not understand the concept of savoring his candy.

He just wants to have his cake and eat it too.

Thankful Thursday

"Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord

and delight in his salvation."
Psalm 35:9

Yesterday during 'Soul Care' a young friend who is battling cancer said that she is thankful for her children's' laundry. She is not merely thankful for the laundry, but thankful for what the laundry symbolizes: the blessing of having children.

I'm guessing that her appreciation of even the littlest of things has grown immensely since her diagnosis and fight for her life.

IE Laundry.

I admit, I am not thankful for laundry.

So, my friends appreciation of it hit me between the eyes....especially because of the ever growing pile of laundry awaiting my attention.

This morning though as I was tackling the 'pile' I tried to do it with a more thankful attitude. An attitude of praise for my precious children, my healthy children, my active children, and my loving children.

I was also struck with gratitude for the health of Jeff and I.

As I try to live more intentionally with gratitude I hope that I will not take the littlest of things for granted.

Even laundry (or why I have so much of it).

09 Chikarooba Cabin Spring Break

Our friends Darrin and Julie invited us to spend 4 days with their family at their cabin.

The first 24 hours it snowed, and snowed, and snowed.

But, it didn't stop us from bundling up so that we could test the fluff.

Caleb wore his big boy snow suit while I stuffed Carissa in the same snow suit from last year.

I know, pathetic.

Anyway, after we were all bundled up Jeff pulled the little ones in the sled and they yelled '"mush daddy mush"!!!

The following day was beautiful with clear blue skies.

Caleb and Carissa 'helped' us shovel the front steps.

If you look closely....you can see a strand of snot on Carissa's left nostril. lovely. Zoe and Carissa fashionable in purple
Levi and Julie making snow angels.
Grandma Jan, Zoe and Julie posing for a three generation pic.

Our getaway was a much needed escape from our normal routines. Long drives, enjoying the snow, taking naps, reading, playing games, and just spending time together was wonderful.

Thank you Z's for sharing your lives with us.

Thankful Thursday

"For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations."
Psalm 100:5

The Lord is in fact "good" and his faithfulness is never ceasing.

Today I am thankful for these recent blessings in my life:

• My mom's hospital stay is over and she is home. Her chemo treatment went well and she is busy attending bible studies, walking with friends and helping my brother pack boxes for their move across town.
• Last week our family had a getaway in the mountains. The time off from the 'norm' was a blessing to us. Be on the lookout for pictures soon to be posted.
• A $500.00 medical bill discarded. Yes, I put myself out on a limb. (thankfully I only hung there for a few minutes) I called and spoke with the Business Manager at the medical office and requested a discount on my outstanding bill. At first he granted me a 10% discount and then without argument or hesitation he waived then entire $500.00!
• Our fun-loving kiddos who bless us each and every day.