How do you get four kids to all smile at one time for a picture and not break a sweat yourself? We've been doing this for eight years now and in some ways it has gotten easier. The boys just accept that this is one thing their Mom requires of them, the more they cooperate the quicker it gets done. So here is our Thanksgiving Day Christmas Picture.
Life with four boys and a girl.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
The Pantheon in Rome
We celebrated our 10th anniversary last week, in Italy. Our first full day in Rome was a wet one, we wandered under our umbrella for most of the day and saw many of the ruins as well as the preserved buildings. Pictures can not capture how enormous and fascinating they really are.
No Boys, A little noise
We both agree that Venice is hard to beat. After touring much of Italy we loved the atmosphere of this multi island city. This is us on St. the balcony of St. Mark's Basilica (Church) overlooking St. Mark's Square.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Guess where we went!
Chatham and Aunt Kayce give you some hits as to which border we were near. Chatham's hat, however, reveals our true location. Chips and salsa anyone? We had our fill, and would go back for more. WE stayed in Nuevo Vallarta right on the beach and had a marvelous time.
Daddy and Jack
Jack was, as usual, a great kid. He enjoyed the pool - which at spots was only 8 inches deep. He's taking a few steps here and there, but his smile is what wins even strangers over. He had lots of attention by EVERYONE in Mexico.
Amigos
On the streets of Puerto Vallarta, T.J., Mak, Chatham and their Aunt Kayce just taking a mini siesta. Shopping is hard work you know. Actually we made an adventure out of our trip to town and took the public buses. The people were very friendly and didn't treat us like stupid Americans when we kept asking for the bus stop and the right bus to take. It was a hot but beautiful day. They are sitting with a view of the ocean.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
He's Big Boy Now!
Jack turned One year old yesterday, and even though it was only officially fall last week, it's very evident in our surroundings. The trees are beginning to change, and there's pumpkins everywhere. He had a ball sitting among the pumpkins today. He's standing, but not quite ready for walking - it's coming though!
Blowing the whistle
Do you know where all those referees get their whistles from? How about all the police officers? Well we do! We got to see some of them being made, and we each got a whistle to bring home with us to drive our Mom crazy.
Munchkin Mak
We took a drive to the pumpkin patch today. Mak was proud to pose with the his choice. They were much more entertained by the straw maze though. Each year they try to get up the courage to go through the "dark" one. T.J. was so proud that he made it through, but I told him it didn't count when he told me he was with a kid with a flashlight.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Alex
We had a wonderful dinner the other night with our friends. We got to have a very "normal" night, which to them is special. Alex is finally home from the hospital after much Chemo-therapy and a bone marrow transplant. He looks great and had a lot of fun in his yard with the boys. He still has a ways to go, but we are thankful for each day.
Saturday, September 10, 2005
The Other Cheek
Here is the unveiling of Chatham's wound. He got his stitches out on Thursday and the Pediatrician said that the Dr. who stitched him up did a fantastic job. Twelve stitches sounds like a lot, but apparently the Dr. in the E.R. wasn't your average Doctor. He took extra time, care and detail, and for that we are thankful because the scar will be much smaller. It took the Pediatrician 45 minutes just to remove all of them! They were so tiny he had to take a break in the middle because he was going cross eyed.
But I can't just praise the Doctor. Chatham was a champ. The whole 45 minutes he lay quietly on the table, not a sound or a movement. The nurses had freed up their time because they thought they would have to hold him down. But he's not your average kid!
When Chatham first got to take a look at it in the mirror, he look and asked a few questions, then he pointed to his mole on his eye and asked where it came from. I told him he'd had it since he was a baby. He said "you mean Jesus made me with that?, Cool" and off he went.
But I can't just praise the Doctor. Chatham was a champ. The whole 45 minutes he lay quietly on the table, not a sound or a movement. The nurses had freed up their time because they thought they would have to hold him down. But he's not your average kid!
When Chatham first got to take a look at it in the mirror, he look and asked a few questions, then he pointed to his mole on his eye and asked where it came from. I told him he'd had it since he was a baby. He said "you mean Jesus made me with that?, Cool" and off he went.
Mini Golfer
Labor Day was golf day for our family. First we hit the mini golf course, where Mommy smeared everybody -even Daddy! Then we headed to the driving range, but took a small break for ice cream on the way.
This picture is the closest Jack got to any action, but he was a good sport all day!
This picture is the closest Jack got to any action, but he was a good sport all day!
Monday, August 22, 2005
Tree Climbing
Having four boys, it's nearly impossible to walk past a tree without them climbing it, and this one is extra tempting! Low big branches make this tree irresitible for the kids. Each time we walk through Oberlin we visit this tree - which just happens to be next to a small fish pond.
Keri and Nina
How about this? No boys and no noise! We had a fun time in down town Oberlin this morning, fall is in the air. Just a beautiful day for a stroll in the park, or a climb in a tree. David was in Holland so it was all the girls in the family - plus kids.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Lake Erie
Being from California I used to laugh at people from this area when they spoke of "going to the beach". But now that I experience it for myself it is amazing. Can you see the end of the water? Can you see land? We couldn't. The waves weren't huge, but I'm told they can be. But this is fresh water. (Though fresh doesn't mean clean). Jack had a ball just sitting, splashing and letting the waves hit him. He was even a good sport and took a nap for us too.
A Good Time
Mak and Chatham were invited to spend the night at their friend Katherine's house last night - I met them today and we all went to Lake Erie and found a nice private beach where the three of them played for hours, discovering "sunken ship pieces" and drift wood that looked like a "dragon claw" and too many pretty rocks to count.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
All dressed up with no place to go
We have a huge assortment of dress up clothes and costumes. From lions and snakes to Coon skin or hard hats. This is just one of the combinations Mak came up with yesterday. It all started when he and Chatham found their backpacks. The "accessories" were then added. Oh the creative mind of Makannen!
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Introducing.....
This is Nina (with Jack). She's been in our lives for a long time, but now she's in our home. She moved in recently on what we thought was a temporary basis, but God has made it clear that He wants her here for a while longer, and we couldn't be more thrilled! She is a blessing to have around. (And Keri's glad to have another female in the house!).
Birthday Fun!
Chatham and his buds! Todd and Will came over for his birthday (we combined his and T.J.'s - killed two birds with one stone). These three had a quieter fun, played with the big kids on some things, and on their own for others. They had a great water balloon fight on the trampoline - like only 5 year olds could do. Too cute!
What Eight Year Boys Olds do for a Party!
Can we say X-Box? Actually, we are just coming off a big slumber party. We started out with swimming, but that didn't tire them out much, then to the trampoline and some baseball. Oh, and then we filled them up with sugar and for some reason thought we'd get some sleep! They were well behaved, but awake! It was fun, but we're glad it's done!
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Our Red, White and Blue Boy!
It wouldn't be T.J's birthday cake if it wasn't a flag. He has asked to have the same cake next year too. We'll see how long that lasts. He was in heaven with water balloons, food, family and baseball for his birthday. One year soon we'll take him to see some real fireworks!
Friday, July 01, 2005
Fort Building
What is it with children and forts? Taking all the pillows and blankets from every bed and couch our kids know how to create a mess in minutes. Yesterday afternoon they spent some time building what they called Crystal Cave Even making a spot for Jack. Later they asked if they could sleep there. Since things like this are what childhood is all about, (and it's summer vacation) they were allowed - though disappointed that Jack had to sleep in his crib. Things managed to fall apart quite a bit before they actually fell asleep, but when we went to check on things what we found made us smile. See the entries below.
Mummy Mak
Deep inside Crystal Cave we discovered this Mummy. And true to other such findings, we saw preparations for the future. Notice the clothes laid at his feet for when he awakes.
The King of Crystal Cave and His is Serf
Please take note of the small Chatham wrapped in one simple blanket at the foot of King T.J. seated, or should we say reclining on his self made throne. The irony of it all? That bean bag has Chatham's name on it!
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Sittin' the bench
Mak and Chatham have two more games. I think the enthusiasm has faded for them. For Mak it's all about the dirt as he still enjoys sliding into each base, and making dust fly by kicking it, or making piles with his feet. Chatham is just cute out there trying to keep up with the others - he's about the youngest on the team.
Baseball Mom
TJ had his last game tonight, and we only got to the 4th inning before the rain came. He got ice cream after with his team so he handled it well. He called quite a few people to invite them to his game, and he had such a smile to see all the family members that came. We had a great time sitting on the side cheering him on.
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Summer
Here in Ohio, where the number of "nice" days is limited, we are trying to make the most of the summer. This means that there is less time spent inside, and much less time spent near the computer. So if you don't see new entries for a while it means we are busy having fun in the sun, or at least getting things done outside (aka gardening and cleaning out the garage). Baseball comes to an end this week, and for the most part we are almost schedule free. We have two whole months in front of us to enjoy.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Flower Boys
Knowing what their Father, Uncles, and Grandfather do for a living this isn't going to be a title they will deny, nor one that bothers them. This picture is just their Mom trying to kill two birds with one stone - show off her boys, and her garden! With four boys I don't know if I'll ever get a picture when they are all looking and smiling!
A boy and his toys
A boy's choice of toys changes as he grows. For now it's fun to watch Jack with his little toys. I do believe this is about the last time he actually stayed in one spot. He has learned to crawl and now he disappears quickly.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Good friends
What fun it is to see old friends! Wendy came for several days and we had a great time just talking, remembering playing games and updating each other. Neither of us can remember the last time we actually saw each other. True friends are a blessing, and we enjoyed having her here, it was fun to hear all of her stories from around the world.
Memorial Day
Just a fun shot of the boys in their patriotic colors. Chatham thought it was a bit cold and refused to stop the "shiver pose".
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Technical Difficulties
We have a love hate relationship with technology, as do many of you we're sure. Due to the fact that the Geek Squad now has possession of our computer, we will not be blogging much for the next week or so, at least not with pictures.
As far as updates on us...the weather around here hasn't really warmed up much, and the rain is keeping us inside. However, we are still having fun because we are DONE WITH SCHOOL! We're getting a bit of spring cleaning done while we wait for the summer weather.
As far as updates on us...the weather around here hasn't really warmed up much, and the rain is keeping us inside. However, we are still having fun because we are DONE WITH SCHOOL! We're getting a bit of spring cleaning done while we wait for the summer weather.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Easy Rider
Ok, no drugs involved in this one. This is Chatham's first day of "2 Wheelin". At 4.5, he just decided that it was time for him to do it. So he told to lose the training wheels so he could make it happen.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
This Day in History - May 17, 1995
Alright, we admit you won't hear this one from the media, but it is a special day in the history of us! We have never been big observers of specific days. Valentines day, Sweetest day, Groundhog day, Flag day etc...all have equal significance to us. Why would a day that everyone is obligated to do something for someone else be special? Anyway, we know we may be in the minority on this one but hey...Today is special to us because ten years ago we spent a long day in San Francisco. We got lost and confused because of one way streets. We accidentally found our way down Lombard Street, took a walk down Pier 39, had a picnic at Golden Gate park near the Japanese Tea Gardens and... got engaged, thus beginning the journey to where we are today. And where are we today? Blessed with four energetic boys - one who learned to ride a bike without his training wheels today! (Go Chatham! See next post)
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Moving Day!
Oh the joy of being a kid! Last Saturday was not only Hannah's birthday, but it was moving day. On top of needing muscles to move furniture, and boxes someone had to watch the kids - we took shifts. These cousins spent the day playing at our house, or with Oma, while all the work was being done. A long day of playing ended with a "reveal" (as the decorating shows would put it). We managed to get Hannah, Todd and Hailey's rooms all set up before dark. (I guess not too hard to do when you are only moving next door!) What a fun birthday memory!
Friday, May 13, 2005
Great Grandma spending some quality time...
Piano recitals can get long. Grandma endured the whole thing and got some Jack-time in as well. Did you know that she gets a Happy Meal when she goes to McDonalds?
Batter up!!!
Ok, we didn't think we'd ever be those parents that ran from activity to activity, but...
T-ball and piano recital conflict.
Dad was in the dirt and dust and Mom was into squeaks and harmony.
Out of quips, just enjoy the pics.
T-ball and piano recital conflict.
Dad was in the dirt and dust and Mom was into squeaks and harmony.
Out of quips, just enjoy the pics.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Minor Leaguer wants to make it in the Bigs
Batting fourth with a BA of 1.000, TJ vW, standing a towering 4'2", 65 lbs. (wet and after dinner) mans first base for the day with the Kipton Podunkers. He thinks ball practice is great and can't wait for his first game, May 31, game-time 6:30 at the "Kipton Yards."
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
A Theme or Pattern
I don't know about you, but God seems to work in my life in themes or patterns. It's kind of like when you learn a new word, all of a sudden you hear it all the time. Right now it is prayer. I picked up a book in California The Twin Pillars of the Christian Life by Wayne and Josh Mack. I picked it up because of the authors. As I began to read, I realized it is on Prayer and Scripture reading - which as the title indicated shouldn't be separated. I am in the prayer section right now. One thought that has come through is "prayer is one of the means God has ordained to cause things to happen". God wants us to pray because He wants to use that prayer to accomplish His will. Not always easy to understand, but there is power in prayer. After I began this book, our Pastor started an evening service series at church on...prayer. Hmmm... not only that he has given us quite a few reasons to pray in the past six months. Sunday mornings we are studying Colossians, which just happens to have my favorite prayer in it (1:9-10). So the children and I have started using it as a basis for our prayers before school, we are praying for our church first, then for others, but always for God's glory. I can't think back to many trials in my childhood, but it seems my children have been exposed to them. From a friend with cancer to a Great Grandparent dying to an auto immune disease to having to patch a lazy eye. When trials come, what does God want us to do? Turn to Him. T.J. has a way of starting his prayers..."I know that you are the almighty and you can do anything". Can we change our circumstances? No, but the almighty can. Even more than being all powerful, He is ALL GOOD, so He is trustable, and He is generous. Mak has a way with his words too, and teaches me in the process. That childlike faith God tells us to have. He prays "Thank you for all that you let us borrow from you". What a reminder that this world is not ours, we are passing through. Chatham watches and listens as we pray, adding on occasion, "please make Alex better..." but He is learning, learning to trust in the One who is in control. A lesson we can all take to heart.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
The first BBQ of the season
For those vegetarians out there, sorry.
We're training these carnivorous beasts to fend for themselves. The vegetables haven't come up in the garden yet.
We're training these carnivorous beasts to fend for themselves. The vegetables haven't come up in the garden yet.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
The Case of the Mistaken Identity
Nearly eight years ago we were made aware of a problem. After returning from a year and a half stay in Ethiopia, we were getting ready to settle down here. But things weren't going smoothly. First we were turned down for a credit card application, then the car dealership was unwilling to work with us. It didn't take long to realize something was wrong. After doing a little digging we found that David had two identities. According to our credit report he was David M. Nuller, a mechanic, living about an hour from here, and he didn't like to pay his bills. So for that past eight years, we have had to write letters explaining that we really can be trusted, we have had police over to our house, had claims denied, and recently had credit unexpectedly removed. It seems that Mr. Nuller's fourth bankruptcy claim did a number to our credit report, and the credit agencies took action. Well so did we! It was the proverbial straw that broke the camels back. In the end, it seems Mr. Nuller isn't an identity thief, he's just got a SSN very close to David's and someone made a typo. We're glad he's not some jerk trying to mess with us, but now we feel bad, because all those nice positive marks we have had will now be removed from his credit report. Our lives improved yesterday, I wonder if he'll notice a change in his?
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Just Hangin' Out
Relaxing on a snowy day, Mak was watching T.V.....and this is why he is in gymnastics!
War Soldier
Hi, this is T.J. This is a picture of me. I called it "War Soldier" because I like the name, and that actually is a war coat I am wearing. It was for my History Project. I really liked the project. It was fun doing it. We did a guessing game about my Grandmother, there was a picture on the right side of her and Grandpa. She was at the History Fair people had to guess her name. My project was on World War II, and how my Great Grandfathers Fought in it. If you have questions you can ask me.
A Different School a Different Teacher
While in California last month, the boys got the chance to visit their Aunt Kayce, and see her classroom. At first they were a little shy walking in to a room filled with kids, but it didn't take them long to enjoy being the focus of attention. They got to "interview" and be "interviewed" by her students. It was fun to compare the classroom environment to our experiences at home.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
The Count Down has begun!
Cold weather or not, we are counting down 'til summer break! I don't know who wants it more Mom or the kids. We are getting down to the nitty gritty - most of our fun activities have come to an end. No more bowling, no more field trips, only one more roller skating, so now it's just books - we are anxious to get through them and get outside! Our goal is Memorial Day (Dad's birthday).
Monday, April 25, 2005
April 24 snow shower
Ahhh Spring! The birds are chirping, the air is brisk, the tress are budding and the snow is falling! There wasn't much color to our spring day yesterday. We woke up to several inches of snow, and it didn't stop coming down until evening. Snow plows have all been converted to lawn mowers, so there was plenty of hand shoveling of the church parking lot. Guess we have a few more weeks before we can put away those winter coats!
Sunday, April 24, 2005
we drug our children
Do we have to put any other explanation on this one?
Ok, ok, this is Mak's attempt at being a photographer
Ok, ok, this is Mak's attempt at being a photographer
Someday Yosemite Falls
A father can dream about the day when his boys can carry him up to the top of one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. Ok, maybe not carry him up, but they'll definitely have to carry up all the stuff.
Big Mak-Attack sighted in Yosemite
Giant child collects adults for show and tell. Watch out for this hyper-active kid. Do not feed him. This only encourages his volatile behavior.
Four on the rocks
Go climb a rock! A little boy's favorite dream.
The bottom of Yosemite Falls. They totally redid the walk up to the falls in the past year. Much cooler and a lot less damage done to everything.
The bottom of Yosemite Falls. They totally redid the walk up to the falls in the past year. Much cooler and a lot less damage done to everything.
November 04
Fancy and formal, not the normal.
Getting every last ounce of use from those boy's wedding suits.
Getting every last ounce of use from those boy's wedding suits.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
My fun kids
In their favorite tree