Quote of the day...

Tonight, rather than cook (I will be doing enough of that over the next few days...) we ordered Chinese take-out.

After dinner, Jadyn was reading her fortune cookie, and then noticed that she could learn how to say a word in Chinese on the back of her fortune.

Jadyn: Oh! Sugar in Chinese is 'Tang'.

Me: Wow Jadyn, you are really smart! Now you can speak Chinese! (with just a hint of sarcasm)

Ethan: Well, she should be smart. She is in school!

Me: Well, then why can't you speak Chinese? You are in school.

Ethan: I can! "Hola"!

Obviously, we need to work a little on where China and Mexico are with Ethan...

Quote of the day...

Sunday, we went to the Fashion Farm where they have pumpkins, a corn maze, straw maze, etc... They also decorate pumpkins to look like faces, and then every year they have a theme. For instance, fairy tales, etc... They also have one section dedicated to the Presidents.

So as Ethan approaches the President pumpkin heads, he says..."I wonder where President Alabama (Obama) is?"

I love that kid!

New News

Still no pictures because I still cannot find my camera cord since we moved...

grrr....

But here are a few things happening in our lives right now:

• Jadyn has begun her softball practices with games beginning on May 2, my b-day. She loves it so much and has moved up to the Minor League where the girls actually pitch!
• Jadyn also had her piano recital on Sunday. She played a song from Les Miserables, and it was absolutely gorgeous! She has a real gift on the piano.
• Ethan has started playing in the Rookie Baseball League. He is a good little player, and can't wait for games to start.
• Ethan and Jadyn rode the bus for the first time this year, yesterday. With us living at Mom and Dad's, they can ride both ways, but for now they are only riding it home. They did just fine, but the bus actually dropped them off much earlier than I expected, so they had a little bit of walking to do! :)
• Addison split open her lip yesterday. She leaned onto a toy and it was heavy enough that the top came back hitting her right in the face. It didn't look like it had hit her very hard, but it must have hit her just right. OUCH!!!
• Then today, we were at Dave & Cindy's getting ready for garage sale, when Addison began trying to love on their cat. The cat wanted nothing to do with her, so took a good swipe at her, scratching her cheek.
• She looks quite a sight, fat lip and kitty cat scratches on her face!
• Addison has learned to talk so much and we have to laugh at some of the things that she says!
• The house is still not done, not sure when it will be. But this week they are going to install the kitchen countertops. And if it ever stops raining, they will continue to move dirt and pour concrete!

That's our life in a nutshell right now! We can't wait to move, but are so blessed to have so many loving family members in our lives, allowing us to invade their territories!

Quote of the day...

I don't remember why, but yesterday we began talking about Heaven while driving in the car.

Jadyn said, "I don't want you to go to Heaven yet."

I replied with, "Well, honey, I don't want to right now. But when it's my time, it's my time. And I

know that I will go to Heaven because I am a Christian."

Now I remember...

There was a song playing on the radio called Finally Home, by Mercy Me. I love, love, love it!

It's talking about when you finally make it to Heaven.

Back to my story...

I could tell that Ethan was listening intently to our conversation, so I asked him if he knew how

to get into Heaven.

And this is what he said...

"Yeah, after you die, you have to climb a lot of stairs!"

So proud!!!

During the first part of the school year, Jadyn and Ethan were able to stay after school at The Boys & Girls Club which was held at their own school. It was so nice, because picking them up falls right in the middle of Addison's nap. So they stayed after school for an hour or so, played with friends, had a snack, and most of all...had fun!

Unfortunately, at Christmas Break, the Club had to close. There is still the main one for our school system, but it is much larger and my kids just really loved the one at York.

Well, today they came home with some surprises. At the Club, you are rewarded for helping, being kind, and participating.

Surprise #1

Jadyn received two awards...

Volunteer of the Year

and

Athlete of the Month

Surprise #2

Ethan received...

Youth of the Month!!!

These are my kiddos, and I truly am proud. I love them so much!

My kiddos

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers on Addison's surgery! She did remarkably well. In fact, by noon you would not have known that she even had surgery at 7:30 that morning! She was already bouncing on her new pre-school sized trampoline showing off! Gotta love her!

And by the way, I noticed I haven't written about my oldest two for quite a while. Jadyn is becoming a beautiful young lady. She is getting taller and slimmer and is easy to hold a conversation with. She is so grown up! Piano is still going well for her and she is still loving her hip-hop dance class once a week!

Ethan is simply Ethan. He is so tenderhearted and sweet. Of course that means he gets his feelings hurt easily, but he is getting better. He has become a bit of a slowpoke in the mornings though. We keep threatening to wake him up at 6:00 so he can be ready to leave ON TIME! I think he would still be late! :) He reminds me a lot of my brother whose famous last words were always, "Just wait!" Ethan was so excited when he saw the Little League signup sheet come home from school! He can't wait to play ball again! He is also becoming quite a good reader, a fact that he is very proud of.

And mom and dad? We are getting so excited for our new house to be finished!

Field Trip to JoJo's

On Monday, Ethan's Kindergarten class went on a field trip to Shipshewana. When I first brought up the idea of me going along as a chaperone, he didn't think that was such a great idea. In fact, I think his exact words were...

"WHY?"


I told him that sometimes moms go along with the class to help the teacher and that I thought it would be fun to be with him during the school day. Especially since I haven't been able to be in his class nearly as much as I would like to be because of the building project. And how does he respond...


"I guess you can go....this time."


So of course I went. I wasn't going to miss a chance to go to JoJo's. How fun!


Before JoJo's we went to the store, Simple Sounds. They got to see a lot of different kinds of instruments, and then later they all got a kazoo.


Then off to the carousel. We got up there (via the elevator because the boys thought it would be so cool) and it didn't open until 10:30. Oops! So back down the elevator and on to JoJo's. We heard a little bit of history of the pretzel, and then got to make our own! Ethan and his friend D. rolled out their pretzels, made a U shape, crossed the ends, then twisted them. They did a great job. You have to roll out the dough really thin, or it will get too doughy when it is baked. They were so good! Ethan had so much fun, and his friend D. was a little cutie, very polite.

The final product before (above) and after (below).

Back to the carousel...This time the whole class got to ride. They all loved it!

We actually go to Shipshewana quite often, but it was neat to go with Ethan's class, and learn a little bit more about his friends that he is around every day. It was fun too because his teacher is a very good friend of mine. We taught together and we still scrapbook together every summer! Ethan thinks he has an in with her...

Catching up...

We made it home safe and sound late Tuesday night. Now is the time to catch up on some sorely missed sleep. We had 38 hours of travel, leaving at noon Tuesday in New Zealand and arriving in Chicago around 7 or 8 pm on Tuesday. I can't remember. Regardless, as you can see Tuesday was an incredibly long day.

It was fun catching up with the kids, they of course woke up and stayed up until midnight when they settled down again. They had to show us their card tricks they learned, the new moves for dance, and fill us in on the fun times. We didn't get Addison until yesterday morning. She definitely did not forget us though, which I had myself completely convinced of. Lots of hugs and kisses all around. And I just can't get enough of her pudgy little arms and legs, although she has stretched out lately.

Reality has definitely hit though. When we left on our trip, Addison had recently recovered from an ear infection, and a bad cough. She still had some congestion when we left, but seemed to be getting better. Our sitter called while we were gone saying that she was improving. But yesterday when we picked her up, she still had a bit of a cough. Well, this morning her runny nose had turned green, so I quick called the doc and was there an hour later. My wee one has a double ear infection! Poor thing...

Reality has hit hard! :)

I truly am glad to be home though, reality and all. It feels like the big events are past and now the next big event will be moving next spring. Can't wait!

Pics to come soon, but for now Addison is asleep and the house is a mess, so a cleaning I go~

Jadyn & Ethan

Apparently, Jadyn and Ethan are having a fabulous time while we are away! Brooke and Matt are doing a wonderful job of keeping them busy and entertained. Here are some pictures from their weekend...

We are off to Gerry's farm outside of Melbourne. He has his own winery and horses, so another busy day is ahead of us.

Jayco's 40th Anniversary

Next week, Roger and I are leaving for a trip to Australia and New Zealand celebrating Jayco's 40th Anniversary with the Jayco dealers. What started as a small operation in my grandpa's barn, has turned into a large family owned business that has now seen 40 years! I am so proud of my family's accomplishment.

So we absolutely cannot wait to go, but I am so worried about my kids. They are not going with us and it is incredibly stressful trying to plan out and pack for two weeks away, for them and for myself.

I made a list for myself, and there is only one thing left that I have to finish before next Tuesday, thank goodness! That list of course does not include packing... That is a major stress by itself!

On top of packing for such a long trip, I also have to remember that I am only allowed 44 lbs. of luggage. Did you hear that? 44 lbs. of clothing, shoes, makeup, toiletries, other essentials, for two weeks! Oh my.

Quote of the day:

Ethan at school...
Mrs. Sheridan: "What are you writing about Ethan?"
Ethan: "My mom, dad, grandma, and grandpa, are going on a trip to Ohio."
Mrs. Sheridan: "To Ohio?"
Ethan: "Yeah, it's really far."
Mrs. Sheridan: "Are you sure it's Ohio? Isn't it Australia."
Ethan: "Oh yeah, Australia!"

Me and the kiddos

This turned out to be such a great photo of the kiddos and myself, that I just had to share it! Even Addison is smiling (or appears to be)! Too bad Roger wasn't there with us...

I hope everyone has a great weekend! I am off to Indianapolis early Saturday for a girls only weekend with a few friends from high school... I absolutely cannot wait!

What's going on?

Enjoy the pictures of what has been going on!

The first day of school

Our basement, it is now finished being framed and they will probably start on the main level after the rain stops this week!

We moved to Fish Lake last week. Thanks Dave & Cindy for allowing us to stay here! We love it!

Roger and Ethan caught a massive Pike tonight in the lake. When I ran to get the camera he put it in the paddle boat so he wouldn't suffocate. Look at how huge it is! Jadyn said she never wants to swim in the lake again!

We have terrible cell phone reception up here so Roger was using his arm as an antenna. Seemed to work!

Random thoughts

I have no idea what to blog about tonight, so I decided to just blog my random thoughts that I have had throughout my day today.

• What should I do today...Get the remaining items at Mom & Dad's or go to Mishawaka and get some much needed items?
• Mishawaka...Babies r us and Target!
• I really want to get a newborn gift for Cooper.
• I am so glad that I am done having kids. Memories of pushing are way too fresh in my mind!
• I hope Amber is doing OK.
• Ooh! Sales!
• This is way too much. But Fall and Winter are really long months. She needs plenty to get through the winter.
• I am so glad that she loves shoes. Just like her mama!
• I really like my car. I wish it got a little better gas mileage though, especially with all the driving I am doing.
• I love Target.
• Addison is doing so good for being on the road so much.
• I wonder if we should finish off the bathroom in the basement that is meant for pool guests. Now that we have to put a pool in on the opposite side than we were expecting, that seems like a long way away.
• I really have to get going on my Bible study.
• Addison's giggle just warms my heart.
• I bet Ethan is going to have a fit when he finds out he'll have to stay at the Boys & Girls Club after school.
• I sure am glad that Jadyn is at the same school as Ethan.
• I wonder if I should call Roger about the bathroom idea.
• Is that framing done right for the guest bedroom and bathroom?
• It doesn't look right. I should tell Roger to come look at it.
• Thank goodness Addison now has some clothes for cooler weather.
• Cooper is so cute! He seems so little, but two of my kids were even smaller. I really forget.
• I wish my kids would know how to behave in this hospital.
• I am so glad that Jadyn & Ethan are self -sufficient when they need to get into and out of the car.
• I should call Alli or Jocelyn. We have an extra half-hour before church tonight, but I bet they are going to dinner.
• Thank goodness I remembered to bring that receipt to Sheila!
• MMMmmm, pizza!
• DIET COKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
• I love that Ethan is more timid than Jadyn, but I wish he could get past this phase.
• I really don't like leaving Addison in childcare when she cries. I hope she will stop soon.
• Jadyn is going to love her girls group at church! My social butterfly!
• Please don't fall asleep on the way home.
• I love kissing my kids and wishing them good night.
• What should I blog about?

New feature and a few updates

Hi All!

I wanted to let you know that I added a new feature that Blogger has created. It's called Followers. Sounds kind of weird, but I thought I would try it out. If you want to follow my blog, you click on the link to become a follower and you can choose whether or not you want your picture shown, and then I don't know if you get an e-mail sent to you letting you know if I updated my blog or not. Regardless, your picture can be shown, which is so exciting! :)

A few updates...

We are planning on moving up to the lake tomorrow afternoon. It will be good to have our own space.

Jadyn and Ethan started school on Wednesday, and all is well.

Friday they started working at the house again. We have some pieces of wood now attached to the cement. This is going to be a long process...

Quote of the day...

Jadyn had a terrible headache yesterday, after standing up too quickly and hitting her head on something. So Ethan told her his remedy.

"Jadyn squeeze your teeth together really hard and that should take your headache away. It worked for me once!"

Forget old wives tales, Ethan has it all figured out!

Walloon Lake

What a beautiful weekend and good times.  Roger and I drove up on Friday morning with 5 kids, count them, five!  We had our three plus 2 friends for our kids to play with.  Thank goodness for our extra two!  They have kept Jadyn & Ethan occupied all weekend!

Who is here?  (Yes I am still here)

Mom & Dad

Jason, Aimee, and Emma

Katy, Jacob, and Tristan

Roger and I, Jadyn, Ethan, Addison, and our two friends

What have we had to eat?

Check Amber's blog... thegorsuchfamily.blogspot.com

What have we done?

Jet skiing

Tubing

Relaxing

Badminton

Made fires

S'mores

Eat, Eat, Eat

Swim!

When do we leave?

Tomorrow, sob

Quote of the day...

Ethan: "Can I have some water?"

Mom: " Yeah get some from the faucet."

Ethan: "Where's the faucet?"

I am so proud...

You know you are bored when...

* you clean out other people's cupboards and enjoy it! It reminded me of how nice it feels to have your own kitchen cabinets! I am missing having my own home but I am so thankful that we have a nice place to stay for now and during the school year!



Over the last week while Mom and Dad have been gone, we have had to be creative with our time and also stick to the house rules.

Jadyn and Ethan aren't technically eating in the living room, but thank goodness they can still watch the Disney channel!
We have also gone to the pool and stayed cool in the water. We also really enjoyed watching the cat jump on the umbrella and then try to get down without help! He ended up sliding down head first and landing in one of our bags! Thank goodness he didn't have to waste a life on that crazy predicament he got himself into!
I also baked a chocolate sheet cake last weekend for our MYF Sponsor Retreat...YUM!

I have really missed the extra set of hands with Mom and Dad gone! We have been really lucky to have been able to move in here for a short time.

So here is my question to you:

What do you do when you are bored?

The first person to respond will get the recipe for Texas Sheet Cake on a nice recipe card!

A knot on the forehead, a bruise, and tears

We went to town today expecting to get school shoes and gym shoes for Ethan, go to lunch, Hobby Lobby, then home again. That is a lot to do with three kids in tow, and in good moods.

We started off at MC Sports to look for shoes. The big, muscular high school kid who has probably taken too many steroids, lumbers over and in his gruff voice asked what size we need. After what seemed like hours, he finally stumbles out with only one of the shoes we wanted because, "the other ones we don't have." Imagine all of this in a high school, too much steroid usage, muscular kid voice...

I am trying to help Ethan get his sweaty feet into these Nikes while Jadyn is trying to wrangle the wild little horsie that we will call, Addison.

Honestly, we tried for about two minutes to get these shoes on. Ethan's feet got hot, we didn't have socks, nor did steroid boy offer any, and I am flustered because the big dude is looking over my shoulder wondering aloud if, "are his feet too wide?"

You know, his questions don't sound so annoying now, but in the midst of it all, I could have smacked him.

Finally, the big brute walked away realizing he wasn't helping, and my attention turned back to my girls struggling off to the side, and Ethan's sweaty feet. After some serious tugging and pulling, the blessed Nikes fit perfectly. Here is where the tears show up...BY ALL THREE KIDS!

Ethan is wearing his shoes, but is flat out refusing to walk in them even 5 feet to see if they fit OK, and crying. Jadyn is still holding the wild horsie when Addison pulls her head back and slams it forward and hits Jadyn on the corner of her left eye, on the bone, with her forehead! Now I have all three kids crying.

Rather than fight it, I left with no shoes, but I now had Addison with the knot on the head, Jadyn with a bruise and swelling above her left eye, and Ethan simply crying because he didn't want to walk in his new shoes.

Ever been there?

My 100th Post!

Last Friday, Mom and I took Jadyn, Ethan, and Addison to the Ft. Wayne Zoo. We met Katy and Tristan, and Aimee and Emma there. We had a lot of fun, but it was really busy! I think everyone started school this week, so they wanted one last hurrah at the zoo before school. Here are a few pics...

Going on the log ride...we saw a few kangaroos

The three kiddos waiting in line
Grandma and Addison passing time playing a drum

Begging for another ride
Me and the kids

So, on to my 100th post...

Something I would like to do is make a list of the 100 things I want to do in life. I have started a list a few times, but I can never seem to get past 30 or so things to do. I think I make it too hard on myself, trying to find outrageous things to do when I could just be finding simpler, more realistic things to add to my list. Here are a few from my list:

• take golf lessons
• visit various vacation spots
• lead a bible study (which I can check off because I completed it)
• shake hands with a celebrity (see what I mean, totally unrealistic)

You get the idea...

What would you put at the top of your 100 things to do in your life list?

a sneak peek

Tonight Nathan took his Senior pictures here in Middlebury. It was so fun to be a part of and help pick the best ones to use for proofs. It's his last night here, he is ready to go home. We have had a lot of fun, but he is missing his friends and the rest of his family. He starts school already on Tuesday! We will definitely miss having him around. It will be much quieter! :)

So what else have we been up to? The kids each had a friend over a few days ago. They had so much fun riding go-carts,

playing in the hot tub,

and fishing.

We have also been making it back to the property every day to see the progress. Yesterday they poured the basement walls, and today they took the forms off already!

I also put the kids on clean up duty around the work area. There were all sorts of pop bottles all over the place and I didn't want them in cement forever under our house. Is that crazy?!

They also got the septic put in. Which, by the way, is quite interesting!