Gray skies are going to clear up...

... so put on a happy face.
Okay so this blog is my journaling (since I definitely do not have time to both) it is a way to put my thoughts down, to document what is going on in our lives (to look back on later when I am trying to scrapbook these events -- when I sometime in the future get time to scrapbook), and as therapy (alot cheaper than a therapist!). Its been 3 weeks now since dad has past away and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him at least a hundred times, and thinking of mom another hundred, each of my siblings at least a dozen times, and then of course thinking of my children constantly and nate -- NOW do you know why my head hurts all the time!! :-) It is difficult to know how to move on? It seems weird to go about everything as usual when someone who impacted your life so much is gone, but that is what we must do .... eventually. Every grieves differently too! Some people (like me) like to be constantly reminded of those who we miss and love to go through things that remind us of them. I can't tell you how many times I have looked at pictures or or read the book of questions dad and mom filled out (partially) or just listened to the song "beautiful Exchange" which will forever remind me of dad. Others seem to go on like normal but are grieving inside .. me I like to talk about it... hence the blog... hence if you don't want to hear anymore -- STOP READING. ;-)
This month has really passed by in a whirlwind and the kids weren't able to be there for the last few days of school, but it was special that the day we left Rosetta had her kindergarten diploma ceremony. I am still amazed that she is a first grader!! She ha grown up way too fast.... we are loving learning though. She can't get enough of reading, writing and spelling... we are so proud!

The kids and I have spent alot of time the last month back in Ohio. They are really enjoying spending more time with their grandparents and cousins. The day we returned they asked if we were going back to Ohio the next day, never mind the long drive we just took. Mommy is just getting the house back to normal (as normal as it is going to be this summer with all 4 kids at home!).
Mom took us sisters out to lunch one day while I was home and Lily got to go along too! Here she is all dressed up ready for a day out! She even brought along her purse.

I don't think the swing set has been used this hard for a long time. Everyone of the kids was doing something on the swingset. We spent alot of time trying the monkey bars and building up arm strength!

I don't think we were much help around the house for grandma... here is Lily trying to help. hee-hee

When we were back home in Iowa 2 weeks ago Nate's plant had their 100th anniversary. John Deere went all out and had a wonderful afternoon set up for all the families. The kids really enjoyed it and had fun at Johnny's Farm. They got to plant seeds, milk cows, feed horses, and go fishing all to learn about how each resource uses another. Very Neat Idea!!! Seeing where daddy works was a real treat. The kids got to hang out in daddy's office and see their pictures on his desk.

{Daddy and the kids in front of the Round Baler}

Then after a weekend in Iowa we headed back to the Buckeye state. We even got to spend a few days in columbus (something we haven't done in a loooong time!). Last Friday, Denise and I took the kids to the zoo and got to hang out all day. It was so much fun to spend some time with Jacob and Faith which I don't get to do anymore. When they were little Nate and I used to babysit all the time!! Now Jacob is all grown up and driving to the zoo!!! OH MY!
{The Zoo Crew}
Bad mommy got to the zoo and realized that I forgot all of Lily's bottles on Kathy's kitchen table. But lily was a trooper and wasn't fussy at all the whole time. I am truly lucky that could have been ugly!! Good thing I had brought puffs.

We didn't see alot of animals because there were so many people and it was so HOT, but the polar bear exhibit was really neat.
After the zoo we cooled off at Dennis' and the kids weared off some energy!

{Lily goofing off!}

Lily was entirely too spoiled on the whole trip. Even Dennis got in some lovin' time! The girl sure loves flowers already, must take after her mama!!

{such beauties}

So we have definitely been taking advantage of the summer. We are able to go anywhere at a moments notice because I don't have the kids in anything but spirit camp this week for Rosetta and we just plan on having fun! Too bad daddy isn't home during the day to goof off too! :-(

We did purchase a slip and slide that the kids have been playing with. Best 5.99 I have ever spent!! They usually only ran and jumped in the kiddie pool until there was not any more water in it anyways, so this is more appropriate.

Hoping to make more splashes soon!!!

Feeling a Little Blue

Tomorrow I will wake up and It would have been my father's 72nd birthday. For those of you who haven't heard my father went to be with the lord last Wednesday night. He had battled cancer for the past 4 years and my world has a little hole in it now that he is gone. He was the most amazing father in the world, really hard to live up to -- sorry nate! :-) He wouldn't want us to be sad on his birthday but I am just a little blue thinking of everything he will miss. BUT then I need to put my perspective on what he got to see -- he got to see his 5 kids grow up to the adults we are. I know somedays I probley disappointed him but hopefully there was a few days I made him proud.

I will always remember when I lived in Philadelphia over a summer and was SOOOO homesick and just wanted to come home and called my dad up and asked him if he would be disappointed if I would come home and finish school instead of live the year there in Philly. And he said he would be proud of me either way and I could make whatever decision I wanted..... I have never regretted coming home to be with Nate and not finishing my internship. I sure would have stayed though If dad would have told me too!!

He was my hero and protector, I don't even know how young I was when we were biking around the block and I was sitting on the bar in front of dad's bike and my ankle went in the spokes. He hoisted me on his shoulders and sped all the way home to make me all better.
Dad was there to see his 11 grandchildren -- he got to hold and play and have a relationship with each of my 4 children. Each of my children's lives are impacted by Grandpa Bob, and they will forever hold the memories of fishing and putting together puzzles with Grandpa in their heart. Dad got to see Lily grow up a little bit seeing her go from not doing much to crawling and moving around like a pro. It was cool to see Lily on one of dad's last days up at the hospital and when Lily was in his room all she wanted to look at was grandpa. She wanted down and to be with grandpa. Even as little as she was, she knew he was special. He was a great example to all of us on how to live life like Jesus and to walk with a personal relationship with the Lord. He taught everyone he met just how important it was to live life right and to be a good christian. He was so strong in his faith, even when he didn't feel good he would be up early on sundays dressed in his best, ready to go worship and give praise to God. I don't know about you but I am a perfectly healthy, young woman who sometimes doesn't feel like getting up on sundays to go to church just because I am tired or I have better things to do... (how wrong of me is that!! ) Just knowing my dad has made ME a better person and I know alot of people from all over can say that. We heard that by just listening to some of the stories people have told in the last week. I wonder if I thanked Dad enough for all the sacrifices he made for us, to let us have the very best? I hope he knows just how much he meant to me and to all of us. But dad didn't want his death to be a sad "grouchy" affair -- and it wasn't. Last week was a celebration of his life and it was a testament to his life to see so many people there saying good bye in a very special way. It is truly inspiring!!!

I know Dad isn't done teaching me a few lessons because I still have alot to learn but I cherish every moment we have had with him. I may just feel a little blue sometimes (or as Rosetta said today "mom is having a sad day") but thinking of him also makes me smile. He was alot of fun and could make a joke about anything. He was a HUGE fan of a comedian by the name of Brian Regan and was still making wise cracks and quoting Brian Regan last week. I just know when my kids are learning the solar system they will definitely learn --
"THE BIG YELLOW ONE IS THE SUN!!"
So Happy Birthday Dad, you had an amazing life and your legacy will live on in us. I'm sure you are up there dancing, free from this worldly body and looking down on us still guiding us from above.


2 Corinthians 5:1 NIV
Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.

Dancing Ballerinas

Last Monday was parents night at dance for us to see their recital routines before Dance Recital on June 5th. I was so excited to finally see what they have been learning. R did so good, her jazz routine she knew Like the back of her hand and didn't even have to look at the teacher!

{R is the youngest dancer in her class and most of the dancers have 2-3 of dance already so she does keep up!}

{Munchkin can't wait to put on her tap shoes!!}

{G was extremely shy and didn't dance at all just swayed to the beat. The teacher said that isn't like her and she just must be shy and she told G that if she dances for the recital she would get her a chocolate ice cream cone!}

{G showing mommy her dance with her teddy bear.... for recital the bear has the same recital costume as G!}

{R and some of her dance friends... these three get into lots of trouble between classes! :-)}

{R doing her cartwheels for tumbling} Munchkin is just loving being on her feet and we can't keep her on the ground anymore. This is her favorite spot on the bottom of the steps!

Soccer stars!!

So I am a little behind on blogging on some of the events of the past 2 weeks. The kids finished up spring soccer and had a blast! X is a natural and is quick speed really helps him get the ball. We are so proud of how he has really listened to the coach and has learned to play defense and pass the ball to teammates. It was really funny when he passed the ball to a teammate in front of the goal and the kid missed, just barely. X was so disappointed and came over to me on the sideline and said "I would have made that!" He is working on his team playing skills. Here is X and a friend tackling each other on the sidelines. They had alot of fun!!!

{I am getting a little hungry so let's eat my toes!!}

Munchkin got her first taste of soccer this spring by watching many of her brother and sister's games.

{daddy and little girl}

{I found grass!!!}

R really progressed as the season went on in soccer. I just think she would have rather been in gymnastics since she kept doing cartwheels and handstands on the field.

{R using those long legs to help her at soccer}

I had to get the tire on the van fixed so me and the younger 3 went to Des Moines last week to get that fixed. The kids sat so well for an 1 1/2 at the dealership that I rewarded them by going to the mall and playing at the playground (it was raining!). We also stopped by the apple store.... the kids had fun.

{the kids at the apple store.... oh no I think they like technology like daddy, we may have problem!}

Sneak Peak-- spoiler alert!!!!

Here is Lilyana at 6 months... just a sneak peak into her 6 month photo session at a photographer in ottumwa. So cute!! So hard to make a decision on which one they are all so darn adorable. She was so easy going that day and smiled so big for the camera! Just precious!!
Of course this one is for daddy!

Mother's Day

Oh, to reflect on the wonderful weekend we had last week. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful weekend. The weather was perfect and it was fun to be pampered a little bit. Here is the gorgeous flowers the kids got me.... On Friday Glorianna and Xavier had a mother's tea, where the moms were invited to hear them sing and have a snack at the end of the day. I had to saw myself in half and be in two different rooms at once. :-( I was in glorianna's room to hear their class sing "going on a bear hunt" and in Xavier's room to have a snack. They each had a present for me. From Glorianna I received a tomato plant which will go perfect in the garden and from Xavier I received a cookbook that they made. A month ago the mother's had to send in a family recipe, I sent the caramel recipe from Grandma Pam! Then the kids had to write down their favorite recipe too!
Here is Xavier's recipe from Pancakes and Waffles:
Pancake Mix
Sugar
Jelly
Milk
Directions:
Put in Bowl.
Stir.
Put in Oven.
Cook 5 minutes.
Place it on the plate.
Put it in the middle of table.
Pray.
Eat.

Isn't the the cutest thing ever!!! Okay it might not be the greatest tasting recipe but it is sure the most adorable!!!!

It was race day on Saturday. The Southeast Iowa Race for the Cure. It was weird not being a huge part of the race, BUT it was awesome to just enjoy the race and finally get to see the kids run the Fun Run. The weather was perfect and it was great to see everyone in their pink and put supporting a good cause.

My kids were certainly decked out in komen pink!!!

"We are ready to go run mom!"

Lily and I went early to go run/walk the 5K and then Nate and the kids came later for the Fun Run. It worked out really good until 2 miles in Lily wanted out of the stroller!! Luckily I was walking with some friends and they pushed the empty stroller while I carried tub a lub the last mile and some. Didn't know I was going to get an arm workout in too!! LOL

{the 5-6 year olds all lined up to run!}

{the lieutenant Governor of Iowa was there to start the Kid's race}

And there Xavier goes..... he came in 4th!

All in All I would say it was a success because by 11 that morning the kids were exhausted and already for a nap! :-)

On Saturday afternoon we had a friend's baby shower. Nate and I got a babysitter for the afternoon and went to the couple's shower. It was great to hang out with some friends, Nate even got out for the first time this year and golfed.

{lily got to play around with her pal Brody!}

Sunday was just a relaxing day of playing outside and no cleaning for mommy. (my one request!)

{I would say we succeeded in the relaxing part!}

On Sunday I put in the garden for the year. We have tomatoes, kohlrabi, radishes, lettuce, and carrots.

{daddy and lily playing in the grass}

That morning they took me out for a mother's day brunch. Lily thoroughly enjoyed it~

When we hopped out of the car at breakfast, Glorianna ran over to a light pole and said mom take a picture! Then the other two followed and said me too!! So impromptu photo at a random light pole..... didn't turn out to bad! :-)
On Monday morning I enjoyed a muffins for mom with Rosetta. It was great just getting to spend a little time with her, since our time is usually shared with three other rugrats!!

She made me a flower picture and a vase! I love it!!

Here is my little monkey who like to hold the bottle with her toes!!
On Monday afternoon the two littler ones held a rock concert for me!! They were jamming to michael jackson, journey, and little bit of glee music mixed in!

Only one fight broke out.... but lily broke it up!

Glorianna did some dancing

Check out the cute back to her OSU onesie daddy got her.... love it!!!

{Lily}