Happy Fathers Day!
TJ was excited that his cast "matched" the flowers (even though it didn't), but mom insisted this wasn't the time to show off his colorful arm.
Jack wasn't too sure about this so Mom hopped into the picture too. Guess that's appropriate for Father's day, since in some ways it includes our next child!
Life with four boys and a girl.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Friday, June 02, 2006
Can you spell that please?
This is Chatham and his best Bud, Todd (who happens to be his cousin). Both of them get quite the comments when they run out to the field, since their last names barely fit on their shirts. They are having a blast being on the same T-Ball team.
Summer Break!
On Memorial Day we went out to the green house as a family. The three oldest boys had their scooters and we're having a great time, until T.J.'s wheel hit a crack and he went flying. So we now have our first official broken bone!
Since he broke it on Memorial Day, and He'll get it off around his birthday (the 4th of July) he picked red! Cast's have come a long way since either David or I have had one. This one is completely waterproof! Swimming is not an issue, so the only thing he's really missing is baseball, but he was a good sport and went last night and cheered his team on (which happens to also be Mak's team).
Since he broke it on Memorial Day, and He'll get it off around his birthday (the 4th of July) he picked red! Cast's have come a long way since either David or I have had one. This one is completely waterproof! Swimming is not an issue, so the only thing he's really missing is baseball, but he was a good sport and went last night and cheered his team on (which happens to also be Mak's team).
Monday, May 29, 2006
Just Boys and Noise?
Well, you all know that we are not in short of boys in the family. We titled our Blog last year and thought it quite appropriate. However we do need to make one little comment. You see we learned last week that our next addition is most likely a.......GIRL! (Yes, we are in shock). So, with that knowlege, we want you to know that we are pretty sure she'll fit into the "noise" part of our blog just fine. And more importantly fit into our family perfectly.
May Birthday Splash
Yesterday, since we have six family members with May Birthdays - including David - we had our May Birthday Party! What a great way to start the summer! The day was warm and sunny, and the pool at Opa and Oma's was just the right temperature.
Here is Jack with David, the only reason he's not totally smiling is because he wants to be put on the side of the pool so he can jump in again.
Here is Jack with David, the only reason he's not totally smiling is because he wants to be put on the side of the pool so he can jump in again.
Jumping Jack
Jack's first few days in the pool for the summer, and there wasn't a bit of fear! He was going off the mini slide, jumping in continually and just smiling the whole time. It was a special treat to have this time with his Dad.
Mother's Day
The night before Mother's Day I told the boys that one thing I would love is if they picked out their Sunday Clothes, once one of them picked out a tie, the others couldn't be outdone. So I had four very handsome boys dressed to a T for Mother's Day. What more could I ask for?
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Hey You!
Jack just wants to say hi to YOU!
We've been keeping very busy as a family, David's been working long hours and traveling, so the boys and I have been working extra hard at getting done with school. Mak is doing so well, all he has left is Art - which he is thrilled with. Chatham has to finish phonics and he's set for the summer! Even with the extra work load piled on for 3rd graders TJ is almost done too! 14 days left till summer break.
We've been keeping very busy as a family, David's been working long hours and traveling, so the boys and I have been working extra hard at getting done with school. Mak is doing so well, all he has left is Art - which he is thrilled with. Chatham has to finish phonics and he's set for the summer! Even with the extra work load piled on for 3rd graders TJ is almost done too! 14 days left till summer break.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Makannen finally got the guts!
For about a month now Mak has had two very loose teeth, but he has been fearful of the pain of them coming out. Tonight it only took a tug from Opa to get the first one, and then about an hour later Dad was able to get the second. And you know what? He said it didn't hurt!
A San Francisco Treat
On our one sunny day in California we drove to San Francisco and spent most of the day on Pier 39 and Fisherman's wharf. We saw all the seals, watched a street performance - which TJ got to participate in, toured a submarine, saw an antique arcade and enjoy the local cuisine. TJ LOVED his sourdough bread bowl with clam chowder. A real treat to us Ohioans who have to search for, and rarely find, a good piece of sourdough bread!
Jack and Bubba
Jack and Bubba enjoyed watching the seals and the people around us. Jack was a real trouper the whole day, though he didn't sleep in his stroller he sat patiently and when he was allowed out was thrilled to run around the pier. It was a long day, but he did great!
Seal Scenery
While in San Francisco we spent a lot fo time on Pier 39. The boys would probalby have been content to stay and watch the seals for hours. The animals really are quite amusing. Though some just sleep others play "King of the Dock" and knock all others off,then walk around with a hauty disposition!
Animated reader
Chatham practiced his reading with Nana in a very Animated way. Wearing Bubba's hat from Alaska he sat casually and read about how Rick and Sam are Pal's.
On Your Mark, Get Set, GO!
To pass the time in California while it snowed and rained, the boys, with the help of their Bubba, made Derby Cars and had fun racing down a piece of plywood off the deck. If you look closely, each car has a number and the number matches their age, so we'll never forget when we made them.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Mak the Author
We entered Mak in the Young Authors Contest this year, and he has had so much fun with it! He reads it to himself over and over, and spent a long time illustrating it. Below you can read the book, and see one page of his art work. He wants to share it with the world.
Mak's Book
Once upon a time there was a sneaky, naughty boy named Jack, and it was his birthday.
Jack is seven, he invited some friends.
Jill
Pete
Billy
Bobby
Cindy
Jimmy
Six friends plus Jack is seven.
He told them to bring their swim suits, because he had some plans. It was the middle of summer, it was a sleep over, but the girls had to go home before night.
When the friends got to his house, they played a water balloon fight. Guess who got the most soaked? Jill! That was Jack’s plan. She cried and went home.
Jack’s Mom said
“That’s not nice, if you keep playing tricks you won’t have any friends left”.
Then they went on to slip and slide, but Jack put too much water on it when it was Billy’s turn and it knocked off his glasses and scared him, only Jack laughed. Billy called his Mom, but she was at a meeting and couldn’t come get him.
Jack’s Mom said
“That’s not nice, if you keep playing tricks you won’t have any friends left”.
Then it was time for cake and presents. Jack provided a special piece for Bobby. Bobby thought he was Jack’s best friend, so he got the best piece, but inside was a trick, and it made Bobby sick. Only Jack laughed. Bobby’s Dad came to get him.
Jack’s Mom said
“That’s not nice, if you keep playing tricks you won’t have any friends left”.
Jack had put a bucket of water on the top of the door in a back room and Cindy was the first to go in, all her clothes and Mom’s good carpet got wet and she had to go home. Only Jacked laughed.
Jack’s Mom said
“That’s not nice, if you keep playing tricks you won’t have any friends left”.
At night Jack had even more sneaky plans. He played a trick on Jimmy. He knew that Jimmy was afraid of spiders so Jack put two tarantellas in his sleeping bag. Jimmy was too scared to sleep there, so he called his Mom to pick him up. Only Jack laughed.
Jack’s Mom said
“That’s not nice, if you keep playing tricks you won’t have any friends left”.
There were only two friends left at the party. And Jack had more plans. Pete was the next one to get surprised. At 2:00 in the morning, Jack put whipped cream on Pete’s hands, and then tickled his face. When Pete when to itch his face he smeared the whipped cream all over himself. He cried hard enough to wake up Jack’s parents. But it was too dark out to go home.
Jack’s Mom said
“That’s not nice, if you keep playing tricks you won’t have any friends left”.
And it was true, Billy and Pete stayed the night, but it wasn’t because they wanted too. It was because their Mom or Dad couldn’t come get them yet. But when morning came, they didn’t even wait for breakfast, they called their parents, and went home. Jack’s party was not a fun party.
The next day in the park, Jack’s friends came and played a trick on him. They wanted him to know how they felt. They told him they were going to play hide and seek, and he was it. Instead of hiding they all went home. He looked and looked, but never found them, Jack didn’t laugh.
He went home sad, and told his parents, and they said “so finally you learned your lesson”.
Jack decided not to be a naughty or sneaky boy anymore, because if you keep playing tricks you won’t have any friends left.
And that’s true.
The End.
“Listen, my son,
to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your
Mother’s teaching.”
Proverbs 1:8
About the Author:
Makannen van Wingerden
a.k.a Mak attack
is seven years old and lives with his
parents and three brothers.
He likes to play tricks just like Jack.
He enjoys, art, throwing snowballs, jumping on the trampoline. and playing with his friends.
Jack is seven, he invited some friends.
Jill
Pete
Billy
Bobby
Cindy
Jimmy
Six friends plus Jack is seven.
He told them to bring their swim suits, because he had some plans. It was the middle of summer, it was a sleep over, but the girls had to go home before night.
When the friends got to his house, they played a water balloon fight. Guess who got the most soaked? Jill! That was Jack’s plan. She cried and went home.
Jack’s Mom said
“That’s not nice, if you keep playing tricks you won’t have any friends left”.
Then they went on to slip and slide, but Jack put too much water on it when it was Billy’s turn and it knocked off his glasses and scared him, only Jack laughed. Billy called his Mom, but she was at a meeting and couldn’t come get him.
Jack’s Mom said
“That’s not nice, if you keep playing tricks you won’t have any friends left”.
Then it was time for cake and presents. Jack provided a special piece for Bobby. Bobby thought he was Jack’s best friend, so he got the best piece, but inside was a trick, and it made Bobby sick. Only Jack laughed. Bobby’s Dad came to get him.
Jack’s Mom said
“That’s not nice, if you keep playing tricks you won’t have any friends left”.
Jack had put a bucket of water on the top of the door in a back room and Cindy was the first to go in, all her clothes and Mom’s good carpet got wet and she had to go home. Only Jacked laughed.
Jack’s Mom said
“That’s not nice, if you keep playing tricks you won’t have any friends left”.
At night Jack had even more sneaky plans. He played a trick on Jimmy. He knew that Jimmy was afraid of spiders so Jack put two tarantellas in his sleeping bag. Jimmy was too scared to sleep there, so he called his Mom to pick him up. Only Jack laughed.
Jack’s Mom said
“That’s not nice, if you keep playing tricks you won’t have any friends left”.
There were only two friends left at the party. And Jack had more plans. Pete was the next one to get surprised. At 2:00 in the morning, Jack put whipped cream on Pete’s hands, and then tickled his face. When Pete when to itch his face he smeared the whipped cream all over himself. He cried hard enough to wake up Jack’s parents. But it was too dark out to go home.
Jack’s Mom said
“That’s not nice, if you keep playing tricks you won’t have any friends left”.
And it was true, Billy and Pete stayed the night, but it wasn’t because they wanted too. It was because their Mom or Dad couldn’t come get them yet. But when morning came, they didn’t even wait for breakfast, they called their parents, and went home. Jack’s party was not a fun party.
The next day in the park, Jack’s friends came and played a trick on him. They wanted him to know how they felt. They told him they were going to play hide and seek, and he was it. Instead of hiding they all went home. He looked and looked, but never found them, Jack didn’t laugh.
He went home sad, and told his parents, and they said “so finally you learned your lesson”.
Jack decided not to be a naughty or sneaky boy anymore, because if you keep playing tricks you won’t have any friends left.
And that’s true.
The End.
“Listen, my son,
to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your
Mother’s teaching.”
Proverbs 1:8
About the Author:
Makannen van Wingerden
a.k.a Mak attack
is seven years old and lives with his
parents and three brothers.
He likes to play tricks just like Jack.
He enjoys, art, throwing snowballs, jumping on the trampoline. and playing with his friends.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Baby's First Picture
Yesterday we took T.J. and Mak in to the hospital with us so they could see a picture of their new baby sibling. At first they didn't want to go, but as soon as the images came up on the screen they were mesmerized. Everything looks just fine, and they gave me a due date of between Oct 7 and 11. Now we get to wait! Our next big ultrasound should be the last week of May, then we can let you know if it's a boy or a girl!
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Changes
This is a sad week for our family. Nina has been packing up her room in order to move. It wasn't anything any of us chose. Her family needs her support right now because of her grandmother's terminal cancer. So there will be a big empty spot in our home. Though she won't be far away, it won't be the same.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Proud as Can Be
Last night TJ took 1st place, in the Third & Fourth grade group, at the History Fair for his project on the Italian Renaissance. He was so thrilled he was sure that when we got home we would have a huge celebration! Of course when we finally did get home it was way past bed time, even for Dad and Mom and it was off to bed, but he woke up just as excited, because he beat last years champ.
Mak wins the Bronze!
Mak took 3rd place for his History Project on THE ROMAN AQUEDUCTS. Check out his cool lego rendition of the mountain and arches that led the water to Rome. He was the first to present his project and boy was he thrilled to have the rest of his time to just play with his friends.
Jack & Charis
Jack and Charis sit and enjoy a snack in the church nursery. This is a rare moment because normally the two them them don't care for each other at all. He thinks he's too big for the nursery - doesn't everyone know how perfect he is for the gym? She on the other hand is always anxious to put on her coat and get out of there!
Monday, January 30, 2006
TJ's First Back Handspring!
Can you see him? It's blurry because he's moving. I couldn't believe it. There he was standing ready to jump backwards! And he did it with the greatest of ease. He and Chatham love gymnastics. Mak says he doesn't but he smiles the whole time he's out there and they get to do some really neat stuff.
Musical friends
Chatham and his friend Chloe do their best to answer questions on a music lesson that was for their older siblings. These two could have been off playing - which eventually they were - instead of making such an effort to be part of the big kids.
Bath Escape!
Some pictures truly are worth a thousand words, but let me give you the story behind this one. David was to give Jack a bath, so I set him down in the bathroom and went to get his clothes, but before David realized it Jack had snuck out of the bathroom, grabbed his blanket from our bed and met me in his room, all smiles!
Monday, January 23, 2006
Say Cheese!
Mak, Chatham and their friend Noah add the starter and coloring for the next batch of cheese. We all enjoyed learning about the process of making both butter and cheese, with some hands on experience. That night we savored popcorn with freshly churned butter (turned with their own hands).
Though not pictured, TJ was there too!
Though not pictured, TJ was there too!
Football anyone?
Jack may be young, but he knows what he likes. He knows that football and the beach go well together, and he enjoyed both on our trip.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Look What I caught!
We got to spend ten days with family over Christmas break, which is always a blessing, since we don't always get to see everyone together. We flew down to Grand Cayman. The weather was wonderful and many memories were made. We were blessed with almost no waves so the kids got to spend lots and lots of time in the calm ocean waters. TJ enjoyed his first fishing trip with his Dad and uncles, and was proud of his only catch, this Wahoo.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Christmas 2005
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.
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!
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My fun kids
In their favorite tree