Party Time

Happy Birthday Abby and Nate!!

We celebrated with an ice cream themed party on Saturday night. Everyone wore their pjamas and had fun playing ice cream games, making crafts and sundaes!

The ice cream sundaes were a big hit! Sprinkles, sprinkles everywhere!

Just a few pictures of Abby and Nate in their younger years.

Happy Birthday sweet five year old!

Happy Birthday big three year old!

Craft time!

Pin the cherry on the ice cream cone! And the winner is: Ellie!!


We made these cute little ice cream sundaes out of pompoms!

Nate was just a little excited about the Rescue Hero firetruck Christian gave him! It shoots fake water bullets, so it's really exciting! I think we've finally found Nathan's thing! I hope he keeps loving it!

Abby was thrilled to get lost of fun princess dress up stuff!! She's been busy dressing up all weekend!

Thank you dear friends for joining us as we celebrated Abby and Nate's lives. It was a crazy fun night and we love how our families have grown together in friendship over the years. We are blessed to have each of you in our lives!!

Apple Picking

We finally got to go apple picking today!!
It was raining lightly even as we were driving there, but it stopped just long enough for us to have a great time!
The orchard was beautiful even on a cloudy, rainy day.
This is my absolute favorite picture from our outing. Nate picked a few apples, but spent the majority of his time climbing in and out of the apple crates.
Hmmm...maybe this is my favorite picture. I can't decide! All I know is that I hadn't seen Nate all day because he was at daycare and as soon as we got to the orchard (despite all the other exciting things he could have been doing) he came and gave me a hug. That moment became the highlight of my day!McKenna rode around on my back and loved it. Can you tell why Ryan calls her "the last of the mohicans?" She's got some funky hair going on these days!
McKenna's friend Gwen had her first apple picking experience too!

Our friend Jenn has been visiting from Massachusetts, so it was fun to have her experience our apple picking tradition. Abby loved getting a boost because the best apples always seem to be the ones out of reach.

And there's Taryn getting a few of those out of reach apples.

Since when did Emma turn into a teenager??


Miss Ellie


Tanyon


Abby

Christian
Once Abby and Kate had finished up their apple picking I found them hanging out in the back of my car.
Abby has taken a new interest in writing! She was busy planning her birthday party with Ellie and Kate! Apparently she was taking notes on what they were saying!

Oh I love this picture! Look at the wind blowing her hair and how she has that apple tucked under her arm! Too sweet! Addie is almost exactly a year older than McKenna. I love to watch her and imagine what McKenna will be doing in a year.

Christian was so proud of this giant apple he found!

And of course the best part is coming home and showing Daddy your prized apple!!

Embarrasing Moment

See this:

You'll be amused to know that today while shopping I bumped my cart into a lovely display of Scotch tape. The entire display fell over and literally about 300 rolls of Scotch tape tumbled to the floor. I had my post-surgery sister with me who can't bend over or squat. The girl can barely walk. This was a big outing for her. And I had McKenna buckled into one of those baby carrier front packs, so couldn't bend over either. So I stood there, while lots of people tried to maneuver their carts around us, not offering a bit of help, and Abby and Christian cleaned up the whole thing. Nate was busy creating his own little scene. Abby and Christian were so great about it. They kept trying to see who could pick up the most rolls of tape at a time. It seriously took them about 15 min. to get it all cleaned up, but they did it without one complaint and they didn't even seem to notice all the annoyed, less than helpful people milling around us!

Christian's New Ride

I must forewarn you, I'm going to get a little preachy here! Feel free to tune me out, although I hope you don't. We just got Christian a new car seat and I love it. He can buckle it himself, Praise the Lord!! Do you know how nice that is to have one child who can buckle himself!!?? Now I'm working on Abby and Nate. You may be wondering why he's still in a 5-point harness! He's forty pounds and could be in a high back booster seat with an adult belt, but that is NOT the choice for us.

Please, please, please watch this video about a little boy named Kyle! I have learned a valuable lesson about booster seat safety from his short little life. Christian is in the Graco Nautilus. He can be in this car seat in the 5 - point harness until he's 65lbs. I'm going to keep him in the 5-point harness as long as I can then this seat converts to just a high back booster and then it converts to just a booster seat. This is the last car seat I'll ever have to buy. Yippee! It cost $140 on AMAZON.com (free shipping) and since Christian's life is priceless to me, it was worth every penny.

I wasn't a blogger back in 2006 so most of you have never heard this story, but February 24th of that year changed my life. I was heading home from a baby shower for my cousin. My Aunt was in the front passenger seat. It was her 84th birthday. My mom was sitting in the back seat of my Explorer. I had the four wheel drive on because it had been snowing and the roads hadn't been plowed yet. Christian was supposed to be with us (he wasn't even two yet) but for some reason he had woken up at 5am and would not go back to sleep (Thank you God - I know it was you who woke him up. I know it was you who kept him awake so he would be too fussy to go to the shower. Thank you, thank you Lord Jesus!!). So Christian was at my parents house with Ryan and my Dad. I didn't think much of the snow. I was in a safe car, four wheel drive, I had driven in snow before, I was a careful driver!! I remember my mom and my aunt and I worrying about my other aunt in her little Ford Focus. I was going about 30mph as we headed up the hill and that's when I saw another SUV sliding down the hill towards up. There was no where to go, no way to avoid it. The other SUV hit us head on and then rolled down a hill off the side of the rode. There was a nine year old girl in that car, bleeding and scared because her father didn't slow down. Her father was careless and didn't even use his four-wheel drive. My aunt's wrist was sprained and her sternum was broken (she had chest pain and I immediately thought she was having a heart attack). My mom didn't have her seat belt on because Christian's carseat was in the way of where her seatbelt should have latched. I didn't know that at the time until I looked back and saw the injuries to her face and head. She also had a huge hematoma on her leg that later had to be operated on. I should post the pictures of my mom's face because I guarantee you would never get in a car again without a seatbelt on (even in the back seat). I won't post it because she would probably be mortified. All of my kids (and the Marshalls too) have seen what Grandmom's face looked like after the accident and all the them have a great understanding of why they should wear seat belts. No one in our car fusses about buckling up. My car was totaled and I re-lived the 10 seconds of that crash over and over in my mind for months. It was traumatic, even though I walked away. The lesson learned it that you have no control over the stupidity of others, therefore I'm going to protect my kids the best way I know how. Saving a few bucks on a car seat is not worth it to me.

The Graco Nautilus is actually the cheaper way to go. The Britax Frontier is probably the absolute best way to go, but it cost twice as much and I think the Graco Nautilus gets the job done!

I will climb off my soap box now :) Thanks for listening!!

P.S. Amy's going to kill me for this....but if anyone wants to buy Abby and Nate a really great, expensive early Christmas present I would love to see those two riding around is safety and style in their own Graco, Nautilus! You know it's driving me crazy that Abby's in an adult belt. So far Nate's okay, but it won't be long. Just a thought if you have a spare $300 bucks (like any of us do)!

The Cat Chronicles

This is a follow up to my earlier post!!

Thanks so much for all the comments. I seriously just didn't know what to do! The cat still isn't eating (I'll be looking for some canned food tomorrow - thanks for the tip Millicent) and if it continues the trend I'm going to give my neighbors a call tomorrow morning. I found a little scooper, so I cleaned out the litter box and I found a brush and dust pan, so I cleaned up all around the food bowl and litter box. Maybe it's just a picky cat! I didn't find anymore gravel stuff to put in the litter box, but I think it's okay for now. The cat continues to remain under the dining room table. It has no interest in coming out to interact with me. But I did make sure it was still breathing :) and I figured I would just give him his space.

I think the next time they go out of town I'll just volunteer to mow their grass! I can't mess that up!!

Painting Pottery

Last Friday we had a new experience!! We painted pottery! Christian, McKenna, Emma and I went to this crafty little place called Pottery By Me and More! The idea was to have the kids paint some things to use as Christmas presents for the grandparents who already have everything, but that idea didn't work out so well. I fell in love with every little thing Christian made, so I think I'm going to keep it all! Merry Christmas to me! How bad is that!
I had to seriously crop these pictures because Emma did make her mom something very special for Christmas. And her mom does read this blog, so I have to be careful not to reveal the secret. Although I do wonder if she's told Amy what she made yet. She was so excited about it and she took forever working on it, so Christian ended up painting three things while Emma worked on one. But I'm glad she took her time and did a nice job!
My neighbor, Lisa, took the day off from work so she joined us with her son Nicholas! Nicholas is our definitely one of our favorite friends. Look at that cute football helmet he painted. He did it all by himself. He even added a little of his own artistic flair to his mommy's project. She was making a plaque of his hand print.
It's always exciting when you put paint on the hand of a little boy who's almost two!! He did a great job and his hand print turned out remarkably well.
Notice McKenna's blue foot! She even got in on the action. I made a plate with her footprint on it!

This is info. for those of you who live locally who might be interested in visiting this pottery place. My first advice would be: check the website for printable coupons. It definitely helps. I really didn't think the prices were that outrageous. There are lots of different items to choose from to paint: Christmas ornaments, plates, piggy banks, pumpkins, Christmas trees, all sorts of holiday decorations, plaques, etc. The plate I chose to make for McKenna cost $12. Then it cost $6 to have it fired and glazed (which you definitely want to do). So I got a great keepsake for $18. Not something I would do everyday, but definitely something I think I could do for each of my children. Christian painted a pumpkin that cost $8 and then it cost (half of the price of the item) $4 to have it fired and glazed. We painted six different things and it cost me about fifty bucks (and that's with Emma and I both doing projects that cost around $18). We go back this Friday to pick up our finished pieces! I'll be sure to let you see how it turns out.

Dear Cat Lovers,

I need your help. I've never had a cat or a dog for that matter and I am currently taking care of my neighbors cat, dog, hamster and fish! Just for the record, this is NOT my thing. This is an act of sheer brotherly love. These are the same neighbors whose daughter died earlier this year and now they have had a grandparent/mother pass away. They're struggling on so many levels, so it was the least I could do to volunteer to watch their pets, right? Now I'm not so sure. The cat is sick and I have no idea what to do. The cat is not eating. It hasn't eaten since Saturday night. We've found cat vomit in the house twice and the cat has pooped on the rug three times now. Totally gross! I used to think we might have a dog one day, now I'm saying NO WAY! So all you cat lovers out there, what do I do?????? Could it be possible that the cat doesn't want to poop in the litter box because it needs to be emptied? They didn't tell me how to empty the litter box, so I have no idea what to do. I called my neighbor yesterday and told her that the cat wouldn't come out from under the kitchen table and I told her the cat wasn't eating. She told me not to worry about it that the cat is moody sometimes when they're gone. Hmmm...Do I call them again and bug them about their cat on the night of the viewing? Good grief this is a hassle! So help me out here people! I need some advice!

Sincerely,
The fish lover (the only pet we'll ever have :)

P.S. I just read back over this post and it totally sounds so negative. Really I don't hate cats, this one is just causing some issues, so I'm frustrated. Truth be told, we will probably have pets other than fish in our lives at some point, just not right now. Christian actually just asked me for a hamster at dinner tonight!

Abby turns FIVE!

Dear Abby!

You turned five today! I hope I'll remember the look I saw on your face this morning forever. You were so proud to be five. Your blond braided hair and excited blue eyes, all because Mommy decorated your bed with pink balloons and streamers. It's so easy to bring you delight! Then we headed downstairs for your breakfast doughnut cake! Yummo!

I hate to say it, but I don't remember much about this day five years ago. Uncle Ryan and I had only been married for a few months and we had just bought our first house, so we were pretty busy and in our own little world. I don't think I had any idea what a life changing event your birth would end up being for me. I do know that your mommy birthed a 9lb baby with no pain meds! She was certainly a hero that day, although I do think she just about lost her mind. And so your birth taught me the importance of an epidural, a lesson I have taken quite seriously!
I do remember very clearly the first time I saw you just a few weeks after your birth. Uncle Ryan and I came to the apartment were you lived in Leominster, Massachusetts. I think we stayed for three or four days. Your dad had gone back to work and your mommy was sooo tired, so I basically held you for three days straight, only giving you back to mommy so you could eat! I remember dressing you up in different outfits to take your picture. I remember how Emma asked to hold you constantly. She was in love with you before you were even born! Every time I tried to take a picture of you Emma jumped in the shot! I know that sometimes you guys aren't the best of friends (I saw that today) but you should know that your sister loves you with all of her heart. The bond of sisterhood is a gift that God has given the two of you! A sister is a best friend for life.

Uncle Ryan spent all of his time with Emma! They really became friends on that trip. They explored outside and played together for hours on the third floor of your apartment building (the storage floor). I remember how Emma and Uncle Ryan played church. Emma preached and sang and made Uncle Ryan be the congregation. I think Emma even tried to get an offering out of Uncle Ry. At one point when they were exploring outside Emma was climbing over a rock and Uncle Ryan told her to be careful. Emma responded by saying; "Don't worry about me, Jesus keeps me safe."

I think you stole my heart in those first few days that I spent with you, cooing and snuggling against me. I still remember looking at your baby blues thinking that they would turn brown like your sister's. I was wrong! I know that you're not mine, but try to tell my heart that! You have changed me in the most profound way over the last year or so! My heart has stretched and ached. My mind has wrestled. My lips have spoken endless prayers. My body has tossed and turned unable to sleep, all because of you. I hold you in my heart now and forever!

Thanks for turning my world upside down with your Polly Pockets and hair bows, your wild imagination and all things pink, your indignant little attitude and your sweet/feisty spirit. Thanks for being Christian's best friend. McKenna already thinks she has a big sister and I think the two of you are going to be two peas in a pod! I love how excited you get every time McKenna gets new shoes or wears a fancy new outfit. I love how you love her! Seriously, Abigail Rose - what would we do without! Our hearts are full! Happy fifth birthday sweet girl! We are all so proud of the little lady you are becoming. May Jesus continue to bless you and walk with you. Keep clinging to Him! He's the greatest friend you'll ever have!


Happy Birthday Miss Abigail Rose!

Love, Auntie Judy

Just Found Out

Ryan got the call this afternoon that he will be donating bone marrow sometime in November! This is the more complicated of the two procedures, but it's the one we both have the most peace about! Ryan had his physical on Thursday and then a team of doctors met to discuss Ryan's health and which procedure would be best for Ryan with the fewest possible side effects. So bone marrow it is!! This has been a really strange process to be a part of. When Ryan told me I actually felt excited and then teary at the same time! Please keep praying for us as we work through all the details. Things are moving quickly and we also have to be really flexible because Ryan will be donating based on when it's best for the patient, not when it's most convenient for us. Most importantly, please keep praying for the patient! Pray that God will use Ryan's marrow to bring complete healing to her body!

8 Months Old Today

McKenna is eight months old today! In honor of this occasion she decided to make her first big mess! Check out the picture, she's even laughing about it! While my back was turned she pulled her sweet potatoes onto the floor. Her big brother saw it happen and he took the opportunity to correct her and explain that you get "discaplin" when you do things like that! Then he told me to put her in time-out! I can tell already that Christian is going to be a great tattle tale!

McKenna also marked this day with the arrival of her second tooth! I was actually really excited to see it because she was up five times last night. Yes, five times. I thought I was going to loose my mind. She just cried and wanted to be held. I knew something was wrong and almost took her to the doctor today to have her ears checked, but then the tooth showed up. Hopefully tonight will be a little more pleasant!

Just a few little McKenna facts:

-Weighs exactly 19lbs

-Loves to play with her toes

-Used to hold her hands together all the time and now she's stopped that (sad...it was so cute)

-Sits up quite well and can even catch herself when she starts falling backward

-Gives very wet kisses

-Loves to grab noses and ears. Don't even think about wearing earrings!

-Can hold a bottle by herself

-Favorite food is definitely bananas

-Flips from back to stomach and then screams

-Won't flip off of her stomach because she's too busy pitching a fit (so her brother "saves" her)

-Loves to hang out in her jumperoo!!!!

-Recognizes her name

-Says "dada" on command. Says "sss" and "gaga"
-She adores her binkie! She pulls it out of her mouth to "talk" and then puts it back in herself.

-Spends a lot of time "talking" to her binkie!

-Loves to turn her head around in the car and watch me while I'm driving. Seriously, it's the cutest thing to look back and see her neck all twisted around just so she can keep an eye on me. I've got to get a picture of it!

Happy 8 Months my sweet Kenna girl! We love you so much!!

Alternative Plans

Sometimes you've just gotta go with the flow! Apparently you need to call the apple orchard before you go apple picking to make sure they still have some apples to pick. So we didn't end up going apple picking today. But I did have a car full of disappointed kids, so we headed to our favorite place, Reynold's Farm. It was cloudy and cool, but the kids didn't seem to notice! They had a great time!

These slides are the highlight of Reynold's Farm! The kids love them! That's Emma and Ellie at the top!

Christian finally went down the slide by himself!
Check out Emma's face in this one!
Kate's daddy is traveling right now, so hopefully he can check the blog to see how brave Kate was going down the slide by herself.
Emma, Addie and Christian
Ellie and Emma go to the same school and play on the same soccer team!
Don't you love the hat?

Kate on the slide! It took a bit of coaxing to make this happen!

Emma on the slide. Just listen to her! She was having so much fun!