Another of Hannah's chickens passed away recently, this one named "Carol." Peter and I can't tell the chickens apart, but Hannah has got them all figured out, apparently by the markings on their wings and necks. She spends quite a bit of time each day talking to them, urging them to get better, take a drink, eat some food, stop pecking each other, or whatever she thinks would help the most at the moment.
At Carol's death, Hannah recited her own Eulogy for a Chicken, which went something like this:
Carol the Chicken,
Was a good chicken.
We loved her,
And she gave us eggs.
Carol the Chicken,
Was a good chicken.
She was kind to the other chickens,
And was my friend.
Carol the Chicken -
Died today and I am sad.
Carol the Chicken,
The dead chicken.
If a 5 year old could write poetry, this would be it.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Peter vs. the Skunk
Early yesterday morning Peter went out to check the chickens. They have been sick recently, and two of them have died, so he checks them frequently.
Once out at the coop he saw something moving in the brush nearby and assumed that a chicken had broken out of the coop. So he started chasing the chicken...until it stuck it's black and white tail straight up in warning. Realizing the imminent fragrant threat he put his hands up and backed away slooooowly.
Later in the evening Hannah, Caleb and I watched the mother skunk from my parents media room while she taught her EIGHT babies how to dig for grubs. It was fascinating! Then we came home and I put them to bed.
Just then Peter called. He was stopped at the gate with Daniel in the car.
"Honey," he said "I'm stuck at the gate. I can't get in."
"What do you mean?" I said, looking out the window seeing his headlights just inside the gate.
"There are two huge skunks and eight baby skunks blocking the way - all with their tails up in the warning position!"
"Well don't get any closer to them. Your car will stink for a LONG time. Why don't you try honking?"
"I don't think it would help. They're practically deaf, you know."
"Yes, but what could it hurt?"
I hear a honk.
A second later, he proceeds down the driveway and walks in the door.
We're not quite sure what to do about this...Anybody know how to eradicate skunk?
---
Hidden camera moment recently:
Today I went to an all-day scrapbooking event. All day... 9am to 9pm. I didn't go for the whole time, but I did get a lot done!
When I went out to the car, I couldn't get the back hatch of Peter's Explorer to unlock. Frustrated, but remembering that my key doesn't always work in his car's doors, I went around to the front. I stuck my key in the door and the lights came on inside. I started to climb in and reach to unlock all the doors when I realized that someone had left something else in the car since I left it in the parking lot. How strange, I thought, examining the new carseats and toys. Then it hit me. This wasn't our car!
I quickly closed the door and gathered up my gear, and headed over to OUR car - two cars down.
Once out at the coop he saw something moving in the brush nearby and assumed that a chicken had broken out of the coop. So he started chasing the chicken...until it stuck it's black and white tail straight up in warning. Realizing the imminent fragrant threat he put his hands up and backed away slooooowly.
Later in the evening Hannah, Caleb and I watched the mother skunk from my parents media room while she taught her EIGHT babies how to dig for grubs. It was fascinating! Then we came home and I put them to bed.
Just then Peter called. He was stopped at the gate with Daniel in the car.
"Honey," he said "I'm stuck at the gate. I can't get in."
"What do you mean?" I said, looking out the window seeing his headlights just inside the gate.
"There are two huge skunks and eight baby skunks blocking the way - all with their tails up in the warning position!"
"Well don't get any closer to them. Your car will stink for a LONG time. Why don't you try honking?"
"I don't think it would help. They're practically deaf, you know."
"Yes, but what could it hurt?"
I hear a honk.
A second later, he proceeds down the driveway and walks in the door.
We're not quite sure what to do about this...Anybody know how to eradicate skunk?
---
Hidden camera moment recently:
Today I went to an all-day scrapbooking event. All day... 9am to 9pm. I didn't go for the whole time, but I did get a lot done!
When I went out to the car, I couldn't get the back hatch of Peter's Explorer to unlock. Frustrated, but remembering that my key doesn't always work in his car's doors, I went around to the front. I stuck my key in the door and the lights came on inside. I started to climb in and reach to unlock all the doors when I realized that someone had left something else in the car since I left it in the parking lot. How strange, I thought, examining the new carseats and toys. Then it hit me. This wasn't our car!
I quickly closed the door and gathered up my gear, and headed over to OUR car - two cars down.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Poppy Seeds, and Other Things
The following conversation was relayed to me last night by my mom, who had been making lemon poppy seed muffins with Hannah earlier that afternoon:
Hannah: If I eat one of these poppy seeds, will a poppy plant grow inside me?
Mimi: No. What three things do plants need to grow?
Hannah: Water, soil, and sunshine.
Mimi: Well, you aren't able to get all three of those inside you, so it won't be able to grow.
Hannah: I know! I can drink a lot of water, eat some dirt, and go outside and hold my mouth open to the sunshine for a looooooong time!
What would we do without her?
In other news: Daniel has blessed me immeasurably by taking to potty training like a duck to water. I must admit I have been dreading the whole potty scene for too long, and finally decided that it was going to HAVE to happen before the baby is born. I tried him about 3 months ago, and he didn't seem ready. Now we tried again, and he is a champ. Hallelujah!!!
Also: Caleb has moved to a big boy bed! This is his third day, and I think he is finally sleeping peacefully. He has been soooooo excited that he just lays there grinning and can't sleep. The first night he tried to get up a few times before going to sleep, and was awake and wandering the house crying over his "abandonment in this house!" at 5:45 the next morning (we were all sleeping, of course), but this morning he came right up to find me - at 7pm. Both boys are thrilled to have an "all boys" room. Daniel is proud to be the top bunk resident, and Caleb is just proud to be out of his crib.
And last, but certainly not least: Baby (yet to be named) is a GIRL!!!
Hannah: If I eat one of these poppy seeds, will a poppy plant grow inside me?
Mimi: No. What three things do plants need to grow?
Hannah: Water, soil, and sunshine.
Mimi: Well, you aren't able to get all three of those inside you, so it won't be able to grow.
Hannah: I know! I can drink a lot of water, eat some dirt, and go outside and hold my mouth open to the sunshine for a looooooong time!
What would we do without her?
In other news: Daniel has blessed me immeasurably by taking to potty training like a duck to water. I must admit I have been dreading the whole potty scene for too long, and finally decided that it was going to HAVE to happen before the baby is born. I tried him about 3 months ago, and he didn't seem ready. Now we tried again, and he is a champ. Hallelujah!!!
Also: Caleb has moved to a big boy bed! This is his third day, and I think he is finally sleeping peacefully. He has been soooooo excited that he just lays there grinning and can't sleep. The first night he tried to get up a few times before going to sleep, and was awake and wandering the house crying over his "abandonment in this house!" at 5:45 the next morning (we were all sleeping, of course), but this morning he came right up to find me - at 7pm. Both boys are thrilled to have an "all boys" room. Daniel is proud to be the top bunk resident, and Caleb is just proud to be out of his crib.
And last, but certainly not least: Baby (yet to be named) is a GIRL!!!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Sick, but Happy
Late this week, everyone but Peter came down with runny noses and sore throats. Yuck! Nothing like a spring bug... I'm still not sure if it is allergies or colds, but Hannah is better today, so that is a step in the right direction! Even though we weren't feeling 100%, we spent most of the day outdoors, getting fresh air, Kleenex in tow.
Last year Peter gave up his beloved Saturday basketball game to spend the day working around the house and being home with the kids. It was his decision, and it wasn't easy. I used to refer to it as "Sacred Basketball," because nothing could interfere with it! Since then, we have loved having Daddy home on Saturday mornings. Here are some photos of our day:
Daniel got a lesson yesterday on how to hold a baby. This is Rachel, Hannah's beloved (almost) antique doll. I couldn't believe she was letting him hold it, but she was about a breath away from grabbing her back at any moment - just like a mommy with a real newborn. They have been practicing for when we have our baby. It looks like he's starting to get it! They both want a sister.
We let Hannah stay up and play outside in the afternoon while we continued our projects. (She's used to having some quiet time.) At one point, I sent her to her room for a time out. After a few minutes, I noticed that it was very quiet down the hall, and went to investigate. This is what I found...Sleeping Beauty. I think she went to hide in her closet, and fell asleep while she was waiting for us to come look for her! It had been a long day!
This is a shot of the boys right now. Hannah and Daddy went to church, but the boys and I were still under the weather. They are watching a video. Look how big Caleb is getting! Actually, it is just that he's sitting up straight and Daniel is slouching. See who's toes are sticking out?
Last year Peter gave up his beloved Saturday basketball game to spend the day working around the house and being home with the kids. It was his decision, and it wasn't easy. I used to refer to it as "Sacred Basketball," because nothing could interfere with it! Since then, we have loved having Daddy home on Saturday mornings. Here are some photos of our day:
Daddy spending time on the couch with Hannah. They are perusing her Schleich (little resing figures) catalog. I'm sure she is telling him all about Hanoverian mares, or something else he's never heard of. She is quite a horse authority these days...
Daniel got a lesson yesterday on how to hold a baby. This is Rachel, Hannah's beloved (almost) antique doll. I couldn't believe she was letting him hold it, but she was about a breath away from grabbing her back at any moment - just like a mommy with a real newborn. They have been practicing for when we have our baby. It looks like he's starting to get it! They both want a sister.
We let Hannah stay up and play outside in the afternoon while we continued our projects. (She's used to having some quiet time.) At one point, I sent her to her room for a time out. After a few minutes, I noticed that it was very quiet down the hall, and went to investigate. This is what I found...Sleeping Beauty. I think she went to hide in her closet, and fell asleep while she was waiting for us to come look for her! It had been a long day!
This is a shot of the boys right now. Hannah and Daddy went to church, but the boys and I were still under the weather. They are watching a video. Look how big Caleb is getting! Actually, it is just that he's sitting up straight and Daniel is slouching. See who's toes are sticking out?
More to come later...
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Cruising
Peter surprised me recently with an anniversary cruise to Mexico! My gracious parents took care of our children, while we went to San Diego, CA, Catalina Island, CA, and Ensenada, Mexico. It was the first cruise either of us had taken, and we had such a special time together. Here are a few photos to give you a glimpse...
The sunset on our first night at sea
Our first port to dock in was in San Diego. We toured the USS Midway, a retired Naval aircraft carrier. It was amazing to see. I have a new respect for our military! The amount of engineering involved in making a floating war machine was staggering to me. The men and women who serve on these vessels live in unbelievably tight quarters, with a strict regimen. They don't do it for the fun of it, I'm sure. The bunks were 3 beds high, and I don't think you could even turn over. There were probably 20 people to a room about the size of our master bedroom. Below is a side view as we approached the ship. The part sticking out is an elevator for moving the aircraft from the flight deck to below. It was, like I said, truly amazing...
This is me trying out the cockpit of one of the aircraft. It was tight quarters!
This is me on top of the flight deck. I'm standing in front of one of the types of aircraft that flew off the Midway. I think this one is a Tomcat. My grandpa used to fly something like this off aircraft carriers many years ago. While touring this ship I couldn't help thinking of him, remembering stories I'd heard about his experiences. They say that landing on the ship at night is one of the most stressful experiences. At night there is virtually no light on the deck, and you have about a 40 foot space on which to touch down, in what can basically be called a "controlled crash." There is a hook that the plane has that catches a cable to make it stop, so that it doesn't just go straight into the ocean. The pilot makes the landing at full throttle, so if they miss the cable they can take off again and make another attempt. All this takes place in a matter of seconds. I think they said that they used to have a take off or landing in as little as 4 minutes apart! And...all this on a ship that is going up and down and side to side at the same time. They said that the stress level on the pilots is lower when they encounter enemy combat, than when they have to land at night. Wow.
Me and my one and only! We took walks on the deck every night after dinner. The food was amazing. Not only was it delicious, it was served to me! I didn't have to cut up anyone else's food, Peter and I could carry on a conversation without any interruptions, and someone was standing there all the time refilling my water and offering me more bread! And...I didn't have to do one single dish. Now that's a vacation!!!
Our second stop was Catalina Island. We had planned to go kayaking in the ocean and then take a glass-bottom boat tour, but the wind was too strong for any small vessels to be allowed out of the harbor. Instead we went shopping, and rented a golf cart and toured the island. This is a view looking down on the city of Avalon.
Our third stop was Ensenada, Mexico. We went to this place called La Bucadora. I don't know what it means, but it was an outdoor market right on the cliffs of the ocean. Here is a Mexican "zebra."
Outside the market is something they call "the Blowhole." The tide was too low for us to see its wonders, but I understand that when the tide comes in the waves really kick up the side of the mountain there.
How could I leave out the dancing waiters? Every night they would have something special. On the last night they came out parading with Baked Alaskas on their heads!
Happy Anniversary, Dear! Thank you for a lovely, special vacation. I love you!!!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Termites!?
We were walking past a car in a parking lot recently. The car had a cover which is sometimes used after a new paint job. Daniel asked, "Is that a blanket on the car?" Hannah replied, "They must have termites!"
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
USS Midway
The picture with a carrier closer is the Midway. The one in the distance is the new USS Regan. It apparently came in last night. I am not sure if the photo shows this, but most of the planes are on deck. The tour of the Midway was fascinating.
Cruising!
I am taking Debra on a short cruise for our anniversary. This is a photo of the cruise boat. We are currently in San Diego and toured the USS Midway this afternoon. I'll pst a picture of that when I get a chance.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Quotes of the Day
In case you missed it in an older post, we are expecting a baby in September! This has made for much conversation around here...
Hannah: "If it is a girl, I think we should name it Gloria. Gloria is such a beautiful name. Don't you think?"
Mommy: "Gloria is a lovely name. I like it too. I'll talk to Daddy about it."
Hannah: "Well, if we can't name her Gloria, how about Grace? Grace is a nice name too."
Mommy: Trying to figure out where this is going..."Yes, Grace is a lovely name too. Did you know that your name means 'grace?' We wouldn't want to have two "Graces" would we?"
Hannah: "No. But Gloria or Grace will be her name."
Mommy: "Why did you pick those two names?"
Hannah: "Because they are "G" names. G is my favorite letter! Don't you think that G is a fun letter to write?"
Leave it to Hannah to name the child for her favorite letter of the alphabet. And who would have known that she even would have a favorite letter?!
---
Here's one from Daniel while eating breakfast yesterday...
"Mommy put pretty ribbons on the walls!!!"
I decided on a whim to redecorate the kitchen (I'm definitely in my second trimester). The "ribbons" are the paint masking around the edges. I'm glad he likes the transitory decor!
---
And another from Hannah, who apparently had her mind wandering during devotions...
Turning her shoulders toward Mommy while whispering..."Mommy look! Four days of puffed sleeves in a row!!!"
We just finished reading and then watching Anne of Green Gables together...
Hannah: "If it is a girl, I think we should name it Gloria. Gloria is such a beautiful name. Don't you think?"
Mommy: "Gloria is a lovely name. I like it too. I'll talk to Daddy about it."
Hannah: "Well, if we can't name her Gloria, how about Grace? Grace is a nice name too."
Mommy: Trying to figure out where this is going..."Yes, Grace is a lovely name too. Did you know that your name means 'grace?' We wouldn't want to have two "Graces" would we?"
Hannah: "No. But Gloria or Grace will be her name."
Mommy: "Why did you pick those two names?"
Hannah: "Because they are "G" names. G is my favorite letter! Don't you think that G is a fun letter to write?"
Leave it to Hannah to name the child for her favorite letter of the alphabet. And who would have known that she even would have a favorite letter?!
---
Here's one from Daniel while eating breakfast yesterday...
"Mommy put pretty ribbons on the walls!!!"
I decided on a whim to redecorate the kitchen (I'm definitely in my second trimester). The "ribbons" are the paint masking around the edges. I'm glad he likes the transitory decor!
---
And another from Hannah, who apparently had her mind wandering during devotions...
Turning her shoulders toward Mommy while whispering..."Mommy look! Four days of puffed sleeves in a row!!!"
We just finished reading and then watching Anne of Green Gables together...
Monday, March 31, 2008
My Thoughtful Girl
Here is a picture of what my thoughtful little girl brought me this afternoon:
My little girl is growing up in so many ways!
She was so pleased to present her work! It is not uncommon for her to pick the flowers and bring a handful in to me, but this batch she took the time to "plant."
I think she was copying my friend Julie, who recently delighted me with a basket a flowers she had planted. Hannah knew it had been a blessing to me, and she was trying to imitate Julie's kind gesture. Thanks Julie, for your example!
My little girl is growing up in so many ways!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Happy Birthday Caleb!
Today is K-Guy's 2nd birthday!
Every time someone has a birthday I inevitably end up strolling down the memory lane of my photo library to see old pictures, what they looked like last year, etc. Here are a few for all of you to enjoy.
Every time someone has a birthday I inevitably end up strolling down the memory lane of my photo library to see old pictures, what they looked like last year, etc. Here are a few for all of you to enjoy.
He loved the Florida beach last summer! 
Sweet little guy! He is so kissable!
This is where I found him hiding...with the spiders under the slide! He was pretty pleased with himself. :-)
Did I mention that he is fearless? He LOVED sledding at the snow! Here he is with Aunt Mary. One day he's going to get me for buying him purple snowpants...but they didn't have any boy ones left!
One thing I really appreciate about Caleb is that he always wants to help
Enjoying the new play structure Daddy made
Having lunch at Nana's restaurant after church.
He is definitely Daddy's boy!
I'm one of the big kids, Mom!
Having his "quiet time"
He LOVES dirt. This is right before he took a big bite out of some clod he found...
Everybody cuddles with Mommy to watch a movie!
He loves to color!
Hunting for eggs at Eastertime
He likes to be like Daddy, and wear his safety glasses when he's using his tools...
This is one of my favorites, taken by our dear friend, Veronica Campbell.Caleb, my prayer for you this year is that you will learn to speak words that will be honoring and glorifying to God. You are a precious boy! Daddy and I love you so much, and wish you a very, very Happy Birthday!!!
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