Banana Sandwiches

A Day to Love

2012-02-15T19:41:00.000-06:00

Valentine's Day was fun. I went to Liam's party at school. There sure are lots of little sweethearts in his class. We had breakfast for supper...pink, heart-shaped pancakes, eggs, and turkey bacon. Nana came over, and the kids opened up presents. Lots sugar was flowing when all three finally surrendered to sleep. It was another great day full of lots of love.

Jon loves breakfast for supper.

Ellery loves pink pancakes.

Marin loves big smiles.

Liam loves gifts from Grandma and Grandpa.

Marin loves teddy bears.

All the kids love visits from Nana.

Jon loves peanut butter cookie cakes.

Mama loves homemade cards from Daddy.

Mama loves hugs from Liam at his party.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T07:09:00.000-06:00

We PICK you to be our Valentine!

Lots of Love on Valentine's Day,

Liam, Ellery, and Marin

Boys, Gadgits, and Change

2012-02-09T21:12:00.000-06:00

It starts young, this obsession with electronics. At first, it's just books enhanced with sounds, then it's a LeapPad, next it's begging to play games on the computer, and now it's a plea to fiddle with his parents' iPhones.

I think he'll have one of his own before we know it. Jon and I originally said that kids DO NOT need cell phones, let alone smart phones. We may end up changing our tune. It wouldn't be the first time. In fact, there have been quite a few things we thought we'd never do when we became parents that we do regularly, but that was back when we knew it all, though, so it doesn't count.

Kitchens and Dolls

2012-02-08T20:02:00.000-06:00

In the past month or so, Marin and Ellery have been hard at play. They're starting that transformation from babies into little girls. And it's so sweet to watch. Marin loves her baby doll, and lately, she carries it around the house, crying when she has to put her down to eat. Ellery likes to play in her little kitchen. She is constantly offering her Mama and Daddy invisible treats and cups of tea.

Ellery in the kitchen:

Little Mama, Marin:

Crabbing 101

2012-02-02T21:12:00.000-06:00

Grandpa took Liam fishing for the very first time last summer, and when we were in Bolivar over the weekend, Debby and Jeff took him crabbing for the first time. Jeff managed to reel them in with the allure of chicken necks. Liam had a blast...No, I mean it, he had so much fun that he's still talking about it and asking when he can go again. The amount of crabs caught were slim (two, to be precise), but to a three-year-old, it mattered not. And just so you know, he named the "big" crab Alice.

A Bucket and Sand

2012-01-31T20:46:00.000-06:00

Galveston Weekending

2012-01-30T21:55:00.000-06:00

Right now I'm staring at a pair of shoes still covered in sand and mud from our weekend adventure. Early Saturday morning, Jon and I loaded up the kids and headed south and east and landed in Galveston. My parents, uncle, Dad's cousin and family, and Debby, Jeff, and Avonlea started the party earlier that morning, and we were happy to join the fun. Some stayed at the Galvez, but our (Bushwar) clan stayed with the Crains at the beach house in Bolivar. The kids loved playing in the sand, shopping on the Strand with Grandma and Grandpa, the ferry ride back and forth to Bolivar, and being with their cousin. We were only there for a day, but we packed in as much activity as you possibly can with three little ones in those twenty four (and a half) hours.

Gettin' Ready to Go to Church

2012-01-22T21:52:00.000-06:00

The Red Sunglasses

2012-01-22T21:40:00.000-06:00

Everyone loves the red sunglasses, but I think Marin loves them the most.

When Brother's Not Looking

2012-01-22T21:16:00.000-06:00

Ellery took the opportunity to play with Liam's toy when big brother was busy doing something else.

"This is just between you and me, Mama."

Even though she wasn't even playing a game, Ellery was sprawled out on the floor like this for twenty minutes, turning the LeapPad on and off and using they stylist like it was nobody's business.

Sleepyheads Love Cartoons

2012-01-14T21:36:00.000-06:00

We're tired around here. It's been one of those exhausting kind of weeks. The kind where you want to push snooze on your alarm clock until ten (or at least seven o'clock) every morning. Here are three sleepyheads watching cartoons on one of those mornings...

This Week

2012-01-06T21:12:00.000-06:00

Eighteen Months (Plus a Little More)

2012-01-04T19:27:00.000-06:00

Marin and Ellery turned 18 months on December 15, but we didn't get around to taking them in for their check-up until yesterday. Can't believe our babies are already a year and a half! We've been a little late in the check-up department for the girls, but with the holidays (actually, December, in general) and also trying to coordinate appointments for two tykes and two parents, it can get a little tricky. Our doctor said they both look great. Ellery keeps her title of "little sister" with a weigh-in of 23 pounds, 10 ounces and a length of 31.75 inches. Marin is a little bigger at 32.5 inches long and right around 25 pounds. When is was time for shots, they both put on their brave face. Ellery cried for just a second, and Marin barely flinched and didn't make a sound. Guess living with a rough and rowdy 3-year-old big brother can really toughen-up two little ladies.

(Photos by Diana Busch)

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T18:34:00.002-06:00

The 2011 Bushwar Top Ten

2011-12-31T22:37:00.000-06:00

10. In February, a snow and ice storm stopped North Texas in its tracks. Despite Liam’s pleas to ice skate on the pool, the Bushwar crew was sequestered inside for the better part of a week.

9. Liam officially mastered potty training in late winter, cutting the number of diapers used in the Bushwar household from 9,490 to just under 7,300 per year.

8. Starting in January, Jon and Susan participated in Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University at church and realized that having money=good and broke=bad.

7. When the “Obama Bucks” which had been funding instructional coaching ran dry, Susan returned to teaching special education at the start of the school year.

6. The Bushwar’s Dallas zoo membership expired in July, but thank goodness their membership to the Bushwar Zoo never ends!

5. After a year of uncertainty and massive budgetary cuts for Irving ISD, Jon is thankful he still has a job teaching art. However, he now has the added responsibility of making his own supplies from the materials he is able to find in the recycling bins around school.

4. Jon was in attendance at the Ballpark in Arlington to cheer on his Texas Rangers once again this October at the World Series, unfortunately…sorry, still too soon to write about it. :(

3. Snowbirds before their time, the Bushwars spent most of the summer in Minnesota. During July, they enjoyed lots of time with family, took trips to Wisconsin and Duluth, said goodbye to Susan’s sweet Grandma, and enjoyed a break from the Texas heat.

2. Liam had a big, orange birthday party to celebrate turning three. Two months later, his loving and precious sisters, Marin and Ellery, turned one. In those moments when all three kiddos require chasing, feeding, changing, or refereeing, Susan and Jon feel acutely outnumbered.

And the #1 Event of 2011…

1. For the first time in over five years of marriage, there is not a major announcement, event, or happening to report. Life is grand!

(Diana Busch Photography)

A Spring Day in December?

2011-12-30T23:35:00.001-06:00

On this winter day here in North Texas, it warm and sunny, so we met Nana and cousins Gracyn and Rylann at the park for a picnic and then to play.

Original Six

2011-12-30T23:13:00.000-06:00

It seems harder and harder for all of us to be home with my parents at the same time, but for one evening this holiday season, the original Martin fam was all together again...and we even remembered to take a picture!

Marin Unwrapped

2011-12-29T23:32:00.000-06:00

And this is how we found Marin on Christmas night.

Apparently, she liked unwrapping her gifts so much, she just couldn't help herself.

Yes, we will need to watch this one like a hawk.

Happy Birthday, Parents!

2011-12-29T21:11:00.000-06:00

Christmas is sandwiched in between my parents' birthdays. On my Mom's birthday on the 23rd, Debby and I took her out for a girls' afternoon. My Dad's is tomorrow. Happy, Happy Birthday to the best parents ever!

Bushwar Christmas Festivities

2011-12-29T20:49:00.000-06:00

Since we were in Minnesota for Christmas, we celebrated in Texas the Sunday evening before...

And then we stopped over at Memaw and Poppie's the next night for some more Christmas cheer!

T'was the Weekend Before Christmas

2011-12-29T20:39:00.000-06:00

Quite possibly the busiest weekend of year.
Three birthday parties.
One ABF Christmas party that we hosted.
A Christmas program at church.
And our Bushwar Christmas celebration.
Phew. It was fun but so, so busy.
R.I.P. December 16-18.

This Christmas

2011-12-26T00:13:00.000-06:00

This Christmas was filled with lots of questions about naughty and nice,
Hoping nice would win and Santa would visit,
Worshiping and reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas,
A few sniffles, sneezes, and stuffy noses,
Little hands frosting cookies for Santa,
Playing outside on the playground with no snow on the ground,
A table of food stocked with ham, Swedish meatballs and sausage, Swedish potatoes, salads, fruits, cookies, and Yule Log cakes,
Leisurely visits with family,
Late night boardgames,
A few squabbles over new toys,
Eating chocolate from stockings for breakfast,
Lots of time to play and cuddle with cousin Avonlea,
Little and big ones ripping open packages,
Peace, Joy, and Love.

Merry Christmas!

Waiting for Santa

2011-12-24T20:17:00.000-06:00

Christmas at Sloan

2011-12-16T23:30:00.001-06:00

Today was Liam's Christmas party at Sloan School. The kids had a book exchange, read the Christmas story, ate breakfast food for lunch, and concluded with a visit from Santa. Jon surprised Liam by taking the day off of work to attend. I met them during my lunch break and caught the tail-end of the celebration. So much fun to see all the excitement in the room!

Liam loves his teacher, Ms. Amy.

I love this picture...such a typical 3-year-old shot. One kid biting her tongue whilst looking toward the right. One smiling right at the camera ready for a picture, and the other one happy as she walks away because whoever is behind the camera is taking way too long, and she's ready for her next adventure.

Jon took the day off of work, and I left during my lunch, so we were both able to be at the class Christmas party.

Christmas Trains

2011-12-09T22:14:00.000-06:00

This is the first year we've made it to the Trains at Northpark exhibition during the Christmas season. Liam loved it! If you have a little (or big) guy or gal who likes trains, this is the place to be in December.

Advent

2011-12-07T00:13:00.000-06:00

This is the first year that we've done an advent calendar at our house. In fact, we actually are doing two different types of advent calendars. Jon and Liam are working on a Lego one, and it's been a hit! Liam (and his Daddy) can't wait to build the next part of the puzzle. Did I mention it's a Star Wars Lego Advent? I need not say more.

We're also doing a family one each night. I wrapped 24 books (ones that the kids already have but aren't on the hit lineup, so they are kind of overlooked, but great). Each night before bed, the kids unwrap one, and we read it to them. We're saving the most Christmasy and special ones for last. I got this idea from my latest obsession, Pinterest, and it's been a great, free way to count down the days to Christmas.

The Rock

2011-12-06T23:31:00.000-06:00

With the motto, "Complete, Not Compete,"

On Sunday morning,

In pouring, freezing rain,

With ~~none~~ minimal training,

In 3:41 wet hours,

Mike and I finished the White Rock Half Marathon.

13.1 miles sure is a long way to walk in one morning!

(Almost) Everyone Loves Santa!

2011-12-02T22:31:00.000-06:00

Ellery and Liam loved sitting on Santa's lap at the mall last night. Liam told Santa that he wanted a motorcycle, a gun (huh?), and snow for Christmas. Marin, on the other hand, was less than enthusiastic to visit old Saint Nick. Poor thing, she was not a happy camper.

Let's take a closer look...

Oh, how I love the Santa pictures every year, and some day so will our Marin!

The Halls are Decked

2011-12-01T23:15:00.000-06:00

A little elf helped me decorate the house this year.

He liked to layer the ornaments on the tree, so I had to rearrange a few.

Turkey Followed by Mouse

2011-11-28T23:08:00.000-06:00

Thursday was Turkey Day. Friday was Mouse Day...Mickey Mouse, that is. Nana and Papa took all the grandkids (and their parents) to Disney on Ice in Allen. Our kids loved the show and really loved spending more time with their sweet cousins.

Marin body-surfed our row, and I think everyone eventually ended up holding her at some point in the show.

Liam with his Flounder hat...still a hit in our house.

Getting ready for the show!

Love this cutie-pie, little Rylann.

Ellery was captivated and sat still almost the entire time. She is our calm child.

Mickey Mouse is always the star of the show. Sorry, Donald.

I think Marin finally landed in Papa's lap for quite a while. This girl is constantly on the move!

Lots of Thanks to Give

2011-11-27T00:21:00.001-06:00

After the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving, we headed over Jon's parents' house and had a great time being with family, stuffing ourselves with yummy food, and relaxing the day away.

Getting Ready to Go to Nana and Papa's...

Fun Time with Cousins...

Food Coma Time...

Turkey Trotting

2011-11-26T23:57:00.001-06:00

We woke up early on Thanksgiving morning to burn off some calories we were sure to pack on throughout the day. It had been four years since Jon and I joined his parents and Jenni, Jeremy, and family to do the Turkey Trot in Dallas. In fact, the last time we went, I was pregnant with Liam. This time, he and his two sisters (a lot of changes for us in four years) trotted with us. It was a beautiful morning and a fun way to start our day of thanks!

Haaaaappy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T00:05:00.001-06:00

I have so many things to be thankful for...too many to count, but my sweet hubs and these three definitely top the list.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

RIP Tom Turkey

2011-11-23T23:25:00.000-06:00

Every time I make cutouts, I "adopt" a favorite cookie.

Today this Tom Turkey caught my eye.

He made a noble sacrifice to ensure quality control.

Since his time on earth was short, I took a picture to remember him by...

Liam's Thanksgiving List

2011-11-18T20:31:00.000-06:00

At bedtime last night I was laying in bed with Liam, about to say prayers, and we were talking about Thanksgiving and how we need to thank Jesus everyday for all of our blessings. I asked Liam what he was most thankful for. Expecting him to say Daddy, Mama, sisters, family, friends, or something along those lines, he rattled off, "Motorcycles, pools with diving boards, pickles, Wipe Out (as in the TV show), drums and drumsticks, and trains." Now there's a three-year-old's list of blessings! He finished by telling me that he was thankful for "cool stuff," and I was thankful for "pretty stuff."

Here he is at today's Thanksgiving feast at Sloan school:

Is It Friday Yet?!?

2011-11-16T19:49:00.000-06:00

Anyone else tired and ready for the weekend?

Two more days to go, and then nine days off. Can't wait! Friday, please come quickly!

A Great Week in the Pre-K Kingdom

2011-11-11T11:42:00.001-06:00

Every two weeks, Ms. Amy picks a "Star of the Week" for her class, and this week was Liam's turn! He's been waiting and waiting and waiting for this week to come. On Sunday night, Jon and I made a poster for Ms. Amy to hang on the classroom wall that tells all about Liam. He loved it, and started jumping up and down when he saw it. In fact, this picture is blurry because I couldn't get him to stand still long enough to get a decent shot on my phone, and my real camera wasn't handy.

He also took candy tubes for each kiddo in his class that has a monkey topper that plays the cymbals when the kids press a button on back. Genius.

And to top it all off, today was PJ's and Movie Day at school! Guess that's causal Friday, Pre-K style.

I loved watching him leave the house this morning in his monkey slippers. What a fun day to end the the week for our little star!

Ellery's Campus Stroll

2011-11-08T22:21:00.000-06:00

Ellery looked pretty confident strolling around Baylor on Saturday. Sorry, little girl, Mama's not going to let you start thinking about college quite yet...

Our Baylor (Mar)Bear

2011-11-08T22:13:00.000-06:00

"Growl like a Baylor Bear," I told Marin at Homecoming. This is what I got...

Baylor Homecoming Time

2011-11-08T22:04:00.000-06:00

Can't believe we're already well into November. Fall in Texas means Baylor Homecoming for our family. My Mom, Dad, and Patrick, flew down to Dallas, and we met Debby, Jeff, and Avonlea in Waco on Friday for a fun weekend filled with green and gold.

Sic 'Em!

Look who we ran into in the SUB! Ellery and Liam love people dressed in character. Marin does not. She was not happy about having to take this picture.

Light It Up!

Uncle Jeff and Liam at Bonfire.

Mike, Jon, and Liam

Jeff, Avonlea, and Debby.

Liam and Uncle Patrick

Mom and Dad

I love a Parade!

Grandpa gave lots of shoulder rides this past weekend.

At our usual spot in front of the bookstore to watch the parade.

Love these Crain girls!

Campus Crawl!

Here's a pic of all four kids, but we couldn't get Avonlea to turn around...

...And M and E weren't looking in this one. It's getting harder to keep them still for five seconds!

Three Lady Bears

Liam's favorite past time was climbing the trees on campus.

...And the boys all went to the football game on Saturday night and saw Baylor beat Missouri! Go, Bears, Go!!!

My Brother, the Scholar

2011-11-03T22:28:00.000-05:00

Saturday mornings at our house are usually filled with sticky faces and ~~irritated~~ playful squeals with the clamor of cartoons (just to secure that there’s never a moment of dead air) in the background. Last Saturday, I was privy to a completely different scene. My brother, Nathan, was in town to speak at a Sixteenth century conference in Fort Worth, and my Dad and I were able to tag along with him and attend his lecture. We arrived a little early, so we had time to grab a cup coffee and muffin in the commons room where book displays, organic chamomile tea, hushed conversation, and corduroy blazers dominated the scene. I imagine the participants were probably discussing tree planting techniques in early Babylonia, the origins of the celebratory Cornish game hen in Medieval England, or topics of that nature. A Google search for an answer to a question would definitely not satisfy this crowd!
When the time came for Nathan to take to the podium, I saw the little brother whom I giggled with over juvenile jokes, shared exciting visits from Santa Clause, and fought with over elbow space in the back seat of my parents’ car transform into Dr. Nathan Martin, history scholar and expert. And I was so proud of him. So much so that I should have scrapped stroganoff and made Cornish game hens for everyone on Saturday night to celebrate.

On a side note, this dad of mine stayed true to form all morning…loitering at the display tables, munching on chocolate, and unwrapping mints with sticky fingers during Nathan’s lecture. There is clearly no shame in his game. One of the many things I love about my Dad!

Trick or Treat Time!

2011-10-31T22:58:00.000-05:00

It wouldn't be Halloween without a trick or treat stop at Memaw and Poppie's and Nana and Papa's. Lots.Of.Candy.Today!

Jack O' Lantern Junction Time!

2011-10-31T22:46:00.000-05:00

Our neighbors and friends, Rick and Holly Smith, organized a Halloween block party at their house called Jack O'Lantern Junction. Lots of people came, and the kids had fun playing games and jumping in the bounce house. Thanks to the Smiths for hosting such a fun night of fellowship and community outreach!

Halloween Party Time!

2011-10-31T17:01:00.000-05:00

I stopped by Sloan School today to take a peek at Liam's Halloween party. The kids were pretty ~~hyper~~ excited! The ~~sugar~~ elation was flowing! It was a ~~crazy~~ happening scene! Best of luck to Ms. Amy during nap time today. :)

The Two Class Pirates

Liam and the Ladies

Best Buddies, Shane and Liam

Boo Time!

2011-10-31T06:50:00.000-05:00

Carvin' Time

2011-10-30T22:47:00.000-05:00

Halloween is almost here, so it's pumpkin carving time around our house.

This boy is sensitive to smell, and apparently he does not like the aroma of pumpkin...As soon as I took this picture, I heard a tell-tale gagging sound, as Liam was fighting back an upset tummy.

He came back after the pumpkin was gutted, and was happy to help with the face.

Liam and his jack-o-lantern. Best Friends Forever.

Holding Hands

2011-10-25T21:20:00.000-05:00

I have a hand,

And you have another;

Put them together,

And we have each other.

(Stuffed) Animal Kingdom

2011-10-19T21:43:00.000-05:00

Our stuffed animal kids...

Liam and Ellery

Garage Sale Reflections

2011-10-16T21:52:00.000-05:00

Things I learned from my first garage sale:

1. Even if you swear you will not negotiate prices, YOU WILL. People who frequent garage sales are almost insulted if you don't play the negotiation game. Oh, joy!

2. People don't really show up at 6:30. In fact, if you start that early, you might be sitting around for thirty minutes or so in the dark...taking pictures for entertainment...while listening to Duran, Duran on the radio.

3. Little helpers are always welcome. Too bad mine left early to spend the day with his Memaw and Poppie at the Air Force base in Fort Worth...I could have used a little chatter, which Liam is always good for, to pass the time.

4. At the end of the sale, it's really not so much about making money, it's about getting rid of stuff. The baby/toddler boy clothes were not a hit. A couple who claimed there were headed to Mexico to help orphans in a village just outside of Mexico City were the last ones to stop yesterday. I was ready to be done, so I dumped what was left of the clothes (which was most of them) into garbage bags and donated them to the cause. Who knows if they really are going to aid Mexican orphans, but they seemed pretty legit, so I'm happy with that decision. And I got rid of all my extra stuff. And who lies about stuff like that anyway? So, by eleven, all our stuff was cleared. Our era of down-sizing has begun!

World Series Again!

2011-10-15T23:36:00.000-05:00

The Texas Rangers did it again! Off to the World Series for another shot at the title.

My husband loves baseball. He loves the Texas Rangers even in the years they don't win games. This year, Jon secured his play-off and World Series tickets early. Like a little boy waiting for Christmas morning, Jon anxiously stood watch for Mr. FedEx . Finally, ticket day arrived.
Merry Christmas, Jon!

Here's Liam with some of his buddies all wearing their Ranger t-shirts for Ranger Day at school.

Jon has been to a lot of baseball games lately. I went to one with him last Saturday night. There were two rain delays, so the game lasted about ~~twelve~~ five hours, but it was still really fun.

Way to go, Rangers!!!

Year of the Fallen Corn Dogs

2011-10-09T22:53:00.001-05:00

Since we don't have school tomorrow, this evening seemed like the perfect time to go to the state fair.

Marin liked the corn dogs.

Here's a cow made out of butter.

When we saw this face, we weren't quite sure,

But Ellery loved every bite. Unfortunately, moments after this picture was taken, the corn dog hit the ground, thanks to her big brother...And then another flew through the air and landed at his feet 45 seconds later. Geesh! Those things are almost five bucks each. Oh well, Liam was having problems holding on to food tonight, especially if it was on a stick.

After two fallen corn dogs, it was time to visit Little Hands on the Farm, a favorite for the past few years.

While Liam was watering peach trees,

Jon found a fried frito pie.

Big Tex was looking as large as usual.

He's always such a big crowd pleaser.

We hit the midway next, so Liam could get his motorcycle fix.

He also did a little drag racing.

Our final food stop was for cotton candy. After that, we came home and put three sticky, tired, happy children to bed after a fun night at the fair.

Eat Your Candy, Kids!

2011-10-04T23:16:00.000-05:00

A package came from Grandma and Grandpa.

This time, Liam wasn't the only one to get candy.

I think that smile is a little bit wider.

Must be the sweet stuff!

“If you want to grow up to be a big, strong pea, you have to eat your candy," Papa Pea would say.”

― Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Little Pea

A Word About Work

2011-10-03T20:53:00.000-05:00

With the first six weeks of school behind us, I thought that now would be a good time to write a line or two (or sixty) about work. After two years of instructional coaching, things are completely different for me this year. I absolutely loved working with teachers and helping with new curriculum, assessment programs, and other areas of need, but with all the financial woes and challenges that the field of education faces, those jobs are now few and far between. I knew going into the job that it was a two-year assignment, so I was very excited last spring to know that I would be teaching at Houston Middle School.

It's a great school with a strong administrative team and a positive and supportive group of teachers. My assignment has been teaching resource math. My undergraduate degree is in secondary English and generic special education, but I'm very familiar with the resource math curriculum, and the state of Texas gave me a generalist teaching license a couple of years ago that means someone in Austin thinks I'm qualified to teach grades 4-8 math, science, reading, English, and social studies. The last sentence just blows my mind and is quite frightening at the same time (science, really?!?), but I'll just leave it at that.

Anyway, I started this year ready to teach resource math, and that's exactly what I've been doing. I've got rules posted (see picture above), word walls in place, seating charts in my sub folder, and students who walk in the room and automatically grab their workbooks and start on the warm-up. I'm finding that I can run a classroom much more efficiently now than I did ten years ago, the last time I actually had a classroom of my own. BUT...just when things get settled, watch out! Last week my principal told me that they had officially hired someone to replace me (this is a good thing) because I'm going to return to full-time 7th grade inclusion! I loved being an inclusion teacher, and I really have missed it. So my replacement will be at HMS tomorrow, and after training her in, I'll officially be back in (the inclusion) saddle. I'm so excited for this new teaching assignment and grateful to not only have a job, but to have job with a purpose.

Fall at the Arboretum

2011-10-02T22:31:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again, autumn at the Arboretum. This time we took Aunt Debby and Avonlea. The day was beautiful and filled with lots of hugs, giggles, and pumpkins!

Long Week

2011-09-23T22:35:00.001-05:00

It's been a long week.

Kinda glad it's over.

Really glad it's the weekend.

Noemi

2011-09-20T22:31:00.000-05:00

A little over a week ago, my aunt was rafting with girlfriends in Nevada and was the victim of a tragic accident involving a jet ski. Tonight, Noemi passed away. I will remember Noemi for her infectious laugh, her exuberant spirit, and love of life. So many prayers are needed for emotional healing and a peace that only Jesus can bring to those left behind. Please pray particularly for my Uncle Gary and Noemi's three children during this time of mourning.

Sunday Afternoon Visit

2011-09-18T21:03:00.003-05:00

After church, lunch, and naps, we headed over to Memaw and Poppie's with the kids for a Sunday afternoon visit.

Ellery rocked the house on the drums.

Liam ran through the sprinklers.

While his sisters watched.

And Marin played a song on the harmonica
for her baby doll.

Where Are All the Balloons???

2011-09-17T23:09:00.000-05:00

It was a nice day, so we decided to take the family to the Plano Balloon Festival.

There were lots of things for the kids to do, but what we were all waiting for was the 6 o'clock hot air balloon launch.

So, we grabbed a bite to eat, had a picnic, and waited for the balloons to launch. And we waited. And waited. And waited. Six turned into 6:30. And then seven. Apparently, since there was a threat of bad weather, they decided to cancel the launch. Boo.

Good thing the police were there to calm the disgruntled crowd. Liam liked sitting in the police car. Only the front seat for you, young man.

This is the closest we came to a hot air balloon launch today. But, that's okay, we still had a great time!

Three Buddies

2011-09-16T20:56:00.001-05:00

Tonight's Dinner

2011-09-13T20:03:00.000-05:00

Tonight's dinner included a bonus avocado facial for both girls.

Are You Ready For Some Football?

2011-09-11T08:47:00.000-05:00

Looks like Ellery is.

But then again, maybe cheerleading is more her style.

Patriotic Friends

2011-09-09T23:32:00.000-05:00

It was Patriotic Day today at Sloan School. Red, white, and blue flooded the hallways, the kids ate iced sugar cookies shaped like American flags, the school marched in a little parade, and had a ceremony out by the flag pole. I was flipping through the pictures on Facebook tonight, and it looked like so much fun.

I noticed my little guy in this one, and lingered for a moment, and then did a double-take.

It's so cute to see the innocence of little people holding hands as they walk along...or march in patriotic parades. But something in me felt a little sentimental when I saw this one. Doesn't he look so big and grown up? One day, sooner than I'd like, Liam will stroll in with a real girlfriend, and they'll be holding hands, and I'll wonder how my little guy grew up so fast.

All Play, No Work

2011-09-08T21:25:00.002-05:00

Monday was a beautiful Labor Day! We've been dealing with record-breaking heat here in Texas. Monday's high was 84 degrees. What better way to celebrate a day off of work teamed with perfect weather than by playing outside at Nana and Papa's?

Fort Wort Zoo with Friends

2011-09-08T21:11:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, we met Jon's buddy, Jack, from Austin and his family for an afternoon at the Fort Worth Zoo. It was great to meet his wife and beautiful little girl. We've been going to the Dallas Zoo for the past year, so was nice to switch and head west to the Fort Worth Zoo for a change.

Labor Day Weekending

2011-09-08T20:57:00.000-05:00

Our Labor Day Weekend consisted of...

Noodle Fights,

Relaxing in the Pool,

...And in the Kitchen,

Acts of Bravery,

Dancing to the Beat,

Pizza Making,

Pajama Parties,

And Lots of Sweet Smiles.

Time to Cut That Hair!

2011-09-06T21:19:00.000-05:00

Quiet

2011-09-01T22:14:00.000-05:00

Things around here have been quiet lately. Things around here have been anything but quiet, though. The last of couple of weeks of August were nothing short of a complete whirlwind of activity. Now that we're all back to school, we've been trying organize, plan, and multitask each day to the fullest. Yesterday I even resorted to throwing all three kids in the bath at the same time. Not always a great idea, but it does expedite the process.

Oh, how we are looking forward to our three-day weekend ahead! We have some plans with friends. Some plans with family. And some time of no plans at all...except maybe a nap or two.

What We All Need

2011-08-31T23:10:00.000-05:00

Somebody to lean on. :)

Back to School

2011-08-22T22:36:00.000-05:00

We made it through the first day! The girls went to Ms. Brenda's and had a happy and playful day. No fussing when Jon left. Brenda said they were "perfect." Ms. Brenda is very nice...I'm sure they were a handful, but at least they can come back tomorrow. And, Liam. He loved it. The owners and directors were welcoming kids at the door when we arrived, and when they said, "Hi, Liam," he sprinted right past with a quick wave, entered his classroom, found his cubbie, found his assigned seat, and started meeting new friends. When I picked him up this afternoon, he was still excited to be there. They learned about rainbows today. If Jon and I can't be with them everyday, we sure found the next best places for our little ones.

Superior Memories

2011-08-21T20:30:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is it.

We all start back to school.

I was talking to Liam about the summer, visiting about all the fun things we did the past two months.

One of his favorite was when we were in Wisconsin on Madeline Island and stopped at a beach and had a picnic.

Liam loved swimming in Lake Superior.

And rolling in the sand.

And chasing waves.

And I loved watching him!

Lifetime Playmates

2011-08-20T23:48:00.000-05:00

Today the kids spent a lot of time playing together. It's so nice now that the girls are bigger and can really interact with their big brother. They laughed. They squealed. They ran. They tickled each other. They gave each other lots of hugs and kisses. It's pretty incredible to see how much love for each other these little bodies can contain. It makes me so thankful that we have them, they have us, and they have each other.

Khan Sightings

2011-08-18T22:01:00.000-05:00

Ever since Jon went to the Genghis Khan exhibit at the Irving Art Center and brought back this little hat, we've seen a new side of the Mongol leader. Around our house, we've spotted the emperor eating a peanut butter sandwich, coloring a picture, playing baseball, and sitting on different kind of throne.

Let's Roll

2011-08-17T22:12:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I'll just find the girls just rolling around on the floor. Must be the coolest spot around on hot summer afternoons. Hmmmmm...I maybe should try to find little onesies with dust mops attached!

Just One More

2011-08-15T23:29:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow is the last week day that both Jon and I will be home with the kiddos.

We're thinking we should do something really fun...maybe a trip to the zoo, maybe a visit to a museum, maybe a picnic. Anyway, whatever we decide to do, we'll be soaking in time with each other and these three little ones.

What.A.Great.Summer!

Splashin' the Morning Away

2011-08-15T14:39:00.000-05:00

The lazy days of summer are coming to an end. Sigh. We couldn't let it pass without a trip to a splash park, and this year we have a fun one right here in Irving. We met Owen, his mama, and baby sister and let the power of water work its entertainment magic.

Avonlea and Marin's Experiment

2011-08-13T22:40:00.000-05:00

Marin and Avonlea...at it again. Watching these two can be quite entertaining!

When there are extra bottle parts...

Marin gets creative...

Until she realizes that it's easier to just stick with what works.

Aquariums, Sharks, and Penguins

2011-08-12T23:45:00.000-05:00

No trips to the zoo these days...way too hot in DFW, but Jon and Nana took the kiddos to the Dallas World Aquarium last week when I was in a training. Liam had a great time. He liked the sharks, and the girls love the cute little pink penguins they found at the gift shop.

Ridin' My Bike

2011-08-09T23:18:00.000-05:00

The hardest part of raising a child is teaching them to ride bicycles. A shaky child on a bicycle for the first time needs both support and freedom. The realization that this is what the child will always need can hit hard. ~Sloan Wilson

County Fairs

2011-08-05T21:35:00.002-05:00

Still more catch-up from our month in July...We were pretty much on-the-move the entire time. Although we won't be there for the greatest of county fairs (Steele, of course!), we did hit the Rice County and Waseca County fairs.

Getting ready for fair food!

Marin did not like the animals...at all.

Don't squeeze!

The Elmo hay bale at the petting barn was cute.

A whole lota fried food goin' on at this table.

Grandpa and Liam rode the Ferris Wheel.

I wanted to take this guy home. How cute!

Ellery loved, loved, loved the animals.

Liam and a sheep. Not his sheepy, but a real sheep.

Okay, then. Looks like this guy is on board.

Liam's favorite ride was the Tilt-a-Whirl. He rode it twice, once with Daddy and once with Mama. He laughed hysterically the entire time the car was spinning. We laughed hysterically at him.

Cute little calf.

Liam liked this one, too!

Duluth Memories

2011-08-04T10:58:00.000-05:00

We went to Duluth a couple of times when we were in Minnesota. Liam's favorite thing to do was to run through the fountains at Canal Park...and we let him. Multiple times. With all of his clothing on. But, you would too if you could have seen how much fun he had doing it.

Remembering When They Could Play Outside

2011-08-02T13:41:00.001-05:00

Apparently it's going to be 110 degrees in Dallas today. And I believe it. We've been back a week, and whenever we leave the house, it's been a mad dash to the car to the wherever we are going and back to the car and house again with as little interaction with the heat as possible. But, I remember a time not long ago when our little gals could play outside to their hearts' content...

Minnesota's Fifth Season

2011-07-31T21:20:00.000-05:00

Happy tummies at the table.

Sweet corn season is in full swing in Minnesota. We stayed just long enough to sink our teeth into the first batch. In fact, the majority of our last two dinners consisted of the good stuff. There's nothing like a batch picked right from the field...makes me hungry just thinking about it!

Liam and Grandma busy husking.

My uncles Gary and David getting their fill.

My Uncle Scott and Dad

Naptime Entertainment

2011-07-30T12:41:00.001-05:00

Right now the house is completely quiet. Twenty minutes ago, it wasn't. Jon took Liam to see the new Winnie the Pooh movie, so I put the girls down for naps. They usually spend a couple minutes "talking" or fussing before settling down, but today was a different story. As I was finishing up the lunch dishes, I heard a shriek coming from the girls' room. What I figured out was Ellery's laughter continued for a minute or two, so I headed up the stairs to see what was going on. Peeking through the crack in the door, I couldn't help but giggle, too. Marin's chubby little fingers were wrapped around the crib and she was jumping up and down then launching herself backwards onto the mattress, causing her sister to giggle uncontrollably. I watched her cycle through this little routine for about five or six times before sneaking back downstairs. They both must have reached the point of exhaustion around the same time, because the next time I went to check on them I found two little girls sleeping soundly.

Our Animal Lover

2011-07-29T19:54:00.000-05:00

This little girl was so, so happy everytime Cowboy came in the room.

Looks like we have a little animal-lover on our hands!

Family Love

2011-07-28T00:11:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite things about Minnesota is that it's filled with lots of family love. In fact, spending time with our relatives is, hands-down, what makes our visits so special. We always have a chance to see siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins...whoever happens to be around!

Ellery loves her great aunt, Rima.

Cousin Lisa with Marin.

Liam had fun with his great uncle, Scott.

Great aunt and uncle, Mark and Lori, made it to Owatonna, too.

Ellery is Uncle David's #1 fan!

Thanks to Uncle Patrick for letting us move in for a month.

Liam had fun playing with Uncle Nathan.

Remembering Grandma

2011-07-21T22:42:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, Jon and I took the kids to the Waseca County Fair, and on the way home, stopped by to see my Grandma Moline. As we were leaving, Liam flapped his wrist and gave her his special little goodbye. She mustered up the energy to return the wave. I kissed her cheek, told her I loved her, and we left with heavy hearts. We knew that Grandma's time on earth was growing short. Mom said that just that morning Grandma said, "I'm going to die. I love Jesus." An hour later, my Mom called to say that Grandma had just passed away. What a gift to be able to see her just an hour before she met Jesus face-to-face. Today we said goodbye, remembered her life, honored her memory, and rejoiced in the fact that she is now at home in Heaven.

Edith Ann (Peterson) Moline, age 87, died at her home in Morristown, MN, on July 16, 2011.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 21, 2011 at First Baptist Church in Faribault with the Reverend Daniel D. Mead, officiating. Interment will be at Meadow Ridge Memorial Park, Faribault.

Visitation will be held at Boldt Funeral Home, Faribault from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, and also for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Edith Ann was born on June 12, 1924, in Cambridge, MN, to Andrew Gustaf and Anna Edith (Wilson) Peterson. She accepted the Lord as her personal Savior and was then baptized at age 10 at First Baptist Church, Cambridge. She graduated in 1942 from Cambridge High School, attended Bethel College in St. Paul, and graduated from Lutheran Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing, Minneapolis, MN in 1946. She married Girard (Jerry) Reuben Moline, Harris, MN, at First Baptist Church, Cambridge, MN, on January 4, 1948. They raised a family together until Jerry's death on January 15, 1972, at the age of 51. She worked as a registered nurse throughout the years at Rush City Hospital, Mora Hospital, and private duty at St. Lucas Hospital in Faribault, Faribault Manor Care Center, and Faribault Regional Center. She retired from the Regional Center in 1988. Edith Ann was a member of First Baptist Church in Faribault. She served her church for many years as organist and pianist and in various children's and women's ministries. She will be remembered for her love of family and friends, for her love of church music, and for her love of serving her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In 1998 she enjoyed a trip to Sweden, the land of her heritage.

Survivors include her children: Gay (James) Martin of Owatonna, MN; Girard Scott (Rima) Moline of Jefferson City, MO; Garith (Gary) (Noemi) Moline of Yucaipa, California; Mark (Lori) Moline of Shoreview, MN; and David Moline of Morristown, MN, who cared for her the past seven years of her life. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Susan (Jon) Bushwar, Nathan (Amanda) Martin, Debby (Jeff) Crain, Patrick Martin; Erik, Michael, Lisa Moline; Jessica (Micah) Boerckel, Justin, Jeffrey Moline; and great-grandchildren: Liam, Marin, Ellery Bushwar; Avonlea Crain. She is also survived by her sisters Mary Lou (Dale) Johnson of Huntsville, AL and Margaret Froelke of West St. Paul, MN, and her husband's sister and brother Arleen Tillman of North Branch, MN, and Willard (Pete) Moline of Harris, MN. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews as well as cousins.

Edith Ann was preceded in death by her husband Girard; mother, Anna Edith Peterson, and father, Andrew Gustaf Peterson; brother, Walter Peterson, and brother-in-law, Francis Froelke; mother and father-in-law, Reuben and Eva Moline; brother-in-law, Royal Tillman, and sister-in-law, Mildred (Millie) Moline.

July Night in Minnesota

2011-07-13T00:07:00.001-05:00

It's a chilly night tonight in Minnesota.

So we made a fire.

And relaxed, and talked, and laughed, and just sat there staring at the flames. And relaxed some more.

Yay for summer nights, a fire pit, and family.

Wisconsin Weekending

2011-07-11T23:27:00.002-05:00

We spent the weekend in Bayfield, Wisconsin...one of our favorite towns on the south shore of Lake Superior. On Saturday morning, we went to Big Top Chautauqua, a big tent show in the middle of the woods outside of town. We were part of the audience of the live broadcast of the NPR radio show, Whad 'Ya Know?

Jeff and Debby before the show.

Marin found a friend. Josie was a little girl we met that swept in and entertained and played with the babies during the entire show. Pretty great to find a babysitter on site.

In the afternoon, we went to Madeline Island and found a beach for a dessert picnic. And then it was back to Bayfield for a fish boil and evening stroll around town.

Liam and Grandpa on a ferry over to Madeline Island.

Ellery liked the boat ride, too.

The girls did not like the sand at all, so they were happy to stay on the blanket.

Liam did not have a problem with the sand, though. At one point, it covered every inch of his body.

Marin catching some rays.

A view from the park.

Aunt Debby and Liam headed to Lake Superior.

Beach bums.

Avonlea Grace and Grandpa.

Another trip to the candy store for Grandpa and Liam.

Bayfield at sunset with my hubs.

I could really get used to spending weekends at the lake. A great time was had by all!

Liam' s Week

2011-07-08T00:11:00.004-05:00

If Liam was writing this blog, this is what he'd say he's been doing this week...

Playing on the church playground across the street...

With my cousin.

Going to a Twins game...

While Mama stayed with the girls.

Going on rides at the Mall of America and dinner at the Rainforest Cafe.

Playing with Uncle Patrick at the park.

One Year Check-Up

2011-07-05T22:25:00.000-05:00

Before we left for Minnesota last week, we took the girls for their one-year check-up. Both look great and are right on track. They're both very mobile...Marin is walking, and Ellery, our cautious one, can walk across the room, but once she feels a wobble, falls to her knees and switches back to crawling. Their personalities are really starting to develop, and, oh my, how different they are!

Ellery is our sensitive, careful, and gentle little one. Her smiles are as soft as her dark locks. She loves to look at books, climb on any and everything, giggle, and talk. Her favorite foods are cheese puffs, yogurt, and peaches.

Marin is our free-spirited who is quick to throw back her head with a toothy grin. She is a curious explorer who loves to play patty-cake and peek-a-boo. Marin is an extrovert who loves being around people. She blows kisses and raspberries to one and all.

A Small Town Fourth of July

2011-07-05T08:55:00.000-05:00

After living in a huge metroplex for ten years, I have to say small towns really know how to celebrate the 4th of July--parades, celebrations, fireworks--the whole sha-bang! This year we had a picture-perfect Fourth. The weather was gorgeous. The kids (and some men) went swimming. We celebrated the Avonlea, Marin, and Ellery's first birthday. Jon grilled yummy burgers and hot dogs. Grandpa bought Liam a bag of fireworks. We joined the rest of the city of Owatonna and enjoyed a pretty impressive fireworks display at the fairgrounds. Couldn't ask for a nicer Fourth of July!

Happy 4th

2011-07-04T23:42:00.000-05:00

...of July from Ellery, Liam, Marin, and their sweet cousin Avonlea!

Daddy's Takin' Us to the Zoo

2011-07-03T23:38:00.000-05:00

Sometimes a trip to the zoo, isn't just a trip to the zoo...it may also include a Hmong Freedom Festival. That was us on Saturday. My Dad really wanted to take the grandkids to the zoo, and despite a state government shut-down that forced the closure of the Minnesota Zoo and funneled the animal-seeking masses to the only other zoo around, we headed to Como Park Zoo, and the adventure began. An hour later, we found ourselves packed into a big yellow school bus surrounded by our Hmong friends, traveling from the remote parking lot to the zoo. Talk about people. Geesh. I think it was busiest day at Como Park. Ever. Despite the crowds, we had a great time, and the kids loved the animals, cotton candy, and bus ride.

Ellery loved the bus ride best.

Liam loves going on adventures with Grandpa.

Marin took a break from looking at the tortoise to smile for Mama.

Debby and Avonlea

Ellery's first taste of the good stuff.

Little Helper

2011-07-01T00:03:00.000-05:00

Three-year-olds love to help, so I let Liam assist me with little things all the time. Earlier this month, I had a little bit bigger project of painting a patio table, and once again, Liam begged to lend a hand, or a brush as the case might be. Only thing is, once we started, he forgot he was my assistant, not the other way around. (Being bossy is something we're currently working on with him). He actually did a great job, and it was fun to spend some time alone with just my little guy.

Here he is helping me paint the table:

YES, he is painting in his underwear. Shameful, I know.
And here is the finished product as I look out my kitchen window. Not bad for a three year old and his assistant...

The Birthday Party

2011-06-28T01:01:00.000-05:00

A little late, but here are some pictures of the girls' first birthday party. It was a small and sweet (just like the girls) family party to celebrate ~~the fact that we survived the first year~~ our girls!

2011-06-25T23:54:00.000-05:00

We took the kids in on Friday to have the girls' one-year pictures and Liam's thee-year pictures done. Ellery was not feeling the smiles until after the cameras were off, but that's okay. Aunt Jenni made the girls' dresses for their birthday...aren't they cute?

Marin, Liam, and Ellery

Marin and Ellery

Marin

Liam

Ellery

Ellery with the big eyes.

Sweet Marin

Liam striking a pose.

Sisters

The First Five

2011-06-25T21:39:00.000-05:00

Today Jon and I celebrate our 5th Anniversary. Five years! How can it go by so quickly? Oh, yeah. We're keeping up with three small children. That's how. We did find time for just the two of us today, though, thanks to Nana and Papa. We went to see Spamalot and then out to dinner at our favorite little Irish pub, Trinity Hall. We were home in time to cuddle each kiddo and tuck our little ones into bed. Now we're sitting around flipping between a Coldplay concert and USA/Mexico soccer game. Some might think that's kind of routine or a boring end to an anniversary, but to me it's perfect. It's been a great day to celebrate the best five years (so far) that a gal could every ask for...

Cute Mess

2011-06-24T14:44:00.000-05:00

What's a mama to do? You walk away for two seconds, come back into the room, and find this...

Gold fish crackers all over the floor. And three happy children gobbling them up like puppy chow. Liam immediately said it was Ellery's fault, Ellery was all innocent smiles and giggles, and Marin seemed completely freaked out like everything about the situation was wrong, but it sure didn't stop her from eating to her heart's content. Our three little messes making another mess...but this Mama couldn't help but chuckle inside because it was just too cute.

Birthday Girls and Flowers

2011-06-23T13:17:00.000-05:00

Here are some birthday pictures I took of the girls at the arboretum last Thursday.

Way Behind

2011-06-22T23:28:00.000-05:00

Since school has been out almost three weeks ago, things around our house have been pretty busy. Here's what's been going on...

The first week of summer break, we had VBS at church. I worked with the 5-year-olds, and we had a pretty amazing group of little people. Liam had fun in his class, and loved spending mornings with friends. The girls had lots of good cuddle time with the sweet workers in their room.

Jon's Aunt Cindi, cousin Amanda, and her boyfriend, Sean, also came to visit that week from Spokane/White Fish. It was terrific seeing them. Our buddy Mike also came for the weekend, and it was great to have him here, too.

Last week, Jon was busy writing curriculum, so it was just me and the kids during the day. We went to the mall one morning, the zoo the next day, and to the arboretum the next. Lots of activities. The kids (and I) do better on the move in the morning and home in the afternoon for lunch and naps.

My dear friend, Marybeth, was in town from Denver with her adorable little man, Jack, so we were able to spend time together, too.

Our little ladies turned one, and we celebrated with a family birthday party for them on Saturday. Lots of pictures, so that'll have to be a separate post. But, it went a little something like this...